RE: Dud subs

RE: Dud subs (Full Version)

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1275psi -> RE: Dud subs (9/6/2005 12:20:17 AM)
18/7/42 Another sparkling clear day, we are quite close to the coast of Northern PNG, and the sea is a very light colour. No sightings, or reports today The fleet has suddenly expanded, the entire carrier arm is here with us, no sign of any battle wagons, but I hear they are ahead of us. We are definately headed to Truk, to refuel, arm and rest. then, who knows? The fates of war will decide.

1275psi -> RE: Dud subs (9/6/2005 12:31:58 AM)
19/7/42 The radio begins to be able to pick up the BBC again We are eager for real news Tokyo rose is claiming Yorktown sunk -I doubt it -Im sure she will be back to haunt us The news of the week is not dramatic, some heavy enemy air raids in burma. China air campaign has gone quiet, our airforce seems to have withdrawn from the fight. A heavy B17 raid on PM apparently caused a lot of damage to ships trying to leave there with troops A enemy offensive appears to be underway against kaifeng in China The rumours trickle down, LT sato -who has yamaguchis ear -tells us that the evacuation from Port Moresby is proving to be very difficult, but is happening, the ships leaving via the timor straight. The enemy has retired, but probably only very temporarily A plan is forming for bringing his CVs to battle -it appears that the south west pacific is going to be a major area -some island called nidindi is being developed. I have been assigned to a small planning group -"imagine you have the entire fleet at your disposal ensign !, now, what would you do with this problem?" I grit my teeth LT sato and his "Plans" Im a fighter pilot for heavens sake!!!

1275psi -> Huge fleet (9/8/2005 12:15:55 AM)
20/7/42 We continue to sail in pretty much a news vacuum. The news reports a large chinese offensive in northern china -oh how far away that is. We continue bombing the allied troops trapped outside of PM, and thats about the news Again i hear of plans to attack some place called nidindi -the allies are building an airfield there -and seem very exposed We are going to use this as an aid to luring the enmey into decisive battle Today I have not been welll, and was ordered to spend it on the upper decks, so with several other pilots -Kasai ,Masuyama,and Sagara (the last of our little band) we spent the day on the quarterdeck, under the flight deck overhang All around us is the might of our fleet, covering the ocean -8 large carriers, and numbers of lighter ones. We are definately headed to rabual, and I promise myself I will not get so drunk this time -well maybe. japan seems so far away.

1275psi -> RE: Huge fleet (9/9/2005 1:45:04 AM)
21/7/42 The yorktown has been located Intelligence places her at noumea -maybe we can intercept her as she heads home to pearl Disturbing news, the BBC reports amajor chinese offensive in China has penetrated to kaifeng hard to believe japanese troops retreating! today we are off Wewak, and are refuelling again, tomorrow the tankers will depart to Truk, we continue to rabual the next target is definately nidindi -a enemy base is being built there frankly this war is not going how I concieved it would -nearly a month with out flying. terrible the still took a hammering last night -this was compensation enough!

1275psi -> RE: Huge fleet (9/12/2005 4:47:36 AM)
22/7/42 I spend the day hiding basically from Lt sato, I have a terrible head ache news from China is dispiriting -why is it we tend to believe everything we get from the BBC radio, and not from Tokyo? Something is wrong here For instance -today Tokyo rose reports very large bombing raids on Port Moresby -and impressive losses inflicted -but can we believe them I personally think the B17 better than that -and I have no faith in a zero withstanding a hit or two I personally take each report from Rose -divide it by 4, and take that. So 7,8 B17s shot down today -maybe? We are nearing rabual -fleet moves to high speed. Beer tomorrow -and mail!!! Please -mail!

1275psi -> RE: Huge fleet (9/12/2005 4:51:54 AM)
23/7/42 Dissapointment, rabual tomorrow. Again the heavy work and frantic preparation for arrival - no a/c requirements this time. I have been given a task -I must find a local map for Nidindi Our 2 french interpreters say goodbye tomorrow -This is a sure sign that the original plan for conquests south is abandoned, i am sorry to here this.. We are all very excited, a port visit, any port always offers some chance to escape this ship, and taste freedom for a while.

1275psi -> Leave!!! mail!!!! Work!!!! (9/12/2005 5:09:56 AM)
rabual Still hot, stinking hot and sultry Another frantic day of re fuelling and work, and officers I went ashore very early Down the gangway, salute!, and into one of the streams of ships boats circling Kagas mmassive frame A pleasant trip across the bay, to the jumble of the wharf. A long wharf -past the guns and mountains of stores piled everywhere I notice that all the damage still about last visit is gone now, rabual has not yet been attacked, yet it is pleasing to see the AA guns ready A old American Ford is provided -strange -this is the 1st motor car I have ever ridden in My destination is airfield No1 here several daitis are conducting daily raids on the enemy trapped in the jungles outside of PM We are warmly welcomed, and the purpose of my mission -to obtain maps, is very quickly achieved. The day is spent in the mess -discussing flying of course the news is good, and spirits are very high Every day over 120 fighters, oscars and zeros are operating from here and Lea , gaining immense training value. Little of the enemy has been seen we do discuss the B17 -i was right -7 shot down last week. It is tough, but can be overwhelmed. We turn our thoughts to the coming battles -where will the enmy retaliate next? No one knows In the meantime, several daitis will be bought up to skill, a ruthless exercise, yet totally necessary. I watch 50 zeros depart, envious -I really need to fly! I return to the ship confident in our forces and the zero again. The ship is already squared away -news is down, 2 days leave! then we join the battle fleet -already plodding south , for another hit at the enemy. mail. father reminds me of the shame of being taken prisoner Mother entreats me to fight well Sister has a boyfriend. All is well at home, kagoshima at least is short of little. I dress into shore rig. I have been paid, and we have heard of"the spot" to go

1275psi -> RE: Leave!!! mail!!!! Work!!!! (9/12/2005 5:14:13 AM)
25/7/42 rabual harbour I regret to report PO2 Sagara.c, cannot hold his alcohol Nor can he punch straight in a fight! he has the best black eye I have ever seen! A wild night. I am, of course, pretty @#$#@! To bed Let the war wait!

1275psi -> Apologies (9/13/2005 12:51:22 AM)
herb note -sorry if this is a bit light on for action, but im trying to see this war from just one mans view -actually thought he'd be killed by now. really has shown how the AI uses pilots though -he stays on the deck, definately always only flying strikes, while several other pilots always fly CAP. this guys moral never drops -maybe its the still ! 26/7/42 A work day today, we conference on our attack plans for Nidindi BBs are going to strike, covered by Hiyo and Junyo -we will wait just north, and see what happens. We are told that we have at least 3 days more here, the troops are only very slowly coming south Heavy recon is being organised, and 10 submarines will sail tomorrow, to join 3 already in the area. failing any enemy response, yamaguchi has sworn to deal with the enemy B17s at Cooktown .. Tonight I am having crayfish ashore -and not nearly as much alcohol

1275psi -> RE: Apologies (9/14/2005 12:28:48 AM)
27/7/42 Ate at the rabual airfield mess today, the pilots there are a tough bunch the conditions are totally primative -wooden huts -dust, mud , dust, dust -all depending on the time of day The heat is terrible -oppressive, crushing. Many complaints -all about support. It appears that this month the most dangerous thing has just been the flying, they too have found out how dangerous the thunderclouds are every afternoon, Also, disturbingly several pilots have been lost due to mechanical failures. The ground crews work around the clock -the day is so long. The enemy B17s flattened our field at Gilli, gilli yesterday, our pilots have abandoned it, moving back to the Admiralties . Still, there remains much confidence -flights of 150 plus sure inspire this. But as we bumped our way through the pathetic dwellings rabual calls a city,back to the ship, i could not help being glad that i live on the Kaga, a shore posting would be terrible compared to her. Back onboard -more reports of enemy shipping Espirito So, we wll have targets!

1275psi -> To the WAR! (9/15/2005 12:29:11 AM)
28/7/42 Fierce and confused fighting is again reported on the China front The AVG is reported active again over Burma - regrettfully our bomber boys were ambushed today Another incredibly busy day, I again drew the Duty We pilots met Yammato today -such a pugacoius (is that the word?) fellow. the operation against Nidindi is now clear - capture of the island means nothing -it is only a tool -we are heading for a decisive battle -if it can be forced. At dusk Kagas great anchors rise from the sandy bottom, and again the ship fills with the background noise of the great boiler room fans rising in pitch as we begin to clear the harbour. Always have a funny feeling as the land slides into the distance -will we see it again. We did not fuel prior to sailing -the great fleet here has sucked the base dry -yamaguchi intends to tanker somewhere south. The great hammer sails again Tonight I sat in my cockpit for a while -it is one of the few places on this beehive of a vessel where one can be alone, to think and pray.

1275psi -> RE: To the WAR! (9/19/2005 12:32:02 AM)
Some communication problems with wobbly -he's been out in the sticks somewhere! 29/7/42 A very quiet day for us pilots For the rest of the crew an intense day of damage control drills, more drills and more drills. We exercise our guns against drogues -and I can see now why dive bombing is so deadly -our light AA seems to really lack stopping power. We sail north today, will swing south tomorrow.

1275psi -> RE: To the WAR! (9/19/2005 12:35:40 AM)
30/7/42 reports of a naval battle are broadcast to us late today A cruiser force of ours tried to strike enemy shipping at Espirito island , the sea is filled with fleeing ships. An inconclusive battle -PT boats only sunk, our damage is unknown. We are now headed south again - I am assigned strike, so more twiddling of thumbs. I no longer worry about the lack of flying -its like riding a bike -you never forget.

1275psi -> RE: To the WAR! (9/19/2005 1:10:23 PM)
31/7/42 We steam south, we working up to full speed -tankers are well ahead of us, waiting for us Like rats shipping exploded out of espirito -I am wondering if yamaguchi will go for them. Probably not -its the carriers, its the carriers. No news anywhere else, the war seems to have gone quiet. I have a new wingman, some rookie, he is hopless, so i have given him simple instructions -follow me, stick with me like glue, never leave me. I am eager to fly. My ribs are healed, the weather is fine. the might of the empire chews up the distance between us and destiny.

Mattremote -> RE: To the WAR! (9/19/2005 7:05:15 PM)
Nice AAR! I like checking to see how your aviator is doing. BTW, my Hanamoto is in Burma where he just got his second kill in my shake-down cruise attempt at WITP (as Japan vs. AI).

1275psi -> Vibrations (9/21/2005 12:49:02 AM)
1/8/42 An exhausting day of battle drill after battle drill. But also an exilorating day -32 knots does not sound fast, but when its a huge fleet such as this one, and its a crystal clear day, calm seas -what a sight. The whole of this mighty ship shudders and shakes -great bone in her teeth . Ahead somewhere, the battle fleet, around us, hidden we are overtaking submarines by the dozens. A sub marine report of many ships some 1200 miles to our south, abruptly cut off. I feel so alive today. The BBC briefly came into range today, Gilli, gilli was attacked heavily. No news anywhere else. Again the world comes down to our windswept flight deck, and this single highly trained crew.

1275psi -> RE: Vibrations (9/22/2005 12:16:39 AM)
2/8/42 You can guess what the fleet did today Fuelling We always seem to be fuelling Totally bored today I hung around the back of the bridge, watching the captain manouver this giant so gently beside the waiting tanker. He is certaintly skilled. Down in the command room , much excitement. Our emilies report many Cruisers returning to espirito -a fine target, if we ever get there. The ocean is so large. An interesting evening, we played a game of hypertheticals -if I was the enemy, where would I send my carriers? Java -strike soerabaya or Palembang . I hope our naval land bombers are ready there! No other news on the war, the BBC came through loud and clear today -some air action over burma, but little else. The China front seems to have gone quiet again as well. I have an exam in 3 days, if I pass, I may be promoted. Long nights ahead I feel.

1275psi -> RE: Vibrations (9/23/2005 4:39:13 AM)
3/8/42 On little things great strategies can fall. another cloudless day, deep into the pacific. We are again very tense -the invasion ships are approaching an invasion -Nidindi, and although it appears the base is empty, we are not sure. We are following behind the fleet -on full alert, trying to avoid detection. Just past midday one of our Val pilots attacks a submarine, diving out of the sun -and put his bomb 150 yrds directly behind it. A disgrace The submarine was very cool, radioing the attack to all and sundry before diving. So now the enmy knows we have carriers in the area. We will be on immediate alert tomorrow, so after the CAP launches , Im expecting another long, sweaty day in the ready room, or worse.

1275psi -> a long day (9/25/2005 10:25:43 AM)
4/8/42 a long, long day in the ready room at 5 minutes notice The CAP flys hard all day -set at 50% -so we are very, very busy. My plane rests in the hanger, we need the deck clear. The fleet is accompanied by a CS -she is really our eyes at the moment Apparently one of the CLs is fitted with radar -it is hoped she will give us warning of an approaching attack. The day ends with no action for us - we continue south We have had Hiyo and junyo detach -they swing to our west. Tokyo rose announces we are invading Ndini -nothing like telling the world quickly that we are about. are we that short of good news that we have to announce the capture of some miserable rock in the pacific?

1275psi -> RE: a long day (9/25/2005 10:29:20 AM)
5/8/42 Another day exactly as yesterday -we steam ever south wards A naval battle -the enemy attack the invasion fleet in broad daylight. The entire battle fleet is involved, and the enemys courage is rewarded, we have a crippled CA and 2 Crippled DDs now retiring The miserable rock has fallen But what of the war? Some place called Akyab in burma has been lost announces the BBC. some place in the jungle -what import is it? Obvoiusly i did not fly today.

1275psi -> The wildcats appear (9/25/2005 10:39:42 AM)
6/8/42 third day in a row in the ready room. Today i crammed myself into the radio room, we are in range of Ndini, and the air waves fill with the sound of battle. During the night we naval bombard espirito - but it still has teeth 15 wildcats and some army fighters escort the dreaded dive bombers towards our friends on the hiyo and junyo. a tense half hour as we listen to the battle. Strange -we can here the americans clearly on their TBC -but not our boys, our radios are far inferior. Fortunately it is a grim business -our men cut down the wildcats almost to a man. Then heart in mouth we listen to the attack go in. strange how we can listen to death occuring just seemingly over the horizon Junyo is attacked, but missed. We breathe again The fleet picks up speed -we slide south west now -still unsighted. The plan is this -Hiyo and junyo will draw the enemy - the fleet will pound the fields, and we will sweep in from the east -and crush the enemy in a vice. Surely I will be in action tomorrow -if no ships appear tomorrow , we hit the ports, and I must finally see if I have courage in battle at last!

1275psi -> RE: The wildcats appear (9/27/2005 1:04:50 AM)
7/8/42 The fog of war descends We continue heading south east , swinging south of Efate. Considerable confusion in the command quarters, did we bombard Lunganville and Efate last night? We have lost contact with the battle fleet -with everyone. I believe that yamaguchi will grimly carry on. Several Cats circle us today, little doubt about the enemy knowing about us. some news of light air strikes against the Maya -she apparently shrugs of the hit. Again its the BBC that gives the best picture. Some sort of victory for the Army in central china -it is in pursuit straight into the heart of China. The tension is intense on board -iether the enemy is fleeing, or tomorrow will be the day of decision. If I die tomorrow Mother, I will have been a brave warrior. look after my Sister. may the empire last 1000 years

1275psi -> frustration (9/28/2005 5:26:25 AM)
This mighty Armada has punched into thin air last night our battle wagons spread fire and destruction on both Espirito and Efate, all for little apparent damage. All day the Cats prowled about us - we shot down several -but all around us the seas are empty of shipping and worth while targets. We are eager to attack noumea - but it has no shipping, yamaguchi declares that he will not engage "blunt his rapier" on airfields. So today we turn north again, the immediate mission canceled As far as i can tell we have lost a CA damaged, and 2 DDs sunk for no effect. very depressing. Maybe we will fade away, and come back again. In China we here that some sort of breakthrough may have happened, and that another chinese army is under heavy pressure in the north. Not knowing the country at all, it is very hard to form a picture, I get the feeling both sides think they are winning.. many pilots in the ready room for so many days -we are very restless.

1275psi -> RE: frustration (9/28/2005 5:34:29 AM)
9/8/42 We continue to retire. At about 10 AM a report of 3 CAs in Espirito. A massive strike is launched, the decks become incredibly busy. Almost immediately , as the second Kate crawls forward something horrible happens, its undercart suddenly folds up, and the plane crashes onto its belly, sliding to within a foot of the decks lip. Fire erupts, and frantic action occurs. Although no one is hurt, it takes 22 agonising minutes to clear the deck. Kaga, and myself do not launch. Akagi also holds fire. In the end we might have been better off, 6 kate are lost, 32 damaged by terrible flak over Espirito -and the 3 CAs turn out to be 3 pt boats. The frustration levels are now extreme - give us a target! At dusk, sensing I think our terribly hurt honour, yamaguchi makes a pipe. We will refuel, and try again.

1275psi -> retirement (10/3/2005 12:36:12 AM)
10/8/42 The fleet appears to be making a general withdrawal Another day of refuelling All day our CAP plays act and mouse with enemy catalinas. I finish my last assignment today, as an Ensign my promotion is now due. Im rather surprised that it has not been a battlefield one!

1275psi -> RE: retirement (10/3/2005 12:41:23 AM)
11/8/42 we sucked the tankers dry today. yamaguchi is still waiting for bad weather -but the enemy recon is just on us like a leach. todaythe BBC is full of news about heavy fighting in china -we have broken through at some place in the central front -and are advancing towards Kweing quickly. Stiring news indeed. The ready room is distinctly un attractive today -this is worse than prison, except in prison you do not run the risk of being drowned. Over the TDS we listened to allied bombers attacking buna today -those tough fellows at rabual will deal with them!

1275psi -> 12/8/42 (10/3/2005 12:46:02 AM)
Another catalina shot down today -but they persist another raid reported over buna, and the BBC again reports heavy fighting North of AKYAB This is puzzling -did the enemy not take this place? Maybe we have cut them off? Ships in the middle of the ocean are no good for getting a clear picture of the war. today the last of the fresh vegetables ran out, the rice gets plainer every day now. we play cards endlessly today, 500 is the game.

1275psi -> convoy cover (10/3/2005 12:51:38 AM)
Well at least we know what we are here for today -a large convoy is at Ndini -we are its long conver the enmy boldly attacked rangoon today -enemy ships attacked transports in the harbour -sinking 2 For the 1st time in days no enemy were observed following us, this eases the tension somewhat. reports filter in today that the enemy is trying something desperate in PNG They have many troops trapped on the kokoda track -today they captured dobadura with a small party of sub transported men very strange, and we do not have a clue what they are up too.. The enemy remains aggressive -but not in this ocean -it is totally clear of enemy shipping.

1275psi -> RE: convoy cover (10/3/2005 12:55:05 AM)
14/8/42 yamaguchi turns our fleet for Truk, this entire op is a bust. deep gloom in the operations room So much fuel burnt for so little results.

1275psi -> RE: convoy cover (10/3/2005 12:56:01 AM)
we stand down today -and we sleep, and sleep the fleet retires towards truk.

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