RE: Briefing 28th February 1943

RE: Briefing 28th February 1943 (Full Version)

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Roger Neilson II -> RE: Briefing 28th February 1943 (8/23/2007 10:34:34 PM)
Gentlemen, it seems as if we have been away for ages (indeed last night I dreamt I had been on holiday). However the reality is the war has progressed two more days.... but what a couple of days! In most areas things move as expected, however we had moves afoot to cause further problems to our erstwhile enemy. Those plans were somewhat damaged yesterday when a Tf of American forces bound for a destination that remains secret were steaming around 100 nm off Camranh Bay. They were attacked by a group of carrier borne enemy planes and several ships were lost. This was unfortunate but alerted us to the presence of what we believed were 3 CVs or lesser CVLs. The enemy either did not realise, or did not care, about the possible presence of our own CVs in the area. Today 6 American CVs (including the Essex)plus at least 6 CVEs joined battle with the Japanese carriers. We also had all of our Royal Navy carriers operating in the same area. 200 NM NNW of Tatay our planes found the Japanese carriers... except there were not 3 of them but 5 CVs and 2 CVLs. I gather that our strikes found their ships first and whilst the initial attacks were beaten off by their CAP this quickly diminished to allow later strikes a much easier run in on target. Damage assessments suggest every one of their ships is badly damaged, and at least three were observed to suffer massive internal explosions. At dawn tomorrow our CVs will be hunting the cripples to ensure that they do not make safe harbours. Over 300 enemy planes attempted strikes on our four CV Tfs. In total they scored two torpedo hits, neither a mortal blow to the ships concerned. This has been a decisive naval encounter from which the enemy will not recover. Expect a further briefing tomorrow gentlemen. [image]local://upfiles/21586/FAA5B3FF9C6B4F4B85F1D40029DA5414.jpg[/image]

kaleun -> RE: Briefing 28th February 1943 (8/23/2007 10:37:44 PM)
Wow. That was a one sided battle

cantona2 -> RE: Briefing 28th February 1943 (8/23/2007 11:11:50 PM)
Just like to say I love this AAR and the style its written

Roger Neilson II -> RE: Briefing 1st March 1943 (8/29/2007 9:12:35 AM)
Gentlemen, I see from your faces the sense of expecation that I am about to announce the sinking of the Jap carriers. I am sorry, I have no such news. We know where they are, some of our escort ships have caught glimpses of them, but they have been mere glimpses in a raging storm that has run for two days now which renders the CV flight decks inoperable. We assume they are making for Manila, so be it. They will not leave. Should they instead try to skirt the Luzon coast and head for major repair ports they will not succeed. They are living on borrowed time Gentlemen. Elsewhere Pnomh Penh has been taken without contest cutting off another 14K enemy with nowhere to retreat. The Japanese made a massive assault across the river into the outskirts of Hanoi with approximately 150K troops that have marched from Canton. They suffered around 8K casualties and made no impact on our defences. They were supplied from Canton, but this supply line is now cut, Nanning is under fierce daily bombardment and its airfield is reduced to ploughed field status. These troops have nowhere to go, and no options but to remain to be rounded up when they run out of supply. [image]local://upfiles/21586/40E84915589D4BBCBF97BDEFEAC1D389.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> Briefing 4th March 1943 (9/1/2007 12:53:37 PM)
Gentlemen, good to gather together again. The weather cleared around Luzon yesterday and stayed clear. We can only second guess our opponent's intentions but a sortie by his Heavy Cruiser Squadron was executed. Whether he hoped to catch and fight a surface action with our CV Tfs or whether he was attempting to take this group to less dangerous waters we have no idea. Our CVs were patrolling somewhat to the SW of his course but turned and launched their strikes. Initial hits scored significant damage, slowing the ships down and making them easy targets for torpedo planes. By the end of day 1 all but the Atago, Haguro and Takao were still afloat. By the end of today, only the Atago has not been seen to sink, though nor has she been spotted - so we presume she sank during the night. Damage assessments are as follows: CA Atago, Bomb hits 7,Torpedo hits 2, on fire, presumed sunk CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 4, confirmed sunk CA Haguro, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, confirmed sunk CA Mikuma, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, confirmed sunk CA Nachi, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, confirmed sunk CA Takao, Bomb hits16, Torpedo hits 3, confirmed sunk CA Tone, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, confirmed sunk This has been a potent threat to our forces, our Naval commanders have remarked that they were fine ships, even if those of the enemy. With their destruction goes much of the remaining offensive ability of the Japanese navy. We are aware that there are ships in port and certainly there are CVs and BBs in various stages of repair, but they are dispersed and the Japanese industry must be crippled with lack of oil and raw materials now. Manila houses some battleships and some aircraft carriers but all are attempting to repair, and all are under our air supremacy - just looking anxiously at the skies for the raids to begin. We have our reasons why this has not yet happened, but rest assured it will. In a separate action the CV Taiho, untouched by the recent carrier 'duel' between our forces was spotted making her way out of Manila harbour. Our forces waited until she was well clear of the approaches so that she would not become a hazard to our ships once we were back in control of the area and then struck. Pilots based on the Essex fittingly delivered the attack. CV Taiho, Bomb hits 27, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, confirmed sunk We gather the admiral went down with his ship. Other news is the unloading of American ground forces at Haiphong - this was the TF that almost got intercepted by the Japanese Carriers. Recon flights report that there are a mass of Japanese forces in Saigon, though the lack of offensive activity from them against our landings and advances in Thailand suggests they are base personnel mainly. Bien Hoa has been taken by the 13th Australian brigade supported by the 14th Chindits and the disembarkation of the 2nd USMC Divn at Kompong Trach should begin to indicate the focus of our advance strategically. All areas taken by the Japs breaking out from Alor Star have now been recaptured, leaving them occupying there, Songkia and Bandou. The force, predominantly a tank brigade we think, has been wiped out by bombing as it made its way towards Singapore. [image]local://upfiles/21586/503103DC075846AEB28F65C513C3BDEB.jpg[/image]

aztez -> RE: Briefing 4th March 1943 (9/1/2007 2:32:13 PM)
[:D] ...Keep up the good work. Nice AAR.

Mike Dixon -> RE: Briefing 4th March 1943 (9/3/2007 7:38:14 PM)
Let us know when/if you get the carriers.....[:)]

Roger Neilson II -> RE: Briefing 4th March 1943 (9/4/2007 12:20:17 AM)
If? Roger

Mike Dixon -> RE: Briefing 4th March 1943 (9/4/2007 8:09:08 PM)
Ok when...........

Roger Neilson II -> When - Briefing 9th March 1943 (9/7/2007 11:58:58 PM)
Gentlemen, developments again. In our own sphere it is a steady degrading of the enemy's ability to fight at Alor Star, Singapore, Rangoon, Saigon. In China we can announce that the main Japanese attack on Hanoi has now been encircled and is now effectively out of the war. In Northern China there are are large enemy forces moving towards Homan and Ichang. Doubtless these will be stopped in the near future. The main action occurs in the vicinity of Manila. Our carrier forces retired to resupply at Jesselton and then made good speed back to their station about 100 nm off Manila. Over three days there have been fierce attacks on the Carriers by a mix of Japanese aircraft mainly based at Clark Field. The results of these air battles have been the loss to the Japanese of 374 aircraft for a loss of our aircraft amounting to around 100. There has been some damage to our shipping, with a couple of torpedo strikes on our battleships - though none that will endanger their flotation. On the third day we launched a serious attack on Manila port from all the carriers in the combined task forces. The results of this strike have been assessed as follows: CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 17, on fire, heavy damage SUNK CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage SUNK CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage CV Junyo, Bomb hits 18, on fire, heavy damage SUNK CL Sendai, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage Reviewing the overall losses of the Japanese navy in terms of their capital ships you will all see they can have little left to threaten us now. Likewise losses in total of over 6500 planes mean their airforce is now a shadow of its former self. From now on it may be a long hard slog on the ground gentlemen, and we know how tough the Jap is when he cannot be blown out of the air or fed to the sharks. [image]local://upfiles/21586/4D4125C5D6D54FBB879E52C914628FE2.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> Briefing 15th March 1943 (9/14/2007 8:59:30 AM)
Gentlemen, not a great deal to share with you at this stage. Our Carriers continue to patrol the seas round Manila, but have stopped direct attacks on the port itself. There is no apparent need at present, our last attack there found only the CV Shokaku still there and after registering over 40 bomb hits this was seen to be ablaze from stem to stern. Later recce flights showed it to be sunk in port. The demise of almost every Japanese capital ship signals a brief respite for our naval crews before their next major operations. Lack of opposition in the air also means a chance for our air forces to move to a lower level of operational intensity and a period of rotated rest and refitting. Our land forces have no such luxury, for the moment. I provide a summary of the current Japanese deployments in Malaya and Indochina. There seems to us to be little chance of any surprises here, but a long slow grinding down of pockets of resistance. It may well be that our opponent is counting on this to divert our offensive activity while we subdue these annoying locations - we will see if he is right in this strategy. In a week or so our troops will arrive at, and probably take Hue, cutting off all the enemy forces in Saigon and Camranh Bay, and more importantly, opening up a land link to Hanoi and China. [image]local://upfiles/21586/389CB7180BB5423E9D1D65EC361D4AC9.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> Briefing 16th to 27th March 1943 (9/24/2007 10:18:27 PM)
Gentlemen, there is a sort of languor in the atmosphere I feel. I regard the maps, I see where we are building and repairing, where we are re-equipping and where calm and order have returned after the bluster of the war. On all fronts the enemy has been held, has been pushed back, or else surrounded and is gradually, day by day losing his strength. Ports once the location of desperate last minute withdrawals, of sinking ships and burning oil tanks are now quiet and returning once again to peacetime slumbers. Since our last get together I have to report the sighting of one Japanese ship in the whole expanse of ocean, this was a small supply vessel, sunk by a USN Submarine. There have been no enemy flights for four days now. This is not to say the war is over, that would be a dangerous assumption to make. We are clearly in a period where both ourselves, and we assume, our enemy, are regrouping and making good. We are aware of at least five operations currently planned which will change this, but at present take what rest you may - we must be refreshed for the next offensives. We can report that our first troops to march overland through northern Indo-China have now reached both Hanoi and Hue. They are now resting and resupplying in their new positions. [image]local://upfiles/21586/3A7959F64A07465C99203D563E9E95E5.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> 5th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/26/2007 11:46:36 PM)
Gentlemen, sorry to spring this on you but reports are coming in of a force of Japanese ships - comprising a Carrier, at least two battleships with escorts and numerous troopships some 120 nm NW of Pearl Harbour. If these reports are corroborated, and they come from several sources including shipping that is under attack from carrier borne aircraft it represents an amazing and audacious move by the enemy. [image]local://upfiles/21586/7485F4A8D8F7466180DEE5E1116451F9.jpg[/image]

kaleun -> RE: 5th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/27/2007 12:19:58 AM)
[X(] You just can't trust the Japanese. You think they are done for, or that they cannot attack anymore and they spring one of these on you.

Roger Neilson II -> RE: 5th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/27/2007 12:25:16 AM)
Be prepared for some details as they emerge from what is a significant battle.... Roger There's at least 60K of the little blighters landing.

Cuttlefish -> RE: 5th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/27/2007 12:30:34 AM)
I have been tempted in the past to try something like this as the Japanese player in the final months of a doomed campaign. You know, one last gallant charge for the Emperor and all that. It will be interesting to see how much damage he can do.

Roger Neilson II -> RE: 5th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/27/2007 1:20:38 AM)
Gentlemen, initial reports coming in suggest a 'once and for all' attack by what is left of the Japanese surface forces in trying to deliver a sizable and potent landing force to overwhelm Pearl Harbour. In the initial landings close shore bombardments have forced duels with the emplaced coastal guns that have resulted in over 6,000 casualties to the landing troops and the following damage to the armada of surface vessels that have been sent to escort their troopships into the beaches: BB Fuso, Shell hits 1 BB Kirishima BB Musashi CA Aoba, Shell hits 4 CL Agano, Shell hits 1 CL Isuzu, Shell hits 2 CL Naka, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage CL Natori CL Yura, Shell hits 15, on fire DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 5 DD Akikaze DD Arashi, Shell hits 4 DD Ariake, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage DD Asakaze, Shell hits 1 DD Asanagi, Shell hits 2 DD Fuyo, Shell hits 1 DD Hasu DD Hatakaze DD Hiyodori DD Kari DD Karukaya DD Kasumi DD Kiji DD Kuri DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 1 DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 1 DD Natsugumo DD Nokaze, Shell hits 1 DD Nokaze, Shell hits 2 DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 5, on fire DD Shiratsuyu DD Tachikaze DD Usugumo, Shell hits 1 DD Wakatake, Shell hits 2, on fire DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 33, on fire, heavy damage DD Yukaze DD Yunagi As Pearl has been a 'backwater' with the development of forward bases there is little in the way of airforces to defend it, though the land forces, emplaced behind extremely strong defences should be capable of shrugging off a landing of much more than we have seen to date. Any damaged ships have to get back to the nearest 'safe' harbour at Wake Island. We await developments.

Roger Neilson II -> RE: 6th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/27/2007 8:44:53 AM)
Gentlemen, the news from Pearl is that the enemy continues to press their invasion. They have established a beachhead of two divisions with support units, but at considerable cost. PT boats atatcked during the night and valiantly took on a very powerful force. They sold their ships at a cost to the enemy in terms of time and damage. PT PT-235, Shell hits 44, and is sunk PT PT-236, Shell hits 17, and is sunk PT PT-237, Shell hits 14, and is sunk PT PT-238, Shell hits 11, and is sunk PT PT-239, Shell hits 26, and is sunk PT PT-240, Shell hits 9, and is sunk PT PT-241, Shell hits 15, and is sunk PT PT-242, Shell hits 17, and is sunk PT PT-243 PT PT-244, Shell hits 20, and is sunk PT PT-298, Shell hits 118, and is sunk PT PT-299, Shell hits 1, and is sunk PT PT-300, Shell hits 48, and is sunk PT PT-301, Shell hits 38, and is sunk CL Katori CL Kinu CL Kinu, Shell hits 1 CL Kitakami CL Tama DD Akebono, Shell hits 1 DD Harusame, Shell hits 1 DD Hatsushima DD Kawakaze DD Kazegumo, Shell hits 3, on fire DD Kikuzuki, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage DD Minazuki DD Minegumo, Shell hits 2 DD Naganami, Shell hits 3 DD Nagatsuki DD Natsushio DD Nowaki, Shell hits 2, on fire DD Onami, Shell hits 1 DD Onami, Shell hits 3 DD Satsuki DD Shigure DD Tanikaze DD Umikaze, Shell hits 1 DD Ushio, Shell hits 1 DD Wakaba DD Yamakaze DD Yugure Landings in the face of our undamaged coastal batteries also have seen severe damage: AP Keiyo Maru AP Kikuryu Maru, Shell hits 1 AP Kirishima Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage AP Kiyozumi Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire AP Koan Maru AP Konzan Maru AP Koryu Maru, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage AP Oigawa Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage AP Ozan Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage AP Palao Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire AP Shirogane Maru AP Tatsuho Maru, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage AP Ume Maru, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage AP Yosyu Maru, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage AP Yuzan Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage CA Kumano, Shell hits 8 CA Suzuya, Shell hits 3, on fire DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 5, on fire DD Inazuma, Shell hits 1 DD Otori, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage DD Otori, Shell hits 7 DD Sagiri DD Sagiri, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage DD Usugumo DD Usugumo, Shell hits 1, on fire DD Yudachi, Shell hits 1, on fire An estimated 8000 troops were lost in this phase of the landings. As the dawn broke Liberators and Dauntless' based at Pearl found the Jap air support in the shape of two CVE's. The ferocity of the fighting here was far less than the huge carrier engagements of late, but the bombers were able to penetrate the small CAP and scored penetrating bomb hits on both CVE's which will probably render them unable to launch further air patrols or strikes. This leaves their invasion without air support, a major problem for them. CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 1 CVE Unyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire More news as soon as it becomes available Gentlemen. [image]local://upfiles/21586/44CE491769774C88B24904DAC087EFB5.jpg[/image]

Mike Dixon -> RE: 6th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/27/2007 2:16:12 PM)
[:D]

Roger Neilson II -> RE: 6th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (9/28/2007 12:20:00 AM)
Picture tells a thousand stories [image]local://upfiles/21586/69DF476874934B7CAF70091060B868BA.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> 12th April 1943 Emergency Briefing (10/1/2007 10:25:51 PM)
Well gentlemen, the main news seems to be centred round Pearl still. The enemy has now staged two all out attacks from their beachhead, both making absolutely no headway against a determined and well dug in defence force. Their losses must amount to over 10K in troops injured or killed. Meanwhile their ships attempt to to land more forces and supplies, and continue to get shelled by the undiminished coastal defences. The CVE Hosho has been hit by eight separate bomb attacks and is on fire from stem to stern. Ships that are badly damaged are detected sailing towards Wake or more northerly towards the Japanese home islands, and planes from Midway are making regular bomb runs on them. While this develops we must announce unimpeded landings at Vigan to link up with the remaining defence troops of the Philippines who have been conducting a guerilla campaign since the early months of the war. We can also announce the arrival of Chinese troops at Camranh Bay having marched down from Hue. [image]local://upfiles/21586/F292F71911FF415592237BBF580E74C4.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> 20th April 1943 Briefing (10/11/2007 1:09:23 AM)
Gentlemen, much has happened since our last meeting. I propose to illustrate this in two sessions, with a break in between for refreshments and a little constitutional in the grounds of this fine old mansion. So, to business, and our own area of operations. In the Rangoon, Merak and Singapore areas Jap troops remain firmly closed in and subject to daily air bombardments. The same apples to forces west of Balikpapan, Miri and Davao. Troops at Saigon are also being given daily bombardments by air and land. You will see from the situation map that our forces which moved down the coast from Hue and arrived at Camranh Bay have managed to eject the Japanese defenders (a collection of base personnel and clerks it would seem)and now are in possession of a deep water harbour with excellent airfield and other facilities - at least they will be once we repair the damage we caused in bombardments in the past! Troops under the command of the Americans landed and took Vigan without opposition, they have extended along the coast to occupy Loaog and Aparri was taken by paradrop today. Forces that had been operating in a semi guerilla mode around Lingayen have retired to Vigan where they are receiving first class treatment for the rigours of fighting in the jungle for so long, and of course some decent meals for once. The occupation of these bases gives us two large and undamaged airfields that will allow us to base long range bombers and close off much of the southern coastline of China, as well as giving us fast replenishment paorts for our submarines. After several day's hard fighting the remaining forces of Japan, trapped at Alor Star are likely to surrender in the next day or two. This force that one threatened to take Georgetown and numbered over 40K of veteran troops is now less than 12K and in tatters. Gentlemen, I suggest we adjourn for a break and when we return I will tell you the progress on Operation Tipperary. [image]local://upfiles/21586/A17333A4F5894E0E9EC3AE602788CAFA.jpg[/image]

marky -> RE: 20th April 1943 Briefing (10/11/2007 1:22:34 AM)
oooo luv ur AAR!!! but whered u get this map mod for everything it looks gorgeous!!! cept for the nip flags i prefer the rising sun! [:D]

Roger Neilson II -> RE: 20th April 1943 Briefing (10/11/2007 1:30:14 AM)
Gentlemen, I trust you have had a chance for some air, and a top up of your glasses. On the 4th April the Japanese landed at Pearl Harbour with around 80K of troops. This was an audacious move, and one which could have caused major problems for us. Fortunately a full division was still there, awaiting deployment for other operations. In the landings our coastal defences caused major loss of both ships and troops as they landed. The forces on their beachhead have made no dent in our defences and will not do so. Supplies are flowing in to the island as the enemy have been unable to stay there to provide air cover or sustain their surface forces. Indeed we are sure that at least two of their light carriers have been sunk. Their naval forces, comprising two battleships, heavy cruisers, light cruisers and many destroyers along with the landing and supply ships must make a return trip to their nearest ports at Wake, Marcus of the Home islands. To do so they must transit south or north of Midway. Operation Tipperary is designed to stop this. You will see from the map the problems the enemy now face. CVLs thatw ere operating towards the Kuriles on a planned activity there have bee diverted and have started to pick off ships of our opponent. Planes based at Midway have spotted the enemy straggling back along the northern route and either passed locations on to our TF or attacked themselves. A major CV TF comprising the Essex, Yorktown and Wasp were in transit towards the Marshalls, again for operations planned from there, and were diverted to close the southern gap. To date this operation has sunk 2 CS, 3 CLs and 7 DDs. These ships are the faster ones of the invasion force that attacked Pearl so we have expectations of other 'trophies' in the next few days. Gentlemen, this is the eve of the 500th day of the war. I think we can feel we have cause for some celebrations. Gentlemen a toast........ [image]local://upfiles/21586/16CDE399A60F44958B5F4D0FB3494557.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> RE: 20th April 1943 Briefing (10/11/2007 1:31:25 AM)
Subchaser's map. Icons too. Roger

marky -> RE: 20th April 1943 Briefing (10/11/2007 1:33:07 AM)
good luck in the interception!!

Roger Neilson II -> Briefing 2nd May 1943 (10/20/2007 11:17:39 AM)
Gentlemen, we are in a waiting game at present. Everywhere the enemy has been turned back, they wait now, some more prepared than others, looking over the horizon, anxiously waiting our appearance. Be patient gentlemen, we have had amazing advances, we have cut off much of the enemy's ground forces - we have destroyed much of his air and sea supports.... but it is not over. Recently the city of Homan, not that long ago liberated by the Chinese, was again wrested from their hands by a juggernaut of almost 30 units. The enemy still has claws and can still scratch. You will see from the strategic map the overall situation - the enemy too will be regarding a similar map and trying to predict our next move. It will come, but at present there is some necessary, but tedious organising of forces and drawing together supplies for the next big one. Operation Tipperary has ended. It ended with us not catching our main targets - the enemy BBs. The CVs used up all their bombs and torpedoes on the targets available and have had to replenish in ports. We feel that has given the enemy the chance to elude us. However, it may be that the damage caused in their abortive attempt at the invasion of Pearl will send them to a watery grave anyway - if not they are destined to months in repair facilities that may soon be under our bombers..... The invasion of Pearl has left 80K of their finest troops marooned on a narrow beachhead, with diminishing supplies and no way of reinforcing or evacuating. They may stay there as long as they wish - or they may at any time raise the white flag. We suspect they will not do the latter. The voyage, landings and return to Japanese waters has cost the enemy dear. Some 85 ships have been sunk, including CVEs, Cruisers and numerous Destroyers. We doubt if the enemy can ever make such a sortie again. [image]local://upfiles/21586/158741D70BB34FDCB0A6FBCEC1787627.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> Briefing 8th May 1943 (10/27/2007 10:57:49 AM)
Gentlemen, I trust we are all comfortably settled into our new HQ and billets? I must say the French style of architecture has some charm, though the plumbing arrangements are somewhat 'french'. Here at Camranh Bay we are now one of a series of communication and transit hubs that are being developed in the push towards taking the war to the Japanese Home islands. This is necessitating some slowing of the pace whilst we build our capacity, and also it is allowing some of our crack forces a little R&R as our American allies call it. Looking down the harbour is filling up with supply ships, ancillary vessels, and of course a sizable portion of the combined fleet. Developments since our last meeting... The forces ejected from Khota Bahru took up temporary residence at Songkhia but have, as of yesterday also been ousted from there. They are now in the jungle heading for Bandou - if they have a protecting force there they may reach it - if they have not, and our recon suggests there is nothing there, then the 29th Chinese Divn may well land tonight to deny them a base and supplies. Should this happen some 30+K Japanese troops will languish in the jungle and never see home again. At Miri the Americal Division is now established, well supplied and supported by Australian tank and infantry units, readies itself to eject the Japanese from here. It is estimated that there are three enemy units here, probably well dug in, but mainly base personnel. Once this happens then only Tarakan, Kuching and Singkawang remain in Japanese control on Borneo - they can be ignored from a stategic point of view. Our bases along the northern coast of the Philippines are now thriving airfields, and over the last few days raids on Tainan, Takao and Pescadores have removed any shipping that was in the area. Batan has had its airfield wiped out. In China we have taken Pakhoi back from the enemy without a fight. Southern China is now open to direct supply and the forces currently besieging Wuchow will benefit from this. The enemy has two massive armies located at Hsinyang and Homan but both are struggling to maintain assault supplies and should they advance on Sian or Ichang they will find these would take a lot of effort to break down now. Eniwetok is now 'full to bursting' with troops and supplies as the various elements of the Marshalls campaign are reunited and rested. The enemy is probably well aware of this, but can do nothing but wait and see where we attack next.... Wake, Marcus Island, the Marianas chain are all vulnerable. A recent visit to the seas round Wake by a CV force led by HMS Victorious was attacked by planes out of Wake which managed to drop some bombs on the flight decks - with no effect given the size of the bombs and our armoured decks (unlike some allies we could mention who don't armour theirs). It was notable that despite being in clear torpedo bomber range of Wake the attacks were all by bombers, suggesting that as far as air threat from here goes, we have little to fear. Eniwetok is our second of three communication and transit hubs. Why have we not moved in this area yet? Well the main reason is that many of our Carriers have been in action for a considerable amount of time and all needed some time in docks to make sure they are ready for the next operations. The Japanese 'invaders' of Pearl Harbour have been treated to a grandstand seat over recent days as all our carriers sailed majestically right past them to dock in Pearl.... Our third hub is also well developed now, but at this date shall remain know only by its codeword of SevenDays. More of this as news is released. We are standing on the brink of opening three significant axes of advance towards the heart of the shrinking Japanese Empire. We would all like to get the job done as soon as possible, but as our great playwright once 'penned' Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast..... [image]local://upfiles/21586/A557463B18A64FE6892A867D24B6BEDC.jpg[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> Briefing 16th May 1943 (11/15/2007 12:06:59 AM)
Gentlemen, the Jap still has a bite...... Operating naval forces off Paramushiro Jima spotted a destroyer squadron attempting to move to there from Japan. Forces from the CV TFs off the island detached a strike force of CAs and Dds from their main body to intercept. This was done with no loss to ourselves, and probably significant sinking of the enemy ships. We do suspect that this was a sacrificial move by the enemy as it left our CV Tfs somewhat less covered than might be normally expected. In surged two unspotted enemy Tfs and the results, whilst not devastating have certainly claimed one of our escort carriers, with several others needing some repairs. We can only speculate about whether this was the last main surface force the enemy could muster - their ships were spotted retiring in various states of damage. yet again it demonstrates the nature of our enemy, they simply do not know when to give in..... our watchword must be caution gentlemen. For those who have friends aboard the RN ships I can assure you that the damage is very superficial and our American allies have promised a fast turnaround in their bases. [image]local://upfiles/21586/E0CBBE1A239E43FD93EAD049FB3A897B.gif[/image]

Roger Neilson II -> Briefing 22nd May 1943 (11/18/2007 5:28:57 PM)
Gentlemen. I must tell you that the recent actions round the Kuriles, and our knowledge that there are at least two Japanese battleships at large up there has put a bit of a spanner into the works. It will take time for our own forces to amass sufficient there to remove the threat so patience is our virtue. Elsewhere there have been skirmishes off Wake Island where our surface forces, patrolling to stop any reinforcement or evacuation from there, have come under some air attack. Superficial damage to one or two destroyers have required some return to Eniwetok for a lick of paint. In the same area surface forces at Marcus island have tussled with some Japanese destroyers. They have a superiority still when it comes to night actions it would seem, but in daylight its a different matter entirely: Initial encounter in darkness, Japanese achieve surprise. Japanese Ships DD Yakaze, Shell hits 3, on fire DD Hokaze, Shell hits 2 DD Kuretake, Shell hits 2, on fire DD Manazuru, Shell hits 2, on fire Allied Ships DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 2 DD Duncan, Shell hits 2, on fire DD Lardner, Shell hits 1 DD Woodworth, Torpedo hits 1, on fire However during the daylight: Japanese Ships DD Yakaze, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage DD Manazuru, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Allied Ships DD O'Bannon DD Duncan, on fire DD Lardner Not a single shot hit our gallant ships! On the 21st May forces that had gathered at Saigon launched a devastating assault on the enemy positions, breaking into their defences in countless places and throwing the enemy back through the streets. Saigon is ours, and the remnants of some 27 enemy units ares scattered and awaiting removal from the war. With this comes an overland connection, unimpeded by the enemy all the way to Pakhoi. As you will see from the situation map the whole of South East Asia is now ours, excepting Singapore itself and a few small pockets to be reduced. [image]local://upfiles/21586/1CC02AA27DDA4998B75D92D6AEA846C0.gif[/image]

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