Hello fellow gamers. Well I've jumped into a PBEM with Mitch as the Japanese. We've discussed posting an AAR, but rather than give players a blow-by-blow of exactly what we are doing, instead we will create "news reports" that might have appeared had history turned out like it will in our game. The first installment, from me, comes next.
Note, just like the real stories in the news during this time, the information may or may not be accurate, or may be a deliberate deception. It will be up to you to figure out what is in fact going on. When its all over, Mitch and I will post our "real" AAR. In the meantime, allow us to use the press as a smokescreen and cover
JAPS INCREASE ACTIVITY IN SOUTH PACIFIC - MACARTHUR
Brisbane, Australia (AP) - General MacArthur released a dispatch from Brisbane, Australia today which says that the Japs now pose a definite threat to Australia.
Having just returned from the Phillipenes on order of President Roosevelt, General MacArthur was today given command of all Allied Forces in the South Pacific area by both the Australian and US military commands. He immediately issued a press release to outline the threat posed by the Japanese to Australia, and strongly urged both Australian and US militaries to consider sending additional resources to the area to prevent any Japanese incursions there.
"We believe the enemy's next move will be to attempt to cut the vital link between Australia and the United States. We also believe that this provides us with a perfect opportunity for battle, and great potential for decisive defeat of the enemy," MacArthur said.
The White House had no immediate comment, however spokesmen of the Navy Department confirmed that MacArthur has been placed in command, but also commented that Naval forces under Admiral Ghormley, stationed in New Caledonia, are under the direct command of the Navy Department and not subject to MacArthur's command, and that these forces are currently operating to secure the link of which General MacArthur spoke. No comment was available from the Navy about Japanese activity in the area. Sources informed the Tribune that the Japanese already hold Rabaul, an important harbor and airbase about 900 miles from the Australian coast, along with a few other islands in that area. "We've had no indication of enemy activity in the area, but we aren't taking any chances there either," said the source.
--- this story has been edited and cleared by the War Department for publication by the Chicago Tribune.
Asahi Shimbun – 01 May 1942
Preparations for Emperor’s Birthday Party Misinterpreted by Americans
Long range search planes and patrol craft departed all along the southeastern frontier of the Greater Southeast Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere this morning on missions to identify and gather the finest Polynesian entertainment for the upcoming birthday party of our glorious Emperor. As was the case with the Emperor’s gift to the Americans last December of the pre-Christmas fireworks display in Hawaii, these moves have been completely misunderstood by the suspicious and nervous American military, and especially by the unenlightened American press.
“This is yet another example of how little understanding the American’s have of our ancient and rich culture,” said Kenichi Muroa, Social Secretary of the Emperor’s Birthday Party Planning Committee. He also noted that they as yet had no RSVP from President Roosevelt in response to the Emperor’s personal invitation for the American leader to attend his party. “Clearly our government will have to do something more conspicuous to rouse the Americans’ attention,” Muroa added.
Great!!
I still haven't the game, in the meanwhile I'm enjoing very much reading the excellent AAR that you guys are posting!!
Why don't you try to post some screenshot of your battle or strategic map (some time after they are played of course, in order not to give an advantage to the opponent!!)?
Washington D. C. (UPI) - The Navy Department issued a communique late yesterday responding to General MacArthur's assessment of the Japanese threat to Australia, in which the Navy states that there have been no strong indications of any Japanese moves there.
"The Navy Department remains convinced that the Japanese are capable of offensive action in the Pacific, but there have been no indications that the enemy is attempting to invade Australia. General MacArthur's statement is a fair assessment of possibilities, but cannot be regarded as the definite opinion of the Navy or the War Department," the communique said.
Sources close to Admiral King attempted to moderate any apparent conflict between General MacArthur and the Navy, saying that there is no question the Japanese could threaten Australia, and that that is a very serious threat, but it simply isn't indicated by the present situation. "We know [---CENSORED BY WAR DEPT---] Australia or anywhere else. The Japs are obviously trying to make up their minds right now," the source said.
Some members of Admiral Ghormley's staff in New Caledonia, commenting by telegram with the Tribune on the statements made by MacArthur yesterday, said "We hope the Japs do come after Australia. Then we'll get revenge for Pearl Harbor."
--- This article has been edited and cleared by War Department (0093) ---
Asahi Shimbun – 02 May 1942
Military Liaison Appointed to South Seas Talent Search Agency
Reacting to threatening statements quoted in the Chicago Tribune and attributed to the American commander “Dugout” Dougie Macarthur, the Imperial Government today appointed a military liaison to the modeling agency contracted for the search of our Greater Southeast Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere for talent to perform at the upcoming birthday party for our beloved Emperor. “It’s almost certainly just a lot of hot air,” said Kenichi Muroa, Social Secretary of the Emperor’s Birthday Party Planning Committee, “but it was felt the civilian agents operating the casting couches on the frontier would feel more comfortable knowing they could count on IJN/IJA backup if the hype in the American press turns out to somehow be related to fact for a change.”
In a rather enlightened move, the Imperial Japanese Navy signaled its assessment of the real threat posed by the American forces in the area by nominating one Ensign Roberhito Mitchimoto for the post. Hailing from unknown origins and having led an undistinguished career, Mitchimoto immediately lost whatever face he might have gained by publicly announcing his acceptance of the position (teetering on the dais at a local bath house and with slurred speech) before his nomination was approved by the Emperor’s staff.
The Shimbun has since learned that the IJN may have ulterior motives with Mitchimoto’s appointment, however. During his most recent assignment, marshalling garbage scows along the Yangtze River in the western portion of the Co-Prosperity Sphere, Mitchimoto became known for fostering cooperation between the oft-at-odds IJN and IJA. It seems he saved the Army millions of man hours unloading the scows when he started directing that the vessels under his command be simply rammed into the docks, allowing the momentum of the festering cargo to slide neatly into the waiting landside bins. The technique saved face for the Navy as well, since the practice made it difficult to tell the difference between intended collisions and those commonly caused by skippers who had stayed in the Sake tents too long the night before. “We’ll miss him,” said General Asendi Tunaka, minister of the Yangtze Military District, “he really wasn’t that bad for a Navy puke...”
TENSION BUILDS IN SOUTH PACIFIC AMID INCLEMENT WEATHER
Noumea (UPI) - Bad weather throughout the region of the South Pacific over the last few days has given cover to an apparent rise in anticipation and expectation among Allied forces here.
Across the South Pacific, this reporter gets the impression of a calm before the storm, except that the storm is here, and no one is near as calm as they were a few days before. Ships and men are on the move throughout the region, as the Allies prepare for what is characterized by sources as an "inevitable" move by the Japanese in this area. Bad weather has hampered most air operations over the last few days, and made it difficult to detect enemy preparations, but there is no question that everyone is tense and awaiting a tremendous increase in enemy activity.
Garrisons in key points here have been reinforced to a certain extent, and there is no question that Allied fleet units have made every preparation for the enemy. "There will be no Pearl Harbor in this part of the world" one staff officer was heard to say.
At his regular news briefing, Admiral Ghormley said "We still lack definitive information on the enemy's preparations or intent. But that does not mean we are sitting on our duffs. Its no secret that we are getting reinforcements in huge numbers from the States, and neither is it a secret that the airbases down here are being greatly expanded to accomodate B-17 bombers. I pity the Japs who try to grab a few islands down here."
Obviously, for security reasons we cannot say anything about the current location of US fleet units, airplane groups, or ground units. On the other hand, one can say with certainty that none of the military formations this reporter has witnessed could be characterized as "waiting for the enemy". The mistakes of Pearl Harbor have been learned, so the Japanese should expect a warm welcome wherever they go in the South Pacific.
--- This report has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0052) ---
JAP SHIPS ATTACKED BY AUSTRALIAN BOMBERS IN RABAUL - NAVY DEPT MUM ON DAMAGE
Port Moresby, New Guinea (Reuters) - Japanese ships in the harbor of Rabaul in the Admiralty Islands have been attacked by Australian bombers, but the Navy Department refused to comment on possible damage to enemy ships.
Operating under MacArthur's South West Pacific Area command, Australian-piloted Hudson bombers have for the first time attacked Japanese ships in Rabaul, 900 miles north of Australia, according to a communique jointly released by the Australian government, General MacArthur, and the US Navy Department.
The comminique was careful to emphasize that this was a success for the Allies, and represents an increase in capability for Allied military forces, and does not indicate that the Japanese are about to invade either New Guinea or Australia.
"Japanese ships and troops have been in Rabaul for some time, but they have now begun to feel the pressure of Allied air power, and this portends ill for any planned offensives in the area."
Closely questioned as to the type of Japanese ships attacked, the Navy refused to comment. Sources close to the Navy department said, however, "well, they weren't fishing boats, if you get my meaning." These sources also said that the reconnaissance activity over Rabaul clearly indicates a Japanese build up in the South Pacific, of which these ships are obviously a part.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0014) ---
Guys, I have a suggestion. Please don´t take this the wrong way, but whereas the idea with the newspaper is great in principle, the downside is one doesn´t really feel "being there", if you know what I mean.
So how about introducing several more "regular" points of view, e.g. local army commanders, chief of Navy etc., maybe even costwatchers and merchantman reporting etc. and then having additional newspaper reports when something really big happens?
In my wildest dreams, I´m imagining some AAR quite like a Harry Turtledove novel with many fictional characters stationed in different areas and in different ranks who will grow with us (but maybe that is too difficult to push through).
Asahi Shimbun – 04 May 1942
Civilian Shipping Savaged by Lost American Pilots
Merchant vessels on a routine spice run were bombed viciously this morning by American carrier pilots who must have lost their way in the storms pummeling islands all over the region. “Why any pilot in his right mind would even consider taking off in weather like this is the real mystery,” commented Ensign Mitchimoto, new Military Liaison to the area. Mitchimoto said that they were trying to reach the vessels involved by radio, but it is presumed that static interference from all of the thunderstorm activity in the area is preventing the signals from getting through. “If any one of our boys is found to have been hurt in this senseless attack, the Americans will pay!” declared Mitchimoto, who went on to say that appropriate assets will have to be brought forward to protect against such atrocities in the future.
Imperial government officials declined direct comment on the matter, but sources say that the Navy will move up planned commitment of ships to the region, especially the Aircraft Carrier fleets. “If the arrogant Americans think they can play with the big dogs, we’ll show them how puny they really are,” one high ranking office was heard to say…
Shimbun reporters have been dispatched to the area, and should soon have more details on the incident.
Thanks for the suggestions - I will certainly apply them in future posts.
I must say that when Todd first suggested posting AAR's my main concern was whether my writing skills (and available time) would measure up to the task. I like his idea of using a newspaper format, and I can see how to make the reports more detailed and interesting to other players now that you mention it. I really enjoy reading the AAR's on this forum and have learned a lot about the game from them. I am interested in contributing entertaining and useful content here, and I am certain Todd is as well.
My plan has been to slowly change the tone of my reports to a more serious one as the action heats up, and it is starting to do that now! The Shimbun will be placing reporters at hotspots all over the South Pacific as they develop, and their reports will become more detailed and hopefully more useful. At the same time, we cannot tell each other everything, and some (maybe much) of what we tell will be taunts or intended to confuse the other with misinformation. Hopefully this will be fun, too.
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Tuesday, May 5, 1942
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[FONT=times new roman]JAP INVASION FORCE AT TULAGI SUNK BY US CARRIERS! [/FONT]
(South Pacific, Aboard the USS LEXINGTON, Special to the Tribune - by wireless) -
[FONT=times new roman] Pilots returning from airstrikes in the Tulagi area were all smiles, and holding up their hands with fingers extended to show how many bombs they put into a small Jap invasion force off the island of Tulagi. Admiral Sherman ordered cases of champagne to be broken out of ships stores to help the celebration. And, over on the conning tower, ratings were painting the very first ship tallys for the USS Lexington, two transports and a destroyer sunk!
Early in the morning of May 4th, Admiral Sherman got notice from Ghormley's staff in Noumea that PBY Catalinas had spotted Japanese troop transports arriving at Tulagi, a small island at the southern part of the Soloman Islands, along with orders to move to the area and do what damage he could to them.
This reporter talked to Admiral Sherman yesterday. "We knew the Jap carriers were nowhere near Tulagi, so we thought of this as a golden opportunity not only to sink some Jap ships loaded with troops, but also to give our pilots some badly needed combat experience to boot," he said. "This was what is known in my hometown as a freebie," he added, smiling.
So, all day on the 4th the Lexington task force sailed at top speed to a point just within range of Tulagi, arriving just after dawn today.
Despite Ghormley's orders, the atmosphere was tense. One senior pilot said "No matter what the theater commander says, you never are certain things aren't going to be the way you think they are. Maybe we would show up and right after we got to Tulagi we'd hear the Lex under attack from Jap carriers. That would be bad," said the pilot. "So even though this kind of situation is a godsend for our squadrons, anytime you go into actual combat, its tense."
Sometime around 9:20 am, the "Lady Lex" had her decks loaded up with fully armed fighters and bombers, and the signal for the first craft to launch was given. Along the fringe of the flight line, the aircrews and AA gunners gave a hearty cheer to each plane as it throttled up and went down the deck, perhaps hoping to add velocity to the plane with their lusty yells. And this reporter could sense each man on the ship was overjoyed to be doing what all Americans want to do right now, strike back at Japan.
The Lex and her companion the USS Yorktown launched a total of two strikes at the Jap ships, with the last of the pilots returning just as dusk was settling in. Admiral Sherman estimated from the pilot's reports that there were two enemy transports, both sunk, and two enemy destroyers with both of those also heavily damaged.
"This isn't the end of the Japs," he cautioned. "Its just a taste of things to come for them. There will be more battles, and we won't win all of them like we have here," he said in the Flight Room as the pilots were celebrating. "But with men like these," he said waving his hand to indicate the proud and happy men of VB-2 Squadron, "who can doubt the final outcome?" [/font]
EDITORIAL SUPPLEMENT - EXTRA EDITION
Rear Admiral Tanaka of the Imperial Japanese Navy was reported killed in this action by the Domei News Agency, Tokyo - eds.
COMING UP IN THE WEEKEND EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE : INTERVIEW WITH THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF VB-2, THE FIRST INTERVIEW EVER GIVEN BY A CARRIER PILOT, PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TRIBUNE. DON'T MISS IT!!
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (008) ---
Mitchell : you should have zero doubt about your writing abilities. I think your stories have been great, well written, and I know you have a plan and understand what we are doing. I'm happy to be at this with you.
Mitchell: thanks for your understanding reply. I'm looking forward to the rest of the AAR. As dgaad said, you should by no means doubt your writing capabilities!
dgaad: hey, great issue! 8) Indeed, it made me feel being much closer to the action than the first newspapers. Interspersing first person perspectives and quasi "life reports" seem to do the trick.
Asahi Shimbun – 06 May 1942
Imperial Navy Forces Establish Forward Bases
Our reporters arrived in the Solomon Islands early today just in time to see the valiant troops of the Imperial Navy’s elite Special Naval Landing Forces seize a number new bases forward of the Greater Southeast Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere’s southeastern frontier. Included was the formerly American-claimed base at Tulagi, scene of the atrocities committed yesterday by the Americans against our civilian shipping fleet. Warm sake and unagi rolls were shared by all in celebration, as abundant supplies were unloaded (or, in the case of Tulagi, washed ashore…).
While the location of these bases is, of course, a strict military secret, an Imperial Navy spokesperson acknowledged that the Americans somehow stumbled onto the operation at Tulagi. The spokesperson went on to say, however, that this cloud, too, has a silver lining, in this case the discovery of a new method of rapidly unloading troop transports. It seems that the sudden appearance of American planes prompted a fantastic increase in the rate of unloading at Tulagi base, allowing an intact, well-supplied force to land and seize the base in a single morning. “Of course, the loss of ships was regrettable,” she went on, “but Navy scientists are already developing means for simulating the ‘under attack’ stimuli that so effectively motivated the crews. While there will be no need for special motivation of our elite Navy forces, if the current rumors are true that the Navy will soon be ferrying those <deleted> Army pukes around… Well, you get the picture…”
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Wednesday, May 6, 1942
[/FONT]
[FONT=times new roman] JAPS SEIZE TULAGI[/FONT]
(Noumea) - API
A tiny island at the southern tip of the Solomon Islands group was in fact occupied by Japanese troops today, the South Pacific Area Command reported, confirming reports from Japanese sources.
Admiral Ghormley dismissed the significance of this move by the Japanese, claiming that it was fully expected and adds almost nothing to the Japanese position here.
"The Island of Tulagi is of no strategic significance to the situation in the South Pacific," said a press release from SoPac. "Our commitment of heavy fleet units yesterday was not done with the expectation of repulsing the Japanese troops, it was instead merely to provide experience to our aircrew and sink a few enemy ships, which we did."
Several experts on the staff of the Tribune have analysed the situation and come to similar conclusions. Tulagi is too small to sustain an airbase, at best it can serve as a fuelling station for ships.
This move is, however, evidence of Japanese intent in the South Pacific area. Clearly the warning issued by MacArthur is now viewed with greater validity, in that Tulagi is a tiny step in the direction of an attempt to isolate Australia by occupying Espiritu Santo and New Caledonia. However, anything along those lines would surely be opposed by heavy allied forces, so whatever Japanese plans are would surely have to contend with that.
Aside from this development, bad weather has once again brought most other operations to a complete standstill.
[FONT=times new roman]
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--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0081) ---
[FONT=century gothic]Asahi Shimbun [/FONT]
– 07 May 1942 Emperor’s Gala Birthday Week Celebration Draws to a Close
All nations of the Empire came together today to pay homage to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Hirohito, who’s week-long birthday celebration opened last week on April 29, his 41st birthday. “It’s been a blast,” the Emperor was heard to say, “and everyone knows I enjoy a good party as much as the next guy, but there’s work to be done and I’d best get back to it.”
All peoples of the Empire celebrated heartily last night and followed with a day of peace and relaxation. In the South Pacific, too, all was calm and tranquil, as the gentle rains continued throughout the area. Aircrews and sailors alike rested, read and meditated, preparing body, mind and soul for the ‘work’ His Imperial Majesty referred to...
[FONT=times new roman] Chicago Tribune
Thursday, May 7, 1942
USO SHOW IN NOUMEA : HOPE, DIETRICH
Noumea (API) - Bob Hope, accompanied by the new starlet Marlene Dietrich gave the first USO show in the Pacific theater in Noumea today, spurring on the brave troops taking on the Japs.
A special show was given to the pilots of VB-2, who participated in the strike against Jap ships two days ago.
Miss Dietrich gives the troops something to think about when they aren't killing Japs.
--- this article has been edited and cleared by the War Department (0089)[/FONT]
Asahi Shimbun
– 08 May 1942 Imperial Navy Pummels Lunga
Acting on intelligence that the Americans were attempting to build a base at Lunga on Guadalcanal Island, a contingent of heavy cruisers was dispatched to make the American Engineers feel how welcome they are. Night and day bombardment caused significant damage to the port facilities and tremendous disruption of the meager and untrained American forces there, demonstrating once again the total lack of respect the American government has for the lives of its troops.
While there, the cruisers dispatched a group of American patrol and gunboats to the bottom of the harbor in short order, taking not a scratch from the insignificant American force.
Separately, it was reported that Adm. Nagumo’s carrier force experienced some minor damage as it came into close contact with an American cruiser force. While the air crews of the carriers were unfortunately grounded due to weather today, they will exact immediate and unmerciful revenge for their scratched paint jobs shortly.
