The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225)

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225)

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The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/20/2008 11:27:10 AM

cantona2

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Commander Musak heard the artillery shells falling on the outskirts of Manila. Despite the heroic defence of the city by the cut off US and Philippine units, Musak could see the writing on the wall. As a lifelong mariner he would be damned if he died on land or ended up as a prisoner of the Japs. The Asiatic Fleet HQ had already given secret orders for the evacuation of all seaworthy ships left in Manila Bay. As the IJAAF was intent on bombing Manila into the ground, and as the weather for the next few days suggested very little flying time, Admiral Hart had divided the remaining ships into two groups. One that would run the gauntlet north, then south east to Wake Island and one that would run south, then south east. Though very few ships were expected to survive at least it gave them a slim chance, their only other fate was to have been scuttled when the inevitable fall of Manila happened. Indeed AS Holland reported to have already made Batan Island without being detected.

Patrol gun boats and minesweepers would provide scant escort and sparse AAA cover. The Pope was the largest remaining battle worthy ship. This despite the fact that she had received several bomb hits during the innumerable air raids the docks at Manila had been subjected too. Her captain, Commander Musak was determined to have his ship go down fighting rather than having her bombed out from under him. He gathered the crew on the fore deck and gave them the option to stay behind or join the crew of one of the other ships fleeing Luzon.

To a man the crew opted to stay with their ship. Musak�s chest swelled with pride and his exec clapped his shoulder in a show of support. The only crewmen to have been posted to other ships were the wounded. As such an almost full complement of crew patched up as many holes as they could and during the night of the 3rd of March 1942 the DD Pope stole out of Manila Bay and steamed south-south-west. The atmosphere on board was tense but the ties of comradeship kept things together and in check. Regular reports from the boiler room of the venerable Clemson class destroyer kept the Commander up to date. She could make a maximum of 15 knots more than enough to get her near any enemy ships in and around the inner Philippine Islands.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/20/2008 6:44:00 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/20/2008 11:40:47 AM

cantona2

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As dawn approached the Pope was off the coast of Boac when a coded message from coast watchers at Roxas reported the presence of Japanese ships unloading troops over the beach. Musak gave the order to go to General Quarters and the DD Pope ploughed to Roxas.
�
She got there just after 17:00 and had mercifully been spared the attention of Japanese planes. The lookouts had their binoculars trained on the horizon looking for their prey. Smoke was already visible on the horizon and the radar had made several contacts but still they had no visual until,
�
�Ships ahead, 20,000 yards. I can see transports and smaller escort ships. So far I can count 4...� and so it went as more visual reports came into bridge. It seemed a group of transports escorted by minesweepers were occupying the town of Roxas. The DD Pope ploughed straight into the enemy with her forward guns firing the first salvo of the fight.
�
4 inch shells began to fall among the Japanese ships. They reacted with complete surprise as their high command had assured them that no American ships were left and that their air forces had assured total air and naval superiority. Hot lead steel from the Pope�s guns soon ripped a small minesweeper apart and the Japanese ship began to make evasive maneouvers.
�
�Helmsman, bring her around for a broadside,� ordered Musak, his glasses glued to the Japanese ships ahead of him.
�
�Aye, aye sir,� responded the helmsman as he turns the ships wheel sharply. The Pope began to make �a tightturn, so tight that Musak was forced to hold onto the banister in front of him in order to remain on his feet. Accustomed to quick, smooth turns the damaged ship resisted the turn and only did so sluggishly betraying the damage to her guidance systems. Gradually she turned prompting both Captain and helmsman to mutter �good girl� under their breaths.
�
�FIRE!� roared Musak and the Pope delivered a full broadside on the Japanese ships now barely 9,000 yards away.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/20/2008 11:56:35 AM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/20/2008 11:56:07 AM

cantona2

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A veritable rain of shells fell among the Japanese ships. Geysers of water rose up around them showing where the aim of the Pope�s gunners had been off, explosions and sheets of bright red flame rewarded those shells that struck home. Two more minesweepers were hit hard and now the transports were also receiving hits from the Pope�s broadside.
�
�Fire at will,� shouted Musak into the comm. Link. �Close to torpedo range. Lieutenant Cooper, up to you,� went on Musk.
�
Cooper was the Pope�s torpedo officer and even before his Captain had give the order his crews were ready with their deadly payloads. Only two of the Pope�s launchers were operational but they were trained on the targets so close to them. At 6,000 yard Lieutenant Cooper gave the order to fire and 6 sleek, silver torpedoes jumped into the water heading towards their target as fast as lighting.
�
That�s when things started to go wrong. Closing to torpedo range had brought the Pope within range of the guns mounted on the Japanese transports. The first warning Musak had were smaller flashes on the decks of the enemy ships, to small to be hits from his own guns.
�
�The bastards are firing on us, take evasive act...� the rest of the order was lost in a cacophony of sound as shells began to hit the already battered destroyer. Smoke filled the bridge and all the windows erupted into shards. Though no one was hurt the Pope had received a hit on mid deck that had gone through the armour.
�
�Everyone OK?� asked a concerned Musak. Affirmatives came from all around. On the deck it was a different story. Lieutenant Coopers torpedo crew had been right of the middle of the impact and the deck was awash with flames and dead crewmen and their body parts.� A gaping hole now replaced the fore torpedo mount and black smoke was billowing from it indicating a hit on one of the boilers. Still the Pope kept firing scoring a couple more hits on the Japanese ships. Suddenly the lights on the bridge went out at the tower was hit by two consecutive shells.
�
Helmsman Perkins lay propped over the wheel, blood flowing freely from a wound on his head. The Executive Officer lay at Musaks feet, his sightless eyes staring at the roof of the bridge, his dead hands still holding onto his binoculars with a stony grip. Musak himself was wounded by some shrapnel in his arm and his uniform jacket was torn. The fire control and damage teams quickly made the bridge to assess the damage and assist the wounded. The shocked Captain realised further fighting was futile. His battered ship had been able to damage and possibly sink Japanese ships, the sacrifice of his men was not in vain. They had fallen like true warriors facing the enemy�s fire. The order to make smoke was given and the Pope began to limp into the gathering dusk.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/20/2008 6:46:19 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/20/2008 11:58:41 AM

cantona2

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In Game terms:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Roxas at 43,55

Japanese Ships
MSW Banshu Maru #56, Shell hits 4, on fire
MSW Choun Maru #18, Shell hits 1, on fire
MSW Musashi Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Kashi Maru, Shell hits 3
AP Komeyama Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Kuroshio Maru
AP Ryuosan Maru
AP Tainichi Maru, Shell hits 2
AP Yoshinogawa Maru

Allied Ships
DD Pope, Shell hits 11

Attachment (1)

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/20/2008 12:02:36 PM

cantona2

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Taking advantage of the fact that Japanese aircraft are pounding the crap out of Manila ive tried a brave, but foolhardy sortie of all ships left at Manila that can either fight or flee. So far so good, just the small AK Governor Taft was sunk by Anne's near Leyte. All the ships leaving north-north-west have so far escaped detection so fingers crossed and pray for bad weather. To be honest its the three AS's i want to save the rest is expendable. PG's and MSW's have been divided into single ship TF's to absorb air attacks when they come.

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/20/2008 12:56:39 PM

cantona2

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Elsewhere in the theatre:

SS Sculpin once again engaged targets off Batavia. This time she missed in her first attack but was able to score one torpedo hit on AK Kyosei Maru. Sculpin is in the early 20's of Sys damage so once she exhausts her torps she'll head back to Colombo for some much needed repairs.

Japanese assaults once again went in at Manila and Singapore. Both failed once again but i feel Herb is noticing the lower number of casualties hes taking which indicates my low level of supply in both bases.

Herb has also began landing forces at Tarakan and so begins the End Game on Borneo.

In Burma bombing of the 2nd Parachute Regiment began but with little effect. IM hoping the KGVO Tank Regiment gets there tomrrow to help throw the paras back across the river where they belong.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/20/2008 6:48:26 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/21/2008 9:12:27 AM

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cantona2,

The end of February scorecard has, as an annotation, the Allies having lost 14 bases but japan having gained 16 bases. In a zero sum situation the losses should equal the gains unless perhaps Japan upgraded during February 1942, 2 beaches into bases.

Alfred

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/21/2008 10:19:58 AM

cantona2

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

cantona2,

The end of February scorecard has, as an annotation, the Allies having lost 14 bases but japan having gained 16 bases.� In a zero sum situation the losses should equal the gains unless perhaps Japan upgraded during February 1942, 2 beaches into bases.

Alfred

Alfred

I think Herb has developed two beach dots into level 1 airbases during the course of the game upto now.
Cheers

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/21/2008 3:10:33 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/21/2008 10:37:05 AM

cantona2

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Commander Musak couldn't believe that has ship was still afloat. He couldnt believe that his 4 inch guns were once again firing and he couldn't beleive that for a second day the Pope was dishing out destruction upon vessels of the IJN.

The Pope had buried her dead at sea before heading on an easterly heading towards contacts spotted by the few remaining patrol craft at Manila. As she approached the recently occupied base of Ormoc her lookouts could spot three distinct glows on the horizon. She built up speed until the remaining boiler was at full pelt, all of 13 knots and soon was within range of three MSW's, the same three she engaged yesterday.

Musak tried to maneouver his ship but the guidance systems were pretty much shot up and she ploughed on like an arrow and crossed the 'T'. The closest Japanese minesweeper fired and score a hit on the front of the Pope but the aggressor was soon engulfed in 4 inch shells. The other two ships began to steer away from the Pope at a slow speed and Musak decided to finish of his target. A massive fireball suddenly engulfed the Japanese ship and she blew up, disappearing beneath the waves, but not before she scored another hit on the Pope's superstructure.

Musak then ordered the guns silent and the lights turned off, he steered the destroyer to the south west and away from the two fleeing minesweepers.

Later in the day her lookouts spotted a large number of Japanese planes patrolling the airspace. Sometime during midafternoon a flight of 9 medium bombers approached from the North. General Quarters was sounded and the AAA guns, well those left operational and with enough crews to man them, swivelled around to fire at the planes. Black tufts began to dot the sky while around the ship tall geysers of sea water erupted denoting the explosion of bombs being dropped by the bombers. They attacked in 3 waves of 3 and scored no hits. As they turned back north the crew whooped and shouted some obscenities at the fleeing Japs, even Musak couldnt restrain himself and uttered a few expletives himself.

Naval Battle
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ormoc at 44,56

Japanese Ships
MSW Banshu Maru #56, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Choun Maru #18, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Musashi Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage *sinks later*

Allied Ships
DD Pope, Shell hits 2

Air Attack
Day Air attack on TF, near Ormoc at 44,56

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-I Lily x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Pope, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/21/2008 3:16:07 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/21/2008 10:39:12 AM

cantona2

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DD Pope (DD-225) 4-3-1942

Attachment (1)

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/21/2008 10:46:04 AM

cantona2

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Status of Operation Exodus

The northern group has so far largely escaped attack and attention. AS Holland is now past Batan Island and into the Northern Philippine sea with the remaining transports behind her. The southern group suffered attacks by Jake's and Lily's but were largely left undamaged. Heres a snippet from the CR with the shisp involved in Operation Exodus.

-----------------
Day Air attack on TF at 42,53

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-I Lily x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PG Tulsa

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
---------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 37,59

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Pecos, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
---------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Ormoc at 44,56

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-I Lily x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Pope,� heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
---------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Manila at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-48-I Lily x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PG Isabel, Bomb hits 1,� on fire,� heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
---------------------
-----------------
Day Air attack on TF at 46,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-48-I Lily x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Compagnia Filipinas
AK Anakan
AK Corregidor
AK Candesa

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
4 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 8000 feet
4 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
4 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet

---------------------

I am expecting a higher number of attacks next turn as Herb becomes wise to whats happening and probably from torpedo planes. I also expect a carrier to sortie from either the HI's or Palau.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/21/2008 3:17:51 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/21/2008 11:02:02 AM

cantona2

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Elsewhere in the theatre:

SS Gato was engaged by ASW ships at Rabaul. She suffered two near misses but received no damage so she will remain on station. She then launched torpedoes at her attackers as they left but they were wide of the mark. SS Tuna scored a dud hit on the DD Mutsuki at Eniwetok and was able to evade all attempts to find and her engage her. Shes off to Wake Island to refuel before returning to her patrol area.

One of the transports unloading at Tarakan struck a mine and was seen by the defenders to be on fire in several places. Japanese troops have consolidated the beach and have now begun to bombard the defensive positions atound the oil installations.

Singapore was once again subjected to massive air attacks, unfortunately the early effectiveness of the AA seems to have evaporated and no enemy planes were seen falling fromt he sky. A ground attack followed on the heels of the air raids but was once again beaten back by the battered defenders.

In Burma a massive sweep by 79 Ki-43's over Mandalay shot down the Buffaloes and Hurricanes on patrol, the first of 13 air-air losses this turn. The 2nd Parachute Regiment was once again subjected to substantial air attacks. The KGVO Tank Regiment has been delayed on the railway by Japanese skirmishers but should arrive tomorrow.

The convoy seen in the Solomon Sea a few days has disappeared and not made the expected landfall at Milne Bay. I suspect it may be heading to New Caledonia. NC is well garrisoned with planes and troops. CV Yorktown is at Rockhampton refuelling before heading due East to cover the approaches to Koumac and a Battlegroup centered around BB's Idaho and New Mexico has left Sydney heading to New Caledonia.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/21/2008 3:20:17 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/21/2008 12:21:12 PM

cantona2

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Status of Operation Exodus 5-3-42

Sunk

MSW Bittern at Manila by Vals
PG Tulsa at Manila by Sonias
AS Canopus due east of Batan Island by Bettys

MSW Whippoorwill at Manila by Bettys

Hit

AO Pecos South Philippine Sea by Anns
AO Trinity South Philippine Sea by Anns
MSW Lark at Manila by Lilys
AK Forafic Western Phiippine Sea by Lilys and Zeroes
PC Napa at Manila by Vals
AK Fortuna Batan Island by Zeroes

The DD Pope is still alive and has moved to engage more Japanese ships in her last balze of glory

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/22/2008 10:53:48 AM

cantona2

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Status of Operation Exodus 6-3-42

Sunk

MSW Lark at Manila by Vals and Zeroes
AK Fortuna near Batan Island by Lilys
AO Trinity south of Davao by Anns and Jakes
PC Napa at Manila by Sonias and Zeroes

Hit

MSW Bittern at Manila by Lilys

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/22/2008 11:07:42 AM

cantona2

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Extract from Clemson, A Whole New Class, Commander Hufnagel (ret.), Osprey Publishing 1978

"...really showed Musak's character. Heavily damaged, taking water, most of its guns out of action, the Pope steamed due West to Iloilo to meets its fate. Musak was looking for a third engagement with Japanese vessels in as many days. There a task force of 4 Japanese destroyers (Minekaze, Hokaze, Wakatake and Kuretake) overwhelmed the Pope and she went down, taking 78 hands and Commander Musak with her. 34 survivors were picked up and spent the rest of the war in POW camps. It was largely due to their testament that Musak was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross after the war..."

DD POPE (DD 225)

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/22/2008 11:23:43 AM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/22/2008 11:23:07 AM

cantona2

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Elsewhere in the theatre:

SS S-18 was caught and hit solidly twice near Kwajelein and has been forced to reurn to Wake Island to pump out flood damage before heading to Pearl for more extensive repairs.

The Japanese Paras were finally dislodged from their positions but instead of retreating back across the river they moved West precisely where i did not want them to go right into the path of two advancing divisions.

In China, the 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, were pushed back from their positions just North of Anking by a strong force of one division and two brigades. The 2nd Cavalry Corps, holding the right flank of the salient, has been ordered to fall back 60 miles in order to shorten the front and help reduce the pocket of Jap troops.

Tarakan fell to the second assault upon its defences signalling the end of any significant Dutch resistance on Borneo. What makes it worse is that engineers were only able to set fire to 7 oil installations leaving a substantial depot for the Japs to use.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/22/2008 12:36:06 PM >

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RE: The Last Ride of the DD Pope (DD-225) - 8/23/2008 11:34:36 AM

cantona2

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Status Operation Exodus 7-3-42

Sunk

MSW Bittern at Manila by Vals
AK Governor Wood in the South China Sea by Vals and Zeroes
AK Princess of Negroes in the Sulu Sea by Anns

Hit

DD Pillsbury bear Boac by Lilys
TK Gertrude Kellog in the Malacca Straits by Lilys

The Northern Group have just about began to clear Marcus Island which means over 60% of ships that started Operation Exodus are so far safe, these include all the 3,000 AK's, 2 5,000 AK's and 2 AS's.

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Singapore falls! - 8/23/2008 11:48:07 AM

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Elsewhere in the theatre:

Singapore finally fell after a month of heavy air attack and protracted ground assaults. Herb now has 7 IJA Divisions to redploy at his leisure

That was the only significant action in an otherwise quiet day. In China the only actions were the usual bombardments at Wuchow and west of Nanchang. In Burma the 33rd Division once again received the attention of the RAF's Belnheims. The A-24's at Port Morseby attacked the Japanese aerodrome at Dobodura with unspectacular results. The P-40B's at PM have been relieved by a full strength squadron of P-40E's recently arrived from the US. Submarines have also begun to transport a remnant of a base force at Gasmata and are taking it to PM.

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RE: Singapore falls! - 8/24/2008 12:36:52 AM

cantona2

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Status of Operation Exodus 8-3-42

Sunk

DD Pillsbury near Iloilo by Anns
AO Pecos in the Celebes Sea from bomb damage

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RE: Singapore falls! - 8/24/2008 10:03:10 AM

cantona2

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Status of Operation Exodus 9-3-42

Sunk

AK Mayon south west of Iwo Jima by a torpedo launched by DD Yugumo

Hit

AK Anakan south west of Iwo Jima by Japanese gun boats
AK Candesa south west of Iwo Jima by Japanese gun boats
AK Corregidor south west of Iwo Jima by Japanese gun boats
AK Bisayas south west of Iwo Jima by Japanese gun boats
AK Compagnia Filipinas south west of Iwo Jima by Japanese gun boats

The task force has scattered into single ship units in order to escape a second attack. A well coordinated attack by Herb vectoring in his surface units using his search planes at Marcus and Chichi Jima and Iwo Jima

Safe

TK Gertrude Kellog (sailed the whole of the South China Sea then the Malacca Straits)
AS Holland (steaming into Wake Island)
DD Electra (heavily damaged escaped Singapore)

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RE: Singapore falls! - 8/24/2008 10:06:49 AM

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Been a very quiet day across the war zone. Herb has alluded in his last email that he is taking a short breather befor his next move and that he has decided on his Grand Strategy. Im thinking India, Oz or a SOPAC invasion. What im certain about is that PM will be a target and so to Port Blair. He may also go for Wake Island but he'll find it a hard nut to crack.

He is now attacking Padang so im sorteing again with RN carriers, this time the Formidable and hope to once again catch him like i did at Benkolen. Still Alls Quiet in the Pacific War and this cna only mean a hammer is gathering somewhere in the Japanese Empire.

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Quiet Before the Storm? - 8/24/2008 8:10:20 PM

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Very quiet and unsettling turns. Very little has happened over the last two turns. None of the Operation Exodus ships were attacked and the SCTF that engaged the transports has disappeared. The weather is keeping most aircraft grounded and in the SOPAC/CENTPAC the build up is gathering pace.

It certainly feels like the quiet before a breaking storm...

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RE: Quiet Before the Storm? - 8/26/2008 1:06:33 PM

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Herb has alluded to resting his troops prior to the 'Big One'. India or Australia mehthinks.

AS Holland put in to Wake Island yesterday making her the first arrival in the West from Operation Exodus, truly an epic journey through enemy held waters. More transports are coming through and one lonely AV(Langley) has left Manila as the last ship trying to run.

Elsewhere the 90th Bombardment, now colloquially know as the 'Hell Divers', once again pounded Japanese ships in the Solomon Sea. This time it was transports at Finschhafen where several ships were hit by both the Dauntless and Mitchell squadrons.

Day Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 57,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 12
A-24 Dauntless x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK India Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Kashu Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage *sinks later*
AK Victoria Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet

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< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/26/2008 1:09:05 PM >

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RE: Quiet Before the Storm? - 8/30/2008 10:45:12 AM

cantona2

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Its been a quiet sort of war for the past couple of days. But in his last email Herbie has written 'Planning complete, first stage of the 2nd phase operations sail.....................' The hammer descends....

Still the forces of Good fight back and hit the Jap wherever they can. In China the 21st Fighter Squadron was able to ambush unescorted bombers and fighter-bombers that were bombing the Chinese salient to the East of Hankow. The IJA in China is carrying out a major counter-attack in this area but the USAAF in China was able to shoot down 6 of his planes and turn back a whole wave of Nates to the relief of their Chinese allies manning the front lines below them.

CV Enterprise is poised to ambush Japanese shipping concentrating around the island of Abemama. Submarines on recon further north have spotted tankers following the transports already there. Enterpise if 120 miles south of Funafuti and heading north at full steam, she should be in range of a strike day after tomorrow.

Warhawks at Port Moresby have shot down a second Mavis recon plane and have tassled with Zeroes intercepting Dakotas flying in supplies from Australia. I have to supply laden transports heading to PM and will fly in a Beaufighter squadron to help the Warhawks cover the ships as they will undoubtedly attract the Nells at Rabaul.

We wait in anticipation of where Herb's 2nd Phase will hit first...

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Enterprise Strikes - 8/30/2008 7:45:27 PM

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CV Enterprise carried out the first USN carrier borne attack against enemy ships today. The Enterprise was enroute to Abemama Island where coast watchers had spotted enemy ships passing by. CV Enterprise steamed from Suva upon receiving the news and headed north. SS-S 38 also reported more ships heading south-east just past Jaluit Island and it was hoped that they would arrive at Abemama at the same time as Enterprises airplanes were within range.

That was the plan, however the adage of the plan going out the window when contact is made was proved true today. Approximately 300 miles west of Gardner Island the float and search planes of Enterprise's task force spotted an enemy cruiser steaming directly into our shipping lanes. Both Dauntless squadrons were immediately scrambled and attacked and repeatedly hit the CL Yura in a first wave attack. 33 bombers left and 33 bombers returned.

Day Air attack on TF at 90,101

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 33

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage

As the day wore on reports came back of the enemy vessel in flames and reports of secondary explosions were also received. Scout planes on a more northerly vector reported the presence of another enemy raider and the second wave of bombers launched split in two and successfully engaged both targets. First the Yura was hit again by a flight of 16 Dauntless bombers, all which returned safely to base. Though the ship was not reported sunk she was obviously in dire straits.

Day Air attack on TF at 90,101

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

The second target was a commerce raider that was following in the wake of the Yura. Identified as the PG Akagi Maru it was attacked by a second flight of 16 Dauntless, one of which was shot down by its flak guns. Despite this numerous bomb hits were recorded and the ship was left damaged and in flames.

Day Air attack on TF at 90,100

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Akagi Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/30/2008 8:02:14 PM >

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RE: Enterprise Strikes - 8/30/2008 7:59:51 PM

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Elsewhere in the theatre:

A very active day in the air. Hurricanes and Oscars contested the air space over the Japanese Divisions converging on Mandalay from the West. 6 Hurris were downed for 4 Oscars. In China it was his turn to ambush as CAF Lancers on ground attack missions were jumped by Nates on two occasions east of Wuchow, 3 Lancers were lost. Over PM a massive 74 A6M2 sweep was bravely met by 4 P-40E's, all 4 were lost but they took one Zero with them as well.

Landings were made at Victoria Point and an increase of recon flights over Port Blair has been spotted, as well as over Wake Island. Sabang has also been subjected to air attacks over the past two days as well. Mavis's were also above PM again. The resupply convoy to PM is closing in and Lightnings and Beaufighters have moved to PM to cover its approach.

Japanese MSW's detected and began to sweep a recently sub laid minefield at Johore Bharu. The two subs have now reverted to patrol missions and are sailing up the Malacca Straits hoping to interdict the ships returning from Victoria Point.

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RE: Enterprise Strikes - 8/31/2008 10:38:57 AM

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Dauntless's from Enterprise finished yesterdays job by sinking a few 1000lber's into the Akagi Maru and sending her to the bottom. Scout planes also spotted the CL Yura disappearing under the waves. Enterprise has now been ordered back to Suva to replenish her stocks of fuel and ammuinition. Morale is high after a job well done.

Catalinas of VP-12 in Wake Island have spotted a seven ship convoy heading north-east out of the Marshall Islands. 71st Bombardment (B-26) and VMSB-231 (Dauntless) have had new orders issued to them to stop their patrols and to undertake search and destroy missions. A three destroyer task force has detached from the Wake Security Force to engage the transports as they approach. PT boats are also on stand-by should the enemy come within range. CV Saratoga has sallied from Pearl in the hope of catching some of these enemy ships.

The skies over PM were full of falling aircraft, mine not his. 8 Beaufighters were shot down, overwhelmed by the accustomed mass Zero sweep. All other fighters there are flying patrol missions over the resupply convoy, now 1 day out of PM.

Herbie has conducted a very good counter attack in China. He constantly claims in his emails that he is no good at land combat but he was able to coordinate a river crossing and a solid attack against a salient. Certainly the river crossings demands some skill in land warfare and i beleive he is being too harsh on himself here. Ill let the screenie do the talking.

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< Message edited by cantona2 -- 8/31/2008 10:40:31 AM >

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Movements in the Coral Sea - 9/1/2008 2:18:04 PM

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Catalinas out of Port Moresby began to track a convoy on a south westerly heading steaming out of the Solomon Sea and into the northern Coral Sea. The message received indicated four cruisers, though i cannot discount the possibility that carriers are also present. B-25's at Port Moresby were put on full alert but contact was lost the following day as the weather worsened. The CV Yorktown and her battle group lie 300 miles north west of Koumac on overwatch. Her task force was spotted yesterday by a Mavis long range scout plane, probably out of Luganville. She had been moving to try and find the Japanese convoy but after being spotted has plotted a course to Brisbane.

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RE: Movements in the Coral Sea - 9/1/2008 2:34:01 PM

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Elsewhere in the theatre:

Herbs damn subs are once again making a nuisance of themselves in my shipping lanes. RO-61 sunk the AVD keeping the search planes at Baker Island operational and AK K.I. Luchenbach was hit by one torpedo in the Central Pacific shipping lanes. ASW efforts are being stepped up and im having to divert bombers to search missions as there seems to be a theatre wide lack of Catalina's. This is the largest permieter i have had to patrol in my PBEM's and maybe this is the reason for the lack of Cat's.

The skies over Burma were once again full of duelling Oscars and Hurricanes. The score was 2-4, the 1st RIAF having lost 4 of its planes. It has been relieved by the 2nd AVG, that has recently finished requipping with Warhawks. Herb has also stepped up his aerial operations in China with increased bombing raids on my frontline. 3 Blenheim IF's of the RAF's 27th Squadron were shot down over Sinyang and 4 Tomahawks of the 1st AVG were lost over Luichow, though all 4 pilots were recovered. The increase in air activity is due to the fact that Manila surrendered yesterday due to lack of food (ie supply level 0), and i assume Herbie has transferred his IJAAF units to China.

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Malacca Straits - 9/1/2008 2:47:45 PM

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Sabang has belatedly begun to attract attention from planes stationed on Malaya. Yesterday Falcon patrolplanes spotted two distinct group of ships steaming up the Malacca Straits. One group veered off to the north west late in the afternoon while the other steamed north east. Either Herb is assaulting Sabang and Port Blair as well, were Mavis's from Rangoon are carrying out daily recon flights, or assaulting Sabang and reinforcing Victoria Point. Whatever the case, the Royal Navy will try to strike at these ships. CV Indomitable will be on station tomorrow and have its planes prepped in case the Japanese ships make landfall at Sabang. CV Formidable will soon join it as it has just left Colombo. A mine layer will also accompany the carrier group, well follow it, in the hope of having time to mine Sabang. If not it will lay its eggs at Nicobar and then retreat North.

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