Matthew Versus Hortlund

[matt.buttsworth]

This is a new AAR from the allied side. Hortlund will write his own AAR.
The allied command is awash with rumours. Since the American embargo on exports to Japan and the breakdown of negotiations an attack by Japan is expected at any moment.
For political reasons Pearl Harbour has not been put on alert but in Singapore a planning meeting of commonwealth commanders is held. Where will the Japanese strike? The Philippines? Malaya? Only Pearl Harbour is deemed unlikelely although a 1931 war game predicted an attack there would be a disaster. But the Japanese are only oriental and should be no match to Commonwealth and allied forces.
As a precaution all fleets are ordered away from Chinese and Japanese waters but is it too late?
Forces in Malaya are very strong. Burma is weak but no attack is expected there.

[matt.buttsworth]

Gentlemen,
The Japanese attack has been devastating. The fleet at Pearl Harbour has been attacked with one battleship being sunk and other severely damaged. Bataan Island and Wake Island have fallen. There have been landings in Malaya, Brunei, the philippine islands and Ambonia cutting of the escape route for ships. In the Pacific there are landings at tawara Island, Kavieng and Wallis island with the aim being to cut off the sea route to australia.
In this aim the Japanese due to the speed of their advance will probably succeed. We have no ships or troops to resist them.
The allied forces have therefore been forced to adopt a supreme defensive strategy. Midway, Johnston Island and Palmyra will be defended, with Pearl being the heart. Australia will be defended with as many air units as can be saved from the Philipines, Malaya and the DEI. Saving land units may be impossible.
A fighting retreat will be conducted in Burma with the emphasis being to safeguard India from a seaborne invasion. Planes from the US forces in the Philippines will boost the Chinese and Indian air defences.
It is a disaster but it is a long fight and in the end we will win.
God save the King!