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

[6971grunt]

March 16, 1942:

A very quite day in the Pacific Theater this day.

The Dutch reported Japanese naval activity in the southern end of the Dutch East Indies. The island of Kai was invaded by Japanese forces, but the island is nearly unoccupied. There is an apparent Japanese naval task force heading for Luten on the eastern tip of the island of Timor. An invasion is expected within the next day or so.

The Dutch Air Force from Soerabaja remain active despite the best efforts of the Japanese Air Forces surrounding the naval port. It was reported that two Martin 139s from Soerabaja located and attacked the Japanese escort carrier Hosho loitering around the Borneo town of Balikpapan. There were no immediate damage reports issued.

Lastly, intelligence sources in and around the town on Kendari reported the sinking of the damaged troop carrier Seiwa Maru. It appears to this reporter that the Dutch Air Force has not been kind to the Japanese Navy over these past months.

[6971grunt]

March 17, 1942:

Western Headquarters of the Australian Command reported today that they conducted air strikes from Darwin against Japanese shipping. Hudson Is from Darwin struck at Japanese troop carriers off-loading troops at Kai Island. The Japanese troop carriers Jouban Maru and Hosaissan Maru were nearly struck on several occasions. For now, Kai remains in the hands of the allies.

Hudson Is from Darwin also conducted air strikes on the Japanese at the town of Dili on the island of Timor. The troop carriers Keisho Maru and Jinsan Maru had severla bombs fall in very close proximity. The Kasima Maru was in fact struck by a 250# bomb near the bow and was burning heavily as the air strike retired to Darwin.

Central Pacific Headquarters reported today that a carrier task force, lead by Rear Admiral WIlliam "Bull" Halsey, has been prowling the Central Pacific for the past several weeks. The task force first struck the island air strip at Tarawa causing severe damage to the air facilities on that island.

Now we have learned that Halsey's task force has been conducting air strikes at the island of Kwajalien and the surrounding area. Yesterday, carrier air elements struck the air fields protecting the harbor. Because of their last arrival in the area, Halsey's air units could only get one air strike late in the day. Because of darkness, the follow-up strike on the harbor had to be delayed until the next moring. As would have it, the Japanese navy fled the harbor, but were not able to totally avoid today's American air units.

Moving to within 60 miles northeast of Kwajalien, Halsey's air units located a Japanese naval group attempting to flee the area. Numerous air units conducted strikes on this hapless task force. The merchant ships Olympia Maru took 5-1,000# hits, the Montreal Maru and Moairo Maru each took 2-1,000# bomb strikes and the Morioka Maru sustained 1-1,000# bomb entry. Only the Melbourne Maru escaped any damage. Where Halsey's group strikes next is anyone's guess since Central Pacific Headquarters refuses to provide any further operational information.

[6971grunt]

March 18, 1942:

The first vigirous "action" in several weeks was recently reported by General Stillwell's headquarters out of China. Apparently, the 25th Chinese Group Army had invested the Japanese held coastal town of Pakhoi since mid-February of this year. In a rather jerking offensive, the Japanese attempted to dislodge the 25th Group Army from its positions surrounding Pakhoi, but to no avail. The Japanese Army retreated to lick their wounds after a loss of over 1,000 men and 51 guns.

Western Australian Headquarters of the Australian Command reported that their air elements from Darwin struck Japanese naval units disgorging troops at the island of Kai. The Japanese troop carriers Jouban Maru, Humburuger Maru and Kaimyo Maru were each "honored" with a strike of a 250# bomb. The troop carrier Kansan Maru absorbed the shock waves of several near hits. Unfortunately, the efforts of Australian air were insufficient to prevent the fall of Kai Island.

The most impressive news of the day came from the further adventures of Dutch Admiral Doorman's Fleet out of Western Australia. Having been spotted by Japanese air elements the previous day, the light cruiser HMS Durban was struck by two torpedos from Japanese Bettys near the town of Lauten, Timor. Evidently, even in light of the loss of one of his light cruisers, Admiral Doorman was presented with information that the Japanese were landing reinforcements at the town of Dili some 120 miles to his west northwest.

Deciding not to withdraw, and leaving the HMS Durban to find safe harbor, he lead his fleet of 2 light cruisers and 11 destroyers to Dili in the hopes of catching the Japanese off-loading at night. The Admiral's plan apparently worked. Spotting the off-loading Japanese in the twilight of the morning Admiral Doorman struck. Although low on fuel, Doorman ordered an attack with all guns and torpedos.

The Japanese attempted a defense with their escorting patrol crafts Chiyo Maru, Akitsw Maru and Chohakusan Maru. The escorts were driven off after a valiant defense of their charge, but lost the Chiyo Maru to 72 hits from Doorman's light cruisers and destroyers. The Japanese troop carriers Kamo Maru sustained a 4.7" gun hit and the Kasima Maru took an additional 5-4.7" guns hits before Doorman's fuel levels forced his fleet's withdrawal from the landing area.

We anticipate a full after action report from Admiral Doorman as soon as his fleet reaches port within the next couple of days, or so we are told.

[6971grunt]

March 19, 1942:

The Pacific Theater was quite quite this day. It appears that each side is waiting to exhale and undertake the next big offensive. It is apparent to this reporter that war appears to be a series of jerking and violent events with suttle, calm interludes of peace.

Australian Command reported that the Rabual garrison, in positions 60 miles to the southwest of Rabual, had been probed by Japanese forces to their front. Losses were reported light, but the Japanese do not seem eager to press the matter.

Radio transmissions from the Dutch garrison holding the Sumatra town of Bankha report additional landings of Japanese infantry. The garrison commander alluded to "thousands" of additional Japanese ground forces.

Dutch forces in Soerabaja reported the fall of the town of Kragen, 120 miles to its northwest. The Dutch commander estimated tht over 1,000 Dtuch soldiers could have been taken prisoner. Soerabaja is now the last major facility [oil, resources and naval assets] remaining in Dutch hands on the island of Java.

Western Australian Headquarters reported continued air strikes on the Japanese landing forces at Kai Island. Hudson Is from Darwin again struck the disgorging Japanese troop carriers. This day led to the successful bomb strikes on the troop carrier Keiyo Maru with the Horaisan Maru taking several near hits on her starboard and port sides.

[6971grunt]

March 20, 1942

The jerky, violent spasums of war erupted today in the Philippines. Japanese forces attacked the Bataan garrison today penetrating some of the outer defenses of the peninsular. The Japanese attackers paid a heavy price for their small victory over 2,800 men, 45 guns and 10 armored vehicles were downed in their effort.

The Chinese reported that their informants in Hong Kong passed information along that the Japanese troop carrier Shumsei Maru sank in the harbor.

The Dutch commander of Bankha, Sumatra radioed that his defenders were being criven from the twon toward Medan by Japanese forces. It appears to all that Bankha is now in the hands of the Japanese.

In an minor, but interesting development, the Dutch reported that there is an apparent fight going on for the Celebes town of Makale. Although activity of any Dutch forces in that area was unknown for several weeks, it seems a battalion of Dutch infantry has made a move to drive out the Japanese garrison in that town. Reports are very confused and with very little reliable information, we will keep our eye on this interesting development.

Australian Command again reported that the Aussie Rabual garrison was attacked by Japanese forces some 60 miles to the southwest of Rabual. It appears that the Japanese do not appreciate the presence of Rabual's former garrison troops so close to their building air and harbor facilities.

Once again air assets from Darwin struck at the lingering Japanese naval forces at Kai Island. For the fourth day in a row, Hudson Is attacked Japanese troop carriers still off-loading their human cargo. This strike was much more successful with the Horaisan Maru taking 2-250# bomb strikes and the Keiyo Maru an additional 3-250# bombs. Pilots reported that both ships were ablaze and troops were in the water.

[6971grunt]

March 21, 1942:

Very little news from the Pacific Theater this day. All sides appear to be taking a "breather" inspite of ongoing air attacks across China.

It appears, from Dutch Command, that the town of Medan, Sumatra, has now attracted the attention of the Japanese. Early this day the Medan commander reported naval bombardment from a Japanese task force lingering off of their harbor.

Once again reports are filtering in from the town of Makale, Celebes, that Dutch forces are attempting to rest the town from its Japanese garrison. To date no firm facts on the success of this apparent effort.

The Aussies indicated that their Rabual garrison continues to repel attacks of a Japanese force some 60 miles to the southwest of Rabual. When questioned about the condition of the Rabaul garrison, we were met with a rather stiff "no comment".

Admiral W.K.F. Doorman filed his after action report after his small light cruiser fleet docked in Darwin. Althought the entire document was not released to the press for security reasons, this capualized version can be told.

According to the Admiral, the HMS Durban was attacked near the town of Lauten, Timor near sunset and struck twice with torpedos. Damage was reported as "tolerable", flooding was quickly becoming a problem. The Durban was ordered to seek shelter at the nearest port to deal with its flooding issue, to which the commander complied.

As the Durban made way for its "safe haven", a late-arriving scout plane from the HMDS Java returned to report that the Japanese were attempting to off-load troops and supplies at the Timor town of Dili some 120 miles to the northwest. Wanting to achieve surprise, the Doorman quickly consulted his divisional commanders. Doorman determined that once he was satisified that the Durban was out of harm's way, he would proceed with the rest of his force in a raid on the Japanese at Dili.

Doorman admitted that he was running short of fuel, but felt that the risk was worth the effort and commenced his run to Dili around 2200 hours on the 17th of March. His plan was to divide his fleet into three [3] distinct divisions. The "Light Curiser" Division consisting of the Java and DeRuyter together with the HMDS Van Ghent and Piet Hien would be commanded by the Admiral with the Java as his flag. The "Screening" Division to his port would consist of the Dutch destroyers HMDS Van Nes, Witte de With, Evertson, Banckert and Kortenair. The "Striking" Division would consist of the 4 United States Naval destroyers Alden, Edsall, John D. Edwards and Whipple lead by Commander Charles Berg in his flag USS Alden.

Doorman described his plan as having his division, "Light Curiser" and the "Screening Division" attack any escorts guarding the convoy. The "Striking Division", on Doorman's starboard side, would decrease speed as the other two division commenced the attack and cut-in behind Doorman and attack out of the flash and smoke caused by the attack of the "Light Curiser" and "Screening" Divisions.

Doorman described the attack as commencing at about 0500 on the 18th, with a green flare from the Van Nes. Doorman describes that the Van Nes spotted three Japanese partol craft on the outer reaches of the harbor screeing the unloading troop carriers. Doorman indicated the Japanese appeared to have been taken by surprise. The opeing boardside was from the "Screening" Division struck the lead partol craft [later to be identified as the Chiyo Maru].

With the "Light Curiser" and "Screening" Division's opening salvos, the "Striking" Division cut speed to one-half to allow the other two divisions to pass. Commander Berg then ordered his division to follow his lead in a "hard-to-port" command. As the Japanese patrol craft were busy engaging the main Dutch fleet under Doorman, the small "Striking" Division moved into a position that placed them between the patrol craft and the troop carriers. The "Striking" Division opened up two of the most outer troop carriers on their port side and the Japanese partol craft on their starboard. Guns and torpedos blazing away, Doorman reported that the Chiyo Maru sank under the weight of the expended ammunition and that the partol craft Akitsu Maru was also struck. Commander Berg reported that the troop carrier Kasima Maru took several hits, but no torpedo strikes were noted. Berg also reported the Kamo Maru was hit and fires amidships was noted by lookouts, but again no noted torpedo hits.

Doorman ended his reported by noting that their speed to Dili had seriously depleted their fuel to the point that either they retired after only "one run" or they would have to dock at Dili. Wanting to save his command from certain capture if they docked at Dili, Doorman's divisions retired to Darwin.

This is the second successful raid by Admiral Doorman's Fleet in less than a month around the island of Timor. Doorman has recommended Commander Berg for the Navy Cross and his entire force for whatever other honors their respective countries can bestow.

[6971grunt]

March 22, 1942:

Short-wave communications have been interrupted by solar flares over the past week so information concerning the Pacific Theater has been "blacked-out" or garbled.

However, having been recently restored the news from this vast theater has been sparse at best. Activity during this communications "black-out" has been extremely light.

Australian Command reported that the displaced Rabual Garrison has now been surrounded by Japanese forces and the Japs are consistently attacking the dug-in force with little, if any success. The Aussies appear to be in dire straights.

South Pacific Command has awoken to reported the airfield at Lunga has been raided by Japanese air forces from Rabual. To counter this activity, B-17s from Port Morseby conducted a raid on the Rabual airfields causing noticable damage to their targets.

A Dutch land force at Makale, Celebes, continues to fight over the town with a Japanese SNLF unit garrisioning the town. Losses to both sides have not been able to be communicated, therefore the progress of this Dutch activity is unknown.

Aussie air assets from Darwin continue to be the bane of the Japanese existence in this part of the world. Apparently, Hudson Is from Darwin attacked two convoys of Japanese troop carriers; one at Kai Island and one moving toward Lauten, Timor and 60 miles to its northwest.

The troop carrier Keiyo Maru was struck 3 times by 250# bombs at Kai Island, setting her ablaze and causing numerous troops contained on the ship to jump overboard.

Near Lauten, Timor, a large troop carrier convoy [it appears to be the same convoy attacked by Admiral Doorman's fleet on March 18, 1942] was located and attacked. An early moring strike caught the convoy with the sun in its eyes as 13 Hudson Is bearing down at low altitude. Within five minutes of the attack the troop carriers Chowa Maru had been struck twice with 250# bombs and the Kasmia Maru once. Near hits were reported on the troop carrier Koyo Maru and one of her escorts the partol craft Chohakusan Maru. Both hit troop carriers were reportedly burning and "in some apparent difficulties".

[6971grunt]

March 23, 1942:

Most of the pacific is quite again today, with little if any information to report out of the Eastern Pacific, Burma, India or China.

Primary Japanese military activity appears to be confined to the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines. Having said that, General Thompson's headquarters in Bataan reports the second day of artillery barrages on troops manning the front line of the Bataan Pensinular. Although the fire was heavy and repeated, losses to the defenders was relatively light. Rumor has it that allied resupply efforts, by submarine, are barely managing to keep pace with supply consumption.

Southwest Pacific Command reports that Port Morseby has been transferred to its command. Coupled with that announcement was the report that B-17s with P-40 escorts conducted a daylight raid on the Finschafen airstrip inflicting moderate damage and plane losse upon the Japanese.

Australian Command again reported that the surrounded Rabual Garrison repulsed a concerted Japanese attack this morning. A spokesman for the Command indicated that relief efforts were being organized for the Rabual Garrison.

In the Dutch East Indies, the town of Makale, Celebes, has been partially taken by Dutch forces. This is the first word on this rather mysterious fight in several days. Although there is no report on losses nor the exact nature of the fighting, the Dutch seem to be rather pleased with its progress to date.

Dutch garrisons at Medan and coastwatchers at Sabang reported that they have experienced Japanese landing within the past 48 hours. The garrison commander at Medan reported that they pushed the small Japanese force into the jungle back toward Bankha. From the uniforms and documents found on those Japanese left behind, this units was comprised of elements of the 4th Mixed Japanese Regiment. The Sabang landings were unopposed.

In another dawn raid, Australian air units from Darwin attacked several Japanese troop carriers still on-loading at Kai Island. The 2nd RAAF Squadron of 13 Hudson Is conducted a dawn raid on these transports attempted to on-load troops from the island.

Australian Wing Commander Freddie Headlam reported that his planes approached the troop carriers out of the western darkness [defying conventional wisdom of attacking with the sun at your back]. Dividing into 3 groups of 4 and one of five, the Hudsons fell upon the calmly loading ships. With the escorts apparently trained on an anticipated attack from the East, the Japanese were totally unaware of the approaching force. Each of the three groups of 4 concentrated on a different ship. This resulted in each group landing at least one 250# bomb on a troop ship. The last group of five recorded two additional hits on two of those three originally targeted ships.

WCmdr Headlam, in his after action report, indicted that the troop carriers Keiyo Maru and Horiasan Maru each sustained two bomb strikes while the Kansan Maru took one hit. As WCmdr Headlam noted in his report, "....The Japanese troops onboard those three ships appeared to be taking an unexpected, early morning bath trying to put out the flames on their clothing...."

[6971grunt]

March 24, 1942:

Southeast Asia Headquarters in New Dhli reported a massive B-17 raid on the airbase near Rangoon. In a morning raid, and with little fighter resistence, over 30 B-17s struck the main Rangoon airbase destroying numerous Japanese aircraft and "potholing" the airstrip.

Command at Port Morseby reported another B-17 raid on Finschafen, New Guinea. Over 40 P-40 fighters escorted B-17s to the airbase brusing aside all Japanese air resistence. After the punishing raid, the planes returned with no losses. Later air reccon indicated that the Japanese had withdrawn their aircraft from Finschafen. The speculation is that they were withdrawn to either Rabaul or Wekak.

Australian Command received rather distrubing news today from the beleagured Rabual garrison units. Still located some 60 miles to the southwest of Rabual, the surrounded Aussie units sustained another heavy attack from Japanese forces now on all sides of the Aussies. In a communication from LtCol Kevin Blackwell, he indicated that most of the garrison's units have been defeated in detail and many prisoners taken, but they still remain a viable fighting force. "How long we can hold is the question." communicated Blackwell. "We are surrounded, out of food, low on water and ammunition, but morale is high and we intend to hold our positions." Brave words indeed, but they may have no choice.

The Dutch report that coastwatchers near Amboina have seen the sinking of the Japanese troop carrier Kamiyo Maru. This ship had been one of the ealrier victims of Admiral Doorman's flotilla and air strikes from Darwin.

China has been rather wuite over the past month. When inquired, General Stillwell's Chinese Command reported that there have been artillery and airstrikes over the length and breath of China, but no land attacks of any note, at least not since mid-February of this year. "It's like awaiting an exhale" said one headquarter spokesman.

The nights on the Bataan Peninsular are hot and as dark as a well. The night air is so thick and heavy it presses down on a man's chest if he is laying down, making it almost impossible to breath. Bugs and jungle critters haunt the soldiers, sailors and marines on this small sliver of land on the island of Luzon. It was artillery that broke the constant calls of frogs and crickets this night. Then it was the screams of "banzai!" that brought flares, machinegun and rifle fire to light up the darkness.

Several divisions of Japanese troops supported by their artillery and engineers aggressively penetrated the outer most defenses of Bataan. After several hours of close-in fighting, Philippine and American army units were forced to their next line of defense some miles behind. The 36th Philippine Scouts Regiment found itself in an ever-tightening Japanese vise. General Thompson ordered the 1st Battalion of the 4th Marine Regiment to remain in place and fight a rear guard action to allow the 36th to withdraw from its exposed position. As the remainder of the 4th Marines advanced back to their new positions, the 1st Battalion fought a spirited action against a Japanese regiment of their 2nd Infantry Division. The marines fought a vicious hand-to-hand battle with the Japanese over five [5] hours before the 36th P.S. Regiment had totally extracated itself from its precarious position.

In the end, although forced to withdraw to new defensive positions, allied efforts caused the Japanese to lose, overall, an estimated 1,600 men, 60 guns and 3 armored vehicles. The 1st Battalion, 4th Marines had 35 men killed and 75 wounded for their efforts that night. Although they lost heavily, the valiant efforts of these marines has permitted the 36th P.S. Regiment to fight yet another day.

[6971grunt]

March 25, 1942:

Today was a day of heavy losses for both sides in the Pacific, both in men and material.

Australian Command reported today that the last elements of the Rabual garrison was overcome by Japanese forces. The remants of the 1st RAAF Engineers was overrun by Japanese infantry in a pre-dawn assault on their positions. It is estimated, even with combat losses accounted for, that nearly 1,500 men were taken prisoner.

Air Command at Port Morseby indicated that they were subjected to a heavy air raid today by Japanese air units out of Rabual. Although some damage was reported to have have been inflicted on the port's airfield, Japanese air losses were substantial. Met by over 30 P-40s, the Japanese lost 11 Zeros, 10 Neils and 10 Bettys before getting to the airfield. The American fighters reported no losses.

USAAF Headquarters on Bataan reported that the Japanese, unlike other times, have continued their assault of the fortifications that line the Bataan Pensinular. By continuing their surprise offensive, the Japanese have managed to penetrate the second line of defense of the Bataan defenders. Although no heroics, like that of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment was reported, the Japanese were subjected to heavy losses. It was reported that the Japanese took over 1,800 men, 40 guns and 12 armored vehicles in losses. However, the Bataan defenders are being squeezed into an ever shrinking line of defense.

Dutch authorities reported that the Sumatrian town of Medan was re-invaded today after their initial landing was throughly repulsed by the town's garrison. This new Japanese effort seems to be more determined.

The Dutch have also reported the fall of Koepang, Timor, to a reinforced effort of the Japanese. Having been quickly reinforced the previous day, the 56th Japanese Infantry Brigade seized Koepang resulting in the loss of nearly 2,000 Dutch military personnel.

Southeast Asia Headquarters briefed reporters on a major bomber raid, once again, on the City of Rangoon. With the airbase at Rangoon being the target, over 40 B-17s struck the airbase causing extentsive damage to the base and destroying what was reported as over 14 Japanese aircraft on the still ground.

The most interesting news of the day again came from Southeast Asia Headquarters. Evidently, the British Navy has conducted a successful carrier air raid on the Japanese amphibious forces landing at Sabang, Sumatra. A carrier task force lead by Rear Admiral Donald Wellington Boyd, attacked, in two waves, Japanese troop carriers near the town of Sabang.

Having been lurking around the western tip of Sumatra for several days, coastwatchers at or near Sabang alerted British Naval Command that the Japanese were conducting a landing at Sabang. Moving at flank speed the carrier group launched two separate waves of their Swordfish torpedo planes [the second wave of Swordfish was launched about two hours after the first wave], each at maximum range. Of the eight Japanese troop carriers off-loading troops, the Swordfish scored torpedo hits on 6 Japanese ships. The Huso Maru and Chihaya Maru although attacked managed to avoid the torpedo runs for which they had been targeted. However, the Awajisan Maru took 1 torpedo hit near its bow, the Kisogawa Maru, Hikawa Maru, Ayaka Maru and Ayato Maru all took 2 torpedos on their port sides. The unfortunate Hokuriku Maru took 3 torpedos, spliting in half with its 3rd hit and quickly sinking along with men and material.

For the British Navy, this is their first substantial naval victory since Pearl Harbor; certainly since the fall of Singapore.

[6971grunt]

March 26, 1942:

Heaquarters at Bataan has informed the press that the Japanese offensive to gain the pensinular continues. The briefing staff have expressed surpirse at the "blitzkreig" nature of this offensive. The Japanese have continued their attacks in spite of losses over the past three day of over 5,000 men. Staff briefers reported that today actions cost the Japanese Army more than 1,500 men, 21 guns and 7 armored vehicles. However, despite these losses, the Japanese continue to gain valuable ground on the plucky defenders of Bataan. It is hoped that these defenders of Bataan can maintain this precarious foothold until relief arrives.

Wake Island has reported that there has been recent reconn over-flights of the island by Japanese Nell bombers. This activity has been reported to CenPac and there is a rumored concern that Wake Island maybe have the eye of the Emperor. However, we have been assured by Admiral Nimitz that all possible action is being taken to bolster the island's defenses.

1st Australian Corps headquarters at Port Morseby has indicated that there was another air raid of their airbase by Japanese air units flying out of Rabual. However, combat air patrols [CAP] from Port Morseby has been rather effective in fending these raids from causing major damage to their airbase. This day saw the downing of 15 more Japanese aircraft [10 of them being escorting Zeros]; bringing the two day total of downed Japs to over 45 planes [including 20 Zeros].

Southeast Asia Headquarters again reported a comcerted air raid on Rangoon's Japanese operated airbase. For the third day in a row, the Rangoon airbase was visited by B-17s causing further damage to Japanese planes on the ground, the airstrip and, hopefully, Japanese morale.

Dutch Command at Soerabaja reported a reccon probe by Japanese forces. After repulsing the probe, the Dutch reported that over 200 Japanese infantry and 10 guns were left on the field of battle.

Western Australia Headquarters reported that 19 Hudson Is of the 2nd and 13th RAAF Squadrons, lead overall by Wing Commander Freddie Headlam, once again struck at Japanese shipping at Kai Island. The surprisingly stubborn Japanese have reamined at the island despite punishing air raids by Aussie aircraft. This day say the troop carrier Keiyo Maru take hits from 7-250# bombs and the Horiasan Maru take an additional 4 hits. One must give credit to the Japanese for their persistence in the face of the horrendous damage being inflicted upon them by the Australian Air Force.

[Nixuebrig]

If i am of no use for anything, I can still be the clown of the forum

No honestly, this is all worst propaganda, the Imperial Troops are easing from one victory to another.[&o]

[6971grunt]

As Dr. Evil would say, "riiiiiiiiiiight".

[6971grunt]

March 27, 1942:

Central Pacific headquarters again briefed reporters on the continued recon over-flights at Wake Island. "Only a tea-leaf reader can predict what will happen next", was the quote of the day from this briefing.

Southeast Asia Headquarters reported yet another air raid by its air assets on the city of Rangoon. LtCol. James Reginal Holmes, DSC, reported that B-17s once again visited the airfield and inflicted terrible damage upon the physical facilities and its planes.

The most troublesome news of the day was the apparent surrender of the Philippine and American forces defending the Bataan Pensinular. A short radio message, monitored by the Chinese, indicated that General W.C. Short [USAAEF C-in-C] and Admiral Hart [Asiatic Fleet C-in-C], surrendered all forces on Bataan after a horrendous four day battle with over 170,000 Japanese troops. These troops held for as long as humanly possible under the promises of reinforcements by Administration officials. Given the magnitude of this surrender, the Administration will have a great deal of explanation to the American public as to why their sons were left to their own devices with empty promises.

The Dutch Commander of Soerabaja reported that Japanese forces undertook an aggressive recon-in-force toward the city that was completely repulsed. The Japanese lost over 1,000 men and 35 guns. The Dutch report, however, that additional Japanese forces appear to be arriving into the immediate area of Soerabaja.

The 13th RAAF Squaddron out of Darwin found and bombed the Japanese troop carrier Keiyo Maru as it was moving to the northeast from Kai Island. After being struck at least 7 times with 250# bombs, the ship was last seen "limping" slowly to the northeast while taking on water as the sun was setting in the western sky.

[6971grunt]

March 28, 1942:

After the disasterous report of the fall of Bataan yesterday, it is probably a relief to the Americian public that there is little, if any, news from the Pacific today. Repulican Senate leaders, appalled at the loss of Bataan and its garrison of heroic sons, have called for a full investigation into the matter. Senate Democrats have responded that, "now is not the time for any such inquiry, especially since the United States is in the middle of a desparate fight". An Admintration spokesman refused to comment on the calls from the Senate.

Southeast Asia Headquarters reported that remaining elements of the Burmese Army, 60 miles north of Mandalay, reported that the 1st Japanese Armored Regiment forced the river crossing just 60 miles south of Leshio. The Japanese suffered heavily in their quest losing over 145 men and 11 armored vehicles. A counter attack is anticipated.

The Dutch continue to report fighting at Makale between the Dutch Maacassar Battalion and the 8th SNLF. Losses, from can be determined, appear to be heavy on both sides. It appears that the Japanese still retain control of the town.

Western Australian Command, out of Darwin, reported that 2 scout planes [Hudson Is] from the 13th RAAF spotted the Japanese troop carrier Keiyo Maru in the early dawn hours of this day still struggling to the northeast of Kai Island. The Hudsons began a bombing an machine gunning run on the beleagured ship, but the Keiyo rolled to its starboard side and sank before any of their bombs couls be released. Nose-gun footage was given to the press. There were no noted surviviors.

[6971grunt]

March 29, 1942:

The public outcries for an inquiry into the Bataan Surrender continues by the Republican Senate members. However, such cries appear to be falling of deaf ears at the White House and the Democratically controlled Senate. The mid-term elections may well hinge on the President's response to this outcry.

Southeast Asia Headquarters reported that the remants of the Burmese Army have undertaken a counter offensive against the 1st Japanese Armored Regiment some 60 miles north of Mandalay and 60 miles south of Lashio. Initial reports are that Japanese resistence has been determined, but nothing more was forthcoming from this headquarters.

Dutch authorities continue to report continued, but less intense fighting, still occuring around the Celebes town of Makale. The last report was that a further eight (8) Japanese were lost to Dutch forces.

Following yesterday's report from Western Australian Headquarters of the sinking of the Japanese troop carrier Keiyo Maru, coastwatchers in Bulla reported that they noted the sinking of another Japanese troop carrier, the Horaisan Maru, in its harbor. Readers will remember that the Horaisan Maru was previously struck, numerous times, by Hudson Is from the 2nd and 13th RAAF Squadrons (out of Darwin) near the Island of Kai. Upon the receipt of this news, the 2nd RAAF Squadron release a nose-gun photo one of their Hudsons attacking the Horaisan Maru earlier in the week.

[6971grunt]

March 30, 1942:

Very little information about the days activities in the Pacific has been made available.

However, Dutch commanders out of Soerabaja report continued radio traffic in the Malake, Celebes area. This traffic indicated that there is still fighting that rages around the Japanese held town. The Dutch indicate that the Japanese defenders are getting the worst of the fighting. Other than this information, we nothing further to report.

We have obtained a picture that was smuggled out of Bulla harbor which purports to be a Japanese troop carrier that was recently damaged by the RAAF out of Darwin. We cannot confirm the name of the vessel, but from the looks of the ship, it sustained very heavy damage at the hands of the Aussies.

[NormS3]

Keep it up!
 
Great work with the photos

[6971grunt]

Thanks pal - all is appreciated..............[&o]

[6971grunt]

March 31, 1942:

Little if any news to report today.

Japanese losses around Malake, Celebes keep mounting with little progress seen on either side. One wonders where do the Dutch get all of their strength.

Lunga was attacked by a large Japanese Carrier task force to approxiamtely 180 miles to its notheast. Minor damage was reported. This appear to be a major shift in Japanese carrier power to the South Pacific. It is estimated that four (4) carriers conducted today's raid.

General Marshall's headquarters in Washington released the monthly report on the Pacific Theater. One should note that certain sensitive materials have been redacted by the milityary censors.