Malaya What If
- Thread starter Fatboy Coxy
- Start date
Mac does not have to die.
An injury or illness that has him sent stateside to recover and in the meantime others rise to fill the vacuum.
An injury or illness that has him sent stateside to recover and in the meantime others rise to fill the vacuum.
Stilwell is a most overlooked US Commander. He performed very well in initial Burma and was then given to Chiang Kai-shek, who misused him and the materiale help the US gave the Nationalists.
He threw away a lot of the better nationalist Chinese troops in Burma and basically ruined our relationship with the nationalists during the course of the war
'cause he said the truth about Chiang Kai-Shek and his wife? Diplomacy was not his forte.
Well there is an understatement. Stilwell was the kind of guy you send to people you want to provoke a war with, not the one you send to an ally you want cooperation from.
His reputation was a bit mixed. He didn't mince his words but he cared deeply for the men under his command, earning the sobriquet "Uncle Joe".
MWI 41070212 5th Imperial Conference
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
1941, Wednesday 02 July;
It was noon, Emperor Hirohito had bowed his head in formal agreement, and the 5th Imperial Conference was over, the decision had been made, Nanshin-ron, the Southern Expansion Doctrine had been chosen. Barbarossa, the German invasion of the USSR had brought it to a head, the argument, should they move north or south? and now they had made that decision.
Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka and Privy Council President Yoshimichi Hara led the argument for Hokushin-ron, the Northern option, Hara claiming, the “war between Germany and the Soviet Union represents the chance of a lifetime for Japan. Since the Soviet Union is promoting Communism around the world, we will have to attack her sooner or later. Our Empire wants to avoid going to war with Great Britain and the United States while we are engaged in a war with the Soviet Union, we should attack her now. Matsuoka argued that it would be better to postpone the move south and attack the USSR in the rear at this opportune time in the middle of the German-Soviet struggle, and seize Soviet territories in the Far East, including Sakhalin Island and her coal and oil reserves.
These arguments were countered, as always, by the worry of resources, especially oil. Japanese military intelligence didn’t think Germany could swiftly defeat the Soviet Union, they might find themselves in another long war, just like they already were in China. And the Americans wouldn’t just sit back, it had to be expected they would impose an oil embargo. Furthermore, talks with the Dutch on increased oil purchases had completely broken down with no agreement. For nearly a year now, diplomatic missions to Batavia had courted the Dutch East Indies, in what turned out to be the vain hope that Japan’s oil needs could be obtained from them. They had asked to increase the petrol exports from 570,000 tons in 1939 to 3,750,000 tons, yearly, for five years, roughly half the Dutch output. The Dutch hadn’t refused, but had said their main focus was on a successful prosecution of war with Germany, and most of their output was for themselves or allies, what was left was enough for the regular sales to third parties, Japan included, there would be no increase.
However, keeping on good terms with the Soviet Union, who had far too much to worry about to consider attacking Japan, meant Japan’s back would now be covered, and she could move south. The absorption of South East Asia would deliver the excellent resources of oil in the Dutch East Indies, as well as the tin and rubber of Malaya. The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere would be created. Furthermore, it would isolate the Nationalist Government of China, choking her. Russia could wait till much later; this was the golden opportunity not to be missed.
The arguments were bitter, careers were being ended on this, indeed so vehement was Matsuoka in his position, that he’d informed the Soviet Ambassador that the Tripartite Pact took precedence over the Japan-Soviet Neutrality Pact. Something had to give, and Konoe agreed in secret to dissolve his Cabinet, and then form a new government without Matsuoka as his Foreign Minister. The new Foreign Minister would then assure the Soviet Ambassador that Japan would honour the neutrality agreement, even though Germany was urging her to attack the Russia from the east.
All that was left now was implementation and how it was to be achieved. They would try to negotiate a peaceful way forward first, if they could, but already minds were turning towards war if they could not. The occupation of Southern Indo-China would be the first step in that plan.
It was noon, Emperor Hirohito had bowed his head in formal agreement, and the 5th Imperial Conference was over, the decision had been made, Nanshin-ron, the Southern Expansion Doctrine had been chosen. Barbarossa, the German invasion of the USSR had brought it to a head, the argument, should they move north or south? and now they had made that decision.
Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka and Privy Council President Yoshimichi Hara led the argument for Hokushin-ron, the Northern option, Hara claiming, the “war between Germany and the Soviet Union represents the chance of a lifetime for Japan. Since the Soviet Union is promoting Communism around the world, we will have to attack her sooner or later. Our Empire wants to avoid going to war with Great Britain and the United States while we are engaged in a war with the Soviet Union, we should attack her now. Matsuoka argued that it would be better to postpone the move south and attack the USSR in the rear at this opportune time in the middle of the German-Soviet struggle, and seize Soviet territories in the Far East, including Sakhalin Island and her coal and oil reserves.
These arguments were countered, as always, by the worry of resources, especially oil. Japanese military intelligence didn’t think Germany could swiftly defeat the Soviet Union, they might find themselves in another long war, just like they already were in China. And the Americans wouldn’t just sit back, it had to be expected they would impose an oil embargo. Furthermore, talks with the Dutch on increased oil purchases had completely broken down with no agreement. For nearly a year now, diplomatic missions to Batavia had courted the Dutch East Indies, in what turned out to be the vain hope that Japan’s oil needs could be obtained from them. They had asked to increase the petrol exports from 570,000 tons in 1939 to 3,750,000 tons, yearly, for five years, roughly half the Dutch output. The Dutch hadn’t refused, but had said their main focus was on a successful prosecution of war with Germany, and most of their output was for themselves or allies, what was left was enough for the regular sales to third parties, Japan included, there would be no increase.
However, keeping on good terms with the Soviet Union, who had far too much to worry about to consider attacking Japan, meant Japan’s back would now be covered, and she could move south. The absorption of South East Asia would deliver the excellent resources of oil in the Dutch East Indies, as well as the tin and rubber of Malaya. The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere would be created. Furthermore, it would isolate the Nationalist Government of China, choking her. Russia could wait till much later; this was the golden opportunity not to be missed.
The arguments were bitter, careers were being ended on this, indeed so vehement was Matsuoka in his position, that he’d informed the Soviet Ambassador that the Tripartite Pact took precedence over the Japan-Soviet Neutrality Pact. Something had to give, and Konoe agreed in secret to dissolve his Cabinet, and then form a new government without Matsuoka as his Foreign Minister. The new Foreign Minister would then assure the Soviet Ambassador that Japan would honour the neutrality agreement, even though Germany was urging her to attack the Russia from the east.
All that was left now was implementation and how it was to be achieved. They would try to negotiate a peaceful way forward first, if they could, but already minds were turning towards war if they could not. The occupation of Southern Indo-China would be the first step in that plan.
MWI 41070312 The Kiwis Contribute
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
1941, Thursday 03 July;
They were a far smaller Dominion than Australia or Canada, and their primary military asset, the 2nd New Zealand Division, serving in the Middle East, took the lion’s share of men and material, consequently there wasn’t a lot else they had to offer. Nevertheless, they were committed to the defence of Malaya, and would find some units to send.
RNZAF 486 squadron, based at Kallang, had been the start, forming in March with Buffalo’s. Now more pilots and ground crew, arriving today on the convoy from Sydney, would allow that squadron to spawn a second Article XV squadron, RNZAF 488, also equipped with the Buffalo, for now, to cohabitate at Kallang.
The same convoy had also carried pilots and some groundcrew for two newly forming Australian Article XV squadrons, 453 and 457, again, both spawning from another squadron, 450. They were equipping with Hurricanes. All these squadrons relied on a heavy RAF presence, filling some Squadron and Flight leader posts, as well as almost entirely all of the ground crews. In addition, the OTU based at Kluang had been doing some sterling work, making the newly trained pilots comfortable with the single seater aircraft.
Also, along with the various Australian Army drafts carried, was another New Zealand unit, the No 1 Aerodrome Construction Squadron RNZAF, 230 strong with an average age of 36, some as old as 45, skilled in heavy construction or earth moving. They had no equipment, but would marry up with new equipment delivered last month from Canada. They had some new airfields to carve out from plantations, or deep jungle, in preparation of yet further squadrons arriving.
One cargo ship in Singapore harbour was loading, preparing to sail to Rangoon tomorrow, with the ground crew and equipment of RAF 67 Squadron on board, also equipped with the Buffalo, and they would be redeploying to Mingaladon, mid Burma, while the pilots and aircraft flew along the air route, Alor Star, Victoria Point, Mergui, Tavoy, Moulmein, and lastly Rangoon. Future deliveries of Buffalos were now being diverted to Darwin, where they would equip RAAF 21 Sqn, who would give up their Wirraway’s, and to Calcutta for the RAF, with some left in Singapore for the Fleet Air Arm.
The other thing of note, not that many knew about it, was a long-standing problem of Keith Park’s had been resolved. Radar stations are useless if they cannot pass their information to the filter room, and by June, 1941, it had become apparent that the telephone system in Malaya could not currently meet the requirements of the radar stations planned; in any case, lines on poles alongside hundreds of miles of unguarded country roads or railway lines would always be at risk of damage, intentional or otherwise. Singapore Island, however, had a good telephone system.
The problem of communication had been solved by taking over the top floor of the only skyscraper in Singapore, the Cathay Building, and installing in it, VHF radiotelephony sets that were locally made and operated by an ad hoc communications unit under Flight Lieutenant White, who in peace-time was an amateur radio enthusiast. It could now receive reports from similar VHF sets at the AMES stations and feed them via the Singapore telephone system to the Filter Room, and in tests it worked faultlessly.
Adding to the joy of the Cathay radio link was AMES 243 TRU becoming operational at Kota Bharu, sited 500 yards north of the airfield, on a small rise in the ground. Communications with the adjacent airfield was excellent, but along with the rest of the state of Kelantan, telephony with the rest of the country was problematic, and radio could be hostage to atmospheric conditions.
They were a far smaller Dominion than Australia or Canada, and their primary military asset, the 2nd New Zealand Division, serving in the Middle East, took the lion’s share of men and material, consequently there wasn’t a lot else they had to offer. Nevertheless, they were committed to the defence of Malaya, and would find some units to send.
RNZAF 486 squadron, based at Kallang, had been the start, forming in March with Buffalo’s. Now more pilots and ground crew, arriving today on the convoy from Sydney, would allow that squadron to spawn a second Article XV squadron, RNZAF 488, also equipped with the Buffalo, for now, to cohabitate at Kallang.
The same convoy had also carried pilots and some groundcrew for two newly forming Australian Article XV squadrons, 453 and 457, again, both spawning from another squadron, 450. They were equipping with Hurricanes. All these squadrons relied on a heavy RAF presence, filling some Squadron and Flight leader posts, as well as almost entirely all of the ground crews. In addition, the OTU based at Kluang had been doing some sterling work, making the newly trained pilots comfortable with the single seater aircraft.
Also, along with the various Australian Army drafts carried, was another New Zealand unit, the No 1 Aerodrome Construction Squadron RNZAF, 230 strong with an average age of 36, some as old as 45, skilled in heavy construction or earth moving. They had no equipment, but would marry up with new equipment delivered last month from Canada. They had some new airfields to carve out from plantations, or deep jungle, in preparation of yet further squadrons arriving.
One cargo ship in Singapore harbour was loading, preparing to sail to Rangoon tomorrow, with the ground crew and equipment of RAF 67 Squadron on board, also equipped with the Buffalo, and they would be redeploying to Mingaladon, mid Burma, while the pilots and aircraft flew along the air route, Alor Star, Victoria Point, Mergui, Tavoy, Moulmein, and lastly Rangoon. Future deliveries of Buffalos were now being diverted to Darwin, where they would equip RAAF 21 Sqn, who would give up their Wirraway’s, and to Calcutta for the RAF, with some left in Singapore for the Fleet Air Arm.
The other thing of note, not that many knew about it, was a long-standing problem of Keith Park’s had been resolved. Radar stations are useless if they cannot pass their information to the filter room, and by June, 1941, it had become apparent that the telephone system in Malaya could not currently meet the requirements of the radar stations planned; in any case, lines on poles alongside hundreds of miles of unguarded country roads or railway lines would always be at risk of damage, intentional or otherwise. Singapore Island, however, had a good telephone system.
The problem of communication had been solved by taking over the top floor of the only skyscraper in Singapore, the Cathay Building, and installing in it, VHF radiotelephony sets that were locally made and operated by an ad hoc communications unit under Flight Lieutenant White, who in peace-time was an amateur radio enthusiast. It could now receive reports from similar VHF sets at the AMES stations and feed them via the Singapore telephone system to the Filter Room, and in tests it worked faultlessly.
Adding to the joy of the Cathay radio link was AMES 243 TRU becoming operational at Kota Bharu, sited 500 yards north of the airfield, on a small rise in the ground. Communications with the adjacent airfield was excellent, but along with the rest of the state of Kelantan, telephony with the rest of the country was problematic, and radio could be hostage to atmospheric conditions.
Errolwi
Monthly Donor
Nice, an extra NZ squadron in theatre, that will be a bunch less EATS aircrew going to Europe. Although I question the ground crew comment, 488 was the exception in NZ article XV squadrons and OTL was sent to Singapore with a full establishment of ground crew. They were of high quality, and excellent scroungers.
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The Wirraway was an excellent aircraft if used properly. It wasn't a fighter. It was a trainer/observation aircraft/CAS/even at times, a Dive Bomber. It all depended on what role it was to be employed in. Never, ever a fighter though!
Yep!The Wirraway was an excellent aircraft if used properly. It wasn't a fighter. It was a trainer/observation aircraft/CAS/even at times, a Dive Bomber. It all depended on what role it was to be employed in. Never, ever a fighter though!
Errolwi
Monthly Donor
Remind me if these ATL ones have engines that are to spec rather than clapped out? Reasonable radar will help offset the poor climb performance.
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
Thank you for that Errolwi, I didn't know that.
I've been a bit naughty here, so we still have 488 Sqn, but no 243 Sqn, which is now replaced by 486 Sqn. Also there is no RAAF 21 sqn, that's now going to be in Darwin, but we now will have RAAF 450 and 457 Sqn as well as historical RAAF 453. This is all part of the argument of building a strategic reserve in Malaya for the Middle East, as well as a defence of the Far East, which allows me to increase that force.
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
No change here, as was historically. Did you all note that some Buffalo's are being left in Singapore for the FAA, hows that going to go!