Matrix Games Forums

14 June 1943

All today's action remains focused on the DEI.

Three Allied CAs plus escorts bombard Taberfane, which is then hit by 4e bombers during the day. Dobo is also bombed.
Units retreating from Dili are bombed in the jungle.

I'm fairly relaxed if Apbarog wants to invade Taberfane and Dobo: as bases they are useless to me now and it will tie up several divisions in capturing them. Koepang remains a tough nut to crack as Apbarog will appreciate from the number of times he has recce'd it.
I'm currently pulling units back by air from all three locations to the next MLR, which is Makassar - Kendari - Ambon - Boela - Sorong. The weakest point in my defence at the moment is the island chain linking Koepang to Java. Too many islands to garrison, and I suspect that Apbarog might fancy this route as a few bases built up along here could interdict the movement of oil severely.

During the day we spot some Allied transport TFs skulking around in the bay between Wyndham and Darwin. Guess they could be tasked with retaking Derby and Broome. Allied oilers also spotted heading west...

15 - 16 June 1943

In the war at sea, a small tanker is torpedoed by a sub on the approach to Brunei and Allied SCs pound one of my subs near Dobo forcing it to return to base.

In the air, land-based Hellcats sweep Boela but run into a crack Tojo unit and 11 of the US planes are shot down for 1 defender lost. Quite a morale boost for the IJAAF!

Elswhere, Allied LR air recon is showing up further and further afield. Last month I took the decision to withdraw most naval vessels from ports that could be in range of Allied LR bombing raids, especially where I am unable to field sufficient CAP. This has meant evacuating most of the Solomon Islands, Truk, Babeldaob and Soerabaja. I am leaving some support vessels in place to tend mines and so that my SCTFs can rearm.

In a significant development, four Allied TFs are spotted NW of Broome, Australia. The composition makes me think that there is more to this than a simple operation to retake the almost empty bases at Derby and Broome.

Allied TFs NW of Broome. Direction of travel unclear.

17 June 1943

Submarine attack on the surface near Broome; SS I-24 attacks Allied LST-454, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage. SS I-24 takes one hit in return and submerges. The LST is reported sunk but no casualties are reported.

ASW attack near Broome: is sighted by five US destroyers so this is not an ASW TF they are escorting something. SS I-155, hits 4, heavy damage.

ASW attack near Kendari: US sub SS Jack is located by Japanese destroyers but takes just a single damage hit.

Allied amphibious assault at Derby, a vacant Japanese base on Australia's NW coast.

US bombers hit Dobo and Taberfane yet again. Minor troop casualties...and the airfields are pushed back even further into the Stone Age.

Ground combat at Broome: Allied shock attack on some support troops abandoned in the base which falls easily. Assaulting unit: 2/9th Cav/Cdo Bn /1 so a paradrop and most of the APDs and other transports spotted yesterday must be destined elsewhere.

Sure enough, multiple TFs are now heading northwards from the Australian coast towards the DEI.

A perusal of the map reveals plenty of potential invasion targets. Although Soerabaja itself is a formidable redoubt, the islands between there and Koepang are thinly held. If Japan is going to oppose the landings then it will require all of the LBA and carrier strength that can be brought to bear. Fortunately those forces are all intact for the moment but one suspects that the next few days are going to see some nail-biting manoeuvres in the confined waters of the DEI.

Looks like the landings at Broome and Derby were just protection so you couldn't launch some kind of surprise air raid from behind his back.

I got a kick out of this line:

and the airfields are pushed back even further into the Stone Age.

as the thought of airfields in the Stone Age is a bit jarring. [;)]

Looking forward to the presumed fireworks soon to come in the DEI.

Thanks, I'm working on the turn right now, figuring where to put my planes hopefully to do the most damage. I don't think Apbarog can reach any invasion points by tomorrow (unless I haven't spotted more advanced elements) and he may be more cautious now that he's been spotted. However, I'm pretty sure he will keep coming forward as he's nothing if not tenacious.

18 June: and so it begins...

Various skirmishes between my picket subs and Allied escorts south of Mataram. One sub is sunk and several damaged but LST-335 and CA Shropshire take a torpedo apiece.

Then a scare as SS Sawfish launches 4 torpedoes at CV Hiryu north of Balikpapan but misses and takes 2 hits from the escorts. My carriers are proceeding to rendezvous with other TFs arriving from Singapore and Batavia. The IJN won't be in a position to retaliate against landings by tomorrow but hopefully the next day.

There is not much action during the day: Allied TFs are drawing closer but for the most part outside the range settings of my naval air.

During the afternoon, Allied TBFs fly from the carriers sinking a stray xAK near Koepang and then Nells based at Ambon attack Allied shipping but go the wrong way, fighting through heavy Allied CAP over Lautern to attack some destroyers lurking there...

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 72,115

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 123 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3a Zero x 22
G3M3 Nell x 18

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 8
P-40K Warhawk x 15
F4U-1 Corsair x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Beale, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Bache
DD Aulick

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk III (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
51st FG/16th FS with P-40K Warhawk (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VMO-155 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

Magazine explodes on DD Beale

Not an especially auspicious start to the defence operation, and will need to re-calibrate naval air range settings, but at least that's 8 ASW points at the bottom of the briny.

I warned Apbarog that I won't be able to complete the turn tonight but hopefully the war should move on again tomorrow.

19 June 1943

Battle of Denpasar: KB disaster!

I will post the action below for the record, but the summary is that an under-strength KB, manoeuvring to disrupt Allied landings at Denpasar, strayed too close to the US carrier force with its full complement of Hellcats now operational, and went down fighting. The Allied carriers suffered barely a scratch. Kind of annoying as I didn't intend to go up against the Allied carriers today but my TF routing was poor sending my carriers too close and they must have reacted towards the sound of the guns. Despite getting first strike advantage, my attack planes were simply overwhelmed in a mass of Hellcats. LBA based at Soerabaja also joined in the action but was insufficient to tip the balance.

Meanwhile, Allied forces land at various points across the DEI: Denpasar, Mataram, Ruteng, Endeh, Waingapoe, Memboro. You have to hand it to Apbarog for his incredible planning skills as all the action on his side was perfectly synchronised and executed.

This is clearly a game changer, as Japanese forces will now only be able to mount a relatively static defence in the face of the growing Allied onslaught. All dispositions will have to be reviewed as Java is highly vulnerable to invasion next. The advanced defensive line in Burma now seems untenable, given that the Allies could threaten Palembang and Singapore within a matter of months if not weeks.


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Morning Air attack on TF, near Denpasar at 58,109

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M5 Zero x 14
B5M1 Mabel x 6
B5N2 Kate x 46
B6N1 Jill x 18
D3A1 Val x 63
D4Y1 Judy x 39

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 142

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5M1 Mabel: 3 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 23 destroyed, 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
B6N1 Jill: 3 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 2 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 16 destroyed, 7 damaged
D3A1 Val: 8 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 17 destroyed, 7 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise
CV Wasp
BB Prince of Wales
BB Massachusetts
CV Yorktown
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB North Carolina, Bomb hits 3
BB South Dakota, Bomb hits 1
CA Astoria

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 14 on standby, 14 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 15 on standby, 14 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 14 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 15 on standby, 14 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
A6M5 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 72
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 9 destroyed, 19 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 1
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
BB Kirishima
CV Hiryu
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

Ammo storage explosion on CV Kaga
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Kaga


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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M5 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 18
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, heavy fires
CVL Ryujo
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
BB Kirishima

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes


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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M5 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36
SBD-5 Dauntless x 36
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CVL Ryujo
DD Teruzuki
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Takanami
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1
BB Musashi
DD Wakazuki

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
14 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Kaga

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CL Noshiro
CV Hiryu, on fire
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, on fire
CV Kaga, heavy fires
CVL Ryujo
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11035 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 36

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 1
CV Shokaku
CVL Ryujo
CV Hiryu, on fire
BB Kirishima
CL Sendai, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Soryu class CV


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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Denpasar at 58,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 23
A6M5 Zero x 16
D3A1 Val x 9
G3M3 Nell x 13

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
G3M3 Nell: 4 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco
CA Sussex
APA Zeilin, Torpedo hits 1
LST-461
CLAA Prince Robert
DD Lang

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(25 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 17 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Denpasar at 58,109

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
A6M5 Zero x 8
B5M1 Mabel x 12
B5N2 Kate x 7

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 82

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed
B5M1 Mabel: 5 destroyed
B5M1 Mabel: 2 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5M1 Mabel launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 12 on standby, 11 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 14 on standby, 14 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
32 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Denpasar at 58,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
D3A1 Val x 9
G4M1 Betty x 16
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 25

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Redoubt
DD Relentless
LSI(L) Manoora, Torpedo hits 1
LSI(L) Dunedin Star, Torpedo hits 1

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 71 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers

Massive explosion on LSI(L) Dunedin Star


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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Denpasar at 58,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Sussex
DD Lang

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M5 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30
F6F-3 Hellcat x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 68
SBD-5 Dauntless x 35
TBF-1 Avenger x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 6 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 2
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 11, on fire
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
DD Natsushio
CL Noshiro, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Oyashio
DD Kagero, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
16 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
16 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
16 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
22 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
24 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Hiryu
Ammo storage explosion on CVL Ryujo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Noshiro
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Shokaku
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kagero


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M5 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, heavy fires
BB Kirishima
CV Soryu, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,103

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1
BB Musashi, on fire
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Musashi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese CV
Ammo storage explosion on CV Kaga

Capital ship tally

Unfortunately, while Japanese losses are definitive, Allied are still subject to FOW...

Air losses...

20 June 1943

During the night, SS I-159 gets into a firefight with some SCs near Mataram and comes off worse, although contrary to the combat report has not been sunk. However the sub can only make 1 kt and will likely founder before reaching safety. On the plus side, two US subs are reported hitting mines.

Japanese Ships
SS I-159, hits 10, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SC-632
SC-709, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

SS I-159 is located by SC-632
I-159 diving deep ....
SC-709 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-709 attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-159 forced to surface!
SC-709 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC-709 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC-709 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC-709 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC-709 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC-709 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC-709 firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 414 encounters mine field at Merak (48,97)

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla, Mine hits 1

During the night the IJN dispersed, with my slightly-damaged battleships making a high speed run towards Singapore. There was nothing they could do to redress the balance with their air cover decimated.
The carrier Ryujo was on fire but made it to Soerabaja where the fires were put out. I was hoping to trigger an air attack on Soerabaja as I had plenty of CAP there and sure enough one was forthcoming. The Allied carriers had moved slightly SE and shipping had already left Denpasar. Apbarog is the master of one night unloading and retiring out of retaliation range. I guess this is a capability of some of those APA-type vessels (having never played as the Allies I haven't much experience of them).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 56,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3a Zero x 2
A6M5 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 36
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 16
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
F6F-3 Hellcat x 23
SBD-3 Dauntless x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 destroyed, 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze
CL Noshiro, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
248th Sentai/A with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
68th Sentai/C with Ki-61-Ia Tony (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 18000.
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
24th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(19 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 11 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

Not a bad result, although the CAP reaction time was slow so the attacking planes got off relatively lightly. Noshiro was damaged in yesterday's air attack and will now join Ruyujo's attempt to escape up the coast, Soerabaja being simply too dangerous for surface shipping.


Apbarog achieved all of his objectives bar one in the land combat phase. Endeh will hold out another day. The capture of Denpasar resulted in the loss of some damaged carrier planes which had diverted there yesterday when they could no longer land. Shame they didn't divert to Soerabaja.

Denpasar is already a level 3 airbase so I'm expecting some ugly interdiction over Java from tomorrow.

Tough luck Walker. I haven't been posting, but I have been following along regularly.

I was shocked at your low numbers of CAP. When you mentioned an understrength KB, did you mean in fighter aircraft, or all aircraft in general? It just seemed the number of fighters was really low.

Keep up the fight.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Tough luck Walker. I haven't been posting, but I have been following along regularly.

I was shocked at your low numbers of CAP. When you mentioned an understrength KB, did you mean in fighter aircraft, or all aircraft in general? It just seemed the number of fighters was really low.

Keep up the fight.

Thanks SqzMyLemon,

KB was minus Zuikaku and three light carriers (the latter are still in dry dock). In manouevring south from Balikpapan I was trying to link KB up with Zuikaku arriving from the NW with more fighters on board. Even so, that would put me at a numerical disadvantage unless I attacked in coordination with LBA based at Soerabaja. I actually didn't intend to give battle on the day - at least not against the full Allied carrier force - but KB must have reacted closer than I anticipated it would. Overall, I was short of fighters on the KB so the later Allied attack waves found the CAP was depleted enough they could punch their way through. A very costly lesson indeed.

Those Hellcats made a tough day into a nightmare for your side. [:(] What was the reaction range KB had set?

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Those Hellcats made a tough day into a nightmare for your side. [:(] What was the reaction range KB had set?

KB was 'only' set to a reaction range of 2 so it was probably touch and go that it ended up 6 hexes from the Allied carriers.

21 - 29 June 1943

Summary of the week's developments

Surviving Japanese naval forces manage to extricate themselves successfully after defeat in the carrier battle off Denpasar, with the more seriously-damaged ships headed to distant ports to undergo repairs.

Freed from the threat of naval interdiction, Allied forces manage to consolidate their initial landings successfully. More than 75 Allied fighters show up at Denpasar to bolster the naval CAP over the islands. Several Japanese subs take heavy ASW hits and are forced to withdraw, with two being sunk before getting out of the danger zone

The Allies invade and capture Dobo and Roti, the dot base adjacent to Koepang. An Allied xAP is torpedoed twice at Dobo by Netties flying naval attack but probably not sunk.

Allied fighters sweep Ambon but are held to a draw by the defenders on CAP. Allied bombers continue to pound many of our front line bases on a daily basis. There are too many targets to CAP all of them.

On 21 June, Japanese planes attack shipping at Buna and Milne Bay to put pressure on the Allies on a different front. Some torpedo hits are scored on xAP shipping but CAP is heavy as are losses.

Allied ground forces have started attacking in the Solomons again, pushing towards Munda. On 26 and 27 June Tojos and Tonys sweep the Allied forward base at Vangunu, tangling with P40Ks on CAP and coming off about equal.

Apbarog is using Wirraways to bomb my isolated troops on New Guinea, forcing them out of move into combat mode to slow down their retreat!

I have been using small xAKLs to move supplies forward in DEI. A few are sunk by subs but a dozen unescorted A-24 Banshees are shot down at Boela on 27/6 when they try to attack shipping in the port.


Redrawing the defensive line

Wholesale re-deployments are in progress on the Japanese side. Here are some of the developments taking place:

- Some forward units in Burma are being pulled back quietly and, along with an air HQ, will go to Singapore to form a new strategic reserve.

- In DEI we still hold the line of bases: Makassar-Kendari-Ambon-Boela in enough strength to deter any landings in less than divisional strength.

- Java is being reinforced and shipping has been evacuated from Soerabaja and Batavia due to the risk presented by proximity to Denpasar.

- Palembang and Balikpapan are receiving additional CAP as they will soon be in 4e range if they aren't already

- Cagayan and adjacent bases on Mindanao are being reinforced for when the time comes.

- Rabaul is still well-supported by nearby bases such as Kavieng and will remain a bastion for as long as possible.

- Babeldaob, Saipan and Guam have been fort building since '41 and are now being steadily reinforced with ground units as well.

In DEI we still hold the line of bases: Makassar-Kendari-Ambon-Boela in enough strength to deter any landings in less than divisional strength.

But that's just the thing -- I would be very surprised if the Allies tried to invade any of those places with "less than divisional strength." If they come at all, they'll bring a lot of guys for sure. Admittedly, I don't have a better answer for your defensive strategy ...

Is shipping really in danger at Batavia? I can understand Soerabaja, and the Allied bombers can (or will soon) reach Batavia, but unless they have fighter support your CAP should (??) be able to hold for a time.

You still have the benefits of interior lines of communication and there are lots of places for ambushes in the waters of the DEI. Maybe you can delay him or make the advance too costly, at least for a time.

ORIGINAL: jwolf

In DEI we still hold the line of bases: Makassar-Kendari-Ambon-Boela in enough strength to deter any landings in less than divisional strength.

But that's just the thing -- I would be very surprised if the Allies tried to invade any of those places with "less than divisional strength." If they come at all, they'll bring a lot of guys for sure. Admittedly, I don't have a better answer for your defensive strategy ...

Yes indeed, Apbarog doesn't take any chances when he invades a base. I managed to fight him off at Taberfane a while ago but since then he makes sure to arrive with everything, including the kitchen sink.[:D] There are simply too many bases to defend in depth so much of the time I am only offering up 'speed bumps'.

Is shipping really in danger at Batavia? I can understand Soerabaja, and the Allied bombers can (or will soon) reach Batavia, but unless they have fighter support your CAP should (??) be able to hold for a time
Allied 4es will generally blast through any CAP I can put up so its not safe to leave shipping disbanded in any port in Liberator range. If I leave them undocked then the subs can get them. In practical terms I can keep support shipping further back and always move naval combat units forward when I have something planned.

You still have the benefits of interior lines of communication and there are lots of places for ambushes in the waters of the DEI. Maybe you can delay him or make the advance too costly, at least for a time.
True - and we are trying!

30 June - 9 July, 1943

General update

Ten days of relative inactivity on most fronts. I have been pulling units back and moving others forward to try and stabilise the position after losing Denpasar and the island chain to the East of it. We have had moderate success with Tojo sweeps out of various bases, taking on P-38s on more or less equal terms but it is hardly a game changer. Meanwhile, Apbarog's subs are finally starting to range more freely in the S China Sea, sinking the odd tanker hauling fuel from Palembang as well as my staging depot at Singapore.

The Allies keep the pressure on at Munda. It will fall if any landings occur. Rabaul remains the biggest bastion in the Solomons theatre and so far Apbarog doesn't seem disposed to try and flank it, which he could do from Lae.


Makassar under threat

Massive Allied air attacks on 8 July see the airfield closed with 98 damage in a single day. Only bright spot was the Tojo defenders holding their own for a time and shooting down 10 Corsairs or so, plus some P-38Hs. But you can't argue with 80+ heavy bombers leaving their calling cards on your field.

The next day Allied carriers show up a few hexes to the south. They had not been spotted despite having a decent patrol presence. Naval air bombs the base, but I have flown out anything that was still able to get into the air. Kendari is also attacked but escapes with less damage thanks to a spirited defence by a crack Zero unit.

So, is it a raid, or an invasion? Hard to tell as no transports are spotted yet. Makassar has about 250 AV but it is a ragtag bunch, some of the defenders having been evacuated recently from Koepang. The base is in a clear hex and will fall easily if Apbarog brings a division or two to the party.

Unfortunately, I don't have the LBA to overcome the Allied carrier force and my own carriers are dispersed with some under repair after the last action.

Map view. Note: Having upgraded to the latest beta I have not got round to reinstalling the topographical maps displayed in earlier posts.

But you can't argue with 80+ heavy bombers leaving their calling cards on your field.

Great line! I'm anxious to see what the latest Allied move will bring, and how you reconfigure your defenses. The Allied op at Denpasar seemed to go pretty well and left you scrambling. If he's able to push much farther into the DEI that looks like big trouble ...