Thankyou greyjoy, I very much enjoy your AAR
This is my relaxation therapy!
(i need a lot of it..............[:D])
The rim of the sun is touching the ocean
Shadows are growing. The ocean has taken that grey menacing look it takes in this hour.
Zuiho and her friends rush east, at maximum power.
And silence reigns
There is but one plane onboard her, Lt Akashima’s damaged Kate. No fighters spotted, no bombers sitting on the fan tail waiting.
Silence fills the ship.
They have been drifting to the flight deck now for the last hour, men off watch. Men who should be on watch. Men who should be asleep, or resting.
They stand silent beside the flight deck crews, as if yet another pair of eyes would help.
As if they can will the missing planes home.
Darkness is falling soon, and the skies are empty.
For the tenth time, Kato checks the chart.
Does the sums
Theoretically, they are in range
Theoretically.
But if Hidaka is one degree of course…………
Silence, turning to despair is filling Zuiho.
Where, Oh brothers, are you?
The sea mist, the evening mist is thickening.
The sun is in their faces.
The ocean is still empty
And the fuel gauge reads a sixth.
Hidaka grimaces. And pushes on.
They have been hunted for how many days?. Out there, those swarms of submarines still lurk. There is only 20 minutes of light left………..
Kato makes the decision. “Gunnery!….Starshell!, every 30 seconds, maximum elevation!”
But the guns have not yet fired, when the deck erupts in cheers. There, bright stars in the sun, (for they are still in it above the darkening sea) Hidaka and Zuiho’s men come into sight.
Kato enters the ready room.
Sprawled about are his men. Pale, eyes dark pits. Slumped in utter exhaustion.
Heads barely stir as he enters.
What can he say?
Hidaka struggles to his feet.
“Tough?”
Hidaka nods. “enough, yes”
‘We are in the ninth, I think Hidaka. One more innings, I think.”
And yet Hidaka can still raise a smile. ‘I hope there is one more, you know, I haven’t got a score yet”
( pilot fatigue is average 65! For bombers, 50 plus for fighters!)
4/1/43
The fleet is still in enemy waters, retiring towards the northwest yes, but still in range of whatever is throw able against them.
Three men.
Uto
Hidaka
Ogawa
Zuiho’s contribution to the Combat patrol over the retreating fleet.
Three men, high, high above, at 20000 feet.
Circling, circling.
They are many miles to the south of the fleet, trip wire to anything that might come.
Liberators come.
Three only.
But they carry 12000 lbs of death in those fat silver bellies.
They have already slipped below and past them when they are spotted, 5000 feet below.
Hidaka waggles his wings.
Three men, each with motivations of their own, wheel and dive into the attack.
Stern attack
Hidaka leads, Uto follows, Ogawa on his wing
The enemy guns bark, tracer spitting.
They ignore it, flashing over the top of the bombers by mere feet, bright flashes exploding over the port bomber
They wheel up after the attack, climbing, climbing, matching the bombers,……..and one engine has stopped.
And Hidaka curses, ahead, he can see many, many fighters rising to the intercept.
Not much time
And Uto curses, for something has struck him, and blood splatters the canopy, and his shoulder is numb, numb, numb
And Ogawa curses, for he has missed. His fifth remains so elusive!
Hidaka rolls over, and dives again, the bomber rushes up at him, and again the guns slam, and chatter, the stink of the cordite, the rising dust in the cockpit, the bellow of the engine, flashing past, glimpses of Uto diving past even faster……..
…….
Ninth innings. And Hidaka has finally scored.
Okura enters the ready room.
He has been aloft again, ASW all morning.
Somehow, he has not fallen asleep……….somehow.
He enters the ready room, and see’s Uto.
Several men attend to him, carefully working at cutting his flight suit away
His face is still stained by the marks of the oxygen mask, his suit a patchwork of brown and red as well.
One side of it appears soaked….and they know that stain very well.
They lock eyes.
Uto , despite obvious pain, smiles. ‘Apparently I am made of flesh too”
‘Your father would be pleased. Now his Son is a hero too”
Uto’s smile vanishes.
‘I am not my Father Okura. My father does not know Japan. He just knows power, and the pursuit of it. Japan will outlive him Okura, Japan will outlive us all”
Okura watches the blood flow, can see even from here the nasty gash the splinter has created.
Yes. Japan is eternal. Nation of the Gods. And Uto too, is willing to shed blood for her.
I have been mistaken
Very mistaken
And suddenly, his eyes are tear filled.
He stumbles to the deck, to do his duty again.
The little ship that could.
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: ouch
It is the seventh
The nightmare rests some days behind them now.
The entire fleet steams north west towards Japan, tanks recently topped up by the tanker fleet that could not have delayed another day.
Incredibly, it seems to the men, nothing has been seen of the enemy since the last attack by the liberators.
“And how are we below Tan?”
Kato looks refreshed. Chipper even. Amazing what a solid 6 hours of sleep can do.
“we are good sir”
‘Truly?’
Tan smiles. Yes, engineers are meant to gild the lilly to captains at times, but truly, Zuiho is running well.
‘We will need boiler cleans soon, and condensor cleans too. Can we expect any port time soon sir?’
Kato smiles. A genuine smile. “Japan soon. This whole sorry affair has strained many ships. We need a rest”
He checks his chart. “ besides, I cannot imagine the allies attacking anywhere soon, can you?’
Tan, who knows as much about naval strategy, and the state of the war, makes a guess as good as a school boys
“No, I cannot. A rest will be good”
His opinion reflects all in high command.
Pity his guess is as wrong as theirs………………..
Eighth, ninth, Tenth and eleventh of January
The fleet retires to Home waters. And we mean, THE fleet. Barely a warship remains south of the equator, a few light cruisers out of Singapore, a handful of APDs at Soerabaya, and a large squadron of APDs at Truk.
Undetected, Unmolested the great ships scatter across the breadth of the home islands.
Many, a great many immediately drydock, and commence refits.
The majority of carriers require dock time.
Through out Japan a massive, hidden ‘invasion’will take place. The naval uniform will dominate her streets these days.
Zuiho enters Osaka tomorrow. Her maintenance needs are few, a week for boiler cleans, and condensor cleans. Only limited leave will be granted though, new fighters, the AM3a model will be delivered.
They will need much work to qualify and sign off on.
Kato calls it. If the Engineers, and the hanger slaves have to work, then all can.
But evening shore leave will be allowed.
‘sir, if I may?”
Tan looks up from his work.. The refit plans, the bane of his life this week.
A bright face, that ugly blemish of the burns……..pity that they have never healed perfectly. “yes Hirate?’
“Sir, rumour has it, Japan tomorrow. , and I ……….”
“was going to ask for some extended leave?’
the petty officer goes red with embarrassment “ Sir, this week is my third wedding anniversary, and the second birthday of my child. I…..I am yet to have made one.”
There is silence
Both men know that there are many, many men who have already knocked on this door.
‘Japan cannot ask her warriors to weaken over women Hirate”
‘Hie”
he turns to leave.
“However, I believe that the Charge needs some parts pronto, from……..”he scuffles some papers on the desk…….’Ah, yes, here is the demand……some , I believe, Monkey grease, a left handed screwdriver from Hiroshima………you live there don’t you ?’
‘yes sir!’
“well then, you had better fetch it then. ‘
Overjoyed, Hirate salutes, “Thankyou sir!’.
‘Oh, and Hirate….make sure it IS a left handed screwdriver…………”
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
-
ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: ouch
Been a L O N G, long time since I heard these two expressions. Brought up some good memories. THANKS!!
Add in the sending of a new recruit on board down to the boilers to get a 'bucket of steam.' [:D]
[center]
[/center]
[/center]RE: ouch
13/1/43
Zuiho lies quiet alongside her pier
She has been lucky again, and is receiving shore supplies.
Her machinery is quiet, but her men are not
In her hanger, 18 brand new fighters rest, men swarming over them. They have that delightful new smell about them. Hidaka believes it will take a week to prepare the new eagles
Below decks, two boilers are again in pieces, and the familiar routine of sealing brickwork prior to internal and external cleans is underway.
It will be miserable work this, it is , of course, mid winter. The water to wash down will be heated to ease soot removal, but wet men cannot be.
We have discussed this task before, it will take a week. Like the history books, we will draw a veil over it.
A bitter task that will be done.
The Officers, Kato, his XO, attend an Imperial HQ briefing.
Herbiesan attends it.
Many, a great many, are wary of the inevitable wrath of the botched mission, but are surprised by his dismissal of it………”crap happens ney?”
What he does want, is purely political.
Nobody expects the allies, Fleet carrier less, to launch an offensive.
But nor do they seem inclined to give up.
“Gentlemen, I am about to inform the people to prepare for a long war.. Not, a pleasant task for a man like me. But, and I mean but, nothing fills news like this, than having proof of our strength visible to the public.
I intend that every available ship will be reviewed on the 22nd of this month, here in Tokyo bay.
Make all plans around this.”
Yamamoto nods to himself. It makes sense this. Nearly every ship is here already, or in Japan. Only some destroyers need more than a week of work.
A fleet review.
A morale booster.
A chance to test the waters of the commands again.
And a chance to re organize, catch our breath, and go again.
A fine idea.
“Herbiesan, the fleet feels this an excellent idea. The 22nd it is. It will be quite a show I would think”
14/1/43
Hidaka faces the two men. Uto, Ogawa. “men, again the opportunity is there. 180 days ashore…….staff course for you both. Uto, I believe the press would like a chance at you , yes?’
‘Stuff the press…..let them wonder. I am staying”
‘And you Ogawa?’
“May I think on it sir?”
Hidaka considers his answer. I really should insist. If we get a decent rest………if not. No man can remain at his peak forever.
Not even Ogawa.
Any of us for that matter.
‘You have three days. Now get ashore, and get drunk, and that’s an order”
15/1/43
The little path to the front door is still as familiar as ever, even after all this time.
The flowers, the small gifts in his hand tremble slightly
Hirate approaches quietly
Anniversery
Birthday
And he will surprise them both, Oh Kuko, how I love you.
He opens the door, quietly.
Kuko is on the low couch.
Semi naked
Her lover is totally naked.
16/1/43
Extract from Shattering the sword, a cantona production.
Yesterday, the Japanese swept Horn island, trying to provoke a response, probing allied strengths.
To their intense shock, they have found it.
50 plus b17 pound wewak, and crush it, instantly breaking the back of 25th flotilla.
Worse however is reported.
Horn island is packed with aircraft, many, a great many thought to be transports.
But whatever thought Japan has about this, whatever alarm it raises, cannot stop what is coming.
The invasion of Merauke will go ahead.
WO Fuchida, of the 47th sentai surveys the base of wewak about him.
It’s a mess.
A very busy mess however
In the harbour, the first of a great number of Mavis transports are taxiing into the small pier. Troops for Merauke are already being loaded.
Extra zero fighters from 21st Flotilla are landing.
Somehow, he thinks, I have finally landed into the thick of it.
17/1/43
From
1/90th regiment
Merauke
Two battleships, Royal sovereign class, 2 heavy cruisers, County class, many destroyers bombarding
There appear to be attack transports approaching.
We will fight to the death
Zuiho lies quiet alongside her pier
She has been lucky again, and is receiving shore supplies.
Her machinery is quiet, but her men are not
In her hanger, 18 brand new fighters rest, men swarming over them. They have that delightful new smell about them. Hidaka believes it will take a week to prepare the new eagles
Below decks, two boilers are again in pieces, and the familiar routine of sealing brickwork prior to internal and external cleans is underway.
It will be miserable work this, it is , of course, mid winter. The water to wash down will be heated to ease soot removal, but wet men cannot be.
We have discussed this task before, it will take a week. Like the history books, we will draw a veil over it.
A bitter task that will be done.
The Officers, Kato, his XO, attend an Imperial HQ briefing.
Herbiesan attends it.
Many, a great many, are wary of the inevitable wrath of the botched mission, but are surprised by his dismissal of it………”crap happens ney?”
What he does want, is purely political.
Nobody expects the allies, Fleet carrier less, to launch an offensive.
But nor do they seem inclined to give up.
“Gentlemen, I am about to inform the people to prepare for a long war.. Not, a pleasant task for a man like me. But, and I mean but, nothing fills news like this, than having proof of our strength visible to the public.
I intend that every available ship will be reviewed on the 22nd of this month, here in Tokyo bay.
Make all plans around this.”
Yamamoto nods to himself. It makes sense this. Nearly every ship is here already, or in Japan. Only some destroyers need more than a week of work.
A fleet review.
A morale booster.
A chance to test the waters of the commands again.
And a chance to re organize, catch our breath, and go again.
A fine idea.
“Herbiesan, the fleet feels this an excellent idea. The 22nd it is. It will be quite a show I would think”
14/1/43
Hidaka faces the two men. Uto, Ogawa. “men, again the opportunity is there. 180 days ashore…….staff course for you both. Uto, I believe the press would like a chance at you , yes?’
‘Stuff the press…..let them wonder. I am staying”
‘And you Ogawa?’
“May I think on it sir?”
Hidaka considers his answer. I really should insist. If we get a decent rest………if not. No man can remain at his peak forever.
Not even Ogawa.
Any of us for that matter.
‘You have three days. Now get ashore, and get drunk, and that’s an order”
15/1/43
The little path to the front door is still as familiar as ever, even after all this time.
The flowers, the small gifts in his hand tremble slightly
Hirate approaches quietly
Anniversery
Birthday
And he will surprise them both, Oh Kuko, how I love you.
He opens the door, quietly.
Kuko is on the low couch.
Semi naked
Her lover is totally naked.
16/1/43
Extract from Shattering the sword, a cantona production.
Yesterday, the Japanese swept Horn island, trying to provoke a response, probing allied strengths.
To their intense shock, they have found it.
50 plus b17 pound wewak, and crush it, instantly breaking the back of 25th flotilla.
Worse however is reported.
Horn island is packed with aircraft, many, a great many thought to be transports.
But whatever thought Japan has about this, whatever alarm it raises, cannot stop what is coming.
The invasion of Merauke will go ahead.
WO Fuchida, of the 47th sentai surveys the base of wewak about him.
It’s a mess.
A very busy mess however
In the harbour, the first of a great number of Mavis transports are taxiing into the small pier. Troops for Merauke are already being loaded.
Extra zero fighters from 21st Flotilla are landing.
Somehow, he thinks, I have finally landed into the thick of it.
17/1/43
From
1/90th regiment
Merauke
Two battleships, Royal sovereign class, 2 heavy cruisers, County class, many destroyers bombarding
There appear to be attack transports approaching.
We will fight to the death
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
13/1/43
15/1/43
Anniversery
Birthday
And he will surprise them both, Oh Kuko, how I love you.
He opens the door, quietly....
you are a one cruel individual my friend (and a wonderful writer too [&o]).
best regards
the first ones are remembered
RE: ouch
Hi Hosho!
Sorry you have not been mentioned lately, you are getting fat in a camp outside of rangoon, 15th Army in reserve.
Unfortunately, Hirate experience based on a IRL experience.............[:(]
Guys, while I am out of the story line for a minute, should I really consider putting Ogawa ashore?, I have no experience of this 180 days ashore thing.
I personally think he needs it...........
Sorry you have not been mentioned lately, you are getting fat in a camp outside of rangoon, 15th Army in reserve.
Unfortunately, Hirate experience based on a IRL experience.............[:(]
Guys, while I am out of the story line for a minute, should I really consider putting Ogawa ashore?, I have no experience of this 180 days ashore thing.
I personally think he needs it...........
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
Charge shakes his head in bewilderment
Immediate notice for sea?
Now?
Madness. Bloody madness
And he has not had a beer yet……………..
Operational expedience.
That’s what they call it now days
Always put operational requirements before anything else.
Put off what should be done today, for another day. That’s what I call it.
Zuiho’s ‘extended period of time’ alongside has been brutally curtailed
Condensor cleans, cancelled.
Forward boiler cleans and inspections, cancelled
A thousand periodic maintenance tasks delayed. .Zuiho must be ready for sea within 24 hrs.
There is, as yet, no explanation.
Does there need to be? We need our ship yesterday, engineers, now fix it!
Kato, Hidaka, Tan,, all the department heads silently thank the Gods that a general recall from leave is not required, and get to work…………..
A delegation then.
Look at them, my fine Admirals.
Yamaguchi, Nagumo, Yamamoto.
Oh, I know what they want. They want to sail now, sail immediately like dogs after a passing bitch in heat,. They smell it, battle.
Battle, blood, glory……..Where?. Some pissant place called Merauke?
It will fall before they have raised steam.
It leads nowhere.
The public will hear. They will doubt.
No. Better to see the mighty club we wield first.
Then we make Americans bleed.
Yamamoto speaks first
‘Sir, the news from Merauke is grave. 25th flotilla has totally failed to interdict the landings, and has suffered heavy losses. We must cancel the review, we must sail at once”
(and I wonder , herbiesan, did you forsee this?. An offensive.?. the allies on the attack?)
“Of course admiral. But, a few things to consider first.
One, and a big one. Fuel. Just how much will we expend sending everything south?.
Two…….is this the only attack, or is it a decoy, a decoy heavy with enemy submarines lying in wait?
And three. Have you given up on the offensive Admirals. Are you conceding the initiative?
I am not”
Herbiesan smiles. “Come on gentlemen. This is no great crises. Its an opportunity. Let me tell you my plans…………”
18/1/43
From
1/90 regiment
to
South east fleet
Enemy ashore in great numbers. Americal division identified.
We are making a last stand
Long live Japan
Immediate notice for sea?
Now?
Madness. Bloody madness
And he has not had a beer yet……………..
Operational expedience.
That’s what they call it now days
Always put operational requirements before anything else.
Put off what should be done today, for another day. That’s what I call it.
Zuiho’s ‘extended period of time’ alongside has been brutally curtailed
Condensor cleans, cancelled.
Forward boiler cleans and inspections, cancelled
A thousand periodic maintenance tasks delayed. .Zuiho must be ready for sea within 24 hrs.
There is, as yet, no explanation.
Does there need to be? We need our ship yesterday, engineers, now fix it!
Kato, Hidaka, Tan,, all the department heads silently thank the Gods that a general recall from leave is not required, and get to work…………..
A delegation then.
Look at them, my fine Admirals.
Yamaguchi, Nagumo, Yamamoto.
Oh, I know what they want. They want to sail now, sail immediately like dogs after a passing bitch in heat,. They smell it, battle.
Battle, blood, glory……..Where?. Some pissant place called Merauke?
It will fall before they have raised steam.
It leads nowhere.
The public will hear. They will doubt.
No. Better to see the mighty club we wield first.
Then we make Americans bleed.
Yamamoto speaks first
‘Sir, the news from Merauke is grave. 25th flotilla has totally failed to interdict the landings, and has suffered heavy losses. We must cancel the review, we must sail at once”
(and I wonder , herbiesan, did you forsee this?. An offensive.?. the allies on the attack?)
“Of course admiral. But, a few things to consider first.
One, and a big one. Fuel. Just how much will we expend sending everything south?.
Two…….is this the only attack, or is it a decoy, a decoy heavy with enemy submarines lying in wait?
And three. Have you given up on the offensive Admirals. Are you conceding the initiative?
I am not”
Herbiesan smiles. “Come on gentlemen. This is no great crises. Its an opportunity. Let me tell you my plans…………”
18/1/43
From
1/90 regiment
to
South east fleet
Enemy ashore in great numbers. Americal division identified.
We are making a last stand
Long live Japan
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
I would not put Ogawa on the 180 day rotation. There is pretty much no reason to do this. I think the feature may have even been removed in the later betas. If you want to rotate him out then put him in the general reserve or TRACOM. That way you can still see him and get him when you want. I think the 180 day option just makes him go "poof" in to thin air. After 180 days "poof" he should be back.
My vote is reserve or TRACOM.
My vote is reserve or TRACOM.
RE: ouch
19/1/43
In many ways, it is a terrible journey for them all
Zuiho, Shoho, will dash to Tokyo, at high speed
They will take a direct route, at night, through the treacherous waters near the coast, at night.
With only 2 DDs as escort.
Nobody is happy
The Charge, who looks around the disaster of his machinery spaces, and his tattered plans for all the work that has to be done.
Kato, for the perilous journey ahead with so little escort
Hidaka, for planes still to be daily inspected, flight checked, and proven.
Tan meets Hirate on the gangway, a mere thirty minutes before sailing.
In his most joking tone, he asks the petty officer “So, did you get my screw driver Petty officer?”
He is not ready for the scowling answer
“I got a srewdriver, yes sir, I did”
For one man, it is a terrible journey indeed
Rumours fill the ship. The news from Merauke has like toxic dust, filtered into every corner of the ship.
How it has arrived, who knows
Few doubt though, that this abrupt journey means but one thing.
They will soon be rushing south.
They slip just on dusk. A nightmare sailing. Kato does what Hasegawa never did, he leaves a huge scrape down her flank, and a hundred wooden beams smashed from the jetty behind.
Some fool fails to get the head rope of in time……….its snapping flings half of it aboard, and shatters said fools pelvis.
Below, the Stokers too have a terrible day. The main feed guard bypass is opened, Oh yes, during the flash up, but not the guard itself on 1A boiler
The first astern movement finds the water level plummeting out the bottom, and an emergency shut down of the boiler.
Less about the cross connection stuff up, the better………………
Fortunately, or unfortunately, the weather adds its bit.
Blinding, freezing rain, mixed with sleet, and a viscous 30 knot head wind.
Pure misery
Zuiho makes Tokyo bay alright , but it’s a completely irritable and pissed off crew that see’s the dawn.
It has not been a good day. A ship operating well below her best..
21/1/43
Zuiho lies at anchor in Tokyo bay.
It rains all day, visibility little more than 1000 yards.
Grey ship
Grey seas
Grey sky.
And a dark, foul mood.
Shattering the Sword, a cantona production
And so Merauke is taken, with out loss. For the allies, a stunning result.
Now to consolidate
Painfully, the ships there begin to re load, or unload.
And not a man wonders at the silence of Japans response…….
22/1/43
Two men stand at attention on Zuihos flight deck, white uniform shining in a weak, but thankfully present winters sun
They stand at ease, the breeze whipping at them, and from time to time, they will, as the hundreds on parade with them, sway to it, to Zuihos gentle rocking.
About them, the fleet lies at anchor.
As a statement by herbiesan, there can be no better.
Ten carriers, 11 battleships, countless destroyers, cruisers, lie arrayed
Each adorned with rank, upon rank of white
Above, the sky literally growls, as the planes of Japans home island commands crawl across the sky.
You can see this fleet, today, in grainy black and white, on U tube, or, (and how the History channel abuses this film) in the documentary filmed on this day.
How mighty they look.
But to think what we know what lies ahead for them in a not so distant future………
But today, they swing at anchor, power personified.
Our two men, but tiny cogs in this giant play, do not really see them.
Do not care.
There are more important things to consider.
“What did you do, Hirate?, what did you do?’
Okano hisses the question., careful not to be heard by the platoon Chief. But the whipping wind keeps them relatively safe.
“Do you really want to know ?” And pain fills the entire world
‘’I would have killed him”
A long silence.
“You know. The shock was so large, when she asked for a taxi fare………….I gave it to him”
Okano opens his mouth. Closes it. What can he say to that?
Then it strikes him
“I think, my friend, we need to go get very, very, very drunk”
‘Ahmen to that, brother, ahmen to that”
DD Suzuki, one day old, is the reviewing ship.
Its bridge is crowded, of course. And I spare a thought for her new captain, not a day to “learn his ship”
But he will survive, I suppose.
The Admirals stand behind herbiesan, and what, I wonder, do they think?
Not a mind is not turned south, to the new cancer growing even now down there, and what these great ships could do about it.
Herbiesan finishes Atago’s salute, and turns to Yamamoto.
‘How many SS outside now?”
‘We have at least ten , maybe more”
‘Baka’s”
‘Yes, baka’s”
herbiesans voice hardens. ‘A fine fleet Yamamoto. But only a tool. A tool that must remain sharp for the real work ahead. Nobody significant sails until those pests are cleared”
“fleet destroyers approved then?”
‘yes. Kill subs yamamoto. Kill subs. Merauke can wait”
In many ways, it is a terrible journey for them all
Zuiho, Shoho, will dash to Tokyo, at high speed
They will take a direct route, at night, through the treacherous waters near the coast, at night.
With only 2 DDs as escort.
Nobody is happy
The Charge, who looks around the disaster of his machinery spaces, and his tattered plans for all the work that has to be done.
Kato, for the perilous journey ahead with so little escort
Hidaka, for planes still to be daily inspected, flight checked, and proven.
Tan meets Hirate on the gangway, a mere thirty minutes before sailing.
In his most joking tone, he asks the petty officer “So, did you get my screw driver Petty officer?”
He is not ready for the scowling answer
“I got a srewdriver, yes sir, I did”
For one man, it is a terrible journey indeed
Rumours fill the ship. The news from Merauke has like toxic dust, filtered into every corner of the ship.
How it has arrived, who knows
Few doubt though, that this abrupt journey means but one thing.
They will soon be rushing south.
They slip just on dusk. A nightmare sailing. Kato does what Hasegawa never did, he leaves a huge scrape down her flank, and a hundred wooden beams smashed from the jetty behind.
Some fool fails to get the head rope of in time……….its snapping flings half of it aboard, and shatters said fools pelvis.
Below, the Stokers too have a terrible day. The main feed guard bypass is opened, Oh yes, during the flash up, but not the guard itself on 1A boiler
The first astern movement finds the water level plummeting out the bottom, and an emergency shut down of the boiler.
Less about the cross connection stuff up, the better………………
Fortunately, or unfortunately, the weather adds its bit.
Blinding, freezing rain, mixed with sleet, and a viscous 30 knot head wind.
Pure misery
Zuiho makes Tokyo bay alright , but it’s a completely irritable and pissed off crew that see’s the dawn.
It has not been a good day. A ship operating well below her best..
21/1/43
Zuiho lies at anchor in Tokyo bay.
It rains all day, visibility little more than 1000 yards.
Grey ship
Grey seas
Grey sky.
And a dark, foul mood.
Shattering the Sword, a cantona production
And so Merauke is taken, with out loss. For the allies, a stunning result.
Now to consolidate
Painfully, the ships there begin to re load, or unload.
And not a man wonders at the silence of Japans response…….
22/1/43
Two men stand at attention on Zuihos flight deck, white uniform shining in a weak, but thankfully present winters sun
They stand at ease, the breeze whipping at them, and from time to time, they will, as the hundreds on parade with them, sway to it, to Zuihos gentle rocking.
About them, the fleet lies at anchor.
As a statement by herbiesan, there can be no better.
Ten carriers, 11 battleships, countless destroyers, cruisers, lie arrayed
Each adorned with rank, upon rank of white
Above, the sky literally growls, as the planes of Japans home island commands crawl across the sky.
You can see this fleet, today, in grainy black and white, on U tube, or, (and how the History channel abuses this film) in the documentary filmed on this day.
How mighty they look.
But to think what we know what lies ahead for them in a not so distant future………
But today, they swing at anchor, power personified.
Our two men, but tiny cogs in this giant play, do not really see them.
Do not care.
There are more important things to consider.
“What did you do, Hirate?, what did you do?’
Okano hisses the question., careful not to be heard by the platoon Chief. But the whipping wind keeps them relatively safe.
“Do you really want to know ?” And pain fills the entire world
‘’I would have killed him”
A long silence.
“You know. The shock was so large, when she asked for a taxi fare………….I gave it to him”
Okano opens his mouth. Closes it. What can he say to that?
Then it strikes him
“I think, my friend, we need to go get very, very, very drunk”
‘Ahmen to that, brother, ahmen to that”
DD Suzuki, one day old, is the reviewing ship.
Its bridge is crowded, of course. And I spare a thought for her new captain, not a day to “learn his ship”
But he will survive, I suppose.
The Admirals stand behind herbiesan, and what, I wonder, do they think?
Not a mind is not turned south, to the new cancer growing even now down there, and what these great ships could do about it.
Herbiesan finishes Atago’s salute, and turns to Yamamoto.
‘How many SS outside now?”
‘We have at least ten , maybe more”
‘Baka’s”
‘Yes, baka’s”
herbiesans voice hardens. ‘A fine fleet Yamamoto. But only a tool. A tool that must remain sharp for the real work ahead. Nobody significant sails until those pests are cleared”
“fleet destroyers approved then?”
‘yes. Kill subs yamamoto. Kill subs. Merauke can wait”
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
Hidaka is not surprised to see Ogawa.
'I will be staying here sir"
"Are you sure?'
'I would rather die with friends, defending them, than strangers"
"Nobody is going to die soon Ogawa"
'Do you really think so sir?"
No, you are right my friend. Foolish words indeed to say to a carrier pilot in war
"I am sorry for my foolishness . Thankyou Ogawa."
What else can be said?
Ogawa remains onboard. He will tell Diogawa that it is for his own good........."To stop you getting fatter you pig"
"fat floats my friend, fat floats"
'I will be staying here sir"
"Are you sure?'
'I would rather die with friends, defending them, than strangers"
"Nobody is going to die soon Ogawa"
'Do you really think so sir?"
No, you are right my friend. Foolish words indeed to say to a carrier pilot in war
"I am sorry for my foolishness . Thankyou Ogawa."
What else can be said?
Ogawa remains onboard. He will tell Diogawa that it is for his own good........."To stop you getting fatter you pig"
"fat floats my friend, fat floats"
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
24/1/43
Kato calls his officers in.
"our destroyers have sunk 3 submarines of Tokyo in two days, and more are reported damaged. They are returning. Once refuelled, we sail again.
"Our objective sir?"
'Still a secret, but you may guess"
"Clear lower deck, clear lower deck. All spare hands, in stores"
It is bitterly cold outside, and again light snow is blowing. Warships are miserable things in the cold, moisture gets into everything.
And rain on steel decks seems particularily depressing.
The barge alongside has a small crane, and it dumps the cartons onto the flight deck, where the rain and snow promptly disintergrates them.
The contenst are revealed. It appears the misery of the weather is going to continue.
Heavy winter clothing. Arctic almost. Enough for the whole crew.
Kato calls his officers in.
"our destroyers have sunk 3 submarines of Tokyo in two days, and more are reported damaged. They are returning. Once refuelled, we sail again.
"Our objective sir?"
'Still a secret, but you may guess"
"Clear lower deck, clear lower deck. All spare hands, in stores"
It is bitterly cold outside, and again light snow is blowing. Warships are miserable things in the cold, moisture gets into everything.
And rain on steel decks seems particularily depressing.
The barge alongside has a small crane, and it dumps the cartons onto the flight deck, where the rain and snow promptly disintergrates them.
The contenst are revealed. It appears the misery of the weather is going to continue.
Heavy winter clothing. Arctic almost. Enough for the whole crew.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
25th of January 1943
There is a certain rhythm to going to sea, a comforting set of steps. They gently prise the mind away from shore, from family, from friends, from problems, and the joys of land.
For the Engineers, it is the securing of the last tasks, the mustering of the tools, the lashing of locker and cupboard doors against the soon to come swell.
Then there is the final scrubbing down of the deck plates, the final polishing of things that need polishing. Charge, and this time, Tan, will, (as the rest of the department heads) conduct a final walkaround.
Final adjustments to the watchbill will be posted, with the usual groans and silent thanks. Books will go for signature , and final mail will go ashore. Tan will watch that with great satisfaction, the refit package will go ashore today
Zuiho will sail at dusk, so today will be a good flash up, no early rising required. The water barge, a fuel barge, a ammunition barge will make final calls, and a garbage scow will visit too.
Syatems are aligned, the boilers lit, and once again, the whine of the forced draft blowers will fill in lifes back ground. Covers will come of guns, and 6 shining new fighters, 3 old tattered kates will come up on deck, wings soon covered in a thin layer of snow.
Final signals , and messages are passed between the other grey shadows in the bay.
Soon, all too soon, the call to departing harbour stations is called.
Firehoses spray upon the anchor chain, and Tokyo bay mud is washed back into the deep.
It is gathering dark, and Zuiho, a wraith in the blowing snow, slips out to sea
Captains ship book:
Sailed in company with heavy carriers Shokuka, Zuikaku, light carrier Shoho, 3 heavy cruisers.
Ship is in excellent material state despite heavy activity of last months. Crew moral good
Airgroup status good, general skill levels of pilots considered good.
Intend to inform crew of mission tomorrow.
Damiensan again confronts the dictator.
“We have given ourselves a buffer. But the job is only half done. Keep losing ships to submarines at this rate……………….”
“Is it that bad, Mr Minister of industry?”
‘It is sir. We must re organise, re route the convoys. The enemy submarine menace is killing us.”
“Then do it…………and damn the cost”
‘as you wish sir, as you wish”
Tokyo bay empties of the carriers. The battleships remain. Zuihos fleet will head east, east to the wastes north of pearl harbour, then swing south………and once again, try to hunt.
Kaga, Akagi, a CVL, will cover a small fleet of cruisers, target merauke.
Hiryu, Soryu, will go to Singapore, and wait………….
KB is being split up. A move that fills many with great ill ease. But the enemy (it is believed) has but one fleet, and 2 light carriers to its name. And on Japans carriers, nobody considers that a threat at all.
There is a certain rhythm to going to sea, a comforting set of steps. They gently prise the mind away from shore, from family, from friends, from problems, and the joys of land.
For the Engineers, it is the securing of the last tasks, the mustering of the tools, the lashing of locker and cupboard doors against the soon to come swell.
Then there is the final scrubbing down of the deck plates, the final polishing of things that need polishing. Charge, and this time, Tan, will, (as the rest of the department heads) conduct a final walkaround.
Final adjustments to the watchbill will be posted, with the usual groans and silent thanks. Books will go for signature , and final mail will go ashore. Tan will watch that with great satisfaction, the refit package will go ashore today
Zuiho will sail at dusk, so today will be a good flash up, no early rising required. The water barge, a fuel barge, a ammunition barge will make final calls, and a garbage scow will visit too.
Syatems are aligned, the boilers lit, and once again, the whine of the forced draft blowers will fill in lifes back ground. Covers will come of guns, and 6 shining new fighters, 3 old tattered kates will come up on deck, wings soon covered in a thin layer of snow.
Final signals , and messages are passed between the other grey shadows in the bay.
Soon, all too soon, the call to departing harbour stations is called.
Firehoses spray upon the anchor chain, and Tokyo bay mud is washed back into the deep.
It is gathering dark, and Zuiho, a wraith in the blowing snow, slips out to sea
Captains ship book:
Sailed in company with heavy carriers Shokuka, Zuikaku, light carrier Shoho, 3 heavy cruisers.
Ship is in excellent material state despite heavy activity of last months. Crew moral good
Airgroup status good, general skill levels of pilots considered good.
Intend to inform crew of mission tomorrow.
Damiensan again confronts the dictator.
“We have given ourselves a buffer. But the job is only half done. Keep losing ships to submarines at this rate……………….”
“Is it that bad, Mr Minister of industry?”
‘It is sir. We must re organise, re route the convoys. The enemy submarine menace is killing us.”
“Then do it…………and damn the cost”
‘as you wish sir, as you wish”
Tokyo bay empties of the carriers. The battleships remain. Zuihos fleet will head east, east to the wastes north of pearl harbour, then swing south………and once again, try to hunt.
Kaga, Akagi, a CVL, will cover a small fleet of cruisers, target merauke.
Hiryu, Soryu, will go to Singapore, and wait………….
KB is being split up. A move that fills many with great ill ease. But the enemy (it is believed) has but one fleet, and 2 light carriers to its name. And on Japans carriers, nobody considers that a threat at all.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
26/1/43
First full day at sea.
Zuiho has a scattering of new men onboard, nearly a dozen. All young men conscripted from the farms and villages of japan, they are a long, long way from the life they new last year.
They are easily spotted today---------faces green, or pale.
But, as usual, on this first day, they are not alone, sea sickness can strike any one at any time
She punches through a good sized swell today, her flight deck empty of bombers. But zeros will again take to the air today, Hidaka keen to see what they can do.
But mostly, the pilots seem little impressed, Japans fighter arm seems to be marking time in development.
The task force will steam all day due east, see little, and (hopefully) have been seen by nobody.
Speed is a mere 15 knots, they are waiting for tankers to catch up. There is, to quote the Charge, “a long, long truking way to go between drinks men, so don’t truk up!”
From
25 th air flotilla
To
HQ, South east Fleet/11th air HQ
In conjunction with 21st, 26th 24th air flottillas, have conducted strikes against Horn island, Merauke
160 sorties flown
10 fighters, 3 bombers lost, 9 enemy fighters claimed
Confirming sinking of 2 AP, 3 AK
Action continuing
It has begun. Yamamoto reads the signal. After 6 months of fencing, probing, the Allies have grabbed a base. A poorly supported base. Unless he intends to follow this attack up into the Timor area, a blind alley that goes nowhere.
Good.
Very good
Now to make him bleed, with out getting to cut in the process himself……………
First full day at sea.
Zuiho has a scattering of new men onboard, nearly a dozen. All young men conscripted from the farms and villages of japan, they are a long, long way from the life they new last year.
They are easily spotted today---------faces green, or pale.
But, as usual, on this first day, they are not alone, sea sickness can strike any one at any time
She punches through a good sized swell today, her flight deck empty of bombers. But zeros will again take to the air today, Hidaka keen to see what they can do.
But mostly, the pilots seem little impressed, Japans fighter arm seems to be marking time in development.
The task force will steam all day due east, see little, and (hopefully) have been seen by nobody.
Speed is a mere 15 knots, they are waiting for tankers to catch up. There is, to quote the Charge, “a long, long truking way to go between drinks men, so don’t truk up!”
From
25 th air flotilla
To
HQ, South east Fleet/11th air HQ
In conjunction with 21st, 26th 24th air flottillas, have conducted strikes against Horn island, Merauke
160 sorties flown
10 fighters, 3 bombers lost, 9 enemy fighters claimed
Confirming sinking of 2 AP, 3 AK
Action continuing
It has begun. Yamamoto reads the signal. After 6 months of fencing, probing, the Allies have grabbed a base. A poorly supported base. Unless he intends to follow this attack up into the Timor area, a blind alley that goes nowhere.
Good.
Very good
Now to make him bleed, with out getting to cut in the process himself……………
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
27/1/43
There are only four of them this time, and as they haul over the horizon, too many memories are stirred on Zuiho. These four tankers are not even a shadow of the giants lost last year, but now held with special care in the minds of the commanders on the carriers. They are going deep on this mission, very deep.
Lose these four rusty overworked ships, and it is all over.
They will refuel, and the tankers will stay with them.
Ironic, this task force, selected for the speed and strike of its capital ships, tied to the apron strings of these ships.
Fuelling is difficult, the steady heavy swell is not only awkward, it is cold as hell as well.
But it is done
By midday, the routine resumes. Sail ever eastward. Launch float fighters, launch CAP.
It is, for Zuiho, a day few will remember in their old age.
History records other things though.
The Battle of Merauke continues to warm.
Three elderly Japanese cruisers, Kiso, Natori, Naka, , but with 4 modern destroyers, race into its wide bay, and launch a massive salvo of torpedos even before the allied ships are aware of their presence
Two medium sized Aps and a AK erupt into towering columns of smoke and flame, sinking rapidly, literally torn apart from the massive warheads slamming into them.
Un challenged, the cruisers race North again.
In the scheme of things, a minor affair. But if you are Yamamoto, the idea that surface ships can get in, and out again, with out air attack, is very, very encouraging.
The boiler room is its usual cacophony of screaming machinery, minor whisps of steam, the steady beating of the fuel pump, the rumble of the boilers consuming ton after ton of fuel.
Boiler rooms are strange, scary spaces. The heat, the noise, the humidity, the way everything you touch sems to want to burn you.
But to Hirate, today, it gives a little comfort. It is about the only thing in this world that has not shifted under his feet. About the only thing, that he still understands
It is work, and it keeps his mind of other things. Of home. Of her.
The new man, a boy of mere 16 years approaches him, face literally screwed with fear. It is his first watch. In his hands, one of the long burner nozzles, complete with sprayer cap on the end .Almost automatically, Hirate pushes his thumb onto the small nozzle piece, to confirm that all is assembled correctly.
The nozzle washer moves.
(it, of course, should not move…………something is not together right)
The young lad cringes. And why not?. Wouldn’t you? Seasick?, bewildered with everything down here, and this frightening, scarred faced hulk of a petty officer scowling at you?
Cringing is to be expected.
But Hirate merely sighs. What is the point anyway? Soon, he just feels it, some Allied SS is going to put him out of his misery anyway.
The sooner, the better.
There are only four of them this time, and as they haul over the horizon, too many memories are stirred on Zuiho. These four tankers are not even a shadow of the giants lost last year, but now held with special care in the minds of the commanders on the carriers. They are going deep on this mission, very deep.
Lose these four rusty overworked ships, and it is all over.
They will refuel, and the tankers will stay with them.
Ironic, this task force, selected for the speed and strike of its capital ships, tied to the apron strings of these ships.
Fuelling is difficult, the steady heavy swell is not only awkward, it is cold as hell as well.
But it is done
By midday, the routine resumes. Sail ever eastward. Launch float fighters, launch CAP.
It is, for Zuiho, a day few will remember in their old age.
History records other things though.
The Battle of Merauke continues to warm.
Three elderly Japanese cruisers, Kiso, Natori, Naka, , but with 4 modern destroyers, race into its wide bay, and launch a massive salvo of torpedos even before the allied ships are aware of their presence
Two medium sized Aps and a AK erupt into towering columns of smoke and flame, sinking rapidly, literally torn apart from the massive warheads slamming into them.
Un challenged, the cruisers race North again.
In the scheme of things, a minor affair. But if you are Yamamoto, the idea that surface ships can get in, and out again, with out air attack, is very, very encouraging.
The boiler room is its usual cacophony of screaming machinery, minor whisps of steam, the steady beating of the fuel pump, the rumble of the boilers consuming ton after ton of fuel.
Boiler rooms are strange, scary spaces. The heat, the noise, the humidity, the way everything you touch sems to want to burn you.
But to Hirate, today, it gives a little comfort. It is about the only thing in this world that has not shifted under his feet. About the only thing, that he still understands
It is work, and it keeps his mind of other things. Of home. Of her.
The new man, a boy of mere 16 years approaches him, face literally screwed with fear. It is his first watch. In his hands, one of the long burner nozzles, complete with sprayer cap on the end .Almost automatically, Hirate pushes his thumb onto the small nozzle piece, to confirm that all is assembled correctly.
The nozzle washer moves.
(it, of course, should not move…………something is not together right)
The young lad cringes. And why not?. Wouldn’t you? Seasick?, bewildered with everything down here, and this frightening, scarred faced hulk of a petty officer scowling at you?
Cringing is to be expected.
But Hirate merely sighs. What is the point anyway? Soon, he just feels it, some Allied SS is going to put him out of his misery anyway.
The sooner, the better.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
28/1/43
It is a quiet day in the war.
So I thought we might re join the stokers, and do a watch below –we will start as burnerman.
It is just past 0330 hrs, and you have been lucky, you have nearly 4 hours of sleep under your belt, and warm tea in your stomach.
Now you are waiting in the mess deck, finishing your tea, counting down the minutes.
It is cold, and Zuiho is still bouncing across the swells. No, not bouncing, small ships do that, she is pitching, falling, pitching, falling. At least the swell is almost head on, the roll (which is the real tricky bit), is not so bad.
You are dressed in your overalls, boots, and that’s about it. Tools in the back pocket, your wheel spanner, an adjustable spanner.
And a rag. Don’t forget the rag!
Time to go.
Starboard boiler room is accessed via the great hatch in the forward Starboard corner of the lower hanger deck, it usually remains firmly screwed down, you will access via the smaller escape scuttle.
The heat today , is welcome. The noise, as usual, is not. You do not know this yet, but should you survive this war, the damage is done. You will be quite deaf by age 65, the age of the ear muff is many years away.
Hand over, the most important part of the watch. Whats running?, what’s standby?. What was topped with oil? Whats broken, and what is being worked on. Today we are lucky, nothing on Zuiho is broken at all.Come to think of it, the Lady has been very well behaved lately ney?. Touch wood and petition the ancestors to keep it that way……
So, lets get to it.
You take a little tin, and begin your first rounds, oil rounds. Every steam driven piece of kit has to be drained of condensate, and every sump drained of a cup full of oil………..its the only way to keep the oil water free.
I always go clockwise…….no reason. Just do.
First call is the evaporator though, prig of a machine………last year we had to replace the baffle plate in it, I almost cooked!. Check the pumps, the gauges, look, the level is OK, but I think I might just screw in a tad on this valve, there, discharge pressure is a bit higher.
Salinity test?. Yes. Glad they taught you something at academy!
Alright, fuel pumps. Crack this drain, that drain, here is the sump. DON’t spill any!. Its our duty to keep this place spotless. Remember that!. Spotless!. All Japanese sailors will do their very , very best!.
What is that drum between the pumps? Wait for later, it’s a secret.
Don’t talk to Hirate, he’s been a foul beast this week, something is biting him.
Next, we go up here to the upper level, and here are the feed pumps. More drains, more oils!
And the blowers. Now double check that! , if that cooler cooks, seizing a blower is not, as one would say, beneficial to our health.
Now, finally, the fuel heaters. Drain, check, check the pressure in. . OK, back down stairs. We have to go between the boiler and the bualkhead, check the level of the tanks.
That’s oil rounds!
Got it?
Right. Now for the real work. Morning watch, we change and clean burners. You haven’t heard of that? Not surprised. It’s a Charge thing, I know other Japanese ships just leave em in, he says from his Brit experience that its useful. Buggard if I know, it’s a pain. No, if he says do it, we do it.
I’d follow the Charge into hell…………
Alright, Number six, clean?. Hirate checked it.? OK, we shove her in here, ON air, On fuel!.........love that THUMP! As it lights off!
Now, when we pull 5 out, keep clear of the flames!. Fuel off!, air off!, get her out!
We will let her cool a little…………and I will show you how to clean them. Its going to take about 30 minutes to do them all.
0500
Rounds –off you go!, and remember, you are the Steamers eyes and ears!
Buggar. We have a set of surface blows to do. You have got the master valve.
Thought the double bottoms man looked cranky, chemistry can’t be right.
Ok, we open this valve, that valve. Use that long spanner!
Alright, to the master valve you go. When you here us bang on the plates, open her up, don’t be scared of the roar and rumble, just make sure you get her shut when we bang again
Hot up there wasn’t it?
0600, rounds done?
Good. OK, lets get to cleaning.
0630?.
Ok, now, get your arse up to the galley -4 knocks. You will see.
Ahh, what did they give us today?. A duck?. Some vegetables. Good. Put them in the drum
Add some water…………….and now we open the drain……………….and viola!, instant soup!
Tasty yes!
0645.
Dawn action stations, not much for us to do really down here, bring on the other fuel pump, another feed pump.
And hope its just routine yes?
Tired?. Just think, another two hours at defence watches, the mess to scrub, and daily exercises.
But its nearly 0800, another watch done. I wonder how many we will have to do this trip?
The war is quite. An RO ss sinks an AK at Merauke, Davidsans new convoy routes seem to have an immediate effect ( no sinkings two days in a row of any merchants!
Betties sink 3 LCTs at Merauke in a night port attack.
It is early days , this battle of Merauke. The fleet is coming…………………..
It is a quiet day in the war.
So I thought we might re join the stokers, and do a watch below –we will start as burnerman.
It is just past 0330 hrs, and you have been lucky, you have nearly 4 hours of sleep under your belt, and warm tea in your stomach.
Now you are waiting in the mess deck, finishing your tea, counting down the minutes.
It is cold, and Zuiho is still bouncing across the swells. No, not bouncing, small ships do that, she is pitching, falling, pitching, falling. At least the swell is almost head on, the roll (which is the real tricky bit), is not so bad.
You are dressed in your overalls, boots, and that’s about it. Tools in the back pocket, your wheel spanner, an adjustable spanner.
And a rag. Don’t forget the rag!
Time to go.
Starboard boiler room is accessed via the great hatch in the forward Starboard corner of the lower hanger deck, it usually remains firmly screwed down, you will access via the smaller escape scuttle.
The heat today , is welcome. The noise, as usual, is not. You do not know this yet, but should you survive this war, the damage is done. You will be quite deaf by age 65, the age of the ear muff is many years away.
Hand over, the most important part of the watch. Whats running?, what’s standby?. What was topped with oil? Whats broken, and what is being worked on. Today we are lucky, nothing on Zuiho is broken at all.Come to think of it, the Lady has been very well behaved lately ney?. Touch wood and petition the ancestors to keep it that way……
So, lets get to it.
You take a little tin, and begin your first rounds, oil rounds. Every steam driven piece of kit has to be drained of condensate, and every sump drained of a cup full of oil………..its the only way to keep the oil water free.
I always go clockwise…….no reason. Just do.
First call is the evaporator though, prig of a machine………last year we had to replace the baffle plate in it, I almost cooked!. Check the pumps, the gauges, look, the level is OK, but I think I might just screw in a tad on this valve, there, discharge pressure is a bit higher.
Salinity test?. Yes. Glad they taught you something at academy!
Alright, fuel pumps. Crack this drain, that drain, here is the sump. DON’t spill any!. Its our duty to keep this place spotless. Remember that!. Spotless!. All Japanese sailors will do their very , very best!.
What is that drum between the pumps? Wait for later, it’s a secret.
Don’t talk to Hirate, he’s been a foul beast this week, something is biting him.
Next, we go up here to the upper level, and here are the feed pumps. More drains, more oils!
And the blowers. Now double check that! , if that cooler cooks, seizing a blower is not, as one would say, beneficial to our health.
Now, finally, the fuel heaters. Drain, check, check the pressure in. . OK, back down stairs. We have to go between the boiler and the bualkhead, check the level of the tanks.
That’s oil rounds!
Got it?
Right. Now for the real work. Morning watch, we change and clean burners. You haven’t heard of that? Not surprised. It’s a Charge thing, I know other Japanese ships just leave em in, he says from his Brit experience that its useful. Buggard if I know, it’s a pain. No, if he says do it, we do it.
I’d follow the Charge into hell…………
Alright, Number six, clean?. Hirate checked it.? OK, we shove her in here, ON air, On fuel!.........love that THUMP! As it lights off!
Now, when we pull 5 out, keep clear of the flames!. Fuel off!, air off!, get her out!
We will let her cool a little…………and I will show you how to clean them. Its going to take about 30 minutes to do them all.
0500
Rounds –off you go!, and remember, you are the Steamers eyes and ears!
Buggar. We have a set of surface blows to do. You have got the master valve.
Thought the double bottoms man looked cranky, chemistry can’t be right.
Ok, we open this valve, that valve. Use that long spanner!
Alright, to the master valve you go. When you here us bang on the plates, open her up, don’t be scared of the roar and rumble, just make sure you get her shut when we bang again
Hot up there wasn’t it?
0600, rounds done?
Good. OK, lets get to cleaning.
0630?.
Ok, now, get your arse up to the galley -4 knocks. You will see.
Ahh, what did they give us today?. A duck?. Some vegetables. Good. Put them in the drum
Add some water…………….and now we open the drain……………….and viola!, instant soup!
Tasty yes!
0645.
Dawn action stations, not much for us to do really down here, bring on the other fuel pump, another feed pump.
And hope its just routine yes?
Tired?. Just think, another two hours at defence watches, the mess to scrub, and daily exercises.
But its nearly 0800, another watch done. I wonder how many we will have to do this trip?
The war is quite. An RO ss sinks an AK at Merauke, Davidsans new convoy routes seem to have an immediate effect ( no sinkings two days in a row of any merchants!
Betties sink 3 LCTs at Merauke in a night port attack.
It is early days , this battle of Merauke. The fleet is coming…………………..
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
29/1/43
Zuiho plunges ever eastward, following her bigger brothers into the wastes.
In two days they will be due north of Midway.
Kato takes this time, and conducts informal rounds.
He is pleased with what he sees. A tight ship, run well. T only her flanks are streaked with rust.
The crew pleases him
The state of the ship.............. Oh, she is as clean as can be. But everywhere, he can see the signs of hard usage.
Tans planned refit will not come soon enough.
Hidaka works his pilots hard. There are no rookies now, just pilots. The war is swallowing them all now. Men are becoming mere numbers.
Hidaka too wishes for a refit, a rest. He can see it in his mens eyes now. Fatalism. .
Too many of them know longer think beyond this war.they no longer think they will survive it.
Tan needs a refit. Well, the Charge in his own style "She's getting bloody tired Sir" tells him they do.
Thus, they must.
This run of good luck cannot last surely.
Three, or is four days in. And minds still thinking behind, back to Japan. No way to go to war.
No way at all.
Another quiet day.
A pack of P38's sweep into Burma, bounce circling Oscars at 5000 feet. Dumb move, the Tojo's waiting in ambush at 20000 eat them for lunch.
Maybe, just maybe, an answer to that problem has been found.
9 P38's for 5 oscars piloted by rookie no bodies.
Japan can wear that.
Zuiho plunges ever eastward, following her bigger brothers into the wastes.
In two days they will be due north of Midway.
Kato takes this time, and conducts informal rounds.
He is pleased with what he sees. A tight ship, run well. T only her flanks are streaked with rust.
The crew pleases him
The state of the ship.............. Oh, she is as clean as can be. But everywhere, he can see the signs of hard usage.
Tans planned refit will not come soon enough.
Hidaka works his pilots hard. There are no rookies now, just pilots. The war is swallowing them all now. Men are becoming mere numbers.
Hidaka too wishes for a refit, a rest. He can see it in his mens eyes now. Fatalism. .
Too many of them know longer think beyond this war.they no longer think they will survive it.
Tan needs a refit. Well, the Charge in his own style "She's getting bloody tired Sir" tells him they do.
Thus, they must.
This run of good luck cannot last surely.
Three, or is four days in. And minds still thinking behind, back to Japan. No way to go to war.
No way at all.
Another quiet day.
A pack of P38's sweep into Burma, bounce circling Oscars at 5000 feet. Dumb move, the Tojo's waiting in ambush at 20000 eat them for lunch.
Maybe, just maybe, an answer to that problem has been found.
9 P38's for 5 oscars piloted by rookie no bodies.
Japan can wear that.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: ouch
Another day
Kato is doing what he has done for so many years now. Staring at the ocean horizon. To an outsider, he does not appear busy. How hard can it be?
But those gay eyes are calculating with a precision honed by too many years, too many dawns, the movements of the ships about him.
Shokaku is about to launch, soon, she will turn 30 degrees, creating a great chain of reactions.
Chase destroyers will turn, flank ships will turn, and finally, he too, will have to turn.
It will all hapen precisely, and with out fuss.
No big deal
Bit we forget to mention, it is belting down rain (again), and visibility is less than a thousand yards.
Shokuka is but a shadow in the mists.............
But for Kato, his crew, still, it is no big deal
It has been raining now for nearly three days
perfect weather.
May it continue to rain....................
Nagumo too stares out of his bridge window.
But his circumstances are completely different
Kaga lies almost stopped. 'You should move your flag Admiral"
Nagumo eyes Kaga's Captain.
"has the Emperors portrait been moved yet?"
'No sir"
"Then, obviously, you do not think we are going to sink. I will stay, and we will get our old lady into Palua together"
Kaga's captain salutes. "Thank you for the confidence sir. We will not let you down"
"No, no you won't"
Fifteen minutes ago, and this fleet was preparing to wage terror.
Two lousy torpedos................ Goddam submarines!
(kaga hit by SS sunfish 2 torps. 1 hex north Palua. 16 system, 70 flood, 24 engineering )
cantona had to get lucky some time!
Kato is doing what he has done for so many years now. Staring at the ocean horizon. To an outsider, he does not appear busy. How hard can it be?
But those gay eyes are calculating with a precision honed by too many years, too many dawns, the movements of the ships about him.
Shokaku is about to launch, soon, she will turn 30 degrees, creating a great chain of reactions.
Chase destroyers will turn, flank ships will turn, and finally, he too, will have to turn.
It will all hapen precisely, and with out fuss.
No big deal
Bit we forget to mention, it is belting down rain (again), and visibility is less than a thousand yards.
Shokuka is but a shadow in the mists.............
But for Kato, his crew, still, it is no big deal
It has been raining now for nearly three days
perfect weather.
May it continue to rain....................
Nagumo too stares out of his bridge window.
But his circumstances are completely different
Kaga lies almost stopped. 'You should move your flag Admiral"
Nagumo eyes Kaga's Captain.
"has the Emperors portrait been moved yet?"
'No sir"
"Then, obviously, you do not think we are going to sink. I will stay, and we will get our old lady into Palua together"
Kaga's captain salutes. "Thank you for the confidence sir. We will not let you down"
"No, no you won't"
Fifteen minutes ago, and this fleet was preparing to wage terror.
Two lousy torpedos................ Goddam submarines!
(kaga hit by SS sunfish 2 torps. 1 hex north Palua. 16 system, 70 flood, 24 engineering )
cantona had to get lucky some time!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt