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John 3rd -> RE: The Philippines (7/17/2006 2:14:10 AM)
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December 7, 1941
Having already covered the Pearl Harbor attack and opening Philippines moves, I now shift to the rest of the Pacific by Theatre:
Malaya
The Imperial Army, with a substantial Covering Force (2 BC, 6 CA, 1 CL, and 10 DD), landed on the shores of Kuantan. The initial landing consists of 2 Inf Div, 1 Eng Reg, and 1 Base Force. Within a week, another pair of Infantry Divisions, with more support units, shall land here as well.
Traveling through Thailand and Northern Malaya are yet another pair of Divisions with Tank support. These units shall be the hammer from the North while the anvil will cross the peninsula ASAP to, hopefully, cutoff retreating units. If this fails, then the drive to Singapore shall begin.
The plans are for Singapore to fall no latter then January 1, 1942.
In the air over the peninsula, a series of strikes occurred. The following northern air bases were struck by Dive Bombers or 2-Engined Bombers of the Imperial Army: Khota Bharu, Alor Star, and Georgetown. A large strike hit Singapore itself from Saigon. These attacks, coupled with ineffectual counter-attacks, led to the loss of over 25 British aircraft (11 F, 7 B, 10 TB). Only one Army Bomber was lost on this day. Unfortunately, word of the great strike at Pearl Harbor also allowed for the British to somewhat disperse their planes.
Large strikes are planned for tomorrow at Georgetown (Recon showed 40+ planes there) and a Port Strike at Singapore. A significant number of Nells were left on ‘ship attack’ for anything that presents itself as a target.
Total Aerial Losses: Japan 38 and Allies 159
China
A number of small, nuisance air strikes were made here at Changsha, Nanchang, the crossroads (grid reference 46,35) and Hong Kong.
There are A LOT of troops moving throughout China. Offensive Operations will commence within 10 days.
Hong Kong—A large Invasion Force is marching these. Two Inf Div, 2 Art Reg, and an Eng Reg will be there tomorrow. The hope is for Hong Kong to fall within 3 days.
Southeast and Central Pacific
A gathering of shipping and reinforcements is occurring at Truk and Kwajalein. Initial plans from Truk are the capture of Kavieng and then Rabaul. Kwajalein shall Invade Wake and Midway Island.
These operations shall be covered by KB-1 (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku). It is thoroughly expected to find the American Carriers, who were not at Pearl harbor, somewhere in this area.
New Landings Planned
Palau is loaded Invasions Forces for the following areas:
Davao--1 Brigade and 1 Base Force
Danjangas—1 NLF
Morotai, Weda, Sorong—1 NLF
Amboina—3 SNLF and 1 Base Force
Amboina is the prize here. If High Command can capture this within 10 days, then the eastern exit from the DEI will be closed.
Covering these landings are several Naval Task Forces:
KB-3 2 CVL—Ryujo, Zuiho, 2 CVE—Hosho, Taiyo (total planes 110: 51 Z, 12 V, 53 K), 2 CA, and 6DD have been ordered to move SW of Davao and intercept fleeing Philippine shipping.
2 BB (Fuso, Yamashiro), 2 CA, 1 CL, and 8 DD shall cover the landings. Most of this force will accompany the Amboina Landing Force.
Industrial Notes
1. Conversions Work has begun on converting 20 7,000T AKs into MLE, AS, AR, and AE configuration. Despite some who think the war shall be won quickly, Adm. Yamamoto Isoroku has seen this to be a pressing need to help later in the war.
2. Fighter Research A great amount of fighter research has been shifted on more promising designs: Tony, Jack, Tojo, and A6M3a are the chief beneficiaries of the change. Just a few months earlier with any of these designs can only help…
3. A number of lesser aircraft designs have been discontinued and others expanded.
4. Naval Construction The CV Shinano has been stopped, CVs Junyo, Hiyo, and Shoho have been accelerated, and 2 of the new ‘Moon’ class of DDs have also been accelerated.
5. Naval Expansion Naval Yards are being expanded in a gradual manner as well as Ship Repair facilities.
I do believe that is everything.
Questions???
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