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Dern, I forgot to take a picture of Burma...

Allied troops have reversed course and are now west and south of Magwe and they seem to be heading for the base in strength.

Toshio Abe fretted. Kaga gone to the yards. Ikoma only days away from sea trials but two weeks from joining him. Two battleships being converted to floatplane tenders. Many fine ships damaged from the debacle at Rabaul which had taken an ominous turn lately with the Allies pushing all out there.

Only one heavy screen, only one destroyer patrolling for subs...subs that almost destroyed the Kaga. In the predawn hours there was a Pete float plane up dropping flares, but only one.

Never in life had Abe felt so scared. His cautionary nature warred with his orders.

The weather forecast was partly cloudy, and if all went well the squadrons would be able to launch two strikes...too close, far too close.

Two strikes from a rested, trained and elite force. Only a handful of fighters were to be held back...less than two dozen.

A combination of the time of year, previous Allied dispositions, and good intel work had led to this pivotal moment in history.

The fate of the Empire hung in the balance this night...and Abe was scared. Not for himself, but for his Emperor.

To assemble, then dodge west south west before moving east south east for the striking position.

Close to 700 planes to coordinate and ready.

Ten carriers need to turn into the wind in the predawn hours as one.

Targets identified, strikes launched and they must be cohesive.

Would this not scare any man?

ORIGINAL: Lowpe
...
Would this not scare any man?

Midway...

I suspect Allies have tasked a Marine Division here and some tanks.

There are a few 8cm dp guns, and also some 24cm howitzers...we shall see how well the 33% overstacking does.

Some of the troops are raw recruits, but then so much of the Imperial forces are.[:(]

Well, Jocke didn't finish the turn in time for today...so we are left in limbo. Wondering if the carriers are in position, if the weather is good, if the Allies are spotted, if we coordinate in one massive raid or rather blunder into sub infested waters or some devious trick.

Since Jocke is on vacation, he likes to do the turn in the morning...which means it should arrive here around 2:30 am eastern standard US time. Is this one of those rare occasions that requires an early morning wake up?

The odds of a major carrier clash are around 99.9%. I think.[;)]

You might need "something" stronger than creamer in your morning coffee. I'm router for a clash by both sides. Like the original Midway may it be epic! 😬😬

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

You might need "something" stronger than creamer in your morning coffee. I'm router for a clash by both sides. Like the original Midway may it be epic! 😬😬

Dern auto-correct![:D]

Iphone with cat on lap...but you get my point. [;)]

Nov 6th, 1943

Rain over Midway...and the Japanese task forces scatter. Everything looks good so far...

Petes spot the enemy invasion force...will the rain clear? The forecast is partly cloudy.

The invasion begins and the artillery barks defiance...but it doesn't look good. Allied troops ashore with very little loss.

Uh-oh.[:(]

Japanese defenders hard hit.[X(]

What's this?[X(]

This convoy is supposes to be 8 hexes west of Midway and here they steam to within one hex of the invasion site?

Words fail at the stupidity of High Command.[&:]

With dawn the search planes are shredded by enemy fighters over Midway. First Emily's flying from distant bases, and then obsolete short range Vals.

With Abe heed their intelligence?

Ten carriers turn into the wind and launch...a magnificent sight.

The glory and fury of Japan unleashed in one massive strike.

Oh, my eyes![&o]

The enemy CAP is caught by surprise and is less than one hundred fighters...

in fact, the strike group is thru and in good order.

In the moderate rain the bombers strike...

The rain intensifies to heavy....

but it is glorious!

The pathetic Yankee counter strike is easily dealt with just a handful of Zekes.

Abe, you genius, you![&o]

But, will there be an afternoon strike...

Abe, ever thoughtful of his pilots lives, orders the second strike.

There is still much work to be done if Midway is to be saved!