PS: Btw in my own game with the Japanese, I have yet to see the legendary Japanese night fighting skills. In my last battle, I had Kongo and Haruna plus 5 CAs, some CLs and destroyers (together 15 ships), while the Allies only had Washington, CA Vincennes, a CL and some destroyers. After the battle was over, only the Amerikan CL and one destroyer was severely hit, while Haruna and 3 CAs now have to go back to Japan.
PPS: Miss Caulfield would have made me join the marines *at once* (... where's a leering smiley when you need one ... )
I'm beginning to see that the relative skills of the TF commanders and the night experience levels on the ships' crews makes all the difference. I will be applying a lot more attention to the exact composition and leadership of my battle TFs for now on...
Originally posted by Mitchell I'm beginning to see that the relative skills of the TF commanders and the night experience levels on the ships' crews makes all the difference. I will be applying a lot more attention to the exact composition and leadership of my battle TFs for now on...
While I usually look for the best commander, I also sometimes forget to do it (and I have chances to forget often because I always disband TFs in the harbour to receive the repairs bonus).
Hartmann
PS: Sorry for havin' gone off topic ... so back to the girls, eh, game ...
Asahi Shimbun
– 21 May 1942 Navy Takes Lunga Base!!!
In a massive combined arms operation this morning, Special Naval Landing Forces under the command of LCDR Ishihiru Hirano wrested control of the base and port facilities at Lunga Point on Guadalcanal Island. The operation was initiated with two massive naval bombardments before dawn, after which the American defenders were pounded by D3A dive-bombers from ADM Nagumo’s carrier group and G3M and G4M1 bombers from Rabaul. The operation secures an important forward base from which American aggression in the area can be checked. While not normally supportive of land operations, Nagumo voiced his relief that the island was finally in Japanese hands and the area secured. The Admiral even went on to compliment Commander Hirano for his “expert direction of the land phase of the operation.”
American soldiers retreat into the jungles of Guadalcanal Island
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Friday, May 22, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] HEAVY FIGHTING ON GUADALCANAL ISLAND[/FONT]
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Noumea - API - Continued heavy fighting on Guadalcanal over the last few days was capped off by a large combined arms operation involving Japanese carrier-based planes which launched several strikes on American troops there. American troops have manuvered on the island to minimize their casualties and continue to provide a significant threat to enemy forces there.
The Navy Department was quick to play down suggestions of another American defeat on the Island as reported in the international press. A spokesman for the Navy said the intent of operations on Guadalcanal was only to delay enemy operations, not create a forward base, and that so far this has been successful. The spokesman also added that the Japanese have paid and continue to pay heavily for their commitment to Guadalcanal, citing the ship losses they have suffered at the hands of the American fleet and submarines, the latter of which continue to exact a toll on all transport heading into that area.
MacArthur, speaking out for the first time in weeks, stated he was not concerned with the situation on Guadalcanal and trusted that Admiral Ghormley was conducting operations efficiently and in such a way as to avoid any loss of communications between Australia and the US. "Every man, ship, plane, and sub the Japanese send into that battle (Guadalcanal) is another day of building up strength on the critical front in New Guinea." MacArthur promised "some surprises" for the Japs in the New Guinea and Admiralty Islands areas as a result of their "overcommittment" to Guadalcanal.
A source in the War Department, speaking on condition of anonymity said the main reason the US can't launch operations to relieve Guadalcanal is simply lack of resources. "The Germany First policy hamstrings the commanders in the Pacific to some extent. They are given what can be spared from the massive build-up in Europe and told to do the best they can. On the whole, they do."
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Asahi Shimbun
– 22 May 1942 Navy Says They Will Go Where the Success Is
The Imperial Navy issued a statement today commending ENS Mitchimoto for his surprising but nonetheless outstanding success establishing forward bases around the southeastern perimeter of the Co-Prosperity Sphere. “In view of the spectacular progress made in the region, certain other planned operations further to the north will be suspended so that we can focus resources toward Mitchimoto’s area of command,” said the Navy Spokesperson.
Shimbun analysts surmise from this that significant additional aircraft and ships will be immediately committed to the area, including the new carrier fleet that recently sailed from Yokohama harbor. All experts agree that if America persists with her aggressive activity in the South Pacific, then the Navy will have the resources in place to deal decisively with any situation.
Thanks, guys... This is an absolutely brilliant AAR! It is a pleasure to read, and yet you're giving nothing away. Are you sure that you didn't work for the War Dept. during the forties?
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Saturday, May 23, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] JAPS STYMIED AT GUADALCANAL[/FONT]
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Noumea - (Special to the Tribune) - "They're throwing everything at us but the kitchen sink," said Lt. Germain Wilson of the 164 RCT on Guadalcanal. "Planes, ships, artillery, you name it," he continued. "But, we are still here," he said with a grimy smile. It was a soggy night on the 21st of May.
A reporter flew in to Guadalcanal aboard one of the resupply flights, and spent the night with the troops. His impression was that it was a night as close to hades as anyone on earth could ever get, without actually going. Lt. Wilson's platoon provided the accomodations, the Japanese provided the entertainment.
The reporter made his way to the forward area, escorted by the Regimental Adjutant, Lt. Benson Gridley, and a few rugged troopers of the Americal Division. "You never know when there might be a Jap sniper or deep patrol out here," Lt. Gridley said when asked why we needed combat troops to get to Wilson's position. The thick night air was replete with rumbles that one could only wish were thunder, because all knew it was nought but the violence of war. "Don't worry, those are just mortars. Just wait till one of their cruisers come down," one of the troopers said with a slight grin.
On meeting Lt. Wilson, the reporter went to the platoon command bunker, deep in the jungle. Here was as far as anyone could venture without being at risk of capture or enemy fire. Lt. Wilson seemed very happy to see someone from "the outside" as he called it. Rations, blankets and ordinary comforts were sparse, but spirit, and ammunition, were in good supply.
"Personally," said Lt. Wilson, "I think the Japs know they can't beat us, that's why they're throwing so much at us. They can't stand it!"
"Do you feel abandoned, like the men on Bataan or Corregidor," a reporter asked?
"Not at all," was his immediate response. "We know why we're here. We have a job to do. This isn't a big land war like in Europe. The Navy is doing its part, so we have to do ours."
The night was paid for with alertness, and tension. Silence was the most precious coin, but rifle cracks and the loud chatter of machine gun bursts were the common currency. The constant thud of distant bombardments, and the sudden, sharp, deafening violence of bombardments we could only wish were distant. An observer would see these courageous troopers and one reporter braving this night with a grim determination. But, a reporter had one big difference between himself and the valiant troopers: With the light, he would make his way to something approximating home; the troopers would remain to face it all again.
In the morning, a few troopers took the reporter to 164 RCT HQ, to await the supply flight and catch the plane back to Luganville. While waiting, a few Jap planes came in, low over the trees, to drop a rain of bombs on various American positions. Most of the bombs missed, and those that hit did little damage. The crews of several Jap planes will never see another day beyond this one.
It took almost an entire day and two aircraft trips to make it back to Noumea. Admiral Ghormley called a reporter into his office. "Well," he began rather gruffly, "what did you make of it?" He seemed to know the answer already, which would be off-putting if he weren't an Admiral. Admirals are supposed to know the answers. He made no promises about the men of the 164th. "I briefed every one of the officers of that Regiment before I sent them there. Not a man stood down from my requests."
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Asahi Shimbun
– 25 May 1942 ”Our Perimeter is Secure” Says Navy
The Imperial Navy issued a report today confirming the security of the southeastern Co-Prosperity Sphere frontier. As garrison units took up positions at newly secured based from New Guinea to the eastern-most reaches of the Solomon Islands, the Imperial Navy completed a massive, coordinated and simultaneous movement of supporting Coastal Gun and Anti-Aircraft units to each base. Correspondents also reported various Engineer teams moving in to each outpost having sufficient level terrain to accommodate even the most rudimentary airfield.
“It’s probably an unnecessary precaution,” opined ENS Mitchimoto, recently tasked to manage logistics in the area, “but ever since the American attacks on this section of our territory we just cannot afford to take any chances.”
Elsewhere, the Special Naval Landing Forces working to clear the perimeter around Lunga base reported that the remnants of the American opposition ousted from the area earlier have apparently retired into the jungles to the east. “We really don’t know where they went or why,” commented CDR Ito Kowake of the SNLF, “we tried offering them food, medicine and water, but they just left! There’s nothing there but endless jungle, almost nothing to eat, the water will kill you, and the bugs will eat you alive…” The Navy announced that Home Force humanitarian teams would be dispatched to the area (at great risk to their own personal well-being, this reporter is compelled to add) to try to talk some sense into the beleaguered American 164th RCT.
Originally posted by Mitchell ?We really don?t know where they went or why,? commented CDR Ito Kowake of the SNLF, ?we tried offering them food, medicine and water, but they just left! B]
FEEL FREE TO POST COMMENTS. MITCH AND I LIKE THE ENCOURAGEMENT. IF YOU WANT TO FEEL LIKE YOU ARE A PART OF THE ACTION, WRITE A "LETTER TO THE EDITOR" AND PUT YOURSELF IN THE PLACE OF A READER OF ONE OF THE RESPECTIVE PAPERS. EACH "PAPER" HAS EXPERT STAFF THAT CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS ON TACTICS OR STRATEGIC ISSUES. BE CREATIVE!
Editorial Staff
Chicago Tribune
777 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL
Dear Sirs,
I want to thank you for your stories covering the war in the Pacific. Every day I read them with great interest - probably greater interest than most, since my boy, Corporal Jimmy O'Donnell, is bravely serving over there as a rifleman in the 164th Regimental Combat Team. While I know that conditions are terrible and I haven't heard from Jimmy is almost eight weeks, I know that he is serving under brave officers and doing his best for his country.
At the same time I am appalled by the terrible lies being printed by the Japanese press. I hope they realize the entire world sees through their rubbish about "co-prosperity" and other treacherous falsehoods. I fully support our efforts to rid the world of these pesky foreigners. Just the other day I held a war bond bake sale by selling cookies with icing like the Japanese flag. I invited all my neighbors and friends to "Take a bite out of a Jap!" I'm proud to say I collected $7.18 for the war department! I even sent a batch of cookies to my little Jimmy. I only hope he is safe and well.
Thank you again for wonderful journalism. I look forward to every edition as I follow the progress of my boy and all the other good American boys over there.
Sincerely yours,
Nellie O'Donnell
Downers Grove, IL
"You know, I've personally flown over 194 missions and I was shot down on every one. Come to think of it, I've never landed a plane in my life."
The 5th Sasebo SNLF will look forward to your cookies, Mrs. O'Donnell. I'm sorry, but we have to be careful what we allow our POW's to eat - too many sweets and they get uppity.
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Wednesday, May 27, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] JAPS SURPRISED BY AMERICAN AIRPOWER AT LAE [/FONT]
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Noumea - (Reuters) - In one of the largest airstrikes in this part of the world to date, approximately 70 airplanes of various types hit airfields, port facilities, ground units, as well as Japanese troop transports, reportedly causing heavy damage on all targets, and sending an estimated 3 large Japanese transports offloading troops and supplies to the bottom.
Recent indications of a Japanese build-up at Lae were noted by MacArthur's SoWestPac command, which responded by bringing up a number of air squadrons, which struck yesterday with devastating force, overwhelming local Japanese fighter defenses, and destroying several enemy aircraft on the ground.
"This is just the beginning," said MacArthur's press liason Major Anderson. "We said many surprises were in store for the Japs, this is just the first one."
At Guadalcanal, American troops continue to hold at Taivu, amid continuing frustration for the Japanese.
PAGE 4 - EDITORIAL PAGE
Dear Mrs. O'Donnell
The Tribune appreciates your readership, and will continue to bring you the best coverage of the war.
All of us here follow with great concern these important events, especially when the lives of our young men are at risk. We were fortunate, proud, and grateful to be able to bring you the story of the 164th RCT, a story which is not yet ended.
Wishing you and Jimmy the best,
Sincerely,
Editorial Staff, Tribune
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Asahi Shimbun
– 28 May 1942 Western Allies Shift their Attention to New Guinea
After loosing their bid for the Solomon Islands, the Americans and Australians wasted no time switching theaters in a desperate attempt to shift the attention of their public away from that humiliating defeat. A rag-tag conglomeration of obsolete aircraft has apparently been assembled and moved to the Australian base at Port Moresby, from where strikes were launched today targeting our facilities at Lae.
“It was like the air shows my father used to take me to in Paris,” commented Major General Matsuda, in command of Navy forces there, “I cannot remember seeing so many varieties of vintage aircraft in one place since my childhood.” Planes of several different varieties and nationalities were apparently included in the parade, the vast majority of which now adorn the harbor front as a breakwater. “We’ve got so much flak here that we shoot some batteries off each night just for the pretty explosions in the sky,” continued Matsuda, “unfortunately, the welcome we gave them today means the air show probably won’t be back anytime soon.”
Shimbun analysts theorize that it may be the ceaseless ranting of the American General MacArthur, rather than sound military strategy, that has brought these forces westward. Our reporters will continue monitoring the situation as it develops and bring you timely updates as news unfolds.
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Thursday, May 28, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] GEN BILLY MITCHELL PROPONENT GEORGE HARDIE ANALYZES WAR IN SOUTH PACIFIC [/FONT]
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Chicago - (Special to the Tribune) - The conflict in the Pacific proves the theories of General Billy Mitchell, who died in 1936, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Airpower, rather than ships or ground troops, is the dominant force in the South Pacific now.
The Japanese started the conflict in the South Pacific with two major bases, at Rabaul and Shortland, and a minor base at Lae. From these bases, their long ranged fighter and bomber aircraft prevent any movement by Allied forces unless air superiority is established. The Japanese have looked to the island of Guadalcanal to extend their ring of airbases, but have as yet been unable to deploy aircraft there due in part to the interference of American ground troops. This is perhaps the first example in history of ground AND naval operations being completely subordinated to the tactical needs of the Air Corps.
Since May 1, perhaps the most significant fact is the lack of a major carrier engagement, and very few air-to-air losses. Both sides appear unwilling to send their carriers beyond the protection of their own land based air, or into an area where enemy land based air predominates. Even if a carrier group were to successfully raid an enemy airbase, the potential of a critical hit to one of these vessels is too great a strategic consequence for a local tactical victory.
Indeed, while many here in the US would like to see a successful, major, naval engagement which destroys the Jap Navy in the South Pacific, in fact Admiral Ghormley is doing the right thing : Preserving the carrier force for a critical strike when the conditions are right. The recent strikes at Lae are perhaps a precursor to the day when carrier airgroups will venture forth only AFTER enemy airbases are obliterated. It is equally clear that the enemy commander in the area is no fool, as Jap carriers haven't dared to venture near American bases with dozens of aircraft waiting to pounce. Instead, the campaign will be characterized by the seizure of suitable bases, followed by a buildup, followed by another seizure of another base that is within range of friendly air, and so on.
George Hardie has written about the life of Billy Mitchell and aviation in general, and currently has one of the largest private libraries of source material in Wisconsin on those subjects.
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Asahi Shimbun
– 31 May 1942 Imperial Navy Claims Victory in the Coral Sea!
Imperial Navy Carriers engaged an American task force consisting of the only two known enemy aircraft carriers throughout the day today. Multiple sorties were flown by both sides, but the Imperial Navy pilots proved their superior training and experience by sinking both the LEXINGTON and YORKTOWN! Each carrier reportedly suffered multiple torpedo hits from B5N as the planes skimmed the waves below and thus avoiding enemy combat air patrols.
The American task force was spotted just south of their base at Gili Gili at the extreme eastern tip of New Guinea. ADM Nagumo maneuvered his carrier group expertly so as to attain effective striking distance but appropriate spacing relative to the Americans. The morning strikes concentrated on the carrier LEXINGTON, apparently the flagship of the task force. Three torpedoes delivered on target inflicted massive damage below the vessel’s waterline, triggering numerous explosions and fire below decks. The stricken ship sank as our planes wheeled around to reload their ammunition bays. Intercepted radio traffic confirmed the LEXINGTON went down with all hands, including the task force commander, RADM Raymond “Jack” Spruance.
(Editor’s note: Admiral Spruance will be remembered as a valiant and worthy warrior – his handling of the American carriers during the past month was expert, and the cause of serious complications to the establishment of our new forward bases.)
An American counterstrike against our carriers that morning scored only two minor bomb hits, inflicting negligible damage on Shokaku and Shoho.
The weather began to close in later in the day, but our elite pilots sortied their re-armed planes for another strike, this time concentrating on the YORKTOWN. YORKTOWN maneuvered wildly, but two torpedoes and additional bomb hits damaged her severely. Our pilots returned once more to rearm, then quickly took off again as daylight began to run short. As the sun sank below the western horizon, so did the YORKTOWN after sustaining three additional torpedo and two bomb hits. Pilots report there could have been few survivors.
IJN bombers attack YORKTOWN
With no decks on which to land, the American pilots followed our own planes home and, in a last ditch effort, managed to score a few more bomb hits on Shokaku and Shoho before our adrenaline-sustained but overworked fighter pilots sent the last to a watery grave. While the Navy would not elaborate on the extent of damage caused by the later strike, our reporters were assured that both ships are under way on their own steam and are fully crewed.
The Emperor is expected to call a special national holiday tomorrow, so that we may all honor or victorious naval aviators!
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Monday, June 1, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] NAVY ADMITS LOSS NEAR MILNE BAY - US FORCES CONSOLIDATING[/FONT]
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Brisbane (Reuters) - The Navy Department issued a communique today which admits the loss of a major naval battle near Milne Bay, New Guinea.
Details released to the public are sketchy, and probably will be for some time, but navy sources confirmed this is the largest Naval battle of the entire War to date, not counting Pearl Harbor. The battle involved aircraft carrier ships of the US and Japanese Navies. Several US ships were reported sunk.
Southern Pacific Command, which was responsible for the forces involved, also issued a communique designed to calm fears of an impending Japanese advance against Australia. This communique reads, in relevant part :
"Fears that this loss will alter the strategic situation in the Pacific or result in a threat to Australia are unfounded. While this was a large battle, and a loss for the US Navy, it involved only a small portion of our overall forces. Furthermore, our reports indicate that while the Japanese ships were not sunk, they suffered heavy damage and are unlikely to be back in action for many months. We can fairly characterise this battle as a tactical draw, and no one should read anything more into it."
The Navy also confirmed the death of Admiral Spruance, who was in charge of a carrier group operating in the area.
Admirals Nimitz and Ghormley, left center and right center, flanked by other officers, point to the map near where the battle took place, and plan counter-measures in view of the current situation.
Some members of Congress have spoken out and demanded replacement of Admiral Ghormley, indicating the scope of the recent defeat.
Meanwhile, major bases across the South Pacific are now bracing for additional Japanese pressure. Sources close to both major commands in the area have said that there are fears of direct Japanese attacks on bases previously thought to be secure. One source was quoted as saying "This is the price we are now going to have to pay for considering this theater as a minor theater. Washington should get on the ball and start sending us reinforcements."
A confidential source who was in the battle said that the Japanese carriers in essence surprised the American carrier force, but that nevertheless the US managed to launch huge strikes on the Japanese, causing significant damage. The Captain of the Yorktown, also acted very aggressively and moved closer to the Japanese fleet and launched a torpedo bomber strike, but this too failed to sink any of the Japanese ships. This source, in a position of authority, said that the US carrier pilots simply lacked the training to hit the Jap ships accurately, and for some reason even though a number of hits were scored, the Japanese ships appeared to be more heavily armored than previously thought. This source further confirmed that according to pilot reports, at least two of the three Japanese carriers were heavily damaged, on fire, and attempting to retire, though they were not sunk.
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[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Tuesday, June 2, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman] MacARTHUR HITS JAP INVASION FORCE NEAR BUNA[/FONT]
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Townsville (AAP) - US and Australian aircraft based at Port Moresby have attacked and sunk numerous enemy ships near Buna, New Guinea, as the Japanese forces attempt to follow up their Milne Bay victory.
Japanese forces, in an apparently coordinated follow-up move to their recent naval successes, yesterday arrived off Buna, New Guinea with an invasion force. However, heavy air attacks on the Japanese force resulted in the confirmed sinking of at least one transport and possible sinking and damage to many others, sending part of the invasion force with its troops to the bottom. No Japanese troops have as yet made it ashore.
Radio monitoring of enemy channels indicated the Japanese command was surprised by this attack, having assumed that the Milne Bay battle would seriously reduced Allied air presence in the area.
MacArthur's command made this statement : "Milne Bay involved the Navy. The Army Air Corps, however, is alive and well in Port Moresby. We thank the Imperial Japanese Navy for providing the target ships for our weekly practice. We consider Buna secure even if the Japanese manage to land some troops."
Enemy forces have been identified as the 170th Regiment, thanks in part to their frantic calls for help which were transmitted "en clair".
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