February 15, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAPAN 55TH BACKS OFF
(TN - Columbo) Elements of the 38th Chinese Infantry Division are presently marching on Lashio. At the same time, the Japanese 55th Division once again broke off its pursuit of the Mandalay defensive group, disappearing into the jungles of central Burma. Strategists at Southeast Asia Command reports that it expects the Japanese unit to show up at Lashio, then attempt to push the 38th Division back away from the city.
The 55th Division's retreat sent a loud sigh of relief through Southeast Asia Command headquarters. Thayne News talked to Dr. Gaschk of the Gaschk School of Fighting to discuss the significance of these events.
"It means that the British in India have a few extra days to build up their defense," Dr. Gaschk said. "It also means that Allied air power is now free to focus on the Japanese 18th Division threatening Akyab. The Chinese still have an important role to play in the defense of India. If they cannot actually be in India to help hold the towns there, they can at least provide pressure to keep Japanese units in Burma and out of India."
US Prepares Air Shipment to India
(TN - San Francisco) The United States is preparing a convoy to deliver approximately 50 C-47 cargo planes and an equal number of Stranraer seaplanes from Canada to India. The convoy, which will also carry additional military supplies for the units in India, will ultimately be used to ship additional supplies to China. The units have already been placed under the command of General Pownall, but will still need to make the two-month journey across the Pacific Ocean to their destination. The most dangerous part of the journey is expected to be the leg from Perth, Australia to Columbo. Allied Command says that it expects Java to be under Japanese control by then, which will allow them to threaten any supply shipments between the two cities.
Borneo Army Surrounded
(TN – Soerabaja) The Dutch army, retreating from Balikpapan, engaged forward units of an attack force coming down from Tarakan yesterday. The Japanese forced the Dutch army out of Balikpapan yesterday, forcing the unit to retreat to Samarina. Japanese attackers continued to pursue the retreating army, refusing to allow it to establish any type of defense in the town. As the Balikpapan invasion force came up from the south, an army from Tarakan came down from the south, pinning the Dutch army between the two units.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Der Elst, who is in command of the Balikpapan defensive group, had ordered two of his units to study the defenses of Samarina with the intention of establishing defensive positions quickly in case the Allies were pushed back into the town. The Samarinda Garrison Battalion also was able to quickly deploy in established positions within the city. Other units, originally charged with defending Balikpapan, Tarakan, and Benjarmasan, were assigned support positions.
The Dutch army had also stashed enough supplies in the town for a prolonged siege. Van Der Elst radioed ABDA Headquarters that it is his intention hold the city, and to keep the Japanese army occupied in the region, until the end of the month.
Southwest Pacific Advances on Thursday
(TN - Batavia) Southwest Pacific Command has given approval yesterday for TF1022, currently at Caines, to deliver the 30th Australian Infantry Brigade to Thursday Island. Major General Thompson of Southwest Pacific Command is reported to also be concerned about where the Japanese carrier force may be. However, Thompson argued, "They can't be everywhere at once. Either we will succeed to occupy Thursday Island, or Kimmel will succeed in occupying Wake Island. We will not both fail.
Thursday Island has the advantage of being within range of cargo planes flying out of Australia, and, like Kai Island north of Borneo, can be supplied by air. This makes the base a useful forward post to break up and distract the Japanese plans of expansion.
Operation Bad Penny: Laysan Island
(TN – Denver) Central Pacific Command reported that the two components of Operation Bad Penny were on their way past Laysan Island on their way to Midway, and should arrive at their destination in two days.
The Reoccupation Group encountered rain and winds as it sailed, making the trip more uncomfortable for the occupation forces assigned to the mission. Some of the units have been on board ship for over two weeks, and will not be setting foot on dry land until they reach Wake Island in another eight or nine days.
Meanwhile, Admiral Kimmel is reported to be anxiously waiting news on the location of the Japanese carrier force. The force has not been seen since it slipped outside the range of the Philippine Island search planes four days ago, heading Southeast. Its destination and speed meant that the force could show up anywhere between Rabaul and Midway Island.
Thayne News Campaign Reports
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
AIR RAIDS: INDIA
February 16, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
AIR RAIDS: INDIA
(TN - Columbo) Japanese air forces raided eastern India yesterday, striking at Imphal and Diamond Harbor. At the Imphal attack, Hurricane fighters piloted by the British held up well against the Japanese zeros. The pilots reported shooting down 13 airplanes at a loss of one of their own, though allied military intelligence reports only 5 enemy airplanes shot down.
The Japanese also attacked Diamond Harbor with long-range Betty bombers. The Hurricane squadron at Diamond Harbor was involved in a training mission at the time, and was unavailable to meet the Japanese attack. In spite of surprising Allied defenses, the Japanese failed to do any significant harm. Immediately after the raid, General Pownall ended the training program and put the Hurricanes on Combat Air Patrol until further notice.
Jap 55th Baffles Experts
(TN - Columbo) Military Intelligence got news of the Japanese 55th Division leaving northern Burma yesterday. Aerial reconnaissance found the enemy division south of Mandalay. News immediately sent stirs through Southeast Asia Command as the number of theories of what this could mean outnumbered the number of people thinking of theories. Speculation ranges from hope that the Japanese division is depleted from constant fighting and is retiring to rest, to worries that it will go to Pagan and, from there, join the 18th Division in its attack on Akyab.
The unit leaves the Japanese 33rd Division as the only enemy unit in northern Burma, and it remains trapped in the wilderness where it got hopelessly tangled in the jungle during a fight with the Mandalay defensive group. Chinese units were already putting pressure on in the hopes of capturing Lashio. On hearing that the Japanese 55th Division is retiring, the 101 RAF Base Force ended its retreat out of Burma and turned around to try to retake the city of Myitkyina.
Borneo Army Holds Up
(TN – Soerabaja) The Japanese game the Dutch army at Samarina no time to settle into their new home, hitting the allied defenses the instant they could create an organized assault. They launched a small but determined attack at allied units defending the road into the city from the south, driving the allies out of some defensive positions and inflicting heavy casualties. An allied counter-attack restored the defensive perimeter, but at a heavy cost of men and materials already in short supply.
Elsewhere in Borneo, the Japanese drove the defenders out of the Sumatran city of Bankha yesterday, giving them a new base on the north coast of the island. Approximately 700 allied soldiers retreated to Medan. They left many of their wounded and much of their equipment behind, destroying the equipment to deny the Japanese the ability to use it.
The Japanese are increasing their pressure on Batavia and Amboina through massive air bombardment on both cities. The Japanese are also continuing to land additional reinforcements at Batavia, and the Dutch air force is powerless to stop them. "They have too many ships and too many soldiers to throw into the fight for us to block all of them," said Colonel Williams from ABDA Command. The ABDA Air Force is continuing to inflict significant damage on transport and mine laying ships involved in the invasion, but has focused its energies on a few ships in the hopes of sinking a few, rather than damaging many.
Wake Island Heroes at Baker Island
(TN - Hawaii) The First USMC Defense Battalion, the force that defeated the Japanese at Wake Island, arrived at Baker Island yesterday to secure the defense of that outpost. Admiral Kimmel is seeking to establish Baker Island as a forward base for watching Japanese activities in the Gilbert Islands, as well as striking at the Japanese held islands 600 miles to the west.
Baker Island, a small piece of land barely a mile in diameter, is already crowded with military personnel attempting to set up defenses and to reinforce the island. Space is at such a premium on the small island that engineers are constructing multi-level pill boxes to house the gun crew, and soldiers sleep in shifts in some of the buildings. Central Pacific Command reported that they will do not feel it would be appropriate to station any additional crew on the island unless accommodations could be created for them. One of the options under consideration is to sink an old transport ship off of shore, secure it to the sea bed, and fortify it to turn it into an armored barracks. At the moment, however, there are no further plans to increase the garrison.
Operation Bad Penny: Near Midway
(TN – Denver) According to information received at Central Pacific Command, the task forces of Operation Bad Penny are approaching Midway Island. The crew is suffering through its second day of bad weather, and there have been some reports of sea sickness and dehydration within the occupation force. Doctors are caring for the members of the occupation force as best as they could.
Admiral Kimmel remains concerned about the possible location of the Japanese carrier fleet, and has ordered VP-44, a seaplane squadron, to the island to conduct searches. VP-23 will be flying out from Pearl Harbor to take the place of VP-44 at Midway. VMF211, the air group originally stationed at Wake Island that retreated to Midway at the start of the war, has also been ordered to prepare to return to Wake Island.
When USMC First Defense Battalion left the island, they left some supplies behind carefully concealed, and it should be enough to sustain the air units returning to the island until additional supplies arrive. However, those air units will not have the equipment they needs to perform maintenance or repair damage until the occupation force has had an opportunity to set up shop.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
AIR RAIDS: INDIA
(TN - Columbo) Japanese air forces raided eastern India yesterday, striking at Imphal and Diamond Harbor. At the Imphal attack, Hurricane fighters piloted by the British held up well against the Japanese zeros. The pilots reported shooting down 13 airplanes at a loss of one of their own, though allied military intelligence reports only 5 enemy airplanes shot down.
The Japanese also attacked Diamond Harbor with long-range Betty bombers. The Hurricane squadron at Diamond Harbor was involved in a training mission at the time, and was unavailable to meet the Japanese attack. In spite of surprising Allied defenses, the Japanese failed to do any significant harm. Immediately after the raid, General Pownall ended the training program and put the Hurricanes on Combat Air Patrol until further notice.
Jap 55th Baffles Experts
(TN - Columbo) Military Intelligence got news of the Japanese 55th Division leaving northern Burma yesterday. Aerial reconnaissance found the enemy division south of Mandalay. News immediately sent stirs through Southeast Asia Command as the number of theories of what this could mean outnumbered the number of people thinking of theories. Speculation ranges from hope that the Japanese division is depleted from constant fighting and is retiring to rest, to worries that it will go to Pagan and, from there, join the 18th Division in its attack on Akyab.
The unit leaves the Japanese 33rd Division as the only enemy unit in northern Burma, and it remains trapped in the wilderness where it got hopelessly tangled in the jungle during a fight with the Mandalay defensive group. Chinese units were already putting pressure on in the hopes of capturing Lashio. On hearing that the Japanese 55th Division is retiring, the 101 RAF Base Force ended its retreat out of Burma and turned around to try to retake the city of Myitkyina.
Borneo Army Holds Up
(TN – Soerabaja) The Japanese game the Dutch army at Samarina no time to settle into their new home, hitting the allied defenses the instant they could create an organized assault. They launched a small but determined attack at allied units defending the road into the city from the south, driving the allies out of some defensive positions and inflicting heavy casualties. An allied counter-attack restored the defensive perimeter, but at a heavy cost of men and materials already in short supply.
Elsewhere in Borneo, the Japanese drove the defenders out of the Sumatran city of Bankha yesterday, giving them a new base on the north coast of the island. Approximately 700 allied soldiers retreated to Medan. They left many of their wounded and much of their equipment behind, destroying the equipment to deny the Japanese the ability to use it.
The Japanese are increasing their pressure on Batavia and Amboina through massive air bombardment on both cities. The Japanese are also continuing to land additional reinforcements at Batavia, and the Dutch air force is powerless to stop them. "They have too many ships and too many soldiers to throw into the fight for us to block all of them," said Colonel Williams from ABDA Command. The ABDA Air Force is continuing to inflict significant damage on transport and mine laying ships involved in the invasion, but has focused its energies on a few ships in the hopes of sinking a few, rather than damaging many.
Wake Island Heroes at Baker Island
(TN - Hawaii) The First USMC Defense Battalion, the force that defeated the Japanese at Wake Island, arrived at Baker Island yesterday to secure the defense of that outpost. Admiral Kimmel is seeking to establish Baker Island as a forward base for watching Japanese activities in the Gilbert Islands, as well as striking at the Japanese held islands 600 miles to the west.
Baker Island, a small piece of land barely a mile in diameter, is already crowded with military personnel attempting to set up defenses and to reinforce the island. Space is at such a premium on the small island that engineers are constructing multi-level pill boxes to house the gun crew, and soldiers sleep in shifts in some of the buildings. Central Pacific Command reported that they will do not feel it would be appropriate to station any additional crew on the island unless accommodations could be created for them. One of the options under consideration is to sink an old transport ship off of shore, secure it to the sea bed, and fortify it to turn it into an armored barracks. At the moment, however, there are no further plans to increase the garrison.
Operation Bad Penny: Near Midway
(TN – Denver) According to information received at Central Pacific Command, the task forces of Operation Bad Penny are approaching Midway Island. The crew is suffering through its second day of bad weather, and there have been some reports of sea sickness and dehydration within the occupation force. Doctors are caring for the members of the occupation force as best as they could.
Admiral Kimmel remains concerned about the possible location of the Japanese carrier fleet, and has ordered VP-44, a seaplane squadron, to the island to conduct searches. VP-23 will be flying out from Pearl Harbor to take the place of VP-44 at Midway. VMF211, the air group originally stationed at Wake Island that retreated to Midway at the start of the war, has also been ordered to prepare to return to Wake Island.
When USMC First Defense Battalion left the island, they left some supplies behind carefully concealed, and it should be enough to sustain the air units returning to the island until additional supplies arrive. However, those air units will not have the equipment they needs to perform maintenance or repair damage until the occupation force has had an opportunity to set up shop.
DUTCH GIVE UP BATAVIA
February 17, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
DUTCH GIVE UP BATAVIA
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch army was forced out of Batavia yesterday in a maneuver that the ABDS Generals saw in the making, but were unable to prevent. As expected, the Japanese launched an attack to cut off the route of escape from Batavia to Bandoeng to the southeast. The breech in the Dutch defensive line put the rest of the army in an untenable position, forcing them to retreat. However, with the route to Bandoeng blocked, the Japanese were forced south to Merak.
The victory gives the Japanese a chance to trap the bulk of the Dutch army in a small corner of the island and destroy it. It also makes Merik an easy target, since there are no combat-capable units between it and the Japanese. If the Japanese are able to swiftly move south and capture Merik, they would also destroy the Dutch air force stationed there.
With the victory, the Japanese can also be expected to bring air units into the town, which will put an end to ABDA operations against ships in Batavia harbor. ABDA Command has authorized one last air attack against the port before pulling back to Soerabaja.
CARRIERS FOUND
(TN - Soerabaja) The Japanese announced the location of at least some of their carries when Val and Kate bombers attacked Dutch forces at Amboina. The airplanes approached the town from the northeast. Though scout planes report only seeing a small gathering of heavy cruisers in the area, carriers have to be among them somewhere.
The location of the attack puts the carrier fleet about 150 miles northeast of Amboina, moving west. With this news, Admiral Kimmel gave final approval to Operation Bad Penny, the reoccupation of Wake Island. General Thompson has also given orders to continue with the occupation of Thursday Island, even though the Japanese carriers are close enough to pose a serious threat. The occupation of Thursday Island is also close enough to air attack by planes stationed at Rabaul and Lae. However, no Japanese scout planes have been active in the region. Military strategists for General Thompson have been advising him that the Japanese air strength is focused in the Dutch East Indies, Philippines, and Borneo, where they can lend support to ground operations.
Two Divisions Threaten Akyab
(TN - Columbo) A second Japanese division, believed to be the 55th Division, has joined the 18th Division in threatening allied units at Akyab. The two units represent a combined enemy strength of about 45,000 soldiers backed up by 500 artillery pieces. These forces are going against a defensive force of approximately 10,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. According to sources in Southeast Asia Command, Pownell is considering Akyab to be lost, and has ordered the defenders to engage in a fighting retreat back to the region of Chadpur and Bacca.
Thayne News has obtained figures on the defense of eastern India, and learned that this strategically vital region has less than 30,000 soldiers, making it vulnerable if the Japanese should break out of Akyab and try to attack the area. General Pownell has ordered a redistribution of his troop strength, pulling some units out of north India where they had been anticipating an attack by the Japanese 55th Division. Additional reinforcements are not expected to reach the region in more than a month.
Operation Bad Penny: Midway
(TN – Denver) Operation Bad Penny reached Midway. With news that at least part of the Japanese carrier force was in eastern Indonesia, Admiral Kimmel gave the green light for the force to move out immediately, before the situation changes.
Sources at Central Pacific Command have said that Kimmel is still concerned about the possibility of serious losses. Analysts report that the size of the carrier attack on Amboina was not enough to justify the conclusion that this accounts for more than one of the Japanese fleet carriers. Some advisors have expressed strong doubts that the Japanese would split up its carrier force for any reason other than refit, Kimmel is concerned about the Japanese ability to do things that were not expected of them.
At Midway Island, the USS Thornton, a seaplane tender, joined the occupation task force. The tender will tend to the squadron of PBY flying boats that have already flown ahead to Wake Island to watch for enemy carriers or other ships.
Operation Bad Penny is expected to be landing its soldiers on Wake Island in about four days.
In a related story, there are some in the War Department, including leaders of other Pacific War theaters of operation, who are said to be unhappy about the level of importance some to be giving to Operation Bad Penny. According to one senior military official in the South Pacific, "This exercise is not important enough to be called an operation. We are moving into territory we already own. In all likelihood, the only damage we might suffer is if some GI accidentally drops the new command's ash tray on a rock."
Some junior officers in competing headquarters units have called the reoccupation of Wake Island a 'publicity stunt' conducted for the purpose of getting Admiral Kimmel's name in the paper and building up his tarnished reputation.
Also, Thayne News has received several letters from members of the Military Industrial Complex that state that the reporting is not proportional to the importance of these events. As one writer put it, "It is laughable to be making such a big deal out of the fact that we are landing soldiers on a place that the Japanese care nothing about and left for us to step into."
The Editors of Thayne News have responded to these allegations by saying that the potential loss of two allied carriers, transport ships, and the military units they contain is not insignificant. The editors have reported that they will continue to report on the progress of the mission until the carrier fleet has safely retired from the region.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
DUTCH GIVE UP BATAVIA
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch army was forced out of Batavia yesterday in a maneuver that the ABDS Generals saw in the making, but were unable to prevent. As expected, the Japanese launched an attack to cut off the route of escape from Batavia to Bandoeng to the southeast. The breech in the Dutch defensive line put the rest of the army in an untenable position, forcing them to retreat. However, with the route to Bandoeng blocked, the Japanese were forced south to Merak.
The victory gives the Japanese a chance to trap the bulk of the Dutch army in a small corner of the island and destroy it. It also makes Merik an easy target, since there are no combat-capable units between it and the Japanese. If the Japanese are able to swiftly move south and capture Merik, they would also destroy the Dutch air force stationed there.
With the victory, the Japanese can also be expected to bring air units into the town, which will put an end to ABDA operations against ships in Batavia harbor. ABDA Command has authorized one last air attack against the port before pulling back to Soerabaja.
CARRIERS FOUND
(TN - Soerabaja) The Japanese announced the location of at least some of their carries when Val and Kate bombers attacked Dutch forces at Amboina. The airplanes approached the town from the northeast. Though scout planes report only seeing a small gathering of heavy cruisers in the area, carriers have to be among them somewhere.
The location of the attack puts the carrier fleet about 150 miles northeast of Amboina, moving west. With this news, Admiral Kimmel gave final approval to Operation Bad Penny, the reoccupation of Wake Island. General Thompson has also given orders to continue with the occupation of Thursday Island, even though the Japanese carriers are close enough to pose a serious threat. The occupation of Thursday Island is also close enough to air attack by planes stationed at Rabaul and Lae. However, no Japanese scout planes have been active in the region. Military strategists for General Thompson have been advising him that the Japanese air strength is focused in the Dutch East Indies, Philippines, and Borneo, where they can lend support to ground operations.
Two Divisions Threaten Akyab
(TN - Columbo) A second Japanese division, believed to be the 55th Division, has joined the 18th Division in threatening allied units at Akyab. The two units represent a combined enemy strength of about 45,000 soldiers backed up by 500 artillery pieces. These forces are going against a defensive force of approximately 10,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. According to sources in Southeast Asia Command, Pownell is considering Akyab to be lost, and has ordered the defenders to engage in a fighting retreat back to the region of Chadpur and Bacca.
Thayne News has obtained figures on the defense of eastern India, and learned that this strategically vital region has less than 30,000 soldiers, making it vulnerable if the Japanese should break out of Akyab and try to attack the area. General Pownell has ordered a redistribution of his troop strength, pulling some units out of north India where they had been anticipating an attack by the Japanese 55th Division. Additional reinforcements are not expected to reach the region in more than a month.
Operation Bad Penny: Midway
(TN – Denver) Operation Bad Penny reached Midway. With news that at least part of the Japanese carrier force was in eastern Indonesia, Admiral Kimmel gave the green light for the force to move out immediately, before the situation changes.
Sources at Central Pacific Command have said that Kimmel is still concerned about the possibility of serious losses. Analysts report that the size of the carrier attack on Amboina was not enough to justify the conclusion that this accounts for more than one of the Japanese fleet carriers. Some advisors have expressed strong doubts that the Japanese would split up its carrier force for any reason other than refit, Kimmel is concerned about the Japanese ability to do things that were not expected of them.
At Midway Island, the USS Thornton, a seaplane tender, joined the occupation task force. The tender will tend to the squadron of PBY flying boats that have already flown ahead to Wake Island to watch for enemy carriers or other ships.
Operation Bad Penny is expected to be landing its soldiers on Wake Island in about four days.
In a related story, there are some in the War Department, including leaders of other Pacific War theaters of operation, who are said to be unhappy about the level of importance some to be giving to Operation Bad Penny. According to one senior military official in the South Pacific, "This exercise is not important enough to be called an operation. We are moving into territory we already own. In all likelihood, the only damage we might suffer is if some GI accidentally drops the new command's ash tray on a rock."
Some junior officers in competing headquarters units have called the reoccupation of Wake Island a 'publicity stunt' conducted for the purpose of getting Admiral Kimmel's name in the paper and building up his tarnished reputation.
Also, Thayne News has received several letters from members of the Military Industrial Complex that state that the reporting is not proportional to the importance of these events. As one writer put it, "It is laughable to be making such a big deal out of the fact that we are landing soldiers on a place that the Japanese care nothing about and left for us to step into."
The Editors of Thayne News have responded to these allegations by saying that the potential loss of two allied carriers, transport ships, and the military units they contain is not insignificant. The editors have reported that they will continue to report on the progress of the mission until the carrier fleet has safely retired from the region.
CARRIERS HIT KAI ISLAND
February 18, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
CARRIERS HIT KAI ISLAND
(TN - Brisbane) Japanese carrier planes flying in from the east attacked Kai Island, north of Darwin. A squadron of Wirraway fighters stationed at the island did not even slow the Japanese air assault. The escort of Japanese Zero and Claude fighters swatted the Australian fighters aside, sending two into the ocean and driving the others off. However, allied AA gunners claimed three bombers destroyed in the raid. The bombing raid damaged the airfield and a tool thread containing vital spare parts for the airplanes. The bombers also hit a gasoline storage container near the coast, creating an explosion that killed eight soldiers and wounded another 15.
Strategists assigned to Southwest Pacific Command say that they expect the carrier fleet to continue to travel south, where it will probably attack shipping and air fields at Darwin. Southwest Command has ordered all submarines at Darwin to sea to hunt for the enemy carrier fleet, and to prevent the submarines from being caught in a Japanese air attack on the city.
Dutch Lose Samarinda
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch Army plans to hold on to Samarinda until the end of the month vanished yesterday as the Japanese kicked the Dutch defenders out of the city. The defenders retreated into the jungle. Survivors are hoping to be able to retreat through the jungle to Banjarmasin, where it will make its last stand. The army is now badly depleated, and it is expected that it could not long survive an encounter with a sizable Japanese force.
Last Batavia Raid a Success
(TN - Soerabaja) ABDA Command launched one last strike on the ships in Batavia harbor before the Japanese could move units into the area airports to fly Combat Air Patrol over the city. The attacks scored an impressive score of hits.
The first raid in the morning focused on a cargo ship. The airplanes lacked fighter escort, but still ended up facing six Japanese zeros flying CAP over the harbor. The Japanese apparently were not expecting a raid and allowed the attack aircraft to get through with barely a scratch. TIV torpedo bombers hit a cargo ship twice near the stern. The pilots reported, and later examination of the film brought back confirmed, that the ship was crowded with troops. Shortly after the first torpedo hit, while soldiers gathered on the deck and prepared to abandon ship, a Martin landed a bomb on the deck, blasting a wide hole in the crowd.
The next raid focused on a different cargo ship, also carrying troops. Martin bombers hit the ship with two bombs, one of which penetrated into the interior of the ship and set off secondary explosions that inflicting several dozen casualties.
The next raid scored three torpedo hits against a third cargo ship.
Just before sunset, ABDA Command launched the final raid on Batavia, which turned out to be the most successful raid of the day. ABDA bombers placed two bombs on yet another transport. They also found a fast transport loaded with soldiers, which they hit with no less than eight bombs. A troop transport ship also in the harbor took four bomb hits and a torpedo hit. Before the end of the day, spies in Batavia with radios reported that the fast transport and two cargo ships had been sunk.
Landings On Thursday Approved
(TN - Soerabaja) In spite of the presence of Japanese carriers in the region, Southwest Asia Command ordered TF1022 to deliver its cargo to Tuesday Island. Southwest Pacific Command reported that the transports were close enough to the island to be able to reach it before dawn and start unloading it. Southeast Asia Command is also expecting the delivery of cargo planes to keep the base supplied.
Threat to Akyab Grows
(TN - Diamond Harbor) Allied intelligence reports that there are now three divisions marching against Akyab, including the infamous 55th Division. The other two divisions are the 18th and 56th. Together, they represent a combat force of nearly 60,000 soldiers. Akyab, with its 10,000 soldiers, is no longer expecting to hold out until the end of the month. Southeast Asia Command has ordered a fighting withdraw out of the city back toward Calcutta. Pownall has announced that he will send no more reinforcements or supplies to the town, and will instead wait for their withdraw.
Meanwhile, the British are continuing to reinforce the area around Calcutta. The most significant change involves the arrival of the Southeast Asia Command center itself to Diamond Harbor. The unit will eventually be moved to the Dacca, where it will be better able to supply replacements and upgrades to nearby units.
Japan Raids Diamond Harbor
(TN-Diamond Harbor) The Japanese launched two heavy strikes against Diamond Harbor yesterday. Diamond Harbor is the largest British naval base in eastern India. The Light Carrier Hermes was in the harbor, as well as the troop transport carrying the Southwest Pacific Command headquarters. However, the Japanese attackers apparently never saw these targets. This left the carrier with its airplanes intact.
With Akyab under threat and now considered a lost cause, Southwest Pacific Command is considering the option of pulling the members of the AVG back to cover Diamond Harbor.
Operation Bad Penny: D-Day - 3
(TN – Denver) The two task forces for Operation Bad Penny was one day away from Midway, and three days away from Wake Island. They still have not identified any significant threats, and the seaplanes transferred to Wake Island have not reported any Japanese activity in the area. Some members of the Central Pacific command are already calling the landing a success, though it is two days away.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
CARRIERS HIT KAI ISLAND
(TN - Brisbane) Japanese carrier planes flying in from the east attacked Kai Island, north of Darwin. A squadron of Wirraway fighters stationed at the island did not even slow the Japanese air assault. The escort of Japanese Zero and Claude fighters swatted the Australian fighters aside, sending two into the ocean and driving the others off. However, allied AA gunners claimed three bombers destroyed in the raid. The bombing raid damaged the airfield and a tool thread containing vital spare parts for the airplanes. The bombers also hit a gasoline storage container near the coast, creating an explosion that killed eight soldiers and wounded another 15.
Strategists assigned to Southwest Pacific Command say that they expect the carrier fleet to continue to travel south, where it will probably attack shipping and air fields at Darwin. Southwest Command has ordered all submarines at Darwin to sea to hunt for the enemy carrier fleet, and to prevent the submarines from being caught in a Japanese air attack on the city.
Dutch Lose Samarinda
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch Army plans to hold on to Samarinda until the end of the month vanished yesterday as the Japanese kicked the Dutch defenders out of the city. The defenders retreated into the jungle. Survivors are hoping to be able to retreat through the jungle to Banjarmasin, where it will make its last stand. The army is now badly depleated, and it is expected that it could not long survive an encounter with a sizable Japanese force.
Last Batavia Raid a Success
(TN - Soerabaja) ABDA Command launched one last strike on the ships in Batavia harbor before the Japanese could move units into the area airports to fly Combat Air Patrol over the city. The attacks scored an impressive score of hits.
The first raid in the morning focused on a cargo ship. The airplanes lacked fighter escort, but still ended up facing six Japanese zeros flying CAP over the harbor. The Japanese apparently were not expecting a raid and allowed the attack aircraft to get through with barely a scratch. TIV torpedo bombers hit a cargo ship twice near the stern. The pilots reported, and later examination of the film brought back confirmed, that the ship was crowded with troops. Shortly after the first torpedo hit, while soldiers gathered on the deck and prepared to abandon ship, a Martin landed a bomb on the deck, blasting a wide hole in the crowd.
The next raid focused on a different cargo ship, also carrying troops. Martin bombers hit the ship with two bombs, one of which penetrated into the interior of the ship and set off secondary explosions that inflicting several dozen casualties.
The next raid scored three torpedo hits against a third cargo ship.
Just before sunset, ABDA Command launched the final raid on Batavia, which turned out to be the most successful raid of the day. ABDA bombers placed two bombs on yet another transport. They also found a fast transport loaded with soldiers, which they hit with no less than eight bombs. A troop transport ship also in the harbor took four bomb hits and a torpedo hit. Before the end of the day, spies in Batavia with radios reported that the fast transport and two cargo ships had been sunk.
Landings On Thursday Approved
(TN - Soerabaja) In spite of the presence of Japanese carriers in the region, Southwest Asia Command ordered TF1022 to deliver its cargo to Tuesday Island. Southwest Pacific Command reported that the transports were close enough to the island to be able to reach it before dawn and start unloading it. Southeast Asia Command is also expecting the delivery of cargo planes to keep the base supplied.
Threat to Akyab Grows
(TN - Diamond Harbor) Allied intelligence reports that there are now three divisions marching against Akyab, including the infamous 55th Division. The other two divisions are the 18th and 56th. Together, they represent a combat force of nearly 60,000 soldiers. Akyab, with its 10,000 soldiers, is no longer expecting to hold out until the end of the month. Southeast Asia Command has ordered a fighting withdraw out of the city back toward Calcutta. Pownall has announced that he will send no more reinforcements or supplies to the town, and will instead wait for their withdraw.
Meanwhile, the British are continuing to reinforce the area around Calcutta. The most significant change involves the arrival of the Southeast Asia Command center itself to Diamond Harbor. The unit will eventually be moved to the Dacca, where it will be better able to supply replacements and upgrades to nearby units.
Japan Raids Diamond Harbor
(TN-Diamond Harbor) The Japanese launched two heavy strikes against Diamond Harbor yesterday. Diamond Harbor is the largest British naval base in eastern India. The Light Carrier Hermes was in the harbor, as well as the troop transport carrying the Southwest Pacific Command headquarters. However, the Japanese attackers apparently never saw these targets. This left the carrier with its airplanes intact.
With Akyab under threat and now considered a lost cause, Southwest Pacific Command is considering the option of pulling the members of the AVG back to cover Diamond Harbor.
Operation Bad Penny: D-Day - 3
(TN – Denver) The two task forces for Operation Bad Penny was one day away from Midway, and three days away from Wake Island. They still have not identified any significant threats, and the seaplanes transferred to Wake Island have not reported any Japanese activity in the area. Some members of the Central Pacific command are already calling the landing a success, though it is two days away.
BATAAN RESISTANCE FADES
February 19, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATAAN RESISTANCE FADES
(TN - Manilla) Japan has made significant gains on the Bataan Peninsula as allied forces run short of supplies. In recent days, two significant offensives have breached key locations in the defensive lines, forcing the defenders into a sudden and disorganized retreat, and resulting in the capture of hundreds of allied prisoners and guns. General McArthur is hurrying to throw units into a new defensive line further back in the peninsula as quickly as possible, but the new line lacks prepared defenses and can only make use of natural obstacles. Military analysts at Allied Command headquarters say that the Japanese now have momentum, and may be able to take control of the peninsula very quickly if they do not stop to regroup.
Japan Lands at Kragen, Java
Japanese forces started to land at the port of Kragan in central Java yesterday, threatening to cut the rail line and separating Soerabajan from the bulk of the Dutch army outside of Batavia. The maneuver puts Soerabajan at risk of capture in the next week or so, giving Japan control of the last significant port in the region. Once Soerabajan falls, the Japanese will have little to do in the Dutch East Indies but mop up scattered forces of resistance and prepare for its next major push. The imminent victory in the Philippines also threatens to release a significant number of Japanese forces for use elsewhere.
In response to the new threat, ABDA Command has sent out an order to all units to do their best to harass and disrupt the enemy planes. "We could make it easy on the Japanese by gathering our forces in one convenient location for them to destroy at will, or we can continue to fight and disrupt their operations from one end of Java to the other. We choose the latter. All units are ordered to make the best use of whatever resources they have available in their region to make things as difficult as possible for the Japanese."
Jap Carriers Retreat
(TN - Brisbane) Contrary to expectations at Southwest Pacific Command, the Japanese carrier force did not follow up its attack on Kai Island with an attack on Darwin. Instead, the carrier force retreated north of Ambonia, which had since fallen to the Japanese. Military Intelligence have still not been able to figure out the composition of the enemy task force, only that they were capable of launching approximately 70 bombers against enemy locations. The presence of Claude fighters also suggests the presence of an escort or light carrier, suggesting that this is the same group of carriers that swept the Java Sea earlier in the year.
Japan Gains Control of Amboina
(TN - Soerabaja) Japanese invaders took control of the port of Ambiona on the eastern side of the Dutch East Indies yesterday, forcing the defenders to retreat into the jungle. The victory came with the aid of unceasing air bombardment. Since the Japanese invasion, Amboina had been subject to an average of four bomber raids per day, most of them consisting of approximately ten Betty bombers from different bases in the region. With the victory at Ambiona, Allied Command expects that the Betty bombers will shift their attention to other battles, either aiding in the capture of Manila or Java or moving south to target Kai Island and Darwin. Allied Command is expecting that the Japanese will also eventually move airplanes into the Rabaul region to help secure holdings there.
Australians Garrison Thursday; Generals Thompson and Hazard Clash
(TN - Brisbane) The 30th Australian Brigade began unloading at Thursday Island yesterday without any interference from the Japanese. Southwest Pacific Command is now seeking ways to expand its holdings. However, so far, only three military units have been placed under General Thompson's command. The 30th Infantry Brigade is already on station at Thursday Island, the 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion is waiting for transportation from Noumea, and the 29th USA Forward Artillery Brigade has been stalled on Canton Island.
General Thompson has also had discussions with General Hazard about the possibility of using Australian Command units to help to garrison the island. However, so far, General Hazard has refused. According to sources at Australian Command headquarters, General Hazard believes that the purpose of his units is in the defense of the areas under his control, while new bases such as Thursday Island are the responsibility of General Thompson. When the subject of retreating the units in Port Moresby to Thursday Island came up, General Hazard is reported to emphatically refused. "My orders are to defend Port Moresby, not to abandon it. If you want to talk over plans for its defense, I will give you my undivided attention. If you want to talk over abandoning the port, I will show you the door."
General Hazard has also made no secret of his opinion that the occupation of Thursday Island is a waste of resources. "If we control Port Moresby, we do not need Thursday Island," Hazard said in a statement to Thayne News.
General Thompson was unavailable for comment. A spokesman for the General told reporters, "Hazard may think it is useful to conduct these types of debates through the press. We, on the other hand, do not."
Operation Bad Penny: D-Day - 2
(TN – Denver) With the reoccupation of Wake Island now two days away, the fighter squadron originally stationed at Wake Island made the return flight yesterday to help protect the landing operations. The seaplanes that have already been stationed at the island are continuing to patrol the nearby waters, but have not reported sighting any Japanese ships in the region. However, in just two days, lack of maintenance has grounded half the squadron, diminishing its search capability.
Some senior officers in Central Pacific Command now report that the possibility of anything happening to disrupt the operation is exceptionally small, and that we can expect to have Wake Island operational as a forward base in less than a week. "There is no drama here," said one senior official. "We never needed to leave in the first place, and we do not need to make such a big deal about going back. The Japanese cannot be everywhere at once, and they have chosen not to be here."
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATAAN RESISTANCE FADES
(TN - Manilla) Japan has made significant gains on the Bataan Peninsula as allied forces run short of supplies. In recent days, two significant offensives have breached key locations in the defensive lines, forcing the defenders into a sudden and disorganized retreat, and resulting in the capture of hundreds of allied prisoners and guns. General McArthur is hurrying to throw units into a new defensive line further back in the peninsula as quickly as possible, but the new line lacks prepared defenses and can only make use of natural obstacles. Military analysts at Allied Command headquarters say that the Japanese now have momentum, and may be able to take control of the peninsula very quickly if they do not stop to regroup.
Japan Lands at Kragen, Java
Japanese forces started to land at the port of Kragan in central Java yesterday, threatening to cut the rail line and separating Soerabajan from the bulk of the Dutch army outside of Batavia. The maneuver puts Soerabajan at risk of capture in the next week or so, giving Japan control of the last significant port in the region. Once Soerabajan falls, the Japanese will have little to do in the Dutch East Indies but mop up scattered forces of resistance and prepare for its next major push. The imminent victory in the Philippines also threatens to release a significant number of Japanese forces for use elsewhere.
In response to the new threat, ABDA Command has sent out an order to all units to do their best to harass and disrupt the enemy planes. "We could make it easy on the Japanese by gathering our forces in one convenient location for them to destroy at will, or we can continue to fight and disrupt their operations from one end of Java to the other. We choose the latter. All units are ordered to make the best use of whatever resources they have available in their region to make things as difficult as possible for the Japanese."
Jap Carriers Retreat
(TN - Brisbane) Contrary to expectations at Southwest Pacific Command, the Japanese carrier force did not follow up its attack on Kai Island with an attack on Darwin. Instead, the carrier force retreated north of Ambonia, which had since fallen to the Japanese. Military Intelligence have still not been able to figure out the composition of the enemy task force, only that they were capable of launching approximately 70 bombers against enemy locations. The presence of Claude fighters also suggests the presence of an escort or light carrier, suggesting that this is the same group of carriers that swept the Java Sea earlier in the year.
Japan Gains Control of Amboina
(TN - Soerabaja) Japanese invaders took control of the port of Ambiona on the eastern side of the Dutch East Indies yesterday, forcing the defenders to retreat into the jungle. The victory came with the aid of unceasing air bombardment. Since the Japanese invasion, Amboina had been subject to an average of four bomber raids per day, most of them consisting of approximately ten Betty bombers from different bases in the region. With the victory at Ambiona, Allied Command expects that the Betty bombers will shift their attention to other battles, either aiding in the capture of Manila or Java or moving south to target Kai Island and Darwin. Allied Command is expecting that the Japanese will also eventually move airplanes into the Rabaul region to help secure holdings there.
Australians Garrison Thursday; Generals Thompson and Hazard Clash
(TN - Brisbane) The 30th Australian Brigade began unloading at Thursday Island yesterday without any interference from the Japanese. Southwest Pacific Command is now seeking ways to expand its holdings. However, so far, only three military units have been placed under General Thompson's command. The 30th Infantry Brigade is already on station at Thursday Island, the 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion is waiting for transportation from Noumea, and the 29th USA Forward Artillery Brigade has been stalled on Canton Island.
General Thompson has also had discussions with General Hazard about the possibility of using Australian Command units to help to garrison the island. However, so far, General Hazard has refused. According to sources at Australian Command headquarters, General Hazard believes that the purpose of his units is in the defense of the areas under his control, while new bases such as Thursday Island are the responsibility of General Thompson. When the subject of retreating the units in Port Moresby to Thursday Island came up, General Hazard is reported to emphatically refused. "My orders are to defend Port Moresby, not to abandon it. If you want to talk over plans for its defense, I will give you my undivided attention. If you want to talk over abandoning the port, I will show you the door."
General Hazard has also made no secret of his opinion that the occupation of Thursday Island is a waste of resources. "If we control Port Moresby, we do not need Thursday Island," Hazard said in a statement to Thayne News.
General Thompson was unavailable for comment. A spokesman for the General told reporters, "Hazard may think it is useful to conduct these types of debates through the press. We, on the other hand, do not."
Operation Bad Penny: D-Day - 2
(TN – Denver) With the reoccupation of Wake Island now two days away, the fighter squadron originally stationed at Wake Island made the return flight yesterday to help protect the landing operations. The seaplanes that have already been stationed at the island are continuing to patrol the nearby waters, but have not reported sighting any Japanese ships in the region. However, in just two days, lack of maintenance has grounded half the squadron, diminishing its search capability.
Some senior officers in Central Pacific Command now report that the possibility of anything happening to disrupt the operation is exceptionally small, and that we can expect to have Wake Island operational as a forward base in less than a week. "There is no drama here," said one senior official. "We never needed to leave in the first place, and we do not need to make such a big deal about going back. The Japanese cannot be everywhere at once, and they have chosen not to be here."
BATAAN FALLS
February 20, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATAAN FALLS
(TN - Manilla) Japan continued to pressure the defenders at Bataan yesterday, refusing to allow them the rest they needed to set up a new line of defense. Their assault pushed quickly into the rear areas, and took key locations from which they were able to control most of the Bataan peninsula. The ability of the defenders to put up an organized resistance came to an end, and General McArthur surrendered the forces to the Japanese. Over 38,000 allied prisoners were taken, and the Japanese freed up 60,000 soldiers that could now turn their attention to the defenders at Manila.
While the main Japanese army focused its attention on Bataan, a smaller army kept the allies bottled up in Manila, subjecting them to constant artillery and aerial bombardment. The attacks have significantly weakened the allied defenders, who have been able to do nothing but hunker down and take the abuse. A number of Allied engineering units trapped in the city have prepared the city infrastructure, including its harbor, airport, and mining and manufacturing centers, to blow the instant the Japanese appear to threaten the sites. This will be the allies last act of defiance against the Japanese attackers.
The Philippine army ended up being split by a dispute between General McArthur and headquarters. General McArthur felt that the peninsula would provide the best defensive territory and was ordering his units to abandon Manilla for the jungle. Allied Command, on the other hand, overruled McArthur. One supreme Allied commander is reported to have said, and said, "Our job is to defend that which the Japanese want to take. It makes no sense to devote our lives to just another patch of jungle."
The army was still largely split between the two locations when the Japanese came down. When the Japanese took Clark AFB, they managed to split the army into two parts; a larger but less well supplied portion on Bataan, and a smaller but well supplied group at Manila. The Japanese focused their effort on containing the Manila group while they attacked at Bataan, wiping out the Bataan unit yesterday. They will certainly now defote their energies to taking out the smaller but better supplied group at Manila.
Jap Carriers Return to Kai Island
(TN - Brisbane) After retreating to the north, the Japanese carrier force reversed direction again, traveling south for another attack on the forward outpost at Kai Island. When asked about the situation at Kai Island, General Townsend quipped, "If the island was set up to act as a magnate for Japanese attention, to draw it off of other locations, it seems to be doing the job beautifully."
The carriers are well positioned at this point to sail southeast and threaten the landings on Thursday Island. General Thompson remains confident that the Thursday island landings are safe. No spotter planes have been seen over the landing force giving an indication that the Japanese knew the ships were there.
The Wirraway fighters assigned to the island to provide Combat Air Patrol are discovering that the Japanese carrier pilots are as formidable as the stories have said. Lieutenant Colonel Trieur, the commander at Kai Island, was overheard saying, "Our pilots have the perfect attitude for this island. They apparently think it is their job to make sure that the Japanese are shooting at them so that the Japanese are distracted from shooting at something important." The remark made its way to the pilots of No. 12 RAAF squadron, whose pilots then rioted against Colonel Trieur's headquarters and had to be forcibly restrained.
General Thompson formally reprimanded Colonel Trieur and ordered the General to provide a formal and public apology to the pilots and their ground crew.
Military Intelligence, tracking the task force since it was discovered north of Amboina, are reporting that the task force has to have freed itself of the battleships that were originally a part of the task force. "The task force is traveling much too quickly for the battlewagons."
We consulted our advisor, Dr. Gaschk of the Gaschk School of Fighting, who said that this could have many different implications for the Allies. "The battleships could have gone off for a refit. They might have gone off on their own to take part in bombardment missions and to support the next group of landings. Or this could be a diversion -- the battleships are still with the main carrier group which could suddenly show up just about anywhere."
Kragen, Java, in Jap Control
(TN - Batavia) The Japanese have completed their occupation of Kragan, but have not followed up the attack with any reinforcements. The landing task force has since moved out of range of the Dutch air force now at Soerabaja. As a result, the Kragen garrison does not have the strength to move on Soerabaja, and ABDA Command considers the city safe for the time being. General Wavell responded by moving some second-line units onto the road to secure his line of retreat to Soerabaja. According to the General's aide, the General is keeping his options opened, in case he gets pushed south toward Soerabaja. "If you got predators coming in the front door it makes no sense to block the door to the garage," the aide said.
Operation Bad Penny: D-Day - 1
(TN – Denver) The force to re-occupy Wake Island was approximately 100 miles from its destination at the time this report was filed. Central Pacific Command informed Thayne News that, with night on its way, there is nothing to prevent the task force from at least getting to the island and starting the unload procedure. In an official statement from Headquarters, Admiral Kimmel stated, "We are going to have somebody on that island by day's end. How many we will get landed, and how long they will stay there, is anybody's guess at this point."
While the troop transports unload at Wake Island, the carrier group is scheduled to break off and travel northwest, possibly visiting Marcus Island and paying it a visit with bombs and bullets. The USS Enterprise approached within 600 miles of the island on its last visit, but did not attack the island since it was alone and lacked a sufficiently strong Combat Air Patrol. Kimmel has given the carrier group permission to move on Marcus Island, "if there is no sign of the enemy fleet."
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATAAN FALLS
(TN - Manilla) Japan continued to pressure the defenders at Bataan yesterday, refusing to allow them the rest they needed to set up a new line of defense. Their assault pushed quickly into the rear areas, and took key locations from which they were able to control most of the Bataan peninsula. The ability of the defenders to put up an organized resistance came to an end, and General McArthur surrendered the forces to the Japanese. Over 38,000 allied prisoners were taken, and the Japanese freed up 60,000 soldiers that could now turn their attention to the defenders at Manila.
While the main Japanese army focused its attention on Bataan, a smaller army kept the allies bottled up in Manila, subjecting them to constant artillery and aerial bombardment. The attacks have significantly weakened the allied defenders, who have been able to do nothing but hunker down and take the abuse. A number of Allied engineering units trapped in the city have prepared the city infrastructure, including its harbor, airport, and mining and manufacturing centers, to blow the instant the Japanese appear to threaten the sites. This will be the allies last act of defiance against the Japanese attackers.
The Philippine army ended up being split by a dispute between General McArthur and headquarters. General McArthur felt that the peninsula would provide the best defensive territory and was ordering his units to abandon Manilla for the jungle. Allied Command, on the other hand, overruled McArthur. One supreme Allied commander is reported to have said, and said, "Our job is to defend that which the Japanese want to take. It makes no sense to devote our lives to just another patch of jungle."
The army was still largely split between the two locations when the Japanese came down. When the Japanese took Clark AFB, they managed to split the army into two parts; a larger but less well supplied portion on Bataan, and a smaller but well supplied group at Manila. The Japanese focused their effort on containing the Manila group while they attacked at Bataan, wiping out the Bataan unit yesterday. They will certainly now defote their energies to taking out the smaller but better supplied group at Manila.
Jap Carriers Return to Kai Island
(TN - Brisbane) After retreating to the north, the Japanese carrier force reversed direction again, traveling south for another attack on the forward outpost at Kai Island. When asked about the situation at Kai Island, General Townsend quipped, "If the island was set up to act as a magnate for Japanese attention, to draw it off of other locations, it seems to be doing the job beautifully."
The carriers are well positioned at this point to sail southeast and threaten the landings on Thursday Island. General Thompson remains confident that the Thursday island landings are safe. No spotter planes have been seen over the landing force giving an indication that the Japanese knew the ships were there.
The Wirraway fighters assigned to the island to provide Combat Air Patrol are discovering that the Japanese carrier pilots are as formidable as the stories have said. Lieutenant Colonel Trieur, the commander at Kai Island, was overheard saying, "Our pilots have the perfect attitude for this island. They apparently think it is their job to make sure that the Japanese are shooting at them so that the Japanese are distracted from shooting at something important." The remark made its way to the pilots of No. 12 RAAF squadron, whose pilots then rioted against Colonel Trieur's headquarters and had to be forcibly restrained.
General Thompson formally reprimanded Colonel Trieur and ordered the General to provide a formal and public apology to the pilots and their ground crew.
Military Intelligence, tracking the task force since it was discovered north of Amboina, are reporting that the task force has to have freed itself of the battleships that were originally a part of the task force. "The task force is traveling much too quickly for the battlewagons."
We consulted our advisor, Dr. Gaschk of the Gaschk School of Fighting, who said that this could have many different implications for the Allies. "The battleships could have gone off for a refit. They might have gone off on their own to take part in bombardment missions and to support the next group of landings. Or this could be a diversion -- the battleships are still with the main carrier group which could suddenly show up just about anywhere."
Kragen, Java, in Jap Control
(TN - Batavia) The Japanese have completed their occupation of Kragan, but have not followed up the attack with any reinforcements. The landing task force has since moved out of range of the Dutch air force now at Soerabaja. As a result, the Kragen garrison does not have the strength to move on Soerabaja, and ABDA Command considers the city safe for the time being. General Wavell responded by moving some second-line units onto the road to secure his line of retreat to Soerabaja. According to the General's aide, the General is keeping his options opened, in case he gets pushed south toward Soerabaja. "If you got predators coming in the front door it makes no sense to block the door to the garage," the aide said.
Operation Bad Penny: D-Day - 1
(TN – Denver) The force to re-occupy Wake Island was approximately 100 miles from its destination at the time this report was filed. Central Pacific Command informed Thayne News that, with night on its way, there is nothing to prevent the task force from at least getting to the island and starting the unload procedure. In an official statement from Headquarters, Admiral Kimmel stated, "We are going to have somebody on that island by day's end. How many we will get landed, and how long they will stay there, is anybody's guess at this point."
While the troop transports unload at Wake Island, the carrier group is scheduled to break off and travel northwest, possibly visiting Marcus Island and paying it a visit with bombs and bullets. The USS Enterprise approached within 600 miles of the island on its last visit, but did not attack the island since it was alone and lacked a sufficiently strong Combat Air Patrol. Kimmel has given the carrier group permission to move on Marcus Island, "if there is no sign of the enemy fleet."
BATTLESHIPS AT NEW GUINEA
February 21, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATTLESHIPS AT NEW GUINEA
(TN - Batavia) One day after Thayne News reported that the battleships could not be with the carriers at Kai Island and could be a risk anywhere in the Pacific, PBYs out of Port Moresby spot six battleships just east of Buna in New Guinea. There battleships were heading southeast and had past the ports of Buna and Dobobura. The speed of the battleships, 12 knots, suggests that they are escorting an invasion force, possibly destined for Gili Gili or Goodenough Island. However, Southwest Pacific Command is not ruling out the possibility that the battleships intend to bombard Port Moresby or to disrupt shipping on the east coast of Australia.
Upon hearing the news, Admiral Nimitz at South Pacific Command immediately ordered the carriers Lexington and Saratoga to prepare to sail at first light. The ships had been undergoing maintenance after a weeks-long mission that included two raids on the Gilbert Islands and a long journey from Pearl Harbor to New Caledonia. Repair crews were ordered to prepare the ship to sail immediately, and MPs began rounding up crewmembers and delivering them to their ships. Search planes from Port Moresby are conducting intensive searches to see if the battleships are serving as bait for some type of carrier trap. No carriers have yet been spotted in the area.
The Japanese battleships are not only a threat to Port Moresby, but also threaten the landing on Thursday Island. The ships involved in the landing are still working at putting their passengers to shore. Captain Showers, commander of the task force, has reported that he will stay and complete his task, leaving the last units on the shore rather than run. If he has to, he could sail away toward Darwin rather than back toward the towns on the east coast of Australia. Captain Showers has been informed that the route to Darwin is presently occupied by the Japanese carrier force, and he could very well end up with his task force trapped between carriers and battleships.
Admiral Nimitz radioed Captain Showers with a message of support.
Southeast Asia Command Sees Growing Concern
(TN - Dacca) Southeast Asia Command is continuing daily bombardment against the Japanese ground units advancing on Akyab. Yet, each day of combat brings back pictures suggesting a continually growing threat. Recent estimates put the number of Japanese in the attack force at over 60,000, which is over six times the size of the defensive operations. Allied intelligence also reports that a Japanese division carries an estimated 250 pieces of artillery, suggesting that the Japanese will soon be able to bring 750 guns to bear on the defenders at Akyab.
While the defenders at Akyab are preparing to be driven back down the trail and into India, there is growing concern over the fate of 2nd Burma Rifles Brigade arriving from Rangoon. The brigade was able to escape the Japanese attack on Rangoon, and has since been making steady progress up the trail from Rangoon. However, it is still 30 miles from Akyab along a difficult jungle trail. Southeast Asia Command thinks it has reason to be concerned that the brigade may not get to Akyab before the Japanese do, leaving the units stranded behind enemy lines.
China Threatens Myitkyina
(TN - ChungKing) With the Japanese focusing so much of its effort on the attack at Akyab, and the Japanese 33rd Division still caught in a quagmire in the hills northwest of Lushio, the Chinese are marching forward in force to threaten both Lashio and Myitkyina. The Lashio force has been marching for over a week now, and is approaching within 40 miles of the town. The division is moving slowly to keep from stepping outside of its supply lines. The Chinese units are also at risk of being cut off if the Japanese 33rd Division should attack from the mountains. The Myitkyina force has only recently started to move back into position against the city. However, the British 101 Base Force originally driven out of the city by the 55th Division has reversed course and is returning to the town. It is presently approximately 20 miles away and may reach the town before the end of the month.
Southeast Asia Command has cautioned reporters not to put too much faith in reports out of China. The Japanese have plenty of time to reinforce both cities, and it is expected that they will do so. General Pownell, in a letter to Winston Churchill that he shared with Thayne News, wrote, "It is foolish to think that this represents the end of the Japanese empire. It is not even the beginning of the end. It has its merits only in that it will teach the Japanese that they will need to watch their flanks, and spread their units out a bit more thinly than they already are."
Operation Bad Penny: Landing
(TN – Denver) The reoccupation of Wake Island has begun with TF1022 putting 1800 soldiers and 33 artillery pieces on the shore in the past 24 hours. Engineers immediately went to work cleaning up the island from two months of inactivity. They cleared the runway, making it more useable by the planes already stationed at the island, and began repairs on the airplane maintenance facilities. The damaged seaplanes were dragged over to the maintenance sheds for immediate work, even though many of the spare parts were still on the ship.
TF1018 meanwhile started off toward Marcus Island to conduct a raid, "since we are in the neighborhood". These are familiar waters for the Enterprise, which approached Marcus Island in a preliminary scouting mission to see if a carrier force could sail to Wake unmolested. The presence of the Yorktown provides extra air cover from any Japanese air force that might be stationed at the island.
Military Intelligence has searched its archives for information on Marcus Island. However, the search has proved fruitless. A senior intelligence official reported to Thayne News, "If there is anything going on there, we don't know about it. This leads some of us to believe that there isn't anything going on there." The island has also been watched by submarines since the start of the war, who have reported no activity in the area.
It will take less than a day for TF1018 to have the island within range of its dive bombers. It will be able to conduct full raids with all aircraft the day after that. However, the Yorktown and the Enterprise will have to remain on call to respond to any emergencies that might threaten the landing force on Wake Island.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATTLESHIPS AT NEW GUINEA
(TN - Batavia) One day after Thayne News reported that the battleships could not be with the carriers at Kai Island and could be a risk anywhere in the Pacific, PBYs out of Port Moresby spot six battleships just east of Buna in New Guinea. There battleships were heading southeast and had past the ports of Buna and Dobobura. The speed of the battleships, 12 knots, suggests that they are escorting an invasion force, possibly destined for Gili Gili or Goodenough Island. However, Southwest Pacific Command is not ruling out the possibility that the battleships intend to bombard Port Moresby or to disrupt shipping on the east coast of Australia.
Upon hearing the news, Admiral Nimitz at South Pacific Command immediately ordered the carriers Lexington and Saratoga to prepare to sail at first light. The ships had been undergoing maintenance after a weeks-long mission that included two raids on the Gilbert Islands and a long journey from Pearl Harbor to New Caledonia. Repair crews were ordered to prepare the ship to sail immediately, and MPs began rounding up crewmembers and delivering them to their ships. Search planes from Port Moresby are conducting intensive searches to see if the battleships are serving as bait for some type of carrier trap. No carriers have yet been spotted in the area.
The Japanese battleships are not only a threat to Port Moresby, but also threaten the landing on Thursday Island. The ships involved in the landing are still working at putting their passengers to shore. Captain Showers, commander of the task force, has reported that he will stay and complete his task, leaving the last units on the shore rather than run. If he has to, he could sail away toward Darwin rather than back toward the towns on the east coast of Australia. Captain Showers has been informed that the route to Darwin is presently occupied by the Japanese carrier force, and he could very well end up with his task force trapped between carriers and battleships.
Admiral Nimitz radioed Captain Showers with a message of support.
Southeast Asia Command Sees Growing Concern
(TN - Dacca) Southeast Asia Command is continuing daily bombardment against the Japanese ground units advancing on Akyab. Yet, each day of combat brings back pictures suggesting a continually growing threat. Recent estimates put the number of Japanese in the attack force at over 60,000, which is over six times the size of the defensive operations. Allied intelligence also reports that a Japanese division carries an estimated 250 pieces of artillery, suggesting that the Japanese will soon be able to bring 750 guns to bear on the defenders at Akyab.
While the defenders at Akyab are preparing to be driven back down the trail and into India, there is growing concern over the fate of 2nd Burma Rifles Brigade arriving from Rangoon. The brigade was able to escape the Japanese attack on Rangoon, and has since been making steady progress up the trail from Rangoon. However, it is still 30 miles from Akyab along a difficult jungle trail. Southeast Asia Command thinks it has reason to be concerned that the brigade may not get to Akyab before the Japanese do, leaving the units stranded behind enemy lines.
China Threatens Myitkyina
(TN - ChungKing) With the Japanese focusing so much of its effort on the attack at Akyab, and the Japanese 33rd Division still caught in a quagmire in the hills northwest of Lushio, the Chinese are marching forward in force to threaten both Lashio and Myitkyina. The Lashio force has been marching for over a week now, and is approaching within 40 miles of the town. The division is moving slowly to keep from stepping outside of its supply lines. The Chinese units are also at risk of being cut off if the Japanese 33rd Division should attack from the mountains. The Myitkyina force has only recently started to move back into position against the city. However, the British 101 Base Force originally driven out of the city by the 55th Division has reversed course and is returning to the town. It is presently approximately 20 miles away and may reach the town before the end of the month.
Southeast Asia Command has cautioned reporters not to put too much faith in reports out of China. The Japanese have plenty of time to reinforce both cities, and it is expected that they will do so. General Pownell, in a letter to Winston Churchill that he shared with Thayne News, wrote, "It is foolish to think that this represents the end of the Japanese empire. It is not even the beginning of the end. It has its merits only in that it will teach the Japanese that they will need to watch their flanks, and spread their units out a bit more thinly than they already are."
Operation Bad Penny: Landing
(TN – Denver) The reoccupation of Wake Island has begun with TF1022 putting 1800 soldiers and 33 artillery pieces on the shore in the past 24 hours. Engineers immediately went to work cleaning up the island from two months of inactivity. They cleared the runway, making it more useable by the planes already stationed at the island, and began repairs on the airplane maintenance facilities. The damaged seaplanes were dragged over to the maintenance sheds for immediate work, even though many of the spare parts were still on the ship.
TF1018 meanwhile started off toward Marcus Island to conduct a raid, "since we are in the neighborhood". These are familiar waters for the Enterprise, which approached Marcus Island in a preliminary scouting mission to see if a carrier force could sail to Wake unmolested. The presence of the Yorktown provides extra air cover from any Japanese air force that might be stationed at the island.
Military Intelligence has searched its archives for information on Marcus Island. However, the search has proved fruitless. A senior intelligence official reported to Thayne News, "If there is anything going on there, we don't know about it. This leads some of us to believe that there isn't anything going on there." The island has also been watched by submarines since the start of the war, who have reported no activity in the area.
It will take less than a day for TF1018 to have the island within range of its dive bombers. It will be able to conduct full raids with all aircraft the day after that. However, the Yorktown and the Enterprise will have to remain on call to respond to any emergencies that might threaten the landing force on Wake Island.
CHINESE MARCH TO COAST
February 22, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
CHINESE MARCH TO THE COAST
(TN - Chungking) Over the last several weeks, the Chinese have been making a slow and careful advance along the southern front. Several weeks ago, they took the city of Nanning, though the Japanese had left the city lightly founded. Then, aerial reconnaissance showed that the port city of Pakhoi was lightly defended, so the Chinese moved a division south to try to take the city. Upon finding that they outnumbered the Japanese, the Chinese units called for reinforcements and prepared for a siege of the city.
The Japanese responded with an artillery bombardment and by calling in air support from several surrounding bases. Both General McArthur and General Pownall sent letters of encouragement to the Chinese, saying that the mission was drawing the attention of the Chinese back away from the forward lines, thus slowing their advance in other areas, at least a little.
Chinese Command officials have said that, depending on the success of the mission, the Chinese may consider pressuring the Japanese on other fronts. The Chinese are also putting pressure on Japan in Burma, threatening to take the town of Lashio.
China has also scored the distinction of having the second highest scoring fighter pilot of the war since December 7. First Lieutenant Wang, of the 29th Chinese Fighter Squadron, has shot down six enemy airplanes over Changsha, using a crude and significantly outmatched Chinese fighter.
Air Power Dominates India War
With the Allies continuing to pull out of western Burma, the air force continues to be the final weapon in this theater. Allies launched over a half dozen raids against the infantry trying to reach Akyab, as well as the still-isolated 33rd Division. Night fighters once again raided an airport in Burma, seeing nothing at the base. At the same time, the Japanese launched a heavy bombing raid against Imphal and tangled with the cadre of Hurricanes, Buffalos, and Wirraways over the town. In a heated battle, Military Intelligence credits the fighters with shooting down seven Sally bombers in the raid.
Japanese Battleships Vanish, Nimitz Carriers In Pursuit
(TN - Noumea) Japanese battleships spotted only two days ago off of the coast of New Guinea vanished yesterday without a trace. Military Intelligence reports that the ships may be sailing east, out of range of the scout planes, to patrol for Allied ships that may be seeking to challenge the invasions in this area. Nimitz' carriers are still sailing to the region in the hopes of bagging a few trophies before the Japanese retire again.
Southeast Asia Command Headquarters Moved to Dacca
(TN - Dacca) General Pownell has been secretly involved in an operation to move his head quarters off of offices in Columbia and into offices at Dacca just north and east of Calcutta. The General made the move to be closer to his troops, and better able to oversee the distribution of needed war materials. Since his arrival at Dacca, several Indian units have been receiving better supplies and replacements much more quickly. On the other hand, the move puts the headquarters within air bombardment range of Rangoon, and it is likely that the headquarters will experience some air raids in the near future.
Operation Bad Penny: Landing + 1
(TN – Denver) Re-occupation forces continued to unload at Wake Island, bringing the total numbers of soldiers on the shore up from over 6,000. Many of the soldiers moved into the original Pan Am hotel on the island, used to cater to passengers who were flying across the Pacific. Some of the lucky ones took up residence in the barracks, while others pitched tents in the blazing sun. The crews have not suffered from boredom since landing. In addition to unloading supplies, pitching tents, and digging latrines, the soldiers have been busy improving their defenses and placing guns around the island. Airplane mechanics have been busy establishing shops and putting damaged ships back into service. Spare parts were provided for two of the seaplanes, returning them to service searching for Japanese ships. The fighter squadron has also been returned to full service
Meanwhile, Task Force 1018, the carrier-based escort for the landings, has taken off for Marcus Island in the hopes of visiting some destruction on the island. At duck, the ships were approximately 250 miles from Marcus Islands, with the airplanes from the carrier Enterprise preparing to deliver its bombs on land-based targets.
Allied Command reports that they expect it to take several more days to get all of the supplies off of the ships before retiring. So far, they have not encountered any threat from the island, or even a hint that the Japanese were aware of their return.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
CHINESE MARCH TO THE COAST
(TN - Chungking) Over the last several weeks, the Chinese have been making a slow and careful advance along the southern front. Several weeks ago, they took the city of Nanning, though the Japanese had left the city lightly founded. Then, aerial reconnaissance showed that the port city of Pakhoi was lightly defended, so the Chinese moved a division south to try to take the city. Upon finding that they outnumbered the Japanese, the Chinese units called for reinforcements and prepared for a siege of the city.
The Japanese responded with an artillery bombardment and by calling in air support from several surrounding bases. Both General McArthur and General Pownall sent letters of encouragement to the Chinese, saying that the mission was drawing the attention of the Chinese back away from the forward lines, thus slowing their advance in other areas, at least a little.
Chinese Command officials have said that, depending on the success of the mission, the Chinese may consider pressuring the Japanese on other fronts. The Chinese are also putting pressure on Japan in Burma, threatening to take the town of Lashio.
China has also scored the distinction of having the second highest scoring fighter pilot of the war since December 7. First Lieutenant Wang, of the 29th Chinese Fighter Squadron, has shot down six enemy airplanes over Changsha, using a crude and significantly outmatched Chinese fighter.
Air Power Dominates India War
With the Allies continuing to pull out of western Burma, the air force continues to be the final weapon in this theater. Allies launched over a half dozen raids against the infantry trying to reach Akyab, as well as the still-isolated 33rd Division. Night fighters once again raided an airport in Burma, seeing nothing at the base. At the same time, the Japanese launched a heavy bombing raid against Imphal and tangled with the cadre of Hurricanes, Buffalos, and Wirraways over the town. In a heated battle, Military Intelligence credits the fighters with shooting down seven Sally bombers in the raid.
Japanese Battleships Vanish, Nimitz Carriers In Pursuit
(TN - Noumea) Japanese battleships spotted only two days ago off of the coast of New Guinea vanished yesterday without a trace. Military Intelligence reports that the ships may be sailing east, out of range of the scout planes, to patrol for Allied ships that may be seeking to challenge the invasions in this area. Nimitz' carriers are still sailing to the region in the hopes of bagging a few trophies before the Japanese retire again.
Southeast Asia Command Headquarters Moved to Dacca
(TN - Dacca) General Pownell has been secretly involved in an operation to move his head quarters off of offices in Columbia and into offices at Dacca just north and east of Calcutta. The General made the move to be closer to his troops, and better able to oversee the distribution of needed war materials. Since his arrival at Dacca, several Indian units have been receiving better supplies and replacements much more quickly. On the other hand, the move puts the headquarters within air bombardment range of Rangoon, and it is likely that the headquarters will experience some air raids in the near future.
Operation Bad Penny: Landing + 1
(TN – Denver) Re-occupation forces continued to unload at Wake Island, bringing the total numbers of soldiers on the shore up from over 6,000. Many of the soldiers moved into the original Pan Am hotel on the island, used to cater to passengers who were flying across the Pacific. Some of the lucky ones took up residence in the barracks, while others pitched tents in the blazing sun. The crews have not suffered from boredom since landing. In addition to unloading supplies, pitching tents, and digging latrines, the soldiers have been busy improving their defenses and placing guns around the island. Airplane mechanics have been busy establishing shops and putting damaged ships back into service. Spare parts were provided for two of the seaplanes, returning them to service searching for Japanese ships. The fighter squadron has also been returned to full service
Meanwhile, Task Force 1018, the carrier-based escort for the landings, has taken off for Marcus Island in the hopes of visiting some destruction on the island. At duck, the ships were approximately 250 miles from Marcus Islands, with the airplanes from the carrier Enterprise preparing to deliver its bombs on land-based targets.
Allied Command reports that they expect it to take several more days to get all of the supplies off of the ships before retiring. So far, they have not encountered any threat from the island, or even a hint that the Japanese were aware of their return.
US CARRIERS ATTACK MARCUS
February 23, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
US CARRIERS ATTACK MARCUS
(TN - Hawaii) The U.S. carriers Enterprise and Yorktown broke off from the reoccupation of Wake to deliver two air raids against Marcus Island, northwest of Wake. The carrier task force approached to within 100 miles of the island at night, and launched the first attack at dawn. 29 Dauntless dive bombers hit the airbase, fuel depots, runway, and port facilities on the island, while the rest of the air groups prepared to do battle against enemy shipping. By afternoon, when no enemy ships had been found, the task force launched a second strike with 41 dive and level bombers, adding to the damage.
Central Pacific Command is paying close attention to the fact that the island appears to be very lightly defended. It has ordered a second set of attacks, this time accompanied by torpedoes equipped with cameras in order to take some pictures of the island. Some officials at Central Pacific Command are reporting that Kimmel is considering an attack on the island.
However, one senior official on the staff of Admiral Nimitz in the South Pacific scoffed. "Kimmel wants you to think he has grand plans. But he will discover some reason to say that it is a bad idea. The USS Wasp will be assigned soon, and Kimmel wants his name on everybody's lips as the person with a plan that needs a third carrier."
The South Pacific carrier fleet left Noumea recently to investigate the sighting of six battleships just off the eastern coast of New Guinea. Since the original sighting, the six battleships have disappeared again. Nimitz reports that his carriers will be conducting a sweep of the southern islands in order to check the Japanese expansion.
China Reinforces Pakhoi
(TN - Chungking) General Kuang Tau reported to China Command headquarters that, "I'm not losing, at least not yet," in his bid to capture Pakhoi. General Tau has called for reinforcements. In the mean time, he has succeeded in pressuring the Japanese out of a few of their forward defenses and back into the heart of the city. Nearly 100 Japanese were forced to surrender when the Chinese surrounded and, later in the day, forced the surrender of a granary at the edge of the city.
General Tau has called in reinforcements to aid in the attack. The 100th Chinese Corps is quickly approaching the city, and will be able to add another 9,000 units to the fight.
Dutch Hold Western Army
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch army decided to stand and fight at Bandoeng in Java, ending the Japanese expansion across the country from Batavia. The Japanese threw two full divisions at the city, and managed a 2 to 1 superiority in terms of men. Yet, it was not enough to force the defenders back. The Japanese also have more units in reserve.
Since taken control of Batavia, the Japanese have been feeding a constant stream of reinforcements into the city and marching them to the front lines. The Dutch, however, lack any capacity for reinforcements to counter the Japanese threat.
Thursday Island Occupation Complete
(TN - Brisbane) Task Force 1022 has completed unloading troops onto Thursday Island, completing the island's occupation. All that remains on the boats that brought the unit to its former base is about 500 tons of supply, which the crew expects to have unloaded in the next day or so. Captain Showers of Task Force 1022 is particularly concerned that nobody has seen the enemy battleships since the previous day at sundown. In order to prepare for the possibility of a battle, Showers has ordered his units into a nearly nonstop set of drills and practice exercises.
If the Japanese battleship fleet decide to sail along the south coast of New Guinea, Captain Showers is hoping that planes from Port Moresby and Cooktown will both be able to spot the task force before it has the opportunity in time to give Task Force 1022 a chance to escape.
Operation Bad Penny: Landing +2
(TN - Hawaii) The bid to re-occupy Wake Island is going well, as most of the units and their equipment have gotten off the ships and onto the shore. Kimmel reported that Wake Island now has a defense as well constructed as any island in the Central Pacific fleet, and has the air support to back up the operations. As sea planes are repaired, they are being returned to duty looking for enemy ships around the house, so far without success. Because of the inability so far to find any enemy task forces in the region, Kimmel has felt confident in sending the carriers out to scout the nearby water for transports.
Kimmel has advised the task force commanders not to move any further west, noting that the Japanese fortifications in the Marianas Islands are not far away, and they could inflict some significant damage on the Japanese material.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
US CARRIERS ATTACK MARCUS
(TN - Hawaii) The U.S. carriers Enterprise and Yorktown broke off from the reoccupation of Wake to deliver two air raids against Marcus Island, northwest of Wake. The carrier task force approached to within 100 miles of the island at night, and launched the first attack at dawn. 29 Dauntless dive bombers hit the airbase, fuel depots, runway, and port facilities on the island, while the rest of the air groups prepared to do battle against enemy shipping. By afternoon, when no enemy ships had been found, the task force launched a second strike with 41 dive and level bombers, adding to the damage.
Central Pacific Command is paying close attention to the fact that the island appears to be very lightly defended. It has ordered a second set of attacks, this time accompanied by torpedoes equipped with cameras in order to take some pictures of the island. Some officials at Central Pacific Command are reporting that Kimmel is considering an attack on the island.
However, one senior official on the staff of Admiral Nimitz in the South Pacific scoffed. "Kimmel wants you to think he has grand plans. But he will discover some reason to say that it is a bad idea. The USS Wasp will be assigned soon, and Kimmel wants his name on everybody's lips as the person with a plan that needs a third carrier."
The South Pacific carrier fleet left Noumea recently to investigate the sighting of six battleships just off the eastern coast of New Guinea. Since the original sighting, the six battleships have disappeared again. Nimitz reports that his carriers will be conducting a sweep of the southern islands in order to check the Japanese expansion.
China Reinforces Pakhoi
(TN - Chungking) General Kuang Tau reported to China Command headquarters that, "I'm not losing, at least not yet," in his bid to capture Pakhoi. General Tau has called for reinforcements. In the mean time, he has succeeded in pressuring the Japanese out of a few of their forward defenses and back into the heart of the city. Nearly 100 Japanese were forced to surrender when the Chinese surrounded and, later in the day, forced the surrender of a granary at the edge of the city.
General Tau has called in reinforcements to aid in the attack. The 100th Chinese Corps is quickly approaching the city, and will be able to add another 9,000 units to the fight.
Dutch Hold Western Army
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch army decided to stand and fight at Bandoeng in Java, ending the Japanese expansion across the country from Batavia. The Japanese threw two full divisions at the city, and managed a 2 to 1 superiority in terms of men. Yet, it was not enough to force the defenders back. The Japanese also have more units in reserve.
Since taken control of Batavia, the Japanese have been feeding a constant stream of reinforcements into the city and marching them to the front lines. The Dutch, however, lack any capacity for reinforcements to counter the Japanese threat.
Thursday Island Occupation Complete
(TN - Brisbane) Task Force 1022 has completed unloading troops onto Thursday Island, completing the island's occupation. All that remains on the boats that brought the unit to its former base is about 500 tons of supply, which the crew expects to have unloaded in the next day or so. Captain Showers of Task Force 1022 is particularly concerned that nobody has seen the enemy battleships since the previous day at sundown. In order to prepare for the possibility of a battle, Showers has ordered his units into a nearly nonstop set of drills and practice exercises.
If the Japanese battleship fleet decide to sail along the south coast of New Guinea, Captain Showers is hoping that planes from Port Moresby and Cooktown will both be able to spot the task force before it has the opportunity in time to give Task Force 1022 a chance to escape.
Operation Bad Penny: Landing +2
(TN - Hawaii) The bid to re-occupy Wake Island is going well, as most of the units and their equipment have gotten off the ships and onto the shore. Kimmel reported that Wake Island now has a defense as well constructed as any island in the Central Pacific fleet, and has the air support to back up the operations. As sea planes are repaired, they are being returned to duty looking for enemy ships around the house, so far without success. Because of the inability so far to find any enemy task forces in the region, Kimmel has felt confident in sending the carriers out to scout the nearby water for transports.
Kimmel has advised the task force commanders not to move any further west, noting that the Japanese fortifications in the Marianas Islands are not far away, and they could inflict some significant damage on the Japanese material.
JAP SUBS SWARM OZ COAST
February 24, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAP SUBS SWARM OZ COAST
(TN - Sydney) Australian Command reported several Japanese attacks on transport convoys off of the Australian coast in the last twenty-four hours. In each of the encounters, the Japanese were unable to do any damage to Allied shipping, while reliable reports indicate significant damage to the submarine.
In two instances, an attack on an Allied convoy by a Japanese submarine is believed to have resulted in the Japanese submarine being sunk. Significant debris fields and oil slicks were seen in the water in the area of the fight. In a third instance, the submarine is known to have survived, since aerial reconnaissance reported seeing the submarine moving under water. While the spotter plane tried to direct destroyers into the area to deal with the submarine, darkness fell and the submarine disappeared.
Officially, Allied Intelligence is not yet counting any of the incidents as a sinking. However, they did say that initial reports sound promising.
US CARRIERS ATTACK MARCUS
(TN - Hawaii) For a second day, carrier planes from the USS Enterprise and Yorktown attacked Marcus Island. Kimmel ordered the second day of raids after the first day met with such light resistance. The Japanese had no air units stationed on the island, and there were no ships in the region. The planes also met with virtually no anti-aircraft fire.
The second day focused on targets missed during the first mission, and were followed up by TBD bombers taking photographs for a bomb damage assessment. The photographs revealed extensive damage to the port facilities and airfield. At least one fuel storage facility was hit, as was an ammo cache.
At an evening meeting at Central Pacific Command headquarters after receiving reports of the raid, Kimmel is said to have broached the idea of a landing on a Japanese held island. He suggested Marcus Island as a possible landing sight, but also included Tarawa as a target. Tarawa was heavily damaged in the Gilbert Island raids in March, suffering significant air attacks and three naval bombardments. In addition, allies mined the waters around the island to inhibit the Japanese ability to reinforce and resupply the island. Kimmel argued that these would lower the Japanese ability to quickly build defenses, making the island a tempting target for invasion.
Dutch Destroy Japanese Transports
(TN - Soerabaja) Dutch forces inflicted more damage on the Japanese transport capability in two separate operations yesterday. In one operation, Dutch airplanes attacked a transport leaving the harbor at Batavia. The Japanese air strike discovered that the transport was still under the protection of Japanese fighters stationed at Batavia. The enemy fighters destroyed the bomber escort as well as two of the bombers, and forced another three bombers to turn away and fly home. However, five bombers continued on to the target, and hit the transport with three bombs, leaving the ship burning.
In a separate action off of the south Sula Sea, the Dutch submarine KXIV discovered a lone troop transport. Lieutenant Commander Jarman's submarine discovered the transport pulling away after leaving the island of Jolo. Risking discovery from air patrols, Jarman surfaced and took off in pursuit of the transport. When he had the transport within range, he ordered the 88mm anti-aircraft gun to open fire. The captain of the transport, perhaps confused by the shell fire and unable to see the submarine's low profile, turned and presented a broadside to the submarine. Jarman fired a spread of torpedoes into the side of the ship while the deck gun continued to fire, hitting once. The transport ship slowed, allowing the submarine to get in several more hits with the deck guns, and two more torpedo strikes. With the transport setting by the stern, Jarman ordered the submarine to dive before enemy airplanes showed up. Approximately thirty minutes later, Jarman reported that he heard the sounds of the ship breaking apart as it sank into the Pacific ocean.
Pakhoi Battle Intensifies
(TN - Chungking) Like sharks smelling blood, Chinese divisions descended on Nanning in order to get a chance to participate in the battle of Pakhoi. Two Chinese Corps, the 100th and the 28th, have already been given the honor in participating what Chinese officials are dubbing as "the just extermination of the Japanese infestation of our country."
The Chinese are countering with repeated air attacks directed against the attacker. The Chinese are responding with air units of their own.
Each additional day causes the battle to grow larger. Some British observers stationed in China have privately expressed concern that the Chinese may be suffering from target fixation, a condition where one focuses on what is in front of them and ignores everything else. Fighter pilots have long known that this syndrome will cause a pilot to focus on shooting down a single enemy airplane to the exclusion of all else, falling victim to an attack he could have easily avoided.
Dutch Continue Standoff at Bandleng
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch army at Bandoeng is continuing to fight the Japanese invaders, over 40,000 soldiers strong, to a standstill at Bandoeng. For the second day in a row the Japanese launched a determined attack to take the city. For the second day in a row, the Japanese paid for their effort with lives and supplies and got nothing in return but a larger stack of corpses. However, the Dutch also paid a heavy price for their victory, and are suffering the effects of diminishing combat ability.
Japs Invade At Macassar
(TN - Soerabaja) Japanese units have targeted another base in the Dutch East Indies, this time the Sulawesa town of Macassar. The Japanese have been subjecting the island to intense bombardment for several days, launching strikes containing as many as 100 airplanes in a single day. This has resulted in near total destruction of the air facilities, even though they were not in use and the Japanese will ultimately need to repair them.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAP SUBS SWARM OZ COAST
(TN - Sydney) Australian Command reported several Japanese attacks on transport convoys off of the Australian coast in the last twenty-four hours. In each of the encounters, the Japanese were unable to do any damage to Allied shipping, while reliable reports indicate significant damage to the submarine.
In two instances, an attack on an Allied convoy by a Japanese submarine is believed to have resulted in the Japanese submarine being sunk. Significant debris fields and oil slicks were seen in the water in the area of the fight. In a third instance, the submarine is known to have survived, since aerial reconnaissance reported seeing the submarine moving under water. While the spotter plane tried to direct destroyers into the area to deal with the submarine, darkness fell and the submarine disappeared.
Officially, Allied Intelligence is not yet counting any of the incidents as a sinking. However, they did say that initial reports sound promising.
US CARRIERS ATTACK MARCUS
(TN - Hawaii) For a second day, carrier planes from the USS Enterprise and Yorktown attacked Marcus Island. Kimmel ordered the second day of raids after the first day met with such light resistance. The Japanese had no air units stationed on the island, and there were no ships in the region. The planes also met with virtually no anti-aircraft fire.
The second day focused on targets missed during the first mission, and were followed up by TBD bombers taking photographs for a bomb damage assessment. The photographs revealed extensive damage to the port facilities and airfield. At least one fuel storage facility was hit, as was an ammo cache.
At an evening meeting at Central Pacific Command headquarters after receiving reports of the raid, Kimmel is said to have broached the idea of a landing on a Japanese held island. He suggested Marcus Island as a possible landing sight, but also included Tarawa as a target. Tarawa was heavily damaged in the Gilbert Island raids in March, suffering significant air attacks and three naval bombardments. In addition, allies mined the waters around the island to inhibit the Japanese ability to reinforce and resupply the island. Kimmel argued that these would lower the Japanese ability to quickly build defenses, making the island a tempting target for invasion.
Dutch Destroy Japanese Transports
(TN - Soerabaja) Dutch forces inflicted more damage on the Japanese transport capability in two separate operations yesterday. In one operation, Dutch airplanes attacked a transport leaving the harbor at Batavia. The Japanese air strike discovered that the transport was still under the protection of Japanese fighters stationed at Batavia. The enemy fighters destroyed the bomber escort as well as two of the bombers, and forced another three bombers to turn away and fly home. However, five bombers continued on to the target, and hit the transport with three bombs, leaving the ship burning.
In a separate action off of the south Sula Sea, the Dutch submarine KXIV discovered a lone troop transport. Lieutenant Commander Jarman's submarine discovered the transport pulling away after leaving the island of Jolo. Risking discovery from air patrols, Jarman surfaced and took off in pursuit of the transport. When he had the transport within range, he ordered the 88mm anti-aircraft gun to open fire. The captain of the transport, perhaps confused by the shell fire and unable to see the submarine's low profile, turned and presented a broadside to the submarine. Jarman fired a spread of torpedoes into the side of the ship while the deck gun continued to fire, hitting once. The transport ship slowed, allowing the submarine to get in several more hits with the deck guns, and two more torpedo strikes. With the transport setting by the stern, Jarman ordered the submarine to dive before enemy airplanes showed up. Approximately thirty minutes later, Jarman reported that he heard the sounds of the ship breaking apart as it sank into the Pacific ocean.
Pakhoi Battle Intensifies
(TN - Chungking) Like sharks smelling blood, Chinese divisions descended on Nanning in order to get a chance to participate in the battle of Pakhoi. Two Chinese Corps, the 100th and the 28th, have already been given the honor in participating what Chinese officials are dubbing as "the just extermination of the Japanese infestation of our country."
The Chinese are countering with repeated air attacks directed against the attacker. The Chinese are responding with air units of their own.
Each additional day causes the battle to grow larger. Some British observers stationed in China have privately expressed concern that the Chinese may be suffering from target fixation, a condition where one focuses on what is in front of them and ignores everything else. Fighter pilots have long known that this syndrome will cause a pilot to focus on shooting down a single enemy airplane to the exclusion of all else, falling victim to an attack he could have easily avoided.
Dutch Continue Standoff at Bandleng
(TN - Soerabaja) The Dutch army at Bandoeng is continuing to fight the Japanese invaders, over 40,000 soldiers strong, to a standstill at Bandoeng. For the second day in a row the Japanese launched a determined attack to take the city. For the second day in a row, the Japanese paid for their effort with lives and supplies and got nothing in return but a larger stack of corpses. However, the Dutch also paid a heavy price for their victory, and are suffering the effects of diminishing combat ability.
Japs Invade At Macassar
(TN - Soerabaja) Japanese units have targeted another base in the Dutch East Indies, this time the Sulawesa town of Macassar. The Japanese have been subjecting the island to intense bombardment for several days, launching strikes containing as many as 100 airplanes in a single day. This has resulted in near total destruction of the air facilities, even though they were not in use and the Japanese will ultimately need to repair them.
-
Speedysteve
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RE: JAP SUBS SWARM OZ COAST
Still enjoying this Thayne. Keep it up [:)]
WitE 2 Tester
WitE Tester
BTR/BoB Tester
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JAPAN TO ATTACK WAKE
February 25, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAPAN TO ATTACK WAKE
Kimmel Nixes Reinforcements
(TN - Washington) Allied Military Intelligence has received irrefutable evidence that Japan is preparing to attack the island of Wake. According to sources, the Japanese Maizuro 2 Special Naval Landing Force is one of the units preparing to take part in the landing operations. Known as Japanese Marines, the SNLF units are specially trained in the art of naval landings, and have proved themselves repeatedly in operations around the Pacific Ocean.
Advisors on Admiral Kimmel's staff are advising him to move quickly to move up the remaining reinforcements slated for Wake Island. However, Kimmel surprised his aides in announcing that he is more likely to remove soldiers than to add new ones. When a Thayne News reporter asked Kimmel to comment on these reports, he answered, "Soldiers are practically standing on each other's shoulders on the island as it is. I could stack soldiers three deep on the island, but it would not do anything to aid in its defense. They need room to maneuver."
Thayne News has learned that Kimmel has, indeed, contacted the commander of Wake Island to discuss loading some units back onto the transports. A34th USA Engineering Regiment to return to the transports and return to Hawaii. The move leaves behind a unit of aviation engineers to tend to the planes, and the 111th USA Regimental Combat Team to provide for the island's defense.
While Kimmel was working to weaken defenses on the island itself, he was working to bolster its defense on the ocean. According to an aide to Admiral Kimmel, "The ocean is a lot bigger. It can hold a lot more people." Kimmel has specifically asked Allied Command Headquarters for permission to recall the carriers Lexington and Saratoga from the South Pacific.
Admiral Nimitz was reportedly adamant about keeping the two carriers in the South Pacific. According to sources in South Pacific Command, Nimitz proposed that the Japanese attention on Wake Island would be a good time to blind side them with an attack where they least expect it -- against Rabaul or some other South Pacific base such as Vella Lavella.
Allied Command has told Nimitz that they will take his suggestion under advisement. Nimitz was given permission to complete a current operation which involved looking for a squadron of Japanese battleships seen several days ago off the northern coast of New Guinea. The carrier force is heading to Vella Lavella, where Nimitz also plans to do some scouting in preparation for a future assault.
Mercenary Pilots Drive Off Air Assault
(TN - Dacca) The American Volunteer Group drove off almost all of the enemy planes seeking to attack Akyab yesterday. Military Intelligence reports that it officially counted two dozen Oscar fighters escorting two dozen Sally bombers approaching the town. The Flying Tigers (as the mercenary band likes to call itself) intercepted the fight.
The Oscar escort attempted to intercept the American pilots, but found themselves outmaneuvered as Americans broke loose among the bombers. At least a half dozen Sally bombers fell from the sky, with most of the rest turning and running for home. Three Sally bombers stayed on their target, but still dropped their bombs several seconds early and left without scoring a single significant hit.
With a bounty of $500 awarded for each enemy plane destroyed, Military Intelligence confirmed that the pilots would be applying for over $3,500 in bonus compensation for the raid.
Japanese Destroyer Caught
(TN - Soerabaja) A Japanese destroyer, damaged in earlier attacks at the battle of Batavia, was discovered hugging the coastline of Borneo on its way to safer waters yesterday. The Dutch air force launched three torpedo bombers against the ship and scored two torpedo hits. Damage to the Japanese destroyer is reported to be extensive, and the pilots were confident that the ship would not make the trip to any nearby port. If the Japanese destroyer ends up sinking, it will be the first Japanese war ship to be sunk since the first week of the war.
Pownell Focuses Air Strength on Myitkyina
(TN - Dacca) The British 101st Base Force has approached within a dozen miles of Myitkyina, and is starting to make plans to recapture the city. Military Intelligence reports that Japan has all but abandoned the northern part of the continent, as it mustered all available forces to try to capture Akyab. Only the Japanese 33rd Division remains in the area, and it remains mired in operations to clear allied units out of the hills southeast of the city.
According to Southeast Asia Command, there are several tones of supplies ready to make a sudden trip through Myitkyina and into China, if only the path can be opened for even a few days.
To aid the 101st Base Force, General Pownell has ordered air units in the area to focus on attacking key defensive locations overlooking the roadway, and to engage in aerial reconnaissance to discover how much resistance the units can expect to discover.
Pownell is said to be concerned that the 101st Base Force is too badly depleted by recent activity, including its first fight for control of Myitkyina, to be able to engage in any prolonged battle for the town. "We are going to have to surprise them and march into town without meeting much resistance, or we are in for a hell of a whupping," said one Southeast Asia advisor.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAPAN TO ATTACK WAKE
Kimmel Nixes Reinforcements
(TN - Washington) Allied Military Intelligence has received irrefutable evidence that Japan is preparing to attack the island of Wake. According to sources, the Japanese Maizuro 2 Special Naval Landing Force is one of the units preparing to take part in the landing operations. Known as Japanese Marines, the SNLF units are specially trained in the art of naval landings, and have proved themselves repeatedly in operations around the Pacific Ocean.
Advisors on Admiral Kimmel's staff are advising him to move quickly to move up the remaining reinforcements slated for Wake Island. However, Kimmel surprised his aides in announcing that he is more likely to remove soldiers than to add new ones. When a Thayne News reporter asked Kimmel to comment on these reports, he answered, "Soldiers are practically standing on each other's shoulders on the island as it is. I could stack soldiers three deep on the island, but it would not do anything to aid in its defense. They need room to maneuver."
Thayne News has learned that Kimmel has, indeed, contacted the commander of Wake Island to discuss loading some units back onto the transports. A34th USA Engineering Regiment to return to the transports and return to Hawaii. The move leaves behind a unit of aviation engineers to tend to the planes, and the 111th USA Regimental Combat Team to provide for the island's defense.
While Kimmel was working to weaken defenses on the island itself, he was working to bolster its defense on the ocean. According to an aide to Admiral Kimmel, "The ocean is a lot bigger. It can hold a lot more people." Kimmel has specifically asked Allied Command Headquarters for permission to recall the carriers Lexington and Saratoga from the South Pacific.
Admiral Nimitz was reportedly adamant about keeping the two carriers in the South Pacific. According to sources in South Pacific Command, Nimitz proposed that the Japanese attention on Wake Island would be a good time to blind side them with an attack where they least expect it -- against Rabaul or some other South Pacific base such as Vella Lavella.
Allied Command has told Nimitz that they will take his suggestion under advisement. Nimitz was given permission to complete a current operation which involved looking for a squadron of Japanese battleships seen several days ago off the northern coast of New Guinea. The carrier force is heading to Vella Lavella, where Nimitz also plans to do some scouting in preparation for a future assault.
Mercenary Pilots Drive Off Air Assault
(TN - Dacca) The American Volunteer Group drove off almost all of the enemy planes seeking to attack Akyab yesterday. Military Intelligence reports that it officially counted two dozen Oscar fighters escorting two dozen Sally bombers approaching the town. The Flying Tigers (as the mercenary band likes to call itself) intercepted the fight.
The Oscar escort attempted to intercept the American pilots, but found themselves outmaneuvered as Americans broke loose among the bombers. At least a half dozen Sally bombers fell from the sky, with most of the rest turning and running for home. Three Sally bombers stayed on their target, but still dropped their bombs several seconds early and left without scoring a single significant hit.
With a bounty of $500 awarded for each enemy plane destroyed, Military Intelligence confirmed that the pilots would be applying for over $3,500 in bonus compensation for the raid.
Japanese Destroyer Caught
(TN - Soerabaja) A Japanese destroyer, damaged in earlier attacks at the battle of Batavia, was discovered hugging the coastline of Borneo on its way to safer waters yesterday. The Dutch air force launched three torpedo bombers against the ship and scored two torpedo hits. Damage to the Japanese destroyer is reported to be extensive, and the pilots were confident that the ship would not make the trip to any nearby port. If the Japanese destroyer ends up sinking, it will be the first Japanese war ship to be sunk since the first week of the war.
Pownell Focuses Air Strength on Myitkyina
(TN - Dacca) The British 101st Base Force has approached within a dozen miles of Myitkyina, and is starting to make plans to recapture the city. Military Intelligence reports that Japan has all but abandoned the northern part of the continent, as it mustered all available forces to try to capture Akyab. Only the Japanese 33rd Division remains in the area, and it remains mired in operations to clear allied units out of the hills southeast of the city.
According to Southeast Asia Command, there are several tones of supplies ready to make a sudden trip through Myitkyina and into China, if only the path can be opened for even a few days.
To aid the 101st Base Force, General Pownell has ordered air units in the area to focus on attacking key defensive locations overlooking the roadway, and to engage in aerial reconnaissance to discover how much resistance the units can expect to discover.
Pownell is said to be concerned that the 101st Base Force is too badly depleted by recent activity, including its first fight for control of Myitkyina, to be able to engage in any prolonged battle for the town. "We are going to have to surprise them and march into town without meeting much resistance, or we are in for a hell of a whupping," said one Southeast Asia advisor.
RE: JAPAN TO ATTACK WAKE
Based on his quotes, Kimmel seems to be a real down-to-earth kinda guy. Glad Allied Command didn't can him after PH.
BATTLE FOR MANILA BEGINS
February 26, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATTLE FOR MANILA BEGINS
(TN - Manila) After several weeks of siege and bombardment, the Japanese moved to capture Manila with a massive invasion. Over 60,000 enemy soldiers surrounded the city, and pushed hard against the 20,000 defenders from both the north and the south. The main assault came from the north, where armored units drove through the suburbs, but were stopped at the fortified lines built into the city. Once stopped, the allies launched a counter-attack that drove the Japanese back. Heavy losses were suffered on both sides.
During the attack, the Japanese continued regular air raids against the heart of the city, sending Betty and Nell bombers against the fortified Intramuros section, as well as other strategically important parts of the interior. The bombers also aimed for key bridges over the Pesag River, interfering with allied attempts to move supplies to the lines on the northern part of the city.
Dr. Gaschk, Thayne News' paid consultant for military strategy, tells Thayne News that the Japanese strategy is clearly to isolate the northern part of the city, then break through the lines there into the heart of the city. "If the Japanese can force a breech in the north, the rest of the defenses will collapse, and they will take the city."
Thayne News asked Dr. Gaschk to estimate how long the defenders will be able to hold the city. Gaschk answered, "I will never bet against the American army, but I would warn Allied Command to be ready for the Japanese to have another 60,000 soldiers to move to the front before the second week of March."
Japan Slaughters Dutch Air Force
(TN - Soerabaja) In an air battle over Soerabaja in eastern Java yesterday, every Dutch fighter who went into the sky to stop a Japanese bombing run came back down in flames. The Dutch air force had been down to 13 fighters still available to protect the last remaining city of significance in Allied hands. They encountered 35 Zeros, who showed no mercy against the defensive forces. After clearing the skies, Japanese bombers attacked port installations. ABDA Command speculates that the Japanese were seeking to silence the coastal defense, and sent out an alert to units to expect a naval landing in the near future. Aviation engineers were put on emergency shifts to try to patch together another set of fighters.
At the same time, a Dutch force of 16,000 soldiers continued to hold off a Japanese force over twice its size at the western city of Bandoeng. ABDA Command says that it suffered approximately 300 casualties in a day of heavy fighting, as it fought off a Japanese attempt to move into the city from the north. The Dutch are continuing to dig in along a solid defensive line on the edge of the city.
Chinese Continue Struggle for Pakhoi
(TN - Chungking) Three Chinese infantry corps, about the same as an American division in strength, have moved into Pakhoi and are fighting to take the city from approximately 2500 Japanese defenders. The Japanese are bringing air power to bear on the defenders, inflicting significant casualties on a Chinese army that has nothing significant to offer in the way of anti-air defense. One set of bombers attacked a troop convoy on the narrow roads north of the city, and dropped a stick of bombs along the road, demolishing several trucks packed with soldiers.
USS Wasp Assigned to Central Pacific
(TN - Hawaii) Aids to Admiral Kimmel say that he was pleased to have the aircraft carrier Wasp assigned to his command yesterday. The Wasp, presently being undergoing maintenance at San Francisco, was given orders to sail immediately to Pearl Harbor, where it will join the Enterprise and the Yorktown. Its first mission is expected to be an effort to protect the newly re-occupied Wake Island from an expected Japanese invasion.
Meanwhile, the Saratoga and Lexington are sailing through the Solomon Islands looking for targets around the Japanese held islands of Vella Lavella and the Shortlands. Admiral Nimitz, commander of allied forces in the South Pacific, is said to be interested in an attempt to retake these islands from the Japanese. His missions in the area include scouting and reconnaissance, as well as attacking any Japanese resources that may be in the area.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
BATTLE FOR MANILA BEGINS
(TN - Manila) After several weeks of siege and bombardment, the Japanese moved to capture Manila with a massive invasion. Over 60,000 enemy soldiers surrounded the city, and pushed hard against the 20,000 defenders from both the north and the south. The main assault came from the north, where armored units drove through the suburbs, but were stopped at the fortified lines built into the city. Once stopped, the allies launched a counter-attack that drove the Japanese back. Heavy losses were suffered on both sides.
During the attack, the Japanese continued regular air raids against the heart of the city, sending Betty and Nell bombers against the fortified Intramuros section, as well as other strategically important parts of the interior. The bombers also aimed for key bridges over the Pesag River, interfering with allied attempts to move supplies to the lines on the northern part of the city.
Dr. Gaschk, Thayne News' paid consultant for military strategy, tells Thayne News that the Japanese strategy is clearly to isolate the northern part of the city, then break through the lines there into the heart of the city. "If the Japanese can force a breech in the north, the rest of the defenses will collapse, and they will take the city."
Thayne News asked Dr. Gaschk to estimate how long the defenders will be able to hold the city. Gaschk answered, "I will never bet against the American army, but I would warn Allied Command to be ready for the Japanese to have another 60,000 soldiers to move to the front before the second week of March."
Japan Slaughters Dutch Air Force
(TN - Soerabaja) In an air battle over Soerabaja in eastern Java yesterday, every Dutch fighter who went into the sky to stop a Japanese bombing run came back down in flames. The Dutch air force had been down to 13 fighters still available to protect the last remaining city of significance in Allied hands. They encountered 35 Zeros, who showed no mercy against the defensive forces. After clearing the skies, Japanese bombers attacked port installations. ABDA Command speculates that the Japanese were seeking to silence the coastal defense, and sent out an alert to units to expect a naval landing in the near future. Aviation engineers were put on emergency shifts to try to patch together another set of fighters.
At the same time, a Dutch force of 16,000 soldiers continued to hold off a Japanese force over twice its size at the western city of Bandoeng. ABDA Command says that it suffered approximately 300 casualties in a day of heavy fighting, as it fought off a Japanese attempt to move into the city from the north. The Dutch are continuing to dig in along a solid defensive line on the edge of the city.
Chinese Continue Struggle for Pakhoi
(TN - Chungking) Three Chinese infantry corps, about the same as an American division in strength, have moved into Pakhoi and are fighting to take the city from approximately 2500 Japanese defenders. The Japanese are bringing air power to bear on the defenders, inflicting significant casualties on a Chinese army that has nothing significant to offer in the way of anti-air defense. One set of bombers attacked a troop convoy on the narrow roads north of the city, and dropped a stick of bombs along the road, demolishing several trucks packed with soldiers.
USS Wasp Assigned to Central Pacific
(TN - Hawaii) Aids to Admiral Kimmel say that he was pleased to have the aircraft carrier Wasp assigned to his command yesterday. The Wasp, presently being undergoing maintenance at San Francisco, was given orders to sail immediately to Pearl Harbor, where it will join the Enterprise and the Yorktown. Its first mission is expected to be an effort to protect the newly re-occupied Wake Island from an expected Japanese invasion.
Meanwhile, the Saratoga and Lexington are sailing through the Solomon Islands looking for targets around the Japanese held islands of Vella Lavella and the Shortlands. Admiral Nimitz, commander of allied forces in the South Pacific, is said to be interested in an attempt to retake these islands from the Japanese. His missions in the area include scouting and reconnaissance, as well as attacking any Japanese resources that may be in the area.
CHINA RECLAIMS PAKHOI
February 27, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
CHINA RECLAIMS PAKHOI
(TN - Chungking) Proving that the Japanese can be defeated, China regained control of the coastal city of Pakhoi. Pakhoi is located in southern China, about 300 miles east of Hong Kong. Three Chinese infantry corps took joint credit for the victory; 28th, 91st, and 100th. All totaled, over 20,000 Chinese soldiers participated in the final assault.
In capturing the city, China took control of several thousand tones of useful supplies and equipment, including food and medicine as well as Japanese guns and ammunition. A granary near the port was captured intact with over 500 tons of rice. The Chinese victors discovered that Japan had been using the city as a temporary storage base for war materials. Several thousand tones of iron ore, rubber, cotton, and lumber, most of it from French Indochina. The Chinese government immediately started looking for ways to transport the material to Chinese factories.
While Chinese officials struggle to determine the best use for its new prize, Allied military strategists are discussing the effects of the Japanese bombing campaign during the operation. Japanese bomber interdiction easily accounted for over 90% of the Chinese casualties in its attempt to take the city. Most of these casualties were the result of bombing runs on the narrow roads leading into the city, crowded with Chinese soldiers moving into position.
DEFEAT AT BANDOENG
(TN - Soerabaja) A third day of Japanese assaults on at Bandoeng forced the Dutch army into another retreat. The Japanese army concentrated its attack on the south end of town, again attempting to block viable lines of retreat in its attempt to capture the city. General Wavell ordered a retreat as soon as it looked as if the Japanese threat might succeed. He also ordered the 4th Dutch Regiment to attack along major roadway from Batavia as a diversion, forcing the Japanese into a retreat and stalling its attempts to take the city temporarily. By the time the Japanese had recovered from the attack and renewed the assault, the more vulnerable units had left the city and were on their way to Tjilatjap.
At Tjilatjap, Dutch units had been busy building up their next line of defense. Fortifications around the city had been under construction for some time, though a few key locations require another two or three days to finish. Dutch units will be attempting to delay the Japanese in an attempt to finish this construction.
Meanwhile, ABDA command is in the process of relocating to Soerabaja, bringing with it a pair of anti-aircraft regiments that had been protecting the army from air assault. The Japanese had launched another significant air strike on Soerabaja yesterday, again obliterating the fighter air cover from planes that mechanics had pieced together in the last 24 hours.
Nimitz Carriers Strike Vella Lavalla
(TN - Noumea) The Saratoga and Yorktown launched air strikes on Vella Lavella yesterday as air units patrolled the southeastern half of the Solomon Islands. Sources at South Pacific Command report that Admiral Nimitz has a number of objectives in mind for sending the carriers into regions. Chief among these is discovering a pack of Japanese battleships seen in the region days earlier. Nimitz is also hoping to stall the next wave of invasions as the Japanese move down the Solomon Islands, and scout out Vella Lavella as a possible site for an Allied counter-attack. Yesterday's attack on the island included reconnaissance flights to examine the island's defenses.
Admiral Nimitz has also agreed to provide support for a mission that General Thompson, commander of the Soutwest Pacific theater, is launching to mine Gili Gili in New Guinea. The mission will delay the return of the carriers to Noumea by at least three days. Admiral Kimmel's command is furious at the decision, claiming that the delay could be costly for the American soldiers defending Wake Island. Kimmel has requested the use of the South Pacific carriers in defending Wake from an imminent Japanese attack.
Sources close to Nimitz say that, since Kimmel does not know when the Japanese plan to attack Wake Island, Kimmel cannot say when he needs the carriers.
Mine Layer Pro Patria Sunk Off Cairns, Australia
A Japanese sub sunk the mine layer Pro Patria shortly after it left the port of Cairns yesterday. Pro Patria was a part of a task force that set out last night to mine the harbor at Gili Gili. In the middle of the night, a torpedo struck the stern of the ship, stopping the ship dead. Several minutes later, another torpedo struck the stern and a third hit closer to midship. In less than a minute, the ship's bow stood out of the water, then the ship slipped backwards under the waves.
A carrier force from South Pacific Command is supposed to rondezvous with the mine layers near Gili Gili to provide coverage during the mission.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
CHINA RECLAIMS PAKHOI
(TN - Chungking) Proving that the Japanese can be defeated, China regained control of the coastal city of Pakhoi. Pakhoi is located in southern China, about 300 miles east of Hong Kong. Three Chinese infantry corps took joint credit for the victory; 28th, 91st, and 100th. All totaled, over 20,000 Chinese soldiers participated in the final assault.
In capturing the city, China took control of several thousand tones of useful supplies and equipment, including food and medicine as well as Japanese guns and ammunition. A granary near the port was captured intact with over 500 tons of rice. The Chinese victors discovered that Japan had been using the city as a temporary storage base for war materials. Several thousand tones of iron ore, rubber, cotton, and lumber, most of it from French Indochina. The Chinese government immediately started looking for ways to transport the material to Chinese factories.
While Chinese officials struggle to determine the best use for its new prize, Allied military strategists are discussing the effects of the Japanese bombing campaign during the operation. Japanese bomber interdiction easily accounted for over 90% of the Chinese casualties in its attempt to take the city. Most of these casualties were the result of bombing runs on the narrow roads leading into the city, crowded with Chinese soldiers moving into position.
DEFEAT AT BANDOENG
(TN - Soerabaja) A third day of Japanese assaults on at Bandoeng forced the Dutch army into another retreat. The Japanese army concentrated its attack on the south end of town, again attempting to block viable lines of retreat in its attempt to capture the city. General Wavell ordered a retreat as soon as it looked as if the Japanese threat might succeed. He also ordered the 4th Dutch Regiment to attack along major roadway from Batavia as a diversion, forcing the Japanese into a retreat and stalling its attempts to take the city temporarily. By the time the Japanese had recovered from the attack and renewed the assault, the more vulnerable units had left the city and were on their way to Tjilatjap.
At Tjilatjap, Dutch units had been busy building up their next line of defense. Fortifications around the city had been under construction for some time, though a few key locations require another two or three days to finish. Dutch units will be attempting to delay the Japanese in an attempt to finish this construction.
Meanwhile, ABDA command is in the process of relocating to Soerabaja, bringing with it a pair of anti-aircraft regiments that had been protecting the army from air assault. The Japanese had launched another significant air strike on Soerabaja yesterday, again obliterating the fighter air cover from planes that mechanics had pieced together in the last 24 hours.
Nimitz Carriers Strike Vella Lavalla
(TN - Noumea) The Saratoga and Yorktown launched air strikes on Vella Lavella yesterday as air units patrolled the southeastern half of the Solomon Islands. Sources at South Pacific Command report that Admiral Nimitz has a number of objectives in mind for sending the carriers into regions. Chief among these is discovering a pack of Japanese battleships seen in the region days earlier. Nimitz is also hoping to stall the next wave of invasions as the Japanese move down the Solomon Islands, and scout out Vella Lavella as a possible site for an Allied counter-attack. Yesterday's attack on the island included reconnaissance flights to examine the island's defenses.
Admiral Nimitz has also agreed to provide support for a mission that General Thompson, commander of the Soutwest Pacific theater, is launching to mine Gili Gili in New Guinea. The mission will delay the return of the carriers to Noumea by at least three days. Admiral Kimmel's command is furious at the decision, claiming that the delay could be costly for the American soldiers defending Wake Island. Kimmel has requested the use of the South Pacific carriers in defending Wake from an imminent Japanese attack.
Sources close to Nimitz say that, since Kimmel does not know when the Japanese plan to attack Wake Island, Kimmel cannot say when he needs the carriers.
Mine Layer Pro Patria Sunk Off Cairns, Australia
A Japanese sub sunk the mine layer Pro Patria shortly after it left the port of Cairns yesterday. Pro Patria was a part of a task force that set out last night to mine the harbor at Gili Gili. In the middle of the night, a torpedo struck the stern of the ship, stopping the ship dead. Several minutes later, another torpedo struck the stern and a third hit closer to midship. In less than a minute, the ship's bow stood out of the water, then the ship slipped backwards under the waves.
A carrier force from South Pacific Command is supposed to rondezvous with the mine layers near Gili Gili to provide coverage during the mission.
JAPANESE REACH AKYAB
February 28, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAPANESE REACH AKYAB
(TN - Dacca) The first Japanese division reached Akyab yesterday and immediately began setting up for an assault on the city. Two other divisions remain in the hills northeast of the city and will soon be providing reinforcements.
The threat to the city has prompted Genreal Pownell to order that the American Volunteer Group be withdrawn from the city to Dacca and Calcutta. Ground units will try to hold onto the city as long as possible to provide an opportunity for escape for units still trying to leave Burma along a narrow coastal trail. They have sufficient supplies to withstand a short siege, and Pownell has promised all of the air support he can concentrate on the area.
That air support will be boosted by the arrival of nearly 100 bombers from the United States. Cargo handlers in Columbo, India, received a pleasant surprise when they opened crates from a cargo ship that left San Francisco ten weeks ago. Expecting to find 48 new B-17E bombers, they instead discovered that the ships had been transporting LB30 Liberator bombers. The LB30 has the capacity to carry a heavier payload farther than the B-17E. A second ship that arrived with the Liberator bombers is carrying 48 B-18 Bolo bombers. It continued on its way to Chandpur, where Pownell hopes to add their firepower to the defense of Akyab.
Manilla Defenders Thrown Back
(TN - Manila) A new Japanese assault on the north side of Manila pushed the defenders across the Pasag River. In spite of the pressure of the Japanese assault, Allied forces were able to coordinate an organized retreat across the river, losing only 500 soldiers but delivering a loss twice as large to the attacking Japanese.
The allied defenses are built around Intramuros, a fortified region at the heart of the city built by the Spanish in the 15th Century. About the size of four city blocks, Intramuros is surrounded by a heavy stone wall built to withstand 15th century weapons. In spite of the Japanese ability to reach over the walls with bombers, the thick stone buildings has still offered significant protection from even Japanese air attacks. Intramuros has now become a cornerstone of the Allies front-line defense.
Military Intelligence Learns More About Wake Island Assault
(TN - Washington) Military intelligence has collected additional evidence of the threat to Wake Island. The Maizuro 2 Special Naval Landing Force, already known to be training for a Wake Island invasion, has been communicating with the 62nd Naval Guard Unit on coordinating the attack and the defense of the island following a Japanese victory. Military Intelligence is searching its records for additional information, such as the last known location of either unit, but so far have not been successful. Military Intelligence has no information on when, or from where, the attack will come.
Admiral Nimitz, commander of the South Pacific, has argued that the lack of information on when the attack will come makes it futile to send the South Pacific carriers back to Hawaii. Spokesmen for Nimitz at the War Planning Center in Washington DC say that the trip to Hawaii will put the carriers out of service for a couple of weeks and yet still arrive too late to do any good. Or, claim Nimitz spokesmen, the carriers will be idle for several weeks or months waiting for an attack which may ultimately be canceled or postponed indefinitely.
Nimitz carriers, the Lexington and Saratoga, are presently on a mission in the Solomon Islands, where they launched a second day of strikes against Vella Lavella and are preparing to provide carrier support on a mission to mine Gili Gili. The port of Gili Gili remains under the control of Allied forces, but a squadron of Japanese battleships was seen in the area several days ago, and the port is under the Japanese air umbrella.
Two of Kimmel's carriers, the Yorktown and Enterprise are already at Wake Island covering the re-occupation of the island. Troop transports have already dropped off the 111th USA Regimental Combat Team and the 101st USN Base Force with 36 F4F-3 fighters. The third carrier, the Wasp, is on its way to Pearl Harbor from San Francisco and will arrive in about a week.
Kimmel has stated that his highest priority at the moment is to get enough supplies to Wake Island for a sustained defense. The first transports which brought the troops to the island brought only limited supplies, with the promise that more would be delivered when ships were available. A second transport has arrived with ammunition, but food and other supplies remain in short supply. After hearing news of the impending attack, Kimmel ordered a half-empty freighter at Johnson Island to deliver the rest of its supplies to Wake, ordered fast transports to deliver what supplies they can to the island before the Japanese invasion force arrives.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAPANESE REACH AKYAB
(TN - Dacca) The first Japanese division reached Akyab yesterday and immediately began setting up for an assault on the city. Two other divisions remain in the hills northeast of the city and will soon be providing reinforcements.
The threat to the city has prompted Genreal Pownell to order that the American Volunteer Group be withdrawn from the city to Dacca and Calcutta. Ground units will try to hold onto the city as long as possible to provide an opportunity for escape for units still trying to leave Burma along a narrow coastal trail. They have sufficient supplies to withstand a short siege, and Pownell has promised all of the air support he can concentrate on the area.
That air support will be boosted by the arrival of nearly 100 bombers from the United States. Cargo handlers in Columbo, India, received a pleasant surprise when they opened crates from a cargo ship that left San Francisco ten weeks ago. Expecting to find 48 new B-17E bombers, they instead discovered that the ships had been transporting LB30 Liberator bombers. The LB30 has the capacity to carry a heavier payload farther than the B-17E. A second ship that arrived with the Liberator bombers is carrying 48 B-18 Bolo bombers. It continued on its way to Chandpur, where Pownell hopes to add their firepower to the defense of Akyab.
Manilla Defenders Thrown Back
(TN - Manila) A new Japanese assault on the north side of Manila pushed the defenders across the Pasag River. In spite of the pressure of the Japanese assault, Allied forces were able to coordinate an organized retreat across the river, losing only 500 soldiers but delivering a loss twice as large to the attacking Japanese.
The allied defenses are built around Intramuros, a fortified region at the heart of the city built by the Spanish in the 15th Century. About the size of four city blocks, Intramuros is surrounded by a heavy stone wall built to withstand 15th century weapons. In spite of the Japanese ability to reach over the walls with bombers, the thick stone buildings has still offered significant protection from even Japanese air attacks. Intramuros has now become a cornerstone of the Allies front-line defense.
Military Intelligence Learns More About Wake Island Assault
(TN - Washington) Military intelligence has collected additional evidence of the threat to Wake Island. The Maizuro 2 Special Naval Landing Force, already known to be training for a Wake Island invasion, has been communicating with the 62nd Naval Guard Unit on coordinating the attack and the defense of the island following a Japanese victory. Military Intelligence is searching its records for additional information, such as the last known location of either unit, but so far have not been successful. Military Intelligence has no information on when, or from where, the attack will come.
Admiral Nimitz, commander of the South Pacific, has argued that the lack of information on when the attack will come makes it futile to send the South Pacific carriers back to Hawaii. Spokesmen for Nimitz at the War Planning Center in Washington DC say that the trip to Hawaii will put the carriers out of service for a couple of weeks and yet still arrive too late to do any good. Or, claim Nimitz spokesmen, the carriers will be idle for several weeks or months waiting for an attack which may ultimately be canceled or postponed indefinitely.
Nimitz carriers, the Lexington and Saratoga, are presently on a mission in the Solomon Islands, where they launched a second day of strikes against Vella Lavella and are preparing to provide carrier support on a mission to mine Gili Gili. The port of Gili Gili remains under the control of Allied forces, but a squadron of Japanese battleships was seen in the area several days ago, and the port is under the Japanese air umbrella.
Two of Kimmel's carriers, the Yorktown and Enterprise are already at Wake Island covering the re-occupation of the island. Troop transports have already dropped off the 111th USA Regimental Combat Team and the 101st USN Base Force with 36 F4F-3 fighters. The third carrier, the Wasp, is on its way to Pearl Harbor from San Francisco and will arrive in about a week.
Kimmel has stated that his highest priority at the moment is to get enough supplies to Wake Island for a sustained defense. The first transports which brought the troops to the island brought only limited supplies, with the promise that more would be delivered when ships were available. A second transport has arrived with ammunition, but food and other supplies remain in short supply. After hearing news of the impending attack, Kimmel ordered a half-empty freighter at Johnson Island to deliver the rest of its supplies to Wake, ordered fast transports to deliver what supplies they can to the island before the Japanese invasion force arrives.
ABDA SURRENDERS WEST JAVA
March 1, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
ABDA SURRENDERS WEST JAVA
(TN - Soerabaja) The Japanese attack force did not give the Dutch the two extra days it needed to finish its defenses at Tjilitjap. They drove through the Japanese without stopping, forcing the Dutch army to continue its retreat toward Soerabaja. ABDA Command has ordered the surrender of the central part of Java, and for all units except those protecting the retreat to gather at Soerabaja for a final stand.
Kimmel Reorganizes Central Pacific
(TN - Hawaii) Yesterday, Admiral Kimmel approved staff recommendations for reorganizing ground units in the Central Pacific Theater. Kimmel had requested the recommendations earlier after saying that he had succumbed to the temptation of trying to defend his islands with as many people as possible. In making the request of his staff, Kimmel said, "We have a problem of too many troops on too little ground to fight effectively. Adding another layer of warm bodies to a Pacific atoll does not always make it stronger."
The recommendations included disbursing the ground units and occupying islands that are presently not being put to use. These include Laysan Island, about 350 miles southeast of Midway, and Howland Island north of Baker. Kimmel's new plan will also continue to make use of French Frigate Shoal as a staging base for operations further west, and as a training base for amphibious assaults that are certain to become a part of future operations in the theater.
Kimmel has ordered that the plan be put into effect immediately. Units have already been diverted to Laysan Island, and the occupation forces for Howland Island have been told to prepare to move to their new locations.
Staff members insist that these operations will not interfere with ongoing plans to provide Wake Island with the supply it needs to withstand a Japanese invasion. According to senior officials, Kimmel has also given approval for operations to give Wake Island all of the food and ammunition its soldiers will need. Furthermore, sources at Central Pacific Command have reported that Kimmel is telling units that had originally planned to help occupy Wake Island that they should be prepared to move forward in emergency transports to reinforce the Wake Island garrison. "If the Japanese take the island, or even if it looks like they might take the island, we are not going to wait for them to build up their defenses," said one senior staff member.
Nimitz Orders Occupation of Ndini, Reef Islands
(TN - Noumea) Admiral Nimitz, commander of the South Pacific theater, sent out orders yesterday for units to move forward and establish bases on Nendo and Reef Islands, approximately 350 miles north of Esprito Santo. Nimitz reported that he expects the bases to serve as scouting platforms for the re-conquest of the Solomon Islands, as well as to check the Japanese advance. Nimitz is said to still be considering moves against Vella Lavella, but has been bothered recently by the inability to get and maintain accurate information about Japanese units in the area. Senior staff members say that the new forward bases will allow Nimitz to get the information he needs.
Sparks Fly at Melborne Shipyard
(TN - Sydney) Melborne, Australia, has become the gathering place for Australian ships damaged in the fight against Japan. Throughout the day, and particularly at night, showers of sparks can be seen from one end of the shipyard to the other as determined crews work to return damaged ships to the front lines.
The ships would pose a serious threat to any Japanese advance in their own right. The present stock of damaged ships includes five submarines, three destroyers, two light cruisers, and a tanker. The tanker, Manatawny, was one of the last ships out of the Borneo region as the Japanese moved in earlier in the year. It paused at Brunei to pick up some of the oil stored on the island, but had to leave abruptly before loading any of the precious cargo when Japan took Kuching further south. It ran the gauntlet across the north end of Borneo and through the Makassar Straight to Balikpapan. There, in spite of its damage, it loaded up with oil. It had to flee quickly when the Japanese carrier force began their sweep of the Java Sea, still wearing the scars from its previous encounter with the Japanese air force. In spite of its damage, it delivered its oil to Perth, Australia, and just recently showed up at Melborne to repair the damage.
The crews of each of the other ships in port gather at the local bars to tell their stories of near escapes. The light cruiser and destroyer squadrons all have stories to tell about the Japanese sweep of the Java Sea, and pause in silence from time to time to remember those who did not make it out.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
ABDA SURRENDERS WEST JAVA
(TN - Soerabaja) The Japanese attack force did not give the Dutch the two extra days it needed to finish its defenses at Tjilitjap. They drove through the Japanese without stopping, forcing the Dutch army to continue its retreat toward Soerabaja. ABDA Command has ordered the surrender of the central part of Java, and for all units except those protecting the retreat to gather at Soerabaja for a final stand.
Kimmel Reorganizes Central Pacific
(TN - Hawaii) Yesterday, Admiral Kimmel approved staff recommendations for reorganizing ground units in the Central Pacific Theater. Kimmel had requested the recommendations earlier after saying that he had succumbed to the temptation of trying to defend his islands with as many people as possible. In making the request of his staff, Kimmel said, "We have a problem of too many troops on too little ground to fight effectively. Adding another layer of warm bodies to a Pacific atoll does not always make it stronger."
The recommendations included disbursing the ground units and occupying islands that are presently not being put to use. These include Laysan Island, about 350 miles southeast of Midway, and Howland Island north of Baker. Kimmel's new plan will also continue to make use of French Frigate Shoal as a staging base for operations further west, and as a training base for amphibious assaults that are certain to become a part of future operations in the theater.
Kimmel has ordered that the plan be put into effect immediately. Units have already been diverted to Laysan Island, and the occupation forces for Howland Island have been told to prepare to move to their new locations.
Staff members insist that these operations will not interfere with ongoing plans to provide Wake Island with the supply it needs to withstand a Japanese invasion. According to senior officials, Kimmel has also given approval for operations to give Wake Island all of the food and ammunition its soldiers will need. Furthermore, sources at Central Pacific Command have reported that Kimmel is telling units that had originally planned to help occupy Wake Island that they should be prepared to move forward in emergency transports to reinforce the Wake Island garrison. "If the Japanese take the island, or even if it looks like they might take the island, we are not going to wait for them to build up their defenses," said one senior staff member.
Nimitz Orders Occupation of Ndini, Reef Islands
(TN - Noumea) Admiral Nimitz, commander of the South Pacific theater, sent out orders yesterday for units to move forward and establish bases on Nendo and Reef Islands, approximately 350 miles north of Esprito Santo. Nimitz reported that he expects the bases to serve as scouting platforms for the re-conquest of the Solomon Islands, as well as to check the Japanese advance. Nimitz is said to still be considering moves against Vella Lavella, but has been bothered recently by the inability to get and maintain accurate information about Japanese units in the area. Senior staff members say that the new forward bases will allow Nimitz to get the information he needs.
Sparks Fly at Melborne Shipyard
(TN - Sydney) Melborne, Australia, has become the gathering place for Australian ships damaged in the fight against Japan. Throughout the day, and particularly at night, showers of sparks can be seen from one end of the shipyard to the other as determined crews work to return damaged ships to the front lines.
The ships would pose a serious threat to any Japanese advance in their own right. The present stock of damaged ships includes five submarines, three destroyers, two light cruisers, and a tanker. The tanker, Manatawny, was one of the last ships out of the Borneo region as the Japanese moved in earlier in the year. It paused at Brunei to pick up some of the oil stored on the island, but had to leave abruptly before loading any of the precious cargo when Japan took Kuching further south. It ran the gauntlet across the north end of Borneo and through the Makassar Straight to Balikpapan. There, in spite of its damage, it loaded up with oil. It had to flee quickly when the Japanese carrier force began their sweep of the Java Sea, still wearing the scars from its previous encounter with the Japanese air force. In spite of its damage, it delivered its oil to Perth, Australia, and just recently showed up at Melborne to repair the damage.
The crews of each of the other ships in port gather at the local bars to tell their stories of near escapes. The light cruiser and destroyer squadrons all have stories to tell about the Japanese sweep of the Java Sea, and pause in silence from time to time to remember those who did not make it out.
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Titanwarrior89
- Posts: 3282
- Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2003 4:07 pm
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RE: Thayne News Campaign Reports
I enjoy reading your reports and a nice layout. Wish I could write like that.[:D]
"Before Guadalcanal the enemy advanced at his pleasure. After Guadalcanal, he retreated at ours".
"Mama, There's Rabbits in the Garden"
"Mama, There's Rabbits in the Garden"
WAR DEPT. REPORTS STATS
March 2, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
WAR DEPT. REPORTS STATS
Allies Winning Air, Sea, but not Ground
(TN - Washington) The War Department released its statistics yesterday concerning the first three months of the war. The statistics show that the Allies are winning in the air and on the sea, however the Japanese are decisively victorious on the ground.
Japs Lose 1 Ship Per Day
Since the start of the war, the Japanese have lost 78 ships, giving them a loss of one nearly 1 ship per day on average. This identifies only ships confirmed sunk. Almost all of these ships are types that are of crucial importance to Japan; cargo ships, troop transports, and tankers.
Specifically, Military Intelligence lists that Allied forces have destroyed 23 cargo ships, 28 troop transports, 1 fast transport, and 4 tankers. This compares to Allied losses of 3 cargo ships, 1 troop transport, and 3 tankers.
With the long-run success of the war depending entirely on logistics, and who can get the supplies that are needed to the troops that need them, strategic planners are saying that this is a significant gap. "We are not slowing them down in the short term, but we are winning the long-term struggle," said one senior analysis.
In terms of combat ships, however, the Japanese retain the advantage. They have sunk 1 allied battleship, 1 heavy cruiser, 5 light cruisers, and 4 destroyers. The Japanese have lost only three light cruisers and a destroyer to Allied attacks.
In submarines, Military Intelligence is reporting the loss of four boats, while they are recording that the Japanese have lost at least three. All of these losses were suffered before the Patch Doctrine went into effect, advising Allied submarine captains to be a bit more cautious in attacking Japanese shipping.
In support and specialized ships, the Japanese have suffered two losses for each Allied loss. Both sides have suffered their greatest losses in the area of mine sweepers and mine layers. Each side has also lost a small number of patrol craft and gunboats. All totaled, the Japanese have lost 15 support and specialized ships, compared to the loss of 7 allied ships.
Military Intelligence also reported that these numbers only count confirmed losses. "We can rest assured that the Japanese have lost more ships that we do not know about. All things considered, the naval war is going quite well."
Allies Fight For Air Superiority
In the air war, the allies are slowly gaining the upper hand. A recent dogfight in the skies over Akyab yesterday marked the official loss of the 1000th Japanese airplane. In contrast, the Allies have lost over 850. A spokesman for the War Department reported that the numbers were better than they appeared. "The Allies started this race with a deficit of over 350 due to air losses on the opening days of the war. Remove those considerations, and you can see that we have a 2 to 1 advantage in the destruction of enemy airplanes since then."
Dr. Gaschk, official advisor to Thayne News and founder of the Gaschk School of Fighting, cautioned that the war department was also including an estimate of Japanese operational losses since the start of the war. Gaschk said, "Because Japan started with so many more airplanes, they have lost an estimated 250 to operational losses alone, while Allied operational losses are around 100. That evens up the score a bit."
Gaschk also reported that the Japanese have begun disbursing their planes better to protect them from high-altitude bombing. "At the start of the war, B-17s were having tremendous success against Japanese airplanes on the ground by bombing above 32,000 feet. Those days seem to be over. This, too, gives the advantage back to Japan. In air-to-air combat, the Japanese have shot down 2 Allied airplanes for each loss."
Japan Controls the Ground
Japan has scored its biggest success in the ground war. Military Intelligence has been utilizing a special formula to measure ground combat effectiveness since the start of the war, and the effect of combat on these numbers. According to their official tabulations, the Japanese have a loss ratio in its favor of nearly 30 to 1. Only one allied victory has resulted in the loss of an entire Japanese unit; this happened at Menado in the Dutch East Indies. There, Dutch war ships showed up after the landings started, sinking a transport ship with vital supplies then helping Menado garrison destroy the Japanese who had already made it to shore.
Dutch Air Force Block Kragen Reinforcement
(TN - Soerabaja) Dutch bombers interdicted a Japanese task force allegedly bringing reinforcements to Krangan. Reconnaissance aircraft discovered the Japanese task force approximately 150 miles away from its destination. Immediately, ABDA Command ordered that a strike be prepared to stop the transports. In the air strike, Dutch aircraft hit two troop transports with bombs, and torpedoed a gunboat that was escorting the transports.
However, ABDA Command has predicted that this will not be sufficient to stop the Japanese plan to reinforce Kragan. ABDA Command believes that the Japanese are attempting to build up its forces at Kragan in order to drive south and prevent the Dutch army from retreating to Soerabaja. ABDA Command had issued an order about a week ago that all units stand and fight for whatever ground they were holding. Since then, the Japanese army captured two additional western cities, pushing the Dutch army back to the point that it was nearly at Soerabaja anyway. Therefore, ABDA Command ordered that the surviving units meet there for the final battle.
The Japanese army in western Java is pursuing the Dutch as they try to retreat to Soerabaja, inflicting additional casualties, but so far unsuccessful at forcing the Dutch into a standing engagement. ABDA Command has said that it expects the final battle will take place at Soerabaja somewhere near the middle of the month.
Akyab Battle Illustrate Plane Quality
(TN - Dacca) A battle over the Indian port city of Akyab yesterday illustrated the importance of airplane quality in winning the air war. The battle was announced when spotters detected approximately 70 Japanese airplanes heading for Akyab. Mercenary pilots with the American Volunteer Group, though recently relocated to Chadpur, still fly combat air patrol over Akyab as the Japanese move in and try to take the city. Approximately 18 P-40s, along with 6 Buffalos, were over the target ready to battle the interceptors.
In the first phase of the battle, a Japanese fighter escort of approximately 20 Oscar fighters intercepted the American pilots. In the dog fight that followed, the Oscars succeeded in driving the Buffalo fighters off back to Chadpur. However, the P-40s tore into the Oscars, destroying 11 aircraft without the loss of a single airplane.
Then the Japanese Zeros joined the fight and quickly turned the tables on the AVG. Five AVG airplanes went down, though the American pilots were not able to destroy a single Japanese fighter.
While the Zeros kept the AVG busy, 35 Sally bombers struck at the defenders within the city, hitting gun batteries and defenses on the north end of town as the Japanese launched their most recent attack.
The Akyab defenders are already outnumbered by 2 to 1, and their defensive lines are suffering the strain of intense Japanese attacks. The defenders are mostly engaged in a stalling operation, trying to give eastern India time to acquire additional reinforcements, for the Mandalay defensive group to escape the jungles further north and enter Dacca to rebuild and re-equip, and to allow units still on the trail from Rangoon to the east a chance to make it across to friendly lines. If Akyab falls within the next 10 days, a number of British soldiers would be caught behind Japanese lines.
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
WAR DEPT. REPORTS STATS
Allies Winning Air, Sea, but not Ground
(TN - Washington) The War Department released its statistics yesterday concerning the first three months of the war. The statistics show that the Allies are winning in the air and on the sea, however the Japanese are decisively victorious on the ground.
Japs Lose 1 Ship Per Day
Since the start of the war, the Japanese have lost 78 ships, giving them a loss of one nearly 1 ship per day on average. This identifies only ships confirmed sunk. Almost all of these ships are types that are of crucial importance to Japan; cargo ships, troop transports, and tankers.
Specifically, Military Intelligence lists that Allied forces have destroyed 23 cargo ships, 28 troop transports, 1 fast transport, and 4 tankers. This compares to Allied losses of 3 cargo ships, 1 troop transport, and 3 tankers.
With the long-run success of the war depending entirely on logistics, and who can get the supplies that are needed to the troops that need them, strategic planners are saying that this is a significant gap. "We are not slowing them down in the short term, but we are winning the long-term struggle," said one senior analysis.
In terms of combat ships, however, the Japanese retain the advantage. They have sunk 1 allied battleship, 1 heavy cruiser, 5 light cruisers, and 4 destroyers. The Japanese have lost only three light cruisers and a destroyer to Allied attacks.
In submarines, Military Intelligence is reporting the loss of four boats, while they are recording that the Japanese have lost at least three. All of these losses were suffered before the Patch Doctrine went into effect, advising Allied submarine captains to be a bit more cautious in attacking Japanese shipping.
In support and specialized ships, the Japanese have suffered two losses for each Allied loss. Both sides have suffered their greatest losses in the area of mine sweepers and mine layers. Each side has also lost a small number of patrol craft and gunboats. All totaled, the Japanese have lost 15 support and specialized ships, compared to the loss of 7 allied ships.
Military Intelligence also reported that these numbers only count confirmed losses. "We can rest assured that the Japanese have lost more ships that we do not know about. All things considered, the naval war is going quite well."
Allies Fight For Air Superiority
In the air war, the allies are slowly gaining the upper hand. A recent dogfight in the skies over Akyab yesterday marked the official loss of the 1000th Japanese airplane. In contrast, the Allies have lost over 850. A spokesman for the War Department reported that the numbers were better than they appeared. "The Allies started this race with a deficit of over 350 due to air losses on the opening days of the war. Remove those considerations, and you can see that we have a 2 to 1 advantage in the destruction of enemy airplanes since then."
Dr. Gaschk, official advisor to Thayne News and founder of the Gaschk School of Fighting, cautioned that the war department was also including an estimate of Japanese operational losses since the start of the war. Gaschk said, "Because Japan started with so many more airplanes, they have lost an estimated 250 to operational losses alone, while Allied operational losses are around 100. That evens up the score a bit."
Gaschk also reported that the Japanese have begun disbursing their planes better to protect them from high-altitude bombing. "At the start of the war, B-17s were having tremendous success against Japanese airplanes on the ground by bombing above 32,000 feet. Those days seem to be over. This, too, gives the advantage back to Japan. In air-to-air combat, the Japanese have shot down 2 Allied airplanes for each loss."
Japan Controls the Ground
Japan has scored its biggest success in the ground war. Military Intelligence has been utilizing a special formula to measure ground combat effectiveness since the start of the war, and the effect of combat on these numbers. According to their official tabulations, the Japanese have a loss ratio in its favor of nearly 30 to 1. Only one allied victory has resulted in the loss of an entire Japanese unit; this happened at Menado in the Dutch East Indies. There, Dutch war ships showed up after the landings started, sinking a transport ship with vital supplies then helping Menado garrison destroy the Japanese who had already made it to shore.
Dutch Air Force Block Kragen Reinforcement
(TN - Soerabaja) Dutch bombers interdicted a Japanese task force allegedly bringing reinforcements to Krangan. Reconnaissance aircraft discovered the Japanese task force approximately 150 miles away from its destination. Immediately, ABDA Command ordered that a strike be prepared to stop the transports. In the air strike, Dutch aircraft hit two troop transports with bombs, and torpedoed a gunboat that was escorting the transports.
However, ABDA Command has predicted that this will not be sufficient to stop the Japanese plan to reinforce Kragan. ABDA Command believes that the Japanese are attempting to build up its forces at Kragan in order to drive south and prevent the Dutch army from retreating to Soerabaja. ABDA Command had issued an order about a week ago that all units stand and fight for whatever ground they were holding. Since then, the Japanese army captured two additional western cities, pushing the Dutch army back to the point that it was nearly at Soerabaja anyway. Therefore, ABDA Command ordered that the surviving units meet there for the final battle.
The Japanese army in western Java is pursuing the Dutch as they try to retreat to Soerabaja, inflicting additional casualties, but so far unsuccessful at forcing the Dutch into a standing engagement. ABDA Command has said that it expects the final battle will take place at Soerabaja somewhere near the middle of the month.
Akyab Battle Illustrate Plane Quality
(TN - Dacca) A battle over the Indian port city of Akyab yesterday illustrated the importance of airplane quality in winning the air war. The battle was announced when spotters detected approximately 70 Japanese airplanes heading for Akyab. Mercenary pilots with the American Volunteer Group, though recently relocated to Chadpur, still fly combat air patrol over Akyab as the Japanese move in and try to take the city. Approximately 18 P-40s, along with 6 Buffalos, were over the target ready to battle the interceptors.
In the first phase of the battle, a Japanese fighter escort of approximately 20 Oscar fighters intercepted the American pilots. In the dog fight that followed, the Oscars succeeded in driving the Buffalo fighters off back to Chadpur. However, the P-40s tore into the Oscars, destroying 11 aircraft without the loss of a single airplane.
Then the Japanese Zeros joined the fight and quickly turned the tables on the AVG. Five AVG airplanes went down, though the American pilots were not able to destroy a single Japanese fighter.
While the Zeros kept the AVG busy, 35 Sally bombers struck at the defenders within the city, hitting gun batteries and defenses on the north end of town as the Japanese launched their most recent attack.
The Akyab defenders are already outnumbered by 2 to 1, and their defensive lines are suffering the strain of intense Japanese attacks. The defenders are mostly engaged in a stalling operation, trying to give eastern India time to acquire additional reinforcements, for the Mandalay defensive group to escape the jungles further north and enter Dacca to rebuild and re-equip, and to allow units still on the trail from Rangoon to the east a chance to make it across to friendly lines. If Akyab falls within the next 10 days, a number of British soldiers would be caught behind Japanese lines.
JAP CARRIERS MISSING
March 3, 1942
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAP CARRIERS MISSING
(TN - Washington) The War Department is getting increasingly concerned over the fact that it has heard nothing about the Japanese carriers now for several days. Even the smaller light and escort carriers seem to have disappeared.
The fleet carriers were last seen heading southeast off of the eastern coast of the Philippines on February 8th. There was a carrier raid on Kai Island in the middle of February. However, the number and type of carrier planes involved in the raids has given Allied Command reason to believe that this was a combination of escort and light carriers.
Dr. Gaschk, of the Gaschk School of Fighting, speculated for us what this could mean. "We have news of an impending Japanese attack on Wake Island. We have carriers missing for nearly a month now. It seems obvious that this attack on Wake Island is not going to be a miniscule landing like those that Japan has used on other, smaller ports. He will have enough units with him to get the job done, and the carriers to make sure that the allies do not interfere."
Dutch Pilots Blast Reinforcement Fleet
(TN - Soerabaja) Dutch air force units are putting up a fierce fight to keep Japanese reinforcements from reaching Kragan. Two Japanese transport ships pulled into the harbor yesterday. Martin bombers left one of the transports burning from stem to stern with 5 bomb hits and a torpedo hit, while 2 bomb hits set fire to the second troop transport. Military intelligence has been unable to determine if the Japanese were able to get anybody off of either of the two ships.
Medan, Sumatra Becomes New Jap Target
(TN - Soerabaja) Japanese naval forces began landing at Sumatra on the northern shore of Sumatra yesterday. Medan is one of the ports along the Malacassa Straight, a narrow stretch of water that Japan will want to control in order to keep the allies out of the South China Sea and its important shipping lanes. Japan has landed a force of 7,000 soldiers so far to deal with a defensive garrison of 3,000.
Thayne News would like to offer a special word of appreciation to those readers who write in -- both privately and publicly -- with kind words about our service. Thayne News remains dedictated to bringing you, the members of the Military Indistrial Complex, the military information you need to make your business and planning decisions. Your feedback is important to us as we strive to be your military news source. Please feel free to write if there is anything we may do to make our service more useful to you], our valued customer.
Thank You
Thayne News Service
Thayne's News Network
Editor's Note: In times of war, the news is likely to be filled with all sorts of rumor and exaggeration. The goal of the Thayne News Network is to cut through the fog of war, and provide you, our loyal readers, with as accurate a report of events on the front line as we can.
The Thayne News Network is a special service for the clients in the military industrial complex who need accurate information on the progress of the war. Any disclosure of the contents of these reports is punishable as treason.
JAP CARRIERS MISSING
(TN - Washington) The War Department is getting increasingly concerned over the fact that it has heard nothing about the Japanese carriers now for several days. Even the smaller light and escort carriers seem to have disappeared.
The fleet carriers were last seen heading southeast off of the eastern coast of the Philippines on February 8th. There was a carrier raid on Kai Island in the middle of February. However, the number and type of carrier planes involved in the raids has given Allied Command reason to believe that this was a combination of escort and light carriers.
Dr. Gaschk, of the Gaschk School of Fighting, speculated for us what this could mean. "We have news of an impending Japanese attack on Wake Island. We have carriers missing for nearly a month now. It seems obvious that this attack on Wake Island is not going to be a miniscule landing like those that Japan has used on other, smaller ports. He will have enough units with him to get the job done, and the carriers to make sure that the allies do not interfere."
Dutch Pilots Blast Reinforcement Fleet
(TN - Soerabaja) Dutch air force units are putting up a fierce fight to keep Japanese reinforcements from reaching Kragan. Two Japanese transport ships pulled into the harbor yesterday. Martin bombers left one of the transports burning from stem to stern with 5 bomb hits and a torpedo hit, while 2 bomb hits set fire to the second troop transport. Military intelligence has been unable to determine if the Japanese were able to get anybody off of either of the two ships.
Medan, Sumatra Becomes New Jap Target
(TN - Soerabaja) Japanese naval forces began landing at Sumatra on the northern shore of Sumatra yesterday. Medan is one of the ports along the Malacassa Straight, a narrow stretch of water that Japan will want to control in order to keep the allies out of the South China Sea and its important shipping lanes. Japan has landed a force of 7,000 soldiers so far to deal with a defensive garrison of 3,000.
Thayne News would like to offer a special word of appreciation to those readers who write in -- both privately and publicly -- with kind words about our service. Thayne News remains dedictated to bringing you, the members of the Military Indistrial Complex, the military information you need to make your business and planning decisions. Your feedback is important to us as we strive to be your military news source. Please feel free to write if there is anything we may do to make our service more useful to you], our valued customer.
Thank You
Thayne News Service