The problem of Bataan from the British perspective.
The battling basterds of Bataan, are from the British point of view a lost cause, as there is nothing that can be done to relive them in the next six months. Unfortunately the Americans will not be able to agree with this view, even those who know it to be right. Pre War Plan Orange had recognised that an extended defense of the Philippines was to say the least problematic, without massive expenditure and expansion of the garrison. And given that America was due to grant the Philippines independence, that wasn’t going to happen. Plan Orange was predicated on a drive through the Central Pacific, with the Philippines being liberated towards the end.
At the present time the only practical way to resupply the besieged garrison, is by submarines. Anything else carries to much risk, and a high chance that the surface ships will be on a one way trip. The facilities in the Philippines are just too primitive, and any ship that can not be unloaded in one night, is going to be sunk. And once sunk, and thus in a set position, a death trap, to continue to unload. The Japanese only need to register artillery on to it, then every now and then shell it throughout the night.
Britain is in a much stronger position, both in regards to its relationship with America, and its relative position in general. Events in the Mediterranean, Middle East, North African theatre, no fall of Crete, less problems in resupplying Malta, and much better results on the ground in Egypt. Has meant that Britain hasn’t been subjected to the humiliation and embarrassment that she was At home the worst of the German bombing offensive is over, and there are only a few hit and run attacks, by fighter bombers. Industry is beginning to get into its stride and the shortages seen early on in the war are over.
In the Far East, the retention of Singapore, removal of the threat to Burma, has made Britain’s position in India much stronger. There will have been very little support for the Quite India movement in comparison to OTL, thus less need to retain troops in country. Australia and New Zealand don’t feel like they have been abandoned and will not require the retention of large forces for home defence.
All this means that Britain, will for now be able to speak with a much stronger voice, in its dealings with the Americans. Especially given that they haven’t done to well themselves in the opening round, yes they have done better than they did, IOTL, but they don’t know that. Given American attitudes towards the Japanese, they are in a state of shock, no way were the Japanese meant to be able to do what they have done. Even more embarrassing for the Americans, the British have done far better than them.
Outside of the Far East, the British will be able to insist that North African campaign is completed before anything else. And that in the Far East, while they have every sympathy with the Americans plight in the Philippines, and will do all in their power to help. This can not come at the expense of their campaign in the region. So, providing facilities in Singapore for American submarines, and such submarines as they can spare to assist with the effort, to supply Bataan, of course old chap. The same with base facilities for the casualties and evacuated, before their onward travels. Carrying out deception operations with the main British fleet, to enable the Americans to do a supply run with surface ships, you only have to ask. Providing shipping, or troops for a relief mission, sorry no can do.
We believe that our present plans to attack the Japanese forces in Thailand, and develop forward airfields. Will provide a much better result, as it will enable us to both provide air cover over any relief convoys, and an air transport link to the area. You might not be able to carry a lot of cargo in a large flying boat, but for delicate items, mail and personal, it’s a good option. Given that the Japanese don’t have a radar system, and aiming to arrive in the dark and leaving before daylight, this shouldn’t be too hard to do.
Another thing that the British can do is recapture Northern Borneo, Kudat to Manila is about 650 miles. This will greatly reduce the transit time for submarines, and make an air bridge easier. Northern Borneo, has the advantage that it is protected to the south by virtually impenetrable jungle and mountains, so only an attack from the sea is a threat.
Sadly for Americans, even with the best assistance that the British can afford to give, other than a complete miracle, Bataan will eventually have to surrender. Any other result would see the diversion of so much resources as to deprive other areas in such a way, as to make this a pyritic victory.
RR.