WesWorld

January 1943

In army news this month, development begins on a pilot model to fit a 6.1in M1918 gun onto a M3 Medium Chassis, also development begins on a lightweight tank destroyer armed with a 3in AT gun, and mounted on a Christie suspension type chassis. Prototypes expected by the end of the year.

In aviation news, the USAAF issues a requirement for a fighter possessing an extremely high rate of climb, and the US Navy issues a requirement for a carrier-based single seat, long range, high performance dive/torpedo bomber. Two prototypes also fly this month both from the Grumann Aircraft Engineering Corporation, the Grumann X7F and the Grumann X8F. Production on both is expected to begin early 1944.

In navy news, 3 destroyers, 3 submarines, 3 fleet oilers, and 4 minesweepers are all laid down. Also, the first test of a proximity fuse is done aboard USS Olympia.

In national news, the State of the Union address is given this month, with President Wilkie highlighting his hope for "peace, calm, and stability" in this coming year. The Rose Bowl is played between the Georgia Bulldogs and the UCLA Bruins, with the Bulldogs winning with a score of 9-0. Renowned singer Bing Crosby's Hollywood Mansion burns to the ground after a short circuit causes a fire to break out while the family is taking down its Christmas tree. On Broadway, the Musical Something For the Boys opens at the Alvin Theatre.

February 1943

In naval news this month four minesweepers are launched, as well as three fleet oilers.

In national news, the Studebaker Corporation purchases the Stutz Motor Company.

Also, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Roads, Thomas MacDonald begins planning a series of superhighways to crisscross the continental United States. During this planning stage, the Commissioner will cross the United States numerous times in the upcoming year, before taking a tour of Europe to see their progress on superhighways in mid-1944.

In army news, development begins on a cargo carrier that can operate in both snow and mud. Studebaker is given the contract for the development of two prototypes.

If and when Commissioner MacDonald visits Germany to review its National Motorway system, he will be most welcome.

Until that point, the Commercial Attache of the German Embassy in Washington will provide his staff with copies of all relevant studies to assist in answering any potential questions.

The Commissioner ranks the German autobahn system quite highly, he will be happy to visit Germany. And other nations in Europe as well .

March 1943

In Army news this month, the 505th Infantry Regiment become part of the first mass parachute jump in US history over Camden, South Carolina with over 2,000 parachutists in the air at once. Also in Army News, the M24 and M25 series of tanks begins production, with 700 M24 and 1,000 M25 on order.

In aviation news, the USAAF orders 750 Boeing B-29's, and 750 Consolidated B-32 Dominators in addition to the previous orders placed last year.

In entertainment news, the 15th Annual Academy Awards are held on March 4th, with Best Picture going to The Pride of the Yankees. Also, the Musical Oklahoma! opens on Broadway.

In sports news, the all-black Washington Bears defeat the all-white Oshkosh All-Stars to win the championship of the World Professional Basketball Tournament. Also, University of Wyoming Cowboys win the NCAA basketball tournament over the Georgetown University Hoyas.

Quoted

Originally posted by TheCanadian
March 1943

In aviation news, the USAAF orders 750 Boeing B-29's, and 750 Consolidated B-32 Dominators in addition to the previous orders placed last year.

I find this an interesting news piece as it raises some questions you may want to answer.

Can you please explain why the USAAF orders 1765 heavy bombers (265 ordered in 1942 according to your encyclopaedia and 1500 as above) over the course of two years?

According to your encyclopaedia the USAAF fields a total of 19 Heavy Bomber Groups while each Group usually 3 squadrons in strength, with 12 planes per squadron. That is 684 heavy bombers in permanent service, assuming all squadrons are up to 100% even in times of peace. In fact, I think the number is a tad bid higher as I would expect squadron staff or replacements to raise number of a/c per squadron to 40. So actually that is 760 heavy bombers in active service to fill the ranks.

If we assume peace continues replacement rates will be low as damaged planes will be repaired and only those that crashed or burned will be total losses. So over the course of 5 years you may need another 40 to 80 of those planes (5 to 10% loss rate).

Some more may be used for training but anyways...

These latest USAAF orders, although no date is given for delivery, indicate a massive ram-up of your strategic bomber fleet and I wonder why? Why does the USAAF feel the need for twice as many heavy bomber squadrons than maintained yet?

Why does the USAAF feel the need to build two types of new heavy bombers? I understand two different designs were developed for competition - nothing special here - but putting two new designs designed to the same spec in production at the same time seems odd to me. Can you please provide some insight?

The build-up identified above only accounts for the two latest bomber types, the B-29 and the B-32. However, although information is limited, your encyclopaedia indicates there are still two more types in commission, the B-17 and the B-24. Of those two the B-17 is the older design and the latest F model already is a few years old. It entered service in 1937, so after 5 years it does make sense to replace them given the pace of a/c development in WesWorld. (Note: 5 years seems realistic in WW environment for a large, expensive and complex aircraft like a heavy bomber where realistically, by OTL standards, lifetime of such aircraft might be higher). Not all B-17F in service will be of 1937 origin and thus several years younger, but not all B-28/B-32 will enter service immediately too, so no issue here. B-17s will be replaced step by step.

However, the B-24 is a much newer aircraft. The D model entered service in 1940 so assuming realistic production planning; the last of these must be relatively new, raising the question of why politicians would fund the costs of the B-29 and B-32 orders? Even more so as neither B-17 nor B-24 ever had a chance to proof their value, or reveal inherent design issues forcing replacements, in a large scale bombing campaign. Both designs are still very large, impressive and powerful bombers by all means - why rate them obsolescent or insufficient? I think this is unrealistic and thus I assume the USAAF is only replacing the B-17, not the B-24. Which also means the increase in total number of heavy bombers is even higher than assumed above as the future strategic bomber wings will field B-24 along with B-29 and B-32 for a total of 2,000+ a/c.

Please note I worked with information from your encyclopaedia only. Given development steps in the B-17 and B-24 programs one must assume there actually are newer models available than those listed  at least for the B-24. Otherwise the USAAF must have stopped all development of current types while the B-29 and B-32 were under development - which is highly unlikely given the risks that always come with new development programs. So I assume the latest B-17/B-24 are even newer than what your encyclopaedia indicates - which aggravates the issue of too many too early regarding those heavy bomber orders above.

It shall also be noted that any of these heavy bombers comes with a crew of 10-12 airmen average. 1,000 additional heavy bombers require 10,000 to 12,000 more crews (flying personal); plus ground crews, infrastructure, spare parts etc. While I have no doubt the USA can handle such ramp-up I still wonder why it should be required, funded and what likely opponent such bomber force would aim at? Given the alliance structure in WesWorld there really is no threat to the USA to warrant such build-up from my point of view.

So I am curious to learn more... :o)

I have to agree with Hoo ... it would be interesting to see what is the background for such an order

Bumb - I still hope to see more information on the USAAF bomber force. :o)

Well, I am going on vacation on Friday, and don't really have time to get into detail. However I will say this, the order is over 5 years, the operational strength of the USAAF at any one time will be 684 bombers, to maintain that will require 4 years production with the final year being insurance if the improved VLR programme isn't successful.

April 1943

In aviation news, Frank Piasecki makes his first flight this month in his Piasecki PV-2. Also in aviation news, the USAAF orders 200 North American P-51D fighters as an insurance policy in case the improved H model does not meet expectations. Deliveries on this model are expected to begin mid-1944.

In naval news, the Naval Department forms 4 more "Seabee" battalions for use in the Pacific and Caribbean theatres. Also, this month the battlecruisers Alaska and Hawaii are laid down along with 4 minesweepers. The cruisers Chicago and Chester begin mid-life refits, the cruiser Louisville completes hers. The battleships Utah and Iowa also complete this month.

In army news, Colonel Skinner demonstrates his Rocket Launcher, M1A1 to the War Department who are suitably impressed enough to order 1,000 of them.

May 1943

In naval news this month, a number of ships are launched, the heavy cruisers New Orleans and Indianapolis three destroyers, and 4 minesweepers. The cruiser Savannah, 4 LST's, 4 minesweepers, and 3 fleet oilers all complete this month, as well the cruiser Louisville completes her mid-life refit.

Continuing in naval news, the Naval Department lays out its budget before Congress for FY43. The USN had wished to lay down two battleships to replace the Nevada's in 1943, however Congress will not allow the funds to be allocated to further battleships at this time. Instead, the New Mexico's will be given a full radar and anti-aircraft gun improvement before they are scheduled for decommissioning in 1949. Funds are scarce from Congress even for this, so these ships will have to await the FY1944 budget before being refitted.

Instead the USN will lay down two light cruisers, nine destroyers, three submarines, six minesweepers, three LST's, four fleet oilers, a seaplane tender, and purchase two gunboats from Argentina. The last pair of Northampton class cruisers will also begin their mid-life refit.

In Army news, the War Department also brings forth its estimates for the 1943 FY. The USAAF was asking for the formation of 6 fighter groups for its 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Air Forces. Instead, Congress agrees to fund 3 fighter groups, which the USAAF decides to allocate one to each air force. to form these Groups, the USAAF will have to use the fighters ordered as an insurance policy the previous month, because Congress will not fund more. However, the USAAF decides to advance the first deliveries to late 1943. Also, the order is reduced to 180 planes, that being the required number for the new squadrons.

The US Army's estimates are more modest, with funds being spent merely on maintaining and upgrading the capabilities of the US Army. A third Armoured Corps was proposed, but was shot down for this fiscal year.

Also in army news, the US Army contracts the University of Pennsylvania to build a device with a design purpose of calculating artillery firing tables for the US Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory.

June 1943

In political news, the Naval and War Estimates pass through Congress, with support from the Democrats. The Whigs and Socialists both vote against the Estimates and call for a drawing down of US military strength. Their motions are defeated.

War begins once again in the Far East, between the supposed allies of China and Chosen. In a press release from the White House, President Wilkie calls for both sides to come to the negotiating table before the situation escalates. The US President offers the good services of the United States Government as a neutral arbitrator to facilitate discussions.

The State Department issues a travel advisory, as well as beginning the process to halt all armaments and war making resource sales (steel, iron, wood, coal, oil) to both China and Chosen.

The New York Stock Exchange is hit hard, with the price of oil dropping by 10% in a single trading day, over the course of the month the Exchange will drop to a low of 13% from its high before managing to climb on record manufacturing reports, and speculation of increased interest in investing in the South American countries by large US firms. The Dow manages to come out 4% below its high at the close of the monthly trading. The US dollar soars 8% over the monthly trading, due mainly to movement from oil to the perceived safety of the dollar. Gold and silver also benefit from the drop of oil prices, with Gold gaining 19 dollars in a single trading day and both commodities end the month at 10% over their initial sale price.

Excerpt from the Wall Street Journal, June 29th 1943

Roughly a billion dollars of planned investment has begun to move away from China and Chosen, such as the construction of a large steel mill in China capable of producing 3 million tons of steel a year, a smaller sized mill in Chosen capable of producing 2 million tons of steel a year, major automotive assembly plants from Ford and General Motors, a host of manufacturing facilities producing everything from housewares to trains. The main beneficiary it seems will be the ABC countries though rumours are that US firms are looking at attempting to persuade the Russian government to open its doors to US firms.

In national news, inventor Robert Hurley files a patent application for the pocket protector, the US Congress implements the first automatic payroll tax, with the passage of the Current Tax Payment Act, and the Harvard Corporation rejects a recommendation by the faculty of the Harvard Medical School to admit women to the college's M.D. programme.

July 1943

The fleet oilers USS Cimarron, USS Nensho, USS Platte, redeploy to Pearl Harbor from the Atlantic Fleet via the Mexican Canal.

In naval news this month, 3 Ingraham class destroyers, 2 Landing Ship, Tank and an aviation ship are laid down, as well two more oilers are modified for naval service.

In aviation news, the Douglas Aircraft Company presents an unsolicited proposal to the USAAF for a pusher-prop medium bomber. The USAAF approves the project which will be known as XB-42.

OOC: The below portion is OOC knowledge only:

The Office of the Chief of Staff of the US Army, the Munitions Building

"Alright George tell me, why does the Army need funding for heavy tanks. And why do they need two companies worth?" Asked Secretary of War Henry Stimson.

"Henry, tell me. If you take alliances out of the picture, which powers are the greatest threat to the integrity of the United States, and its continuing as a Great Power?" asked Chief of Staff George Marshall.

"The UK, Iberia, and Atlantis. In that order I would imagine. The other nations don't really have the capacity to do much more than irritate the United States." replied Stimson.

"Exactly. Now, through diplomacy we have removed two out of those three potential threats. And Iberia is increasingly becoming isolated, which actually removes its ability to really effectively threaten the US. However, it still remains a threat, albeit in a smaller capacity. Tell me Henry, what is the synopsis of the initial stages of War Plan Tan - M?" asked Marshall.

"Initially, the US 4th Army, the VIII Corps, and the US 6th Army take up defensive positions along the Iberian-Mexican border along with Mexican units. After the mobilization of the reserves, the Army begins an offensive with the end objective being the capture of the Panama Canal." replied Stimson.

"And what are the projected casualty figures for this operation again?" asked Marshall.

Stimson winched. "Around 3 million Americans, along with half a million Mexicans." replied Stimson.

"Exactly, and that number has dropped. We are essentially refighting the Great War except in worse terrain than Northern France, Poland, and the Balkans. There are numerous river crossings all of which are across our line of advance, a mountainous chain running most of the length of Central America essentially dividing our advance into two fronts, plus the Iberians have constructed numerous small craft that would make amphibious assaults a major fleet operation requiring most of our naval vessels in existence to protect. And people wonder why we aren't that eager to fight the Iberians!" Marshall replied.

"And that is with Atlantean help as well. So why the heavy tank companies?" Stimson asked.

"Simple, the heavy tanks are to be breakthrough tanks for the medium and light tanks as well as the infantry to exploit. Otherwise, we are just throwing lives away attacking fortified river lines. And we know how effective that was in the Great War. The two companies will be inexpensive enough to maintain, and give us enough tanks to use for training and development of tactics." Marshall replied.

"So what sort of tank are we looking at?"

OOC part ends.

In Army news, the US Army begins development on a new heavy tank. This design is to be ~50 tons, with 4in of hull armor, 8 to 11 in of turret armor, a speed of 20 mph, and armed with a 3.5in gun.

In national news, Southern Airways , founded by Frank W. Hulse and Ike Jones begins operations in the south-central US.

T32 or downguned M103?

T32, eventually if it happens. M103 is to early, current schedule is to have both tank companies equipped in 1948 barring unforseen events.

Quoted

Originally posted by TheCanadian
In Army news, the US Army begins development on a new heavy tank. This design is to be ~50 tons, with 4in of hull armor, 8 to 11 in of turret armor, a speed of 20 mph, and armed with a 3.5in gun.

Aside from the weight, it's actually more like the T-29 experimental.

That's cause I used those specs, aside from the weight. It will begin as the T29 experimental with a 90mm in place of the 105mm, but the weight of that even without the historic 105mm will be...substantially more than what the War Department is looking for. And the SOS will have cardiac arrest trying to supply T29s in Central America, so the eventual product will be the T32.

T32's turret looks better as well. Not as boxy.

August 1943

In naval news, 4 minesweepers are completed as well 2 fleet oilers are launched.

Planning is completed on Operation Thunderbolt by the staff of Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Nimitz.

The defenses at Wake Atoll are to be upgraded with the following forces; a Marine Defence Battalion commanded by Major Devereux, 6 5in/51 are to be landed, 12 3in/50 AA guns, 18 0.50in Browning HMG, 30 0.30in MG, SCR-268 and SCR-270B radar sets, and a Marine fighter squadron VMF-211 armed with Vought Corsair F4U-1D. The convoy is expected to leave Pearl Harbour in October of this year, and the naval operations involved and following are to be part of Operation Thunderbolt.

In aviation news, the Northrop P-61 night fighter enters service.

In national news, Georgia lowers the voting age from 21 to 18, the Big Inch pipeline is completed, the 1,811 mile long pipeline supplies oil directly from East Texas to the ports of New York City and Philadelphia.

September 1943

In Air Force news, USAAF Lieutenant Alex Doster becomes the first person to test the paratrooper pick-up system developed by the All American Aviation Company. Also, Lockheed completes its concept work for the XP-80 which is scheduled to take its first flight on January 8 of the upcoming year.

In Naval news, the Battleships USS Tennessee and USS California transit the Mexican Canal and rejoin the Pacific Fleet for Operation Thunderbolt. The US Navy places orders for two types of aircraft, 72 F7F-1 and 72 F7F-N (1) for the Marine Corps, to equip three Marine Corp fighter squadrons, as well as 360 F8F-1 Bearcats (2) for the US Navy all aircraft to be supplied by Grumman. The US Navy has also decided to abandon the two types of carrier-borne bomber and asks US companies to bring forward proposals for a new multi-purpose bomber. Finally, the carrier USS Intrepid is launched.

In Army news, the T6 prototype begins testing at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. After a successful test, the Ordnance Department orders 100. Also, the Ordnance Department begins work on a successor due to the lack of 6.1in M1918 weapons in storage. Called the T83 it is to mount the 6.1in M1 in the M4 tank chassis. Also tested this month is the T49 Motor Carriage, the Ordnance Department recommends a 3in M1 ATG, increased armour, torsion bar suspension, and a more powerful engine. This improved prototype will be known as the T67 (3).

In national news, the New York Yankees clinch the American League pennet with a 2-1 win over the Detroit Tigers.

(1) US Marine and Navy fighter squadrons operate 18 aircraft typically. US Marine squadrons also have 6 spare aircraft each.

(2) US carriers typically operate 36 fighters per carrier aside of course from the Sackett's Therefore, 288 fighters total including the Essex, Intrepid, and Wasp.

(3) For everyone who doesn't want to google, this will become what we know as the M18 Hellcat.