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After over a week of wanting to catch up on the AAR I find the last update was four days ago.
[:(]

I also raise my glass to you sir, an excellent approach to an AAR.

Roger

(sorry guys I was in Guam again for 5 days. I will update tonight!! I promise)

ORIGINAL: Vetamur

(sorry guys I was in Guam again for 5 days. I will update tonight!! I promise)

Research for the AAR I presume? [:D]

Dec. 9th.
Somewhere over the Eastern South Pacific.


SUNSET OVER KUCHING


Rain streaked down Osamu’s cockpit and strong winds buffeted his light weight Zero-sen fighter. As altimeter spun up and down reacting to gusts lifting and forcing him down in succession the young Petty Officer 2nd class fought to maintain his concentration. The flight had lasted 9 hours already and was going to take at least another hour. The weather had been forecast as clear and he had taken off in crisp December weather in Tainan, for a change there had been no mist or fog. Now however was a different story. He battled hunger. He had packed 3 onigiri (boiled rice, wrapped in seaweed, stuffed with a sour plum or fish) but didn’t even entertain the thought of eating them now. In this weather even with his experience the rice would just end up decorating his wind screen if he didn’t get his bag out in time.

From habit he continued to look about him and he wasn’t sure if he was right, but he seemed to be seeing fewer lights from his squadron members. He forced the thought from his mind. It’s just the weather. He shouldn’t expect to see his whole flight. Better he just just concentrate on getting himself there in one piece he thought as another downdraft pushed him to just 1,000 feet over the dark sea below. He adjust the pitch on his propeller, and grabbed altitude and then suddenly, he was clear.

Behind to his read the sun was low in the sky casting long shadows over the Borneo coast. Forty minutes later he swung himself around, approaching Kuching Airbase, one of the newest airbases in the Imperial Japanese collection, from the east, looking into the setting sun. It made for a beautiful sight, but one more hardship after a long, hard flight.

Osamu’s plane was the first down and from the edge of the tarmac he counted as his Daitai landed there fighters. He was glad to be on the ground, gladder to be where the action was. Few of the precious Zeros had been allocated this theater in the first 3 days of the war, leading to a few unexpected successes for the British and Dutch. Well, Osamu thought, that would end soon enough. Not tomorrow, he needed at least a day’s rest. But soon the British would be swept from the skies like the Americans.

The thought stopped short. His count had ended at 24. Twenty four? There had been 27 at take off. As other early arrivals gathered around they hunted out binoculars and searched the darkening sky for the missing pilots. Maeda, Hiji and Tominaga had been flying in the second to last formation. No one had seen them peel off but maybe they had diverted somewhere. They would show up. They had too.
-----------------------------------------

Sky Dragon Teahouse, Takao, Taiwan.

Three bottles of sake slurred nearly any man’s speech considerably. Three bottles of sake and a bottle of whiskey made Hiroyuki’s speech not only slurred, but more lecherous than usual.

“Come ON Lin…” he pleaded with the teenage waitress, “I..you.. I.. tomorrow.. “ His hand mimicked his airplane on take off. He even managed a slurred “Gear up Ueda!”.

“Sorry, I don’t go anywhere. I just work.” Ling looked around for help from the tea house Mama but she was no where in site. This pilot was handsome but… “And my name is LING. Not Lin.”

“Ling. Right. I know. So let’s go Lin.”

Ling sighed. “Well.. its really your last night?”

“Yeah. Yeah. I go..” He repeated the take off motion with his hand.

“And you will make it right with Ms. Chien?”

“Yesss…” He hung on the “s”, and moved his head about like a snake. “Gets your..” He motioned putting on a coat.

Lign bit her lip. Well, if she attached herself willingly to this one, maybe it would save her a lot of grief. She turned to get her coat. Back at the table a minute later she found Hiroyuki passed out on the low table.

Once commited to action though Ling would not be so easily put off. With another waitress she carried Hiroyuki to the front door and got him into a rickshaw. She checked his wallet, took a wad of bills for the other waitress to give Mama Chien and climbed on the rickshaw with Hiroyuki. “To the base”, she said to the rickshaw man.


-------------------------------------------

Highway 3, Philippines.

CARABAOS


Hideo’s tank rolled slowly down the “highway”. He thought of the highways his family had driven across America years ago and smiled. Well, that’s why the Philippines were the low land on the totem pole this time. With all these resources, they couldn’t even achieve a decent highway system. Japan would provide them with guidance and everyone would benefit. He noted that the American’s seem to have provided little in the way of roads in their time here. They had their highways, cars, factories, radios back home, meanwhile in their (until very recently) controlled territories their subjects went around by carabao cart! Hideo’s background hadn’t really equipped him to grasp the subtleties of economic development or international finance, but he knew well enough that the West had grown fat off of the rich lands of Asia and they would put a stop to that.

Up ahead there were some dark shapes off the side of the road. He ordered Iida to stop their Type 95 tank and got down from the cupola to take a look. As he drew close he realized the dark shapes were Philippino civilians. They had been shot in the back. Why? By who? The 7th armored regiment had the lead and had rolled through here about 30 minutes earlier. Had they killed this group?

Iida and Nakata, plus his platoon lead Nomiya joined him.

“What is it?” asked Nomiya.

“Some one killed a bunch of locals..”


DEAD CIVILIANS ON THE ROADSIDE


Nomiya grunted what may have been a laugh. “That’s just wrong. Looks like they wasted ammunition.” He pointed to where what had to have been machine gun bullets had kicked up the ground around the group.

“Wasted ammunition, sir?” Hideo turned to look his commander in the face.

“Yeah. It’s a waste. No point in using machine guns on them. Bayonets or swords will do.”

“ With all due respect, sir” began Hideo. Lt. Nomiya cut him off.

“Oh save it. This land, and these people are the conquered. A few examples like this every once in a while will help that sink in, earn us some respect and fear. They’ve lived under American rule for a while, and we are going to have to show them who’s boss now. Is that understood? Now, I’m not saying go out of your way to kill them. But if you see them disrespect you, or our nation, or if you seem them hesitate to follow our orders in the least, you teach them a lesson.”

Nomiya had thought this out, thought Hideo. Or more likely, he had orders. Far more likely. Nevertheless, he had to give it one more try.

“Sir, to win this war, don’t you think we will need the local’s help?”

“I wouldn’t say ‘need’. That’s a bit strong. But yes, it will be helpful. And they will help. Because they won’t want to face the alternatives.”

Hideo was shocked at what he was hearing. This wasn’t China. This wasn’t a land of bandits. This was part of the area they were liberating. Wasn’t it?

Back in the tank, the reloader Nakata tried to comfort him. “Probably the Americans killed that bunch anyway. Like the Russians do. Kill them before they can help the enemy.”

“Yeah.. probably.” The words held little conviction.

-----------------------------------------------

230 miles northwest of Pearl Harbor.

Uncharacteristically, Adm. Nagumo had taken a chance and it was about to pay off. The 6 carriers of the Hawaiian Operation had stayed in range of Pearl Harbor. Most thought it was tempting fate, including CPO Junichiro. But now he understood. An American fleet headed by a carrier had rushed to Hawaii to engage and drive off the fleet parked off of Oahu. But it was walking into a trap. Nagumo had moved the fleet further east, keeping the Americans off guard, all the while knowing that any relief force would approach where he had been spotted last.. the evening before.

The morning scouts had found the American fleet exactly where they had hoped and now Junichiro and the other Zero’s from Hiryu were guiding the first strike in. Still 15 miles out they spotted the American CAP.. about a dozen Wildcats. Junichiro gained altitude searching the skies to be sure that was all there was. He thought that the American carriers carried more than 25 fighters. Where were the others? In a moment though, the thought left him as he peeled off to the left, into a flight of 2 F4Fs. He checked behind him. This time Minobe was still there. He wondered for how long.

The two F4Fs, extremely chunky to Junichiro’s eyes, stayed together. A minute later they died together. So intent on shaking Junichiro, the Americans had failed to another Zero. Takahashi rolled down nearly between the two, used his rudder to “skid” first right then left each time releasing a burst that set the Grumman’s ablaze. Junichiro mentally applauded the marksmanship.

Turning back to the fight, eager to get his first kill Junichiro found the sky full of smoke trails heading to the sea, but failed to find any more targets. Instead he found the Nakajima attack aircraft lining up already on the American carrier, the Enterprise.

Circling high, to head off any fighter ambushes and also to avoid the considerable flak put up by the American ships, particularly the cruises, Junichiro watched the attack unfold.

HEAVY FLAK OVER ENTERPRISE


The first lumbering Nakajima strayed too close to a cruiser and found itself in a steel shower. Soon it was cartwheeling across the blue waves.

The next attack aircraft though released his torpedo at optimum height and distance, turned hard to the left to make its escape and was rewarded with a plum of water that rose dozens of feet over the Enterprise’s deck, followed almost immediately by secondary explosions that seemed to almost lift the flattop out of the water. Encouraged, the other attack and dive bombers pressed their attack and with in moments the Enterprise was a flaming wreck, racked with smoke and flame from end to end, from 3 bombs and 6 torpedoes.

ENTERPRISE SUFFERS ITS FIRST HIT


As the strike force turned away, it passed the Zuikoku’s late-arriving Val’s. Most tried in vain to get a bead on the Enterprise, but a few sought fresh meat and put a bomb on the cruiser that had earlier shot down the B5N2.

Elated with success in the world’s first carrier battle, Junichiro was eager to hear about how the strikes against the base had gone as well. Surprise was a thing of the past, but with most fighter aircraft already gone he had high hopes.

In debrief Junichiro was surprised the Americans had launched their own attack. About 15 fighters, 34 dive bombers and 15 torpedo bombers had approached. Four of the fighters, 20 of the divebombers and at least 9 of the torpedo bombers had been shot down, and only the remaining torpedo bombers had attacked, the surviving dive bombers had fled with the remnants of their escorts, which had inexplicably succeeded in shooting down 4 Zeros.

The Pearl Harbor strike had damaged 8 battleships, 4 heavily, with minimal losses. Only 6 fighters had opposed the 150 airplane attack, and none had survived.

VAL ATTACK AT PEARL HARBOR


This night, like the three nights previous, Junichiro went to bed early wondering if Nagumo would press their luck one more time. Should they try to lure in one more carrier?



(Two questions to readers. First one is about the game.. often the kills attributed to a airplane group are much higher than the kills of the pilots added up.. for example Junichiros B-II Sentai has 10 kills. But only 5 are credited. Why? What is the explanation?

Second.. would you prefer the focus be purely on what happens in the game, or is the "extra" stuff enjoyable? What combo works best? For example, todays account of Hideo's group has little to do with his unit..which is just moving to San Jacinto..but gives a historical view. Like it? Hate it? Thanks.)

As to question 1, often the extra kills were made by pilots who did not survive the combat. I do not know if this is always the case, but it does occur.

Question 2? I love the extra flavour you've added to your AAR...

Nobody from B-II has died yet. All 21 pilots are still there. All have 3 to 6 missions flown.. but there are only 5 kills in total, 1 guy with two (see above), 3 with 1. Hmm..

1. Pilots always claimed more kills than were really downed. I have always assumed that was the case in the game.

2. I am enjoying the format as it is.

Well..thats sort of the point. Its opposite. The UNIT has shot down 10 planes.. and the number is accurate based on the intel page.. but no one is taking credit for the kills... it actually interferes with the writing. Oh well.
 
Thanks for the feedback!
 
 

Misread the question, sorry about that.

As to question one: Early in the war, Japanese command would not credit kills to a pilot unless there were corroborating witnesses, per S. Sakai.
As to question two: Do not change a thing. This is great reading!

Vetamur, the style of the AAR is great.  Most enjoyable.
 
The game results are rather secondary to me, especially if this is a game played against the AI.  I'm guessing the opponent is AI, as few human commanders would challenge the KB with one CV.  Even Wild Bill Halsley might have paused to second guess that "strategy".  What a sure fired way to commit suicide.
 
Inserting the illustrations is a real plus and your choice of the illustrations is nothing short of insired.  A real mood setting effect.
 
Quite a nice and nuianced AAR.

1) i was of the opinion that this AAR was against an opponent-makes the cv sinking all the more better.
2) great read-don't change anything.  the other AAR's with the CR are nice for detail but boring to read.  Keep up the good work.
john

Vetamur, just like Cuttlefish's "Hibiki", this is also an enjoyable AAR. And the extra details you are adding in are all the more enjoyable to read. Please keep it up, I, along with everyone else, are really enjoying it!

(sidenote: this is a PBEM. my first real deep one and my opponents first. he is the guy who indirectly introduced me to the game.  From his vague email today Im guessing he thought I would stay on port attack, with just a bit of naval attack..which I think he thought would be deluded.. he has put a mass exodous from PH in effect..there are little TFS heading east, southeast and northeast all over the place.  Thanks for the positive comments.  The pictures take quite a bit of time actually but I think add to the mood considerably. Thanks again.)

Dec. 10th
Luzon Island, Philippines, 38 miles Northwest of Clark Field (USAAF BASE)



“Move FORWARD!” shouted Corporal Hideo. For the third time in just 6 minutes he wished his Type 95 tank had a fourth crew member. He was trying to train the main gun while also manning the 7.7mm machine gun while still commanding the tank as whole. Every time he stopped to do one thing, he found he needed to be doing something else. Not an enviable position, but he was sure of one thing. He needed to keep moving. “Iida! Keep us going forward! It’s just a patrol, I’m sure of it! Keep moving up the road!”

He decided to dare another look out the hatch. Opened it. Hesitated a moment. Then poked his head out. He heard two reports ahead and saw some tell-tale smoke rising from behind a clump of trees. The commander of the tank behind him must have already seen the shot as it was now turning off the toad to flank it. Hideo thought it a wasted effort. There had been no real resistance up to this point and he doubted whoever was shooting at them was going to put up a real fight. He moved back into the turret, decided against using the 37mm cannon, trained the 7.7mm machine gun and let lose.

4th REGIMENT, 1st COMPANY, 2nd PLATOON, Lead Tanks


Dirt and dust kicked up around the trees. Iida stopped the tank.

“Why are you stopping? Roll OVER the trees!” screamed Hideo. For good measure he let lose another two short bursts.

Despite his command Iida moved forward just a few dozen yards then stopped the tank just short of the clump of trees. Hideo climbed back up out of the hatch and could see why. In the trees lay three men. Two impressively tall..Americans? And one other man of roughly Hideo’s build. All were dead, Hideo’s bursts had been effective. Blood pooled around the bodies and the sight transfixed the tank commander until Iida snapped him back to the present.

“What about those?” Iida asked.

“Huh?”

“Those.” Iida said emphatically, nodding to a spot past the dead Allied scouts. Looking over Hideo saw three horses. Horses! It was as he had tried telling his brothers and father. America was ill equipped to resist the Imperial Army of Japan. He was driving his tank through their prized Pacific possession and the Americans were resisting with cowboys!

“I don’t really know what we should do with them. We can’t bring them.” Hideo thought for a moment.

For the first time Nakata the reloader spoke up. “In Hachinohe they always eat raw horse.”

“You IDIOT. Those horses are bred to be eaten. These are cowboy horses” Iida retorted.

“You’re an idiot TOO, Iida. These aren’t cowboy horses. They are cavalry horses." He didn’t mention he himself had just been thinking in terms of cowboys. “Well, just leave them here. Maybe someone in the rear will no what to do.”

They reloaded the machine gun, checked everything was in working order and headed off. Two miles later Hideo called for a halt outside an abandoned village. The fact it was abandoned saddened him, and his mind turned to yesterday’s events. Were they already being seen as conquerors, not liberators? It was an ill omen, but one he didn’t have time to dwell on. He had just received move on Clark Field itself the next day. The orders surprised him. They were nearly a week ahead of schedule. On the fourth day of the war.

ABANDONED PHILIPPINE VILLAGE



--------------------------
The annoying ring woke Hiroyuki at 4am. The ringing in his head was far worse. He needed more women and less alcohol. The thought brought a smirk to his face until he noticed something unusual out of the corner of his eye. There was a lady. On his chair. In his room. “How drunk was I?” he murmured aloud to himself. The lady stirred, looked him in the eye and said simply: “Very.”

It was Lin. Ling? The waitress. In his room!

She read his excitement and confusion. “I brought you home. You, well, I.. made arrangements with Mama Chien. I helped you. Do you always wake this early? The sun isn’t up!”

“Uhm. Yeah.. You can’t really be here. I have duty today.”

“You said you leave today. I knew it was a lie. Then I wait.” She folded her arms.

Petty Officer Hiroyuki Matsuyama was in no mood to argue. He got dressed, took one final look at Lin. Thought to ask if anything “had happened”, thought better of it and made his way to the flight line where he wanted to check his plane, then planned on heading to the ready room.

His hung-over grimace changed to a frown as he neared his aircraft. Yamada’s crew were still working on it. Apparently the damage had been worse than he thought. Yamada was already making his way over.

“Sorry. You’re not flying today. There is a hydraulic fluid leak, but we can’t find it. You’re grounded today. But from the looks of it, you need the rest.”

“It’s the first week of the war! I can’t be grounded!”

“Well..you are. You and your crew are welcome to help with repairs later if you want.” It sounded less like an invitation and more like a semi-order.

Hiroyuki skulked off to the briefing room where he listened to how the rest of his group would continue suppressing Clark, while the rest of the Takao air corps would fly their first anti-shipping missions of the war, going after the many Allied ships fleeing Manila Harbor.

After a day of unexpectedly tough flak, damage to his aircraft, and now today being grounded, Hiroyuki worried about the morale of his crew. He had to find some way for them to contribute today. After a few minutes thought he walked off in search of chalk. Once he had that, he would gather his crew and head to the flightline.

HIROYUKI'S CREW PREPARES A MESSAGE FOR THE AMERICANS


Forty-five minutes later his crew was chalk-in-hand, consulting with each other and the crew of Kobayashi’s bomber on appropriate “thoughts” to pass on to the Americans. No one had anything overly original to write, but they had some fun scribbling messages on the bombs. Out of nowhere Morita, the 20mm gunner, found some white paint. The chalked on messages, mostly about quitting Asia, mixed with disparaging comments about Mickey Mouse, Roosevelt, and blond hair, were re-done in ink. While not much, the crew of Hiroyuki’s bombers felt at least they had done something worthwhile, then made their way off to help with repairs. Hiroyuki moved off to the radio room, awaiting word on what their painted bombs would accomplish.

By noon he was well satisfied. Clark Field only had one old fighter defending it, which was dispatched easily and most of G2 Takao bomber group loads landed on target, destroying supply sheds, cratering the runway, and hitting flak positions. Meanwhile G1 group had scored Takao’s first torpedo hits of the day, damaging a transport. It was a start. Notably, the Type 1 bomber had flown over 420 miles to hit that target. As far as Hiroyuki could recall, that was a new record for naval attacks.

G2 TAKAO's BETTYS MAKE NAVAL HISTORY WITH A 420 MILE STRIKE


Convinced most of the days notable events were over, Hiroyuki turned back to matters at hand. What to do about Ling.

---------------------------------------
150 Miles northwest of Pearl Harbor.

Junichiro’s time on Adm. Yamamoto’s staff gave him status beyond his rank, but he was pushing it now. He was in a discussion with Hiryu’s captain, Cpt. Kaku and the three aircraft Daitai commanders.
“You need to push Nagumo, to push Yamamoto to invade. Now.”

Captain Kaku was incredulous. “We cant invade Pearl Harbor! This is a STRIKE force.”

“We don’t need to invade Pearl Harbor. Just threaten it. Invade anywhere. What was the leper colony? Molokai? Wherever. We need to threaten it in a way they can’t ignore. If we do that, they commit their aircraft carriers now. If we sink those, then we sink those damaged battleships. That is ALL of their fleet.”

Lt. Mori interjected. “That’s a nice idea..but we are a striking force. We don’t have staying power.”

Junichiro would not be dissuaded. “Today we ended up sending 60 aircraft against a couple of minesweepers! Stop the meaningless strikes. Wait til we pull the carriers in. If we get in a long war with America, we lose. We dominate the Hawaiian skies and waters NOW. This is our chance. Let high council know the situation. We can end the war, for all intents and purposes, now. In their waters. Even if we don’t, we force the war to revolve around Hawaii. Adm. Yamamoto thinks we can only stay ahead in the war for 6 months. If we press this advantage we might have a chance he hadn’t foreseen. If we don’t, then in 2 years, maybe 3 this fleet will be at the bottom of the ocean. You all know this. Prime Minister Yokai and the rest were right.”

A MAJOR RAID FOR A MINOR TARGET


Silence filled the room. It was true, to an extent. They were parked a fourth day off the Hawaiian coast and America seemed helpless to do anything about it. In Pearl Harbor itself fires continued to burn on at least 4 battleships. Recon flights showed that 2 were attempting to make a run for it. They would be sunk tomorrow. But an invasion? Even as a feint.. it was unthinkable. Wasn’t it?

Captain Kaku rose. “We thank you for your thoughts on this matter CPO Matsuyama. As always we are honored to have your insight to consider. Please exuse us now to consider matters.”

Junichiro instantly translated the polite phrasing: “Leave us alone so we can ignore your advice.” He had expected it. He gave a sharp salute and left.

The day had gone well. He expected most days for the next few months to go well. It was what happened after THAT that he dreaded. He made his way to the hangar, searching out PO2 Fujiwara. Fujiwara had claimed his second kill of war today, on a head-to-head pass against a US Navy F4F. Junichiro wanted to hear about it. Not for the thrill, but to see if there were any lessons in the victory. Things were coming too easy.

PO2 FUJIWARA'S SECOND VICTIM, MOMENTS BEFORE EXPLODING

Great pics and story telling, Vetamur.  Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Ditto

Dec. 11th, 1941.

Tainan Base, Taiwan.


NCO BARRACKS, TAINAN


“Matsuyama! Matsuyama!”. Captain Moritama, commanding officer of G2 Takao, Hiroyuki’s unit, was looking for Hiroyuki awfully early. His eyes sought out the clock and focused on the dials in the pre-dawn dark. It read 4am. A soft groan to his left brought him to his senses. He looked at Ling still asleep on “her” half of his already narrow bed. He hadn’t been able to get her to leave last night and when that had become obvious, he made the best of a bad situation. But with Moritama coming down the hallway, this was no good. He got to the door just as the captain did.

“Ah. Matsuyama. May I have a word, maybe in your room? Some of the pilots are still sleeping and will need the rest.”

“Uhm..err..well..”. No excuse came to mind and the captain was already stepping into the room.

For a moment he didn’t seem to notice the lithe, long haired figure on the bed, and Hiroyuki almost relaxed. Then the captain did a double take, pushed up his glasses and gave a decided frown.

“I can explain. You see…”

“Save it Matsuyama.” The captain looked down at a clipboard he was carrying. He looked again at Ling’s sleeping form. He seemed to draw a couple lines. “I am just here to tell you that you won’t be flying today either.”

“Yamada still hasn’t gotten my plane fixed? I will have to have a talk with him…” Hiroyuki began.

“Oh no.. your plane is fine. Kobayashi will be flying it today. We have 36 crews ready, but still just 27 planes. You can report to Yamada today. He will have something for you to do.”

Hiroyuki considered a protest. Ling stretched. He reconsidered. “Yes, sir.”

Before leaving Moritama indicated Ling. “If you want to fly again before we sweep the Americans from the Pacific you might consider…cleaning your room.”

Hiroyuki let Ling sleep a bit longer but when it was clear the noise in the hallway wouldn’t wake her and neither would the sunlight now streaming through the uncurtained window he lost patience.
“Hey! Ling! Wake up! You have to go!” He was trying to use his “stern” voice, but new he was failing.

“I can’t go. I’m staying with you. I told you. Its arranged.”

“Ling, Im married.” He looked through his footlocker and emerged with a picture of Haru.

HIROYUKI'S WIFE, HARU


“I know. You are married in Japan. This is Taiwan.”

“Taiwan IS Japan silly girl.”

“Maybe yesterday and tomorrow. But in its heart, Taiwan is Chinese. Im Chinese. And I can take care of you here.”

“Look.. they won’t let me FLY again til you are gone. So do me a favor and leave. When I get back this evening you better be gone.” He grabbed his wallet and put a few notes on the desk. “Please. I’m sorry..but..please.”

He turned, left, and finally exhaled. Well, that was solved. He went off to breakfast and to see what Yamada had planned for him…

Left alone and now awake, Ling thought on her own course of action. If things continued like this she would truly be forced out. She needed a change of luck. She eyed the money on the desk. That would make a fine donation she thought, already thinking of how to get to her favorite temple. Joss sticks, a proper offering. Then things would go her way.

LING TRIES TO CHANGE HER LUCK


In the evening Hiroyuki watched all the planes come in until Kobayashi in HIS plane came in. At least the plane looked alright. With Ling gone maybe he could get back in the war. There was no more resistance in the skies over the Philippines, Hong Kong had fallen today, and the fleeing American fleet was seemingly being hunted down by destroyer groups, G1 Takao’s bombers, and the Junyo. If he didn’t get back in the war soon, this would be over. How wrong his father had been.

--------------------------------------------
Southern Luzon, Philippines.
4th Armored Regt. HQ, 15 miles northwest of Clarkfield.

“What did you think of the new commander?” asked Lt. Nomiya as he and Hideo walked back to Hideo’s tank, waiting to take them back to the “front”, such as it was.

“Lt. Col. Kitayama? I’ve read a few articles by him on the use of light tanks. He seems intelligent, a real professional. He has done real well in China, too.”

“Yeah, I suppose. But I heard he choked at Nomonha. That’s why the 7th Armored took the beating it did.”

Was this a trap to get him to malign his commanding officer? No matter. It was a lie. “Where did you hear that?”

“One of the other officers. Served with him in Manchukuo.”

“Well, they must have a faulty memory. The 7th Armored wasn’t even AT Nomonha, and neither was Lt. Col. Kitayama, if I recall correctly.”

“You sound like a fan. What, is he a friend of your father’s?”

Hideo knew there was real danger here. In the first few days of the war, people were being replaced left and right and if Lt. Nomiya tried to get rid of him, for whatever reason, no one was going to give it too much thought. He softened his voice. A notch. “No, I just liked his articles. Who knows. Everyone at his rank forgets what its like for us anyway. Lets get back.”

Back at “the front”, in fact just the limit to how far they were “allowed” to go that day Hideo pulled his crew together and the three shared their onigiri and some chocolate they had found in the last village school they had passed. That one abandoned as well.

4th ARMORED REGIMENT at rest


Their unit was ordered to take Clark Field tomorrow. Recon said it was held only by support staff, and would probably be abandoned in the night, there being no more aircraft left to use the field. Hideo didn’t quite buy it. Even if the Americans couldn’t use the field anymore, would they really give up the airfield for Japanese aircraft to use when the American army was still in full retreat? Two years previously Hideo had watched film of German aircraft massacring fleeing Polish armies. Would his chance at glory be stolen by the flyboys? He would know tomorrow.

“I know they said tomorrow would be just as easy, guys. Nonetheless, get a good nights sleep. Recon has been wrong before.”



----------------------------------------------------------------
Somewhere over the center of Boreo, Southeast Pacific.

For the first time in months Osamu was flying a mission completely over land. Visible landmarks made it such easy going compared to the fly just two nights ago where F2 Tainan had lost 3 of its pilots just in the process of transferring.

Just 100 miles now from Tarakan. This would be the first fighter sweep over the base in the war so there should be a target rich environment. Just yesterday recon flights had confirmed that the Allies had moved aircraft there, maybe to support their ships fleeing the Philippines.

At 20 miles out he spotted the base and oilfields. He intently studied the skies above the base but found nothing remotely hostile. His flight of 24 fighters broke into groups of three, circled the airfield and port, and did anything they could think of to challenge the Americans? Dutch? WHOEVER was down there to come out and play. To no avail. Disgusted at another actionless flight, Osamu turned for home with the rest of his unit. He took a moment to check out the oilfields. They seemed intact, for the time being.

TARAKAN OILFIELDS


Back at base, he was met by two faces in the barracks. One was not really “new”, it was Araki from flight school! Araki had graduated from Meiji university and so was a Lt. JG, despite having no more experience than Osamu. Unlike other university graduates though, Araki didn’t put on airs and seemed more comfortable mixing with the NCOs.

LT j.g. ARAKI, IJNAF


He recognized Osamu immediately. “Hey! They still letting you fly?? I thought you were the ‘tyre pressure engineer” now!”

“No, sir. I’ve faked my way all the way to the best unit in the Navy!” Osamu offered.

“Yeah, well, they wanted me to look after you so as of now Im joining you guys”. He motioned to the other new guy in the room. “And this is Oda, Warrant officer Oda. Oda, that is PO1 Matsuyama If you need any money, ask him. His dad is loaded.”

Osamu looked over Oda. He looked about 12 years old, and kept his eyes down cast. His pilots scarf dangled from his hand loosely and he shifted his weight continuously from left to right and back again.

“Good to meet you, Oda”. Osamu affected his best “congenial” voice.

Oda raised his eyes and worked hard at trying to look anything but the nervous wreck he was. “Thank you. Nice to meet you. I feel honored to be assigned to F2 Tainan. Really honored.” It was clear that even that short bit had been rehersed in his head.

Catching the awkward silence Araki picked up the conversation. “Oda is part of the first class trained in the Navy’s new pilot program.”

Osamu’s head snapped back in Araki’s direction. The NEW program? “You mean the one started in June?” he gave, unable to hide the alarm in his voice.

Araki gave a forced grin, begging with his eyes for Osamu to not say anything more to hurt Oda’s confidence. “That’s right. The new methods and training help us produce our pilots in just six months. Oda was in the top third of his group!”

Oda broke in, unable to take what wasn’t being said anymore. “Matsuyama, I know I am not quite where you and the rest of your squadron are, but I will do my utmost, and welcome any advice and help you can give me.”

Osamu let it go. That night he re-read an old letter his brother Junichiro had sent him. It detailed what he thought about a long term war with America, how it wasn’t just a matter of resources, but sustained levels of trained personnel that seemed to be the biggest problem. Junichiro and another officer had recommended to a senior officer that a program for training 15,000 pilots be put in place in 1939. It had been laughed off, but something similar had been started just this August. Osamu fell asleep, letter in hand, falling airplanes running through his head.

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340 miles north of Oahu, Hawaii.

THE USS OKLAHOMA, 1940


Another bomb landed on the Oklahoma. From Junichiro’s view it seemed to blow apart a 5in. AA gun. “Good. One less thing to worry about”, he thought. Moments later a torpedo, by Junichiro’s count the 4th of the last ten minutes exploded near the Oklahoma’s bow.

The attack had been yet another “easy” one and it made him nervous. The seemingly least damaged American battleship had sallied forth with considerable escort. To what end? Nothing to be done about it now. He turned his Zero for home, escorting back the Aichi dive bombers and Nakajima attack bombers. He came up short again on the Aichis. Hiryu’s dive bombing squadron had taken serious casualties in the short war, although not for nothing. Still, losing 7 out of 21 aircraft in just 4 days was unacceptable. Hopefully Adm. Nagumo would be satisfied with what had been achieved now and they could retire to safer waters and plan their next move. It was enough to have damaged or sunk 8 battleships and probably have sunk the Enterprise. No one could confirm it had gone down, but no scout plane had found it since.

VAL FROM HIRYU


Back on Hiryu, Junichiro sought out Lt. Kobayashi, commander of Hiryu’s dive bombers. “Congratulations sir, your bombers hit 6 out of 12 times!”
“Thank you..CPO…sorry, Ive forgotten your name..”
”Matsuyama, sir. We met last year in Tokyo.”
“Oh, yes. Matsuyama. Of the Osaka Matsuyamas, right? Anyway, yes, we did quite well today. Easier than hitting the Settsu.” The Settsu was Japan’s target battleship, where torpedo and dive bombers practiced their trade against a 18 kt. Moving target.
“Unfortunately, the Oklahoma shoots back.”
“Yes, sir. And I wanted to talk to you about that. Your group is taking a lot of casualties. When still in Tokyo we had discussed a new technique…”. Kobayashi cut him off.

“CPO Matsuyama, you fighter boys always think you know what’s best for any one else in the sky. You worry about shooting down those sitting duck Grummans. Let us worry about sinking the American fleet and getting home.”

Obviously the discussion was at an end. Obstinance clearly wasn’t limited to just the army. Well, he had tried.

PAINTING COMMEMORATING KOMACHI'S FEAT


That night in mess hall he heard about PO1 Komachi on the Shokaku. He had flown his first mission of the war yesterday and had shot down four fighters! The Shokaku had 3 pilots with 4 kills already. PO2 Fujiwara still paced Hiryu’s fliers with 2. “Well,” thought Junichiro, “I’m not getting any myself, but at least Im not flying a dive bomber.”

Feb. 12th, 1941

Mid Pacifc, 500 miles north of Hawaii, Sunset.

Pacific Sunset


CPO Junichiro Matsuyama thumbs through his journal, stopping here and there to read a passage or two, unconsciously grinning or shaking his head in turn. Usually not one to stall, today’s entry would be more difficult and he found himself adjusting things on his small desk, refilling his engraved pen (a graduation gift from his father), and adjusting his chair before finally turning to a blank page and beginning.

PO1 MAEDA


Today was a successful failure. The aircrews today again proved they have unequalled accuracy even against smaller, moving targets. Dawn scouts reported a convoy of destroyers and promptly the Hiryu’s, Soryu’s and Akagi’s bombers and attack bombers went out to meet them. I flew escort, though it was not needed. The Americans seemingly have no fighters left in this side of the Pacific.
Within 45 minutes our bombs and torpedoes had sunk all but one of the destroyers, 8 in all. One managed to escape into a late arriving fog bank but CPO Yamaguchi claims his torpedo hit it, so even that destroyers escape may be short lived.
During the attack, PO1 Maeda flew his Zero-sen over the deck of one destroyer, maybe trying to strafe an anti-aircraft gun to cover the attack bombers approach. Whatever the reason, it cost him. He took hits in his wing. His plane didn’t disintegrate but while on approach back at the Hiryu his wing simply fell off and he crashed into the sea. The nearest destroyer picked up his body, but his neck was broken in the fall. They buried him at sea.

IJN Burial at Sea


We sank 8 destroyers for the loss of just 2 aircraft today (one of Soryu’s didn’t make it back, the loss rate of the bombers is appalling). This is a good trade, but not good enough. If we lose pilots, even one or two a day, on such minor actions we will run far short. Our Navy pilot program won’t keep up. The Naval staff knew pre-war we would need a decisive, quick victory but now everyone seems so content with victories such as today. I’ve pressed my opinion as far as I might and now I can just do my duty. Tomorrow the task force will leave Hawaiian waters to support actions elsewhere.
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Near Clark Field, Philippines.




The day was shaping up to be more like the first day of the war, thought Hiryuki, behind the controls of his Mitsubishi bomber once again. All was right with the world. Ling had seemingly disappeared, Lt. Moritama was satisfied, and here he was flying combat missions over the Philippines. Today’s target was once again Clark Field, but he had heard it might be the last over Clark. The Army was moving on it today and the pilots had been warned to be careful what they bomb, as IJA tanks should be advancing on the American base just as they hit it.
A few minutes after his last course correction Hiryuki lowered his altitude. Indeed, he could see see some Army tanks, unmistakably Japanese, approaching the field. Two American aircraft were taxing on the far end. The looked like the older Navy fighter, that made them P-26s. They wouldn’t make it. A second flight of bombers cratered the runway just in front of the small US fighters which erupted into small explosions as shrapnel pierced their fuel tanks.
Hiroyuki banked his plane looking for a worthwhile target for his bombs, then spotted what looked to be a rag tag convoy of retreating US army units. His copilot Ueda spotted them simultaneously and called back to the navigator/bomber, “Takahashi! Get ready! Trucks and cars on the road!”. Moments later the twin engine bomber leapt upon the release of its bombs. With no real resistance Hiroyuki decided he could make another pass to do his own bomb damage assessment and to get a better idea on who was retreating and with what. If he had a radio that could reach those army tanks he could tell them to give chase and rout the Americans, but he was Navy, and his radio wasn’t compatible. Not for the first time Hiroyuki shook his head. Son of a wealthy business man, not brought up in the inter-service rivalries, Hiroyuki found the Army-Navy rivalry extremely wasteful. If his father ran his business in the same way, well, Hiroyuki wouldn’t have been afforded the education and opportunities he had.
Nevertheless, his day’s work over, Hiroyuki turned for home, confident his bombs had knocked a towed gun of some sort from what looked to be mostly support troops fleeing Clark Field.
Back at the barracks a pleasant smell wafted down the hallway. Perfume. Probably French, thought Hiroyuki. Although not very “manly”, knowing the ins and outs of perfumes and such helped with ladies thought Hiroyuki, showing a slight smile. The smile disappeared when he realized the smell was coming from his room. Opening the door, a smiling Ling greeted him from his bed. “Welcome back!”
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Clark Field, Philippines.

“Machine gun nest! Two o’clock!” called out Iida, Hideo’s over eager tank driver.

“That’s just a pile of sand bags!” growled back Hideo, rotating the turret just in case.

His platoon was in the lead and was nearly at the edge of the runway. He was aware of a drone growing louder and looked over the ridge of the nearby hills to see about 70 twin engine bombers heading for the airfield. Through his binoculars he recognized them as Type 1 navy bombers. Overkill, he thought to himself. Resistance all morning had been scant or none at all. “Iida! Drive us to the far end of the runway! I see a few planes left down there! But keep us OFF the runway, got it?”

”Yes, sir!” came the answer and off lurched Hideo’s tank doing its best at a meager 25 mph.

Two US Army airplanes rolled out of a hangar but before even getting onto the runway proper they were dispatched under Navy bombs. By the time Hideo’s platoon reached the end of the runway there was little to do but shoot up the burnt out carcass of a B-17 that looked like it had been hit the first day of the war.

CLARK FIELD WRECKAGE



Hideo called in to his platoon leader, Lt. Nomiya. In his nasal voice, made worse by effects of the radio, Lt. Nomiya gave a droning order: “Search the buildings, bring any Americans captured to me, dispose of any natives who were aiding the Americans. I will call in our success now.”

“Should we wait for infantry support to round up prisoners, sir?”

“There is no infantry support. Only the 4th Tank Regiment was assigned this important task of securing the airfield. Now, secure it!”

From behind him, Nakata, the reloader said dryly “You first, Corporal. I will just sit in the tank and..keep it running. You guys go look around.”

“Well,” thought Hideo, “We will drive around first. Take a good look.” No one relished being the first sniper casualty incurred by the 4th Tank Regiment.