March 19th
The RAF and the French Air force have been steadily attacking Italian targets over the last month. Targets have included the mainland, the island of Corsica and Sardinia, and especially the island of Sicily. The Italian high command has ordered additional troops to Sicily, which they consider a target for the allies. Meanwhile planning and preparation for an amphibious assault has reached a high degree of readiness; some 12 Imperial and French divisions (including two Armoured divisions) are available, although shipping will restrict the initial landing sizes.
The worry is does Britain have the shipping to support
offensive operations in the Med while at the same time keeping Britain supplied with vitals to keep alive, and support forces where they are around the world PLUS fighting off the Japanese pretty much single-handed?
March 20th
Australian Prime Minister Menzies suffers a breakdown in Parliament. Doctors report that it is due to the stress of his job during the war, and while it is expected he will eventually make a full recovery, he will not be able to undertake any duties for at least three months. The Deputy Prime Minister, Curtiss, will take over the post of Prime Minister.
Hmm. OTL it was Curtin who suffered from neuritis. This could be interesting. I wouldn't normally nitpick about spelling, but can I assume that "Curtiss" is meant to be "Curtin"? I swear, outside of Oz and NZ (and to a degree the US) the poor man seems to get no respect.
Considering the UAP and Country Party Coalition at this time is so bereft of leadership (and would be for some years to come) Menzies may just find himself having some problems getting his old job back when he gets better. Between the backstabbing he's taking from Fadden's Country Party and his own members, plus the Labour Party, he might start thinking "Just who IS the Opposition around here?" Not to mention that the UAP is heading for it's death knell next year...
Frankly, in political squabbles going on in Canberra, I'd have to say that Curtin and his people would make mincemeat of the UAP/Country Party Coalition without Menzies being around.
Hmm. I hadn't considered this. No doubt politically Menzies has been playing the Little Dutch Boy since the previous year, when Australian politics hit a POD from OTL. No wonder he's burned out (and so disgusted with his "friends"

).
March 21st
Lieutenant General George H. Brett, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces in Australia, assumes command of all Allied air forces in Australia. This specifically excludes all FAA aircraft operating out of Australia, as well as RAF/RAAF aircraft under the navy's operational control.
Interesting. A good way to play the "Alamo Force Trick" in reverse, and just for air forces.
The size of this convoy (carrying the Japanese 48th Division) convinces Allied command that this is a full-strength invasion fleet aimed at Java. The Allies now have a considerable force on Java - about 25,000 Dutch and local troops,(1) two brigades of the 8th Australian division,(2) with 30 tanks attached from 1st Armoured in Malaya,(3) and the British 51st Division,(4) as well as about 1,000 US ground troops (5) and considerable numbers running and defending the airbases. The Dutch troops are of variable quality; their training was poor, but insistence by Alexander that this had to be improved has led to some improvements. The Dutch also have a force of US Stuart tanks available.(6)
1) Of various quality and (in the case of the locals) reliability.
2) Of various levels of training, some volunteers, some conscripts?
3)

4) I know the 51st Division is a reconstituted division following it's loss in France, but they have had a year and a half to train prior to deployment. Any training in jungle warfare? Perhaps green, but together a long time. Or have they seen action ITTL?
5) Unless those guys are regulars straight from Oahu, I'd keep them far away from combat.

6)
