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RE: The little ship that could.

 
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RE: The little ship that could. - 2/27/2011 3:39:11 PM   
Wirraway_Ace


Posts: 1400
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Austin / Brisbane
Status: offline 		Truly brilliant stuff

(in reply to kaleun)
Post #: 331
RE: The little ship that could. - 2/28/2011 7:21:07 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		Hi cantona!
No peeking for a while I am afraid -big things afoot!


25/4/42

Two friends stand side by side.
One, impetuous, young, always broke, a brilliant pair of mechanical hands, the other, older, quieter, married.
PO Okano, Po Hirate

Okano turns to his friend, a measure of the depth of the bonds-he does not even notice the scars on Hirate’s face now –and rests a hand on his shoulder.
In his other hand, the last bucket of clean water reserved for the last cleaning job.

Both men are slick with sweat, and grime, but both smile.
‘It never ceases to amaze me old man ‘ says Okano –“how this crap fight cleans up so quickly”
‘It’s a mystery, isn’t it”
But both know its not. It is almost magic, but not quite. A miracle perhaps –but those these men do all the time –it’s the impossible that takes longer.
Port Boiler room is ready for light off.
The casings are on, the myriad of cables removed, rolled, stowed, the hoses gone, the boiler store cage again full and stocked –ready for next time.
The plates gleam again, and the soot – seemingly here forever, is gone like black snow in the sun.
The room gleams again.
Even now –men are busy polishing the copper pipes, and others are aligning the systems..

Soon they leave Soerabaya.
They leave the stinking wharf, the stinking heat, the stinking basin and its detritus.
They have had no leave here –and don’t care.
This is a stinking place………

The moods is good –no, it is better than that. Zuiho is going to sea again, and they will get her there. Again.

“Of course” says Okano –his voice taking on a superior air “this boiler room will never match my engine room for cleanliness”
‘What? –its spotless!’
‘No its not –you have missed a huge lump of dirt”
‘Where? –Hirate looks around, suddenly very concerned –dirt missed? ‘Show me”
“Your face you idiot!”, and smiling, Okano upends the bucket over his friends head “ there –now we are ready for sea!”




(in reply to Wirraway_Ace)
Post #: 332
RE: The little ship that could. - 2/28/2011 7:30:55 AM   
1275psi

 

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Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		Swift eagle clears Soerabaya just after Midnight.
On her deck, 7 fighters, 9 kates in her hanger. Hidaka has not been able to get replacements yet.
Dawn see’s the task force steaming North towards Singapore across a brilliant blue sea –calm, and hot.

Hidaka keeps her pilots busy –he sends Okano aloft first –and keeps him aloft twice. Busy hands cannot brood.
Hasegawa receives very good news –Formidable confirmed sunk – now, if they encounter the British in the Bay of Bengal –he has a chance .
But he would prefer not to.

It appears that they are destined to escort yet another invasion force –this one containing 25th Army.
Fair enough –but he would prefer to hunt……..





Bluey, carefully advances to the next street corner, peers around it, rifle at the ready
From here he can see Freemantle wharf – see the shattered transports sunk –their cranes forlornly sticking out of the brown waters, drowned and blackened bridges now homes for the gulls.

It is quiet.
Very quiet.

Here, there, a few scattered pieces of discarded Japanese equipment, but not much.

There is no doubt now
Perth, Australian soil, is free of Japanese troops.
They have gone, long, long gone.

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 333
RE: The little ship that could. - 2/28/2011 1:38:11 PM   
PaxMondo


Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline 		Large Latte and my morning installment ... its the simple things! 


Brilliant writing ... keep it going!



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Post #: 334
RE: The little ship that could. - 2/28/2011 3:30:01 PM   
kaleun

 

Posts: 5145
Joined: 5/29/2002
From: Colorado
Status: offline 		Reminds me of the liberation of Attu (IIRC) The American forces prepared, arrived and found...four stray dogs.

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Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu

(in reply to PaxMondo)
Post #: 335
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/1/2011 7:06:07 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		Hosho carefully stirs his small pot.
In it, a small ball of rice, a lizard, and some green shoots of a dubious nature.
Beside him his machine gun poits westward towards the city of Rangoon –unseen and hidden in the jungles ahead.
Not for the first time he wonders why the army remains camped here at pegu –seemingly immobile –the city (apparently) all but defenseless.

He should have known better.
The contents of his pot, the half full ammunition bandoliers about him, the dirty bandages on the wounded.
These tell those that care to look why 15th Army is going no where………..



47th sentai –WO Fuchida’s unit too is spending its days very quietly.
Only 4 Tojo’s remain serviceable – too few to achieve anything.
Frustration levels for the nine pilots is high – all around them Bangkok field vibrates to the sounds of aero engines – KI –43’s and sallies now fill every available space.
Third and Fifth air divisions are back to full strength, and girding themselves for the next great campaigns
For Fuchida and his compatriots, this month is turning into a damnable month indeed..


Swift eagle still steams north
For her aircraft mechanics, for the eagle attendees, the day begins early –before three am.
They will fuel, arm, push, launch, recover and refuel the CAP, the search aircraft all day at a steady rate, the alarms –ting, ting, ting, of the elevators a regular interlude in the business of the hanger, the heat of the flight deck
They will work all day, eating in quick shifts, bodies brown in the hot sun.
They will not stop until dusk……..and then a few, the unlucky ones, will commence deep maintenance on number 9.

For the bridge watch keepers, the lookouts, they too, will spend long hours. You spend two as look out, then perhaps two hours on the helm, then two more as boats party, or bosuns party, then –if you are lucky –two at rest.
Communication sailors will continue their shifts –the comm. Center is alive today – swift eagle has much to plan
Morse will flash continuously, and flags raise and fall all day –you cannot maneuver with out telling everyone!

The gun crews will be at station all day too –drilling, or cleaning, or drilling again
Our stokers, today –have it easy –4 hours on, 2 hours at damage control stations, 6 hours off! (but don’t let the others realise that!)

And. Elsewhere, the cooks work, so many men to feed –the new cookers are good –but they don’t change the hours needed.

Others onboard quietly work as well. There is the laundry. There is the sickbay – fairly empty today, her single doctor, 2 assistants only have one case today –a good dose of something we cannot mention.

She has a mailman – (as we have seen –and he still remains very, very unpopular amongst many).

Then, those who man her magazines, and , of course, all those who command her and navigate her safe.

And then, there is the airgroup –and all her hanger on hers………

From many hours before dawn –through dawn action stations, through her day, through dusk action stations, to the deep of the night, her decks will teem with work –work with a common cause.

And all history will show, is that Zuiho achieved nothing today…………..







(in reply to kaleun)
Post #: 336
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/1/2011 8:57:12 AM   
BigBadWolf


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quote:

And all history will show, is that Zuiho achieved nothing today




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Post #: 337
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/2/2011 6:27:32 AM   
1275psi

 

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Status: offline 		thankyou Big bad wolf
its nice to hear from readers

28/4/42

PO Okano and the charge stand side by side on the plates of Starboard engine room. Around them the steady roar of the turbines, the fans, the general beating noise of a plant at steady revs
‘Will we get leave in Singapore Chief?’
The Charge grins
‘I damn well hope so –I am damnably thirsty for a good beer !’
A good beer.
Oh, for a good beer, a good bath, a good sleep, a good meal……….
Out of the corner of his eye –Okano sees it
The main vacuum gauge is falling………
A glance at the charges face –inscrutable –but eyes twinkling……..
Crap!
Its ECCD’s , caso time –machinery break downs –again……….
‘Third hand! –check-------“ a swift glance at the gauges – and there –the gland steam controller is falling too –but…….Wait! –‘Check 150 supply to the ejectors!”
tricky barsted is the Chief, tricky……..
‘Bridge, starboard engine –losing vacuum starboard engine, request reduction in revolutions to 064!”
‘Bridge, 064, roger!’
bells ring, rev indicators spin.
064
And repeated
Okano spins his throttle, spins the main circ throttle, the big pump whirs up to speed, and ..the 150 gauge suddenly springs back to life, the gland steam too, and yes – the main vacuum steadies, begins to rise again…………

The Charge smiles
“well done”

It is all that needs to be said. Po Okano is coming along nicely thankyou.


Above, swift eagles strike force is coming along nicely too.
Accepting the slight risk, Hidaka turns the entire task group to attack training today – and the kates rumble of the deck steadily.
They make their dummy attacks, again, and again.
Okura – scares them today
For many on the port side –they will live forever with the fleeting, and terrifying image of his bomber coming in suicidal low – the dummy launch even more crazily late –and the bank away terrifyingly close.
Hidaka can only grimace.
And hope that the anger can be hurled at the enemy soon.


Dusk
‘I have the Con”
‘captain has the con”
‘Slow ahead port, slow astern starboard’
stop both
stop both.
‘anchor”
‘slow astern both”
‘stop both main engines
Finish main engines.

‘Executive Officer!’
“sir”
“grant leave -24 hour pass to 50% crew, Singapore city limits only.. Leave for remaining next day, we need a rest.”

Need a rest
Yes. Especially him. A rest would do him good.
Hasegawa retires from the bridge to his cabin. There is much on his mind –operations, his ship, the orders, the convoy he must escort. The battleships at anchor here.
All important. But shoved aside by a single worry.
Is it natural to bleed when one sits on the toilet?


(in reply to BigBadWolf)
Post #: 338
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/3/2011 9:37:49 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		Leave

Not that restricted to the base confines leave, not the must be back by midnight leave, but true leave, overnight leave, leave in a proper city –a (mainly) secure city –and leave with pockets full of cash
Three months of hard work, stress, and the prospects of death behind them, the prospect of death ever present before them.
24 hours of freedom.

How to spend it?

All day the ships boats transfer the men –uniforms white and immaculate ashore to the steps –and along with the other ships, Zuiho’s crews join the mad house of Singapore
It is probably not the best time to visit, 4 battleships, cruisers, and many, many other ships ride at anchor here – and their men too are determined to make the most of it……..


We won’t give him a name, for he will feature only once in this particular story –but tonight, tonight it his turn to rise to the fore.
Chief petty Officer Coxswain…….
Duty position
Main gangway.

He is a big man, is Chief petty officer coxswain, big, scarred, wrinkled, graying at the edges.
And as experienced as any man that sails on zuiho.
And he has volunteered to man the gangway tonight. To judge, to assist, to decide, to dispatch.
Wisdom of Solomon. Authority of God. Installer of fear like the devil.
.
There are many like him in the world, and I wonder how many nights like this, men like him, have paced the quarterdecks, and maintained the peace, solved the crises, and kept the cement of his crew tight and strong.

They begin to trickle back onboard just after midnight, and only three will not make the gangway closing.
The come aboard –some quiet, swaying, eyes glazed, uniforms dirty.
They will see him, and salute the flag, swaying, trying to keep straight.
These, coxswain, will smile at, and see safely with his bosun mates below.

Others will return, boisterous, noisy, singing, and these he will share a chorus with – and see safely below.

A few, a very few, will return, quiet , sober, contemplative. He may share a word with them, and momentarily stare wistfully at the town so close .

Others –others will return angry, and drunk, and violent –not many, but enough.
These he will deal with, and do so decisively.
And then, amongst them, the unfortunates, the small number –but there are always some –who will need medical aid.
There will be a steady stream of broken noses, black eyes, and lost teeth. These, just one question. ‘Was it worth it lad?”

The night will be long, hot, humid –but never boring.
And when dawn comes, Coxswain will hand over his watch –and the Captain will hear –no incidents ashore of note sir…………..and Zuiho’s name has not been besmirched.


Of the three missing, two will be found in cells……..a foul of other ships shore patrols. The third……….. Zuiho loses a young cook –throat slashed from ear to ear –singapore is a safe port – mainly.

(in reply to Wirraway_Ace)
Post #: 339
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/3/2011 9:50:53 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		29/4/42

From
24th Flottilla
to
Combined fleet


Have sighted, and confirmed one CV – Enterprise Class, 300 miles south east Tulgia, speed 20 knots, course south west’
End


Hara cocks an eye towards Nagumo
‘Worth Chasing?”
The older man shakes his head “No –not now, but it does confirm some things does it not?”

Hara too nods –yes, yes old man, it does.
Nagumo has been ill –and only today does his presence once again overshadow the bridge of Akagi
“This new plan of Yamamotos – I think Hara, it may be time for you to brief me, seeing how once again I am going to lead this little fleet in some wild goose chase of his”

Hara grins.
Yes, there has been an awful lot of useless steaming lately……

He takes out his map.
‘Admiral, the gutz of it is this. The enemy must be completely aware of our desire to take Tarawa back. . any invasion must –if you follow convention, have CV cover.
Thus”….and Hara cannot believe he is saying this ‘ thus –this invasion will not”
Nagumo merely grunts “Go on”
“CVL Junyo will provide some cover –and play the role of this fleet. Battle ship div 1 will cover the landings. –2 regiments –barely enough I feel –but they are not the point”
‘And our role?’

This carrier sighting tends to confirm an allied build up -based on Noumea in all likely hood . When the invasion strikes Tarawa, Yamamoto expects Admiral Cantona to steam into the coral sea………..”
‘Where we will be waiting”
“With base ball bats –yes”



(in reply to Wirraway_Ace)
Post #: 340
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/3/2011 6:41:48 PM   
kaleun

 

Posts: 5145
Joined: 5/29/2002
From: Colorado
Status: offline 		Great, another ambush.

_____________________________

Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu

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Post #: 341
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/5/2011 8:23:13 AM   
1275psi

 

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War, or peace, Mighty navies, tin pot small affairs, there are some things that never change.
Hasegawa eyes the card with some trepidation, and not a little disgust.
Balefully he flicks it across the heavy wardroom table to Hidaka, who takes the heavily gilded card, and opens it.

It is a small card, but the writing is ornate and beautifully done, are perfect example of the art of calligraphy.

It reads.

The Captain and Crew of IJS ISE invite the Captain and selected officers to a formal mess function, this evening, 1900 hours, to celebrate the successful operations conducted so far, and to toast the future of forth coming operations

Hidaka whistles “who commands Ise?”
A Captain Hosagawa , I believe…………and three months seniority too”
“damn ……. I suppose selected officers would include me”
Hasegawa grimaces. “I will be damned if I have to drink their beer with out some sort of back up………..you, my friend, will be charged in ensuring I get home in one piece”


Formal mess dinners –again in any navy-are no trifling matter. Careers end at these things. Careers are made too. A misspoken word can undo a years successful fighting..
But there are some differences between this Japanese fleet and their opponents.
There will be the formal matters, the toasts, the meal, the stark white uniforms.
And the port.

Then the Japanese navy often deviates. There will be drinking. Much drinking. And then –when barriers are down, one may, must, is expected to speak there mind –violently if needed.
It is a well known fact in this navy, that CaptainYamada actually came to blows over the cancelled Pearl operation –challenging Yamamoto to fight harder for its go ahead.
Hidaka often wonders what would have been perhaps, if he had of won.

Zuiho’s small boat approaches Ise’s great side –all over the harbours, other small boats too approach –white uniforms gleaming in the setting sun
Pipes shrill, and Hasegawa hauls himself up the steep gangway, takes the salute.
Eyes cannot help themselves, and he notes quickly her still blackened and blistered main tubes, the rust stains on her side.
But he notes too, that Ise is very much shipped away, a battlewagon proudly showing off her work.
A Subbie takes his salute –and leads the way below.
Its going to be a big night.



It is many hours later, and many drinks too………
Hasegawa has reached that happy state of inertia, the one where the whole world, universe, everything, is as clear as glass –but just a little out of reach, and , and not a little confusing.

Captain Hosegawa abruptly thumps down in the seat beside him – he will have to almost shout to be heard –in one corner of the wardroom a battle song is being sung, another the carrier verses battleship discussion is going badly for the carriers, in another - .well you get the picture.

Hosegawa sways a little, pours another glass for himself “ will this op do it you think?”
‘Do what?’
‘if we take Burma –will it win the war for us, will there be peace?’

hasegawa blinks at the stubby man before him. It is a question he has not considered. Win?. Peace?. The allies give up?……….

“I hardly think so, battleship man, I hardly think so…………”
Hosegawa drains his glass morosely. ‘That’s what I figured. You know Old man –at least when I get sunk –I will be able to see my enemy –eye to eye. Me –I aim to ram the first enemy battle wagon I see…………”

Hasegawa too sips his drink. He is drunk, this he knows. But his host has a point. Just how does Japan expect to end this little adventure?





(in reply to kaleun)
Post #: 342
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/6/2011 3:24:45 AM   
1275psi

 

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Zuiho at rest.
her crew -as many as Hasegawa can spare today -at rest. A "make and mend day" A day onboard to attend to those things you just have to get around to -that loose button on your shirt -thet badge becoming frayed. The mess decks will be thourhly hucked out, and through out the ship, today becomes a general tidy up day.
She goes to war again soon does little zuiho, but today she pauses, and catches breath.

Hidaka does not rest today. but he is so pleased that he has a good cause to.
At last the replacement fighters have arrived, and Hidaka will watch there uncrating, asembling, and testing very closely.
With Minobe reporting his depart,ment defect free (other than the now famous cement repair), her magazines full, het tanks topped, these fighters are the last piece of the puzzle..

The Imperial division, and 25th Army is already enroute to Singapore from Bangkok. Upon arrival, swift eagles simple mission -get them to rangoon in one piece.

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 343
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/6/2011 3:36:47 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
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Status: offline 		Mr Iwaya, deep inthe depths of the ministry of defence, works hard to 'repair ' the damage of his predessor.
For one -the decision to halt production of the battle wagons ..rescinded.
Production of AM2's -halted 'there being sufficient in stock' -recinded.
production of light tanks -also temporarily halted - recinded.
and so it goes.

his next guests enter the office
'Ahh, Mr Nakajima -a good trip I hope?'
The industry figure in front of him nods gently, 'yes , thankyou minister............your arrangements were.........satisfactory"
Mr Iwaya smiles. "and you read my letter, the terms are agree able?'
Nakajima stiffens -but Iwaya can tell -ahh, yes, he can always tell... 'A return of cancelled HA-35 engines production by 80 units per month........"
'And?'
''with a small......donation to your wifes patronage of the arts of 10000 yen per month"
'yes - the arts are important don't you think -what with a war and peoples moral to sustain no?'
'yes Minister ........you are right"
'Good, that is all"

Nakajima leaves.
Mr iwaya looks at the small picture of his wife on his desk. the photo is fading a little -not surprising really, she has been dead for years now.............

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 344
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/6/2011 9:45:11 AM   
BigBadWolf


Posts: 584
Joined: 8/8/2007
From: Serbia
Status: offline 		I think I liked Okura better...

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RE: The little ship that could. - 3/6/2011 1:08:42 PM   
PaxMondo


Posts: 9750
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Status: offline 		A "Yes Man" promoted .... what a surprise! 

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Post #: 346
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/6/2011 5:01:32 PM   
kaleun

 

Posts: 5145
Joined: 5/29/2002
From: Colorado
Status: offline

_____________________________

Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu

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Post #: 347
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/7/2011 9:02:59 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		(I don't like Mr Iwaya iether!)


1/5/42

Young Mitchell contemplates the small can of spam .
He is completely sick to stomach of the stuff, having had little else for the last week to eat.
But then again, if he counts his blessings, he has something to eat at least.

With a sigh, he takes his can, wanders down to the beach, places his back against the shattered remains of a palm tree, and contemplates the endless blue of the ocean.
There is much to think about. He has made some friends here – so many of these men come from the great plains of home –men to whom Sunday is meant to be a day of rest and worship.
There has been very little rest though here, behind him the beat of aero engines tells the story of a small field carved from the coral. To the men here, its nothing special. To the Japanese who fly over every day –its nothing less than astonishing.

But construction has slowed these last days –those bulldozers need fuel –and there has been pitifully little of that of late.
So Mitchell contemplates the sea, and wonders at the breadth of the world, at its beauty, and how, because he simply does not understand, why this insignificant rock should mean so much?
The sun is setting, a huge ball into the sea. It is quite a beautiful sight, and so, for not the first time this week, he silently gives thanks for the day given, and prays that he, and his new friends might be given many more.



Minobe knocks on Hasegawa’s cabin door
‘Enter’
‘Monthly books for your signature sir”
‘Ahhhh, good. All is well I hear below?’
“yes sir – ready for your rounds “
Hasegawa blanches –a poor moment, Minobe cannot help but notice the look of distaste pass over his face “I am not really up to that at the moment –next week maybe ney?’
Minobe bites his tongue. Of all the impertinence, arrogance, ignorance. It is no small thing to prepare for captains rounds………to delay ..is………damn him.
‘Sir?’
‘Are you deaf Minobe? –I am not up to it. Next week”
‘Sir”

Silence as Hasegawa signs the necessary spots, anotes comments here and there, his pen scratching in the silence.
With a thud he closes the books……’Anything else Engines?’
Minobe takes a breath. ‘Sir –this matter of the Charges promotion record……..”
Hasegawa cuts him off –abruptly “there will be no discussion of that man do you hear –none!”
Minobe cannot answer. He just…cannot. ‘
‘anything else?’
‘Fire drills sir –we must conduct more basic drills……….’
‘Fire drills are for your department engines –I will fight this ship –you will make it go, now, I have much to do………..”



‘Captain Hara!’
‘Sir?’
‘Our glorious leader…..” Yamamoto smiles –the mere tone of that sentence spoken in that manner in Japan would get him shot “ has approved our Tarawa operation”
‘All of it?”
‘all of it”
“ let the games begin again then”
‘yes, let the game begin again”

(in reply to kaleun)
Post #: 348
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/8/2011 7:10:44 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		2/5/42

Po Hirate lies in his hammock, feet askew, writing a letter.
The mess is relatively quiet, many of his companions already asleep. He has to go on watch in 90 minutes time – too short a time to sleep, to long a time to the next watch..

My dearest Kuko,

Greetings from somewhere in the war 0where we have seen some action, but nothing for you to worry about!
Send my wishes to your family, and to my father!
It is quiet here, and I will soon have to go back to work – so different from home let me tell you.
I have managed to keep clear of trouble with you know who too –and my face is getting better –although I am afraid the dashing gentleman you married is a bit worn now!
You asked me once about what I do.
Today I am doing what we call 24’s – we steam just one boiler to keep the lights on, allowing all the broken stuff (which is never ending) to be fixed.
We do 4 hours on, then 4 off, for the 24 hrs.
Because the watch is quiet, it is very boring.

Imagine this.
You are at home, and some total stranger rudely shakes you awake.
You stumble to our bathroom –and find 20 other fellows trying to share our sink!
After a splash of water –go to the living room –and share tea with those twenty fellows.
Then, to the kitchen!
Turn on everything –the stove, -stoke it red hot. Put on all our kettles.
Turn on the radio.
Now every 5 minutes – shuffle the kettles –note the steam flow –and record it.
Shout out to the radio every ten minutes –‘I can hear you!’
Walk around the kitchen constantly –and clean it. Again
Sometimes for fun, we all move to the lounge room –run out fire hoses –and fight fires.
Occasionally we all dash out to the front fence –and count heads –that’s abandon ship!
You would be pleased to know –well maybe not – (seeing how I never got the kitchen done before we left –sorry!) that I have repainted my position two times now – white –and then more white!
The Navy is very funny how we do things…..

We have all been cleaning things like mad for captains rounds – I will be glad to get home -but you might find me a changed man –I have been completely domesticated!
Well – that is all for now. I am still safe –the war is quiet –for now –and I am keeping a low profile.
I do so miss our daughter, with spring, Hiroshima is so beautiful –take her to the park as often as you can –and don’t scold when she gets dirty!
Love
Hirate


Extract from ‘Shattering the sword” a cantona production.

May 42
The war has been subdued for a month now, both sides busily repositioning troops, making plans.
Yet it is Japan that still considers itself holding the initiative. With 14th Army approaching Cagayan, high command releases enough ships for the next phase of operations.
But it is Burma that attention now turns, 20th and 3rd armies have arrived, and the assault north begins…………..




“Our mission is simple” Hidaka waves his hands over the map in the ready room
‘swift eagle is to ensure the safe passage of the bulk of 25th Army from Singapore to Moulmien, traveling in three separate convoys”
He takes the eye of each of his pilots. “there is much debate on our role –close escort –or do we sail to the west –distant cover”
He reaches his pointer to a small spot on the map ‘the complication being, of course –this place –Port Blair –still firmly in allied hands –and undoubtedly crawling with search planes –or worse”
Okura raises his hand, accepts Hidaka’s nod ‘I would have thought it obvious we neutralize it first ? –then there will be no problem”

Hidaka nods –‘yes –but as our strikes on palembang showed –we don’t carry enough weight –and what if the British carriers should turn up? –then what?”
‘we sink the bloody things!’
Laughter.
Laughter –how good to hear it. Moral is good . Hidaka decides. They will go for distant cover –deliberately trail the coat – stuff the army –its time to fight.




(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 349
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/8/2011 5:03:13 PM   
kaleun

 

Posts: 5145
Joined: 5/29/2002
From: Colorado
Status: offline 		Fanfare.

_____________________________

Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 350
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/9/2011 9:49:25 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		3/5/42

Our pilots are at their favorite place –the ‘balcony’ on the starboard side – mainly to escape the heat of below decks, and mainly to keep out of the way-and out of sight.

A fat dirty scow of a ship –an AG – is nestled along side, and a great snake of men are throwing sacks of rice to each other, the snake leading from the flight deck where the AG’s crane is dumping them, to somewhere deep inside Zuiho.

Another snake is bringing on stores, and down near the stern, the Charge is supervising a crew bringing on several large rotating assemblies.
All around them Zuiho bustles with the unmistakable indications of imminent sailing.

It makes them uncomfortable –to watch while others work –yet orders are orders –pilots will not be risked in manual labour!

So they watch silently as each sack is hustled aboard.

“it appears that we are planning for quite a trip” observes Ogawa.
“yes” replies Nashiguchi, his voice –did it break then? –yes it did ‘I hope it is worth it. I believe that each sack represents ten Malays who will starve to death this month……….”
He abruptly leaves.
And on the balcony, discomfort truly reigns.



Corporal Hosho is now a veteran.
He can pitch a bivouac in minutes, fall asleep in a moment.
He can smell, and scrounge a free meal at 500 yards.
He can steal what he needs with out detection.
Not a single piece of kit he carries is not needed –what was not, has long been ‘lost’
He knows , intimately –that one can never carry enough ammo
His gun, is, and will always be his best friend
And he would die for the empire reluctantly –for his friends –immediately

For days, weeks? –they have been camped here at Pegu –waiting, wringing the last drop from a very tenuous supply train. The trucks simply have not been arriving –and those few that do –have been empty.
But now the answer to the truck problem is becoming evident.

They stream past –heading west towards Rangoon, battalion after battalion of them –20th army. China veterans too –Japans toughest troops
Hosho knows exactly what to do. Carefully he buries his kit –the only way he can hide it –and moves to watch the marching columns.

Creased eyes watch carefully –the pickings will be very, very good………..



Tarawa
Young Mitchell tries to sleep –but he is simply too tired too.
If he digs another hole it will be one too many.

A dark shadow appears at the edge of his hole – lifting the tarp that covers it.
‘You awake?’
Sergeant de Bashio. Mitchells heart sinks –de bashio always means work, or a message to deliver, or something…….
“yes sir, I am here”
The large bulk of the man scrambles in, carefully rearranges the tarp.
He fiddles with something for a moment –then the comforting glow of a lantern fills Mitchells hole.
“How you doing Kid?’
‘Alright I suppose”
‘Enough to eat?”
‘yes, thankyou”

There is a long silence. Bashio eyes Mitchell for a few moments, and the youngster comes to a startling conclusion –this tough , tough man is nervous about something…..
‘Tough being a civilian here hey?’
Mitchell nods
‘Anyone taught you how to handle that?’
that being a battered rifle “ yes sir -I can shoot –on the ranch sometimes it was the only way to guarantee supper”
‘Ah, tough days then……….”

The silence stretches
And then, like a man finally leaping from that cliff, Bashio clears his throat
‘tell me about this God of yours hey?’

(in reply to kaleun)
Post #: 351
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/9/2011 9:51:05 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		you still with us hosho?

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 352
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/9/2011 10:57:44 AM   
hosho


Posts: 128
Joined: 10/21/2005
From: zagreb, croatia
Status: offline 		always!

this story is an irreplaceable part of my day.

it is a wonderful writing mate mate!

_____________________________

the first ones are remembered

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 353
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/9/2011 12:50:10 PM   
PaxMondo


Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline 		Yeah, really brilliant stuff.  Thanks!

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Pax

(in reply to hosho)
Post #: 354
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/9/2011 1:05:32 PM   
kaleun

 

Posts: 5145
Joined: 5/29/2002
From: Colorado
Status: offline 		I am playing a game as Japan and keeping records in case it turns into an AAR. Every time I check on Hosho's pilots I remember this thread.
It is a riveting tale.


_____________________________

Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu

(in reply to PaxMondo)
Post #: 355
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/10/2011 7:56:37 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		(I am glad you are still with us Hosho – a bit of action for 112th regiment is coming!)


Lieutenant Bando points a thin finger directly at Hosho’s chest.
‘Point!”
Damn, only one thing for it then……..
Hosho’s finger points to his friend, private Bando ‘On me then!’
And so it begins.
Each journey –to use that well worn phrase, begins with a single step.
They shoulder their gear, , scan carefully for anything forgotten, then with feet crunching loudly on the railway bed, Hosho leads 112th regiment directly north.

He settles into a steady gait, his friend at his side. There is a long way to go.
But, they are Japanese. It won’t really be that far………..



Zuiho remains at anchor, awaiting orders to sail.
It is a normal day today, almost peacetime routine – only the guns scanning the sky remind you that she remains in potential, but remote danger.
0700 hours, and the engineering department gathers on the focastle-a mass of men, missing only the half dozen or so that currently keep the lights on.

The Charge scans them.
They have changed, these men of his. No longer young, carefree. Faces are harder now, thinner now.
Overalls are tattered here and there, many hands deeply stained too.
No boys any longer.
Men .
‘Ok –attention please”
The mass quietens. How many does he really know? How many really know him?
How does he wield them?, mould them?, lead them?.


The men look towards their charge, and await his word.
To a man, they know where he stands with the invisible Command behind them on the bridge.
To a man, it binds them to him…..but they will never tell him that –never
The Charge represents them, is them, carries them.
And they will try to carry him in turn.

‘Not much today men – valve repacks as per the list. We are on 4 hours notice –so no bloddy Truk ups OK?”
Nods
‘No seriously –if you see something truked up-let some one know. The last thing we need at the moment is command on our backs again”
More nods.
‘if all work is satisfactory by 1300 –I intend a departmental stand down –and a beer issue. That is all”
And that is enough.


The young sailor works at the valve
He has carefully isolated it.
Undone the gland follower nuts.
Carefully worked the old stem packing out, checked the gland clear.
Cut the new packing
Tamped it in, careful to stagger the joints, careful to ensure it is fully home.
He does up a follower nut –and as so often happens, it slips, and tinkles away, gone forever into the bilges.
A curse –of course –and he goes to the bench in the boiler room, scrambles around for another nut in the bits and pieces drawer.
Back to it.

Soon, finished.
The main steam to Starboard aft boiler Forced Draft blower is repaired –another job of the list.

Pity is –one of those gland nuts is steel –the other, a low strength alloy…………




(in reply to Wirraway_Ace)
Post #: 356
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/10/2011 8:03:04 AM   
bbbf

 

Posts: 493
Joined: 7/16/2000
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Status: offline 		You are just being sadistic towards the poor old charge!

_____________________________

Robert Lee

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 357
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/10/2011 8:58:51 AM   
1275psi

 

Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005
Status: offline 		trust me mate -everything that the poor charge experiences a certain charge i know really well once experienced -but probably in a lot more hectic fashion

(in reply to Wirraway_Ace)
Post #: 358
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/10/2011 1:40:43 PM   
PaxMondo


Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline 		Those "bits and pieces" drawers (or cans, or whatever they are in) are just made to cause failure.  Hate'em and luv'em.  They let you finish something quickly, but you got to remember to replace it with a "real" part later.  That "remember" portion is what always bites me ...

feel bad for both the mate and the charge on this one .... so easy to happen ...

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to 1275psi)
Post #: 359
RE: The little ship that could. - 3/10/2011 10:22:38 PM   
whippleofd

 

Posts: 617
Joined: 12/23/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Those "bits and pieces" drawers (or cans, or whatever they are in) are just made to cause failure.  Hate'em and luv'em.  They let you finish something quickly, but you got to remember to replace it with a "real" part later.  That "remember" portion is what always bites me ...

feel bad for both the mate and the charge on this one .... so easy to happen ...

quote:

Those "bits and pieces" drawers (or cans, or whatever they are in) are just made to cause failure. Hate'em and luv'em. They let you finish something quickly, but you got to remember to replace it with a "real" part later. That "remember" portion is what always bites me ...

feel bad for both the mate and the charge on this one .... so easy to happen ...


Ayup. Been there done that.

Whipple

_____________________________

MMCS(SW/AW) 1981-2001
1981 RTC, SD
81-82 NPS, Orlando
82-85 NPTU, Idaho Falls
85-90 USS Truxtun (CGN-35)
90-93 USS George Washington (CVN-73)
93-96 NFAS Orlando
96-01 Navsea-08/Naval Reactors

(in reply to PaxMondo)
Post #: 360
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