***SitRep: January 7, 1942***
Japanese forces still on the offensive, sweeping into Malaya, Philippines, Burma, and the South Pacific.
Pearl Harbor was bombed twice by the Japanese, as was Midway as the Kido Butai exited the battlefield. Midway just reopened for air operations last week. Force Z was heavily damaged near Singapore in the opening round, and the BB Prince of Wales was lost as she attempted to withdraw to India for repair.
CVs Enterprise and Lexington were sent to Wake to attempt to head off the expected Japanese invasion fleet, but the sudden diversion of the Kido Butai towards Wake forced a hasty withdrawal with little damage done to the invading forces. Wake fell one day later.
Pearl Harbor/Task Force Z
I'm going to have to have a word with BuOrd! Damned torpedoes never explode!
In late December, US/AUS forces began Operation Forger, the militarization of several bases in the South Pacific, including Noumea, Tulagi, Port Moresby, and Guadalcanal.
Unfortunately, the Japanese got there first, landing troops in Tulagi 3 weeks before our units were to ship out. In response, the Tulagi Surface Group (note how I can name my TFs, very cool) was dispatched to the area to halt or disrupt the landing. They succeeded in sinking 21 ships at Tulagi at the Battle of Savo Island, the first major engagement of the conflict.
Results of the Battle of Savo Island:
Additional Notes:
1) Japs have taken Canton Island, which plays havoc with my supply routes to AUS. They also have some small SAGs that seem to run around in my supply routes as well. Very disconcerting!
2) I have seaplane evac'ed most of Rabaul's garrison to Port Moresby, along with the militia groups at and around Lae. No sense wasting good Aussies!
3) Surface Battles are WAY more bloody now, my PT boats have been playing havoc around the PI.
4) Subs are much more aggressive and the AI is not shy about putting them around PH or the West Coast. Go unescorted at your own risk!
