7/1/43
Another grey dawn, and continous rain.
All one can do is listen to the radio -the sound of dripping rain on the roof of this miserable hut, and try to keep warm
heavy air action in Burma.
Lea was pounded today
Tokyo rose trumpets 2 enemy cruisers sunk south of guadacanal.
A long dull day.
I miss home
Wobbly vs herb, ens hanamato
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
8/1/43
What a day!
dawn, and clearing skies.
The siege is not yet totally broken, our army marches north, and still needs support.
24 of us fly, 20 odd sallies, in a somewhat ragged formation, some of the replacements are not much good.
This time we saw the twin tailed devils from a long way off -16 of them
we charged each other -my tracer I am sure hit my opponent, we broke left, they too, and the sky dissolved into a swirl of fighters.
I did not get another shot in -the smell and shock of the guns remains on me -it aws all over so quickly.
6 devils down, we lost just 1, and 1 bomber.
Jubilation in our hut tonight -classmate Hori got a kill confirmed.
we are now beginging to feel like fighter pilots.
tomorrow we rest, much maintenance must be done.
What a day!
dawn, and clearing skies.
The siege is not yet totally broken, our army marches north, and still needs support.
24 of us fly, 20 odd sallies, in a somewhat ragged formation, some of the replacements are not much good.
This time we saw the twin tailed devils from a long way off -16 of them
we charged each other -my tracer I am sure hit my opponent, we broke left, they too, and the sky dissolved into a swirl of fighters.
I did not get another shot in -the smell and shock of the guns remains on me -it aws all over so quickly.
6 devils down, we lost just 1, and 1 bomber.
Jubilation in our hut tonight -classmate Hori got a kill confirmed.
we are now beginging to feel like fighter pilots.
tomorrow we rest, much maintenance must be done.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
9/1/43
It is obvious that our direct opponents are less experienced than what we would face over Burma
news on Tokyo rose is disquieting -a huge air battle over burma -20 odd enemy shot down -it is claimed -but the broadcast talks of "difficulties" in maintaining the battle.
Word from the signal hut is of a relayed message talking of destroyed squadrons -plural.
The tonies appear to have been torn apart.
One cannot dwell on the odds gathering it seems against us -one must do his duty until death.
For the emperor!
Tomorrow we seek revenge.
It is obvious that our direct opponents are less experienced than what we would face over Burma
news on Tokyo rose is disquieting -a huge air battle over burma -20 odd enemy shot down -it is claimed -but the broadcast talks of "difficulties" in maintaining the battle.
Word from the signal hut is of a relayed message talking of destroyed squadrons -plural.
The tonies appear to have been torn apart.
One cannot dwell on the odds gathering it seems against us -one must do his duty until death.
For the emperor!
Tomorrow we seek revenge.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
10/1/43
today the plan was simple -a co ordinated heavy strike from here, and Tietsien -target -the enemy airfields -we will press on.
the day went well to begin, a perfect rendevous -32 oscar, 27 zeros, escorting 52 sallies.
again we spotted the devils -some 5000 feet above us.
And then , cutting in -Spitfires -a dozen or so
we turned to engage -and the devils struck.
Zooming up, i was shocked to see 6 of our planes falling, then we were amongst the Spits.
I saw one fall, and it all got very, very busy.
The devils zoomed up -up out of reach -then fell onto our oscars.
I got a spit into my sights -and watched in Chargin it dive away below me -I tried to follow, negative gee -and I lost all power.
I broke -pure instinct, and shadows flashed past!
broken bombers, and many parachutes below.
The bombers bomb, and we headed home.
Our Oscar friends shamed us again -gone, combat seemingly refused.
a shock once on the field
We have lost ten planes -all our rookies gone, too slow , to unlucky.
Only 17 planes are here, more are coming, we are down to 25 men.
I am incredibly happy to see Hori and banno -we survive still..
we must rebuild the unit tomorrow.
today the plan was simple -a co ordinated heavy strike from here, and Tietsien -target -the enemy airfields -we will press on.
the day went well to begin, a perfect rendevous -32 oscar, 27 zeros, escorting 52 sallies.
again we spotted the devils -some 5000 feet above us.
And then , cutting in -Spitfires -a dozen or so
we turned to engage -and the devils struck.
Zooming up, i was shocked to see 6 of our planes falling, then we were amongst the Spits.
I saw one fall, and it all got very, very busy.
The devils zoomed up -up out of reach -then fell onto our oscars.
I got a spit into my sights -and watched in Chargin it dive away below me -I tried to follow, negative gee -and I lost all power.
I broke -pure instinct, and shadows flashed past!
broken bombers, and many parachutes below.
The bombers bomb, and we headed home.
Our Oscar friends shamed us again -gone, combat seemingly refused.
a shock once on the field
We have lost ten planes -all our rookies gone, too slow , to unlucky.
Only 17 planes are here, more are coming, we are down to 25 men.
I am incredibly happy to see Hori and banno -we survive still..
we must rebuild the unit tomorrow.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
11/1/43
a terrible day, snow, sleet, rain
Just after lunch 14 sallies departed -detirmed to hit our enemy. Against orders they fly, maybe the weather will help.
It does, only 1 was lost.
Gloom fills the hut today.
We must dismiss it -replace it with fighting spirit!
Tokyo rose promises -" a mighty blow against the enemy"
a terrible day, snow, sleet, rain
Just after lunch 14 sallies departed -detirmed to hit our enemy. Against orders they fly, maybe the weather will help.
It does, only 1 was lost.
Gloom fills the hut today.
We must dismiss it -replace it with fighting spirit!
Tokyo rose promises -" a mighty blow against the enemy"
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
10/1/43
today the plan was simple -a co ordinated heavy strike from here, and Tietsien -target -the enemy airfields -we will press on.
the day went well to begin, a perfect rendevous -32 oscar, 27 zeros, escorting 52 sallies.
again we spotted the devils -some 5000 feet above us.
And then , cutting in -Spitfires -a dozen or so
we turned to engage -and the devils struck.
Zooming up, i was shocked to see 6 of our planes falling, then we were amongst the Spits.
I saw one fall, and it all got very, very busy.
The devils zoomed up -up out of reach -then fell onto our oscars.
I got a spit into my sights -and watched in Chargin it dive away below me -I tried to follow, negative gee -and I lost all power.
I broke -pure instinct, and shadows flashed past!
broken bombers, and many parachutes below.
The bombers bomb, and we headed home.
Our Oscar friends shamed us again -gone, combat seemingly refused.
a shock once on the field
We have lost ten planes -all our rookies gone, too slow , to unlucky.
Only 17 planes are here, more are coming, we are down to 25 men.
I am incredibly happy to see Hori and banno -we survive still..
we must rebuild the unit tomorrow.
Wow, while I was reading, felt like I was in Oscar...
good to see you again Herbieh!
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
12/1/43
another day of rain, and cold, and mud
i am so glad we are not infantry, it must be miserable marching in this weather.
Our army has entered homan, there is going to be a great battle
late today Tokyo rose made an electrifying announcement - 'today the imperial fleet struck the Attu islands -totally destroying the enmies air force.
All threats to our Northern approaches have been eliminated."
Glorious news.
Our planes are ready, tomorrow we attack again, cursed snow allowing.
another day of rain, and cold, and mud
i am so glad we are not infantry, it must be miserable marching in this weather.
Our army has entered homan, there is going to be a great battle
late today Tokyo rose made an electrifying announcement - 'today the imperial fleet struck the Attu islands -totally destroying the enmies air force.
All threats to our Northern approaches have been eliminated."
Glorious news.
Our planes are ready, tomorrow we attack again, cursed snow allowing.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
A terribly frustrating day - heavy, heavy driving rain all day
The 1000"s of coolies at our call are being driven hard to keep the drains open.
Planes from kaifeng went, and tietsen as well -both saw heavy action, and losses.
The orders are clear -we must continue.
Tokyo rose announces that "Attu island has been eliminated"
thats it.
makes one wonder just what occured.
How I miss the BBC, just to hear the enemies reaction.
The 1000"s of coolies at our call are being driven hard to keep the drains open.
Planes from kaifeng went, and tietsen as well -both saw heavy action, and losses.
The orders are clear -we must continue.
Tokyo rose announces that "Attu island has been eliminated"
thats it.
makes one wonder just what occured.
How I miss the BBC, just to hear the enemies reaction.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
editors note
i sent the entire navy to attu -everything I have
Some pts caused some minor hurt -but wobbly tells me I killed the entire northern command airforce
It was a rehearsal
Next month -Wake.
i sent the entire navy to attu -everything I have
Some pts caused some minor hurt -but wobbly tells me I killed the entire northern command airforce
It was a rehearsal
Next month -Wake.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
14/1/43
The day began with dark clouds and cold rain and wind, but we formed up regardless.
A long hour, as the wind howled against the canopy, and rain beat upon it.
The cockpit was a very lonely place, and kept misting up -sealing me into my little word.
But a break came -and we were ordered to take off.
taxiing out was a nightmare -trying to avoid the great furrows the heavily laden sallies had left in the sodden ground.
I prayed the undercart would hold.
We got away.
It was meant to be another co ordinated strike -but we were just too late.
8000 feet -very scattered cloud -difficult rough air as we approached Homan.
Already the Tonies and Tojos had been in action ahead of us -and from some 10 miles away the battle was easy to see -many little black dots wheeling about in mortal combat.
Then -there ahead of us -sallies and oscarss -and the enmy attacking them.
The engine roared as we raced ahead of the bombers, and flung ourselves into battle
A 38 drifted across my sights -but burst into flames before I fired, I pull up violently to avoid Kurakare -he takes my potential kill!
We turn, and turn, and suddenly we are all circling in a terrible circle, and P38's and zeros are all too close!
Then the Spits dive down, and the battle turned again into a melee -the bombers all alone
Again the devils use their advantage -they climb away, then rolling onto their backs dive upon us -and then again.
but some do not climb again..............
Again it ends so quick.
Again one is bathed in sweat -breathing so hard.
Again a sky so full, has become so empty.
Again I have been unable to engage, but I am learning -now at least i feel I have a handle on how things happen.
I am learning quickly.
We return -into the rain
We lost but 3 zeros, just 1 man -and took down 15 P 38's, and a spit.
The army is repulsed -but the trapped one has a road free -and may still get away.
Tokyo rose tells us many things
A heavy raid on Lea -repulsed with heavy casualties inflicted
And defience -we see the submarines gathering around tarwana - do your best -tarwana will hold for a 1000 years against a million men!
It also dismisses "as nonsense" that the BB Kongo has been sunk -" now relocating for further offensive operations"
We rest tomorrow, word is that now the army holds the required roads, we may be moved back south - to the next threat to the empire.
I hope so
Its far too cold and muddy here.
The day began with dark clouds and cold rain and wind, but we formed up regardless.
A long hour, as the wind howled against the canopy, and rain beat upon it.
The cockpit was a very lonely place, and kept misting up -sealing me into my little word.
But a break came -and we were ordered to take off.
taxiing out was a nightmare -trying to avoid the great furrows the heavily laden sallies had left in the sodden ground.
I prayed the undercart would hold.
We got away.
It was meant to be another co ordinated strike -but we were just too late.
8000 feet -very scattered cloud -difficult rough air as we approached Homan.
Already the Tonies and Tojos had been in action ahead of us -and from some 10 miles away the battle was easy to see -many little black dots wheeling about in mortal combat.
Then -there ahead of us -sallies and oscarss -and the enmy attacking them.
The engine roared as we raced ahead of the bombers, and flung ourselves into battle
A 38 drifted across my sights -but burst into flames before I fired, I pull up violently to avoid Kurakare -he takes my potential kill!
We turn, and turn, and suddenly we are all circling in a terrible circle, and P38's and zeros are all too close!
Then the Spits dive down, and the battle turned again into a melee -the bombers all alone
Again the devils use their advantage -they climb away, then rolling onto their backs dive upon us -and then again.
but some do not climb again..............
Again it ends so quick.
Again one is bathed in sweat -breathing so hard.
Again a sky so full, has become so empty.
Again I have been unable to engage, but I am learning -now at least i feel I have a handle on how things happen.
I am learning quickly.
We return -into the rain
We lost but 3 zeros, just 1 man -and took down 15 P 38's, and a spit.
The army is repulsed -but the trapped one has a road free -and may still get away.
Tokyo rose tells us many things
A heavy raid on Lea -repulsed with heavy casualties inflicted
And defience -we see the submarines gathering around tarwana - do your best -tarwana will hold for a 1000 years against a million men!
It also dismisses "as nonsense" that the BB Kongo has been sunk -" now relocating for further offensive operations"
We rest tomorrow, word is that now the army holds the required roads, we may be moved back south - to the next threat to the empire.
I hope so
Its far too cold and muddy here.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Admiral Herbiesan
15/1/43
Im sitting in a warm delightful room again, the snow falls steadily outside.
We are back in Hiroshima -and we are going to get some leave!
The atmosphere here is all a bit unreal - yesterday mud and war, today, tea and fresh fish.
Tokyo rose fills the airwaves with news.
The boast of Tarwana is about to be tested, a large invasion fleet has been spotted coming its way.
Now we test the mettle of the american marines!
It makes sense -our fleet is way up north -opening a chance for him.
I wonder what our response will be?
No matter
I have a certain young lady on my mind...........
Im sitting in a warm delightful room again, the snow falls steadily outside.
We are back in Hiroshima -and we are going to get some leave!
The atmosphere here is all a bit unreal - yesterday mud and war, today, tea and fresh fish.
Tokyo rose fills the airwaves with news.
The boast of Tarwana is about to be tested, a large invasion fleet has been spotted coming its way.
Now we test the mettle of the american marines!
It makes sense -our fleet is way up north -opening a chance for him.
I wonder what our response will be?
No matter
I have a certain young lady on my mind...........
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
despair
it was too good to be true.
Leave never happened.
At dawn we were gathered, and we flew North east, destination Ominato, northern japan.
If I live a 100 years I will always remember this flight.
Our precious land sliding so beautifully under us, looking so peaceful under its mantle of snow.
And there, framed by the rising sun, in the classic sun burst, Mt fuji.
tears entered my eyes at its sight.
How honourable is our task, to defend the empire.
i will give my life to the task, the land below us expects it of us.
It is humbling to be a samari.
Leave never happened.
At dawn we were gathered, and we flew North east, destination Ominato, northern japan.
If I live a 100 years I will always remember this flight.
Our precious land sliding so beautifully under us, looking so peaceful under its mantle of snow.
And there, framed by the rising sun, in the classic sun burst, Mt fuji.
tears entered my eyes at its sight.
How honourable is our task, to defend the empire.
i will give my life to the task, the land below us expects it of us.
It is humbling to be a samari.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: despair
17/1/43
Paramushiro Jima
Somewhere where it is bloody cold!
Another frozen field -even worse than china, for here half the buildings are shattered wrecks.
20 odd dispirited and indisciplined Tojo pilots, in adequate facilities, a crummy strip.
Our fleet, we are informed -has wiped out attu island -but one thing for sure, he will be back - and its our job to make his return unpleasant.
grave news in the south - Tarwana and the surrounding islands report heavy carrier attacks -and a heavy naval bombardment.
One enemy battleship was 'reported as heavily hit multiple times" -and possibly sunk.
I don't think we will fight for the Gilberts, let the enemy wear himself out before he hits the true defences.
we pray for the men of tarwana -may you take many of the imperialists with you.
Paramushiro Jima
Somewhere where it is bloody cold!
Another frozen field -even worse than china, for here half the buildings are shattered wrecks.
20 odd dispirited and indisciplined Tojo pilots, in adequate facilities, a crummy strip.
Our fleet, we are informed -has wiped out attu island -but one thing for sure, he will be back - and its our job to make his return unpleasant.
grave news in the south - Tarwana and the surrounding islands report heavy carrier attacks -and a heavy naval bombardment.
One enemy battleship was 'reported as heavily hit multiple times" -and possibly sunk.
I don't think we will fight for the Gilberts, let the enemy wear himself out before he hits the true defences.
we pray for the men of tarwana -may you take many of the imperialists with you.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
cold
Too bloody cold to write
Flying at 15000 feet on CAP is murder
I actually saw the catalina that torments us today, but the clouds!
The news from Apamma island in the gilberts is worrying -the americans have landed -our men report that they are stuck on the beach
Brave naval troops -our Army is being given an example to follow.
Flying at 15000 feet on CAP is murder
I actually saw the catalina that torments us today, but the clouds!
The news from Apamma island in the gilberts is worrying -the americans have landed -our men report that they are stuck on the beach
Brave naval troops -our Army is being given an example to follow.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: cold
i did a calculation today -at the rate we expanded the field today -it will take 100 days before bombers can operate from here
the cold and snow is soul destroying.
The battle for apamma continues, the enemy 27th div is firmly ashore -yet our men report 'the battle continues"
how else can they continue -they must know no rescue is possible.
the cold and snow is soul destroying.
The battle for apamma continues, the enemy 27th div is firmly ashore -yet our men report 'the battle continues"
how else can they continue -they must know no rescue is possible.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: cold
Editord note
wobbly has jumped the gun, noticing all my fleet is north.
Im not worried
I now believe that after our UV game wobbly will do anything to avoid another solomon campaign, that and his invasion of wake -its a pacific central thrust!!!!
therefore i am going to brutally strip the solomons -Truk, wewak is the first line, siapan is already a massive fortress.
A central thrust he wants, a central battle he gets.
The gilberts will fight and stand -but not be reinforced -all my subs are going to transport duties there
The fleet will be reserved for the time being.
wobbly has jumped the gun, noticing all my fleet is north.
Im not worried
I now believe that after our UV game wobbly will do anything to avoid another solomon campaign, that and his invasion of wake -its a pacific central thrust!!!!
therefore i am going to brutally strip the solomons -Truk, wewak is the first line, siapan is already a massive fortress.
A central thrust he wants, a central battle he gets.
The gilberts will fight and stand -but not be reinforced -all my subs are going to transport duties there
The fleet will be reserved for the time being.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: cold
20/1/43
Another fruitless day on CAP.
So far a minor miricle that no one has become a operational loss, the state of the field here seems to alternate between a swamp and a lake -or a frozen pond.
Emilies fly from here every day -what a mighty bird -and they report Attu island still free of the enemy planes.
Bad news from the Gilberts -Apapama has fallen, the gilberts, and even the marshall islands are now very threatened.
Tokyo rose praises the men who have fallen.
This does not matter -what matters is that the enemy is attacking..
We here the war in Homan continues -the trapped divisions are recieving supplies -and are slowly extracating themselves.
many planes apparently committed there -including our relief, under training.
They cannot come soon enough -the enemy P38s are preferred to this cold!
Another fruitless day on CAP.
So far a minor miricle that no one has become a operational loss, the state of the field here seems to alternate between a swamp and a lake -or a frozen pond.
Emilies fly from here every day -what a mighty bird -and they report Attu island still free of the enemy planes.
Bad news from the Gilberts -Apapama has fallen, the gilberts, and even the marshall islands are now very threatened.
Tokyo rose praises the men who have fallen.
This does not matter -what matters is that the enemy is attacking..
We here the war in Homan continues -the trapped divisions are recieving supplies -and are slowly extracating themselves.
many planes apparently committed there -including our relief, under training.
They cannot come soon enough -the enemy P38s are preferred to this cold!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
relief
21/1/43
Thank the Gods
we were relieved today by some Nicks
We fly home to Tokyo
Coming into the city, we pass over the bay
What a sight -the entire fleet seems to be there -CVs, BBs, everything.
Why are they here -why are they not headed full speed south to take back tarwana?
I am puzzled
Tonight we drink, I feel that we have been blessed to see the home land these last few weeks
Tomorrow we fly south -into what may be hell.
Thank the Gods
we were relieved today by some Nicks
We fly home to Tokyo
Coming into the city, we pass over the bay
What a sight -the entire fleet seems to be there -CVs, BBs, everything.
Why are they here -why are they not headed full speed south to take back tarwana?
I am puzzled
Tonight we drink, I feel that we have been blessed to see the home land these last few weeks
Tomorrow we fly south -into what may be hell.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: relief
22/1/43
the troops fight on at apamama
We fly to iwo jima -a place packed with planes.
tired
tomorrow truk
A daunting flight, a long flight.
the troops fight on at apamama
We fly to iwo jima -a place packed with planes.
tired
tomorrow truk
A daunting flight, a long flight.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: relief
23/1/43
i , all of us are exhuasted
Truk is in an uproar, and our orders seem to be very unclear
5 planes are unservicable , so we remain here for at least a day
Gilli, gilli, has been invaded -fierce fighting takes place in the bay.
The commander reports that the bay is full of burning, damaged ships -victims of the minefields so skillfully laid.
yet, the enemy comes on
here we see transports leaving for the front.
the enemy claims a CL , a Dd sunk - and our army bombers a AP
Tonies have been battling the bombers.
more bad news, to add to the terrible news of the week -apamam falls, the troops fight on, and in Burma our army seems to be withdrawing as well.
When will we make a stand ? - a real stand?
i , all of us are exhuasted
Truk is in an uproar, and our orders seem to be very unclear
5 planes are unservicable , so we remain here for at least a day
Gilli, gilli, has been invaded -fierce fighting takes place in the bay.
The commander reports that the bay is full of burning, damaged ships -victims of the minefields so skillfully laid.
yet, the enemy comes on
here we see transports leaving for the front.
the enemy claims a CL , a Dd sunk - and our army bombers a AP
Tonies have been battling the bombers.
more bad news, to add to the terrible news of the week -apamam falls, the troops fight on, and in Burma our army seems to be withdrawing as well.
When will we make a stand ? - a real stand?
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt