RE: Letters from a Prime Minister

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1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/1/2016 6:35:57 AM)
28 March From Commanding officer, CA Pensacola to CICPAC Report of proceedings, Naval engagement Lunganville Area At 0900 hours I was steaming in line ahead , Destroyer Selfridge 2000 yards ahead, Destroyer Phelps 1000 yards, approximately 40 miles North of Lunganville. The crew was at 2nd degree of readiness, effecting repairs from self induced damage from the nights quick engagement against the 3 small Japanese AKs sunk at 1200 hours. All Systems were reported good, and Main Gun ammunition was at 100% At this time, bearing 090 degrees, and coming almost on opposite course, a Japanese task force of 6 vessels was sighted hull down. They immediately came about, on an approximate parallel course at a range of approx. 12000 yards I was able to immediately identify them as CL Yubari, CL Kashima, a modern Fubuki class DD, and elderly Mutsuki class DDs As The Kashima has a top speed of only 18 knots, and the Japanese appeared determined to keep her in the line, I ordered full speed, and opened fire I Ordered course and speed adjusted to open the range, but to maintain all gun arcs Initial Japanese shooting was good, My ship struck 3 times by light shells, but with no damage, armour defeating all 3 hits. Gunnery from Pensacola was superb, and I wish to recommend Gunnery Officer Smith for a decoration. CL Yubari was engaged first, and hit by 2 8 inch shells within 4 minutes of battle start. She burst into flame and fell away. I ordered target shifted to Kashima, at a range of 8000 yards, and again 8 inch hits were observed. At approx. 0915, DD Selfridge was struck by a Torpedo. I manoeuvred past her as she slowed. During this time she was struck by multiple hits, and was clearly in trouble I ordered Phelps to circle her and make smoke, she broke away at 0922. No Japanese ships engaged either vessel again, Selfridge sinking at 1020 hrs, Phelps successfully rescuing survivors The Japanese line, less Yuburi (falling rapidly astern as well, attempted to close the range. Unencumbered by tactical distractions, I was able to fight my ship to full advantage. At 0932, we again struck Kashima, then the Fubuki DD (twice), range now at 16000 yards. For the next 10 minutes the fight curved steadily south (see Navigators report) with range steadily increasing . We hammered the Kashima with out harm, striking her with no less than 8 more 8 inch shells, the ship sinking at this time. At this point, CL Yubari was considerably south of us, burning. Gunnery however, struck her twice at 21000 yards, and a destroyer at 23000 yards. Yuburi at this stage disappeared, and I believe sank. All 8 inch ammunition expended, I found the Phelps sailing south at 1300 hours, and commenced my retirement. The ship performed brilliantly. The 8 inch Gunnery was devastating, especially operating outside the enemy ships range. recommendations............ From CICPAC to Suva Command: If the Japanese are using a ship like the Kashima as a Cruiser in a combat Task force in your area, then they are hurting for cruisers already Estimate 2 heavy, 1 light cruiser operating in South Pac area. Plan accordingly.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/2/2016 9:06:20 AM)
29 March The nightmare for Prime Minister Ford becomes reality. Japan lands , and captures Busselton, some 120 odd miles south of Freemantle. At least 2 divisions come ashore, along with artillery, support, engineers. There are expectations that at least one more will land soon. Nimitz too, receives a shock. Washington is cold today, but it is this news that gives him the chills. Cold bay falls. No surprise there, a regiment verses a division. But for the entire garrison to surrender?. The Allies are being chewed up, unit by unit. Japan is going where it wants, picking the fights and the odds it want. He must do something, anything, to de rail him "The President is ready to see you sir" In his briefcase, a rough draft of this General Blamey's idea. Madness. But the only bloody thing that might work.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/2/2016 9:08:36 AM)
Out of story for moment Will this invasion trigger Winstons reinforcements? If so, how arrive? If they turn up at the Cape, how do the Aussies actually go about getting them? Ta, in advance

PaxMondo -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/2/2016 12:03:00 PM)
No, the line is east west (map orientation) at Brisbane. West Aus is way north of that. Adelaide will definitely trigger. I don't think Port Augusta will though. The line is north of Adelaide and South of Brisbane IIRC.

Ian R -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/2/2016 12:10:16 PM)
quote: trigger line Nyet. The line runs from about Brisbane (maybe one hex south of) to about Adelaide or Port Augusta or somewhere over there in South Australia. You have to ship them onto the map. Park a few big 'liner' APs down there to load the personnel and pack all the equipment on AKs that would be hauling supplies to Melbourne anyway. Edit - What Pax said.

BBfanboy -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/2/2016 1:12:58 PM)
The line is indeed the one immediately south of Brisbane. Check fcharton's AAR for discussion on what units are in the package and where they arrive. I think some came at Aden and some at CT. EDIT: I found the posting from when the IJA landed in Australia and François listed off the units that he got as emergency reinforcements. http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3955133&mpage=4&key=

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/3/2016 8:40:45 AM)
Thankyou guys Multiple turns received tonight, no time for AAR update. As you can guess, Johns excited!

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/4/2016 7:51:47 AM)
30 March 42 The outback. Even to a great many Australians, this is just some sort of vague concept. Its something on the other side of the mountains, or somewhere North of the Murray River. Only a very small proportion of the Nation really know what this term, the outback, really means. Jack Ford, and his Companions in the 75th RAAF,is steadily finding out. A flight to Katherine. Easy. Another to Alice. Harder But then, then the train. A long train, every single car a flat one. A fighter per car, wings folded, a tarp hastily tied over it. For the pilots, the ground staff?. Do the best that you can mate. Three days lumbering south, the train only rarely getting above 40 miles an hour. The blazing heat, lack of water, lack of every bloody thing. A right turn before Adelaide, and then West. Across the plain. Across the outback. Endless. Endless flatness, endless brown, endless scrub, endless desert. Sweating, turning brown. Trying to crap in a bucket, trying to beat the flies to your food. Trying to beat the boredom. He is asleep when the train stops. It must be late, for it is cold, the sky clear, the stars so bright he felt that he can touch them. Where the hell are they? Kalgoorlie....... There are other men here. Dimly Jack can see trucks, and, thank God, a mobile crane already moving towards the first plane. Turnball, the ball of energy that he always is, is moving from carriage to carriage. The field, apparently, is over truking there. HQ over truking there. Get the planes Truking off the cars now. But most disturbing of all. The enemy are landing at Esperance, so get a bloody move on! John Ford too, is feeling the strain They are following the Enterprise,, 1000 yards off her Port Bow. No problem. Except that every five minutes Enterprise abruptly changes course. If she is not Zig Zagging, she's chasing the wind, launching, or recovering aircraft. And Napier must maintain position. Napiers Navigator Must maintain that position. But today, a new dimension. They are headed south now, target Diego Garcia. The American Admiral, apparently, has decided that Enterprise at least, is going to get back into the war. The news reaches 7th Division near dusk. Jason is supervising the digging of trenches when he hears "The little yellow Barsteds have invaded oz!" "We know that, Port Headland" "No!, not a bloody raid, the real thing!, an entire Army near Freemantle!" Freemantle?. An Army? Who in the hell is going to stop a whole Army?, the chocko's?, those Militia? A wave of helplessness rises in him. Australia?....and they are sitting here? What in the hell for?

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/4/2016 7:55:47 AM)
30/3 Pensacola's glory lasts but a day. Just after 3 am, CA Aoba, Kinugasa, 9 destroyers attack her. No Ammunition Not enough speed. Her Captain turns towards them, "Ï will ram" But she is pounded under long before she ever gets the chance. Liberators strike Hong Kong BB Kongo takes a bomb.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/4/2016 8:10:49 AM)
30/3 "Yes Jim?" The Prime Minister is stopped just outside the chamber. Question time approaches. There are a million things to think of, to plan for. The wolves are circling. Here in the house. Everywhere. And if the speaker thinks he is only thinking of the slant eyed ones, he is so ignorant... "Sir, a moment" "I only have a moment" "I must ask, a national War Cabinet........have you thought to reconsider it?" "NO!" A war Cabinet?, to share the war with that barsted Tony?, those leering we told you so's?? NO. Never! NO, I will do this my Bloody selF

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/4/2016 8:15:32 AM)
From Prime Minister Ford To Prime Minister Winston. As per our agreement, and as per your assurances, I now insist that you either A/ Immediately release first Australia Corp back to Australian Command B/ In addition, release 9th Division C/ Send the fleet south Upon your response Australia's continued loyalty to the Empire rests. Failure to act may well see this country fall out of the war. Sincerely Ford

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/4/2016 8:23:20 AM)
From Former navy person to POTUS .......and so we are in a pickle. Undoubtedly the Australians are right to call for their men. But we still have 4 Japanese Divisions prepping for India (although I begin to doubt this) However, the Japanese are dominating the West coast of Australia, and the Indian ocean One American Carrier is not going to do it. Can you help?, possibly offer a new American division, transport availability not withstanding? .............and yes, Warspite is probably best utilised by you at tis time........

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/5/2016 8:07:51 AM)
31st Of March Kalgoorlie is under a rare cloudy sky, bringing relief from the sun. 75th Squadron struggles to bring their planes online, their sister unit the 77th shares the same ones. There is only one crane. Few trucks. The field is 5 miles away. Parts are missing, Jacks own plane is essentially ready, if he can find 6 spark plugs, Oh, and some fuel. On the flip side, there are troops here, the brown canvas of 1st Australia Army nestled about the mine entrances (and how many of those opal mines now hide far more valuable things?) There is also a good number of AA emplacements, and even a few Militia troops. But there is no hiding, ignoring something else. The air of panic that hovers over all. The Japanese are landing at Esperance. In strength. 2 Divisions, plus extras. A nation is in trouble.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/5/2016 8:26:45 AM)
31/3/42 There is bitter air combat in the Aleutians. Car Div 5 zeros are engaged, but, are the carriers still there? Port Moresby too see's air fighting, the field is damaged, planes are killed on both sides. Its defenders watch the battles above them, and sharpen their bayonets. It must be their turn soon. But its Esperance that draws all attention 61 Kates pound the shipping trapped there, and then the troops pour ashore. There is nothing to stop them.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/5/2016 8:39:23 AM)
31/3/42 Adelaide Blamey studies the map. 4 divisions. At least. The problem is simple. If he dispatches the army across the plain, on that single rail, will they win the race to Kalgoorlie? If they don't........destruction of an army ensured. Defeat. How in the hell do I explain to the Prime Minister that I am going to have to give up half the country?

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/6/2016 5:55:34 AM)
1st April The carriers supporting the Perth area invasion now strike the city itself. Japanese Cruisers are spotted near Noumea, no troops are landed. Napier approaches Diego Garcia, still part of the enterprise task force Jack and 75th RAAF are declared operational for tomorrow. 100 percent CAP is ordered for Dawn. Jeffery Ford (still with both legs (we will wait and see, the doctor had said, we will wait and see) is transferred to Prince Rupert An extraordinary session of Parliament is scheduled for the morrow. A great many in Canberra wonder if the Prime Minister will emerge from it still in power.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/6/2016 6:06:43 AM)
2nd April It is around 3 AM, cold, dark, almost silent. The men of 75th squadron are gathered around the very, very crude kitchen facilities, waiting for whatever the cooks can rustle up. Jack waits in line with the rest of them. He is tired. God, they are all tired. He stinks. They all stink, how long since he had a shower? His plane, lines up at the end of the sorry excuse of a field . A rough bulldozed widening of one of the local roads, almost indistinguishable from the ground surrounding it. But suddenly more valuable than all the gold buried in the land around here. The Japs are going to come. Zeros have been spotted over Esperance. Perth has been hit. How will they do? The scran line begins to shuffle forward, the smell of bacon fills the still air. Men begin to perk up, even smile, a joke or too fills the silence "Hey....do you hear that?" They all pause. Engines Aero engines "JAPS!" Invisible in the dark, they bombers sweep overhead. About them, the world crashes into violence, 6th RAAF AA has not been caught un awares.. jack sprints down the field, his plane 300 yards away, every fibre of his being waiting for the whistle of the bombs But there are no bombs Just the blood curdling cry "Look out!!!, Paratroopers!!!"

kaleun -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/6/2016 2:39:05 PM)
Hmm, Bilbow tried this on my game

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/7/2016 7:47:07 AM)
3rd April "Prime Minister?" He pauses. On the other side of the door, he can hear the murmur of the chamber. The pit they call it. In a moment, he has to enter, and do battle . Does he have the numbers?....... "Yes, what is it?" "Cable from Winston sir, marked urgent" "Ïll take it in my office" Moments later he sits on his chair in the silence. The cable lies in its envelope, un opened. So much, so much depends on what is inside it. 4 divisions, 4 enemy divisions, keeps hammering in his mind. He opens the envelope. From Winston to Prime Minister Ford I have conferred with.................... It takes three minutes to read the cable. Another 5 to take it all in. He crumples it into a ball, places it into his pocket. And strides to the Chamber. Its clear on what he must do now.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/7/2016 7:52:32 AM)
3rd of April Damnation. Damnation, damnation. Have the enemy twinged? Do they know? The commander of the Americal division reads the intel report. Enemy convoy unloading target hex. Number and nature of troops unknown........ A difficult gamble suddenly becoming almost impossible. A gamble that must still be taken nevertheless.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/7/2016 7:59:58 AM)
Jack Ford spends nearly all day in a trench. The Japanese attack has, for now, failed. A hundred or so of them lie dead on the airfield, the rest, possibly another 100, are holed up at the far end of the field. The night has passed in a blur. Guns cracking, the whine of bullets, the frantic manhandling of planes, the start up in the dark, taxiing in the blackness, plunging his bird into the low scrub, trying to hide it before dawn. Now, as the sun begins to warm the day, the 6 inch artillery of the Geraldon Base force fires rhythmically over their heads, pounding at the Japs 500 yards away. Given time, he is sure, they could kill em all. But there is no time to be had. Japanese tanks are coming.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/7/2016 8:11:57 AM)
3 rd April The Japanese have a task force, 2 CA's, 2 DDs, running riot in the great Australian Bight. The supporting Carriers however have gone back North...........we think. The Allies are very carefully counting Japanese Divisions. If India is a target, Japan still has 6 to deploy. I am not so sure now, if that is enough. Bridge HMAS Napier John can barely see Diego Garcia with his binoculars, its a low smudge, barely discernible. The column of smoke however.......you don't need glasses to see that. The rumble of the R class Battleships guns comes over the waters like distant thunder. Even in the morning light, the flash of the great guns can be seen. "Give em hell, boys, give em hell" That they do. A bombardment of Diego Garcia. Airbase 37hits Airbase supply, 29 hits Runway, 106 hits Port, 5 Hits 27 Betties destroyed on the ground.

Long pig -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/7/2016 9:05:41 AM)
Now that's got to get their attention 👍

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/8/2016 7:38:07 AM)
April 4th Pilot Officer Graham lands his Hurricane neatly on the strip, taxis towards the "maintenance area" There are no hangers. There are no buildings. Just a single narrow strip, a handful of tents, some slit trenches, a handful of AA guns. And yet, as he trundles towards his reverent, he can see the progress. Only 2 weeks ago, this field was bare ground. A week ago, a nightmare for his fighter to get into, and out of. Now, ready for Medium bombers. Soon, if the work continues at this rate, ready for the heavies. He swings the hurricane around, the ground crew chock the wheels, and he kills the engine. His Sergeant bounces onto the wing, begins to help with the straps. Graham cocks a questioning eye towards him, gestures to the other side of the field "Visitors?" The Dusty man leaning over him grins. "Permanent feature, I think, its nice to see em" Graham can only agree. This area is sprouting airfields like pimples on a 13 year old And Americans.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/8/2016 7:53:23 AM)
April 4th Diego Garcia receives round two, heavy cruisers this time. DD Decoy strikes a mine, she will struggle to get home. Destroyer Napier is already miles away, headed towards the next target. The Australians attack Australian Militia, the Chocko's, push ever so slowly inwards on the perimeter. They fight, and die, just as gamely as the Regulars. There is nearly 25 6 inch guns at Jacks back, supporting the attack, hidden amongst the mine tailings, the scrub, the rocks and hillocks. A hellish landscape. Especially, right now, for the Jap paras being pounded from all sides. 7th division receive their orders. 1st Corp will standby, and do what all soldiers are more than familiar with. Standby and wait.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/8/2016 8:01:29 AM)
4th April General Blamey stands by the train. Around him, a dozen of the most important soldiers in Australia. Behind him, several hundred soldiers hanging from every window, door, vantage point of the long, long train, all intensely interested in what is happening in that small circle. They cannot hear the conversation , of course. But body language tells a story in itself. In later days, many will agree. Blamey was like a bulldog, fingers pointing, chests being poked. And then firm handshakes all round. The circle disperses. Blamey climbs aboard. A decision has been made. 10 minutes later the train, the trains, begin to roll.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/8/2016 8:34:06 AM)
From CINPAC to Chiefs of staff Appreciation of war, March/April Despite our best efforts, the Japanese continue to attack, and are obviously going all out to knock us out of the war quickly. The Invasion of Australia has come as a shock. The over running of the Aleutians a crises never ever even considered in pre war planning. What follows is an honest appraisal of how I see the war to date, what may transcribe in April, and what plans are in place by this command to try to rectify the crises we face. First, and this is no doubt the most important thing. We must preserve the carriers. To lose them now, is, I feel, a guaranteed way to lose the war At this stage only Enterprise (operating with the British in the Indian ocean) is at risk All others are ordered back to the states at this stage. The command areas: China The only bright spot so far, the Chinese seem to have stabilised the front, Nanning, Kweillin, Changsha, Changteh, Nanyang, Sian, Lanchow. The Japanese have tried several offensives, all can be considered held. The sending of 2 squadrons of P 40's to replace the AVG here, is a good investment. I feel China may hold for several more months, it may crack as supplies dry up, then again, it may not. India 10th airforce HQ and assets are coming into place. Air field construction continues. We still receive intel that an invasion is aimed at Colombo, southern India. I give this a 50/50 chance of actually occurring. As per last month, I actually hope they try, Australia, India, and the Aleutians? Australia 4 divisions in West Australia No sign (yet) of further landings , especially on the East coast. The Aussies, regretfully, are on their own, we have nothing to send, thanks to the Alaskan Bay fiasco The Aleutians We have failed here badly Too few troops. A lack of imagination on enemy intentions 2 full divisions, and the equivalent of another in minor troops. We risk losing Kodiac. We are going to lose Dutch Harbour, and another regiment. Only the forming marine regiments, and when ready, the 32nd division, will be available to eject them. Obviously not enough The Government must prepare the public for dark news in the days ahead South Pacific Plans continue The way ahead We are counting divisions Only 4 remain "hidden" General Blameys plan remains on the table, albeit, I am considering a modification of the initial target. All for April depends on the availability of troop lift, and its safe deliverance. This, for April, is my primary objective Nimitz.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/8/2016 8:49:00 AM)
4th April "The Speaker of the House calls upon the Prime Minister to address the House" Prime Minister Ford stands, the house falls silent. He takes them in. Craggy faces. Old faces. Young faces. Brown faces, pale faces Government. Opposition. But all Australian All Share this land with him. He considers the 3 pages of speech in his hand. And slowly screws it up. " We are Australians. And we can, have always done it on our bloody own. "Australians. The Japanese pollute our land. Our land. These bloody yellow barsteds think they can push us around. They are wrong Gallipolli. Passchendaele. The Hindenburg line. We kicked the Germans arse. We kick it again. Now for the Japs. I have ordered Blamey to exterminate the invaders. I have confidence he will. Whatever happens, victory, or defeat, I swear, Japan will rue the day they took us on. Aussies never step back. Never. And I never will.""' The Government defeats the no confidence vote by 6 votes, all independents voting against the motion.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/9/2016 7:09:59 AM)
April 5th The Japanese it seems, have bought out a division from China It, the 65th, and under the cover of Fuso's Guns, storm ashore at Dutch harbour. There is only a regiment defending, green horns, the hungry, low on everything. This is going to be a swift, horrible battle The Japanese, trapped at Kalgoorlie, hang on. They are going to fight to the last man. The Japanese tanks are coming up from Esperance, it will take a week though. The Aussies pound away, and look continuously over their shoulders, is anything going to come up the railway to help them? Nobody knows.

1275psi -> RE: Letters from a Prime Minister (2/9/2016 7:14:44 AM)
April 6th Enemy troops in outskirts of Perth Japanese hang on in Kalgoorlie ( 19 to 1 odds) Dutch harbour defences crumble Japanese fighters crawl all over Port Moresby, 48th Division troops occupy the North coast of PNG. And Matron mentions to Margaret at the homestead near Charters towers "Hear that?" "Ï can't hear anything" "Exactly........where, and possibly why, have all the planes gone?"

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