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Poindexter -> (5/30/2003 10:32:22 PM)
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I agree. As I said, I'm only planning to do the highlights of my actions to show my thinking process, my decision making (and it hasn't always been smart), and combat results. I am basing almost everything on the combat reports but am redoing them in a more readable format. It may still be dry in some areas but I wouldn't call it "clinical". I have left a few things out to keep it shorter and more manageable.
Here's an example:
16 May
Clear
The 36th fighter squadron (P-39) has had enough. With their morale critically low, they are transferred to Townsville to rest and recuperate. No. 76 Squadron (RAAF) has been transferred into Moresby with their 18 P-40s. After a days rest to recover from the long flight, they will be put into the air tomorrow. Hopefully some fresh pilots and aircraft will help the struggle in the Port Moresby skies.
In perfect transport busting weather, 7 SBDs along with 7 Wildcat escorts attack the remnants of the Gili Gili supply task force. One SBD is damaged but in return one bomb hit is recorded on the minesweeper M21 leaving it heavily damaged and on fire and one bomb hit is scored on the transport Shinkoku Maru leaving it on fire as well.
The U.S Navy returns again to the transport force this time with bomb-carrying Devastators in tow. The strike force is composed of 13 Devastators, 20 SBDs and 12 Wildcats. Five bomb hits are scored on one transport (Meiten Maru), three on another. The minesweeper is observed still smoldering after its earlier pounding. A fourth transport is left undamaged.
The lopsided battle continues. Twelve SBDs arrive on the scene and plant two more bomb hits on the Meiten Maru along with two more hits on the minesweeper.
One final attack is made as 13 Devastators (this time with torpedoes), 13 SBDs and 18 Wildcats rain destruction down on the remaining Japanese transports. A Devastator manages to ram a torpedo into the side of one transport (Yamakuni Maru) while another transport (Unkai Maru #3) is shaken by two 1,000 pound bomb hits. Both ships are left on fire. Two other transports are spotted but not attacked. Reports from the flight crews are that they were seen heavily damaged.
By the end of the day minesweeper M21 and transport Yamakuni Maru are sunk.
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