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John 3rd -> RE: Rising Sun, Falling Skies: BTSL Bigred vs John 3rd (3/14/2021 8:20:11 PM)
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August 29, 1942
Koumac, New Caledonia
Over 100 ships crowd this small harbor as two ID, 2 Eng Reg, a Base Force, and another small unit feverishly unloads. Overhead fly anywhere from 15-25 Zeros on LR CAP from the Japanese CVs.
On the previous turn, BUNCHES of radio traffic (just out of search range) twitch the Japanese commanders on the spot. The Japanese Battleships, Cruisers, and high value units pull back northwards just in case. The Carriers do as well. Thank goodness. The precautions are well done and prove to be the right choice!
At 0715, a search plane discovers Allied CVs and support shops SW of Koumac. Thank the Gods, all high value targets are out of range of what is undoubtedly coming.
Nearly an hour later the call of 'Many Planes Heading Koumac' comes thru the airwaves. Almost to the last minute supplies and troops are off loaded.
Twenty Zeros intercept the massed Allied strike. They are trying to fight their way thru 52 Wildkittens, 102 SBDs, 12 Albacore, and 44 Avengers. All things being equal the Zeros don't do poorly but they cannot pierce the CAP.
The slaughter begins. As the bombers form-up, the remaining Zeros manage to nail a few of them.
Six hours later, a second strike (54 F4F, 97 SBD, 11 Alb, and 44 Av) comes in and fights thru 17 Zero.
More carnage.
The total at the end of the day sees 2 APD, 25 AKs (smaller 12-Knot types), 5 AP, and a PC sunk. NONE of the escorts are, thankfully, hit.
Troops lost are 1,180 and 5 Vehicles total. The troops are all ashore and plenty of supply sits there also.
Such a relief to KNOW where the enemy CVs are. Haven't seen a single one since the battle off Christmas Isle in February.
Time to PLAY BABY!
[image]local://upfiles/18041/856415C49767450EA439284D072457CA.jpg[/image]
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