|
wmtiz -> (6/18/2002 4:44:46 AM)
|
I have seen similar results. Two separate CV forces, one based on the Yorktown, the onther on the Lexington. The Yorktown force was set up follow the slower Lexington group. The two groups were also escorting an amphib force and a small CA/DD force to Gili Gili to retake the base. They all arrived together in the same hex at Gili Gili. I planned to use the combined CAP from the two carriers to cover the landing from LBA strikes from Rabaul. The Japanese carriers had already been driven from the Solomons and were licking their wounds at Truk, minus the Shoho which sunk on the way, so the only significant threat was the LBA.
Sure enough, multiple strikes were launched from Rabaul. The first were chewed up by the 50+ Wildcats on CAP. But the last raid, made by only 4 G4M1 Bettys with no fighter escort, not only got through the CAP undamaged, they also got through the flak undamaged and manage to score one torpedo hit each on the Yorktown and Lexington. Ouch!!
In an attempt to convince myself this was just a bit of bad luck for me and brilliant success for the LBA, I brought up a save that was taken just before concluding the orders phase of that day's turn and re-ran the combat. Unfortunately, the results were so close to the first time, it appeared there was some sort of "seed" set to the otherwise randomness of the battle outcomes. I replayed it again, this time changing the day or arrival by a day and let the battle take place again and this time the Wildcats knocked the Bettys out of the sky.
I am going to just tip my hat to the Betty pilots and continue the game from its original battle ending and go from there. Those pilots certainly deserve to be decorated for their feat.
It's good to see incredible successes go both ways whether from the execution of a well-planned mission or sheer luck.
|
|
|
|
