ANCHE LE FORMICHE NEL LORO PICCOLO … SI SVEGLIANO

Erano tutti settati a quote a partire dai 10000 ai 18000 piedi. Da quel poco che ho capito,visto che il combat save, forse impietosito, ha deciso di censurare tutti i combattimenti aeronavali, i raid sono arrivati da 20000 ft.
Quindi la mia CAP non è servita ad una cippa, almeno così l'ha pensata il programma.
Forse avrei dovuto settare in CAP 2 o 3 squadriglie di hellcat a 30 o 35k ... da ora in poi lo farò.

Vero, ma c'erano parecchi hellcat, quindi anche quelli sono rottami volanti?

 

Ci ho messo una vita a settare una ad una le squadriglie di caccia in CAP. E francamente questa volta non credo di aver fatto errori così grossi.
Poi ... dico ...
A6M5 Zero x 27
B6N2 Jill x 86
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 262
F6F-3 Hellcat x 27
F6F-5 Hellcat x 145

A qualsiasi quota e anche fossero stati armati di fionde, i miei avrebbero dovuto fare polpette di quei 27 caccia, per non parlare dei Jill.

 

27 settembre 1944

Dettagli sulla disastrosa battaglia combattuta a NO di Iwo Jima.

L'azione nel suo complesso era pensata per affondare un colpo sulle linee di trasporto di materie prime giapponesi nel tratto di oceano a S del territorio metropolitano nemico.

Sette TF di CVE con 6 CVE ciascuna (tutte in rigoroso "follow" di una capofila, l'unica in react 6) avrebbero dovuto incrociare fino a 120 miglia a SO di Iwo Jima per attirare la reazione giapponese in quella direzione, mentre il grosso delle portaerei di squadra, organizzate in tre gruppi da combattimento con 5 CV e 3 CVL ciascuno, avrebbero dovuto puntare più a Ovest, e più in profondità, verso Okinawa e lì cercare di affondare più trasorti possibile.
Il contatto con le portaerei giapponesi non era interdetto: tutte e due le flotte erano in follow/react0 su una TF con react 6.
La navigazione seguiva due rotte parallele, anche se le CVE erano in anticipo sulle CV.

Probabilmente, ma qui si entra nel campo delle ipotesi, guardando il campo a fatti avvenuti, le CVE sono venute a contatto con le portaerei avversarie e qualche cosa non ha funzionato con il follow durante il react:

nel quadrato giallo la TF capofila con tutti gli altri in follow, in quello rosso i resti di una tf che ha reagito di un esagono in più, trovandosi in balia degli attacchi aerei giapponesi; colmo di sfortuna vuole che probabilmente che la maggior parte dei caccia di quella TF fosse destinato alle scorte dei bombardieri.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Daito Shoto at 104,71
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 52
D4Y2 Judy x 51
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
D4Y2 Judy: 7 damaged
D4Y2 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
Allied Ships
CVE Munda, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CVE Hollandia, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Salamaua, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Bougainville, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Makin Island, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Wadleigh
CVE Roi, Bomb hits 2
CL Houston II
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
10 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
12 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
23 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
5 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VC(F)-87 with FM-2 Wildcat (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Munda
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Munda
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Bougainville
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Bougainville
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Salamaua
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Salamaua
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Hollandia
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Hollandia
________________________________________________

Due ondate di aerei giapponesi arriva anche sopra il gruppo di TF, trovando una CAP numerosa, ma poco attenta (diciamo così)

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Iwo-jima at 105,72
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 27
B6N2 Jill x 86
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 262
F6F-3 Hellcat x 27
F6F-5 Hellcat x 145
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 30 destroyed, 8 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CVE Natoma Bay, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
CVE Kalinin Bay, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVE Admiralty Island, Torpedo hits 1
CVE Manila Bay, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CVE Liscome Bay
CVE Shamrock Bay
CVE Sargent Bay
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
VF-38/B with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-40/A with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-50 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 8 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-66 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-76 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-78 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-83 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-85 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-90 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-94 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-97 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-3 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-7 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-3F with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 10 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with FM-2 Wildcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 10 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Manila Bay
_________________________________________________

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Iwo-jima at 105,72
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M8 Zero x 76
B6N2a Jill x 52
D4Y3 Judy x 48
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 253
F6F-3 Hellcat x 24
F6F-5 Hellcat x 142
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M8 Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N2a Jill: 21 destroyed, 2 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 12 destroyed, 5 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CVE Shamrock Bay
CVE Sargent Bay, Torpedo hits 1
CVE Admiralty Island
CVE Lunga Point
CVE Ranee
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-38/B with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-40/A with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-50 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-5 Hellcat (8 airborne, 5 on standby, 3 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 6 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 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 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with FM-2 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 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 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-66 with FM-2 Wildcat (8 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-76 with FM-2 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-78 with FM-2 Wildcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-83 with FM-2 Wildcat (8 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
8 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 between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-85 with FM-2 Wildcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-90 with FM-2 Wildcat (2 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-94 with FM-2 Wildcat (6 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VC(F)-97 with FM-2 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-3 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 6 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with FM-2 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VC(F)-7 with FM-2 Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-3F with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with FM-2 Wildcat (20 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers

Entrambi gli attacchi (notare i rapporti di forze in campo), nonostante il cielo sia oscurato dai caccia statunitensi, mettono a segno dei bei colpi.
C'é ancora un'ondata di apparecchi giapponesi che infierisce sulla sfortunata TF in 104,71:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Daito Shoto at 104,71
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 92 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 32
Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 13 damaged
Allied Ships
CVE Makin Island, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CVE Salamaua, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Roi, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Munda, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Wadsworth
CL Houston II
DD Twiggs
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
1 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Makin Island
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Salamaua
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Salamaua
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Roi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Roi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Munda


E adesso la pochezza degli attacchi americani:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Daito Shoto at 101,67
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 80
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 36
F6F-5 Hellcat x 66
TBM-1C Avenger x 57
(qui il rapporto di forze tra caccia è di 1-1, non 1-5, come a parti inverse nei raid precedenti)
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 10 destroyed, 8 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CVL Ryujo
CVE Hosho
CVL Zuiho
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
3 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
5 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
3 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
1 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
1 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
(Dei 21 siluri sganciati, nemmeno uno ha colpito il segno, in un precedente scontro i giapponesi hanno sganciato 26 siluri con 8 centri... e non è un caso, succede sempre. Ora basta commenti, li lascio al lettore)
CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Amami Oshima at 101,66
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 54
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 55
TBM-1C Avenger x 21
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 10 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
CV Taiho
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 5 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 5 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Amami Oshima at 101,66
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 39
Allied aircraft
TBM-1C Avenger x 21
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 11 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 66 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Daito Shoto at 101,67
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 50
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 36
F6F-5 Hellcat x 6
TBM-1C Avenger x 28
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 10 destroyed, 8 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Junyo
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
3 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
1 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Daito Shoto at 101,67
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 36
Allied aircraft
F6F-5 Hellcat x 7
TBM-1C Avenger x 7
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 3 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Amami Oshima at 101,66
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 18
Allied aircraft
TBM-1C Avenger x 14
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 7 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 15570.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Non metto in dubbio la maestria di Cohimbra, che rispetto e ammiro, ma sinceramente mi sembra che tuti gli episodi sfortunati siano stati a danno dell'alleato e qui, chi decide da che parte mira la sfortuna è il sistema.
Forse qualche cosa nel famoso lancio di dadi dovrebbe cambiare.

 

Secondo me non serviva a niente una missione del genere, ormai i giochi sono fatti, il Giappone è tagliato fuori, di certo non lo salva il rivoletto di mercantili che riesce a passare a ovest di Okinawa. Se non cominci a incenerirgli le città lui può andare avanti fino a 1946.
Decisamente è stata una battaglia di fortuna, ma ci sta, no ? In fondo anche la Morte Nera è esplosa per un colpo di "fortuna".

 

In generale quel gruppo era fortissimo nei numeri, da quanto ho capito, ma mal coordinato nella sua componente aerea e sicuramente non sufficientemente addestrato per quanto riguarda i piloti dei bombardieri. Non c'erano dive bomber perché sulle CVE non ce ne sono.
I caccia in Cap non capisco perché non si siano alzati in volo, a questo punto. La Exp andava da 55 in su, con punte di 72/75 e tutte le squadriglie deputate a questo compito erano settate 80%CAP, 20 % rest, per evitare che i piloti accumulassero troppa fatigue. Notare che un buon 75 % delle squadriglia di caccia erano deputati alla CAP, il resto erano impiegati come scorta per i bombardieri. A proposito di avenger che attaccano con bombe e non con siluri, potrebbe essermene scappato qualcuno, perché non posso usare il comando "set all torpedoes in this Hex" in quanto alcune le impiego come ricognitori a lungo raggio (nav search, 6000 ft drop tanks, range 11 80%search, 20% rest.).
L'errore, a questo punto, mi sa che sia stato ancora mio, nel sopravvalutare la capacità dei gruppi di CVE (ce n'erano 42 in un esagono, per un totale di più di 600 aerei imbarcati) e dando loro la libertà di reagire a cv nemiche. Il loro compito avrebbe dovuto semplicemente essere quello di venire avvistate e invece che avanzare, serrare con le CV che stavano navigando più a SO, a un giorno di distanza. Mannaggia a me. In ogni caso a me di botte di fondoschiena, manco una finora, eh?

 

Non credo proprio, la rotta Java Sumatra Singapore Hong Kong Giappone occidentale è ancora spalancata e da lì passano petrolio e un mare di risorse. Il Giappone quindi è tutt'altro che tagliato fuori.

 

Le risorse non sono cosi essenziali, e poi cmq basta la manciuria

 

Credo che nel gioco le CVE abbiano dei malus rispetto alle CV, a parità di numero e qualità di aerei e equipaggi imbarcati avevo l'impressione che le CVE non rendessero bene come le CV o le CVL

 

da quando range 0 , stanno fermi a terra ad aspettare?

 

appunto range 0, stanno in volo sopra la CV, non fermi in pista ad aspettare l'allarme.
Avevo capito dall'altro post che ti fosse venuto il dubbio che con range 0 rimanessero solo in pista senza nessun velivolo in volo.

 

Si, in realtà le cve avrebbero dovuto far puntare la reazione su iwo jima, mentre le cv avrebbero dovuto irrompere nella zona di Okinawa il giorno successivo. Quando le cve sono state avvistate, il 26, erano molto a SO di iwo, quindi ho deciso di lasciarle avanzare ancora un po'. Non potevo immaginare che 500 aerei facessero una così magra figura e ho pensato che anche in caso di contatto avrebbero potuto (almeno la CAP, tutta settata a range 0 e di questo sono più che sicuro) respingere agilmente gli attacchi nemici, anche parecchio superiori in numero, rispetto a quelli che in realtà sono stati.
Proprio non riesco a capire, a parte la debacle della TF che ha reagito di un esagono in più.

Stiamo giocando con pdu off, quindi tutte le squadriglie di hellcat che ho sono imbarcate su cv e cvl. Sulla stragrande maggioranza delle cve ci sono wildcats che rimangono tali.

 

Con l'affondamento della CVE Sargent Bay al largo di Iwo Jima il 3 ottobre 1944, sale a 9 il numero di CVE affondate nella battaglia di Iwo Jima.
Quest'ultima portaerei di scorta, già seriamente danneggiata (float 81) stava cercando penosamente di rientrare a Guam, ma un attacco aereo giapponese, probabilmente partito da Iwo, ne pone la pietra tombale.
Il dettaglio delle perdite nella battaglia:



Un riassunto veloce dei fatti salienti nei giorni precedenti il 3 ottobre:

27 settembre 1944
Mindanao (Filippine)

Le truppe del XXIV corpo degli Stati uniti lanciano un primo attacco alla base di Davao dove i giapponesi, numerosi, sono ben fortificati e oppongono accanita resistenza

Ground combat at Davao (79,91)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 20615 troops, 277 guns, 489 vehicles, Assault Value = 858
Defending force 19630 troops, 224 guns, 60 vehicles, Assault Value = 448
Allied adjusted assault: 1391
Japanese adjusted defense: 4045
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 6)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1484 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 67 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 39 disabled
Guns lost 31 (21 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
378 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 19 (4 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Assaulting units:
711th Tank Battalion
6th Ranger Battalion
1st Filipino Inf Regiment
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
7th Infantry Division
XXIV US Corps
Defending units:
10th Division
8th Fleet
2nd Base Force
5th RF Gun Battalion
131st Naval Construction Battalion
38th JNAF AF Unit
67th JNAF AF Unit

Vi è da dire che i rifornimenti, che sbarcano e partono per Davao da Cotabato, arrivano con il contagocce, pur essendo la strada di collegamento tra le due città una major road e pur essendoci nell'esa attaccato il comando del XXIV corpo.
(Questo snap è preso il giorno 3 ottobre, per questo Malaybay a N di Davao risulta essere in mano alleata)

Birmania Meridionale
Le truppe inglesi investono Tavoy, ma l'attacco viene respinto. In ogni caso gli esiti dello scontro lasciano sperare in una conquista abbastanza veloce di questa città portuale

Ground combat at Tavoy (54,60)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 8928 troops, 88 guns, 408 vehicles, Assault Value = 465
Defending force 4326 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 112
Allied adjusted assault: 296
Japanese adjusted defense: 130
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
274 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 7 (2 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Assaulting units:
Provisionl Tank Brigade
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
1st Patiala Lancers Regiment
Lushai Brigade
72nd British Brigade
Defending units:
2nd Ind.Infantry Brigade
54th JAAF AF Bn

E infatti il giorno successivo capitola:

Ground combat at Tavoy (54,60)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 8823 troops, 88 guns, 408 vehicles, Assault Value = 447
Defending force 3742 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 59
Allied adjusted assault: 311
Japanese adjusted defense: 43
Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 1)
Allied forces CAPTURE Tavoy !!!
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1641 casualties reported
Squads: 43 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 42 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 25 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (10 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 2
Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
1st Patiala Lancers Regiment
Lushai Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
72nd British Brigade
Defending units:
2nd Ind.Infantry Brigade
54th JAAF AF Bn

29 settembre 1944
Mindanao (Filippine)

Le truppe alleate attaccano Malaybay, a N di Davao, ma la resistenza è tenace, nonostante la disparità di forze

Ground combat at Malaybalay (80,90)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 22799 troops, 387 guns, 335 vehicles, Assault Value = 887
Defending force 4254 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 100
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Allied adjusted assault: 408
Japanese adjusted defense: 169
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
387 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
259 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Assaulting units:
96th Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
Defending units:
178th Infantry Regiment
II./90th Infantry Battalion
49th JNAF AF Unit
48th JNAF AF Unit
37th JNAF AF Unit
79th JAAF AF Bn

30 settembre 1944
Mindanao (Filippine)

Capitola Malaybay. I giapponesi, che subiscono ingenti perdite, si ritirano a oriente della città

Ground combat at Malaybalay (80,90)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 22607 troops, 387 guns, 335 vehicles, Assault Value = 858
Defending force 3954 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 74
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Allied adjusted assault: 702
Japanese adjusted defense: 151
Allied assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1)
Allied forces CAPTURE Malaybalay !!!
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1944 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 84 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 26 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Allied ground losses:
303 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
96th Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
Defending units:
178th Infantry Regiment
II./90th Infantry Battalion
37th JNAF AF Unit
49th JNAF AF Unit
48th JNAF AF Unit
79th JAAF AF Bn

1 ottobre 1944
Birmania

Gli inglesi lanciano un primo attacco contro le truppe giapponesi schierate a ovest di Rahaeng, subendo una cocente sconfitta

Ground combat at 57,56 (near Rahaeng)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 16038 troops, 341 guns, 441 vehicles, Assault Value = 1072
Defending force 9796 troops, 91 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 354
Allied adjusted assault: 368
Japanese adjusted defense: 1471
Allied assault odds: 1 to 3
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
337 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
528 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 57 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Assaulting units:
3rd Commando Brigade
18th British Division
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
2nd British Division
XV Indian Corps
88th Medium Regiment
Defending units:
24th Ind.Mixed Brigade
29th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Anche in questa parte del teatro, i rifornimenti che sbarcano copiosi a Rangoon e Moulmein, arrivano al fronte con il contagocce e le offensive ne bruciano un botto e mezzo. Senza considerare il fatto che nella specifica situazione i miei erano in overstacking.

3 ottobre 1944
Costa Birmana

Gli inglesi che hanno occupato Tavoy si lanciano all'inseguimento dei giapponesi in ritirata, ingaggiandoli in battaglia a N di Mergui. Il nemico arretra lasciando sul campo ingenti perdite

Ground combat at 53,61 (near Tavoy)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 6373 troops, 88 guns, 43 vehicles, Assault Value = 390
Defending force 2285 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 29
Allied adjusted assault: 229
Japanese adjusted defense: 19
Allied assault odds: 12 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1036 casualties reported
Squads: 42 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Units retreated 1
Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Units pursuing 2
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
Lushai Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
72nd British Brigade
Defending units:
2nd Ind.Infantry Brigade

Mar della Cina meridionale

Finalmente una piccola vittoria delle forze aeronavali statunitensi.
Le 10 CVE a disposizione del SW Pacifico vengono lanciate in una sortita che entra nel Mar cinese Meridionale, passando a O del Borneo e vi trova in transito due convogli di pertoliere, affondandone almeno 6

Morning Air attack on TF, near Cam Ranh Bay at 68,75
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 36
TBM-1C Avenger x 33
Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
PB Kanko Maru
TK Kotai Maru
TK Anjo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TK Kenwa Maru
TK Tachibana Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Cam Ranh Bay at 68,75
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
TBM-1C Avenger x 7
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
TK Kenwa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TK Arita Maru, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cam Ranh Bay at 68,75
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 36
TBM-1C Avenger x 47
Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
PB Tokihime Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Kanko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Nishho Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
TK Kotai Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Jinei Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
TK Okigawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TK Ayayuki Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Munakata Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
TK Takekun Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Nishho Maru
Massive explosion on TK Takekun Maru

 

Pacifico Centrale

Forager T, ovvero la parte di operazione che ha come obiettivo la terza isola per importanza dell'arcipelago delle Marianne, Tinian, è ormai in pieno svolgimento. Da giorni le corazzate spazzano l'isola, seguite dai bombardieri che hanno base a Guam, Saipan e anche Truk.

Il piano prevede lo sbarco di due brigate neozelandesi e della 77^ divisione di fanteria USA.

A Truk, intanto, sono rientrate tutte le portaerei CV, CVL e CVE (tre di queste ultime saranno in riparazione per un bel po' di tempo), per il necessario refit.
Si sta inoltre procedendo ad un riassegnamento generale dei piloti della marina, con il criterio di mandare i migliori su CV e CVL. Tutti i piloti dei bombardieri (DB e TB) sia imbarcati che a terra, sono messi in training intensivo (80% nav attack, 20% rest, range 1, alt 15K ft), per evitare le figuracce rimediate nella battaglia di Iwo.

L'operazione Iceberg incombe e tutte le unità dovranno essere pronte per dare il meglio nella battaglia decisiva.

 

12 ottobre 1944

E' giunto il giorno dell'invasione di Tinian (operazione "ForagerT"), ultimo obiettivo alleato delle isole Marianne.
In mattinata e con il sole alle spalle le truppe della 77^ div USA - MGEN Franke - delle brigate 2^ e 14^ sotto il comando della 3^ divisione neozelandese, sbarcano sulle spiagge designate dell'isola, coordinati dal comando della V forza anfibia statunitense dell'ammiraglio K. Turner.
La TF anfibia, la cui nave ammiraglia è la vecchia corazzata Idaho, sotto il comando generale dell'ammiraglio W. Brown, è composta da moltissime navi da supporto (DD, DE, SC, AM, DMS) e i trasporti sono quasi tutti AK (solo 2 APA), per risparmiare APA e AKA in vista dello sbarco a Okinawa.
Nonostante l'isola sia da molto tempo sotto costante bombardamento aereo e riceva visite dal gruppo navale da bombardamento formato dalle 8 corazzate di nuova generazione presenti nel teatro, la resistenza giapponese è accanita e anche su questo pezzo di terra in mezzo al pacifico si dovranno sudare le proverbiali sette camicie per strapparlo ai difensori.

Pre-Invasion action off Tinian (108,94) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
267 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CA Chicago II, Shell hits 1
CL Houston II
DD Preston
DD Gatling
DD Charles Ausburne
xAK Santa Teresa
SC PC-1083
SC PC-1082
SC PC-798
SC PC-795
SC PC-794
SC PC-793
SC PC-791
SC PC-784
APA Elmore
DD Jarvis II
Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
BB Idaho firing at Combined 8th SNLF
Combined 8th SNLF firing at BB Idaho
Combined 8th SNLF firing at CA Chicago II
CA Chicago II firing at Combined 8th SNLF
CL Houston II firing at 21st Division
DD Preston firing at Combined 8th SNLF
Combined 8th SNLF firing at DD Preston
DD Gatling firing at Combined 8th SNLF
Combined 8th SNLF firing at DD Gatling
Combined 8th SNLF firing at DD Charles Ausburne
DD Charles Ausburne firing at Combined 8th SNLF
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Santa Teresa at 20,000 yards
SC PC-1083 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-1082 fired at enemy guns
SC PC-798 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-795 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-794 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-793 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-791 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-784 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Tinian (108,94)
TF 365 troops unloading over beach at Tinian, 108,94
Allied ground losses:
225 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)
11 troops of a NZ Inf Section 43 lost in surf during unload of 14th NZ Bde
12 troops of a Vickers Section 43 lost in surf during unload of 14th NZ Bde /7
105mm M2 Howitzer lost in surf during unload of 77th Infantry Div /8
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 77th Infantry Div /16
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 77th Infantry Div /19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tinian (108,94) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
247 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BB Idaho, Shell hits 2
CA Chicago II
CL Houston II
DD Jarvis II
DD Irwin
DD Gatling
DD Charles Ausburne
xAK Steel Exporter
xAK Alabaman, Shell hits 1
SC PC-1083
SC PC-1082
SC PC-798
SC PC-795
SC PC-794
SC PC-793
SC PC-791
SC PC-784
APA Elmore
DD Preston
Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
BB Idaho firing at Combined 8th SNLF
Combined 8th SNLF firing at BB Idaho
CA Chicago II firing at 21st Division
CL Houston II firing at Combined 8th SNLF
DD Irwin firing at 21st Division
CL Houston II firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
BB Idaho firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Alabaman at 13,000 yards
BB Idaho firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
12cm 10YT DP Gun Battery engaging xAK Alabaman at 13,000 yards
BB Idaho firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
SC PC-1083 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-1082 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-798 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-795 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-794 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-793 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-791 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-784 fired at enemy troops
DD Jarvis II fired at enemy troops
DD Irwin fired at enemy guns
DD Gatling fired at enemy troops
DD Charles Ausburne fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
___________________________________________________
Invasion Support action off Tinian (108,94)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
128 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
SC PC-1083
SC PC-1082
SC PC-798
SC PC-795
SC PC-794
SC PC-793
SC PC-791
SC PC-784
APA Elmore
DD Preston
DD Jarvis II
Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
SC PC-1083 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-1082 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-798 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-795 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-794 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-793 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-791 fired at enemy troops
SC PC-784 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
_____________________________

L'attacco generale verrà lanciato quando le unità saranno completamente sbarcate sull'isola e si saranno raggruppate e riorganizzate.

 

In che mese sbarcherai ad Okinawa? quanti esagoni fanno i tuoi P51 messi in missione con serbatoi suplementari ?

 

Penso che ancora un mese ci voglia tutto per lo sbarco ad Okinawa. Poi vedrò di capire cosa significhi sbarcare lì a fine novembre. Se da troppi malus probabilmente se ne riparlerà in primavera.

Ho solo una squadriglia di P51D ed è dislocata in Birmania. Con l'avanzata verso sud sulla costa ho aereoporti abbastanza vicini alle basi nemiche più importanti, quindi non mi serve farli volare coi serbatoi supplementari (e mai più lo farò in missioni di combattimento). Però se ti serve sapere il raggio quando vado a casa ti so dire ....