Not written in my usual style:
11 Allied pilots launched from LS41 at frame start in heavy P-38Ls. The DRs elected not to participate in the frame, with the exception of bummer who flew Axis.
Allies flew to the airfield at F28 and dropped from alt, inflicting minor damage, but without intent to press attack to close the field.
About this time chough and charco executed a torpedo attack against a pair of USN DDs that somehow were inexplicably lost in Manila Bay. chough sank one.
After seeing a green DD sunk, the bulk of the Allied fighters headed to CAP the fleet, after which the Axis attack on LS41 developed. Field was subsequently closed denying Allied pilots additional sorties in the P-38 or use of the A-20. No points scored for the closure, but a good tactical move.
If not shot down, P-38Ls RTB’s to a closed LS41 to avoid the loss of their aircraft for points, and after signing a few documents transferred to the USN and carrier duties.
Aircraft Losses (excludes AI wingmen and Kamis)
Axis 12 Ki-84, 8 A6M5, 2 B5N, 7 G4M1
Allied 5 P-38L, 10 F6F, 4 FM2
Pilot Losses
Axis 22 KIA, 1 POW
Allied 8 KIA, 4 POW
Shipping Losses
Allied 1 DEST2 and 3 Freighters sunk
Kills
Ki-84 scored 7 kills for 10 losses to enemy a/c (5 by F6F, 4 by FM2, 1 by P38)
A6M5 scored 1 kill for 5 losses to enemy a/c
F6F-5 scored 9 kills for 2 losses to enemy a/c (by Ki-84)
P-38L scored 2 kills for 2 losses to enemy a/c (by KI-84)
FM-2 scored 5 kills for 4 losses to enemy a/c (3 by KI-84, 1 by Zeke)
Scoring Frame 4
Axis 123.0
Allied 95.0
Allies won the A-A fight, but did not protect their shipping well enough. Axis wins on points.
Series
Axis 405.5
Allied 367.75
Details may be found here
S3 website Scoring Totals.
Muzz
