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Speedysteve -> 28th June 1944 (1/30/2007 3:55:04 PM)
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Hi all,
Well what a day of days!
Firstly the main event: Saipan. This is simply incredible[:D]:
TF 1146 encounters mine field at Saipan (63,64) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
7202 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Courtenay, Shell hits 179, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Igonish, Shell hits 110, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Canso, Shell hits 193, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bayfield, Shell hits 173, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Quatsino, Shell hits 191, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Kingfisher, Shell hits 161, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tanager, Shell hits 122, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Lark, Shell hits 166, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tern, Shell hits 128, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Rail, Shell hits 141, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Buoyant, Shell hits 126, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Scuffle, Shell hits 64, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Salute, Shell hits 81, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Scout, Shell hits 120, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Velocity, Shell hits 128, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tumult, Shell hits 74, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Champion, Shell hits 130, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Warrnambool, Shell hits 103, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Townsville, Shell hits 148, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Toowoomba, Shell hits 143, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Strahan, Shell hits 175, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Stawell, Shell hits 139, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Shepparton, Shell hits 167, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Rockhampton, Shell hits 64, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Mildura, Shell hits 138, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Lithgow, Shell hits 120, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Lismore, Shell hits 187, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Hopkins, Shell hits 174, on fire, heavy damage
AP Empire Pride, Mine hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
I think they died[;)]
There was a lot more than that I can tell you.
A lot of MSW's were pounded and sunk. the landings then begun and many ships hit mine's. I lost count of how many ships were sunk. Probably about 2 x AK, 10 x LCI, 5 x LST. I counted at least 80 ships that were still afloat but damaged. 2 of my 5 x invasion TF's are relatively unscathed also.
Here's the good news. 1/3 of the troops are ashore and in VERY good condition - 80-85% operational. I stil have 2/3 to unload and look at the force disparity already:
Ground combat at Saipan
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 30595 troops, 325 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 723
Defending force 70741 troops, 939 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 2919
Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
The main downer for the operation so far is the loss of 30ish MSW's................Overall not too unhappy with this though. Saipan should fall now.
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In the SRA I was surprised today when IJN CV's showed up 180 miles NW of Singkawang.
My transports are still 120 miles away from Pontianak. I am definitely unloading all the men here now.
My P38J's covering the transports performed very well in shooting down 40 enemy planes throughout the day. An AK (carrying supply) was lost and 3 more AK, 1 x TK were damaged. More P38J's are on CAP tomorrow for the final run into Pontianak. When Aviation support is on hand tomorrow then P47D's will base at Pontianak until Singkawang is taken.
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SS Seadragon damaged the troop laden AP Kirishima Maru with a torpedo 180 miles NW of Singkawang.
SS Barbel damaged AK Toyoura Maru with a torpedo 120 miles SE of Davao.
Air sightings = 12
Air attacks = 0
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CVE Bismark Sea, an AK and a DE arrive in theatre tomorrow.
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