Dateline Dec 23, 1941
Surabaya, Java
Associated Press -
It has been 16 long days since the Empire of Japan declared war following its' opening attack against American land and air units in the Philippines on the 7th. I have not been keeping an exact track of the occurrances, but feel the need to respond to staff officer Bando, representing the press for His Imperial Majesty Herbie. I shall attempt in this and other following statements, to keep you in the free world apprised of the
situation in the Far East and some of the feeling for the flow of the game.
In the Philippines, the full force of the Imperial hammer fell on the opening of the conflict. Over 200 strike aircraft hit Manila Port from carriers to the East of the islands. In addition, there were many long range strikes from the Formosa area. Other than the 6 patrol subs that departed that evening, most of the Asiatic Fleet was
present during the attacks. Loss of ships and subs were heavy; particularly in the Support units for the Fleet.
I shall summarize the losses here. 4 DD (Pope, Pillsbury, Peary and J.D. Ford), 4 AK, AO Pecos, TK Mindanao, 3 PT, 3 MSW, PG Tulsa, AVD Childs and AV Langley. 13 SS were the most significant loss; 3 being S class boats, the others being divided between the Perch and Salmon class boats. There are still 2 AK, 1 PG and a MSW in Manila that will probably be write offs in the near future, as they are too badly damaged to risk sailing and will not be repaired in the near future. There were 5 subs that were not sunk or severely damaged by the enemy attack. They have had their floation damage repaired while in formation in Manila and now are serving to carry men of the Philippine Aviation Unit to Australia, where they will reform in the future.
The reason for this "evacuation" is that the Philippine Archipeligo is untenable. The intial Japanese assault in the North of Luzon was not too overwhelming, but subsequent landings in the Naga region have been.
Elements of 6! Imperial Divisions are reported there, and as I write this, they stand less than 60 miles from Manila. Due to that, General MacArthur initated War Plan B. Manila is to be held with a token force (the 91 PA Division and the 43rd PS RCT). The rest of the combat units shall hold in the Clark Field area until the Japanese force builds up on them; they will then perform an orderly retreat to Bataan. There are currently lvl 3 fortifications in place there, and will soon be up to the level of Clark.
You might ask why the Bataan manuever so early, it is malarial there. MacArthurs' rationale is this; Clark has a large AF and the Japanese bombing has kept my engineers from building new fortifications due to their constant desire to have perfect service and runways. In Bataan, there is a smaller infrastructure to deal with;
so, if the Japanese do bomb, the repairs will be quicker and the fort levels could be maintained easier. We currently have 33k+ supplies there and hope to have 40k by the beginning of the seige. All the USAFFE can do is hope to severely impede the Japs and force them into the longest campaign possible here. All undamaged air units have transferred to either the ABDA or China areas to regroup. The only one that hasn't yet is the 93rd BS in Mindanao; with the fall of Cagayan 3 days ago, they are making preparations to move to Java in the next couple of days.
Hong Kong fell around the 18th or 19th. DD's Thracian and Scout broke for the Philippine port of Puerto Princesa on the 8th. Scout succumbed to a Nell attack the next day, but Thracian made it and linked up with some Manila survivors and has made her way to Tjilijap; her next stop Perth and then repair in an Aussie yard. DD Thanet was damaged in port by attacks on the 7th; she laid up until the end in HK was in sight and loaded up a portion of the RN engineer unit there and ran for it during a fortuitous period of bad weather. She delivered the men to Darwin and is now proceeding to Sydney with a freighter for repair and refit. She stands at 45% damaged.
In Malaya, the Imperial forces appear either confused or very sly. After landing in huge force at Khota Bahru, the Japs have split up, sending approximately 15 units into the mountains SW of the landing. Intelligence indicates that the 25th Army HQ is located there. Meanwhile, there are still 14 units in KB itself, with 6 more
sitting in Songkhia. No effort has been made on the Alor Star position, but, with this "manuever" in the mountains, the position is about to be abandoned. There are indications that a seaborne attack is scheduled on Kuantan; that, with this mountain move, could be an attempt to cut off the forces in the north of the peninsula from
Singapore. Malaya Army ordered to move to defense line Kuala Lumpur - 23, 47(hex SE of KL). The 23 hex is a mountain and the 27th Australia has built it up to lvl 3 already. Another brigade from Kuantan will join them to hold there, while the bulk moves on KL. Oil has been sent to Singapore (9K) and more will be sent.
Burma/India sector is relatively quiet. Regimental sized units are trying to infiltrate the border near Raehang, but are currently blocked. SE Asia does not plan on a protracted defense of Burma. The units there shall be the only ones commited for the time being. Plan on movement to Mandalay in front of J advances, when
they become too heavy. Current Indian Army units concentrated in Calcutta, with SE Asia HQ. Once the level of effectives have been raised in these units, we shall use them for the NE of India. 27th Indian has been split into Brigades and will support the rear area bases. When the 18th UK arrives in a week, the tenative plan is for 2
brigades to proceed to Columbo and one to be theater reserve in Lucknow. When 7th Armored arrives, they go into reserve with the remaining 18th brigade moving to the front or Madras. After that, we will have to see what time and the enemy bring us.
Dutch East Indies means 2 things. Surabaya and Palembang. Surabaya is being built to a lvl 9 port (currently at 30% this date). This will make the port mine capable and allow for copious amounts to be laid in the region. It will also facilitate repairs here. As this appears to be the only "temperate" base on Java, this will be the
final defense position for the Dutch. Batavia is merely held to impede Japanese attempts on Palembang. Palambang has a Malayan Brigade and another RN base force slated to proceed there in the next few days, via Dutch and Australian AP's. 2 naval forces serve to guard it; Force Z out of Batavia and Y (CL Mauritius and 4DD)
in Singapore. At this point in time, only Menado and Amboina have been occupied by the Japanese, with Morotai being on the verge of a landing. Forces appear to be heading to Brunei, but there is little to be done about it, other than submarine inderdiction. Surabaya has 38k in supplies with about 10k more on the way immediately near. Hope to have totals up into the 60k range in a week's time. 9k TK have been making runs from Palembang, Batavia, Surabaya, Balikpapen and Tarakan during this last 2 week period. They are dumping at Tjilijap where 18k TK load up for the runs to Australia and India. Hope is that the 18's will be able to make total of 2 round trips
each. When the situation gets too hot, the 9k's will run for it with whatever they have aboard. We must deny as much oil to the enemy as possible. The fuel is just too numerous to carry and will have to be abandoned on site.
South Pacific is quiet. Enemy just approaching Rabaul and has landed yesterday. CL Adelaide was lost in combat vs. a 4 CL 6DD group there. All aircraft evac'd to Port Moresby for the moment. There is a Aus. Brigade arriving in 3 weeks that would be slated for the PM garrison, but it would appear that might be too late. A
brigade from the Australian Home Defense might have to be used instead. Negotiations with the government are in progress. Gull Force is present in Kendari to stiffen the garrison there; Sparrow is heading to Koepang in the next day or two.
South/Central Pacific - The Japanese made a rapid grab here in the Gilberts, taking all the atolls in the group including Baker in the first few days. This prompted a rapid reaction from Pearl; a regiment of the 25th Division was loaded on the 2 AP there and sent to Canton Island immediately. Joining them there were the 7th USMC Def Btn and and 116th USN BF from Upolu. Enterprise is covering this operation along with a battle group formed around the West Virginia and Maryland. Lexington is at PH waiting for replacement aircraft while covering the base. Saratoga is proceeding West after receiving her F4F's and covering a convoy of fast AP's with the 2nd Marine Division. 2nd Marines will take over the responsibility for PH while the other 2 25th Divisions' regiments head to garrison Palmyra and Johnston Islands. 2 large convoys with a total of 150k supplies and troops and planes are docking in the next 2 days in PH. This is sorely needed, as the Canton Island operation drained a lot of the supplies there in PH.
On the West Coast, the 27th and 40th Divisions are not ready to be moved to the CentPac yet. 40th needs to recover some more of her allotted strength and 27th is raw and needs to be trained up a little bit before I send it forward. In Alaska, quiet reigns; although, I have sent some of the older boats up to Anchorage to operated against Jap shipping from there. Only 6, but I have high hopes for them. Tanker and supply routes are being set up, with Pago Pago as the main transshipment point. Most of the CentPac sub force are being used to support the Canton Operation right now. Wake Island has not even been sniffed at; I suspect that the Japanese Carriers are either laying there or in the Marshalls, waiting for an oppportunity. He shall not get much of one. I plan to send 2 fast APs in to try to evac the garrison. There will be no resupply nor reinforcement. It is too exposed to hold at this juncture.
Callsign Tabpub signing off.
Tabpub VS. Herbie (Clash of Weirdness)...
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
Tabpub VS. Herbie (Clash of Weirdness)...
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
RE: Tabpub VS. Herbie (Clash of Weirdness)...
Dateline Dec 29, 1941
Surabaya, Java
Associated Press –
The cool coastal breeze is the only thing that keeps the lid on the pot at this major city in Java this summer. The reports from the fighting front are not good and the mood of the civilian populace is tense, to say the least. From my hotel room, I can see 100’s of engineers working with cranes and various vehicles in the Surabaya Naval Yard. There is no official report from the military here, but scuttlebutt has the improvements to the yard as being ½ completed as of today. The rumor of engineering details being sent to the outlying fortifications has not been confirmed as yet. The construction at the base is reputed to be on the Mine Fabrication and Storage Facility. This facility was to have been completed in 1940, but the fall of the Netherlands to the Germans caused the construction to be halted.
The fighting on the front is not going well for the ABDA command. Brunei and Tarakan report that they have been invested for the last 2 days and anticipate a Japanese attack at any time. They do not expect to hold and hope to do the maximum damage to the facilities there before they are forced to retreat. Amboina and Menado have fallen to the Japanese and they are now basing significant air units there. The former USAFFE facility at Jolo has also been turned into a major air base in the last 5 days. This resulted in a major air strike against ABDA naval units based at Balikpapan. The USN Houston and 4 destroyers were able to evade the air raiders and are 60 miles out from Surabaya; however, the CL Marblehead, CL Boise and DD Bulmer all reported being hit by torpedoes and bombs. These three are making best possible speed thru the Java Sea as we speak, hoping to make port here tomorrow. They will probably have to return to a major yard for repairs, as the damage that they suffered was severe but not apparently fatal. ABDA command is confident that the Dutch contingent, reinforced by the operational Americans will be able to defend the east of Java. Force Z and Y are about to join up in the Batavia/Palembang area to cover the western half of the island. Finally, the Japanese have landed at Kendari in the last 24 hours. Preliminary reports indicate that the defenders have the local superiority for now; this is mainly due to the presence of the “Gull Force”. The other battalion, “Sparrow Force” has recently reinforced the position at Koepang on Timor. These initial moves indicate that the IJN is attempting to sever communications between the DEI and Australia by commanding the approaches to the Banda and Timor Seas. With this in mind, future attacks on Timor and Flores would seem to be the next step for the IJN. The only major IJN units spotted here are some cruisers and two CVEs; tentatively ID’d as Hosho and Taiyo. In the South China Sea, everything is quiet now. Yesterday, a cruiser force was sighted 100 miles from Mersing, but came under air attack and now appears to be heading back to the north/northeast. Operation “Grab” in the Palembang/Toboali area is working fine now. Oil storage in Palembang is down to 6600 tons, a low for the war. Toboali reports about 1000 supplies and 2000 resources on hand also. There is shipping running constantly here, yet as of now, there has been no attempt by the IJ forces to halt any of this, if they are even aware of it. The transshipment thru Tjilitjap is working fine; one 18k TK is already away to Columbo and there are 4 more that will be departing in the near future for points east and west. If the 18k TK groups only make one trip and the 9k’s leave full at the end of the operation, we will have denied the enemy of approximately a quarter of a million tons of raw oil. I salute the merchant marine in this operation for their contribution to the war effort.
Meanwhile, on the other fronts--------
Philippines: General MacArthur reports the fall of Manila 3 days ago; 4 ships that were fleeing the port succumbed to Japanese raiders 120 miles out of Manila Bay. The ships (PG Ashville, MSW Lark, and AKs Don Jose and Compagnia Filipinas) were heavily damaged in prior air raids and were quickly dispatched by a TG of Maya, Ashigara, Kuma and 2 DDs. The Clark Field base reports presence of 22k enemy troops, but no attack as of today. There are 600+ “assault points” in Clarks defenses, with an additional 800 in Bataan. Bataan reports 28k in supplies laid in. Hopefully, this will be enough for them to sustain themselves for a considerable period. The general is confident that the Clark position will hold for about 3-4 more days, and then they shall also withdraw to the Bataan position. All aircraft other than the patrol Catalinas have left the Islands. The 19th Bombardment Group has moved to Trincomalee where they expect to receive their new “E” model aircraft. The 93rd BS out of Cagayan has been trying to relocate to Surabaya, but the repairs on the damaged a/c are taking longer than expected. The fighters from PI are reported to mainly be in China; they are re-equipping and resting in preparation for operations in the CBI theater.
Malaya: The situation in the peninsula is still curious. The Commonwealth forces still hold the line Taiping/Kuantan. Alor Star has just been occupied by the IJA with no combat; the defenders there have fallen back to Taiping as a screening force. The main defense of the west coast is at Kuala Lumpur. The east coast is held by a screen at Kuantan, with the main position being west of there on the Kuantan – Malacca road thru the mountains. The heavy Japanese presence in the mountains NW of Kuantan precludes any defense north of these positions, as they could be cutoff by any advance from the mountain area. Singapore AF is a smoking hole, according to the last report from UPI there. The English have withdraw their fighters to other bases in Burma and India; the locals expect the bomber groups that remain to depart within days, before they too are destroyed. The IJA engineers have transformed the Khota Bharu AF into a huge complex where upwards of 300 a/c fly out of daily to punish Singapore.
Burma/India: 3 Brigade sized IJA units ejected the 16th Indian Brigade from their positions west of Rahaeng yesterday. They retreated to join the main position on the Salween River, west of Moulmein. 2 Brigades are slated to move to 30,33 to cover the LOC to Mandalay. Rangoon is a ghost town, with only the Rangoon Force there to watch the port. Everyone else in Burma is in Mandalay, covering the airbase there. 3 surviving Lodestar a/c from Calcutta are flying in the staff from the 3rd Indian Corps to coordinate the defense there. Meanwhile, in Calcutta, the BBC reports that spirits are high right now. SE Asia command has gathered nearly every formation there to inspect them for their deployment to the front. While most are under strength, in total they do add up to about 2 full divisions worth. Staff is now considering which of the Indian units shall be brought up to full strength with replacements. The 18th Division has arrived in Karachi, with one brigade being immediately transshipped for Columbo, with another to follow in the next 2-3 days, if escorts available. The 2nd Brigade is slated to join the Eastern India defense area currently. The Eastern Fleet remains at anchor, awaiting reinforcement and developments. All merchant shipping has been concentrated and supply runs established Karachi- Columbo- Diamond Harbor. Empty TKs are moving to relocate fuel stocks from Eastern India to Ceylon. Consideration of using AKs to move excess fuel from Rangoon has not been ruled out; the pace of the Japanese advance will determine this in the next day or two.
South/SW Pacific: A strange turn of events here, the IJN has EVACUATED its landing force at Rabaul!! Apparently, they underestimated the forces here and after being easily rebuffed in their first attack, loaded up and left. Recon has lost sight of them, presumed that they returned to Truk to regroup and reinforce. Australian Government indicates that a Brigade (30th) will be available in 2 weeks for offshore operations. Shipping and escorts forming in Sydney in preparation for their move to the Port Moresby base to solidify it. Supplies already moved and moving there prepatory to their arrival. If Rabaul not invested again by then, consideration to removing the garrison there, as its viability is not high.
South/Central Pacific: Operation Mandarin completed. One regiment of the 25th is in place along side 2 base forces and the 7th USMC Def. Bn.. 300 mines laid and VMF 211 (formerly from Wake) in place with a PBY squadron. 6 subs currently operating in the Gilberts, with good business in the Tarawa area. Thresher reports 2 separate attacks yesterday, with a solid hit on a big Maru. Enterprise TG and 1st Bat Div (Maryland and WeeVee) are now heading home to PH. The other 2 regiments from the 25th Division report ready to move to Johnston and Palmyra. 161st RCT prepping to move to Midway; will probably require another 2-3 weeks before squads fully worked into shape; unit currently at 99/132 rating. Recent arrivals to PH include the 2nd USMC Div, the aforementioned 161st RCT and a bunch of assets. The Marines will wait on deployment to the SoPac area until a good escort unit can be formed up and sufficient AP for the lift determined. SIGINT reports an IJN NLF planning for an attack on Wake; 2 of the recent fast AP arrivals are tasked with a DesDiv to recover the Wake garrison. They will attempt to do this without a covering force present. The rationale from ADM Kimmel is that
“like Rabaul, Wake is ultimately untenable currently, but the men there deserve the effort on our part to get them off. But, I am disturbed that the IJN carriers have literally dropped off our plots since the first days of the war. If I were their commander, I would be sitting with them in the Marianas or the Marshalls to jump on any effort we put out in the CentPac. Hopefully, 2 fast APs and 4 DDs can slip in and out without raising a stir.”
The battleline (less 1st BatDiv) rests at PH under the cover of 9 AA regiments, while Lexington and Saratoga work up their new fighter planes (the F4F-4 model, Lex got hers here, while Sara reequipped in SF two weeks ago.) Yorktown scheduled to complete her transit in 2 weeks, with Hornet one month behind that. Anticipate that at least two of the carriers currently in Pacific will escort the 2nd USMC to SoPac. Perhaps the 3rd will go as a plane transport; the study has not been done on that as of yet though. While they are off, Yorktown will be able to receive and work up her new fighters also while she covers PH. Then, with Hornet here in 45 days, we can consider releasing some of the CVs for limited offensive operations.
This, of course, can change rapidly in the face of the enemy. Who knows what evil lurks in his twisted mind.
Callsign Tabpub, out.
<BTW, feel free to drop in and post any comments, suggestions, or just plain "Haw, haw, you suck" messages (well, not TOO many of the latter, please); like to hear what people think, otherwise this feels like I am talking to the damn computer>
Surabaya, Java
Associated Press –
The cool coastal breeze is the only thing that keeps the lid on the pot at this major city in Java this summer. The reports from the fighting front are not good and the mood of the civilian populace is tense, to say the least. From my hotel room, I can see 100’s of engineers working with cranes and various vehicles in the Surabaya Naval Yard. There is no official report from the military here, but scuttlebutt has the improvements to the yard as being ½ completed as of today. The rumor of engineering details being sent to the outlying fortifications has not been confirmed as yet. The construction at the base is reputed to be on the Mine Fabrication and Storage Facility. This facility was to have been completed in 1940, but the fall of the Netherlands to the Germans caused the construction to be halted.
The fighting on the front is not going well for the ABDA command. Brunei and Tarakan report that they have been invested for the last 2 days and anticipate a Japanese attack at any time. They do not expect to hold and hope to do the maximum damage to the facilities there before they are forced to retreat. Amboina and Menado have fallen to the Japanese and they are now basing significant air units there. The former USAFFE facility at Jolo has also been turned into a major air base in the last 5 days. This resulted in a major air strike against ABDA naval units based at Balikpapan. The USN Houston and 4 destroyers were able to evade the air raiders and are 60 miles out from Surabaya; however, the CL Marblehead, CL Boise and DD Bulmer all reported being hit by torpedoes and bombs. These three are making best possible speed thru the Java Sea as we speak, hoping to make port here tomorrow. They will probably have to return to a major yard for repairs, as the damage that they suffered was severe but not apparently fatal. ABDA command is confident that the Dutch contingent, reinforced by the operational Americans will be able to defend the east of Java. Force Z and Y are about to join up in the Batavia/Palembang area to cover the western half of the island. Finally, the Japanese have landed at Kendari in the last 24 hours. Preliminary reports indicate that the defenders have the local superiority for now; this is mainly due to the presence of the “Gull Force”. The other battalion, “Sparrow Force” has recently reinforced the position at Koepang on Timor. These initial moves indicate that the IJN is attempting to sever communications between the DEI and Australia by commanding the approaches to the Banda and Timor Seas. With this in mind, future attacks on Timor and Flores would seem to be the next step for the IJN. The only major IJN units spotted here are some cruisers and two CVEs; tentatively ID’d as Hosho and Taiyo. In the South China Sea, everything is quiet now. Yesterday, a cruiser force was sighted 100 miles from Mersing, but came under air attack and now appears to be heading back to the north/northeast. Operation “Grab” in the Palembang/Toboali area is working fine now. Oil storage in Palembang is down to 6600 tons, a low for the war. Toboali reports about 1000 supplies and 2000 resources on hand also. There is shipping running constantly here, yet as of now, there has been no attempt by the IJ forces to halt any of this, if they are even aware of it. The transshipment thru Tjilitjap is working fine; one 18k TK is already away to Columbo and there are 4 more that will be departing in the near future for points east and west. If the 18k TK groups only make one trip and the 9k’s leave full at the end of the operation, we will have denied the enemy of approximately a quarter of a million tons of raw oil. I salute the merchant marine in this operation for their contribution to the war effort.
Meanwhile, on the other fronts--------
Philippines: General MacArthur reports the fall of Manila 3 days ago; 4 ships that were fleeing the port succumbed to Japanese raiders 120 miles out of Manila Bay. The ships (PG Ashville, MSW Lark, and AKs Don Jose and Compagnia Filipinas) were heavily damaged in prior air raids and were quickly dispatched by a TG of Maya, Ashigara, Kuma and 2 DDs. The Clark Field base reports presence of 22k enemy troops, but no attack as of today. There are 600+ “assault points” in Clarks defenses, with an additional 800 in Bataan. Bataan reports 28k in supplies laid in. Hopefully, this will be enough for them to sustain themselves for a considerable period. The general is confident that the Clark position will hold for about 3-4 more days, and then they shall also withdraw to the Bataan position. All aircraft other than the patrol Catalinas have left the Islands. The 19th Bombardment Group has moved to Trincomalee where they expect to receive their new “E” model aircraft. The 93rd BS out of Cagayan has been trying to relocate to Surabaya, but the repairs on the damaged a/c are taking longer than expected. The fighters from PI are reported to mainly be in China; they are re-equipping and resting in preparation for operations in the CBI theater.
Malaya: The situation in the peninsula is still curious. The Commonwealth forces still hold the line Taiping/Kuantan. Alor Star has just been occupied by the IJA with no combat; the defenders there have fallen back to Taiping as a screening force. The main defense of the west coast is at Kuala Lumpur. The east coast is held by a screen at Kuantan, with the main position being west of there on the Kuantan – Malacca road thru the mountains. The heavy Japanese presence in the mountains NW of Kuantan precludes any defense north of these positions, as they could be cutoff by any advance from the mountain area. Singapore AF is a smoking hole, according to the last report from UPI there. The English have withdraw their fighters to other bases in Burma and India; the locals expect the bomber groups that remain to depart within days, before they too are destroyed. The IJA engineers have transformed the Khota Bharu AF into a huge complex where upwards of 300 a/c fly out of daily to punish Singapore.
Burma/India: 3 Brigade sized IJA units ejected the 16th Indian Brigade from their positions west of Rahaeng yesterday. They retreated to join the main position on the Salween River, west of Moulmein. 2 Brigades are slated to move to 30,33 to cover the LOC to Mandalay. Rangoon is a ghost town, with only the Rangoon Force there to watch the port. Everyone else in Burma is in Mandalay, covering the airbase there. 3 surviving Lodestar a/c from Calcutta are flying in the staff from the 3rd Indian Corps to coordinate the defense there. Meanwhile, in Calcutta, the BBC reports that spirits are high right now. SE Asia command has gathered nearly every formation there to inspect them for their deployment to the front. While most are under strength, in total they do add up to about 2 full divisions worth. Staff is now considering which of the Indian units shall be brought up to full strength with replacements. The 18th Division has arrived in Karachi, with one brigade being immediately transshipped for Columbo, with another to follow in the next 2-3 days, if escorts available. The 2nd Brigade is slated to join the Eastern India defense area currently. The Eastern Fleet remains at anchor, awaiting reinforcement and developments. All merchant shipping has been concentrated and supply runs established Karachi- Columbo- Diamond Harbor. Empty TKs are moving to relocate fuel stocks from Eastern India to Ceylon. Consideration of using AKs to move excess fuel from Rangoon has not been ruled out; the pace of the Japanese advance will determine this in the next day or two.
South/SW Pacific: A strange turn of events here, the IJN has EVACUATED its landing force at Rabaul!! Apparently, they underestimated the forces here and after being easily rebuffed in their first attack, loaded up and left. Recon has lost sight of them, presumed that they returned to Truk to regroup and reinforce. Australian Government indicates that a Brigade (30th) will be available in 2 weeks for offshore operations. Shipping and escorts forming in Sydney in preparation for their move to the Port Moresby base to solidify it. Supplies already moved and moving there prepatory to their arrival. If Rabaul not invested again by then, consideration to removing the garrison there, as its viability is not high.
South/Central Pacific: Operation Mandarin completed. One regiment of the 25th is in place along side 2 base forces and the 7th USMC Def. Bn.. 300 mines laid and VMF 211 (formerly from Wake) in place with a PBY squadron. 6 subs currently operating in the Gilberts, with good business in the Tarawa area. Thresher reports 2 separate attacks yesterday, with a solid hit on a big Maru. Enterprise TG and 1st Bat Div (Maryland and WeeVee) are now heading home to PH. The other 2 regiments from the 25th Division report ready to move to Johnston and Palmyra. 161st RCT prepping to move to Midway; will probably require another 2-3 weeks before squads fully worked into shape; unit currently at 99/132 rating. Recent arrivals to PH include the 2nd USMC Div, the aforementioned 161st RCT and a bunch of assets. The Marines will wait on deployment to the SoPac area until a good escort unit can be formed up and sufficient AP for the lift determined. SIGINT reports an IJN NLF planning for an attack on Wake; 2 of the recent fast AP arrivals are tasked with a DesDiv to recover the Wake garrison. They will attempt to do this without a covering force present. The rationale from ADM Kimmel is that
“like Rabaul, Wake is ultimately untenable currently, but the men there deserve the effort on our part to get them off. But, I am disturbed that the IJN carriers have literally dropped off our plots since the first days of the war. If I were their commander, I would be sitting with them in the Marianas or the Marshalls to jump on any effort we put out in the CentPac. Hopefully, 2 fast APs and 4 DDs can slip in and out without raising a stir.”
The battleline (less 1st BatDiv) rests at PH under the cover of 9 AA regiments, while Lexington and Saratoga work up their new fighter planes (the F4F-4 model, Lex got hers here, while Sara reequipped in SF two weeks ago.) Yorktown scheduled to complete her transit in 2 weeks, with Hornet one month behind that. Anticipate that at least two of the carriers currently in Pacific will escort the 2nd USMC to SoPac. Perhaps the 3rd will go as a plane transport; the study has not been done on that as of yet though. While they are off, Yorktown will be able to receive and work up her new fighters also while she covers PH. Then, with Hornet here in 45 days, we can consider releasing some of the CVs for limited offensive operations.
This, of course, can change rapidly in the face of the enemy. Who knows what evil lurks in his twisted mind.
Callsign Tabpub, out.
<BTW, feel free to drop in and post any comments, suggestions, or just plain "Haw, haw, you suck" messages (well, not TOO many of the latter, please); like to hear what people think, otherwise this feels like I am talking to the damn computer>
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
RE: Tabpub VS. Herbie (Clash of Weirdness)...
Dateline Jan 4, 1942
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
The new year dawns on this formerly tranquil area of the world and the fighting is picking up in intensity daily. When we left you last, Tarakan and Kendari had just been invaded by the enemy. They are now in his hands. In addition, the Maccassar base has fallen yesterday, along with Sorong. The only positive note in this parade of reverses for the ABDA command comes from agents in the Tarakan and Brunei areas. In Tarakan, they report that around 75% of the oil production and ½ of the resource production there was successfully demolished before the retreat. The numbers from Brunei were similar, with about 2/3rd of the oil production being demolished.
In Balikpapan, the IJN DD Hibiki was sunk, after an encounter with 2 Dutch MTB’s where it was damaged. As it attempted to exit into the Makassar Strait, it was torpedoed by the passing S39 and rolled over in under a minute. No survivors were reported in the water.
Meanwhile, the shipping continues to flow unabated around the Java Sea area. Tankers and freighters ply the waters to and from Tjilijap, bringing oil and resources to this iddlyic spot. 36000 tons of oil are outbound for India/Australia, with over 70k waiting to follow; the amount of resources sent is about double that. Various AK’s are starting to carry fuel cargo to deplete the local supply.
Reports from Malaya are not good. Taipeng has fallen without a fight and Kuantan is being invested by 3 large brigades. The 3 brigades there are falling back to the Malacca Mountain position to bolster that defense line. The remainder of the Malaya Army holds at Kuala Lumpur. The prospects are not good. We have identified over 3 divisions in the enemy forces and at least one tank regiment. Individual unit count is over 50 for the entire peninsula and the Japanese have virtual air superiority. All Buffalo Squadrons have been removed from the area. The 1st Malayan Brigade has been detached for duty in the Palembang area. Consideration for future detachments will be considered in the near future. A RN base force is a possibility.
In Burma, the enemy has cracked the front with 2 large Divisions coming from the Rahaeng area. They are across the Salween and pressing on Rangoon, which is a ghost town. Only the coastal defense forces remain, as the rest of the “Burma Army” moves to the old capital of Mandalay. Negotiations with the Chinese for the use of some of their divisions from Yunnan are proceeding apace. The Nationalists will send some divisions to help defend northern Burma, but only when their readiness level have increased to viable levels. Meanwhile, taking command at Mandalay, is Col. Atit. He has been sent ahead from the Indian III corps command to take over the operations here, as the main body of the corps HQ is still in Calcutta. He is confident that he can stop the Japanese advance here. India continues to prepare the subcontinent for the campaign to come. The first Brigade of the 18th Division has arrived at Columbo. The 2nd is expected in a weeks time. The 3rd proceeds to Calcutta, where it will prepare and watch for the situation to change.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press International
On the North Shore, you wouldn’t even know there was a war on; while on the south, that’s the only thing that matters. Here in Pearl City, the harbor is a continual beehive of activity. Freighters and liners arriving and departing daily. The workhorses of the Fleet, the DD’s scurry in and out. The battleships of the line continue to sit at their moorings, with only 2 empty, as the Maryland and West Virginia sail currently. They and Enterprise are due back in a week or so. That will make 3 carriers in the Hawaiian waters, with Yorktown due on the Pacific side around then. That will be around the time that the 2nd Marine Division is ready to depart toward the South Pacific and I am sure that that convoy shall be guarded on its way there. The positions at Canton, Palmyra and Johnston Islands seem to be secure, with regiments of the 25th Division on each. An RCT will be leaving for Midway then, to hopefully be joined by the current defenders and the men from Wake. The Wake removal convoy is due to arrive there tomorrow and there has been no sign of the enemy there, so hope is high that this will be done easily.
The reason for the hope here, is that units of the IJN carrier fleet were detected 1800 miles to the south in the Gilbert Island area. Our submarines in the area were vectored onto the contact, but they were able to slip away. We believe that they were there to protect the Gilbert Group against invasion or raids. Now, intelligence suggests that they will either assist in the taking of Wake, or move to Rabaul to help out the 2nd effort there. Recon flights indicate there are large #’s of units there in Truk, that are probably slated for Rabaul.
Finally, the SS Tuna off Tokyo, engaged a TK, but the torpedoes failed. Operating out of Anchorage, this is the first of many such operations that shall be sent against the Jap homewaters. I hope that he likes it.
And finally, this just in from the Philippines. The AAFFE has reported that they have been forced back into the Bataan peninsula. The initial reports are that 4 PA divisions were hurled into the lines at Bataan by an attack from over 150000 troops at Clark Field. General MacArthur hopes that he can hold this position for 3 months. My friend at the War Department gives him 3 weeks, tops. We shall have to see and cross our fingers.
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
The new year dawns on this formerly tranquil area of the world and the fighting is picking up in intensity daily. When we left you last, Tarakan and Kendari had just been invaded by the enemy. They are now in his hands. In addition, the Maccassar base has fallen yesterday, along with Sorong. The only positive note in this parade of reverses for the ABDA command comes from agents in the Tarakan and Brunei areas. In Tarakan, they report that around 75% of the oil production and ½ of the resource production there was successfully demolished before the retreat. The numbers from Brunei were similar, with about 2/3rd of the oil production being demolished.
In Balikpapan, the IJN DD Hibiki was sunk, after an encounter with 2 Dutch MTB’s where it was damaged. As it attempted to exit into the Makassar Strait, it was torpedoed by the passing S39 and rolled over in under a minute. No survivors were reported in the water.
Meanwhile, the shipping continues to flow unabated around the Java Sea area. Tankers and freighters ply the waters to and from Tjilijap, bringing oil and resources to this iddlyic spot. 36000 tons of oil are outbound for India/Australia, with over 70k waiting to follow; the amount of resources sent is about double that. Various AK’s are starting to carry fuel cargo to deplete the local supply.
Reports from Malaya are not good. Taipeng has fallen without a fight and Kuantan is being invested by 3 large brigades. The 3 brigades there are falling back to the Malacca Mountain position to bolster that defense line. The remainder of the Malaya Army holds at Kuala Lumpur. The prospects are not good. We have identified over 3 divisions in the enemy forces and at least one tank regiment. Individual unit count is over 50 for the entire peninsula and the Japanese have virtual air superiority. All Buffalo Squadrons have been removed from the area. The 1st Malayan Brigade has been detached for duty in the Palembang area. Consideration for future detachments will be considered in the near future. A RN base force is a possibility.
In Burma, the enemy has cracked the front with 2 large Divisions coming from the Rahaeng area. They are across the Salween and pressing on Rangoon, which is a ghost town. Only the coastal defense forces remain, as the rest of the “Burma Army” moves to the old capital of Mandalay. Negotiations with the Chinese for the use of some of their divisions from Yunnan are proceeding apace. The Nationalists will send some divisions to help defend northern Burma, but only when their readiness level have increased to viable levels. Meanwhile, taking command at Mandalay, is Col. Atit. He has been sent ahead from the Indian III corps command to take over the operations here, as the main body of the corps HQ is still in Calcutta. He is confident that he can stop the Japanese advance here. India continues to prepare the subcontinent for the campaign to come. The first Brigade of the 18th Division has arrived at Columbo. The 2nd is expected in a weeks time. The 3rd proceeds to Calcutta, where it will prepare and watch for the situation to change.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press International
On the North Shore, you wouldn’t even know there was a war on; while on the south, that’s the only thing that matters. Here in Pearl City, the harbor is a continual beehive of activity. Freighters and liners arriving and departing daily. The workhorses of the Fleet, the DD’s scurry in and out. The battleships of the line continue to sit at their moorings, with only 2 empty, as the Maryland and West Virginia sail currently. They and Enterprise are due back in a week or so. That will make 3 carriers in the Hawaiian waters, with Yorktown due on the Pacific side around then. That will be around the time that the 2nd Marine Division is ready to depart toward the South Pacific and I am sure that that convoy shall be guarded on its way there. The positions at Canton, Palmyra and Johnston Islands seem to be secure, with regiments of the 25th Division on each. An RCT will be leaving for Midway then, to hopefully be joined by the current defenders and the men from Wake. The Wake removal convoy is due to arrive there tomorrow and there has been no sign of the enemy there, so hope is high that this will be done easily.
The reason for the hope here, is that units of the IJN carrier fleet were detected 1800 miles to the south in the Gilbert Island area. Our submarines in the area were vectored onto the contact, but they were able to slip away. We believe that they were there to protect the Gilbert Group against invasion or raids. Now, intelligence suggests that they will either assist in the taking of Wake, or move to Rabaul to help out the 2nd effort there. Recon flights indicate there are large #’s of units there in Truk, that are probably slated for Rabaul.
Finally, the SS Tuna off Tokyo, engaged a TK, but the torpedoes failed. Operating out of Anchorage, this is the first of many such operations that shall be sent against the Jap homewaters. I hope that he likes it.
And finally, this just in from the Philippines. The AAFFE has reported that they have been forced back into the Bataan peninsula. The initial reports are that 4 PA divisions were hurled into the lines at Bataan by an attack from over 150000 troops at Clark Field. General MacArthur hopes that he can hold this position for 3 months. My friend at the War Department gives him 3 weeks, tops. We shall have to see and cross our fingers.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
RE: Tabpub VS. Herbie (Clash of Weirdness)...
Dateline Jan 9, 1942
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
The last five days have seen increased Japanese activity on the land and air in both the Malaya and DEI areas. Balikpapan fell 2 days ago in a relentless attack by the 38th Division. There was no time for any demolition work to be done there, unfortunately; but the airfield was cratered before the engineers left with the rest of the garrison. The only other action of note in the DEI was the loss of ML Krakatau, in the Makassar Strait. Nells flying out of the Kendari airstrip torpedoed her. All surface units have been told to avoid the Makassar Strait in the future.
In Malaya, things have turned for the worse. In an overwhelming attack, the Kuala Lumpur position has fallen 2 days ago. The remnants of the Brigades from that defense have stopped at Malacca, to “hold the door open” for the forces from the mountain position between Malacca and Kuantan. General Percival is confident that they will be able to link up and retire to the next defensive position at Johore Bahru. In light of the amount of force that the Japanese have committed to the peninsula, the evacuation of various units has begun. To date, the following have made it to Palembang; 1st Malay Brigade, 107 RN Base Force and a large part of the MAF Aviation unit. En route is the 101 RN Base Force in AP Manoora. The 22nd Australian Brigade is slated to be evacuated next, barring an increase in the Jap air or sea effort in the region. All aircraft have left Malaya, as the strength of the Jap air forces in the region proved to be too much to contend with. 100+ bomber raids from the northern Malay AF’s proved too much for the local defenders to overcome.
In Burma, the Mandalay Position is forming up nicely; 5 Brigades are in position and engineers are working diligently on the fortifications there. In a fine bit of maneuvering, the 1st Burma Brigade avoided being surrounded and has broken out of Moulmein to the north. Taking advantage of a gap between the lead Jap divisions and the following units, it moved north past Rangoon and across the Irrawaddy River in the direction of Mandalay. This was due to the fact that the lead Jap divisions (reported to be the 33rd and 55th) were busy storming the Rangoon lines, which surrendered almost immediately. Otherwise, this area is still quiet, with the Indian Army being almost totally up to prewar strength; some select units are being now added to with new draftees. The 2nd Brigade of the 18th is nearing Columbo, where it will join with the 1st Brigade. In addition, the 19th Bombardment Group (formerly based in the Philippines) has received it’s new 17E planes and have ½ of them operational, searching the Bay of Bengal for enemy shipping and subs.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press International
Operations in the South Central Pacific are successful; the 25th Division now holds Canton, Palmyra and Johnston Islands with a regiment each. In addition, there is a chain of reconnaissance bases stretching from Midway thru these islands to New Caledonia. Sporadic sightings of Jap subs in the area, but no attacks or sinkings as of yet.
Wake Island was successfully evacuated 3 days ago. The men are debarking on Midway to prepare it for defense against the enemy. The 161st RCT is preparing to move there in around 2 weeks to solidify the position. Also, the 2nd Marines are figuring to move out in 2 weeks for operations in the South Pacific. Initial plans are to cover the bases in the Fijis and New Hebrides/Caledonia area.
Rabaul is still in Allied hands, but the situation there doesn’t appear good. A recon flight of Hudsons from there looked over Truk. Large amounts of ground forces and significant naval presence there; additionally, a large raid of Betty bombers escorted by Zeroes struck Rabaul in retaliation. 10 Wirraways were shot down and the remainder was removed from the front lines for rebuilding. The general feeling in Canberra is that the 30th Australian Brigade (which is 4 days away from being declared operational) should be sent there to bolster the defense. However, as it is about 10 days sailing to Rabaul, the likelihood of the Japanese attack taking place in less than 2 weeks is high, so plans for the Brigade to move to the Port Moresby Base are being formulated as the more probable plan. In this event, the Rabaul garrison will be taken out and sent back to either PM or the Australian mainland.
Other than that, it is quite peaceful in a way. Intelligence sources think that the Jap plan of operation is to wrap up the Malayan and Borneo operations first, with perhaps subsidiary operations against the outlying islands in the Javanese chain. Then, the final attack on the Java defenses, with 3 simultaneous thrusts at Palembang, Batavia and Surabaya. This could occur as early as the beginning of February; it is doubtful whether any assistance can come from the Americans by then, even if they should wish to assist.
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
The last five days have seen increased Japanese activity on the land and air in both the Malaya and DEI areas. Balikpapan fell 2 days ago in a relentless attack by the 38th Division. There was no time for any demolition work to be done there, unfortunately; but the airfield was cratered before the engineers left with the rest of the garrison. The only other action of note in the DEI was the loss of ML Krakatau, in the Makassar Strait. Nells flying out of the Kendari airstrip torpedoed her. All surface units have been told to avoid the Makassar Strait in the future.
In Malaya, things have turned for the worse. In an overwhelming attack, the Kuala Lumpur position has fallen 2 days ago. The remnants of the Brigades from that defense have stopped at Malacca, to “hold the door open” for the forces from the mountain position between Malacca and Kuantan. General Percival is confident that they will be able to link up and retire to the next defensive position at Johore Bahru. In light of the amount of force that the Japanese have committed to the peninsula, the evacuation of various units has begun. To date, the following have made it to Palembang; 1st Malay Brigade, 107 RN Base Force and a large part of the MAF Aviation unit. En route is the 101 RN Base Force in AP Manoora. The 22nd Australian Brigade is slated to be evacuated next, barring an increase in the Jap air or sea effort in the region. All aircraft have left Malaya, as the strength of the Jap air forces in the region proved to be too much to contend with. 100+ bomber raids from the northern Malay AF’s proved too much for the local defenders to overcome.
In Burma, the Mandalay Position is forming up nicely; 5 Brigades are in position and engineers are working diligently on the fortifications there. In a fine bit of maneuvering, the 1st Burma Brigade avoided being surrounded and has broken out of Moulmein to the north. Taking advantage of a gap between the lead Jap divisions and the following units, it moved north past Rangoon and across the Irrawaddy River in the direction of Mandalay. This was due to the fact that the lead Jap divisions (reported to be the 33rd and 55th) were busy storming the Rangoon lines, which surrendered almost immediately. Otherwise, this area is still quiet, with the Indian Army being almost totally up to prewar strength; some select units are being now added to with new draftees. The 2nd Brigade of the 18th is nearing Columbo, where it will join with the 1st Brigade. In addition, the 19th Bombardment Group (formerly based in the Philippines) has received it’s new 17E planes and have ½ of them operational, searching the Bay of Bengal for enemy shipping and subs.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press International
Operations in the South Central Pacific are successful; the 25th Division now holds Canton, Palmyra and Johnston Islands with a regiment each. In addition, there is a chain of reconnaissance bases stretching from Midway thru these islands to New Caledonia. Sporadic sightings of Jap subs in the area, but no attacks or sinkings as of yet.
Wake Island was successfully evacuated 3 days ago. The men are debarking on Midway to prepare it for defense against the enemy. The 161st RCT is preparing to move there in around 2 weeks to solidify the position. Also, the 2nd Marines are figuring to move out in 2 weeks for operations in the South Pacific. Initial plans are to cover the bases in the Fijis and New Hebrides/Caledonia area.
Rabaul is still in Allied hands, but the situation there doesn’t appear good. A recon flight of Hudsons from there looked over Truk. Large amounts of ground forces and significant naval presence there; additionally, a large raid of Betty bombers escorted by Zeroes struck Rabaul in retaliation. 10 Wirraways were shot down and the remainder was removed from the front lines for rebuilding. The general feeling in Canberra is that the 30th Australian Brigade (which is 4 days away from being declared operational) should be sent there to bolster the defense. However, as it is about 10 days sailing to Rabaul, the likelihood of the Japanese attack taking place in less than 2 weeks is high, so plans for the Brigade to move to the Port Moresby Base are being formulated as the more probable plan. In this event, the Rabaul garrison will be taken out and sent back to either PM or the Australian mainland.
Other than that, it is quite peaceful in a way. Intelligence sources think that the Jap plan of operation is to wrap up the Malayan and Borneo operations first, with perhaps subsidiary operations against the outlying islands in the Javanese chain. Then, the final attack on the Java defenses, with 3 simultaneous thrusts at Palembang, Batavia and Surabaya. This could occur as early as the beginning of February; it is doubtful whether any assistance can come from the Americans by then, even if they should wish to assist.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
RE: Tabpub VS. Herbie (Clash of Weirdness)...
In Tarakan, they report that around 75% of the oil production and ½ of the resource production there was successfully demolished before the retreat. The numbers from Brunei were similar, with about 2/3rd of the oil production being demolished.
Very well done! That will hurt him later.[:)] I think people underestimate the need to keep everything you can from falling into Japan's hands..
If you're quick enough with the fortifications and troops, plus a little luck, Mandalay can be held. Java is a different story - he can turn all the straits and narrows into killing grounds with LBA. Once you're cut off, he can take you at his leisure. You can reinforce Java with air units, but I wouldn't try to throw in Allied ground troops or naval forces..
Interesting that you evacuated Wake. If he doesn't take it soon, would you consider going back, once you felt safe?
Very nice format, by the way. [:)]
-
Hornblower
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 1:02 am
- Location: New York'er relocated to Chicago
RE: Tabpub VS. Herbie (Clash of Weirdness)...
ditto. and agree. destroy what you can't save...
Java Sea Heating Up and its not Global Warming
Dateline Jan 20, 1942
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
The air raid sirens were heard for the first time in the war here today. A large force of Zeroes and Nells came over at 26000 ft and were met by 39 Allied fighters. The Zeroes overmatched their opponents not only in ablility, but in numbers; as there were 51 of them. The Allied fighters pressed home their attacks nevertheless, downing 5 Zeroes and 3 Nells at the cost of 25 of their comrades in the air to air fighting. Additionally, a Zero and a Nell were reported going down on the return trip to Balikpapan, making the total loss for the raid at 10 planes. There was no damage to the airstrip or port facilities reported. The height of the raid and the fighter opposition detracted from their aim today.
A report from ABDA submarine command here…2 CV(L) were sighted and attacked unsuccessfully by the S39 in the Makassar Strait. She reported being DC’d and was in a bad way. No further communications received and she is presumed lost.
Additionally, air search has identified a major Japanese surface group entering the Java Sea from the Makassar Strait at the southeastern tip of Borneo, 360 miles from Surabaya. This force definitely consists of MUTSU and NAGATO; 7 other ships not accurately identified at this time. ABDA command presumes that they are a preliminary bombardment force that is probably targeted for Surabaya in an attempt to pave the way for a landing force in the future. I asked ADM Helfrich why no airstrike was launched at them today. His reply was “The weather was awful over the Java Sea today, but the main reason was that most of our striking power is in the Beaufort/T.IV torpedo planes. They could not reach the target today. I would prefer that the enemy come into range that I can launch a combined effort against them. NAGATO and MUTSU cannot reach Surabaya overnight, so if they intend to strike, it will be in the daylight tomorrow. We will be ready for them. Additionally, they might find my little presents on the way in.”
I knew what the Admiral was referring to by “presents”….the work that he had put into on the port facilities was showing fruit. Since the mine facility had come on line, the following mines have been laid according to my sources: Muntok, E of Palembang, 300; Kragen, N of Surabaya, 150; Pamakasan, SE of Surabaya, 300; the 120 miles of approaches to Surabaya, 600; and tonight there are 300 more mines going into the Surabaya field itself, which will bring it up to nearly 600. The ML’s are heading to Bali and Kragen afterward in case of enemy action in the area. They deserve a little time off from their efforts over the last week.
Over the last week, I have gotten to know some of the boys from “back home” that are here serving in the AAF. They are the 93rd Bomb Squadron, formerly based in Cagayan PI. They are now operational with the new B17E and are raring to go. One of the Captains confided in me after today’s raid, “You can bet that we will pay them a visit tomorrow, God willing and the creek don’t rise”.
Rumor has it from Helfrich’s staff that the Force Z has been ordered to move to support the Surabaya area tomorrow; they plan to use the Kragen base as a temporary intermediate point, where they can be in position to support any attacked base in the central Java Sea area. I understand that they are thirsting for some action in order to “payback” the Japs for the Malaya/Burma situation.
Singapore is in a bad way, folks; the campaign there has not been good from the beginning, as you might remember. The Jap has brought everyone that they could find in SE Asia to the game here and the home side is really outnumbered now. Malaya Army only holds the Island and a bridgehead in Johore Bahru right now. All the aircraft have left, either to the India or to Palembang/Batavia. 3 liners (Manoora, Speelman and Van Diemen) have been evacuating personnel for the last few days. To date, they (and some previous airlifts) have brought the 1st Malayan Brigade; the 22nd Australian Brigade; 3 RN and 1 RAF base forces; and 90% of the MAF Aviation unit to Palembang. This gives Palembang some real fighting capability and the engineers are working to assist the Royal Dutch Shell people a hand in preparing the oilfields and storage facilities for destruction if necessary.
The remaining forces on the Peninsula equal about a divisions worth of fighting men right now. They hope to delay the Jap progress for as long as possible, but with the 150,000 men that are deployed against them, they estimate that they will last about a week or 2 at the outside. But, that time can be used by the Palembang defenders to prepare this strategic town’s defense; and, more importantly, the Japanese have to ship their men in to attack here. Opportunities for the subs and aircraft to do some damage to them before they land and such.
In Burma, the “Mandalay Moveout” was a resounding success. As mentioned prior, we avoided a large fight in the Rangoon area and all were able to make it to Mandalay that could. A Hudson Sqd, 2 P40B Sqds, and a Buffalo Sqd from Akyab have been bombing the lead Jap unit for the last 3 days in horrible weather. 3 Hurricane Sqds are ready to move to Mandalay pending a break in the thunderstorms; but, if the Jap advance gets to 120 miles from the base, they will fly no matter what the conditions.
In India proper, SE ASIA command has been working on OPERATION PURGE. As near as I can tell, it amounts to this: based on the amount of troops that the enemy has committed to the Malaya and Burma area, it is conceivable that they plan on future operations against the Indian sub-continent. With this in mind, the following things are being done. First, all units in the NE of India are regrouping in Calcutta as we speak, retraining (recovering disabled squads). They and the 2nd Brigade of the 18th Division will be responsible for the defense of the Madras to Chandpur areas.
Second, in the rear at Bombay, the 26th Indian Division is taking on replacements and is now at 50% strength (from its starting point of 33%). They and the Karachi units (2 tank brigades, 1 AC regiment and 5 artillery regiments constitute the reserve.
Third, the remaining 2 brigades of the 18th Division are “forting up” in Columbo. The airfield will be expanded, additional air support troops are on the way and a ridiculous amount of supply will be stockpiled there. Currently, there are ¼ of a million tons of supply there and more arriving weekly. SEAC hopes to have 1 million tons there by the beginning of March. There is also 350,000+ tons of fuel there, but that will be going down.
That is the fourth item in PURGE. The systematic removal of supply and fuel from coastal areas along the Bay of Bengal. Currently, Chandpur has only 10,000 tons on hand. Diamond Harbor is next, as it is down to under 125,000 tons. Madras and Trincomalee will be next on the removal list. This fuel is brought to Columbo, where the Karachi/Bombay supply convoys load up with fuel, rather than heading home high and dry. In the end, approximately ¾ of a million tons of fuel will return to the western shores of India.
My associate in Calcutta asked LGEN Wright of SEAC the reasoning behind the moves of such amounts of supply and resources; his response was “If those blighters plan to visit India, they had better bring plenty of their own food and fuel; I don’t plan on letting them feed their troops and fuel their ships at the Empires expense. They got all that they are going to get when they overran Rangoon. And, if we need it in the future, we can always cart it up and bring it right back. Plus it gives those lazy bastards in the Merchant Marine something to do, other than whore it up in Karachi and Bombay all night long”.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press International
The Pacific is living up to her name this last week. Nothing major to report in the area except that a tanker on the West Coast to Pago run was torpedoed 130 miles out of PP. Damage was light and the tanker is expected to arrive back in PP for repair and pumping out.
FLASH FLASH ALL STATIONS
Port Moresby reports heavy air attack. Entire Wirraway Sqd destroyed or damaged on the ground 3 days ago. Enemy carrier group loitered in the Solomon Sea for 3 days and is now proceeding SE, heading Noumea. Current location is at the Lousiades. About to enter the Coral Sea. 4 S class boats recently arrived in Brisbane were sortied at full speed 3 days ago and are now approaching the area. Hope to make contact tomorrow. Convoy containing 30th Australian Brigade has been detained in Brisbane, pending determination of course of enemy and intentions.
American command advised of situation, but response undetermined as yet. Scouting and Battle Forces concentrated at PH, pending upcoming SouPac sealift, PROMETHEUS. PROMETHEUS scheduled to commence in 1 week; may have to be moved up. Sailing time to destination is approximately 1 month. Enemy move presumed to be a raid attempting to cause reaction by Allied forces. Plans to reinforce the Central and South Pacific continue.
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
The air raid sirens were heard for the first time in the war here today. A large force of Zeroes and Nells came over at 26000 ft and were met by 39 Allied fighters. The Zeroes overmatched their opponents not only in ablility, but in numbers; as there were 51 of them. The Allied fighters pressed home their attacks nevertheless, downing 5 Zeroes and 3 Nells at the cost of 25 of their comrades in the air to air fighting. Additionally, a Zero and a Nell were reported going down on the return trip to Balikpapan, making the total loss for the raid at 10 planes. There was no damage to the airstrip or port facilities reported. The height of the raid and the fighter opposition detracted from their aim today.
A report from ABDA submarine command here…2 CV(L) were sighted and attacked unsuccessfully by the S39 in the Makassar Strait. She reported being DC’d and was in a bad way. No further communications received and she is presumed lost.
Additionally, air search has identified a major Japanese surface group entering the Java Sea from the Makassar Strait at the southeastern tip of Borneo, 360 miles from Surabaya. This force definitely consists of MUTSU and NAGATO; 7 other ships not accurately identified at this time. ABDA command presumes that they are a preliminary bombardment force that is probably targeted for Surabaya in an attempt to pave the way for a landing force in the future. I asked ADM Helfrich why no airstrike was launched at them today. His reply was “The weather was awful over the Java Sea today, but the main reason was that most of our striking power is in the Beaufort/T.IV torpedo planes. They could not reach the target today. I would prefer that the enemy come into range that I can launch a combined effort against them. NAGATO and MUTSU cannot reach Surabaya overnight, so if they intend to strike, it will be in the daylight tomorrow. We will be ready for them. Additionally, they might find my little presents on the way in.”
I knew what the Admiral was referring to by “presents”….the work that he had put into on the port facilities was showing fruit. Since the mine facility had come on line, the following mines have been laid according to my sources: Muntok, E of Palembang, 300; Kragen, N of Surabaya, 150; Pamakasan, SE of Surabaya, 300; the 120 miles of approaches to Surabaya, 600; and tonight there are 300 more mines going into the Surabaya field itself, which will bring it up to nearly 600. The ML’s are heading to Bali and Kragen afterward in case of enemy action in the area. They deserve a little time off from their efforts over the last week.
Over the last week, I have gotten to know some of the boys from “back home” that are here serving in the AAF. They are the 93rd Bomb Squadron, formerly based in Cagayan PI. They are now operational with the new B17E and are raring to go. One of the Captains confided in me after today’s raid, “You can bet that we will pay them a visit tomorrow, God willing and the creek don’t rise”.
Rumor has it from Helfrich’s staff that the Force Z has been ordered to move to support the Surabaya area tomorrow; they plan to use the Kragen base as a temporary intermediate point, where they can be in position to support any attacked base in the central Java Sea area. I understand that they are thirsting for some action in order to “payback” the Japs for the Malaya/Burma situation.
Singapore is in a bad way, folks; the campaign there has not been good from the beginning, as you might remember. The Jap has brought everyone that they could find in SE Asia to the game here and the home side is really outnumbered now. Malaya Army only holds the Island and a bridgehead in Johore Bahru right now. All the aircraft have left, either to the India or to Palembang/Batavia. 3 liners (Manoora, Speelman and Van Diemen) have been evacuating personnel for the last few days. To date, they (and some previous airlifts) have brought the 1st Malayan Brigade; the 22nd Australian Brigade; 3 RN and 1 RAF base forces; and 90% of the MAF Aviation unit to Palembang. This gives Palembang some real fighting capability and the engineers are working to assist the Royal Dutch Shell people a hand in preparing the oilfields and storage facilities for destruction if necessary.
The remaining forces on the Peninsula equal about a divisions worth of fighting men right now. They hope to delay the Jap progress for as long as possible, but with the 150,000 men that are deployed against them, they estimate that they will last about a week or 2 at the outside. But, that time can be used by the Palembang defenders to prepare this strategic town’s defense; and, more importantly, the Japanese have to ship their men in to attack here. Opportunities for the subs and aircraft to do some damage to them before they land and such.
In Burma, the “Mandalay Moveout” was a resounding success. As mentioned prior, we avoided a large fight in the Rangoon area and all were able to make it to Mandalay that could. A Hudson Sqd, 2 P40B Sqds, and a Buffalo Sqd from Akyab have been bombing the lead Jap unit for the last 3 days in horrible weather. 3 Hurricane Sqds are ready to move to Mandalay pending a break in the thunderstorms; but, if the Jap advance gets to 120 miles from the base, they will fly no matter what the conditions.
In India proper, SE ASIA command has been working on OPERATION PURGE. As near as I can tell, it amounts to this: based on the amount of troops that the enemy has committed to the Malaya and Burma area, it is conceivable that they plan on future operations against the Indian sub-continent. With this in mind, the following things are being done. First, all units in the NE of India are regrouping in Calcutta as we speak, retraining (recovering disabled squads). They and the 2nd Brigade of the 18th Division will be responsible for the defense of the Madras to Chandpur areas.
Second, in the rear at Bombay, the 26th Indian Division is taking on replacements and is now at 50% strength (from its starting point of 33%). They and the Karachi units (2 tank brigades, 1 AC regiment and 5 artillery regiments constitute the reserve.
Third, the remaining 2 brigades of the 18th Division are “forting up” in Columbo. The airfield will be expanded, additional air support troops are on the way and a ridiculous amount of supply will be stockpiled there. Currently, there are ¼ of a million tons of supply there and more arriving weekly. SEAC hopes to have 1 million tons there by the beginning of March. There is also 350,000+ tons of fuel there, but that will be going down.
That is the fourth item in PURGE. The systematic removal of supply and fuel from coastal areas along the Bay of Bengal. Currently, Chandpur has only 10,000 tons on hand. Diamond Harbor is next, as it is down to under 125,000 tons. Madras and Trincomalee will be next on the removal list. This fuel is brought to Columbo, where the Karachi/Bombay supply convoys load up with fuel, rather than heading home high and dry. In the end, approximately ¾ of a million tons of fuel will return to the western shores of India.
My associate in Calcutta asked LGEN Wright of SEAC the reasoning behind the moves of such amounts of supply and resources; his response was “If those blighters plan to visit India, they had better bring plenty of their own food and fuel; I don’t plan on letting them feed their troops and fuel their ships at the Empires expense. They got all that they are going to get when they overran Rangoon. And, if we need it in the future, we can always cart it up and bring it right back. Plus it gives those lazy bastards in the Merchant Marine something to do, other than whore it up in Karachi and Bombay all night long”.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press International
The Pacific is living up to her name this last week. Nothing major to report in the area except that a tanker on the West Coast to Pago run was torpedoed 130 miles out of PP. Damage was light and the tanker is expected to arrive back in PP for repair and pumping out.
FLASH FLASH ALL STATIONS
Port Moresby reports heavy air attack. Entire Wirraway Sqd destroyed or damaged on the ground 3 days ago. Enemy carrier group loitered in the Solomon Sea for 3 days and is now proceeding SE, heading Noumea. Current location is at the Lousiades. About to enter the Coral Sea. 4 S class boats recently arrived in Brisbane were sortied at full speed 3 days ago and are now approaching the area. Hope to make contact tomorrow. Convoy containing 30th Australian Brigade has been detained in Brisbane, pending determination of course of enemy and intentions.
American command advised of situation, but response undetermined as yet. Scouting and Battle Forces concentrated at PH, pending upcoming SouPac sealift, PROMETHEUS. PROMETHEUS scheduled to commence in 1 week; may have to be moved up. Sailing time to destination is approximately 1 month. Enemy move presumed to be a raid attempting to cause reaction by Allied forces. Plans to reinforce the Central and South Pacific continue.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
RE: Java Sea Heating Up and its not Global Warming
Excellent writing Tadpub, in a separate Dimension I am taking on the Herbie Imperilistic menace as well. It appears he has much the same game plan against us both although I have suffered a strange landing in the hex to the W of Darwin???
The format of your writing is fantastic - very informative and readable.
One small pointer - Ceylon is not a lot different to areas in the DEI as far as defense goes. If he decides he wants it then he will take it. Locating that much supply to a location he can base bombers and more dangerously BBs from may work against you. Also, any units placed there are stuck there if he takes it in force.
The format of your writing is fantastic - very informative and readable.
One small pointer - Ceylon is not a lot different to areas in the DEI as far as defense goes. If he decides he wants it then he will take it. Locating that much supply to a location he can base bombers and more dangerously BBs from may work against you. Also, any units placed there are stuck there if he takes it in force.
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RE: Java Sea Heating Up and its not Global Warming
(Note to the readers ---- thanks for your inputs and well wishes. All 3 of you!! (I know there are more of you out there…don’t be shy….speak up from the back of the class once in a while.)
To Wobs: Yes, I note your worry over the “stockpiling” of Colombo. My thought is with sufficient troops (222 AV) full fortifications, and the fact that it shows as “mountain” terrain, 3X combat multiplier, nearly as good as Urban, that it is the best type of fortified city that I can get. Additionally, Herbie should not be aware of the vast stockpile that will be there, unless he reads this or someone blabs. If attacked, he will think that sufficient damage will be done after a normal amount of bombardments/air attacks. And then he will be in my thorn field…..I hope. We will have to see…he might not even go that way. Smells like Australia/Noumea to me so far, looking at the forces in the Coral Sea. Carriers seeking open battle on the high seas; I hope he doesn’t damage them too much…)
Dateline Jan 26, 1942
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
(Sorry for the lack of reports from Java and the fighting fronts, folks. I was under a news blackout for a while there. Hopefully, the circuits will be open from now on.)
The airwar has changed in the DEI. Following the raid on the 20th, the beleaguered ABDA air forces were not looking forward to the following days of action. However, a fortuitous occurrence from the enemy provided them with a lift to their spirits. The Nells from the day before returned, but sans escort!!! A foul-up of the major league order had occurred on the Jap’s side! We don’t know if the Nells or the Zeroes were at “fault”, but all I knew that day was jumping up and down in the slit trench watching Nells drop from the sky like snowflakes... (Which most of the populace here think are fairy tales…) The Nell has now taken the lead in the endangered plane race, pulling one ahead of the Buffalo on the list 65 total to 64.
Needless to say, this heavy loss that day curtailed much of the Jap air activity in the area. A heavy sweep by the “Balik Boys” (Zeroes from Balikpapan nickname) culled many of the newly recruited Dutch pilots that were in the air that day. But, following that, the ABDA air commander wisely grounded all aircraft and dispersed the “rookies” to subsidiary AF’s to train at. A subsequent sweep from the Balik Boys encountered nothing but air; they have not been seen since.
In perhaps the biggest story of the war so far, the sinking of the BB MUTSU occurred just after these air fracases. This BB and her sister NAGATO, were seen with an escorting group on the 20th, as you might recall. At the time, Surabaya was the presumed destination for the group, but they were wrong. For some reason, they bombarded the airbase on Bali; where only an outmoded recon sqd was based patrolling the Bali/Lombok Straits. During the retirement of this group, they must have gotten their orders mixed up and moved straight thru the Java Sea, rather than cutting across it toward the safety of the Makassar Strait.
This brought them within range of EVERY aircraft in the Surabaya area and they attacked. 2 torpedo hits were registered on the MUTSU that day and a follow up strike finished it the next. No other units of the IJN were hit and the rest of the group then headed to Balikpapan. Admiral Helfrich was apoplectic over the failure to do more damage and has asked for an RAF HQ to come to Surabaya and take over from the current air commander.
The 93rd BS started its runs over Balikpapan a couple of days ago. Following an initial good run that destroyed several a/c on the ground, the results have not been good. Either weather or airfield size or lack of overall command is hurting the squadron. In response to the first item, the Engineers are almost done with the lengthening of runway 15. This will enable the 17’s to launch with full bomb and fuel loads and might increase their hits on the enemy.
Force Z has been a busy little bugger; from Batavia to Kragen to Batavia and now Tijilijap she goes, all in 6 days. Tjilijap? Yes. I will explain later.
Singapore has not been invested yet; but, it is expected any day. Strength of the garrison is growing, but slowly, as the men recover from the jungle fighting (and running).
In Burma, the Japs are within 120 miles of Mandalay. 2 Hurricane Sqd went there 4 days ago and two more under strength ones joined today. They are trying to hit the lead Jap ground units; but the local weather only allows limited flying opportunity for them. Still, we must try to stave off the enemy.
Indian Divisions continue to prepare. The 3rd Brigade/18th has arrived in Calcutta and is taking some time to rest up. Behind them by more days are the new 221 RAF Aviation and Base Force. They will take over the Calcutta expansion project and free up the current engineers for other duty.
Colombo continues to expand, fortify and stock up. Operation PURGE continues; expected to have the Bay of Bengal empty of fuel in 2 weeks on the outside.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press international
The situation in the Coral Sea got clearer, clouded over and then cleared up. Contact with the enemy force was held until the subs arrived in the area, when contact was lost. Subs instituted lost contact maneuver, but the enemy chose the direction that no sub was available for..Toward Australia…..
Intentions of the enemy are unknown. Whether they plan attacks on the coastal towns of Australia or merely to transit the Torres Strait to the north has yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, in Sydney harbor, the first substantial reinforcement from the US has arrived; 2 Bombardment Groups and a Bomb Squadron. Both BG’s are slated for deployment to the SEAC command; but, expect to be used either here in Australia or Java before reaching their final destination. They consist of Liberator and Mitchell bombers and the crews are working on bringing the planes up to operational readiness. They expect to be deployed in 2 weeks time.
PROMETHEUS is on schedule. Reinforcements to the Line and Phoenix Islands continue apace. An RCT and an Army Infantry Division report sufficient readiness to move to the HI and prepare for forward deployment. In addition, the Americal Division and an additional RCT will be arriving in approximately 10 days for SouPac deployments. Shipping is being allocated for them as we speak.
And finally, a word from the Philippines…(no, it’s not HELP!)
General MacArthur has instituted the “PHOENIX” Plan.
PLAN PHOENIX came into existence 3 days ago. During the past 10 days, in two separate probes, small Filipino Army units moved to the Clark area to recon the enemy positions. They appear to consist of 1 Division, 1 Brigade and assorted support troops; amounting to around 40,000 men with no fortifications evident. PHOENIX calls for the immediate move of ALL combat formations of the AAFFE in an immediate counterattack! Engineer formations remain in Bataan to continue the preparations for the final defense line.
The hope of PHOENIX is twofold…perhaps threefold.
1. To inflict grievous harm to the enemy on terms of our choosing.
2. To defeat his forces there and capture the supplies that he is hopefully accumulating there.
3. And, if possible, to enable the 2 armored formations to break out in the direction of Manila; their objective is to wreak havoc there and ideally further south in the Naga/Legaspi region against what appears to be light enemy forces.
PHOENIX has been arrived at as an attempt to make the enemy dance to our tune for a while. The enemy has been contemptuous of our forces there, laughing as the recon probes were pushed back to our perimeter. Hopefully, when the first unit arrives, he will think the same thing is occurring; then launch an attack against us, striking the whole 15000 infantry that is in the force.
God willing, we will prevail.
(Ooops. Almost forgot the cryptic Tjilijap statement earlier. The reason they are there, I learned, is that we have gotten an intelligence “coup”. Signals reports a Jap Division requesting maps and information on Malang. With the enemy forces proceeding thru the Lombok Strait in large numbers (30+ transports, 2+ BB, 1+ CA and sundry smaller ships, we believe with HIGH confidence in this report. At Tjilijap, Force Z can fall on the invaders in 12 hours steaming. Additionally, both the Dutch and Anglo-American squadrons have topped off their tanks and are prepared to move tomorrow to the Bali Strait to prepare to attack the IJN forces. They are believed to have 2 CVE with them covering this landing; hopefully, the weather will continue to worsen or we might suffer some losses to torpedo planes. But, a foothold on Java at Malang must be opposed. With that in mind, the 2 Dutch Regiments in Surabaya will move to Malang. The 2 from Batavia are moving south to replace/reinforce them. Since there is no apparent push going on in the north (the Jap seems intent on gobbling Singapore), there appears to be little risk in this. The next few days will be interesting, indeed.)
To Wobs: Yes, I note your worry over the “stockpiling” of Colombo. My thought is with sufficient troops (222 AV) full fortifications, and the fact that it shows as “mountain” terrain, 3X combat multiplier, nearly as good as Urban, that it is the best type of fortified city that I can get. Additionally, Herbie should not be aware of the vast stockpile that will be there, unless he reads this or someone blabs. If attacked, he will think that sufficient damage will be done after a normal amount of bombardments/air attacks. And then he will be in my thorn field…..I hope. We will have to see…he might not even go that way. Smells like Australia/Noumea to me so far, looking at the forces in the Coral Sea. Carriers seeking open battle on the high seas; I hope he doesn’t damage them too much…)
Dateline Jan 26, 1942
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
(Sorry for the lack of reports from Java and the fighting fronts, folks. I was under a news blackout for a while there. Hopefully, the circuits will be open from now on.)
The airwar has changed in the DEI. Following the raid on the 20th, the beleaguered ABDA air forces were not looking forward to the following days of action. However, a fortuitous occurrence from the enemy provided them with a lift to their spirits. The Nells from the day before returned, but sans escort!!! A foul-up of the major league order had occurred on the Jap’s side! We don’t know if the Nells or the Zeroes were at “fault”, but all I knew that day was jumping up and down in the slit trench watching Nells drop from the sky like snowflakes... (Which most of the populace here think are fairy tales…) The Nell has now taken the lead in the endangered plane race, pulling one ahead of the Buffalo on the list 65 total to 64.
Needless to say, this heavy loss that day curtailed much of the Jap air activity in the area. A heavy sweep by the “Balik Boys” (Zeroes from Balikpapan nickname) culled many of the newly recruited Dutch pilots that were in the air that day. But, following that, the ABDA air commander wisely grounded all aircraft and dispersed the “rookies” to subsidiary AF’s to train at. A subsequent sweep from the Balik Boys encountered nothing but air; they have not been seen since.
In perhaps the biggest story of the war so far, the sinking of the BB MUTSU occurred just after these air fracases. This BB and her sister NAGATO, were seen with an escorting group on the 20th, as you might recall. At the time, Surabaya was the presumed destination for the group, but they were wrong. For some reason, they bombarded the airbase on Bali; where only an outmoded recon sqd was based patrolling the Bali/Lombok Straits. During the retirement of this group, they must have gotten their orders mixed up and moved straight thru the Java Sea, rather than cutting across it toward the safety of the Makassar Strait.
This brought them within range of EVERY aircraft in the Surabaya area and they attacked. 2 torpedo hits were registered on the MUTSU that day and a follow up strike finished it the next. No other units of the IJN were hit and the rest of the group then headed to Balikpapan. Admiral Helfrich was apoplectic over the failure to do more damage and has asked for an RAF HQ to come to Surabaya and take over from the current air commander.
The 93rd BS started its runs over Balikpapan a couple of days ago. Following an initial good run that destroyed several a/c on the ground, the results have not been good. Either weather or airfield size or lack of overall command is hurting the squadron. In response to the first item, the Engineers are almost done with the lengthening of runway 15. This will enable the 17’s to launch with full bomb and fuel loads and might increase their hits on the enemy.
Force Z has been a busy little bugger; from Batavia to Kragen to Batavia and now Tijilijap she goes, all in 6 days. Tjilijap? Yes. I will explain later.
Singapore has not been invested yet; but, it is expected any day. Strength of the garrison is growing, but slowly, as the men recover from the jungle fighting (and running).
In Burma, the Japs are within 120 miles of Mandalay. 2 Hurricane Sqd went there 4 days ago and two more under strength ones joined today. They are trying to hit the lead Jap ground units; but the local weather only allows limited flying opportunity for them. Still, we must try to stave off the enemy.
Indian Divisions continue to prepare. The 3rd Brigade/18th has arrived in Calcutta and is taking some time to rest up. Behind them by more days are the new 221 RAF Aviation and Base Force. They will take over the Calcutta expansion project and free up the current engineers for other duty.
Colombo continues to expand, fortify and stock up. Operation PURGE continues; expected to have the Bay of Bengal empty of fuel in 2 weeks on the outside.
Honolulu, Hawaii
United Press international
The situation in the Coral Sea got clearer, clouded over and then cleared up. Contact with the enemy force was held until the subs arrived in the area, when contact was lost. Subs instituted lost contact maneuver, but the enemy chose the direction that no sub was available for..Toward Australia…..
Intentions of the enemy are unknown. Whether they plan attacks on the coastal towns of Australia or merely to transit the Torres Strait to the north has yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, in Sydney harbor, the first substantial reinforcement from the US has arrived; 2 Bombardment Groups and a Bomb Squadron. Both BG’s are slated for deployment to the SEAC command; but, expect to be used either here in Australia or Java before reaching their final destination. They consist of Liberator and Mitchell bombers and the crews are working on bringing the planes up to operational readiness. They expect to be deployed in 2 weeks time.
PROMETHEUS is on schedule. Reinforcements to the Line and Phoenix Islands continue apace. An RCT and an Army Infantry Division report sufficient readiness to move to the HI and prepare for forward deployment. In addition, the Americal Division and an additional RCT will be arriving in approximately 10 days for SouPac deployments. Shipping is being allocated for them as we speak.
And finally, a word from the Philippines…(no, it’s not HELP!)
General MacArthur has instituted the “PHOENIX” Plan.
PLAN PHOENIX came into existence 3 days ago. During the past 10 days, in two separate probes, small Filipino Army units moved to the Clark area to recon the enemy positions. They appear to consist of 1 Division, 1 Brigade and assorted support troops; amounting to around 40,000 men with no fortifications evident. PHOENIX calls for the immediate move of ALL combat formations of the AAFFE in an immediate counterattack! Engineer formations remain in Bataan to continue the preparations for the final defense line.
The hope of PHOENIX is twofold…perhaps threefold.
1. To inflict grievous harm to the enemy on terms of our choosing.
2. To defeat his forces there and capture the supplies that he is hopefully accumulating there.
3. And, if possible, to enable the 2 armored formations to break out in the direction of Manila; their objective is to wreak havoc there and ideally further south in the Naga/Legaspi region against what appears to be light enemy forces.
PHOENIX has been arrived at as an attempt to make the enemy dance to our tune for a while. The enemy has been contemptuous of our forces there, laughing as the recon probes were pushed back to our perimeter. Hopefully, when the first unit arrives, he will think the same thing is occurring; then launch an attack against us, striking the whole 15000 infantry that is in the force.
God willing, we will prevail.
(Ooops. Almost forgot the cryptic Tjilijap statement earlier. The reason they are there, I learned, is that we have gotten an intelligence “coup”. Signals reports a Jap Division requesting maps and information on Malang. With the enemy forces proceeding thru the Lombok Strait in large numbers (30+ transports, 2+ BB, 1+ CA and sundry smaller ships, we believe with HIGH confidence in this report. At Tjilijap, Force Z can fall on the invaders in 12 hours steaming. Additionally, both the Dutch and Anglo-American squadrons have topped off their tanks and are prepared to move tomorrow to the Bali Strait to prepare to attack the IJN forces. They are believed to have 2 CVE with them covering this landing; hopefully, the weather will continue to worsen or we might suffer some losses to torpedo planes. But, a foothold on Java at Malang must be opposed. With that in mind, the 2 Dutch Regiments in Surabaya will move to Malang. The 2 from Batavia are moving south to replace/reinforce them. Since there is no apparent push going on in the north (the Jap seems intent on gobbling Singapore), there appears to be little risk in this. The next few days will be interesting, indeed.)
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
Massive invasion force approaches Java!!!
Dateline Jan 26, 1942
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
<Dear readers: No, it’s not Groundhog Day, I had the wrong date on the last one, should have read 25th. I have to do this one day update in the “traditional manner” as I am pressed for time and shall be traveling for over a week soon. This will be the last entry in the journal until the 1st at the earliest>
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/26/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,86
Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
CA Kako
Allied Ships
SS Tambor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 23,69
Japanese Ships
AK Sumatra Maru
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 6
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Mejima Maru
MSW Himejima Maru
MSW W.12
MSW W.11
APD APD-1
DD Yamagumo
Allied Ships
SS O16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF at 23,69
Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 10
Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CVE Taiyo
CVL Zuiho
Allied Ships
SS O16
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x PBY Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x PBY Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x PBY Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
As you can see, there are more than 2 CVL’s here….later on, you can tell for yourselves.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,86
Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
Allied Ships
SS Tambor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 87 encounters mine field at Tarakan (33,61)
Japanese Ships
MSW W.19
MSW W.16
MSW W.15
PC Ch 18
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 13
PC Shonan Maru #17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 35
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 3
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 8 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Malang , at 22,66
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
G3M Nell x 76
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 5 destroyed, 14 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F.K.51: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 18
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
11 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
9 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
If this DIDN’T confirm the goal as Malang, then I am a monkey’s uncle! Damage to the facilities is nominal.
Day Air attack on 33rd Division, at 31,31
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 13
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Buffalo I bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 33rd Division, at 31,31
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
Tstorms in the Burma region keep the Mandalay contingent down for the day. Need to keep punishing the leading units; every day is valuable, one or two AP are gained every day…(I know, it doesn’t sound like much, but you take what you can get.)
Day Air attack on 21st PA Division, at 42,51
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd PA Division, at 42,51
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged
Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
A couple of small attacks against the vanguard of “Phoenix”. Around 20 miles to go still, as fatigue and the bombing slow up the pace of the advance.
Day Air attack on No. 101 RAAF Base Force, at 61,88
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 55
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 8 damaged
Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
Now gather, and all shall hear, about the daylight death of Paul the Dutchman….I should have shorten the ranges for attacking units and waited for the arrival of the RAF HQ to coordinate attacks better; the following is a handbook of futility….
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 86
Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 11 destroyed, 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 86
Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 5
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 14 destroyed, 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 86
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 23,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 2
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Kiri Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 23,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 6
Hawk 75A x 9
CW-21B Demon x 8
Brewster 339D x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 6
B-17E Fortress x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 8 destroyed
Hawk 75A: 14 destroyed, 2 damaged
CW-21B Demon: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
Brewster 339D: 14 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AK Sanyo Maru
AK Fukoku Maru
AP Shoto Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Mejima Maru
Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 14000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 23,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Teikei Maru
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,65
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 14000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 61
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Hawk 75A x 7
CW-21B Demon x 5
Brewster 339D x 2
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 damaged
Hawk 75A: 17 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 11 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 5 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,68
Japanese Ships
AP Anyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Palao Maru
AP Koyo Maru
MSW Toshi Maru #2
MSW Rokko Maru
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Hinode Maru #20
MSW Choun Maru #21
MSW Choun Maru #18
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Choun Maru #6
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #52
DD Inazuma
DD Ikazuchi
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame
DD Murasame
DD Asagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Natsugumo
Allied Ships
SS KX
Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sansapor
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1051 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Sansapor base !!!
As you can see from the above report, with around 80+ fighters, that would indicate that there are 4 CVL (or E)’s in the area. He is holding the Kates (presumed to number 20-30) in reserve, waiting to engage surface forces. This large a force indicates at least 2 divisions, in my opinion. Both regiments from Surabaya are ordered to Malang, to at least make some opposition to the landing. The longer that he has to stay unloading over the beaches gives us time to attrit his landing and support forces. Hopefully, the land forces will arrive after his anticipated bombardment of Malang by his supporting BB’s.
Naval forces (other than SS) are ordered to remain in Tjilijap and Surabaya. There is one surface force that will approach the landing area. One British CL and 3 escorting DDs will sail toward the region to determine the commitment of his air forces. (That, and the weather is slated for overcast, was hoping for Tstorms.)
There are about 5-6 subs working in the 3 hex area of Malang and the 2 hexes south of there. We are even trying to drop mines in the hex that we anticipate passage of ships in the next day. Open sea, but perhaps we can find a group that doesn’t have MSW with it, as they slow it up….you know what we mean….)
Other than that, Singapore is quiet, have gained around 40-50 AP in the last 2 days…however, we have 61 UNITS bearing down on the colony right now…so it is just a matter of time.
PROMETHEUS has sailed. That and some support units for the Phoenix Islands (Canton) will do much to stabilize the SouPac and SWPac. Plans in the process for determining the feasibility of buildup on the Funafuti Chain to bring the Tarawa Atoll under range of long range bombers. Probably not really feasible and the incipient demands in the SWPac area to respond to the Japanese push there (they have occupied Lae and Guadalcanal with light forces so far, Rabaul seems next on the menu) will require the deployment of those groups to that area.
Elsewhere, plans continue as stated before. The Japanese main Carrier force, sighted south of the Louisades, has dropped off the map. Presume that it is hiding in the “dead zone” in the middle of the Coral Sea that my search planes can’ really cover well. Will attempt to localize it and have done preventive routing of any merchantmen in the area.
Newly arrived bomb groups in Australia are starting to assemble aircraft, but the current paucity of staffed AF is making their deployment there problematic. They will repair at Sydney and then move north to either support the Java battles or transit through to the ultimate destination of SEAC.
That is all.
Associated Press
Surabaya, Java
<Dear readers: No, it’s not Groundhog Day, I had the wrong date on the last one, should have read 25th. I have to do this one day update in the “traditional manner” as I am pressed for time and shall be traveling for over a week soon. This will be the last entry in the journal until the 1st at the earliest>
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/26/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,86
Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
CA Kako
Allied Ships
SS Tambor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 23,69
Japanese Ships
AK Sumatra Maru
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 6
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Mejima Maru
MSW Himejima Maru
MSW W.12
MSW W.11
APD APD-1
DD Yamagumo
Allied Ships
SS O16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF at 23,69
Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 10
Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CVE Taiyo
CVL Zuiho
Allied Ships
SS O16
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x PBY Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x PBY Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x PBY Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
As you can see, there are more than 2 CVL’s here….later on, you can tell for yourselves.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,86
Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
Allied Ships
SS Tambor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 87 encounters mine field at Tarakan (33,61)
Japanese Ships
MSW W.19
MSW W.16
MSW W.15
PC Ch 18
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 13
PC Shonan Maru #17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 35
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 3
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 8 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Malang , at 22,66
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
G3M Nell x 76
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 5 destroyed, 14 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F.K.51: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 18
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
11 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
9 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
If this DIDN’T confirm the goal as Malang, then I am a monkey’s uncle! Damage to the facilities is nominal.
Day Air attack on 33rd Division, at 31,31
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 13
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Buffalo I bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 33rd Division, at 31,31
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
Tstorms in the Burma region keep the Mandalay contingent down for the day. Need to keep punishing the leading units; every day is valuable, one or two AP are gained every day…(I know, it doesn’t sound like much, but you take what you can get.)
Day Air attack on 21st PA Division, at 42,51
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd PA Division, at 42,51
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged
Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
A couple of small attacks against the vanguard of “Phoenix”. Around 20 miles to go still, as fatigue and the bombing slow up the pace of the advance.
Day Air attack on No. 101 RAAF Base Force, at 61,88
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 55
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 8 damaged
Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
Now gather, and all shall hear, about the daylight death of Paul the Dutchman….I should have shorten the ranges for attacking units and waited for the arrival of the RAF HQ to coordinate attacks better; the following is a handbook of futility….
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 86
Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 11 destroyed, 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 86
Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 5
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 14 destroyed, 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 86
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 23,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 2
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Kiri Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 23,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 6
Hawk 75A x 9
CW-21B Demon x 8
Brewster 339D x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 6
B-17E Fortress x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 8 destroyed
Hawk 75A: 14 destroyed, 2 damaged
CW-21B Demon: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
Brewster 339D: 14 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AK Sanyo Maru
AK Fukoku Maru
AP Shoto Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Mejima Maru
Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 14000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 23,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Teikei Maru
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,65
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 14000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 22,68
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 61
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Hawk 75A x 7
CW-21B Demon x 5
Brewster 339D x 2
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 damaged
Hawk 75A: 17 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 11 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 5 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,68
Japanese Ships
AP Anyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Palao Maru
AP Koyo Maru
MSW Toshi Maru #2
MSW Rokko Maru
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Hinode Maru #20
MSW Choun Maru #21
MSW Choun Maru #18
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Choun Maru #6
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #52
DD Inazuma
DD Ikazuchi
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame
DD Murasame
DD Asagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Natsugumo
Allied Ships
SS KX
Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sansapor
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1051 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Sansapor base !!!
As you can see from the above report, with around 80+ fighters, that would indicate that there are 4 CVL (or E)’s in the area. He is holding the Kates (presumed to number 20-30) in reserve, waiting to engage surface forces. This large a force indicates at least 2 divisions, in my opinion. Both regiments from Surabaya are ordered to Malang, to at least make some opposition to the landing. The longer that he has to stay unloading over the beaches gives us time to attrit his landing and support forces. Hopefully, the land forces will arrive after his anticipated bombardment of Malang by his supporting BB’s.
Naval forces (other than SS) are ordered to remain in Tjilijap and Surabaya. There is one surface force that will approach the landing area. One British CL and 3 escorting DDs will sail toward the region to determine the commitment of his air forces. (That, and the weather is slated for overcast, was hoping for Tstorms.)
There are about 5-6 subs working in the 3 hex area of Malang and the 2 hexes south of there. We are even trying to drop mines in the hex that we anticipate passage of ships in the next day. Open sea, but perhaps we can find a group that doesn’t have MSW with it, as they slow it up….you know what we mean….)
Other than that, Singapore is quiet, have gained around 40-50 AP in the last 2 days…however, we have 61 UNITS bearing down on the colony right now…so it is just a matter of time.
PROMETHEUS has sailed. That and some support units for the Phoenix Islands (Canton) will do much to stabilize the SouPac and SWPac. Plans in the process for determining the feasibility of buildup on the Funafuti Chain to bring the Tarawa Atoll under range of long range bombers. Probably not really feasible and the incipient demands in the SWPac area to respond to the Japanese push there (they have occupied Lae and Guadalcanal with light forces so far, Rabaul seems next on the menu) will require the deployment of those groups to that area.
Elsewhere, plans continue as stated before. The Japanese main Carrier force, sighted south of the Louisades, has dropped off the map. Presume that it is hiding in the “dead zone” in the middle of the Coral Sea that my search planes can’ really cover well. Will attempt to localize it and have done preventive routing of any merchantmen in the area.
Newly arrived bomb groups in Australia are starting to assemble aircraft, but the current paucity of staffed AF is making their deployment there problematic. They will repair at Sydney and then move north to either support the Java battles or transit through to the ultimate destination of SEAC.
That is all.
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...