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12th June 1943 HQ of the chinese secret service

"Clearly batteries." Chi Peng handed over the photos to Wu Tseng on which trucks were visible. The cargo area of most were indeed covered with tarps, but three bunks had been exposed to the view of the agent and in that moment he had shot the photos. To recognize were large batteries like bathtubs which were towed by sailors on a pier.

"How old are these photos ?" Wu Tseng sked

"Fourtyeight hours."

"Looks like there are three submarines. These vessels are 3-ton trucks, a total of 9 pieces."

"Ouch ! How many needs a submarine?"

"Quite a lot !" Wu Tseng grinned "We do not know the exact number.I came across four different estimates that differ by thirty-four percent of each other, but the number of batteries is probably variable from boat to boat." Wu Tseng looked up. "We need more photos."

"This is already taken care of. What do you think of the activities of the other surface ships ?"

Wu Tseng shrugged. The images showed several warships. On all decks crates and cable drums are stacked, many men standing around. "For example, this picture tells us not many things. It lacks cranes, so nothing heavy was taken on board, but also cranes are movable. That's the problem with these ships: Everything of interest for us, is covered. What is clear however, the ships are lying in the harbour. Everything else is pure speculation. Even at the submarines we just go on the assumption that they take new batteries on board."

15th June 1943; 0522; Apartment of Yibo Yunsheng (commander of the chinese secret service)

Admiral Yibo Yunsheng could not exactly be described as a lightweight. On the contrary, he was a big man, though possessed of a superior mind, but had a sedate, almost clumsy way to move. Widowed for years, he also had a stolid, clumsy way to sleep: flat on his back and as loud snoring like an old Marmot. His sleep was as deep as that of a dead man, and it was easier to wake a grizzly from hibernation as Yunsheng. If Yibo Yunsheng slept, a ringing phone had no chance.

That was also the reason that in the early morning hours of the 15th June Mi Ping Wei, a young Lieutenant of the Navy, was in the bedroom of the admiral in Beijing and, after he had switched on all the lights, and shook his superiors asked him desperately to finally wake up. He was about to pour the director of the Chinese secret service a small glass of cold water on the forehead - a tactic to which they had previously agreed upon, if all else should fail - , as Yibo Yunsheng finally awoke.

»What's going on ?« he asked and blinked into the light. »Does anyone have declared war on us ?«

»No, Sir. But there is something we think that is very important.«

»Hopefully it is important. What time is it anyway ?«

»Ähm, 0522, Sir.«

»So, tell me, finally, what it is, Lieutenant.«

»It's about Chosen, there has been an alleged incident with Chinese troops, sir.«

Before Ping Wei had finished the sentence, Yunsheng jumped out of the bed.

»Damned. Why do you don't say it immediately.«

»I've been waiting for you to wake up, sir.«

»Wake up ! Wake up ! I'm awake or not ? Give me three minutes and then I'm ready. Do you have a car out there ?«

»Yes, Sir.«

»Then sit into it, and wait for me. I'll be right there.«

15th June 1943; shortly before noon; Forbidden City

"The whole thing is a farce", reported Admiral Yibo Yunsheng short time later to the High Council. He convened immediately the High Council shortly after the analysis of the intercepted radio message. "A brutal deception." he concluded.

"We already know that.", said the Prime Minister irritated. In the meantime he had set himself in touch with the field commanders on the Sino - Chosen border.

"Mr. Primeminister, this alleged chinese unit does not exist in our army."

"It does not exist ?", the Prime Minister, who found the whole situation unreal, was puzzled.

"Exactly, Mr. Premier. It all fits together. Chosen tries to represent China as the aggressor. Who knows what diabolical plans stuck behind it. I recommend to put our border troops into increased willingness. No idea what the madman in Pyongyang wants to do."

"You are certainly right, my dear Admiral, but I want to avoid each procedure, which could be interpreted as aggression. China wants no war !!!!" said Premierminister Chiang Kai-Check. "But China will not be caught off guard. So please put the border forces on alert. The maneuver continuing as planned. So we have, if necessary, fortunately still more troops in the region."

"I will also prepare a radio speech that China has NOTHING to do with it. However, we should be prepared for ALL things could happen. Therefore I beg to present my plan."

"We are very excited" the Primeminister answered, "please start ..........."

16th June 1943



>Here is Radio Beijing with a Special Announcement ...

Yesterday, June 15th 1943 - a day for Chosen which will live in infamy. In a cowardly act of violence, numberless
innocent civilians were executed.

That alone is reprehensible, but it is more shamefully to accuse this heinous act then to China.

China was and still is at peace with that nation.And China will looking toward the maintenance of peace in the
Yellow Sea. The people of China will form themselve their opinions and well understand the implications to the
very life and safety of our nation.

China accuses Chosen of lying, and therefore demanded a public apology of Chosen,
because with this cowardly, dastardly act of violence, China has nothing to do.<

18th June; Forbidden City - Hall of Wisdom

"But why ?" asked his Majesty the Emperor Pu Yi

"We do not know, Your Majesty." The question was for the director of the chinese secret service clearly uncomfortable."We now know that the attack on the base was a pure invention and absolutely NO chinese unit was involved -"

"Has the government of Chosen meanwhile responded to our radio announcement ?"

"Not till now. Your Majesty, in reality, the ambush must be done by korean forces, finally we know where EVERY Chinese unit at that time was. Everything indicates that Chosen is trying to represent China as the aggressor. But the reason for this, Your Majesty, we really do not know. We can only describe the actions of Chosen, not their motives."

"Get we the situation even more by diplomatic means under control -" asked the Minister of Defense uncertain.

"This may prosper us even when we get directly in connection with Pyonyang", said Yibo Yunsheng "But as long as we do not get any positive response, we need to show that we mean business. Your Majesty, I recommend to put ALL our armed forces on alert."

"I refuse to take this step. This could be seen as a preparation for an attack. If we make this step, may be the rest of the world thought we had attacked Chosen" the emperor said with calm voice.

22th June - Dadong Airfield - early morning

Captain Sun Kuei-yuan looked into the rising sun, which announced the new day. He pointed to the south and turns to the guy of the ground staff standing next to him.

"Sounds like airplanes."

In the next moment he winces, because against the dark horizon the lights of a target marker lights up.

"What the hell !" he exclaims in horror. "What does that mean ? We're not part of the maneuver!"

The roar of the aircraft engines gets gradually stronger.

"They come", said Captain Sun Kuei-yuan stunned. He feels as if he had just seen ghosts. The two soldiers are still frozen at the same spot, when a noise fills the air.

"FULL COVERAGE !!!" Captain Sun Kuei-Yuan screamed. After just a few step, the air pressure raises the men to the ground.

Kuei-yuan staring into the bright glow of the fire, which is lit at the edge of the aerodrome. The earth is trembling and shaking under his body. Constantly bombs are raining down on the airfield and aircraft flitting above his head. He is not able to comprehend what is happening around him.

The twang of the ricocheting, the ravages of fire, the incessant explosions of the bombs, the cries of the people and alternating with the roar of aircraft engines combine into a living hell concert. Only now thinks Kuei-yuan about his aircraft. He lifts his head and looks towards the east. His heart was convulsing together, when he recognizes the contours of many EW 207s enveloped in flames.

It is the first time in his life that Kuei-yuan is witnessed the terrible scene of an attack. He can not even realize that it must be Chosens aircraft that have sparked this storm of destruction ......

Wednesday 23rd of June - Beijing

Prime Minister Chiang Kai-Chek walked very slow to the lectern ....

"Your Majesty, Members of the High Council and Members of the Parliament:

Yesterday, June 22th, 1943 - China was suddenly and deliberately attacked by air forces of the Republic of Chosen. The attack yesterday on the Airfield near Dadong and the area around has caused severe damage to chinese military forces. I regret to tell you that many Chinese lives have been lost. In addition, chinese ships have been reported as been torpedoed in the yellow sea.

The Republic of Chosen has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the chinese area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated attack, the Chinese people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of all present persons and of all chinese people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph.

I ask that we declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by the Republic of Chosen, on Tuesday June 22th 1943, a state of war has existed between the Chinese Empire and the Republic of Chosen."

040024JUNE43 - HQ 3rd Airfleet - Airforce District (Prefecture) Shenyang

"It must start soon", noticed Air Force General Chang Jui-kuei Deputy Commander of the 3rd Airfleet. "Cursed, they have really kick us in the ass with the attack on the airfield. I hope that will not happen again."

"It will never happen again, Chang. I'm just waiting for the green light to start our operation dreamland." The Commander of the 3rd Airfleet, Air Force General Li Qianyuan leaned back. "How quickly we can respond to the order ?"

"All our birds are ready to start, the crews have their marching orders. If I push them on alert, dreamland can start within thirty minutes after receiving the order."

"Well done, Chang. I have the authorization of our Prime Minister to prevent any further attack. Put our men on alert."

"Yes Sir !" answered Chang Jui-Kuei with pride.

The phone rang. Li Qianyuan, listened briefly and looked up. "It's time. Password is 'glow of fire'." The 3rd Air Fleet was pushed on high alert.

Summary of Operation 'Dreamland'

Six EW-301 "Suoyú" bombed the aerodrome at Chasong. The bombers didn't suffer any losses but two landed at the home airfield with engine troubles. An attack was repeated later in the day against the same airfield. It seems that totally eight aircraft was claimed (reconnaissance two days after confirmed three burned on the ground and five damaged).

Two missions of nine Guoyong G-25B each were flown to the railroad station at Chosan during the day. The fuel facilities were set afire.

Before dusk on 24th June, a bomber group took off from Anshan airfield with 13 EW-301 to attack the big airfield near Kanggye. The uncamouflaged Chosen aircraft stood in a line along the airfield boundary. In the air there was a defensive patrol of Songsun SSC-60 fighters. They were to slow to intercept the EW-301s, which bombed in wedge formation. The chinese bombers claimed that they burned numberless aircraft. They also destroyed or set on fire aircraft maintenance facilities, also fuel and ammunition dumps. The antiaircraft guns opened fire only after the first bombs had begun to explode and then the EW-301s were chased by eight WAC-190 AC fighters. The chinese bombers suffered losses both from antiaircraft fire and fighters.

24th June 1943, Army District North

The day following our punitive operation saw almost no enemy activity; On the 23rd June there were no incidents reported from the 1st and 2nd Army. However, the 8th Army reported sporadic enemy artillery fire in the sector of the 500th Police Regiment (Hyesan). Light damage to civilian infrastructure have been caused and no casualties have been inflicted.

This morning Chosens airspace was penetrated by several Chinese bomber formations which targeted military airports in Chasong and Kanggye. Efforts to intercept the intruders were only partially successfull. The follwing casualties were caused by Chinese airraids this day: 6 planes destroyed on the ground, 14 planes damaged, 1 plane lost in aerial combat, several vehicles have been destroyed. Furthermore Chinese bombers targeted a railway station near Chosan and caused heavy damage. The raids, all of which occured in the sector of the 1st Army, caused 13 military deaths and 38 civilian casualties.
2 bombers were claimed by our fighter pilots and one was claimed by AA fire.

All fighter units of the Airforce subordinated to the Army District North are to be kept on high alert as enemy airraids are an ongoing threat.

25th June 1943, Combat Report



26-6-1943, 12:34

From: CS-12, LOCSTAT: 28°37' N 122°57' E

To: Submarine Command

Chinese freighter (5550 GRT) has been engaged with 2 torpedoes and is sunk. No survivors observed.
CS-12 continues patrol in the assigned area of operation.



After the first torpedo malfunctioned and bounced from the ships hull with a clunk, the second torpedo hit the target with evastating effect.



A huge secondary explosion suggests that the freighter was carrying ammunition. Within minutes the burning ship disappeared in the depth of the ocean.

27th June 1943, 13:22

incoming radio traffic

from: 8th Army

to: Army District North

Heavy chinese artillery fire on the town Chunggang since early morning. Several fires within the town are still burning as the local firebrigades have difficulties to extinct due to the heaving shelling. Local police authorities are reporting approx. 120 civilian casualties so far.
388th Heavy Artillery Regiment is answering the chinese artillery fire with shelling the chinese city of Linjiang.



Brave men of the 388th Heavy Artillery Regiment.

28th June 1943, Pyongyang, Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Chosen

Despite Grand Admiral Jong Ghim Rhees detests lateness of any kind, he stood at attention when Jong-Un entered the conference room, 3 minutes over time.

Grand Admiral Jong Ghim Rhee: "Good morning, my great leader!"

Jong-Un: "Good morning, Admiral. I have little time these days, the situation in northern Chosen is quite occupiying as you can imageine. Though, as it is a very important task to assign, I am here to personally appoint you to the commander of the newly formed Battlefleet 1. I deem you the most capable naval officer in Chosen and that is why I entrust you with this task which is of utmost importance for our war effort."

Grand Admiral Jong Ghim Rhee: "Well, I don't know what to say, thanks my leader, I will not dissapoint you. What is my mission though?"

Jong-Un: "Admiral San In-Tak knows all the details and he will provide you everything you need to know concerning your assignment later this day. All I can say now is, that we have several reports of Chinese taskforces patroling the Yellow and Chinese Sea. We don't know anything about the enemies intent, but what we certainly know is, that we are expecting several shipments with weaponary and matériel from South Africa during the next month. It is crucial to protect these shipments. Your task is to patrol our traderoutes, tie up enemy naval assets and thus protect our armament shipments."

Grand Admiral Jong Ghim Rhee: "Uhm...well...You know I would never call the orders of a superior into question but I do have some serious concerns about that plan. I mean you basically want me to play cat and mouse with the Chinese Navy in an area which is well within range of their naval bombers. That is extremely risky."

Jong-Un: "I can understand your concerns, the plan is maybe risky but unfortunately it is our only choice. Besides, the Battlefleet 1 consists of our strongest vessels. I am convinced that you will accomplish this misison."

Grand Admiral Jong Ghim Rhee: "Of course, Sir. I am honored."

29th June 1943

Special Directive No. 14

29-6-1943, 04:30

from: submarine command

to: all submarines operating in the China Sea


Until further notice no civilian or military vessel is to be attacked west of the 119th degree of longitude. Infringements will be court-martialed.

Aboard Destroyer HICMS Penghu

"Commander, please come to the radio room", squawked the intercom. Captain Cheng Hsiao-Yu, commanding officer of the First Escort Squadron, immediately went back to the always closed radio room.

"Now, it's getting serious." The radio officer handed over a yellow message form to him.

Quoted

074526JUNE43

From: HQ Chinese Armed Forces

To: All chinese vessels


TOP SECRET

Commencement of hostilities against Chosen Republic

Troop transports and merchant ships are attacking according the Regulations of the Hague Convention.
Enemy convoys could be attacked without warning. Passenger ships carrying only passengers must NOT
be stopped. These ships also must not attack when they are in military secured convoys.

So there we go, thought Cheng Hsiao-Yu. He put the form in the bag, went back to the bridge and wordlessly took the microphone.

"Captain is speaking. Warning: Now it's official. We have war. From now on, no more exercises, gentlemen. If there is now an alert, this means that there is a lurking enemy outside and will shoot on us. That's all."

27th June 1943; HQ North Fleet - Tianjin

With the commanding admiral of the Northern Fleet, Fleet Admiral Wang Yin-Hua, Prime Minister Chiang Kai-Chek discussed not only the question of the security of the base, but also the entire naval problem.

As a lieutenant suddenly entered the room and reported: "I have bad news for you prime minister. Yesterday evening, a Chinese freighter was sunk in the China Sea."

"Any survivors ?" asked Fleetadmiral Wang Yin-Hua.

The young lieutenant shaked his head and Chiang Kai-Chek only replied "We must be prepared for the fact that in a war like this, such events occur from time to time. I have experienced this in the past."

3rd July 1943, Busan harbor, Battlefleet 1



Grand Admiral Jong Ghim Rhee stared from the bridge of his flagship over the harbor facilities and over the wide, gray sea with concern. Yes, he was proud to be in charge of the most powerfull battlefleet which existed in Chosens history. While the ships of Chosens navy were not the most modern, the amount firepower concentrated in the Battlefleet 1 was still considerable and would suffice to deal with a Chinese cruiser taskforce any day.
The operation was risky nonetheless. The Chinese Navy had a overwhelming superiority in numbers, chinese submarines were stalking for prey in the Yellow and China Sea and worst of all, most of the time BF 1 would have to operate within range of Chinese naval bombers.
But Jong-Un was right, if there was one man capable of doing this, it would be him, Grand Admiral Jong Ghim Rhee.
Jong Ghim Rhee worked everything out, set the courses, insepected every ship under his command and cheered up the young sailors and crewmembers who were eager but unexperienced. Their level of training was unfortunately relatively low.
Battlefleet 1 was schedueled to depart tomorrow morning.

1x BC (RCN Dairen)
1x CA (RCN Rashomon)
2x CL (RCN Tange, RCN Enomoto)
5x DD (C-D-1, C-D-2, C-D-5, C-D-7, C-D-8)

Jong Ghim Rhee did not sleep much during the last days....and it would not get any better.

4rd July 1943 - early morning - Chinese / Chosen - Border near Chunggang

The Railway Artillery Division 648 under the command of Major Yu Yi-Chin again takes troop concentrations on the chinese border under fire.
This is the first military use of these super-heavy artillery units in the Chinese army.



[size=1]Chinese Railroad artillery firing to troops near Chunggang[/size]

5th July 1943, combat report, 14th Light Bomber Regiment

mission: groundattack on enemy railroad artillery

target: Linjiang area

friendly forces: 24x Ki-51, 8x WAC 120

friendly casualties: 9x KIA, 2x MIA, 5x WIA, 14 planes with light damage, 6 planes with moderate damage, 5 planes shot down, 2 planes crash landed

enemy forces: ground troops and artillery

enemy casualties: 6 AAA emplacements destroyed, 21 trucks/vehicles destroyed, 11 artillery guns destroyed.

further notes: Friendly aircrafts were taking off from Chasong airfield at 1030. Primary objective was to neutralize Chinese heavy railroad artillery in and around Linjiang. As no railroad artillery was spotted in the area of operation, pilots were ordered to engage ground targets at will with bombs and cannons. The regiment suffered high casualties due to very heavy AA fire. To avoid casualties, further airraids over Linjiang and the surrounding area are suspended.



Planes of the 14th LBR attack Chinese troops with bombs and machineguns.



A Chinese supply unit has taken position in and around a village near Linjiang and is raided by the 14th LBR.



The plane of Ltn. Han Shin-Cho is burning after Chinese AAA scored a hit. With a total of five Ki-51 shot down and with almost all aircraft which took part in the operation suffered damages, the mission took a high toll on the 14th LBR.

8th July 1943 - Korea Bay

On 8 July six EW301s from IIIrd Bomber Regiment of the 54th Bomber Division were dispatched to attack a steamer by the fortress of Ka-do. Due to poor weather the fighter cover (EW-205s) lost the bombers. The formation of the latter group also drifted apart. Only two aircraft reached the target and they were attacked by Chosen fighters. The attack was completed but one of the EW301 was shot down, only the navigator baling out.