Operation Northern Thunder. Was:2 years and counting

[buckaroo13]

7/11/44

Christmas Island IO

Air attacks at Christmas Island continue today.
It's a costly attack that doesn't do much. I've got a couple of fresh squadrons I'm rotating in from Broome so I can sustain this level of attack.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Id Tony x 15



Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 38
P-51B Mustang x 18


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Id Tony: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 42,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 23



Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 37
P-51B Mustang x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 3



Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 35
P-51B Mustang x 12


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 50 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 15



Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 33
P-51B Mustang x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

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

Almost 40 Japanese planes are shot down today. Christmas Island has cost Gebede almost 200 fighters so far.

Solomons/New Guinea

I take a blow today...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rennell Island at 114,140

Japanese Ships
SS I-171, hits 5

Allied Ships
ARD AFDB-4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
ACM Barricade
DE Duffy


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

My fleet repair dock is torpedoed. I lose the ARD but pound the sub responsible.


From Horn Island some attack planes find a Convoy in port at Dagua (east side of New Guinea) and deal with it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dagua at 95,119

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 7
TBF-1 Avenger x 20


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Ikushima Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
xAK Seian Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Kozan Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Hiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dagua at 95,119

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 14
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 7


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Hiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kozan Maru, and is sunk


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

I think AKs mean he's trying to resupply versus moving troops around.


Lautem/Timor

interesting development here. Gebede has marched several units overland from Dili to Lautem.

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

Ground combat at Lautem (72,115)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5384 troops, 128 guns, 92 vehicles, Assault Value = 887

Defending force 14094 troops, 146 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 493

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)


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


Assaulting units:
25th Marine Regiment
27th Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
33rd Infantry Div /2
166 Wing
167 Wing

Defending units:
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
4th Division
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My bombers from Darwin with start an bombing campaign on these guys.

[buckaroo13]

7/11/44-7/13/44

Storms sock in most of the pacific for a couple of day and flights are minimal.
Gebede seems to have given up on Christmas Island for now.


Lautem/Timor

The More troops arrive in Lautem, The Japanese now have about an equal number of AV in the Lautem hex, though my troops are sitting behind 4 levels of forts.

I send my latest Surface task force to Lautem to save of the almost nightly naval bombardments.
Led by the new Richelieu it's a powerful task force. I will have heavy CAP over this fleet from Lautem as well as from Darwin.

on the 13th my plan "works" and a large surface battle occurs.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jul 13, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 4,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Seagull V: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
CA Takao, Shell hits 2
DD Tamanami
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Hayanami, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Okinami
DD Hamanami

Allied Ships
BB Richelieu, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Australia, Shell hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA London, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
CA Suffolk
CA Cumberland, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Kidd
DD Barton
DD Decoy
DD Relentless
DD Rocket


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, on fire
DD Hamanami

Allied Ships
PT-103, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-106
PT-108
PT-111, Shell hits 2, on fire
PT-112
PT-114
PT-129
PT-132
PT-134
PT-135, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-136, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT-228, Shell hits 18, and is sunk


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

The battle does NOT go my way. I lose two heavy cruisers and have the Richeliue shot up.
I sink 1 Destroyer and add some significant damage to the Haruna in exchange.
Not a good exchange rate.

on the plus side I've gathered all my Carriers at Munda for a strike on Truk. We put departing off for an extra day in order to get some more subs in position to catch any stragglers

[buckaroo13]

7/14/44

Lautem/Timor

Well things seem to be heating up.
Yesterday my surface task force took a beating, I lost two heavy cruisers in a lop-sided naval engagement.
Today Gebede sends in a Cruiser squadron.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1
DD Asashimo, Shell hits 1
DD Kiyoshimo, Shell hits 2
DD Hayashimo
DD Akishimo, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
CA Suffolk, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Kidd, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Barton, Shell hits 1
DD Decoy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Torpedo hits 1
CA Haguro
DD Asashimo
DD Kiyoshimo
DD Hayashimo

Allied Ships
PT-106
PT-108
PT-111
PT-112
PT-114
PT-129
PT-132
PT-134, Shell hits 1


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

The Suffolk fights a one sided battle and is sunk. Three heavy cruisers lost over two days is a major catastrophe!
One the plus side we do put a torpedo into one of the Japanese Cruisers. Another enemy Cruiser takes a topedo as well, courtesy of my PT boats.

unfortunately that does little to deter them and they plow into my cargo ships then shoot up my base.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
DD Asashimo
DD Kiyoshimo
DD Hayashimo

Allied Ships
xAKL Nebraskan, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
xAKL Hamakua, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAKL Kahuku, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
xAKL Canopus, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAKL Corrimal, Shell hits 40, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lautem at 72,115

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 damaged
Spitfire VIII: 1 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
DD Hayashimo
DD Kiyoshimo
DD Asashimo

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7

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

Someone's head is going to roll over this operation, that's for sure!

With sun up the Allies pick up the pieces.
My bombers make their runs on the troops that have just marched to Lautem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 4th Division, at 72,115 (Lautem)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 17
N1K2-J George x 16



Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 66
P-38J Lightning x 12
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 21
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 5


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Tank Division, at 72,115 (Lautem)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 11
N1K2-J George x 14



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-38J Lightning x 17
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 12
F6F-3 Hellcat x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 6 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

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

My bombing run doesn't report good results, 66 bombers, 30 reported casualties.
We do better in the air, downing over 20 fighters that are LRCAPing over Lautem, I assume.


What do do?

I've got about a dozen CVEs and a couple of Brit flattops operating south of Lautem providing air cover, but my surface groups are just about shot.

Japanese Forces are only getting bigger at Lautem so I need to stabalize the situation ASAP.
I've got two incoming amphibous task forces entering the theatre that will be tasked with the invasions of Ponape and Kusaie Island, both Southeast of Truk.

I am re-tasking the Kusaie Island Amphibious force to move to Lautem with all haste. Escorting them will be a large surface task force with my two Iowa Class Battleships and 20 CVEs.

The CVE force is currently providing LRCAP for my Striking Carriers but that attack should be wrapped up and still have time to meet the Amphibious Task force for the passing around Horn Island. I'm still looking at about 10-14 days before I can re-enforce Lautem significantly.

[DOCUP]

I know how you feel about those CAs.  How are your fighter pools?  What warships do you have left?

[buckaroo13]

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

I know how you feel about those CAs.  How are your fighter pools?  What warships do you have left?

Pool are okay I think. I'm probably doing better on airframes then pilots.

I am worried about the P-47 pools, I'm good for now but they are a workhorse for me and I've already stopped getting replacements for them. I've got to stretch those planes a long way.



Ship wise I think I am actually doing okay. After the massive carrier battle that I lost, it turned out that most of my carriers had light damage. Only a couple required drydock and all of them are back. Sadly only the Big E was lost. So that's 9 Fleet Carriers active.

My most critical losses have been battleships.

Most of them have been lost in foolish actions, or in the case of the three I lost in Nov of '42 by a brilliant behind my lines mid ocean intercept by the KB.



All told I have about 5 battleships in active service and 5 more in various repair docks.

As far as Cruisers go, I guess I'm better then I thought. Here are Heavy Cruiser losses to date.


I've lost almost as many British Heavy Cruisers then I have American for a grand total of about 16. Again, like the battleships I have a bunch of them waiting in line for repairs as well.

The next day or two should be interesting. Seems like Gebede is making a push at Lautem and my Strike at Truk will hit soon!

[DOCUP]

You have more CVs than I do but I got more BBs.  You got plenty of cannon fodder.  You might need to downgrade some of your squadrons and use them for escort and low CAP.  Whats you pilot situation like?
 
Good luck with Truk.

[buckaroo13]

7/15/44

Lautem/Timor

It's a suprisingly quiet turn. Weather socks in most flights today but a Japanese fast destroyer group hits the Lautem airfields, they blow through my PT Boats like they aren't even there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Shigure
DD Murasame
DD Yudachi
DD Suzukaze
DD Hatsuharu
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsushima
DD Yugure, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
PT-232, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT-234, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-239, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-255
PT-259, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
PT-261, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-362, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-363, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
PT-364, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT-366, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-367, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-378, Shell hits 9, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lautem at 72,115

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 18 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 damaged
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure
DD Hatsushima
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsuharu
DD Suzukaze
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
DD Shigure
DD Shiratsuyu


Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The naval bombardment doesn't destroy more than a couple of planes, and with no follow up bombers the fields and fighters are quickly repaired.

I do get a bombing run on the Japanese 4th Division in Lautem. Doing 66! casualties. Seems low for 36 liberators but the weather is bad.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 4th Division, at 72,115 (Lautem)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 36
P-38J Lightning x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 13
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


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


Tomorrow should be busy. Recon shows another task force heading for Lautem and my attack on Truk commences tomorrow.

[buckaroo13]

7/16/44

**** Air Raid Truk! ****

Today the Allies launch the first major offensive raid in the war.
Truk stronghold has over 300 fighters and a 100 ships in port.
Recon hasn't shown any large surface combatants in port so I send in a bombardment Task Force of heavy Cruisers to hopefully soften up the airfield and catch them off guard.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Truk at 112,108, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
AO Nippon Maru, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Northampton
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
DD Anthony
DD Boyd
DD Daly
DD Fullam
DD Laws
DD Picking

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

A good start, I hit a small replenishment task force on the way in. Anytime I sink an AO I consider it a success!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Truk at 112,108, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Nanpo Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PB Shosei Maru, Shell hits 29, and is sunk
PB Shotoku Maru, Shell hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Northampton
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
DD Anthony
DD Boyd
DD Daly
DD Fullam
DD Laws
DD Picking
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We then roadbump over some Patrol Boats

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Truk at 112,108, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E W-24, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
E W-27, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Northampton
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
DD Anthony
DD Boyd
DD Daly
DD Fullam
DD Laws
DD Picking

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

And then some Escorts...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Truk at 112,108 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 5 damaged
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 47 damaged
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-II Topsy: 2 damaged
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-21-IIb Sally: 5 damaged
Ki-21-IIb Sally: 1 destroyed on ground
H8K2-L Emily: 5 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 15 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

189 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis
CA Astoria
CA Northampton, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Indianapolis

Japanese ground losses:
144 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WE finally bombard and do some light damage. The Northampton is smacked around in return.

Not a bad run, we sank a few ships and destroyed a few fighters on the ground.

With sun up we the first air raid goes in. 8 fleet carriers and 4CVLs manage to put up a rather patry assault.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Truk , at 112,108

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 21
F6F-3 Hellcat x 195
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 86


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 16 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Cheribon Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Mansei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS I-39, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
ACM Nikki Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Toyooka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AV Kimikawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS I-37, Bomb hits 1
xAK Tensyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Rokkosan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

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



Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A rather dismal attack, but on the bright side it looks like Gebede's fighters are all stood down. No CAP over Truk.

We also get another attack off

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Truk at 112,108

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 40
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 29
TBF-1 Avenger x 32


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Bomb hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
AKE Cuba Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Yura, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
AKE Lima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AKE England Maru
AKE Chinkai Maru
AKE Mayasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


This would be the last attack my carriers launch today. With no CAP over Truk I feel like I've lost a golden opportunity.

With over 280 dive bombers and 150 Torpedo planes having less then half of them even take of may cost me.

On the plus side the attack was still a success.
The fact that there was no CAP over Truk tells me this was a surprise and that probably means I can stick around another day or two.


Lautem/Timor

Surprisingly busy here today.

Another bombardment task force arrives today and annihilates more PT Boats. My PT boats crews must hate me, the ones still alive that is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CL Oyodo
CL Tenryu
DD Susuzuki
DD Niizuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Fuyuzuki
DD Haruzuki

Allied Ships
PT-106, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
PT-108, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PT-112, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
PT-114, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-129, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-132, Shell hits 2, and is sunk


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

Then Surprisingly it turns out he's landing troops at Lautem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Lautem (72,115)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

669 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Takanami
DD Shimakaze
DD Yoizuki
DD Arashi

Japanese ground losses:
679 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Lautem (72,115)

TF 74 troops unloading over beach at Lautem, 72,115

Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Lautem (72,115)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Arashi
DD Nowaki
DD Yukikaze
DD Oyashio
DD Yoizuki


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

It doesn't look like a large force but it can only be a herald of something bad.



A bombardment attack at Lautem gives me an idea of what I'm facing

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

Ground combat at Lautem (72,115)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18586 troops, 435 guns, 276 vehicles, Assault Value = 916

Defending force 20386 troops, 283 guns, 517 vehicles, Assault Value = 881

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


Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
25th Marine Regiment
27th Infantry Division
33rd Infantry Div /2
166 Wing
167 Wing

Defending units:
3rd Tank Division
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
4th Division
16th Naval Guard Unit
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AV is about equal but I've got level 4 forts, unless he sends massive reinforcements I should be able to hold until my repurposed amphibious fleet arrives with 2 more divisions.

The plan for tomorrow is to stick around Truk and hit them again. Hopefully more bombers will get aloft because I'm certain that Gebede will have every fighter remaining on CAP.

[buckaroo13]

7/17/44

Air Raid Truk - Day two


No Air Raid this morning but I do get an afternoon attack in that is significantly larger than yesterday's launch...



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Truk , at 112,108

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 50
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 130



Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 21
F6F-3 Hellcat x 218
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 112
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 58
TBF-1 Avenger x 90
TBM-1C Avenger x 24


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-21-IIb Sally: 2 destroyed on ground
H8K2-L Emily: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 29 destroyed, 13 damaged
SB2C-3 Helldiver: 12 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 18 destroyed, 10 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 6 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Cheribon Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Tsuneshima Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
PB Sento Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS I-55, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
SS I-12, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
SS I-1, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
xAKL Toyotsu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS I-34, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
xAK Rokkosan Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Takunan Maru #10, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
PB Takunan Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
PB Kure Maru #5, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
ACM Bisaku Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Mansei Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
ACM Uchide Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Hagoromo Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SS I-174, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
ACM Nikki Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
ACM Ryusei Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Kumakawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Tama Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Noshiro Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Kaito Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Katsura Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Kanaiyama Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
ARD Dublon ARD, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
PB Shonon Maru #15, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Tenposan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

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



Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 12
Port hits 12
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

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

The CAP that wasn't flying yesterday is in the air and looking for revenge.
He has 180 fighters up and I have over 230 escorts.

My bombers are still brutalized. I lost almost 100 Helldivers and Avengers but the remainder of the attack goes in.

reported sunk are...
4 Subs
5 AKLs
1 xAK
1 ACM

And about 10 other ships reported as Heavily Damaged.

combined with yesterday's attack that's almost 20 ships sunk, not many warships but then I didn't expect that many.



Lautem/Timor

Is a little quiet. I've got bombers pounding in the troops at Lautem, but have reports of minimal losses.
A Japanese Carrier fleet launches a small attack on my Destroyers on patrol near Lautem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 72,115

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 96 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 15
B6N2 Jill x 18



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 4
P-38J Lightning x 9
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 28
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 12
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 5 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

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

CAP at Lautem totally decimates the attack.



I'm not sure what to make of the heavy losses my bombers took at Truk.
I was better then 1 to 1 on Escorts versus CAP and I still lost a significant part of my attack force.
What ratio should I be shooting for? 2:1, 3:1?

Would a Sweep be recommended rather than such heavy Escort?

Regardless, I'd press my luck by sticking around and I'm sure that the KB is on it's way. With a the losses in Helldivers and Avengers I would not be in a good position version the KB. Tomorrow we set course for Munda, then Noumea.

[buckaroo13]

7/18/44

Truk Raid

Most of the fleet has disengaged to Munda area, an unlucky CVE stumbles on some bad times.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Ponape at 113,117

Japanese Ships
SS I-19

Allied Ships
CVE Kitkun Bay, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



CVE Kitkun Bay is sighted by SS I-19
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Kitkun Bay
SS I-19 launches 6 torpedoes

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

And to think these were the guys dedicated to Anti Sub ops, too!

Lautem/Timor

Another bombardment on my end to see what I'm facing.
He's got a lot of troops but not the numbers needed for an assault.

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

Ground combat at Lautem (72,115)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18665 troops, 439 guns, 278 vehicles, Assault Value = 919

Defending force 20472 troops, 283 guns, 516 vehicles, Assault Value = 888


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


Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
25th Marine Regiment
27th Infantry Division
33rd Infantry Div /2
166 Wing
167 Wing

Defending units:
4th Division
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
3rd Tank Division
16th Naval Guard Unit
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Overall I'm in a good spot.

I've got a couple of divisions still on route to Lautem and should be there soon.

I've got the Ponape Invasion force unloading at Noumea so that they can get sorted out and loaded into assault ships.

[buckaroo13]

7/19/44

Lautem/Timor

Another big naval action occurs when I add the damaged Richelieu to a task force with hopes of moving it to Darwin.
Instead we run into a nasty Cruiser Squadron on it's way in to bombard Lautem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 13, on fire
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
DD Tamanami, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Onami, Shell hits 1
DD Fujinami
DD Okinami
DD Asashimo, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Kiyoshimo, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hayashimo, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
BB Richelieu, Shell hits 37, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA London, Shell hits 3
CL Emerald, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Kenya, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Newfoundland, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Detroit
CL Mobile, Shell hits 1
DD Isherwood, Shell hits 2
DD Sigsbee, Shell hits 1
DD Satterlee
DD Clark
DD Thanet
DD Decoy, Shell hits 2
DD Relentless
DD Rocket, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Rotherham
DD Kilty, Shell hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seems like everyone decides to shoot the Richelieu and does fatal damage to it.
My Battleship streak is going strong.

In return I damage a cruiser and a couple of destroyers.

When the sun rises my planes do catch some of the retreating Japanese.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,114

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 54 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 18
TBF-1 Avenger x 25


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Asashimo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Takao, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kiyoshimo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,114

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes


Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 2
TBM-1C Avenger x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kiyoshimo, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,114

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
TBM-1C Avenger x 6


No Allied losses



Japanese Ships
DD Tamanami, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Asashimo, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,114

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 8


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

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

My air turns a major catastrophe into just a loss as the planes finish the job the Richelieu started and sinks 3 destroyers and a Cruiser.

[buckaroo13]

7/20/44

Lautem/Timor

Another surface raid on Lautem. This time the surface engagement goes better with 2 Japanese Destroyers sunk outright. My DDs are shot up but none of them seriously.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Shigure, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Murasame, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
DD Yudachi
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DD Nenohi, Shell hits 1
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
CL Kenya, Shell hits 1
CL Newfoundland, Shell hits 2
CL Detroit, Shell hits 3
CL Mobile, Shell hits 1
DD Isherwood, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Sigsbee, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Satterlee, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Clark, Shell hits 2
DD Decoy, Shell hits 2
DD Relentless, Shell hits 2
DD Rocket

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

I've got incoming troops heading to Lautem but they are still a ways away.

[buckaroo13]

7/21/44

Subs: No ships hit, our escorts to damage two subs, 3 hits apiece, near Lautem.


Lautem/Timor

The Japanese are back and take out my PT boats. It stinks to a PT boat commander in my Navy!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CL Oyodo
CL Tenryu
DD Susuzuki
DD Niizuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Fuyuzuki
DD Haruzuki

Allied Ships
PT-379, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT-470, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
PT-471, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-472, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-473, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-474, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-475
PT-476, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT-477
PT-478, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-479, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-480, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

didn't even look like my PT Boats tried to fight back.

Gebede takes a stab at my CVE group lurking south of Lautem by sending in a flotilla of destroyers, they miss my CVEs by two hexes but evade the paltry Avengers that attack them, scoring no hits.

[buckaroo13]

Okay guys, I need your help.

I can't seem to get my carriers to launch an effective attack to save their lives, literally.

It's been a month or so since I've posted last.
In that time we've hit '45 and I'm conducting my first landings in the Philippines.

I supported the landing with a 20 CVE task force and my fleet Carriers.

My fleet carriers are giving me fits, all game it seems that they never get a coordinated attack off. If attack at all. I've been operating them in smaller task forces typically 2 CVs and 1-2 CVLs. I have one fleet lead and the other task forces set to follow.

Commanders of the individual task forces are all of high Quality, Halsey, Spruance, Mitchner... all there.

The day prior I suffered a cruiser attack on my Landing ships. (That's a whole other debacle) My Carriers, positioned around Puerto Princesa, were only 5 hexes say from the retreating ships and I managed to get 2 air strikes of less then 30 planes.

Next day I knew that the KB was nearby and I was ready for action. 12 Essex class CVs 6 CVLs, 3 British Carriers. Fighters on CAP were staggered from 5,000 to 30,000 on 80% CAP

Diverbomber set to 12,000
Torp planes set to 5,000

I managed to launch zero offensive strikes.

Here is the first morning attack from the KB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 73,84

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 88
B6N2a Jill x 63
D4Y4 Judy x 107



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 39
Hellcat F.II x 9
Seafire IIC x 7
Seafire L.III x 39
F4U-1A Corsair x 165
F4U-1D Corsair x 120
F6F-3 Hellcat x 13
F6F-5 Hellcat x 192


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 21 destroyed
B6N2a Jill: 19 destroyed, 20 damaged
B6N2a Jill: 7 destroyed by flak
D4Y4 Judy: 48 destroyed, 16 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 9 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Hornet II
CVL Cowpens, Kamikaze hits 1
CV Essex, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires
CV Bunker Hill, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Intrepid, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Monssen, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL San Jacinto
CV Ticonderoga, Kamikaze hits 2, on fire
CVL Cabot
DD Wilkes
DD Wadleigh



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 10000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 10000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-21 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VC(F)-39 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VC(F)-75 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-78 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-83 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-84 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VC(F)-85 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VC(F)-87 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-90 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-93 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-94 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-96 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-13 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-17 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
24 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F4U-1A Corsair (1 airborne, 19 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
25 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-7 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 18 on standby, 11 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
26 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F4U-1D Corsair (4 airborne, 20 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
31 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-10 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 18 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
34 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-11 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 12 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
37 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-13 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 19 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
28 planes vectored on to bombers

Fuel storage explosion on CV Essex
Banzai! - Fujiwara G. in a D4Y4 Judy is willing to die for the Emperor
Fuel storage explosion on CV Ticonderoga
Fujiwara G. gives his life for the Emperor by ramming CV Ticonderoga
Fuel storage explosion on CV Intrepid
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Intrepid
Banzai! - Kawakubo J. in a D4Y4 Judy is willing to die for the Emperor
Ammo storage explosion on CV Essex
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Essex
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



That's about 450 fighters versus 88 zeros.

Then a second land based attack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 73,84

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 50
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy x 40



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 28
Hellcat F.II x 5
Seafire IIC x 5
Seafire L.III x 25
F4U-1A Corsair x 88
F4U-1D Corsair x 56
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11
F6F-5 Hellcat x 98


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 7 destroyed
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy: 3 destroyed, 28 damaged
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire L.III: 1 destroyed
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Intrepid, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Cabot, Torpedo hits 1
CV Bunker Hill, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
18 x Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1A Corsair (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 36900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-7 with F4U-1D Corsair (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-10 with F4U-1A Corsair (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-11 with F4U-1D Corsair (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-13 with F4U-1A Corsair (20 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F4U-1A Corsair (9 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-31 with F6F-5 Hellcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-32 with F6F-5 Hellcat (6 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-50 with F6F-5 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
7 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Hellcat F.II (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire L.III (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.881 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.887 Sqn FAA with Seafire L.III (14 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.889 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.894 Sqn FAA with Seafire L.III (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1834 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 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 to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-75 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers

Banzai! - Hasegawa S. in a Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy is willing to die for the Emperor
Fuel storage explosion on CV Bunker Hill


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still have a decent CAP over the fleet, 250+ Fighters, still only 40 enemy fighter, bombers breeze on through.

More horrors

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


Morning Air attack on TF, near Puerto Princesa at 73,84

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 10
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 13



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 24
Hellcat F.II x 5
Seafire IIC x 4
Seafire L.III x 18
F4U-1A Corsair x 75
F4U-1D Corsair x 43
F6F-3 Hellcat x 10
F6F-5 Hellcat x 76


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 4 destroyed
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 6 destroyed
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVL Cabot, Bomb hits 1



CAP engaged:
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F4U-1D Corsair (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 39000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F4U-1A Corsair (14 airborne, 1 on standby, 4 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-51 with F6F-5 Hellcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-7 with F4U-1D Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VF-13 with F4U-1A Corsair (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-5 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-32 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Hellcat F.II (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire L.III (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.881 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.887 Sqn FAA with Seafire L.III (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.889 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.894 Sqn FAA with Seafire L.III (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 11330.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1834 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-75 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-78 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-83 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So 5 of my big fleet carriers are damaged, many badly. but no attack is launched at the KB sitting only 8 hexes away. I can even accept the attacks even though it seems like my CAP and/or AA should have been more effective but not launching attacks is killing me.

If this was isolated it would also not be a big deal, but every carrier battle in this game has had similar issues, little or no offensive air strikes. It sank most of my Pre-war fleet and badly damaged my Essex carriers at least two times before.

So I appeal to you, the lords of WitP. What am I doing wrong?

[BBfanboy]

2 Questions:
1. What range setting are you giving your fighters?
2. What was the weather over KB at the time? I see in the CR that your carriers were in partial cloud.

[House Stark]

You said the KB was 8 hexes away? I'm pretty sure that while the Japanese can launch carrier strikes from 8 hexes, the Allies' maximum strike range is 7. It seems you fell victim to the dreaded "8 hex strike", which is what most Japanese players aim to achieve whenever possible.

[buckaroo13]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

2 Questions:
1. What range setting are you giving your fighters?
2. What was the weather over KB at the time? I see in the CR that your carriers were in partial cloud.

Thanks for replying guys, Just reloaded the turn and checked. almost all fighters were set to a max range of 12.
All of them were set to use Drop Tanks, so Normal Range is 10, extended 12 for the corsairs and 8/10 for the Hellcats.

the Weather was partially cloudy over 1 IJN carrier task force but looked clear over the other. Though I never got messages telling my my strike planes got lost or anything like that, as far as I can tell they stayed rooted on deck.

ORIGINAL: House Stark
You said the KB was 8 hexes away? I'm pretty sure that while the Japanese can launch carrier strikes from 8 hexes, the Allies' maximum strike range is 7. It seems you fell victim to the dreaded "8 hex strike", which is what most Japanese players aim to achieve whenever possible.

Is this true even in '45? I'm rocking the late model HellDiver, TBFs, Corsairs and F5f-3 Hellcats. All of them have a normal operating range that is 8 or under?

[BBfanboy]

IMO, twelve is waaaaay too far for fighter range setting. Your radar cannot see that far so the fighters are roaming around
with little chance to see enemy aircraft. The enemy strike was detected at 120 miles - three hexes away. If you wanted
some of the fighters to escort your strike, set them to the same max range as the strike package.
Using max range with drop tanks will also get you high op losses.

Partly cloudy is not a deterrent to a strike - it helps it by providing cover for the incoming strike, as it did for US dive
bombers at Midway.

[buckaroo13]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

IMO, twelve is waaaaay too far for fighter range setting. Your radar cannot see that far so the fighters are roaming around
with little chance to see enemy aircraft. The enemy strike was detected at 120 miles - three hexes away. If you wanted
some of the fighters to escort your strike, set them to the same max range as the strike package.
Using max range with drop tanks will also get you high op losses.

Partly cloudy is not a deterrent to a strike - it helps it by providing cover for the incoming strike, as it did for US dive
bombers at Midway.

Thanks again BB.

So you are saying that fighters meant for CAP should be on a short lease?
I've always had my fighter squadrons on ESCORT with CAP set to 70% or 80% I set the Fighter range to 12 to cover the Helldivers if they make it out that far.

Just so I'm understanding are you saying that I should have Dedicated Escort fighter squadrons set to the max range of the bombers and then dedicated CAP with a shorter range (3?)

that's good to know, but would any of that explain why no bombers took off?



In other news in the massive pull out my carriers DID launch a large, range 8 attack on a Torpedo Boat flotilla, 88 Diver bombers, sank 2 PT boats. Much cursing ensued.

[BBfanboy]

I find it very hard to get good results bombing tanks, even from low level. However, strafing/bombing attacks by fighters seem to be much better at actually hitting vehicles.