This article has been censored by SOPAC under the wartime general 'D' media classification.
June 17, 1942
The Japanese have been mostly quiet after their successes in New Guinea. The Japanese mopped up Wau base consisting of 7 C-47 transports with no fuel, and the 14 crewmen. The crewman surrendered without incident when the Japanese army arrived, although their eventual fate is unknown.
Submarines from both side have been the most active at sea, prowling the sea lanes, lurking outside harbours. The US S class submarine S44 has received a special commendation for a very successful war patrol.
The Japanese I Boats have been harassing shipping on the Australian coast, but have actually been ineffective at damaging any transports. Instead they have been very successful at sinking the so called 'Sub Chasers' in the anti-submarine patrols that are supposed to sink the Jap subs!
Admiral Loken was overheard muttering in disgust "Maybe they would be more successful if they were called Sub Catchers!"
B17s, B25s, and B26s have been making periodic bombing runs against the forces in Port Moresby, but the number of planes available have reduced the attacks to little more than harassment attacks.
A more disturbing development has been the Japanese recon units dropped off by submarines at both Noumea and Luganville. Both units were quickly captured, but it is believed they were able to make their scouting reports.
It is uncertain if this is a prelude to an invasion against these critical bases, or a diversion to distract attention from staging for an attack against the Australian mainland. An Australian attack in the Cairns or Townsville area is a more realistic goal for the Japanese as it could be supported and supplied from New Guinea, while the Luganville and Noumea operation would be a more critical strategic victory if they could pull it off.
Either way, sources at SOPAC and SWPAC are confident that neither operation would be very easy for the Japanese, and that there may be some surprises in store for them.
A significant concern is that the majority of the Japanese carrier fleet may be in theatre, as well as significant surface combat assets.
A storm is coming, it remains to be seen where it will land.
Battling n00bs!
-
neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
RE: Banzai!
ORIGINAL: UndercoverNotChickenSalad
"Banzai!"
famous last words [;)]
I hope not [:D]
Anyway, the words literally mean "10,000 age", or more correctly "Long Live..".
"Tenno Heika Banzai", the Japanese war cry, means then "Long Live The Emperor".
Off-topic, but did you know that climbing up to Mt Fuji, shouting "Banzai" at the top of your voice as dawn arrived and the sun rose up from the horizon, is still a very Japanese thing to do?
Going to see if I can do that when I tour Japan in November. [:D]
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Fuji in November
[:-]I think it is closed for winter....At least to the public. I am not sure the exact date it closes, but I am pretty sure it is sometime in October to early November...If you are a rollercoaster fan, Fujikyu Highland has great rollercoasters that have awesome views of Fuji.[:'(]
To quote from Evans/Peattie`s {Kaigun}
"Mistakes in operations and tactics can be corrected, but
political and strategic mistakes live forever". The authors were refering to Japan but the same could be said of the US misadventure in Iraq
"Mistakes in operations and tactics can be corrected, but
political and strategic mistakes live forever". The authors were refering to Japan but the same could be said of the US misadventure in Iraq
Sideshow at Townsville
Aboard the I-21, off Townsville. June 22nd, 1942. 1000h
The water was knee deep now.
"Come on, keep bailing, we're not finished yet!" Commander Kurakane cheerfully urged his crew on. But in his heart, he knew it wasn't long now. They were too badly damaged. The look on Chief Iga's face told him as much.
6 hours before, they had finally come to grips with the gaijin hunter-killer group that had been patrolling the Australian coast these past weeks. They had hunted I-27 a couple of weeks before, but she had given them the slip.
Up to this day, it had been an uneventful patrol. The Americans had shown little enthusiasm for sailing anything out of their ports since the fall of Port Moresby. Then, at 0400h, Kurakane's sonarmen had made out the propellers of ships heading straight towards them. They barely had time to dive.
Through his periscope, Kurakane had made out the sleek form of a Farragut class destroyer in the pale moonlight, coming right at him. Should he dive and sit out the inevitable depth charges? Maybe they had not spotted him yet? He took one more look. The destroyer seemed unaware of their presence.
"Ready tubes 1, 2 and 3 for submerged firing. Target range 10000 yards, speed...15 knots, bearing 0. Spread angle 1 degree." Kurakane called out the firing solution. The crew, already at action stations, echoed the command to the torpedo room at a whisper.
"Tubes 1, 2 and 3, ready." Torpedo Officer Maeda had been waiting for months for this.
Sweat trickled down Kurakane's brow. "Come on," he willed the destroyer to come closer. "Come on." If any crewmen was thinking what a damn fool he was trying to engage a destroyer, they kept their thoughts to themselves.
Then, "Tube 1, fire! Tube 2, fire! Tube 3, fire!"
"Iga, take us down 100m! Now! Steer port 20 degrees, all ahead full!"
I-21 dived under the combined effort of the electric motors, the hydroplanes, and the intake of water into her ballast. Even as the crew frantically responded, Torpedo Officer Maeda stood calmly looking at his stopwatch. At exactly 2 minutes 22 seconds, the shockwaves of three loud explosions hit them in succession, followed by the screeching noises of hull plates buckling, bending, then failing.
"Banzai! Tenno Heika Banzai!" the crew cheered.
A smile crossed Kurakane's face briefly. "Not so soon, men, not so soon. Now comes the price to pay."
It was not long in coming. The subchasers, victims of so many Japanese torpedoes of late, had been learning the fine art of anti-submarine warfare. The ping-ping of their Asdic sets were calling away.
"Depth charges!" the sonarman cried.
The explosions rocked I-21 from stem to stern. It was the worst they had ever experienced till now. Then the damage reports started coming in. Burst valves, buckling plates in the engine room, flooded batteries, blown fuses. Chief Iga had his hands full.
That was 6 hours ago.
The subchasers finally ran out of depth charges and moved off. But I-21 was a shambles. There was water everywhere and no power for the pumps. Iga had resorted to manually bailing the water into the bilges, where he hoped to force compressed air from the reserve tanks to try to surface the stricken sub. It was a longshot, but worth a try. To that end, they had patiently bailed for the last 4 hours.
"Now or never, sir," Iga looked stoically at his brave Commander. They had come so far and sunk a enemy ship, only to come to this. He wished he had had more time to say goodbye to his wife and son when he left for the war last year.
"Alright Chief. Blow the tanks." As Chief Iga pulled the lever to release the compressed air, Kurakane silently prayed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/42
Weather: Clear
Sub attack at 10,61
Japanese Ships
SS I-21, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Monaghan, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SC 517
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<Postscript: Unfortunately, despite all efforts to save her, I-21 sank the day after.[:(]>
The water was knee deep now.
"Come on, keep bailing, we're not finished yet!" Commander Kurakane cheerfully urged his crew on. But in his heart, he knew it wasn't long now. They were too badly damaged. The look on Chief Iga's face told him as much.
6 hours before, they had finally come to grips with the gaijin hunter-killer group that had been patrolling the Australian coast these past weeks. They had hunted I-27 a couple of weeks before, but she had given them the slip.
Up to this day, it had been an uneventful patrol. The Americans had shown little enthusiasm for sailing anything out of their ports since the fall of Port Moresby. Then, at 0400h, Kurakane's sonarmen had made out the propellers of ships heading straight towards them. They barely had time to dive.
Through his periscope, Kurakane had made out the sleek form of a Farragut class destroyer in the pale moonlight, coming right at him. Should he dive and sit out the inevitable depth charges? Maybe they had not spotted him yet? He took one more look. The destroyer seemed unaware of their presence.
"Ready tubes 1, 2 and 3 for submerged firing. Target range 10000 yards, speed...15 knots, bearing 0. Spread angle 1 degree." Kurakane called out the firing solution. The crew, already at action stations, echoed the command to the torpedo room at a whisper.
"Tubes 1, 2 and 3, ready." Torpedo Officer Maeda had been waiting for months for this.
Sweat trickled down Kurakane's brow. "Come on," he willed the destroyer to come closer. "Come on." If any crewmen was thinking what a damn fool he was trying to engage a destroyer, they kept their thoughts to themselves.
Then, "Tube 1, fire! Tube 2, fire! Tube 3, fire!"
"Iga, take us down 100m! Now! Steer port 20 degrees, all ahead full!"
I-21 dived under the combined effort of the electric motors, the hydroplanes, and the intake of water into her ballast. Even as the crew frantically responded, Torpedo Officer Maeda stood calmly looking at his stopwatch. At exactly 2 minutes 22 seconds, the shockwaves of three loud explosions hit them in succession, followed by the screeching noises of hull plates buckling, bending, then failing.
"Banzai! Tenno Heika Banzai!" the crew cheered.
A smile crossed Kurakane's face briefly. "Not so soon, men, not so soon. Now comes the price to pay."
It was not long in coming. The subchasers, victims of so many Japanese torpedoes of late, had been learning the fine art of anti-submarine warfare. The ping-ping of their Asdic sets were calling away.
"Depth charges!" the sonarman cried.
The explosions rocked I-21 from stem to stern. It was the worst they had ever experienced till now. Then the damage reports started coming in. Burst valves, buckling plates in the engine room, flooded batteries, blown fuses. Chief Iga had his hands full.
That was 6 hours ago.
The subchasers finally ran out of depth charges and moved off. But I-21 was a shambles. There was water everywhere and no power for the pumps. Iga had resorted to manually bailing the water into the bilges, where he hoped to force compressed air from the reserve tanks to try to surface the stricken sub. It was a longshot, but worth a try. To that end, they had patiently bailed for the last 4 hours.
"Now or never, sir," Iga looked stoically at his brave Commander. They had come so far and sunk a enemy ship, only to come to this. He wished he had had more time to say goodbye to his wife and son when he left for the war last year.
"Alright Chief. Blow the tanks." As Chief Iga pulled the lever to release the compressed air, Kurakane silently prayed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/42
Weather: Clear
Sub attack at 10,61
Japanese Ships
SS I-21, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Monaghan, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SC 517
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<Postscript: Unfortunately, despite all efforts to save her, I-21 sank the day after.[:(]>
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
-
neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
Storm at Noumea
For the past two days, storms and heavy rain has fallen all over the area, it seemed that this would be an odd time for the war to pick up. But the weather can only change the timing of the beat of war drums, it does not still them.
For the first time since the start of the war, there is no information coming from the military. SOPAC and SWPAC have completely closed down all communication with civilian authorities and the media until further notice.
For days there has been increased activity. But other than the loss of Monaghan, and reports of S40 sinking yet another Japanese transport, there has been no explanation for the heightened activity. A successful submarine war patrol, or a destroyer going down during a routine sub patrol is not cause for this much concern, not during a war.
One story phoned into the Brisbane Reporter by a civilian construction worker at Noumea was that something was going on there. Planes and ships previously at the new Koumac base returned to Noumea, although of 5 sub chasers that left on an ASW patrol, only 1 returned. 'Many' Japanese planes were seen flying North over the island, and large numbers of USAAF and USN aircraft were also seen flying towards the South.
The military refused to comment, but the officer assigned to censor sensitive data only required the deletion of local military movements, and minor adjustments to the above information. But now contact is not possible with Noumea, the operators report the phone lines are down, and there is nothing coming over civilian wireless frequencies.
I can only speculate, but it seems among the rain and lightening, a storm of fire and death has come, and it has struck Noumea.
For the first time since the start of the war, there is no information coming from the military. SOPAC and SWPAC have completely closed down all communication with civilian authorities and the media until further notice.
For days there has been increased activity. But other than the loss of Monaghan, and reports of S40 sinking yet another Japanese transport, there has been no explanation for the heightened activity. A successful submarine war patrol, or a destroyer going down during a routine sub patrol is not cause for this much concern, not during a war.
One story phoned into the Brisbane Reporter by a civilian construction worker at Noumea was that something was going on there. Planes and ships previously at the new Koumac base returned to Noumea, although of 5 sub chasers that left on an ASW patrol, only 1 returned. 'Many' Japanese planes were seen flying North over the island, and large numbers of USAAF and USN aircraft were also seen flying towards the South.
The military refused to comment, but the officer assigned to censor sensitive data only required the deletion of local military movements, and minor adjustments to the above information. But now contact is not possible with Noumea, the operators report the phone lines are down, and there is nothing coming over civilian wireless frequencies.
I can only speculate, but it seems among the rain and lightening, a storm of fire and death has come, and it has struck Noumea.
High Noon
Aboard the Yamato, Hashirajima Bay, Japan. June 25th, 1942. 1200h
The officers who were busying themselves with staffwork suddenly stopped as the ensign from the Signals Unit breathlessly handed over the hurriedly scribbled message to the Admiral.
"What does it say, sir?" Someone asked.
He passed the piece of paper to his aide, Lieutenant Shigeyoshi, to read, as he walked slowly outside.
"
To Mountain
Cormorants in Flight. Operation is on schedule.
Enemy air strength is heavy as expected. Many shot down attempting to attack. Few hits scored, inconsequential.
Forest is safe. Activating Fire as planned.
Whirlwind
"
Those in the know were now talking excitedly amongst themselves, while the junior officers scratched their heads at the cryptic nature of the communique. They only knew that Operation Cormorant was on, it was proceeding fine, and the level of secrecy imposed on it was as high as ever.
Outside, the Admiral took a long draw from his cigarette. He had prayed long for Yamaguchi's boys. If they succeeded, it may add 6 more months to his 'prophecy'. 6 more months to train pilots, build bases and preposition defenses to absorb the inevitable onslaught of the Allies. It may just be enough.
The sun was shining brightly overhead. He could only imagine what it was like, high noon at Noumea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42
Weather: Rain
Air attack on TF at 49,67
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 76
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51
SBD Dauntless x 42
TBD Devastator x 9
A-20B Havoc x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 11 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 17 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 27 damaged
TBD Devastator x 8 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 2 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged
PO2 P.Doigawa of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3
WO I.Nomura of EI-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Shiratsuyu
CV Akagi
CV Hiryu
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 49,67
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 65
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 59
SBD Dauntless x 9
A-20B Havoc x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 12 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 4 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged
PO2 P.Doigawa of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5 [&o] Got an ace here!
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Shokaku, on fire
DD Shigure
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,59
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Lycaon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,59
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N Kate x 21
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Worden
AK Lycaon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,59
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 24
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Lycaon, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mildura, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The officers who were busying themselves with staffwork suddenly stopped as the ensign from the Signals Unit breathlessly handed over the hurriedly scribbled message to the Admiral.
"What does it say, sir?" Someone asked.
He passed the piece of paper to his aide, Lieutenant Shigeyoshi, to read, as he walked slowly outside.
"
To Mountain
Cormorants in Flight. Operation is on schedule.
Enemy air strength is heavy as expected. Many shot down attempting to attack. Few hits scored, inconsequential.
Forest is safe. Activating Fire as planned.
Whirlwind
"
Those in the know were now talking excitedly amongst themselves, while the junior officers scratched their heads at the cryptic nature of the communique. They only knew that Operation Cormorant was on, it was proceeding fine, and the level of secrecy imposed on it was as high as ever.
Outside, the Admiral took a long draw from his cigarette. He had prayed long for Yamaguchi's boys. If they succeeded, it may add 6 more months to his 'prophecy'. 6 more months to train pilots, build bases and preposition defenses to absorb the inevitable onslaught of the Allies. It may just be enough.
The sun was shining brightly overhead. He could only imagine what it was like, high noon at Noumea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42
Weather: Rain
Air attack on TF at 49,67
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 76
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51
SBD Dauntless x 42
TBD Devastator x 9
A-20B Havoc x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 11 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 17 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 27 damaged
TBD Devastator x 8 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 2 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged
PO2 P.Doigawa of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3
WO I.Nomura of EI-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Shiratsuyu
CV Akagi
CV Hiryu
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 49,67
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 65
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 59
SBD Dauntless x 9
A-20B Havoc x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 12 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 4 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged
PO2 P.Doigawa of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5 [&o] Got an ace here!
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Shokaku, on fire
DD Shigure
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,59
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Lycaon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,59
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N Kate x 21
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Worden
AK Lycaon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,59
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 24
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Lycaon, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mildura, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
RE: High Noon
Great AAR guys!!![&o][&o] Keep it up.
Quark
Quark
RE: High Noon
i agree with Quark - your writing styles are excellent. I get a lift to the start of another boring day at work if there is an additon to the AAR when i get there to read it.
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RE: High Noon
Combined Fleet HQ, Truk Base. 26th June, 1942. 0001h
"Radio intercept. It's a transmission from the enemy, sir!"
Commander Watanabe, OC Signals Unit for Operation Cormorant, eyed the overexcited signalman critically as he answered with a droll "What now?"
Over the past week, his team had been working overtime listening in to Allied communications, trying to squeeze every little bit of intelligence from the tangled web of radio traffic. The brass had been breathing down his neck all the time. First they wanted to know if he knew where the American carriers were. Then the number of planes on NM, then to verify land-based air strength in Cooktown. When they finally asked him if a submarine near Woodlark had sent out any spotting reports, he nearly lost it.
"How the hell do I know?! I'm trying my best, see!" To himself, of course. Otherwise, Admiral Mikawa would have had his head.
Anyway, he had his hands full without having to deal with yet another, probably meaningless, Allied transmission.
"Read it out, will you, Hanzo?"
This is what Signalman Hanzo read:
"
To The Japs
And now, for your viewing pleasure; "The Heroic but Ultimately Futile Charge!"
Well, its not much of a charge really, but it sounds better this way.
The Allies
"
"Should we tell the Admiral, sir? It may be of some value"
Watanabe merely gave him that look that one reserves for pitying fools and sighed.
"Crazy baka gaijin."
"Radio intercept. It's a transmission from the enemy, sir!"
Commander Watanabe, OC Signals Unit for Operation Cormorant, eyed the overexcited signalman critically as he answered with a droll "What now?"
Over the past week, his team had been working overtime listening in to Allied communications, trying to squeeze every little bit of intelligence from the tangled web of radio traffic. The brass had been breathing down his neck all the time. First they wanted to know if he knew where the American carriers were. Then the number of planes on NM, then to verify land-based air strength in Cooktown. When they finally asked him if a submarine near Woodlark had sent out any spotting reports, he nearly lost it.
"How the hell do I know?! I'm trying my best, see!" To himself, of course. Otherwise, Admiral Mikawa would have had his head.
Anyway, he had his hands full without having to deal with yet another, probably meaningless, Allied transmission.
"Read it out, will you, Hanzo?"
This is what Signalman Hanzo read:
"
To The Japs
And now, for your viewing pleasure; "The Heroic but Ultimately Futile Charge!"
Well, its not much of a charge really, but it sounds better this way.
The Allies
"
"Should we tell the Admiral, sir? It may be of some value"
Watanabe merely gave him that look that one reserves for pitying fools and sighed.
"Crazy baka gaijin."
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
-
neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
RE: High Noon
Strictly OOC (Out of Character):
I got a real good laugh when that made it into the AAR. Yes, I actually sent that to KL (Lord Hawke). When he runs the turn he should see what I mean (there is something like a 14 hour time difference between us, so I send my turns late in the evening, and he gets them immediately, which is in the morning when he is still at work, and vice versa).
I don't have anything useful to add at this time, other than I am going to have a stroke from the tension of this attack!
I got a real good laugh when that made it into the AAR. Yes, I actually sent that to KL (Lord Hawke). When he runs the turn he should see what I mean (there is something like a 14 hour time difference between us, so I send my turns late in the evening, and he gets them immediately, which is in the morning when he is still at work, and vice versa).
I don't have anything useful to add at this time, other than I am going to have a stroke from the tension of this attack!
A beer in Noumea
Aboard the Jintsu, off Noumea. 26 June 1942, 1900h.
Knock, knock.
"Sir, the Captain wants to see you on the bridge."
Lieutenant-General Maruyama buttoned up his uniform, pulled up his boots, and opened the door of his tiny cabin. It had been nearly 2 long weeks aboard this steel bathtub. The sweltering heat of the past few days had happily been broken by a spell of thunderstorms. Today had been somewhat cloudy, but Maruyama was sweating buckets. What he wouldn't do for a cold sake now.
"Tell him I'll be there in a minute." Only on a Navy ship could a mere Captain be ordering a General around. He couldn't wait to get back on dry land.
Captain Tokai was beaming as Maruyama stepped into the bridge.
"Good news, Sir. Noumea has been badly battered by our air attacks and bombardment forces. Not a single air attack on our task force today. Admiral Nagumo has a message for you."
Maruyama took the proferred note and read:
"
To OC Operation Southern Cross
From OC Operation Cormorant
Ops Cormorant Phase I total success. Noumea neutralized. You may commence your operation.
Wish you Godspeed.
"
Maruyama stuffed the note into the pocket of his combat fatigues. "You know, Captain Tozai, I hear the Officer's Club in Noumea gets pretty regular deliveries of Australian beer."
He paused, then looked the younger man in the eye.
"I hear it's almost as good as sake."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi [:'(]
CV Kaga [:'(]
CV Hiryu [:'(]
CVL Zuiho [:'(]
CA Haguro
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 3
DD Michishio, Shell hits 28, and is sunk
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 3
DD Kasumi
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Shigure
DD Harusame
DD Hibiki
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
DD Ellet, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Perkins, Shell hits 74, and is sunk
PG Swan, Shell hits 1
PG Kiwi, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PG Moa, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tui
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 53,62
Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 10
Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 6 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 27
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
DD Selfridge, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
D3A Val x 43
B5N Kate x 21
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 23 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Northampton, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Pensacola
DMS Trevor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 52,67
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 23
no losses
Allied Ships
PG Kiwi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 53,62
Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 5
Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 3 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CL Isuzu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 23
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
CA San Francisco
DD Lamson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
D3A Val x 48
B5N Kate x 33
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Mugford, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Northampton, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Ralph Talbot, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Trevor
DD Helm, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67
Japanese Ships
CA Atago
CA Maya
CA Chokai
CA Ashigara
CA Mikuma
CL Natori
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
DD Kazegumo
DD Hatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Ayanami
DD Ushio
Allied Ships
PG Swan, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
PG Tui, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Knock, knock.
"Sir, the Captain wants to see you on the bridge."
Lieutenant-General Maruyama buttoned up his uniform, pulled up his boots, and opened the door of his tiny cabin. It had been nearly 2 long weeks aboard this steel bathtub. The sweltering heat of the past few days had happily been broken by a spell of thunderstorms. Today had been somewhat cloudy, but Maruyama was sweating buckets. What he wouldn't do for a cold sake now.
"Tell him I'll be there in a minute." Only on a Navy ship could a mere Captain be ordering a General around. He couldn't wait to get back on dry land.
Captain Tokai was beaming as Maruyama stepped into the bridge.
"Good news, Sir. Noumea has been badly battered by our air attacks and bombardment forces. Not a single air attack on our task force today. Admiral Nagumo has a message for you."
Maruyama took the proferred note and read:
"
To OC Operation Southern Cross
From OC Operation Cormorant
Ops Cormorant Phase I total success. Noumea neutralized. You may commence your operation.
Wish you Godspeed.
"
Maruyama stuffed the note into the pocket of his combat fatigues. "You know, Captain Tozai, I hear the Officer's Club in Noumea gets pretty regular deliveries of Australian beer."
He paused, then looked the younger man in the eye.
"I hear it's almost as good as sake."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi [:'(]
CV Kaga [:'(]
CV Hiryu [:'(]
CVL Zuiho [:'(]
CA Haguro
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 3
DD Michishio, Shell hits 28, and is sunk
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 3
DD Kasumi
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Shigure
DD Harusame
DD Hibiki
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
DD Ellet, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Perkins, Shell hits 74, and is sunk
PG Swan, Shell hits 1
PG Kiwi, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PG Moa, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tui
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 53,62
Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 10
Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 6 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 27
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
DD Selfridge, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
D3A Val x 43
B5N Kate x 21
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 23 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Northampton, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Pensacola
DMS Trevor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 52,67
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 23
no losses
Allied Ships
PG Kiwi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 53,62
Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 5
Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 3 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CL Isuzu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 23
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
CA San Francisco
DD Lamson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
D3A Val x 48
B5N Kate x 33
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Mugford, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Northampton, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Ralph Talbot, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Trevor
DD Helm, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67
Japanese Ships
CA Atago
CA Maya
CA Chokai
CA Ashigara
CA Mikuma
CL Natori
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
DD Kazegumo
DD Hatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Ayanami
DD Ushio
Allied Ships
PG Swan, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
PG Tui, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
-
neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
RE: A beer in Noumea
[OOC:] I think you would have been crying if I had managed to get some hits in on those carriers. As it was I just beat up some destroyers. Better than I expected, not as good as I had hoped.
Update on Ops Cormorant
Editor's Note: I can't think of a story for this yet. Just wanted to keep the fans posted on the action so far. Tomo has fallen. Goro is next. Noumea... [;)]
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Night Time Surface Combat, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Nachi
CA Mogami
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Yugumo
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Maikaze
DD Isokaze
DD Shiranui
DD Amatsukaze
DD Oshio
Allied Ships
AK Mildura, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AK Lycaon, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Noumea, at 52,67
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
no losses
Allied Ships
AK Etamin, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Wharton, Shell hits 1
AO Laramie, Shell hits 1
AP J. Franklin Bell, Shell hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 26
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 65
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Efate Port Vila, at 55,57
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
no losses
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 93
Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 96
Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,3
Japanese Ships
AP Hokuriku Maru
Allied Ships
SS S-39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,3
Japanese Ships
AP Mito Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Oite
Allied Ships
SS S-39, Shell hits 2, on fire
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Noumea , at 52,67
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
D3A Val x 45
B5N Kate x 43
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 53
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
21 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
19 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,51
Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 6
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Shiranui
DD Amatsukaze
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tomo
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1218 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tomo base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Night Time Surface Combat, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57
Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Nachi
CA Mogami
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Yugumo
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Maikaze
DD Isokaze
DD Shiranui
DD Amatsukaze
DD Oshio
Allied Ships
AK Mildura, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AK Lycaon, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Noumea, at 52,67
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
no losses
Allied Ships
AK Etamin, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Wharton, Shell hits 1
AO Laramie, Shell hits 1
AP J. Franklin Bell, Shell hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 26
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 65
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Efate Port Vila, at 55,57
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
no losses
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 93
Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 96
Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,3
Japanese Ships
AP Hokuriku Maru
Allied Ships
SS S-39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,3
Japanese Ships
AP Mito Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Oite
Allied Ships
SS S-39, Shell hits 2, on fire
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Noumea , at 52,67
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
D3A Val x 45
B5N Kate x 43
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 53
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
21 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
19 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,51
Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 6
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Shiranui
DD Amatsukaze
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tomo
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1218 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tomo base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
-
neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
Noumea Beseiged
This article has been censored by SOPAC under the wartime general 'D' media classification.
June 27, 1942
After days of speculation, Admiral Loken had finally made an official announcement.
They were using the Mess Hall at the Port Brisbane Naval base as a press room. The Admiral's Royal Navy uniform was neatly pressed, but his eyes were blood shot, and he looked haggard. The thunder from the storm outside seemed to underline his announcement ominously.
"I wish to confirm the rumour that has been raging for the past few days. Noumea is under attack.
"For about a week we had been tracking enemy surface assets in the Coral Sea, although contact was intermitent, and so exact figures of enemy units were not possible.
"On June 22, the same day a Japanese sub and the destroyer Monaghan exchanged fire, for what was later verified as mutual destruction, a large Japanese battle group was spotted to the North West of Koumac. An air group for some of the Japanese carriers attacked the anti-submarine patrol outside Koumac and destroyed 4 of the 'Sub Chasers' in the Patrol."
"On the 24th, the enemy group was now within range of Noumea. Aircraft from Noumea attempted to blunt the enemy assault by engaging the enemy carrier groups and thus deny their air cover, but unfortunately the enemy fighters were simply too numerous, and damage to the enemy was slight. Three carriers were hit, but damage was not crippling."
"On the 25th an enemy light carrier and destroyer were damaged, but the air field at Noumea was crippled by air strikes from the enemy carriers.
"Surface combat assets including a Battleship, 5 Heavy Cruisers, 2 Light Cruisers, and a number of destroyers were also spotted and attacked by our bombers, but unfortunately, none were damaged. In the subsequent shelling of Noumea, 2 destroyers were heavily damaged by coastal guns."
"On the 26th a skirmish force consisting of 2 destroyers and 4 gunboats - running with minimum crews made up of volunteers - sailed from Noumea hoping to engage troop transports as they entered the harbour. Hopes for their success were not high, and all knew this was probably a one way trip.
"The group ran straight into one of the carrier groups, and engaged them at close range. Unfortunately they never got any hits on any of the 4 carriers in the group. They did sink one screening destroyer, and damage three more, but in return all ships in the skirmish group were lost.
"Troops were landed at Tomo."
"On the 27th, one of the two Japanese surface groups entered Efate Port Villa Harbour, and shelled it. Fortunately, most of the air units there had already withdrawn. Two previously damaged cargo vessels were in the harbour and suynk however.
"The second group shelled Noumea once more.
"Minesweepers starting clearing a path for the transports to land troops, although one enemy destroyer was sunk by mines.
"Troops have begun landing at Noumea, and at Goro. They have secured Tomo."
"At this point we have confirmed the presense of 5 Japanaese Fleet Carriers, and 3 Light Carriers. We have damaged 2 of each, but as indicated, none have been knocked out of the fight.
"We have also confirmed the presense of 2 Battleships, 8 heavy cruisers, 5 light cruisers, and a large number of destroyers. There may be more. So far only the enemy destroyers have suffered damage."
"Our own carriers, Enterprise and Hornet, are being withdrawn from the area. Considering the level of enemy air power, the two carriers would have been destroyed just like Yorktown and Lexington, and there was nothing to be gained by that. Their planes were instead based off of Noumea.
"While the air field at Noumea has been rendered inoperative at this time due to enemy shelling and bombing, it at least can be repaired, and the squadrons from there may still be involved. If Enterprise and Hornet had engaged directly, they would have simply been sunk. And that is all there is to it."
"The battle has continued in other areas as well. Near Buna, B-25Ds damaged 2 Transports, and 2 Minesweepers. Near Truk, S-39 damaged another transport, although was damaged in return. It is unknown if the sub will make it back to port or not."
"I must admit that I did not expect the enemy to land at Noumea. I had beleived it a diversion of sorts, that while all of the fleet and air assets - of which the enemy is obviously superior at the moment - were engaged at Noumea, he would instead land at Luganville or somewhere along the Australian Coast.
"I suppose it is still possible, but extremely unlikely with the troop and transport commitment to Noumea."
"This is obviously very serious news. Loss of Noumea base would cripple Naval operations in this theatre. However, reinforcements are arriving, from several sources.
"It is my beleif the enemy has made a mistake. The troops he has landed at Noumea may not be adequate to take it before reinforcements arrive. If the two regiments landed at Goro and Tomo were landed at Noumea, they might have had a chance, but as it is, I see a reasonable possibility that Noumea can hold out until releived.
"The enemy probably wishes to use Goro and Tomo as local bases to deal with fuel and supply problems, but in doing so, they have thinned themselves out, possibly too much."
"The next couple weeks will tell, and may decide the course of the war in this theatre."
With that, the Admiral left, refusing to answer any question, although the serious of the news so stunned the reporters in attendance that he was half way to the door before anyone even tried to ask any.
The question that is really important though, and one that the Admiral cannot answer, is whether he is right? Can Noumea hold until releived, has the enemy diluted his land forces too much with his attack on three beaches at once? Or is it merely wishful thinking?
As he said, the next few weeks will tell.
June 27, 1942
After days of speculation, Admiral Loken had finally made an official announcement.
They were using the Mess Hall at the Port Brisbane Naval base as a press room. The Admiral's Royal Navy uniform was neatly pressed, but his eyes were blood shot, and he looked haggard. The thunder from the storm outside seemed to underline his announcement ominously.
"I wish to confirm the rumour that has been raging for the past few days. Noumea is under attack.
"For about a week we had been tracking enemy surface assets in the Coral Sea, although contact was intermitent, and so exact figures of enemy units were not possible.
"On June 22, the same day a Japanese sub and the destroyer Monaghan exchanged fire, for what was later verified as mutual destruction, a large Japanese battle group was spotted to the North West of Koumac. An air group for some of the Japanese carriers attacked the anti-submarine patrol outside Koumac and destroyed 4 of the 'Sub Chasers' in the Patrol."
"On the 24th, the enemy group was now within range of Noumea. Aircraft from Noumea attempted to blunt the enemy assault by engaging the enemy carrier groups and thus deny their air cover, but unfortunately the enemy fighters were simply too numerous, and damage to the enemy was slight. Three carriers were hit, but damage was not crippling."
"On the 25th an enemy light carrier and destroyer were damaged, but the air field at Noumea was crippled by air strikes from the enemy carriers.
"Surface combat assets including a Battleship, 5 Heavy Cruisers, 2 Light Cruisers, and a number of destroyers were also spotted and attacked by our bombers, but unfortunately, none were damaged. In the subsequent shelling of Noumea, 2 destroyers were heavily damaged by coastal guns."
"On the 26th a skirmish force consisting of 2 destroyers and 4 gunboats - running with minimum crews made up of volunteers - sailed from Noumea hoping to engage troop transports as they entered the harbour. Hopes for their success were not high, and all knew this was probably a one way trip.
"The group ran straight into one of the carrier groups, and engaged them at close range. Unfortunately they never got any hits on any of the 4 carriers in the group. They did sink one screening destroyer, and damage three more, but in return all ships in the skirmish group were lost.
"Troops were landed at Tomo."
"On the 27th, one of the two Japanese surface groups entered Efate Port Villa Harbour, and shelled it. Fortunately, most of the air units there had already withdrawn. Two previously damaged cargo vessels were in the harbour and suynk however.
"The second group shelled Noumea once more.
"Minesweepers starting clearing a path for the transports to land troops, although one enemy destroyer was sunk by mines.
"Troops have begun landing at Noumea, and at Goro. They have secured Tomo."
"At this point we have confirmed the presense of 5 Japanaese Fleet Carriers, and 3 Light Carriers. We have damaged 2 of each, but as indicated, none have been knocked out of the fight.
"We have also confirmed the presense of 2 Battleships, 8 heavy cruisers, 5 light cruisers, and a large number of destroyers. There may be more. So far only the enemy destroyers have suffered damage."
"Our own carriers, Enterprise and Hornet, are being withdrawn from the area. Considering the level of enemy air power, the two carriers would have been destroyed just like Yorktown and Lexington, and there was nothing to be gained by that. Their planes were instead based off of Noumea.
"While the air field at Noumea has been rendered inoperative at this time due to enemy shelling and bombing, it at least can be repaired, and the squadrons from there may still be involved. If Enterprise and Hornet had engaged directly, they would have simply been sunk. And that is all there is to it."
"The battle has continued in other areas as well. Near Buna, B-25Ds damaged 2 Transports, and 2 Minesweepers. Near Truk, S-39 damaged another transport, although was damaged in return. It is unknown if the sub will make it back to port or not."
"I must admit that I did not expect the enemy to land at Noumea. I had beleived it a diversion of sorts, that while all of the fleet and air assets - of which the enemy is obviously superior at the moment - were engaged at Noumea, he would instead land at Luganville or somewhere along the Australian Coast.
"I suppose it is still possible, but extremely unlikely with the troop and transport commitment to Noumea."
"This is obviously very serious news. Loss of Noumea base would cripple Naval operations in this theatre. However, reinforcements are arriving, from several sources.
"It is my beleif the enemy has made a mistake. The troops he has landed at Noumea may not be adequate to take it before reinforcements arrive. If the two regiments landed at Goro and Tomo were landed at Noumea, they might have had a chance, but as it is, I see a reasonable possibility that Noumea can hold out until releived.
"The enemy probably wishes to use Goro and Tomo as local bases to deal with fuel and supply problems, but in doing so, they have thinned themselves out, possibly too much."
"The next couple weeks will tell, and may decide the course of the war in this theatre."
With that, the Admiral left, refusing to answer any question, although the serious of the news so stunned the reporters in attendance that he was half way to the door before anyone even tried to ask any.
The question that is really important though, and one that the Admiral cannot answer, is whether he is right? Can Noumea hold until releived, has the enemy diluted his land forces too much with his attack on three beaches at once? Or is it merely wishful thinking?
As he said, the next few weeks will tell.
The Admiral's Dinner
Aboard the Yamato, Hashirajima Bay, Japan. 28 June 1942, 2000h.
Chief Orderly Omi was really concerned when the Admiral put down his bowl of miso soup. "He hardly ate anything tonight," he thought. He always went out of his way to make sure the cooks prepared the Admiral's favourite dishes, and tonight was no exception. What was exceptional, was the Admiral's appetite. It seemed to have deserted him altogether.
"Is anything the matter, sir?"
"No, Omi." The hint of a weary smile on the Admiral's face. Omi knew his mind was not here. It was at Noumea.
A knock on the Admiral's stateroom door interrupted their conversation. "Report from Operation Cormorant, sir." It was Captain Kurosake, the "God of Operations". Opening the door, he went right in, a piece of paper in his hand.
"Read it." The Admiral's voice quivered with anticipation.
"
From Whirlwind
To Mountain
Fire Phase 1 success. Fire Phase 2 on schedule.
Whirlwind reorganized and commencing Operation White Crane.
Forest has landed on Objectives TM, NM & GO. TM & GO secure. Enemy defenses on NM breached.
Enemy surface units attempting to fast transport reinforcements.
Expect Southern Cross tomorrow.
End Report.
"
The Admiral brightened visibly. "Omi, could you bring us some sake, please? Kurosake and I have a lot to talk about tonight."
"Yes sir!"
As Omi left, he noticed, much to his satisfaction, the Admiral digging in to his broiled tai*.
*Sea bream, a fish common to Japanese cuisine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42
Weather: Rain
Sub attack at 32,49
Japanese Ships
AP Sado Maru
DD Hamakaze
Allied Ships
SS S-37, Shell hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 38329 troops, 465 guns, 29 vehicles
Defending force 18662 troops, 126 guns, 81 vehicles
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 647
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 254
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Goro
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1053 troops, 4 guns, 32 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Goro base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 4779 troops, 89 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 41028 troops, 508 guns, 29 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chief Orderly Omi was really concerned when the Admiral put down his bowl of miso soup. "He hardly ate anything tonight," he thought. He always went out of his way to make sure the cooks prepared the Admiral's favourite dishes, and tonight was no exception. What was exceptional, was the Admiral's appetite. It seemed to have deserted him altogether.
"Is anything the matter, sir?"
"No, Omi." The hint of a weary smile on the Admiral's face. Omi knew his mind was not here. It was at Noumea.
A knock on the Admiral's stateroom door interrupted their conversation. "Report from Operation Cormorant, sir." It was Captain Kurosake, the "God of Operations". Opening the door, he went right in, a piece of paper in his hand.
"Read it." The Admiral's voice quivered with anticipation.
"
From Whirlwind
To Mountain
Fire Phase 1 success. Fire Phase 2 on schedule.
Whirlwind reorganized and commencing Operation White Crane.
Forest has landed on Objectives TM, NM & GO. TM & GO secure. Enemy defenses on NM breached.
Enemy surface units attempting to fast transport reinforcements.
Expect Southern Cross tomorrow.
End Report.
"
The Admiral brightened visibly. "Omi, could you bring us some sake, please? Kurosake and I have a lot to talk about tonight."
"Yes sir!"
As Omi left, he noticed, much to his satisfaction, the Admiral digging in to his broiled tai*.
*Sea bream, a fish common to Japanese cuisine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42
Weather: Rain
Sub attack at 32,49
Japanese Ships
AP Sado Maru
DD Hamakaze
Allied Ships
SS S-37, Shell hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 38329 troops, 465 guns, 29 vehicles
Defending force 18662 troops, 126 guns, 81 vehicles
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 647
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 254
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Goro
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1053 troops, 4 guns, 32 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Goro base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 4779 troops, 89 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 41028 troops, 508 guns, 29 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Flash Message from Noumea
Text of Radio Transmission. 30 June 1942. 0001h.
Begin Transmission
Rising Sun over Noumea Stop Repeat Stop Rising Sun over Noumea Stop
End Transmission
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42
Weather: Rain
Sub attack near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
SS I-3
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Henley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,65
Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 9
Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Nagisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Choko Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hunete at 53,64
Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 7
Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 8 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
DD Kazegumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hunete at 53,64
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9
B-25D Mitchell x 12
B-26B Marauder x 3
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Tokitsukaze
CL Tama
CA Ashigara
CA Atago
CA Maya
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 39681 troops, 492 guns, 50 vehicles
Defending force 20866 troops, 134 guns, 81 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Noumea base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 716
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13600
Guns lost 37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Begin Transmission
Rising Sun over Noumea Stop Repeat Stop Rising Sun over Noumea Stop
End Transmission
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42
Weather: Rain
Sub attack near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
SS I-3
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Henley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,65
Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 9
Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Nagisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Choko Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hunete at 53,64
Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 7
Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 8 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
DD Kazegumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hunete at 53,64
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9
B-25D Mitchell x 12
B-26B Marauder x 3
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Tokitsukaze
CL Tama
CA Ashigara
CA Atago
CA Maya
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 39681 troops, 492 guns, 50 vehicles
Defending force 20866 troops, 134 guns, 81 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Noumea base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 716
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13600
Guns lost 37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
-
Shadow of the Condor
- Posts: 393
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 5:11 pm
- Location: Chicago
- Contact:
RE: A beer in Noumea
Wow. Well done indeed sir!
"Shouldn't we be leading the shark back to shore, instead of him leading us out to sea?"
-
neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
A complete screw up
Sigh. Without trying to diminish his victory, I do want to say I made it easy for him.
LordHawke did well, he gambled when he needed to, exploited my many mistakes, and didn't seem to make any of his own. That is to be commended.
While a certain amount of luck went in his favour, I don't think any of it was crushing. Basically I screwed up very badly. The top three I can immediately point out are these:
- Deployment
- Losing the Yorktown and Lexington so foolishly
- Gutting my inital cruiser force due to a stupid mistake
I honestly feel ashamed at being such a lame opponent.
Obviously I conceed at this point. There is absolutely no way I can retake Noumea.
LordHawke did well, he gambled when he needed to, exploited my many mistakes, and didn't seem to make any of his own. That is to be commended.
While a certain amount of luck went in his favour, I don't think any of it was crushing. Basically I screwed up very badly. The top three I can immediately point out are these:
- Deployment
- Losing the Yorktown and Lexington so foolishly
- Gutting my inital cruiser force due to a stupid mistake
I honestly feel ashamed at being such a lame opponent.
Obviously I conceed at this point. There is absolutely no way I can retake Noumea.
Not quite a complete screw up
Well neuromancer has conceded so I see no further point in gloating. Instead, I shall be sporting and list his top three masterstrokes. 
1. Flying Kanga Force to Wau. I didn't expect that (AI would never do that). It threw my PM invasion schedule all off and nearly cost me Zuikaku.
2. Masterful deployment of submarines. Many of my losses to him were from his elusive S boats. I had to be a lot more careful with convoys than I'd ever been.
3. Sinking my CA Bombardment force. At that stage (May 42) that constituted 75% of my major surface combatants. Bad mistake from me, capitalised by him.
Good game! Drinks all round and better luck next time!
1. Flying Kanga Force to Wau. I didn't expect that (AI would never do that). It threw my PM invasion schedule all off and nearly cost me Zuikaku.
2. Masterful deployment of submarines. Many of my losses to him were from his elusive S boats. I had to be a lot more careful with convoys than I'd ever been.
3. Sinking my CA Bombardment force. At that stage (May 42) that constituted 75% of my major surface combatants. Bad mistake from me, capitalised by him.
Good game! Drinks all round and better luck next time!
Lord Hawke
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
Qui desiderat pacem, preparet bellum.
"He who desires peace, prepares for war."
-
neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
RE: Not quite a complete screw up
LordHawke is being gracious in victory.
And as I said, he did very well. He kicked my ass fair and square. No question there.
I'm still very disgusted with myself however.
And as I said, he did very well. He kicked my ass fair and square. No question there.
I'm still very disgusted with myself however.