Scott1964 vs stldiver The War of the Samurai

[scott64]

One of my secret weapons has become known. [:D][:'(][X(]

[stldiver]

Jack jumps out of his B-17D, it had been a long and tense flight. He walked over to the Gilda and waited for his buddy Gil to come out. Gil stuck his head out the door and waved "Well I figure it will be a couple of days before we do that again!"

Jack frowned "Well I figure there was just over a 100 of us heavy bombers that took off, from what I counted It looks like about 15 are missing, I'd say that aint good"

Gil climbs down and wipes the sweat from his head " From what my captain said, we was lucky only about 55 enemy fighters were in the air to stop us, you seen those fields. When I looked thru my bombsight I did an estimate, theres at lease 130 fighters, 100 bombers and close to 150 other planes"

Jack nods in agreement "Thats what I figured also, but they only have 4 airstrips, no way they can get that many planes off from that small an airfield. How many do you think we wiped out"

Gil "We was counting the ones that fell from the skies and as we headed out, I tried to count at least 50 of their planes have to be destroyed, but your right. I don't look forward to going back!"

They both turned and headed towards the hanger for debriefing, both hoping for a few days rest!

Rangoon airfield burning after raid

[stldiver]

The citizens of Derby woke and went about their daily chores, when early in the afternoon they were shocked with the arrival of over 10 ships in their harbor flying the rising sun.

They were not great mariners but they saw two small warships that were sheparding the larger transports into position. These transports began dropping boats, and Japanese troops began heading towards the shore.

Immediate calls went out to Australian command for assistance, why didn't they leave those troops here. There was no defense as the only troops that were in Derby had left months ago, saying something about being overextended.

There was a rush of civilians taking down the dirt paths but most stayed vs dieing in the deserts. Those that stayed were greated with a most amazing sight.

Just before noon British warplanes carrying long slender torpedo's flew in from the north and began hitting the transports. 3 transports and 1 destroyer were hit, with one transport immediatly going down. The cheers range across the harbor, but there came no more strikes.

Where did these attacks come from? they could only guess British Carriers must be defending the area. With no troops to defend themselves they know the Japanese will control their town tommorrow, but they are sure the British will make them pay!

They quietly went back to their houses and close the door, the days of occupation have begun. They will wait for their rescue and pray for it to be soon. As they tune into the radio they hear that Thurseday Island has been liberated by American Paratroopers. Once again they pray for soon. [&o]

Some of the planes seen at Derby

[stldiver]

The citizens of Derby woke up July 2nd 1942 in the middle of the night to thunderous explosions in the bay. More Japanese troops had continued unloading during the night and they knew their town was doomed with no defense. But what was making the explosions, they had never heard anything so loud!

As they went outside and peered into the bay what they saw made them hope! Large british warships were lighting up the night in a kaliedscope of light and the Japanese ships were burning! This would not stop the fiendish Japanese troops that had already landed but they would not allow anymore to arrive! Dare they hope the occupation would be short!
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Derby at 24,85 Ships carrying the 51st Ind Mxd Bde

Japanese Ships
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
DD Kuretake, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
AP Kasuga Maru
AP Shoka Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Heiyo Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Koan Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
AK Nankai Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tatsumiya Maru

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 3
CA Devonshire, Shell hits 1
CA Cornwall
DD Hotspur, Shell hits 1
DD Laforey
DD Lightfoot


As daylight came BC repulse and company stayed at Derby and caught another Convoy carrying the 4th Infrantry Division. The townspeople rejoiced as they were lead out of their houses and down the streets by the Japanese troops already landed.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Derby at 24,85

Japanese Ships
AP Enju Maru, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
AP Ryujo Maru, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
AP Giyu Maru
AP Miyako Maru, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nachisan Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
AP Neikai Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
AP Nojima Maru, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Yamakisan Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
BC Repulse
CA Devonshire
CA Cornwall
DD Hotspur
DD Laforey
DD Lightfoot

Japanese ground losses:
3012 casualties reported [;)]
Guns lost 10

Only just under 3000 troops have made it ashore, but the town is captured.

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Ground combat at Derby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2817 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 90
Remnants of 51st Ind Mxd BDE

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 46 - adjusted assault: 46

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 46 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Derby base !!! [:(]

Like the POW who ravaged Japanese convoys, the Repulse fired untill all 15" ammo was exhausted, All ships CA's and DD's fired many rounds.
The question is where are the carrier planes!

That is another story

[stldiver]

CPT La Bisset of the CV Formidable gazed around the table at the 3 other commanders
Lambe of the CV Illustrious, Eales of the Indomitable and Onslow from the CVL Hermes.

They had the day before launched a surprise attack on Japanese ships landing at Derby, but had also spotted another convoy to the east heading to Derby and a smaller force north that contained a BB but cloud cover in the afternoon had presented no more strikes.

The 4 captains had come together to decide what to do. They had split of Cpt Tennant of the BC Repluse plus CA Devonshire and CA Cornwall plus 3 destroyers, this would greatly weaken their escort but these ships needed to proceed at high speed to stop the invasion of Derby. They knew these ships were eager to show the British might!

Bisset, "Ok gentleman we are short of fuel but luckily there is a replenshiment ship close by and tommorrow we can refuel but what to do today is the question. We arrived right in the middle of the Japanese invasion, it appears they want Northern Australia. I wonder how different history would have written these days if we had not been escorting a convoy of Tankers, due to the arrival of some Japanese light carriers at Java. This is our first convoy we escorted and it drops us right in the middle of an invasion. Providence shines upon the British empire to give us this opportunity"

Lambe "Sir, we don't know where the KB is, and the CVL Zuiho and Hosho have not been seen for a couple of weeks. They usually have BB's with them, and we did sight a BB north, I say we pull back and engage on the high seas, without the BC Repulse what if they catch us in a surface engagement"

Eales "I don't agree, if the Japanese CV's were in the area we would have spotted their scout planes, we only were spotted by Jakes thus only warships. Besides why would they expect us here a few weeks ago we didn't even know we would be escorting those tankers south!, I say push closer to Derby to stop those two invasion task forces"

Onslow "The Japanese know we are here, what they don't know is we are low on fuel thus have to form up on the replenishment tanker, that is our first priority and it cannot move to the high seas, so we must close on Derby so at the end of the night we can begin refueling. The Japanese are not timid they may still try to land and cannot suspect the BC Repulse and escorts will arrive at Derby. We must think of refueling first and then the next few days we can chase them."

Bisset "Very good points, Ok I don't believe the Japanese CV's are in the area so I want a squadron of Marlets to be loaded with bombs, to take out transports! Lets see what the morning brings!


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Day Air attack on TF at 22,80

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 18

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 6
Martlet x 19
Swordfish x 21
Albacore x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 1 damaged
Martlet: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Swordfish: 5 destroyed, 6 damaged
Albacore: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage Magazine explosion sinks
CVL Hosho, Torpedo hits 1
BB Hyuga
CVL Zuiho

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Day Air attack on TF at 22,80

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 16

Allied aircraft
Martlet x 17
Albacore x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Albacore: 3 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 1
CVL Hosho
BB Nagato

PM strike
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Day Air attack on TF at 22,80

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 14

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 5
Martlet x 26
Swordfish x 7
Albacore x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet: 5 damaged
Swordfish: 6 damaged
Albacore: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVL Hosho, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage [:D] Will sink
BB Kongo
CVL Zuiho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire Fuel explosion,

The BB Haruna suffered a magazine explosion and sinks. THe CVL Zuiho and CVL Hosho for some reason never launch strikes, Maybe 4 CV's CAP was to strong? No one knows but it is a great day for the British Navy,

In another surprising development, the KB shows up at the Aluetians! to sink 1 transport.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 97,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
D3A2 Val x 23
B5N2 Kate x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Mormacgull, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported


An in the south a new fighter tangles with Zeros
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Day Air attack on Tongatapu , at 90,121

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
H6K4 Mavis x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 16 [:)]

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
H6K4 Mavis: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed

Picture below, BC Repulse and escorts at Derby, At Broome those tankers the CV's escorting and some more escort!
North of Broome 120 miles British CV force and 180 miles north the Japanese CVL/BB force.

[stldiver]

July 3rd brings more good news to the allied command.

During the evening CVL Hosho is reported to have sunk. 60 miles North of Derby CA Exeter and company show up and sink a couple of AP's fully loaded. As well as Scott tries to land again at Derby but 2 CA's and 1 DD stayed behind and thwarted their efforts. No more troops got ashore.

When the sun appeared on the Horizon, Carrier planes sank the remaining transports around Derby, and in the PM phase found and finished of the Zuiho with 1 bomb from a marlet and 4 torpedo's.

I believe that makes all CVE's and CVL's no longer in existence, that leaves only the KB and what of the KB you ask.

Well it definatly is in the aluetians and move within 180 miles of Adak and launched 18 kates vs the port, I guess the rest are set to naval attack.
Many P-39's and P-40's escorting B-24C's and D took off in hopes of damaging the KB. They ran into a meat grinder of 102 Zeros' at the end of the day the P-39's were shot out of the air, they are useless vs the Zero. On a good note, I did get one 500lb bomb hit on the soft Soryu!!!![:D]

That should send her home, and thats a long ways away. I wonder what tommorrow will bring in the north as I spotted a lot of AK's to the west, is he looking to try and take back some of my islands!

All else is quiet.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/03/42
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Night Time Surface Combat at 24,84

Japanese Ships
AP Giyu Maru, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
AP Yamakisan Maru, Shell hits 21, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
CL Danae
CL Dragon
CL Durban
CL Marblehead
DD Express
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall
DD John D. Edwards
DD Parrott
DD Whipple

Japanese ground losses:
1759 casualties reported [:)]
Guns lost 7

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Derby at 24,85

Japanese Ships
AP Kasuga Maru
AP Heiyo Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Koan Maru, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
AK Nankai Maru, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tatsumiya Maru

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire
CA Cornwall, Shell hits 1
DD Lightfoot

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Day Air attack on TF at 24,84 60 miles NW of Derby

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 5
Martlet x 12
Albacore x 11

Japanese Ships
AK Tatsumiya Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kasuga Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Heiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
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Day Air attack on TF at 24,84

Allied aircraft
Martlet x 17
Swordfish x 8
Albacore x 5

Japanese Ships
AP Heiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nankai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tatsumiya Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kasuga Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

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Day Air attack on TF at 24,77 PM strike

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 5
Martlet x 28
Swordfish x 8
Albacore x 15

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage Sinks

In the North
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Day Air attack on Dutch Harbor , at 102,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AVD Teal, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kennison, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Crosby, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 1

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Day Air attack on TF at 100,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 103 [:(]

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 44
P-40E Warhawk x 22
B-25C Mitchell x 21
B-24D Liberator x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 16 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 38 destroyed [X(]
P-40E Warhawk: 16 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 3 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CV Zuikaku
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1 500lbs [:D]
CV Shokaku
CV Kaga
BB Hiei
CV Hiryu
BB Ise

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet

Historical Fact

1936, while the submarine depot ship Takasaki was under construction, the decision was made to complete the ship as a carrier. Work on this project was not started until January 1940, but was completed in December that year. The carrier was renamed Zuiho (“Happy Phoenix”). She displaced 11,200 tons standard, sailed at 28 knots, and carried 30 aircraft. She was armed with eight five inch guns.

A sister ship, Shoho (“Lucky Phoenix”) a 13,950-ton light aircraft carrier, entered service in January 1942. Originally the fast submarine support ship Tsurugisaki, which had been completed at Yokosuka Dockyard in 1939, the ship was renamed and her conversion to an aircraft carrier begun in 1941. Both ships were equipped with one hangar and their original diesel motors were replaced with destroyer level turbines and boilers. The hangar was serviced by two lifts to the flight deck.

On 7 May 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Shoho was sunk by an overwhelming dive bombing and torpedo attack delivered by aircraft from USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5). She was the first carrier loss to the Japanese navy in the Pacific War. The Zuiho lasted until 25 October 1944, when she was destroyed via a combination of torpedoes and bombs at the Battle of Cape Engano.


Below is the Zuiho taken just before her demise

[stldiver]

July 4th and 5th. The action changes from Australia to the North! Alueutians and Port Blair sees carnage! China sees Airbattles!

In China the AVG tangles with Zeros, Claudes and Nates, it takes heavy losses and gives.
Day Air attack on 6th Division, at 48,35

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 30
A6M3 Zero x 51
Ki-27 Nate x 28

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 21
P-40E Warhawk x 42
SB-2c x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 17 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 20 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 27 destroyed [X(]
SB-2c: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Afterwards it withdraws to rebuild.

In the Aluetians the KB is clouded in on the 4th and 5th.
On the 4th SS Drum hits the Hiryu with a torpedo but its a dud [:(]
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Sub attack at 100,35

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
DD Kasumi
DD Arare
DD Tanikaze
DD Urakaze
DD Isokaze
BB Ise
CV Kaga

Allied Ships
SS Drum, hits 1

On the 5th with the KB clouded in the bombers decide to go after the transports vs the cloud cover KB just 120 miles to the NW, Many take damage, all attacks from 12k altitude.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Amchitka Island at 94,37

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 21
B-24D Liberator x 36

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AV Akitsushima
AK Koho Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Kiri Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tatsuha Maru
AP Minryo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Akagisan Maru
AP Karimo Maru, Bomb hits 1
MSW Wa 2
MSW Eguchi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taganoura Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
222 casualties reported [:)]
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Day Air attack on TF, near Amchitka Island at 94,37

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 25
B-24D Liberator x 28

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Tazan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Eli Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kiri Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 1, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AV Akitsushima, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hokusho Maru
AP Michiyu Maru
AK Madras Maru
AP Taganoura Maru, on fire
AP Minryo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
AK Argun Maru
AK Nisshun Maru, Bomb hits 2
MSW Wa 2, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

I'm really not sure if these transports are loading or unloading? either way most won't make it home. One of the problems with fighting in the north is that you can easily get clouded in like the KB has the last two days.

And the creme da la creme!
On the 4th one of my tranports at Port Blair reacted away from a surface group, during the day I spotted a group incoming towards Port Blair and figured it was the BB Yamato and company again. I was prepared for the last 5 Days the British BB's were hanging just west of Port Blair waiting for their chance and they rushed in the same time as the Yamato.

While not devastating results for either side, it will put his ships in the Yard! and with the BB's damaged at Australia I can say Port Blair is safe from invasion. Of the Shell hits no British ships recieved greater then an 8" hit, while the Yamato, Myoko and Aoba each took 1 15" shell the rest of the hits were 8" or smaller.

Many torpedo's were fired by both sides, some hits.

Also Aoba and Hatsukaze hit mines heading in.
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TF 23 encounters mine field at Port Blair (23,34)

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsukaze, Mine hits 1, on fire
CA Aoba, Mine hits 1

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Blair at 23,34 Battle started 9k, then 7k back to 9k.
British spotted first with Radar, then Japanese spotted.

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 4, on fire 1 15" hit
CA Myoko, Shell hits 3, on fire 1 15" hit
CA Aoba, Shell hits 2, on fire 1 15" hit
CA Kako, Shell hits 1
CL Natori
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 2
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 2
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amatsukaze
DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 2
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 1
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 1
DD Hatakaze, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Shell hits 4
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Ramillies, Shell hits 2
BB Resolution, Shell hits 3
CA Frobisher, Shell hits 1
CL Birmingham
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 1
CL Newcastle, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Decoy, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Electra, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
DD Nestor
DD Nizam, Shell hits 2
DD Norman
DD Pakenham
DD Paladin

[scott64]

Top Secret Base somewhere. [8|]

Aide #1 "We must strike back.'
Aide #2 "Send our mighty Carriers to hunt down those who fight from the clouds."
Aide #3 "We must withdraw to fight another day."
Admiral #1 "Assemble a strike force."
Admiral #2 "I will brief the Emperor."


Banzai

[stldiver]

Time for an update as most forces have seperated. On July 6th the only action was a dutch sub put 2 more torpedo's into BB Nagato just as it entered Soerabaja Harbor. That goes with the one the British Torpedo planes put in it July 2nd. That should make for some good Harbor and R&R for the crew. All thankyou's should be sent to the attention of British CIC and they will forward to the appropriate parties.

Below is a screen shot of the current score. Overall I am very pleased with the last couple of months. In the airwar we are about dead even.
He has destroyed more land forces but it could have been much worse, if our forces had not followed a get every man out theory, which has lead to higher transport losses.

In the Naval area, I finally sank my first BB the Haruna to get even for the POW, and the Nagato, Yamato and Hyuga have all recieved damage since July 2nd so they should be out for at least a month or more.

The CV battles I am most pleased with. Since March I have been able thru luck and Luck engage my CV's vs Scotts CVL's and CVE allowing me to sink all 4 CVL's and 2 CVE's as well as give significant repair time to the Junyo. That means all that should be left is the KB's 6 carriers to cover his empire! Not sure but I believe the Hiyo could come out anytime but doubt its available yet. The CV Saratoga is down to 73 sys damage so it will be out quite some time, and its repairing on the West coast, so Scott if your feeling spunky come and get it!

In the North I have taken back some of the Aluetians and it appears Scott just reinforced the last couple he holds, theres 11 units reported on Amchitka, Not sure if he intended to retake some island and my bombers hitting his transports convinced him just to reinforce. Regardless they should be tough nuts to crack. The KB has just left that area.

In the Central, South and SW Pacific the only action is Tongatapu has Zeros' and P-38's engaging almost daily. Losses are almost always even at a plane or two a side. The rest of my defenses are a rock and after Scotts aborted attack on Midway and Australia I look to him to fortify his current holdings. The Japanese advance has been stopped.

Northern Australia. Scott has taken Derby but only 3600 troops of the 51st made it ashore. It will be difficult for him to reinforce this area and I am not worried.

Burma & Port Blair.
With the Capture of Port Blair, air and Naval battles raged thru Burma, it was the heaviest airbattles of the war. Losses were higher on the allied side, but not extremly and the B-17's evened up that ratio with some lucky strikes on Rangoon.

The big Naval batle at Port Blair came out with the Yamato on fire and going to the shipyards. This area should be free of interuption and I now have no fear of an attack on India. Mandalay is another story as we have noticed several divisions were dropped of at Bangkok and marched North, they are between Moulmein and Mandalay. Not sure the total count but probably 4 to 5 divisions are in the area.

Ships Sunk
Japanese Allied
CV’s - -
BB’s 1 Haruna 1 POW
CVL 4 Ryujo,Shoho, Zuiho, Hosho -
CVE 2 Taiyo, Unyo -
CA 2 Nachi, Chikuma 1 Houston
CL 2 4
DD 19 14
PC/PG 11 11
SC - 5
MSW 10 5
ML 1 3
DM - 2
AV/AVD 1 3
SS 21 9
AS - 1
AR - 1
APD 3 1
PT - 29
AO 2 3
TK 6 10
AP 69 19
AK 114 76
AE 1 -


Here is the score July 6th.

[stldiver]

July 7th thru 12th witness more air battles.

July 7th witnessed very little happening of note, there was action but not worth talking about.

The on the eight and ninth I Scott hit Changsa with unescorted Sally's and Nells. Being the observant commander I am, The AVG was sent in immediatly. Ummm I took the bait hook line and sinker. As this time over 100 figthers Zeros, Nates and Oscars escorted in Ann's. Fortunatly for me unlike the battles a few days before instead of my forces being extended over their base. He was over mine. The AVG took a terrible toll on Japanese planes, while my losses were heavy. I will gladly take the trade. After this he came to Changsa no more.

Day Air attack on Changsha , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 49
Ki-27 Nate x 41
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 21
Ki-30 Ann x 27
Ki-51 Sonia x 1
Ki-15 Babs x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 22
P-40E Warhawk x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 23 destroyed [:)]
Ki-27 Nate: 21 destroyed [:)]
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 8 destroyed
Ki-30 Ann: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 6 destroyed, 6 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 16 destroyed, 1 damaged [:(]

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 6

Over Port Blair from the 9th thru 11th he flew in close to 100 Nells, Sallys and Helens from Rangoon, I put up no resistance, the field was repaired daily and I only kept Recon planes there.

Rangoon is a level 4 airfield and has over 400 planes stationed there. At least 150 fighters. Of these close to 100 are always on CAP. Wanting to put a dent in his daily trips to Port Blair, I sent in every heavy bomber I had on July 11th.

I lost 20 planes that day of 120 heavy bombers sent in, but as seen from the picture at the bottom, Over 100 Japanese planes were destroyed most on the ground. I don't think he can stop these big raids. They are costly to me but more to him.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-27 Nate x 34
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 32

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 22
B-17D Fortress x 24
B-17E Fortress x 62
B-24D Liberator x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 28 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 13 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 destroyed
Ki-36 Ida: 4 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 6 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 8 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 9 destroyed, 44 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 5 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
603 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 62

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet

The raids on Port Blair stopped after this [:'(]


In the North 4 of my DD's mix it up with some transports and my bombers put several into the heavy damage catagory but he unloads what he needs and is heading to Japan. On of my DD's hit a mine at Attu and may not make it.

To compensate the British CV's creep up to Timor and sink a Japanese DD

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Day Air attack on TF, near Dili at 32,76

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 5
Martlet x 19
Swordfish x 11
Albacore x 18

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage Sinks

On July 12th of my loaded Tankers get to close to Noumea and 2 pay the price.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,124

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G3M Nell x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
TK Robert E Hopkins
TK Empire Silver, Torpedo hits 1, on fire Learned the hard way. Noumea is Lvl 4 airfield now [:(]
TK Gulfcoast, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
TK Gulfland

[scott64]

Just wait until my new secret weapons are deployed. [:'(][X(][:D][:)]

[scott64]

"All ahead, full."
"Enemy sighted. Bearing Westerly. Near Kiska Island."
"Open fire."
"Score one transport."
"Another transport hit."
"Its like shooting capitalists in a play pen." [:'(]
"Score one transport."
"Another hit."

Banzai

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 93,37

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Yamashiro
CA Mogami
CA Kumano
CL Sendai
CL Jintsu
CL Kiso
DD Hayashio
DD Hamakaze
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Yugure
DD Ariake
DD Oboro
DD Uzuki
DD Yuzuki
DD Chidori
DD Manazuru
DD Tomozuru
DD Kiji

Allied Ships
PG Charleston
PG Haida
MSW Penguin, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Columbian
AK Knoxville City
AK Pennsylvanian, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Susan Luckenbach, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Tennessean, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Trento, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK West Planter, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Wilhelmina, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Willimoto, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Si Kiang
AK Port Orford
AK Waipo, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK West Nilus
AK American Press
AK Mapele, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
1990 casualties reported
Guns lost 13

[scott64]

The offensive continues in the Aleutians. [:'(][X(]

Naval bombardment of Adak Island, at 97,38

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Kiji
DD Tomozuru
DD Manazuru
DD Chidori
DD Yuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
DD Ariake
DD Yugure
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Hamakaze
DD Hayashio
CL Kiso
CL Jintsu
CL Sendai
CA Kumano
CA Mogami
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu


Allied ground losses:
1125 casualties reported [:D]
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 7

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 57
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1


"Message our carrier force."
"Enemy carriers spotted, Heading North Easterly."
"Message received."
"All ahead, flank speed."

[stldiver]

While in the Northern part of the Planet Earth, the Japanese Monster ships tossed around the allied transports and bombarded their homes.

In the south the people of Derby rejoiced!

On the 14th they saw the Harbor fill with British warships and heavy ships pounded the Japanese positions and on the 15th, they hugged and kissed the Australian!!!! [:D] division that landed and pushed the Japanese back. Their prayers had been answered, the occupation has been short lived.

Ground combat at Derby

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 11553 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 295 Australian troops liberate Derby

Defending force 3643 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 117

Allied max assault: 564 - adjusted assault: 512

Japanese max defense: 64 - adjusted defense: 67

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Derby base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
456 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported

Meanwhile in Burma the Heavy bombers take to the air again!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
Ki-27 Nate x 28
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 28

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 36
B-17D Fortress x 24
B-17E Fortress x 38
B-24D Liberator x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 11 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 12 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 9 destroyed, 11 damaged
Ki-36 Ida: 4 destroyed
Ki-21-II Sally: 3 destroyed
Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 2 destroyed, 14 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 9 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 destroyed, 30 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
929 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 52

Final Tally 29 allied aircraft lost to 72 Japanese.

I miscalculated before, It seems that there is a strong possibility that they CV Hiyo could be available. I will be on alert!


Going back to July 2nd I never mentioned a Historical fact about the Haruna which the British CV's sank. Now it is time to remind the Japanese command what can happen to their might ships if they don't immediatly return to Tokyo and cease all hostilities

Historical Fact
Haruna, a 26,230 ton Kongo class battlecruiser, was built at Kobe, Japan. Completed in April 1915, she

operated in the Pacific during the First World War.

During the Second World War, Haruna was extensively employed, often in company with aircraft carriers.
In December 1941, she covered the invasion of Malaya. The first four months of 1942 saw her supporting
the conquest of the Dutch East Indies, participating in a bombardment of Christmas Island, and
participating in the Indian Ocean Raid. In June, she was part of the ill-fated Japanese carrier force during
the Battle of Midway and was lightly damaged when a bomb nearly hit her stern. The Guadalcanal Campaign
that began in August 1942 also brought Haruna into action. With her sister ship, Kongo, on 14 October she
delivered a devastating bombardment of Henderson Field, the U.S. airfield on Guadalcanal. Later in the
month, she was present during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and in mid-November operated with the
Japanese aircraft carrier force during the climactic Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

Like most of the heavier Japanese warships, Haruna saw no combat during 1943 and the first five months
of 1944, though she steamed north to Japan in May 1943 in response to the American landings on Attu and
was in the central Pacific later in the year during the invasions of the Gilbert Islands and Bougainville. In
mid-June 1944, however, the Japanese fleet was sent to counterattack the U.S. forces then assaulting
Saipan. As part of the heavily-defended van carrier group, she took an active role in the ensuing Battle of
the Philippine Sea and was hit by a bomb on 20 June. Haruna also participated in the Japanese Navy's final
fleet action, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. She was damaged by bomb near-misses in the Sibuyan Sea on 24
October 1944, but steamed on to engage U.S. escort carriers and destroyers in the next day's Battle off
Samar.

Stationed in Japanese waters by the beginning of 1945, Haruna was damaged at Kure during the U.S.
carrier plane raids on 19 March. Still moored near Kure four months later, she was sunk by Task Force 38
aircraft on 28 July 1945. Haruna's wreck was scrapped after the war.

[scott64]

[quote]ORIGINAL: stldiver

I miscalculated before, It seems that there is a strong possibility that they CV Hiyo could be available. I will be on alert!

[quote]

[:'(][:D][X(] What makes you think Hiyo is available? [:'(]


Banzai

[stldiver]

ADM Kimmel commander of the HQ Central Pacific paces the floor.

He just over a week ago gave consent to operation Wake up! The KB was North of the Aluetians and there was a low probability of their arriving before the major assets had landed. The operation was tasked to the 1st Marine Division and 24th US Regimental Combat Team!

Retake Wake Island!

There had been no scouting information lest it tip the enemies hand, the troops had prepped for almost 3 months so they were ready. The only question was, what would they encounter.

Minesweepers had been included 4 Battleships and some carriers. They began landing on July 18th, they were not spotted and a complete surprise was achieved. The base was defended by the Sasebo 7th SNLF and the 135th IJA baseforce, but there had been no airplanes, or mines.

The initial reports were good. The Marines blew the defenders off the airstrip the 1st day. The battleships had softened them up enough.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wake Island

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 24098 troops, 165 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 535

Defending force 5488 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 94

Allied max assault: 912 - adjusted assault: 550

Japanese max defense: 61 - adjusted defense: 20

Allied assault odds: 27 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Wake Island base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
1611 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
373 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 1

The only resistance was nine Nells from Kwaleign that went against the Battleships, 5 wildcats disrupted them and all torpedo's missed.

Now Kimmel was nervous, Catalina's had been flown in, he wanted to see what was in the area.

Finally his aide rushes in.
"Sir MGen Vandegrift of the 1st Marines reports all resistance has been eliminated on July 19th!, Also the Search planes have no sighting of ships in the area."

Kimmel sits down and wipes his brow in relief. "And what of the second objective tell me more"

Aide "I'm sorry sir, MGen Vandegrift has scowered the island, We have seen no sign of a top secret bunker"

Kimmel frowns "Very well maybe we will capture some of their leaders on the next island"

Aide "Lets hope sir, Oh by the way the Australians report all resistance at Derby has been eliminated and they are taking measures to ensure that there are no more incursions on their homeland"

Kimmel "Great, and what have you heard about Burma?"

Aide "Wonderful news Sir it appears we have broken the Japanese airforce at Rangoon, we believe it is no longer operational and have destroyed another 79 aircraft on the ground with another raid going in tommorrow"

Kimmel "That aught to make the emporer have some sleepless nights, What about operation 'Wish and a prayer' "

Aide "So far so good, although we believe we have been spotted, but again it wasn't called a wish and prayer for nothing"

Kimmel "Very well keep me informed, and call the other officers in. I believe its time to plan how to take out the KB"

Historical Fact

The Battle of Wake Island began simultaneously with the Attack on Pearl Harbor and ended on December 23, 1941, with the surrender of the American forces to the Japanese.

It was fought on and around the atoll formed by Wake Island and its islets of Peale and Wilkes Islands by the air, land and naval forces of the Empire of Japan against those of the United States of America, with Marines playing a prominent role on both sides.

The island was held by the Japanese until September 4, 1945, when the remaining Japanese garrison surrendered to a detachment of United States Marines.

[stldiver]

ADM Kimmel storms into the comm center at CIC Central Pacific fuming.

He rushed up to his top aide and bellows "Whats this I hear, Our invasion force for "Wish and a Prayer" is stopped by 3 Patrol craft!

The aide is very timid "Sir we had 6 Destroyers escorting the transports they did destroy 2 of the Patrol craft but decided to wait a day so they withdrew"

ADM Kimmel "Well can you tell me after sinking two Patrol craft what made them so afraid of the last one?"

Aide "Sir they also spotted several transports which 18 Dive Bombers managed to put 2 bombs into one, They suspected a possibility of heavier ships"

ADM Kimmel "Don't they know the Japanese are only interested in the Aluetians! and this area is ripe for the taking. My plans are flawless if only they were executed properly. I want the Captain in charge of that destroyer group replaced"

Aide "Well sir that has been taken care of for you. It seems they seperated 3 of the destroyers into an attack group that quickly sank the last patrol craft but then ran into a large Japanese transport group"

ADM Kimmel stares slack jawed

Aide "Sir they damaged some of the Japanese transports, and Patrol craft and forced it back to allow our transports to unload, Unfortunatly our ships didn't find the island lightly defended like Wake, they ran into over 750 coastal guns sir, many ships were heavily damaged"

ADM Kimmel fumbles backwards grabs a chair and sits down, mouth wide open, eyes wide open in disbelief

Aide "Then in the afternoon Nells and Betties flew in from Noumea and Fiji and promptly sank the 3 destroyers in the surface group so you don't have to worry about demoting the captain, in addition to damageing more transports"

ADM Kimmel begins to get a sick feeling in his stomach and starts to swoon

Aide "The good news is most of the division made it ashore along with a baseforce, The bad news is we have many ships damaged and the carrier planes flew twice during the day and could not find any targets, must be bad Navigators as there are a lot of Japanese ships to choose from"

Aide "Sir what are your orders"

ADM Kimmel mumbles softy "We called it a 'Wish and a Prayer' now I 'Wish I never did it and I Pray for the troops'

Aide "Sir I have spoken with several other commanders about the situation, this could be your golden opportunity to draw the KB into a fight sir"

ADM Kimmel stands up and walks back towards his office, in a total daze muttering "Yes, Yes, lets do that ummm sink the KB, ummm uhhh don't disturb me for two days, ahhh ummm I think I will go to the beach, if anybody asks I was not involved in this operation"

he closes the door and heads out the building towards the beach.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 71,111

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 29, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk Final Samurai sunk

Allied Ships
DD Brooks
DD Humphreys
DD Hatfield

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 71,111 Whoops where did this come from?????[&:]

Japanese Ships
PG Choan Maru #2
PG Choko Maru #2, Shell hits 1
PG Heijo Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
PG Keijo Maru
PG Nikkai Maru
PC Tama Maru #8
PC Sonan Maru #5
PC Sonan Maru #6
AP Juko Maru
AP Kuraido Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
AP Maruse Maru
AP Monji Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Nichiai Maru
AP Tafuku Maru
AP Chichibu Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
AP Daihachikyo Maru
AP Daijukyo Maru
AP Kaijo Maru #2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katsuragisan Maru
AP Koshu Maru #2, Shell hits 1
AP Kotobuki Maru #5
AP Kunimitsu Maru
AP Tonei Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Brooks, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Humphreys, Shell hits 2
DD Hatfield, Shell hits 3, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Luganville, 71,111, firing at TF 1024
TF 1024 troops unloading over beach at Luganville, 71,111

767 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. [X(][X(][X(]
Allied Ships
DD Kane, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sage Brush, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Crane, Shell hits 8
AK Empire Homer, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Haven, Shell hits 6, on fire
MSW Pelican, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Glade, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Wallingford, Shell hits 1
DD Kilty, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Manulani
AK J.L. Luckenbach, Shell hits 4, on fire
AK Zachary Taylor
AK John C. Fremont, Shell hits 1
AP Rangatira, Shell hits 1
AP Thomas Jefferson, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
2308 casualties reported [:(]
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 71,111

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Brooks, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatfield, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Humphreys, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7988 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 300 Japanese 21st Division plus BF

Defending force 13111 troops, 126 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 319 American USA Division plus BF


Japanese ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

[scott64]

I have samurai warriors all over the island, waiting for the chance to BANZAI. [:'(][:D]

[stldiver]

Kimmels top aide is let into the round office. He had been summoned to Washington for an update with the CIC.

The CIC was a good looking man (If I do say so myself) but looked concerned he points for the aide to sit in a chair opposite him.

CIC "Please give me an update of the war as you see it, I'm tired of people filling me with false hopes. Give me each theatre"

Aide" Well sir in the North Aluetians the Japanese hold the last 3 islands but those have been reinforced heavily, they have stationed fighters and some vals and kates on attu and they are trying to expand the airfield to allow their Nells to fly. When that time comes it will get dicey. They have run to Battleship groups into the area every few days one based on Yamahiro and Mutsu, the other was BB Kirishima. We have air dominance with heavy bombers but no major naval assets at the moment. It appears they may make a play for Adak as our subs spotted transports leaving Tokyo headed that way over a week ago"

CIC "Whats the plan?"

Aide "Sir we are waiting to see what the Japanese do, they have fortified their bases to strong to retake with our current forces. Reinforcements are needed"

CIC "Very well what of the Pacific, I understand we landed a Division and Base force at Luganville, as well as putting troops behind thier bases, how is that operation going?"

Aide "As you know we recaptured Wake with little resistance, on the same premise we figured Luganville would also be lightly defended. Unfortuantly we were wrong and landed on the 21st division. Our transports and destroyers took heavy damaged and many have sunk on the way back to a safe base. But the American Division is ashore and supplied its holding position untill its squads get better organized. Surprisingly the Japanese did not take advantage of our distrupted state. This combined with the fact that a large Japanese transport force showed up at the same time indicates their base may be low on supplies or they were pulling the 21st division out to attack another base.

Either way the island is a stalemate at the moment waiting for reinforcements from either side, this could turn out to be the Guadalcanal scenario we did rollplays on, about stretching to far with limited resources and the Japanese also in the same position but both sides needing to reinforce. We have not decided on the appropriate course at the moment."

As for troops behind their bases, We took the opportunity to occupy Nauru which is located west of Tarawa, the Japanese never occupied this base so we transported an Regimental Combat team there and are operating catalina's to search behind his lines. He has begun to bomb with Nells from Kwaleign but to no affect.

We did this for intel to help the Luganville operation and also to get eyes behind enemy lines.

In Australia the Aussies and British have removed the Japanese from thier island, and are deciding where to go next, the SRA is very quiet"

CIC "Very good what about Burma and China?"

Aide "Our heavy bombers have closed Rangoon, and forced the Japanese planes back to Tavoy and Bangkok, we moved our bombers within range of Tavoy and did a surprise bombing attack that destroyed many planes, although the long distance did cause us some losses. They have since reinforced Tavoy, but from Rangoon North we own the airspace."

"In China the land war is stagnant, but some chinese long range bombers occasionally attack shipping and even bombed a port in Formosa, damaging two ships, the enemy responded by bombing the airfield and the AVG showed up the next day and sent over 40 Nates, Claudes and Tojos down in flames for the loss of only a couple. So all in all its pretty stagnent"

CIC "Well it sounds like we are holding or pushing back, what are the Japanese doing?

Aide "We believe the KB is repairing in Japan, this is due to the fact that we believe they have been in operation since the beginning of the war and need refits, also the Kirishima showing up in the Aluetians confirms this guess, but its only a guess. The KB could also be heading to Luganville since we invaded, but once again we believe more likely in Japan at least untill the Kirishima rejoins them"

"Like we mentioned earlier they were picking up the 21st division so they had plans, and their must be other forces involved that we don't know, and we believe they have intentions of reclaiming some of the islands in the North. In all other theatres we believe its a stalemate at the moment"

CIC "What about our Carriers and Navy are we ready for an offensive"

Aide "Sir we have now 5 operational fleet carriers with the arrival of the Wasp, The Saratoga is repairing but many months from being combat ready, All carriers have been refitted with the new long range torpedo planes, most have seen combat action and their pilots are experianced. We believe we can tangle with the KB and come out even in a fight or close to it, and with our production capacity we would welcome an even exchange. We have spoken with the British, and are considering adding their carriers in support which would give us a decided advantage."

"As to the battleships another Pearl harbor battleship is almost ready to rejoin the fleet, We have the new North Carlina with our forces thus we are equal in strength to the enemy, so yes we feel confidant in an engagement as recently the Japanese have suffered damaged to the Yamato, Hyuga and heavy damage to Nagato from the british"

"Planes is our only concern as our quality is not as good, but some P-38F's have shown equal to the zero, thus we have hope in the future of better planes, but the wildcat's will do for the moment"

CIC "Very well, then its time to put more pressure on the enemy, I want you to make the KB come out of port, we cannot let them repair them back to tip top shape, or upgrade to new anti aircraft guns, make them fight!!!"

Aide "Yes sir, we will get right on that one!"

The CIC waves his hand in dismissal. The aide quickly walks out the door, feeling the CIC is right. The time to attack is now, but where?"

Below is a picture taken of the Top Aide by security cameras as you can see he is excited about planning Scotts demise!

[scott64]

Rabaul 4th Fleet HQ

"Report."
"Operations are in effect to turn the tide of those imperial capitalist that have camped on our territory." [:-]
"How dare those swine park a combat unit in our back yard." [X(]
"The time is near for more secret weapons to come online." [:D]
"CV Junyo's repair is coming along nicely. Another couple months until service."
"Our Battleships and Carriers are ready to refit." [:'(]