The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[tocaff]

February 9, 1942

Gili Gili sees the arrival of the USN TF which proceeds to work over the Japanese ships unloading there and their screening vessels. In this nightime action the IJN TF that put up such a good fight there last night has withdrawn and the hunting is good. By the time the Allied TF withdrws they have done the following:

1 APD sunk
DD Hatsuharu sunk
DD Wakaba sunk
2 APs sunk
4 APs heavily damaged

The CA Houston suffers 2 shell hits as does CL Marblehead while the DD Paul Jones is hit once. The TF of 1 CA, 2 CLs and 7 DDs then makes course for Oz. Captain Riker can be proud of his ship and the TF on this night as it's mission accomplished and all ships are safe and sound.

CDR Wallace on the SS Tarpon is a couple of days out of PH and he takes the time to talk to Damon Gaffney. "Red," he says, "you've got to go to the steamship company offices and let them know who you are and on what ship you served. Tell them exactly what happened to the ship and yourself. I'd think that they owe you your wages so make sure you get them. If I were you I'd catch the first ship Stateside and visit your family before you decide what you're going to do next." Red says, "You're not me and what family I've got I don't want to see. I'll take your advice about visiting the company and I'll ask if they've got a place on a ship for me." CDR Wallace grins and pats Red on the back and says, "GO get 'em tiger. I wish you the best of luck. Bye the way is it true that you've managed to fleece my crew of almost all of their cash in poker and crap games? No, don't answer that as the look on your face tells me." Red leaves and heads off to the mess, for a change.

Torokina has been invaded and taken by Japanese troops.

DD Bulmer is fighting for her life as it's a struggle to make a friendly port. The DD Alden is also having a tough go of it. The rest of the TF is intact and almost home. The CA Australia is scuttled as she was doomed and there was no way to save her in these hostile waters.

In Russia the Soviet North Front has cut all land communication for 90K German troops of the 2nd and 10th Corps at Demyansk.


DD Bulmer

If I ever learn to resize things and do screen saves I'll be able to better serve you readers.

[tocaff]

February 10, 1942

Ed is drinking a mug of coffee and Bill is reading comms.  "Here's more bad news," he says, "  Taung Gyi was assaulted by 25.1K Japanese troops with loses of 355/17/2.  The Commonwealth defenders, who numbered 8.8K held but forts dropped to 0 and they lost 202/4/0.  Not the kind of news they want to see upstairs at all," he adds.  Ed agrees and adds, "Yesterday and the day before, now those naval actions off of Gili Gili is what we're born for." 

The Bulmer is limping towards the Australian coast only for her lookouts to sight a Japanese TF.  After a brief, lopsided battle the Japanese move off and the Bulmer is no more.  Scant hours later this same force of 4 CAs and 6 DDs find the DD ALden who is promptly sunk.  The IJN has gotten a small taste of revenge for the raid on Gili Gili.

In the harbor of Singapore an IJN PG sinks after running into 3 mines.  I suppose Steve will be sweeping there very soon.

In Honolulu a group of the Tarpon's crew is getting drunk with Red buying from his winnings.  Some of the crew from the Benham are also tying one on and words are exchanged in a less than brotherly fashion about tin cans and sardine cans.  The ensuing fracas resultus in SP having a full brig that night and Phil has decided to let Benham's men stew in that brig for a while in the hopes that the message of the party being over reaches them.

In the Aluetians the SS Cuttlefish is on a lonely and cold patrol.

All convoys proceed as planned and are unmolested.

In San Francisco another Pearl bound convoy is readying for the journey as the last of the supplies and troops are loaded.





DD Alden

[tocaff]

February 11, 1942

Bill and Ed are relaxing at the end of a day that saw bombings and artillery bombardments with little else of note. The SS Stingray put a torpedo into and AP south of Gasmata. The RAAF had just finished bombing this convoy, but only claimed 1 hit.

Red walks into the steamship company's office in Honolulu after the SP let him go because he's only a 17 year old civilian. He identifies himself and recounts his story of Capillo's sinking, his rescue and now he wants to get his pay. Once all of this is verified Red asks the clerk is the company has any other ships here in need of crew members. The clerk replies, "The skipper of the SS Palawan has informed me that he could use a few new hands. I'll sign you on and you can speak to him tomorrow here in the office and if all is OK you'll be set. I would suggest that you clean yourself up a bit though," he chuckles. Red leaves to buy some new clothes and find a room for the night.

CDR Wallace heads for the SP office to see about the release of members of his crew. He's got a few items that need attention aboard the Tarpon that they'll just love attending to.

LCDR Worthington tells Phil that he should spring Benham's sailors and find them some nice detail, such as paint chipping, since they'll be in Pearl for the next couple of days at least.

The AS Fulton continues being repaired at Pearl, but CDR Sheetz is informed of the probability that they'll sail with the next eastbound convoy for the completion of repairs as the vessel is seaworthy and able to make convoy speeds.

I've decided that PH will be used for immediate repairs and send ship off to the US for their completion. Upgrades will be done in the US also as I fear that Pearl will be filled with damaged vessels soon enough.

In Europe "The Channel Dash" of Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen from Brest to Kiel takes place. The British will try and fail to stop this run tomorrow.

[tocaff]

February 12, 1942 Washington DC

Ed is alone in his office reading comms and spots the reports out of the Phillipines. "Not good," he mumbles to himself, "not good at all." He's looking at 2 sheets of paper and one is worse than the other. Clark was attacked by 37.4K Japanese troops with estimated loses of 260/5/3 while the American and Phillipino defenders, 5.4K, lose 360/13/0. The remaining troops are retreating towards Manila. At Naga the Japanese assault force numbered 45.9K and lost 905/29/2. The 41st and 51st PA Divisions numbered 8.6K and loses were 5769/92/0. With nowhere to retreat to the survivors surrendered.

LCDR Worthington receives orders that the Benham will sail as flagship of a 6 destroyer ASW TF. He will be in command and they will sweep the waters around Pearl Harbor searching for IJN subs that might be on the prowl. He notifies Phil to cancel are shore leave and make the ship ready.

Red enters the steamship company offices and finds the Captain of the Palawan already there. Capt Demesa greets Red and says, "So you're the sole survivor of the Capillo and you want to ship out again already? Don't you have family that you'd like to visit?" Red replies, "Yeah I was lucky and now I want to do my part to beat the SOBs that started this war by doing what I know best. I have no real family, especially since the Capillo went down with all hands." Tears form in Red's eyes and he fights to hold them back, to no avail. "Go ahead and cry," says the master of the Palawan, "we've all got or will have plenty of grieving to do before this mess is over and done with. I'll take you on as a crew member of the Palawan. Bring your sea bag here any time today and the company will see it gets to the ship or you can bring it yourself." Red is told where to find the ship and signs the papers. Then he's on his way to gather his things, buy some more stuff and dump it at the ship. He's looking forward to meeting the men that he'll be living and working with. He hopes to be able to tip a few with them before the ship leaves port.

Houston and her TF will make Brisbane in 2 more days after stopping in Rockhampton for badly needed fuel. They sucked the fuel stocks there dry and need to tap Brisbane for more fuel and supplies. Orders will await them upon their arrival.

The RAN TF will shift to Brisbane as the IJN has reportedly reinforced the PNG area with heavy forces.

All convoys are proceeding to their destinations without interference from the Japanese.

Steve is sitting on a 2:1 VP advantage at present. While this is of no great concern at this point in time I do want to start planning for hitting back at him. I've got 1 CV at Pearl and 3 in San Fran of which I want all of them to upgrade in the next month and a half along with other warships before sending them out to Pearl to do battle. Supplies and forces are being shifted with an eye towards stemming the tide of The Yellow Peril.

[tocaff]

February 13, 1942

Boac has been occupied.

The Japs have landed at Hollandia. Does anybody see a trend along the northern PNG coast? I do and a sub has been dispatched in the hopes of bagging a transport or 2.

Anchorage is now a level 7 airfield which means that I can base up to 350 planes there. My 4E bombers will be a threat to anything in the area. While the forts level grows engineers will now also build up the port facilities. I still intend to use a northern approach to try and throw Steve off balance.

Benham leads the way of the ASW TF as they head to the NE in the hopes of shepherding in an approaching convoy.

All convoys continue to be unmolested. I think that the IJN has it's hands full being spread over such a vast area.

The British are putting together a large group of ships. Some will be leaving Bombay as soon as escorts arrive.

Red is out drinking and chasing call girls with members of the Palawan's crew. He's a bit of a celebrity given his war experiences. They run into some of Tarpon's crew and the party grows bigger.

The usual bombardments, both by air and gun tube occur and that's it.

Stalin has been informed that LCUs are almost up to full strength and planes are dribbling in to fill the formations that will soon be springing a surprise on the hated Japanese. Soon the orders will be given to start the redeployments.

FDR and Churchill have agreed that the quickest way to bring Japan to her knees is to strangle her economy. To do this the major Allied thrust will be to cut off oil and mineral supplies that enable the war machine. Subs will begin to lurk at choke points and if possible bombers will attack facilities that they can reach that the Japanese have taken. It has been deemed better to reduce the facilities rather than trying to stem the flow of transports, though both will be done.

[tocaff]

February 14, 1942

Today I suffered from having LCUs ordered to move from Manila to Bataan go to Clark instead. I should say that the following units went from the frying pan into the fire. The 71 PA Div, 26 PS Cav Rgt, 57 PS RCT and the 107 USAABF all suffered for not following my orders. The Japs hit them with 37.6K troops to their 4K and the Japanese lost 119/7/2 while what wasn't killed surrendered to the tune of 5777/12/0 for the Allies. I'm not upset by this because I barely hold Manila and Bataan with starving troops so the loss of them is inevitable anyway.

Meanwhile in Washington DC Ed notes that Taung Gyi was hit by 24.6K Japs with loses of 599/11/0. The Commonwealth troops numbered 8.3K and lost 145/1/0 but the forts are 0 and supplies are dwindling fast. He gets up and puts a pin in Bill's map indicating the fall of Hollandia. The only good news today is that it's Valentine's Day and he spoke to his estranged wife. She seems to be warmer towards him and he'll try to have a dinner with her next week while she's in town.

The Dutch continue to stick pins in the Japanese every chance they get while constantly being pushed back. Today their Martins score 3 bomb hits on a MSW, which sinks, at Balikpapan.

The Benham's TF moves NE on a course to link up with a convoy bound for Pearl. There have been no sub sightings, but you never know.

The Australian ports of Townsville and Rockhampton have been sucked dry of fuel by Allied warships so they are all moving to Brisbane for safety and fuel.

Another large convoy is loading in San Francisco while a smaller one is doing the same in Los Angeles. I hope to sink Hawaii with fuel and supplies so that I can start to build up the supplies substantially at other bases as soon plenty of planes and troops will start arriving from the US.

All convoys are still moving unmolested towards their destinations.

The Soviets have moved into White Russia and are meeting strong resistance from the Germans. They have also started universal labor conscription.




POWs in the Phillipines

[tocaff]

February 15, 1942  Washington DC

Bill hands Ed a stack of comms and says, "More of the same I'm afraid.  The Japs have landed troops at Woodlark Island.  Balikpapan has fallen to a Jap force 10.6K stong, loses of 274/7/0 while the Dutch forces numbered 1.8K, lost 126/8/0.  The survivors are in retreat trying to get to Banjarmasin.  Taung Gyi was attacked again by 23.6K Japs, who lost 1197/23/2.  Commonwealth troops numbering 8.1K lost 156/4/0."  Ed proceeds to pick up the phone to get a clerk to deliver the appropriate outgoing papers to the proper places.  He then tells Bill that he's going to see his wife when she arrives in DC and shows him a picture of her.

Dutch PTs near Pinrang were attacked by Zeros and 2 of the 3 suffered minor damage.  This will effectively remove this squadron from offensive ops.

The AK Escalante is preparing to depart PM as she's in the final stages of unloading.

Benham should rendevous with the convoy in 2 days.

The IJN's KB is out there somewhere, but I don't have much of an idea.

[tocaff]

February 16, 1942  East of Banjarmasin

The Dutch patrol planes have spotted an IJN TF and they launch an all out effort.  Though there really aren't that many planes in flyable condition a decent sized raid is mustered.  Once spotted by the strike force the torpedo planes drop to their attack altitude and the level bombers start to drop their bombs on the twisting and turning Japanese force.  Somebody makes mention of the fact that they should take their time and mark their targets well as there is no CAP around.  This lack of air cover proves to be costly as CA Suzuya is struck by 2 bombs and the CA Kumano is reported to have been hit by no less than 3 torpedos.  As the planes depart Kumano is on fire and heavily damaged.

The AK Escalante has delivered her cargo of supplies to PM and is sailing for Brisbane when a lookout shouts that planes are approaching from the east.  The cargo ship is alone and an easy target for Vals and Kates.  She is quickly sent to a watery grave and now the Allies know where the KB is hunting.  Because of Escalante being able to get out a SOS stating her position and the situation the Dutch TF is diverted to Derby thus saving them from a certain lopsided encounter with the KB.

Bill sticks his head into Ed's office and tells him that the Japs launched a recon in force at Taung Gyi of about 1.4K troops and they lost 20/0/0 while the Commonwealth defenders, 7.9K strong, suffered no casualties.  They have bought themselves another day they but are still vastly outnumbered and virtually surrounded.  While the terrain helps the defenders it also inhibits their ability to move as much as it does to the Japanese.  "Woodlark was captured and the Japs have landed at Siador." Bill adds.  Ed grunts and returns to reading about the BBs that have left Pearl on a mission to bombard Wake Island.  The old girls carry quite a wallop, but are vulnerable to air attack because of their relatively slow speed.  I'll be good to bloody the Japs a bit, he thinks to himself.

The Germans have order their Uboats to attack British and American ships off of the US east coast and they shell oil storage facilities in Aruba and Curacao.

[tocaff]

February 17, 1942

Dutch PTs are straffed by Zeros near Banjarmasin, with 2 of the 3 boats suffering light damage.

The AP Barnett leaves San Francisco and after covering less than 60 miles an IJN sub puts a torpedo into her. She immediately heads back to SF with her 2 DD escorts in tow.

The only base of mention still held by the Allies in the Phillipines is Bataan. Supplies there are running low and the troops are outnumbered and outgunned.

The Dutch TF is a few days out of Derby and should find safety there for a short time. HQ is pressing for them to be sent to join the British to protect India, but the Aussies and Americans would like to see them assigned to the Oz, NZ area instead.

Benham's TF shadows the convoy and so far so good. Another ASW TF has been dispatched from Pearl to help insure the convoy's safe arrival.




Japanese troops landing on Corregidor.

[tocaff]

February 18, 1942

The Dutch planes find the CA Suzuya and hit her with another bomb. Sadly these 250 pound bombs only scratch the paint. The Jap TF has a CAP consisting of 9 Zeros this time around and they down 6 Dutch aircraft and damage another 4.

Near Pamakasan Zeros attack 3 Dutch PTs. I'm having an awful time with my PTs as I try to shift them around, but Steve is finding and hitting them.

Bill walks into Ed's office, flops into a chair and literally drops a stack of comms on the desk. "Today is bad, very bad," he says. "Manila was successfully assaulted by Japanese troops numbering 116.6K strong against 17.8K Allied defenders. Japanese loses are estimated at 1665/41/2 while ours were 26.9K/110/0. I pity those poor SOBs who were captured as these damned reports are telling tales of cruelty that is hard to imagine. There's going to be hell to pay for this. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the the Japs took Siador too." Bill just stares down at his shoes and has a helpless feeling. Ed say, "Perk up Bill because once we get our feet under us the Japs are going to be in for a world of hurt." This leaves the men at Bataan alone to face the might of the Japanese with no hope. It'll be death or capture for almost all of them, though a few will escape into the jungles and begin to wage an unconventional war against the Japanese.

USN and RAN warships are concentrating in Brisbane.

A convoy is about 2 days from Pearl and a second ASW TF has joined it. Benham searches tirelessly for threats in the air, on the surface and under it but mercifully nothing has happened other than the occasional false alarm from a lookout with tired eyes.

Another convoy is steadily approaching Anchorage with supplies and fuel. The Barnett being torpedoed yesterday hurt as she was carrying men to this destination who would have greatly expanded the air capacity there.

Other convoys continue on their ways with nothing impeding their journeys.






Gens MacArthur and Wainright

[tocaff]

February 19, 1942

Bill looks up from his desk and Ed is standing there. "What's up boss," he says and gets up to go to his wall map as he sees that Ed is holding some comms. "Sarmi has been invaded and Kweilin has fallen to the Japs," he replies. "Great," mutters Bill. Ed says, "Sit down and think what I'm going to say to you over. I don't expect an immediate answer, though by the end of the day would be good. My wife will arrive in a few days and she has a niece in tow. What I need from you, or should I say that I would appreciate your taking her off our hands for an evening. My wife and I have some serious talking to do and this girl shouldn't be around for it. You'd really be helping me out here." Bill responds with "OK, just let me know when and where."

All convoys remain untouched.

The bombardment TF heading for Wake Island remains undetected and should arrive on the 23rd.

In San Francisco another convoy begins loading as another one is scheduled to sail in 2 days.

Not far from the Pentagon, FDR signs Executive Order 9066. More than 100K German, Italian and Japanese-Americans will be moved from Pacific coastal areas to camps.




Loading ships for another convoy.

[tocaff]

February 20, 1942

In China a formation of the AVG has been doing battle with the Japanese. The Zeros are making the fight a living hell for them at present.

The Dutch TF is moving from Derby to Broome as it offers better escape options if needed.

The Australians flying Hudsons out of PM hit an IJN DD with a bomb off of Buna. These green pilots train slowly and die in a flash.

"Sarmi has fallen and the Admiralty Islands have been invaded," says Ed, "How about we go get some lunch?" Bill gives a thumbs up to lunch and wonders if all of these people and places that are casualties of the war can be so casually thought of. Are we really capable of events changing us so much?

Pearl Harbor receives another convoy of men and material.

[tocaff]

February 21, 1942 Banjarmasin

The IJN appears and the shells start to rain down on the Dutch defenders at Banjarmasin.  Japanese aircraft add to the misery of the garrison there.  As the bombardment stops Japanese troops storm ashore.

Dutch planes find an attack the mini KB supporting ops in the Banarmasin area.  The Japanese CAP is a little slow intercepting, but though 10 torpedoes are dropped none score a hit.  The CAP then tears into the retiring planes with a vengence and down 9 while damaging another 8 aircraft.

Japanese planes hit a Dutch PT at Bali.  These poor guys just can't hide and though the damage is light it's enough to prevent these boats from getting into an attacking position no matter how hard they try.

The Admiralty Islands are taken as is Ferguson Island.

The USN BBs are closing on Wake Island though they were spotted by an IJN sub.  This could get dicey as they will refuel the DDs for the runin tomorrow.

I don't have much time for the AAR at present as the construction on the house, normal life, WITP turns and now my father in ICU again are taking all of my time.  I apologize, but this will have to do for today's installment as it's time to tend to the dog.

[tocaff]

February 22, 1942 East of Wake Island

Orders are given, klaxons sound, men scramble to their battle stations, and they wait. The wait is a short one and the warships that were sneaking up on Wake Island, formerly the hunters, are now the hunted. Zeros escorting Nells and Bettys have little to do other than watch for a Cap that doesn't exist. The sky seems to be filled with planes looking up from the decks of the ships and they're dropping in altitude as they approach. Torpedo bombers, almost everyone shudders at the same time with the same thought. From the sky the ocean seems to be filled with ships and the aircrews are delighted to have clear approaches to drop their torpedoes. The flak is not very accurate but 1 plane bursts into flames and another 8 are damaged. The torpedoes are released and the Japanese head back to base unable to claim a single hit. The USN, though unlucky that the sub yesterday must've reported sighting them, is extremely lucky to escape this air attack unharmed. The order is given to make full speed (21 knots) and retire to Pearl Harbor. The mission has been wisely scrubbed.

The Dutch sub KXVII hits the IJN DD Asakaze with a fish near Banjarmasin. The DD is on fire and heavily damaged, but the sub wisely slips away before the rest of the TF can attack her.

In the Pentagon Ed and Bill are chatting as there have been no reports crossing their desks today worth mentioning. Of course there have been the usual air and artillery bombardments, but no new landings or assaults have been reported today. Ed says, "A lazy Sunday is exactly what we needed my boy. That map of yours has to many pins stuck in places that should never have been heard of by the public." The phone rings, Ed answers and nods his head, grunts and finally says, "OK, I'll meet you then, 3PM, Union Station, Tuesday." He turns to Bill as he hangs up the phone and says, "Well we've got dates on Tuesday so prepare yourself as my wife isn't the person that you'd expect to marry a military man, especially Navy and Elizabeth will have you under heavy scrutiny."

[tocaff]

February 23, 1942  Washington DC

Bill asks Ed where they're going tomorrow with the women and Ed only says, "Whatever my wife, Elizabeth, wants is what we'll do.  What's the news today?"
"Well, let's see," says Bill, "The Japs have landed troops at Emirau Island and Biak.  The landings at Benjarmasin have been going on for 3 days now and they finally assaulted the base with a force of 12.9K troops, suffering 18/0/0.  The Dutch defenders numbered 8K and they lost 21/0/0 with the rest of them retreating.  The Japanese with 171.7K men have attacked Bataan and the defenders numbering 39.3K held, though the forts dropped to 3.  The loses are reported as 7171/86/20 and 1586/48/11, respectively.  There is a report that the CL Tenryu has sunk too.  I have the tally for ship loses here if you'd like to see it." He hands a sheet of paper to Ed containing the list shown below.

The AK Palawan is being loaded with supplies for Johnson Island so her crew is enjoying their last day in Honolulu for a while.

The Tarpon has gotten orders to prepare to load mines for her next mission.  Her destination will be given to CDR Wallace Wednesday, when he reports to HQ.

Houston sits idly at anchor at Brisbane awaiting orders.

The submarine Cuttlefish patrols the Aluetians and all agree that this northern assignment stinks.  Lookouts and officers who are topside are encrusted with ice from the spray almost immediately.  Life aboard a submarine is hardly tolerable under these conditions so tarpon's skipper, CDR Hottel has shortened watch times for these men.

[tocaff]

February 24, 1942 Washington DC

Ed takes the comms from Bill and notes that Japanese troops landed at Roxas while Emirau and Biak have been taken by the Japanese. Ed tells Bill that he's got to leave now to get to Union Station to meet the train. Bill asks where he should meet them and is told at the Hotel Mayflower bar. Bill says, "I'll be there in dress whites by 7PM, OK?" Bill answers with a nod and leaves.

The Dutch are running air attacks at the Japanese shipping in the Banjarmasin area daily and today they hit an MSW with 3 bombs and watch it sink almost immediately.

Back in Washington Bill arrives at the Hotel Mayflower at 7 PM, sharp. He walks into the bar and spots Ed and asks, "How is everything?" Ed answers, "Dinner will be as soon as the women finish dressing and join us, we'll dine here. Two drinks later the women arrive and another round is ordered. Introductions are made and it's easy to see that Ed is uncomfortable and Elizabeth is cold. Elizabeth's niece, Elaine, is a knockout and she and Bill hit it off well. Once they have finished dinner Bill and Elaine take their leave to go dancing. Now that they are alone Ed says, "Beth, I know that you're unhappy with me because I remained in the Navy instead of going to work for your father's company and that you blame me for our son's death. With that being said I think that I deserve to know the purpose of this meeting." Elizabeth coldly states, "I am filing for a divorce. You're in love with the damned Navy and now with a war on I'm as good as being a widow. I know you won't be happy until you get sea duty, which means combat. I'm not going to sit at home worrying if you'll survive from day to day. I've lost enough already when our son, who wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, died in the service of his country." With that they just sit there staring at one another and Ed orders 2 more drinks. Finally he says that he'll sign the divorce papers and that he bears her no ill feelings. He finishes his drink, pays the bill, kisses Beth on the cheek and says goodbye. She just sits there staring blankly off into space.

[tocaff]

February 25, 1942

Benham sails as flag of a small convoy bound for Johnson Island.  Palawan is 1 or the 2 AKs loaded with supplies.  Red is telling his crew members that he's a good luck charm and who in their right mind would argue with him after what he went through.  "I won't sleep below decks until this war is over or we get really foul weather," says Red.  It is a common thing during this time period for the men to sleep under the stars in these warm climates so the officers don't mind as long as you're not in the way.

The CV Hornet leaves San Francisco with her escorts bound for Anchorage.  The USN is determined that any Japanese move on the Aluetians will be met with force.

The Dutch continue to attack the IJN despite heavy loses and today, again near Banjarmasin, a MSW sinks after being hit by a torpedo.

"Damn!  Now Roxas has fallen! I've got to get more damned pins!  When the hell will we go over onto the offensive?"  Bill is unusually vocal this day and Ed asks, "How did dancing go with Elaine?"  The twinkle in Bill's eyes says it all and Ed says, "OK Romeo let's get these mountains of paper out of here so we can go home sometime."  Bill doesn't tell Ed that he'll be seeing Elaine just about every chance he gets as he's been smitten and Ed hasn't mentioned the impending divorce.

In London after 2 days of debate concerning the war's conduct the House of Commons closes with many speakers critical of government policy, questioning the bombing of Germany.

Air Marshall A T "Bomber" Harris has recently been made CinC of Bomber Command.

[tocaff]

February 26, 1942  East of Banjarmasin

A Dutch air raid on a Japanese TF reports a torpedo hit on BB Fuso while 5 Zeros on CAP damage 5 Dutch planes.  Two more strikes attack this TF scoring nothing and reporting fire on Fuso while the CAP loses a Zero and the Dutch lose 2 planes and 4 more damaged.

The failed bombardment of Wake Island TF has arrived safely at Pearl Harbor.  Maybe even though the mission failed Steve will realize he needs to be on his toes.

3 convoys are heading to Pearl, 1 to the US and 2 more are heading to NZ.

Bill shows up in the office looking tired and Ed just smiles and asks, "Rough night?"  They review comms together and see that Hengchow, which was surrounded, was assaulted by 176K Japanese troops and was taken despite the 26.1K defenders best efforts to hold them.  Loses are reported as 2640/53/3 for the Japs and 39151/169/0 for the Chinese.  Those who didn't die in the fighting now face the harsh treatment of prisoners by the IJA.

FDR has called an end to his meeting with his cabinet and now is alone with Gen G C Marshall.  "Damn it then do it.  Shore up the Central Pacific defenses and make the bastards pay if they come that way.  Ready Alaska proper, I don't care much about the Aleutians as we can retake them.  I do want the Japs to pay for any gains they make and I want them thrown out on their asses from those islands fast.  As for the SWPAC area do what you can, but please safeguard the route to Australia and see about sending American troops there and soon."  Gen Marshall outlines the plans for these areas and FDR nods his approval and suggests that they close with a drink.  "Remember," FDR says, "We need something and soon to give to the American public besides bad news."  An aide knocks on the door and enters handing a message to General Marshall.  "Well the British have something to crow about at least.  The RAF has bombed the Gneisenau and did some heavy damage to her."  The Gneisenau will never put to sea again under her own power.









Gneisenau

[tocaff]

February 27, 1942 Washington DC

This is my 2nd attempt at posting this. The 1st time I had finished what I thought to be a pretty fair post only to have lost the server. I hope to be able to recreate it well. Here we go...

Bill walks into Ed's office, drops 2 comms on the desk and as he collapses into a chair he says, "They're not going to like this at all." Ed picks up the papers and as he's reading he picks up the phone. "Give me the admiral. Very important. I don't care, interrupt the meeting. If you won't do it then I'm on my way to do it myself. OK, I'll hold...Thanks. Hello sir. Yes sir your orderly told me. Yes it is. We just got the news that the Japs assaulted Bataan and it fell. Yes sir their force was put at 165K and our defenders a meager 34.4K. Loses for them pegged at 2258/35/5 and ours 60443/214/88. Yes sir a massive surrender took place. I don't envy you that task sir. Yes I'll send them up now. Good bye sir. Bill, they won't like hearing that Omoc has fallen either." Bill says, "We need to fight this war, not read about it. We were trained to fight and a deck beneath our feet would be a welcome change." Ed agrees and sits down. "There are going to be lots of questions asked about this surrender," he says.

All convoys are proceeding to their destinations without interference.

Plans are drawn up and will be issued for the redeployment of troops to strengthen the arc of islands that shield Pearl Harbor from isolation. If the Japanese intend to strike at any of these places they will be met with stiff resistance. Orders are also cut and soon US troops will be sent to Australia, in force. Suddenly there seems to be a shortage of APs in the Pacific.




Japanese troops celebrate the fall of Bataan.

[tocaff]

February 28, 1942

Ed and Bill are filled with gloom and doom. The constant flow of comms containing bad news is dragging both of them down. Today's news is more of the same:
The Japanese have landed troops at Kiriwina Island and Vella Lavella. They have taken Ormac. There are unconfirmed radio reports out of the Phillipines that the IJA is being unusually barbaric with their POWs from Bataan, which is going some given their rapidly growing reputation. There has to be a way of halting this advance across the Pacific.

The Dutch continue to fly raids on the Banjarmasin area and today the hit an AP with a bomb. In tribute to the Dutch colonial troops they seem to be the only ones doing any damage to the Japanese war machine. Their subs and planes have done well so far, but as bases fall it's getting harder and harder to stay in the combat area.

The Tarpon leaves Pearl Harbor to mine Saipan.

Convoys continue on their way unimpeded.

Anchorage is closing in on it's airfield reaching a 7 level. Now additional support units for the planes are needed there, but unluckily the IJN managed to nail an AP taking one such unit there.




Bataan Death March