RE: The Lull is over

RE: The Lull is over (Full Version)

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cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (7/11/2009 12:46:29 PM)
My slight probe up the Solomons has attracted some attention from the IJN and this may bode well for Thor's Hammer. An IJN Cruiser squadron carried out a night bombardment run on the engineers on Ndeni. Heavy casualties were reported but a second attack of the day brought better news. Naval bombardment of Ndeni, at 72,105 Japanese Ships CL Kuma CL Kinu CA Kako CA Furutaka CA Kinugasa CA Kumano CA Ashigara CA Nachi Allied ground losses: 560 casualties reported Vehicles lost 6 Just after lunh 8 B5N2's escorted by several A6M2's also raided Ndeni. The small number of carrier borne aircraft suggests a small carrier, maybe the Ryuho. This attack was quickly followed by a high level raid by G4M1's from Lunga. Day Air attack on Ndeni , at 72,105 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 2 B5N2 Kate x 8 No Japanese losses Aircraft Attacking: 8 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 14000 feet -------------------------------------- Day Air attack on Ndeni , at 72,105 Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 19 No Japanese losses Aircraft Attacking: 13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 30000 feet 6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 30000 feet The Japanese high command can keep its focus on Ndeni as Operation Thor's Hammer is about to get the go ahead after 90% of the ships have reached their rendevous points off Tarawa. Notwithstanding air assests on Luganville and Nauru have been put on full alert in the hope of striking either the enemy carrier or the retreating cruisers. The minesweeping elements and bombardment units of Thor and Hammer will begin their advance tomorrow followed 12 hours later by the main landing and covering forces. In order to further confuse the Japs, CVE Long Island (Broome) will carry out maneouvers on the northern Australian coast while raids on Timor will be intensified. Its is hoped they take the bait and keep their eyes off the Gilberts!

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (7/12/2009 7:14:28 PM)
D-Day Minus 1 Allied forces approach their intended targets as Operation Thor's Hammer enters is initial phase. Minesweeping forces hit both Jaluit and Majuro but have so far encountered no enemy minefields. This augurs well for the assault craft that are due to hit the beaches tomorrow. The ships carrying the 1st Marine Division have just cleared Miri while the support ships follow behind. The attack on Jaluit will happen at the same time. Though the armada was not detected the Japanese response was immediate, and due to a misunderstanding of orders, unfortunate. Bombardment force 1 was hit by a force of G3M's from Kwajalein. Though the whole area of operations was socked in with torrential rain and thunderstorms, none of the allied fields were open, Kwajalein was fully operational as it benefitted from a break in the weather. BF 1 had sped on ahead of the main body despite orders contrary to do so and thus moved away from the CAP being flown by the Wildcats of the escort carriers. The enemy torpedo bombers flew into a wall of flak and 3 were shot down before they could approach their targets. The rest however ploughed on with an attack that though not devastating, has meant the loss of one battleship to the operation. The Idaho was struck once and was lightly damaged while the New Mexico took two torpedoes on its port side. The light cruiser Montpelier was also hit by one torpedo. As such the Idaho's damage and control teams quickly had everything under control but the New Mexico and Montpelier were detached and ordered back to Abemama to have their flood damage pumped out and then return back to Pearl Harbour under escort. Day Air attack on TF at 85,90 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 9 A6M3a Zero x 4 G3M Nell x 18 Japanese aircraft losses G3M Nell: 3 destroyed, 12 damaged Allied Ships CL Montpelier, Torpedo hits 1, on fire BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 2, on fire BB Idaho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire Operation Thor's Hammer February 18th 1943 [image]local://upfiles/25083/4046B4893DA743BDB2BF15FBA57961A6.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Lull is over (7/12/2009 7:19:28 PM)
Projections for tomorrow. The weather will once again have a role to play as heavy thunderstorms are predicted. If so it will benefit the landing forces as it will cover them from aerial attack. The bombardment runs should also hit their targets tomorrow and so should the initial landing parties. The fleet carriers will also be in position tomorrow with the Lexington and Saratoga in a reserve position just off Tarawa. Should the KB make an appearance all 5 fleet carriers will take the Japanese on and all LBA within range will switch their focus onto any enemy carriers. Bombers from Wake and Tarawa have been tasked with bombing Kwajalein while the fields at Maleolap and Wotje will also be atttacked by a mixture of heavies from Abemama and carrier borne bombers.

cantona2 -> D-Day (7/13/2009 3:43:25 PM)
A momentuous day as Thor's Hammer finally hits the Japanese defensive perimeter. 19th February 1943 As no sighting of enemy carriers had been made all the land based bomber squadrons were given orders to hit enemy positions on Jaluit and Majuro or the airfields at Kwajalein, Wotje and Maleolap. As it turned out both Tarawa and Wake Island were socked in so as the A-29s (48th Bomabrdment) of Nauru Island hit Jaluit the PBY Liberators (VB 102) and the B-17's (45th/61st Bombardments) of Abemama hit Maleolap destroying several float plane fighters in the process. Events later in the day would make the Allied High Command rue at least not leaving the PBY's on naval attack orders. It was clear that the weather was going top play a role in the day's actions. [image]local://upfiles/25083/79305B0FAB94436AB7C5D6AEA8EAE405.jpg[/image] Day Air attack on Maloelap , at 85,86 Japanese aircraft no flights Allied aircraft B-17E Fortress x 18 PB4Y Liberator x 12 Japanese aircraft losses N1K Rex: 3 destroyed Allied aircraft losses B-17E Fortress: 12 damaged PB4Y Liberator: 7 damaged Airbase hits 1 Runway hits 12

cantona2 -> RE: D-Day (7/13/2009 3:51:08 PM)
As the flotillas approached their targets detection was inevitable though it must be stated that until the ships hit the coastline there was no reaction from the Japanese air forces. The first strike was carried out by G4M1's based at Kwajalein. The weather had meant that any disruption coming from Wake Island was not forthcoming and the IJNAF struck the Yorktown task force. Wildcats from VF-42 and VF-6 were up defending their ships with great vigour but the escorting Japanese fighters had been honing their skills against the P-38's at Tarawa for a while now and, despite losses, escorted thier bombers to the target. The CLAA Atlanta took one torpedo and so did the Yorktown. 7 of the wave hugging torpedo bombers were shot down by the flak put up by the task forces gathered on the sea. Both ships will continue in the fight as the damage was slight and quickly put under control. [image]local://upfiles/25083/7566A471D5414F529A5B0710F8954253.jpg[/image] Day Air attack on TF at 85,90 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 26 A6M3a Zero x 22 G4M1 Betty x 15 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 56 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged A6M3a Zero: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed, 28 damaged Allied Ships CLAA Atlanta, Torpedo hits 1, on fire BB Washington CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 1 CA Indianapolis

cantona2 -> RE: D-Day (7/13/2009 3:59:08 PM)
Despite the hit to the Yorktown the US Admirals were relatively pleased that the approach to Jaluit and Majuro was quite bloodless. The bombardment forces had carried out their missions and were already moving away from the battle zone to resupply and refuel before entering the fray agian. Yet their good mood was tempered when a scouting TBF from the CVE Chenango borught back the news that, though expected, unnerved the top brass: *Enemy carriers 60 miles SE of Kwajalein* Orders were dispatched to all 5 fleet carriers scattered around the flotillas to deploy around Jaluit in preparation for a strike against the enemy flattops. CV Yorktown reported that her damage was under control and that her deck was still operational and as such would accompany her battle sisters. All strike planes were to hold until all carriers had regrouped and a mass coordinated launch could be effected. The Chenango and the Sangamon appeared to have not recevied the message on time and launched 6 TBF each against a veritable wall of enemy fighters. It was not surprising to hear that 12 brave crews had gone to their fiery deaths without even sighting the enemy ships. VT-35 CVE Chenango heads into the KB's CAP [image]local://upfiles/25083/599434EC390443EEBA19F85BCCB47F65.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: D-Day (7/13/2009 4:14:29 PM)
As the US Carriers steamed to their launch positions the Japanese carrier force was blessed with some excellent luck. As they turned into the wind to launch their planes they enjoyed a brief window of sunny calm weather despite the storms raging elsewhere. Plane after plane roared off the wooden decks of the Akagi and the Junyo. Their other sisters also launched their planes. The fighters peeled off into their respective vic's while others bunched above the B5N2s and the new D4Ys. They wheeled off to the south east and headed towards Majuro. Their land based counterparts had brought reports of several Yorktown carriers in the vicinity and indeed were claiming the sinking of one! If the land lubbers could sink an enemy aircraft carrier, then the crop of Japan's naval avaiton could certainly see the others off! At Majuro, Major General Vandegrift, was overseeing the disembarkation of his 1st Marine Division into the teeth of fierce Japanese machine gun and mortar fire. His observation of the landings were interupted by a signal sent by the CVE Sangamon covering the landings with the Altahama, 'Mass enemy strike incoming'. He swore and exorted his landing officers to land the troops quicker in order to avoid a massacre. The first Japanese planes approached Majuro at around 14:35. Having had warning the Wildcats of VF-37 had been stiffened by the P-38's of the 329th Fighter at Makin. Yet despite putting a decent fight they were up against the veterans of the Kito Butai. Veterans of the strike on Singapore and the sinking of the Repulse and Prince of Wales. Veteran of the obliteration of Sorebaja and the actions off Thursday Island. The Zeroes cut through the USAAF fighters in particular and by 14:50 the first D4Ys were diving on the escort carriers. The second bomb that hit the Sangamon had penetrated all the way to the ammo storage halls and practically blew the flight deck off the ship. Still more bombs and upto 4 torpedoes struck the fast sinking ship. Marines and US soldiers that passed the Sangamon could not help but feel awed by the power of Japanese naval aviation. The Altahama, despite coming alongside her twin to help any survivors, escpaed any attention from the Japanese planes as they headed back home. Despite the rain squalls and winds at Majuro the enemy flyers had accurately carried out a clinical strike. The operation however would carry on as the majority of Us carrier strength had not yet been engaged and was quickly repositioning to strike back! The end of CVE Sangamon [image]local://upfiles/25083/BD4A268E4597488BAC746DE06E226C6D.jpg[/image] Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 61 D4Y Judy x 30 A6M3a Zero x 6 B5N2 Kate x 28 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 23 P-38G Lightning x 3 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 4 damaged B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 16 destroyed P-38G Lightning: 15 destroyed Allied Ships CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 19, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage *sinks later*

cantona2 -> RE: D-Day Situation 20:00 19/2/1943 (7/13/2009 4:19:47 PM)
The situation at sundown 19-2-43 was as such. One escort carrier down the landings had gone ahead relatively unscathed. The Japanese had brought their carriers into play quickly and effectively. The weather had favoured the Japs as both Tarawa and Wake Island were closed down. The forecast for tomorrow is of light rain and cloudy skies so the KB will be exposed to attacks from, hopefully, LBA and carrier strikes. Lexington, Hornet, Enterprise, Saratoga and a damaged Yorktown will swing westwards to concentrate around Jaluit and bring all 5 flight decks within range of the enemy carriers that at first light were still on an easterly heading. [image]local://upfiles/25083/067E516BFD1A458F92231F2E80E454AB.jpg[/image]

Fishbed -> RE: D-Day Situation 20:00 19/2/1943 (7/15/2009 12:25:02 AM)
So? SO?????? Ive bet some money on your head, you'd better not fail me!!!

cantona2 -> RE: D-Day Situation 20:00 19/2/1943 (7/16/2009 6:50:41 PM)
Pretty narked off, ill let the figures do the talking: Day Air attack on TF at 85,85 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 72 A6M3a Zero x 16 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 10 SBD-3 Dauntless x 29 TBF Avenger x 32 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed SBD-3 Dauntless: 12 destroyed, 5 damaged TBF Avenger: 7 destroyed, 18 damaged Japanese Ships CV Hiryu CV Zuikaku CV Kaga CV Akagi CV Soryu CV Shokaku NO HITS [:@] Day Air attack on TF at 83,89 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 85 D4Y Judy x 140 A6M3a Zero x 12 B5N2 Kate x 184 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 17 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged D4Y Judy: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed, 38 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 29 destroyed Allied Ships BB North Carolina, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 7, on fire, heavy damage CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 7, on fire, heavy damage CA Canberra, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage CLAA Juneau, Bomb hits 5 Roll on AE!

Fishbed -> RE: D-Day Situation 20:00 19/2/1943 (7/17/2009 12:30:46 AM)
Man, why the hell is there only one Carrier involved in the whole story?! Aren't you keeping them all in the same hex?!

cantona2 -> RE: D-Day Situation 20:00 19/2/1943 (7/17/2009 8:37:33 AM)
3 more CV down but this time the Japs get hurt too. Herb claims he has some orphan air units but funnily enough i didnt see any of his CV go down despite two ammo and one fuel explosion reports! Despite the loss at sea the attack on land will go on. His cvs are hurt burning and must be low on ammo. Wha has pissed me off no end is that though his LBA has attacked mine, at morale 99 and fatigue <5 , with clear skies in well supplied bases decide to chicken out while the navy boys do their bit and more, lazy army boy sods! More detailed aar after i return turn to Herb Day Air attack on TF at 82,85 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 63 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 16 SBD-3 Dauntless x 86 TBF Avenger x 61 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 13 destroyed SBD-3 Dauntless: 22 destroyed, 42 damaged TBF Avenger: 6 destroyed, 49 damaged Japanese Ships CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 1 CV Soryu, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2 CV Kaga, Bomb hits 2, on fire CV Akagi CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage ------ Day Air attack on TF at 81,89 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 70 D4Y Judy x 109 A6M3a Zero x 10 B5N2 Kate x 123 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 52 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed, 6 damaged D4Y Judy: 3 destroyed, 15 damaged B5N2 Kate: 10 destroyed, 33 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 24 destroyed, 4 damaged Allied Ships CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage CLAA San Juan, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage CV Lexington, Bomb hits 22, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 2, on fire ------ Day Air attack on TF at 81,89 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 32 N1K Rex x 8 D4Y Judy x 20 B5N2 Kate x 42 G3M Nell x 7 G4M1 Betty x 10 Ki-49 Helen x 4 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 13 Japanese aircraft losses N1K Rex: 1 destroyed B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 16 destroyed Allied Ships CV Lexington, on fire, heavy damage CV Saratoga, on fire, heavy damage CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage CLAA San Juan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ------ Day Air attack on TF at 83,85 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 34 A6M3a Zero x 13 Allied aircraft SBD-3 Dauntless x 20 TBF Avenger x 12 Japanese aircraft losses A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged Allied aircraft losses SBD-3 Dauntless: 6 destroyed, 8 damaged TBF Avenger: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged Japanese Ships CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire CVL Ryujo Aircraft Attacking: 2 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet 2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet 2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet ------ Day Air attack on TF at 81,88 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 23 D4Y Judy x 46 B5N2 Kate x 34 Allied aircraft F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 Japanese aircraft losses D4Y Judy: 1 destroyed, 18 damaged B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed, 22 damaged Allied Ships BB Mississippi, Bomb hits 10, on fire CV Hornet, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire CL Concord DD Radford CLAA Oakland ------ Day Air attack on TF at 81,88 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 26 D4Y Judy x 21 A6M3a Zero x 9 B5N2 Kate x 43 Allied aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses D4Y Judy: 3 destroyed, 8 damaged B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed, 31 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed Allied Ships BB Mississippi, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage CL Raleigh CV Hornet, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ------ Day Air attack on TF at 81,88 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 19 N1K Rex x 6 G3M Nell x 8 G4M1 Betty x 12 Ki-49 Helen x 11 Allied aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed Allied Ships CV Hornet, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage CL Concord BB Mississippi, on fire, heavy damage PISS POOR PERFORMANCE BY TBF'S

cantona2 -> The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:16:35 PM)
The day begun well for the USN as they delivered a first strike on the gathered aircraft carriers of the IJN. It begun well but ended very badly as of the 4 attackers only one remained alive by sunset. Yorktown, Lexington, Saratoga and Hornet all launched their planes just after sunrise having had a solid fix and location of their enemy at 240 miles to the north. The SB3s could not carry the ship killing 1000lbers but rather loaded up with 500lb bombs and raced off. Unfortunately the strike from the Hornet took off late and arrived at the target zone after the main strike had hit, though they only had to follow the plumes of smoke to reach their belated target. As the escorting Wildcats tassled with the CAP the bombers saw the carriers of the KB spread on the blue sea below them and down they dove like avenging angels and banshees of legend. Coming up to meet them was lead of many calibres from the many barrels the Japanese had pointed skywards... [image]local://upfiles/25083/C109AC75A0BB45188761490176936CC8.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:24:50 PM)
In vics of 3 the Dauntless's dropped onto their targets while the Avengers swooped around the enemy ships hoping to attack opposite flanks in a classic hammer and anvil strike. The Soryu was the first to be hit, bracketed by three bombs at one time. Flame and somke covered the majestic ship as she spun out of the protective formation the Japanese ships had been adopting, a cruiser and a destroyer loyally sticking by her, thier guns peppering the sky with shell bursts. However it was a ship that had already been reduced to a burning hulk earlier in the war that received the first damaging hit. A Saratoga Dauntless ploughed down onto the Kaga amidships and her pilot dropped his bomb with unerring accuracy and it plunged through the deck and into the main ammunition chamber. As the KB had just launched its planes the armament for the second strike was being wheeled in and stockpile and it was here where LT Greene's bomb detonated. The pilots diving onto the Kaga behind Greene felt the shock wave of the massive explosion that ripped out a flight elevator from its hoists and over into the sea. A wave of fire run across the deck and debris was scattered around the carrier, some of it striking the smaller escort vessels. A second bomb impacted aft obliterating the AA crews below the flight deck. The Kaga begun to list but did not sink. The flames and smoke hiding her from further attack as the main wave of Avengers approached... [image]local://upfiles/25083/0A35E3E4E7324F298C4250E527B71D6C.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:28:39 PM)
The TBF's targetted the two larger carriers at the centre of the enemy formation, the Shokaku and Zuikaku. The latter was already burning from a couple of 500lb hits. Still, in what was going to be a dark day for torpedo bombers only 1 hit was recorded as an Avenger from the Lexington scored a direct hit on the Zuikaku as she turned to avoid three fish launched from her port side. The Avenger's rear gunner raked the Zuikaku's flight deck with his defensive armament as the bomber sped across and over the ship's beam. The last action he took as a split second later a 5 inch shell tore his plane and the pilot apart. Thus he did not witness the only US torpedo strike on an IJN carrier in the morning's attack... [image]local://upfiles/25083/A5270B3F0EB241B7A24A19C8DB1E24F7.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:32:51 PM)
As the last attackers dived down the US pilots could prematurely be satisfied with their days work. The last 6 planes dove down on the Hiryu scoring three hits but the second one produced an explosion and immolation similar to the one scored on the Kaga. As the planes headed home they left 5 enemy carriers burning, 2 definitely out of the fight. But one detail did not escape the most vigilant of pilots. There were no planes being launched and no planes on the decks. The CAP was thinner than normal. Would there be a home to get back to or would Tarawa, Makin and Nauru be taking the orphans of sunk carriers? [image]local://upfiles/25083/8D69D02760354511BD21EA6907701183.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:35:22 PM)
While this was going on their counterparts of the IJN were once again ruthlessly and accurately rainning death down upon American aircraft carriers. In a massive strike that the Americans could neither repel nor reproduce, the Saratoga and Lexington fell under the heaviest of hammerblows. Some of the Japanese flyers would not have a home to go to but revenge had been exacted... [image]local://upfiles/25083/22E0B9693645488399DF72A7A26A4E97.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:38:35 PM)
Another strike found the wounded Yorktown, still smoking from the hit she receieved two days ago. Brevely her consorts and her put enough flak to dissuade a flight of G3M's carrying menacing looking torpedos on their bellies. As the Japanese flew back to Maleolap her strike planes were collected, and unaware of the debacle happeneing 60 miles away, she headed SE to Abemama flush with the victory reported by her pilots... [image]local://upfiles/25083/2769AC91CD054B8C9E4F0395F98F9AAB.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:42:49 PM)
As the day waned the Hornet launched its second strike, that though unescorted and slamming into the remaining CAP of the KB, was able to severely wound the Hiyo. Just two Dauntless's fought through the CAP and flak, but unlike their TBF counterparts, two were enough. THe first bomb hit fore of the bridge, the second bomb hit the bullseye. It ploughed through the flight deck and the decks below it to nestle nicely in the ships fuel reserve. As the warhead detonared the whole of the ship was immolated and shrouded in a bright orange flame. A fitting funeral pyre for the US carriers elegantly slipping below the waves to the south... [image]local://upfiles/25083/FACDC60D5F6E46A8BECB293CA86F8AE6.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/17/2009 12:47:01 PM)
Even as the US carriers planes were dealing out the Hiyo's death certificate, her sisters were also pounding her aggressor into the bottom of the the merciless, unforgiving sea... As the sun set no confirmed sinking of any Japanese carrier had been made but 3 were certainly out of the fight. Onland it appeared that tough Jaluit was more heavily garrisoned it may fall first. On Majuro the Marines would have to fight dearly. The main surface elements of the Pacific Fleet still had to join the battle but they had lost their air cover. As to the USAAF, well the Navy was very angry that while the cream of her avaiation were dying and dealing out death the B-24's, B-17's and PB4Y's at Tarawa and Abemama saw it fit to stay at home. A grudge the Navy would not forget or forgive! [image]local://upfiles/25083/E9A466A8367C4E20A563A16CFFA9EFE0.jpg[/image]

Fishbed -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/25/2009 3:25:45 AM)
Hey you sneaky rock monkey, do you plan on hiding your demise to your major shareholders any longer? Or should I call the stock-exchange regulation commission so they can check what you're doing with the money we innocent citizen bet on your head?

Jones944 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/25/2009 6:02:52 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Fishbed Hey you sneaky rock monkey, do you plan on hiding your demise to your major shareholders any longer? Or should I call the stock-exchange regulation commission so they can check what you're doing with the money we innocent citizen bet on your head? Hear hear! Where are my updates?

Fishbed -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (7/25/2009 5:09:33 PM)
Let it go Jonesy... Those people, they think war bonds just grow on trees, and they don't give a damn about giving us some results or anything. There's no respect for honest citizens those days, they don't feel like being bond to any sort of obligation or successful outcome. That's just the feds wasting our money again, playing around the hazardous way with expensive toys paid with the pension of the six-pack taxpayer. Damn admirals! Damn you Cantona! See you in court!

Fishbed -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (8/3/2009 10:49:43 AM)
Cantona you imperialistic weakling, where are our turns!!!!

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (8/3/2009 11:23:27 AM)
Allied High Command currently in a lethargic shock akin to that suffered by Stalin when he was told about Operation Barbarossa. Though not in isolation in their dacha's, the loss of 5 fleet carriers has hurt the US Admirals. Still a lot of Japanese merchant navy ships as well as cruisers and destroyers lie in state with the carriers after LBA pumelled the transports bringing in reinforcements to Majuro and Jaluit. Bereft f close air support cadres have been withdrawn but WE WILL BE BACK. Intercepts of Japanese transmissions indicate very heavily damaged carriers, so once the Essex's arrive i shall wreack vengeance and sow havoc among Japanese positions. For now i wait once again... Apologies for not updating but its been a very busy fortnight and an even busier to weeks ahead as im off on a Baltic cruise tomorrow :)

Fishbed -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (8/3/2009 12:26:46 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: cantona2 im off on a Baltic cruise tomorrow :) Is that your gibberish for "Im gonna play AE all day long"? [;)] Have a nice cruise!

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (8/25/2009 2:27:16 PM)
I know this forum resembles tumbleweed town but for my loyal readaars and to keep the 47th Sentai company i will carry this one on. After losing my offensive carrier arm the impetus has been on striking where i can hurt. Marines and US Soldiers still hang on to thier bloody bridgeheads without the possibility of relief, though plans are already in place to rebuild the units from cadres evacuated by submarine and wounded personnel, the 25th Infantry and 1st Marine are writing their own page of bloody history and are blunting the offensive power of the Japanese divisons on Majuro and Jaluit. The submarine arm has once again taken precedence with the waters around the Home Islands under siege. [image]local://upfiles/25083/EE5391521D974EDD902AEFA84CDD74E0.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (8/25/2009 2:29:39 PM)
While the actions in the Glberts focus the attention of the Japanese High Command, US SeeBee units are working round the clock establishing a string of airbases on the Santa Cruz Islands which will allow for more extensive aggressive operations over the Solomons. [image]local://upfiles/25083/0A6747F8B1014D74A7594EBF78E5E7FE.jpg[/image]

cantona2 -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (8/25/2009 2:33:16 PM)
In Australia ANZAC Command has issued orders to its staff officers to come up with a plan to invade Mearuke within the month... [image]local://upfiles/25083/72AA22380B034A12800D94AD2D23986D.jpg[/image]

bigbaba -> RE: The Battle of the Gilberts - A Dark Day (8/25/2009 2:46:22 PM)
great developments and read, cantona. espacialy the part about the KB strike group arriving over the US majuro cover group. now, if you manage to sink the 3 damaged japanese CV (via silent service for example), you can turn this defeat into a draw.

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