RE: Paratroopers!

RE: Paratroopers! (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports

Message

cantona2 -> RE: Paratroopers! (3/19/2009 2:20:40 PM)
The Defence of Austrlaia, by T.Makintosh, Oxford Press, 1986. "No more japanese paras dropped onto Thursday island and I Australian Corps concentrated on reinforcing and resupplying the garrison there. The aerial defences were also bolstered by the transfer of 330th Fighter Sqaudron (P-38) from Darwin to Coen and a fresh squadron of Marine Wildcats at Portlands Roads. 16th Fighter was pulled out for a rest and a squadron of Canadian Kittyhawks recently arrived in Australia took up station on Thursday Island itself. These fresh units certainly stiffend the defence of the area and tough air battles were fought on the 20th October. For the first time over Australian skies the vaunted Japanses A6M2 began to fall in substantial numbers. Post war analysis of the fighter sentai's stationed in New Guinea show evidence of heavy losses among its ranks, concurrent with the claims made by the Allied pilots. Though still outnumbered, the new units tore into the Japanese bombers and their escorts and managed to inflcit substantial losses. The raids were still coming through, for exmaple over 65 bombers hit Thursday Island on the 20th in several raids, but less were going back home. Of more importance was the air bridge between Cooktown and Thursday Island, the lideline that was keeping the soldiers there fed and fighting. Despite the losses and fatigue the brave USAAF and RAAF transport pilots kept their round the clock shuttling of men and material. Mention must also be made of the men of the neavy bombers of the USAAF that kept up their unescorted raids of the Japanese bases on New Guinea, but more of these in a later chapter."

cantona2 -> RE: Paratroopers! (3/30/2009 4:08:39 PM)
End of Ocotber 1942. Monthly highlights have been the intense air battles surrounding the recapture of Thursday Island and the destrucution of two Japanese Parachute Regiments. Of note also the fighting over Tarwa where despite the loss of two ships the IJN's fighters have finally met their match in the P-38 and experience Marine flyers. It was sad to note the loss of an 8 kill ace from VMF-222 in an accident late in the month. [image]local://upfiles/25083/C8B94641D7314817BF6CA6377323050D.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> The Lull (4/17/2009 11:08:17 AM)
Mid November 1942 The situation across the Pacific has been relatively stable through the early weeks of 1942, indeed the higher echelons were starting to call this period 'The Lull'. Since the recapture of Thursday Island and the destruction of two parachute regiments, the Japanese had relied on their air arm to subdue the outlying, but strategically important base. Wave after wave of heavy and light bombers hit the base heavily over a few days in early November completly shutting down the airfield. Marine Wildcats joined USAAF P-38's, RAAF Hurricanes and NZRAF Kittyhawks in first fighting off the enemy escorting fighters and then inflicting enough attritional casualties on the bomber formations for the enemy to rethink his strategy. Heavy bombers based at Cairns were also hitting their bases at Lea and Dobodura. Mid-Novemeber proved to be a swansong for the Japanese as, despite managing to fight a large raid through to Thursday Island,the allied counter stroke managed to destroy 25 aeroplanes at Lae and severely damage the facilities there. A risky gamble of a low altitude raid paid off, as the normal fighter umbrella of 30+ planes was largely reduced as they were off escorting the bombers. Elsewhere the action has been quiet. In India the RAF has slowly and quietly begun rebuilding its fighter wing as replacement Hurricanes arrive. In China the battlewagons of the IJN have supported the IJA's efforts at Wenchow, were the cut off Chinese units are still hanging on. There has also been naval movements off Foochow and naval attack planes have been put on alert. Tarawa keeps on being resupplied despite the loss of the odd merchant. Off more note is the Top Secret Operation Rapier that has seen CarDiv 1 (CV Saratoga and CV Wasp) sail undetected to within strike range of the shipping lanes of the Japanese Home Islands. Yesterday Kingfishers spotted an enemy convoy on a north easterly heading, towards Japan. Though ships were sighted the element of surprise has been lost and to make it worse no attack planes launched. The carriers have now split up. Saratoga will head south west at normal speed, into the course sailed by the Japanese ships, while Wasp will steam north west at flank speed in the hope of launching a strike against the enemy ships and then turning back away from any possible Japanese counter move. Operation Rapier was supposed to last for a couple of weeks and the high command will call off the operation and order the return of CarDiv 1 the day after tomorrow. CarDiv 2 (CV Lexington & Hornet) are on station to the east of Wake Island. Their role was as a flank guard to Operation Rapier and to engage targets of opportunity that may arise out of the Japanese reaction. If the KB doesnot sortie CarDiv 2 will raid Marcus Island and the sirbase at Eniwetok before heading back home. [image]local://upfiles/25083/2C1AD0690F7243D08335511181F6F2DB.jpg[/image]

CarnageINC -> RE: The Lull (4/17/2009 10:07:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: cantona2 Mid November 1942 The situation across the Pacific has been relatively stable through the early weeks of 1942, indeed the higher echelons were starting to call this period 'The Lull'. Since the recapture of Thursday Island and the destruction of two parachute regiments, the Japanese had relied on their air arm to subdue the outlying, but strategically important base. Wave after wave of heavy and light bombers hit the base heavily over a few days in early November completly shutting down the airfield. Marine Wildcats joined USAAF P-38's, RAAF Hurricanes and NZRAF Kittyhawks in first fighting off the enemy escorting fighters and then inflicting enough attritional casualties on the bomber formations for the enemy to rethink his strategy. Heavy bombers based at Cairns were also hitting their bases at Lea and Dobodura. Mid-Novemeber proved to be a swansong for the Japanese as, despite managing to fight a large raid through to Thursday Island,the allied counter stroke managed to destroy 25 aeroplanes at Lae and severely damage the facilities there. A risky gamble of a low altitude raid paid off, as the normal fighter umbrella of 30+ planes was largely reduced as they were off escorting the bombers. Elsewhere the action has been quiet. In India the RAF has slowly and quietly begun rebuilding its fighter wing as replacement Hurricanes arrive. In China the battlewagons of the IJN have supported the IJA's efforts at Wenchow, were the cut off Chinese units are still hanging on. There has also been naval movements off Foochow and naval attack planes have been put on alert. Tarawa keeps on being resupplied despite the loss of the odd merchant. Off more note is the Top Secret Operation Rapier that has seen CarDiv 1 (CV Saratoga and CV Wasp) sail undetected to within strike range of the shipping lanes of the Japanese Home Islands. Yesterday Kingfishers spotted an enemy convoy on a north easterly heading, towards Japan. Though ships were sighted the element of surprise has been lost and to make it worse no attack planes launched. The carriers have now split up. Saratoga will head south west at normal speed, into the course sailed by the Japanese ships, while Wasp will steam north west at flank speed in the hope of launching a strike against the enemy ships and then turning back away from any possible Japanese counter move. Operation Rapier was supposed to last for a couple of weeks and the high command will call off the operation and order the return of CarDiv 1 the day after tomorrow. CarDiv 2 (CV Lexington & Hornet) are on station to the east of Wake Island. Their role was as a flank guard to Operation Rapier and to engage targets of opportunity that may arise out of the Japanese reaction. If the KB doesnot sortie CarDiv 2 will raid Marcus Island and the sirbase at Eniwetok before heading back home. [image]local://upfiles/25083/2C1AD0690F7243D08335511181F6F2DB.jpg[/image] WOOT! [;)] definately a weak area if the IJN doesn't keep it patroled.

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull (4/18/2009 12:32:47 PM)
Deep inside Japanese held waters the flak gunners of the South Dakota suddenly opened up, quickly followed by the gunners on the Wasp, sailing to the port side of the battleship. Their target, weaving in and out of black flak bursts that marred the otherwise pristine blue sky was a solitary Japanese plane. Binoculars were trained on it and a positive id was made, D3A Dive Bomber:carrier borne. Somewhere closeby, perhaps in the ships spotted 120 miles away by a Kingfisher, a Japanese carrier, or carriers, lurked. General quarters were immediately sounded and kalxons sounded all over the ships in the splinter of CarDiv 1. Likewise the 4 USN submarines in the area began to listen and search for the enemy flattop. "...US carrier and battleship spotted..." [img]http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8822/val08.jpg[/img]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull (4/18/2009 12:37:40 PM)
Well i was caught with my arse hanging out. F**king pissed off with myself as instead of heading NE i headed SE and into the path of a full KB Day Air attack on TF at 82,44 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 121 A6M3a Zero x 15 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 SBD-3 Dauntless x 30 TBF Avenger x 12 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed SBD-3 Dauntless: 24 destroyed TBF Avenger: 12 destroyed Day Air attack on TF at 83,46 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 82 D3A2 Val x 105 A6M3a Zero x 10 B5N2 Kate x 125 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 24 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 4 damaged D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 17 damaged A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged B5N2 Kate: 11 destroyed, 36 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 13 destroyed Allied Ships BB South Dakota, Bomb hits 15, Torpedo hits 9, on fire, heavy damage CV Wasp, Bomb hits 14, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage DD Fletcher, Bomb hits 1 CLAA San Diego, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage CA Chicago, Bomb hits 3, on fire ---------------------------- Day Air attack on TF at 83,46 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 9 D3A2 Val x 18 B5N2 Kate x 20 No Japanese losses Allied Ships CV Wasp, on fire, heavy damage ---------------------------- Day Air attack on TF at 83,46 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 9 D3A2 Val x 17 B5N2 Kate x 15 Japanese aircraft losses B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged Allied Ships BB South Dakota, on fire, heavy damage CV Wasp, on fire, heavy damage CA Chicago, on fire ---------------------------- Day Air attack on TF at 83,46 Japanese aircraft D3A2 Val x 99 B5N2 Kate x 120 Japanese aircraft losses D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged Allied Ships CA Northampton, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage CA Chicago, Bomb hits 11, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage DD Lansdowne, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage DD Buchanan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire DD Fletcher Oh well there goes the points ratio [:@]

CarnageINC -> RE: The Lull (4/19/2009 3:49:31 AM)
NOOOO!!!![:o] I was worried when you didn't gun and run, but that is war my friend, may your revenge be sweet[;)]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull (4/24/2009 9:30:34 AM)
Bulletins from the frontlines Loss of the Wasp a big blow but morale is still high. Remember the Wasp will be the new battle cry. Fight for Thursday Island is well and truly on, constant ebb and flow between one side and the other. Attrition is one fight i will win. Sqaudrons of 4E bombers in Austrlaia are taking the fight to Lae and Dobodura. Wewak is the only major airbase in PNG within range of Thursday Island but not within B-17 range. CV Lexington gains a minute measure of revenge for the loss of the Wasp and South Dakota by sinking IJN ships at Marcus Island, however she missed a reinforcement convoy by a day! Tarawa and Abemama are the scourge of Japanese shipping in the Marshall's. Lunga in the Solomons has also been hit hard by 4E's in Luganville.

cantona2 -> Nov 42 Sit Reps (4/25/2009 11:32:11 AM)
November 1942 was promising to be a quiet month with the actions in and around Thursday Island being the only notable events. That was until the Wasp and her TF were caught with their pants down by a full strength KB. Oh well, roll on December and one year of war! [image]local://upfiles/25083/1AF600BFABA547DCA3574639A805FFA0.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> The Lull is over (4/29/2009 5:53:04 PM)
On the eve of the first anniversary of the start of the war the Royal Navy in the Indian Ocean raided Port Blair and the Nicobar Islands. Fed up of being holed up in Colombo a task force containing the CV's Indomitable and Formidable sallied on the 4th December 1942 on a south easterly heading. Two days later they were in a position to launch a strike on the Japanese positions in Port Blair and the Nicobars. They first made their presence felt when No 800 and No 888 Sqaudrons FAA (Martlet) made an offensive sweep over the Japanese airfield on Port Blair. They were met by Ki-61-Ib's that had been harrassing the Liberator raids from Trincomalee and Diamond Harbour. As such the fleet air arm fighters helped clear the way for the bombers later on in the day. [img]http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/8676/pb1u.jpg[/img] An hour later the British carriers lauched their strike planes against the Japanese aerodrome on the Nicobar Islands, In what surely was to be the last operational flight by the Albacores of 817 and 818 FAA Squadrons, soon to be upgraded to the Avenger, the biplanes landed a heavy payload on the light enemy planes lined up on their airfield. [img]http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2907/pb2.jpg[/img] Day Air attack on Nicobar Island , at 20,38 Japanese aircraft no flights Allied aircraft Albacore x 37 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-51 Sonia: 3 destroyed Allied aircraft losses Albacore: 2 damaged Airbase supply hits 2 Runway hits 13 Aircraft Attacking: 19 x Albacore bombing at 10000 feet 18 x Albacore bombing at 5000 feet -------------------------- The Japanese response was not long in coming! Alerted to the presence of enemy carriers both airfields became a hornet's nest of activity. Despite the attention of Liberators, Port Blair was the first to respond. A mixed strike of B5N2's, Ki-51's and Ki-48-II's soon found and attacked the British ships. At this point 803 and 880 FAA Squadrons (Seafire) came into their own and tore into the enemy planes with abandon. The sleek new carrier borne fighter found some success with the escorts (Ki-61-Ib) and also downed several of the slow dive bombers. Yet despite their efforts 6 hits were scored on both flattops. Still the bombs bounced harmlessly off the armoured flight decks of the carriers. [img]http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1219/pb3.jpg[/img] Day Air attack on TF at 21,34 Japanese aircraft B5N2 Kate x 7 Ki-61-Ib Tony x 9 Ki-51 Sonia x 21 Ki-48-II Lily x 6 Allied aircraft Seafire I/II x 26 Japanese aircraft losses B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged Ki-61-Ib Tony: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged Ki-51 Sonia: 6 destroyed, 9 damaged Ki-48-II Lily: 4 damaged Allied Ships CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 5 CV Formidable, Bomb hits 1 CA Hawkins Aircraft Attacking: 2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet 3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet 4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet 2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet 3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet 2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet 4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet 4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 1000 feet 4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet -------------------------- The second strike was picked up on radar heading from the Nicobars. A6M2's escorted G4M1's and Ki-49's to their targets and once again the Seafire's provided the snkaing ships with a fighter umbrella. Their guns, along with the veritable wall of flak put up by the carriers and their attendant cruisers accounted for several enemy planes. [img]http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/8372/pb4.jpg[/img] -- Day Air attack on TF at 21,34 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 30 G4M1 Betty x 9 Ki-49 Helen x 11 Allied aircraft Seafire I/II x 26 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged Ki-49 Helen: 10 damaged Allied aircraft losses Seafire I/II: 3 destroyed, 13 damaged Allied Ships CV Formidable CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1 Aircraft Attacking: 3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet 4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet 4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet 4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet 3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet Once again the armoured flight decks saved the carriers from serious damage and thankfully both the flak and CAP fighters were substantial enough to put off the aim of all torpedo bombers that launched an attack. Ki-49's hit the Indomitable. [img]http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/8834/pb5r.jpg[/img] The last Japanese strike of the day came from the south of Nicobar, most probably Sabang. The now depleted and tired CAP was easily pushed aside but once again the flak did its job and many a bomb went whistling into the sea. [img]http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9738/pb6.jpg[/img] As the sky cleared of enemy planes the carriers collected their planes and began to steam home at flank speed. The Seafires had performed admirably and FLT Underwood was giving special mention in the Order of the Day having downed 3 confirmed kills. As the ships headed North West the Martlets were also put on CAP duties should the Japs want another bite of the apple tomorrow.

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (4/29/2009 5:56:57 PM)
State of TF 1126, evening on 6th December 1942 [image]local://upfiles/25083/8D406B6A81D64DAFA15E0C188DAF15AC.jpg[/image]

Alfred -> RE: The Lull is over (5/1/2009 9:47:19 AM)
That RN sortie has probably whetted the appetite for more frequent Bay of Bengal exercises? Alfred

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/1/2009 12:58:46 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Alfred That RN sortie has probably whetted the appetite for more frequent Bay of Bengal exercises? Alfred Indeed it has!

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/4/2009 10:16:12 AM)
12th December 1942 Coast watchers have reported the presence of Japanese troops on the beaches of the small northern Australian coastal town of Exmouth. ANZAC Command has opted to respond with maximum force in case this landing is the precursor for an invasion of Austrlaia. CL Marblehead, stationed at Perth since her flight from the Phillipines leads a squadron of destroyers from Perth. In support two B-17 squadrons have transferred from Katherine. From Broome the heavy cruiser Dorsertshire leads the lighter cruiser Glasgow and their attendant destroyers, with B-24's transferred from Wyndham, Derby and Darwin in support. As of yet transport convoys traversing the area have reported no contact with Japanese ships or aircraft and this has the ANZAC high command puzzled. Would the Japs launch an attack with no aerial support? There is one sqaudron of P-38's at Broome but they lack the legs to get to Exmouth. Whatever the case it is imperative to stop the Japanese from basing themselves there. Two infantry brigades have received their orders to plan for an attack at Exmouth. This could be a major attack or just a diversionary raid! [image]local://upfiles/25083/8C06F93EE89F4446A8B97720CCF23EE4.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/4/2009 5:37:40 PM)
13th December 1942. Exmouth town is occupied by Japanese marines. Search planes spot the enemy ships and the CA Dorsertshire is about to hit the landing beaches. It also seems that the Exmouth operation is part of a larger assualt that seems to encompass the Perth area as the Marblehead's escorts engaged and sank a float plane carrying submarine in the immediate environs of Geraldton. [image]local://upfiles/25083/012E5708A7BA4C819E765BBF4D6F3BB8.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/4/2009 6:06:04 PM)
The Japanese transports were spotted by both coast watchers and search planes as they unloaded more marines over the beaches near Exmouth. By the return of the first patrols the first bombers to take the air had a good idea of their targets. [img]http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4322/ex1v.jpg[/img] Broome airfeild was alive with the drone of massive four engined bombers whose task it was to attack both the enemy ships and man in Exmouth. B-24's of the 319th and 400th Bombardment Squadrons were tasked to engage any enemy ships they could spot while 9th and 436th Bombardment Squadrons were to attack the enemy soldiers disembarking on Australian soil. The weather over the target area prevented any strike on the enemy transports but the bombers attacking the unloading troops found the necessary gaps in the cloud to drop their bombs on their target. [img]http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2985/ex2ptl.jpg[/img] Day Air attack on 3rd NLF , at 11,86 Allied aircraft B-24D Liberator x 21 No Allied losses Japanese ground losses: 72 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Aircraft Attacking: 4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet 9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet 5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet 3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet Just after midday a second wave of bombers hit the landing beaches at Exmouth. This time the B-17's of 14th and 22nd Bombardments based at Perth droned in from the south west and dropped a full bomb load before turning around and heading back home. The observers on the bombers reported fires and explosions among the initial beachead positions. [img]http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4585/ex3m.jpg[/img] Day Air attack on 3rd NLF , at 11,86 Allied aircraft B-17E Fortress x 15 No Allied losses Japanese ground losses: 58 casualties reported Aircraft Attacking: 4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet 4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 7000 feet 4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 7000 feet 3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet As ANZAC Command began the scramble to get ships and units to the area, the Warspite had sallied from Sydney and even New Zealand troops were boarding ships heading towards western Australia, a new development suddenly made the situation somewhat more serious. A Japanese float plane was seen droning and circling over Gerladton, a town to the north of Perth. Spotters quickly identified it as an E14Y1 submarine launched float plane. Through their spotting glasses they could see the camera fixed to the planes underbody and they could also see the pilot and navigator gesticualting. Radio contact was immediately made with Perth and a report made which was then forwarded to the CL Marblehead. E14Y1 Glen being readied for launch. [img]http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6489/e14y1.jpg[/img] Commander Dockery immediately dispatched several of his destroyer escorts to conduct a search and destroy mission in the area of suspected launch of the Glen. After 45 mintues of search sonar contacts were made and a position triangualted and soon enough depth charge after depth went plunging into the depths, exploding with terrific force and violence. The destroyers kept their firing up for over an hour and once the water settled oil and debris floated on the surface and despite no confirmed kill there seemed to be no more sonar contacts and no reason not to believe that the enemy sub had been sunk. [img]http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8834/ex4.jpg[/img] ASW attack at 7,94 Japanese Ships SS I-26, hits 4, on fire Allied Ships DD Drayton DD Lamson DD Cummings DD Case DD Maury -------------------------- ASW attack at 7,94 Japanese Ships SS I-26, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships DD Drayton DD Lamson DD Cummings -------------------------- Nevertheless by late afternoon it was clear that Japanese soldiers were in control of Exmouth when radio hails were left unanswered. A recon plane also reported that Japanese soldiers appeared to be digging in and constructing basic trenches and foxholes. [img]http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9619/ex5y.jpg[/img] Ground combat at Exmouth Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 2229 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 57 Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0 Japanese max assault: 37 - adjusted assault: 67 Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1 Japanese assault odds: 67 to 1 (fort level 0) Japanese forces CAPTURE Exmouth base !!! It was hoped that the Dorsertshire and her consorts could strike a telling blow on the transports in the bay. No doubt these had the supplies the Japs were relying on. The lack of carrier support had left ANZAC command extremely puzzled and the Glen over Geraldton seemed to indicate a widening of what was now generally accepted as a Japanese invasion rather than a raid. Thankfully the 4th Australian Division had fortified Perth substantially and it was hoped they could hold out until reinforcements arrived.

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/4/2009 6:14:09 PM)
Far away to the East, large number of ships began to load troops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Pearl Harbour, Canton Island. Empty transports headed towards the Gilbert and Ellice Islands to load up troops that were already veterans of atoll assaults. The Japanese moves on Western Australia had spurrned both CENTPAC and SOPAC Commands into action. The 1st Marine Division was ordered out of its Hawaiian barracks and onto transports as it would the spearhead of the invasion of Nauru Island. It was hoped that a speedy assault on the island could extend the Allied flank on the Marshall Islands and provided a second base from which to hit Japanese bases in the Solomons. Two fleet carriers would augment the long range air support both Tarawa and Abemama would be providing. Though it would be a couple of weeks before everything was in place it was hoped that this operation, codenamed Stepping Stone, would make the Japanese high command think twice about expanding its Australian operation.

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/5/2009 6:18:30 PM)
14th December 1942 The Dorsertshire TF sailed into Exmouth Bay and found...nothing. The Japanese ships had slipped away during the night. The Royal Navy ships were on their way back to Broome when orders arrived to return to Exmouth and lay in wait for supply ships that must surely begin to run in to support the troops there. The Marblehead TF moved north up the coast and will send her float planes to recon Exmouth for a more deatiled snoop. As of yet no contact, naval or aerial has been made with any other Japanese elements. I assume the Japanese High Command wants the element of surprise if they are hitting Perth but as of yet nothing. As to attacks on Exmouth, Broome was socked in today so the B-17's from Perth once again bombed the Japanese troops. In the East, Operation Stepping Stone gathers steam. The 1st Marine Division left Pearl Harbour escorted by a CVE and will rendevous with the 2 carriers at Canton Island. The forces are gathering prior to assault. The Hornet will also sally against Marcus Island as a diversion. Recon following air raids there yesterday revealed the presence of a brigade of the 9th Division on Marcus, hitherto only garrisoned by a naval guard unit. If this is the case then Operation Stepping Stone is off to a good start as the number of units on Nauru Island, which is constantly being recconoiterd, remains at 1.

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/5/2009 6:19:12 PM)
Just noticed over 10,000 hits. Many thanks to all the readaars [&o]

gladiatt -> RE: The Lull is over (5/6/2009 8:28:14 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: cantona2 Just noticed over 10,000 hits. Many thanks to all the readaars [&o] Thanks to you. YOU made it interessting ! [:)]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/6/2009 3:34:24 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: gladiatt quote: ORIGINAL: cantona2 Just noticed over 10,000 hits. Many thanks to all the readaars [&o] Thanks to you. YOU made it interessting ! [:)] Many thanks gladiatt. I shall endeavour to make sure it continues so! [:)]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/7/2009 6:17:08 PM)
15th Decemeber 1942 Another day passes with no sightings of any sort of Japanese ship or plane anywhere near or around Exmouth. The Dorsertshire TF will bombard the Japanese troops on land and will then head to Broome to refuel. The weather is clearing up so I am expecting the B-24's from Broome to hit Exmouth hard tomorrow. The 23rd AIF Brigade is enroute from Darwin and its is hoped that a lack of supply in Exmouth itself may allow for a quick mop up of these units. Two British carriers and one light carrier are steaming south through the Indian Ocean while the Warpsite has just cleared Adelaide. The atmosphere at ANZAC Command is very tense but General Blamey is aware that he cannot only concentrate on the Exmouth/Perth area and ignore the other flashpoints in this theatre. The Marblehead launched her Seagull float planes early this morning. One flew a search pattern 45degrees to the north while the second one flew over Exmouth taking photographs of Japanese positions there. The information gathered will be radioed over to the Dorsertshire's fire control officers in order to be able to process as an accurate bombardment as possible. [image]local://upfiles/25083/74EE5677A8164382B1958FF49C2D898D.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/7/2009 6:22:40 PM)
Elsewhere in the theatre: The AK Seiko Maru sank at Nicobar Islands after being hit a few days ago. She joins a MSW that was sank by the SS S-KIX at Port Blair yesterday. Reinforcements for Western Australia are being railed and sailed in. The hopes of the ANZAC Command are pinned on the 4th Australian Division in Perth holding if attacked. Operation Stepping Stone gathers pace. Once again Canton Island acts as the staging point for an offensive in the Central Pacific, just as she was for Operation Morsel. The carriers have arrived and awaits the invasion and follow up forces. In the Western Solomons the IJN is running a large number of resupply convoys into Lae. As can be seen from the screenie below a large number of Allied submarines are on the hunt for them! [image]local://upfiles/25083/E7A45FD8E8F14F76A144970AA488FCDE.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/9/2009 12:23:12 PM)
18th Decemeber 1942 The Dutch Patrol Boat Beneb had yesterday reported being attacked by short ranged float planes and had radioed Commander Dockery, Captain of the Light Cruiser Marblehead for help. TF 1115 at the time was 180 miles off the coast at Exmouth using her SOC-3 Seagulls to recon the Japanese positons inland. Upon receipt of the signal Dockery called the captains of his destroyers onto the Marblehead to discuss the new sitaution. It was stipulated that maybe Japanese cruisers were marauding to the north and the decision was made to stop the recon mission and begin an aggressive sweep to the north. The ships ploughed through the dark and into the nascent dawn when the Marblehead once again received a signal from the Beneb, this time an SOS after a submarine attack 480 miles to the west of Broome. There was little Dockery could do because at the same time his radar operators had picked up a contact 80 miles to his north-east! The end of the brave picket ship PC Beneb, lost with all hands off the coast of North Western Australia on 8/12/1942 [img]http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/973/ex9.jpg[/img] The blip on the radar was indeed an enemy vessel but not the expected cruisers. A float plane tender of the IJN was suddenly surprised by TF1115 as she was in the process of preparing her planes for a dawn lauch. Dockery gave the orders to engage and the Marblehead's main batteries opened fire scoring several direct hits, several float planes were seen to be blown off the deck of the tender. Her destroyer escorts raced forward into torpedo range and fired a spread of tinish, one of which scored a direct hit on the enemy ship amidships. She sank shortly after and the critical hit was credited to the DD Lamson. Dockery then orders his ships south back to Perth to rearm and refuel. He was a satisfied man as he had been able to blind the enemy and reduce his recon potential in the area. [img]http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/65/ex10.jpg[/img]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/9/2009 12:35:55 PM)
The situation around Exmouth is starting to escalate. Three Royal Navy carriers sortied from Colombo three days ago and are now in the southern Indian Ocean, steaming past the tip of Sumatra enroute to the battle zone. Though to Japanese carriers have yet been sighted the presence of the AV suggests an escalation of events. [img]http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4821/ex7.jpg[/img] The immediate environs of Exmouth are very busy with allied surface and subamrine traffic as an all out effort is carried out to ascertain what the Japs are upto. A squadron of B-24's from Broome has stopped its bombing runs and started to patrol the surrouding seas, their longer legs augmenting the Catalinas already flying from Broome. The BB Warspite is just about to clear The Great Australian Blight and the CVE Long Island follows behind. Japanese submarines, other than the one that sank the Beneb, have been spotted and a dedicated ASW task force is enagaing in stringent seek and destory missions. [img]http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8153/ex8.jpg[/img]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/11/2009 9:21:25 AM)
Extract from Defending Our Shores, by Major R.T.Stevens (ret) '...the question of Exmouth still vexed high command as we landed on the beaches on that December morning. We disemabrked admist gunfire from the shore, low calibre mortar shells and some field artillery. Off shore we could still see the burning Japanese ships our escorts had bumped into on the way in. What we didnt learn until later was the fate befallen to some of the brave destroyer crews that run the gauntlet of Japanese submarines in the area. Despite the sinking of two of the underwater pirates yesterday, two Royal Navy 'L' Class destroyers were struck by torpedoes. It made us want to fight all the hardest that these hardy seamen were ready to fight an unseen foe in order to get us safely to our target. Unknown to us at the time we would soon be receiving the support of three Royal Navy aircraft carriers. At the time the only thing we were concerned about was keeping our heads down as we consolidted the beach in preparation for pushing inland and ejecting these interlopers on Australian soil. Though not many in number, their reputation as soldiers preceeded them as we began to engage. The Jap soon found as well that the Aussie could dish it out just as well...'

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/11/2009 9:29:23 AM)
Ive not run the turn yet because i'm at work but i am vey worried about this move. Herb has moved in with no apparent carrier or heavy support. I initially thought it was a diversion but its not like him to throw troops away. His last email made a reference to a carrier making a killing off Exmouth, to be honest it would! The destroyers escorting the 23rd AIF to Exmouth bumped into two AP's and a PG which hadnt been spotted and i don't know whether they were delivering supplies or were there to extract the Jap marines. I'm wondering whether Perth is his target and that maybe the KB is out there with no search planes or carrier aricraft on the search to maintain tactical surprise. Its a very tense game at the moment! Loving it though!

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/11/2009 6:35:22 PM)
20th/21st December 1942 The night of the 20th of Decemeber 1942 belonged to the destroyers of the Royal Navy, though later events would event the score somewhat. A group of four destroyers enroute to Exmouth made repeated sonar contacts along the shallow coastal waters of the north west of Australia. Around 03:15 a definite and constant contact was made and a depth charge attack carried out by the destroyers Arrow, Lightning, Lightfoot and Laforey. 45 minutes later wreckage rose to the surface after what appeared to be a massive underwater explosion. The ships' crews congratulted themseleves and stole onto Exmouth. [img]http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6789/ex11.jpg[/img] Sub attack at 17,85 Japanese Ships SS RO-64, hits 13, on fire, heavy damage *sinks* Allied Ships DD Arrow DD Lightning DD Lightfoot DD Laforey Unfortunatley for the crew of the Lighting a second Japanese submarine was able to surprise the Royal Navy ships, no doubt using the noise of the explosion and the sinking sub as cover from the British ASDIC. At approximately 04:53 a torpedo struck the Lightning just forward of the number one turret. Though not mortally hit she slowed down immediately gushing dark, oily smoke. Her sisters turned on their searchlights that criss crossed the murky sea, searching, prowling for the silent hunter. The sonarman on the Arrow reported contact and once again depth charges flew into the air and into the dark depths. Though several loud bangs were heard by the sonar operators noe apparent evidence of any ships sinking was heard, though a large blob of balck oil was seen to break the pre-dawn surface. The Lighting was deatched and sent back to Broome while the other ships headed on to Exmouth. It was the last time the Lightning would be seen. [img]http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8967/ex12.jpg[/img] Sub attack at 13,85 Japanese Ships SS I-27, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships DD Lightning, Torpedo hits 1, on fire DD Lightfoot DD Laforey DD Arrow

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/11/2009 7:01:09 PM)
As the 21st of December dawned the remaining destroyers sped into Exmouth Bay and met up with the transports and escorts ferrying the 23rd AIF Brigade. Almost immediately radar contacts were made with enemy vessels to the east. The destroyers sped off to engage. Two Japanese transports ships, probably the ones that had brought the Jap marines and a patrol boat skulked in the dawn shadows. Hidden but not invisible to the radar on the British ships. Achieving surprise the first salvo of shells and torpedoes raked one of the transports and the Patrol Boat. Fires broke out on the Japanese ships but the brave patrol boat built up what speed it could and put itself between the British ships and the transports it was protecting. Her bravery was admirable but in such a one sided encounter there was only one outcome. She sank 10 minutes into the engagement while the destroyers brought their guns to bare on the transports [img]http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/6193/ex14.jpg[/img] Night Time Surface Combat, near Exmouth at 11,86 Japanese Ships PG Fukui Maru, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk AP Argun Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage AP Haisho Maru, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships DD Arrow DD Laforey DD Lightfoot

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (5/11/2009 7:32:20 PM)
At this junction of the battle the submarines of the IJN once again made themselves known. Having exhausted much of their anti-submarine ordinance, the hunters became the hunted. As they withdrew from the burning Japanese ships, the DD Laforey was suddenly engulfed in flame. On the water on her port side the wake of the torpedo that struck her, and the wakes of the three other that missed, were clearly visible in the glow. [img]http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6884/ex15.jpg[/img] Sub attack near Exmouth at 11,86 Japanese Ships SS I-3 Allied Ships DD Laforey, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage DD Lightfoot Notwithstanding the obvious subamrine menace, the transports carrying the 23rd AIF Brigade began to unload their cargo. There was some fire coming from the foxholes the Japanese had dug into the beach and some mortar shells were coming from the high ground to the south. Despite some casualties the landing was largely uneventful [img]http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/5493/ex16.jpg[/img] Further out in Exmouth Bay the Laforey was falling way behind her two sisters now heading back to Broome to rearm. Once again she was engulfed in flame as a second torpedo obliterated her side armour and exploded inside the boiler room. The ship went up in a ball of flame that were only extinguished as she sank beneath the waves a mere three minutes after being struck. [img]http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6479/ex17.jpg[/img] Sub attack at 11,85 Japanese Ships SS I-176 Allied Ships The long eventful dawn was not yet over for the handful of destroyers. As they stole away to the West, their radars once again became alive with contacts. The AP Haishu Maru was also trying to steal away, most probably to the dry docks at Sorebaja, but was once again under the guns of the Royal Navy. This time the destoryers finished off the job and delivered a final coup de grace to the damaged merchant that saw her flounder and sink 120 miles off the Australian coast. [img]http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9895/ex18p.jpg[/img] Day Time Surface Combat, near Exmouth at 11,86 Japanese Ships AP Haisho Maru, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships DD Arrow DD Lightfoot, Shell hits 1 DD Laforey, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks* Further to the West the Lightning, hit the previous day by a subamrine, was limping her way back to the relative safety of Broome. Due to the damage already incurred her sonar arrays were inoperable and she fell to a second torpedo strike. Fortunatley the majority of the ship's complement were able to abandon ship in good order. Catalinas from Broome fighing them out of the water before midday. [img]http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/4115/ex19.jpg[/img] Sub attack at 15,85 Japanese Ships SS I-164 Allied Ships DD Lightning, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks* By midday the 23rd AIF Brigade had consolidated its small bridgehead and was subjected to a light bombardment, which its mortars responded to with some effect. [img]http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4961/ex20.jpg[/img] Ground combat at Exmouth Japanese Bombardment attack Attacking force 1608 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 44 Defending force 1884 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 67 Japanese ground losses: 31 casualties reported Guns lost 1

Page: << < prev 11 12 [13] 14 15 next > >>

Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

2.359375