Its one of those meetings
Mr Iwaya in the inner room, the madman at the tables head, his flunkies around them.
"Another singapore becons " the Dictator gleefully announces 'We finish them off -they must sue for peace. Then the Americans. We must plan for a counter offensive"
Iwaya snorts -he cannot help it. A counter offensive. is he THAT out of touch with reality?
"You find something funny Iwaya?"
The room goes very still. A thought flashes through his mind, more a feeling than concious thinking - how he could see this man dead.
And when you visualise that in your mind, and it does not scare you................
"yes I do"
The dictator starts. Of all the times he has spoken, no one, and we mean no one -has ever said this too him.
he looks at Iwaya -hard. Like a hawk to a field mouse
'"For a start...........sir..................there is the matter of shipping"
The silence deepens
'You, Yamamoto, screamed for carriers. Good. I gave you them. they have allowed us to fight far longer than I dreamed you could"
"yes" -the hawk unfurls its wings.
'I cannot build carriers, as well as transports. You have , what, 100000 men on port Blair - all needing supplies, food, and the like. I cannot just magically find them all a berth, build ......
"ENOUGH!"
The eyes are slits, hard, merciless. The dictator did not become dictator by"being nice" "Minister of production. You have served me, the empire well. But your job is to give me the tools. I use those tools. I will find transports enough. If the people go with out for a while -" he smiles, glances at his head of secret police " they will understand"
he turns back to the map, dismissing Iwaya "You will do your job. Build me more fighters, ships and guns"
A final look. The hawk takes flight " And remain in my favour"
herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
-
CV Zuikaku
- Posts: 442
- Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:25 pm
- Location: Legrad, Croatia
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
...and... what happened next? [;)]
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
11/12/43
Extract from 'Shattering the sword' a Cantona production.
As the japanese and Indian troops moved into final positions at Port blair, there was more at stake than what could be seen in the battle itself.
In Japan, the plot to remove the dictator and restore the emperor, and , if possible, achieve a peace, literally hinged on the coming battle itself. The Dictator still instilled tremendous support -and the Army, to the last general, stood behind him.
A victory at Port Blair would strengthen the dictators position immeasurably.
We know now Iwaya was now a keen part of the plot, a man totally capable to see the impending disaster the war was bringing to japan.
But in the face of victory, after victory, all he, and his small circle could do, was wait, watch, and hope.
Extract from 'Shattering the sword' a Cantona production.
As the japanese and Indian troops moved into final positions at Port blair, there was more at stake than what could be seen in the battle itself.
In Japan, the plot to remove the dictator and restore the emperor, and , if possible, achieve a peace, literally hinged on the coming battle itself. The Dictator still instilled tremendous support -and the Army, to the last general, stood behind him.
A victory at Port Blair would strengthen the dictators position immeasurably.
We know now Iwaya was now a keen part of the plot, a man totally capable to see the impending disaster the war was bringing to japan.
But in the face of victory, after victory, all he, and his small circle could do, was wait, watch, and hope.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Its midnight, and still the men on the carriers work. Again the chain blocks, and sweating, straining bodies, labour to arm the bombers. The lockers below are getting low, and exhaustion is growing. But the men sing, and smile -the enthusiasm of the pilots infects the fleet. The sight, morning after morning, of massed planes inflates bushido.
The pounding thunder of the battleships guns every night beats -and raises the blood.
This is a fleet confident in itself, confident of victory.
So the men sing, and work. When this is done, they will go home, this is the hope.
Its 5 minutes after midnight, and the elderly dutch ss has penetrated the screen. Her skipper is good, very, very good.
His torpedo strikes true - straight into the AO's guts.
For a moment she steams on, as if too surprised to feel the blow deep in her.
And then -the sea's light up -a towering column of flame and disaster.
The fleet, almost stunned, steams on -and another torpedo finds its mark, blowing the bow of a destroyer. She plows to a stop, wallowing.
Nagumo views the scene from the bridge of the Akagi, the flames still light up the horizon.
'It is definately getting too dangerous around here. Is it confirmed the Army attacks tomorrow?"
"yes"
Nagumo strokes his cheek. Wieghs the odds. Alright then. All or nothing.
He makes a fateful decision.
"Inform all carriers. All planes to ground strike tomorrow. maximum effort"
Then more to himself " we must finish this, this , this Army crap'
The pounding thunder of the battleships guns every night beats -and raises the blood.
This is a fleet confident in itself, confident of victory.
So the men sing, and work. When this is done, they will go home, this is the hope.
Its 5 minutes after midnight, and the elderly dutch ss has penetrated the screen. Her skipper is good, very, very good.
His torpedo strikes true - straight into the AO's guts.
For a moment she steams on, as if too surprised to feel the blow deep in her.
And then -the sea's light up -a towering column of flame and disaster.
The fleet, almost stunned, steams on -and another torpedo finds its mark, blowing the bow of a destroyer. She plows to a stop, wallowing.
Nagumo views the scene from the bridge of the Akagi, the flames still light up the horizon.
'It is definately getting too dangerous around here. Is it confirmed the Army attacks tomorrow?"
"yes"
Nagumo strokes his cheek. Wieghs the odds. Alright then. All or nothing.
He makes a fateful decision.
"Inform all carriers. All planes to ground strike tomorrow. maximum effort"
Then more to himself " we must finish this, this , this Army crap'
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
-
flaggelant
- Posts: 262
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:00 pm
- Location: Netherlands
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
Its midnight, and still the men on the carriers work. Again the chain blocks, and sweating, straining bodies, labour to arm the bombers. The lockers below are getting low, and exhaustion is growing. But the men sing, and smile -the enthusiasm of the pilots infects the fleet. The sight, morning after morning, of massed planes inflates bushido.
The pounding thunder of the battleships guns every night beats -and raises the blood.
This is a fleet confident in itself, confident of victory.
So the men sing, and work. When this is done, they will go home, this is the hope.
Its 5 minutes after midnight, and the elderly dutch ss has penetrated the screen. Her skipper is good, very, very good.
His torpedo strikes true - straight into the AO's guts.
For a moment she steams on, as if too surprised to feel the blow deep in her.
And then -the sea's light up -a towering column of flame and disaster.
The fleet, almost stunned, steams on -and another torpedo finds its mark, blowing the bow of a destroyer. She plows to a stop, wallowing.
Nagumo views the scene from the bridge of the Akagi, the flames still light up the horizon.
'It is definately getting too dangerous around here. Is it confirmed the Army attacks tomorrow?"
"yes"
Nagumo strokes his cheek. Wieghs the odds. Alright then. All or nothing.
He makes a fateful decision.
"Inform all carriers. All planes to ground strike tomorrow. maximum effort"
Then more to himself " we must finish this, this , this Army crap'
Interesting chapter. I'm currently reading Nemesis by Max Hastings and i finished the chapter on Leyte Gulf last night and it highlighted the total lack of coopeartion between the branches of service on the Japanese side. Army crap indeed.
1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Thanks to a crash-we have had to re run turn. Interesting -as Cantona has already read my plans!. I have re plotted exactly same moves -so keep the popcorn warm, results later tonight I hope!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Due to my clumsiness -I had cantona upset over last post -I think he thought he was in the bad books or something -i wrote him this
yes -of course you have permission!
i was trying to say in a badly worded way how much i trust you -and how interesting it is for you to know what I am up to -and me knowing that you know
(does that make sense?)
if a fleet of CVs suddenly turn up this turn, and hit me while I am on land attack -no complaints from me -Im here for the journey as i keep saying.
I immensly enjoy your company on this journey -and any comments from you on the AAR are always welcome!
I will quickly post this on the AAR so no one can be mistaken on this -OH honourable opponent!
yes -of course you have permission!
i was trying to say in a badly worded way how much i trust you -and how interesting it is for you to know what I am up to -and me knowing that you know
(does that make sense?)
if a fleet of CVs suddenly turn up this turn, and hit me while I am on land attack -no complaints from me -Im here for the journey as i keep saying.
I immensly enjoy your company on this journey -and any comments from you on the AAR are always welcome!
I will quickly post this on the AAR so no one can be mistaken on this -OH honourable opponent!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
The three elderly battleships deliver their payloads in another heavy bombardment, on time, and on target.
They depart just before midnight, eager for the safety of Port Blair, and replenishment
But from that moment on, it all goes pear shaped..
An intense low has been developing south east of Tricomalee for several days now, moving steadily south east, trying to decide wether or not to develop into a full scale cyclone, by midnight, mother nature takes a hand into the battle of Port Blair
Although the storm will slip by the fleet to the south, by 1 am the winds are beating hard, and even the largest ship is beginning to pitch.
By 2 am, any sailor with half a watch of experience can read the signs –its going to be hell.
3 am, and the wind now howls, and seas rise, short sharp seas, white caps rolling.
Even Akagi buries her head into the swells., and sheets of water race across the flight decks.
For men manning guns, or lookouts, misery is the order of the day –if it ever comes.
By dawn, any thought of combat, of launching, is but a dream. The wind continues to roar across a grey sky, grey seas.
Destroyers –scattered to hell across the ocean, bury themselves –waterfalls falling of bridges and upper decks.
Nagumo can do nothing but turn his fleet into the sea, mark time –and hang on.
The Army will have to fend for itself.
It is beyond misery for the gunners in the AA positions – for many, its life and death –Katsaguri after midday loses 17 men as an entire sponson tears away, and men, guns, metal disappear forever.
Yet the war calls. Midday see’s Taiho – largest of the carriers, attempt to launch CAP - she gets away, in a display of high drama, 20 odd fighters, they vanish into the grey headed for Port Blair. Whether they will be seen again is a great matter for conjecture.
Through it all, Nagumo chaffs - what of the Army attack?. What is happening?
The wireless remains silent.
But if Nagumo thinks he has problems ( the weather will of course moderate eventually – it always does), what the Army experiences, is farcial.
Despite the rain, the mud, the chaotic communications, the attack will begin at 0900 –after the Navy strikes.
At 0820, it comes to the attention of the Sikh regiment, that their objective –hill 16, is defended by………..Sikhs.
Not unknown Indian troops –but troops originating from the same home towns, villages, district that they come from.
At 0822 –they announce –they will refuse to fight. . Anyone else, but not them.
At 0833, the guns open up –pre attack bombardment –well, some guns do.
Many, it appears, have not yet received orders.
By 0845, General Matsuki realises that many, a great many units are not ready, HAVE NOT RECEIVED ATTACK ORDERS!
The rain howls, and the mud builds, and the Navy, the massed airstrikes, do not come.
The Japanese Army is renowned for inflexibility –it is not well known for initiative and “make good”
Quite simply –the attack does not happen. Huge amounts of ammunition are expended, the positions pounded by the battleships are re occupied, and nothing is achieved.
Day one, the second battle for Port Blair –is a damp squib.
The day will be spent moving the Indian regiments. For the Japanese, a great sword of doubt sits over their necks. Will the Indian troops attack?. Or will they be left hanging ?.
For 47th, 85th, 87th – it’s a long, long day.
Between showers –flying IS possible –if barely
In ones and twos, the fighters struggle into the air, losing the ground in the rain abruptly –climbing blindly above the low level murk.
At 20000 feet –the skies are clear –sort of – great mountains of cloud scurrying across the sky, bottoms dark and dangerous.
And scattered amongst those mountains –the prowling P38’s
There is no titanic air battle, no swirling swarm of fighters –just a steady drip, drip of a pair of fighters verses a couple here. A ambush there.
A chase, dive away here.
Small dots, scurrying amongst the giants.
Some men will spend hours aloft –straining to see through rain splattered cockpits –and see nothing.
Others will engage in deadly little private duels, again, and again..
It will be a very, very private war this, hunter on hunter.
11 americans go down,(47th claim 2), but 8 Tojo’s go down – 47th losing one –and the weather may have claimed him.
This private war will splutter along for most of the day –wearing out machines and men.
We can sum the day up though easily.
Weather 1
War 0
“Maleolap?”
“Yes Sir”
“Forces?”
“We have a base force, some coastal guns. Enemy -1st marines –obviously reformed –several engineer units, an Amphib unit”
“An acceptable loss –delay is the key”
‘Sir – the enemy have suffered terrible losses –fighting continues”
‘We hold still?!”
‘Yes sir”
For a moment the Dictator considers the map.
‘This is unexpected – get me Admiral Koga –what forces do we have available in range?’
His aids smile. This was a question they were prepared to answer……………….
They depart just before midnight, eager for the safety of Port Blair, and replenishment
But from that moment on, it all goes pear shaped..
An intense low has been developing south east of Tricomalee for several days now, moving steadily south east, trying to decide wether or not to develop into a full scale cyclone, by midnight, mother nature takes a hand into the battle of Port Blair
Although the storm will slip by the fleet to the south, by 1 am the winds are beating hard, and even the largest ship is beginning to pitch.
By 2 am, any sailor with half a watch of experience can read the signs –its going to be hell.
3 am, and the wind now howls, and seas rise, short sharp seas, white caps rolling.
Even Akagi buries her head into the swells., and sheets of water race across the flight decks.
For men manning guns, or lookouts, misery is the order of the day –if it ever comes.
By dawn, any thought of combat, of launching, is but a dream. The wind continues to roar across a grey sky, grey seas.
Destroyers –scattered to hell across the ocean, bury themselves –waterfalls falling of bridges and upper decks.
Nagumo can do nothing but turn his fleet into the sea, mark time –and hang on.
The Army will have to fend for itself.
It is beyond misery for the gunners in the AA positions – for many, its life and death –Katsaguri after midday loses 17 men as an entire sponson tears away, and men, guns, metal disappear forever.
Yet the war calls. Midday see’s Taiho – largest of the carriers, attempt to launch CAP - she gets away, in a display of high drama, 20 odd fighters, they vanish into the grey headed for Port Blair. Whether they will be seen again is a great matter for conjecture.
Through it all, Nagumo chaffs - what of the Army attack?. What is happening?
The wireless remains silent.
But if Nagumo thinks he has problems ( the weather will of course moderate eventually – it always does), what the Army experiences, is farcial.
Despite the rain, the mud, the chaotic communications, the attack will begin at 0900 –after the Navy strikes.
At 0820, it comes to the attention of the Sikh regiment, that their objective –hill 16, is defended by………..Sikhs.
Not unknown Indian troops –but troops originating from the same home towns, villages, district that they come from.
At 0822 –they announce –they will refuse to fight. . Anyone else, but not them.
At 0833, the guns open up –pre attack bombardment –well, some guns do.
Many, it appears, have not yet received orders.
By 0845, General Matsuki realises that many, a great many units are not ready, HAVE NOT RECEIVED ATTACK ORDERS!
The rain howls, and the mud builds, and the Navy, the massed airstrikes, do not come.
The Japanese Army is renowned for inflexibility –it is not well known for initiative and “make good”
Quite simply –the attack does not happen. Huge amounts of ammunition are expended, the positions pounded by the battleships are re occupied, and nothing is achieved.
Day one, the second battle for Port Blair –is a damp squib.
The day will be spent moving the Indian regiments. For the Japanese, a great sword of doubt sits over their necks. Will the Indian troops attack?. Or will they be left hanging ?.
For 47th, 85th, 87th – it’s a long, long day.
Between showers –flying IS possible –if barely
In ones and twos, the fighters struggle into the air, losing the ground in the rain abruptly –climbing blindly above the low level murk.
At 20000 feet –the skies are clear –sort of – great mountains of cloud scurrying across the sky, bottoms dark and dangerous.
And scattered amongst those mountains –the prowling P38’s
There is no titanic air battle, no swirling swarm of fighters –just a steady drip, drip of a pair of fighters verses a couple here. A ambush there.
A chase, dive away here.
Small dots, scurrying amongst the giants.
Some men will spend hours aloft –straining to see through rain splattered cockpits –and see nothing.
Others will engage in deadly little private duels, again, and again..
It will be a very, very private war this, hunter on hunter.
11 americans go down,(47th claim 2), but 8 Tojo’s go down – 47th losing one –and the weather may have claimed him.
This private war will splutter along for most of the day –wearing out machines and men.
We can sum the day up though easily.
Weather 1
War 0
“Maleolap?”
“Yes Sir”
“Forces?”
“We have a base force, some coastal guns. Enemy -1st marines –obviously reformed –several engineer units, an Amphib unit”
“An acceptable loss –delay is the key”
‘Sir – the enemy have suffered terrible losses –fighting continues”
‘We hold still?!”
‘Yes sir”
For a moment the Dictator considers the map.
‘This is unexpected – get me Admiral Koga –what forces do we have available in range?’
His aids smile. This was a question they were prepared to answer……………….
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
-
CarnageINC
- Posts: 2208
- Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:47 am
- Location: Rapid City SD
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
For a moment the Dictator considers the map.
‘This is unexpected – get me Admiral Koga –what forces do we have available in range?’
His aids smile. This was a question they were prepared to answer……………….
Muwahwahahahah!!!! Whats next!?!?RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
13/12/43
The weather begins to moderate , but Nervous, Nagumo reverts to only half his decks striking the enemy at Port Blair
The Commander of Japans mightiest weapon, spends the day pacing the bridge, or staring at the dull smudge on the horizon that is the target.
Many on the bridge share his frustration -the enemy have landed at maloelap -and some how, got it wrong. The rebuilt 1st marine division -or elements of it, is in severe strife.
As far as the Navy is concerned -here is a golden oportunity -the enemy Navy must come out to fight there.
Here -here was a cursed waste of time. Didn't they have fighters ashore -army fighters. Let them provide the cover!
It is almost dusk, when news finally comes from ashore -as if they are an afterthought.
"Heavy fighting. Issue still in doubt -although we are stronger. We continue to attack"
Slwly, angrily, he balls the flimsy, throws it away.
"get me the navigator, and get Yamamoto on the wireless"
Seven enemy submarines sighted today -at least Almost to himself -although all on the bridge hear him clearly "I've had enough of this"
The weather begins to moderate , but Nervous, Nagumo reverts to only half his decks striking the enemy at Port Blair
The Commander of Japans mightiest weapon, spends the day pacing the bridge, or staring at the dull smudge on the horizon that is the target.
Many on the bridge share his frustration -the enemy have landed at maloelap -and some how, got it wrong. The rebuilt 1st marine division -or elements of it, is in severe strife.
As far as the Navy is concerned -here is a golden oportunity -the enemy Navy must come out to fight there.
Here -here was a cursed waste of time. Didn't they have fighters ashore -army fighters. Let them provide the cover!
It is almost dusk, when news finally comes from ashore -as if they are an afterthought.
"Heavy fighting. Issue still in doubt -although we are stronger. We continue to attack"
Slwly, angrily, he balls the flimsy, throws it away.
"get me the navigator, and get Yamamoto on the wireless"
Seven enemy submarines sighted today -at least Almost to himself -although all on the bridge hear him clearly "I've had enough of this"
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Captain Umeya paces the bridge, again glances at his map.
Mizuho again ploughs through the oceans at full speed, little hibiki on her flank, as professional as ever.
Some where behind them....................
No -let Yamamoto worry about that. Concentrate on the mission at hand -their role.
"What do you think XO?'
His XO looks at the latest signals -the news from Maloelap. 'ten dollars gets you one, my nice clean decks will be filthy with kahki by weeks end."
"And?"
"hate to say it -this could be a one way trip "
Umeya laughs -'I hope not -I have been sunk enough times this war thank you"
Mizuho again ploughs through the oceans at full speed, little hibiki on her flank, as professional as ever.
Some where behind them....................
No -let Yamamoto worry about that. Concentrate on the mission at hand -their role.
"What do you think XO?'
His XO looks at the latest signals -the news from Maloelap. 'ten dollars gets you one, my nice clean decks will be filthy with kahki by weeks end."
"And?"
"hate to say it -this could be a one way trip "
Umeya laughs -'I hope not -I have been sunk enough times this war thank you"
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Nakamura leads them over the battlefield again today - the weather, still windy, still patches of heavy cloud, is still cruddy.
But they are aloft.
Its a long day, but all agree, up here is far better than down there.
The Army is attacking -and reports are all of the same vien. The British fight with the desperation of men with nothing to lose.
The seeds of the majuro massacre are giving fruit. There will be no surrender - not until the last bullet has been fired.
So 47th circle, and circle -and wait for events.
But they are aloft.
Its a long day, but all agree, up here is far better than down there.
The Army is attacking -and reports are all of the same vien. The British fight with the desperation of men with nothing to lose.
The seeds of the majuro massacre are giving fruit. There will be no surrender - not until the last bullet has been fired.
So 47th circle, and circle -and wait for events.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Iwaya sits quietly in the park.
He is feeding Koi - a simple pleasure here in the shadow of the imperial palace. Idly he wonders if the rumours of the Emperor are true - surely the dictator would not threaten or harm the son of heaven?
Casually, as if by accident, a Army airman, middle rank, joins him on the bench.
He joins in the fish feeding.
'Our friend visits the same house every Friday, 9 sharp. He spends 3 hours there, and then proceeds down the same road -every time."
"Escort?'
"As always -extremely heavy -there, and back -impossible to hit I think there.........."
"But inside?"
"Unknown. The Lady in question, has, as you say -a reputation"
Oh yes?" Iwaya's ears prick -this is news. "A reputation?"
"A reputation. Certain perversions I believe..............."
The fish feed. The waters, on the surface are calm. Below, just below, they boil.
Iwaya reaches into his pocket. He withdraws a large bundle of notes
"meet our Lady friend. Enjoy yourself. And learn what you can"
The officer takes the money -a strange smile on his face. Quietly he leaves.
Iwaya feeds the fish. As usual, there is never enough food.
He is feeding Koi - a simple pleasure here in the shadow of the imperial palace. Idly he wonders if the rumours of the Emperor are true - surely the dictator would not threaten or harm the son of heaven?
Casually, as if by accident, a Army airman, middle rank, joins him on the bench.
He joins in the fish feeding.
'Our friend visits the same house every Friday, 9 sharp. He spends 3 hours there, and then proceeds down the same road -every time."
"Escort?'
"As always -extremely heavy -there, and back -impossible to hit I think there.........."
"But inside?"
"Unknown. The Lady in question, has, as you say -a reputation"
Oh yes?" Iwaya's ears prick -this is news. "A reputation?"
"A reputation. Certain perversions I believe..............."
The fish feed. The waters, on the surface are calm. Below, just below, they boil.
Iwaya reaches into his pocket. He withdraws a large bundle of notes
"meet our Lady friend. Enjoy yourself. And learn what you can"
The officer takes the money -a strange smile on his face. Quietly he leaves.
Iwaya feeds the fish. As usual, there is never enough food.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Smn Miyazuki smiles.
He has been promoted.
And given a new job. Climbing the endless ladders at the back of the mighty tower of Yamato - he finally feels just how high this beast stretches into the sky.
The ladders are narrow, and steep. But he makes it, slightly breathless.
A young, very young Lt greets him. 'Ah, Miyazuki -welcome to the director. 'let me show you your new job......."
He has been promoted.
And given a new job. Climbing the endless ladders at the back of the mighty tower of Yamato - he finally feels just how high this beast stretches into the sky.
The ladders are narrow, and steep. But he makes it, slightly breathless.
A young, very young Lt greets him. 'Ah, Miyazuki -welcome to the director. 'let me show you your new job......."
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Midnight, 15th of December
"The guns have stopped"
Juni, and many other pilots are gathered on the edge of the field, looking north,
The battle front is nearly 15 miles away -and for 48 hrs now -the horizon has rumbled and growled, lit during the night in a endless display of lightning.
But now -it has gone quiet
Not a sudden stop -but a draining away of the noise...........
The air is still, and very cool -the bad weather continues-but now all is very, very still.
Somewhere the chorus of frogs re asserts itself.
Nakamura joins Juni
Our leading Ace turns to him. Even here, in the pale light of the weak moon, there is no hiding the questioning look
Nakamura shakes his head " The attack has stalled"
"damn"
"damn indeed.'
Nakamura takes his old hand aside. Quietly he explains the situation to him. 'My understanding is this - the Army is winning -at a terrible cost. Today they rest,"
Juni nods - "more air time for us then"
Nakamura smiles -there is no humour in it tonight -'You know our love affair with the Navy old friend?
Juni grunts
"Its over. The fleet has withdrawn. We are on our own"
The silence stretches
Juni's voice is laced with bitterness " As if thats something 47th isn't used to"
"The guns have stopped"
Juni, and many other pilots are gathered on the edge of the field, looking north,
The battle front is nearly 15 miles away -and for 48 hrs now -the horizon has rumbled and growled, lit during the night in a endless display of lightning.
But now -it has gone quiet
Not a sudden stop -but a draining away of the noise...........
The air is still, and very cool -the bad weather continues-but now all is very, very still.
Somewhere the chorus of frogs re asserts itself.
Nakamura joins Juni
Our leading Ace turns to him. Even here, in the pale light of the weak moon, there is no hiding the questioning look
Nakamura shakes his head " The attack has stalled"
"damn"
"damn indeed.'
Nakamura takes his old hand aside. Quietly he explains the situation to him. 'My understanding is this - the Army is winning -at a terrible cost. Today they rest,"
Juni nods - "more air time for us then"
Nakamura smiles -there is no humour in it tonight -'You know our love affair with the Navy old friend?
Juni grunts
"Its over. The fleet has withdrawn. We are on our own"
The silence stretches
Juni's voice is laced with bitterness " As if thats something 47th isn't used to"
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Umeya's one way trip is cancelled.
Maloelap has fallen.
The great dictator hears the news.
And remains unmoved.
The war , he says, continues to plan..............
Maloelap has fallen.
The great dictator hears the news.
And remains unmoved.
The war , he says, continues to plan..............
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
There is a tightness in your belly today.
A hardness, a lump. Breathing is hard, and you try to hold the fear back.
Around you, your friends and companions chatter amiably, there is laughter and shared smokes.
The air is cool, and the ground damp. You check your equipment yet again, the chute chaffs, and your little flight board has an annoying habit of sliding around your thigh, and getting between your legs.
Above all, you feel awkward.
Today is your turn for combat.
Your eyes fix strongly on the scarred face, that horrible red splash across his face a constant reminder of what might happen today. But his eyes are confident –cold, hard yes –but filled with assurance.
‘14000’ feet today men –keep an eye on your oxygen needs –don’t use it unless you really must –its getting precious around here”
The eyes fix on you –a finger points “On me rookie –stick on me today, and if you move an inch –heaven help you”
You walk to your bird, as if in a dream.
The crew chief salutes you –and this is a shock –momentarily you wonder at it all –how this grizzled man, experienced in years, expert in his trade –can salute you –you who is still learning to shave
You carefully return the salute –conscious , terribly conscious of your role here.
These men, your crew, have laboured all night on this beast you will fly –laboured while you slept, laboured while you ate (and they on half rations now).
But you will fly –and will, must fight, win, or die.
And while you fight –they may sleep.
May
You climb in – at least this is no longer strange –since joining in the phillipines Nakamura ‘father’ to 47th –has seen to it that you know your job. He has given you the skill.
But only you can provide the courage.
You take a breath. Look right, look left. Gyubi -47ths other ace, grins, and points to the leaping tiger on the nose of his beast.
Tiger
Yes, you are a Tiger.
And suddenly the fear is gone –you want to get away, and fight.
There is a delay.
It stretches, and stretches into a warm morning, and 47th await the call
Port Blair is almost quiet. Almost, over the never ending chorus of frogs, the drone of insects, the low chatter of men, comes the regular low, terrible booooooooooooom, boooooooooooooooom,booooooooooooom, as the battleships to the North continue to pound away.
Nakamura stands in his cockpit, waves. A flare also shoots across the field –and men burst into life.
You are going
She starts well enough today – how embarrassing that time was!-and all gauges are good.
Taxiing –no thought to this today –just anxiety and care –its so bloody hard to see out of this beast on the ground!
Away –away at last –and you slip in behind and beside Juni, and climb, climb, climb
The island falls away –and now all of the world comes into view, and that acre of rice paddy you once called home really was so, so small, wasn’t I t
Then comes –the moment. Guns from safe to armed. The empire expects………..
Turning right, gently, and the air today is rough, you jog up and down in relation to that wing you station on, and the world growls, and vibrates, and all is so, so bright, you can see everything so clearly, you are so alive, so alive.
Is this a dream?. Are you really here?
Yes.
The engine beats on you, and dulls you, it is so loud……….
Juni vanishes from view, plunging down and hard left, and you almost miss it, and now that engine is gone, gone, gone, as every sense in your body snaps to turning, diving yourself, and for the briefest of moments you can feel it all, the aileron moving, its linkages, the stick, your hand, your mind, all as one –and now you are diving, throttle full –because –they do have twin tails! –there below are the enemy
There is no time to be afraid –you care more ‘heavens help you if you lose me!’ than about those shapes growing, growing, now turning, turning away, up and away, and you are pulling hard, hard, left ruddering, ruddering –and heavens! –I’m going to shoot! –and the gun is so shockingly loud, and it stinks, and you mis, and the bright, bright silver shape slides up and over your left shoulder, and you turn, turn –breathe!, but the circle will not meet, he climbs away , away.
You did not lose juni, and as you level out, you smile –and the smile turns to a yell, as something crashes behind you –and great streaks of tracer flash around you.
Rookie
You freeze, and Juni is already gone, and in panic now you fling the stick –no plan, no thought –and growling, no howling the beast flashes past as your head slams into the cockpit side, worlds spinning, whirling about you.
Rookie
A lucky rookie today
He missed, and training kicks in –full opposite rudder –stick forward, un stall, and pull out.
You feel sick, you shake, and breath comes in great gasps
And you have lost Juni
You wheel about, and climb, climb hard –how many times? –height is life! Height is life!
A tiger is falling, it flutters past –one wing gone –it falls flat, spinning madly, cockpit empty –and horror fills you –you know that Tiger.
Juni.
It flashes behind, your mind tries to assemble the sight –and a 38 grows in your lower stbd quarter.
You turn towards –and head on –you charge
Moments into seconds.
Seconds into hours
Hours into lifetimes –he grows, he grows.
You can see every detail, the propellers, the engine cones, his cockpit, and you can feel –feel each and every shell you fire, one, one, one, and they strike him, and bits are flying of him, and KABRAAAAAAAAAAAANg he flashes overhead, mere inches from you, and eeven as you haul back, turn into him –you know, know he is hurt –and YES!, he falls, he falls!, tumbling down, down, down where already a pyre marks Juni Tiger.
You land
Numb
You have killed, and it means nothing
“Heavens help you if you lose me!’
And there he is, the red face. A torn suit, but apparently unharmed.
The face smiles. ‘”You owe me an airplane rookie”
You feel nothing. Nothing but relief.
But you are no longer a rookie
Operations report
47th sentai, 85th, 87th sentai
CAP operations over Port Blair
3 Tigers lost (all pilots recovered)
1 p38 killed
47th sentai now 70 kills
(33 planes operational)
A hardness, a lump. Breathing is hard, and you try to hold the fear back.
Around you, your friends and companions chatter amiably, there is laughter and shared smokes.
The air is cool, and the ground damp. You check your equipment yet again, the chute chaffs, and your little flight board has an annoying habit of sliding around your thigh, and getting between your legs.
Above all, you feel awkward.
Today is your turn for combat.
Your eyes fix strongly on the scarred face, that horrible red splash across his face a constant reminder of what might happen today. But his eyes are confident –cold, hard yes –but filled with assurance.
‘14000’ feet today men –keep an eye on your oxygen needs –don’t use it unless you really must –its getting precious around here”
The eyes fix on you –a finger points “On me rookie –stick on me today, and if you move an inch –heaven help you”
You walk to your bird, as if in a dream.
The crew chief salutes you –and this is a shock –momentarily you wonder at it all –how this grizzled man, experienced in years, expert in his trade –can salute you –you who is still learning to shave
You carefully return the salute –conscious , terribly conscious of your role here.
These men, your crew, have laboured all night on this beast you will fly –laboured while you slept, laboured while you ate (and they on half rations now).
But you will fly –and will, must fight, win, or die.
And while you fight –they may sleep.
May
You climb in – at least this is no longer strange –since joining in the phillipines Nakamura ‘father’ to 47th –has seen to it that you know your job. He has given you the skill.
But only you can provide the courage.
You take a breath. Look right, look left. Gyubi -47ths other ace, grins, and points to the leaping tiger on the nose of his beast.
Tiger
Yes, you are a Tiger.
And suddenly the fear is gone –you want to get away, and fight.
There is a delay.
It stretches, and stretches into a warm morning, and 47th await the call
Port Blair is almost quiet. Almost, over the never ending chorus of frogs, the drone of insects, the low chatter of men, comes the regular low, terrible booooooooooooom, boooooooooooooooom,booooooooooooom, as the battleships to the North continue to pound away.
Nakamura stands in his cockpit, waves. A flare also shoots across the field –and men burst into life.
You are going
She starts well enough today – how embarrassing that time was!-and all gauges are good.
Taxiing –no thought to this today –just anxiety and care –its so bloody hard to see out of this beast on the ground!
Away –away at last –and you slip in behind and beside Juni, and climb, climb, climb
The island falls away –and now all of the world comes into view, and that acre of rice paddy you once called home really was so, so small, wasn’t I t
Then comes –the moment. Guns from safe to armed. The empire expects………..
Turning right, gently, and the air today is rough, you jog up and down in relation to that wing you station on, and the world growls, and vibrates, and all is so, so bright, you can see everything so clearly, you are so alive, so alive.
Is this a dream?. Are you really here?
Yes.
The engine beats on you, and dulls you, it is so loud……….
Juni vanishes from view, plunging down and hard left, and you almost miss it, and now that engine is gone, gone, gone, as every sense in your body snaps to turning, diving yourself, and for the briefest of moments you can feel it all, the aileron moving, its linkages, the stick, your hand, your mind, all as one –and now you are diving, throttle full –because –they do have twin tails! –there below are the enemy
There is no time to be afraid –you care more ‘heavens help you if you lose me!’ than about those shapes growing, growing, now turning, turning away, up and away, and you are pulling hard, hard, left ruddering, ruddering –and heavens! –I’m going to shoot! –and the gun is so shockingly loud, and it stinks, and you mis, and the bright, bright silver shape slides up and over your left shoulder, and you turn, turn –breathe!, but the circle will not meet, he climbs away , away.
You did not lose juni, and as you level out, you smile –and the smile turns to a yell, as something crashes behind you –and great streaks of tracer flash around you.
Rookie
You freeze, and Juni is already gone, and in panic now you fling the stick –no plan, no thought –and growling, no howling the beast flashes past as your head slams into the cockpit side, worlds spinning, whirling about you.
Rookie
A lucky rookie today
He missed, and training kicks in –full opposite rudder –stick forward, un stall, and pull out.
You feel sick, you shake, and breath comes in great gasps
And you have lost Juni
You wheel about, and climb, climb hard –how many times? –height is life! Height is life!
A tiger is falling, it flutters past –one wing gone –it falls flat, spinning madly, cockpit empty –and horror fills you –you know that Tiger.
Juni.
It flashes behind, your mind tries to assemble the sight –and a 38 grows in your lower stbd quarter.
You turn towards –and head on –you charge
Moments into seconds.
Seconds into hours
Hours into lifetimes –he grows, he grows.
You can see every detail, the propellers, the engine cones, his cockpit, and you can feel –feel each and every shell you fire, one, one, one, and they strike him, and bits are flying of him, and KABRAAAAAAAAAAAANg he flashes overhead, mere inches from you, and eeven as you haul back, turn into him –you know, know he is hurt –and YES!, he falls, he falls!, tumbling down, down, down where already a pyre marks Juni Tiger.
You land
Numb
You have killed, and it means nothing
“Heavens help you if you lose me!’
And there he is, the red face. A torn suit, but apparently unharmed.
The face smiles. ‘”You owe me an airplane rookie”
You feel nothing. Nothing but relief.
But you are no longer a rookie
Operations report
47th sentai, 85th, 87th sentai
CAP operations over Port Blair
3 Tigers lost (all pilots recovered)
1 p38 killed
47th sentai now 70 kills
(33 planes operational)
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
-
FeurerKrieg
- Posts: 3400
- Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:43 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
Nice entry. Felt like I was in the cockpit!
-
CV Zuikaku
- Posts: 442
- Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:25 pm
- Location: Legrad, Croatia
RE: herbiesan vs Cantona!!!
He just knows how to write [&o]