December 13, 1941
Location: Saigon
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Shore Bombardment
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Proceed to Mersing with the rest of the Southern Force and bombard the airfield and coastal defenses there in preparation for landings by the 55th Division. Expect heavy air attacks. Enemy fleet is believed to be in Makassar Strait, but this is not confirmed. At least 5 enemy submarines are known to be operating in the Gulf of Siam.
---
In the captain's cabin aboard Hibiki:
The captain and executive officer are studying a chart spread across the captain's small desk
Captain Ishii: We have assurances from the Army and Navy air forces that the enemy runways will be closed by air attack before we arrive.
Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir.
Captain Ishii: I know, I don't believe it either. *pauses* Did you see Suzuya when she came into port this morning?
Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir. A real mess. But they say she will be back at sea in a couple of months.
Captain Ishii: Yes. Two torpedo hits, it could have been much worse. *more briskly* Well, we have a job to do whether the enemy attempts to hinder us or not. Make all preparations to be underway by 0600 hours tomorrow.
Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir! *salutes and departs*
Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 14, 1941
Location: 180 miles south-southeast of Saigon
Course: South
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Shore Bombardment
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 443
Orders: Rendevous with Mersing invasion task forces at 5º 52" N, 105º 95" E.
Location: 180 miles south-southeast of Saigon
Course: South
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Shore Bombardment
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 443
Orders: Rendevous with Mersing invasion task forces at 5º 52" N, 105º 95" E.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 15, 1941
Location: 180 miles south-southeast of Saigon
Course: Steaming in circles
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Shore Bombardment
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 419
Orders: Rendevous with Mersing invasion task forces at 5º 52" N, 105º 95" E.
---
On the bridge of the Hibiki:
Ensign: Sir, the Admiral is signaling all ships.
Captain Ishii: Very good. What is he saying?
Ensign: Transport task force has missed rendezvous and is proceeding directly to invasion beaches. We are to proceed south and overtake them.
Captain Ishii: What! Is their commander mad? *sighs* Very well. Helmsman, maintain our course and speed relative to Kongo. Engine room stand by. *mutters to himself* What idiot is running this invasion, anyway?
Location: 180 miles south-southeast of Saigon
Course: Steaming in circles
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Shore Bombardment
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 419
Orders: Rendevous with Mersing invasion task forces at 5º 52" N, 105º 95" E.
---
On the bridge of the Hibiki:
Ensign: Sir, the Admiral is signaling all ships.
Captain Ishii: Very good. What is he saying?
Ensign: Transport task force has missed rendezvous and is proceeding directly to invasion beaches. We are to proceed south and overtake them.
Captain Ishii: What! Is their commander mad? *sighs* Very well. Helmsman, maintain our course and speed relative to Kongo. Engine room stand by. *mutters to himself* What idiot is running this invasion, anyway?
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 16, 1941
Location: 250 miles north of Mersing
Course: South
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Shore Bombardment
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 392
Orders: Bombard enemy coastal defenses at Mersing.
Location: 250 miles north of Mersing
Course: South
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Shore Bombardment
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 392
Orders: Bombard enemy coastal defenses at Mersing.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 17, 1941
Location: Mersing
Course: North by Northwest
Attached to: TF 123
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 347
Orders: Escort the damaged battleship Haruna back to Saigon.
---
From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi
Dec. 17, 1941
For the first time the Hibiki's main guns have been fired at the enemy! Our task force approached the coast of Malaya in the darkness. How still everything was, how quiet! And then the battleships opened fire, and then the cruisers. At first all we could see was shells bursting ashore, blossoms of flame in the dark. After a few moments some enemy guns near the shore started to fire, and the captain gave orders for us to open fire. The enemy guns did not fire very long. After that it was just the flash and boom of our guns and the explosions ashore, slowly moving inland. At one point there was a huge explosion that lit the night sky as our shells found a store of enemy fuel or ammunition.
How beautiful it all was, and how terrible. The bursting shells looked like flowers. I thought that it must look much different to the British soldiers who were under the barrage.
At length the guns of our task force fell silent. We could see many fires burning. We turned out to sea to put some distance between us and the land before sunrise.
Not enough distance! The sun had only been up an hour when a large group of enemy planes found us. Our two anti aircraft guns fired almost continuously in defense of the larger ships, for they were the ones attacked. Haruna was hit by several bombs and at least one torpedo, but the mighty ship did not falter. Finally the attack was over. Haruna had some small fires burning, but these were quickly extinguished. From here the damage does not look too bad.
---
Action Report, destroyer Hibiki
Date: Dec. 16-17 Location: Off Mersing
Action Details: Approached Mersing under cover of darkness to attack enemy defenses in preparation for troop landings.
2240: "Prepare for bombardment"
2337: "All ships commence firing"
0120: "Cease fire"
0802: Enemy planes sighted. Task force attacked by at least 35 enemy torpedo and level bombers. Fired anti-aircraft in defense of Haruna. Haruna struck by 2 bombs and 1 torpedo.
0900: Detached from task force and ordered to escort Haruna back to Saigon.
Ammunition expended
Main battery 5" shells: 24 rounds 13.2mm AA: 1560 rounds
Battle Results
Significant damage inflicted on enemy airfield and shore defenses
Damage
None
---
Task Force 123
Location: Mersing
Course: North by Northwest
Attached to: TF 123
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 347
Orders: Escort the damaged battleship Haruna back to Saigon.
---
From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi
Dec. 17, 1941
For the first time the Hibiki's main guns have been fired at the enemy! Our task force approached the coast of Malaya in the darkness. How still everything was, how quiet! And then the battleships opened fire, and then the cruisers. At first all we could see was shells bursting ashore, blossoms of flame in the dark. After a few moments some enemy guns near the shore started to fire, and the captain gave orders for us to open fire. The enemy guns did not fire very long. After that it was just the flash and boom of our guns and the explosions ashore, slowly moving inland. At one point there was a huge explosion that lit the night sky as our shells found a store of enemy fuel or ammunition.
How beautiful it all was, and how terrible. The bursting shells looked like flowers. I thought that it must look much different to the British soldiers who were under the barrage.
At length the guns of our task force fell silent. We could see many fires burning. We turned out to sea to put some distance between us and the land before sunrise.
Not enough distance! The sun had only been up an hour when a large group of enemy planes found us. Our two anti aircraft guns fired almost continuously in defense of the larger ships, for they were the ones attacked. Haruna was hit by several bombs and at least one torpedo, but the mighty ship did not falter. Finally the attack was over. Haruna had some small fires burning, but these were quickly extinguished. From here the damage does not look too bad.
---
Action Report, destroyer Hibiki
Date: Dec. 16-17 Location: Off Mersing
Action Details: Approached Mersing under cover of darkness to attack enemy defenses in preparation for troop landings.
2240: "Prepare for bombardment"
2337: "All ships commence firing"
0120: "Cease fire"
0802: Enemy planes sighted. Task force attacked by at least 35 enemy torpedo and level bombers. Fired anti-aircraft in defense of Haruna. Haruna struck by 2 bombs and 1 torpedo.
0900: Detached from task force and ordered to escort Haruna back to Saigon.
Ammunition expended
Main battery 5" shells: 24 rounds 13.2mm AA: 1560 rounds
Battle Results
Significant damage inflicted on enemy airfield and shore defenses
Damage
None
---
Task Force 123
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 18, 1941
Location: Soc Trang
Course: North
Attached to: TF 123
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 281
Orders: Escort the damaged battleship Haruna back to Saigon.
---
On the bridge of the Hibiki
Lieutenant Miharu: Sir, I observe that we are trailing Haruna. Wouldn't it make more sense for us to proceed or flank her? The danger in these waters is from submarine attack. Several transports have been hit in this area in the last few days.
Captain Ishii: Captain Maeno's orders, Exec. He thinks this is the best position for us to help protect Haruna from air attack.
Lieutenant Miharu: I see, sir. You have served with Captain Maeno, haven't you? What sort of officer is he?
Captain Ishii *neutrally* Captain Maeno is known as a promising and careful officer. He is best qualified to command a surface fleet.
Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir.
Captain Ishii: *in a lower voice* Maeno is an idiot. I wouldn't trust him to captain a sampan across a lake. Admiral Kondo must have taken advantage of this situation to return him to fleet headquarters.
Location: Soc Trang
Course: North
Attached to: TF 123
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 281
Orders: Escort the damaged battleship Haruna back to Saigon.
---
On the bridge of the Hibiki
Lieutenant Miharu: Sir, I observe that we are trailing Haruna. Wouldn't it make more sense for us to proceed or flank her? The danger in these waters is from submarine attack. Several transports have been hit in this area in the last few days.
Captain Ishii: Captain Maeno's orders, Exec. He thinks this is the best position for us to help protect Haruna from air attack.
Lieutenant Miharu: I see, sir. You have served with Captain Maeno, haven't you? What sort of officer is he?
Captain Ishii *neutrally* Captain Maeno is known as a promising and careful officer. He is best qualified to command a surface fleet.
Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir.
Captain Ishii: *in a lower voice* Maeno is an idiot. I wouldn't trust him to captain a sampan across a lake. Admiral Kondo must have taken advantage of this situation to return him to fleet headquarters.
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FeurerKrieg
- Posts: 3400
- Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:43 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Captain Ishii *neutrally* Captain Maeno is known as a promising and careful officer. He is best qualified to command a surface fleet.
Classic!! [:D]
This thread is GREAT, keep up the good writing. I keep looking forward to the next post in my inbox at work.
Do you know if anyone else does an AAR in this style?
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
ORIGINAL: Feurer Krieg
This thread is GREAT, keep up the good writing. I keep looking forward to the next post in my inbox at work.
Do you know if anyone else does an AAR in this style?
Thanks for the encouragement! The only other AAR from a narrow perspective that I know of is "Wobbly vs herb, ens hanamato" done by 1275psi (he had some good advice for me earlier in the thread). There may be others, but I'm unaware of them if so.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 19, 1941
Location: Saigon
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: After taking on fuel and supplies proceed to Kuching and rejoin Admiral Kondo's Southern Force. Opposition to the invasion of Kuching by surface units is considered possible. British fleet elements were seen heading south from Menado three days ago and their current strength and whereabouts are unknown.
---
From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi
Back in Saigon, but no time ashore this trip. We are to head back out to sea as soon as we can. There was news on the docks, though. Our forces have captured Davao, and some place called Tarawa. And it seems our planes have sunk the might battle cruiser Revenge! It happened at some place called Menado.
I asked Shun where Menado was and he slapped me on the back of the head. "Bakayaro!" he said. "Do they teach you nothing at Yokosuka these days?" He stomped off, but returned shortly with several maps. "Here," he said, thrusting them at me. "You will be able to answer all my questions about these maps tomorrow or I will tear off your ears and shove them down your throat." Then he stomped off again.
I fear I will get little sleep tonight. The Chief is rarely given to idle threats.
Location: Saigon
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: After taking on fuel and supplies proceed to Kuching and rejoin Admiral Kondo's Southern Force. Opposition to the invasion of Kuching by surface units is considered possible. British fleet elements were seen heading south from Menado three days ago and their current strength and whereabouts are unknown.
---
From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi
Back in Saigon, but no time ashore this trip. We are to head back out to sea as soon as we can. There was news on the docks, though. Our forces have captured Davao, and some place called Tarawa. And it seems our planes have sunk the might battle cruiser Revenge! It happened at some place called Menado.
I asked Shun where Menado was and he slapped me on the back of the head. "Bakayaro!" he said. "Do they teach you nothing at Yokosuka these days?" He stomped off, but returned shortly with several maps. "Here," he said, thrusting them at me. "You will be able to answer all my questions about these maps tomorrow or I will tear off your ears and shove them down your throat." Then he stomped off again.
I fear I will get little sleep tonight. The Chief is rarely given to idle threats.
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Oh.. poor Takahashi. He must study or his ears will go with de Revenge 
Greetings from Spain!!
Greetings from Spain!!
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Hello Kane, greetings from Oregon. I wouldn't worry too much about Takahashi. He seems to be a quick study when he's motivated!
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Przemcio231
- Posts: 1901
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2005 9:39 am
- Location: Warsaw,Poland,EU:)
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Great AAR Greatings from Poland[;)]
Pinky: Hey Brain what are we goeing to do this evening?
Brain: The Usual Pinky we will try to take over the World;)
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 20, 1941
Location: 240 miles east of Saigon
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 376
Orders: Act as covering force for invasion of Kuching. Enemy surface forces known to be in area.
---
Action Report, destroyer Hibiki
Date: Dec. 19 Location: 50 miles east of Saigon
Action Details: Enemy submarine encountered while escorting Southern Force.
0955: Mogami reports being struck by one, possibly two torpedoes, which fail to detonate.
1002: Depth charges dropped at suspected firing location, depth set to 100'.
1010: Akatsuki reports sonar contact approx. 500 yards south, drops depth charges
1023: Oil and small amount of debris observed on surface.
1031: Resumed previous course and speed.
Ammunition expended
Depth charges: 2
Battle Results
Enemy submarine damaged, possibly sunk
Damage
None
---
In the radio shack of the Hibiki, 0200 hours Dec. 20
Lieutenant Miharu: *entering* What is it, Ensign?
Radioman: Sir! We are receiving radio transmissions from destroyer Otori at Mersing. They are broadcasting in the clear, sir.
Lieutenant Miharu: What are they saying?
Radioman: *listening and scribbling quickly* Sir, they are reporting that they are under attack by at least a dozen cruisers and destroyers. Requesting urgent assistance.
Lieutenant Miharu: I see. Continue to report.
Radioman: *pauses* They say they are making smoke and preparing to attack.
Captain Ishii: *enters the radio shack, somehow managing to look as though he has not just stumbled out of bed* What is it, Lieutenant?
Lieutenant Miharu: Otori is under attack at Mersing, sir. Radioing for assistance. Have we any other ships in the area?
Captain Ishii: *shakes his head* Maybe some minesweepers. Even if Admiral Kondo decides to repond we could not get there before daybreak.
Radioman: Otori reports they are straddled. They are launching torpedoes. *long pause* Number 1 turret disabled...multiple hits...*another long pause while everyone waits tensely* Fires out of control...they say "We are continuing to attack. May the Emperor live ten thousand years!"...transmission ends abruptly, sir.
Captain Ishii: *a muscle jumping along his jaw* Thank you, Ensign. Alert me at once if we are signaled by Admiral Kondo. *leaves*
---
Excerpt from "Naval Battles of the Pacific, Volume 1: Steel Sunrise" by Morris Elliot Samuelson; Harper, Row, and Fujimori, New York, 1965
"...but even as the Japanese carriers were finishing off the last fleeing US freighters east of Espiritu Santo the British were executing an attack of their own. As the transports at Mersing were weighing anchor and preparing to return to Saigon they suddenly found themselves under fire from the ABDA ships coming up from the south...
...The gallant but doomed attack of the Otori against Houston and Boise bought enough time for the transports to escape. It is an enduring mystery why the transports fled to the south, and in particular how they ended up off the coast of Singapore at sunrise. As none of the Japanese ship captains involved survived the resulting carnage the answer may never be known for certain..."
Location: 240 miles east of Saigon
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 376
Orders: Act as covering force for invasion of Kuching. Enemy surface forces known to be in area.
---
Action Report, destroyer Hibiki
Date: Dec. 19 Location: 50 miles east of Saigon
Action Details: Enemy submarine encountered while escorting Southern Force.
0955: Mogami reports being struck by one, possibly two torpedoes, which fail to detonate.
1002: Depth charges dropped at suspected firing location, depth set to 100'.
1010: Akatsuki reports sonar contact approx. 500 yards south, drops depth charges
1023: Oil and small amount of debris observed on surface.
1031: Resumed previous course and speed.
Ammunition expended
Depth charges: 2
Battle Results
Enemy submarine damaged, possibly sunk
Damage
None
---
In the radio shack of the Hibiki, 0200 hours Dec. 20
Lieutenant Miharu: *entering* What is it, Ensign?
Radioman: Sir! We are receiving radio transmissions from destroyer Otori at Mersing. They are broadcasting in the clear, sir.
Lieutenant Miharu: What are they saying?
Radioman: *listening and scribbling quickly* Sir, they are reporting that they are under attack by at least a dozen cruisers and destroyers. Requesting urgent assistance.
Lieutenant Miharu: I see. Continue to report.
Radioman: *pauses* They say they are making smoke and preparing to attack.
Captain Ishii: *enters the radio shack, somehow managing to look as though he has not just stumbled out of bed* What is it, Lieutenant?
Lieutenant Miharu: Otori is under attack at Mersing, sir. Radioing for assistance. Have we any other ships in the area?
Captain Ishii: *shakes his head* Maybe some minesweepers. Even if Admiral Kondo decides to repond we could not get there before daybreak.
Radioman: Otori reports they are straddled. They are launching torpedoes. *long pause* Number 1 turret disabled...multiple hits...*another long pause while everyone waits tensely* Fires out of control...they say "We are continuing to attack. May the Emperor live ten thousand years!"...transmission ends abruptly, sir.
Captain Ishii: *a muscle jumping along his jaw* Thank you, Ensign. Alert me at once if we are signaled by Admiral Kondo. *leaves*
---
Excerpt from "Naval Battles of the Pacific, Volume 1: Steel Sunrise" by Morris Elliot Samuelson; Harper, Row, and Fujimori, New York, 1965
"...but even as the Japanese carriers were finishing off the last fleeing US freighters east of Espiritu Santo the British were executing an attack of their own. As the transports at Mersing were weighing anchor and preparing to return to Saigon they suddenly found themselves under fire from the ABDA ships coming up from the south...
...The gallant but doomed attack of the Otori against Houston and Boise bought enough time for the transports to escape. It is an enduring mystery why the transports fled to the south, and in particular how they ended up off the coast of Singapore at sunrise. As none of the Japanese ship captains involved survived the resulting carnage the answer may never be known for certain..."
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 21, 1941
Location: 100 miles west of Kuching
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 326
Orders: Return to Saigon with all possible speed to replenish ammunition.
---
Action Report, destroyer Hibiki
Date: Dec. 21 Location: 100 miles west of Kuching
Action Details: Enemy ships detected and attacked 20 miles from our position by aircraft, who reported sinking 3 merchantmen. We were ordered to the area and discovered an enemy force of 7 merchantmen and 2 patrol craft. Enemy ships were attacked and sunk by torpedoes and gunfire.
1107: Lookouts report enemy ships.
1123: Ordered to close range and prepare to attack.
1157: "Prepare to fire"
1202: "Launch torpedo attack"
1207: "Commence firing"
1235: Shell hits observed on large merchant vessel.
1254: "Launch torpedo attack"
1300: Torpedo hit observed on medium merchant vessel
1314: Shell hits observed on same vessel
1349: New target ordered. Resumed firing.
1409: Shell hits observed on medium merchant vessel
1420: "Cease firing"
Ammunition expended
Main battery 5" ammunition: 26 rounds Torpedoes: 18
Battle Results
Seven enemy merchant vessels sunk; two small escort vessels sunk
Damage
None
---
Hibiki's first surface action:
Location: 100 miles west of Kuching
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 326
Orders: Return to Saigon with all possible speed to replenish ammunition.
---
Action Report, destroyer Hibiki
Date: Dec. 21 Location: 100 miles west of Kuching
Action Details: Enemy ships detected and attacked 20 miles from our position by aircraft, who reported sinking 3 merchantmen. We were ordered to the area and discovered an enemy force of 7 merchantmen and 2 patrol craft. Enemy ships were attacked and sunk by torpedoes and gunfire.
1107: Lookouts report enemy ships.
1123: Ordered to close range and prepare to attack.
1157: "Prepare to fire"
1202: "Launch torpedo attack"
1207: "Commence firing"
1235: Shell hits observed on large merchant vessel.
1254: "Launch torpedo attack"
1300: Torpedo hit observed on medium merchant vessel
1314: Shell hits observed on same vessel
1349: New target ordered. Resumed firing.
1409: Shell hits observed on medium merchant vessel
1420: "Cease firing"
Ammunition expended
Main battery 5" ammunition: 26 rounds Torpedoes: 18
Battle Results
Seven enemy merchant vessels sunk; two small escort vessels sunk
Damage
None
---
Hibiki's first surface action:
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bradfordkay
- Posts: 8566
- Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2002 8:39 am
- Location: Olympia, WA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
"...The gallant but doomed attack of the Otori against Houston and Boise bought enough time for the transports to escape. It is an enduring mystery why the transports fled to the south, and in particular how they ended up off the coast of Singapore at sunrise. As none of the Japanese ship captains involved survived the resulting carnage the answer may never be known for certain..."
[:D][:D][:D]
I'll bet that you needed a drink after watching that one...
[:D][:D][:D]
I'll bet that you needed a drink after watching that one...
fair winds,
Brad
Brad
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 22, 1941
Location: Saigon
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 475
Orders: Replenish ammunition and torpedoes. Prepare to return to sea immediately.
---
Excerpt from a letter from Lieutenant Sakamoto Miharu to his wife:
...and so we are back in Saigon. When the orders to return to port were received I thought the Captain would explode. In front of the crew he was of course brisk and professional, but as he vented his feelings to me in private his face was almost purple with rage.
"You mean to tell me," he said, "that we set out to engage the enemy fleet, the fleet that has been ravaging our transports, and now we are turning around and going back to port, leaving our vessels to be hunted down like dogs? And all this because the first thing we stumbled across was a merchant convoy, a convoy upon which we expended every single goddamn torpedo in the task force! Every single one! Heaven have mercy upon us!" He paced a moment before continuing, struggling to master his anger.
"And where are our planes while this is going on!" he burst out again. "Sitting on the ground at Saigon while their pilots drink saki and play cards, no doubt. And meanwhile our ships burn."
"They did sink Repulse at Menado," I reminded him. "And they claim to have sunk a heavy cruiser at Singapore."
"Bah!" he said. "I will bet you anything you like they damaged a destroyer, maybe a light cruiser. Those pilots think everything they see is a heavy cruiser."
After he calmed down we spoke a bit about the engagement yesterday. He did say he is proud of the men and the skill they displayed...
Location: Saigon
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 475
Orders: Replenish ammunition and torpedoes. Prepare to return to sea immediately.
---
Excerpt from a letter from Lieutenant Sakamoto Miharu to his wife:
...and so we are back in Saigon. When the orders to return to port were received I thought the Captain would explode. In front of the crew he was of course brisk and professional, but as he vented his feelings to me in private his face was almost purple with rage.
"You mean to tell me," he said, "that we set out to engage the enemy fleet, the fleet that has been ravaging our transports, and now we are turning around and going back to port, leaving our vessels to be hunted down like dogs? And all this because the first thing we stumbled across was a merchant convoy, a convoy upon which we expended every single goddamn torpedo in the task force! Every single one! Heaven have mercy upon us!" He paced a moment before continuing, struggling to master his anger.
"And where are our planes while this is going on!" he burst out again. "Sitting on the ground at Saigon while their pilots drink saki and play cards, no doubt. And meanwhile our ships burn."
"They did sink Repulse at Menado," I reminded him. "And they claim to have sunk a heavy cruiser at Singapore."
"Bah!" he said. "I will bet you anything you like they damaged a destroyer, maybe a light cruiser. Those pilots think everything they see is a heavy cruiser."
After he calmed down we spoke a bit about the engagement yesterday. He did say he is proud of the men and the skill they displayed...
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Every torpedo in the task force?!?! Something odd there -- do you know how many torpedoes the IJN heavy cruisers carry?
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock
Every torpedo in the task force?!?! Something odd there -- do you know how many torpedoes the IJN heavy cruisers carry?
Yep, every single torpedo. [:(] I confess I'm not experienced enough to know if that's just overenthusiasm or something strange.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 23, 1941
Location: 240 miles east of Saigon
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 445
Orders: Proceed to 4º 52" N, 109º 55" E and provide cover for merchant convoys withdrawing from Mersing and proceeding towards Kuching.
Location: 240 miles east of Saigon
Course: East
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 445
Orders: Proceed to 4º 52" N, 109º 55" E and provide cover for merchant convoys withdrawing from Mersing and proceeding towards Kuching.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
December 24, 1941
Location: 100 miles west-northwest of Kuching
Course: On station
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 384
Orders: Proceed to Kuching and rendezvous there with light carrier task force TF 3, Rear Admiral Takagi commanding.
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From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi
Dec. 24, 1941
Today the enemy's planes came at us again. Three Bristol Blenheims dropped out of the clouds astern of Jintsu and headed towards her. This sort of thing has happened many times since the war started. Today, though, an amazing thing happened that has not happened before. Five of our Zero-sen fighters roared in from the east and attacked the enemy planes! The men burst into a cheer when they saw them, and I am not ashamed to say my voice was among them.
Two of the enemy bombers dropped their bombs well short of their target and fled into the clouds. The third, showing true spirit, held to its attack. One of the fighters dove on it and we saw flames and smoke erupt from the bomber. One wing fell in pieces and the bomber tumbled down towards the sea. It fell with a splash, but overhead a single parachute drifted slowly down.
Our ship was closest, so we came about and went over to where the parachute floated like a white flower upon the ocean. A man in a flight suit bobbed nearby. I was among those lining the rail as we came slowly alongside him. He looked up at us in silence as we looked down at him. Finally he said something, though I did not of course understand him.
From behind me I heard Lieutenant Miharu translate. "He said: 'would anybody mind throwing me a bloody rope?'"
Location: 100 miles west-northwest of Kuching
Course: On station
Attached to: TF 5
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 1
Fuel: 384
Orders: Proceed to Kuching and rendezvous there with light carrier task force TF 3, Rear Admiral Takagi commanding.
---
From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi
Dec. 24, 1941
Today the enemy's planes came at us again. Three Bristol Blenheims dropped out of the clouds astern of Jintsu and headed towards her. This sort of thing has happened many times since the war started. Today, though, an amazing thing happened that has not happened before. Five of our Zero-sen fighters roared in from the east and attacked the enemy planes! The men burst into a cheer when they saw them, and I am not ashamed to say my voice was among them.
Two of the enemy bombers dropped their bombs well short of their target and fled into the clouds. The third, showing true spirit, held to its attack. One of the fighters dove on it and we saw flames and smoke erupt from the bomber. One wing fell in pieces and the bomber tumbled down towards the sea. It fell with a splash, but overhead a single parachute drifted slowly down.
Our ship was closest, so we came about and went over to where the parachute floated like a white flower upon the ocean. A man in a flight suit bobbed nearby. I was among those lining the rail as we came slowly alongside him. He looked up at us in silence as we looked down at him. Finally he said something, though I did not of course understand him.
From behind me I heard Lieutenant Miharu translate. "He said: 'would anybody mind throwing me a bloody rope?'"