Connfire -> The War Escalates... (5/4/2011 4:27:05 AM)
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To the citizens of the Empire of Japan and the Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere – Twelve years ago, the many of the world’s leading nations formed together in a Grand Alliance to stop several nations from unchecked military aggression. They included Great Britain and her Commonwealth, France, Japan, the old Russia, and eventually, the United States. After years of sacrifice and slaughter, the enemy was vanquished, and civility had returned to the world. Or so we thought. One nation stood alone in defiance of the world. Despite German brutality next door in Belgium, the Netherlands used her status as a neutral nation to circumvent the British naval blockade of Germany, and keep her supplied with war material using her ports and railways. While the Netherlands grew rich, the war was prolonged, and many soldiers, particularly British and French, died as a result of this shameful blood trade. Incredibly, only eight years after the War to End all Wars, we have borne witness to a level of brutality that exceeds even that the Germans showed in Belgium. Along with the rest of the world, we have, on an almost daily basis for the past two months, been subjected to horrible reports and photographs bearing witness to the oppression of our brothers in the East Indies. Most of the world has turned away, tried not to notice, and some even believe the repeated Dutch denials despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. On behalf of the nations of the world, we have taken the leading role in demanding truth and accountability for these atrocities. And the Dutch have repeatedly rebuffed us. Last week, the Dutch issued a press release, in which among other things they finally invited us to send a team to the East Indies to investigate the atrocities. Two transports left Davao for Java five days ago to this end. We had hoped that finally there was some chance for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. An Indonesian revolutionary recently told us that the Dutch were harboring American ships, soldiers, and aircraft in the East Indies. We were hoping this was a false claim or exaggeration, considering the Dutch had recently declared a security zone extending 180 miles from their principal islands. But as a precaution we ensured that our transports were escorted. Three days ago, four American destroyers, obviously operating from a secret base, attacked this small flotilla off southern Borneo. One of our destroyers was sunk, and a second was damaged, with a loss of over 200 Japanese sailors. Since the Americans no longer have any major bases west of the Hawaiian Islands, we can only conclude that they have found safe harbor in the East Indies. This no doubt explains why several principal Filipino-based warships and aircraft squadrons remain unaccounted for. The Dutch have acted dishonorably towards us, and we will no longer tolerate their insults. At this moment, our representatives at our embassy in The Hague and our League delegation in Geneva are delivering notice that a State of War now exists between the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We have also been asked to deliver similar messages on behalf of Manchuko and the liberated Chinese provinces. To the Japanese people – you have proven resilient and loyal at this difficult time in our history, and I have no doubt you will continue to do so. Your continued sacrifice will ensure our glorious army and navy will bring more victories to our nation. To the Indonesian people – your pleas for mercy and relief have been heard. Your moment of liberation is at hand. We would appreciate any assistance you can render when the Imperial Army arrives. To the Dutch citizens occupying the East Indies – your government has put you in grave danger. When the Japanese forces arrive, you are urged to immediately surrender. Our forces are under strict orders not to harm unarmed Dutch citizens, and we will protect you from violence at the hands of the local population. We remained patient for as long as we could, but Japan will no longer tolerate these Dutch outrages. The world can rest assured that stability will once again return to the East Indies. Dateline; The Hague in the Netherlands: After reading the communiqué issued by the Japanese Government declaring War against The Netherlands, The Dutch Foreign Minister issued the following: "The Japanese Nation, following it's usually motes operandi of deception, has tried to create a conflict between our two nations where no basis for one existed before. We have sought nothing but compromise from the Japanese, and have been publicly rebutted at every opportunity by their jingoistic attitude. Their recent allegation of military support for the USA is 100% totally false. However, we do give credit to their Military Intelligence capabilities for identifying for us that the Japanese transports sent on what was supposedly a peaceful mission were loaded to the gunwales with the sinews of war. Accordingly, we will reluctantly defend our Colonial Territory with every resource that we possess. We also will render aid and support to our new Chinese and American partners in this war to defeat Japanese aggression." AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/13/26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Johnston Island at 102,74 Japanese Ships SS RO-68 Allied Ships DD Mullany DD Mervine DD Marcus DD La Vallette DD Kennedy DD J. F. Burnes DD Chase DD Decatur DD Melvin DD Corry DD Shubrick DD Ward BB New York -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Johnston Island at 102,74 Japanese Ships SS RO-68 Allied Ships MSW Pelican, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage she sank MSW Brant MSW Partridge MSW Cardinal MSW Tanager MSW Swallow -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near French Frigate Shoal at 104,68 Japanese Ships SS No. 84 Allied Ships DD Elliot DD Lea DD Hazelwood -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Johnston Island at 102,74 Japanese Ships SS RO-68 Allied Ships DD Montgomery DD Radford DD Williams DD Taylor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Samarinda, at 31,63 Japanese Ships CA Idzumo CA Adzuma CA Nisshin CA Kasuga BB Suwo BB Okinoshima BB Fuji BB Asahi BB Shikishima BB Iwami BB Mikasa BB Katori Allied ground losses: 13 casualties reported Port hits 5 Port fuel hits 4 Port supply hits 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Samarinda, 31,63, firing at TF 4 TF 4 troops unloading over beach at Samarinda, 31,63 Japanese ground losses: 631 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Tokyo at 66,43 Japanese Ships TK Enoshima Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage she sank Allied Ships SS S-4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Tokyo at 66,43 Japanese Ships TK Gen'yo Maru, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships SS S-4, hits 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Johnston Island at 102,74 Japanese Ships SS RO-68 Allied Ships BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 2, on fire DD Mullany DD Mervine DD Marcus DD La Vallette DD Kennedy DD J. F. Burnes DD Chase DD Decatur [X(] That was totally unexpected -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near French Frigate Shoal at 104,68 Japanese Ships SS No. 84 Allied Ships DD Elliot DD Lea DD Hazelwood -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Kragen, at 22,63 Japanese Ships CA Iwate CA Kurama CA Yakumo CA Tokiwa BB Kashima CA Ikoma CA Ibuki Allied ground losses: 36 casualties reported Guns lost 2 Port hits 1 Port fuel hits 1 Port supply hits 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Samarinda, at 31,63 Japanese Ships CA Idzumo CA Adzuma CA Nisshin CA Kasuga BB Suwo BB Okinoshima BB Fuji BB Asahi BB Shikishima BB Iwami BB Mikasa BB Katori Allied ground losses: 28 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Port supply hits 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Samarinda Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 724 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23 Defending force 2854 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/14/26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Samarinda, 31,63, firing at TF 38 TF 38 troops unloading over beach at Samarinda, 31,63 Japanese ground losses: 372 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near French Frigate Shoal at 104,68 Japanese Ships SS No. 84 Allied Ships DD Elliot, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage she sank DD Lea DD Hazelwood -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Johnston Island at 102,74 Japanese Ships SS RO-68 Allied Ships DD Mullany -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 31,63 Japanese Ships BB Katori BB Mikasa BB Iwami, Shell hits 1 BB Shikishima BB Asahi BB Fuji BB Okinoshima BB Suwo CA Kasuga CA Nisshin CA Adzuma CA Idzumo DD Hokaze DD Kuwa DD Kaya DD Take DD Kagero DD Sumire DD Yanagi Allied Ships TB Z5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage TB Z6, Shell hits 22, and is sunk TB Z7, Shell hits 8, and is sunk TB Z8, Shell hits 7, and is sunk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 31,63 Japanese Ships BB Katori BB Mikasa, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1 BB Iwami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire BB Shikishima BB Asahi BB Fuji BB Okinoshima BB Suwo CA Kasuga CA Nisshin CA Adzuma CA Idzumo DD Hokaze DD Kuwa DD Kaya DD Take DD Kagero DD Sumire DD Yanagi Allied Ships TB Z1 TB Z2, Shell hits 4, and is sunk TB Z3, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk TB Z4, Shell hits 4, on fire [X(] Those little torpedo boats just knocked out 2 battleships! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 31,63 Japanese Ships BB Katori BB Mikasa BB Iwami, on fire BB Shikishima BB Asahi BB Fuji BB Okinoshima BB Suwo CA Kasuga CA Nisshin CA Adzuma CA Idzumo DD Hokaze DD Kuwa DD Kaya DD Take DD Kagero DD Sumire DD Yanagi Allied Ships TB Z5, Shell hits 12, and is sunk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 31,63 Japanese Ships BB Katori BB Mikasa BB Iwami, on fire BB Shikishima BB Asahi BB Fuji BB Okinoshima BB Suwo CA Kasuga CA Nisshin CA Adzuma CA Idzumo DD Hokaze DD Kuwa DD Kaya DD Take DD Kagero DD Sumire DD Yanagi Allied Ships TB Z1 TB Z4, Shell hits 18, and is sunk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 31,63 Japanese Ships BB Katori BB Mikasa BB Iwami, on fire BB Shikishima BB Asahi BB Fuji BB Okinoshima BB Suwo CA Kasuga CA Nisshin CA Adzuma CA Idzumo DD Hokaze DD Kuwa DD Kaya DD Take DD Kagero DD Sumire DD Yanagi Allied Ships TB Z1, Shell hits 19, and is sunk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Kragen, at 22,63 Japanese Ships CA Iwate CA Kurama CA Yakumo CA Tokiwa BB Kashima CA Ikoma CA Ibuki Allied ground losses: 59 casualties reported Guns lost 2 Port fuel hits 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Samarinda, 31,63, firing at TF 38 TF 38 troops unloading over beach at Samarinda, 31,63 Japanese ground losses: 475 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naval bombardment of Kragen, at 22,63 Japanese Ships CA Iwate CA Kurama CA Yakumo CA Tokiwa BB Kashima CA Ikoma CA Ibuki Allied ground losses: 33 casualties reported Guns lost 1 Port hits 2 Port supply hits 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 89 TF 89 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63 Japanese ground losses: 165 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Kragen Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 882 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23 Defending force 817 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 58 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Samarinda Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 724 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23 Defending force 6829 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 250 Allied ground losses: 1 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/15/26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Samarinda, 31,63, firing at TF 38 TF 38 troops unloading over beach at Samarinda, 31,63 2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese ground losses: 269 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 89 TF 89 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63 Japanese ground losses: 87 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Johnston Island at 102,74 Japanese Ships SS RO-68 Allied Ships DD Montgomery DD Radford DD Williams DD Taylor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SS No. 37 is hit by ASW from a Curtiss H-16 off French Frigate Shoals she sank 12 days later -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Johnston Island at 102,74 Japanese Ships SS RO-68 Allied Ships DD Mervine DD Marcus DD La Vallette DD Kennedy DD J. F. Burnes DD Chase DD Decatur DD Melvin DD Corry DD Shubrick DD Ward BB New York -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Samarinda, 31,63, firing at TF 38 TF 38 troops unloading over beach at Samarinda, 31,63 2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. Japanese ground losses: 257 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 89 TF 89 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63 Japanese ground losses: 105 casualties reported -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Balikpapan at 31,64 Japanese Ships SS No. 59 Allied Ships DD Wasmuth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Soerabaja at 22,65 Japanese Ships SS No. 29 Allied Ships CL Sumatra -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Kragen Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 882 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23 Defending force 2305 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 90 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Samarinda Allied Bombardment attack Attacking force 722 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23 Defending force 10762 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 253 Japanese ground losses: 9 casualties reported Part of the Naval Batttle of Samarinda [image]local://upfiles/29722/91C19314C7DD4FDF850418F99F8BA1DF.jpg[/image] Dateline, Manila: It took 12 days for the two free-lance Spanish News Reporters to work their way from Naga to Manila. They traveled mostly at night to avoid Japanese patrols and checkpoints. Filipino irregulars watched over them at isolated mountain villages along the way, while escaped Philippine Scouts, who had defied the American Commanding General's call to lay down their arms, guided them to their destination. The photographic images that they carried with them, what they themselves had christened the "Naga Death March", had the potential to realign Western World thinking insofar as the presumption that Japan could be considered a "Civilized Nation". Traveling to the Spanish Consulate, which still maintained a sizeable presence within it's former Colony, the journalist were eventually led to the see the Consular General. Quickly recognizing the significance of the Reporter's story, the CG decided that the Consulate did not have the means to safely assist these men with communicating their information because of the strict censorship of all telegraphic and radio communication in and out of Manila by the Japanese Authorities. An elaborate cover story was concocted, the Spaniards were deputized as Embassy Employees, and they were assigned an official travel assignment to Hong Kong under the cover of diplomatic immunity. With their traveling documents, photographs, and newspaper-ready storyline, they boarded a small passenger steamer for the 3 day journey to Hong Kong. There was every reason to believe that The World would not be quite the same once they completed their trip to the Crown Colony once this story broke:
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