June 12, 1942
Dear Uncle,
It has been three days since my last letter, so I thought I had better bring you up to date on what has been happening around Lae. On the 10th, the Americans attacked again and were able to damage a few of the ships in the re-supply convoy, but our naval-based fighters were able to help keep the convoy relatively safe, all things considered. The convoy has finished off-loading, and is on the way home now. It will be out of harm's way in another day or two, so hopefully we can keep it protected long enough to escape further damage.
Other than that, an eerie calm has descended upon the area. The Americans continue to re-supply Port Moresby, while we continue to build up strength for the coming inevitable show-down with the Allies. Lae's airfield is finally back in operation, as the Allies have not bombed it in almost a week. I think they will find Lae's air defenses much stronger next time they try to bomb it. In any event, Lae is well-supplied for the foreseeable future, so it should remain a very helpful base for us in the coming struggle.
I almost forgot to tell you- I received a note from Uncle Saburo onboard the Shokaku. He tells me that the men's spirits are very high, and they look forward to joining battle with the American carrier forces soon.
I hope that even with the build-up going on at Truk, you will make time to rest yourself. I have included another Haiku for you, in hope that it will help calm your nerves....
Summer winds aloft
memories of my uncles
they bring us honor
Goodnight, uncle. I will do all I can to bring as much honor to the family name as you and uncle Saburo have.
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 June 1942
Uncle Frank,
We finally got into this thing! Well, maybe not me and my squadron, but several squadrons of bombers from our carriers managed to hit a fast transport group of APDs and light cruisers which were resupplying the Japanese base at Gili Gili. They do an overnight quick supply of their frontline bases with ships of this sort. Our planes caught them on their way back to port the next morning. No reports of sinkings yet, but we hear that several of their ships were hit pretty badly and were lighting up the morning sky as our boys flew back to the carrier.
The whole mission was quite a bag, as we received intel reports of their cruisers leaving Shortland Island a day or two back. They were heading southwest, so the admiral figured they set out for Gili Gili. We steamed out full speed to attempt to catch them, and managed to get just within range by this morning. I think we caught them with their britches down. Even though my squadron didn't see any action, morale is quite a bit higher throughout the fleet.
We also got word that one of our subs put a fish into a Jap cruiser that same morning.
Port Moresby has fully recovered from the bombings the Japs were doing earlier in the month. Supply ships have been getting into port under cover of bad weather, which happens quite a bit around here. Good for them, as I'm sure those Aussies were getting worried for a while.
Speaking of the bad weather, we passed close to a real nasty rain squall yesterday. Saw a funnel cloud pass along starboard (right). Water spout, they call them.
All my best.
Uncle Frank,
We finally got into this thing! Well, maybe not me and my squadron, but several squadrons of bombers from our carriers managed to hit a fast transport group of APDs and light cruisers which were resupplying the Japanese base at Gili Gili. They do an overnight quick supply of their frontline bases with ships of this sort. Our planes caught them on their way back to port the next morning. No reports of sinkings yet, but we hear that several of their ships were hit pretty badly and were lighting up the morning sky as our boys flew back to the carrier.
The whole mission was quite a bag, as we received intel reports of their cruisers leaving Shortland Island a day or two back. They were heading southwest, so the admiral figured they set out for Gili Gili. We steamed out full speed to attempt to catch them, and managed to get just within range by this morning. I think we caught them with their britches down. Even though my squadron didn't see any action, morale is quite a bit higher throughout the fleet.
We also got word that one of our subs put a fish into a Jap cruiser that same morning.
Port Moresby has fully recovered from the bombings the Japs were doing earlier in the month. Supply ships have been getting into port under cover of bad weather, which happens quite a bit around here. Good for them, as I'm sure those Aussies were getting worried for a while.
Speaking of the bad weather, we passed close to a real nasty rain squall yesterday. Saw a funnel cloud pass along starboard (right). Water spout, they call them.
All my best.
June 17, 1942
Dear Father,
I'm sorry to have to report some more disturbing news. From some sketchy reports coming in from the Shortlands area, we have heard of some unfortunate losses to our transport fleet that was re-supplying Gili-Gili the other night. Apparently there was an enemy carrier TF steaming south of Rossel Island just waiting for a re-supply convoy such as the one we sent. I'm not sure exactly how many ships were sunk or damaged, but a friend of mine stationed at Shortland told me he saw a few ships limping into port that looked badly damaged. He said they had twisted metal on the superstructures, and they were listing quite heavily, too. He also noted hundreds of white boxes bearing the ashes of those crewmen who gave their lives for the Emperor were being brought ashore.
Actually, father, I am quite concerned about the aggressiveness of the enemy submarines in the area. It seems that they tend to be nowhere else but virtually right inside our bases perimeter! I have seen with my own eyes the number of anti-submarine forces we have employed here in Rabaul alone, and we have yet to sink any American submarines. One wonders what it will take to eliminate this menace?
However, there is a little good news to report. While the re-supply convoy to Gili-Gili was given a bloody nose, at least they delivered their precious cargo. And I have just heard that at least one American submarine was depth charged and damaged near Shortland island last night.
Surprisingly, there has not been much in the way of air battles lately. I suppose this is because many of the air units are being given rests after the heavy fighting around Lae at the beginning of the month.
My friends and I have started to get excited about the forthcoming battles that we know will happen soon. Uncle Toshiro and Saburo have hinted that something big is about to happen, but, of course, they will not tell me where. My friend Gen believes that we will strike at Australia directly, while my other friend Hiro thinks the best course of action would be to strike in New Caledonia. Personally, I think the high command will choose to capture Port Moresby and push the Allies all the way out of New Guinea. That's what I would do, anyway.
Nonetheless, wherever the high command decides to strike, you can rest assured that the Americans will throw everything they have at us in an attempt to stop the invasion. I have the feeling that it will be a very bloody and challenging endeavor.
That is all I have to write about for now, father. Please kiss mother and Noriko for me. Tell them I am well. Oh yes, I almost forgot, here is the haiku I promised you. I'm sorry that it is of a somber nature, but that is how I feel tonight.
Dark blue seas grow cold
submarines swift and silent
dealing death and dread
Dear Father,
I'm sorry to have to report some more disturbing news. From some sketchy reports coming in from the Shortlands area, we have heard of some unfortunate losses to our transport fleet that was re-supplying Gili-Gili the other night. Apparently there was an enemy carrier TF steaming south of Rossel Island just waiting for a re-supply convoy such as the one we sent. I'm not sure exactly how many ships were sunk or damaged, but a friend of mine stationed at Shortland told me he saw a few ships limping into port that looked badly damaged. He said they had twisted metal on the superstructures, and they were listing quite heavily, too. He also noted hundreds of white boxes bearing the ashes of those crewmen who gave their lives for the Emperor were being brought ashore.
Actually, father, I am quite concerned about the aggressiveness of the enemy submarines in the area. It seems that they tend to be nowhere else but virtually right inside our bases perimeter! I have seen with my own eyes the number of anti-submarine forces we have employed here in Rabaul alone, and we have yet to sink any American submarines. One wonders what it will take to eliminate this menace?
However, there is a little good news to report. While the re-supply convoy to Gili-Gili was given a bloody nose, at least they delivered their precious cargo. And I have just heard that at least one American submarine was depth charged and damaged near Shortland island last night.
Surprisingly, there has not been much in the way of air battles lately. I suppose this is because many of the air units are being given rests after the heavy fighting around Lae at the beginning of the month.
My friends and I have started to get excited about the forthcoming battles that we know will happen soon. Uncle Toshiro and Saburo have hinted that something big is about to happen, but, of course, they will not tell me where. My friend Gen believes that we will strike at Australia directly, while my other friend Hiro thinks the best course of action would be to strike in New Caledonia. Personally, I think the high command will choose to capture Port Moresby and push the Allies all the way out of New Guinea. That's what I would do, anyway.
Nonetheless, wherever the high command decides to strike, you can rest assured that the Americans will throw everything they have at us in an attempt to stop the invasion. I have the feeling that it will be a very bloody and challenging endeavor.
That is all I have to write about for now, father. Please kiss mother and Noriko for me. Tell them I am well. Oh yes, I almost forgot, here is the haiku I promised you. I'm sorry that it is of a somber nature, but that is how I feel tonight.
Dark blue seas grow cold
submarines swift and silent
dealing death and dread
June 25th, 1942
Dear Mother,
Please forgive me for not writing more often. Things have been very busy around here at headquarters, as we prepare for the upcoming battle with the enemy. Our forces are gathering strength in unprecedented numbers, and the battle may be joined any day now. I can feel the anticipation in the air!
The Americans have been spotted loitering around the Gili-Gili and Rossel island areas, as they seem intent on...how do the Americans say it..."Cutting us off at the pass". Well, I am confident they will be swimming for their lives very soon indeed!
We had a big party here the other night, as apparently the Emperor, or at least someone in Japan, declared a holiday. It seems that the news of our sinking of two American submarines that were patrolling around the Shortland islands has reached the homeland. Since it is such a rare event, celebration was in order. It really helped to relieve some of the tension around here.
One thing is for certain, mother. Our troops will be landing on enemy shores very soon. It is indeed an exciting time!
In honor of the great upcoming battle, and to commemerate Admiral Togo's victory at the Tshushima straits in 1905, I have written a haiku for your enjoyment....
Stormy seas on fire
lightning leaps from boiling clouds
destiny beckons
You will please understand, mother, that I may not be able to write again until the battle is joined. It is indeed the calm before the storm now. I will write again just as soon as I'm able to. Please say hello to father and Noriko for me. Oh yes, and please don't worry about me, I will be just fine. The glorious armed forces of the Empire of Japan will soon be victorious!
Dear Mother,
Please forgive me for not writing more often. Things have been very busy around here at headquarters, as we prepare for the upcoming battle with the enemy. Our forces are gathering strength in unprecedented numbers, and the battle may be joined any day now. I can feel the anticipation in the air!
The Americans have been spotted loitering around the Gili-Gili and Rossel island areas, as they seem intent on...how do the Americans say it..."Cutting us off at the pass". Well, I am confident they will be swimming for their lives very soon indeed!
We had a big party here the other night, as apparently the Emperor, or at least someone in Japan, declared a holiday. It seems that the news of our sinking of two American submarines that were patrolling around the Shortland islands has reached the homeland. Since it is such a rare event, celebration was in order. It really helped to relieve some of the tension around here.
One thing is for certain, mother. Our troops will be landing on enemy shores very soon. It is indeed an exciting time!
In honor of the great upcoming battle, and to commemerate Admiral Togo's victory at the Tshushima straits in 1905, I have written a haiku for your enjoyment....
Stormy seas on fire
lightning leaps from boiling clouds
destiny beckons
You will please understand, mother, that I may not be able to write again until the battle is joined. It is indeed the calm before the storm now. I will write again just as soon as I'm able to. Please say hello to father and Noriko for me. Oh yes, and please don't worry about me, I will be just fine. The glorious armed forces of the Empire of Japan will soon be victorious!
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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
26 June 1942
Dad,
Well, we had quite a tangle with the Japs over Gili Gili yesterday. We are part of a large invasion of the base that involves an incredible number of transports, escorts, and the carriers, too. Looks like we caught the Japs off guard, at least in the land campaign.
For the last week or so, the ships have been forming south of Gili Gili, preparing for the run in. We were waiting for a weather front, as this would hopefully reduce the number of Jap bombers coming out of Rabaul. Well, the weather didn't come out like we thought, and they sent wave after wave of bombers at the ships unloading in the harbor area. Oddly, there weren't that many fighter escorts. In any case, my squadron was one of those flying CAP over the landing craft. It was pretty much a masacre, with nearly thirty Jap planes downed.
I have to tell you, Dad: I am now the only confirmed ace in the who squadron! I tagged three bogies during the fighting! And, to top things off, we only had one transport get torpedoed -- though it looks like she was hit hard. We expect that tomorrow either the Jap carriers or some surface ships will be in the area. Finally, some real fighting!
Let everyone know I thinking about them.
Dad,
Well, we had quite a tangle with the Japs over Gili Gili yesterday. We are part of a large invasion of the base that involves an incredible number of transports, escorts, and the carriers, too. Looks like we caught the Japs off guard, at least in the land campaign.
For the last week or so, the ships have been forming south of Gili Gili, preparing for the run in. We were waiting for a weather front, as this would hopefully reduce the number of Jap bombers coming out of Rabaul. Well, the weather didn't come out like we thought, and they sent wave after wave of bombers at the ships unloading in the harbor area. Oddly, there weren't that many fighter escorts. In any case, my squadron was one of those flying CAP over the landing craft. It was pretty much a masacre, with nearly thirty Jap planes downed.
I have to tell you, Dad: I am now the only confirmed ace in the who squadron! I tagged three bogies during the fighting! And, to top things off, we only had one transport get torpedoed -- though it looks like she was hit hard. We expect that tomorrow either the Jap carriers or some surface ships will be in the area. Finally, some real fighting!
Let everyone know I thinking about them.
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Cap Mandrake
- Posts: 20737
- Joined: Fri Nov 15, 2002 8:37 am
- Location: Southern California
June 27, 1942
Dear Father,
Most disconcerting news has arrived from the important outpost at Gili-Gili. Urgent radio reports indicated a landing by Australian troops! I fear that the islands' defense force was overrun, as we have not heard from them in over a day. This is a most surprising and unpleasant development in the war. It would seem that our high command was caught, as the Americans would say, "with our pants down". Such a strange terminology they use, wouldn't you agree? The radio reports mentioned at least 5 American aircraft carriers, with escorts, have been patrolling the area around Gili-Gili. This is indeed a most distressing situation.
Our gallant army pilots at Rabaul attempted to sink the invasion fleet, but the commander in charge of the escort squadrons thought it more prudent to closely escort the three Nell bombers that had the courage to make the flight to Gili-Gili, instead of the fully operational and determined flight of 27 Betty bombers that braved the journey. As you might suspect, even the best unescorted bombers are nothing but targets for a determined fighter CAP....especially when that determined fighter CAP consists of over 50 American Wildcat fighters!
Oh, those poor, brave bomber pilots! How brave they were to give their life for the emperor. It is indeed interesting how the American B-17 bombers can fly anywhere, against any amount of fighter CAP we can put up, and bomb with impunity...while all of our bombers are decimated even when escorted! The god's of rules for this war need to make a change, as it is way beyond fiction for unescorted B-17's to be able to fly through 30 fighters without damage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem....
One wonders where our navy is, as they have not been seen in quite some time, and radio silence has been enforced for many days.
I cannot help but feel admiration for the Allies in their operation at Gili-Gili. They seemed to have their timing down, and caught us when we had no forces nearby in which to make a counter stroke.
But I know we have strong naval assets somewhere in the region. The question is...where? I pray that it is not all sitting up in Truk harbor. I always did suspect that those naval fellows liked the food and the Geisha's that high command supplied for them there.
I am so upset, I'm not sure if I can even write a Haiku today....
Of course, let me try my best, anyway......
Sadness consumes me
Allied success chills my bones
Where is our navy?
I am growing impatient with our leaders, father. If they don't strike a blow soon, I fear that we may lose the initiative. It may already be lost, as far as that goes.
Dear Father,
Most disconcerting news has arrived from the important outpost at Gili-Gili. Urgent radio reports indicated a landing by Australian troops! I fear that the islands' defense force was overrun, as we have not heard from them in over a day. This is a most surprising and unpleasant development in the war. It would seem that our high command was caught, as the Americans would say, "with our pants down". Such a strange terminology they use, wouldn't you agree? The radio reports mentioned at least 5 American aircraft carriers, with escorts, have been patrolling the area around Gili-Gili. This is indeed a most distressing situation.
Our gallant army pilots at Rabaul attempted to sink the invasion fleet, but the commander in charge of the escort squadrons thought it more prudent to closely escort the three Nell bombers that had the courage to make the flight to Gili-Gili, instead of the fully operational and determined flight of 27 Betty bombers that braved the journey. As you might suspect, even the best unescorted bombers are nothing but targets for a determined fighter CAP....especially when that determined fighter CAP consists of over 50 American Wildcat fighters!
Oh, those poor, brave bomber pilots! How brave they were to give their life for the emperor. It is indeed interesting how the American B-17 bombers can fly anywhere, against any amount of fighter CAP we can put up, and bomb with impunity...while all of our bombers are decimated even when escorted! The god's of rules for this war need to make a change, as it is way beyond fiction for unescorted B-17's to be able to fly through 30 fighters without damage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem....
One wonders where our navy is, as they have not been seen in quite some time, and radio silence has been enforced for many days.
I cannot help but feel admiration for the Allies in their operation at Gili-Gili. They seemed to have their timing down, and caught us when we had no forces nearby in which to make a counter stroke.
But I know we have strong naval assets somewhere in the region. The question is...where? I pray that it is not all sitting up in Truk harbor. I always did suspect that those naval fellows liked the food and the Geisha's that high command supplied for them there.
I am so upset, I'm not sure if I can even write a Haiku today....
Of course, let me try my best, anyway......
Sadness consumes me
Allied success chills my bones
Where is our navy?
I am growing impatient with our leaders, father. If they don't strike a blow soon, I fear that we may lose the initiative. It may already be lost, as far as that goes.
July 7, 1942
Dear Father,
The battle is joined!
There are reports filtering into headquarters that a massive air and sea battle is taking place right now, just Northwest of New Caledonia. I must not divulge any secret information at this time regarding casualties, as the battle is still in progress. What I can tell you is that it has been raging for aproximately three days, and involves all major warships of our navy and that of the Allies.
I will write again as soon as things calm down here and the intelligence information is sorted out.
Until then, a haiku to commmorate the occasion:
Fierce battle raging
Blood-filled skies and oceans red
Destiny be near!
Dear Father,
The battle is joined!
There are reports filtering into headquarters that a massive air and sea battle is taking place right now, just Northwest of New Caledonia. I must not divulge any secret information at this time regarding casualties, as the battle is still in progress. What I can tell you is that it has been raging for aproximately three days, and involves all major warships of our navy and that of the Allies.
I will write again as soon as things calm down here and the intelligence information is sorted out.
Until then, a haiku to commmorate the occasion:
Fierce battle raging
Blood-filled skies and oceans red
Destiny be near!