We've started from 41 rising sun with balance set to even, under 3.0 version quite long ago ... Hope You'll enjoy. Any comments and suggestions would be welcome.
War started as usual with Pearl smashing raid, luckily damaged ships have managed to sail off just before second raid in next week.
In first months of war, althrough some US attempts to keep Singapore and Port Moresby Japanese army flooded the Pacific taking New Guinea, whole Australia and in the beginning of 43 whole India ex. two last chinese bases stopping on Wake Island / Tarawa / Efate line. Japs had a brillant strategy of combining their task forces with troops and supply, merging it with strong CV escort and BB pounding so the Allies haven't much to say. The supply levels were also kept on high levels due to excellent Japanese ability to manage it.
The only Allied victory was sinking the Kaga by single 2000lb bomb thrown from B17 from Cairns, but entire British fleet was sunk or withdrawn. Two or three allied CVs left on the bottom after being torpedoed by G4Ms ruling the ocean in whole 1942.
Allied counteroffensives started in early 43 by a brave raid on Wake and then instantly an amphibous landing on Saipan, but land forces refused to fight, then Wake fell to 48th (99exp) Japanese division and the action resulted in a diseaster when Japanese fleet made it back from Indian waters.
Then in the march or april of 43 Allies stroke through Attu Island taking Paramushiro and placing some planes there, but the same as in case of Saipan JN came and smashed US resistance, took the base back, only some "Robinsons" for 201st Rgt are still holding until november, cursing the gamegods for cutting the C47 out ... Right now, there's a great artificial reef built around Paramushiro, made mainly of downed Japanese planes, with many ships added also. It surely would be a major tourist attraction after the war.
Starting from may 1943 US Navy, strenghtened by two Essex class aircraft carriers, maked a swift offensive through Wake, Eniwetook, Kwajaleien, Maoleap and Tarwa, taking Truk after a over monthly siege and regular day by day bombardment which regularly killed 200 or 300 Japs per week. The two Japanese divisions are still holding on but their days are counted.
In meantime two major clashes between complete navies took place on Saipan waters, leaving USS Washington and some of older type heavy cruisiers on the bottom as well as Yamato with two other battleships on Japanese side. Both fleets have been withdrawn for "minor paintworking" but 4 US CVs are still operating with 10 BBs. Japanese navy's BBs haven't shown up yet, and CV's went with far range attack on Wake using only Zeros which were smashed by P47's stationed there.
Then, mainly in IX.1943 Allies took Hollandia, Cape Gloucester, Admirality Isle ensuring almost full control of skies over Rabaul and Lae, without any serious opposition of Japanese air or naval powers.
Now, in the beginning of november 43 it is still unclear where will the Allies strike next, Palau and Saipan are heavily fortified so some major surface and carrier actions are expected.
Right now all US battleships and Carriers were sent to bombard Saipan to check the defenses there, Wewak and Lae would be invaded by McArthur troops and some minor fleet reinforcing and reorganization would take place. Two newly refitted CVs are on their way from from US so we gonna see great carrier raids soon.
Emperor is seeming to be withdrawing some forces south of Rabaul (proably to Australia) simultaneously reinforcing Saipan and Palau garrisons, the same as Leyte and Samar which seem to be the vital points is second defense line.
Reports from battlefield tomorrow.
fall down to the cosmic space and never return !