The end of the world as we know it?

[Roger Neilson]

Good morning Gentlemen. I trust you are all well and looking forward to the next few days.

Let me begin with the bad news..... Hong Kong has fallen, almost a month after initial attacks it finally succumbed to the brutal assaults of a merciless enemy. We must take this moment to think of the bravery and courage that our troops showed, their indomitable spirit and their willingness to 'never say die'. The enemy will have planned for a rapid win here and he has been denied it - doubtless this will have thrown a spanner into his works a bit - we must hope so.

Of the Japanese raiding force last spotted off Georgetown we have no further knowledge, perhaps they have retired back to Singapore?

However, on to the good news.

Firstly, the American carriers continue to pound the shipping spotted at Tarawa, two large oil tankers are known to have been sunk today. There is apparently some minor air activity from the Japanese but nothing of note to our allies.

The best news yet though is the massive airstrikes on Midway by what we can assume to be the whole of the Japanese Carrier forces. Last spotted at Pescadores we were unsure where they were and what their intentions were. Whether this is a raid, hoping to catch our planes and ships or whether they intend to occupy Midway we have yet to ascertain. Let us reiterate we are delighted to welcome them to this delightful spot on the map. Several days ago we had intelligence of a single CVL near Wake - this was obviously bait for a trap that has not succeeded. The Jap is a wily opponent - rather like our friend the fox.... but our hunt will be on his trail soon, and there is only one end result to that. Tallyho gentlemen, tallyho.....

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, what can anyone say? Somewhere along the lines, we do not yet know where, the orders for Operation Azores were not delivered..... heads will roll for this. In addition to that piece of disastrous communication we have had further blows to our state of play.

The Japanese task force in the Indian Ocean raided the Andaman Islands, catching two more unarmed and defenceless merchantmen... both now sunk. A PT squadron atempted to rescue them but was also subject to crippling fire and lost severely in the encounter.

Elsewhere the Americans continue to sink shipping at Tarawa and report a lack of any attempt by the Japs to save their doomed ships.

The Kido Butai, as we believe the japs to refer to their CV TF, is now SE of Midway and is on a course directly for Pearl Harbour. We await further news with interest.

Let us hope tomorrow brings better news.....

[kaleun]

Good show.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen.... a somewhat perplexing day. All we can report is that the Japanese flag now flies over Khota bahru.

Of the infamous Kido Butai, it has done nothing....
Of the Indian Ocean pirates, they have done nothing.....

The war rumbles on in China, it is still being fought in the Philippines..... but nothing else.

Have no fears, if the Jap has shot his bolt already then we are ready to take the fight to him again, and soundly whip him for his impertinence.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, today's briefing will be conducted by the American Naval Attache....

The attache rises, waits for the stir in the room to settle.... there is soemthing up, this is not normal procedure. He clears his throat and begins his tale.

Over the past few days we have been tracking the KB as it moved north west of the Hawaiin islands. Yesterday it made a sudden thrust towards Pearl Harbour as if to attack the facilities there. One of our CV Task Forces, with the Flag on the USS Lexington moved to challenge this thrust - a grave mistake - and one which was not ordered by higher command. The result of this was a sustained series of attacks on the task force by overwhelming forces of torpedo and dive bombers from the massed Japanese carriers. The Lex suffered at least five torpedo hits and in the region of 8 bomb hits. She sank shortly after with great loss of life. The CA Portland, also part of the Task Force, was also hit by two torpedoes and sunk. It is unclear at this stage what the rest of the task force's fate will be, they are heading to Pearl at full speed. The CA Astoria is damaged, but reports that she will make Pearl for damage repairs.

This rash challenge to a force of roughly five times its strength can only have had one outcome, and we must speculate as to why the commander chose to attack rather than retreat. We must however salute the bravery of the actions.

They did not sacrifice in vain, for planes combined from the Tf and Pearl Harbour found the Japanese fleet and scored bomb hits on the BB Hiei,CV Akagi which suffered heavy damage and is on fire,CV Zuikaku, very heavily on fire. The bombs were all 1,000 lbers, which penetrated the lightly protected decks of the Jap flattops and caused significant internal explosions.

Elsewhere a surface TF raided Lunga and sunk two Japanese ships at anchor there.

I am reminded of your naval losses in the first days of the war, we too have now suffered a serious loss, but already we can see the damage being returned to the treacherous aggressors.

The Naval attache resumes his seat, amidst applause from all present.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, a brief month a go the unexpected brutal and treacherous attacks by forces of the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces began. One month on it is time to take stock of the three theatres of operation on the ground. I thus have arranged for three maps to be displayed in this briefing room for your perusual. They contain no sensitive data as we are aware there could be 'fifth columnists' at work even here. They do represent the extent of the Japanese expansion to date. Bear in mind that elsewhere in the Pacific the only gains to date have been Wake Island, Tarawa and some islands on the tip of the Solomons chain - this did not seem worth displaying on a map at this stage.

Study and learn gentlemen, only by seeing the mistakes of the past can we avoid the mistakes in the future.

[Roger Neilson]

Here we have China, major concentrations of troops in order to defeat Hong Kong are still present.

[Roger Neilson]

In Malaya we are facing a real problem on two sides

[Roger Neilson]

Slow progress for the Japs against determined resistance....

[kaleun]

Outstanding

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, welcome again. Developments in our area of operations last night. A Japanese surface force of estimated 4 Battleships with escorting cruisers and destroyers appeared off Palembang and laid down an accurate bombardment on our positions. We have yet to ascertain whether this is merely the japanese being beastly or whether there is a landing force with Palembang as its target. We must wait and see, but for those not aware of it, the strategic improtance of Palembang as an oil centre is very significant. We have had urgent discussions with our Dutch Allies and we are assured that, with our help, they wil put up a stout defence. Aside from that we have the usual bombings and artillery bombardments.

Over now to our friend, the American Naval Attache.

Today has not been a good one my fellow officers..... the Japanese carriers still sit off Pearl Harbour. We mounted a massive attack on them by air today, but they were ready for us and over 70 planes did not return to their base. We figure the problem is a combination of bombers that are, frankly underpowered, underarmoured and underdefended... plus they are too damned slow. However the Zero is a fine plane and in the hands of the veteran pilots of the Japanese they are lethal. New planes will appear I am sure, we have a capacity that the Japanese have not even dreamed of achieving, but this will take time. We must make do with what we have and be prepared to sell our lives as dearly as possible. We also gather that elsewhere some fighters are having better success against the Japs, and we are eagerly trying to find out why this is.... we estimate in a month or so things may be better in the skies.

Unchallenged by our sircraft the Japs then mounted a series of, effectively, unopposed strikes against shipping. I have sadly to report that we have seven ships sunk today.

Elsewhere we conducted a bombardment of Tarawa, just to keep the unfortunate garrison there reminded of the fact that they are there in temporary occupation. We were attacked by Nells and Betties operating as far as we can tell out of Kwajalein. These planes were at extreme range but still carried torpedoes - how do the Japs manage to fly so far, our planes have much shorter range? They will doubtless be claiming a major success in torpedoing one fo the Battleships. In fact the 'hit' hardly rattled plates in our galley!

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, we continue to face trials and tribulations. Today brings more bad news for our cause.

1. The Japanese pirate CL/DD squadron roaming the Indian Ocean returned to Georgetown overnight and intercepted another merchant ship, sinking it. The garrison of Georgetown were able to watch, helpless, as it was despatched by an estimated 10 vessels. Shortly after this a massive attack was unleashed on the garrison by Japanese land forces, who had also cut off their line of retreat. I have to announce the garrison were forced to capiltulate and over eight thousand troops are now prisoners of the Japs. This is not unexpected, following their daring attack on Singapore it has been mereley a matter of when and not if this would happen.
2. There has been another heavy set of air raids on Pearl Harbour in which a battleship and cruiser were badly damaged. One wonders if the Japs can keeep this up or will have to inevitably retire to rearm and repair soon. It is to be hoped so as we feel that the garrions of Pearl must be suffering amazing privations at present.

Things are indeed bleak at present gentlemen, but we must keep up our outward appaearances and make sure that johnny native out there has no reason to doubt our inevitable victory. I need hardly remind you we can do without any 'domestic' trouble at present while we are so hard pressed. Please ensure that any comments about the current situation are kept within these four walls!

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, we appear to have some breaks in the maelstrom that has been battering us for days. The Jap Pirate Tf has disappeared back to its lair at Singapore as far as we can tell - probably needing to refuel the navy boys tell me. Final attacks were conducted on Pearl by the KB resulting in more repair work being nededed on a battleship and a cruiser. We must pause to congratulate the boys of 18th Fighter Group who, although opposed at times by three times their numbers, managed to accumulate 29 confirmed kills of japanese aircraft over the skies of Pearl Harbour.

We will extend a warm welcome to the KB to return whenever they wish, next time we will be more prepared for the party.

Our brave troops in Malaya continue to conduct a fighting withdrawal to a more propitious defence area. Sadly one group ran into a japanese brigade, newly landed and were badly cut up by them.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen. In our sector it is all remarkably peaceful in the last 24 hours. Aside from some desultory bombing there has been no action to speak of. It would be too much to expect this lull to continue and I fully expect it to be merely a period where the enemy regroups before striking anew with vigour.

Elsewhere the KB seem to be retiring away from Pearl we are told, but on the way they insisted upon visitng Midway again 'en passant' so to speak. We gather damage was minimal.

In China a moderate force of the enemy had arrived again at the gates of Changsha, last time this happened the Chinese attacked and routed the enemy. This time they came on with more resolution and despite a heavy Chinese assault were able to hold their ground. We can expect growing pressure here over the next few days as the enemy becomes bolder. Intelligence suggests he is preparing a major assault here in the future.

I must convey the apologies of the American Naval Attache from today's briefing. He is, as he puts it, suddenly very busy. However he does send this message to you all. It reads 'As in the earlier part of the century, the Americans are coming'

I leave you to make of that what you will, doubtless when you next encounter him you may ask for clarification.

Gentlemen to your work!

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, today has been very quiet in our sector. We suspect that the enemy is busy with plans elewhere, allowing us a respite here. We should take full advantage of this and bolster our defences ready for his next vicious attacks.

A strange occurence has been reported near Amboina. A small Australian Naval force encountered a task force of 3 Japanese tankers, with no escorts, heading SouthWest. They attacked and severely damaged these ships but poor weather reduced visibility and they lost them. Quite why three tankers should be cruising the seas as if in peacetime we have no idea, but the Australians are looking for them to ask them that very question. Perhaps they are merely lost gentlemen, in which case I am sure we can show them where to go....

At this point there are definite laughs and snorts of amusement in the room.....

Elsewhere the Americans continue to suffer annoying attacks from these Jap carrier based planes, but they seem to be getting the hang of swatting them like the persistent little flies they are. Today an attack was mounted against Midway and the escorting Jap fighters turned and ran in the cface of our P40s, leaving the bombers to be slaughtered.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, a chapter has closed in this war. We have had reports of a massive Japanese assault on our last base in Malaya, Alor Star. The brave troops have been conducting a fighting withdrawal up the peninsula for a month now and they were attacked by overwhelming Japanese brutal force. Thye have been forced to retreat northwards and have now all arrived in Burma. I have to say that the Malayan campaign is now at a close - Operation Nightwatchman is terminated. I assure you this absence of our presence in Malaya is a temporary one, we hope the Japanese take care of the property we have just vacated, we will return and expect it to be in good repair and decoration when we move back in!

Elsewhere the Aussies are still searching for that group of tankers, as yet with no success. Midway was again attacked by a small raid from a Japanese carrier.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, I sometimes wonder if we have really been dreaming..... today was rather like pre war. Very little happened, though we have a report of some long range shelling of a burning tanker near Amboina. The only action appears to be in China where we gather a very large force, estimated at over 130,000 troops attacked Changsha and was beaten back at some cost. It would seem our Japanese opponents are concentrating their attacks here at present.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, again a quiet day in our areas of operations. Elswhere we have reports of another massive attack on Changsha by over 150,000 Japanese troops - casualties on both sides are very high. We gather the Japanese have taken a dislike to some American and Filipino troops now at Lingayen and sent at least 40 naval vessels to bombard these forces overnight.

Elsehwere the KB seems to want to cruise round between Midway and Pearl - we do wonder quite what their plans are, maybe they have lost their way like those tankers we are busy using as target practice off Menado?

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, we have some unleasant news from China. Another massive attack on Changsha would appear to have been too much for the Chinese defenders. We have reports that the Japanese have entered the city and the Chinese Army is streaming back along the railway in disarray. we can only hope that they manage to recover some element of control and make a stand further down the line, otherwise the japanese steamroller may well seize the whole of the railway, making his life a lot easier. We do suspect that a afir amount of Changsha's industrial and commercial centre has been destroyed so it will be a long time before the japs can gain much from this area of the conflict.

Elsewhere we have to report that the commander of the SS Sculpin reports hitting the TK Kyokuyo Maru with a torpedo and watching it sink soon after. This was one of the three tankers that has led a charmed life in several engagements with our surface forces.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, things have become a bit more lively, but still in far away parts of the world. The theme of today's activity would seem to be bombardments. A very heavy BB Tf arrived at Toboali, sank two peaceful mecrchantmen there and proceeded to blow the place apart. We can only assume they need target practice, as there was nothing there to hit! Another CA based TF was seen off Lingayen also pasting that place.... as it is shared by the Japs we assume they are getting their fair share of the grief too.

The situation at Midway looks not too encouraging, there are at least two heavy carrier Tf's patrolling between Midway and Pearl, one must assume from this activity they are now in protection/air cover mode and the defenders of Midway await an assault. Additionally overnight another Tf ran in and delivered a short range bombardemnt on the defenders. The Japs must have assumed that the air activity over the last week had severely damaged the defenders of the island. They were mistaken Gentlemen! Preliminary reports from the garrison indicate the following:

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
DD Okikaze, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kamikaze, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kiso, Shell hits 15
DD Namikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Nokaze, Shell hits 2
CL Tama

There is a cheer round the room at this news!