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RE: 1943 May 29 - 5/17/2013 12:09:10 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Nice job on pouncing on that convoy! It isn't often that one that large gets totally wiped out!
The sub skipper could have saved his torps, but then every training opportunity should be taken!

As you can see, the Empire has belatedly sent escort!

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Post #: 1051

RE: 1943 May 29 - 5/17/2013 10:52:47 AM

traskott

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Suscribed !! One week to read the whole thread but it's a fantastic AAR. Good work!!!

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Post #: 1052

RE: 1943 May 29 - 5/17/2013 1:54:54 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
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quote:

ORIGINAL: traskott

Suscribed !! One week to read the whole thread but it's a fantastic AAR. Good work!!!

Thanks!

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Post #: 1053

1943 May 30 - 5/21/2013 3:23:00 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
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1943 May 30

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Treasury Islands

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Munda

The Empire continues attacking in China, making some progress but resistance is stubborn.

Two of the armoured units did not make it to the scene of attack NW Toungoo so the attack will be the day after tomorrow.

The enemy redoubt on Woodlark Island continues to be defiant, giving up only 117 casualties at 17 to 1 odds. The Kiwis will continue attacking. Our boys at Munda will attack tomorrow. Presuming they will not capture the base then, in three days time the slow BBs will be in position to provide a bombardment.

AAR posts a bit abbreviated as we're getting ready to move. Questions will still gladly be answered. Kavieng still looks like the hot corner for IJN activity.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1054

1943 May 31 - 5/22/2013 5:48:22 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
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From: Argleton
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1943 May 31

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Choiseul Bay

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Munda

The usual in China as the noose continues to tighten.

Tomorrow our troops 1 hex NW Toungoo attack.

Three of our armoured units have entered Darwin. They will wait one day for prep to reach minimum 30% before attacking.

The defenders at Woodlark were wiped out. Events at Munda are finally turning.

quote:

Ground combat at Munda (111,134)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4660 troops, 38 guns, 105 vehicles, Assault Value = 187

Defending force 3655 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53

Allied adjusted assault: 80

Japanese adjusted defense: 55

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
227 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
22nd Marine Regiment
1st USMC Tank Battalion

Defending units:
64th Naval Guard Unit
21st Special Base Force

The Marines are good to continue attacking. Perhaps they'll even take the base before the damaging bombardment arrives.

The 4th Marine Division arrives in 11 days. I'm toying with the idea of sending it to CBI. Opinions?

Here is a look at most of that mess in China.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1055

RE: 1943 May 31 - 5/22/2013 12:13:22 PM

traskott

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China has fallen....

Flee, fleeeeeeeeee

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Post #: 1056

RE: 1943 May 31 - 5/22/2013 1:14:29 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
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From: Argleton
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It's only a scratch!

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Post #: 1057

RE: 1943 May 31 - 6/4/2013 6:23:38 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
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From: Argleton
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Sorry guys, nightmare move from hell. After we settle in, I swear we will never move again.

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Post #: 1058

RE: 1943 May 31 - 6/4/2013 9:23:09 PM

BBfanboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Sorry guys, nightmare move from hell. After we settle in, I swear we will never move again.

After marriage, I had to move five times. Every one of them was a test of character!
As the axiom goes "No plan ever survives contact with the enemy." Several things will always go wrong!

Are you still in Argleton then?

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Post #: 1059

RE: 1943 May 31 - 6/5/2013 12:00:18 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
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Status: offline

Always will be. Look up Argleton on Wikipedia or something. Even better, search for it on Google Maps (that's where the joke is from).

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Post #: 1060

RE: 1943 May 31 - 6/9/2013 4:44:00 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Sorry guys, nightmare move from hell. After we settle in, I swear we will never move again.

After marriage, I had to move five times. Every one of them was a test of character!
As the axiom goes "No plan ever survives contact with the enemy, or with your wife!" Several things will always go wrong!

Are you still in Argleton then?

We will be in 'moving in' mode for at least a month due to various factors. But, last night I got the desktops hooked up and Internet download speed here is 8x faster than at the old place, so we're back in the turn business. Need to look through the AAR to help remember just what I was doing. Have looked around the map a bunch but still getting oriented.

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Post #: 1061

RE: 1943 June 01 - 6/10/2013 12:41:17 AM

witpqs

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1943 June 01

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Munda

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The Empire's attacks in China are taking more squads than they cost, even at low odds. Just a slight worsening of the signs there.

NW of Toungoo the Empire's army of orks holds fairly well.

quote:

Ground combat at 56,49 (near Toungoo)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 68838 troops, 889 guns, 1702 vehicles, Assault Value = 2379

Defending force 37191 troops, 306 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 1095

Allied adjusted assault: 926

Japanese adjusted defense: 2039

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1340 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 115 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 21 (1 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1982 casualties reported
Squads: 47 destroyed, 290 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 128 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Guns lost 35 (10 destroyed, 25 disabled)
Vehicles lost 253 (71 destroyed, 182 disabled)

Assaulting units:
754th Tank Battalion
23rd Indian Division
254th Armoured Brigade
1st Army Tank Regiment
14th Indian Division
6th Australian Division
50th Tank Brigade
255th Armoured Brigade
17th Indian Division
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
9th Australian Division
XXXIII Indian Corps
77th Heavy AA Regiment
21st Light AA Regiment
14th Army
2/11th Field Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
2/1st Med Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
9th Division
56th Infantry Regiment
16th Garrison Unit
114th Infantry Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
18th Garrison Unit
55th Mountain Gun Regiment

Some of those units have yet to get '43 standard squads and I presume that is making a difference. Even with a massive air-supply effort I am still not getting enough supply into Burma to upgrade squads and support all operations. We continue pushing the weight of forces forward to tip eventually tip the scales. The 5th Indian will begin loading for drop off at Akyab, two trips required with the sea lift available. That should put them roughly on tempo with the 18th British and 7th Indian divisions and the 46th Indian Bde. The point is to take Prome, which ought to bring much more supply into Burma. Also, the LSI(L) fleet that is now lifting 5th Indian Division will move supply to Akyab whenever not moving troops. Runs to Ramree Island will commence when deemed safe enough, but I don't want to lose a big chunk of the LSI(L) force at this point, I want to preserve them for troop landings. The airlift of some engineers into Ramree Island is underway, and the number of engineers there building will more than triple but still be low.

Munda finally falls and is now a cleanup operation.

quote:

Ground combat at Munda (111,134)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4639 troops, 38 guns, 105 vehicles, Assault Value = 184

Defending force 3491 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 41

Allied adjusted assault: 128

Japanese adjusted defense: 31

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Munda !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K1 Emily: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
643 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (12 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
22nd Marine Regiment
1st USMC Tank Battalion

Defending units:
64th Naval Guard Unit
21st Special Base Force

KB appears just SW of Kavieng, and our P-38s shot down 20 Zeros over Rabaul (which is closed) for a loss of only four. Tomorrow they will rest and two squadrons of Corsairs will take over. Most of the Ponape invasion force is at sea, with the shore party unit just beginning loading at Tarawa. I am scrambling to get the engineers loaded up, with transport still making its way to pick them up. Nibbling away at IJN carrier fighters just prior to an invasion could be useful.

All three armoured units at Darwin are now >= 30% prep, so they will attack tomorrow. It will be interesting, because the IJN naval units in the area could include a force to bombard the Allies as a protective measure.

I have decided to go ahead and send 4th Marine Div to CBI. They arrive in 10 days and proceed to that theater using off-map transfer. Here is the overview map.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by witpqs -- 6/12/2013 12:37:31 AM >

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Post #: 1062

RE: 1943 June 02 - 6/12/2013 12:37:02 AM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
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1943 June 02

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Darwin

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

All frustration for the Empire's sub fleet.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS S-44 attacking SS RO-61 at 109,124 - near Lihir

Japanese Ships
SS RO-61, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-44

SS S-44 launches 2 torpedoes at 1,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Cox's Bazar at 54,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-26

Allied Ships
CA Shropshire
CA Dorsetshire
DD Stronghold
DD Thanet

SS I-26 launches 2 torpedoes at CA Shropshire
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Cox's Bazar at 54,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-162, hits 31, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DE Electra
PC Indus
AM Oudh
LSI(L) Glenorchy
LSI(L) Glenapp
LSI(L) Dunedin Star
LSI(L) Westralia
LSI(L) Manoora
DD Tenedos
DE Express
DE Encounter

SS I-162 is sighted by escort
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DE Express fails to find sub and abandons search
DE Encounter attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tenedos attacking submerged sub ....
DE Encounter fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DE Encounter attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-162 forced to surface!
DD Tenedos firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Express firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Encounter firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Tenedos firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Express firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Encounter firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Express firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Express firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Tenedos firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Express firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Encounter firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Tenedos firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Express firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Encounter firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

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

Some Avengers unwisely made a raid on shipping at Rabaul sans escort, but all participating were largely unharmed. Earlier two Corsair squadrons went in to clear the skies and encountered many, many Zeroes. The final tally was 30 to 8 in our favor (tomorrow the P-38s and a third squadron of Corsairs will sweep). Then the Liberators hit the port.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 46

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Kokuryu Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CM Yaeyama, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
ACM Bisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Mizuho Maru, Bomb hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Seki Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Fumi Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
ACM Yoshino Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Yamabato Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

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

Port hits 13
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

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

The Marines continue to grind down resistance at Munda, today destroying one of the two enemy units there. And Darwin is ours!

quote:

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

Ground combat at Darwin (76,124)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1674 troops, 0 guns, 318 vehicles, Assault Value = 171

Defending force 1567 troops, 2 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 14

Allied adjusted assault: 57

Japanese adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 5)

Allied forces CAPTURE Darwin !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
668 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 47 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 37 (34 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2/5th Armoured Regiment
2/4th Armoured Regiment
2/7th Armoured Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Recon Regiment
23rd Air Flotilla
27th JAAF AF Bn

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

The Imperials now rule the swamp to the west, and there they shall remain. A rogue enemy formation (1 unit) is now seen SE of Darwin, emerging from the cropland and heading for Fenton. One armoured unit will intercept while B-25s harry the target. Darwin has >46,000 supply, which is a very nice haul. Here you can see the area surrounding Darwin, including the IJN surface forces just off the coast.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1063

1943 June 03 - 6/13/2013 6:49:01 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 03

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Little beyond bombings in China.

Our troops in Burma are cycling through a rest period before the next attack. It has been noted that the IJA 3rd Division seems to have pulled back to R&R and presumably will be replaced by other forces. Indian 5th Division is mostly unloaded at Akyab but much motorized support will need a separate lift.

Munda is secured. The TF carrying the division for Ponape turned out to be dicking around at Suva not loading many supplies each turn, so I terminated that and ordered them to leave with what they have (which is plenty). Essex will make the rendezvous before the convoy.

Here is the Intel screen.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1064

1943 June 04 - 6/16/2013 6:30:07 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 04

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The Empire probes, bombarding to gain Intel. We outnumber them at Chengtu and still at Lanchow.

IJN subs are having a hard time of it, generally patrolling where we have heavy air patrols and competently escorted prizes. Another was claimed sunk today and others got hammered. In contrast, Grampus scored nicely.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Biak at 91,107

Japanese Ships
AO Hayamoto, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kagero

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

SS Grampus launches 4 torpedoes at AO Hayamoto
DD Kagero fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kagero fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kagero fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kagero fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kagero fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

This contact probably indicates the KB is pulling back to Truk to replenish aircraft. The timing with the upcoming Ponape invasion could be better of course, but at least we must have taken some pilots out of action.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Mussau Island at 107,114

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio
BB Kirishima
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CL Naka
CL Sendai
DD Nowaki
DD Yugumo
DD Niizuki
DD Ushio
DD Kawakaze
DD Minegumo
DD Yamagumo

Allied Ships
SS Runner, hits 4

SS Runner launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hayashio
DD Ushio attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Minegumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yamagumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kawakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Minegumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

A little excitement off the coast of Burma, as Palliser (aggressiveness rating 81) took his TF's react setting of 6 seriously while warding the amphibious ships bringing the 5th Indian into Akyab. First his TF ran over two subs near Akyab and then another sub SW of Ramree Island, then finally caught up with a pair of CM near Rangoon - in broad daylight!

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Rangoon at 52,54, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CM Natsushima, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
CM Aotaka, Shell hits 10, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Shropshire
CA Dorsetshire
CA Cornwall
CA Exeter
DD Warramunga
DD Stronghold
DD Thanet

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 19,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 19,000 yards
Palliser, Arthur FE crosses the 'T'
CA Shropshire engages CM Aotaka at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages CM Aotaka at 17,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages CM Aotaka at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA Dorsetshire engages CM Natsushima at 13,000 yards
CA Shropshire engages CM Aotaka at 13,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages CM Natsushima at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CM Aotaka at 12,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages CM Natsushima at 12,000 yards
CA Shropshire engages CM Aotaka at 12,000 yards
CM Aotaka sunk by DD Warramunga at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Massive explosion on CM Natsushima
CA Cornwall engages CM Natsushima at 10,000 yards
DD Thanet engages CM Natsushima at 10,000 yards
DD Stronghold engages CM Natsushima at 10,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages CM Natsushima at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CM Natsushima sunk by DD Warramunga at 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

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

As luck would have it no Imperial aircraft attacked. Here is a look at their present position and course ordered.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1065

RE: 1943 June 04 - 6/16/2013 6:39:50 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Haha, Well thats a reaction if I ever seen one!

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Post #: 1066

1943 June 05 - 6/17/2013 8:39:39 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 05

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Several attacks by the Empire in China today, the two big ones:

quote:

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

Ground combat at 72,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3408 troops, 4 guns, 512 vehicles, Assault Value = 700

Defending force 40586 troops, 206 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1061

Japanese adjusted assault: 170

Allied adjusted defense: 211

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 49 (4 destroyed, 45 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
690 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
56th Recon Regiment
55th Infantry Brigade
23rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
104th/B Division

Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
31st Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps
14th Construction Regiment
2nd Construction Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

Ground combat at 79,41 (near Kienko)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26469 troops, 226 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 637

Defending force 29273 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 727

Japanese adjusted assault: 351

Allied adjusted defense: 301

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2049 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 163 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled

Allied ground losses:
739 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Assaulting units:
32nd/B Division
60th Infantry Brigade
3rd Mobile Infantry Regiment
12th RGC Temp. Division
64th Infantry Brigade
31st Infantry Regiment
34th/C Division
3rd Mobile Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
59th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
33rd Group Army

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

The Imperials are attempting to crush our forces on the road to Kunming.

We're pushing supplies into Burma somewhat faster and getting lots of squad upgrades. The Indian infantry squads will lag behind simply due to production levels and the numbers demanded.

KB is spotted at Truk in full force, with 108 fighters, 295 bombers, and 27 auxiliary types. So, Ponape should be fun. The convoys will catch up to the warships tomorrow and then they will all move out. CVE Breton arrived at Tacoma today, too far away to join the action. Three other CVE are leaving Pearl Harbor tonight, but will also miss Ponape.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1067

1943 June 06 - 6/18/2013 1:08:09 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 06

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

We lost an LSI(L) to a sub on the way back from Akyab. It might have been a suicide attack for the sub but only time will clear the FOW.

The Ponape invasion forces are on the move, leaving the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands. KB has not moved.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1068

RE: 1943 May 30 - 6/18/2013 2:17:55 AM

Chickenboy

Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs
AAR posts a bit abbreviated as we're getting ready to move. Questions will still gladly be answered.

Very well. Was your move a local one or did you cross state lines, my Argletonian colleague?

_____________________________

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Post #: 1069

RE: 1943 May 30 - 6/18/2013 2:34:13 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Local. Less than 25 miles driving and even less as the raven flies.

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Post #: 1070

1943 June 07 - 6/18/2013 10:19:17 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 07

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Less action in China, but the Empire is still moving and grinding away.

The KB is not seen, but might have disbanded at Truk. It would be even nicer is they grew bored and moved elsewhere. The Ponape invasion forces plod along.

Here is a look at Burma.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1071

1943 June 08 - 6/20/2013 3:02:03 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 08

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Normanby Island

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The Empire delivered a severe beating to the Chinese forces retreated to the mountains north of Kienko. They also (finally) destroyed a unit left to block their supply near Tuyun.

quote:

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

Ground combat at 72,50 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 10680 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 327

Defending force 1997 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Japanese adjusted assault: 560

Allied adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 140 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Allied ground losses:
2735 casualties reported
Squads: 112 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 120 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
66th Infantry Regiment
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
Kanno

Defending units:
79th Chinese/A Corps

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

Ground combat at 79,39 (near Kienko)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15967 troops, 120 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 14355 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 81

Japanese adjusted assault: 198

Allied adjusted defense: 61

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3906 casualties reported
Squads: 166 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 307 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 17

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
32nd/C Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
102nd Infantry Regiment
15th RGC Temp. Division
36th/A Division

Defending units:
98th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
Red Chinese Army
34th Chinese Corps
8th Group Army
36th Chinese Corps
1st War Area
24th Group Army
3rd Group Army
31st Group Army
36th Group Army
34th Group Army
47th Chinese Corps
37th Group Army

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

Ground combat at 79,37 (near Kungchang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12756 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 340

Defending force 11661 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 120

Japanese adjusted assault: 311

Allied adjusted defense: 109

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
169 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2963 casualties reported
Squads: 151 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 136 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 5

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
66th Infantry Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
9th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
38th Group Army
19th Chinese Base Force

The IJN has sent some warships back to Kavieng, as seen by a sub they encountered. It looks like a CL and DD force, 7 ships spotted from the air. Tomorrow the Ponape invasion fleet will be about 7 hexes SSW Kusaie Island and very liable to being spotted. KB's whereabouts are unknown but spotting reports 2 x BB in port at Truk.

Off the coast of Darwin is something more interesting. They are also in bombardment range of Gove.

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Post #: 1072

1943 June 09 - 6/20/2013 4:37:49 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 09

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The big news today was a counter attack in Burma that looked to be shaping up yesterday.

quote:

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

Ground combat at 54,49 (near Prome)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24232 troops, 162 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 777

Defending force 3738 troops, 18 guns, 94 vehicles, Assault Value = 201

Japanese adjusted assault: 666

Allied adjusted defense: 334

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
370 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
449 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 41 (4 destroyed, 37 disabled)

Assaulting units:
63rd Inf Group Brigade
29th Division

Defending units:
3rd Cavalry Regiment
77th LRP Brigade

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

Our guys held, but will need help to hold longer, so air support will commence. This is the point of intended attack for the large mass of additional Allied forces streaming into Burma, so I want to hold that position until I can break it open.

KB is spotted at Truk, as seen in the screen pic below. The Ponape invasion forces will about pull even with Kusaie Island tomorrow and most likely will be spotted. I've ordered large 4EB raids on Kavieng and Manus. Many planes are at extended range, so we'll see how costly that turns out to be.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1073

1943 June 10 - 6/20/2013 7:50:35 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 10

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Vella Lavella

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Shropshire and Warramunga both went down to enemy subs, but our boys are claiming Junyo.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gorong at 79,113

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Torpedo hits 1
CA Suzuya
CL Jintsu
CL Oyodo
CS Chiyoda
DD Makinami
DD Susuzuki
DD Natsushio
DD Hatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Sealion

SS Sealion launches 4 torpedoes at CV Junyo
DD Natsushio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

The Empire followed up on it's counter attack and all available USA 4EB flying at 5,000 ft (and inflicting good damage) could not stop them.

quote:

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

Ground combat at 54,49 (near Prome)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 23750 troops, 162 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 736

Defending force 3275 troops, 18 guns, 90 vehicles, Assault Value = 123

Japanese adjusted assault: 794

Allied adjusted defense: 331

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), fatigue(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
489 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1083 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 41 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 46 (24 destroyed, 22 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
63rd Inf Group Brigade
29th Division

Defending units:
3rd Cavalry Regiment
77th LRP Brigade

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

Our own next attack NW Toungoo goes in tomorrow.

Here is a pic of the large KB's position. There are two TFs sighted, and while the second is said to have one CV it also has BBs and might actually be a surface combat group. They are 8 hexes from Ponape, and (as far as I know) have spotted only our battleships on this day, but they are in company of the carriers. Our warships and theirs are 10 hexes apart. The IJN carriers might be there to oppose our next invasion, or they might be just patrolling or even escorting two convoys spotted 3 hexes north of Manus.

Edit to add: The troops are pulling back while the battle elements move ESE to try and engage the enemy carriers.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by witpqs -- 6/20/2013 7:52:38 PM >

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Post #: 1074

RE: 1943 June 10 - 6/20/2013 7:53:18 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Wow, tense few turns coming up I think...

I�ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!

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Post #: 1075

RE: 1943 June 10 - 6/20/2013 8:15:22 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

Lots of action lately. I like it. Tuning in for the next few days for sure.

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Post #: 1076

RE: 1943 June 10 - 6/20/2013 8:43:09 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

I was torn between two different approaches to this turn. First, I figured that KB went back to Truk to replenish planes. So, if they were just on their way back to Kavieng (especially after the air raid that took advantage of their absence), then I could move to Ponape and invade the following turn.

The trouble with that approach is that they saw the battleships and therefor know that major fleet elements were around. Second, with the transports 6 hexes from Ponape that's why I said 'move to' and invade the following turn. Once clear that transports were at Ponape the KB could be 14 to 16 hexes closer than wherever they settled in at near Kavieng, plenty close enough to cause trouble.

So I chose discretion, sending the troops to the rear while the navy slugs it out to clear the way. Long Island just finished refit and is on the way from Sydney. The other CVE already in theater and Wasp are all at Sydney with almost two weeks to go. Three other CVE are approaching the Gilberts and will be available fairly soon, although their pilots are less well trained. Other surface forces are moving toward the action area to be available for any sustained fight.

The fast battleships will be 11 hexes from Truk, with the carriers and a heavy cruiser force one hex behind them. How far they all will be from the IJN carriers and battleships...

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Post #: 1077

1943 June 11 - 6/25/2013 5:00:57 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Bonus Pre-Post Pic!

Here is the carrier situation. The USN carriers and accompanying warships are apparently NOT spotted at all! The KB is in the selected hex near Kavieng. I am thinking about launching the 4EB at Kavieng again as a distraction and attacking with the carrier fleet. Kavieng is illustrated in the mouse-over, and is the only significant base within range. What do you think?

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Post #: 1078

1943 June 11 - 6/25/2013 6:02:50 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 11

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

A reversal in Burma. First, the attack went badly and the 23rd Indian Division is trashed and will pull back to Magwe to rebuild. DAW brought in another division, which I did notice, but I didn't realize the difference it would make. The smaller, non-consequential issue, is to the east where an IJA regiment expelled (after heavy air attacks today) a Bn that was guarding the other road to Toungoo. That regiment is seen withdrawing already.

quote:

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

Ground combat at 56,49 (near Toungoo)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 68099 troops, 887 guns, 1571 vehicles, Assault Value = 2292

Defending force 52043 troops, 449 guns, 23 vehicles, Assault Value = 1504

Allied adjusted assault: 947

Japanese adjusted defense: 3215

Allied assault odds: 1 to 3

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1637 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 191 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 36 (1 destroyed, 35 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
5342 casualties reported
Squads: 310 destroyed, 273 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 68 disabled
Engineers: 41 destroyed, 93 disabled
Guns lost 135 (25 destroyed, 110 disabled)
Vehicles lost 181 (19 destroyed, 162 disabled)

Assaulting units:
23rd Indian Division
50th Tank Brigade
6th Australian Division
14th Indian Division
255th Armoured Brigade
17th Indian Division
254th Armoured Brigade
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
Gardner's Horse Regiment
9th Australian Division
2/11th Field Regiment
77th Heavy AA Regiment
21st Light AA Regiment
2/1st Med Regiment
XXXIII Indian Corps
14th Army
2/9th Field Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
9th Division
56th Infantry Regiment
3rd Division
16th Garrison Unit
114th Infantry Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
18th Garrison Unit
1st RF Gun Battalion
55th Mountain Gun Regiment

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

Ground combat at 58,48 (near Meiktila)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4155 troops, 32 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 135

Defending force 552 troops, 4 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 14

Japanese adjusted assault: 65

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 65 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), disruption(-), supply(-)
Attacker: leaders(+), leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
216 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
38th/B Division

Defending units:
2/2 AIF Pioneer Battalion

There are also two units of >20,000 troops heading toward Lashio and presumably points beyond.

The even bigger surprise is the total lack of action involving our carriers - none of the battle fleet is even known to be sighted right now! The troops will continue hanging back while the warships do their thing.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1079

1943 June 12 - 6/26/2013 1:51:24 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1943 June 12

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

CA Exeter was sunk by an IJN sub off Akyab, and IJN surface forces in the area have moved forward.

99% of the action was near Kavieng and Rabaul, as aircraft on both sides pounded ships on the other. The Intel Monkeys have tallied no sunk ships in the battle so far (on either side) according to in-game reports, but the fate of several merchants and at least one IJN carrier seems bleak. Tracker counts as sunk CS Chitose, BB Hyuga, DD Naganami and an xAK. I figure that Chitose is mistaken for Hiryu.

Our Corsairs swept Rabaul and claim 7 Zeros from Akagi and Kaga (plus some Tojos), thus helping to attrite that fleet's protection. Many B-24s made successful bombing runs on Kavieng, destroying numerous planes on the ground and dealing the base itself a harsh blow, but most arrived after the earliest carrier battles. IJN air scored first, but it would be their only successful strike for the day.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 108,119

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 44
B5N2 Kate x 64
B6N1 Jill x 26
D4Y1 Judy x 115

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
F6F-3 Hellcat x 75

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 11 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 27 destroyed, 13 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
B6N1 Jill: 6 destroyed, 4 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 24 destroyed, 19 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 7 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1
CV Saratoga
CV Essex, Torpedo hits 2
CV Hornet
CL Phoenix
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1
CL Denver, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Nashville

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 15 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 79,38 , near Tienshui

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 5

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Essex is not conducting flight operations, but is the only Allied carrier out of commission.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 105,123

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 65

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
F6F-3 Hellcat x 68
SBD-3 Dauntless x 77
TBF-1 Avenger x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 5, on fire
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 2
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Musashi
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Soryu
CA Takao
DD Kazegumo
DD Tamanami

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

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Kaga

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,124

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 25
TBF-1 Avenger x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima

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

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 2
BB Ise, Bomb hits 3
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Naganami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 22
SBD-3 Dauntless x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Nitti Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Nitiran Maru
xAK Yodogawa Maru, Bomb hits 2
xAK Yokohama Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yamagiri Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Okiyu Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Nozima Maru, Bomb hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 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 13000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 91 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Nitti Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 107,122

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 25
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Teruzuki

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 108,119

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 15

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
F6F-3 Hellcat x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 83 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 106 minutes
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 94 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 108,119

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
F6F-3 Hellcat x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 108,119

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
F6F-3 Hellcat x 45

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 108,119

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 19
D4Y1 Judy x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 58

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 14 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Bancroft
CV Saratoga

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 105,123

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 44

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 85
SBD-3 Dauntless x 66
TBF-1 Avenger x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Musashi
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Soryu
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 6, on fire
CS Chitose, Torpedo hits 1
CA Myoko
DD Wakaba

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
16 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 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 13000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
TBF-1 Avenger x 15

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Kongo
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,124

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 22
SBD-3 Dauntless x 21

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio
BB Kirishima

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 107,122

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
TBF-1 Avenger x 13

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Teruzuki
DD Maikaze
DD Isokaze

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 24
TBF-1 Avenger x 15

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Nitiran Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki
xAK Yamazuki Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Nozima Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Naganami, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
13 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Nozima Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Yamazuki Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Nitiran Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 5

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Yokohama Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

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

As you can see the USN strike planning could have been a good deal better, using torpedoes on, oh - I don't know, carriers instead of merchant ships! USMC Avengers from Shortlands got into the act, putting 2x torpedoes into BB Hyuga. The air losses, shown below, make it look as if the KB has been nearly stripped of attack planes.

Essex can only make 18 knots, so the fleet will withdraw 4 hexes to the east. The battleships will remain close to the carriers, the heavy cruisers 1 hex west and a newly arrived TF of 5x Fletchers 1 hex SW. A 2x CA + 2x DD TF moving up from the Solomons will also try to disrupt any surface pursuit. If Essex can recover temporary flooding and engine damage she can even resume flight operations.

The Ponape invasion forces are again moving forward, and will be joined in about a day and a half by the 3x CVE that just made it in from Pearl. their pilots lack experience, but they are on the right side!