March 12, 1942
Aleutians
For once, it is a somewhat clear day for the Aleutians.
The Akutan Invasion Force breaks its holding pattern and heads for the target as the Japanese Carrier TF moves to provide CAP. A bombardment TF of 2 BC were sent in to hit Cold Bay and knock down Allied air power. Unfortunately, things go wrong for Japanese in the Bombardment TF as it decides not to bombard and finds itself 40 miles from Cold Bay at start of day. The CVs are just south of Umnak and one could easily place bets on the two squadrons of SBDs at Cold Bay smacking the Battlecruisers and DDs around.
Surprisingly this event does not happen!
Weather closes off attacks in the morning but the afternoon strikes occur. The Americans launch two waves of 12-13 P-40 and 16-18 SBD at the Japanese. The target is not the unprotected BCs nearby but strikes at the Japanese carriers. GREAT!
Raid One 47 Zero vs. 11 P-40 and 16 SBD. The CAP sets upon these planes with vengeance in their heart for all the lost air crews over Pearl Harbor. One SBD gets through but is blasted apart by AA before it can drops its bomb. There are no American survivors.
Raid Two 39 Zero vs. 13 P-40 and 18 SBD. CAP crushes the American fighters and shots down 8 SBD before remaining push over into their dives. The remaining dive bombers divide with six attacking CVL Nisshin and 4 attacking CVE Ibuki. Two more are shot down in their dives but one does score minor hit on Ibuki. Surprisingly the 1,000 lb bomb only causes 7 SYS and 3 FLOT damage to the old carrier.
NICE!
The BCs will smack Cold Bay tomorrow and the Invasion Force will be just a hex or two from landing. American DB are no longer a direct threat to the landing.
