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Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

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ORIGINAL: John 3rd

That is beautiful. Thank You for the Post.

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ORIGINAL: John 3rd

February 3, 1943
Cooktown, Australia

As detailed earlier, there was a sharp pair of surface actions on January 30, 1943. BC Kawachi, 4 CL, and 5 DD absolutely mauled an American CA TF sinking both Houston and Northhampton while taking little damage. While engaged with the American sacrificial lambs, the Japanese got surprised by BC Repulse, 2 CA, a CL, 3 DD. CL Kako was lost but three heavy shell hits penetrated Repulse's thin armor. The two sides then retired. It was a well-timed surprise by Paul but, luckily, the cost were not too bad for the Japanese.

I tell this as backdrop for the action occurring a week later.

The result of the fight detailed above opened the opportunity for the Japanese to take the offensive. The door to Cooktown appeared open.

Held back as the theatre reserve, 3 Kongo-Class BC immediately depart Tulagi and head west. This TF is escorted by several CL and 8 DDs.

Three days brings them to Cairns. Late-Afternoon the 3rd, three TF's depart. First to leave are 3 DDs whose job is to sweep the damned PT boats out of the way. These are followed by a BC, 2 CA, and 6 DD looking for surface opposition. Lastly, the Kongo's depart armed for AF Bombardment.

The plan is executed flawlessly. The PTs are swept away with three being sunk before the BCs open fire. For a full 90 minutes, the Kongo's pour 14" fire into Cooktown. The results are spectacular. By reports, the Allies lose 19 planes, have over 200 damaged, suffer over 700 casualties, and the AF is blown to HELL. LOVELY!

For the next two days, Allied air activity is, thankfully, weakened. The Kongo's and other ships head back to re-arm and re-fuel. Perhaps they shall be back...

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Is this a enemy pocket or a massive trap? John3rd has 100k troops at risk. So do I.

In the rear is 2/3rds of all allied 4e HB(about 150). Based in large AFs, making bi turn runs on Cairns and surrounding troops. I would say the 4e heavies have done a good job plastering the IJA armor whenever they tried to make end runs. My scouts are out, 4 divisions in reserve (with about 10 AUS brigades in addition) for any distraction. (Early in this invasion I would say the 4Es had a great impact on slowing the Jap offensive) So we are pressing the attack.

Three wings on the offensive. Headed north, the left wing has run into the 48th and 16th IJA divisions. Because of terrain the stacking is limited to 40k. This hex is being attacked by the N AUS Command consisting of 3rd Mar and US 27th inf divisions, and about one AR brigade. Originally the 16th div was stacked with the 48th div but moved by foot on the rail line to the NE about 4 days ago. So now the IJA 48th div (in good order) holds the door to the NE plains of AUS. It is a grind.

The center was defended by the IJA 90th div and one AR bde. It was engaged by the 1st US Corp which consist of 2nd AUS div, the big NZ 150 tank bde and another 3 AUS AR battalions. The 90th broke quickly and pursuit literally destroyed the division. Pursuit has the AUS armor one hex from Cairns with the 1st USA Corp following up.

Along the coast the New Guinea Corps consisting of 1st US Marine division and the 1st AUS division with 4AR regiments have the toughest job with the heaviest casualties (as expected) because the IJN has been shelling the New Guinea Corps as they try to attack. So this axis of attack up the main coast road has been slow, but allied intel seems to show the IJA is in retreat back to Cairns(probably in fear of being cut off)

Too the left of the New Guinea Corp is the AUS 29th Bde engaged with the IJA 1st Para bde in a rough hex. The para is on the move to NW, taking and giving casualties.


Last turn the IJAAF packed it up and left Cairns. Now the IJN surface units are uncovered or CAP is flying from Cooktown with distance becoming an issue as time goes by.

Supply was built up before this offensive. I suspect the Japs will never be able to resupply this situation before it collapses as my attacks are every turn. (unless something happens elsewhere to save the day for the IJA)

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ORIGINAL: John 3rd

I wrote Paul after this turn the following note:

This is the first turn of the war that I truly did not like. I know that it is the first of many but it was not pleasant. Well done!

Very well done.

I managed to pull out a total of 353 men of the 48th ID. YIKES! Lost 2,900+ troops from the air strikes.

To correct BB Fanboy: I have taken ALL of Australia before. Never, EVER, intended to take Aussieland in this campaign but I did want Paul to THINK I might. Had a total of 11 ID committed to the Invasion and have pulled out seven intact so far...

He has thrown the kitchen sink into Australia and I am happy about that. We approach March 1943 and we are fighting in AUSTRALIA. So far, so good.

If Paul and I had started this game then I might have swung for the fence with Australia and might--just maybe--of been able to take it. Instead I wanted a solid distraction to have most of the Allied war effort focused on while I worked elsewhere to plan the defense of the perimeter.