May 1-17, 1942: Japan
plans to strike south, to further isolate Australia,
while USN and Allied forces prepare to meet the challenge.
In Europe, Mediterranean fighting continues unabated and the USSR
prepares for the inevitable attack...which comes May 17.
May 1st
Moscow:
As usual on May 1st, a big military parade takes place on the Red Square.
The German military Attaché is particularly interested by new tanks
parading this day, particularly an impressive heavy one and what seems
a development of traditional Soviet "Cavalry" tank, with sloped armour and
what looks like a 76mm gun.
This very day, in the "Pravda" newspaper, Ivan Ivanovich Ivanov, the
average good Soviet citizen, could read on page 2 a paper written by the
Commissar for Foreign Affairs 1st Deputy and stating that: "It is known
that information about a possible aggression by Germany against the Workers
Fatherland (i.e. Soviet Union) are circulated by Imperialist powers. These
reports are absolutely groundless and couldn't deceive true communists."
The same good Soviet citizen however could have had some reasons to be
confused as, on the Pravda page 1, alongside papers written by the General
Secretary and the Head of the SovNarKom (respectively Stalin and Molotow),
was published a long column written by the People's Commissar to Defence
(NKO), Timoshenko stating: "Now, through the wise policy of Comrade Stalin,
our country enjoys peace when the world is torn apart by a new Imperialist
war. Quite clearly British imperialist leaders would like to see Soviet
Union embroiled into this war and they are up to machiavellian provocations.
However, would the Worker's Fatherland be attacked the Peasants and Workers
Red Army (RKKA) could fully repel the aggressor and inflict on him grievious
losses. In this Worker's Day are also to be acclaimed and praised all the
soldiers and officers of the Red Army and the Red Banner Fleet. Any Imperialist
power daring to attack Soviet Union will be crushed for once and for all."
Now, Ivan Ivanovich Ivanov could have wondered why was it necessary to
make so strongly a point about defence if gossip about a German attack
against Soviet Union and noises of mobilisation were just "rumours" and
provocations planted by Imperialist agents. Ivan Ivanovich Ivanov had may
be seen in previous days Izvestiya letters from places around Minsk and
Kiev complaining that some urgents works had to be delayed because young
people indicted in the RKKA two years ago had not been liberated as usual
by end March. And Ivan Ivanovich Ivanov could even had skipped through the
Red Army newspaper Krasnaya Zvesda (Red Star) to see that part of the issue
was devoted to "lessons to be learnt from the ongoing war, and experiences
of our victorious troops in Khalkhin-Ghol".
But Ivan Ivanovich Ivanov was used to live in 1942 Soviet Union and knew
better than ask some questions or point to some discrepancies in the "general
line".
Pearl Harbor:
Adm Nimitz (CinCpac) meets with his commanders, particularly Adm. Halsey
and Adm. Spruance to review options as the Signal Intelligence unit operating
from Pearl warns of some discrepancies in the new Japanese signal pattern.
Nimitz decides that once resplenished, USS Enterprise and Hornet are
to provide distant escort for two transport ships carrying more equipment
and guns to Midway.
MAY 2nd.
Kiel:
Arrival of pocket battleship Lutzow for permanent repairs after her torpedoing
off Norway.
North Africa:
Another major raid against Axis airfields in Sicily. 275 Allied planes
are taking part to co-ordinated attacks against Trapani and Comiso. Two
USAAF bomber units, the 47th BG (on A20) and the 12th BG (on B-25) are participating
in these raids. Eleven allied planes are lost (7 fighters and 4 bombers)
against 8 Italian fighters.
The French Navy signals the end of the "Submarine Emergency" in Gibraltar
Straits.
Peloponnesus:
Bad weather prevents much activity eiher in the air or on the ground.
However, late in the evening, an Italian submarine sinks a Greek coaster
off Kalamata and escapes the ASW patrol.
Truk:
Arrival of the Carrier Division 2 (CV Hiryu and Soryu) to participate
to "MO".
Pearl Harbor:
Under V.Adm. Halsey command, USS Enterprise and Hornet, with their screens,
leave Pearl Harbor to provide cover for the two seaplane tenders Thornton
and Ballard, which are to be stationed at the French Frigate Shoals and
seaplane tender USS Kittyhawk, which is to carry equipments and supplies
to Midway.
Noumea (New Caledonia)
Arrival late in the day of Fiel-Marshal Wawell in company of Rear Adm.
J.G. Crace, head of the British Pacific Squadron, Gen. Brett, USAAF and
Vice-Admiral R.L. Ghormley (CINPAC representative to Wavell's command),
to meet Rear Adm. F.J Fletcher USN and A.W. Fitch USN, as well as French
V.Adm. Musellier, head of French Pacific forces. R.Adm Fitch's carriers,
USS Lexington and USS Yorktown were anchored with their screen in Noumea
roadstead. The other USN carrier in the area, USS Wasp under R.Adm Leigh
Noyes command was in the same time covering a convoy bound to Suva
MAY 3rd:
Oran-Mers El Kebir;
The French fast battleship Dunkerque, escorted by DD Tramontane, Typhon,
Le Mars, Ouragan, leaves Oran for Gibraltar, on her way to the New York
Shipyard where she is to be refitted and to receive a better close-range
AA armament. The five ships are to stop in Gibraltar and then Dunkerque
is to proceed at high speed unescorted to New York.
Peloponnesus:
US tanks (M3 medium) of the 13th Armoured regiment (1st US Armoured Division)
commanded by Col. Paul Robinett began to deploy South of Tripolis, under
French operational command.
Noumea:
On this Sunday was held a major planning conference in French Adm. Musellier's
office in the hilltop situated Governor House. The meeting took place after
the mass held, as described by the US Naval Historian S.E. Morison "in
a noble looking Catholic cathedral, where the office was mostly attended
by French naval officers and seamen and a lonely gentleman with five old
ladies in black, welcomed by a sermon in Bossuet's French delivered by a
priest as remote from this war as Bossuet himself."
The meeting itself was an important one as all commanding officers were
reviewing options open to them from the latest, but quite meagre, intelligence
products. That an enemy push toward Port-Moresby and probably the Solomons
was in the coming was obvious. Port-Moresby was in itself an important strategic
anchor and, from the Solomons, a push toward New-Caledonia and Fiji could
be attempted, then severing the link between Australia and United States.
The British Solomons had been legally transferred to Australian custody
just a week before, but the Australian government had already taken steps
to provide what defence could be provided. A small seaplane base had been
established in Tulagi, and an airfield was in its initial stage of building
on Guadalcanal island. Air assets available were nonetheless slim with one
former QUANTAS Short “C” class flying boats helped by two Saro Lerwick and
two Catalinas from the Brisbane based Maritime Patrol group. Till the airstrip
could host USAAF planes, there would be no real air defence. The US Navy
would have liked to develop Tulagi as a powerful base to check the Japanese
advance and ultimately attack Rabaul as Adm. King had planned as early as
March, but few resources were then available. Everyone agreed to see Tulagi
as impossible to defend against a determined Japanese attack.
The situation in Fiji is also seen as worrying. The RNZAF was manning
a seaplane base at Lautoka Bay, and a New-Zealand battalion has garrisoned
the capital, Suva. Till the arrival of a US Infantry division, planned for
early June, this was all that can be done. Nonetheless, a large airfield was
under construction and expected to be completed by June.
In Samoa, Pago-Pago had been garrisoned with 18 F4F-3 and 17 SBC, as
well as a number of seaplanes supported by USS Swan. A Marine Defence Battalion
and some other detachments were already there. On the Upolu Island, (the
New-Zealand Mandate) there was another Marine Defense Battalion and a seaplane
base. Wallis Island (French Mandate) had received a strengthened naval infantry
company. There was a small seaplane station from where 3 Loire-130 were
operating and a large airfield was under construction.
It is decided at this meeting that USN aircraft carriers were to operate
from Noumea, with at least 2 CV always operating together, and one being
detached to escort convoys. The British Pacific Squadron, soon to be significantly
strengthened was to operate from Brisbane. As more US troops were to deploy
in New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Fiji, the French Pacific Command
would allocate two to four battalions to the defence of Tulagi-Guadalcanal.
Once completed, the Guadalcanal airstrip could host part of the USAAF planes
now accumulated in Australia.
Would the Japanese attack before the Guadalcanal airstrip could have
been completed, Tulagi would have to be evacuated and the attack force
destroyed at sea by a combination of air attacks during daylight and surface
action at night. Defence of Port-Moresby was to be the priority.
----
List of USAAF assets in Australia:
8th FG with 72 P-39 on strength, half inPort-Moresby, half at Townsville
4th FG with 80 P-40 at Darwin.
33th FG, with 81 P-39 at Sydney
2nd BG (L) with 19 B-25, 19 A-24 and 14 A-20 at Charters Tower.
22 nd BG (M) with 12 B-25 and 80 B-26 at Townsville.
19th BG (H) with 48 B-17 at Cloncurry.
--------
In the evening Wavell, Brett and Crace leave Noumea for Brisbane.
MAY 4th:
Moscow:
General Golikov, head of the Red Army Intelligence Department (GRU-RKKA)
is received at the Kremlin by Stalin, in company of Molotov and Beria.
General Golikov hands to Stalin two reports coming from Intelligence
departments of both "Western Special" (Minsk) and Western (Kiev) Military
Districts, stating that, after weeks of high training activity, the number
of Luftwaffe flights in the General Governorship (Poland) had dramatically
decreased and that local sources are stating that all combat aircrafts are
now entering field maintenance process, including engine changes.
Malta:
RAF SQN N° 249, 126, based at Malta begins to operate on Spitfire
V, which are replacing their Hurricane II. These two squadrons are the very
first RAF fighter units in MTO to operate on Spitfire, but not the first
unit in Allied forces as the AdA GC-1 had obtained this type of plane earlier
in the year, arising bitter comments among the RAF.
MAY 5th
Gibraltar:
Arrival of Dunkerque with her screen. After refueling, the fast battleship
leaves Gibraltar for New York at 25kts.
Port Blair (Adaman Islands)
Arrival at Port Blair of a 4 freighter convoy escorted by CL Mauritius
and DD: Encounter, Jervis, Ashanti, Eskimo. This convoy carries engineering
equipment to expand the airstrip (already considerably enlarged), additional
AA guns and equipment to allow basing substantial forces.
Midway:
Arrival on the atoll of CINCPAC, Adm. Nimitz, for inspection to find
the two islands ringed already by guns from 20mm AA to old 7-in ones. After
talking with Commander Cyril T. Simard and Ltn.Col Harold Shannon USMC,
Nimitz agrees to step up quickly the force build up in Midway.
Brisbane:
Arrival at Brisbane of BC HMS Renown and heavy cruiser Shropshire. Both
ships re welcomed by the Australian Prime-Minister Mr. Curtin. They are to
be part of RADM. J.G. Crace's force with CA HMAS Australia, USS Chicago,
CL HMS Leander, HMAS Perth, Sydney.
RADM. Crace is to put his flag on HMS Renown.
MAY 6th
Scapa Flow:
French Battleship Richelieu, heavy cruiser Algérie and their screen
of 4 Le Hardi class destroyers leave Scapa Flow for Oran. This move, approved
at the last joint French-British naval staff meeting, corresponds to the
fact the Home Fleet had received a new battleship (HMS Duke of York) and
is to put in commission another one by next summer, and is now fully able
to stop the Tirpitz when the Bismarck sister-ship will be back in commission.
The French naval command in Mediterranean needs Richelieu and Algérie
to balance the Italian fleet if both Dunkerque and Strasbourg are to spend
some times in US shipyards.
Tokyo:
The main economic adviser of Prince Konoye, himself former Prime-Minister
of Japan, Mr. Hirofumi Ozaki, is arrested by the Japanese police for high
treason and communication of State Secrets to a foreign power.
Noumea:
French sloop d'Iberville, which had been heavily damaged in her fight
against the German raider KMS Kormoran and since then was under repairs in
Australia arrives to Noumea for participating to the local "French naval
force" with the training cruiser Jeanne d'Arc and two auxiliary merchant
cruisers (AMC), El Mansour and Victor Schoelcher.
MAY 7th:
Kiel:
Constitution of the "Baltenflotte" under V.ADM Bey command with BB Tirpitz,
heavy cruiser Hipper, light cruisers Emden, Leipzig, Köln, Nuremberg,
Destroyers Z25, Z27, Z30, Torpedo-boats T7, T8, T10, T11, T17, T18 and
3 flotillas of S-Boats.
Tokyo;
The German journalist Richard Sorge, who is well known by all the Tokyo
German-speaking community and personal adviser of the German Ambassador is
arrested by the Japanese police, as well as a German entrepreneur in Japan
Max Klausen.
Noumea (New Caledonia)
Adm. Musellier, Commander French Pacific Forces (Commandant des Forces
Françaises du Pacifique) send a message to Algiers, stating:
" The US build up in New Caledonia is progressing accordingly to plans.
The US Americal Division and its attached units are now over 15,000 men and
are to reach 22,000 by early June.
Four independent battalions have been created from local forces in New
Caledonia and are actually attached to the Navy for training. It is intended
they could be used in defensive or offensive operations in the Solomons,
acting as scouts or special forces. I have nonetheless to restrain local
enlistment as Noumea harbour is still highly dependent on human labour.
Unloading facilities are poor and could be easily overcrowded would Noumea
be used as a major base. This is a serious constraint on future operations.
On the Tontoota site, 50km from Noumea, US Engineers are completing two
airstrips. Doubts however have been raised about their ability to sustain
continuous operations by heavy bombers and they could be in need of resurfacing
by early summer. In the Plaine des Gaiacs the US Army Engineers Corps is
currently building two large airstrips, one 2,200m and the other 1,600m long.
No less than eight emergency or satellite fields are also to be built before
July. This will turn New Caledonia into a powerful and unsinkable aircraft
carrier.
The USAAF however is only able to provide for a very limited number of
fighters and bombers. Considering the potential strategic situation of
New Caledonia, I request that Armée de l'Air units now operating
in China and from the special base in North Indochina could be transferred
to my command. This move would significantly enhance our political leverage
in months to come. Deployment of at least one heavy bomber squadron equipped
with Consolidated-32 long-range bombers would also provide for an important
reconnaissance and strike capability."
MAY 8th:
Peloponnesus:
Major Luftwaffe attack on Kalamata and Gythion, constituting the first
large-scale operation of the new Air-Command Greece (Fliegerfürher
Greeschenland). Kalamata is attacked first in the morning by the FK-VIth,
which sends 45 Special Kampfgruppen 606 and 806 Ju-88 escorted by 64 Bf-109F
from JG-27 and II/JG-3. This raid is closely followed by one on Gythion delivered
by the FK-Xth with 36 Ju-88 escorted by 48 Bf-109F belonging to the JG-77.
Just before noon, Tripolis is attacked by 36 StG-3 Ju-87 in company with
16 RA Fiat CR-42, escorted by 24 Macchi-300 and 8 Macchi-202.
The first raid is strongly opposed by AdA fighters and 24 GC-I/1 and
II/1 Spitfire-V with 32 Hawk-87 belonging to GC I/7, II/7, III/7 and III/80(Y)
are scrambled. Gythion is under RAF protection and 8 Hurricane-II, 12 P-40E,
12 P-40C raise to intercept attackers. This led to the greatest air-battle
over Peloponnesus since the Allied landing. The Luftwaffe lose 21 planes
(9 Ju-88 and 12 Bf-109), of which 2 to the AA defence over Gythion but 17
Allied fighters are lost, including 3 Spitfire-V, 4 Hawk-87, 3 Hurricane-II,
3 P-40E and 4 P-40C. Three freighters are sunk in Gythion Gulf, and one
in Kalamata Harbour. Important damages are done to the Gythion unloading
area, forcing the Allied command to divert ships to Kalamata.
The raid on Tripolis is not opposed as most Allied available fighters
have been used to defend Kalamata and Gythion, and dive-bombers inflict heavy
damages to Tripolis.
In the afternoon, Tripolis is again raided by 21 StG-3 Ju-87 escorted
by 36 Bf-109 belonging to the JG-27. This time, the raid is intercepted by
16 Hawk-87 belonging to the GC II/7 and III/7. If 7 German planes are destroyed
(of which 4 Ju-87 and 3 Bf-109), French fighters are losing 6 planes.
Fremantle:
French minelaying submarine Perle overdue from a mining operation is
considered lost with all hands into action. Perle had planted a 32 mines
field at the entry of the Saigon River on April 20th, which claimed two
small Japanese freighters (983grt and 1512 grt) as well as one auxiliary
minesweeper damaged.
Possible causes of Perle loss are:
(a) Claim by a Japanese seaplane operating from Saigon to have bombed
a shallow submerged submarine on April 22nd out off Saigon.
(b) Claim by IJN submarine I-68 to have torpedoed a surfaced enemy submarine
north of Ananbas Islands by April 25th.
Solomons Islands:
Tulagi, the colonial capital, is bombed at dawn by 4 large Japanese flying
boats.
MAY 9th:
Berlin:
The Reich Ministry of Foreign affairs sends to the Japanese Amvbassador
the following note, which can be found in today German Federal archives in
Frankfurt:
"The German journalist Mr. Richard Sorge, representing the Frankfurter
Zeitung in Tokyo since 1936, has been arrested two days ago by the Japanese
police as well as another Reich citizen, Mr. Max Klausen, on the pretence
of anti-State activities.
Mr. Sorge is a talented journalist whose highly authoritative and unbiased
papers could have generated some enmities. It is German Reich Government
opinion that charges levied against Mr. Sorge, and particularly the one
to be a communist agent, are without proof and substance. These charges
are most certainly the result of a political cabal intended to do harm to
German-Japanese friendship.
The German Reich Government requests then the liberation of both Mr.
Sorge and Mr. Klausen, and the possibility for Reich Ambassador in Japan,
General Ott, to meet them immediately.
Signed: Ambassador Braun von Stumm
Head of Section VIII (Eastern Asia)
Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs"
Gdynia:
The German 1st S-Boat flotilla including S.26, S.27, S.28, S.29, S.39,
S.40, S101, S.102, S103, leaves Gdynia late in the evening after having
taken mines, to the Finnish harbour of Helsingfors.
Peloponnesus:
Another very heavy Luftwaffe raid, this time against Sparti. The raid
is delivered early in the morning by 36 Special Kampfgruppen 606 and 806
Ju-88 escorted by 48 Bf-109F from JG-27 and II/JG-3. A relatively early detection
allows 16 French Sptifire-V and 16 French and Yugoslav Hawk-87 to intercept
the attack. This time the Luftwaffe loses 9 planes (4 Ju-88 and 5 Bf-109)
to the cost of 2 Spitfire and 5 Hawk-87.
Sparti is again attacked at noon by 18 StG-3 Ju-87, 8 Fiat CR-42, escorted
by 16 JG-27 Bf-109F and 24 Macchi-200. A mixed RAF/AdA formation of 24
P-40E/Hawk-87 intercepts this raid but loses 9 planes to destroy 5 Ju-87,
3 Macchi and 2 Bf-109.
Solomons Islands:
Tulagi is hit by another Japanese air raid, with 5 large flying boats
bombing the seaplane station, soon followed by 9 twin-engined bombers. One
Saro Lerwick is seriously damaged and the small town heavily damaged.
MAY 10th:
French North Africa:
Major air operation against Taranto and Reggio di Calabria. 186 bombers
(among them 54 from the USAAF) escorted by 248 fighters attack simultaneously
both targets. This operation, the largest since "Avenger" has been code-named
"Hammer".
The Regia Aeronautica loses 11 fighters during these attacks but is able
to down 10 Allied planes (of which 4 bombers).
Peloponnesus:
Another day with high level air activity. Tripolis is attacked twice
by German bombers, and 13 Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica planes are destroyed
for the cost of 11 Allied fighters (5 French and 6 British).
Moscow:
Stalin receives late in the evening the People's Commissar to Defence,
Marshal Timoshenko, the Red Army Chief of Staff Gen. Zhukov, in company
of the head of the government, Molotov and the Commissar on "Interior Affairs",
Lavrenti Beria. The five men discuss latest Intelligence data.
Gen. G.K. Zhukov asks for the authorization of sending mobilization orders
in all border Military Districts, something which Stalin refuses as much
too provocative. However, Zhukov got the authorization to suspend all temporary
leaves and to speed up transfer of Volga and Caucasus District units toward
the Dnepr eastern bank.
MAY 11th:
Roma:
Mussolini meets Commanders of the Regia Aeronautica and orders that all
Italian fighter planes are to be transferred back to Italy, whatever could
have been agreed with local Luftwaffe authorities in Greece.
Peloponnesus:
Bad weather prevent continuation of German raids against Sparti or Tripolis,
but A.V.M. Sir A. Tedder sends a message to RAF commander in MTO asking
for "substantial reinforcements" for the Aegean Air Force.
Canberra:
After discussing the situation with Marshal Wavell’s staff the Australian
government decides to pull out troops in Tulagi and Guadalcanal. It is
decided that under US CV cover, two of Admiral Crace’s cruisers are to
meet with the French Jeanne d’Arc to evacuate as soon as possible military
personnel and civilians.
MAY 12th.
French North Africa:
To force the Luftwaffe to lighten its deployment in Greece, operations
are stepped up against Sicily and South Italy. A succession of 3 major
strikes are planned this day under the code-name of "Hammer-II". No less
than 671 combat missions are flown then flown against airfields in Sicily
and around Tarento. Comisso and Trapani are hit twice in the day. The Regia
Aeronautica loses 27 planes (of which 11 destroyed on the ground) against
21 Allied planes (of which 4 have been destroyed by AA fire).
Peloponnesus:
Extremely violent Luftwaffe attack against Gythion, which is raided thrice
in the day. The Luftwaffe loses 17 planes against 14 Allied fighters. Part
of Gythion unloading facilities is damaged, and some supply ships have
to be diverted to Kalamata.
Moscow:
After a lengthy meeting with Stalin, Molotov and Beria, General Zhukov,
Admiral Kuznetsov (Commissar to the Navy) and Marshal Timoshenko receive
authorization to put all western Military Districts and Army staffs under
the highest alert status. Command posts were to be manned at all time during
day and night and commanders were to be joined at any time.
Borders troops, belonging to the NKVD (i.e. under Lavrenti Beria's responsibility)
were to man their position and "prepare for a full-scale inspection" in
preparation for early June exercises.
Washington:
After listening to mixed intelligence reports about the Soviet capability
to face a full-scale German attack, President F.D. Roosevelt informs W.
Churchill that: "he would support any announcement welcoming Russia as an
ally" should Germany attack.
London:
As he was receiving Roosevelt's message, Churchill had a meeting with
Foreign Office officials about how to deal with Russia in the event of a
war between this last and Germany. About important matters discussed during
this meeting were questions like: "Should the Soviet Ambassador be admitted
to the St. James Palace group (of Allied Ambassadors)? Should the 'Red Flag'
(the Soviet Anthem) be played on Sunday evening? Should the Communist Party
be recognised and admitted to the Trade Union Congress?"
Brisbane:
A small force composed of cruisers HMAS Australia and USS Chicago, leaves
Brisbane to evacuate troops and civilian from Tulagi and Guadalcanal. The
stepping up of Japanese air raids clearly points to a major enemy operation
in the area.
Solomons:
At dawn formation of 18 G4M1 coming from Rabaul bombs Tulagi and the
Gavutu harbour, destroying a small coaster.
MAY 13th.
Moscow:
Early in the day, Timoshenko, the People's Commissar on Defence (NKO)
and Adm. Kuznetsov order to commanders of the Leningrad, Baltic and Odessa
Military Districts to coordinate their actions with the Baltic and Black
sea Fleet. Vice Admiral V.F. Tributs (Red Banner Baltic Fleet) and Vice-Admiral
F.S. Oktyabrskiy (Commander of the Black Sea Fleet) are to "cooperate closely
with Military District commanders, so provide security of the ground forces'
maritime flanks and assure security of naval bases.
Marshal Boris Shaposhnikov, who was in charge of the "Molotov Defence
Line"; leaves Moscow for Kiev, ostensibly on an inspection tour. Fortified
Regions (Ukrepleny Rajony) commanders in the Western Special (Byelorussian)
and Western Special (Ukrainian) Military Districts are officially noticed
of this inspection tour, which is to be announced in the Red Army newspaper,
the Krasnaja Zvezda (Red Star). In a coded message sent through land lines,
all Fortified Regions commanders are informed to put their troops under
the highest alert status but to avoid opening fire on possible German reconnaissance
flights.
French North Africa:
During the night, 59 RAF Wellington night-bombers attack Naples. With
dawn, French and USAAF fighters are making low-level attacks on "target of
opportunity" on the Sicily Southern coast, losing 5 planes in the process
for the destruction of 3 Italian planes and various vehicles and small boats.
Peloponnesus:
This day, the Luftwaffe seems happy with harassing attacks against Allied
ground forces around Tripolis.
Truk:
The "Operation MO" support force under Adm. Goto command leaves Truk.
This support force is to sail through the Bougainville - Choiseul passage
to be south of New Georgia, when Admiral Shima's landing force is to arrive
to Tulagi.
Rabaul:
Rear Admiral Shima's attack group leaves Rabaul, heading for Tulagi.
Solomons:
In the morning, the Burns Philp trading station at Aola on Guadalcanal
is bombed by 3 four-engined flying boats. Soon after, 9 G4M1 twin engined
bombers attack Purvis Bay on Florida Island. In the afternoon Tulagi is
again attacked by 18 G4M1, and the one-street town is set ablaze, the wireless
station let in shambles.
Nouméa:
At 0100 in the morning, French cruiser Jeanne d'Arc leaves Nouméa
Harbour to participate to evacuation of Tulagi-Guadalcanal. As a training
cruiser, Jeanne d'Arc can accommodate quite easily up to 350-400 men for
a medium trip.
At 0900, V.Adm. Fletcher, commanding the two carriers USS Lexington and
Yorktown also leaves Nouméa. The two carriers are part of Task Group
17.5 and under R.Adm. Fitch tactical command. In addition to their screen,
they are escorted by R.Adm. Kincaid cruisers.
Pearl Harbor:
Arrival early in the day of the French "cruiser" submarine Surcouf, coming
back after operations in the Tokyo Bay and along Japanese coast. This large
submarine is to be refitted at the Navy Yard to operate with US large submarines
for "special operations".
MAY 14th:
London:
Lord Louis Mountbatten's staff submits to the Imperial General Staff
a proposal for a "large raid" on the French coast, to be implemented by
end summer. The aim of this raid is to test German defences, acquire information
on beach and harbour defences. It is proposed that Canadian troops be used
for this raid.
French North Africa:
Hammer-III operation. 376 planes (including 172 medium and light bombers)
are taking part to a two waves raid against Tarento. Significant damages
are inflicted on harbour equipment. 14 Allied planes are lost (of which
3 to AA fire) against 11 Italian fighters.
After dusk, 48 RAF Wellington night-bombers drop mines in the Tarento
"Mare Grande".
Kiev:
Two soldiers belonging to the 2nd Slovakian Infantry Division are arrested
at 0130 by border guards. After affirming that they are defectors carrying
important information, they are hastily to Lvov and then in the afternoon
to Kiev. Here, the Military District Intelligence Department send a coded
message to Moscow by 1750 stating:
"German, Hungarian, Rumanian and Slovakian forces are now ready on their
attack position. Probable date of enemy attack is Saturday 16th or Sunday
17th. It can't be discounted that some information could have been part
of a deception plan"
Moscow:
By 2200 Stalin summons to his office Malenkov, Beria, the head of Military
Intelligence, Gen. Golikov, the Chief of General Staff Gen. G. Zhukov and
the People's Commissar to Defence, Marshal Timoshenko. Golikov confirms
that documents carried by the two Slovak defectors, one being actually a
Lt.Col. are consistent with all other Intelligence sources, which have collected
by the GRU since last February, including the last message sent on April
29th by source "Ramsay" and putting the German attack date at May 17th.
As Stalin warns of a possible British-French provocation, Zhukov asks
authorisation to put all units belonging to the second tactical echelon into
full alert and to have all units of the first tactical echelon moving to
their positions behind the Molotov Line. Such a move, as he adds, would create
a 25km to 30 km buffer zone between the border and our troops, preventing
any provocation. Would the Germans attack, their artillery barrage would
be unable to strike our troops. Air Defence units protecting major railway
junctions and airfields are too to be put into alert. Zhukov and Timoshenko
both argue that such a posture would give Soviet Forces the best flexibility
possible in case of a real shooting war, and in the same time would prevent
any provocation. By 0050 on the 15th, Stalin agrees to this proposal, and
a specially coded message is then transmitted.
Truk.
R.Adm Marumo's covering force, lead by cruiser Tatsuta, leaves Truk.
Brisbane:
Rear Admiral British Pacific Squadron (BPS) leaves Brisbane at 1600,
less Australia and Chicago, to join VADM Fletcher's fleet south of Rennell
Islands. The BPS is to boost Fletcher's forces or, if needed, to operate
as a mobile striking force, to block the Jomard Passage.
French submarines Beveziers and Sidi-Ferruch leave Brisbane to operate
in the Coral Sea.
Coral Sea:
By 2100 VADM Fletcher's group reaches a point 75 nm southwest of Rennell
Island. This is the farthest limit Fletcher intends to reach until Japanese
forces are precisely detected. Fletcher orders by blinker his ships
to be ready to fuel from oiler Neosho from 0400 next morning.
Tulagi-Guadalcanal:
Arrival of Jeanne d'Arc at 2115 off Guadalcanal. The ship enters the
Sealark Channel soon followed at 2200 by Australia and Chicago. All three
ships begin the evacuation, Jeanne d'Arc and Chicago anchor off Lunga Roads
recovering men from the Australian battalion in Guadalcanal and Australia
begins to evacuate soldiers and civilians from Tulagi and Purvis Bay.
Nouméa:
V.Adm Musellier retransmits from Nouméa V.Adm Fletcher's order
to R.Adm Leigh Noyes group (USS Wasp) to leave the convoy he was escorting
to Suva and sail to a position South of Rennell Islands.
New-York
Arrival of French fast battleship Dunkerque at the New York naval shipyard.
The ship is to enter a 10 week cycle of repairs and refit, and to have
her AA armament and fire direction equipment thoroughly modernized.
MAY 15th:
Oran - Mers El Kebir:
Arrival of Battleship Richelieu, heavy cruiser Algérie and their
screen of 4 Le Hardi class destroyers.
Moscow:
Red Army Chief of Staff, Gen. G.K. Zhukov sends by 1600 a coded message
to all Western Military District asking for "the utmost vigilance on the
16th and the 17th".
By 2050h he is received by Stalin, with Molotov and Beria and is authorized
to send orders for the partial mobilization of Volga Military District
reserves. However, Zhukov is not authorized to implement the MP-42 the
mobilization plan, which calls for a 10.9 millions men army generated in
5 weeks. The NKVD is asked to constitute "mobile groups" for the security
of main command and communication posts in Western border Military Districts.
In the same time Admiral Kuznetsov, People's Commissar to the Navy sends
a warning to Northern, Baltic and Black Sea Fleets to be ready to begin
offensive and defensive mine laying operations by 0600 on May 17th. By 2330,
after talking with Zhukov, he sends another message asking both fleets to
"switch to war footing, begin dispersal of heavy units and expect to face
the enemy by early hours on May 17th." Baltic Fleet commander V.Adm. Tributs
on his own initiative had actually already done this. Actually, earlier in
the day Tributs had sent a message to Cpt. 1st Rank M.S. Klevenskiy, the
Liepaja (Libau) base commander to organise base defence with the 67th Rifle
Division commander (Maj.Gen. N.A. Dedayev) so to provide the best possible
security to the base, which is the most exposed of the Baltic Fleet.
A special message is sent to the Danube Riverine Flotilla commanded by
R.Adm. N.O. Abramov whose five "monitors" and 34 "armoured cutters" are
to be placed on special alert status. The same is done for the Pinsk riverine
Flotilla.
Peloponnesus:
As RAF fighter squadrons begin to re-equip on Spitfire V, GC II/1 and
III/1 are pulled out from Kalamata airfields to Crete. Both squadrons are
to be sent to North Africa, and latter to Great Britain, to participate to
air-operations over French territory. They are to be re-equipped with the
new NA-89 North-American fighter (a NA-73 variant with a Packard V-1650-I
engine). The GC I/1 is to be pulled out too early June. Spitfire-V belonging
to GC II/1 and III/1 are pooled and redistributed to the GC I/1 and some
RAF units.
Truk.
The IJN striking force, including Carrier Divisions 2 and 5 under R.Adm
Takagi leaves Truk.
Tulagi-Guadalcanal:
By 0445 all three Allied cruisers raise anchor and sail southeast through
the Indispensable Straits.
Coral Sea:
V.ADM Fletcher's force begins to fuel in two groups separated by at least
20nm. The USS Yorktown group (under Fletcher himself) fuels from Neosho
and the Lexington group, under R.Adm Fitch, fuels from Tippecanoe. The US
Naval historian S.E. Morison would write about this day:
"As usual in force commanded by Admiral Fletcher, fuelling was a very
leisurely affair..."
Task Group 17.7 under R.Adm Leigh Noyes (USS Wasp and her screen) was
then steaming northwest between New Hebrides and Loyalty Islands.
At 1615 an USAAF B-17 of the 19th BG(H) based at Cloncurry (Australia)
after having refuelled in Port Moresby discovers R.Adm Shima's force sailing
south of Bougainville Island and describes it as "three cruisers, eight
destroyers and at least 5 transports". The message is sent to Port-Moresby
where the local commander re-sends it to Sydney, from where the signal is
then sent to Fletcher, who is reached by 2315. Actually the Yorktown radio-operator
had got the message sent by the B-17 to Port Moresby but R.Adm Fitch, believing
the message has been intercepted too by the Lexington decided not to break
radio silence to inform Fletcher.
MAY 16th:
Moscow:
From logbook of Stalin's visitors in the Kremlin (CC/CPSU archives, Moscow):
1827h: Comrade Molotov, who has been summoned by GenSec (General Secretary)
presents himself.
1905: Comrades Voroshilov, Beria, Voznesensky (head of the GOSPLAN),
Malenkov (Commissar to Heavy Industries i.e. military industries), Kuznetsov
(Commissar to the Navy), Timoshenko and Safonov (Responsible of the "cadre"
section in the CPSU), present themselves.
2015: Comrades Voznesensky, Kuznetsov, Timoshenko, Safonov leave.
2050: Comrades Timoshenko, Zhukov, Budyenny and Golikov (Head of the
GRU), present themselves.
2115. Comrade Kuznetsov presents himself.
2125: Comrade Beria leaves.
2155: Comrade Mekhlis (Head of the political and control department of
the Red Army) presents himself.
2220: Comrades Budyenny, Golikov, Mekhlis, Timoshenko, Kuznetsov, Zhukov
leave.
2240: Comrade Beria presents himself.
2300: All present visitors leave.
After a long discussion, Timoshenko and Zhukov have been authorized to
send the following message, transmitted to all military and security units
at 2305:
"This is a war-warning message. Expect military operations to begin by
May 17th at 0400 - Moscow time. Be prepared to repulse the aggressor.
Signed:
People's Commissar to the Defence - Timoshenko
People's Commissar to the Navy - Kuznetsov
Chief of Staff of the Red Army - Zhukov."
A second message is transmitted by 2345 to all Military District commanders
not on Soviet Borders to "implement MP-42". (MP-42 was the latest variant
of the mobilization plan).
By 2340 Gen. Vasiliev'sky, one of Zhukov's deputies takes the watch at
the General Staff office as Zhukov himself goes back to the "Moskva" hotel
(now destroyed and to be replaced by a more modern building, but which
was standing in front to the GOSPLAN - currently the Russian Parliament
- on Okhotnyi Ryad street and less than ten minutes walking from the Red
Square and the Kremlin).
Peloponnesus:
Strong Luftwaffe attack against Sparti, which is raided a first time
by Ju-88 and a second time in the afternoon by Ju-87. Extremely violent
dogfights are erupting during nearly all the day, the Luftwaffe losing
13 planes (of which 5 fighters) against 17 allied planes destroyed.
North of Solomon Islands.
Admiral Takaki, who has been informed at 0015 that R.Adm Shima's force
had been detected by enemy planes ordered his ships to raise speed so to
be by noon the 18th north to Choiseul island so to be in position to help
Shima who was supposed to land troops in Tulagi the 17th.
Coral Sea
Early in the morning, R.Adm Crace's force joins Fletcher Task Group,
South of Rennell Island. Fletcher, unsure of enemy intents, and suspecting
that so large a group identified by the B-17 crew could be the attack force
against Port-Moresby, orders Crace through blinker to move north-west toward
the Jomard Passage in the Louisiade Archipelago.
As Intelligence reports have indicated that at least 2 and maybe 3 Japanese
aircraft carriers were to be included in the operation, Fletcher at this
time was also suspecting that the main enemy push could be against New Hebrides
and Espiritu Santo. He then ordered by 0930 his ships to sail East-North
East toward Santa Cruz Islands so to be mid way between San Cristobal and
Espiritu Santo by the end of the day. Fletcher ordered oiler Neosho and
destroyer Russell to stay in the fuelling area so to be of use to Noyes.
Fitch was noticed through a message sent by a plane but Noyes was not warned
of Fletcher's intents and continued to sail toward a point 70 nm South of
Rennell Islands. It is probable that Fletcher wanted to use Noyes as a back
up and a potential support to Crace to block any Japanese intent to push
through the Louisiades.
MAY 17th:
BARBAROSSATAG (Barbarossa day):
(Because of the operation's complexities, this campaign is described
in a separate series of articles, but for the most important points summarized
here.)
At 0335 (Berlin time, and 0435 Moscow time) guns opened fire from the
Baltic coast to the Prut River. Soon after, Luftwaffe planes took off to
attack Soviet airfields, radar sites and command centres. This was a major
attack aimed at destroying as many Soviet planes as possible on airfields
in a zone of 150 km from the border. No less than 240 airfields were targeted
as well as 8 radar sites.
1450 German planes participated in this attack, some attacking 2 or 3
airfields in a row, and 900 planes had to fly at low altitude to avoid radar
detection. Because of early warning given either by radar stations or by
ground observation posts, one-third of Soviet airfields were fully alerted
and AA defences were ready in two-thirds. This raid destroyed 700 planes
on the ground and knocked out 5 of the 8 attacked radar sites, even if 2
were soon repaired. But, AA defences downed 150 German planes.
This relatively heavy number was the result of many factors.
First, fighters and fighter-bombers were massively used for the initial
strike. Because of the huge number of Soviet airfields in the battlefield
area, it was impossible to attack all of them simultaneously and some German
formations had to attack up to three airfields in the same mission.
Second, navigation over a large space without landmarks was notoriously
difficult. Some formations were disoriented and had overflown already attacked
airfields before finding their proper target. Soviet AA defences were then
fully alerted.
Third, formations attacking airfields deeper in Soviet space frequently
used railway lines or rivers to navigate overland, and also had to overfly
defended targets. Most AA induced losses came from 37mm, 25mm automatic
guns and 0.5in heavy mg (single or quadruple mounts). Large AA guns (76mm
and 85mm) were relatively ineffective against low attackers.
Numerous dogfights took place over airfields where warnings had been
issued in time. No less than 75 more German planes were destroyed against
150 Soviet fighters. Usually, German pilots' better training won the day,
but attacking planes were frequently surprised and suffered losses before
being able to counter-attack.
At 0450 Gen. G.K. Zhukov was woken up by a call from Gen. Vasiliev'sky.
His first words were "eto nachalo" (it has begun).
By 0545, Zhukov, in company of Timoshenko, Molotov, Beria, and Mekhlis
was received by Stalin. At the same time, Radio-Moscow is transmitting
messages about the "beginning of a war between Soviet-Union and Fascist
Germany and its allies". By 0610 Martial Law is to be implemented on the
whole Soviet territory.
Through the special high-frequency radio network, information was beginning
to flow to Moscow. Marshal Shaposhnikov presence in Kiev assured good coordination
during this very first day, even if it was clear that the main German push
was not directed against Ukraine but in Byelorussia.
By 1130 the British Ambassador and the French "Chargé d'Affaires"
are received by V. Molotov.
By 1315 both men are received by Adm. Kuznetsov who requests of them
that both the British and the French Navy designate a line of demarcation
in the Far North so that the new East-West partners might avoid inadvertent
clashes.
By 1415 the US Ambassador in Soviet Union was received by V. Molotov.
By 1530 the British Ambassador is received by V. Molotov on his own demand
and, following a signal sent from London, informs Soviet Authorities that
British Intelligence had proof that until March the Finns were able to
"read" some Soviet tactical codes and to pass relevant information to the
Germans.
London:
At 1100 local time (1400 in Moscow) Winston Churchill makes a declaration
on the BBC proclaiming "Britain welcomes the Soviet Union to the anti-Hitler
coalition and promises aid and support to the USSR and Soviet armed forces".
This declaration stirs a considerable enthusiasm in Great Britain even
if Churchill has acted before meeting his colleagues in the government.
At 1500, after a lengthy meeting devoted to what was known about Soviet
military capabilities (actually, very little, as British Intelligence was
estimating TOTAL Soviet combat planes stock at 8,000 that is less than what
was operationally deployed against Germany), the War Office signalled to
the British Military Attaché in Moscow, Col. E.R. Greer: "to collaborate
with the Soviets on enemy order of battle information and to hand over Soviet
authorities all information on German airborne methods and tactics".
By 1700 the First Sea Lord sent a message to the British Embassy in Moscow
to be transmitted to Adm. Kuznetsov and informing him that the RN would
stay out of the far north and leave that operational zone to the Soviet
Navy.
Algiers:
At 0415 (0615 Moscow Time) the French Minister of Defence, Gen. Charles
de Gaulle is woken up by his staff to be informed that radio-signal interception
is showing that Germany has launched a full-scale offensive against Soviet-Union.
To his wife asking what it is all about he just answers "Germany has just
taken on one enemy too many".
After arriving to his office, and having consulted reports now accumulating
fast and thick, De Gaulle calls the French Prime Minister, Mr. Paul Reynaud
at 0540 to inform him of the situation. The two men agree about the necessity
of a government meeting in the morning.
By 1030 the French government meets to review the situation. A message
is sent to the Soviet Government through the French Ambassador in Washington
and the decision taken to send a new Ambassador to Moscow (Since the Russo-Finnish
War there was just a "Chargé d'Affaires").
At noon, Mr. Paul Reynaud speaks at Radio-Algiers to give full French
support to Soviet Union in its struggle against Germany.
At 1300 a message from the Minister of Defence is aired on Radio-Algiers
pledging French armed forces full and total collaboration with Russia (De
Gaulle don't use the word Soviet Union) in the common fight.
Washington:
At 0050 Washington Local Time, General Marshall informs President F.D.
Roosevelt "apparently, Germany has launched an all-out attack against the
Soviet Union". Marshall spells out his doubts about Soviet capability to
resist such an attack, even if he admits: "their Armed Forces' effectiveness
seems to have increased in the last months."
By 0745 a full briefing is held at the White House. The military situation
seems quite confused, but Soviet forces are apparently putting a good show,
even if German units have penetrated into Soviet territory.
By 0930 the Soviet Ambassador in Washington, Mr. Maksim Litvinov, is
received by Mr. Cordell Hull, who assures him of total US support. Litvinov
asks for the granting to Soviet Union of similar "Lend-Lease" facilities
already used by British, Dutch and French governments. He then assures that
"Soviet government doesn't intend to be helped without providing help in
return."
By1200 a young French diplomat, Mr. Couve de Murville, transmits to the
Soviet Ambassador a message from the French Government to Stalin, and pledges
quick sending of a French Ambassador in Moscow.
Tulagi-Guadalcanal:
At 0800, Admiral Shima's Tulagi Invasion Group made an unopposed landing.
Admiral Goto's Covering Group milled around New Georgia and Admiral Marumo's
support group was 60 nm farther to the westward. Admiral Takagi's carrier
Group was still then north to Bougainville.
Coral Sea.
As the main Tulagi wireless station had been destroyed, news of the landing
was transmitted by an Australian "coastwatcher" and reached Fletcher, through
Sydney, at 1200. By 1550 the news was confirmed by a USAAF B-17. By then
Fletcher's force was approximately 480 nm Southeast to Tulagi.
At 1715, Fletcher ordered his ships to reverse course and sail west,
hoping to be in position for a dawn strike on Japanese forces in Tulagi
by the next morning.
Brisbane:
At noon, HMAS Australia, USS Chicago and MN Jeanne d'Arc entered Brisbane
harbour and began to unload as fast as they can soldiers and civilians.
By 1800 Australian and Chicago, having refuelled, left to sail toward the
Jomard passage and join R.Adm. Crace's squadron.