[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Wednesday, June 3, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] JAPS LAND AT BUNA, NAVY ACTION NEAR GUADALCANAL[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Noumea (AP) - As expected by US commanders, the aftermath of the Milne Bay battle has been almost constant attacks and counter-attacks at the two points of contention in the South Pacific : Buna and Guadalcanal. Japanese army units landed at Buna despite taking a pounding from the air, while US Navy task forces engaged IJN forces near Guadalcanal, the latter of which resulted in serious damage to ships of both sides.
At Buna, despite the fact that the enemy transport ships are almost sunk, the enemy put ashore, largely to escape the fires that continue to rage on nearly all the transports. A second strike on the Japanese transports failed to send them to the bottom, but most are listing and on fire; indeed some appear to have beached themselves.
At Guadalcanal, several US task forces engaged enemy surface units in and around the island, inflicting serious damage on enemy ships there. This action was taken in light of the absence of Japanese carriers, which provided an opportunity to hit the Japs. Navy press releases indicate that one cruiser and a number of destroyers attacked 4 Japanese cruisers and escorting destroyers, inflicting heavy damage. US subs in "The Slot" continue to sink enemy transports heading to and from Guadalcanal from the main Japanese bases at Rabaul and Shortland.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0050) --- [/FONT]
News Reports of the Battles in the South Pacific - An AAR
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Thursday, June 4, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] JAP LANDINGS AT BUNA UNDER HEAVY US-AUSTRALIAN AIR ATTACK [/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Brisbane (AAP) - Japanese troop landings at Buna continued today, while US and Australian aircraft again pounded the troopships and landing areas, inflicting heavy damage. Elements of the Australian Army have also engaged Japanese troops near Buna.
General Douglas MacArthur's command issued several communiques in recent days which provided details about the increasing scope of the war in New Guinea. Japanese troops have been able to get ashore at Buna, but at the cost of most of the ships that brought them. A number of Japanese troops were also lost at sea. Allied airpower at Port Moresby is holding its own against severe attacks from Japanese bombers based in Lae and Rabaul, inflicting heavy casualties on enemy air formations.
On the ground, Australian troops have engaged enemy forces and inflicted over 200 casualties in a single day. General MacArthur also indicated that reserves were being moved up.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0066) --- [/FONT]
Thursday, June 4, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] JAP LANDINGS AT BUNA UNDER HEAVY US-AUSTRALIAN AIR ATTACK [/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Brisbane (AAP) - Japanese troop landings at Buna continued today, while US and Australian aircraft again pounded the troopships and landing areas, inflicting heavy damage. Elements of the Australian Army have also engaged Japanese troops near Buna.
General Douglas MacArthur's command issued several communiques in recent days which provided details about the increasing scope of the war in New Guinea. Japanese troops have been able to get ashore at Buna, but at the cost of most of the ships that brought them. A number of Japanese troops were also lost at sea. Allied airpower at Port Moresby is holding its own against severe attacks from Japanese bombers based in Lae and Rabaul, inflicting heavy casualties on enemy air formations.
On the ground, Australian troops have engaged enemy forces and inflicted over 200 casualties in a single day. General MacArthur also indicated that reserves were being moved up.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0066) --- [/FONT]
Last time I checked, the forums were messed up. 
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Friday, June 5, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] BUNA & LAE SEE HEAVY AMERICAN AIR ATTACKS [/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Brisbane (AAP) - Despite a news blackout in the South Pacific, reports continue to filter in that heavy Allied air attacks at both Buna and Lae have severely damaged a large number of Japanese transports.
No reports were received today from any allied commands. However, a Navy department spokesman said that the number of sunk Jap transports off the northern New Guinea coast is being tabulated, and that the current Navy estimate is that over half of the Japanese transport capability in the entire region has been either sunk or so heavily damaged as to be out of action.
Interestingly, the Navy provided two quotes from Japanese admirals, gathered from the monitoring of one of the radio channels in the area. The first quote occurred as one of the air attacks was in progress, and the Admiral was sending a report back to higher command in Rabaul : "right now I am watching wave after endless wave of [garbled] bombers brutalize our transports at Lae…". A few hours later, another Admiral, apparently in high command, possibly even Yammamoto himself, said "I’ve got to figure a better way into New Guinea…".
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0081) --- [/FONT]
Friday, June 5, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] BUNA & LAE SEE HEAVY AMERICAN AIR ATTACKS [/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Brisbane (AAP) - Despite a news blackout in the South Pacific, reports continue to filter in that heavy Allied air attacks at both Buna and Lae have severely damaged a large number of Japanese transports.
No reports were received today from any allied commands. However, a Navy department spokesman said that the number of sunk Jap transports off the northern New Guinea coast is being tabulated, and that the current Navy estimate is that over half of the Japanese transport capability in the entire region has been either sunk or so heavily damaged as to be out of action.
Interestingly, the Navy provided two quotes from Japanese admirals, gathered from the monitoring of one of the radio channels in the area. The first quote occurred as one of the air attacks was in progress, and the Admiral was sending a report back to higher command in Rabaul : "right now I am watching wave after endless wave of [garbled] bombers brutalize our transports at Lae…". A few hours later, another Admiral, apparently in high command, possibly even Yammamoto himself, said "I’ve got to figure a better way into New Guinea…".
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0081) --- [/FONT]
Last time I checked, the forums were messed up.
Great concept
Hey Guys,
This is a great concept you have here, and I think it's nice that it is evolving the way it is. Hartmann's advice for adding that personal touch with quotes, characters (historical or fictional) etc. is top notch. Given that events and individuals can be tracked in this game, your AAR should really make the characters come even more to life. Just reading the factoids about game gains and losses in most posted AAR's is great, but this game is the stuff of legends. Good thinking, and I will keep following.
I am still waiting for my copy of UV to be delivered, so this really wets my appetite.
Also the other idea of maps would be nice aswell, but hell scan some old B&W's from books and add those too. I only make the last suggestion because I am a newspaper photographer, and nothing makes a story fly like a good photo:D Keep up the great work guys!! Very
This is a great concept you have here, and I think it's nice that it is evolving the way it is. Hartmann's advice for adding that personal touch with quotes, characters (historical or fictional) etc. is top notch. Given that events and individuals can be tracked in this game, your AAR should really make the characters come even more to life. Just reading the factoids about game gains and losses in most posted AAR's is great, but this game is the stuff of legends. Good thinking, and I will keep following.
I am still waiting for my copy of UV to be delivered, so this really wets my appetite.
Also the other idea of maps would be nice aswell, but hell scan some old B&W's from books and add those too. I only make the last suggestion because I am a newspaper photographer, and nothing makes a story fly like a good photo:D Keep up the great work guys!! Very
Photos
Disreguard my suggestion about photos, I see that you included them after page one. I salute you all:D
I only read the first page of posts and had to write my mail of praise!!
I think my copy arrives tomorrow, so I guess I will read your news dispatches until bed time. Awsome guys.
I only read the first page of posts and had to write my mail of praise!!
I think my copy arrives tomorrow, so I guess I will read your news dispatches until bed time. Awsome guys.
awesome!
Now this is a great AAR.....
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Monday, June 8, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] CALM SETTLES OVER SOUTH PACIFIC FRONT[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Noumea (Free French News Service) - Relative calm has settled over the South and Southwest Pacific fronts as the Japanese appear stalemated at Buna and Guadalcanal.
Despite the recent naval victory off Milne Bay, New Guinea, in which the Japanese carrier forces prevailed over the two American carriers (Yorktown and Lexington), there has been relatively little action in the last week. The enemy did land troops at Buna, but these enemy forces are now pinned down in a very narrow beachead well away from any allied facilities.
At Buna and Lae, Allied and Jap air forces play a game of cat and mouse, with the Americans generally having the upper hand. Yesterday Allied pilots reported dozens of Japanese positions on the Buna beachead obliterated by air attack. However, Allied land forces do not feel it wise at the moment to attempt to drive the enemy troops into the sea.
Along the Solomon's chain, American forces still hold a portion of Guadalcanal island, and American B-17s based at Espiritu Santo have reportedly damaged a Jap cruiser and several other ships loitering in the area of Guadalcanal.
Admiral Ghormley's command again stated that they believe the Milne Bay battle to have been a draw, in that at least two enemy carriers were so heavily damaged that they are effectively out of the campaign for perhaps 6 months. "In 6 months," said a press officer of Ghormley's command, "Allied commitments and buildups in the area will have reached a point of overwhelming superiority, so the return of these damaged enemy carriers will no longer be able to alter the strategic balance."
Nevertheless, an observer gets the feeling that the Japanese have yet at least a bit more time and superior forces with which to force a major battle that could be decisive. It is rational to conclude that, rather than being on the defensive, they are simply preparing for a major operation outside of the current perimeter.
For the time being, however, it is clear that the Japanese are losing the land battle near Buna, due in part to Allied air superiority.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0077) --- [/FONT]
Monday, June 8, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] CALM SETTLES OVER SOUTH PACIFIC FRONT[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Noumea (Free French News Service) - Relative calm has settled over the South and Southwest Pacific fronts as the Japanese appear stalemated at Buna and Guadalcanal.
Despite the recent naval victory off Milne Bay, New Guinea, in which the Japanese carrier forces prevailed over the two American carriers (Yorktown and Lexington), there has been relatively little action in the last week. The enemy did land troops at Buna, but these enemy forces are now pinned down in a very narrow beachead well away from any allied facilities.
At Buna and Lae, Allied and Jap air forces play a game of cat and mouse, with the Americans generally having the upper hand. Yesterday Allied pilots reported dozens of Japanese positions on the Buna beachead obliterated by air attack. However, Allied land forces do not feel it wise at the moment to attempt to drive the enemy troops into the sea.
Along the Solomon's chain, American forces still hold a portion of Guadalcanal island, and American B-17s based at Espiritu Santo have reportedly damaged a Jap cruiser and several other ships loitering in the area of Guadalcanal.
Admiral Ghormley's command again stated that they believe the Milne Bay battle to have been a draw, in that at least two enemy carriers were so heavily damaged that they are effectively out of the campaign for perhaps 6 months. "In 6 months," said a press officer of Ghormley's command, "Allied commitments and buildups in the area will have reached a point of overwhelming superiority, so the return of these damaged enemy carriers will no longer be able to alter the strategic balance."
Nevertheless, an observer gets the feeling that the Japanese have yet at least a bit more time and superior forces with which to force a major battle that could be decisive. It is rational to conclude that, rather than being on the defensive, they are simply preparing for a major operation outside of the current perimeter.
For the time being, however, it is clear that the Japanese are losing the land battle near Buna, due in part to Allied air superiority.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0077) --- [/FONT]
Last time I checked, the forums were messed up.
Editor to Editor
Asahi Shimbun
– 10 June 1942
Communications Bounce
Will the Editor of the Chicago Tribune please contact the Editor of the Asahi Shimbun at his earliest convenience? Our communication packets (turn files) seem to be bouncing at the Chicago Central Post Office on Congress Street (LegionHQ.net). Is an alternate post office available?
The Editor
– 10 June 1942
Communications Bounce
Will the Editor of the Chicago Tribune please contact the Editor of the Asahi Shimbun at his earliest convenience? Our communication packets (turn files) seem to be bouncing at the Chicago Central Post Office on Congress Street (LegionHQ.net). Is an alternate post office available?
The Editor
Mitchell
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Thursday, June 11, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] PAPER SHORTAGE IN JAPAN - ASAHI SHIMBUN TEMPORARILY HALTS PUBLICATION [/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Washington, D.C. (USIA) - An apparent paper shortage has stopped publication of the Asahi Shimbun, a major daily newspaper published in Tokyo.
General MacArthur was quick to claim credit for this new development, saying "Allied hammer blows against the forests of New Guinea by our aircraft have set much of their valuable stock of pulp forest on fire."
Sources in the Navy department, however, confide in the Tribune's editorial department saying that most of the editorial staff of the Shimbun have actually gone to their annual 3-week militia training at a base in Wiho Ming, a lesser known base in Central Japan. While away, they continue to process mail and exchange parcels containing games with their comrades back in Tokyo, but they cannot perform their editorial duties. Sources say this situation should be rectified, and the Asahi Shimbun resume publication, when the staff gets back to Tokyo in about 1 week.
In other news, the situation throughout the South Pacific remains about the same, with the Japanese troops pinned down in Buna. Navy sources also say they continue to receive reports of Japanese ships sinking on the way back to Rabaul from the heavy pounding they took at Buna almost a week ago.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0099) --- [/FONT]
Thursday, June 11, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] PAPER SHORTAGE IN JAPAN - ASAHI SHIMBUN TEMPORARILY HALTS PUBLICATION [/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman]
Washington, D.C. (USIA) - An apparent paper shortage has stopped publication of the Asahi Shimbun, a major daily newspaper published in Tokyo.
General MacArthur was quick to claim credit for this new development, saying "Allied hammer blows against the forests of New Guinea by our aircraft have set much of their valuable stock of pulp forest on fire."
Sources in the Navy department, however, confide in the Tribune's editorial department saying that most of the editorial staff of the Shimbun have actually gone to their annual 3-week militia training at a base in Wiho Ming, a lesser known base in Central Japan. While away, they continue to process mail and exchange parcels containing games with their comrades back in Tokyo, but they cannot perform their editorial duties. Sources say this situation should be rectified, and the Asahi Shimbun resume publication, when the staff gets back to Tokyo in about 1 week.
In other news, the situation throughout the South Pacific remains about the same, with the Japanese troops pinned down in Buna. Navy sources also say they continue to receive reports of Japanese ships sinking on the way back to Rabaul from the heavy pounding they took at Buna almost a week ago.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0099) --- [/FONT]
Last time I checked, the forums were messed up.
Navy Proudly Opens New Airbase
Asahi Shimbun
–11 June 1942
Navy Celebrates Opening of Newest Airfield
Lunga Point, Guadalcanal Island
The Imperial Navy today announced the much-anticipated opening of its newest airport facility, newly built on a near perfect expanse of ground near Lunga Point on Guadalcanal Island. Christened “Hientesione Field” after Ikrou Hientesione, architect and consultant to the Imperial Navy and designer of the new passenger terminal, which features elevated people movers and a fully automated baggage handling system.
Shimbun reporters were treated to a press conference in the facility’s luxurious First Class Lounge, where a Navy spokesperson proudly reported how the project had been completed on schedule despite poor weather through much of the construction period. “As you can see, significant Engineering resources have been committed here,” she said, “and although we have just the single runway to start, this base can now protect itself against most threats. This will give our carrier forces and independent cruiser task groups freer reign to prosecute objectives and counter American aggression throughout the South Pacific.”
To punctuate the point, we were invited out to the observation deck adjacent to the lounge, where we were served wonderfully exotic and deliciously refreshing South Seas cocktails and seated for a demonstration by the resident A2M3 fighters and D3A dive bombers. Following the air show, the resident cruiser force conducted precision target practice against towed barges off the scenic island point. The force and accuracy of the combined arms firepower was awesome to behold, and serves as a clear warning to the Americans of the Navy’s resolve to hold the area.
As the subject of the press conference turned to other theaters, Navy personnel declined comment on operations in New Guinea, saying only that ground forces are engaged with American and Australian troops at bases all along the coast. The Navy has assigned “Most Secret” status to operations in this area.
Staff analysts at the Shimbun note, however, that operations in New Guinea appear to be well supported, with our base at Lae serving as the springboard for attacks. The volume of naval and air group activity at our major bases at Rabaul and on Shortland Island is impossible to hide. The proximity of these bases to the New Guinea targets offers ideal conditions for combined land, sea and air operations against them, and internal lines of supply to our ports safe from American air attack ease the logistics of the situation. With operations in the Solomon Islands completed and the construction of several new bases well under way, the focus of both the Army and Navy will undoubtedly be the New Guinea theater.
“It will be a hard fight, though,” notes Shimbun analyst Ito Morohito, “since the proximity of the northern Australian bases means their forces will also be well supported.” Morohito advises caution and patience, but predicts that with sufficient commitment and resolve the Imperial forces will ultimately prevail.
–11 June 1942
Navy Celebrates Opening of Newest Airfield
Lunga Point, Guadalcanal Island
The Imperial Navy today announced the much-anticipated opening of its newest airport facility, newly built on a near perfect expanse of ground near Lunga Point on Guadalcanal Island. Christened “Hientesione Field” after Ikrou Hientesione, architect and consultant to the Imperial Navy and designer of the new passenger terminal, which features elevated people movers and a fully automated baggage handling system.
Shimbun reporters were treated to a press conference in the facility’s luxurious First Class Lounge, where a Navy spokesperson proudly reported how the project had been completed on schedule despite poor weather through much of the construction period. “As you can see, significant Engineering resources have been committed here,” she said, “and although we have just the single runway to start, this base can now protect itself against most threats. This will give our carrier forces and independent cruiser task groups freer reign to prosecute objectives and counter American aggression throughout the South Pacific.”
To punctuate the point, we were invited out to the observation deck adjacent to the lounge, where we were served wonderfully exotic and deliciously refreshing South Seas cocktails and seated for a demonstration by the resident A2M3 fighters and D3A dive bombers. Following the air show, the resident cruiser force conducted precision target practice against towed barges off the scenic island point. The force and accuracy of the combined arms firepower was awesome to behold, and serves as a clear warning to the Americans of the Navy’s resolve to hold the area.
As the subject of the press conference turned to other theaters, Navy personnel declined comment on operations in New Guinea, saying only that ground forces are engaged with American and Australian troops at bases all along the coast. The Navy has assigned “Most Secret” status to operations in this area.
Staff analysts at the Shimbun note, however, that operations in New Guinea appear to be well supported, with our base at Lae serving as the springboard for attacks. The volume of naval and air group activity at our major bases at Rabaul and on Shortland Island is impossible to hide. The proximity of these bases to the New Guinea targets offers ideal conditions for combined land, sea and air operations against them, and internal lines of supply to our ports safe from American air attack ease the logistics of the situation. With operations in the Solomon Islands completed and the construction of several new bases well under way, the focus of both the Army and Navy will undoubtedly be the New Guinea theater.
“It will be a hard fight, though,” notes Shimbun analyst Ito Morohito, “since the proximity of the northern Australian bases means their forces will also be well supported.” Morohito advises caution and patience, but predicts that with sufficient commitment and resolve the Imperial forces will ultimately prevail.
Mitchell