昭和 17 5月十五日
Day 15
From: “An Oral History of the Pacific War” Tomonaga and Joseph. New York University Press. 1975
The First Prisoner.
The Ramen shop sits on a side street near the harbor at Townsville, Queensland. A small sign announces “Sapporo Ramen”
We enter and an old man, and his younger assistant greet us “Irashimaise.”
The old man was expecting as and leads us to a table. After a few pleasantries he tells us his story.
"We took the base from the Americans and Australians. There were many more than we expected, so two more naval guards units landed, but they were not enough. The enemy also brought in reinforcements. We could not take the base so they sent us a full division, the 16th.
That did the trick. In one day, we took the base and the enemy fled across the swamp to the main island of New Guinea. We thanked our stars that it was so easy. Or so we thought.
The two Naval guards and the 16th were earmarked for Port Moresby. They just stopped at Milne Bay to help us out. As soon as we took the base, fighters came to give us air cover and the 2 naval guards and the 16th left. We settled in, expanded the airfield and began to get comfortable.
We heard of the naval battle when the airgroups from Hiryu landed on our field. We knew we lost at least two carriers, but so did the enemy.
Then, a mighty force appeared in front of us. They began to land, a huge force. At least a division, with artillery, trucks, base forces. A whole army. Our planes attacked them and sunk some of their ships but it was as a wasp stinging a bull. We identified the enemy as the Americal Division. We composed our death poems and prepared to die.
The next morning, we waited, bayonets fixed on our rifles. Their cannon fired.
I came to in a field hospital. The Americans treated me well. I tried to give them a false name, but they soon discovered it. I did not want them to notify my family that I was a prisoner. They would be so shamed. Later I found out that my unit and the base force had escaped to the big island.”
“You did not return to Japan after the war?”
“How could I face my family, or those who lost a father, or a son, in the war? I could not face the shame of it. I was the only prisoner in Milne Bay. A ship came later and it took me to Australia where they set me to work in a sheep ranch, near here. That was when I met…”
桜 転落する. Falling Cherry Blossoms. No CrackSabbath
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Coral Sea 2
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
ハードこんなに早く、戦う。私は、このARで爆風を抱えています！
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
RE: Coral Sea 2
共ありがとう
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
Apologies for the lack of updates. Have had family visiting and other stuff that brought all my games to a sudden, temporary halt. Resume normal life on Monday 6/30
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 5月二十日
Day 20
広島
There are celebrations going on in Hiroshima. The second strike force arrived on the 18th, the carriers disbanded in port to undergo minor repairs and the crews, given short shore leave fill the streets, sake dens and other, less reputable establishments, giving a boost to the local economy.
Forgetting the dire situation of the Ha33 engine down to 9 engines in stock, Yamashita and Hattori meet with the brand new ensign Kobayashi for a much deserved break.
Tomorrow, KB 2 under rear admiral Yamaguchi Tamon will set sail towards Truk to relieve Nagumos 1st strike force. 3 fleet carriers, Kaga, Junyo, and Hiyo, and three light carriers Ryujo, Shoho, and Zuiho, together with three seaplane carriers and escorts will depart to confront the enemy in the Southeast Pacific.
In industrial centers in Japan, production of the Ki 43-Ic is temporarily halted until more engines are available.
There are 212 Peregrine Falcons sitting on the ground, ready to replace losses.
昭和 17 5月二十一日
Day 21
Batavia captured.
Day 20
広島
There are celebrations going on in Hiroshima. The second strike force arrived on the 18th, the carriers disbanded in port to undergo minor repairs and the crews, given short shore leave fill the streets, sake dens and other, less reputable establishments, giving a boost to the local economy.
Forgetting the dire situation of the Ha33 engine down to 9 engines in stock, Yamashita and Hattori meet with the brand new ensign Kobayashi for a much deserved break.
Tomorrow, KB 2 under rear admiral Yamaguchi Tamon will set sail towards Truk to relieve Nagumos 1st strike force. 3 fleet carriers, Kaga, Junyo, and Hiyo, and three light carriers Ryujo, Shoho, and Zuiho, together with three seaplane carriers and escorts will depart to confront the enemy in the Southeast Pacific.
In industrial centers in Japan, production of the Ki 43-Ic is temporarily halted until more engines are available.
There are 212 Peregrine Falcons sitting on the ground, ready to replace losses.
昭和 17 5月二十一日
Day 21
Batavia captured.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
I am glad to see updates. Thanks for your efforts on the AAR.
I liked the earlier Minister of War Production giving insight to the important decisions on the economic front.
Will you be returning to those characters in time?
I liked the earlier Minister of War Production giving insight to the important decisions on the economic front.
Will you be returning to those characters in time?
The Commander's job is to orchestrate and direct the three major dimensions of combat - space, time and force. Shattered Sword, the Untold Story of the Battle of Midway
RE: Coral Sea 2
Thanks. Yes, the Minister of War point of view will continue to appear intermittently.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 5月二十二日
Day 22
The Pacific Ocean is a vast playing field for the Japanese submarine force. Earlier in 1941, Minister Yamashita Carl had addressed the graduating class of submarine skippers. “A sunk enemy merchant, unable to haul supplies, or troops, is as valuable as a cruiser.”
The Japanese Navy, cognizant of the German doctrine in the war of 1914 and the current successes of Doenitz’s U-boats changed the orders for their submarines too. No longer would they be used to scout and snipe at enemy men of war. Now, the ocean going 1st class boats sought the enemy trade routes. The enemy, aware of this, moved the routes of their convoys, and both forces play a deadly game of hide and seek over the vast surface of the ocean.
Two submarines, I-155 and I-156 had been dispatched to patrol NW and SE of Suva respectively.
Today, they struck gold.
I-155 misses on DD Justin, on a task force that included CA N Orleans. Damaged by the enemy counterattack, she is ordered back to base. She will need to return to Manila or Tokyo for complete repairs.
I-156 patrolling SE of Fidji has better lack and hits CA San Francisco with one torpedo.
It was a good day for the IJN submarines: Off Bundaberg, NW of Brisbane, SS I-173 attacks xAP Zealandia on the surface. Hit by three torpedoes and one shell from their surface gun, the transport is reported sunk.
Defenders at Rangoon repel a Japanese attack, while at Port Moresby an allied attack is repelled by the Japanese forces.
Hattori leaves a memo on Yamashita’s desk. Heavy Industry reserves are 270,717 and rising. All Heavy industry plants are at full production.
Day 22
The Pacific Ocean is a vast playing field for the Japanese submarine force. Earlier in 1941, Minister Yamashita Carl had addressed the graduating class of submarine skippers. “A sunk enemy merchant, unable to haul supplies, or troops, is as valuable as a cruiser.”
The Japanese Navy, cognizant of the German doctrine in the war of 1914 and the current successes of Doenitz’s U-boats changed the orders for their submarines too. No longer would they be used to scout and snipe at enemy men of war. Now, the ocean going 1st class boats sought the enemy trade routes. The enemy, aware of this, moved the routes of their convoys, and both forces play a deadly game of hide and seek over the vast surface of the ocean.
Two submarines, I-155 and I-156 had been dispatched to patrol NW and SE of Suva respectively.
Today, they struck gold.
I-155 misses on DD Justin, on a task force that included CA N Orleans. Damaged by the enemy counterattack, she is ordered back to base. She will need to return to Manila or Tokyo for complete repairs.
I-156 patrolling SE of Fidji has better lack and hits CA San Francisco with one torpedo.
It was a good day for the IJN submarines: Off Bundaberg, NW of Brisbane, SS I-173 attacks xAP Zealandia on the surface. Hit by three torpedoes and one shell from their surface gun, the transport is reported sunk.
Defenders at Rangoon repel a Japanese attack, while at Port Moresby an allied attack is repelled by the Japanese forces.
Hattori leaves a memo on Yamashita’s desk. Heavy Industry reserves are 270,717 and rising. All Heavy industry plants are at full production.
- Attachments
-
- Torphit.jpg (116.15 KiB) Viewed 391 times
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 5月二十三日
Day 23
Not a good day for the IJN air force. Throughout the day, bombers from Rabaul attacked enemy shipping at Port Moresby. The enemy put up a spirited defense with their P39 and Kittyhawk fighters. G3M2 and G4M1 bombers attacked CL Tromp and Java, and several destroyers but achieved nothing.
A deliberate attack at Rangoon failed to take the city.
広島
Minister Yamashita looks up from his desk. His assistant Kobayashi, wearing his new ensign’s uniform, stands at something closely resembling attention.
“What do you have for me Kobayashi-san?”
“The good news is that we have an excess of Mitsubishi Ha-32 and Ha-35 engines, 338 and 281 right now. I consulted with Hattori-san and he concurs that we should slow down the production of these engines. We recommend stopping the Tokyo factories and also the Nagoya Mitsubishi Ha-32 plant.”
“Make it so. How about the heavy industry?”
“Osaka was missing resources yesterday, but everywhere else production continues.”
“So desuka?”
“Sumimasen.”
“Keep me informed Kobayashi-san.”
Yamashita glances at the wall map. There are tons and tons of resources spread around the empire. The problem is getting them from there to here.
Day 23
Not a good day for the IJN air force. Throughout the day, bombers from Rabaul attacked enemy shipping at Port Moresby. The enemy put up a spirited defense with their P39 and Kittyhawk fighters. G3M2 and G4M1 bombers attacked CL Tromp and Java, and several destroyers but achieved nothing.
A deliberate attack at Rangoon failed to take the city.
広島
Minister Yamashita looks up from his desk. His assistant Kobayashi, wearing his new ensign’s uniform, stands at something closely resembling attention.
“What do you have for me Kobayashi-san?”
“The good news is that we have an excess of Mitsubishi Ha-32 and Ha-35 engines, 338 and 281 right now. I consulted with Hattori-san and he concurs that we should slow down the production of these engines. We recommend stopping the Tokyo factories and also the Nagoya Mitsubishi Ha-32 plant.”
“Make it so. How about the heavy industry?”
“Osaka was missing resources yesterday, but everywhere else production continues.”
“So desuka?”
“Sumimasen.”
“Keep me informed Kobayashi-san.”
Yamashita glances at the wall map. There are tons and tons of resources spread around the empire. The problem is getting them from there to here.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 5月二十五日
Day 25
On the 24th, SS I-122 attacked on the surface an enemy tanker off Trivandrum. She scores two torpedo hits and is lightly damaged by the enemy’s gun. Today, she comes herself under attack by a corvette but escapes damage.
I-3 misses on DD Laffey off San Francisco and in the ensuing counterattack she takes 2 depth charge hits. Found again by the enemy, she takes 4 more hits by depth charges.
Tokyo heavy industry fails due to lack of resources. Heavy industry reserves stand at 271,374.
Day 25
On the 24th, SS I-122 attacked on the surface an enemy tanker off Trivandrum. She scores two torpedo hits and is lightly damaged by the enemy’s gun. Today, she comes herself under attack by a corvette but escapes damage.
I-3 misses on DD Laffey off San Francisco and in the ensuing counterattack she takes 2 depth charge hits. Found again by the enemy, she takes 4 more hits by depth charges.
Tokyo heavy industry fails due to lack of resources. Heavy industry reserves stand at 271,374.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 5月二十七日
Day 27
Enemy submarines score hits on several Japanese ships. Today the enemy torpedoes functioned as designed. Notably, Shark scored one hit on APD Kikuzuki, Sturgeon scored one hot on xAK Teijo Maru, loaded with oil and resources, near Shimizu. Not satisfied with this success, Sturgeon attacked again scoring one torpedo hit on xAK Tokyo Maru, then surfacing and attacking with deck gun and one more torpedo on the hapless Maru.
Rangoon and Bandoeng were captured. The Rangoon refinery was captured with only minimal damage.
Heavy industry reserves stand at 278020.
At Sabang, the 33rd infantry division reforms and begins to prepare for the Burma theater.
昭和 17 5月二十八日
Day 28
HMS Truant scores two torpedo hits on AP Palau near Rangoon. The escorts claim two depth charge hits on the submarine.
SS I-121 spotted near Colombo takes two depth charge hits.
Heavy air battles rage over Buna. While the A6M2 Zero-sen and Toryu fighters claim a heavy toll on the enemy fighters, dive and medium bombers, the B17s prove a tougher nut to crack.
In Tokyo, 1st and 5th Air Defense are transferred to the SE Area Fleet and embark on transports destined to Buna.
Heavy industry 281,409
Day 27
Enemy submarines score hits on several Japanese ships. Today the enemy torpedoes functioned as designed. Notably, Shark scored one hit on APD Kikuzuki, Sturgeon scored one hot on xAK Teijo Maru, loaded with oil and resources, near Shimizu. Not satisfied with this success, Sturgeon attacked again scoring one torpedo hit on xAK Tokyo Maru, then surfacing and attacking with deck gun and one more torpedo on the hapless Maru.
Rangoon and Bandoeng were captured. The Rangoon refinery was captured with only minimal damage.
Heavy industry reserves stand at 278020.
At Sabang, the 33rd infantry division reforms and begins to prepare for the Burma theater.
昭和 17 5月二十八日
Day 28
HMS Truant scores two torpedo hits on AP Palau near Rangoon. The escorts claim two depth charge hits on the submarine.
SS I-121 spotted near Colombo takes two depth charge hits.
Heavy air battles rage over Buna. While the A6M2 Zero-sen and Toryu fighters claim a heavy toll on the enemy fighters, dive and medium bombers, the B17s prove a tougher nut to crack.
In Tokyo, 1st and 5th Air Defense are transferred to the SE Area Fleet and embark on transports destined to Buna.
Heavy industry 281,409
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 5月二十九日
Day 29
広島
The Japanese empire is not the most open of societies. Censorship of the press, routine on all belligerent countries, is, of course, present in Japan. There are things, however, that cannot be hidden. The arrival at Hiroshima of the fleet, with heavily damaged ships, cannot be hidden.
If you cannot hide it, the best thing is to flaunt it, Asahi Shimbum and other papers are filled to the brim with details about the carrier battle fought off New Guinea, and the heroic pilots and crews, and the enemy losses, heavy, and the Japanese naval losses, insignificant.
Akagi and Zuikaku enter dry dock. The repairs will take 82 and 46 days respectively. Haruna will take 19 days to repair but will do it at dockside.
Yamashita orders Soerabaja to expand its heavy industry to 22.
“Might as well save us the effort of hauling all those resources,” he tells Kobayashi.
昭和 17 5月三一日
Day 31
The last factory producing the obsolete Nakajima Ki-27 fighter, the plant at Maebin in Manchukuo finally shuts down the production line and will convert to produce the new Shoki Ki 44 fighter.
The production of the Hayabusa Ki-43 fighter is also shut down temporarily as reserves are, at this time, ample.
Day 29
広島
The Japanese empire is not the most open of societies. Censorship of the press, routine on all belligerent countries, is, of course, present in Japan. There are things, however, that cannot be hidden. The arrival at Hiroshima of the fleet, with heavily damaged ships, cannot be hidden.
If you cannot hide it, the best thing is to flaunt it, Asahi Shimbum and other papers are filled to the brim with details about the carrier battle fought off New Guinea, and the heroic pilots and crews, and the enemy losses, heavy, and the Japanese naval losses, insignificant.
Akagi and Zuikaku enter dry dock. The repairs will take 82 and 46 days respectively. Haruna will take 19 days to repair but will do it at dockside.
Yamashita orders Soerabaja to expand its heavy industry to 22.
“Might as well save us the effort of hauling all those resources,” he tells Kobayashi.
昭和 17 5月三一日
Day 31
The last factory producing the obsolete Nakajima Ki-27 fighter, the plant at Maebin in Manchukuo finally shuts down the production line and will convert to produce the new Shoki Ki 44 fighter.
The production of the Hayabusa Ki-43 fighter is also shut down temporarily as reserves are, at this time, ample.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 6月七日
Day 7
To: General Tojo, Admiral Yamamoto.
From: Minister of Munitions and Supplies Yamashita Carl.
RE: Further conduct of the war.
The war has raged for 7 months and Japan has carved out a mighty empire out of the colonialists possessions. The resources that we need, as well as the oil are in our power and only a very limited further expansion is needed to protect them.
Namely, the Dutch and Portuguese possessions in New Guinea and North of Australia need to be secured. Also the conquest of Burma must be completed.
What the military objectives need to be to bring the enemy to the negotiating table I leave to your better trained minds.
I can guarantee an unimpeded flow of supplies and war material through the end of the year. Barring unforeseen circumstances this will also continue through the first half of next year.
I look forward to receiving and estimate of military and naval needs for the next 6 months.
Signed: Yamashita.
Kobayashi places copies of the letter in envelopes addressed to the recipients and sends two messengers with them to the respective ministries. The war, barring some unfortunate, but entirely to be expected, hiccups has proceeded as planned. Losses have been very light justifying the Yamashita’s optimistic assessment of the situation.
Yet he is troubled.
And then there is the letter.
It arrived at his home address, a boarding house in Hiroshima, near the ministry and harbor. He takes it out of the breast pocket of his uniform and looks at the plain brown envelope. The postmark is from Hiroshima but that does not mean anything really.
The cryptic, handwritten missive, innocent in appearance, worries him.
“Kobayashi-san:
I will visit Hiroshima on the 30th day of the month and would like to see you.
There can never be enough engines if the empire is to move ahead. Especially Ha-32 and 35.
Meet me on the 30th
Let me know if you can make it.
Signed: 世界平和
Kobayashi scratches his head. Who is this man who goes by the name Sekai Heiwa?
A madman, possibly, but the reference to the two engine production lines that have been temporarily stopped worries him. This was supposed to be a secret.
Does everyone know the intricacy of the ministry’s planning?
Should he tell Yamashita about this?
He picks up a sheet of paper and writes:
“Tell me a place and time.”
He addresses the letter to a post office box in Tokyo.
Day 7
To: General Tojo, Admiral Yamamoto.
From: Minister of Munitions and Supplies Yamashita Carl.
RE: Further conduct of the war.
The war has raged for 7 months and Japan has carved out a mighty empire out of the colonialists possessions. The resources that we need, as well as the oil are in our power and only a very limited further expansion is needed to protect them.
Namely, the Dutch and Portuguese possessions in New Guinea and North of Australia need to be secured. Also the conquest of Burma must be completed.
What the military objectives need to be to bring the enemy to the negotiating table I leave to your better trained minds.
I can guarantee an unimpeded flow of supplies and war material through the end of the year. Barring unforeseen circumstances this will also continue through the first half of next year.
I look forward to receiving and estimate of military and naval needs for the next 6 months.
Signed: Yamashita.
Kobayashi places copies of the letter in envelopes addressed to the recipients and sends two messengers with them to the respective ministries. The war, barring some unfortunate, but entirely to be expected, hiccups has proceeded as planned. Losses have been very light justifying the Yamashita’s optimistic assessment of the situation.
Yet he is troubled.
And then there is the letter.
It arrived at his home address, a boarding house in Hiroshima, near the ministry and harbor. He takes it out of the breast pocket of his uniform and looks at the plain brown envelope. The postmark is from Hiroshima but that does not mean anything really.
The cryptic, handwritten missive, innocent in appearance, worries him.
“Kobayashi-san:
I will visit Hiroshima on the 30th day of the month and would like to see you.
There can never be enough engines if the empire is to move ahead. Especially Ha-32 and 35.
Meet me on the 30th
Let me know if you can make it.
Signed: 世界平和
Kobayashi scratches his head. Who is this man who goes by the name Sekai Heiwa?
A madman, possibly, but the reference to the two engine production lines that have been temporarily stopped worries him. This was supposed to be a secret.
Does everyone know the intricacy of the ministry’s planning?
Should he tell Yamashita about this?
He picks up a sheet of paper and writes:
“Tell me a place and time.”
He addresses the letter to a post office box in Tokyo.
- Attachments
-
- EmpireJune1copy.jpg (196.06 KiB) Viewed 391 times
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 6月九日
Day 9
I-123, lurking east of Colombo had an unfruitful patrol until now. The submarine stalks the sea lanes that the British must use to supply and reinforce this all important outpost. Avery other day or so, the lookouts spot their consort, I-165 patrolling to the south east.
Today, the sound of many high speed screws brings the submarine to periscope depth. She is a KRS type originally designed as a minelaying submarine but she carries no mines today.
Lt Commander Uwai Hiroshi peers through the periscope. The first officer watching the skipper’s face can tell by the sudden wide opening of his captain’s eyes that a large target is near. The bearings and orders come in rapid succession. All tubes fire.
“Down Periscope.”
At periscope depth the submarines begins to clear the launch datum. The crew expects to hear the orders to go deep and evade the enemy counterattack but such orders do not come. Instead, moments before the torpedoes reach their target, Uwai orders the periscope up.
Two rumbling explosions announce the impact of two of I-123’s fish.
“Formidable class carrier,” announces Uwai, two impacts.”
A third, larger explosion reverberates through the submarine’s steel hull.
“Ammunition explosion I’d say.” Uwai announces, “Take her deep. Down periscope.”
Later in the day, to the southeast, I-165 finds the carrier again, and scores with one more torpedo.
Near Buna S-23 gets lucky and hits AMC Bankok Maru with two torpedoes.
At Port Moresby, the 16th Infantry Division holds against daily enemy attacks.
Day 9
I-123, lurking east of Colombo had an unfruitful patrol until now. The submarine stalks the sea lanes that the British must use to supply and reinforce this all important outpost. Avery other day or so, the lookouts spot their consort, I-165 patrolling to the south east.
Today, the sound of many high speed screws brings the submarine to periscope depth. She is a KRS type originally designed as a minelaying submarine but she carries no mines today.
Lt Commander Uwai Hiroshi peers through the periscope. The first officer watching the skipper’s face can tell by the sudden wide opening of his captain’s eyes that a large target is near. The bearings and orders come in rapid succession. All tubes fire.
“Down Periscope.”
At periscope depth the submarines begins to clear the launch datum. The crew expects to hear the orders to go deep and evade the enemy counterattack but such orders do not come. Instead, moments before the torpedoes reach their target, Uwai orders the periscope up.
Two rumbling explosions announce the impact of two of I-123’s fish.
“Formidable class carrier,” announces Uwai, two impacts.”
A third, larger explosion reverberates through the submarine’s steel hull.
“Ammunition explosion I’d say.” Uwai announces, “Take her deep. Down periscope.”
Later in the day, to the southeast, I-165 finds the carrier again, and scores with one more torpedo.
Near Buna S-23 gets lucky and hits AMC Bankok Maru with two torpedoes.
At Port Moresby, the 16th Infantry Division holds against daily enemy attacks.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
a budding JFB here -- and a question if I may,
since mentioned Mine Laying subs
I am still trying to figure out the proper command and basing to get mines to those subs.
Do you set up a major regional hub and run the mine layers out of it, and if so - where do you establish them?
Truk?
Singapore?
Which commands are they attached to?
And I like the behind the scenes actors adding to the story.
Thanks for the AAR
The Commander's job is to orchestrate and direct the three major dimensions of combat - space, time and force. Shattered Sword, the Untold Story of the Battle of Midway
RE: Coral Sea 2
The KRS type boats, designated as large submarine minelayers were completed in 1927-28 and were the only dedicated submarine minelayers deployed by the IJN. They are not designated as minelaying subs (a la Argonaut) in the game. It is my understanding that if mines are available and the sub is docked at a base of appropriate size the subs will load mines.
I seldom use offensive mines now since the number of devices is limited so I can't be of much help there.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
I seldom use offensive mines now since the number of devices is limited so I can't be of much help there.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 6月十一日
Day 11
The 53rd Infantry Division begins to unload at Rabaul. The plan called for the 51st to reinforce and support the 16th on the assault on Port Moresby. However, after the fall of Milne Bay, the Navy dares not send the 51st around New Guinea. To do that Milne Bay must be retaken however the Americal Infantry Division holds that base, the division and a gaggle of support forces.
While the men of the 51st unload, a second division in Java makes ready to ship out to the New Guinea Theater.
昭和 17 6月十五日
Day 15
A great day for the Japanese submarine service.
Off Perth, SS –I-164 scored one hit on xAK John Lykes. Later in the day she attacked xAP Sonnarwal on the surface scoring 2 torpedo and two shell hits. But that is not the victory that has the newswires buzzing all over the Home Islands.
Off Sidney, I-18, A C1 boat scored three torpedo hits on the enemy battleship Mississippi! The battleship might or might not have made it back to Sidney but even if she did, the dry dock is too small for a ship of that size.
At Port Moresby torpedo bombers sink xAP Montoro with two torpedo hits.
Day 11
The 53rd Infantry Division begins to unload at Rabaul. The plan called for the 51st to reinforce and support the 16th on the assault on Port Moresby. However, after the fall of Milne Bay, the Navy dares not send the 51st around New Guinea. To do that Milne Bay must be retaken however the Americal Infantry Division holds that base, the division and a gaggle of support forces.
While the men of the 51st unload, a second division in Java makes ready to ship out to the New Guinea Theater.
昭和 17 6月十五日
Day 15
A great day for the Japanese submarine service.
Off Perth, SS –I-164 scored one hit on xAK John Lykes. Later in the day she attacked xAP Sonnarwal on the surface scoring 2 torpedo and two shell hits. But that is not the victory that has the newswires buzzing all over the Home Islands.
Off Sidney, I-18, A C1 boat scored three torpedo hits on the enemy battleship Mississippi! The battleship might or might not have made it back to Sidney but even if she did, the dry dock is too small for a ship of that size.
At Port Moresby torpedo bombers sink xAP Montoro with two torpedo hits.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 6月十七日
Day 17
Magwe taken with oil and refineries intact.
SS I-11 departs Singapore to patrol off Perth.
Air battles continue over Buna, with the Zero-sen and Toryu fighters damaging many B-17 but destroying few.
昭和 17 6月十八日
Day 18
At Hankow the 70th Division is rebuilt.
The Imperial Guards Division will arrive at Mandalay tomorrow.
Heavy Industry reserves stand at 322,633.
昭和 17 6月二十一日
Day 21
Off Perth I-162 scores two torpedo hits on xAK Mahsud leaving the merchant’s fuel cargo burning viciously.
Off Kanoya, SS Sargo manages to hit and not dud on TK Syoko Maru. Her fuel cargo also burns brightly.
昭和 17 6月二十三日
Day 23
The airfield at Buna is completely repaired. It is costing the enemy a lot to keep it suppressed. The Ki-45 heavy fighter has not proved itself as effective as hoped for against the 4 engine bombers. The 47th Chutai fielding the Ki-44 II a Shoki embarks to Buna. Perhaps these demons might do the trick.
Heavy Industry reserves stand at 327,021.
昭和 17 6月二十六日
Day 26
General Homma launches Operation Pansit. With the limited forces at his disposal, he intends to complete the conquest of the Philippines. The operation begins today with the invasion of Cebu. The invasion stalls immediately as the opposing force is twice as large as the invading force. However, the enemy is quite low in supplies and limits itself to ineffective bombardment against the invasion force.
Heavy Industry 337,080
Day 17
Magwe taken with oil and refineries intact.
SS I-11 departs Singapore to patrol off Perth.
Air battles continue over Buna, with the Zero-sen and Toryu fighters damaging many B-17 but destroying few.
昭和 17 6月十八日
Day 18
At Hankow the 70th Division is rebuilt.
The Imperial Guards Division will arrive at Mandalay tomorrow.
Heavy Industry reserves stand at 322,633.
昭和 17 6月二十一日
Day 21
Off Perth I-162 scores two torpedo hits on xAK Mahsud leaving the merchant’s fuel cargo burning viciously.
Off Kanoya, SS Sargo manages to hit and not dud on TK Syoko Maru. Her fuel cargo also burns brightly.
昭和 17 6月二十三日
Day 23
The airfield at Buna is completely repaired. It is costing the enemy a lot to keep it suppressed. The Ki-45 heavy fighter has not proved itself as effective as hoped for against the 4 engine bombers. The 47th Chutai fielding the Ki-44 II a Shoki embarks to Buna. Perhaps these demons might do the trick.
Heavy Industry reserves stand at 327,021.
昭和 17 6月二十六日
Day 26
General Homma launches Operation Pansit. With the limited forces at his disposal, he intends to complete the conquest of the Philippines. The operation begins today with the invasion of Cebu. The invasion stalls immediately as the opposing force is twice as large as the invading force. However, the enemy is quite low in supplies and limits itself to ineffective bombardment against the invasion force.
Heavy Industry 337,080
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: Coral Sea 2
昭和 17 6月二九日
Day 29
I-11 hits xAK Bandalee with one torpedo near Perth.
The Imperial Japanese Navy takes possession of I-32 at Cam Rahn, Commander Sugitai Naugahide commanding. The submarine embarks on her maiden voyage to Singapore.
広島
Ito Kobayashi reads the report with pleasure. The Nakajima Ha 45 engine development team estimates it will be ready to go into production by Showa 18 7, a month ahead of schedule, and the Aichi Ha 60 engine has gone into production early and there are already 137 units awaiting airframes.
The next letter makes him frown. It was a just a postcard, a maudlin picture of the Hiroshima cherry blossom festival. The time and place for their appointment, signed 世界平和.
13th KU S-1 Hikotai arrives at Rabaul from Buna. The men need rests and replacement aircraft after the long battle with the Americans over Buna. The group sports three aces: Commander Kawabata C with 8 kills leads the tally list, followed by Lieutenant commander Nagahasu B with 6 and Pilot officer Kusumoto A with 7.
3rd Ku S-1 takes their place with 42 A63M2 and with its top pilot, Pilot Officer 1 Shiga S looking to add a 5th to his 4 kills.
Day 29
I-11 hits xAK Bandalee with one torpedo near Perth.
The Imperial Japanese Navy takes possession of I-32 at Cam Rahn, Commander Sugitai Naugahide commanding. The submarine embarks on her maiden voyage to Singapore.
広島
Ito Kobayashi reads the report with pleasure. The Nakajima Ha 45 engine development team estimates it will be ready to go into production by Showa 18 7, a month ahead of schedule, and the Aichi Ha 60 engine has gone into production early and there are already 137 units awaiting airframes.
The next letter makes him frown. It was a just a postcard, a maudlin picture of the Hiroshima cherry blossom festival. The time and place for their appointment, signed 世界平和.
13th KU S-1 Hikotai arrives at Rabaul from Buna. The men need rests and replacement aircraft after the long battle with the Americans over Buna. The group sports three aces: Commander Kawabata C with 8 kills leads the tally list, followed by Lieutenant commander Nagahasu B with 6 and Pilot officer Kusumoto A with 7.
3rd Ku S-1 takes their place with 42 A63M2 and with its top pilot, Pilot Officer 1 Shiga S looking to add a 5th to his 4 kills.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: 蒲公英らめん
昭和 17 6月三十日
Day 30
広島
Minister Yamashita is pleased with the naval reports that parade across his desk today. SS I-8 torpedoes xAK Iron King way to the west of Perth and, not content with this, later in the day she attacks xAK City of Pretoria on the surface sticking 4 torpedoes into the hapless merchant. Off Newcastle Australia, I-29 blows CM GoudenLeuw to kingsom come with three direct torpedo hits.
The airgroups for Akagi, Kaga, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Junyo and Hiyo increase in size. This will make the carriers more effective platforms although Kobayashi might be displeased with the drain on his aircraft pools.
In the early evening Yamashita prepared to leave his office. In the antechamber, the recently promoted Chū-I Kobayashi also prepared to leave the office.
Officers in the service were issued, or bought a side arm. Imperial Japanese Army officers loved to strut around town with their pistols in their shiny leather holsters. Naval officers in the Home Islands however rarely wore their pistols, thus Yamashita was surprised when he saw the 1st Lieutenant trying to fit his Nambu type 14 pistol not in the official holster but in his waistband instead.
“Is she that dangerous?” he asked in a rare moment of humor.
Kobayashi laughed, “No sir. I am meeting somebody tonight.”
“And you feel you need a weapon, but do not want it to be obvious that you are armed.”
Yamashita trusted his subordinate implicitly and did not ask what he was about. Instead he returned to his office, opened the drawer and pulled out a small pistol, a Walther PPK that had been a present from the German ambassador.
“Here, take mine. It will be easier to hide,” he said handing the little pistol to the young lieutenant.
“Domo,” Kobayashi said taking the gun with a brief bow.
Kobayashi walked through the still busy streets, away from the harbor and shipyards, looking for the ramen shop where he would meet Sekai Heiwa.
“World Peace,” he thought, “who goes by a name like that? He must be a communist. Good thing I brought a gun.”
Yamashita’s Walther was a reassuring weight in his trouser pocket.
The streets were empty now, this being a mostly residential area with few business and those already closed. He reached the shabby street and in the center he saw a red banner.
蒲公英らめん
“Tampopo Ramen,” he said aloud and walked in.
“Irashaimase”
The shopkeeper was a rather frumpy woman of about forty. Many women tended shops nowadays as more and more men got called up into the army.
“Komban-wa” Ito replied.
This ramen shop was unusual in that it had two tatami tables in addition to the stools around the counter where the woman prepared the noodles. It was empty now. It would do most of its business at lunchtime, Kobayashi thought.
“Do you have any sake?” Kobayashi asked sitting on the tatami at one of the tables, “I am waiting for someone,” he explained.
“Hai,” she answered and brought him a small bottle and two cups.
He was early, he knew that, but he wanted to examine the shop before Sekai Heiwa arrived.
A young man, wearing spectacles and western style clothes came in. He bowed to the shopkeeper and approached Kobayashi. He bowed.
“Kobayashi-san, o-matase shimashita.”
Kobayashi stood up and bowed, “Not at all, I was early. Pleased to meet you.”
They both sat down on the floor and Kobayashi poured sake for his guest.
The woman took their ramen order and went behind the counter to get the noodles ready.
After a moment of silence, Kobayashi said:
“You wanted to speak to me.”
“Yes.” The man paused for a moment.
Kobayashi took a small sip of sake and studied the man while he waited. Clean clothes, not new, but in good shape. White shirt and tie. A spot of ink on his index finger.
“Sekai Heiwa is not my real name of course.”
“I expected that.”
The man paused again as if uncertain, or wary of what he was about to say.
“You wrote to me about engines,” Yamashita said.
“Yes, engines.”
The man began to talk, pausing only when the noodles arrived.
“Those two engines whose production you stopped. Well, the manufacturers liked that, they don’t like to have too much inventory on hand and that way they can lay off workers temporarily, so they don’t have to pay them.”
Kobayashi looked at the man sideways, Is he a communist or some kind of trade union guy? He wondered.
“Now” the man continued, “What do you know about aircraft research?”
Kobayashi gave a non committal shrug of his shoulders.
“There are two parts to an airplane, the engine, or engines, and the airframe. Sometimes, we research both things at the same time, the engine and the airframe. But often we design new airframes for engines already available.”
“So desu ka.”
“Well, the engines in storage belong to the Army or Navy, you see, and cannot be used for research. If there are enough engines in the storage pool however, the research plants can use them to test the airframes and build prototypes. But with the engine production frozen, we have to use older, less powerful engines or, if we are lucky, we may get a burnt out engine that comes back to the factory when a plane is refurbished. But those engines do not generate full power you see…”
Kobayashi nodded agreement, “I see.”
“But why did the manufacturers not say anything?” he asked.
“Kobayashi-san, you seem an honorable man. May I be frank?”
“Please.”
“You do know we cannot beat the Americans,” the man’s voice was no higher than a whisper.
“That could be considered treason,” Kobayashi temporized in a voice no louder than his guest’s
“You won’t denounce me to the Kempetai, I know that.”
“The industrial moguls are neither patriots nor traitors, but they can do math and know what we can and cannot build and what the Americans can and cannot build. The math is easy. They will do what they are ordered to do, as best they can, but they keep an eye on what will happen after, after the war.”
“Ah.”
“They want money, resources, and above all, they want to be able to rebuild, once it is over.”
“Anyway,” the man continued, “My friends and me are well situated in the aviation, and naval shipyard business, and we want to help.”
“To help us win?” Kobayashi asked with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“Or to help Japan achieve a favorable peace; a peace that will last.”
“Sekai Heiwa?” Kobayashi said.
“Precisely.”
On the low table, two noodle bowls cooled, untouched.
Day 30
広島
Minister Yamashita is pleased with the naval reports that parade across his desk today. SS I-8 torpedoes xAK Iron King way to the west of Perth and, not content with this, later in the day she attacks xAK City of Pretoria on the surface sticking 4 torpedoes into the hapless merchant. Off Newcastle Australia, I-29 blows CM GoudenLeuw to kingsom come with three direct torpedo hits.
The airgroups for Akagi, Kaga, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Junyo and Hiyo increase in size. This will make the carriers more effective platforms although Kobayashi might be displeased with the drain on his aircraft pools.
In the early evening Yamashita prepared to leave his office. In the antechamber, the recently promoted Chū-I Kobayashi also prepared to leave the office.
Officers in the service were issued, or bought a side arm. Imperial Japanese Army officers loved to strut around town with their pistols in their shiny leather holsters. Naval officers in the Home Islands however rarely wore their pistols, thus Yamashita was surprised when he saw the 1st Lieutenant trying to fit his Nambu type 14 pistol not in the official holster but in his waistband instead.
“Is she that dangerous?” he asked in a rare moment of humor.
Kobayashi laughed, “No sir. I am meeting somebody tonight.”
“And you feel you need a weapon, but do not want it to be obvious that you are armed.”
Yamashita trusted his subordinate implicitly and did not ask what he was about. Instead he returned to his office, opened the drawer and pulled out a small pistol, a Walther PPK that had been a present from the German ambassador.
“Here, take mine. It will be easier to hide,” he said handing the little pistol to the young lieutenant.
“Domo,” Kobayashi said taking the gun with a brief bow.
Kobayashi walked through the still busy streets, away from the harbor and shipyards, looking for the ramen shop where he would meet Sekai Heiwa.
“World Peace,” he thought, “who goes by a name like that? He must be a communist. Good thing I brought a gun.”
Yamashita’s Walther was a reassuring weight in his trouser pocket.
The streets were empty now, this being a mostly residential area with few business and those already closed. He reached the shabby street and in the center he saw a red banner.
蒲公英らめん
“Tampopo Ramen,” he said aloud and walked in.
“Irashaimase”
The shopkeeper was a rather frumpy woman of about forty. Many women tended shops nowadays as more and more men got called up into the army.
“Komban-wa” Ito replied.
This ramen shop was unusual in that it had two tatami tables in addition to the stools around the counter where the woman prepared the noodles. It was empty now. It would do most of its business at lunchtime, Kobayashi thought.
“Do you have any sake?” Kobayashi asked sitting on the tatami at one of the tables, “I am waiting for someone,” he explained.
“Hai,” she answered and brought him a small bottle and two cups.
He was early, he knew that, but he wanted to examine the shop before Sekai Heiwa arrived.
A young man, wearing spectacles and western style clothes came in. He bowed to the shopkeeper and approached Kobayashi. He bowed.
“Kobayashi-san, o-matase shimashita.”
Kobayashi stood up and bowed, “Not at all, I was early. Pleased to meet you.”
They both sat down on the floor and Kobayashi poured sake for his guest.
The woman took their ramen order and went behind the counter to get the noodles ready.
After a moment of silence, Kobayashi said:
“You wanted to speak to me.”
“Yes.” The man paused for a moment.
Kobayashi took a small sip of sake and studied the man while he waited. Clean clothes, not new, but in good shape. White shirt and tie. A spot of ink on his index finger.
“Sekai Heiwa is not my real name of course.”
“I expected that.”
The man paused again as if uncertain, or wary of what he was about to say.
“You wrote to me about engines,” Yamashita said.
“Yes, engines.”
The man began to talk, pausing only when the noodles arrived.
“Those two engines whose production you stopped. Well, the manufacturers liked that, they don’t like to have too much inventory on hand and that way they can lay off workers temporarily, so they don’t have to pay them.”
Kobayashi looked at the man sideways, Is he a communist or some kind of trade union guy? He wondered.
“Now” the man continued, “What do you know about aircraft research?”
Kobayashi gave a non committal shrug of his shoulders.
“There are two parts to an airplane, the engine, or engines, and the airframe. Sometimes, we research both things at the same time, the engine and the airframe. But often we design new airframes for engines already available.”
“So desu ka.”
“Well, the engines in storage belong to the Army or Navy, you see, and cannot be used for research. If there are enough engines in the storage pool however, the research plants can use them to test the airframes and build prototypes. But with the engine production frozen, we have to use older, less powerful engines or, if we are lucky, we may get a burnt out engine that comes back to the factory when a plane is refurbished. But those engines do not generate full power you see…”
Kobayashi nodded agreement, “I see.”
“But why did the manufacturers not say anything?” he asked.
“Kobayashi-san, you seem an honorable man. May I be frank?”
“Please.”
“You do know we cannot beat the Americans,” the man’s voice was no higher than a whisper.
“That could be considered treason,” Kobayashi temporized in a voice no louder than his guest’s
“You won’t denounce me to the Kempetai, I know that.”
“The industrial moguls are neither patriots nor traitors, but they can do math and know what we can and cannot build and what the Americans can and cannot build. The math is easy. They will do what they are ordered to do, as best they can, but they keep an eye on what will happen after, after the war.”
“Ah.”
“They want money, resources, and above all, they want to be able to rebuild, once it is over.”
“Anyway,” the man continued, “My friends and me are well situated in the aviation, and naval shipyard business, and we want to help.”
“To help us win?” Kobayashi asked with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“Or to help Japan achieve a favorable peace; a peace that will last.”
“Sekai Heiwa?” Kobayashi said.
“Precisely.”
On the low table, two noodle bowls cooled, untouched.
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu