Day of Infamy Take 47 - a v3.2 PBEM Hans vs Strawb

[strawb]

Port Moresby falls, Aus 1st Div and 7th Rgt captured. Resistance on New Caledonia wiped out. Only one base holds in Java, only one base remains in Philippines.

Australian Govt offered terms as Japanese push south threatens to totally cut off of links with US.

Fijians, Samoans and New Zealanders are advised to 'consider their position' as IJN sizes then up for airbases to cut off Australia.

Adm Yamoto said 'why fight the fierce Aussies when they can be neutralised instead?'.

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
Marts 1 1942


--FLASH--
India/Burma
Japanese army units capture Dinapur.Yet again, a city falls without presence of British troops.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Java defences breaking up
After 3 weeks of silence on Java, Japanese forces attack the weakened Dutch garrison at Tjilaatjap. Wavel surrendered without resistance. Thus almost 5000 Dutch soldier went into POW camps
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
In New Caledonia the defenders gave up resistance after a few days of sporadic fighting’s. The Japanese now fully control the island
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Port Moresby surrenders after massive blow
6 Japanese carriers committing 140+ planes, in conjunction with bombardments from a strong BB group, caused heavy casualties on Australian ground forces at Port Moresby.
After several bombardments, Japanese amphibious forces joined two IJN brigades, already deployed there, and forced Maj. General Wainwright to surrender. More than 3000 Australians went into captivity.
--END FLASH--


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Darwin Chronicle

The Australian Prime Minister rejects all rumours concerning separate Australian – Japanese negotiations.
He adds, we will accept their surrender though, but it will be without terms.

[deVada]

Good that Japanse Imperial General Headquarter forgotten about Hawaii. Pity that Port Moresby fell (did anyone escaped to Owens Stanley Mountains ?) ...

What is going on in Very Northern Pacific theatre ?

Defense of Australia would be delicious to see. It is surely a hard nut to crack for Strawb.

Could You show a map of India / Java area and the ship looses ?
I am just curious.

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
Marts 8, 1942

--FLASH--
India/Burma
RAF bombed the 2nd Guard Division outside Calcutta. The last 2 weeks allied air forces have had air superiority, as Japanese air groups has been transferred from Burma to other theatres.
Also in the Indian Ocean British naval forces have operated without inference from the IJN.
-- END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Renewed Japanese offensive in China
After several weeks of preliminary bombardments from the air, the Japanese army commenced a series of attacks at Hengyang. The 3 Chinese armies defending the city withdrew after a few days of sporadic fighting.
-- END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Java now controlled by the Japanese
At Surabaya the last Dutch bastion surrendered. Thereby the Java isles are now completely under Japanese control.
The Dutch 3e KNIL division handed over the base, with no resistance. 2400+ men became POW. In addition the Japanese army captured 48 guns and 15 AFVs.
-- END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Final clash on Wake
The Japanese 2nd division was landed on Wake, thus strengthened the 3 battalions already deployed there.
Instantly the Japanese launched an attack on the marines, and after almost a week of fierce combat, the marine battalion had to surrender.
400+ POWs were shipped to Japan.
-- END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Japanese follow up in New Guinea
Having captured Port Moresby, the IJN can operate at will in the Coral Sea. Thus a Japanese task force comprising 3 BBs and 3 CAs headed for Milne Bay, where they bombarded the Australian brigade garrisoned at the base.
-- END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Minor Allied victory in the Central Pacific
As Japanese assets increasingly has been directed to the Coral Sea, US naval forces succeeded in reinforcing the marine battalion on Palmyra.
Supported by bombardments from Fletcher’s taskforce commenced an assault on the 2 battalion sized units entrenched on the atoll. Intensive fighting’s lasted for the duration of the week, ending with the destruction of both Japanese units.
1100+ Japanese soldiers have been reported killed.
-- END FLASH--

[Hans-Brink]

Originally posted by deVada
Good that Japanse Imperial General Headquarter forgotten about Hawaii.

I suspect he didn’t want Pearl in the first place. I think his carriers were just killing time in the Central Pacific, while he waited for the fall of the Philippines and Java. When that happened, the 6xCVs and almost anything else, able to float and having a gun, was directed to the Coral Sea.



Pity that Port Moresby fell (did anyone escaped to Owens Stanley Mountains ?) ...

No one escaped, Tojo marched across New Guinea from Lae, and then landed several units from the Coral Sea. Which triggered the action.
Actually, a smart move



What is going on in Very Northern Pacific theatre ?

North of Midway there has been quiet so far. Besides B17s from Kauai bombing the airfield on Midway, nothing happens in that region. (Yet)


Defense of Australia would be delicious to see. It is surely a hard nut to crack for Strawb.

It ought to be, but until now I have the impression that if he points his finger on the map, and says I wont that spot. Then nothing can prevent him in taking it. (That guy has done his homework)


Could You show a map of India / Java area and the ship looses ?
I am just curious.

I have taken a couple of screenshots, but I can’t make the attach-function work.
When selecting a picture from my hard drive, the only thing that happens is the filename gets displayed in the textbox, left of the browse button.
What am I missing?

[deVada]

Hi !
Thank You for details.

To attach a file, just type "browse" button below and choose a file (it seems that You have done that),
then press "submit reply" normally and it should be ok.

If nothing happens, it may be due to Your firewall protecting file extraction to the "wide world web" ...
The file shouldn't be used at the time You're trying to send it.

Good luck !

Peter

[Hans-Brink]

Originally posted by deVada
Hi !
Thank You for details.

To attach a file, just type "browse" button below and choose a file (it seems that You have done that),
then press "submit reply" normally and it should be ok.

If nothing happens, it may be due to Your firewall protecting file extraction to the "wide world web" ...
The file shouldn't be used at the time You're trying to send it.

Good luck !

Peter

Hi Peter

I tried it, but still nothing happens ...??
I'm not behind a firewall, and when sending emails I have no problems attaching files. So there is no restrictions from my internet provider either.

BTW
Nice picture


Hans

[strawb]

A number of IJN senior planners are due to be beheaded today, as punishment for a beginners mistake; yes they fogot to set detination on one vital TF (I think Hans can guess where...)

News after next turn to see if problem fixed or if Hans has taken advantage!

[strawb]

Tokyo Radio News

Japanese forces are on Australian soil as Darwin falls. Despite last week's false alarm which led to an extra Aussie Div and Bgd being moved into the Darwin area, and a signficant increase in air patrols, a hugh air raid followed by naval shellloing, allowed large IJA force to come ashore and immediately sieze the town. No losses to IJN shipping were reported.

Many Australian forces are now trapped at Broome, while panic breaks out in Sydney at teh news that the IJA is weeping south.

Elsewhere, the British Empire has apprently abandoned all hope of keeping is Indian possessions; major units of the RN have been detected fleeing South around Western Australia. They are undoubtedly intending to run east to the panama canal and then home. We appeal to our Indian Brothers to lay down their arms and end the futile struggle for Calcutta.

Once more we advise our Maori, Fijian and Somoan brothers to keep their heads down as we will soon liberate them from Western imperialists

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
Marts 15, 1942



During the last week there have been reported of very limited activity in the Pacific.
In India air combat over Calcutta has become part of the daily routine. The same is true for the Chinese citizens, in the city of Kweilen.

In an interview, a retired US admiral expresses his concern on the possibility of a Japanese thrust in the central pacific.

--FLASH--
Disturbing news from Australia
According to an Australian journalist, 6 Japanese carriers have been deployed in the southern part of the Java Sea, 30 miles from Darwin. During this week they launched several air strikes on the Australian army- and air units, deployed there. Also 3 Battleships arrived on scene, and commenced a series of heavy shore bombardments.
In the expectation of a forthcoming amphibious landing, army and air units were put on high alert. However, no Japanese transports showed up. An official from CMF claims that heavy Japanese radioactivity in the area, indicates that a major amphibious force were supposed to make a landing, but for some reason they didn’t show up.
--END FLASH--

[strawb]

Quote

"An official from CMF claims that heavy Japanese radioactivity in the area...".

We hope you mean Radio Activity rather than radioactivity, else the allies are in REAL trouble

[Hans-Brink]

Originally posted by strawb
Quote

We hope you mean Radio Activity rather than radioactivity, else the allies are in REAL trouble

D***!!!!!
I'll sack that translator

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
Marts 22, 1942

--FLASH--
Skirmishes in Burma
Our correspondent in Burma reports, that sporadic fighting around Myitkyina arose when an IJA division increased its patrol activity outside the city.
According to the newly created CBI command, the Japanese intensions were to get an impression of allied strength in the area.
110 Chinese soldiers were killed. Estimated casualties inflicted on the IJA are 140 men and 2 guns.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Darwin falls
A representative from the Australian government last night announced the fall of Darwin. In the statement it is said:
Quote
As anticipated the Japanese assault on Darwin was renewed this week. This time followed up by a successful amphibious landing, which rapidly deployed 3 Japanese divisions on the beaches. Japanese carrier based planes continued their attacks, and were met by Dutch and Australian veterans in obsolete fighter planes. Several IJN aircraft were shot down, but they did manage to keep the airfield out of action most of the time.
Despite strong reinforcements, both on land and in the air, the Australian army were forced to withdraw to Broome, after 2 days of fierce combat.
End quote.
--END FLASH--

[Capt. Harlock]

Now that's odd. Why did the Allied troops retreat to the West, instead of the East?

[strawb]

"Why did the Allied troops retreat to the West, instead of the East?"

Yes - we have been wondering that (though obviously I am slightly less concerned ) - same terrain types to choose from, but we think HQ ownership of troops might be issue eg cloncurry not CMF, broome is , troops were CMF...?

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
Marts 29, 1942


--FLASH--
Washington
On a press conference yesterday, the secretary of state, Summer Welles, denied all rumours saying that the allied are neglecting the defence of India.
I’m not gonna debate anything, which has its origin in the Tokyo tabloids, he added.
--END FLASH


--FLASH--
Rapid Japanese advance in Australia
According to a reliable source in Sydney, the Japanese army is on a rapid move across Australia.
This week 2 Japanese divisions reached Cloncurry, while another has advanced to Broome.
The Australian reserve division in the vicinity of Cloncurry was attacked, and after 4 days of heavy fighting’s, it withdrew to Cairns
Meanwhile, the encircled Australian units in Broome launched a counterattack, but had to withdraw to their positions, as Japanese naval forces intervened.
Estimated losses in Australia for this week are:
Australian:
1100+ men, 11 guns and 3 tanks.
IJA
360+ men, 2 guns and 2 tanks.
--END FLASH--

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
April 5, 1942

--FLASH--
Nationalist China under pressure
In a communiqué from Chang-Kai-Shek to the CBI HQ, the Chinese commander strongly requests for fighter squadrons to be deployed in China.
Lately the Japanese air forces have strengthened their attacks on supply dumps in the Chinese rear areas. According to KMT, this will hinder Chinese operations in a near future, if no air support is assigned to China.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Refuges flooding the roads in northern Australia
Endless columns of refuges flooded the roads in northern Australia this week. Especially the road between Cairns and Townswille was packed with civilians heading south. Lt. General Buckner accuses the Japanese air forces for deliberately bombing none military targets.
Australian ministry of defence announces an increase in Japanese naval presence in the region. According to an intelligence report, the IJN has doubled its strength in battleships
4 Japanese battleships, and 3 heavy cruisers continually bombarded the garrison in Broome. At the same time, another 4 battleships and 4 heavy cruisers pounded the Australian stronghold in Cairns.
According to military analysts, the Australian army operates with limited air support and a navy, which is no match to the IJN.
Evidently, the survival of Australia strongly depends on the help from its allied.
--END FLASH--

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
April 12, 1942


--FLASH--
Stillwell reassigns The Flying Tigers
Our correspondent in India reports that Maj. General Stillwell has reassigned a fighter squadron from India to China.
The squadron in question is presumably the American volunteers, flying under the nickname The Flying Tigers.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
British naval action in The Indian Ocean
According to an article in London Times, British battleships bombarded the Japanese base at Dacca this week. Also a transport successfully made it to Calcutta.
According to the HQ of the Eastern Fleet, only limited Japanese air forces tried to interfere the actions.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Japanese mop up in New Guinea
An official from the Australian high command announce the fall of Milne Bay. For a long time an Australian brigade has been deployed there, most of the time without supplies. This week a Japanese elite regiment was landed at the base, and the Australians surrendered without resistance. Thus 1200+ Australian soldiers went into Japanese POW camps.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Japanese attempt in the Central Pacific
This week a PBY from Johnston located a Japanese task force comprising 4 carriers, assumingly heading for Kauai. They were spotted between Johnston Island and Kauai
Air forces on Hawaii and the Line Islands were put on high alert, and Hudsons from Johnston instantly intercepted the task force, but failed to score any hits.
In response 120 Japanese carrier planes bombed the airfield on Johnston, inflicting only minor damage. Later the same day 117 carrier planes made an attack on Kauai, destroying 28 B-17s on the ground. Meanwhile 17 marauders from Pearl Harbour made it through the CAP and scored 2 hits on a Shokaku class CV, immediately sinking the vessel. Another CV was reported lightly damaged.
--END FLASH--

[strawb]

I go raid Johnson Island with some CVs, trying also to tempt out his CVs into a cunning trap... I set stand off to 3 to keep well out the way BUT my idiot admiral stands off 3 to the EAST of Johnson, ie with 4 of Pearl!!!!

One lucky 500lb from a Maurauder and its is all over.

Let that be a lesson to you all....

[deVada]

I do not why but I am happy with all allied victories.
Maybe it's because of knowing the pain to be allies in 1941 and 2.

May this painfull lesson teach these Japans not to capture Hawaii ... The isles are so beautiful ...

Anyway - Hans - You're lucky.
Keep struggling !