"A Knife Fight in the Dark" - Prince v. Grunt

[6971grunt]

January 1, 1942:

The new year has brought more aggressive action by the Japanese in comparison to the last several days.

Honolulu reports that an ASW task force 60 miles to the southwest of Pearl Harbor spent a good portion of the day depth charging what was to have been the I-26. An SBD also reported hitting a Japanese submarine in that area while it was surfaced for air and reported it to the the I-26.

The Aussies reported earlier today that the huge naval harbor of Rabual was bombarded by Japanese air and naval forces the entire day. Landings are anticipated since a large task force was seen some 120 miles to the northwest of the harbor.

The Philippines disclosed that the city of Ormoc on the island of Leyte was invaded and it is fully expected to fall within the next day since the island has no forces to resist the Japanese incursion. Clark Field was again treated to a "double-wammy" of air bombardments and a banzai attack. The 65th IJA Infantry Brigade (rein.) again made a rush that was again rebuffed to the loss of over 300 of their men.

The Dutch reported no new landings, but another air strike was made on an IJN destroyer Harukaze near the port of Brunei. No hits on the destroyer were reported, but the ship did experience several near hits.

Southeast Asian Command reported that the AVG intercepted air units of the IJAF attacking the 1st Burma Brigade west of Rangoon. Without sustaining a loss, the famed P-40's of the "Flying Tigers" shot down 12 Nates and 5 Mary's. No losses were reported by the brigade.

Japanese military activity was reported to much more vigirous in China. General Stillwell's command indicated that the 13th IJA Infantry Divison re-crossed the river to the west of Wuhan and attacked the 48th Chinese Corps. However, the attack was blunted with the loss of over 1,000 Japanese. Additionally, the 26th IJA Infantry Division and the newly arrived IJA's Mongolian Cavalry Division attacked the 20th Group Army located some 60 miles to the northwest of Kaifeng. The Mongolian Cavalry Divison and the 26th Division were handled "roughly", as Stillwell put it, and forced the Mongolian Division to retreat back across the river leaving over 1,500 men and 19 guns on the battlefield.

[6971grunt]

January 2, 1942:

Associated Press had some mixed news to report today from MacArthur's headquarters in the Philippines. The souther city of Cagayan, on the island of Mindano, fell to the Japanese 56th Infantry Brigade. Philippino and United States Army forces removed themselves to the town of Butuan where they apprear to be "cornered". Manila, Jolo, Iloila and Clark Field were subjected to air attacks as has been the pattern of the IJAF since December 7th. The 65th Japanese Infantry Brigade, 4th and 7th Armored Regiments and two SNFL units conducted yet another failed banzai charge (loss of over 450 men and 7 guns) on Clark Field. As one Philippino Colonel stated, "They came at us in the same old way and were gunned them down in the same old way."

Australian headquarters in Sydney reported that, as predicted, Rabual was invaded by four SNFL and NLF units this day. Radio signals received at Port Morsby indicated that after an early morning bombardment, Japanese marines and naval personnel landed near Rabual. Rabual did not indicate whether or not any attack had occurred after the landings.

The Chinese 48th Corps 60 miles west of Wuhan was assaulted again with a banzai charge from the IJA's 13th Infantry Division, supported this time by the Japanese 2nd Gun Battalion. The attack produced only hardship for the IJA - over 1,100 men and 23 guns were lost.

The Dutch in Batavia learned that the city of Brunei was invaded by Japanese troops, but other than the landings no attack occurred - that is expected in the next day or two according to a Dutch source. Dutch air units continued their rather remarkable history against the IJN. Martin 139s attacked the Japanese bombardment task force off of Brunei and scored a turret hit on the battleship Nagato causing fires to be seen on the mighty Japanese battleship. Those same air units attacked the other battleships in the group Fuso (seen also to be burning) and Yamashiro but only recorded near hits.

[6971grunt]

January 3, 1942:

To the surprise of everyone in Washington D.C., Admiral Nimitz was seen meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and ultimatley the President. No one can confirm the purpose of his presence in Washington, but rumor has it that the eastern Pacific may not be quite for long. The Admiral made no comment to the press.

Sydney reports that radio traffic intercepted at Port Morsby indicated that Rabual was treated to a banzai attack today. Japanese forces were stopped cold losing over 300 men for their efforts.

Headquarters in the Philippines reported that a counter attack by our forces at Clark Field forced the Japanese back across the river to Lingayan Bay. Losses were described at about "even" with no further detail. Manila also turned back another banzai attack by the 4th, 16th and 56th IJA Infantry Divisions. Reports from commanders in the field are that the Japanese lost over 3,300 men, 92 guns and 7 vehicles to the defenders 98 men, 12 guns and 1 vehicle. As an aside, Japanese paratroopers apparently seized Ormoc, the last free city on the island of Leyte.

China was a very active area command this day with one success and one set-back. The 48th Chinese Corps was again assaulted by IJA units some 60 miles west ot Wuhan and 60 miles northest of Changsha. The 3rd IJA Infantry Division now joined by the 13th and 40th IJA Infantry Divisions forced the Chinese Corps to the city of Changsha. Losses on both sides were described as "modest". However, the IJA was not as fortunate 60 miles northwest of Kaifeng. The 26th IJA Infantry Divison along with the Mongolian Cavalry Division again attempted to seize the bridge crossing occupied by the Chinese 20th Army Group. After severe fighting, the Japanese left the Chinese still in charge of the crossing and over 1,600 men and 15 guns on the field.

[6971grunt]

January 4, 1942:

London informs us that Prime Minister Churchill has promised the British people that they will liberate Europe, with the Americans, French and Russians at their side. The people in the streets cheered the speech given by the Prime Minister.

News from the Dutch was not good this day. They report that the town of Jesselton was taken by the Japanese 35th Infantry Brigade this day. Compounding the bad news was the fact that Brunei was seized by the Japanese and over 1,100 British military personnel were taken prisoner.

Radio transmissions from Rabual indicated that the Japanese once again conducted a banzai charge on Rabaul's defenders and produced nothing but death on their troops. Although Rabual's fortifications were reduced the Japanese lost over 400 men in the process.

General MacArthur's headquarters at Clark Field reported that commanders in Manila reported another Japanese banzai attack on the city. The attack to brushed aside with the loss of over 2,800 Japanese men, 57 guns and 1 vehicle. Can the Japanese continue to sustain these types of losses? Only time will tell.

General Stillwell's command reported more combat activity in and around the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Kaifeng. In the vicinity of Wuhan, the 2nd and 4th New Chinese Corps counter attacked the Japanese 60 miles to the southeast of Wuhan with limited success. The 20th Chinese Group Army counter attacked at the bridge crossing 60 miles to the northwest of Kaifeng driving the 26th IJA Infantry Division and the Mongolian Cavalry Division toward Kaifeng while "exchanging losses", according to Stillwell's staff.

The Briitish revieled that the IJN bombarded Messering today with little result. However, Imperial British forces in Taiping were forced to retreat out of the the city, but took an unexplained route to Georgetown and are now cut-off from the main bastion at Singapore. The attacking 5th and 18th IJA Infantry Divisions took over 600 men in losses for their "victory". Meanwhile, the Army of Malaya headquarters is at a loss as to explain the retreat route of the Taiping defenders into entrapment.

[6971grunt]

January 5, 1942:

Nearly a month into the war and the Japanese seem determined to forge ahead with their reckless offensive operations.

The Aussies have reported Rabual's inner fortifications were breached today by their Japanese tormentors. The Japanese banzai attack cost them over 400 men and 8 artillery pieces. These brave defenders of Rabual report continued fighting in and around Rabual. Although the Aussies are bravely holding-on, the situation appears desperate.

Not all the news around Australia is bad, Task Force 1020, commanded by Commander N. Toussaint, reported the depth charging and sinking of Japanese submarine RO-61 180 nautical miles east of Cairns. The task force reported oil, clothing and bodies, as well as the recovery of the submarine's log book.

The Philippines Army in Manila reports another banzai attack on the city. Once again turned away by enormous fire power, the Japanese attackers lost over 2,800 men and 57 artillery-type pieces.

Dutch sources reported that Brunei fell today to an overwhelming force of Japanese Army troops. The status of the Dutch units defending Brunei was not immediately known to this source. Dutch air assets once again attacked Japanese shipping along the northern coast of Borneo. The AP Yasukuni Maru but reported not hits.

Dutch air reccon also reports what appears to be a IJN carrier task force moving southwest from French Indo-China into the Dutch East India (DEI) area.

British Headquarters in Singapore reported that their forces in Taiping were driven from that city toward Georgetown after inflicting on the Japanese forces losses of over 600 men, 23 artillery-types and 4 tanks.

General Stillwell's public relations officer indicated that the forces of the Chinese Army were heavily engaged today in the area in-and-between the cities of Wuhan and Kaifeng.

In an attack some 60 miles to the southeast of Wuhan, Chinese forces engaged a Japanese force resulting in heavy losses - exact figures have not been released at this point and neither side gain any substantial ground as a result of the attack.

At the river crossing 60 miles northwest of Kaifeng, attacking Japanese forces were driven into headlong retreat by the Chinese 20th Group Army. It appears that both side lost between 300 and 400 men.

[6971grunt]

January 6, 1942:

The Hawaiian Sea remains a predatory place. Japanese submarines still prowl the seas around these hauntingly beautiful islands. Just ask the crew of PBY-297 when they spottted, bombed and struck what was identified as I-17 cruising just 120 miles to the southwest of Pearl Harbor. ASW task forces have been dispatched to deal with the situation.

Headquarters in Sydney indicated that coastwatchers on New Britian report that Japanses troops have landed on Talasea just 120 miles west of Rabual.

MacArthur's headquarters on Bataan report that Clark Field was struck by a rather vicious banzai charge this morning, but replused it easily and sent the Japanese retreating back across the river to Lingayne Bay. The Japanese lost over 600 men and 49 artillery-type weapons.

The Dutch indicated that coastwatchers report that the island of Biak along the northern coast of New Guinea was the guest of Japanese troops this day. The Dutch also indicated that the battleship Yamashiro was unsucessfully bombed by Dutch air near Jesselton.

It appears to have been a rather frustrating day for the Chinese with the retreat of the 77th Chinese Corps to Changsha after receiving, what was described as rather "harsh handling" by the Japanese. The 77th reported the loss of over 200 men and 6 guns by the IJA.

After a rather quite period in Burma, things have been rather active. The 33rd IJA Infantry Division cross the river and struck the 1st Bruma Brigade 120 miles north or Rangoon. The banzai charge was driven back to the tune of more than 300 Japanese sent to their ancestors along with 12 artillery-tpye weapons and 2 tanks.

The American Volunteer Group (AVG) engaged Japanese Nates in the area of Rahaeng and dropped 6 of the Nates without a loss.

January 7, 1942:

The crew of PBY-297 lead Task Force 1058 (commanded by Rear Admiral J.F. Shafroth) to the last known location of I-17. As luck would have it, the I-17 was still fishing in the area, but not for long as the task force continually depth charged the area until night fall. Reports are that sonar lost contact after dark fell on the day.

In the Philippines, Manila received another banzai charge today and drove the attackers back to their lines to the tune of over 1,800 men and 32 artillery-type guns lost to the Japanese. Around the same time that day, Clark Field tolerated another banzai charge - throwing most the Japanese back across the river with losses to the IJA over 600 men, 23 artillery-type weapons and 22 tanks.

The Dutch had a much better day, the submarine K-XIV reported it placed two torpedos amid-ships of the troop carrier Oigawa Maru off-loading troops at Jesselton. They reported being depth charged, but suffered littel, if any damamge. Last seen, the Oigawa Maru was reported to be listing to starboard and troops were abandoning ship.

Southeast Asia Headquarters reported that the 33rd IJA Infantry Division once again conducted a banzai attack on the 1st Burma Brigade. The attack failed to dislodge the 1st Burma, but the Burma Brigade inflicted losses of over 200 men and 10 guns on the Japanese.

For the seocnd time in as many days, the AVG conducted a fighter sweep in the area over Rahaeng and took 6 Nates to their credit. In the past two days, the Yanks have shot down 12 Japanese planes and suffered no losses to themselves.

[6971grunt]

January 8, 1942:

A surprisingly quite day in the Pacific Theater.

General MacArthur's command noted that the Japanese have landed at the city of Zamboanga on the western tip of Mindanao.

The Dutch report that coastwatchers report the fall of Sarmi on the western portion of the northern coast of Borneo. They also report a IJAF bombing of the aribase at Tarakan, but not damage was sustained.

Coastwatchers reported to Australian Command that Talasea has been overwhelmed by the Japanese.

The birght news of the day is that the AVG has again engaged the IJAF over Rahaeng and downed 3 more Nates without suffering a loss - that makes the score 15 to 0 for you baseball fans.

The Army of Malaya had a very disappointing day - the city of Kuantan was overrrun by some 14,000 Japanese soldiers driving the 3rd ISF Engineer Regiment's rear guard toward Messing.

[NormS3]

Good job. Keep up the good work. I look forward to finding your dispatches each time that I visit!

[6971grunt]

Thanks, Norm3 - your kind words are appreciated..

[6971grunt]

January 9, 1942:

Military briefings were light this day and with little, if any, substantive news to report.

Pacific Command in Pearl Harbor is of the opinion that the Japanese offensive in Southeast Asia, although not swift like the their German counter-parts, is "calculated and purposeful". When Commander "Frog" Low, Chief of Staff to Admiral Nimitz, was asked to clarify his comments he respectfully declined. However, Low did report that USN submarine forces in the Marshal Islands indicated that one of their number had witnessed patrol craft Takuma Maru #7 striking a mine and sinking with apparent heavy loss of life.

Austrialian Command relayed that radio reports to Port Morsby from Rabual indicated that the Japanese forces that had landed and attacked the Rabual fortress had retreated back to the sea. There has been a request for confirmation of this report.

BBC - Malaya's reporter Nigel Hughes has filed a report today indicating that the city of Malacca was occupied today by the IJA's 18th Infantry Division. Meanwhile, Hughes also reported a fierce battle in and around the city of Geogetown. Hughes reported that the forts protecting Georgetown had been overrun by large elelments of the IJA's 5th Infantry Division and the Imperial Guards Division. The news does look bleak for these gallant Georgetown defenders.

[6971grunt]

January 10, 1942:

Pacific Command announced today that Rear Admiral Thomas English was appointed the Commander of the United States Submarine Fleet - Pacific. Admiral Nimitz formally turned over the command at to Rear Admiral English at a ceremony held yesterday.

Just as Rear Admiral English started his first day as chief of all pacific submarines, he received good news from Task Force 1058 commander Rear Admiral J.F. Shafroth. After being attacked with torpedos 180 miles east southeast off of Kona, Task Force 1058 attacked and sank the offending Japanese submarine, I-21. Shafroth reported to have picked up a lone survivor that verified the sinking.

Australian Command verified today that the Japanese have abandoned their present efforts to take Rabual by land. Rabual reported, however, that they were attacked by IJAF units today with little effect.

General MacArthur's headquarters staff held a briefing today that detailed the bombings of Manila and Bataan. Staff reported that Clark Field was treated to another banzai attack this day and roughly handled the Japanese Army to the tune of over 1,500 men and 24 guns lost.

We heard again from Nigel Hughes of the BBC - Malaya. The news he reported was sadly anticipated. Georgetown fell this day to Japanese Army forces. Hughes indicated that over 13,000 men were taken prisoner. A sad day indeed for the British Empire. Singapore appears to be the next target of the Japanese onslaught.

British Southeast Asia headquarters exposed that the Japanese Imperial Army's 33rd Infantry Division continues to stubbornly attack the 1st Burma Brigade 120 miles to the north of Rangoon. Another banzai charge cost the 33rd ID over 200 men and no ground was gained. The Japanese are also apparently attempting to flank this position to the northeast by moving a large formation along the rail line toward Mandalay. However, this formation was surpirsed by the presence of the 2nd Burma Rifles Brigade sitting at the river crossing. Details of this encounter were unavailable.

Better news from China was reported. In an apparent once again attempt to force the river crossing 60 miles northwest of Kaifeng, the Japanese 3rd Mongolian Cavalry Division conducted a daring daylight attack on units of the Chinese 20th Group Army. However, these fool-hardy souls were soundly repulsed by the Chinese defenders losing over 1,000 men and 10 guns.

[6971grunt]

Janaury 11, 1942:

It appears that most of the activity this day was centered in Southeast Asia.

However, not to be outdone headquarters in the Philippines reported that manila was once again attacked by fanatical Japanese forces and soundly rebuffed their attempt to capture the capitol. The Japanese Army slithered back to their lines leaving over 1,700 men and 21 guns behind.

In an interesting bit of news, coastwatchers near Davao, Mindinao, reported the sinking of the Japanese troop carrier Kashiwa Maru. It is believed that the Dutch Air Force should be credited for that eventual sinking.

British sources from the Southeast Asai Command revieled that their forces were attacked in Burmna today. The Burma Brigade once again turned back an assault by the IJA's 33rd Infantry Division resulting in the loss of over 200 men and 7 guns to that Division and still no ground was gained.

However, as reported yesterday, the Japanese Army forced a crossing of the river/rail line leading to Pagan. A large segment of the Japanese Army's 55th Infantry Divison and 1st Armored Regiment ran headlong into the 2nd Burma Rifles Brigade. Although forcing the Brigade to retreat toward Pagan, the surprised Japanese lost over 300 men, 6 guns and one tank in the process.

China sources indicated that there was a rebuffed assault of Chinese forces on the city of Nanning. Chinese forces were reported to have lost over 700 men in the failed attack. However, Chinese Generals from the 10th Group Army around Nanning have bosted that the city is "near collapse". Only time will tell on that matter.

In a surprise move on the Japanese Army, the Chinese 20th Group Army conducted a counter attack on the 3rd Mongolian Cavalry Division to the northwest of Kaifeng. The determined assault forced the Mongolians to retreat to Kaifeng with loss of over 200 men and 5 guns. Prisoners from the Mongolian formation have told Chinese intelligence officers of the 20th Group that their division is nearly down fifty (50%) percent from its original strength.

[6971grunt]

January 12, 1942:

News from the Philippines was mixed today. Manila underwent a furious air bombardment today which was subsequently followed-up by another failed banzai attack. The Japanese Army lost over 2,700 men and 35 guns in their failed attempt to again take the capitol.

However, the island of Mindano was completely overrun this day with the fall of Butuan and the surrender of over 3,300 Philippino and United States Army Air Corps personnel.

Nigel Hughes, BBC - Malaya reporter, has been quite since the fall of Georgetown two days ago. Hughes is the only source of information out of Malaya since British headquarters have intentionally stopped all briefings for the press. Hughes reported that Japanese Army units have entered the area of Johore Buhro just northwest of Singapore. Hughes assures us that British forces occupy the city, but have yet to "contact" these lead elements of this Japanese force.

After an heroic stand against numbers as great as 6:1, the 1st Burma Brigade was forced from its position and retreated toward Pagan after another assault by the 33rd Japanese Infantry Divison. Losses to the Japanese infantry man were again heavy. Sources indicted that the Japanese lost over 400 more men, 5 guns and a tank in their effort to move the 1st Burma out of their path.

Austrialian Command release information that Aitape, along the northern coast of New Guinea, was invaded yesterday by Japanese forces. The Aussies indicated that their information came from one of the numerous coastwatchers in that area.

The reports out of Pearl Harbor are that yesterday one of our B-17s spotted the I-23 cruising on the surface about 240 miles southwest of Pearl. The B-17 indicted that it had struck the sub before it could completely dive.

In response, Naval Headquarters directed Task Force 1019, under Rear Admiral F.W.Rockwell, to deal with I-23 . The task force reported that it had made contact with what was apparently I-23 in the early morning hours of this day. Torpedos and depth charge attacks were exchanged over the entire day. The task force reports that they believe that they have damaged I-23 because of several "oil markings" they have noted in the areas of their attacks. As far as we know, the mission continues.

[6971grunt]

January 13, 1942:

There was further news today from Nigel Hughes in Singapore. Evidently, according to Hughes, lead elements of the Japanese 18th Infantry Divison and 4th Mixed Brigade near Johor Bahur ran into outposts of the SFV Brigade. After a sharp fight, the Japanese retired with the loss of over 100 men and 2 guns.

Australian coastwatchers reported that Aitape fell this day, according to Austrialian Command in Sydney.

Little has been reported from the Philippines. The capitol of Manila underwent another bombing today but no follow-up ground attack was reported.

Southeas Asia Headquaters reports, for the first time since the attacks of December 7, 1941, that the Royal Naval has been active. The Royal Navy reported the sinking of the Japanese submarine I-166 near the southern tip of India. The Brits indicated that Task Force 1045, under Rear Admiral L.E. Younger, located and sunk the I-166 while on routine patrol. According to the Royal Navy, the I-166 was on the surface and spotted just before dawn. Elelments of the task force were between the submarine and the sun when the sub was attacked. There are no reports of survivors.

Marine dive bombers (SBDs) from Bellows Field reported the sinking of I-169 in the Kaua'i Channel some 60 miles west of Oahu. Two patroling SBDs from VMSB-22 spotted the sub in shallow waters and attacked. As with I-169, the Marine aviators did not report survivors.

It has been rumored that Dutch Command, out of Java, is concerned about an apparent Japanese naval build up along the northern Borneo coast near and around Miri and Brunei. Numerous task forces of combat and troop carrier ships have been reported moving to the east and west of the island. Dutch authorities maintain that their forces have been altered.

[6971grunt]

January 14, 1942:

All was very quite in the Eastern Pacific. The only news-worthy event was a statement issued by the United State's Pacific Fleet Commander Rear Admiral English. Adrmiral English issued a written statement which read, in part, "....We shall endevour to rest the economy of the Japanese Empire through the submarine, thus establishing United States Naval submarine history...."

The Aussies reported that their air units at Port Morsby conducte two separate strike on Japanese troop ships near Finschafen, New Guinea. The troop carriers Siraha Maur, Somedono Maru and Tatsujin Maru were all attacked by the Aussies, and several near hits were recorded, but no direct strikes were reported.

The only reporter, it appears, to remain in Malaya, Nigel Hughes, filed a report that indicated that the Japanese force at Johore Bahru forced the SSVF Brigade back into Singapore. Today is indeed a dark day for the British Empire.

As reported previously, the Dutch have become concerned about certain Japanese IJN movements along the northern coastline of Borneo. Mounting several airstrikes, the fears of the Dutch appear to have substance. An airstrike at Miri uncovered a surface combat task force lead by the heavy cruiser Suzuya and another strike at Brunei disclosed the battleship Fuso with its task force. Although no direct hits were recorded, vital intelligence was gathered by the Dutch.

[6971grunt]

January 15, 1942:

Most of the day's combat activity was concentrated in the areas of Southeast Asia.

Manila sustained another day of heavy bombing and a banzai attack that they repelled. The Japanese Army units were inflicted with losses of over 1,200 men, 18 guns and 1 tank lost.

Austrailian Command indicated that Rabual was bombed from the IJAF at Truk. Aussie airmen from Port Morsby again attacked Japanese troop carriers off-loading at Finschafen. The troop carrier Sumanorera Maru had several 250# bombs strattled her port and starboard sides, but no direct hits were noted by any of the pilots.

The Dutch at Java headquarters noted that the airfield at Tarakan was bombed for the first time during the war. They reported little, if any, effect. Dutch air struck at Miri once again today singling out the heavy cruiser Mogami and the troop carrier Avato Maru - neither were reported hit.

However, Dutch air assets out of Ambonia reported a rather successful strike at Menado in the Celebes. The Japanese minesweeper Hakata Maru #7 and troop carrier Tonan Maru were each struck by 2-250# bombs and set ablaze. Pilots report seeing men jumping from the Tonan Maru into the surrounding waters.

[6971grunt]

January 16, 1942:

All the "action" appears to be happening on the western end of the Pacific. The Dutch and Aussies have received all of the attention of the Japanese this day.

Dutch headquarters in Java disclosed today that their Martin 139s attacked and struck an unidentified Japanese troop carrier at Miri. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered but no air losses were reported by the Dutch.

The Hollanders also reported attacks of Martin 139s on the patrol craft Ch 1 and minesweeper W9 about 180 miles east of Tarakan, but not hit indicated.

The Aussies seemed to have had the better day, they reported numerous hits on Japanese shipping around Finschafen, New Guinea. The Port Morsby Beaufort V-IXs hit the troop carriers Taihei Maur with three (3) 500# bombs and the Sumanoura Maru with one (1) 500# bomb. Both ships were reported burning and in the case of the Taihei Maru listing to starboard and purging men and material.

[6971grunt]

January 17, 1942:

Reports for the Pacific indicate a very quite day in most parts of the theater. Malaya, Burma, China and India have no serious ground, air or naval activity to report except for the occasional air reccon which is fairly standard as we understand.

The Aussies report that coastwatchers again indicated additional Japanese landings at Dagua, New Guinea [northern coast]. It appears from these series of reports from the Austrialians, that most of the northern coastline of New Guinea has now been occupied without resistence. Only the western most area of the northern coast (Dutch) remains in Allied hands.

Even the Philippine Islands has been short in reporting significant land or naval activity for the past few days. Manila reports the standard and daily bombing by the Japanese. For the second time in approximately two weeks, a coastwatcher near Davao reported the delayed sinking of the troop carrier Kashiwa Maru in the harbor of Davao.

The Dutch report that the Japanes continue to concentrate their effort on the island of Borneo. This time the Dutch report that the city ot Tarakan, on the southeastern end of the island has been invaded by Japanese troops. As of this writing the city is still in the hands of the Dutch Army.

Pacific Command in Pearl Harbor announced today that Task Force 1058 (under the command of Rear Admiral J.F. Shafroth) has for the second time this month sank a Japanese submarine. According to a spokesman for the Command, the I-21 was sent to "Davy Jones's Locker" early this morning. There were no noted survivors.

Based on information provided, we have attempted to demonstrate the up-to-date progress of the Pacific Theater.

[6971grunt]

January 18, 1942:

Reports came flooding in today. Things appeared to have been heating up in the Pacific.

Nigel Hughes reported from Singapore that there was a massive airstrike on the airbase and forces defending the Imperial port. Hughes detailed that over 100 carrier based planes particapted in the strike. Hughes stated that the Royal Navy was concerned about the location of Japanese carriers. The concerns of the Admirals was answered today with the appearance of what could be a "sizable force" of Japanese carriers. Hughes indicated that his sources informed him that this information was distributed to all Allied navies.

The Dutch reported an air attack upon the Japanese troop carrier Hokuyma Maru by air assets from Ambonia. The flight leader reported one bomb strik and severl near strikes on the ship. Men were reported in the shark-infested water.

Batavia was bombed by Japanese Air Force units for the first time in the war. There no reports of damage, but it lends to the suspicions that Java may be on the Japanese "hit list".

Philippine Headquarters reported a dual attack was conducted by the Japanese Army this day. Manila and Clark Field were attack at nearly the same time today. Although the Japanese attacks were not a reckless as previous ones, both were turned back with heavy losses to the Japanese. Manila defeners reported over 1,200 men, 27 guns and 2 tanks were lost by the Japanese. Meanwhile, Clark Field defense forces say that their defenders accounted for the loss of over 1,700 men and 55 guns.

The Aussies have received work from Rabual that the Japanese have decided to re-invade the port. Althought the invaders were greeted with a hail of artillery, no attack was undertaken by the Japs.

In another rather surprising event to this reporter, Pacific Command out of Pearl Harbor reports a rather sharp and desparate clash occurred at Wake Island. A United States naval supply convoy was set upon by a large surface fleet of the Japanese Navy in the early morning hours of the day.

The compostion of the Jap task force, later acertained, was the battleship Mutsu, light cruisers Tama and Kiso, destroyers Shiratsuyu, Kamikaze, Hiyodori, Hato and Sagi. The sole escort for the United States' task force was the destroyer Gilmer. Without much hope, the Gilmer threw herself against the Japs in a valiant effort to drive off the impressive Jap formation, but to no avail. The Gilmer was struck over 15 times by various calibers of Jap guns and was lost. The merchant ship Malma also fell victim to Jap naval weapons. Sources indicated that one merchant ship escaped, thanks to the valiant, if not fatal, effort of the Gilmer. For security reasons, the name of the surviving merchant ship was not released.

Fresh from their "naval victory", the Jap task force commenced a bombardment of Wake Island only to be greeted with a fatal surprise. Wake's shore batteries ravaged the oncoming Japanese ships. American 5" and 155mm guns opened up at close range and placed shells into the Mutsu (5 hits), Shiratsuyu (1 hits and on fire), Hiyodori (5 hits and on fire), Hato (2 hits and on fire) and the Sagi (15 hits and on fire). Artillery spotters indicated that the Sagi slipped under the water and the Hiyodori appeared to be having great difficulty in maneuvering.

As daylight broke, 9-F4F3s from VMF 211 scrambled to pursue the retreating Jap Task Force. Major P.A. Putnam's Wildcats spotted the fleeing Hiyodori and commenced an attack. The destroyer was struck twice by 100# bombs from the Wildcats. The second bomb hit came from 1st Lt. V. Keller's aircraft "BettyLou" and the Hiyodori was reported to have left the surface of the ocean.

In the true spirit of inter-service competition, both VMF-211 boys and the coastal artillery boys have both claimed credit for the sinking of the Hiyodori. Reports are that the matter is yet to be settled (and maybe never will).

[6971grunt]

January 19, 1942:

The grim reality of war once again visited Wake Island today. After repeated warnings to the merchant ship Susan Luckenbach to say away from the Wake Island harbor - she was met by the remnants of the Jap Task Force that "visited" the island yesterday. The Mutsu, Tama, Kisco and Kamikaze waited like hungry sharks that smelled blood in the water. The Susan Luckenbach went down like a rock after taking severla gun hits and two torpedos. There were 5 of the crew that were recovered in the water.

However, this Jap task force did not retire without damage. Once again Wake Island coastal defense found their range and placed 7 more hits into the battleship Mutsu and 6 into the light cruiser Kisco. The persistent presence of this task force appears to be a prelude to invasion. When Pacific Command's spokesman was queried on the matter he refused to comment.

Australian Command today noted that Rabual reports that over 17,000 Japanese have landed in this second invasion of the port city. The mood in Sydney was grim. Rabual also reported being subjected to a carrier based air strike from the northeast

Southeast Asian Command came alive today to report that the city of Pagan in Burma was occupied without incident today.

Admiral Nimitz's Command today reported yet another sinking of a Japanese sub near Hilo. Task Force 1019, under Rear Admiral F.W. Rockwell, reported that it conducted an aggressive depth charge attack some 120 miles to the southeast of Hilo. The attack resulted in the sinking of the I-174. This is the third sub reported sunk in this area. "It appears that the Japs are 'schooling' like fish", said one "old-salt".

The Dutch East Indies was a very busy place this day. Coastwatchers in the Tarakan area reported the sinking of the delayed merchant ship Takao Maru near the mouth of the harbor. Unfortunately, there appears to be no threat of blockage.

Further Dutch air strikes struck the MSW - W.10 setting the minesweeper ablaze. Meanwhile, numerous and aggressive air strikes from Batavia and Soerabaja struck at the Jap task force bombarding at Pontianak. Ducth air units repeatedly attacked the battleships Yamashiro, Nagato and Fuso as well as the light cruiser Yura. Bombs apparently fell in and around these ships all day with 2 direct bomb strikes reported on the Fuso. Dutch air hopes to continue their attacks tomorrow.