AAR

 

Hello all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is after-her-weekend Annie reporting, with the first assault on your morale:"

Tokyo, Dec. 9, 1941 G/T 1/13/41; 1st Air Phase actions:

Hostilities open with our strike at Pearl Harbor. After our strike is airborne, winging its way towards Oahu, the atmosphere on the bridge of the Akagi is electrified by a report sent by one of our Jake scout floatplanes sent on ahead:

"Ships present in the harbor are 8x battleships, two heavy cruisers, six light cruisers, and one Yorktown-class carrier just now entering the harbor!"

Unfortunately for us, Adm. Nagumo has been overly-cautious & has retained half his A6M's as CAP, sending only 6 to Oahu. The presence of the CV forces us to send all of the attackers against the ships at Pearl, ignoring the airfields -- the few Zeros will have to the best they can against the American air assets on Oahu.

The unlucky carrier present is, of course, the Enterprise. She proves resilient and it requires two waves to sink her. The BB Arizona is the only capital ship which sinks catastrophically (i.e., direct "S" result). The BB's Nevada & Pennsylvania are also bottomed, & Tennessee receives "D2" damage.

Our exceptionally good luck turns on us, as the US AA "wakes up" unusually early and, though we lose no air points destroyed, several attacking A/P's, including most of the follow-on torpedo-laden Kates, are aborted. Thus, our last waves are not very effective: CL's Helena & St. Louis are sunk; CL 's Honolulu & Phoenix each receive "D4" damage; CA New Orleans receives "D3" damage; & we sink one Somers-class DD. The remaining US BB's can thank the "E" from diverting attention from them, & receive only some chipped paint.

The attacks on the US airfields prove a fiasco. We lose one elite A6M (our only air loss of the strike) from AA & have another aborted. The remaining fighters apparently cannot find Hickam, Wheeler or Bellows fields, as the USAAC forces are virtually untouched. We do manage to destroy 2x PBY's, a PB2Y, and one TBD (evidently from "Torpedo Six," ex of Enterprise's air group) air point.

Regarding the Enterprise, apparently Adm. Halsey wasted no time on going ashore when she entered Pearl, as he is not aboard his flagship. We can assume, though, that he had a good ringside view of her going down.

In the Philippines:

Fortunately, we have clear weather for our strikes on Clark Field, and here MacArthur suffers horrendous losses, as our strikes at Clark are especially effective: We destroy fully 75% of the US air point assets there, for the loss of 1x G3M & 1x A6M.

In addition, we sink an oiler and a DD in Cavite.

At Singapore:

Clear skies also exist over Singapore, & we destroy approx. 50% of the British air points there, for the loss of 1x G4M A/P.

Though the overall ship damage inflicted at Pearl Harbor is somewhat disappointing, and the results against the USAAC are obviously far less than hoped for, we still consider ourselves especially fortunate, and lift a sake toast to the destruction of the "E."

Time will tell whether the Americans are able to raise & repair her, and any of the other ships sunk.

End Report

 

Hello all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is after-her-weekend Annie reporting, with another assault on your morale."

Tokyo, Dec. 11, 1941 G/T 1/13/41, operations through 2nd Naval Phase

In Malaya, the Imperial Navy tips its cap to the brave Adm. Phillips, who courageously sorties from Singapore in the vain hope of interfering with our landings near Singora. Force "Z" is tracked as it moves north along the coast of Malaya, and from Saigon we launch 3x G4M, 8x G3M, & 4x A6M Zero Air Points in an unopposed attack on the British Task Force.

Our attackers are formed into 4 waves, and are all "elite" air crews. The British fight back resolutely, downing one G3M Nell from the 1st wave via AA. We are only able to slightly damage the "Prince of Wales."

The follow-on waves, though, press home their attacks, first heavily damaging P.O.W., leaving her dead in the water, and damaging "Repulse." We sink both "Repulse" and "Prince of Wales" with the last two attacking waves, and sink one British DD to boot.

Admiral Phillips (Cdr, Eastern Fleet HQ & aboard P.O.W.) is seriously wounded but survives. We surmise his war is over for him, as he will be unavailable for at least the next 6 months. We salute our brave navy pilots & drink sake toasts to the destruction of the two British battleships.

In the Philippines, Japanese forces are landed at four locations: 1. At Aparri, the 62nd Rgt (21st Inf Div). 2. At Vigan, the Tanaka Rgt (48th Inf Div). 3. At Tuguegarao, the Kanno Rgt (48th Inf Div). 4. At Lingayen, the 48th Inf Div (-). All landings appear opposed (and will be resolved during the yet-to-be-played Ground Phase).

Prior to these landings, we conduct several naval gunfire bombardments of the Philippine landing sites. Following one bombardment (of Aparri), the Americans score their first success of the war -- a US submarine puts a torpedo into the CA Mogami, leaving her with (at least) "D2" damage.

The few remaining P-40's in the Philippines attempt attacks against our amphibious shipping, but are ineffective.

In Malaya, we land the 3rd Tank Bde Group and 5th Inf. Div at Singora, against no opposition. A strong IJN naval bombardment is carried out at Kuantan, where the 45th Ind. Bde is located.

In Borneo, the 4th Bn, Yokosuka SNLF Bde & the 8th Bn, Sasebo SNLF Bde are landed at Brunei, an opposed landing. And, the 2nd Bn, Yokosuka SNLF Bde is landed, unopposed, SW of Kuching.

The Pearl Harbor Striking Force leaves Hawaiian waters, headed apparently west.

Allied naval movements in the Philippines/Borneo area give the impression the Allies do not intend to fight at sea there. Several Allied TF's congregate near Ceram/Amboina.

End Report

Hello all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is after-her-weekend Annie reporting, with another assault on your morale."

Tokyo, Dec. 14, 1941. Operations through end of G/T 1/13/41

AIR OPERATIONS

In the CBI, we finally discover the new location of the US AVG, as we conduct an unescorted bomber raid on Yunnani. Luckily, our 4x Ki-48's, after being ambushed, receive no losses but do no damage to the airfield there.

In the Philippines, the few remaining US P-40's continue to be a nuisance, with one inflicting minor damage to an APB (thankfully already off-loaded) off Lingayen. We launch an all-out effort from Formosa against Lingayen, against the reported ground troops there, in support of the 48 Div's landing (in vain, as we shortly will discover -- the beaches are left undefended).

In the central pacific, a Japanese strike against Wake, from the PH carrier strike force (now, at least in part, NW of Wake) manages to destroy the one F4F A/P there, but fails to do any damage to either of the US coastal batteries there.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

The intrepid US oilers which luckily escaped Guam thanks to bad weather there run out of luck, as they approach too close to Marcus I, are spotted by our seaplanes there, and are later attacked by another strike by Nagumo's carriers, sinking one & inflicting "D3" damage on the other.

At Wake I., our invasion TF (from Kwajalein, carrying the Maizuru SNLF Bde) is hit by the coastal battery on the W. side of the atoll, with one Wakatake-class APD receiving only minor damage. Our landing on the SW coast succeeds, the SNLF Bde passes its Troop Quality check, & continues the attack against the USMC Defense Bn, dug in near the airfield. The attack succeeds, the Americans surrender & Wake Island is captured without loss.

At Rabaul, we suffer an embarrassing setback. An invasion force from Truk (2x APD's, with DD escort) is found by US subs, and one APD receives "D4" damage ("dead in the water") prior to landing. We lose 2 steps from the 144th Rgt, and are forced to turn back. The US submarines continue to be a major thorn in our side, and our ASW capabilities continue to be poor...

In the Celebes/Halmahera area, the entire region is covered by storm systems. The Kure SNLF Bde is landed at Manado (Celebes). We win the battle against the Dutch defenders there, but lose 1 step in the process. Interestingly, a US TF, of unknown composition, attempts a REAC move against our landing at Manado. It stops short, however, and its composition remains a mystery. Could be the US Asiatic Fleet. Perhaps time will tell...

At Halmahera, no intrinsic garrison is deployed there, & the 2nd Bn, Sasebo SNLF Bde lands there unopposed.

At Sorong, in NW N. Guinea, our landing force is attacked by a lone Hudson from Amboina -- inflicting a lucky hit, and minor damage to one Merchant Shipping Unit on the way in. A very low-quality intrinsic garrison is deployed there, and the 1st Bn, Sasebo SNLF Bde makes short work of it, without loss.

At Guam, we land the 1st Inf Bde (from Saipan). We land at Agana, where the USMC Def. Bn is. The marine defenders surrender, but fight well, inflicting 2 steps of loss on our Bde. Guam thus is captured.

From Palau, the Miura Rgt is landed successfully at Lae, on N. Guinea. The Allies are apparently taken by surprise by this move, as no intrinsic garrison was deployed there.

At Brunei, the 4th Bn, Yokosuka & 8th Bn, Sasebo SNLF Bdes are landed, against the Ind. Bn. defending there. Our assault succeeds without loss, and we capture our first Co-Prosperity Sphere Resource hex ( a valuable one, at a level of "9").

PHILIPPINES

In the Philippines, several good and bad events transpire. We find that, in North Luzon, MacArthur has deployed his units well forward on the beaches, mostly defending the northern airfields. Our heavy bombardments (both air & naval) have, as we discover, only mixed results:

At Aparri, the defenders (31st Fil. Militia Div, understrength) have been broken, and have suffered losses via bombardment. Thus, our 62nd Inf. Rgt makes it ashore there, with minor losses, though we are unable to force the Fil. defenders to retreat. Still, a successful landing, as the 31st "Div" is down to a single step.

At Vigan, we discover Gen. Wainwright is there, with the 26th Phil. Scouts Rgt + the 71st Fil. Militia Div. Our bombardment here has failed to have any effect, and the Tanaka Rgt's landing succeeds, but at high cost. We have a tenuous hold on the Vigan beach-head, as we again are unable to force Wainwright to retreat.

At Tuguegarao, we are surprised to find one of the better Filippino units, the 1st Fil. Div, dug in there. And, apparently our heavy bombardments there have had no effect on the defenders. The Kanno Rgt's landing there becomes our first major setback of the war. Though the Kanno Rgt inflicts heavy casualties on the defenders, we fail a required Troop Quality check, and in the end the Kanno Rgt is wiped out on the beaches.

At Lingayen, MacArthur has chosen to leave this area undefended, and the 48th Div (-), after extensive (& unnecessary, as it turns out) bombardment, walks ashore in parade formation. We thus capture the anchorage there, and are adjacent to Clark Field.

MacArthur, during the Allied Ground Phase, appears to be rushing the "South Luzon Force" north, towards Clark & Manila. Clark Field is reinforced by another Fil. Militia Div.

We are disappointed in the loss of the Kanno Rgt, but are heartened by the severe losses suffered by the Allied units in N. Luzon, and by the secure beach-head at Lingayen. We vow to exact severe regenge on the Americans in the Philippines for this loss of face.

BURMA/THAILAND

The Japanese advance towards Burma begins, with the Imperial Guards division advancing to the outskirts of Bangkok. In the north, the 55th Div occupies Chengmai, and the 33rd Div (Gen Sakurai) advances towards the Salween River, along the Chinese border.

West of the Salween, the Burma Area Army commander has deployed several Burmese Bn's, and they begin to dig in.

End Report

Excerpts from Adm'l Ugaki's diary, entries from Dec. 15-17, 1941"

Tokyo, Dec. 17, 1941. Operations through 2nd Naval Phase, G/T 2/13/41

Note: Admiral Kimmel is relieved of command at CincPac, and is replaced (temporarily at least) by V. Adm. Pye.

AIR OPERATIONS

In New Guinea, we launch ineffective air strikes against Port Moresby from a CVL TF, combined with floatplanes from AV's/CVS's.

Near the Celebes, a US MS unit (apparently fleeing from Manila) is sunk by 2x G4M Bettys operating from Palau.

In the Philippines, more strikes against Clark Field from Formosa eliminate a surviving P-36, & 2 more P-40 A/P's. The USAAC presence in the PI continues to dwindle, but it is still a factor.

Off Malaya, we dispatch one Dutch sub with ASW air operating from Saigon. This is the first Allied sub point destroyed in this area.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

Malaya: The Japanese 18th Inf Div, with Gen. Mutaguchi, is debarked at Singora. We now have 2x divisions plus the 3rd Tk Bde Group preparing to push south, with Gen. Yamashita in command. The British attempt an attack on our transport TF (APB's) with 1x Vildebeest A/P from Khota Bharu. Zekes flying emergency CAP from Singora down the attackers, but the British attack (as will be revealed) is a decoy intending to draw fighter cover away from a more valuable target.

A Japanese bombardment TF (departing after bombarding Khota Bharu) is then attacked by another Vildebeest, flying from Singapore. Our TF has ventured to within torpedo-carrying range, and we pay for it, as no CAP is available. The intrepid lone attacker survives AA, goes in & lightly damages the CA "Maya." Unfortunately, Maya receives a critical hit & her damage (known to the British via subsequent sub search) is upped to "D2" (moderate damage).

During the aforementioned sub search, a US subron contacts this TF off the coast of Malaya. Our ASW efforts continue to be found wanting and, despite a plethora of dud torpedoes & other operational problems, the US luck holds -- the BC "Haruna" is sunk! We are shocked by the loss of "Haruna," and by the loss of face from this outrage. We now curse our intelligence service, with its pre-war estimates of poor US torpedo performance.

Celebes / Ceram Sea area: Off Manado, part of the US Asiatic Fleet initiates the first surface engagement of the war, a daylight action. The opposing forces are: US TF12 (No Adm'l present): CL's Boise & Marblehead, plus 3x DD's. Jap. TF14 (No Adm'l present): 1x DD, 2x APD's Obviously outgunned, we do not intend to stay long. The only damage inflicted during this short engagement is "D1" damage inflicted on a Japanese DD, by the Boise. Our TF successfully disengages, & we reluctantly toast the courage of the Asiatic Fleet commander, Adm'l Hart.

Then, near Sorong, a 2nd Asiatic Fleet TF (again, no Adm'l present) contacts a Japanese MS TF. The US TF consists of the CA Houston, plus 3x DD's. We are able to disengage successfully, with (fortunately) no loss.

A Japanese surface TF attempts to engage the "Houston" TF at night, but fails to successfully contact it.

Both US TF's later beat a hasty retreat from the area, heading S & SE towards the Torres Strait.

Rabaul / Solomon Sea area: We lose a heavily-damaged APD which is being towed, the victim of attacks by Australian Hudsons & Wirraways flying from Rabaul.

New Guinea: More bad news! A Japanese CVL TF, operating SE of Port Moresby, is attacked by B-17's operating out of Cooktown. We are unable to turn any of the attackers back via CAP or AA. The attackers concentrate on CVL Zuiho. They score a lucky hit on her and, remarkably, it is enough to sink her! We suffer another outrage, having the Zuiho sunk by, of all means, B-17's. Meanwhile, the Allies appear perplexed by the mere presence of Japanese ships in those waters.

Borneo: At Kuching, we land the 1st & 3rd Bn's, Sasebo SNLF Bde.

Philippines: More bad news, in a game-turn which is rapidly attaining near "black-day" status. The BB "Nagato," departing Philippine waters following multiple bombardments in the Tuguegarao area, is torpedoed by yet another US sub. She receives (at least "D3") damage.

We wonder whether we have learned our lesson regarding holding the US subs in such low esteem, and have to reluctantly admit that the Allied pre-war submarine deployment was magnificently done.

End Report

Hello all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is Tokyo Rose reporting, with another assault on your morale."

Tokyo, Dec. 25, 1941. Operations through end of G/T 3/13/41

AIR OPERATIONS

In Burma, we conduct a bold & risky night, extended-range paradrop from Hanoi, on Lashio, with the IJA's 2nd Para Rgt. We are hoping that it is defended with the expected low-quality Burmese Bn's. To our dismay, the Allied commander in the CBI has placed a much tougher Gurkha Bn there. Our assault still has a chance of success but, after hard fighting our troops are defeated, & the venture fails. We vow to avenge yet another outrage, and to take Lashio overland by force.

In the Philippines, we lose another G3M A/P as we bombard the Filippino troops deployed there. Over Clark, we lose two elite A6M's, for only 1x P-40 destroyed on the ground, as the Allies continue to fight hard.

At Port Moresby, we are surprised to learn of an apparent US carrier ferry, flying planes into Moresby. We are unable to locate the US carrier, which we suspect to be Lexington.

We are able to make our new airfield at Lae operational, and commence air operations from there against Moresby, with Ki-45's & B5N's striking there. Little opposition is encountered, mainly from Australian Wirraways & we suffer no losses. During these strikes, we confirm that a few US carrier planes are indeed present (2x SBD's & 1x SB2U A/P -- but no fighters). The SBD's will soon prove a minor menace.

At Singapore, combat reports indicate the destruction of the last remaining British air assets: a few Vildebeests, Albacores, & Buffaloes, via G3M raids launched from Indochina.

We discover that the CW has deployed air points (unknown type) into Legaspi, from Balikpapan, and at Koepang, in Timor (origins unknown).

NAVAL OPERATIONS

East Indies: The Australian Hudsons which continue to operate from Amboina continue to be a nuisance, attacking (without results) our amphibious TF headed for Kendari. We are able to land the Kure SNLF Bde (-) there, and capture it from the Dutch intrinsic garrison there, without loss.

Fortunately, strong storm systems continue to prevail in the Ceram/Timor/Arafura Sea area hamper Allied attempts to contact our forces. Then, a typhoon appears in this area, threatening many ships operating in that area, along with the many bases there. More on that system later...

In New Guinea, we land 3 regiments (which were diverted from the original war plan assigning them to Mindanao) at Buna/Gona: The Sakaguchi detachment, & the Kimura, & 146th Rgt's. We thus achieve one of our major goals of our "Phase 1" operations: the seizure of important bases in NE & Papua N. Guinea. We hope this operation comes as a shock to our enemy. Though our landing is unopposed, we have some problems with the Kimura Rgt, which will get worse as this Rgt will soon disgrace themselves. All 3 units, after landing, prepare for an immediate trek along the Kokoda trail to their prime objective: Port Moresby!

The 2nd Bn, Sasebo SNLF Bde is landed successfully at Biak, sailing from Halmahera. A CW intrinsic garrison of very low quality is quickly defeated, & we capture Biak without loss.

At Manokwari, in NW N. Guinea, the 1st Inf Bde (-) is landed without opposition, and we capture the lone Co-Prosperity Sphere Resource Point there in N. Guinea.

On New Britain, we are back with another landing attempt, which succeeds this time, south of Rabaul: the 144th Rgt (-), which still has bad memories of their abortive first attempt, which resulted in the loss of many troops by the torpedoing of their fast transports. This time, though, we are able to evade the US subs operating there.

Later on in the week, we follow up this landing with an amphibious landing from Lae, directly on Rabaul, with the Miura Rgt + 1x IJA Bn. Australian Wirraways there attempt to attack our ships, but without effect. Our troops are landed successfully.

In the South Pacific, Japanese engineers occupy Nauru, which is un-garrisoned.

The US carrier planes at Port Moresby then attack a transport TF, which to our chagrin is located & reported by CW coastwatchers on Long Island, as it heads towards Buna/Gona. US SBD's sink one MS unit. We are unable in this report to confirm or deny any cargo it was carrying.

The US Asiatic Fleet, fleeing through the Torres Strait, makes good on its escape & has survived the journey from the Philippines & Borneo completely intact. It heads apparently for Rockhampton, where it enters port. We would recommend a most-deserved extended leave for the crews of these brave ships. We hope to meet up with them again, soon...

In the Arafura Sea area, typhoon "Zed" causes havoc, damaging the Allied base at Amboina, and our base at Sorong, in N. Guinea. Fortunately, none of our ships in that area at sea are damaged, though we are not out of harms' way yet.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Borneo: At Kuching, the 1st & 3rd Bn's, Yokosuka SNLF Bde which were landed there defeat the few Dutch defenders, & we capture it without loss.

Thailand/Burma: The Imperial Guards Div occupies Bangkok, and Thailand aligns herself formally with the empire of Japan. At Bangkok, both the 38th Inf Div (Gen. Sano, from Hong Kong) & the 2nd Inf Div are debarked. They commence their movement north, towards Burma. In the north, our 33rd Div (Gen. Sakurai) reaches the bank of the Salween River, opposite Lashio. The defenders there are dug in across the river.

Philippines: From Lingayen, we launch an assault south against Clark, with the 48th Div (-) & 16th Div (-). The defenders there are overmatched: The 41st & 21st Filippino Militia Divs. They are routed, & retreat into Bataan. We suffer only minor losses. We thus capture the major American airbase, though it is severely damaged & will take some work & time to be made operational. Our first major success of the Philippines campaign, & we toast Gen. Homma, the 14th Army commander.

At Aparri, our 62nd Inf Rgt (21st Inf Div) destroys the remnants of the 31st Fil. Mil.Div, and we finally capture the airfield there.

Our first patrols in the Bataan area reveal the following information about the strength of the Allied units defending the heavily-fortified peninsula: 21st & 41st Fil. Mil Divs (ex of Clark; both "broken"), along with a USA engineer & the 4th Mar. Rgt. We are thankful that the powerful US Army's Philippine Inf Division, still at Manila & yet to be heard from (is this unit Gen. MacArthur's personal guard, we ask?), has not made it to Bataan.

At Vigan, we launch an attack north from the Lingayen area: The Tanaka Rgt, a crack unit, plus one Rgt from the 48th Div, against Gen. Wainwright & the Phil. Scouts' Cav Rgt + the 71st Fil. Mil Div. This battle is a draw, with both sides taking heavy casualties and though the Phil. Scouts' unit is destroyed, we are unable to force the remaining defenders to retreat. We call off the attack, retreating back towards Lingayen.

Malaya, 2nd week operations: Gen. Yamashita's vaunted 25th Army begins its advance down the Malay peninsula, from Singora. Our 5th Inf Div (Mutaguchi) & the 3rd Tank Bde Group assault Jitra, forcing the 11th Ind. Div & 22nd Ind Bde to retreat in disorder. Our first encounter with CW troops leaves us confident of our invincibility. On the E. coast of Malaya, the 18th Inf Div begins its push, wiping out one Ind. Bn. It does, though, suffer the ignominity of a step loss incurred from this puny little unit. Gen. Yamashita is not entirely pleased with this.

Malaya, 3rd week operations: The 18th Div continues its advance, wiping out another Ind. Bn at Khota Bharu, which is taken. In this assault, we find a dubious prize: General Heath is captured! We would have preferred him to have remained in command of the CW units defending Malaya, and consequently offer him back to Gen. Percival in a P.O.W. exchange, but we are rebuffed.

Near Kuala Lumpur, we destroy what is left of the British 53rd Bde, probably the best Allied ground unit defending in Malaya. We now have the nucleus for our planned construction project: the Bangkok-Rangoon railroad! The 5th Inf Div continues its attacks against the now-broken 11th Ind Div & 22nd Bde. Here, though, the defenders gain some back-bone -- though the 22nd Ind Bde surrenders, the 11th Ind. Div holds, and cannot be forced to retreat.

At Rabaul, our coordinated amphibious/overland assault there succeeds, against the Australian intrinsic garrison of Troop Quality "4." Our attack captures the important base with no loss, as our progress continues to be most encouraging, on all fronts.

New Guinea: The cornerstone of our "Phase 1" operations in the South Pacific is kicked off: the march along the Kokoda trail to Port Moresby, which is still defended only by a weak Australian Bn. The assault will be a difficult one, and in the movement towards Moresby, the Kimura Rgt breaks, returns to Buna & will not be available for the assault. This unit has, unfortunately, disgraced itself & Adm. Inouye (South Seas Fleet HQ commander) is most displeased. But, fortunately both the Sakaguchi Detachment and the 146th Rgt, both good units, make it across in good enough order to attack. They are attacked by US B-17's flying from Cooktown, which desperately attempt to interdict & disrupt their movement to contact. But, their attacks fail to deter our units, which launch their assault. Though costly (we suffer two step losses), our assault on Port Moresby succeeds -- the Australian Bn surrenders, and we now control Port Moresby!

End Report

Tokyo, Dec. 26, 1941. We forward this from an intercept of a BBC (Far East) broadcast, reported by Mike Daniels:

Clark fell in the P.I. and the Americans are split into three (3) pieces: (a) North Luzon Force (still holding most if not all of the airbases in North Luzon), (b) Battan Defense Force, and (3) Southern Luzon Force (holding Manila and Legaspi).

In addition, the Japanese took Port Morseby prompting the following message to Churchill:

"(SECRET-NOT FOR ATTRIBUTION TO AMERICAN FORCES)

From: Gen Hutton

To: Prime Minister

Subj: Performance of our American Allies

The Bloody Americans have made a complete shambles of the Philippine Islands and Port Morseby despite the loan of considerable military assets from the Burma and Malaya Army Groups. Apparently these colonials are incapable of successfully completing even the most rudimentary of military operations. In the event that any American Units are allowed to enter combat in the ETO, I recommend that they be placed under a British Officer to make sure that these undisiplined colonials do not cobble up another operation."

In Malaya, the Japanese are making steady progress (taking Jitra, Khota Bhuaru, and some jungle hexes).

In Burma, the Japanese made a night paradrop on Lashio!..Running into the the best Gurka Battalion in Burma. Needless to say, the Japanese paratroops were totally destroyed. I guess the Japanese expected the city to be undefended. If it had worked, it would have unhinged the British Defensive Line along the Salween River. Looks like the Japanese are heading directly for Northern Burma. This should be an interesting part of the campaign...Can a small number of superior Japanese units destroy a considerably larger (but inferior quality) Commonwealth Force dug in behind a river?

End Report

"Hello all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is after-her-weekend Annie reporting, with another assault on your morale and more distressing war news for the Allies."

Tokyo, Jan 1, 1942. Operations through end of Cycle 13/41

AIR OPERATIONS

We discover Australian air points operating from Koepang (Timor), and launch preliminary fighter sweeps (Zeroes) from Kendari (Celebes) there. We find only 1x Hudson air point & we do no damage.

We discover US P-40's now present at Amboina, apparently rebasing there from Darwin. Unfortunately for the Allies, Amboina's airfield still is damaged from the effects of Typhoon "Zed." We launch more fighter sweeps from Kendari -- 3x "elite" A6M's, and manage to destroy one of the P-40 air points there, without loss.

In Burma/Thailand, the British launch air strikes on some of our 15th Army units moving towards the Salween river defenses. One strike, from Akyab (Blenheims & Hudsons) actually inflicts a step loss on our 33rd Inf Div (Gen. Sakurai), as it is preparing for a cross-river assault on Lashio. We are unable to provide fighter cover, as our advance has been so rapid that our forward airbases in this area are far to the rear. The British continue these air strikes right up to the actual assault. They have little effect, however.

From Yunnani, the AVG's P-40's (as fighter-bombers) join in these attacks on Gen. Sakurai's division.

In New Guinea, the first USAAC strike on Port Moresby occurs: B-17's flying from Cooktown, in what we're sure is but the first of many raids there. There is no air opposition against the 5x B-17's, and they are able to suppress the airfield there.

(In the Ceram area, Typhoon "Zed" finally runs out of steam, after having disrupted operations for both sides in that area for nearly two weeks)

From our newly-won airfields on Borneo (Permangkot), we launch fighter sweeps on Palembang, and discover 3x Dutch Buffalo, & 2x P-26 air points there. Our 5x A6M's are unable to inflict any damage, so far at least.

In the South Pacific, the first Japanese air units arrive at the fighter strip at Rabaul.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

In the Java Sea, a Japanese carrier TF enters from the Celebes area. It is fortunately not spotted by any Allied air search until it is too late. After gaining valuable information via air reconnaissance over Tjilitjap, we launch a carrier strike on Soerabaja, and catch Adm. Doorman's ships in port there!

Nine "elite" B5N's (level-bombing from LOW altitude), along with nine D3A's (7x of them "elite"), with fighter escort, attack. There is no fighter opposition, and the Dutch ships are sitting ducks. We attack in 5 waves, and our boys make short work of the Dutch ships, sinking all 3 CL's (DeRuyter, Java, & Tromp), along with 3 out of the 4 DD's present there. We lose 1x "elite" D3A air point from flak. We thank the ABDAFLOAT command for these gift targets.

Following the carrier strike, this TF covers an amphibious TF which sorties from Kuching (Borneo), to Bangka Island, off Sumatra. Our movements are unmolested, and we land the 1st Bn, Yokosuka SNLF Bde there without opposition.

GROUND OPERATIONS

In Java, the ABDA HQ is formed at Batavia, commanded by British Gen. Wavell (though his command there will prove short-lived, as will be seen shortly).

Malaya: At Kuantan, the 45th Indian Bde is attacked by our 18th Inf Div. Though it is nearly wiped out, this valiant CW unit refuses to budge, and we are unable to force it to retreat. This is a stunning setback to the 18th division, which vows to attack with renewed vigor in January. South of Jitra, Gen. Mutaguchi's 5th Inf Div has better results, as the 11th Ind. Division is destroyed!

Thailand/Burma: Gen. Sano's 38th Inf. Div occupies the airfield at Tavoy. There is no CW intrinsic garrison deployed there.

Gen. Sakurai's 33rd Inf. Div launches its assault across the Salween river, against Lashio! The defenders there are 1x Gurkha Bn (the same which defeated our 2nd Abn. Rgt there previously), plus the 1st Burmese Bde. Our assault succeeds in crossing the river, but fails to rout the CW defenders, which continue to hold onto Lashio. We do, however, destroy the Gurkha Bn responsible for our previous defeat. We take no prisoners from this unit. Thus, the 33rd division is locked in combat with the CW defenders, who send in another Burmese unit to reinforce Lashio.

Philippines: No major activity or movement occurs, on either side, though we receive reports that apparently Gen. MacArthur has relocated his USAFFE HQ from Manila to Corregidor. We finally are able to fully repair Clark Field, so that we may commence full-scale air operations from there in January.

We receive reports of a major shake-up of the Allied command in the British sector, as Gen. Wavell is transferred, from command of the ABDA HQ, to command the Burma Army HQ in Rangoon, replacing Gen. Hutton. British Gen. Irwin then takes command of ABDA, in Batavia. And, the British Malaya Army Group HQ, in Singapore, commanded by the ineffective Gen. Percival, is disbanded. Henceforth, the defense of Malaya apparently will be an ABDA responsibility. We lament the departure of Gen. Percival, who has been responsible for much of our early success in the march to Singapore.

End Report

 

This is the Zero Hour, calling in the Pacific, with news for you fighting men."

Tokyo, Jan 11, 1942. Operations through 1st Naval Phase, G/T 2/1/42

AIR OPERATIONS

In Burma, the British continue small-scale air attacks on our Gen. Sakurai's 33rd division, engaged in hard fighting at Lashio. Small numbers of Blenheims, with P-40's of the AVG, have little effect. Through reconnaissance, we discover (to our surprise) that no Allied air units are based at Rangoon, or at Mandalay. We finally hit back at Lashio, with a long-range fighter sweep (Zeroes), shooting up the lone Blenheim there on the ground. Gen. Sakurai need fear these units no more.

Heavy carrier air strikes are launched by Adm. Nagumo's carriers against the ground troops & fortifications at Singapore, ahead of our advancing 25th Army. We're confident heavy damage was inflicted, as these raids are unopposed in the air.

In New Guinea, the Americans continue B-17 raids against Port Moresby, again inflicting "D1" damage to the airfield there. There is no Japanese air opposition (as yet, there are no Japanese air units stationed there).

From Perawang, in Sumatra, the British launch a weak attack (1x Blenheim A/P) against our shipping still off Bangka Island. We are able to send 1x A6M from Nagumo's carrier TF to cover it, & no damage is inflicted. We are surprised to find CW air units based there. We also discover there are apparently 8 Allied A/P's based at Palembang. It seems as if Allied air units are everywhere. We launch a strike from the 1st Air Fleet against Palembang. This time, the Dutch fighters hit back, with 3x Buffaloes & 2 more P-26's. Our Zero escorts are unable to prevent the loss of one "elite" B5N A/P, though in return we destroy 4 of the 5 Allied fighter A/P's.

Nagumo later launches a fighter sweep of the airfield there, & we discover 2x Buffaloes & the lone Blenheim there. Unfortunately, we are unable to inflict any damage on these units, for the time-being.

We discover additional Allied (Dutch?) air units at Batavia, & Nagumo's 1st Air Fleet launches a fighter sweep against the base there. We initially find 1x Dutch Buffalo & 2x unidentified & ancient P-26's opposing us in the air. Our Zeroes destroy the "Peashooters." Later fighter sweeps launched against Batavia finds more newly-arrived Allied air units, with 5x Martin bombers plus 1x PBY there. Nagumo tends to this problem equally well, destroying two of the "Martins" and inflicting "D1" damage to the airfield at Batavia. We laud Adm. Nagumo, who continues to run amok in the Pacific.

In the Philippines, we begin large-scale rebasing of air assets into the now repaired & fully-functional Clark Field (which we plan to rename shortly). From Clark, we launch massive bombardment strikes, with Ki-48 & Ki-21 IJA bombers, against the American defenders in Bataan.

We continue attacks against the troublesome Australian airbase at Amboina, whose air units have fought bravely & well. 2x P-40 A/P's, & the same lone Hudson, continue to stubbornly occupy & operate from Amboina. Multiple strikes from Kendari and Sorong (Zeroes) finally destroy the Hudsons, and one of the P-40 A/P's.

In the CBI, we finally are able to launch long-range air strikes from Hanoi against the US AVG base at Yunnani. We are able to muster a massive bomber raid, with Ki-48's & Ki-21's, escorted by Zeroes of the famed "Tainan Air Corps." We inflict "D1" damage to the airbase there, and destroy two of the "Flying Tiger" A/P's, with no loss. We finally are gaining the upper hand against the "Tigers."

NAVAL OPERATIONS

In the Gilbert Is., we are able to ascertain that no Allied garrisons exist on either atoll. Subsequently, Tarawa is occupied.

At Amboina, in preparation for our imminent landing there, we conduct a small-scale surface bombardment of the island, against the Allied ground units there. Our TF is attacked during egress by the P-40's there, but we are able to cover it with Zeroes from Sorong & "Rufes" from a TF operating near there. We suffer no damage.

Heavy weather fronts move in in the Timor and Tawi-Tawi areas.

We launch an amphibious assault against Amboina, landing the Sasebo SNLF Bde (-), from Manado. The Australian & Dutch defenders' locations are not known, as there is no opposition on the landing beach (we land east of the airfield & expect that the defenders are in that area). Unfortunately, our brigade fails a TQ check & is deactivated immediately after landing, so we are unable to advance to the airfield.

We later reinforce the landing with the "K" Brigade, as we expect stiff opposition from at least the Australians present. Following our landing, the Australians pull a fast one on us, air transporting an undetermined number (we estimate an additional battalion) of ground units into the airfield on Amboina, from Darwin. The battle for Amboina might prove interesting, after all.

NE of Balikpapan, in Borneo, we land the Mai SNLF Bde. It prepares to assault the valuable oil center of Balikpapan, defended by one weak Dutch Rgt.

In the eastern Bay of Bengal, air search reveals a British TF, apparently headed for Moulmein. We are surprised to find that it contains the BB Revenge, plus 2x DD's. We launch extended-range air strikes from our Indochina airbases (Phnom Penh; 7x G3M "Nells," most of them "elite"). We are unable to sink the Revenge, but do inflict moderate ("D2," at least) damage to her. We praise the Mitsubishi designers who saw fit to ensure the Nells had "long legs," and dare the British Eastern Fleet commander to repeat this venture.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Burma: From Yunnani, the Chinese 19th Army moves out, down the road towards Lashio. It is unable to reach the city & is attacked enroute (though without results) by air.

At Lashio, the pivotal battle is fought, with Gen. Sakurai's 33rd Div, against the 16th Indian Bde & one Burmese Bde. The battle does not go well for Gen. Sakurai, as we are defeated, & are unable to take the city. The 16th Ind. Bde proves a stout unit in this battle, & the 33rd division, unsupplied, fails in the attack & is forced to retreat back across the Salween river. Gen. Sakurai vows to return with a vengeance.

At Moulmein, our 2nd Inf Div launches its attack, against 1x Gurkha Bn + the low-quality 1st Burmese Division, dug-in. Though we are able to wipe the Gurkhas out, & suffer only minor losses ourselves, we are unable to force the remaining defenders to retreat, but we inflict heavy casualties on them. We are beginning to tire of seeing these hated Gurkha defenders.

Malaya: The 3rd Tank Bde Group has reached the Johore Strait, & the outskirts of Singapore! More fighting continues in the upper Malay peninsula, but soon all CW defenders are wiped out and/or routed, retreating into the city. Heavy land-based air bombardments are begun against the defenders in Singapore. The road now is open to the city, & we hope to begin a full-scale assault shortly. We are able to accurately ascertain the strength of the defenders there (Australian Gen. Bennett commanding): 8th Australian Div (-) 28th Indian Bde + 1x Ind. Bn. Two Malay Bdes (the 1st & 2nd; both low-quality units) The British still have 1x CA-3 Wirraway, 1x Hurricane, & 1x Blenheim A/P on the airfields around Singapore. Gen. Yamashita gears for the assault against what the British, laughably from our standpoint, have called "Fortress Singapore."

In New Guinea, the Kimura Rgt (disgraced from their failure on the Kokoda trail) has been assigned to occupy Milne Bay, which it does via overland march from Buna/Gona. We plan to leave this Rgt there, in malaria-infested Milne Bay, to toughen them up. Madang similarly is occupied, by the 1st Amphib. Bde.

In the Celebes, the Kure SNLF Bde begins an overland march from Kendari, towards Pare-Pare.

End Report

 

Tokyo, Jan 29, 1942. Operations through end of G/T 4/1/42 (cont.)

Singapore: Gen. Mutaguchi, in temporary command of the 5th Inf. Div, makes an astounding march (a 3-hex advance), all the way from Kuala Lumpur, to join in the attack on Singapore with the 3rd Tk Bde Group. In the first concerted assault on Singapore, though the defenders have been broken by our air bombardments, they defend fiercely, and we are forced to take many casualties in forcing our way across the Johore strait & reducing the fortifications guarding the city. The British fortification level is reduced, and both sides take heavy losses in this first assault. But, the defenders continue to hold out. Later, we mount a full-scale attack against Singapore, with the 5th & 18th Divisions (the 18th now again commanded by Gen. Mutaguchi), along with the 3rd Tk Bde Group. Gen. Yamashita is also physically present, and we expect this attack to force the British to surrender. But, alas, our attack fails to induce Gen. Bennett to give up, as the 8th Australian Division stubbornly resists. We inflict serious losses to the defenders, and Gen. Yamashita is incensed at this failure. Making matters worse, the defenders are able to rally themselves. Gen. Yamashita exhorts his troops for one final push, which we vow this time will be the end for Singapore!

HEADLINE: 28 JANUARY 1942 -- SINGAPORE NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!!! Gen. Mutaguchi this time leads the final assault on Singapore. Further massive air bombardments of the defenders have apparently had an effect, and the Australians & Malays there have had enough. Gen. Mutaguchi's assault is decisive, and the CW defenders surrender! Australian Gen. Bennett is captured, and headlines throughout Japan laud both Gen'ls Yamashita and Mutaguchi. Note: Gen. Mutaguchi's performance has earned him a promotion -- his "Troop Quality" bonus is raised. This is no insignificant event, and we will watch his further exploits closely.

At Balikpappan, the 3rd & 4th Bn's, Yokosuka SNLF Bde defeats the Dutch defenders there, capturing the valuable oil fields there. Fresh from this victory, our marines are immediately embarked & sent north towards Tarakan (see Naval Operations).

Sumatra: Following our airborne drop on Sabang (outskirts of Palembang), the Dutch Rgt defending Palembang passes its TQ check and commences demolition of the invaluable oil fields there. They are able to bring the fields to "D1" damage level. We subsequently drop leaflets on these troops, informing them that any damage they choose to create will be promptly repaired by the fruits of their labor -- that is, by any survivors of our attack on them which is not long in coming.

In ending this report, Japan hails Gen'ls Yamashita, Mutaguchi, and Iida. The entire grateful Japanese nation voices a hearty "Banzai!"

End Report

 

"Hello again out there to all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is Orphan Anne back after a relaxing vacation to some of our newly-won territories in the Pacific, with news for all you misguided fighting men."

Tokyo, Feb. 6, 1942. Operations through end of G/T 1/2/42.

(General notes; Cycle 0/1/42)

The new 17th Army HQ is established at Rabaul. In Burma, the newly-formed Burma Independence Army Bde Group is attached temporarily to the hard-fighting 55th Inf. Div. We will test this new unit shortly. Our 16th Army HQ (Gen. Imamura) is redeployed to Brunei, for the conclusion of the campaign in the Dutch E. Indies. The USN commences its submarine war on our Merchant Shipping -- we suffer some tonnage losses but we are able to sink one US sub.

AIR OPERATIONS

In N. Guinea, the USAAC changes targets with its B-17's operating from NE Australia -- they are launched against our A/F at Lae. Operating at extended range, the "forts" are opposed in the air by 5x A6M's. We manage to abort one, but neither side suffers losses, and the US bombing has no effect. We continue to expand the A/F at Lae, and it just now reaches "Level 2." We shall see if the Americans continue their raids here, against increasing opposition.

In the Philippines, we launch large-scale BMB missions from Clark against Manila, against the US Army's Philippine Inf Div defending there. At Davao, apparently the US has rebased some air assets (unknown type & quantity) there. Later, we are able to ascertain that they consist of 1x Blenheim & 1x unknown-type (probably P-40) fighter.

E. Indies: Two Australian CA-3's are rebased into Makassar. They don't last long there, as sweeping Zeroes launched from Kendari quickly destroy both A/P's in an air battle over Makassar. And, there is increased activity at Koepang (Timor) -- apparently the ABDA command intends to make a fight for Timor.

Sumatra: Zero fighter sweeps launched from Singapore destroy 1x Blenheim & 1x Hurricane A/P on the ground at Palembang. From Batavia, the ABDA command has the temerity to launch a strike (1x PBY & 1x Buffalo) against our shipping off the coast of Sabang (N. of Palembang), but their attacks fail to score any hits.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

We launch our first midget sub attack, at Brisbane. Unfortunately, apparently none of our subs are able to penetrate the Allied defenses, and all are lost without result.

We occupy Shortland, in the Solomons -- our first incursion into that island chain. There is no garrison present.

We occupy Bintan I., off Malaya, with 1x SNLF Bn. No opposition is encountered.

Near Midway, we have intel reports of substantial USN activity, but these remain unconfirmed.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Sumatra: We reinforce the SNLF Bn's at Sabang, for the assault on Palembang, with tanks remaining from the Malaya campaign. We also send along an Engineer unit, as we will have to repair the damage the **** Dutch have done to the oil fields there. Our assault on Palembang, led by the newly-arrived tanks (against the under-strength Dutch Rgt defending there -- apparently our heavy air bombardments from Singapore have had a decisive effect) succeeds, though we suffer fairly heavy losses in our "lead" unit (the tanks, ex of the 3rd Tk. Bde Group). The Dutch defenders surrender, and are quite surprised and dismayed to learn that we will put them to immediate work, repairing the damage they have done to the oil fields via their demolition last month. At any rate, we now are in possession of the invaluable oil fields there. Now, only Java remains!

Burma: We send the new & un-tested Burma Independence Army Bde Grp against a weakly-defended Prome. Though almost a fiasco (they suffer heavy losses), their assault succeeds & we capture the airfield there intact. "RANGOON UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!" Our 2nd Inf. Div launches its assault against Rangoon, defended only by the weak "Rangoon Bde." The assault easily succeeds, forcing the remnants of the British garrison to retreat to Bassein. The 2nd Div successfully pursues, trapping the rag-tag British unit there. We will finish them off shortly. We thank the Burma Army Command (Wavell, now at Chittagong) for defending Rangoon so lightly. Gen. Sakurai's beleaguered 33rd Div, still opposite Lashio, remains "broken." We are beginning to lose patience with Gen. Sakurai, as his unit remains the sole disgrace to our thus-far stunning success in Burma. The 2nd Burmese Bde (of the 17th Indian Div) moves out east, crossing the Salween River, to the Thai border. They are apparently intent on moving on our Offensive Support Base (15th Army) at Chengmai, in Thailand. We will deal with this insolence in short order. The rest of the 17th Indian Div arrives in the Imphal area, by rail from Calcutta. We begin construction of the Bangkok-Rangoon rail line.

Philippines: Our 16th Inf Div wipes out the remnants of the 1st Fil. Div, south of Tuguegarao. We are then surprised to discover the appearance of a new unit, apparently newly-forned, in N. Luzon -- the 62nd Fil. Militia Div. They are immediately attacked, NW of Aparri, by the 62nd Inf Rgt (21st Div). Our attacks are not a success -- both sides suffer heavy casualties & no decisive result is gained. We vow to be more careful in the future, as we have inadvertently left open a LOC to Manila, allowing this unit to operate. We are a bit disheartened by Gen. Homma (14th Army HQ), as the Allied North Luzon Force continues to fight well. We launch our first concerted assault against Manila (defended by the tough US Army's "Philippine Inf Div"). No open city here, as MacArthur (now apparently safely on Corregidor) has directed that the city be held. We launch the 48th Div against it. Though our heavy air bombardment of Manila has succeeded in "breaking" the US Division, heavy casualties result to both sides, and the Americans continue to hold the city. Our progress in the Philippines continues to disappoint, and MacArthur, we are forced to admit, is proving a most-able opponent. On Mindanao, we are able to capture the valuable A/F at Cagayan without loss (65th Independent Bde doing the honors). Our units on Mindanao now prepare for the move south towards Davao.

Borneo: The 4/Yokosuka & 2/Maizuru SNLF Bn's attack Tarakan, defended by one Dutch Rgt. This unit proves tough, as our attack fails to force them to retreat. We are able to cut their size down by half, but are unable to take Tarakan. Fortunately, we suffer no step losses. We will deal with these Dutch next week.

End Report

 

HEADLINE RADIO NEWS - 11 FEB. 1942 "Today's news today"

As a result of the unbridled success of the Japanese juggernaut in the Pacific, the U.S. War Department has become alarmed at the lack of assertiveness and decisiveness in the CINCPAC command, especially in consideration of the recent Japanese conquest of Rangoon and Port Moresby. After considering CINCPACs lack of pugnacity in the last month, the War Department relieved the top-ranking CINCPAC commander two weeks ago, according to official sources.

The situation in the Philippines continues to worsen as the Japanese maintain air and naval superiority around the islands. As a result of the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, a relief force for General MacArthur and the USAFFE is unlikely. General MacArthur maintains a defensive perimeter around Manilla and Bataan, but the Japanese have persistenly bombed American and Filipino positions. With no relief in sight for the Philippines, rumors persist that the President may order General MacArthur to evacuate. Some isolated units in the Philippines have begun a "bandit campaign", but Gen. MacArthur has vowed to hold out, insisting that U.S. warships from the Atlantic be diverted to the Pacific Theater. Churchill, however, was apparantly perturbed at that possibility. The War Department is considering tranferring the carrier USS Ranger for duty in the Pacific theater, especially after the USS Enterprise was sunk at Pearl Harbor last December.

After the shakeup in the US high command, the CINCPAC has begun to effectuate a reinforcement of Australia and other island bases in the Pacific. A Japanese attack on Australia and Hawaii has not been ruled out. Indeed, an attempted infiltration by Japanese midget submarines into an Australian port may be a precursor to an invasion, according to an Australian military attaché in Washington. All but one of the Japanese midget submarines were sunk during the attempt to enter the harbor, with the other becoming beached in shallow water. The sub was discovered yesterday by a local fisherman, although the entire crew inside had apparantly committed suicide two days before.

Yesterday, a General Motors automobile plant began the first stage of conversion to building warplanes. For security reasons, the type of aircraft to be built at the new plant is unknown, but the plant is expected to double the current aircraft production in the United States. Along with Hitler's declaration of war on the United States, more such plant conversions are expected in the near future to "cloud the sky with warplanes".

Several anti-aircraft guns have been set-up around Washington D.C., including several atop the White House itself. The First Lady is known to have commented that the guns were detracting, though she says that she understands the precaution.

Watchful citizens along the California coast have reported sightings of "Jap submarines" near major metropolitan areas. Several people aboard a yacht out of San Francisco all reported to have seen a single Japanese submarine "surfacing and diving". One of the persons aboard claims to have seen a torpedo coming toward the yacht itself, although military authorities expressed doubts as to the authenticity of these reports, indicating that Japanese submarines couldn't make it across the expanse of the Pacific Ocean due to their likely poor construction.

 

"Hello out there all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is Orphan Anne, with some especially distressing war news for all you misguided Allied fighting men."

Tokyo, Feb. 20, 1942. Operations through end of G/T 3/2/42

AIR OPERATIONS

Sumatra: The ABDA command launches 3x Dutch Martins from Batavia against our transports still lying off Sabang. We're able to scramble 1x A6M & 1x Ki-43 from Singapore as Emergency Naval Cover. They are enough to down two of the Martin A/P's, & abort the other. When will these Allies ever learn? Such a shameful waste of life...

Philippines: From Davao, Hudsons commence regular bombing runs against Manado (Celebes), where we have the 16th Army's Offensive Support Base. Though several raids are mounted (some at night after we move 1x A6M there), no damage is caused. Later, we learn that 3x P-40 A/P's (apparently Australian) have transferred in to Davao. The Aussies are using Hollandia, in N. Guinea, as a staging base. As it turns out, the Kittyhawks' stay at Davao will be a short one.

"They were expendable:" At Cavite, we discover US MTB's still present, & launch several Ki-21's from Clark. We lose 1x A/P from flak, but sink 3x US boats there.

N. Guinea / N. Britain: The Americans switch tactics, commencing night bombing raids from their Australian bases. Gasmata is hit first (B-17's). Then Hudsons hit Port Moresby. Finally, B-17's and the first B-24's encountered in the war hit Lae. Fortunately for us, the Allies are not quite up to speed at this night-bombing; no damage is caused by any of the raids.

E. Indies: Fighter sweeps (A6M's) from Kendari finally clear Koepang (Timor) of Australian Hudsons. We commence heavy fighter-sweeps from Balikpappan (A6M's, including aces Sakai & Sasai), first against Soerabaja (1x Australian Wirraway destroyed on ground), then multiple raids against Tjilitjap (at extended-range). At Tjilitjap, we discover several British Hurricanes, & a couple of air battles ensue. Both result in the loss of 1x Hurricane A/P, with no losses inflicted to our boys. Then, apparently feeling Tjilitjap becoming a little too hot, the surviving ABDA air points are evacuated to Batavia. Here, we fear they will experience the unpleasant "frying pan into the fire" syndrome, as we are busy trying to repair the newly-captured airfield at Palembang (Sumatra); only a short hop from Batavia. Our air war continues to go remarkably well for us!

Solomons: 2x B-24's attack the anchorage at Shortland, at night, where we have 2x AV's & are operating seaplanes from there (more on that later). But, consistent with the proficiency displayed by these inept Allies to this point, no damage is done.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

Solomons: (This 2-week period will see the first concerted Allied effort to contest our moves, by the brave (but ultimately futile) sorties of two Allied cruiser Task Forces. It will also see the first major surface battle of the war, and the first success by our submarines)

1. The adventures of the "Galloping Ghost:"

An Allied TF (sortied from Rockhampton) is spotted 100nm SW of Rennel Island by seaplane air search from Rabaul. We launch an air strike from Rabaul (1x G3M Nell A/P -- our airfield at Rabaul is still under-construction & our basinc capacity there is extremely limited). We find the TF to be composed of 1x CA (USS Houston); 2x CL's (one of which is the Boise), plus 2x DD's. We are unable to score, & later launch 1x H6K (Rabaul) also against this TF. Again, we are unable to score any hits. The US TF proceeds to the Guadalcanal area -- dangerously close to our AV's operating at Shortland.

We later launch additional strikes against the Houston TF SE of the Santa Cruz Is from Rabaul, none of which succeed. We even launch strikes from Shortland (to no avail, & we lose 1x Rufe from AA). This US TF continues to thumb its nose at us, and the "Galloping Ghost" proceeds towards the Nauru area (in which a fairly large storm front exists).

The Houston TF, apparently intent on bombarding our under-construction airfield at Nauru, attracts considerable attention. We try to launch 5x G3M's from Kwajalein against it, but (due to the bad weather prevailing), all are unable to locate the Americans. Then, 1x H6K (armed with torpedoes), launched from another base in the Marshalls, does locate the TF, and inflicts "D1" damage to the Houston.

The Houston TF does bombard Nauru (fortunately, no damage is done). Then, the Houston's luck runs out. We launch further strikes from Kwajalein, & this time 1x G3M manages to find the US TF. These are "elite" pilots, and are able to score another hit on Houston, bringing her damage to (at least) "D3." The Houston TF then escapes, sailing east towards Enderbury I. We applaud the audacity of the American TF commander (whose identity we never learn -- perhaps the US player will be good enough to provide same in his own "after-action" report of this operation).

2. "Admiral Somerville's excellent Adventure:"

About this same time, another Allied TF sorties from Noumea. Shortly thereafter, our submarines contact this TF. It is reported as "4x CA's, 2x CL's, 2x DD's, & 1x AV." Attacks commence, and the Australian CA Caberra is sunk! We serve notice now to the Allies that we also have submarines!

This TF also proceeds to the Solomons area. We occupy Vella Lavella shortly before this TF arrives in the general area. Apparently our moves in the Solomons have prompted the Allied command to react strongly.

The arrival of these Allied surface TF's prompts the formation of a DD TF at Truk (Adm. Tanaka), which is quickly sent south to the Solomons, there to protect our moves in the northern Solomons, and deal with these insolent Allies should they threaten our moves there.

This Allied TF is spotted, & shadowed, by our planes from Shortland. Tanaka's TF (with a "Reaction" mission) arrives on-station east of the Shortlands, spoiling for a fight. The Allied TF is still operating in the area NE of Santa Isabel. Thus, for the first time in the war, there exist powerful TF's operating in close proximity to each other. The result will be:

THE BATTLE OF NEW GEORGIA SOUND

(Night of 14-15 Feb, 1942)

The Allied TF, still spotted, and apparently unaware of Tanaka's TF east of Shortland, proceeds around Santa Isabel, and enters "the slot" between Santa Isabel & Choiseul at night. We declare a "Reaction" with Adm. Tanaka's TF. The distance between the opposing TF's shortens to 3 hexes when our reaction is declared. Adm. Tanaka's "reaction" rating allows a DR, which in this case happens to provide a 2-hex bonus to his reaction movement. Absent this DR, it is likely that the Allied TF would not be caught, in the 1-for-1 hex-by-hex reaction movement by the triggering & reacting TF's. At any rate, we are lucky, & Tanaka's aggressiveness allows him to reach the Allied TF's hex as it enters "the slot."

Next, we must ascertain whether "contact" results, and whether a fight will ensue. After calculations, it is found that there is a 2/3 chance of "contact." However, (aren't our Admirals great?), Adm. Tanaka possesses an "Engagement Value" modifier of (-2), providing a (providential, in this case) -2 DRM on the "Search & Contact" Table. In this case, Tanaka's ratings have not only allowed him to chase down the unsuspecting Allied TF, but have also resulted in an assured "contact." Battle stations are manned by both sides.

Forces involved:

ALLIED

CA Exeter * CA Australia ** CA Pensacola CL Adelaide CL Perth "L" class DD (British; x1) "Stuart" class DD (x1)

  VAdm Somerville (OTC; CA Exeter)

  * RAdm Crace (RAN; subordinate to Somerville; CA Australia)

JAPANESE

Kagero-class DD's * (x2) Akatsuki-class DD's (x2) Hatsuharu-class DD (x1) Shiratsuyu-class DD's (x2) Akitsuki-class DD (x1)

  RAdm Tanaka

Breakoff levels for the opposing TF's: British 5; Japanese 4. Average DR's are made for the opposing admirals involved. But, Adm. Tanaka's "average" DR bests, by a substantial margin, both CW admirals. Thus, we begin with a tactical edge.

1st Tactical Sequence The battle begins well for the Allies. We have two DD's hit (both to "D1") by the 3x Allied CA's. Despite our torpedo advantages, we are unable to score. Round 1 goes to the Allies, and we begin to worry.

2nd Tactical Sequence Tanaka wakes up, and we begin to score hits: The Adelaide & Perth are both hit (to "D1"), and the Exeter receives "D2" damage. In return, we have another DD hit (to "D1"). Thus, after the 2nd round, the Allied "breakoff" level has reached "4;" ours "3." Thus, both sides edge closer to a possible required breakoff, and to this point the battle could go either way.

3rd Tactical Sequence We manage to score hits on one of the British DD's ("D1"), and to the USS Pensacola (also "D1"). We also hit the Adelaids again, bringing her damage to "D2." This brings the Allied breakoff level to "6," mandating their withdrawal. But, we also receive more damage, having two more DD's damaged -- thus bringing our own breakoff level to "5." Without Tanaka, this would normally require our own breakoff. But (aren't our Admirals great?), Adm. Tanaka has a "breakoff" modifier, allowing him a DR chance of temporarily ignoring the mandated withdrawal. He has a 1/3 chance of passing, and (naturally, & unfortunately for the Allied ships) does.

4th Tactical Sequence Adm. Tanaka is again required to pass a "breakoff" DR, and again does! He thus is eligible to stay for this (which will be the last) Tactical Sequence, freeing him to chase down the fleeing Allies with one last torpedo attack.  During this round, we chase down and sink both the Exeter & Adelaide!! And, for good measure, we damage the remaining British DD. The rest of the Allied TF successfully withdraws from the battle, and the 1st major surface engagement of the war is a decisive Japanese victory! In Tokyo, an Imperial Rescript recognizes Adm. Tanaka's outstanding performance.

BATTLE SUMMARY

The following summarizes the minimum (reported; prior to "critical hit" DR's following the battle) losses & damage incurred, by both sides:

ALLIED

CA Exeter: SUNK // CL Adelaide: SUNK // CA Pensacola: D1 // CL Perth: D1 // "L"-cl DD: D1 // "Stuart"-cl DD: D1

JAPANESE

A total of 5 (of DD's receive "D1" damage)

Post-battle notes: Adm. Somerville is WIA, and will apparently be out of action until cycle 4/42. We were surprised to find Somerville in the S. Pacific, and ask the British command why he isn't in Ceylon where he belongs? For, it is apparent that, at this stage of the war at least, he is no "long-ball hitter," and is clearly overmatched in the "big leagues" of the South Pacific. We also wonder just who is minding the store in Ceylon, and wonder whether we might make a major move in that direction soon...

NAVAL OPERATIONS (Cont.)

E. Indies: We occupy Tenimbar I., against no opposition. At Tarakan, we reinforce the troops fighting there with another SNLF Bn.

N. Ireland: We land the 1st Inf. Bde on New Ireland, SE of Kavieng.

Central Pacific: We are shocked to discover a USN TF operating near Marcus I. It approaches close, and our seaplanes there manage to locate it. It is 1x AV (the Wright?). What in the wide world of sports are these crazy Americans up to? We have 2x F1M2 ("Petes") there at Marcus. The arrival of this ship gives our pilots there an actual opportunity to get in the war. We launch a strike, and actually manage to damage the US AV! Minor damage only, but might just constitute the biggest headline of the war, as far as the little "Petes" go.

GROUND OPERATIONS

N. Guinea: Aitape is captured, by the hard-fighting (against Intrinsic Garrisons, anyway) 1st Amphib. Bde.

N. Ireland: Kavieng is captured by the 1st Inf Bde, without loss.

Burma: Mandalay is captured! Our 55th Inf. Div. steam-rollers over a lone Burmese Bn. defending there. Following their success, the division advances to the outskirts of Lashio. Yenangyuang also is taken, by the 5th Gd. Rgt (Imperial Gds Div), again against a lone Burmese Bn. We do suffer some losses in this battle, but the valuable resource hex is ours.

At Bassein, the fleeing remnants of the British "Rangoon Bde" surrender, but (alas) not without inflicting another step loss on our 2nd Inf. Div. We rail 1x Inf Bn. from Singapore to Chiengmai (in Thailand), which contains the 15th Army's Offensive Support Base & is currently threatened by the 2nd Bur. Bde moving against it from Burma. There, they arrive just in time, as this Bur. Bde makes a suicidal attack against us there, and is promptly wiped out. With this victory, Thailand & southern Burma is secured.

Gen. Sakurai's 33rd Div, opposite Lashio, finally rallies! Apparently embarrased by the rapid progress of the 55th Div advancing on Mandalay, Sakurai's battered division may now get back in the war. It's about time!

Near Moulmein, the 1st Bur. Div, severely depleted, is finally defeated, surrendering to our 23rd Inf Bde(18th Inf Div).

Borneo: The battle for Tarakan continues: 3x SNLF Bn's (8/Sasebo; 2/Maizuru; & 4/Yokosuka) mount the final assault against the Dutch Rgt defending there. This assault succeeds, & Tarakan is ours (we suffer no losses).

Celebes: The Kure SNLF Bde (-) launches an overland attack on Makassar. There, the Dutch Intrinsic Garrison is a good one (TQ "3") and, although we capture Makassar, we suffer a step loss to our marine unit. With the taking of Makassar, the Celebes campaign is over.

Sumatra: Our engineers at Palembang are able to repair the light demolition damage done by the Dutch to the oil fields there. Hopefully, within a cycle or two, we will begin to reap the benefits of this most valuable resource area. A Japanese Tk Bn. advances from Palembang & defeats a Dutch Intrinsic Garrison (Troop Quality of "1") at Teloebetoeng. We thus capture the valuable port opposite Batavia (Java). Fortunately, we suffer no losses (our tank strength is nearly gone; severely depleted in the Malayan campaign).

Philippines: The bitter & bloody fight for Manila continues. Another attack by the 48th Div. alone vs. the hard-fighting US Phil. Inf. Div is inconclusive, with only minor losses to both sides. We decide to throw another 2 divisions (what's left of them, that is) into the fighting for Manila. Now, we have the 48th (-), 16th (-), & 4th (-) Inf. Divisions in the fight for the Philippine capital. All 3 of our divs are fairly severely under-strength. Our assault results in heavy casualties inflicted on the defending Americans, who stubbornly refuse to give up the city. The Phil Inf Div is now down to approx. 30% of its original strength, but remains un-bowed. The unexpectedly-bitter fight for Manila shall continue, and it appears as if we have got more than we bargained for here.

On Mindanao, two Japanese brigades (65th Indep. & the 19th Inf) advance on Davao, & mount their assault there. The defenders are two under-strength & low-quality Filippino Militia "divisions." They are routed & retreat into the hills (we will have to chase them down), though we suffer a step loss. Davao is thus captured!

China: NE of Yunnani, the Chinese 19th Army attacks & defeats a lone Japanese Bn holding out on the Burma Road. Our incursion into northern Burma begins to show signs of collapse, as our units there (the equivalent of 1x Rgt) are now isolated.

End Report

From the Navy ministry"

Tokyo, Feb. 21, 1942. Special Report (filed under "loose lips sink ships")

One of our I-boats east of Nauru fished some American sailors out of the water last night. They were most cooperative, and stated they were from the USS Houston, which they say sank early last evening. More good war news! We were under the impression that we had only merely damaged her. Apparently the USN damage-control techniques are not all they're cracked up to be. Scratch one more cruiser...

<< Huh? The Houston went down? Hmmm, I wasn't aware of that. Could it be that we fished some survivors out of the water near Nauru?>>

uh... no comment. The Department of the Navy doesn't release information to the public regarding naval ships in a war zone. The Damn lying press is another issue.

February 24th, 1942.

U.S. Task Force 3 pulled into Pearl Harbor yesterday morning after a harassment foray near Japanese island positions in the South Pacific. Despite intercepted Japanese news reports, the USS "Houston" limped into Pearl with severe bomb and torpedo damage from Japanse aircraft, but still afloat and under her own power (due to excellent American design, construction and damage control). Apparantly, the reports of the Houston's demise was premature. The Galloping Ghost of the Java coast rides again!

"This is the Zero Hour, calling in the Pacific, with news for all you fighting men."

Tokyo, Feb. 27, 1942. Operations through end of Cycle 2/42

AIR OPERATIONS

N. Guinea: The nascent US 5th AF, operating from their developing bases in NE Australia, continue small-scale night raids, against Lae, Port Moresby, and against Shortland. One subsequent larger raid (5x B-17's) scores the first success of the US night bombing efforts, at Lae, where we lose 1x Zero A/P. No damage is done to any of the installations, and no B-17's are lost.

Philippines: We mount an all-out effort against Manila. If Gen. MacArthur won't give up the city, we intend to bring it down on the heads of the USA's Phil Inf Div. These multiple raids will pay off in our next assault on Manila, finally making the difference.

E. Indies: We mount raids against Batavia, from Singapore & fighter sweeps from Palembang. We KO the last Dutch Martin bomber there, & force PBY's there to skeddaddle to safer surroundings.

Later, we launch a fighter sweep from Balikpappan (2x A6M's @ extended range), which unfortunately is in a storm front, which serves to hamper our operations from there. At Bali, we are surprised to find 3x P-40's there. Our pilots didn't stop to ascertain whether they were Australian or American; the air battle is inconclusive, as neither side suffers any loss.

Solomons: At Tulagi, the Americans have moved in at least 1x AV. One PBY is present there, & we launch attacks by Rufes & Petes from the Shortlands area -- to no avail.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

We occupy Ocean I., with troops from Jaluit. No opposition is encountered.

Solomons: The Allies sortie another TF, this time from Espiritu Santo, which approaches Tulagi at night. Prior to this, we receive an air search report that it consists of "2x BB's, 8x DD's, & 5 transports." This report gets the attention of the So. Seas Fleet commander at Truk, and we are not a little surprised at the audacity of the Americans, sailing such ships so close to Rabaul.

The Americans are most fortunate, though, as Rabaul is also socked in by a storm front, limiting our ability to launch planes from there. Nevertheless, we're able to get off 1x G3M "Nell," with torpedoes, in a Joint Strike from Rabaul-to-Shortland-to-Tulagi. From Shortland, we add 1x H6K (also armed with torpedoes), and two "Rufes" as escort. These planes are sent to attack the American TF at Tulagi.

At Tulagi, we find the US TF is actually comprised of 1x BB (reported as the "Colorado"), 6x DD's, plus 3x APB's (one at "D2"). This constitutes a substantial lift capacity, and is cause for some concern, as the Americans apparently have decided to garrison Florida I. / Tulagi. In our attack, the "Mavis" is fortunate to only be aborted, but the "Nell" goes in to attack, and manages to inflict "D3" damage to one of the full-strength US APB's. Hopefully, we got some US soldiers "wet" with this attack. We also promise these Americans that, once the weather clears, we shall return with more friends.

E. Indies: One of the last survivors of the "ABDAFloat" command, 1x Dutch DD, is evacuated from Soerabaja. Fate will be cruel to these ships, though, as one of our subrons NW of Exmouth Gulf (NW Australia) finds & sinks them.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Burma: We move the 15th Army HQ to Rangoon. At Lashio, we mount an assault by 2x divisions: the 55th (lead) & Gen. Sakurai's 33rd division, now rallied & attacking with a vengeance back across the Salween river. Defending at Lashio are a good-quality but understrength Indian Bde (the 16th), plus the Chinese 20th Army, & 1x Burmese Bde. Our attack is aided by ground-support bombing attacks from Mandalay (Ki-21's), & our attack succeeds in forcing the Allied defenders out. Lashio is now ours!

In northern Burma, new Indian units (including the 17th Indian Div, and the 49th Ind Bde) mount a counter-attack against our 215th Inf Rgt in the Myitkyina area. Our unit is forced to retreat, and is successfully pursued by the attackers. We vow to avenge this humiliation, though in truth the defeat is not decisive.

Philippines (Luzon): Gen. Homma is finally able to capture Manila! Far, far behind schedule, following increasing & incessant attack from the air, the valiant US Army Philippine Inf Division finally surrenders, though, true to form, not without exacting still more losses, this time from our 16th Inf Division (which led the final assault on the city, replacing the now badly-mauled 48th division).

(Mindanao): We commence mop-up operations, wiping out one of the remaining two Filippino Militia Divs. The other manages to hold out, but we should be able to arrange for its surrender next week.

N. Guinea: The hard-fighting (against low-quality opposition, at least) 1st Amphib. Bde defeats the low-quality Intrinsic Garrison at Hollandia, capturing the last Allied-controlled installation on New Guinea (the irrepressible commander of the Bde badgers the 17th Army commander for his next assignment. He is told to acquaint himself with any maps he might have of Florida Island & Tulagi).

STRATEGIC CYCLE

The USN now has 24 boats assigned to MS Attrition. We lose two more MS Points, and suffer minor losses to the few "escorts" we have assigned.

End Report

The Wavell Wire--

Ahoy, chaps! And how goes the war?

Sad news from our front as Lashio has finally fallen with our brave Indian boys have been destroyed to a man and our Burmese and Chinese allies retreating their own bloody way. The week was not without her bright spots for though we've lost southern and most likely, central Burma; we have a tenacious hold on the northern frontier. As much as we would have loved to have destroyed their isolated regiment, we have inflicted more casualties and the bastards are cut off and surrounded.

News from our ally across the pond is rather vague as their President's naval attache to the Indian department has been rather secretive but all their activity seems to be directed to the Solomons as that seems to be the plan, you know; securing Australia's flanks and all...

Meanwhile, General Irwin of ABDACOM has more or less started evacuation procedures. Java has been pounded from the air and the irony is not lost to us that the enemy has been using our old base of Singapore for the dirty deed. The Dutch Air Force has been completely neutralized and what remained of the proud Dutch fleet has been sent to Australia to reinforce our efforts there. We have not heard of her safe arrival and now fear the worst.

Nonetheless, we choose to be optimistic and that in a few years, our empire shall be an actuality once again, from which the sun shall never set!

This is the Zero Hour, calling in the Pacific, with news for all you fighting men."

Tokyo, Mar 2, 1942. Operations through 2nd Naval Phase, G/T 1/3/42

AIR OPERATIONS

Philippines: IJA bombers from Clark F. initiate large-scale bombing raids against Bataan, which is heavily-fortified (Defenders there are identified as the 4th Mar. Rgt + 3x Filippino Militia Divs).

Solomons: IJN bombers continue to pound the US ships operating around Tulagi. A Joint, coordinated strike (Rabaul-Shortland-Tulagi), consisting of 1x G4M (torpedo), 2x H6K (1x torpedo-armed), plus 2x "Rufes" & 2x "Petes" ends up sinking one (D2) APB, and damaging the US BB Colorado (to "D1").

Later, another (Special) strike is launched as the US TF leaves Tulagi (apparently things were getting a little too hot for the US ships there, completely devoid of any protection). We are again able to successfully coordinate a Joint Strike from Rabaul-to-Shortland-to Tulagi. Our strike is similarly-composed to the previous one, and this time we inflict severe damage to the Americans, sinking one US ("D3") APB, and damaging a full-strength one (to damage level "D2"). The US TF limps away, badly mauled by our unopposed air strikes. The waters around Tulagi, Gavutu, & Guadalcanal are now littered with the burning hulks of US transports. We wonder what the troops on Florida Island are thinking as they witness these events? For, perhaps their turn is not long in coming...

As a final coup de grace, another strike is launched from Shortland against the US AV Tangier (which is damage level "D3"), still near Tulagi. One torpedo-armed H6K send the Tangier to the bottom. There, she may presumably commiserate with all the other American ships, wondering why they were sent into "harm's way" with such apparent reckless abandon.

Small-scale B-24 night raids are continued over Shortland, still without effect.

E. Indies: Fighter sweeps from Palembang finds one Boston still at Tjilitjap, which we are eventually able to dispose of. Over Bali, multiple fighter sweeps (A6M's, extended range) from Balikpappan knock down two of three US P-40's there, without loss to us. From Darwin, 5x RAAF Hudsons are launched against a Japanese transport TF moving north, away from Tenimbar I. The Japanese TF consists of 2x APB's (both "D3"), plus 2x DD's. We are able to launch 1x A6M from Amboina as Emergency Naval Cover, but these planes are unable to turn back any of the attackers. Fortunately, though, none of the Hudsons are able to score, and one is downed by AA.

Later, 2x G3M's are launched from Sorong against Darwin, in the first Japanese air raid on Australian soil. At Darwin, we discover 7x Hudsons & 3x PBY's. No fighters are present, and our raid destroys 1x Hudson A/P. No damage is done to the A/F there, and we are fortunate not to suffer any losses from AA.

N. Guinea: Small-scale US night B-17 missions are continued over Lae. No damage is inflicted.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

Pacific: We are alarmed when we receive an air search report of a large US carrier TF operating in the Ocean I. / Nauru area. The American TF is reported as "3x CV's, 6x CA's, 3x CL's, plus 13x DD's." We launch a Joint Strike (Kwajalein-Nauru) against this TF. The Japanese strike consists of 2x G3M (bombs) + 3x "Rufes" from Nauru. The US TF is far too powerful to attempt attacks against the carriers, so we settle for inflicting "D1" damage on one "Gridley-class" US DD.

Later, this same DD is detached & sent to Nauru, where it contacts an inactive Japanese APD TF (there to embark SNLF troops for future operations). A small daylight surface battle ensues there, which we win (taking 3 Tactical Sequences to finish, the US DD is sunk by 2x "Mutsuki-class" APD's, without loss to us). Our little victory, however, will turn out to be short-lived.

Later, the US carriers launch their first strike of the war, against our two APD's. A total of 2x SBD's & 5x TBD's (two of them "green") are launched, and they make very short work of our ships. Valuable combat experience finally is gained by some of the American carrier air groups. Meanwhile, apparently unknown to the Americans, a Japanese carrier TF is steaming NE at flank speed, not too far away from Ocean I.

The US carriers subsequently launch a raid against Nauru (against our under-construction A/F there). 2x F4F's (with ace O'Hare) & 4x SBD's are opposed by 4x "Rufes." The US fighters are inexperienced, but still manage to abort 1x Rufe, and our planes are unable to dent the Dauntlesses. But, no damage is done to Nauru.

CARRIER BATTLE OFF NAURU I.

Adm. Nagumo, who happened to be at sea NE of the Solomons when the US carrier TF (apparently commanded by Adm. Halsey) appeared off Nauru, boldly steams towards the US carriers. Approaching Nauru from the SW, Nagumo enters a squall area west of Nauru (which is not screening the Americans). Despite this, the US TF succeeds in finding our TF. Perhaps due to the squall conditions which are somewhat screening our ships, Halsey decides not to launch a Special Strike. The search report on our TF which we provide to the Americans list only one carrier. Perhaps Halsey feels confident that the danger to his ships from one carrier is minimal.

Halsey's TF is already "located," following its operations & previous contact. Following Nagumo's approach, Halsey's boys begin retiring eastward. Nagumo launches an immediate Special Strike -- the first carrier-to-carrier engagement of the war!

Unfortunately for the Americans, they are new to carrier warfare and Halsey does not do well with 3 carriers this early in the war, failing his 1st Carrier Coordination DR as US CAP is launched. As it turns out, the US CAP will be short a couple of Wildcats due to this failure. And, the Americans are unable (for the above reasons) to launch any of their SBD's as "emergency" CAP.

Fortunately, though, for the Americans, we are also having our problems. Though the squall conditions our ships are operating from might have prevented the Americans from launching against us, these conditions also hamper our air strike. And, Adm. Nagumo himself does not perform well -- the fighter cover launched with our strike almost all fail to rendevous with our D3A's & B5N's enroute to their target. Fortunately, this failure will not prove fatal, as the US CAP, in their first engagement, will disappoint. But, Nagumo's own failure of an easy Carrier Coordination DR, coupled with the bad weather, serves to drastically reduce the strength of our strike winging its way towards the Americans.

Arriving over the US TF are 1x A6M (loose escort), 3x D3A's, & 4x B5N's (all torpedo-laden). All of the Japanese A/P's, save one of the "Kates," are "elite." The Americans manage to launch 5x F4F's as CAP, splitting them up with 2 at medium altitude (against the unescorted Vals), & 3 at low (against the lone A6M + 4x Kates). Thanks to a DRM for their ace O'Hare, the Americans receive "the bounce." But, the Americans are inexperienced. The F4F's fail to turn back any of the Vals. Down lower, 1x Kate is aborted, but no other losses ensue. Thus, 3x Vals & 3x Kates (2 of the Kates are "elite") approach the US TF.

The American TF, though perhaps unwieldy regarding Halsey's ability to coordinate that many carriers, still is a big one, with substantial AA punch. We form 3 attacking waves, each of 1x Val plus 1x Kate. The US TF contains the carriers Lexington, Saratoga, & Yorktown.

The US gunners are alert & capable. In the 1st wave, only the Val gets through, and attacks the Lexington. Alas, we miss! The 2nd wave is turned back in total. But, our 3rd wave gets through intact, & our boys line up their attack runs. All our attackers concentrate on Lexington. This time, the Americans' luck runs out, as our Combined Attack scores, & we manage to damage the Lexington (to damage level "D2")!

Our strike ends the brief battle near Nauru I. At this point, we are unable to report the true composition of Nagumo's TF, as they are still at sea. Perhaps later we might be able to provide such information to the valiant-but-still-fledgling Americans.

The results for us are most disappointing, after getting such a rare opportunity to get in a first strike against a juicy (but formidable) target. Both commanding admirals' performances were apparently sub-par. We fear that all we may have done was to teach the Americans a valuable lesson on command & composition of carrier TF's, at a not-too-expensive price. ______________________________________________________________________

In other naval operations, we land at Bandjarmasin, in Borneo, via amphibious assault from Tarakan. Surprisingly, we encounter no opposition: ships, submarines, or air. Everything is strangely quiet. Three SNLF Bn's are landed: 2 & 4/Yokosuka, & 8/Sasebo. Resolution to be concluded during the upcoming Ground Phase.

End Report

"Hello out there all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! This is Orphan Anne, with some more distressing war news for all you poor Allied fighting men."

Tokyo, Mar. 12, 1942. Operations through end of G/T 2/3/42

AIR OPERATIONS

Solomons: Continuous air reconnaissance over Florida I. indicates the Allied ground forces there are not very powerful -- reports vary from 4 to 5 Bn's.

N. Guinea: Large-scale raids are mounted, in daylight, from the US North Queensland bases, against P. Moresby once again. The A/F there is damaged, yet again ("D1").

We note that the Americans have now begun construction of an A/F well north on the Cape York Peninsula (near Princess Charlotte Bay), which will be within normal B-17 range of Lae. We mount an initial, unescorted air strike from Rabaul-Lae against this area (4x G4M's) but cannot affect the progress of construction there. Later, we send another raid there (2x A6M's @ extended-range escort + 2x G3M's & 3x G4M's), & this time the Americans manage to position 4x P-40's + 1x P-39 as Cover Cap from Cooktown to oppose our raid. The American fighters down 1x "elite" Betty A/P, & scatter the remainder.

E. Indies: More air raids are mounted from Sorong, against Darwin. We send 2x G3M's & 2x G4M's (unescorted), but are unable to do any damage (at Darwin are 4x RAAF Hudsons & 3x PBY's).

On Timor, we discover 3x P-40's are operating from Koepang.

In Java, the ABDA air force is reduced to one lone Buffalo Air Point, which is chased out of Batavia, to Bali, after fighter sweeps from Palembang (A6M's, with Sasai) destroy the last Hurricane at Tjilitjap. Our Zeroes have virtually swept the Java skies clean.

Philippines: Large-scale bombardment missions continue against Bataan. We lose some Ki-21's via multiple mission penalties, and begin to mount raids at low altitude, in an attempt to reduce the strong fortifications present there. We're unable to tell if our strikes have had any effect, until we mount our assault there. We can assure MacArthur that this assault will not be long in coming.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

E. Indies: 2x SNLF Bn's (4/Yokosuka & 8/Sasebo) are landed at Bali. They brush aside token opposition & we capture Bali's airstrip intact. Three large amphibious TF's sortie, from Saigon & Singapore & enter the Java Sea (destination Java?). US subs in the area are able to contact some of these ships but all the American boats are successfully screened.

Solomons: We occupy Bougainville. Then, two powerful American TF's (TF's 14 & 18) arrive in the southern Solomons from the Espiritu Santo area. We get a submarine contact on one of them, and our submarine force's recent successes are repeated -- we manage to put the "Indianapolis" dead-in-the-water ("D4") & she is towed away, back south. Meanwhile, the rest of the American ships continue NW. Air & sub contacts report the two TF's as:

TF18: "3x carriers, 5x CA's, 1x CL & 2x DD's." TF14: "2x CA's, 3x CL's, 16x DD's, & 4x MS (3 @ "D2," 1 @ "D1")."

Our own ships, including the indomitable Adm. Nagumo, are also operating in the area, NE of the Solomons. Once again, it seems that powerful carrier (and surface) TF's are operating in close proximity. Adm. Nagumo lands the first punch, striking TF 14 from his (unlocated) position NE of Santa Isabel. TF 14 enters a squall area near Rennel I. Adm. Nagumo does well this time in coordinating his strike, and there is no protection for the American ships.

BATTLE OF RENNEL ISLAND

3x attacking waves arrive. The 1st wave (1x D3A + 2x B5N's) has one "Kate" aborted by flak. The remainder go in and sink 1x MS (@ "D1")! The 2nd wave (2x D3A + 2x B5N, all "elite") pummels the escorting American cruisers, sinking the USS Pensacola & heavily damaging the Chicago (to "D3"). The 3rd wave (same composition as 2nd) goes in against the now-reeling Americans. We sink 1x "Gridlley-Cl." DD and another MS. We also lightly damage another "Gridley-Cl" DD ("D1"), and inflict "D1" damage on the CL Richmond.

We thus rack up a big score off Rennel Island. A summary of the US losses:

SUNK: CA Pensacola, 1x DD, 2x MS (1 @ "D2;" 1 @ "D1"). DAMAGED: CA Chicago ("D3"), CL Richmond ("D1"), 1x DD ("D1").

Once again, Adm. Nagumo's name is prominent in the news, and we wonder if these Americans will ever learn their lesson from sending ships in harm's way without air cover. We're thankful that the gods of war have once again seen fit to smile on the sons of Nippon.

Remarkably, though, the plucky US TF14 continues towards Ironbottom Sound! The American carriers have stopped SW of the Solomons, out of range. TF 14 approaches Guadalcanal at night, and triggers "reaction" movement: First, Nagumo smartly reacts away from the battle scene; he remains un-spotted. Then, a Japanese surface TF approaches Guadalcanal. Fortunately, this TF remains unlocated, & no Coastwatchers are able to spot it either. Unfortunately, we run out of night and, as the sun rises, we decide not to continue the reaction movement to engage. But, as the sun rises, and the US merchantmen begin to debark their troops at Guadalcanal, more misery arrives over the US ships, from Rabaul:

1ST BATTLE OF IRONBOTTOM SOUND

After the Americans are (apparently) able to debark only one ground step, 3x Betty A/P's arrive, unescorted. One of the G4M's is armed with torpedoes, & the other two are at medium altitude, armed with bombs. This time, the Americans manage to launch Naval Cover CAP over TF 14, & 3x F4F's oppose our bombers. We lose the torpedo-laden Betty at low altitude, but the others make their attack runs from medium altitude.

We sink the remaining two US MS, bringing to a screeching halt the American unloading. We wonder how many American soldiers were lost in this debacle, and once again pay homage to the gods of war, as we hand these brave-yet-foolhardy Americans another stinging defeat.

Unfortunately, however, our surface TF, though currently unlocated, is well within range of the American carriers only a short distance south of them. We shall have to await further battle reports from Ironbottom Sound to determine their fate. We trust our good fortune will continue.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Borneo: Our amphibious assault at Bandjarmasin (3x SNLF Bn's, vs. token opposition) succeeds without loss.

Burma: At Katha, the 17th Ind Div & the 49th Ind Bde continue their attacks against our Rgt. there. We inflict serious losses on these two units, and are able to break the 17th Ind. Div, but are finally forced to surrender. Our move into northern Burma thus is on the verge of collapse, but our units there have served a most valuable purpose. Then, the Chinese 19th Army is activated, attacks Myitkyna, and wipes out the last Japanese Bn. holding out there.

The Japanese 15th Army, for the time being, halts offensive combat operations in Burma, as supplies have temporarily dried up.

Philippines (Luzon): Our 48th & 4th Inf Divs begin a march to Legaspi, wiping out the 51st Fil. Militia Div enroute. Then, we run into problems on the approach march to Legaspi. We try a 2-hex jungle advance -- the 48th Div fails but otherwise suffers no adverse effects. The 4th Division, though, becomes the 2nd Japanese division to disgrace itself (Gen. Sakurai's division in Burma being the first), as it fails miserably to complete its mission: It loses one step, is deactivated, and breaks! Gen. Homma's performance in Luzon continues to disappoint. We long for the salad days of rapid jungle advances under Gen. Yamashita!

Philippines (Mindanao): On Mindanao, our 65th Indep. Bde launches an attack on the last unit remaining there -- the weak 101st Fil. Militia Div. Surprisingly, this unit manages to hold out, refusing our demand to surrender. It is, however, down to 1x Bn., & we shall remove this last vestige of organized opposition on Mindanao next week.

End Report

--- The Wavell Wire --- (supplemental)

'allo! Tis I again, Lt Rodney Nelson at your service. The General has instructed me to tell you that all is well in Burma. He conducted a magnificent attack on a demoralized Japanese regiment and liberated the town of Katha. If you hear anything and by Jove, I have; of any rumours about our forces taking casualties and leaving Katha that it may be occupied by the enemy once more...the General tells me to ignore that bloody rubbish and blame either the bloody Yanks who want all the glory of winning any campaign or the dastardly Japanese who can't even brew a respectable cup of tea!

Nonetheless, a victory is a victory, and with the Chinese re-capturing Myitkina at the expense of a poor Japanese battalion; the war is going splendidly. We ought to be in Rangoon pretty soon barring any unfortunate circumstances. Cheerio, chaps!

Oh, those Japanese and their propaganda. Consider the following report by the Japanese military:

"First, Nagumo smartly reacts away from the battle scene;"

However, This was reported in Australia and in the States as such:

"First, Nagumo nervously flees from the battle scene, abandoning several vulnerable Japanese task forces still left in the area, while the American task forces holds their position south of Guadalcanal."

END REPORT

"Hello out there all you fighting orphans of the Pacific! And, I mean orphans! This is after-her-weekend Annie with some most distressing news for you Allied fighting men. We send some extra-special greetings to those Americans occupying Florida Island and Guadalcanal, who I'm afraid are in for a very unhappy, lonely stay."

Tokyo, Mar. 19, 1942. Operations through end of G/T 3/3/42.

AIR OPERATIONS

Solomons: We launch a Joint Strike from Lae-Shortland against US TF 14, still operating near Guadalcanal. 3x "Rufes" from Shortland, escorting 3x G3M "Nells" find the US ships, but are opposed by 2x F4F's from Halsey's carriers nearby. Our attacks are beaten off & we score no hits.

Philippines: Multiple medium-strength strikes are launched against Bataan (Ki-21's, Ki-48's).

N. Guinea: More B-17 raids from Queensland are mounted against Port Moresby. We are unable to mount any opposition, and we lose the lone Zero A/P stationed there. Once again, the airstrip there is rendered un-useable.

E. Indies: We discover 2x P-40's operating from Koepang (Timor), and launch fighter sweeps from Amboina (4x A6M's), but neither side is able to score any hits.



NAVAL OPERATIONS

Solomons: This week will see a decisive, desperate carrier battle, and will result in a crushing defeat for one side, in the:

BATTLE OF THE SOLOMON SEA (Mar. 16, 1942)

The battle is actually several engagements, culminating in a one-sided carrier battle. At the outset, a Japanese carrier TF (CV's Akagi, Kaga, & Soryu, commanded by Adm. Nagumo) is operating NE of the Solomons. A 2nd Japanese carrier TF (Shokaku & Zuikaku, commanded by Adm. Yamaguchi) is steaming south, approaching the Solomons. The Americans have two TF's operating in the Solomons: TF14 (2x CL's -- Concord & Trenton -- plus 13x mostly older-type DD's, commanded by Adm. Kinkaid), in Ironbottom Sound, plus TF18 (3x CV's: Saratoga, Yorktown, & Hornet, plus a medium-sized cruiser & DD screen, commanded by Adm. Halsey).

The US TF's are "located;" the Japanese ships are not as yet.

Nagumo's carriers begin the sequence of events by moving south, at night, ending up west of the Stewart Is, 240 n.m. from Halsey's ships. Nagumo, for the time being, remains un-spotted. Then, Adm. Yamaguchi approaches, with orders to link up with Nagumo west of the Stewarts. Unfortunately, Yamaguchi's move is spotted by American PBY's flying from Espiritu Santo, in time to allow Kinkaid's cruisers & DD's to react.

Adm. Kinkaid begins a REAC movement towards Yamaguchi. Enroute, he encounters, at night, Nagumo's carrier TF (much to Adm. Nagumo's horror), NE of Malaita. After calculation, contact success for the Americans is judged as a 2/3 chance. Kinkaid succeeds, & Nagumo's TF prepares for battle with the plucky US Admiral.

Nagumo's TF consists of the 3x CV's, plus 6x CA's & 6x DD's. Nagumo orders a hasty withdrawal, which succeeds with no damage incurred by either side. Kinkaid's REAC effort is thus frustrated.

But, Kinkaid's TF 14 continues its REAC movement, contacting Adm. Yamaguchi's TF steaming south to link up with Nagumo. Again, with a 2/3 chance, Kinkaid succeeds in contact, and Yamaguchi prepares to disengage. This time, though, Kinkaid's CL's Concord & Trenton manage to score hits on CA Kako, inflicting "D1" damage on her. The rest of Yamaguchi's ships manage to withdraw successfully. No damage is inflicted on the American ships.

Adm. Kinkaid continues his TF's movement south, linking up with Halsey. Kinkaid's actions have served to locate both of the Japanese carrier TF's and also have forced them to "retreat" one hex to the north -- which will put the opposing carrier TF's at extreme range. This will have a profound impact on the coming carrier battle.

The Solomon Sea battle is a series of inter-related exchanges. The first strike to arrive is one from Rabaul: 5x "elite" G4M "Betty's" (unescorted) contact (reorganized) US TF 26. TF 26 consists of CV Hornet, 3x CL's (Perth, Trenton, & Concord), & 5x DD's (one British). The Betty's are all at Medium altitude, carrying bombs. The US CAP over TF26 is well-prepared. 2x F4F's from TF26 are augmented by 2x F4F's from TF 18 (Halsey). Note: This action will prove a tactical mistake by Halsey, leaving the two other American CV's with less protection. But, in this case the Americans perform well, splashing one Betty & aborting 3 others. The lone remaining Betty targets the Hornet, but is unable to score.

Via the Strike Sequence procedure, the next-arriving strike is a combined strike from TF 18 (Yorktown & Saratoga) & TF26 (Hornet), launched against Yamaguchi's TF (CV's Shokaku & Zuikaku, along with a small screen of 2x CA's + 1x DD). Japanese CAP is 4x A6M's. Yamaguchi's carriers have already launched their own strike; they are winging their way towards their launching tormentors. They are facing 9x SBD's (like the coming Japanese strikes, at extended-range). It is most fortunate that the Japanese are beyond normal Dauntless range. The Zeroes splash one Dauntless, and abort 2 others. Six SBD's commence their bombing runs, in two waves of 3 each. The first wave sees one SBD splashed by AA, and the other two aborted! Adm. Yamaguchi's gunners are from the "A" team! The 2nd wave (and the only really powerful one remaining in this battle) sees only one SBD aborted. The remaining two dive on Shokaku. The sailors aboard the Zuikaku are alarmed as they watch several splashes around her sister ship, and elated to see her emerge from these attacks unscathed! Yamaguchi's boys have weathered the storm, and now it is our turn!

The next strike to arrive is Yamaguchi's strike vs. US TF 18 (Halsey; consisting of CV's Yorktown & Saratoga, along with a screen of 5x CA's & 9x DD's). Yamaguchi's strike consists of 5x D3A "Vals," along with 5x B5N "Kates," all "elite" & at extended range (the "Kates" are all torpedo-armed, at maximum range), & un-escorted. US CAP is only 2x F4F's (along with their ace Butch O'Hare). They face long odds against so many attackers, despite the fact that they are un-escorted. The Americans fail to turn back a single attacker! Yamaguchi's attackers form 3 waves:

1st Wave Attack (1x D3A + 1x B5N): The initial wave targets the US inner ring, preferring to avoid the strong AA of the core ships containing Yorktown & Saratoga. Though AA aborts the "Val," the remaining "Kate" A/P gets through to damage the CA Astoria (putting her at "D2").

2nd Wave Attack (2x D3A + 2x B5N): The 2nd wave faces a firestorm of flak -- seeing 1x Val & 1x Kate splashed, & the other two aborted (unfortunately, since this strike is at extended-range, these aborts will turn into "kills"). Thus, we lose 4 "elite" Air Points, & so far Halsey's boys are doing well. Their luck, though, is about to run out.

3rd Wave Attack (2x D3A + 2x B5N): The American gunners continue to do well, aborting one Val & one Kate. But, the survivors commence their attack on Yorktown. Yamaguchi's flyers demonstrate their "elite" status in a most convincing way, sinking the Yorktown outright!!! "Old Yorky" thus goes down, and the momentum of the battle shifts to the Japanese side.

The next strike to attack is from TF 18 (Halsey), launched against a Japanese surface TF (TF8, commanded by Adm. Mikawa, & consisting of 5x CA's, plus 6x DD's) near Florida Island. This strike consists of 2x SBD's + 4x TBD's (armed with bombs; beyond their torpedo range). We have plotted Naval Cover CAP (2x Rufes from Shortland arrive). Our Rufes manage to splash one TBD, and abort one of the SBD's. The Americans attack, managing only to seriously damage ("D3") one Kagero-class DD.

Lastly, Adm. Nagumo's strike against US TF 26 (Hornet, now commanded by Kinkaid) arrives. 6x D3A's & 7x B5N's, escorted by 2x A6M's ("loose" escort) show up with a vengeance. US CAP consists of 3x F4F's. Though the Americans manage to achieve the "bounce," they are able only to abort one of the "Kates." Six Vals & six Kates (5 of each are "elite") prepare to pummel Hornet's (now-hapless) TF. 3 attacking waves are formed:

1st Wave Attack (2x "elite" D3A's + 2x "elite" B5N's): The Hornet TF's AA is not strong. All of our boys go in for the attack, damaging Hornet ("D1") and the CL Perth (also "D1"). Thus, our first waves' attack is disappointing. Like the attack on Yorktown, though, our follow-on waves will show the others how it is done!

2nd Wave Attack (same composition as 1st): Again, the US AA fails to even turn back one attacker. The "Horny Maru's" luck runs out -- she is sunk by a plethora of bombs & torpedoes! And, for good measure our boys put the Perth dead-in-the-water (to "D4").

3rd Wave Attack (2x D3A's & 2x B5N's, one of each "elite"): Our pilots continue to run amok, sinking the CL Trenton & heavily-damaging the CL Concord (to "D3"). Somehow, we manage to miss the now-dead-in-the-water Perth, and she survives.

With that last strike, the fateful Battle of the Solomon Sea ends. It is a clear & convincing Japanese victory. A summary of the battle:

IJN LOSSES: 1x Kagero-cl DD "D3"

USN LOSSES: CV's Hornet, Yorktown SUNK; CL Trenton SUNK; CL Concord "D3;" CL Perth "D4."

As a final icing on the cake, both Admirals Nagumo & Yamaguchi achieve promotions! Both American TF's later sail away, towards Noumea -- leaving the troops on Florida I. & Guadalcanal feeling, no doubt, more than a little lonely...

OTHER NAVAL OPERATIONS:

Java: Major landings are achieved on Java! At Bandoeng, we land the 5th Inf Div (Mutaguchi), with 1x tank Bn. At Semarang, we land in two groups: First, the 6th Inf. Div; followed by the 35th Inf. Bde plus two tank Bn's. Enroute to Java, Dutch subrons in the Java sea contact our amphibious TF's but all are successfully screened. (Note: see Ground Operations for detailed narrative of the resulting combat)
Solomons: Following our spectacular victory at the battle of the Solomon Sea, we are able to land the Horii ("South Seas") Detachment on Florida Island (see Ground Operations).

GROUND OPERATIONS

Java: At Bandoeng, our troops find the landing difficult, against an Intrinsic Garrison of TQ "4." We lose 3 steps from the 5th Inf. Division, and vow to avenge this outrage against the defenders of Batavia. Ground reconnaissance reveals the Batavia defenders to consist of: One Dutch "division," plus one British Bde, fortified only to Level "3."

At Semarang, the Dutch repeat their tenacious defense. Another Intrinsic Garrison of TQ "4" inflicts even worse losses on us: The 35th Bde suffers very heavy casualties, losing a full 4 steps! Fortunately, though, the 6th division is untouched. Ground reconnaissance reveals the defenders at Tjilitjap to consist of: One Dutch Rgt, plus another British Bde, fortified also to Level "3." We are a bit surprised to find these two British units in Java, but on the other hand delighted that we will accept their surrender here rather than later in Burma (or elsewhere?).

Florida Island: We land the Horii Detachment (with Gen. Horii present) on the eastern end of Florida I. The American defenders located on Florida thus far are revealed as 2x high-quality US Army Inf. Bn's plus one lower-quality USMC defense Bn. They are deployed near the center of the island, with the Marines opposite Gavutu/Tanambogo. It will be difficult rooting the Army units out of the jungle/rough terrain that they occupy, but time will tell on that...

Philippines: Legaspi is finally captured, with the Japanese 48th Inf. div wiping out the last-remaining Fil. Militia division there. An added pleasant surprise: we find, among the few Americans taken prisoner, Gen. Parker masquerading as an American private! He is ignominiously humiliated, and put in with the other American enlisted men. Such shameful antics by these Americans...

On Mindanao, the last-remaining Filippino defenders are routed & forced to surrender to our 65th Indep. Bde. Mindanao is thus secured!

China: We are not a little shocked to see the Chinese 28th Army activated, crosing the Indo-china border & advancing to the outskirts of Hanoi. Hanoi is defended by one Japanese Rgt (the 83d, of the 21st Inf. Div). No attack is mounted by the audacious Chinese, which are pounded by IJA bombers based at Hanoi & Haiphong. Subsequent weeks will see even more pummelling. We see now we must teach Chiang-kai-shek the same lesson we have taught the Americans in the Solomons.

End Report

The Wavell Wire --

I've just received several dispatches from our liaisons from the various battlefronts. My successor in Java has only chagrin in describing the failure in destroying the invasion fleet. First off, our American Allies and their plywood shanty boats could not even find them! And worse, they landed on beaches out of range of our hastily built coastal guns. A complete disaster, a repeat of the capitulation of our former bastion of Singapore seems highly likely.

Word from the American Naval attache has it that they have lost two of their fleet carriers in exchange for not even a bloody scratch on the Nips. I see a very good oppurtunity to show both these stalwarts that His Majesty's Royal Navy on how we do our damn jobs and have ordered our distinguished hero of Malta and Santa Isabel Admiral Somerville to make ready her ships for sail!

Meanwhile, as much as I'd love the singular moment of triumph in these Burmese hinterlands, it won't be long now till the enemy shall cross the river and the whole god damn bloody mess of retreating starts all over again. Without any air cover, that seems highly likely as well.

After my conference with the Prime Minister, all I can say is that I've done my bloody best to extricate our forces and mostly, our honor in this bloody shambles. If he can find someone to do a better job, he can send me to India so I may organize our defense of that flank against the bloody Germans! Wavell out.

"This is the Zero Hour, calling in the Pacific, with news for all you fighting men."

Tokyo, 2 Apr. 1942. Operations through end of G/T 1/4/42

AIR OPERATIONS

E. Indies: The RAAF launches strikes from Darwin against our under-construction A/F on Tenimbar I. Zeroes are scrambled on Emergency Cover CAP from Amboina (2 arriving, to oppose 7x Hudsons). One Hudson is aborted, but no hits are scored, and the Aussies are able to halt construction on Tenimbar. Later, more strikes are launched, but fail to add to the damage.

We continue medium-scale bombardments from Singapore (G3M's) and Palembang (Ki-51's) against the Dutch defenders at Batavia.

Burma: Fighter sweeps (Ki-43's) are mounted from Mandalay against Ledo, which has begun operating US P-40's. The first strike sees one P-40 A/P shot up on the ground, with no Japanese loss. Then, Wavell reinforces Ledo and a subsequent Japanese raid (at extended range for the "Oscars") runs into 5x US P-40's. This time, the Americans have a bone in their teeth & we suffer our first significant losses in the air in that theater: We lose 2x Oscars downed -- which translates into 4 lost, as our raid is at extended range. It seems that, finally, someone in the CBI has decided to make a fight in the air. We'll be back.

At Akyab, we discover that 5x SBD's (might be A-24's) have been redeployed there. We launch a fighter sweep, from Rangoon (only 2x Oscars), but are unable to do any damage there. The CBI is certainly heating up, at least in the air war. Also, apparently some major air redeployments have been effected into Chittagong and Calcutta.

Indochina: Several large-scale bombardment missions (Ki-21's & Ki-48's) are launched from Hanoi against the KMT 28th Army, advancing on that city. Some smaller-scale raids join these, from Haiphong (Ki-51's & Ki-32's). Our constant attacks will have a decisive effect when this unit launches its attack on Hanoi.

Philippines: Bataan continues to be pounded from the air, from Clark (large #'s of Ki-21's, with some Ki-48's).

Solomons: From Rabaul, G4M's continue to attack the US defenders on Florida Island. Unprotected, these units will suffer from these attacks when we launch our assault against them (see Ground Operations). For good measure, since there is no risk, we occasionally add a couple of H6K A/P's to these raids, from Shortland. We have complete control of the air in the central Solomons.

NAVAL OPERATIONS

Solomons: The Japanese 20th Inf. Div. is landed on the eastern side of Florida I., sailing from Truk. We're unsure of the exact enemy ground strength there, and as it turns out the division will not be needed. This is an unfortunate wastage of a very large amount of shipping tonnage and supplies, but Adm. Inouye (commander, So. Seas Fleet HQ) intended to take no chances in erasing this early American incursion.

The CA Mikuma is heavily-damaged by a US submarine while operating in "the slot." Her damage is (at least) "D3."

Bay of Bengal: The first Japanese incursion in this area sees the capture of the Nicobar Is, by the 230th Inf. Rgt (of the 38th Div, from Tavoy). The landing is unopposed.

Sumatra: We land another regiment (the 228th, also from the 38th Div, from Tavoy) at Medan, in N. Sumatra. There, a weak Intrinsic Garrison (TQ "1") is present, but ends up posing no problem for our troops -- Medan is later captured without loss.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Solomons (Florida I./Tulagi): The Horii Detachment launches its assault against the American defenders (Two US Army Bn's + 1x USMC Defense Bn, holed up in the center of Florida I.). Horii's performance, in very difficult terrain, is outstanding. Aided by the previous air bombardments, Gen. Horri's attack, though not without some losses, succeeds in wiping out the Americans -- Florida I. is secured! Thus ends the abortive American attempt to forestall our advance in the central Solomons, except for an undetermined garrison which still exists on Guadalcanal. To be sure, they are next on the hit parade and we imagine that unit (whoever they are) must be feeling quite abandoned about now.

Java: The first week's attacks against Batavia & Tjilitjap will see two remarkable & disappointing failures by our troops. Gen. Imamura (commander, 16th A) will later make amends for this, but we cannot avoid the truth in reporting that, initially at least, the Dutch/British defenders on Java put up a pretty good fight. At Batavia, our 5th Inf. Div (Gen. Mutaguchi), plus 1x Tank Bn, is initially repulsed (defending there: 1x Dutch Div + 1x British Bde from the 18th Div.), though the Allied defenders suffer fairly heavy losses. The next week's attack, though, is directly af