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Cap Mandrake -> Sacrifice (9/25/2005 2:57:24 AM)
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quote:
A plan to reinforce and resupply Port Moresby turned into a major Donneybrook. Two squadrons of Marine F4F's and an understrength squadron of USAAF P-40B's deployed to PM in advance of the arrival of at least 25 AK's, AP's and support ships to deliver engineers, a full-strength Australian Inf Brig., AAA units and supply to PM. Lae was in Japanese hands but not ready for action. Both Wewak and Rabaul were in an advanced state of preparation. All of the Japanese CV's had disappeared after the evacuation of Malaya had begun. Were the Japanese carriers headed to Malaya to stop the slaughter of Japanese aircraft on the airfields in Malaya? In any event, the resupply must take place if Port Moresby is to be held.
Naturally, the approach of 20+ transports was sure to attract some attention. It did. Dozens of Bettys flung themseleves at the transports. Wildcats and P-40's and Betty bombers and more than a few Zeros fell from the sky, but the transports were realtively untouched. Dozens more Zeros joined the fight. Fighter sweeps of 40+ Zeros destroyed half the Allied fighters. By the 13th, the AP's were all unloaded and all the US fighters were withdrawn. There was nothing but bad weather and AAA to protect the last few AK's.
Then the Hiryu and Soryu showed up.
[image]local://upfiles/7983/8B9B35B030034EB6AED23ABEC689739E.jpg[/image]
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