May 14, 1942
Dear Mother,
Banzai! What a wonderful day it has been for the Imperial Japanese Army! Our glorius army bomber pilots based at Lae have attacked the Allied ships unloading supplies at Port Moresby and this time did much greater damage than ever before. Reports coming back to headquarters here at Rabaul indicate at least six enemy transports and warships in the harbor were hit by torpedoes. I managed to speak to one of the escort pilots on the telephone this afternoon, and he told me there were burning ships everywhere! Perhaps the best part of the result this morning was that every bomber and fighter returned to base safely. The Allied fighter CAP over Port Moresby was totally ineffective. I think that they must finally be getting tired from being on patrol constantly. We are going to keep the pressure on, mother. The enemy CAP is weakening, and I feel a great victory is at hand!
There has also been a rumor of enemy aircraft carriers in the Port Moresby area, or farther out into the Coral Sea. Up until now they have been cowardly hiding from our strong naval assets in the region, but a friend of mine in the naval ministry has told me that sooner or later they must make a stand and fight, or their morale will plummet.
I must close now, mother, as it is raining quite hard here. The lightning and thunder predicted for tomorrow will make for a busy day for me, as we try to organize the various units coming and going.
I must have been very tired in my last letter to you, because I just noticed that the haiku I wrote you was short by one syllable. I promise to try harder tonight to make it perfect, as I know you and father expect nothing less.
Great white clouds of silk
joyous success is at hand
Banzai! Banzai! Hail!
Toro vs. Bax: Scenario 17 "Haiku's and Hand Grenades"
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Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
16 May 1942
Hi Uncle Frank,
In answer to your question, the torpedo planes we encounter regularly are Nells and Bettys (at least that's what we call them). You'll probably be able to identify them from the newspaper article you mentioned.
The attack planes on our carrier are getting a bit restless, as they haven't gotten the chance to do "their share" in this war yet.
There's supposed to be some new planes coming our way, F4F-4s. We're flying F4F-3s now, and their kind of like flying pigs. Hopefully, the new models will get here kind of quickly.
We were out on the deck today, looking over the edge watching dolphins swimming around in our bow wave. That was something. Someone told us that they seem to love doing that. Coming to play with big grey momma, I guess. Rumor has it we may pull into a port somewhere near home port. I'm still waiting to see Australia, and I hear the women are really something to see!
There was some action over one of the Aussie ports today, we heard. A transport fleet was actually attacked by the Japs. Their reach is longer than we expected.
Take care of yourself.
[Note to readers: interesting that we haven't even engaged in major battles yet. In fact, Bax hasn't taken Tulagi, but does have Lunga. I think the slower progression is a result of our previous game where we hammered each other pretty hard in the first few days. I believe that the postponement probably means for heavier fighting in the near future.]
Hi Uncle Frank,
In answer to your question, the torpedo planes we encounter regularly are Nells and Bettys (at least that's what we call them). You'll probably be able to identify them from the newspaper article you mentioned.
The attack planes on our carrier are getting a bit restless, as they haven't gotten the chance to do "their share" in this war yet.
There's supposed to be some new planes coming our way, F4F-4s. We're flying F4F-3s now, and their kind of like flying pigs. Hopefully, the new models will get here kind of quickly.
We were out on the deck today, looking over the edge watching dolphins swimming around in our bow wave. That was something. Someone told us that they seem to love doing that. Coming to play with big grey momma, I guess. Rumor has it we may pull into a port somewhere near home port. I'm still waiting to see Australia, and I hear the women are really something to see!
There was some action over one of the Aussie ports today, we heard. A transport fleet was actually attacked by the Japs. Their reach is longer than we expected.
Take care of yourself.
[Note to readers: interesting that we haven't even engaged in major battles yet. In fact, Bax hasn't taken Tulagi, but does have Lunga. I think the slower progression is a result of our previous game where we hammered each other pretty hard in the first few days. I believe that the postponement probably means for heavier fighting in the near future.]
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Cap Mandrake
- Posts: 20737
- Joined: Fri Nov 15, 2002 8:37 am
- Location: Southern California
Good to hear none of the chaps on the front lines have crotch rotch or trench foot yet! Are the care packages from home getting through?
May 17, 1942
Dear Noriko,
As my sister, you should know that I do not have the time to write to you very often. Things are usually very busy here at headquarters, and it usually too late for me to write you after I send a letter off to mother and father.
In the past few days, however, things have been quite calm around Rabaul, so I have managed the time to write to you. Please understand that everything I say to you must be kept secret.
To quickly inform you of the events of the current struggle against the Allies, let me say that it has become a war of air power and sea power so far. We have used our navy to quickly transport troops from enemy base to enemy base, capturing them with great speed. So far, I think we have the enemy confused as to what our plans are. That being said, it has been difficult to bring the Americans into the decisive naval engagement that will once and for all open the door to Australia. The great American admiral, Toro, has demonstrated skill in sparing his precious aircraft carriers from destruction at the hands of our warriors. His cowardly actions brings him dishonor. I don't know how he can live with the shame of avoiding open conflict. These Americans are truly difficult to understand. Their way is not the way of Bushido!
While we still attempt to destroy his carriers, we have established a strong base at Lae, and our Army bombers have been making life miserable for the enemy transports at Port Moresby. In fact, our commanders must be highly confident in our fliers, as they have sent them deep into the enemy's ports on the East coast of Australia to attack shipping there.
Uncle Toshiro wrote to me from Army headquarters at Truk, and he has told me of a massive buildup of troops and supplies there. Certainly it looks like something big will happen in the next couple of months. But where will we strike next? I do not know for sure, but it is almost certain that we cannot allow the Allies to retain possession of Port Moresby and the enemy strongholds of Luganville and Nomea. Another friend of mine keeps writing to me that he thinks we will eventually invade Australia itself! That thought is too glorious to comprehend right now, especially since the Americans still have a potent naval striking force in the area.
I am sorry for all this talk about the war. I seems so long ago that you and I would sit and talk about poetry and music, while father and mother discussed things that are of no importance now. Do you still play the piano that father bought us? I continue to play my trumpet when I can find the time, but as I said before, life around here is very hectic.
Dear sister, you are so young. Please remember to keep up with your studies and take care of mother for us. I worry about her so.
In closing, I have written a haiku for you, so that you know how much I think of you, and long for the time when we will meet again....
Butterflies on wing
May breezes warm and gentle
music surrounds us
Dear Noriko,
As my sister, you should know that I do not have the time to write to you very often. Things are usually very busy here at headquarters, and it usually too late for me to write you after I send a letter off to mother and father.
In the past few days, however, things have been quite calm around Rabaul, so I have managed the time to write to you. Please understand that everything I say to you must be kept secret.
To quickly inform you of the events of the current struggle against the Allies, let me say that it has become a war of air power and sea power so far. We have used our navy to quickly transport troops from enemy base to enemy base, capturing them with great speed. So far, I think we have the enemy confused as to what our plans are. That being said, it has been difficult to bring the Americans into the decisive naval engagement that will once and for all open the door to Australia. The great American admiral, Toro, has demonstrated skill in sparing his precious aircraft carriers from destruction at the hands of our warriors. His cowardly actions brings him dishonor. I don't know how he can live with the shame of avoiding open conflict. These Americans are truly difficult to understand. Their way is not the way of Bushido!
While we still attempt to destroy his carriers, we have established a strong base at Lae, and our Army bombers have been making life miserable for the enemy transports at Port Moresby. In fact, our commanders must be highly confident in our fliers, as they have sent them deep into the enemy's ports on the East coast of Australia to attack shipping there.
Uncle Toshiro wrote to me from Army headquarters at Truk, and he has told me of a massive buildup of troops and supplies there. Certainly it looks like something big will happen in the next couple of months. But where will we strike next? I do not know for sure, but it is almost certain that we cannot allow the Allies to retain possession of Port Moresby and the enemy strongholds of Luganville and Nomea. Another friend of mine keeps writing to me that he thinks we will eventually invade Australia itself! That thought is too glorious to comprehend right now, especially since the Americans still have a potent naval striking force in the area.
I am sorry for all this talk about the war. I seems so long ago that you and I would sit and talk about poetry and music, while father and mother discussed things that are of no importance now. Do you still play the piano that father bought us? I continue to play my trumpet when I can find the time, but as I said before, life around here is very hectic.
Dear sister, you are so young. Please remember to keep up with your studies and take care of mother for us. I worry about her so.
In closing, I have written a haiku for you, so that you know how much I think of you, and long for the time when we will meet again....
Butterflies on wing
May breezes warm and gentle
music surrounds us
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
20 May 1942
Dad,
Great news! You've probably already heard, but we've gotten intel that one of the Jap mainline carriers was bombed while in port at a base on Shortland Island. While we're not quite sure how badly damaged she was, every little bit helps (even if it was the Army that did it). It would have been nicer, I have to admit, if we Navy types had done the job. I'm sure we'll probably meet her again. Carriers are hard ships to take out.
In the meantime, we've been in port the last couple of days. Can't say where (loose lips and all), but we're enjoying the R&R. But, liberty call is coming to an end, and we're back to the waves to hopefully do our bit in this war. The action we saw last week is beginning to fade. Boy, was it a rush. Terrifying and exhilarating all in one. I tell ya, Dad, there's nothing like being in control of your own bird, buzzing through the air, flaming a fighter or bomber.
Being Hump Day and all -- and my Wingman's birthday -- we went out to celebrate our last day in port before the task force's next assignment. Even the skipper (of the ship!) showed, razzed him a bit. A good time was had by everyone.
Oh, and tell Mom that the cookies arrived in fine shape, but the cake didn't make the trip across the Pacific too well. Probably better stick to the cookies next time. And, I'll have to keep them hidden, as the squadron found them fast and they went even faster. Maybe she can make some of that grand shortbread she used to make for me when my grades were good? (Just for you, Cap M)
Pass my love to everyone. Tell Lisa to write (but don't be obvious about it).
Dad,
Great news! You've probably already heard, but we've gotten intel that one of the Jap mainline carriers was bombed while in port at a base on Shortland Island. While we're not quite sure how badly damaged she was, every little bit helps (even if it was the Army that did it). It would have been nicer, I have to admit, if we Navy types had done the job. I'm sure we'll probably meet her again. Carriers are hard ships to take out.
In the meantime, we've been in port the last couple of days. Can't say where (loose lips and all), but we're enjoying the R&R. But, liberty call is coming to an end, and we're back to the waves to hopefully do our bit in this war. The action we saw last week is beginning to fade. Boy, was it a rush. Terrifying and exhilarating all in one. I tell ya, Dad, there's nothing like being in control of your own bird, buzzing through the air, flaming a fighter or bomber.
Being Hump Day and all -- and my Wingman's birthday -- we went out to celebrate our last day in port before the task force's next assignment. Even the skipper (of the ship!) showed, razzed him a bit. A good time was had by everyone.
Oh, and tell Mom that the cookies arrived in fine shape, but the cake didn't make the trip across the Pacific too well. Probably better stick to the cookies next time. And, I'll have to keep them hidden, as the squadron found them fast and they went even faster. Maybe she can make some of that grand shortbread she used to make for me when my grades were good? (Just for you, Cap M)
Pass my love to everyone. Tell Lisa to write (but don't be obvious about it).
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
23 May 1943
Lisa,
Glad you wrote! I hope everything is good with you and your family. I hear you're thinking of getting into the WAVES or another armed forces support organization. I think that's just grand, and you'd be very good at it. Are you thinking of doing this after you've finished nursing school, or before. Hopefully, after, since those skills would be very much in need in this war, I think.
We've been in port for a while. Seems one of the main escorts has a boiler problem, and until the additional carriers arrive in theater (we've promised they should be arriving any day), our admiral isn't in a hurry to risk his flattops yet.
The Japanese have been sailing their own carriers deep into the Coral Sea. Some say they've been spotted off the coast of Townsville (that's a city on the coast of Australia). No major action with them, yet, but reports of damage to one of their carriers by army bombers seems to have been exaggerated, since it was seen in the task force I mentioned. Our own brass continues to keep us out of the fight. Not sure why. Most of us are aching to get into this thing, and we'd really like to head after these guys. But, they're a ways off, and they'll probably head back to port before the brass figures out what they want to do.
I miss our walks along the river. Yeah, there's lots of water here (ha ha), but land can be lacking.
Write back, and say hello to your folks. I miss you.
Lisa,
Glad you wrote! I hope everything is good with you and your family. I hear you're thinking of getting into the WAVES or another armed forces support organization. I think that's just grand, and you'd be very good at it. Are you thinking of doing this after you've finished nursing school, or before. Hopefully, after, since those skills would be very much in need in this war, I think.
We've been in port for a while. Seems one of the main escorts has a boiler problem, and until the additional carriers arrive in theater (we've promised they should be arriving any day), our admiral isn't in a hurry to risk his flattops yet.
The Japanese have been sailing their own carriers deep into the Coral Sea. Some say they've been spotted off the coast of Townsville (that's a city on the coast of Australia). No major action with them, yet, but reports of damage to one of their carriers by army bombers seems to have been exaggerated, since it was seen in the task force I mentioned. Our own brass continues to keep us out of the fight. Not sure why. Most of us are aching to get into this thing, and we'd really like to head after these guys. But, they're a ways off, and they'll probably head back to port before the brass figures out what they want to do.
I miss our walks along the river. Yeah, there's lots of water here (ha ha), but land can be lacking.
Write back, and say hello to your folks. I miss you.
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Admiral DadMan
- Posts: 3425
- Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2002 10:00 am
- Location: A Lion uses all its might to catch a Rabbit
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Attack Condor
- Posts: 424
- Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2002 2:33 am
- Location: Chicago
May 21, 1942
Dear Mother,
Uncle Saburo's letter reached me this morning, so I had to write and tell you that the rumors of damage to the Zuikaku were indeed false, just as we had suspected. He indicated to me that he was quite unhurt, and that the ship was not harmed in any way. This fills me with great joy! One wonders how much truth is contained in those enemy radio broadcasts we have intercepted.
Although he could not say exactly where he is, he hinted that the task force is at sea, agressively looking for American re-supply convoys sailing to Port Moresby and Australia. He told me that the dive bombers and torpedo planes found a wounded American supply ship somewhere in the southern Coral Sea and sent her to the bottom. While admitting that this was a minor action, he was quick to remind me that any action, however small, increases the skills and confidence of the pilots.
I must tell you of another minor but important success. Reports from Lae indicate that yet another American supply convoy was attacked as soon as it pulled into Port Moresby harbor. Our bomber pilots put many torpedoes into the only supply ship in the convoy, and sank her. I wonder if the Americans are going to keep attempting to re-enforce Port Moresby. Surely they can see that each new convoy will meet with the same fate!
We did have a small scare here in Rabaul yesterday, when a small formation of B-17 bombers attacked the port. While quite high up in the sky, they were still able to score a couple of hits on some ships in the harbor, although the damage done was slight. Still, it is disconcerting that bombers flying so high can have such an effect. It is apparant that any ships in the harbor are not safe from future attacks. I hope the high command takes steps to protect these ships in the future.
Please don't worry about me, mother. I am in good health, and quite safe.
Here is a haiku that I thought of while lying on my bed last night...
Winds of war summon
skies of steel will darken soon
success will result
Goodnight, mother.
Dear Mother,
Uncle Saburo's letter reached me this morning, so I had to write and tell you that the rumors of damage to the Zuikaku were indeed false, just as we had suspected. He indicated to me that he was quite unhurt, and that the ship was not harmed in any way. This fills me with great joy! One wonders how much truth is contained in those enemy radio broadcasts we have intercepted.
Although he could not say exactly where he is, he hinted that the task force is at sea, agressively looking for American re-supply convoys sailing to Port Moresby and Australia. He told me that the dive bombers and torpedo planes found a wounded American supply ship somewhere in the southern Coral Sea and sent her to the bottom. While admitting that this was a minor action, he was quick to remind me that any action, however small, increases the skills and confidence of the pilots.
I must tell you of another minor but important success. Reports from Lae indicate that yet another American supply convoy was attacked as soon as it pulled into Port Moresby harbor. Our bomber pilots put many torpedoes into the only supply ship in the convoy, and sank her. I wonder if the Americans are going to keep attempting to re-enforce Port Moresby. Surely they can see that each new convoy will meet with the same fate!
We did have a small scare here in Rabaul yesterday, when a small formation of B-17 bombers attacked the port. While quite high up in the sky, they were still able to score a couple of hits on some ships in the harbor, although the damage done was slight. Still, it is disconcerting that bombers flying so high can have such an effect. It is apparant that any ships in the harbor are not safe from future attacks. I hope the high command takes steps to protect these ships in the future.
Please don't worry about me, mother. I am in good health, and quite safe.
Here is a haiku that I thought of while lying on my bed last night...
Winds of war summon
skies of steel will darken soon
success will result
Goodnight, mother.
May 28, 1942
Dear Father,
I must tell you of some disquieting news. Please do not tell mother, since I know she will worry about me.
The past few days have seen some intense combat taking place. The Allies have been launching some unexpectedly strong air attacks against our airfield at Lae. Radio reports coming into headquarters here indicates that extensive damage has been done to the field. Multiple types of American bombers were reported over the base, dropping hundreds of bombs all over the place. The American raids were quite effective, destroying at least ten of our aircraft and setting fire to some supply dumps. While this is indeed disturbing news, one can only hope that the supplies the Allies are using in these attacks will deplete their already tenuous supply on hand at Port Moresby. Perhaps this is a good omen, afterall? Only time will tell.
At any rate, our engineers are busy repairing the damage and the airfield should be back in service shortly.
I feel that the tension in the Port Moresby area is thickening, as we know that the Allies must keep trying to land large amounts of supplies, and even more importantly, troops, into Port Moresby before we have amassed enough troops to capture it. Yesterday afternoon, we heard reports that American SBD bombers were seen near Townsville. That can only mean one thing: That the Americans are staging their aircraft carriers there in preparation for another re-supply run into PM.
The American submarine force that has been plaguing our ships has scored yet another hit on a supply transport. These submarines are far more effective that I would have ever dreamed!
Well, that is all there is to report today. I am sorry that I have no good news to report. The last few days have seen the Allies strike back at us. They have had their fun, but I don't see how they can continue to keep up the pressure, unless they are able to move massive supplies into PM. And we will stop them from doing this. We must.
I feel compelled to write a haiku about the past few days events, as it helps calm me....
Bombs rain from above
fire, smoke and death are with us
disturbing, this is
Goodnight, father. I hope to have better news to report tomorrow.
Dear Father,
I must tell you of some disquieting news. Please do not tell mother, since I know she will worry about me.
The past few days have seen some intense combat taking place. The Allies have been launching some unexpectedly strong air attacks against our airfield at Lae. Radio reports coming into headquarters here indicates that extensive damage has been done to the field. Multiple types of American bombers were reported over the base, dropping hundreds of bombs all over the place. The American raids were quite effective, destroying at least ten of our aircraft and setting fire to some supply dumps. While this is indeed disturbing news, one can only hope that the supplies the Allies are using in these attacks will deplete their already tenuous supply on hand at Port Moresby. Perhaps this is a good omen, afterall? Only time will tell.
At any rate, our engineers are busy repairing the damage and the airfield should be back in service shortly.
I feel that the tension in the Port Moresby area is thickening, as we know that the Allies must keep trying to land large amounts of supplies, and even more importantly, troops, into Port Moresby before we have amassed enough troops to capture it. Yesterday afternoon, we heard reports that American SBD bombers were seen near Townsville. That can only mean one thing: That the Americans are staging their aircraft carriers there in preparation for another re-supply run into PM.
The American submarine force that has been plaguing our ships has scored yet another hit on a supply transport. These submarines are far more effective that I would have ever dreamed!
Well, that is all there is to report today. I am sorry that I have no good news to report. The last few days have seen the Allies strike back at us. They have had their fun, but I don't see how they can continue to keep up the pressure, unless they are able to move massive supplies into PM. And we will stop them from doing this. We must.
I feel compelled to write a haiku about the past few days events, as it helps calm me....
Bombs rain from above
fire, smoke and death are with us
disturbing, this is
Goodnight, father. I hope to have better news to report tomorrow.
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
28 May 1942
Uncle Frank,
Hope all is well back home. How's the store business these days? Sometimes when I miss home, I think of working the soda fountain again, gabbing the days away with just anyone who came in. And all those crazy stories Charlie down the block would tell. I tried telling some of the guys here about the cow in the upstairs bedroom, but they just didn't seem to get it.
Some of the guys were razzing me because I got a letter from Lisa. Now all they want to see is a picture. I'm working up the courage to ask her for one.
We still haven't seen any real action yet. For the last couple of days, the Jap carriers were within half a day's sail from us, but the admiral still kept us back. Scuttlebut says he's under orders, but lots of the ranks are grumbling about him being yellow. Still, we had a chance, and now they've sailed back up toward their main ports well north of us. We did manage to sneak right past them, and that was kind of funny. They sailed pretty far down into the Coral Sea, and that let us slip past.
So far, most of the fighting in this war seems to be with the Army Air Corps, and the submarines. We keep hearing about the bombings of Lae (a main base of the Japs in New Guinea) and every once in a while we'll read the postings about a sub scoring a hit on a tanker or transport. But mostly we're just bored. Our squadron commander keeps telling us that the brass are saving us for the "big punch," and maybe so, but we just want to get into this thing.
We did find out for sure that the fighter squadron on the other CV has zero kills so far. We have a dozen or so.
Take care.
Uncle Frank,
Hope all is well back home. How's the store business these days? Sometimes when I miss home, I think of working the soda fountain again, gabbing the days away with just anyone who came in. And all those crazy stories Charlie down the block would tell. I tried telling some of the guys here about the cow in the upstairs bedroom, but they just didn't seem to get it.
Some of the guys were razzing me because I got a letter from Lisa. Now all they want to see is a picture. I'm working up the courage to ask her for one.
We still haven't seen any real action yet. For the last couple of days, the Jap carriers were within half a day's sail from us, but the admiral still kept us back. Scuttlebut says he's under orders, but lots of the ranks are grumbling about him being yellow. Still, we had a chance, and now they've sailed back up toward their main ports well north of us. We did manage to sneak right past them, and that was kind of funny. They sailed pretty far down into the Coral Sea, and that let us slip past.
So far, most of the fighting in this war seems to be with the Army Air Corps, and the submarines. We keep hearing about the bombings of Lae (a main base of the Japs in New Guinea) and every once in a while we'll read the postings about a sub scoring a hit on a tanker or transport. But mostly we're just bored. Our squadron commander keeps telling us that the brass are saving us for the "big punch," and maybe so, but we just want to get into this thing.
We did find out for sure that the fighter squadron on the other CV has zero kills so far. We have a dozen or so.
Take care.
-
Toro
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2002 6:33 pm
- Location: 16 miles southeast of Hell (Michigan, i.e.), US
(To all would-be readers: we've been moving along in this scenario, but have had very little combat of late. I continue to pound Lae, suppressing air activity from that base, and he continues to attack my supply transports to PM. Otherwise, no major battles, nor major interactions.
This leads me to say: something major will have to happen soon. I've another game running where the same build-up and "patience" was occurring, then we duked it out with four CVs apiece. Quite the battle, and probably each of us gave as good as we got.
In any case, that's the status. More soon!)
This leads me to say: something major will have to happen soon. I've another game running where the same build-up and "patience" was occurring, then we duked it out with four CVs apiece. Quite the battle, and probably each of us gave as good as we got.
In any case, that's the status. More soon!)
-
Marc von Martial
- Posts: 5292
- Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2001 4:00 pm
- Location: Bonn, Germany
- Contact:
June 8th, 1942
Dear Father,
I am quite disturbed today, because I just received word of a fruitless and wasteful attack that our naval command staff must have ordered yesterday. From the reports trickling into Rabaul, I know this much: The Americans had docked two medium-sized re-supply convoys in Port Moresby harbor a few days ago. Since our Army bomber pilots at Lae have been occupied filling in bomb crater holes from the heavy Allied air attacks in the past week, the job of destroying the American re-supply convoys has fallen to the naval bombers. Unfortuantely, the commander of our naval air bombers ordered what appeared to have been an unescorted raid on the ships in Port Moresby harbor. There can be no doubt of the bravery of our naval bomber pilots, for the code of Bushido is ingrained in them. One wonders, however, why they were sent on an attack against American shipping without escort? I am having a difficult time believing that any commander could be so foolish!
Attack they did, however, and many of the torpedo and dive bombers were shot down or damaged. I don't believe they scored any hits on the shipping in the harbor, either. How upset the Emperor must be! I would not like to be the commander that will have to explain to his majesty how this strike could have been ordered.
I am so upset by this news, that I must write a haiku to calm myself.....
Attack the fleet now!
no escorts will be needed
glorious death calls
Dear Father,
I am quite disturbed today, because I just received word of a fruitless and wasteful attack that our naval command staff must have ordered yesterday. From the reports trickling into Rabaul, I know this much: The Americans had docked two medium-sized re-supply convoys in Port Moresby harbor a few days ago. Since our Army bomber pilots at Lae have been occupied filling in bomb crater holes from the heavy Allied air attacks in the past week, the job of destroying the American re-supply convoys has fallen to the naval bombers. Unfortuantely, the commander of our naval air bombers ordered what appeared to have been an unescorted raid on the ships in Port Moresby harbor. There can be no doubt of the bravery of our naval bomber pilots, for the code of Bushido is ingrained in them. One wonders, however, why they were sent on an attack against American shipping without escort? I am having a difficult time believing that any commander could be so foolish!
Attack they did, however, and many of the torpedo and dive bombers were shot down or damaged. I don't believe they scored any hits on the shipping in the harbor, either. How upset the Emperor must be! I would not like to be the commander that will have to explain to his majesty how this strike could have been ordered.
I am so upset by this news, that I must write a haiku to calm myself.....
Attack the fleet now!
no escorts will be needed
glorious death calls
Originally posted by Bax
Thanks, if you like it so much how about showing us by giving us a good rating for this thread?
My haiku's get better as we receive more votes, so...vote early and often!
Done!
I read this great thread
it facinates soldiers and
inspires poets
"Life is tough, it's even tougher when you're stupid" -SGT John M. Stryker, USMC
June 9th, 1942
Dear Uncle Toshiro,
It was good to receive your communication yesterday. It sounds as if things are as busy at Truk as they are here in Rabaul! It is surely good news that the 2nd and 38th Infantry divisions have arrived safely in truk without incident. I am sure they will crush any enemy forces they come into contact with. I understand that you can't tell me where and when they will be deployed, but it fills me with great anticipation for the near future.
I must tell you about a fierce air battle that took place over Lae yesterday. That re-supply convoy sent from Truk last week has finally arrived at Lae, and so far has been unmolested by the Allied air units. Not that they didn't try, mind you! In a huge air battle lasting most of the day, my friend at the Lae air base estimated that over 50 enemy land-based bombers based at Port Moresby, escorted by at least 50 fighter escorts, approached Lae harbor in an attempt to sink the convoy. Our Zero units assigned to protect the convoy pounced on them from very high altitude, since the American P-39's and Australian P-40's don't perform very well at high altitudes.
In an epic and very bloody battle, our CAP of aproximately 55 Zeros were able to shoot down at least 40 enemy aircraft, with countless others damaged. I am unsure of how many Zero fighters failed to return to base, but it must have been a significant number. My friend said that the sky was full of zooming airplanes and the noisy chatter of machine guns and the barking of cannon. Planes were bursting into flame, cartwheeling from the sky in a last, lazy dance until they plunged into the jungle below. Others were seen to splash into the sea, making great gysers of water. Parachutes were too numerous to count from all the Allied fighters whose pilots bailed out. Our anti-aircraft guns were throwing up thousands of rounds into the sky. Thick black smoke covered the harbor at day's end. My friend said is was the most exciting thing he'd ever seen in his life.
The most important thing of all is that the convoy was not hit by any bombs! Imagine, all those bombers and not one hit!
I must restrain myself, however, because I fear the battle is not over. The convoy is now docked at Lae harbor, and must be unloaded safely. This will undoubtedly take days, so many more battles like this may take place before the convoy safely sails out of reach of the enemy. I wonder how many fighters the Allies have left with which to protect their bombers with. It can't be many after yesterday's battle. And what remains must be highly fatigued!
Perhaps this will mark the end of the stranglehold placed on Lae from the Allied bombers in the past week. If nothing else, it will prepare the way for invasion of Port Moresby soon. Of course, I do not actually know what the high command is planning for Port Moresby, but if I were in command, I would make it a top priority to capture Port Moresby and use the air base there to isloate us from the mass of Australian soldiers that must be sitting in Australia, just waiting to attack us. But, who knows? Perhaps the Army high command would rather cut PM off by capturing Townsville, Cairns and Cooktown. And what of the solomons area? There are truly many options open to the army. I hope that the navy and army can work together to surprise and bloody the noses of the Allies.
One thing is clear. Even I understand that any major invasion must take place soon. We cannot wait around and let the American economic juggernaught take the initiative.
The only questions that remains are, when? And with what? and where?
I suspect we will discover the answer very soon.
Goodnight Uncle, I hope your work at headquarters is going well and that your efforts will be rewarded with a victory in the coming days.
I am at peace tonight, I think I will write a haiku for you, since I know how much you enjoy them....
White clouds in the sky
enemy planes fall in flames
tonight I sleep well
Dear Uncle Toshiro,
It was good to receive your communication yesterday. It sounds as if things are as busy at Truk as they are here in Rabaul! It is surely good news that the 2nd and 38th Infantry divisions have arrived safely in truk without incident. I am sure they will crush any enemy forces they come into contact with. I understand that you can't tell me where and when they will be deployed, but it fills me with great anticipation for the near future.
I must tell you about a fierce air battle that took place over Lae yesterday. That re-supply convoy sent from Truk last week has finally arrived at Lae, and so far has been unmolested by the Allied air units. Not that they didn't try, mind you! In a huge air battle lasting most of the day, my friend at the Lae air base estimated that over 50 enemy land-based bombers based at Port Moresby, escorted by at least 50 fighter escorts, approached Lae harbor in an attempt to sink the convoy. Our Zero units assigned to protect the convoy pounced on them from very high altitude, since the American P-39's and Australian P-40's don't perform very well at high altitudes.
In an epic and very bloody battle, our CAP of aproximately 55 Zeros were able to shoot down at least 40 enemy aircraft, with countless others damaged. I am unsure of how many Zero fighters failed to return to base, but it must have been a significant number. My friend said that the sky was full of zooming airplanes and the noisy chatter of machine guns and the barking of cannon. Planes were bursting into flame, cartwheeling from the sky in a last, lazy dance until they plunged into the jungle below. Others were seen to splash into the sea, making great gysers of water. Parachutes were too numerous to count from all the Allied fighters whose pilots bailed out. Our anti-aircraft guns were throwing up thousands of rounds into the sky. Thick black smoke covered the harbor at day's end. My friend said is was the most exciting thing he'd ever seen in his life.
The most important thing of all is that the convoy was not hit by any bombs! Imagine, all those bombers and not one hit!
I must restrain myself, however, because I fear the battle is not over. The convoy is now docked at Lae harbor, and must be unloaded safely. This will undoubtedly take days, so many more battles like this may take place before the convoy safely sails out of reach of the enemy. I wonder how many fighters the Allies have left with which to protect their bombers with. It can't be many after yesterday's battle. And what remains must be highly fatigued!
Perhaps this will mark the end of the stranglehold placed on Lae from the Allied bombers in the past week. If nothing else, it will prepare the way for invasion of Port Moresby soon. Of course, I do not actually know what the high command is planning for Port Moresby, but if I were in command, I would make it a top priority to capture Port Moresby and use the air base there to isloate us from the mass of Australian soldiers that must be sitting in Australia, just waiting to attack us. But, who knows? Perhaps the Army high command would rather cut PM off by capturing Townsville, Cairns and Cooktown. And what of the solomons area? There are truly many options open to the army. I hope that the navy and army can work together to surprise and bloody the noses of the Allies.
One thing is clear. Even I understand that any major invasion must take place soon. We cannot wait around and let the American economic juggernaught take the initiative.
The only questions that remains are, when? And with what? and where?
I suspect we will discover the answer very soon.
Goodnight Uncle, I hope your work at headquarters is going well and that your efforts will be rewarded with a victory in the coming days.
I am at peace tonight, I think I will write a haiku for you, since I know how much you enjoy them....
White clouds in the sky
enemy planes fall in flames
tonight I sleep well