Battle of Pago Pago

[Captain Ed]

It is Feb 28 42 in my game against MarkVII we chose scen 16 no Pearl Harbour, I am the Japanese. I had taken Palmyra early in the game but B17s and Liberators have pounded the place into rubble.
After superhuman efforts I wrestled Canton Island from the Americans costing some 25 ships of various types including a BB, 2 CA`s. As well during a previous engagement between Johnston Island and Palmyra we both lost CV`s, the Lex and the Akagi in a battle that was a surprise to both of us.
Now a renewed effort by me to capture Pago Pago led me to commit my Carrier`s the Shohaku Zuikaku Hiryu Soryu three CVL`s, the Kaga was not available, my plan was to pound the S*** out of the place for a few days then launch an amphibious assault from Canton. All was going well my TF was bearing down from north of Pago Pago all aircrews were primed and ready, orders had been given earlier for port and airfield strikes. Since our game is a 2 day turn sequence I thought it best to preorder the strikes so as not to miss a shot. I figuered my worthy opponent was gearing up to retake Palmyra so was not expecting a major effort by him in Pago Pago. Well, scout planes discovered a massive American presence in Pago Pago 4 CV`s, 6 BB`s numerous CA`s just about the whole US Navy I think he was waiting for me. I am now 480 miles from my target I have an invasion force ready to leave Canton and here is
my worst nightmare. I prayed to the Emperor for guidance, actually it was to a tumbler of Crown Royal, what should I do, turn and run
I am not ready to face this kind of force but I sucked up the last of my courage "er" Crown Royal and made my choice.
I cancelled mystrike orders and ordered preparations for a naval attack and pressed on to 300 miles north of the Pago Pago. I sent Mark my Pbem file and waited with baited breath for the reply. I flashed up the game upon receipt of the turn and poured another glass of CR, well after the usual stuff the moment I was waiting for started. The first strike found me, it had 19 F4F-4`s, 33 SBD`s
now I had requested CAP support from Canton so I had 60 A6M2`s up,result F4F`s 40 destroyed SBD`s 33 destroyed CV Hiryu 1 bomb hit 500 lb.
Second strike 17 F4F-3`s 5 F4F-4`s 46 SBD`s all destroyed CV Shokaku 1 bomb hit.
Third strike consisted of only 18 SBD`s we dispatched them all.
My turn, first strike 9 Kates all shot down, second strike 42 Zero`s, 45 Val`s ,76 Kate`s American cap was 42 F4F-4`s, 10 F4F-3`s, 6 P-40`s virtually all destroyed and CV Hornet 4 torpedo hits CV Yorktown 2 bomb hits 4 torpedo hits.
Strike #3 more aircraft lost no ships hit.
Strike #4 45 Zero`s 47 Val`s and 56 Kate`s his cap is now only minor hindrance result CV Enterprise 2 bomb hits 3 torpedo hits and the BB Prince of Wales 2 bomb hits Yea the POW imagine that.
March 1st, remember we are playing 2 day turns. I get the first strike off as he has nothing left. 41 Zero`s, 26 Vals, and 39 Kate`s,
no Cap encountered BB Missisipi 3 Torpedo hits, BB New Mexico 4 Torpedo hits, BB Tennesee 1 bomb 2 torpedo hit.

The result was dramatic

CV Hornet sunk
CV Yorktown sunk
CV Enterprise sunk
BB POW damaged
BB Tennessee damaged
BB New Mexico damaged
BB Mississip damaged
several CA`s hit

I had minor damage to three Carriers as they were hit by only 500lb bombs.

Needless to say I had another drink.

[Ron Saueracker]

You benefitted from the uber CAP I have gone on and on about.

[mogami]

Hi, Looks more like he benified from havimg more CAP and more escorts.
Feb 1942?
4 USN CV? at least 1 still flying F4F-3 and I wonder at their size?

4x27=108 total Allied fighters (assuming all groups full strength)

Versus 4 IJN fleet CV
42+48=90 A6M2
3xCVL=64 (2xCVL carry 18 and 1 CVL 28 A6M2)
154 total Japanese (assuming all groups full strength)

Nothing "Uber" about it. The Japanese had 1/2 more fighters. It is Feb 1942 The Japanese have their bonus.

It is Feb 1942 none of the ALlied ships have had AA upgrades.

Nothing unexpected resulted

[Tom Hunter]

I agree with Mogami, he benefitted from his enemies decision to bring an inferior force to bear agaist a superior force.

Why didn't the Allied player move South of Pago Pago and let the Japanese CVs fight LBA for a few turns? Then come back into action and club him. Instead he fought forward and lost.

Its Feb 42, what was he thinking?

[Captain Ed]

I have to wonder the American TF`s were in a coastal hex 97,105 and 98, 109 not sure which one is coastal could this have had a bearing on the performance of the aircraft or the vulnerability of the ships. Also the fact I was hit by only 500lb bombs what happened to the 1000lb blockbusters.[&:]

[mogami]

Hi, The USN were at 4 hex range? Also they appear to have all been in a single TF.
If so then the USN fighters were also at extended range. (As escorts)

[Tom Hunter]

Capt Ed,

You clearly made the right choice. You should keep that Crown Royal handy. If you opponent was in the costal hex fewer of his planes will fly. At 4 hex range his strikes are weaker. 2 CVs to a TF makes for odd strike formation but it does not look like he had that problem.

But the main thing is don't fight that battle in Feb 42. If you want to see a battle the allies should fight in Feb 42 start at the bottom of page one of my AAR with Blackwatch and then go to the top of page 2.

Congratulations on a well fought victory. Now you have to tell us if you take Pago Pago

[Mark VII]

Yes, WHAT WAS HE THINKING????[&:][&:][&:] You would think I was half crocked on Maker's Mark when the orders were given but I was not.

The 4xCV's(2xTF's) were all fully loaded with 99 moral, Pago Pago was level 4 and packed with a/c: 21xB26's, 21xA20's, 70xP40E's in three sqn's(one flying LR-Cap over the CV's), and 35xP40B's in two sqn's. All LBA at least 60/99 in exp/moral and one P40B sqn trained up to 70. Thought with the support of all of that LBA that I could at least even exchange the IJN and possibly beat them. Once again, WHAT WAS HE THINKING???

Here is what I was thinking. From past encounters, I strongly suspected that Ed would set up 5 hexes away from PP and bomb the airfield. All LBA set to 5 hex max and all TF's move to the hex in front of PP with a react of three(thus move to with in 2 or 1 of KB and thus the TBD's get to play. Also a CA TF would sit on PP to slow down the expected IJN bombardment force(none came). The BB TF (only 4xBB's, 2xCA's, 1xBrooklin CL, 7xDD's) would also move to the hex infront of PP but would hopefully react back to PP to second wave the expected bombardment TF(it did not arrive). The main problem being is that the two CV TF's did not react and fought at a range of four hexes. Just right for the Japanese, horrid for the Americans. No TBD's and the SDB's at extended range dropping only 500lb'ers. It didn't help that he also flew in some Zero's from Canton on LR-Cap. I knew something was up when my 21xB17E's encountered only 4 Zero's when they bombed Canton before the LBA went in on the KB. Basically there is a guy 50 yards from me shooting a 50 cal machine gun at full auto and I have a pump 22cal. DISASTER STRIKES!!! Again...WHAT WAS HE THINKING????

A month or so sooner Enterprise and Lexington met Akagi and Kaga. With Lex sunk and Big E untouched against Akagi sunk and 4x1000lb'ers into Kaga thought USN was better than conventional wisdom. Lesson learned the hard way.

WHAT WAS HE THINKING????

ORIGINAL: Tom Hunter

I agree with Mogami, he benefitted from his enemies decision to bring an inferior force to bear agaist a superior force.

Why didn't the Allied player move South of Pago Pago and let the Japanese CVs fight LBA for a few turns? Then come back into action and club him. Instead he fought forward and lost.

Its Feb 42, what was he thinking?

[mogami]

Hi, A reaction setting of 3 with enemy 4 hexes away. No reaction by CV because they were able to launch a counter strike. (at extended range)
The LBA did not launch? I only see a report of 6 P-40 over CV (however Army fighters do not provide good cap to CV TF)(the ones that show up fight ok but there is a reduction to numbers sent)

The prior CV battle was a very good for you (and lucky ) result. The same battle fought in June should have been a clear USN victory.

(In Jan 42 Kaga and Akagi have 48xA6M2 with a bonus versus 54 USN fighters
In June 42 Kaga and Akagi would have 48xA6M2 no bonus versus 72 USN fighters
In Jan 42 USN torpedo planes have range of 2 In late summer 42 USN torpedo planes have longer range.
In Jan 42 USN CV and escorts use .50cal and 20mm AA by June they would be upgraded.

So the Jan battle in June should have sank both IJN CV with reduced damage to USN CV.

[Captain Ed]

Mark where is the Sara[:D]

[Mark VII]

Sara? Why would you be interested in little ole Sara? She's only one carrier, not much of a threat. I would think you might have some other higher priorities like just putting at least one IJ Army combat boot into anywhere in the Philippines, Borneo, Java or the Southern half of Sumatra(the oil producing part).

How are those oil reserves back in the home land? Is there enough heating oil for the civilians or to help the war effort do they need to start burning dog dodo to keep warm? I thought you started this war of aggression to capture some oil to support the expansion of your evil empire? Here it is the first week in March and so far the empire has yet to take any major(if any?) oil producing hex or clear your lines of communications! The Dutch and especially MacArthur’s army are dug in deeper than the moles who are overrunning my front yard. There is so much supply on Luzon that the troops are still on full rations and partying every night. They are getting tired of waiting for the IJA to show up and wondering if there is a war on(they don't know about the disaster off Pago pago).

Now that I am back home, on to the turn....see you soon Ed.

ORIGINAL: Captain Ed

Mark where is the Sara[:D]

[mogami]

[X(][X(][X(] March 1942 and the Japanese have not even started in SRA yet? [X(][X(][X(]
At last. A Japanese player slower then I am.
(But I don't adventure outside of SRA either [:(])

[Captain Ed]

I intend to have Palembang in a week as well as Rangoon. Australia will be living on
Roo doo in a few months after we cut them off from the rest of the world. As for the PI
I left a little path for MacArthur and his entourage to escape the looming doom that will befall the pitiful remnants of his army that he leaves behind. As for finding Sara all in good time, all in good time.[:D][:D]

[mogami]

Hi, Pure genuis. Who would have thought of building a pontoon bridge from Saigon to Palembang. Fill those AP with ping pong balls so no amount of bombing will sink them and just march across [X(]
He likely has no more then a cuple hundred bombers waiting by now. Ducks in the pond as long as the A6M2 bonus lasts and with all those airfield flying CAP over your transports as they move to Palembang you should get a lot of kills. (You do have lots of airfields in Borneo and Sumatra to fly CAP from...right...?)
Clark Airfield is closed right? no bombers there sitting on your supply line.

[Captain Ed]

Did i forget to mention I am in firm control of all of Malaya including Singapore I have a large army marching south to Palembang from that little base just north of Palembang can`t remember it`s name. I have 4 divisions in Rangoon just waiting for engineers to arrive from Moulmein. Soon a large offensive will be launched from Menado to Kendari then on to points in Java to move north linking up with units moving South from
Sumatra. Then? well that is for another AAR.[:D][:D]

[mogami]

Hi, Ah ok thats better. Now I am getting a better picture.

[Mark VII]

The after action report dealing with the areas in question. Ed requested I post this.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/28/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Canton Island , at 98,99

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft

B-17E Fortress x 35


Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged


Allied aircraft losses

B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged


Japanese ground losses:

111 casualties reported

Guns lost 2


Airbase hits 1

Airbase supply hits 1

Runway hits 3


Aircraft Attacking:

8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 25000 feet
14 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 25000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 25000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 25000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 25000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 25000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 106,85


Allied aircraft

B-17E Fortress x 15


No Allied losses


Japanese ground losses:

50 casualties reported

Guns lost 2


Airbase hits 1

Runway hits 11


Aircraft Attacking:

4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 106,85


Allied aircraft

LB-30 Liberator x 16


No Allied losses


Japanese ground losses:

12 casualties reported


Airbase supply hits 2

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:

16 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 97,105


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 64


Allied aircraft

F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 36


Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 24 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 63 destroyed, 18 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF at 97,105


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 56


Allied aircraft

P-40B Tomahawk x 33
B-26B Marauder x 10
B-17E Fortress x 3


Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed, 2 damaged


Allied aircraft losses

P-40B Tomahawk: 64 destroyed, 14 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged


Japanese Ships

CVL Zuiho

CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2

CV Zuikaku


Aircraft Attacking:

4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 9000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 97,105


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 60


Allied aircraft

F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
SBD Dauntless x 33


Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged


Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 40 destroyed, 5 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 33 destroyed, 1 damaged


Japanese Ships

CV Soryu

CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire (Ammo storage X)

CV Shokaku


Aircraft Attacking:

2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
7 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
8 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 97,105


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 41


Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 17
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 46

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 24 destroyed, 5 damaged


Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3 Wildcat: 33 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 56 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships

CVL Ryujo

CV Soryu

CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1

CV Zuikaku


Aircraft Attacking:

3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
7 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
7 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 97,105


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 36


Allied aircraft

SBD Dauntless x 18


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SBD Dauntless: 22 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese Ships

CV Shokaku

Aircraft Attacking:

7 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109

Japanese aircraft

B5N Kate x 9

Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42
P-40E Warhawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses

B5N Kate: 18 destroyed, 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 42
D3A Val x 45
B5N Kate x 76


Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42
P-40E Warhawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 22 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A Val: 17 destroyed, 35 damaged
B5N Kate: 23 destroyed, 69 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3 Wildcat: 16 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 84 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed

Allied Ships

CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

CA Northampton

CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 1


Aircraft Attacking:

1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 42
D3A Val x 45
B5N Kate x 76

Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42
P-40E Warhawk x 6


Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 22 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A Val: 17 destroyed, 35 damaged
B5N Kate: 23 destroyed, 69 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3 Wildcat: 16 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 84 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed

Allied Ships

CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

CA Northampton

CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:

1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 24

Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed
D3A Val: 4 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 11 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged

Allied Ships

CV Hornet, on fire, heavy damage

CV Yorktown, on fire, heavy damage

DD Hammann

DD Tucker


Aircraft Attacking:

4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 21
B5N Kate x 21

Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses

D3A Val: 4 destroyed, 9 damaged
B5N Kate: 11 destroyed, 8 damaged


Allied Ships

CV Hornet, on fire, heavy damage

CA Astoria, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Aircraft Attacking:

4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,106


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 46


Allied aircraft

F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 7


No Japanese losses


Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 15 destroyed, 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 45
D3A Val x 47
B5N Kate x 56


Allied aircraft

F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 13


Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
D3A Val: 14 destroyed, 32 damaged
B5N Kate: 38 destroyed, 31 damaged


Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 24 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied Ships

CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

BB Prince of Wales, Bomb hits 2

CV Saratoga

DD Anderson

CA Chester


Aircraft Attacking:

4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/01/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 106,85


Allied aircraft

B-17E Fortress x 19


Allied aircraft losses

B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged


Japanese ground losses:

90 casualties reported


Runway hits 15


Aircraft Attacking:

3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 106,85


Allied aircraft

LB-30 Liberator x 9


No Allied losses


Japanese ground losses:

45 casualties reported

Guns lost 2


Runway hits 9


Aircraft Attacking:

6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 41
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 39


Japanese aircraft losses

D3A Val: 6 destroyed, 12 damaged
B5N Kate: 8 destroyed, 26 damaged


Allied Ships

BB Mississippi, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

BB Colorado

BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire

CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 1


Aircraft Attacking:

4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,109


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N Kate x 5


Japanese aircraft losses

B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged


Allied Ships

BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Aircraft Attacking:

1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,105


Allied aircraft

A-20B Boston x 11
B-26B Marauder x 8


No Allied losses


Japanese Ships

AP Chichibu Maru

PG Koei Maru


Aircraft Attacking:

4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 9000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 9000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF at 98,107


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 47


Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBD Dauntless x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 8
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed


Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 4 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 13 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships

CV Soryu

CV Shokaku


Aircraft Attacking:

1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 98,110


Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 27
D3A Val x 2


Allied aircraft

P-40E Warhawk x 30


Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
D3A Val: 2 destroyed


Allied aircraft losses

P-40E Warhawk: 18 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied Ships

BB Prince of Wales


Aircraft Attacking:

1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet

[Tom Hunter]

Ok Mark VII I will buy the idea that you were thinking along the lines of repeating what you did in the January battle.

But what you really did in the January battle was get lucky and its difficult to repeat that. Anyway now you know.

Ouch