Private Ado to cursed the city -and wondered when it would fall.
But unlike the pilots who so brilliantly were paving the way -he could sense -and see the progress they were making.
His Recon unit was now at the very spear of the attack, 6 men -fighting almost as one.
They were in the outer city limits now -street fighting.
6 men -who only a year ago were still really boys -now fought with a courage and skill that was steadily pushing the british back before them
Already this night the unit had successfully out flanked defencive positions twice.
The tactic was simple. Jungle or city block. Pin the defender at the front
Pound it with arms -and send 2, or 3, or even 4 flanking units. Get behind them. drive them out.
There was no anger now. No rage. Just cool proffessional fighting.
They would win
They had the guns, they had the ammo, they had the food and supplies
yes, they would win.
1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
From
LGEN Sawada
to
Herbiesan
be pleased to report that 25th Hq reports enemy defences now at half strength
We will NOT, repeat, not now require the soerabaya divisions there.
I believe the Minister of production has talked to you about the China front?
Again I ask that we...................
LGEN Sawada
to
Herbiesan
be pleased to report that 25th Hq reports enemy defences now at half strength
We will NOT, repeat, not now require the soerabaya divisions there.
I believe the Minister of production has talked to you about the China front?
Again I ask that we...................
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
22/2/42
The bombers continue over singapore, 100 plus.
68 oscars sweep from Rangoon, target Mandalaby
Today sees the first serious clash of the war between British and Japanese fighters, 18 Hurricanes and 11 Buffalo's rising to challenge
The british attempt to dog fight -and pay, 17 go down for no loss.
The british will withdraw from the area after today, shocked by the losses inflicted.
The general cherishes every one of his pilots, he won't throw them away for no gain.
Also in Burma, Meiktila is taken, and the advance north continues.
The bombers continue over singapore, 100 plus.
68 oscars sweep from Rangoon, target Mandalaby
Today sees the first serious clash of the war between British and Japanese fighters, 18 Hurricanes and 11 Buffalo's rising to challenge
The british attempt to dog fight -and pay, 17 go down for no loss.
The british will withdraw from the area after today, shocked by the losses inflicted.
The general cherishes every one of his pilots, he won't throw them away for no gain.
Also in Burma, Meiktila is taken, and the advance north continues.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
The terms toad, and pig, had flowed freely in the tent
LTGEN Mutaguchi's voice had risen to a loud and angry pitch, laced with menace
"18th Div WIll lead the attack"
LGen Oda , however, would not yield
"no, 16th will, your men are tired, mine are not, therefore".....
he never saw the blow delivered by the clenched fist of the considerably larger Yamaguchi, collapsing into an untidy pile onto the tents floor.
Unfortunately for him, the only men in the tent other than Yamaguchi were 18th div staff.
" The big general towered over the form on the floor, then took in his men with a baneful glare
" LGEN Oda has been overcome with battle fatigue -please take him to the rear. 18th division will lead the attack"
In such a manner 25th Army corps was lead into the final battles.
Victory would caver all sins, but the seeds of disaster were not now only sown, but were positivley sprouting.
LTGEN Mutaguchi's voice had risen to a loud and angry pitch, laced with menace
"18th Div WIll lead the attack"
LGen Oda , however, would not yield
"no, 16th will, your men are tired, mine are not, therefore".....
he never saw the blow delivered by the clenched fist of the considerably larger Yamaguchi, collapsing into an untidy pile onto the tents floor.
Unfortunately for him, the only men in the tent other than Yamaguchi were 18th div staff.
" The big general towered over the form on the floor, then took in his men with a baneful glare
" LGEN Oda has been overcome with battle fatigue -please take him to the rear. 18th division will lead the attack"
In such a manner 25th Army corps was lead into the final battles.
Victory would caver all sins, but the seeds of disaster were not now only sown, but were positivley sprouting.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
extract of letter from a certain factory owner in Canton to the Minister of production
..............therefore we humbly insist that the new rates of "encouragement" are paid by yourself as soon as possible. Until that time I regret to say we are unable to make any deliveries of arms or supplies due to "difficulties". Also regret deeply that the delivery of oils and fuels and resources will not be accepted at the price set. You need the weapons more than we ned you my friend, your threats are hollow and ....................
..............therefore we humbly insist that the new rates of "encouragement" are paid by yourself as soon as possible. Until that time I regret to say we are unable to make any deliveries of arms or supplies due to "difficulties". Also regret deeply that the delivery of oils and fuels and resources will not be accepted at the price set. You need the weapons more than we ned you my friend, your threats are hollow and ....................
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Diary of herbiesan
Supreme dictator
So, Singapore is soon to fall, and I now have 3 divisions freed up from Soerabaya.
All goes well. Then Minister of no production - can I really trust that man? -comes in today and throws me a hand grenade.
Production issues he says.
Shortages of heavy industry he says
Cut backs he says -cut backs in time of war for Heavens sake!
If this upsets the grand plan I will be seriuosly upset............
Supreme dictator
So, Singapore is soon to fall, and I now have 3 divisions freed up from Soerabaya.
All goes well. Then Minister of no production - can I really trust that man? -comes in today and throws me a hand grenade.
Production issues he says.
Shortages of heavy industry he says
Cut backs he says -cut backs in time of war for Heavens sake!
If this upsets the grand plan I will be seriuosly upset............
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
23/2/42
Sonias attack the port of singapore this day -finishing any shipping to be found in the harbour, whilst 18th division formed up to lead the final assualts upon the city.
History does not record LGEN Oda's response to the "command disagreement, but 16th division went into reserve on this day, the bulk of the attack to be carried by the 5th army corp and 18th division.
In Soeabraya the troops there began to load onto the transports. On paper 3 divisions were now available to redeploy, a closer examination would have seen 3 very tired groups of soldiers -weary, disrupted, and very low in moral.
In no way would their commanders committed them to a new attack at this time - but nobody was ever to ask them........................
Sonias attack the port of singapore this day -finishing any shipping to be found in the harbour, whilst 18th division formed up to lead the final assualts upon the city.
History does not record LGEN Oda's response to the "command disagreement, but 16th division went into reserve on this day, the bulk of the attack to be carried by the 5th army corp and 18th division.
In Soeabraya the troops there began to load onto the transports. On paper 3 divisions were now available to redeploy, a closer examination would have seen 3 very tired groups of soldiers -weary, disrupted, and very low in moral.
In no way would their commanders committed them to a new attack at this time - but nobody was ever to ask them........................
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Radm Takeda considered the plans laid out to him
With Takagi now enroute back to Japan, he had been given command of all the forces (minus the 3 divisions returned to southern command) -charged with the siezure of the remaining DEI territories.
Theforces available were not great. 35th brigade, 5 naval guard units. A couple of construction units.
No bombers
Some zeros though
but he still had his 2 BBs, and 2 other old BBs. And tanaka's 8 CA's -them only temporary.
so, once again, obviously he would have to be mobile artillery.
But first things first. Balikapapan - and the nest of PT boats infesting it.
What he would need was some DDs, and a CL.
yes, some to be had at -where/, ah yes -kendari
Fuelled?
NO!
no?
NO!. but enroute to there sir.
mmmmmmmm
never mind the delay. We need the rest. Let the zeros go to work first.
With Takagi now enroute back to Japan, he had been given command of all the forces (minus the 3 divisions returned to southern command) -charged with the siezure of the remaining DEI territories.
Theforces available were not great. 35th brigade, 5 naval guard units. A couple of construction units.
No bombers
Some zeros though
but he still had his 2 BBs, and 2 other old BBs. And tanaka's 8 CA's -them only temporary.
so, once again, obviously he would have to be mobile artillery.
But first things first. Balikapapan - and the nest of PT boats infesting it.
What he would need was some DDs, and a CL.
yes, some to be had at -where/, ah yes -kendari
Fuelled?
NO!
no?
NO!. but enroute to there sir.
mmmmmmmm
never mind the delay. We need the rest. Let the zeros go to work first.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
CVL Zuiho left Formosa island steadily in her wake, and steamed on towards japan
Radm Takagi observed the fighter in front of him with a keen eye.
So this was the zero. It looked good in his hanger, and the mechanics seemed to be having little trouble assembling them. Zuiho was now a far more lethal weapon, he would be very pleased to keep her in his task force once he assumed command of CARDIV3.
Where would Yammato send them then?
Radm Takagi observed the fighter in front of him with a keen eye.
So this was the zero. It looked good in his hanger, and the mechanics seemed to be having little trouble assembling them. Zuiho was now a far more lethal weapon, he would be very pleased to keep her in his task force once he assumed command of CARDIV3.
Where would Yammato send them then?
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
24/2/42
Japanese SS are in action off Sydney today -missing a convoy.
The heavy bombers continue to pound away at Singapore -and the attack continues to grind inwards - further vital defence points being siezed -including, finally, the reservoir.
On this day LGEN Yamamato of 15 th Army was able to report to Southern Command that further reinforcements would not be necessary.
At the same time, ADM Yammato began to again aquire the shipping necessary to move 7 divisions, and to begin sending it to Singapore.
Even now, he -and many of the high command,still believed that the original plan would still be followed. But events leading to the great crises that would strike the empire in less than a months time -were now well and truly underway................
Japanese SS are in action off Sydney today -missing a convoy.
The heavy bombers continue to pound away at Singapore -and the attack continues to grind inwards - further vital defence points being siezed -including, finally, the reservoir.
On this day LGEN Yamamato of 15 th Army was able to report to Southern Command that further reinforcements would not be necessary.
At the same time, ADM Yammato began to again aquire the shipping necessary to move 7 divisions, and to begin sending it to Singapore.
Even now, he -and many of the high command,still believed that the original plan would still be followed. But events leading to the great crises that would strike the empire in less than a months time -were now well and truly underway................
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
All of China the scene was repeated
Small squads of secret service men -often backed up by regular infantry , burst into the homes of industrialists -grabbing the occupants -and with out mercy or care over who saw them -murdered the occupants.
The Minister of Production -was "solving the industry crises"
Here and there -especially in the cities nearest to the front -canton in particular - the industrialists heard of the coming storm -and fought back.
Local warlords -some loyal to Japan -some to the industrialists -some to China -many to themselves - clashed with the Japanese infantry.
From North to south, the cities seethed.
And the factories remained quiet -no longer producing anything -for anyone.
Small squads of secret service men -often backed up by regular infantry , burst into the homes of industrialists -grabbing the occupants -and with out mercy or care over who saw them -murdered the occupants.
The Minister of Production -was "solving the industry crises"
Here and there -especially in the cities nearest to the front -canton in particular - the industrialists heard of the coming storm -and fought back.
Local warlords -some loyal to Japan -some to the industrialists -some to China -many to themselves - clashed with the Japanese infantry.
From North to south, the cities seethed.
And the factories remained quiet -no longer producing anything -for anyone.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Captain Umeya was -despite it all, a Happy man
This was war -and yet again, he had been able to get home to see his wife, his family, and his boat.
But now he was back for the business
Tokyo harbour was very, very busy -filled with the ships of the Mobile fleet.
Planes filled the air -his little air group among them.
Over against one wharf lay the great hulking shapes of 2 super battleships - the only jarring note in the scene -both were obviously not being worked upon at the moment.
Mobile fleet -and again he knew what his role would be -bait again.
But would "Sir Robin" rise to such a fly?
he doubted it.
This was war -and yet again, he had been able to get home to see his wife, his family, and his boat.
But now he was back for the business
Tokyo harbour was very, very busy -filled with the ships of the Mobile fleet.
Planes filled the air -his little air group among them.
Over against one wharf lay the great hulking shapes of 2 super battleships - the only jarring note in the scene -both were obviously not being worked upon at the moment.
Mobile fleet -and again he knew what his role would be -bait again.
But would "Sir Robin" rise to such a fly?
he doubted it.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Combat diary
Gen Kawabe
Burma Command
.................how in the hell has 21 brigade gotten lost AGAIN!!!!!!!!!.
Cannot its commander follow a MAP!!!!!!. I relieve him of Command immediately!!!
Send him a sword -now!............
(21 brigade movement bug -into the jungle -again[:)])
Gen Kawabe
Burma Command
.................how in the hell has 21 brigade gotten lost AGAIN!!!!!!!!!.
Cannot its commander follow a MAP!!!!!!. I relieve him of Command immediately!!!
Send him a sword -now!............
(21 brigade movement bug -into the jungle -again[:)])
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
The war almost seemed to draw breath, as the assualt troops rested for the final assualts
From many places transports were headed to singapore in anticipation of new deployments
Over the city, the bombers continued to drop their loads -little resistance now to the missions.
And the navy continued to plan its next moves, 4 BB, 8 CA filling soerabaya harbour now -and finally with fuel.
From many places transports were headed to singapore in anticipation of new deployments
Over the city, the bombers continued to drop their loads -little resistance now to the missions.
And the navy continued to plan its next moves, 4 BB, 8 CA filling soerabaya harbour now -and finally with fuel.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Lt Yamato of the 98th sentai sat quietly in the crude mess.
the food in front of him had little attraction today
carefully he observed the faces sharing the table -and did a quiet stocktake.
16 new faces since the start of the war. Almost 30% replacements.
In 3 months.
At this rate, the odds were stacking up.
the food in front of him had little attraction today
carefully he observed the faces sharing the table -and did a quiet stocktake.
16 new faces since the start of the war. Almost 30% replacements.
In 3 months.
At this rate, the odds were stacking up.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
RADM Takeda collapsed exhausted into his chair
He had just conducted an exhausting set of rounds -carefully examining every nook and crany -and a BB had many
But even more carefully he had inspected the men.
The results were good.
very good.
Moral remained high. despite the lack of surface action -the knowledeg that these men had helped to pave the way for so many successful landings -had kept them bouyed.
They were still keen for more.
To gain the final victories.
All seemed convinced
The war was but won.
He had just conducted an exhausting set of rounds -carefully examining every nook and crany -and a BB had many
But even more carefully he had inspected the men.
The results were good.
very good.
Moral remained high. despite the lack of surface action -the knowledeg that these men had helped to pave the way for so many successful landings -had kept them bouyed.
They were still keen for more.
To gain the final victories.
All seemed convinced
The war was but won.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
26/2/42
Even as the fortress of Singapore shrank in size yet again, and the troops at Soerabaya continued to try to regather strength, the third great Imperial conference on the strategy for the way ahead took place
It was not a formal affair -starting almost by chance
Adm Yammato had just emerged from conference with Herbiesan, when The Minister of production caught him.
had he heard about the situation in China?
There was now heavy fighting in Nanching, Kuikiang,hankow,sinyang,kaifeng, yangku -the situation"was serious"
How many divisions were slated to be released back to the Burma front?
2?
That left at least 6 -more than enough for Noumea, and PM.
But what if the enemy did not fight for the solomons -how long did Yammato expect to fight with out China's industry backing up Japans?
And then came the play - if The minister of production could release some home units from Home command -say an extra division for operations to the south -for siezing PM at the least -would it be possible to place some of Southern Commands divisions back into China on a temporary basis -say -a month?
And thus , the great plan promptly ran off the tracks -and headed towards disaster.
Even as the fortress of Singapore shrank in size yet again, and the troops at Soerabaya continued to try to regather strength, the third great Imperial conference on the strategy for the way ahead took place
It was not a formal affair -starting almost by chance
Adm Yammato had just emerged from conference with Herbiesan, when The Minister of production caught him.
had he heard about the situation in China?
There was now heavy fighting in Nanching, Kuikiang,hankow,sinyang,kaifeng, yangku -the situation"was serious"
How many divisions were slated to be released back to the Burma front?
2?
That left at least 6 -more than enough for Noumea, and PM.
But what if the enemy did not fight for the solomons -how long did Yammato expect to fight with out China's industry backing up Japans?
And then came the play - if The minister of production could release some home units from Home command -say an extra division for operations to the south -for siezing PM at the least -would it be possible to place some of Southern Commands divisions back into China on a temporary basis -say -a month?
And thus , the great plan promptly ran off the tracks -and headed towards disaster.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
27/2/42
This day was very quiet -only Radm Takeda today training his Battleships divisions guns against Bandermasin - today he had some 6 Battleships under his command -the result was devastation.
The real violence in the pacific however this day took place back at Imperial HQ
This day was very quiet -only Radm Takeda today training his Battleships divisions guns against Bandermasin - today he had some 6 Battleships under his command -the result was devastation.
The real violence in the pacific however this day took place back at Imperial HQ
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
history shows the following people at the conference
ADM Yammato
LGEN Sawada
Herbiesan
and the Minister for production
each in turn put forward their options
Option 1 - The Grand solomons plan, 6 divs plus extras -the target ultimately -noumea
This was put forward by Yammato, and herbiesan
Option 2
Invasion India -9 divisions available -pushed by Sawada
Option 3
Invasion midway -bring the Americans to decisive battle
Initially the 1st option was the preferred option.
Then The Minister for production spoke
There were just 2 options -he said
India -or China!
Then came the bombshell -Heavy industry production had collapsed -totally unable to meet the demands of the war. The only way -he said -to fix this problem -was to iether increase HI by siezing the cities of Callcutta and the like -or "solving the China crises once and for all."
The arguments flowed for hours
The Minister though seemed to be able to prevail - when he offered yammato -"I will have the Home islands release a division to you" -and "I promise to re -release the units back to the southern army by May 1" , this seemed to clinch the deal.
And so it was agreed
China would recieve 7 divisions as soon as possible -Canton was to be cleared
The Solomons would be "occupied on the cheap" -The Mobile fleet would have to ensure that the "sir robin" of the generals tactics was taken advantage of.
Burma would get one division extra -for the moment
On paper it must have looked so good
7 divisions landing at Canton -smashing the siege there -a rapid advance to hengchow -breaking apart the China front
By May 1 -all those units would again be available for operations where ever.
The Minister of production had had his way.
Nobody knows to this day why Herbiesan agreed to the plan -but agree he did.
All had forgotten this
Already China had swallowed dozens of Japanese units.
Would 7 tired divisions really make a difference?
ADM Yammato
LGEN Sawada
Herbiesan
and the Minister for production
each in turn put forward their options
Option 1 - The Grand solomons plan, 6 divs plus extras -the target ultimately -noumea
This was put forward by Yammato, and herbiesan
Option 2
Invasion India -9 divisions available -pushed by Sawada
Option 3
Invasion midway -bring the Americans to decisive battle
Initially the 1st option was the preferred option.
Then The Minister for production spoke
There were just 2 options -he said
India -or China!
Then came the bombshell -Heavy industry production had collapsed -totally unable to meet the demands of the war. The only way -he said -to fix this problem -was to iether increase HI by siezing the cities of Callcutta and the like -or "solving the China crises once and for all."
The arguments flowed for hours
The Minister though seemed to be able to prevail - when he offered yammato -"I will have the Home islands release a division to you" -and "I promise to re -release the units back to the southern army by May 1" , this seemed to clinch the deal.
And so it was agreed
China would recieve 7 divisions as soon as possible -Canton was to be cleared
The Solomons would be "occupied on the cheap" -The Mobile fleet would have to ensure that the "sir robin" of the generals tactics was taken advantage of.
Burma would get one division extra -for the moment
On paper it must have looked so good
7 divisions landing at Canton -smashing the siege there -a rapid advance to hengchow -breaking apart the China front
By May 1 -all those units would again be available for operations where ever.
The Minister of production had had his way.
Nobody knows to this day why Herbiesan agreed to the plan -but agree he did.
All had forgotten this
Already China had swallowed dozens of Japanese units.
Would 7 tired divisions really make a difference?
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
28/2/42
Balikapapan came under heavy Naval bonber attack this day, and the Zeros attacked at wave hieght -battling the PT boats. - sinking several -smashing up most of them.
The bombing of Manilla continued
The greatest news came in Burma
Forces approaching Mandalaby from the south began to recon the next target -and stumbled into a small ambush
The fight left 15 chinese troops dead -a surprise in itself
What they were carrying though, was priceless -and would literally effect the very direction of the war.
Balikapapan came under heavy Naval bonber attack this day, and the Zeros attacked at wave hieght -battling the PT boats. - sinking several -smashing up most of them.
The bombing of Manilla continued
The greatest news came in Burma
Forces approaching Mandalaby from the south began to recon the next target -and stumbled into a small ambush
The fight left 15 chinese troops dead -a surprise in itself
What they were carrying though, was priceless -and would literally effect the very direction of the war.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt