The Master and the Student - Tankerace vs. Terminus

[Terminus]

A furious charge by Imperial soldiers of the 6th Infantry carried the last enemy defensive lines at Davao, and ejected the Philippino and American forces from the town. Unfortunately, our troops at Lingayen and Guam were unable to emulate this feat. Elsewhere, more troops landed at Aparri.


Imperial soldiers in the streets of Davao

At sea, two more steamers were lost in Lingayen Gulf. On the plus side, our destroyers carried through a very thorough prosecution of American submarine S-31 in the Gulf, reporting at least 4 very loud explosions, consistent with successful depth charge hits. We shall see what transpires.

[Tankerace]

8 June 1926, New York Times

Filipino Forces Retreat from Davao!
Imperial Japanese Troops today executed a mass wave attack at the city of Davao. The Philippine Reserve Division held the line bravely, inflicting an estimated 600 casualties. Our losses were 10 killed, 22 wounded. The enemy continued to attack, and due to lack of ammo our troops were forced back. Headquarters USAFFE has directed that Davao be recaptured if at all possible.

Japanese Troops at Lingayen beaten back!
155mm Howitzers from Manila had finally been brought up to Lingayen only 10 minutes before a massive Japanese offensive started. Yelling Banzai and waving national flags, Japanese troops stormed the trenches of the US positions. Not even fully emplaced, the 155mms of the 88th Field Artillery opened fire, laying down a deadly barrage dierectly on top of the advancing enemy units. Joined by 75mm and 240mm weapons, and soon by the mortars and rifles of the infantry, the 155s inflicted a heavy toll. Japanese units managed to reach the first trench line, but despite three assaults and dedly hand to hand combat, were unable to carry the position and were driven back. Enemy casualties were listed at 1200, with friendly casualties 120 killed, 150 wounded. Unfortuneatly, the 240mm Howitzers of the 1st Independent Artillery Rgt were all knocked out, save one.


155mm Howitzers M1918 fire at approaching Japanese troops, 8 June 1926

War in the Pacific
Japanese troops continued to engae American infantry on Guam. The Americans are holding, but as reported by the commander "...[the] issue in doubt."

Japanese destroyers today inflicted medium damage on the submarine S-31. A casualty report has been filed by its commander via wireless, noting that 3 crewmen were injured when the galley caught fire. The sub is still seaworthy, but will probably be ordered to s asafe harbor in the Philippines or China for repairs.

[Terminus]

Severe clashes at the Lingayen perimeter continued today, with artillery exchanges of all calibers, including the heavy guns of six battleships of the Imperial fleet, and still the defenders stubbornly refuse to be dislodged. They must soon realise the folly of this stand.

In the southern part of Luzon, troops of the 18th Infantry Division attacked the enemy positions around the town of Naga. Whilst Intelligence estimates that the town is only garrisoned by a small number of support troops, they do have the advantage of prepared positions, and will take a little effort to eject.

Finally, the town of Aparri was secured without organised enemy resistance.

On Guam, Imperial troops began making headway against the stubborn enemy defenders. It will only be a matter of time before our crushing superiority of numbers decides the issue.

At sea, the main focus was on submarine action today, with as many as six enemy boats sighted at Lingayen, west of Batan Island, and even off Kobe harbour itself! Off Batan Island, the steamer Canberra Maru was even struck by a single enemy torpedo, though this didn't prevent her from continuing on her voyage.

Finally, an odd news item. Last night, residents of the island of Ikitsuki were awakened by a loud explosion. It transpired that at least one of the mines in the defensive minefield previously laid there had detonated. The odd part is that no friendly vessel was in the area, and surely no enemy surface ship captain would be foolish enough to penetrate that far into the waters around the Home Islands?

[Tankerace]

9 June 1926, New York Times.
Yanks Go Over the Top!
The Japanese have advanced into the outskirts of the city of Naga in the Philippines,launching a massive attack. They were rebuffed, and as they fell back, a loud whistle was heard as Two US Army Rifle Companies went 'Over the top'. The attack was a futile gesture, and after advancing 40 yards the attacking US Infantry withdrew to their trenches. Elsewhere in the Philippines, the Japanese landed at and secured the city of Aparri. American ground forces are still dug in at Lingayen, unwilling to give up an inch of ground "We'll hold till the cavalry comes, or till hell freezes over!" quipped a platoon leader in the 15th Infantry.


US Troops in Naga waiting to go over the top - 9 June 1926.

Marines set Sail!
Today the 1st Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Brigade boarded troop ships, and will sail tomorrow morning for an undisclosed destination. The Devil Dogs, in an effort to boost morale, marched through the city of San Diego. They were greeted with a cheering crowd so large that the mayor considered making the day a holiday. As the troops marched, their regimental band played a familiar tune, and they were soon joined by the crowd in singing. Patriotism was so high, as was recruitment after the Marines left, one recruiter said "A few more, and we'll have six full divisions here by tomorrow!"

Click Here for their tune!


Troops of the 2nd Marine Brigade Marching through the streets of San Diego, with a crowd not seen since 1919.

War at Sea
Lingayen was blasted today by Japanese battleships, and carrier planes bombed Bataan. Guam was also blasted, and despite heavy losses and being outnumbered, managed to hold out. 2 pilots of Flight L, USMC, stationeed on Guam strafed a Japanese armored cruiser. Little damage was inflicted, but the courageous act is being rumored as consideration for a Medal of Honor. The Navy confirmed today that the destroyer Noa ran afoul of a mine, though they refused to disclose where the destroyer was stationed.

[Terminus]

The headline says it: the commander of Imperial troops on Guam today accepted the surrender of the remnants of the enemy garrison on that island. A number of aircraft were found burned at the aerodrome.

On Luzon, a second day of attacks on enemy positions at Naga overran another set of defences. A final enemy redoubt remains before we have secured the town.

At sea, today was characterised by submarine actions at Kobe, Kure and Lingayen Gulf, as our forces continue to deal with the underwater interlopers.

As regards losses, a destroyer and a cargo ship were both beached at Lingayen, when it became clear that the extensive damage caused by enemy coastal defences would preclude them from returning to their base. Fortunately, it seems that the last of the enemy heavy howitzers have been silenced.

[Tankerace]

Sorry for the delay, been out of town and working on 1.2, not a lot of time to play.

10 June 1926, New York Times

Guam Falls To Japan!
A Major setback today, as the garrison on the island of Guam surrendered to Imperial Japanese Forces. The base held out longer than anticipated, but was doomed the moment enemy troops set foot on the island. 1,200 US troops and engineers were captured when the base fell.

Action in the Philippines
Japanese forces launched a heavy assault at the city of Naga, but American riflemen were able to beat back the assault at heavy cost. It is unclear whether or not they can hold another attack.

In Luzon, the American and Filipino units at Lingayen came under heavy bombarment today. Their 240mm Howitzers have all been silenced, but 75mm and 155mm guns continue to blast away. As Admiral Hart, commander of the US Asiatic Fleet commented, "Every day they hold the line is another day we can build our defenses, and it gives our fleet another day to arrive. Numerical superiority may be on the side of Japan, but equipment, the terrain, and most importantly time are on our side."

[Terminus]

Both at Lingayen and Naga, another day of our attacks were beaten back by enemy defences. Most disturbing; however, we landed more troops at San Marcellino today, in order to turn the flank of the enemy forces at Lingayen. They now face the choice of either retreating, or being pocketed in their own defensive perimeter.

At sea, a few rounds of inconclusive submarine action around the coastlines of Luzon were all that happened today.

[Tankerace]

11 June 1926, New York Times

Yanks Rebuf Japanese Assaults in the Philippines!
Today Japan launched a series of "Banzai" attacks at our positions at Naga and Lingayen. The Naga positions held, but are slowly being driven back. At Lingayen, an estimated 3,000 Japanese soldiers were killed by the machine guns and artillery of the American and Filipino Defenders. However, late in the night, Japanese troops came ashore at San Marcelino, 60 miles to the west of the American positions. It is obvious the intent is to flank the Americans, but our boys have no intention of leaving. "I dug this foxhole," said Pvt. Wellingsford of the 31st US Infantry, "and I'll leave it when them Jap[anese]s carry my dead body out of it. So long as I have bullets in and a bayonet on my '03, I will hold this position." It seems that is the attitude along the whole of the perimeter. Out numbered and outgunned, the "Battling Bastards of Luzon" have repelled several wave assaults, holding out longer than anyone expected them too.

[Terminus]

The troop transport Fukko Maru was struck by no less than 4 torpedoes last night, some 50 miles west of Kobe harbour. Needless to say, she sank very quickly.

Also on the submarine front, the cruiser USS Huron was struck west of Legaspi, unfortunately by only a single 45cm torpedo, and was able to sail on.

On land, San Marcellino was taken without a fight, and the operation to outflank the main enemy force at Lingayen is now underway. We shall see whether the enemy's brave rhetoric will sustain them once they're surrounded.

[Tankerace]

12 June 1926, New York Times

Submarine Bags Japanese Transport!
Less than 15 miles off the coast of Imperial Japan, the American Submarine S-41 spotted a convoy of Japanese troop ships, apparently unescorted. Making a surface attack, the boat put no less than four torpedoes into a large troop ship. The enemy transport capsized very quickly, and was assumed to be carrying an Engineer unit, as Bridging equipment and trucks were noted to be lashed to the deck. The Submarine attempted to pick up a few prisoners, but was forced to submerge when an enemy minelayer came to investigate. Four torpedoes were fired at the minelayer, to no success.


USS S-41 (SS-146) Off Tientsin, China, prewar.

American Cruiser Torpedoed in the Philippines!
The American Armored cruiser Huron (Formerly USS South Dakota) was hit by a torpedo off the Philippines. The amount of damage sustained was undetermined, but despite a list the ship was able to make a good 12 knots. The enemy submarine was undetected, but the cruiser is in no danger of sinking.


Cruiser Huron at anchor in Manila, 3 days after war was declared.

[Terminus]

Moving on briskly, a small sea battle was fought off the coast of Luzon, near San Marcellino, between one of our battle squadrons and a small group of enemy cargo steamers, "escorted" by a pair of American minesweepers. We can only assume that they were trying to escape from the Philippines, but it was not to be. While only two enemy vessels, Philippino cargo ships Capillo and Compagnia Filipinas were sunk outright, the accompanying screenshot shows that more can be safely expected to sink in the following days.



Southwest of Manilla, the American cruiser New Orleans was struck by a single torpedo, fired from submarine No. 43. Once again, the inferior explosive power of the Navy's 45cm torpedo was made abundantly clear, as the enemy ship sailed on, despite having several fires ignited by the torpedo. A board has been set up by Navy High Command to study new, more powerful, torpedo designs for our submarines.

At Lingayen, our forces are seeing signs of enemy troops abandoning their defensive positions. The opposition has wisely decided to attempt to escape the impending encirclement by our soldiers landed at San Marcellino a few days ago.

[Tankerace]

13 June 1926, New York Times.

Crisis in the Philippines!
Today marks a crisis in the Philippinnes. The Valiant force at Lingayen had inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, and could have held out for another week at least. However, the Japanese have turned their flank, and an organized withdrawl to phase line Baker has been ordered.

The United States Armed Forcess, Far East Command has today announced that all ships, aircraft, and salvagable equipment are to be sent to US Bases in China. Several convoys have already left Manila, unfortuneatly, one convoy was attacked during the day by Japanese battleships. Two ships were sunk outright, and the rest which are badly damaged are going to attempt to seek internment in Hong Kong. The fleet was carrying an estimated 10,000 tons of fuel. When asked how bad the damage was, Admiral Hart, commander US Asiatic Fleet replied "Our forces in China have enough provisions. The intent was to make sure the oil and coal didn't fall into Japanese hands. At our bases, or at the bottom of the ocean, the objectice is complete."

At Naga, US troops again withstood a heavy assault, but soon they too will be ordered to withdraw, to phase line Easy.

When asked if the Phlippines could hold, Admiral Hart responded "If the fleet arrives, we have a chance. But we will hold out for as long as it takes, in the fortress of CENSORED BY THE US GOVERNMENT.

In other news, the US Cruiser/Gunboat New Orleans was struck by a torpedo. She is still seaworthy, but will require yard time to be ready for action again.

[Terminus]

Several more enemy vessels fleeing the Philippines were found and sunk today. During the night, our ships at San Marcellino reestablished contact with the enemy convoy that was savaged yesterday. In another extremely one-sided battle, US minesweeper Avocet, along with steamers Bisayas, Palawan and Ethel Edwards, were sunk.

After daybreak, another small group of enemy vessels was detected west of Batan Island by our ships. The destroyer Edwards, destroyer tender Black Hawk and submarine tender Beaver were all summarily sent to the bottom.

On land, enemy forces continue to evacuate the Lingayen perimeter, as our troops there prepare to take up the pursuit. Elsewhere, Imperial Rikusentai landed on Batan Island, bypassed during the initial invasion wave, and forced the small garrison of US support troops to surrender without a fight.

[Tankerace]

14 June 1926, New York Times

Naval Disaster in the Philippinnes!

After being mauled by enemy battleships last night, convoy HSX-19 fragmented, each ship making for watever harbor they could. Some were sent to Hong Kong, others to China, and others to be scuttled as breakwaters in Manila. Unfortuneatly, a large group of heavily wounded stragglers was sighted and sunk by enemy forces. The ships were carrying oil and coal fuel, as well as surviving US aeroplanes out of the besieged islands.

In other news, the badly damaged destroyer Stewart, an early casualty of war, was being towed by the destroyer tender Black Hawk and submarine tender beaver, enroute to Shanghai. However, in the middle of the south China Sea, approx 90 miles east of Batan Island (So much for no mid ocean intercepts, they were spotted by a group of Japanese battleships. Refusing to surrender, the battered ships fought back, until all three were sunk.

Lingayen pullout almost completed!
All US troops, with the exception of the 31st Infantry and the sole surviving howitzer of the 1st Independent Artillery Regiment, have made good their escape from Lingayen. These forces will now fall back to prepared positions, prepared to hold until the US fleet can arrive.

Subs spotted off Wake Island.... Invasion Imminent?
Early yesterday an enemy submarine was spotted off Wake Island. It is now wondered if Japan is turning her eye eastward. The US fleet has been ordered to sail from Pearl Harbor on 12 hours notice.

[Terminus]

It's almost scary, actually. Our naval forces continued to wreak havoc upon the fleeing enemy ships, engaging with both surface, submarine and carrier air forces. In at least a dozen separate engagements, the following enemy ships were sunk:

Destroyer Peary
Gunboats Callao, Marie Duque, Bobol, Romblon, Samar, Pampagna and Asheville
Cargo steamer Corregidor

In addition, the first enemy submarine to be sunk, the American S-2, was accounted for by our ASW forces at the mouth of Lingayen Gulf.

Our torpedo planes hit the previously damaged USS Albany at least once, but that didn't keep her from temporarily escaping the surface forces that tried to intercept her. At 23,000 yards, even an old clunker like the Albany can bounce a 30.5cm shell.

On land, things are in motion. Lingayen, Naga and Tuguegarao all fell today.

(Sorry for the lack of screenies; it's late, and there was just SO many engagements in this turn).

[Tankerace]

15 June 1926, New York Times

US Asiatic Fleet DESTROYED!!!!
Today the remnants of the US Asiatic Fleet based in the Philippinnes attempted to make a dash through the Japanese blockade. Several undamaged destroyers escaped, but numerous ships of all types were sunk (see Terminus' post). In addition, wireless contact was lost with the submarine S-2 this afternoon.

Lingayen Withdrawl completed
The last of the US infantry had just pulled out, leaving only a few spiked howitzers, when the Japanese launched yet another banzai attack. Some stragglers, mainly crewmen of the derilect pieces, were captured. Lingayen is now in enemy hands. At Naga, the forces their had begun withdrawing to Manila when the Japanese launched a Banzai attack there. One infantry unit had already left the area, but the second one was routed, as the attack came from behind. Those US forces are now in full retreat towards Manila.

Congress Demands Action!
With news of defeat everywhere, today the Senate demanded action. The Chief of Staff, aswell as the CNO, were ordered to produce a plan "Whereby US troops will take and secure an enemy held island at the earliest opportune time."


Jebus.... If I had evaced to Australia it wouldn't have been bad.... damn neutrals!

[Alikchi2]

Keep it up guys.. this is a good read. [:)]

[Terminus]

The wholesale slaughter of the enemy ships around Luzon seems to be over for now. Today, we capped it off by finally sinking the cruiser Albany through submarine action. Also, wireless intercept units on Luzon caught the SOS from the minesweeper Heron as she was sinking near San Marcellino.

At Midway, a much larger prize escaped us as the US battlecruiser Ticonderoga managed to evade a spread of submarine torpedoes. Next time...

Off Takamatsu, on the island of Shikoku, the hunt for an elusive American submarine continues, with our ASW forces claiming at least one solid hit today. Only 5-10 more to go!

On Mindanao, Philippino forces attempted an attack on our lines at Davao. It is unclear whether this was meant as a serious attack to retake the city (obviously impossible by now), or a spoiling action, intended to delay our advance into the island. Whatever it was, it will fail.

[Tankerace]

16 June 1926, New York Times.

Cruiser Albany Sunk!

The cruiser USS Albany, a veteran of the Spanish American War of 1898, was today sunk by submarine torpedoes. The ship sank fairly quickly (she was already damaged by a torpedo earlier), but a good many of the crew were saved.

During the night, the minesweeper Heron also succumbed to wounds received earlier in action with Japanese battleships.


The cruiser Albany, as seen during the Spanish American War, sank today.

Invasions of Midway and Wake imminent?
Today, a Japanese submarine made an unsuccessful torpedo attack on the battlecruiser Ticonderoga off Midway island. Washington is now ordering plans to retake the islands should they fall. When asked if the fleet was there in preparation for a Philippine relief mission, the commander of the US Battle Fleet stated "With the fall of Guam earlier this month, and the ill prepared army, a relief expedition is unlikely, although not impossible.

Filipno Division Routed!
The Philippine Reserve Divisions today attacked the Japanese held city of Davao on Mindanao. The Division had orders to make a "Light spoiling attack", in an effort to test enemy strength and to exert pressure. Unfortuneatly, the Filipinos mounted a massive bayonet attack, and outnumbered 6 to 1, were slaughtered. The Division has all but been destroyed, and is retreating into the hills to set up guerilla warfare.

[Terminus]

The Philippino Reserve Division, savagely mauled during its ill-advised attack on Davao yesterday was ejected from the town today, helped along by the troops of the 6th Infantry Division. We will soon flush the rats from their holes and finish them off.

Elsewhere, little or no activity. It seems both sides are catching their breath, getting ready for the next moves.

On the domestic front, the Imperial Ministry of State for Interior Affairs today announced new measures designed to deter espionage and other treasonous activities during the current time of crisis. Any citizen suspected of aiding and abetting the enemy in any way, whether through action or inaction, will be subject to summary execution.