herbiesan vs Cantona!!!

[1275psi]

Miyazuki’s Fathers farm is quite large by jaapanese standards, nearly a full acre –and not a single inch of it is wasted, a bewildering number of different vegatables fills the plot, many coming right up to the very edge of the small, clean wooden home.

Father is large –and scarred –Juni notes instantly the three missing fingers.
But his smile is warm, and the grip, despite the age –still considerable.
“From the Mikasa – I served with Togo”
Juni bows deeply –as suspected, Miyazuki comes from a warriors home.

He feels awkward –after all, he really has not been the best of companions to his host , but as the day proceeds, the simple meal –delightful in its freshness, and the simple beer , he feels that this elderly couple genuinely welcome him.
“We have heard much about you Juni ‘ –and he wonders just what their Son has spoken about on him.
Miyazuki for his part –seems to keep a low quiet profile, listening with interest to his fathers stories, and answering the occasional questions on the planes they fly –although they both fail miserably to clear up the fact that Japan has other planes other than the type zero

It is, in the end, a happy day. Peaceful, and intensly soothing to ones soul.
‘hard to think’ Juni notes, as the sun sets ‘that there is a war on”






Hosho relaxes at the bar.
If anything has taught him, in that weird grand tour of Japans empire – a bar is a bar is a bar.
Mission completed, he has been given a 14 day pass –a sheer luxury. Then the difficult task of actually locating his unit –and, if he can manage it – getting back into the war.
But that is a long way away. Now there is beer to be drunk.
Idly, he wonders what his weird boss, Tanaka, is up to?



Extract from Shattering the Sword- a Cantona production

Before turning to the battles of the Bismark sea, we must briefly look at Tanaka’s mission.
As we know –Dictator Herbiesan had ruthlessly seized power in Japan in 1936 –and backed by the Army, tolerated by the Navy, had led Japan down the road to this terrible war.

Now, in late 43, the Army, and many in the Navy –and certainly most of the remaining political circles, still backed him. But the airforce –the branch that now bled white for the empire, was wavering.
All –every man, would die for Japan –but not for him
And that is the difference.
Many, a great many, had committed to Tanaka plans of coup -but many more waited to see which way the winds of war truly blew.

It is ironic, that the man most committed to herbiesans destruction, but also so willing to fight for Japan, should be so close to the most vital clashes of the war.
But with almost the entire Navy committed to the battle, its hardly surprising.

So now readers –after days of fencing, we can finally get to the great clash, a battle of de railed plans, flawed logistics, luck, blunders and heroic sacrifice. All clashes are like this. This one would be hard to surpass in scale however………….

[1275psi]

28/10/43
Midnight
Boiler room number one, CVL Ryujo

The sudden clang of the telegraphs bring both Smn Agarshi and Shimto to full alertness –dispelling the heavy exhaustion in their bodies.
Ryujo has been at maximum readiness for almost 2 days now – and few show no sign of the stress coursing through the crew.

“Full ahead all!”
They exchange glances across the screaming noise of the room, and note the grimace on the steamers face as he begins to wind the blowers up to full speed.
He gestalts –swift, sudden, clear movements: MORE BURNERS!
The two seamen leap to their work –and the glare from the boilers brightens.
The ship leans, and begins to vibrate.
The tanoy blares –calling the ship to action, flying stations yet again, and way, way above them, the great hatches slam shut, and are clamped down.

They will remain below now –and remain here –only through victory will they see the sky again. Defeat does not bare thinking about.

0200
Bridge, Akagi
The signal reads:
‘Enemy appear to be refueling –but elements have detached and are heading north. Proceed to launch point as planned. May the empire live a thousand years’

“Nagumo means business –at last”
Captain Hara takes his tea, he is dressed in his very finest. He positively radiates happiness ‘ I bloody hope so Ex, I hope so – bring the ship to state one please, expect to launch before dawn.”

0300
From
8th area Army
to
ADM Yamamoto.

As per agreement, SHO GO 1 battle plan – we have occupied Madang, Fincheson, gassmatta, kavieg airfields with first wave strike aircraft, and will strike at dawn. Rabual airfield is –repeat, is operational. Will provide LRCAP for your fleet as per agreement.
We will strike the blow against the imperialists

0400
Bridge
CV Taiho
Heavy rain beats against the windows, and if there is a dawn, there is no indication of it.
Nagumo stares ahead, rigid. There is nothing else he can do – the fleet races south, in 10 minutes time, they must come hard about, head into the wind. If they do not, they will pile into the northern shores of New Britain.
“Will this clear?”
it has too –it just has too.

“message from Rabual sir”
“read it”
Rabual field -weather fair – scattered squalls. Launching LRCAP

0445
Enemy task force sighted, 180 miles south, gassmatta
0447
many carriers, many ships, 60 miles north woodlark

0500
dawn
message from 8th Army HQ
“Strike!”

0505
CV Taiho launches successfully its CAP – and the NK1 makes it debut.
The fighters report that the fleet remains hidden in a heavy bank of rain, but once above 5000 feet, the skies are clear. They report too –that to the south –“it’s a beautiful day”


0530
bridge
CVL Hosho

Captain Umeya watches the last of his planes trundle down the small deck, and ponderously crawl into the air.
It’s a delightful dawn, seas calm, weather clearing to scattered clouds. The rain that still hides the main fleet to his east has left his decks shiny and clean.
He cannot help but think that at least he will make an attractive sacrifice……

CVL Hosho has unpleasant orders, and Captain Umeya is filling them to the letter.
Decoy.

“Aircraft!” – many bombers, bearing 270!’
270? –North of them?
They are not hard to spot –and a great thrill sweeps through nearly every man onboard the little carrier –and a great cheer breaks out.
50 great bombers –all of Japans 4 engined navy attack planes, roar overhead at a mere 1000 feet – a sight fit too bring tears to any mans eyes.
Both sides wave – they are that low –and every man wishes them well as they head south, and fade from view.

0600
‘Aircraft!”
‘Liberators! –170 degrees –height 5000 feet, range 20 kilometres.”

Umeya reaches for his tin hat. He has no illusions. He is bait –and this only means that his role is going of very, very well.
‘Full ahead please – stbd 30”
The little carriers guns begin to bark –and his escorts, 2 CL, some destroyers, begin to follow his movements. A grin of satisfaction, his pathetic CAP swarms around the great beasts –ignoring the CAP, flinging themselves into the attack.

The bombers veer away – and attack the Kuma –and miss.
The attack fades away.

Ok then. We have been spotted. Orders fulfilled. Time to get the hell out of here.
“Port 20!, new course 350! –flank!”

‘Aircraft! –bearing 090! –10000 feet –many planes!”
Fear grips.
So many planes!
I hope you make this worth it Nagumo –I hope we die for something
Anger suddenly fills him “Stop Gaping! –to your duty!, standby to receive!”
Dive bombers, torpedoe bombers –more $#@%^& torpedoe bombers.
Alright, alright, do your worse………

They attack – no hesitation, no delay –they fly straight in –and attack.
For 3 minutes, maybe 4, Umeya thinks he can get away with it, the first torpedoe slamming into her side totally surprises him –he never sees it.

Damn , come on girl, “Hard to Port!”
‘Helm not responding sir!’
Thrown to the deck –another hit?
The scream of bombers
Bedlam! –a bomb plowing into his little ship
Trying to get up – and thrown down again
Shattering glass, , two bombs land close alongside, and the world fills with a deluge of water –it washes the blood away.
Another lurching thud –another torp/ -shes listing, settling.

Umeya looks around. All is startling clear –time almost frozen. The survivors –his survivors –look to him –and pride beats in him –they all remain at their post.
He stands. A single glance – poor little Hosho –you were never meant to play with the big boys.

“Time to go men”
Shattered decks. Wounded men. Silence. The waters rising fast. Remove shoes.
A last look around. Damn –Kuma is going too.

Water, warm. Swimming, swimming away.
He does not look back. His command is gone – but he still has his crew.
‘Come on men! –who’s for a song!”

0630
Bridge
Taiho
“Finchesen strike attacking sir”
“Hmmmmmp – army pilots –we cannot expect much”

0642
‘Enemy reported as 1CV, 2 CVL, -regret no hits reported”

0647
“Kavieng strike going in sir”
feet shuffle on the bridge of the flagship. Navy pilots are attacking - torpedoe bombers included.
Silence. Somewhere to the south, men, many men are fighting, dieing.
Here – sees are calm – and is the weather improving?

0700
‘Enemy identified sir – CV Bunker Hill, CVL Cabot
2 torpedoe hits reported, Indiana class BB”
“No hits on the carriers?”
“None reported sir”

0730
“Madang strike attacking sir”
“very well.”

Then, brutally, a single curse “Damn this rain, damn it to hell!”

0740
“Its stopped.”
The rain clears, and in what seems to be a matter of moments, the scene is transformed. The sun breaks out, and the sea is revealed –covered in ships, new Britain only 10 miles to their sterns.
19 carriers, and on each, the men are leaping into action, as pilots race to their planes.
The great strike begins to warm up………..

0815

Once again Captain Hara intends to meet the enemy from the top of his bridge on the Akagi. This time he is better prepared than at Majuro –now he has a comms line direct to his helmsman.

Below him, his strike rumbles, the razors edge of Japans sword.
Above, in the rapidly clearing sky, he notes the staggered CAP – some 90 zekes strong –but the fleet is spread over many, many miles now – and it is thin, far too thin.
But this is the plan, all agreed to it. Strike, strike and be sure to hit – win the war today –if at all possible.


Half an hour –and they will begin launching……

A messanger pokes his head over the coming. “From the Communications Officer – CV Katsaguri reports many planes our way”
That puts it –he raises the glasses –searches the sky.
“Anyone see them?”
A lookout helps – “More to your right, higher sir –on our flank –“

He sees them –gathering little dots – 70 odd?
Was that all?
Hope rises, as other dots begin to rise towards the attack – and already the first balck streams of dieing planes begin to mark the horizon.

More dots –and now hope rises even higher – Army fighters moving into the attack.
Time crawls – and the swirling dots grow, bigger, bigger –beginning to break away into attacks.

Guns begin to bark –and the sky fills with the black mushrooms.
Hara waits, waits – incredibly –no one picks his great ship out – and he watches –heart in mouth, as the survivors make their runs.

Kaga disappears in a mountain of water - and emerges –unscathed.
Hiryu slews violently – but no crump of torpedoes breaks her turn
Soryu dances
Shokaku plows on straight –and brings down her attacker………..

And then, magically, the attack –broken –is over.


0901
bridge –Taiho
‘report from Kavieg sir – CV Bunker hill hit by single torpedoe 0853 –180 miles south of gassmatta.

All eyes look to the Admiral.
Nagumo stands steady.
A lifetime of service –distills to this. The great gamble has worked.
His voice is calm – but there is a hint of malice there – it speaks much.

“Commence launching”













Extract from Shattering the sword” –A cantona production.


…only the squall saved the cowpens.
But nothing would save the Bunker Hill, the Cabot, or the two cruisers.
718 aircraft attack these ships in what anyone must describe as the most stunning revelation of the war to date.
The Allied CAP, exhausted from the mornings attacks, simply melts, and ……………………………………..



………….One CV , 1 CVL down, his forces still at full strength,, Nagumo turns North –his Bunkers are empty. His LBA –he orders –will continue the attack…………..


‘

[Local Yokel]

Great account of the battle Herbie!

Sad to hear of the loss of Hosho, for which I have always had a soft spot due to her historical significance. But by this date trading her for a fleet carrier and an Independence doesn't look like a bad exchange.

So the Shiden flew! Did they square up against an escort of Hellcats, and if so how well did they do? Inquiring minds from June 1943 would like to know...[;)]

[flaggelant]

very nicely written!

gratz on the succes!!

[1275psi]

Thanks for the comments guys -I hope everyone is enjoying the ride -this is by far the best game I have ever played in terms of fun, fairness, and tension!

The George is doing pretty well.............

[1275psi]

29/10/43

Juni and Miyazuki sleep late, then eat well.
Miyazuki feels the need to relive childhood exploits –and Juni, rather reluctantly, finds himself on a long hike into the hills.

The walk is made mainly in silence –just the heavy breathing of out of sorts muscles hard at work.

The sun beats down today, and Juni finds himself sweating heavily.
But there is something cathartic about the hike –and , much to his surprise, he finds himself enjoying the experience very much.

Miyazuki has said little on the objective of the hike –but just as the sun gets its hottest –it is revealed, a beautiful little pool of crystal clear water, a small waterfall.
Delighted –Juni finds himself stripping butt naked, and sliding into the water –a soothing, uplifting experience.

For a few minutes they swan about., diving, spouting water.

And of course (isn’t it always the way –sometimes life does reflect fiction) – they are discovered by a pair of giggling young women…………………


I think we can safely leave our 47th pilots –there’s a lot going on elsewhere that Im sure some would like to hear about…………..

[1275psi]

29/10/43

Midnight
Taiho’s bridge

The is an air of euphoria amongst the still figures in the pale red lighting.
The fleet is plowing north at full speed, 100’s of pairs of eyes searching the waters around them.

Nagumo bends over his chart. Around him his staff-Genda, others, wait patiently for his orders.
“When can we expect the tankers to come into sight?”
“Any minute now sir”
‘Good –I am guessing many of our small boys are running on fumes”

This is true –in fact –every ship is running on fumes –and this mad dash north is not helping.

Nagumo straightens. “”Little Hosho played her part –any word on Captain Umeya?”
Papers are shuffled. “ We have a report that he is safely onboard the Hibiki, and will transfer to the Mizurho at dawn”
‘Good – how many survivors all up?’
“Just 30 sir”

There is nothing to say to this. Bravery is easy to recongnise.

Nagumo bends to the chart again – it is cluttered with sighting reports –how many true? How many false?
‘According to 8th area army, the entire allied fleet is sitting on the bottom right now. This, well this I think is somewhat inflated”
Genda grins “ They did clear the way for us though”

“yes “ Nagumo pauses, and his voice becomes deadly serious “ a small victory yesterday genda –but we essentially failed. I wanted his entire fleet. We had surprise. No doubt he is falling back -it will be hard to catch him now”
“Where is Yamamoto?”
‘The Admiral is refueling sir –180 miles east of Kavieg “

“Hmmm – vulnerable –lets……”

“SIGNAL from Gassmatta sir!”

Nagumo looks up at the sweating ensign –he holds a single sheet of flimsy in his hand. And something –fear perhaps? Suddenly clutches his heart.
‘Read it”
“In the clear sir – from naval guard unit gassmatta – enemy troops –many enemy troops landing – No –repeat , no shore bombardment!”

Genda swears. It reflects well the shiver of shock that sweeps the bridge
“if they seize the field in a coup!”
‘We must come about –and attack!”

Nagumo quits the chart –moves to the windows –outside a pale moon allows most of the fleet to be discerned
‘Fuel Genda –fuel”


Inform 8th Army – and all shore commands – “Continue the attack!”








Dawn

Captain Umeya stands steadily on the deck of the seaplane carrier –and waves across the small gap to his new friend, Captain Ishii.
The Hibiki is a ship after his own heart – with men like that………

The little destroyer peels away –and he turns to his small remnant of crew. “I thank you men, for your duty. I am told our sacrifice was not in vain. But this battle continues. Find whatever you can do that helps –and do it. .
As if to emphasize the point, the claxons begin to call………



Extract from Shattering the sword –a Cantona production………..

The Third Marines , backed by the 24th division, storm ashore just after midnight –and Genda is dead right.
If the field can be seized before Nagumo returns, then the fate of new Britain, of the entire south pacific defence, is sealed..
It is a huge gamble.

The first attacks that come in are small –little groups of planes hugging the coast, using the mountains of new Britain as cover – slipping in during the soft dawn light.
The Cap deals with them .
The first serious attack develops at 10 am –and from then on, it becomes a very, very busy morning indeed.

The attacks come –fanatically.
2 LST are hit,, but the Cap appears to be holding over the invasion fleet.
At 11 am –80 odd zekes attack the carriers –they escort just a dozen torpedoe bombers –and the air fills with hellcats and corsairs.

Another wave, bigger again, follows.
Both sides suffer heavy losses –and the CVE Copahee goes down.
Warspite takes a hit –that destroys her radar –but by midday, the Japanese effort is done.
40 odd hellcats are gone – 90 japanese attackers.
The sacrifice –the gamble –appears to have worked. By midday, the troops are ashore –and preparing to attack –and resistance is light..






1600
Bridge
Akagi

Captain Hara listens closely
His pilots are excited, almost gleeful.
‘Its almost like January 42 again!”

It’s been a barsted of a day –an absolute barsted. Broken fuelling hoses. A man lost.
The terrible news from gassmatta.
It has taken all day –all day –to refuel the fleet.
The older ships have completed the task as always –efficiently –even with the broken hose and usual failures. But the new carriers – ships rushed into service so quickly………
Yes, a barsted of a day.

But this news –this was cheering. 30 odd heavy bombers have attacked the fleet – and , if all reports are correct –none have survived. This fills Hara with a perverse pleasure., how must it feel to dispatch an attack –and never hear from it again?

But the enemy are still coming. And there can be no attack tomorrow –its going to take all night to get the new carriers filled…………

[1275psi]

30/10/43

Captain Hara over estimates the ability of the Navy to refuel - the fleet spends the entire day tracking the ocean in the area of Admiralty island.
The weather -mercifully, becomes terrible -and nary a plane is sighted all day.

Enemy troops continue to pour ashore at Gasmata - and the attack goes in.
The 66th Naval guard, and the 3rd Kure SNLF form the bulk of the defence - and for today at least -the defence holds.

The forcast for tomorrow is vague.

It does not matter.

On the bridge of the Taiho, Nagumo bites the bullet.
"New course - 160 -battle speed one!"
"detach the cruisers -attack and annihilate the enemy"
"And may the gods smile upon us!"

And to the east of Rabual..........

ADM Yamamoto takes Tanaka eye to eye.
It is good to tread the bridge again of this mighty ship.
"Take us to the war Tanaka -and let nothing stop us!"

[1275psi]

From
Fighting the Tide -
by Col Nakamura.


Now, reading of the second battle of New Britian, so many years after the event -I cannot but help admire the confidence both sides must have had in themselves -and how eagerly they threw themselves into the battle.

And how, now -I still wish 47th had had a part to play.
Our plans were simple -yet complex.
13 heavy and 6 light carriers would dash into the area just north of rabual -and attack
Rabual would provide some cover

2CVL and 3 CVE would shepherd the battle line racing in from the east
And several squadrons of cruisers and destroyers would dash through the bismark straight -and attack from the West, all the while the Army would throw its last planes it could find into the furnace.

And to the North -4 divisions in 100 transports, waited for the outcome of the battle..........
Such strength!
Never again would Japan muster such power.

It was truly a mighty sword.
Would it be shattered? -or would it shatter the allied shield?

[hosho]

well written! (love the "barsted of a day" part)
good luck mate

[1275psi]

Hi
before we get into the battle of bismark - Cantona has had a few hassles at home -which i suspect has led to rushed turns........
despite that -I have to admire his tenacity!
he is now welcome back to the AAR, as the "secret" -the true carrier strength of the fleet is fully revealed............

[1275psi]

31/10/43

Her name is Asko. She is young, pretty -and doesn't seem to mind the terrible scars on Juni's face.
Her eyes are deep pools of intrigue, and Juni is falling into them..............

Her name is Sita, and she laughs a lot. Miyazuki finds it so hard to be correct to her -which make s her laugh all the more.

Our two resting men, are busy re discovering humanity..................

[1275psi]

Hosho sits quietly. The air, is well -tense.
His opponent has just laid down his cards. 7 pairs of eyes turn to him, waiting to see what he holds.
Those seven pairs of eyes are hard, flinty, they live in harder, faces.
Its a awkward moment -to Hosho. 3 Aces are now on the table.
Pity is -he has two in his hand.........................

A sudden tumult bursts out in the street.
For a moment, all try to ignore it - but now there is cheering -much cheering.
A small boy races into the room - chased by a frantic mother. He shrills loudly, excitedly! - 'A great victory!, a great victory!"
never let a chance go by..............

Hosho will escape by the skin of his teeth - a story in itself I suppose..........

[1275psi]

Mr Iwaya reads the sheaves.

They are top secret.

They fill him with dread. Should Yamamoto fail...........

560 aircraft lost in 3days..........

He reaches for the scotch. His hand shakes so badly, that much of it spills to the floor

[1275psi]

31/10/43

Extract from Shattering the sword, a Cantona production


Attack!. And so Japan does. Heedless of losses, committed fully to the attack – the entire weight of the empire goes into the battle.

And if they were praying to the gods of war, surely today, they were with them………..

0300

The great Yamato is no longer vibrating, Tanaka has bought his ships to 16 knots, they have reached their launching point.
The seas are calm –visibility is terrible, a mist is beginning to form. On the bridges of the carriers, he knows frantic discussions will be taking place.

As if he can read his thoughts, Yamamoto speaks “ Don’t worry my friend. This murk wont stop us launching. It may help hide us though”

Tanaka has , of course, been in battle before. Its why he is here –to wipe the taste of the Haranua away for ever. As much as the great man standing silently beside him remains an enigma, there is, strangely enough, a great comfort having him there.
As if his very presence will see them through.

“Have you eaten Tanaka?”
“A little Admiral – the men are being fed now”
“Good. It will be a long, long day I feel”


0312

SMN Miyazuki finishes his meal. How sweet it tasted too –despite the oil smells, the heat, the stink of so many sweaty bodies.
His gun captain looks at him. “Are you ready youngster?”
“Hie”
“Good – time to go to work men. Load the guns – and let no man falter”
The men begin to work
For Japan
For the Yamato
For each other……


0316
‘Signal for Nagumo”
“read it.”
“Message from Gasmata defence sir.” The bridge remains silent. Not totally silent –the whistle of the wind, the creak, groan of Taihos progress through the waters as she rushes south remains.” Enemy transports are weighing anchor”
Nagumo glances to Genda
“Launch time?’
“0430 as planned sir”
Nagumo clenches a fist. It is so hard to contain himself. Ahh to be a Sblt again
“They are too late gentlemen –too late.”

0412

CL Kitikuma, Atukuma and Agano, leading 9 destroyers in line ahead formation, plow straight into a task force built around the warspite, Australia, and other escorts..

Both are taken totally surprised, the destruction of Warspites radar the day before obviously effecting her.

It is a knife fight, range –2000 to 20 yards. The most vicious battle imaginable.
And as the sun begins to rise, the first ships begin to sink, or lie helpless burning.


0420

“Combat patrol away sir”
“very good Genda – spot the strike”

0540

The sun shines. The sky, here, is clear, crystal clear. Again, just to the south, the hills of New Britain stand stark and clear. The fleet has turned, and moves North at a liesurly 20 knots. Even the weather Gods smile – a strong wind is developing, straight into his teeth.
Nagumo and Genda stare down at the packed decks. The roar of the engines drowns all other noise. The target is nailed to the hard –gasmata. Nagumo cannot really believe it. Un hindered, he will get to strike again.
‘Genda – if this does not stop the Americans –I swear –I will eat my hat”
“With or with out soy?”
‘Hmmmph. Alright. Enough. Commence launching!”

0610
164 zeke, 244 judy,260 Jill, 28 kate, 13 george depart on the attack.


0544
Bridge – CV Juni
“Commence launching”

0600
14 judy, 13 Jill attack

0730
2nd wave launched –
38judy, 23 jill, 9 zeke attack


0815
Attack waves in the air.
We wait


0916
Yamato
‘Aircraft alarm!”
‘Full ahead all”
‘Enemy bombers –liberators –dead ahead!”
Tanaka see’s them –its impossible not too – coming in low, hard, fast –fighters swarming in –but they will be too late….
‘Hard to Starboard! – open fire!”

The great crash of guns startle Miyazuki –CRASH! CRASH! – but only for a moment. Too many months of drilling, of beatings, of drilling too allow any mistakes today –the great shells feel feather light today as he heaves the next into the breach
“ENGAGING 4 ENGINED BOMBERS!”
The turret is turning hard, hard, following the indicators, and Yamato herself, incredibly, might even be leaning as she almost dances around –the seas piling up on her flanks.
CRASH!, CRASH!
“Hurry!”
The third salvo from their turret hits the third bomber fair at the wing root –the wing sheers of, the plane lurches –is gone!
BANZAI!!!!!
The second bomber tries to bomb – a fat string of small eggs – they plough into the sea –one strikes Yamato’s sheer flank –and smacks as if just an egg.

And the attack is over.
The celebrations in Miyazuki’s turret may take a while to end.

‘Helmsman –resume course – speed 16 knots please”
‘The beginning?”
“yes”, the Admiral agrees –“the beginning”

0925
‘Atago reports hit by two bombs –is continuing south “
‘very good”


0930
‘First strike reporting. Enemy carriers in sight. All formations -attack!”



Yamato plows on. Around her the great bulk of the battlefleet steams, great grey mountains of steel –barrells poiting towards an enemy yet unseen.
No man speaks –if they do –strangely, it is in whispers, as if no man wishes to disturb the tide of history being played out to the west

Above the bridge, on the observation deck, great glasses search the seas –above them, the director waits – it has reported columns of smoke ahead –possibly the transporst attacked this morning by Junyo’s second wave attack.
But the skies remain clear of enemy planes.

It seems surreal


1127

Captain Hara raises his glasses. Begins the count. Of all the jobs a captain has to do ––this is the hardest – counting those that return from the battle – counting those that do not return.

There is no fuss, no drama, the planes enter circuit – and the trapping begins.
He counts, and with each plane, hope rises. Some, a few, a very few, are damaged, but all have returned.
All of them!
It has to be a bust. So few losses.
Damn
Hara leaves the bridge, makes his way aft, down of the island, meets the first pilots.
‘And?”
The pilot grins
“We squashed them like a bug. A carrier, a cruiser, 2 destroyers.”
‘Are you sure”
‘They were hard to miss sir –s%$t –I had to cue up to take my turn. We are not finished –there are too many targets to count”

Too many to count.
Hara turns to his flight deck crews. “Come on men! –another strike –we must get in another strike.. The dogs of hell are on our tails –let us get in first!”

1310
‘Takao, Suzuya report hits from heavy bombers sir. They are continuing the advance”
‘very good”

1413
‘CVE Chuyno sir –am engaging transports 120 miles south of me. ‘No resistance”
‘A bonus”
‘yes –a bonus. “I make that 10 AK, 4 LST so far today”


1425
‘
“2nd strike attacking”





1500
“from LT Inoue, Unryu”
Attack complete,. One Maryland class BB confirmed sunk. I CVL sunk, 2 cruisers sunk.
Many ships remain
Losses 30 plus attack planes. Am returning to base”

1510
‘from Kumano sir’
Yamamoto turns. And now, for the first time –Tanaka feels the tension emanating from the man.
“yes?”
“Have reached invasion beachhead intact. Many transports in sight. Am maneuvering to attack!”


1600
‘have attacked beachhead shipping. 12 ships sunk. Ammunition expended. Am retiring”

Tanaka turns to Yamamoto. The feeling of unreality is if anything, even greater.
2CVL, a Battleship. Countless transports. And these ships-the battleline, delivered safely into range.

There is, of course, only one order Yamamoto can give.
The sword is at the enemies throat. Time to drive it home.

For a moment, just a moment, his thoughts turn to Mutsu –she has a very special part to play now .
Yamamoto addresses everyone on the crowded bridge
“gentlemen, I actually expected to lose half the fleet today. So far, 2 light cruisers, some destroyers have given their lives for the empire.
We cannot turn back now. Let this symbol of Japan lead us to final victory.”

He turns to Tanaka. Those eyes bore into him. What thoughts are there behind that impassive face?.
‘Detach the battle line Tanaka” the there is irony in the calm voice ‘For herbiesan hey?”
‘No Admiral, for Japan. Helmsman. Port 10 Full ahead all!
Signal the fleet . As per SHO GO 1. Follow me!”

The sun is beginning to set
9 battleships –nearly a million tons of warships work up to full speed –and the great guns begin to probe into the dark……

One way or another –tomorrow, the war must be decided.

Extract from
“ Shattering the sword” A cantona production

All over the battlefield, shattered ships struggled for survival. In 3 days the allies have lost a CV, 3 CVL, a battleship, with 2 more battleships crippled.
Japanese loses, in cruisers, and destroyers, have been grave.
Japanese airpower, is all but gone –only the carriers hold any strike power now..

But the battle is not yet done.
Japan counts many, many ships still of the beachhead, or crawling south. It knows of the powerful taskforce south east of Woodlark racing north.
But too much has been committed to stop now.
Again, Japan trusts in fate –and continues the attack………….

[1275psi]

1/11/43


Smn Miyazuki lies exhausted in the bowels of his turret.
It is dusk -and no one has slept for 48 hours or more now.
But they are alive


Yamato races North east, around the corner of Rabual. Her great barrells are black.
Her decks littered with 100's of shell caings.
For the rest of his days -just one memory of the day and night will remain with Miyazuki.

Noise
The blast of the great guns.
Again and again during the night.
The endless crashing of his guns -as wave after wave of planes came in.
The roar of the Liberators, so suicidally low.

The crash of the bombs alongside.

his ears ring still.

Yamato is undamaged.
In her wake - the crippled Maryland, 3 cruisers, numerous transports -sunk.
Her ammunition is expended.
About Miyazuki -the men exhausted, slip into stupor.........

[1275psi]

from Fighting the tide, by Colonel Nakamura

And then -with out warning, the zeros came in. 30 odd planes. Aparently two squadrons worth.
The pilots -all of them -that 1000 yard stare I knew so well.
Something huge -apparently, was occuring in the south pacific.

But tokyo rose remained silent.

[1275psi]

320 miles North of Gasmata

The bridge of the Taiho.

For a moment, just a moment, Nagumo closes his eyes. never, never in all his Navy days has he experienced such exhaustion.
Merely thinking about crossing the bridge was an effort.
He looks around him.
Haggard. That is how they all look.
haggard
Soon they will refuel.
And launch -again.

His decks are now down to 50%
His magazines all but empty
Gasmata is reported"as a sea on fire" and the burning ships cover the ocean.

But still the enemy come ashore.
Incredible.
Yamato has gone in and killed.
The battle cruisers too.
The heavy cruisers as well.

But they still unload!

Genda shuffles over
"And today?"
Genda grimaces " We lost far too many today -too many unescorted strikes.'
Silence
'The men are tired sir"
'Yes. yes we are"
"We sank another CVL today -but the invasion beachhead eluded us"

Nagumo views the flight deck - so many damaged planes.
'One more try tomorrow Genda -then, invasion or not -we must retire.........."

[1275psi]

2/11/43

from 8th Area Army to Combined fleet

Three enemy divisions now ashore at gasmata
Consider probability of decisive counter landing success doubtful.
have ordered counter landing force to retire to Davao.

Acceptance of such carnage to obtain objective considered incredible by this command.

We thank navy for efforts. Will honour them by fighting to last man, last bullet.
May empire live 10000 years.

out.

[1275psi]

Extract from Shattering the sword
A cantona production



................as the last japanese strike fades into the distance -a sight unparralled in history -except maybe that of the ancient greeks against the persian invasion - lies of the beaches of gasmata.

Almost to the last ship, the allied invasion has been killed.
Yamamoto can count 50 plus ships sunk - those positevly known to him -with countless more damaged.
1 CV, 4CVL ,1 battleship. 3 cruisers. 5? destroyers. 20 odd AP, 30 odd AK -but these figures were very confused.

Losses - 2 light cruisers, 6 destroyers. 3 submarines.
But 500 odd aircraft.............

There is no doubt what drove the allies ashore -what kept the navy fighting against the Japanese onslaught.
The memory of Majuro.
No troops would be abandoned this time........

The battle winds to a close on the evening of the 2nd -the Japanese fleet, exhasted, seeking quieter seas -counting the cost.

The allied troops ashore -3 full divisions -but short on everything, the bridges literally burnt behind them -prepare to attack.
Many, a great many, will be traumatised for life by the carnage here -but right now -they must sieze the field.
Sieze it. Or die.