History of a Spanish War: Fremen (JFB) vs Fletcher (AFB).

[Fletcher]

FROM: RADM SPRUANCE, RAYMOND A. TASK FORCE 15 C-IN-C. CORAL SEA.
TO: ADM. NIMITZ, CHESTER W., CINCPAC. P.H.
SUBJECT: AIR RAID OVER RABAUL
DATE: JAN 17TH 1942.

TODAY 36 SBD-2/3 HAVE TAKE OFF FROM USS ENTERPRISE AND USS SARATOGA TO SMASH ENEMY AIRFIELD. RECON FLIGHTS FROM PORT MORESBY WITH CATALINA I REPORTED FROM SEVERAL DAYS AGO NO ENEMY AIR ACTIVITY ON THIS PORT. I DECIDE TO RESERVE ALL MY FIGHTERS FOR C.A.P. DIVE BOMBERS MEET WITH 09 ZERO FIGHTERS. 10 SBD-3 WERE DOWNED BY ENEMY FIGHTERS. 01 AIRBASE SUPPLY HIT AND 3 RUNWAY HITS REPORTED BY OUR PILOTS.
MORE AIR STRIKES OVER RABAUL CANCELLED, RETURNING TO OUR SANCTUARY.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: AVM WILLIAMS, T.V. GROUP RAF 223. SINGAPORE.
TO: GENERAL CASSELS, MALAYAN ARMY HQ. SINGAPORE.
SUBJECT: NIGHT AIR RAID OVER JOHORE AF.
DATE: JAN 18TH 1942.

THIS NIGHT 6 BLENHEIM I AND 9 HUDSON I FROM GROUP R.A.F. 223 HAVE TAKE OFF FROM SINGAPORE AIRFIELD TO STRIKE ENEMY AF AT JOHORE BAHRU.
WITH NO OWN LOSSES, OUR PILOTS REPORTING 1 ENEMY KI-43 FIGHTER DESTROYED AT GROUND, 3 AIRBASE HITS, 3 AIRBASE SUPPLY HITS AN 12 RUNWAY HITS.

R.A.F 34TH SQDRN REPORTING 1 ENEMY TYPE-0 FIGHTER DESTROYED AT GROUND IN THEIR NIGHT ATTACK OVER KUCHING AF.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR HOLLEY, G.M. USS S-41. YELLOW SEA WATERS.
TO: RADM WITHERS, J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIP TORPEDOED
DATE: JAN 18TH 1941.

ESCORTED LARGE CONVOY SPOTTED NEAR MOPPO, AT 100,52. 4 TORPEDOES LAUNCHED AGAINST LARGE XAK, IDENTIFIED LIGE RAKUTO MARU. 1 TORPEDO HIT IS REPORTED. WE MUST TO BOTTOMING OUR AND CRASH DIVE QUICKLY, ENEMY DESTROYER AT CHASE. HEAVY DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK. MODERATE DAMAGE AFTER 6 NEAR MISSES.

TWO ESCORTING SHIPS IDENTIFIED, DD KARUKAYA AND DD FUYO

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: K.XIV. BORNEO WATERS
TO: RADM DOORMAN, EAST INDIES SQDRN. ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY. BATAVIA.
SUBJECT: ENEMY DETROYER TORPEDOED.
DATE: JAN 20TH 1941

SPOTTED LIGHT CRUISER NATORI WITH 4 DESTROYERS SAILING FAST IN BORNEO STRATIS. I CAN LAUNCHED 4 TORPEDOES, WITH 1 HIT ON DD FUMIKUZI. I MUST TO CRASH DIVE TO AVOID ENEMY RETALIATION. NO HITS OR NEAR MISSES IN MY OWN SUB.

LONG LIVE TO THE QUEEN!
END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR JACOBS, T.D., USS SARGO, NORTHERN WATERS.
TO: RADM WITHERS, J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET, P.H.
SUBJECT: XAK GOZAN SINKS.
DATE: JAN 21st 1942

WAR PATROL AREA CHANGED TO KURILES STRAITS. NO ENEMY SHIPS IN SHIKUKA WATERS IN TWENTY DAYS.
SPOTTED A LARGE FREIGHTER SAILING SLOWLING. 04 TORPEDOES WERE LAUNCHED WHIT ONE HIT, ENEMY SHIP SINKS QUICKLY UNDER MY OWN EYES.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR STONNE H.L. USS SNAPPER. TSUSHIMA STRAITS.
TO: RADM. WITHERS, J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIP TORPEDOED.
DATE: JAN 22ND 1942.

ENEMY SHIP SPOTTED, TARGET IDENTIFIED LIKE XAK DAYA MARU. 2 TORPEDOES LAUNCHED, 2 HITS BUT ONLY ONE EXPLODES. ENEMY SHIP NOT CONFIRMED SUNK.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: ACOM COBBY, HENRY. RAF GROUP 224. SINGAPORE.
TO: GEN. CASSELS, ROBERT A., MALAYAN ARMY HQ. SINGAPORE.
SUBJECT: ENEMY AIR RAID.
DATE: JAN 24TH 1942.

HEAVY AIR ATTACKS OVER SINGAPORE SKY.
52 TYPE-0 NAVY FIGHTERS WITH 15 KI-43 ARMY FIGHTERS ESCORTING 44 G3M2 NELL NAVY TWIN-ENGINE BOMBERS HAVE STRIKE AIRFIELDS AT SINGAPORE.
AT CAP, 36 BUFFALO I WITH 17 H81-A3 FROM AMERICAN VOLUNTEER GROUP.
HEVY LOSSES BOTH SIDE (ENEMY LOST 15 ZEROS AGAINST 21 BUFFALOS DOWNED OR DESTROYED AT GROUND).

NO MORE BUFFALO REEMPLACEMENTS. OUT OF STOCK.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: RADM. DOORMAN, ROYAL NETHERLAND NAVY EAST INDIES SQDRN. BATAVIA
TO: ADM LAYTON, GEOFFREY. ROYAL NAVY EASTERN FLEET HQ. COLOMBO. CEYLAN.
SUBJECT: DARWIN MARITIME LINKS THREATENED BY ENEMY CARRIER(s)
DATE: JAN 25TH 1942

LOST CONTACT WITH XAP POELAU TELO, DUTCH LARGE FREIGHTER. SHE DEPARTURE SEVERAL DAYS AGO FROM PERTH WITH SUPPLY CARGO TO DARWIN.

INCOMING DISASTER MESSAGE INTERCEPTED BY DARWIN R.A.N. STATION. LAST POSITION : 66,124 NEAR DERBY, REPORTING BEEING ATTACKED BY CARRIER TORPEDO-BOMBERS.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: FRANK KNOX, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. WASHINGTON.
TO: STIMSON, HENRY L., SECRETARY OF WAR. WASHINGTON.
SUBJECT: PACIFIC GENERAL REPORT.
DATE: JAN 25TH 1942.

NORTH WATERS:

Adm Sherman lost USS Lexington against two enemy carriers in a cold battle in Aleutians Waters. Enemy have unloading several SNLF units at Dutch Harbor but our troops stand on there. Several electric-boats are threating enemy maritime links to this base. 1 B-17 squadron are flying from Anchorage and bombing enemy targets at D.H.

CENTRAL PACIFIC:

Routine convoys to Western Coast to Pago Pago and Noumea with aircrafts, troops, fuel and supply under heavy escorts.
No enemy activities reported.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC:

Port Moresby is ensured in our hands. Australian forces have deployed more than 600 assault points, and fortify to level 2+. Heavy bombers wing at East Australian Coast awaiting orders (at training duties). USS SARATOGA, USS ENTERPRISE and USS YORKTOWN ready for service.
Noumea and Pago Pago heavily garrisoned by USMC forces.
Several Pursuit Sqdrns have been deployed at Port Moresby, Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane.

WEST AUSTRALIA:

After enemy carrier torpedo bombers sighted by one dutch freighter, Perth have been evacuated. All dutch ships sailing to Melbourne.

INDIAN OCEAN:

Routine convoys to reinforce Ceylan / India positions. Several convoys have been unloaded at Rangoon with reinforcements for this base. AVG 2nd and 3rd Sqdrn at Rangoon.

SUBMARINE WAR:

Anaconda Plan under good progress. Near 30 enemy CARGO ships have been sunk by our submarines. Dutch have sunk several more with 2 destroyers sent to bottom.

DUTCH INDIES:

Borneo have fallen in Japanese hands. Medan under heavy air preassure. Enemy is air sweeping Soerabaja skies. Several units from Singapore have been deployed at Java for rest and reemplacements.

SINGAPORE:

With more than 1.600 asault points and fortification level 4, we think Singapore will not fall until end February 42.

BURMA:

Enemy have taken Pegu and Toungoo. Rangoon is heavily garrisoned with more than 600 assault points. 2 AVG Sqdrns and 1 Buffalos Sqdrn flying from this base. Several supply convoys sent.

END //

[Fletcher]

SIT MAP REPORT
BURMA, JAN 27TH 1942.

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR BUSSEMAKER, O-16, SOUTH CHINA SEA WATERS.
TO: RADM DOORMAN, ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY EAST INDIES SQDRN. BATAVIA.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIP TORPEDOED.
DATE: JAN 28TH 1942


ENEMY SHIP SPOTTED NEAR CAMRANH BAY, AT 63,74. TWO TORPEDOES LAUNCHED, ONE HIT ON TARGET, IDENTIFIED LIKE XAK ARIMA MARU.
ENEMY SHIP NOT CONFIRMED SUNK.

AWAITING CONVOY REPORTED BY USN HYPO.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LTC SMITH, H.D., 34TH HEAVY BOMBER GROUP. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA.
TO: MGEN. BUTLER, WILLIAM O., ELEVENTH USAAF HQ, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA.
SUBJECT: AIR STRIKE OVER ENEMY POSITIONS AT DUTCH.
DATE: JAN 28TH 1942.

EARLY MORNING, 20 B-17E HAVE TAKE OFF FROM ANCHORAGE AFs TO STRIKE ENEMY POSITIONS AT DUTCH HARBOR. LIGHT RAIN OVER TARGET. 14 ENEMY FIGHTERS 0-TYPE ON DUTCH SKYES. NO OWN LOSSES, NO ENEMY FIGHTERS DOWNED.

WE WILL FOLLOW WITH GROUND SUPPORT OPS AGAINST ENEMY POSITIONS AT DUTCH.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR MCGREGGOR, D., USS GAR. CORAL SEA.
TO: RADM WITHERS, J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, USN PACIFIC FLEET.P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SUB
DATE: JAN 29TH 1942.

ENEMY SUBMARINE AT SURFACE NAR WOODLARK ISLAND SPOTTED, IDENTIFIED LIKE I-174. LAUNCHED 6 TORPEDOES at 2,000 yards AGAINST HER BUT NO HITS WERE REPORTED.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: COL ROBERTSON, 206TH COASTAL AA REGIMENT, DUTCH HARBOR.
TO: MGEN BUCKNER, SIMON B., ALASKA DEFENSE COMMAND HQ, ANCHORAGE.
SUBJECT: ENEMY ASSAULT
DATE: JAN 29TH 1942.

ENEMY HAVE ATTACK OUR POSITIONS TODAY. 5.200 JAPANESE TROOPS AGAINST DUTCH GARRISON (5.428).

ENEMY LOST 365 MEN VS. 128 AMERICAN CASUALTIES. ONE JAPANES GUN DESTROYED.
IDENTIFIED 80TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, YOKOSUKA 1ST, 3RD AND 4TH WITH SUPPORT ELEMENTS.

TWO ENEMY CARRIERS IN THE AREA SUPPORTING WITH AIR STRIKES ENEMY GROUND FORCES.

AIR SUPPORT REQUESTED.

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR CHAPPLE, W.G. USS S-38, OKINAWA WATERS.
TO: RADM WITHERS, JR., SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET.
SUBJECT: ENEMY CONVOY
DATE: JAN 30TH 1942

LARGE CONVOY SPOTTED NEAR AMAMI OSHIMA, AT 96,60. 7 FREIGHTERS ESCORTED BY 2 DESTROYERS AND 2 SUBCHASSERS. I HAVE GET A GOOD POSITION TO ATTACK AND LAUNCHED 4 TORPEDOES, 3 OF THEM STRUCK AGAINST XAK MANSEI MARU, SINKING QUICKLY UNDER MY EYES.

ENEMY WAS PINGING US UNSUCCESFULLY. ENEMY CONVOY HEADING EAST.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: MAJ. BOYINGTONG G., 2ND AVG SQDRN. RANGOON.
TO: AVM STEVENSONS, D.F., 221 RAF GROUP. RANGOON.
SUBJECT: ENEMY AIR ATTACK AGAINST SUPPLY CONVOY.
DATE: JAN 31ST 1942.

THIS AFTERNOON WHEN 5 OF MY FIGHTERS WERE FLYING AN ESCORT MISSION OVER A SUPPLY CONVOY HEADING RANGOON, 8 ENEMY TWIN-ENGINE TORPEDO BOMBERS WERE SPOTTED AT 11 NM WITH AN ESTIMATED ALTITUDE OF 13,000 FEET. ALL OF MY FIGHTERS WITH 2 BRITISH BUFFALOES DIVED OVER ENEMY AIRCRAFTS. 7 OF THEM HAVE BEEN DOWNED. NO TORPEDO HITS REPORTED ON XAK CLAN FORBES HEADING CEYLON AFTER SUPPY RANGOON.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: ADM. NIMITZ, CHESTER W., CINCPAC, P.H.
TO: RADM. FLETCHER, FRANK J., USS YORKTOWN. SOUTHERN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
SUBJECT: INFO ABOUT ENEMY
DATE: FEB 3RD 1942.

ENEMY CARRIERS HIRYU AND SORYU WITH BB MUTSU RETREATING FROM NORTHERN WATERS AFTER SEVERAL AIR ATTACKS AGAINST DUTCH HARBOR. THIS BASE IN OUR HANDS. NO NEWS FROM OTHER ENEMY CARRIERS, LAST SPOTTED ONE WEEK AGO IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIAN WATERS. ENEMY RECON FLIGHTS OVER NORTHERN AUSTRALIAN BASES REPORTED. PROBABLY NEXT ENEMY TARGET NORTHERN AUSTRALIA.

HYPO REPORTING ONE ENEMY INFANTRY BN. PLANNING TO LAND AT GILI GILI.
PORT MORESBY MUST BE IN OUR HANDS AT ANY PRICE. STRATEGIC RESERVES IN YOUR HANDS IF NEEDED.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LGEN MCLEOD, DONALD K. BURMA COMMAND, RANGOON.
TO: AV BROOKE-POPHAM, ABDA HQ, BATAVIA, JAVA.
SUBJECT: ENEMY DELIBATED ATTACK AT RANGOON.
DATE: FEB 3RD 1942

ENEMY HAVE LOS 1.300 MEN IN A UNSUCCESFULL ASSAULT AGAINST OUR DEFENSIVE POSITIONS AT RANGOON. OUR TROOPS HAVE GOOD SPIRIT AND WILL FIGHT TO THE END IF NECESARY.
OUR LOSSES ABOUT 880 MEN.
OUR FORTIFY LEVEL 4 WITH 27,000 SUPPLIES. ANOTHER SUPPLY CONVOY HEADING RANGOON FROM INDIA.
AVG AND RAF SQDRN FLYING ESCORT AND CAP MISSION GET AIR SUPPERIORITY OVER RANGOON SKIES.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: BGEN ANTICE, JOHN HENRY. 7TH HUSSARS REGIMENT.
TO: LGEN. MCLEOD, DONALD K. BURMA COMMAND, RANGOON.
SUBJECT: HEAY FIGHTINGS.
DATE: FEB 3RD 1942.

JAPANESE FORCES (112TH INFANTRY REG. IDENTIFIED) HAVE LAUNCHED A DELIBERATE ATTACK AT SAME TIME WE LAUNCHED A SHOCK ATTACK AT 56,49, IN OUR WILL TO GET TOUNGOO.

AT JAPANESE DELIBERATE ATTACK, ENEMY LOST 254 MEN VS. 51 BRITISH CASUALTIES WITH 5 VEHICLES DISABLED.
AT OUR SHOCK ATTACK, ENEMY LOST ANOTHER 131 MEN VS. 14 BRITISH CASAULTIES (WITH 1 VEHICLE DESTROYED AND 2 MORE DISABLED).

WE WILL FOLLOW WITH OUR OFFENSIVE TO RETAKE TOUNGOO.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: GEN CASSELS, MALAYA COMMAND, SINGAPORE.
TO: AVM BROOKE-POPHAM, ABDA COMMAND, BATAVIA.
SUBJECT: SINGAPORE
DATE: FEB 4TH 1942.

ENEMY FORCES HAVE CROSSED THE JOHORE STRAITS. IDENTIFIED 21ST, 38TH, 5TH, 18TH INFANTRY DIVISIONS, 1ST RAIDING REGIMENT, HEAVY ARTY AND ENGINEERS ELEMENTS.
ENEMY LOST 1.181 MEN VS. 365 ALLIED CASUALTIES.
OUR LEVEL FORTIFICATIONS IS 4. MORE THAN 70.000 SUPPLIES AT SINGAPORE.

ALL FIGHTERS AT SINGAPORE HAVE BEEN TRANSFERED TO JAVA AFs. SEVERAL LEVEL BOMBERS WILL FOLLOW WITH NIGHT BOMBINGS OF ENEMY AFs.

END//