War Report 3/2/42
Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:36 am
War Report 3/02/42
Another great day for the Empire.
The typical activities occured. Allied Brewsters and Martins shot down over Miri. Assorted airstrikes in China.
East of Borneo a small flight of T.IVa's attacked the battleship Yamashiro, but no hits were scored, and all the T.IVa's went home with varying degrees of damage due to the large ship's ample AA batteries.
In the Phillipines, the order was given to make a strong push against Manilla. In the morning a massive airstrike targeted the few remaining strongpoints and severly limited the defenders abilities to hold their positions. In all, 13 Vals, 21 Kates, 23 Nates, 25 Sonias, 26 Sallies, and 54 Helens took part in the attacks. Right on the heels of this aerial bombardment, the Japanese infantry and armored units charged into the city easily overwelming the battle weary defenders of Manilla. Nearly 25,000 Phillipino and US soldiers were captured.[center]
[/center][center]Japanese tanks on victory parade through Manilla.[/center][center]
[/center][center]Several units surrendered at Manilla.[/center]
The Americans weren't the only ones to see defeats today though.
On orders from Gen Mantill, Betty bombers in Singapore were ordered to fly to Palembang and attack targets of opportunity. They were told to be on the lookout for Dutch light cruisers in the area since the Java and Tromp had been damaged prior and were believed to still be in the vicinity.
The first wave launched consisted of 31 Betty's and 8 Kates escorted by 27 Oscar fighters. Nearing Palembang a convoy of ships was spotted and attacked immediately. Nearly all of the ships were hit by at least one torpedo, the tanker Manvantara taking 3. The AK Poelau Tello was only hit by a bomb. By the time the bombers turned from home, the AK's Langkoeas, Kota Radja, and Tjikandi were all burning near the port. The Tjikandi was later confirmed sunk.
Shortly afterwards, a small group of Betties flew south again, hunting for cruisers. The Java was found and hit with one torpedo. As the second wing came in for attack the ship was already sliding beneath the waves.[center]
[/center][center]The Dutch CL Java sunk 3/2/1942.[/center]
Later in the afternoon a final strike of 37 Betties was launched. Flying farther south this time, they located the CL Tromp and managed to devastate the ship with 4 torpedoes. It promptly rolled over and gave up the ghost.[center]
[/center][center]Another Dutch CL, the Tromp. Also sunk 3/2/1942.[/center]
Feurer Krieg Area Report
Nells against hit the airfield at Lunga, more accurately this time, destroying a Catalina on the field. Allied Beuforts attacked Salamaua. The lead elements of ground forces from Suva began taking positions outside of Nandi base.
Sub Ops:
Nothing to report.
Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Martin 139 - 2
Brewster 339D - 2
PBY Catalina - 1
Imperial Air Force
Ki-21 Sally - 3
G3M Nell - 2
Ki-15 Babs - 1
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1
At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/23/0 (West Coast US)

Another great day for the Empire.
The typical activities occured. Allied Brewsters and Martins shot down over Miri. Assorted airstrikes in China.
East of Borneo a small flight of T.IVa's attacked the battleship Yamashiro, but no hits were scored, and all the T.IVa's went home with varying degrees of damage due to the large ship's ample AA batteries.
In the Phillipines, the order was given to make a strong push against Manilla. In the morning a massive airstrike targeted the few remaining strongpoints and severly limited the defenders abilities to hold their positions. In all, 13 Vals, 21 Kates, 23 Nates, 25 Sonias, 26 Sallies, and 54 Helens took part in the attacks. Right on the heels of this aerial bombardment, the Japanese infantry and armored units charged into the city easily overwelming the battle weary defenders of Manilla. Nearly 25,000 Phillipino and US soldiers were captured.[center]


The Americans weren't the only ones to see defeats today though.
On orders from Gen Mantill, Betty bombers in Singapore were ordered to fly to Palembang and attack targets of opportunity. They were told to be on the lookout for Dutch light cruisers in the area since the Java and Tromp had been damaged prior and were believed to still be in the vicinity.
The first wave launched consisted of 31 Betty's and 8 Kates escorted by 27 Oscar fighters. Nearing Palembang a convoy of ships was spotted and attacked immediately. Nearly all of the ships were hit by at least one torpedo, the tanker Manvantara taking 3. The AK Poelau Tello was only hit by a bomb. By the time the bombers turned from home, the AK's Langkoeas, Kota Radja, and Tjikandi were all burning near the port. The Tjikandi was later confirmed sunk.
Shortly afterwards, a small group of Betties flew south again, hunting for cruisers. The Java was found and hit with one torpedo. As the second wing came in for attack the ship was already sliding beneath the waves.[center]

Later in the afternoon a final strike of 37 Betties was launched. Flying farther south this time, they located the CL Tromp and managed to devastate the ship with 4 torpedoes. It promptly rolled over and gave up the ghost.[center]

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Nells against hit the airfield at Lunga, more accurately this time, destroying a Catalina on the field. Allied Beuforts attacked Salamaua. The lead elements of ground forces from Suva began taking positions outside of Nandi base.
Sub Ops:
Nothing to report.
Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Martin 139 - 2
Brewster 339D - 2
PBY Catalina - 1
Imperial Air Force
Ki-21 Sally - 3
G3M Nell - 2
Ki-15 Babs - 1
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1
At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/23/0 (West Coast US)
