20/11/42
The day started well.
Breakfast at 7, a good one too -fresh fish, vegetables, and very good tea as well.
Pre flight brief - destination not rabual -but lea, and a lovely day to fly.
Normal preflight checks, engine start, and a quick glance over to LT Tomowaga, and he nods, we begin to Taxi out to the main strip.
Honestly I think my mind was not on the job - suddenly with out warning there was an appalling crash and I found my bird swinging violently to the left, and , well basically out of control I smashed through one of the runway guides, before the left wheel collapsed.
Silence
@#$%^%$#
Dust
I climbed carefully out.
behind me Pilot I do not really know - and the wreckage of another zero.
Who's fualt for the collision, I do not know or care -what matters is I fly to Lea (maybe) tomorrow.
So, an embarressing day, another one listening to Tokyo spreading whatever news.
Enemy CVs at action south of Lunga, and Im stuck here!
One thing I know for sure -Yamaguchi wont be leaving my beloved carrier at anchor in the gilberts now that the location of the enemy carrier fleet is known.
Wobbly vs herb, ens hanamato
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: headed south
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: headed south
21/11/42
Flew to Lea today with several other memebers of the squadron
The place is much as I remembered it -except the men look a lot more tired- we are briefed on malaria precautions -but I hear many suffer already.
A letter from home -all is well
father tells me that the war has arrived at home - a tanker hit a mine in Osaka harbour this week -imagine that
He also says that several fishing boats have been lost this month -he suspects submarines.
yet he is well -and things do not seem to be too bad at all.
One continues to hear of heavy fighting in China - and relations with russia hit a all time low.
last thing we need- another enemy to fight.
I met some Sallies headed south east as we flew in today -they looked very weather beaten -a crack unit perhaps headed south?
Tomorrow is a rest day, good, my back hurts
Flew to Lea today with several other memebers of the squadron
The place is much as I remembered it -except the men look a lot more tired- we are briefed on malaria precautions -but I hear many suffer already.
A letter from home -all is well
father tells me that the war has arrived at home - a tanker hit a mine in Osaka harbour this week -imagine that
He also says that several fishing boats have been lost this month -he suspects submarines.
yet he is well -and things do not seem to be too bad at all.
One continues to hear of heavy fighting in China - and relations with russia hit a all time low.
last thing we need- another enemy to fight.
I met some Sallies headed south east as we flew in today -they looked very weather beaten -a crack unit perhaps headed south?
Tomorrow is a rest day, good, my back hurts
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: headed south
22/11/43
A very amusing day.
LCDR Matsuyama - my good friend- is our new squadron commander.
We both wonder how he reached such a vaunted position so quickly!
But i suppose it is a bit sobering -not many of us original gang left
Sagara is still with us - he is OK still, but so many faces at the briefing are strangers.
To that we must address ourselves -tomorrow we train over port moresby -attacking ground troops, masuyama may be new at this -but already he stamps his authority.
This will be no -fly and dump your load mission -he expects each man to combat manouver -to dive and roll, to chandell and strafe as well.
it will weed out the inadequate quickly
Good
And there is the chance we might meet some B17s yet.
but 1st, the trapped Americans.
Tokyo rose reports major army air offensive against mandalaby.
A very amusing day.
LCDR Matsuyama - my good friend- is our new squadron commander.
We both wonder how he reached such a vaunted position so quickly!
But i suppose it is a bit sobering -not many of us original gang left
Sagara is still with us - he is OK still, but so many faces at the briefing are strangers.
To that we must address ourselves -tomorrow we train over port moresby -attacking ground troops, masuyama may be new at this -but already he stamps his authority.
This will be no -fly and dump your load mission -he expects each man to combat manouver -to dive and roll, to chandell and strafe as well.
it will weed out the inadequate quickly
Good
And there is the chance we might meet some B17s yet.
but 1st, the trapped Americans.
Tokyo rose reports major army air offensive against mandalaby.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: headed south
23/11/42
2730 hours
At Lea
The remains of the daitai flew in today -and 26 Planes headed off to the port Moresby region just after dawn
All returned safely, I note with satisfaction that Lt Oda seems to have survived his first"combat "mission.
But one cannot be too hard on the rookies- even conducting a steep dive can be difficult -and zeros do not dive well -and we are all painfully aware that it is not uncommon to hear of a zero stripping its wingson a over zealous or panic induced pull out.
So this training -boring as it is -is vital
The radio reception at this place is not bad -and the accomodation is now quite good - since our last visit new buildings have been put up -crude -but at least one does not get wet. Tokyo rose -and the BBC world service - its quite amusing to compare the two
Today the Americans are claiming a big air victory in China -some 133 sallies attacked the major allied air base -and lost their escorts.
The allies claim 70 bombers destroyed -for few losses
In Burma -huge air battles over mandalaby, with losses about even on each side.
Some one seems intent on regaining superiority in burma.
Ground battles near Homan -the army remains trapped -but I sense a showdown is coming there -we have invested a lot of effort here -and if the allied trap can be brocken -who knows.
Down south the enemy invested Ndini - apparently we bombed the place with out opposition -no sign of the enemy carriers -I wonder what Yamaguchi is doing?
2730 hours
At Lea
The remains of the daitai flew in today -and 26 Planes headed off to the port Moresby region just after dawn
All returned safely, I note with satisfaction that Lt Oda seems to have survived his first"combat "mission.
But one cannot be too hard on the rookies- even conducting a steep dive can be difficult -and zeros do not dive well -and we are all painfully aware that it is not uncommon to hear of a zero stripping its wingson a over zealous or panic induced pull out.
So this training -boring as it is -is vital
The radio reception at this place is not bad -and the accomodation is now quite good - since our last visit new buildings have been put up -crude -but at least one does not get wet. Tokyo rose -and the BBC world service - its quite amusing to compare the two
Today the Americans are claiming a big air victory in China -some 133 sallies attacked the major allied air base -and lost their escorts.
The allies claim 70 bombers destroyed -for few losses
In Burma -huge air battles over mandalaby, with losses about even on each side.
Some one seems intent on regaining superiority in burma.
Ground battles near Homan -the army remains trapped -but I sense a showdown is coming there -we have invested a lot of effort here -and if the allied trap can be brocken -who knows.
Down south the enemy invested Ndini - apparently we bombed the place with out opposition -no sign of the enemy carriers -I wonder what Yamaguchi is doing?
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
Combat
24/11/42
A good day today
briefing -another milk run
26 plane flight -to trapped enemy troops on the kokoda track
I tell Lt Oda to stick with me like glue
The target was hard to find -clouds and mist -and one could so easily fly into a mountain.
Then a thrilling couple of hours -straffing and bombing the hidden targets -we concentrate mainly on a small rope bridge -deep in a valley.
I forgot how wonderful this plane is to fly - especially once the bomb is gone.
Lt oda struggled to keep up -but he might -with time become a good pilot -Id rate him 45% trained now.
A nice landing -and fresh supplies have arrived in port -so some Sake tonight
Now that the whole group is here -some 40 pilots- we have a fair old get together, plenty of drinking -and tonight i even won a few yen back.
The jungles are dark and cold about us -but the stars shine brightly.
After a day like today -i am glad i am a fighter pilot.
A good day today
briefing -another milk run
26 plane flight -to trapped enemy troops on the kokoda track
I tell Lt Oda to stick with me like glue
The target was hard to find -clouds and mist -and one could so easily fly into a mountain.
Then a thrilling couple of hours -straffing and bombing the hidden targets -we concentrate mainly on a small rope bridge -deep in a valley.
I forgot how wonderful this plane is to fly - especially once the bomb is gone.
Lt oda struggled to keep up -but he might -with time become a good pilot -Id rate him 45% trained now.
A nice landing -and fresh supplies have arrived in port -so some Sake tonight
Now that the whole group is here -some 40 pilots- we have a fair old get together, plenty of drinking -and tonight i even won a few yen back.
The jungles are dark and cold about us -but the stars shine brightly.
After a day like today -i am glad i am a fighter pilot.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Combat
27/11/42
I do not fly today -watch as others get a go -too many pilots for planes at the moment.
Port moresby was bombed again - wonder when we will be put on CAP over the base -vexing seeing un contested enemy planes over our territory.
Still no word of the japanese fleet -and the allies swan around down south un attacked.
I do not fly today -watch as others get a go -too many pilots for planes at the moment.
Port moresby was bombed again - wonder when we will be put on CAP over the base -vexing seeing un contested enemy planes over our territory.
Still no word of the japanese fleet -and the allies swan around down south un attacked.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Combat
2738 hrs
26/11/42
Flew another milk run today -enjoyable stuff!
The radio news is disturbing - a big attempt by our army to break the siege near Homan - which has failed.
What now i wonder
The squadron is slowly coming together again
A nice convoy in the harbour -lots of spare crates, bombs and all the good stuff.
Rumours of many planes enroute -many from China, and Burma
26/11/42
Flew another milk run today -enjoyable stuff!
The radio news is disturbing - a big attempt by our army to break the siege near Homan - which has failed.
What now i wonder
The squadron is slowly coming together again
A nice convoy in the harbour -lots of spare crates, bombs and all the good stuff.
Rumours of many planes enroute -many from China, and Burma
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: Combat
27/11/42
The news from China is confirmed -the trapped army looks like staying trapped.
And the allies claim air superioity in Burma -the rumours of reinforcements here are true
some 50 plus Tonies arrive here in crates today -the pilots are at sea, them and the army mechanics who know how to put them together.
A plane in a crate is not an easy item to move.
The ships get them off OK -they have a crane
We do not have a suitable truck -but some very clever men have rigged up a trailor -and the prime mover is a light tank.
Indomitable engineers -well done!
The unit flew today.
Tokyo rose taunts the allies -do they think Japan is on the defensive?
I can tell -something big is in the wind -yamaguchi should have been near Ndini if he was going there by now.
And then this evening a clue - a mavis squadron based here departs for Wake - they have brand new maps of Midway with them.
Yamaguchi seeks a fight -good man.
The news from China is confirmed -the trapped army looks like staying trapped.
And the allies claim air superioity in Burma -the rumours of reinforcements here are true
some 50 plus Tonies arrive here in crates today -the pilots are at sea, them and the army mechanics who know how to put them together.
A plane in a crate is not an easy item to move.
The ships get them off OK -they have a crane
We do not have a suitable truck -but some very clever men have rigged up a trailor -and the prime mover is a light tank.
Indomitable engineers -well done!
The unit flew today.
Tokyo rose taunts the allies -do they think Japan is on the defensive?
I can tell -something big is in the wind -yamaguchi should have been near Ndini if he was going there by now.
And then this evening a clue - a mavis squadron based here departs for Wake - they have brand new maps of Midway with them.
Yamaguchi seeks a fight -good man.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
MIDWAY or DIE!
Editors note
China -Im in the poo -the troops trapped are all mongolians -so no real disaster.
In Burma -he has too many planes -so I pull out before he hurts me too bad -when the army attacks -then we return, in the meantime the bulk of the air forces head towards the solomons
And the fleet is on a massive operation -a strike on midway -must lure him to battle.
But I am not going to totally follow the usual script.....[:)]
China -Im in the poo -the troops trapped are all mongolians -so no real disaster.
In Burma -he has too many planes -so I pull out before he hurts me too bad -when the army attacks -then we return, in the meantime the bulk of the air forces head towards the solomons
And the fleet is on a massive operation -a strike on midway -must lure him to battle.
But I am not going to totally follow the usual script.....[:)]
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: MIDWAY or DIE!
28/11/42
A frantic and exciting day
Another milk run to the Port Moresby area, Lt Oda is getting better.
We landed at about 3, and the field was in a uproar.
There has been action again in the south pacific, betty bombers flying from Munda have attacked and successfully hit both a battleship, and the Saratoga with torpedoes.
We are given literally only 15 minutes -and then I led the planes directly to Munda
So here we are -24 planes only -the rest of the squadron once again will follow as it can.
F2/3 daitai pilots were waiting for for our arrival -they escorted the strike in.
They were jubilant -many wildcats had been knocked down.
They were very keen to attack tomorrow -but the policy is to rotate the units at the moment -so as soon as we had been briefed -they departed.
The news is mixed -both the Saratoga and New mexico have been hit -yet both appear to have shrugged off the hits.
Will they keep coming?
There has been no time to take in my surroundings - this place is primative and bleak, and full.
54 betties are being armed as I write -I have met their pilots -crack men these -some Oh so long ago sent the POW and Repulse to the bottom.
They know the stuff.
Tomorrow we will escort them to the limit of our range and resources.
Even as Dark falls -another Daitai arrives.
More work, but I do not mind.
With luck, tomorrow we attack!
A frantic and exciting day
Another milk run to the Port Moresby area, Lt Oda is getting better.
We landed at about 3, and the field was in a uproar.
There has been action again in the south pacific, betty bombers flying from Munda have attacked and successfully hit both a battleship, and the Saratoga with torpedoes.
We are given literally only 15 minutes -and then I led the planes directly to Munda
So here we are -24 planes only -the rest of the squadron once again will follow as it can.
F2/3 daitai pilots were waiting for for our arrival -they escorted the strike in.
They were jubilant -many wildcats had been knocked down.
They were very keen to attack tomorrow -but the policy is to rotate the units at the moment -so as soon as we had been briefed -they departed.
The news is mixed -both the Saratoga and New mexico have been hit -yet both appear to have shrugged off the hits.
Will they keep coming?
There has been no time to take in my surroundings - this place is primative and bleak, and full.
54 betties are being armed as I write -I have met their pilots -crack men these -some Oh so long ago sent the POW and Repulse to the bottom.
They know the stuff.
Tomorrow we will escort them to the limit of our range and resources.
Even as Dark falls -another Daitai arrives.
More work, but I do not mind.
With luck, tomorrow we attack!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
COMBAT
29/11/42
Dawn and 42 zeros form over Munda field, and we pick up 9 betties, and head south
The nature of our opposition is uncertain -so Masuyama has decided to er on the side of caution, not to risk all the bombers today, let this be a recon in force
target Ndini -2 hrs south -many ships sighted.
The familiar knot in the stomach, but how exciting i thought today would be
F2/3 daitai flew slightly below us -at 15000, we flew at 16000, the betties at 15000.
All was quiet -then as the isaland became a smudge on the horizon -enemy planes -6 stubby wildcats rising to meet us.
It happened very quickly -both myself and Masuyama saw them together -large shapes diving in to us -lightnings -trying to bounce us.
Instant reaction -A-11 daitai reacted well -and the lightnings slashed at empty air -but our compatriots were not so lucky -probably fixated on the wildcats.
Zeros falling left and right.
We flung ourselves into the battle -and the Lightnings obliged -challenging us to a circling, churning battle.
3 times I was attacked, each time i easily avoided the fire coming my way -but twice I latched onto a twin engined devil -only to see them dive away, and then zoom back.
Frustration!
The bombers were untouched -attacking some AKs -unsuccessfully.
It was all over so quickly.
The flight home was silent, and I admit -I am totally drained and exhausted.
Ndini is now operational -and i feel we will have quite a battle against the twin devils in the weeks ahead.
13 zeros were lost today -only 2 of our Daitai -but our boys claim 6 lightnings in return.
Our companions fly out tonight -as another Daitai flies in, along with some more pilots of our unit.
I am in the war for real, and deeply, I doubt now if i will survive it.
Tomorrow we rest, 2 betties were lost, and are not going to fly again unless capital ships are sighted.
Dawn and 42 zeros form over Munda field, and we pick up 9 betties, and head south
The nature of our opposition is uncertain -so Masuyama has decided to er on the side of caution, not to risk all the bombers today, let this be a recon in force
target Ndini -2 hrs south -many ships sighted.
The familiar knot in the stomach, but how exciting i thought today would be
F2/3 daitai flew slightly below us -at 15000, we flew at 16000, the betties at 15000.
All was quiet -then as the isaland became a smudge on the horizon -enemy planes -6 stubby wildcats rising to meet us.
It happened very quickly -both myself and Masuyama saw them together -large shapes diving in to us -lightnings -trying to bounce us.
Instant reaction -A-11 daitai reacted well -and the lightnings slashed at empty air -but our compatriots were not so lucky -probably fixated on the wildcats.
Zeros falling left and right.
We flung ourselves into the battle -and the Lightnings obliged -challenging us to a circling, churning battle.
3 times I was attacked, each time i easily avoided the fire coming my way -but twice I latched onto a twin engined devil -only to see them dive away, and then zoom back.
Frustration!
The bombers were untouched -attacking some AKs -unsuccessfully.
It was all over so quickly.
The flight home was silent, and I admit -I am totally drained and exhausted.
Ndini is now operational -and i feel we will have quite a battle against the twin devils in the weeks ahead.
13 zeros were lost today -only 2 of our Daitai -but our boys claim 6 lightnings in return.
Our companions fly out tonight -as another Daitai flies in, along with some more pilots of our unit.
I am in the war for real, and deeply, I doubt now if i will survive it.
Tomorrow we rest, 2 betties were lost, and are not going to fly again unless capital ships are sighted.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: COMBAT
30/11/42
The war has gone quiet.
We do not fly today - the ground crews work hard on the damaged planes -one must now trust total strangers with their plane -a disquieting thought.
Spent today trying to get "home" set up -a miserable grass hut.
The war has gone quiet.
We do not fly today - the ground crews work hard on the damaged planes -one must now trust total strangers with their plane -a disquieting thought.
Spent today trying to get "home" set up -a miserable grass hut.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: COMBAT
A stinking hot humid day -full of tension as we wait for the word to fly.
It never came.
I have made a terrible, terrible discovery -there is not one drop of Sake on this island -not one.
I hate this war.
It never came.
I have made a terrible, terrible discovery -there is not one drop of Sake on this island -not one.
I hate this war.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: COMBAT
2/12/42
We transferred most of the unit to Lunga today.
I have a heavy heart -Sagara departed with us - and neavy arrived .
Nobody saw what happened, all we know is that he did not arrive.
It is so hard to take,after so many long distance flights -to fail to make such a short hop.
Still -he might turn up.
I must concentrate on the mission tomorrow
target Vanikolo - we will sweep south and attempt to overwhelm some of his CAP at Ndini..
The news on the war is so quiet - it fills one with foreboding.
Of all the original gang -only masuyama and myself remain
I look at Lt Oda -how could he ever hope to fill their shoes?
We transferred most of the unit to Lunga today.
I have a heavy heart -Sagara departed with us - and neavy arrived .
Nobody saw what happened, all we know is that he did not arrive.
It is so hard to take,after so many long distance flights -to fail to make such a short hop.
Still -he might turn up.
I must concentrate on the mission tomorrow
target Vanikolo - we will sweep south and attempt to overwhelm some of his CAP at Ndini..
The news on the war is so quiet - it fills one with foreboding.
Of all the original gang -only masuyama and myself remain
I look at Lt Oda -how could he ever hope to fill their shoes?
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
masuyama
3/12/42
We sweep as expected south today -26 zeros.
Again I have LT Oda tucked on my tail.
the action was quick, and brutal -we approached the island as planned -and there were 2 wildcats lazily circling at 10000 feet.
A thourgh search of the sky -no p38s lurking above -and we dived down -a great stream of attackers.
I did not fire -both fighters falling quickly.
We returned, all safe
The rest of the unit arrives this evening -we go again tomorrow -I hope i am chosen again
the Betties also attacked today -foolishly -2 not returning from espirito..
The BBC, and tokyo rose, and the new freedom america radio -all mention news about tension in the east pacific -is that where yamaguchi is?
We sweep as expected south today -26 zeros.
Again I have LT Oda tucked on my tail.
the action was quick, and brutal -we approached the island as planned -and there were 2 wildcats lazily circling at 10000 feet.
A thourgh search of the sky -no p38s lurking above -and we dived down -a great stream of attackers.
I did not fire -both fighters falling quickly.
We returned, all safe
The rest of the unit arrives this evening -we go again tomorrow -I hope i am chosen again
the Betties also attacked today -foolishly -2 not returning from espirito..
The BBC, and tokyo rose, and the new freedom america radio -all mention news about tension in the east pacific -is that where yamaguchi is?
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: masuyama
I watched the Daitai take off today -a repeat of yesterday.
With 45 pilots on the roster -we can do this daily with out too much fatigue
They return -no scalps today -2 wildcats were seen, but bolted.
This afternoon the tony army guys flew out -tacturn men them -they have had a lot of shuffling lately -and their moral is not the best.
In came 54 more zeros -tomorrow we sweep Ndini itself -hopefully nearly 100 fighters.
The field is very full -and definately overstretched -I wonder if we will actually get 100 into the air.
With 45 pilots on the roster -we can do this daily with out too much fatigue
They return -no scalps today -2 wildcats were seen, but bolted.
This afternoon the tony army guys flew out -tacturn men them -they have had a lot of shuffling lately -and their moral is not the best.
In came 54 more zeros -tomorrow we sweep Ndini itself -hopefully nearly 100 fighters.
The field is very full -and definately overstretched -I wonder if we will actually get 100 into the air.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: masuyama
5/12/42
The overall strategy of our campaign against Ndini has become clearer
The navy has sent a large numbers of submarines to the area around Ndini and espirito
The enemy is actively hunting them
Our betty bombers are to try to attrit these ships -and force the enemy to use LRCAP, and CAP - which we can overwhelm
Masuyama is intending to keep up the pressure
Today 2/3 daitai flew south, and 9 betties also departed
1 zero lost -8 enemy planes claimed, the betties lost 5 of their number -they claim a heavy cruiser -but do not sound convincing to me.
I was right though -our overstretched ground crews were unable to get us off the ground today -so another hot, miserable day sweating it out on the ground.
There are 4 Destroyers and 2 large merchants here at the moment -very amusing watching the shuttle of small boats, rafts, -anything that floats -trying to get the precious cargo ashore
The war news is varied -a stalemate in China -and Rangoon is being pounded daily by the enemy.
Also the enemy claims to have "destroyed an invasion fleet" near midway island.
What in the world does that mean?
The overall strategy of our campaign against Ndini has become clearer
The navy has sent a large numbers of submarines to the area around Ndini and espirito
The enemy is actively hunting them
Our betty bombers are to try to attrit these ships -and force the enemy to use LRCAP, and CAP - which we can overwhelm
Masuyama is intending to keep up the pressure
Today 2/3 daitai flew south, and 9 betties also departed
1 zero lost -8 enemy planes claimed, the betties lost 5 of their number -they claim a heavy cruiser -but do not sound convincing to me.
I was right though -our overstretched ground crews were unable to get us off the ground today -so another hot, miserable day sweating it out on the ground.
There are 4 Destroyers and 2 large merchants here at the moment -very amusing watching the shuttle of small boats, rafts, -anything that floats -trying to get the precious cargo ashore
The war news is varied -a stalemate in China -and Rangoon is being pounded daily by the enemy.
Also the enemy claims to have "destroyed an invasion fleet" near midway island.
What in the world does that mean?
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: masuyama
6/12/42
Again today another daitai flew south -again a minor battle
frustrated!
the evening sees the other 2 daitai fly out
We are meant to recieve tonies today -but they do not arrive
never mind -our turn to sweep tomorrow.
Again today another daitai flew south -again a minor battle
frustrated!
the evening sees the other 2 daitai fly out
We are meant to recieve tonies today -but they do not arrive
never mind -our turn to sweep tomorrow.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: masuyama
7/12/42
OK, Editors note
hanamato got killed today.
So, do i pick another pilot to follow, or is this AAR now, literally dead?[:(]
OK, Editors note
hanamato got killed today.
So, do i pick another pilot to follow, or is this AAR now, literally dead?[:(]
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: masuyama
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
7/12/42
OK, Editors note
hanamato got killed today.
So, do i pick another pilot to follow, or is this AAR now, literally dead?[:(]
[X(][X(][X(]
Pick a new pilot!!1 pretty please? It's such an enjoyable AAR to follow. Perhaps someone more nationalistic than the softie Hanamoto? [:'(]
Surface combat TF fanboy