Cap Mandrake
Posts: 23184
Joined: 11/15/2002 From: Southern California Status: offline
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Feb 11: The Japs make no attack on land today. Even thought the report of Jap troop strength declined, I don't trust the information as a new Jap naval support unit showed up. 3rd Marine Def. Bn. dented or put big holes in about 6-7 transports and small escorts today. The Japs responded with about 200 carrier sorties against the guns of 3rd Def. Bn., but at least 90% are still operational. Against orders, one of the B-26 squadrons sorteid against the transports without escort. Two were lost. The Arid-Adapted Taro Air Force at Noumea is down to 21 operational P-39's, 7 F4F's, 8 B-26 and 7 PBY's. I disbanded one B-26 squadron and sent the 5 operational SBD's resting in Suva back into the fight. Another understrength B-26 squadron was flown in from Suva as well. 3 replacement P-39's were ferried in but there are no more F4F's to be had. The Jap carriers appear to be moving away to the NW(350 mi off now). Arid-Adapted Taro Air Force is therefore ordered to attack again. Several companies of armor are about 5 days away to the East. 8th Marine Regt., which began emergency disembarkation at Samoa is now stuck with it's infantry ashore and heavy vehicles still embarked. AE requires one to be careful about such things. Pretend I didnt read the rules. I will therefore send the heavy equipment to Noumea first and bring in some fresh AP's to load the remainder fo 8th Marine and get them to Noumea as well. If successful, that will leave Nouma with 2 regts of Marines, a potent force should the line hold at Koumac and the Japs be forced to bring the kitchen sink. There options would include a landing at La Foa and march on Noumea , a direct assault on Noumea or a reinforced landing at Koumac. In either case, it will require a Jap division equivalent and all 4 carriers. This will keep them busy for a while. The Free French detachment no longer have any thoughts of surrender, indeed they are positively ebullient, with morale in the high 90's.
< Message edited by Cap Mandrake -- 4/29/2010 3:29:59 PM >
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