0600 April 6th 1945.
North China Army Headquarters. Lashio, Burma.
The invasion fleet had arrived off the coast of Ahmadabad. The Carriers had encountered several small fleets on route but had failed to damage any of them because of bad weather.
The Allies had learnt their lesson and Ahmadabad was heavily defended. The fleet would loiter off the coast in the hopes of finding a weakness in the area.
The ebb and flow of the Indian campaign continued with Allied forces beginning to re-assert themselves. Two infantry divisions forced Japanese cavalry to abandon Nagpur and withdraw towards Vijayawada.
1400 April 6th 1945.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Gulf of Martapan.
American troops in Burma were trying desperately to leave the area and another Transport fleet arrived off the coast of Rangoon to embark these troops.
All three would be sunk but only two would be claimed by Japanese vessels. The Battleship IJN Hyuga sank the 52nd Destroyer Division and IJN Yamashiro sank the Henry L. Benning Transport Divison.
0400 April 7th 1945.
North China Army Headquarters. Lashio, Burma.
Canadian bombers had begun to destroy manufacturing and resources in northern India and Mj. General Fukui was dispatched to stop the attacks.
He encountered them over Ranchi and got much the better of the engagement.
A second motorised division had entered Jabalpur and Kawabe was forced to abandon his advance as a result. His troops were too tired to force the issue.
In the extreme north Mj. General Kokubu had arrived in Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital. He informed Higashinuki of his arrival who in turn sent a report back to Japan.
To: Diplomatic and Army Offices.
From: North China Army Headquarters.
At 0400 hours on April 7th 1945 Japanese troops, namely 21 Gundan commanded by Mj. General Kokubu, captured Kathmandu province. Nepal no longer controls any territory of note.
Field Marshal Higashikuni.
Commander North China Army.
Commander North China Army Headquarters.
Mamoru acted swiftly to the message and summoned the Nepalese Ambassador to his offices.
The Ambassador was not surprised when he was asked to leave his offices and Japan because his Country was no longer a free state. Japan had gained one enemy and removed another in just over a week.
0000 April 8th 1945.
Intelligence Offices. Tokyo, Japan.
Kuniaki was aware of the changing status of Nepal, his agents kept him well informed. He had other things on his mind for the time being.
Kawasaki had completed research into Improved Encryption Devices which made it harder for Japan's enemies to decipher messages. This would help combat forces considerably. He tasked Admiral Yamamoto with improving the abilities of Japanese Submarines which were somewhat behind technologically. German plans would assist the research project.
0700 April 8th 1945.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Gulf of Martapan.
The American Merchant Marine had still not completely exhausted itself trying to extract troops from Burma.
Another two fleets would sink to BB Division 1's guns during their latest attempt. IJN Yamashiro would sink both.
Negano encountered a small Australian fleet trying to enter Ahmadabad shortly afterwards. The fleet would sink but only the Light Cruiser HMAS Hobart would be claimed by a Japanese ship. Aircraft from IJN Hiyo accounted for the vessel.
2300 April 8th 1945.
North China Army Headquarters. Lashio, Burma.
The British build up in India continued and they made an attempt to force General Ueda from Lucknow province.
They would fail to do so on this occasion as his forces held firm. The General did request air support but was told that it was not available for the time being. Higashikuni wished to destroy the enemy forces in Burma first and the aircraft would remain there until some could be spared.