Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

[Cuttlefish]

February 20, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Refuel and await further orders

[Cuttlefish]

February 21, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

The Naval Quartermaster's office on Kwajalein is a large hut. Inside a lone clerk is setting a box of official newspapers on the counter. The door slams open and Captain Ishii enters.

Clerk: Sir! *salutes*

Captain Ishii: Where are my torpedoes?

Clerk: Sir?

Captain Ishii: I am Captain Ishii Hagumu of the destroyer Hibiki. My ship has been refueled, my 5" shells have been replenished, but I need 18 torpedoes. They should have been loaded yesterday!

Clerk: Yes sir. Um, sir, there is a problem...

Captain Ishii: Oh?

Clerk: Yes sir. You see, the Imperial Navy lists Kwajalein as a category four port. That means we don't have the facilities to store and load torpedoes.

Captain Ishii: *his voice dropping to a deceptively calm level* You are telling me that this base, our main outpost in the Central Pacific and the heart of our defensive line against the Americans, has no torpedoes for my ship?

Clerk: Yes sir. Sir, I am very sorry.

Captain Ishii: Well then. Where can I get some torpedoes?

Clerk: Sir, I believe that the nearest base for that would be Tokyo.

Captain Ishii: Tokyo!

ClerK: Or maybe Palau. There's a torpedo tender there, sir. They have an almost endless supply of torpedoes.

Captain Ishii: *yelling* PALAU!

Clerk: *takes an involuntary step back as Captain Ishii slams his fists on the counter* Yes sir. Sir, a thousand pardons.

Captain Ishii: *recovers his temper with an effort* It isn't your fault. But when I catch the bonehead who is planning this war...

Clerk: *in relief* Yes sir. Sir, we have some official newspapers from home that came off a transport from Osaka yesterday. Would you like a box of them for your crew?

Captain Ishii: *sighs* Why not. *takes a box of newspapers and departs. As the door closes the clerk can hear him muttering to himself* Palau!

[marky]

[Capt. Harlock]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish


Hibiki carries 216 rounds of 5" ammunition. In the battle she expended 34 rounds, scoring 5 hits. She carries 18 torpedoes and used all of them, scoring 1 hit.

Your AAR of the surface action was a thrill to read. If I might make a modest suggestion, it seems the IJN ships are too quick to expend their torpedoes. Can anything be done to make the torpedo launches wait for higher-value targets?

[rtrapasso]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish


Hibiki carries 216 rounds of 5" ammunition. In the battle she expended 34 rounds, scoring 5 hits. She carries 18 torpedoes and used all of them, scoring 1 hit.

Your AAR of the surface action was a thrill to read. If I might make a modest suggestion, it seems the IJN ships are too quick to expend their torpedoes. Can anything be done to make the torpedo launches wait for higher-value targets?

That is determined by the game AI AFAIK - this has been a complaint of various IJN players. Of course, it was ALSO the complaint of the IJN admirals in WW2 - their DDs would launch at targets almost 20000 yds away, and have miserable hit rates.

[Cuttlefish]

February 22, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

Aboard the Hibiki many crew members are eagerly reading the newspapers from home that Captain Ishii brought aboard ship the previous day. The newspaper is reproduced below, courtesy of JSNS (Japanese Spirit News Service). Many thanks to Japanese_Spirit for his work and effort in contributing this!

---

[font="Times New Roman"]Another Victory for the Imperial Navy!

The American aggressors attempted a fouled invasion of the recently liberated Wake Island, a foolish attempt at trying to stop the continued Japanese liberation of Asia and the Pacific. American soldiers, fooled and fed heavily upon their leadership's false assumptions and promises, landed at Wake Island and attempted to retake the island. However, the Imperial defenders fought on hardily, giving no land to the invader.

However, it was to not only be a land invasion. The remnants of the American fleet, without any honour, attempted to assist the invasion, possibly in a deluded hope to draw out the Imperial Navy and achieve a fool's dream of a victory!

But, that was not to be the case. Under the honourable and wise leadership of Admiral Goto, the Navy inflicted a terrific blow upon the American fleet, forcing it not only to retreat but also to abandon its own soldiers, on the verge of defeat.

Several American ships were sunk, another important victory for the Empire, another step closer for victory and the liberation of Asia and the morale loss to the now defeated Americans.[/font]





[font="Times New Roman"]Continued Liberation and Victories by the Emperor's Soldiers!

In other news regarding the war effort, Imperial Japanese soldiers continue their enlightening liberation of Western occupied countries. Facing pitiful resistance, Japanese soldiers continue, with the spirit of the Emperor and the people of Japan within their souls, to fight with full strength and with very few setbacks. [/font]



[font="Times New Roman"]Brave Japanese soldiers continue the advance, now well into British-held Burma. With support of the local Burmese population and liberated Indian soldiers that were held in servitude by their British masters, it is quite clear that, as with the Dutch East Indies, Malaya and other Asian and Pacific territories, Burma will soon be liberated. [/font]



[font="Times New Roman"]The War in China continues between the Japanese soldiers and the corrupt Warlords, led by the the wicked and corrupt General, Chiang Kai-Shek. Chinese peasants, led under false hopes by Shek, continue their failing effort to prevent the liberation of China by attacking Japanese soldiers and delaying the moment! But, Japanese soldiers, divine as they are, continue to push back these aggressors, keeping belief in the Emperor and the liberation of the Chinese people close in mind.

The Chinese city of Changsha fell after a brief seige, where Chinese miltia held Chinese civilians hostage. Heavy bombardment occurred but great care was taken as not to fire in civilian populated areas, although it has been admitted civilian casualties unfortunetly have occurred, due to Chinese cowardice to meet upon an open field of battle.

After a divine charge, with the spirit of the Emperor, Japanese soldiers were able to swiftly rout the Chinese cowards and force them from Changsha. Many Chinese were killed but those that were captured will be treated well by his Majesty's soldiers.[/font]



[font="Times New Roman"]The campaign to liberate the Philippine Islands continues with good results although the majority of the fighting taking place is occurring in Luzon, where the outnumbered American cowards continue to put up a false hope to defend their colonial ambitions in the Philippines.

Unlike the British, however, it has been noted that the Americans have fought harder. It is obviously clear that a country with a traditional history and culture like Britain cannot stand firm, leaving it to a nation founded by farmers to actually hold any true resistance.

However, that resistance is soon waning and it has been noted that the Philippines will soon be void of an American presence.

The Americans however have fought heavily around Clark Field, gaining noteworth respect by Imperial Commanders but even so, their defeat will soon be upon hand!

General Homma, the commanding officer in charge of the Japanese liberation effort in the Philippine Islands, has called back engaged forces from Clark Field to Lingayen although he did explain his reason. "I thought it wise and more efficient to include more reinforcements, that way, a firm, quick push will route the American defenders and give our soldiers the advantage to secure the rest of Luzon. I am confident.....that Manila will quickly be liberated in a divine strike. The Emperor's troops......fight strongly and with pride."[/font]





[font="Times New Roman"]Prime Minister Tojo's Address

The Imperial Diet attended today, with optimism and pride ongoing for the war effort. The main discussions were how to provide the best for Japanese soldiers and plans for the future. Prime Minister Tojo made an address to the Diet, glorifying the Emperor and Japan's brave soldiers and her cultured and divine people! [/font]



[font="Times New Roman"]Celebrations held throughout The Empire!

To celebrate the victories by Japanese Imperial Forces, parades and celebrations were held throughout Japan and even in the colonies of both Korea and Formosa. Cheering subjects waved flags, screaming "BANZAI! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!" at the top of their lungs.

Children throughout Japan were given the day off to celebrate. Many, with great enthusiasm and interest, watched parades of Japanese subjects walking down the streets, some even dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, calling for "victory" and "good cheer"!

Support for the war continues to be ecstatic![/font]



[font="Times New Roman"]As this reporter leaves for now with a patriotic "BANZAI"!, I pray and wish for a swift victory!

Noboyuki Mishima[/font]

[marky]

hehe check this out fishy

[font="arial"]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/17/42[/font]   [font="arial"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage[/font]

[marky]

[font="arial"]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/17/42[/font]   [font="arial"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
PC Ch 17,  on fire,  heavy damage
PC Ch 18
AP Nichibi Maru, Shell hits 5,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Sanko Maru, Shell hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Siraha Maru,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Syoka Maru
AP Taizin Maru,  on fire

Allied Ships
PT PT-38
PT PT-39
PT PT-47
PT PT-60
PT PT-125
PT PT-126 [/font]

[marky]

Poor Hibiki [:D]

[Japanese_Spirit]

Thankyou very much Cuttlefish for posting this and I hope that everyone enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I hope also the crew of the Hibiki enjoyed learning more of the Empire's victories, too. [:D]

[Cuttlefish]

ORIGINAL: marky

hehe check this out fishy

[font="arial"]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/17/42[/font]   [font="arial"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage[/font]

[:(]

[marky]

gigglez

poor fishy got heartbroken

[Cuttlefish]

February 23, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

[Cuttlefish]

February 24, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Accompany Kido Butai south

---

From the diary of Seaman First Class Taiki Takahashi

Several us were talking today about what kind of ship the last ship that we fought at Wake was. Most thought it was a destroyer, but someone said it was a light cruiser and a couple of other people thought maybe it was a seaplane tender or something. So I went and asked Shun.

"Bakayaro!" he said, and cuffed me. "If this ship ever sinks I will use your head to stay afloat, empty and full of air as it is!" He stalked away but returned shortly with a bundle of ship recognition cards. "Study these and be able to answer all my questions by tomorrow or you will feel my fists!"

I really must learn to stop asking questions of Shun.

[Cuttlefish]

February 25, 1942

Location: 45 miles northeast of Jaluit
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 451

Orders: Accompany Kido Butai south

---

Captain Ishii and Lieutenant Miharu are standing on the port observation wing, gazing at the ships of Kido Butai visible a couple of miles away.

Captain Ishii: An impressive sight, Exec.

Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir, it is. I admit I enjoy having such escorts.

Captain Ishii: *smiles a little* I rather think Admiral Nagumo regards us as the escorts rather than the other way around.

Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir. Though it really is a matter of how one looks at it.

Captain Ishii: True, true. To the Americans let us hope these ships appear as an unpleasant surprise.

Lieutenant Miharu: Sir, what ships are we hunting? I admit I was surprised to hear we are heading south.

Captain Ishii: The Americans have been operating a carrier down around Fiji. Possibly it is the Enterprise. They have made a couple of attempts to catch our transports in the New Caledonia area, but so far we have been too smart or lucky for them. The Navy's thinking right now is that the Americans probably believe that we are focused completely on Wake Island. They will not be expecting a sprint south to catch the forces they have at Fiji.

Lieutenant Miharu: It seems a worthy gamble.

Captain Ishii: I think so, though of course my opinion was not asked. If we catch their ships there, well and good. If we do not, well then we at least get a pleasant cruise in southern waters.

Lieutenant Miharu: And perhaps by the time we get back to Kwajalein they will have some torpedoes for us.

Captain Ishii: *snorts* And maybe I am the Emperor Meiji.

[Cuttlefish]

February 26, 1942

Location: 90 miles north-northwest of Tarawa
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 415

Orders: Accompany Kido Butai south to attack American ships thought to be operating around Fiji

---

Today we passed within a few miles of a powerful battle group heading north. One of the battleships was the Mutsu! I felt a rush of emotion to realize that my brother was so close. To think that if we had remained at Kwajalein a few days longer we might have had a chance to meet.

Soon we will cross the equator again. This will be the third time. The first two times we spent less than a day south of it. The first time we were hit by a bomb. The second time we were recalled immediately to go to Wake island. I wonder what this time will bring?

Oh, and I now know that what we sank was an AVD Childs class seaplane tender. I passed Shun's test about the ship silhouettes well enough, it seems. He didn't say yes or no about my answers, he just grunted at each one and moved on to the next card. When we were done he gave one small nod and left. This was a relief. He is an uncommonly strong man, and his beatings are to be avoided. They say that in a bar fight once in Shanghai he wrapped a harpoon completely around the neck of a soldier who had insulted the navy. It was not tight enough to strangle the fellow, but four of his friends could not remove it and the poor soldier had to report back to his barracks still wearing the harpoon.

I believe this story.

[Cap Mandrake]

[;)]

[princep01]

Amusing...the business and commerical wheels are undeterred by political differences or even open hostilities, proving, yet again, the manifest superiority of capitalism to all other economic systems.  Chocolate covered cotton anyone? [;)]
 
M & M Enterprises is reallly Milo & Milo Enterprises, isn't it. 
 
Finally, don't misspell Auckland again in the letter masthead.  The Kiwis will throw a fit and scuttle the Cuttlefish.

[marky]

ORIGINAL: princep01

Amusing...the business and commerical wheels are undeterred by political differences or even open hostilities, proving, yet again, the manifest superiority of capitalism to all other economic systems. Chocolate covered cotton anyone? [;)]

M & M Enterprises is reallly Milo & Milo Enterprises, isn't it.

Finally, don't misspell Auckland again in the letter masthead. The Kiwis will throw a fit and scuttle the Cuttlefish.

capitalism is evil.

[FeurerKrieg]

[X(]

Mandrake and Cuttlefish in one AAR! Any more excellent writing and entertainment and my head might explode.