Dispatches From the Pacific CHS 2.08, scen 159 vs Chez

[bradfordkay]

Japanese light and escort carriers tighten the noose. Surely they must be running low on torpedoes!

[bradfordkay]

14 Dec, 1941
0825
Hong Kong

An hour ago the Japanese broke through the Gin Drinker's Line and are pouring into Kowloon in great numbers, estimated at two divisions in strength. We are attempting to set up beach defenses on Hong Kong Island itself.

C. Wallis, Brig. Gen'l







Dec 14, 1941
1540
Manila, PI

Enemy aircraft operating out of captured airstrips at Lingayen and Davao struck at our positions today. I have decided to relocate the heavy bombers to Soerbaja, in answer to a request by Gen Wavell at ABDA HQ. Half of the B17s have remained behind in an inoperable state. What would be helpful would be the Banshees that were promised this command before the balloon went up. Is there any eta on that shipment?

D. MacArthur, Gen'l
USAFFE






14 Dec, 1941
1630
Batavia, NEI

Twin engined torpedo bombers operating from Kuching have continued to play havoc with shipping between here and Singapore. Unless a counter can be found for this menace, the area will have to be vacated by our naval forces. Aerial reinforcements are of the utmost priority at this time.

A P Wavell, Gen'l
commanding ABDA forces





14 Dec, 1941
2115
Hong Kong

Japanese troops crossed the Lye Mun Passage in strength this afternoon, and swept past our rudimentary defenses. It is with great regret that I am announcing that I will ask for a parlay with the enemy commander, as I see no sense in the ruination that would be visited upon His Majesty's subjects of Hong Kong should we continue a doomed fight. God Save the King and preserve the Empire!

C. Wallis, Brig. Gen'l

[bradfordkay]

Dec 14, 1941
1300
Pearl Harbor

It has been two days since we have had any sightings of the Japanese carriers. The last sighting, which is of questionable quality, placed the KB between Laysan Is and Kwajalein. If this was indeed the Kido Butai, then it is unlikely that they will be able to replenish any aircraft ordnance unless they continue on to the naval base at Truk. Of course, it is highly possible that they spent so little of their strike capacity on Oahu that they have no qualms about chasing Halsey with what they have. At any rate, Halsey has been ordered to Christmas Is, to rendezvous with RAdm Bellinger and the Saratoga - said rendezvous still at least four days distant.

TF1278 left Pearl today, bound for Canton Is with the 4th Marine Defense Battalion. TF1238 is in San Diego, loading the 2d Mar Def Bttn for Palmyra Is. TF1113 is in Seattle, loading the 161st RCT for Midway Is.


H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac








15 Dec, 1941
1820
Melbourne

Hudsons from 2/24 Flt RAAF, based at Rabaul, sighted and attacked the Japanese battleship Mutsu at Emirau Is this afternoon. It is unknown if the Japanese were intending to land at Emirau or whether they are headed to Rabaul or New Guinea. The Katoomba has been ordered to leave behind any remaining supplies at Lae and take the NVGR Bttn to Milne Bay.

T. A. Blamey, Gen'l








Dec 15, 1941
1740
Manila, PI

Japanese air forces continued to strike at our airbases today, and their ground forces are probing at Lucena, 60 miles SE of Manila. The 51st PA Res Div is under orders to delay the enemy advance, but not to get caught in a serious fight. I would rather they withdraw into the prepared positions outside Manila for the real fight. President Quezon and I discussed the question of declaring Manila to be an open city, should the 51st be driven back. I feel that it would be impossible to salvage enough of the military stores from Manila to support the army on Bataan, so my inclination is to fight for the city. I reminded the President that I no longer answer to the Philippine government, but rather to Washington.

The evacuation of Adm Hart's Asiatic Fleet Headquarters is underway. He believes that the Japanese light carriers have had to withdraw for replenishment operations and so now is the best time to make this move. His force is split among several task forces taking various routes to Darwin, hoping in this way to avoid having the fleet caught in one big attack. I am not sure that this is the best way to go, but Adm Hart is in charge of naval operations so I will not argue the point. I have given three squadrons of fighters orders to cover this move.

Douglas MacArthur,
Gen'l
USAFFE

[marky]

good stuff!

[bradfordkay]

Dec 15, 1941
1530
Pearl Harbor

Our expectation that the Japanese submarine force would follow pre-war doctrine and act as a screening force for their battle fleets appears to be in error. Enemy submarines continue to prey on shipping in Hawaiian waters as well as the shipping lanes between the west coast and the central Pacific areas. As well, we have received reports of aggressive enemy submarine operations in the Singapore/Palembang areas. One can only surmise that they have received coaching from the Kriegsmarine, as Japanese efforts appear to be mirroring those of the U-boats off our eastern coast.


As the ships become available, we will increase the number of ASW task groups in use. Royal Navy advisors tell us that the optimum size is only four to six vessels per hunter-killer group. More ships than that clutter up the sonar picture, according to the RN experts.


H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac







Dec 16, 1941
1815
Manila, PI

Japanese air forces struck again at Cagayan and Manila today, causing moderate damage. Our interceptors continue to be ineffective.

Aerial search aircraft report an enemy carrier moving east from French Indochina today. Could it be that Adm Hart miscalculated? He is aboard transport at this time, and could be in serious danger should this carrier find his fleet.

Douglas MacArthur
Gen'l
USAFFE







16 Dec, 1941
1800
Singapore

The enemy has condicted several heavy airstrikes on our bases at Alor Star and Georgetown today. Once again the Brewster Buffalo has proven unable to match the Zero fighter, with losses of five BUffalo versus no Zeros shot down. It is imperative that we receive more modern aircraft if Singapore and Malaya are to defeat the enemy invasion.

The Japanese forces at Mersing attacked today and were repulsed for the main part, but one of our redoubts was overrun. With one end of the line having been turned, I feel it best to order the Australian troops to retire upon Johore Bahru while still in good order, rather than risk having them break under the stress of trying to hold the line too long. Soon Singapore will be on its own, and the rest of the army will be centered on Georgetown and Kuala Lumpur.

A. E. Percival
Lt Gen'l

[bradfordkay]

Dec 16, 1941
1625
Pearl Harbor

Aerial search aircraft report sighting IJN cruisers at Baker Is, with lighters shuttling to the island. Since we have been unable to make contact with civil authorities on Baker, we can only assume that the enemy has occupied this island. Our sealanes to Canton Is are now under threat.

H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac








17 Dec, 1941
1800
Melbourne

Several enemy naval formations have been sighted in the Kavieng/Emirau Is area. No 11 Squadron RAAF has been tasked with airlifting the remaining troops from Kavieng. Their Empire flying boats should prove perfect for this task.

T. A. Blamey, Gen'l






Dec 17, 1941
1745
Manila, PI

We have received reports of several attacks by carrier aircraft against transport forces in the Sulu Sea. It is beginning to be apparent that Admiral Hart was suckered by the IJN into prematurely attempting escape. It remains to be seen whether his commmand will reach port safely.

Enemy troops have moved across the Agno River towards Panioui, on the road to Tarlac (and Clark Field). It is unknown if contact has been lost with the 21st PA Res Div, 86th US Fd Atty Bttn and 8th PAF BF - all of whom have been marching from Baguio towards our lines on the Luzon plain.

D. MacArthur
Gen'l, USAFFE







17 Dec, 1941
1900
Singapore

The enemy continues to press the AIF lines at Mersing, making it difficult for them to safely disengage and withdraw. If the line breaks on the morrow, there are no troops anywhere near who can fill the breach.

With the majority of the Malayan air forces now pulled back into bases around Singapore, we are attempting to evacuate skilled aircraft maintenance crews from Georgetown and, hopefully, the rest of northern Malaya.

These measures would not have been necessary had SEAC seen fit to send the 18th Division into Malaya as originally planned.

A. E. Percival
Lt Gen'l





The situation in the Sulu Sea

[bradfordkay]

Dec 17, 1941
1330
Pearl Harbor

TF1278, carrying the 4th Mar Def Bttn, has been ordered to take a circular route to Canton Is in order to avoid aircraft from the new enemy base at Baker Is.

Halsey and Bellinger should rendezvous tomorrow at Christmas Is. We have two replenishment TFs that should be there by tomorrow as well as a three cruisers and six modern destroyers to become Saratoga's escort (allowing the older four pipers to be released for convoy duty).

H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac








18 Dec, 1941
1650
Melbourne

Japanese troops landed at Rabaul today, following an overnight bombardment by the battleship Mutsu and several heavy cruisers. We have ordered the aircraft to return to Townsville and Port Moresby as a result. All transport ships in the area have been requested to participate in the evacuation of troops.

T. A. Blamey, Gen'l






Dec 18, 1941
1800
Manila, PI

The enemy light carriers continue to strike at the transports carrying Asiatic Fleet HQ to points south. Several ships have been diverted to nearby ports to offload men before the ships sink. More transports will be needed to rescue these men.

D. MacArthur, Gen'l
USAFFE







18 Dec, 1941
1915
Singapore

The australian brigades were pushed out of Mersing today, retreating to Johore Bahru. They will try to rest there and delay the enemy forces so as to allow more of the Malayan army to reach Singapore, if possible. All air units have been withdrawn into fortress Singapore for the time being.


A. E. Percival
Lt Gen'l

[marky]

things are heatin up[:D]

[bradfordkay]

19 Dec, 1941
2015
Melbourne

A Japanese surface action group consisting of one light cruiser and three destroyers caught two small freighters trying to evacuate troops from Rabaul. The schooner Lakatoi was sunk and the tramp steamer Malaita is unlikely to make port. It is unfortunate that we haveno ships close enough to rescue any survivors.

The 7th Bde is disembarking at Luganville, on Espritu Santo island. 2/3 Independent Company has reached Noumea, New Caledonia and should start disembarking overnight.

T. A. Blamey, Gen'l








Dec 19, 1941
1830
Manila, PI

The last USAFFE troops in Baguio have reached our lines on the Luzon plain, and should help hold the line in front of our main base at Clark Field. The 51st PA Res Div has reached the lines in front of Manila and are digging in there. USAFFE forces on Luzon Island have now been forced into a defensive perimeter consisting of the Bataan Peninsula, the Luzon plain around Clark Field and the environs of Manila city. This is a strong position, and should hold until reinforcements arrive - if they are not witheld from this important campaign. I have yet to hear any definite word on reinforcement composition and arrival dates. Please tell me that Franklin hasn't turned a military decision into a political one.

Douglas MacArthur
Gen'l
USAFFE







19 Dec, 1941
1800
Singapore

Today our air forces struck hard at enemy shipping off the northeast coast of Malaya, claiming eight bomb hits and two torpedo hits on enemy transports. I suppose that practice improves the aim, and am ashamed of the miserly rstrictions this command had placed on target practice flights before the war.

A. E. Percival
Lt Gen'l







19 Dec, 1941
1845
Chittagong, India

SEAsia Command has been relocated into quarters in the Chittagong area. I feel that we can better support the defense of Burma from this location (as opposed to Colombo on Ceylon).

All forces have been withdrawn from bases at Victoria Point and Tavoy in southern Burma. It was felt that these bases were too isolated to defend properly. We are in the process of emplacing heavy mine barrages at all ports in the Andaman Sea area. So far Rangoon and Moulmein have received their first installments, the minelayer Teviotbank is loading for Victoria Point today. Next on the list will be Tavoy and Pt Blair.

This command would like to remind Gen'l Percival that transport for the 18th Division is just now arriving in Karachi. If his forces cannot provide proper air cover for the convoy it will be impossible to disembark them in Malaya. He is also to be reminded that in all of SEAsia there is only one more RAF fighter squadron, period (No 67 Squadron at Rangoon, consisting of 15 Buffalo I fighters - the aircraft he is so fond of disparaging), beyond the ones he has in Malaya. China Command has been more htan reluctant to release any AVG squadrons from protecting the Burma Road, but if we can talk them into taking over the defense of Rangoon it may be possible to release No 67 Squadron.

LT Gen'l Pownall
SEAsia Command






I wanted to post this screenshot. This is the computer generated route for an AP and DMS returning from Canton Is to Pearl Harbor. I've seen the computer route transports around reported subs in the past, but not by this much. Could there be something more in the way (like enemy carriers)??

[denisonh]

Could be. I never thought that CV TFs would impact the hex air balance numbers (that is what I am assuming in making the modification to the normal straight route to PH)

[bradfordkay]

Dec 19, 1941
1600
Pearl Harbor

Signals intelligence indicates that the Japs have about 50,000 men based at Maloelap. Being as this seems to be a high number of troops for such a small island, we can only surmise that these men are intended to invade/occupy more of our possessions in the central Pacific region - most likely along the supply route to Australia. It is a question as to whether our reinforcements will reach the important bases soon enough. The 4th Mar Def Bttn is well on its way to Canton Is, but that is still just a relatively small unit to hold off a major invasion. Keep in mind that Wake Island held a detachment of a Marine Defense Battallion and fell in one day.

The 2d Mar Def Bttn is on its way to Palmyra Is and the 161st RCT is on its way to Midway IS, but the convoys carrying these troops are only a few hundred miles off the US west coast at present. It will be awhile before they can reach their destinations. The 3d Mar Def Bttn is on Oahu, awaiting transport to Johnson Is.

We are in great need of transport vessels, preferably fast ones, and escort vessels. It would be of great assistance if some of the army's Regimental Combat Teams based on the west coast and in Panama could be released for use in protecting the Pacific Islands, particularly Palmyra, Canton, Pago Pago, Penrhn, Bora Bora, Espiritu Santo, Efate and New Caledonia. I realize that the army is still just mobilizing, but all due speed is required to thwart the enemy advance.

H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac






20 Dec, 1941
1915
Melbourne

The battle for Rabaul is in full swing. Enemy forces have expended their toehold into a strong foothold, and we expect to hear of that location falling any day now. The IJN controls the approaches to Rabaul, having far greater strength there than in the entire ANZAC fleet. It is with great regret that we have decided not to send in the navy, as we feel it best to save it for more important operations.

T. A. Blamey, Gen'l






Dec 20, 1941
1830
Manila, PI

Enemy troops have occupied the evacuated city of Cotobato in Mindanao Island today. We are pulling all forces on the island into a perimeter around Cagayan, and are in the process of reinforcing it with the 73d PA Res Rgt from Damaguete. IF time and transport permit, we intend to shuttle in the 93d PA Res Rgt from Tacloban as well. The enemy has been arriving in great force wherever he lands, and so having many small detachments everywhere is only losing us our troops piecemeal. I intend to try to hold Manila/Bataan and Cagayan until reinforcements arrive. They are coming, are they not?

D. MacArthur, Gen'l
USAFFE





20 Dec, 1941
1800
Singapore

At present the enemy seems satisfied with consolodating his forces at Mersing, while recon tells us that his troops are advancing across the central highlands towards Taiping. The RAF's W Flight has been harrassing the advancing troops, but I fear that is all the results they have achieved, with significant loss. I feel it is time to concnetrate our troops in the Georgetown/Alor Star area, though I am loathe to leave the city of Kuala Lampur open.

Japanese submarines and torpedo bombers (based at Kuching aerodrome) have been laying waste to any and all convoys attempting to reach Singers. Cannot this airbase be shut down? I have been informed that the US heavy bombers have relocated to Soerbaja. Perhaps we could coordinate an attack between those bombers and our Blenheims?

A. E. Percival
Lt Gen'l

[bradfordkay]

"Could be. I never thought that CV TFs would impact the hex air balance numbers (that is what I am assuming in making the modification to the normal straight route to PH)"

Well, it would be the first time that I have seen air balance affect the routing of a transport TF if that is the case (interestingly enough, it's an empty transport TF - so maybe therein lies the difference!). I'm beginning to believe that it is merely an overreaction to the submarine reported there. Maybe the AI is getting smart enough to allow for sub movement in re-routing TFs...

[bradfordkay]

Dec 20, 1941
1830
Pearl Harbor

Thirty six B25C medium bombers were offloaded on Oahu today, allowing the army to upgrade three B18 squadrons. The airmen seem somehwat resentful, as they apparently had been studying the manuals for the B17E for weeks in expectation that they would receive that fine aircraft. They are aware that the B25 can operate from the smaller airfields we have in the central pacific area, but feel that the range of the B17 would make it the prefered choice.

That is, of course, if there were B17s available for use, but they seem to be in limited supply.

Japanese submarines have been sighted as far east as the approaches to San Francisco and as far south as Fijian waters. This places a premium on escorts, which are also in somewhat limited supply, so I fear that there will be a few unescorted supply convoys. We will strive to provide escort for all important convoys.

H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac






21 Dec, 1941
1715
Melbourne

Our troops were forced to retreat from Rabaul today, taking the jungle track to Gasmata. We have a few coastal freighters headed to collect them as soon as possible, using what native ports to which they might find access.

T. A. Blamey, Gen'l





Dec 21, 1941
1800
Manila, PI

The Jap continues to mass his forces for an assault on our lines on the Manila plain. It is unknown if our prepared positions will hold him at bay, but we are also preparing positions on the Bataan Peninsula and on the outskirts of Manila - both locations providing superior defensive advantages.

Last night a squadron of Filipino torpedo boats patrolling the waters off Cagayan encountered a large IJN surface combat group. Their commander, a Lt. Rubio, claims to have recognized the battleships Ise, Hyuga, Fuso and Yamashiro as well as a pair of light cruisers with destroyer escort. The filipino sailors managed to put a torpedo into a destroyer and withdrew with negligible damage. Search aircraft have sighted the Japanese ships retiring towards Davao with the destroyer trailing smoke.

Signals intelligence has confirmed that the Japanese heavy cruiser Maya, torpedoed off Bataan on December 11 by S-38, sank off Takao harbor. This is the first confirmed sinking of a capital ship on either side of this war.

D MacArthur, Gen'l
USAFFE




21 Dec, 1941
1945
Chittagong

Japanese forces were sighted approaching both Tavoy and Victoria Point today. It is unfortunate that our forces were unable to destroy the airstrip and port facilities before leaving, but it appears that they vacated just in time.

This will make it more difficult for the short ranged aircraft in Malaya to withdraw to Burma or India. Those unable to make the flight will be transferred to the NEI.

LT Gen'l Pownall
SEAsia Command



from the diary of Nurse Ensign Julie Hansen:
"It has been quite an exciting week. First we were rushed aboard the Malayan freighter Halldor with no time to prepare last Monday. Scuttlebutt said that Admiral Hart had information that the Japanese carriers terrorizing shipping amongst the islands were withdrawing for resupply and that we had a tiny window in which to get out. The ship steamed at high speed southwest across the Sulu Sea for a few days, during which we saw several carrier borne search aircraft. Two days ago, as we crossed the Celebes Sea east of Borneo, our luck ran out.

Oh! What a terrifying sight as the Japanese planes bore down upon us, carrying their deadly bombs. These were single engined torpedo aircraft, of a type most commonly used on carriers - according to that dashing Lt. John Chilcott (of Charleston, SC - he has the cutest drawl) from Fleet intellignece - so it appears that the carriers were quite a ways off. Five bombs hit our sturdy ship, causing great devastation and killing 150 passengers (including Sally Johnson and Becky Wahl from my section).

Our ship managed to crawl into the oil port of Balikpapan, where we disembarked and have since re-embarked upon the Dutch freighter Maetsuyker. Such a horrid name for a ship! I hope that after the carnage on the Halldor our new vessels name is no omen..."




A shot of the situation in the Philippines. Dec 20 turn.

The Asiatic Fleet HQ troops at Puerto Princessa were dropped off there by a sinking transport. A new vessel is attempting to cart them further along the way... This has already happened for Asiatic Fleet HQ forces dropped at Tarakan and Balikpapan by sinking freighters.

[bradfordkay]

Dec 21, 1941
1700
Pearl Harbor

Tragedy struck today about 240nm south of Kona today. The troop transport President Johnson was torpedoed and sank, with great loss of life. The escorting destroyer Rathburne rescued what men it could, but the 198th Fd Atty Bttn is effectively destroyed.

Magic intercepts have given us a destination off the California coast for the IJN fleet submarine I19. If any ASW forces can be spared, they should be sent to take advantage of this little intelligence coup.


H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac







Dec 22, 1941
1630
Manila, PI

Japanese bombers struck at shipping in Manila harbor today, sinking the destroyer Pillsbury which was preparing to escort the fleet oilers Pecos and Trinity to safety. The Trinity was also heavily damaged and may yet sink.

D. MacArthur, Gen'l
USAFFE







22 Dec, 1941
1815
Colombo

The freighter Colborne was torpedoed off Georgetown today while carrying troops of the 1st ISF Base Force to Ceylon. That ship has been ordered to Kuala, in hopes of offloading the soldiers before she sinks.

J. Sommerville, VAdm
Eastern Fleet

[Sardaukar]

Excellent format !! Keep it coming ! Interesting to see how Scen 159 is for PBEM.

[bradfordkay]

Chez and I have noticed that the bombers seem to get through almost everytime. In light of this, we have decided to drop the 60% maximum CAP rule, though the extra CAP will probably be of no avail. We are prepared for lots of shipping losses. I had spent a few months playing scen 159 vs the AI, and so was cognizant of this factor - this is why I've been reluctant to send Force Z rushing in against his Nell nests...

[bradfordkay]

Dec 22, 1941
1530
Pearl Harbor

It is with great pride that I can announce that all repairs to the airbases on Oahu have been completed. Our men have put forth a herculean effort to bring the facilities back to prime operating condition. With small but regular shipments arriving from the west coast, our air forces are also regaining strength rapidly. We are still short on first line fighter and heavy bomber aircraft, but I understand that is a situation we share with all US forces hroughout the theater.

Enemy submarines continue to plague Hawaiian waters. We have been keeping three ASW task groups busy the past two weeks, with no end in sight. It is my hope that once the air units have fully regained strength, this scourge can be driven from the area.

H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac







Dec 23, 1941
1745
Manila, PI

A third Japanese light carrier, the Zuiho, has been recognized among the forces blockading these islands. Earlier we had estimated that they had three light carriers in the area, and we have now identified the Ryujo, Taiyo and Zuiho in the area. I would not be surprised if he has others in the area, but none have been sighted as of yet.

The fleet oiler Pecos attempted to run the blockade today and was sunk by carrier borne torpedo planes. This attack has prompted the sub tender Canopus and her escorts (a minesweeper and a patrol craft) to strike east for the Philippine Sea in the hopes to proceed undetected.

D. MacArthur
Gen'l
USAFFE






23 Dec, 1941
1830
Batavia, Java, NEI

Japanese long range torpedo bombers continue to strike at all shipping in the norhtwestern Java Sea area, concentrating mainly on shipping in and out of Palembang and Singapore. The US heavy bombers have struck twice at the enemy airfields, with little effect. I suspect this is mainly due to the fact that only a handful of them have managed to reach our shores as of yet.

A convoy from Colombo carrying much needed arms and ammunition is due to arrive in Batavia in the next couple of days. We have ordered a squadron of 18 Brewster 339s to cover the approach of this vital shipment.

A P Wavell, Gen'l
commanding ABDA forces






23 Dec, 1941
1900
Chittagong

Our bases at Victoria Point and Tavoy were occupied by the Japanese today. Civil authorities were advised to cooperate with the occupiers rather than to risk raising their ire, as the Japanese soldier does not have a reputation for civility.


LT Gen'l Pownall
SEAsia Command

[bradfordkay]

Dec 23, 1941
1630
Pearl Harbor

Task force 1278, carrying the 4th Mar Def Bttn, has reached Canton Is today. Halsey's three carriers are moving into position to cover the disembarkation, though we seriously hope that this action will not be interrupted by a visit from the Kido Butai. The three carriers that we own in the Pacific can not stand up to a confrontation with the full KB.

Enemy search aircraft have been sighted a few hundred miles east of Hawaii, but they are not of a type that is known to be carried either on their aircraft carriers or other capital ships. Intel has fielded rumours that the Japanese navy has developed a submarine that can carry a search aircraft. It appears that the rumours are justified. It also appears that our shipping routes via Penrhyn Is and Bora Bora have been discovered. We had hoped that these woiuld be so far to the east that the Japanese would not think to send their subs that far.

We can only hope that their endurance is so low as to prevent them from staying on station for very long...


H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac







Dec 24, 1941
1945
Manila, PI

As we prepair to celebrate the traditional midnight mass on Christmas Eve, we find ourselves grateful to hold the majority of the central Luzon plain as well as Manila city and the Bataan peninsula. Cagayan and northern Mindanao are still in our hands, as is the rest of the Philippine archipelago. Enemy naval forces now control the Sulu Sea, making it difficult to bring in any more supplies or evacuate any forces in large numbers. It may be time to try to use air transport for evacuating non-essential personnel.

The freighter Norse Carrier was sunk off the north coast of Mindanao while continuing to shuttle troops of the 73d PA Res Rgt from Damaguete to Cagayan.

Douglas MacArthur
Gen'l
USAFFE






24 Dec, 1941
1900
Singapore

The evacuation of Kuantun is underway. With Japanese forces marching across the central highlands from Khota Bahru (thankfully on soggy, muddy tracks which have slowed them severely) the likelihood of our forces at Kuantun being completely cut off was too great. They have been ordered to Kuala Lumpur, probably to move on to Taipeng to halt the enemy movement there.

TF1230, consisting of several LCVPs and a few freighters, is carrying a portion of the 113th RAF Base Force to Trincomalee. Yesterday two freighters in this task force were sunk by enemy aircraft operating out of Indochina, but today there were no further attacks.

A. E. Percival
Lt Gen'l

[bradfordkay]

Dec 24, 1941
Pearl Harbor

The freighter Kahuka was torpedoed and sunk today northeast of Maui. It is somewhat fortunate that she had already delivered her important cargo of replacement aircraft to Oahu and was returning to San Francisco in ballast.

The fleet carrier Yorktown is due to transit the Panama Canal in the next day or so. However, she is arriving with an escort of only a very few destroyers. In Pearl the only suitable escorts we have ready for operations are the heavy cruiser Minneapolis and light cruiser Phoenix, plus a few Bagley and Mahan class destroyers. We usually prefer to have three cruisers in the carrier task forces, so the Yorktown will be low on anti-aircraft
gunnery protection, until we can either repair more ships damaged in the Dec 7th attack or bring some back from the southwest Pacific waters.

H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac







Dec 25, 1941
Manila, PI

The enemy has delivered his best Christmas wishes in the form of the opening of the battle for Clark Field. He has started with a heavy bombardment, but our losses have been minimal. Whether this is due to well prepared positions on our part or poor targetting on his part is still to be determined.

The naval blockade continues, with at least two light carrier task forces cruising in the southern portion of the archipelago.

D. MacArthur
Gen'l
USAFFE





25 Dec, 1941
Singapore

The aerodromes of fortress Singapore were hit heavily by air attack today, destroying several aircraft on the ground in addition to the Brewster fighters that were shot down while attmepting to stop the raiders. On the positive side, several repalcement aircraft flew in from Batavia, where they had been delivered by transport from Colombo. Our losses have been made good. Maybe this can turn the tide.

A. E. Percival
Lt Gen'l

[bradfordkay]

Dec 25, 1941
Pearl Harbor

Captain Hull of ASW TF1160 reports at least some joyous news on this blessed day: his ships located an IJN fleet submarine about 420nm ENE of Oahu and spent a few hours dropping it some Christmas presents, producing a large oil slick towards the end of the day. Lt Cmmdr Beck's ASW TF1025 also claims to have been diligently pestering an enemy submarine about 360nm NNW of Oahu, but saw no indication that they hit anything.

We have reinforced Midway island with the 436th Bombardment Squadron (B17Es) and a small detatchment of PBYs (what remains of VP44) in addition to VP21 (PBYs) already there. This should help provide iomproved early warnings of any new attempts to attack Hawaii.

VP23 (PBYs) was also sent to Canton Is from Palmyra, after the 26th B.S. was flown into that base from Oahu. Already based on Canton IS was No. 4 Squadron, RNZAF, consisting of 16 Hudson I light bombers - which have proven to be excellent naval reconaissance aircraft.

Based on Johnson Is we have VP22 (PBYs) and what remains of the 394th B.S. (6 B17Ds).

We shall soon be returning Admiral Halseys ships to Pearl Harbor for R&R and to upgrade Lexington's fighter squadron to F4F-3s (some of which will have to come from VMF211, who will then take over VF2's F2A Buffalos.

H. Kimmel, Adm
ComCenPac







Dec 26, 1941
Manila, PI

The submarine S-36 has finished its emergency repairs at Lamon Bay and is putting to sea to continue its patrol, albeit still suffering from the damage it received on Dec 10.

The escort carier Hosho was identified 120nm SW of Jolo Is, probably sailing in tandem with another escort or light carrier. The Japanese navy has been shuttling its small carriers in and out of Philippine waters so much in recent weeks that it is hard to keep track of which ship is where. We do know that another light/escort carrier group was sighted today 60nm SE of Tacloban, headed east - possibly back to Palau for replenishment.

D. MacArthur
Gen'l
USAFFE






26 Dec, 1941
Batavia, Java, NEI

For the past two days US B17s out of Soerbaja have struck at Kuching aerodrome in concert with Blenheim IVs and Hudson Is out of Singapore. Bomb damage assessment photos indicate approximately 1/5th of the runway has been cratered. In order to expand on this minor success, we have transfered about 16 RNEIAF Martin B139 bombers to Singkawang so that they can contribute to the damage.

The Dutch minelayer Pro Patria was torpedoed and sunk NE of Soerbaja today. This makes it two dutch and two british minelayers that have been sunk in nearby waters since the start of hostilities, resulting in a serious reduction in our ability to hurt the Japanese navy.

A P Wavell, Gen'l
commanding ABDA forces



Situation in PI, evening December 25th turn (Dec 26 in PI)