10th Jan 42
Sub Wars
Thresher misses etc.
An ASW Tf out of Sydney engages I-19. The sub gets damaged in the morning but the TF re-aquires her later on and forces her to the surface. I-19 bravely tries to torpedo her way out of trouble but the destroyers keep their distance and put round after round into her. Eventually, with all the smoke from the fires, the destroyers lose visual contact with her but sonar on board Electra claim they hear the noises of the sub going down. Seems a confirmed kill. It's worth bearing in mind that Electra and Express both have ASW ratings of 8 - substantially better than anything else I have just now.
PI
14th army are preparing for an attack on Manila, according to information collected by our code breakers. It doesn't mean much because I know there are several units preparing for the siege.
My PT boats find and harass a large convoy at it tried to land at San Fernando. Hopefully that will put any supply unloading back a day or two.
DEI
Manando falls, wiping out the garrison there. 50 odd survivors from the base force flee into the jungle but won't last long without supplies.
Burma
Bombers from Rangoon will attack Moulmein tomorrow in an attempt to disrupt the Japanese units there before they move north. A small convoy is about three days out from Rangoon and carrying supplies. I don't know how many more of these I'll be able to get in before his aricraft close of the port.
Pacific Aces
Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce to you Warrant Officer HH Griffith of 453 sqn RAF. This Australian pilot, currently based at Singapore, has become the first Allied fighter ace of the pacific war with 6 kills to his name. Several more of his squadron are nearly there as well, reflecting the intensity of the aerial combat over the city.
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