herbiesan vs Cantona!!!

[1275psi]

7/6/42

JuniV and Inoue fly today

The Army bombers at Canton have been swung into another battle -today they help the Nates escort 21 lilly and 26 sally bombers to Changsa -a long flight for the fighters, and both pilots are quite exhausted by their return..

Milk runs are OK -but even on the most boring of flight -one still has to fly
Every second of the flight one is constantly adjusting the stick, touching the rudders, -all unconscious movement -but they add up.
Add in the stree of maintaining the formation -navigating (The bombers find the target sure -but one always is constantly checking where one is -and where home is -and, (for some) the nearest place a plane could be put down) -and the never ending scanning for the enemy.

he is still there -somewhere -probably licking his wounds -but he will be back

[1275psi]

KI-48's departing for todays attack

[1275psi]

7/6/42

tarawa island establishes a small airfield as the american engineers begin turning the small atoll into a deadly fortress.

What an entire Japanese AV regiment could not achieve in 3 months, they will achieve in 3 weeks.

I-122 misses the enterprise
I-132 is sunk trying for the same

Of course 47th sentai hears none of this -Tarawa is a long, long way away

[1275psi]

8/6/42

Almost the moment Takenaka climbed into the cockpit he knew he was in trouble.
Last night had been good -but today he was going to pay for it.

The rumble in his gutzs spelt approaching storms.
he felt hot, clammy -Crap -it was hot!

The Bombers were lining up
Only 18 Sallies, 16 Lillies today - kicking up the great clouds of dust.
They line up across the vast expanse of the field -some 6 abreast, engines idling, as thelast trucks clear away from them.

The Bomber leader stands in his cockpit -most Japanese bombers allow them to do this -his upper body clear of it.
In his hand he has a big flag -and all eyes are on it.

To the left -the base Commander stands at his tiny platform -also with flag in hand

The Sallies are ready -flag is up!
Now the Lillies!

The base flag comes down, and the bomber pilots disappear into the cockpits.
Good! -lets get the show onto the road!

The attack gets away no problems -forming up in a quick practiced formation -target Changsa again.
Takenaka has problems

last nights pork

As they climb, the pains begin.
he tries to ignore it -has too.

he can't

"heavens -if I light a match in here..................."


15 minutes into the flight -and it happens.
he vomits -its the first time in his life he has ever been sick in a plane -and its a disaster.

30 Minutes later -and something far worse hapens.





(We will leave THAT to imagination)
20000 feet - and he cannot take it any more -reluctantly he tries to gain Hyakutake attention -once gained -a furious signalling takes place.
The Bloody fool just grins -can't he understand?
#$%^$#@! it.

takenaka dives away for home - things are so bad he almost hopes a lurking enemy puts him out of misery -but he makes it home OK.


The ground crew are not impressed...........but with Takenaka interned for 3 days with the food poisoning, they quickly forgive him.



Chinese bullets alone do not make up the resistance -today it almost succeeded in killing at least one of the enemy

[1275psi]

9/6/42

Juni B and Inoue fly today –again the target is Changsa – operations to support an army thrust from Sinyang towards Honam –not that our pilots really care anymore –it seems that they will be supporting Army thrusts forever – would the Chinese Army ever just accept defeat and retire into the interior?

They return to Canton to receive some interesting news – British Hurricanes have been reported operating over Wuchow.

This is exciting – the reputation of the Hurricane has proceeded them – Oscars in Burma have already racked up an impressive rate of kills against them –and any fighter pilot –especially ones so long with out a score –would welcome opponents like these.


Its what a fighter pilot is about.





10/6/42
Canton filed is being reinforced.
For the bomber pilots in particular, it’s a very exciting day, as not one but 2 brand new units fly into the base -56 brand new shiny KI-49’s – the Armies new replacement bomber.

Its impressive against the older KI-27 – better protection, better performance.
It is harder to fly, but roomier.

In addition to the bombers, another unit of KI-43’s fly in to reinforce the KI-27’s.
These guys are veterans from Burma – rotating back to China to re fill the ranks.
The night in the mess is a good one –the Oscar pilots have much to relate – the air war in Burma has been hot.

The Oscar rules the sky when it encounters the hurricanes – but this happens far too rarely –the British are contenting themselves with small raids all over the front –and intercepts have been hard to achieve.
British Medium bombers too have been relatively easy to shoot down – except Wellingtons( flying colanders at times) –but the occasional raids by the 4 Engine Liberators and Fortresses were frustrating to the extreme.

Again and again that night the pilots of 47th sentai would here the same tale – empty guns –all bullets expended on them – and the bombers carrying straight on –undaunted.
Galling to the extreme.
The mess breaks up late –there is a great air of expectation for tomorrow –the Chinese tomorrow are to be sent a message –The British must go home.






11/6/42
One tends to just consider the number of planes that a field operates – but in reality –they are the easiest thing to organise (if a supply chain is working) prior to a mission.
It’s the men that must be catered for –that must be made ready for the flight –that will decide whether today will be successful or not.

Today Canton field has to get a total of 463 men into the air for this mission. The day starts early – very early for support crews.
The mechanics, and men directly involved in the planes preparation prepare as usual –its just going to be a bigger day, more fuelling, more bombs, more pushing.

But 463 men have to be fed.
463 parachutes have to be prepared, checked, signed out
Nearly 100 briefing notes have to be prepared – flat boards containing the maps, formation details, timings, and all other details.
460 odd flying suits have been laundered at some stage.

This body of men proceed through the routine though smoothly – 6 months of war ensure that –and as dawn breaks this vast body of men are gatherd before the base commander.
As usual he stands on his small platform – and gives his exhortation to the men.
Bomb true –push on – destroy the enemy with your spirit.
He salutes the men –and as one they will salute back.


Unlike the American –there are no trucks to take the men to the bombers spread all around the field –and some men have considerable distances to jog/walk to them across the field.

Co ordination is -as always –an art.
The Planes are divided into 9 plane units – and the leader of each one of these stands through the cockpit hatch –communicating via flags.

But this is still only mid 42 –and everyone is a veteran, or experienced enough to know what is going on, what to do.
Soon the field bellows with the beat of the powerful engines –and 3 at a time, the bombers roll down the field, again, and again, and again.
Today the men do line the field –waving caps, waving anything
A news camera records the event today – this is news –the Helen is debuting in numbers impressive enough to warrant it.

The bombers clear the field –and a great formation soon passes overhead –as the mass of fighters –(not so formal their departure –just a gaggle of planes going as each pilot sees an opening) rise to join them.

Hyakutake flies today –he has recovered enough, as does Takenaka (he would not have missed this for the world) –and the 2 Tojo join the rear of the formation
By nine O’clock -100 plus planes depart –the finished product of nearly 3000 mens efforts today –target –Wuchow airfield.
Would the effort be worth it?

[1275psi]

The new KI-49

[1275psi]

The great formation rumbles towards Wuchow -and the designated objective today is achieved - the british Hurricanes rise to give battle.


For the japanese it is an intensly disapointing affair.
The Hurricanes rise towards the formation, then unexpectantly simply peel away and dive off.
For the nearly 60 odd japanese fighter pilots its a strange feeling.
Some almost feel shame for the fleeing pilots below -would a japanese pilots -a samuri -ever do such a thing?
Never!

The Mass bomber raid teaches the lesson -the Hurricanes airfield is pounded -and the tower of its destruction will take all day to blow away as dust.


Cowards?

[1275psi]

12/6/42

47th sentai is gathered in the base commanders office
Orders are being read

"47th sentai will deploy to Shanghia airfield and re establish.
47th sentai is withdrwan from combat duties until re constituted as a full strength unit of 36 planes"

The men smaile -at last!

"All measures are to be taken to ensure this unit is restored to full combat availability at the first opportunity"

The Commander smiles
" A bit of leave and rest men -but I hope to see you back soon -small in number you may have been -but you have been a great boon to me. Good luck"

[1275psi]

13-6-42 to 24/6/42


The fog of history draws a veil over 47th sentai for this period

The unit disappears from Japanese records -the men we assume busy with all the paperwork ect of re forming the Sentai - and waiting for the new planes now being built in the new plants in Japan

The war continues - British Carrier raids near Sabang, the CVL Zuiho gets torpedoed -but lives, the chinese front moves a bit

The battle over Tarawa continues in a bloody two way struggle - we now know the Japanese Command flirts briefly with taking it back -counts available flight decks (only 2 with SHokuka and Zuikaka both in refit) and quickly ditches the idea.
On the 24th the Navy officially informs the High Command that Tarawa will be conceded.

It has cost 6ss, 1 BB, 2 CA, 2ML, and 5 merchants -a steep toll -the loss of the BB hurting badly

The Navy claims 2 BB, 1 CV, 3 cruisers and nearly 40 enemy merchants sunk.
The army has to believe these claims -but doubts them.

[1275psi]

The airfield east of Shanghia is much the same as many of the fields in China –expansive, bare and at this time of the year, hot and dusty.
It is relatively deserted as well –the EX Empire airways hangers are looking a little worse for wear ( one has been demolished only recently thanks to a Blenhiem visit), and the whole base has that backwaters feel to it.

A small number of recon planes are utilising the better facilities at the south end of the field, and a 9 plane Sonia detachment mainly sits idle -waiting for orders from an Army command that might just have forgotten about them.

Tucked away from all this –in naturally the most decrepit buildings available -47th Sentai has established itself..
Behind the low buildings –ex clubhouse of the Shanghia aero club in more glorious days – are many rows of tents – mostly gathered and camouflaged amongst the few trees that dot the plain. These are the home of 121 Army airforce base unit –assigned especially here to ensure that 47th sentai has no impediment to its re birth –expected any day now.

A road borders the field –a wide dusty road, leading from a Army staging area to the North, south to the city.
Its midday –and our 6 men are sitting cross legged in a casual circle under one of the trees -, busy consuming the meal of the day, and all 6 of them are watching the sight passing by –and not one of them will ever regret being in the airforce again.

31st division is on the move – column after column of hot, dusty sweaty soldiers marching south – force marching south –and heaven help any of them if they falter.
Our pilots can feel the discipline in the column –the hardness of the men as they pass.
It’s a crack division, and it shows.

Nevertheless, no one would swap places with them.
It’s a grand sight –and its dusk before the last man passes.

Tomorrow Takenaka will “take a little test flight” to Shanghia – and is not surprised to see a harbour packed with shipping –a sight to stir the heart.
Maybe Japan had not yet finished its offensive?

[1275psi]

26/6/42

The Secret police come for Hyakutake just about midday – 3 innocuous looking men in a very big car.
Hyakutake is removed before anyone else is even aware that he has been taken -and its as if he has been swallowed up by the earth itself

He has been known to “disappear’ before –usually found overstaying at some house of ill repute –so nobody really gets concerned until the next day as his absence continues.
The 27th, the 28 th pass.
No Hyakutake
On the morning of the 29th Iwaya tells the others”I have some business to do” and leaves the base in the only vehicle assigned to them

He returns at nearly midnight –and he has Hyakutake with him.
The twins have to ask “And?”

Hyakutake grins a wane smile “ Apparently my Chinese dairy industry has come to an end”
Its all that has to be said


29/6/42

To
Col Nakamura
Imperial HQ

Sir
You are assigned to 47th Sentai –Shanghia –Officer Commanding.
Report this Command ready for combat no later than 29/7/42 – for deployment South pacific theatre
End.




Iwaya to Takenaka
“Ive heard of this man”
“Yes?”
“yes –should be interesting – he has only one leg”
Mmmmmm –interesting indeed”








1/7/42
The transport lands at the field just before dawn
47th sentai –and the 121st base force are paraded – all curious to meet the new “one legged wonder”
He has a reputation

Col Nakamura is a shortish man –and he shows no sign of the artificial leg he uses.
He takes the salute from Takenaka
“Are you it –are you my core gentlemen?”
“Yes sir –just us six”
He gazes at the six – hard
“Good”

The Colonel strides to the commander of the base forces
“I understand 47th sentai has just 2 planes?”
“That is correct sir -2 KI-44’s –Im expecting the replacements any day”
“Good. A pause “ Ready to fly?”
“Fuelled and armed sir –as always”
The Colonel smiles – this is a good –a very good beginning

“Dismiss the parade Takenaka”

Then, without a word he walks to the nearest Tojo – and with no preliminaries, fires it up.

What follows is 30 minutes of the most delightful stunting any KI-44 has ever been subjected too –a display even Hyakutake would be proud of.

The Col lands –and the men gathers around him

“ I hear you men have been with out luck for some time now.
Let us change this. I intend to find the enemy, engage him, and kill him.
Iwaya –I know of you. 5000 yen from your Father for our first Ace.
We get our first new planes tomorrow –first new men. Tomorrow we train, and train.
Tonight-tonight we drink Scotch.”



Col Nakamura arrives
(86 leadership -88 inspiration)

[1275psi]

1/7/42

The twins view the new arrival whilst one of her ground crew polishes furiously the canopy -a pointless exercise as its already as good as it ever will get

" Bit of a contrast isn't it?"
"Yes -but still no cannon damn it!"

The first of the new KI-44's has arrived, and the twins are not wrong, and although essentially the same as the two remaining originals, the appearance is one of chalk to cheese -the old planes look positively decrepit against the shiny new fighter.

Both men instantly agree -the new guys will get the old fighters

[1275psi]

2/7/42

Operations report
47th sentai - Shanghia

A/c available 3
A/c repairing 2

Unit training day.

[1275psi]

3/7/42

Operations report
47th sentai - Shanghia

A/c available 5
A/c repairing 2

Unit training day.
WO Inuzuka reports for duty - 9 mission pilot transferred from burma command ex sick leave

[1275psi]

4/7/42

Operations report
47th sentai - Shanghia

A/c available 7
A/c repairing 2

Unit training day.
2lt Miyazaki reports for duty
WO Kizuka reports for duty

Unit conducted low level, high level intercept missions
Unit issued new flying gear -tropical

[1275psi]

5/7/42

Operations report
47th sentai - Shanghia

A/c available 9
A/c repairing 1

Unit training day.
WO Futigami reports for duty

The unit is building nicely - all of the new pilots with only 2 exceptions due to join the unit already know each other -they are all from the last recently passed out class in Japan.
They are reasonably proficient -a group of men trained for war -and with out exception -eager for a chance to prove themselves.


Today the Navy claims 4 heavy cruisers sunk near Tarawa -the battle there apparently continues -but few take any attention to it -the south pacific is a long, long way away for a short legged army fighter.

[1275psi]

6/7/42

Operations report
47th sentai - Shanghia

A/c available 10
A/c repairing 2

Unit training day.
Wo Fuijimoto reports for duty
WO Gyuba reports for duty

AVG reported operating over Ichang -in strength

[CarnageINC]

Nice AAR, I've been browsing around and I do like this style, keep up the good job [:)]

[1275psi]

The new C/O, and our first new fighter!

[1275psi]

7/7/42

I-26 slips quietly and unnoticed into Osaka Hbr.
It’s a cool calm, clear morning , and the breeze feels good on Juni’s face –as it does on the half dozen men lined up on the centre area.

Not a man on the boat does not feel a great sense of relief at the ending of the journey –it has been a tough one.
The damage suffered in that last attack was really hardly significant –in terms of dock yard time and ease of repair – just one of the hydroplanes slightly bent out of place –a continuous leak in its packing.
It would take less than a week to remove the plane and replace it.

What it had meant for the trip was a totally different picture.
He had not been able to dive with out great peril – I-26 would turn herself into a stubborn pig of a ship – with an alarming propensity to either suddenly surface –or worse –plunge towards the bottom of the ocean.

“Stbd ten, half ahead”

The harbour looked as busy as ever – masses of merchant ships –several cruisers, 5 or 6 destroyers.
But as they headed deeper into the harbour towards their anchorage something quite different came into view.
“Hey XO –come on up and look at this”

This – this was quite a sight.

Two Carriers lay alongside the wharf –surrounded by 4 repair ships, and a swarm of other smaller vessels.
“Now that’s a repair Job and a half”
Kaga lay outboard –gleaming with new paint –paint that failed totally to hide the completely new hangers and bridge attached to the obviously older hull.
On her new flight deck 3 zeros were running engines – training the deck crews.

Behind Kaga, Akagi too is undergoing a repair job and a half – no shiny new paint for her yet –just the ugly, ugly streaks of red rust and crazy patchworks of new and old steel being forced into new shapes and forms.
Everywhere over her welding flashes burnt brightly –the effort going into her was obviously massive.

But even as they turned the last turn into the inner basin past the blunt spears of the Japanese fleet, was the last shock –and the answer to why Tarawa still remained in Allied hands
Shokakau and Zuikaku too lay in dockyard hands -obviously undamaged by battle –but definitely in need of tender care after a hard 6 months of war.

“One wonders if there are any welders left for us?”