RE: More Trouble For The Japanese (Full Version)

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tocaff -> RE: More Trouble For The Japanese (8/14/2011 4:48:24 PM)

August 14, 1943 The Solomon Islands

Intel

38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
Yokosuka 1st SNLF is located at Rabaul.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
44th Road Construction Battalion is located at Lunga.
56th Division is located at Lunga.
Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.
16th AA Regiment is located at Koepang.
26th Aviation Unit is located at Truk.
5817 men are based at Aomori.
14th Construction Battalion is located at Salamaua.
2704 men are based at Taejon.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 35700/386/5
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 2500/30/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pagan 2 LCUs 4280/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kiriwina Island vacant

Combat

An IJN ML, 117 miles NW of Darwin, was attacked by the submarine Sailfish, but no hits were scored.

Japanese DDs, 94 miles SW of Kagoshima, attacked the SS Crevalle, but didn't cause any damage.

Rangoon was swept by 19 X Corsair IV, but the Japanese didn't challenge them so they returned to base after flying lazy figure 8s over the area.

Mandalay was visited by 10 X Corsair IV, but the Japanese has nothing in the air so the planes returned to base after loitering for a while.

Lunga was attacked by 21 X B-17E and a hornet's nest of 14 X Zero, 19 X Zeke, 32 X Jack, 11 X Irving, 18 X Tojo and 17 X Tony swarmed over the hapless bombers. 6 of the Flying Forts went down and another 9 were damaged while 4 X Tojo were damaged and a Tony went down (4 damaged). Japanese pilot quality seems to be on the wane. Later Lunga was raided by 192 X SBD, 58 X F4F-4 and 34 X F6F. The CAP of 12 X Zero, 20 X Zeke, 32 X Jack, 8 X Irving, 14 X Tojo and 6 X Tony ripped into the American formations. 8 X Zero were flamed, 11 X Zeke destroyed, 20 X Jack were shot down, 13 X Irving won't return to base, 16 X Tojo were downed, 9 X Tony destroyed and 9 X Kate were wrecked on the ground in addition to some other aircraft burning. The Americans had 18 X SBD downed (46 damaged), 26 Wildcats destroyed (4 damaged) and 15 Hellcats shot down (4 damaged), but the airbase took heavy damage along with a number of secondary explosions and ground troops suffered very heavily.

Tulagi's LRCAP of 12 X Tony tried to thwart a raid by 172 X B-24D. 2 Liberators were shot down (16 damaged) while a Tony was destroyed and 9 others were shot up.
The port was moderately damaged and many secondary explosions were reported. Ground casualties were thought to have been light. An AK was hit by a bomb and was on fire while 2 CAs (Nachi and Takao) were hit many times and were heavily damaged and burning. Another attack on Tulagi made up of 112 X TBF and 54 X TBM rolled in on the port. Flak claimed a TBF (3 damaged) and a pair of TBMs (6 damaged). The Japanese CAs took more hits and the port's damage was lightly increased. More supplies went up in flames though.

The IJA 12th Ind. Brigade, near the road junction was bombed by 36 X B-25J and 27 X P-40N. All of the planes left unscathed while the Japanese sustained heavy losses.

Elements of the 33rd Division, near Myitkyina, were hit by 44 X B-25J and 22 X P-38G. 7 of the bombers were damaged by flak and the Japanese had moderate casualties.

The SS O20, 39 miles SE of Rabaul, was attacked by 2 X PC and 2 X MSW. No damage was sustained by the sub.

Two days of pounding have been dished out to Lunga and Tulagi and still no orders for Ed's Old Gals to move in and shell the Japanese. He sits in his seat on the bridge wondering what it takes for some of the brass safely entrenched far to the rear to show a little guts and risk somebody else's behind.

Bill spent the day watching the air ops once more. There's not much for him to do as long as the Japanese offer nothing up to try and take on the USN fleet.

Gil wonders what gunnery school will hold as radio and Morse has been a snap to date. So far this posting has been great and he likes Pittsburgh.

Dave tells Sandy that he still can't decide what to do and she tells him that if that's the way he feels then maybe he should do nothing. “Dad, it's not as if we're starving and don't have a place to live. We both love living here so why not stay put then?” Sandy awaits a reply and all Dave does is shrug and nod. She goes to write a letter to Bill, leaving him to his dilemma.

Victory Points Japanese 24538 Allied 12257



tocaff -> RE: Still No Contact (8/15/2011 6:52:13 PM)

August 15, 1943 Australia

Intel

51st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
56th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Arshaan.
138th IJNAF Base Force is located at Lautem.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
Nanking Naval Guard Unit is located at Nanking.
23rd Division is located at Heiho.
155th IJN Base Force is located at Tokyo.
Maizuru Fortress is located at Maizuru.
Najin Fortress is located at Changkufeng.
23rd Engineer Regiment is located at Inch'on.
56th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Arshaan.
54th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
5th AF Construction Battalion is located at Singapore.
211853 men are based at Masan.
34th Division is located at Hsinyang.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1100/13/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Chiamussu 2 LCUs 29960/307/118
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kiriwina Island vacant

Combat

The SS Wahoo, about 26 miles SW of Buka, was attacked by a small ASW TF and was subjected to a very violent depth charging. The sub is on her way to Noumea and has accumulated light systems damage that will require repairs.

Myitkyina was raided by 43 X B25J, 3 of which were damaged by flak, and 29 X P-38G. Negligible damage was done to the base as most of the bombs fell short and wide of the target.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was subjected to yet another attack by Chinese planes and the 23 X B-25J and 12 X P-40N caused light casualties. Why don't the Japanese put some air cover up here?

The IJA 13th Division, in the road junction area, was pounced on by 14 X B-25J and 15 X P-40N resulting in very light Japanese losses. At almost the same time, a few miles away the IJA 6th Division was attacked by 16 Mitchells and 12 Warhawks. Japanese casualties were placed at light. Within minutes of these attacks 9 X B-25J and 15 X P-40N hit the IJA 11th Ind. Brigade in the same general area with the unit sustaining light losses. All of the Chinese planes involved in these attacks departed the area safely. Where are the Japanese aircraft?

The USN pulled back to lick it's wounds as many planes need replacing and the process is underway while fuel stocks are replenished. Ed is aggravated that he hasn't been turned loose. His ships consume an enormous amount of fuel and to sail as an escort force is a waste.

The Aussie and American troops continue their steady advance and still haven't run into any Japanese. PM Curtain apprehensively awaits word of the 1st contact with the enemy. He's confided to several people that he hopes the Japanese see the size of the force bearing down on them and just run.

Stick sits atop a stack of crates near the revetment area of his squadron and just soaks up the sun. He's afraid of the water since he saw the sharks in it and is happily staying away from the danger zone.

Dave has decided to stay put, for now. Sandy teasingly says, “Could you stay put starting tomorrow and drive us into town as we need some things.”

The Germans bombed Portsmouth.

The Swedish government forbade all German traffic and transport from crossing over it's territory.

Victory Points Japanese 24548 Allied 12277

In case nobody else has noticed today witnessed the Allies finally nudging the VP gap to a hair under a 2:1 ratio.



tocaff -> RE: Damned Americans (8/16/2011 7:05:28 PM)

August 16, 1943 Washington DC

Intel

Burma Area Army is located at Rangoon.
3rd Air Army is located at Rabaul.
25th AA Regiment is located at Nagato.
12th AA Regiment is located at Peking.
153rd IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
10555 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
1st Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kyoto.
2nd Army is located at Truk.
1st Air Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
4th Mixed Brigade is located at Myitkyina.
39th Road Construction Battalion is located at Manila.
11th Aviation Rgt is located at Rangoon.
65th Construction Battalion is located at Kagoshima.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Mukden 35 bombers, 4 aux, 4 LCUs 8640/33/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua 2 LCUs 2920/0/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 19100/126/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tulagi 2 X BB, 3 X APD, 1 X AG, 10 LCUs 54420/435/10
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 1 X CA, 10 LCUs 5100/28/0

Combat

Jaluit's port was bombed by 15 X B-24, of which 2 were downed and 7 others were damaged by flak. The port had light damage.

Port Moresby was raided by 60 X B-24D and 48 X B-17E and 5 or the former and 2 of the later were damaged by ground fire. There was no aerial opposition and the airbase took heavy damage and many secondary explosions were observed. Ground troops had heavy losses.

Goodenough Island was hit by 13 X B-24D and the port was lightly damaged.

Once again the Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was attacked by 23 X B-25J and 12 X P-40N resulting in moderate Japanese casualties and all of the aircraft retiring undamaged.

The S-27 was attacked by a Sally and a bomb struck the sub. She's 24 miles NE of Talasea with moderately light systems damage and heavy flooding.

FDR listens attentively as all of the reports are presented and is surprised to hear that Operation Hedge Cutter proceeds with no contact with the enemy as of yet. He's concerned that Operation King seems to have lost it's purpose, but then again the forces on Tulagi and Guadalcanal are very stout.

Nigel lets out a sigh of relief as the Japanese patrol disappears into the jungle without having noticed his little party. One of the natives alertly knocked out Matsuyama as soon as they realized that the Japanese soldiers were almost on top of them. Nigel is very concerned that there are more patrols than ever and that they didn't even know that this one was there until it was almost on top of them. Damned Americans should've been on the island by now, he thinks.

Bill is surprised that they are pulling back towards Luganville again. He thought for sure that this time out they would go for the jugular. He retires to his cabin and pens a letter to Sandy as this always has a calming effect on him.

Ed is seething as once again despite plastering the Japanese on Guadalcanal and Tulagi they are pulling back. He wants to get in on the action and flatten an island, but all his TF gets to do is shadow a replenishment TF. The IJN is nowhere to be found and the USN will not risk it's fleet running into the KB after days of intense action. He thinks about the meek inheriting the Earth and laughs to himself and knows that that will happen only when the bold allow it.

The Bialystok Ghetto has been liquidated.

The Axis evacuation of Sicily has been completed with 100,000 troops removed.

Victory Points Japanese 24556 Allied 12282



Capt. Harlock -> RE: Damned Americans (8/16/2011 8:29:17 PM)

quote:

Victory Points Japanese 24556 Allied 12282


The Japanese actually added more VP's this round, but are still just below 2:1. It's August 1943 -- where are the Essex and Independence class carriers?



tocaff -> RE: Damned Americans (8/18/2011 12:12:22 AM)

The Essex and Independence Class vessels are cruising in the Solomons with many more on the way and in the pipeline. The Enterprise has been resurrected as an Essex.

August 17, 1943 Quebec

Intel

2nd Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
113th IJA Base Force is located at Nanking.
10555 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
16th Aviation Rgt is located at Wuhan.
104th IJN Base Force is located at Osumi.
18th Division is located at Shortlands.
4588 men are based at Toyama.
8900 men are based at Mukden.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Linhsi vacant
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Changkufeng 9 LCUs 21640/163/1
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Shikka 5 bombers, 5 aux, 2 LCUs 8500/92/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 10 LCUs 19560/59/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tulagi 2 X BB, 1 X APD, 1 X AG, 10 LCUs 55360/425/8
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 12 LCUs 12540/110/141
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 24 LCUs

Combat

The SS Peto, 104 miles SW of Rabaul, was attacked by IJN DDs and sustained some light systems damage. Her skipper decided that they would make for Noumea and repairs. Later the SS KXV was attacked by DDs about 11 miles away. In the afternoon the Dutch sub was once again attacked. She was flooding and managed to surface long enough for some of the men to go into the water before scuttling finished off the stricken boat.

Jaluit was raided by 32 X PB4Y and 18 X P-38G. Damage to the port was moderate while 6 of the bombers were damaged. A short time later 36 X B-24D appeared and 8 of them were damaged as they added additional light damage to the base.

Once more the Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was subjected to an attack by 19 X B-25J and 14 X P-40N. Moderate losses were dished out to the Japanese at no cost to the Chinese.

The IJA 19th Engineer Regiment, in the road junction area was hit by 11 X B-25J and 13 X P-40N, who caused moderate casualties. The IJA 15th Mixed Brigade, 12 miles away, was struck by 19 X B-25J and 11 X P-40N and the unit's losses were moderate. All of the Chinese planes withdrew safely.

The Sasebo 7th SNLF, in the Myitkyina area, was attacked by 36 Mitchells (7 damaged) and 34 Lightnings. The unit sustained heavy casualties.

Rangoon was swept by British Corsair IV, but the Japanese offered no resistance.

Still trying to remain calm Ed sits in his chair and has an aide prepare information for him. If they're heading back to base once again he plans to give the higher ups a piece of his mind. He does have friends in high places and that offers built in protection. He never has been shy of expressing himself and sure won't start now.

Gil remains at or near the top of his class and he wonders how long, if at all, his leave will be before he starts with gunnery school. He and a few of the guys are planning to hit the USO Club again as soon as they can obtain a pass. The getting of the pass isn't the problem, the officers are. They manage to monopolize the girl's time despite it not supposed to be happening. Last week one of the enlisted men had a heated exchange with an officer that became really heated when they ran into each other at a bar a couple of days later. Striking an officer is never a good idea, but at least the officer swung first.

“We can't keep the prisoner with us like this, either you take him off of my hands or I'll be forced to do something distasteful.” That's added to the message Nigel sends off. He's decided that he just can't risk having Matsuyama around any longer. He'll await a reply and if one doesn't come by tomorrow then he'll just do what needs to be done for survival.

The RAF bombed Peenemunde.

The USAAF bombed the Schweinfurt ball bearing plants and the Messerschmidt plant at Regensburg.

Sicily is in Allied hands.

The first Quebec summit opened with Allied plans for the invasion of France being approved by FDR and Churchill.

Victory Points Japanese 24567 Allied 12285




tocaff -> RE: That Figures (8/18/2011 10:32:53 PM)

August 18, 1943 Guadalcanal

Intel

11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Nakajo-wan Fortress is located at Kadina.
Shimonoseki Fortress is located at Nagato.
Najin Fortress is located at Changkufeng.
37th Division is located at Truk.
11th Division is located at Mishan.
14th Ind. Brigade is located at Wuhan.
Hainan Base Force is located at Kiungahan.
1st Aviation Rgt is located at Johore Bahru.
Burma Area Army is located at Rangoon.
8223 men are based at Toyohara.
21st Mortar Battalion is located at Sian.
15th Engineer Regiment is located at Amboina.
107th IJNAF Base Force is located at Shimuzu.
4583 men are based at Toyama.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 80460/912/26
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Anshan 2 LCUs 2600/8/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Chihfeng vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 12 LCUs 22840/103/290
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Eniwetok 1 LCU 1880/1/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Merauke vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 19860/124/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tassafaronga 3 LCUs

Combat

An air attack on Jaluit made by 26 X PB4Y (2 damaged) and 46 X P-38G resulted in light damage to the port and a lone secondary explosion.

The IJA 13th Division, in the road junction area was pounded by 20 X B-25J and 28 X P-40N who dished out light losses. At virtually the same time, not far away, the IJA 11th Ind. Brigade was raided by 19 X B-25J and 11 X P-40N. The unit sustained moderate casualties. All of the planes involved in these attacks departed without any damage.

So far the advancing Allied troops in Australia have not been spotted. It is expected that when the main axis of attack reaches the vicinity of the rail junction, the graveyard of so many brave souls, that the Japanese will be contacted.

Troops bound for Thursday Island are loading onto cruisers and destroyers that will rush them to their objective under the cover of rains.

Rains prevent air ops out of Imphal, for a change.

The USN continues to replace the Wildcats based on the CVs with Hellcats, careful to maintain a large enough reserve to replace losses.

The first of the CV TFs arrived today at Dutch Harbor with more warships on the way.

Wake Island has undergone a transformation into a huge supply depot and fuel stocks are growing also.

The Flying Deuces have been given a break from the routine and they manage to put together a baseball game against some other unit. The betting on the game is brisk and before the day is done the Deuces have been fleeced. They faced a minor league pitcher from the Chicago Cubs system. The day was fun though and there's little to do with money on Wake anyway. Stick refrained from the gambling and consoles his friends.

Ed will get to vent in a couple of days as the ships are heading back to the barn.

No word so Nigel now has to wrestle with his conscience. He's in knots about this, but knows that a prisoner will ultimately cost him his life and those that help him. He walks back into the camp to find Matsuyama lifeless on the ground and one of his guards cleaning a knife. “What happened?” asks Nigel. It turns out that the flier tried to escape and nearly made it. His guard had dozed off and if this man hadn't returned to camp when he did. “OK, then we can get on with things then,” says Nigel. Later they get a message from the Americans telling them that a sub will deliver clothes, batteries, food, etc. and take off the prisoner. Nigel scratches his head and mutters, “That figures.”

FDR has spent the last 2 days meeting with Churchill and Mackenzie as Canada hosts the conference at the fortress in Quebec City, overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

The RAF bombed Peenemunde again.

A USN cruiser and destroyer force shelled Gioia, aura and Palmi in Italy.

Victory Points Japanese 24576 Allied 12288




[image]local://upfiles/22538/803D6510D1DF495E97CA64B0E91D1DDC.jpg[/image]
Roosevelt, Churchill, Mackenzie and the Earl of Athlone



tocaff -> RE: Nice Time (8/19/2011 8:35:15 PM)

August 19, 1943 Pittsburgh

Intel

2837 men are based at Matsue.
4329 men are based at Pusan.
46th Road Construction Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
Imperial Guards Division is located at Kwajalein.
7th Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
35th Division is located at Sian.
47th Road Construction Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
Maizuru Fortress is located at Maizuru.
1st Mortar Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
4th Construction Battalion is located at Mukden.
10th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
11th AA Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 2300/30/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Harbin 4 LCUs 15860/194/5
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 12 LCUs 23460/96/307
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Eniwetok 1 LCU 3140/8/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Gili Gili 27 fighters, 38 aux, 11 LCUs 32360/178/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 24 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tassafaronga 3 LCUs 5700/22/0

Combat

The SS S-32, 27 miles SW of Shortlands, tried an attack on a TK, but nothing came of it.

China continues to be a frozen mess as the Chinese troops don't move.

More men and supplies dedicated to Operation King will arrive shortly. The missing piece to the puzzle is additional lift capacity. At a meeting somebody on the planning staff jokingly says, “According to Admiral Edward Landy the missing pieces will be mine sweeping assets, as if we haven't gathered enough.” Nobody laughs and there are more than a few of the men in the room who worry about mine fields.

Nigel had a fit when he got back to his temporary base and discovered that one of the batteries for the radio was dead. It's not bad enough dodging Japanese patrols day and night, but to risk your neck for supplies and have this happen is maddening. When the officer from the sub asked for the prisoner Nigel handed him a bloodied uniform shirt and said that the passenger had an accident.

Gil went to the movies last night with Elaine. After the movie they went around the corner to an Isaly's ice cream parlor. Gil then walked Elaine home, 2 blocks, and sat on the front porch talking with her. After they said goodnight he caught a trolley, Brooklyn for street car, to get back to the Pitt Tower. As he rode along he thought about the night and how nice a time he had. He will be seeing her again.

Luftwaffe Chief of Staff, Colonel General Jesehonnek shot himself today.

Victory Points Japanese 24601 Allied 12288



tocaff -> RE:Damned Politicians (8/20/2011 5:57:25 PM)

August 20, 1943 Brisbane

Intel

5th Air Division is located at Pagan.
Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.
23rd Engineer Regiment is located at Inch'on.
5th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.
1832 men are based at Hungnam.
Nagasaki Fortress is located at Nagasaki.
12th AA Regiment is located at Peking.
8th Division is located at Heiho.
15th Tank Regiment is located at Homan.
2nd Army is located at Truk.
2nd Naval Construction Battalion is located at Laoag.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Myitkyina 9 LCUs 35540/379/7
Catalina I takes recon photos of Gili Gili 24 fighters, 38 aux, 11 LCUs 29400/178/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 24 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 19 LCUs

Combat

Rangoon was swept by 38 X Corsair IV, some as high cover and the rest on the deck. No Japanese planes were aloft and 7 of the Corsairs were damaged by ground fire. Just as the Corsairs were retiring 95 X Liberator VI, 36 X B-24D and their escort of 75 X P-38G arrived. The bombs found the mark and 8 X Liberator VI and 3 X B-24D were damaged by flak. The Japanese lost 6 X Thora, 4 X Betty and 9 X Tina to the bombs and the base took moderately heavy damage with many secondary explosions. Ground troops suffered heavy casualties. British commanders wonder where are the Japanese fighters?

Port Moresby was attacked by 47 X B-17E, 64 X B-24D and 4 snooping F-5As. There was no CAP present and flak damaged 2 of each bomber type as the base was heavily damaged with multi secondary explosions. Ground losses were thought to have been heavy. American commanders wonder where are the Japanese fighters?

The IJA 13th Division, at the road junction area, was pounced on by 12 X B-25J and 2 X P-40N. The unit had light losses. Almost simultaneously the IJA 6th Division, nearby, was jumped on by 24 X Mitchell and 10 X Warhawk resulting in light casualties. All of the Chinese planes departed safely. Chinese commanders wonder where are the Japanese fighters?

It is known that Japanese fighters are located at Gili Gili and Lunga, but where are the rest of them?

The CL Helena is making preparations to get under way as orders for another carrier raid have been issued. Bill hopes that this time out the USN can deal a more telling blow. He writes a final letter to Sandy and holds a meeting with all of his officers.

Palawan began loading supplies and the men wrestle with the cargo to get it into place. Red stands at the entrance to the radio room, watching the loading going on. He doesn't miss this work and absently rubs his arm that is almost back to normal. They are bound for Efate, but Captain Demesa won't be passing the word until after departure.

Japanese troops spotted yesterday at the rail junction seemed to have melted away as contact has been lost with them. The Aussie and American troops continue to push forward at a measured pace. Whatever the Japanese throw at them this time around they are determined to destroy.

All everyone is talking about are tomorrow's elections. Pete listens and offers his opinion, but tempers it with, “I can't vote though.” A late edition of the newspaper trumpets a new offensive to oust the Japanese from Australia. Pete hopes that the Japanese already know of this offensive and that an obvious politically motivated release of information won't cost lives. “Damned politicians will do anything to get and stay in office,” he announces.

Victory Points Japanese 24611 Allied 12336



tocaff -> RE: RE: Wants To Hunt (8/21/2011 11:00:19 PM)

August 21, 1943 Luganville

Intel

20th Division is located at Changkufeng.
23rd Engineer Regiment is located at Inch'on.
Kaosing Fortress is located at Takao.
65th Division is located at Nanchang.
124th IJNAF Base Force is located at Clark Field.
57th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
1826 men are based at Pagan.
31st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
4th Mortar Battalion is located at Sian.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Chiamussu 6 LCUs 32660/286/109
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Hungnam 1 LCU 1880/14/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 37740/342/8
Catalina I takes recon photos of Gili Gili 38 fighters, 21 bombers, 53 aux, 11 LCUs 39860/297/10
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 24 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 19 LCUs 18260/104/0

Combat

Japanese MSWs located and started to sweep a mine field at Koepang.

The SS Rasher, about 33 miles from Jesselton, after spending all morning stalking a TK she finally had her patience pay off as when an attack was made ans a fish struck the vessel causing heavy damage and fires.

The SS Gurnard, 49 miles SW of Shortlands, was attacked by DDs and PCs. The sub gave them the slip before any damage was done.

Allied troops unloaded over beach at Thursday Island, having been deposited there by fast transports.

Elements of the IJA 33rd Division, near Myitkyina, were attacked by 27 X B-25J and 48 P-38G. 4 Mitchells were damaged by ground fire and the Japanese had light casualties. Hours later another attack on the Japanese unit was staged by 15 X B-25J and 5 X P-38G. No Allied planes were damaged and again the unit had light losses.

The SS Pike attempted an attack on an AP 187 miles from Wyndham, but came up empty.

Phil is busy making sure all is ready as O'Bannon has orders. They are to escort a replenishment TF. He begins to think that there is some kind of curse placed on him. He longs for a real combat assignment where his ship can be a hunter, not a guard. He realizes that the strike force relies on the replenishment TF and can't sustain it's operations without it, still.

Gil saw Elaine again last night at the USO Club and they have a date for tomorrow night.

The Commonwealth troops are moving into their positions for Operation Harpoon. It is expected that the attack will be made in late November.

The Labor Party won the elections in Australia.

Victory Points Japanese 24618 Allied 12337



tocaff -> RE: RE: Hunting the KB (8/22/2011 5:23:49 PM)

August 22, 1943 Thursday Island

Intel

6th Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
8th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Lunga.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
87th Naval Guard Unit is located at Kwajalein.
2nd Area Army is located at Koepang.
11690 men are based at Mutanchiang.
Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.
6th Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
13th Tank Regiment is located at Changsha.
1st Mixed Regiment is located at Amoy.
3rd Division is located at Sian.
55th Division is located at Myitkyina.
15th Aviation Rgt is located at Batavia.
5184 men are based at Wonsan.
Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Gili Gili 63 fighters, 20 bombers, 82 aux, 11 LCUs 41220/246/7
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 70 fighters, 74 bombers, 88 aux, 24 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 1 X SS, 1 X AK, 19 LCUs 53720/541/10
Catalina I takes recon photos of Lashio 2 LCUs 1980/10/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Myitkyina 9 LCUs 57980/584/19

Combat

The tranquil morning at Rangoon is suddenly shattered by the roar of 96 X Liberator VI and 48 B-24D, who are coming in low with no escorts. There are no Japanese planes in the air of oppose the bombers who have 11 X Liberator VI damaged while they unload their rain of death on the airfield. The airbase sustains very heavy damage, many secondary explosions and very heavy losses to the ground troops. 18 X Tina, 6 X Betty and 6 X Thora are left as burned out hulks.

The IJA 11th Ind. Brigade, in the road junction area, was pounded by 25 X B-25J and 22 X P-40N for heavy casualties. At the same time, not to far away, the IJA 12th Ind. Brigade was attacked by 9 X B-25J and 2 X P-40N. Casualties were light for the Japanese. All of the Chinese planes departed safely.

The Allied troops assaulted and took Thursday Island without meeting any Japanese resistance. Now it is time for the engineers to come and build a base that planes can operate out of as quickly as possible. Supply ships are on their way.

Phil has attended a meeting with other commanders of the TF O'Bannon will be sailing with. They expect to have CVEs and heavy units present to help protect them. The USN is once more sallying forth to hunt the KB.

The Palawan will get under way tonight and all of the crew are on board. Something strikes Cookie as strange about this mission. He can't put his finger on it, but something is very different. Red stops by the galley and asks him what's wrong and Cookie says, “Is it that obvious that something's bothering me?” The 2 of them sit down and talk quietly so nobody can overhear them. Red finally tells Cookie to relax as the Palawan is a lucky ships with 2 talismans aboard. Captain Demesa is very quiet as he ponders the risks in sailing without any escorts. The USN has deemed these waters as secure and will risk the lone merchantman.

Ed has made his feelings well known at HQs and is once more ready to sail with the same orders in hand. To say that he's unhappy is a huge understatement, but the powers that be seem to be afraid of the IJN while it still has it's carriers. “How many planes can we put in the air? What can stand up to that?” was Ed's answer for their timidity.

The Allied troops continue their advance unopposed and commanders are becoming more nervous with each passing mile. No Japanese planes, nothing.

Pete and Sylvia are enjoying a day where they've made time for one another. Pete sits by her side under a tree in the park with his hand on her growing belly and says, “I never want our child to know the horrors of war.” She nods and leans her head on his shoulder.

The Germans evacuated Kharkov today.

Victory Points Japanese 24611 Allied 12403



[image]local://upfiles/22538/45335EB93D624FA0814FF19F6C10AA5E.jpg[/image]



tocaff -> RE: RE: Good Luck Charms (8/23/2011 5:50:48 PM)

August 23, 1943 NW of the New Hebrides

Intel

4941 men are based at Songkhia.
13492 men are based at Bonin.
64th Construction Battalion is located at Nagasaki.
155th IJA Base Force is located at Tokyo.
14th Mortar Battalion is located at Rabaul.
51st Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Osaka/Kobe.
112th IJA Base Force is located at Yenen.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
18th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Toyama.
Elements of the 22nd Division are located at Wenchow.
16th Army is located at Rabaul.
1832 men are based at Hakodate.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gili Gili 45 fighters, 12 bombers, 68 aux, 11 LCUs 41360/271/6
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 6 X AP, 1 X AK, 2 X CA, 80 fighters, 37 bombers, 86 aux, 24 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 2 X SS, 19 LCUs 61920/560/8
Catalina I takes recon photos of Lashio 2 LCUs 1760/12/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Myitkyina 9 LCUs 61920/612/22

Combat

Port Moresby was attacked by 44 X B-17E, 64 X B-24D Liberator and 4 X F-5A along for a peek. A CAP of 2 X Jack, a Zero, 21 X Tojo and 16 X Tony were aloft and they tore into the bomber boxes suffering 2 X Jack damaged, a Tojo downed (8 damaged) and 5 X Tony destroyed (4 damaged) while hammering the big bombers. A B-17E was shot down (11 damaged), 13 X B-24D were destroyed (19 damaged) and an F-%A was shot up. The airbase was heavily damaged, there were numerous secondary explosions observed and ground forces sustained heavy casualties.

Thursday Island was raided by 25 X Kate, 27 X Sally, 15 X Helen, 10 X Jack, 3 X Zero, 13 X Tojo and 4 X Tony. A CAP of 8 X P-47C met them and damaged 3 X Sally while destroying a pair of Tojos at the cost of 3 Thunderbolts downed and 3 more damaged. The base took light damage as did the ground troops. This was the P-47C's baptism of fire and it did good.

The IJA 13th Division, in the road junction area, was hit by 10 X B-25J and 12 X P-40N. Ground losses were light. The IJA 6th Division, nearby, was also struck and the 27 X B-25J and 28 X P-40N inflicted moderate losses on the unit. All of the planes left the area intact.

The Palawan sailed late last night, bound for Efate. She's alone, no escort, nothing except for their good luck charms named Red and Lucky. The men are very nervous, but the USN has deemed the area reasonably safe from enemy activity. All hands that aren't on duty are scanning the waters around Palawan, half expecting to be attacked at any moment, at least during the day they might see an attack coming.

Phil had Frank let a junior office take the O'Bannon out of port and now they have taken up their station on the replenishment TF's flank. What Phil hates is that they are out where the action is, but they don't know a thing about what's going on, if anything. He looks at Frank and says, “Once the stuff hits the fan we'll hear about it.” Frank nods.

A couple hundred miles away the CVTFs of the USN roam, but their searches have turned up nothing as of yet. Where is the IJN and how can they just let the USN roam where it wants? Aboard the Helena Bill watches as the bridge personnel go about their jobs with a smooth efficiency. He wonders how his ship will do when confronted with combat. His thoughts turn to Phil and the O'Bannon and he wonders where his old ship is, what it's doing and how the crew has taken to Phil.

“The following men will get advanced radio training while all the others will report for gunnery training,” the corporal announces. He proceeds to read from a short list. Gil suddenly hears his name called and he wonders why he isn't going to gunnery school. Later in the day he hears a rumor about a new plane that the radio operator doesn't man a gun position on. Well that would make sense he thinks, but my plan to avoid combat for as long as possible looks shot to hell. The best of the classes are indeed bound for service with a new type of plane while the others will, for the most part, will be heading to the meat grinder skies of Europe.

Berlin was bombed by the RAF with 570 planes.

Victory Points Japanese 24633 Allied 12427






tocaff -> RE: RE: Somewhere Up The Line (8/25/2011 12:10:43 AM)

August 24, 1943 Efate

Intel

30638 men are based at Sendai.
9th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
3286 men are based at Anshan.
3017 men are based at Eniwetok.
Chinhae Bay Fortress is located at Pusan.
4th Construction Battalion is located at Mukden.
45th Road Construction Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
21st Air Flotilla is located at Rabaul.
10557 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
Nagasaki Fortress is located at Nagasaki.
6th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
4th Air Army is located at Shortlands.
34103 men are based at Paramushiro Jima.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 168 fighters, 187 aux, 12 LCUs 23440/91/126
Catalina I takes recon photos of Andaman Island 4 LCUs 7860/25/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Gili Gili 53 fighters, 24 bombers, 90 aux, 11 LCUs 41800/282/9
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 5 X AP, 3 X AK, 1 X CA, 85 fighters, 38 bombers, 89 aux, 24 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 3 X SS, 1 X CA, 19 LCUs 92440/770/10

Combat

The SS Swordfish spotted an unescorted AP 121 miles SE Kupang. She approached the ship, which tried desperately to make good her escape. The sub then put 3 fish and 2 deck gun shells into her prey, which promptly slid beneath the waves.

The SS Capelin tracked a small, heavily escorted convoy 51 miles NE of Balikpapan and managed to hit the TK with 2 torpedoes. The TK went under as the Capelin silently glided away.

Rangoon, which again had no planes aloft to defend it, was attacked by 81 X Liberator VI and 36 X B-24D. 8 of the former and 3 of the later were damaged by AA as the bombs tumbled down on the airbase. 17 X Tina, 9 X Betty and 6 X Thora were destroyed by the bombs and the base itself sustained extremely heavy damage and numerous secondary explosions were observed. Ground troops lost heavily in the attack.

Lunga was attacked by 37 X B-17E, 113 X B-24D and 3 X PBM snoopers. Flak damaged 12 of the Flying Forts, 26 of the Liberators and a Mariner while the bombs destroyed 8 X Zeke. Having no planes up cost the Japanese dearly as the base was plastered for very heavy damage, many secondary explosions and very heavy casualties to the ground troops.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was hammered by 23 X B-25J and 9 X P-40N, suffering heavy losses. All of the aircraft departed safely.

The IJA 13th Division, in the vicinity of the road junction, was attacked by 39 X B-25J and 24 X P-40N. The unit had heavy losses and all of the Chinese planes left unscathed.

The IJA 4th Mixed Regiment, at Myitkyina, was bombed by 40 X B-25J and 61 X P-38G. Losses were light and 3 of the Mitchells were damaged.

The Palawan docked at Efate and will begin unloading immediately. As the men pass by Lucky and Red they pat them both as they know that their good luck continues as long as both remain on the ship. Red is enjoying the life of a radio operator as he knows about things before others do and the heavy work is no longer for him to do. The pay is also better and he feels that his partnership with Cookie is a little fairer now that he can contribute an equal share each month.

No matter how he he tries to find out information about a rumored new plane Gil meets with a stone wall. Finally he just figures that he'll end up on B-17s or 24s and that for some reason he and the others will get the gunnery training later. Yesterday evening he bumped into Elaine at the USO Club and she gave a Captain the cold shoulder so that they could spend some time together talking.

The Helena maintains her position in the TF as it's starting to look like another cruise with little to do. There's been no word about the IJN and men are starting to joke about how the USN has scared the Japanese fleet back to Tokyo. Fat chance of that, thinks Bill.

Phil looks at all of the AOs and CVEs in the replenishment TF and wonders if they couldn't use more protection than the 3 CVEs covering them give. All of the CVEs in this TF carry replacement aircraft for the CVs and CVLs that are out there somewhere looking for trouble.

Slim tells Gunny, “I don't mind all the waiting between actions, but this is to much. How are we going to win this war by sitting on our duffs?” Gunny has no answer and he knows that something must be wrong somewhere up the line.

Himmler has become the Minister of the Interior.

Victory Points Japanese 24664 Allied 12522




tocaff -> RE: RE: Things Can Get Iffy (8/25/2011 9:58:32 PM)

August 25, 1943 The Skies Over Mandalay

Intel

4325 men are based at Pusan.
5th AF Construction Battalion is located at Singapore.
137th IJNAF Base Force is located at Lautem.
252273 men are based at Kagoshima.
Radio transmissions detected at Tainan.
7th Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Imperial Guards Division is located at Kwajalein.
16th Aviation Rgt is located at Wuhan.
1834 men are based at Hungnam.
13th AA Regiment is located at Maizuru.
25th AA Regiment is located at Nagato.
11th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
Elements of the 18th Mixed Brigade are located at Haichow.
8th Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
3072 men are based at Kitakyushu.
Radio transmissions detected at Prince Rupert.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1060/12/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Shikka 5 bombers, 9 aux, 2 LCUs 15880/174/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 69 fighters, 22 bombers, 63 aux, 6 LCUs 8760/85/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X CL, 1 X SS, 6 X PT, 14 LCUs 51800/362/314
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 1 X CA, 10 LCUs 18100/72/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Gili Gili 1 X SS, 1 X AK, 77 fighters, 31 bombers, 109 aux, 11 LCUs 40600/233/6
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tulagi 1 X AP, 1 X BB, 1 X AG, 1 X APD, 10 LCUs 30240/300/8
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 89 fighters, 42 bombers, 89 aux, 24 LCUs

Combat

The SS Gurnard was subjected to an intense search by an IJN ASW TF, but she turned the tables on them and scored with 2 torpedo hits on a DD. The tin can was very heavily damaged and burning and in short order, with her keel broken, the stricken ship died. The surface vessels then started dropping depth charges, but the sub evaded the attack.

The SS Amberjack was patrolling 31 miles off of Kagoshima when she tried and failed to attack 3 MLs.

Mandalay was swept by 38 X Corsair IV and they stirred up a hornet's nest of 34 X Zero, 6 X Zeke, 27 X Jack, 14 X Tojo and 45 X Tony. The chaos that ensued resulted in 19 X Zero destroyed, 2 X Zeke downed, 7 X Jack shot down (another damaged), 5 Tojo destroyed and 17 X Tony downed (2 damaged) while the British suffered 14 X Corsair IV shot down (3 damaged). In the war of attrition this rate of exchange is acceptable, though not relished. A short time later 77 X P-38G Lightning arrived on a fighter sweep and were challenged by 20 X Zero, 6 X Zeke, 19 X Jack, 14 X Tojo and 23 X Tony. The Japanese suffered 9 X Zero shot down, 2 X Zeke destroyed (1 damaged), 5 X Jack downed (2 damaged), 14 X Tojo crashed and burned and 21 X Tony were shot down. The Lightnings lost 25 aircraft and had another 6 damaged. Again the exchange rate was favorable, but Allied commanders are looking for better results. Soon the P-38J will be arriving and there are high hopes for it, but will the US send them to this area of ops or elsewhere?

The IJA 13th Division, in the road junction area, was bombed by 15 X B-25J and 12 X P-40N who caused light casualties. The IJA 12th Ind. Brigade, not far away, was taken on by 24 X B-25J and 14 X P-40N and the Japanese sustained light casualties. All of the Chinese planes departed without so much as chipped paint.

Palawan continues to unload at Efate and the men continually rub Red's head as they pass him. Red doesn't complain because he understands the apprehension they all have about this cruise. Lucky senses the tension on board and when Cookie takes him for a walk he eagerly goes, but is reluctant to return to the Palawan. Cookie doesn't tell any of the crew about this because he's afraid that it'll be taken as an evil omen. When your life is on the line, even though you claim not to be superstitious, why tempt fate?

The USN continues to patrol, but the Japanese are nowhere to be found. Could it be that a change in tactics is needed? Bill has noticed a growing restlessness among the crew of the Helena and he consults with the exec, Jeff Pardini, as it is his duty concerning crew morale.

The troops at Luganville are unhappy with their situation as there is barely enough space for all of them and the orders that they wait for just don't come.

Sandra reads a letter from Bill and tells Dave that it's not fair that he hasn't gotten any leave yet. Dave tries to explain that good officers are hard to find and she says, “OK dad I understand your point about the war taking priority over all else.”

FDR sits with his advisers and and is told that the problem with Operation King is that as long as the IJN's carriers exist and their whereabouts are unknown an invasion is just to risky. “I thought the Navy was confident that they would win a major carrier battle,” the President says. An admiral tells him that they are confident, but when LBA is thrown into the equation things can get iffy.

Victory Points Japanese 24711 Allied 12635





tocaff -> RE: RE: Rattled, Not Cowed (8/26/2011 10:59:40 PM)

August 26, 1943 Wake Island

Intel

3rd Air Fleet is located at Tokyo.
Keelung Fortress is located at Taipei.
1st Amphibious Brigade is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
14th Area Army is located at Kwajalein.
22nd Air Flotilla is located at Victoria Point.
19th Division is located at Mishan.
17th Aviation Rgt is located at Ichang.
87926 men are based at Pescadores.
Iki Fortress is located at Ikitsuki.
7th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
8th Division is located at Heiho.
8th Fleet is located at Gili Gili.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Moulmein 1 LCU
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X CL, 1 X SS, 6 X PT, 14 LCUs 51640/396/315
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 1 X CA, 11 X LCUs 25540/114/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Buna nothing detected
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tulagi 2 X BB, 1 X AG, 10 LCUs 32560,278,10
Catalina I takes recon photos of Port Moresby 6 X AP, 86 fighters, 35 bombers, 121 aux, 24 LCUs

Combat

Japanese DDs found and unsuccessfully attacked the SS Kingfish about 61 miles SW of Buka.

Thursday Island was attacked by 22 X Zeke, 6 X Jack, 26 X Val, 5 X Tojo, 6 X Tony and 15 X Helen. 6 Thunderbolts were aloft to intercept and they downed a Zeke, destroyed a Val (4 damaged) and shot up 3 Helens while 4 P-47Cs were destroyed. The bombs did light damage to the base, though supplies were hit and ground troops lost lightly.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was hit by 26 X B-25J and 13 X P-40N for moderate casualties. All of the planes departed intact.

The IJA 13th Division, near the road junction was raided by 28 X B-25J and 23 X P-40N. Japanese losses were light. Then it was the IJA 12th Ind. Brigade's turn to be attacked. 9 X B-25J and 12 X P-40N hit the unit for very light casualties. All of the planes in these attacked were unharmed.

The Chinese troops are still trying to retreat towards Chungking, but don't move. A flanking maneuver now by the Japanese could see China collapse.

As long as the Japanese rely on air attacks only Thursday Island will be held. In the very near future some combat troops will move in to garrison the base.

Operation Hedge Cutter continues to push forward and still there has been no contact with hostile forces. It is expected that the Allied forces will be within hailing distance of Darwin very soon.

Palawan is almost unloaded and the crew makes ready for the lonely return voyage. Cookie is not his usual self and for some reason Lucky is skittish. Red doesn't notice as he's busy playing with the radio listening to all of the traffic to increase his skills. Some of the crew have become aware of the dog's strange behavior though.

Pete reads the paper and the lead story trumpets the rapid advance of Australian and American troops. He mutters that as soon as they run into the Japanese the meat grinder will begin once more. Sylvia asks what he said and he tells her. She's not happy with the prospect of the hospital being flooded with shattered young men again and asks Pete if they can go to the church to pray for them.

FDR has been updated on Europe and Australia, but he asks about Operation King. He's generally unhappy with the timidity that is being exercised by SOPAC.

Stick is being read the riot act after he and another pilot took it upon themselves to buss the field before making their landing approaches. “If you guys don't get it just try another stunt and see if it doesn't get you an assignment so far from any planes that you'll wonder if they've been invented yet. Dismissed.” With that they salute and head for some chow a little rattled, but not cowed.

Victory Points Japanese 24722 Allied 12640



tocaff -> RE: RE: Rattled, Not Cowed (8/27/2011 9:57:15 PM)

August 27, 1943 Luganville

Intel

2nd Army is located at Truk.
20th Army is located at Heiho.
11th Tank Regiment is located at Mishan.
1st Army is located at Sian.
Keelung Fortress is located at Taipei.
Truk AA Battalion is located at Truk.
28884 men are based at Harbin.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
39th Division is located at Sining.
8th Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is located at Koepang.
10145 men are based at Saigon.
1st Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Kitakyushu.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 3840/55/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Mukden 74 bombers, 12 aux, 4 LCUs 5500/29/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Harbin 4 LCUs 16200/180/4
Catalina I takes recon photos of Pagan 2 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 12 LCUs 5660/89/136
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Buna 1 LCU 400/2/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Port Moresby 5 X AP, 1 X AK, 1 X APD, 1 X DD, 1 X CA, 76 fighters, 49 bombers, 108 aux, 24 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tulagi 2 X BB, 1 X AG, 10 LCUs 52600/401/5

Combat

Myitkyina was paid a visit by 45 X B-25J, 7 of which were damaged, and the base took moderate damage. There were a number of secondary explosions and ground losses were light.

Maloelap was raided by 42 X B-24D and 2 planes were lost, 10 more damaged by flak. Damage to the base was light and ground troop casualties were negligible.

Port Moresby's CAP of 16 X Zeke, 18 X Jack and 12 X Tojo was tested by 48 X B-17E, 57 X B-24D and 4 X Catalina I along for a look around. The bombers shot down a pair of Zekes (6 damaged), a Jack (8 damaged) and a Tojo (2 damaged) while 5 X B-17E were destroyed (21 damaged), 9 X B-24D downed (20 damaged) and 3 of the Catalinas were shot up a bit. The port was moderately damaged and troops had light losses.

Tulagi was bombed by 41 X B-17E, 171 X B-24D and 7 X PBM snoopers. There were no Japanese planes to contest the attack, though 4 of the Liberators were damaged by AA fire. The port was heavily damaged and the CAs Nachi and Takao were hit repeatedly. Ground losses were light.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF had it's breakfast interrupted by 19 X B-25J and 13 X P-40N. The bombs caused light casualties and all of the planes left as suddenly as they had arrived.

The SS Pike was attacked by MSWs to no effect 53 miles from Darwin.

Stick is at the mess tent when the squadron CO arrives for his breakfast. Stick does his best to avoid the skipper, but is waved over to where he sits. Now what,is the only thought running through stick's mind. “How are you today Stick?”, the CO asks. “Do you think that you're up to flying today? I want you to take the PBY leaving for Pearl in an hour and try to find out what's screwing up our mail delivery here.” The thought of a couple of days at Pearl Harbor, away from the boredom that is Wake causes a grin to break out over his face as he gives an “Aye Aye sir.”

Benham's convoy continues towards Darwin and Phil leaves the bridge in the capable hands of Frank. He wonders as they make their transit if the KB is roaming this far south and if it is, well there's nothing to be done about it. Rumors abound that earlier in the war, in this area, a lightly protected convoy was caught by Japanese CVs who brought death and destruction down upon the helpless targets. Of course there has never been any official confirmation concerning anything like that, but...

The CL Helena swings idly at anchor awaiting the call to action. The crew has been drilled into a group of men that can do their duties automatically. This is exactly what Bill expects from them because in combat things are not normal and the men need to do their jobs without having to think about it. For now though they are resting and reading mail from home when a knock at his cabin door snaps him back to reality. “Captain, sir, some mail for you.” Bill thanks the man and accepts the small stack of letters. He will put them into chronological order and commence reading, the whole time missing Sandy. When he's finished he will write a long letter and then go to sleep.

Palawan's crew continues the unloading at Efate and they've been joined by another AK, who started to disgorge it's load. The crew wonder why they weren't sent as part of a convoy instead of as lone vessels. Red has noticed that there is much more radio traffic than normal as he listens in on frequencies that he knows are reserved for the military. It's almost all coded so who knows what is being said.

Operation Hedge Cutter continues to eat up the miles as the troops continue their advance and still no contact with the Japanese.

Victory Points Japanese 24757 Allied 12648



tocaff -> RE: Clear On That? (8/28/2011 6:24:03 PM)

August 28, 1943 Australia

Intel

14th Army is located at Mandalay.
20th Army is located at Heiho.
81st Naval Guard Unit is located at Sabang.
145th IJA Base Force is located at Krung Thep.
7th AF Construction Battalion is located at Soerabaja.
44th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Koepang.
3rd Coastal Gun Regiment is located at Morotai.
146th IJA Base Force is located at Krung Thep.
Karafuto Mixed Brigade is located at Shikka.
Funauke Fortress is located at Sakashima.
Sasebo Base Force is located at Sasebo.
4297 men are based at Kyoto.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 108 fighters, 52 bombers, 128 aux, 24 LCUs

Combat

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was once again bombed by Chinese B-25Js and this time it resulted in moderate casualties. As the Chinese pilots gain more and more experience they come in lower and lower, yet the Japanese offer no effective resistance.

The Flying Deuces CO is finding creative ways of getting his pilots a couple of days here and there away from Wake Island. Stick, for example, is strolling the streets of Chinatown in Honolulu trying to decide on a bar. There are some women around, but they seem to be professionals. He promised his girlfriend back home that he would be true to her, but that was so long ago and who knows what tomorrow will bring. What he doesn't know is that his squadron has been earmarked to be the first to get a new assignment. Of course the transfer depends on a new conquest.

Ed sits across the desk in the office of SOPAC and calmly asks why he's not being given the chance to do what he's supposed to do. There is no satisfying answer for him and he says that he's a team player, but it's a shame to steam around burning all of that fuel and not be able to knock the Japanese into next week. He leaves and catches a plane back to Luganville.

“There has not been any contact to date with the Japanese,” the speaker says and continues with “Though it is expected at any time now. Our troops are rapidly approaching Darwin.”

“I want the Australians to be the ones to liberate their cities,” says FDR. “I want this made perfectly clear to every man we have ranking above dog catcher. Clear on that? OK, what's next on the agenda?”

The Danish government refused the German ultimatum and sabotage is reaching a crescendo.

Victory Points Japanese 24765 Allied 12697



tocaff -> RE: Disappeared (8/29/2011 5:04:03 PM)

August 29, 1943

Intel

9th Fleet is located at Truk.
40669 men are based at Hailar.
3rd Cavalry Brigade is located at Mishan.
51st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Koepang.
24th Air Flotilla is located at Kwajalein.
Iki Fortress is located at Ikitsuki.
52nd Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
12th Construction Battalion is located at Batan Island.
6th AF Construction Battalion is located at Pagan.
6942 men are based at Krung Thep.
1st Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kyoto.
34th Division is located at Hsinyang.
10th Aviation Rgt is located at Changchun.
Radio transmissions detected at Port Arthur.
9th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 30 bombers, 47 aux, 5 LCUs 18700/107/16
Catalina I takes recon photos of Port Moresby 7 X AP, 1 X CA, 1 X APD, 84 fighters, 39 bombers, 98 aux, 24 LCUs

Combat

After being stalked by IJN DDs 97 miles E of Aomori the SS Growler turned the tables and torpedoed one of the would be hunters, leaving it heavily damaged and burning. The DDs tried to pin and attack the sub again later in the day, but failed.

IJN PGs attacked the SS Kingfish 105 miles SE of Rabaul, doing nothing other than forcing the sub to take evasive action.

Jaluit was attacked by 41 X B-25J and 46 X P-38G. No damage was done to the base at the cost of losing a bomber and having 15 more damaged by flak.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was visited by 19 X B-25J and 9 X P-40N and by the time the planes were done working the unit over the Japanese had sustained light casualties.

The Allied TF 19 miles E of Thursday Island was attacked by 17 X Zeke, 28 X Jack, 23 X Kate, 25 X Betty and 8 X Tojo. The ships twisted and turned while furiously throwing everything they had at the Japanese planes, downing a Kate (12 damaged) and damaging 14 X Betty. The CA Canberra was hit by 3 fish, the CL Java took 5 torpedoes and went under while the DD Vampire was the recipient of a torpedo. The LRCAP never appeared and the ships paid the price. About 45 minutes later 12 X Betty appeared and put another torpedo into the stricken CA Canberra, which promptly sank. In the afternoon another Japanese strike appeared made up of 15 X Zeke, 22 X Jack, 3 X Betty and 12 X Tojo. No further damage was inflicted on the TF. No sooner than the ship's crews breathed a sigh of relief 3 X Jack, 8 X Kate, 8 X Betty and 2 X Tojo descended on them. The AA downed a Kate (3 damaged) and 8 X Betty were also damaged. The DD Norman was struck by 2 fish and later was scuttled. Still no Allied planes appeared to aid the stricken TF. Then to make matters even worse 13 X Betty roared in losing a plane and having 11 more damaged while the DD Nizam was hammered by 2 torpedoes, which broke her in 2.

Maloelap was raided by 32 X PB4Y, 11 of which were damaged by ground fire. They did minor damage to the base and destroyed a Dinah on the ground.

The USN launched a surprise attack on an IJN TF near Onnekotan Jima comprised of 32 X Hellcat, 29 X Dauntless and 36 X Avenger. The Japanese AA knocked down 2 X TBF and damaged 8 others. The CS Nisshin was hit by 2 bombs and set ablaze with heavy damage, the CA Suzuya was struck by 5 bombs and 2 fish and was burning with heavy damage before finally sinking, the CL Noshiro was heavily damaged and burning after 2 torpedo hits and a pair of PGs were hammered by a torpedo each.

An IJN DD and APD, near Port Moresby, were attacked by 21 X B-17E and 19 X B-24D. No hits were scored and 1 X B-17E went down (3 damaged) and 5 X B-24D were also damaged by ground fire and the CAP of 12 X Zeke (4 damaged), 4 X Jack and 13 X Tojo (3 damaged).

The Australian and Americans continue to press forward, carefully maintaining their formations. This time speed isn't important, but rather the continuity of the line is. But all the time everybody is wondering where the enemy is.

Dave reads a story about LT Little, of the AVG, who now is credited with 24 kills. He's the top ace facing the Japanese. “Didn't I read about this guy not to long ago when he had 21 kills? He flies a Lightning, in India, of all places. Thank heaven that the war hasn't managed to land in our laps, because it seems to be almost everywhere else.” Sandy is busy reading a letter from Bill. She's upset because they never say where he is or what he's doing and worst of all there is never a mention of leave.

Pete is reading the newspaper as he has a cup of tea. He's surprised that there's no mention of combat yet. “Syl are you sure that there's no casualties from the front yet? I wonder where the Japanese have disappeared to?”

As the Palawan's cargo holds are steadily emptied her crew begins thinking about the return journey to Noumea, alone, if that's where they're bound. Men on the deck watch view another freighter unloading and a TK is disgorging her stock of fuel for the roving PTs. Red hears something about an air attack on Allied ships and that they are sinking. He doesn't know where because though it was broadcast in plain language it didn't give a positioning. He duly passes it on to Captain Demesa, who thanks him for his alertness.

Still no contacts and Phil is starting to think that they'll reach port with no interference from the enemy.

The Germans declared martial law in Denmark and the Danish Royal Family has been isolated.

Victory Points Japanese 24857 Allied 12757



tocaff -> RE: Nervous (8/30/2011 12:47:57 PM)

August 30, 1943 Luganville

Intel

29615 men are based at Inch'on.
87922 men are based at Pescadores.
6th Field Artillery Regiment is located at Sian.
Tsushima Fortress is located at Masan.
15th Construction Battalion is located at Tawi Tawi.
121st IJNAF Base Force is located at Naha.
Nagasaki Fortress is located at Nagasaki.
Hoyo Fortress is located at Osumi.
21st Mortar Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
3rd Cavarly Brigade is located at Mishan.
56th Brigade is planning for an attack on Madras.
11th Army is located at Sian.
4300 men are based at Kyoto.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 7 X AP, 1 X APD, 1 X CA, 89 fighters, 41 bombers, 103 aux, 22 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 19 LCUs 8180/28/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 33 bombers, 28 aux, 5 LCUs 22240/138/23

Combat

The SS Kingfish, 92 miles from Rabaul, tried to attack 5 X PG, but never achieved a favorable position from which to attack them. In the late afternoon the sub finally gave up the hunt

The SS Haddo about 19 miles N of Ketoi Jima, spotted and struck a PG with 2 fish. The hapless vessel literally disintegrated.

The IJA 13th Division, in the region of the road junction, was attacked by 37 X B-25J (3 damaged) and 15 X P-40N. The Japanese sustained moderate casualties.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, SW of Sining, was jumped by 6 X Helen. Neither side had any casualties.

The 32nd USA Division, 22 miles from Darwin, was attacked by 9 X Oscar and 11 X Helen, of which 1 was shot down and 9 others were damaged. The Americans had light losses.

The Allied TF about 29 miles NE of Thursday Island was attacked by 16 X Zeke, 25 X Jack, 3 X Betty and 16 X Tojo. This time a LRCAP of 13 X P-47C intercepted the Japanese planes and as a result the Japanese didn't have an easy time of it like yesterday. 6 X Zeke were shot down, 3 X Jack were destroyed and a Betty went down (3 damaged) while 2 X Thunderbolt met a watery grave and 3 others were damaged. No ships were hit.

The DD Vampire, 201 miles SE of Thursday Island, was attacked by 3 X Jack, 5 X Betty (1 damaged) and 2 Tojo and the ship was struck by 2 torpedoes. Shortly after the planes departed the ship ceased to be.

The USN struck at the port at Onnekotan Jima with 14 X F6F, 58 X SBD, 31 X TBF and 18 X TBM who caused light damage and a few secondary explosions.

The IJN TF 221 miles NE of Cooktown, which was covered by a CAP of 19 X Zero, was attacked by 20 X B-17E, 12 X B-24D and 6 X Kittyhawk III. A Zero was downed and 4 others were damaged while 3 X B-17 E were damaged, 5 X B-24D were shot up and 2 X Kittyhawk III were shot down. Their target, the BB Mutsu escaped without any harm befalling her. For the Kittyhawk III this was a baptism of fire and the plane did OK.

It is now believed that the KB is in the Coral Sea and the USN hopes that they can either force it to battle there or that it will be forced into the Bandor of Timor Sea. If either of these eventualities occurs then now is the time for the crescendo of Operation King to commence. Troops will begin loading immediately even though plans had been altered and the end of September was targeted for the invasion of the Solomons. This is the largest undertaking to date by the Allies against the Empire of the (Setting) Sun. The assault wave is comprised of 7 infantry divisions and an RCT and that's just for Lunga. A very bloody affair is expected. The DMSs and MSWs depart and will replenish en route while the LBA and CVs pound the Japanese.

Ed has a hurried meeting with his ship captains and within 4 hours they are haze gray and underway. They will bombard Tulagi in the hopes of suppressing any coastal batteries that might interfere with mine sweeping ops. A quick return to Luganville to replenish and they'll be off to visit Lunga then. His flag flies from the BB Maryland.

The Tarpon has departed and will patrol the Louisade Archipelago area.

The CL Helena has orders to make ready for departure, but Bill doesn't know for where and with what. He does know that there is a huge amount of sudden activity and that it seems that all of the warships are getting ready to get underway.

A large convoy carrying fuel and supplies departed Pearl Harbor for the next scheduled operation.

Slim follows Gunny in the endless line of men as they board transports that will take them to another encounter with the Japanese. “Hey Gunny, when do you think they'll tell us where we're going to get shredded?” Gunny just shrugs and gives a wink to Slim. He then whispers that Slim should lighten up as the new guys are nervous enough. “Gunny, I've been through the meat grinder already and I'm nervous as all hell,” Slim whispers back.

The Palawan is still in the port and nobody has a clue as to when they'll leave. Red would like to get back to Noumea as he hasn't seen Claire in some time now and he finds himself missing her. Lucky was going wild barking and staring at something in the water today and finally Cookie saw what was driving the dog nuts, a small shark. Seeing the fish makes Cookie wonder about all of the men who go into the water when their ship sinks and the terror of knowing they're there, but not being able to see them. He shudders and takes the dog for a walk while he thinks that he's in the wrong line of work.

Victory Points Japanese 24887 Allied 12784



tocaff -> RE: Where Is The IJA? (8/31/2011 5:48:29 PM)

August 31, 1943 The Outskirts Of Darwin

Intel

Southern Area Army is located at Singapore.
16th Army is located at Rabaul.
1834 men are based at Hakodate.
Nagasaki Fortress is located at Nagasaki.
9th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
Combined Fleet is located at Rabaul.
4316 men are based at Kyoto.
50th Construction Battalion is located at Kyoto.
54th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
36th Division is located at Sian.
9th AF Construction Battalion is located at Bankha.
16th AA Regiment is located at Koepang.
Kaosing Fortress is located at Takao.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 49 bombers, 36 aux, 5 LCUs 22000/141/25
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Russell Islands 1 X AP
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 3 X SS, 1 X CA, 19 LCUs 95280/914/7

Combat

A Japanese sub, 99 miles SW of Ndini, torpedoed the CL Birmingham, setting her on fire. The DDs pounced on the sub and claimed many hits. The Birmingham will have no problem making port, though some yard time will be in order for her.

The SS Whale, 83 miles SE of Toyohara made an unsuccessful attack on a pair of MSWs. Later that day the Whale tried again, but failed to execute an attack.

Mandalay was swept by 38 X Corsair IV and the Japanese had 23 X Zero, 6 X Zeke, 48 X Jack, 4 X Tojo and 26 X Tony greet them. A wild battle ensued that saw 14 of the Corsairs go down and 5 others get damaged. The Japanese suffered 12 X Zero shot down, 3 X Zeke splashed, 15 X Jack destroyed (another damaged), 4 X Tojo downed and 16 X Tony flamed. Within 15 minutes the CAP of 7 X Zero, 2 X Zeke, 20 X Jack and 6 X Tony faced a raid made up of 94 X Liberator VI, 64 X B-25J, 47 X B-24D and 24 X P-38G. Although facing such a large force the valiant Japanese pilots attacked and destroyed 2 X Liberator VI (6 damaged), 2 Mitchells downed (a pair damaged), a B-24D shot down (4 damaged) and 2 Lightnings destroyed (2 damaged). This was done at a cost of 9 X Zero flamed, 5 X Zeke destroyed, 17 X Jack downed, 14 X Tony destroyed and a Tojo shot down. The bombs found the mark and caused very heavy damage to the base, many resource hits, numerous secondary explosions and heavy losses to the ground troops.

Lunga, which was protected by 3 X Zero and 27 X Tony, was hit by 44 X B-17E, 186 X B-24D and 8 snooping PBMs. The Japanese pilots tore into the bomber formations and destroyed a Flying Fortress (19 damaged), 13 X B-24D were shot down (55 damaged) and a pair of the PBMs were shot up. This was done at the cost of a destroyed Zero (2 damaged) and losing 15 X Tony. The base was very heavily damaged by the pounding that it took. There were lots of secondary explosions and very heavy losses to the ground troops. The Japanese pilots were utterly fearless, flying into their own bases' AA fire to attack the Americans.

The hapless Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was bombed by 20 Mitchells, who were escorted by 10 X Warhawks. Casualties sustained by the Japanese were light. All of the Chinese planes headed back home safely.

The IJA 12th Ind. Brigade, in the road junction region, was pasted by 28 X B-25J and 25 X P-40N. The unit had heavy casualties and the planes departed intact.

14 X B-17E, 15 X B-24D and 5 X Kittyhawk III attacked a Japanese TF about 265 miles SW of Port Moresby, hitting a BB with a bomb. 9 X Zero attacked the Allied planes at the cost of 2 of them getting damaged. 2 of the B-17Es were damaged and a Kittyhawk III was shot down. Then 5 X Zeke and 12 X Zero intercepted another Allied raid of 20 X B-24D and 6 X Kittyhawk III. No ships were struck and 2 of the Allied fighters were shot down while a Zeke was damaged.

The Allied TF, 91 miles NE of Cooktown, was pounced on by 33 X Val, 32 X Kate and 35 X Zero, but 53 X P-38G were able to intercept the attackers. The Japanese lost 12 X Val (7 damaged), 10 X Kate splashed (3 damaged) and 24 X Zero destroyed. 10 of the Lightnings went down and 6 more were damaged while the CLAA Van Heemskerck was struck by 4 bombs and a fish, which caused fires and heavy damage leading to the ship's demise. Then another Japanese attack made up of 5 X Val, 21 X Kate and 25 X Zero appeared and they were bounced by 40 X P-38G. 4 X Val were destroyed, 13 X Kate went down and 21 X Zero were splashed while 8 P-38G were downed and 7 others sustained damage. The DD Le Triomphant was devastated by 2 torpedo hits. She has sustained very heavy damage to her systems and the flooding is critical while the fires are light, but she is in doubt of reaching port.

Maloelap was attacked by 28 X PB4Y, of which 1 was destroyed and 9 others damaged by the flak. The airfield had light damage as did the ground forces.

Bill is in receipt of urgent orders. The CL Helena will sail and replace CL Birmingham as part of TF 1059. He shows the orders to his exec and says, “We'll be sailing with the CVs for a bit.” Within hours they are at sea accompanied by 6 DDs who will escort the damaged CL back to port after a rendezvous with the CVTF.

Scouts reported that Darwin looks deserted. Allied troops, with the Aussies in the lead, will advance in the morning at 1st light. Other troops are resting in preparation to advance on Wyndham. In the meantime another force is bearing down on Derby. Where is the IJA? Did they somehow manage to melt away?

Pete reads the paper and wonders about the “immanent liberation of Darwin” being at hand. He learned to distrust the brass and governments as he thinks that they're both staffed by egotistical liars. He picks up his cup of tea and sips a little as he flips the page.

Aboard the cramped AP Gunny sees to his platoon's needs. He has purposely instructed Slim to put forth a brave and calm demeanor for the sake of the men that haven't seen combat yet.

Palawan departed, bound for Noumea, again as a lone vessel. Nerves are taught and an eerie silence clouds the ship. The night is moonless and that little bit of luck is appreciated by Captain Demesa, though he'd like some rain to further hinder prying eyes.

Hitler allows von Manstein to make limited withdrawals in the Ukraine.

Berlin was bombed by over 600 RAF planes.

The IJN sub I-8 reached France from Penang.

Victory Points Japanese 24999 Allied 13016



tocaff -> RE: Great To Be A Yankee Fan (9/1/2011 2:06:50 PM)

I see that Steve has entered something in his long dormant AAR. I hope it's a rebirth and he can tell his side of the war.

September 1, 1943 Pittsburgh

Intel

1st Mortar Regiment is located at Sasebo.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
7th AA Regiment is located at Sendai.
Shuzan Naval Guard Unit is located at Dili.
122nd IJA Base Force is located at Victoria Point.
5857 men are based at Takamatsu.
10555 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
1st Amphibious Brigade is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
Kwajalein Base Force is located at Kwajalein.
Arshan Garrison Regiment is located at Arshaan.
Chichijima Fortress is located at Niigata.
27th Engineer Regiment is located at Mishan.
11th Division is located at Mishan.
63rd Division is located at Chengting.
Elements of the 10th Ind. Brigade are located at Yenen.
29605 men are based at Inch'on.
3987 men are based at Osumi.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Chiamussu 6 LCUs 34280/292/105
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 46 bombers, 39 aux, 5 LCUs 22300/134/20
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 19 LCUs 97240/902/6
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 32440/296/5

Combat

The SS S-30 about 21 miles off of Thursday Island was attacked by DDs who did no harm to her.

The SS KVIII 54 miles SW of Port Moresby was attacked by DDs, but escaped without being damaged. Later more DDs attacked and this time they were on target. The hapless Dutch sub was attacked again by DDs in the afternoon and she was hammered once more. The stricken sub will try and limp back to Cairns.

The IJN conducted a naval bombardment of Thursday Island with 3 X BB and 2 X CL. 2 P-47C were destroyed as the airfield was heavily damaged and the ground troops took extremely high losses. The Japanese aircraft then arrived and 18 X Val (1 damaged), 36 X Kate (1 damaged) and 4 X Zero hit the air field for additional light damage and caused a few more casualties and destroyed 4 Thunderbolts sitting helplessly on the ground. Then came the 79 X Betty to add to the destruction. They added additional light damage to the base, nailed a P-47C just sitting there and wounded a few more of the troops. A lone Betty trailed smoke as she left.

Mandalay was subjected to an air raid and the Japanese had no planes up to challenge the 87 X Liberator VI, 56 X B-25J, 39 X B-24D and 72 X P-38G. The AA fire managed to damage 2 X Liberator VI and 3 X B-25J while the air field was very heavily damage, many secondary explosions were observed and the resource center was pounded. The Japanese lost 28 X Jack, 6 X Zero, 20 X Tony, a Tojo and a Zeke that were caught sitting on the ground. Ground personnel took heavy losses too.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF got it's daily visit by the Chinese planes as 19 X Mitchell and 9 X Warhawk cause light losses at no cost to themselves.

The IJA 13th Division, in the road junction area, was pounded by 21 X B-25J and 15 X P-40N. The Japanese sustained light casualties. The IJA 6th Division was then jumped by 9 X B-25J and 13 X P-40N, who caused light losses to the unit. All of the Chinese planes left unharmed, as usual.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, SW of Sining, was bombed by 10 X Helen and both sides were unharmed in the action.

The IJN TF 60 miles from Port Moresby was steaming under a CAP of 45 X Zero when 22 X B-17E and 20 X B-24D arrived. The Zero attacked the bombers immediately at the cost of 1 going down and 4 others being damaged. A B-17E was damaged and a B-24D was shot down while 4 more were damaged. Their bombs fell harmlessly into the water.

The USN TF 179 miles SW of Kiska was assaulted by 17 X Val, 17 X Judy, 34 X Kate and 13 X Zero. No American planes intercepted, but the flak destroyed 5 X Val (7 damaged), a Judy was shot down (2 damaged) and 11 X Kate were splashed (12 damaged). The BB California was hit by 4 bombs and 2 torpedoes, leaving her on fire. The BB Tennessee was hit by 5 bombs and 3 torpedoes and she too was burning. Then 19 X Judy, 12 X Jill and 8 X Zeke appeared and the ships flung as much steel at them as they could. 5 X Judy were destroyed (9 damaged) and 4 X Jill were shot down (4 damaged). The Tennessee was hit by another bomb in the attack. If the IJN continues to press the attacks then the BBs are doubtful to survive. They will soon be in range of LBA, with any luck and that will mean fighter cover, if the Army pilots can find the ships.

Allied forces advanced into Darwin to the cheers of the citizens. The only Japanese presence was an abandoned Betty on the air field. PM Curtin issued a statement that said there would be no rest until all of Australia was free from the Japanese. Then the statement went on to say that the Japanese would be pushed back to Japan and made to pay for their heinous crimes committed against innocent Allied citizens.

The French DD Triomphant was scuttled today.

The Palawan is 2 days from the safety of Noumea and poor Red's head is the target of lots of rubbing. It's hard to monitor radio traffic as the headset keeps getting knocked off of him as crew members pass by. Lucky , on the other hand, is enjoying the attention he's getting. Cookie is having a tough time with the dog for a change as he can't dump the garbage overboard and the dog is always sniffing around for something to eat.

The USN continues to prowl around looking for the IJN, but no luck so far. The CVs are out in force to cover the crucial replenishment TFs and mine sweeping ops at Tulagi. Surface combat units are out to cover the mine sweeping also as somebody has finally listened to Ed. He is chomping at the bit to have his Old Gals released to do there deadly work.

Gil is closing in on the completion of the initial stage of radio school. He's done well and enjoys the work. He's been spending almost all of his free time seeing Elaine and the approaching weekend he'll be going to her home for dinner. Tonight was spent with her father at a Pirates game against the St Louis Cardinals. Thought the Bucs jumped out in front by scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 2nd the Cards scored 8 runs after that. A rally by the Pirates in the bottom of the 9th saw them fall short after scoring 3 times. Harry is unhappy with the loss by his beloved team and tells Gill that it must be great to be a Yankee fan and win so often. The 2 men say good night as Harry goes to catch a street car home and Gil walks back to the Pitt Tower.

Victory Points Japanese 24874 Allied 13176




tocaff -> RE: Miss This (9/2/2011 11:19:43 PM)

September 2, 1943 Luganville

Intel

Tsushima Fortress is located at Masan.
Chichijima Fortress is located at Niigata.
1st Parachute Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
129th IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
11th Aviation Rgt is located at Rangoon.
Chichijima Fortress is located at Niigata.
41st AA Regiment is located at Changchun.
14th Ind. Brigade is located at Wuhan.
15th Tank Regiment is located at Homan.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Changkufeng 9 LCUs 17580/149/8
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 34000/239/6
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 19 LCUs 95980/905/7
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 38680/339/5

Combat

The Japanese staged a night air attack on Akyab by 24 X Nick which accomplished nothing.

The SS Runner was 22 miles E of Buka when she was attacked by a pair of DDs, but the sub was never really in danger.

The SS Kingfish, 107 miles SW Rabaul, was located and attacked by DDs. A lone depth charge detonated close to the stern.

IJN PGs attacked the SS Crevalle 92 miles SW of Nagasaki and the sub just dove beneath the attack.

Marcus Island was raided by 9 X PB4Y and 4 were damaged while all of the bombs fell harmlessly off target.

The BB California, 17 miles NE of Kiska, took 9 bomb hits 9 and 2 torpedoes as she was swarmed over by 14 X Val, 14 X Judy, 10 X Kate, 9 X Zeke and 13 X Zero. The ravaged ship threw as much firepower into the air as possible and downed a Val (8 damaged), shot up 9 X Judy and destroyed a Kate (5 damaged).

The Japanese TF near Thursday Island was attacked by 31 X B-17E and 2 X AK were hit by bombs, setting the ships on fire. No planes were damaged. An AK then hit a mine as the Japanese troops poured ashore. It was reported that the Japanese sustained heavy casualties, but the defenders were decimated in the prior attacks and their demise is expected shortly.

Darwin's celebrations continue and the populace is going wild. In the meantime Allied commanders now have a picture that shows the Japanese pulling out. With hindsight it makes sense as the subs had been reporting increased shipping traffic. The question is what about the 3 other cities?

Bill observes the crew as they have run another drill. Almost 3 seconds off their best time. He nods to the exec and heads off to his cabin. The Navy is out in force, but no activity yet.

The transports are loaded, but remain in port. The men don't know that they're waiting for the mine fields to be swept. All they know is that the cramped ships are a rotten place to be. “You think that this is worse than fighting the Japanese?” asks Slim to one of his MG section. “Just wait and I'll bet dollars to donuts that you'll change your mind and miss this.”

Palawan steams along at a brisk 6 knots and men on deck silently curse the moon that is reflecting so much light tonight. “Where are the damned clouds?” a man whispers. Suddenly Lucky is heard barking and a mad dash follows as the entire crew wants to shut him up. Cookie quiets the dog with some food. Lucky had cornered a rat, but couldn't reach it behind the pipes. A collective sigh of relief is heard.

Stalin announced victories on the Voronezh, Bryansk, Donets and Sea of Azov Fronts.

Victory Points Japanese 24889 Allied 13185



tocaff -> RE: Miss This (9/3/2011 8:10:47 PM)

September 3, 1943 Pittsburgh

Intel

22440 men are based at Okayama.
8th Ind. Brigade is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Peng Hu Fortress is located at Pescadores.
7th Tank Regiment is loaded on AK,Fumishima Maru moving to Lautem.
Yongfung Bay Fortress is located at Wonsan.
48th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Rangoon.
39th Road Construction Battalion is located at Manila.
Radio transmissions detected at Luganville.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rangoon 6 X PT, 2 X CL, 1 X SS, 13 LCUs 43300/346/321
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 19 LCUs 95260/889/6
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 33260/335/8

Combat

As the Japanese troops continue to come ashore at Thursday Island they take heavy casualties and an AK hits a mine. 3 X BB and 2 X CL pounded the base inflicting heavy casualties and moderate damage to the base. The IJN ships near Thursday Island were being protected by 21 X Zero when 23 X B-17E and 22 X B-24D arrived. 3 X Zero went down to the bomber's defensive fire and another 7 were damaged. A B-17E was shot down (2 damaged) and a Liberator was also splashed (7 damaged) while they managed no hits. A short time later the reduced CAP of 9 X Zero was tested by 36 X B-17E. 2 of the fighters were damaged as were 5 of the bombers. An AP was struck by a bomb. The Japanese troops then bombarded the Allied defenders, who had no casualties.

The SS Bowfin, 23 miles W of Pescadores, attacked a pair of heavily escorted TKs. She failed to hit anything.

The SS KVII, 72 miles from Thursday Island, was attacked by DDs who gave the sub a pounding.

16 X Corsair swept Rangoon and departed as the bombing attack came in since there were no Japanese planes aloft. 96 X Liberator VI, 44 X B-24D and 69 X P-38G rained death and destruction on the base destroying a L3Y Tina, inflicting very heavy losses on the troops and severe damage to the base itself. A Liberator VI was shot down (4 damaged) and a B-24D went down (4 damaged) due to the AA.

Marcus Island was raided by 4 X PB4Y, who did no damage and all of the planes were damaged by flak. It was then attacked by 30 X SBD (1 damaged), 34 X TBF (2 damaged), 18 X TBM and 26 X F6F. A CS was caught there and was hit by 4 fish which caused her to sink almost instantly. The base itself was undamaged by the raid.

Wyndham was bombed by 28 X B-24D and the airfield was lightly damaged. It appears that the Japanese have left this location also as there was no ground fire.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was hit by 18 X B-25J and 10 X P-40N. The unit had light casualties and the planes departed at their leisure.

The IJA 13th Division, in the road junction area, was bombed by 36 X B-25J and 25 X P-40N. The troops sustained moderately heavy losses and the Chinese departed safely.

The Hopei Militia Division, W of Sining, was struck by 14 X Helen and had light losses. No Japanese planes were hit.

Maloelap was raided by 21 X PB4Y who destroyed a Dinah on the ground and did light damage to the base. 11 of the bombers were damaged by AA.

Midway and Wake are under alert as the Japanese CVs have moved off to the SE. The California should arrive at Amchikita Island tomorrow and emergency repairs will commence then as she has very heavy damage to her systems and severe flooding. To make matters even worse there are still a few small fires burning and the DD Wilson has passed hoses and pumps over to the stricken BB. An AR is expected to arrive in a couple of days, if she survives that long. What's left of the Aleutian fleet is covering the California and will then shift their attentions tomorrow to the battered BB Tennessee, who is limping along about 22 miles astern of the California. Tennessee has moderate systems damage and moderately heavy flooding.

The Palawan has been refueled and she'll now await her next assignment as the crew collectively breathes a sigh of relief. “See Red, you are still good luck,” one of them says. Cookie the adds, “But we don't want to press our luck to much.”

Bill scans the waters around his cruiser and is comforted by the carriers and the fighters that are covering them as they move to join the rest of the fleet. There have been reports of lots of IJN sub activity in this area and he thinks of hunting them in the O'Bannon. Helena has to rely on the DDs for her protection now. She does bristle with her main armament and the secondary. Bill knows that in a surface engagement against IJN cruisers she would deal out plenty of punishment and against planes, well that's why they're here.

The Allied shipyards have been busy with upgrades to ships and repairs and there is no letup in sight. There just isn't enough capacity for all that needs doing.

Gil spent the evening at Elaine's home having dinner with her and her parents. It was great to have a home cooked meal. Even better than that was the kiss during the tour of the house. Elaine is confused by her emotions and Gil is head over heels for her.

Still the loaded transports linger at Luganville awaiting the go orders. Surely that must come soon.

The new Italian government signs a secret armistice with the Allies.

Victory Points Japanese 24909 Allied 13283



[image]local://upfiles/22538/0B456B7F8D7140DAB0845FE59E7A74E8.jpg[/image]
Cl-50 USS Helena with radar masts deleted for security reasons



tocaff -> RE: Uncle Joe (9/4/2011 8:08:16 PM)

September 4, 1943 Washington DC

Intel

1832 men are based at Gumma.
3574 men are based at Seoul.
7th Construction Battalion is located at Sining.
15th Aviation Rgt is located at Batavia.
4316 men are based at Kyoto.
2717 men are based at Taejon.
1838 men are based at Hakodate.
13th AA Regiment is located at Maizuru.
1st Guards Mixed Brigade is located at Tokyo.
10th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
22426 men are based at Okayama.
7th Engineer Regiment is located at Mishan.
55th Division is located at Myitkyina.
24044 men are based at Kanazawa.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X CL, 1 X SS, 6 X PT, 13 LCUs 41420/363/319
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Wyndham 1 X AK 1 LCU retreating towards Derby.
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Lunga 19 LCUs 98500/852/6
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 35560/366/4

Combat

As the Japanese troops continue to land at Thursday Island, sustaining very heavy casualties, an AP strikes a mine. An IJN TF near Thursday Island, which was being protected by 6 X Zero, was attacked by 51 X B-17E. 4 of the Zeros were damaged and 5 of the Flying Forts were also shot up. An AP was struck several times by bombs and she was burning, with a heavy list to port. Men were observed to have jumped into the water from the ship. In the late afternoon 9 X B-17E and 19 X B-24D staged an attack on TF near Thursday Island. The 6 Zeros on CAP intercepted, 1 being splashed and another was damaged. A Liberator went down and 3 others sustained damage. An APD was hit by a bomb which caused a fire. 23 X Val struck the 107 RAAF Base Force and 5 were damaged by AA fire while the troops suffered lightly. Ground combat then erupted and the Allied survivors were taken prisoner as the base fell.

An ASW attack, 191 miles SW of Ndini, on an IJN sub by USN DDs resulted in the claim of multiple hits. It was suspected that the same sub later managed to fire fish and hit a DMS with 2 of them. The sub then underwent a brutal counter attack. The DMS Southard was gone within 10 minutes of the attack.

Mandalay was attacked by 57 X B-25J and 64 X P-38G. There was no opposition in the air and 2 of the bombers were damaged by flak while they destroyed 10 X Jack and a Zero on the ground. Damage to the base was heavy with numerous secondary explosions and ground troops sustained light casualties.

Darwin underwent an air raid by 41 X Helen and the CAP of 2 Warhawks and AA fire combined to bring down 3 of the bombers and damage another 20 of them. 2 Allied P-40Ns and a Catalina were destroyed on the ground. Allied troops suffered heavily and the air field had light damage. Until adequate fighter cover can be put up Allied commanders fear that this will continue to happen.

The Yokosuka 2nd SNLF was hit by 20 X B-25J and 10 X P-40N resulting in light Japanese losses. As usual no planes were damaged.

The IJA 13th Division, near the road junction was pounced on by 27 X B-25J and 13 X P-40N. The unit had light losses. Then, nearby, it was the 12th Ind. Brigade's turn as 9 X Mitchell and 2 X P-40N visited them. Losses for the Japanese were light and all of the planes left safely.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, S of Sining, was bombed by 13 X Helen and they had light casualties.

An IJN TF, near Lautem was attacked by 17 X B-24D and 2 X P-40N. No planes were damaged and an AK was reportedly hit by 5 bombs which caused fires and heavy damage. In the afternoon the IJN TF near Lautem was attacked by 15 X B-24D and 2 X P-40N and an AP and 2 X AK were hit by bombs and were left burning. No Allied planes were damaged.

Maloelap was raided by 9 X PB4Y (6 damaged) and the base had very light damage.

In an attempt to save the BB Tennessee, the BB California was scuttled as after a quick assessment of her damage it became the only thing to do. All hands are feet dry. The concentration on the Tennessee was a difficult call and the facilities to save both ships just don't exist in the Aleutians.

The British have come under increasingly heavy pressure from the Australians and Americans to send the RN to Australia to stop the IJN from running amok.

The Americans have been informed by Stalin that the Germans are being driven back and that a winter offensive is planned to further crush them. He strongly urges FDR to invade the European mainland and to send more of everything to the Soviet Union. He also says that it is hoped that next spring the attack on the Japanese will carry the day in the Pacific. “Damned decent of Uncle Joe to wish us luck in the spring,” says an aide to FDR.

Dave tells Sandy of the news that Darwin has been liberated and that further successes are expected in Australia. She just nods as she is preparing their dinner as she wonders how Bill is.

Phil and Frank are busy conferring about certain things concerning the O'Bannon when the klaxon sounds and suddenly the ship is covered with men racing to their stations. As things would have it a false sonar contact caused the ruckus.

The Chinese are still stuck in place, running low on supplies and faced with a large Japanese force. Chungking, though heavily defended is susceptible to an attack from a different axis, if the Japanese should choose to do so.

Victory Points Japanese 25007 Allied 13344



Capt. Harlock -> RE: Uncle Joe (9/4/2011 9:38:49 PM)

quote:

In an attempt to save the BB Tennessee, the BB California was scuttled as after a quick assessment of her damage it became the only thing to do. All hands are feet dry. The concentration on the Tennessee was a difficult call and the facilities to save both ships just don't exist in the Aleutians.


Rats! Airpower isn't supposed to be that lethal in the Aleutians. I hope SierraJuliet writes about this from his side.



tocaff -> RE: Uncle Joe (9/5/2011 6:37:07 PM)

All sorts of air power can pop up anywhere when CVs are roaming.

September 5. 1943 Somewhere SE of the Solomons

Intel

5th Fleet is located at Ominato.
21st Air Flotilla is located at Rabaul.
5th Army is located at Heiho.
41st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Seoul.
37th Division is located at Truk.
4346 men are based at Kadina.
6th Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
36th Construction Battalion is located at Canton.
4th Aviation Rgt is located at Nanning.
6th Air Division is located at Lautem.
58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.
3rd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
5th AA Regiment is located at Niigata.
6th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Wonsan.
3rd Air Army is located at Rabaul.
1838 men are based at Hakodate.

Recon

no reports

Combat

USN DDs conducted an ASW attack near the CVTFs after detecting an IJN sub. They claimed many hits and due to oil and debris a confirmed kill was awarded. Then another sub, or so it was thought was detected and attacked repeatedly for what was suspected to have been a couple of hits. This marked the O'Bannon's baptism of fire under it's new skipper and Phil was very pleased with the way his men handled themselves. Not to far away an IJN sub (another or the same?) torpedoed an AO causing it to burst into flames. The escorts vigorously attacked and repeatedly hit the sub.

The SS Capelin was 79 miles E of Balikpapan when she was attacked by a Japanese ASW TF. The ships only made a halfhearted effort and the sub evaded them. A short time later Capelin turned the tables and became the hunter as she torpedoed a PG. The remaining ships furiously attacked her and rattled the boat pretty good.

SS O21, 85 miles W of Thursday Island, attacked a lone AP and hit it with 2 fish causing it to sink.

Mandalay was raided by 29 X Mitchel and 63 X P-38G, destroying a Jack on the ground, inflicting light casualties on the troops and light damage to the base. 2 of the bombers were damaged by flak.

A raid by 7 X B-24D on the TF near Lautem was met by 4 X Oscar. No planes on either side were damaged and an AK was hit by 5 bombs, setting it ablaze and doing heavy damage. The Oscars were then challenged by 5 X B-24D and 2 X P-40N. A Warhawk went down and no ships were hit.

24 X B-17E, 20 X B-24D and 36 X P-38G attacked the TF 93 miles NE of Thursday Island, but managed no hits. All of the planes departed safely. 16 X B-17E, 9 X B-24D and 13 X P-38G then attacked the ships at the cost of a Liberator being damaged. Again the attack was futile.

The TF 91 miles SW of Port Moresby, under a protective umbrella of 6 X Zero and 3 X Zeke, was attacked by 3 X B-17E and 4 X P-38G. A Zero was damaged and no ship was hit.

An air attack on the IJN TF 247 miles from Wyndham was attacked by 3 X B-24D who managed no hits and they safely retired.

Jaluit was raided by 60 X B-25J (7 damaged) and 50 X P-38G. The port took moderate damage and a few secondary explosions were claimed.

Lunga suffered the return of the USN as 86 X SBD, 54 X TBF, 36 X TBM and 14 X F6F came calling. The AA fire was heavy and accurate as 12 X SBD were damaged, a TBF went down (12 damaged) and a TBM was shot up. No Japanese planes were anywhere to be found and the air field was lightly damaged, the port moderately heavy damage, numerous secondary explosions and ground losses were heavy.

12 X B-24D staged an attack on the TF 365 miles NE of Darwin and 1 of them was damaged. A lone hit on a BB was claimed.

The AR arrived and is alongside the BB Tennessee. There are no fires burning and the heavy flooding of the warship is being attacked.

Ed is aware of all of the activity going on and he is still awaiting the orders that'll turn him loose. He tries to maintain the calm and composed exterior and keeps telling himself that all things come to those who wait.

Just over the horizon Bill sees smoke rising from what must be a burning ship. He wonders what caused this and assumes that it's probably caused by an IJN sub. That thought makes him think of the O'Bannon and he wonders where and how she is. He doesn't know that his old ship was in the middle of the action today.

The British 8th Army took San Stefano in Calabria.

Victory Points Japanese 25204 Allied 13428



tocaff -> RE: Finally Released (9/7/2011 12:31:22 AM)

September 6, 1943 The Solomon Islands

Intel

Truk AA Battalion is located at Truk.
64th Division is located at Nanchang.
8th Division is located at Heiho.
11th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
85767 men are based at Taan.
Radio transmissions detected at Luganville.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Mishan 8 LCUs 54260/500/296
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tassafaronga 3 LCUs 6360/19/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 51920/397/8

Combat

MSWs encountered a mine field at Sendai and commenced sweeping ops.

A night air attack on Darwin by 5 X Helen succeeded in getting 4 of them damaged and they did no damage to the base.

The SS Capelin was about 109 miles NE of Balikpapan when she was attacked by a few PCs who never came close to damaging her.

The SS Bowfin, 111 miles E of Batan Island, hit and AK with a fish.

An IJN sub 31 miles E of Irau was attacked by DDs escorting the CVs. No hits were claimed, but they did force the sub to abort any planned attack. A short while later, what was thought to have been the same sub was attacked by the DMSs and again no damage was claimed to have been done. In the afternoon an ASW attack by DDs escorting some CVEs claimed many hits on a sub in the same vicinity. 94 miles SE of Irau MSWs attacked and claimed some hits on a Japanese sub. Another ASW attack 55 miles NE of Irau on an IJN sub by DDs claimed hits on a sub. O'Bannon was in on the action once more and she was awarded a confirmed kill. The DMSs then got their licks in too for a couple of claimed hits as a sub tried to attack them. Later in the day in the same area a sub was pounded by DDs.

The Chinese HQs 10th War Area , near the road junction, was visited by an Ida. Japanese planes are a rare sight in China lately.

Tulagi was attacked by 48 X B-17E and 177 X B-24D. 2 Flying Forts and 5 Liberators were damaged by flak as they pounded the port for heavy damage, lots of secondary explosions and light losses to the ground troops. Then 93 X TBF, 35 X TBM Avenger and 14 X F6F arrived and the flak damaged 9 of the TBFs as they added light damage to the port.

Lunga was raided by 133 X SBD and 14 X F4F-4 and the flak got 3 of the SBDs and damaged 35 more as they dove in on the airbase doing moderate damage to it. Some secondary explosions were reported and Japanese troops experienced heavy casualties.

Unless something happens to her the BB Tennessee will survive to fight another day as her flooding is being reduced with the help of the AR.

Ed's TF has been released to bombard Tulagi ahead of the mine sweeping ops starting. Ed has the appropriate orders sent to each ship in his TF and then they're off to do their worst to the Japanese.

The 3rd Australian Division will enter Derby first thing in the morning as the city appears vacant. Commanders wonder where the Japanese went and why they abandoned such good defensive positions. Nobody would've believed that Operation Hedge Cutter would be relatively bloodless.

Nigel is still wondering if and when the Americans will invade. Guadalcanal is crawling with Japanese troops. He's been having a devil of a time evading their patrols that are hunting him. Finding a place to sleep is a task, let alone finding a spot from which to send a message out.

Pete and some customers are debating the current path the war is taking. “I don't care. If we retake our country from the Japanese, good. If they have run great. We'll find and kill the buggers.” The men argue and one says that brave words in a pub mean nothing and he gives a knowing nod to Pete. The man is recovering from wounds he got fighting the Japanese.

The Flying Deuces continue to prowl the skies around Wake Island, but there's nothing but a stray friendly bird to be seen. None of the pilots expected their war duty to be so boring.

The Republicans meet at Mackinac Island and discard their isolationist stance. They adopt cautious internationalism for the postwar period.

Victory Points Japanese 25206 Allied 13441



tocaff -> RE: Finally Released (9/7/2011 1:48:59 PM)

September 7, 1943 The Solomons

Intel

2721 men are based at Taejon.
14th Construction Battalion is located at Salamaua.
5th Division is located at Lautem.
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF is located at Rabaul.
3rd Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
11th Division is located at Mishan.
2396 men are based at Bangkok.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
40th Division is located at Sian.
23rd Mixed Brigade is located at Lunga.
36th Construction Battalion is located at Canton.
Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Mukden 91 bombers, 15 aux, 4 LCUs 9900/40/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X CL, 1 X SS, 6 X PT, 13 LCUs 41520/348/296
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 54500/427/11

Combat

The O'Bannon, along with another DD, attacked a sub 21 miles NE of Irau and many hits were scored sinking the sub. The 3 other DDs detected a sub and attacked it, claiming many hits.

The expected mine field at Tulagi was detected and the DD Conyngham hit one of them. She has moderate systems damage, moderately heavy flooding and light fires. She is making for Luganville. Ed's Old Gals bombarded Tulagi and the Maryland was hit 3 times by defensive fire. The port took moderate damage and troops had very heavy casualties. Ed is unhappy to have had a repeat of Wake Island occur as he reads the report on the Conyngham. “Damned mines,” he mutters.

Darwin was attacked by 9 X Helen last night and 1 was downed while 3 others were damaged. A couple of bombs hit the runway and there were very light casualties.

The SS Steelhead was 82 miles S of Buka when she was attacked by PCs, sustaining no damage. The Steelhead continued her patrol and was rewarded that afternoon with the discovery of a small convoy. She hit the TK with 2 torpedoes, causing heavy damage and fires.

Mandalay was bombed by 49 X B-25J (2 damaged) and 63 X P-38G, destroying a Jack on the ground and doing moderate damage to the air field. Troops had light losses.

The IJA 6th Division, in the road junction region, was bombed by 30 X B-25J and their escort of 12 X P-40N engaged the 5 X Zeke and 14 X Tony that challenged them. A Zeke and a Tony (7 damaged) were shot down at the cost of 3 of the Warhawks going down. A Mitchell was destroyed and 3 others were damaged as they inflicted moderate casualties on the troops.

The Japanese TF near Lautem was attacked by 2 X B-24D, both of which were damaged by the CAP of 3 X Zeke, 6 X Oscar and 15 X Tojo. An AP was struck by a bomb.

The IJN TF near Darwin was jumped by 17 X B-24D and 2 X P-40N. 2 of the bombers were damaged by flak and a bomb hit a BB. The IJN then bombarded the base causing light casualties and no damage to any of the facilities.

Lunga was subjected to a raid by 106 X SBD and 14 X F4F-4. A DB was downed and 24 others were damaged as they inflicted moderate damage on the base, caused a large secondary explosion and the troops had moderate losses.

At almost the same time Tulagi came under attack by 94 X TBF, 36 X TBM and 14 X F6F. 5 TBF were damaged and the planes did light damage to the port and a few casualties to the troops.

Derby is now firmly back in the hands of the Australians and there was a frenzied celebration by the populace. The Allied troops continue to their assigned locations and prepare for whatever may come their way. In the meantime there are 2 more locations that require liberation before Operation Hedge Cutter will be deemed successful.

Gil is enjoying a course on radio navigation, or flying the beam. They are told that when flying over long distances on nights with no stars or in daytime over desert or oceans there is little room for error. Dead reckoning by the navigators resulting in a mere 1 degree error could lead to an unpleasant situation. “Remember that what goes up must come down. It doesn't matter where you are when the fuel runs out,” says the instructor. So this course it very important and Gil wonders about the ocean part of the speech. Could it be he's not bound for the ETO?

After a full day's work Dave is tired and frustrated. He spent a good part of the morning on the telephone trying to get needed parts and then there was plenty of work to do. At dinner he and Sandy talk of many things and she tells him that maybe he needs to take some time off to relax. “Maybe you and your pals should go hunting,” she says.

At Pearl Harbor ships continue to come and go, but the subs just arriving from the US only refuel on their way to Midway. From Midway they go to their forward base of Wake Island, closer to their future patrol zones. Of course some of the subs are bound for SOPAC and SWPAC areas too. The Navy's main concern is where is the KB? Surely it must come out and try to stop the attacks in the Solomons.

The British slowly prepare for their 2 major operations, one of which is only due to heavy pressure from Washington.

The RAF bombed V1 launch sites on the northern French coastline.

Victory Points Japanese 25028 Allied 13491





tocaff -> RE: Finally Released (9/8/2011 9:27:37 PM)

September 8, 1943 Brisbane

Intel

21st AA Regiment is located at Changsha.
10th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
56th Brigade is located at Andaman Island.
154th IJA Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
4314 men are based at Pusan.
69th Division is located at Sian.
117th IJA Base Force is located at Homan.
137th IJA Base Force is located at Wotje.
4318 men are based at Kyoto.
58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.
19th Division is located at Mishan.
3361 men are based at Hamamatsu.
5823 men are based at Aomori.
Radio transmissions detected at Luganville.

Recon

PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 52100/410/11
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X CL, 1 X SS, 6 X PT, 13 LCUs 42640/364/296

Combat

The MSWs found a mine field at Tulagi and started sweeping it. No sooner than they were working on it they found another. 96 X TBF, 53 X TBM and 14 X F4F-4 Wildcat hit Tulagi and Japanese gunners downed a TBF and damaged 5 more while the Americans inflicted moderate damage on the port and light losses among the troops there.

Lunga was raided by 80 X SBD and 15 X F-4F-4. 5 of the dive bombers ran into the ground and 20 more were damaged while they hit a sub causing heavy damage to it, light damage to the port and inflicted light losses to the troops. The heavies arrived a little later and 188 X B-24D dumped their load on the port. 6 planes were damaged and the sub was hit 5 more times, which caused it to sink, while the port and the troops there suffered heavily.

The IJA 13th Division, near the road junction, was jumped by 41 X B-24D and 21 X P-40N. 4 X Tony were there and all of them were shot down while the Chinese lost 2 fighters. The unit sustained moderate casualties.

The Japanese TF, 152 miles SW of PM was attacked by 30 X B-17E, 20 X B-24D, 8 X Kittyhawk III and 48 X P-38G. 5 X Zero opposed them and 4 were destroyed. 2 APs were hit, 1 repeatedly, and it was thought that the troops on board suffered heavily. No planes were damaged.

A Japanese TF near Port Moresby was under a protective umbrella of 18 X Zeke, 21 X Jack, 3 X Zero and 9 X Tojo when 9 X B-24D appeared. 7 of the bombers were shot down while they damaged 5 X Zeke, 3 X Jack, a Zero and 2 X Tojo. No bombs found the mark.

Jaluit was bombed by 33 X B-25J and 43 X P-38G. The port was lightly damaged and 7 bombers were hit by flak.

The AO Kanawha has docked at Luganville and work will commence on her immediately.

The DD Conyngham continues her struggle to make it to Luganville.

In his first exercise of “riding the beam” Gil managed to miss the destination and cause his plane to ditch after running out of fuel. The instructor told him what he did wrong and encouraged him to try again. Gill sheepishly tries another problem and this time manages to succeed. Almost all of the men being trained are having problems with radio direction.

Ed's Old Gals are prowling the area and getting ready for another run at Tulagi. He hopes that the sweeping ops clear the way so his ships have no further mishaps with the mines.

Bill reminds himself that he's seen this all before, but still to see so many planes in the sky and to know that they're on your side is a marvelous thing to behold. He wants to write to Sandy telling her that the war has taken a turn for the better, but he knows that the censors will never let it by.

The Allied troops continue their march in Australia. The only hindrance encountered so far are the civilians swarming over the troops in celebration. Pete reads of the victorious celebrants and wonders when the stuff will hit the fan. “The Japs don't just turn tail and Run,” he tells his customers.

Eisenhower announced the Italian surrender today. The Germans rushed reserves into Italy.

Victory Points Japanese 25056 Allied 13515




tocaff -> RE: The Rain OF Bombs (9/9/2011 8:54:05 PM)

September 9, 1943 Tulagi

Intel

4th Air Division is located at Tokyo.
8239 men are based at Toyohara.
52nd Road Construction Battalion is located at Sining.
17th Division is located at Sian.
10th Air Fleet is located at Kagoshima.
3rd Air Army is located at Rabaul.
1829 men are based at Gumma.
25th AA Regiment is located at Nagato.
41st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Seoul.
20th Engineer Regiment is located at Canton.
1st Fleet is located at Hiroshima/Kure.
48335 men are based at Changchun.
56th Construction Battalion is located at Singapore.
14th Construction Battalion is located at Salamaua.
4th Aviation Rgt is located at Nanning.
134th IJA Base Force is located at Victoria Point.
7th Division is located at Sapporo.

Recon

PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tassafaronga 3 LCUs 7480/21/0

Combat

The mine fields at Tulagi continue to be swept by DMSs and MSWs. The Japanese lost an AP, an AK and a TK that were reportedly carrying troops. Suddenly Japanese guns erupt and the DMSs Wasmuth and Zane took many hits, both suffering heavy damage. The Japanese sent 8 X Betty to attack the USN sweepers and were met by 5 X F4F-4. 2 X Betty were damaged and a Wildcat was also damaged. The bombers dropped their bombs from high altitude and managed no hits. Allied commanders wondered why these planes didn't carry fish. Tinas are flying into Tulagi and the LRCAP is intercepting them. The Japanese TF nearby was attacked by 21 X SBD, 18 X TBF, 35 X F4F-4 and 42 X F6F of which a Dauntless and 2 X TBF were damaged. A Japanese DD was hit by a single bomb, setting it on fire. An IJN sub attacked the sweepers and hit 1 of them with 2 torpedoes. The MSW Starling was virtually lifted out of the water by the force of the 2 explosions and then she sank. The tables were then turned as the sub was hammered and a confirmed kill was awarded.

Rangoon was bombed by 98 X Liberator VI, 47 X B-24D and 71 X P-38G. A Liberator VI was shot down (8 damaged) and 3 X B-24D were also damaged while the bombs fell. A pair of ASs were hit multiple times in the port and were burning while the airfield and port were both moderately damaged. A couple of supply dumps and a fuel depot were hit and the troops sustained very heavy casualties.

Kwajalein was raided by 35 X B-24D (6 damaged) and they destroyed a Mavis on the ground while doing light damage to the air field.

Jaluit was paid a visit by 29 X B-25J and the Japanese shot 1 down and damaged 6 others. No bombs fell on target.

Lunga was hit by 33 X B-17E, of which 11 were damaged, as they inflicted light damage to the port and light casualties on the ground troops. Then 85 X SBD, 90 X TBF,36 X TBM and 13 X F4F-4 appeared and attacked. AA claimed 1 X SBD (9 damaged), a TBF was destroyed (3 damaged) and a TBM went down (another damaged). The air field and port sustained moderate damage and the troops had moderately heavy losses.

The IJA 13th Division, E of the road junction, was pounced on by 25 X B-25J and 7 X P-40N as the unit was moving along the road. The Japanese sustained light losses.

The Japanese TF near Lautem was attacked by 6 X B-24D and 4 X P-40N. The Japanese had 3 X Zeke, 9 X Oscar and 15 X Tojo up to challenge the attackers. A Tojo was destroyed and another was damaged while a P-40N was shot down, a B-24D was also downed and 3 others were damaged. No ships were damaged in the attack. Later 3 X B-24D and 3 X P-40N tried to fight their way through 6 X Zeke, 4 X Oscar and 9 X Tojo. A Tojo was damaged and a P-40N was splashed as was a B-24D with another bomber damaged. Again the raid accomplished nothing.

The Japanese ships near Dili were attacked by 9 X B-24D, but nothing was hit and the planes retired undamaged. 6 X B-24D attacked a PG and failed to hit it later in the afternoon.

Maloelap was raided by 34 X PB4Y, 4 of which were shot down by flak. They did light damage to the air field, destroying 2 Dinahs and causing very light casualties to the troops.

The SS KIX, about 78 miles SW of Port Moresby, tried to get an attack on a small convoy, but the Japanese detected her and drove the sub off.

The Chinese have decided to do something to break the stalemate, if they can get troops moving.

Operation Hedge Cutter forces continue to advance on their 2 remaining objectives.

The British plans for Burma are in motion. 2 huge convoys are loading in Bombay and Karachi. They will head for Australia's newly liberated bases so that operations can operate from them.

Stick flew CAP today and a report of a Japanese plane was radioed to his section. Of course they never saw a thing.

Nigel sent in a report and told them that he can no longer loiter around the bases as there are just to many troops around. No soon have they packed up the radio and moved off a Japanese patrol appears and narrowly misses catching them. Nigel assure the 2 natives helping him that they are going to find a safer place to operate from, if it exists he thinks.

Phil is very pleased with the record that O'Bannon is writing for herself. A good ship and crew along with a little luck certainly can't do any harm to a naval career.

Sandy sits in a small meadow just enjoying the day as she writes a letter to Bill. She tells him how beautiful this place is and that she wishes he were there to share the view with her.

The Italian fleet departed Spezia, bound for Malta where it will surrender to the RN.

Italian forces were made POWs by the Germans.

Iran,under Allied pressure, declared war on Germany today.

Victory Points Japanese 25087 Allied 13559



tocaff -> RE: Disaster! (9/10/2011 8:20:31 PM)

September 10, 1943 Tulagi

Intel

28932 men are based at Tsitsihar.
5th AA Regiment is located at Niigata.
21st Reserve Engineer Regiment is located at Shimuzu.
Oshima Base Force is located at Kagoshima.
2nd Air Division is located at Harbin.
28th Division is located at Tsitsihar.
4th Mixed Regiment is located at Myitkyina.
5th Army is located at Heiho.
4th Air Division is located at Tokyo.
1774 men are based at Fushan.
6th Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
51st Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
16th Army is located at Rabaul.
248571 men are based at Changkufeng.

Recon

PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Maloelap 10 aux, 2 LCUs 9260/80/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 2 X BB, 1 X CA, 1 X DE, 1 X AP, 94 fighters, 30 bombers, 88 aux, 24 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tassafaronga 3 LCUs 10060/33/0

Combat

The SS O21, 83 miles E of Thursday Island, was attacked by DDs, but they never managed to pin the sub's location down. The sub then managed to spot a small convoy and torpedoed the AK without detection by the escorts.

The SS Steelhead, 85 miles SW of Rabaul, underwent an ineffectual ASW attack. Later in the day the SS Steelhead underwent another ASW attack.

DMSs and MSWs continue sweeping the vast minefields at Tulagi. The DMSs located and attacked a sub claiming a few hits. An IJN surface combat TF managed to slip into the waters near Tulagi undetected and they engaged the DMS in a lopsided battle. The IJN had 2 X CA, 3 X CL and 5 X DD facing 5 X DMS. The DMSs Hovey and Long were sunk while the Hopkins, Trevor and Boggs were crippled. 2 of the IJN DDs took a couple of hits each. The Japanese then found the MSWs and tore into them sinking the Pursuit, Requisite, Skylark and Heed while the Sage escaped unharmed. A lone hit on a CL was claimed. Still not done the IJN found another TF of 5 X DMS and proceeded to sink the Hamilton, Dorsey and heavily damage the Perry and Chandler. A CA took 5 hits and 2 DDs each took 1. The USN aircraft spotted and attacked a Japanese TF comprised of 3 X BB with 51 X TBF, 19 X TBM, 38 X F4F-4 and 15 X F6f. 1 of the BBs was hit with 4 fish, setting her ablaze. It was thought that this ship was the Hiei. Then 15 X D4Y, 16 X B5N, 24 X Zeke and 60 X Zero appeared and 9 X Hellcat engaged them. A Kate was damaged, 2 X Zeke destroyed and 8 X Zero were splashed at the cost of 32 X F6F destroyed. How this many Hellcats went down is a mystery to me as there were only 9 reported on station in the LR CAP. The DMS Trevor took 6 bomb hits and a torpedo. Then 11 X D4Y and 15 X Kate showed up and a lone Hellcat engaged them to no effect. The MSW Sage was hammered by 2 bombs and a torpedo. Later 22 X SBD, 74 X F4F-4 and 41 X F6F struck the BB Hiei with 4 bombs, setting her on fire. An SBD was lost to the AA while 5 others were damaged. Then came 76 X SBD, 56 X TBF and 26 X TBM and the IJN's flak destroyed 2 X SBD (6 damaged), a TBF went down (17 damaged) and 5 X TBM were damaged. The BB Haruna took 8 bombs and was burning, the BB Kirishima was also on fire after 7 bombs struck her and the CA was hit by a torpedo. Topsys were observed flying in and out of Tulagi and some were intercepted. That evening the DMSs Boggs and Chandler were scuttled while the other survivors try for Noumea.

The SS S-37, 23 miles NW of Tulagi, was pounced on by a pair of DDs and she sustained a very concentrated depth charging, breaching the hull and causing her to go down.

The BB Warspite, near Andaman Island struck a mine as she moved into position to bombard the island. 15 X Betty, of which 10 were damaged put 3 torpedoes into the BB Warspite and 3 more into the BB Valiant. Where the RN's fighter cover was is a mystery to be revealed after an inquiry by the Admiralty is made. An air strike on Andaman Island by 25 X Barracuda, 12 X Avenger II (1 damaged) and 6 X Hellcat II destroyed a Jack and a Zero on the ground, and did light damage to the air field. In the afternoon 3 X Betty and 3 X Jack showed up and 3 X Hellcat II (1 damaged) disrupted the attack and no harm was done. Another gaggle of Japanese aircraft made up of 8 X Betty and 2 X Jack appeared and 7 X Hellcat II engaged. 2 X Betty were downed and 5 damaged while the CL Dauntless was hit by a torpedo. The RN's naval bombardment of Andaman Island caused light damage and casualties. The BB Warspite went turtle and survivors were plucked out of the water by DDs standing by. Not to far away from Andaman Island 11 X Betty and 9 X Jack attacked the RN CV TF which had a CAP of 38 X Hellcat II and 8 X Corsair IV up. All of the Japanese planes were destroyed before they got close enough to the ships to hit them. A Hellcat II went down and 3 others were damaged. Then another strike came comprised of 8 X Betty, 19 X Jack and 8 X Zero. The CAP of 37 X Hellcat II and 8 X Corsair IV pounced on them and splashed 2 X Betty (4 damaged), 16 Jacks destroyed and 8 Zeros were flamed in return for 4 X Hellcat II shot down. Again no ordinance was released on the ships.

Jaluit was raided by 23 X B-25 (7 damaged) who managed to miss the target completely with their bombs.

Lunga's port was raided by 22 X B-17E (3 damaged). The damage to the port was light as were the casualties.

The IJA 4th Mixed Regiment near Myitkyina was struck by 27 X B-25J and 6 X P-38G. A bomber was damaged and the troops had light losses.

A Japanese PT TF near Rangoon was attacked by 19 X Corsair IV. 4 X PT were hit, 1 heavily.

Jaluit was visited by 44 X B-25J (6 damaged) and 50 X P-38G who managed to miss hitting anything of value.

79 X B-17E (1 damaged) and 4 X B-24D attacked the Japanese TF 22 miles E of Thursday Island, hitting 2 X AK (1 repeatedly) and a DD with their bombs. All 3 vessels were on fire.

The DD Conyngham docked at Luganville and repairs will be made so she may depart for a shipyard.

Broome will be officially retaken in the morning as the Aussie 6th Cav Brigade entered the city. The scene is a repeat as civilians mobbed the troops. PM Curtin has been heard to announce “3 down and 1 to go.”

Operation King is now in big trouble. The IJN threw CVs into the fray and USN commanders are happy that it wasn't while the invasion fleet was landing troops. With the mine sweeping vessels decimated an invasion is viewed as impossible though more MSWs are on the way to Tulagi as the CVs sprint after the KB. All in all SNAFU fits the bill.

Ed is doing a slow burn. How could the IJN slip in and clobber the sweepers when there were 2 USN surface TF covering the Tulagi area to protect them. He'd also like to know where the hell the IJN had their carriers hidden. With so much strength around the USN has failed in it's task, miserably. “Damned mines,” Ed was heard to mutter.

Bill has heard of the happenings around Tulagi and he wonders how it's possible.

The APs, still loaded and loitering at Luganville will not be getting any sailing orders any time soon. Gunny and Slim stare at the stars and wonder who is running this war and why are they still cooling their heels. “Maybe we should be off loaded?” Slim says and Gunny nods and grunts as he turns to head below.

FDR has been given the news from the Solomons and is in a state of shock. “What next?” he asks. The admiral in the meeting replies that until the minefields are dealt with landings are impossible. “You mean suicide?” asks the President. Heads nod around the room.

The Germans moved into Rome today.

Hitler, after prodding by Goebbels, made a radio broadcast to the German people about events of the summer. He paid tribute to the fallen Mussolini and said getting rid of him won't be so easy.

Victory Points Japanese 25395 Allied 13638



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