1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner

[1275psi]

Private Ado could still smell the death at the causway.

What bravery -what cheek!

How could you not but admire the bridge.
6 tanks driven into the gap in the causeway -already rusting in the salt sea -the two huge trees layed across them, and the 100 odd planks forming the roadway -all assembled under fire and smaoke.
But as he approached the bridge -he could see how effective the transports would have been in shielding the engineers, their steel sides towering high enough even now at low tide.

It must have almost been exhilarating to drive those ships at speed down the channel, and to drive them aground at full speed..........

But he was still glad he missed it.

Ado found his company with some difficulty -and took his ribbings well over his wound.
There was little to do it seemd at the moment -keep your head down, conserve supplies, report enemy actions.

And hope the bombers did not miss again.

[1275psi]

From the combat diary of Gen Kawabe -burma command

........................ so poor 4th is hanging on, 4 battalions against them at the moment.
Too committed to retreat, too weak to attack.............
..........I just hope that I am sucking troops south, invading India is the only way i can see that i can get through to mandalaby, unless of..................

[1275psi]

9/1/42
Another concentrated effort by the japanese air force at Singapore -a combined total of 180 sallies, and 62 Lillies bombing the City -but not with out loss -14 bombers going down, and over 60 reported non servicable at days end

In Northen Sumutra, troops occupied Medan -capturing another oil field intact

japanese high command ordered Singapore forces to conduct an attack -mostly to judge the forces facing them.

[1275psi]

Flight log
Lt yamato
98th sentai

13 bomber mission -target again singapore
largest formation ever flown in -and it was ragged -very poor discipline by the rookies.
results very good -31 hits reported on enemy field

Flack terrible, squadron lost 6 planes today -6!

Violent arguments on field on return with senior officers involved - support facilities terribly overstretched, talk of withdrawing some planes to bangkok, I hope that means us!

[1275psi]

private Ado peered over the edge of his hole in the ground

Some 50 metres away was the objective -a row of destroyed warehouses, and some residential buildings.
Artillery was slowly demolishing it -but Ado feared, not really hurting the bunkers they knew were nestled in amongst them.

Tomorrow they would have to take those bunkers.
there would be no flag waving crowds if they did this time.

private Ado was a soldier. he would do his duty. Tomorrow they would take the warehouses

[1275psi]

Capt Takeda was impressed.

From the Bridge of the Yamarishio he could see a long way -and the sight was very impressive

His 4 battlewagons would greatly add to the congestion here at cagayan -where almost countless numbers of APs and AKs were tied up in rows -all busily loading troops. He could see at least 4 more battle wagons in the bay -2 kongo class, and solid in the background haze the 2 nagatos.

Takagi was here too -2 CVLs and a little CVE. he could not see the CA's that he knew to be here -lost in the crush of shipping.

Overhead some Claude and Nate fighters circled - and to the east the crump of bombs could be heard - fighting seemed to be continuing.

" Quite a sight" he commetted to the OOW " I did not know we had this many merchants"
" Nor I sir -but we are a maritime power -one would expect this i suppose" the OOW paused, then posed the question on every ones mind
"Yes -it will be an honour to protect them -do you think the british will try to stop this fleet?"
Capt Takeda truly heart felt his reply
he was tired of pesky bombers
tired of shore bombardments
tired of mines, and submarine alerts

he was a battleship captain, trained to fight a battleship war.
" I truly hope Leutenant, I truly hope the Prince of wales tries"

[1275psi]

10/1/42
25th and 15th Army on this day launched their first detirmined attempt to capture Singapore.
In a day of fierce fighting, they gained very little ground, and suffered heavily
Some 2000 casualties were reported, but some 3000 allied soldiers were also victims of the close in fighting at the approaches to the british naval facilities.

But clearly the attack had failed this day. recriminations would be quick -today the air force had been notable by its abscence -grounded by"adverse weather"
For the soldiers on the ground, battling in blazing sunshine -it was hard to imagine fields closed by rain to the North of the peninsula.
However, the air was clear over rangoon, where zeros again taught the British fighters the art of dogfighting

Hudsons from Rabual -still unmolested by the Japanese (a fact that surely now must be filling the allies with wonder) hit several AKs at Kavieng, where an airfield was slowly taking shape.

Japanese marines began the process of siezing a series of sights for future airfields on the Northern coast of PNG, a very large proportion of engineers available had been assigned to this task.

And the last, main event -the sailing of the 2nd phase invasion fleet from Cagayan firmly got under way.
3 divisions, on some 90 transports, escorted by some 5 task forces of Cruisers, 2CVLs, a CVE, some 8 battleships steamed south west, as simultanously another very large convoy, again covered by many cruisers and destroyers began loading at Ambonia 5 SNLF/NLF units -target Kupang.

[1275psi]

Lgen Mutaguchi listened silently as his brigade commanders gave their reports.
They were not good, and filled him with doubt and worry -and to his regret, shame.

The attack had initially gone well -the division had siezed the warehouse complex quickly, as planned.
But the next phase, the swing to the right, to support 16th division -had not gone forward, and from all accounts, Lgen Oda's men had been hit hard in the flank, fallen back.

The allies had retaken the warehouses in a very bloody attack.

50 squads disabled!
and 117 for Oda!

Why -he asked -had 16th divison not been supported?
And the silence from his commanders condemned him.
It was obvious -they knew, had been led by his distaste of the little toad -and let this sway their proffessional conduct of the battle.

"We must do better " the silence stretched " We owe 16th division an apology - we are fighting the British -not the 16th"

the silence stretched
"Dismissed"
There was nothing else to say

[1275psi]

From
General Hada
to
Herbiesan

Initial attack on Singapore fortress has gone in
reports good
More casualties inflicted than sustained, enemy fortifications reported as very well developed, but not completely finished.

Good progress from 15th Army, 25th Army somewhat hung up.
Awaiting 3 tank regiments from peninsula before continuing attack.


..........................was extremely dissapointed with lack of air support today -and 16th division was very clumsy.
regret failure of the attack herbiesan - i still say that a mid Febuary finish is achievable.........

[1275psi]

Private Ado had survived

The initial attack was terrifying -the Company commander though had filled them with fighting spirit -and the charge had put the Indians opposite them to flight.

then had begun an exhausting day - running messages from the company HQ in the warehouse to the batalion HQ -a very dangerous job, dodging the artillery.

For most of the day the fighting semed to be going well - until about mid afternoon, when upon returning towards the warehouse, the totally unexpected sight of tall slouch hat wearing Australians had confronted him.

He'd escaped by the skin of his teeth -something had obviously gone wrong - company HQ overrun!

Now , as he rested in his original trench, he had to smile at the irony of it all.
he'd travelled from the top of the world to fight for this island, and now he'd finally met some soldiers -from the very bottom of the world -who appeared willing to contest it.

[1275psi]

11/1/42
The first seroius japanese mistake of the war unfolded at Lucena in the Phillipines.
In an effort to distract and divide the allied forces defending the "triangle" of manilla, Clarke and bataan, the plan had been to land a SNLF by fast transport here to the south.

The plan was good, the execution terrible - too few troops had been assigned, even fewer actually loaded, and the enemy were waiting.
300 japanese marines were destroyed on the beaches.

160 sallies hit singapore -and the Flack clawed 16 from the skies -the attrition was now seriously affecting the strength of the bomber forces -another 2 weeks of this, and the bomber force would be in seroius trouble.

The alies entered Bugiuo in the central phillipines in force -3 regiments and tanks, and some 4 regiments were reported at lingayan -battle being joined with the 65th brigade.
The situation here stood on a knife edge.

Eleswhere all seemed quiet

[1275psi]

RADM Takagi had much on his plate.

never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would have had such a force to co ordinate, or such a task

Stretched over 20 squre miles, the armada sailed steadily south west.
The way ahead would be difficult -and much would depend on both his skill -and the enemy reaction.

Questions filled his mind
Was the ambiona force in place? -was it loading?
Had the bombers from Morotio hit Kendari yet -was it nuetralised?
Were the fields at ambiona operating?

Would his 2 CVL be enough ? -what if the British did have carriers in the area -or what if the American ones turned up?

How do you manouver 100 plus ships in such a narrow ocean?

So many questions, so few answers.
But there was one question he knew the answer too - how Capt takeda would be feeling right now.
Not happy
His orders were simple
"Upon reaching point xy -you are to detach and proceed to kendari -and concentrate your BB guns upon shore defences. Do not retire"

[1275psi]

Lt Yamato -98th heavy sentai..........
In his Bunk -contemplating tomorrows orders...........


...............my back is simply too sore -I cannot handle the controls............
.....justified in my mind...............crew to think of..............
THE FLAK, THE FLAK, God -the FlaK.................


(moral of 98th sentai at 23!)

[1275psi]

!2/1/42
A relatively quiet day in the pacific today
At Singapore both sides settled into artillery exchanges –the allies obviously confident of their ammunition supplies.
The Japanese somewhat concerned over theirs.
The gathering of transports at Ambiona finally came to the attention of the Australians –hudsons from Darwin launching several in effectual raids

Further landings took place on the PNG coast.
The war seemingly was taking a breath before the next clash.





From
Minister of production
To
Herbiesan

Sir,
Your worshipness, oh greatness, ect, ect, ect

Sir,
I must again make representation on the Nakajima production. Orders for air frames currently greatly exceed production –and even with new emergency expansion, we are going to fall well short of requirements until mid May at least.
Again I ask for guidance of the heavy bomber development – do we really require such a bomber?

Production of Carriers continues to be a problem – again your requirement to complete the 3rd yamato –let alone completing these 2 battleships, is placing a strain on resources –especially that of welders and welding rods.
Again I seek advice.

Extract of personal note attached to formal letter,

……………… the special contracts have been awarded, and I have used the usual Swiss accounts. They are climbing over each other for contracts, the smaller ship building companies especially, we ………………………




Extract from Burma HQ combat diary….

The 4th is holding on well –british seem to be reluctant to counter attack –I think they place little faith in their raw recruits –and the Indians are very poor troops –or poorly led. 33rd division is actually making good progress, and the weather is helping the airforce –fighters overhead fill one with confidence……….



13/1/42
All over the expanding boundries of the empire the guns spoke.
At Madieon 35th brigade faced a well dug in dutch force
In China, fighting continued at Hangchow, Sinyang, and Canton

In Malaya the Japanese army attempted to recover, and hung on grimly in the central phillipines.




From the Diary of Herbiesan

…………….to say the least. The whole “lets invade the back door of China “ proposal was a bust. Now I have to get 38th, 4th division out of that mess, and back to the Phillipines ASAP.

Hada is a fool. I must be rid of him
I think Yammato’s suggestion of LGEN Sawada is solid.
He was very helpful in the coup, I owe him.
Must talk to my friend in the Production ministry –the political cost of removing Hada could be high………………



ADM Yammato carefully considered the signal before him.
Nagumo would be home in a week or so –and would require new pilots, new planes. The Pearl raid had come at cost.
Problem was –there were planes available –but pilots?
35 pilots needed.
2 months worth!
Would Herbiesan require KB before March?. How would he react when he heard that the vaunted rapier of the KB was already going blunt?

He –Yammato, would have to watch carefully that that Army fool of a dictator did not rashly waste the only real weapon and shield that Japan had .
35 Pilots. 2 months. Long war. The facts kept churning through his mind.

Order of the Day
98th Bomber sentai
Brave flyers!
Your efforts have severly damaged the enemy, trapped in the killing fields of “fortress Singapore”
However –to allow a final, crushing blow to be delivered, we stand down to allow repairs and rest.
Our Air fleet will prevail!
Banzia!




14/1/42
Tactically it was just a sentence in the log book on the Akagi

“Intercepted 2 AOs, 1 pg, 60 miles south of present position, sank same using ready aircraft –no losses experienced”
Continued Westward, nil other action or contacts.

KB had been unmasked, the great trap had failed to catch its quarry.
And Tokyo was still 10 days away.

Eleswhere the southern operations began to swing into gear –large numbers of betty bombers striking Kendari in a very effective raid.
Davao was occupied, wewak and hollandia as well


In Command HQ –as word of KB’s discovery came in

#$#%^&%$# and (*&^%&* and !@#$%$#!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Captain Umeya of the Hosho was tickled pink.

“detach to position 60 miles south west of current position, and complete destruction of tankers, then proceed independently to Ominato”
Proceed by oneself to the tankers, that just happen to be there- a case of bait being sent to investigate other bait?
Ironic.
Still –the Hosho –a strike carrier! –amusing.




Capt Takeda paced his bridge on the Yamishiro.
Around him, all over the ship, the look outs studiously studied the sky, the sea all around.
These were narrow waters, and that could only mean one thing –submarines. And although there were almost 100 other ships in the area, meaning plenty of other targets, who could deny that no submarine captain would not choose a BB over a troop carrier.
So all were tense.
Tomorrow would be worse.
Even though Takagi was valiantly trying to maintain a CAP, all now knew how the war was going –the bombers always it seemed –got through.
Always.
Tomorrow, Takeda knew –must bring the B17s.
It was not turning out to be the battleship war he had dreamed about.

[bbbf]

As you know from our game, the G5N is a lovely ASW aircraft!
 
It is well worth the cost to have some high experience squadrons floating around - Betty's and Nell's lose some of their sting as the Allied airforces improve in numbers and quality.

[1275psi]

Hi mate!
yes, orrible things -pearl hbr no safe place for a ss!
do you really think it will fall this week or not?[:'(]

anyway, back to this war:




15/1/41

Just 26 sallies –those of the 98th sentai sortied over Singapore today, and the attacks were not pressed
Japan was now beginning to deploy newly raised bomber divisions to the phillipines –these struck at Manilla port - sinking several AKs there

Davao fell to a small company of soldiers – the company simply landed at the jetties –marched to the city hall –and demanded the surrender of the city.
This was duly given –and then the mayor and his council –and the majority of the troops involved simply went inside –and got fall down drunk

The little Hosho hunted for aother tankers today –failed to locate them –and returned home –following the now revealed KB back to Japan

The Kendari invasion fleet was spotted some 3 days steaming north east of its target.



Flight Log Lt Yamato
98th sentai

Missions 14
Target Singapore
Small formation, no escort.
Whole flight a shambles –returned home –low oil pressure port engine.
Mechanics say could not find anything wrong with it.
Fronted Squadron commander –he accepted my version of the story.




Radm Takagi on board the Zuiho felt himself slowly going mad

For the seemingly 100th time the lights flashed across from his signal deck to some grubby little merchant ship –maintain formation –make less smoke –or –why are you falling behind!
Station keeping, look outs, discipline –such foreign terms to these so called captains!

Even with the 30 odd destroyers available for this op they were hard pressed just keeping this great herd of ships together –heaven help them if the allies turned up!

The dangerous bit would begin today –Kendari to the west –hopefully being suppressed by the Ambionia bombers –But Lueturn and Kupang to the south –and the big base at Darwin as well.
He watched the latest Claude clear his deck –how in adequate this plane was proving –especially against the giant B17’s. He needed Zeros . All so worrying!
But here was something to smile about.
In magnificent line ahead Takeda’s battleships were coming through the fleet – a man who truly appreciated the theatre these ships would be to the crews around them.
A light flashed from Yamishiro’s bridge

“Am detaching as ordered to Kendari. Only 14 inches is adequate for this job”



From general Homa
Phillipines
To
Herbiesan

Again Sir, I appeal for the troops you promised me.
I can, and will hold the gains I have made so far –but the enemy grows in strength and confidence.
I promise an early victory –if given the troops………………


From herbiesan
To general hada

Pray tell me –where are my weekly briefs?, or are you so ashamed of your progress that you seek to avoid reporting to me?
Failure in this Government, under my rule, is not an option.
Nor is with holding information –I thus require full updates no later than tomorrow!

Your leader
herbiesan

[1275psi]

Brief point summary of the week as presented to herbiesan


Northern climes
Our forces continue to quietly occupy and consolidate in the Alutiens.
Many of the islands seem deserted, and a novel form of occupation is proposed, utilising Mavis flying boats and the 3rd yokahama SNLF unit.
Awaiting a recon of suitable landing sights prior to undertaking this operation


Marshalls and Gilberts

Construction of fortifications continue slowly –the emplacement of the 4th coastal gun unit on tarwana has been achieved. No enemy sightings at all.
Phospahate mining on narua has started

Truk
Occupation of PNG coast line continues, and construction of the string of airfields continues.
Little sign enemy has moved into the solomons, PM or rabual

Our Submarines have failed to make any contact in area around Noumea

Burma
Stalled –as planned, enemy occupied by forces, and seem intent to hold us.
Our actions must indicate an India invasion –as planned.

Malaya
Singapore shall fall –we still predict a mid febuary capitulation – we advise that once Kendari forces have completed current mission –they are used to crush Singapore –this will achieve an important objective –the gathering of 8 full divisions, and shipping, and escorts, all in the one location.

Sumutra
Attack held at madieon.
No problem so far –the Kendari forces will help clear this up on schedule

Phillipines
Additional forces enroute here.
Invasion will resume plan shortly

Home islands
Shortages of nakajima engines, and naval ship production.
Oil levels sat, resources falling.
First oil shipments loading at Palembang –resources not yet secured satisfactorily
Estimated reserves -3 months still with out replenishment.
Merchant losses stand at about 10 vessels all up.

[1275psi]

16/1/42
The japanese 2nd phase of operations swung into gear with heavy Navy bombing raids of Kendari -65 delivering a deadly blow to the field there.
Shortly after Midday Capt. Takeda's 4 battleships swung into view, and shortly afterwards commenced the deadly demolition of the haphazard defences of the port.
A sledge hammer was being used against the walnut

Allied response was sparodic -flights of heavy B17s attacking from Darwin -seemingly immune from the japanese fighters opposing them -they bombed from 17000 feet -hitting reefs, a sandbar, and the local brothel -a telling blow.


Eleswhere the Japnese Navy introduced newly raised Betty squadrons to the war with bombing of Manilla port -the results were slight.

[1275psi]

Although Capt Takeda lusted after his battleship engagement, he could not feel anything but pride at the end of the day.
His Squadron was working beautifully, the staff work was good, and all knew exactly what had to be done - he had been reduced almost to that of spectator.

0900
destroyers detach - sweeping ahead for mines, enemy PT boats

0930
launch first float plane recon

1000
confirmation of targets -observe airstrike going in

1030
load main battery -GP shells

1046
target identified -enemy observation post
1047
ranging salvoes
1051
commence battery fire
1054
cease fire
1101
enemy battery fires at Fuso -misses
1114
Enemy battery engaged -15 salvoes fired
1121
cease fire
1130
recover first seaplane
1137
launch second flight
1143
Commence general bombardment of enemy airfield, buildings and revements


And so it had gone
A good day -little resistance, and no annoying air attacks - reports that some bombers had attacked a sandbar to the east -and Takagi was being annoyed -but here - a fabulous day of gunnery training.
A day to be proud off. By the time the troops arrived, there would be little to resist them.

[1275psi]

Radm Takagi listened very carefully to his pilot

The young man before him was clearly agitated and almost as frustrated as he was -but being in command he knew he must not show it.
But the youngster had no such concern as he told his tail of woe

" A full magazine, every single bullet went into the beast -and i don't think he even wobbled"
"every one?"
"Everyone!"
"Where did you hit it?" - this the RADM knew was important
"Every bloody where...............sir"
He smiled. "Calm down young man - I know you hit them -its frustrating I know -we do not , I do not blame you. We need harder hitting planes. The Claude is no good, wait until you get a zero"
The young man controlled himself with difficulty
"yes sir"


The day had been frustrating -3 times today the B17s had flown overhead -3 times his fighters had intercepted them, they were good pilots, and all credit for even making the intercept -but it was like flies trying to divert an elephant -the bombers had simply come on -bombed -and gone home
No hits -yet -but they must occur -simply too many targets.
Takagi thought of his flight deck - and tried to picture one of those 500 lbers hitting it.

not a pleasant thought.