28/2/43
Our fighters at Changsa intercept a large un escorted bomber force -and shoot down 20 odd of them!
120 tonies on a ground strike , escorted by 20 tojos are intercepted by hurricanes and P 38s, reports are bad -30 fighters lost in the carnage.
This front is far from being an easy training front.
I am definately suspicious of the reports down south -same battleships sunk yesterday reported sunk again today
resistance in Lunga appears to have ceased.
We, of course spent another day looking at pouring rain.
I am getting slowly aquanted with that evil game, poker.
Wobbly vs herb, ens hanamato
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Frustration
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
1/3/43
cannot believe how things can change so quickly -especially in war.
We swept looking for the enemy today -no contact.
return to base.
And a immediate refuel
Incredible exciting news.
Just after 1400 we head out again -27 fighters of A-2 daitai -and there -spread over 120 miles of ocean -steaming very very hard due west -the entire battle fleet -and the KAGA!
How small her deck appeared after the broad fields of China -but we all thankfully arrived safe and sound.
same familiar deck crew
More AA guns about the old girl.
We are Naval aviators again!
destination is Singapore -and we are going west to deal with the British!
cannot believe how things can change so quickly -especially in war.
We swept looking for the enemy today -no contact.
return to base.
And a immediate refuel
Incredible exciting news.
Just after 1400 we head out again -27 fighters of A-2 daitai -and there -spread over 120 miles of ocean -steaming very very hard due west -the entire battle fleet -and the KAGA!
How small her deck appeared after the broad fields of China -but we all thankfully arrived safe and sound.
same familiar deck crew
More AA guns about the old girl.
We are Naval aviators again!
destination is Singapore -and we are going west to deal with the British!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
2/3/43
Editors note
Down south at Lunga -I have been sending tiny little packets of 6 or so bombers escorted by 6 or so fighters
They never fail to penetrate the CAP -losing say 3 or 4 planes at a time.
Point is- the bombers get a small attack in -and only poor roles have stopped 2 Bb being hit -I have hit a AP/AK/APD every day
Today a very large raid went down -and was slaughtered by the corsairs -lost 20 planes against the exact CAP I have been losing 3 or 4 too.
same number of bombers got through -same result -a single DD sunk
Point is obvious
No MASS attacks - divide units -send em one at a time in little packets -its the only way Japan can hope to use planes usefully in 43 onwards.
Annoying, time consuming, but it works!
back to the war...........
3/2/43
A surreal day
Found my bunk last night.
Busy day of familiarisation again with the great carrier -where to wash, where to eat, where to go in an emergency.
I have little kit to worry about, I have been issued with a couple of items.
But no life jacket.
We all ended down at the back of the ship - the stern, quarterdeck? - I have so many new terms to learn now -what a land lubber I am!
what a view today
Mirror calm sea - and a sea covered in great grey shapes.
4 Cvs in sight, and at least 7 battleships -and cruisers and destroyers everywhere.
Each plowing great white wakes from our bows and strens, the great ships are pressing hard as we steam west.
I am quite excited, somewhere on those great grey shapes my Brother steams with me to what ever fate has for us.
Editors note
Down south at Lunga -I have been sending tiny little packets of 6 or so bombers escorted by 6 or so fighters
They never fail to penetrate the CAP -losing say 3 or 4 planes at a time.
Point is- the bombers get a small attack in -and only poor roles have stopped 2 Bb being hit -I have hit a AP/AK/APD every day
Today a very large raid went down -and was slaughtered by the corsairs -lost 20 planes against the exact CAP I have been losing 3 or 4 too.
same number of bombers got through -same result -a single DD sunk
Point is obvious
No MASS attacks - divide units -send em one at a time in little packets -its the only way Japan can hope to use planes usefully in 43 onwards.
Annoying, time consuming, but it works!
back to the war...........
3/2/43
A surreal day
Found my bunk last night.
Busy day of familiarisation again with the great carrier -where to wash, where to eat, where to go in an emergency.
I have little kit to worry about, I have been issued with a couple of items.
But no life jacket.
We all ended down at the back of the ship - the stern, quarterdeck? - I have so many new terms to learn now -what a land lubber I am!
what a view today
Mirror calm sea - and a sea covered in great grey shapes.
4 Cvs in sight, and at least 7 battleships -and cruisers and destroyers everywhere.
Each plowing great white wakes from our bows and strens, the great ships are pressing hard as we steam west.
I am quite excited, somewhere on those great grey shapes my Brother steams with me to what ever fate has for us.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
3/3/43
Singapore roads.
the sea is covered in ships, and its muddy waters are cut by a 100 wakes as the small boats shuttled all day between the grey mountains.
LCDR Masuyama our Squadron leader is an old hand on the carriers of course, not lost like myself -and he did a wonderful thing today.
Just after ten I was ordered to report to him.
He had a wry grin on his face.
"I have this requisition order that has to go to the Nagato -could you deliver it for me?"
The Nagato!
My brother!
"take your time"
Soon I found myself sitting in the bows of a small boat -diesel spluttering along -i have never been keen on boats, and before I knew it the great wall of steel loomed over us, and I just managed to make my way up the ladder to her great quarterdeck - massive guns dominating .
Sagi was there!
What followed was a whirtlwind -we delivered the message -then he led me inside the dark of the battleship.
many impressions - so many men !
And this ship is so massive -everything is hard, hard, hard -each door seems massive, and thick.
Sagi lives in a small mess to the stbd side of the second great turret.
The barbbett curves through the room, and a 5 inch gun shares it as well -sticking out the side through the port -how thick the armour is!
Its not much of a space - very adhoc -and sagi tells me it is frequently wet, and windy.
We talked family for a while -then he took me on an exhausting tour -up the mighty tower of the bridge, and down into the boiler room -what a frightening place!
he seemed happiest down there though, " I like 12 inches of steel above me -and around me" he says with a grin -especially when you fly boys fail to stop their fly boys.
It is a sobering thought .
All too soon the day ends.
We promise to each other, that each day we sail in company -at dusk -we will wave a flag to each other.
I am proud of my brother.
He may never see the enemy eye to eye as I will -yet his role is no less important.
All navies need engineers 3rd class.
The kaga is busy, the anchor is being raised.
The fleet sails again.
Singapore roads.
the sea is covered in ships, and its muddy waters are cut by a 100 wakes as the small boats shuttled all day between the grey mountains.
LCDR Masuyama our Squadron leader is an old hand on the carriers of course, not lost like myself -and he did a wonderful thing today.
Just after ten I was ordered to report to him.
He had a wry grin on his face.
"I have this requisition order that has to go to the Nagato -could you deliver it for me?"
The Nagato!
My brother!
"take your time"
Soon I found myself sitting in the bows of a small boat -diesel spluttering along -i have never been keen on boats, and before I knew it the great wall of steel loomed over us, and I just managed to make my way up the ladder to her great quarterdeck - massive guns dominating .
Sagi was there!
What followed was a whirtlwind -we delivered the message -then he led me inside the dark of the battleship.
many impressions - so many men !
And this ship is so massive -everything is hard, hard, hard -each door seems massive, and thick.
Sagi lives in a small mess to the stbd side of the second great turret.
The barbbett curves through the room, and a 5 inch gun shares it as well -sticking out the side through the port -how thick the armour is!
Its not much of a space - very adhoc -and sagi tells me it is frequently wet, and windy.
We talked family for a while -then he took me on an exhausting tour -up the mighty tower of the bridge, and down into the boiler room -what a frightening place!
he seemed happiest down there though, " I like 12 inches of steel above me -and around me" he says with a grin -especially when you fly boys fail to stop their fly boys.
It is a sobering thought .
All too soon the day ends.
We promise to each other, that each day we sail in company -at dusk -we will wave a flag to each other.
I am proud of my brother.
He may never see the enemy eye to eye as I will -yet his role is no less important.
All navies need engineers 3rd class.
The kaga is busy, the anchor is being raised.
The fleet sails again.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
4/3/43
Ship at high alert -buttoned up as we pass up the mallacca straight.
The adventure begins with a good omen -the army east of Homan has broken free -throwing the chinese back north.
tarwana holds still -and the action apears to be goodenough island down south.
So many ships.
What is our objective?
Most of our money is on Adaman island -we intend to lure the british into decisive battle!
Ship at high alert -buttoned up as we pass up the mallacca straight.
The adventure begins with a good omen -the army east of Homan has broken free -throwing the chinese back north.
tarwana holds still -and the action apears to be goodenough island down south.
So many ships.
What is our objective?
Most of our money is on Adaman island -we intend to lure the british into decisive battle!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
tension
5/3/43
A terrible boring day -closed up in the ready room
totally tiring -waiting to get torpedoed is very wearing!
6/3/43
We clear the mallacca straights today - and spend the day refuelling
Tomorrow the fleet advances towards Adaman island.
A last day of checking the planes.
What will be the reaction to our prescence?
7/3/43
Pre dawn, and the machinery -man and machine moove smoothly.
Nothing can match the wealth of pure experience that Kagas crew displays today.
It takes years, and years to get it moving so smoothly, all the men know their jobs so well.
How often has KB sailed into danger like this?
Some say we are the hunted, that the allies are stronger than us.
Let them see how KB performs today!
By dawn our planes are spotted, the bombs and torpedoes are ready.
It is the classic carrier dilemma -attacking an island fortress -with the prospect of enemy naval interference to boot.
Our Commander will take no risks -today we will appraoch at the very limit of the enemy range -and the island will be nuetralised using big guns.
The weather is perfect -to the north of us a heavy cruiser force is dashing in -and it is covered by rain squalls -thick and heavy!
Only enemy surface ships will stop it -and if they appear -!
My plane sits at the very back of the flight deck - I amon strike today -as is Banno -Hori gets the good luck -he is appointed CAP today.
9am.
The weather is heavy.
CA Mogami to the north -the message is short and but clear.
Many planes our way!
The fighters roar -and begin that great sight -launch, launch, launch, each plane soaring away
We cheer them wildly!
A naval LT approaches us -If we please -could we please go below!
Banno and I will have nothing of that -we leap into a gun pit -grinning wildly -someone passes a tin hat.
The ship shakes, working up to full speed -around us 100's of guns point to the sky.
great excitement.
Our fighters intercept on the horizon -we strain to see.
Flashes, and 3, 4, 6, 10! trails of smoke , down to the ocean.
Ours or theirs?
the tension builds.
The wind fairly whips down the flight deck -Kaga's wake boils behind us!
And then we slow down!
And now the fighters begin to return -the enemy has been destroyed.
More frantic action, my plane , the strike has to be struck down again to clear the deck.
A dangerous hour
Axiously we watch -A-2 daitai is still flying the older zero -easy to tell them apart.
they return -all of them
We have lost 4 planes today -and shot down 30 P40, and 9 vengence bombers.
The day proceeds well -no further contact.
By lunch we again are ready -this time a full strike is readied -will the enemy fleet be about
One of our pilots scored 3 planes today -he has 8 now.
maybe I will get a chance tomorrow.
Kb steams north -looking for trouble!
yammato and Mushia detach at dusk -they head north as well -eager to test their great guns against the british.
it will be hard to sleep tonight -we all feel it -much will happen this trip!
A terrible boring day -closed up in the ready room
totally tiring -waiting to get torpedoed is very wearing!
6/3/43
We clear the mallacca straights today - and spend the day refuelling
Tomorrow the fleet advances towards Adaman island.
A last day of checking the planes.
What will be the reaction to our prescence?
7/3/43
Pre dawn, and the machinery -man and machine moove smoothly.
Nothing can match the wealth of pure experience that Kagas crew displays today.
It takes years, and years to get it moving so smoothly, all the men know their jobs so well.
How often has KB sailed into danger like this?
Some say we are the hunted, that the allies are stronger than us.
Let them see how KB performs today!
By dawn our planes are spotted, the bombs and torpedoes are ready.
It is the classic carrier dilemma -attacking an island fortress -with the prospect of enemy naval interference to boot.
Our Commander will take no risks -today we will appraoch at the very limit of the enemy range -and the island will be nuetralised using big guns.
The weather is perfect -to the north of us a heavy cruiser force is dashing in -and it is covered by rain squalls -thick and heavy!
Only enemy surface ships will stop it -and if they appear -!
My plane sits at the very back of the flight deck - I amon strike today -as is Banno -Hori gets the good luck -he is appointed CAP today.
9am.
The weather is heavy.
CA Mogami to the north -the message is short and but clear.
Many planes our way!
The fighters roar -and begin that great sight -launch, launch, launch, each plane soaring away
We cheer them wildly!
A naval LT approaches us -If we please -could we please go below!
Banno and I will have nothing of that -we leap into a gun pit -grinning wildly -someone passes a tin hat.
The ship shakes, working up to full speed -around us 100's of guns point to the sky.
great excitement.
Our fighters intercept on the horizon -we strain to see.
Flashes, and 3, 4, 6, 10! trails of smoke , down to the ocean.
Ours or theirs?
the tension builds.
The wind fairly whips down the flight deck -Kaga's wake boils behind us!
And then we slow down!
And now the fighters begin to return -the enemy has been destroyed.
More frantic action, my plane , the strike has to be struck down again to clear the deck.
A dangerous hour
Axiously we watch -A-2 daitai is still flying the older zero -easy to tell them apart.
they return -all of them
We have lost 4 planes today -and shot down 30 P40, and 9 vengence bombers.
The day proceeds well -no further contact.
By lunch we again are ready -this time a full strike is readied -will the enemy fleet be about
One of our pilots scored 3 planes today -he has 8 now.
maybe I will get a chance tomorrow.
Kb steams north -looking for trouble!
yammato and Mushia detach at dusk -they head north as well -eager to test their great guns against the british.
it will be hard to sleep tonight -we all feel it -much will happen this trip!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
editors note
AAR on hold while we sort out some game issues
Wobbly has sent the entire british fleet to attack batavia -carnage!
But the fleet has decided to retire via the mallacca straight -straight towards KB, and pass all the airfields, instead of retiring.
I have offered a re do -wobbly is trying to force the fleet to go back out due west into the indian ocean, AI wants to return via singapore[8|]
We will see what happens
Tabpub in town next 3 days -so not much gaming as we hit the town I hope!
AAR on hold while we sort out some game issues
Wobbly has sent the entire british fleet to attack batavia -carnage!
But the fleet has decided to retire via the mallacca straight -straight towards KB, and pass all the airfields, instead of retiring.
I have offered a re do -wobbly is trying to force the fleet to go back out due west into the indian ocean, AI wants to return via singapore[8|]
We will see what happens
Tabpub in town next 3 days -so not much gaming as we hit the town I hope!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
I'm here!!
...and being a silly git, I forgot your phone #'s!! PM and email them to me ASAP.
Will PM you also. I am sitting in an Internet cafe off the corner of Oxford and College. See you later.
Rob
Will PM you also. I am sitting in an Internet cafe off the corner of Oxford and College. See you later.
Rob
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
RE: Frustration
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
editors note
AAR on hold while we sort out some game issues
Wobbly has sent the entire british fleet to attack batavia -carnage!
But the fleet has decided to retire via the mallacca straight -straight towards KB, and pass all the airfields, instead of retiring.
I have offered a re do -wobbly is trying to force the fleet to go back out due west into the indian ocean, AI wants to return via singapore[8|]
There is nothing it can be done about it, i'm afraid. In similar cases i always set home different home base to make sure that my fleet will retire in desired course.
Perhaps he could set fleet home port Perth or Darwin?
RE: Frustration
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
editors note
AAR on hold while we sort out some game issues
Wobbly has sent the entire british fleet to attack batavia -carnage!
But the fleet has decided to retire via the mallacca straight -straight towards KB, and pass all the airfields, instead of retiring.
I have offered a re do -wobbly is trying to force the fleet to go back out due west into the indian ocean, AI wants to return via singapore[8|]
There is nothing it can be done about it, i'm afraid. In similar cases i always set home different home base to make sure that my fleet will retire in desired course.
Perhaps he could set fleet home port Perth or Darwin?
RE: I'm here!!
ORIGINAL: tabpub
...and being a silly git, I forgot your phone #'s!! PM and email them to me ASAP.
Will PM you also. I am sitting in an Internet cafe off the corner of Oxford and College. See you later.
Rob
LOL
Adieu Ô Dieu odieux... signé Adam
RE: Frustration
The program routes TFs around submarine contacts yet sails straight into LBA (takes no account of AIRBAL) [:@][:@][:@]
As Pauk says, set homeport to somewhere in the desired direction of withdrawal (Perth in this instance), wait a few days then reset back to Colombo. If only we had waypoints.
As Pauk says, set homeport to somewhere in the desired direction of withdrawal (Perth in this instance), wait a few days then reset back to Colombo. If only we had waypoints.
Banner by rogueusmc
RE: Frustration
Update soon -looks like wobbly has got his fleet to go back out the straight -what carnage!
As well as the socceroos are going, tomorrow Tabpub finds out what real Footy is all about.
Not much progress going to happen this week end, Tabpub and I are going to hit the town tomorrow!
As well as the socceroos are going, tomorrow Tabpub finds out what real Footy is all about.
Not much progress going to happen this week end, Tabpub and I are going to hit the town tomorrow!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
6/3/43
A strange day
We have been at instant alert for the entire day, and it is very wearing.
One can walk about the flight deck, grab a hurried meal, but basically we just wait for news and orders in the ready room.
Last night our battlewagons hammered Adaman island, and recieved no counter fire.
No sign that we are actually going to invade the place though.
Around lunch our captain came down and informed us that "since Adaman has been nuetralised, we can now safely stage our tankers in this area -a strike on Tricomalee is our next objective -we still seek the british fleet"
The fleet turned north, and we relaxed somewhat, no signs of enemy action.
Then, about 1 Pm, as we steamed due North, a sudden change.
First the great fleet suddenl sprouted a thousand flags, and we dramatically slowed down.
"prepare for instant flight!"
Then, as we awaited the target, are we going to night attack!?, came yet another order.
Stand down.!
Confusion!
Then slowly, slowly the fleet turns due south!
Rumours abound!
And then , finally, the news spreads like wildfire through the ship.
The british fleet has been sighted -in its entirety -approaching batavia!
And then again -the call to the ready room.
Our beloved squadron commander has a grim look on his face.
gentlemen -the enmy are approaching batavia -far too far away for our fleet to intercept.
Therefore -being equiped with the longer ranged AM2, we are given the task of flying south to batavia -where as many planes as can be spared are being rushed!
Batavia!!!
It will be the longest flight for fighters I have ever heard off.
other fighters are going to palembang -the shorter range planes Singapore.
Too late to even think about the judgement of this decision -we are going!
We have arrived.
It is dark -somehow, somehow we only lost 1 man enroute.
I had less than 1 gallon of fuel left.
We missed batavia -have landed inland, somewhere south.
All is confusion., the base is not ready for us.
Totally exhuasted, can they expect us to attack tonight, or tomorrow!
I can barely move, let alone fly!
Its 3.00 am
A terrible thunder from the north. It goes on and on, and on.
No thunderstorm this -the sounds of battleships roll towards us.
The bombers here are being frantically loaded. No torpedoes available.
how will the Sallies go.
The Tonies are reving.
As the sun breaks -we race to our planes.
The army will attack -we will be CAP!
A strange day
We have been at instant alert for the entire day, and it is very wearing.
One can walk about the flight deck, grab a hurried meal, but basically we just wait for news and orders in the ready room.
Last night our battlewagons hammered Adaman island, and recieved no counter fire.
No sign that we are actually going to invade the place though.
Around lunch our captain came down and informed us that "since Adaman has been nuetralised, we can now safely stage our tankers in this area -a strike on Tricomalee is our next objective -we still seek the british fleet"
The fleet turned north, and we relaxed somewhat, no signs of enemy action.
Then, about 1 Pm, as we steamed due North, a sudden change.
First the great fleet suddenl sprouted a thousand flags, and we dramatically slowed down.
"prepare for instant flight!"
Then, as we awaited the target, are we going to night attack!?, came yet another order.
Stand down.!
Confusion!
Then slowly, slowly the fleet turns due south!
Rumours abound!
And then , finally, the news spreads like wildfire through the ship.
The british fleet has been sighted -in its entirety -approaching batavia!
And then again -the call to the ready room.
Our beloved squadron commander has a grim look on his face.
gentlemen -the enmy are approaching batavia -far too far away for our fleet to intercept.
Therefore -being equiped with the longer ranged AM2, we are given the task of flying south to batavia -where as many planes as can be spared are being rushed!
Batavia!!!
It will be the longest flight for fighters I have ever heard off.
other fighters are going to palembang -the shorter range planes Singapore.
Too late to even think about the judgement of this decision -we are going!
We have arrived.
It is dark -somehow, somehow we only lost 1 man enroute.
I had less than 1 gallon of fuel left.
We missed batavia -have landed inland, somewhere south.
All is confusion., the base is not ready for us.
Totally exhuasted, can they expect us to attack tonight, or tomorrow!
I can barely move, let alone fly!
Its 3.00 am
A terrible thunder from the north. It goes on and on, and on.
No thunderstorm this -the sounds of battleships roll towards us.
The bombers here are being frantically loaded. No torpedoes available.
how will the Sallies go.
The Tonies are reving.
As the sun breaks -we race to our planes.
The army will attack -we will be CAP!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
7/3/43
We fly CAP, and today I do not curse missing the enemy.
A dark, dark cloud hangs over the straights to the north -scene of frightful carnage.
Too many, far too many menn have died last night.
Too many
The british fleet last night charged into batavia -pounded it -but the continued due east -and in a running battle engaged a huge convoy fleeing from batavia.
Burning ships everywhere.
All day our bombers and Tonies flung themselves at the enemy -but the army is not skilled at this work -and the enemy have at least 3 carriers to our east.
Our squadron flies CAP all day -but no enemy strikes come in.
A sense of shock fills the field this evening.
Even as more bombers come in, we count the cost.
half the tonies are gone.
few sallies remain.
The british fleet now sails west -they will try to exit.
What a bold move!
Tomorrow , surely our companions from Akagi and co will be in range, will have staged south to palembang. Surely we will get our revenge!
We fly CAP, and today I do not curse missing the enemy.
A dark, dark cloud hangs over the straights to the north -scene of frightful carnage.
Too many, far too many menn have died last night.
Too many
The british fleet last night charged into batavia -pounded it -but the continued due east -and in a running battle engaged a huge convoy fleeing from batavia.
Burning ships everywhere.
All day our bombers and Tonies flung themselves at the enemy -but the army is not skilled at this work -and the enemy have at least 3 carriers to our east.
Our squadron flies CAP all day -but no enemy strikes come in.
A sense of shock fills the field this evening.
Even as more bombers come in, we count the cost.
half the tonies are gone.
few sallies remain.
The british fleet now sails west -they will try to exit.
What a bold move!
Tomorrow , surely our companions from Akagi and co will be in range, will have staged south to palembang. Surely we will get our revenge!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
8/3/43
Oh the frustration.!!!
Our field sits buried in terrible rain storms -wild wind and sheeting rain!!
And less than 120 miles away a great battle goes on.
We sit and listen as the strikes go in.
The army goes first - is it successful? -no!
more strikes -and some hits -but the battle fleet steams east still!
the news is confusing, , they are getting away!
A break in the weather -the tonies race down the strip -avaengers over batavia!
Finally we get the word, some bombers are coming in -when they arrive -we go!.
They never arrive.
Squadron Commander approaches. he is bitterly angry.
We are recalled to the carriers -the whole exercise is a bust for this unit
We fly to sabang.
Again the flight is terrible -and we lose 3 men on the way.
3!
many, many planes here at sabang -we are waiting to hear from the carriers, so that we can rejoin.
Are they racing south?
Where will the british head now?
As the night advances a clearer picture develops -many here can tell us 1st hand what has happened.
The british fleet sailed into batavia -pounded it -and continued east -sinking at least 20 merchant ships duringa day of slaughter
Our Army bombers immolated themselves against the British carriers -wildcats and sea spitfires.
Today the british fleet steamed boldly West -and while we remained grounded the some kates from Akagi -and Akagi fighters attacked again and agin -also with betties and Sallies
Only half Akagis fighters remain.
The enemy carriers definately 3 in number -were hit at least 3 times -for little damage
nells struck -and Bb resolution lays at the bottom of the ocean -but the Nell unit is finished.
The fleet never continued north, all these planes here, were wasted at singapore.
We must sleep under the wings of our planes tonight, this place is just so crowded, and food has been hard to find.
Tomorrow we hope to rejoin the Kaga.
What a terrible way to find the british fleet.
yet there is hope -KB , and our entire Navy stands now between it and tricomalee.
Will they head to Perth , or try for home?
I am so tired -so many hours in the air.
It has been a terrible, terrible 3 days.
Oh the frustration.!!!
Our field sits buried in terrible rain storms -wild wind and sheeting rain!!
And less than 120 miles away a great battle goes on.
We sit and listen as the strikes go in.
The army goes first - is it successful? -no!
more strikes -and some hits -but the battle fleet steams east still!
the news is confusing, , they are getting away!
A break in the weather -the tonies race down the strip -avaengers over batavia!
Finally we get the word, some bombers are coming in -when they arrive -we go!.
They never arrive.
Squadron Commander approaches. he is bitterly angry.
We are recalled to the carriers -the whole exercise is a bust for this unit
We fly to sabang.
Again the flight is terrible -and we lose 3 men on the way.
3!
many, many planes here at sabang -we are waiting to hear from the carriers, so that we can rejoin.
Are they racing south?
Where will the british head now?
As the night advances a clearer picture develops -many here can tell us 1st hand what has happened.
The british fleet sailed into batavia -pounded it -and continued east -sinking at least 20 merchant ships duringa day of slaughter
Our Army bombers immolated themselves against the British carriers -wildcats and sea spitfires.
Today the british fleet steamed boldly West -and while we remained grounded the some kates from Akagi -and Akagi fighters attacked again and agin -also with betties and Sallies
Only half Akagis fighters remain.
The enemy carriers definately 3 in number -were hit at least 3 times -for little damage
nells struck -and Bb resolution lays at the bottom of the ocean -but the Nell unit is finished.
The fleet never continued north, all these planes here, were wasted at singapore.
We must sleep under the wings of our planes tonight, this place is just so crowded, and food has been hard to find.
Tomorrow we hope to rejoin the Kaga.
What a terrible way to find the british fleet.
yet there is hope -KB , and our entire Navy stands now between it and tricomalee.
Will they head to Perth , or try for home?
I am so tired -so many hours in the air.
It has been a terrible, terrible 3 days.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
9/3/43
back on the kaga
Thank the heavens
The short flight was bad -massive thunderclouds everywhere -and the fleet dodging the weather cells spread over 100 miles.
Some squadrons mixed up, and a few orphans onboard, but at least the majority of airgroups are back with the carriers
I have slept all night
fatigue is deep in my bones, and as I write this in the ready room, many of my companions are still sleeping here.
But excitement is building
Every hour the operations officer has been giving us updates, a massive number of planes have been moved into Java and Sumutra on naval search -and the British BB fleet has been firmly fixed - currently moving steadily North West! -towards us!
It is roughly equal with palembang -180 miles of the west coast, we are 240 miles north west of Sabang -the entire fleet.
Our BBs pounded Adaman again last night, and most of the cruisers are refuelling at sabang.
The fleet is topped with fuel.
have we been spotted?. There is thought that we have been.
We pray that the enemy will keep coming -if he does -a mighty victory may be ours.
The Operations officer expresses caution -what if there are American Cvs about as well.
I doubt it.
My plane is ready, Im half ready. The admiral is letting them come to us, to let us rest -the british have lost half their planes and a BB already.
Gods of war -be with us tomorrow!
back on the kaga
Thank the heavens
The short flight was bad -massive thunderclouds everywhere -and the fleet dodging the weather cells spread over 100 miles.
Some squadrons mixed up, and a few orphans onboard, but at least the majority of airgroups are back with the carriers
I have slept all night
fatigue is deep in my bones, and as I write this in the ready room, many of my companions are still sleeping here.
But excitement is building
Every hour the operations officer has been giving us updates, a massive number of planes have been moved into Java and Sumutra on naval search -and the British BB fleet has been firmly fixed - currently moving steadily North West! -towards us!
It is roughly equal with palembang -180 miles of the west coast, we are 240 miles north west of Sabang -the entire fleet.
Our BBs pounded Adaman again last night, and most of the cruisers are refuelling at sabang.
The fleet is topped with fuel.
have we been spotted?. There is thought that we have been.
We pray that the enemy will keep coming -if he does -a mighty victory may be ours.
The Operations officer expresses caution -what if there are American Cvs about as well.
I doubt it.
My plane is ready, Im half ready. The admiral is letting them come to us, to let us rest -the british have lost half their planes and a BB already.
Gods of war -be with us tomorrow!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
Editors note
Got dates mixed up somewhere
its now the 12th --thats what happens when you try to post several days from memeory.[8|]
12/3/43
The war has gone quiet again -but the intense effort continues.
After the terrible British raid on batavia, their fleet steamed out due west, then the BBs were sighted headed due north west.
Today nothing!
despite very large numbers of planes on search, the enemy fleet has vanished into the indian Ocean wastes.
Today the great KB split into 3 seperate squadrons, we will sweep the seas in a great line.
Im sure after the losses the British CVs suffered to their groups we can handle them in a squadron of 2 CV,1CVl and a CVE each.
So Kaga and Akagi continue west at high speed.
Our search planes launch regularily, but the day wears on, and dissapointment rises and rises.
The seas are fairly rough, and the weather is still not good -we can but hope tomorrow is better.
Amazingly the BBC comes through loud and clear here -probably from Ceylon -and the news continues to worry
Russel island has fallen
Tulgia is being invaded.
Our troops are still disengaging from Homan, big air battles in China.
We still have 6 planes down for maintenance -many engines are beyond life after our epic journey, this concerns me greatly, with my luck, if we do finally engage some one -Ill be left watching on the deck!
Got dates mixed up somewhere
its now the 12th --thats what happens when you try to post several days from memeory.[8|]
12/3/43
The war has gone quiet again -but the intense effort continues.
After the terrible British raid on batavia, their fleet steamed out due west, then the BBs were sighted headed due north west.
Today nothing!
despite very large numbers of planes on search, the enemy fleet has vanished into the indian Ocean wastes.
Today the great KB split into 3 seperate squadrons, we will sweep the seas in a great line.
Im sure after the losses the British CVs suffered to their groups we can handle them in a squadron of 2 CV,1CVl and a CVE each.
So Kaga and Akagi continue west at high speed.
Our search planes launch regularily, but the day wears on, and dissapointment rises and rises.
The seas are fairly rough, and the weather is still not good -we can but hope tomorrow is better.
Amazingly the BBC comes through loud and clear here -probably from Ceylon -and the news continues to worry
Russel island has fallen
Tulgia is being invaded.
Our troops are still disengaging from Homan, big air battles in China.
We still have 6 planes down for maintenance -many engines are beyond life after our epic journey, this concerns me greatly, with my luck, if we do finally engage some one -Ill be left watching on the deck!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Frustration
13/3/43
Another tense day.
The weather still remains bad - rain patches and local squalls
Akagi, Kaga, a CVL and a CVE, 2 BB and escorts still slowly head west.
To our east the fleet is stretched from Sabang to us -halfway to Africa.
Still no sign of the enemy.
Every hour the search planes launch, and we know many emilies search the sea as well. Some Tankers have been spotted well, well west of Batavia - It really appears that the British fleet may have doubled back towards Australia.
What shall we do!
As we wait for our masters to make a decision we wait, and wait.
The allies report a DD Task force of hours severly mauled north of new britian -a transport run.
The Americans seem to be advancing steadily northwards - where will we begin to resist?
Never mind -the ocean is very, very large -we remain cruising quietly -maybe the british will wait a while -then come North -India is very exposed with us between them and its convoy routes.
As long as action occurs soon - Im thourhly sick of flying all over the map with out seeing action!
Another tense day.
The weather still remains bad - rain patches and local squalls
Akagi, Kaga, a CVL and a CVE, 2 BB and escorts still slowly head west.
To our east the fleet is stretched from Sabang to us -halfway to Africa.
Still no sign of the enemy.
Every hour the search planes launch, and we know many emilies search the sea as well. Some Tankers have been spotted well, well west of Batavia - It really appears that the British fleet may have doubled back towards Australia.
What shall we do!
As we wait for our masters to make a decision we wait, and wait.
The allies report a DD Task force of hours severly mauled north of new britian -a transport run.
The Americans seem to be advancing steadily northwards - where will we begin to resist?
Never mind -the ocean is very, very large -we remain cruising quietly -maybe the british will wait a while -then come North -India is very exposed with us between them and its convoy routes.
As long as action occurs soon - Im thourhly sick of flying all over the map with out seeing action!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt