"A Knife Fight in the Dark" - Prince v. Grunt

[6971grunt]

February 28, 1942:

This reporter has received, for the first time during this war, some good news from Dutch forces defending the island of Timor. Specificially, the town of Koepang. More details will be revealed later in this column.

Australian Headquarters reports renewed fighting around Rabual between Japanese and Australian forces just to the south of Rabual. There has been no report issued concerning any casualties from this fighting.

British headquarters in India reported that the Japanese 33rd and 55th Infantry Divisions around Mandalay have finally opened their offensive to seize the rail junction at Mandalay. The Japanese penetrated the outer most defenses of the British and Brumese forces positioned there to defend the town. The Japanese penetration was a great cost in men and material: over 450 men, 20 guns and one armored vehicle.

Headquarters from the Army of Malay reported that their air forces from Singapore have again struck Japanese naval units milingering around the Dutch port of Banka. British air units attacked the troop carriers Haguro Maru, Hokuhi Maru Eihuku Maru Gosei Maru and Hakka Maru reporting at least one (1) bomb hit on all but the Haguro Maru.

Distrubing news has also reached us from our man in Singapore, Nigel Hughes. The Japanese appear to be making progress in their efforts to capture Singapore. The latest attack, although unsuccessful in penetrating Singapore's defenses, meated-out a terrible toll on British Imperial forces defending the "Gibraltar of the East". Hughes has wondered openly, "how long can the city last under these conditions?" Only time will tell.

Dutch headquarters in Java reported that the towns of Bali and Tjilitjap have fallen to Japanese forces. These captures netted the Japanes about 1,700 POWs. With the fall of Tjilitjap, all movement between Batavia and Soerabaja has been cut. Coastal Defense at Tjilitjap did report, before being overrun, that their coastal batteries struck the light crusier Natori 6 times and she was on fire. Koepang also reported the landings of Japanese troops after a night bombardment from what appeared to be battleships.

As mentioned previously in this article, Dutch air units from Koepang have inflicted a serious blow to the Japanese Navy cruising in the Java Sea. Air units from Koepang located struck the Scout Cruiser Chitose with 4 - 250# bombs some 300 nautical miles northeast of Koepang. Another flight of Hudson Is located and attacked the merchant ship Kassi Maru landing one 250# bomb on her deck disgorging some of the Japanese infantry she was transporting. As the invasion of Keopang commenced, Hudson Is out of Koepang attacked the amphibious task force striking the Tatuwa Maru 2 times with 250# bombs.

What did not work at Kendari some two week previous, worked on a Japanese task force attempting to land troops at Koepang. A multi-national task force, once again led by the Dutch Admiral Doorman was sent to intercept a reported invasion force headed for Koepang some two days previous. Arriving close to dawn, Doorman's task force avoided the Imperial Navy's bombardment squadron as it bombarded Koepang and then, unaware of Doorman's presence, retired. As the Japanese amphibous task force started to unload its "cargo" Doorman's force appeared in the binoculars of the Japanese amphibous force commander. Having no time to react and taken completely by surprise, the Japanese had to fight. The damage to the Japanese was severe; as reported by Admiral Doorman's staff the Japanese losses and damaged vessels were as follows:

Minesweepers: Chorin Maru #8 (sunk), Himejima Maru (sunk).
Partol Craft: Shinko Maru (5 shell hits).
Troop Carriers: Aiyo Maru (sunk), Mizuko Maru (5 shell hits + 1 torpedo), Tatuwa Maru on fire, Ural Maru
(24 shell hits), Senkai Maru and Nanui Maru (each with 9 shell hits) and Seiwa Maru with
(8 shell hits).

Doorman's staff ended their briefing with the assessment that this Japanese amphibious force was heavily damaged and may well have retreated from the area.

Damage inflicted onto Admiral Doorman's task force was reportedly "light" with the light cruiser DeRuyter and destroyers Alden, Bancket and Kortenau each reporting one (1) shell hit. A more detailed report is expected within the next few days.

The task force reported that action was broken off because of the sited presence of the Japanese battleships Ise and Hiei and their escorts.

[6971grunt]

February 28, 1942 - Supplemental Report:

Staff of Admiral Doorman and Dutch headquarters have authorized us to publish a map showing the general details of what is being called "The Battle of the Timor Sea".

[6971grunt]

February 28, 1942 - Supplemental Report #2:

Overview of General Strategic Situation in the Pacific Theater as of 2/28/42.

[6971grunt]

March 1, 1942:

A much quiter news day than yesterday, that is for certain.

A belated report out of Tarakan, southern Borneo, where coastwatchers noted that the troop carrier Oigawa Maru sunk in the harbor. Reports indicated that when she sank she partially blocked a loading facility resulting in the stoppage of dock loading onto Japanese shipping.

Austrailian Command reported that their coastwatchers filed news that Russell Island was being "visited" by Japanese troops. This is the first report of Japanese movement in this area in nearly a month. One can only speculate if this is an indication of another Japanese offensive in the South Pacific.

Southeast Asia Command reported another attack by the Japanese on Mandalay. British Imperial forces defending the town report that their outer defenses were breached early this evening. This has cost the Japanese over 400 men, 19 guns and an armored vehicle.

Headquarter staff for the Army of Malaya briefed reporters that despite unnatural efforts of the Japanese to suppress British air units out of Singapore, some of those air units conducted another attack on the Japanese troop carrier Syoka Maru at the port city of Muntok. The planes have not yet returned, so no assessment of damage could be obtained.

The Imperial Japanese Navy conducted a carrier-bourne air strike on the Dutch main naval base of Soerabaja today. Damage was reported to be "heavy". Despite the retreat of their naval forces after the "Battle of the Timor Sea", those Japanese land forces that were off-loaded before the appearance of Admiral Doorman's task force, [rumnored to be elements of the 56th Infantry Brigade] conducted a banzai charge on the garrison at Koepang today, but were soundly rebuffed with the loss of over 150 men, 8 guns and 2 armored vehicles.

[6971grunt]

March 2, 1942:

Dutch naval headquarters in Soerabaja reported today that they were subjected to a carrier-bourne air strike from the east. Damage was reported as "noteable" but no further details were reported.

Austrailian Command in Darwin reported that their aircraft attacked and struck a Japanese convoy headed for Dili, Timor. Several Hudson Is reported an attack on the merchant ships Kinia Maru and Lyons Maru. The Lyons Maru was struck by a 250# bomb. There was a report of Japanese infantry being seen swiming in the surrounding sea.

Australian Command also noted reports from a coastwatcher on Russlle Island that the Japanese 32nd Naval Landing Force has appeared to have completely occupied the island.

Radio reports to the Southeast Asia Headquarters out of Mandalay have indicated yet another attack by the Japanese 33rd and 55th Infantry Division on the British Imperial troops still defending the town. The information provided that the Japanese attack was repulsed costing the Japanese over 350 men, 9 guns and one armored vehicle.

Nigel Hughes, our man in Singapore, reported another concerted attack by Japanese forces adjacent to Singapore. The attack was again rebuffed by the defenders. When the smoke cleared, according to Hughes, the Japanese had left over 850 men, 13 guns and one armored vehicle on the field.

British air command at Singapore reported that their fighters attacked the troop carrier Eihuku Maru moving just 60 miles south of the naval base. Returning pilots were excited, as they had reported 4 bomb strikes on the troop carrier.

[NormS3]

Keep it up.  I have been enjoying your AAR and it's format. 
 
So how much is propoganda?

[6971grunt]

ORIGINAL: Norm3

Keep it up.  I have been enjoying your AAR and it's format. 

So how much is propoganda?

Thanks for the comments - the format is different and that's I'm doing it this way.

Not much propoganda - just some other facts [state secrets] that may not have been revieled
or mentioned to keep the AAR within the format and from Prince's eyes - since I know he reads this AAR from time to time [with my knowledge and blessing].

[6971grunt]

March 3, 1942:

Reports are starting to filter in from the Chinese Command about heavy fighting along the Wuchow-Canton corridor. The Chinese 9th Group Army has been confronting the 51st Japanese Infantry Division along that important rail junction. We anticipate more information to be forthcoming in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Japanese forces on the island Luzon, Philippines, have conducted to unsuccessful attacks on Clark Field and San Marcelino. Total losses to the Japanese in both attacks have exceeded 2,200 men, 29 guns and 7 armored vehicles. As previously reported, Allied forces have been forced into a triangle area on Luzon (Clark Field-San Marcelino-Bataan).

Dutch naval headquarters in Soerabaja reported a sharp and short engagement between their mortor torpedo boats at Kragen and a large Japanese surface fleet bombarding Kragen. Lead by the battleship Nagato several Dutch motor torpedo boats engaged and, as quickly disengaged, with the loss of only TM-10. No reports of hits on any Japanese ships, a task force consisting of 3 battleships, 2 light cruisers and 9 destroyers.

Dutch villagers on the southern coast of Timor have reported that they noted the sinking of a Japanese troop carrier. Debris recovered indicated that it was from the troop carrierMizuko Maru. The Mizuko Maru was part of the task force landing troops at Koepang when intercepted by Admiral Doorman's light cruiser force on February 28th.

Information from coastwatchers near Kendari reported that the Japanese scout cruiser Chitose limped into Kendari harbor and now has sunk from damage inflicted on it several days earlier.

Japanese forces have entered and attacked the Dutch garrison in the town of Bandoeng, on Java, just 120 southwest of Batavia. As of this report, Bandoeng is still held by Dutch forces.

The town of Dili, on Timor, has been entered by Japanese forces.

Nigel Hughes, our amn in Singapore, has reported another Japanese land assault on the beleagured city. The Japanese insist on continued attacks despite another repelling and loss of over 850 men, 9 guns and 2 armored vehicles.

Southeast Asia headquarters in Dacca have reported the first large allied bomber raid of the Pacific war. 42 B-17 bombers struck at the Japanese airfield at Rangoon. While only suffering the loss of 1 B-17, air reccon reported the destruction of over 15 Japanese aircraft and "substantial damage" to the airfield.

In the biggest news of the day, Australian Command out of Darwin has reported a major naval airstrike on the Japanese task force on the southern shore of Timor. The same task force that lost the Mizuko Maru, was located and attacked by over 20 Hudson Is. At the end of the day the Zukai Maru was reportedly hit 10 times with 250# bombs and sank. The Ural Maru one of the Japanese's largest troop carriers, was struck by a 250# bomb, exploded and sunk (it is believed that prior, substantial damage from Admiral Doorman's task force contributed highly to this sinking). Another large troop carrier, Senhai Maru, was hit 7 times with 250# bombs and is in "dire straits", as told by returning pilots.

[6971grunt]

March 4, 1942:

The news from the battlefronts has slowed down this day.

Southeast Asia headquarters staff report another B-17 raid on the airbase at Rangoon. Reports indicated that 33 B-17s struck the main Japanese airbase in the early afternoon and inflicted damage to runways and planes still stationed on the tarmacks. There was no reports of losses to the air fleet, but several of the B-17s were damaged.

Nigel Hughes, our man in Singapore, reported another assualt on the city by Japanese land and air forces today. It seems that the British Imperial garrison is holding despite mounting losses. This last episode cost the Japanese over 800 men 7 guns and 2 armored vehicles. According to Hughese, food and medicine are running low and rationing is underway. The good news is that fresh water is plentiful.

The Dutch reported that their naval base at Soerabaja underwent another multiple air strike today, but damage was described as "minimial". The unoccupied town of Dili, on the island of Timor, has fallen to a Japanese SNFL unit.

The town of Bandoeng, just 120 miles south of Batavia fell today after the Japanese forces acosting the town attacked the town from three sides. The garrision, being outflanked, and then cut-off, surrendered. Some 1,200 men were estimated to have been taken prisoner.

Dutch headquarters in Java has released a generalized map of recent Japanese activity in and around the island of Java. They also report that the town of Koepang, on the island of Timor, was re-visited by a Japanese bombardment fleet. The difference from their last visit is that it was not accompanied with an amphibious landing.

[6971grunt]

March 5, 1942:

The headquarters in the Philippines today reported an rather determined attack on San Marcelino. The Philippine troops defending the town repelled the probing attack noting the loss of over 300 Japanese.

Our man in Singapore, Nigel Hughes, reported today that he was being required to leave the city on the last submarine to India. Apparently, headquarters in Singapore believe that the garrison's days are numbered. Hughes reported another Japanese attack was repulsed with the loss of over 700 Japanese 12 of their guns and 1 armored vehicle. Hughes also noted that military hospitals in Singapore are becoming overcrowded with wounded.

The Dutch have reported that there were landings at Batavia as Japanese minesweepers cleared landing areas. Dutch coastwatchers reported the sinkings of the troop carriers Tarushima Maru (near Macassar) and the Namrei Maru near Lauten, Timor.

Southeast Asia headquarters reported that the commander in Mandalay has detailed a penetration of the inner defenses of the town and fighting is now hand-to-hand. He also reported that Mandalay remains in British Imperial hands (for how long, no one knows).

General Stillwell's command, rather quite over the pas month or so, reported Japanese air raids on Wuchow and Changsha. The Changsha raid resulted in the retreat of over 24 Sonias by Chinese air elements. Wuchow saw the downing of 5 Japanese aircraft by the "Flying Tigers" with no losses to their vaunted group.

Stillwell's headquarters also noted an attack on the Chinese northern city of Yenen. The forces of Mao Tse-tung reported that the Japanese were soundly defeated leaving over 2,300 men, 92 guns and 1 armored vehcile on the outer defenses. As Mao noted in his report, "the enemy can take the cities, but he cannot control the county side where we are masters".

Australian Command reported an air strike out of Darwin struck as Japanese troop carriers attempting to move in the straits near the Timor town of Dili. The troop carriers Zukai Maru and Tatuwa Maru were attacked with the Tatuwa Maru taking hits from 2-250# bombs.

[6971grunt]

March 6, 1942:

A coastwatcher along the southern coast of Borneo reported the debris of the Japanese troop carrier Toyo Maru #2 washed up on his shoreline. The ship evidently sunk after repeated hits from Dutch aircraft several days previous.

Australian Command indicated that aircraft from Darwin attacked a Japanese convoy still loitering around the Dutch town of Dili on the ilsand of Timor. Three Japanese troop carriers were attacked, with the Senkai Maru escaping harm, but the Siewa Maru took 3 hits from 250# bombs and the Zukai Maru to another hit from an Australian 250# bomb.

The Aussie pilots also reported that another troop carrier had sunk, evidently prior to their arrival. The pilots indicated that the bow of the troop carrier Tatuwa Maru was seen in the harbor of Dili. Another victim of Admiral Doorman's bold attack on February 28, 1942 at Koepang.

Southeast Asia Command in India reported that Mandalay was assaulted again today by Japanese forces. Although the Japanese lost over 200 men and 7 guns, local commanders report that there is fighting in the streets of Mandalay as we go to press.

Headquarters, Army of Malaya disclosed that they were subjected to a vicious banzai attack on the city of Singapore. Heavy losses were reported on both sides. Headquarter's spokesman indicated that the Japanese lost over 800 men and 12 guns. Losses to the British Imperial forces was not indicated.

The Dutch on Java reported that the town of Djokjakarta, on the western end of Java, was invaded by Japanese forces. The undefended town is expected to fall.

The Dutch at Batavia reported a short, but sharp naval engagement off of its harbor. A Dutch motor patrol boat squadron of 6 or 7 boats was entering the harbor for refueling, when it was engaged by several Japanese Minesweepers lurking to the north of the harbor. After a quick exchange of fire, the Dutch had to break-off the action because of the precariously low levels of fuel on their boats. No damage was noted to the Japanese ships and only one Dtuch boat sustained any damage, the TM-12.

[6971grunt]

March 7, 1942:

Reports from Batavia, Java, tell of heroic actions of the little Dutch Motor Torpedo boat squadron. Prowling the early, predawn morning the plucky little group ran smack into a Japanese surface group hunting for some trouble. The battleship Kongo lead the light cruisers Kashii and Sendai as well as the destroyers Hibiki, Shirakumo and Murakumo. With TM-11 leading the group out of Batavia on a northeasterly course, the six members of the tiny group moved right into the middle of the Japanese before they realized what had happened. A wild fire fight broke would with torpedos, machine guns and main armaments. In the short span of twenty minutes TM-11 was struck 55 times and sank while the TM-8 was hit by the Kongo's 14" guns and was obliterated.

This little force was rumored to have escaped further damage and slipped into the dark recesses of the vast ocean. Who knows if we will every hear from this gallant little force again.

General Sitllwell's headquarter staff reported that Chinese fighters over Changsha intercepted 48 Japanese planes on a bombing raid and downed 5 of them without a loss. Damage to the airbase was noted as "light".

A staffer of the Southeast Asia headquarters reported that there was still very fierce fighting in Mandalay. It appears to be house-to-house fighting at this point. He assured us that British Imperial forces still hold the town while inflicting over 400 casualties on the Japanese and destroyed 12 guns and 2 armored vehicles.

Headquarters in the Philippines indicated that Clark Field was attacked today after several days of a combat lull. The Japanese made some headway, but at a cost of over 2,200 men, 27 guns and 5 armored vehicles.

The Dutch on the island of Timor reported that they have apparently attracted more attention from the Japanese Imperial Navy recently. The towns of Koepang and Lautem received bombardment visits from their fleet units as well as a carrier-bourne airstrike on Koepang. Damage was extensive, as reported by Dutch authorities.

[6971grunt]

March 8, 1942:

This reporter has been out of communication recently, but not out ot touch.

General Thompson's headquarters at Bataan reported a concerted attack on Clark Field this day, but the Japanese would again be disappointed. The Japs slithered back to their foxholes licking their wounds with the loss of over 1,500 men, 35 guns and 5 armored vehicles.

A headquarters staff member of the Army of Malaya radioed today that the Japanese again attacked Singapore's defenses, but here driven back. Radio reports indicated Japanese losses at over 700 men, some 7 guns and 1 armored vehicle.

No much news to report from Burma except a first-time air raid on the Indian town of Akyab by Japanese "Lilys". Although damage to the airfield was described as "nothing to worry about", British forces did report the dowing of 5 of the "Lilys" by defending Hurricanes and no losses for British air.

Dutch spies in the area of Palembang reported the sinking of the troop carrier Choko Maru in the harbor. Apparently, the ship surcame to its earlier wounds delivered by Dutch and British air units.

The city of Koepang, on the island of TImor, reported that Japanese forces have penetrated some of the outlying fortifications. There was no report concerning losses to either side in the fight.

The plucky little task force of Dutch motor torpedo boats (TF 1059) again confronted a large Japanese task force near Batavia. TM-4, 5, 6 and 7, lead by Lt. Hans Kindler again ran into the Japanese task force lead by the battleship Nagato (which reportedly consisted of 3 battleships, 2 light cruisers and 9 destroyers).

Lt. Kindler, not wanting a repeat of last night's "wild west" encounter, maneuvered his small force in-and-out of the Japanese task force; where their large caliber guns could not bare for fear of striking their own ships. Turning wildly from port to starborad, the nimble little task force avoided damage and saw their 7.7mm Lewis guns repeated strike the Japanese destroyer Nagatsuki to the point of igniting fires on the ship's bridge and along it's superstructure. It was reported that TF 1059 escaped with a loss. This is the stuff of which legends are made.

[6971grunt]

March 9, 1942:

General Thompson's Bataan headquarters again reported today dual attacks on Philippino and American forces defending San Marcelino and Clark Field. Both attacks failed with a combined loss of nearly 1,500 men 30 guns and 2 armored vehicles. Clark Field defenders noted that the Japanese, although with heavy losses, managed to penetrate some local defense points.

Southeast Asia spokesman LtCol. Kevin Hadley-Sutherlund briefed reporters on todays loss of Mandalay to Japanese forces. Evidently, Japanese units of the 33rd Infantry Division had fought their way to within one mile of the river bridge leading to Lashio. With their escape route to the west effectively cut-off, the Mandalay defenders fought a brave delaying action to permit the vast bulk of the garrison to escape across the river and set up a defensive line on the other side. These gallant defenders report that the Japanese have yet to attempt a cross of the bridge to further attack these forces. Losses are unknown at this time.

General Stillwell's headquarters reported that Chinese air units from Wuchow attack the harbor of Hong Kong today. Returning pilots report that the merchant ship Shingetsu Maru was the lucky recipient of a 250# bomb and was left buring in the harbor. No losses were reported by the Chinese.

Intelligence reports from the area around Palembang indicated the the Japanese patrol craft Shonan Maru #7 struck a mine and sank.

The Dutch report, no that Task Force 1059 has left the area, Japanese troop landings at Batavia have re-commenced. The Dutch estimate that over 15,000 troops have bee disgorged from Japanese transports. Batavia coastal defense reported that the Japanese partol craft Kongosan Maru sustain several shell hits during these landings.

Lt. Hans Kindler's rough map of Task Force 1059's noted March 9th engagement with the IJN's Nagato-lead task force near Panga Point was release to the press today.

[6971grunt]

March 10, 1942:

General Thompson's headquarters indciated today that Clark Field for the 4th straight day. Although the Japanese suffered losses of over 700 men, 8 guns and 2 armored vehicles, they did penetrate the outer ring of fortifications overseeing Clark Filed.

There have been reports out of Mersing, Malaya that the troop carrier Eihuka Maru has listed over sixty-degrees to port and has sunk in the harbor. This is just another "victim" of Dutch and British air in the region.

Singapore was assaulted again today some trenches of the city were taken but at a cost to the Japanese of over 600 men 6 guns and 1 light tank. The city remains in the hands of British Imperial Forces - for how long, we do not know.

Southeast Asia air headquarters in Dacca reported a very large raid on the oil facilities in and around Mandalay by Blenhiem IVs and B-17s. Early reports are that the oil fields were utterly destroyed as black, oily smoke could be seen for miles around the oil fields.

Australian Command release, for publication, the "after action map" of Admiral K.W.F. Doorman's naval raid on the IJN amphibious force's landings at Koepang, on the island of Timor. As our readers would remember, this raid took place on February 28, 1942, as the landings were underway. The Japanese lost several minesweepers a patrol craft and two transports immediately (along with several hundred men and material of the Japanese 56th Infantry Brigade) and three more troop tranports as the group retreated easterly along the southern coastline over the next several days.

[6971grunt]

March 11, 1942:

Southeast Asia headquarter's staff told reporters today that another large bomber raid occurred over Mandalay. According to these sources, over 57 bombers (including 42 B-17s) struck the resource centers around the now Japanese-held Mandalay. Damage was reported to have been "extensive" and no bomber losses were reported.

General Stillwell's command in China reported that the Chinese 9th Group Army, presently asride the railhead between Canton and Wuchow, attacked the Japanese 51st Infantry Division. The all-day battle resulted in the capture of several strategic hills overlooking the rail head by the 9th Group Army. Losses to both side were termed as "modest".

Headquarters for the Army of Malaya reported yet again another attack by Japanese forces on the city of SIngapore. Although the assault was eventually stopped, the Japanese have now, apparently, made major inroads into the cities' defenses. Japanese losses continue to mount with the reported additional loss of over 575 men and 6 guns. THe Army of Malaya did not release their losses for the day, but repeated its request for reinforcements from India and Australia. To date, such requests appear to have fallen of deaf ears.

General Thompson's headquarters at Bataan reported another Japanese land assault on Clark Field that penetrated the secondary defenses of the area in a number of places. Japanese losses were placed at over 600 men 7 guns and 2 armored vehicles. There are unconfirmed rumors are that these defenders are running low on all types of materials essential for the defense of Clark Field.

The Dutch on Java report continued landings at Batavia. The Dutch Air Force on Java continues to be very active. Reports from Soerabaja, the main Dutch Naval Base in Java, stated that while routine patrol, 3 Dutch Vildebeest IVs located and torpedoed the troop carrier Anzan Maru some 180 miles to the south southeast of Soerabaja.

The Western Command of Australia Command had the biggest news of the day with their report of a Japanese carrier-bounre raid on Darwin and an Austrialian air strike, from Darwin, on a Japanese convoy invading Babo along the southern coast of New Guinea.

The Babo raid netted a 250# bomb strike on the troop carrier Kashu Maru and near hits on the Kaimyo Maru, Horaisen Maru and the Kieryo Maru.

While the Australian air strike on Babo was underway, over 250 IJN planes appeared in the skies over Darwin to attack its air and harbor facilities. Initially met by near 30 P-39 Aircobras, the Japanese seemingly brushed-aside the Aussie air partols and delivered a stunning blow to the three Dutch submarines in harbor. After it was all done three Dutch submarines settle onto the harbor bottom, the KVII, KXII and KXIII were all sunk. A submarine tender was also reported hits from Japanese air, but its damage in unknown. The Japanese lost 10 aircraft and another estimated 40 damaged. The entire western coast of Australia is on the highest alert.

The population of Western Australia has been assured by the government that Australian naval, air and land forces are being rushed to the area.

[6971grunt]

March 12, 1942:

Today was a truly unfortunate day for the Allies, CLark Field and Singapore fell this day.

General Thompson's command at Bataan reported that after an evaluation of the supply situation at Clark Field it was determined that further defense of this area was not practiable. A withdrawal was ordered to the Bataan Peninsula. A rear gurad action was undertaken by the 4th Marine Regiment and the 36th Philippine Scouts Regiment supported by armor and artillery units. The anticipated Japanese attack came and pushed the rear guard defenders from their positions. All Allied units withdrew in good order to the peninsula thanks, in no small part, to the valiant efforts of the marines and scouts. The rear guard reported the estimated infliction of losses to the Japanese to be over 500 men, 6 guns and 2 armored vehicles.

The last transmission from the city of Singapore was, "The enemy is upon su in greater and greater increasing numbers (STOP). Ammunition is low and food non-existent (STOP). Our losses are becoming increaingly intolerable (STOP). The wounded are suffering beyond discreption (STOP). There is no fresh water (STOP). With no reinforcements to be forthcoming, we have been ordered to seek the best terms possible (STOP). God save the King...." With that, it was estimated that over 79,000 men fell into captivity.

The Dutch reported continued landings at Batavia and a small probing attack by already landed Japanese forces. The Japanese reportedly lost over 200 men and 6 guns in that probe. Soerabaja air units (Vildebeest IVs) reported the troop carrier Kamishima Maru was struck twice amidships by 2-250# bombs and was set ablaze while trying to dock at the island of Bali.

Western Command of Australia Command reported that despite the previous days' air raid on Darwin, 3 Hudson Is again attacked the troop landings at Babo, New Guinea. The Keimyo Maru and Anzan Maru were subjected to near hits, the Keiyo Maru took a direct hit from a 250# bomb causing men an material to spill into the surrounding sea. This effort, however, did not prevent the fall of the undefended town.

[6971grunt]

March 13, 1942:

After the terrible news of the jeweled city of Singapore falling into Japanese hands, this reporter can, for once, write about some heart-lifting news from the Eastern Pacific.

A Carrier Task Force, lead by Rear Admiral "Bull" Halsey, attacked the Japanese held island of Tarawa with carrier-bourne aircraft. Details are sketchy, but sources in headquarters for the Central Pacific Command indicated that the dawn attack on the airfield at Tarawa caught the Japanese garrison unaware. Initial reports of damage indicated that the airfield was extensively damaged.

Southeast Asia headquarters also reported an afternoon raid on Mandalay's resource production for the second consecutive day. Damage to these facilities was reported as heavy as the command's 54 bombers entered Mandalay's airspace against minimual resistence from Japanese air forces.

Internal reports from source inside of the city of Palembang, Sumatra, detailed the sinking f the Japanese patrolcraft Eiko Maru while it was being repaired in the harbor. The sources reported that the unfortunate patrolcraft caught fire and sank quickly while under repair for previous battle damage.

Dutch command in Batavia reported a very serious penetration of their inner defenses by a sizeable Japanes force. Under cover of a very effective artillery barrage, Japanese shock troops penetrated the city of Batavia. As this report is being written, fighting in the city is reported to be heavy.

Australian Command's Western Australian Headquarters reported another successful airstrike on Japanese naval units in and around the town on Dili on the island of Timor. Once again, Hudson Is from Darwin spotted and attacked several merchant ships attempting to disgourge men and material. The Naples Maru and the Nagoya Maru were each struck by 2-250# bombs and set ablaze.

[6971grunt]

March 14, 1942:

Southeast Asia headquarters reported again today that another massive bomber raid was conducted over Mandalay. Although in poor weather 43 allied bombers reached the resource production facilities in and around Mandalay inflicting additional damage.

The briefing intelligence officer, Col. Kenneth Albright-Turner, estimated, based on recent photo reccon, that oil production in the Mandalay area had been reduced by 94% and resource production reduced by 75%.

There were reports out of Singapore that the troop carrier Tamatsu Maru sunk as it arrived in the captured harbor.

Western Australian headquarters of the Australian Command reported another successful air raid over the harbor of Dili, Timor. Hudson Is from Darwin attacked and stuck the Japanese merchant ship Naples Maru with 1-250# bomb and the Nitigo Maru with 2-250#ers. Both were reportedly on fire and in the case of the Nitigo Maru, listing heavily to starboard.

Dutch Naval Headquarters in Soerabaja provided the most troubling news of the day. As the readers will recall, Dutch command in Batavia had reported yesterday a serious penetration by Japanese infantry and engineers into the city of Batavia. After extremely heavy fighting, the Dutch forces were ordered to surrender to spare further loss of civilian life. Nearly 19,000 Dutch soldiers were taken prisoner.

However, just prior to their surrender, Dutch air units from Soerabaja conducted a daring dalylight radi on the Japanese amphibious shipping off-loading at Batavia. Exhibiting nerves of steel and blood that must have been ice-cold, 2 Martin 139s penetrated the flak cover of the surrounding ships striking the Japanese troop carrier Tohuku Maru with a 250# bomb. As the intrepid duo left the area, the Tohuku Maru was on fire. Of Little consequence to the 19,000 comrades now in the hands of the Japanese.

[6971grunt]

March 15, 1942:

More bad enws to report from the Philippines. General Thompson's headquarters has revieled that the town of San Marcelino had been abandoned by the joint Philippino-American defense force defending the small city on th western coast of Luzon. After being ordered to withdraw to the Bataan Peninsilar, the Japanese force detected the movement and attacked in an aggressive manner. Although withdrawing in good order, the allied force left the town of San Marcelino to the Japanese. The Japanese have reported, publically, over 140 men, 11 guns and 1 armored vehicle were lost for their efforts.

Southeast Asia headquarters staff again reported a bomber raid on the resources in and around Mandalay. As reported, some 44 heavy allied bombers struck Mandalay in the early morning hours of this day. The returning flights reported that the resource production around Mandalay has been reduced to some 14% of full capacity.

Coastwatchers around the former Dutch island of Bali report that the Japanese troop carrier Kamishima Maru sank as it came into Bali harbor.

Even after a vicious air attack from the Japanese on the Soerabaja airfield, 2 Martin 139s managed to attack and strike the troop carrier Unkai Maru wondering in the area of the harbor of Teloekbetoeng. It is apparent to this reporter, that the Dutch have not giving up on their colonial possessions as easily as the Japs would have anticipated.