The Great Pacific War: A History of the American-Japanese Campaign of 1931-1933

The Great Pacific War was a 1925 novel written by Hector Charles Bywater which discussed a hypothetical future war between the Empire of Japan and the United States of America between 1931 and 1933.

Several naval battles where fought during the war, here i will post the naval battles from the first one (Battle of Lubang) to the monster and last showdown (Battle of Yap).

The Battle of Lubang (March 6th 1931)

Location of the battle

Northwest of Lubang Island.

Date of the battle

March 6th 1931.

Introduction

A outnumbered and outgunned American squadron consisting of a few obsolete cruisers, destroyers and submarines who are defending the Philippines is pitted against a vastly superior Japanese force.

Order of battle

Imperial Japanese Navy: South Sea Squadron

Kongō-class battlecruisers: Kongo, Hiei and Kirishima

Hosho-class light aircraft carrier: Hosho

Kuma-class light cruisers: Kuma, Tama, Kitakami and Oi.

Tenryū-class light cruisers: Tatsuta and Tenryu.

24 destroyers.

United States Navy: Asiatic Fleet

Tennessee-class armored cruiser: USS Missoula.

Denver-class protected cruisers: USS Denver and USS Galveston.

Pennsylvania-class armored cruiser: USS Frederick.

Denver-class protected cruiser: USS Cleveland.

Wright-class seaplane carrier: USS Wright.

Ten destroyers.

Three mine layers.

Twelve submarines.

Outcome of the battle

Japanese victory.

Losses suffered during the battle

The United States Navy: Asiatic Fleet went into battle with five cruisers but the Denver-class protected cruiser USS Cleveland was due engine trouble forced to retreat before the battle. In the battle the United States Navy: Asiatic Fleet was obliterated losing four light cruisers, one seaplane carrier, six destroyers and three mine layers with only four destroyers managing to return to Manila. The Imperial Japanese Navy: South Sea Squadron only loses where the Tenryū-class light cruiser Tatsuta and two destroyers allowing the Japanese transports to leave their bases in Formosa and land their troops. Despite the best efforts of American submarines and army bombers, who despite causing heavy casualties among the first wave are not able to prevent the Japanese from landing enough forces who manage to defeat the American garrison.

Casualties

United States Navy: Asiatic Fleet: 2,500 sailors and officers killed.

Imperial Japanese Navy: South Sea Squadron: 600 sailors and officers killed.