John 3rd
Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005 From: La Salle, Colorado Status: offline
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May 5, 1945 Two meetings occur for two very different purposes: Army Ministry General Tojo Hidecki meets with freshly appointed commanders of three units that are new or rebuilding within Tokyo. Major Kawashima commands the veteran 1st Tank Regiment (with about 40 Tanks), Lt Colonel Ishimari has assumed command of the new 112th Ind Mixed Brigade (50% Strength), and Colonel Tsukamoto has the 80th Ind Mixed Brigade (65% Strength). Though many other units are present in the area, nearly two dozen are entraining and moving towards possible invasion beaches to the west and south. Tojo knows these young men--all supremely confident, bold, and daring--can do their assignments. The day of action is set for May 10th. After closing and locking the chambers, this secret meeting lasts nearly 3 hours. At its close, three Banzai cries fill the corridors and the men depart. They are flushed, excited and honored for this assignment. They don't notice the pairs of binoculars watching them as they depart the building. Phones are raised to lips and code words are spoken... Naval Ministry A far different meeting occurs at the Naval Ministry. Naval Minister Yamamoto Isoroku finishes reading the casualty list from Battlecruiser Kongo's loss the previous day. So many men lost. So many thousands over the previous three-and-a-half years. For what purpose? For what good? The end is here. He councelled against this but still performed his duty to best of his ability. Now but one over-arching duty remains... The doors opens to reveal five men. All are tired, careworn men that Yamamoto has known for years and--one--for decades. They are loyal to him, the Kaigun, and--most of all--Japan. Vice Admiral Tanaka Raizo is the boldest and winningest Admiral in the Surface Navy. Just days ago warships under his command sank an American Battlecruiser, several Light Cruisers, and American DDs. As all of them have, he has aged. Behind him comes the four Heavy Cruisers commanders who have brought their warships and crews to Tokyo Bay. All are veteran Captains that have protected carriers, escorted convoys, and fought against everything the enemy has thrown at them. They have survived. Their crews have survived. We have Captains Komura (Chikuma), Ijuin (Atago), Tanaka (Kumano), and Nabeshima (Maya). These Fighting Men are joined by Yamamoto's Chief-of-Staff and several SNLF Marine Commanders. A toast is drank in honor of the Emperor and another for Japan. Taking a very deep breath Adm. Yamamoto begins speaking and the meeting last for several hours. There are no BANZAIs, no excitement, just stoic faces giving away nothing. The Captains leave the Ministry and head directly for there ships. Satisfied that all that can be done has been, Yamamoto raises the phone and requests an audience with Emperor Hirohito and the day after tomorrow...May 9th.
< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/25/2018 2:52:12 PM >
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