From here to...well...it SEEMS like an eternity

[Cap Mandrake]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

You're making John have a bad day.

He might object to that characterization. Surprise carrier battle near Midway...big assault on Perth starts...carriers off Northern Oz...Jap crusier hit near Broome...Burma Road offensive heating up...Aj caramba, man! [X(]

Must...get home..to.... look at turn..(and to have Tanqueray and tonic)

[Cap Mandrake]

ORIGINAL: bobogoboom

Do you think that no matter the outcome of perth that you have damaged the ijn enough that the attrition of the last few weeks could be the turning point of the war?

I think it is premature to say, but his sealift capacity has to be hurting a bit. We have intel that some Chinese divisions are planning for the Pacific

[bobogoboom]

ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

You're making John have a bad day.

He might object to that characterization. Surprise carrier battle near Midway...big assault on Perth starts...carriers off Northern Oz...Jap crusier hit near Broome...Burma Road offensive heating up...Aj caramba, man! [X(]

Must...get home..to.... look at turn..(and to have Tanqueray and tonic)

do tell do tell

[tabpub]

To: CinCPac
From: Central Pacific Operations Staff
CC: CominCh
Re: Midway Operations 8-12-42 to date
Date: August 31, 1942
Sirs:

This memo will cover the main portions of the campaign to date, allowing you to review the status of said operation and to be able to render informed decisions on the course that this operation shall take over the next period.

Having been resolved that after the failure of the first attempt to recover Midway in the spring of this year, that a future attempt would be made, the 1st Marine Division began the planning of this operation. It was joined in the planning stages by the 37th ID.
The operation waited for the availability of CV Wasp and the new battleship North Carolina; additionally, the British BB Prince of Wales finished repairs in Mare Island early and was seconded to American service.

Harassing attacks by B17’s from Johnston Island throughout the July period were the only precursor to the landing on the 13th. 5 BB provided fire support for the landing and coastal gunfire was brisk; it was later determined that the Japanese had 2 coastal gun regiments based here. The BBs were not seriously damaged, but the landing transports took some severe damage, along with the minecraft. The initial landings were slow to develop, as debarking from transports is a time consuming process; we look forward to the receipt of the new landing ships and crafts.

The second day’s attacks do not increase the beachhead, and we now have around 4000 casualties in the landing group. But, the IJN marines don’t have the force to eject our landing groups; so, the landing forces dug in, accumulated supplies and bombarded the enemy positions. The Wasp, Long Island (operating a Marine SBD Sqd) and the bombardment ships used this time to return to Hawaiian waters to replenish.

From the 15th thru the 23th, the Marines and infantry on Midway shell the IJN ground forces continually. On the 24th, the 24th RCT which had been designated reserve for this operation at the beginning of the month landed in concert with an all out attack from the beachhead troops, forcing the Japanese Naval Guardsmen from the airstrip.

After that day, mopping up operations are begun, which are causing the Japanese about 400 casualties a day with little to no losses on our side, by using the tank battalion alone in the attacks. The first interference by Jap naval forces was on the 21st; the force that had been operating in the Aleutians came down and eliminated the flush decker division that had been covering the remaining freighters unloading supplies.

On the night of the 29th, IJN Mutsu, Ise and Hyuga covered by four DD encounter the American BBs Colorado, West Virginia, Idaho, New Mexico and Mississippi; CA Indianapolis, CL St Louis and four DD. Over the next several hours, the IJN embarrasses us; 2 Jap DD sunk that night versus 1 US DD, but the battlelines are the opposite results. The IJN wagons hardly got touched, while 3 of the 5 American are damaged from moderate to severe; the Idaho got it particularly bad, it was believed that the Hyuga hit her with at least 10 heavy shells. Her superstructure and upper hull are shredded and will have to be towed. All the other damaged BB can make at least 7 knots, so are not write-offs at this time. The Jap BBs had last been seen at Port Moresby on the 15th; they must have left there immediately and came here directly at about 14 knots.

Wasp, who was off Hawaii at this time, was ordered to close on Midway at flank speed to engage any damaged or returning Jap combatants. The Colorado and Mississippi group up to protect their damaged sisters.

That evening, that formally Aleutian-based surface force was led by by Hiei and Kongo into Midway waters, where they encountered a flight of PTs. Some shots were fired, and then everyone left.

Dawn air search from Wasp and Midway revealed the Hiei group 60 miles NE of Wasp (which was 120 miles SE of Midway). 47 bomb and torpedo sorties are flown against this target; 4 ½ tonners on Hiei, one on a CL. 6 planes lost, no torpedo hits. Zeroes were present over the group; 5-10 in number.

The midmorning search finds the Jap carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku 180 miles NE of Wasp; it had evidently been their fighters over the BBs. Wasp can only send 8 F4F, 9 SBD and 5 TBF; some 30 Zeroes oppose them and they quickly break up the attack. Only 1 fighter and one SBD make it through, but Ens. Nathanial Vaughn delivers his 1000 lbr to the deck of the Shokaku, leaving it on fire. This officer recommends that he be considered for decoration for his valor under fire, pressing home an attack and succeeding under such heavy odds.

Meanwhile, the Wasp TF is under heavy attack from the strike planes of the 2 Jap carriers. The first strike is a full strike from Shokaku; 16 Zeroes, 24 each of Val and Kate bombers. Wasp is traveling with North Carolina and Prince of Wales off her port and starboard rear quarters respectively; CLAA Juneau and San Diego are on her forequarters, with San Juan in trail and Quincy in the lead. 7 DD form an outer screen at 5000 yards. 18 Wildcats are on CAP, but interfere little with the bombers, as they get tied up with the escort; dropping 6 for 2 losses. But, the flak from this force is heavy and accurate hitting over 50% of the bombers; 5 Val and 7 Kate are confirmed splashed, and only one bomb hits the Showboat, knocking out a 1.1 AA mount.

Another raid arrives on the heels of the first; they had evidently separated, either by design or error is not known. This also contains 24 each of the Val and Kate types, but only 2 fighters; the remaining Wildcats had the numerical advantage but were not able to intercept effectively. These groups suffered from AA fire badly also; this time ¾ of the attacking planes were hit by fire, with 7 Val and 6 Kate confirmed. But the lack of effective fighter cover meant more accurate runs for the bombers; 3 hits were scored on North Carolina again, another 1.1 mount and a couple of 20mm positions were hit. And this time, Wasp could not avoid the Kate attacks and was hit by two torpedoes. She is not critical, but will need some month’s worth of repairs to fix this damage.

Weather is forecast to be thunderstorms off Midway again; clearing over PH. Location of forces not known as of this writing as they are maintaining radio discipline. Sub forces have been recalled from their intercept of the Mutsu group off Wake to proceed to area to hunt carriers. Additional air groups are told to prepare to move out on short notice; Long Island is returning to Hawaiian waters for transport and possible combat if needed.
Ground forces on Midway are stepping up attacks to eliminate Jap holdouts; will rotate among the infantry units with armor support.

That is all at this time.

RADM R. Davidson
Commander
CentPacOps

[Cap Mandrake]

Go Wasp!

***************Sand Island, Midway Atoll, August 30, 1942, 06:30***************


A dozen huge loudspeakers form a parabolic arc aimed at nearby Eastern Island. Inside a former machine gun bunker, SSgt. Sparks throws an intimidating switch and the room begins to glow with the amber light of vacuum tubes. From the speakers above there is a annoying 60 cycle buzz.

Capt. De Sade: Sgt., you know that annoying buzz?

SSgt. Sparks: Yes sir! I am on it!

Capt. De Sade: No Sgt., perhaps you misunderstood. I wanted to know if you could make it louder.

SSgt. Sparks: Oh, yes sir! <he turns the gain up to 10 and giggles a bit..it now sound slike a muted buzz saw overhead..he readies a record for the phonograph> How many times do you want me to play this, sir?

Capt. De Sade: When does your relief come?

SSgt. Sparks: Hehe...heh...hehe. <drops needle down onto spinning record>


DON'T SIT UNDER THE APPLE TREE WTIH ANYONE ELSE BUT ME...ANYONE ELSE BUT ME...ANYONE ELSE BUT ME......

[DuckofTindalos]

Good Lord! Surely that's outlawed under international conventions!

(Shouldn't it be Cpt. Frankenstein and SSgt. Igor, by the way?)[:D]

[Cap Mandrake]

ORIGINAL: Terminus
(Shouldn't it be Cpt. Frankenstein and SSgt. Igor, by the way?)[:D]

That is Fraaaaaankenshteeen to you bub

BTW...I was just thinking the same thing...the glow of vacuum tubes..the big electrical switch

[ny59giants]

Who did you have as leader of the SC TF??
I know the Allies have lots of leaders, but I had to spend some serious time finding my 4th CV TF leader a while back.[:(]

[rockmedic109]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Good Lord! Surely that's outlawed under international conventions!

(Shouldn't it be Cpt. Frankenstein and SSgt. Igor, by the way?)[:D]

Proof positive that Noise Pollution can kill small {and large} birds, small lizards, fish too near the surface and surrounded IJA holdouts.

[Cap Mandrake]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Who did you have as leader of the SC TF??
I know the Allies have lots of leaders, but I had to spend some serious time finding my 4th CV TF leader a while back.[:(]

Do you mean the Wasp TF?

[Cap Mandrake]

*******Aboard Australian HQ Command Train, 500 m SW of Derby, August 30, 1942*********

General Balmey works at his cramped desk, studying logistical reports for his command. An officer from Signals Section knocks on the open door to the office.

Gen. Blamey: Enter!

Signals Officer: Message from Commander, Perth Garrison, Sir.

Gen. Blamey: Read it please <without looking up>

Signals Officer: Yes sir, it reads, message begins..

Gen. Blamey: Wait, do you mean they wasted transmission time with the expression "message begins"? Didn't anyone read my memo about saving electrons? The resources of the Australian Government are not limitless, you know.

Signals Officer: Oh, no sir. That was me.

Gen. Blamey: Are you sure? I distinctly remember writing that myself.

Signals Officer: Oh, yes sir. I mean, no sir..well. I mean yes, you did write the memo, sir, but it was I who said "message begins". I merely wanted to indicate where my statement ended and Perth's began, sir.

Gen. Blamey: Very well, perhaps you could just pause briefly. <after 30 seconds Blamey looks up to see a profusely sweating young officer> Well? What is the matter son?

Signals Officer: Oh, sorry sir. I thought I was to pause.

Gen. Blamey: Well, I meant before you read the text of the Perth message.

Signals Officer: Oh, sorry sir. Shall I start then?

Gen. Blamey: Yes, please do, before the war is over.

Signals Officer: Yes sir, The message from Perth reads......<pauses and looks earnestly at the General..after some seconds he raises his brow as if to indicate a question>

Gen. Blamey: <raises his eyebrows in response, as if to say "well, get on with it">

Signals Officer: Sir, is that long enough?

Gen. Blamey: Thats it? The message from Perth is "Sir, is that long enough"? Why, that is the most unprofessional query I have ever heard. Of course it is not long enough! Tell those laggards they shall resist until the last round and I shan't countenance any further pussyfooting.

Signals Officer: Oh, sir no, or rather I was asking if it was long enough..to pause I mean.

Gen. Blamey: Oh dear. do you mean to tell me we aren't to the message yet?

Signals Officer: Yes sir, I mean no, or rather we aren't to the message yet. Well, techincially I have seen it and the signals staff have seen it but you haven't yet, sir.

Gen. Blamey: <rubs eyes> Ahhhhhhhmmmmm. Look. I have an idea. I will count to three and point to you when I want you to read the message. Before that I don't want you to say anything! Is that perfectly clear?

Signals Officer: <an anxious look comes over his face, he pantomimes a zipper over his mouth, and raises his eyebrows again and tilts his head a bit for emphasis>

Gen. Blamey: < mimics his brow and facial movement involuntarily until they look like a couple of courting quail> Oh, yes, I see. Just nod in the affirmative if you understand.

Signals Officer: <nods vigorously>

Gen. Blamey: Excellent. Are you ready?

Signals Officer: Yes..s

Gen. Blamey: Bahhh! Rassafrasa <makes assorted mouth moving faster than brain sounds> Just nod if you are ready.

Signals Officer: <nods and holds up his message the pressure clearly buidling like a steam engine>

Gen. Blamey: Excellent! 3....2....1....GO!

Signals Officer: EnemyCAPnolongerflyingoverJapshippingstophaveidentifiedImperialGuardDivisionandoneotherto bringstrengthto4divisions3combatbrigadesand3regimetnsheavyartillerystop <takes breath> firstJapattackfailedbutdiddislodgebritsoneseiesfortsstop solongand thnaksforallthefishandtheBeauforts....End Message

Gen. Blamey: Did you say "So long and thanks for all the fish and Beauforts"?

Signals Officer: Yes sir

Gen. Blamey: What did he mean by that? Is it in code? I thought the Beauforts were out of ferry range. We aren't using a non green-dot airfield are we? I would hate to have any war crime allegations due to 1925 Naval Treaty violations.

Signals Officer: We are working that, sir <at this moment the train car bumps violently>

Gen. Blamey: Very well. Let me know when you have more and do ask the engineer to slow down a bit. The track is absolutely atrocious.

Signals Officer: Yes sir! <he salutes and exits the rear of the car. Outside the noise is terrible and the view is even worse. The General's command railcar is lashed to a lorry which tavels along the highway as fast as the driver dare. A crew of two men work each set of the railcar wheels, keeping up a rhythmic pounding with small hammers>

[DuckofTindalos]

[:D][:D][:D] How perfectly surreal...

[bradfordkay]

"The General's command railcar is lashed to a lorry which tavels along the highway as fast as the driver dare. A crew of two men work each set of the railcar wheels, keeping up a rhythmic pounding with small hammers"

Excuse me while I go change my pants...[&o]

[saj42]

ROFLMAO [&o]

ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake
Signals Officer: Yes sir! <he salutes and exits the rear of the car. Outside the noise is terrible and the view is even worse. The General's command railcar is lashed to a lorry which tavels along the highway as fast as the driver dare. A crew of two men work each set of the railcar wheels, keeping up a rhythmic pounding with small hammers>

[leehunt27@bloomberg.net]

this is a great AAR, playing a game right now against John and he just pointed this out to me. nice work [;)]

[Cap Mandrake]

Thank you sir.

I am now being tortured by my ISP. I think they may be working in concert with the homeowner's association, the Franchise Tax Board of California, and the Department of Motor Vehicles but I am unable to confirm this. I know they are all trying to torture me, I just can't prove yet they are in it together. Two "cable guys" [;)] came out today to fix my cable connection. The first guy couldn't find the streetside cable thingy but he did seem to be talking tinto his lapel every two minutes. The second guy said it was too far away from the house in an accusatory tone like it was my fault or something. He says they have to "pull cable" and another crew will be out in two days. How stupid does he think I am? The thing will be loaded with more microphones than the wiring at the US Embassy in Moscow. Anyway, the war is on hold.

Where did I put that medicine bottle?

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake
The thing will be loaded with more microphones than the wiring at the US Embassy in Moscow.

That John sure is crafty!

[tabpub]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake
The thing will be loaded with more microphones than the wiring at the US Embassy in Moscow.

That John sure is crafty!

I dunno, but I'm in this game and I've lost my place......where am I??? ......"My God, It's full of ....." transmission interupted........<hissssssss>......<more hissssssssssss>......<and even more hissssssssssssssssssssss>.....ok, get the picture....

[rtrapasso]

ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake

Where did I put that medicine bottle?

Is that the one with the wild turkey on the label?? [:D]

[DuckofTindalos]

And five X's?