From: John Downer
Principle secretary to the Prime Minister
Department of the Prime Minister. Canberra.
To: Secretary Ethan "Thayne" Lynde
Sir,
Thankyou for your offer of the use of USS Pecos. yes we will require this ship to load fuel at Perth and to then transport it to Sydney.
John Downer
PBEM - Historical Limits: Thayne (allied) vs. SeaWolF K (Japan)
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Monday, January 26, 1942
Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Orders to Thayne from SWPC HQ
From: General D MacArthur
Supreme commander Allied Forces
SouthWest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: Secretary Ethan Lynde
Mr Lynde
Having arrived in Australia and noting that the situation does require my skills, I have decided to stay and lend my numerable talents to help push back the japs. However I find the current situation in regards to men and material to be in a somewhat parlous state. In fact the situation is so deperate here that I would not be at all surprised if the japs landed in Hobart. (For your information Hobart is the capitol city of a small Island state at the far south of Australia.)
Where are the troops and equipment needed to defend this area? Have not the Australians been asking for such ? And if so why have we failed ti deliver? Just what have you been doing these last two months of the war?
To be successful in war a Gerneral needs supplies and men, and Mr Lynde, that is your job, to supply and support the machinery of war to where it is needed, and at this point it is needed right here and right now.
The following list is what is needed for the successful winning of this war, and needs to be sent here now.
1/ The 41st Div is to be sent to Brisbane
2/ The 7th US Div is to be sent to Townsville
3/ The 30th, 40th and 147th US FA regiments are to be shipped to Brisbane.
4/ The 51st Base force and the 51st Aviation regiments are to be shipped to Brisbane.
5/ The 32nd Div is to be ready for overseas service in two months, not the currently projected 4 months.
6/ The Australian 6th Div is to be sent back to Australia now, not later.
7/ A further 6 fighter groups are to be made available.
8/ A further 4 heavy bomber groups are to be shipped to Brisbane.
9/ Two million tonnes of fuel is to be shipped to Australia.
10/ Five million tonnes of supplies is to be shipped to Australia.
11/ 30 transport ships (cargo) and 10 troop carring ships are to be put at my command.
12/ The immediate access to 3 Aircraft carriers for use in the Coral sea, with at least two Battleships task groups, all to be placed at my command.
13/ All Dutch forces are to be now placed under the overall command of SWPC.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
Supreme commander Allied Forces
SouthWest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: Secretary Ethan Lynde
Mr Lynde
Having arrived in Australia and noting that the situation does require my skills, I have decided to stay and lend my numerable talents to help push back the japs. However I find the current situation in regards to men and material to be in a somewhat parlous state. In fact the situation is so deperate here that I would not be at all surprised if the japs landed in Hobart. (For your information Hobart is the capitol city of a small Island state at the far south of Australia.)
Where are the troops and equipment needed to defend this area? Have not the Australians been asking for such ? And if so why have we failed ti deliver? Just what have you been doing these last two months of the war?
To be successful in war a Gerneral needs supplies and men, and Mr Lynde, that is your job, to supply and support the machinery of war to where it is needed, and at this point it is needed right here and right now.
The following list is what is needed for the successful winning of this war, and needs to be sent here now.
1/ The 41st Div is to be sent to Brisbane
2/ The 7th US Div is to be sent to Townsville
3/ The 30th, 40th and 147th US FA regiments are to be shipped to Brisbane.
4/ The 51st Base force and the 51st Aviation regiments are to be shipped to Brisbane.
5/ The 32nd Div is to be ready for overseas service in two months, not the currently projected 4 months.
6/ The Australian 6th Div is to be sent back to Australia now, not later.
7/ A further 6 fighter groups are to be made available.
8/ A further 4 heavy bomber groups are to be shipped to Brisbane.
9/ Two million tonnes of fuel is to be shipped to Australia.
10/ Five million tonnes of supplies is to be shipped to Australia.
11/ 30 transport ships (cargo) and 10 troop carring ships are to be put at my command.
12/ The immediate access to 3 Aircraft carriers for use in the Coral sea, with at least two Battleships task groups, all to be placed at my command.
13/ All Dutch forces are to be now placed under the overall command of SWPC.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Tuesday, January 27, 1942
[font="Courier New"]Tuesday, January 27, 1942
Henry:
• Batavia falls, as do several other bases in the area
• Japan air supremacy over the British in Southeast Asia continues
Batavia Falls
Japan took Batavia, on western Java, today -- much faster and easier than I expected. Japan brought in what seemed like a full division of combat engineers that systematically reduced the defenses built around the city, one after another, until the defenders were forced into retreat.
Japan gave heavy support to the attack. Battleships and cruisers opened up on the defenders during the night. At dawn, the offensive began, though Japanese infiltrators had already found holes through the allied defenses and were gathered in small pockets behind allied lines as well. Throughout the day, carrier-based planes reduced allied strongpoints.
Gen. Wavell expected Batavia to fall, but hoped that the garrison would at least delay the Japanese by two or three days before making an orderly withdraw to the east. His plan was to make his stand at Soerabaja under the protection of the air force stationed at Bali.
Hopefully, by the time the army retreats to Soerabaja, there will be an air force. That is yet to be seen. Wavell's plans were made under the assumption that we would be providing the ABDA command with new airplanes. Our efforts in that regard have been less then stellar. It has only been recently that spare planes and parts have made it to Australia.
We are adding new airplanes now by the day -- tripling the size of the Dutch fighter force. Bombers are scarce, and the Aussies took the B-25s sent to Australia for use in Port Moresby, rather than sending them on to Java. However, in fairness, they have offered Number 2 squadron in exchange. I believe that I will take them up on that offer.
TF1242 carrying about 1700 tons of supplies should arrive at Bali tomorrow. That will help the island fortify itself.
In my conversations with Gen. Wavell, we are clear that there is nothing ultimately that can be done to stop the Japanese from taking all of Java. They have approximately 500 combat airplanes to throw into the fight, and about 150,000 soldiers. They are well equipped, with shorter supply lines. Ultimately, Java will fall.
After Java falls, Bali will become the victim of the most severe air and naval bombardments. There is no place on the little island to hide. All the Dutch can do is to dig in.
Eventually, that will not be enough. Japan will take the island.
However, rather than retreat to Australia, the Dutch are determined to make a fight for their homeland.
In addition:
• Teloekbetoeng (eastern tip of Sumatra) falls to the Japanese
• Japanese land at Singkawang (southwest corner of Borneo)
• Japanese occupy Tobbali (island between Teloekbetoeng and Singkawang)
With these moves, Japan is rapidly securing the west side of the Java Sea. They have now opened a second gateway into the Indian Ocean as well, the thin sea lane between Java and Sumatra. We will now have to watch out for the possibility that Japan could enter the Indian Ocean from that direction.
This also puts at risk shipments that are being made to India across Australia -- particularly air reinforcements for India and China.
Mandalay Score: Japs 10: England 0
A Japanese raid on the newly reformed Burma Air Force has produced typical results -- with Japan shooting down ten allied planes without a loss. The specifics were: another 6x Buffalo fighters were shot down, as were 4x Hurricane fighters.
General Pownall was expecting a large Japanese raid and pulled many of the bombers out of the city, back to Chadpur, India. However, he need not have bothered. As good as the Japanese fighters are, the bombers have not been able to hit much of anything since this air dual opened up.
It must frustrate the Japanese fighter pilots to no end. They go to all this work to skillfully open a bombing route for the Bombers, only to have the Bombers miss their target and go back without damaging much of anything.
The only exception so far has been the raid on Diamond Harbor that sank an allied destroyer, at the cost of 27 Japanese planes.
Note: The other two ships badly damaged in that raid, PG Hollyhock and DD Paladin, are recovering from their wounds. They are expected to make a full recovery and, eventually, to return to the war.
In light of these developments, I am moving the Americans to Mandalay. The 21st Fighter Squadron, recently brought in from the Philippines, will be defending Mandalay air base in the future. We will see what the Americans can do with their Warhawks.
In spite of opening up this airfield, we have not been able to run any bombing missions out of Mandalay just yet. There have been repeated thunderstorms and there has been a desperate shortage of supplies. A general rain storm is settling in for the next couple of days that may keep all of the planes on the ground.
In addition, I think that the leaders of the two Hudson squadrons are being a bit too cautious about executing their orders. Recall, I told you that the mission is intended to attack the tin mines and lumber yards at Tavoy. Repeated patrols of the area do not reveal any enemy combat air patrol. However, Rabaul and Moulmein lie between the bombers and their target. I believe the squadron leaders are waiting for a safe opportunity to make that flight. Either that, or the Aussies flying those planes are on strike pending delivery back to their home country.
Until tomorrow,
Thayne[/font]
Henry:
• Batavia falls, as do several other bases in the area
• Japan air supremacy over the British in Southeast Asia continues
Batavia Falls
Japan took Batavia, on western Java, today -- much faster and easier than I expected. Japan brought in what seemed like a full division of combat engineers that systematically reduced the defenses built around the city, one after another, until the defenders were forced into retreat.
Japan gave heavy support to the attack. Battleships and cruisers opened up on the defenders during the night. At dawn, the offensive began, though Japanese infiltrators had already found holes through the allied defenses and were gathered in small pockets behind allied lines as well. Throughout the day, carrier-based planes reduced allied strongpoints.
Gen. Wavell expected Batavia to fall, but hoped that the garrison would at least delay the Japanese by two or three days before making an orderly withdraw to the east. His plan was to make his stand at Soerabaja under the protection of the air force stationed at Bali.
Hopefully, by the time the army retreats to Soerabaja, there will be an air force. That is yet to be seen. Wavell's plans were made under the assumption that we would be providing the ABDA command with new airplanes. Our efforts in that regard have been less then stellar. It has only been recently that spare planes and parts have made it to Australia.
We are adding new airplanes now by the day -- tripling the size of the Dutch fighter force. Bombers are scarce, and the Aussies took the B-25s sent to Australia for use in Port Moresby, rather than sending them on to Java. However, in fairness, they have offered Number 2 squadron in exchange. I believe that I will take them up on that offer.
TF1242 carrying about 1700 tons of supplies should arrive at Bali tomorrow. That will help the island fortify itself.
In my conversations with Gen. Wavell, we are clear that there is nothing ultimately that can be done to stop the Japanese from taking all of Java. They have approximately 500 combat airplanes to throw into the fight, and about 150,000 soldiers. They are well equipped, with shorter supply lines. Ultimately, Java will fall.
After Java falls, Bali will become the victim of the most severe air and naval bombardments. There is no place on the little island to hide. All the Dutch can do is to dig in.
Eventually, that will not be enough. Japan will take the island.
However, rather than retreat to Australia, the Dutch are determined to make a fight for their homeland.
In addition:
• Teloekbetoeng (eastern tip of Sumatra) falls to the Japanese
• Japanese land at Singkawang (southwest corner of Borneo)
• Japanese occupy Tobbali (island between Teloekbetoeng and Singkawang)
With these moves, Japan is rapidly securing the west side of the Java Sea. They have now opened a second gateway into the Indian Ocean as well, the thin sea lane between Java and Sumatra. We will now have to watch out for the possibility that Japan could enter the Indian Ocean from that direction.
This also puts at risk shipments that are being made to India across Australia -- particularly air reinforcements for India and China.
Mandalay Score: Japs 10: England 0
A Japanese raid on the newly reformed Burma Air Force has produced typical results -- with Japan shooting down ten allied planes without a loss. The specifics were: another 6x Buffalo fighters were shot down, as were 4x Hurricane fighters.
General Pownall was expecting a large Japanese raid and pulled many of the bombers out of the city, back to Chadpur, India. However, he need not have bothered. As good as the Japanese fighters are, the bombers have not been able to hit much of anything since this air dual opened up.
It must frustrate the Japanese fighter pilots to no end. They go to all this work to skillfully open a bombing route for the Bombers, only to have the Bombers miss their target and go back without damaging much of anything.
The only exception so far has been the raid on Diamond Harbor that sank an allied destroyer, at the cost of 27 Japanese planes.
Note: The other two ships badly damaged in that raid, PG Hollyhock and DD Paladin, are recovering from their wounds. They are expected to make a full recovery and, eventually, to return to the war.
In light of these developments, I am moving the Americans to Mandalay. The 21st Fighter Squadron, recently brought in from the Philippines, will be defending Mandalay air base in the future. We will see what the Americans can do with their Warhawks.
In spite of opening up this airfield, we have not been able to run any bombing missions out of Mandalay just yet. There have been repeated thunderstorms and there has been a desperate shortage of supplies. A general rain storm is settling in for the next couple of days that may keep all of the planes on the ground.
In addition, I think that the leaders of the two Hudson squadrons are being a bit too cautious about executing their orders. Recall, I told you that the mission is intended to attack the tin mines and lumber yards at Tavoy. Repeated patrols of the area do not reveal any enemy combat air patrol. However, Rabaul and Moulmein lie between the bombers and their target. I believe the squadron leaders are waiting for a safe opportunity to make that flight. Either that, or the Aussies flying those planes are on strike pending delivery back to their home country.
Until tomorrow,
Thayne[/font]
- Attachments
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- 19420127W..JavaSea.jpg (43.29 KiB) Viewed 176 times
Letter to MacArthur 01/28/42
[font="Courier New"]To: Gen. Douglas MacArthur
From: Thayne
Greetings:
Allow me to welcome you to your new station and to take this opportunity to brief you on the situation, so that you may be informed as to the overall plan and your place in it.
(1) Our duties are to execute the will of the Government of the United States. That government has decided, in consultation with our allies, to focus its efforts first on the defeat of Germany, and then on Japan.
Specifically, this means that there are no reinforcements available for the Pacific Theater. We are to contain the Japanese as best we can with the forces at our disposal, until such time as Germany has been defeated and a counter-attack against Japan can be launched.
(2) Consistent with the item above, please provide me with a plan of battle if Japan should make an attempt to capture Port Moresby. Assume that Japan moves against Port Moresby with the following assets:
• 100 fighters stationed in Rabaul and Lae
• 100 light and medium bombers stationed in Lae and Buna
• 50 two-engine torpedo bombers (Betty, Nell) in Rabaul
• A landing force consisting of a reinforced army division
• A surface combat/bombardment force of 10 capital ships
• An escorting light-carrier group consisting of four light and escort carriers
• A covering fleet carrier group consisting of four fleet carriers
Japan has shown a tendency to move against major targets with substantial resources. Witness the attacks on Kuching, Borneo; Tarakan, Borneo; western Java, and its army movements in south-central China for examples. Also note the gathering of its force in Rangoon which, no doubt, is intended for a push northward, and the overwhelming number of soldiers (covered by land-based air) used against Singapore.
Also, please make note of the Japanese strategy of isolating its target from possible reinforcements and resupply, as they did to the Philippines with the capture of the poorly defended southern islands of Julu and Mindanao.
(3) Prime Minister Curtin has previously agreed to a delay in shipping the 6th Australian Division pending a resolution of the crisis in North Africa. On the basis of that prior agreement, two carriers are being dispatched to New Caledonia to be used to deter the Japanese from attacking Australia. Those carriers will remain under the command of Admiral Nimitz.
Prime Minister Curtin, or his assistant Sec. Downer, can brief you on the terms of this arrangement.
Furthermore, the negotiations over the eventual fate of the Australian divisions in Europe to be a political matter best left to professionals trained in the art of negotiation. It would not be in your interests or the interests of Australia to see these negotiations go poorly.
The ultimate fact is, General, that there are other Generals and Admirals in this war, and the leaders have explicitly and intentionally placed our region low on the order of priorities.
That is a reality within which we must live.
I wish you the best of luck, and please let me know when I can be of further service.
Ethan "Thayne" Lynde
Assistant Secretary of War for the Pacific Theater[/font]
From: Thayne
Greetings:
Allow me to welcome you to your new station and to take this opportunity to brief you on the situation, so that you may be informed as to the overall plan and your place in it.
(1) Our duties are to execute the will of the Government of the United States. That government has decided, in consultation with our allies, to focus its efforts first on the defeat of Germany, and then on Japan.
Specifically, this means that there are no reinforcements available for the Pacific Theater. We are to contain the Japanese as best we can with the forces at our disposal, until such time as Germany has been defeated and a counter-attack against Japan can be launched.
(2) Consistent with the item above, please provide me with a plan of battle if Japan should make an attempt to capture Port Moresby. Assume that Japan moves against Port Moresby with the following assets:
• 100 fighters stationed in Rabaul and Lae
• 100 light and medium bombers stationed in Lae and Buna
• 50 two-engine torpedo bombers (Betty, Nell) in Rabaul
• A landing force consisting of a reinforced army division
• A surface combat/bombardment force of 10 capital ships
• An escorting light-carrier group consisting of four light and escort carriers
• A covering fleet carrier group consisting of four fleet carriers
Japan has shown a tendency to move against major targets with substantial resources. Witness the attacks on Kuching, Borneo; Tarakan, Borneo; western Java, and its army movements in south-central China for examples. Also note the gathering of its force in Rangoon which, no doubt, is intended for a push northward, and the overwhelming number of soldiers (covered by land-based air) used against Singapore.
Also, please make note of the Japanese strategy of isolating its target from possible reinforcements and resupply, as they did to the Philippines with the capture of the poorly defended southern islands of Julu and Mindanao.
(3) Prime Minister Curtin has previously agreed to a delay in shipping the 6th Australian Division pending a resolution of the crisis in North Africa. On the basis of that prior agreement, two carriers are being dispatched to New Caledonia to be used to deter the Japanese from attacking Australia. Those carriers will remain under the command of Admiral Nimitz.
Prime Minister Curtin, or his assistant Sec. Downer, can brief you on the terms of this arrangement.
Furthermore, the negotiations over the eventual fate of the Australian divisions in Europe to be a political matter best left to professionals trained in the art of negotiation. It would not be in your interests or the interests of Australia to see these negotiations go poorly.
The ultimate fact is, General, that there are other Generals and Admirals in this war, and the leaders have explicitly and intentionally placed our region low on the order of priorities.
That is a reality within which we must live.
I wish you the best of luck, and please let me know when I can be of further service.
Ethan "Thayne" Lynde
Assistant Secretary of War for the Pacific Theater[/font]
01/28/42 Supplemental
[font="Courier New"]To: All Commands
From: Thayne
GENERAL ALERT!
We have received preliminary information that Japan is planning a division-level assault on Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Thayne[/font]
From: Thayne
GENERAL ALERT!
We have received preliminary information that Japan is planning a division-level assault on Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Thayne[/font]
RE: 01/28/42 Supplemental
*Enters an intelligence officer*
The japanese might be using some deceptive measures to make us think that they are planning an attack on Dutch Harbor, they might be giving instructions and orders to a unit that is nowhere near Alaska or in a position to assault Dutch harbor. We must check if the division ordered to attack it is really available to IJN and is not in china or Manchuria
The japanese might be using some deceptive measures to make us think that they are planning an attack on Dutch Harbor, they might be giving instructions and orders to a unit that is nowhere near Alaska or in a position to assault Dutch harbor. We must check if the division ordered to attack it is really available to IJN and is not in china or Manchuria
Surface combat TF fanboy
Wednesday, January 28, 1942
[font="Courier New"]Wednesday, January 28, 1942
Henry:
• Dutch Harbor warning considered a fake.
• Japanese destroyer sunk by mine at Batavia
• Japan expands its control of the Dutch East Indies
• Australia continues plans to reinforce Port Moresby
• Nimitz Revives Baker Island Occupation
Dutch Harbor
Concerning that alert that I sent out today concerning Dutch Harbor.
I got a coded message yesterday from an intelligence officer, code name STRING, suggesting that the information might be a fake, and that it would be worth my while to verify or falsify the report.
Following his advice, we went through some old communications. It appears that the unit that was designated to attack Dutch Harbor was last seen in Chiamussu, China, on December 26. It is our belief that the unit is being referenced in fake orders. So, I don't think that anything is going to come of this.
Anyway, we are not paying the alert much attention. We have a troop transport in the North Atlantic that has started operations moving some of the combat units in Anchorage onto the islands in the Aleutian chain. For its first trip, it is carrying 37th USA Regimental Combat Team to Kodiak Island. It is scheduled to do quite a bit of work before its job is done. The movements that Nimitz has ordered include the delivery of the 4th USA Regimental Combat Team, and 75th USA Coastal Anti-Aircraft Regiment, to Dutch Harbor.
However, we do not really have much in the way of a navy up north. We have a few minesweepers, a patrol gunboat, and that is about it. So, Nimitz has decided to make a slight improvement in the forces available up here -- sending up a destroyer and a minelayer. Other reinforcements will be sent as they become available.
We have got a healthy amount of supply up here. Once we get the troops in position, Dutch Harbor and Kodiak should be able to hold out for quite a while against a Japanese invasion, if there ever is one. The supply situation includes Nome, which has received a generous stockpile over the course of the last couple of months.
However, I have talked Canada into making a bit of a contribution to the war effort in India. Cargo ships are picking up Canadian seaplane squadrons (as well as transport squadrons from Seattle) for shipment to India. Roosevelt wants China to stay in the war and, for that, they will need supplies. With Japan in control of Rangoon, almost the only way this is going to happen is through air transport.
In addition:
• MSW Oriole is stationed at Kiska Island. Every once in a while it goes out on a patrol into the north Pacific to see if it can intercept anything from the Japanese Navy.
• AVD Gillis is stationed at Amchikita Island where it is tending to a squadron of PBYs keeping a watch over the northern Pacific.
Reinforcements sent to the North Pacific include:
• AVD Mackinac
• DD Russell
• DM Preble
• DD Tucker (once it finishes repairs at Seattle)
Most importantly, when Nimitz sends the North Pacific Headquarters north from Pearl Harbor, it will travel with at least a half dozen combat ships that will remain in the northern theater.
Japanese Destroyer Sunk
On the 53rd day of the war Japan has lost its first and only large combat vessel today. A story came from our contacts in Batavia that one of the Japanese destroyers hit a mine in Batavia harbor. The damage set the boat adrift. While the crews fought to save the ship, it drifted over another mine, which lifted the destroyer out of the water according to our contact. In the course of about 14 minutes, the destroyer sank by the stern.
That was a nice welcome piece of news.
Japan Expands Control of Sumatra, Borneo
• Japan took control of the port of Madan in northwestern Sumatra.
• The battle is continuing at Singkawang, in southwestern Borneo. Japan supported its attack with a bombardment from a half dozen capital ships.
• Japan launched another major airstrike against the defenders at Balikpapan in eastern Borneo. Two Brewsters were on station over the city when the raid came in, damaging a few of the bombers.
• Wavell tried to interdict the supply lines for the Japanese with an attack on Samarinda, north of Balikpapan. They were intercepted by 7x Nates, who shot down five of our planes at a loss of one of their own.
• TF1242 has arrived at Bali with an additional 1700 tons of supplies.
• An enemy task force was spotted just a few miles east of Kendari. We are well aware of the fact that this is the next target on the Japanese agenda. The Dutch air force at Macassar is hoping for a chance to damage a few ships.
Australian Reinforcement of Port Moresby underway
The Australians are starting the operation to move their 30th Brigade to Port Moresby. The units are loaded up in their transport and have started off heading north. Two American destroyer squadrons are waiting around Cairns to carry the unit the final leg of the journey. Additional transports are on their way to Sydney to pick up the rest of the unit, then to Brisbane to pick up the 804th Engineer Aviation Battalion.
The Australians have been able to continue to fly military operations out of Port Moresby. This morning, they sent a dozen bombers against Lae, northwest of Port Moresby. The Australians have been selecting different targets -- Lae, Buna, Gasmata -- to keep the Japanese guessing. I do not think it will be long, however, before Japan decides that it is time to take care of this pesky little base.
thunderstorms and there has been a desperate shortage of supplies. A general rain storm is settling in for the next couple of days that may keep all of the planes on the ground.
In addition, I think that the leaders of the two Hudson squadrons are being a bit too cautious about executing their orders. Recall, I told you that the mission is intended to attack the tin mines and lumber yards at Tavoy. Repeated patrols of the area do not reveal any enemy combat air patrol. However, Rabaul and Moulmein lie between the bombers and their target. I believe the squadron leaders are waiting for a safe opportunity to make that flight. Either that, or the Aussies flying those planes are on strike pending delivery back to their home country.
Nimitz Revives Baker Island Occupation Plan
Admiral Nimitz today informed me that he is reactivating plans to occupy Baker Island.
• He is sending VMR-252 military air transport squadron to Canton Island where they will be assigned the task of flying supplies to Baker Island.
• TF1295 at Christmas Island, consisting of 5 destroyers, has been ordered to load elements of the 40th USA Infantry Division for fast transport to Baker Island.
The elements of the 40th USA Infantry Division involved in the operation has been preparing to hold Baker Island for more than a month. They are well prepared for the mission.
This unit will be followed by the 115th USAAF Base Force. Once this unit is set up on Baker Island, it will become the home of VMF-221 Fighter Squadron.
That is it for today.
Thayne[/font]
Henry:
• Dutch Harbor warning considered a fake.
• Japanese destroyer sunk by mine at Batavia
• Japan expands its control of the Dutch East Indies
• Australia continues plans to reinforce Port Moresby
• Nimitz Revives Baker Island Occupation
Dutch Harbor
Concerning that alert that I sent out today concerning Dutch Harbor.
I got a coded message yesterday from an intelligence officer, code name STRING, suggesting that the information might be a fake, and that it would be worth my while to verify or falsify the report.
Following his advice, we went through some old communications. It appears that the unit that was designated to attack Dutch Harbor was last seen in Chiamussu, China, on December 26. It is our belief that the unit is being referenced in fake orders. So, I don't think that anything is going to come of this.
Anyway, we are not paying the alert much attention. We have a troop transport in the North Atlantic that has started operations moving some of the combat units in Anchorage onto the islands in the Aleutian chain. For its first trip, it is carrying 37th USA Regimental Combat Team to Kodiak Island. It is scheduled to do quite a bit of work before its job is done. The movements that Nimitz has ordered include the delivery of the 4th USA Regimental Combat Team, and 75th USA Coastal Anti-Aircraft Regiment, to Dutch Harbor.
However, we do not really have much in the way of a navy up north. We have a few minesweepers, a patrol gunboat, and that is about it. So, Nimitz has decided to make a slight improvement in the forces available up here -- sending up a destroyer and a minelayer. Other reinforcements will be sent as they become available.
We have got a healthy amount of supply up here. Once we get the troops in position, Dutch Harbor and Kodiak should be able to hold out for quite a while against a Japanese invasion, if there ever is one. The supply situation includes Nome, which has received a generous stockpile over the course of the last couple of months.
However, I have talked Canada into making a bit of a contribution to the war effort in India. Cargo ships are picking up Canadian seaplane squadrons (as well as transport squadrons from Seattle) for shipment to India. Roosevelt wants China to stay in the war and, for that, they will need supplies. With Japan in control of Rangoon, almost the only way this is going to happen is through air transport.
In addition:
• MSW Oriole is stationed at Kiska Island. Every once in a while it goes out on a patrol into the north Pacific to see if it can intercept anything from the Japanese Navy.
• AVD Gillis is stationed at Amchikita Island where it is tending to a squadron of PBYs keeping a watch over the northern Pacific.
Reinforcements sent to the North Pacific include:
• AVD Mackinac
• DD Russell
• DM Preble
• DD Tucker (once it finishes repairs at Seattle)
Most importantly, when Nimitz sends the North Pacific Headquarters north from Pearl Harbor, it will travel with at least a half dozen combat ships that will remain in the northern theater.
Japanese Destroyer Sunk
On the 53rd day of the war Japan has lost its first and only large combat vessel today. A story came from our contacts in Batavia that one of the Japanese destroyers hit a mine in Batavia harbor. The damage set the boat adrift. While the crews fought to save the ship, it drifted over another mine, which lifted the destroyer out of the water according to our contact. In the course of about 14 minutes, the destroyer sank by the stern.
That was a nice welcome piece of news.
Japan Expands Control of Sumatra, Borneo
• Japan took control of the port of Madan in northwestern Sumatra.
• The battle is continuing at Singkawang, in southwestern Borneo. Japan supported its attack with a bombardment from a half dozen capital ships.
• Japan launched another major airstrike against the defenders at Balikpapan in eastern Borneo. Two Brewsters were on station over the city when the raid came in, damaging a few of the bombers.
• Wavell tried to interdict the supply lines for the Japanese with an attack on Samarinda, north of Balikpapan. They were intercepted by 7x Nates, who shot down five of our planes at a loss of one of their own.
• TF1242 has arrived at Bali with an additional 1700 tons of supplies.
• An enemy task force was spotted just a few miles east of Kendari. We are well aware of the fact that this is the next target on the Japanese agenda. The Dutch air force at Macassar is hoping for a chance to damage a few ships.
Australian Reinforcement of Port Moresby underway
The Australians are starting the operation to move their 30th Brigade to Port Moresby. The units are loaded up in their transport and have started off heading north. Two American destroyer squadrons are waiting around Cairns to carry the unit the final leg of the journey. Additional transports are on their way to Sydney to pick up the rest of the unit, then to Brisbane to pick up the 804th Engineer Aviation Battalion.
The Australians have been able to continue to fly military operations out of Port Moresby. This morning, they sent a dozen bombers against Lae, northwest of Port Moresby. The Australians have been selecting different targets -- Lae, Buna, Gasmata -- to keep the Japanese guessing. I do not think it will be long, however, before Japan decides that it is time to take care of this pesky little base.
thunderstorms and there has been a desperate shortage of supplies. A general rain storm is settling in for the next couple of days that may keep all of the planes on the ground.
In addition, I think that the leaders of the two Hudson squadrons are being a bit too cautious about executing their orders. Recall, I told you that the mission is intended to attack the tin mines and lumber yards at Tavoy. Repeated patrols of the area do not reveal any enemy combat air patrol. However, Rabaul and Moulmein lie between the bombers and their target. I believe the squadron leaders are waiting for a safe opportunity to make that flight. Either that, or the Aussies flying those planes are on strike pending delivery back to their home country.
Nimitz Revives Baker Island Occupation Plan
Admiral Nimitz today informed me that he is reactivating plans to occupy Baker Island.
• He is sending VMR-252 military air transport squadron to Canton Island where they will be assigned the task of flying supplies to Baker Island.
• TF1295 at Christmas Island, consisting of 5 destroyers, has been ordered to load elements of the 40th USA Infantry Division for fast transport to Baker Island.
The elements of the 40th USA Infantry Division involved in the operation has been preparing to hold Baker Island for more than a month. They are well prepared for the mission.
This unit will be followed by the 115th USAAF Base Force. Once this unit is set up on Baker Island, it will become the home of VMF-221 Fighter Squadron.
That is it for today.
Thayne[/font]
Jan. 28 Addendum
[font="Courier New"]Jan. 28 Addendum
Henry
I have decided to keep Lesley with me. This PB2Y is way too big to be lumbering all around the Pacific with. I can keep it here in Bora Bora as my main base, and use Lesley for travelling around to nearby islands.
I want to go back to Canton Island. Then, I want to fly to Baker -- if the occupation goes well. I want to meet the troops.
We have no idea where the enemy carrier fleet ism, so the Baker Island occupation is a bit of a risk. But, Nimitz insists on pushing the frontier. I will let you know how things go.
Thayne[/font]
Henry
I have decided to keep Lesley with me. This PB2Y is way too big to be lumbering all around the Pacific with. I can keep it here in Bora Bora as my main base, and use Lesley for travelling around to nearby islands.
I want to go back to Canton Island. Then, I want to fly to Baker -- if the occupation goes well. I want to meet the troops.
We have no idea where the enemy carrier fleet ism, so the Baker Island occupation is a bit of a risk. But, Nimitz insists on pushing the frontier. I will let you know how things go.
Thayne[/font]
Thursday, January 29, 1942
[font="Courier New"]Thursday, January 29, 1942
Henry:
• The invasion of Kendari started
• Battle for Palembang Begins
• Another Air Slaughter at Mandalay
I am back at Canton Island. I am watching TF1295. This is the task force delivering about 1000 soldiers from the 40th USA Infantry Division to Baker Island. It will take two more days to get the troops there.
When I got to Canton Island, there was a squadron of C-47s parked beside the runway. Baker Island is about 500 miles away -- well within range of the transport planes. Between the cargo planes and the fast transports, we might actually be able to build a real base at Baker Island.
At the mess tent, I met some of the pilots. I met a First Lieutenant Gregory Jones, who the records say has flown the most missions of anyone in the squadron. The squadron has been ferrying supplies to French Frigate Shoals, west of Oahu, since the war began -- even when it did not have a runway just yet.
They had worked out an interesting way of getting supplies to the Shoals. First, when they got to their destination, the captain would make a low pass over the island to get a feel for the wind and the lay of the land, and to warn the people below. Then, he would fly around and come in again. The crew behind him would drag a palate up next to the door. Then, three of them would get behind the palate, bracing their backs against the wall of the plane and putting their feet against the palate. One of them would stand at the door. The captain, then, would pull out all stops to slow the plane down without stalling it. Then, when they were over the target, the three crewmen would push the palate out the door. The supplies would tumble out and crash onto the ground.
I actually thought they would drop off the supplies by parachute. But, they say, things like toilet paper, clothes, soap, bags of potatoes, pots, pans, chocolate bars, cigarettes, and most of the stuff they deliver can take a pretty rough landing.
That's not to say that they don't use parachutes. They use these for the more sensitive gear. You don't want to drop mortar shells or machine guns out of an airplane. Parachutes have their own handicap, though. A gust of wind comes up, and the parachute takes its cargo off into the sea.
The same thing happens with the dropped cargo, however. If the crew doesn't get good leverage during the pass, the palate goes out the door late.
They don't take any chances with the mail. They throw that down separately. If they have any doubts that the mail might not hit spot on the drop zone, they don't throw it. More important than food or ammunition, the mail has to make it to the troops.
Baker Island, however, has an airstrip -- as did French Frigate Shoals for the past few weeks that this unit was in Hawaii. This mission will be a cakewalk.
At least, until Japan starts patrolling the skies over Baker Island with long range CAP from Tarawa.
I talked about that with the crews. They know that the war has just gotten a lot more dangerous for them. I wished them luck.
Kendari Invaded
Today, Japanese forces poured out onto the beach near Kendari, formed up, and moved on the town.
I had hoped that General Wavell's air force would give the ground troops here some assistance. However, as far as I can determine, only a few of Wavell's fighters got off the ground today. They were in charge of flying CAP over Balikpapan. Two Brewster 339Ds met about three dozen Japanese Sally bombers flying against the city, but were not able to inflict any significant damage as far as we can tell. The rest of the Dutch air force stayed on the ground.
I can only assume that Wavell had his reasons, or there were circumstances beyond his control. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, for now.
However, I will tell you now that of Pownall does not do something about his fighters in India, his days of service may be numbered.
I will get back to this a little later.
Battle for Palembang Begins
Japan knows how to use air power to aid a ground battle. Before the Japanese launched their attack on Palembang, the Japanese air force showed up with over 100 bombers. The first strike was with only a dozen or so Bettys. They seemed to be after some of the gun emplacements overlooking the best avenue for the Japanese approach, but they did little damage.
The main attack came an hour and a half later with over 75 Sally bombers targeting the length of the allied defensive lines.
The army itself stayed back today. I expect that they will spend a day or two softening up the defenses before they go in. Japan has actually been launching 100-plane raids against the port every day now for almost a week.
Another Mandalay Massacre
The Japanese Zero fighters that have been menacing the British in India and Burma struck again today. At Mandalay, they brought down 16 British planes at a loss of only 4 Japanese planes, and no damage to the bombers.
I am beginning to be concerned about the course of the air war. I have asked logistics officers to look into how many replacement planes and pilots that I can expect.
I take it as a given that if America and England provide me with air squadrons that they will provide the airplanes and replacement pilots to keep these units flying. It may have been a rash assumption on my part, but I am sticking with it.
I am serious about the level of concern that I have over the air war against the British. The Brits simply seem incapable of shooting down a Japanese airplane. In the mean time, they lose 20 airplanes a day. That would turn out to be 600 airplanes a month if they keep this up. We cannot continue to sustain those types of losses in terms of either planes or pilots.
Something has to be done.
I have commanded Wavell to move the 232 Squadron to Mandalay to see how much good they can do. This is the squadron that took part in the battle of Diamond Harbor a few days ago where we shot down 27 Japanese airplanes. Three pilots in that squadron scored a total of 10 kills. Even if nothing else goes well for us, I hope that we can at least get a few of the Japanese Zeros -- and start teaching a few others in that and other squadrons how to fight.
Like I said above, I have told General Pownall that he is responsible for getting these units into fighting trim. Ultimately, I hold him responsible. We are suffering a 20 to 1 loss ratio at Mandalay. If he does not reverse this in the near future, I will find somebody who can get the job done.
I will warn the British about this tomorrow.
Until then,
Thayne[/font]
Henry:
• The invasion of Kendari started
• Battle for Palembang Begins
• Another Air Slaughter at Mandalay
I am back at Canton Island. I am watching TF1295. This is the task force delivering about 1000 soldiers from the 40th USA Infantry Division to Baker Island. It will take two more days to get the troops there.
When I got to Canton Island, there was a squadron of C-47s parked beside the runway. Baker Island is about 500 miles away -- well within range of the transport planes. Between the cargo planes and the fast transports, we might actually be able to build a real base at Baker Island.
At the mess tent, I met some of the pilots. I met a First Lieutenant Gregory Jones, who the records say has flown the most missions of anyone in the squadron. The squadron has been ferrying supplies to French Frigate Shoals, west of Oahu, since the war began -- even when it did not have a runway just yet.
They had worked out an interesting way of getting supplies to the Shoals. First, when they got to their destination, the captain would make a low pass over the island to get a feel for the wind and the lay of the land, and to warn the people below. Then, he would fly around and come in again. The crew behind him would drag a palate up next to the door. Then, three of them would get behind the palate, bracing their backs against the wall of the plane and putting their feet against the palate. One of them would stand at the door. The captain, then, would pull out all stops to slow the plane down without stalling it. Then, when they were over the target, the three crewmen would push the palate out the door. The supplies would tumble out and crash onto the ground.
I actually thought they would drop off the supplies by parachute. But, they say, things like toilet paper, clothes, soap, bags of potatoes, pots, pans, chocolate bars, cigarettes, and most of the stuff they deliver can take a pretty rough landing.
That's not to say that they don't use parachutes. They use these for the more sensitive gear. You don't want to drop mortar shells or machine guns out of an airplane. Parachutes have their own handicap, though. A gust of wind comes up, and the parachute takes its cargo off into the sea.
The same thing happens with the dropped cargo, however. If the crew doesn't get good leverage during the pass, the palate goes out the door late.
They don't take any chances with the mail. They throw that down separately. If they have any doubts that the mail might not hit spot on the drop zone, they don't throw it. More important than food or ammunition, the mail has to make it to the troops.
Baker Island, however, has an airstrip -- as did French Frigate Shoals for the past few weeks that this unit was in Hawaii. This mission will be a cakewalk.
At least, until Japan starts patrolling the skies over Baker Island with long range CAP from Tarawa.
I talked about that with the crews. They know that the war has just gotten a lot more dangerous for them. I wished them luck.
Kendari Invaded
Today, Japanese forces poured out onto the beach near Kendari, formed up, and moved on the town.
I had hoped that General Wavell's air force would give the ground troops here some assistance. However, as far as I can determine, only a few of Wavell's fighters got off the ground today. They were in charge of flying CAP over Balikpapan. Two Brewster 339Ds met about three dozen Japanese Sally bombers flying against the city, but were not able to inflict any significant damage as far as we can tell. The rest of the Dutch air force stayed on the ground.
I can only assume that Wavell had his reasons, or there were circumstances beyond his control. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, for now.
However, I will tell you now that of Pownall does not do something about his fighters in India, his days of service may be numbered.
I will get back to this a little later.
Battle for Palembang Begins
Japan knows how to use air power to aid a ground battle. Before the Japanese launched their attack on Palembang, the Japanese air force showed up with over 100 bombers. The first strike was with only a dozen or so Bettys. They seemed to be after some of the gun emplacements overlooking the best avenue for the Japanese approach, but they did little damage.
The main attack came an hour and a half later with over 75 Sally bombers targeting the length of the allied defensive lines.
The army itself stayed back today. I expect that they will spend a day or two softening up the defenses before they go in. Japan has actually been launching 100-plane raids against the port every day now for almost a week.
Another Mandalay Massacre
The Japanese Zero fighters that have been menacing the British in India and Burma struck again today. At Mandalay, they brought down 16 British planes at a loss of only 4 Japanese planes, and no damage to the bombers.
I am beginning to be concerned about the course of the air war. I have asked logistics officers to look into how many replacement planes and pilots that I can expect.
I take it as a given that if America and England provide me with air squadrons that they will provide the airplanes and replacement pilots to keep these units flying. It may have been a rash assumption on my part, but I am sticking with it.
I am serious about the level of concern that I have over the air war against the British. The Brits simply seem incapable of shooting down a Japanese airplane. In the mean time, they lose 20 airplanes a day. That would turn out to be 600 airplanes a month if they keep this up. We cannot continue to sustain those types of losses in terms of either planes or pilots.
Something has to be done.
I have commanded Wavell to move the 232 Squadron to Mandalay to see how much good they can do. This is the squadron that took part in the battle of Diamond Harbor a few days ago where we shot down 27 Japanese airplanes. Three pilots in that squadron scored a total of 10 kills. Even if nothing else goes well for us, I hope that we can at least get a few of the Japanese Zeros -- and start teaching a few others in that and other squadrons how to fight.
Like I said above, I have told General Pownall that he is responsible for getting these units into fighting trim. Ultimately, I hold him responsible. We are suffering a 20 to 1 loss ratio at Mandalay. If he does not reverse this in the near future, I will find somebody who can get the job done.
I will warn the British about this tomorrow.
Until then,
Thayne[/font]
Friday, January 30, 1942
[font="Courier New"]Friday, January 30, 1942
Henry:
It was a good day for Japan today.
• Philippine defenders retreat to Bataan
• Japan occupies Major Dutch Bases
• Japan consolidates hold over China railroad
Our success stories pale in significance
• We occupy Baker Island tomorrow
• Australian/American Air Force continue operations out of Port Moresby
Japan Forces Allied Retreat in Philippines.
The Allied forces in the Philippines were forced back into the Bataan Peninsula in a new Japanese offensive today. It was a fierce day of fighting. My cable from General Thompson reported over 2,000 allied casualties. Damage inflicted among the Japanese appeared just as high.
However, the Japanese have the numbers that allow them to absorb these types of losses. They have about 140,000 soldiers all well supplied facing an allied army of 40,000 ill-supplied troops. Over the past several days they have been slowly reducing the allied defenses to rubble, leaving the allies nothing to hide behind.
While the main army has been fighting in the area around Clark AFB, General Thompson has been using his engineers to build a defensive line across the Bataan Peninsula. He had been hoping to make his last stand here. However, he encountered a significant problem getting supplies behind this line. Most of the army's supplies had been drawn into the fight at Clark AFB, and he could not find any way to get the supplies moved to the rear. Thus, when Clark AFB fell, most of his supplies fell into Japanese hands as well.
I can tell you from my repeated communications with him throughout the campaign that he tried everything in his power to get those supplies moved from Clark AFB to Bataan. At one point, he had only two divisions holding the front line, while the rest of his army worked on moving supplies. Japan launched an assault then, and the two divisions barely held the line. But they did hold. Still, Thompson could not get the the supplies moved.
I do not condemn him for this. The jungle in that part of the world is particularly thick, and the roads are not good. Still, we must face the facts, that Battan will likely be in Japanese hands before February 10th.
We must plan accordingly.
I need to give a special mention to two fighters from the 24th Fighter Group. Captain Mahoney and First Lieutenant Moore each continued to rack up impressive scores against the Japanese. Mahoney scored his 13th kill of the war, and Moore became the war's second double-ace with 10 confirmed kills.
These are the types of people that we need in India. They are the one thing that gives me hope that we may soon be able to challenge Japan's supremacy of the air.
Japan attacks succeed at Kendari, Singkawang, Bankha; fail at Balikpapan
6,500 Japanese soldiers belonging to Sasaebo 2nd SNLF and 21st Special Base Force overwhelmed the 1500 Dutch defenders at Kendari today. This was expected. This is another one of the major resource centers now in Japanese control. It also gives the Japanese air force more control over the eastern part of the Dutch East Indies.
General Wavell reported today that he launched missions against the Japanese invasion fleet yesterday. When I asked him about why these attacks took place after the Japanese landed their troops rather than before, he gave me a story about the weather and the right type of supplies not being available. It does not matter much anyway. The planes did not do any damage.
Japan's 4th Mixed Brigade seized control of Singkawang today in a major assault against the town, taking control of the major airbase there. This amounts to just finishing up some loose ends as far as the Japanese go. 1700 Dutch soldiers ended up surrendering the town to Japan at the end of the day.
The 21st Japanese Mixed Brigade also captured Bankha today. This was a lightly held base -- less than 1000 defenders holding out against 12,000 Japanese attackers.
The Japanese also launched a heavy assault against the defenders at Balikpapan today. The reports that I got though say that the defenders held out well. According to the report, Japan simply sent wave after wave of soldiers against the Dutch lines. The Dutch were able to mow down Japanese soldiers by the hundreds, loosing less than 100 of their own troops.
Hopefully, it will take a while for Japan to recover its wounds.
Still, the Japanese forces outnumber ours by 2 to 1. Most importantly, they have air power. Wavell is still down to less than a dozen bombers in the entire ABDA Theater, and no ships to speak of.
We are quickly being forced back into our final strongholds.
• On Java, the Dutch are preparing their final stand at Soerabaja.
• Bali is now as well supplied and well garrisoned as it is going to get.
• Timor has a sizable air force made up of units that can cover the distance back to Australia when they need to.
• The forces on Aru Island are still working on fortifying their base.
Japan Further Secures Shanghai/Hanoi Railroad
Japan captured the town of Wuchow today, after Shang Kai Shek abandoned it. G2 informs me that the 50th Japanese Mixed Brigade 51st Japanese Division were involved in the attack.
In all fairness, after Japan captured Kweilin, it would have been easy for them to surround the army at Wuchow. In fact, it appears that this is what they were trying to do. Evidence suggests a massive movement west out of Kweilin toward the only avenue of escape for the army at Wuchow. That army was faced with a choice between abandoning the city and facing its own destruction.
With these two options, nobody who is the least bit familiar with Chang Kai Shek could think that he would allow his army to stand fast against the Japanese. "Best to run away and learn to fight another day."
I am wondering what Chang Kai Shek will do if he runs out of places to run.
With the Chinese army leaving Wuchow, the Japanese army actually retreated back to the city. This suggests that Kweiyang is in no immediate danger.
I am actually thinking that Chang Kai Shek might actually fight over Kweiyang. This is the only road available for supplies coming from the west. If Japan decides to threaten that road, Chang Kai Shek may form the opinion that Japan is going too far.
Baker Island to be Occupied Tomorrow
TF1295 reported in just a few minutes ago that it was starting its run to Baker Island. As soon as it got dark, they revved up the engines to full speed and headed west.
No, we did not break radio silence. We sent a PBY out to find the destroyers and report back.
Now, even if the Japanese carriers pop up, they will not be able to stop us. We will have 1000 troops on the island by morning.
The next part of the mission will be to build Baker Island into an actual base of operations. We still have a number of units prepared to set up home on this rock.
It's not very big. It's an oval about 1 mile long and a half mile wide, but it is long enough for a squadron of medium bombers and a squadron of fighters.
Of course, looking at how our fighters have done elsewhere, I have my worries. This means we will have a hundred more airplanes for Japan to shoot out of the sky.
It's progress.
Port Moresby Air Attacks
I don't know how long Japan is going to let us keep this up, but we have been flying regular missions out of Port Moresby against Japanese bases at Lae, using a squadron of B-25s and another squadron of Beauforts. Bomb assessment reports do not suggest a lot of damage. However, I have some hope that they are postponing any serious Japanese offensives in the area.
Eventually, though, I expect that Port Moresby will start to see the same kind of treatment that Mandalay has seen -- a few dozen Zero fighters escorting 100 bombers or so, until the base falls.
Until tomorrow
Thayne[/font]
Henry:
It was a good day for Japan today.
• Philippine defenders retreat to Bataan
• Japan occupies Major Dutch Bases
• Japan consolidates hold over China railroad
Our success stories pale in significance
• We occupy Baker Island tomorrow
• Australian/American Air Force continue operations out of Port Moresby
Japan Forces Allied Retreat in Philippines.
The Allied forces in the Philippines were forced back into the Bataan Peninsula in a new Japanese offensive today. It was a fierce day of fighting. My cable from General Thompson reported over 2,000 allied casualties. Damage inflicted among the Japanese appeared just as high.
However, the Japanese have the numbers that allow them to absorb these types of losses. They have about 140,000 soldiers all well supplied facing an allied army of 40,000 ill-supplied troops. Over the past several days they have been slowly reducing the allied defenses to rubble, leaving the allies nothing to hide behind.
While the main army has been fighting in the area around Clark AFB, General Thompson has been using his engineers to build a defensive line across the Bataan Peninsula. He had been hoping to make his last stand here. However, he encountered a significant problem getting supplies behind this line. Most of the army's supplies had been drawn into the fight at Clark AFB, and he could not find any way to get the supplies moved to the rear. Thus, when Clark AFB fell, most of his supplies fell into Japanese hands as well.
I can tell you from my repeated communications with him throughout the campaign that he tried everything in his power to get those supplies moved from Clark AFB to Bataan. At one point, he had only two divisions holding the front line, while the rest of his army worked on moving supplies. Japan launched an assault then, and the two divisions barely held the line. But they did hold. Still, Thompson could not get the the supplies moved.
I do not condemn him for this. The jungle in that part of the world is particularly thick, and the roads are not good. Still, we must face the facts, that Battan will likely be in Japanese hands before February 10th.
We must plan accordingly.
I need to give a special mention to two fighters from the 24th Fighter Group. Captain Mahoney and First Lieutenant Moore each continued to rack up impressive scores against the Japanese. Mahoney scored his 13th kill of the war, and Moore became the war's second double-ace with 10 confirmed kills.
These are the types of people that we need in India. They are the one thing that gives me hope that we may soon be able to challenge Japan's supremacy of the air.
Japan attacks succeed at Kendari, Singkawang, Bankha; fail at Balikpapan
6,500 Japanese soldiers belonging to Sasaebo 2nd SNLF and 21st Special Base Force overwhelmed the 1500 Dutch defenders at Kendari today. This was expected. This is another one of the major resource centers now in Japanese control. It also gives the Japanese air force more control over the eastern part of the Dutch East Indies.
General Wavell reported today that he launched missions against the Japanese invasion fleet yesterday. When I asked him about why these attacks took place after the Japanese landed their troops rather than before, he gave me a story about the weather and the right type of supplies not being available. It does not matter much anyway. The planes did not do any damage.
Japan's 4th Mixed Brigade seized control of Singkawang today in a major assault against the town, taking control of the major airbase there. This amounts to just finishing up some loose ends as far as the Japanese go. 1700 Dutch soldiers ended up surrendering the town to Japan at the end of the day.
The 21st Japanese Mixed Brigade also captured Bankha today. This was a lightly held base -- less than 1000 defenders holding out against 12,000 Japanese attackers.
The Japanese also launched a heavy assault against the defenders at Balikpapan today. The reports that I got though say that the defenders held out well. According to the report, Japan simply sent wave after wave of soldiers against the Dutch lines. The Dutch were able to mow down Japanese soldiers by the hundreds, loosing less than 100 of their own troops.
Hopefully, it will take a while for Japan to recover its wounds.
Still, the Japanese forces outnumber ours by 2 to 1. Most importantly, they have air power. Wavell is still down to less than a dozen bombers in the entire ABDA Theater, and no ships to speak of.
We are quickly being forced back into our final strongholds.
• On Java, the Dutch are preparing their final stand at Soerabaja.
• Bali is now as well supplied and well garrisoned as it is going to get.
• Timor has a sizable air force made up of units that can cover the distance back to Australia when they need to.
• The forces on Aru Island are still working on fortifying their base.
Japan Further Secures Shanghai/Hanoi Railroad
Japan captured the town of Wuchow today, after Shang Kai Shek abandoned it. G2 informs me that the 50th Japanese Mixed Brigade 51st Japanese Division were involved in the attack.
In all fairness, after Japan captured Kweilin, it would have been easy for them to surround the army at Wuchow. In fact, it appears that this is what they were trying to do. Evidence suggests a massive movement west out of Kweilin toward the only avenue of escape for the army at Wuchow. That army was faced with a choice between abandoning the city and facing its own destruction.
With these two options, nobody who is the least bit familiar with Chang Kai Shek could think that he would allow his army to stand fast against the Japanese. "Best to run away and learn to fight another day."
I am wondering what Chang Kai Shek will do if he runs out of places to run.
With the Chinese army leaving Wuchow, the Japanese army actually retreated back to the city. This suggests that Kweiyang is in no immediate danger.
I am actually thinking that Chang Kai Shek might actually fight over Kweiyang. This is the only road available for supplies coming from the west. If Japan decides to threaten that road, Chang Kai Shek may form the opinion that Japan is going too far.
Baker Island to be Occupied Tomorrow
TF1295 reported in just a few minutes ago that it was starting its run to Baker Island. As soon as it got dark, they revved up the engines to full speed and headed west.
No, we did not break radio silence. We sent a PBY out to find the destroyers and report back.
Now, even if the Japanese carriers pop up, they will not be able to stop us. We will have 1000 troops on the island by morning.
The next part of the mission will be to build Baker Island into an actual base of operations. We still have a number of units prepared to set up home on this rock.
It's not very big. It's an oval about 1 mile long and a half mile wide, but it is long enough for a squadron of medium bombers and a squadron of fighters.
Of course, looking at how our fighters have done elsewhere, I have my worries. This means we will have a hundred more airplanes for Japan to shoot out of the sky.
It's progress.
Port Moresby Air Attacks
I don't know how long Japan is going to let us keep this up, but we have been flying regular missions out of Port Moresby against Japanese bases at Lae, using a squadron of B-25s and another squadron of Beauforts. Bomb assessment reports do not suggest a lot of damage. However, I have some hope that they are postponing any serious Japanese offensives in the area.
Eventually, though, I expect that Port Moresby will start to see the same kind of treatment that Mandalay has seen -- a few dozen Zero fighters escorting 100 bombers or so, until the base falls.
Until tomorrow
Thayne[/font]
To: Gen. Brooke 01/31/1942
[font="Courier New"]From: Thayne
Today's losses at Mandalay were 15 to 0 in favor of the Japanese.
Within the last week, the Allied air force under General Wavell has lost 65 fighters to the Japanese while shooting down only 5 enemy fighters. This 13:1 kill ratio is going to end up bleeding us dry.
I am ready to take drastic steps in India. I would like an officer in charge of the Southeast Asia theater who can create an air force out of those units and put up some real resistance to the Japanese fighters.
I am willing to entertain your recommendations.
Sincerely,
Thayne[/font]
Today's losses at Mandalay were 15 to 0 in favor of the Japanese.
Within the last week, the Allied air force under General Wavell has lost 65 fighters to the Japanese while shooting down only 5 enemy fighters. This 13:1 kill ratio is going to end up bleeding us dry.
I am ready to take drastic steps in India. I would like an officer in charge of the Southeast Asia theater who can create an air force out of those units and put up some real resistance to the Japanese fighters.
I am willing to entertain your recommendations.
Sincerely,
Thayne[/font]
RE: To: Gen. Brooke 01/31/1942
To Thayne
From General Brooke
General Wavell has the full confidence of the War Cabinet and Chiefs of Staff.
As Commander in Chief India it is our opinion that he has done the best job possible in the circumstances.
I have asked for a list of recommendations to improve the air defence of India including AA and additional front line fighters. These are being implemented but will take time
At present it is clear that Hurricane Ground Attack aircraft cannot match the Japanese Zero Fighter it will be 5 months before the first Spitfires arrive in theatre.
A request has been sent to the President to allow the use of US Warhawks and Tomahawks in India until this happens care needs to be taken to preserve the fighter force for the defence of India.
Additional Hurricane squadrons are on the way but with the fall of Benghasi even these will be limited
Alan Brooke
From General Brooke
General Wavell has the full confidence of the War Cabinet and Chiefs of Staff.
As Commander in Chief India it is our opinion that he has done the best job possible in the circumstances.
I have asked for a list of recommendations to improve the air defence of India including AA and additional front line fighters. These are being implemented but will take time
At present it is clear that Hurricane Ground Attack aircraft cannot match the Japanese Zero Fighter it will be 5 months before the first Spitfires arrive in theatre.
A request has been sent to the President to allow the use of US Warhawks and Tomahawks in India until this happens care needs to be taken to preserve the fighter force for the defence of India.
Additional Hurricane squadrons are on the way but with the fall of Benghasi even these will be limited
Alan Brooke
Saturday, January 31, 1942
[font="Courier New"]Saturday, January 31, 1942
Henry:
• Another Air Slaughter at Mandalay
• Bombing missions continue against Japanese in Burma and Thailand
• Transport torpedoed off the coast of Ceylon
• Japan continues to win control of the Dutch East Indies
• We now occupy Baker Island
• Reinforcement schedule for the upcoming week
Just a quick question before I get started. MacArthur has not spoken to me since his first day of command. I am wondering who he may be speaking to if not to me. Recall my warnings about what would happen if he is allowed to bypass this command.
Another Air Slaughter at Mandalay
Japan shot down another 15 fighters at Mandalay without a loss.
There is simply no way that this can continue. The British are simply stuffing one live body after another into this meat grinder with nothing to show for the loss of life. I am tempted to demand that they simply pull the air force out of Burma and India until they can come back with some decent planes, some decent pilots, and a decent plan for executing an air war against Japan.
The first thought that comes to my mind is that it would be a disaster if Japan were to gain uncontested control of the air. But, with these types of combat results, they already have uncontested control of the air.
The Air Battle at Diamond Harbor notwithstanding.
Speaking of which, I ordered General Pownall to send 232 Squadron to Mandalay. They shot down 27 planes at Diamond Harbor in one day, maybe they can shoot down a few at Mandalay.
I also talked to Chang Kai Shek and convinced them that fighting the Japanese in Burma was essential to allowing us to continue to send supplies to China. I asked that the AVG squadrons responsible for slaughtering that Nate squadron in central China move to Mandalay as well.
Between these three fighter squadrons, and the 21st Fighter Squadron (refugees from the Philippines), maybe we can do something to hurt the Japanese at Mandalay.
Again, I need to mention that, in spite of heavy and repeated bombing raids against Mandalay, they have done no damage to the resources on the ground. And I do, literally, mean no damage. The bombers have ended up dropping their bombs either short, long, sideways, or on targets having no military use whatsoever. I am talking about a half-dozen 50-plane raids against the town.
I guess the fighters get some credit. They have been protecting our assets on the ground, even if they have not been able to protect themselves.
Bombing Missions Continue against Burma and Thailand
About 50 B-17 bombers struck Moulmein air fields yesterday. Pownall has them attacking from a pretty high altitude. The Nates of the 1st Fighter Sentai were unable to reach the bombers. But, the altitude means that the bombs scatter quite a bit while falling and it is more difficult to hit the target. Damage against the airbase was minimal.
He also ran some Hudson bombers from Mandalay to Rahaeng, escorted by some P-40s.
Pownall is scattering his shots around. The bombers could show up at any of a wide range of targets. Hopefully, this will keep the Japanese guessing as to where the allies will show up. These came in at a more moderate altitude (though still not very low). They did not encounter any resistance, but the bomb damage assessment was low.
Lose Australia-bound Transport Off Ceylon
I have been waiting for Japanese submarines to start to show up around India. Yesterday, a Japanese submarine announced its presence by sinking AK Empire Elk west of Columbo, Ceylon. Three hits against the ship sent it to the bottom with a full load of cargo.
It was not one of the larger transport ships.
Immediately, General Pownall put into plan an escort policy that he had been sitting on. As long as there were no Japanese submarines in the area, it was best to take advantage of the opportunity to send as many ships to Diamond Harbor and Columbo from Bombay as possible. Now that Japanese submarines have been spotted, the ships will be heading for the nearest port and waiting for an escort.
Japanese Victories in the Dutch East Indies
Palembang fell today, to a Japanese force of 13,000 soldiers (Ikaie SNLF, Yokusuka 4th SNLF, Sasebo 8th SNLF, Kainan Guard SNLF, 15th Nav Gd, 16th Nav Gd, 43rd Const. Btn, 48trh Const Btn).
Okay, Henry, let me explain something.
The incident with the false report of an attack on Port Moresby has caused me to pay closer attention to exactly what Japan is doing. G2 goes to a lot of effort to find out exactly who is standing on the other side of the battle lines from us, and I have been substantially ignoring these reports. However, it was this type of information that helped us resolve the fake Japanese plan to attack Dutch Harbor.
So, now I'm keeping track of these things.
G2 is keeping track of them as well. I just want to set in my mind what they have told me.
In addition to this attack, 30x Sally bombers (12th Hvy Sentai and 14th Hvy Sentai) attacked Balikpapan while the ground army rested from yesterday's devastating attacks.
We occupy Baker Island
You know, it seems that I spend more time reporting on what Japan is doing than on what we are doing. This is a rare exception. TF1295 pulled up to Baker Island last night and dropped off 1125 soldiers. C-45 transports started landing first thing this morning with supplies. We now own this advance base -- at least for a while. It is tenaciously held. But, now, Japan is going to have to try to take it from us, rather than the other way around.
Baker Island is vulnerable. If we send planes, they will be subject to distruction from naval bombardment. If we do not send planes, the whole island will be subject to both naval and air attack. I expect that there is going to be some fighting going on around here.
Nimitz is sending two carriers into the South Pacific (as part of my agreement with Australia). He is asking my permission to use the carriers against the Gilbert Islands. Recall, he has my standing orders not to risk the carriers at this time (though he and Halsey have been screaming since the start that I am making a big mistake). I am disinclined to give approval, since Japan has to be expecting such an attack.
But, we can't sit and hide forever.
Reinforcements for Next Week
Thursday will be a good day, with BB Mississippi and the 102nd Regimental Combat Team being made available to me. These units may be the start of the New Caledonia defensive force. Though, I still have doubts that New Caledonia will still be in our hands by the time these units get there. I am gathering troop transports at San Francisco.
Sunday, February 1, 1942
• DD Clark at San Francisco (destined for North Pac.)
Monday, February 2, 1942
• TK Thermo at San Francisco
• AK Empire Launcelot at San Francisco
Tuesday, February 3, 1942
• 28 Squadron (12x Lysander) at Hyderabad
• SS S-44 at San Diego
• AK Makawao at San Francisco
Wednesday, February 4, 1942
• CLAA Van Heemskerck at Columbo, Ceylon
• SS S-42 at San Diego
• TKs: Tidewater and Muskokee at San Francisco
• AK Peregrind at Karachi
Thursday, February 5, 1942
• 102nd USA Regimental Combat Team (for New Caledonia)
• BB Mississippi at San Francisco
• DD Fortune at Karachi
• SS-47 at San Diego
• AK Admiral Nulton at San Francisco
Friday, February 6, 1942
• TK Elizabeth Kellogg at San Francisco
Saturday, February 7, 1942
• ASW Cessnock at Sydney
• TK Dannedaike at San Francisco
• AK Empire Lakeland at Karachi
Tomorrow's big concern is the air battle at Mandalay. Can the AVG and 232 Squadron actually stand up to the Japanese air force?
I'll let you know tomorrow.
Thayne[/font]
Henry:
• Another Air Slaughter at Mandalay
• Bombing missions continue against Japanese in Burma and Thailand
• Transport torpedoed off the coast of Ceylon
• Japan continues to win control of the Dutch East Indies
• We now occupy Baker Island
• Reinforcement schedule for the upcoming week
Just a quick question before I get started. MacArthur has not spoken to me since his first day of command. I am wondering who he may be speaking to if not to me. Recall my warnings about what would happen if he is allowed to bypass this command.
Another Air Slaughter at Mandalay
Japan shot down another 15 fighters at Mandalay without a loss.
There is simply no way that this can continue. The British are simply stuffing one live body after another into this meat grinder with nothing to show for the loss of life. I am tempted to demand that they simply pull the air force out of Burma and India until they can come back with some decent planes, some decent pilots, and a decent plan for executing an air war against Japan.
The first thought that comes to my mind is that it would be a disaster if Japan were to gain uncontested control of the air. But, with these types of combat results, they already have uncontested control of the air.
The Air Battle at Diamond Harbor notwithstanding.
Speaking of which, I ordered General Pownall to send 232 Squadron to Mandalay. They shot down 27 planes at Diamond Harbor in one day, maybe they can shoot down a few at Mandalay.
I also talked to Chang Kai Shek and convinced them that fighting the Japanese in Burma was essential to allowing us to continue to send supplies to China. I asked that the AVG squadrons responsible for slaughtering that Nate squadron in central China move to Mandalay as well.
Between these three fighter squadrons, and the 21st Fighter Squadron (refugees from the Philippines), maybe we can do something to hurt the Japanese at Mandalay.
Again, I need to mention that, in spite of heavy and repeated bombing raids against Mandalay, they have done no damage to the resources on the ground. And I do, literally, mean no damage. The bombers have ended up dropping their bombs either short, long, sideways, or on targets having no military use whatsoever. I am talking about a half-dozen 50-plane raids against the town.
I guess the fighters get some credit. They have been protecting our assets on the ground, even if they have not been able to protect themselves.
Bombing Missions Continue against Burma and Thailand
About 50 B-17 bombers struck Moulmein air fields yesterday. Pownall has them attacking from a pretty high altitude. The Nates of the 1st Fighter Sentai were unable to reach the bombers. But, the altitude means that the bombs scatter quite a bit while falling and it is more difficult to hit the target. Damage against the airbase was minimal.
He also ran some Hudson bombers from Mandalay to Rahaeng, escorted by some P-40s.
Pownall is scattering his shots around. The bombers could show up at any of a wide range of targets. Hopefully, this will keep the Japanese guessing as to where the allies will show up. These came in at a more moderate altitude (though still not very low). They did not encounter any resistance, but the bomb damage assessment was low.
Lose Australia-bound Transport Off Ceylon
I have been waiting for Japanese submarines to start to show up around India. Yesterday, a Japanese submarine announced its presence by sinking AK Empire Elk west of Columbo, Ceylon. Three hits against the ship sent it to the bottom with a full load of cargo.
It was not one of the larger transport ships.
Immediately, General Pownall put into plan an escort policy that he had been sitting on. As long as there were no Japanese submarines in the area, it was best to take advantage of the opportunity to send as many ships to Diamond Harbor and Columbo from Bombay as possible. Now that Japanese submarines have been spotted, the ships will be heading for the nearest port and waiting for an escort.
Japanese Victories in the Dutch East Indies
Palembang fell today, to a Japanese force of 13,000 soldiers (Ikaie SNLF, Yokusuka 4th SNLF, Sasebo 8th SNLF, Kainan Guard SNLF, 15th Nav Gd, 16th Nav Gd, 43rd Const. Btn, 48trh Const Btn).
Okay, Henry, let me explain something.
The incident with the false report of an attack on Port Moresby has caused me to pay closer attention to exactly what Japan is doing. G2 goes to a lot of effort to find out exactly who is standing on the other side of the battle lines from us, and I have been substantially ignoring these reports. However, it was this type of information that helped us resolve the fake Japanese plan to attack Dutch Harbor.
So, now I'm keeping track of these things.
G2 is keeping track of them as well. I just want to set in my mind what they have told me.
In addition to this attack, 30x Sally bombers (12th Hvy Sentai and 14th Hvy Sentai) attacked Balikpapan while the ground army rested from yesterday's devastating attacks.
We occupy Baker Island
You know, it seems that I spend more time reporting on what Japan is doing than on what we are doing. This is a rare exception. TF1295 pulled up to Baker Island last night and dropped off 1125 soldiers. C-45 transports started landing first thing this morning with supplies. We now own this advance base -- at least for a while. It is tenaciously held. But, now, Japan is going to have to try to take it from us, rather than the other way around.
Baker Island is vulnerable. If we send planes, they will be subject to distruction from naval bombardment. If we do not send planes, the whole island will be subject to both naval and air attack. I expect that there is going to be some fighting going on around here.
Nimitz is sending two carriers into the South Pacific (as part of my agreement with Australia). He is asking my permission to use the carriers against the Gilbert Islands. Recall, he has my standing orders not to risk the carriers at this time (though he and Halsey have been screaming since the start that I am making a big mistake). I am disinclined to give approval, since Japan has to be expecting such an attack.
But, we can't sit and hide forever.
Reinforcements for Next Week
Thursday will be a good day, with BB Mississippi and the 102nd Regimental Combat Team being made available to me. These units may be the start of the New Caledonia defensive force. Though, I still have doubts that New Caledonia will still be in our hands by the time these units get there. I am gathering troop transports at San Francisco.
Sunday, February 1, 1942
• DD Clark at San Francisco (destined for North Pac.)
Monday, February 2, 1942
• TK Thermo at San Francisco
• AK Empire Launcelot at San Francisco
Tuesday, February 3, 1942
• 28 Squadron (12x Lysander) at Hyderabad
• SS S-44 at San Diego
• AK Makawao at San Francisco
Wednesday, February 4, 1942
• CLAA Van Heemskerck at Columbo, Ceylon
• SS S-42 at San Diego
• TKs: Tidewater and Muskokee at San Francisco
• AK Peregrind at Karachi
Thursday, February 5, 1942
• 102nd USA Regimental Combat Team (for New Caledonia)
• BB Mississippi at San Francisco
• DD Fortune at Karachi
• SS-47 at San Diego
• AK Admiral Nulton at San Francisco
Friday, February 6, 1942
• TK Elizabeth Kellogg at San Francisco
Saturday, February 7, 1942
• ASW Cessnock at Sydney
• TK Dannedaike at San Francisco
• AK Empire Lakeland at Karachi
Tomorrow's big concern is the air battle at Mandalay. Can the AVG and 232 Squadron actually stand up to the Japanese air force?
I'll let you know tomorrow.
Thayne[/font]
02/01/1942 Supplement
[font="Courier New"]Henry:
I understand your reasons for suggesting that I remain quiet on the Japanese Internment issue. Given my heritage, people may, indeed, decide to question my loyalty to the United States, and are too much inclined to think that all orientals are alike.
However, for this war to be worth fighting, we have to be standing up for something that is more important than life itself. These are the principles that people are endowed with certain enalienable rights, and that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. To secure these rights, Henry.
Ask yourself, Henry, are these the actions of a person who is seeking to secure these rights?
This will be all that I will have to say on the subject.
I hope that this disagreement will not tarnish our friendship in any way.
Thayne[/font]
I understand your reasons for suggesting that I remain quiet on the Japanese Internment issue. Given my heritage, people may, indeed, decide to question my loyalty to the United States, and are too much inclined to think that all orientals are alike.
However, for this war to be worth fighting, we have to be standing up for something that is more important than life itself. These are the principles that people are endowed with certain enalienable rights, and that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. To secure these rights, Henry.
Ask yourself, Henry, are these the actions of a person who is seeking to secure these rights?
This will be all that I will have to say on the subject.
I hope that this disagreement will not tarnish our friendship in any way.
Thayne[/font]
Letter Gen. Brooke 02/01/1942
[font="Courier New"]To: General Brooke
From: Thayne
Sir:
It is my habit to hold military officers responsible for the conduct of those who serve under them, because they are responsible for determining who serves and who does not.
General Wavell has done as well in the Dutch East Indies as could be expected with the resources available. However, he was also responsible for the choice of giving control of Southeast Asia (including India and Burma) to his Chief of Staff, Gen. Pownall.
Pownall may be a good chief of staff, but there is no doubt that the situation in India and Burma is grave, and we may be in need of new leadership.
I will accept a compromise of allowing General Wavell to continue command of the ABDA forces. However, at the very least, I think that a new leader in the Southeast Asia portion of that command is in order -- somebody who can turn the tide against the Japanese in the air.
Plus, and I hate to put it this way, but I do not think that it is entirely fair to try to put the blame on the airplane. Australian pilots at Port Moresby shot down two Japanese Zeros in Japan's first raid against that base. The Brewster Buffalo has a better kill ratio against the Japanese Zeros than the Hurricane.
Even if the ground-attack Hurricane is not the best plane to use against the Japanese Zero, I trust that steps can be taken to improve the dismal results we have seen to date.
I would hate to call Kirkpatrick and Greenwood off of the front lines. However, with four kills each against the Japanese using Hurricane fighters, they may do us more good running training camps in Bombay than flying planes in Mandalay.
I ask you to take these concerns into consideration.
Humbly,
Thayne[/font]
From: Thayne
Sir:
It is my habit to hold military officers responsible for the conduct of those who serve under them, because they are responsible for determining who serves and who does not.
General Wavell has done as well in the Dutch East Indies as could be expected with the resources available. However, he was also responsible for the choice of giving control of Southeast Asia (including India and Burma) to his Chief of Staff, Gen. Pownall.
Pownall may be a good chief of staff, but there is no doubt that the situation in India and Burma is grave, and we may be in need of new leadership.
I will accept a compromise of allowing General Wavell to continue command of the ABDA forces. However, at the very least, I think that a new leader in the Southeast Asia portion of that command is in order -- somebody who can turn the tide against the Japanese in the air.
Plus, and I hate to put it this way, but I do not think that it is entirely fair to try to put the blame on the airplane. Australian pilots at Port Moresby shot down two Japanese Zeros in Japan's first raid against that base. The Brewster Buffalo has a better kill ratio against the Japanese Zeros than the Hurricane.
Even if the ground-attack Hurricane is not the best plane to use against the Japanese Zero, I trust that steps can be taken to improve the dismal results we have seen to date.
I would hate to call Kirkpatrick and Greenwood off of the front lines. However, with four kills each against the Japanese using Hurricane fighters, they may do us more good running training camps in Bombay than flying planes in Mandalay.
I ask you to take these concerns into consideration.
Humbly,
Thayne[/font]
RE: Letter Gen. Brooke 02/01/1942
To Secretary Thayne
From General Alan Brooke
General Wavell in addition to heading up the ABDA command is also the C in C India and holds overall command of all ground and air units in theatre. I re iterate he holds the full confidence of the War Cabinet and his poisition as C in C India is not one over which the War Cabinet is prepared to debate at present
The situation in India and Burma is grave but let me be clear the defence of India, Ceylon and the Bay of Bengal are the number 1 priority of the newly formed SEAC.
Burma is of secondary importance and cannot it appears be defended with the forces available then it is to be abandoned we cannot afford for another Army to be cut off and destroyed.
With the forces available and the reinforcements on route a war of air attrition over Mandalay cannot be justifed accordingly remaining RAF RIAF and RAAF aircraft are to be withdrawn to India to rebuild until such time as either the odds seem favourable or neccessity compels them to re engage.
Accordingly you are directed as follows.
The air battle over Mandalay is to be abandoned
A margin of safety of 20 Reserve Hurricane Fighters and 75 pilots is to be maintained for the defence of India at all times - this hard cap is not to be breached unless a Japanese invasion is launched against Ceylon or India.
The FAA will be providing additinal fighter pilots in longer range Fulmer fighters to assist with the defence of India. You are authorised to detach said fighters from Carriers in an emergancy.
General Pownell's position will be reviewed by General Wavell immediately.
Regards
General Alan Brooke
From General Alan Brooke
General Wavell in addition to heading up the ABDA command is also the C in C India and holds overall command of all ground and air units in theatre. I re iterate he holds the full confidence of the War Cabinet and his poisition as C in C India is not one over which the War Cabinet is prepared to debate at present
The situation in India and Burma is grave but let me be clear the defence of India, Ceylon and the Bay of Bengal are the number 1 priority of the newly formed SEAC.
Burma is of secondary importance and cannot it appears be defended with the forces available then it is to be abandoned we cannot afford for another Army to be cut off and destroyed.
With the forces available and the reinforcements on route a war of air attrition over Mandalay cannot be justifed accordingly remaining RAF RIAF and RAAF aircraft are to be withdrawn to India to rebuild until such time as either the odds seem favourable or neccessity compels them to re engage.
Accordingly you are directed as follows.
The air battle over Mandalay is to be abandoned
A margin of safety of 20 Reserve Hurricane Fighters and 75 pilots is to be maintained for the defence of India at all times - this hard cap is not to be breached unless a Japanese invasion is launched against Ceylon or India.
The FAA will be providing additinal fighter pilots in longer range Fulmer fighters to assist with the defence of India. You are authorised to detach said fighters from Carriers in an emergancy.
General Pownell's position will be reviewed by General Wavell immediately.
Regards
General Alan Brooke
From SWPAC
From: General D MacArthur
Supreme commander Allied Forces
Southwest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: Secretary Ethan "Thayne" Lynde
Mr Lynde
Sir,
I am still have not yet received my expected authority over all remaining Dutch units. This situation is must be changed immediately if I am to mount a creditable defence of Northern Australia.
Supplies from the US are still coming into Australia far to slowly. All efforts to address this situation must be made as this bungling is effecting my ability to carry to war forward.
I still do not have confirmation of units earmarked for the Southwest Pacific Command as being in transit. This is not how a war is waged. A General must be fully informed and supported by his logistics manager, which is you, so that full planning can be carried out for future operations.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
Supreme commander Allied Forces
Southwest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: Secretary Ethan "Thayne" Lynde
Mr Lynde
Sir,
I am still have not yet received my expected authority over all remaining Dutch units. This situation is must be changed immediately if I am to mount a creditable defence of Northern Australia.
Supplies from the US are still coming into Australia far to slowly. All efforts to address this situation must be made as this bungling is effecting my ability to carry to war forward.
I still do not have confirmation of units earmarked for the Southwest Pacific Command as being in transit. This is not how a war is waged. A General must be fully informed and supported by his logistics manager, which is you, so that full planning can be carried out for future operations.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
RE: From SWPAC GHQ
From: General D MacArthur
Supreme commander Allied Forces
Southwest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: Secretary Ethan "Thayne" Lynde
Sir,
Could you please explain the reason behind the fact that the following units are still waiting to embark on ships?
51st Base Force
51st Aviation Regiment
810st EAB
These units are critical to the war effort here in the Southwest Pacific, and the fact that they are still sitting on their fannies stateside simply astounds me. Do you not know that I have aircraft that are not able to to serviced because of a lack of trained men, and as a result the fate of Port Moresby hangs in the balance! I want these units shipped, and I want it done yesterday.
I am now ordering TF 1185 to disband and am forming a new TF based upon the Barnett with HMAS Hobart as escort. This new TF is to steam at full speed to Port Moresby.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
Supreme commander Allied Forces
Southwest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: Secretary Ethan "Thayne" Lynde
Sir,
Could you please explain the reason behind the fact that the following units are still waiting to embark on ships?
51st Base Force
51st Aviation Regiment
810st EAB
These units are critical to the war effort here in the Southwest Pacific, and the fact that they are still sitting on their fannies stateside simply astounds me. Do you not know that I have aircraft that are not able to to serviced because of a lack of trained men, and as a result the fate of Port Moresby hangs in the balance! I want these units shipped, and I want it done yesterday.
I am now ordering TF 1185 to disband and am forming a new TF based upon the Barnett with HMAS Hobart as escort. This new TF is to steam at full speed to Port Moresby.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
From SWPAC GHQ
From: General D MacArthur
Supreme commander Allied Forces
Southwest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: General Alan Brooke
Sir,
You have three RAAF Squadrons currently employed in India.
No 1, No 3 and No 21 Squadrons.
Please see to it that these units are returned to SWPAC immediately.
Also I think that it is time we discussed breaking up ABDA command and having units under that command take refuge in Australia.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
SWPAC
Supreme commander Allied Forces
Southwest Pacific Command
Brisbane
To: General Alan Brooke
Sir,
You have three RAAF Squadrons currently employed in India.
No 1, No 3 and No 21 Squadrons.
Please see to it that these units are returned to SWPAC immediately.
Also I think that it is time we discussed breaking up ABDA command and having units under that command take refuge in Australia.
Gen Douglas MacArthur
Commanding.
SWPAC
Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Sunday, February 1, 1942
[font="Courier New"]Sunday, February 1, 1942
Henry:
We have been fighting the Japanese now for eight weeks.
What have been the results?
Losses
Naval Losses: 26 Ships. In the last week: 1x AK
• BC Repulse
• CAs: Houston, New Orleans
• CLs: Du Ruyter, Danae
• DD Panther
• SSs: S-38, KXV
• ASs: Otus, Canopus
• MSW Penguin
• PTs: PT-21, PT-31, PT-32, PT-34, TM-13, TM-14, TM-15
• AP President Madison
• AKs: Steel Voyager, Taurus, Empire Elk*
• TKs: Gertrude Kellogg, Manataway
* represents a newly sunk ship -- a small freighter off of Columbo, Ceylon.
Air Losses: 938 Planes - 106 in the last week
• 388 planes shot down (+83)
• 382 planes destroyed on the ground (+1)
• 23 planes destroyed by flak (+2)
• 145 planes lost due to accident and wear (+20)
Top 20 Air Losses by Type
• 132x P-40B Tomahawk (+5)
• 102x Buffalo (+13)
• 68x P-40E Warhawk (+11)
• 56x Hurricane (+19)
• 43x PBY Catgelina
• 37x Hudson (+2)
• 37x Brewster 339D (+4)
• 34x Martin 139 (+1)
• 29x Whirraway (new to list)
• 28x SB-2c
• 28x Blenheim IV
• 27x P-36A Mohawk
• 24x P-26A
• 24x Blenheim I (new to list)
• 19x F4F-3 (new to list)
• 18x P-35A (new to list)
• 18x Vildebeast IV (new to list)
• 17x CW-21B Demon (new to list)
• 17x PBY Catelinas (new to list)
• 15x B-18A Bolo (new to list)
I am expanding this list from the list of 12 heaviest losses to better account for changes in the past week.
As this list demonstrates, the bulk of our losses in the past week were inflicted against our main fighters; Tomahawks, Buffalos, Warhawks, and Hurricanes.
We are suffering a serious shortage of fighters that will force us to curtail future operations. I checked with logistics about available reserve airplanes of these types, and was given the following numbers:
P-40B Tomahawks: 0 airplanes in reserve
Buffalo: 0 airplanes in reserve
P-40E Warhawk: 0 airplanes in reserve
Hurricane II: 42 airplanes in reserve
Given the Japanese ability to shoot down 15 fighters per day, we will have gone through our reserves in three days.
Damage Inflicted
The only confirmed damage scored against the enemy in the past week is the loss of a destroyer to mines at Batavia.
Other than that, we still have not been able to do much.
Summary
I am going to change the format of this section a little bit as well. Rather than reporting what has changed in the past week, I figured you might find this more useful if I reported on the current situation. This way, you would not have to go through past reports to understand what the situation is.
North Pacific
We still have not seen any Japanese here. Defenses include:
• MSW Oriole stationed at Kiska, sometimes patrolling toward Japanese islands and back.
• AVD Gilles and VP-41 (patrol planes) at Amchikita
• Dutch Harbor has 6,500 troops, but none of them are combat troops. It is also the home of the 11th Air Force HQ, with the 18th fighter squadron and 73rd Bomber Squadron. By the end of the week, we hope to be moving in the 4th USA Regimental Combat Team.
• Kodiak has 6,000 troops. The 37th USA Regimental Combat Team is due to arrive tomorrow.
• Anchorage has 12,000 troops, but 5,000 of them (the 4th USA RGT) will be moving to Dutch Harbor.
Central Pacific
• Midway: This is the most neglected part of the Central Pacific front right now. No effort has been made to reinforce the island, since efforts have focused instead on reinforcing the route to Australia. However, the 161st Regimental Combat Team and 217th Coast AA Regiment are due to island by the end of the week. We will not be able to add any more soldiers to the island than this.
Midway is also serving as the temporary home of VF-6, VB-6, and VT-6 while Enterprise is undergoing repairs at Pearl Harbor.
• Leysaw Island: On this island, 300 miles southeast of Midway, engineering units are constructing an emergency airbase on this island. The air base is approximately 2 weeks from completion.
• French Frigate Shoals: This island now contains a crude airstrip and port. AV Tangier is servicing VP-21 at this island, and the base is protected by the 205th USA Coastal Anti-Aircraft Regiment, which is about all of the combat troops this little island can hold.
• Baker Island: This island has now been occupied by 1000 soldiers belonging to the 40th USA Infantry Division, and is being supplied by VMR-252 (16x C-47) flying daily out of Canton Island. TF1295 (consisting of 5 destroyers) is on its way to Palmyra, where they will embark elements of the 115th USAAF Base Force for transport to Baker Island. When they arrive, efforts will be made to fly in VMF-221 for combat air support over the island. With air cover available, efforts will be made to bring in additional support.
Nimitz’ staff is also looking at options for occupying and building an airstrip on Howland Island north of Baker.
South Pacific
• Canton Island now has 20,000 troops including the whole 2nd USMC Infantry Division. Plans are underway to break up the 2nd USMC Infantry Division and ship elements to American and British Samoa.
• American Samoa (Pago Pago): This island will become the home of the South Pacific HQ tomorrow. It is also the home of VF-3, VB-3, and VT-3 while Saratoga undergoes repairs for torpedo damage at Pearl Harbor (where it should arrive by the end of the week).
• Tongatapu: The garrison on this island has recently been reinforced by the 2nd USMC Parachute Battalion. It is also the home of the 42nd Bomber Group responsible for suppressing Japanese submarine activity from Samoa to Fiji.
• Fiji: The recent arrival of the 14th New Zealand Brigade and the 1st New Zealand Cavalry Brigade brings the garrison on this island up to 16,000 troops. The 26th USA Field Artillery Battalion has been loaded on a troop transport and is ready for shipment to Australia.
• New Caledonia: Remains substantially ungarrisoned. The 102nd USA Regimental Combat Team will be ready for embarkation on Thursday and will begin its journey to New Caledonia at that time. General Patch’s make shift “Americal Division” will be ready to load onto transport2 in two weeks.
Southwest Pacific
• Port Moresby: This is the focus of attention in this front. At present, Port Moresby has a little less than 6,000 troops.
The air units stationed there include 3 squadrons of Whirraway fighters (48x), 1 squadron of Beaufort bombers (8x), and 1 squadron of B-25 Mitchell bombers (16x). These squadrons rotate with similar squadrons in various bases on the northeast region of Australia.
Additional reinforcements on their way to Port Moresby include:
- AK Governor Wright with 4,500 tons of supplies will arrive at Port Moresby in 3 days.
- 30th Australian Brigade, (4,000 troops) presently loaded on AP Barnett, is near Rockingham, Australia sailing north.
- 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion (1,700 troops), presently in Brisbane.
- 8th Fighter Group (72x P-39D) will be unloading at Sydney in 2 or 3 days, and will then be moved north to help defend Port Moresby.
- AK Elcano at Brisbane will be loaded up with a new shipment of supplies for Port Moresby. It has recently returned from its first trip to Port Moresby.
Important Note: Today, Japan launched a major air raid against Port Moresby. 50x Zeros plus 50x Betty and Nell bombers attacked the base. The Wirraways shot down another Zero fighter, but lost 14 of their own planes.
These planes can destroy any attempt to reinforce the base.
ABDA Command
• Sumatra: Japan controls every port on the northeast side of the island, other than Kuala, where they have recently landed. (Reminder: I use geographical north and south in my reports, as opposed to map-relative north and south).
• Borneo: Japan controls all but three minor bases that have no bases.
• Sulawesi: Japan has taken control of the port of Kendari.
• Java: Japan has taken control of Batavia and is moving east. Today, their army took over Bandoeng, 100 miles east of Batavia.
• The Dutch air force is starting to recover with the arrival of air reinforcements. There are now two major air forces in the Dutch East Indies.
- Java Force: 18 fighters and 28 bombers
- Timor Force: 27 Fighters and 8 Bombers, 16 Torpedo Bombers
Burma
• Myitkyina: Chinese units are starting to arrive at Myitkyina. The 55th Chinese “Division” is marching into town as I write, and the remaining 8 remaining “Divisions” are close behind. Japan is making no attempt yet to leave Rangoon, so I expect all reinforcements will arrive intact.
• Mandalay: 35,000 troops sit at Mandalay with a 100-plane air force. However, Japanese forces have been mutilating the air force. Japan has been sending bombing raids against the city regularly. The bombers have done no damage. However, the fighters have shot down nearly 100 allied fighters at a loss of only three or four Japanese fighters shot down.
Pownall has set up an ambush for the Japanese when they return to Mandalay. He has moved No. 232 Squadron to Mandalay. This is the squadron that shot down over 20 Japanese planes at Diamond Harbor a couple of weeks ago. Two squadrons from the American Volunteer Group have also arrived at Mandalay. These squadrons wiped out a Nate squadron in China with only one loss. The next time Japan arrives at Mandalay, they will encounter these squadrons.
India
• Ceylon is being reinforced. The 18th UK Division will go to Columbo, Ceylon. The 26th Indian Division will move from Columbo to Trimcomalee.
• There was a recent submarine attack on the Southern coast of India. To combat this, the transports are being organized into a convoy at Panaji in Southwest India. They will go first to Columbo, and may try to make it up the coast to Diamond Harbor. However, the area around Diamond Harbor has a large stockpile of supplies. TF1153 is seeking the submarine, but so far without success.
• There are 7 transports presently en route to Australia, where they will drop off critical supplies, and bring back air squadrons promised to aid in the defense of India. The first of those return convoys, escorted by 2 light cruisers and 6 destroyers, is bringing the 12th Bomber Group.
China
Chang Kai Shek is continuing to refuse to challenge the Japanese. He retreats wherever Japan puts on a show of strength. Japan has now cleared out most of the Shanghai-Hanoi railroad, capturing the towns of Changsha, Hengchow, Kweilin, and Wuchow, largely without a fight.
This does mean that the Chinese army has withdrawn substantially intact.
Philippines
The Japanese have cornered the Allied army at Bataan. The Allies are trapped with almost no supplies left. I do not expect them to be able to hold out past the middle of the month, and would actually be surprised if they are still there past February 10th, mostly because of the lack of supplies. It was not possible to get the supplies out of Clark AFB before Japan overran the base.
This is how the month of February starts.
Thayne[/font]
Henry:
We have been fighting the Japanese now for eight weeks.
What have been the results?
Losses
Naval Losses: 26 Ships. In the last week: 1x AK
• BC Repulse
• CAs: Houston, New Orleans
• CLs: Du Ruyter, Danae
• DD Panther
• SSs: S-38, KXV
• ASs: Otus, Canopus
• MSW Penguin
• PTs: PT-21, PT-31, PT-32, PT-34, TM-13, TM-14, TM-15
• AP President Madison
• AKs: Steel Voyager, Taurus, Empire Elk*
• TKs: Gertrude Kellogg, Manataway
* represents a newly sunk ship -- a small freighter off of Columbo, Ceylon.
Air Losses: 938 Planes - 106 in the last week
• 388 planes shot down (+83)
• 382 planes destroyed on the ground (+1)
• 23 planes destroyed by flak (+2)
• 145 planes lost due to accident and wear (+20)
Top 20 Air Losses by Type
• 132x P-40B Tomahawk (+5)
• 102x Buffalo (+13)
• 68x P-40E Warhawk (+11)
• 56x Hurricane (+19)
• 43x PBY Catgelina
• 37x Hudson (+2)
• 37x Brewster 339D (+4)
• 34x Martin 139 (+1)
• 29x Whirraway (new to list)
• 28x SB-2c
• 28x Blenheim IV
• 27x P-36A Mohawk
• 24x P-26A
• 24x Blenheim I (new to list)
• 19x F4F-3 (new to list)
• 18x P-35A (new to list)
• 18x Vildebeast IV (new to list)
• 17x CW-21B Demon (new to list)
• 17x PBY Catelinas (new to list)
• 15x B-18A Bolo (new to list)
I am expanding this list from the list of 12 heaviest losses to better account for changes in the past week.
As this list demonstrates, the bulk of our losses in the past week were inflicted against our main fighters; Tomahawks, Buffalos, Warhawks, and Hurricanes.
We are suffering a serious shortage of fighters that will force us to curtail future operations. I checked with logistics about available reserve airplanes of these types, and was given the following numbers:
P-40B Tomahawks: 0 airplanes in reserve
Buffalo: 0 airplanes in reserve
P-40E Warhawk: 0 airplanes in reserve
Hurricane II: 42 airplanes in reserve
Given the Japanese ability to shoot down 15 fighters per day, we will have gone through our reserves in three days.
Damage Inflicted
The only confirmed damage scored against the enemy in the past week is the loss of a destroyer to mines at Batavia.
Other than that, we still have not been able to do much.
Summary
I am going to change the format of this section a little bit as well. Rather than reporting what has changed in the past week, I figured you might find this more useful if I reported on the current situation. This way, you would not have to go through past reports to understand what the situation is.
North Pacific
We still have not seen any Japanese here. Defenses include:
• MSW Oriole stationed at Kiska, sometimes patrolling toward Japanese islands and back.
• AVD Gilles and VP-41 (patrol planes) at Amchikita
• Dutch Harbor has 6,500 troops, but none of them are combat troops. It is also the home of the 11th Air Force HQ, with the 18th fighter squadron and 73rd Bomber Squadron. By the end of the week, we hope to be moving in the 4th USA Regimental Combat Team.
• Kodiak has 6,000 troops. The 37th USA Regimental Combat Team is due to arrive tomorrow.
• Anchorage has 12,000 troops, but 5,000 of them (the 4th USA RGT) will be moving to Dutch Harbor.
Central Pacific
• Midway: This is the most neglected part of the Central Pacific front right now. No effort has been made to reinforce the island, since efforts have focused instead on reinforcing the route to Australia. However, the 161st Regimental Combat Team and 217th Coast AA Regiment are due to island by the end of the week. We will not be able to add any more soldiers to the island than this.
Midway is also serving as the temporary home of VF-6, VB-6, and VT-6 while Enterprise is undergoing repairs at Pearl Harbor.
• Leysaw Island: On this island, 300 miles southeast of Midway, engineering units are constructing an emergency airbase on this island. The air base is approximately 2 weeks from completion.
• French Frigate Shoals: This island now contains a crude airstrip and port. AV Tangier is servicing VP-21 at this island, and the base is protected by the 205th USA Coastal Anti-Aircraft Regiment, which is about all of the combat troops this little island can hold.
• Baker Island: This island has now been occupied by 1000 soldiers belonging to the 40th USA Infantry Division, and is being supplied by VMR-252 (16x C-47) flying daily out of Canton Island. TF1295 (consisting of 5 destroyers) is on its way to Palmyra, where they will embark elements of the 115th USAAF Base Force for transport to Baker Island. When they arrive, efforts will be made to fly in VMF-221 for combat air support over the island. With air cover available, efforts will be made to bring in additional support.
Nimitz’ staff is also looking at options for occupying and building an airstrip on Howland Island north of Baker.
South Pacific
• Canton Island now has 20,000 troops including the whole 2nd USMC Infantry Division. Plans are underway to break up the 2nd USMC Infantry Division and ship elements to American and British Samoa.
• American Samoa (Pago Pago): This island will become the home of the South Pacific HQ tomorrow. It is also the home of VF-3, VB-3, and VT-3 while Saratoga undergoes repairs for torpedo damage at Pearl Harbor (where it should arrive by the end of the week).
• Tongatapu: The garrison on this island has recently been reinforced by the 2nd USMC Parachute Battalion. It is also the home of the 42nd Bomber Group responsible for suppressing Japanese submarine activity from Samoa to Fiji.
• Fiji: The recent arrival of the 14th New Zealand Brigade and the 1st New Zealand Cavalry Brigade brings the garrison on this island up to 16,000 troops. The 26th USA Field Artillery Battalion has been loaded on a troop transport and is ready for shipment to Australia.
• New Caledonia: Remains substantially ungarrisoned. The 102nd USA Regimental Combat Team will be ready for embarkation on Thursday and will begin its journey to New Caledonia at that time. General Patch’s make shift “Americal Division” will be ready to load onto transport2 in two weeks.
Southwest Pacific
• Port Moresby: This is the focus of attention in this front. At present, Port Moresby has a little less than 6,000 troops.
The air units stationed there include 3 squadrons of Whirraway fighters (48x), 1 squadron of Beaufort bombers (8x), and 1 squadron of B-25 Mitchell bombers (16x). These squadrons rotate with similar squadrons in various bases on the northeast region of Australia.
Additional reinforcements on their way to Port Moresby include:
- AK Governor Wright with 4,500 tons of supplies will arrive at Port Moresby in 3 days.
- 30th Australian Brigade, (4,000 troops) presently loaded on AP Barnett, is near Rockingham, Australia sailing north.
- 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion (1,700 troops), presently in Brisbane.
- 8th Fighter Group (72x P-39D) will be unloading at Sydney in 2 or 3 days, and will then be moved north to help defend Port Moresby.
- AK Elcano at Brisbane will be loaded up with a new shipment of supplies for Port Moresby. It has recently returned from its first trip to Port Moresby.
Important Note: Today, Japan launched a major air raid against Port Moresby. 50x Zeros plus 50x Betty and Nell bombers attacked the base. The Wirraways shot down another Zero fighter, but lost 14 of their own planes.
These planes can destroy any attempt to reinforce the base.
ABDA Command
• Sumatra: Japan controls every port on the northeast side of the island, other than Kuala, where they have recently landed. (Reminder: I use geographical north and south in my reports, as opposed to map-relative north and south).
• Borneo: Japan controls all but three minor bases that have no bases.
• Sulawesi: Japan has taken control of the port of Kendari.
• Java: Japan has taken control of Batavia and is moving east. Today, their army took over Bandoeng, 100 miles east of Batavia.
• The Dutch air force is starting to recover with the arrival of air reinforcements. There are now two major air forces in the Dutch East Indies.
- Java Force: 18 fighters and 28 bombers
- Timor Force: 27 Fighters and 8 Bombers, 16 Torpedo Bombers
Burma
• Myitkyina: Chinese units are starting to arrive at Myitkyina. The 55th Chinese “Division” is marching into town as I write, and the remaining 8 remaining “Divisions” are close behind. Japan is making no attempt yet to leave Rangoon, so I expect all reinforcements will arrive intact.
• Mandalay: 35,000 troops sit at Mandalay with a 100-plane air force. However, Japanese forces have been mutilating the air force. Japan has been sending bombing raids against the city regularly. The bombers have done no damage. However, the fighters have shot down nearly 100 allied fighters at a loss of only three or four Japanese fighters shot down.
Pownall has set up an ambush for the Japanese when they return to Mandalay. He has moved No. 232 Squadron to Mandalay. This is the squadron that shot down over 20 Japanese planes at Diamond Harbor a couple of weeks ago. Two squadrons from the American Volunteer Group have also arrived at Mandalay. These squadrons wiped out a Nate squadron in China with only one loss. The next time Japan arrives at Mandalay, they will encounter these squadrons.
India
• Ceylon is being reinforced. The 18th UK Division will go to Columbo, Ceylon. The 26th Indian Division will move from Columbo to Trimcomalee.
• There was a recent submarine attack on the Southern coast of India. To combat this, the transports are being organized into a convoy at Panaji in Southwest India. They will go first to Columbo, and may try to make it up the coast to Diamond Harbor. However, the area around Diamond Harbor has a large stockpile of supplies. TF1153 is seeking the submarine, but so far without success.
• There are 7 transports presently en route to Australia, where they will drop off critical supplies, and bring back air squadrons promised to aid in the defense of India. The first of those return convoys, escorted by 2 light cruisers and 6 destroyers, is bringing the 12th Bomber Group.
China
Chang Kai Shek is continuing to refuse to challenge the Japanese. He retreats wherever Japan puts on a show of strength. Japan has now cleared out most of the Shanghai-Hanoi railroad, capturing the towns of Changsha, Hengchow, Kweilin, and Wuchow, largely without a fight.
This does mean that the Chinese army has withdrawn substantially intact.
Philippines
The Japanese have cornered the Allied army at Bataan. The Allies are trapped with almost no supplies left. I do not expect them to be able to hold out past the middle of the month, and would actually be surprised if they are still there past February 10th, mostly because of the lack of supplies. It was not possible to get the supplies out of Clark AFB before Japan overran the base.
This is how the month of February starts.
Thayne[/font]