Dixon(IJ) v. Treespider (Allies)

[Mike Dixon]

Update 21st December to 24th December

Phillipines

Jolo Island fell on the 21st. Long range bombers were flown in the next day. The Phillipines are now isolated. A call for their surrender was issued.


Borneo

Singkawang fell on the 22nd. This key base is within reach of Java and is being used as a forward air and Naval area of operations. Landings on Java shortly cannot be ruled out.


Wenchow

A rogue pirate PT boat was brought to justice near Wenchow on the 22nd. This U.S. boat was sunk in a brief action despite several calls for its peaceful surrender. A few survivors were seen swimming ashore.


Burma/Malaya

Victoria Point fell to paratroopers on the 21st December. Kuantan fell on the 24th, good progress is also being made down the peninsula. It is thought that Singapore will fall around the middle of january.


Central Pacific

Baker Island fell. This base is being prepared for further expansion into the central Pacific.


Celebes

On the 24th, a number of Naval detachments started landing at Kendari. An assault is planned for the 25th December. A suicidal PT boat attack was beaten away. Up to ten enemy vessels were thought to be sunk.

PNG

Finschhafen fell on the 23rd.

[Mike Dixon]

Update 25th December to 28th December


General synopsis

Enemy resistance appears to be crumbling. Foreign office sources suggest that peace talks could be proposed once the outer defence perimeter is established.


Phillipines

Scattered remains of the enemy's shipping were destroyed in the area. Over one hundred various vessels have now been sunk. It is thought that various colonial outposts, such as Australia, could soon be running out of foodstocks. Baguio was seized on the 26th and Lingayen on the 27th. The enemy appear to be fleeing to Clark field. Reinforcements are arriving and the Filipino/american garrison is not expected to put up much resistance.


Celebes

Kendari fell on the 25th. A large amount of booty was seized.


China

On the 25th a small Chinese detachment was ejected from Canton. Large forces are in pursuit. The 26th saw several Chinese armies thrown out of Nanchang. These laviously equipped (with U.S. contraband) forces were no match for Japanese regulars.


Borneo

After a short two day fight, Tarakan fell on the 27th December. Fleeing Dutch forces will be rounded up, in due course.


Malaya

The drive to Singapore continues. The 26th saw Alor Star fall. A large number of Indian and British forces narrowly escaped encirclement, by fleeing into Singapore. Their reprieve will be short lived, announced General Yamashita in the Army newspaper on the 28th.

[Mike Dixon]

Summary to end of year 1941


Malaya

Georgetown fell on the 29th December. A large garrison is now in captivity. Strong forces push towards Singapore.


Phillipines

Davao was captured on the 31st. The Americans appear to have fled the base. It is thought that they are holed up in the mountainous regions of the island.


China

A number of local actions were undertaken succesfully. Several brigand formations were destroyed.


Manila

Many hits on trapped shipping were obtained by Ki-21 aircraft. Despite extensive damage these ships do not seem to sink - Naval sources believe they have been beached and abandoned.


Japan sea

Straggler Ak's, fleeing the Phillipines, continue to be sunk by Naval aviation.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep through to 3rd January 1942

Malaya

Steady progress down the malayan penisula is being made. Taiping (1st), Kuala Lumpur (2nd) and Malacca (3rd) were liberated. The enemy appear to be fleeing to Singapore. No respite is being allowed, General Yamashita has been given orders to storm Singapore ASAP.

Celebes

Makassar fell on the 3rd January. A large enemy PT flotilla was totally destroyed with no friendly loss, reports from BB Nagato and Ise indicate.


Borneo

Sampit was captured by elite paratroopers on the 1st. Landings at Balikapapan began on the 3rd.


Wake Island

On the nights of the 2nd and 3rd January, a large enemy terrorist armarda attacked Wake Island. In a heroic action, TK Sanraku Maru rammed several enemy vessels and was lost with all hands. This action prevented further losses and caused considerable consternation in the enemy camp. Captain Takanara has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun (3rd Class), posthumously:-

[Mike Dixon]

Update to IJHQ to 6th January 1942

Borneo

Balikapan capitulated on the 4th. Large oil and fuel stocks were captured. These resources were stolen from the local population by the 'Allies' and were destined for the UK or States, but will now be used for the greater East Asian co-prosperity sphere and the good of all Asian peoples.

Burma

Moulmein fell on the 4th. The Indian and British forces have fled to Rangoon.

PNG

An imperial army division started landing on the 5th and 6th January. A Naval bombardment from BB's Fuso, Yamashiro and Mutsu have wrecked the well prepared enemy defences.


China

Local actions continue in Nanking.


Yamashiro pounds Port Moresby:-

[treespider]

From: PM Churchill
To: President Roosevelt
 
Am I to understand the most effective weapon in our arsenal against these orientals is the Mk 12 and VH2 naval mines?
 
_______________________________________________________
 
The Allied response to Japanese aggression has been ineffectual at best. Although the Allies have not suffered any major losses in warships, any attempt to offer a counter to Japanese aggression has been thwarted and/or pre-empted by overwhelming force at the point of a considered riposte. It seems the only effective weapon has been the numerous minefields laid by Dutch and British minelayers in and around the NEI during the past month. I've lost count of how many japanese ships have hit mines.  
 
Betty's and Nell's operating out of Kendari and Kuching own the Java Sea. While A-24's have made an appearance they have not scored any hits.
 
Singapore will likely fall early as the Japanese have brought the kitchen sink in terms of divisions to Malaya and this is in addition to the division (Gds) and a 1/2 that has advanced on Moulmein. He has also brought in additional forces to drive on Nanning in Southern China. In addition overwhelming force was brought to bear on PM shortly after the fall of Rabaul in the form of a Japanese division covered by KB.
 
The sole presumable weak point in his campaign is in the Philippines. The Japanese have not advanced out of Legaspi in the south where they had four units, although this advance may occur sooner rather than later as an additional unit has recently landed to reinforce the garrison there to five units. In the North they have stopped their advance prior to moving into Clark, presumably due to a lack of forces. The Philippine Air squadron flying P-39's have been harassing Japanese shipping in and around Mindanao.
 
 

[Mike Dixon]

Update to 9th January

Port Moresby

This key installation fell on the 7th, in an early morning assault. The large enemy garrison, including so called elite Australian soldiers, have fled to the Kokoda trail. Small detachments have been sent to round up this irregular force. The Kyujitai (Imperial Japanese army) have been requested by the emperor, to draw up plans for the occupation of Australia. Although in its early stages, it is not thought that serious opposition would be met, due to the poor quality of the Allied troops.


China

In Nanking, local police actions continue. An irregular Chinese force have fortified in the outer outskirts, and are currently being reduced by small Army units.


Malaya

Johore Bahru fell on the 9th. This last enemy defensive position was swept aside by up to five Army divisions in a lightning assault. Enemy morale in Singapore is very low, with reports of widespread looting and desertion. Several meetings with local elders have alreadly taken place, prior to the island states addition to the Greater East Asian co-prosperity sphere.

[treespider]

Mid to late January, 1942 -
 
After the withdrawal of the American Army Air Force Units from the Philippines, Philippine ground crews rumaged through the warehouses and discovered a bunch of new aircraft ...P-39's. Since that day Philippine pilots have put the new aircraft to great use strafing Japanese shipping in and around the Islands. Although they have not sunk any ships...pilots are reporting that the 37 mm cannon is quite effective at destroying torpedo mounts and other devices on Japanes ships.
 
The unrelenting Japanese steamroller continues to push south. IIRC yesterday the IJA 35th Bde landed at Palembang. ABDA forces will endeavor to put up stiff resistance at this crucial resource center.
 
Further east Japanese units recently occupied Amboina after a valaint yet futile defense by the Dutch garrison. 
 
In the South Pacific - Japanese units continue to stretch the empire. Reports of Japanese survey crews have been received from the islands north of Luganville.
 
In the north Japanese naval vessels have been reported in the Bering Sea.
 
 

[Mike Dixon]

Update to 12th January 1942


Midway

I-7 did not report in on time on the 10th - the sub is now thought lost. An undersea collision is thought likely.


Balikipapan

Pieces of the enemy SS 'Shark' were washed ashore. Local ASW forces believe the vessel is sinking.


Koepang

A large enemy surface TF was largely destroyed by Naval and land air on the 11th. B5N2 carrier planes and G3M land air recorded multiple hits on a number of light cruisers. The CL Tromp appears to be in particular difficulty.


China

A useful bridgehead was seized in Wuchow on the 11th. Enemy losses were high.


Toboali

This resource rich island fell on the 11th. Tin production will restart shortly, the benefits of which will enrich all the peoples of the Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere.


Phillipinnes

AK's Churruca and Forafric were sunk by a joint Naval/Air operation near Manila on the 12th. A large enemy flotilla is trapped in Manilla port and could well be seized when the city falls.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep 13th to 15th January 1942

PNG

Buna fell on the 13th. The large mainly Australian ex Port Moresby garrison is now isolated on the Kokoda trail.


China

Pakhoi fell on the 13th. This base is earmarked for expansion and is to be used main centre of operations for SW China.


Singapore and surrounding seas

A number of army units entered Singapore on the 14th, with only light casualties. The fortress city is expected to surrender in due course. Widespread looting is being reported in the city itself. In a brief statement, General Yamashita called on the peoples of the island state to show patience, as the hour of their liberation is at hand.

In a separate development, a number of small enemy vessels were sunk by Ki-30 dive-bombers. These LCVP class ships had been masquerading as hospital ships and were believed to have been transporting troops or supplies to and from Singapore, contrary to the rules of war. This illegal behaviour will not be tolerated and will bolster a hard line approach to future peace talks. A draft peace plan is being drawn up by the foreign office, and could well include the complete demilitarisation of the west coast of America.


Nukufetau

This small Pacifc atoll was occupied on the 13th. Patrol planes were immediately flown in to monitor enemy activity around Suva.


Phillipines

A disastrous enemy attack failed at Legaspi. Wave after wave of Filipinos, driven on by their American oppressors, were slaughtered on the 13th.


Ceram

Light Naval landing forces swam ashore at Amboina on the 14th. By the 15th, most of the base was in friendly hands.


Borneo

The important Naval base at Pontianak was occupied on the 15th. A large number of Dutch personnel surrendered after minimal fight.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep 16th to 19th January 1942

Ceram

The 16th saw the fall of Amboina. Dutch forces have fled into the mountainous regions and will be rounded up in time.


China

Wenchow fell on the 16th. The illegal Chiang Chai-Shek regime now have no ports.


Sumatra

Over the course of several days, a large number of enemy transport vessels were sunk at Teloekbetoeng.


Baker Island

During the night of the 17th, an American Naval landing force was driven off, with heavy losses to the enemy.


Palembang

An elite army Brigade landed at Palembang on the 17th. Substantial gains were made though enemy resistance is heavy. Elements of up to three enemy divisions have been identified.


New Hebrides

The 19th saw the South Seas detachment start landing at Luganville. No enemy resistance is anticipated


Bali

The enemy minelayer Bangkalan, was sunk by B5N2 carrier aircraft, on the 19th.

[treespider]

In a brave yet futile action US CV Lexington was sunk while in action against forces from Imperial Japan....when will the jugernaut be stopped?... the world waits and wonders.
 
In the mean time Admiral King at the insistance of Secretary of the Navy has issued orders to accelerate production of the new class of American carrier to cope with this new form of naval warfare.
 
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/26/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 67,119 (Aprroximately 120 miles South of Noumea)
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 72
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBD-3 Dauntless x 34
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 15 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 24 destroyed
 
Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 2
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,115 (120 miles Northeast of Noumea)
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A2 Val x 21
B5N2 Kate x 77
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 14 destroyed, 28 damaged
 
 
Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Indianapolis
DD Benham, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,115
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
B5N2 Kate x 20
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
CV Lexington,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,115
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
D3A2 Val x 33
B5N2 Kate x 17
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Bomb hits 3
DD Ellet, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Noumea, at 66,117
 
 
Allied aircraft
no flights
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses
 
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu
 
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5
Port hits 2
 

 

[Mike Dixon]

Update to 22nd January 1942

General synopsis

Over the last few days, the Allied position has weakened considerably. Both Singapore and Rangoon have been wrenched from the clutches of the colonial oppressors. Representative Nationalist Governments are being set-up in both capitals/states.

Singapore

In a whirlwind three day assault, Singapore was captured on the 22nd. Around 100,000 enemy troops surrendered, including Indians, British and Australian personnel. The victorious army divisions are being given a short rest before embarking on further operations.


Rangoon

The 22nd also saw the fall of the capital of Burma. British and Indian forces were last seen fleeing the city several days earlier. It is envisaged that they will not stop shy of the Indian/Burma border.


Palembang

An allied assault on the bridgehead in Palembang was easily repulsed on the 20th. Enemy casualties were high and their moral is now believed to be low.


Luganville

This key base fell also on the 20th. A large scale expansion is planned, prior to incorporation into the outer defence perimeter.

[Mike Dixon]

Synopsis to 25th January 1942

Bali

This tropical paradise was occupied on the 24th. A large enemy garrison was pounded by several FT’s, including BB Haruna and BB Kongo. Nearly ten thousand prisoners were taken.

Lingayen, Phillipines

A human wave attack by mostly Filipino troops was easily beaten away on the 25th. The noose on the Phillipines remains tight. Reports of increasing unrest in Manila continue to be received. The era of American colonialism is coming to an end.

[Mike Dixon]

26th January 1942

Nomeau and Efate

The IJN are proud to report the sinking of the CV Lexington. The enemy carrier attempted to outflank the Nomeau and Efate invasion fleets on the 26th but was spotted early in the morning some 120 miles North of Nomeau. The first wave of dive bombers (D3A2) and torpedo planes (B5N2) recorded many bomb and torpedo hits, though the second wave could not find the target due to smoke. A weak enemy counter strike was devastated by friendly CAP. Unfortunately slight damage to a carrier resulted from a Zeke crash landing.

Meanwhile landings at Efate were unaffected and an Army division is due to land at Nomeau on the 27th.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep 27th to 29th January 1942

Nomeau

Landings proceeded normally over a two day period. The operation is expected to be completed in a further few days. Meanwhile on the 28th, DD Benham was sunk by carrier based aircraft. This ship was damaged in the earlier American carrier raid.


Pucheng

A large pocket of Chinese forces has now been established in and to the North of this city. Elements of up to 14 units have been identified. Reinforcements are being brought up to liquidate the pocket. Desperate Chinese 'human wave' attacks to break the steel ring, have been rebuffed.


Efate

This installation fell on the 28th. It is envisaged that Efate will be one of the key fortresses in the outer defence perimeter.

[Mike Dixon]

Update to end of January 1942


Nomeau

After a short Naval bombardment, Nomeau was occupied on the 30th January. Elements of several New Zealand brigades were seen fleeing to the North. Pursuit forces will be organised in due course. Engineers and aviation forces are landing at Nomeau, the base is to be expanded and heavily fortified.


Phillipines

The enemy appears to be conducting hit and run raids. However the noose around the imperialist colonial occupiers remains ever tight.


Bali

CA Myoko is returning to Japan for repairs, the ship hit an underwater obstacle during an enemy raid on the 31st. Many enemy aircraft were shot down.

[Mike Dixon]

Surrender at Singapore:-

[Mike Dixon]

A disgrace to British arms:-

[Mike Dixon]

Lexington sinking:-