racndoc -> RE: THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM (11/22/2004 3:38:37 AM)
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Situation Report Feb. 14th, 1942 St. Valentines Day Massacre The US CVs had been held back since Operation Backhand Blow at the start of the war. However, after Japan secured Port Moresby and Shortlands a new invasion IJN Task Force started unloading at Gili Gili. With the entire KB and baby KB creating havoc in the DEI,The US CVs were committed along with a strong cruiser Task force to intervene in the South Pacific. SigInt reported 5 CAs in Port Moresby so US CVs were sent to attack Port Moresby while a CA Task Force intercepted IJN invasion force at Gili Gili. The 5 CAs at PM turned out to be 5 DDs which were duly sunk. However, the Japanese LBAC counterattacked and their 25 Betties broke through 62 CAP to put a fish in CV Saratoga. Meanwhile, 50 Nells in Rabaul hit the CA Task Force putting torpedoes in 3 CAs while the 15 ship CA Task Force failed to take a shot against the transports. The USN can only hope that the rain holds up on Feb. 15th to cover our withdrawal. In Borneo, Japan has secured the north coast and with the recent invasion of Tarakan the issue is still in doubt. In Sulawesi, Kendari and Menardo have fallen to Japan. Still no sign of Japs in Sumatra, Java, or Burma. All of Malaya has been secured by IJA. Clark, Manila and Bataan are still clear of IJA. Wake, Gilberts, and southern Solomons are still under Allied control. Meanwhile, troops,planes,and materiel pour into Brisbane on a daily basis. The 1st Allied air reinforcements from the West Coast have gone into action in the DEI. Things are still quiet in China. Japanese subs have been successful recently in slipping by escorts to sink TKs. Ship losses to date include: Allies: 3 BB, 17 DD, 10 MSW, 5 DMS, 2 DM, 2 PC, 5 SS, 1 AO, 4 TK, 16 PT(they were expendable), 1 ML, 8 AP, 19 AK. Japan: 3 CL, 13 DD, 10 MSW, 3 PG, 6 PC, 12 SS, 2 TK, 2 ML, 9 AP, 25 AK
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