The Japanese ships turn west for a bit to avoid any chance of being detected at the last minute. As far as they can tell, however, the enemy has no idea where they are. There is a good deal of American radio traffic, but none of it is close. The Japanese cannot understand any of it, but to Admiral Nagumo’s intelligence analysts it shows all the signs of an intense and unsuccessful seach underway over a wide area to the south and east.
Clever! I'll bet Wolffpack was guilty of some unguarded language when playing those turns . . . [:D]
It's a pretty safe bet that when I show anything in this AAR regarding the Allies' thinking or motives it's taken directly from my opponent's emails.
Location: 175 miles north of Baker Island
Course: Nothwest
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 9
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 209
Orders: Return to Kwajalein.
---
High above the ocean north of Baker island cruises a Laysan albatross. The Laysan albatross, while not large by albatross standards, is nonetheless an impressive bird with a wingspan of close to seven feet. Right now the albatross is looking down on a large group of Japanese ships heading northwest.
The albatross tilts its wings slightly to take maximum advantage of the air currents as it looks down at the ships. That the location of this task force is the number one matter of concern to US forces in the Pacific right now doesn’t matter to it at all. That this collection of ships is currently the most powerful naval force at sea anywhere in the world does not matter to the albatross either. What matters to the albatross is that there are not likely to be any schools of fish down there with all the commotion going on, and so it needs to look elsewhere for its next meal.
This particular bird nests on Baker Island. It and its kindred nest across the northern and central Pacific, from the shores of Japan to the shores of America. They do not care which nation controls which island. They know nothing of the conflict taking place across thousands of miles of ocean. But when the bombs stop falling and the ships are all mothballed or broken up for scrap they will still be there, gliding over the waters and looking for fish.
The albatross tilts its wings slightly and angles away. Far below the Japanese ships continue on their course.
---
“Except for that albatross up there the sky is empty,” remarks Lieutenant Miharu, scanning the horizon with his binoculars. Nearby Ensign Izu lifts his own binoculars and looks at the bird, which is now banking away from the task force and falling behind.
“It’s a Laysan albatross,” he says. “They look a bit like very large gulls.” Lieutenant Miharu looks over at him.
“Laysan?” he says.
“Yes sir,” says Izu. “Named for an island in the Hawaiian chain, I think. They nest all over the Pacific, especially there and at Midway. There are some in the Bonins, too,” he adds, as if not to make the birds seem too partial to the Americans.
“You seem to know a bit about them, Ensign” says Miharu. Izu fidgets a little, slightly embarrassed.
“Yes sir. I had ambitions to be an ornithologist when I was younger,” he said. “My father would not hear of such a thing, but I still like observing them.” The two officers stand for a moment, watching the albatross disappear from view.
“I have heard that American and European sailors view them as omens of good luck, and that it is very bad to kill one,” says Miharu.
“Really?” says Izu. “Interesting, sir. I did not think that Westerners had beliefs regarding animals the way we do in Japan.” Lieutenant Miharu chuckles.
“I think,” he says, “that one thing can be truly said about sailors, whatever port they call home. They tend to be superstitious.”
Location: 410 miles northwest of Baker Island
Course: Nothwest
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 9
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 178
Location: 180 miles east of Mili
Course: Nothwest
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 9
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 147
Orders: Return to Kwajalein.
---
Taiki and Riku are in the forward 25mm gun tub with a bucket of grease, lubricating the gun carriage. It had rained earlier in the day and it is still cloudy, so while the air is warm and humid they feel fortunate not to be in the direct sun.
When the job is finished they test the action in the swivel and elevation of the guns. Taiki is satisfied, so they cap the bucket and prepare to climb down the ladder.
“May I ask a question, Petty Officer Takahashi?” asks Shiro, wiping his hands on a rag. Taiki sighs inwardly. He would like to tell his friend to just drop the titles when they were alone, but he knows this is a bad idea.
“Certainly, Seaman Kuramata,” is what he replies.
“I was talking the other day with Ri…with Seaman Ariga,” says Shiro, “and he said something about the books that would be written about this war after it is over.”
“It’s an interesting thought,” says Taiki. “I imagine there will be a great many of them.” Shiro nods.
“That’s what I thought too, Petty Officer,” he says. “But I imagine that most of them will be written by officers or by historians. Tell me, do you think that anyone would want to read a book written by an ordinary sailor?” Taiki pauses for a moment and thinks about the question.
“I think so,” he says. “Certainly I would. But I think even those who aren’t sailors might want to read such a book. I rather think most historians will see things in terms of battleships and aircraft carriers, in terms of strategy and the doings of admirals and statesmen. The point of view of someone on a small ship in the middle of a big war might be very interesting. Why?” he asks. “Are you thinking of writing something like that?” Shiro shrugs and looks a little embarrassed.
“No, not really,” he says. “I am just a woodcarver at heart. I am not a very good writer. I just wondered if anyone will tell our story when this is all over.”
“Someone should,” says Taiki.
---
Excerpt from “Japanese Destroyer Attack!” by Shiro Kuramata, Ballentine Mori Press, 1963. Translated by Captain Ben Packard, USN (ret.). Original Japanese title: “Small Ship, Big War”.
…but of course none of us below decks knew what all the running around was for at the time. We just knew that we had spent almost every day of the last three months at sea, and that we were tired both mentally and physically. It is true that we had not been under attack in that time, but all the same there is much physically demanding work in the day to day operation of a warship. Also, the need to remain constantly alert in conditions where attack could come at any time from enemy planes, submarines, and surface ships is very draining when sustained for a long period.
Fortunately the ship’s machinery also needed rest, so we had hopes that perhaps when we got to Kwajalein we would get at least a few days ashore. As it turned out our wishes were granted…
Excerpt from “Japanese Destroyer Attack!” by Shiro Kuramata, Ballentine Mori Press, 1963. Translated by Captain Ben Packard, USN (ret.). Original Japanese title: “Small Ship, Big War”.
Well, we know of someone who most likely survived the war.....
Excerpt from “Japanese Destroyer Attack!” by Shiro Kuramata, Ballentine Mori Press, 1963. Translated by Captain Ben Packard, USN (ret.). Original Japanese title: “Small Ship, Big War”.
Well, we know of someone who most likely survived the war.....
I think CF is still planning to get the Hibiki out of this mess in one piece. He'll probably dock her in Paramushiro (sp?) once the allied assault starts. [;)]
"Mighty is the Thread! Great are its works and insane are its inhabitants!" -Brother Mynok
I think CF is still planning to get the Hibiki out of this mess in one piece. He'll probably dock her in Paramushiro (sp?) once the allied assault starts.
Probably not necessary. Even if Hibiki gets blown out of the water, Cuttlefish can always declare that Kuramata was a freak survivor.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
If Hibiki is sunk, I hope CF will continue this fantastic AAR. It may be a "scenarist trick" to drop the less appreciated characters... Then the surviving crew members could either continue the war on different ships/units, or reform a crew and man one of the new Japanese DD (as DD are produced during all the war).
If the Hibiki was sent on a "hiding place", this AAR will probably describe nothing of what is happening. CF is very realistic in the fact that the Hibiki crew and officers have a small idea of what is going around them, some data about what is happening in the area and close to nothing on the rest of the war...
I think CF is still planning to get the Hibiki out of this mess in one piece. He'll probably dock her in Paramushiro (sp?) once the allied assault starts.
Probably not necessary. Even if Hibiki gets blown out of the water, Cuttlefish can always declare that Kuramata was a freak survivor.
Well, he could also have him transfer off the ship, or have him in the hospital right before it gets sunk (it helps to be 1 month ahead in the game so you can make the AAR come out right.) [8D][:D]
I am not looking forward to the day when the Hibiki sinks. It's not guaranteed to happen, of course, but the odds of any given Japanese warship surviving the entire war are not good. May the day be long delayed!
Location: 50 miles east of Majuro
Course: Nothwest
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 9
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 116
Orders: Return to Kwajalein.
---
Seaman Second Class Yoshitake staggers into the Hibiki’s forward ammunition storage locker and dumps his large armload of empty 25mm magazines in a convenient corner. His gun crew has just finished a long drill and these empty magazines had been used in speed drills. The gun captain, PO3 Takahashi, has the gun crew practice swapping out the pathetically small magazines over and over, trying to get the best possible rate of fire out of the gun.
Yoshitake is tired. He leaves the magazines where they are and turns to leave. Standing in the open doorway is Takahashi.
“Do you think that perhaps those magazines might be stowed a little more securely, Seaman Yoshitake?” ask Takahashi in a mild voice. As if to underscore the point a tilt of the ship sends one of the magazines slithering a little ways across the deck with a metallic rattle. Yoshitake sighs inwardly. He is hungry and wants to get some food before it’s all gone.
“Sorry,” he says, “I’ll get them stowed away correctly.” He turns to do that and suddenly Takahashi is in front of him again, this time only a few inches away.
“What did you just say?” the young petty officer says in a quiet voice. Yoshitake thinks for only a second before realizing his mistake. It is still very easy to think of Takahashi as one of the guys.
“My apologies,” he says quickly. “I meant, I will get them stowed away correctly, Petty Officer Takahashi.” Takahashi nods. When he speaks again his voice is still quiet, but there is a cold note in it that makes Yoshitake wince.
“Yes you will, Seaman Yoshitake,” he says. “In addition, you will inventory every item in this locker and make certain it is properly secured. When you are done bring me the list. I will then inspect your work. Is that all clear?” Yoshitake nods quickly.
“Yes s…yes, Petty Officer. It will be as you say.” Takahashi tilts his head slightly in acknowledgment.
“Very good. Carry on then, Seaman Yoshitake, without delay.” He leaves. Yoshitake looks around at the myriad items crowding the area and sighs to himself. Forget dinner, he will be lucky to get breakfast at this rate. Petty officers, he thinks bitterly. Don’t they have any purpose in life other than to make enlisted men’s lives miserable?
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 9
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Return to Kwajalein.
---
Little has changed at Kwajalein since the Hibiki departed 18 days ago. The task forces begin to separate as the ships reach the atoll, with different ships heading to different anchorages.
“Flash signal from the Shokaku, Captain,” says a lookout. “Admiral Nagumo to all escorts, well done and thank you.” On the bridge Captain Ishii nods.
“Send an acknowledgment,” he replies. “Engine room, speed ahead one half.” He cons the ship through the South Passage and into the lagoon. As ordered, he has Hibiki join a line of destroyers anchored off Namur. The anchors splash into the clear water of the lagoon, and the ship is secured.
Task force 79 is broken up. Captain Ishii heads ashore to discover what their orders are now, and every man on the ship has the same hope; that the Hibiki and her crew will be granted at least a little rest before being sent out once again.
“What did you just say?” the young petty officer says in a quiet voice. Yoshitake thinks for only a second before realizing his mistake. It is still very easy to think of Takahashi as one of the guys.
Had a few similar conversations with my PO1s when I made Chief Petty Officer. It normally only took once. Takahashi is learning the ropes well...
Chez
Ret Navy AWCS (1972-1998)
VP-5, Jacksonville, Fl 1973-78
ASW Ops Center, Rota, Spain 1978-81
VP-40, Mt View, Ca 1981-87
Patrol Wing 10, Mt View, CA 1987-90
ASW Ops Center, Adak, Ak 1990-92
NRD Seattle 1992-96
VP-46, Whidbey Isl, Wa 1996-98
Poor Seaman Yoshitake...named after a mushroom. No wonder he gets no respect. Bunkmates always complaining about the musty smell. I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks.
After a few years away from WITP I have been catching up on AAR's while relearning the game. I'm only on page 10 but this is one of my favs right now. Excellent writing, very entertaining.
thanks! [8D]
"I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer."-Note sent with Congressman Washburne from Spotsylvania, May 11, 1864, to General Halleck. - General Ulysses S. Grant
After a few years away from WITP I have been catching up on AAR's while relearning the game. I'm only on page 10 but this is one of my favs right now. Excellent writing, very entertaining.
thanks! [8D]
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 9
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Perform routine maintenance and repairs and await further orders.
---
[font="Courier New"]20 October 1942
From: Rear Admiral Nabeshima Shunsaku, Chief of Staff Fourth Fleet, Kwajalein
To: Destroyer Hibiki, Lieutenand Commander Ishii Hagumu commanding
Orders: You are directed to remain at Kwajalein and moor alongside repair vessel Nichii Maru. Coordinate repair and maintenance efforts with commander of said vessel. Maintain 24 hour alert status.[/font]
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 8
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Perform routine maintenance and repairs and await further orders.
---
Ensigns Izu and Handa step into an officer’s club on Namur and peer through the smoke and noise for a table. In this case the designation “officer’s club” means that the bar is housed in a hut instead of a tent, is almost clean, and serves a slightly better class of liquor.
The two ensigns from the Hibiki do not see a place to sit right away. There are a lot of ships at Kwajalein at the moment, and the place is crowded. As they look around an arm waves from a nearby table. The ensigns walk over and see two men at a four-man table.
“Have a seat,” says the arm-waver over the noise. He is obviously a pilot. Sitting next to him is an army officer who is eyeing the two ensigns warily. Handa looks at Izu and shrugs. As there is apparently nowhere else to sit the two men pull up chairs.
“Greetings,” says the pilot. “I’m Warrant Officer Abe, from the Hiryu.” He indicates the army officer. “This fine gentleman is Lieutenant Tomonaga. We were just toasting to friendship between the Army and the Navy.” He pauses and sways slightly. “And toasting a good many other things too,” he adds. At his gesture a waiter brings a fresh round of drinks to the table.
“I will toast friendship between the Army and Navy,” says Izu. “My father is in the Army.” He and Handa raise their glasses and Lieutenant Tomonaga relaxes and raises his glass too. The men drink.
Handa introduces himself and Izu. “So, we have been at sea quite a while,” he says. “What is the news from the rest of the war?” Abe shrugs.
“I have not heard much,” he says. “It’s been pretty quiet since Wake.” At the mention of Wake Lieutenant Tomonaga shudders and tosses down the rest of his drink. Abe pats him on the shoulder. “Sorry,” he says, then continues. “Lots of air battles over Burma, but little ground fighting there any more. We hold Burma and the British hold India, and there has been little change for months.”
“There is still a lot of fighting in China,” says Tomonaga. “I hear we have surrounded Homan.” Abe snorts.
“We always have some place in China surrounded,” he says. “We take another city, smash another Chinese army, and always there are more cities to take and more armies to smash.” Tomonaga shrugs.
“Anything from the Americans?” asks Izu. Both Abe and Tomonaga shake their heads.
“The Americans have given up,” declares Abe. “They know they cannot attack us head on and win. They are only staying in the war to save face.” At this Tomonaga leans forward.
“I think you are wrong,” he says in a voice low enough that the others have to strain to hear him over the clatter and noise. “I have stared them in the eyes as I fought them, my friend, something you cannot do from the cockpit of your fighter. I have stared them in the eyes and I can tell you that they are not going to quit. They are going to come for us and when they do we had better be ready.” He leans back and runs his hand over his face, then looks at the others again. “They are going to come,” he repeats. The others sit in silence for a moment at his pronouncement.
Abe breaks the mood by calling for more drinks. Soon he has the others riveted by the tale of his sixth and latest kill, a duel between his Zero-sen fighter and a American Wildcat over the fleet at Wake. His hands dip and swoop as he describes the movement of the two planes. Handa and Izu down a couple more drinks each and for the moment forget Tomonaga’s grim pronouncement.
Much later that night, though, as he is falling asleep in his bunk back aboard the Hibiki, Ensign Izu recalls the look in Tomonaga’s eyes. “They are going to come,” he mumbles, echoing the army lieutenant’s words. He falls into a slightly drunken sleep, and his dreams that night are restless and troubled.
