Dear honorable Mother,
Today, the attack against the Imperial Americans and dishonorable Australians has begun. I have just learned through secret channels that my opponent in the coming struggle is to be the feared American admiral Toro. This fills me with a sense of foreboding, yet I find myself welcoming the challenge. It will bring great honor to our family to defeat such a noble and wise admiral as Toro.
I am happy to report that the enemy has so far proven unworthy of honorable mention. Our troops have successfully overrun an outpost on the island of Guadarukanaru. The Americans call this isand "Guadalcanal". Also today, our brave soldiers have invaded the island base of Gili-Gili, finding great quantities of Australian beer and British tins of something called "Bully Beef". While hardly fresh sushimi and saki, it nonetheless was satisfying to men so hungry after a successful invasion.
Please mother, pray for me, for my challenge will be long and difficult. Admiral Toro is an honorable man, and I can only hope that the Gods will see fit to help me succeed in my struggle.
I have written a Haiku in honor of my new challenge....
Cherry blossoms grow
My enemy fears me now
I must defeat him
Goodbye for now, Mother. I will write when I can to let you know how I progress. Please tell Father hello.
Toro vs. Bax: Scenario 17 "Haiku's and Hand Grenades"
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
2 May 1942
Hi Ma,
I'm having to censor my own letters some, as we're told that otherwise they'll be thrown away or marked up anyways. This way, at least I know you'll get most of what I'm meaning to say.
We're getting underway today. Our carrier is headed away from our homeport of Noumea. That's a town at the bottom tip of New Caledonia, the southern island in these mosquito infested islands we're in. We've been told to get used to the climate, since we'll probably be here for a while. But, several contingents of engineers were present in the port, and I expect it might be more liveable soon, maybe by the time we get back to port.
I checked up on my plane this morning, and she's a good craft. The repair crew for the squadron seems pretty good, considering the green replacements we got recently. I expect they'll get their night's full of activity soon enough, as we've been told that the Japs have moved into the area in force in the last few weeks. We even heard rumor that they landed troops already on Guadalcanal, a big island north of us. From what the squadron commander said, this was much sooner than expected, and command thinks that our enemy used what's called "fast transports" to get their force on the island in quick form. Not sure if we're heading there or not, but I expect we'll know soon enough.
We've good company in our task force. Another carrier is with us, but I can't say her name, and quite an array of escort ships, too. The Japs better watch out if they meet us, that's all I have to say!
Morale is good on the ship, and everyone is looking forward to a fight.
Tell sis I said hi. I'll try to take some pictures with the camera you sent along. Has Lisa asked about me?
Love to all.
Hi Ma,
I'm having to censor my own letters some, as we're told that otherwise they'll be thrown away or marked up anyways. This way, at least I know you'll get most of what I'm meaning to say.
We're getting underway today. Our carrier is headed away from our homeport of Noumea. That's a town at the bottom tip of New Caledonia, the southern island in these mosquito infested islands we're in. We've been told to get used to the climate, since we'll probably be here for a while. But, several contingents of engineers were present in the port, and I expect it might be more liveable soon, maybe by the time we get back to port.
I checked up on my plane this morning, and she's a good craft. The repair crew for the squadron seems pretty good, considering the green replacements we got recently. I expect they'll get their night's full of activity soon enough, as we've been told that the Japs have moved into the area in force in the last few weeks. We even heard rumor that they landed troops already on Guadalcanal, a big island north of us. From what the squadron commander said, this was much sooner than expected, and command thinks that our enemy used what's called "fast transports" to get their force on the island in quick form. Not sure if we're heading there or not, but I expect we'll know soon enough.
We've good company in our task force. Another carrier is with us, but I can't say her name, and quite an array of escort ships, too. The Japs better watch out if they meet us, that's all I have to say!
Morale is good on the ship, and everyone is looking forward to a fight.
Tell sis I said hi. I'll try to take some pictures with the camera you sent along. Has Lisa asked about me?
Love to all.
I'll be slipping in and out of Japanese character from time to time to update the action in the game. But for today, I just wanted to comment on our game so far.
This is actually the second game that Toro and I have started. We both agreed to end the first game in a stalemate, since we had both made some pretty dumb mistakes at the beginning. I think this game will be a very close run thing, and will be very bloody.
It is no surprise to Toro that I will be moving fast right from the beginning to take possession of bases. I have learned that the Japanese must use fast transport to the fullest advantage, and consequently, I used that to immediately seize Lunga and Gili-Gili.
It would be foolish of me to divulge what my long-range plans are for conquest, of course, but Toro must know that he is vulnerable in many areas. Since I have seized bases in both the Solomons and PNG(Papau New Guinea), I could theoretically attack in either direction. I will attempt to keep Toro off balance and hopefully make him guess wrongly as to where my main thrusts will come.
While Port Moresby and Lunga are the obvious key bases, there is opportuniy for attacks in other areas, provided Toro does not watch his back. For Instance, how safe is Noumea if he races the Americal division up to Luganville to protect that base. If he concentrates all Australian forces into PM, then he risks getting cut off if I were able to take Townsville and Cairns.
As the Japanese in scenario 17, with 100% commitment for both sides, I will have only a small window of opportunity in which to conquer and consolidate before the eventual American air onslaught. I will endeavor to engage and destroy Toro's CV's. While he could theoretically play possum and not risk losing his CV's until more re-inforcements arrive, he can be assured that I will take advantage of that if he decides to play the game this way. Basically, I will do something to force him to come out and fight. But the question Toro will be asking himself is "Where"? and "When"?
Of course, Toro may try to dictate the course of battle. But if he does that, I feel that I can beat him in a standup fight at the opening stages. However, once his re-inforcements start rolling in, the initiative may well end up in his court. My job is to make sure that he remains off-balance as long as possible. It is a daunting task, but one that I look forward to.
Toro will be arriving back from the holidays soon, so the pace of our narrative should pick up shortly.
This is actually the second game that Toro and I have started. We both agreed to end the first game in a stalemate, since we had both made some pretty dumb mistakes at the beginning. I think this game will be a very close run thing, and will be very bloody.
It is no surprise to Toro that I will be moving fast right from the beginning to take possession of bases. I have learned that the Japanese must use fast transport to the fullest advantage, and consequently, I used that to immediately seize Lunga and Gili-Gili.
It would be foolish of me to divulge what my long-range plans are for conquest, of course, but Toro must know that he is vulnerable in many areas. Since I have seized bases in both the Solomons and PNG(Papau New Guinea), I could theoretically attack in either direction. I will attempt to keep Toro off balance and hopefully make him guess wrongly as to where my main thrusts will come.
While Port Moresby and Lunga are the obvious key bases, there is opportuniy for attacks in other areas, provided Toro does not watch his back. For Instance, how safe is Noumea if he races the Americal division up to Luganville to protect that base. If he concentrates all Australian forces into PM, then he risks getting cut off if I were able to take Townsville and Cairns.
As the Japanese in scenario 17, with 100% commitment for both sides, I will have only a small window of opportunity in which to conquer and consolidate before the eventual American air onslaught. I will endeavor to engage and destroy Toro's CV's. While he could theoretically play possum and not risk losing his CV's until more re-inforcements arrive, he can be assured that I will take advantage of that if he decides to play the game this way. Basically, I will do something to force him to come out and fight. But the question Toro will be asking himself is "Where"? and "When"?
Of course, Toro may try to dictate the course of battle. But if he does that, I feel that I can beat him in a standup fight at the opening stages. However, once his re-inforcements start rolling in, the initiative may well end up in his court. My job is to make sure that he remains off-balance as long as possible. It is a daunting task, but one that I look forward to.
Toro will be arriving back from the holidays soon, so the pace of our narrative should pick up shortly.
Originally posted by Grotius
Thanks for posting your AAR. I'm enjoying it. One question for Bax: can you divulge precisely what units you used to take Gili Gili and Lunga? Or is that information classified?
Well, I used Naval garrisons for both attacks. a small one (86th, I think) for Lunga, and the large 8th Naval Garrison for Gili-Gili. One thing I wish there was more of with the FOW, was a less accurate count of the emeny troops when you fight a land battle. The way it works right now, even if uncontested, a battle enables both sides to see precisely which units are in that hex. I wish there was more FOW in that regard.
One thing I forgot to mention is that Toro-san is very agressive with the use of his subs, and already the Emperor's drydocks are repairing damage to one of my CL's that was part of a Fast Transport TF.
-
Cap Mandrake
- Posts: 20737
- Joined: Fri Nov 15, 2002 8:37 am
- Location: Southern California
Originally posted by Cap Mandrake
Bax...please stay in Japanese character...that was hilarious...I almost booted up the the program to find "Guadarukanaru" before I realized I had been had.
Dear Mandrake-san,
I have written a Haiku for you....
Mandrake is his name
pearls of wisdom are his trade
honor fullfills him
According to John Toland's epic document of the Japanese viewpoint of World War II, "The Rising Sun", page 432... the Japanese name for Guadalcanal was Gadarukanaru. No kidding.
Btw, if you've never read the book, I highly recommend it. It's a fascinating account of WWII as seen by the Japanese.
-
Coach Zuck
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2002 11:34 am
- Location: Long Island NY
-
Cap Mandrake
- Posts: 20737
- Joined: Fri Nov 15, 2002 8:37 am
- Location: Southern California
Wow..a haiku....I don't think anyone ever wrote me a haiku before. I hope that doesn't mean we're going steady or something:eek:
Now about the "Guadarukanaru" thing, that HAS to be some insider joke perpetrated by someone in Japanese High Command.
Check out this site: www.engrish.com/
Now about the "Guadarukanaru" thing, that HAS to be some insider joke perpetrated by someone in Japanese High Command.
Check out this site: www.engrish.com/
Dear most honorable Mother,
Our conquest of the Southwest Pacific continues. Although the enemy's cowardly attacks with his submarine force have proven troublesome, his is a futile effort. Our advance continues into other islands in the area. So far, everything is going according to plan.
The soldiers on Gili-Gili reported an intense bombardment last night from Allied surface forces, but fortunately little damage was done. A few of his Majesty's imperial soldiers have not necessarily survived the bombardment, but they have achieved eternal glory through their sacrifice. Please pray for them at the Yasakuni Shrine.
There is a rumor of two large, well-protected American aircraft carriers in the area somewhere. We must find these ships and destroy them.
A little bird sat outside my window this morning and sang a beautiful song. I feel that it is a good omen. I have written a Haiku to express my feelings this morning:
Little bird singing
American carriers
we must destroy them
It is very hot, and I expect it to rain soon. The weather here is very unpredictable.
Goodbye for now, Mother. Please say hello to my little sister, Noriko. Please do not worry about my saftey. The gods will protect me.
Our conquest of the Southwest Pacific continues. Although the enemy's cowardly attacks with his submarine force have proven troublesome, his is a futile effort. Our advance continues into other islands in the area. So far, everything is going according to plan.
The soldiers on Gili-Gili reported an intense bombardment last night from Allied surface forces, but fortunately little damage was done. A few of his Majesty's imperial soldiers have not necessarily survived the bombardment, but they have achieved eternal glory through their sacrifice. Please pray for them at the Yasakuni Shrine.
There is a rumor of two large, well-protected American aircraft carriers in the area somewhere. We must find these ships and destroy them.
A little bird sat outside my window this morning and sang a beautiful song. I feel that it is a good omen. I have written a Haiku to express my feelings this morning:
Little bird singing
American carriers
we must destroy them
It is very hot, and I expect it to rain soon. The weather here is very unpredictable.
Goodbye for now, Mother. Please say hello to my little sister, Noriko. Please do not worry about my saftey. The gods will protect me.
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
8 May 1942
Hi Ma,
How's everyone back home? Hope Dad recovers from his fall you wrote about. Tell him to be careful of the cellar steps. I've told him a hundred times to fix the bracing underneath. He'll never listen.
I've gotten some flying in over the last few days, but still no sign of Japs. Our task force has changed directions, and we hear rumors that the Japs continue to advance on the Australian bases in the area. There's a port called Gili Gili (no fooling) at the tip of New Guinea that was captured by them in the last couple of days, along with some other bases along the north side of New Guinea. They seem to be as mad as a dog in the summer heat when it comes to war and all.
The tension is building on the ship. Everyone's anxious for combat. Not that we want to fight and kill anybody, you know, but we gotta stop these Japs and just hearing about the enemy without seeing him is driving us all a bit nuts.
Someone on the ship told me that our subs have been active the last few days, one shot a Jap cruiser and a tanker at their big base of Rabaul. That's way north of us, so don't worry about me. I guess that really means that things are beginning to heat up around here. We also heard that there was a big airstrike on Port Moresby, the main Aussie base in New Guinea. Not a lot of damage, word has it, but rumor is that the attacking planes were carrier based. That means Jap carriers are in the theater. Port Moresby's a long ways away from us, unfortunately. Everyone really has a hankering for some action. All we seem to be doing are steaming in circles and practicing carrier take-offs and landings.
More soon!
Love.
Hi Ma,
How's everyone back home? Hope Dad recovers from his fall you wrote about. Tell him to be careful of the cellar steps. I've told him a hundred times to fix the bracing underneath. He'll never listen.
I've gotten some flying in over the last few days, but still no sign of Japs. Our task force has changed directions, and we hear rumors that the Japs continue to advance on the Australian bases in the area. There's a port called Gili Gili (no fooling) at the tip of New Guinea that was captured by them in the last couple of days, along with some other bases along the north side of New Guinea. They seem to be as mad as a dog in the summer heat when it comes to war and all.
The tension is building on the ship. Everyone's anxious for combat. Not that we want to fight and kill anybody, you know, but we gotta stop these Japs and just hearing about the enemy without seeing him is driving us all a bit nuts.
Someone on the ship told me that our subs have been active the last few days, one shot a Jap cruiser and a tanker at their big base of Rabaul. That's way north of us, so don't worry about me. I guess that really means that things are beginning to heat up around here. We also heard that there was a big airstrike on Port Moresby, the main Aussie base in New Guinea. Not a lot of damage, word has it, but rumor is that the attacking planes were carrier based. That means Jap carriers are in the theater. Port Moresby's a long ways away from us, unfortunately. Everyone really has a hankering for some action. All we seem to be doing are steaming in circles and practicing carrier take-offs and landings.
More soon!
Love.
May 9, 1942
Dear father,
Please do not let mother read this letter. I sometimes can't tell her the complete truth because I know she worries about me.
The truth is, father, that the fighting in and around Lae and Port Moresby has become very intense and bloody. This morning, a large convoy of our ships docked in Lae harbor in order to resupply the garrison there with food, ammunition and supplies. Unfortunately, even though our ships were provided with a large amount of fighter cover from some of our best units, the Americans were able to score hits on at least three ships. Some of these ships were loaded with troops, so as you can imagine, there were many deaths. These massive four-engined American bombers that attacked our ships seem impervious to our vaunted Zero fighter. And the accuracy! I'm afraid that if 12 bombers can score 9 hits from that high an altitude, the war could be more difficult than we had ever imagined.
Nevertheless, the unloading continues in Lae harbor, and we can only hope that our fighters will be able to drive the American bombers away. The gods of weather were also not with us today. We had hoped for storms to cover the ships in Lae harbor, but the gods sent only scattered clouds.
More news on that tanker and it's brave crew that were torpedoed yesterday by the Americans. At headquarters today, we were unable to communicate with that tanker anymore. I have a feeling of forboding, and I fear for the lives of those gallant men.
On a positive note, our fliers from Rabaul and from a secret task force continue to punish the Australian base at Port Moresby, and we are still attacking and capturing bases.
I do not feel so much like writing a haiku today, but since I know how much you like to read them, here is the best I can do under the stressful circumstances...
Foul fire fills the sky
destruction everywhere
blood and chaos reign
That is all the time I have to write tonight. I will write more when I can. Goodnight father, please kiss mother for me.
Dear father,
Please do not let mother read this letter. I sometimes can't tell her the complete truth because I know she worries about me.
The truth is, father, that the fighting in and around Lae and Port Moresby has become very intense and bloody. This morning, a large convoy of our ships docked in Lae harbor in order to resupply the garrison there with food, ammunition and supplies. Unfortunately, even though our ships were provided with a large amount of fighter cover from some of our best units, the Americans were able to score hits on at least three ships. Some of these ships were loaded with troops, so as you can imagine, there were many deaths. These massive four-engined American bombers that attacked our ships seem impervious to our vaunted Zero fighter. And the accuracy! I'm afraid that if 12 bombers can score 9 hits from that high an altitude, the war could be more difficult than we had ever imagined.
Nevertheless, the unloading continues in Lae harbor, and we can only hope that our fighters will be able to drive the American bombers away. The gods of weather were also not with us today. We had hoped for storms to cover the ships in Lae harbor, but the gods sent only scattered clouds.
More news on that tanker and it's brave crew that were torpedoed yesterday by the Americans. At headquarters today, we were unable to communicate with that tanker anymore. I have a feeling of forboding, and I fear for the lives of those gallant men.
On a positive note, our fliers from Rabaul and from a secret task force continue to punish the Australian base at Port Moresby, and we are still attacking and capturing bases.
I do not feel so much like writing a haiku today, but since I know how much you like to read them, here is the best I can do under the stressful circumstances...
Foul fire fills the sky
destruction everywhere
blood and chaos reign
That is all the time I have to write tonight. I will write more when I can. Goodnight father, please kiss mother for me.
May 10, 1942
Dear Father,
I must keep this note short, as we are very busy here at headquarters preparing for the capture of more enemy bases. But I wanted to write and inform you of some developments. In a bold move, our command has moved a good portion of our air assets to Lae. This was supposed to help keep the pressure on the enemy at Port Moresby. Unfortunately, the pilots of his Imperial Majesty's air fleet have not demonstrated their superior skills in air combat, or in attacking enemy surface units.
In a large battle over Port Moresby today, land-based air units from Lae enaged a large American convoy that is trying to re-supply Port Moresby. Even though escorted by one of our best Zero fighter units, many of our bombers fell victim to the Allied fighter CAP and anti-aircraft fire. Early reports indicate only one(!) torpedo hit on the American transports docked at Port Moresby so far. This result is beyond shocking to me. That 30 bombers who survived to attack docked ships in the harbor scored only one hit, does not bode well for the future. I truly do not understand, father. How can it be that 12 American B-17 bombers can put 9 bombs onto target from 6,000 ft, yet our vastly more experienced(and well-rested) bomber crews could not put more than one torpedo hit on motionless ships in harbor?! And how can it be that so many of our Zero fighters have fallen to greatly inferior aircraft engaged at a lower altitude?
I am so disgruntled, that I must write a Haiku to express my anger...
Forces of Nippon
failure in duty today
saki must calm me
That is all I have time to say tonight, father. Pray for our empire, for the enemy has proven himself to be the equal of our warriors.
Dear Father,
I must keep this note short, as we are very busy here at headquarters preparing for the capture of more enemy bases. But I wanted to write and inform you of some developments. In a bold move, our command has moved a good portion of our air assets to Lae. This was supposed to help keep the pressure on the enemy at Port Moresby. Unfortunately, the pilots of his Imperial Majesty's air fleet have not demonstrated their superior skills in air combat, or in attacking enemy surface units.
In a large battle over Port Moresby today, land-based air units from Lae enaged a large American convoy that is trying to re-supply Port Moresby. Even though escorted by one of our best Zero fighter units, many of our bombers fell victim to the Allied fighter CAP and anti-aircraft fire. Early reports indicate only one(!) torpedo hit on the American transports docked at Port Moresby so far. This result is beyond shocking to me. That 30 bombers who survived to attack docked ships in the harbor scored only one hit, does not bode well for the future. I truly do not understand, father. How can it be that 12 American B-17 bombers can put 9 bombs onto target from 6,000 ft, yet our vastly more experienced(and well-rested) bomber crews could not put more than one torpedo hit on motionless ships in harbor?! And how can it be that so many of our Zero fighters have fallen to greatly inferior aircraft engaged at a lower altitude?
I am so disgruntled, that I must write a Haiku to express my anger...
Forces of Nippon
failure in duty today
saki must calm me
That is all I have time to say tonight, father. Pray for our empire, for the enemy has proven himself to be the equal of our warriors.
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
11 May 1942
Hi Uncle Frank,
Well, we finally saw some action today. I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever get into this war. Command was keeping us a bit in the dark as to our actual location -- sometimes they take this secrecy thing too far, I think (hope that last remark isn't censored out!). But, over the last couple days, our task force moved quickly up toward New Guinea and took station near Port Moresby, a big Aussie base on the southern part of the island. My squadron was given orders to provide long range CAP (that's combat air patrol, or flying around protecting the skies for friendlies from the bad guys) over a transport group sending supplies or something into the base. Well, during the day, two large Japanese bombing formations attacked the transport ships and we got to tangle with them. It was kind of hairy at first, being my first real action and all. But we came out way better than they did, losing only two planes to their thirty or so! Best part was they only scored a single hit on the ships. I even got a kill (though that's still being verified by command). On my way to being an ace.
Anyway, I think those sailors owe us a round or two!
The Japs have moved onto several more small islands and bases in the area, but aside from the air attacks I wrote about earlier, they haven't made any big moves against us. I sure hope we hit them hard and quick, teach them a bit about what it means to attack the good old U S of A.
Tell Aunt Martha I said hey.
Hi Uncle Frank,
Well, we finally saw some action today. I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever get into this war. Command was keeping us a bit in the dark as to our actual location -- sometimes they take this secrecy thing too far, I think (hope that last remark isn't censored out!). But, over the last couple days, our task force moved quickly up toward New Guinea and took station near Port Moresby, a big Aussie base on the southern part of the island. My squadron was given orders to provide long range CAP (that's combat air patrol, or flying around protecting the skies for friendlies from the bad guys) over a transport group sending supplies or something into the base. Well, during the day, two large Japanese bombing formations attacked the transport ships and we got to tangle with them. It was kind of hairy at first, being my first real action and all. But we came out way better than they did, losing only two planes to their thirty or so! Best part was they only scored a single hit on the ships. I even got a kill (though that's still being verified by command). On my way to being an ace.
Anyway, I think those sailors owe us a round or two!
The Japs have moved onto several more small islands and bases in the area, but aside from the air attacks I wrote about earlier, they haven't made any big moves against us. I sure hope we hit them hard and quick, teach them a bit about what it means to attack the good old U S of A.
Tell Aunt Martha I said hey.
May 12, 1942
Dear Mother,
I write to you today to tell you of some success in our operations against the Americans and Australians. As father may have told you, we have been trying to stop the Americans from re-supplying Port Moresby for many days, now. I am happy to tell you that we are finally making some progress. The gallant warriors in our bombers were able to torpedo many ships yesterday in the harbor at Port Moresby while they unloaded troops and supplies. While we were not able to prevent the Australians from unloading troops, at least some of their transports will not be of use for some time. We may have even damaged some of them enough where they will sink!
I have been well, mother. Please do not worry about me. Thank you so much for the cakes and sardines you sent last week. They were delicious.
Please tell Noriko that I have spoken with her friend from school, Morimoto-san, and he wishes me to tell her that he thinks of her often.
Everything is going along very well here, mother. You need not worry, as casualties have been light, and we have the Allies on the run. We are getting re-inforcements daily, which will help us to smash the enemy in the near future. The Allied bases in the south are rumored to be very lightly defended, so opportunity is present in many different locations in the region. Nobody knows where we will strike next.
I will continue in my attempts to bring honor to our family name, I will not let you down.
I have written a Haiku for you tonight, as I know how much you like them....
Soft ocean breezes
thoughts of mother calms me
I sleep well tonight
Dear Mother,
I write to you today to tell you of some success in our operations against the Americans and Australians. As father may have told you, we have been trying to stop the Americans from re-supplying Port Moresby for many days, now. I am happy to tell you that we are finally making some progress. The gallant warriors in our bombers were able to torpedo many ships yesterday in the harbor at Port Moresby while they unloaded troops and supplies. While we were not able to prevent the Australians from unloading troops, at least some of their transports will not be of use for some time. We may have even damaged some of them enough where they will sink!
I have been well, mother. Please do not worry about me. Thank you so much for the cakes and sardines you sent last week. They were delicious.
Please tell Noriko that I have spoken with her friend from school, Morimoto-san, and he wishes me to tell her that he thinks of her often.
Everything is going along very well here, mother. You need not worry, as casualties have been light, and we have the Allies on the run. We are getting re-inforcements daily, which will help us to smash the enemy in the near future. The Allied bases in the south are rumored to be very lightly defended, so opportunity is present in many different locations in the region. Nobody knows where we will strike next.
I will continue in my attempts to bring honor to our family name, I will not let you down.
I have written a Haiku for you tonight, as I know how much you like them....
Soft ocean breezes
thoughts of mother calms me
I sleep well tonight
-
Inigo Montoya
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 3:25 pm
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
12 May 1942
Hi Dad,
Well, it's official. I have two enemy kills to my record! Both were from a couple days back. I thought I only had one, but my wingmate confirmed the second.
We had another tangle with the Japs over Port Moresby today. There were a bunch of Jap torpedo planes (land based, as opposed to carrier based like I fly with) that attacked some of our transports unloading supplies at the port, and we mixed it up with them. Strange, they didn't have any fighter escort. Not sure what was the reason for that. I suppose it's one of those situations where the fighter escort didn't make contact with their charges and so the attack planes came in alone. It cost them, though, with thirteen destroyed and thirteen more damaged. I got a piece of a couple, but no more to add to my tally. Three other guys in the squadron, though, also have two kills, so it seems there's kind of a run to see who makes ace first. Our squadron commander chewed us out after the flight, though. I think he means to tell us to keep our minds on our jobs and not our numbers. Don't worry. I'll keep my head straight and not do anything stupid. We heard there were already two aces in the theater, both Aussies. Well, we'll have to do something about that.
The attacking Japs managed to torpedo two of the transports, unfortunately. Guess our luck couldn't hold out forever. Kind of impressive, though, for those fellas to fly in without cover, get shot up and down, and still make a couple hits. One of the ships was burning pretty heavily as we flew back to the carrier.
A bunch of guys from the squadron made some cornbread tonight in the galley. The mess gang let us have the run of the place, but we had to promise them to clean up afterwards. I used Mom's recipe, and you can tell her it was a hit all around. I didn't even have to do any clean-up, everyone was so impressed!
We got a report of subs in the area. Guess the Japs got wind of us in the area, and are trying to do their best to locate our "home base." Oh, and we also got word that one of the destroyers hit earlier this week sank. Good. One less to fire flak our way.
Tell everyone I said hey.
Hi Dad,
Well, it's official. I have two enemy kills to my record! Both were from a couple days back. I thought I only had one, but my wingmate confirmed the second.
We had another tangle with the Japs over Port Moresby today. There were a bunch of Jap torpedo planes (land based, as opposed to carrier based like I fly with) that attacked some of our transports unloading supplies at the port, and we mixed it up with them. Strange, they didn't have any fighter escort. Not sure what was the reason for that. I suppose it's one of those situations where the fighter escort didn't make contact with their charges and so the attack planes came in alone. It cost them, though, with thirteen destroyed and thirteen more damaged. I got a piece of a couple, but no more to add to my tally. Three other guys in the squadron, though, also have two kills, so it seems there's kind of a run to see who makes ace first. Our squadron commander chewed us out after the flight, though. I think he means to tell us to keep our minds on our jobs and not our numbers. Don't worry. I'll keep my head straight and not do anything stupid. We heard there were already two aces in the theater, both Aussies. Well, we'll have to do something about that.
The attacking Japs managed to torpedo two of the transports, unfortunately. Guess our luck couldn't hold out forever. Kind of impressive, though, for those fellas to fly in without cover, get shot up and down, and still make a couple hits. One of the ships was burning pretty heavily as we flew back to the carrier.
A bunch of guys from the squadron made some cornbread tonight in the galley. The mess gang let us have the run of the place, but we had to promise them to clean up afterwards. I used Mom's recipe, and you can tell her it was a hit all around. I didn't even have to do any clean-up, everyone was so impressed!
We got a report of subs in the area. Guess the Japs got wind of us in the area, and are trying to do their best to locate our "home base." Oh, and we also got word that one of the destroyers hit earlier this week sank. Good. One less to fire flak our way.
Tell everyone I said hey.