Terrible Swift Sword in the Pacific (ENDED)

[Helpless]

This is how Dutch Harbor looks after that... [:D]

[Mike Carroll]

You are not kidding[:D]

Dateline Anchorage:

What appears to be a Japanese Battle Division and Battlecruiser Division sortied into Dutch Harbor last night. In a series of battles some cripples on both sides were sunk. Fortunately the US forces were able to replenish their main gun ammunition and torpedoes at Dutch Harbor.

A Navy spokesman stated that the details of the battle and long-term consequences are still being sorted out. It was hoped that the US fleet would be able to engage a weakened Japanese fleet at Dutch Harbor and inflict crippling casualties on the Japanese fleet. This does not appear to have happened. Japanese ships were damaged, but to what extent is unknown. It is also noted that at least 6 Japanese Battleships were operating in the South Pacific, including the modern battleships Mutsu and Nagato. Also it is known that 6 pre-dreadnaughts were operating in the South China Sea. The result of the battle may well be a short-term shift in the balance of power towards the Japanese fleet. The repair yards will be busy for some time to come.

From many corners there is a call for further development of aircraft as a cheaper and more effective way to deal with the enemy's battleline. It is noted that several battleships were not present at the battle at Dutch Harbor because they were undergoing repairs from air attacks at Midway.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/23/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Owari, Shell hits 5, on fire
BC Kongo, Shell hits 1
BC Haruna, on fire
DD Shiokaze, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Namikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 3
DD Radford, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mervine, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Zeilin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Kii
BB Tosa
BB Kaga
DD Okikaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Keyaki

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Radford, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Mervine, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Zeilin, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Kii, Shell hits 4
BB Tosa, Shell hits 9, on fire
BB Kaga, Shell hits 1
DD Okikaze, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Keyaki

Allied Ships
BB Arizona
BB Pennsylvania
BB New Mexico, on fire
DD Thatcher, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Greene, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Kii, Shell hits 13
BB Tosa, on fire
BB Kaga, Shell hits 1
DD Keyaki

Allied Ships
BB Arizona, Shell hits 1
BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 3
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Thatcher, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Greene, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Kii
BB Tosa, on fire
BB Kaga, Shell hits 3
DD Keyaki

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, on fire, heavy damage
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Tennessee, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Talbot, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Taan at 37,41

Japanese Ships
DD Kaya
DD Nokaze
DD No. 28

Allied Ships
SS S-38, hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dutch Harbor, at 103,36

Allied Ships
DD Talbot, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, on fire, heavy damage
BB South Dakota, on fire, heavy damage
BB North Carolina, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dutch Harbor, at 103,36

Allied Ships
DD Greene, on fire, heavy damage
BB New Mexico, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania
BB Arizona

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29874 troops, 287 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 9320 troops, 53 guns, 3 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6668 troops, 49 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 29874 troops, 287 guns, 0 vehicles

[Rysyonok]

Bloody battle.

Have any ships sank the next night (Combat report conveniently forgets to list those)?

And what's up with such deadly efficiency of IJN BCs?

[Mike Carroll]

Well I am not certain about the Japanese but there have been additional sinkings. I suspect at least one BC is in bad shape, but I have no info on it yet.

His BC were incredibly accurate! And did most of the damage. My original intention was to arrive for a night combat, but I had to push things. One I had a feeling his ships were slipping out of the harbor as they finished unloading. Also I was worried that his ground forces might be strong enough to take Dutch Harbor. My forces have 1 or 2 disruption, so I think they will hold, but I wanted to make sure I had the battle at a friendly port. As it turns out if I had delayed one day I would have missed him.

I am puzzled about why my TF did not do that well. I had the battleships grouped based on the main gun range and that may not have been the best way. In one Division I had 16" guns and 12" guns with around 32k range. I thought that would work out ok, but did not. I also think I needed more destroyers and perhaps some cruisers. Unfortunately my cruiser losses have been very heavy and I had them on patrol and scout duty.

Well it certainly makes things interesting. Where are my commerce raiders? About 3 months out:-(

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline San Francisco:

A kind of quiet has descended over the Pacific as both sides lick their wounds and contemplate next moves.

A Japanese submarine appeared off the California coast for the first time during the war. This does not bode well for the US as heavy losses in Destroyers are already stretching the available resources to the breaking point. Convoy Command has ordered all cargo ships to cease automated convoys and begin consolidating in the ports for formation into larger convoys. So far the shipping between the West Coast and Pearl Harbor/Midway has been largely unmolested.

Steps are underway to begin commerce raiding operations against Jap convoys in the Marshall Islands and in the Home Islands. Most US subs will receive new deployment orders in the next several months. In addition in excess of 20 commerce raider's have been ordered. They should start to arrive within the next couple of months as they complete their refits. These raiders will be able to raid deeply into Japanese territory unsupported.

Serious consideration is being given to the repair of battle damage from the recent naval actions around Dutch Harbor. Numerous destroyers and several Battleships will require stays in the repair yard to repair battle damage. Fortunately at the beginning of the war several merchant ships were converted to ARs in anticipation of this need. They are still several months out but at least they are coming. In addition Reserve Fleet HQ has been moved to San Francisco to supervise repair operations at the largest Repair Yard on the West Coast. Asiatic Fleet HQ is located in Seatle and will supervise the really long-term repairs (those taking 6+ months)

In other news the USS Montana (8x18" Guns) and USS Indiana (12x16") are part of the first division of battleships to be transferred from the Atlantic Fleet. Unfortunately due to some difficulties at the Panama Canal these ships will be required to go around the Straits of Magellan. This is expected to add considerably to the journey. This squadron is expected to put to sea within the next two weeks.

Several battlescruisers have already departed the Philadelphia Naval Yards and should make a quicker passage. They are expected to arrive several months before the battleships.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/24/26

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ASW attack near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
SS No. 58

Allied Ships
DD Renshaw
DD Roper

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 132,43

Japanese Ships
SS No. 75

Allied Ships
AK Sarangami, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30153 troops, 294 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 9270 troops, 55 guns, 2 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6677 troops, 50 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 30153 troops, 294 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline Pearl Harbor:

Questions are starting to be asked about the repeated statements by military officials that no help would probably be going to Dutch Harbor. One official "off the record" stated that the military decided to "use the press as a tool to try to lull the Japanese into a false sense of security. I mean after all at least this way they are useful instead of nuisance"

Meanwhile sub patrols in the vicinity of Kiska Island indicates that there is a large Japanese build-up going on at the island. Submarine R-3 landed a small shore party and there are indications that at least 8 different units are on the island. Identification and size is unknown. But clearly the Japanese are making it a bastion which will cost many American lives to retake.

In the South Pacific there are indications of many ships at Canton Island. It is unknown if any of the battleships thought to be operating in this vicinity are at Canton Island. There are calls for the US to mount some sort of military operation in this theatre. The 2nd Marine Brigade is trained in amphibious warfare and could possibly reclaim a base from which Canton Island could be "flanked".

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/25/26

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Sub attack near Kiska Island at 92,35

Allied Ships
SS R-3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kiska Island at 92,35

Japanese Ships
AP Koei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Yoshida Maru #3
DD No. 10

Allied Ships
SS R-3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Canton Island at 98,99

Japanese Ships
DD Momo
DD Warabi

Allied Ships
SS R-13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
SS No. 58

Allied Ships
DD Palmer, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Crosby
DD Elliot


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30345 troops, 296 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 9313 troops, 57 guns, 3 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6758 troops, 51 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 30345 troops, 296 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline Dutch Harbor:

The Japanese on Dutch Harbor launched an all-out attack to try to break the defenses of US forces defending the naval base here. The Japanese were repulsed with heavy losses. US losses were minimal. US forces are in very good shape and have strong defenses. The battleships on patrol in the harbor added their guns to the defense of the harbor. The USS Lexington and USS Saratoga plus escorts arrived at Dutch Harbor today to offer some assistance to the defense.

Fortunately for the US there was a significant stockpile of supplies and fuel at Dutch Harbor and all the needs of the garrison and fleet units are in plentiful supply. It is thought that the Japanese units on the island consist of the 7th division and at least elements of 2 additional independent brigades. It is unknown what the supply status of the Japanese forces are. The Japanese landing forces suffered heavy casualties in the minefield at Dutch Harbor and it is hoped that much of the supply did not make it onshore. It is likely to be a prolonged siege at Dutch Harbor.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/26/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Canton Island at 98,99

Japanese Ships
DD Yomogi
DD Kuwa
DD Tsubaki

Allied Ships
SS R-13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dutch Harbor, at 103,36

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, heavy damage
BB North Carolina, heavy damage
BB South Dakota, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dutch Harbor, at 103,36

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania
BB Arizona

Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 76,57

Japanese Ships
CL Hirado
DD Katsura
DD Hishi
DD No. 16
DD No.13

Allied Ships
SS R-19


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 29987 troops, 282 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 9341 troops, 57 guns, 3 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)


Japanese ground losses:
511 casualties reported
Guns lost 39

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6778 troops, 53 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 28171 troops, 234 guns, 0 vehicles

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline Pearl Harbor:

Now that the immediate threat to Dutch Harbor has passed. Navy officials are voicing concern about the whereabouts of the Southern Japanese Battlefleet. A Japanese submarine arrived off Palmyra Island several days ago. Scouting subs have reported that the Battleships appear to have left Canton Island several days ago, however nothing has crossed the US picket forces. The location of this fleet is unknown. The US has reinforced the remaining bases with the available forces, but will it be enough?

There are growing demands in Congress for the US to go on the offensive. But several sources "off the record" have stated that these demands are just rediculous. It will be 6 months before the first combat ready divisions arrive from the training camps and reinforcements from Atlantic fleet arrive at their Pacific bases. The Japanese have captured huge amounts of territory and it will be a challenge to keep it all supplied. The US will be conducting aggressive commerce raiding operations in order to try to make life difficult for the Japanese. In addition the General Staff is still reviewing just what an offensive would look like against the Japanese. The fall of Canton Island and Pago Pago will have long lasting consequences and limit options significantly.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/27/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dutch Harbor, at 103,36

Allied Ships
BC Saratoga
BC Lexington

Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dutch Harbor, at 103,36

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania
BB Arizona

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palmyra at 106,85

Japanese Ships
SS RO-68

Allied Ships
DD Lichfield
DD Farragut
DD Lamberton
DD Williams


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6832 troops, 53 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 29951 troops, 281 guns, 0 vehicles

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline Pearl Harbor:

More bad news. US ASW patrols at Palmyra Island attacked a Japanese sub of a type that is configured to lay minefields. It is thought that Palmyra may well have a minefield there. The heavy losses of Minesweepers early in the war is be heavily felt now. Again very limited resources are stretched to the breaking point.

US scouting of Kiska Island indicates a very large build up of forces on the island. It is probably invulnerable to attack for the forseable future.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/28/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palmyra at 106,85

Japanese Ships
SS UC-90 (O4)

Allied Ships
DD Lichfield
DD Farragut
DD Lamberton
DD Williams

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 49,46

Allied Ships
SS S-35

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Palmyra at 106,85

Japanese Ships
SS UC-90 (O4)

Allied Ships
DD Farragut
DD Lichfield
DD Lamberton
DD Williams


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30160 troops, 288 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 9458 troops, 60 guns, 3 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6842 troops, 53 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 30160 troops, 288 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Rysyonok]

Are you employing blimps for long-range recon to predict enemy movements? C-type ones have a range of 2800 miles, J-type ones - 1000.

[Helpless]

we play 1.00 - no blimps [;)]

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline Dutch Harbor:

Reinforcements have finally reached Dutch Harbor. Elements of the 3rd Division and the 2nd Marine Brigade have arrived at Dutch Harbor to help with the defenses. It was feared that the Japanese would be able to capture the port before these reinforcements could arrive. It is hoped that the Japanese will eventually be induced to surrender.

Meanwhile scouting subs indicate that there may be a small operation by the Japanese to expand their control in the Aleutians or at least reinforce their current holdings.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/29/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palmyra at 106,85

Japanese Ships
SS RO-68

Allied Ships
DD Lichfield
DD Farragut

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palmyra at 106,85

Japanese Ships
SS RO-68

Allied Ships
DD Lichfield
DD Farragut
DD Lamberton
DD Williams

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Taan at 37,41

Japanese Ships
DD Kaya

Allied Ships
SS S-32, hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30218 troops, 291 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 21745 troops, 174 guns, 13 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6842 troops, 53 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 30218 troops, 291 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline Dutch Harbor:

Lifeboat of Death!!!!!!

US Destroyers patroling south of Dutch Harbor encountered a Japanese lifeboat with a single survivor. Apparently the Japanese Battlecruiser Kirishima foundered off Umnak Island from battle damage received at the Battle of Dutch Harbor. Apparently one of the lifeboats with 20 crew members was seperated in a sudden squall that blew up and had been floating in the Pacific for the past 8 days. When picked up by the destroyer USS Sinclair, there was only one survivor. The rest of the crew members had died of exposure.

At Dutch Harbor US forces continue to flow ashore and are being organized for a counter-attack.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/30/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
SS No. 25

Allied Ships
DD Badger

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 49,46

Allied Ships
SS S-41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 91,37

Allied Ships
SS S-7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30298 troops, 294 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 25558 troops, 170 guns, 13 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
1 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6842 troops, 53 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 30298 troops, 294 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Mike Carroll]

Dateline Pearl Harbor:

The US Navy announced today that the USS Mississippi after a long battle to fight its floatation damage suffered during the Battle of Dutch Harbor sank today. This brings to 8 the number of US battleships lost. A special report of losses will be forthcoming in the next several days.

The southern Japanese force of 6 Battleships bombarded Palmyra Island today, sinking 3 destroyers that were on ASW patrol in the harbor. Does this indicate an invasion of the island? Time will tell.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/01/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
SS No. 25

Allied Ships
DD Thompson
DD J. F. Burnes
DD Chase
DD Meyer
DD Turner
DD Southard

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palmyra at 106,85

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Shell hits 2
BB Hyuga
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
DD No. 19
DD No. 25
DD No.1
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
DD Williams, Shell hits 2
DD Lamberton, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Farragut, Shell hits 2
DD Lichfield, Shell hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palmyra at 106,85

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 1
DD No. 19
DD No. 25
DD No.1, Shell hits 1
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
DD Williams, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
DD Farragut, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Lichfield, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 106,85

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Hyuga
BB Ise


Allied ground losses:
271 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 106,85

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato


Allied ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
Port fuel hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 105,86

Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
SS R-17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
SS No. 25, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Badger
DD Tatnall
DD Schley


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 30359 troops, 292 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 35946 troops, 267 guns, 18 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12175 troops, 81 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 30359 troops, 292 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Rysyonok]

Can we see the end of month score / sunk ship summary?

[Mike Carroll]

Here is the summary. I will provide more detail in my "Special Report". As you can see the Japanese certainly have the initiative and a significant victory at this point in the war. But I have hopes of turning things around long-term.

[Mike Carroll]

List of Transports, Battleships and Cruisers Sunk. Ouch!

[Mike Carroll]

Allied Destroyers have taken some heavy lumps

[Mike Carroll]

Japanese Destroyers

[Mike Carroll]

Everything else. Notice that most of the subs were sunk by aircraft.