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29 November 1942

 
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29 November 1942 - 5/31/2002 2:41:09 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		My invasion force has made the turn at the Gili Gap and naturally the Betty Bombers were there to greet them. Both of my battleships and the Light Cruisers Helena and Leander were struck by torpedos. None of the ships is in danger of being lost, but Spruance has ordered them home because they were slowing down the task force. Whittled down by four ships and still two days out...

My nights have become sleepless as I sit by the radio awaiting reports of the brave men of Operation Archer.

Off Guadalcanal, the Japanese are again attempt to resupply the island. My submariners, mines and those brave crews from my Patrol Boats are raising hell with their escorts.

My land base air is now pounding Lae 24 hours a day. If my invasion makes it to the beach I hope the opposition will be deep in their foxholes.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

29 November 1942

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Post #: 121
30 November 1942 - 5/31/2002 2:47:49 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		What luck! Heavy rainfall has grounded the Bettys. If I could get just one more day of bad weather...


Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

30 November 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 122
- 5/31/2002 2:56:52 PM   
Hartmann

 

Posts: 888
Joined: 11/28/2000
Status: offline 		I somehow lost overview over your assets. :) The Japs have at least one operational carrier, right? You, too?

If not, there could be a problem because unloading takes time (always a nailbiting thing). Before any major landing, I always try to chase the current carriers away, or more precisely: I try to damage them at least so much that they have to go for repairs. If mine have to undergo repairs, too, it doesn´t matter as the whole point is to have a time window in which the transports can have their go unharrassed. (I gather that, while the BBs go home, there are still enough CAs as protection?)

On the other hand, once you´re ashore it will look good - the forces at Lae are not *that* numerous given the importance of the base. (Unless the AI did something about it, but I don´t think so. :))

Hartmann

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Post #: 123
- 5/31/2002 3:01:55 PM   
matt.buttsworth

 

Posts: 886
Joined: 5/26/2001
From: Weimar, Germany
Status: offline 		very interesting reports.

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 124
1 December 1942 - 5/31/2002 3:15:37 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		Battle of Huon Gulf

My weather luck continues...two straight days and no Bettys from Rabaul....Vals did show up but my ships ducked into a squal!

My destroyer pickets ran into a cruiser group in the Lae harbor and did not fare well. The battle was joined with the groups 6000 yards apart at 4:14 in the morning. The Myoko and Suzuya both hammered Gwin with very accurate gunnery and she slipped beneath the surface 10 minutes into the action, Monssen was damaged. My destroyers slid past the startled Japanese cruisers made a U-turn and came back for a second pass. Athabusken was sunk for their trouble, but what audacity by my destroyer captains! Unfortunetly they reported that only a single hit was scored on the Light Cruiser Kitakami but the cruiser group did retire.

Their retirement caused them to miss my cruiser group which entered the harbor and caught 6 transports and 3 tankers sinking them all. Following the short actions in the heat of the Lae sun the cruiser group wrecked the airfield and layed waste to the port. With the troops due tomorrow, my cruisers will have to withstand one more day of possible Betty attacks, if the weather doesnt hold out then its up to the Army to protect them, but Archer is on!


Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

1 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 125
2 December 1942 - 5/31/2002 4:16:53 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		Landing at Lae

Archer has arrived off the coast of New Guinea in Lae harbor just after sunrise. The Japanese response was immediate as a major air strike flys out of Rabaul and Kavieng. Army-Air claims 15 kills as the bombers decend on the task force [B]NO hits[/B] reported by the task force as they begin disgorging troops on the beach.

An hour later a second strike decends on the Task force, a major air battle ensues overhead with the Army claiming 12 kills. When the bombers leave the USS Arthur Middleton begins to list from a single torpedo hit. No ground injuries reported. 30 percent of the invasion force have been landed by nightfall.

The Submarines and PT boats continue their grim task off Guadalcanal. Another Japanese transport is reported hung in the minefields.


Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

2 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 126
3 December 1942 - 5/31/2002 4:39:24 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		Battle of Lae

The Japanese start the morning with an airstrike against the troop ships. Army air must of hurt them the day before because the strike is surprisingly light. The air soldiers claim 11 kills...USS McCalla a destroyer covering the invasion takes a torpedo and limps away from the beach area.

An afternoon strike also lacking punch shows in the area , but 3 bombers do get through the CAP, but make hits against the task force. I feel that the combination of the pounding my heavy bombers delivered at Rabaul and the absolutely perfect CAP performance by the army air fighters have secured the beach head as well as any foot soldier. Well done to the Army!

On the ground the Japanese soldiers unleash a fierce artillary barrage on debarking Australian soldiers. An attack against Japanese defenses weakens them, but fails to achieve a hoped break through. The 186th has been committed to the battle and is ashore.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

3 December 1942

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Post #: 127
4 December 1942 - 5/31/2002 4:46:07 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		Marine Dive Bombers out of Vila attack and sink a Japanese Merchant passing the island. Significant, as it is the first offensive strike from Vila.

An air raid out of Kavieng has no effect against the invasion force. A half hour later a Betty bomber slams a torpedo into the side of USS Indianapolis. She manages to control the flooding and remains on station.

A 3rd air strike today, but the lightest to date fails to get through the CAP in another great show of airmanship by the Army.

The Japanese counter attack the Australians with out much effect. More Australian/American troops pour ashore and are fed into the battle pushing the Japanese lines back. All in all the landings have been hugely successful. The Army air has more then made up for my lack of Carriers in the area. I am surprised the Japanese navy did not come out, but I feel that they also fear the army air and have left the defense of Lae to their Air Force and few ground troops that are there.

CinCPac informs me that the USS Colorado and her escorts are just three days away. Good news considering the material condition of South Dakota and Washington which both are in serious need of yard work.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

4 December 1942

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Post #: 128
5 December 1942 - 6/1/2002 10:58:37 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		My troops have almost completely disembarked from the transports. The Japanese are fighting hard, but falling back. There was only one air raid against the transport groups today. It was very very light. The battle line at Lae hasnt moved much, but I intend to hammer the enemy lines with one more bombardment before my warships retire south tomorrow.

Outside of Lunga my Dive Bomber squadron out of Vila caught and punished a transport group trying to get past the blockade. I believe those Marines on that island will make the difference at Guadalcanal.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding


5 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 129
6 December 1942 - 6/1/2002 11:14:47 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		The invasion of Lae is going better then my wildest expectations. I honestly believed I would take heavier shipping losses then I did enroute. I overloaded my transports with troops and hoped half of them would make it to the beaches. All of them did.

I believe despite my dislike for the Army, the air-soldiers are the ones who made this possible. They devasted the iniatal attacks against my task force. Now Japanese air attacks are so light that they are pests..nothing more. I will probably be retiring the transport group back to Brisbane soon. I will now make supply runs in and maybe drop in a fresh brigade if the men on the ground get worn out or the battle drops into a stalemate.

I will now go back to my staff and figure what to do next. I have many options. I still think that Shortland should fall soon. I now believe that I have achieved air superiority in theatre as long as the carriers remain at Truk. Enterprise has just 30 days left in the yards and I hope that CinCPac will send her my way. Of course we have had so much success without carrier air he may decide we don't need the help.

I may have to send Washington back to Pearl when Colorado arrives. She is pretty battered from wear and tear and two Japanese torpedos. South Dakota is being worked on here at Noumea and I hope to have her operational again in a few weeks. Until then I will depend on Colorado to help keep the Japanese at Lunga boxed in.

I will starve them out.


Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

6 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 130
7 December 1942 - 6/1/2002 3:39:26 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		2nd Battle of Huon Gulf

It's been one year to the day after the dastardly Pearl Harbor attack and the Japanese have stage a naval victory. Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance had his third flagship blown out from under him on the final night his task force was scheduled to be off the coast of Lae supporting Archer.

A small Japanese task force led by the light cruiser Abukuma crept into the harbor around 3 am looking to attack the remaining transports delivering the final supplies to the soldiers ashore. They ran into Spruance who was making for the beach to deliver one last naval bombardment prior to his retirement.

The Japanese spotted the Americans first and held fire until their first torpedo spread impacted against Nashville (Spruance's flag) at 9000 thousand yards. The destroyer Duncan immediately turned on her search lights illuminating Abukuma and the 14 destroyers of Spruance's force begin engaging the Japanese. In what degenerated into a knife fight between destroyers, the two sides battered each other for over 2 hours. Both columns twice passing each other during the engagement, guns blazing and torpedos spewing out of launchers. Nashville took a 3rd torpedo hit at 5:25 am and with the sun begining its ascent into the Lae sky Spruance's flagship begin to come apart. No abandon ship order was necessary.

The Americans managed to sink both the Abukuma and the destroyer Kiyonami. The 14 American destroyers managed cause varying degrees of damage to the other four Japanese attackers, paying a heavy price. Farenholt sank early in the afternoon of the 7th joining Nashville on the bottom of the harbor. To add to the American misery two Japanese Nells got through the American CAP just as the action ended and put a torpedo in the side of USS Duncan. Her crew abandoned her once thinking she was sinking, but recrewed her after she remained afloat. She is badly damaged and acting captain (both the captain and XO were killed by the torpedo hit) does not think she can be saved. The engagement certainly takes the luster off of what I felt had been a nearly flawless operation.

Tired and wet Admiral Spruance transfered his flag once again, this time to the USS Fletcher.

I would of considered losing a light cruiser and likely 2 destroyers a minor loss just two days ago, but now I view it as a mini-disaster given how close we came to pulling this off virtually unscratched.

All of Spruance's ships are now retiring, its up to the army to finish the job.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

7 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 131
- 6/2/2002 3:14:19 AM   
Hartmann

 

Posts: 888
Joined: 11/28/2000
Status: offline 		Though I feel your loss, I'm also happy that the AI is still able to show its teeth at times. :)

Good thing you do not have to worry about autovictory from the Allied side. So who knows, maybe you will even get the final satisfaction of taking Rabaul in the end?

Hartmann

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 132
8 December 1942 - 6/3/2002 9:23:13 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		Routine operations. That is how my Chief of Staff has described what our next two to four weeks will be like. Although I have to question how war can be considered "routine" I do have to agree with him.

My Marines out of Villa are now hitting the port of Shortlands and their air brothers at San Cristobal continue to pound Guadalcanal. My troops continue to attack the Japanese at Lae and my ships continue to shift supplies to where they are needed. Unless I get an opportunity I see nothing to change this pattern.

Colorado arrived in theatre today and I sent her north to pound on the Guadalcanal airfield. Washington and South Dakota remain in my yards. I have decided not to send them to the yards at Pearl letting my blue jackets do the yard work.

USS Duncan under the command of an Ensign just out of the academy continues to limp to port. My reports say that she is heavily flooded but the crew continues to work to save her despite being under the watchful eye of the Japanese air force.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding.

8 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 133
9 December 1942 - 6/3/2002 10:48:37 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		USS Duncan sank with Buna in sight. Ensign Chad Jackson got his crew off the valiant destroyer and then watched her go in bow first. USS Dunlap made Buna, crews are now working feverishly to keep her afloat. USS Cushing is now just 30 miles off Buna and her bluejackets continue to fight to keep her from being another victim from the disasterous 2nd Battle of Huon.


Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

9 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 134
12 December 1942 - 6/3/2002 1:56:03 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		The skies over New Guinea have been clear of Japanese aircraft since the 2nd battle of Huon. I am starting to believe that I have broken their airpower there. That or he is marshalling what he has left in airpower for major strikes. Even my supply runs to my troops fighting at Lae have become...routine.


Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

12 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 135
13 December 1942 - 6/4/2002 10:43:55 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		The destroyer cut across the harbor slowly, the water smooth as glass, unusual for this area of the world. At the wheel of the small ship, Seaman Alan Anderson loved it. He had been in rough seas during the transit of Monaghan from Pearl Harbor and the 20-year-old sailor had been at the wheel of the destroyer during one too many squalls. Turning the ship's wheel right then left, he guided the destroyer on a lazy figure eight helping her keep station with the the transports his ship was shepherding.

Looking left on this sunny Lae morning he saw his captain taking in the latest reports of enemy activity. He liked the man, believed he was a fair man to work for, not too unlike his father back in the States. He smiled at that thought, "enemy activity." The skies of New Guinea had been clear for weeks now. Not an enemy plane had so much as made an appearance. Anderson thought that a large part of that was because of the Army-Air. Their route to Huon Harbor had taken them almost adjacent to the New Guinea coastline--an area completly dominated by the allied air force. Making the transit to Lae completely safe.

Monaghan was part of a destroyer "picket" on the edge of the task force, protecting transports bearing fresh troops and supplies for the fighting land forces at Lae. Scuttlebutt was that battle was going quite well and with the Japanese all but pulling out of the area most of the sailors felt very safe in the waters of Lae.

What Anderson did not know was Army intelligence had reached the conclusion that the Japanese air power had been broken in this area. They had whittled their CAP over routine supply ship convoys in the area down quite a bit. The beat-up fighters of the New Guinea air force needed maintanence and this was the day more than 50 percent of the force was on the runways receiving it.

"Bridge port bow, aircraft off the port quarter on the horizon."

The captain turned and immediately called for General Quarters. The destroyer begin to buckle-up for combat her crew rushing to their battle stations.

Anderson began to turn the wheel hard at his captain's commands. The destroyer surged forward with all the speed she could muster. It was obvious to him that the skipper was trying to make sure his ship stayed between the aircraft and the transports. Anti-aircraft guns began barking and between Monaghan and Stockton the sky began to fill up with that deadly metal rapidly.

"Bridge Jap bombers coming in low off the starboard side."

Anderson continued to respond to his captain's navigational commands automatically, but inside he worried. A second set of bombers was bearing down on the ship he was on from the opposite side, that was bad.

The bombers began to peel off, after each deposited a silver torpedo in the water. The port lookout picked up the torpedo wakes immediately, the starboard lookouts could not find them...

The Monaghan turned hard to port, Anderson spinning the wheel on his Captain's commands the destroyer screws clawing for water, as she desperately tried to avoid the incomming torpedos...

As fast as the small boy was she couldn't avoid the entire spread of torpedos coming at her both port and starboard. One struck her just under her number on the port side, the impact sending most of the bridge crew flying forward into the bulkhead. The destroyer suddenly was moving straight as Anderson was thrown over the wheel. A second torpedo, one of the invisible starboard ones, struck her in the stern of the small ship, shearing off 30 feet of it. Water began to pour inside parts of the ship never meant to see the outside sun. So quickly did she fill with water that most of the crew never would see the sun again.

Anderson was picked up within an hour of Monaghan's sinking, but many of his friends were gone. Anderson wondered--like many--where were the fighters?

The toll at the end of the day was two destroyers and several transports. Later that night a submarine attacked the task force and another destroyer was sunk. The commanding Air General in New Guinea was sacked and his boss the commanding Admiral of all forces SoPac/SWPac received a stern tongue-lashing from CinCPac. Never again would CAP be so lax in a combat theatre.

The Japanese clearly were not ready to give up the area without a fight.

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Post #: 136
14 December 1942 - 6/4/2002 11:37:31 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		The question of air superiority over New Guinea has been answered. No less then 3 airstrikes descended upon my ships of Lae today, including carrier air. My forces are claiming at least 35 Japanese planes found the water...but we lost both Hutchkins and Conyngham to torpedos, Fletcher and Alwin were also struck. To add to the destruction USS Dale was torpedoed by a Japanese sub...the Japanese undersea forces had all but disappeared from the region...no more. I have learned a real lesson here...never fail to fly CAP over your naval forces...the Japanese will make you pay if they get a chance.

The land battle at Lae rages on, my forces continue to drive the Japanese army back towards the airfield. I hope to have it in my hands soon so I can supply my troops by air.

The Colorado battle group caught a couple of Japanese transports off of Guadalcanal tonight. This is the third night she has moved up and hammered the airfield there. Nothing is flying out of Guadalcanal right now and now that I know where the enemy carriers are...I will keep Colorado on station forever, or until maintanance requirements force her home.

My staff and I agree that our next operation will involved the SHortlands. I will not make any offensive moves until Enterprise is here...she still has a month left in the yards and that assumes that Admiral Nimitz will send her. Word is that USS Wasp is about the make the transit to the Atlantic...another 45 days...I could use her too.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

14 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 137
fun AAR - 6/5/2002 12:16:04 AM   
brisd


Posts: 614
Joined: 5/20/2000
From: San Diego, CA
Status: offline 		Ron -

I have really enjoyed your posts, they bring the game alive. Thanks for sharing your triumphs and mistakes. I am currently finishing up my first campaign as the Japanese vs the AI and maybe next round I will do my own version. I like your first person narrative especially. Good luck at Lae, you are braver than me in that situation! :p

_____________________________

"I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer."-Note sent with Congressman Washburne from Spotsylvania, May 11, 1864, to General Halleck. - General Ulysses S. Grant

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 138
- 6/6/2002 1:22:12 AM   
Hartmann

 

Posts: 888
Joined: 11/28/2000
Status: offline 		I really hope that this AAR will be continued even if the patch should arrive somewhat early.

Hartmann

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 139
Hartmann - 6/6/2002 1:24:28 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		It will be. Being paranoid I decided to switch the game to my laptop, that way I can keep version 1 and my AAR going there. But play any PBEMs in on my desktop. I am just as interested as everyone else in how this is going to end :).

Rob

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 140
- 6/6/2002 4:24:55 AM   
Hartmann

 

Posts: 888
Joined: 11/28/2000
Status: offline 		Thanks! :cool:

Hartmann

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 141
15 December 1942 - 6/6/2002 11:15:52 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		It appears a major Japanese effort to close off the the supply route to Lae is underway. The transport group there was savaged by at least 2 battleships and their escorts. Two destroyers were sunk, and at least two transports failed to escape the carnage. The battleship group then proceeded to bombarded my ground forces at Lae. I have ordered the Colorado task group back to Noumea to resupply and refuel for a possible deployment to the area. If the Japanese are making a major naval effort at Lae I will meet them.

The destroyer Fletcher, heavily damaged in the last few days of fighting caught 3 Japanese transports 90 miles off of Lae. The Fletcher's crew made short work of the transports. It appears the Japanese are also trying to resupply their troops at Lae. They could be settling in for a long seige there.

Heavy fighting at Lae as both sides launch attacks. My troops have been unable to dislodge the Japanese. Both the American and Australian troops are exhausted from the fighting and I am looking into rotating some fresh troops into the area now.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

15 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 142
16 December 1942 - 6/6/2002 11:26:01 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		Japanese soldiers have landed on the Beach of Salamara! THis is stunning to me. I now believe those transports Fletcher attacked were involved in this operation. Once again I have sacked an army-air general for failure to do his duty. Where is the Army air while the Japanese fleet wrecks havok on my soldiers and naval forces?

The attack at Lae has ground to a halt. I have ordered my soldiers there into defensive positions until I can land more troops and supplies. They are worn out. The battle here has turned into a much longer campaign then I first imagined. I have ordered the 2nd Marine at Noumea to begin to make preparations to deply there. I will have to push them through the area now that it appears to be a Japanese Naval sailing ground. I have no idea where the enemy carriers are, but if they also remain in the area, my troops could be in deep trouble at Lae.

My submarine forces continue to sink everything that gets near Guadalcanal. What I would give to find out what condition the Japanese garrison is in there. I still havent seen an aircraft fly out of there since Colorado begin to shell it.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

16 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 143
Sub Gods - 6/6/2002 3:08:55 PM   
Ron Saueracker


Posts: 12121
Joined: 1/28/2002
From: Ottawa, Canada OR Zakynthos Island, Greece
Status: offline 		Rob. After sacking your air jocks, promote Ralph Waldo Christie!! Not only is he the guy responsible for the "BRILLIANT" performance of your sub's Mk 14 torpedoes and rust bucket S boats, he's also now in charge of the subs based in Brisbane!!

I hope my sarcasm is taken the way it was meant (hic...hic!) Man, I hope the effectiveness off subs is fixed next.:)

_____________________________





Yammas from The Apo-Tiki Lounge. Future site of WITP AE benders! And then the s--t hit the fan

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 144
sticking one's head into a noose - 6/7/2002 4:35:26 AM   
brisd


Posts: 614
Joined: 5/20/2000
From: San Diego, CA
Status: offline 		If I were the Japanese player I would welcome an attack at Lae in your current situation. You don't have the forces to achieve Naval or Air superiority at that location and your attempts to supply your invasion will be costly, giving the enemy easy victories. Sending the Marines in will only give the enemy more troops to march into the POW camps. That's how it appears from this admiral's point of view. Lunga would have made a better target, easier to supply for you and harder for the Japanese. Good luck!

_____________________________

"I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer."-Note sent with Congressman Washburne from Spotsylvania, May 11, 1864, to General Halleck. - General Ulysses S. Grant

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 145
17 December 1942 - 6/7/2002 4:10:40 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		USS Fletcher sinks just shy of Buna adding to the ships knocked out of the war at the Huon disaster. That chapter is now behind me and the lesson will guide me as I continue to keep my supplies flowing into Lae.

USS Cleveland led a destroyer group into the Lunga area and smashed a group of Japanese cargo ships. The Japanese continue to try to force supplies through in the area with unescorted ships...madness.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

17 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 146
21 December 1942 - 6/7/2002 4:14:42 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		Army air crews out of Gili rise and attack a reported Japanese carrier group just North of Gili. The army pilots might be brave but couldnt hit the barn standing next to it.

Great news at Nomea, two more battleship groups have arrived. I will put USS Indiana and USS Maryland to very good use in and around the waters of Guadalcanal.

This frees up Colorado and South Dakota for the SWPac command. The will join the Marines on the transit to the theatre. My staff has grave doubts about my abilty to supply Lae or land marines there. Despite the placement of the Japanese carrier (in a perfect blocking position) group they can only stay at sea so long. When they are out of area I rule the skies as long as my newest Air General can manage to put cap over my transports. The Marines will land and supplies will get through.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

21 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 147
23 December 1942 - 6/7/2002 4:19:24 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		The Army is claiming two hits on the carrier Hiyo. If its true bravo! Maybe the army can hit that barn standing next to it.

My fighter strip at Vila is paying big dividends. They attacked and wrecked several transports (and thier escorts) trying to get into Guadalcanal. On days when no Japanese transports try to make the run...they hammer Shortland and any ships that might be in port. Of the many decision that I have made...seizing this island may have been the best (only) decision.

Lae has degenerated into an artillary duel between both sides. My forces there are exhausted and the enemies are not great enough to push them back. THose 4000 troops at Salamara could give me some problems if they move towards Lae, but I have begun to march 7th Aussie down the Owen Stanleys and though it is a tough march I hope they keep those Japanese troops tied down right where they are.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

23 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 148
24 December 1942 - 6/7/2002 4:46:22 PM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		The battle for the South Pacific continues to rage on this holiest of nights. It is my second Holiday season at war...a war which feels like it started another lifetime ago.

USS Maryland and USS Indiana spent Christmas eve shelling the Japanese at Lunga. Earlier in the day my B-17s out of Luganville also payed the airfield on Guadalcanal a visit. The airfield there is completely out of commission and my aircraft, submarines and minefields continue to batter any Japanese ships that try to pass the blockade. I honestly feel like the Japanese there must be starving.

My dive bombers attacked a Japanese Battleship task force at SHortland. Again this airfield pays off...as I continue to remind my staff over and over...we must take chances to beat the Japanese.

For yet another day my Army air rises out of Gili after that enemy carrier blocking force. Different day, same results. This time the attack was a combination of B-17s and British Wirraways. Blind leading the blind.

Lae was not silent. Another artillery duel raged throughout the day, still no movement from the Japanese lines. I am begining to get concerned about the supplies there..I have been able to snake a transport or two into harbor under the carrier air nose, but soon the surplus I h ad there will expire. I have to figure out how to move those carriers.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

24 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 149
25 December 1942 - 6/9/2002 8:39:08 AM   
Rob Roberson

 

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/1/2002
Status: offline 		My new air General gave me a wonderful Christmas gift. Army-air bombers rose out of Port Moresby and struck the Japanese carrier blocking force. Army pilots are claiming hits on all three enemy CVs. Earlier the pilots out of Gili attacked the task group twice no hits. If true, this will open up the Gili gap sea lanes and allow me to resupply and reinforce my embattled troops at Lae.

My PT boats at Lae were in action again interdicting Japanese supply efforts. The troops there hunkered down on this holy day. No fighting from either side of the line.

The Japanese celebrated Christmas day with a battleship bombardment of Gili Gili. First time in a very long time I had seen Japanese battleships, never mind Japanese battleships bombarding Gili.

In the Solomons, my twin battleship bombardment force hammered Lunga again. Nothing is flying out of that area.

Admiral Robert Roberson commanding

25 December 1942

(in reply to Rob Roberson)
Post #: 150
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