What if 5

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Late March 1939:

In the south the rains continue, most roadways are mud pits making it a slow go for men and machines on both sides. Japanese aircraft continue to pound Soviet front line positions with good success, as the Russian air force is powerless to stop them. Only the weather prevents round the clock raids. Soviet front lines continue to be pounded day after day as losses are starting to mount in men and tanks. Soviet AA guns bring down some aircraft, but in the last few weeks several AA gun positions come under air attack and are damaged or destroyed. With supplies being redirected to the north, little is flowing in other than food and some ammo. Soviet commanders desperate for supplies including spare parts for Planes and tanks contact Moscow for assistance. The reply is to fight with what you have. Japanese commanders confirm that supplies have slowed in the south and decide to allow the air force to continue their air strikes against the Soviet front lines until the rains stop and things dry out. In the mean time more aircraft is shipped into the region. A attack in late April is tentatively set.

Meanwhile in the north a large Japanese bombing raid attacks the soviet staging area SW of Norlisk. Moderate to heavy damage is done. However the Japanese lose 18 bombers due to AA gun fire and little fighter protection.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

March - April 1939

The Russian plan has not got to a good start and they loose up to 22 miles in the south and 36 miles in the north. In the south the Japanese army is starting to take very high casualty's each Russian defensive line they take the greater the Russian resistants and better prepared blocking detachments. By the end of April the Japanese army has suffered 60% lost but the front line generals are so ruthless they just don't care about the lose rate and order the attack to continual.

The Russian front line generals have adjusted there plans they also have taken a beating but are able to make up there losses. In the last days of April Russian SB2 Bombers hit the vital rail network that the Japanese re-lie on the damage is very heavy and has caused a major problem to the Japanese. In the occupied territory the Russians have formed in to partisan forces due to the extreme treatment dished out by the Japanese and the problem is growing.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

April - June 1939:

In the north Russian forces continue to lose ground to the Japanese. Air raids have taken a heavy toll on the Soviet forces, and by the first of June 60% of troops are killed or captured and 55% of tanks are destroyed. Front lines have been pushed back 110 KM. Supplies flowing north have come under very heavy air attack, over 65% of the supplies are destroyed in route. Most rail routes are damaged bring rail travel to a crawl. Japanese air power rule the skies as few Soviet aircraft are available due to no spare parts. Many Soviet aircraft are destroyed on the ground by Japanese air attack. Only AA guns are bringing down any enemy aircraft. Soviet commanders are desperate to stabilize lines, but are usually overrun within 24 hours. Soviets are forced to fight a fighting retreat.

In the south the Soviet commanders are better prepared and slow the Japanese advance with a series of defensive lines. By June Japan as advanced 70 KM but at a high cost of men and material. A 3 KM section of the Trans Siberian rail system was destroyed in late April by a Soviet air strike, slowing Japanese supplies to the front. By June there are heavy losses on both sides. Russian deaths to Japan's are 2-1 but Japan cannot afford the high losses as the Soviets are better able to absorb the losses. By June front lines in the south are starting to stabilize as the Japanese advance is almost halted.

In the lake Baitel region a small Russian partisan movement is growing. Several Korean and Chinese settlers are attacked and killed. Japanese forces ruthlessly round up local Russians and ship them off to force labor camps near the front to repair rail and roadway systems damaged by Soviet attack. Any Russian caught resisting in any way is shot on site. The Partisan problem is ruthlessly being brought under control.

Meanwhile in Moscow Stalin is informed of the defeat in the North. Also 25% of manufacturing plants are forced to shut down due to lack of raw material. The Russian leader maybe forced soon to ask for help from other nations. However in Europe nerves are on edge as war maybe on the horizon.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

German & Soviet secret talks December 1938 to May 1939

On the advice of his foreign Minister Starlin opens talks with Hitler and surprisingly they go well and by May 1939 shipments of weapons are on the way along with 1 million troops to help Stalins war with Japan. But behind the scenes in Germany a opportunity has come about to take western Russia by stealth and deception and with a slow well planned operation and the time Starlin smells a rat it will be far to late. Hitler brings forward the invasion of Poland to June 1939.

The Western war June 1939 to August 1939

Within three weeks Poland falls France and Britain declare war on Germany but in a well planned political movement some 74 hours latter Britain backs down to a defensive roll but France dose not and pays the price in July as they fall to the German Army and by August the western Europe is under German control.

The German Plan to take Russia by the back door

1. Help Russia with the aid of the German army
2. Gain as much information about the Russia and Starlin
3. To start the preparation to drive Japan back and to defeat her army's
4. To place more and more troops in Russia and in key positions
5. Once Japan is defeated to swiftly start the capture of key Russians
6. Take control of western Russia in a swift move

Russia April - July 1939

The Russian army in the north is in full retreat to there new line and in front of that line are thousands of mines advance Japanese forces have fallen on them and taken a beating they now stop to work out away through the mine field. In the south the Russians have done better even there they have withdrawn but at a slower pace and the Japanese army is suffering there numbers are falling but the fanatical generals don't care one bit as long as they move forward.



Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

June - Sept. 1939:

In the north the Soviets are in full retreat massive mine field is laid as they retreat and has slowed the Japanese advance, but they are still able to make 4 KM a day. By Sept. the front lines have reach the most northern part of the river Obi. Another 5% of mining operations fall into Japanese hands.

In the south progress is slow and costly for both sides. In late Aug. Japanese pilots spot the first German aircraft over the front lines . The German pilots are well trained and they have better built aircraft than the Soviets. But Japanese air power still holds the edge, and has no trouble maintaining control of the skies in the north and south. By Sept. the first German troops are seen on the front lines in the south.

Meanwhile in Berlin the Japanese ambassador meets with Hitler and German leadership. Talks are civil, but Hitler makes it clear that Japan is to stay out of Western Russia and that German troops are in place to stop the Japanese advances any further. The Ambassador is speechless. The only words he says is "I understand" and leaves the German headquarters to report back to Tokyo of the results of the meeting. 3 days later Sept. 9th Japan declares war on Germany.

Meanwhile in Tokyo, Japanese officials meet with officials in Korea and China to inform them of Germany's involvement. With Germany's help, within 2 years the Soviets would control China Mongolia, and Korea. and would be ruthless in the treatment of the citizens. Within 2 months 750,000 troops come to Japans aid from all 3 countries. Also Chinese factories shift into high gear producing massive amounts of war material for the fight against the Soviets.

In western Europe by Sept. Germany has defeated France, Poland, Belgium, and Denmark. Spain, and Finland have sided with the Germans. German U-boats begin to attack British and Norwegian shipping. Hitler sets his sights next on Norway and England.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

BREAKING NEWS.......
Late July 1939

Burma
Japanese troops have crossed the border the result is within 48 hours England declares war on Japan. On hearing the news Hitler orders stop all U-Boat operations against the British fortunately no ship was lost and in a amazing move Hitler want to meet Prime Minister Attlee for talks Hitler scraps his plan to take England and sees a better opportunity for expansion in to the far east.

Two days later the British prime minister meets Hitler the talks go well and plans are drawn up for a two prong offensive England with her sea power will tackle the Japanese navy and Germany will continual on the land war major operations are planned for 1940. Hitler is very happy with this alliance and now knows Russia is up for grabs.

Japan August 1939
The Emperor declares total war on Russia Germany and England and has high hopes for total victory and with the invasion of Burma going well opening up much needed war material.

Australia August 1939
The Military forces are on full alert but they will only act in defending Australia from any aggressive move by Japan.

U.S.A August 1939
The American President has warned Japan if they set foot on the Philippines a state of war will come about between the two country's.

Russia August 1939
The captured mines in the north have been blown up it will take time to repair the damage and the burning of crops don't help the Japanese invaders they are being deprived of vital elements and stall the mine fields must be dealt with. In the south the Japanese stall time to regroup for next spring.



Richard

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

Early August 1939
In England Churchill steps down as first lord of the Admiralty and goes in to retirement and moves to Canada Churchill feels Attlee may have made a mistake only time will tell.

Germany
Reinhard Heydrich meets with Hitler to discuss the Russian situation and the war along with other things.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Oct. - Dec. 1939:

In the North and south, lines are starting to stabilize as both sides gear down for the approaching winter. Air attacks continue in the north as the Soviets struggle to stabilize their lines . By Nov. The Japanese finally halt their advance just west of the river Obi. The base of the Ural mountains are now within 200 KM of the front lines in the north.

In late Oct. the Pacific branch of the British Navy out of Singapore engage a Japanese task force off the China coast. The British have 2 battleships and 3 cruisers with destroyers. Against 2 aircraft carriers and support ships for Japan. The British suffer a major defeat as both battleships and 2 cruisers are sunk by Japanese aircraft. The remaining British ships retreat back to Singapore.

Operations in Burma are going well and are on schedule. Vital raw material is now in Japanese hands.

The warnings from the U.S. are heeded and the Philippines are left alone, also Australia is left alone, fearing not to provoke the Americans. General Yamamoto, warns Japans high war council not to make the US a enemy, due to their vast resources, and the American spirit. With Germany and England as new enemy's fighting with the Soviets, Japan can ill afford to bring a new enemy against Japan.

Meanwhile in Berlin, Hitler make plans for the invasion of Norway in the Spring. Also confirming with Stalin plans are drawn up for a major breakout in the South by April. The information that Stalin provides is very useful to Hitler as he makes secret plans to take Western Russia by the end of 1940.

Meanwhile in Washington, Churchill visits his old friend Roosevelt, he has a long talk with the American leader on his concerns and fears about Germany and what the future holds. Churchill does not not trust Hitler and fears that England and the US could be surprised by Hitlers future actions. He urges Roosevelt to talk with Attlee and warns the President to "watch his back".

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

Ocotber 1939 - March 1940
Prime Minister Attlee is angree at the ill fated attack and demarnes to know who gave the order there is also a big shake up of the Royal Navy all British aircraft carriers are to be grouped together for the voyge to the far east along with 80% of the fleet in home waters and the Med to back up the fleet Hitler sends all of his ships and the Type XI U-Boats which set sail in November in a special group supplie ships and destroyers in December a number of German capital ships set sail with the British fleet. It is clear the Japanese Aircraft Carriers are top of the hit list.

Meanwhile Germany continuals to aid Russia anouther million troops are on the way and most importanly the full weight of the Luffwaffer to start full operations in April 1940 all is going to plan due to the commitment Norway is on hold until Russia is surcure but the planning can continual in the mean time there are political talks start with Germany and Norway.

Reinhard Heydrich meets with Hitler again the Russian war machine is starting to crack and a general collapse may happen some time in 1941/42 this will work in there favour. The plan to take Russia has now been given a code name Operation Cloaked Eagle.

In Japan the Empiror wants even more comittment from the home front and the armed forces are told never surrender. His war Genrals are worried the war must be won by 1942 or they will face a shortage of man power due to the heavy losses but they dare not speak out about this long term problem.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Jan. - March 1940:

In Russia in the north and south both sides are reinforcing their front lines for the coming spring. More German aircraft are now at the front. Through out the winter intermittent air raids are conducted on both sides with limited success. 650,000 additional Chinese troops arrive on the front lines in late Feb. German forces have another 1 million men on the way. the first groups arrive in early March.

By Feb. the first of 2 major British task forces arrive in Singapore. Unknown to the British ,Japan is tipped off of the task force arrival and has assembled a 6 carrier strike force to Attack the sea port 12- 24 hours after the British fleet arrives. In the task force there are 2 escort carriers, 4 battleships, 6 cruisers and a number of destroyers and support ships. On Feb. 21st the fleet arrives in port after a 12 day voyage. Capital ships are docked and refueling begins later that night. The next morning the Japanese strike force launches 375 aircraft to attack the port and a medium size airfield NE of the port in 2 waves. Targets in the port include capital ships, dry dock areas, the small sub pens, and fuel storage areas. At 6:32 AM the air attack force is spotted by a British patrol plane 28 miles from the port. The patrol plane was able to warn the airfield before being shot down. 11 Min's. later the first wave hits the airfield as the British desperately try to launch aircraft to meet the threat. Only 22 fighters are able to make it off the ground. The rest are caught on the ground and are damaged or destroyed. In all 87 aircraft are caught on the ground. The 22 fighters are ordered to provide CAP over the port to protect the ships. The fighters race to the port 15 miles away. They arrive just as the the 2nd wave is making their first runs on the docked ships and fuel storage areas. For the British the Japanese have caught the British at the worst possible time as the majority of the capital ships are still being refueled. Fuel ships and fuel bunkers on the docks make easy targets for the Japanese aircraft. 1 carrier, 2 battleships, 3 cruisers, and 4 destroyers are on fire within 6 minutes as fuel fires spread to the ships being fueled. Several minutes later the first of several ships blow up as fire reach the ammo magazines and are ignited.
Meanwhile the attack force press home their attack on other docked ships and score many hits. 1 battleship is able to get underway and along with 2 cruisers are able to clear the Harbor. a 2nd battleship tried to make it to open sea but several direct hits caused the battleship to run aground just inside the harbor entrance. In 3 1/2 hours the Japanese send 3 waves of aircraft against the British fleet and air field. By 12:45 PM it was all over as the Japanese retire and head for Japanese waters. The Japanese lost 79 aircraft in the attack. However the British fared much worst. 2 battleships 2 cruisers and 3 destroyers were completely destroyed due to Ammo magazine explosions. Both escort carriers were severely damaged and both lost all 25 of their aircraft. 1 Battleship ran aground and is severely damaged. 1 cruiser sunk while docked. Of the 3 ships that cleared the harbor. they were attacked by elements of the 3rd wave . The battleship and 1 cruiser were sunk. the other was severely damaged and had to be sunk by British destroyers later in the day. As for the airfield the British lost 122 aircraft and the air field is out of action for the next 4-5 months. Sub pens are moderately damaged , drydocks, and fuel storage areas are completely destoryed.

Later that day the news reaches London. Prime minister Attlee is stunned at the news. the 2nd task force 3 days away is diverted to Hong Kong.

In Japan news of the victory at Singapore reaches the Emperor. He uses the victory as a rally cry for the forces in Burma and Russia to stand strong and defeat the enemy. Moral is very high among all Japanese troops.

In early March Hitler meets with Heydrich. Norway plans are put on hold other than attacking Norwegian shipping. Also they will keep a eye on Britain to see how badly the Royal navy suffers at the hands of the Japanese. If a opportunity presents itself in the future Germany wants to be ready to take advantage of it. Also planning continues regarding western Russia.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

February 1940
BREAKING NEWS........

America declares war on Japan
The Vice President on a good will visit to the far east has been killed on one of two Battleships doing the good will rounds both ships were sunk in a ruthless air attack by the Japanese air force. The American President states only a debased nation would conduct a vile and sickening attack.

Japan
The Emperor is told of the incident and those responsible will be punished but the Emperor sees it as a message from the gods the time has come to take down the corrupt U.S.A and burned it to the ground he orders full Naval operations against America. The war staff are stunned they don't believe what they just herd.

England
Still getting over the Naval defeat the British P.M. heres the news about the attack and America declaring war on Japan.

Germany
Hitler is over the moon fantastic news.


Richard

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

March 1940

America
The President has informed the German ambassador there war on Japan is a separate matter they will not side with German and advice Germany to stay out of there way.

Germany
On hearing the news Hitler is not that bothered about America this will allow him to concentrate on his main goal Russia

England
The P.M is rethinking about the war and meets with his staff it will take some time to come to a agreed situation.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

March - May 1940:

In April the planned Russian offensive kicks off as the weather & rains finally let up. With the combined weight of the Soviets and Germans the front lines are push forward 22 Km in a 6 week period in the south as bitter fighting rages, losses have been moderate so far on both sides. In the air with the added weight of German Fighters and Bombers the air war has become a stalemate. Japan still holds the edge in experience and better aircraft, but the sheer numbers on the other side evens things up.
In the North things are much different as the offensive bogged down after the first day. Only 3 KM has been gained in a 6 week period, as Russian & German troops have taken a beating. Japan still holds the edge in the air and that has made the difference in the north. A additional 250,000 Korean and Mongolian troops arrive in the north in late May.

In Japan in early march admiral Yamamoto meets privately with the emperor about the American situation. Yamamoto tells the emperor that war with America would spell the end for Japan. he states." We must avoid war at all cost with the Americans, to not do so would be the defeat of Japan". After a few hours of talks Yamamoto finally convinces the emperor to counterman the earlier orders he gave. Also the emperor contacts the Japanese ambassador in the US and instructs him to meet with The American president face to face and present him the terms Japan will do to try to head off war between the 2 countries.
The next day the ambassador is able to meet with Roosevelt face to face. He spells out to the American president what the the emperor proposes....
1. A formal apology to the US for the accidental attack of the 2 American warships.
2. Extradition of the 3 officers involved to the US to stand trial.
3. Funds to be provided to the US to help rebuild the 2 ships sunk.
Roosevelt thanks the Ambassador and tells him he must consult the congress before a decision is made . In the meantime a cease fire will be in effect until a decision is reached. The Ambassador agrees and departs to inform Tokyo.
Late march to mid April in Washington a bitter debate goes on about the Japanese situation. Some say the Japanese offer is fair. Plus the US ships were in a war zone. Others counter that the 2400 sailors and the vice presidents deaths should not be in vain and that Japan should pay in blood for what they have done.
Finally on April 20th the American President summons the Japanese ambassador, and informs him of the American decision. The US will accept the terms spelled out. The 3 officers are to be handed over for trial within 1 week, also funds promised are to be transferred to American banks in the next 30 days. The US expects the formal Apology within 1 week. Failure to comply will result in war.
On April 27th Japan broadcast on all radio frequencies of it formal apology to the American nation of the Accidental attack. On April 29th the 3 officers are handed over to the Americans for trial along with Japanese legal council for the defendants. On April 30 in his private quarters Admiral Yamamoto wipes his brow and thinks how close Japan came to having war with America. What the future holds who knows but now was the wrong time to make another enemy.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

May 1940
In America a number of bombs rock the country Japanese extremists have acted in a the only way they could they feel betrayed by the Emperor bomb blasts have damage oil plants and power stations and a number of important buildings but worst 22 senators have been killed the total number of bombs was 39 through out America the Japanese extremist have admitted to there acts and they will continual. The result of there actions has forced all American Japanese to be in turn in to concentration camps the reason for there own safety while the extremists are hunted down.

Japan
Word has got around and a number of middle rank officers in the Military have reacted with no mercy they also feel betrayed by the Emperor and hearing the news from America was the final straw they swiftly move against the Emperor who is killed along with his Military staff they see it as there destiny to rule and within a week they have taken total control the Japanese people are told of the events in America. The war cry goes out and this time there are no talks.

June 1940
Russia the full weight of German forces surge forward the Japanese front line has been shattered and is in total disarray the German tactics are proving to be a nightmare for the Japanese they lose ground fast that month.

America
One group of the extremist are caught but the bombing has done the damage. The Military feel they should increase there forces in the Philippines and all over sea territory for the moment.

July
Russia The Japanese withdraw has slowed down due to ruthless action by the front line generals mass shootings have been carried out. In Moscow Starlin is happy but is starting to become paranoid and sees traitors in his own staff thanks to a clever German plan.

August
BREAKING NEWS.....
German U-Boats sink to Japanese aircraft Carriers.

In Germany Hitler is told of phase one of Operation Cloaked Eagle all is going well which puts him at ease a letter from the British P.M is on his desk the letter states due to high naval losses no further action is possible at this stage until new capital warships are made the remaining fleet will hold there positions in Singapore and will only act in defense.

In America the war council see no possible expansion by the Japanese due to there commitment in Russia which is causing a major drain of there forces even in Burma the campaign is stopped after taking two thirds of the country and there is now more up rest in China civil forces have hit and damaged rail lines in to Russia. For the Moment America will build up her forces and will conduct them selfs in a stand off and keep an eye on the war in Russia.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

May - Sept. 1940:

In Russia in the north and south German and Russian forces have the upper hand as they push the front lines east up to 40 KM's. By early Aug. Japanese forces regain control of the skies and the advance is finally slowed and halted. One major mining area is recaptured by German forces in the North.

Meanwhile in Japan with the emperors death and take over by General To Jo and his followers, Japan's high war council is in confusion. Admiral Yamamoto is arrested and jailed along with several other high ranking army Generals for failure to pledge loyalty to To Jo.

In America with the emperors death, Roosevelt realizes that war will come soon . The US navy is put on high alert and forces are moved to reinforce the Philippines and Australia. Other US positions in the Pacific are reinforced as well, as they prepare and wait. Back in the states the hunt for the Japanese extremists continue.

In mid Aug. a German u-boat has torpedoed and sunk a Japanese air craft carrier. When hearing the news To Jo orders a massive strike against naval forces in Hong Kong.

In mid Sept. a 7 carrier strike force attacks Hong Kong with over 400 aircraft in 3 waves. The port is prepared and 100 British fighters meet the attack force head on. The British fighters are no match for the Zero and most go down in flames in short order. 7 ships are in port including the German Battleships Bismark , Turpits and Admiral Sheer. Along with a escort carrier and a few destroyers. All ships are sunk, in the attack. Also the sub pens are heavily damaged and 5 IX u-boats are sunk. The Air field is moderately damaged and is out of action for the next 60 days. Japanese lose 89 aircraft in the attack. To Jo is pleased with the result but had hoped to catch more ships than 7 in port. However revenge against the Germans is achieved.