RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J)

RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (Full Version)

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mind_messing -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 8:58:16 AM)
quote: 1. I'd like to shore up the No Pac area immediately. I'm sending a regiment and Marine defense battalion to Adak, and a base force plus arty will follow. I want No Pac to be a massive sub base as well as a constant threat to the Empire. When your Pearl Harbour battleboats start coming back online, shift some of them up to NorPac (once they get their radar upgrades). They can make a great deal of noise, and they won't be as much of a logistical pain if they were in SWPAC. Seeing things like battleships in NorPac is likely to make GreyJoy just a little nervous, considering his history with the region.

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 9:30:32 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: mind_messing quote: 1. I'd like to shore up the No Pac area immediately. I'm sending a regiment and Marine defense battalion to Adak, and a base force plus arty will follow. I want No Pac to be a massive sub base as well as a constant threat to the Empire. When your Pearl Harbour battleboats start coming back online, shift some of them up to NorPac (once they get their radar upgrades). They can make a great deal of noise, and they won't be as much of a logistical pain if they were in SWPAC. Seeing things like battleships in NorPac is likely to make GreyJoy just a little nervous, considering his history with the region. I agree. I've already planned a TF with 2 CL and 6 DD for now and I'll most likely send the Warspite and Colorado once they are ready. If CVs are committed then I'll get very active in Central and So Pac. So all preparations will be made for needling moves in these areas and I'll see where the chances develop. I aso plan to absolutely nuke a few of the smaller atolls on the edges of the Empire once the PH BBs are repaired. In the beginning it'l be jab and move for a good while.

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 11:03:24 AM)
December 9, 1941 Near Panay Island, PI The Seadragon had been underway for several hours now. She’d left Manila quickly, suspending all work and leaving testing of new equipment until later. LT Murrow had supervised the frantic loading of provisions and armament into the night of the 8th and then in the early hours after midnight the boat slipped it’s lines and eased out into the channel. They’d been running on the surface under cloudy skies since. LT Murrow had the role of navigator, and on this night plotting a course through the dangerous shoals and spits of the numerous islands in the area south of Manila was dangerous to say the least. The journey wouldn’t have been attempted even last week, but they were now at war and their duty was to get into it as quickly as possible. The Japanese had struck at Pearl Harbor, decimating the fleet there, but had strangely left the sub base at Cavite untouched. The Clark Field airbase didn’t fare as well, with several new B-17 bombers destroyed or damaged and the runways pockmarked from high altitude bombing. Fighters swept over all of the airfields on Luzon, surprising the Americans with their skill and tenacity and getting the upper hand quickly. Just a week ago Murrow had gone to Clark on a day of leave to visit a buddy there and see the new bombers. He’d always been an aviation fan, getting his first ride in a crop-duster at age 9 and dreaming of one day flying. He’d only signed up for the navy because he wanted to see more of the world, and got into subs because they seemed exciting, often moving at their own initiative and engaging the enemy through wit and guile. He’d taken to navigation through his knowledge and love of the night sky, and he was among the best in his class in plotting a course using this most old-fashioned method available. At Clark he’d seen the preparations for war. It surprised him to see sand-bagged anti-aircraft gun emplacements and dummy planes set up in rows along the side of the field to lure a strike away from the actual aircraft in their revetments elsewhere. They were incredibly well made, wood frames with painted canvas stretched over, and almost looked like the models he’d played with as a boy enlarged to exact scale. He had no idea if they’d worked when the Japanese attacked or if his buddy, Frank Hartley, also from Vermont, had survived the attack. It was disconcerting to know virtually nothing suddenly of anyone, and to know this could continue for the duration of the conflict. It was eerily calm out here on the bridge. Just the sound of the sea and the two diesels churning away at standard speed while another charged the batteries for the electrics. It was 04:50, nearly time for the sun to show itself. He’d usually be trying to get a star reading around now, but it wouldn’t be happening tonight. He knew these waters well enough to know their present position though, and that they were safely moving toward the deeper open waters of the Sulu Sea. This was to be their patrol area, watching the approaches to the Dutch East Indies and their valuable oil fields and scouting for the rest of the fleet in the area, now moving toward Balikpapan on the east coast of Borneo. His feelings were a mix of exhilaration and fear. He was one of the few who took the Japanese seriously. He knew of their Bushido code and tradition as warriors, and he kept up enough on new aircraft and naval developments to know that they had been building furiously in the last several years. They had prepared this for a good while, were experienced from years of fighting in China, and had taken the initiative with seemingly devastating results. This would not be as quick and easy as many of his shipmates felt. War never was, and no one who ever fought in one came away unscathed. “All blood runs red,” he mumbled, lost in his own thoughts. “Sir?” The lookout next to him turned with a quizzical look on his face. “Nothing, Blake. Anything out there?” “No, sir, nothing yet sir, although we’ll know better in a few minutes.” Gray had begun to show on the edge of the sky to the east, silhouetting an island almost dead ahead. Soon they would get into deeper water out past Cebu and into the major sea lanes where they could move more freely, and more importantly where they could dive. He got on the comm to steer them around to the south. “Change course to one-eight-five, two ahead standard.” "Aye, aye sir," came the immediate response. At least he knew they were ready, and there were no other men he'd rather sail into this with than the ones on this boat. He looked ahead as the sun broke out under the clouds in a set of clear beams just above the water, almost exactly like the flag of Imperial Japan. [image]local://upfiles/37283/2997C6B5208D4DE4A290F5DDCB5F1011.jpg[/image]

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 1:23:49 PM)
Dec 8, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SUBS: The KXII started things off, hitting a merchant loaded up with troops off of Malaya. The O-19 got another off Singkawang. KXI got one off of Malaya late in the day, again with troops on. Several more misses on the day, and the Pickerel took a pounding off of the PI landing sites. Good start for subs. I plan to maximize their use and risk them in tight spots, but if this start is an indication, it should be worth it. Pacific: No second day at PH. Not a surprise here. Just too tough with DBB flak. Now for the clean-up. The CVs ran south and will eventually swing around if the KB clears, heading back to Pearl. I want them to be seen in the area, hopefully not with disastrous results from a sub hit, then I'll decide to send them north or south to the defense of OZ. Leaning north now. CHINA: Still running. DEI: The Brits again went for the invasion at Singkawang, which had already landed troops, but again couldn't get past Tanaka's screening ships. This time the Kongo was on its own with Jintsu and a couple of DDs. Mauritius and Danae gave it a shot, getting shots onto a DD to set it on fire, and then retired with little damage to themselves. The invasion should take the base tomorrow, giving the IJ a great base to control the approaches to Palembang. In the day though they ship of the amphibious fleet there paid the price as some string bags hit from nearby bases, putting bombs onto Near Loyang the Scout and Thanet sank the Yudachi and scooted out of trouble. Every DD lost for the IJN is big. SIGINT: Nothing big. I LOVE getting all of this info though. The string bags will move to Cagayan to meet the second wave at Legaspi shown on SIGINT though, and hopefully have a chance at some troops on ships. 20th Infantry Regiment is loaded on a Asama Maru class xAP moving to Legaspi. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR December 8, 41 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,88, Range 9,000 Yards Japanese Ships BB Kongo CL Jintsu, Shell hits 1 DD Asashio DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 4, on fire Allied Ships CL Danae, Shell hits 1 CL Mauritius, Shell hits 1 DD Vendetta DD Encounter DD Isis DD Jupiter, Shell hits 1 Improved night sighting under 85% moonlight Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 85% moonlight: 12,000 yards Range closes to 15,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 9,000 yards Tanaka, Raizo crosses the 'T' CL Jintsu engages CL Mauritius at 9,000 yards -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Losses: Loss of BB West Virginia on Dec 07, 1941 is admitted Loss of HDML Pahalwan on Dec 08, 1941 is admitted Loss of HDML Panglima on Dec 08, 1941 is admitted Loss of PT-34 on Dec 08, 1941 is admitted Loss of PT-41 on Dec 08, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAK Ravnaas on Dec 08, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAK Cynthia Olson on Dec 08, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAK Governor Wright on Dec 08, 1941 is admitted Ships Sunk: About 7-8 more Japanese transports should be gone after today. Not a bad beginning! DD Yudachi is reported to have been sunk near Laoag on Dec 08, 1941 xAK Tazan Maru is reported to have been sunk near Singkawang on Dec 08, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ny59giants -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 3:07:02 PM)
Prince Rupert - I move the Canadian Command HQ here as its my main supply/fuel source for NoPac. At San Fran, there is a Combat Engineer LCU that is due for withdrawl in early '42. I send her up here to help max out the port. It took until May '42, but the port in my game has reached 9. [8D]

Lokasenna -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 4:02:02 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants Prince Rupert - I move the Canadian Command HQ here as its my main supply/fuel source for NoPac. At San Fran, there is a Combat Engineer LCU that is due for withdrawl in early '42. I send her up here to help max out the port. It took until May '42, but the port in my game has reached 9. [8D] You can also move the base forces from Canada and some from CONUS. You can max it out earlier than May! Not really necessary, though. With the Canada Command there, millions of fuel and supply will accumulate... Really helps alleviate the load from the CONUS ports, and shrinks supply runs to NorPac... As an added bonus, these supply runs will mostly run under LBA search patterns.

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 10:13:04 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Lokasenna quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants Prince Rupert - I move the Canadian Command HQ here as its my main supply/fuel source for NoPac. At San Fran, there is a Combat Engineer LCU that is due for withdrawl in early '42. I send her up here to help max out the port. It took until May '42, but the port in my game has reached 9. [8D] You can also move the base forces from Canada and some from CONUS. You can max it out earlier than May! Not really necessary, though. With the Canada Command there, millions of fuel and supply will accumulate... Really helps alleviate the load from the CONUS ports, and shrinks supply runs to NorPac... As an added bonus, these supply runs will mostly run under LBA search patterns. Great idea guys. i was looking at the big rail line and port thinking I should use it as a regional base but adding the HQ and turning it into a logistics hub is a fantastic plan. I'm already training the Canadians for ASW duty, so this all works into the scheme as it's developing. I love that float plane string bag plane up there, the Shark. Wish I had more of those! Almost like the IJN Seiran, although just a tad slower!

Lowpe -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/15/2014 10:54:13 PM)
Ok, I tried to stay away and only read the Japanese side, but couldn't. Nice pictures and good stories. Dual AARS are just too much fun to read, shame you can't really comment at all except to say Good Luck.[:)]

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/16/2014 1:00:00 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Lowpe Ok, I tried to stay away and only read the Japanese side, but couldn't. Nice pictures and good stories. Dual AARS are just too much fun to read, shame you can't really comment at all except to say Good Luck.[:)] Yeah, I am a fan of dual AARs. You can always comment on the issues of each side in terms of logistics and economy, other more innocuous stuff. This part of the game is exciting for the players, but usually not so much for the readers. I bet GJ makes it good over there though, and there should be some interesting twists in the game, so maybe this will be different. We'll try to make it more thrilling anyway!

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/16/2014 4:13:12 PM)
December 10, 1941 Singapore ML-311 had been in a state of constant readiness for two days. After the Japanese moved threateningly toward a landing on Malaya, up near Khota Baru and farther along the coast the Royal Navy reacted by sending Force Z to intercept. Search planes in the evening discovered more forces moving on SW Borneo. The decision was made to send the ships to intercept this force, believed to be less heavily defended. The British were confident in the forces on Malaya and their state of readiness. Troops were already in motion to move on the landing sites and stop any chance of advance. Forces farther up the peninsula would move to the Kuala Lumpur area as reserve, protecting any approaches to Singapore. There was no thought this threat would not be met and halted, although the terrain would likely mean the Japanese could not be pushed back either. Word reached Singapore on the 8th that Force Z had fought a major battle with heavy units of the Imperial Japanese Navy. LT Clark was shocked and incredulous when he first heard that the Japanese had forced through the landing and Force Z would have to return to Singapore for repairs. It all sank in more deeply though when he learned the damage was bad enough the ships would be re-directed to Cape Town, the only facility capable of handling the size of repair the Repulse especially needed, including a complete replacement of B turret. Even more sobering was a report later that two light cruisers, the Dragon and Durban, had been lost with no survivors. The last of the RN in Singapore sailed out on the 9th to attempt another intercept near the airfield at Singkawang in SW Borneo, believed to be the target of the Japanese force. This left Singapore essentially undefended from the sea, which was never part of the plan drawn up for its protection. LT Clark and his ML-311 were one of a few small boats tasked with guarding the approaches, and they were working on a total of 3 hours restless sleep in the past two days. As night moved into morning LT Clark finally fell into troubled sleep. It would be his last for a while. As he nodded off, a hundred miles to the North Fort Dickson was taken by a Japanese parachute force, effectively cutting off several major troop units to the North. Things were not going as planned. [image]local://upfiles/37283/D1D76D4FAAA34933BFFF0E14CFD9525F.jpg[/image]

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/16/2014 5:26:02 PM)
Dec 9, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SUBS: The KXII hits again near Kota Bharu. IJN subs get in the action as well, sinking the CM Kung Wo. Malaya: A paradrop on Fort Dickson takes the base, cutting off the movement to Singers from the north. A very good move. This will spell an early end to the British hold on Malaya. About 500AV total will make it into Singapore unless something very lucky happens in the next weeks. The rest will attempt to get to Kuala Lumpur for a last stand. This also means Japanese troops will be more healthy and ready for any later objectives, so I'll have to begin fortifying India even more quickly. Pacific: Tarawa is taken. The US CVs swing back to the east toward PH. The Saratoga heads north along with a regiment and engineers for Adak. A small force leaves Pearl also heading up there. Small patrols are placed to the west of Attu and Amchitka and subs will be in the area in the next few days. CHINA: The running is ring well so far. The Japanese are not bombing much on the plains where the majority of Japanese troops in the clear are moving. The forces in the east are also moving well toward Kukong and Psingyiang, and should be able to set up defenses before the Japanese forces mobilize. Wenchow will be fortified to about 700AV with forts building while supply lasts. DEI: Singkawang is taken as expected. The IJ launches an early assault at Jolo. They get in to land and should easily take the base, but the cover force gets tangled in the general retreat from the PI. It might be low on ammo, and I'll send in the USN to find out. Boise, Houston and Marblehead with some old four stackers will run in tomorrow. The Dutch will move into a holding position to assist the day after. SIGINT: Well, the paradrop and this SIGINT pretty much tell the story on Malaya. Should work now that Force Z is heading to Cape Town for repairs. I'm happy though that they are active still, and that some Japanese units are also heading back to the barn. A quick Singers means Nic may be tempted to reach out farther, or head to Java and Sumatra more quickly. That is not all bad, as defenses can react in those areas to at least make it tough. 11/5th Division is loaded on a Ansyu-C Cargo class xAK moving to Mersing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Losses: Loss of AO Pecos on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAP Legaspi on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Cebu on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Latouche on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Magallanes on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAK Si Kiang on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Fortuna on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Princess of Negros on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of AM Bittern on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Loss of CM Kung Wo on Dec 09, 1941 is admitted Ships Sunk: xAK Hikosan Maru is reported to have been sunk near Kota Bharu on Dec 09, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [image]local://upfiles/37283/D55DEDCD49D74EDCB765D8C61B940FCC.jpg[/image] ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Here is the scene in the Eastern DEI. A quick bold move to Jolo. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BBfanboy -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/16/2014 7:42:45 PM)
Did you manage to get Force Z through the Strait of Malacca? Most who try run into Netties ...

Lokasenna -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/16/2014 8:23:07 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: BBfanboy Did you manage to get Force Z through the Strait of Malacca? Most who try run into Netties ... I prefer a southeasterly exit for Force Z, even in a damaged state. Especially with Singkawang in IJN hands. It's just a long ways from Oosthaven to Colombo, whereas you can port-hop your way to NW Oz or Perth if you go SE: Batavia, Soerabaja, Denpasar, all the Flores in an emergency, Koepang... The biggest hop is Koepang to Australia, which takes a heavily damaged ship about a week, but a week is still small compared to the long haul to Ceylon. Obviously that's just an emergency measure as you can't fully repair the ships of Force Z anywhere but Sydney, CT, or Colombo... but it's to get out of dodge.

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/16/2014 10:08:28 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Lokasenna quote: ORIGINAL: BBfanboy Did you manage to get Force Z through the Strait of Malacca? Most who try run into Netties ... I prefer a southeasterly exit for Force Z, even in a damaged state. Especially with Singkawang in IJN hands. It's just a long ways from Oosthaven to Colombo, whereas you can port-hop your way to NW Oz or Perth if you go SE: Batavia, Soerabaja, Denpasar, all the Flores in an emergency, Koepang... The biggest hop is Koepang to Australia, which takes a heavily damaged ship about a week, but a week is still small compared to the long haul to Ceylon. Obviously that's just an emergency measure as you can't fully repair the ships of Force Z anywhere but Sydney, CT, or Colombo... but it's to get out of dodge. They're still making 6 hexes a day, so they are one hex from Batavia and Singkawang isn't even going yet. They're going to refuel and head to Cape Town, not Columbo. Both PoW and Repulse need significant yard time, so Columbo is not an option. They should be back in a few months, though. I'll just make sure they're CAPed from Java on their way out for the one day they'll be at risk. The Buffs actually have good range for that kind of stuff and can handle Netties unescorted. I'm pretty pleased they got into the action but were saved. With the paradrop on Malaya and the SIGINT that there will be a landing at Mersing, they could have made a difference, but most likely would have been lost. I'd rather see if they can be used around Java later if they're back in time, or saved for the counter offensive when it comes. Those fast BB/BC are priceless for the Allies later.

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/16/2014 11:32:01 PM)
December 10, 1941 Near Jolo, Sulu Sea Seaman Wilson was lookout in the perch just over the bridge as Boise drove ahead toward their first action of the war. Ahead was Houston and behind Marblehead with five old four stacker destroyers coming up behind. They looked plucky back there bobbing through the chop, but not too sturdy compared to the cruisers. Oliver scanned the horizon in a regular pattern with the 7 x 50 glasses, then checked again with his eyes, mainly for the hint of smoke, then back to the glasses. It was an overcast morning, but visibility was decent with little haze after a good shower in the night had cleared the tropical air of its humidity. Suddenly he saw what he both wanted and didn’t want to see. His heart did cartwheels and he slammed home the button on the comm. “Smoke bearing two four five!” he shouted. Only twenty seconds passed before the general quarters whistle. This was real. Not a drill. They were near a small island in the Sulu Sea called Jolo where the Japanese had just landed a force to take the airfield, and there was reported to be a sizable force including cruisers there as cover. No troops were on the island and it was probable the Japanese had already set up a rudimentary force at the airfield. As he scanned the smoke he could see multiple masts now and separate areas of smoke rising from the ships. “My God, there has to be a dozen of them.” He hit the comm again, “Masts and at least ten, maybe twelve ships still bearing two four five.” He could feel Boise begin to make better speed, probably getting up to twenty knots for the run in. Men scrambled across the decks below in battle gear, with helmets, and manned the guns and all other necessary stations. Oliver suddenly felt he was going to be sick, then uncontrollably threw up all over the deck below. No one even bothered to look up. He felt better. The ships were distinct now. Twelve for sure. Three cruisers. Looked like two big heavy cruisers, too. “S***.” The enemy was crossing their battle line, a maneuver known as crossing the “T.” This allowed them to bring all guns to bear, especially on the forward ships, while only the forward guns of the front ships could engage in return. He felt Boise jerk and shudder, and she swung into a hard turn to port, leaning slightly against the pressure of the ocean on her flank. As Oliver braced he saw the first flashes from the still distant dark gray forms. Time seemed to stop, and he couldn’t tell if it was a few seconds or minutes until water shot up from all around the Houston. Having gained an angle to bring all guns to bear as the two fleets maneuvered, he almost fell as Boise shot back. All hell broke loose as fifteen six inch guns went off in quick succession, and the five inchers continually pounded away at an even faster pace. Spouts rose close on both sides of the ship and water drenched his position. When it cleared he saw that the forward enemy cruiser had taken several direct hits. A different kind of smoke and the dull glow of fire lit the side of one of the towering superstructure. A smaller form, a destroyer just behind the light cruiser, was also belching smoke and looked to be falling out of the column. Boise maneuvered again, now seemingly at flank speed, and Oliver was almost thrown off of his perch. They were much closer now, he estimated around 7-8,000 yards, and as he scanned with the glasses he saw the other big ship had also taken a few solid hits. The din below was terrible, and as he brought the glasses down the ship was rocked by an explosion just aft of the rear funnel. It sent one of the launches lurching over the side and lit a small fire under the broken pile of the others. There was gas there in the those boats, so they had to be quick and careful. The damage teams were well trained, and only a minute later hoses were already out and getting to work as another smaller caliber shot almost bounced off of the hull armor amidship. The Japanese were getting the range, but their big cruisers were burning furiously and as he looked out he could see their silhouette grow sharper. “They’re turning, goddamnit! Yeah! They’re running away!” Another shell burst just under the bridge but must not have penetrated, thankfully, as the ship continued firing and putting the hurt on the now retreating Japanese ships. He was so elated by the retreat he hardly could contain himself, and whooped into the air like a crazy man. He hadn’t looked back during the whole battle, and when he did now his breath caught in his throat. The destroyers were well behind and burning brightly under a huge black pall except one, the Barker, which was stopped and appeared to be picking men out of the sea. As he looked more closely he realized there were only four destroyers now. The Bulmer was gone completely. The Paul Jones was listing at least twenty degrees to port and what appeared to be the Parrot had no superstructure left at all. The bridge was simply gone, and the black hole that was left was engulfed in crimson flame. The Stewart was burning aft of the rear stack, luckily far enough from the torpedoes not to cook them off, he thought. Oliver fell to his knees as elation turned to sorrow. This was nothing he could have prepared for, and nothing he could ever forget. The smell of gunpowder, burned rubber and paint, something even worse he couldn’t identify, were all mixing in the dirty air. Boise had slowed and was turning back to the area of destruction behind. He raced down to the starboard hose station and took up a position to assist as they came near the Parrot. It was all he could do to keep the hose going at the flames while seeing the charred bodies of fallen sailors all over the deck and in the water near the ship. Men were still fighting there though, still putting water to the blaze, still carrying the wounded to the side into waiting boats. The Parrot was a hulk. This was her last battle, but only his first. Oliver shuddered as the water moved out under his hands forming an arch that caught the sun, a rainbow lit beneath its arc. [image]local://upfiles/37283/21A175B4733041EAB686D4227CCF1187.jpg[/image]

BBfanboy -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 12:47:03 AM)
Great storytelling! Keep it coming! PS - how'd you like to be the (choke) lookout assigned on the rear mast (gasp) of that Japanese cruiser? (hack)

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 2:03:30 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: BBfanboy Great storytelling! Keep it coming! PS - how'd you like to be the (choke) lookout assigned on the rear mast (gasp) of that Japanese cruiser? (hack) Yeah, not so fun, huh?

Capt. Harlock -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 4:16:16 AM)
quote: Great storytelling! Keep it coming! +1 Any hits on the Houston?

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 7:21:01 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock quote: Great storytelling! Keep it coming! +1 Any hits on the Houston? Update coming with that part of the CR. The Houston s in good shape! [:)]

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 7:55:42 AM)
Dec 10, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DEI: The major news of the day is the battle fought near Jolo. Amazingly, Houston, Boise and Marblehead plus the 5 four-stackers took on Maya, Ashigara, Natori and nine destroyers and came out okay. The IJN had been picking off PI refugees during the turn and the day before, so ammo had to be reduced. The four-stackers suffered in this one, but the cruisers are almost untouched. After the battle Dornier flying boats hit the remainders and get a solid shot with a 300kg bomb on the Ashigara, which makes me think she doesn't make it. Interestingly, two different float planes, two Petes and a Jake are lost 'on the ground.' Since the newer CA have two float plane groups to start for a total of three planes, I'd bet on Ashigara being a goner. I also don't see stragglers after the battle, so I wonder where the others went to?[&:] Tomorrow the USN cruisers with the Barker will hit Jolo fields and try to mix things up there with the hope (and risk) that Netties and zeros will move in overnight. Nearby a stringbag hits Nagara with a 500 pounder too! [:D] Pacific: In more ominous news the 5th divisions and 25th army HQ plus a tank regiment land at Mersing. This will seal off Singers with only less than half of the Malaya forces in the city. The others will try to make for Kuala Lumpur to defend there. SUBS: The 020 sinks a DMS at Kuching. Lots of enemy hits on the fleeing PI ships. CHINA: Forces are getting into good positions. It looks like I'll be able to set a defensive line in front of Changsha, down through Psingyiang, which was the goal. Forces from the east will then move around and form a reserve if they make it through, as will some of the big corps up around Ichang. Only minimal bombing of troops in China, but even Nates are being used, strafing and bombing at 100ft. This is risky, as just today two are shot by 'flak' (the AA MGs of the Chinese). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR December 10, 41 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 74,90, Range 16,000 Yards Japanese Ships CA Maya, Shell hits 14, heavy fires CA Ashigara, Shell hits 30, heavy fires, heavy damage CL Natori, Shell hits 5, on fire DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 1 DD Satsuki DD Minazuki, Shell hits 1 DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 1 DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 2 DD Asakaze, Shell hits 15, heavy fires, heavy damage DD Harukaze DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 1 DD Hatakaze Allied Ships CA Houston, Shell hits 5 CL Marblehead CL Boise, Shell hits 5 DD Barker, Shell hits 4 DD Bulmer, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk DD Stewart, Shell hits 4, heavy fires DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage DD Parrott, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards Range closes to 16,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 16,000 yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 16,000 yards Hirata, Noboru crosses the 'T' CL Boise engages CA Maya at 16,000 yards -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90 Weather in hex: Light rain Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 8 minutes Japanese aircraft F1M2 Pete x 6 Allied aircraft Do-24K-1 x 9 No Japanese losses Allied aircraft losses Do-24K-1: 6 damaged Japanese Ships DD Nagatsuki CA Ashigara, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage AV Sanyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire Aircraft Attacking: 3 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 1000 feet Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb 3 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 1000 feet Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg GP Bomb 3 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 1000 feet Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb CAP engaged: Sanyo Maru-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 2 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters to 6000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Losses: Loss of AO Trinity on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of DD Bulmer on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of AV Langley on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of AM Quail on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of TK Hai Kwang on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of YO-41 on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of YO-42 on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAP President Madison on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAP Don Esteban on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAK Fatshan on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Halvdan on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAK Ming Sang on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAK Hai Lee on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Sagoland on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Bisayas on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Corregidor on Dec 10, 1941 is admitted Ships Sunk: DMS W-4 is reported to have been sunk near Kuching on Dec 10, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [image]local://upfiles/37283/D9BD29B7671B4744961F1D6A8AE7C157.jpg[/image] ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ With the healthy fire burning there, I would be surprised if Maya made it far either, and if she's hiding somewhere, it'll be tough to make it out of this area either undetected without running into a sub. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 8:54:07 AM)
December 11, 1941 Near the Torokina river, Bougainville The day was settling into the same pattern as most recently. The coconut plantations spread out along the small Piva river near the swampy coastal plains, native workers slowly getting about their tasks, never rushing anything. It was lucky if a job got finished at all. John couldn’t complain though. It was the life he’d chosen. At only twenty-five he was working a piece of land nearly the size of his father’s where he’d grown up near Port Moresby. He liked the work, the days walking through the coconut palms supervising the maintenance and harvest, settling in for the afternoon correspondence and administration, and a long slow evening of reading, radio or cards. There were only a handful of families working this part of Bouganville Island, and only one other, the Browns, across the Torokina river to the south and close enough for an evening’s entertainment. This area was on the frontier even for the Australians who were raised in Papua, and it did have its challenges. The native Melanesians were mysterious and fickle, but he’d managed through his good nature and determination to develop connections to their leaders, and could even count a few as friends now. He treated his employees well, and there was as little as possible of the colonial arrogance associated with most plantation farmers in these islands. Dean Bown was of a similar mindset, and so the area had developed an optimistic congeniality between settlers and natives. John joined them on fishing trips, in walks to other villages and loved their good nature, often joining in song along the way. While Dean Brown had brought his wife to the frontier when he came, and was five years John’s senior, already with two young girls, Sarah and Jean, John hadn’t yet married. He’d proposed to his sweetheart in Melbourne, just after they’d graduated from University of Victoria in Melbourne, but she couldn’t see herself living life on a homestead plantation, far from home and without family or friends. It had been a blow, but John had gone forward undaunted, believing in his work and it’s small part of developing this almost untouched part of the Pacific. Although not evangelistic, he did have a strong faith, and his determination came mainly from his confidence in the path laid out before him. The cabin on the side of this hill, near Puruata and Cape Torokina, was small but comfortable, with a large wooden writing desk and several good chairs in the study. He had a two way wireless for both communication and to listen to the English language broadcasts he could pick up at night from Port Moresby, occasionally from as far as Townsville if the weather was right. He settled into his favorite wingback to read The Razor’s Edge tonight, the first time through. As the sun set the sounds of insects and frogs vibrated rhythmically into the night, but his mind was several thousand miles away, thinking of a previous war and wondering how Europe had let itself fall into another so soon after. [image]local://upfiles/37283/484CEB6C86A748DFA91064AE9631185F.jpg[/image]

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 9:18:08 AM)
Dec 11, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Pacific: Guam falls. The KB is out of sight, but not out of mind. Where will it pop up next? DEI: Another good day for antiquated bi-planes, as the Beasts strike a TF off of Mindanao, hitting Nagara with five 500 pounders, leaving the ship with 'heavy fires, heavy damage.' I think she's a goner so far from port. Nothing is seen limping around after the turn. The Boise and company visit Jolo, knocking out the airfield and hitting a bunch of planes on the ground. Now a quick run to Java for more bullets. The Manila DDs finally find pay dirt on the west of Borneo, crushing a small invasion force near Brunei, but with troops already unloaded. Still, every little bit helps. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR December 11, 41 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Naval bombardment of Jolo at 74,90 Japanese aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 64 damaged G4M1 Betty: 10 destroyed on ground A6M2 Zero: 12 damaged A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed on ground Allied Ships CA Houston CL Boise CL Marblehead DD Barker Japanese ground losses: 856 casualties reported Squads: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 35 disabled Engineers: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled Airbase hits 20 Airbase supply hits 5 Runway hits 39 CA Houston firing at Jolo SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Boise CL Boise firing at Jolo CL Marblehead firing at Jolo DD Barker firing at Jolo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Time Surface Combat, near Brunei at 65,87, Range 11,000 Yards Japanese Ships PB Kantori Maru, Shell hits 44, and is sunk xAK Meisho Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk xAKL Hakka Maru, Shell hits 16, and is sunk xAKL Kaika Maru, Shell hits 27, and is sunk xAP Kobe Maru, Shell hits 30, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk Allied Ships DD John D. Ford DD Peary DD Pillsbury DD Pope Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 25,000 yards Range closes to 11,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards Japanese ships attempt to get underway CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards DD Peary engages xAP Kobe Maru at 11,000 yards -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 81,95 Weather in hex: Light cloud Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 5 minutes Allied aircraft Vildebeest III x 12 No Allied losses Japanese Ships CL Nagara, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire DD Suzukaze Aircraft Attacking: 12 x Vildebeest III bombing from 1000 feet Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Losses: Loss of CM Prins van Oranje on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted Loss of TK Manatawny on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAP Elcano on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Chengtu on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Kanchow on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Yat Shing on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Lipis on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Cetus on Dec 11, 1941 is admitted ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [image]local://upfiles/37283/C4A3D28D718143A8A960181FDD71967E.jpg[/image] ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Dutch will hit Jolo again tomorrow to see what they can do, while some more four stackers will meet up with the cruisers to guide them back home safely. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 12:52:11 PM)
December 12, 1941 Dutch Harbor, AK This was not a good week. First the news out of Pearl Harbor. Everyone was utterly devastated,but their resiliency had shown in the past few days as work picked up and each man felt his duty more clearly now that they were in the war and against the wall. Two days before orders coming up from the West Coast set day and night round-the-clock shifts to improve defenses around the port. Gun emplacements were being cut into the hard cold soil of the island and new fortifications were going up everywhere, barracks being built and existing facilities enlarged. New men had already flown in from Anchorage and Kodiak to help. They were cutting holes for guns that were just now being loaded onto ships in San Francisco and Seattle. Morale was still low though and the weather was not cooperating. Every day was blowing snow or ice fog, and in spite of their good winter clothes, it wasn’t a good time to be outside in the Aleutians. “Hey Danny, how is it out there?” Mike was about to start his shift in the dredge, and Danny was just coming back from his on the tractor moving dirt around. “Downright miserable! This even beats the wind whipping down Broadway in the winter, and that was the coldest wind I ever felt, until now. At least then I could go get a scotch and sidle up next to a warm broad.” “Yeah, don’t get any ideas Danny.” “Any coffee left in this joint? ‘Way we’re drinking it we might run out before the next supply drop.” “News came through while you were out. We got major units moving up here. Another base force, two regiments of Marines, if you can believe that, and all kinds of arty. This place is gonna be downright prikely in a few weeks, not to mention crowded. They’re talking about sending a bunch of ‘em over to Adak.” “Guess they want to get a little closer to Hirohita, turn down the screws a little. Make ‘em think about it at least. Well, well, with that kind of presence up here, I wonder if we’ll be graced with any real live nurses? I could use a few white skirts swishin’ around here.” “The only part of ‘em you’ll see after the Marines get here is the back of those skirts walking toward some burly bastard from Alabama!” [image]local://upfiles/37283/4153DFF5CEB849FBB1B343C82AECBF44.jpg[/image]

BBfanboy -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 1:49:18 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: obvert December 11, 1941 ... The native Meanesians were mysterious and fickle... No wonder most Australians didn't want to live on those islands. But wait until John meets the Japanese - the Meanesians will look downright friendly![:'(]

BBfanboy -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 1:58:21 PM)
Great results on those naval battles! [sm=Cool-049.gif] Did you change any of the ship commanders? After a similar battle in one of my games I managed to save Marblehead plus two burning four-stackers by immediately disbanding them in the nearest port so that all crew could fight the fires. Once the fires were out they crept away to DEI and then Oz. Sending the cruisers to reload at Soerabaja is wise, but expect mini KB to come looking for them from the east side of the Philippines down the east side of Celebes to Java. After reload, I suggest you move them to Djoekarta or Tjilatjap to wait for more opportunities.

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 2:13:59 PM)
Dec 12, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SUBS: IJN subs lay mines at Banjowengi and get one tanker before the hordes of AMc get there. Pacific: Wake, Tabiteuaea and Ocean island are invaded and fall. The KB hits Wake, so at least I know where it is today. Malaya: The RAF gets into it today as Buffs jump the bombing runs on Malaya, moving up to Georgetwon and Kuala Lumpur. I'll now try to consolidate several groups in KL to see what comes. Haven't seen many zeros around yet, and I'm sure retribution will come soon. About 5 Nates and 12-15 bombers destroyed in the air today. DEI: A bunch of xAK are hit by Dorniers, which is nice. A few with troops on. Jolo is hit by two bombardments and more planes are wrecked. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR December 12, 41 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near San Fernando at 80,74, Range 2,000 Yards Japanese Ships CL Naka DD Natsugumo DD Minegumo DD Asagumo DD Murasame DD Harusame, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage DD Samidare Allied Ships MTB 11, Shell hits 1 MTB 12 MTB 26, Shell hits 1, and is sunk MTB 27 Low visibility due to Rain with 28% moonlight Maximum visibility in Rain and 28% moonlight: 2,000 yards Range closes to 11,000 yards... Range closes to 2,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards Nishimura, Teiji crosses the 'T' DD Natsugumo engages MTB 27 at 2,000 yards -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Naval bombardment of Jolo at 74,90 Japanese aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 19 damaged G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed on ground A6M2 Zero: 6 damaged A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground Allied Ships CL Boise CL Marblehead DD Whipple DD John D. Edwards DD Edsall DD Barker DD Alden Japanese ground losses: 90 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 6 disabled Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled Airbase hits 7 Airbase supply hits 4 Runway hits 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Naval bombardment of Jolo at 74,90 Japanese aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 50 damaged G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed on ground A6M2 Zero: 16 damaged A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed on ground Japanese Ships AV Sanyo Maru, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships CL Tromp CL De Ruyter DD Van Ghent DD Banckert DD Witte de With DD Kortenaer DD Piet Hein Japanese ground losses: 128 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Airbase hits 16 Airbase supply hits 7 Runway hits 23 Port hits 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Losses: Loss of MTB 26 on Dec 12, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Escalante on Dec 12, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Lepus on Dec 12, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Sarangami on Dec 12, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Taurus on Dec 12, 1941 is admitted Loss of xAKL Princessa on Dec 12, 1941 is admitted Ships Sunk: xAKL Haguro Maru is reported to have been sunk near Banggi on Dec 12, 1941 xAKL Kaishi Maru is reported to have been sunk near Banggi on Dec 12, 1941 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [image]local://upfiles/37283/202470A5DE8040C68AA228FBD045EA71.jpg[/image] ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ So far so good. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 2:16:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: BBfanboy quote: ORIGINAL: obvert December 11, 1941 ... The native Meanesians were mysterious and fickle... No wonder most Australians didn't want to live on those islands. But wait until John meets the Japanese - the Meanesians will look downright friendly![:'(] Nice catch![:D]

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 2:25:26 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: BBfanboy Great results on those naval battles! [sm=Cool-049.gif] Did you change any of the ship commanders? After a similar battle in one of my games I managed to save Marblehead plus two burning four-stackers by immediately disbanding them in the nearest port so that all crew could fight the fires. Once the fires were out they crept away to DEI and then Oz. Sending the cruisers to reload at Soerabaja is wise, but expect mini KB to come looking for them from the east side of the Philippines down the east side of Celebes to Java. After reload, I suggest you move them to Djoekarta or Tjilatjap to wait for more opportunities. I did make sure there was a good one in each. The results are mainly due to good timing I think, hitting the IJN after they'd been engaged for days and low on ammo. I've got decent search on Mindanao and at Ternate, so I doubt there will be any complete surprises. The beasts at Davao will likely suffer first if a CVE shows up. [;)]

zuluhour -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/17/2014 11:24:11 PM)
Lurking (in both) but enjoying the narrative.[:)]

obvert -> RE: ::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J) (4/18/2014 11:05:14 AM)
December 13, 1941 Vancouver, WA Martin sat in the room with around fifty other men. They were at the coal Elks Lodge for a meeting about the new Kaiser shipyards planned and already breaking ground in Vancouver, WA. This would be a facility with the most advanced construction methods available to churn out ships at rates never seen before. At least that’s what the Kaiser men were saying up front. They wanted to weld all of the ships, and that is why Martin was here. He had experience enough to run a welding team from training to production. Though he’d never worked on ships, they would all be getting specific training with experienced foreman from the California Kaiser yards. They were all excited. This was a chance to be part of the war effort immediately, even before most of the soldiers and sailors would see action, they would be making the vessels that would take them there and that they would fight from as well. The day was cold. Most of them looked to be in a kind of uniform already with flannel shirts, padded and wool lined canvas jackets, and baggy workmen’s jeans. It would be hard to find a more capable looking group. They had come from all kinds of industry, from construction to mining to logging. All were here because they’d seen the end of their thirties and some were even pushing fifty. They could not enlist, but had to take part somehow. This new shipyard gave them a way. Three men in suits stood at the front. They were high up in Kaiser’s ship building enterprise, and the man speaking, Roger Thornton, would be supervising the construction of the yard itself. They would work on that too, learning some of the new techniques that would later be used on the ships. “All of you will be involved from day one. That starts today. You will be put in teams, each of you a foreman of your own group of men. These men will be from all over the country, from all walks of life. You will be asked to make them into an efficient, hard-working team. You will make this yard function at the highest level, every day.” He leaned over t o pick up a pointer and turned to tap a chart of the shipyard plan, with new construction highlighted in red. It was nearly all new construction. “We will assemble here tomorrow for instruction on new welding techniques that will be employed. Rivet teams will still be needed, but most of the construction will be assembled in sections, then welded together. Today you will fill out necessary paperwork, get on the payroll, and find your temporary lockers in the HQ building here.” Martin looked around him. Everyone was serious and intent. They all wanted this to get going now. “Thank you men. This is the start of something that will change this war. We will make what our country needs to defeat the Germans and the Japanese. This is just as important as shooting a gun or flying a plane. If we treat it as such, we will change history here, mark my words.” Martin felt the energy in the room, and in himself, rise up and move forward to the challenge. The men were steeled, as hard as the beams waiting in piles to become the cranes and workshops that would make up this vast area of construction in a few months. They had meaningful work, they were part of the effort now, no longer too old, too flatfooted or too nearsighted to fight. They would fight with a torch and a hammer, as they always had, and it would mean something more than just a paycheck. [image]local://upfiles/37283/C203DC6D13D74E3DA5D72D4CA325BF5A.jpg[/image]

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