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17 January 1943

PHILIPPINE SEA

SS Flying Fish launches 2 torpedoes at 94,86 near Babeldaob.


Japanese Ships

PB Yokae Maru (1 hit by a dud TT)
PB Yahonui Maru
xAK Taijima Maru
xAK Tamahoko Maru
xAK Syunsei Maru
xAK Yamahuzi Maru
xAK Tatuha Maru
xAK Havre Maru
xAK England Maru
xAK Cuba Maru
PB Teibo Maru #2
PB Mikitade Maru

PACIFIC

SS I-8 launches 6 torpedoes at 129, 86 near Marcus Island

Allied Ships

BB Prince of Wales, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage (1 hit by a dud TT)

Sub escapes detection

SS I-7 launches 6 torpedoes at 126,88 near Marcus Island.

Allied Ships

CV Wasp, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB North Carolina
CA Wichita
CLAA San Juan
CLAA San Diego
DD Craven
DD Selfridge
DD Porter
DD Gridley

Ammo storage explosion on CV Wasp

SS I-168 is sighted by escort at Marcus Island at 124,88

Japanese Ships

SS I-168, hits 3

Allied Ships

BB North Carolina
CA Wichita
CLAA San Juan
CLAA San Diego
DD Craven
DD Selfridge
DD Porter
DD Gridley

SS I-1 launches 2 torpedoes at 125,86 near Marcus Island.

Allied Ships

xAP Clan Macquarrie, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

SS I-168 launches 4 torpedoes at 124, 88 near Marcus Island

Japanese Ships

SS I-168, hits 1

Allied Ships

CV Yorktown
BB North Carolina
CA Wichita
CLAA San Juan
CLAA San Diego
DD Selfridge
DD Craven
DD Porter
DD Gridley

Japanese afternoon Air attack on TF near Eniwetok at 127,108

Japanese aircraft

G4M1 Betty-Rikko x 20

Japanese aircraft losses

G4M1 Betty-Rikko: 1 damaged

Allied Ships

DD Monaghan
DD Aylwin
xAK Nightingale
xAK Red Jacket
AKV Kittyhawk

Aircraft Attacking:

20 x G4M1 Betty-Rikko bombing from 10000 feet

Better tone them back before they go and get themselves CAPPED.

SS I-171 is sighted by escort at 129,86 near Marcus Island.
Escort abandons search for sub

DEI

SS KVIII launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 7,109 near Ambon.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Yulin Maru
DD Mutsuki

SS Grenadier is sighted by escort at 68,97 ner Donggala.

Japanese Ships

xAK Yuzan Maru
xAK Ume Maru
xAK Shinsei Maru
xAK Kuroshio Maru
xAK Chihaya Maru
PB Kyo Maru #8

Sipora is occupied by the Japanese.

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 24 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 84,53 – 3 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 20 runway hits.

BURMA

Japanese morning Air attack on 108th RAF Base Force at 54,50.
Japanese morning Air attack on 103rd RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 20 casualties.

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Akyab at 53,45

Allied aircraft

Hurricane IIc Trop x 16
B-25C Mitchell x 8

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships

TB RTN Surasdra
TB RTN Chandraburi

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Akyab at 53,45

Allied aircraft

Beaufighter VIc x 16
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Allied aircraft losses

Beaufighter VIc: 3 damaged
Beaufighter VIc: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships

TB RTN Chandraburi, Shell hits 3
TB RTN Chunphorn

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Akyab at 53,45

Allied aircraft

B-25C Mitchell x 8
P-38F Lightning x 24

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships

TB RTN Surasdra
TB RTN Chandraburi

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Akyab at 53,45

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 6
Hurricane IIc Trop x 32
B-25C Mitchell x 8

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships

TB RTN Chandraburi
TB RTN Surasdra

I sent my little Thai ships on patrol mission around Akyab to deter supply to this base (5 units in residence) but instead they performed one valubable intelligence run instead. If I ever harbour any serious plans to land troops in this sector, I now know the nature of the aerial response. It will be nasty. Even saw thos Beaufighter doing strafing runs on the ships. Cost them one of their own but just shows their potential lethality if I send in unescorted transports. Food for thought here but with my carriers engaged at the other end of the empire and the army engaged in clearing the pocket of stragglers at 54,50 this will be on the back burner for a while.






Previous report of sinking of BB Revenge incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 129, 86
Previous report of sinking of SS KVIII incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 76, 109

Repairs completed on SC Ch-4 at Hiroshima/Kure+, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SC Ch-5 at Hiroshima/Kure+, ship returned to service

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Kaga-2 attacking SS Pollack at 107,94
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Kaga-2 attacking SS Pollack at 107,94
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Kaga-2 attacking an Allied SS at 107,94
a T' 1940 Programme class SS is reported HIT
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Kaga-2 attacking SS Pollack at 107,94
SS Pollack is reported HIT
Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking a O19 Class class SS at 83,70
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Zuikaku-2 attacking a O16 Class class SS at 102,63

DD Oyashio beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=
DD Tanikaze beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=
DD Kisaragi beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=
DD Kikuzuki beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Suchow (91, 47)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Taiyuan (91, 40)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 83/44 (83, 44)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 77/56 (77, 56)!

BB Prince of Wales is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 17, 1943
xAP Clan Macquarrie is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 17, 1943

1st Air Division arrives at Sapporo

Picking off POW is a real bonus. I had her down as a survivor, but she must have been hit hard during the gun battle and the single TT the carriers scored on her must have slowed her down plenty (4 shell hits, 3 bombs and 1 TT all up). I can now cross off Indiana, Mississippi and Prince of Wales as definite losses. New Mexico is on the list as a probable due to a report of a Kingfisher lost a few turns ago. Revenge, for some incredible reason, still lives. The only battleship to get away from the Marcus Island battle fairly well unscathed is Washington.

The 2 torpedoes in Wasp was an even better bonus. If she is still around the submarines will certainly be looking to finish her off as well.

The terror of early war Japanese subs and their ability to always penetrate to and hit the best target continues...

Did you hear sinking sounds and/or see planes destroyed on the ground?

ORIGINAL: Anachro

The terror of early war Japanese subs and their ability to always penetrate to and hit the best target continues...

Did you hear sinking sounds and/or see planes destroyed on the ground?

Wasp is just a hopeful that the subs will find her as she limps back to safety. No sinking sounds or planes destroyed on ground for her.

POW was 2 Walrus planes and sinking sounds + plus reported sunk at end of reports for the day - happy to claim her as lost.

Indiana was outright during the surface battle.

Mississippi was sinking sounds and planes lost on ground + confirmation message.

New Mexico was sinking sounds (but that could have been other damaged ships from the battle but there was reported Kingfishers lost on the ground so she looks to be gone too.

Just leaves that very indomitable Revenge to account for.

My subs have been helped by aerial recon picking these battleships up day after day and what appears to be minimal escort - you would almost think they have been left to hang out to dry as bait.

I take your point on the subs getting through the rings into the inner sanctum of the carrier Queens. At this point in the war I'm happy to get whatever hits I can on the American flattops... my turn isn't far away.

This has gone from a minor setback to a thorough drubbing for your opponent. He's paid a very hefty price for two rocks in the ocean. Well played!

ORIGINAL: ChuckBerger

This has gone from a minor setback to a thorough drubbing for your opponent. He's paid a very hefty price for two rocks in the ocean. Well played!

Thanks ChuckBerger. We're not done just yet. Even though his carriers are bound to be tanked up (hopefully with some damage starting to accrue after all that sailing back and forward between Marcus and Wake) and I appear to have vacated the field I am working on positioning my carriers for a strike at his oilers. It does very much depend on what those carriers do. If they head south back toward Wake I will have a go at removing some oilers as well. If not it is homeward bound, play the game of dodge with his subs, replenish and get something better on deck than the copious numbers of A6M2 still on board.

If Wasp is located and accounted for I agree a very good trade... 2 islands and a BB for numerous Allied capital ships. Even without Wasp it is a dent in the beloved Allied fleet of land blasting battleships.

The damaged ships from the Marcus Island battles have returned home safely to Kobe. Just over a month to have the worst of them returned to active service.

18 January 1943

PHILIPPINES

SS Whale is sighted by esort at 75,89 near Zamboanga.

Japanese Ships

APD PB-39 (Tade)

What a close shave. Whale is so close to locating the crippled Nachi in this very hex.

PACIFIC

SS I-15 is located by escort at 130,86 near Marcus Island.

Allied Ships

DD Lansdowne
DD Lardner

SS I-15 launches 6 torpedoes at 129,86 near Marcus Island.

Japanese Ships

SS I-15^, hits 2

Allied Ships

BB Revenge~, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Lardner

SS I-15 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 139,86 near Marcus Island.

Japanese Ships

SS I-15^, hits 2

Allied Ships

DD Drayton
DD Lansdowne

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 3 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 35 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 84,53 – 4 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 19 runway hits.

DEI

Siberoet is occupied by the Japanese.





SS I-121* lays minefield near Milne Bay (101, 134).
SS I-124* lays minefield near Milne Bay (101 ,134).

BB Prince of Wales determined to have been sunk on or about Jan, 17, 1943

G4M1 Betty-Rikko from 753 Ku K-1' has spotted a Wasp class CV at 123,94

G4M1 Betty-Rikko from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking SS S-30 at 106,127
E13A1 Jake-Suitei from 902 Ku T-3 attacking a Triton class SS at 112,109
a Porpoise class SS is reported HIT
Ki-48-Ib Lily-Sokei from 8th Sentai attacking an Allied SS at 86,70
an Allied SS is reported HIT

Search G3M2 Nell-Chukou destroyed by CAP at (122,85)

DD Shigure beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=
DD Yugure beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=

Previous report of sinking of SS S-33 incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 88/38 (88, 38)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 83/44 (83, 44)!

AMc Wa-8 arrives at Osaka/Kyoto+

BB Revenge is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 18, 1943
xAK American is reported to have been sunk near Bona-Bona on Apr 18, 1942

77th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
115th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo=

I just noticed that it was I-8 that finished off both Mississippi and PoW, thus becoming the only sub in history to sink two battleships.

You must be very pleased to have finished off Revenge. I was barracking for the old girl myself...

ORIGINAL: ChuckBerger

I just noticed that it was I-8 that finished off both Mississippi and PoW, thus becoming the only sub in history to sink two battleships.

You must be very pleased to have finished off Revenge. I was barracking for the old girl myself...

For a WWI veteran she sure showed plenty of pluck. Most surprised that she outlasted the more classy battle-wagons in her company. Plenty sake for the sub fleet next time they get to visit the Home Islands. Well done I-8 but we can't have that crew resting on their laurels... so much more for them to achieve and so many depth charges to dodge. Yes most pleased to have caught up with Revenge.

Certainly a most unexpected place for POW and Revenge to end up being sunk.

nevermind, misunderstood last post...

19 January 1943

HOME ISLANDS

SS O21 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 104,56 near Fukuoka.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Miyati Maru
xAKL Genkai Maru
xAKL Batavia Maru
PB Kanko Maru

Allied Ships

SS O21, hits 1

ARABIAN SEA

SS I-162 launches 2 torpedoes at 26,4 near Socotra.

Allied Ships

xAK Empire Kamal, Torpedo hits 1

PHILIPPINES

SS Surcouf launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 83,69 near Itbayat Island.

Japanese Ships

PB Take
TK Tatibana Maru
TK San Luis Maru
TK Nihon Maru
PB Sapporo Maru
PB Shonan Maru #16

SS Triton launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 83,69 near Itbayat island.

Japanese Ships

PB Kamitu Maru
PB Sansei Maru

PACIFIC

SS I-20 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 213,80 near San Francisco.

Japanese Ships

SS I-20_, hits 4

Allied Ships

xAK Hauraki
xAK William M Stewart
xAK Samuel Gompers
xAK Pierre S Dupont
xAK Tjikandi
xAK Siantar
xAK Bellerophon
DD Hobby

SS I-10 launches 6 torpedoes at 122,85 near Marcus Island.

Allied Ships

CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester
CLAA Juneau
CLAA Atlanta
DD Clark
DD Ellet

Massive explosion on CA Chicago

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 4 airbase hits and 14 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 84,53 – 5 airbase hits and 11 runway hits.

BURMA

Japanese morning Air attack on 106th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 17 casualties.
Morning Air attack on 104th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 13 casualties (1 combat squad destroyed).

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Ramree Island at 54,48

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 6
B-25C Mitchell x 23
P-38F Lightning x 24

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships

TB RTN Surasdra
TB RTN Chunphorn
TB RTN Chandraburi

Japanese deliberate attack at 54,50

Attacking force 30732 troops, 432 guns, 334 vehicles, Assault Value = 989
Defending force 25529 troops, 258 guns, 485 vehicles, Assault Value = 69

Japanese adjusted assault: 323
Allied adjusted defense: 304

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
239 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1033 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 69 disabled
Engineers: 17 destroyed, 30 disabled
Guns lost 26 (6 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Vehicles lost 45 (5 destroyed, 40 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
3rd Ind Engineer Regiment
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
16th Division
1TD 1st Tank Regiment
19th Ind Engineer Regiment
4th Division
2ITB 2nd Tank Regiment
21st Ind Engineer Regiment
1st Ind Engineer Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
15th Army
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
7th Avn Sup Afd
Civilians
6th Heavy~ AA Regiment
221 Group Base Force
Marinier Battalion
2/3 MG Battalion
103rd RN Base Force
21st Light~ AA Regiment
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
106th RAF Base Force
171 Wing
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
221 Group RAF
175 Wing
172 Wing
100th RAF Base Force
Civilians
95th Heavy~ AA Regiment
308th Base Group Base Force
2nd ISF Base Force
35th Light~ AA Regiment
104th RAF Base Force
173 Wing
116th RAF Base Force
77th Heavy AA Regiment
223 Group Base Force
2/1 MG Battalion
Civilians
107th RAF Base Force
4th Avn Sup Groep
103rd RAF Base Force
108th RAF Base Force
48th Light AA Regiment
Civilians
Roodenburg Cdo
70th British~ Div /1

AUSTRALIA

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 48
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 33
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Allied aircraft

B-25C Mitchell x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 41
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 32
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Allied aircraft

A-20A1 Havoc_ x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

A-20A1 Havoc_: 5 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships

xAK Akasisan Maru
xAK Teihoku Maru

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at 84,41

Attacking force 2304 troops, 0 guns, 213 vehicles, Assault Value = 120
Defending force 51 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 124
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 124 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE 84/41!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender:
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
15th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
2TD 10th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
#Administration

Salajar is occupied by the Japanese.






Repairs completed on DD Naganami at Kobe=, ship returned to service

G4M1 Betty-Rikko from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking SS S-30 at 106,127

CDR Oda, T. of 202 Ku S-1 Det A' is credited with kill number 10

55/52 expands port to size 1
Medan expands fortifications to size 1
Ban Pong expands port to size 3

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 88/38 (88, 38)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 86/56 (86, 56)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 77/56 (77, 56)!



No weather on this map. Map shows concentration of Allied shipping around Marcus Island and what I believe to be the Wasp heading South-east.

20 January 1943

DEI

SS Scorpion launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 56,103 near Soerabaja.

Japanese Ships

xAK Kashiwara Maru
xAK Yuzan Maru
xAK Ume Maru
xAK Tatsuho Maru
xAK Ryugi Maru
PB Kyo Maru #8

SS KVIII is sighted by escort at 76,109 near Ambon.

Japanese Ships

xAK Unkai Maru #3
xAK Josho Maru
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships

SS KVIII, hits 4

Japanese deliberate attack at Weston/Beaufort.

Attacking force 2588 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 121
Defending force 1905 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

Japanese adjusted assault: 50
Allied adjusted defense: 31

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), morale(-)
experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Base Force
Tarakan Defenses
Civilians

PACIFIC

Night Time Surface Combat near Wake Island at 129,98, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

DD Kagero
DD Kuroshio
DD Umikaze

Allied Ships

CV Wasp
DD Gridley
DD Porter

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 100% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 13,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 14,000 yards...
Range increases to 15,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range increases to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 20,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Allied Air Combat TF evades combat

So pleased to get these destroyers to locate Wasp during the night. Defeated though by Allied radar. So close and the chance of catching and dealing wtih this carrier is starting to diminish.

PHILIPPINES

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at 81,69 near Itbayat Island.

Japanese Ships

TB RTN Kantan – 1 hit by dud torpedo
TB RTN Phuket
xAK Biwa Maru
xAK Yamakisan Maru
xAK Uyo Maru
xAK Nittei Maru
xAK Kiso Maru
TB RTN Kylongyai

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at 81,69 near Itbayat Island.

Japanese Ships

xAK Nittai Maru, Torpedo hits 1
xAK Biwa Maru
xAK Yamakisan Maru
xAK Uyo Maru
xAK Nittei Maru
xAK Kiso Maru
TB RTN Kylongyai

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 17 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 84,53 – 3 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 18 runway hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at Kanhsien.

Attacking force 35196 troops, 391 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 1418
Defending force 2181 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 44

Japanese adjusted assault: 2574
Allied adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 643 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kanhsien!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1996 casualties reported
Squads: 57 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 72 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 27 (27 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
15th Division
39th Division
58ID 52nd Infantry Brigade
22nd Division
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
#Administration
18th Chinese Base Force

BURMA

Japanese morning Air attack on 104th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 16 casualties.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 108th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 13 casualties.

Allied morning Air attack on Moulmein – 1 port hit and 1 port supply hit.

Japanese Ships

MTB RTN CMB-9, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
CM Tatsuharu Maru, Bomb hits 1

Allied morning Air attack on Moulmein

Japanese Ships

CM Tatsuharu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Allied morning Air attack on Moulmein – 1 port fuel hit

Japanese Ships

E Manazuru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Tokihime Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

AUSTRALIA

Allied morning Air attack on Los Negros I. – 3 port hits, 1 port fuel hit and 1 port supply hit.

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft

B-17E Fortress x 56

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships

CA Maya, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
AS Yasukuni Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AV +Hikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Atago, Bomb hits 10, on fire
AD Shintoku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PB Ogashima, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Massive explosion on PB Ogashima

Allied morning Air attack on Los Negros I., at 101,119 – 12 casualties, 2 port hits and 2 port supply hits.

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft

B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships

AKE Hide Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AV +Hikawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Atago, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Maya, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied morning Air attack on Los Negros I.

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft

B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships

CA Atago, Bomb hits 1, on fire






Previous report of sinking of SS KVIII incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 76, 109

Repairs completed on SS I-166 at Yokohama=+, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS RO-63 at Kobe=, ship returned to service

Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking SS Triton at 84,68
SS Triton is reported HIT
Ki-48-Ib Lily-Sokei from 8th Sentai attacking SS Triton at 84,68
Ki-48-Ib Lily-Sokei from 8th Sentai attacking SS Drum at 83,70
SS Drum is reported HIT
Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking SS Triton at 84,68
Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking SS Triton at 84,68
SS Triton is reported HIT

Trichinopoly expands airfield to size 5

Pilot Muranaka M. is reported as having been found

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 83/44 (83, 44)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 86/56 (86, 56)!

Doikawa D. now available for reassignment

Loss of PB Fukui Maru on Jan 11, 1943 is admitted

xAKL Taibu Maru arrives at Tokyo=
55th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo



The map shows just how close to Wasp I managed to get those destroyers and a bunch of submarines.

The map showing the Allied fleets around Wake Island. As you can see I have decided to move into a position which may trigger some action.

And for anyone curious about the fate of Maya and Atago.

Kicking myself for leaving all this shipping open for assault.

Amazed at how well those 2 cruisers stood up to the rain of bombs. Unfortunately they will have to do their 3 days of penance before they can slip their moorings and get out of the place.

21 January 1943

PACIFIC

Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok

Japanese aircraft

G4M1 Betty-Rikko x 17

Allied aircraft

F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses

G4M1 Betty-Rikko: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

Training flight from 8th FG/36th FS has been caught up in attack
Training flight from 70th FS' has been caught up in attack

Morning Air attack on TF, near Marcus Island at 119,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 11
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 76
A6M5 Zero-Reisen x 23
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh x 11
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh x 74
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 70

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 18
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 173

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero-Reisen: 7 destroyed
A6M5 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 19 destroyed, 8 damaged
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 2 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 21 destroyed, 12 damaged
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships

CVE Altamaha*, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Copahee*, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CVE Nassau*, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Prince William*, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CV Yorktown
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1
DD Gwin
BB North Carolina
DD Nicholas
CVE Chenango, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

Ammo storage explosion on CVE Altamaha*
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Altamaha*
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Prince William*
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Prince William*
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Suwannee
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Chenango
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Nassau*
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Copahee*

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 120,76

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 168
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 30

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 17
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
SBD-3 Dauntless x 39
TBF-1 Avenger x 39

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3A Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 19 destroyed, 6 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 13 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships

CV Zuikaku
CV Junyo
CV Akagi
CVE Unyo, Torpedo hits 1
CVE Hosho
CVL Ryujo
CV Hiryu
CV Shokaku
CVL Shoho

1 bomb did hit (either Shokaku or Zuikaku but I can’t remember which now) and fortuitous luck or what… it was a dud!!

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 120,76

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 144
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 27

Allied aircraft

F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
TBF-1 Avenger x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 10 destroyed

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 120,76

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 128
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 27

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 5 destroyed

Japanese Ships

CVE Hosho

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 120,76

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 122
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 27

Allied aircraft

SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 120,76

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 117
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 27

Allied aircraft

SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 120,76

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 112
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 27

Allied aircraft

SBD-4 Dauntless x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SBD-4 Dauntless: 5 destroyed

Japanese afternoon Air attack on TF near Eniwetok at 127,108

Japanese aircraft

G4M1 Betty-Rikko x 6

Allied aircraft

F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses

G4M1 Betty-Rikko: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese afternoon Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,82

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 12
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 66
A6M5 Zero-Reisen x 22
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh x 38
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 22

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 23
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M3a Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
A6M5 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 4 destroyed, 12 damaged
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3A Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships

CA Wichita
CV Lexington
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 1
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Magazine explodes on BB North Carolina

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 120,76

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 57 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 164
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 28

Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
SBD-3 Dauntless x 3
TBF-1 Avenger x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 3 airbase hits, 3 airbase supply hits and 33 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 84,53 – 1 airbase hit, 2 airbase supply hits and 16 runway hits.

BURMA

Japanese morning Air attack on 104th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 9 casualties.
Japanese morning Air attack on 108th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 11 casualties.

Allied morning Air attack on Moulmein

Japanese aircraft

Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft

Liberator II x 6
B-24D Liberator x 3

Japanese aircraft losses

Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Liberator II: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied morning Air attack on Moulmein – 1 port fuel hits

Japanese aircraft

Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft

B-24D Liberator x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied morning Air attack on Moulmein.

Japanese aircraft

Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft

B-24D Liberator x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships

CM Tatsuharu Maru, Bomb hits 1

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at Weston/Beaufort.

Attacking force 2549 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 118
Defending force 1816 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Japanese adjusted assault: 35
Allied adjusted defense: 28

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Base Force
Tarakan Defenses
Civilians




Repairs completed on DD Makinami at Kobe=, ship returned to service

H8K1 Emily-Seiku from 801 Ku T-2 has spotted DD Lardner at 123,85

Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP at (119,82)
Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP at (119,82)
Search D3A1 Val-Kanbaku destroyed by CAP
Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP at (119,82)

PO2 Nishiura, K. of 251 Ku S-1 Det B' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Nishiura, K. of 251 Ku S-1 Det B' attains ace status!!
PO1 Sakai R. of Akagi-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Sakai R. of Akagi-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Sakai R. of Akagi-1 is credited with kill number 6
PO1 Sakai R. of Akagi-1 is credited with kill number 7
PO2 Kasai E. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Kasai E. of Zuiho-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Kasai E. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 6
PO2 Nagano H. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Nagano H. of Shoho-1 attains ace status!!
CPO Maki M. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 10
PO2 Nakano, K. of 202 Ku S-1 Det B' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Nakano, K. of 202 Ku S-1 Det B' attains ace status!!
PO1 Hirusawa W. of Akagi-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Hirusawa W. of Akagi-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Matsumura H. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Matsumura H. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Matsumura H. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C attains ace status!!
PO2 Kanda, S. of 251 Ku S-1 Det B' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Kanda, S. of 251 Ku S-1 Det B' attains ace status!!
PO2 Matsuo P. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Matsuo P. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C attains ace status!!
PO2 Oyama K. of 251 Ku S-1 Det A' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Oyama K. of 251 Ku S-1 Det A' attains ace status!!
PO2 Yamagami, T. of 251 Ku S-1 Det A' is credited with kill number 4
PO2 Yamagami, T. of 251 Ku S-1 Det A' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Yamagami, T. of 251 Ku S-1 Det A' attains ace status!!
2LT Hidaka E. of 1st Sentai/C is credited with kill number 5
2LT Hidaka E. of 1st Sentai/C attains ace status!!
PO1 Muto R. of Akagi-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Muto R. of Akagi-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Muranaka G. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Muranaka G. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C attains ace status!!
PO2 Kanda G. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Kanda G. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C attains ace status!!
PO1 Bando B. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Bando B. of Shoho-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Bando B. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 6
PO1 Kawasaki P. of Shoho-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Kawasaki P. of Shoho-1 attains ace status!!

Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard SS I-6
Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard SS I-6

G4M1 Betty-Rikko from 753 Ku K-1' attacking a Porpoise class SS at 107,94

G3M2 Nell-Chukou from Chitose Ku K-1 Det has spotted DD Lansdowne at 123,85
DD Lansdowne is reported HIT

Search D3A1 Val-Kanbaku destroyed by CAP at (119,82)
Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP
Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP at (119,82)

PO2 Hamano T. of Soryu-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Hamano T. of Soryu-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Bando N. of Akagi-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Bando N. of Akagi-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Hori V. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Hori V. of Ryujo-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Minami K. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Minami K. of Yokosuka Ku S-1/C attains ace status!!

Eureka expands airfield to size 2
Padang expands fortifications to size 2
Ansi expands airfield to size 4
54/49 expands fortifications to size 1

Repairs completed on DD Yayoi at Hiroshima/Kure+, ship returned to service

Previous report of sinking of SS Blackfish incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

CVE Chenango is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 21, 1943
CVE Copahee* is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 21, 1943
CVE Prince William* is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 21, 1943
BB North Carolina is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 21, 1943
DD Fortune is reported to have been sunk near Cox's Bazar on Dec 25, 1942


I have waited so patiently to manufacture this result. The fuel situation on my carriers is precarious which was part of the reason I decided last turn to move to this position. The other reason was the location of the Allied carriers last turn (just to the north east of Marcus Island – strangley they were on a north west bearing – as it now turns out they appear to have been part of a larger fleet intent on moving to Iwo Jima or other islands in that group).

So, having made the decision to commit I spent a good while configuring CAP and escort. The combined Japanese carrier fleet was down on strike planes but beefed up on fighters. I was surprised to see that the Allied carriers (as explained above) had moved rather closer to the Japanese carriers than I had wanted. No doubts now. Blows were about to be traded.

It would be wrong of me not to admit a sinking feeling as the American CAP burst through the escorting Zeros and got amongst the Alpha strike. For a good while I thought I would be seeing the whole strike wiped out. In the end enough got through to demolish the escort carriers. I would have preferred the fleet carriers to have been targeted but the removal of 6 escort flight decks is a good thing too.

Then came the invetiable response. The CAP did a sterling job and of the strike that got through only 1 dive bomber and 1 torpedo bomber scored. So amazed was I to see that bomb strike one of the Shokakus and then fail to explode. What a reprieve. As for the Unyo her damage is 03(00) 28(23) (00) (00), which in terms of the tally for the day (being the only Japanese ship damaged), was more than I could have hoped for at the beginning of the day.

After the first American strike the rest came in dribs and drabs and were summarily executed. I think 1 torpedo bomber made a run on Hosho and that was it.

As for the final Japanese strike it got well chopped up by flak. I was happy to see that 1 single torpedo hit Yorktown and then came the awful finale. It may have been the last Japanese torpedo run for the day. A lone Kate singled out battleship North Carolina. The pilot, a seasoned veteran no doubt, steady on the run in. The torpedo ran true and a hit. A satisfying mountain of water towering along the side of the graceful warship. North Carolina raced on looking to any observer to have brushed off the sting. And then a fearsome explosion and her heart was stilled in an instant. A broiling black cloud suffused with the angry red of internal fire and all around the innards of a once intricate warship jetting into the sky soon to come lancing down ocean bound. Mighty chunks of metallic hail and woe betide anything or anyone unlucky enough to be caught by one. If ever there was a time of an unnatural quiet over a battlefield this was it. The engines of the enemy bombers quietly receding into the distance and all around a strange silence. What the eyes had seen could not be unseen. For many, many minds around the Allied fleet, though, comprehension of what had happened was beyond their grasp. So many souls struck down in an instant.

My strike planes are shredded. Many pilots left but precious few planes. Luckily, I am close enough to the Home Islands to fly in new units of torpedo and dive bombers. If the fuel holds out the Japanese carriers will be hunting tomorrow.

The figures for planes lost on the after action reports are always so much lower than what actually happened.

Here is the report on planes lost today. Plenty of Japanese planes but more American planes. 98 dive bombers, 39 torpedo bombers and 76 fighters lost to aerial combat and flak must be a dent in the Allied inventory.

I wonder if those British carriers are still in the mix.

What a butcher bill for some pretty worthless rocks in the middle of nowhere. Well played!

When I got to the North Carolina, I just started slowly shaking my head back and forth, back and forth... then let out a barely audible, drawn out f-------

ORIGINAL: LargeSlowTarget



What a butcher bill for some pretty worthless rocks in the middle of nowhere. Well played!

Hoping not to mess up with the next day. It does depend a lot on what Ed does with his mega fleet that was on the way towards Iwo. He must still have plenty of torpedo bombers available but at the same time he has a stack of ships which he will be have to decide which way to send them. I have battleships heading in from the west. They are exposed with no air protection but I am thinking that Ed will have lost his desire to continue in a westward direction.

KB is moving southward, has plenty of fighters and has restocked with dive bombers.

ORIGINAL: ChuckBerger

When I got to the North Carolina, I just started slowly shaking my head back and forth, back and forth... then let out a barely audible, drawn out f-------

Yes. I was quite literally stunned when she went up like she did. So unexpected.