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

[6971grunt]

April 1, 1942:

The Japanese have increased their efforts to ultimately clear both Sumatra and Java of the remaining Dutch garrisons. The northern coastal towns of Medan and Kuala were subjected to additional Japanese landings. Medan was also attacked by a small Japanese probing force that was repulsed with "light" losses to each side. Landings at the southern town of Malong, Java were unopposed by the Dutch. Soerabaja is now cut-off on all sides.

For the second day, a Japanese task force of an estimated 4 main aircraft carriers attacked air and port facilities on the island of Guadalcanal. Losses to each side were about even, however, "...'even' under the present circumstances is not acceptable" according to a spokesman for Headquarters, South Pacific. A photo was released today pertaining to yesterday's raid on Guadalcanal's facilities.

[NormS3]

thanks for the censored update.  At least I know his losses! 
 
So you feel that you are doing well, your oppenent seems a bit conservative thus far.

[6971grunt]

He does take a conservative approach, but he no push-over. He gives a good game, that for sure. [&o]

[6971grunt]

April 2, 1942:

As spring approaches the fifth month of the war, so do the Japanese forces in the Dutch East Indies. With evermore persistence, the Japanese Army and Navy press their numerical superiority upon the beleagured Dutch forces on Java and Sumatra.

With such pressure the town of Medan fell today netting the Japanes around 3,700 Dutch POWs. Along with the news of another Japanese victory over a small garrison, was the word that eh Japanese troop carrier Hikawa Maru sank off of Medan. The Hikawa Maru was one of the six troop carriers that had been torpedoed by British naval aircraft while landing trrops at Sabang, Sumatra.

The Dutch still report determined fighting at the town of Makale, Celebes. The Japanese garrison appears to want the town to remain in their hands and are doing all they can to prevent it fall. However, reports indicated that the Japanese are paying a heavy price for this small town.

The 9th Chinese Group Army reported that their forces attacked the 51st Japanese Infatnry Division along the rail junction that is located 60 miles southeast of Wuchow and 60 miles northwest of Canton. However, after initial gains reported by the Chinese, forward progress has been halted by stubborn Japanese resistence. There are no reports about losses to either side.

Since April, 1942, represents the entry into the fifth month of the war in the Pacific, American and British High Commands authorized the following overall strategic map of the present situation. Because of security reasons, we cannot attest to its accuracy.

[Nixuebrig]

ORIGINAL: grunt6971

He does take a conservative approach, but he no push-over. He gives a good game, that for sure. [&o]

Yeah, being my first PBEM as the Japanese I played a bit conservative and made a few mistakes. But who cares
, the game is really fun (hope this is the right phrase for having fun and liking the game) , can`t expect more, so I am satisfied so far.

Also I don`t make such excellent propaganda [:)]

[6971grunt]

ORIGINAL: Prince

ORIGINAL: grunt6971

He does take a conservative approach, but he no push-over. He gives a good game, that for sure. [&o]

Yeah, being my first PBEM as the Japanese I played a bit conservative and made a few mistakes. But who cares
, the game is really fun (hope this is the right phrase for having fun and liking the game) , can`t expect more, so I am satisfied so far.

Also I don`t make such excellent propaganda [:)]

Thanks for the recognition.............[;)][:D]

[6971grunt]

April 3, 1942:

The news from the Pacific has been delayed because of censors. The National Censorship Board has been enacting new press censorship rules to assist the cause of national security. To that end, we have had to delay our reporting until we could comply with those regulations. We regret any delay in that process and hope any further censorship issues can be dealt with in a timely fashion.

Dutch forces report a major probing attack by the Japanese Army on the naval port of Soerabaja, Java. The Dutch report the infliction of heavy losses to the Japanese. Japanese losses were estimated to be over 700 men and 30 guns.

China has been more active over the past few days as reported by General Stillwell's headquarters. Japanese air bombardment of several cities all over China has increased to concerning levels. However, a Stillwell spokesmen stated, "We expect no major offensive out of these activities because of their 'scattered nature'".

Attempting to break a near five month seige, the Japanese Army conducted a major offensive against the 11th Group Army surrounding Canton, China. Slamming their forces upon the Chinese fortifications, the Japanese was rebuffed to the tune of over 3,700 men lost and 125 guns destroyed. Chinese losses were reported as being "light".

Southeast Asia headquarter's air branch briefed reporters on a recent air raid on the oil facilities in and around Rangoon. While suffering only from damaging anit-aircraft fire, aircraft from the 10th Air Force (Provisional) inflicted major damage to those oil producing facilities. If the Japanese want oil, they may have to get it from some other source then from the wrecked oil rigs of Rangoon.

This reporter obtained a photo of this raid from a waist-gunner on one of the striking aircraft. This photo has been cleared for publication.

[6971grunt]

April 4, 1942:

Action this day appeared to be confined to the Dutch East Indies. Dutch forces garrisioning the Borneo town of Banjarmasin reported that they underwent a naval bombardment last night. Although the damage reported was "minimal", the locals were well panicked.

Unconfirmed reports continued to filter in about fighting continuing at the town of Makale, Celebes. Apparently the Japanese have been unsuccessful, up to this point, in rooting-out the Dutch forces investing the town. It is rumored that both sides are low on food and ammunition.

The Sumatrain town of Kuala was captured today by the Japanese 91st Naval Infantry. The 2nd North Sumatra Garrison Battalion was heavily infiltrated during the night and overwhelmed in a rare Japanese daylight assault. It is thought that over 2,000 Dutch were taken prisoner.

Dutch air assets from Soerabaja surprised and heavily damaged a Japanese task force near Malang, Java. Although the Soerabaja airbase has been subjected to recent heavy Japanese air attacks, the plucky Dutch managed to mount an air strike on the Japanese task force. After it was all over, the Dutch had struck the scout cruiser Mizuho with a 250# bomb and two (2) torpedos and the merchant ship Yasukawa Maru with one (1) torpedo. Dutch air losses were placed at two (2) planes damaged by anti-aircraft fire.

[6971grunt]

April 5, 1942:

All appears to be quite in the Dutch East Indies today, except for an report of a Japanese probing attack on the Dutch naval base of Soerabaja. Although repulsed, losses to each side appear to have been evenly distributed. The Dutch only indcated the estimated loss of over 600 Japanese and 11 of their guns.

The South Pacific Command reported today the first significant Japanese effort in their area. The Japanese South Seas Detachment Brigade made a daring daylight invasion of Tulagi. Met by fierce resistance from the defenders, the Detachment was reported to have lost over 300 men in the initial invasion wave. Additionally, P-40s from Lunga attacked the invasion force and struck the troop carrier Denmark Maru and although the Heisan maru, Heito Maru and Kirishima Maru were also attacked, returning pilots did not report further damage to the invasion force's troop carriers.

[6971grunt]

April 6, 1942:

As quickly as the Japanese invasion of Tulagi began, it came to an end as quickly. The overwhelming force of the South Seas Detachment was too much for the small garrison of 500. Most were taken prisoner, but did not survive the onslaught. The only bright light in this entire affair is that the Japanese lost over 500 men taking the small island. A spokesman for headquarters, South Pacific was quoted as saying, "We've got them right where we want them, out in the open". Interesting bravado for a command with nothing to count on at this point.

The Dutch reported that their air units from Soerabaja struck at some troop carriers attempting to off-load troops at Kragen, Java. The troop carrier Tenyo Maru was struck by 2-250# bombs while the Satsuma Maru and Unikai Maru were subjected to several near hits.

The Japanese Imperial Army took it upon themselves to again assault Soerabaja. The Japanese were as equally unsuccessful as before in penetrating the Dutch defenses. The Dutch estimate over 1,200 men and 17 guns were lost in their failed efforts.

[6971grunt]

April 7, 1942:

Dutch spies in the area of Tjilitjap, Java have reported the sinking of the scout cruiser Mizuho just outside the harbor. She was, evidently, overcome by the torpedo damage she suffered several days ago off of Malang, Java at the hands of Swordfish.

The Chinese air force at Wuchow reported that a large flight of IL-4c attacked and damaged Japanese heav industry at Tainan, Formosa. They reported explosions, smoke and fire as they returned relatively undamaged, from the raid. THis is one of the first air raids on Japanese industry outside mainland China.

In the South Pacific, the air command at Port Morseby reported that B-17s from that airbase attacked and inflicted modest damage on the airbase and stationary planes at Rabual.

Meanwhile, Dauntless dive bombers from Lunga found two Japanese troop carriers at Tulagi and attacked. Although narrowly missing the Heito Maru, a 500# bomb found the midship of the Kumakawa Maru. All planes had been reported as accounted for after the attack.

The Dutch reported a night surface engagement with a Japanese bombardment force at Padang, Sumatra. Once again the heralded little Dutch Task Force 1059, led by Lt. Kindler, surprised a very large Japanese bombardment group outside of Padang. With spotlights ablaze, the plucky little task force drove deeply into the unsuspecting Japanese. As guns from both sides fired blindly, TM-5 fired a torpedo that reportedly struck the screening light cruiser Isuza. Wishing to fight another day, Lt. Kindler ordered his brave little group to retreat, but not before TM-5 took two shell hits. The Japanese were so stunned that they retreated from the area. Kindler reported that 1059 ran into the heavy cruisers Takao, Chokai, Mogami and Suzuya who were escorted by two light cruisers Isuza and Jintsu as well as the destoyers Arashio and Sagiri. This picture was recently released after TF 1059 returned to its base somewhere in or near Padang.

[6971grunt]

April 8, 1942:

With some relief and surpirse, Nigel Hughes has appeared in Calcutta, India, after a rather treacherous voyage around the island of Sumatra. Coupled with a bout with malaria, Nigel was "out of touch" with the news bureaus for some time. Now that he is feeling better, Nigel has been re-labeled as "Our Man in India". Nigel has informed us of unconfirmed reports of fighting in the area south of Lashio, Burma. He is attempting to obtain such confirmation.

Although having been occupied going on two years, the French cafes' of Saigon still team with expatriots and locals. They speak of politics and the distant war; obtaining news from various sources and spreading rumors of fact and fiction. The most recent rumor was the sinking of the troop carrier Senkai Maru at the mouth of on of the tributaries of the Mekong River just south of Saigon.

What isn't a rumor is the fact that the South Sumatra Infantry Battalion entered the town of Padang today after fighting a delaying action with the Japanese Yokoska 7th SNLF Battalion 60 miles to the east of the town. Battered, yet embolden, by their sucessful rear guard action, the Battalion has settled in for a well-deserved rest.

The Dutch continue to report fighting in and around the Celebes town of Malake. The Dutch indicate that their Makassar Garrison Battalion has been reinforced (how we are not sure) and their efforts to retake the town continue even in the face of shortages of food and ammunition.

The value of coastwatchers has never shown their importance as it did this day. The Aussie spies near Madang, New Guinea, provided the Port Morseby air command with information that a large task force of merchant ships was nearing the town. Based on this information, air command at Port Morseby launched a massive airstrike of 52 B-26 Marauders. Finding their prey, the Marauders struck the merchant ships without mercy. The Marauders left Madang leaving behind numerous Japanese merchant ships ablaze. The Gisho Maru was struck twice with 500# bombs and the Yamabato Maru absorbed one such hit, the Nittsu Maru took 4 such hits and the Cheribon Maru and Hyuga Maru each sustained 6 hits.

[6971grunt]

April 9, 1942:

Nigel Hughes, our man in India, reported a massive bomber raid on Rangoon's resource production facilities. Over 45 B-25C Mitchell Bombers struck at the heart of Rangoon's essential resourcxe production facilities outside of Rangoon. Hughes reported that air reccon reported that they beleieved that they reduced genereal resource production by as much as 25%. One B-25 was reported to have been damaged during the raid.

The Dutch reported that the last of the two remaining Dutch-controlled towns on Sumatra was invaded by Japanese forces. The town of Benholen, Sumatra, was subjected to an amphibious assault. Although Japanese infantry appeared to have a established a viable beachhead, it was at the cost of over 500 Japanese infantry.

Most of the action this day, however, was out of the South Pacific Theater. Port Moresby reported a massive raid by Japanese air units. Although minor damage was reported by Port Moresby I Coprs headquarters, fighter losses were higher then desired. Although I Corps did also detail, with some pleasure, the downing of over 25 escorting Japanese A6M2s. I Corps spokesman wondered aloud, that because of the presence of so many A6M2s (over 100 in all), if a Japanese carrier group is somewhere in the Rabual area.

While the Japanese air force attempted to shutdown the Port Moresby airbases, B-26 Marauders from that base again located more Japanese shipping lingering around Madang in an apparent attempt to off-load men and supplies. In two separate waves of B-26s, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, the intrepid fliers of the Southwest Theater repeatedly struck at the Japanese ships. Although the success of the B-26s was "mixed", damage was done never-the-less. The troop carrier Chowa Maru was struck with 3-500# bombs, the Keisho Maru and Jinsan Maru were each presented with a 500# "gift". The escorting patrol craft Chohakusan Maru was also struck by the B-26s. The patrol craft Okuyo Maru, troop carriers Nichhiren Maru, Shozan Maru, Taimei Maru and Fukkai Maru as well as the merchant ships Cheribon Maru and Bandoeng Maru suffered near missses from the five-hundred pounders. Returning fliers speculated that these near misses had to have caused some damage to these vessels.

The crew of the B-26 "Open Wide" photographed a bombstrike from the B-26 just ahead of them (the "Pale Rider") on the Chowa Maru as they executed their own bomb-run (see below). They reported that one of their bombs also struck the luckless ship.

[NormS3]

Keep up the great work on your dispatches, I have really enjoyed the style as well as your selections of photos and game shots that you have used to reinforce the atmosphere of your AAR.

[6971grunt]

Thanks Norm, enjoy doing this - Prince is visiting his family in Denmark over the holiday and we will hopefully resume on Sunday.....

[6971grunt]

April 10, 1942:

Well after numerous delays in dealing with our war-time censors, this reporter has been permitted to report the events of this day.

Japanese troops continued their amphibous assault on Benkolen, Sumatra today but have lost over 300 men in the process. The Sumatra town remains in the hands of their Dutch defenders. The Japanese at Palembang have begun to conduct air attacks on the defenders of Padang, Sumatra. This day saw repeated air strikes on the South Sumatra Battalion at Padang. "Modest" losses were reported by the garrison commander.

Our man in India, Nigel Hughes, reported that over 30 Mitchell B-25Cs struck the town of Pagan, Burma today meating-out destruction on resource producing areas in and around the modest Burmese town.

Port Morseby's airfield was attacked today by over 30 Japanese bombers from Rabual and Madang, New Guinea. Port Morseby reports that 4 Japanese Zero fighters, escorting the bombers, were shot down. Command spokesman reported that all damage inflicted by the Japanese was repaired by sundown.

Coast watchers near Singapore and Hansa, New Guinea, have reported the sinking of Japanese shipping. The troop carrier Ayatu Maru was noted sunk near Singapore and debris from the merchant ship Nittsu Maru washed ashore near Hansa.

Nationalist Chinese political authorities reported a high-level meeting between Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and General Stillwell. The reported nature of the meetinf wqas to finalize the strategy of the Chinese and Allied forces agaisnt Japan for 1942. No details were disclosed, but a photo opprotunity was allowed to the attending press corps.

[6971grunt]

April 11, 1942:

The Japanese continue their incessent attacks upon those Dutch forces remaining on Java and Sumatra. Japanese units landing, under heavy fire, onto the island of Lombok. Dutch forces stubbornly held their ground in the face of terrible odds.

THe town of Benkolen, Sumatra, fell to an overwhelming force of Japanese today. Dutch forces are reportedly moving to the last garrison town of Padang to the north.

General Stillwell's headquarters reported a heavy air bombardment of the Wuchow airfiled by Japanese air units. Although damage was modest, Stillwell's spokeman indicated that the field will be back in action in another day or two.

Nigel Hughes, our man in India, reported that he had received word of a heavy air raid on Pagan, Burma, and the resources in the area. Thirty-six [36] B-25s blasted areas in and around Pagan against little resistence. Photo reconn planes reported that the damage was "extensive". Losses to allied aircraft was "very light".

Along the north New Guinea coastline, coast watchers reported the sinking of the Japanese merchant ship Cheribon Maru. They also report that they have witnessed debris from the Hyuga Maru washing onto the shoreline. Both ships had been heavily damaged in recent attacks at Madang. Japanese shipping at Madang was again attacked by American air power from Port Morseby. A flight of B-26s attacked the Japanese troop carriers Taian Maru, Turusima Maru and the Thinichi Maru while they attempted to off-load Japanese troops. Although the Taian Maru was the only ship directly struck by a 500# bomb, the others appeared to have sustained some damage from several near hits.

The airfield at Port Morseby was attacked again by Japanese air units from Madang and Rabual. Although heavily escorted, the P-40 defenders shot down over 20 A6M2s and several Nells and Bettys [a picture of one of those Bettys appears at the end of this article]. Damage to the airfield was reportedly repaired within twenty-four hours of the raid.

[6971grunt]

April 12, 1942:

We have more rumors to report than fact this day.

Rumors out of China continue to indicate a concerted air campaign on the city of Wuchow. We have no independent reports, other than yesterdays, of the Japanese effort. We will attempt to confirm the Japanese effort.

We have also received unconfirmed reports of the collapse of the Dutch offensive efforts at Makale, Celebes. If this is correct, this would represent a cessation of all organized resistance on this Dutch island. The Dutch at Lombok were attacked by Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces for the second consecutive day. The Dutch commander at Lombok reported that his outer defenses had been breached but that over 100 Japanese marines "bit the dust" to the loss of 5 of his men.

In a daring daylight raid, two Swordfish from Soerabaja attacked a large grouping of Japanese shipping near the former Dutch harbor of Tjilitjap. The result was a 500# bomb strike on the Japanese troop carrier Kauko Maru. It was reported that both Swordfish returned to base unharmed.

Air units out of India struck again today at Pagan's resource facilities further reducing the city's output to the Japanese factories. Allied Losses, if any, remain yet to be reported.

Port Moresby was again struck by Japanese air units. Any damage that was inflicted was quickly repaired by the garrison's engineers. In a series of counter-strikes, air units from Port Moresby lashed out at Madang and Rabual. B-17s and B-26s struck at Japanese shipping at Madang and reported near hits on the Japanese troop carriers Fukkai Maru, Totai Maru and the patrol craft Taiko Maru. B-17s also blasted the airbases around Rabual. The B-17s also located and attacked the Japanese troop carrier Heito Maru outside of the Rabual anchorages, there were no initital reports of direct hits on this ship.

The Japanese have also suppressed all remaining organized resistance on the Philippine Islands. The island of Iloilo fell to two Japanese Brigades today and marched the garrison of over 3,000 into captivity. As a footnote to the already noted brutality of the Japanese in the Philippines, the picture at the end of this article chronicles the hardships of all prisoners in the hands of the Japanese.

[6971grunt]

April 13, 1942:

Nigel Hughes, now stationed in Calcutta, India, reported a daring air raid by 35 Liberators on the French Indochina city of Hanoi this afternoon. With little opposition, the Liberators dropped their bomb load on heavy industrial targets in and around Hanoi. Damage to the industrial targets were reported, by the crews, as substantial given the distance they had to travel.

Soerbaja's military commander reported that the Japanese conducted a banzai charge on his outer defenses, but were rudely rebuffed to the tune of over 1,300 japanese soldiers and 48 guns. Lombok's commander reported that there is fighting at close quarters after they were subjected to a banzai charge.

Dutch forces at Padang report that the plucky Task Force 1056 ran into a Japanese cruiser force in a night action. The Japanese heavy cruisers Takao, Chokai, Mogami and Suzuya were accompanied by the light cruiser Jintsu and destroyers Arashio and Sagii. The sharp action saw the Dutch patrol boats PTM-5 and PTM-7 sink, but not before the destroyer Arashio was struck and set ablaze. The unfortunately, the task force's Dutch commander Lt. H. Kindler was struck down by shrapnel from an 8" gun during the fighting. Although, gravely wounded he directed the attack and fighting withdrawal of his force before surcoming to his wounds. The Dutch navy was done well this day by the gallant leadership shown by this junior officer. We have included a War Department photo, albeit dated, of a class of Japanese heavy cruiser that was involved in the Padang action.

[6971grunt]

April 14, 1942:

Very little to report today, it appears that the Pacific, at least for this day, has decided to take a "day of rest".

Chinese High Command reported another, less destructive, raid took place today against Wuchow. Chinese Command attributes the limited damage to airbases to the active P-40s that were protecting the fields. Several Japanese planes were reported downed and damaged.

The Dutch commander on Lombok Island [off of Bali] reported another Banzai charge by Japanese land forces. The Commander reported that the attack was repelled quite handily.

The last report of the day was from air command out of Port Moresby, New Guinea. Apparently over 25 B-17s once again struck the Rabual airfields with modest success. Returning aircrews reported little fighter resistance. Air command hinted that there is some concern about the apparent build-up at Madang, New Guinea. There have been reports, uncomfirmed, that the Japanese are attempting to build a rather large air field from that location. It appears that future intelligence is needed to substantial this concern.

We received a picture from the air crew of the B-17 "Simply Enough" on their last raid over Rabual. This picture is of one of their sister-ships, the "Yankee Clipper".