War in the Pacific AAR Thread - ML vs JFranzen

Molon Labe · 08-04-22, 01:00 PM

29 March 1943
Severe aircraft losses could spell enemy reinforcements arriving in Java

Java
The morning started with my surface group of 6 DD disobeying orders to meet by main surface group near Djokjakarta, instead proceeding towards the western strait, where they encountered an enemy force of 2 CA and 4 DD. We got off light, losing just 2 DD before they escaped.

In the eastern straits, an enemy minesweeper hit a mine and sank. You hate to see it.

The enemy started night bombing attacks against our airbase in Tjilatjap. I don't consider these raids a threat yet.

The day was a disaster for us, though. Despite having more than 50 fighters available for escort tasking, our Avengers and SBDs flew (mostly) without escort against shipping near Batavia and Surabaya. At the end of the day's air battles, we'd lost 12 Avengers, 16 SBDs, and 2 of the few Wildcats that actually did make the trip. We had no aerial victories. We managed to hit a troop transport with a torpedo in Batavia (this flight had Wildcats) and another in the central Java Sea (with troops aboard).

We have captured Bandoeng. Base forces are still a few days out, but this will hopefully become a key airbase for us. Our coastal bases are a bit cramped and are too small to support medium bombers.

Indian Ocean
B-24 raids finished off a damaged enemy destroyer at Addu.

China
Foochow is back in enemy hands. Casualties 5311 to 1430 favoring them.

08-04-22, 01:00 PM	#11
Molon Labe Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Along the Watchtower Posts: 3,810 Downloads: 27 Uploads: 5	29 March 1943 Severe aircraft losses could spell enemy reinforcements arriving in Java Java The morning started with my surface group of 6 DD disobeying orders to meet by main surface group near Djokjakarta, instead proceeding towards the western strait, where they encountered an enemy force of 2 CA and 4 DD. We got off light, losing just 2 DD before they escaped. In the eastern straits, an enemy minesweeper hit a mine and sank. You hate to see it. The enemy started night bombing attacks against our airbase in Tjilatjap. I don't consider these raids a threat yet. The day was a disaster for us, though. Despite having more than 50 fighters available for escort tasking, our Avengers and SBDs flew (mostly) without escort against shipping near Batavia and Surabaya. At the end of the day's air battles, we'd lost 12 Avengers, 16 SBDs, and 2 of the few Wildcats that actually did make the trip. We had no aerial victories. We managed to hit a troop transport with a torpedo in Batavia (this flight had Wildcats) and another in the central Java Sea (with troops aboard). We have captured Bandoeng. Base forces are still a few days out, but this will hopefully become a key airbase for us. Our coastal bases are a bit cramped and are too small to support medium bombers. Indian Ocean B-24 raids finished off a damaged enemy destroyer at Addu. China Foochow is back in enemy hands. Casualties 5311 to 1430 favoring them. __________________