Dispatches from the Pacific

[Paddy]

The following are dispatches from the War in the Pacific from December 1941

These dispatches are on a monthly basis between two allies,
the Supreme American Commander Pacific, Admiral Nimitz (played by Dialectic2003) and
the Commonwealth Cheif of Armed Forces, General Paddy(played by Paddy the Scot).

As most of you would be aware of the scenario, you may understand that we went into this with several preconceptions of certain events. We hope that you enjoy the journey we are taking.

On a side note, I would like to thank EQandCivfanatic & Prince Jason for their story A Tale of Two Nations which inspired this collection of dispatches.

[Paddy]

Dec 1941 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

I have pulled everything out south of Honolulu and am creating a mega task force (bwhahahaha) - I hope he can’t reach it first turn. I'm building another naval task force and researching the marines. I don’t quite know what to do with the Philippines, but I have pulled out the cruiser and most of the DD's so I can try to interdict jap shipping near the Dutch east Indies. This is all hopelessly unrealistic I am sure as I haven't seen what they might do, but we'll soon find out.

Dec 1941 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

I have mobilized alot. looking to evacuate Hong Kong, they can live to play another day, rushed a destroyer there to pull the garrison out, have not worked out if I will abandon the city,(leave it in ruins) or leave it to be captured and run by the Japanese. Very hard for me to play this scenario, lots of memories. I have consolidated a lot of fire power in Singapore, ready for the invasion, I even sent a sortie off to fight for Bangkok.
Good luck, I saw the jap air forces attack some off your ships, even saw a destroyer go down in the south china sea

[unscratchedfoot]

Paddy, dude, c'mon! Finish the other story first before starting another project. That said, this should be interesting just the same. You have memories? You were in Hong Kong in WW2? Cool. Do much combat and what not?

Have a beer.

[Paddy]

Thanks for the beer, always appreciate another long cold beer.

I also appreciate your comments on starting another project, while still having '5th Destroyer Squadron' open / unfinished.

The only point I can make on that is that they are two completely different stories, and I have a collaborator in 'dialetic2003' on this one.

The plus side is that I am holding off on another project that has been in the works for several weeks already, that is alot bigger then this one...! I really am trying to keep my new found passion under some kind of control... and not let my stories have a long gap like I did in 'People of the Valley'.

[Paddy]

Jan 1942 TOP SECRET
From West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco
To East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney

No sooner had I moved the US forces out of Hawaii then the Japs struck ...fortunately we heeded the info contained in that cryptic message from our Australian friends. Though it pains me to say it, I am glad I disobeyed that order from the president and shifted our naval assets SE. Concentration is the key ... hopefully, the units I ordered sent from the mainland reach here in time. We need the marines, though it will be several months before they are ready.

Our forces seem caught in some sort of somnolent daze, maybe they aren't ready for this war as none of them seem to be responding to my orders. Its too early to call it treason, perhaps next month if they still refuse my call and persist in this insubordination I'll set up some court-martials to show them what happens to traitors ... I feel this may have something to do with the recent attack by the Japs on our territory in the Philippines, its like they don’t want to fight.

My grand plans of interdiction in the Dutch East Indies are about to be sunk, there’s an elite BB staring at me none too gently



Jan 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Bloody Japs... trying to root them out of Bangkok,,, they are dug in...
I have held onto Hong Kong for another turn, have drafted some citizens, dug the three units in, then sent the destroyer out to sea; it smacked one of their battleships around before going under
Ordered construction of Airport in Hong Kong

Airlift into Singapore continues.

Massive movements of Dutch Naval vessels, they are going all over the place, yet unable to determine their actual intent, glad they are allies either way.

Chinese troops attacking coast road around Hong Kong. Wish we could coordinate more closely for attacks…

Wish you luck with the Philippines.

[Paddy]

Feb 1942 TOP SECRET
From West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco
To East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney

well, well, well ... I lost Guam and forgot to abandon Princess Puerto in the Philippines so that’s not looking too good. the good news is I got all the navy of pearl harbour and only lost like 2-3 destroyers outside of it so I have a bit of a TF moving to link with the stuff coming from the US. I only have 2 transports going and so cant really begin taken islands back just yet, but I should be able to kick the japs navy around Hawaii in the next 3 or 4 turns (gotta track it down first) ... I have about 6-8 BBs, 4 CV's (with 8 fighters and 4 bombers), 5 CAs, 5 DD's and about 6 SSs converging into one uberTF! 8)
what would u like me to do with the 3 DD's and SS that survived over by the Philippines?



Feb 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

what a bloody mess...
My attack force into Bangkok has been shredded... bugger, then the remnants of the Japanese garrison there went out and TOOK buket from me. a good point here is that I have rushed built 3 light tanks to the north of Bangkok and going to throw them in next turn. I have also sent a mixed bag up from Singapore. at this stage I must also report the loss of DD buggered if I know, this DD was carrying a full battalion of Anzac regulars to Singapore. They went down within sight of Singapore and all hands were lost. They have smashed my fleet around Singapore, they have a massive airbase on the Cambodian peninsula... Before this turn, I was going to ask that you help in the blockade of Singapore, now I will not wish that blood bath on any one... my only suggestion is that you gather these forces together and patrol the multitude of waterways to Australia’s north, I have seen many jap ships in the many harbours around Hong Kong. Oh and Hong Kong did survive another turn, I have build an airport there and flew in 2 more units,,,,
Good luck, great news about your fleet, happy hunting.
Was it a great attack against Pearl?

[Paddy]

Mar 1942 TOP SECRET
From West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco
To East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney

Manila is starting to feel the loss of the Nth of the Philippines; the Jap's have elite marines and tank elements bearing down on the capitol. Hit them with artillery and fighters and have damaged them somewhat but I doubt we'll hold there long. I'm starting to notice what you mean about the Jap airpower in and around the SE archipelagos, my ambition of an American contingent sweeping the Nth of Australia for you is not panning out at all ... still I have a couple of subs operating up in Truk, Nth of Papua and will reinforce when possible.

Some good news from the beleaguered and besieged Wake Island garrison, the elite Akagi CV was sunk by one of our subs. Those subs are underestimated, underhanded and underutilitised, but we'll soon change that! The forward islands are in danger much sooner than I had anticipated and I have changed my previous strategy of waiting for the fleet inbound from West Coast US. Now, I will try to clear the enemy from around the midway area. There are still strong enemy carrier TF Nth of Hawaii and will require my most of my efforts at this stage.

After this next turn I will have the last of my immediate naval resources enroute to Hawaii and will begin mobilizing ground troops and the requisite transport. I envisage within 8-10 turns I can have some of the closer Jap held territory under land attack.

Sorry to hear about the shredding of your armies in the Thailand operations. I can't really spare too many forces that far West at this time, but will soon hopefully. Can you provide any concrete Intel on the danger in SE Asia? Are you aware of any enemy forces operating NW of Oz?

Signing off, seeya at the up coming conference hell or high water (if you're still alive)


Mar 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Ahh the days of the Malayan peninsula

A force of Commonwealth light tanks from left Rangoon and attacked the Bangkok stronghold, all but taking it. Exhausted, they then watched a force leave Buket, march pass them then attack and capture Rangoon, all very disturbing.

17 bombing missions flew from the Japanese air base in Cambodia against Singapore. Several were shot down. More troops arrived via destroyers and airlift. Singapore is becoming quite a base.

rail infrastructure across the Australian mainland almost completed, the Nullarbor will be conquered.

ss thorn sad witness to massive invasion on US Davio Island base, now under Japanese control.
Report states that SS Thorn had just arrived in the waters of the base when the Japanese fleet arrived and invaded. The Thorn is hunting Jap boats as you read this dispatch

solid Dutch fleet seen heading north, not sure of there exact movements, they are playing their cards very close to their chest for allies.

Chinese forces taking quite a beating around Nanking, they are throwing quite a few forces into keeping the Japanese forces split north and south on the Hong Kong / Canton road.
I commend them for their efforts and swear that they are not in vain, I hope to be able to march several units from Hong Kong out into this foray in the coming months.

[Paddy]

April 1942 TOP SECRET
From West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco
To East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney

The action is starting to heat up in the Hawaii-midway zone of the pacific. While scouting out the northern flank of TF Alpha reports indicated a mixed enemy fleet of moderate size inbound from the NE. Upon closer inspection the veteran Kaga CV was identified, with a BB and 2 DD as support. Bringing up the main elements of the TF to engage ASAP, those units within range opened bombardment and squadrons of bombers and fighters were scrambled. After a full scale attack the extent of the damage inflicted became known, the BB was sunk with all other enemy units (and most importantly the CV Kaga) were severely damaged. Though our final sortie to finish off the main prize was repulsed by Zero interceptors, the day’s action saw a comprehensive victory to our forces in the area. Bringing up TF Bravo to rendezvous.

Beginning to rally together the first elements of TF Charlie. First creation of Marine battalions underway, now researching FB and Hvy Bombers. Should have significant land forces enroute to SE Pacific (Truk through to Palau area) within 4 months.

The Philippines are now all but overwhelmed. Failure to abandon both Davao and Puerto Princess most keenly felt ... reports from Manila show that limited counterattacks initially successful, but costly and ultimately futile. I have ordered the setting of demolition charges, they must not take Manila whole, we will rebuild. I shall return.


April 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

My forces were hard pressed on their attack against Bangkok, The Japanese had brought up many units to secure the position throughout the month, and no matter how many units were defeated, there was always another ready to fill the hole.

Japanese bombers and fighters continue there attacks on Singapore.

The Dutch have landed an infantry unit on Davio in the Japanese lands

Commonwealth Bombers continue runs against the Japanese forces in Puerto Princess.

The Commonwealth navy continues to gather around Singapore, but to what real end.

New airport opened in Auckland, just need to generate troops in New Zealand now.

[Paddy]

May 1942 TOP SECRET
From West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco
To East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney

The seas between hawaii and midway are clear! The previous months encounter with the Kaga and her escort had proved our mettle against the supposedly invincible Imperial Jap Navy. This latest tangle should confirm beyond a doubt that our boys can take down these bastards come what may. Not only have we run down and sent the Kaga to the depths, we lucked upon yet another enemy carrier element. This time it was the Soryu's turn to feel the wrath of the US Navy. TF's Alpha and Bravo have combined for the moment, though I think I will split this formation to provide support for the ground troops while the main fleet engages enemy naval forces closer the Asian mainland. The objective is to clear the mid-pacific of large concentration of enemy forces while leaving patrolling elements strong enough to deal with their reinforcements.

Soon, I shall be sending a US army contingent to begin operations on the first of many islands leading back to the philipines. Against all hope, Manila seems to be holding out.
With the aid of the dutch and the indomitable Commonwealth forces we may hold onto this valuable bastion in the SE Asian island zone.


May 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

on the hills to the northwest of Bangkok, an Anzac battalion (at 1/3 strength) and 2 artillery units held their position against unbelievable odds. The Anzac can proudly were the name Veterans with great honour. They will not be forgotten, in years to come their exploits will be remembered.

Outside Buket a large force of regular and green Anzac battalions, that have just arrived via transport, destroyers and the airlift, have gathered and fortified themselves, awaiting reinforcements. I am glad they were dug in, for the japs throw and army of tanks against them, time and again this horde tried to break the ranks of these young men. several battalions were lost, but the camp survived. A new Medium tank unit has been rush built at an amazing cost in Singapore. New technology and new weapons, what a time we live in.

This unit and others that have are still arriving via destroyer are to join the force outside Buket, to take the city back.

The goal is then to push on to Bangkok, as fast as possible, hit these Japs quickly.

The Naval blockade around Singapore still stands, but there have been casualties.
The BB Prince of Wales has been severely wounded and has been forced to head south for safer waters.

Anzac Troops have now moved out of Hong Kong in numbers, and have fortified them selves on the Japanese rail line out of Canton. This move is to assist the Chinese forces that have fought so ferociously in this area. Each month the barracks of Hong Kong is setting out a fresh battalion of drafted citizens. They may be green, but they are there. The airport is accepting troops from various places.

A sad note for the Dutch. Their island of terante has fallen. A strong naval armada moved in and swept them off the island. It was by shear chance that two commonwealth cruisers were on the other side of the island, and they inflicted some damage to an unnamed Japanese BB.

Also the Dutch Infantry at Davio attacked the new Japanese garrison, but they were slaughtered.

Glad to hear of your endeavours in the deep pacific. I must say that although you have found and taken to task many Japanese vessels, we still see many more in the waters of the south china seas and the islands around.

Gods speed to your ships, and His eternal Grace for Manila in these hours of darkness.

[unscratchedfoot]

Very nice. Keep the war journal coming and kick them japs around bigstyle.

You deserve another beer.

[dialectic2003]

May 1942, TOP SECRET
Supreme American Commander Pacific, Admiral Nimitz
President of the United States of America, Mr F.D. Roosevelt

Mr President,

I trust this telegram finds you and the first lady well.

My status reports to the JCS have been delayed of late by the surprise aggression of the Japanese Imperial forces. I say surprise, though it appears there had been some evidence that they had been planning offensive moves against us and our allies for many months. I was certainly surprised when I received word from undisclosed sources that an attack was imminent.

I understand that this may border on cause for dismissal, but my sense of honor will not permit silence during this testing time. An order was received from the highest point in our chain of command, specifically from you sir, stating that we were to stand down and not heed reports of potentially hostile movement around our territory and outposts. This report was received on the 5th of Dec, 1941. Two days later the inbound fleets of the Japanese Imperial Navy opened an immense attack on our forward bases and assets.

Suddenly revealed for what they were, the enemy, the Japanese decimated our garrison on Guam and many of our units on and around the Philipines. During the subsequent weeks and months we have lost almost all of the Philipines and most of our assets in this region. I believe it is only with the grace of god, and some help from our allies the Dutch and the Commonwealth that we have held onto Manila as long as we have.

Our Pacific fleet was saved from an ignominous defeat by a timely dispatch from our allies. This detailed an intercept from Imperial HQ in Tokyo advising orders for an attack on our and our allies' forces. I immediately ordered all naval forces in the Pearl Harbor port to steam SE to rendevous with our carrier elements, then on exercise with some of our ASW forces. I sudder to think what might have transpired had we not done so, many of our crews on ships such as the Arizona are raw green recruits from from base camp. The devastation could have been immense.

Not only is this report an effort to explain my action in contravention of a direct order, but also to enquire under what circumstances you had issued it in the first place. The order and its timing seem very odd to me, even more so considering that is came direct from your office. What information prompted such as extraordinary order? If, as I suspect, the intelligence I received and acted upon had also been transmitted to you, and yet you did nothing, the implications are enormous. I am not threatening impreachment or any other sanction, but I would like you to reflect upon this before you make any further decision that will risk the lives of my men and fellow Americans.

I have enclosed those sitreps I have communicated to our Commonwealth allies. They detail that the situation around our forward bases at Hawaii and Midway has stabilised, but we are in a dangerous position still in the Philipines region. I request that we relinquish some of the assets we have promised the British in North Africa and send them towards the SE Asian achipelago and the Malayan peninsula regions as these seem seriously threatened.

Regards,
Adm. Nimitz, Supreme American Commander, Pacific

[Paddy]

June 1942 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

The marines are on their way. I plan to have 3 main TF's operating in about 2 months. TF Alpha will be assigned the objective of Truk and then to proceed towards the Dutch East Indies to block any Jap advance southwards. To that end I have assigned 2 regular BB's, 2 CV's, 2 CA's, 2 DD's and a sub, with a land component of tanks, MG bns and GI's and flak. If Manila still holds, which it should, as I have reinforced it with a MG Bn; then this will sweep on and either take back Tientendo in Sumatra or move on to safeguard Borneo.

TF Bravo, composed of the same elements as Alpha, but with the Marines should move out from Hawaii in 2 months to begin the arduous job of taking the Jap islands of Kwajalein, through Palau and North into the heart of the so-called Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere.

TF Charlie, some of which is still on its way will have the job of patrolling the Midway - Hawaii - Wake Island axis and protecting the West Coast of the US. This will be somewhat weaker than the main combat flotillas but will still be well armed with 2 (green) BB's 1 CV, 2 CA's, 2 DD's and 2 subs.

Hopefully, before too long we won't have to worry as much about the threat to the Australian north. With the reduction of the main Jap bases in the deep Pacific and Truk/Kwajalein we should drastically reduce their ability to project power over much of the Pacific Ocean. Following this we can concentrate on relieving some of the pressure from the Malaya peninsula and the Chinese by beginning to bring the fight closer to the Jap homeland.

The actual combat transpired has been minimal, only the one enemy sub was spotted and he managed to slip away from our pursuing subs and attack aircraft. One sub was lost; the brave men on board the SS Gudgen will be revenged. They have not died in vain; the Jap I-16 will be punished for their transgressions and sent to the bottom.


June 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Kuala Lumpar builds new barracks

Bhuket: 25th Japanese Army in occupation, with assorted other units.
The new tank made the day by cleaning up the remnants of the Jap 25th
Bhuket has fallen. I have moved several units in to garrison and rebuild it.

Anzac battalions have moved into the hills around Bangkok...
Green units getting plenty of combat experience as Japanese forces throw themselves at their positions in the hills.

Jap BB 'Haruna' off Singapore, three destroyers bombarded it, and then the SS Storm moved in for the kill, all hands lost on the Haruna.
Then waves of Japanese bombers filled the skies and the three commonwealth destroyers were lost

I now have 4 subs now converging on the waters around manila.

Massive bombing raids on Hong Kong, I believe that the japs have taken troops around the cut rail line via transport so that they can continue in there journey to Bangkok...

Cruisers Exeter and Dragon bombarded Japanese forces in Tenate then moved on for the rendezvous off Singapore

BB Prince of Wales and Repulse continue to limp to Darwin, both critically injured.

Transport of light tanks left Darwin harbour for Singapore, it would be great if we could airlift them...

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Great stuff this keep up the fight lads

[unscratchedfoot]

Yes, keep on punishing them japs. I found unique units to replace the originals with so it looks a lot more real: like Japanese nell and betty bombers with latewar Zeke fighter, pershing sherman and stewart tanks for US, japanese khago tank and Chi-ha medium late war tank, british cromwell and latewar firefly, buffalo spitfire bristol mousquito and lancaster british planes etc etc. so all the countries get totally unique and real units and I made divine wind and jet techs into advanced fighter and bomber techs (no jets). If you want the website to them I can provide it. I also beefed up the japanese a lot because the AI is not smart enough to take territory with those realistically few troop numbers and delete Pearl Harbour BB's because the AI doesn't wipe them out like in real life.

[Paddy]

I would like to look at the website if you could supply the address.

[Paddy]

July 1942 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

Another reasonably quiet time in the pacific ... though no one can tell for how long. It feels a little eerie with only the occasional jap sub showing themselves, feels like something bad is about to happen.

I have initiated the movement of TF Alpha towards the Truk sector and Bravo towards Kwajalein ... it will be several months before they are ready to engage the enemy, but when they do I wouldn't want to be a Jap.

The only major event of note of the last several weeks has been the eruption of major violence on the W coast USA. Though I have my suspicions about enemy saboteurs and fifth columnists, it appears the people in South-East LA have risen up and rioted over overcrowding. I tell you, we can’t please some people - would they rather live under the iron fist of the Jap?! These damn peaceniks and pinkotreehuggers demanding an end to war its disgusting. It’s that damn lefty philosophy they teach at Berkeley, well that and the nefarious and insidious marijuana! Note to self: investigate possibility enemy is smuggling large quantities of class A narcotics into the US of A to turn our people against us.

Good news on the demise of the 25th Army in Bhuket. Keep up the good work!


July 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Ok, my sub force around Manila has been found and smashed by Jap bombers. Jap has quite a mighty air force in the region, I warn you now to be very careful of this situation when you approach...

Thank you for the Lend Lease finances, I see that the commonwealth will be sharing its common wealth with your nation for many a year to come. These funds will go along way in the coming months...

I have seeded some of it to complete Australia’s 3rd international airport, this one in the seaside town of Perth. Other funds were spent rushing a light tank in Burma

The great Nulabour Rail has been completed. A dream of the nation to link the Indian and Pacific Oceans with a ribbon of rail. Amazing just bloody amazing what we can achieve in times of war. The rail gangs have now moved to finish the rail link to Darwin. This should be done in a few months, we will probably finish the line to cairns after that...

More troops have arrived in Singapore, the base there has seen so many Anzacs, quite fantastic that it is still operational. Bhuket is safe again. Our relief column has joined up with the troops on the hills outside of Bangkok. supplies including vegemite, minties and bread were much sort after. the troops held quite a riotous party on the hill over looking Bangkok, in many ways daring Jap to come out of his hole... when all was said and done, the lads dug in and are awaiting a 2nd column before heading in. It was no surprise when very late in the month Jap threw 11 bombing runs on the camp. I am proud of the lads, although we suffered casualties, they did not break and run. The 2nd column arrives soon, I wish now I had far more flak units or more fighter squadrons available...

I wonder late into the evening if this battle will be won on the land or in the air.

The new tank unit has been severely mauled when it fought the Jap 25th army, so it has been pulled back for repairs. It should be operational again when a transport of 3 light tanks and artillery rgt arrives in Singapore. Hopefully by the time these units make it to the front we will be through Bangkok, and a few stone throws from smashing the Jap air base on the Cambodian peninsula.

Chinese forces are marching down to either put a hold on Rangoon or Bangkok, either way they are a much welcomed sight. 3 full battalions of them, we may not speak the same language, but we both smile when Jap runs into us.

It is hoped by my boffins that your teams will find good use of this new technology that we send to you. The tank preformed marvelously, and we are sure that your industrial might will be able to really pump them out.

My strategic planners would like to seed you a base of operations. We have many islands that are well resourced, please look them over and let me know your choice. I understand your passion for the Philippines, and I know how Douglas does go on (and on) about them when we sit and chat some evenings. Yet I have felt first hand the devastation of the Jap bombers on my fleets while they sat in and around Singapore harbour, a harbour that had great air cover from several fighter squadrons and several experienced flak battalions. So we would like for you to have a safer base of operations for your multiple task forces that you are sending so far from their homes.

Now, on the point of your General Douglas Macarthur, I do appreciate that you are able to spare me such a skilled and oral warrior for my senior liaison, but are you sure that his mighty prowess is not wasted in such duties. Yes he is a fine motivator, and has been a true blessing in keeping the red tape from .... well getting in the way. You know I heard that he had an English Major-General of the 7th Fusiliers removed and given control of the upper Derwent river in case the chocolate factory outside of Hobart in Tasmania is ever under attack. Not exactly within his authority at this stage, but things do happen when he speaks... Some days I wish there were more like him, others I am glad he is not my boss.

[Paddy]

August 1942 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

TF Alpha and Bravo under steam and making good progress towards first waypoints ... No sign of the enemy, suspect he has withdrawn main fleet elements for reinforcing SE Asian and mainland attacks.

Appreciate warning on enemy airpower in the South China Sea area, I am maintaining an extensive CAP and will continue to do so throughout the journey.

Unfortunately, I still have not seen the Medium tank prototypes you mentioned, they will make a tremendous difference and I will spare no expense to get them under steam to the front conflict zones as soon as I am able.

My thanks for the offer of a forward base to resupply and repair in, I have already included 2 Flak units in my initial ground complement as I suspected those damn zeros and kites would be making themselves felt. I have reviewed the bases available in Borneo and feel Kudet would be most suitable. Though its production facilities are woefully inadequate when compared to the West Coast US, I am predominantly interested in a forward base for logistic purposes and this will serve just fine.

Gen. Macarthur is indeed a good senior liaison, though truth be told, I sent him to you more for the symbolic than the practical (well, that and the fact that I can't stand him and he wanted to be close the action).


August 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Rangoon has been recaptured...

Drafted Anzac units, yes green units from Burmese forts stepped up to the mark and trounced the Jap garrisons. They did such a good job that the Chinese forces in the area no longer had any thing around Rangoon to do and left the area... Which is kind of a shame as I had hoped they would participate in attacking Bangkok.

Kudet has been prepared for your arrival, it is hoped that the contractors have the new barrack complex finished by the time your advance force arrives

New technology should have arrived in the states at this time.

The Columns have meet on the hills outside Bangkok, and I must say that I was shocked to see that not one of the units that were dug in there. Every unit was at critical status. They have now been supplemented with the 2nd column and also the new tank, which has been fully refurbished.

Looking forward to sending them in next month.

A third column has been dispatched from Singapore.
The transport convoy with new tanks has been hit late in the month by a massive air armada, I await reports on whether the transport survived.

Glad to see that your cities are growing so fast on your west coast.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Loving it

[Paddy]

September 1942 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

Its been a quiet period in our sector, very little has been happening ... the Japs have all but given up on taking Manila, so our boys there can breath a sigh of relief and spend some time in R&R. How much relaxation you can have in that sort of heat, I don't know, but we're sending Bob Hope over so who knows there might be a smile seen after all. I fear this will be a respite all too brief, but deserved nonetheless. I wish we could send a couple of our morale raising USO shows over to those heroes in the Commonwealth camps for holding back the Japs, but its too hot an LZ and Bob's manager would never approve.


September 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Bangkok has Fallen

The western border is ours.
Multiple Green Anzac Units in this battle have stepped up to Regular and Veteran status.

The air lift continues.

A Japanese Unit has landed next to Kudet. I have one Anzac Battalion within striking distance, and will send him in to attack soon.

The Jap has conducted quite an attack on Hong Kong, many of our lads have fallen, but the garrison stands...

[Paddy]

October 1942 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

As TF Alpha neared Kwajalein on their way to Truk, an enemy Destroyer was spotted and promptly eliminated. Not before he scored several hits on the submarine SS Batfish though. Luckily these will only involve heavy repairs and not heavy loss of life. Being the closest TF in bombardment range Alpha veered in and opened a blazing barrage of shell and bomb and managed to sink a Jap Hvy Cruiser. Designation was difficult to appraise due to the huge oil slick and smoking inferno that was once a hull.

About Kudet, my local teams have reported that the Jap contingent you spotted is a paratrooper formation of considerable strength, I trust you will be able to deal with him. Be advised there is a significant fleet supporting him on the Hong Kong side of Borneo proper. Glad to hear about the success in Bangkok, be sure we are all cheering for your hard fought victory.


October 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Kudet has been saved, and the Jap naval patrol as removed them selves to Porto princess
My replenished fighters took off before dawn, and sweep into the Jap Para encampment with the coming light, making a real mess of their camp and overall situation. Then the Anzac battalion moved up onto the adjoining ridge and proceeded to meet them shot for shot. the township awaits your arrival.

Hong Kong proceeds to stand under face of a constant barrage of Jap forces. The draftees of Hong Kong claimed the scalp of a fairly strong Jap tank RGT. I have now seen multiple attacks by our Chinese allies against Jap forces...

Bangkok stands, and a new barracks has been rush purchased with the last of the lend lease gold. Multiple troops are now based there, I have sent you a toe of Bangkok just before they bombed the **** out of it at the end of the turn... multiple injuries... many of those troops started out as green draftees from all over my lands. the Jap bombers have really touched Bangkok in so many ways in the last few months. they have taken out things like the granary, citizens, smashed units from 4 to 1, that sort of thing. If they hit it like that again next turn, I may have to rush some workers there to prop up the population...

Yes Jap has Brutalized the civilian population.... "just one more thing to add to our list of war crimes!" as you would say. Some of my senior staff has discussed importing salt from south Australia to Borneo, so as to have a salt mine in Borneo to send them to for punishment.

Our new tank in Bangkok fell to almost its identical number flying the Jap flag. They just rumbled up over the hill one afternoon, my lads report that they were shocked, many thinking it were our very own tank rgt mucking about. Then our tankers loaded up and met the Jap on the edge of the city, a very messy occasion, The Jap won, but retreated severely mauled. I must say that they are very fast beasts, for our lads were jumping for them, but they were gone. Colonel Barrett of the Flying Wagga Light Tanks wanted to ride out with his RGT, but general B Scot held him in check. The force in Bangkok is not to be squandered, we must take that air base on the Cambodian peninsula, and I refuse to waste resources.

The airport in Auckland has been very active, with several battalions being shipped straight into Singapore the last few months.

I have attached an aerial view of the Western Asian Border.

How soon before you will have forces in Kudet?

[Paddy]

A periscope photo of a torpedoed Japanese destroyer. 1942.

[Paddy]

A U.S. Navy officer at the periscope in the control room of a submarine. 1942.

[Paddy]

November 1942 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

The closer TF Alpha gets to Truk the greater the resistance the enemy is putting up. Reports are coming in from both TF Alpha and Bravo of persistent Jap probing by strong sub forces. TF Bravo has taken over the mission of close bombardment of Kwajalein from Alpha, with the initial elements of TF Charlie steaming down from Pearl Harbour to lend their weight of fire to the reduction of the Japs main forward base in the SW Pacific.

After issuing the fleet formation orders for TF Alpha's movement to Truk, an enemy sub was sighted. The elite I-16 had been a thorn in the US Navy's side in the deep pacific for some time, and now it was time for payback. During the previous 2 nights we had lost a destroyer and had the battleship Arizona lightly damaged. Both of these incidents had been attributed to a lone submarine operating under cover of darkness, slinking back to base before dawn. Something must have gone awry with that insidious plan as recon elements out of the Carrier Yorktown report sighting a Jap sub basking in the morning sun desperately carrying out repairs and unable to submerge. We took our time with this prize. Target practice was the order of the day, a shell for every hundred lives this nemesis has taken. Several direct hits and the destroyer Davy Roberts was sent in to finish I-16 off. With that task complete, TF Bravo continued shelling and bombing the Kwajalein Jap base, sinking one hvy cruiser, one transport and mauling a MG bn guarding the beach approaches. Soon the marines (1st & 2nd regt's, with 3rd & 4th in reserve) will be launching an amphibious assault to secure the base and end this threat
to our supply lines.

Patrolling north of Palau, the veteran sub commander of the SS Seawolf reported spotting a significant fleet of two enemy hvy cruisers and a destroyer escorting the veteran Ryujo carrier. Scenting a great prize to be close at hand, the Seawolf closed and opened fire with time-fused torpedoes, aimed squarely at the enemy carrier. In a bad turn of luck the trails from the four torpedoes were noticed and evasive action saved the carrier from certain destruction, resulting in only light damage. Even worse the Seawolf was unable to submerge to sufficient depth before disaster struck. Soon after reporting the light damage and attempt to withdraw was underway, communication from the SS Seawolf was abruptly terminated. A laurel and flag will be dispatched to the grieving families. All other subs in the vicinity have been ordered to drop previous assignments and intercept.

One last point of note, the situation on Kudet seems to have stabilized since your admirable success in thwarting the Jap attempt on the base. This will make a valuable alternative to docking in Manila, which more and more seems in the middle of a hornet’s nest of enemy air and sea power. Communications from the newly established base command at the Kudet facility has reported success in rushing through the mobilization of a regular GI regt. Through the use of the age-old tactic of the 'press-gang' we have trawled all the bars, clubs, mercenary outfits and general seedy establishments for low down scum, better recruits not being available. There is no downside strangely enough as most of these men have considerable military experience and skills. Suffice it to say that the defence of Kudet has been bolstered and should hold out against the low-level Jap assaults we expect.


November 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

The Jap thought he could intimidate my men in Bangkok with his new tank force. Several Battalions of Anzacs moved out into the hills and smashed the Jap tanks.

At this point General B Scott let the artillery fly, and they bombarded Pnom-Penh, then he let loose Colonel Barrett of the Flying Wagga Light Tanks, along with two other such battalions. They drove up the ridge, cheered on by the Victorious Anzac Battalion, then descended on the Pnom-Penh, the artillery sure had wrecked havoc on this ancient township, and the Light Tanks captured the township. From there we moved up more Anzac Battalions from Bangkok and Singapore. The airfields are so much closer no.

Admiral Hollingsworth has rushed the repairs of the Prince of Wales and the Repulse, and they are back at sea, heading for a rendezvous near Borneo, When we have the airport on the Cambodian peninsula, the south china sea will be a little safer for our big boats, then they can assist in laying siege to the Jap occupied townships.

Chinese forces have continued to damage the Jap forces at the Nanning / Hong Kong parcel of land. We believe that this has severely hinder Jap in his efforts in trying to get through to assist his forces throughout Thailand.

I have attached an aerial view of Borneo, and Manila.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Paddy this is fantastic stuff, please pass on my regards also to your comrade in the American command centre.

It feels so real at times

[Paddy]

Hi Chris, I am glad that you are enjoying it.

Yes, I too have noticed the realism component.

I believe that this is because this scenario is so close to home for dialetic2003 and myself. Literally being in our front yards so to speak, and with the battles having being fought be people who are still alive in our communities today.

Well sir, if you have enjoy the opening year, hold onto your boots, for we are about to take you on an adventure to JAPLAND... Hope you have your popcorn and coke ready....

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Sir yes Sir

Bring it on!!

[unscratchedfoot]

Yeah I agree. It felt so real that I found myself waving my arms about while reading, trying to swim out of the way of torpedoes.

Paddy the Scot, here's the link to the authentic units: http://www.cdgroup.org/forums/tbs/ci...orum.php?f=185

I'm looking forward to the big battle of Tokyo. Have a nice cool pint of dark brew.

[Paddy]

December 1942 TOP SECRET
From Allied Command Centre San Francisco America
To Allied Command Centre Sydney Australia

Reports received from the newly positioned TF Charlie demonstrate that further bombardment of Kwajalein is having little impact as there are few enemy forces left. TF Alpha and Bravo successfully shelled and bombed them back to hell, where they belong, over the last few weeks. Having isolated Kwajalein base as a naval threat to our supply and communication lines, TF Bravo made best speed to rendevous with TF Alpha and assist in the impending ground assault on the Truk island enemy garrison.

To that end, I ordered the ground troops waiting in transports with TF Alpha to land on the unopposed beaches to the West of the Japs, there to await preparatory shelling from the floating arsenal of democracy to the North before making their attack. The troops disembarked are as follows: 1st and 2nd Army GI regts (sold dependable attacking forces, but somewhat weak on the defence), supported by the 5th and 6th Lt Tank regt's (good firepower and mobility; but, again, not to be relied upon to hold ground), in order to stiffen these attacking forces it was deemed necessary to include some decent defensive troops in the form of the 4th and 22nd Machine Gun Bn's (great stopping power, but little mobility or attacking strength). These army formations have been well supplied with anti-aircraft cover from the menacing threat of jap fighters and bombers, in the form of the 3rd and 15th flak units. These troops are the first mainland USA contribution to the ground war in the Pacific and as such feel a great pride and honor in their place in this mammoth struggle, not to mention not wanting to let their Commonwealth, Dutch and Chinese allies down. Under the overall command of the seasoned and highly capable Army General J.T Jackson, these grunts, tankers and flakmen are champing at the bit to start getting their own back for the wanton aggression and merciless cruelty that has marked the Jap war effort against us and our allies.

Closer to the Asian mainland, and our ultimate objective - the Japanese home islands - there has been further progress made in preparing for an active defence of the South China Sea. We have just rolled down the Manila aerodrome runway the recently completed 1st squadron of the P-38 Ligtning Fighter Bombers, 'Satan's Angels' as they're somewhat strangely, but affectionately known by the airmen of that unit. These new aircraft, straight from a new prototype designed in part by Charles Lindbergh, should enable us to help defend our TFs inbound from the deep pacific against the significant Jap sea and air power in the region. In addition, when combined with the stealth and hitting power of the sub units in and around the Philipines we should have an able strike force for use against any stray flotillas the Japs have in the area. This sub force, though sorely missing the abilities of the SS Seawolf, will be strengthened by the sub we have under construction in the dry docks.

Due to the size of the Manila production facilities we can expect this fine addition to our naval assets in the region in the next few months. Also, though the time will be significantly greater in duration, the construction of an airport has been ordered for Kadet. This should help with the quick forward deployment of forces for use against the Jap held bases around the region.


December 1942 TOP SECRET
From East Coast Australia Allied Command Centre Sydney
To West Coast America Allied Command Centre San Francisco

Christmas 1942.

One year has passed. A year of bloodshed, swaet and many tears.

The drive for metals here in Australia continues. It is nothing short of amazing the amount of precious metals that have been willingly given up from the kitchens of this remote island nation. I recently attended a meeting held by the Australian Ministry of Supply. At this meeting were three of the heads of the major steel mills in this country. They discussed various fiqures and showed how the recycling of these donated metals has actually placed Australia two years ahead of steel production than if they had to allow for the resources to be removed from the ground.

In Lithgow, to the West of Sydney, an Armanents factory has been working 24 hours aday to get quailty waepons available for the Anzac troops that have been leaving their loved ones behind. Under licence they have produced some great arms, with a very small percentage of failure. When we toured the actory last month, I was quietly surprised to find that there were only three men in the whole facility. One is the boss, one is the gate keeper (and he is very elderly) and the last is a young lad in his early teens. He worked on a production line that packaged bullets. Yes the girls of this nation are involved in this war.

I am glad to see your new base coming into shape so quickly. My Anzac battalion in the outlying hills will withdraw in the coming month.

We are now on the outskirts of the Jap airbase... about time. They sent several bombers against up, I believe they must be shocked that not many made it home, our flak battalions may have worked hard, but they punched many holes into the Jap curtain across the sky.

The garrisons of Bangkok report Jap tanks and troops sneaking across the back hills. They are in for quite a shock, there are quite a few units sitting back there getting R&R after the sucessful operations of Bangkok and Pnom-Phen.

Another transporter is set to depart Darwin in the coming month. This convoy will bring more of our new tank to Singapore.

It is hoped that these tanks will roll into HongKong before Christmas of 1943.

We are now reseeding some of the outlieing islands with Anzac regulars. I had these islands stripped of all troops and rushed by destroyer and airlif to hold Singapore and Hong Kong. As I no loner fear to greatly for Singapore, and as I have quite a sizeable force on the road to Hong Kong, I feel that it is important to not leave these islands to the pain of Jap forces just arriving.

Looking forward to seeing you and your staff at the upcoming conference, and enjoy your New Years celebrations.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

superb, simply superb

[vovan]

Paddy, I don't know if it's the beer or what, but this is great. Keep it up - I'm hooked.