The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) versus DivePac (J)

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The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) versus D... - 6/27/2011 9:25:56 PM

Roger Neilson II

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Editor's note. The papers that will be revealed here are subject to further historical verification and are made available with the normal caveat emptor that the reader takes all that is included within as subject to verification. Nonetheless the contents will shed light on the Great Pacific War, often referred to as the DaBabes War. They have recently been made available to myself and I open them up to other scholars in the hope that they inform and entertain........

The papers would seem to be those of Colonel Harry Inkerman Paget Flashman (Hip) , whose illustrious ancestor was the hero of many of the wars of the 19th century - Sir Harry Paget Flashman VC KCB KCIE (1822-1915) - more information on him can be found at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Paget_Flashman

< Message edited by Roger Neilson II -- 8/3/2011 9:01:15 PM >

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RE: The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) vers... - 6/27/2011 9:37:32 PM

Roger Neilson II

Posts: 1517
Joined: 7/16/2006
From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
Status: offline

December 7th 1941.

Today has been most instructive as my old Latin master would have said. He used to always say that experience was a great instructor..... well I wish the old b*****er was here instead of me. Trouble is when uncle said he'd wangle me a staff post and did I fancy the States or Singers I reckoned there was no contest and the opportunities for a young, exceedingly handsome captain with all the colonial totty bored in the heat was far better than all those prissy Yanks women. Guess I yet again let my baser instincts lead me into a mess!

Ok I have got to report to HQ but the rumour mill seems to be suggesting that the balloon has gone up and no mistake.

Ok what have I learned from today?

1. Don't trust slant eyed little men
2. Find a posting as far away from any trouble as possible
3. Keep your feet on dry land - we seem to have 'lost' a destroyer somewhere off Hong Kong.

Ok better call it a day now, got to do some staff work and I need to find out what the hell is actually going on.

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Post #: 2

RE: The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) vers... - 6/27/2011 11:40:04 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

Flashman rides again! Hurrah!

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Post #: 3

RE: The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) vers... - 6/28/2011 1:03:26 AM

Bill Durrant

Posts: 967
Joined: 9/16/2003
From: Oxfordshire
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Ha ha. Excellent! Subscribed

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Sunk by 35cm/45 1YT Gun - Near Singapore

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RE: The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) vers... - 6/29/2011 7:56:47 AM

Roger Neilson II

Posts: 1517
Joined: 7/16/2006
From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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December 8th 1941

The normally polished and serene HQ is a total bloody shambles. Everywhere there is either a lot of shouting, or a stunned silence - and it changes by the room and the minute. Never seen Malaya Army in this state. I mean I know Percival is a duffer, but in Singers there's not a problem having a duffer in control - in fact for a chap like me its very useful. I'd hate to have a boss who knew what they were doing. On the other hand I hope that the lads at Kota Bharu are led by someone who knows one end of a rifle from the other..... reports are coming in of the slant eyes landing here in some force, supported by at least one Battleship - apparently our bombs bounced off the beast!

Further afield I gather that DD Thracian ran into a Jap surface squadron near Hong Kong - no radio since their captain announced he was going to attack a CA, CL and 3 DDs...... rather one sided I'd say.

I almost feel sorry for the Yanks, almost. Apparently they have lost every one of their battleships in a devastating strike on Pearl Harbour. Got to say that its not the way to do things, but if ever i have to fight I get my kick in where it hurts while the other guy isn't looking. It aint the Marquess of Queensbury, but the guy seldom recovers. Well they've been dragging their heels about joining us, but if they are now on our side properly I'd have preferred them to have all their ships to play with!

The Yanks do seem to have been caught with their pants down.... reports of loads of their airfields in the Philippines devastated with their planes wrecked on the runways.

All in all not a very good day for the Allies - frankly not that upset about what's going on, but I do have the sense of the hairs on the back of my neck...... No,no, this bunch of rice farmers will have no chance when they come up against our boys......

My job is to make sure I'm always in a valuable rear position while that is sorted. Flashy to the rear is my motto. Fortress Singers - made a good choice really didn't I?

Things I learned today:

1. If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs you can probably do ok
2. Don't get into aircraft, they get shot down and you die
3. Don't get on RN ships - they like to fight..... and sink

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RE: The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) vers... - 6/29/2011 12:26:05 PM

Mike Dixon

Posts: 382
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From: Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Status: offline

Great stuff Roger!

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Post #: 6

RE: The HIP Chronicles: Dababes RogerNeilsonII (A) vers... - 6/29/2011 8:59:29 PM

DivePac88

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From: Somewhere in the South Pacific.
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'The ever victorious Imperial Japanese Navy wishes to announce that it has won a great victory in the waters off Hong Kong'

I'm afraid that you will be hearing this message, and similar ones on a regular basis from now on Mr Colonel Harry Inkerman Paget Flashman.

But being a fair-minded JFB, I must wish you good luck in our war.

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When you see the Southern Cross, For the first time
You understand now, Why you came this way

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Post #: 7

December 9th 1941 - 7/2/2011 2:28:34 PM

Roger Neilson II

Posts: 1517
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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Well now, I'm a bit tired. Last night at the old club was good. Lots of people out 'celebrating' -or drowning their sorrows. Had a few too many G&Ts and then those blasted Nips started air raids on Singers - no rest for the wicked!

Briefing this morning by Percival, all fine, stiff upper lips, minor reverse at Khota Bahru - I gather the FMSV Brigade and the 8th indian folded their cards and left early, whilst the 3rd ISF Base Force weren't tipped off in time and got wiped out. So Johnny Jap has a base with a secure landing and a nice airfield..... hmmm Still I am sure we will throw them back at Temuloh and then drive them back to the sea, this time its our own troops who will fight and not these colonial levies!

Aside from that, and one nice piece of news, the Japs seem to be flying everywhere, bombing anything that looks at all nasty to them and sinking unarmed merchant ships galore. Remind me to stay on dry land!

One great reversal however was the Yanks - when they get annoyed they get annoyed - as my ancestors will tell you! So they all jump into the ships at Pearl Harbour, sortie out at high speed and go a hunting the Jap carriers. And one group finds them - who knows how much damage was done but I guess their Admiral had a bad night. Their screening tactics did not succeed, they scored only minor damage on the Yank ships and at one point one of their CVs ran over the CA Tone which promptly sank.

Things I learned today:

1. Where Guam is - and its now Japanese
2. Where Batan is - and its now Japanese
3. Some of our troops are badly trained and have distinctly low moral fibre - unlike me!

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< Message edited by Roger Neilson II -- 7/2/2011 2:31:32 PM >

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RE: December 9th 1941 - 7/2/2011 2:45:25 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
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From: Argleton
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Well done!

We are kindred spirits! I raise a glass to you:

See post #14 or so for the restart, post #20 and after for the planning and intercept. It looks like you did more damage to KB than I did.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2754161

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Post #: 9

RE: December 9th 1941 - 7/2/2011 4:19:16 PM

Roger Neilson II

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Indeed there are a lot of similarities, but as yet the oilers are not 'discovered'.

Roger

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December 10th 1941 - 7/6/2011 7:19:14 PM

Roger Neilson II

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Well now its all pretty ordinary here really, though not everywhere. Suits me, I can live with ordinary. Mind you it is getting annoying the night bombing - its not as if they hit anything, but then that's a problem. I mean at night I'm far away from anywhere that the Japs might want to bomb, so if they played fair then I'd be safe, but given they can't hit what they are aiming for they run a good chance of getting me. maybe I ought to sleep out on the middle of the runways? Anyway I have decided that one thing this war will provide is opportunity - the promotion ladder may well me a little more easy to climb while the war is on, and I'd prefer to get higher up the pole before it ends. Another part to that is the ability of a Genreal - why not I ask myself- to do quite nicely on his memoirs. So as well as getting there I need to keep stuff ready for my memoirs - hence notes from today's briefings and tittle tattle round the bar at the HQ.

1. In a night Time Surface Combat, near Cam Ranh Bay DDs Scout and Thanet intercepted two Japanese transports and sunk them both with no damage to themselves.

2. In submarine attacks AMC Manoora, sustained 2 torpedo hits 2, and subsequently sank with all hands. TK Merula, took a torpedo hit and laden with fuel was lost. CL Danae, suffered 3 torpedo hits and was also lost.

3. Nauru Island has been invaded and taken by the enemy, Landings have begun at Laoag.

4. Hong Kong is coming under enemy assault.

5. Airfields in the Philippines are bombed and strafed.

6. Georgetown is attacked by Lily bombers escorted by Oscars and two ships are hit by bombs: AMc Medusa, xAP Kelantan

7. Near Laoag B17s spot the Heavy cruisers Maya and Chokai but fail to hit them with their bombs.

8. AS Canopus, air dropped torpedo hits 2, and is sun near Davao. HQ reckons there's another Carrier group operating round there.

9. Nells supported by the ever present Zeros atatcked shipping in Manila and:
xAP President Madison, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damagee
xAKL Dos Hermanos, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Don Jose, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

10. SS Pompano launches 4 torpedoes at CV Shokaku - none of them explode.......... I guess the language on that sub was choice after that!

11. In hot pursuit of the KB the Yanks missed their targets at night and were left open to attacks by the flyboys from the carriers. Ooops!

DD Phelps, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk,
DD Farragut, Bomb hits 4,heavy fires, sunk.
DD Worden, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk. .
CL Raleigh, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shaw, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Henley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Ralph Talbot, Bomb hits 1
DD Bagley, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Helm, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Dale, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Monaghan, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
DD Aylwin, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Cummings, Bomb hits 1
DD Downes, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Henley, heavy fires, heavy damage

All in all a not very good day for our somewhat Gung-ho transatlantic cousins.

Things I have learned today......

1. Planes can easily sink ships - stay off ships
2. Don't ever expect the Yanks to use discretion
3. Opportunity knocks for the person who looks after number one.

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< Message edited by Roger Neilson II -- 7/8/2011 2:36:29 PM >

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RE: December 11th 1941 - 7/8/2011 2:33:14 PM

Roger Neilson II

Posts: 1517
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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Y�know when I first arrived in the tropics I went out on a fishing boat..... the guys threw some disgusting raw fish stew stuff over the side and within a minute the sea was boiling with sharks...... can�t stand the beasts!

Well it would seem that the Japanese sharks are around the waters off Singers. We have a �tally board� at HQ and it makes grim reading....

Submarine attacks:

xAKL Marudu, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, �on fire, �heavy damage
xAK Neleus, Torpedo hits 1, �on fire
xAK Silverbeech, Torpedo hits 1, �heavy damage
xAP Kota Gede, Torpedo hits 1, �on fire, �heavy damage
xAK Demodocus, Torpedo hits 1, �on fire, �heavy damage
xAP Boschfontein, Torpedo hits 1, �on fire, �heavy damage
AVP Merel, Torpedo hits 2, �on fire, �heavy damage
xAP Kota Gede, Torpedo hits 1, �on fire, �heavy damage
xAKL Sibolga, Shell hits 10, �heavy fires, �heavy damage
xAK Tai Sang, Torpedo hits 2, �heavy fires, �heavy damage

Anyway, it would seem that anyone trying to get out of Singers had better b a good swimmer, or else be able to befriend a shark pretty damn fast! We presume they have all sunk - no further communications have been heard from them since their last status updates.

I am getting tired of my sleep being disturbed. Its about time the boys in blue put in an appearance and bloodied Johnny Jap�s nose!

It would seem the Yanks have not let all their ships sink. In a night surface encounter, near Manus the enemy were somewhat bested: CL Kashima, Shell hits 4, �heavy fires - seemed to be losing headway and lots of smoke. A patrol boat got hit four times - heavy fires, �heavy damage - seemed to be sinking. A further PB and two troopships escaped into the night. THe CA Houston took two hits on her armour that will need some repainting apparently. The enemy must have called for help as the CL Yubari with two destroyer consorts appeared. Yubari also took a punishing hit to her superstructure and a series of explosions followed. The Houston was not hit.
�
Elsewhere we hear that the Japs have begun landing at Davao, though their landings at Laoag was disrupted by a PT boats raid..... we lost 2 of the three PT boats though. We also have reports from Yank recce flying boats that the Jap Carriers are heading home......

Things I learned today:

1.Getting out of Singers - not that it will ever be a need - is going to be tricky.
2.The Japs are a pretty cowardly bunch - sneaky is their only game - obviously didn�t go to the right schools.
3.There�s a rather nice set of �dancing girls� at the local nightclub.........

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< Message edited by Roger Neilson II -- 7/8/2011 2:35:07 PM >

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RE: December 12/13th 1941 - 7/12/2011 7:30:57 AM

Roger Neilson II

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Given the easy life to date I've been rather busy. This is not why I joined the services. An endless round of dinners and cocktails and a chance to rise up to a reasonable pensionable rank with all that goes with it was my plan - and hopefully some seat in the Lords. Hmmm, not used to all this rushing around, and in the heat of Singers it gets a bit much dontcha know?

Anyway my current assignment is to pull together the fragments of 'intel' and present this to Percival for his rumination. I will have to make this a 'read easy' version so he can understand it! What it does give me is a car and driver and a 'roving commission' - so there may be opportunities. Carpe Diem as they say.

In our backyard the enemy would appear to be feeling their way from both Singora and Kota Bahru. Reports are coming in of their arrival at Alor Star. The flyboys are apparently 'challenging' the advance and providing close support. Yes, apart form the fact they can't seem tio hit anything and we have lost a load of planes now - the Jap planes would seem to be highly advanced - fast and well flown compared to the barns our boys have to get airborne. On the other hand I have been to the site of a downed Jap bomber (still bloody noisy every night) and it looked a decidedly fragile thing.

Our navy claims its killing Jap subs in the Singapore Straits I'll believe it when I see them bring in some evidence.

I'm told that there are masses of ships arriving in Rangoon with forces embarking to drive south and sort out the Japs at Bangkok and French Indo China. Apparently it will all be over by Xmas. The esteemed General doesn't think its worth spending much energy on erecting defences at Singapore as its a waste of resources (you'd hink he had to pay for them himself) and it would give the wrong message to the natives.

Elsewhere the enemy continue to bring the 'kitchen sink' to Laoag, and every night the Yanks and their assorted balsa wood navy charge in amongst the shipping. Over two nights they claim a Cruiser and a Destroyer sunk by torpedoes and at least one collision between merchant ships in their chaos of upping anchor and moving out to sea. Whatever I'm sure these nightly forays are putting the Jap plans back in their timing. Its going to be a bit like sticking a stick into a hornets nest mind you - they are going to be mighty annoyed when they finally move towards the Yanks in their defences.

We think Davao has fallen, the Jap CVs that were spotted there are no longer seen anywhere though subs on the approaches to Davao have reported heavy escort anti sub activity.

The Japs seem very desirous of taking a load of smelly, hot and worthless bases that were not even defended - on the coast of New Guinea. CL Achilles interrupted a landing at Manus and sunk an escort there but for some reason the captain did not press home the attack and the two ships unloading troops were left to continue this work! Maybe we need another Admiral Byng? [editors note - Admiral Byng was shot for cowardice 'to encourage others']

At HQ those with some brains - eg not the High Command - think that what we are seeing so far is not the main Jap effort. They are predicting that suddenly a load of nasty will happen and not where we are expecting. Time will tell, for me the supply of gin and totty remains so its all good! [editors note - Gin and Totty is not a drink concoction, totty is a very rude expression for ladies who might.....we will pass over this for the delicate reader]

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< Message edited by Roger Neilson II -- 8/3/2011 9:07:47 PM >

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RE: December 13/14th 1941 - 7/15/2011 10:44:07 AM

Roger Neilson II

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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I once went hunting with old �Sniffy� Forbes-Mainwearing at his country seat. Never again I tell you - its damn dangerous, riding round on a horse, across fields and jumping hedges - I mean a fella could fall off and break his neck. The argument is that we need to keep the foxes down as they are verminous and once they get into a killing area like a chicken house they won�t stop until they have created total mayhem. On the other hand, riding and the chase did have an �effect upon Sniffy�s younger sister I recall with fondness - Hip Hip Hooray there - so riding to hounds had its compensations.

Anyway, where was I ? Oh yes foxes. Events around this Laoag place (strange spelling dontcha know) put me in mind of foxes, though they don�t seem to swim in the sea. For two nights the Yank MTBs have been setting out from Subic Bay and getting in amongst a veritable armada of Jap boats at Laoag. Each time they get in close, the Japs get the terrible funk, up anchor and try to make headway. Result is the odd torpedo hit, some shooting up and general fireworks, and several of their transport ramming each other. A bit like Drake�s fireships I guess. Anyway HQ d quite delighted by the results, though they are saying its a shame for the �gallant crews�.
Score to date:

DMS W-17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Azuma Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage 3 other ships (unidentified) in serious ramming incidents.
MTB 7, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 10, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 11, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MTB 9, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 12, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MTB 26, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MTB 27, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Apparently one hit by enemy guns and its obliteration for the MTBs...... Glad I �m not on this detail! Our Intel guys (never trust them they all wear glasses and smell of University Common Rooms) say its playing hell with the Jap unloading plans. We shall see.

Elsewhere a Jap surface force turned up at Rabaul - we think they were looking for a CL Raiding force of ours - long gone - and took their spite out on a small craft sitting in harbour. A bit uneven this fight: CA Aoba, CA Kinugasa, CA Furutaka, CA Kako, DD Oboro, DD Sazanami, DD Ushio verus the AM Penguin, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese forces have taken Alor Star.

The sub war:

TK Juno, Torpedoed
xAP Van Imhoff, Torpedoed
AMC Kanimlba, Torpedoed

Rangoon got its first night air raid with some damage sustained to the airfield. The enemy�s main efforts would appear to be over Georgetown where an assortment of Sallies, Oscars, Nates, Nells, Betties persistently visited and managed to sink the xAKL Elout with torpedoes. They have also cratered the runway quite badly!

Wake Island was attacked by carrier borne aircraft - we guess its the Kido Butai on its way home for patch up and Saki celebrations. The raid was only by around a third of the numbers of planes used to attack Pearl - make of that what you will. Some airfield damage but nothing to write home about.

The Japs are plugging away at Hong Kong and have apparently done some damage to our �world class defences� there. The guys pursuing our forces after they lost Khota Bahru ran into a road block SW of there and were stopped in their tracks by the FMSV Brigade and 8th Indian Brigade. Intel reports that three Jap regiments attacked and tried to force them away - well done our brave lads. Now we will show them!

General Percival is finally thinking maybe we ought to put a bit of barbed wire or something to the landward side of Singers. I �ve been asked to do some surveys of the best spots. Great idea. Off I go in my car - my driver doesn�t complain if we make a few stopovers and he gets to put his feet up and smoke a few. I am currently surveying the areas where the married quarters are located. Been checking the defences of some of the deserted wives. Some have nasty defences - the occasional slapped face - but others have a smile that says come back another time and just maybe we will have weakened a bit. All have gone in my little black book. Hip HIp! Tally Ho, I see some foxes of my own to hunt!

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RE: December 15/16th 1941 - 7/19/2011 7:22:04 AM

Roger Neilson II

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Well things look different very quickly in life don't they? My Grandfather, the old rogue, dabbled a bit in the Opium Wars and HongKong was seen as the Gibraltar of the East..... and the treacherous little yellow men have gone and smashed it in a few days. They seem to have been hardly held up by our defences there.....

Its all supposed to be need to know only at the present time, but the streets of Singapore area live with the rumour - and the mood here has changed. Suddenly people are finding pressing reasons to take a holiday back in Britain and the port is a very busy place with lots of civilians looking for berths out. There's a sudden realisation - shared by yours truly - that just maybe if HK can fall then so can Singers...... Things could get ugly as all the shipping in the port is being used by our forces and there's lots of comings and goings. Problems:
1. If the civilians get windy then we may have to impose martial law, not good for morale at all
2. So far the Jap air raids have been on the airfield - when they hit it [see previous diary entry editor)
3. Last but by no means least - how does Flashy get out of this place safely?

Its been a couple of days since we lost a ship to the enemy subs round here. I gather that they are appearing off the US West Coast now and have sunk an oiler and a merchantman.

Elsewhere Georgetown seems to be getting a hammering from the enemy air, with quite a lot of our troops gathering there, any ships in the port have been sunk. The 8th Indian Brigade that was blocking the Jap advance near Khota Bharu has been routed and the Japs are rushing down the peninsula. The Jap landing at Laoag is still being disrupted nightly by PT boats - but I gather that the Yanks are running out of them - they don't survive any hits at all!

Soooo, some problems.... need solutions.

1. Do I stay or do I go?
2. If I go where is best - and how do i get Percival to send me there - or get my orders sufficiently flexible to make sane choices?
3. Looks like any overland 'escape' is not possible, and sea (subs) or air (Jap fighters) are both perilous.

Needs some thinking about.

[editor's note - many of us are puzzled by HIP's chronology here, we all know that Hong Kong did not fall on the 16th December. We can only hazard that maybe Flashman is going more by the rumour mill than hard intelligence on this one - the more we read of this diary the more we are having to rethink the nature of this hero. Some unkind readers have evn suggested that we are seeing a side to Flashman that is far from heroic]

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< Message edited by Roger Neilson II -- 7/19/2011 10:30:24 AM >

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Post #: 15

RE: December 17th - 20th 1941 - 7/25/2011 9:06:34 AM

Roger Neilson II

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne. England
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Well I have to complain its all very confusing this war. I'm told on good authority that Hong Kong has fallen, then next day we are assured it has not, then yet again its gone.

Well whether it has or not is of no great concern to me, as far as Flashy is concerned its only a matter of time!

Talking to Percival he reckons all is good, that the Japs have shot their bolt and are about as much use as a blown mare after a brisk canter....... I must say that over the last few days, apart from the sub attacks there's been little to worry about. The enemy has even stopped its air raids so I've had a decent night's sleep. They seem to be inclined to take over the Philippines - and they can have them as far as I am concerned - and maybe their cutting off of northern Malaya is a bargaining counter in the peace talks that are bound to start soon. I gather their planes have been appearing over Rangoon though.

I also am told 'on good authority; that Winnie has had to promise the Aussies some help 'down under' - I gather they are a little 'miffed' that their boys are out in the desert and not defending their 'sheilas' and their sheep..........

Almost Christmas, the decorations ate still going up and the full traditional turkey and stuffing in regimentals is the order of the day on the 25th.

I did get in a conversation with 'Creeper Jenkins' at the mess the other day. Never liked the man - way too swotty for me, went off and did some double first at Oxford it turns out. Anyway he's in some 'intel' group - all very hush hush dontcha know. he did say after a few G&Ts that he had a special pass that in the event of a real problem he could use it to override any orders for any unit and that he had to be got to safety given what was in his head. Well I reckoned it was all a load of guff, but he no longer has the pass, it seems to have slipped into my pocket.

Anyway Jenkins let me in on the thinking of the intel boys. He says that Percival won't listen to them. They think that the Japs are 'up to something' - they can't trace lots of their forces and have a feeling that they will suddenly appear in some totally unexpected place and then there will be hell to pay.

Whatever, time will tell. Meanwhile I have been doing some copies of the special pass, though this time with my name on it, just in case, dontcha know?

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Post #: 16

RE: December 20th - 22nd 1941 - 7/28/2011 7:32:11 PM

Roger Neilson II

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They have stopped night bombing thankfully. Instead they come in over the harbour - low down and barreling along to drop their torpedoes and sink the many ships in the harbour. Our folk all blaze away and one after another they Betties get ripped apart or head off trailing smoke. So far only one or two ships have been hit which given the number of ships arriving is quite surprising. No sign of the brylcreem boys though.

The war seems pretty languorous here, somewhere up around Georgetown the enemy is probing forward and while this is going on our forces here have finally started to improvise some defences. No need to worry about things at the moment, plenty of time to attend soirees and comfort the little wives.

Elsewhere I gather a couple of bases on the north coast of Sarawak have been attacked and Miri has been taken. Don�t mean anything to me of course. Just names on a map.

The Yanks are a bit upset, apparently one of their many islands - Wake - was attacked yesterday by a large force of the Japs including carrier based planes, and they kind of walked into the base and took it.

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Its almost Christmas - 7/30/2011 10:21:16 AM

Roger Neilson II

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Well its seems The Andrew has finally done something. Pallister�s squadron based out of Kuching had word of the Japs landing at Brunei. So up anchor and aweigh�..

They arrived with the Japs still unloading and made a pretty mess of every Jap ship - all left ablaze and wrecked. None were seen to sink, but all were well on fire and not returning any salvoes by the end of the engagement. Pallister has now made off in need of some rearming and reports all the ships are fine with minor damage though the DD Pilsbury is in a bad way and has been detached with DD Ford as escort to try and get back here to Singers and a repair yard. A good innings for us! I�m sure the base force there would have enjoyed the sight - though not for long as the Japs had already landed enough to take the base. They are getting closer.

Apparently we have these queer coves, called Coastwachers�. they elect to stay behind and with a radio and some tribesmen will tip us off about the Japs movements. Rather them than me I have to say. Sounds deuced dangerous stuff and I am sure that Johnnie Jap will not invite them in for a civilised cup of tea and a chat over cakes if they are ever captured. Anyway one of them reports that Jap ships have been spotted off Rabaul - personally not quite sure where that is - somewhere in the Yank Aussie bailiwick - but HQ wallahs are quite worried.

We have lost another base up north, the Japanese Imperial Guard - sounds very grand dontcha know - stormed across into Georgetown and took it with little opposition. I�m surprised that Percival is not more down about the whole thing, but he didn�t explain too much to us at the briefing - seems like some hush hush operation has gone on there, must find out what�.

Editor's note - Flashman is using a slang term for the Senior Service when he calls them The Andrew. - its origins are lost in obscurity. Reading the above entry we get a sense of just how top secret Operation Madness was at the time.

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RE: Its almost Christmas - 7/30/2011 10:50:47 AM

Alfred

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Just a note to say that Flashman wrote his diary in a very entertaining manner, dont'cha think? The papers should be a boon to modern day socialogists. However I do feel he is pre judging Percival without being fully appraised of all the relevant facts, dont'cha think?

Am particularly looking forward to when Flashman uses that pass to get off Singapore island. Wonder whether he will be able to assist any of those deserving wives he is comforting in these difficult times to get out at the same time.

Alfred

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RE: Its almost Christmas - 7/30/2011 2:48:45 PM

Roger Neilson II

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Editor's response.

It is very pleasing to see such an eminent student of the war reading these diaries. From my ability to look ahead at them I am sure there will be lots of things answered as I make them available.

I do fear that the popular view of the 'hero' Flashman is going to become slightly tarnished by some of the actions that appear in the diary.

Sometimes I turn the page and shudder at what he might be about to do.

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The spirit of Christmas passed - 8/2/2011 9:46:26 AM

Roger Neilson II

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My head is deuced sore this Boxing day!

A funny old day really yesterday. Some people out to celebrate as much as possible, others looking very morose. Had a drink or two with Creeper Jenkins who is lamenting the fact that he cannot seem to find his �pass� from Percival. At one point he asked directly if I�d seen it. Loathsome man! Still he did buy a few snifters and when in his cups he did let on that he is a bit worried. Apparently Percival is no longer getting the signals and intel he was getting just a few days ago. Jenkins reckons this is bad news, indicating that perhaps HQ does not expect Singers to last and don�t want Percival knowing too much about other plans in case he is captured.

Some of the wives are in mourning, pretty convinced that their husbands were killed or taken when Georgetown fell. Others are either still holding out hope, or making plans already for other ways in life. Will be keeping an eye on developments here. We hear nothing of their fate and I still have no idea of what Operation Madness was� or is for that matter.

Pallister got carried away with his success in sinking a few Jap transports and ran pell mell into a Jap Cruiser squadron which we assume were bent on revenge after his high jinks. Well the CA with him on board is sunk when he tried to take on the Mogami, Mifune, Suzuya and Kumano with escorts. Odds of 4:1 not very clever really. His destroyers escaped with damage but have maintained radio silence since - or else they ain�t got radios any more� ominous. Lesson, don�t tweak the Jap�s tail!

Elsewhere we heard before the comms closed down that Rabaul; was being taken by the Japs - they may be intrigued to learn there was no defences at all there.

Despite the block on intel we can always rely on our Dutch Allies to blab, the Mienheers have reported that there�s a nasty Carrier force sprung up in the Celebes Sea.

Was passing the docks yesterday and saw some Jocks marching to embarkation - wonder where they are off to? They don�t half look stupid in their kilts, though I have to admit they do have advantages�� it can get deuced hot thereabouts and the extra ventilation is handy I assume, plus they always are ready for manoeuvres. Some of the ladies seem very intrigued by them and �what�s under their kilts�. Maybe a transfer to their units might be of advantage to me? Come to think of it I aint seen any units moving into Singers from up north for a day or so�. wonder what�s up?

Editor's note - it would seem that Flashman in his personal moments is really showing a very different view of what interests him. I must apologise gentle reader to anyone offended by his coarse preoccupations. It is my duty to represent them here 'warts and all' in the true interests of historical analysis even if I am shocked by what I read.

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RE: The spirit of Christmas passed - 8/3/2011 8:58:47 PM

Roger Neilson II

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Well its the 27th December and the war ain�t over. I took a look at the situation map at HQ and we are in a bit of a pickle methinks. Johnny Jap has just taken Taiping which might not mean much to most of the world, but its on a railway line and the line goes Tamuloh - Kuala - Port Something - Malacca - Kluong - Johore - Singers. So all they have to do is jump on a train and 7 stops after they are at the station�� And what have we got to stop them? Well the main blocking force is the 8th Indian, FMSV brigade and the Ist Hyderabad. That�s all right then, they will stop the umpteen Jap divisions in their tracks��.Come to think of it the war might be over soon - one Johnny Jap takes this place and kicks us out maybe we get peace and quiet.

All well and good but not if yours truly is still here. I need to start work on my own little travel arrangements.. Percival has declared that all units of the Malayan Army will stay and defend Singers to the last man.

Possibilities - get myself seconded to a liaison post with one of the units that have boarded ship and gone from here - easy to do, but what�s the guarantee its not out of the frying pan and into the fire? Pull the orders stunt and get myself aboard something headed safely away from here - but they are sinking ships and shooting down planes�..

Timing is important as well, got to do whatever when I can�t be called back and made to account for my travels - cos Singers has gone. I need to be on one of the last boats out of here��.

Editor's note: this is fascinating as we all are aware of the significance of the HQ demarkations and what fate befell the units depending which higher echelon they were part of.

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RE: The spirit of Christmas passed - 8/3/2011 10:46:09 PM

Alfred

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With his family background, I expect flashman to have no difficulty in extricating himself from Singers. My only advice is that he try very hard to avoid leaving with Maj Gen Bennett in his party.

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RE: The spirit of Christmas passed - 8/4/2011 4:31:49 PM

Wirraway_Ace

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

With his family background, I expect flashman to have no difficulty in extricating himself from Singers. My only advice is that he try very hard to avoid leaving with Maj Gen Bennett in his party.

Alfred

I don't know. Bennett made it out and Flashman is covered from Percival's post-prisoncamp wrath with the [presumably] signed pass. Or were you concerned that Bennett might try to steal said pass and leave our hero exposed to post-war indictment?

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RE: The spirit of Christmas passed - 8/5/2011 5:07:11 PM

Alfred

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Wirraway_Ace

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

With his family background, I expect flashman to have no difficulty in extricating himself from Singers. My only advice is that he try very hard to avoid leaving with Maj Gen Bennett in his party.

Alfred

I don't know. Bennett made it out and Flashman is covered from Percival's post-prisoncamp wrath with the [presumably] signed pass. Or were you concerned that Bennett might try to steal said pass and leave our hero exposed to post-war indictment?

Exactly!

Flashman would not wish to be so tainted. Think of what Bennett would have given to have been accorded the respect by all the women once he arrived back in Australia as opposed to the cold shoulder he received.

Alfred

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RE: The spirit of Christmas passed - 8/7/2011 10:42:55 AM

LoBaron

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Good start!

Subscribed.

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Almost New Year and party time! - 8/8/2011 8:06:12 PM

Roger Neilson II

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Dec 29th. Almost Auld Lang Syne time, always a good evening for the romantic in me, and this year maybe there will be a few girls who fancy a highland fling before what might come in the New Year�.. Hip Hip Hooray!

Its a bit frustrating not knowing what�s going on elsewhere, but in our own backyard things are developing. The advance guards of the yellow men are not reported to be probing our defences north-east of Temoloh. I keep checking the Railway Station every time I pass by to see if suddenly a bunch of them will wander out and ask directions to The Raffles��

They attacked the port yesterday and scored a few hits on some ships being readied for action or having repairs done to them. Things are getting a little tricky.

This morning there was a bit of a hoohah in the port when some wreckage and a few bodies turned up. The �experts� reckon it wasn�t a failed invasion, or an attempt to land a 5th column but more likely one of their subs took a wrong turn and hit one of our mines - �blammo� as our Yank cousins would say!

Mind you when I was down there I did notice a couple of submarines moored�. normally you�d not get me anywhere near these things - its not natural under the water before you get sunk! However I paid my respects to the Captain - a Yank but he appreciated the bottle of scotch I offered as a token of welcome. LCDR Smith is perhaps person worth counting as a friend in these troubled times. I gather they have some repairs to do on the engine then they will be off in a few days��.. SS Swordfish, nice name I have to admit. They were at Manila until recently but the beastliness there was getting close - apparently the Japs are north and south of the city and advancing. So HQ - or whatever they call the people who tell submarines what to do - told him to set course for pastures new. Took a small dent when a Jap plane dropped a bomb nearby, hence the repairs.

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RE: Almost New Year and party time! - 8/9/2011 2:31:08 PM

JWE

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Brilliant !!

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Party like its the end of the year, and an era maybe - 8/14/2011 10:57:39 PM

Roger Neilson II

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Ah the final night of the year�� lest hope next year is a better one. We end with a gloomy outlook I guess, though Percival assures us his brilliant strategy is working - details when I can be bothered to write them!

Well out troops have been routed north of Temoloh and the remnants are rushing down the peninsula in the hope that at Singers all will be well.

I watched DD Pope and the S-41 leave port today - neither was in a fit state to sail really, but at least the navy bods are realists and don�t live in a world of make believe like my superior General! We seem to be clearing the port of anything that will sail, doesn�t look good. So far SS Sailfish is still here, and I still make social calls on it. Would it not be great if I was on board when it had to suddenly leave and I was stuck on the tub��

Interestingly another bunch of colonials are readying to depart from Singers, one had already disappeared. No idea where to, but the 27th Brigade looks to depart in a couple of days - maybe they will walk on water as there are not many ships left hereabouts. Of the 22nd Brigade we have no news - they could be in India by now, or in the DEI, or even looking forward to a cool beer in Oz itself. Or they could be feeding the sharks. Singers will then be defended simply by the Malaya Army, under the brilliant leadership of Percival�.. Ye Gods!

Ok his plan, the 22nd Indian, retiring from Kuantan should arrive at Kuala in a few days to repulse the Japs (Intel reckons 10 units, lets say twenty thousand battle hardened little yellow men) against three thousand pretty tired and badly supplied native troops. I think I know how that will end up! meanwhile the brave lads who have just been routed at Temoloh will strike across their LOC and cut them off. This is two thousand routed and demoralised troops with little equipment. I have to admire Percival�s imagination��.

Once the yellow men have brushed aside these forces its a matter of time before they come a calling - though they will be late for �first foots� in the New Year celebrations. Singers defences are around 25% of what they should be and the supply level is not good for any siege. I reckon Flashy has to be long gone by the 15th at the latest�..

Still they won�t arrive tonight, so there are manoeuvres afoot in the boudoirs and tactical positioning may well pay off with regard to some of the ladies� defences tonight. Amazing what the rum punch and the hot climate does.

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A New Year dawns - 8/19/2011 10:53:48 AM

Roger Neilson II

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Normally my head does not suffer but a combination of the punch served last night and the heat of today has made me somewhat the worse for wear.

I gather there is some concern at HQ over the fact that our forces at Kuala are being very reticent about any communications. Brigadier Painter�s 23rd Indian must have celebrated well into the early hours and they cannot be raised at all. Trains do not seem to be running either at the moment. You just can�t rely on other people to know when to stop the jollies can you?��

Had to break off my diary there for a few hours. Massive raid by enemy bombers - reckoned over 100 of the blighters hitting the port. Its a mess with lots of fires, many of the godowns ablaze and several ships that were being repaired now very badly damaged. I gather a load of Betties also hit a Task Force coming into port and sunk them all apart from a destroyer escort. Glum faces at HQ.

Apparently I have been summoned to see AVM Pulford - he seems to be in charge now. Percival has vanished. Wonder what this is all about?

Editor's note. Flashman seems to have been really out of the picture. He has not noticed that Percival left Singapore several days earlier amid much secrecy to establish a new base at Christmas Island. What we do get from his diary is the sense of how the garrison in Malaya maintained a very 'stiff upper lip' view despite the disasters that were befalling them. Of course he has no knowledge of the whole British masterplan and how it is unfolding, not has he any awareness of the momentous and very fortuitous discovery by HMAS Canberra of the large portion of the Japanese Carrier force off Rabaul - significantly missing some of their key ships after the initial night time engagement off Pearl Harbour three weeks earlier.

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