News Reports of the Battles in the South Pacific - An AAR

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[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Friday, May 8, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] NAVY BATTLE IN SOUTH PACIFIC -
JAP CARRIER SET ON FIRE, JAP TROOPS INVADE GUADALCANAL ![/FONT]

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Noumea (Reuters) - Amid very rainy weather and very sporadic reports from Navy ships operating near Guadalcanal, it appears that heavy damage has been done to a Japanese aircraft carrier, the kind of ships that have, since Pearl Harbor, taken a predominate role in the Pacific.

The Tribune must simply quote from a short memorandum issued at a hectic 5 minute press conference given by Commander DeGaude, Admiral Ghormley's Press Liason :

"South Pacific Command has received wireless reports from an Allied cruiser force operating near Guadalcanal that they have engaged at close gun range a Japanese aircraft carrier and her destroyer escorts. Subsequent wireless reports from the Commander of that group confirm that one Japanese destroyer was sunk, another Japanese destroyer was heavily damaged, and that the Fleet Carrier "Shokaku" was set afire by 8 inch gun hits on her flight deck and starboard hull. "Shokaku", protected by the remaining Japanese ships escorting her, was last observed heading away from Allied ships and clearly on fire and smoking heavily. The Japanese carriers "Zuikaku" and "Shoho" were also visually spotted by the Allied ships, but remained out of range.

South Pacific command cannot confirm whether or not the "Shokaku" has been sunk, or whether she is afloat and capable of launching aircraft."

So ended the statement from Admiral Ghormley's headquarters. Commander DeGaude was pelted with dozens of questions, but he could not add any further information. He did say that fleet carriers are the primary ships of the Japanese Navy, and should the Shokaku be either sunk or heavily damaged, it would alter the strategic balance in the Pacific in favor of the Allies.

"Shokaku" was one of the ships which launched enemy aircraft against Pearl Harbor last December 7th.

In other news, wireless reports now confirm Japanese troops have landed on Guadalcanal, a very large island just south of Tulagi. They have failed as yet to make any progress against American forces there. Heavy Japanese surface ships sank 3 New Zealand gunboats providing shore protection.
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EXTRA EVENING EDITION [/FONT]

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PHOTO OF BURNING SHOKAKU JUST IN TO TRIBUNE NEWS DESK



"Shokaku" airplane carrier ship photographed by Seagull spotter plane from the USS Chicago during the battle. An 8 inch shell can be seen hitting the water just abeam of the starboard aft quarter, throwing up a geyser of water.



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[Pkunzipper]

LOL!!
Really great AAR!!
It seems the real journal of the WW2 period!!
Each part tries to minimize casualities and gives great importance to every single bullet put on target!!

Why don't put in some real photos in order to describe what happened in the game?

In example: In the turn Mitch invaded Lunga, put in the Asahi Shimbuna a photo of IJN troops in a landing craft or landing ashore, or in the Chicago Tribune a photo of a cruiser or a Japanese carrier in flame!
This will take some more time for searching photo, but it will make this AAR unique!!

[dgaad]

good idea

[Hartmann]

*Hartmann pats Mitchell and dgaad on shoulder*

Dropping in the occasional photo is a great idea - especially of Marlene 8). Btw judging from the birthday celebrations, Hirohito seems a bit more talkative in our AAR than he was in RL ... If what I've read is true, then the emperor used to be so much aloof of his people that he never spoke in public - until the famous radio message announcing the capitulation. Millions of Japanese heard the high pitched voice of their emperor for the first time back then.

Hartmann

[dgaad]

Well, its MITCHS empire now, Hartmann

[Zenra]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I'll get with Todd for suggestions on art, and look around the net to try and scare up some there, too.

Hirohito's early life was supposed to have been more colorful and he more outspoken than after the war(s) started and later. Hartman's point is well taken, but I want to try and have a little fun with the guy .

[dgaad]

However, the Emperor was not a silent figure among his inner circle.

Those who were not war-hawk-bushido types in the government became aware of Hirohito's increasing opposition to the war beginning in 1944. He was limited by the "role" the Emperor was supposed to play in Japanese government.

At one point, for example, after the Guadalcanal disaster, a commission of Generals had to go to the Emperor to report the defeat, and inform him that they were setting up defenses in the Lae area. The Emperor said, if I recall correctly : "See to it that your preparations in Lae do not result in another Guadalcanal."

He made other statements to these defeat-reporting commissions that clearly indicated to some that he believed the war was going to be lost, and that when the moment was right it should be terminated. Of course, after the atomic bomb, the moment was "right".

[dgaad]

[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Satuday, May 9, 1942


MISS RITA HAYWORTH ARRIVES IN NOUMEA

Noumea (Variety) - Miss Rita Hayworth arrived in Noumea today, bolstering already high morale among US sailors, pilots, and troops.



Miss Hayworth provided this promotion photo to the Tribune. The editors thought it was nice, and might improve sales of the paper!



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[Zenra]

Asahi Shimbun – 08 May 1942
Letter to the Editor

“To whom it May Concern:

I am a signals office on the carrier Zuikaku, writing to vent the frustration I share with surely all of our crew with respect to the seemingly undue concern our flight operations officers have for launching meaningful air strikes in this rainy south seas weather. Today, for at least the third time since the Emperor’s birthday, our scout planes have positively identified the American carrier group operating in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island, yet opted to suspend offensive air operations, presumably to conserve and protect our pilots and aviation assets. While this policy is honorable in principal, it appears ludicrous in practice, at least given current circumstances. I am certain that I express the true resolve of all naval personnel, most of all including those brave and supremely competent pilots who will be propelled into harm’s way, when I fervently recommend launching, at any cost, upon the next sighting of the American carrier group.”

[Zenra]

Asahi Shimbun
– 08 May 1942
Letter from the Editorial Staff

To: The Editorial Staff of the ‘Chicago’ Tribune

This morning an Imperial Navy heavy cruiser group met an American task force apparently led by the cruiser USS Chicago. That flagship will not be returning home, nor will be any of its crew. It is as regrettable as it is unfathomable why its commander would have steered the group so deeply into unchartered waters, but given the level of tension that’s developed, our Imperial Navy forces were left with no choice but to dispatch this ship to the bottom of the sea and set fire to its brothers and escorts. Of all the ships that could or will be lost in so ignominious a fashion, it may be fitting that the ship named for the city whose principal scandal rag has been so outspoken concerning our Nation’s intentions in the South Pacific would be the first major American vessel to succumb to the might of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

May the senseless slaughter be stopped now, lest more good men be sent to the bottom.

The Editorial Staff, Asahi Shimbun

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[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Saturday, May 9, 1942


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[FONT=courier new]Dear Asahi Shimbums Staff :

In reply to yours last,

While distressed we are to hear of the loss of our nameshake ship of battle, the Chicago, nothing makes us prouder to know that they went to their maker fighting for our cause.

Unlike the Imperial Japanese Empire, we have no qualms sending men into battle after war has been declared. Now that we are at war, there will be a hundred ships like the Chicago, fully armed and ready to sacrifice, until there is nothing left of the Japanese Navy, and victory is secure.

Yours,

Editor
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[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Sunday, May 10, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] MAJOR BATTLE SHAPING UP IN SOUTH PACIFIC - DETAILS UNCLEAR [/FONT]

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Noumea (API) - For the second day in a row, reports come in from Noumea and the Navy department which indicate a major battle is shaping up in the South Pacific area, centered around the islands of Tulagi and Guadalcanal. Details remain unclear due to the horrible and unpredictable weather, which is interfering with operations as well as radio communications.

The USS Chicago was confirmed as sunk off the coast of Guadalcanal by the Navy Department, with the loss of most hands. No details were provided as to the reason for this loss.

Admiral Ghormley's SoPac fleet HQ in Noumea stated in a press release that between 4 and 6 Japanese ships in the same area were damaged, some of them heavily, but did not say whether this was from the actions of the Chicago, other ships, or American aircraft.

Guadalcanal remains in American hands, but there are reports of a large number of Japanese troops there, which Ghormley's HQ confirmed, stating "The enemy will be most likely attempting to take the island, but we are confident that we have sufficient men and resources to withstand their attacks."

Advisors to the Tribune sum up the situation in this way : Japanese forces landed at Tulagi as a preparation to taking Guadalcanal. Guadalcanal does offer the possibility of establishing a large airbase which would threaten Noumea, though it would take some time to construct. Admiral Ghormley and the Navy probably decided on a course which would enable them to prevent this, or at least delay Japanese efforts. So far, they have been largely successful at this, having reportedly sunk several Japanese ships, avoided loss to their carriers, and landed significant American land forces there. It does remain to be seen, however, whether Guadalcanal can be held against what is obviously a major Japanese committment of at least 3 carriers, and a number of cruisers and destroyers.

In other news, General MacArthur reports that Buna is secure, and Allied air in the area continues to build up pressure against all Japanese positions, including Rabaul.

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[Zenra]

Asahi Shimbun
– 11 May 1942
Admiral Nagumo Predicts Increasing Success and Security as Weather Improves

Frustrated by weeks of storms and rain, Imperial Navy airmen’s spirits rose today amid clearing skies and sightings of many American Navy ships, most of which appeared on the retreat. Admiral Nagumo, commanding our elite aircraft carrier forces in the South Pacific region, acknowledged his own frustration with the seemingly endless cloud cover that has hampered air operations throughout the region. Particularly disappointing to Nagumo was a missed opportunity to deal decisively with an American carrier group operating in the vicinity of our new bases on Tulagi and Guadalcanal islands. His search planes positively identified and tracked the carriers for five consecutive days, only to have further air operations canceled due to the torrential rain and gale force winds. When the brave pilots finally were able to launch, they arrived over their targets only to find clouds and fog as thick as rice pudding, rendering it impossible to locate their prey. “Now it looks as though the Americans are fleeing,” Nagumo commented to our reporters aboard his flagship Skokaku, “but do not worry, IF the Americans get up the courage to return, we will be ready for them…”

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[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Monday, May 11, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] USO SHOW IN NOUMEA WRAPS[/FONT]

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Noumea (VARIETY) - Bob Hope, Frances Langford, and other Hollywood starlets, wrapped up the show in Noumea today, with various Army, Army Air Corps, and Navy troops expressing their appreciation for the morale boosting show given so close to the front lines.

Hope and the USO plan to visit Australia next.

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[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Wednesday, May 13, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] ADM GHORMLEY DECLARES NAVAL BATTLE OVER NEAR GUADALCANAL - US SUCCESS [/FONT]

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Noumea (Reuters) - Admiral Ghormley declared the series of naval engagements fought over the last few days near Tulagi and Guadalcanal over, and characterised it as having accomplished important Allied objectives successfully.

"Our main goal is to block the Japanese from severing the US - Australia link," he said, adding "and that has to date been accomplished. The Japanese cannot risk any movement beyond Guadalcanal until they take it, and we have troops there now in strength which prevent them from doing it."

Questioned about the loss of the Chicago, Ghormley replied "The Chicago was performing an important mission, the crew knew the risks were high. They achieved marvellous things in their cruise, and damaged many enemy ships, including the Shokaku."

The Tribune has requested permission to send correspondents to Guadalcanal, but Ghormley's office has denied the request, stating : "At this point in time, while the island is relatively secure, it is in fact under heavy pressure, and it is difficult to keep the men there supplied. We think that the risk to your correspondent would be too great at this time, but the situation should improve in the coming weeks and we could then reconsider your request."

Admiral Ghormley also released a "tally sheet" comparing the loss of the Chicago, along with half a dozen other patrol boats, to the loss of between 4 and 6 Japanese troop transports, at least 2 Japanese destroyers, and heavy damage to several other Jap ships including the Shokaku. "Most importantly," added an unnamed source, "our carriers are unhurt, and the aircrews are now well experienced."

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[Pkunzipper]

Mitch, I know how do you feel....
It's very frustrating too see our bomber raids against easy targets grounded by bad weather......

As a american player in a PBEM, after hitting the Shokaku with my LBA (making it useless for a/c op.) I chased it with my 2 CV TF for 3 turns, and every day, my bomber wasn't able to get up cause the weather....
Finally, when the sky cleared, the damaged Sho reached Rabaul.......

[dgaad]

[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Friday, May 15, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] ALL QUIET IN SOUTH PACIFIC[/FONT]

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Noumea (API) - Relative calm has settled over the South Pacific area after the recent operations which Admiral Ghormley has called a success for the United States.

The situation has stabilized with United States Army troops of the 164th Regimental Combat Team holding Lunga in Guadalcanal against Jap troops who have made several unsuccessful attacks on their position, while other Jap troops hold Tulagi. Periodic naval and air attacks are launched from Shortland against the US forces on Guadalcanal, but Admiral Ghormley is confident they will continue to hold out.

Elsewhere, Buna, Dodadura and Gili Gili are all secured by US and Australian troops, with preparations being made to bring up additional air resources to pound the Japs.

The Jap fleets have apparently gone back to port to reorganize and rest, while the current location and activity of the US fleet units remains under wraps.
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Page 3



Miss Joan Caulfield hopes you will join the Marines, soon to be arriving in Noumea. Ten-HUT!!!
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[Zenra]

Asahi Shimbun
– 15 May 1942
Admiral Nagumo Pleased with the Progress of Navy Forces Against Guadalcanal

In a brief press conference today Admiral Nagumo praised the officers planning and executing the mounting combined arms attacks on the American forces on Guadalcanal Island. Nightly bombardment attacks by navy cruisers, daily bombing raids from our bases at Rabaul and Shortland Island, and continuing attacks by our Special Naval Landing Forces troops are inflicting devastating casualties on the American regiment there.



Our analysts have concluded that it will be all but impossible for the American Navy to supply their troops, and that any reinforcement would certainly be out of the question.

“Unless the Americans are desperate (and foolish) enough to commit their carrier forces to protect such convoys, it is difficult to describe the horrible fate faced by the American troops they’ve abandoned there,” confirmed one of Nagumo’s top aids.

Sources close to his staff went so far as to suggest it might be the Admiral’s plan to bait the Americans into just such a commitment. “With our overwhelming superiority of both land and carrier-based air power in the region, such a move by the Americans would be most welcome indeed,” one source was quoted as saying.

For now it seems the fate of the American forces on Guadalcanal is sealed either way. Caught between the anvil of crack IJN troops on the island, and the dual hammers of our land-based bombers and naval bombardment groups, the forsaken American troops have nothing but a short, painful future to contemplate.

[Zenra]

Asahi Shimbun
– 16 May 1942
Night Surface Naval Battle Off Guadalcanal – Several American Cruisers Sunk and Damaged

The Navy today issued a press release reporting a major surface battle last night between one of our cruiser bombardment groups and a similarly sized American cruiser group off the coast of Guadalcanal Island. American cruisers identified as the Chester, New Orleans and Hobart were heavily damaged and afire at the end of the action, and the Hobart was later sunk by the IJN submarine I-24. Our reporters at the scene added that some damaged was sustained by our forces as well, specifically that the cruisers Kinugasa and Kako took shells during the battle. When questioned directly concerning our losses, the Navy spokesperson acknowledged only that the Destroyer Yugure was reported missing, having last been seen torpedoing the Hobart from close range.

Although the Navy counts the battle a marginal tactical victory, commanders involved in the encounter were clearly surprised by the accuracy of the American gunfire, and by the relative lethargy of our own gunnery crews. “We had them out gunned, out manned and out maneuvered,” said Isao Maruoka, Execuative Officer aboard the heavy cruiser Furutaka, “yet they somehow managed to bring their guns to bear more rapidly than we. It was as though our crews went into the battle overconfident – we paid a greater price than was necessary.”



Sources within the Navy’s Ministry of Training Academies indicated they have been directed by higher command to immediately establish new programs for building night fighting skills among gunnery crew. In addition, ship, crew and commander fitness reports will be reviewed and a complete mapping of assets will be performed to better match the capabilities of individual ships assembled into task forces for specific missions. “It was really the inexperience of just a couple of the ships that hurt us last night,” explained one highly place tactician, “and it is clear that we could do a better job of assembling effective task forces in the future by paying more attention to the detailed capabilities of each ship and crew.”

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[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Sunday, May 17, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] JAPS LOSE MORE SHIPS
GHORMLEY REPORTS NAVAL BATTLE NEAR GUADALCANAL[/FONT]

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Aboard HMAS AUSTRALIA, somewhere in the Solomons, by wireless - Naval ships of Australia and the United States engaged Japanese naval forces off the coast of Guadalcanal last night, sinking a Jap Cruiser and a Destroyer, and heavily damaging half a dozen other ships. The Australian light cruiser Hobart was damaged and had to retire, and later radioed for help due to a Jap sub attack.

Overall, Vice Admiral Ainsworth called the battle a tactical victory for the United States and the Allies, which would have been even greater had the Hobart not been torpedoed by subs afterwards.

Sources at SoPac HQ in Noumea report that this battle is part of a continuing pattern now where the Japs are attempting to throw everything at the American troops at Guadalcanal, including their cruisers and destroyers, while the Allies pick times and places to oppose them. The vaunted carrier-type ships, which carry aircraft rather than big guns, have been absent recently for reasons that are not widely known.

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USS New Orleans firing her guns at Jap ships in The Slot, near Guadalcanal
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