The little ship that could.

[1275psi]

11/3/42
Hosho struggles to maintain a grip on the ropes holding this sorry excuse of a bridge aloft over the brown torrent below.
Not for the first time he thanks the heavens that this crossing is not contested -how the command expected to force a crossing in small boats is beyond him.
Moulmien has fallen, taken from the North by enflanking troops, ahead -uncertainty. 15th Army is not large, and should have long ago been reinforced by the 25th - but, as even hosho knew -(everyone knew now) -25th remained locked in struggle for the Singapore fortress -still.

Hosho adjusts his pack, feels the wieght in it - he has "obtained' at least three weeks extra rations -and he intends to hold onto them as long as he can -something, something tells his now , as Burma's jungles loom ahead -that there is a very, very long road ahead indeed......

[cantona2]

Notice you're a way behind the game Herb

[1275psi]

have to be mate - although now as the troops storm ashore - and SOME of the plan is revealed -I can catch up a bit.
Hope you are enjoying the AAR friend -i am very, very much enjoying playing such a great opponent. Sorry turns slow -blame that cursed eastern front -the AI keeps whipping my butt!

Anyway -

11/3/42

Midnight

Zuiho’s passageways are dark, lit by the gentle red glow of the night lights.
In the main, the ship is asleep, her single operating boiler room whines away, and the steady hum of the turbo generators can be heard through out the lower hanger decks.

On the gangway, the quarter master and his mate maintain a stoic watch –as so many sailors do – Soerabaya harbour remains busy all night –but little is expected to disturb them in the watch ahead.
They will ring the bells, drink tea, do a set of upper deck rounds, and wonder if the watch will ever end.

The Officer of the day takes a gentle seat into one of the wardroom lounge chairs –its been a long, long day for him, and it will be very good indeed to take the weight of his legs for a moment.

Down in the spaces, the new watch settles in, takes tea too –makes minor adjustments to pressure, and deliberates on when the burner change should take place –no point in rushing it –its all there is to look forward to in the way of action for the next four hours

In damage control central, Lurch pulls out the far too small chair he has to cram his bulk into –places the head set on his head.
‘You guys awake?’
Both repair bases call back –yes – and three men settle in to keep “watch”.
The repair bases are lucky –they have rounds to do during the watch -slep can be kept at bay more easily.
Lurch rests his feet onto the desk –takes out a “manual” –and begins a quiet and furtive “study’

Captain Hasegawa wakes immediately from the gentle shake.
For a moment he struggles to remember why he asked for this shake –and then he does
“Can you bring a tea to the damage control central please?’
The steward hesitates – Damage Control central?
Hasegawa almost growls the next ‘ And if you as much as mention where I am going young man………..”
“Sir! –“
“Just don’t”

In the Lower hanger , a small group of men gather The Charge, Minobe, Hidaka ( roped in –much against his will), Hirate, several others. They all have small armbands, “umpire” gleaming in the half light .

Hasegawa joins them – ‘ready for the fun gentlemen?”
He appears –despite the hour, the tiredness on his face, quite ready ‘for fun”
His elderly eyes even have some twinkle
“What evil do you plan Chief?’
“This sir “ and briefly, he outlines his devilment
‘Excellent” Hasegawa looks around at the quiet hanger –the planes packed in silent.
Few captains ever get a real chance to really find out what is happening below decks – he intends to take this chance with both hands
“Lets go then”

The Captain and Minobe descend down the hatch –Damage control the destination.
Hidaka heads Forward to the Stokers mess, taking Hirate with him.
The Charge, grim faced –descends into the operating boiler room…….





‘I really should get some sleep” Nashiguchi yawns “ what bloody time is it?”
“early yet –just past midnight –Come on –another hand” Diogawa deals the cards
The pot, actually, is quite large –and he IS ahead after all……..

“ok, another then”

And then, above them, that subtle switch, the hum. The tannoy has come alive. Never a good thing in the quiet hours…….

‘Fire, Fire, fire, , fire reported in the Port boiler room……..”
“Ahh crud –there goes the game’
“And sleep”
“Crud”

And then, with out warning –the lights go out.

[1275psi]

It begins in the boiler room
“Okano!” –the charge yells – pipe fire here in the boiler room –then silence you hear! –nothing else –you are dead ok –dead!”

Okano – tea half drunk grins “ This should be good”
He calls DCC, “Fire, fire in the boiler room……….and just to ‘help ‘, he finishes with a scream…………

Okano loves damage control –especially when you are dead.



For Lurch, it’s a nightmare –one moment he is away with Miss Geisha, the next an angry scowling Minobe –and the Captain! -not the captain too! –are charging into the demage control central –and a dozen telephones are ringing, and the Boiler room Communications tube is screaming fire!, fire!.................

Its not a good beginning………….


It is the engine room that reacts first – the watch moving swiftly to respond to the boiler rooms frantic calls – but things abruptly change as the Charge crashes down onto the steaming platform- “Hold Chief! –‘he yells – “its an exercise! –but” and they can but goggle at this –“Kill power through out the ship –everywhere but here and the boiler room –but – and I mean this –for all intents –you, the boiler room –you are dead! –dead! –so kill the power –and lie down! –you are dead!’

The breakers crash, the lights through out Zuiho di, darkness reigns, and some what stunned –the on watch stokers, lie down –‘dead’

The Stokers mess responds well –men spilling out of their hammocks, un erringly reaching for boots and gear in the dark – these men know what to do.
But Hidaka is at one door, and Hirate at the other

‘Hidaka smiles –and there is a certain pleasure in it. ‘Apparently gentlemen, these doors are both jammed –this compartment is full of smoke –and well, you are all dead gentlemen –all of you.”
Some how the avalanche of bodies stops at the door
‘Dead?’
“dead – now please lie down, and relax”

It becomes an “ interesting’ exercise
The XO takes charge of damage central –and performs well.

He remains unruffled as word arrives that the first hose team “has entered the fire area” –some 12 minutes after its reporting

He barely blanches when the Charge “Kills them off”–(the deck plates have vanished here –you are dead gentlemen –dead”)

He remain unruffled when the emergency diesel “wont start”
He only shows minor irritation “that all firemain pressure is lost –the emergency pump won’t start”

He does show some stress, when the charge ‘kills’ the second hose team ( lie down please gentlemen – 3 of you are not wearing your respirators correctly)

even when he is told “the fire has reached the port main magazine – we cannot activate the spray remotely” –he keeps the cool –only swearing a little……….

But now, now Hasegawa cannot.

‘Minobe –stop the exercise –I have seen enough…………….”


Seen enough. Yes, I have seen enough!. Never, never in my life have I seen such impertinence!. Does the Charge really think we are such fools! –so incompetent!
He has deliberately embarrassed me. No Stokers available, pumps won’t start…….
Never. Never…….

Minobe does not look him in the eye, as he pipes the stand down…….

See old man?. The Charge was right. And this was nothing compared to Junyo……
So many things to look at………….
But now I know, we have so many deficiencies…………
Staring with pornography while on watch………………..


The Charge departs the Engine room – zuiho’s lights are back on –and her passageways are filled with men, hoses, water, the usual mess after an exercise.
He ignores the many dark looks directed his way

I have done my job. Why no emergency Diesel? Have they broken it?
Gawd –what a mess here.
Stokers are pleased – not having to play……..


From the Charges diary

Conducted major DCX today –and I was allowed to dictate the exercise.
Glaring deficiencies in knowledge on pumps, systems, many things.
But it is a beginning……….


Captains ship log

Ship conducted major DCX exercise.
I do not consider such unrealistic exercises to be useful at all –they destroy moral, confidence, and my ability to lead into battle.
To state we cannot fight a major fire –while manipulating it so that one third of the crew is un available is –is a cheat.
The officers performed extremely well during this exercise –I wish I could say the same for some of my Senior sailors!

Meeting 0900 hours – - 21st Div HQ.
I have to guarantee a safe escort for three divisions all the way to Perth!
They are bloody mad…………………


Operations LOG

All aircraft at 100% availability
16 fighter pilots for 12 a/c –will need some juggling.

[1275psi]

12/3/42

Its been a long journey to this
That long, long struggle at school –battling the mathematics, the physics.
The fight to turn skinny muscles, a weak frame into a rippled figure, strong and straight.
The endless miles jogging, alone.
The endless nights studying, alone.

The actual achievment of being selected –against all odds

The struggle of recruit training –where, for so much of it ( for really we are such a racist people ) you were alone

The brutally of the training, where pain, despair and doubt were your constant companions.

But the triumph –of your solo –achieved,, of course, alone.

And now, here in the cool of the tropical morning, the jungles bursting into bird song, the sun a mere promise of a glow on the horizon, you prepare to go to war, fighter pilot.

Alone.
You, the cockpit, the enemy and nobody else.

And you would not have it any other way.

There are 4 of you, dressing quietly, chute, map boards, flask, pistol, vest, heavy flight suits, down bulging.
Leather creaks, and it is quiet in this room, quiet except for the breathing.

Fighter pilots have a lot of time to think about the day ahead……………..


A few nods to each other
‘ready?”

yes, you are ready.

You walk deliberately to the KI-44 –its stubby wings glistening from the morning dew –and already the humidity –as minor as it is now –makes you sweat.

The ground chief gives nothing away –nor do you –there is enough tension , enough tightness in your chest as it is.
He nods –bows slightly –and you nod back.
‘Lets be off then”
casual –yet ……………

alone.
Alone you climb in, settle in.
The straps are coming over, the chief efficient, quiet, and you are in place.
Eyes scan, all is good, the stick feels good, good in your hand, and the around the world goes well.

And as hard as you can try to contain it –the excitement rises.

“contact!’

And the great blades turns, holds, kicks –and blurs into the bellowing world of the fighter –and now you really are alone.

Taxi –rough strip –bouncing, bouncing, and you swing her, side to side –blind to all ahead –following the strips edge, and full rudder, hard brake, and aligned.

Last checks –and the sun is rising, flooding you, flooding light and life over you.

And then –the red flare rises –and you cannot think about it anymore –and the engine bellow, blares, roars, and you surge forward, grass blurring, bouncing, lightness, flying, flying, climbing, gear up, and it’s the whole damn world, the enormous sky, and to hell with all below as you climb into the eternal blue.

Four fighters –and the sky


20000 feet, and burma is but a green ocean below –endless , fading into the nothingness of the tropical haze –and the sky is cold, cold, and you barely feel it.
You feel her in your hands, eager, responsive, and you look, look for the enemy.

But the skies above pegu are empty today –the B17’s are elsewhere, and you fly undisturbed.

Too short, and the return begins, and the strip soon looms, down, careful, careful –good, well done! – and the chief is there –smiling.

Your combat debut
Nothing special.
But you have done it –alone.

The Charges son, Lt Fuchida- flying in the (famous?) 47th sentai - conducts an offensive sweep in Burma.
12 pilots for 4 planes –his opportunities may be limited at the moment!

[1275psi]

13/3/42

Zuiho is a busy little ship.
All day the small boats shuttle to and from her brow –each bearing men erect, white uniforms gleaming.

The climb the gangway –and the pipes shrill, and young seamen –glistening with sweat, and not a little fear escort the heavy braids to the quarter deck –where the briefing will be held in the cooler breeze and shade

Amongst the gleaming white, there is another color –army brown, the generals are arriving.

Hasegawa calls them to order – and it strikes him now the responsibility that rests on his shoulders.
These men have seen so much action already –and the toughness shows.
But he too, has seen action ney?

‘Gentlemen. My task force –acting in concert with combined fleets movements, is to conduct close escort and delivery of your army group to the beaches of Perth.
This is, of course, no small task.”

“No less than taking the bloody place” growls one of the generals.

(and you don’t think I realise this? –I will get you there my friend, but if you fail –we are all doomed)

“agreed – and I suspect the landings will be tough. But get you there I will –the navy, the combined might of our fleet will get you there………….” A long pause “ but only if we stick to certain things”

he turns his attention to the thick document that the navigator nows begins to hand out
.
“Operational orders one.”
‘ Convoy loading order…………………”



Zuiho sits quietly at anchor today –a routine day, while on her quarter deck, lives are busily dealt the hands of fate.

[1275psi]

14/3/42

Yamamoto is dozing in his cabin of Akagi, her gentle motion, the steady vibration, the long hours and this damn heat all doing there bit.
Captain Hara wakens him -his face pale, eyes excited.

'yes Hara? -the americans have surrended?"

'No -but it might end up being better.........." he hands his Admiral the simple signal flimsy

From 4th fleet
to
Combined Fleet

" Tarawa being bombarded. Many battleships, carriers in support Enemy invasion underway"

[PaxMondo]

OK, where's today's installment!!!!  [:D]

[1275psi]

Extract from “Shattering the Sword” a Cantona production


Examination of Japanese historical records now reveal that in early 1940, ADM. Yamamoto submitted a plan, and at times very seriously advocated that any war with the United States should be opened with a surprise naval strike against the American fleet at Hawaii.

Whether the Combined fleet could have actually carried out such an attack –travelling across the entire Pacific un detected, launching a surprise strike (against a nation well aware of onrushing war) and getting away unharmed, we will have to leave to the “what ifs” of history.

But argue for a strike we now know he did –aiming to eliminate the threat to his flank while the DEI’s were invested.
Now –with Singapore still resisting, the Battle for the Phillipines still grinding on, here, in the great array of ships pounding the sands of Tarawa, was the very embodiment of what he wanted to eliminate.



How many curses, we wonder, did he direct towards those that had overruled him on this night, as the United States attempts to sieze an initiative …………



“What defences are there on Tarawa?”
A very pregnant pause
“None sir –the troops were withdrawn to take Guadacanal”
‘So –the island is there’s?”

“With regret, yes”

There is a long silence around the great table that Yamamoto is running the war on –the pacific is a very, very large place –the map , as large as it is, still fails to convey its true size.
But what it does do, is show that Combined fleet is a long, long way away from this sudden, unexpected threat.

Nagumo asks the obvious question, the elephant in the room.
‘The Perth operation sir –should we cancel it?”
Yamamoto thinks

( and this is what happens when you bend to Armies will………..I told them this would happen. Damn the Americans, damn their fleet, and damn the Army – how much longer will they keep me leashed for these damn ‘operations, this endless ego that thinks we can expand forever………damn them.
How far to Tarawa? –weeks? –a month?. And what to retake it with ? – the Navy has few enough troops for this……………I will need divisions, at least!)

But something else enters the mind. Sometimes, the best way to react to a crises is to do…………nothing.
Do they need tarawa at the moment?
Do they really?

“Nagumo.. Some see a crises here. I see an opportunity. The only way we will get that place back is with Army divisions. So –we scratch their back, they scratch our arse no?.
The Perth operation goes ahead. We take Perth, we gather , I would think, 14th army, we retake Tarawa.”

He looks at the men gathered around him “Any questions?’
“’Sir, Yamaguchi offers “ by then, it will be a fortress –taking it might not be so easy”
‘Yes – but think of the investment they will have put into it. I want a carrier clash. I need a carrier clash. Now I have a place one is guaranteed to occur. What better place, than some pimple in the middle of no where?”


For Hosho. Still pushing weary muscles along the excuse of a path Burma calls a road, today is a red letter day.
The airbase of Moulmien is many miles and much sweat behind them, and the great long column of men is now snaking through the jungles well North east of pegu, the next great river to cross still to the west of them.

Almost daily now, they have been bombed, or straffed, B26’s, fighters, the small silver crosses so high of the B17’s –but not today.

Today-at last, Japans eagles are above them, and the snarl of aerial combat fills the air and the valley they march through.
‘Look!”-and a thousand eyes focus on the spaghetti of contrails and combat so many miles above.
One of the crosses has sprouted a dirty ugly brown streak, and the streak grows, goes black –and now it flashes irregularly. Wings spinning, and yes -, yes, one of the B17s is going down.


The column pauses, transfixed as the dying bird flutters to the earth, erupts in a ugly black mushroom over the rise ahead.

“Good” spits Hosho “I was thinking we had been forgotten…….

112th regiment, every man reinvigorated, continues its march north.

[PaxMondo]

Yeah!!!  [:D]

[1275psi]

14/3/42

The sweat sits sticky under your thighs, and runs down your back, little rivulets you can feel sliding down to join the puddle about your arse.
The cockpit is hotter than any of the bath houses you have ever attended, here on the ground, under the merciless sun, and you curse silently the equally sweating mechanics as they frantically hand pump the fuel into the tanks.

The engine blip, blips, at idle now –and again you glance anxiously at the temperature gauges –it is a race who will fail first now –you, the mechanic, or the engine from the heat and humidity.

But the hose is coming out, and the men are clearing, and you know that it is ON! –a glance over the shoulder –and yes, the leader is barrelling past, Tojo rocking as it takes flight ahead of you.

Strip clear, brakes off, flaps set, trim set, mixture set, a final harness tightening, a final glance –and the throttle goes forward, the stick is alive, and you barrel down the strip –fighting the bitch as the rough strip flings you into the air.

And now the swea dries as the cool air blasts in through the vents, and howls past the canopy, the sun on your shoulder, shadow chasing across the jungle green.

5000 feet, 3 minutes in –and the shock hits you –ahead, lower, right to left –enemy fighters! –P 40’s –pulling out of a straffing run, little black clouds in the green marking the strike.

No time to think, no time to contemplate, just stick over, rudder hard, wings vertical, banking, banking, eyes not quite fixed on the swift moving targets (eyes every where –be aware, be aware!), and now hard over the other way, swinging in, behind, they have not seen him, cannot have seen him! –intercepting, and there is no conscious decision –the cockpit fills with the crash of the guns, the stink of the cordite, the target flashes under the port wing, and you keep hauling around, , but the P 40 is already inverted, shovelling smoke –swallowed by the jungle.

15 seconds, from sighting to finish.

And now the B-26 slides past – with its friends –a tight, tight formation, and you thrust full boost, and climb, climb above them, level with them, ahead of them, and its mind, body, stick, plane, all as one as you swoop in, the bomber looms –aluminium, cockpit gleaming, glass, guns swinging your way, pale faces, the crashing, the stink, the canopy shattering on the bomber, the splash of blood so vivid recorded forever in that eternal moment as you hammer past mere feet away, diving down, down, away from the tracer, pulling up, gasping for breath –and the sweat is there in torrents as you look, look, and see

The B26 is nose up – at the stall –the cockpit……………the cockpit, the forward guns, the nose…………gone.

And then it tumbles away, down into the green…………


47th have a busy day today –fighting packs of p-40’s, blenhiems, B17s and B-26’s
Fuchida has two kills
The Charges son enters the heat of the war

[1275psi]

16/3/42

Its always been about the reservoir
The Army that controls it, controls the fate of Singapore

At the moment, the Indians hold the wall, the gates, the buildings that control the pipeways.

The Japanese dead surround this area, testament to the defence.

Tonight, tonight the defenders expect yet another attack, the bombing, the chanting, the artillery, the yells from the dark.
Another attack is coming.

It comes at midnight, the shuffling, crowd of shadows, rushing straight down the road at them. The defenders set their jaws grimly, bend over sights –ready to kill yet again But this attack is different.. Instead of fanatical infantry emerging from the dark, a crowd of terrified civilians are rushing towards them.

It takes mere moments –the confusion, the dark – the hesitation.
Fleeting images –many of the civilians run awkwardly –awkwardly because they run with arms bound behind them
Many are women
Children too.

The Japanese infantry is there –amongst them –driving them, shielded by them.
The allied guns hesitate –hesitate too long.





The Japanese control the reservoir .
The defiance of Singapore begins to crack .



On Zuiho – the work continues.
Minor work really –but critical
The Evaporator is in a million bits – a complete de scale, and the charge wants the brine valve replaced.
The main throttle valve linkage too is apart today – being greased and cleaned.
Both boilers aft are empty and open – and the furnace is open too –the “brickees” hard at work replacing refractory.
In short, the starboard units are down – the charge has 8 hours notice for sea –he intends to use it.





From
Combined Fleet
To
Task force swift eagle

‘Enemy TBD’s operating from Palembang airfield
Attack and neutralize at first opportunity.
Be available for Perth operation from 24th of this month



Hasegawa
“crap!”
Minobe
“Ahhhhh –crap”
Hidaka
‘Airfield strikes –ah crap!’
and the Charge
“ah, oh truck , truck, truk!., now I have I have to put it all together!”

[kaleun]

Just finished reading this excellent AAR (Took me two days) It does compare well with Hibiki's saga.
Looking forward for more.
Great job.

[1275psi]

thankyou!


16/3/42

In the ready room, Hidaka sits, staring at , well at nothing.
He has read the final operational orders for the Perth operation, and they , well, they fill him with fore boding.
It is well and good, he thinks, to serve the Empire. It is well and good to die in battle –if it serves a purpose.
He can handle heavy odds.

But this?

This is madness.

Swift eagle will cover the invasion of Perth alone.
The Mobile fleet will NOT be involved – Tarawa apparently guarantees this.
Zuiho, Shoho –that abortion of a carrier Ryujo will cover the invasion fleet, attack enemy shipping, AND suppress the enemy air threat from Perth (expected to consist of obsolescent bombers and fighters only)

As if that estimation would be right –who knew what awaits in perth? –or lurks in the Indian ocean?

Hosho too would come –if they could repair her in time, if this bucket has problems –then what Hosho apparently is experiencing made Zuiho a paragon of reliability.
Taiho would carry fighters –for delivery –she would not be able to help if they ran into the British fleet out there……………

Madness.

Worse, there would be little heavy cover –Tone, Chikuma would be the cruiser support, and no more.
There float planes would help – but if they spotted a enemy carrier –what then? –would he attack –or recommend they run?

Wearily, he shoves the problem to the back of his mind.
There is another mission first –this damn strike against Palembang. They had to survive this first..
He rises from his chair, mentally shakes himself
He Hidaka, is the operations leader. Then, he must lead.
There is work to do.











There is work to do.
All night the Stokers work, putting the plant back together. Shortly after midnight, they begin to raise steam on the boilers so recently repaired.
Shortly after 1 am, the process stops – a valve leaks
Shortly after 3, they start again, and by 5 AM, they are ready to test the MPE’s

Minobe is surly, and -(why does he do this to himself?) certainly hung over, as The Charge knocks on his door, shakes him.
“Ready to test main Engines sir”
Surprisingly, Minobe seems in a good mood
“Any problems Chief?”
‘Just a few –but we are ready”
‘Nothing Hasegawa needs to know?”
“Definitely not”
‘Good –lets do it”

Test main engines.
On a steam ship –this is the formal check that the main turbine, the boilers, the steering are ready to answer the telegraphs.
The turbine is, paradoxically, already turning – usually slowly astern, the throttle watch keeper carefully turning the shaft under steam, warming it evenly, but being very careful not to move the ship.

Minobe takes his place on the ahead throttle, the Charge the astern

“all spaces, standby to test main engines”

In the boiler rooms, the extra burners are shipped in, lit off. Being a Japanese ship –they will probably remain in place until the next shut down – in marked contrast to their British foes.
Hands grasp fuel throttles, blower throttles, and wait

Water tenders turn throttles, standby pumps come on line, condensate pumps begin to spin.
It is subtle, but Zuiho moves from being merely awake –to being alive

“Bridge, Port Engine, permission to test Main engines”
“wait”







Hasegawa meets the dawn

Once more old man, here we go again, once more.
A quick walk around the bridge –yes, all in order.
Shoho I see, raises steam too. Good.
Tide –running a little still –must be careful here
Mail boat has departed – will they get it?. Is the quarter deck clear?
Yes.
Everyone in their place?
Good
This is such a damn nuiscance –and still no confirmation that we are to go.
Still –keeps Minobe busy –and that must be good ney?

And no more damn damage control drills today…………

“Sir, Engine room requests test main engines”
Good
“Approved”



“Approved to test main engines”
Minobe nods to the charge.
The astern throttle is closed, and Minobe swings open the ahead, and the revolutions swing towards 30, 40 ahead.

At Zuiho’s stern , the water boils, white and angry, and imperceptibly, her bulk begins to move forward.

Now the Charge swings open the astern throttle, and Minobe simultaneously swings his shut, the shaft brakes stopped, holds, and now the rev gauge swings rapidly the other way.

Again, the boiling, and Zuiho strains slightly at her anchor…………

Minobe again swings his throttle, the Charge closes his, all is good.
The seaman on watch takes the throttle, resumes the slow turning astern
“Port test complete, moving to starboard”







“Ahh Minobe –all done?”
‘Yes sir –your intentions?”

I wish I new engines, I wish I knew. “Shoho has problems –apparently. We will stay at immediate notice however, the mission is a go. “

Hasegawa moves to the starboard wing of his bridge “it’s a fortunate delay though –the mail has arrived in port –we will await the ships boat return”




Below, the charge -48 hours with out sleep now – decides to eat, the day has just begun, and he has rounds to do yet.



I suppose its easy to think that our Flight crews lead glamourous, dangerous, yet fairly boring lives.
After all –besides flying –what else do they do?

Rule number one on any warship re juniour officers.
There are never enough of them, nor enough duties you can give them.
Think of a large motel –and everything that is needed to run it.
Juniour officers get those tasks.

Laundry ? –that’s a middies job
Quarterly mess bills?
Harbour master liason?
Navigation maps?
Water tight logs
The quarterly muster of widgets?

The list is endless

LT JG Kurihama has one of these jobs –one he actually at times, enjoys.
Mail

Oh –he does not sort it, or do the hard stuff –there are men for that –he however accompanies it ashore, delivers it, and collects it.
What that means is a nice little boat run ashore –a run ashore that always means a chance to indulge in activities denied elsewhere – a bath, a good meal, even the obtainment of certain supplies.
A very useful, sort after extra duty.

So today we find Kurihama nestled in the stern of the ships boat, feeling very nautical, the three very large bags of mail filling the boats bottom –mail everyone is eagerly awaiting, - and three very fine bottles of Scotch hidden away in another bag as well.
The sea is calm, the sun shining, the breeze cool, the engine put, put, putting away nicely.

The quarter master on Zuiho’s stern waves –come alongside –and Kurihama nods to his coxswain –‘Bring us along leader”

This boating is such a lark…………



‘mail boat coming alongside sir”
“About bloody time”

You were lucky Shoho is broken Kurihama –otherwise I might not have been so patient with you………..
……..and I hope its red lable……….



Immediate notice

Keep the turbine turning slow –astern, or ahead.
But keep it turning slow
Okano has taken the watch –and is having problems. The condendate pump governor has broken its spring –again –and he is wrestling with it. He yells to the upper plates ‘ bring me the pliers please!’

Against all orders, the throttle watch keeper does.
He returns, and glances at the revolution counter.

And makes a very human mistake…………

It happens. I don’t know how. It just happens.
He reads 150 RPM – as 15 ahead
He opens the throttle –chasing that dial.
Steam surges.
The turbine surges
As does the propeller

For Kurihama it all happens bewilderingly fast.
One moment, the bowsman is reaching for the gangway with his pole, ready to secure the boat.
The next, Zuihos Flank is crashing past them, and the whoosh, whoosh of the propeller is filling their ears –and it becomes in a moment a nightmare of thrashing water, splintering timbers, screams, and a mad scrambling towards the bow away from the thrashing death of the propeller

And then, he sits, in the bow, the water swirling in, the boat , the mail. The booze, his dignity, sliding under the ocean, and he and his two companions are swimming , in shock, towards the pale faces staring down at them from so, so far above………











Zuiho does not sail after all – shoho’s problems need another twelve hours.
In his cabin, the captain works.
It takes his mind off the disaster of the morning.

To lose mail is no small thing.
To lose it to stupidity, to carelessness, to , to lack of attention…………..

He reaches for the next document at the top of the pile.
Performance assessments………..


Minobes writing is neat, sparse.
“This CPO is conscientious and hard working. His attitude is good. His results are good. I consider his performance a key factor in Zuiho’s operationally effectiveness.
I highly recommend him for promotion..

The Charge
The Charge.

And something , something in him whelms up.

His writing is not neat –but sprawling, ragged.

“Command disagrees completely with assessment. This sailor is unsupporting of command objectives, careless, and sloppy. Too many defects, too many failures.
But for war requirements, would remove same from ship. I place him on 6 months probation.”

Have your damn fire drills charge –but I am sick of bloody breaking down!






















17/3/42

Mobile fleet rushes east towards tarawa
Swift eagle fuels a final time, and awaits orders

Fighting surges across the jungles of Singapore island, enters the suburbs
The last Dutch surrender in java –and the Japanese Army boards the trains for the journey south

The Minister for production makes a final plea to cancel the perth invasion – he cannot spare the ships.
The Dictator herbiesan rebuffs him. He has some wild scheme in his head of “stealing Australia’s gold”
He is not the only deluded man apparently in Japan about the strength of the allies, and the inherent weaknesses of Japans



On Akagi, Yamamoto briefs his captains

“ Nobody would dream of invading Perth –with out carrier support”
Many nod in agreement
“There fore we will.”

He smiles. War is so much like poker –unless you gamble big –you cannot win big…….

‘I count on Admiral Cantona seizing another opportunity in the gilberts. The moment he sees the Perth operation– committing to another attack – Mobile fleet will ambush this attack”

‘But what of the Perth attack ? – can it succeed if we are not there?” Captain hara asks the obvious question ‘I, for one, can’t help think that that is a lot for Hasegawa to cover”

And here it is, the nub of all of Japans problems
The arrogance

“ Pert is weak, poorly defended. I see no problems Hasegawa will not be able to handle”

[kaleun]

“ Pert is weak, poorly defended. I see no problems Hasegawa will not be able to handle”

I foresee a major disaster brewing.

[1275psi]

(yes, there will be blood).....................




18/3/42


Its raining in Soerabaya.
If you can call it rain.
Others are likening it to the biblical deluge of Noahs time.
It sheets down, it belts down, it beats the ocean into a soup, it fills the rivers, the streams, it fills the harbour with a brown mud.
It beats down on the men, on zuiho, running off her decks in rivers and streams.

It thunders onto the flight deck –the sheer noise almost drowning out all conversation.
It rolls across the harbour, the clouds dumping it barely 500 feet above them.

And it totally destroys visibility, Zuiho may as well be alone in the world, not raising anchor in this terribly crowded anchorage.

Miserably, her men man the gun tubs, the anchor windlass and gear, her various stations, and Hasegawa anxiously paces her bridge –all but blinded.

It may be raining, but the humidity is still high –and every bridge window is useless –fogged thick with condensation

Surrounded by water, Zuiho is seeking the ocean –if she can find it.

“Anchor secured sir”
‘Very good. Slow ahead both”

Very good –who am I kidding?. This is going to be tricky.
‘Can any one tell me if anyone has sailed yet?”

Hasegawa glances at his Navigator, his XO – they shake heads negative –and unspoken, he see’s it in their eyes……..this will be difficult –are you up to it?
Is he?
He will see.

Zuiho slides through the grey, blind, groping into the incredible rain


In Damage Control central, they sweat.
At action stations, buttoned up –the ventilation is poor.
And so they sweat.

A phone rings, and the CPO Chippy takes the call.
A high voice at one end, the CPO nods, makes a note.
“We will look when we have secured from actions”

He turns to Minobe
“No 1 fire pump won’t start “
Minobe merely grunts .

The silence resumes, and they sweat.


Hidaka isn’t sweating. He is wet, half drowned, and bloody annoyed.
One of the three Kates parked awaiting for todays ASW patrols may have to be declared U/s

It is, as it is too often the case –the radio
Not surprising with all the rain, this humidity.
For a few moments he thinks hard –and makes a decision – he needs this bird soon. If it stays close on the inner CAP –will it need a radio?
Does he need to re spot this bird –take the torpedo’s off another one, do all that –for?

The rain belts down –and, he faces it –what chance of flying in this?

The bird will remain on the deck


Zuiho creeps along

And Hasegawa’s anxiety climbs.
‘Can you see the Mark yet navigator?”

“No sir”

Goddam it –it must be there –I am on track!
‘Look again!”

The bridge remains silent, and the rain pounds down. He can barely see the focastle –let alone anything else. Damn blind pilotages……..

The navigator speaks

“I calculate we are at the mark sir, recommend port 20, new course 240”
“Very good”

But I don’t agree – or do I?
‘helmsman! –confirm your course”
‘Course 300 sir”

Are we on track?
What is the wind doing to this scow?
Why can’t I see anything –where is that damn light?

“Sir –we are passing the point –I make us 100 yards of track now!”

Damn him
Alright then.
Damn him – I am sure we have 100 yards to run yet.

And then the cry from the starboard wing
“Channel marker sighted sir”
Where goddam it!”

Astern sir! –fifty hards astern!

For a mere moment, the blood freezes in his old veins.
Then, the desperate attempt to recover.
“ Half astern both! –port 30!”

A damn rookie mistake –or an old mans one –but which? –does it matter now –the edge of the channel must be so close……….
Idiot, this a carrier –pushed by the wind –not the Mutsu! So solid in her passage
Please -, please –let us not touch!


Zuiho does not touch. Hasegawa never knows how close to grounding they have gone –but all know it has been close –far too close.

And then magically –as it happens in the tropics –the rain stops, the sun blazes –and zuiho –only a little of course now, edges into the oceans, turns North, and increases speed.
Soon the three kates depart, and the day begins.






Fighting in Singapore dies down –the latest attack petering out.
But tactically –Japan is almost there.
A few days rest, a few more days of softening up –and finally, finally, this place must fall.





Hosho is hungry

He is part of a small party alone, an advanced recon unit.
A very dangerous job –the accepted role for such parties is to trip the ambushes laid, to initiate contact.
Few ever survive it.
One advantage though –only a single officer is with them
And he too, is hungry
You just cannot march day after day through the jungle on the rations that the Empire consider sufficient –and not be.
But Hosho has not survived life this far by placidly accepting the status quo.
His eyes catches a movement in the tree above them
In one swift movement, his gun swings up –and a shot rings out.

The small monkey crashes to the path.
No one will be hungry in this party today

[1275psi]

19/3/42

Swift eagle steams north along the east coast of java, through a brilliant blue sea, under an even bluer sky.

Officially, it is a quite day –the 9 kate on continous ASW patrol circle all day with out incident, or enemy contact.

Reality –the details no History book, no “detailed examination” ever seems to reveal, is completely different.
For starters, Swift eagle steams through terribly poorly chartered waters –waters now with out any operating light houses or navigating aids –all destroyed by the Dutch and British.
The sea crawl with submarines –this is the uppermost threat in every ones mind –and this leads to most of the days drama.
The seas here –quite simply –are not empty.

Again, and again –the fishing boats heave into view over the horizons –again, and again the kates, and at times –the destroyers are dispatched to investigate.
Nor are these oceans particularly clean – 4 times today swift eagle will sight a “periscope” and react – and each time it will be a log, or rubbish –or in one case –wreckage.

The enemy too –have not deserted these oceans –they still operate many small warships –and small coastal freighters still break, or attempt to break the Singapore siege.

It will be a long day, a busy day, and men will finish it cranky and tired.
There will be very little glory or glamour today.


Captains log

Steaming towards Palembang to conduct air strikes am tomorrow.
Continuous ASW patrols –continuous alerts
Latest reports place Palembang operating a dozen or more ‘vilderbeast’ TBD’s, and a scattering of fighters.
Ship performing well – in most aspects.
I have requested a replacement for my navigator.


Operations log
30% CAP and ASW patrol maintained
Nil operational defects, or incidents. Many, many false SS sightings today. Flight deck operating smoothly indeed today – very pleasing

Have decided to strike Palembang at maximum range – agree with Command that threat from enemy TBD’s is considerable.
Intend to weight strike with considerable escort.

Charges diary
Huge effort to make sailing
Regrettable incident when at anchor whilst at immediate notice –I can’t train against stupidity!
Ship steaming hard –defects today –No1 fire pump Motor burnt out –currently removing motor from pump.

Conducted overspeeds on Force draft blowers today –hot work!
All successful
Successfully blew soot, set to work Evaporator
Regret cement repair beginning to weep a smear of oli/water.
I suspect a hull crack under the cement !
Action stations set for 3 am
Very tired.


20/3/42

0200

The lights in the ready room are harsh, and they make paler, grimmer faces appear worse than they actually are.
Already here in this room, Hidaka can smell the sweat, and the tension is heavy.
(an amazing thing this –the way humans can “feel’ tension) he thinks, as he faces them.
“the plan”
The murmers fall silent

Around them Zuiho is bustling into action.
The hanger deck rings to the calls and yells of the labour of moving multiple tonne beasts manually to the lift, the rattle and clang of ammunition carts.
Below them, the whine of the Forced draft blowers is now loud, strident, rising in volume.
Around them, Zuiho vibrates, more than a mere ship now -a wea-pon, coiled and poised to strike.

They feel it. All of them, so many men, all bending towards the common goal.
The strike

These men, the point of the spear, turn all ears towards Hidaka


0400
The horizon is still dark, and the ocean a malevolent shadow passing swiftly under bows.
It would be very easy to walk straight off the flight deck at the moment.
The days preparations however, are now well advanced.
Prepare a strike
Deliver a strike
Recover the strike
This is her task, and at this, little Zuiho is better than good. At this stage of the war, a deckman on Hornet would despair at the difference between his still working up ship, and this little crew.
Few words, few orders are given, few are needed. The machine knows its job.
Three zeros sit first down astern , engines now running, bringing the radials to a safe temperature – the failure of one to start has barely disturbed the dance – in a few minutes they will launch and commence the CAP.

Behind them, fat bombs nestled under the bellies, 3 Kates too warm up, the ASW patrol.
Kurihama will be part of this patrol –and he is frankly fowl with this –(he cannot say anything of course) -he so desperately wants to go with the strike.

Hidaka however, has eyes for his deck –he wants a hard man to help protect it.
The seas, these dark waters hide deadly beasts –today holds a great risk of encountering them.

Below, the remaining Kates wait –the slick fish gleaming – Hidaka’s reserve in case the british fleet sticks its nose in.
Ryujo, Shoho will conduct the first strike, it may be arrogance –but Hidaka now feels his men superior in naval strike.
He knows too, that a second will be needed –if a weapon swap is needed, he will do it.

Below decks –Zuiho is buttoned up. The guns are manned.
All four boilers burn, all pumps are running. The men stand expectantly at the throttles, at the boiler front.

They too, feel the excitement.

0420
‘Pilots to your planes”
Ogawa jogs to his zero.
“ready Chief?”
Hie!”

She is ready. He is ready. The nerves stay –as always………what will today bring
‘Good hunting sir!’
Good hunting?
Goodness – why do they have so much faith in me?
I must not let them down……….

Ogawa –already a killer of three planes climbs in, settles down, believing, as always, that he really is undeserving the honour of being here.
He will never really be aware of the respect his crew have for him now…

Six planes, a dozen men. And so many depending on them

Hasegawa sniffs the breeze – Zuiho is making her own, and the bridge wing is cool.
The sky is turning pink on the horizon. Again he curses the lack of some sort of island.
“Wind Hidaka?’
“Too little to matter sir –it’s a mirror”
“We will have to make our own ney?’
Hidaka nods.
If Minobe can manage it …………

“Full ahead all!, battle speed one”

Flags break out, the rising sun, the great battle flag streams
Now, the light is here, and shadows are firming into white figures, and Hidaka is on the deck.
He takes Okura’s eye – good luck my little Tiger-and the youngster nods -yes, I am ready

The flag drops



“Full ahead all!”
The bells ring, and now Hirate glues his eyes upon the gauges.
Behind him, aft, he knows Okura is now opening the throttles, dragging huge quantities of steam off him, steam he must supply.

“Ship last burners!’
Come on you bitch, lets go, lets go

He swings the blower throttles to full –they won’t go any more, and above him, the howl becomes a shriek
The guage falls, a little, recovers, he gives the fuel a last hitch –and this is all he can give.
He bends, speaks, yells into his communications.
“That’s all I can give you Okano!’
A laugh from the other side –excitement in the voice –Oh come on, I am sure you can do better.”

Okano turns the throttle carefully, he knows this is not about just pressure to the turbine, but pressure, and heat, and vacuum, and ,above all, energy.
A balancing act.
A good throttle watchkeepers pride –to get that extra revolution from the beast that nobody else can.


“Ship is at full speed sir”
28 knots…………good.

“Commence launching”


A carrier
At speed
Her decks packed, launching into the dawn
How can you not be excited, feel pride, feel elation at the sight.
The empire is striking again

Ogawa barrels down into the dawn, and the men line her side –caps waving in her self made breeze , the yells of encouragement almost carrying him into the air.

He clears the deck , secures the gear, banking away, sun glinting of the red balls.
Fighter pilot

Kurihama watches the last zero go –checks again
“Are you idiots ready?’
He growls
His Observer laughs “This idiot is ready”
His gunner too snorts – “ Only if you are -personally, I could do with some more breakfast”
“Oh shut up you fool”! – but now tone serious “hang on, we are going”
The memory of Kamisaka’s fatal launch still hangs over them all.

The bird bellows, crawls down the deck, and in agonising slow motion, gains the air, and all can breath again.

Soon, startling soon, the air above swift eagle beats with the gleaming formation of the strike, it circles the task force once, gaining altitude, then turns North, fading into the sea mist, the rising sun.

Onboard Zuiho –terror now stalks the hanger deck
Hidaka –tongue cracking and lashing, urges his men to get the Naval strike onto deck. As good as they are –they will never be good enough for him.

“battle speed 2 –maintain current course”
Machinery –machinery on the edge, slows down, but only a little
Straining still Swift eagle continues racing North



Strike
Eliminate threat from Palembang airfield

These are the orders.
11 bombers, 10 zero sweep across Palembang airfield in the early morning.
Some things are in explicable in war –this moment is one of them

No fighters are aloft – little flak rises to meet them
In steady formation the bombs fall as one -impacting on the hanger area, the hardstands –and the bombers scattered there.

The field disappears in the dust, planes have been destroyed –but this is a big field –and many still remain

The signal flashes back
“require second strike”


Hidaka receives the word
Second strike required
He half expected it. In fact, he damn well knew it would come.
Dawn is hours past now –and no reports of shipping yet – if they were to be found –surely they would have been spotted now?

He races to the bridge, arriving flush faced.
Hasegawa stands as usual –rigid near the starboard wing door
The old, cold eyes have no twinkle today –just weariness. “Your recommendation Hidaka?

He has 6 kates still. Pilots chaffing. As he is. No opposition.
‘We will strike sir”
“Good-how long?”

“As soon as I can sir.”




1300

Above, the strike circles, coming into circuit, settleing onto decks
Around her, the CAP circles
Below decks –frantic work.

The kates have been struck –the trollies have been wheeled in. 6 gleaming fish taken away –the bomb trollies now waiting in turn –the 800 kg bombs man handled, cursed, sweated into position.
Hidaka lashes them, every thought on getting the strike aloft –too easy for Palembang to receive reinforcements, he wants to hit them now!

The hanger, crowded with trollies, ordinance, and sweating men is too small for today.
Too small – and Hidaka knows he needs more men. They need more trollies – that he can see – more trollies is critical.


“Periscope!”
Kurihama starts in his seat –
‘Where!”
Starboard wing! -1000 yards!”

De ja vue………?

But there is no attack, even as he hauls the lumbering beast around, the sliver of water marking the scope fades.
“damn- OK, warn home”

“enemy SS spotted by Kurihama 10 miles dead ahead sir”
So – they are there, stalking us. Submarines –what a damn dis honourable weapon…….
‘Shoho reports second SS dead ahead sir”
Another………..
‘XO – do a set of rounds please – cells for any man not keeping proper look out!”



History is so bloody sparse at times

“Shattering the Sword reads here ‘ the task force, steaming north at high speed, comes under Submarine attack at 1316 hours – causing the force to suspend launching of the second strike for nearly 40 minutes.’

And that is it.
Who spotted the SS?
What seaman , standing in the elements for hours now – stuck to his task, spotted that periscope so many yards away –spotted, and called the alarm in time for the turn away…
Why cannot history ever mention him, why are these men never rewarded?
But this man does –he see’s the scope – well in time –and Hasegawa can react.

In an hours time, Zuiho will launch 5 Kates –not the sixth
History again does not tell us why not 6 –it considers that not important.
To many, there at the immediate –it is very important.


‘Periscope! –bearing 030! –range 1500 yards!’
Hasegawa moves –instinctive, habital, the glasses raising, almost with out thought to the correct bearing, the correct range. Experience at these times matters…..

The glass –the finger –all there – SS –moving in to attack

‘Port 30!”
New course, 270!
Port 30 Sir!, and the wheel is flung hard, and zuiho answers, heeling into the turn, still doing battle speed two.


Hidaka is at the forward lift, the first kate on it, man around her like workers to the queen, when the heel begins
They feel it, all feel it – the heel, as around them Zuiho shudders and vibrates
The tannoy calls – ‘action starboard –SS to starboard!”
Curses, curses, he feels the deck heel, and heel some more.
“Hold her men!, hold her!
800kilos of bomb, 2 tons of plane and fuel, unsecured………
The workers hold, men rushing to her, holding her, muscles verses physics…

They win – but even as Hidaka strains against this bird, he sees the disaster.
Three Torpedos remain in trollies in the hanger deck –yet to be stowed below in the chaos of the change – and now 1000 kilos, 20 odd feet of death breaks free, and rolls –rolls back wards across the heeling deck.
Not fast, walking , jogging pace –if that.
Fast enough, far enough however.

Three men are under Kate 016, waiting at the chocks –two see the onrushing missile –one does not.
His shriek -cut off so quickly –fills the hanger , as he is crushed between trolley and undercart –the kate collapsing down, mercifully hiding the horrible mess………

Zuiho rights herself


History tells us, at 1530 –a second strike goes out – only 5 Kate strong.



1700
This time –this time Kurihama spots it.
Dead ahead – following the task group.

He barely has to adjust his flight –diving shallowly down, hand jerking, the bomb falling, falling.

The great explosion –and there is NO doubt about it – that is oil, and wreckage.
He has killed
And (disturbingly to us –but not TO HIM) he is filled with a satisfying thrill.





Captains Log

Heavy day
Launched strikes against Palembang airfield
All pilots/planes, crews performed extremely well –multiple hits registered, claims of 6 aircraft destroyed

ASW patrol of LTJG Kurihama claims one SS destroyed –un able to verify, however I feel claim is justified.
Regret that ship suffered one hanger death during violent manouvers, and one plane damaged .
Will, when time becomes available –conduct an investigation.
Task force continues North at high speed, intend to continue with amore strikes tomorrow.

Operations report
Heavy day
3 kates ASW patrol -6 sorties flown
9 zero flew –total 14 sorties
5 kates airfield strike -5 sorties
1 kate damaged hanger accident

We must, repeat must, secure ordinance upon weapons change out. It struck me today –if that SS had been a Dive bomber ………………..

Strike, full strike ordered for tomorrow….


From Charges Diary

We had a great day today –command asking for full power multiple times –and planrt able to respond.
Struggling with Chemistry Port forward boiler 9 a bloody again! –what is it with that trucking kettle)
Repairs to brickwork on Starboard Aft has not worked too well – I suspect we are exposing casings to raw flames at this time..ce la ve!

Lost no2 fire pump today –wear ring failure –jammed the pump –we lifted the lid –needs a complete re build.. I have decided to use its motor for No1 while we work on it.
Feed 90%
Fresh 70%
Fuel 70%
Oil -99%!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kaleun]

Tense moments.

[1275psi]

21/3/42

It is a long night
Task Force swift eagle continues to steam hard North through out the night – her crew remaining at their stations.
Food is distributed through out –sticky rice –little else, yet it is very welcome.
Some manage to rest –those in the guns, isolated compartments, others, most, cannot.

The moon disappears soon after dusk –the clouds thickening.
Shortly after midnight, it begins to rain.

Hasegawa greets a wet dawn, a white capped sea.
He has not slept all night.

It shows
It shows on many faces.

No matter how grainy the eyes, how heavy the limbs, they carry on.

Hidaka spots another strike, but as Swift eagle approaches to within 120 miles of Palembang, it is obvious that one will not be launched.

But the nest is still operating.
Swift eagle will have to loiter here for a while yet, here in these waters crawling with hidden menace

22/3/42

The Charge knocks on Minobes door.
It is dawn, and the sheer effort to knock, has been almost too much.

He stinks, the dried sweat slick on his body.
Zuiho stood down during the night to its usual defence stations –and has had a quiet night.
The Stokers, however, have not.

There have been problems, problems all night.
The drain tank float has failed –a common problem, open the bloody tank, haul it out, solder the float, re install it.
Hot bloody work –and one has to manually control the air ejector drains while it goes on.
The fire pump work has continued all night – machining of the wear rings has gone OK –the fitting of the bearing has turned to custard, it only an hour ago has been finished.
Maybe today they will be back to four pumps.
Twice during the night he has been in the Chemistry cell –deciding, adjudicating on the required dose for the boiler – the Chemistry has not enjoyed the hard steaming at all.
But –he hopes –they are on it.

Sleep –sleep was days ago

For a few moments he sways at the Engineers door –momentarily his brain has gone elsewhere.
Ah, yes –daily report.

And he must get some breakfast.

Minobe opens the door.

Prickly chin, bloodshot eyes.
No alcohol today, just exhaustion too.

Come in Chief

The chair is too soft. ‘I think I will stand sir –might not get up again if I sit”
Tiredly Minobe waves him to sit.

He does
(my legs are trembling. God, am I THAT tired)

Silently, Minobe hands him a sheet of paper.
‘Your performance, promotion assessment”

The charge reads it –but it does not –for a moment register.
“Apparently “ – a long, embarrassed pause ‘apparently the command does not believe you support his objectives”

The charge stares at the form.
Does he understand?

I am not sure

Then tiredly, he stands, hands the paper back.
He is too tired –for now –to give a damn



Extract from Shattering the Sword – a Cantona production


Japanese high command must have been confident about the final attack planned for Singapore.
The air war in Burma begins, 3rd, 5th air divisions opening the account.
Th Japanese bomber squadrons have been savaged over Singapore –many, in fact most, are well below 50% strength –yet today nearly 60 sallies darken the sky over Rangoon




The rain begins to clear after midday –and Hidaka launches a strike at last.
Again the decks bustle, the pilots stride to the machines, the men count them away –and watch as they dwindle over the horizon.

Then, you clear the decks, and wait.

Empty of planes, Zuiho feels –strange.
Shoho provides the CAP today –all but the damaged Kate from Zuiho are gone today.


They will be gone some time – and Hasegawa takes advantage of the time – there is a duty to perform

The shroud is wrapped tightly around the form –hard to think it as once a man –and under the rising sun, it could almost be anything.
Yet, as always –this other mans death, forces every one there to consider the fact of their own.
The service is swift –and mostly whipped away by the breeze and rush of water below.

Too quickly, the rifles bark, the plank rises, the shape is swallowed into the sea.
The strike soon will return, and the war must continue.


It returns, not unscathed.

One plane is brought in first, and many hands rush to the Kate, and gently remove Matsuyama, shrapnel has punched his lower leg – his forces a smile –pale face grimacing.

“I will be OK Hidaka – it could be worse –it could have been a foot or so higher”
Yes, it could have been.


“The Strike Hidaka?”
“we need another”
“Another!”

Yes you old man, another. You have me circling so many bloody planes on ASW patrol today,, would you like me to fly there myself to add to the strike?

“We aren’t Combined fleet sir”

‘relax Hidaka –I mean no criticism. A Job really for the battle ships I think”

He must consider that. Yes –he is probably right. Except the minefields there are probably thicker than bees to honey.


“ you get one more –we must go –Perth is calling – Minobe is whinging again about bottom blows and such like crud –we probably need a day or two to ready ourselves, its going to be a big trip”
‘One more then”



23/3/42

Diogawa sits.
He needs to sit, his trembling muscles simply, he thinks, won’t let him out of the cockpit just yet.

His Zero is safely down, but he really does not know how.

The fuel gauge reads zero - the engine must have been on fumes….
He stares-again, at the aileron - how much of it is left?-half? –a third?

How many more holes in his bird?

His crew jostle about now ‘Are you OK? –do you need help?”
He waves them away – Bushido dictates………


Hidaka counts them in, and finds eight planes are damaged.
Yes, that was the last strike.
The enemy flak ensures that.


The ready room is quiet –the pilots slumped about it.
Few have yet to remove flying suits –or anything.
Tea is being distributed, sipped gratefully

They have gone in low today ,hammered the base –and finally closed it.
But the flak…………

War is a very serious business indeed when the enemy shoot back.













On Akagi

Yamamoto hands this latest flimsy to Nagumo –who hands it to Hara.
‘at last”

Singapore has been taken.


Yamamoto stares at the endless sea sliding past.
Kongo sparkles in the sun, her turrets swinging. Tanaka working his Flagship hard. Good. We must all work hard.

So, the first objective finally taken.
Clarke / battaan surely soon to follow.

But now for the real objective
Bring the enemy carriers to battle………

“Truk tomorrow Hara?”

‘yes sir -and I for one cannot wait”
Akagis beloved Captain (Hara has been, is, and always will be –the Akagi) ventures a question

“What is swift eagles status?”
“The transports are loaded. Three divisions strong . I have given him 12 hours to refuel, and sail”



0300
24/3/42

Zuiho races south towards home –as they now call Soerabaya.
In her hangers, the work begins, patching, repairing
There is much to do, and the men bend to the task under the harsh lights that flood the hanger with bright light.

Outside, the overcast covers the moon, and the dark is deep indeed, especially for eyes adjusting from the brightness of below.
Step outside –and you will be blind.


And so it is, that blind, Zuiho silently loses another man –a cook- stumbling over something maybe –missing maybe that hand hold –as he tips waste over the side –and follows it.
Gone, and not missed for many hours.

[hosho]

so well written! nice picture of "small and simple" operation - another proof that there is no such thing in wartime!
anxious to see how the oz invasion will unfold...

we wan more! we want more! we want more!
cheers mate!