Cuttlefish
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Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
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February 19, 1945
Location: 70 miles south of Osaka
Course: North
Attached to: TF 43
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 231
Orders: Intercept enemy fast transport convoys at Tori Shima
---
“You’re absolutely certain?” says Captain Ishii into the speaking tube. Petty Officer Takahashi’s voice comes floating back upwards.
“Yes sir,” it says. “We are the only ships within 50 kilometers of the island.”
“It does make sense, sir,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “The enemy knew we were coming. They must have turned their transports around.” Lieutenant Sugiyura, the disappointment plain on his face, nods in agreement.
Captain Ishii nods. “I know,” he says. “At least we…” His words are cut off by the sound of an explosion rolling across the water. All the officers raise their binoculars. The night is clear and in the light of the waxing crescent moon they can all see that something has exploded against Hiei’s port bow.
“Damn,” mutters Ishii. “Lookouts, concentrate forward! Any periscope trails or torpedo wakes? Sonar, do you have anything?” Negative reports come in as the sound of a klaxon aboard Hiei can be plainly heard. After a moment a signal light begins winking aboard the battleship.
“Sir,” says Ensign Izu, “Hiei is reporting that she hit a mine.”
“One mine isn’t going to stop Hiei,” says Sugiyura confidently.
“But it might slow her down,” says Ishii. “I think this is a good place to leave.” Admiral Tanaka must agree, for very soon the task force is ordered back north. The ships move cautiously until they are presumed clear of the minefield and then are ordered to make their best speed towards home. Hiei reports flooding in several forward compartments but is nonetheless able to make decent speed. The Japanese flee north, leaving the volcanic cone of Tori Shima to fade back into the darkness.
---
It is now midday. Slowed by the damage to Hiei it is now obvious that the task force will not reach Osaka until after dark. All eyes are trained south, watching for the approach of enemy planes, but so far the skies have remained blessedly empty.
A radioman enters the bridge and salutes Captain Ishii before handing him a message flimsy. Ishii takes it and reads. As he does so the lines on his face deepen.
“Enemy carriers have been sighted 300 miles south of our position,” he says. “They are moving north at speed.”
“We will make Osaka before they are in range,” says Sugiyura confidently.
“Yes,” says Ishii. He knows, but does not mention, that if the enemy carriers are after them – and he suspects they are – Osaka Bay may be more of a trap than a refuge.
“Sir!” says the sonar operator. “I have a contact, solid contact, 2300 meters bearing 15 degrees to port.”
“Signal the task force,” says Ishii. “Combat stations, ahead full.” The klaxon begins to sound as Hibiki picks up speed. Men rush to their posts as a signal flag flutters up the mast informing the other ships that Hibiki has a submarine contact.
Ishii orders the depth charges set to 70 meters. Sonar maintains the contact and as Hibiki charges over the spot the Y-guns fling two depth charges to either side. Destroyer Niizuki comes over to assist and the two destroyers criss-cross the area, dropping depth charges.
“Oil on the water, sir,” calls a lookout. Indeed several small bubbles of fuel oil have risen to the surface and are spreading their sheen across the waves.
“Contact is fading, sir,” sonar reports. “Moving southeast and…now it’s gone, sir.”
“Look for more oil,” Ishii orders. But nothing else rises to the surface. It might be a kill, though likely not, thinks Ishii.
“Well done,” is all he says. He gives orders for the ship to resume its place in the task force, and Hibiki joins the other ships moving through the late afternoon light towards the dubious safety of Osaka Bay.
---
Hibiki attacks a sub:
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