Dasterly Deeds Done Dirty

[thegreatwent]

----March 13, 1942. Just before dawn near Batavia four PT boats intercept a large Japanese fleet. Closing to within 5,000 meters the torpedo boats are finally spotted. Firing all of their torpedoes at the largest ships seen the PT boats exorcise a quick withdrawal. With some shock the brave crews realize that they are in the midst of the main Japanese carrier fleet. Sadly no torpedoes hit or if they do they don't detonate. Gladly all four PT boats negotiate the towering pillars of water as they weave away into the darkness and escape.

Over Soerbaja a large strike of carrier aircraft is intercepted the Dutch Air Force. In return for the loss of one B-339D the Japanese lose two Vals and one Kate.

Near Adak in the North Pacific reports arrive identifying the IJN Shoho operating with only a light escort. The Shoho's aircraft attack HMS Prince Henry badly damaging her. S-28 adjusts her patrol to intercept the enemy carrier. South West of Dutch Harbor the Yorktown/Enterprise carrier group is ordered north at top speed to intercept. Prince Henry retires, on fire, towards Dutch Harbor.

[thegreatwent]

----March 14, 1942. In the cold water of the North Pacific S-28 slowly approaches a Japanese fleet. Several small cruisers and some destroyers loiter around her target, a CV. Carefully lining up a shot on CDR Townsend fire two torpedoes at the slowly moving target. Minutes later the night is lit by two explosions followed by clouds of smoke illuminated by fire. Townsend orders his aged submarine to dive and maneuver away from the angry escorts. As dawn approaches S-28 surfaces and radios a report.

The morning sun brings the first wave of American pilots, eager to sink a Japanese carrier.

[thegreatwent]

By that afternoon it is over for the Shoho. Damage from the submarine attack prevented the carrier from launching her planes making her destruction that much more complete.

[thegreatwent]

----Mar 15-17, 1942. While Samirind fell on the 15th, the news of the Shoho sinking buoyed Allied morale. Bataan in particular withstood heavy bombing and a shock attack. The Japanese gained little except a butchers bill for their effort. Near Tandjoengpinang I-165 caught the submarine KXIV recharging on the surface, flotsam was all the torpedo left behind.

[thegreatwent]

----March 18, 1942. Betty makes her first appearance over Port Moresby. Flying from Rebaul they are greeted by Australian Kittyhawks who claim seven kills. The remaining dozen bombers release their bombs over the port hitting two transports unloading supplies.

*The defense of Singapore has now lasted a month longer than was historical. The Bone in the Dragons Throat defense has IMO slowed the Japanese advance in Burma and kept the heat off Palembang. Japanese LCUs are bombarding and gathering for an overwhelming assault on singers defenders. Any longer defense will be gravy against the IJA.

[thegreatwent]

----March 19-22, 1942. Kendari falls. Japanese shock attack against Rangoon fail with over 1000 casualties. Singapore also repels a attack with numerous Japanese casualties. Dutch Submarine KXVII badly damaged near Samarang.