Operational Plan Z is the Japanese operational defense plan for the Aleutian Islands , Wake Island , Marshall Islands, Gilbert Islands , Nauru Island, Ocean and the Bismarck Archipelago during World War II . It was compiled in May 1943. Acted in a slightly modified form until May 1944, after which it was replaced by the plan " Operational Plan" A " " [1] .
| Operational Plan Z | |
|---|---|
 | |
| purpose | Defense and defense of the occupied territory |
| Time | May 1943 to May 1944 |
Content
Goals and objectives of the plan
Goals
The operational goals of the plan were as follows [1] :
- Establish a line of defense in the region of the Aleutian Islands , Wake Island , Marshall Islands , Gilbert Islands , Nauru Island, Ocean Island and the Bismarck Archipelago , strengthen the main positions along this line of defense. The local defense commanders were entrusted with the prompt adoption of countermeasures against any attack on this line. The combined Japanese fleet was to be in readiness near the Truk Islands.
- In the event of an enemy attack, it is necessary to lure him to the main position and destroy by joint actions of the base aviation and aircraft carrier strike formations, which should use tactics of maneuverable attacks.
- Conduct ongoing attacks against US aircraft carriers to weaken US forces.
Tasks
To achieve these goals, the following tasks had to be performed [1] :
- Conducting continuous and careful monitoring of the main forces of the US Navy with the help of submarines.
- Conduct ongoing reconnaissance with the help of aviation.
- Weakening the enemy by hitting his forward bases.
- Upon receipt of a message on the establishment of fire contact with the enemy, the Japanese Navy will immediately go to sea and, in close cooperation with aviation and submarine forces, destroy the enemy. The primary targets are enemy aircraft carriers, and then transports.
- Garrisons of points attacked by the enemy, try to destroy it near the coastline. Provided that the enemy succeeds in landing, the local forces of the Japanese army must constantly counterattack him and prevent the formation of bridgeheads to advance deep into the Japanese defense.
Force Disposition
The deployment of Japanese forces outlined by the plan was established as follows [1] .
Naval forces
| Location area | Japanese forces |
|---|---|
| Truk Islands - Marshall Islands - Gilbert Islands | The local naval forces of the 4th Japanese fleet, consisting of the 14th cruiser division and several destroyers |
| Bismarck Archipelago - Solomon Islands | The local naval forces of the 8th Japanese fleet, consisting of the 3rd destroyer squadron |
| Truk Islands | The main forces of the United Fleet, consisting of the 1st division of battleships, the 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th divisions of cruisers, the 3rd division of aircraft carriers (1st and 2nd air flotillas), the 2nd and 4th squadron of destroyers and 1st and 3rd submarine squadron |
Air Force
| Location area | Japanese forces |
|---|---|
| Truk Islands - Bismarck Archipelago - Solomon Islands | 11th air fleet of the 25th and 26th air fleets and two air groups |
| Marshall Islands | Japan 22nd Air Fleet |
Plan Changes
As a result of the American landings in Munda and on the island of Kolombangara , as well as in Lae and Salamahua, it became apparent that Rabaul could no longer be considered a reliable defensive position. With this in mind, at the end of September 1943 the line of defense was drawn to the line connecting the Kuril Islands , the Mariana and Karolinsky Islands and further Sumatra - Java - Timor . All efforts of the Japanese were focused on strengthening and supporting these areas, but due to the lack of ships this was a difficult task [1] .
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 5 Campaign of war in the Pacific . Archived October 27, 2012. Archived October 27, 2012 on Wayback Machine
Literature
- Governent Printing Office Washington. Pacific War Campaign. United States Strategic Bombing Study Materials = The Campaigns of the Pacific War. United States Strategic Bombing Survey (Pacific) Naval Analysis Division. - 1946.