Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Thank you Durbik, some nice color photos in there.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
18 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: Osaka harbor
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Complete refueling then proceed to Amoy
***
The task force had arrived at Osaka late in the previous evening and immediately began refueling operations. Kasumi would be the last of the ships to take on fuel, and began their refueling operation at 7 AM on the 18th. Once refueling was complete, the task force reformed and left Osaka heading west at full speed…
***
“This is a BBC Radio News report. Georgetown Malaya falls! The rapidly advancing Japanese army has secured the important harbor city of Georgetown. British forces continue to withdraw towards Singapore. Prime Minister Winston Churchill has called an emergency meeting of the war cabinet. More details as they become available…”
“Radio Tokyo News. The Imperial 25th Army under the command of General Tomoyoki Yamashita has liberated the strategic Malayan city of Georgetown from the British. Malayan nationals cheered and praised the Emperor for releasing them from the tyrannical yoke of British occupation.”
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: Osaka harbor
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Complete refueling then proceed to Amoy
***
The task force had arrived at Osaka late in the previous evening and immediately began refueling operations. Kasumi would be the last of the ships to take on fuel, and began their refueling operation at 7 AM on the 18th. Once refueling was complete, the task force reformed and left Osaka heading west at full speed…
***
“This is a BBC Radio News report. Georgetown Malaya falls! The rapidly advancing Japanese army has secured the important harbor city of Georgetown. British forces continue to withdraw towards Singapore. Prime Minister Winston Churchill has called an emergency meeting of the war cabinet. More details as they become available…”
“Radio Tokyo News. The Imperial 25th Army under the command of General Tomoyoki Yamashita has liberated the strategic Malayan city of Georgetown from the British. Malayan nationals cheered and praised the Emperor for releasing them from the tyrannical yoke of British occupation.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
19 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South West of Kagoshima
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Amoy at best possible speed and refuel
***
As the task force continued farther west, the broken transmissions and enemy communication intercepts increased. Tamon found himself racing to keep pace with the number of distress calls, air combat chatter and contact reports that were bombarding the air waves. Though most were simply routine reports of enemy ship and troop sightings one did stand out above the others.
“:Static: day Mayday…Gunboat Luzon requesting assistance. Struck mine at 0530. Flooding severe. Requesting assistance. Situation critical. Repeat Situation critical. Immediate assistance requested.”
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Catastrophe in China. Reports indicate that elements of the Chinese Army are falling back on all fronts. Japanese air superiority in the region is complicating….”
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South West of Kagoshima
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Amoy at best possible speed and refuel
***
As the task force continued farther west, the broken transmissions and enemy communication intercepts increased. Tamon found himself racing to keep pace with the number of distress calls, air combat chatter and contact reports that were bombarding the air waves. Though most were simply routine reports of enemy ship and troop sightings one did stand out above the others.
“:Static: day Mayday…Gunboat Luzon requesting assistance. Struck mine at 0530. Flooding severe. Requesting assistance. Situation critical. Repeat Situation critical. Immediate assistance requested.”
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Catastrophe in China. Reports indicate that elements of the Chinese Army are falling back on all fronts. Japanese air superiority in the region is complicating….”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
20 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 180 miles West of Kagoshima
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Amoy and refuel
***
Tamon can barely keep up. There was a massive amount of radio activity this day. Unlike the open expanses of the Eastern Pacific, the war was very real and very intense in the South China Sea.
“:static: returning fire on coastal batteries…:static:”
“:static:…zu Maru, on fire need assista…:static:”
“submarine contact at…:static:”
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 180 miles West of Kagoshima
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Amoy and refuel
***
Tamon can barely keep up. There was a massive amount of radio activity this day. Unlike the open expanses of the Eastern Pacific, the war was very real and very intense in the South China Sea.
“:static: returning fire on coastal batteries…:static:”
“:static:…zu Maru, on fire need assista…:static:”
“submarine contact at…:static:”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
21 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: Amoy
Course: West
Orders: Await further Orders
***
On board Akagi, Admiral Chuichi Nagumo had called his staff together. On the table in front of him a map of China was spread open. Nagumo also had a large number of reconnaissance photos spread out on the table showing trucks, trains, and an airfield. Once the staff was fully assembled, Nagumo cleared his throat and began to speak…
“I understand that while in Osaka we were provided with a number of green pilots to replace those who were lost at Hawaii. The China Expeditionary Army has provided these photographs, rather reluctantly, of what appears to be a large build up of supplies and troops…here.” Nagumo pointed to a city on the map. “With the Chinese Air Force all but destroyed and demoralized, this will be a perfect opportunity to gain experience for our replacement pilots. We will launch as soon as the TF has refueled and is underway.”
***
Tamon decoded the message from Akagi. “Complete refueling and get underway, heading South West.”
As the task force picked up speed, the roar of aircraft engines could be heard as Type 99 dive bombers, Type 97 torpedo bombers and the nimble ‘Reisen’ fighters took to the air. To Tamon, it was an impressive sight, some 200 aircraft flying in perfect formation. Fours hours later, the formation returned with a few of the bombers trailing smoke. With the last of the strike force recovered, the TF turned to the south at cruise speed.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: Amoy
Course: West
Orders: Await further Orders
***
On board Akagi, Admiral Chuichi Nagumo had called his staff together. On the table in front of him a map of China was spread open. Nagumo also had a large number of reconnaissance photos spread out on the table showing trucks, trains, and an airfield. Once the staff was fully assembled, Nagumo cleared his throat and began to speak…
“I understand that while in Osaka we were provided with a number of green pilots to replace those who were lost at Hawaii. The China Expeditionary Army has provided these photographs, rather reluctantly, of what appears to be a large build up of supplies and troops…here.” Nagumo pointed to a city on the map. “With the Chinese Air Force all but destroyed and demoralized, this will be a perfect opportunity to gain experience for our replacement pilots. We will launch as soon as the TF has refueled and is underway.”
***
Tamon decoded the message from Akagi. “Complete refueling and get underway, heading South West.”
As the task force picked up speed, the roar of aircraft engines could be heard as Type 99 dive bombers, Type 97 torpedo bombers and the nimble ‘Reisen’ fighters took to the air. To Tamon, it was an impressive sight, some 200 aircraft flying in perfect formation. Fours hours later, the formation returned with a few of the bombers trailing smoke. With the last of the strike force recovered, the TF turned to the south at cruise speed.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
22 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 180 miles South West of Amoy
Course: South
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Brunei
***
Tamon sat quietly in the signals room of Kasumi listening to the short wave radio messages that were being intercepted. Many of them came from units in and around the Philippines. From what Tamon could gather, a large number of enemy submarines had been spotted moving into the harbor at Manila. Thus a massive airstrike of land based bombers with fighter escort had been sent to render the repair and support facilities at Manila useless.
From the radio transmissions, it appeared that the raid had been very successful. One squadron reported that the dry docks had been destroyed and another claimed that the facilities fuel storage tanks had erupted into a ball of flame. Tamon heard no reports of submarines at the port however.
***
“This is a BBC Radio News report. Hong Kong falls. On December 20th, all Commonwealth Forces in Hong Kong surrendered to the Japanese. A spokesman for the Royal Navy…”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
G3M Nell x 45
G4M1 Betty x 131
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AR Dewey Dry Dock, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
1068 casualties reported
Guns lost 15
Vehicles lost 2
Port hits 7
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
11 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
11 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
9 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
27 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AR Dewey sank in the afternoon phase. I was quite impressed by the amount of damage caused (to personell) by this raid, one of the most effective raids I have seen from LBA.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 180 miles South West of Amoy
Course: South
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Brunei
***
Tamon sat quietly in the signals room of Kasumi listening to the short wave radio messages that were being intercepted. Many of them came from units in and around the Philippines. From what Tamon could gather, a large number of enemy submarines had been spotted moving into the harbor at Manila. Thus a massive airstrike of land based bombers with fighter escort had been sent to render the repair and support facilities at Manila useless.
From the radio transmissions, it appeared that the raid had been very successful. One squadron reported that the dry docks had been destroyed and another claimed that the facilities fuel storage tanks had erupted into a ball of flame. Tamon heard no reports of submarines at the port however.
***
“This is a BBC Radio News report. Hong Kong falls. On December 20th, all Commonwealth Forces in Hong Kong surrendered to the Japanese. A spokesman for the Royal Navy…”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
G3M Nell x 45
G4M1 Betty x 131
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AR Dewey Dry Dock, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
1068 casualties reported
Guns lost 15
Vehicles lost 2
Port hits 7
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
11 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
11 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
9 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
27 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AR Dewey sank in the afternoon phase. I was quite impressed by the amount of damage caused (to personell) by this raid, one of the most effective raids I have seen from LBA.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
23 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 360 miles South of Pescadores
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Divert to an area North West of Cagayan and provide air support for landing operations
***
This day finds the ships of TF1 being redirected with urgent orders from Combined Fleet HQ. The task force is to provide air support for an amphibious operation that did not go according to plan. The units are in an extremely bad position and require as much air support as they can muster.
One particularly interesting message comes in from the day…
“…Commander G. Komura relieved of command effective immediately. Lt. Commander J. Wakasugi to assume immediate command of TF 25…”
“Sounds like a real mess,” Tamon thought to himself. To relieve an officer of command in the middle of an operation meant that something had gone horribly wrong.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 360 miles South of Pescadores
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Divert to an area North West of Cagayan and provide air support for landing operations
***
This day finds the ships of TF1 being redirected with urgent orders from Combined Fleet HQ. The task force is to provide air support for an amphibious operation that did not go according to plan. The units are in an extremely bad position and require as much air support as they can muster.
One particularly interesting message comes in from the day…
“…Commander G. Komura relieved of command effective immediately. Lt. Commander J. Wakasugi to assume immediate command of TF 25…”
“Sounds like a real mess,” Tamon thought to himself. To relieve an officer of command in the middle of an operation meant that something had gone horribly wrong.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
24 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles North West of Tawi Tawi
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Divert to Cagayan and provide air support for landing operations
***
Tamon found himself in the radio room listening to a number of submarine reports. Of them, most simply had contacts or missed contacts or simply reporting in recon information. However one report did spark and interest. It seems that I-153 claimed a small escort vessel and crippled a large tanker right inside the harbor at Palembang. The audacious commander had not only struck once, but had returned a few hours later to strike again.
Tamon managed to tune in the RKO Radio later that afternoon picking up Christmas music. Tamon might have thought it strange to be celebrating in a time of war, but he had spent enough time with Westerners to understand the meaning of Christmas. To many in the West, Christmas was a time of joy, thanksgiving and forgiveness…”I wonder if they can forgive us for what we did at Hawaii?” He pondered to himself…but only briefly…there was work to be done and a war to be won. Tamon put his mind back to the job at hand…
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles North West of Tawi Tawi
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Divert to Cagayan and provide air support for landing operations
***
Tamon found himself in the radio room listening to a number of submarine reports. Of them, most simply had contacts or missed contacts or simply reporting in recon information. However one report did spark and interest. It seems that I-153 claimed a small escort vessel and crippled a large tanker right inside the harbor at Palembang. The audacious commander had not only struck once, but had returned a few hours later to strike again.
Tamon managed to tune in the RKO Radio later that afternoon picking up Christmas music. Tamon might have thought it strange to be celebrating in a time of war, but he had spent enough time with Westerners to understand the meaning of Christmas. To many in the West, Christmas was a time of joy, thanksgiving and forgiveness…”I wonder if they can forgive us for what we did at Hawaii?” He pondered to himself…but only briefly…there was work to be done and a war to be won. Tamon put his mind back to the job at hand…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
25 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South West of Puerto Princessa
Course: East
Damage: None
Orders: Provide air support for landing operations at Cagayan.
***
The ships of the TF pitched up and down rhythmically in the waves. While the intention was for the air wings to launch at first light a sudden storm had ended those plans. While the larger ships were handling the moderate sea state with little effort, the smaller ships like Kasumi were rolling and pitching violently against the 15 foot waves.
In the signals rooms aboard Kasumi, Tamon watched Seaman Arata Sugiyama with growing concern. Arata had joined the Kasumi only 2 weeks prior to debarking for Hawaii. He had arrived to Kasumi straight out of training and was still very green, and today he was literally green not just figuratively green.
As the seas grew more violent, so did Sugiyama’s obvious sea-sickness. Tamon knew he needed to get the Sugiyama out of the radio room before something bad happened. If he didn’t there would be a big mess to clean up, and not one that Tamon particularly wanted to deal with.
“Sugiyama….why don’t you go below and report to the infirmary.”
“I can…<gasp>…make it sir.” Replied the increasingly pale Arata.
“Sugiyama…that is an order. I do not doubt your willingness, but your body is not able. In time, you will adjust. However, that time is not now.”
With the young man now out of the radio room, Tamon could turn his attention back to the numerous messages that seemed to ebb and flow with the sea itself…
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South West of Puerto Princessa
Course: East
Damage: None
Orders: Provide air support for landing operations at Cagayan.
***
The ships of the TF pitched up and down rhythmically in the waves. While the intention was for the air wings to launch at first light a sudden storm had ended those plans. While the larger ships were handling the moderate sea state with little effort, the smaller ships like Kasumi were rolling and pitching violently against the 15 foot waves.
In the signals rooms aboard Kasumi, Tamon watched Seaman Arata Sugiyama with growing concern. Arata had joined the Kasumi only 2 weeks prior to debarking for Hawaii. He had arrived to Kasumi straight out of training and was still very green, and today he was literally green not just figuratively green.
As the seas grew more violent, so did Sugiyama’s obvious sea-sickness. Tamon knew he needed to get the Sugiyama out of the radio room before something bad happened. If he didn’t there would be a big mess to clean up, and not one that Tamon particularly wanted to deal with.
“Sugiyama….why don’t you go below and report to the infirmary.”
“I can…<gasp>…make it sir.” Replied the increasingly pale Arata.
“Sugiyama…that is an order. I do not doubt your willingness, but your body is not able. In time, you will adjust. However, that time is not now.”
With the young man now out of the radio room, Tamon could turn his attention back to the numerous messages that seemed to ebb and flow with the sea itself…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
26 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South West of Puerto Princessa
Course: West
Damage: System: 02
Orders: Provide air support for landing operations at Cagayan
***
For a second day in row Kasumi pitched violently with the angry sea. Once again all air operations were cancelled. This time the order went through the task force to come about to the west…they would try to move out of the storm system that way. The strain on the ship was starting to become apparent, as a boiler pipe had broken loose during the night. While the engineering crew had successfully patched the problem, port time would be needed for proper repairs.
Tamon had stopped by the infirmary prior to reporting for his duty shift. Seaman Sugiyama was even paler than the previous day, and according to the ship’s medic, he had been vomiting all night through the storm. The young man had finally managed to fall asleep, so Tamon let him be.
The radio messages revealed far more than could be seen with the eye. The task force had taken a brutal beating from the raging sea, with Kirishima suffering a damaged shaft, two of the carriers, Akagi and Shokaku had sustained minor superstructure damage, and DD Tanikaze had suffered a broken mast. The stormy seas had done more damage to the task force than the American’s had managed to do in a month of war….
The beeps and dashes of a coded message became audible over the crashing of waves against the bow. Tamon quickly decoded the message and prepared to take it to the bridge. The task force was to make one more attempt to reach and cover the beleaguered troops at Cagayan before heading to Saigon for repairs. Tamon could only hope that the storm would be past the area by then…
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South West of Puerto Princessa
Course: West
Damage: System: 02
Orders: Provide air support for landing operations at Cagayan
***
For a second day in row Kasumi pitched violently with the angry sea. Once again all air operations were cancelled. This time the order went through the task force to come about to the west…they would try to move out of the storm system that way. The strain on the ship was starting to become apparent, as a boiler pipe had broken loose during the night. While the engineering crew had successfully patched the problem, port time would be needed for proper repairs.
Tamon had stopped by the infirmary prior to reporting for his duty shift. Seaman Sugiyama was even paler than the previous day, and according to the ship’s medic, he had been vomiting all night through the storm. The young man had finally managed to fall asleep, so Tamon let him be.
The radio messages revealed far more than could be seen with the eye. The task force had taken a brutal beating from the raging sea, with Kirishima suffering a damaged shaft, two of the carriers, Akagi and Shokaku had sustained minor superstructure damage, and DD Tanikaze had suffered a broken mast. The stormy seas had done more damage to the task force than the American’s had managed to do in a month of war….
The beeps and dashes of a coded message became audible over the crashing of waves against the bow. Tamon quickly decoded the message and prepared to take it to the bridge. The task force was to make one more attempt to reach and cover the beleaguered troops at Cagayan before heading to Saigon for repairs. Tamon could only hope that the storm would be past the area by then…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
27 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles South East of Puerto Princessa
Course: East
Damage: System: 02
Orders: Provide Air support for amphibious operations at Cagayan
***
“At least the waves have stopped,” Tamon thought to himself. The task force had managed to skirt the southern edge of the storm, which seemed to finally be moving off to the North East. The skies were still darkly overcast and the air wings had again been unable to launch. With their mission’s goals seemingly unobtainable due to interference by the elements, the task force would no doubt turn to the west and make for Saigon tomorrow morning.
The radio carried messages of good fortune in battle however. Rabual had fallen late in the evening, and the Shuzan Naval Guard reported securing Butuan, giving the troops at Cagayan a place to regroup, should the need arise. The air war continued, though it was a decidedly one sided affair with the allies unable or unwilling to engage the Japanese air forces in battle. Air group after air group reported in mission accomplished with no opposition encountered.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles South East of Puerto Princessa
Course: East
Damage: System: 02
Orders: Provide Air support for amphibious operations at Cagayan
***
“At least the waves have stopped,” Tamon thought to himself. The task force had managed to skirt the southern edge of the storm, which seemed to finally be moving off to the North East. The skies were still darkly overcast and the air wings had again been unable to launch. With their mission’s goals seemingly unobtainable due to interference by the elements, the task force would no doubt turn to the west and make for Saigon tomorrow morning.
The radio carried messages of good fortune in battle however. Rabual had fallen late in the evening, and the Shuzan Naval Guard reported securing Butuan, giving the troops at Cagayan a place to regroup, should the need arise. The air war continued, though it was a decidedly one sided affair with the allies unable or unwilling to engage the Japanese air forces in battle. Air group after air group reported in mission accomplished with no opposition encountered.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
28 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles North West of Cagayan
Course: East
Damage: System 02
Orders: Provide air cover for landing operations at Cagayan.
***
Tamon awoke to find the morning sun shining brightly over the ships bow. “East? We’re still moving East?” He had no way of knowing that during the night Admiral Nagumo had ordered the task force to move even closer to Cagayan, the admiral was determined to carry out his orders, and this day he would.
As Tamon made his way to the signals room, he could hear the buzz of aircraft engines overhead. Wave after wave of fighters and bombers formed up and began moving to the south east. Tamon didn’t even bother to count, but had he tried, he would have counted well over 300 strike aircraft on their way to attack fortifications and troop concentrations at Cagayan.
In the signals rooms, messages were already being transmitted from around the theatre. Judging from the signals reported, the allies had attempted to stop a landing at Kuching with several torpedo boats, and coastal defenses at Amboina put up a spirited defense. Once again, a very noticeable lack of allied air resistance could not be missed.
Even the radio news reports were becoming scarcer. Perhaps the allied nations had realized that such broadcasts were easily intercepted by their enemies, or maybe they were simply trying to hide their military misfortunes from their people. Either way, it left Tamon tuning into RKO Radio this day to the tunes of Glen Miller.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles North West of Cagayan
Course: East
Damage: System 02
Orders: Provide air cover for landing operations at Cagayan.
***
Tamon awoke to find the morning sun shining brightly over the ships bow. “East? We’re still moving East?” He had no way of knowing that during the night Admiral Nagumo had ordered the task force to move even closer to Cagayan, the admiral was determined to carry out his orders, and this day he would.
As Tamon made his way to the signals room, he could hear the buzz of aircraft engines overhead. Wave after wave of fighters and bombers formed up and began moving to the south east. Tamon didn’t even bother to count, but had he tried, he would have counted well over 300 strike aircraft on their way to attack fortifications and troop concentrations at Cagayan.
In the signals rooms, messages were already being transmitted from around the theatre. Judging from the signals reported, the allies had attempted to stop a landing at Kuching with several torpedo boats, and coastal defenses at Amboina put up a spirited defense. Once again, a very noticeable lack of allied air resistance could not be missed.
Even the radio news reports were becoming scarcer. Perhaps the allied nations had realized that such broadcasts were easily intercepted by their enemies, or maybe they were simply trying to hide their military misfortunes from their people. Either way, it left Tamon tuning into RKO Radio this day to the tunes of Glen Miller.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
29 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles North West of Cagayan
Course: West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to Saigon
***
Tamon felt a shudder through-out the ship as Kasumi picked up speed and turned to the west. For the most part, the air waves were eerily quiet this day, though Tamon did pick up a Japanese Imperial Army fighter squadron engaging unescorted bombers. It was the first time in many days that the allies had attempted to attack any Japanese held territory from the air.
Tamon did manage to pick up several coded messages that seemed to come from Manila, but was unable to make sense of them. These were not distress calls, as those were usually broadcast over open waves without coding. Without the proper key codes to decrypt the messages, Tamon was forced to simply let them be…
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles North West of Cagayan
Course: West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to Saigon
***
Tamon felt a shudder through-out the ship as Kasumi picked up speed and turned to the west. For the most part, the air waves were eerily quiet this day, though Tamon did pick up a Japanese Imperial Army fighter squadron engaging unescorted bombers. It was the first time in many days that the allies had attempted to attack any Japanese held territory from the air.
Tamon did manage to pick up several coded messages that seemed to come from Manila, but was unable to make sense of them. These were not distress calls, as those were usually broadcast over open waves without coding. Without the proper key codes to decrypt the messages, Tamon was forced to simply let them be…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
30 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South of Puerto Pricessa
Course: North West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to Saigon
***
With the task force heading north into friendly waters, and no real allied opposition in the area, Tamon had the opportunity to tune in RKO Radio…
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Defiance in the Philippines! US Army and Philippines Army soldiers defiantly hold their ground on Luzon. Even in the face of withering aerial bombardment, our forces under the command of General MacArthur refuse to give an inch. We should all cheer on our boys in the Philippines as they stick a finger in the eyes of Tojo and his cronies!”
Pure propaganda of course. The radio intercepts Tamon picked up daily told the story of a cornered and demoralized enemy. The daily bombing raids by Japanese Naval aviators had completely destroyed the port facilities in Manila and there were rumors of mass desertions among the native troops. Tamon knew it was only a matter of time.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 60 miles South of Puerto Pricessa
Course: North West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to Saigon
***
With the task force heading north into friendly waters, and no real allied opposition in the area, Tamon had the opportunity to tune in RKO Radio…
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Defiance in the Philippines! US Army and Philippines Army soldiers defiantly hold their ground on Luzon. Even in the face of withering aerial bombardment, our forces under the command of General MacArthur refuse to give an inch. We should all cheer on our boys in the Philippines as they stick a finger in the eyes of Tojo and his cronies!”
Pure propaganda of course. The radio intercepts Tamon picked up daily told the story of a cornered and demoralized enemy. The daily bombing raids by Japanese Naval aviators had completely destroyed the port facilities in Manila and there were rumors of mass desertions among the native troops. Tamon knew it was only a matter of time.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
31 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 420 miles North West of Puerto Princessa
Course: North West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to Saigon
***
Tamon stood before Commander Tomura with a decoded message. He handed the message to the captain and saluted. As he turned to leave. “Wait.”
“Yes sir.”
“I see.” Tomura brow was knitted as he stared at the message. “Send a message back to Combined Fleet HQs that the order has been received.”
“Right away sir.”
Of course Tamon knew the contents of the message. Being the signals officer meant decoding many messages daily and having to read them in the process. The captain’s reaction was not unexpected, as he had been recalled to Kure to serve on the Combined Fleet HQs staff. While this was technically a promotion, no officer of a warship wants to be sent back to a staff position which will likely never see combat.
The message also meant that upon arriving in Saigon, a new captian would take over Kasumi. The change of command would likely not go well, they never tend to as the crew is accustomed to the current commander’s leadership. But such is the life of a destroyer crew…
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 420 miles North West of Puerto Princessa
Course: North West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to Saigon
***
Tamon stood before Commander Tomura with a decoded message. He handed the message to the captain and saluted. As he turned to leave. “Wait.”
“Yes sir.”
“I see.” Tomura brow was knitted as he stared at the message. “Send a message back to Combined Fleet HQs that the order has been received.”
“Right away sir.”
Of course Tamon knew the contents of the message. Being the signals officer meant decoding many messages daily and having to read them in the process. The captain’s reaction was not unexpected, as he had been recalled to Kure to serve on the Combined Fleet HQs staff. While this was technically a promotion, no officer of a warship wants to be sent back to a staff position which will likely never see combat.
The message also meant that upon arriving in Saigon, a new captian would take over Kasumi. The change of command would likely not go well, they never tend to as the crew is accustomed to the current commander’s leadership. But such is the life of a destroyer crew…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
01 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Docked at Saigon
Course: None
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
The Western New Year found Tamon standing at attention on deck with the rest of Kasumi’s crew. This was the official change of command ceremony. It was merely a formality and was over quickly.
The new captain was Commander Murakami. From what Tamon could tell in the first few minutes, he was a regulations officer. With the ceremony concluded Commander Murakami gave a short address to the crew, and called for an officer’s meeting later that evening before dismissing the crew.
No leave time was to be issued…
DD Kasumi
Location: Docked at Saigon
Course: None
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
The Western New Year found Tamon standing at attention on deck with the rest of Kasumi’s crew. This was the official change of command ceremony. It was merely a formality and was over quickly.
The new captain was Commander Murakami. From what Tamon could tell in the first few minutes, he was a regulations officer. With the ceremony concluded Commander Murakami gave a short address to the crew, and called for an officer’s meeting later that evening before dismissing the crew.
No leave time was to be issued…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
02 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to area 240 miles North East of Singapore and attack port and air facilities
***
The task force was on the move again after a 2 day layover in Saigon. Kirishima would not be traveling with the carriers this time as the crew of that ship would attempt to repair the damaged bearings in the propeller shaft. The task force had picked up the light cruiser Isuzu to take the place of Kirishima.
Radio messages indicated that Bataan had recently fallen, clearing out the large caliber coastal defenses that lead to Manila harbor. It also appeared that the allied air forces had found their teeth again, as the skies over Rangoon were now contested. The air battle had been savage enough to make several bomber formations turn back before dropping their bombs.
***
This is a BBC Radio News Report. Flying Tigers over Rangoon. The American Volunteer Group rises to the defense of Rangoon engaging several Japanese bomber formations over the last 3 days. This group of volunteer pilots flies for the Chinese helping to keep the vital supply lines to Chungking open…”
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed to area 240 miles North East of Singapore and attack port and air facilities
***
The task force was on the move again after a 2 day layover in Saigon. Kirishima would not be traveling with the carriers this time as the crew of that ship would attempt to repair the damaged bearings in the propeller shaft. The task force had picked up the light cruiser Isuzu to take the place of Kirishima.
Radio messages indicated that Bataan had recently fallen, clearing out the large caliber coastal defenses that lead to Manila harbor. It also appeared that the allied air forces had found their teeth again, as the skies over Rangoon were now contested. The air battle had been savage enough to make several bomber formations turn back before dropping their bombs.
***
This is a BBC Radio News Report. Flying Tigers over Rangoon. The American Volunteer Group rises to the defense of Rangoon engaging several Japanese bomber formations over the last 3 days. This group of volunteer pilots flies for the Chinese helping to keep the vital supply lines to Chungking open…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
03 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 240 miles West of Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System: 02
Orders: Proceed to area 240 miles North East of Singapore and attack port and air facilities
***
The officer’s meeting with Commander Murakami went well, much better than Tamon had anticipated. While he expected things to be done to regulation he did have a warm, almost fatherly demeanor. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Meanwhile on the radio Glen Miller again…
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 240 miles West of Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System: 02
Orders: Proceed to area 240 miles North East of Singapore and attack port and air facilities
***
The officer’s meeting with Commander Murakami went well, much better than Tamon had anticipated. While he expected things to be done to regulation he did have a warm, almost fatherly demeanor. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Meanwhile on the radio Glen Miller again…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
04 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 1
Location: 240 miles North East of Singapore
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Launch airstrikes against Singapore
***
The task force turned into the wind and picked up speed as soon as the sun broke the horizon. Soon after, 300 aircraft were formed up and heading toward Singapore. Tamon made his way to the signals room to listen in on the short wave communications.
“:static:..on fire! Bailing out!”
“:static:…heavy flak, req…:static:”
“:static:…got the amm…:static:”
A few hours later, the aircraft returned with many of them trailing smoke. It was obvious the British had put up a much heavier defense than either the Americans or Chinese. Perhaps having over a year of fighting the Germans and Italians had honed their warrior spirit…
DD Kasumi attached to TF 1
Location: 240 miles North East of Singapore
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Launch airstrikes against Singapore
***
The task force turned into the wind and picked up speed as soon as the sun broke the horizon. Soon after, 300 aircraft were formed up and heading toward Singapore. Tamon made his way to the signals room to listen in on the short wave communications.
“:static:..on fire! Bailing out!”
“:static:…heavy flak, req…:static:”
“:static:…got the amm…:static:”
A few hours later, the aircraft returned with many of them trailing smoke. It was obvious the British had put up a much heavier defense than either the Americans or Chinese. Perhaps having over a year of fighting the Germans and Italians had honed their warrior spirit…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
05 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: 240 miles North East of Singapore
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed South toward Tobali and attempt to draw out enemy land based bombers
***
Again the task forces aircraft roared off the carrier deck early in the morning, and again they returned fewer in number and with many of them trailing smoke. The task force pushed a little further to the south west that afternoon, but as the sun starting to sink in the west, the ships suddenly reversed course and headed to the east.
The only significant radio message came late that evening when 2nd Kure SNLF reported capturing Manado base. It appeared that the operation against Celebes had begun.
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. The Western Defense Command announced today that the deadline for enemy aliens to turn over radio transmitters, receivers and cameras has passed today. A spokesman for the Department of Defense stated…”
DD Kasumi
Location: 240 miles North East of Singapore
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Proceed South toward Tobali and attempt to draw out enemy land based bombers
***
Again the task forces aircraft roared off the carrier deck early in the morning, and again they returned fewer in number and with many of them trailing smoke. The task force pushed a little further to the south west that afternoon, but as the sun starting to sink in the west, the ships suddenly reversed course and headed to the east.
The only significant radio message came late that evening when 2nd Kure SNLF reported capturing Manado base. It appeared that the operation against Celebes had begun.
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. The Western Defense Command announced today that the deadline for enemy aliens to turn over radio transmitters, receivers and cameras has passed today. A spokesman for the Department of Defense stated…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'