12/4/43
Excitement today
The fleet sails at dawn, a very tense passage as we thread the fine channels to the south of Sorong.
The ship is closed up as tight as a button, the decks spotted with aircraft.
We on the Kaga and Akagi will fly to tenibar as soon as we get into range.
The ready room stinks -it is hot, stinking hot.
I am very excited -if I am ever to down an allied plane in this war, I will never get a better chance than this.
it will be a very long day
Reading is useless
DAMNATION!!!!
The Enemy has TAKEN ENIWETOK!!!!
I am simply stunned.
Wobbly vs herb, ens hanamato
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Celebration Sake!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Celebration Sake!
13/4/43
We charge into the banda sea.
The fleet is still undetected
Wirriways, 30 plus for the 5th day in a row over tenibar
tomorrow we must get some kills
We charge into the banda sea.
The fleet is still undetected
Wirriways, 30 plus for the 5th day in a row over tenibar
tomorrow we must get some kills
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
CRUD
14/4/43
To dissapointed to write really
Spent 6 hrs in hopeless LRCAP over tenibar today -and not a plane sighted
Did they know we were coming?
american CVs srtiking Ponape today
We retire, dispirited and disapointed.
The Lunga convoy is still unloading supplies at Guam, then it will load on the troops.
That op is still on.
maybe.
To dissapointed to write really
Spent 6 hrs in hopeless LRCAP over tenibar today -and not a plane sighted
Did they know we were coming?
american CVs srtiking Ponape today
We retire, dispirited and disapointed.
The Lunga convoy is still unloading supplies at Guam, then it will load on the troops.
That op is still on.
maybe.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
its the 17th
Ive been Ill, confined to bed for 2 days
The news from the central pacific was very alarming today, large carrier raids striking ponape.
Some encouraging news, some 7 destroyers of the enemy were seen to blunder into a mine field off the island, as well as a AO.
Again we are busy with paperwork as we prepare more plans.
The lunga counter invasion fleet is enroute to Truk, as are we and the fleet.
A positive operation at last!.
Something must be done!
The enemy also bombarded several points in the solomons today -and seems to be deliberately looking for our "trip wire"
he will get one soon enough.
Ive been Ill, confined to bed for 2 days
The news from the central pacific was very alarming today, large carrier raids striking ponape.
Some encouraging news, some 7 destroyers of the enemy were seen to blunder into a mine field off the island, as well as a AO.
Again we are busy with paperwork as we prepare more plans.
The lunga counter invasion fleet is enroute to Truk, as are we and the fleet.
A positive operation at last!.
Something must be done!
The enemy also bombarded several points in the solomons today -and seems to be deliberately looking for our "trip wire"
he will get one soon enough.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
18/4/43
Low dark land to the south of us -we are sailing past seemingly endless jungle.
Destination is still Truk.
Lunga invasion convoy is somewhere to the east of us.
Enemy is taking a breather it seems before the next operations.
here on the ship euphoria at the Makin victory has been replaced with cold detirmination, the americans must think this war is too easy.
The seas are glassy smooth today
Saw some dolphins , and many sea snakes as well in the crystal clear waters as well.
I think of my fishing days at home.
I feel melchony , and spend much of the day writing to Kisho.
The war seems unreal today.
Low dark land to the south of us -we are sailing past seemingly endless jungle.
Destination is still Truk.
Lunga invasion convoy is somewhere to the east of us.
Enemy is taking a breather it seems before the next operations.
here on the ship euphoria at the Makin victory has been replaced with cold detirmination, the americans must think this war is too easy.
The seas are glassy smooth today
Saw some dolphins , and many sea snakes as well in the crystal clear waters as well.
I think of my fishing days at home.
I feel melchony , and spend much of the day writing to Kisho.
The war seems unreal today.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
19/4/43
the days are merging into a blur -the fleet continues to steam east across the seemingly endless wastes of the Pacific.
Once again I spend the day watching the ballet of the refuelling of the DDs.
seas are calm, and it is Hot, hot, and hot
always on the Horizon are the cumolimbus clouds -but over us the sky seems to remain stunningly blue, and endless.
daily we launch our CAP -and daily recover it -nothing to report.
The war continues elsewhere -we feel like the flying dutchmen- always seeking a goal we will never reach
OH, How long until we see action -or land again.
I am beginning to feel trapped in these steel, impersonal walls.
we all stink.
the days are merging into a blur -the fleet continues to steam east across the seemingly endless wastes of the Pacific.
Once again I spend the day watching the ballet of the refuelling of the DDs.
seas are calm, and it is Hot, hot, and hot
always on the Horizon are the cumolimbus clouds -but over us the sky seems to remain stunningly blue, and endless.
daily we launch our CAP -and daily recover it -nothing to report.
The war continues elsewhere -we feel like the flying dutchmen- always seeking a goal we will never reach
OH, How long until we see action -or land again.
I am beginning to feel trapped in these steel, impersonal walls.
we all stink.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
21/4/43
A sniff of information - tha allies bomb Shanghia -claiming many ships sunk
Air action over adaman island -many of our planes claimed shot down.
jacks.
Our old friends from Bangkok?
I hope not
Still endless wastes.
How #$%$#@ big is this ocean!
A sniff of information - tha allies bomb Shanghia -claiming many ships sunk
Air action over adaman island -many of our planes claimed shot down.
jacks.
Our old friends from Bangkok?
I hope not
Still endless wastes.
How #$%$#@ big is this ocean!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
22/4/43
Truk
I was in bed, so missed it.
Incredible, we did not even enter the harbour, apparently it slowly appeared on the horizon, and then the entire fleet turned south.
We and Akagi have seperated some what -headed to the Admiralties -why -who knows.
Then a rendevou -and we re enter the war.
The convoy is apparently not that far away.
soon, Im sure this boredom will be replaced with terror.
Truk
I was in bed, so missed it.
Incredible, we did not even enter the harbour, apparently it slowly appeared on the horizon, and then the entire fleet turned south.
We and Akagi have seperated some what -headed to the Admiralties -why -who knows.
Then a rendevou -and we re enter the war.
The convoy is apparently not that far away.
soon, Im sure this boredom will be replaced with terror.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
Sorry to break the rhythm here Herb, but I'm starting to catch up with you in my game with Wobbly.
Approaching Mid Jan '43, and he's still sneaking up on me with various raiding TFs.
I told him that I thought you're being insufficiently aggressive - and he's thinking he can walk over me in the same way.
Take back Eniwetok, and do it soon.
You should have divisions to spare, dump them on the Island if at all possible.
We need to teach Al a lesson here, before he gets too cocky...
Approaching Mid Jan '43, and he's still sneaking up on me with various raiding TFs.
I told him that I thought you're being insufficiently aggressive - and he's thinking he can walk over me in the same way.
Take back Eniwetok, and do it soon.
You should have divisions to spare, dump them on the Island if at all possible.
We need to teach Al a lesson here, before he gets too cocky...
RE: CRUD
Hi blurking!
nice to know some one reads this
Bigger fish to fry
Counter invasion of Lunga is gathering steam -big battles very soon.
he appears to have left only 3 or 4 base units on Lunga!
We will throw a spanner in his works -or die trying!
nice to know some one reads this
Bigger fish to fry
Counter invasion of Lunga is gathering steam -big battles very soon.
he appears to have left only 3 or 4 base units on Lunga!
We will throw a spanner in his works -or die trying!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
23/4/43
We continue to head south from the Admiralties towards rabual
Tension is high, and so is the excitement
For the 100th time today we check the ship.
We increase speed, the ship begins to vibrate.
I am called to the deck, my turn to fly CAP.
We continue to head south from the Admiralties towards rabual
Tension is high, and so is the excitement
For the 100th time today we check the ship.
We increase speed, the ship begins to vibrate.
I am called to the deck, my turn to fly CAP.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
24/4/43.
Dawn
Kaga is 120 miles out of Rabual -we are keeping sea room as some of the fleet is choking the harbour -sucking dry its fuel farms no doubt.
We all gather eagerly into the Ready room, the radio chatter has been routed into here as well as the combat centre.
Large, very large numbers of Jacks are on CAP there, plus Hiryu and Soryu CAP.
The enemy attack!
approximately 70 P 38s -we have about 150 fighters over the base!
Fight samuri, fight!
The battle goes fo a surprisingly long time, and it is so painful to hear some of our men go down!
yet more of them do than us!
We are called to the deck! -we climb aboard our machines. Again that sense of aloneness, anticipation as we sit in the cockpit -waiting. The wind howls down the deck, the sea is white capped filled, yet we sit in our little cocoons, and wait.
No flights today
We enter rabual tonight!
Dawn
Kaga is 120 miles out of Rabual -we are keeping sea room as some of the fleet is choking the harbour -sucking dry its fuel farms no doubt.
We all gather eagerly into the Ready room, the radio chatter has been routed into here as well as the combat centre.
Large, very large numbers of Jacks are on CAP there, plus Hiryu and Soryu CAP.
The enemy attack!
approximately 70 P 38s -we have about 150 fighters over the base!
Fight samuri, fight!
The battle goes fo a surprisingly long time, and it is so painful to hear some of our men go down!
yet more of them do than us!
We are called to the deck! -we climb aboard our machines. Again that sense of aloneness, anticipation as we sit in the cockpit -waiting. The wind howls down the deck, the sea is white capped filled, yet we sit in our little cocoons, and wait.
No flights today
We enter rabual tonight!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
25/4/43
The engine roars into life -its exhaust bright and hot in the soft dawn light.
other sparks of light tomy left, to my right, the scurrying figures of the deck crew.
You cannot see ahead while the tail is down, you depend on their guidance for your very life
The wave!
Throttle hard to the wall!
The tail rises quickly, the cocKpit vibrates so hard!. Then as the deck plunges below, it smooths out as we soar into the air, the beloved Carrier deck disappearing into the dark below, as we climb our fighters above the earths rim, into the dawn light.
The sky is full of fighters, dozens and dozens.
below is rabual -the great volvcano -the criss cross of the many fields, and the harbour -ship, after ship, after ship.
Good morning Brother -I spy the nagato amongst them!
And so the day goes, circling, circling, circling.
We cover our floating homes
The fleet has sucked rabual dry, I have heard that fuel is critically short -yet tomorrow we sail south for sure!
On the horizon I can sea them -plodding south -the transports!
The enemy must be alerted -what is waiting for us!
The entire fleet is here -surely nothing can resist this might!
The engine roars into life -its exhaust bright and hot in the soft dawn light.
other sparks of light tomy left, to my right, the scurrying figures of the deck crew.
You cannot see ahead while the tail is down, you depend on their guidance for your very life
The wave!
Throttle hard to the wall!
The tail rises quickly, the cocKpit vibrates so hard!. Then as the deck plunges below, it smooths out as we soar into the air, the beloved Carrier deck disappearing into the dark below, as we climb our fighters above the earths rim, into the dawn light.
The sky is full of fighters, dozens and dozens.
below is rabual -the great volvcano -the criss cross of the many fields, and the harbour -ship, after ship, after ship.
Good morning Brother -I spy the nagato amongst them!
And so the day goes, circling, circling, circling.
We cover our floating homes
The fleet has sucked rabual dry, I have heard that fuel is critically short -yet tomorrow we sail south for sure!
On the horizon I can sea them -plodding south -the transports!
The enemy must be alerted -what is waiting for us!
The entire fleet is here -surely nothing can resist this might!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
26/4/43
The news from the gilberts is grim -news that a small convoy was sunk several days ago -the enemy grow bolder.
Again we fly CAP , I rest today -its Bannos turn today.
A sunderland somehow spots us -the low clouds protect it.
A submarine also does -it pays with a hit from a VAL
The weather is bad -covering us
We are moving slowly -maybe to conserve fuel.
yammato, and Mushia glide past.
What will the enemy response be
late in the afternoon, a report -our invasion troops are sailing from shortlands as well -russel island is going to be re occupied -and tassafronga is empty!
Enemy strength at Lunga is uncertain -I fear this could be a terrible month for our army men.
The news from the gilberts is grim -news that a small convoy was sunk several days ago -the enemy grow bolder.
Again we fly CAP , I rest today -its Bannos turn today.
A sunderland somehow spots us -the low clouds protect it.
A submarine also does -it pays with a hit from a VAL
The weather is bad -covering us
We are moving slowly -maybe to conserve fuel.
yammato, and Mushia glide past.
What will the enemy response be
late in the afternoon, a report -our invasion troops are sailing from shortlands as well -russel island is going to be re occupied -and tassafronga is empty!
Enemy strength at Lunga is uncertain -I fear this could be a terrible month for our army men.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
ATTACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
27/4/43
our Cap circles as usual -I am at 16000 feet -it is cold
kaga and Akagi lag some 30 miles behind the fleet -gathered 60 miles east of Buka island.
the sky is alive with our planes!
Alert!!!
heavy bombers spotted over shortlands -headed to wards the fleet.
14 liberators -intercepted! some 60 miles out from the fleet.
330 MPH they cover 5 and a half miles a minute, we have a bare 10 minutes to stop them
The zeros fling themselves at the beasts.
Our CAP begins to crowd towards the south of the allotted area we have been given.
Will they reach us?
No
All 14 are destroyed!
Then a cry! More Bombers! - And there they are -sliding past to my right!
Throttle hard to the wall -wing over -a FWD quarter attack!
We close at 600 plus MPH!
My guns chatter, a flash as I dive below the bomber, down -out of its heavy gun range
Did I hit it!
I pull up, breathing very, very hard, turn and already the bombers are gone -turning tail
far below a burning spot on the water -But it is not my kill.
The enemy do not attack again today
We have landed troops at Tassafronga!
Tonight the battle wagons will depart
Now the enemy -that sneaky will of the wisp of enemy will be dragged to a spot in the pacific -dragged to Lunga -and forced to fight!
Moral soars!
Let us attack!!!!
our Cap circles as usual -I am at 16000 feet -it is cold
kaga and Akagi lag some 30 miles behind the fleet -gathered 60 miles east of Buka island.
the sky is alive with our planes!
Alert!!!
heavy bombers spotted over shortlands -headed to wards the fleet.
14 liberators -intercepted! some 60 miles out from the fleet.
330 MPH they cover 5 and a half miles a minute, we have a bare 10 minutes to stop them
The zeros fling themselves at the beasts.
Our CAP begins to crowd towards the south of the allotted area we have been given.
Will they reach us?
No
All 14 are destroyed!
Then a cry! More Bombers! - And there they are -sliding past to my right!
Throttle hard to the wall -wing over -a FWD quarter attack!
We close at 600 plus MPH!
My guns chatter, a flash as I dive below the bomber, down -out of its heavy gun range
Did I hit it!
I pull up, breathing very, very hard, turn and already the bombers are gone -turning tail
far below a burning spot on the water -But it is not my kill.
The enemy do not attack again today
We have landed troops at Tassafronga!
Tonight the battle wagons will depart
Now the enemy -that sneaky will of the wisp of enemy will be dragged to a spot in the pacific -dragged to Lunga -and forced to fight!
Moral soars!
Let us attack!!!!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
Great stuff, man. Keep it up. I think you've got more fans than you know. I've been reading this one from near the beginning, and I'm glad to see an AAR with a different style. I think that many people don't post because they don't want to disrupt the flow of the narrative.
RE: CRUD
28/4/43
Today is different
pre dawn action stations
Then a hurried, simple breakfast, taken in the ready room, some cold rice, a piece of fish.
Then out into the world
It is still dark, and today the deck heaves unsteadily below our feet
A howling wind buffets us, as we make our way to our fighters.
it is very difficult, and I am both wet, and steaming from the already oppressive heat.
A tropical storm envelops the fleet, the once beautiful sea is now grey and angry, white caps and large waves.
The destroyers are burying there noses
About us the grey shapes of the battlewagons, a blur in the rain
Engine start.
take off has to be timed, one begins throttle up as the bow actually peaks, then you charge down, vision wiped from the sea spray, and just as it seems inevitable that you will plunge into the wall of grey water in front of you, the bow flings your unsteady beast into the air
Today is difficult indeed!
I fly CAP all morning, dodging the sodden low clouds.
twice I spot the catalinas, twice they lose me
The landing was no fun
Then, after lunch, we abruptly burst out of the weather front, and the skies clear
The sea stays rough
tension is just palable.
At regular intervals Jacks from shortlands fly overhead, LRCAP for the 2 battlewagons that are charging south ahead of us.
The enemy can see us plainly coming.
Our troops are landing at tassafronga -un opposed, establishing an advance area for the main convoy.
The barges that performed this are coming back
Russel island is also un occupied, and we are reclaiming it to the empire.
Munda is to our west, Lunga to our south!
The army bombers attacked Buna and Milne bay today -and discovered the BB maryland lurking there -and hit her!
The fleet is picking up speed.
A blare on the speakers
We go 60 miles further south, then the convoy must go it alone, we are so short of fuel!
The BBs will be detached -they will close the field!
I contemplate my life tonight, write last letters
The enemy has a new plane -the corsair
Tomorrow I probably shall meet it!
Today is different
pre dawn action stations
Then a hurried, simple breakfast, taken in the ready room, some cold rice, a piece of fish.
Then out into the world
It is still dark, and today the deck heaves unsteadily below our feet
A howling wind buffets us, as we make our way to our fighters.
it is very difficult, and I am both wet, and steaming from the already oppressive heat.
A tropical storm envelops the fleet, the once beautiful sea is now grey and angry, white caps and large waves.
The destroyers are burying there noses
About us the grey shapes of the battlewagons, a blur in the rain
Engine start.
take off has to be timed, one begins throttle up as the bow actually peaks, then you charge down, vision wiped from the sea spray, and just as it seems inevitable that you will plunge into the wall of grey water in front of you, the bow flings your unsteady beast into the air
Today is difficult indeed!
I fly CAP all morning, dodging the sodden low clouds.
twice I spot the catalinas, twice they lose me
The landing was no fun
Then, after lunch, we abruptly burst out of the weather front, and the skies clear
The sea stays rough
tension is just palable.
At regular intervals Jacks from shortlands fly overhead, LRCAP for the 2 battlewagons that are charging south ahead of us.
The enemy can see us plainly coming.
Our troops are landing at tassafronga -un opposed, establishing an advance area for the main convoy.
The barges that performed this are coming back
Russel island is also un occupied, and we are reclaiming it to the empire.
Munda is to our west, Lunga to our south!
The army bombers attacked Buna and Milne bay today -and discovered the BB maryland lurking there -and hit her!
The fleet is picking up speed.
A blare on the speakers
We go 60 miles further south, then the convoy must go it alone, we are so short of fuel!
The BBs will be detached -they will close the field!
I contemplate my life tonight, write last letters
The enemy has a new plane -the corsair
Tomorrow I probably shall meet it!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: CRUD
29/4/43
We
again awaken to grey and sodden skies, another front.
The speakers blare
"yesterday allied air forces from Lunga attacked the battleship Kirishima in a dusk air attack.
Our land based Jack and army based Tony fighters provided air escort
it is claimed 11 corsairs and 7 bombers shot down for the loss of 16 of our own fighters
The BB was hit, but suffered only minor damage. that is all"
So the enemy is going to stand and fight!
The convoy is here, and the sea is covered with ships, a huge formation, covering the full 60 miles around us.
more news as the day crawls on, The kirishima has engaged some PT boats at lunga, inflicting some losses, for no damage sustained.
No enemy ships about, so the task force commander is going to set max CAP when the weather clears
The alarm sounds -to our planes!!!!!
I have survived.
We, all 3 have survived!
237 AM3a and 54 AM3 on patrol, spread over 120 miles of sky.
One imagines a huge air battle -but it is not like that -with so many planes, so much sky, one cannot hope to see all that is happeneing
The word comes over the radio -enemy planes approach -30 bombers, 40 odd escorts
i am at 16000 feet, and the sky suddenly sprouts black streaks of falling planes some 2 miles away -black darts swooping down , and the school -our fighters scatter ahead of them
Throttle to the wall, Hori leading, banno to his left, I to his right.
The rest of A-11 daitai are with us.
Gull winged shapes flash past -they are so, so fast!!!
We turn, hard, hard, to follow, and they are already gone! their speed is amazing. SHIT!, this will be difficult!
2 burning, shattering zeros plunge past as we try to engage more sharks plunging down onto us, I sense some of our planes going down!
I hang onto Hori! as we invert -and we fire together at a flashing target -it smokes -not only are they fast -these gull winged monsters are tough!
A pause -on the horizon all around us -dozens of small combats, the sharks are not in close contact with their bombers -in fact non are to be seen, they must mean to blast a path through us.
Another cry, another 3 corsairs are coming our way, we turn -guns chatter, I do not duck as they flash past.
A huge bang as something strikes me behind my head, , I pull instinctively and turn hard, for the second time in my life i see eye to eye the man trying to kill me.
Where is Hori!
There-firing -the corsairs do go down!
We form a ragged formation, 100 plus zeros circling the fleet, the enemy come again
2 corsairs dive straight into the circle!, and zeros fall. But we fight back -and this time, this time surely my guns get a kill!
the guns shudder empty.
I wing down, and land quickly on the 1st deck i find - shokaka.
The crew are not cheering as usual -the guns are tense, and the men are frantic as I sit and wait for the fuel and bullets.
All around the skies are dark with smoke trails of falling fighters.
I take off again -how glad I am to be away from the target of so much effort!
Only by chance do I see another A-11 daitai fighter.
I join him
Its ENS kiru? I think -I do not know our ace very well
Bombers attacking
At least the zero climbs so quickly -we see them sliding in .
The zero ahead dives -and I follow, keeping him covered.
1, 2, 3 dauntless go down.
And then the sky is clear in our area.
I see nagato -hello brother! -a wite circle behind her in the ocean -some one missed the battle wagon.
I am totally exhausted as we land.
the tension eases quickly, we have suffered, but as the sun sets, we have done our job -
De briefing -dissapointment -i am NOT credited with a kill.
Our daitai has lost 7 planes, and have 2 damaged -I have a hole the size of a fist through the back of my canopy!
Today our fleet lost 71 AM3a, 25 AM3, and shot down 30 corsairs, 30 dive bombers, 13 beufighters, and some 9 hudsons.
The battle is not finished!
The enemy carriers are passing Ponape -rushing south to save Lunga
I think our Admiral will risk all tomorrow
As dark falls, all the battlewagons detach -tonight Lunga will be closed, the convoy must reach tassafronga untouched!
We swing north
So few escorts, and we are so short of fuel, Kaga rolls so unstaedily!
Matsuyama is grim
the brief is simple -Admiral Herebiesan has stated -"the objective is simple -we must protect the convoy, the battlewagons.
30% CAP -tomorrow we attack"
Intelligence from ponape states that only 1 CV load of planes attacked them!
Maybe, just maybe Herbiesan has caught the enemy by surprise!
We refuse to believe the allied threats of a blood bath -lunga will be retaken!
Again kagas decks and hangers ring to the sounds of planes being prepared for attack .
I swear -I will give my life for my kate companions -if they can get through!
Banzia!
We
again awaken to grey and sodden skies, another front.
The speakers blare
"yesterday allied air forces from Lunga attacked the battleship Kirishima in a dusk air attack.
Our land based Jack and army based Tony fighters provided air escort
it is claimed 11 corsairs and 7 bombers shot down for the loss of 16 of our own fighters
The BB was hit, but suffered only minor damage. that is all"
So the enemy is going to stand and fight!
The convoy is here, and the sea is covered with ships, a huge formation, covering the full 60 miles around us.
more news as the day crawls on, The kirishima has engaged some PT boats at lunga, inflicting some losses, for no damage sustained.
No enemy ships about, so the task force commander is going to set max CAP when the weather clears
The alarm sounds -to our planes!!!!!
I have survived.
We, all 3 have survived!
237 AM3a and 54 AM3 on patrol, spread over 120 miles of sky.
One imagines a huge air battle -but it is not like that -with so many planes, so much sky, one cannot hope to see all that is happeneing
The word comes over the radio -enemy planes approach -30 bombers, 40 odd escorts
i am at 16000 feet, and the sky suddenly sprouts black streaks of falling planes some 2 miles away -black darts swooping down , and the school -our fighters scatter ahead of them
Throttle to the wall, Hori leading, banno to his left, I to his right.
The rest of A-11 daitai are with us.
Gull winged shapes flash past -they are so, so fast!!!
We turn, hard, hard, to follow, and they are already gone! their speed is amazing. SHIT!, this will be difficult!
2 burning, shattering zeros plunge past as we try to engage more sharks plunging down onto us, I sense some of our planes going down!
I hang onto Hori! as we invert -and we fire together at a flashing target -it smokes -not only are they fast -these gull winged monsters are tough!
A pause -on the horizon all around us -dozens of small combats, the sharks are not in close contact with their bombers -in fact non are to be seen, they must mean to blast a path through us.
Another cry, another 3 corsairs are coming our way, we turn -guns chatter, I do not duck as they flash past.
A huge bang as something strikes me behind my head, , I pull instinctively and turn hard, for the second time in my life i see eye to eye the man trying to kill me.
Where is Hori!
There-firing -the corsairs do go down!
We form a ragged formation, 100 plus zeros circling the fleet, the enemy come again
2 corsairs dive straight into the circle!, and zeros fall. But we fight back -and this time, this time surely my guns get a kill!
the guns shudder empty.
I wing down, and land quickly on the 1st deck i find - shokaka.
The crew are not cheering as usual -the guns are tense, and the men are frantic as I sit and wait for the fuel and bullets.
All around the skies are dark with smoke trails of falling fighters.
I take off again -how glad I am to be away from the target of so much effort!
Only by chance do I see another A-11 daitai fighter.
I join him
Its ENS kiru? I think -I do not know our ace very well
Bombers attacking
At least the zero climbs so quickly -we see them sliding in .
The zero ahead dives -and I follow, keeping him covered.
1, 2, 3 dauntless go down.
And then the sky is clear in our area.
I see nagato -hello brother! -a wite circle behind her in the ocean -some one missed the battle wagon.
I am totally exhausted as we land.
the tension eases quickly, we have suffered, but as the sun sets, we have done our job -
De briefing -dissapointment -i am NOT credited with a kill.
Our daitai has lost 7 planes, and have 2 damaged -I have a hole the size of a fist through the back of my canopy!
Today our fleet lost 71 AM3a, 25 AM3, and shot down 30 corsairs, 30 dive bombers, 13 beufighters, and some 9 hudsons.
The battle is not finished!
The enemy carriers are passing Ponape -rushing south to save Lunga
I think our Admiral will risk all tomorrow
As dark falls, all the battlewagons detach -tonight Lunga will be closed, the convoy must reach tassafronga untouched!
We swing north
So few escorts, and we are so short of fuel, Kaga rolls so unstaedily!
Matsuyama is grim
the brief is simple -Admiral Herebiesan has stated -"the objective is simple -we must protect the convoy, the battlewagons.
30% CAP -tomorrow we attack"
Intelligence from ponape states that only 1 CV load of planes attacked them!
Maybe, just maybe Herbiesan has caught the enemy by surprise!
We refuse to believe the allied threats of a blood bath -lunga will be retaken!
Again kagas decks and hangers ring to the sounds of planes being prepared for attack .
I swear -I will give my life for my kate companions -if they can get through!
Banzia!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt