http://www.squadselectseries.com - new map and summary up
In frame 2 both sides sent scout aircraft from their seaplane base. It was the Japanese that were on the right track when first a Kate was intercepted 60 miles from the US Task Force and then a high flying G4M1 spotted many ships steaming westward. The Japanese strike was launched and had a good lead on the US scout aircraft which spotted some of the high Kates outbound from their carriers. By the time the US scouts located the Japanese force steaming at 30 knots due south toward their land base the IJN was closing in for a two pronged attacked on the Americans. Repeated attacks by lone SBDs and B25s scouts were effective though as air cover over the Japanese ships was reduced so a strong escorting force could be sent with their strike force. The smaller US strike force damaged several carriers on their attack while their escort held off the Japanese CAP.
The initial Japanese kate attack was using torpedoes and at least two carriers were just missed astern before the USS Hornet was bracketed by several long lance torpedoes and quickly sunk. This attack drew down the heavy CAP of covering Wildcats and they had to chase the fleeing Kates far away from their ships. A second high level Kate attack came in at this moment and dropped on the Americans. Several near-misses and damage occurred to the CVs and escorting DDs before a heavy bomb struck the refueling cells on a US carrier causing secondary explosions to rip through the ship. As this ship settled beneath the waves the Kates stayed high and ran southwest with their A6M2s covering all the way. Gradually the USN Wildcats clawed them from the sky with 41 being shot down during the day. Several Kates did return to their last two carriers as they were hit by single scouts and B25 forces. On final the third Japanese carrier was sunk and all remaining aircraft had to divert to the remaining Kaga. A total of 12 SBDs were lost attacking the Japanese ships as well as 4 B25s. Fighter losses were about the same for both sides with 6 A6M2s and 7 F4Fs claimed.
Allies take frame 2 approx 99 to 72. Pilot losses are still needed from the S6.
Frame 3 Midway on Oct 16. Bye this weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving.
New map up for Frame 3.
1. Japanese and US Midway forces may launch at T+0.
2. Japanese must send at least 3 strike steps to attack Midway, after the first sortie they may attack shipping.
3. US Carrier aircraft must wait until T+45 to launch
4. Max of 2 strike and 2 fighter steps may base on Midway
5. Min of 5 steps must base on US CVs
6. Frame COs place CV Task Force and heading . One change in heading allowed during the frame.
Notes:
1. Numbers still low for IJN.
2. Much better strike and scouting in Frame 2.
3. Some pilots are using the CA interface to its fullest, lasting the entire night with repeated attacks.
4. Ship flak is pretty well useless other than an indication of enemy aircraft. Some were just shooting straight up and not tracking aircraft.
jabo
