Where is everyone?
LGEN Sawada -Southern Command -is still in Siagon (flying to Tokyo today)
Gen Kawabe -Burma Command - is hot, tired, dirty, and still battling the jungle tracks towards Moulmien
LGEN Yamamato-15th Army HQ - is outside Singapore
LGEN Mori -Guards 2nd division -is outside Singapore
LGEN Takeuchi -55th Division -is outside Singapore
MajGEN Hasegawa -25th Army HQ -is also at Singapore
LGEN Mutaguchi -18th Div -is at Singapore
GEN Oda -16th Division - is at Singapore
(regret to say that relations between 16th and 18th Army are deteriorating again)
Poor private ADO -is in the thick of the fighting in Singapore
Now RADM Takeda -has just been given command of Mutsu, Nagato, Jintsu and DDs, he's still stuck at tilitijap awaiting fuel!
RADM Takagi -just pulled rank, and took what fuel was there -he is at sea with Ryujo,Zuiho,Taiyo, Kongo, 3CA and 6 DD.
He is very happy -his ships have departed for home.
Ens Hanamato (exp87, missions1) is on the Akagi -currently asleep (again).
The Akagi and her fellow carriers are STILL filling out the airgroups. ADM Yammato has frozen all pilot replacements in the war -any that arrive are still going to the carriers
LT Yamato, 98th sentai -is at Batavia -now at 20 missions, exp 78 (its climbing)
After yesterday I suspect his bomber is being patched -again
General Homma is near Manilla -and feeling good (although bad, bad things are on the horizon I feel for him)
The Minister of production, and Herbiesan are currently in Tokyo, prepearing for the big debates for tomorrow.
The water in the Spa is nice.
The girls are nicer
The booze is good
Being the King -is good
(we do have a lot -really -a lot of heavy things to consider -but maybe tomorrow)
1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Private Ado reached the downed bomber about noon
It had been a tricky job too =a heavy machine gun 500 metres to his left had made things decidely tricky -but finding suitable cover was now second nature to him.
The helen had skidded quite some way across the field, losing a wing in the process -and finished piling into a group of shanty houses, tail high into the air.
The cockpit though had been obscured from the Japanese lines, so Ado and 2 of his compatriots had been tasked to check for survivors.
The machine gun -as mentioned -had made it tricky.
The small party of Aussies coming from the other way had made it decidely trickier.
For ten minutes both sides had manouvered. Skirmishing -it was called
But what ever you called it -it was deadly work.
3 against 5.
Fortunately -for both sides -skill, caution, and experience kept both sides un harmed.
the aussies withdrew, and finally Ado -hot, sweaty, and gasping -how he hated the tropics!, finally was able to crawl alongside the belly of the bomber.
They were a lot bigger than he thought!
The cockpit rested in the remains of some poor souls humble bedroom -now reduced to match wood.
It was burnt out.
For a minute or two Ado peered in vain into the cockpit, trying to decipher what he had seen.
It was a measure of how far he "had come "-if being brutally hardened by war could be called in any sense progress -that the sight of the two pilots -now reduced to mere 2 foot long burnt husks - barely affected him.
Mission completed, he and his companions too withdrew.
If Ado thought anything about the pilots, it was brief, and totally self centered.
They, at least -had died with a full stomach.
It had been a tricky job too =a heavy machine gun 500 metres to his left had made things decidely tricky -but finding suitable cover was now second nature to him.
The helen had skidded quite some way across the field, losing a wing in the process -and finished piling into a group of shanty houses, tail high into the air.
The cockpit though had been obscured from the Japanese lines, so Ado and 2 of his compatriots had been tasked to check for survivors.
The machine gun -as mentioned -had made it tricky.
The small party of Aussies coming from the other way had made it decidely trickier.
For ten minutes both sides had manouvered. Skirmishing -it was called
But what ever you called it -it was deadly work.
3 against 5.
Fortunately -for both sides -skill, caution, and experience kept both sides un harmed.
the aussies withdrew, and finally Ado -hot, sweaty, and gasping -how he hated the tropics!, finally was able to crawl alongside the belly of the bomber.
They were a lot bigger than he thought!
The cockpit rested in the remains of some poor souls humble bedroom -now reduced to match wood.
It was burnt out.
For a minute or two Ado peered in vain into the cockpit, trying to decipher what he had seen.
It was a measure of how far he "had come "-if being brutally hardened by war could be called in any sense progress -that the sight of the two pilots -now reduced to mere 2 foot long burnt husks - barely affected him.
Mission completed, he and his companions too withdrew.
If Ado thought anything about the pilots, it was brief, and totally self centered.
They, at least -had died with a full stomach.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
17/2/43
As japanese troops began to form up for what would be the final attack on Soerabaya -and as the artillery continued to pound in Singapore, the first of a series of Critical meetings took place in tokyo
Present were herbiesan (hung over) , the minister for production, ADM Yamato, and LGEN Sawada, southern HQ commander
The purpose of the meeting was to finalise the plans for the second phase operations.
From the very beginning, the plan had been to:
1/ Sieze Singapore and the DEI as rapidly as possible
2/ Hold in Burma, and the phillipines
3/ leave the solomons empty -and to then around May sweep them up with the full weight of the Navy and Army -hopefully destroying considerable enemy forces in the process.
The meeting proceeded relatively smoothly - all agreed that preparation for the occupation of the solomons must begin -and that the forces required to garrison the chain should be allocated.
The divisions at Soerabaya were to go to Singapore, to help finally crush the british there.
Then , the full wieght of 8 divisions would sail to the next target.
It was at this point that the great strategy plans seed of destruction was planted.
The final target for the 8 divisions was NOT agreed upon.
Herbiesan May have intended to follow the original plan, but already certain events were about to occur that would cause a major struggle at the very highest levels of the dictatorship.
As japanese troops began to form up for what would be the final attack on Soerabaya -and as the artillery continued to pound in Singapore, the first of a series of Critical meetings took place in tokyo
Present were herbiesan (hung over) , the minister for production, ADM Yamato, and LGEN Sawada, southern HQ commander
The purpose of the meeting was to finalise the plans for the second phase operations.
From the very beginning, the plan had been to:
1/ Sieze Singapore and the DEI as rapidly as possible
2/ Hold in Burma, and the phillipines
3/ leave the solomons empty -and to then around May sweep them up with the full weight of the Navy and Army -hopefully destroying considerable enemy forces in the process.
The meeting proceeded relatively smoothly - all agreed that preparation for the occupation of the solomons must begin -and that the forces required to garrison the chain should be allocated.
The divisions at Soerabaya were to go to Singapore, to help finally crush the british there.
Then , the full wieght of 8 divisions would sail to the next target.
It was at this point that the great strategy plans seed of destruction was planted.
The final target for the 8 divisions was NOT agreed upon.
Herbiesan May have intended to follow the original plan, but already certain events were about to occur that would cause a major struggle at the very highest levels of the dictatorship.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
From
Burma Command (Gen Kawabe)
to
LGEN Sawada ( Southern Command)
...............and Rangoon is definately an open city , the enemy flee to the north. I regret that we may not be able to trap them, 33rd division is very tired, moving west from Taung gyi -but I do not think fast enough.
Thankyou for the zero support -enemy air attacks on 33rd division nicely broken up today.
The airlift was an outstanding success, supply levels to the advance troops now vert satisfactory.
We push on against the imperial defenders - I plan to occupy Mandalaby as soon as I can............
Burma Command (Gen Kawabe)
to
LGEN Sawada ( Southern Command)
...............and Rangoon is definately an open city , the enemy flee to the north. I regret that we may not be able to trap them, 33rd division is very tired, moving west from Taung gyi -but I do not think fast enough.
Thankyou for the zero support -enemy air attacks on 33rd division nicely broken up today.
The airlift was an outstanding success, supply levels to the advance troops now vert satisfactory.
We push on against the imperial defenders - I plan to occupy Mandalaby as soon as I can............
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
extract of report crosing the Minister of productions desk........
............the rapidly falling production pool excess CANNOT, repeat cannot be blamed on the Naval production or armament production activities.
The cause, yet to be confirmed, seems two fold
1/ Many factories in China are simply low on oil, or are not utilising this oil supplied to full extent.
The causes for this are hard to detirmine............
2/
far too many of our production facilities have come into combat areas since the Allies began their aggressive actions in China -there is only one way to solve this problem..........
............the rapidly falling production pool excess CANNOT, repeat cannot be blamed on the Naval production or armament production activities.
The cause, yet to be confirmed, seems two fold
1/ Many factories in China are simply low on oil, or are not utilising this oil supplied to full extent.
The causes for this are hard to detirmine............
2/
far too many of our production facilities have come into combat areas since the Allies began their aggressive actions in China -there is only one way to solve this problem..........
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
from Minister of production
to
China Command
TOP SECRET
..........and now we hear of another offensive to the north of canton, and news that the City may be surrounded.
What in the world happened to our "agreements" with the local warlords.?
Kindly remind them in the strictest manner of our agreement -allow production of our Heavy Industry undisturbed -and the benifits -peacful quiet fronts, rivers of yen, will follow.
I am greatly disturbed at the disruption to OUR capital flow. Both our positions are at risk here -if Herbiesan catches wind of this we both will be for the chop......
..........at the worst case, would the redeployment of several divisions to your Command help -if you "have to re instate order?"
LGEN Sawada may be able to be "bought onside" -for the right sum............
to
China Command
TOP SECRET
..........and now we hear of another offensive to the north of canton, and news that the City may be surrounded.
What in the world happened to our "agreements" with the local warlords.?
Kindly remind them in the strictest manner of our agreement -allow production of our Heavy Industry undisturbed -and the benifits -peacful quiet fronts, rivers of yen, will follow.
I am greatly disturbed at the disruption to OUR capital flow. Both our positions are at risk here -if Herbiesan catches wind of this we both will be for the chop......
..........at the worst case, would the redeployment of several divisions to your Command help -if you "have to re instate order?"
LGEN Sawada may be able to be "bought onside" -for the right sum............
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
18/2/42
History would record the end of Dutch resistance at soerabay on this day -the city surrendering at noon precisely.
50000 men taken to a terrible fate in the yards
However, the Navy fought on -in the form of a massive minefield in the harbour.
The local commander however had a simple expedient.
he would not await the clearing of the harbour -instead the 3 divisions were barely given time to give a Bonzia!, and found themselves marching north to a more suitable harbour for embarkation.
The Dutch navy, meaning its still potentially lethal PT boats, had in the meantime retreated to Balikapapan.
History would record the end of Dutch resistance at soerabay on this day -the city surrendering at noon precisely.
50000 men taken to a terrible fate in the yards
However, the Navy fought on -in the form of a massive minefield in the harbour.
The local commander however had a simple expedient.
he would not await the clearing of the harbour -instead the 3 divisions were barely given time to give a Bonzia!, and found themselves marching north to a more suitable harbour for embarkation.
The Dutch navy, meaning its still potentially lethal PT boats, had in the meantime retreated to Balikapapan.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
RADM Takagi carefully considered the report.
Balikapapan would have to be taken soon, and he was sure Takeda had the organisation of this well in hand
Yet the PT boats were a problem -little wonder that he was seeking help -Takagi would'nt send a BB in there either!
Takagi still had his CVL's in the area - due to depart in 2 days time, boiler cleans were still continuing, so, what to do?
22Air flot HQ would have 2 zero units available -were'nt they still operating out of Batavia?
Yes -they would do.
And it would be good training as well.
Balikapapan would have to be taken soon, and he was sure Takeda had the organisation of this well in hand
Yet the PT boats were a problem -little wonder that he was seeking help -Takagi would'nt send a BB in there either!
Takagi still had his CVL's in the area - due to depart in 2 days time, boiler cleans were still continuing, so, what to do?
22Air flot HQ would have 2 zero units available -were'nt they still operating out of Batavia?
Yes -they would do.
And it would be good training as well.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
from
Gen Kawabe
to
4th regiment
21st regiment
You are not -repeat not to enter Rangoon
Detach a construction unit for that task
You are to pursue enemy north will full dispatch, and meet with 33rd division.
The enemy must be pursued to Mandalaby, and the Burma road must be cut at any cost.
Great will be the reward if you achieve this.!
Attack!!!
Gen Kawabe
to
4th regiment
21st regiment
You are not -repeat not to enter Rangoon
Detach a construction unit for that task
You are to pursue enemy north will full dispatch, and meet with 33rd division.
The enemy must be pursued to Mandalaby, and the Burma road must be cut at any cost.
Great will be the reward if you achieve this.!
Attack!!!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
19/2/42
With the DEI all but secured, orders were given to re deploy the bulk of the forces employed at soerabaya to load -and to begin preparation to assist at singapore
In Burma, Rangoon fell -an open city in all but name, a few stubborn defenders flushed out.
the bulk of the army bombers again turned back to the singapore battle, 150 plus striking the city this day
manuilla siege continued to grind away -although the capture of Naga to the south would hopefully cut off any new supplies -all indications were that the defenders were actually almost as strong as the attackers.
general Homma would have to be careful that he did not break his army.
Approval was given -the attack on Singapore would proceed on the 21st.
With the DEI all but secured, orders were given to re deploy the bulk of the forces employed at soerabaya to load -and to begin preparation to assist at singapore
In Burma, Rangoon fell -an open city in all but name, a few stubborn defenders flushed out.
the bulk of the army bombers again turned back to the singapore battle, 150 plus striking the city this day
manuilla siege continued to grind away -although the capture of Naga to the south would hopefully cut off any new supplies -all indications were that the defenders were actually almost as strong as the attackers.
general Homma would have to be careful that he did not break his army.
Approval was given -the attack on Singapore would proceed on the 21st.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
Flight log
Lt Yamato
98th sentai
21st mission today
target again singapore, operating from Palembang field -a nice big one -and plenty of Support
Flak definately less awful than last month -the enemy fire greatly reduced.
City a shambles -and you can see the front clearly, and the artillery fire, even during our short time over target, seemed intense
bad moment today -again no fighters -nobody expects any -but I think one of my gunners may have been asleep today.
I know that the war is as good as won -as soon as Singapore falls what else do the Imperialists have to fight for? -but I don't want to get shot down just short of the finish!!!!
I must think hard about what to say..........
Lt Yamato
98th sentai
21st mission today
target again singapore, operating from Palembang field -a nice big one -and plenty of Support
Flak definately less awful than last month -the enemy fire greatly reduced.
City a shambles -and you can see the front clearly, and the artillery fire, even during our short time over target, seemed intense
bad moment today -again no fighters -nobody expects any -but I think one of my gunners may have been asleep today.
I know that the war is as good as won -as soon as Singapore falls what else do the Imperialists have to fight for? -but I don't want to get shot down just short of the finish!!!!
I must think hard about what to say..........
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
from a letter, SBLT Hanamato -pilot in A1 daitai - Akagi, currently at Anchor Tokyo bay
............funniest sight ever father. A certain little carrier pulled up alongside us today, you will know the one, its the one with the fat bum, and we watched a small flight of zeros try to land on her.
Scary stuff!. I think all of them must have wished they stuck to the Claudes.
She'd had a rough time too -not enemy action -but the seas sure had bent some of her plates into weird shapes.
I hear thet she will be a scout for us shortly -action is impending I feel -where -who knows, but the ship sure is ready -and so are we!
............funniest sight ever father. A certain little carrier pulled up alongside us today, you will know the one, its the one with the fat bum, and we watched a small flight of zeros try to land on her.
Scary stuff!. I think all of them must have wished they stuck to the Claudes.
She'd had a rough time too -not enemy action -but the seas sure had bent some of her plates into weird shapes.
I hear thet she will be a scout for us shortly -action is impending I feel -where -who knows, but the ship sure is ready -and so are we!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
CVL Zuiho steamed steadily eastward
RADM Takagi was more than pleased
To her south -just on the horizon lay Miri - ahead lay home.
Hard to believe that only 2 months ago in these vary waters he had been dodging martin and hudson bombers. Now these waters were as safe as if he sailed Tokyo bay itself.
But what he held in his hand was even better news.
..........Upon arrival Tokyo bay you are to immediately disolve your command.
Ships to be assigned as per attachment
You are to raise your Flag - task force Commander, CAR div 3, CVs Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Zuiho, BB Kongo, and attached escorts. be prepared for immediate sailing for offensive operations in Coral sea, under ADM Nagumo.
A Carrier Division!
But, how heavy the responsibility!
RADM Takagi was more than pleased
To her south -just on the horizon lay Miri - ahead lay home.
Hard to believe that only 2 months ago in these vary waters he had been dodging martin and hudson bombers. Now these waters were as safe as if he sailed Tokyo bay itself.
But what he held in his hand was even better news.
..........Upon arrival Tokyo bay you are to immediately disolve your command.
Ships to be assigned as per attachment
You are to raise your Flag - task force Commander, CAR div 3, CVs Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Zuiho, BB Kongo, and attached escorts. be prepared for immediate sailing for offensive operations in Coral sea, under ADM Nagumo.
A Carrier Division!
But, how heavy the responsibility!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
20/2/42
The pounding of Manilla and singapore continued, 140 bombers against Singapore, 90 odd against Manilla
In Burma the airlift continued, however the 21st regiment became lost in the confusing trails leading North, and efectively placedits self out of the battles ahead for the next month.
The pounding of Manilla and singapore continued, 140 bombers against Singapore, 90 odd against Manilla
In Burma the airlift continued, however the 21st regiment became lost in the confusing trails leading North, and efectively placedits self out of the battles ahead for the next month.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
General Sawada was extremely surprised to see the small delegation of darkly dressed men approach his small home.
Surprised and annoyed -this was precious time here before returning to the war -and with the future strategy in place, there was much to plan to implement it.
The Minister of Production was polite
But he was direct
Could the LGEN be so kind as too consider certain "grand strategic considerations?'
"Was he aware of the China crises?"
No he was not, but then again, nobody really knew what was going on there anymore........
Surprised and annoyed -this was precious time here before returning to the war -and with the future strategy in place, there was much to plan to implement it.
The Minister of Production was polite
But he was direct
Could the LGEN be so kind as too consider certain "grand strategic considerations?'
"Was he aware of the China crises?"
No he was not, but then again, nobody really knew what was going on there anymore........
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
From LGEN Sawada
to
Herbiesan
.................and respectfully I ask for a reconveneing of the Imperial headquarters staff to reconsider the future war direction.
I feel that I was not aware of the full strategic situation, especially Vis a vis China and its production issues..............
to
Herbiesan
.................and respectfully I ask for a reconveneing of the Imperial headquarters staff to reconsider the future war direction.
I feel that I was not aware of the full strategic situation, especially Vis a vis China and its production issues..............
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
An extract from a letter from the Minister of production to certain Heavy Industry owneres in China
...............fundamentally I would like you to stockpile your production somewhere for the next month. payments will continue....... IShould then be able to present a "crises" to you know who, and with luck,................................ the divisions are going to be available for sure.....................
..............the extra factories "liberated"will greatly increase your political power, and be mutually advantagous to us all...............
...............fundamentally I would like you to stockpile your production somewhere for the next month. payments will continue....... IShould then be able to present a "crises" to you know who, and with luck,................................ the divisions are going to be available for sure.....................
..............the extra factories "liberated"will greatly increase your political power, and be mutually advantagous to us all...............
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
good stuff [:)][&o]
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
21/2/42
The war now began to enter its most critical stages for the Japanese. All strategy had been devised around a rapid capture of Singapore -with its stubborn defence the Empires dictator -Herbiesan -could almost feel the opportunities slipiing away from him.
To this end every available bomber was again thrown into the skys over the city -today at reduced altitude.
The bombing was good, but many, many cripples struggled back to the fields at the end of the day -allied Flak still retained a sting.
Then right in the very peak of the afternoon heat, the Japanese army attacked.
The allied troops -now weak from hunger -fought bravely, but suffered as many casualties as the attackers.
The first line of defences fell, and the Japanese troops continued to push forward.
Like a new ship being launched from the slipways, the great juggernaut was finally moving -and all knew that it could only end in one way
The war now began to enter its most critical stages for the Japanese. All strategy had been devised around a rapid capture of Singapore -with its stubborn defence the Empires dictator -Herbiesan -could almost feel the opportunities slipiing away from him.
To this end every available bomber was again thrown into the skys over the city -today at reduced altitude.
The bombing was good, but many, many cripples struggled back to the fields at the end of the day -allied Flak still retained a sting.
Then right in the very peak of the afternoon heat, the Japanese army attacked.
The allied troops -now weak from hunger -fought bravely, but suffered as many casualties as the attackers.
The first line of defences fell, and the Japanese troops continued to push forward.
Like a new ship being launched from the slipways, the great juggernaut was finally moving -and all knew that it could only end in one way
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: 1275psi(herbiesan) vs gen Hoepner
From the flight log
Lt Yamato -98th sentai
Mission 22
My gunner "problem" has been solved -in the worse possible way.
Even now they are hosing his brains out of the remains of his position.
terrible hit by Flak dead admidships -how we did not explode or fold up is beyond me.
One thing for sure -the helen is tougher than I thought -still a pig to fly -but she got us home.
The squadron is a mess -3 lost -16 damaged, 30 plus dead .
When will that cursed city fall!
Lt Yamato -98th sentai
Mission 22
My gunner "problem" has been solved -in the worse possible way.
Even now they are hosing his brains out of the remains of his position.
terrible hit by Flak dead admidships -how we did not explode or fold up is beyond me.
One thing for sure -the helen is tougher than I thought -still a pig to fly -but she got us home.
The squadron is a mess -3 lost -16 damaged, 30 plus dead .
When will that cursed city fall!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt