Leandros
Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
Status: offline
|
December 14th, 1941
In a meeting of fighter group, squadron and flight leaders in the evening of the 13th, on Nichols Field, Manila, a memorandum is set up for relay by MacArthur’s
staff to Washington. It is requested that the maximum number of P-40B and P-36 fighters be dispatched to the PI as the P-40 “E” version, with its higher weights,
has proven too sluggish, with an inferior r/c and maneuverability, to effectively combat the enemy fighters. For the same reason it has shown to be unable to
intercept the high-flying enemy bombers.
Even with its lighter armament and protective armor the assembly finds the P-36 to be the best plane for them during the prevailing conditions. Its reliable radial
engine and better range are also factors which are underlined. The memorandum is dispatched by MacArthur’s staff before the morning with a copy to General Strong
in PH.
For the first time Rabaul is bombed by enemy Bettys. An unfortunate development as the base is presently used as a refueling stop by the ferry flights from the
West Coast and PH.
S-38 is hit twice during a nightly surface attack on BB Huyaga and DD Hokaze outside Davao. A torpedo hit is claimed on BB Huyaga.
SS Sailfish reports 4 torpedo hits on AK Daisin Maru in a nightly surface attack. Several reports on unsuccessful submarine attacks.
AKL Elcano, evading from Legaspi, bumps into a large westbound enemy covering force between Palau and PI. 2 BB’s, 2 CL’s and 4 DD’s. Elcano is sunk.
SS I-156 torpedoes AKL Princess of Negros near Busuanga. On fire.
SS Skipjack fires 2 torps on AK Hokutai Maru near Takao. On fire.
SS I-156 attacks AKL Corregidor with gunfire near Busuanga. 10 hits, on fire. Sinks.
BB Ise is reported hit by a B-17D near Davao.
Heavy enemy submarine activity around PH. One enemy SS is reported hit by bomb.
Japanese troops capture San Fernando south of Vigan. The General is quite upset that the enemy has not yet been driven into the sea by his own numerous forces.
The General has requested an immediate meeting with the DEI, British and Aussie military leadership. Location: Darwin. He intends to send Admiral Hart and General
Brereton to represent him. The purpose is to convince the ABDA partners to cooperate fully in the US plan for the relief of The Philippines.
The Japanese are safely ensconced in three large beachheads in Malaya.
An unexpected reinforcement has arrived in Manila. 8 British MTB’s that escaped from Hong Kong. These MTB’s have a better range than the USN PT’s but no supply
back-up in Manila other than what can be given by their US colleagues.
CV Enterprise has been picked to carry army fighters to PH, its TF at the same time escorting the fast (21-knot) transport President Coolidge, due PH within the
day, carrying a Marine Defense battalion. Otherwise, the TF shall consist of two radar-equipped CA’s and 7 modern DD’s.
34th Combat Engineers and 2nd USMC Eng. Bn. are pre-warned for immediate transfer to the Far East. Five days allowed for preparations.
On the request of General Marshall, Colonel Eisenhower, War Planning Dept., creates an analysis of the present situation regarding relief of The Philippines. His
conclusion, freely worded, is that “failure is excusable, not doing the best to achieve relief, is not”. Due to the Japanese basing net, the Relief Route must
pass south of New Guinea, through the Torres Strait and The Moluccans, along the western coast of Papua New Guinea. Crucial to keep this route open is to hold the
axis Darwin-Ambon-Menado-Zamboanga.
The analysis accepted by General Marshall, Gerow and Eisenhower the same evening invites a group from the Dutch Embassy in Washington to the War Planning Dept.,
to be briefed on local conditions and eventual support that can be expected by the DEI authorities. With the Dutch group is the military attache’ and an
intelligence officer. The main conclusion of the meeting is that the DEI defense organization can contribute considerably on the Command and Control side through
the large Communication Centre in Ambon and the extensive Dutch basing and communication system. While the participants are not in a position to make any
agreements of sort, both parties issue reports to their superiors on what information has been exchanged. Nothing is written about future actions, the reports
give a good indication on what is possible.
A recommendation is wired to General MacArthur in the morning. With the present enemy cruiser activity in the south he requests the Australian leadership to shift
their emphasis on forward defense from Ambon to Menado. Within the afternoon Sparrow Force, presently disembarking in Ambon, is ordered to instead move to Menado.
The same order is given to Gull Force in Darwin. That the Aussie leadership reacted so effectively on MacArthur’s request was based on some concrete information
about time and size of US reinforcements.
Fred
_____________________________
|
Printable Version
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 
New Messages
No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages
Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages
Locked w/o New Messages
Post New Thread