I will be getting to the Philippine Coast Guard and how that effects the US Asiatic Fleet today
Eisenhower in the Pacific: Part 1 The Shoestring Warriors of Luzon
- Thread starter galveston bay
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I will be getting to the Philippine Coast Guard and how that effects the US Asiatic Fleet today
The Philippine Department Air Force 1940
Philippine Department Air Force 1940
The first Filipino pilots to complete their twin engine training are ready for aircraft and they form the first transport squadron of the Philippine Air Army Force when they receive 12 DC3 transport aircraft. The US Army also transfers all 15 of its observation aircraft in the Philippines (as it lacks the pilots to fly them in any event). Parsons puts the Filipinos to work conducting a thorough aerial mapping survey of the island as a review of defense plans determines that there is a severe issue with many of the maps of the islands being outdated or minimal in terms of information to begin with. The first priority is Bataan, the Central Luzon Plain, as well as likely Japanese landing sites. The 2nd Composite Group, Philippine Army Air Force, is formed with one observation squadron and one transport squadron.
Construction engineers have built a basic airfield at Del Monte in Mindanao, Baguio, Del Carmen, Cabanatuan, Rosales, Pilar, Mariveles, and Bataan (larger field near Pilar) as well as Matan -Cebu. Discussions about improving Nichols Field are also made as well as building a hard surface concrete runway for Clark (the new home of the Filipino air transport squadron). All are completed by the end of 1940 and are able hold up to a squadron of aircraft although their principal role is training and for giving the transports someplace to land.
The 4th Composite Group, US Army Air Corps, is primarily serving as a training unit for the Philippine Air Force at this point, and as it has no modern aircraft, its pilots are working as flight instructors and squadron leaders for the PAAF. Parsons finds that his senior two aviators, Colonel Harrison Richards (Department Air officer) and Colonel Lawrence Churchill (commander 4th Composite Group) are incapable of working constructively together. Deciding he needs Churchill more (as he is working well with the engineers) he sends Richards to develop a potential air ferry route via Australia as well as missions to discuss coordination with the Dutch and British, thus moving him out of the way. Churchill is given a brevet promotion to Brigadier General, PAAF, and placed in overall command of that organization as well as that of his own 4th Composite Group and all three groups are officially designated Philippine Department Air Force in August 1940.
Parsons requests modern aircraft and at least a fighter group, although he would like a light bomber group, an air defense center, and at Ord's urging, he also requests radar. He also requests at least 2 more coast defense artillery regiments (antiaircraft) or sufficient training staff and weapons to form 2 for the Philippine Army.
Meanwhile the PAAF buys another 12 Beechcraft for use as light transport aircraft, which will allow the PAAF to form a third squadron for its 2nd Composite Group. For 1941 requests are made for 48 fighter aircraft, 24 light bombers and 12 float planes to form the 3rd Composite Group. As there are shortages of just about every type of aircraft due to Lend Lease and US military expansion, the request goes to Hap Arnold who is already considering a plan of his own.
authors note
The two officers mentioned above, Churchill and Lawrence, hated each other apparently and worked to actively undermine each other. Then they worked to undermine Claggett, who had some serious issues of his own (poor health, MacArthur though he was a drunk, being a by the book perfectionist). Parsons can't get rid of either of them, so as the ferry route AND coordination with the Dutch and British is needed, he moves Lawrence side ways.
It was not until late 1940 in OTL that any reinforcements at all were sent to the Philippines in terms of aviation.
All of the fields listed above were built in 1941 or after the shooting started (although Cebu was built post war). As Cebu is important in terms of the Philippine Army, it gets an airfield. Additional airfields are planned for Mindanao (Del Monte was finished barely days ahead of the war in OTL). There is an existing strip at Davao already, but it is on the other side of the island from Del Monte.
Almost nothing was done to prepare Bataan for use by aviation prior to World War II except for a basic air strip (Bataan field above) built in the 1930s. As this is the fall back position for War Plan Orange, that seems almost insane to me. The only thing I can think of, as it is not discussed much in the books I have read, is that the Army simply didn't think they would have any aviation to speak of in the event of an attack so didn't consider it a priority. In this timeline there is already more aviation available, although combat aviation is still pretty pathetic at this point.
The two officers mentioned above, Churchill and Lawrence, hated each other apparently and worked to actively undermine each other. Then they worked to undermine Claggett, who had some serious issues of his own (poor health, MacArthur though he was a drunk, being a by the book perfectionist). Parsons can't get rid of either of them, so as the ferry route AND coordination with the Dutch and British is needed, he moves Lawrence side ways.
It was not until late 1940 in OTL that any reinforcements at all were sent to the Philippines in terms of aviation.
All of the fields listed above were built in 1941 or after the shooting started (although Cebu was built post war). As Cebu is important in terms of the Philippine Army, it gets an airfield. Additional airfields are planned for Mindanao (Del Monte was finished barely days ahead of the war in OTL). There is an existing strip at Davao already, but it is on the other side of the island from Del Monte.
Almost nothing was done to prepare Bataan for use by aviation prior to World War II except for a basic air strip (Bataan field above) built in the 1930s. As this is the fall back position for War Plan Orange, that seems almost insane to me. The only thing I can think of, as it is not discussed much in the books I have read, is that the Army simply didn't think they would have any aviation to speak of in the event of an attack so didn't consider it a priority. In this timeline there is already more aviation available, although combat aviation is still pretty pathetic at this point.
the Beechcraft 18 was a neat little twin engine aircraft
it is famous in movie history for this scene.... which was really done (NOT an effect)
it is famous in movie history for this scene.... which was really done (NOT an effect)
I'm beginning to hope that the Phillipines are going to be capable to put a real fight this time.
Naval Forces in the Philippines 1937 - 1940
Naval Forces in the Philippines 1937 – 1940
The Asiatic Fleet
The US Navy Asiatic Fleet between 1937 – 1940 continues it's mission of showing the flag, acting as a trip wire force and continuing to maintain an American presence in China. It suffers it's first combat loss with the sinking of the USS Panay in 1937 (and the first deaths it would suffer from the Japanese attack). Until the end of 1939 Admiral Yarnell, a man with considerable diplomatic skills as well as a fine commander, is in command, and he and General Parsons get along very well, in contrast to the relationship Yarnell (or lack of one) he had with previous Philippine Department Commanders or with MacArthur.
Yarnell is supportive of the idea of the Philippine Coast Guard and he directs the commander of the 16th Naval District to provide training to Filipino junior officers and persuades Washington to allow Filipino mess attendants in the US Navy, who have damage control training just like all US sailors, to transfer without prejudice to the Philippines Coast Guard.
Asiatic Fleet composition and deployment November 1940
http://www.fleetorganization.com/1940asiatic.html
USS Houston, flagship of the Asiatic Fleet
The Creation of the Philippine Coast Guard
The official beginning of the Commonwealth naval force is January 1, 1939. A large number of Filipino fishermen, coastal sailors and shipyard workers all apply, and the initial force of 500 men is easily recruited. Training is at Subic Bay and Cavite, and aboard the USS Bittern (an elderly minesweeper). Late in the year, a 55 foot and a 65 foot torpedo boat arrive from Britain built by Thorneycroft, and engines needed for the construction of 4 more also arrive (all of which are under construction and should be ready for action in 1940). The Commonwealth government also acquires 6 fishing boats with diesel engines, 2 old tugboats, 4 motor yachts (varying from 30-50 feet) and 4 interisland steamers (all under 1,000 tons) for use by the naval force, and equips them with machine guns and in the case of the larger steamers, a pair of 3 inch guns.
In 1940, the motor torpedo boats are formed into a squadron and along with an armed tug and 2 fishing boats are sent to a naval station that has been constructed at Aliminos on the shores of Lingayen Gulf. The station is only a few dozen men including the crews, but a small stock of naval mines is acquired and the tug and the fishing boats are equipped as minelayers. The small force is periodically serviced by trips to Cavite. A small sea plane ramp is added in 1940, and permanent detachment of a MP company from the Philippine Army is also assigned as well as a battery of coast defense troops equipped with pre World War I era 8 inch guns released from US Navy stocks in the US.
Filipino motor torpedo boats 1940
The remainder of the little fleet is at Cavite and Subic Bay training as of the end of 1940 and personnel have expanded to 1,500 men total.
In 1940, Admiral Hart takes command of the Asiatic Fleet and is persuaded to continue the cooperation that the US Navy has provided so far. He is not able to provide any ships at present, but as a plan is already underway to move the gunboats and other vessels out of China, he begins considering a plan to transfer them to the Filipino's as they will be of little use in the war plan he is developing and the trained crews on those ships, particularly the heavily experienced petty officers, would be valuable aboard his fighting ships. He sends a letter to Admiral Stark recommending that and receives an affirmative response late in the year but only if China is evacuated, which is not yet politically possible.
USS Mindanao of the Yangtze Patrol, US Asiatic Fleet
The Asiatic Fleet
The US Navy Asiatic Fleet between 1937 – 1940 continues it's mission of showing the flag, acting as a trip wire force and continuing to maintain an American presence in China. It suffers it's first combat loss with the sinking of the USS Panay in 1937 (and the first deaths it would suffer from the Japanese attack). Until the end of 1939 Admiral Yarnell, a man with considerable diplomatic skills as well as a fine commander, is in command, and he and General Parsons get along very well, in contrast to the relationship Yarnell (or lack of one) he had with previous Philippine Department Commanders or with MacArthur.
Yarnell is supportive of the idea of the Philippine Coast Guard and he directs the commander of the 16th Naval District to provide training to Filipino junior officers and persuades Washington to allow Filipino mess attendants in the US Navy, who have damage control training just like all US sailors, to transfer without prejudice to the Philippines Coast Guard.
Asiatic Fleet composition and deployment November 1940
http://www.fleetorganization.com/1940asiatic.html
USS Houston, flagship of the Asiatic Fleet
The Creation of the Philippine Coast Guard
The official beginning of the Commonwealth naval force is January 1, 1939. A large number of Filipino fishermen, coastal sailors and shipyard workers all apply, and the initial force of 500 men is easily recruited. Training is at Subic Bay and Cavite, and aboard the USS Bittern (an elderly minesweeper). Late in the year, a 55 foot and a 65 foot torpedo boat arrive from Britain built by Thorneycroft, and engines needed for the construction of 4 more also arrive (all of which are under construction and should be ready for action in 1940). The Commonwealth government also acquires 6 fishing boats with diesel engines, 2 old tugboats, 4 motor yachts (varying from 30-50 feet) and 4 interisland steamers (all under 1,000 tons) for use by the naval force, and equips them with machine guns and in the case of the larger steamers, a pair of 3 inch guns.
In 1940, the motor torpedo boats are formed into a squadron and along with an armed tug and 2 fishing boats are sent to a naval station that has been constructed at Aliminos on the shores of Lingayen Gulf. The station is only a few dozen men including the crews, but a small stock of naval mines is acquired and the tug and the fishing boats are equipped as minelayers. The small force is periodically serviced by trips to Cavite. A small sea plane ramp is added in 1940, and permanent detachment of a MP company from the Philippine Army is also assigned as well as a battery of coast defense troops equipped with pre World War I era 8 inch guns released from US Navy stocks in the US.
Filipino motor torpedo boats 1940
The remainder of the little fleet is at Cavite and Subic Bay training as of the end of 1940 and personnel have expanded to 1,500 men total.
In 1940, Admiral Hart takes command of the Asiatic Fleet and is persuaded to continue the cooperation that the US Navy has provided so far. He is not able to provide any ships at present, but as a plan is already underway to move the gunboats and other vessels out of China, he begins considering a plan to transfer them to the Filipino's as they will be of little use in the war plan he is developing and the trained crews on those ships, particularly the heavily experienced petty officers, would be valuable aboard his fighting ships. He sends a letter to Admiral Stark recommending that and receives an affirmative response late in the year but only if China is evacuated, which is not yet politically possible.
USS Mindanao of the Yangtze Patrol, US Asiatic Fleet
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Frank Talman tells about this in his autobiography, he and Paul Mantz were the pilots for the stunt (from the movie IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD). The billboard had a bullseye on the back as there wasn't much room on either side and the billboard frame had to be reinforced to take the hit - if they'd missed they would have lost a wing. Bulletproof glass taken from a B-17 was installed as well.
They hit the billboard right on and debris immediately took out an engine. Worse, the windscreen shattered and all forward vision was lost. Paul had to stick his head out the window and give Frank information to allow them to land...
authors notes
The Filipinos ended up with 5 of these PT boats, which were smaller and less capable then the US boats but still did excellent service until the very end.
There will not be any departures to the US Asiatic Fleet prior to the war starting in terms of changes from history
Armed patrol craft are not going to add a lot of firepower to the US defense, but they will provide some useful support and patrolling capability to support the Army. Including something to keep an eye on what was considered the most likely invasion site (Lingayen Gulf) which was assumed to be the primary Japanese landing zone from the very beginning of US defense planning.
Admiral Yarnell was a very impressive officer. War a bit earlier and he would likely in my view be as famous as Nimitz. He also appears in "Battle at Dawn"
The Filipinos ended up with 5 of these PT boats, which were smaller and less capable then the US boats but still did excellent service until the very end.
There will not be any departures to the US Asiatic Fleet prior to the war starting in terms of changes from history
Armed patrol craft are not going to add a lot of firepower to the US defense, but they will provide some useful support and patrolling capability to support the Army. Including something to keep an eye on what was considered the most likely invasion site (Lingayen Gulf) which was assumed to be the primary Japanese landing zone from the very beginning of US defense planning.
Admiral Yarnell was a very impressive officer. War a bit earlier and he would likely in my view be as famous as Nimitz. He also appears in "Battle at Dawn"
Driftless
Donor
One of the really interesting parts of these timelines (for me anyway), is the appearance of historic characters within the context of the story line and consistent with their respective personalities; that many of us know little about. I'm referring to gentlemen like Adm. Yarnell, Gen Parsons, etc.
Galveston Bay you must have read my mind! I was going to make a post asking about sending survey parties out through the islands for mapping. It is also a brillant idea to establish an air ferry route to Australia.
Was there ever a plan OTL to make Mindanao a last ditch fallback position if Luzon was lost? I am thinking that it would be a good idea if there was an emergency plan where Mindanao would act as a secondary headquarters in case of a Japanese invasion. Also was there any dialogue between the American forces and the Aussies in regard to fighting the Japanese in 1940-41?
Was there ever a plan OTL to make Mindanao a last ditch fallback position if Luzon was lost? I am thinking that it would be a good idea if there was an emergency plan where Mindanao would act as a secondary headquarters in case of a Japanese invasion. Also was there any dialogue between the American forces and the Aussies in regard to fighting the Japanese in 1940-41?
the air ferry routes are just a little early.. that was the actual plan. Brereton spent most of his time (at MacArthurs orders) getting those set up
There was never a plan for Mindanao other than to hold as long as possible with what was available. When Borneo and the Dutch New Guinea coast fell to the Japanese it was as cut off as Luzon in any event aside from the air.
However, note that now the USAFE has the ability to establish air transport routes to both Singapore and Java and from there to Australia with the arrival of 12 DC3 (some Army DC2s are coming soon too)
One appalling thing I have found is the constant complaints by US Army officers about inadequate maps in spite of the US owning the Philippines for over 40 years! So the PAAF doing aerial survey work with those pathetically outdated observation aircraft is a remedy to that.
Driftless
Donor
Pre-1930's - Rough and rocky country with lots of vegetation was very difficult to survey and map before aerial photography and eventually satellite based GIS. You are really working three dimensional measurements there. I would imagine military engineers also want the depth of streams and the conformation structure of the shorelines, along with general placement. Those conditions would challenge any experienced surveyor/cartographer. It had to be extremely time consuming (and consequently expensive). It should have been done to be sure - that data should have been very useful development information for government and business, along with the military.
the decision to move them wasn't made until late 1941 so they are a last minute addition. The only Marines present initially are assigned to defend Subic Bay and provide Marine guards for Cavite
The advantage of even somewhat limited updated maps/topographical data for US/PI forces is significant. Now the plan is for a relatively strong force to be able to hit the beachhead and fall back as necessary to the already emplaced forces on Bataan. With the US/PI forces having this better map data, which the Japanese will not have, they can prepare a series of planned stop lines taking maximal advantage of the terrain which could include chokepoints and places where the limited armor could make flank attacks on advancing forces. Is this a "winning" strategy, sadly no, but what it does is slow the Japanese down and make their advance more costly. The Japanese simply do not have much spare time or resources in order from them to accomplish the tasks they need to perform during the 6-12 months that Yamamoto predicts (pretty accurately) a successful PH strike will give them. Any gains not made or consolidated before August, 1942 when the US assaults Guadalcanal ITTL that were made OTL will never happen.
The PI Coast Guard, as well as the airfields in the Southern PI are yet another factor to confound the Japanese. As long as any armed craft are out there, the Japanese cannot simply load troops on coastal steamers to occupy the Southern PI the IJN have to supply some sort of escort. No matter how small the air elements that end up in the Southern PI the IJN/IJA have to divert some airpower to attacking those fields once they secure Luzon. As long as the command can be structured in such a way that when Bataan/Corregidor fall the surrender does not affect the southern islands, this represents more time and materiel that will be expended - more troops will be killed/wounded/drowned, more ships (even coastal freighters) will be lost that were used OTL for logistics in the PI, more aircraft destroyed and pilots lost. Not many of any of these, but when you don't have any margin to begin with...
The PI Coast Guard, as well as the airfields in the Southern PI are yet another factor to confound the Japanese. As long as any armed craft are out there, the Japanese cannot simply load troops on coastal steamers to occupy the Southern PI the IJN have to supply some sort of escort. No matter how small the air elements that end up in the Southern PI the IJN/IJA have to divert some airpower to attacking those fields once they secure Luzon. As long as the command can be structured in such a way that when Bataan/Corregidor fall the surrender does not affect the southern islands, this represents more time and materiel that will be expended - more troops will be killed/wounded/drowned, more ships (even coastal freighters) will be lost that were used OTL for logistics in the PI, more aircraft destroyed and pilots lost. Not many of any of these, but when you don't have any margin to begin with...
The Far East Air Force 1941
The Creation of the Far East Air Force
Repeated requests for air reinforcements finally prompts Marshall and Arnold to respond in October 1940 after the Japanese seizure of northern Indochina. Some horse trading with the Chinese results in 27 CW21 which were en route by ship to China (via Burma) are instead diverted to Manila and the Philippine Air Force. The Chinese are sent 54 P35s instead, which while old, are sturdy aircraft well suited for local conditions there. The CW21s will be assigned to the Philippine Air Force as the basis of a fighter squadron (with spares). The remaining P26s in the Philippines will be provided to the PAAF as a second fighter / light attack squadron. The remaining ten Martin B10 bombers in the Philippines are transferred to the PAAF as the basis of a patrol squadron. The 4th Composite Group is in effect stripped of aircraft and all personnel are transferred to the PAAF officially as an advisory and support group.
The American Volunteer Group
As an interim measure, to get some air power into the Philippines until a final decision is made about what to send to the Far East, as discussions are underway concerning the creation of the American Volunteer Group to send to China, Arnold persuades Marshall and then Roosevelt to send the AVG to the Philippines for their training. They can trained at the new airfield at Cebu, which is well away from prying Japanese intelligence agents in Manila and Davao but in an emergency can help defend the Philippines until they complete their training in early December 1941. By adding some DC2 transports to move their ground echelon to the mix, the P40s and transports can ferry the entire force via Singapore to Burma and then to China. By August 1941 the AVG and Claire Chennault are in Cebu assembling their aircraft and testing them in flights over the central Philippines, well away from prying eyes. In all the Flying Tigers, as the group soon calls itself, has 100 P40B Warhawk fighters and 12 DC2 transports, as well as nearly 300 personnel by October 1941 and plans to begin shifting to Singapore beginning on December 12, 1941 and to be in China by December 17.
The Deterrent Force
In July 1941 General Hap Arnold proposes that a force of 340 B17s and 260 fighters be stationed in the Philippines as a deterrent force against Japan as tensions continue to rise between the US and Japan. He selects Major General Walter Frank, who has formerly commanded the Hawaiian Air Department and currently commanding Air Army Force units involved in the Louisiana Maneuvers and has gotten along very well with ground force commanders. He is ordered to the Philippines right away, along with the 5th Air Base group, reinforcements for the 20th Air Base (the tenant unit at Clark Field) and personnel and equipment to form the 4th Air Base Group (using Filipino and American personnel).
By early August General Frank reports that the Philippines is not ready for the mass deployment of B17s, and that there is a critical need for oxygen plants (among other things). He urges that the first reinforcements consist of 2 fighter groups and 1 light bombardment group, with the first B17s to arrive in October and for them to be fitted out for long range reconnaissance as target data for Japanese bases in Formosa is very limited and almost unknown for their bases in Indochina and in the Palau Islands. He also makes his own plea for antiaircraft units. That plea is met in part by the arrival of guns stripped from the 197th, 198th and 200th Coast Artillery regiments (National Guard) which are broken up to provide personnel to other anti aircraft units. This provides the Philippine Army with 36 3-inch guns (older models with a range of only 27,000 feet as that is what can be spared), searchlights, 96 37mm AA guns, and dozens of heavy machine guns. Two of the PA regiments are assigned to air field defense with the third assigned to defend Manila.
The first air units to arrive are the 24th Fighter Group (Colonel Harold George commanding) with sufficient pilots and support personnel to reform the 17th Pursuit squadron (with 31 P40Bs). Additional fighters are already one the way, but the first thing General Frank orders upon the arrival of Colonel George is his promotion to commander V Fighter Command and for George to work with Claire Chennault in setting up an air warning network for Luzon using a company from the Department's signal battalion as well as training Filipino volunteers and setting up special lines with the telephone company and telegraph company. The American fighters are assigned to Del Carmen Field, which is again undergoing improvements, including a 6,000 foot concrete runway and revetments built by the Philippine Army engineers.
Of pressing concern is the terrible conditions at Nichols Field. A typhoon has inflicted serious damage to the base, making more clear than ever its vulnerability. As the principal depot for the Department's aviation element, including those of the Asiatic Fleet, its vulnerability is no longer acceptable. General Frank orders that the supplies and parts be dispersed so that none are concentrated at any airfield, with Navy stores sent to their naval station at Mariveles and a fortified facility be constructed at the Army field built at Mariveles which can transport needed bulk supplies by barge to Manila and then by road and rail to other bases in Luzon. He also orders a secondary facilities be constructed at Cebu and Del Monte and that revetments be constructed for all airfields.
Philippine Army Air Force growth
With the arrival of sufficient aircraft the 3rd Composite Group has been formed, and the PAAF is now up to 2,500 men. The 1st Group (training) remains at Zablan Field (Lipa, Batangas) and continues as a flight training organization. The 2nd Group with its transport aircraft is headquartered at Clark Field, but has detachments in Mindanao, Cebu, as well as the various fields around Luzon. Regular transport service is greatly easing the movement of critical supplies and couriers throughout the islands for the military. The new 3rd Group is formed at Nichols Field and has a fighter squadron of CW21 interceptors while the other squadron of P26 light attack aircraft is sent to the new field at Baguio. The new B18 patrol squadron is assigned to Clark Field and the 2nd Group, as the Douglas bombers are sufficiently similar to the DC2 assigned to the AVG (which are also there) and DC3s assigned to the PAAF to ease maintenance. The bombers are all old cast offs from the Hawaiian Department and prone to break down.
Final reinforcements Fall 1941
In October 1941 more reinforcements arrive in the form of sufficient P40Cs and personnel to reform the 17th Pursuit Squadron, as well as 28th Reconnaissance Squadron (reformed from the 28th Bombardment squadron) equipped with 6 B17C. After consultation with Captain Pappy Gunn (whose has joined the PAAF as a civilian advisor and is its senior engineering officer with a handsome salary), the aircraft are converted using field expedient measures that strip them their guns, their waist blister mounts removed and additional skin added to improve streamlining and their bomb bays converted into fuel tanks. With these modifications, based out of Del Monte, the B17s can reach the Palau Islands and from Clark can easily reach anywhere in Indochina or Formosa. It also improves their cruising speed by 10% and their top speed by 5%, and giving that aircraft a speed of 325 aircraft as a top speed. It also can fly somewhat higher giving it a ceiling of 37,000 feet (allowing it to fly well above the A6M Zero fighter).
The 17th Pursuit squadron is moved to Del Monte, along with a battalion from the 4th PA Coast Artillery (AA) as it is a critical stop on the air ferry route from Darwin and General Frank decides it needs protection. The B17s are to be dispersed so that no more than 3 are present at any single airfield. They also begin flying very high altitude missions over Formosa and French Indochina in late November and at their height and speed generally remain undetected although on a couple of occasions the Japanese attempt in vain to intercept them on their departure from the area.
The needed oxygen equipment arrives along with the 27th Bomb Group and 54 A24 (Army versions of the Navy Dauntless), along with their crews and ground echelon arrive in November 1941. Also arriving are planes and pilots for the 3rd Pursuit squadron which is reactivated and has 24 P40E Kittyhawks. The fighter squadron is assigned to Cabantuan Field, while the 27th Bomb Group disperses its dive bombers to Nichols, Del Carmen and makes its headquarters (along with 1 squadron) at Iba Field. The first radar sets have also arrived, and one is placed at Clark Field and the other is set up at Nielson Field (near Cavite) which is headquarters for the Far East Air Force and has an air strip but no aircraft permanently assigned except for a detachment of PAAF Beechcraft light transports. IT is however the location of the air defense headquarters and this allows radar coverage for Cavite, Manila and Nichols Field. The remaining sets quickly raided for parts to keep those two working but the air transports of the PAAF are able to make frequent trips to Australia and Singapore, where air transports from the United States can quickly bring urgent spares.
Strung out between Port Moresby, Darwin and Del Monte is the air element of the 19th Bombardment Group, which has 30 B17s organized into 30th and 94th Squadron. Additional B17s for another Bomb Group are approaching Hawaii when it is attacked while their ground element was still in California loading aboard ships.
Repeated requests for air reinforcements finally prompts Marshall and Arnold to respond in October 1940 after the Japanese seizure of northern Indochina. Some horse trading with the Chinese results in 27 CW21 which were en route by ship to China (via Burma) are instead diverted to Manila and the Philippine Air Force. The Chinese are sent 54 P35s instead, which while old, are sturdy aircraft well suited for local conditions there. The CW21s will be assigned to the Philippine Air Force as the basis of a fighter squadron (with spares). The remaining P26s in the Philippines will be provided to the PAAF as a second fighter / light attack squadron. The remaining ten Martin B10 bombers in the Philippines are transferred to the PAAF as the basis of a patrol squadron. The 4th Composite Group is in effect stripped of aircraft and all personnel are transferred to the PAAF officially as an advisory and support group.
The American Volunteer Group
As an interim measure, to get some air power into the Philippines until a final decision is made about what to send to the Far East, as discussions are underway concerning the creation of the American Volunteer Group to send to China, Arnold persuades Marshall and then Roosevelt to send the AVG to the Philippines for their training. They can trained at the new airfield at Cebu, which is well away from prying Japanese intelligence agents in Manila and Davao but in an emergency can help defend the Philippines until they complete their training in early December 1941. By adding some DC2 transports to move their ground echelon to the mix, the P40s and transports can ferry the entire force via Singapore to Burma and then to China. By August 1941 the AVG and Claire Chennault are in Cebu assembling their aircraft and testing them in flights over the central Philippines, well away from prying eyes. In all the Flying Tigers, as the group soon calls itself, has 100 P40B Warhawk fighters and 12 DC2 transports, as well as nearly 300 personnel by October 1941 and plans to begin shifting to Singapore beginning on December 12, 1941 and to be in China by December 17.
The Deterrent Force
In July 1941 General Hap Arnold proposes that a force of 340 B17s and 260 fighters be stationed in the Philippines as a deterrent force against Japan as tensions continue to rise between the US and Japan. He selects Major General Walter Frank, who has formerly commanded the Hawaiian Air Department and currently commanding Air Army Force units involved in the Louisiana Maneuvers and has gotten along very well with ground force commanders. He is ordered to the Philippines right away, along with the 5th Air Base group, reinforcements for the 20th Air Base (the tenant unit at Clark Field) and personnel and equipment to form the 4th Air Base Group (using Filipino and American personnel).
By early August General Frank reports that the Philippines is not ready for the mass deployment of B17s, and that there is a critical need for oxygen plants (among other things). He urges that the first reinforcements consist of 2 fighter groups and 1 light bombardment group, with the first B17s to arrive in October and for them to be fitted out for long range reconnaissance as target data for Japanese bases in Formosa is very limited and almost unknown for their bases in Indochina and in the Palau Islands. He also makes his own plea for antiaircraft units. That plea is met in part by the arrival of guns stripped from the 197th, 198th and 200th Coast Artillery regiments (National Guard) which are broken up to provide personnel to other anti aircraft units. This provides the Philippine Army with 36 3-inch guns (older models with a range of only 27,000 feet as that is what can be spared), searchlights, 96 37mm AA guns, and dozens of heavy machine guns. Two of the PA regiments are assigned to air field defense with the third assigned to defend Manila.
The first air units to arrive are the 24th Fighter Group (Colonel Harold George commanding) with sufficient pilots and support personnel to reform the 17th Pursuit squadron (with 31 P40Bs). Additional fighters are already one the way, but the first thing General Frank orders upon the arrival of Colonel George is his promotion to commander V Fighter Command and for George to work with Claire Chennault in setting up an air warning network for Luzon using a company from the Department's signal battalion as well as training Filipino volunteers and setting up special lines with the telephone company and telegraph company. The American fighters are assigned to Del Carmen Field, which is again undergoing improvements, including a 6,000 foot concrete runway and revetments built by the Philippine Army engineers.
Of pressing concern is the terrible conditions at Nichols Field. A typhoon has inflicted serious damage to the base, making more clear than ever its vulnerability. As the principal depot for the Department's aviation element, including those of the Asiatic Fleet, its vulnerability is no longer acceptable. General Frank orders that the supplies and parts be dispersed so that none are concentrated at any airfield, with Navy stores sent to their naval station at Mariveles and a fortified facility be constructed at the Army field built at Mariveles which can transport needed bulk supplies by barge to Manila and then by road and rail to other bases in Luzon. He also orders a secondary facilities be constructed at Cebu and Del Monte and that revetments be constructed for all airfields.
Philippine Army Air Force growth
With the arrival of sufficient aircraft the 3rd Composite Group has been formed, and the PAAF is now up to 2,500 men. The 1st Group (training) remains at Zablan Field (Lipa, Batangas) and continues as a flight training organization. The 2nd Group with its transport aircraft is headquartered at Clark Field, but has detachments in Mindanao, Cebu, as well as the various fields around Luzon. Regular transport service is greatly easing the movement of critical supplies and couriers throughout the islands for the military. The new 3rd Group is formed at Nichols Field and has a fighter squadron of CW21 interceptors while the other squadron of P26 light attack aircraft is sent to the new field at Baguio. The new B18 patrol squadron is assigned to Clark Field and the 2nd Group, as the Douglas bombers are sufficiently similar to the DC2 assigned to the AVG (which are also there) and DC3s assigned to the PAAF to ease maintenance. The bombers are all old cast offs from the Hawaiian Department and prone to break down.
Final reinforcements Fall 1941
In October 1941 more reinforcements arrive in the form of sufficient P40Cs and personnel to reform the 17th Pursuit Squadron, as well as 28th Reconnaissance Squadron (reformed from the 28th Bombardment squadron) equipped with 6 B17C. After consultation with Captain Pappy Gunn (whose has joined the PAAF as a civilian advisor and is its senior engineering officer with a handsome salary), the aircraft are converted using field expedient measures that strip them their guns, their waist blister mounts removed and additional skin added to improve streamlining and their bomb bays converted into fuel tanks. With these modifications, based out of Del Monte, the B17s can reach the Palau Islands and from Clark can easily reach anywhere in Indochina or Formosa. It also improves their cruising speed by 10% and their top speed by 5%, and giving that aircraft a speed of 325 aircraft as a top speed. It also can fly somewhat higher giving it a ceiling of 37,000 feet (allowing it to fly well above the A6M Zero fighter).
The 17th Pursuit squadron is moved to Del Monte, along with a battalion from the 4th PA Coast Artillery (AA) as it is a critical stop on the air ferry route from Darwin and General Frank decides it needs protection. The B17s are to be dispersed so that no more than 3 are present at any single airfield. They also begin flying very high altitude missions over Formosa and French Indochina in late November and at their height and speed generally remain undetected although on a couple of occasions the Japanese attempt in vain to intercept them on their departure from the area.
The needed oxygen equipment arrives along with the 27th Bomb Group and 54 A24 (Army versions of the Navy Dauntless), along with their crews and ground echelon arrive in November 1941. Also arriving are planes and pilots for the 3rd Pursuit squadron which is reactivated and has 24 P40E Kittyhawks. The fighter squadron is assigned to Cabantuan Field, while the 27th Bomb Group disperses its dive bombers to Nichols, Del Carmen and makes its headquarters (along with 1 squadron) at Iba Field. The first radar sets have also arrived, and one is placed at Clark Field and the other is set up at Nielson Field (near Cavite) which is headquarters for the Far East Air Force and has an air strip but no aircraft permanently assigned except for a detachment of PAAF Beechcraft light transports. IT is however the location of the air defense headquarters and this allows radar coverage for Cavite, Manila and Nichols Field. The remaining sets quickly raided for parts to keep those two working but the air transports of the PAAF are able to make frequent trips to Australia and Singapore, where air transports from the United States can quickly bring urgent spares.
Strung out between Port Moresby, Darwin and Del Monte is the air element of the 19th Bombardment Group, which has 30 B17s organized into 30th and 94th Squadron. Additional B17s for another Bomb Group are approaching Hawaii when it is attacked while their ground element was still in California loading aboard ships.
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authors note:
FDR would likely be agreeable to training the AVG (Flying Tigers) in the central Philippines.. he liked covert operations and the AVG was exactly that.
I put it them in because I have my own love affair with them and so its poetic license
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Tigers#Original_American_volunteer_group
The CW21 was a beautiful aircraft. It wasn't much better than a P36 or P35 and certainly isn't as good as the P40 but is far far better than a P26.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss-Wright_CW-21
Remember that when all this was ordered, and yes the plan for B17s was Hap Arnolds idea, not Douglas MacArthurs, war is not imminent. The Philippines were in no way ready to support that kind of force
General Frank in OTL was responsible for the creation of the support and base network for the 8th Air Force. General Claggett will not be making an appearance as by the time there is a spot for him, Parsons doesn't request a general officer (Grunert is who requested one). Brereton was picked by MacArthur from 3 choices, one of whom was General Frank. A sensible man, Frank would have postponed his major reinforcements until he had somewhere to put them. He has sufficient room from the airfields built to do so as of December 1941. Some just aren't going to make it in time.
More on General Frank
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographi...icle/108086/major-general-walter-h-frank.aspx
General (although at this point Colonel) George was a very competent combat officer. His loss was keenly felt by General Kenny who mourned him in his biography and thought very well of him. His place in the combat history of the Far East Air Force thus deserves a place in my timeline.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Huston_George
Pappy Gunn shows up early because the air transport service of the PAAF cuts his business enough to put him out of business. However he is well known and would have been actively sought for his expertise. Also he was an amazing man who did a lot for Allied victory and thus he too is showing up a bit early because in part poetic license.
FDR would likely be agreeable to training the AVG (Flying Tigers) in the central Philippines.. he liked covert operations and the AVG was exactly that.
I put it them in because I have my own love affair with them and so its poetic license
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Tigers#Original_American_volunteer_group
The CW21 was a beautiful aircraft. It wasn't much better than a P36 or P35 and certainly isn't as good as the P40 but is far far better than a P26.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss-Wright_CW-21
Remember that when all this was ordered, and yes the plan for B17s was Hap Arnolds idea, not Douglas MacArthurs, war is not imminent. The Philippines were in no way ready to support that kind of force
General Frank in OTL was responsible for the creation of the support and base network for the 8th Air Force. General Claggett will not be making an appearance as by the time there is a spot for him, Parsons doesn't request a general officer (Grunert is who requested one). Brereton was picked by MacArthur from 3 choices, one of whom was General Frank. A sensible man, Frank would have postponed his major reinforcements until he had somewhere to put them. He has sufficient room from the airfields built to do so as of December 1941. Some just aren't going to make it in time.
More on General Frank
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographi...icle/108086/major-general-walter-h-frank.aspx
General (although at this point Colonel) George was a very competent combat officer. His loss was keenly felt by General Kenny who mourned him in his biography and thought very well of him. His place in the combat history of the Far East Air Force thus deserves a place in my timeline.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Huston_George
Pappy Gunn shows up early because the air transport service of the PAAF cuts his business enough to put him out of business. However he is well known and would have been actively sought for his expertise. Also he was an amazing man who did a lot for Allied victory and thus he too is showing up a bit early because in part poetic license.
the final reinforcements for ground forces, the change in command from Parsons to Krueger, return of Eisenhower and final order of battle leading up to war will be posted soon