The end of the world as we know it?

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, days pass quietly. I still firmly believe the Jap is up to something, but he has proven himself to be a treacherous and nasty adversary and anything is possible. So far indications of where the next blow will fall are sketchy, but our intelligence is gradually filling in the details. Over the last two days landings have occurred at Medan, obviously to capture the resources there. The Dutch flag still flies though.

We have however given notice of what the Jap has taken on – he will find he has a tiger or two by the tail. For the last three days we have raided the airfield and troops at Pagan, believed to be three divisions in strength. These raids have been conducted by planes of the Commonwealth, Dutch, American and Chinese air forces and have caused substantial damage to their ability to wage war. We also have news of American Liberators flying out of airbases in the DEI making successful further raids on the oilfields at Palembang where we estimate over 50% of production is now in flames.

[Roger Neilson]

[font="trebuchet ms"]Gentlemen, three more days have passed. Time to update you on progress. The main Jap activity seems to be centred on Medan, where their 5th Division have landed supported by a task force including two battleships. These invaders are taking on an undisclosed force of our brave Dutch allies who so far have had to endure two days of bombardments by sea and land.[/font] [font="trebuchet ms"] [/font] [font="trebuchet ms"]Our joint air forces continue to pound the Japs at Pagan on a daily basis.

We gather from our Chinese allies that the rail line north of Hsinying has been cut by a Chinese Army Corps who are now dug in there and enduring the expected furious counterattacks by the Japs.[/font]  [font="trebuchet ms"]

[/font] [font="trebuchet ms"]It is now a week since we saw the Japanese carriers… the possible areas where they might pop up again increase each day as their steaming distance increases. I have, as is my custom, made a small prediction as to where next they will appear… will I be right?[/font] [font="trebuchet ms"] [/font]

[font="trebuchet ms"]Our American friends inform us that the first stages of Operation Black Sheep has passed by without hindrance. This is indeed good news.

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[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, it is three months since the treacherous and brutal attack by Japan on the democracies of the world. So far they have swept most before them in their conquest, though there have been some pockets of brave resistance. I do believe that this will soon be seen as a very significant time. Our plans are laid for our countermoves, and in the not too distant future we will test their mettle as defenders rather than attackers. To summarise the position I attach the latest strategic map showing the overall picture - it is a shame we cannot see the one in Imperial HQ that lays out where they wanted to be by now, and where their next thrusts will be.

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, we did not have long to wait, and yet again I have been proved right in my expectations. Yesterday the Jap launched a furious assault across the River Irriwaddy and into the town of Mandalay. Elements of the 18th and Imperial Guards divisions have been identified, with at least five different engineer formations and heavy artillery. We estimate in the region of 70,000 troops have been hurled against the brave defenders. Initially the enemy were thrown back with significant losses, but they renewed their attack today and have broken through our defence lines. I have been advised by the commander of our forces that they unlikely to stem another onslaught and preparations have been made to destroy all of military significance that cannot be taken away in the time.

The likely capture of Mandalay leaves a choice for our enemy, does he move West, East or North from there? Time will tell, time will indeed tell.

Elsewhere Operation Black Sheep continues with pleasing results to date. Operation Humpty has been accelerated.

Currently the activity all seems to be in our ‘back yard’ as our transatlantic cousins would say.

[Moondawggie]

Very cool AAR! [:)]

[Roger Neilson]

Glad you are enjoying it. I suspect its going to get a bit busier soon.

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Gentlemen, we are indeed suffering the full anger of the enemy in our part of the world. Today we were forced to abandon Mandalay and our troops are, or course, making an orderly withdrawal towards pre-planned defence positions. Casualties on the enemy’s part have been heavy. To the immediate West of Mandalay another battle rages as the enemy seeks to expand his bridge head over the Irriwaddy.

At the same time they have launched a major assault across the river north of Changsha against the forces recently pushed out of that city. It looks like there is a concerted effort to knock our gallant Chinese allies out of the war by striking their heartland and severing our supply lines to them.

We shall see if these bold moves work for them, we will watch with interest as our own operations develop further. [/font]

[Roger Neilson]

Well Gentlemen, it is now seven days since the enemy's breakthrough at Mandalay. Since then what has happened? In a word, not a lot. We detect movement along the railline towards Myitkinia, and there are sproadic engaments to the West of Mandalay itself. Otherwise there is nothing. We have had to cancel Operation Black Sheep however - for those not in the planning of this it was an audacious move to supply our American and Phillipine allies from shipping out of the DEI. Significant loads were delivered by individual and very brave ships crews travelling on circuitous routes and taking advantage of the weather. We have over the last week suffered some shipping losses from both japanese naval intercept forces and also land based torpedo bombers. We do feel however that the supply tonnage delivered will significantly give heart to our allies and enable prolonged defence of those areas we still hold. Not to be disheartened we can also annonce the resumption of Operation Humpty, and that Operation Mother Hubbard continues without interference from the enemy. We note the appearence of the much vaunted Zero over Rangoon to counter our air assaults, and the fact that when hit they burn surprisingly easily. The AVG are planning new tactics to take these planes on. We also gather that in China the enemy has had to send several divisions to push back the Chinese Corps that was interdicting the rail line north of Hsinyang.

I can inform you that our codebreakers have intercepted vital intelligence of a major Jap operation that will occur in the next few days.... as they say, forewarned is forearmed!

[Roger Neilson]

It hardly seemed worth convening you all gentlement in the same regularity that we have been meeting to review the war's developments. However I undersatnd that some of you are concerned at lack of information. Thus this briefing, to update you on progress.

The Jap has made efforts to devlop his postion out of Mandalay, indeed two tank regiments made dashes for Mytinkia and Lashio. The thrust on Mytkinia was met by fierce air to ground attacks and the tanks seem to be heading back to Mandalay suitably chastised. Lead elements of the 1st Tank Regiment reached Lashio in what they assumed was hot pursuit of a broken enemy to be met by overwhelming attacks from well entrenched and prepared defenders who first stemmed the Jap attack then stormed forward and routed them. This single action gives lie to the oft trumpeted 'superhuman' fighting qualities of the yellow men - they can and will be beaten. Both Mandalay and Pagan are being subjected to increasingly heavy air raids from our planes based in India and Burma.

Elsewhere their 5th Division was landed at Sabang and overwhelmed the Dutch defenders, some of whom had just finished a 120 mile trek over jungle tracks from a previous defeat.

Japnaese Carriers showed up 120 miles off Batavia but did very little. The Soryu was very fortunate to be hit by a four torpedo salvo from SS Spearfish which failed to detonate. It would seem that we should expect an attempted laning near Batavia shortly, the invaders are guaranteed a warm welcome.

[kaleun]

Good show. Great AAR. Keep it up[:)]

[Roger Neilson]

Gentlemen, a range of good news over the last few days.

We must report the completion of Operation Humpty with the last arrival of our remaining troops evacuated by sea from the Malayan coast. The Japanese attack on Malaya cut our forces in two and whilst the southern force retreated to Singapore where they were thence defeated and captured, the northern force moved tenaciously northwards, hugging the coast and at every opportunity some troops were evacuated from small bays and landing sites. Occasionally the Japs caught some of these ships with either their fast destroyers or with the bombers, but we estmate that well over 70% of the troops were taken off the mainland and arrived at a secure base. The last rearguard was embarked on the 7th of April and has just arrived to a heroes' welcome. These forces are now some of our most expereinced fighters, only needing a few hearty meals before they are raring to storm back and hit the Nips where it will hurt!

The Japs have moved a significant force of bombers with fighter escorts to Rangoon, these have commenced raids on our base at Port Blair in the Andamans. To date they have suffered significant losses in these assaults, in one day they lost 10 Zeros (confirmed) whilst our fighters were untouched. So much for the Zero's superiority! I am assured by our pilots they burn very fiercely as soon as they are hit.

The target of opportunity that Rangoon airfield provided was too good to miss. A force of over 100 heavy and medium bombers paid an early morning visit to the airfield from our bases and delivered a massive disruption to their operations. It is esimated that the runways will take days to be repaired and that we destroyed around 50 planes on the ground.

Over the last few days we have welcomed several squadrons of Dakotas to our bases, these have flown from a great distance to join us and now enable us to supply and reinforce points of our defence in the India/Burma border.

There are other ongoing operations commencing which will be reported upon in the next few days.

[Roger Neilson II]

Just to let you know I've cunningly changed to a very different person and this will confuse the hell out of the enemy!

Roger

[Roger Neilson II]

In our area Gentlemen we are now seeing a massive build up at Lashio. Four full divisions plus engineer, artillery and tank support have marched overland from Mandalay to attack. We do not expect to hold this position and assume this major drive is to break our overland routes to supporting our allies in China. The enemy has attempted a large air raid on our forces at Akyab, this was turned back with significant bomber and fighter losses to them.

Elsewhere we have more stirring news. The Jap had failed to occupy Rabaul when it was, frankly, an empty base. Over the last week that has changed and two days ago a small invasion TF set off from Truk heading directly for it. These were met by bombers flying from Rabaul and were turned back with some losses. Each day this key base builds its defences and receives more troops.

The Japs are making a drive in the DEI, and have begun landings on Sinkep Island. We do however still hold many of the key oil producing bases.

However the most important news is that over the last four days, supported by American naval units the newly formed Americal Division was landed at Lunga and has just driven the Japanese garrison of two SNLF units out in full retreat towards Tassafaronga. This marks the first reconquest by the Allies, with more to come soon. We must take a significant lesson there to all our troops - a newly formed, inexperienced unit of Americans has routed two units of the supposed super soldiers from the Empire of Japan.... what does this suggest for the fuiture as we build our numbers and our experience levels?

We post a picture of one of these 'elite' warriors!

[Roger Neilson II]

Readers will be anxious to scan the front page of the Dehli Times:

[Roger Neilson II]

And the latest edition, hot off the press....

[VSWG]

*subscribes to the Delhi Times

Hey, where's the comics page?!

[DuckofTindalos]

"Latest and most modern British aircraft"...[:D]

[Roger Neilson II]

I know my limitations.... no comics as I cannot draw.

Roger

[Roger Neilson II]

Their slow speed is a design feature, it means the Japs cannot fly slow enough to shoot at them.... that's the theory anyway.

Pssst, don't tell the Japs this though, let them be laughing so much they cannot get a steady aim for chuckling!

Roger

[Roger Neilson II]

Eyes only - utmost confidentiality. Summary of strategic situation in Japanese theatres of operations. Summary of position for joint allied war conference Noumea Late April/Early May 1942

India/Burma:

Enemy forces in strength have pushed as far as Lashio but currently are halted there according to our recce boys. Our bases in India are now well stocked with bombers and these pay visits on a regular basis to Pagan and Mandalay interdicting his supply lines to his 100K troops out in the jungle. We have identified 14 units at Lashio all needing supply and all suffering from the usual jungle debilitations. His main Carrier force lies at anchor at Sabang following a brief raid into the shipping lanes between India and Australia.

DEI

The Japs control most of Sumatra and took Palembang but again our bombers have done their job well and oil production is down to 50% of pre-war level. Java is still entirely owned by our Dutch allies, On Borneo after initial success in the early days in taking the northern oil towns there has been no further development until a few days ago when a landing in force of over 20K of troops happened at Tarakan. This base was not defended but forces from nearby bases have begun a campaign of welcome to the new occupiers. All other areas are still under Allied control and building their defences well.

Philippines

Manila, Clark and Bataan still hold, though over recent days there has been a notable build up to over 200K troops at Clark. These staunch defences are causing the enemy massive delays to his timetable for conquest and bogging down serious amounts of troops that he would like to use elsewhere in the conflict.

Solomons/ New Guinea

Apart from two starving units that were at Lunga and have now retreated to Tassafaronga there is no enemy presence at all. Our bases are building nicely here and will form a strong shield against any moves from the enemy, whilst providing a jump off point for our reconquest of the Pacific.

Pacific Islands

A small enemy presence on Tarawa and Wake are all that show any development here from the Japanese forces. We can assume they are developing strong defences on their island chains in the Marshalls, Carolines and Marianas.

China

Initial concentrated attacks have pushed the Chinese off the main railway lines in China but the Japanese have not followed up into the heartlands of China. They currently seem to be developing a thrust in the north with an initial objective of Homan.

Economic and materiel aspects

We are now receiving amounts of supply and fuel from the USA and Middle East along robust lines of communications. There is a steady infusion of new troops into theatre, some of which have experience elsewhere, others are well trained but await initial blooding. Our air and naval units are building up experience and since the start of May we are assured of replacement aircraft for may of the obsolete types stationed out here when war began. There is a decline already in the level of the Japanese pilots as their initial veterans are removed from their squadrons. Our troops are aware of the tactics necessary to overcome the Japanese on land, sea and air and have demonstrated that the supposed superiority of the enemy is not true at all. Japan’s war aims were to seize resources and oil in order to support their industry. They have done neither to the extent they need to suitable prosecute an all out war against the allies.

Operations Turtle, Doormouse, Cheshire Cat and DrinkMe are all sanctioned for execution.