The Battle of Espiritu Santo

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paulkenny
Posts: 178
Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:38 pm

The Battle of Espiritu Santo

Post by paulkenny »

From: Admiral Pauliroko Kennyimoto

To: Imperial General Staff

Date May 10, 1042

Re: Battle of Espiritu Santo

Task Force K successfully executed Operation ES.

On or about May 8, Task Force 1 with Task Force 2 approached target from the NW with intention of performing raid in force on naval forces in area of Luganville in Espiritu Santo. Task Force 1 was to perform primary bombing missions while Task Force 2 was to act as covering force. It was anticipated that there was a significant amount of transport traffic in the port with limited air defenses, thus making a ripe target.

On or about May 8th a reconnaissance flight from TF 2 overflew the target and identified a number of transport targets in the port. Major flight operations were scheduled for first light in the morning. Unfortunately at this point severe weather came in and grounded airforces for both TF1 and TF 2, however this did allow for the Americans to bring up air units to the Luganville airfield. Futhermore the American was able to achieve some tactical surprise placing his carriers Northeast of the port.

Late in the afternoon the American taskforce consisting of 2 heavy carriers with supporting vessels, Yorktown class launched a major attack against TF 2. Despite gallant efforts in the best tradition of Bushido the Light Carrier Shoho was lost after sustaining better than 10 bomb hits and at least one torpedo hit. We were able to devestate the American attacking air squadrons bringing down between 20 and 30 enemy bombers. a number of auxiliary vessels in TF 2 were also hit. This attack occurred too late in the afternoon to retaliate.

In stead of retiring TF 1, Commander .... pushed his forces forwarded insearch of the AMerican carriers. Early the next morning they were sighted southwest of ES and several major attacks were launched against the American TF. Concurrent with this the american air forces on ES apparently did not locate TF 1 and attacked the remnants of TF2 that were in the process of retiring.

Aerial reconnaissance was excellent and two Yorktown carriers were identified, it is believed they are the Yorktown and either the Lexington or the Saratoga. TF1 maded a number of successful attacks against the American carriers and despite low losses were able to hit both the Yorktown and the other carrier with a number of torpedoes and bombs. Pilot claims (and these are sometimes suspect) was at least 4 torpedo hits and 4 bombs against the Yorktown and at least 2 torpedo and 6 bomb hits on the other carrier. Major secondary explosions were observed on the Yorktown carrier and it was seen laying low in the water and listing at least 20 degrees and slowing in the water. It is deemed likely that this carrier went down.

The other carrier was seen burning severely and was seen listing. It is probable that this carrier also went down. A number of Astoria class cruisers were also present and hit with 1 to 2 bombs. At least one cruiser is believed sunk.

in retiring the next morning TF 1 struck ES port and hit and sunk a number of tankers and freighter type vessels. This number is believed to at a minimum be 5 freighters and 2 tankers sunk as well as a number of smaller auxiliary vessels.

Despite the loss of the Shoho this battle has been a resounding success. We have reduced the American carrier force to a pile of scrap metal at the bottom of the ocean.

May the Emporer live forever. BANZAI!!!!!
paulkenny
Posts: 178
Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:38 pm

Oh yeah

Post by paulkenny »

Playing Dan Stafford in CG 19, 100/100 commitment, Japanese sub doc off Pbemail.
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CapAndGown
Posts: 3078
Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2001 10:00 am
Location: Virginia, USA

Post by CapAndGown »

Are you a lawyer? This "on or about" stuff smacks of legalese. :D

BTW, Good AAR. Maybe you could provide a little more narrative since you only have to describe one battle.
paulkenny
Posts: 178
Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:38 pm

sorry cant remember!!

Post by paulkenny »

Bad memory, didnt save teh combat report. Wish I had more details. will try to list periodic details on ongoing campaign, been quiet since then
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