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Enter our hero stage left...Having Re-Re disposed of the Monster

The date is November 1, 1944, and the allies and empire are engaged in bitter a-historical war affectionately known
as The Long War (version 3). This is a substantially enhanced empire mod using IronMan as a base AND adding from there.
The game can last until the end of 1946 and the allies must successfully land on Japan and take / hold at least one key island.

The empire has been well managed and embarked on a magnificent campaign of glory. At her height, the empire held all
of Oz, NZ, all pacific islands except Proper Hawaii, Burma, Ceylon, and the Indian islands up to and including Socotra.

As friends and students of this simulation going back many years, this mod is not for the meek AFB. we have departed from historical interpretations
of empire maximum capabilities and put the empire on Steroids. More on that later. First the current situation.

Here is the World Map

Atoll invasion this past turn.

Combat results - very satisfactory. pretty much textbook attack. I previously stripped supply with B29's from Suva.

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Night Naval bombardment of Vaitupu at 138,145

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 22 damaged
H6K5 Mavis: 14 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Shropshire
CA Boston
CA Salt Lake City
CA Pensacola
CL Trenton
CL Raleigh
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Balch
DD Phelps
DD Porter
DD Downes
DD Shaw
DD Conyngham
DD Wren
DD Howorth
DD Boyd
DD Black
DD Bennion
DD Bennett
DD Bell
DD Charles Badger
DD Bache
DD Fletcher
DD Brush

Japanese ground losses:
472 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 67 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 50
Port hits 17
Port fuel hits 35
Port supply hits 12

------------------------
32 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Denver
CL Columbia
LST-27
LST-390
DD Maddox
LST-268

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

Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CL Denver firing at 3rd South Seas Gsn
CL Columbia firing at 54th JNAF AF Unit
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Vaitupu (138,145)

TF 122 troops unloading over beach at Vaitupu, 138,145

Allied ground losses:
538 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 96 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 35 (0 destroyed, 35 disabled)
Vehicles lost 29 (0 destroyed, 29 disabled)

------------------------

Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 15

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 21000 feet *



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Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 14

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 9

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 6

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 21000 feet *



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Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 14

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet
6 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet
3 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet



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Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 6

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet



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Afternoon Air attack on 3rd South Seas Gsn , at 138,145 (Vaitupu)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 15

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet *



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 13

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet *



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Vaitupu , at 138,145

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 11

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet *

--------------------------------



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Afternoon Air attack on 3rd South Seas Gsn , at 138,145 (Vaitupu)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Allied aircraft
Avenger II x 32
Corsair II x 18
Hellcat I x 3
Wildcat V x 5
F4U-1A Corsair x 18
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15
F6F-5 Hellcat x 60
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 164
TBM-1C Avenger x 110
TBM-3 Avenger x 36

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-3 Helldiver: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
759 casualties reported
Squads: 25 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Also attacking 54th JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 3rd South Seas Gsn ...
Also attacking 54th JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 3rd South Seas Gsn ...


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Afternoon Air attack on 3rd South Seas Gsn , at 138,145 (Vaitupu)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 32

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
129 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled

--------------------

Ground combat at Vaitupu (138,145)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8367 troops, 128 guns, 162 vehicles, Assault Value = 267

Defending force 1502 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 13

Allied adjusted assault: 99

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 99 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Vaitupu !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H6K5 Mavis: 6 destroyed
H8K2 Emily: 5 destroyed

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1502 casualties reported
Squads: 25 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 103 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 19 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
34th Combat Engineer Regiment
125th Infantry Regiment
144th Infantry Regiment
174th Infantry Regiment
Wake USN CPNAB

Defending units:
54th JNAF AF Unit
148th JAAF AF Bn

Here is the current chart

Note there is 100 PP per turn in this game AND extra bases have been added in various locations. Finally base standard
sizings have been reviewed and changed in some cases

We also by mutual agreement build 2 hexes of rails/roads per month not into enemy hexes. This past month, the empire built on a minor RR interior east, and the allies built rails in China. This is accomplished through the PWHEX editor and amending the bitmaps.

ORIGINAL: topeverest

We also by mutual agreement build 2 hexes of rails/roads per month not into enemy hexes. This past month, the empire built on a minor RR interior east, and the allies built rails in China. This is accomplished through the PWHEX editor and amending the bitmaps.

I REALLY REALLY like this rule.

Here is a picture of the single hex editor program we use.

really easy to do if you want to. let me know if you want specific instructions.

Very interesting.  I like that you two decided to mod a game together. The RR build is nice also.

The campaign has been bitterly contested below is a simple chart of allied naval losses to date and current fleet size. note I can't get tracker to work, so I must do roughly in excel.

It actually works out pretty well. We are constantly discussing if to update our mod for our next iteration.
for example, today we decided that late war allied CV fighters may need an offset. I will
Sand box effect roughly an impact to add 1 armor to select 44+ empire fighters (less impactful)---- and thee potential effect to maintaining
high skill empire pilot replacements (55 in 1940 - extending forward) (more impactful).

Not sure where that will go, but is an interesting idea for this particular scenario. The training burden as the empire
begins to contract is compounded by airframe inferiority. I worry about how it impacts kami's so it isn't straightforward.

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

Very interesting.  I like that you two decided to mod a game together. The RR build is nice also.

Following is yesterday's air result on the Vaitupu invasion, which is making us think about the change. Empire launched long range LBA air attacks from the gilberts with experienced pilots and plenty of fighters. Empire lost 277 air to 11 allied CV fighters lost. Keep in mind they came in sharded over about 10 attacks and 350 allied fighters made mincemeat of them. about 25 bombers made it through over the various attacks but not a single hit on a ship. Just horrible for the empire and great glory for the allies.

Lesson here is extended range and drop tank range breaks up the attacking formations to the point they are easy pickings. combine that with the utter lethality of the F4U-1D and F5F with pilots with 70 skill. and you get the great mariana turkey shoot.

really really hard to get through the allied CAP with 6 CV and 11 CVE's protecting the skies.

------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Vaitupu at 139,146

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 39
D4Y1 Judy x 31
G3M3 Nell x 7
N1K1-J George x 27
P1Y1 Frances x 9
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 70

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 46
Hellcat I x 9
Wildcat V x 15
F4U-1A Corsair x 49
F6F-3 Hellcat x 39
F6F-5 Hellcat x 145

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 13 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 12 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak
G3M3 Nell: 4 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 9 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 14 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Corsair II: 1 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious
CV Enterprise

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.851 Sqn-FF FAA with Hellcat I (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 23 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
No.1839 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VC(F)-42 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VC(F)-66 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VC(F)-80 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VC(F)-81 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VC(F)-82 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-88 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VC(F)-91 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.261 Sqn RAF with Wildcat V (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vaitupu at 139,146

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 12
D4Y1 Judy x 16

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 39
Hellcat I x 7
Wildcat V x 13
F4U-1A Corsair x 45
F6F-3 Hellcat x 35
F6F-5 Hellcat x 122

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 7 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CVE Blackfoot

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(26 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
17 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.851 Sqn-FF FAA with Hellcat I (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
18 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 98 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1839 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 8 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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VC(F)-42 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VC(F)-66 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VC(F)-80 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VC(F)-81 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-82 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-88 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-91 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
No.261 Sqn RAF with Wildcat V (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-5 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(25 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(27 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
16 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(25 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
16 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vaitupu at 139,146

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 12
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 11

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 34
Hellcat I x 6
Wildcat V x 10
F4U-1A Corsair x 41
F6F-3 Hellcat x 29
F6F-5 Hellcat x 106

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 6 destroyed
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 5 destroyed
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Denver

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
No.851 Sqn-FF FAA with Hellcat I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 19 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1839 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-42 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-66 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-80 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-81 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-82 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-88 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-91 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
No.261 Sqn RAF with Wildcat V (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vaitupu at 139,146

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G4M3a Betty x 9
N1K1-J George x 3

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 28
Hellcat I x 3
Wildcat V x 6
F4U-1A Corsair x 37
F6F-3 Hellcat x 26
F6F-5 Hellcat x 89

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
G4M3a Betty: 4 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Corsair II: 1 destroyed
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1839 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-42 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-66 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-81 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-82 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-88 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-91 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, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
No.261 Sqn RAF with Wildcat V (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
No.851 Sqn-FF FAA with Hellcat I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-80 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vaitupu at 139,146

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 4
D4Y1 Judy x 2
N1K1-J George x 16

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 42
Hellcat I x 11
Wildcat V x 13
F4U-1A Corsair x 47
F6F-3 Hellcat x 34
F6F-5 Hellcat x 134

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(28 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 25 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (5 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (8 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
No.851 Sqn-FF FAA with Hellcat I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (6 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1839 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-42 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-66 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-80 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-81 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VC(F)-82 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-88 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-91 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
No.261 Sqn RAF with Wildcat V (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vaitupu at 139,146

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M5 Zero x 8
G3M3 Nell x 6
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 52

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 38
Hellcat I x 8
Wildcat V x 12
F4U-1A Corsair x 41
F6F-3 Hellcat x 32
F6F-5 Hellcat x 120

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 3 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 21 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-5 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (7 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
No.851 Sqn-FF FAA with Hellcat I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1839 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VC(F)-42 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-66 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-80 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-81 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VC(F)-82 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-88 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-91 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.261 Sqn RAF with Wildcat V (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vaitupu at 139,146

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 9

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 33
Hellcat I x 5
Wildcat V x 12
F4U-1A Corsair x 29
F6F-3 Hellcat x 29
F6F-5 Hellcat x 101

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-5 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 66 minutes
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (6 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
No.851 Sqn-FF FAA with Hellcat I (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
No.1839 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 72 minutes
VC(F)-42 with F4U-1A Corsair (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VC(F)-80 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VC(F)-81 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VC(F)-82 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VC(F)-88 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VC(F)-91 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.261 Sqn RAF with Wildcat V (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
VC(F)-66 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

My esteemed opponent definitely earned his moniker - Admiral Kamikaze. He had been teasing to retake the island, so close to his main bastion of Oz. I really didn't have any answer, so he took it and I didn't respond. MY Cv's are otherwise refitting or supporting other operations.

Still - well done.

The empire's other main effort this past turn was launching fighter sweeps from Gilberts to the Ellis islands Vaitupu. Actually a pretty good outcome considering the inherent advantages to the sweep. Note by agreement sweeps cap out at about 20K

Question - if you lose planes in a sea hex with a base, do you still need a sub in the hex to increase pilot recovery - or does the base and CV do that by itself?

What scen and changes have you all made? I have heard that subs do pick up pilots.

At the core of the change was the ability for the empire to be competitive longer by building more ships --- and have more options in building ships. to do that, we expanded the economy along with many resource and oil locations. we were careful to keep the same ratio of tanker needs in our expansion. After that we cushioned the economy and resources to allow for more excess by 10%. We added dozens of extra capital ships that could be built and hundreds of small combat transport and tanker types. We accelerated all empire naval reinforcements 6 months and start the game will all the CVL conversion complete. We added several extra first turn magic move task forces along with more transports and cargos so that the empire could immediately launch several major offensives. We moved all but 8K AV out of Manchukuo and into receiving ports for those major invasion(s)

What does this all really mean. The empire is on steroids well above historical possibilities, and the allies are more or less historical except for additions to the reinforcement train out beyond Aug 45 (and some airframe replacement harmonizing). It makes the allies player work much harder due to the strong naval advantage and greater flexibility in build choices the empire has. (35 CV platforms and 28 CVE platforms to choose from)

With the entry of the E boat upgrades in summer 44, the empire - as usual - became utterly lethal in chosen heavy traffic zones, which in this case is the close waters to Japan. 40 American subs have been sunk and twice that damaged over the last five game months in return for a like number of e boat kills and twice that in merchants.

Overall my subs have been an absolute terror sinking as many as 4 ships per day in an ever changing fluid zone attack sequence. he concentrates defensive air and naval assets and I move...and on and on and on. I am somewhat lamenting our decision to make the empire flush with cargos, because for all my success, I have had small impacts to resource movement and only modest to fuel movement.

The allies are gathering forces to invade Oz. That invasion should occur within 30 days. I am considering several different paths which will support an invasion.
1. Townsville - Rockhampton: While not the closest path, it is into clear terrain and away from the empire primary strength between Brisbane and Sydney. probably the best overall place to attack.
2. Brisbane - Sydney - Melbourne: The obvious target, but all rough terrain. I would prefer to secure a beachhead in clear terrain.
3. Adelaide - probably the best strategic place to attack but long distances make it a tough supply line
4. Tasmania First - the most conservative approach which takes a base of operations like Sicily. Then with 4E air support proceed inland anywhere in range (within 30 hexes.

I have three aggregation ports. Noumea, Aukland, and Suva. I am still peeling off units to those locations and supply overage is still on its way from USA.

I expect combat to be fairly innocuous over the next weeks as the last NZ bases are secured and the final aggregation occurs.