FeurerKrieg -> November 15th, 1943 (9/28/2009 6:30:38 AM)
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November 15th, 1943 The Allied ships again close on Wake, this time trying to clear some of the minefields. 13 minesweepers came into the approaches, however the coastal defense guns were still in operation. A few flare shells were all that was needed for our guns to zero in on the minesweepers. All 13 were struck repeatedly and sunk. Afterward, two groups of Battleships, one of 4 and one of 2, came in to shell the island. In the process DD Boyd, DD Brownson, and DD Bennett all struck one mine each, although Bennett was the only one on fire. DD Aaron Ward struck 2 mines and was heavily damaged and burning. Finally, the Battleship Arizona struck a mine and it also was on fire. Many enemy short range float planes flew recon missions over the island and about 4 were shot down. No ground troops were landed yet, but we have to assume they will arrive soon. Elsewhere, Akyab was bombed again, and Nicobar Island airfield was opened (sz 1). quote:
MSW Zeal, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage MSW Vigilance, Shell hits 37, on fire, heavy damage MSW Velocity, Shell hits 31, on fire, heavy damage MSW Tumult, Shell hits 66, on fire, heavy damage MSW Strive, Shell hits 46, on fire, heavy damage MSW Champion, Shell hits 39, on fire, heavy damage MSW Chief, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage MSW Impeccable, Shell hits 43, on fire, heavy damage MSW Starling, Shell hits 64, on fire, heavy damage MSW Sage, Shell hits 40, on fire, heavy damage MSW Revenge, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage MSW Requisite, Shell hits 32, on fire, heavy damage MSW Pursuit, Shell hits 30, on fire, heavy damage Results of enemy minesweeping efforts
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