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

[6971grunt]

February 5, 1942:

It appears that most of the action today occurred in the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines. Some minor activity was noted elsewhere.

Port Morseby reported that they have been informed that Munda fell today to a small Japanese landing force.

A combat air patrol over the city of Mandalay intercepted and "treated rather harshly" was reported by staff of Southeast Asia headquarters. The Japanese Army Air Force lost 4 Zeros and 7 Liliys today and scored no hits on Mandalay that was worth reporting. Allied losses were reported as 2 fighters damaged.

The Japanese attempted to futher penetration into the heart of Manila today, but were rebuffed according to Philippine headquarters. Losses to the Japanese were over 1,100 men, 21 guns of various types and 1 tank. In a surprise move, the Japanese crossed over from Lingayen Bay to attack Philippino forces at San Marcelino some 60 miles to the northwest of Clark Field in a "flanking move". The maneuver was throughly beaten back. As the Japanese forces retreated back to Lingayen Bay, they left behind over 250 men and 5 guns.

Dutch and British air units (from Singapore) conducted various air strikes on Japanese naval forces around the Palembang-Muntok area. Although none of the attacks reported any direct hits, there were close calls to the troop carriers Meisho Maru , Koshu Maru #3 and Ayatosau Maru; the minesweepers W6 and Ranjan Maru and the heavy cruiser Atago.

Palembang was assaulted and their outer ring of fortifications reduced, but the city is still with the Dutch at last report. Losses to the Japanese were over 650 men and 20 guns. The Dutch noted the occupation of Muntok and the invasion of unoccupied town of Sansapor on the northern coastline of New Guinea.

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February 6, 1942

Southeast Asia headquarters out of India told reporters today that a Japanese advanced unit tried to enter Mandalay today and was sent "packing" across the river to its south and toward Pagan. No losses were suffered by the Mandalay defenders but the retreating Japs could not take over 80 of their fallen comrades.

Port Morseby radioed today that the Rabual defenders moving on Gasmata fought off pursuing Japanese just 60 miles to the southwest of Rabual. Loss ratios were put at 6:1 in favor of the Aussies. The Emirau Islands were reported to have Japanese "visitors"

With an attacking force of over 75,000 Japanese soldiers, Philippine headquarter's S-2 reported that fighting continues in the city of Manila. Another attack was turned back today with losses to the Japanese to have exceeded 750 men and 30 guns.

Nigel Hughes, our man in Singapore, reported that although the Japanese bombed the city today, an airstrike was mounted against a Japanese surface fleet sniffing around the sea area. Although no hits were reported the battlecruiser Kongo and light cruiser Sendai were treated to a game of "dodge" for a few hours.

Dutch air units out of Batavia (Swordfish, to be exact) attacked and torpedoed the Japanese merchant ship Ryoka Maru near Muntok. The impact was great enough to cause the ship to partially heeve upward when struck. Palembang was attacked again today, but the plucky defenders held their ground for the second day even in the face of 7:1 odds.

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February 7, 1942:

The only news of worthiness today came from the Dutch East Indies.

Palembang fell today after a valiant fight by its garrison. Opposing over 16,000 Japanese troops proved to be too much for these gallant defenders. Before retreating onto Jambi, to the north of Palembang, these defenders meated-out some punishment to the Japanese navy. The troop carrier Kashiwara Maru struck a mine during the night and is reported to be in a "bad way".

Palembang's coastal defense guns reportedly scored one shell onto the patrol gunboat Eiho Maru and three on the partol craft Ishigaki.

Elsewhere in the Dutch East Indies, Pinrang and Wasile, in the Celebes Islands, reported "visits" from Japanese naval landing units.

Dutch air units out of Timor reported an invasion force headed for Kendari and attacked troop carrier Tarishima Maru striking her once with a 250# bomb. There was an explosion and reportedly some observers indicated that the ship was on fire and men were leaping from the ship.

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February 8, 1942:

There arrpears to be some news forthcoming from Dutch headquarters in Java concerning an air/naval confrontation around the Celebes Islands. Military Censors have yet to clear any details concerning this rumored action. Any future details will be reported as they are released.

Meanwhile, intensive house-to-house fighting in Manila continued today. General Thompson's headquarters reported that their forces still control the city. Today's action cost the Japanese over 600 men and some 17 guns. Losses for our defenders were described as "very light".

Mandalay reported that yesterday their combat air partols intercepted a Japanese bombing raid and "flamed" 5 Jap "Zero" escorts.

Batavia's airbase and port facitlities sustained a "heavy bombing" today. Such bombings are usually preceding an invasion. All of Batavia is bracing for the eventual arrival of Japanese troops; when that will be, only time can tell.

Dutch air units from Kupang struck at the Japanese invasion force located some 60 miles to the southwest of the city. The troop carriers Taiho Maru too 3 hits from 250# bombs and the Shinkoku Maru to 1 such hit. Pilots report that both ships appear to "be in trouble".

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February 9, 1942:

As aluded to yesterday, there was an air/naval engagement around the Celebes Ilsnads. It was disclosed today by Dutch Naval Headquarters in Kupang that a combined allied task force attempted to intercept the Japanese invasion force apparently headed for Kendari. In a daring, and dangerous, adventure Admiral K.W.F. Doorman led a force of 5 light cruisers and 11 destroyers in what was to be a lighting raid on the Japanese invasion force attempteing to off-load at Kendari.

Admiral Doorman gathered the Dutch light cruisers HMDS Tromp, Java and DeReuyter as well as British light cruisers HMS Dragon and Durban. The United States Navy's contribution to this joint forces were the destroyers Alden, Edsell, Whipple and John D. Edwards the remainder of the taks force destoryers were the Dutch HMDS Banckert, Van Nes, Witte de With, Evertsen, Kortenaer, Piet Hien and Van Ghent.

Unfortunately, Japanese air reccon spotted the force as they entered the waters around Kendari and apparently warned the Japanese invasion force. Admiral Doorman's task force, while moving at flank speed, was met with torpedo bombers comprised of "Bettys" and "Nells". After a furious fight, the light cruiser HMDS Tromp, struck several times by torpedos, sank. The HMS Dragon was seriously damaged by torpedos and broke south from the task force as to not slow the remainder of the ships. Given the fact that the task force was now exposed and that two of his light cruisers were out of action, Admiral Doorman ordered the task force to retire. The next morning, as Admiral Doorman reported, the HMS Dragon sustained another 4 torpedo hits and slipped under the waves. At present, a search is being conducted for any survivors of the ill-fated HMS Dragon.

In a briefing of reporters, Kupang naval base's Chief-of-Staff indicated that the multi-national make-up of the force may have contributed to poor anti-aircraft coordination, but that further inquiry will be necessary to determine the level of success this force had under very dangerous and risky circumstances.

USAAF headquarters in Bataan disclosed today that fighting continued unabated today in the city of Manila. Japanese forces made no headway in their attempt to capture the city and managed to lose more than 400 more men and an additional 7 guns. Headquarters S-2 estimates that there are about 100,000 Japanese involved in the effort to capture Manila.

After some days of silence, Nigel Hughes (our man in Singapore) reported that the Japanese mounted a rather serious banzai attack on the city with no success. Japanese losses were estimated to be over 1,600 men and 32 guns.

Air units from Port Morseby located the merchant ship Burma Maru 60 miles east of Finschafen and place 2-250# bombs along her decking. When last seen she was reportedly "burning nicely". In a related development, A-20Bs from Port Morseby also located the Oregon Maru just inside the harbor at Finschafen and delivered 1-250# to her deck.

A civilain short-wave radio operator in the Sumatra city of Jambi reported the landing of Japanese paratroopers within the city limit. As of this report, the city appears to be under the control of the Japanese.

Batavia was again bombed by land and air units.

Kupang airbase reported that although Admiral Doorman's task force could not locate the Japanese invasion force, they managed not only to locate it but to also attack the troop carrier Taiho Maru striking her 6 times and the troop carrier Ujigawa Maru striking her once. The patrol gunboat Shinko Maru #2 was also attacked with no apparent result reported.

Singapore air units continue to be the bane of the Japanese navy. In spite of Japanese efforts to knock-out the Singapore airbase, with herculian efforts by British Imperial Engineers fighter units continue to strike at the Japanese. Singapore fighters located and attacked an apparent Japanese invasion convoy some 60 miles to the southeast of Sinleap Island. After it was all over, the troop carriers Yae Maru, Kinkai Maru, Ryugi Maru Syogen Maru and Hakozaki Maru had been attacked with the Yae Maru and Kinkai Maru each being struck by bombs. The patrol craft Ch.9 also drew the attention of the fighters but avoided damage.

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February 10, 1942:

Headquarters in Australia reported that Sag Sag on the western coast of New Britian was "honored" with the presence of Japanese troops today. This town is expected to fall within the next day (as is common with all unoccupied towns).

Nigel Hughes reported that there was a "concentrated probing attack" last night along the western defenses of Singapore that was "roundly repulsed" by British Imperial forces. Daylight showed-off the thrashing the Jap received; over 300 men on the field with some 20 guns.

China seemed to have awaken from its long "news worthy" sleep. Stillwell's headquarters reports that the Japanese attacked the Chinese 19th Group Army outside of the city of Hsinyang, but were soundly brushed aside with losses exceeding 600 men and 30 guns. Additionally, Stillwell noted, the 3rd Group Army (60 miles west ot Nanchang) conducted an attack on the Japanese 2nd Mixed Regiment and sent the regiment into a head-long retreat to Nanchang. The 3rd Group Army headquarters did not report losses.

A coastwatcher near Macassar, Celebes Islands, radioed the sinking of the Japanese troop carrier Daitei Maru.

Soerabaja was struck by naval air units today. Their targets were air and port facilities.

Once again, Dutch air units from Kupang, island of Timor, found some naval targets to play with this day. The troop carrier Tarushima Maru was located entering Macassar harbor and got a delivery of a 250# bomb as a "homecoming present".

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February 11, 1942:

EXTRA! EXTRA! - Calcutta bombed from the air, no damage reported. Southeast Asia headquarters report troops were deployed to prevent wide-spread panic in the streets. Calm has apparently been resported for the time.

In the South Pacific, a coastwatcher near the Admirality Islands has reported to Port Morseby that debris from the Burma Maru was found today. She has apparently sunk after an introduction to the A-20B "Boston" the previous days.

Minor setbacks were indicated to day by General Stillwell's staff briefing. The 2nd and 4th New Chinese Corps were driven from their bloscking positions between Wuhan and Nanchang today. This will allow, for the time being, the suppling of Wuhan. However, we were assured that reinforcements have been dispatched to the area to mount a counter-attack in the immediate future.

The front along the Yenen area has become "lively". An attack of the 36th and 37th Japanese Infantry Divisions across the river from Yenen was met by fierce resistence of the 27th and 90th Chinese Corps. After daly-long fighting, the Japanese established a minor bridgehead across the river some 60 miles to the southeast of Yenen. Losses to the Japanese were heavy; over 2,300 men, 45 guns and 3 tanks will never man this bridgehead.

Combined air strikes from British and Dutch air forces throughout the Dutch East Indies were reported this day. Air units from Singapore attacked the heavy cruisers Chokai and Suzuya but reported no direct hits. The battleship Fuso was nearly hit in a small air raid from Batavia.

Additionally, Dutch air units from Kupang, Timor again struck what was thought to be the Kendari invasion force (this force has moved to a town to the northwest of Kendari - Pomala and landed). However, that landing was not without event; the troop carrier Tenryu Maru was hit with a 250# before disembarking their "cargo" and the patrol gunboat Zuiko Maru was also attacked, but produced no direct hits.

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February 12, 1942:

Our pacific reporting team must have taken the day-off, but there is some important news to relay.

Port Morseby radio operators indicate a signal from Australian coastwatchers that Sag Sag on New Britian was formally occupied by the Japanese today without incident.

Philippine headquarters filed only one report that Manila was again bombed today.

There were numerous actions to report from the South China Sea. The Dutch town of Kragen was bombed this day by Japanese naval air units. Evidently Japense carrier forces are still on the prowl in the Java Sea.

Dutch air elements from Batavia and Kupang again reported air strikes against Japanese shipping. Batavia reported an attack on the destoryer Usugumo but with no reportable results. However, one flight of Martin 139s reported a hit on the battleship Nagato where fires were noted as the flight left the area.

The biggest news of the day was again from air units out of Singapore. Despite repeated efforts of the Japanese air forces in the area, the Brits have managed to to keep a goodly portion of their air assets flying. This is evident by the sucessful air strikes on two Japanese troop carriers near Sinkep Island. The Hikade Maru and Fusemi Maru were spotted by Wirrways and Buffalos from Singapore. The Hikade Maru "accepted" 2-250# bombs and the Fusemi Maru "invited" one of the 250# bomb onto it's quarter deck. Smoke, fire and floating bodies were the sight-of-the-day.

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February 13, 1942:

Australian Command issued a statement to day that Port Morseby was bombed today with little damage to show for it. Scout planes from Port Morseby also reported witnessing the sinking of the Oregon Maru some 240 miles north of Sag Sag, New Britian. The scout plane's pilot radioed that the ship was listing 75 degrees to starboard then rolled over and sank. There was no word concering noting survivors.

Another staff briefing from Headquarters, Army of Malaya beamed with the news that yet again today Wirrways and Buffalos from Singapore attacked Japanese shipping near Sinkep Island.
According to the briefing, 3 Japanese troop carriers were attacked; the Nissen Maru, Meiu Maru and the Mikage Maru . Apparently, the Nissen Maru was struck with 3 bombs and the Meiu Maru with one bomb. The Mikage Maru, athough subject to vigirous attacks, escaped unscathed.

A formal "After Action" Report was issued by Dutch Naval Headquarters in Kupang [aka Koepang] concering the air/anval battle of Kendari on February 7, 1942. This report of commander of Task Force 1049, Dutch Admiral K.W.F. Doorman stated, in part

"....As we entered the area around Kendari, it was nearly 0600 hours on 7/2/42.
The scout plane from the light Cruiser De Ruyter reported that a Japanese
convoy of over 10 ships had been spotted some sixty (60) miles to our southwest.
I ordered an about turn to 220 degrees to port to run down and engage this force.
As the task force was executing the order we were suddenly subjected to Japanese
air attack from the east (out of the rising sun). The air attack came in on the task
force undetected because none of the task force ship had radar. The Dutch light
cruiser Tromp was immediately struck with three (3) torpedos. The cruiser
was nearly lifted out of the water by the shear force of these explosions. Her crew
left the ship as soon as they could. However, it was apparent to all that most of the crew
went down with the fast-sinking ship.

Anti-aircraft fire from our ships was clearly ineffective and may have cost the eventual
loss of the British light cruiser Dragon. The Dragon was attacked and struck
one or two torpedoes (it is yet to be confirmed). She left the task force clearly crippled to
make her way to Darwin, to which she, unfortunately, did not succeed....

My observations from this action clearly indicate the need for some type of 'early warning'
systems for all ships, or at least one or more within future task forces. I would recommend
better anti-aircraft armament be placed on all ships as soon as possible. Lastly, I noted
a clear lack of effective communication and tactical unity among the various nationalities
within the task force. I would endeavour that Supreme Command use this bravely fought,
but terribly expensive fight as a spring board for improvements in not only in the ships but
the tactical cooperation and understandings of future multi-national naval operations."

This report clearly points out the present deficiencies in the allied navies. If they are not corrected soon, it appears to this reporter that allied naval operations in the Pacific will be at great peril.

Dutch Headquarters in Japav reported that Batavia and Kendari were subject to more air attacks today. Damage, in both instances, was termed "modest".

Dutch air units again found Japanes shipping around Macassar. The troop ships Shinwa Maru, Ural Maru and Nanrei Maru were all attacked and struck with explosives. The Shinwa Maru had 3-250# bombs enter her deck while the Nanrei Maru received 2-250# bombs and the Ural Maru was fortunate to only take one of the bombs.

It was a good day for Dutch and British air units.

[6971grunt]

February 14 to 17, 1942:

The Japanese have undertaken a general offensive in northern China, that has been dubbed the "Valentine's Day Offensive" by General Stillwell. Although the Japanese have had some success in breaching the river line to the east and southeast of Yenen, they have had little, it any at the occupied city of Hsinyang against the 19th Group Army. The Japanese have also tried to clear the bridge and railhead 60 miles to the northwest of Kaifeng held by the 20th Group Army but have been blunted on both occasions.

It is estimated that the Japanese have lost over 8,000 men, 150 guns of various types and 15 tanks in the four days of the offensive.

Chinese forces in southern China have cleared most of the area south of Nanning to the French Indo-China border. The Japanese retain control of the city of Pakhoi.

Chinese air units from Wuchow have, for the first time, attacked Japanese Navy ships at Hong Kong and Pakhoi. At Pakhoi, the merchant ship Mito Maur took 3 hits while off-loading supplies in the harbor.

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February 18, 1942:

Military censors have permitted us to report that the city of Manila fell on February 14, 1942. Sources have stated that the defenders of Manila were extremely short of all types of ammunition and had been cut-off from Clark Field by the Japanese 4th Infantry Division. With their back to Subic bay, the gallant defenders surrendered over an estimated 20,000 of their number. There is no way to determine how many of the defenders melted into the city or escaped through Japanese lines.

What we do know is that three divisions of Japanese infantry are now attacking Clark Field. Today's attack managed to penetrate some of Clark's fortifications, but the base remains in the hands of the Allies. Japanese losses in today's action were placed at over 1,200 men, 32 guns of various calibers and 10 armored vehicles.

Dutch headquarters gave a grim assessment concerning Japanese intentions in the Java area. It is predicted that with the recent land and carrier-based heavy bombing of Batavia, the Japanese have indicated their next invasion target. Japanese paratroopers have seized the town of Merk just to the west of Batavia. Dutch military source fully expect a Japanese assault on Batavia within the next few days.

Southeast Asian headquarters brief reporters today of a sharp and short action around Mandalay, Burma. The Japanese 1st Armored Regiment, well-ahead of the 33rd and 55th Infantry Divisions, attempted to enter Mandalay, but were driven back toward Pagan by the defenders. Losses on both sides were placed at "moderate".

The Japanese forces around Hsinyuang managed to outflank and push the Chinese 19th Group Army back toward Ichang. The Japanese did not get the victory cheaply however, losses in their "victory" were over 900 men and 17 guns.

Just to the north of the 19th Group Army, the Chinese 20th Group Army rebuffed another Japanese assault on the rail and bridgehead 60 miles to the northwest of Kaifeng. The Japanese forces suffered enven greater losses that those sustained against the 19th Group Army. Over 2,300 men, 71 guns of various calibers and 2 armored vehicles were eliminated from the Japanese force.

In an interesting development out of China, the Chinese Air Force has decided to start attacking Japanese shipping in the South China Sea. A spokesman for General Stillwell indicated that over the past several days Chinese IL-4c Bombers out of Wuchow have attacked Japanese shipping not only out in the South China Sea but within the ports of Hong Kong and Pakhoi. In an action today, Chinese bombers attacked, and twice struck, the merchant ship Mito Maru off-loading supplies at Pakhoi (this is the second time in three days, evidently, that this ship has been attacked and struck by 250# bombs accoridng to unnamed sources). The destroyer Yugumo was attacked, without effect, deep in the South China Sea and the patrol craft Ch 15 near Batan Island.

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February 19, 1942:

Nigel Hughes, our man in Singapore, has continues to disclose that the airfield at Singapore remains effective despite repeated efforts of the Japanese air force, and their carrier-based air-arm, to suppress British air efforts. Recently, Mr. Hughes reported that fighters from Singapore attacked Japanese merchant shipping at Toboali. The merchant ship Ayo Maru received significant damage from the bombs of Singapore fighters. Additionally, Japanese invasion ships at Bankha were also attacked by British air.

To date, the Japanese have been unable to totally suppress British or Dutch air units in the South China Sea or DEI area. This fact leads Dutch and British commands to believe that this has caused unanticiapted damage to Japanese merchant shipping and amphibious capabilities.

The Japanese air force is also attempting to suppress the Chinese airbase at Wuchow over the past several days, but according to Stillwell's headquarters has been unsuccessful. The Japanese have lost 12 bombers over the past two days to the defending P-40s. Stillwell's headquarters also reported another attack on the 20th Group Army 60 miles northwest of Kaifeng. This new attack again failed to dislodge the Chinese 20th and only netted the Japanese a basket of losses; over 2,000 men, 69 guns and 3 armored vehicles are no longer in the ranks of the Japanese.

Borneo coatwatchers near the port of Singkawang repoted the delayed sinking of the merchant ship Asawa Maru earlier struck by Dutch air units. New Japanese landings have been reported by the Dutch garrison at Bankha, Sumatra. The garrision reported repelling an Japanese banzai attack. The Japanese 35th Infantry Brigade attacked and forced the retreat of the Dutch garrison at Teloektekoeng.

[6971grunt]

February 20, 1942:

The wires of the Associated Press were alive today with information concerning the Japanese in Southeast Asia.

Major General Thompson's headquarters in the Philippines told reporters that Clark Field was attacked again today by Japanese ground forces. Headquarter's spokesman indicated that the attack was "easily handled" by the Allies and threw the Japanese back inflicting over 1,200 causalties, plus they reported destroying and additional 12 guns and 12 armored vehicles.

The Chinese 20th Group Army was again unsuccessfully assaulted today by Japanese ground forces. At final count, the Japanese lost another 2,000 men (or more), 28 guns and 2 armored vehicles. Chinese air units from Wuchow again struck at Japanese naval units anchored at Pakhoi. Once again Chinese planes focused on the merchant ship Mito Maru. This merchant ship had been hit several times on recent occasions and was again struck twice more today.

Most of the attention of Japanese aggression was focused on the Dutch. The invasion of Maumere, on the island of Flores, was successful, but unopposed. Kendari fell to the banzai attack of the Japanese 56th Infantry Brigade. The loss of Kendari and some 2,500 military personnel was a serious blow to the Dutch command in the Celebes area. The Japanese also repelled an attack of the 1st Dutch Infantry Regiment at Merak, Java.

While the 1st Dutch Regiment was engaged with the Japanese at Merak, the Japanese attempted a minesweeping operation in Batavia harbor. The small Japanese force was caught in the opening light of dawn resulting in the bombing and sinking of the minesweeper Ranzan Maru and minesweepers W.6 and Eguchi Maru were driven from the harbor. The invasion of Batavia is expected soon and will probably commence at the city of Merak.

The Dutch naval base at Soerabaja was bombed again today. Little damage was noted. A coastwatcher east of Kuching, Borneo, reported the delayed sinking of the minesweeper Hinoda Maru #18

Nigel Hughes reported that Singapore not only sustained another bombing today, but it was conducted in conjunction with another Japanese land attack. However, despite the efforts of the Japanese Army, they failed to again penetrate the stubborn defenses of Singapore. The cost for the Japanese was high - over 2,100 men, 25 guns and 2 armored vechiles.

Air units from Singapore again cause anguish to the Japanese Navy. Aircraft from Singapore again arrived over the skies of Bankha to seek out trouble, the first trouble they found was the troop carrier Gosei Maru and proceeded to strike the ship 3 times with 250# bombs. Meanwhile, two other troop carriers, the Giyu Maru and Kasui Maru, were heavily harrassed.

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February 21, 1942:

Panic took hold today along the numerous coastal towns near the city of San Francisco. There were reports circulating that a Japanese plane was spotted near the San Frnacisco. Milityar authroities indicated that a plane matching the description of one that would be used by a Japanese submarine was spotted just outside the Golden Gate Bridge. The military has sent teams to investigate.

Meanwhjile, not desiring to take any chances, Western Coastal Command has dispatched several ASW groups to hunt for the interloping submarine.

For the first time in nearly two months, a B-17 spotted and attacked a Japanese submarine lurking near the Hawaiian Ilsands. The B-17 reported that they attack the sub and though that they had scored a direct hit. This claim has yet to be confirmed.

Headquarters in the philippines reports that for the first time in weeks Japanese troops have ventured near the twon San Marcelino, some 60 miles north of Clark Field. What has been reported as the Japanese 1st Mixed Guards Brigade commenced a bombardment of the 20th Philippine Infantry Division.

China reported that their air units in Wuchow conducted another raid on Pakhoi. The patrolcraft Ch 13 as attacked as well as the beleagured Mito Maru. Although the Chinese were not successful in getting a direct hit on the Ch 13, they were able to obtain another bomb hit on the Mito Maru. If these reports are accurate, the Mito Maru has sustain 6 to 7 bomb hits over the past several days. Can it not be much longer for this world?

Dutch command reports that Batavia and Soerabaja wer again bombed today by naval air and land-based air. Batavia indicated that massive Japanese convoys are entering the Sundra Straights and possibly moving on Merak. Air units from Soerabaja conducted a successful attack on the convoys getting one bomb strike on the troop carrier Ryugi Maru and several near hits on the Daifuku Maru.

AIr units from Singapore continue their bold and reckless attacks on Japanese shipping. Today saw attacks on the battleships Kongo and Yamashiro, although the Yamashiro escaped damage the same cannot be said for the Kongo. The Kongo was struck by 2-250# bombs and set afire. The extent of any damage could not be readily assessed. Singapore also sent out air assets into the Malacca Straits and Bankha where additional attacks were conducted. No word has been passed along about their results.

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February 22, 1942:

It appears that the residents of Carmel, California, had not been just "seeing things" yesterday. According to West Coast Command, a Japanese float plane had in deed flown over their sleepy, little coastal town. West Coast Command took the report seriously and dispatched two ASW groups to investigate. One of the groups reportedly made sonar contact with a Japanes sub some 180 miles west southwest of San Francisco. Aggressive depth charging took place over a two hour period. The attacking group reported that they believed they had hit the submarine at least one because sonar noted a change in the submarine's engine "pulse".

Port Morseby filed a report with Australian Command concering an air raai by Japanese forces. The airbase was apparantley the target, but little damage was sustained by the bombing. The Japanes suffered 6 downed aircraft and 8 Nells were forced to return to their base, short of their mission, by the persistent attacks of Port Morseby's P-40 fighter cover.

Chinese pilots from Wuchow, returning from another raid on Pakhoi, filed a psot-flight report indicating yet another bomb strike on the Japanese merchant ship Mito Maru. One report told of the ship still anchored but {in rough english translation} "was in tough shape".

Air units from Singapore once again attacked Japanese troop carriers at Bankha. The troop carrier Iwaki Maru was struck by bombs while the Hakka Maru, Giyu Maru and Gosei Maru were also attacked with no apparent results.

Dutch Command in Batavia has announced the first Japanese landings on Java. As anticipated, Japanese landings commenced at the town of Merak, some 60 miles west of Batavia. The Japanese invasion fleet ran into an unanticipated surprise, sea mines. Observers reported that Japanese troop ships struck several of the mines while attempting to position themselves for disgourgement of their human cargo. The battleship Kongo was attacked as it attempted to support the landings.

While the main Dutch naval base at Soerabaja was being bombed, their aircraft found a Japanese surface task force near the Borneo town of Banjarmasin. The attacking aircraft reported a 500# bomb hit on the battleship Kirishima and near misses to the battleship Hiei and heavy cruiser Tone.

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February 23, 1942:

The siege of Clark Field continues even after the fall of Manila. Now reinforced, the Japanese conducted another atack on the installation. However, even though the Jap made some headway into the fortifications they were mightly rebuffed by the gallant defenders. The Jap left over 1,700 men, 50 guns and 11 armored vehicles on the field of battle before the day ended. The allies still own Clark Field.

The same Jap tactics used at Clark Field were also used on the garrison at Singapore. Nigel Hughes reported that there was a very concerted effort by the Japanese to rest Singapore from the Brits. However, "failure" was the word for the day as the Japanese failed to gain any ground but lost over 1,700 men, 44 guns and an armored vehicle for the effort.

Nationalist Chinese Army Command (NCAC) reported today that the Chinese at Yenen attempted a surprise attack on the Japanese outside the city. Intelligence had indicated that the Japanese were arriving "piece-meal" and an attack was ordered. The Chinese attack was an utter failure with heavy loss of men and equipment - because the intelligence had grossly underestimated the Japanese strength. Further counter attacks are unlikely in the near future - "defense" appears to the desired posture at this point.

However, Chinese air units from Wuchow conducted two attacks that merit press at this point. Air units struck at the Pescadores finding the merchant ships Suruga Maru and Shingestu Maru anchored. The weather conditions were less than acceptable and there were no reported strikes on these ships. The same cannot said for the air units finding the Japanese tanker Ogura Marue #3 just about to dock in Hong Kong. Placing two 250# bombs amidship, the tanker was set ablaze with fuel said to be burning into Hong Kong harbor.

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February 24, 1942:

Chinese sources today expressed surpirse to fine the Japanese merchant ship Mito Maru had slipped out of Pakhoi harbor to Taan on Hanian Island. Believing that the ship was immobilized, they did not seek her out at Pakhoi, however, todays raid on Taan revieled that the Mito Maru had enough "life" in her to make it to Taan. Unfortunately for the Mito Maru she was again the victim of a 250# bomb.

The Dutch reported that Bali was bombarde by Japanese naval Forces today. One note of interest, Hollywood today indicated that they had been planning the next Crosby-Hope "Road Pciture" on the island until the war borke out. Filiming has been delay indefinitely. Hope and Crosby have been touring bases throughout the United States to raise money and morale.

The Dutch also report that their spies around Macassar report that the troop carrier Shinwa Maru surcomed to her earlier wounds and found the bottom of the harbor. It was also reported that air units from Soerabaja found and attacked the heavy cruisers Mikuma and Atago near Banjarmasin with no noticable results.

Singapore's air units had a "field day" with Japanese shipping around Bankha, Sumatra. The troop carrier Haguro Maru was the only one to escape without harm, while the Iwaki Maru took one hit from a British bomb and the Gosie Maru, Hakka Maru and Giyu Maru all took 2 hits apiece.

[6971grunt]

February 25, 1942:

The day turned ugly for the Japanese Army today in China. General Stillwell's staff reported that the Japanese Army plotted a major offensive around Wuhan today in order to force the Chinese Army surrounding the city to withdraw. However, their efforts were soundly rebuffed by the Chinese. According to well-placed sources, the Japanese suffered over 8,500 men, 260 guns and 7 armored vehicles lost for their failed efforts.

Chinese air units from Wuchow reported a concentrated attack on Japanese shipping in and around Hong Kong. The merchant ships Hide Maru, Unyo Maru, and Eizan Maru were attacked by Chinese bombers with no effect, but the Showa Maru accepted a 250# bomb from the Chinese.

The Dutch report that Bali was again bombarded by Japanese naval forces with little, if no effect. Dutch air units attacked, without scoring hits, the battleship Kirishima in the Java Sea. The Japanese APD-36 drew the interest of the Dutch on the western side of Java, but reported no bomb strikes.

Philippine Headquarter's staff reported a probing-banzai attack on the forces defending San Marcelino that was repulsed with the loss of over 200 men and 6 guns.

Air units from Singapore once again tormented Japanese ships landing forces near the Sumatra town of Bankha. The troop carriers Haguro Maru and Iwaki Maru managed to avoid damage while the Eihuku Maru took two bomb strikes.

[6971grunt]

February 26, 1942:

Southeast Asia was once again the place to be for news. With the South and Eastern pacific areas being relatively quite [for the time being], the "wires" have been starved for some news.

Major General Thompson's headquarters in Bataan reported two attackes on his forces. At Clark Filed repelled another attack by Japanese forces cause the reduction of the enemy by over 1,600 men, 50 guns and 2 armored vehicles. Philippine forces at San Marcelino fought-off a night banzia attack that left over 575 Japanese men and 20 guns on the field.

Nigel Hughes, our man in SIngapore, again reported that British air units have once again attacked Japanese naval forces at Bankha. The Ahasisan Maru took 2 bomb hits while the Gosei Maru and Haguro Maru escaped serious damage.

Chinese air units from Wuchow attacked Japanese naval forces lingering around Hong Kong. The merchant ships Toa Maru and Kokko Maru were attacked with the Toa Maru accepting 3 bomb hits. Returning air units reported seeing the merchant ship Kahuzau Maru sunk in Hong Kong harbor.

The Dutch had the biggest news of the day with the reporting of the invasion of the western Java port of Tjilitijap. Although a Japanese did manage to land, the Japanese protective force of APDs took damage attempting to off-load Japanese Infantry. The APDs 32 and 34 each took 4 hits from Dutch coastal defenses and are reported burning heavily and the APD 36 was struck once.

Another surface action was reported by a small Motor Torpedo task force at Bali. Motor Torpedo boats 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 were on partol and near 1600 hours spotted an invasion force attempting to land at Bali. Attacking without regard to themselves these boats drove off the invaders to the loss of TM-5, 8 and 9. TM-5 was struck 18 times before sinking and placing one of its torpedos into the side of the patrol craft Kyo Maru #11. The small, but frisky, task force is reportedly still in the Bali area.

[6971grunt]

[font="Times New Roman"]February 27, 1942[/font]:

[font="Times New Roman"]Action was noted by the Associated Press today in and around the Dutch island of Bali. The small Dutch Motor Torpedo TaskForce again assaulted the Japanese Navy around Bali. In a daring night attack, the plucky Motor Torpedo boats swept in on a Japanese Naval Task Force led by the battleship Hiei. During a furious firfight, as it was described, the smaller Dutch force managed to torpedo the destroyer Hagikaze. The Dutch reported that they loast the TMs- 9 and 13 to heavy return fire from the screening Japanese cruisers. For all the efforts of the gallant men, they were unable to stop the invasion of Bali by Japanese ground forces. Air units from the Dutch naval base at Soerabaja attacked the troop carrier Palao Maru off-loading near Bali - no damage was reported.

British air assets from Singapore continue their domination of the air in the Straits of Malacca. Imperial Japanese Naval forces cannot suppress the ever-present British fighters. Dive-bombing attacks on the troop carrier Gosei Maru and merchant ship Akasisan Maru were reported by the British. There were no reports on the extent of any inflicted damage.

Nigel Hughes in Singapore reported another concerted effort of the Japanese to storm Singapore. Hughes reported that the Japanese appeared to make "minor progress", it cost them over 1,000 men and 28 guns of various calibers.

The Dutch towns of Tjilitjap and Bandoeng were struck by massive air assets of the Japanese Navy stationed near Teloebetoeng. Damage to the facilities, however was reported to be "light".

Another air strike from Soerabaja found the battleships Fuso and Nagato some 240 miles northeast of Soerabaja. Pilots reported what they beleived to be strikes on the Fuso, but that has yet to be confirmed.

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