06 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 1
Location: 360 miles south of Saigon
Course: North East
Damage: System 02
Orders: Return to Saigon
***
Early in the afternoon a coded message breaks the silence in the signals room. Tamon was able to decode the message.
‘I-153. 300 miles SE of Ceylon. Contact large convoy troopships heading SE. 1 contact sunk….’
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Manila under siege. American and Pilipino forces continue to defiantly hold Manila against the Japanese onslaught. A spokesman for the Army…”
Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
07 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 1
Location: 120 miles South of Saigon
Course: North East
Damage: System 02
Orders: Return to Saigon
***
Tamon enjoyed a quiet day and a calm sea. It was a rare event aboard Kasumi lately. The task force was steaming back towards Saigon through friendly waters. The radio waves were even calmer than normal this day, it seemed even the war needed to take a break and relax now and then.
Commander Murakami decided to use this time efficiently, having Tamon radio ahead to Saigon and get the Kasumi into the queue for repair dock time. With no current orders, he hoped to get the boiler pipes properly repaired.
Tamon found himself liking the commander. Murakami had a calm, disciplined manner that made for a well run ship, but at the same time he had managed to inspire the crew to their best performance to date. Murakami held the belief that officers should lead by example, and he expected the officers under his command to do the same.
Late that evening, Tamon tuned in to RKO Radio…
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Germany denied Moscow. The German Army was turned back from the very gates of Moscow over the last two weeks by a determined Soviet defense of the city. Casualty estimates…”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 1
Location: 120 miles South of Saigon
Course: North East
Damage: System 02
Orders: Return to Saigon
***
Tamon enjoyed a quiet day and a calm sea. It was a rare event aboard Kasumi lately. The task force was steaming back towards Saigon through friendly waters. The radio waves were even calmer than normal this day, it seemed even the war needed to take a break and relax now and then.
Commander Murakami decided to use this time efficiently, having Tamon radio ahead to Saigon and get the Kasumi into the queue for repair dock time. With no current orders, he hoped to get the boiler pipes properly repaired.
Tamon found himself liking the commander. Murakami had a calm, disciplined manner that made for a well run ship, but at the same time he had managed to inspire the crew to their best performance to date. Murakami held the belief that officers should lead by example, and he expected the officers under his command to do the same.
Late that evening, Tamon tuned in to RKO Radio…
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Germany denied Moscow. The German Army was turned back from the very gates of Moscow over the last two weeks by a determined Soviet defense of the city. Casualty estimates…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
08 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: 120 South of Saigon
Course: North
Damage: System 02
Orders: Return to Saigon
***
The task force should have already been docked at Saigon…should have. A possible submarine contact during the night had caused Admiral Nagumo to order a course diversion to avoid exposing the carriers. So, 12 hours later they were still no closer to Saigon.
Still, Tamon knew the decision was a good one. So far the Imperial Navy’s submarine arm had accumulated and impressive kill score, even going as far to challenge the Americans in San Francisco Bay. The submarines were having a detrimental effect on the Allies war effort, and Tamon had no doubts that Allied submarines were capable of similar carnage to the Japanese Navy.
And as if to reinforce his thinking, a message came across early in the morning…
“I-155. 60 miles north Thursday Island. 1 Merchant ship engaged and sunk.”
***
Submarine Activity Report 08-01-1942. Keep in mind we are playing with both sides sub ops set to off, so it’s completely unrestricted sub warfare. And I have been pushing his ports…literally. I’ve sunk ships in most of his major ports. The good part about this is that I have (I suspect) forced him to shift forces to combat my subs. The bad part is my sub crews are paying for my aggressiveness. But my way of thinking is that by mid-43 they are going to be nothing but target drones anyway, might as well get some good use out of them while I can.
My losses: I-5, I-7, and I-164 sunk with 8 others severely damaged. This is truly not a bad trade-off for the tonnage I have sunk to date.
DD Kasumi
Location: 120 South of Saigon
Course: North
Damage: System 02
Orders: Return to Saigon
***
The task force should have already been docked at Saigon…should have. A possible submarine contact during the night had caused Admiral Nagumo to order a course diversion to avoid exposing the carriers. So, 12 hours later they were still no closer to Saigon.
Still, Tamon knew the decision was a good one. So far the Imperial Navy’s submarine arm had accumulated and impressive kill score, even going as far to challenge the Americans in San Francisco Bay. The submarines were having a detrimental effect on the Allies war effort, and Tamon had no doubts that Allied submarines were capable of similar carnage to the Japanese Navy.
And as if to reinforce his thinking, a message came across early in the morning…
“I-155. 60 miles north Thursday Island. 1 Merchant ship engaged and sunk.”
***
Submarine Activity Report 08-01-1942. Keep in mind we are playing with both sides sub ops set to off, so it’s completely unrestricted sub warfare. And I have been pushing his ports…literally. I’ve sunk ships in most of his major ports. The good part about this is that I have (I suspect) forced him to shift forces to combat my subs. The bad part is my sub crews are paying for my aggressiveness. But my way of thinking is that by mid-43 they are going to be nothing but target drones anyway, might as well get some good use out of them while I can.
My losses: I-5, I-7, and I-164 sunk with 8 others severely damaged. This is truly not a bad trade-off for the tonnage I have sunk to date.
- Attachments
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- Subreport1842.jpg (496.57 KiB) Viewed 107 times
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
09 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Disbanded in Port, Saigon
Course: None
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further Orders
***
With Kasumi awaiting repairs to her boiler lines and the rest of the task force getting some much needed maintenance the crew of Kasumi found itself with some downtime. Leave was issued in shifts for the crew, minor repairs made, and most of the men made their way into the port city of Saigon.
For Tamon, the best news he had heard was that the mail had finally caught up to him. Letters from home are always a comfort to any military man, and Tamon was no exception. The letter from his mother was not very long, but it was well needed…
‘My son,
I hope this letter arrives and finds you well. The war effort has taken precedence here at home. Most days finds your father working long hours managing the factory.
Your brother Yoshiro has reported to training for the army. All the young men in the city are being recruited for the war effort. Many factories are short of workers.
Ayame and Kaoru have returned to their studies. So far the war is not affecting them as much as the rest of us, but even the children now must drill for air raids. The government assures us that the American’s can’t possibly attack us here in Japan, but preparation is the best policy.
Know that we are all very proud of you son and our prayers go with you….’
DD Kasumi
Location: Disbanded in Port, Saigon
Course: None
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further Orders
***
With Kasumi awaiting repairs to her boiler lines and the rest of the task force getting some much needed maintenance the crew of Kasumi found itself with some downtime. Leave was issued in shifts for the crew, minor repairs made, and most of the men made their way into the port city of Saigon.
For Tamon, the best news he had heard was that the mail had finally caught up to him. Letters from home are always a comfort to any military man, and Tamon was no exception. The letter from his mother was not very long, but it was well needed…
‘My son,
I hope this letter arrives and finds you well. The war effort has taken precedence here at home. Most days finds your father working long hours managing the factory.
Your brother Yoshiro has reported to training for the army. All the young men in the city are being recruited for the war effort. Many factories are short of workers.
Ayame and Kaoru have returned to their studies. So far the war is not affecting them as much as the rest of us, but even the children now must drill for air raids. The government assures us that the American’s can’t possibly attack us here in Japan, but preparation is the best policy.
Know that we are all very proud of you son and our prayers go with you….’
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
10 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: None
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
This day finds Tamon in downtown Saigon. As with the rest of the crew, he was issued a 24 hour pass to get some shore time. It was a much needed break from the mundane routine of a ship not at sea.
Saigon, being part of French Indo-China is a unique city. It manages to combine European and Asian culture into one large, crowded city where anything that money can buy can be found…literally anything. Tamon finds his way into one of the local dives with other members of the crew for an afternoon of food, drinking and general mischief.
Port cities the world over are all the same. They are full of bars, full of shady characters, and full of prostitutes. And there is never a shortage of sailors to take advantage of the ‘services’ offered. And any time a large task force docks in a port for any length of time it becomes something akin to a feeding frenzy of immoral behavior.
Tamon had been in the navy long enough to know to avoid the shadier areas of a port city. While other members of the crew made their ways to various points for nights of debauchery Tamon spent most of his leave time sight-seeing and with only mild drinking. The next morning would not find him regretting anything he would do this day…
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: None
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
This day finds Tamon in downtown Saigon. As with the rest of the crew, he was issued a 24 hour pass to get some shore time. It was a much needed break from the mundane routine of a ship not at sea.
Saigon, being part of French Indo-China is a unique city. It manages to combine European and Asian culture into one large, crowded city where anything that money can buy can be found…literally anything. Tamon finds his way into one of the local dives with other members of the crew for an afternoon of food, drinking and general mischief.
Port cities the world over are all the same. They are full of bars, full of shady characters, and full of prostitutes. And there is never a shortage of sailors to take advantage of the ‘services’ offered. And any time a large task force docks in a port for any length of time it becomes something akin to a feeding frenzy of immoral behavior.
Tamon had been in the navy long enough to know to avoid the shadier areas of a port city. While other members of the crew made their ways to various points for nights of debauchery Tamon spent most of his leave time sight-seeing and with only mild drinking. The next morning would not find him regretting anything he would do this day…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
I thought it would be a good time to give you a short list of characters. Given the trouble I've had remembering who's who, I'm sure you guys have as well. So here it is...and keep in mind there might be 1 or 2 you haven't met yet. This AAR is running 2-3 weeks behind the actual game.
Commander Maurkami, captain of the Kasumi
Tamon Harada, Ensign, signals officer
Katsuo Goto, Ensign, Gunnery Officer
Haruki Tanaka, PO, signals
Arata Sugiyama, Seaman, signals
Yoshiro Harada, Private Japanese Army, Tamon's brother
Ayame & Kaoru Harada, Tamon's little sisters
Hinata Saito, Lieutenant, ship's engineer
Isamu Yanagawa, Seaman, signals
Takeshi Saito, Chief Petty Officer, torpedo officer
Akira Sanada, Lt. Commander, XO Kasumi
Commander Maurkami, captain of the Kasumi
Tamon Harada, Ensign, signals officer
Katsuo Goto, Ensign, Gunnery Officer
Haruki Tanaka, PO, signals
Arata Sugiyama, Seaman, signals
Yoshiro Harada, Private Japanese Army, Tamon's brother
Ayame & Kaoru Harada, Tamon's little sisters
Hinata Saito, Lieutenant, ship's engineer
Isamu Yanagawa, Seaman, signals
Takeshi Saito, Chief Petty Officer, torpedo officer
Akira Sanada, Lt. Commander, XO Kasumi
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
11 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: Docked at Port
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
Tamon finds his way to the officers ward room where Katsuo Goto is sipping tea…very gingerly sipping tea. The gunnery officer looked only slightly better than a corpse, and Tamon chuckled quietly to himself at the sight before him. Tamon had paced himself quite well the previous day and was suffering no ill effects from the adventure into Saigon. Katsuo obviously had not….
“Did you have a good time last night Goto-san?” Tamon cheerfully asked.
“Mmmnnnnnughhh…” was the reply.
Tamon was not sure if he’d even tried to make a word or not. However, the answer couldn’t be any plainer. Goto was the victim of too much sake and too little sleep. Such were the hazards of shore leave…
***
A quiet female voice went over the air waves this day. It was broadcast on Radio Tokyo, but in English…
“To the brave defenders of Manila, you must know by now that you have no hope of victory. Your country has forsaken you and left you to starve in a surrounded city. Make it easy on yourselves, surrender now and end your hardships….”
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: Docked at Port
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
Tamon finds his way to the officers ward room where Katsuo Goto is sipping tea…very gingerly sipping tea. The gunnery officer looked only slightly better than a corpse, and Tamon chuckled quietly to himself at the sight before him. Tamon had paced himself quite well the previous day and was suffering no ill effects from the adventure into Saigon. Katsuo obviously had not….
“Did you have a good time last night Goto-san?” Tamon cheerfully asked.
“Mmmnnnnnughhh…” was the reply.
Tamon was not sure if he’d even tried to make a word or not. However, the answer couldn’t be any plainer. Goto was the victim of too much sake and too little sleep. Such were the hazards of shore leave…
***
A quiet female voice went over the air waves this day. It was broadcast on Radio Tokyo, but in English…
“To the brave defenders of Manila, you must know by now that you have no hope of victory. Your country has forsaken you and left you to starve in a surrounded city. Make it easy on yourselves, surrender now and end your hardships….”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
12 January 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: Docked at Port
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
Commander Murakami waited for all the officers to be seated before beginning to speak.
“We’re received new orders from Combined Fleet Headquarters. We are to join with the destroyer Hamakaze and escort a small resupply convoy to Kuching. Allied four engine bombers have been operating in the area, so we can expect to have to fight off an air raid or two. We will depart as soon as the transports are loaded. Commander Orita of the Hamakaze will be in overall command of the mission.”
“Sir, how heavy will the air resistance be at the destination?” the question came from Katsuo Goto.
“I’m sure your gun crews will get plenty of chances for target practice Goto. The last convoy that made the transit fell under attack multiple times daily. So are there any other questions? No? Dismissed.”
DD Kasumi
Location: Saigon
Course: Docked at Port
Damage: System 02
Orders: Await further orders
***
Commander Murakami waited for all the officers to be seated before beginning to speak.
“We’re received new orders from Combined Fleet Headquarters. We are to join with the destroyer Hamakaze and escort a small resupply convoy to Kuching. Allied four engine bombers have been operating in the area, so we can expect to have to fight off an air raid or two. We will depart as soon as the transports are loaded. Commander Orita of the Hamakaze will be in overall command of the mission.”
“Sir, how heavy will the air resistance be at the destination?” the question came from Katsuo Goto.
“I’m sure your gun crews will get plenty of chances for target practice Goto. The last convoy that made the transit fell under attack multiple times daily. So are there any other questions? No? Dismissed.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
13 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Saigon
Course: None, loading
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Tamon had been tasked with attempting to monitor transmissions from allied aircraft while en route to Kuching. Commander Murakami was also hoping he would be able to intercept transmissions from the legion of submarines that were bound to be lurking in the area. This task was much harder than one would think.
The only real success Tamon had this day was picking up open air short wave communications from a few Dutch bomber formations operating out of Balikpapan. Of course these were next to useless as Tamon had no knowledge of the Dutch language. No doubt these were reports from patrol aircraft, or so Tamon thought.
Later that afternoon a transmission came in from BB Haruna that it had come under attack from multiple twin engine aircraft and float bombers. Haruna had suffered two bomb hits, but damage was limited to minor fires on the foredeck.
Tamon stepped out of the signals house shortly there after to get some fresh air and take a break from the constant dial tuning. He could see the three merchant ships that were being loaded not far away. The appearance of the pallets being lifted by the loading cranes seemed to suggest it was mostly ammunition and food stores. No doubt there would be Army operations in North Western Borneo soon.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Saigon
Course: None, loading
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Tamon had been tasked with attempting to monitor transmissions from allied aircraft while en route to Kuching. Commander Murakami was also hoping he would be able to intercept transmissions from the legion of submarines that were bound to be lurking in the area. This task was much harder than one would think.
The only real success Tamon had this day was picking up open air short wave communications from a few Dutch bomber formations operating out of Balikpapan. Of course these were next to useless as Tamon had no knowledge of the Dutch language. No doubt these were reports from patrol aircraft, or so Tamon thought.
Later that afternoon a transmission came in from BB Haruna that it had come under attack from multiple twin engine aircraft and float bombers. Haruna had suffered two bomb hits, but damage was limited to minor fires on the foredeck.
Tamon stepped out of the signals house shortly there after to get some fresh air and take a break from the constant dial tuning. He could see the three merchant ships that were being loaded not far away. The appearance of the pallets being lifted by the loading cranes seemed to suggest it was mostly ammunition and food stores. No doubt there would be Army operations in North Western Borneo soon.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
14 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Tamon had another long day of trying to tune in Allied short wave radio signals. Again he heard a significant number of them, all in Dutch. And again ships of the task forces around Tarakan report taking hits from Allied bombs.
The air war seemed to be heaviest around Tarakan. At least that is where the Allies seemed to have finally decided to defend. It would do little good of course, once the airbase was secured Japanese fighter units would be able to move in and protect shipping from the constant land based air attacks.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Tamon had another long day of trying to tune in Allied short wave radio signals. Again he heard a significant number of them, all in Dutch. And again ships of the task forces around Tarakan report taking hits from Allied bombs.
The air war seemed to be heaviest around Tarakan. At least that is where the Allies seemed to have finally decided to defend. It would do little good of course, once the airbase was secured Japanese fighter units would be able to move in and protect shipping from the constant land based air attacks.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
15 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 120 miles south of Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Once again communications in Dutch filled the radio waves, though there were not as numerous today as before. Both the Army and the Navy had a stake in the attack on Tarakan, and both had assigned fighter groups to cover the operations there. The Army had assigned Ki-43 Hayabusa’s of the 77th Fighter Squadron to fly long range combat air patrols over the troop formations and the Navy had positioned a detachment of the Tinian air wing to cover the shipping.
While it had resulted in some losses for the Dutch units attempting to disrupt the landing operations, the results had not been as hoped either. Over the course of the afternoon two of the troop transports had taken significant damage, and the Cruiser Mogami had also been hit. In the end, the Dutch effort had been in vain, as the Southern Area Army had reported Tarakan secured and all resistance ended by midnight.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 120 miles south of Saigon
Course: South West
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Once again communications in Dutch filled the radio waves, though there were not as numerous today as before. Both the Army and the Navy had a stake in the attack on Tarakan, and both had assigned fighter groups to cover the operations there. The Army had assigned Ki-43 Hayabusa’s of the 77th Fighter Squadron to fly long range combat air patrols over the troop formations and the Navy had positioned a detachment of the Tinian air wing to cover the shipping.
While it had resulted in some losses for the Dutch units attempting to disrupt the landing operations, the results had not been as hoped either. Over the course of the afternoon two of the troop transports had taken significant damage, and the Cruiser Mogami had also been hit. In the end, the Dutch effort had been in vain, as the Southern Area Army had reported Tarakan secured and all resistance ended by midnight.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
16 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 360 miles south of Saigon
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Tamon finally managed to tune in some American radio transmissions on the short wave radio. They were nothing more than patrol aircraft reporting in submarine and surface ship contacts. The American bombers seemed to have withdrawn from the area.
***
“This is an RKO Radio News Report. Cagayan Falls. With the surrender of the last US forces on Mindanao, Manila remains the last remaining bastion of freedom in the Philippines. A spokesman for the army…”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 360 miles south of Saigon
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Tamon finally managed to tune in some American radio transmissions on the short wave radio. They were nothing more than patrol aircraft reporting in submarine and surface ship contacts. The American bombers seemed to have withdrawn from the area.
***
“This is an RKO Radio News Report. Cagayan Falls. With the surrender of the last US forces on Mindanao, Manila remains the last remaining bastion of freedom in the Philippines. A spokesman for the army…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
17 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 240 miles north of Kuching
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
What had previously been a series of quiet days and useless contacts changed early this morning. The American bombers had sortied against Mersing in force. The attack had not targeted the port or airfield, but the rubber plantations located on the Malay Penninsula.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 240 miles north of Kuching
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
What had previously been a series of quiet days and useless contacts changed early this morning. The American bombers had sortied against Mersing in force. The attack had not targeted the port or airfield, but the rubber plantations located on the Malay Penninsula.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
18 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 120 miles north of Kuching
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Katsuo was in the ward room when Tamon arrived. He did not look up as Tamon poured his tea. Katsuo seemed completely lost in thought when he suddenly spoke up.
“Its worse this way, is it not?”
“What do you mean?” Tamon replied.
“The attack we expect, it never develops. We were told to expect heavy air attacks on the trip, yet no bombers have appeared. It has my gunnery crews on edge. They are twitchy and nervous.”
“Yes that. I guess I’ve been too busy trying to keep track of them to notice. When you have nothing to do, the waiting must be near unbearable.”
“Yes, it is.”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 120 miles north of Kuching
Course: South
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Katsuo was in the ward room when Tamon arrived. He did not look up as Tamon poured his tea. Katsuo seemed completely lost in thought when he suddenly spoke up.
“Its worse this way, is it not?”
“What do you mean?” Tamon replied.
“The attack we expect, it never develops. We were told to expect heavy air attacks on the trip, yet no bombers have appeared. It has my gunnery crews on edge. They are twitchy and nervous.”
“Yes that. I guess I’ve been too busy trying to keep track of them to notice. When you have nothing to do, the waiting must be near unbearable.”
“Yes, it is.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
19 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: Docked
Damage: System 02
Orders: Unload cargo at Kuching
***
Tamon listened intently to the radio through out the day, but all he heard were scattered fragments of transmissions and reports from search aircraft. A small formation of American bombers did attack the troops at Singapore, but the skies over Kuching remained empty. Tamon was beginning to understand what Katsuo meant yesterday morning…the eerie feeling that nothing can give you.
Late in the evening a short coded transmission went out over the radio:
‘4th Infantry Division reports Pakhoi secured.’
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: Docked
Damage: System 02
Orders: Unload cargo at Kuching
***
Tamon listened intently to the radio through out the day, but all he heard were scattered fragments of transmissions and reports from search aircraft. A small formation of American bombers did attack the troops at Singapore, but the skies over Kuching remained empty. Tamon was beginning to understand what Katsuo meant yesterday morning…the eerie feeling that nothing can give you.
Late in the evening a short coded transmission went out over the radio:
‘4th Infantry Division reports Pakhoi secured.’
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
20 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: Docked
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Katsuo gets his wish…
***
Tamon was in the signals house at 0947 when the first report of enemy bombers came in. It was from an H6K patrol aircraft that reported spotting a small formation of four engine bombers 60 miles from Kuching heading East. Tamon quickly informed Commander Murakami and Kasumi went to general quarters…
On the bridge, Murakami quickly took control of his ship. His first order was to the chief engineer, Lieutenant Hinata Saito. “I want this ship away from the moorings and underway in two minutes! And I want full speed after that.”
Kasumi was soon away from the pier and quickly picking up speed. Japanese tactical doctrine required the fleet to spread out and maneuver when under attack. With enough advanced warning, this would be possible. Without advanced warning, the supply convoy would have been easy targets.
Twenty minutes later, Kasumi was underway in and position. The supply ships were not able to get underway however, and they were out of time. In the western horizon, six small birdlike silhouettes could be seen, that slowly grew into the familiar shape of the American B-17 heavy bomber. Soon there after, the bombers were making their attack runs.
They did not make their approach unchallenged however. A swarm of Ki-27 fighters from the 11th Fighter Sentai began diving on the American bombers like angry bees. However, the bombers were too sturdy, and their own defenses proved too great. The fighters were eventually driven off with only 1 of the bombers trailing smoke from its outboard port engine.
Now it was time for Kasumi to join the fray. The big five inch guns were the first to open fire. Puffs of black smoke could be seen in the air around the American bombers, but still they came forth undeterred. In fact it seemed that Kasumi had focused their attention on itself by firing on the bombers, as three of the formation turned to line up a bombing run on Kasumi.
Tamon could feel the shudder through the ships as bomb after bomb exploded off the port and starboard of the ship. The sounds of the explosions were like thunder in the middle of a tempest. Then just as soon as it had started, it was over.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: Docked
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Katsuo gets his wish…
***
Tamon was in the signals house at 0947 when the first report of enemy bombers came in. It was from an H6K patrol aircraft that reported spotting a small formation of four engine bombers 60 miles from Kuching heading East. Tamon quickly informed Commander Murakami and Kasumi went to general quarters…
On the bridge, Murakami quickly took control of his ship. His first order was to the chief engineer, Lieutenant Hinata Saito. “I want this ship away from the moorings and underway in two minutes! And I want full speed after that.”
Kasumi was soon away from the pier and quickly picking up speed. Japanese tactical doctrine required the fleet to spread out and maneuver when under attack. With enough advanced warning, this would be possible. Without advanced warning, the supply convoy would have been easy targets.
Twenty minutes later, Kasumi was underway in and position. The supply ships were not able to get underway however, and they were out of time. In the western horizon, six small birdlike silhouettes could be seen, that slowly grew into the familiar shape of the American B-17 heavy bomber. Soon there after, the bombers were making their attack runs.
They did not make their approach unchallenged however. A swarm of Ki-27 fighters from the 11th Fighter Sentai began diving on the American bombers like angry bees. However, the bombers were too sturdy, and their own defenses proved too great. The fighters were eventually driven off with only 1 of the bombers trailing smoke from its outboard port engine.
Now it was time for Kasumi to join the fray. The big five inch guns were the first to open fire. Puffs of black smoke could be seen in the air around the American bombers, but still they came forth undeterred. In fact it seemed that Kasumi had focused their attention on itself by firing on the bombers, as three of the formation turned to line up a bombing run on Kasumi.
Tamon could feel the shudder through the ships as bomb after bomb exploded off the port and starboard of the ship. The sounds of the explosions were like thunder in the middle of a tempest. Then just as soon as it had started, it was over.
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Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
None of the bombs struck the ship, but there was still minor damage from so many near misses. Tamon’s biggest concern was a short wave radio that had broken loose from its bracket. That would have to be fixed to secure the radio in place.
But there would be little time to rest easy…
***
At 1611 Tamon received another report of enemy aircraft in bound which he quickly relayed to Commander Murakami. This time it was eight American B-17s escorted by a half a dozen Dutch B.339 Buffalo fighters. This time the 11th Fighter Squadron’s Ki-27s had the appropriate time to mount a much fiercer intercept and they did so, claiming three of the escorting fighters before turning on the sturdy B-17s. But just as the morning raid, the nimble Ki-27s could not bring down the lumbering bombers.
Kasumi again opened fire at optimum range and was again rewarded with the bombers turning their attention on the audacious destroyer. Again, bombs rained down falling to the port and starboard of the ship, but none managed to score a hit. And again, minor damage was reported through out the various duty stations once the raid was over.
Once again, the raid was over quickly and the routine and quiet soon returned to the ship’s decks. A message was sent from Commander Orita to the task force that the cargo ships should expedite their unloading. A wise decision given the attention that had been brought to the five ship group.
But there would be little time to rest easy…
***
At 1611 Tamon received another report of enemy aircraft in bound which he quickly relayed to Commander Murakami. This time it was eight American B-17s escorted by a half a dozen Dutch B.339 Buffalo fighters. This time the 11th Fighter Squadron’s Ki-27s had the appropriate time to mount a much fiercer intercept and they did so, claiming three of the escorting fighters before turning on the sturdy B-17s. But just as the morning raid, the nimble Ki-27s could not bring down the lumbering bombers.
Kasumi again opened fire at optimum range and was again rewarded with the bombers turning their attention on the audacious destroyer. Again, bombs rained down falling to the port and starboard of the ship, but none managed to score a hit. And again, minor damage was reported through out the various duty stations once the raid was over.
Once again, the raid was over quickly and the routine and quiet soon returned to the ship’s decks. A message was sent from Commander Orita to the task force that the cargo ships should expedite their unloading. A wise decision given the attention that had been brought to the five ship group.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
21 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: Docked
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Quiet returned to the little supply task force. No air attacks and no submarine contacts. The cargo ships would require a few more hours the next morning to finish unloading. After yesterday’s events, they could not possibly unload fast enough for Tamon’s liking.
Over the civilian band radio…
***
“This is a BBC News Report. Singapore holds. Despite determined Japanese assaults, the tiny island defiantly holds against overwhelming odds. A spokesman for the Royal Navy….”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: Docked
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
Quiet returned to the little supply task force. No air attacks and no submarine contacts. The cargo ships would require a few more hours the next morning to finish unloading. After yesterday’s events, they could not possibly unload fast enough for Tamon’s liking.
Over the civilian band radio…
***
“This is a BBC News Report. Singapore holds. Despite determined Japanese assaults, the tiny island defiantly holds against overwhelming odds. A spokesman for the Royal Navy….”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
22 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: North
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
The last of the supplies were offloaded in the hours before dawn and the task force got underway heading north. There was almost a collective sigh of relief that could be felt on the ship as Kasumi got underway. They had craved action, and found that perhaps it was not a good thing.
***
“This is a BBC Radio News report. Assault on Sumatra begins. Japanese paratroopers have landed on the eastern coast of Sumatra near Bankha. Initial reports are of heavy Dutch losses in and around the city…”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: Kuching
Course: North
Damage: System 02
Orders: Escort supply ships to Kuching
***
The last of the supplies were offloaded in the hours before dawn and the task force got underway heading north. There was almost a collective sigh of relief that could be felt on the ship as Kasumi got underway. They had craved action, and found that perhaps it was not a good thing.
***
“This is a BBC Radio News report. Assault on Sumatra begins. Japanese paratroopers have landed on the eastern coast of Sumatra near Bankha. Initial reports are of heavy Dutch losses in and around the city…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
23 January 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 240 miles north of Kuching
Course: North
Damage: System 02
Orders: Return to Saigon
***
The quiet continued overnight and by now the task force would be out of range of Allied land based air. The damage the task force had sustained was minor. No direct hits had been scored and only a few items of equipment had been rattled loose from their mountings. Overall, the first real action Kasumi encountered had been successful.
The radio waves were fairly quiet until late in the morning when the Chinese Air Force had attacked Hong Kong. Distress signals were heard from ships inside the port. Apparently the Allies were attacking ships that had made stops for repairs in the harbor at Hong Kong.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 90
Location: 240 miles north of Kuching
Course: North
Damage: System 02
Orders: Return to Saigon
***
The quiet continued overnight and by now the task force would be out of range of Allied land based air. The damage the task force had sustained was minor. No direct hits had been scored and only a few items of equipment had been rattled loose from their mountings. Overall, the first real action Kasumi encountered had been successful.
The radio waves were fairly quiet until late in the morning when the Chinese Air Force had attacked Hong Kong. Distress signals were heard from ships inside the port. Apparently the Allies were attacking ships that had made stops for repairs in the harbor at Hong Kong.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'