The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[Capt. Harlock]

Darwin was assaulted by 79.3K Japanese troops and they rolled over the 1.6K Australians who served as the rearguard for the withdrawal. The Japanese lost 5/1/0 and the Aussies 1887/13/0. Darwin is now held by the Japanese.

OH NOOOO!

I've a feeling there will soon be a long-range bomber duel over Northern Oz...

[tocaff]

Long range bombing would require a large enough base within range and that would present a large problem given the Allied situation at the moment.  Perth, Alice Springs and all others are all to far away. 

Don't fret though as the Allied commanders had considered this situation and they have a plan.  The plan's name is Operation Grinder and the forces needed are being assembled as the Japanese are pillaging.  The war is young and to date the Allies haven't suffered an unexpected or crushing defeat so in that respect force conservation has worked. 

The largest problem is that the Allied fleets are to exposed without adequate support to intervene in this area.

[tocaff]

August 17, 1942 Defiance, Ohio

“Can you believe this? Are those Japs really invincible? Why in the last war we showed our enemies just what the American fighting man was made of. This young generation is soft. The generals, admirals and that socialistic President of ours don't know how to run a war.” The man takes another drink of his coffee as he puts down the newspaper and then continues, “I'll tell you what, if we had a Republican in the White House things would be different.”

“Ralph get off of your high horse and eat your breakfast,” says his pal. “You'd think that you were a regular Sgt. York in the last war when the truth was that you never got out of a training camp here in the States.”

Other men sitting at the small eatery mumble and agree that the Allies need to do something in the Pacific. They are tired from working the 3rd shift at a local factory making parts for jeeps.

In Washington the much maligned General Staff has met, studied the reports, discussed what's going on and decided to stay the course.

“Operations Comet and Constellation have been unqualified successes and with some luck Operation Grinder will eject the Japanese from Australia. At the very least Grinder will show the Japanese Allied resolve and that will be a boost, we hope, to civilian morale.” Ed returns to his seat and quietly listens to the rest of the meeting's proceedings before returning to his office. It's late in the afternoon and he wants to speak with Donovan, if he can track him down. Today's report read:

4.4K troops are at Kadina
22 AAR is at Kitakyushu
8 HGR is at Harbin
2 ER is planning for Sian
138 IJN BF is at Tokyo
17 RCAR is at Niigata
44 HAAB is at Manila
5 A is at Tsitsihar
15 MB is at Darwin
10 TR is at Mutanchiang
114 IJA BF is at Chengting
6 CGR is at Kwajalein
22 NLF is at Banjarmasin
113 IJA BF is at Nanking
10 HGR is at Heiho
11 HAAB is at Osaka

The Soviets have still to honor the agreement about sharing intel, but relevant materials will continued to be passed to their embassy until Ed is ordered to do otherwise.

Recon flights over Lunga have shown that there are 11 LCUs present, made up of approximately 3680/38/0.

A coast watcher's report from Maloelap indicated that an IJN AP hit a mine there.

The MSW Cuttack has been sweeping mines at Trimcomalee.

Japanese planes are repeatedly hitting the retreating Australian troops S of Darwin hindering their movement to what is hoped to be safe, for now, positions.

The train ride has been a generally boring trip so far for the Pirates. They play cards to pass the time, though not having a fourth hampers their game.

Bill arrives at the gas station and yells, “How does one get some gas around here?”

Dave comes out with a big grin on his face, shakes Bill's hand and claps him on the back. “Welcome sailor, what brings you to this neck of the woods? OK, don't tell me, let me guess....hmmmm...you came to go fishing with me this afternoon?”

Bill laughs and says, “That sounds like a great idea. Maybe after a nice homemade lunch and my saying hello to Sandy we could do just that.”

Dave's facial expression changes and he says, “I guess you didn't get the letter, huh? Sandy wrote to you telling of her trip to visit her aunt in Seattle. She left the day before yesterday so I guess it's just us guys since I'm not sure of her return date.”

The two men chat while Dave works on an old car and Bill sips on a bottle of Coke.

Pete arrived at a field hospital in the morning and the doctor immediately diagnosed his wound's infection as being gangrene. “How long has he been like this?” the doctor asks. Nobody knows for sure and the doctor orders that Pete be given intravenous to rehydrate him along with penicillin. “We'll know shortly if we can save his arm or not,” the doctor says. “As soon as he's stable we'll decide if we can ship him back to civilization or keep him with us. Who's next?”

[rtrapasso]

1 Why are static CD units leaving their assigned locations and moving towards the front only to stop somewhere along the way and stay there? Specifically this has happened with 2 units in Australia and is a non issue as long as the Japanese don't attack the bases where these units should be.

This sounds like the infamous "self-planting" units glitch... unless you turn off replacements, units can upgrade, and if they happen to have static artillery in the upgrade, your unit is now stuck in the middle of nowhere... this most commonly will happen with the Dutch Naval Base Force units, but other units can be involved as well.

Check to see if you unit has (perhaps) a 6" CD gun (or other gun) in a static mount... if they do, the unit will never move again.

[tocaff]

The upgrade was turned off prior to the start of the game and accepting replacements was also off.  They've got the large tubes so they'll be garrisoning the kangeroos until the war's end.

Was this squashed in AE?

[rtrapasso]

ORIGINAL: tocaff

The upgrade was turned off prior to the start of the game and accepting replacements was also off.  They've got the large tubes so they'll be garrisoning the kangeroos until the war's end.

Was this squashed in AE?

Who knows... if everything was off, they should not have upgraded in regular WITP, so it sounds like a bizarre glitch... i hadn't heard of it happening if replacements were turned off.

[tocaff]

...just my luck...[:(]

[tocaff]

August 18, 1942 The Pentagon

A large staff meeting is underway and Ed's report is being given by an aide.

7 D is at Sapporo
74 planes are at Mutanchiang
15 AAR is at Nagoya
35.8K troops are located at Changchun
1 AAR is at Tokyo
Sasebo 1 SNLF is at Tulagi

“There have been no intel reports from our Soviet friends to date despite their promises.”

A member to the General Staff orders that the room be cleared except for those who have the highest security clearance. Once this has been accomplished he resumes his seat and makes the following announcement.

“The Germans are prepared to launch their attack on the city of Stalingrad. Of more immediate import to us tomorrow Operation Jubilee will swing into action. This is a raid-in-force by British and Canadian troops on Dieppe. Of course I don't need to remind anyone in this room that these items are not to be mentioned outside of this room.”

With that the meeting is adjourned, though many of the men stay and discuss matters with each other that are deemed important to the war effort.

“Excuse me Ed,” says an admiral, “I hear that you have taken a liking to attending baseball games and if it's OK with you I'd like to join you one day this summer. A little distraction from our daily grind would be welcomed.”

Ed smiles and says, “Sure, why not sir your company would be most welcome. I'll have and aide check the schedule and contact your office.”

At Trimcomalee the MSWs Rampur and Cuttack are busily sweeping mines sown by IJN subs in the area.

The submarine Gato has been tracking a Japanese convoy for the better part of a day and she finally has managed to acquire a perfect firing solution on a juicy target. Torpedoes are launched and the sub dives deeper and alters her course in case the fish are spotted and the escorts work their way back up the torpedo track and attack. The torpedoes either miss or are duds and Gato is driven off by the angry escorts, though she suffers no damage.

The Japanese planes continue to attack the retreating Allied troops south of Darwin inflicting light loses, but certainly not helping morale.

Pete was examined by the doctor again and though the antibiotic is helping he's not sure if the arm can be saved. “I want this man closely watched and we'll continue this treatment for now. It would be better if we could transfer him to a hospital in Townsville, but the ride could kill him as he's so weak.” The orderly nods and moves along with the doctor down the row of wounded men. The field hospital has been ordered to pack up and move south, further away from where the combat is expected if the Japanese decide to give chase.

Phil is enjoying the sights of Auckland as he's got plenty of time on his hands. He thinks to himself “Join the Navy and see the world” and laughs. People passing him on the street look at him thinking that the Yank is odd laughing like that. The Benham is being worked on as she's undergoing a refit that will make her more capable. Phil spots some of the crew leaving a bar and they snap to attention upon spotting him.

“As you were,” he says as the men immediately relax, “Though I want to see you men having a nice stay here in Auckland, I also want to remind you that I don't, under any circumstances, want any trouble.”

The men mutter an “Aye Aye sir,”and with that he heads off looking for a place to eat.

The Pirates travels have been made a little more enjoyable as the owner of an auto parts company is traveling to Washington also. The man, it seems, has a weakness for cards, has joined their game and the four men play, chat, eat and drink the evening away as the train continues eastwards. What makes the Pirates so happy is that this man who has joined their game has a fat wallet and also pilots his own plane for recreation.

Red and Cookie have made arrangements with a lawyer, who has been recommended to them by the bank, for him to represent them in their business dealings. They will need contracts, registration of land sales, etc. and this man seems to fit the bill. They have agreed to the fee schedule laid out for them and the three men end their long day by going out to dinner. While at dinner the lawyer asks Red and Cookie if they would consider taking him on as an equal partner in their business venture. He says that he's willing to invest his time and money if they'll have him.

Cookie says, “I think that your offer is most interesting and I'd like to have some time to discuss it with Red, if you wouldn't mind.”

Red nods in agreement and the lawyer also agrees.

[tocaff]

August 19, 1942 Washington DC

“Here's the report that Admiral Landy's office sent over Mr. President,” says the White House staffer as he places yet another pile of papers on FDR's desk.

6 A is at Hailar
5.8K troops are at Aomori
43 CB is at Rangoon
46 NG is at Merauke
China Ex Army is at Chungking
1 MR is at Amoy
34 CB is at Tsitsihar

Heiho 8 LCUs 45020/547/20
Fushan 1 LCU 1180/14/0
Tsitsihar 7 LCUs 28920/307/19
Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1560/16/0
Mandalay 101 fighters, 59 bombers, 174 aux
Lunga 11 LCUs 4100/64/0
Mishan 4 LCUs 0/0/88
Makin 2 LCUs

“So,” grunts FDR, “Our Soviet friends have finally begun to come through and honor our agreement to share intel. It's about time. I suppose the fact that the Japanese have moved their HQs for China to the Chungking area means that there's going to be one hell of a fight soon for that city.”

At Eniwetok a Japanese AP, loaded with the 130 IJNAF BF, hits 3 mines and suffers catastrophic damage and out of control fires. She promptly sinks taking many lives with her.

245 miles E of Kweiyang the Chinese troops are attacked by Japanese aircraft. Miraculously nobody suffers so much as a scratch.

The train bearing the Pirates pulls into Union station in Washington DC and the men bid a sheepish farewell to their “pigeon.” The businessman has managed to fleece them of all of their money and they are still in a state of disbelief.

“I swear that nobody has ever done that to me before at poker, craps yes, but poker never,” declares Will.

Red and Cookie have decided to exclude the lawyer from becoming a partner. “He just seems to want to get a piece or our action to much for my liking,” says Cookie. “We'll have to watch him closely and the same goes for the bank. When something seems to good to be true it usually comes crashing down on your head,” he adds.

Red agrees and tells Cookie that he's off to try to find out about Gunny.

Dave and Bill are sitting on the porch gazing at a star filled sky drinking coffee.

“You should see a night sky in the middle of the ocean,” says Bill. “Its really quite a sight to behold.”

Dave responds with, “This sky isn't anything to sneeze at. As a matter of fact it's one of the reasons that I fell in love with this place. OK, that and the great fishing,” he smiles.

“It's hard to believe that there's a war on as it's so peaceful here,” murmurs Bill.

The two men head into the house as they're both tired from their hike and the fishing.

[tocaff]

August 20, 1942 Somewhere South of Darwin

The doctor has again examined Pete's arm and doesn't like what he sees. He decides to send him back to a proper hospital in Townsville where someone else can decide to save or take the arm. Pete is loaded into the back of an ambulance for the bone jarring ride that will eventually get him to his destination. The ambulance will be making stops along the way at other field hospital facilities as Operation Grinder not only is preparing for success, but for the worst also.

Mine sweeping continued at Trimcomalee as it seems that the IJN has taken up the task of constantly sending subs to lay deadly loads there on a regular basis.

The Japanese attacked Chinese defenses about 50 miles NW of Changsha with 32.3K troops, forcing the 7.6K defenders to retreat. Initial reports indicate that the Japanese lost 282/8/0 and the Chinese 43/3/0.

In Bill Donovan's favorite Georgetown eatery he and Ed dine together and share information.

5.1K troops are at Songhia
1 Mort R is at Sasebo
2 AAR is at Tokyo
Yokosuka RCAR is at Tokyo
8 HGR is at Harbin
14 A is at Rangoon
2 MR is at Hangchow
6.2K troops are at Taipei
25 ER is at Sendai
2IB is at Changsha

Donovan hands the paper back to Ed, who replaces it in his briefcase, locks it and hands it to a waiting aide who returns to another table, rejoining aides and drivers of the two men.

“All of these reports are coming to nothing. Knowing what's in Japan doesn't offer much help on the front lines,” says Ed, “But hopefully we'll begin start getting useful tidbits sooner than later.”

“In Europe,” Donovan says, “Big things are going on that will have a major effect on the outcome of the war. The Germans launched the expected offensive on Stalingrad yesterday and today they reached the Volga River. The Red Army is getting it's fanny paddled, but they always manage to be able to come back for more. My boys think that Stalin has drawn the line and is refusing to give up the city, no matter what the cost. Yesterday Operation Jubilee, as you might have heard, was launched. It was a raid-in-force on Dieppe made by 6.1K British and Canadian troops. In less than 10 hours they lost 1,380 KIA, 1,600 wounded and 2,000 POWs while the RAF lost 107 planes and the RN a DD. The German loses were pegged at 345 dead, 268 wounded and the Luftwaffe lost 40 planes. This, of course, was not the hoped for result and it'll be back to planning with what they've learned the hard way. The German coastal defenses look to be real and not myth and all indications are that they'll continue to build them up.”

After finishing with their meals and some small talk the two men depart and go separate ways.

Red continues to fail to get any information about Gunny so he turns his attentions to Lucky as he feels that he's been neglecting the dog. They go on a long walk together and Red is pleased to note that the dog is a magnet for females. He makes plans to see one of them and asks if she knows of a good restaurant. With their plans made and her telephone number in his pocket they part company. Sometimes having a dog and not being in uniform can be advantageous, just like Cookie has told him.

Bill and Dave spent the morning working on a customer's car that needed new brakes and tires. Dave mentioned that it was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain parts, especially tires due to the war. Once the car was finished they ate lunch and decided to take a hike and enjoy the beautiful day. Bill was lost in thoughts of Sandy and the war while Dave led the way.

“Hey sailor, I think we should head back now,” said Dave, “Are you still with me?”

“Sorry,” replied Bill, “I've got a bit on my mind and got carried away with thinking about the war and Sandy. I'll try to be better company.”

Dave laughed it off and told Bill not to worry about it as these hikes, though good for you physically are even better for the mind.

[tocaff]

August 21, 1942

Ed stares at the report before calling for an orderly to take it and send it on it's way. He notices that the orderly is female and he asks her where the usual person is.

“Sir, the men are being sent to front line positions and we gals are filling in for them wherever possible.” She takes the report, salutes and crisply does an about face and leaves the office.

Ed knows that the US military is expanding at a rapid pace and that there is a shortage of men to man the new ships and units being created along with the demands of replacing those lost in combat. The initial tidal wave of volunteers saw many men turned away as there was no way to take everyone at once and now a steady flow of new men will keep the US war machine running. Women around the Pentagon will take some getting used to though.

The day's report read as follows:

1.8K troops are at Gumma
21 A Flot is at Singapore
Hoyo Fortress is at Osumi
Chinhae Bay Fortress is at Pusan
2 ER is at Homan
10 MortB is at Chiamussu
7K troops are at Toyohara
35.8K troops are at Changchun

Recon flights have revealed that:

Lunga hosts 8 fighter, 9 bombers, 25 aux, 11 LCUs 9040/68/0
There are 2 LCUs at Makin Island
Mandalay is reported to have 86 fighters, 130 aux, 12 LCUs 34080/252/156

The Soviets reported the following:

Fushan 1 LCU 1880/9/0
Tsitsihar 7 LCUs 32160/353/20
Heiho 8 LCUs 45660/572/26
Mishan 4 LCUs 0/4/95

It's been a quiet day in the Pacific war with the only action being seen in China as air raids continue on a daily basis raining their death on the hapless Chinese troops.

The ambulance carrying Pete and some other wounded men is making good time despite the horrible road conditions and it's being choked with army formations headed in the opposite direction. They stop at a field hospital where a doctor gives the men a quick examination. He then dispenses orders for medicine to be given to those who need it and sends the ambulance on it's way. Pete is feverish and despite the IV and the injections of penicillin his condition is deteriorating. The two men assigned to the ambulance have noticed this, but figure that a doctor knows what he's doing.

Dave and Bill enjoy a cold beer while Dave cleans the fish that they have caught today. Bill thinks that when he's finished with his naval career this place would be a wonderful one to live at. It would be even better if Sandy were here, he thinks.

The Pirates have been offered new assignments within the OSS and they have agreed to accept. They are to get a 30 day leave before being shipped to England where they will operate aircraft for the various missions the OSS undertakes. Will calls Ed's office and arranges to meet with him tomorrow for lunch, just to touch base. Jim and Ben will take their allotted time to go and visit their families before reporting to New York for transport to England.

Stalin confers with his staff and demands that more Japanese bases be kept under a watchful eye.

“Comrade Stalin,” says a wary general, “ We are doing all that we can with the available planes. We are limited by the weather and the range of the planes. Perhaps if we were allowed to use more bombers for recon purposes some more Japanese positions would then fall under our eyes. The thing that we really could use are American recon planes with their great range. Is it not possible to get some of these from them?”

Stalin motions for an aide and whispers in his ear and then the aide leaves the room. He then turns to the general and says, “We will try to demand these planes that you ask for, but know that our fight is with the Germans now and until we kill them all your forces, though important to the Rodina, are our stepchildren when it come to military supplies and men. You will continue to do the best that you can with what you have.”

Stalin's generals are learning that success, not angering him and making requests to facilitate the war effort will not bring his wrath down on them, though they are still frightened of his legendary temper.

[tocaff]

August 22, 1942

3 AD is at Rangoon
15 FAR is at Homan
13 TR is at Chungking
59K troops are at Harbin
1 MR is at Amoy
6 A is at Hailar
2 AD is at Harbin
15 AR is at Batavia
139 IJNAF BF is at Guam
SAA is at Singapore

Recon of Myitkyina revealed 3 LCUs 4400/45/0

The German 17th Army has had it's advance to Suchumi bog down.

Today, under heavy pressure from the US, Brazil declared war on the Axis.

S-28 was caught on the surface 190 miles SW of Gili Gili and attacked by a Nell, but suffered no damage.

MSW ops continued at Trimcomalee

Tautog docked at Pearl Harbor and most of the crew was granted liberty.

An old friend, the AS Fulton, is in a convoy nearing Suva.

DD Laffey's TF reached Anchorage and the ships immediately refueled and replenished their stores.

Bill has a brake shoe in his hand waiting for Dave to tell him where to put it. He's lost in thought about the usual things that haunt him: Sandy and the war.

Gunny has been working his platoon of Marines hard as he knows that combat lies in their future and the only way a Marine can be readied for it is through hard work. His riflemen, as all Marines are, are decent with their weapons and they no longer groan about their physical training. Gunny has told his LT that the men are as ready as they'll ever be and that what they need now is a weekend to blow off steam. The LT is as green as they come, but he's been told to listen and learn from Gunny and he's been doing just that. Gunny doesn't know what to make of his CO yet and has decided that until they are in combat he won't know what he's made of.

Red still has no idea where Gunny is. Cookie and Red have agreed to purchase oceanfront property not far from Lahaina on the island of Maui. The lawyers from both parties will meet and draw up the formal papers and then it'll just be a check from the bank to seal the deal. It looks as if the two are off and running in their business venture. They've decided to rename it Lucky Enterprises and the lawyer will register the name for them.

The ambulance carrying Pete had a flat tire today and the trek to Townsville resumed once they managed to get a spare from another vehicle as their spare was flat. After driving a few hours the motor started making a “funny noise” said the driver and not long after that they broke down. There are many vehicles passing them, but almost all of them are heading towards Darwin, not Townsville. Finally a small convoy of ambulances arrives and stops. The men are loaded wherever they can be squeezed and the convoy is off again, Pete included. It's a very uncomfortable journey that seems like it'll never end.

The VP spread is: Japanese 16529
Allies 4855




US and Brazilian flags are raised together in Brazil

[vettim89]

ORIGINAL: tocaff

August 22, 1942


The VP spread is: Japanese 16529
Allies 4855




US and Brazilians flags are raised together in Brazil

Ruh Roh. You got four months and nine days to sting SJ else autovitory disease will set in

[tocaff]

I was worrying about that VP point spread and the attending ratio translating into an auto victory, but as many other AARs point out things can change.  As bases build up so do their VP values. 

I don't want to get any further into it as the AAR goes on lagging about 2 months behind the war.

I will say that I find myself putting more time and effort into the AAR I do the game itself.

[vettim89]

One thing you should do if you have not already is expand every base in the ContUS and Canada to their max. That will give you some valuable points. Same could probably be said for India as SJ's investment in Oz probably means he isn't going there.

[tocaff]

If I didn't know better I'd say that the Japanese (SJ) are content with the standoff in the India/Burma area.  Without the IJN denuding the Pacific and leaving it to the mercy of the USN an amphib op is very risky with the RN lurking.

I do expect a Japanese move into the Aleutians after the winter ends.  IF an attack come during the winter I believe it'll be a major blunder on SJ's part.  I doubt that a major effort can be blunted, but it'll be costly and run out of steam quickly as the defenders are digging deeply and assets are in place for a fight.

Oz is and will be a bloody affair and one that I hope will be the beginning of the end for the Empire of the Sun.  This is where the war of attrition begins and a freed Darwin will become a springboard for future ops.  I think that Japanese ambitions end with the 4 bases that they've taken and intend to use everything they can to delay the Allied offensive that will surely come.

I keep trying to find a weak spot in the island defenses as all I need is a crack for the dam to break.  So far short of a very major and bloody op I don't see one.  As the Allied strength grows what looks prohibitive today might become inviting tomorrow.

I'll post the next episode of the saga later today as real life issues must get priority.

[tocaff]

August 23, 1942 The Pentagon

Ed sits in his office sharing a drink with Bill Donovan. His feet are up on his desk and he relaxes as his guest reads the latest intel reports.

1.8K troops are at Pagan
Iki Fortress is at Ikitsuki
101 IJNAF BF is at Wotje
31 HAAB is at Aomori
84.7K troops are at Kiungahan
4 AAR is at Toyoma
49 HAAB is at Mukden
5 D is at Darwin
Amoy BF is at Amoy
8 HAB is at Mutanchiang

Heiho 8 LCUs 46460/579/26
Fushan 1 LCU 1660/14/0
Tsitsihar 7 LCUs 31940/316/17
Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1300/18/0
Mishan 4 LCUs 0/6/120
Hailar 7 LCUs 19040/246/3
Makin 2 LCUs 880/11/0
Myitkyina 4 LCUs 26400/295/12
Tassafaronga nothing spotted

“Well there's no surprises in this,” says Donovan. “We need to know the Japanese intentions so that we can surprise them for a change. The Soviets are between a rock and a hard place with the Germans rolling the Red Army back with those hammer blows while the Japanese keep a strong force facing them. Lucky for us that the Japanese are so heavily involved watching the Soviets, fighting the Chinese and facing the Commonwealth forces in the India/Burma area. Our generals moan about the Japanese strength in Australia, but it's nothing compared to what it could be. We've got to keep the Soviets in the war and the Chinese fighting, despite the corruption. Did you know that today Hitler ordered his forces to take Leningrad? Tomorrow our pal Stalin will issue orders that Stalingrad be held at all costs. He's going to put Marshal Zhukov in command there. See what a little inside intel can get?” Donovan smiles and gives Ed a wink.

Ed nods his agreement and the two continue to talk touching on many topics, some not related to the war.

Aboard the submarine Plunger another crew is cursing their torpedoes. They attacked a convoy 72 miles NW of Darwin and either missed, not likely, or suffered more duds.

Gunny heads into Honolulu for a diversion with his squad leaders in tow. He knows that these are the men upon whom the platoon will rely and this time to blow off steam together is as important as any drill ever conceived.

Bill spends another lazy day with Dave. After Dave installed some parts in another vehicle the person left and they had lunch. A little while after eating they went for a hike and chatted along the way. They talked about the war and what they wanted to do after it. Bill said that he's a career Navy man, but on retirement a place like this would be a wonderful way to enjoy life.

Red and Cookie went to the bank to sign some papers after the Palawan's master told them to return tonight as something might be in the wind for their ship. What the two didn't know was that they were a scant 2 blocks away from where Gunny was when they stopped to grab a bite to eat.

The convoy of ambulances stops upon reaching a field hospital and the wounded men that can walk are given a chance to stretch their legs and get some hot food. Those who can't get chow for themselves are attended to and teams of doctors work their way among the wounded.

“Get this man out of this vehicle immediately,” says a doctor upon giving Pete a quick looking over. “Get him into the hospital now. This man needs care now or he'll never make it to anywhere.”

Pete is moved into the hospital where another doctor examines him and silently curses under his breath, “Does anybody know what the hell they're doing?” He tells a nurse to get Pete ready for surgery immediately. Fifteen minutes later a team is ready and Pete is given anesthesia.

“Look at this,” says the doctor, “Given proper care when he originally got hurt he would've had a little scar from the flesh wound. From neglect he's been doomed to losing his forearm and now because of the spreading infection we have to take the entire arm to try and keep him alive.” As the team works on Pete the doctor mutters about the war and all of the broken bodies and shattered dreams that it's causing.

[tocaff]

August 24, 1942 The White House

122 planes are at Changchun
Kure BF is at Kure
3 CavB is at Mishan
24K troops are at Kanazawa
2 AD is at Harbin
3.4K troops are at Hamamatsu
36 planes are at Mukden
3 AAR is at Tokyo
42 RCB is at Gili Gili
51 HAAB is at Singapore
248.7K troops are at Sasebo

The Japanese have landed at Waingapu

MSWs are busy conducting ops at Trimcomalee

“So that's it? Based on more of the same vague stuff that still leaves us in the dark we're supposed to run the war? I sure as hell hope that the Japanese don't get more concrete information than we do. Maybe we can start getting reliable information from our Soviet allies.” FDR is frustrated that things in the Pacific continue to go poorly and that it appears that it'll continue that way for a while yet. He continues the staff meeting and the various topics are gone through as there is a never ending stream of issues to resolve.

45 X Zero swept Cooktown and were engaged by 6 X P-40E, of which 3 were lost.

The Japanese conducted an air raid on Baker Island made up of 7 X Zero and 21 X Betty. 2 Bettys were observed to go down and it's believed that another 17 were damaged by the flak. The air strip suffered light damage. With only a squadron of PBYs based there the defense of the island relies on the flak alone.

Palawan has begun loading supplies that will be bound for who knows where. The crew, though busy with the loading process, are betting among themselves as to where they are destined to go this time. Cookie has overseen the replenishment of the ship's stocks of food and then takes Lucky for a walk. Red is working up a sweat in the hold manhandling cargo into place as directed by the 2nd mate.

Pete is still heavily sedated and continues to sleep. His condition is being monitored by the staff at the field hospital. They want to get him to a proper facility in Townsville as soon as they feel he's fit to travel.

Dave stands waving good bye as Bill drives off to the south, heading back to Mare Island. He wonders when he'll see Bill again and his thoughts run to Sandy and that the 2 of them would make a fine couple.

Gunny has a busy day ahead of him, possibly a few of them as the 2nd Marine Division is preparing to ship out. According to scuttlebutt the only thing delaying their departure is the lack of troop transports. Considering the number of ships at Pearl constantly arriving and departing a lack of them seems impossible, but there are many units awaiting transport to various places and the distances are great.

[Capt. Harlock]

Long range bombing would require a large enough base within range and that would present a large problem given the Allied situation at the moment. Perth, Alice Springs and all others are all to far away.

Judging from the sweep at Cooktown, the Japanese don't seem to have the same problem. Let's hope they can't support a Betty squadron at Darwin . . .

[rtrapasso]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Long range bombing would require a large enough base within range and that would present a large problem given the Allied situation at the moment. Perth, Alice Springs and all others are all to far away.

Judging from the sweep at Cooktown, the Japanese don't seem to have the same problem. Let's hope they can't support a Betty squadron at Darwin . . .

Is this regular WITP or a mod? CHS has places like Tennant Creek, Daly Waters and Katherine that can be used for bombing Darwin.