[Fritz]

Week 3, March 1944

Central

The ports on the West Coast are overflowing with supplies and fuel for the War in the Pacific. The Pearl depots and oil farms are also near capacity. The descion to rearward base troops means fewer supplies forward. Auxillary bases in the HI are being expanded into massive depots.

Hilo, on the main island, has been designated as the staging ground for Operation Hooktooth - the capture of Guam. This operation will involve the 40th and 7th Infantry divisions, along with supporting Armor, Artillery, and Engineers. Guam will be the first island in the Marianas captured. The invasion forces will gather at Eniwetok and Wake before moving on to Guam.

Lahaina is the rear staging area for Operation Sandfinch - the capture of Saipan. Several members of Nimitz staff are begging the Admiral to forward base the invasion troops so that the Amphibious ships being used against Guam can quickly turn around and be used.

South

Operations in the south pacific are winding down. A NZ Brigade has been sent to on New Georgia to replace the men of the AMERICAL Divsion. The AMERICAL is being rebased in Australia for some rest and to plan for operation in the Phillipines. Some aviation assets from south have been transfered to Southwest at the request of General Bradley.

Southwest (NG)

2 Australian Armored regiments have arrived in Gasmata as part of the transfer of the islands from the Americans. General Bradley plans to have the 32nd Infantry Divsion off the island by the end of the month.

In Eastern New Guinea, Hansa is being expanded for major air operations. The airfields will enable bombers to control most of New Guinea.

The US 1st CAV is making final preperation for operations against Hollandia and Aitape.

Southwest (DEI)

The 1st Marine Division waded ashore to strong oposition on Kwandari, but was able to quickly kick the napping defenders from their positions. Sparrow Force made an unopposed landing 100 miles up the coast to block the flow of supplies/retreat. The base is being prepared as a major air base for future operations against both the Philipnines and Borneo.

The 24th Division made a poorly executed landing at Ambonia, expecting around 6000 defenders. Instead the invasion force was greeted by 35,000 well supplied Japanese. The 24th was able to move inland a few miles before well directed Japanese attacks forced the Americans to fall back. With the sea at their backs, the 24th instead broke out towards the south and are retreating toward the Allied base at Bulla 125 torturous miles away.

The US 6th Divsion is being recalled from Timor to train for future operations.

With the immediate threat to eastern Australia removed, the Govenor General has agreed to release the 2nd AUS division from home defense. This division is being transfered to Southwest.

The US 8th Army, controlling gound forces in the DEI, currently is made up of:

1st Marine Div
24th Infantry Division
6th Infantry Division
6th AUS Division
2nd AUS Division