The end of the world as we know it?

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, the war moves slowly sometimes. Partly this is due to our American allies insistence that every scratch and dent on any of their ships must be removed before they are fit to steam into action against the enemy. I must admit, having seen some of the reports, there are a few scratches to be removed!

So, while we while away the time here in Camranh Bay its very much a case of game shooting. We send in the beaters, drive the birds out into the open and then gun them down.

I need not remind you that over the past few months we did suffer a 'near run thing' at Georgetown when the full might of the once Burma Japanese Army attacked down the Malayan peninsula and pushed back the 18th division. Well since then we have been doing our own pushing. The 80K plus enemy force that attacked has now been pushed right back to Bandou, where it was, as of two days ago, annihilated. Aside from an unidentified umber of enemy at Singapore, plus the starving remnants of another 80K assault troops at Merak and odds and ends strewn around the DEI we have now eliminated all Japanese forces in these areas. Our troops are even now embarking for new locations, some will be getting a well deserved rest.

As you will see from the situation map the position in Indo China looks secure, with only the enemy forces on the outskirts of Saigon to be removed from play. These will not last more than a week we feel.

In China we captured Wuchow a few days ago, routing at least one full Japanese Division. This has now shifted the main battle line on the continent to just west of Canton and Hong Kong. Already plans are afoot to begin an offensive in this area. We can also report that the HQ of the Japanese China Expeditionary Force has been wiped out East of Hanoi. Their forces at Hanoi will soon suffer the same fate.

At this stage I have nothing to report on the other areas of operation ........ I leave that hanging in the air.

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, some news just in. Following the recent tussle near Paramushiro Jima in the Kuriles that saw our forces bested by the Japanese we returned for a second round. This time they were lacking in battleships, and in a daylight engagement our forces acquitted themselves magnificently. I gather there is some significance in the activity round this area, but as yet have not been informed about the final purpose.....

[HMS Resolution]

Wow, four cruisers and six destroyers. That must have been a nasty shock for the IJN. Did Oyodo escape?

[Roger Neilson II]

Well she took 7 good hits in the replay - if you can trust that. However no report of her sinking, and no sighting of her since..... she may be limping back to join the list of ships awaiting some repair time in Japan's docks..... but there have been developments that might put her lower down the list.... more of that when i have cleared some other moves off my list.

Stay tuned folks

Roger

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, action continues in those god-forsaken northern islands.

An interesting situation developed overnight with a force of Japanese ships attempting to stop a landing on Paramushiro Jima. They encountered a light force that was acting as decoy. The result was a bruising engagament where we have to report the CL helena was lost. However the japs did not get off 'scot free' and have been observed retiring to 'lick their wounds'. Initally the engagement was at night, but a second engament was fought in poor visibility as dawn broke.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Onnekotan Jima at 81,34

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 1
BB Musashi, Shell hits 8
BB Fuso, Shell hits 3
CA Aoba, Shell hits 9
CL Agano, Shell hits 3
CL Natori, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Maikaze
DD Arashi, Shell hits 2
DD Yugure, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Richmond, Shell hits 1
CL Helena, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Cleveland, Shell hits 4
DD Bache
DD Beale, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Strong

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Onnekotan Jima at 81,34


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 4
BB Musashi, Shell hits 8
BB Fuso, Shell hits 10
CA Aoba, Shell hits 4
CL Agano, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Natori, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Maikaze
DD Arashi, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Yugure, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Richmond, Shell hits 2
CL Helena, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
CL Cleveland, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bache, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Beale, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Strong

As you will see, the shadow force paid dearly for their defence, but held off the enemy and allowed the landing at Onnekotan Jima which was its task. This landing has been accomplished unopposed, and we expect the forces to secure the island and begin to build a base over the next 24 hours.

In a surprise move two Japanese carriers, the CV Soryu and CV Amagi were detected by our light carrier forces shielding the landings. These were attacked, but due to poor visibility and heavy flak defence no hits were scored. A retaliatory strike on our Carriers was launched and scored one hit with a 250g bomb on the CVE Nassau - damage is reported to be slight.

We have suffered significant damage in these encounters, but so have the enemy. They do not have the capacity to replace their losses.... the attrition will work in our favour. And of course, we have other plans afoot.

I expect further developments in the near future.....

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, whilst all remains quiet in our area, elsewhere a momentous moment has occurred. The first piece of Japanese territory has been taken and now has a developing airbase upon it. Despite what we assume to be the main remaining naval units the Japs have being thrown at us we have beaten them off, and have a foothold on their territory. I gather in itself is it a pretty desolate spot, but it is the first of many stepping stones towards paying the enemy back for their aggression and treachery.

I think a drink or three is in order.... the bar is open!

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, all is running smoothly, but there is little action at present. This will change but at present too much needs moving, reorganising and supplying to make major strides forward. In China Wuchow has been cleared of any enemy presence, with the remnants of two divisions being eliminated, though a few did surrender. The forces from here are now moving on Canton where lead elements have already arrived. We have identified 5 Japanese units here of indeterminate size and strength, and beyond there is Hong Kong, with two units sitting as a garrison. We expect the battle for canton to open in a matter of days. China, from being a theatre devoid of supply is now overflowing and this sets our forces up nicely to operate from here either as air support, or indeed with land units as they are shipped in via Pakhoi.

The main development has to be in the islands to the north of japan, where in a matter of a week we have established three clear bases which are growing daily as a threat to Japan. Paramashiro was assaulted by forces that had backup if necessary in the form of a full Marine Division - these proved unnecessary as the enemy caved in within 24 hours of our initial landing. A TF of enemy ships was spotted heading towards the new bases, but after a day's movement towards them the ships were observed to turn and move back to harbour on the Japanese main islands.

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, I sense a movement in some of the logjams that have been slowing up our progress. I am sure many of you are aware of my own family's history in the Army and its involvement in the Zulu wars of the last century. In particular I am sure you are aware of the 'Bull's horns' manouvre that was the standard approach of the Zulu Impis.

Well on a grand scale that is what we see developing. The Central Pacific is the head of the bull, and its horns are in the Chishima Archipelago, and also in China.

In the north we have recently disputed the air above Shikka, and recon flights have detected a strong garrison there. In the air battles the enemy decided to contest our flights and they paid a heavy price in so doing - 35 planes were destroyed by our carrier based fighters operating off the coast. Shikka airbase has been badly damaged in the process also. We expect further developments in this area soon.

In China, as foretold, the Chinese forces, growing in strength and belief in their ability to fight have stormed the defences at Canton and thrown the enemy back into Hong Kong. They have nowhere to run from here and we would expect the prize of Hong Kong to be ours in a short space of time. With complete air supremacy here we will then be able to repair and re-base our main HQ there as is fitting. Each subsequent move along the coast will then bring us closer and closer to bomber range of the Japanese islands.

At the same time we have formed a 'small' extermination force to move around and remove the rats nests that remain in our rear areas. I will keep you informed about their exploits.

I suggest you hold yourselves in readiness to debark for a new HQ in the near future gentlemen.

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, first of all might I apologise for the CinC's absence. He is already on board a plane and engaged in a delicate diplomatic task.

Chinese troops, following up the capture of Canton stormed across into Hong Kong yesterday and encountered only token resistance. Several Japanese forces actually surrendered. Hong Kong is 'ours', well at least it is no longer the Japanese who hold it. Unfortunately, within these four walls, it would have been better if they had held on a bit longer. We have a fleet arriving within a day and troops already enplaned to land at the airport later today. we just hope that the Chinese, who by themselves have taken the place back, will understand that its not theirs and they should get back on the mainland and off to their next clearance job....

Hence the sudden trip by the CinC to go and land in Hong Kong and establish again the British presence that was so rudely ejected in 1941.

Leaving aside this minor diplomatic issue the capture of the base, with most of its facilities intact leaves us well placed to roll along the coast, getting ever closer to the enemy heartlands, whilst also cutting off succour to his 50+ units engaged in the Chinese interior.

Gentlemen, I suggest you return to your billets and pack, we expect to embark for Hong Kong in the next few days.

[Roger Neilson II]

'It is indeed a pleasure to welcome the Commander of the Allied Forces in South East Asia to our humble little headquarters.... we trust you have settled into your house and have enjoyed the view over the bay?'

'Indeed sir I must thank you for your hospitality, myself and my advance staff have been made most welcome... and I look forward to the arrival of my troop convoys over the next few days to take formal control of the Colony and free your forces for their duties in China'

'General, we have not made any suggestion that we are returning the area to Colonial possession, might I remind you that you are the guests of the Chinese government on Chinese soil.'

'You may wish to view it that way at present, I assume the guests include the seven Allied battleships at harbour as well? I would suggest that as Hong Kong is a key maritime location then unless the Chinese Government can provide an equivalent guarantee of security we postpone any further discussion over who controls what until a future diplomatic mission arrives - in the meantime we will assume immediate control of the port and its hinterland.'

Both sides smile at each other with acidic looks.....

'Now sir, I must congratulate you on your magnificent campaign to wrest control of southern china from the enemy. Your troops have proved equal to the task, and with the influx of massive supplies and new equipment will surely be ready to go onto the offensive soon. Would you care to outline your next moves?'

At this the Chinese Commander nods slightly and an aide draws aside a curtain from a map to explain the current situation......

[Roger Neilson II]

'The situation is this, the enemy has two large concentrations of forces, one making a slow drive on Sian, the other on Ichang. Both will fail.'

'It seems to me that you cannot be sure of that.... just on the evidence of the situation here on the map I see your forces are significantly weaker at Ichang and not as well defended.'

'Indeed that is so my british ally, but should they take Ichang, what next? They must drive for Chungking or swing to attack Sian as well, over poor ground, with no supply routes. They are walking into a trap - indeed most of them are walking as we understand their supply position is critical.'

'Indeed sir, if that is so then this is a forlorn offensive.'

'Yes, but one we wish them to take, as our drive will now be two pronged, from Hengchow with the objective of taking Changsha, and then driving to Kaifeng and cutting them off from a line of retreat. At the same time a lesser drive will move along the coast, where we know there are smaller forces with little power. Our aim here is nothing less than Shanghai before the end of the year. Following that in the spring we will drive for Peking and their destruction will be complete.'

'And is it permitted that any of our forces might help in this endeavour?'

'That is precisely why I am outlining this to you General. If we are to achieve this then we feel it will be in your best interests also for this to succeed...'

'Please allow me a few days to confer with my commanders and we will bring forward our suggestions for some joint action on this....'

'At your leisure General... one final small request?'

'Of course'

'The guns on your battleships.... if they are protecting Hong Kong should they not be trained seawards rather than at my HQ?'

'How strange, of course, I shall see to it at once.....'

[Cuttlefish]

Funny, you'd almost think that not all of Britain's allies are completely trustworthy...

As much credit as you deserve for such a successful game, I think your opponent deserves some credit as well for hanging in there and continuing to play. As someone who usually plays Japan I often shudder in sympathy for him while reading these briefings.

[Roger Neilson II]

Indeed, he keeps hanging in there and occasionally does a really nasty number on me...... he is a great guy to fight against and the very opposite of the sort of opponent that we often read about in these forums. Sadly his work seems to be unrelenting at present so moves are few and far between.

When this one ends I hope we will have another go.....

Roger

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, two noteworthy developments, neither of major significance, but neverteheless both showing progress.

A probing attack by mainly Indian troops at Rangoon found they made good progress and pressing home have routed the Japanese from their defences there. This was the once feared 18th Division who did so much in their advance through Burma and latterly destroyed our beachhead at Moulmein. The enemy put up very little resistance, Rangoon is ours, and the enmy are now being mopped up there - the 18th Japanese Division is no longer a fighting force.

Shimishiru Jima has been taken in the Chishima Archipelago the forces landing here were Canadian and were unopposed - already engineers are landing to begin the construction of base facilities and an airstrip - our island hopping towards Japan continues.

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, two weeks since I updated you on the state of play. Today I can announce the first stage of Operation Carver.

Two days ago we commenced landings here at Amoy after week of shore bombardments and aerial bombing. In the lead the Americal division, with support from ourselves assaulted the failing Japanese defences and we took the port and its surroundings with little opposition. We have made a bit of a mess of the airfield and port so already the bulldozers are at work. This has, of course cut off the enemy based at Swatow and an assault overland on them is expected tonight. It should be possible to coastal hop like this all the way along the Chinese mainland given our total air superiority.

The enemy had been thrusting at Sian and Ichang. They have been stopped cold with horrendous casualties at Ichang, but remain there attacking with desperation. It will not fall. However, sensing perhaps the danger at Changsha from Hengchow they took advantage of their interior lines to switch the majoirty of their forces southwards. Ou forces, contesting the area to the NE of Hengchow were not to be moved, so a hook across country was executed by the majority of the enemy forces. Roughly half of their army has now arrived at Hengchow, to be met by roughly half of the Allied forces moving back from the NE. Again they will not be able to take Hengchow. Our forces still to the NE have thrown back the enemy twice now from this area to rout into Changsha, should this situation continue we could shift some forces down southwards, thus cutting his Hengchow attack from its supplies. This is an interesting stage in China.

In making this move the enemy has severely weakened his position at Homan and plans are laid to begin an assault on this city. Should it fall then a swift drive to Kaifeng and we will be carving right to the bone!

The next week should be an interesting one. Additionally the armada assembling in another area of the war is almost complete. When it moves the world will not have seen such a vast assembly of fighting power.

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, we are about to witness Operation Kraken. This is an allied operation, though our American friends are in the driving seat on this one. Our recon to date shows that Truk, which has been cut off for months is only operating as a base for the odd submarine. Satawal, Woleai, Ulithi and Yap all seem unoccupied with a moderate occupying force on Palau. The main resistance in the CentPac is at Tinian (lvl 4 airbase but small garrison) Guam (lvl 4 airbase garrison unknown)Saipan (lvl 7 airbase with 55 units on the island) and Pagan which we know nothing about at present. There are 25 plus ships in Saipan harbour. We have a clearly thought through plan for the first part Operation Kraken, and the second part Operation Wakes. We estimate the opening round will begin at any time now. We suspect just about now the Japs will detect what is heading for them.......

[Roger Neilson II]

Further developments in our area Gentlemen.

Swatow has fallen to an overland thrust from Canton - forces of India, Australia and Britain uniting in a thrust to link up with us at Amoy overland. The enemy, with no route to retire along have been forced into the hinterland and will be left to rot. The enemy forces ejected froim Amoy are retreating along the coast. Using a combination of local agents and photo recon we discovered that Foochow airfield was empty and ungarrisoned. The 3rd USMC Paras were dropped to secure the base, and as the airfield has been spared much of the damage of local bases we are already flying in support personnel and strengthening our hold on it. We assume that our enemy will not leave key bases undefended in future and our progress to Wenchow may be a bloody one. Our forces north east of Hengchow have yet again repulsed an attack from Changsha. We estimate that there are around 150,000 troops holding Changsha, though many of them have been beaten back in recent battles and may have poor morale and readiness to fight. Their supply situation cannot be good either. One does wonder how much the Japanese forces in China now resemble a house of cards?

Further north there has been a major strategic gain. Our forces, having taken Homan are in pursuit of the feeling enemy (40,000 or so we think) and have managed to swing round and cut the key crossroads between Homan, Kaifeng, Hsinyang and Chengting. This has major advantages for us and deprives the enemy of his interior lines advantage.

If we look at the map, and remember that at Ichang there are over 30 combat units not making a dent on our defences, I am reminded of Cannae, but on a massive scale.

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, trouble in northern china must be reported!

No, please do not look concerned, its not our trouble but that of the Japanese!

Forces breaking out from Homan have managed to overtake and surround the 36,000 troops retreating from this area. They are cut off and about to be dealt a final blow. Additionally, as you will see from the situation map Chinese forces are within a day's march of Hsinyang and Kaifeng. Both of these appear to have minimal base forces holding them. Significantly this means that the forces investing Ichang could well be cut off within a few days and 31 units of the Japanese Empire will have nowhere to go, and no supply line. should we take Tsingtao and Haichow the Japanese forces will be cut off from any retreat other than into Shanghai.

Of Operation Kraken, no combat to report as yet, though I gather that the first news of its progress is close at hand.

[Roger Neilson II]

Gentlemen, China is fascinating.

The enemy has realised his predicament and is attempting to both pull back from his extended positions and redeploy to face our threats. His forces at Hengchow are cut off and he is trying, so far without any success to punch a retreat line to Changsha. His thrust on Ichnag has gone into reverse and his forces are falling back on Hsingyang with a view to either attempting to stall our thrust towards Tsingtao or to push down more forces to try to relieve his Hengchow pocket. We shall see how it develops. He has also withdrawn from Yenen and we have reoccupied it. Meanwhile Commonwealth forces continue to drive on Wenchow having routed his attack at Foochow.

Our plans maintain their shape, and the speed of the advance is continuing. It will though in this situation, be a clear advantage to the side who gets to key areas first to hold them.

South East of Homan the remnants of three crack Japanese divisions are about to be annihilated.

[Roger Neilson II]

Ah yes Gentlemen, I forgot to update you on Operation Kraken. To date it has been very much an anticlimax. Satwal and Wolei have been taken without any resistance. Carrier forces are now patrolling in poor weather off Palau and Truk in the expectation of the destruction of any enemy shipping remaining in those areas. Other CVs are at both Satwal and Wolei providing cover until the airbases there are fully operational. Saipan remains a threat - though one which has a 'cordon sanitaire' to its north and west.