John 3rd
Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005 From: La Salle, Colorado Status: offline
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The Imperial Army has been whipped by the Allied forces in the Philippines, Formosa, China, Korea, and Manchuria. It is an organization that did see the necessary reforms needed of it once the war opened in Europe in 1939. This day sees a similar thing occur. As the Emperor makes his surprise request of the Naval Minister, all HELL breaks lose near the Imperial Palace. The 'parade' approaches the main gate to the Imperial Palace when suddenly shots ring out from next to the gate. Five to six men, dressed the uniform of the Imperial Guards, open fire on the column and race towards the gates. These 'provocateurs' start a planned and choreographed action by the lead two squads of the 88th Ind Mix Brigade. Shouts rise up that the Emperor is in danger. We MUST protect the Emperor!! Follow me! Whistles follow, commands are given, and radios go into high gear. It is nothing but a farce. Vc-Adm Tanaka calmly studies the development from his squad's location. The 'real' Imperial Guards have been warned by him and know what is coming. Though with only 10-12 minutes to prepare it is enough time for some adjustments to be made. The initial rush towards the gates is met with a small storm of fire supported by Tanaka's small contingent. The 88th sorts itself out and begins to move into its attack mode just as fire erupts from several building on the other side of the street. It is only small arms but it does catch the Army troops facing the wrong direction. Confusion follows. Tanaka raises his the microphone to his mouth and and utters words not heard since just prior to the war "Climb Mount Niitaka." At the Fleet's anchorage a single 8" barrel fires. The round lands long by about 150 Yards. A small geyser of water, muck and dead fish erupts from the destroyed decorative Koi Pond it lands in. Tanaka has handed the microphone over to the pair of spotters who semi-calmly simple say "Down 100. Fire!" If the single artillery round didn't catch the Army's attention, TEN falling near or in their ranks does. "On Target. Fire two salvos." The effect of these high explosive rounds falling is terrifying to watch. The 88th disintegrates under the increasing fire of the naval troops in the buildings and the naval artillery from the Bay. As the Army has all war, instead of quick deliberation or thought for a different approach, they simply stick to the plan. The 1st Tank Regiment breaks formation and moves into the kill box. It is quickly followed by the inexperienced, barely trained 112th. Down the blocks more emplaced Naval Troops open fire spreading the fight down six full blocks. Seeing this, Vc-Adm Tanaka shakes his head and sadly nods at his spotters. "Do it!" Being the most experienced gunners in the Fleet, the five Heavy Cruisers now fully open fire with over FIFTY 8" barrels. To say that there is collateral damage would be a VAST understatement. The effects of all this massed artillery landing in such a confined location is--well--horrific. Within five minutes the Army 'assault' is crushed and broken. Fully 75% of the troops and equipment are killed, wounded, or destroyed. Many in the 112th simply break and run. In the weeks that follow the tally of 277 Sailors and nearly 1,200 civilians killed/wounded will be added to the new shrine built on the corner of the Imperial Palace grounds. It is over. Well... The body of the snake has been killed and not the head. By this point, Minister Yamamoto has joined Tanaka and sadly watched the end of the 'fight/massacre.' He asks the radiomen, "Have the radio stations been closed down?" "HAI! It was done at 215pm Sir." "Good. Finish this. Is he still at the Army Ministry?" A nod follows the question. "Are as many of our people as possible pulled out?" Another nod. "On my authority as the incoming Prime Minister of Japan, Ikoma may fire." The 8" shell is a compact but powerful weapon when used against the enemy. The landing of SIX 14" shells on a single building is simply breath-taking. Don't get this wrong. The massive but sunken 18" guns of Yamato or Musashi would have been bigger but Army Minister Tojo Hidecki would have been just as dead...
< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/26/2018 2:04:03 PM >
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