Toro vs. Bax: Scenario 17 "Haiku's and Hand Grenades"

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Toro vs. Bax: Scenario 17 "Haiku's and Hand Grenad... - 12/24/2002 1:26:45 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

Dear honorable Mother,

Today, the attack against the Imperial Americans and dishonorable Australians has begun. I have just learned through secret channels that my opponent in the coming struggle is to be the feared American admiral Toro. This fills me with a sense of foreboding, yet I find myself welcoming the challenge. It will bring great honor to our family to defeat such a noble and wise admiral as Toro.

I am happy to report that the enemy has so far proven unworthy of honorable mention. Our troops have successfully overrun an outpost on the island of Guadarukanaru. The Americans call this isand "Guadalcanal". Also today, our brave soldiers have invaded the island base of Gili-Gili, finding great quantities of Australian beer and British tins of something called "Bully Beef". While hardly fresh sushimi and saki, it nonetheless was satisfying to men so hungry after a successful invasion.

Please mother, pray for me, for my challenge will be long and difficult. Admiral Toro is an honorable man, and I can only hope that the Gods will see fit to help me succeed in my struggle.

I have written a Haiku in honor of my new challenge....

Cherry blossoms grow
My enemy fears me now
I must defeat him

Goodbye for now, Mother. I will write when I can to let you know how I progress. Please tell Father hello.

Post #: 1

- 12/25/2002 5:17:19 AM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

2 May 1942

Hi Ma,

I'm having to censor my own letters some, as we're told that otherwise they'll be thrown away or marked up anyways. This way, at least I know you'll get most of what I'm meaning to say.

We're getting underway today. Our carrier is headed away from our homeport of Noumea. That's a town at the bottom tip of New Caledonia, the southern island in these mosquito infested islands we're in. We've been told to get used to the climate, since we'll probably be here for a while. But, several contingents of engineers were present in the port, and I expect it might be more liveable soon, maybe by the time we get back to port.

I checked up on my plane this morning, and she's a good craft. The repair crew for the squadron seems pretty good, considering the green replacements we got recently. I expect they'll get their night's full of activity soon enough, as we've been told that the Japs have moved into the area in force in the last few weeks. We even heard rumor that they landed troops already on Guadalcanal, a big island north of us. From what the squadron commander said, this was much sooner than expected, and command thinks that our enemy used what's called "fast transports" to get their force on the island in quick form. Not sure if we're heading there or not, but I expect we'll know soon enough.

We've good company in our task force. Another carrier is with us, but I can't say her name, and quite an array of escort ships, too. The Japs better watch out if they meet us, that's all I have to say!

Morale is good on the ship, and everyone is looking forward to a fight.

Tell sis I said hi. I'll try to take some pictures with the camera you sent along. Has Lisa asked about me?

Love to all.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 2

- 12/29/2002 11:41:00 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

I'll be slipping in and out of Japanese character from time to time to update the action in the game. But for today, I just wanted to comment on our game so far.

This is actually the second game that Toro and I have started. We both agreed to end the first game in a stalemate, since we had both made some pretty dumb mistakes at the beginning. I think this game will be a very close run thing, and will be very bloody.

It is no surprise to Toro that I will be moving fast right from the beginning to take possession of bases. I have learned that the Japanese must use fast transport to the fullest advantage, and consequently, I used that to immediately seize Lunga and Gili-Gili.

It would be foolish of me to divulge what my long-range plans are for conquest, of course, but Toro must know that he is vulnerable in many areas. Since I have seized bases in both the Solomons and PNG(Papau New Guinea), I could theoretically attack in either direction. I will attempt to keep Toro off balance and hopefully make him guess wrongly as to where my main thrusts will come.

While Port Moresby and Lunga are the obvious key bases, there is opportuniy for attacks in other areas, provided Toro does not watch his back. For Instance, how safe is Noumea if he races the Americal division up to Luganville to protect that base. If he concentrates all Australian forces into PM, then he risks getting cut off if I were able to take Townsville and Cairns.

As the Japanese in scenario 17, with 100% commitment for both sides, I will have only a small window of opportunity in which to conquer and consolidate before the eventual American air onslaught. I will endeavor to engage and destroy Toro's CV's. While he could theoretically play possum and not risk losing his CV's until more re-inforcements arrive, he can be assured that I will take advantage of that if he decides to play the game this way. Basically, I will do something to force him to come out and fight. But the question Toro will be asking himself is "Where"? and "When"? ;)

Of course, Toro may try to dictate the course of battle. But if he does that, I feel that I can beat him in a standup fight at the opening stages. However, once his re-inforcements start rolling in, the initiative may well end up in his court. My job is to make sure that he remains off-balance as long as possible. It is a daunting task, but one that I look forward to.

Toro will be arriving back from the holidays soon, so the pace of our narrative should pick up shortly.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 3

- 12/30/2002 2:13:52 AM

Grotius

Posts: 5798
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: The Imperial Palace.
Status: offline

Thanks for posting your AAR. I'm enjoying it. One question for Bax: can you divulge precisely what units you used to take Gili Gili and Lunga? Or is that information classified?

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 4

- 12/30/2002 3:00:07 AM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Grotius
[B]Thanks for posting your AAR. I'm enjoying it. One question for Bax: can you divulge precisely what units you used to take Gili Gili and Lunga? Or is that information classified? [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, I used Naval garrisons for both attacks. a small one (86th, I think) for Lunga, and the large 8th Naval Garrison for Gili-Gili. One thing I wish there was more of with the FOW, was a less accurate count of the emeny troops when you fight a land battle. The way it works right now, even if uncontested, a battle enables both sides to see precisely which units are in that hex. I wish there was more FOW in that regard.

One thing I forgot to mention is that Toro-san is very agressive with the use of his subs, and already the Emperor's drydocks are repairing damage to one of my CL's that was part of a Fast Transport TF.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 5

- 12/30/2002 8:58:45 AM

Cap Mandrake

Posts: 23184
Joined: 11/15/2002
From: Southern California
Status: offline

Bax...please stay in Japanese character...that was hilarious...I almost booted up the the program to find "Guadarukanaru" before I realized I had been had.:)

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 6

- 12/30/2002 10:23:29 AM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cap Mandrake
[B]Bax...please stay in Japanese character...that was hilarious...I almost booted up the the program to find "Guadarukanaru" before I realized I had been had.:) [/B][/QUOTE]

Dear Mandrake-san,

I have written a Haiku for you....

Mandrake is his name
pearls of wisdom are his trade
honor fullfills him

:D

According to John Toland's epic document of the Japanese viewpoint of World War II, "The Rising Sun", page 432... the Japanese name for Guadalcanal was Gadarukanaru. No kidding.

Btw, if you've never read the book, I highly recommend it. It's a fascinating account of WWII as seen by the Japanese.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 7

- 12/30/2002 11:34:17 AM

Coach Zuck

Posts: 132
Joined: 12/25/2002
From: Long Island NY
Status: offline

Generals, Admirals, and Adicts:
Another great book on the Japanese side of WW2 is
A Battle History of The Imperial Japanese Navy by Paul Dull (Naval Institute Press). While it only covers the war from the eyes of the IJN, its a great read!!!!!

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 8

- 12/30/2002 10:07:55 PM

Cap Mandrake

Posts: 23184
Joined: 11/15/2002
From: Southern California
Status: offline

Wow..a haiku....I don't think anyone ever wrote me a haiku before. I hope that doesn't mean we're going steady or something:eek:

Now about the "Guadarukanaru" thing, that HAS to be some insider joke perpetrated by someone in Japanese High Command.

Check out this site: [url]www.engrish.com/[/url]

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 9

- 1/3/2003 12:44:59 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

Mandrake, "you have mail". :)

_____________________________

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 10

- 1/4/2003 10:09:52 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

Dear most honorable Mother,

Our conquest of the Southwest Pacific continues. Although the enemy's cowardly attacks with his submarine force have proven troublesome, his is a futile effort. Our advance continues into other islands in the area. So far, everything is going according to plan.

The soldiers on Gili-Gili reported an intense bombardment last night from Allied surface forces, but fortunately little damage was done. A few of his Majesty's imperial soldiers have not necessarily survived the bombardment, but they have achieved eternal glory through their sacrifice. Please pray for them at the Yasakuni Shrine.

There is a rumor of two large, well-protected American aircraft carriers in the area somewhere. We must find these ships and destroy them.

A little bird sat outside my window this morning and sang a beautiful song. I feel that it is a good omen. I have written a Haiku to express my feelings this morning:

Little bird singing
American carriers
we must destroy them

It is very hot, and I expect it to rain soon. The weather here is very unpredictable.

Goodbye for now, Mother. Please say hello to my little sister, Noriko. Please do not worry about my saftey. The gods will protect me.

_____________________________

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 11

- 1/5/2003 11:02:56 AM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

8 May 1942

Hi Ma,

How's everyone back home? Hope Dad recovers from his fall you wrote about. Tell him to be careful of the cellar steps. I've told him a hundred times to fix the bracing underneath. He'll never listen.

I've gotten some flying in over the last few days, but still no sign of Japs. Our task force has changed directions, and we hear rumors that the Japs continue to advance on the Australian bases in the area. There's a port called Gili Gili (no fooling) at the tip of New Guinea that was captured by them in the last couple of days, along with some other bases along the north side of New Guinea. They seem to be as mad as a dog in the summer heat when it comes to war and all.

The tension is building on the ship. Everyone's anxious for combat. Not that we want to fight and kill anybody, you know, but we gotta stop these Japs and just hearing about the enemy without seeing him is driving us all a bit nuts.

Someone on the ship told me that our subs have been active the last few days, one shot a Jap cruiser and a tanker at their big base of Rabaul. That's way north of us, so don't worry about me. I guess that really means that things are beginning to heat up around here. We also heard that there was a big airstrike on Port Moresby, the main Aussie base in New Guinea. Not a lot of damage, word has it, but rumor is that the attacking planes were carrier based. That means Jap carriers are in the theater. Port Moresby's a long ways away from us, unfortunately. Everyone really has a hankering for some action. All we seem to be doing are steaming in circles and practicing carrier take-offs and landings.

More soon!

Love.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 12

- 1/5/2003 11:58:40 AM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

May 9, 1942

Dear father,

Please do not let mother read this letter. I sometimes can't tell her the complete truth because I know she worries about me.

The truth is, father, that the fighting in and around Lae and Port Moresby has become very intense and bloody. This morning, a large convoy of our ships docked in Lae harbor in order to resupply the garrison there with food, ammunition and supplies. Unfortunately, even though our ships were provided with a large amount of fighter cover from some of our best units, the Americans were able to score hits on at least three ships. Some of these ships were loaded with troops, so as you can imagine, there were many deaths. These massive four-engined American bombers that attacked our ships seem impervious to our vaunted Zero fighter. And the accuracy! I'm afraid that if 12 bombers can score 9 hits from that high an altitude, the war could be more difficult than we had ever imagined.

Nevertheless, the unloading continues in Lae harbor, and we can only hope that our fighters will be able to drive the American bombers away. The gods of weather were also not with us today. We had hoped for storms to cover the ships in Lae harbor, but the gods sent only scattered clouds.

More news on that tanker and it's brave crew that were torpedoed yesterday by the Americans. At headquarters today, we were unable to communicate with that tanker anymore. I have a feeling of forboding, and I fear for the lives of those gallant men.

On a positive note, our fliers from Rabaul and from a secret task force continue to punish the Australian base at Port Moresby, and we are still attacking and capturing bases.

I do not feel so much like writing a haiku today, but since I know how much you like to read them, here is the best I can do under the stressful circumstances...

Foul fire fills the sky
destruction everywhere
blood and chaos reign

That is all the time I have to write tonight. I will write more when I can. Goodnight father, please kiss mother for me.

_____________________________

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 13

- 1/6/2003 11:06:14 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

May 10, 1942

Dear Father,

I must keep this note short, as we are very busy here at headquarters preparing for the capture of more enemy bases. But I wanted to write and inform you of some developments. In a bold move, our command has moved a good portion of our air assets to Lae. This was supposed to help keep the pressure on the enemy at Port Moresby. Unfortunately, the pilots of his Imperial Majesty's air fleet have not demonstrated their superior skills in air combat, or in attacking enemy surface units.

In a large battle over Port Moresby today, land-based air units from Lae enaged a large American convoy that is trying to re-supply Port Moresby. Even though escorted by one of our best Zero fighter units, many of our bombers fell victim to the Allied fighter CAP and anti-aircraft fire. Early reports indicate only one(!) torpedo hit on the American transports docked at Port Moresby so far. This result is beyond shocking to me. That 30 bombers who survived to attack docked ships in the harbor scored only one hit, does not bode well for the future. I truly do not understand, father. How can it be that 12 American B-17 bombers can put 9 bombs onto target from 6,000 ft, yet our vastly more experienced(and well-rested) bomber crews could not put more than one torpedo hit on motionless ships in harbor?! And how can it be that so many of our Zero fighters have fallen to greatly inferior aircraft engaged at a lower altitude?

I am so disgruntled, that I must write a Haiku to express my anger...

Forces of Nippon
failure in duty today
saki must calm me

That is all I have time to say tonight, father. Pray for our empire, for the enemy has proven himself to be the equal of our warriors.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 14

- 1/7/2003 1:48:50 AM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

(I look forward to receiving this turn...) :D

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 15

- 1/7/2003 2:54:20 AM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

Ya, enjoy it while you can, Toro-san. The statistical odds are in my favor of having one turn, someday, where things go my way.

:D

_____________________________

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 16

- 1/7/2003 9:06:44 AM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

11 May 1942

Hi Uncle Frank,

Well, we finally saw some action today. I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever get into this war. Command was keeping us a bit in the dark as to our actual location -- sometimes they take this secrecy thing too far, I think (hope that last remark isn't censored out!). But, over the last couple days, our task force moved quickly up toward New Guinea and took station near Port Moresby, a big Aussie base on the southern part of the island. My squadron was given orders to provide long range CAP (that's combat air patrol, or flying around protecting the skies for friendlies from the bad guys) over a transport group sending supplies or something into the base. Well, during the day, two large Japanese bombing formations attacked the transport ships and we got to tangle with them. It was kind of hairy at first, being my first real action and all. But we came out way better than they did, losing only two planes to their thirty or so! Best part was they only scored a single hit on the ships. I even got a kill (though that's still being verified by command). On my way to being an ace.

Anyway, I think those sailors owe us a round or two!

The Japs have moved onto several more small islands and bases in the area, but aside from the air attacks I wrote about earlier, they haven't made any big moves against us. I sure hope we hit them hard and quick, teach them a bit about what it means to attack the good old U S of A.

Tell Aunt Martha I said hey.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 17

- 1/7/2003 9:21:35 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

May 12, 1942

Dear Mother,

I write to you today to tell you of some success in our operations against the Americans and Australians. As father may have told you, we have been trying to stop the Americans from re-supplying Port Moresby for many days, now. I am happy to tell you that we are finally making some progress. The gallant warriors in our bombers were able to torpedo many ships yesterday in the harbor at Port Moresby while they unloaded troops and supplies. While we were not able to prevent the Australians from unloading troops, at least some of their transports will not be of use for some time. We may have even damaged some of them enough where they will sink!

I have been well, mother. Please do not worry about me. Thank you so much for the cakes and sardines you sent last week. They were delicious.

Please tell Noriko that I have spoken with her friend from school, Morimoto-san, and he wishes me to tell her that he thinks of her often.

Everything is going along very well here, mother. You need not worry, as casualties have been light, and we have the Allies on the run. We are getting re-inforcements daily, which will help us to smash the enemy in the near future. The Allied bases in the south are rumored to be very lightly defended, so opportunity is present in many different locations in the region. Nobody knows where we will strike next.

I will continue in my attempts to bring honor to our family name, I will not let you down.

I have written a Haiku for you tonight, as I know how much you like them....

Soft ocean breezes
thoughts of mother calms me
I sleep well tonight

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 18

- 1/8/2003 6:20:03 AM

Inigo Montoya

Posts: 58
Joined: 11/6/2002
Status: offline

Wonderful Haiku:
Just make sure that you use all
seventeen sylab...

:p

_____________________________

I am looking for a six-fingered man.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 19

- 1/8/2003 8:36:11 AM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

12 May 1942

Hi Dad,

Well, it's official. I have two enemy kills to my record! Both were from a couple days back. I thought I only had one, but my wingmate confirmed the second.

We had another tangle with the Japs over Port Moresby today. There were a bunch of Jap torpedo planes (land based, as opposed to carrier based like I fly with) that attacked some of our transports unloading supplies at the port, and we mixed it up with them. Strange, they didn't have any fighter escort. Not sure what was the reason for that. I suppose it's one of those situations where the fighter escort didn't make contact with their charges and so the attack planes came in alone. It cost them, though, with thirteen destroyed and thirteen more damaged. I got a piece of a couple, but no more to add to my tally. Three other guys in the squadron, though, also have two kills, so it seems there's kind of a run to see who makes ace first. Our squadron commander chewed us out after the flight, though. I think he means to tell us to keep our minds on our jobs and not our numbers. Don't worry. I'll keep my head straight and not do anything stupid. We heard there were already two aces in the theater, both Aussies. Well, we'll have to do something about that.

The attacking Japs managed to torpedo two of the transports, unfortunately. Guess our luck couldn't hold out forever. Kind of impressive, though, for those fellas to fly in without cover, get shot up and down, and still make a couple hits. One of the ships was burning pretty heavily as we flew back to the carrier.

A bunch of guys from the squadron made some cornbread tonight in the galley. The mess gang let us have the run of the place, but we had to promise them to clean up afterwards. I used Mom's recipe, and you can tell her it was a hit all around. I didn't even have to do any clean-up, everyone was so impressed!

We got a report of subs in the area. Guess the Japs got wind of us in the area, and are trying to do their best to locate our "home base." Oh, and we also got word that one of the destroyers hit earlier this week sank. Good. One less to fire flak our way.

Tell everyone I said hey.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 20

- 1/8/2003 10:13:36 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

May 14, 1942

Dear Mother,

Banzai! What a wonderful day it has been for the Imperial Japanese Army! Our glorius army bomber pilots based at Lae have attacked the Allied ships unloading supplies at Port Moresby and this time did much greater damage than ever before. Reports coming back to headquarters here at Rabaul indicate at least six enemy transports and warships in the harbor were hit by torpedoes. I managed to speak to one of the escort pilots on the telephone this afternoon, and he told me there were burning ships everywhere! Perhaps the best part of the result this morning was that every bomber and fighter returned to base safely. The Allied fighter CAP over Port Moresby was totally ineffective. I think that they must finally be getting tired from being on patrol constantly. We are going to keep the pressure on, mother. The enemy CAP is weakening, and I feel a great victory is at hand!

There has also been a rumor of enemy aircraft carriers in the Port Moresby area, or farther out into the Coral Sea. Up until now they have been cowardly hiding from our strong naval assets in the region, but a friend of mine in the naval ministry has told me that sooner or later they must make a stand and fight, or their morale will plummet.

I must close now, mother, as it is raining quite hard here. The lightning and thunder predicted for tomorrow will make for a busy day for me, as we try to organize the various units coming and going.

I must have been very tired in my last letter to you, because I just noticed that the haiku I wrote you was short by one syllable. I promise to try harder tonight to make it perfect, as I know you and father expect nothing less.

Great white clouds of silk
joyous success is at hand
Banzai! Banzai! Hail!

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 21

- 1/14/2003 10:01:14 AM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

16 May 1942

Hi Uncle Frank,

In answer to your question, the torpedo planes we encounter regularly are Nells and Bettys (at least that's what we call them). You'll probably be able to identify them from the newspaper article you mentioned.

The attack planes on our carrier are getting a bit restless, as they haven't gotten the chance to do "their share" in this war yet.

There's supposed to be some new planes coming our way, F4F-4s. We're flying F4F-3s now, and their kind of like flying pigs. Hopefully, the new models will get here kind of quickly.

We were out on the deck today, looking over the edge watching dolphins swimming around in our bow wave. That was something. Someone told us that they seem to love doing that. Coming to play with big grey momma, I guess. Rumor has it we may pull into a port somewhere near home port. I'm still waiting to see Australia, and I hear the women are really something to see!

There was some action over one of the Aussie ports today, we heard. A transport fleet was actually attacked by the Japs. Their reach is longer than we expected.

Take care of yourself.

[I][Note to readers: interesting that we haven't even engaged in major battles yet. In fact, Bax hasn't taken Tulagi, but does have Lunga. I think the slower progression is a result of our previous game where we hammered each other pretty hard in the first few days. I believe that the postponement probably means for heavier fighting in the near future.][/I]

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 22

- 1/14/2003 10:46:12 AM

Cap Mandrake

Posts: 23184
Joined: 11/15/2002
From: Southern California
Status: offline

Great stuff guys! :) Good to hear none of the chaps on the front lines have crotch rotch or trench foot yet! Are the care packages from home getting through?

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 23

- 1/14/2003 10:19:27 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

May 17, 1942

Dear Noriko,

As my sister, you should know that I do not have the time to write to you very often. Things are usually very busy here at headquarters, and it usually too late for me to write you after I send a letter off to mother and father.

In the past few days, however, things have been quite calm around Rabaul, so I have managed the time to write to you. Please understand that everything I say to you must be kept secret.

To quickly inform you of the events of the current struggle against the Allies, let me say that it has become a war of air power and sea power so far. We have used our navy to quickly transport troops from enemy base to enemy base, capturing them with great speed. So far, I think we have the enemy confused as to what our plans are. That being said, it has been difficult to bring the Americans into the decisive naval engagement that will once and for all open the door to Australia. The great American admiral, Toro, has demonstrated skill in sparing his precious aircraft carriers from destruction at the hands of our warriors. His cowardly actions brings him dishonor. I don't know how he can live with the shame of avoiding open conflict. These Americans are truly difficult to understand. Their way is not the way of Bushido!

While we still attempt to destroy his carriers, we have established a strong base at Lae, and our Army bombers have been making life miserable for the enemy transports at Port Moresby. In fact, our commanders must be highly confident in our fliers, as they have sent them deep into the enemy's ports on the East coast of Australia to attack shipping there.

Uncle Toshiro wrote to me from Army headquarters at Truk, and he has told me of a massive buildup of troops and supplies there. Certainly it looks like something big will happen in the next couple of months. But where will we strike next? I do not know for sure, but it is almost certain that we cannot allow the Allies to retain possession of Port Moresby and the enemy strongholds of Luganville and Nomea. Another friend of mine keeps writing to me that he thinks we will eventually invade Australia itself! That thought is too glorious to comprehend right now, especially since the Americans still have a potent naval striking force in the area.

I am sorry for all this talk about the war. I seems so long ago that you and I would sit and talk about poetry and music, while father and mother discussed things that are of no importance now. Do you still play the piano that father bought us? I continue to play my trumpet when I can find the time, but as I said before, life around here is very hectic.

Dear sister, you are so young. Please remember to keep up with your studies and take care of mother for us. I worry about her so.

In closing, I have written a haiku for you, so that you know how much I think of you, and long for the time when we will meet again....

Butterflies on wing
May breezes warm and gentle
music surrounds us

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 24

- 1/17/2003 12:53:07 PM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

20 May 1942

Dad,

Great news! You've probably already heard, but we've gotten intel that one of the Jap mainline carriers was bombed while in port at a base on Shortland Island. While we're not quite sure how badly damaged she was, every little bit helps (even if it was the Army that did it). It would have been nicer, I have to admit, if we Navy types had done the job. I'm sure we'll probably meet her again. Carriers are hard ships to take out.

In the meantime, we've been in port the last couple of days. Can't say where (loose lips and all), but we're enjoying the R&R. But, liberty call is coming to an end, and we're back to the waves to hopefully do our bit in this war. The action we saw last week is beginning to fade. Boy, was it a rush. Terrifying and exhilarating all in one. I tell ya, Dad, there's nothing like being in control of your own bird, buzzing through the air, flaming a fighter or bomber.

Being Hump Day and all -- and my Wingman's birthday -- we went out to celebrate our last day in port before the task force's next assignment. Even the skipper (of the ship!) showed, razzed him a bit. A good time was had by everyone.

Oh, and tell Mom that the cookies arrived in fine shape, but the cake didn't make the trip across the Pacific too well. Probably better stick to the cookies next time. And, I'll have to keep them hidden, as the squadron found them fast and they went even faster. Maybe she can make some of that grand shortbread she used to make for me when my grades were good? [I](Just for you, Cap M)[/I]

Pass my love to everyone. Tell Lisa to write (but don't be obvious about it).

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 25

- 1/19/2003 1:35:59 AM

Toro

Posts: 578
Joined: 4/9/2002
From: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
Status: offline

23 May 1943

Lisa,

Glad you wrote! I hope everything is good with you and your family. I hear you're thinking of getting into the WAVES or another armed forces support organization. I think that's just grand, and you'd be very good at it. Are you thinking of doing this after you've finished nursing school, or before. Hopefully, after, since those skills would be very much in need in this war, I think.

We've been in port for a while. Seems one of the main escorts has a boiler problem, and until the additional carriers arrive in theater (we've promised they should be arriving any day), our admiral isn't in a hurry to risk his flattops yet.

The Japanese have been sailing their own carriers deep into the Coral Sea. Some say they've been spotted off the coast of Townsville (that's a city on the coast of Australia). No major action with them, yet, but reports of damage to one of their carriers by army bombers seems to have been exaggerated, since it was seen in the task force I mentioned. Our own brass continues to keep us out of the fight. Not sure why. Most of us are aching to get into this thing, and we'd really like to head after these guys. But, they're a ways off, and they'll probably head back to port before the brass figures out what they want to do.

I miss our walks along the river. Yeah, there's lots of water here (ha ha), but land can be lacking.

Write back, and say hello to your folks. I miss you.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 26

- 1/19/2003 7:45:45 AM

Admiral DadMan

Posts: 3627
Joined: 2/22/2002
From: A Lion uses all its might to catch a Rabbit
Status: offline

Toro, you're gonna break my heart if you bring that Lisa chick into this...

_____________________________

Scenario 127: "Scraps of Paper"
(\../)
(O.o)
(> <)

CVB Langley:

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 27

- 1/19/2003 9:54:55 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Not at all Toro...as long as Bax doesn't include the syllables "Lisa" "Dear" and "John" in his next haiku... :)

great reading!

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 28

- 1/19/2003 9:46:58 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

May 21, 1942

Dear Mother,

Uncle Saburo's letter reached me this morning, so I had to write and tell you that the rumors of damage to the Zuikaku were indeed false, just as we had suspected. He indicated to me that he was quite unhurt, and that the ship was not harmed in any way. This fills me with great joy! One wonders how much truth is contained in those enemy radio broadcasts we have intercepted.

Although he could not say exactly where he is, he hinted that the task force is at sea, agressively looking for American re-supply convoys sailing to Port Moresby and Australia. He told me that the dive bombers and torpedo planes found a wounded American supply ship somewhere in the southern Coral Sea and sent her to the bottom. While admitting that this was a minor action, he was quick to remind me that any action, however small, increases the skills and confidence of the pilots.

I must tell you of another minor but important success. Reports from Lae indicate that yet another American supply convoy was attacked as soon as it pulled into Port Moresby harbor. Our bomber pilots put many torpedoes into the only supply ship in the convoy, and sank her. I wonder if the Americans are going to keep attempting to re-enforce Port Moresby. Surely they can see that each new convoy will meet with the same fate!

We did have a small scare here in Rabaul yesterday, when a small formation of B-17 bombers attacked the port. While quite high up in the sky, they were still able to score a couple of hits on some ships in the harbor, although the damage done was slight. Still, it is disconcerting that bombers flying so high can have such an effect. It is apparant that any ships in the harbor are not safe from future attacks. I hope the high command takes steps to protect these ships in the future.

Please don't worry about me, mother. I am in good health, and quite safe.

Here is a haiku that I thought of while lying on my bed last night...

Winds of war summon
skies of steel will darken soon
success will result

Goodnight, mother.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 29

- 1/21/2003 9:12:18 PM

Bax

Posts: 129
Joined: 8/9/2002
From: Rochester, MN
Status: offline

May 28, 1942

Dear Father,

I must tell you of some disquieting news. Please do not tell mother, since I know she will worry about me.

The past few days have seen some intense combat taking place. The Allies have been launching some unexpectedly strong air attacks against our airfield at Lae. Radio reports coming into headquarters here indicates that extensive damage has been done to the field. Multiple types of American bombers were reported over the base, dropping hundreds of bombs all over the place. The American raids were quite effective, destroying at least ten of our aircraft and setting fire to some supply dumps. While this is indeed disturbing news, one can only hope that the supplies the Allies are using in these attacks will deplete their already tenuous supply on hand at Port Moresby. Perhaps this is a good omen, afterall? Only time will tell.

At any rate, our engineers are busy repairing the damage and the airfield should be back in service shortly.

I feel that the tension in the Port Moresby area is thickening, as we know that the Allies must keep trying to land large amounts of supplies, and even more importantly, troops, into Port Moresby before we have amassed enough troops to capture it. Yesterday afternoon, we heard reports that American SBD bombers were seen near Townsville. That can only mean one thing: That the Americans are staging their aircraft carriers there in preparation for another re-supply run into PM.

The American submarine force that has been plaguing our ships has scored yet another hit on a supply transport. These submarines are far more effective that I would have ever dreamed!

Well, that is all there is to report today. I am sorry that I have no good news to report. The last few days have seen the Allies strike back at us. They have had their fun, but I don't see how they can continue to keep up the pressure, unless they are able to move massive supplies into PM. And we will stop them from doing this. We must.

I feel compelled to write a haiku about the past few days events, as it helps calm me....

Bombs rain from above
fire, smoke and death are with us
disturbing, this is

Goodnight, father. I hope to have better news to report tomorrow.

(in reply to Bax)

Post #: 30

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