The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[tocaff]

February 12, 1943 Noumea

Intel

252274 men are based at Kagoshima.
3rd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Matsue.
51st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
3rd Ind. Brigade is located at Homan.
28th Army is located at Singapore.
31161 men are based at Mishan.
1st Mortar Battalion is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
24038 men are based at Kanazawa.
Southeast Fleet is located at Rabaul.
14th Army is located at Rangoon.
18372 men are based at Shikka.
4307 men are based at Pusan.
12th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Nagoya.
Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 6 X SS, 2 X PT, 18 LCUs 31020/417/20
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 8 LCUs 21680/133/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X CA, 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 111 fighters, 139 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 13 X AK, 1 X DE, 27 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 24740/201/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rahaeng nothing detected

Combat

The IJA 65th Brigade at Koumac greeted the new day by running for cover as the Allied planes showered them with bombs. It was reported that Japanese loses were moderate and all of the planes left safely. As the men of the 65th Brigade came out of their shelters the heavy bombers appeared and heavy casualties were inflicted on the troops. No planes reported taking any ground fire.

Ground combat at Makin saw the American troops continue their efforts to rid the island of the Japanese troops there. In the assault none of the Americans were reportedly injured (a miracle) while Japanese loses were very heavy. What kind of men would rather die for a lost cause rather than live to see another day?

The SS Shad attacked a small convoy 19 miles off of Vigan, but failed to score a hit. She escaped detection and made good her escape. After reloading her forward tubes the Shad again pressed home an undetected attack and once more failed to hit anything. It was suspected by the crew that the torpedoes were duds and more than one man was heard grumbling about the “damned torpedoes.”

Kweiyang experienced the daily air raid and the Japanese did heavy damage to the base and inflicted moderate casualties. No Japanese planes were damaged in the attack.

Palawan and and other cargo ships began loading their holds and will be sailing for ports unknown shortly. Red is in a hold manhandling cargo into place as indicated by the 2nd mate. The crew works well together, like a well oiled machine. The cursing by the men is nonstop as is the complaining, but the work gets done efficiently. Cookie marvels at how the men manage to move so much stuff, get it stowed and still have the energy to eat. He'd be to tired to do anything but sleep working like the deck hands do.

O'Bannon's crew enjoyed a rotating liberty system while they were at Pearl Harbor and now morale is high, the ship is as good as new and Bill watches them scrambling to their battle stations. It's not a record time for the ship, but close and good enough to please all of the officers and chiefs.

Stick is still hurting but at least he can hobble around and join his pals in the officers club. Somebody suggests that maybe a new nickname is in order for him, but that idea is squashed very quickly. “To call him crash would only jinx the poor guy,” a pilot says and the subject is closed. Some of the pilots are superstitious and the others are just not wanting to do anything that could cause them problems.

Gunny's platoon is almost back to full strength, but the men are worn out and it'll be some time before they're fit for combat again. He just hopes that they have the time to regenerate before the war and Corps make the inevitable demands once more upon them.

Sandy sits at the kitchen table reading one of the new letters that arrived today. Bill says the same old stuff, but he can't even tell her where he is or what he's doing.

The Russians took Rostov today.

Rommel's and Von Arnim's troops counterattacked the American 2nd Corps in Tunisia and forced them back in disarray.

Victory Points Japanese 19634 Allied 7779

[tocaff]

February 13, 1943 Koumac

Intel

5854 men are based at Takamatsu.
7969 men are based at Toyohara.
6717 men are based at Iwo Jima.
10256 men are based at Wotje.
12th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
45876 men are based at Mutanchiang.
Yongfung Bay Fortress is located at Wonsan.
211637 men are based at Masan.
53rd Naval Guard Unit is located at Wake Island.
6945 men are based at Shimuzu.
52nd Division is located at Kanazawa.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 4 X SS, 18 LCUs 28420/458/11
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Lashio 2 LCUs 5680/19/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 9 LCUs 26960/156/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 111 fighters, 149 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 24180/164/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 4 X DE, 1 X AP, 12 X AK, 28 LCUs

Combat

Another day brings another air attack on the Japanese 65th Brigade at Koumac. 8 X F4F-4, 16 X P-40E, 14 X SBD, 14 X Hudson, 9 X A-20B, 13 X A-20G and 44 B-17E pound the hapless Japanese troops who sustain moderate casualties. The Allied planes depart unharmed. As the men of 65th Brigade lick their wounds 89 X B-17E and 100 X B-24D roll in on them inflicting heavy loses. As usual no planes were damaged.

The SS Amberjack spotted an AK with a heavy escort and worked her way into a position to attack about 37 miles NE of Takao. She fired her torpedoes in what was thought to be a can't miss solution and failed to score.

An IJN DD detected a mine field at Wyndham.

Frank takes the bridge on the O'Bannon and before heading to his cabin Bill scans the merchantmen and is happy to see that all of them are properly in their assigned positions. He would be much happier if the escort was stronger, but this is the hand that was dealt to him. He writes a letter to Sandy while he has some water and a bite to eat and then goes to sleep.

The loading continues aboard the Palawan and Red moans that there's got to be a better way of doing this. “Next you'll want a cooler hold to work in,” quips one of the men as he struggles with the cargo net.

Slim is busily explaining to the new guys in the squad what their duties are and he adds, “Of course if I tell you to do something else, you do it.”

Gunny has overheard this and nods as he catches Slim's eye. Tomorrow he'll ruin Slims day and inform him that he's been promoted.

Jack has finally started to come out of his fog, but the doctors have ordered him Stateside where some kind of duty will be assigned to him. No more combat and the stress of it for Jack.

Pete is getting ready for a busy night as weekends always tend to be crazy since they took over. Sylvia is in the kitchen overseeing the operation there as lodgers need to be fed and customers in the pub more often than not look for a bite to eat also. Since they assumed ownership they've taken on two more people to work doing laundry and cleaning rooms in the hotel. Pete never figured himself as a businessman or even setting down roots, but he likes it.

Victory Points Japanese 19636 Allied 7789

[tocaff]

February 14, 1943 Valentine's Day

Intel

1st Fleet is located at Hiroshima/Kure.
8th Fleet is located at Gili Gili.
Southwest Fleet is located at Singapore.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
38th Road Construction Battalion is located at Singapore.
20th Army is located at Heiho.
3rd Air Army is located at Singapore.
18346 men are based at Shikka.
Kure 2nd SNLF is located at Amboina.
21st Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
8th AF Construction Battalion is located at Mandalay.
5th Fleet is located at Ominato.
13th Air Fleet is located at Truk.
7th Air Division is located at Tokyo.
2nd Mountain Gun Regiment is located at Homan.
16th AA Regiment is located at Koepang.
Elements of the 116th Division are located at Changsha.
18th Army is located at Port Moresby.
7952 men are based at Toyohara.

Recon

SB-2 takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 80420/962/31
SB-2 takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 42980/316/7
SB-2 takes recon photos of Chiamussu 6 LCUs 22080/252/10
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 5 X SS, 2 X PT, 19 LCUs 29380/452/13
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 133 fighters, 188 aux, 10 LCUs 22300/219/3
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X DE, 8 LCUs 28660/152/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X CA, 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 97 fighters, 157 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 2 X DE, 7 X AK, 28 LCUs

Combat

At Koumac the 65th Brigade has a tranquil day disrupted by 78 X B-17E and 103 X B-24D who rained bombs down on them. There were no Allied planes damaged and Japanese casualties were thought to have been heavy.

The SS S-45 was attacked by IJN MSWs 39 miles from Darwin, but was undamaged.

The SS S-43 was attacked by IJN DDs 42 miles from Wyndham and she too wasn't harmed.

Sian was swept by 26 X Oscar, 34 X Tojo and 12 X Tony and the Chinese put up 11 X I-16c to contest the airspace. 10 of the Chinese planes were shot down while the Japanese loses were thought to have been a Tojo destroyed, 2 damaged and a couple of Oscars damaged. This was not a good day for the Chinese and now it is beginning to look like there is renewed Japanese interest in taking the city.

In Hoboken New Jersey the Orsini family has just learned of Joe's death. Mrs. Orsini sits in a darkened living room crying while her husband just blankly stares into the darkness.

The O'Bannon glides through the swells as she returns to her station. The last sonar contact was the 4th reported today. Though there have not been any confirmed sub contacts Bill is playing it safe with the convoy executing evasive course changes. The problem with this is that the lumbering AKs are having troubles maintaining their proper stations and there have been 2 near collisions today.

Gunny approaches Slim and tells him that he's no longer a Private First Class, but now is a Corporal. “Of course since you'll have added responsibilities Uncle Sam will pay you an additional $16 a month. If you keep this up the sky's the limit.” Gunny pats Slim on the back and walks away with a “Good bye Corporal.”

“Thanks a bunch,” Slim calls out after Gunny as he flops down in the sand. “I don't want this responsibility,” he says to the men of the squad. “Well if I'm going to be your leader now you might as well start getting used to it. Somebody take this Jap flag to the Sea Bees and don't return without some beers for us.”

A couple of hours later the Marine returns with a bottle of scotch and some beer and the men of the squad lay into their new found booty with gusto.

Sandy sits glumly at the table staring at her dinner, but she has little appetite for it. Dave inwardly knows that she's missing Bill and more so today. He also knows that there's nothing he can do to cheer her up.

The 5th Panzer Army, under Von Arnim, forced the US Army 2nd Corps to retreat. The Americans sustained very heavy losses in the Kasserine Pass.

Victory Points Japanese 19687 Allied 7797

[tocaff]

I apologize to all of you, my readers, but due to real life issues it's been very difficult to keep up the AAR. Some of the entries of late have been a little thin but stick with me and I hope to get back into the groove. Thanks for reading.

February 15, 1943 Mandalay

Intel

5th Army is located at Heiho.
1830 men are based at Hakodate.
15th Army is located at Myitkyina.
67th Construction Battalion is located at Toyama.
8th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Lunga.
1st Division is located at Harbin.
127th IJN Base Force is located at Wake Island.
5th Fleet is located at Ominato.

Recon

Pe-2 takes recon photos of Fushan 1 LCU 1980/5/0
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 10 LCUs 23380/323/174
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 1 X CL, 4 X SS, 4 X PT, 19 LCUs 31580/431/9
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 126 fighters, 143 aux, 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 15 X AK, 27 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23820/184/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 139 fighters, 191 aux, 10 LCUs 35840/324/14
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X DE, 8 LCUs 28200/163/0

Combat

The airbase at Koumac was hit by 15 X F4F-4, 3 X P-40E, 15 X A-20G and 48 X B-17E. The raid inflicted moderate damage and no planes were reported to have been damaged. While that attack was going on the 65th Brigade was hit by 6 X F4F-4, 15 X P-40E, 16 X SBD, 10 X Hudson, 10 X A-20B and 12 X A-20G. It was thought that the Japanese suffered light casualties. No planes were hit. A little later the 65th Brigade was hammered by 67 X B-17E and 110 B-24D, all of whom were undamaged. Japanese loses were put at heavy.

6 X Betty attacked the TF near Makin and were opposed by 5 X P-38G. All of the Bettys were damaged and an AK suffered a bomb hit, which caused fires.

The sky over Kweiyang filled with 12 X Zero, 18 X Tojo, 29 X Nick, 47 X Helen and 4 X Dinah. By the time that the unopposed attack ended moderate damage has been done to the airbase and the Chinese sustained moderate casualties.

Mandalay was swept by 24 X P-38G and were met by an angry hornet's nest of a CAP made up of 59 X Zero and 29 X Tony. The air battle was chaotic and deadly as planes tumbled from the skies. After the debriefing at Imphal it was determined that the Japanese loses were 4 X Zero destroyed and 14 X Tony shot down with another damaged. Ten P-38Gs went down and an additional 4 were damaged.

Derby was attacked by 9 X Zero, 27 X Tony, 18 X Betty and 47 X Helen. The CAP of 9 X Spitfire fought valiantly destroying a Betty and damaging another, killing a Tony and bagging a Helen while damaging another at the cost of having 2 Spits get damaged. The airbase suffered moderate damage and ground troops had light casualties in the raid. A soldier manning an AA gun was heard to say that they were exposed and out on a limb and “Any fool can see that if the Japanese want this place they can take it and we'll all be POWs, if not dead.”

Sandy got a few letters today and Dave gives them to her knowing that all else will cease to exist until she's finished reading them. He sets about making a fresh pot of coffee and sees that his supply will be challenged to make it to the end of the month.

Another day closer to Midway and thankfully there was no activity. Frank ran a few drills and the crew looks sharp as ever. Everything is running the way it's supposed to do and still Bill worries.

Stick is feeling much better and is even able to laugh a bit without to much discomfort. Being thrown against your harness hurts, no matter what anybody tells you, he thinks.

Today Slim is wearing his new insignia of rank. Somebody in the company is handy with a needle and thread and stitched it onto Slim's battered uniform. As Gunny passes by he says, “Looking very good Corporal, very good.”

Victory Points Japanese 19703 Allied 7824

[tocaff]

February 16, 1943 Brisbane

Intel

6th Air Division is located at Wyndham.
3395 men are based at Seoul.
1832 men are based at Gumma.
7958 men are based at Toyohara.
236267 men are based at Osaka/Kobe.
6658 men are based at Saigon.
3rd Mountain Gun Regiment is located at Wyndham.
6165 men are based at Taipei.
7th Division is located at Sapporo.
17th Construction Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.

Recon

R-12 takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 5660/93/0
R-12 takes recon photos of Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1000/12/0
R-12 takes recon photos of Changkufeng 9 LCUs 48080/343/8
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 4 X SS, 4 X PT, 19 LCUs 32220/433/16
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 15 fighters, 28 bombers, 78 aux, 5 LCUs 15220/104/17
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 2 X APD, 2 X AP, 2 X AK, 27 LCUs
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Wake Island 3 aux, 5 LCUs 6400/27/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 8 LCUs 28460/153/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X CA, 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 100 fighters, 158 aux, 30 LCUs

Combat

IJN MSWs attacked the SS Tuna near Wyndham, but didn't manage to damage her. Not long afterwords Tuna put a torpedo into one of the MSWs and before slipping away undetected it was noted that the small craft broke in two and sank within minutes of the hit. The survivors were abandoned by the remaining MSWs as they vacated the area.

Kweiyang was attacked again and sustained heavy damage to the base and moderate casualties to the troops. A Nick was reportedly seen to have been trailing smoke.

A Catalina reported a Japanese sub in the middle of the Bay of Bengal and proceeded to attack it. There were no claims of any hits made.

Ed's TF has returned to Pearl Harbor where it will make repairs, upgrades to some of the ships and finally sail to it's staging area for Operation Revenge. A lighter takes Ed ashore and he enters the waiting car at the dock which whisks him away to HQs.

“Pete, how are you? Our employer would like for you to take a little excursion to Rockhampton and make a delivery, if you would be so kind.” The man hands Pete a sealed pouch and he takes it. “I'd appreciate it if you could leave tomorrow morning and deliver it to this address.” He proceeds to tell the address to Pete and then leaves.

Pete later informs Sylvia that he's got a delivery to make and she doesn't ask any questions. She says, “Ill get my father to cover for you while you're gone. I'll also keep an eye on him so he doesn't drink up the profits with his friends.”

The man reports that Pete accepted the package and will be leaving for Rockhampton in the morning. A pair of agents will be assigned to follow him and observe his actions, but more importantly to see if he's followed.

Slim talks with his new assistant gunner and then turns to the other new men in the squad and tells them, “The only thing I care about is our machine gun. Without it lots of Marines are in trouble and it's not worth a damn if we don't keep it in tip top shape and have lots of ammo. I'm an easy guy to please, all you have to do is your jobs and stay alive because we're no good dead.” The men quietly listen and wonder what the future holds for them. They know that the vets of the squad are quietly efficient and different. Does combat do that to you, they wonder.

On the O'Bannon Bill checks the course, scans the convoy and speaks with Frank. Both of them will feel better when the convoy reaches Midway and gets unloaded. They talk of the stress of command and how important it is for a good commander to rely on his officers to get things done. “Delegation of authority is the secret to being a good CO,” says Bill. “If I tried to do everything myself nothing would get done and I'd never be preparing my officers for promotion and commands of their own. Take that new ensign we have on this mission as an example. If I don't trust him to do his job how will he ever become a decent officer? I know that he'll screw some things up, but we all did when we were new. Do you remember the first time you took a ship out to sea? I don't mean for a ride I mean driving her. There's nothing quite like being a tin can driver, is there?”

Frank nods and wonders what lies ahead for him in his naval career.

Victory Points Japanese 19711 Allied 7831

[Capt. Harlock]

IJN MSWs attacked the SS Tuna near Wyndham, but didn't manage to damage her. Not long afterwords Tuna put a torpedo into one of the MSWs and before slipping away undetected it was noted that the small craft broke in two and sank within minutes of the hit. The survivors were abandoned by the remaining MSWs as they vacated the area.


Victory Points Japanese 19711 Allied 7831

A surprisingly small change in VP's -- and the Japanese got one more point than the Allies. Maybe base or factory expansion?

[tocaff]

February 17, 1943 Koumac

Intel

4956 men are based at Songkhia.
Kure Base Force is located at Hiroshima/Kure.
Radio transmissions detected at Saipan.
4349 men are based at Kadina.
55th Division is located at Myitkyina.
Radio transmissions detected at Paramushiro Jima.
109th IJN Base Force is located at Hungnam.
2nd Army is located at Truk.
2nd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
21st Mixed Brigade is located at Wyndham.
234 ships are based at Tokyo.
17th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Niigata.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 4 X SS, 19 LCUs 30340/465/12
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 21 fighters, 38 bombers, 69 aux, 5 LCUs 21180/139/16
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham ' X CA, 2 X APD, 4 X DE, 4 X AP, 4 X AK, 29 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23160/181/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Wake Island 6 LCUs 10000/47/0

Combat

The morning brought another air attack on the 65th Brigade at Koumac. 75 X B-17E and 123 X B-24D caused the ground to shake as the bombs rained down. The Japanese had heavy casualties according to forward observers.

IJN MSWs located and started sweeping a mine field at Wyndham.

Sian was swept by 27 X Oscar, 34 X Tojo and 12 X Tony while the Chinese had 4 X I-16c aloft. A Tojo was downed and 2 others damaged and 3 of the Chinese planes were destroyed.

Kweiyang experienced it's daily air raid which caused light damage.

A PBY Catalina reported a diving submarine about 200 miles N of Trimcomalee and attacked it. Hours later a Walrus reported diving submarine approximately 175 miles N of Trimcomalee. It was thought to have been the same sub. No reports of hits were claimed.

The 1st Marine Division has moved into position pinning the Japanese at Koumac. A bombardment has been ordered to commence tomorrow. The Marines are a tired bunch after the fight to rid Noumea of Japanese troops they got a brief rest and then marched to Koumac to face more IJA troops. “You'd think the Army would at least give us a hand,” more than one man quips.

The SS Tarpon is sitting pier side as she's having her batteries replaced.

One of Elaine's friends had an accident today at the defense plant where she works. She somehow managed to loose part of a finger while operating a machine and is now in the hospital. Elaine is sitting in the room with her feeling very awkward, wondering what there is that she can say to cheer her friend up.

The convoy slowly continues to move towards Midway. Bill is finding that having command of one ship is demanding enough, but of the entire convoy and her escorts is a whole different ball game. For the most part the merchantmen are keeping station, but last night a near collision frayed the nerves. He loves the nimble O'Bannon and knows that she packs quite a punch for her size and can't imagine being on those lumbering merchantmen that are so vital to the war effort. Frank approaches and says, “Dreaming of somewhere else?”

“No, actually I was just thinking at how lucky I am to be aboard the O'Bannon instead of some awkward AK,” Bill replies.

Stick is mending quickly and despite doctor's orders he's up and around more than is good for him. There was another accident today and the pilot was less fortunate than he was. A number of broken bones were the result of a collapsed landing gear on landing. Poor bastard, thinks Slim. Worn out planes here in the States while all the new stuff is going overseas.

Pete leaves early in the morning and boards a train bound for Rockhampton. He's totally unaware of being followed. The train lurches out of the station and he watches the scenery flash by as the train lumbers on it's way. He wonders how he ever landed in this position and is happy that Sylvia is so understanding.

Yesterday the Russians retook Kharkov and Voroshilovo.

Dr. Mildred Harnack-Fish, a member of the German resistance, was sentenced to death and was beheaded in Berlin yesterday.

Today the British 8th Army took Medenine and the 5th Panzer Army halted it's advance.

Victory Points Japanese 19721 Allied 7840

[tocaff]

February 18, 1943 Rockhampton

Intel

13th Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Elements of the 7th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Hsinyang.
Elements of the 5th Ind. Brigade are located at Tatung.
7886 men are based at Sendai.
1st Parachute Regiment is located at Singapore.
44th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Koepang.
132nd IJA Base Force is planning for an attack on Atka Island.
16th Army is located at Rabaul.
1851 men are based at Woleai.
23rd Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
52nd Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
4th Aviation Rgt is located at Nanning.
140th IJN Base Force is located at Buin.
Elements of the 4th Ind. Brigade are located at Yenen.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 145 fighters, 212 aux, 10 LCUs 34420/350/8
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23880/157/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 10 LCUs 27360/177/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 130 fighters, 156 aux, 30 LCUs

Combat

At Koumac the 1st Marines lobbed shells into the Japanese positions and inflicted what were thought to be light casualties.

Kweiyang had another attack by Japanese planes and sustained moderate damage to the base and light casualties to the troops.

Sandy finished writing a letter to Bill and adds it to the stack waiting to be mailed by the next person going into town. Dave is busy tinkering with some old auto parts, seeing if he can make use of them as new ones are getting harder to come by all of the time. They have gas to sell, but people are making less use of the vehicles now. They plan their trips to town and take friends and neighbors with them to conserve.

Ed sits in an office listening to plans for Operation Classic. The planners are busily working on things to facilitate the downfall of the Japanese Empire and Ed is glad to have the tools to help things along. Another admiral asked him yesterday if he'd rather have another command and Ed told him that the old gals suited him just fine.

The convoy continues to make slow progress towards Midway. There were a couple of sonar contacts reported, but nothing came of them. Bill's major concern is the ever looming prospect of IJN carriers or heavy surface units appearing on a raid. With nothing more than destroyers to defend the convoy he feels naked.

Elaine tells her parents of her friend's condition at the breakfast table. “She'll be OK and Betty is insisting on returning to work after healing. She takes her job very seriously.”

Pete arrived safe and sound in Rockhampton and managed to get to his destination and make his delivery. He did have to fight with a couple of clerks as he was told a particular gentleman was the only person he should deliver to. After finishing he stops at a pub for a bite to eat and has a pint. After finishing he leaves and heads back to the train station, noticing that two men seem to be everywhere he goes. “Following me are you?” he mutters to himself. “OK then let's all go home.” He picks up his pace and soon arrives at the station and purchases a ticket for the next train to Brisbane. He then walks directly up to the two men and sticks his hand out and says, “Hi, my name is Pete. You probably already know that though. I thought that after we all board the train for Brisbane we might play some cards to pass the time. Do either of you happen to know how to play poker?”

The two men just look at each other and nod their heads. On the train they manage to lose $24.50 to Pete and they admit that they were tailing him to observe and make sure that he wasn't being followed by anyone else. “I guess you are all we heard about you,” one of them says.

After the Stalingrad disaster Goebbels announces the implementation of “Total War.” This mandates the employment of German women.

Victory Points Japanese 19727 Allied 7842





Old Ladies

[tocaff]

February 19, 1943 Derby

Intel

86990 men are based at Camranh Bay.
25th AA Regiment is located at Nagato.
4th Air Army is located at Tokyo.
24037 men are based at Kanazawa.
1771 men are based at Fushan.
51st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
2nd Air Division is located at Harbin.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
4th Construction Battalion is located at Mukden.
11th Tank Regiment is located at Mishan.
44th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Koepang.
28502 men are based at Tsitsihar.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Myitkyina 20 fighters, 22 aux, 6 LCUs 37420/391/14
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 10 LCUs 27200/168/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 123 fighters, 141 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 1 X Dem 2 X APD, 9 X AK, 29 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23000/189/0

Combat

An Allied force of 63 X Wildcat, 15 X P-40E, 13 X SBD, 9 X Hudson, 10 X A-20B, 23 X A-20G and 28 X B-17E attacked the 65th Brigade at Koumac. No planes were damaged and Japanese loses were thought to have been light. The 65th Brigade was just dusting itself off when 78 X B-17E and 100 X B-24D dumped their bomb loads on them. Japanese casualties were thought to have been heavy and none of the planes sustained any damage.

A Japanese force of 17 X Zero, 21 X Oscar, 24 X Tony and 21 X Helen swept in on Derby. The 11 X Spitfire that managed to get into the air gave battle and destroyed a Zero, 3 X Oscar, 2 X Tony and damaged an Oscar, a Tony and 4 X Helen. The cost was very high as 7 X Spitfire were shot down. Negligible damage was done to the base and casualties were very light to the ground troops.

Kweiyang got it's normal dose of Japanese bombs which did moderate damage to the base and the Chinese troops sustained light casualties. No Japanese planes were damaged.

The SS S-28, has been repaired departed Melbourne for Brisbane.

Slim says, “OK let's do it again. If we can't get this done faster we'll be dead men.” The men of the machine gun squad grumble as they go about dismantling their weapon and returning to their starting point. One of the vets of the squad thinks that he never would've believed that Slim would ever be this way, but he knows he's right.

There is no training scheduled for VMF-222 today so the pilots and ground crews get together for a ball game. Slim watches from under the shade of a tree and overhears the squadron CO being told by another officer that, “Those new planes are being delivered to front line units as we speak. The Corsair is one hot bird and the only people who won't love them are the Japs. The Navy won't be flying them off of carriers due to visibility problems. You'll see firsthand soon enough.”

Some other men from the squadron are debating a nickname for it. Finally they come upon one that they all agree on and make an announcement between innings of the game. “From now on we're The Flying Deuces and woe to them who oppose us.” It's catchy and they'll carry it for the duration of the war.

“Yeah he spotted us somewhere along the line and had the brass to walk right up to us and introduce himself. This is a guy who is more than you think. The problem is how can we get him to really do stuff for us?” The intel agent just looks at his boss, the man who recruited Pete, and waits for an answer that doesn't come.

Pete and Sylvia are eating dinner when he says, “You know that trip to Rockhampton was nothing other than to see if I would go. I wonder what they really want?” Sylvia just shrugs and places a hand on his.

Victory Points Japanese 19738 Allied 7859

[tocaff]

February 20, 1943 Koumac

Intel

17th Army is located at Tulagi.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
Elements of the 32nd Division are located at Swatow.
6933 men are based at Shimuzu.
7934 men are based at Toyohara.
1855 men are based at Yap.
124th IJN Base Force is located at Nanning.
141st IJN Base Force is located at Tassafaronga.
152nd IJA Base Force is located at Tokyo.
8033 men are based at Bonin.

Recon

SB-2 takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 68540/759/25
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Fushan 1 LCU 1620/11/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Changchun 67 fighters, 39 bombers, 65 aux, 9 LCUs 35680/301/390
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Linhsi nothing reported
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Chifeng nothing reported
SB-2 takes recon photos of Chiamussu 6 LCUs 23540/304/8
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 10 LCUs 26440/300/165
SB-2 takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 42720/297/4
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Myitkyina 28 fighters, 31 aux, 6 LCUs 43400/423/13
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 10 LCUs 27660/158/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 121 fighters, 155 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 2 X CA, 2 X DE, 4 X APD, 4 X AK, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23780/161/0

Combat

The 65th Brigade at Koumac was called on by 60 X F4F-4, 15 X P-40E, 13 X SBD, 10 X Hudson, 11 X A-20B, 22 X A-20G and 28 X B-17E who inflicted light casualties. The planes all departed unharmed after expending their munitions. Almost as soon as things quieted down the ground suddenly shook beneath the 65th Brigade as 90 X B-17E and 133 X B-24 D unloaded their ordinance causing very heavy casualties. The big birds departed for their base unharmed.

The 1st Marines attacked the Japanese positions at Koumac after all of the planes had left and suffered light losses to themselves while it was thought that the Japanese sustained moderate casualties.

Derby was swept by 17 X Zero and 31 X Oscar and were met by the CAP of 6 X Spitfire. Though heavily outnumbered the Spits knocked down 2 X Zero and lost 3 of their own.

The SS Searaven attacked a small convoy 49 miles from Sinkep Island, but all she got for her efforts was a viscous counter from the escorts which fortunately did little damage to the sub and her hull integrity wasn't compromised.

The SS Shad attacked and hit a TK with a torpedo 65 miles NE of Aparri. The escort never managed to locate her as Shad slipped away to continue her patrol.

On the China front Kweiyang was hit for moderate damage and light casualties. The Japanese planes departed with no damaged aircraft.

If the weather allows a sweep on Myitkyina followed by bombers will be flown tomorrow. It is hoped that the large number of P-38Gs that are now available will change Allied fortunes in the air war in this area. The forecast is for thunderstorms.

O'Bannon's convoy has reached Midway without mishap and the ships are disgorging their supplies and fuel as fast as they are able, given the limited facilities. Bill has a sense of relief as this is the 4th mission assigned to O'Bannon and the last one didn't exactly go well. He longs for another assignment that will offer his ship the chance of combat, not convoy escort duties.

Ed is in another meeting and a flag officer approaches him and asks about CDR William Smith of the DD O'Bannon. “Oh, you mean Bill. He's a top notch officer. Good at everything thrown at him. He worked for me in the Pentagon and I'd trust him with my life any day,” replies the Admiral.

“A ringing endorsement, if I ever heard one,” the officer says and thanks Ed for his time and departs.

The Flying Deuces are grounded and just stare at the rain that has washed out their day. The pilots laze around and talk about the P-38s that are being ferried through the base. “Imagine all that power, 2 big Allisons, I wonder how they handle?” one of the men says as he stares out of the window. The answer is “who cares?” The men want to get their hands on Corsairs.

“A short month and we're going to run out of coffee anyway,” grumbles Dave as he prepares to make a fresh pot. Sandy doesn't comment as she's busy reading another letter from Bill. She wonders when he'll get some leave and if he'll be able to visit them.

Palawan is unloading her cargo at Auckland. Cookie has nothing to do so he takes Lucky for a walk around the town. Meanwhile Red is working his tail off in the hold loading the cargo nets. The men all agree that if they get the chance a nice visit to a pub would be in order as soon as they're done. One of the men grunts and says, “I'll meet you guys there, but first I want to drown myself in a shower.”

The Afrika Korps withdrew to the Mareth Line.

Victory Points Japanese 19670 Allied 7871

[tocaff]

Entries might be erratic through the end of the week as the office is being gutted and new built in furniture will be installed. I hope to be able to maintain the WiFi and use the laptop, but no promises.

February 21, 1943 Myitkyina

Intel

2nd Area Army is located at Singapore.
36th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
148th IJNAF Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
25th Army is located at Wyndham.
187084 men are based at Saipan.
22nd AA Regiment is located at Kitakyushu.
Radio transmissions detected at Rabaul.
53rd Naval Guard Unit is located at Wake Island.
110th IJA Base Force is located at Haichow.
134th IJNAF Base Force is located at Palau.
116th IJA Base Force is located at Nanchang.
7934 men are based at Toyohara.
2nd Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 6340/80/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Changchun 63 fighters, 36 bombers, 70 aux, 9 LCUs 39780/322/393
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Tsitsihar 5 LCUs 25240/293/14
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 106 fighters, 150 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23220/164/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 2 X CA, 2 X APD, 5 X AK, 31 LCUs

Combat

The IJA 65th Brigade at Koumac was attacked by 58 X F4F-4, 18 X P-40E, 16 X SBD, 13 X Hudson, 11 A-20B, 25 X A-20G and 34 X B-17E in the early morning. No planes were damaged and Japanese casualties were thought to have been heavy. An hour later 75 X B-17E and 138 X B-24D rained their death upon the 65th Brigade causing heavy casualties. No planes were damaged in the attack. After the air attacks the 1st Marines hit the Japanese. They took little ground and inflicted moderate casualties while sustaining light loses of their own.

The air attack on Myitkyina hit before the planned fighter sweep got there and was met by 18 X Zero and 17 X Tony. The strike was made up of 65 X P-38G, 62 X B-25C, 15 X Beaufort V-IX, 33 X Liberator VI, 11 X Wellington III and 22 X Blenheim IV. It was claimed and verified that 19 X Zero (1 on the ground) and 16 X Tony were destroyed while the base was heavily damaged. Ground loses were thought to have been light. The Allied loses were: 3 X P-38G destroyed and 9 damaged, a B-25C was damaged, a Beaufort damaged, 3 Liberators damaged and 3 Wellingtons were also damaged. This raid was a huge success and a far cry from the slaughters the Japanese were administering on a regular basis not to long ago. The large numbers of P-38Gs look to be just what is needed.

Another day of rain has the Flying Deuces sitting around their barracks. Card games abound and some of the men are shooting craps. Talk ranges from a wide array of subjects with women being the most popular. Stick is feeling much better, but he's still limited in his range of motion and won't see any flight duty until the doc approves him as fit for duty.

Bill is getting nervous while the large AKs and TKs unload at what seems to be a snail's pace. Though the facilities at Midway are way beyond what was originally envisioned for the base, they are still lacking. The sooner they get back into open water the safer they'll be. In the meantime he takes a small amount of solace as a formation of Marine Wildcats roar overhead.

Red curses as the sweat drips off of his brow. “There's got to be a better way to load and unload cargo than this way,” he growls. Cookie has prepared food for the tired crew and is now relaxing, having a smoke, while keeping an eye on Lucky. Lucky is keeping two eyes on the food in the galley, but knows that he can't approach it while somebody is watching.

Slim, on the advice of Gunny, is allowing the squad the day to relax. Gunny told him that he was driving himself and the men to hard and that he should lighten up a bit.

“Operator are you sure about that? Disconnected you say? Hmm, well OK thanks.” Elaine is mystified, why would Bill have had the phone disconnected? I'll write him a letter and he'll explain it all to me, she thinks.

Convoy ON-166 (60 ships) sailing from the UK to the US falls under the attack of 19 U-boats. The attacks will continue through the 26th and 14 vessels will be sunk and 4 U-boats will pay the piper.

Victory Points Japanese 19753 Allied 7916

[tocaff]

February 22, 1943 Midway Island

Intel

6186 men are based at Taipei.
3121 men are based at Bangkok.
10th Mortar Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
5th AA Regiment is located at Niigata.
51st Division is located at Wuchow.
37th Division is located at Changsha.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
Hensui Construction Battalion is located at Sasebo.
15th Mortar Battalion is located at Rabaul.
17th Aviation Rgt is located at Ichang.
138th IJN Base Force is located at Darwin.
11th Army is located at Chengting.
25th Army is located at Wyndham.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 154 fighters, 233 aux, 10 LCUs 35800/327/9
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 10 LCUs 31700/245/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 2 X CA, 1 X DE, 2 X APD, 9 X AK, 29 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 106 fighters, 150 aux, 30 LCUs

Combat

Myitkyina was attacked today and the Japanese had nothing aloft to confront the Allied aircraft. 2 X Zero and 2 X Tony were destroyed on the ground and the base was heavily damaged. Ground loses were thought to have been light. A lone B-25C was damaged in the attack.

Gili Gili was struck by 69 X B-17E and 16 X B-24D with 3 X PBY along to snoop around. The Japanese had 14 X Zero, 21 X Tony and 3 X Jack up to oppose the intruders. It was believed that the Japanese lost 5 X Zero (3 damaged), 1 X Tony (11 damaged) and 1 X Jack (1 damaged). The base was lightly damaged and 15 X B-17E went down (30 damaged), 6 X B-24D were destroyed (4 damaged) and all of the PBYs were damaged.

Kweiyang was raided again and suffered heavy damage and light casualties. The Chinese are clamoring for more and better fighters, but so far Washington has turned a deaf ear as they are more concerned with their own air units.

IJN MSWs found a minefield at Rangoon when a ML hit one. It was believed that the vessel was heavily damaged and burning.

The SS Searaven put a torpedo into the side of a ML 31 miles SW of Singapore and it went down very quickly. The sub silently slipped away to continue to her destination.

The rain continued to scrub the day's schedule and the Flying Deuces were given refreshers in aircraft recognition and navigation problems. Stick was able to participate, though his solution to the navigation problem left him with dry fuel tanks and hundreds of miles in the middle of the ocean. Red faced he resolves to become better at navigation as he knows his life will depend on it. He takes a ribbing from his fellow pilots as they call him various names and refer to his recent mishap also.

Bill relaxes and shares a mug of coffee with Frank as the O'Bannon patrols the the area around the anchored convoy. The unloading continues at a brisk pace. The PBYs and Coronados patrol to prevent an unwanted surprises while radar searches the skies. Wildcats on CAP lazily orbit in their assigned sectors while others are on alert status and ready to scramble within minutes of getting the orders. Something big is afoot to warrant such a rapid supply effort when the stocks on the island were already more than ample for the garrison.

Palawan's holds are almost empty and by this evening she will move to her assigned anchorage and allow another ship to begin unloading at the dock. “The Navy sure has improved this place since the last time I was here,” one or the men remarks. “Still the place really can't handle all of what's expected of it.”

The initial surge of volunteers for the military is drying up and soon men will be called into the service of their country. Training centers are busily churning out men who will serve in the many diverse capacities needed by the various branches of the armed forces.

Victory Points Japanese 19783 Allied 7943

[tocaff]

February 23, 1943 Auckland

Intel

3564 men are based at Nagoya.
Yokosuka 5th SNLF is located at Rabaul.
112th IJNAF Base Force is located at Tinian.
10568 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
2nd RF Gun Battalion is located at Homan.
127th IJN Base Force is located at Wake Island.
1839 men are based at Woleai.
51st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
52nd Road Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
11th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
46th Road Construction Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
52nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Harbin.
8th Area Army is located at Port Moresby.
1648 men are based at Taichu.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 156 fighters, 229 aux, 10 LCUs 37140/362/12
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 10 LCUs 31660/256/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 112 fighters, 144 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 2 X CA, 3 X APD, 10 X AK, 30 LCUs

Combat

Myitkyina was attacked for the third time in as many days and again there was no opposition other than light ground fire. The raid inflicted moderate damage to the base, destroyed a Tony on the ground and it was suspected that loses among the ground troops were light. 2 X Wellington and a B-25C were damaged.

The 65th Brigade at Koumac was hit for light loses by Allied aircraft early in the morning. No planes were damaged in the attack.

Kweiyang got the usual dosage of Japanese planes attacking it and the results were the usual moderate damage, light casualties and no aircraft being damaged.

As Red toils in the hold the crew talks of getting ashore in Auckland for a little fun. They don't know that they'll be sailing as soon as the last ship has emptied it's holds. If a crane on board hadn't broken down they would've finished unloading last night. They talk of beer and women until one of them says that it's torture enough to work in this heat, let alone thinking of what they could be enjoying. Cookie and Lucky have taken another walk today and they take in the local sites. Having a Weimaraner in tow draws lots of attention as the breed is rare and the only gray haired dog.

Tarpon rests in Brisbane's harbor as minor repairs are made to her. The crew will soon be returning and sailing orders will be issued.

Benham's replenishment TF continues on it's way to Pearl Harbor where the ships will be readied for their next tasks.

The unloading at Midway is maddeningly slow. Bill has gone ashore at the base commander's invitation and together they inspected the island's defenses. Bill has to admit that they look impressive. COL Rasmussen tells Bill that a determined Japanese attempt to take the island would probably succeed, though it would be bloody. He goes on to tell Bill that it's the old maxim of the risk being worth the gain and being so close to Pearl Harbor Midway is considered not to be worth the risk, or so he says.

It's an unusually beautiful day and Sandy goes for a walk, promising Dave not to go to far or into rough terrain. She's lonely and as much as she loves the mountains she longs for Bill. Matters are made worse by the stop in the flow of letters from him. She thinks that this can only mean that he's at sea again.

Victory Points Japanese 19810 Allied 7953

[tocaff]

February 24, 1943 Brisbane

Intel

52nd Division is located at Kanazawa.
67th Construction Battalion is located at Toyama.
9th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
10th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
36th Construction Battalion is located at Canton.
2nd Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Sian.
122nd IJN Base Force is located at Nagasaki.
3455 men are based at Seoul.
110264 men are based at Kwajalein.
7th Tank Regiment is located at Wyndham.
16th Aviation Rgt is located at Wuhan.
60th Division is located at Chengting.
2502 men are based at Ikitsuki.
Iki Fortress is located at Ikitsuki.

Recon

Pe-2 takes recon photos of Fushan 1 LCU 1660/8/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Changchun 66 fighters, 37 bombers, 79 aux, 9 LCUs 38980/290/408
SB-2 takes recon photos of Chiamussu 6 LCUs 25820/336/145
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 35 fighters, 13 bombers, 54 aux, 10 LCUs 26740/337/183
SB-2 takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 42900/328/7
SB-2 takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 49880/584/19
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pagan 1 LCU 1240/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X CA, 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 96 fighters, 164 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 22720/135/0

Combat

Myitkyina was struck again and reports indicated that the damage to the base was very heavy. Japanese troops were thought to have taken light casualties while a Wellington and a B-25C were damaged.

Derby was raided by 15 X Zero, 15 X Oscar, 26 X Tony, 11 X Betty and 12 X Helen. There were 6 X spitfire up to intercept and they downed a Tony while losing 2 of their own. Negligible damage was done to the base.

The 65th Brigade at Koumac was attacked by 68 X B-17E and 115 X B-24D, none of whom were damaged. Japanese loses were reported as heavy.

Kweiyang surprisingly was attacked today by Japanese aircraft, sustaining light damage, no casualties and 2 X Helen were reportedly damaged.

The men of the Palawan are unhappy that they sailed last night, but glad to be returning to the supposed safety of Noumea. They expect to get ashore at Noumea and without the bars and prostitutes many of the men would have nothing to spend their pay on. Now if they can just get there.

Ships continue unloading and Bill has ordered the escorts to once again sweep the area around Midway for any possible lurking subs. Planes buzz in and out of the airfield and Bill hopes that between them and the base's radar that no surprises are in the offing.

Benham and her charges are making towards their destination of Pearl Harbor and the ships are gradually eating up the distance. Phil wonders what the next assignment will be as he lies in his bunk slowly drifting off to sleep.

Sandy's walk was therapeutic and she's feeling much better about things, though she misses Bill badly. “You know the absence does make the heart grow fonder,” she says to Dave as they eat breakfast.

Pete and Sylvia are going over the books and are pleasantly surprised to see that not only are they able to meet their payments to the bank, but they are making a tidy profit too. With this discovery in mind Pete take Sylvia out and takes her to a dress shop and says, “Pick out whichever one you want, indulge yourself.” Neither one of them notices that they are being followed.

Victory Points Japanese 19821 Allied 7959

[tocaff]

February 25, 1943 Koumac

Intel

10th Area Army is located at Wuhan.
4th AA Regiment is located at Toyama.
Radio transmissions detected at Inch'on.
51st Road Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
8th Aviation Rgt is located at Chiamussu.
1st Mixed Regiment is located at Amoy.
1st Tank Regiment is located at Rangoon.
16th Aviation Rgt is located at Wuhan.
103rd IJNAF Base Force is located at Yap.
31098 men are based at Mishan.
20th Division is located at Changkufeng.
1834 men are based at Gumma.
4891 men are based at Wonsan.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

Pe-2R takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 5900/73/0
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Tsitsihar 6 LCUs 25840/271/15
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X DE, 10 LCUs 31360/229/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 172 fighters, 158 aux, 10 LCUs 36600/370/12

Combat

At Koumac the 1st Marines attacked the Japanese positions and captured the base, forcing the defenders into the jungle where they will have to be rooted out. Japanese loses were put at heavy while the Marines sustained moderate casualties.

The Allies raided Pagan with 39 X P-38G, 24 X Blenheim, 9 X Wellington, 29 X Liberator and 48 X B-25C. They were challenged by 5 X Tony, of which all went down in flames while the attacker's loses were 1 X P-38G destroyed. No other planes were damaged and moderate damage was done to the resources.

Kweiyang got it's daily dose of Japanese bombs and the result was light damage and casualties, a Helen was claimed to have been damaged. The base commander is screaming for planes to defend the area, but so far it's falling on deaf ears. The Chinese need better planes before throwing their pilots at the Japanese.

Bill and Frank are discussing their situation tethered to Midway while the convoy continues to unload. Both of them agree that being tied down like this makes them nervous, but when those Wildcats pass overhead it is reassuring.

Tarpon has been ordered to Noumea where her repairs will be finished as Brisbane's facilities are being taxed to the maximum. CDR Wallace would've been happier if Auckland had finished the work, but the Allied commanders have instituted sending a vessel to a small yard to be upgraded and then to a large port where the systems damage is finished being repaired.

Benham passed Palmyra yesterday en route to Pearl. Nothing is known about future operations, as usual, so everyone is focused on getting there in one piece. Phil confers with the sonar operator that's currently on duty and tells the man to “notify me the minute you get a contact, even before confirming it.” He's concerned about the possibility of lurking Japanese subs in this area as it's been a busy route of late.

Major Thomas Smith, of the 1st Marine Division stares at the map on the wall of HQs. He, like so many other fighting men has heard of the determination of the Japanese troops, but when actually facing it one wonders why. He thinks back to the early days of Camp Pendleton as he swats away some insects. “Damned bugs,” he mutters.

Reports on Pete's activities are passed along through the normal channels and the agents watching him wonder why the effort is even being made. One of them remarked that, “What more does a guy have to do to prove that he's trustworthy?”

USN planners at Pearl Harbor and those in Washington share the same concern as they wonder where the KB is.

The RAF started round the clock bombing in Tunisia today.

Victory Points Japanese 19846 Allied 7984

[tocaff]

A lightning strike and a remake of the office has screwed things up on an unbelievable level that for over a week now had resulted in one disaster after another.

I apologize for the lack on episodes and their thin content when I do get one in, but RL has thrown me a huge curve. I hope to have the problems worked out ASAP, but in a small city in Brazil it's tough.

[tocaff]

February 26, 1943 Washington DC

Intel

24980 men are based at Sapporo.
1854 men are based at Tinian.
8th Heavy Artillery Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.
3rd Division is located at Chengting.
36th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
51st Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
148th IJN Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
111th IJNAF Base Force is located at Kanazawa.
Amami Oshima Fortress is located at Amami.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 179 fighters, 233 aux, 10 LCUs 38440/362/10
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 10 LCUs 28660/225/0

Combat

Derby was attacked by 16 X Zero, 19 X Oscar, 25 X Tony, 5 X Betty and 17 X Helen. 11 X Spitfire tore into the large gaggle of enemy planes and the fighting was fierce. The Japanese reportedly sustained a Zero downed, 7 X Oscar destroyed, 3 X Tony lost, a Betty damaged and 3 X Helen were also damaged. The Spitfires lost 2 planes and another was damaged, but the most important factor was that no bombs fell on the base. It appears that the Spits, given able pilots, are able to acquit themselves well.

The IJA 65th Brigade, which is now in the jungles outside of Koumac, suffered heavy casualties when 87 X B-17E and 119 X B-24D unloaded on them. No Allied planes were damaged.

In the early afternoon the 1st Marines began the attempt to root out the remaining Japanese troops. The attack cause moderate loses for both sides.

The skies of Kweiyang witnessed the arrival of the daily Japanese force of planes, which was comprised of 19 X Tojo, 32 X Nick, 23 X Helen and 4 X Dinah. The base was hit for moderately light damage and there were light casualties among the Chinese troops. In return a Nick, a Helen and a Dinah were reportedly damaged.

The SS Cuttlefish has arrived at Noumea where she will now make repairs before resuming combat ops.

The convoy continues unloading at Midway. Operation Revenge slowly is gathering steam as the assets are being moved into position. Bill has just completed another letter for Sandy when the klaxon sounds and everybody scrambles to battle stations. Upon his arrival on the bridge Frank informs him that radar has detected a large formation of aircraft approaching them. After 7 or 8 tense minutes a sheepish radar operator declares that there's nothing out there. Frank commends the man and tells him that he'd rather be prepared than caught with his pants down. The relieved sailor returns his attention to his screen.

“The poor kid was scared to death because he made a mistake,” Frank tells Bill with a smile. “I told him to keep up the good work.”

Sylvia has just finished instructing the new girl who will clean the rooms and other duties when Pete saunters by and gives her a hug and kiss and says, “Hello Mrs. Myers how is everything this lovely day?”

She laughs and tells him to check in the kitchen to see what's needed for today at the market.

Bill Donovan has been informed about the actions being taken regarding Pete and he calmly tells his aide that the man is to be left alone as he's as reliable as they come.

Norwegian commandos blew up the German “heavy water” plant at Telemark today.

Victory Points Japanese 19855 Allied 8005

[tocaff]

February 27, 1943 Midway Island

Intel

6th Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
3rd FF Construction Battalion is located at Anshan.
9th Engineer Regiment is located at Changkufeng.
Elements of the 27th Division are located at Canton.
6931 men are based at Shimuzu.
2nd Air Fleet is located at Tokyo.
3rd Air Division is located at Rangoon.
1st Mortar Regiment is located at Sasebo.
18th Aviation Rgt is located at Mandalay.
Radio transmissions detected at Osaka/Kobe.
7898 men are based at Toyohara.
11117 men are based at Paramushiro Jima.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 132 fighters, 200 aux, 10 LCUs 38440/355/13
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 10 LCUs 29340/214/0

Combat

42 X P-38G swept Mandalay in the late morning and were engaged by 51 X Zero, 10 X Tony and 9 X Jack. The combat was intense and after the planes returned the pilots went through the debriefing. After all of the data was evaluated Japanese loses were put at 9 X Zero downed, another one was damaged and 10 X Tony were shot down. The Allies lost 12 X P-38G and 8 more were damaged.

The Japanese arrived over Kweiyang and issued it's daily dose of ordinance causing moderate damage and casualties in return for a damaged Nick.

Sandy got a letter today from Bill that is 2 months old. She remarks that is the United States Post Office was running the war the Japanese would be into Denver by now and Hitler would be touring Niagara Falls. Dave nods in agreement and complains of having no coffee for 2 days now.

The convoy continues to unload it's cargo at Midway and O'Bannon sits idling at anchor. Bill confers with his section heads and after the meeting breaks up they head off in different directions. Bill instructed them to prepare reports so that the slightest thing that needs attention will get it when they return to Pearl.

During the buildup of everything imaginable at Midway in preparation for Operation Revenge the planning of Operation Classic forges ahead. Classic represents the next step in the shattering of Japan's defensive shell. The planners are also looking at Australia and ways of turning it into a Japanese POW camp. The popular consensus is that with so much combat strength in Australia the Japanese must be weak elsewhere.

Benham's replenishment TF is nearing Pearl Harbor and the anticipation of getting off of the ship can be seen on the crew's faces. Phil, not wanting them to slack off, runs a couple of drills to keep their minds on the tasks of manning a warship.

Major Smith has suggested that maybe the tired 1st should be relieved by the Army's fresh division. Though his superiors agree with this assessment they won't openly ask for the Army's help.

Jews working in the Berlin armaments industry were sent to Auschwitz today.

Victory Points Japanese 19872 Allied 8027

[tocaff]

February 28, 1943 Koumac

Intel

25th Army is located at Wyndham.
8th Aviation Rgt is located at Chiamussu.
6928 men are based at Shimuzu.
1st Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kyoto.
5815 men are based at Aomori.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
51st AA Regiment is located at Rangoon.
9th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
48th Construction Battalion is located at Moulmein.
247497 men are based at Changkufeng.

Recon

SB-2 takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 76320/829/24
SB-2 takes recon photos of Chiamussu 6 LCUs 29420/277/161
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 52 fighters, 26 bombers, 57 aux, 10 LCUs 28940/330/146
SB-2 takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 42380/299/7
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Changchun 67 fighters, 48 bombers, 85 aux, 9 LCUs 38420/332/414
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X APD, 10 LCUs 28840/214/0

Combat

An Allied naval bombardment at Koumac caused light casualties among the Japanese still there. An air attack on 65th Brigade outside of Koumac caused light loses to the Japanese troops. No planes were damaged. An air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit outside of Koumac inflicted moderate casualties and all planes left unharmed. Later the 1st Marines attacked the Japanese troops outside of Koumac again and it was believed that the Japanese sustained moderate loses while the Marines casualties were light.

The SS Shad was attacked 34 miles NE of Aparri by IJN DDs. She managed to evade her attackers without sustaining any damage. Later in the day the Japanese relocated her and attacked again with the same results.

The SS Hake was attacked about 111 miles SW of Kagoshima. No damage was reported and the sub continued her patrol.

IJN MSWs encountered a mine field at Andaman Island and began seeping ops.

O'Bannon's charges are expected to finish unloading soon and a departure time has been set for predawn. The escorts ready themselves and the vigil for subs intensifies. Bill will be relieved when the convoy is out at sea again.

A couple more days sailing and the Benham should reach Pearl Harbor. It's been a tiring and boring cruise and Phil reminds himself that in times of war excitement puts lives at risk.

Tarpon continues towards Noumea.

I'm going into town tomorrow morning to buy a few things, not the least of which will be coffee,” says Dave. “Do you want me to post those letters for you?” Sandy smiles and nods her head.

“Tell the Chinese that we'll deliver new types of planes to them if and when our own forces have enough and not before,” FDR tells an aide. The Chinese have been pressing for more aid and Washington is tiring of it. If only they weren't so corrupt and did more fighting than complaining is the widely held attitude in Washington. “Now as to Australia,” FDR continues, “inform them that additional forces will be sent as soon as we are able.” He then turns to a military man and requests the news about Operation Revenge.

Pete watches the man who has recruited him and hopes that there is no approach. Sylvia watches Pete watching him and she walks over to the man and asks if he'd like another beer. He shakes his head and pays for his lunch and then leaves the room bringing a sense of relief to Pete and Sylvia. “You know that sooner or later they'll be looking for me to do something or other so we might as well relax until then,” he tells her.

Victory Points Japanese 19877 Allied 8036

[tocaff]

March 1, 1943 The Pentagon

Intel

2663 men are based at Taejon.
9693 men are based at Songkhia.
50th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Rangoon.
11th NLF is located at Singapore.
Southern Area Army is located at Singapore.
1st AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
10th Mortar Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
47th Construction Battalion is located at Rangoon.
18403 men are based at Shikka.
48th Construction Battalion is located at Moulmein.
12th Aviation Rgt is located at Singapore.
Kwajalein Base Force is located at Kwajalein.

Recon

PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X APD. 10 LCUs 29540/237/0,

Combat

At Koumac Allied planes conducted an attack on the 65th Brigade causing moderate casualties. No planes were damaged.

The SS Gato stalked and then successfully attacked a small convoy, putting 2 fish into an AK 17 miles SW of Tawi Tawi. The escorts never had a sniff of the sub's location.

The SS Shad attacked some Japanese DDs 52 miles NE of Aparri, failing to hit anything, but escaping without being attacked herself.

Kweiyang was attacked and the Japanese planes did moderate damage to the base and Chinese troops sustained light casualties. 4 X Helen were claimed as to have been damaged.

Much to Bill's relief his convoy has set sail for Pearl Harbor as scheduled and O'Bannon knifes through the swells searching for the enemy.

Dave stops by the grocery store and joins in the conversation going on among a few of the locals. The subjects touch on everything imaginable, especially the war and how it's going to date. He starts off by complaining about the rationing of coffee and works his way to the lousy mail service.

Benham glides along getting closer and closer to Pearl Harbor shepherding the AKs home. Phil is glad that the sea state is calm as the merchantmen are riding high as their holds are empty.

In the Pentagon a meeting of top brass has degenerated into hotly contested debate. Operation Classic is scheduled to follow Operation Revenge and then 2 other as yet unnamed ops are to follow. The supporters of Classic are fighting to keep their op alive as many are pointing out that the risks involved don't weigh well against the expected gains. “If we skip Classic and go ahead with the next scheduled operation we just might force the KB to come out and fight. It would also give the Navy time to upgrade many of it's ships and maybe even get a new fighter on the carriers. According to Grumman deliveries of the new Hellcat should start no later than this coming July. New ships, new planes and more pressure on the Japanese. We could always use Classic for openers next year.” The officer returns to his seat and the reception of his speech is mixed, at best.

American Jews held a rally in New York's Madison Square Garden to pressure the government into helping the Jews of Europe.

The Russians announced that a new offensive to the south of Leningrad led by Timoshenko has made large gains.

The Germans evacuated the Rzhev area.

Victory Points Japanese 19886 Allied 8048