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Fritz · 11-22-2004, 08:46 AM

End of June, 1944

Central
The 77th Infantry Division landed on Tinian on June 20th followed by the 40th and 96th infantry divisions. The Infantrymen found a few thousand starving and shell shocked defenders. The poorly organized Japanese refused to surrender, but the island was declared secure by June 27th.

A bombardment raid of Saipan by RADM Tisdales battleship TF disclosed that the island has been fortified with large shore batteries. Recon flights, signal intel, and observation of Tinian lead allied planners into think there are as many as 60,000 Japanese defenders. The Navy promises to flatten the island, but wants the shore batteries reduced first. Joint aviation planners are working a 15 day plan to reduce the island's guns.

North of Saipan is small group of islands known collectively as Ponape. The Japanese have occupied the islands and the allies are now planning a 1 Division assault to capture them. The islands main value is their position in the Japan to Saipan shipping lane.

300 miles to the west of Guam is the atoll of Ulithi, with an excellent natural harbor - perhaps the best in this portion of the pacific. Aerial reconnaissance shows the area lightly defended. V Amphibious Corp planners have been tasked with quickly drawing up a plan for capturing the island.

South
With its dwindling forces, SOUTH has been tasked with capturing 4 islands. Nauru, about 240 miles west of Tarawa remains a threat to allied shipping. Currently, allied ships must move between Baker Island and Espritu Santo. Eliminating the Japanese threat would allow for shorter shipping lanes to be established.

Shortlands island, the lone remaining Japanese base in the Eastern Solomons has been silent for months, but shipping planners refuse to allow lightly escorted convoys though the Solomons to New Guinea while the base remains.

New Ireland has a substantial base north and west of Rabaul. SOUTH feels this island can be left uncaptured, but Washington has asked SOUTH to at least draw up plans for capture.

Ponape is an island roughly halfway between Truk and Einwetok. The air bases on the island would allow naval bombers to patrol the sealanes to remaining Japanese bases in the Marshalls.

Southwest

Australian troops of AUS I corp continue to march unopposed to Madang. The rough island roads/trails make the progress slow.

The 158th RCT boarded assault transports bound for Morotai. The invasion force is being escorted by 2 cruisers 16 destroyers, and 6 CVEs. This operation is considered high risk because a strong Japanese naval force would be able to decimate the ships.

On Borneo, ground operations to capture Balikpapan have commenced with both the 6th and 2nd AUS division making headway towards the port.

11-22-2004, 08:46 AM	#41
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	End of June, 1944 Central The 77th Infantry Division landed on Tinian on June 20th followed by the 40th and 96th infantry divisions. The Infantrymen found a few thousand starving and shell shocked defenders. The poorly organized Japanese refused to surrender, but the island was declared secure by June 27th. A bombardment raid of Saipan by RADM Tisdales battleship TF disclosed that the island has been fortified with large shore batteries. Recon flights, signal intel, and observation of Tinian lead allied planners into think there are as many as 60,000 Japanese defenders. The Navy promises to flatten the island, but wants the shore batteries reduced first. Joint aviation planners are working a 15 day plan to reduce the island's guns. North of Saipan is small group of islands known collectively as Ponape. The Japanese have occupied the islands and the allies are now planning a 1 Division assault to capture them. The islands main value is their position in the Japan to Saipan shipping lane. 300 miles to the west of Guam is the atoll of Ulithi, with an excellent natural harbor - perhaps the best in this portion of the pacific. Aerial reconnaissance shows the area lightly defended. V Amphibious Corp planners have been tasked with quickly drawing up a plan for capturing the island. South With its dwindling forces, SOUTH has been tasked with capturing 4 islands. Nauru, about 240 miles west of Tarawa remains a threat to allied shipping. Currently, allied ships must move between Baker Island and Espritu Santo. Eliminating the Japanese threat would allow for shorter shipping lanes to be established. Shortlands island, the lone remaining Japanese base in the Eastern Solomons has been silent for months, but shipping planners refuse to allow lightly escorted convoys though the Solomons to New Guinea while the base remains. New Ireland has a substantial base north and west of Rabaul. SOUTH feels this island can be left uncaptured, but Washington has asked SOUTH to at least draw up plans for capture. Ponape is an island roughly halfway between Truk and Einwetok. The air bases on the island would allow naval bombers to patrol the sealanes to remaining Japanese bases in the Marshalls. Southwest Australian troops of AUS I corp continue to march unopposed to Madang. The rough island roads/trails make the progress slow. The 158th RCT boarded assault transports bound for Morotai. The invasion force is being escorted by 2 cruisers 16 destroyers, and 6 CVEs. This operation is considered high risk because a strong Japanese naval force would be able to decimate the ships. On Borneo, ground operations to capture Balikpapan have commenced with both the 6th and 2nd AUS division making headway towards the port. __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster