Wednesday, December 17, 1941 (Full Version)

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Thayne -> Wednesday, December 17, 1941 (2/7/2005 1:33:14 PM)

Wednesday, December 17, 1941

Henry:

Do you remember how I spent a week or so wondering where the Japanese air force was at? Well, I found it. There was a massive raid on Singapore airfields yesterday. Over 50 planes destroyed; nearly 20 in the air, and over 30 on the ground.

The airplanes showed up first thing in the morning at Singapore, while our planes were preparing for their own mission. This meant that the runways were packed with planes. As a result, the damage was extensive.

First, in the air, the Japanese Zeros shot down 17x Buffalo fighters and a few Wirraways. That is pretty much everything General Wavell had for combat air patrol. He got his planes into the sky (unlike McArther on December 8th), but they just did not stand up very well against the Japanese fighters.

Then came the attack on the airfield. We lost mostly Vildebeast and Blenheims. Either way, the damage was extensive.

Japan brought over 200 airplanes to Singapore. All of them were top-of-the-line airplanes; Zeros, Bettys, and Nells. It would be comparable to us flying a mission with 80x P-38s escorting 50x B-17s and 50x B-25s.

Singapore is down to less than 80 airplanes, all of them obsolete and older models.

I think that the Singapore airforce is just about done. I have given the authority for all squadrons that are down to one or two serviceable airplanes to go ahead and fly out of there – to get some rest either at Diamond Harbor (India) or Batavia (Java). From there, I gave them permission to retire to safer regions, at least until we can get some replacement airplanes to them.


Losses

Planes: 416 Planes Total

• 17x Buffalo, 13x Vildebeest, 12x Blenheim, 5x Swordfish, 2x Hudson, 1x Wirraway at Singapore from massive Japanese air raid


The Ground War:

The Ground War

• China (North): Japan is withdrawing from Yenen. I believe that we can thank the Partisans for this – that they are retreating in order to secure their lines of communication.

• China (Center): Japanese forces continue to sit on the outskirts of Ichang, but they seem content to sit back and watch while Chinese forces continue to occupy the city itself.

• Burma: Tavoy falls. Defenders are falling back to Moulmein

• Malaya: The Japanese seem to be enjoying a day of rest. Not much movement today – other than the massive raid on the Singapore airbases.

• Philippines (North): Here, too, the situation seems to have calmed down. Japan continues to fight for Lingayan Bay, but it does not seem like a full attempt. The 103rd USAAF Base Force is attempting to reach Clark AFB, but its movement is being slowed by bombers. On the east coast, Japan occupies Tuguegarao.

• Philippines (South): Japan is consolidating its acquisitions at Jolo and Davao. The Philippine defenders at Jolo are moving north.

• Gilbert Islands: Japan occupies Tarawa.


Damage Inflicted

• Jap bombardment force targeting Manila lose its escort. 24th Fighter Group take out 3x Betty, 10x Sally, and 5x Lily.

• ML in South China Sea – struck by bomb from Blenheim flying out of Singapore.


Japanese Subs Guard Line Islands

It appears as if Jap has at least one submarine guarding the Line Islands. SBD bombers from Lexington found it on a line directly between Christmas Island and Pearl Harbor, about 300 miles north of the latter.

This means that the submarine was unable to find our task forces. Nimitz had ordered his task forces to the east, which avoided the waters where the submarine was out. One of the transport task forces took an angle inward to get to Palmyra.

The result was that the four task forces heading south straddled the submarine, and it hit none of them. Still, I think we can rest assured that Japan knows of at least one carrier in these waters. The submarine likely reported following the actions of an SBD bomber – a type of plane that usually comes off of a carrier.

Yet, like I said, I do not think he knows where our carriers are, exactly.

The two transport task forces should reach Christmas Island and Palmyra tomorrow, and start to unload troops the next day. So far, there is no sign that Japan intends to send its carriers in to interfere with our development of these lands.


More Reinforcements for the Central Pacific

We are loading up a couple of troop transports at Seattle now. These ships hold reinforcements for the bases outside of Pearl Harbor.

• 183rd USA Field Artillery Regiment loaded onto AP Mount McKinley for Johnson Island.

• 144th USA Field Artillery Regiment loaded onto AP Zeilin for deliver to Midway Island.

These are just an attempt to build up the forward defenses for Pearl Harbor. In addition, Nimitz has sent a minesweeper task force capable of laying about 500 mines to Midway, and a transport taskforce with about 2,000 tons of ammunition carried on board AE Pyro.

Nimitz is also using transport planes to send supplies to French Frigate Shoals. With a little bit of work, one of the islands, Tern Island, can be enlarged to support a runway. This island will never be a major air station, but it can be a useful stopping point for planes having trouble going to or from Midway, or that do not have the range to make the trip on one tank of gas.

The main problem is that there simply is not enough supply at Hawaii to support any large-scale development. The first cargo ship, AK Aldeberan, is still two days out, with a risk that a Japanese submarine will find it and sink it. However, allied minesweepers have heavily patrolled the waters between it and Pearl Harbor. They have not seen a sign of a submarine.


Aru Island Defenses Started

Transports arrived at Aru Island, north of Darwin and started to unload the first of four military units destined for this island – the Australian “Sparrow Force”. Other units moving toward the island are A–II-Ld AA battalion and 7th Dutch Air Force Base Force from Timor due to arrive in a day, and Gull Force Battalion loading at Darwin.

Other units may be made available.

To the north, at Kendari, cargo ships that had fled the Philippines are picking up emergency food and ammunition from fairly substantial stockpiles at that base. They will deliver the cargo – about 15,000 tons -- to Aru Island on their way to safer waters further south.

Aru Island has the advantage of being the only land in the area relatively free from Malaria. It also fits underneath the air umbrella from Darwin. It is, in short, the best place north of Australia itself at which to wage a last ditch defense.

However, the power of the Japanese air force is beginning to bother me. The power of its attack on Singapore suggests that it could, if it wanted to, launch its 200-airplane raids against Darwin to destroy the airfield, then move in to take Aru Island. Still, it is better that they will have to fight for it, than that we hand to them a base well suited for attacking Australia.


Tomorrow, Pearl Harbor

I am told that a PBY can fly to Honolulu from San Francisco, if the weather is absolutely right. The PBY can travel 2500 miles; Honolulu is 2300 miles from San Francisco. With too much of a headwind, or a badly tuned engine, we may burn too much fuel and be may be stranded in the middle of the Pacific. But, this is a flying boat. If the weather is not too bad we can sit out in the middle of the ocean and wait for somebody to bring us some gasoline, I suspect.

I brought it up with my pilot. He just gave me a rather amused smile and sent me back to my cot.

Anyway, tomorrow, we find out.

Best Regards

Thayne

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Yw681909162.jpg[/image]



denisonh -> RE: Whats it all about? (2/8/2005 2:18:30 AM)

Not only do you thrive on chaos, you seek to create it[:D]
quote:

ORIGINAL: Raverdave

Guys just to let you all know what is happening, about a week ago I dropped Thayne a line and asked if i could add a political dimension to his game, by adding pressure that he does not need.

It is also in keeping with what was going on behind the scenes between Downing St, The White House and Canberra.

Thayne is not bound by nor does he has to listen to anything that Curtin "suggests", but if he wants access to or use of Aussie troops then he will have to talk his way around.

Also I am not reading his opponents AAR as I want to keep my part as reactionary as possible. And while I plan to contribute on a small basis maybe week to week, or even month to month, I think that it will enhance what everyone aggrees is an excellent AAR.



Thayne -> RE: Whats it all about? (2/8/2005 3:11:58 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Moquia

He he, this just gets better and better. An WitP/RPG fusion, great stuff[8D].


This particular PBEM was actually designed from the start to be more roleplay than game play. SeaWolF K and I got together because of a shared preference for roleplaying participants in a historic war to massing victory points in a game.

Thus, the I invented Thayne, Assistant Secretary of War for the Pacific Theater -- and I present the conflict through his eyes.

Also, as I play theater commanders, I try to be faithful to the leader whose role I am playing.

As Mao Tse Tung, I divide my divisions up into small units of partisans to go running across the China countryside, controlling supply routes and denying them to the Japanese.

As Chang Kai Shek, I am more interested in fighting Mao Tse Tung than the Japanese.

As Percival (until I replaced him) I regarded the Japanese as a nuisance, rather than a credible threat.

Riverdave's contribution fits comfortably into the spirit of this game, and I hope that the readers find it to be an interesting addition. I have, in fact, changed orders on some units to accomodate Mr. Curtin's particular concerns.


Thayne


P.S. I believe that my honorable opponent, SeaWolF K, is seeking a similar affect.



Thayne -> Thursday, December 18, 1941 (2/8/2005 4:45:50 AM)

Thursday, December 18, 1941

Henry:

I arrived safely at Pearl Harbor, though it was not the smoothest flight I have ever taken. There were storms across much of the ocean, and the clouds at Pearl Harbor were very low indeed. Since we landed at the seaplane base on Ford Island, I was able to get a good view of Battleship Row from the air before I visited it in person.

It really is a mess. I don’t know if you have seen the pictures. There is still black sludge flowing from the gaping wounds in the side of the battleship, forming long streaks heading south to the mouth of the bay, like blood flowing down the gutter from the body of mobster’s innocent victim.

BB Maryland truly is in bad shape. I was afraid that if I leaned too heavily on a railing the whole ship would fall down around me like a house of cards. Flames scarred most of the upper deck. I dared not go inside.

But the most important casualties were not the ships, but the people. I visited the Naval Hospital, Pearl Harbor and saw the wounded. Most of them were burned; bullet and shrapnel wounds made up a small percentage of the total. The hospital was dreadfully short of supplies. It would have given them some help and hope to know that AK Aldeberan was only a few hundred miles to the east and would be there in a day with new supplies, but I could not let that news leak out, even among this crowd.

All I could say was, “Help is on the way.”


Losses 14 ships lost total

• BB Prince of Wales, torpedoed by Betty bombers flying out of Kachang, in British Borneo, striking the ship at Balikpapan, on the eastern side of the island. Moderate damage.

• CL Danae, the stand-in for the Prince of Wales at Singapore, hit with two torpedoes. Severe damage. Its companion ship, DD Express, was told to run for the safety of Palembang as soon as it got dark.


Planes: 429 Planes lost since 12/7/1941

• 2x Warhawk, 2x Catalina in another Japanese raid on Manila.

• 5x Buffalo defending ships at Singapore


The Ground War

• China (North): Japan is challenging partisans west of Tatung. The partisans should will retreat and see how much damage they can do elsewhere.

• China (Center): Bombardment raids against Hengchow and Changsha, but Japan seems to be withdrawing from the ground war. This may have just been a reconnaissance en force to test the Chinese defenses.

• China (South): Now that Hong Kong is in Chinese hands, Japanese divisions are moving east, toward the Hanoi-Shanghai railroad. Chang Kai Shek gave orders for his armies to try to recapture the lightly held town of Nanning.

• Burma: Japanese units are still at Tavoy, probably regrouping. Japan has over 25,000 soldiers at Tavoy. That is more than England has in the whole country.

• Malaya: Japan is moving up to take Georgetown. This will give allied units a chance to retreat out of Kuantan and to get on the road to Singapore – the Georgetown attackers might have otherwise cut them off. Japanese units are also at Kuala Lumpur, which has been left undefended.

• Philippines (North): Japan continues to make weak attempts to take Lingayen Bay. The 54th PS Regiment and 194th USA Tank Battalion are holding Japan back. Units ordered out of Naga to the south before they get cut off. Heading to Bataan.

• Philippines (South): Envoys from Dadjangas, on the very southern tip of Mindanao, made a special trip to Davao just to surrender to the Japanese. Japan moved a token police force into the area and took over.


Damage Inflicted

• 4x Betty trying to hit the Prince of Wales at Balikpapan
• 3x Sally bombing Manila, Philippines


Mr. Curtin’s New Letter

Okay, let's deal with Mr. Curtin's most recent letter.

Just between you and me, Henry, I do not consider Singapore to be “such a find defensive base”. I will speak plainly, because the situation needs this.

Singapore is lost.

The events of the last two days make this plain.

(1) Japanese units in Khota Bharu, Victoria Point, and Tavoy block an access to Singapore from the west.

(2) The Japanese air units at Kachang can block any reinforcements and resupply from the east.

(3) One more air raid like the one yesterday, and Japan will have undisputed control of the air; it nearly does so already

(4) Sumatra prevents us from launching any operations directly out of the south.

If I had 100x P-38s and 200x B-17s, I could defend Singapore. Without this, Japan will soon subject the island fortress to an unrelenting bombardment from the air. Soldiers retreating the island will have to do so under the constant threat of Japanese air attack, and we cannot preent this. The island fortress will be in Japanese hands by the end of January.

I have had the urge to simply tell Mr. Curtin, "If you can get those units out of Malaya, they are yours.” If he tries, any ship he sends will make a quick detour to the bottom of the South China Sea. If they make it to Singapore first, they will be taking whatever passengers they load to the bottom with them.

This, of course, is just between you and me.

I can't tell Mr. Curtin that I have no hope for Singapore out of fear that the news would reach Churchill. The British Prime Minister will have me barbequed and served up on a spit if he heard my opinions on this matter. So, as far as Churchill is concerned, I must beg forgiveness for my inability to reach the island with reinforcements, but at least I have talked the Australians into staying.


Australian 6th and 7th Infantry Divisions

There was one item in Mr. Curtin's first letter that interested me. He reported that he wanted to recall the 6th and 7th Australian Infantry Divisions from the Middle East, but that Mr. Churchill was having difficulty coming up with ships.

I would like you to do the following for me.

(a) You are aware of Mr. Curtin's view that conscripted Australian soldiers should not fight anywhere except on Australian soil, and that he went to jail in defense of this position during World War I. However, this is a serious limit on our ability to conduct this war. Please try to secure a commitment from Mr. Curtin to support lifting this ban. It may be useful to remind him that he is demanding American conscripts to be sent overseas in defense of Australia. In light of this, his position on Australian conscripts seems somewhat hypocritical.

(b) In securing this promise, please inform Mr. Curtin and Mr. Churchill know that I can and will temporarily release whatever shipping is necessary to return the Australian 6th and 7th Infantry Divisions from the Middle East. I know that this goes against the "Hitler First" plan, but Hitler is not my responsibility, Japan is my responsibility, and I do not intend to allow Japan to possess any part of Australia.


The Carrot

With respect to Mr. Curtin's other concerns, please convey the following intentions:

(1) I intend to load three large tankers with surplus oil presently being stored at San Diego, and at least one tanker with fuel, and shipping that to Australia. Australia is going to need gasoline for its tanks and airplanes. Plus, she needs energy to keep her factories going, so she can manufacture her own Wirraway fighters and Beaufort bombers.

(2) I have talked to Lockheed about loading every spare part and spare plane they can for the Hudson bombers. As I understand it, Australia's bomber squadrons are down to about half strength, and it will take at least 40 planes to bring the squadrons up to full strength. This does not count replacement planes for operational losses and other accidents. I will be sending what I can from Lockheed.

(3) Inform Mr. Curtin that, if he can provide sufficient repair facilities, I will have the Prince of Wales repaired at an Australian port and capable of responding to any Japanese attack on Australia.

(4) Within the next couple of weeks, I will be willing to reassign No. 453 RAAF Squadron to the South Pacific and have the squadron assigned to the air defense at Rabaul. I will also see to it that transports from the West Coast contain whatever planes and parts can be spared.


The Stick

(1) Inform Mr. Curtin that the shipments of the oil and other supplies mentioned above may face substantial delays if the Japanese score any significant success in the South Pacific. We will have to take a long detour around any Japanese-controlled islands. We will seek to ensure the safe delivery of this cargo as far as Fiji. Mr. Curtin can take responsibility for making sure that a safe shipping route is maintained from Fiji to Australia.

(2) May I ask that you have the State Department identify an Australian opposition columnist to suggest that Curtin's "news leak" was a deliberate act on his part -- that Mr. Curtin is more interested in his own popularity than the lives of Allied soldiers. Have this columnist learn from "reliable sources" that the news leak will almost certainly lead to a delay in the arrival of American troops "until the security situation can be reassessed." Our official answer to these reports will be, "Certainly, you cannot expect us to comment on military matters of this kind." So, we will not contradict this columnist’s reports.

(3) We may try to find a discreet way to mention the Nimitz Plan to the Australians. The Nimitz Plan, as you know, calls for moving directly against Japan across the Central Pacific and ignoring, as an unnecessary diversion, all lands south of the Equator. Any Japanese forces south of the equator will be allowed to “rot on the vine”.



That's it for now.

Thayne

P.S., Just before dark, we take off and fly east. We find AK Aldeberan with its escort of five destroyers only 82 nautical miles away, to the west, moving at 11 knots. So, it will show up at Pearl Harbor a little after 0200 tomorrow. It will be such a relief to have that ship safe in port.

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Hf980751020.jpg[/image]



Thayne -> Friday, December 19, 1941 (2/11/2005 3:57:10 AM)

Friday, December 19, 1941

Henry:

It was like Christmas here yesterday when AK Aldeberan pulled into port.

What most people around here were interested in was the airplanes. Using parts cannibalized off of the planes destroyed during the Japanese raid, they were able to put together 51 fighters and 38 bombers. But that is not a very large air force. There were crews from Hickam and Wheeler fields here waiting on the docks when the ship came in, eager to get their spare parts off of the ship and over to what was left of the hangers at the airbases.

They are going to be hugely disappointed when they find out how few spare parts and new planes we could actually get loaded onto AK Aldeberan. For all practical purposes, this is going to have only a meager effect on the strength of the Pearl Harbor air force.

P-26A planes are scarce, and so are their spare parts, so the 47th and 78th Fighter Squadrons will continue to have only a small portion of its compliment of planes for some time to come. These squadrons are ultimately supposed to get P-39A Aircobras. However, as I look over available supplies and shipping dates, I see that I will not be able to get any of these to Hawaii until well after the first of the year.

There are no P-36A fighters for the 45th Fighter Squadron, nor was I able to ship any P-40B Tomahawk fighters for the 46th Fighter Squadron or the 18th Fighter Group. I have shipped some P-40E Warhawk fighters in the hopes that I can introduce these to the 46th fighter squadron. This will release some Tomahawks for the 18th Fighter Group, but not nearly enough to bring the group up to full strength. Our F4F-3s and F4F-4’s are destined for the carriers, not for VMF-211.

We have had similar problems getting replacement bombers to Pearl Harbor as well. The 58th Bomber Squadron, which had all of its planes destroyed in the Japanese, will not start to see replacements until after the first of the year. The 11th Bomber Group. The 11th Bomber group will not discover any planes for them in this shipment, though future shipments will start to deliver a stream of replacements.

The squadrons around here, if fully fleshed out, would have 192 fighters and 144 bombers – not counting the seaplanes. Even with the arrival of AK Aldeberan, these units are going to remain at or below one third of their full compliment of airplanes.

It is, as they say, better than nothing.


Losses

Ships 14 ships total sunk.

• TK Gergrude Kellogg, trying to load oil at Palembang, hit by a torpedo. It is wounded, but not yet sunk.


Airplanes 432 planes total destroyed

• 1x Martin and 1x Brewster 339D trying to strike Japanese task force at Davao, in the southern Philippines

• There was a huge Japanese air raid on Mandalay in central Burma, where the American Volunteer Group was still training. The raid inflicted no losses or damage.


The Ground War

• China. The North and Central regions remain relatively quiet. In Southern China, however, Chang Kai Shek has moved an army into Nanning to try to take the city. One should not get the impression that the Chinese leader has suddenly adopted a new war ethic. Rather, going through Nanning is the best way to make these units available for the defense of Chang Kai Shek’s home at Chungking.

• Burma. Japanese invaders stay in Tavoy for another day.

• Malaya: Japanese units are moving ahead rapidly. They forced the surrender of nearly 9,000 allied soldiers at Georgetown, in the northwest corner of the region. They also took Kuala Lumpur, in the west-central part of the country, and Kuantan, in the east central portion. Malayan army units have been forced into a full scale retreat as they struggle to prevent being surrounded by the rapidly advancing Japanese army.

• Philippines: The only Japanese movement involves units moving from Lagespi (on the southern shore of the main island) north to Naga. They will arrive only to find the defending 51st Philippine Army Division moving out. With the bulk of the allies at Bataan, General Thompson has expressed concern with the possibility of the divisions south of Manila getting cut off. Fighting also continues at Lingayen Bay, in the northern part of the main island, but Japan does not seem to be pushing very hard.


Losses Inflicted

• The destroyer DD John D. Ford found and sank a Japanese submarine southeast of Balikpapan, while it was helping to escort the wounded BB Prince of Wales to safety.


The Malaya Campaign

I have had several conversations with General Wavall in Singapore. In them, he expresses his heartfelt desire to stand and fight the Japanese. However, whenever it appears as if he may have an opportunity to do so, there is a risk of getting his units cut off.

This already happened to two units who were defending Georgetown. The large coastal guns could not be moved quickly. Japan’s drive south along the mainland ended up cutting off this small segment of land. Then, Japan moved in and wiped out the defenders.

Attempting to stand at Kuantan would have run the risk that the Japanese units coming down the west coast would cut off their only route of escape – through Malacca.

If the units try to stand and fight at Malacca, then the Japanese coming up from Kuantan can get behind them and cut off the supply path back to Singapore. So, Malacca will have to be abandoned as well. It seems as if there is no good place to defend, other than Singapore itself.


Dutch Air Force under threat

As soon as the Dutch air force started to get set up at Menado, on the northeast corner of the island of Sulawesi, where they could attack Japanese ships at Davao, a Japanese fleet shows up at night and shells the airfield. They did little damage, other than to make it clear that the airfield is not a safe place to stay.


AVG moves to China

I was able to get in touch with the American Volunteer Group in China.

It appears that the Japanese were trying to get in touch with them as well. While I was talking to them, this huge flock of bombers and fighters flew over one of the air strips and pummeled it. Actually – maybe it was the weather – but they missed the airstrip by a wide margin. They did amazingly little damage, and none of the AVG airplanes were damaged in any way.

Still, after the attack, the AVG went on active duty. Immediately, Chang Kai Shek summoned them to China.

I would like to use them to protect the Burma Road. Japan has a full division heading into Burma. We are seeing what two divisions are accomplishing in Malaya. Burma has a fraction of Malaya’s army; one division should be able to do enough damage. What I cannot allow that division to do is block the Chinese divisions from getting to India.

So, I’m arguing with Chang Kai Shek for permission to bring those planes back to Burma to stop the Japanese. It’s in his interests too. The longer we can keep the Burma Road open, the more supplies Chang Kai Shek is going to receive, and the stronger he becomes.


Line Islands reinforced

Just to let you know, the 3rd USMC Defense Battalion made it to Palmyra Atoll in the Line Islands, and the 4th USMC Defense Battalion is now on Christmas Island. So, these units are reinforced. Japan can still have these islands if they come down with a large enough force, but they won’t be taking these islands with a measly little SNLF. Now, all I need to do is to find some planes for this place.


That’s all for today. Time for some sleep.

Thayne

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Jh165867596.jpg[/image]



Thayne -> Saturday, December 20, 1941 (2/12/2005 3:52:29 AM)

Saturday, December 20, 1941

Henry:

I have quite a few things that I think you need to know about today.


China

We can start with the ground war in China. It is heating up. There were battles yesterday at Nanning and on the outskirts of Canton in southern China.

Nanning is a major battle, with 15,000 Chinese trying to take the town back from 6,000 Japanese defenders. I think I mentioned before that this is not an example of Chang Kai Shek actually getting ambitious. It’s just that, the Japanese happen to be in the way of these units getting to where they can protect Chungking.

Canton, on the other hand, was a Japanese attempt to drive the Chinese away from the city, and perhaps to take control of another section of the Shanghai-Hanoi railroad. They succeeded. The Chinese dutifully abandoned this section of the track.

In central China, the 78th Chinese Corps got caught out in the open by a Japanese division. The Japanese might actually succeed in destroying this unit. They nearly have it surrounded. This was just another example of the famous Chinese ability to communicate. Chang Kai Shek ordered this unit to secure the left flank in the battle for iChang, and the soldiers went a bit too far

Further north, Japanese units took on Chinese Communist partisans outside of Tatung. The Japanese had the Chinese outnumbered by 15 to 1. But, the guerillas faded away into the wilderness with only slight losses. Meanwhile, they continue to roam the roads of northern China cutting Japanese supply routes and communication wherever possible.


Air Assault

I talked to the leaders in three command theaters yesterday and tried to organize joint strikes against the Japanese air force. Japan has the ability to destroy any air force in any theater of battle, but I am wondering if he has the ability to destroy all air forces in all theaters.

So, I have arranged to attack three Japanese air bases at once – focusing on those that I think are NOT defended by the infamous Japanese Zeros.

• The Dutch planes are gathering once again at Menado, on the northeast corner of the island of Sulawesi, targeting the Japanese airfields at Davao, in the southern Philippines.

• The Singapore air force will be targeting the Japanese air force at Khota Bharu

• The Chinese air force, including the American Volunteer Group, are gathering at Hengchow, in central China, to target the Japanese airbase at Wuhan.

Speaking of Singapore, I have started a program for cycling the airplanes out of the base. A few squadrons went to Diamond Harbor in India. There, they will be rebuilt with airplanes that are coming in through Karachi. Then, they will be sent back to Singapore and replace other squadrons there.

Churchill rather insists that I do more to protect Singapore. In fact, he is quite upset with me, according to reports that I have seen. These are just rumors at this point. All I know is that Roosevelt has said that he dare not forward to me the letters that Churchill has been writing about me – like he does for Prime Minister Curtin.

I do not know how long that will last, though. Each day I check the mail expecting to find a communication from Churchill sitting in it.


Japanese Carriers

We have been tracking some Japanese carriers that just recently entered Saigon. They have been sailing down the Indochina coast for a couple of days now. They may just be escorting Japanese transports, or they may be have something more sinister in mind.


Losses 14 ships lost total

No new ships lost, or even damaged, today, that I know about.


Planes: 429 Planes lost since 12/7/1941

• Japanese air raid on Manila base destroyed a hanger where 4 Warhawks were under repair. They were destroyed.


The Ground War

• China. I covered this region above.

• Philippines: Japan takes Naga, a fortified region in the southern Philippines, after the allies had abandoned it. Thompson is gathering his forces in the center of the island for a determined defense.


Damage Inflicted

• Allied Intelligence reports that a damaged minelayer reached Saigon Harbor. The Japanese let it sink.


Next Week’s Reinforcements

Finally, next week, I actually get something that I really need. The British have landed in India. They will be bringing with them replacement airplanes, guns, and soldiers to flesh out the units that are currently stationed in India.

They will also be arriving with an infantry division, and a fighter squadron – both of which are very badly needed.

Sunday, December 21, 1941

• CA Dorsetshire, Karachi
• AK Mormaclark, San Francisco
• AK Sawolda, San Francisco

Monday, December 22, 1941

• AO Guadalupe, San Francisco
• AK Makiki, San Francisco
• AK West Nilus, San Francisco
• TK Gulfbeeze, San Francisco

Tuesday, December 23, 1941

• AP West Point, Karachi
• AK Jeff Davis, San Francisco
• TK Tulsagas, San Francisco
• TK Halo, San Francisco
• TK Gulfdawn, San Francisco

Wednesday, December 24, 1941

• 18TH UK DIVISION, KARACHI
• CA Minneapolis, Pearl Harbor
• AK Corrales, San Francisco
• AK Silverado, San Francisco
• AK Empire Ranger, Karachi

Thursday, December 25, 1941

• 125th USA Regimental Combat Team, San Francisco
• TK Edward L. Shea, San Francisco
• TK Gulfbird, San Francisco
• TK Gulfland, San Francisco

Friday, December 26, 1941

• 232 SQUADRON, 16X HURRICANE II, DACCA
• 225 Group RAF, Karachi
• AP Crescent City, Los Angeles
• AK Admiral Gove, San Francisco
• AK Ernest Meyer, San Francisco

Saturday, December 27, 1941

• MSW Townsville, Cairns
• AK Manulani, San Francisco
• AK San Lucas, San Francisco
• AK San Rafael, San Francisco
• TK Pat Doheny, San Francisco
• TK Baldhill, San Francisco

Okay, that’s the status of the war today.

Tomorrow, I will get to tell you how well my plan to attack the Japanese air force went. Somehow, I expect huge clouds of Japanese airplanes to destroy these attacks before they even get off the ground.

But, that’s just the pessimist in me.

Thayne



Thayne -> Sunday, December 21, 1941 (2/12/2005 7:34:57 PM)

Sunday, December 21, 1941

Henry:

It has now been two weeks of war, and what do we have to show for it?

• Philippines Japan controls most of Luzon (northern Philippines). They are quickly approaching Manila and Bataan as the defenders gather in a small part of Bataan for maximum defense. Japan has also taken Davao in the southern Philippines. Japan also owns the island of Jolo.

• Burma Japan is invading, taking Victoria Point and Tavoy. The British are setting up defenses at Moulmein.

• Malaya Japan has taken about 2/3 of the country, forcing the allies back to Malacca. They have done this, not with actual battle, but by threatening to cut units off if they remained further forward. This seems the only safe place for defense.

• British Borneo This is in Japanese hands now.

• Gilbert Islands Japan has taken Makin, Tarawa, and Apamama.

Total Naval Losses: 14 Ships

• 1 Heavy Cruiser
• 1 Submarine
• 2 Submarine Tenders
• 1 Minesweeper
• 2 Patrol Gunboats
• 4 Patrol Torpedo Boats
• 1 Troop Transport
• 1 Tanker
• 1 Small Cargo Ship

Naval Damage: Out of Action

• 9 Battleships (8 at Pearl Harbor plus Prince of Wales)
• 1 Light Cruiser (at Singapore)
• 5 Destroyers
• 1 Tanker
• 4 Submarines
• 1 Minelayer

Total Air Losses: 473 Airplanes

In fighters alone we have lost:

• 82x P-40B Tomahawks
• 45x P-40E Warhawks
• 19x F4F-3 Wildcats
• 49x Buffalos
• 27x P-36A Mohawk
• 22x Brewster 339
• 19x P-26
• 12x P-35A


Today’s Losses

Naval

• SS KXVII damaged by Japanese ASW near Saigon
• DD Tucker torpedoed east of Pearl Harbor

Air

• 8x Blenheim, 4x Buffalo, and 3x Vildebeest in attack on Singapore
• 6x P-40 Warhawk and 3x B-17 Fortress in air strike on Manila

Ground War

• Recent losses; Japan took control of Lingayen Bay, north of Clark AFB, Philippines.


Damage Inflicted

• Enemy submarine hit, but not sunk, east of Pearl Harbor
• 2x Lily and 1x Sally in attack on Khota Bharu
• 1x Betty, 1x Nate, and 1x Sally defending Clark AFB


Pearl Harbor

In the last week, the mood here at Pearl Harbor has shifted quite a bit. We are no longer looking for survivors. Those who have friends and family missing, have given them up as lost – blown up in the hull of CA New Orleans or cremated in BB Maryland or the hangers at Wickam Field. People are now looking forward at what will happen, instead of back at what happened two weeks ago.

At Pearl Harbor itself, BB Tennessee and BB West Virginia are in dry dock. Five other battleships – all except BB Maryland – are being rigged for a trip to the ship yards on the USA West Coast. The destroyed hangers on Ford Island and Hickam Field are being bulldozed to the ground, making way for new construction. The contracts have already gone out to build replacements.

The runways and taxi ways are freshly paved. There are guards everywhere. I can’t go three blocks without having my ID checked.

Two more cargo ships – the large cargo ship AK Alabaman and the smaller AK Coast Trader came this afternoon. As soon as they pulled up to the dock, cranes started lifting material off the ship and onto the docks. I took the opportunity to walk down the deck of AK Alabaman. I passed a jeep, with a machinegun mounted on the back, packed full of welding equipment in the back. While I watched, a crane hooked up to it, lifted it off the ship and onto the dock. Then some corporal drove the jeep away over to the docks, where they are cutting the remains of CA New Orleans into small enough pieces to be hauled away.

Some people want to make CA New Orleans into some sort of memorial for the people who died here. But, it’s sitting at one of the piers that we will need for loading and unloading ships.

I went pack to CINCPAC headquarters, where I spend most of my time. I don’t think Admiral Nimitz likes me looking over his shoulder. For the most part, I try not to tell the theater commanders what to do. I let them make up their own minds. I did tell Nimitz, though, that he should appoint commanders to oversee the Northern and Southern Pacific. I am particularly interested in who he will pick for COMSOPAC, since that area is vital. I think he is leaning toward Vice Admiral Halsey.


Air War

I suppose I should get down to business. I told you about the plan to hit three Japanese airbases.

Well, we hit two of them, but the results were not impressive.

• At Khota Bharu, photo recon only shows 3 airplanes destroyed on the ground; 2x Lily and 1x Sally. We lost a Buffalo fighting through their CAP. However, Japan came back with an attack on Singapore. That coast us 8x Blenheim, 4x Buffalo, and 3x Vildebeest – without losing a single plane.

• In the Philippines, we found no enemy airplanes on the airstrip at Davao, and lost a Demon, Brewster, and Hudson in the attack. Japan, in turn, launched an air strike against Clark AFB. Our fighters and AA took out 1x Betty, 1x Nate, and 1x Sally. But, we lost 6x Warhawk and 3x Fortress in the attack.

• In China, our airplanes never left the field.

They have more airplanes than we do, and they have better airplanes than we do.

When can I expect reinforcements? Next week, I get a flock of Hurricanes. That’s it. Hardly enough to tip the balance in the war.

I’m sending the airplanes in for a second strike on the same targets, then they are going to retire for a short period of rest and recreation while Japan plasters the airfields they flew from.


Until tomorrow

Thayne

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Thayne -> Monday, December 22, 1941 (2/17/2005 6:01:46 PM)

Monday, December 22, 1941

Henry:

Well, it looked as if something worked.

I told you yesterday that we were going to try another day of attacks against the Japanese air force. The same three forces received orders to hit the same three targets -- Singapore to Khota Bharu, DEI out Menado, Sulawesa to Davao, Philippines, and the Chinese Air Force from Hengchow to Wuhan.

Singapore: Once again, only two of our three attacks took off. This time, the Singapore air force stayed grounded. That was a bit of a shame. General Pownall, commanding the Southeast Asia forces, reinforced the Singapore air force with a squadron of Buffalo fighters from Rangoon and a squadron of Blenheims that had recently arrived at the theater. The force was stronger than I think Japan expects us to have.

Dutch East Indies: Yesterday's air strike showed us that there were no planes at this field, except for a hand full of Zeros flying combat air patrol. Still, General <name> apparently wanted to make a show of strength. The same Zero fighters were flying CAP, and we put one or two more dents in the runway, but we did not accomplish much of anything else.

I received a report that the DEI air force at Menado is going to be withdrawn to a safer base temporarily. Chances are the Japanese are going to target this base in the near future to get rid of the threat. The plan is to have the planes return to a forward air force base at a location where the Japanese least expect them.


China

The AVG was ordered to clear out the Japanese fighter force at Wuhan. The pilots woke up before dawn and got their instructions. Then, with the sky just starting to show the first glimmer of dawn dark blue glow of dawn, the AVG pilots started up their engines and took off.

Above the airbase, they formed up into three squadrons of 18 planes each. Once everybody was in position, and the sky was quite a bit lighter, they headed north.

Intelligence reports said that there were no Japanese Zeros at Wuhan. For the group's first taste of blood, it was considered that the group took on some less dangerous foe, until they got their feet wet. Wuhan had Nates and Oscars -- planes that a Tomahawk can take on without much of a threat.

I don't think that the Japanese knew that the AVG was in the area. They had not scouted the base in a while, and Chang Kai Shek had moved in a lot of Chinese planes into the same airfields -- so any reports of a gathering air force might have only mentioned Chinese planes.

I can imagine the Japanese surprise. The Nate pilots have probably been flying their missions the same way for three years now. They got up, had breakfast, then took off for their regular patrol.

After three years, the routine probably got a bit boring. Instead of watching for enemy planes that never showed up, each pilot's thoughts were probably on what they would do when they got back to base -- a game, a favorite girl, a letter from or to home.

The Tomahawks flew in at 1000 feet, just above the ground. Tomahawks fight best at low altitude, and the plan was for them to catch whatever fighters the Japanese scrambled just as they cleared the deck, when they were most vulnerable. Against Zeros, this strategy would not have worked. Tomahawks have to dive on the Zero to have a chance. Against Nates and Oscars, low-level flying has an advantage.

After the flight leader confirmed that there were no Zeros present, he turned the pilots loose for a dogfight. We caught his message. "Let's clear these skies."

One squadron went on watch, circling the dogfight in case the enemy should bring in reinforcements. The other two went into battle.

I'm not talking about a general, wild melee. The AVG was better trained than that. A lead pilot picked an enemy plane to destroy, while a wingman covered each lead pilot's back.

I had this image in my mind of some senior Japanese officer who could not get into the fight because his plane was under repair. He scrambled with the rest of his squadron, but stayed on the ground -- probably angry, swearing at whatever gods they worship. He could do nothing but listen to the radio broadcasts.

"I'm hit! I'm Hit"

"He's behind me. Get him off me!"

"Yamato's down."

"Fuchiti too."

"There's too many of them!"

I can imagine his frustration as his friends died. Three . . . four . . . five of them. He pounds his fist on the table and says (in Japanese, of course), "Come on guys! Get it together!"

eight . . . nine friends lost. Somebody cheers that they shot down a P-40. There is hope -- a chance that this will be the start of a rally.

But his friends do not rally. Twelve . . . thirteen planes lost.

Does he even realize these are Americans? Or does he think that these are Chinese?

Either way, the attackers leave. The defenders return to their airfield. One or two are too badly shot up to land. The pilot slumps over on landing, pulling the stick to the left, and the plane cartwheels down the runway. Another skids to a stop and bursts into flame. A pilot might be able to land his plane safely, but die of his wounds as he shuts off the engine.

Later that day, this officer would go to the squadron commander's office, which is now his office since his superiors are all wounded or dead. He looks at the flight board and erases name after name after name.

A few, he learned, did parachute to safety.

The rest were people he had breakfast with earlier that morning. These were people he had plans with later that evening. Now . . . gone.

What would he feel? Would he be angry at the Emperor for creating this situation that got his friends killed?

Probably not. This Japanese officer will probably see us as some type of wild animal -- a predator who has just attacked and killed the members of his peaceful village. He will be demanding an opportunity to get a hunting party together and rid the village of this menace -- these "flying tigers" that have attacked his village.

I know, I think too much. Isn't that what you say?

Thinking is good. I do not plan to give it up.


Statistics

I know, Henry. You have no time for stories, and you want only to see a quick summary of the essential facts. That's exactly why I include this section in my reports.


Losses

Naval

None today.


Air

• Japanese naval bombardment of the Macassar airstrip, and the Allied attack on Davao, cost us 2x Hudson, 2x Brewster, and 1x Demon, with no Japanese losses.


Territory

• The Japanese have started shelling Malacca, but they are not attacking yet.


Losses Inflicted

• 17 Nate and Oscar fighters at Wuhan, China -- the first mission flown by the AVG.

• Another submarine east of Hawaii. The ASW war seems to be going well. Two confirmed kills east of Hawaii, and another possibly damaged. Two more confirmed kills in the Dutch East Indies.

• A military cargo ship near Truk. When they brought me this report, I had to ask them "How did we sink a military cargo ship near Truk?" It turns out that this was a casualty of the Wake Island invasion. Hit by guns at Wake, it was trying to reach Truk for repairs. Apparently, a patch of rough water was too much for the wounded ship to take.

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Thayne -> Tuesday, December 23, 1941 (2/18/2005 2:24:03 AM)

Tuesday, December 23, 1941

Henry:

The Repulse

Yes, the Repulse is gone. The Japanese sank it at Menado, on the northeast corner of Sulawesi.

I am not going to hold anyone responsible but myself. I am supposed to be facilitating communication between the different commands, and I failed to do so in this case.

The Dutch, as you know, have been flying missions against the airfields in the Philippine town of Davao out of Menado. The Japanese responded to this by sending cruisers down from Davao to shell the airfield. To respond to the naval bombardment, a task force built around the battlecruiser Repulse was dispatched to Menado.

However, as the British task force arrived, the Dutch air force to prevent it from becoming the victim of a Japanese attack. The result is that the British ships had no air cover, and the torpedo bombers had a free run on the Repulse.

I cannot deny that I had all of the evidence that this was happening. I simply failed to put the different pieces of information together.

You can now officially add my voice to those who favor forming a unified command in the Dutch East Indies among the American, British, Dutch, and Australian forces fighting there.

Hopefully, it will help to prevent another tragedy such as this.


Losses

Naval

• BC Repulse sank, at Menado, on the Dutch island of Sulawesi.

• SS Porpoise badly damaged north of the Philippines. Nearest port for repairs would be Singapore.

Air

• 6x Buffalo at Singapore, defending from a Japanese air raid there.

• Of course, we also lost all of the seaplanes on the BC Repulse.

Losses Inflicted

• Singapore AA took down 6 enemy bombers.

• The Singapore airforce took out 4 airplanes at Khota Bharu


The Ground War

Burma

Lieutenant General Pownall had some worries that the Japanese may try to cut off the defenses at Moulmein in eastern Burma by sending units down the road from Rahaeng, Thailand. To explore this option, he had ordered the 16th Indian Bridage to Rahaeng. There, they encountered a Japanese advance.

We do not know the size of this advance – it may be a full division.

To respond to this maneuver, Pownall has ordered all of the units out of Moulmein, meaning that Japan will capture the town without a fight.

Pownall also informs me that he faces a problem with Rangoon. Because of the road structure in the area, it would be easy for the Japanese to trap units within Rangoon – surround them and eliminate them. As such, he is asking for permission to make Rangoon an open city.

As much as I hate to do so, I see no option but to say “yes” to this request, and to pull the defenses back. This is clearly not my first choice, but the road network around the town makes it virtually indefensible.

The problem is, if we pull back into the interior of Burma, we will have difficulty getting the units supplied. Burma is simply a bear to try to defend.

Should we pull back to India?

Malaya

Japan tried a full frontal charge against the defenses at Malacca, half way up the western coast from Singapore, and were decisively repulsed. Military intelligence in the area report over 1000 estimated Japanese casualties. The British casualties were very light.

I am wondering if Japan expected the British to run like they did before. They may not realize that the British pulled out of their other positions because of the danger that they would be outflanked. At Malacca, the British actually have a defensive line that they can hold, and they may intend to stay there for a while. I would certainly encourage them to do so.

Philippines

The Japanese have reached the outskirts of Manila. I have heard McArthur’s calls that Manila be made an open city – I do not understand the man’s thinking that, now that he is a civilian again, thinking that it makes any sense to offer military advice through the press. Anyway, General Thompson is not expecting to hold the city, but he is not planning to walk away from it either. The Japanese are going to have to take it, and Thompson plans on leaving nothing of value behind.


Enemy Movements: South China Sea

We have been tracking a small Japanese carrier down from Formosa to Saigon. It is now cutting across the South China Sea. At first I was worried that it was a transport force attempting to sail around Singapore and land at Johore Bahu – cutting off tens of thousands of units on the continent from supplies at Singapore. However, aerial recon says that this is a bombardment force.

Where would they want to bombard?

My first guess . . . the airfield at Singkawang – the airfield that the Dutch used to attack Japanese forces at Kuchang. Admittedly, the Dutch have been thinking about returning to that airfield to have another go at Japanese ships at Kuchang.

Another possibility is Palembang. I can only guess how hungrily Japan is looking at the oil fields there.


Additional Comments

I am still trying to decide on a format for these reports that works for you. What I am trying now is to pull the ground combat discussion out of statistical report of losses, since those discussions generally take a bit more typewriter ribbon. Of course, I will continue to list the statistical information separately, for those days when you do not have time to read the whole letter. If you have any suggestion for making these reports easier for you, let me know. I exist merely to serve.


Anyway, I have to go now. I promised to spend a couple hours with G2 going over some reports they received. I’ll get back with you tomorrow.

Thayne

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Thayne -> 12-23-1941 Supplemental (2/18/2005 2:29:37 AM)

ALERT

TO: ALL COMMANDERS, SOUTH PACIFIC, AUSTRALIA

INTELLIGENCE SUGGESTS JAPANESE CARRIER FORCE NEAR BISMARCK ARCH. -- EAST OF RABAUL. SEEK VISUAL COFIRMATION. ENEMY CARRIER ATTACK EXPECTED: RABAUL, PORT MORESBY, EAST COAST AUSTRALIA, NOUMEA, ALL WATERS IN BETWEEN.



Thayne -> Wednesday, December 24, 1941 (2/19/2005 2:12:34 AM)

Wednesday, December 24, 1941

Henry:

Here’s the story about yesterday’s alert.

A PBY, flying out Rabaul, reported seeing a lone Japanese cruiser near Green Island, a little over 100 miles east of Rabaul.

Military intelligence took the report and actually filed it as a submarine sighting. Given that the enemy ship was so close to a local port, and the notorious inability of patrol planes to identify ships correctly, a lone enemy ship so close to an allied port had to be a submarine, or so they thought.

That is the report that I went on as I discussed operations with the theater commanders. Australia command had no ships in the area, so the submarine was not considered a threat.

Later in the day, after I had finished my conversations with the theater commanders, they had informed me of their planned operations and the orders had gone out, I had a few hours to spend with military intelligence. I asked them to spend some time discussing with me some of the finer details of what they had learned over the past four days.

One of the pieces of information they reported was a sudden drop in the number of ships at Truk – from 45 ships to 20 – within the last 48 hours. This, combined with the fact that the military transport ship damaged at Wake Island sank while trying to reach Truk, suggested the possibility that Truk was being used as a way point for the Pearl Harbor task force. Additional reports from Truk showed that the island experienced a significant drop in air force activity at the same time. Still more research, and we found bits and pieces of evidence – civilian reports of airplanes whose descriptions matched Japanese patrol planes, mysterious disappearance of civilian ships – all east of Rabaul.

By the time we added all of the pieces together we were almost certain that this lone Japanese cruiser was not a submarine, but a single element of the Japanese carrier force.

Thus, I sent out the alert.

It was too late, however. Generals and admirals in all of the theaters of operations had already sent out their orders. The alert, and the attempt to get messages through to the relevant units, did little more than generate confusion.

The only resources that we have at risk is a troop transport at Port Moresby which is delivering emergency supplies, and two minesweepers coming down from the Dutch East Indies in the Torres Straight (that narrow band of water between Australia and New Guinea). These are slow moving ships that may not be able to avoid a Japanese carrier force.


Statistics

There is very little to report in terms of statistics today. Naval and air units were not particularly active.

Losses Inflicted

• SS KXIV reports putting two torpedoes – one near the bow and one slightly aft of center -- into the side of a military freighter south of Camranh Bay, Indochina


The Ground War

The ground forces, however, saw the opening of two large battles; one in China and one in Malaya. The China battle is a part of an ever-growing conflict in the region as Japan steps up its aggressiveness.

China

Yenen (North China) Five divisions, supported by tanks and artillery, attacked the town of Yenen in northern China. Japanese forces attacked this town over a week ago, withdrew, and have now returned. The Japanese attackers ultimately outnumbered the Chinese Communists by 4 to 1. The defenders held the city for a day, but the results of this battle are a foregone conclusion.

Nanning (South China) Elsewhere in China, at Nanning, the two Chinese units attacking this city seem to have gotten themselves into a situation they cannot get out of. They have been trying, without success, to retreat out of Nanning. However, the enemy – now reinforced – have been keeping up a steady pressure that has not allowed the Chinese Nationalists any chance to withdraw.

Changsha (Central China): Japanese forces have also marched on Changsha in central China. The Chinese defenders have manned their defenses and are waiting for the Japanese, who are assembling on the outskirts of the city. The American Volunteer Group and the Chinese Air Force, which had only recently moved into the city, quickly left again to a new station further south, at Kweilin. From Kweilin, the air force is planning future attacks against the Japanese at Canton.

Malaya

Japan received some substantial reinforcements for its attack on Malacca. Allied intelligence estimate over 45,000 Japanese troops are participating in the attack, which is greater than a 4 to 1 advantage against the defenders. The Japanese subjected the British defenders to substantial air bombardment. In a morning raid, over 100 Japanese bombers attacked allied defenses. A second raid only hours later brought another 40 bombers. Combined, allied forces counted 250 casualties in the days’ operations, but were unable to inflict any casualties on the Japanese.

One of the reasons for the limited impact is the interest that General Wavell has in conserving ammunition. There is now no hope that a ship can get to Singapore with additional supplies, so the soldiers there will have to fight with what they have left.


Holding the Hawaii – Samoa Line

Conversations with Admiral King recently convinced me of an idea that I have had since the start of this war.

I have been contemplating what to have Nimitz do with the 2nd USMC Division – whether it should go on to defend New Caledonia or stop short and secure as much of the supply line as possible. Admiral King suggested that I tell Admiral Nimitz to, “Maintain communications between the west coast and Australia, chiefly by covering, securing and holding the Hawaii-Samoa line, which should be extended to include Fiji at the earliest possible date.” It was comforting to hear my very own thoughts coming from Admiral King in his own words. It makes me think that the plan actually has some merit.

Anyway, so I talked to Nimitz, and he is going to have Major General Marston land at Canton Island and divide his command into three units at his own discretion. One of those three parts will stay on Canton Island, while two others go to hold onto British and American Samoa. This will help to secure the American toehold in these islands, and help to make sure that Japan cannot push us completely off.

The 2nd USMC Defense Battalion is a part of the same task force. Nimitz reported that he intends this unit to stay at Canton Island, which is under the greatest threat.

I have heard a lot of noise from people wanting me to move the 2nd USMC Division to New Caledonia. However, if we do this, there is a possibility of Japan moving down through the rest of the Gilbert Islands to Samoa, cutting off any units on the far side of this line. We need to make sure that the supply line to Australia remains safe, and that means securing the nearer portions of that line before we worry about New Caledonia.

The New Zealanders have promised a brigade to help in the defense of Fiji, which has already been bolstered by the addition of an artillery unit that was originally heading to Australia.

New Caledonia is going to remain a weak link for some time to come. I think that we might want to have plans for eventually recapturing it, and start to have the units that are presently stationed there start doing their best to make us some very good maps.


In the Central Pacific

Since the start of the war, Palmyra and Christmas Island have been reinforced, and the waters around Johnson Island and Midway have been mined. With the two troop transports heading back to Pearl Harbor, Admiral Nimitz is looking to the next phase in building up the region.

His plan is to send engineering regiments to French Frigate Shoals and Laysan Island – about 1/3 and 2/3 of the way to Midway respectively. A survey of the islands at French Frigate Shoals suggests that one of them can be enlarged and used as an airbase. Nimitz reports that his engineers are working on a plan to pound pilings into the coral off the island and fill it with material taken from dredging a channel through the coral. The resulting man-made extension to the island will be large enough for an airstrip.

The island itself is too small to hold anything like a military garrison. However, it could be a useful for a seaplane base and for airplanes that could not otherwise reach Midway to stop and refuel. If we complete another pit stop at Laysan Island, the longest leg of any trip from Pearl Harbor to Midway (or to Johnson Island, for that matter) would only be a little over 400 miles – well within the range of most airplanes -- even fighters.

Just to keep you up to date, Nimitz has a forward artillery regiment heading to Johnson and Midway Islands -- one regiment each. The 144th USA Field Artillery Regiment is on its way from Seattle to Midway Island, while the 183rd USA Field Artillery Regiment intends to reach Johnson Island. These islands are not very big, so there is going to be a limit to the number of people we can station there. Nimitz argues that he would like to have the means available to fire on any bombardment or landing task force.


That’s it for today’s update. I want to wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas – at least as merry as the current situation would allow.

Thayne

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Thayne -> Thursday, December 25, 1941 (2/20/2005 3:11:32 AM)

Thursday, December 25, 1941

Well, I suppose that I can still wish you a merry Christmas.

Personally, I had to get away from the place. As I looked around, I kept asking myself how many of these fathers, sons, husbands, and brothers have seen their last Christmas. Even this one will not be with their families. It was too depressing, so I hopped into my PBY and took a look at the nearby islands.

To be honest, I expected FDR to give a particularly memorable Christmas speech last night, but I found it imminently forgettable. It was fitting that he invited Churchill to say a few words. Churchill knows how to speak – or he has better speech writers, one of the two. Yet, I have a feeling, long after this war is over, more people – even Americans – will be able to remember more of Churchill’s words than of Roosevelt’s.

I had the pilot take us over the chain of islands from Oahu to Midway -- across French Frigate Shoals and Laysan Island. The PBY could make the trip easily enough without stopping.

At the island, AE-1 USS Pyro was docked at Sand Island, unloading ammunition. Because of the shortage of cargo shipping in the area, Pyro had been pressed into service for this duty. Nearby, a pair of PT Boats took turns loading up cargo from Pyro and delivering it to Eastern Island. Out at sea, three destroyers and two Reliance class cutters circled the Island like sharks.

I want to press on you, Henry, that Midway Island is quite vulnerable. I could see the Japanese just sailing up and walking onto the island. The destroyers and cutters would be quickly swept aside by an attack force of cruisers and battleships. There is really nothing here.

According to my records, the S.S. Cynthia Olson is bringing another boatload of supplies. Behind that, AP Zeilin is bringing the 36 guns of the 144th USA Forward Artillery Regiment. That should have some deterrent effect on a proposed landing. But, what I would really like to have here are more soldiers. The only problem is, there is no place to put them.


Statistics

Naval Losses (Still, we are sitting at 15 ships since the war began)

• TK Gertrude Kellog took three torpedoes as it left Palambang for Batavia. Surprisingly, it did not sink. It may still reach Batavia, but I would not count on it.

Air Losses (New losses cause the total to jump to 549 Airplanes)

• 9x P-40 Tomahawk, 31x SB-2c, 3x I-153C at Changsha. All of the planes that could fly were flown off of the base before Japan could capture it, but these 43 planes had been damaged and had to be left behind.


The Ground War

Rabaul

Rabaul will be lost. The Australian government got together shortly after Pearl Harbor and made the assessment that there was no way they could hold on to Rabaul. They made the choice neither to reinforce nor to withdraw from this port. This means condemning about 5,000 soldiers to capture.

This could not have been an easy decision to make, but it is made, and now it is too late to change it.

Patrol planes spotted a Japanese task force northwest of Rabaul, and launched a strike against it. The planes brought back pictures of a failed attack on a Japanese landing force. This is almost certainly the invasion of Rabaul. I expect the port to be in Japanese hands by the end of the year – perhaps even by the end of the day tomorrow.

The Australians have withdrawn their airplanes from Rabaul to Port Moresby.

China

Yenen: North China: The Chinese Communists surrendered the city.

Changsha: Central China: The Chinese Nationalists surrendered this city. In doing so, we had to destroy 43 airplanes – including 9x P-40 Tomahawks – to prevent them from falling into Japanese hands.

I actually expected the Chinese to hold on to the towns a little longer. The Japanese show up – and without any help from air bombardment or any other support, they simply march in.

Granted, the Chinese were outnumbered. At Changsha, 65,000 Chinese troops faced 165,000 Japanese soldiers, and the Japanese were better equipped. However, I did not see this as reason to run away. At Yenen, the Chinese had over 25,000 soldiers going up against over 100,000 Japanese. This one was a little more understandable. Still, the Chinese had the advantage of defense. They should have been able to hold on.

Either way, these were significant losses – mostly because of the loss of ammunition and other supplies that accompanied the Japanese victory. The Chinese soldiers got out of there with their skin intact, but little else.

It will take a significant amount of time for the Chinese to recover these losses.

Malaya

The British army is doing a good job holding its own in the face is significant odds. At Malacca, over 70,000 Japanese soldiers took on less than 10,000 British, Malayan, and Australian soldiers. The result – the British held the line against the Japanese, inflicting significant losses.

Malacca stands. We have, over the past week, been slowly withdrawing units from Malacca, while keeping a rear guard to deal with the enemy.

Philippines

Manila, in the Philippines, is another place where allied defenders are putting up a good show against the Japanese attackers. Japan attacked the city, and the defenders held their line, again inflicting significant casualties among the Japanese.

Misc. Notes

Before I go on to the heavy news, I have been neglecting to report some of the smaller Japanese movements. I should take care of that oversight before I forget again.

• Japan has occupied the island of Nauru, west of the Gilbert islands of Tarawa and Makin,

• On the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, Japanese forces have moved into Dadjangas (south of Davao) and Cotabado (west of Davao)

• In the central Philippines, Japan set up governance on Masbate Island southwest of Legaspi, under the control of the Legaspi military governor.

• In the northern Philippines, Japan moved into Marcelino, north of Bataan, without opposition.


Christmas Presents

Several allied air squadrons received presents today in the form of bright, shiny, new airplanes.

Australia: The 2/6 Royal Australian Air Force Flight, and No. 14 RAAF Squadron each received new Blenheim V torpedo bombers. Their Hudson bombers were then boxed up and shipped to other Hudson bomber squadrons in Australia. The result of these upgrades is that the Australians are not as desperate for new Hudson bombers from the States, which are on their way, and have nearly 20 additional bombers in service. This is not a large number, but I am certain that the Australians would rather have them than not.

Pearl Harbor: VMF 211 traded in their F4F-3 for F4F-4 Wildcat fighters. Also at Pearl Harbor, the 46th Fighter Squadron traded in Tomahawk fighters for Warhawk fighters. The planes that each they turned in will be refiti and distributed among other fighter groups still flying the F4F-3 and Tomahawk fighters.


Once again, I wish you a merry Christmas. I hope that next year, we will have more to be merry about.

Thayne



Andy Mac -> Imperial Command (2/20/2005 11:38:29 AM)

To: Secretary Thayne
From: General Alan Brooke - British Army Chief of Staff
cc Prime Minister Curtain

The Imperial General Staff wished me to express their full support in the conduct of the war so far and bring to your attention the following points.

The situation in other theatres, especially the critical Middle East position makes further large scale reinforcements difficult until the middle of 1942 at the earliest.

18th UK Division was intended for the Middle East but its convoy has been diverted to Karachi. The view of the British Government is that this formation should be used to reinforce and hold Singapore.

However in the light of the advances made by the Japanese to date and recognising the lack or preparedness it has been agreed that the Division may be deployed at your discretion with the agreement of General Wavell.


At present there are three 1st class Australian Divisions and 1 New Zealand Divisions in the Middle East. Given the threat to Malaya and the Dominions we will free up two of these formations as shipping allows for immediate redeployment (probably 6th and 7th Australian we cannot at this stage free up 9th Austalian or 2nd New Zealand Divisons). If Singapore falls I think the most sensible usage of these forces is to reinforce and garrison Ceylon/ Rangoon until such time as other Imperial forces can replace them (estimated mid 42).

The Prime Minister will be in seperate communication with PM Curtain regarding these forces.

In addition we will try and release one veteran Indian Division from the middle East and if shipping can be found a second British Infantry Division within three months from the Syria/ Iraq theatre although I am sure you are aware until the Axis offensive threat in the Desert and in Russia is clearer additional reinforcements will be minimal.

I am investigating the possibility of stripping an Armoured Brigade from the 7th Armoured Division to reinforce India if the situation deteriorates further.

All reinforcements are subject to the naval sea lift being available and the sea lanes being secure. The First Sea Lord assures me that the Royal Navy will keep the sea lanes open and Admiral Sommerville's Eastern Fleet will be heavily reinforced to allow the Royal Navy to hold open the Bay of Bengal. Admiral Pound asked me to make it explicitly clear that Admiral Sommerville's reinforcements are going to be primarily un modernised 'R' Class Battleships, as such Admiral Sommerville will need to take great care in making use of these ships.

Your actions regarding the replacement of General Percival are acknowledeged and agreed by the Imperial General Staff. The General staff will examine other commands for available veteran senior officers available for redeployment should the situation worsen further.

{sorry to interrupt yer thread thayne couldnt resist wanted to see Curtain / Raver's eruption/ reaction to my proposed diverting to two Oz divisons to India hope you dont mind !!! }[:D][:D]



Thayne -> Friday, December 26, 1941 (2/20/2005 5:33:07 PM)

Friday, December 26, 1941


Henry:

I am sorry about the tone of yesterday’s letter. Admittedly, the holidays always depress me. I think it is because of my decision to devote my life to the diplomatic corps – never marrying or having children of my own. I regret the loss and, though I have met a lot of wonderful women, I was always shipped off to a new part of the world before something serious could develop.

However, we see with this letter from the British Army Chief of Staff (copy enclosed) why it was considered wise to have somebody from the diplomatic corps, rather than a career military officer, in this position.

As for the disposition of the 18th UK Division, there is simply no way to get the division to Singapore to help defend it. The fate of the tanker TK Gertrude Kellogg and the British cruiser CL Danae (see today’s statistics) show exactly what would happen if we tried to sent transport ships to Singapore.

At Khota Bharu, Japan has about 150 bombers. Between Batavia and Singapore, Japan has four carriers and the air force at Kuching, plus the entire route is within range of Japanese two-engine bombers from Saigon. The fact is, Singapore is quite cut off.

I have opted to hold this division in reserve at Bombay, India. If India were more hostile to Japan’s advance, I would feel less cause to worry. It is much more difficult to occupy and move troops across a hostile country than one that is more friendly. However, there are a lot of Japanese sympathizers in India, mostly due to British colonialism.

Here is an area where I fear Roosevelt and Churchill themselves may come to blows. I share Roosevelt’s sentiments that these should become separate nation states governed by their own people. Churchill’s intention to survive the war with the British colonial empire intact represents an archaic way of thinking.

Don’t tell him I said that.

The relevance here is that Japan has been able to muster a great deal of power by using British colonialism in the region as a powerful propaganda weapon.

Anyway, about the Australian divisions, at this point I do not have any firm commitment on where they should go. I am concerned enough about Ceylon that, as soon as the transport units finish moving the Southeast Asia headquarters to Calcutta, India, they shall pick up the 26th India Division which has recently arrived at Madras, and carry it to Columbo.

As for Rangoon . . . I have several worries about holding this city. I fear that political pressure from both Churchill and Chang Kai Shek may force me to agree to moves that I do not think are all that wise – a movement to defend Rangoon. From my perspective, Japanese control of the air will allow them to isolate Rangoon just as they isolated Singapore and the Philippines. I am loathe to lose another Allied army to another axis envelopment and will make my dissatisfaction known. But, I will, as always, execute the orders of the President to the best of my ability.

We are going to need to do something to get supplies from India to China, to keep China in the war. I am planning on sending a number of transport squadrons to India to try to fly supplies to China.

Of course, that will only work if we can hold on to the territory east of Jorhat, India.


Statistics

Naval Losses (2 ships sunk today for 17 ships total)

• TK Gertrude Kellog sank before reaching Batavia.

• CL Danae sank outside of Batavia by carrier-based and land-based torpedo bombers.


Air Losses (553 Airplanes total)

• Yesterday’s reports of air losses at Changsha were somewhat exaggerated. It is difficult, at times, to get accurate information out of Chang Kai Shek’s empire. He may have been trying to exaggerate the losses to gain more allied support. Anyway, yesterday’s reports were exaggerated by 2x Tomahawk and 8x SB-2c.


Losses Inflicted

• We managed to catch 4x Betty on the ground at Davao.


The Ground War

• No major retreats within the last 24 hours.


Java

This is not really “ground war”, but I have some concern about what the Japanese are planning to do with that task force that it has sent into the waters between Singapore and Java. Is he looking for airbases to bombard? Is he just trying to make sure that we are not planning any major naval operations in the area? I cannot tell.

The Dutch are working on the assumption that they plan to continue east down the Sea of Java, looking for somebody to attack. They do not want Japan to know about the fortifications being built at Bali yet, so they have moved the planes away from that base – just for now. Besides, it is better of those planes use the supplies available elsewhere until they need the supplies at Bali.

The Dutch fleet (with their British and American reinforcements) are gathering at Kendari. Whether they will ultimately challenge the Japanese incursion is not yet known. A flock of destroyers against battleships and cruisers with air support hardly sounds like a fair fight.


Malaya

The British army continue to hold Malacca for a fourth day, in the face of overwhelming odds.

I have had a long discussion with Wavell about how best to defend Singapore. Wavell’s plan is to make a stand at Johore Bharu and to personally lead the defense. He hopes to be able to delay the Japanese there while engineers at Singapore work to build up the city’s defenses.

I am uncertain about the wisdom of this strategy. Specifically, I do not know about splitting the forces. Also, I have some fear that the Japanese will be able to attack and force the defenders east to Mersing, rather than Singapore – and that would be a major catastrophe. So, please, if you know of anybody who may have some wisdom to share on this before it is too late, I would be pleased to hear it.


Burma

To defend Burma, General Pownall is setting up a Burma air force at Mandalay. For fighter protection, it will utilize 243 Squadron (Buffalos) and 232 Squadron (Hurricanes). The bomber groups will be 34 Squadron (Blenheim IV), 27 Squadron (Blenheim IF – Night missions), and No. 1 RAAF Squadron (Hudson). We will see how long that lasts.


Rabaul

As expected, the Japanese started their landings at Rabaul. Three battleships shelled the city, but the airplanes had all been withdrawn. We attempted with retrieve some of the key ground personnel as well – particularly those working in intelligence – but our Catalina flying boats were intercepted, and two were shot down by Japanese Zeros. The Japanese carriers are hanging around, but they have not been participating in the combat.

The Japanese have also been scouting the Shortland Islands. They have not been scouting Port Moresby yet.

For the record, Australia has stationed a squadron of Hudson Bombers at Cairns, who are flying supplies to Port Moresby. It is a mere trickle of supplies, but it is better than nothing.

Once Japan has an airbase at Rabaul, it will be able to control the shipping lanes into and out of Port Moresby, isolating yet another unit.

I really hate those Japanese planes.

By the way, according to our records to date, we have shot down 83 Japanese airplanes, while anti-aircraft batteries have shot down 64 enemy planes.


China

I want to stress something that I mentioned yesterday, but which you might have missed. The supply situation in China is desperate, and made worse by the losses at Yenen and Changsha – and the loss of the shops, factories, and warehouses within the cities, and the supplies that the units left behind on retreating. This really is going to become a major issue in this war. I really do understand Chang Kai Shek’s argument for keeping the Burma Road open.


Thayne

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Ay756890851.jpg[/image]



Thayne -> Saturday, December 27, 1941 (2/21/2005 3:20:36 PM)

Saturday, December 27, 1941

Henry:

Good morning. It’s another Saturday, which means that it is time for another one of my weekly updates – mentioning whatever resources will be made available for the upcoming week.

The main additions to the Pacific War will be the carrier Yorktown, plus two P-39 fighter groups to be made available to Australia. I will get to those details later.


Losses Suffered

Naval

• SS Trusty, depth charged west of Kuchang, inflicting severe damage

Air

• Naval bombardment at Menado destroyed 8x Martin bombers, 3x Brewster 339D, 3x Falcon, 2x Demon.

The Ground War

Malaya

Japan drove our forces out of Malacca, Malaya today. They had over an 8 to 1 advantage over the defenders, so that it was just a matter of time. I have said before, these troops held on far longer than I thought they would against very high odds. They really did fight well, and I think that General Wavell should be commended for his success.

Still, the loss of Singapore is a foregone conclusion at the point, due to our inability to get supplies or reinforcements to the port. All we have been able to muster is to transfer planes to and from India. General Wavell has ordered several squadrons to Diamond Harbor to rest for a bit and pick up additional aircraft. The intent was to have the squadrons fly back. However, the Japanese are pushing into southern Burma, and it appears as if we may need the airplanes in Burma instead.

The AVG left us a nice set of facilities at Mandalay, and it may be best to take advantage of it to set up an air force to challenge the Japanese move into Burma.


Burma

In Burma, General Pownall has ordered the defenders out of Moulmein. Scouts were sent along a side road that enters Burma from Rahaeng, in northern Thailand, and discovered that the Japanese were, indeed, trying to outflank Moulmein.

Retreating from Moulmein, the British army set up defenses about 25 miles to the north where the two roads meet. The plan called for allowing the Japanese unit to start across the Salween River, then launch a full-out attack with everything available while the unit was divided. The battle plan has been patterned after William Wallace’s strategy for the Battle of Sterling Bridge in Scotland in 1297.

We will see tomorrow how well things go.


Another Dutch Debacle

The loss of the airplanes at Menado was due to another lapse in communication between the Dutch and the British. The British pulled back their ships that have been defending the port to answer the threat posed by the Japanese fleet in the western portion of the Java Sea. However, the Dutch air force did not pull back. This left the port vulnerable to a Japanese naval bombardment. Japan took advantage of the opportunity.

We really need to get that ABDA Headquarters organized so that we can stop having things like this happen.


Reinforcements

I must say that I am pleased that the flow of reinforcements seems to be picking up. The carrier Yorktown will be put to use escorting a half dozen troop transports loading at Los Angeles. These transports are planning for an operation to occupy Baker Island west of the Line Islands (including Palmyra and Christmas Islands), as well as add reinforcements to garrisons in the South Pacific.

At Baker Island, the plan is to drop off the 115th USAAF Base Force, 206th USA Coast AA Regiment, and 250th USA Coast Artillery Regiment. This should be enough to give the Japanese pause about taking the island . . . as long as we get there before the Japanese do.

I am certain that Prime Minister Curtin will be pleased to receive the two fighter groups of P-39D aircraft. I intend to load the first fighter group on the fast transport AK Alchiba presently standing by at San Francisco, so that it can make the trip to Australia as quickly as possible.

The additional shipping would be useful as well. But, what I could really use are troop transports. We have ten combat units still sitting on the west coast of the United States, awaiting transport. This includes two infantry divisions, which are going to each take more than a few ships to carry them to Hawaii. Yet, I am completely out of troop transports.

This does not mention the fact that I want to move some units west out of Anchorage to forward points at Dutch Harbor, and perhaps even further west along the Aleutian chain. No transports means that they stay in Anchorage.

Sunday, December 28, 1941

* CV Yorktown, San Francisco
• AK West Notus, San Francisco
• TK Tide Penn, San Francisco
• TK Richmond, San Francisco
• TK Torres, San Francisco

Monday, December 29, 1941

• TK Gulfhawk, San Francisco
• AVD Casco, Seattle

Tuesday, December 30, 1941

• 111th Aviation Regiment, San Francisco
* 8th Fighter Group (72 P-39D Airacobra), Seattle
• AK Mahimahi, San Francisco
• AK American Builder, San Francisco

Wednesday, December 31, 1941

• 11th Air Force, San Francisco
• AK Admiral Chase, San Francisco
• TK Paul Shoup, San Francisco
• TK J.A. Moffett, San Francisco
• TK Olympic, San Francisco
• TK Spencer Kellogg

Thursday, January 1, 1942

• DD Sims, San Francisco
• AK Ewa, San Francisco
• TK H.M. Storey II, San Francisco
• TK W.H. Berg, San Francisco
• TK Baldbutte, San Francisco

Friday, January 2, 1942

• DD Paladin, Karachi
• SS Silversides, San Francisco
• AK Liloa, San Francisco
• AK Waimea, San Francisco
• AK Peter Kerr, San Francisco
• AK Admiral Day, San Francisco
• AK West Cactus, San Francisco
• AK Sea Thrush, San Francisco
• TK William F. Humphrey, San Francisco
• TK S.C.T. Todd, San Francisco
• TK Halsey, San Francisco

Saturday, January 3, 1942

• 1st PA Division, Bataan
* 35th Fighter Group (72 P-39D Airacobra), Seattle
• AK Mokihana, , San Francisco
• TK Hombar, San Francisco


Travel Plans

I am flying down to Palmyra tomorrow. Admiral Nimitz is starting to make progress on his orders to secure the line of communication to Australia as far as American Samoa with the arrival of the first major deliveries of supplies to Palmyra. The same convoys delivering there will continue on to Canton Island, then British and American Samoa. We have one cargo ship destined for Australia with vital war supplies.

Anyway, I want to get a look at how things are going. Eventually, I will end up in Australia. At that time, it may be useful to arrange a conversation with Prime Minister Curtin. We will see how things go. It may be a couple of months from now before I actually reach Australia.

Have a pleasant day.

Thayne

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Pn366189557.jpg[/image]



Thayne -> A Note to Readers (2/21/2005 6:50:12 PM)

I hope that you are enjoying the show so far.

I have had a few thoughts running through my brain (there is little else for them to do up there), that I thought I would pass along.

(1) I do appreciate the work of Riverdave and Andy Mac in adding some color to the AAR. Riverdave's letters from PM Curtin have, in fact, had an impact on the orders that I give.

(2) On a related note, I understand that my honorable (or honourable, as the case may be) opponent would like to have an IJA "spoiler" like Riverdave or Andy Mac for his own campaign. I would like to encourage any interested reader who would like to participate to give SeawolF K a PM to discuss arrangements. I know that I would certainly benefit from some interservice rivalry among the Japanese.

(3) I wanted to announce that, if anybody sees me doing things that appear "gamey" in any way, please send me a PM and let me know. The purpose of this game is to keep incidents of using game mechanics to one's advantage to a minimum.

(4) With (3) in mind, I thought that I would mention some of the special rules that I am operating under.

• The cargo-loading limitation that I am using here is much more strict than it was in my game vs. the AI. The rule that I am using now is that the number of ships that I can have loading either on the USA West Coast or India is (game turn -1). In the game vs. the AI I used the rule that I could start loading (game turn - 1) ships. This has drastically slowed the flow of supplies into the war zone during the first three weeks.

• I have changed my carrier rule. I have to lose 2 allied carriers -- not just one -- before I will bring in the USS Wasp. Until then, it remains an Atlantic Ocean carrier.

• I will not transport ground units except on AP craft -- except armored units that are more efficiently transported on AK units.

• I am not allowing myself to build up any port or airfield until I have added at least 1 point to the fort level for any base. This is in keeping with the policy of "defend and hold on with what you have until we have defeated Germany." I know that the allies were building a chain of bases from Hawaii to Australia for ferrying B-17s, but the airfields are already built up enough for this in the game.

• Other than airbase personnel, I am not withdrawing even fragments of any unit from Philippines, Malaya, or the Dutch East Indies. In my readings, I have found that airplane mechanics were in such high demand that the Americans were going to great lengths to get them out of these regions (particularly the Philippines). But, other than that, the units stayed. Unless somebody can provide me with a source to the contrary, I do not know of any historic incidence of retrieving a fragment of a unit from these forward locations in order to rebuild the unit around this fragment.

• I am also not withdrawing much of the supply or resources from Java. I am moving it around some within the Philippines. But, again, except for air bases, I am not withdrawing any. Again, my reading indicates that the allies thought they could contain the Japanese north of Java-Timor -- until the Japanese invasion actually began. By then, it was too late to move out large quantities of supplies.

I know that some people do not like these types of rules. I use them because, as I write my AAR, I have trouble making what is happening sound realistic if I do not use them. I do not think that there is a "right way" to play the game, or a "wrong way". The game is here to enjoy, and different people enjoy different things.

I hope that you are enjoying this set of AAR writeups. I hope you can read these as describing an alternative course of events in an alternative universe, making no reference to game mechanics, but describing what actually reads and feels like an alternative version of the War in the Pacific.

That's my goal.

Anyway, SeaWolF K and I both have the day off, so I have some fighting to fight.

Thank you for your patience for this brief intermission. Now, back to the war.

Thayne.



Thayne -> Sunday, December 28, 1941 (2/22/2005 7:10:34 AM)

Sunday, December 28, 1941

Henry:

Now, we have finished 4 weeks of war, so I will, of course, give you a brief summary of how the war is progressing to date.

I have some good news, and some bad news, about the Battle at Sulaween River, in southeastern Burma.

The bad news: This was not a small 4,000 man unit attempting to cut of Moulmein from behind, but a full Japanese division – the 33rd.

The good news: We won. The Burma Army allowed about 3,000 Japanese soldiers across the river, then hit the Japanese with the full weight of four brigades. Those that came across the river were crawling all over themselves trying to get back.

The allies have now scored their first major victory in a land engagement against the Japanese. We have proved that they are not invincible. Most of all, this has to put a crimp in their plans.

However, on the dark side, setting up this ambush meant allowing the Japanese 55th Division to enter Moulmein virtually without a fight. Japan now controls this vital port. We fully expect that they will use it against us.


Overview of Three Weeks of War

I look in total shock at what Japan has been able to accomplish in just 20 days.

China A renewed Japanese offensive has taken the region around Yunen to the north, and Changsha, in the center of the country. Both are vital supply centers. Japan will, no doubt, put the sizable population of these regions to work further supporting their war aims.

{u}Philippines On the northern island of Luzon, Japan has captured all but the heart of the island. They are battling for Manila. Clark AFB remains in allied hands. The bulk of the allied forces have retreated to Bataan where they are working on building the defenses.

On, and near, the South Island, Japan has taken Davao and the island to the west, and turned them into major bases for securing this area. They have trapped several Philippine units to the north at Cakayan, and it appears as if they are preparing for the final offensive. The allied units are going to try to retreat along the coast to Butuan, to the east, but this may not be possible.

Malaya Japan has forced the allied defenders and continues to is in allied hands. Manila and Clark AFB It has now been three weeks of war. Good morning. It’s another Saturday, which means that it is time for another one of my weekly updates – mentioning whatever resources will be made available for the upcoming week.

British Borneo

Entirely in Japanese hands.

Bismarck Archipelago

Rabaul is under attack and will almost certainly fall by the end of the week. I am surprised that it has held out this far. Japan has a significant number of ships in the harbor, and have been unloading troops every day. More importantly, the port has been hit with nearly 150 Kate carrier-based bombers. The defenders are taking an overwhelming amount of punishment, but they are still fighting.

No matter what happens, the Australian war council has already advised that Rabaul cannot be held, and that no attempts will be made to reinforce it. If any of the units manage to retreat into the jungle, seaplanes based at Port Moresby may be used to try to rescue the survivors, but that is the best we can offer.

Gilbert Islands

Makin, Tarawa, Apamama, and Nauru are now all in Japanese hands.

Wake

In Japan’s hands.


Statistics

Naval Losses (17 ships total)

• BC Repulse
• CA New Orleans
• CL Danae
• 2x PG: Isabel, Asheville
• SS KXV
• 2x AS: Otus, Canopus
• MSW Penguin
• 4x PT: 21, 31, 32, 34
• AP President Madison
• 2x TK: Gertrude Kellogg
• AK Taurus

• Submarine SS O16 was damaged today in waters west of Kuching, in British Borneo.

Air Losses (591 Planes Total)

The 12 plane types with the highest losses to date are:

• 91x P-40B Tomahawk
• 62x Buffalo I
• 45x P-40E Warhawk
• 39x PBY Catelina
• 28x Brewster 339D
• 27x P-36A Mohawk
• 26x SB-2c
• 22x Blenheim I
• 21x Hudson
• 21x Martin 139
• 20x P-26A
• 19x Blenheim IV

Today’s biggest losses came in the form of five Buffalo I lost in an attempt to bomb Khota Bharu, which is the major Japanese airbase in the region. Japan had up significant combat air patrol. General Wavell informs me that he had declared Khota Bharu too risky to be worth the planes, but somehow the information never got passed on to the air units, who loaded up for yet another mission into this hornet’s nest. The results were, predictably, harsh.

Current Allied Operations: South Pacific

Nimitz is continuing to execute his orders to defend the supply line to Australia as far as American Samoa. Recently, this has included the following:

• Seaplanes are now operating out of Canton Island, British Samoa, Tongatapu, and Fiji Islands to provide some early warning of any Japanese aggression.

• The fully loaded military transport ship AK Boreas has reached Palmyra with the first elements of the 39th Bomber Group (B-17 Fortresses)

• AK Idaho is about 4 days’ sailing from Canton Island with the 42nd Bomber Group (B-26 Marauders) and a full load of supplies.

• 18th Fighter Group (P-40 Tomahawks), 5th Bomber Group (B-17 Fortresses), and 90th Bomber Squadron (B-25 Mitchells) will take off tomorrow to the South Pacific. All but the B-17s will stop at Palmyra for fuel before continuing on.

• AK Ohioan is about 3 days’ sailing from Christmas Island in the Line Islands with a full load of supplies.

• AK Charles H. Cramp, with VMF-211 (F4F Wildcats) is about 4 days’ sailing from Palmyra

• TF 1083 with the 2nd USMD Defense Battalion and the 2nd USMC Division is now 600 miles southeast of Christmas Island, with CV Saratoga and BB Colorado providing escort.

So, within the next four days, the strength of the allied occupation of this region will increase significantly. It will still not be enough to withstand a serious Japanese invasion, but it will soon require a more substantial Japanese commitment then it would have required – more planning, more ships, more soldiers, and more effort. Hopefully, Japan does not have the units to spare for such an operation just yet.


Southeast Asia Headquarters

Just one further note. General Pownall has now officially moved his headquarters from Columbo, Ceylon to Diamond Harbor, India.


I was not able to make my scheduled flight to Palmyra today because of the weather. My plans now are to head south with the 18th Fighter Group and 90th Bomber Squadron.

Until tomorrow

Thayne



Raverdave -> RE: Sunday, December 28, 1941 (2/22/2005 12:53:01 PM)

President Roosevelt

From Prime Minister John Curtin



Dear Mr President Roosevelt

Once again I find myself having to plead Australia's case to you, and as each day passes the sky become darker and darker. Not only are we having to fight on two fronts but it seems at times that we are also fighting our "Allies".

First off I must insist that you intervene on our behalf with the honourable Mr Churchill, who seems still intent on using our troops to bolster the defence of India, at seemingly, Australia's cost. There is a lot of talk coming, I am reliable informed, coming from Downing st that India is to be defended with the full resources of the British Empire, all very well and good, but as you are no doubt aware, it is currently AUSTRALIAN Territory that the Japanese are invading namely the Bismarck Archipelago. The Japanese move upon this archipelago is but the first step in her desire to invade Australia, cannot the signals be more clearer?. First Rabal, then Port Moresby then the Australian mainland.

This Government cannot allow the 6th, 7th or 9th Division to be sent anywhere else but Australia, and anything short of this happening will lead to a rift that may never be bridged between the Governments of Australia and Britain.

Let me stress once again, Australian troops cannot be used in the defence of British territories while Australia herself is under direct threat of invasion.

And now to my next point, at a recent cabinet meeting it was agreed that the 3rd Division should be allowed to be used for the defence of Port Moresby along with three RAAF Hudsons Squadrons. The only problem with this, and I am sure that our general staff can work around this, is that we are somewhat short on ground support crews, the bulk of which are currently in the Middle east and Britain. It is of the utmost importance that we hold Port Moresby.

We are still yet to see any large numbers of US troops arrive here in Australia, and my Foreign Affairs department has raised a somewhat difficult question, and that is the mixture of the troops that you plan to send here. As you may or may not know, Australia has an "White Australia" immigration policy, and it would be a very poor show if we had a large number of your Black Troops loosened upon our cities for leave. I would suggest that we let both of our Foreign departments work through this potential problem.

Sincerely
John Curtin Prime Minister.



Thayne -> Monday, December 29, 1941 (2/23/2005 7:45:42 AM)

Monday, December 29, 1941

Henry:

Today, I have not received any news of significant air or naval losses. The only news that I have to report is on the ground war, and that is a scene of continued struggle.

• Rabaul The defenders continue to hold on against overwhelming odds. Japan has now landed over 8,000 troops with a huge amount of artillery to throw against 3,000 defenders and only a hand full of guns. They launched an all-out assault that took control of the city itself from the Australian garrison. To prevent from being cut off, the Australians withdrew to the hills just to the south of the bay. By controlling the hills, they still deny Japan the use of the city.

• Philippines Japan’s drive from the south is too weak to dislodge the American and Philippine defenders. There is scattered fighting in the city itself – though Japan seems most intent on merely shelling allied strongholds. Japan is also trying to dislodge the defenders of Lamon Bay, northeast of Manila, where a Regimental Combat Team took up positions to prevent the allies from being outflanked.

• Burma Japan’s 55th Division took full control of Moulmein today, as expected. The 55th Division is moving north in the hopes of doing what the 33rd Division failed to do – which is dislodge the army dug in north of the city.

• Malaya The fighting here has died down a bit while Japan gives its army a rest. Wavell has decided against making a stand at Mersing since there are too many uncertainties involved. He doubts the ability of making an organized retreat into Singapore and has some fear that Japan may be able to push the defenders to Johore Bharu instead. He is continuing to dig in at Singapore itself.


I finally got my trip to Palmyra Atoll.

The island looks like somebody took the letter “C”, grabbed it on the left and right, and stretched it almost beyond recognition. One thing is certain, it makes a nice port. I can’t think of any place that I would rather be, if I was a ship, than protected inside this bay.

I talked to Nimitz about moving one of the infantry divisions from the west coast of the United States onto this island. There is some dispute as to whether it has enough room. He asked me to check it out. Actually, I can’t tell if an infantry division would fit here. There is not a lot of room. Ultimately, if we bring an infantry division down here, I am almost going to have to argue that it is stationed at Christmas Island, though some detached units from that division could certainly come here to defend this island.

The airstrip uses up a sizable chunk of the island. And if you add room for the airplanes (particularly if you want any disbursement at all), then you do not have much room. In this area, the people here have noticed a dramatic increase in the amount of work that they have to do. The 18th Fighter Group and the 19th Bomber Squadron are using this island as a staging base. As of this evening, there are nearly 30 fighters and 10 bombers here that were not here yesterday. The ground crew is finally getting a chance to put their training to work – fixing those planes that reported problems during the flight down here.

Up until today, the only thing that the crews around here had to work on were the PBY seaplanes.

A cargo ship, AK Boreas, sat at the docks as I arrived. It also brought work for the airplane crews here to work on – the first elements of the 39th bomber group of B-17 fortresses. Now, I do have to ask myself, where are we going to park seventy Fortresses on this island? That seems near impossible. The bomber group is going to have to be split and sent to different islands. One of them may be (should be) Baker Island, if we get a chance to occupy it.

On the plus side, even though Palmyra is made up of a string of islands, you can easily get from one island to the next – even walking the distance on low tide. This is not at all like French Frigate Shoals, where crossing from one island to another is virtually impossible.

So, I think that this island will serve nicely as a staging base. Now, all I need is to find a few troop transport ships so that I can actually get one of those two divisions down here.

Right now, the base is occupied by the recently arrived 3rd USMC Defense Battalion, which is still digging places to put its guns. The 115th USAAF Base Force was already here building and maintaining the runway, which allied planners had long ago determined was necessary if we were going to fly reinforcements to Australia.

Nobody here knows it, but, by the end of the week, the 78th AA Regiment should be here as well, adding to the island’s defense from air attack.

Still, I look at the island, and, if Japan wanted it, they could take it. Put six carriers out there in the ocean to bomb the island with 300 airplanes, and 6 battleships to shell the installations, then throw two divisions onto the beaches, and it will fall. So will our lifeline to Australia.

On a related note, I am getting the feeling that things are starting to move out here. It took a few weeks to get things going, but I now have transport ships in these waters bringing troops and supplies that just might make it difficult for Japan to try to take these places.

I know that this is a short report, but there is simply not much happening right now. Maybe Japan is going to take some time off to celebrate the new year. We all know that they have a lot to celebrate.

Thayne

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Tom Hunter -> RE: Wednesday, December 17, 1941 (2/23/2005 3:59:46 PM)

Thayne,

Though the US left the army in the Philipines to its fate I think there is a game mechanics argument for removing fragments. In the game you cannot choose to build a new unit except by removing a fragment. In the real war if the USA needed more base forces the army formed them. I realize its a bit more complex than that but in essence that is what was going on. If you refuse to evacuate fragments you are taking away a certain type of strategic planning option.

Its clearly your decision but I am not certain that your rational is as strong as you think.

Very enjoyable AAR

Tom



Thayne -> RE: Wednesday, December 17, 1941 (2/23/2005 5:29:45 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Tom Hunter

Thayne,

Though the US left the army in the Philipines to its fate I think there is a game mechanics argument for removing fragments. In the game you cannot choose to build a new unit except by removing a fragment. In the real war if the USA needed more base forces the army formed them. I realize its a bit more complex than that but in essence that is what was going on. If you refuse to evacuate fragments you are taking away a certain type of strategic planning option.

Its clearly your decision but I am not certain that your rational is as strong as you think.

Very enjoyable AAR

Tom


I am not certain about a lot of things . . . which is why I seek advice.

As I mentioned, I am saving fragments of certain air base forces because I have read that the allies were very interested in saving skilled airplane mechanics and engineers. They flew several bombers to the Philippines for the purpose of bringing back people with these types of skills.

If I found any evidence of a unit stationed in the Philippines being recreated -- but not included in the list of reinforcements (that is, the only way to actually use that unit in the game is to salvage and rebuild a fragment), then I would consider that legitimate.

I simply have no evidence of that. But, if somebody else does, I will gladly look at it.



Thayne -> Tuesday, December 30, 1941 (2/24/2005 7:30:26 AM)

Tuesday, December 30, 1941

Henry:

Henry, I want an ABDA Command set up, and I want it set up NOW!

TF1139 is my main attack force in Java. It was looking for an opportunity to nail a Japanese fleet somewhere. It used to contain the Repulse and Prince of Wales – but lost both of them to Japanese torpedo bombers (the former because of a miscommunication that deprived it of air cover).

Last night, TF1139 finished a job of delivering emergency supplies to Bali. I am trying to build up this base as much as possible as a cornerstone of my defense of Java. Admittedly, after they finished this task, they had no further explicit orders. Some band of politicians in Soerabaja then decide they want to give their wives and children a free ride to a safe port, so they call the fleet to Soerabaja.

Soerabaja is underneath the Japanese air umbrella. While sitting in port, Japanese torpedo planes attacked. They SANK CA Houston, and badly damaged CL Marblehead and CL De Ruyter.

So, there goes my attack fleet.

In my last conversation with the commanders in the region, there was no mention of calling the fleet to Soerabaja. If anybody had mentioned it, I would have rejected it BECAUSE of the threat of the Japanese airplanes, and because there were no war ends to be accomplished in Java. Anybody who wanted to get their families out of Java could simply charter a private boat as others are doing.

For the most part, we no longer have a navy in the Dutch East Indies. The Japanese have free reign. And it is not because we have lost in glorious battle. It is because the lack of a unified command – and political interference – have left the area so disorganized Japan was able to pick the fleet apart piece by piece.

Statistics

Naval Losses

• CA Houston sunk, CL De Ruyter badly damaged, CL Marblehead moderately damaged by Japanese torpedo planes at Soerabaja, Java.

Losses Inflicted

• Japanese submarine damaged 400 miles northeast of Darwin, Australia. The submarine attacked one of the last transport convoys in the area as it fled toward northeastern Australia. MSW Abraham Crijnssen reported a possible hit. Really, we’re not counting it.

The Ground War

• Japan now controls Rabaul, in the Bismarck Archipelago.

Curtin’s Letter

I suppose that I should address Mr. Curtin’s most recent ransom note.

Okay, to be honest, I do not think it is unreasonable to suspect the possibility of an invasion of Australia. Japan has invaded other countries having a far greater population than Australia does, and has invaded them successfully – including countries where America and England have had a sizable military presence. They seem to be cutting through our defenses with little difficulty, and there is not much to stop them from taking Australia.

Curtin needs to prepare for this.

One of the advantages of Australia is that it takes up so much land, with huge distances between them. I think that we should look at Australia like a group of islands with vast expanses of nothingness between them that no navy can sail. The northern coast of Australia is one chain of islands. If Japan takes that, it would be difficult to drive them out. The same can be said of Australia. Japan could take the northeastern coast of the island. Finally, Japan may go for the big prize and try for Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne

Ultimately, I think Melbourne is pretty safe – but it is the only part of Australia that is safe.

I would recommend to Mr. Curtin that he take steps to evacuate the north coast and northeastern region and have those people move south. Make these areas military zones. These are the most likely areas of attack and, if the war should come to this region, it would be best if we did not need to worry about civilians.

Thank Mr. Curtin for me for the use of the 3rd Division to defend Port Moresby. At this moment, I do not know if Port Moresby can be held, but I believe it is worth the effort. Steps will be taken to move the 3rd Division into a location where they can be easily shipped to Port Moresby.

However, I also have concerns for the defense of New Caledonia and Fiji. American forces under Nimitz have taken responsibility to protect the supply line to Australia as far as American Samoa. Toward this end, we have two major operations underway. One operation aims to place elements of the 2nd USMC Division on Canton Island, as well as British and American Samoa, with the 2nd USMC Defense Battalion on Canton Island. The other operation aims to occupy Baker Island with a sufficient force to deter any Japanese occupation. We have also moved 1 fighter group, 1 fighter squadron, 2 bomber groups, and 1 bomber squadron into the region.

However, the most likely route for a Japanese advance is through New Caledonia or Fiji. I would consider the defense of Fiji to be of greater significance than Port Moresby at this point. Because, if either of these islands fall into Japanese hands, then Mr. Curtin will not need to worry about the color of American soldiers coming to his country’s rescue – none will be able to make it through the Japanese blockade.

As for Australia’s defense, here is what I have.

• AK Bridge is presently passing through the Line Islands on the way to Australia. It contains vital war supplies, including a bomber group. If we can pass this bomber group through to India, then England will have less of a need for Australia’s air units.

• AP Barnett is presently about 5 days’ travel from American Samoa. It is bringing the 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion to Australia. This construction unit should be able to make a significant contribution in building defensive improvements in any area that Mr. Curtin wants to secure. They could go to Port Moresby, if this is what the Prime Minister wishes.

• The 8th Fighter Group has been loaded onto the attack transport AK Alchiba. Mr. Curtin should be informed that this is the only cargo ship we have in the South Pacific able at traveling at improved speed, which will allow the new planes to be delivered as quickly as possible.

• A bomber squadron armed with B-25 Mitchell bombers is flying through the South Pacific Islands on their way to Australia.. They have completed the first leg of their trip to Palmyra.

• A naval battle group built around the carrier Saratoga will be at Canton island early next week, accompanied by a separate battle group built around the battleship Colorado.

Also, I am somewhat saddened that Mr. Curtin did not see fit to respond to my offer to provide the ships to get his 6th and 7th Divisions out of the Middle East. I am also wondering if Mr. Curtin has responded to my earlier request that the limitation on conscripted soldiers serving outside of Australia be revoked.

Anyway, it is late. I really need to get a good night’s sleep.

The runway here is so crowded that they have my PBY sitting out in the lagoon. Tied down, of course. The weather here has been dark and gray all day, and has been threatening rain and wind. This means that I have a nice pitching lagoon to try to sleep on at night. Needless to say, I have not been getting much sleep here.

Thayne.

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Raverdave -> RE: Tuesday, December 30, 1941 (2/24/2005 2:42:44 PM)

From: John Downer

Principle secretary to the Prime Minister

Department of the Prime Minister. Canberra.



Dear Mr Thayne,

In talks with the Prime Minister, The Right Honourable J. Curtin, it has become apparent that there is scope for communications to either break down or the content to be mis-understood, and so with this in mind the Prime Minister has asked me to open a "back-channel" to you so that any wrinkles can be smoothed over and also to facilitate a clearer understanding between our two governments. You can rest assured, that I talk for the Prime Minister, and am empowered to act on his behalf, and therefore that of the government of the commonwealth of Australia.

I would now like to address a number of issues that I feel have become, shall we say clogged, in the diplomatic channels, and as such may be in fact sending the wrong signals to your government.

First of all I would like to congratulate you on your offer to provide shipping for the transportation of the 6th and 7th Divisions home from the Middle East (and lets not forget the 9th Division either), Seeing these troops brought home is of the utmost importance to the defence of this country, both militarily and politically. However despite you firm offer, we are still of the opinion that it is Churchill's intent to see these troops used for the defence of Britain's Empire, specifically Burma and India. The British Raj seems incapable of defending it's own, and is willing to stake the loss of Australia against it. All very well and good if you are any one else but an Australian !

The Prime Minister is most firm on this issue and will brook no argument against it.

And until these troops are firmly on Australian soil, we shall continue to press the issue.

In regards to the use of our Militia, we have no problems per say with their use within Australian territories, infact we are bound by law to only use then as such. this stems from the first world war, when the first AIF was drawn from a pure volunteer base, as the war progressed and the casualties increased the pool of men became reduce, or should I say those whom were willing to step forward withered as the true nature of the conflict was exposed. This left the government with a recruitment shortfall that at the time seemed to be only able to be resolved by conscription. This was a divisive issue, and split the country in two, even amongst troops on the front line in France. Such was the angst that it was decided that the issue should be put to the people in a referendum, which was narrowly put down. And so since then it has been deemed as political suicide to even attempt to conscript men for serve overseas. However for the defence of Australia it was legally possible, and politically acceptable to conscript men, so long as they served only in Australia or her territories. Hence PNG and all of the Bismarck archipelago can be serviced with militia units, and this government is more than willing to use whatever forces it has at it's disposal to defend these territories. Just so that we are clear on this matter Militia troops WILL be used in PNG and any other Australian territory. Let me now assure you that what is defined as Australian territory is a simple matter of a stroke of a pen. I hope that this clears up this matter.

Now as you are no doubt aware Australian troops are of this moment fighting for their lives on Rabal, and with a slight hint of pride I note that they have been doing so against great odds. This recent Japanese incursion onto Australian territory is viewed with great alarm here in Canberra, and as already outlined by the Prime Minister and the war cabinet, the release of the 3rd Division has been approved. It is noted that the resources to send the 3rd Division into action may not be ready for a few weeks and so it is suggested that the troops embark for Far North Queensland via train until such resources become available.

Our aircraft factories, while small by US standards, are none the less now seeing new Beauforts roiling off the production lines. It is felt by senior RAAF brass that these fine aircraft would be excellent against Japanese shipping so long as they can be supported with fighters, and therefore we would suggest that perhaps the USAAF P-39s, that are due to arrive in a few weeks, be used for this role?

I am sure that such a combination would give the jap a bloody nose if he were to try for Port Moresby.

I hope that this assures you of our commitment to defence of our region, but we must also plan for the worse, and as such are now in the planning stages of a comprehensive defence plan. While such a plan is still in with the staff I can reveal that it is based on using Brisbane as the keystone to holding against any Japanese invasion on the north east coast. While plans for evacuation of civilians are advanced, they will not be actioned until the Japanese have actually invaded, as we don't want to start a panic.

Which brings me to the subject of the 808th Airfield construction Squadron. It is felt that it would serve two purposes to have this unit sent directly to PNG. First it would be able to help expand the airfield at Port Moresby and secondly it would nicely side-step the issue of blacks being on the Australian mainland. Now I am not one to question government policy, but one does not have to be a mental giant to realise that there is a war on and that any help that we gat is good, however I must bow to current policy, and for the short term at least ask you to keep our policy in this area in mind when units of mixed races are earmark for Australia. But I am sure that such policies can be relaxed in the future, just allow us some time.

Mr Thayne, I feel that it would be of great advantage for the two of us to meet at some stage, sooner rather than later, as there are other issues that need to be discussed, the main one being the need of a unified command structure. Events in the DEI are pointing to this, and it is thought that a single overall command would be better than trying to fight the war by committee, as we currently seem to be doing. Perhaps prior to our meeting to could give some thought to whom would be suitable for a roll of Supreme commander allied forces, one that would be also politically acceptable as well as militarily?



Sincerely

John Downer

Principle secretary



Thayne -> Wednesday, December 31, 1941 (2/25/2005 7:24:20 AM)

Wednesday, December 31, 1941

Henry:

Mr. Curtin is not going to like this.

Japanese landings at Lunga on the island of Guadalcanal in the southern Solomons. Japan is reaching out far and fast.

It appears to me that their strategy is to try to pull off the largest envelopment strategies in military history – cut off and isolate both Australia and the Dutch East Indies, then gobble them up at their leisure. I suspect Mr. Curtin is seeing these possibilities as well.

New Zealand has promised me an infantry brigade that I can use to try to keep open the supply routes from America to Australia. I have given New Zealand responsibility for holding Fiji. This new brigade will probably find its use there – though General Puttick tells me that it will take another week to finish organizing the unit. Add two weeks to load and transport the unit, and we see that we will not have the New Zealand unit in place until the second half of January.

Australia, so far, has made no substantial commitment to the defense of New Caledonia. It is as if they do not care if they get their supplies from the United States or not.

They are willing to defend Port Moresby – but Port Moresby is NOT their strategically most important piece of real-estate at the moment. Without a secure supply line, they will not have the munitions that they need to hold Australia, let alone Port Moresby.

I’m giving everything I have available to Nimitz to hold the line to American Samoa. I have nothing left to spare at the moment.

For the time being, I am going to be going under the assumption that Japan is driving for New Caledonia.


The Ground War

Dutch East Indies

Borneo: Japan is expanding its war in the Dutch East Indies with a massive raid on Tarakan, on the northeastern section of Borneo. A convoy consisting of two battleships and a half-dozen cruiser shelled the port. The attack virtually destroyed the coastal guns in the town, as well as the airfield and port facilities. Engineering units went to work cleaning up the mess, only to discover that most of their heavy machinery and other equipment was also wiped out in the raid. I talked to Lieutenant Colonel De Waal, and he informed me that he considered the Tarakan Coastal Gun Battalion and the 2nd DAF Base Force to be no longer battleworthy. If it is Japan’s intention to invade the town, it would be able to do so at this point with virtually no resistance.

Sulawesi: Menado, the northernmost town on the island of Sulawesi, east of Borneo, fell to the Japanese today. In a massive attack, they were able to drive through town and overwhelm the defenders, who surrendered en masse to the Japanese invaders. The allied soldiers did not even have the opportunity to retire into the jungle for guerilla warfare. The Japanese success at Menado will place the port of Kendari, 400 miles to the south, underneath the Japanese air umbrella. Future plans to carry supplies from Kendari to the fortress islands of Bali and Aru have come to an end.


New Brunswick/Solomons:

As I mentioned at the start of this letter, Japan now occupies Rabaul – forcing the defenders into the jungle south of town – and are moving to occupy Guadalcanal (in the southern Solomons) and Kaveing.

The Guadalcanal landings have me most concerned. It should not take long for Japan to build a substantial airbase on the northern portion of this island. From there, they can defend attacks against Espritu Santo and New Caledonia.

I see no way for us to get additional units to New Caledonia in time to hold off a Japanese assault on this region. Our only hope for holding these islands is that Japan decides to spend some time consolidating its holdings – occupying the rest of the Dutch East Indies, Bismarck Archipelago, and the remaining Solomon Islands before launching a full fledged attack further south. Still, even then, Japan would have to give us a considerable amount of time – on the order of three months – if we were to totally secure this area.

If the objective is to contain the Japanese, at this point it appears as if New Zealand itself may make up a part of the containment wall.


Philippines: Cagayan

In the Philippines, Japan has captured Del Monte air strip at Cagayan, on the northern coast of the southern Philippine island. The allied defenders retreated into the jungle, where they still have a considerable amount of supplies, and should be able to hold out for at least a couple of weeks.

Still, the battle for the southern Philippine islands should be considered virtually at an end. We had been pulling the skilled airplane mechanics out of this region – since their service in the airfields further south is considered vital. My advisors tell me that additional flights would be risky, given the Japanese zeros flying out of Devon. They would be able to intercept any attempt by air or sea to rescue additional personnel.

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Fd907444746.jpg[/image]



Thayne -> Thursday, January 1, 1942 (2/26/2005 7:58:24 AM)

Thursday, January 1, 1942

Henry:

I wonder if a “Happy New Year” is in order. I will honestly report that I am anxious about the year to come. I do not know what it will bring – but it could be bad. It could be very, very bad.

Air War

• 11x Martin, 5x Hudson destroyed attempting to attack shipping involved in the attack on Minado.
• 3x Buffalo, 2x Hudson, 4x Blenheim damaged in bombing raid at Singapore

It would be no exaggeration to say that the air resistance in the Dutch East Indies and Singapore have suffered serious damage, and have been rendered virtually impotent as a result of these two attacks. We are still not in a position where we can get replacement airplanes into these regions, so every plane lost is lost for good.

The nearest replacement aircraft have reached as far as Canton Island in the Pacific. It will still take a month for this ship, with his stock of parts and spares for Australia’s Hudson bombers, as well as other planes serving in the region, to reach Australia, unload, and get distributed among the air groups in the region.

I believe that we have no option but to withdraw the air forces into Australia (from the Dutch East Indies) and India (from Singapore) until replacements can arrive. Once the air units have been rebuilt, then they can go back into battle.

Yet, even this assumes that we can maintain a flow of supplies to Australia. Events in the Bismarck Archipelago suggest that this assumption may not be correct.


Bismarck Archipelago

In addition to the capture of Rabaul, Japan now has control of Lunga region on Guadalcanal and Kavieng, They have also landed on Admiralty Islands, north of Rabaul, and Shortlands Island, in the northern Solomon Islands. They are clearly not wasting any time in putting this region entirely under their control. I continue to fear that it is Japan’s plan to use this as a foundation for moving further south and driving a wedge between Australia and America with the capture of Espritu Santo and New Caledonia.

I will be honest – I need more forces at my disposal if I am going to prevent this from happening – or to fight back if it does happen.

This leads me to my communication with Mr. John Downer, Principle Secretary to the Prime Minister Curtin of Australia. I have responded to him as follows:


Mr. Downer

I am grateful for your letter and welcome a chance to communicate with you directly. I will report an honest sense of frustration with Mr. Roosevelt forwarding Mr. Curtin's letters to me with instructions to "deal with the situation", when I have absolutely no power to address the concerns that Mr. Curtin expressed.

For the sake of ensuring clear communication between us, I should like to start by expressing my interpretation of the authority that I do have as expressed in the Denver Agreements of November, 1941.

Namely, recognizing the need for a unified command in the Pacific Theater, should war come, the Government of the United States created the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Pacific Theater for the purpose of facilitating communication between the different commands. All countries agreed to subject their disputes to my arbitration -- relevant only to the disposition of troops that have been assigned by the participating countries to the Pacific Theater. I have no authority to resolve disputes that have not been assigned to the Pacific Theater.

Also, several countries placed certain limits on their participation. Australia was one of those countries. Because of Australia's laws regarding conscription and foreign service, Australia was designated a "restricted command", with limitations placed on the service of any unit filled out in whole in part by draftees.


The 6th, 7th, and 9th Australian Divisions

My authority gives me no power to determine the disposition of the 6th, 7th, or 9th Divisions. This will have to be negotiated separately.

However, the terms of the Denver Agreements stipulate that if the Australian divisions are released to the Pacific Theater, then they fall under my authority, and I have the final say as to whether they will be dispatched to India or Australia.

Representatives of the British government have already sent an official request that I dispatch these units to India if released.

My view of the war is that Australia is in danger of an invasion and occupation -- more so than India. I also believe that the Australian soldiers would be best employed fighting for their homeland, than for the benefit of some other region. It has been my experience that, of all the factors relevant to the combat effectiveness of a military unit, the state of mind of the troops is the most important. Australian units fighting to defend their homes and their families would be an extremely formidable foe to Japanese plans of aggression.

Please inform Mr. Curtin that, if he should release these two divisions to the Pacific Theater, that I will not have them dispatched to India, but will see them delivered as quickly as possible to Australia itself.

However, once they have reached Australia, I may have need of them elsewhere.

It now appears to me that Japan is seeking to isolate Australia. Its landings on Guadalcanal suggest that they are trying to move, as quickly as possible, to occupy the islands sitting across the supply line from America to Australia. I would not be at all surprised to see Japanese soldiers at Espritu Santo and New Caledonia in the very near future.

The security of Australia depends on its ability to receive men and materials from the United States. Towards that end, if these divisions are released to the Pacific Theater, expect that I may call upon those units to defend, or recapture, New Caledonia and Espritu Santo.


The 3rd Australian Division and Port Moresby

At this point, I fear that the security of Port Moresby may be beyond our reach. If Australia is cut off, the P-39s that you ask for in protecting your Beauforts may be stuck on the wrong side of a Japanese wall that has enveloped Australia. There is a need to bloody the nose of the Japanese, but it is in Espritu Santo and New Caledonia, rather than Port Moresby.

I understand that your laws may leave you no choice in this matter for now. In addition, unlike our enemy, we are nations of laws, and hold the need to hold the law in high esteem. However, I caution you that you may have in place a law that will be most effective in helping to ensure that Australia becomes yet another Japanese province.


The 808th Airfield Construction Squadron

Given the inability of Australian forces to contribute to the defense of their own supply line, it may become necessary to use whatever other forces may be available.

In short, I am beginning to wonder if the 808th might not have a more important role to play preserving the supply lines from America to Australia. This argues for deploying this unit on Fiji or New Caledonia, rather than Port Moresby.

I face a quandary even in deciding between these locations. New Caledonia has no infantry to defend it, and placing a defenseless construction battalion on the island may simply make it an easy target for Japanese capture.

Fiji, on the other hand, has a sizable defense, and New Zealand has offered yet another battalion that I may have shipped to these islands. Augmented by this construction battalion and other forces already there, we may be able to hold Fiji.

I have some days left to make this decision. If you have any ideas on how I may best secure Australia's life line, I would be happy to hear them.


Overall Assessment

My opinion remains the same – the most important territory in the war against Japan is the South Pacific. I do not think it is worthwhile to talk about Port Moresby until the route to Australia has been secured. Without a secure supply route, a Port Moresby force cannot be sustained.

Simply imagine what little we can accomplish as Japan stations 300 fighters, bombers, and a carrier division permanently stationed at Noumea.

It is not my intention to continually beat a dead horse. If it is Australia’s intention to defend Port Moresby, I will offer what support I can. Yet, you must recognize that I cannot offer any support unable to make it across a Japanese barrier across New Caledonia

Mr. Stephen Thayne
Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Pacific Theater

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Bz779536420.jpg[/image]



Andy Mac -> RE: Thursday, January 1, 1942 (2/26/2005 3:36:15 PM)


To: Secretary Thayne
From General Alan Brooke - CIGS

Secretary Thayne you will be given formal notification in a few days but I thought you would appreciate some advance warning.

The PM has agreed with the Australian High Commisioner the future of Australian Divisions in the Middle East. Two of the three Divisions are being transferred with immediate effect the third (9th Divison) will remain in the Middle East until we are able to replace them.

A slow convoy is expected in Port Said on the 12th February 1942 following unloading at Port Said it will pick up 7th Australian Division and set sail at best speed for Australia.

A second convoy will pick up 6th Australian Division on or about the 28th of February including all Divisional troops.

A third convoy hugging the coast will deliver 2nd Division to India in Mid March

The Royal Navy is concerned that three troop convoys will be the Western Indian Ocean at the same time.

Admiral Pound will be taking all appropriate steps to secure the transit of these convoys but given losses in the Med it is likely you will be required to maintain a heavy covering TF at Colombo and an ASW TF at Perth to cover these convoys from the 18th February until the end of March.

Given the battles you are fighting elsewhere this is unfortunate but the safe passage of these convoys has the highest possible priority.

Further forces are being diverted to Karachi now.

I have ordered 7th Armoured Division to divert 7th Armoured Bde from the Western Deset they are expected in mid February at Karachi.

Alan Brooke
CIGS



Thayne -> Friday, January 2, 1942 (2/26/2005 6:20:32 PM)

Friday, January 2, 1942

Henry:

There really is not much to report today in terms of statistics. There were no large-scale air or naval losses, and Japan’s capture of the Admiralty and Shortland Islands was expected.

I have to admit, each day as I look at the map and read the reports from the different sector commanders, I am sickened by the inability to launch an effective attack on the Japanese entering the Dutch East Indies.

1 Battle Cruiser and 1 Heavy Cruiser sunk. 1 battleship and 2 light cruisers damaged. All due to the fact that we had three different armies with three different agendas operating in the region.

I am pleased to hear that arrangements have been made for a unified command in the region, and I have no objection to General A.P. Wavell leading these forces. However, I do have some fear that I may confuse him with General C.M Wavell, presently leading the fight in Singapore.

I have advised General Wavell to have his headquarters placed on the fortress island of Bali before Japan has the ability to close down all shipping in the region.


Canton and Enderbury Islands

With the arrival of VMF-211, with their Wildcat fighters, here at Palmyrna Island, Nimitz has started to move the Tomahawk fighters further south, to Canton Island. Canton will be a cornerstone of our defense in this region for some time to come.

I am also looking at Enderbury Island as a possible base of operations. Enderbury Island is about 40 miles southeast of Canton Island. It has one great advantage, and one great disadvantage, over Canton.

The great advantage is that Enderbury Island has no lagoon – it is a solid chunk of land 2 miles wide and 3 miles long. It is a perfect place to build a massive airstrip.

The great disadvantage is that it has no lagoon. This means no safe anchorage for ships. There are a number of reported old shipwrecks around the island, and it would be even more difficult to unload the larger military transports on the island. If a storm should come, we would be required to send the ships at sea, rather than have them subject to the rough waves that would form against the shore.

I am going to fly south to look at Canton and Enderbury Islands this weekend. I will probably spend a few days there.


Baker Island

I believe that we will have some warning before these islands are subject to any type of Japanese invasion. I do not believe that Japan will actually try to attack these islands until they can subject them, and the area around them, to regular search and bombardment by land-based bombers. This means that Baker Island will fall before Canton Island becomes a target. As long as we hold Baker Island, this island will be safe.

The force to occupy Baker Island is, as of this moment, about 1/3 of the way to Pearl Harbor from Hawaii. It will still be a few weeks before we can execute the landing.

When we do, we should have a new home for the Wildcats that are just now unloading and reassembling their planes on the runway nearby.


Bismarck Archipelago

Shortland, Admiralty Islands With no resistance to speak of, Japan had no trouble occupying these two areas. We do not have any news of any additional Japanese landings in the area today, and the carrier force is moving away. Our recent tracking has the carrier force north of Kaveing heading in the direction of Truk Island. This signals the end of this particular phase of the operation. Japan may well spend a week or so consolidating these bases – building and enlarging airfields, moving in air units, and reinforcing the defenses – before they continue the operations.


Japanese Carrier Force

One of the implications of these developments is that we are likely to lose sight of the Japanese carrier force. This means that we will need to be at heightened alert on all Pacific areas for the arrival of the Japanese fleet. Nimitz has ordered additional patrols from Canton Island, to warn against the possible approach of the Japanese carrier force. Of all of the places that Japan may hit. A look at the schedule suggests the possibility that Japan’s carrier force could reach Canton Island at about the same time as our task force carrying the 2nd USMC Division reaches the same islands – perhaps destroying the ships and the units at sea.

The lone escort of CV Saratoga would not be a match for the Japanese force, though the 100 airplanes we now have stationed at Canton (including 2 bomber groups (B-17s and B-26s), 1 bomber squadron (B-25s), and one fighter group (Tomahawks), would subject the Japanese navy to some risk.


New Caledonia

Admiral Nimitz requested that I take steps to cover a significant gap in our aerial reconnaissance between Fiji Island and Australia. Per his request, I negotiated with New Zealand for the release of a Hudson somber squadron to the Pacific Theater, and assigned it to the South Pacific – under Nimitz’ command. Nimitz then ordered the squadron to New Caledonia and assigned it a task of looking for signs of the Japanese fleet encroaching into the area. Not that we could do anything about it if they did show up, but at least we have a chance of finding out about it.


Expect 2nd Borneo Invasion

Japan is starting to gather a sizable fleet at Jolo, an island between the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies. I suspect that they are getting ready to make a move to capture Tarakan and Balikpapan on the eastern coast of Borneo. There is no doubt that Japan would want to secure the oil fields around these regions sooner rather than later, to feed its rather hungry war machine.

The Dutch have gathered the bulk of their military units in the region specifically on these two ports. They have rigged as much of the strategically important sections of this area for demolition, the instant that it appears that these resources may fall into Japanese hands.


Burma

I do not remember if I mentioned this but, yesterday, the 55th Japanese Division moved up to challenge the ground units that defeated the 33rd Japanese Division the day before. This time, Japan was ready to face the allied defenders, and there was no opportunity for a trap or ambush. Japan also brought in several flights of bombers to enhance its advantage. The Burma Army fought the Japanese to a standstill, but was unable to force a retreat.

As a result, today, it was the Burma Army that retreated toward Pego.

Now, because of the geography, we face some serious problems holding Burma. If the Burmese Army attempts to block the Japanese advance north of Rangoon, it would be easy for Japan to outflank them and then force them into Rangoon itself. These troops would then be cut off. In order to prevent this, the Burmese Army has to defend further to the north of Rangoon. This, however, has the drawback of allowing the Japanese to march into Rangoon, virtually unopposed.

General Pownall has decided to leave a token force in Rangoon to man the guns and to prevent the Japanese from walking into the city too easily, as well as to destroy anything of strategic value in the city. However, for the most part, we must leave Rangoon an open city, which will fall to the Japanese shortly.

The same problem exists with the defense of Mandalay further north. Again, if the allies try to defend the city, it would be easy for Japan to cut off the best route of retreat, and force the defenders instead toward Lashio, where their only escape would be a long march along the Burma Road to China (which, itself, has something to recommend it). The only way to ensure the safe retreat of these units into India would be to retreat from Mandalay toward Myitkyina, and also declare Mandalay to be substantially an open city.

This is a problem of geography that there is no way to solve. I loathe to lose these cities to the Japanese – and would eagerly defend them if there was an secure route of retreat out of these regions.

I may be wrong in my assessment. It certainly looks on a standard map of the region as if it would be possible to hold these towns without getting cut off. However, I have reached these conclusions as a result of looking at previous military exercises conducted in the region – mostly on paper – which show these particular effects. If any of the local commanders can assure me that they can find a way of securing their retreat, then I would be happy to change my mind, and send a sizable force to hold either Rangoon or Mandalay.


That is it for today.

Thayne

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Fd922441084.jpg[/image]



Thayne -> Saturday, January 3, 1942 (2/26/2005 11:24:10 PM)

Saturday, January 3, 1942

Henry:

Singapore is now completely cut off. Japan forced the defenders to retreat from Johore Bahru. Ultimately, General C.E. Wavell decided not to make a determined stand at Johore Bharu for a couple of reasons.

(1) Because of the possibility that the units would end up getting cut off and forced to retreat to Mersing.
(2) Because Japan would be fighting the Japanese in pieces rather than as a unified force.

There is a great deal of concern over the lack of supplies to be found at Singapore. It is considered doubtful that the city will hold on even until the middle of the month against the forces that Japan has thrown against it. Japan committed a force that outnumbers the defenders of Singapore by over 2 to 1 -- committing over 100,000 soldiers in the battle of Johore Bahru.

Once Singapore falls, all of the units involved in its capture, minus whatever garrison Japan thinks it needs to govern the region, will be available for the next operation. Chances are, that will be the capture of Java (which may begin as early as the beginning of February).

Some of the people that I have talked to have recommended that we may get a larger break than this because of the size of the force that Japan has committed to the operation to take Malaya. The drain on these units may mean that Japan has no fresh units to commit to a new operation. These units may need a considerable amount of time to rest and regroup before they be effectively thrown into another front.

However, I am not counting on this. The Japanese superiority in numbers, plus their control of the air and the seas, should be able to make up for any deficiencies in the army. Besides, there will be time to rest after Java has fallen – time when Japan will be collecting the resources that Java can offer.


Today’s Statistics

The battle today was executed against ground units.

Besides the battle at Johore Bahru, Japanese forces continued with the following attacks:

• Nanning, China” Chinese units continue to occupy the hills outside of town and shell the defenders, who answer with their own artillery.

• Manila, Philippines: Japan’s 16th Division continues to shell the defenders, but they are not launching any attack. Here, too, the defenders answer with their own shelling.

• Burma: Allied air units out of Mandalay, in central Burma, flew interdiction missions against the 55th Japanese Division. Japan, in turn, flew ground attack missions against the 13th Indian Brigade north of Rangoon.


Reinforcements

It is another Saturday night, and time to list the resources that will be released to me next week.

My habit of listing the reinforcements separately is going to create a rather long list this time, though, again, the bulk of these additional ships are transports, tankers, and cargo ships. I am getting a few more combat ships and, though they are not enough to replace the 5 cruisers sunk or damaged in the Dutch East Indies, they represent an improvement.

The most significant reinforcements are:

• 6 Destroyers, 1 Patrol Gunboat, and 2 Minesweepers, needed to cover the several transport convoys sailing around the Pacific.

• 4 Submarines – the only ships we have that can actually go on the offensive right now.

• 1 squadron of Hurricane fighters that will be uncrated on Ceylon, making an important contribution to that island’s defenses.

The details for these reinforcements are as follows:

Sunday, January 4, 1042

• DD Panther, Karachi
• AK Mormacland, San Francisco

Monday, January 5, 1942

• VP-72 (12x PBY Catalina) at San Francisco
• PG Yarra at Sydney
• AKs: San Felipe, Admiral Wiley, West Camargo at San Francisco
• TKs: Victor H. Helly, Axtell J. Byles, F.H. Hillman at San Francisco

Tuesday, January 6, 1942

• 2nd PA Division at Bataan, Philippines
• 71st Aviation Regiment at San Francisco
• 51st Base Force at San Francisco
• SS Finback at San Francisco
• AKs: Mormacgull, Mormacstar, Main, West Cape at San Francisco
• TKs: Utacarbon, Associated at San Francisco

Wednesday, January 7, 1942

• 221 RAF Base Force at Karachi
• DD Anderson at San Francisco
• AKs: Lihue, Sidney Hauptmann, McCormick Terminal at San Francisco
• TK Paco at San Francisco

Thursday, January 8, 1942

• 193rd USA Tank Battalion at San Francisco
• SSs: Greyback, Gato at San Francisco
• SS O24 at Soerabaja
• AKs Makua, Admiral Laws, Admiral Senn, President Quezon, Nightingale at San Francisco
• TK J.C. Fitzsimmons at San Francisco

Friday, January 9, 1942

• DDs: Hammann, Mustin at San Francisco
• MSW Mustin at Derby
• MSW Launeoton at Sydney
• AP President Adams at San Francisco
• TK Santa Maria, Warwick, K.R. Kingsbury, R.J. Hanna, Brandywine at San Francisco

Saturday, January 10, 1042

• 17 Squadron (16x Hurricane) at Trimcomalee
• DDs: Hughes, Morris at San Francisco
• AKs: Olopana, San Gabriel, Admiral Wood at San Francisco
• TKs: Captain A.F. Lucas, Pueblo, Papoose, Dilworth at San Francisco


China

We have noticed a peculiarity in China. Since the American Volunteer Group destroyed the Nate squadron at Wuhan, there seems to be a shortage of Japanese pilots in China. Therefore, I have talked to Chang Kai Shek about sending the American volunteers on a different type of mission – against the city of Canton itself.

Naturally, Chang Kai Shek has spies in Canton and people who know the region. We talked for a while about finding a suitable strategic target, and settled on railyards, warehouses, and fuel storage facilities.

Since the middle of the 1850s, England and France maintained two “concessions” in Canton, where they managed trade between China and Europe. When Japan attacked Canton in 1938, they virtually destroyed the city – except for the concessions (since Japan was at war with neither England nor France at the time). Since then, the Chinese, under Japan’s control, have been rebuilding the city, particularly the factory and shipping regions near the Concessions.

For me, this was a difficult conversation. I could not escape the fact that I was asking the Chinese leader to attack factories and marshalling yards where Chinese slave labor were the major occupants. I argued that we had been doing the same thing to France since the fall of that country over a year and a half ago. It is more important to prevent the arms and supplies produced in French factories from being used by Germany than to protect the French citizens who are being forced to work in those factories. It is one of the hard choices that war forces upon us.

Chang Kai Shek seemed to have far less difficulty accepting the arguments than I had making them.

Tomorrow, bright and early in the morning, weather permitting, the AVG will take part in a different type of mission – the destruction of Japanese warehouses, factories, and shipping centers in Canton.

Maybe, we prove that we are a significant threat to resources that Japan cannot simply pack up and move a safe distance, Japan may feel the need to pull air units off of the front lines, and give our soldiers better chance in these other areas, at least for a while.


That’s it for today.

Thayne

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Ge966152937.jpg[/image]



Raverdave -> RE: Saturday, January 3, 1942 (2/27/2005 9:13:29 AM)

From: John Downer

Principle secretary to the Prime Minister

Department of the Prime Minister. Canberra.



Dear Mr Thayne,

I have no doubt that you are well aware of the latest cable that we have received from London, in which the British PM has agreed to send the 7th Division, 2nd AIF directly home to Australia with all possible haste. This for us is good news as the situation to our north and east is rapidly deteriorating.

The latest meeting in of the war cabinet proved to be a difficult one, given the current thrust of the Japanese, it seems that we are now facing a "Solomon's choice". If we fail to assist you in holding New Caledonia then our very life line to supplies could very well be cut, and yet if we also don't hold the Japanese from our Northern boarders we are faced with invasion and with our limited defences it is not possible to do both.
It seems quite clear that Japan intends to flank Australia then annex and invade. From current enemy movements no other conclusion can be drawn.
Therefore the war cabinet has decided that at the risk of loosing Port Moresby forces, of the Australian government should be made available to hold open the sea lines of communication between our two countries. I cannot stress enough how much of a difficult decision this has been for us to reach.

However the following conditions are attached.

1/ No Australian unit can be pressed into service outside of Australia without the government first being consulted,
and permission granted for such a move. I assure you that this is merely a formality but one which must
be complied with none the less.

2/ The Australian government reserves the right to recall any unit at any time.

3/ If the Australian mainland is breached by the Japanese, all Australian units will be recalled and shipping for transportation of said units must be immediately made available.

4/ If the Australian Mainland is invaded all US units on Australian soil will immediately come under the control of Australian military commanders to be used in the defence of Australia as they see fit.

I hope Mr Thayne that we can soon meet in person to discuss other important details, such as the current ABDA command structure, which we feel is a mess, and the plans to unite command of the entire Pacific theater of operations.

Sincerely

John Downer

Principle secretary



Thayne -> Sunday, January 4, 1942 (2/28/2005 7:42:59 AM)

Sunday, January 4, 1942

Henry:

This is the start of Week 5 of the war – 28 days of combat now sit behind us.

I usually like to give you a summary on Sundays in case your busy schedule forced you to miss a few of the earlier letters. However, first, today there is important news to report.

Bombing of Canton Successful

Aerial photographs are showing undreamt of success in attacking the city of Canton in China (not to be confused with that island in the east Pacific with a similar title). The Concessions made the area that the bombers were aiming for -- the area to the west -- a clear target. They flew over the Concessions from southeast to northwest, and dropped their bombs on the factories, marshalling yards, warehouses, and transportation centers (such as railroad lines bridges).

The attack proved to be several times more successful than we expected. Even though the P-40s carried 100 poiund bombs, they were able to drop these at important strategic locations in this part of the city. Furthermore, this assortment of factories and warehouses that tended to store materials such as food stuffs and textiles that were burned easily. The area is also not a hardened military target. There is far more wood construction in the region than the concrete, metal, and entreanched earth of a military installation, meaning that the bombs had the potential to be more destructive. Plus, one of our targets was gasoline storage facilities.

The bombing raid also included thirteen SB-2c Chinese bombers, who added their relatively superior bomb load to the destruction. The size of the target and the proximity to easily recognize landmarks made it difficult for the Chinese bombers to miss.

Bombing assessment photographs after the mission showed several textile factories and fuel and food storage facilities burning furiously.

Ultimately, one of the major reasons for these attacks is to draw the Japanese air force northward, where they are not hitting Allied ground and naval units.


The Capture of Tarakakan and Balikpapan

Japan is gathering a substantial fleet at Jolo, an island southwest of the Philippines and just north of Tarakakan and Balikpapan. The fleet consists of three parts: a bombardment force, a carrier force, and a transport force. The carrier force is the same force that entered the west end of the Java Sea a little over a week ago. The bombardment force may be related as well.

In the past week, Japan has launched several raids against Tarakakan – and they have proved quite effective. The coastal defense guns remain pretty much a mess. In fact, in my conversations with the base commander, there are no coastal guns any more. They have a couple of AA guns set up, but they are not going to do much against the Japanese landing on the shore. Sadly, the engineers who were sent to Tarakakan are no longer an effective combat unit either. The destruction of the bombardment have left them short of supplies for blowing the oil fields and pipe lines in the region, and short of people knowledgeable in what they do have. The bombardment truly was a very effective action.

I suspect that Japan is going to move quickly from one base to the other. It wants these oil fields, and there is nothing to be gained by hesitating.

I have talked to the Dutch commanders. They have moved a large collection of submarines into the waters from Jolo to Tarakakan. Also, they are considering moving the remnants of their air force to Macassar, on the southwestern tip of Sulawesi, about 300 miles southeast of Balikpapan. However, the Japanese are coming down with carriers, who no doubt will provide combat cover using their Zeros. It is doubtful that we will be able to get anything through the cover. We can also expect the airbase to get heavily plastered shortly after the Japanese discover that we are using it.


Statistics

Naval War: 18 ships sunk

• 1 BC: Repulse
• 2 CA: Houston, New Orleans
• 1 CL: Danae
• 2 PG: Isabel, Asheville
• 1 SS: KXV
• 1 MSW: Penguin
• 2 AS: Otus, Canopus
• 4 PT: 21, 31, 32, 34
• 1 AP: President Madison
• 2 TK: Gertrude Kellogg, Manatawny
• 1 AK: Taurus

Air War: 644 Planes Lost

The cause of these losses have been:

• 182 planes shot down
• 369 planes destroyed on the field
• 20 planes destroyed by flak
• 73 planes lost due to accident

The top 12 air types suffering losses are:

• 93x P-40B Tomahawk
• 67x Buffalo I
• 45x P-40E Warhawk
• 42x PBY Catelina
• 33x Martin 139
• 30x Hudson I
• 29x Brewster 339
• 28x SB-2c
• 27x P-36A Mohawk
• 26x Blenheim IV
• 23x Blenheim I
• 20x P-26A


Ground War

Malaya: Singapore is all that remains, and I expect that Japan will be moving onto the island in force. I will give the island nation 7 to 10 days to hold out. After that time, these units will be available to take Burma or Java. There are a couple of units at Mersing. The 22nd Indian Brigade is working to protect the engineers of Number 113 Royal Air Force Base Force while they prepare to demolish all useful military structures and facilities in the region.

Philippines:Japan has moved in to try to capture Clark Field. General Thompson is trying to hold Clark Field as long as possible in order to collect and ship additional supplies to Bataan. The general is attempting to locate and store as much food, ammunition, and medicine as possible in the peninsula, hoping to hold on as long as possible.


It’s actually very late tonight, and I really feel as if I need some sleep. If these letters seem to ramble from time to time, it is because I typically can’t get to them until long after I should be asleep.

For now, I want to go to bed.

Thayne

[image]local://upfiles/12310/Ca830375654.jpg[/image]



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