OK.
1st up, apologies Hrolf, I just downloaded the thread and not checked my PM's.
I haven't allowed for a 3 vs 1 to affect targeting.
Regarding smoke. I'd say that laying smoke will not help the target ship until it is obscured by smoke. Smoke isn't bullet proof but we can say that the range is effectively doubled like it is in night actions.
Re 4". I'll say no at this stage. If you want to use torps just say at what time you fire and what target.
Admiral Graf Spee => USS Salem
Not very sporting. I guess for the movie they should have just used Delhi and Salem and lots of editing. If you need Exeter just film Delhi from the forward quarter and have lots of midgets for crew.
Dye bags were definately not used at this stage by RN ships. IIRC an early war exercise by French and RN ships, the French asked 'what colour are you firing' when the RN ship replied 'what are you talking about?' the French replied 'you fire white then'.
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I've taken Hoo's 'intentions' for GS so the orders would be turn away and concetrate on Exeter.
0633 25knts P135 16knts -SMOKE Target 11" Exeter Target 5.9 Exeter
0636 16knts 0 22knts Target 11" Exeter Target 5.9 Exeter
0639 22knts 0 22knts Target 11" Exeter Target 5.9 Exeter
633
Graf Spee turns NW and makes smoke, this has successfully masked GS from Ajax and Achilles who have turned north. Exeter continues NE and is now on the same heading as GS. A random event has occured to GS, a fuel mix problem caused her to smoke and lose speed but she was also making a smoke screen and losing speed from the turn. Both GS and Exeter hit each other. Exeter takes two 11" hits at 9080 yards, one on the stern and the other destroying the Starboard torpedo bank. The 5.9" hit has hit the main director putting the guns under local control. Graf Spee takes two 8" hits in non critical areas, flooding also continues. Ajax and Achilles fail to hit through the smoke.
636
Exeter turns North while Ajax and Achilles are also heading north. A second random event occurs for GS, she has a signalling error and makes a 45 degree turn to Port. This actually worked to GS's favour, she has now crossed the 'T' with Exeter. To Ajax and Achilles, GS has disappeared in the smoke, they fail to hit. Exeter is now only firing her forward guns and makes only one 8" hit at 6000 yards that glances off the deck over an engine room. Exter again takes two 11" hits in non-critical areas and a 5.9" hit in the bow.
639
Ajax and Achilles are just comming to the end of the smoke while GS makes two more 11" hits on Exeter at 3350 yards. One hits the bridge and the other is non critical but a 5.9" shell has disabled an engine. She is now down to 12 knots and damage is about 45%. Graf Spee is at 21 knots and 19% damage.
Exeter Damage
Graf Spee Damage
OK. Orders for 642, 645 and 648.