RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

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RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/2/2007 10:27:11 AM

Cuttlefish

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From: Oregon, USA
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Hello Kane, greetings from Oregon. I wouldn't worry too much about Takahashi. He seems to be a quick study when he's motivated!

(in reply to Kane)

Post #: 31

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/2/2007 11:49:34 AM

Przemcio231

Posts: 1901
Joined: 10/11/2005
From: Warsaw,Poland,EU:)
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Great AAR Greatings from Poland

_____________________________

Pinky: Hey Brain what are we goeing to do this evening?
Brain: The Usual Pinky we will try to take over the World;)

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 32

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/2/2007 11:34:47 PM

Cuttlefish

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline

December 20, 1941

Location: 240 miles east of Saigon
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 376

Orders: Act as covering force for invasion of Kuching. Enemy surface forces known to be in area.

---

Action Report, destroyer Hibiki

Date: Dec. 19 Location: 50 miles east of Saigon
Action Details: Enemy submarine encountered while escorting Southern Force.

0955: Mogami reports being struck by one, possibly two torpedoes, which fail to detonate.
1002: Depth charges dropped at suspected firing location, depth set to 100'.
1010: Akatsuki reports sonar contact approx. 500 yards south, drops depth charges
1023: Oil and small amount of debris observed on surface.
1031: Resumed previous course and speed.

Ammunition expended
Depth charges: 2

Battle Results
Enemy submarine damaged, possibly sunk

Damage
None

---

In the radio shack of the Hibiki, 0200 hours Dec. 20

Lieutenant Miharu: *entering* What is it, Ensign?

Radioman: Sir! We are receiving radio transmissions from destroyer Otori at Mersing. They are broadcasting in the clear, sir.

Lieutenant Miharu: What are they saying?

Radioman: *listening and scribbling quickly* Sir, they are reporting that they are under attack by at least a dozen cruisers and destroyers. Requesting urgent assistance.

Lieutenant Miharu: I see. Continue to report.

Radioman: *pauses* They say they are making smoke and preparing to attack.

Captain Ishii: *enters the radio shack, somehow managing to look as though he has not just stumbled out of bed* What is it, Lieutenant?

Lieutenant Miharu: Otori is under attack at Mersing, sir. Radioing for assistance. Have we any other ships in the area?

Captain Ishii: *shakes his head* Maybe some minesweepers. Even if Admiral Kondo decides to repond we could not get there before daybreak.

Radioman: Otori reports they are straddled. They are launching torpedoes. *long pause* Number 1 turret disabled...multiple hits...*another long pause while everyone waits tensely* Fires out of control...they say "We are continuing to attack. May the Emperor live ten thousand years!"...transmission ends abruptly, sir.

Captain Ishii: *a muscle jumping along his jaw* Thank you, Ensign. Alert me at once if we are signaled by Admiral Kondo. *leaves*

---

Excerpt from "Naval Battles of the Pacific, Volume 1: Steel Sunrise" by Morris Elliot Samuelson; Harper, Row, and Fujimori, New York, 1965

"...but even as the Japanese carriers were finishing off the last fleeing US freighters east of Espiritu Santo the British were executing an attack of their own. As the transports at Mersing were weighing anchor and preparing to return to Saigon they suddenly found themselves under fire from the ABDA ships coming up from the south...

...The gallant but doomed attack of the Otori against Houston and Boise bought enough time for the transports to escape. It is an enduring mystery why the transports fled to the south, and in particular how they ended up off the coast of Singapore at sunrise. As none of the Japanese ship captains involved survived the resulting carnage the answer may never be known for certain..."

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 33

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/3/2007 6:10:42 AM

Cuttlefish

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
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December 21, 1941

Location: 100 miles west of Kuching
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 326

Orders: Return to Saigon with all possible speed to replenish ammunition.

---

Action Report, destroyer Hibiki

Date: Dec. 21 Location: 100 miles west of Kuching
Action Details: Enemy ships detected and attacked 20 miles from our position by aircraft, who reported sinking 3 merchantmen. We were ordered to the area and discovered an enemy force of 7 merchantmen and 2 patrol craft. Enemy ships were attacked and sunk by torpedoes and gunfire.

1107: Lookouts report enemy ships.
1123: Ordered to close range and prepare to attack.
1157: "Prepare to fire"
1202: "Launch torpedo attack"
1207: "Commence firing"
1235: Shell hits observed on large merchant vessel.
1254: "Launch torpedo attack"
1300: Torpedo hit observed on medium merchant vessel
1314: Shell hits observed on same vessel
1349: New target ordered. Resumed firing.
1409: Shell hits observed on medium merchant vessel
1420: "Cease firing"

Ammunition expended
Main battery 5" ammunition: 26 rounds Torpedoes: 18

Battle Results
Seven enemy merchant vessels sunk; two small escort vessels sunk

Damage
None

---

Hibiki's first surface action:

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 34

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/3/2007 6:23:56 AM

bradfordkay

Posts: 8683
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From: Olympia, WA
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"...The gallant but doomed attack of the Otori against Houston and Boise bought enough time for the transports to escape. It is an enduring mystery why the transports fled to the south, and in particular how they ended up off the coast of Singapore at sunrise. As none of the Japanese ship captains involved survived the resulting carnage the answer may never be known for certain..."

I'll bet that you needed a drink after watching that one...

_____________________________

fair winds,
Brad

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 35

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/3/2007 9:40:59 PM

Cuttlefish

Posts: 2454
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From: Oregon, USA
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December 22, 1941

Location: Saigon
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 475

Orders: Replenish ammunition and torpedoes. Prepare to return to sea immediately.

---

Excerpt from a letter from Lieutenant Sakamoto Miharu to his wife:

...and so we are back in Saigon. When the orders to return to port were received I thought the Captain would explode. In front of the crew he was of course brisk and professional, but as he vented his feelings to me in private his face was almost purple with rage.

"You mean to tell me," he said, "that we set out to engage the enemy fleet, the fleet that has been ravaging our transports, and now we are turning around and going back to port, leaving our vessels to be hunted down like dogs? And all this because the first thing we stumbled across was a merchant convoy, a convoy upon which we expended every single goddamn torpedo in the task force! Every single one! Heaven have mercy upon us!" He paced a moment before continuing, struggling to master his anger.

"And where are our planes while this is going on!" he burst out again. "Sitting on the ground at Saigon while their pilots drink saki and play cards, no doubt. And meanwhile our ships burn."

"They did sink Repulse at Menado," I reminded him. "And they claim to have sunk a heavy cruiser at Singapore."

"Bah!" he said. "I will bet you anything you like they damaged a destroyer, maybe a light cruiser. Those pilots think everything they see is a heavy cruiser."

After he calmed down we spoke a bit about the engagement yesterday. He did say he is proud of the men and the skill they displayed...

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 36

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/4/2007 3:36:35 AM

Capt. Harlock

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From: Los Angeles
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Every torpedo in the task force?!?! Something odd there -- do you know how many torpedoes the IJN heavy cruisers carry?

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 37

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/4/2007 8:24:29 AM

Cuttlefish

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From: Oregon, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Every torpedo in the task force?!?! Something odd there -- do you know how many torpedoes the IJN heavy cruisers carry?�

Yep, every single torpedo.

I confess I'm not experienced enough to know if that's just overenthusiasm or something strange.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 38

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/4/2007 8:39:55 AM

Cuttlefish

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December 23, 1941

Location: 240 miles east of Saigon
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 445

Orders: Proceed to 4º 52" N, 109º 55" E and provide cover for merchant convoys withdrawing from Mersing and proceeding towards Kuching.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 39

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/4/2007 9:56:28 AM

Cuttlefish

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December 24, 1941

Location: 100 miles west-northwest of Kuching
Course: On station
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 384

Orders: Proceed to Kuching and rendezvous there with light carrier task force TF 3, Rear Admiral Takagi commanding.

---

From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi

Dec. 24, 1941

Today the enemy's planes came at us again. Three Bristol Blenheims dropped out of the clouds astern of Jintsu and headed towards her. This sort of thing has happened many times since the war started. Today, though, an amazing thing happened that has not happened before. Five of our Zero-sen fighters roared in from the east and attacked the enemy planes! The men burst into a cheer when they saw them, and I am not ashamed to say my voice was among them.

Two of the enemy bombers dropped their bombs well short of their target and fled into the clouds. The third, showing true spirit, held to its attack. One of the fighters dove on it and we saw flames and smoke erupt from the bomber. One wing fell in pieces and the bomber tumbled down towards the sea. It fell with a splash, but overhead a single parachute drifted slowly down.

Our ship was closest, so we came about and went over to where the parachute floated like a white flower upon the ocean. A man in a flight suit bobbed nearby. I was among those lining the rail as we came slowly alongside him. He looked up at us in silence as we looked down at him. Finally he said something, though I did not of course understand him.

From behind me I heard Lieutenant Miharu translate. "He said: 'would anybody mind throwing me a bloody rope?'"

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 40

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/4/2007 10:37:42 AM

Cuttlefish

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December 25, 1941

Location: Kuching
Course: None
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 360

Orders: Patrol outside of harbor. Enemy surface elements are reported heavily damaged by air attack at Singapore and are withdrawing to the southeast, so attack is considered unlikely. Light carrier TF 3 is expected to arrive at Kuching tomorrow, at which time TF 5 and TF 3 will pursue and destroy the enemy fleet.

---

On the bridge of the Hibiki

Captain Ishii: What is your report on the prisoner, Exec?

Lieutenant Miharu: Sir, his name is Frank Barnwell. He was the plane's gunner and radio operator. We have rigged a storeroom as a makeshift brig and he is there under guard.

Captain Ishii: Very well. He is our responsibility until someone from the Kempeitai comes to take him off our hands, probably tomorrow. In the meantime, see that he gets a standard ration and make sure he causes no trouble.

Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir. *hesitates*

Captain Ishii: Is something on your mind, Exec?

Lieutenant Miharu: No sir.

Captain Ishii: Hmm. Very well. Carry on, then.

Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir *salutes and departs*

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 41

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/5/2007 6:21:15 AM

Cuttlefish

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December 26, 1941

Location: Kuching
Course: None
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 348

Orders: Proceed into Java Sea in concert with TF 3 and seek out and destroy enemy military ships and transports. Combat air patrol from Ryujo and Zuiho will neutralize the enemy air response.

---

Excerpt from "Twelve Islands to Freedom" by Frank Barnwell, Scriveners Publishing, London, 1958

And so I spent Christmas Day sitting on two bags of rice in a cramped storeroom aboard a Japanese destroyer, playing cards with my guard. He seemed like a nice enough kid, a fellow named Taiki with an open, pleasant face. He was very friendly and polite, and kept apologizing every time he won a hand. And he won a lot. He didn't look like he had an ounce of guile in him, but he was hands down the best card player I have ever run across. But it was okay, because all the matches he won from me he had loaned me in the first place.

A couple of times the executive officer came in and we talked. The exec was a tall, serious looking chap. It turned out he had spent a year in America, but despite this he spoke excellent English.

I asked him what they were going to do to me, and he told me that before long a boat would come from Kuching to collect me. I would join some Dutch prisoners being organized into work gangs by the Kempeitai to clean up and repair the docks and airfield. He seemed unhappy about it. I thought at the time that it was because I was an inconvenience to the smooth running of the ship, but in light of what happened later there may have been more to it...

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 42

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/5/2007 6:47:06 AM

Cuttlefish

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December 27, 1941

Location: 20 miles off Singkawang
Course: Northwest
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 24
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 7
Fuel: 255

Orders: Bring fires under control. Attempt to maintain speed and retire with the rest of the task force.

---

On the bridge of the Hibiki:

*The ship shudders as a bomb falls 75 yards ahead of the ship. The roar of a receding bomber can be heard over the banging of the ship's two anti aircraft guns*

Lookout: Another bomber coming in from the starboard side, sir!

Captain Ishii: Full right rudder!

Lieutenant Miharu: Damage control parties are standing by, sir.

Captain Ishii: *training his glasses on the approaching plane* That is good, Exec, because I think this bastard is going to...

*Hibiki is jarred by an explosion. The ship shudders violently from one end to the other. Above the sounds of breaking glass and the screams of men the whoosh of flames can be heard. Captain Ishii extends a hand and helps Lieutenant Miharu to his feet.*

Captain Ishii: *calmly* Check out the damage, Exec, and bring me a report.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 43

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/5/2007 7:24:50 AM

Cuttlefish

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From: Oregon, USA
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December 28, 1941

Location: 100 miles west of Kuching
Course: North
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 25
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 2
Fuel: 170

Orders: Rendezvous with other damaged ships, including CVL Zuiho. Proceed back to Japan for repairs.

---

Damage report, destroyer Hibiki:

One bomb struck on starboard side aft of torpedo mounts. Fires now mostly under control. Eight crewmen dead, eleven injured. Vibrations damaged bearings on starboard shaft, speed reduced by five knots.

---

Excerpt from "Twelve Islands to Freedom" by Frank Barnwell, Scriveners Publishing, London, 1958

...and so I was still aboard the ship when it sortied from Kuching. I spent a restless night trying to get comfortable on my bags of rice. The night was warm, but I was still grateful for the blanket I had been given, as it made a tolerable mattress.

In the morning Taiki brought me some food, mostly rice and some fish. I really wanted to ask him where we were and what was going on, but since he spoke as much English as I spoke Japanese it didn't seem like that would get me anywhere.

I was about to suggest some more cards when suddenly a klaxon went off. Taiki dashed out and slammed the door behind him, but didn't take the time to lock it. After just a moment I felt the deck vibrate as the engines increased speed, and a moment after that I heard guns begin firing. Stuck in my little room I could not tell what was happening, but soon enough I felt the vibrations from near misses.

I don't mind saying that for the first and only time of the war I was praying that our chaps were off their game. I was all in favor of sinking Japanese ships, mind you, but not any that I happened to be on at the time.

Suddenly there was a huge bang. The bomb hit close enough that the concussion in my little room knocked me silly for a moment. When I collected my wits I went to the door and edged it open. Outside everything was chaos. Not far away a section of the rail was gone and there was a hole in the deck. Fires licked up from beneath, curling around the edges. Not far from me was a body, or part of one anyway. Crewmen were running around like mad, but I got no sense of panic. They were a disciplined bunch, I give them that.

Looking out past the rail I could see a small island maybe half a mile off. Well, Frank, I said to myself, it's now or never if you want to get off this tub. No one was paying any attention to me at all, so I strode to the rail like I belonged there and swung a leg over.

Right then I looked to the side and saw the executive officer looking right at me. He looked at me, then out at the island, then back to me. He nodded once. I grinned, threw him a salute, and did my best dive right off the rail.

After swimming a bit I stopped and looked back. The destroyer was moving off, trailing smoke. I could see a few other plumes of smoke rising in the distance.

"Good luck, chaps," I murmured, then turned and swam the rest of the way to the island without looking back.

---

Hibiki takes a hit! Note the increase in crew experience from the beginning of the war just three weeks ago (from 71/66 to 74/66)

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 44

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/5/2007 9:42:50 AM

Kane

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Ouch.. that bomb hurts our ship. Well, two weeks in Tokyo drinking sake and we will be like new ;)

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 45

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/5/2007 10:17:53 AM

FeurerKrieg

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From: Denver, CO
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Glad to see Hibiki survived its first battle wounds. At least back in Tokyo there will be lots of war news to be heard...

I hadn't thought about the experience, that will be interesting to watch.

_____________________________

Upper portion used with permission of www.subart.net, copyright John Meeks

(in reply to Kane)

Post #: 46

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/6/2007 5:44:44 AM

Cuttlefish

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From: Oregon, USA
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December 29, 1941

Location: 120 miles west of Brunei
Course: West by northwest
Attached to: TF 118
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 25
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 152

Orders: Take on fuel at Camranh Bay before proceeding back to Japan for repairs.

---

From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi

I visited with Riku for a bit today. His shoulder is all bandaged but he is in good spirits, and proudly showed me the piece of metal they dug out of his shoulder. He is looking forward to finishing his recovery in Japan, and is sure that his wound will attract the sympathetic attention of all the young women.

I am looking forward to seeing Japan again, too. It has been only a month since we sailed, but with everything that has happened it seems like years. I can perhaps get leave long enough to visit my family, and maybe they will have news of Noboru.

I had expected to be disciplined for allowing the prisoner to escape, but except for a few most cursory questions by Lieutenant Miharu I have heard nothing about it. Curious, but I am not complaining!

---

Destroyer Hibiki prior to the war:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Cuttlefish -- 5/29/2007 8:24:38 PM >

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 47

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/6/2007 9:52:27 AM

BLUESBOB

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From: Fullerton, Ca.
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From what I know, which could be wrong...I think Allied ships coming back from war patrol had a "homecoming"....a little celebration at the harbor it was returning to...maybe a a fireboat sprays the harbor...tugs and other ships blow their horns...a small band on the pier...a little crowd of officers, wives, reporters...I believe the Germans did it also...

I wonder if Japanese warships were greeted in the same way?

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 48

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/6/2007 10:16:10 AM

buzzz123

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From: ile Maurice
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quote:

Captain Ishii *neutrally* Captain Maeno is known as a promising and careful officer. He is best qualified to command a surface fleet.

love it!!

Now who wants to start an AAR from the perspective of a lowly pilot? Maybe pick some poor mug flying a Vildebeest - at least it would not be a long term project!!

(in reply to Kane)

Post #: 49

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/6/2007 10:33:27 AM

Przemcio231

Posts: 1901
Joined: 10/11/2005
From: Warsaw,Poland,EU:)
Status: offline

well definetly if he will be flying Vildebeest

_____________________________

Pinky: Hey Brain what are we goeing to do this evening?
Brain: The Usual Pinky we will try to take over the World;)

(in reply to buzzz123)

Post #: 50

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/6/2007 3:14:30 PM

HMS Resolution

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Joined: 1/10/2007
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quote:

ORIGINAL: buzzz123
Now who wants to start an AAR from the perspective of a lowly pilot? Maybe pick some poor mug flying a Vildebeest - at least it would not be a long term project!!

I actually have some poor fella who got seperated from his squadron when they upgraded to Beauforts, and consequently will be in a Vildebeest for the rest of the war.

(in reply to buzzz123)

Post #: 51

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/6/2007 10:30:16 PM

Capt. Harlock

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From: Los Angeles
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This AAR is maintaining its impressive standards of writing. I assume when Hibiki docks there will be news of the other theaters?

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 52

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/7/2007 12:19:33 AM

Cuttlefish

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From: Oregon, USA
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December 30, 1941

Location: 200 miles southeast of Camranh Bay
Course: Northwest
Attached to: TF 118
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 25
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 131

Orders: Take on fuel at Camranh Bay before proceeding back to Japan for repairs.

---

In the engine room of the Hibiki:

Captain Ishii: What is your report, Chief Engineer?

Chief Engineer Sakati: Sir, all four boilers are in good condition. The starboard shaft is running a bit hot from the damaged bearings, but as long as speed is kept under 25 knots we should be fine.

Captain Ishii: Very well. Give me all the speed you can without risking further damage. I want to get home so we can get this ship back in the war!

Chief Engineer Sakati: Aye, captain.

---

Task Force 118

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 53

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/7/2007 12:25:54 AM

Cuttlefish

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From: Oregon, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

This AAR is maintaining its impressive standards of writing. I assume when Hibiki docks there will be news of the other theaters?

Thanks for the kind words, and there will indeed be news of the war. It is actually much harder than I thought it would be to not mention things that the Hibiki's crew would have no knowledge of, especially as my opponent (Wolffpack) has put up an aggressive defense in the early going and it is a rather interesting game so far.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 54

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/7/2007 9:17:50 PM

Cuttlefish

Posts: 2454
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From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline

December 31, 1941

Location: 50 miles southeast of Camranh Bay
Course: Northwest
Attached to: TF 118
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 25
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 117

Orders: Take on fuel at Camranh Bay before proceeding back to Japan for repairs.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 55

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/7/2007 9:22:42 PM

Cuttlefish

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From: Oregon, USA
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January 1, 1942

Location: Camranh Bay
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 118
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 24
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 474

Orders: Proceed to the naval repair docks at Okayama for repairs.

---

Excerpt from a letter from Lieutenant Sakamoto Miharu to his wife:

...so have no fears, I was not hurt in the attack.

There are quite a few ships in the harbor here at Camranh Bay loading supplies and equipment for the war. I think most of it is going to Malaya. The news from there is very good, and the gloom over the debacle at Mersing has been lifted by our victory at Georgetown. General Yamashita is being lionized as a hero, and perhaps rightfully so. To outmaneuver and trap seven enemy regiments against the sea is a remarkable feat, and their surrender has opened the road to Singapore. Reports say our troops are advancing 25 or 30 miles a day.

For our part, we have been ordered to the naval repair yards at Okayama. The repairs will keep me quite busy, I am sure, but do not worry. Duty comes first, always, but we should be able to spend at least some time together. If you take the train from Kanazawa...

---

Excerpt from a letter from Captain Ishii to the parents of Seaman First Class Masahiro Morita:

...and his damage control team was stationed in the aft crew's mess when the bomb penetrated the deck and exploded there. I can assure you his death was immediate and painless.

Your son was a fine sailor and a credit to his ship and to the Imperial Japanese Navy. Be proud in his death, given in service to his Emperor. It is through the sacrifice of brave men such as your son that we will gain victory and thus ensure the survival of Japan.

Enclosed you will find his possessions...

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 56

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/7/2007 10:17:05 PM

HarryM

Posts: 66
Joined: 7/13/2004
Status: offline

Very well written!

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 57

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/8/2007 8:26:44 PM

Cuttlefish

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline

January 2, 1942

Location: 240 miles north of Camranh Bay
Course: North
Attached to: TF 118
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 24
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 449

Orders: Proceed to the naval repair docks at Okayama for repairs.

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US Naval Intelligence ship recognition card from December 1942:

The label is not quite correct. The Akatsuki class destroyers, of which there were only four (Akatsuki, Hibiki, Ikazuchi, Inazuma), were very similar to the Fubuki class destroyers but not identical. They had a very similar profile and armament but were 7' shorter and displaced 110 tons less. Since the Akatsukis were built right after the Fubukis were completed I suspect these changes had to do with correcting some of the problems the Fubuki class ships had with being top heavy.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 58

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/8/2007 8:48:11 PM

Cuttlefish

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline

January 3, 1942

Location: 175 miles southeast of Hong Kong
Course: North by northeast
Attached to: TF 118
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 24
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 425

Orders: Proceed to the naval repair docks at Okayama for repairs. Be aware that enemy submarines have been operating in the Luzon Strait, though vigorous anti-submarine efforts have reduced this threat recently.

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From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi

Riku was cleared by the medics to return to light duty today. While I was sweating with a crew repairing the aft torpedo hoist he was up on the tower enjoying the breeze and gazing through a pair of the model 5 binoculars. After he was relieved he came down and instead of requesting further duties told Shun his shoulder was paining him and asked if he could return to his bunk. Shun's only response was to backhand him across the face so hard he was forced back a step. Then he told Riku to report to the galley and assist the cooks.

Poor Riku. I think he expected more sympathy from Shun because it was Shun who carried him to safety after the bomb hit. I saw it myself, Shun carried him out of the smoke and fire and put him down on the deck as gently as a mother with an infant. Then he went back and got two other injured men out. But the smile and charm that serve Riku so well with the girls does not cut much ice with chief petty officers. You would think he would have learned that by now.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 59

RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki - 2/9/2007 10:06:20 AM

Przemcio231

Posts: 1901
Joined: 10/11/2005
From: Warsaw,Poland,EU:)
Status: offline

Great AAR it inspired me and im on the verge of starting a smiliar one on my game as Allies

_____________________________

Pinky: Hey Brain what are we goeing to do this evening?
Brain: The Usual Pinky we will try to take over the World;)

(in reply to Cuttlefish)

Post #: 60