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RE: Small Ship, Big War

 
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RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/8/2007 10:48:31 PM   
kaleun

 

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Excellent!

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RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/9/2007 12:36:45 AM   
Capt. Harlock


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Some really excellent "home front" scenes. If I might make a humble suggestion though, there might be a scene where the conversation reveals that the war has started to turn against Japan -- couched in terms to evade the ears of the secret police.

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

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Post #: 1832
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/9/2007 1:32:21 AM   
tocaff


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CF has alrady, in a subtle way, broached the topic that things are not going so great for Japan.  Don't forget that it's not as if the Japanese gov't gives accurate reports to the public concerning the war and a ship's crew only knows what they have seen.  Hibiki has seen many damaged CVs, air raids on Rabul, etc. and these things don't bode well for the Japanese.

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I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
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Post #: 1833
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/10/2007 5:18:06 AM   
histgamer

 

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Post #: 1834
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 2:39:03 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Some really excellent "home front" scenes. If I might make a humble suggestion though, there might be a scene where the conversation reveals that the war has started to turn against Japan -- couched in terms to evade the ears of the secret police.


I think we will see more than a little of this as the war goes on. Looking at things even from Captain Ishii's view, however, I don't think it's clear to Hibiki's crew yet that the war has started to turn. It's gotten harder, certainly, and there have been some recent setbacks. But with a couple of victories perhaps Japan can regain the initiative and finish the Allies once and for all...

What we have here is a nice example of "dramatic irony", where the readers know a lot more about what is going on than the characters do. I have a feeling, though, that wolffpack is going to do his best before long to make it clear to our heroes just how much the nature of this war has changed.

Which brings us to the next entry...

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Post #: 1835
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 2:39:19 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

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August 8, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Proceed to Tokyo and await assignment

---

“Almost all crew are back aboard, Captain,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “There are only three left, and all of them are expected to report today.”

“Very good, Exec,” says Ishii. “What about that one fellow, Moshizuki?”

Lieutenant Miharu smiles grimly. “He was brought aboard by shore police this morning. We can hold the disciplinary hearing at your convenience, sir.”

“Very well. Anything else?”

“No, sir,” says the lieutenant. “Though I wanted to ask you, sir – have you heard anything about Port Moresby?” Captain Ishii lifts an eyebrow.

“So much for military secrets,” he says. “Even I’m not supposed to know about that. Where did you hear it?”

“From Sakati, sir. He has a brother who is married to a woman whose cousin is an Army signals officer.”

“I see,” says Ishii. “Yes, the town was overrun by the enemy yesterday. Our troops there have been pushed back up into the mountains.”

“Is there any chance of recapturing it?”

Ishii shakes his head. “Not unless we can regain control of the air over eastern New Guinea. As I understand it we will be doing well if we can get some of those troops out of there. At least it is being seen as an Army defeat.”

“It would be a nice change if such rivalries could be set aside in the face of the enemy’s growing threat,” Lieutenant Miharu says. Ishii gives a short laugh.

“Don’t count on it,” he answers.

---

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Marson, commander of the 2/25 Battalion of the 7th Australian Infantry Division, looks out across Port Moresby from his vantage point on the ridge just east of Walter Bay. He can see smoke still rising from the harbor and here and there around the town. But for the first time in over a month he doesn’t hear the sound of small arms or artillery fire. The Japs are gone.

They put up a fight, he admits. They held out for over a month and the town is well and truly wrecked. But already bulldozers are clearing the streets of rubble and crews are working to get the airfield back in shape. They work carefully, though. The Japs left in a big hurry, but they were here for a long time and already several booby traps have been found.

Marson turns and looks up at the Owen Stanley Mountains rising green and somehow ominous to the north. As he does so the old bullet wound in his chest, his souvenir from Timor, gives a twinge. The Japs are on those slopes, and scouts report that they are heading higher up, probably trying to make for Dobodura. It will take them weeks, Marson reflects, probably low on food, and when they get over the mountains more than likely they will find only more Allied soldiers waiting for them. He almost feels sorry for them.

Almost, but not quite. After the long siege here it feels good to see the Australian flag flying over the town. And after Timor it feels very good for the Japs to be the ones on the run for a change. It’s a long way from here to Tokyo, Marson thinks, but at least they have the enemy moving in the right direction now. It’s a start.


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Post #: 1836
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 3:05:52 AM   
tocaff


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Yep, the Allied strengths continue to grow....

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Post #: 1837
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 3:45:08 AM   
Onime No Kyo


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OZ to PNG is an easy hop for the Allies. I'd like to see them try that against Rabaul without spending a year to build up Lae.

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Post #: 1838
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 8:50:38 PM   
Cuttlefish

 

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August 9, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: None
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Escort tankers to Truk

---

Captain Ishii gathers his officers in Hibiki’s small wardroom. When everyone is seated he clears his throat and begins speaking without preliminaries.

“We have new orders, gentlemen,” he says. “We are assigned as one of three escorts to a convoy of seven tankers bound for Truk. The tankers are already loading, and I expect we will be ready to depart the day after tomorrow.”

“Convoy escort?” scoffs Lieutenant Sugiyura. “That is the best duty our combat record warrants?”

Captain Ishii looks at him. “It is not exciting duty,” he says, “or glamorous duty, but it is necessary duty. Enemy activity is increasing in the Solomon Sea area. Just a few days ago several of their carriers were spotted off Buna. Our fleet is concentrated at Truk, waiting for a chance to engage them, and this fuel is badly needed there.”

“Well,” comments Chief Engineer Sakati, “it should at least be easier on the engines than some assignments we’ve had.” Sugiyura makes a scoffing noise. Captain Ishii ignores him and continues.

“I don’t have to tell you,” he says, “what a danger the enemy’s submarines pose. Few recent convoys have gotten through without encountering them, and losses to our fleet of tankers have risen alarmingly. They are big targets and they are easy targets. It is going to be our job to protect them, and I am determined that this convoy will get through unharmed.”

“Sir,” says Lieutenant Miharu, “I think there are advantages to this assignment. It will give us a good chance to work in the new members of the crew.”

Lieutenant JG Kuwaki, the gunnery officer, nods. “I agree,” he says. “And this is a good time to mention that with Ensign Handa’s departure we will need someone to take over the depth charge racks and throwers.”

“Get together with Lieutenant Miharu and come up with recommendations,” Ishii says. “Are there any further questions or comments?”

“Yes sir,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “Are we going to flag this convoy?”

Ishii shakes his head. “No,” he says, “that duty will fall to Akebono.” There are frowns around the table, but no one says anything.

“You all know your duties,” says Captain Ishii. “Let’s get this ship ready to sail.”


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Post #: 1839
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 8:53:25 PM   
Cuttlefish

 

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August 10, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: None
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Escort tankers to Truk

---

“Lieutenant Sugiyura hates me!” groans Seaman Kinsei and he flops into his hammock. It sways a little bit and thumps into a steel girder. As new crewmen Kinsei and his mates do not get the best real estate available to Hibiki’s enlisted men. Not that any of the real estate is very good, of course.

“He does not hate you,” says Hosogaya tiredly. “He just thinks you’re an idiot.” Kinsei pitches a shoe at him, then flops back again.

“I am an idiot,” he says mournfully.

“Do not be so hard on yourself,” says Chuyo, trying to get his hammock untangled nearby. “Anyone could have accidentally started that torpedo’s motor. It isn’t like you didn’t shut it off before it armed itself.”

“Or launched it by mistake, sending it out into Tokyo Bay,” says Hosogaya. “It could have been much worse.”

“True,” says Kinsei, then he adds “He should not have said that about my parents. Officer or not, I had half a mind to slug him.”

Chuyo chuckles. “I would not recommend that,” he says. “I was talking to someone about Lieutenant Sugiyura earlier. He teaches the ship’s unarmed combat classes. There is even a story he fought Shun once and won.”

“Shun!” groans Hosogaya. “What a terror he is! No one that large and strong should be able to move so quietly.” The conversation dies there, as if the three fear to somehow summon Shun by the further mention of his name. It has not taken them much time aboard ship at all to learn everything they need to know about the Chief Petty Officer.

Kinsei drifts slowly off to sleep, every now and then thumping gently against the girder. He dreams that a torpedo is running in its tube and he cannot remember how to shut it off. He tries to jump overboard before it can explode, but he is seized by Sugiyura and Shun and forced to try and calculate a proper firing angle. But they won’t tell him the target’s speed, bearing, or range, and he is frantically trying to escape their grasp when there is a titanic blast and the ship abruptly sinks, leaving him frantically dog paddling alone among the waves. A pelican with Hosogaya’s face lands nearby.

“You’re an idiot,” it tells him, then flies away.

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Post #: 1840
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 9:45:51 PM   
HarryM

 

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Classic! 

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Post #: 1841
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/11/2007 10:40:30 PM   
Capt. Harlock


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quote:

“I don’t have to tell you,” he says, “what a danger the enemy’s submarines pose. Few recent convoys have gotten through without encountering them, and losses to our fleet of tankers have risen alarmingly. They are big targets and they are easy targets. It is going to be our job to protect them, and I am determined that this convoy will get through unharmed.”


Why do I have the peculiar feeling that Ishii isn't going to get his wish?

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Post #: 1842
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/12/2007 1:37:48 AM   
Onime No Kyo


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Hehe...the fresh fish are introduced to Shun.....

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Post #: 1843
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/12/2007 6:50:52 PM   
HMS Resolution


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Hm. Perchance the Hibiki will become part of the escort force for the fleet based at Truk. A heap big fight may be a-brewin'.

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Post #: 1844
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/12/2007 7:32:59 PM   
Mike Solli


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I agree.  I wouldn't use an Akatsuki class DD as a merchant ship escort in Aug 43.  That's left to the obsolete classes.

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Post #: 1845
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/12/2007 8:28:21 PM   
Terminus


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Depends on how the war is going... And if there are any of the obsolete ships left...

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Post #: 1846
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/12/2007 9:16:41 PM   
NormS3


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Fantastic work thanks for all the entertainment.  Just curious, how is your over all game going?

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Post #: 1847
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/12/2007 10:02:08 PM   
Cuttlefish

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Norm3

Fantastic work thanks for all the entertainment.  Just curious, how is your over all game going?


You are welcome! As for the overall game, I don't reveal much about that other than what Hibiki's crew would see or hear. Part of what I try to do here is give a "deck level" view of the war, which is a much different view than the high level perspective we usually see.

It's hard to do at times, because a lot of interesting things that happen in the game never come into the AAR at all. I plan to recap the war from a player's perspective after it is all over, but until then we will continue to see things from Hibiki's point of view.


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Post #: 1848
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/12/2007 10:55:05 PM   
NormS3


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fantastic, I will eagerly await every word.

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Post #: 1849
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/13/2007 3:21:08 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

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August 11, 1943

Location: 175 miles south of Tokyo
Course: South
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Escort tankers to Truk

---

As it turns out one of the tankers is delayed by mechanical problems. The convoy cannot wait, so six tankers and their escorts depart Tokyo Bay in the morning. The tankers form into three columns of two ships each, with one destroyer on each flank. The convoy is led by the escort vessel Hirado, a new Etoforu-class patrol craft. Though only 255 feet long Hirado has radar and better sonar than either of the destroyers carries.

The day is sunny and clear, and for some time Hibiki’s crew can see the hills of Japan receding behind them. Finally, however, the hills vanish below the horizon. Once again Hibiki is alone except for the other ships in the convoy and the wide sea surrounding them all.

---

Taiki springs lightly up the steps leading to the foredeck. As he does so he is hailed by Senior Petty Officer Aikawa, who is standing near the base of the tower. Aikawa beckons him over, and Taiki steps quickly over to present himself.

“I was looking for you, Takahashi,” Aikawa says. “You have a new man in your gun crew, correct?”

“Yes, Senior Petty Officer,” Taiki says. “Seaman Nonaka, a loader.”

“Lieutenant Kuwaki has asked me to remind all gun captains that it is important that the new men are quickly trained to achieve the same speed as the more experienced hands,” Aikawa says. “Especially with the Type 96’s it is important to maintain as high a rate of fire as possible.”

Taiki nods. “I had planned to start holding drills immediately,” he says.

“Good, very good,” says Aikawa. “Did you have a good leave, Takahashi?” he asks.

“Yes, I did,” says Taiki. “Though I had a little trouble buttoning my jacket this morning. My mother is an excellent cook.” Aikawa laughs.

“I know what you mean,” he says. “So is my wife. She insisted on making all my favorite dishes every day. But don’t worry, after a week of trying to gulp down ship’s food in a tilting mess we will be…” He is interrupted by the swift approach of an officer. It is Midshipman Tanabe, Ensign Handa’s replacement. Tanabe is fresh out of the Naval Academy and his uniform is spotless, pressed, and correct in every detail. Both petty officers turn to face him and salute.

Tanabe glares them, his young face set with anger. “What is this?” he says. “Two petty officers, standing idly about and gossiping like fishwives?”

“My apologies, sir,” says Aikawa promptly. “We will swiftly return to our duties.”

“See that you do!” says Tanabe sternly. “You are petty officers, you are supposed to set an example for the crew. I will not tolerate levity and chatter while you are on duty, is that clear?”

“Yes sir,” chorus both petty officers.

“I will have my eye on you both,” says Tanabe in what is intended to be an ominous tone, then he stalks away. Taiki glances at Aikawa. The Senior has been aboard Hibiki for more than five years. He is a tall, stern-looking man, no longer young, and it is impossible for Taiki to associate him with “levity and chatter.” Yet he betrayed no expression and made no protest while being dressed down by Tanabe.

Aikawa catches the look and gives the slightest of shrugs. Tanabe is new and will learn. Or he will not. Aikawa has seen them come and go over the years, and knows that trying to explain anything to a young officer determined to make an impression only makes things worse. This is the Navy, and if one expects things to be fair one is doomed to disappointment. Taiki responds to the shrug with a slight tilt of his head, acknowledging that he understands, and the two men go their separate ways.


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Post #: 1850
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/13/2007 3:31:06 AM   
princep01

 

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Why not use it as an escort when it is outbound to a combat zone?? It makes a lot of sense, particularly in light of the high value nature of its charges....fat, slow, ignitable, but very much needed, tankers.


quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

I agree.  I wouldn't use an Akatsuki class DD as a merchant ship escort in Aug 43.  That's left to the obsolete classes.


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Post #: 1851
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/13/2007 4:39:59 AM   
Onime No Kyo


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quote:

ORIGINAL: HMS Resolution

Hm. Perchance the Hibiki will become part of the escort force for the fleet based at Truk. A heap big fight may be a-brewin'.


I can deal with that. The AI doesnt seem to go for escorts in anything short of a surface engagement.

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Post #: 1852
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/13/2007 4:44:33 AM   
Onime No Kyo


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quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Why not use it as an escort when it is outbound to a combat zone?? It makes a lot of sense, particularly in light of the high value nature of its charges....fat, slow, ignitable, but very much needed, tankers.


quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

I agree.  I wouldn't use an Akatsuki class DD as a merchant ship escort in Aug 43.  That's left to the obsolete classes.




I agree with Princep. Especially with whats left operational of the KB sitting around playing pocket pool....


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Post #: 1853
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/13/2007 7:20:32 AM   
Skipjack


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

Aikawa catches the look and gives the slightest of shrugs. Tanabe is new and will learn. Or he will not. Aikawa has seen them come and go over the years, and knows that trying to explain anything to a young officer determined to make an impression only makes things worse. This is the Navy, and if one expects things to be fair one is doomed to disappointment. Taiki responds to the shrug with a slight tilt of his head, acknowledging that he understands, and the two men go their separate ways.



Great writing, as usual. This post took me back to my Army NG days, when it was time to break in a new Butterbar. The worst was an ROTC super-lieutenant who thought she deserved an active commission (despite getting beat out by someone else for it).

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Post #: 1854
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/13/2007 3:25:23 PM   
Mike Solli


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quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Why not use it as an escort when it is outbound to a combat zone?? It makes a lot of sense, particularly in light of the high value nature of its charges....fat, slow, ignitable, but very much needed, tankers.


quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

I agree.  I wouldn't use an Akatsuki class DD as a merchant ship escort in Aug 43.  That's left to the obsolete classes.




In the situation you describe, yes, it does make sense. I was talking about the mundane convoy escorts that move back and forth from Japan to Truk, Palau, etc....

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Post #: 1855
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/14/2007 2:34:49 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

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August 12, 1943

Location: 180 miles east-southeast of Tori Shima
Course: South
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 467

Orders: Escort tankers to Truk

---

The radioman steps briskly onto the bridge and hands Captain Ishii a message flimsy. Ishii reads it and frowns before thanking the radioman, who salutes crisply and leaves.

“Trouble, Captain?” asks Lieutenant Sugiyura.

“Yes,” says Ishii, “but not ours, at least not yet. A freighter has been torpedoed and is reported sinking off Iwo Jima.” That is well to the southwest of their current position. The convoy is beginning to enter the “submarine belt”, the region 300 to 600 miles south of Japan where enemy submarines congregate the most thickly.

Hibiki has been scouting on the port flank of the convoy all day, but so far there have been no sightings and no attacks. Captain Ishii looks out at the six fuel-laden tankers, plowing steadily and solidly through the swells. He shudders to think of the effect of an explosion aboard one of the vulnerable ships.

The six tankers are Arima Maru, Enoshima Maru, Itukusima Maru, Matsumato Maru, Nissho Maru, and Otowasan Maru. They are worthy enough vessels of their type and at least they are marginally faster than freighters or troop transports. Sugiyura follows his gaze.

“It isn’t quite the same as escorting battleships or carriers, is it Captain?” he says. “I doubt we will find much use for our torpedoes this trip.”

“Not unless we need them to deliver the final blow to a crippled tanker,” says Ishii. “Still, if this war has taught us anything it is to not take for granted what might happen next. Keep your crews sharp, Lieutenant. Who knows, maybe you will get the chance to try and torpedo a submarine.”

“Torpedo a submarine,” repeats Sugiyura musingly. “That would be an interesting challenge.” He falls silent, obviously working through various attack scenarios and possibilities. Ishii leaves him to it and goes to tour the deck. It helps keep the lookouts sharp if they know the captain might put in an appearance.

---

Otowasan Maru:





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 1856
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/14/2007 2:39:42 AM   
trollelite

 

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I saw several times a destroyer torpedo submarines but it never hit.... However last time one of my Q ship did hit a submarine with torpedos and she did sink....

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Post #: 1857
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/14/2007 6:03:02 AM   
histgamer

 

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What sized tankers are they? 9k? 16k?

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Post #: 1858
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/14/2007 9:50:08 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: flanyboy

What sized tankers are they? 9k? 16k?


This is a NikMod game, so the sizes are 6k and 11k. Itukusima Maru, Nissho Maru, and Otowasan Maru are 11k tankers, and the other three are 6k. The total fuel load is 51k.

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Post #: 1859
RE: Small Ship, Big War - 12/15/2007 2:49:49 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

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August 13, 1943

Location: 180 miles east of the Bonins
Course: South
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 446

Orders: Escort tankers to Truk

---

It has been another day of quiet in the convoy. As night falls fresh eyes take on the tricky job of trying to spot enemy submarines or their torpedoes in the darkness. Riku and Shiro eat and then retire to their bunk area to get some sleep. Seaman Oizuma is there, already asleep, but otherwise they are alone. Before they drop off Riku finally has a chance to finish telling Shiro about everything that went on while the ship was in Japan.

When he is done Shiro shakes his head as he lies in his hammock. “What a time you had, Riku-san! You must be glad we are back at sea again so you can get some rest!” Riku chuckles.

“That is almost right,” he says. “What about you? What did you do while on leave?”

“I helped my father and uncle build a decorative bridge over a pond,” he says.

“That sounds nice,” says Riku. He thinks of his own father and cannot keep a little envy out of his voice.

“It was,” says Shiro. The two men are silent for a moment. “It is a good feeling to work with other men to build something of worth,” says Shiro finally. “Which made me think about something. Here we are, back in the war. And in this war millions of men on both sides are all working together to accomplish something, which is to bring our forces together so that we can try and kill one another.”

“It is a big war, all right,” says Riku.

“Yes,” answers Shiro, “and I cannot think of anything else where men work together so well for a common purpose. You know me, Riku-san, I am a man who loves peace and quiet. I like to make things. Yet here I am, doing my part in this war as hard as anyone. And do you know why?”

Riku is familiar with his friend’s philosophical side. Shiro seems to others to be a friendly, talkative man of simple needs and tastes. Yet Riku knows that Shiro’s mind works slowly but deeply, and that it is often worth listening to what he has to say.

“To preserve our essence as a people,” he says after a moment’s thought. “And because it is the wish of the Emperor.”

“Those are both true,” says Shiro. “Yet I think it would be far more efficient to have the Emperor and the American, Roosevelt, fight a duel to settle the questions between our nations. Think of the lives, the effort, and the money it would save!”

“It would not be fair!” says Riku. “The American leader sits in a wheelchair.”

“Then perhaps Admiral Yamamoto and Admiral Nimitz could fight,” says Shiro. “My point is, it seems wasteful to have so many men working so hard together to fight a war. Why don’t men ever work together so well to accomplish anything else?”

Riku chuckles. “I think men will work together when they clearly see there is something in it for them,” he says, then pauses. “Which does not explain war. The pay is bad and the most we can hope to gain is to live through it.”

“But there is something in it for us,” says Shiro. “You already said it yourself, it is to preserve the future of Japan, for ourselves and for our families. So I have to conclude that men will work together for a cause. It is just ironic that war is the only endeavor that brings them together in such numbers.”

“I see,” says Riku. “Three men may build a decorative bridge, but it takes a hundred thousand men to bring two fleets together for a battle.”

“Exactly!” Shiro says.

“These are deep thoughts,” says Riku. “Running my own small part of this war is hard enough work for me. I need to sleep.”

“Sleep is important too,” says Shiro. And thereafter the only sounds in the bunk area are the muffled pounding of the engines and the snoring of Seaman Oizuma.


(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 1860
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