Combat Report
July 17-19, 1942
South Pacific
I've been waiting to see when Michael would make a move along the south edge of the map board and looks like he is doing precisely that presently.
Air Search had picked up a TF of several warship way down at Teboe Island just off the edge of the board in the Gambier Islands. This 'loitered' for days and simply struck me a bait. After watching a while I sent BC Ishitaka, 2 CL, and 8 DD to sweep into the hex. These ships were covered by a bunch of Zeros flying from my three CVEs. If it was a trap I wanted to be able to put up a fight and if not...
July 17th
The Japanese TF runs into CL Dallas and 4 DDs. In what SHOULD have been a quick fight, a real brawl develops with the Japanese crippling two DDs and putting some solid damage onto Dallas. In exchange have two DDs damaged and use up ALL our Ammo. CRAP!
To the east a pair of AMCs run into a troop convoys. The AMCs do well sinking a KV and pummeling two PCs as well as hitting 4 AP. The convoy is loaded as I get the message of 335 casualties. Hmmm... Before I can celebrate, 4 US DDs intercept the AMCs and sink them: DRAT!
One CVE flies a strike that sinks DD Stockton in the afternoon.
Air Search picks up numerous TF to the east.
Order the CVEs back as well as the empty BC. Form a STF of 2 CL and 4 DD to try and catch a TF...
July 18th
No activity. Air Search picks up the massive set of TFs moving west slowly. Decide that the TF is enough to warrant an attempt at getting in a lucky intercept by my 2 CL and 4DD. Send them east hoping for a night engagement.
July 19th
No engagement and, instead, they are caught by a large American strike while retiring to Tahiti. Five hexes away (SE) several US CVs launch a massed attack of 103 F4F, 68 SBD, and 14 Avengers. The planes do horribly but do hit my two old CLs with 2 and 3 bombs. A mouseover reveals NUMEROUS warships and TFs. Goodness! The CL continue their retirement NW as the CVEs and Ishitaka depart Tahiti for Pago Pago.
Deploy five my I-Boats (total now 9) in the line of Allied movement.
We'll see what happens next...
CLARIFICATION:
It is not my plan to fight at the edge of the map board with the Imperial Fleet. I am a pretty good believer in the Japanese distance reduction/attrition belief. We'll let my I-Boats and small forces work to whittle down the Americans if possible. This will force Michael to start his offensive a LONG WAYS AWAY!
The entire Kido Butai is headed for a rendezvous at Kobe. All ships will get a solid rest and CARDIV1 will get its upgrade. We stay long enough for the first Shokaku-Kai to be completed and join the Fleet. Want another month for fuel to get where it is needed in the Pacific so we can continue operations without issue.
PLANNING:
1. I am still convinced that Michael will come after the Aleutians before winter sets in. This is what I shall bank on for our next Fleet Engagement.
2. In case those CVs move towards the IO (to help Burma Coastline Offensive), I shall deploy enough assets at Cocos Isle and the edge of the mapboard there to tip me off of it occurring.
3. ALL seven BBs are now shuttling between Pt Blair and Cox's or Singapore and Cox's. I want Michael to continue moving troops into Cox's and between Akyab and Cox's so I have a shot of taking Chittagong from the interior. Will soon have 4 ID and 3 TK Reg available to strike...