breaking rocks - Ens stone

[1275psi]

Nov 28/1941

Uss Enterprise

.S.S. ENTERPRISE
At SeaNovember 28, 1941
BATTLE ORDER NUMBER ONE
1. The ENTERPRISE is now operating under war conditions.
2. At any time, day or night, we must be ready for instantaction.
3. Hostile submarines may be encountered.
4. The importance of every officer and man being speciallyalert and vigilant while on watch at his battle stationmust be fully realized by all hands.
5. The failure of one man to carry out his assigned taskpromptly, particularly the lookouts, those manning thebatteries, and all those on watch on the deck, mightresult in great loss of life and even loss of the ship.
6. The Captain is confident all hands will prove equal toany emergency that may develop.
7. It is part of the tradition of our Navy that, when putto the test, all hands keep cool, keep their heads, andFIGHT.
8. Steady nerves and stout hearts are needed now.
G. D. MURRAY,Captain, U.S. NavyCommanding
Approved: November 28, 1941.

from the diary of Ens Stone
So there it is.
Things are serious.
And Skinny reckoned it would never come to this.
Tomorrow our first patrol fully armed.
feels wierd.



CHS 2.08, scene 157c
vs Robert lee
Pdu on
not many house rules -i have offerd to let him have george fighters carrier based though, not sure if he will take me up.

[1275psi]

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV6)
CV6/A16-3(11-Kz) At Sea,
November 28, 1941.

BATTLE ORDER NUMBER TWO - 41

Subject: Supervisor - Instructions for.

The Supervisor of the Watch will see that the following provisions for action against hostile craft are carried out whenever conditions warrant:
Current developments have changed the "challenging" situation to some extent, in that we are now on a war basis and must be ready to open fire without hesitation should suspicious contacts be made.
Carrier doctrine - for exercise or for war - still requires use of evasive tactics in all cases of possible hostile contact. ENTERPRISE must not disclose its presence by challenging or opening fire unless we are obviously being sighted or will soon be sighted. Fire emergency identification signal if ENTERPRISE comes under fire or appears in danger of being fired upon and immediately thereafter open fire if the correct answer to challenge is not properly made.
If a submarine is encountered at close range immediately turn toward or away, depending on whether she is forward or aft of the beam. Open fire, and if turning toward, attempt to ram the submarine, unless she makes the proper recognition signal. In that case give submarine as wide a berth as possible and have plane guard check on identity.
At night, if the plane guard fails to challenge when a contact with any unknown vessel, other than a submarine, is made, ENTERPRISE shall challenge immediately and open fire without delay, unless proper identification is made by the stranger.
Until the return of ENTERPRISE to port, the Supervisor, as direct representative of the Captain, will consider all submarine contacts to be hostile vessels and will take immediate necessary action to avoid attack and will order fire to be opened when deemed necessary, without waiting for the Captain's arrival on the bridge.
Fire against aircraft, or vessels other than submarines, will not be opened without reference to the Captain, except when it is evident that an actual attack on ENTERPRISE is being made.
(Signed) G. D. MURRAY
Captain, U.S. Navy,
Commanding.
APPROVED, November 28, 1941.
(Signed) W. F. Halsey
Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy,
Commander Aircraft, Battle Force.


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[1275psi]

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
November 28, 1941.

MEMORANDUM FOR: SUPERVISORS and DECK WATCH OFFICERS.

Subject: Current information.

AIRCRAFT:
Readiness:
Normal Condition of Readiness of the Air Department is Flight Quarters or Condition III.
4 VF planes in Condition II daylight to sunset.
1 VB plane in Condition II with 2 depth charges loaded.
All VF, VB, VS, and VT planes on board are loaded to capacity with free and fixed gun ammunition.
Bombs are in ready condition in the magazines.
Torpedoes with war heads in ready condition in torpedo storage.
Every plane leaving the ship will carry 3 message droppers.
Plane sighting submarine will:
Zoom it.
Drop float light
Open fire with machine guns
Report position by radio ONLY in case it is evident no surface vessel's attention has been attracted.
BATTERY:
Readiness: - Fire Control is in Condition of Readiness III, with ready ammunition at the guns as follows:

50 rounds per 5" gun
20 clips - 160 rounds per barrel - 1.1" guns.
1000 rounds per barrel .50 caliber machine guns.
RADIO:
Ship and aircraft will observe strict radio silence except for contacts. Merchantmen will be reported by aircraft message drops.
A watch-in-3, Officer Watch, is being maintained in Radar Plot and the Radar instrument being continuously manned and operated, at prescribed intervals, day and night.
SHIP CONTROL
Condition of Readiness III.
At least once each watch all lookouts will be inspected to ascertain that men are familiar with sectors to be covered and clearly understand that they will not abandon search of their own sector when contacts have been reported in another sector.
Control Officers will have their attention brought to the necessity of ascertaining that all battery officers understand their assigned sectors and are familiar with the location of own ships within those sectors.
The Officer of the Deck will maintain current familiarity with challenge and recognition signals and require necessary changes to be made at times specified.
The Supervisor, Officer of the Deck and Junior Officer of the Deck will keep themselves currently informed of the disposition and the location of ships therein.
FLOATING OBJECTS
All floating objects whose character is in anyway uncertain should be avoided. Mines may be secured to dummy periscopes, water-logged boats, or to wreckage or to other objects or they may be tethered in pairs to floating objects.
(Signed) T. P. JETER
Commander, U.S. Navy,
Executive Officer.
CC: OOD Order Book
All Officers


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[1275psi]

5/12/41

It struck me all of a sudden
here we were, nearly 100 of us, silver service, stewards all about, all the trappings of the rank. Smiling faces, good food, and tonight a calm sea.

All peacful and well. Yet the undercurrent was there . Earlier today the Captain had addressed us.
Large numbers of japanese ships spotted headed towards malaya.
recon flights over Manilla.
And most disturbing, something brewing to our North
A huge storm front stretches from just east of wake, curling around to the north of midway, and we will be in it tomorrow.
But this evening a Catalina from Midway made a dusk contact -transports, many transports to the west of the front.
And then silence

For all intents and purposes this ship is at war.
And i look around at this great wardroom, and wonder -if war comes -how many will see its end?

[1275psi]

Dec 7, 1942

General Quarters sounded at 7.10 am this morning.

Bull was calm, yet icy on the tavoy

"today, at 7 am precisely, the Empire of japan declared war upon the united states, Britain and her allies
Congress is in emergency session as I speak. We expect an answer with in a hour.
At the moment I have reports of enemy landings at wake, numerous landings in the phillipines, and an invasion of malaya is underway.

Surface raiders are active near Ponate

Further reports are that wake appears to be holding.
This ship is at war. I expect nothing more than every man to fight..
Orders of the day will be issued shortly.

I do not fear the jap.
You have trained hard for this moment, have faith in your ship, in your shipmates.
that is all."

"All pilots to the ready room"

The ship is alive with excitement, and i admit trepidation. But Bull is right. we will fight.
The briefing is very interesting. There are many reports of enemy ships to the North of Midway, and wake -and many more apperently headed east -pwearl is on high alert -and the fleet has cleared the harbour.
Although several minor jap carriers are operating of the Phillipines , the location of the main Jap fleet is unknown.
We will rendevou with the big lady, and head west -to relieve wake.

Skinny -skinny by name - skinny by nature - my rear gunner, is very excited.

he want badly to be the first to use the new licence issued today......

[1275psi]

Dec 8/1941

The ship has been in an uproar all day, as we strip it of anything and everything combustable.
A steady stream of wreckage trails behind the ship.
The XO -Commander T.P.jetper, is on the warpath. he already has gangs of men striiping the paint from baulkheads.

I flew my 1st combat patrol today -ASW, lap after lap, looking for subs -and we know they are about.
I expected the flight to be different -but still the old girl trundled off the deck the same, the engine roared the same -and I still have to crane my neck to see whare Im going..

The evening bought news across the tanoy -all yet to be confirmed.
Midway being shelled
wake reports the enemy destroyed -a great cheer courses through the ship at this news
large invasions in the phillipines -the pope is reported sunk.
As dusk falls, Enterprise meets the lexington and escorts.
the sharp sword of the pacific fleet begins to race north west -towards midway.
And finally, congress declares war on japan.
Tomorow our flight will bomb up -Cv Zuikaka has been sighted -320 miles north east of midway -moving west.
I think Bull wants the tankers.

[1275psi]

9/ dec 41
A day of incredible tension
we spent it all in the ready room, twice today I thought we were about to go, twice the flights were scrubbed.
The old crate is bombed up, and the decks are ready -a terribly dangerous thing.
The CVs mark time, as Bull ponders his choices.

Around Mid day Midway radios -under attack! -90 vals attacking!, then another strike of 45

If we move North -2 carriers vs 6?
Shoot -that would be bad.
So the day passes agonisingly slowly -as Midway struggles for life
How absolutely galling!
Some of us want to attack, others say suicide will not help.

Wake held -maybe Midway can too!

The stripping of flammables continues through out the ship.
Midway is bombed:

[1275psi]

MATERIAL READINESS

General
The material readiness of the ship is equal in importance to any other element of readiness for war. This should be borne in mind by all heads of departments in planning their drill and work schedules and by all officers in their inspections of the ship. The attainment of the results contemplated by a thorough material readiness condition is based on four broad principles. They are:
Complete knowledge of current material needs and deficiencies.
Knowledge of the resources within the ship for maintenance of material.
Vigorous prosecution and adequate inspection of the work to insure that it is proceeding as planned.
Careful planning and foresight in order to insure the accomplishment of the required work by using the resources available.
These principles require a continued effort during daily, weekly, and all other inspections to discover and list all deficiencies; a complete knowledge of the capabilities of the men and equipment within the ship in order that, with due consideration of the other demands for the employment of the ship's personnel and equipment, repair ships and navy yards will not be called upon to do work within the capacity of the ship's force; a careful attention to the ship's employment schedules and to the necessity of having muster and drills at such times as to interfere least with maintenance work during the upkeep and overhaul periods; and, a system of inspection and check-off to insure the proper completion of the work.
Material Upkeep, Repairs, and Alterations
The accomplishment of repairs and material upkeep, in so far as mechanical and clerical work is required, is outlined in brief in this section; classification and explanation of the principals and details involved are contained in the following sections.
Ship's force repairs must be accomplished with the minimum paper work and delay by artificers and office personnel consistent with a complete record of each repair. Shops and service groups should turn out work rather than spend time in complicated book keeping. An entry in a rough station ledger showing (a) service required and location, (b) time request was received, (c) time service is completed, is sufficient record. This applies to such jobs as stoppage of water and steam leaks, renewal of light bulbs, minor adjustments to electrical and mechanical equipment and minor repairs to doors and furniture.
A List of Service Stations and Ships follow:-
Air Department
Metal Shop: Location: Hangar deck aft. Stbd. side.
Telephone: 586. Frame 174.
Service: Equipped for aircraft metal work, arc and Oxy, acetylene welding. Metal heat treatment. This shop for repair and upkeep of metal structure and parts of aircraft.

Wing & Dope Shop: Location: Hangar deck aft. port side.
Telephone: 887. Frame 174.
Service: This shop for repairs and upkeep of fabric and wood work of aircraft.

Engine Overhaul: Location: O1 deck port side.
Telephone: 457. Frame 128 to 141.
Service: Equipped for overhauling and upkeep of aircraft engines only. Overhauling, upkeep and repairs to aircraft engines, outboard motor for recreation kept here, obtained on request.

Instrument Shop: Location: O2 deck, stbd. side.
Telephone: None. Frame 106.
Service: Equipped for overhaul and repair to aircraft and other instruments.

C&R Department
Shipfitter's Shop: Location: Stbd. side hangar deck frame 130 to 142.
Telephone: 293.
Service: Equipped for sheet metal work, plumbing, repairs to structure of ship, air testing, electric and acetylene welding and cutting. Portable arc welding outfit. Repairs to: Fresh water; salt water; compressed air above the third deck. Sheet metal work, welding. Repairs to ship's structure.

Carpenter Shop: Location: 2nd deck aft. Frame 165 to 174.
Telephone: 878.
Service: Equipped for all types of wood work and repairs, pattern making, sanding, etc.

Engineering Department
Machine Shop: Location: Port side, second deck, frame 112 to 126.
Telephone: 359.
Service: Equipped: Machinery and equipment for all general machine shop work. Repairs and manufacturing of articles for all departments on request. Duty man at all times for urgent repair work.

Pipe & Copper Shop: Location: Stbd. side hangar deck, frame 112.
Telephone: 393.
Service: Equipped: Coppersmith work, arc and acetylene welding and cutting. Repairs to Engineering piping. Coppersmith and pipe work on request. Steam heating, constant and drain stream lines throughout the ship. Duty man on call at all times for repairs. Siren and whistle repairs.

Blacksmith Shop Location: Stbd. side hangar deck, frame 102.
Telephone: 287 or 393.
Service: Equipped for all types of blacksmith work. Small brass castings can be made upon request, patterns to be furnished with request.

Boat Shop: Location: Stbd. side hangar deck, frame 102.
Telephone: 287.
Service: Equipped for overhaul and repairs to motor boats and diesel emergency generators. Duty repairman for all boats and emergency generator on duty in this shop at all times.

Electrical Work Shop: Location: 2nd deck, port side, frame 126 to 130.
Telephone: 259.
Service: Equipped for all types of electrical work for ship. Duty electrician for repairs to lower lighting and power. Other electrical work on request.

Topside Lighting Shop: Location: O2 deck, frame 102 to 106 stbd. side.
Telephone: 669.
Service: Duty electrician for repairs to upper lighting and power.

Interior Communication Room: Location: 6th platform deck, frame 72 to 82.
Telephone: 236 and 237.
Service: Duty electrician on call for all repairs to telephones and other I.C. equipment.

Radio Repair Shop: Location: Port side flight deck catwalk, frame 112 to 124.
Telephone: 247.
Service: Repairs and upkeep for radio material.

Gunnery Department
Optical Work Shop: Location: O5 deck, frame 106, aft of superstructure.
Telephone: 414.
Service: Equipped for upkeep and repairs to all types of optical equipment.

[1275psi]

10/12/41
Another completely frustrating day

The enemy carrier fleet is 180 miles west of Midway island, covering the invasion there.
We cannot face them , so Bull is trying his best to get around them, to get the tankers we know are to the north of midway.

I think of it this way, its like trying to steal the bone of a junkyard dog -if you get in range -we are going to get a shallacking.

Not all the news today was bad -our captain announced that Mac in the Phillipines has thrown the japs back at some place called naga.

The brits claim a "steady withdrawal" -heard that crap from them for the last 2 years, so i expect they are getting a whalloping.

At dusk tonight, Bull detaches the CAs Portland and Northampton, and 4 destroyers -orders -to get past the enemy fleet -and hit the transports.
We in turn will spend the night in high speed dash to the north east - lets get around them>

Poignant sight, watching the Portland go by -a desperate act i think.
Shoot -I just want to see some action!. This is SO BAD! -waiting to see if i have IT!

Portland detaches

[1275psi]

11/12/41

"do you hear there"
The tannoy really does grab you today

"last night our two heavy cruisers heavily engaged the enemy fleet at Midway. They are believed to be retiring at this time.
The enemy carriers are reported to be retiring west from midway, along with many of the battlewagons engaged last night.
With regret i must inform you that the island fell to overwhelming numbers just after dawn this morning.
Therefore I intend to continue to move Northeast, and rendevou with tankers tonight, and then to , all things being equal, to launch a strike on japanese shipping gathered still at Midway
I am confident that we can achieve surprise, as the enemy fleet must surely be needed elsewhere by then.
I ask you to be patient, we will get a chance to hit back at the bastards.
Kill japs, kill more japs.
That is all"

[1275psi]

12/1241
The nightmare occurred only minutes after 10 am
ENS Stone and Skinny had just followed their dauntless up the elevator, and into its spot on deck, the CAP now firmly in the air.

the day was clear, calm, the sea smooth.
The sun shone hotly
The call to general quarters abruptly cut through the air.
To Ens Stone -it all happened far too quickly.
Out of the corner of one eye he could see the gun crews frantically feeding their guns, and even as he reached his plane, desperately trying to get his gear into place, he could feel the skin on the back of his neck crawl as the unmistakable scream of dive bombers cut through the growing cresendo of flack.

The first val delivered bomb landed just 8 feet from his plane -catching him just as he swung his leg over into the cockpit.

There was no noise
Just a tremendous push -and he was flying backwards -and down, clear over the side of the enterprise, and the ocean rose up , and struck him.

[1275psi]

Enterprise is sunk:
Lexington too:

its a bad day for the Allies
Even worse for Ensign stone -the ocean is a very, very big place to be floating alone.

[1275psi]

Now i really really feel for Rrobertson -remember him -the man who found every possible way to lose a CV!

[veji1]

whaoo that was quicker than Ens Hanamoto's demise (I miss the guy, I loved this AAR...).

[1275psi]

Well ensign Stone sank.

But the war just started, so Im going for another Character -one closer to my heart this time

13/12/41

Somewhere between Melbourne and Sydney, the Southern Arouraa long train cleaved the night. Inside, packed 8 men to a cabin, the latest draft of recently passed out of Cerberus sailors struggled to find comfort, sleep, or booze.
Ls Lang -langy to his mates, stared out at the darkness , and wondered about what might, or might not lay ahead of him.
A mixture of emotions were inside him.
Sadness at leaving, once again, his family in the green fields of Warrnambool, and excitement at the thought of once again re joining his other family, a mess deck of stokers, this time on a new ship, but a great ship - one that he knew would represent everything he cherished in this country of his.
The CA Australia

[1275psi]

14/12/41

Stiffly Langy departed central station, gathered his bag of Kit, and began the trek North from the station towards the cross, and the landing.
A walk would be good.
The city was quiet this morning, and a table was easy to get for breakfast just down the road.
The papers were depressing
The japs were running riot around Midway island -where it appeared that the Americans had rudely under estimated the power of the Imperial fleet.
langy snorted in disgust as he read of the loss of not one, but two air craft carriers -and it appeared -most of their escorts as well.

carefully he studied the news from malaya -searching for any news on the 1st malay brigade -where he believed his younger brother Tom was serving as a liason officer.
But there was nothing -just news of -phased withdrawals, and hard fighting.

No news of course of the 7th AIF - where his older brother Jim served -that division may as well fell off the planet in the last 2 months -nobody knew anything about it at all.

Breakfast finished, langy made the Trek across town , down through the sleeping silent Kings Cross, down to the landing.
he was lucky -there, out in the harbour, freshly painted and trim from a refit officially finished only this very day lay his new home.

Langy drew a deep breath, felt the earth under his feet, and prepared to board the approaching cutter.
Who knew how long before he touched land again. This he could never guess.
How much work he had ahead of him -he could

[1275psi]

15/12/41

Dear Pop,
well i made it onboard OK - and ive ben assigned to the Chippy shop for the moment.
havent had much of a chance to lok around yet -bum up all day trying to fix of all things the steam siren today.
Did give me a great view of the harbour though.
We've got an amazing looking Frog destroyer here in the Harbour with us, she's got the speed of a stung rabbit they reckon, and about the same endurance too!

sailing for gunnery trials tomorrow.
You were right Pop about this place -nobody in town seems to realise we are at war with the nips at all, its still all germany this, Nazis that.
Seems most folks think the Nips have made a huge blunder taking on the states. Mind you -having your main carrier task force fail to launch its strike on Pearl must have hurt their plans.
And I personally reckon the Yanks are worse than even this mob -Im not sure that they would've gone to war at all over the phillipines -midwat stung em though.
2 Cvs -thats a dogs breakfast no mistake

read today that the warrnambool -a name to stir the cockles of Mums bum, engaed an enemy convoy near some place called morotai -great stuff.
Now tell Mum not to worry -the war is a long way away, and this is a big tough old dog of a ship, Ill be jake!

No news of the 1st malaya brigade? and Tom?
Big rumours here that Jims division may be coming back to Aussie though -make no mistake Pop, Australia has been caught with her pants down , what with all our troops in the middle east and all.
Good thing Winnie came through with those BBs hey -can't wait to see the POW kick jap arse!
Got to go Pop, enclosing a photo of that wierd frog destroyer -can you guess her name?

Langy

[1275psi]

16/12/41
Langy has a hard day today.
besides trying to gain a sense of how his shipwrights workshop works -he has a terrible run in with the CPO over the running of the defect book -he has to regain his sea legs
Leading seaman or not -the short sharp swell that the Cruiser punches into today still give her a motion land legs have not felt for some time.

In short -he spends most of the day sea sick.

besides this, there is the joining interview with the Engineer -a blur of immaculate pressed white overalls -and the growling CPO as well -and the getting his mess gear settled into L mess.
It though appears, will be a good one, 2 faces he knows already.

The afternoon is fairly exciting -Australias newly re furbished 8 inch rifles are tried out - with impressive results.

The Cruiser and her escorts return to Sydney in the afternoon, and much to his Pleasure and surprise, langy manages to get down to bells -for a well earned beer or six.

the country still seems anaware or unconcerned with the war -Mac continues to claim the japanese stopped in the phillipines, wake continues to hold, and 5 patrol craft "cover themselves in glory"' at Lingayaen gulf -
taking on the battleships Yamarishio, Fuso and escorts -.

The americans are fighting with courage at least.

Much of the conversation in the bells bar at this time centres around the where abouts of the Prince Of wales and repulse.
Many think they have fled to india.
Langy is not so sure.

What did it matter any way -there was Beer to be drunk -it could be a long time to another, full watch below was slated for 0600 hrs............

Loading 8" shells

[1275psi]

17/12/41
HMAS Australia, Canberra and 3 destroyers slip their moorings at precisely 9 am, and proudly steam under the great coat hanger, plow into the swell of Sydney heads, and turn North.
It is a quiet day -a day of slipping into the routines,, fixing the last minute defects, and generally shaking the heavy ship into shape.
The men take advantage of the day - tomorrow they know will be very, very busy, the XO has that look in his eyes.

There are Many, many new men onboard, and thus the clanging of the action stations alarm brings the usual first day "#$#@! fight.
Langy finds himself in the forward repair station, nestled against the second barbette.
his job is pump and flood.
A simple job - find the flooding compartments -and jump in -and race against whatever flood he and his party find with the collection of wooden plugs and wedges they carry.

Not unexpectantly this is not the First time the alarm sounds that day...
it is well into the night before langy finaly gets to his mess.
If today was hard - then what was the XO planning for tomorrow!

Still -things were good -a few rounds of 500 -a good solid meal -and some good news.
The Captain is in the habit of speaking to the crew every evening -and tonight the news is very good
A fierce naval battle has been fought at Wake -2 light cruisers and a undisclosed number of destroyers beating back a jap force of heavy cruisers and destroyers.
3 enemy ships claimed sunk.

Langy is not so sick today -and the ships steady movement, the wirr of her great fans and turbines, quickly lull his exhausted body into sleep

Canberra, fellow fighting aussie

[1275psi]

18/12/41

Program
0400 Blow tubes
O500 Dawn Action stations
0530 secure dawn Action stations, set condition 2
0600 messman to collect
0600 Forenoon men to breakfast
0630 Men under punishment fall in
0700 hands turn to -messdaecks and flats
0800 AA Gun crews close up -barrage practice shoot
0800- 2200 unalerted damage control drills
1200 -messmen collect
1300 - Trail port shaft -trial
1600 -resume unit steaming
1730 -men under punishment fall in
1930 -main battery shoot -Canberra lead

There is too much paint onboardship!
There is still far to many inflammable items onboard!
Yesterday we had 3 false aircraft sighting reports. This is unacceptable. All off watch lookouts will be required to see the Gunnery officer at 1700 hrs for further recongnition training.

X.O.

Langy has another busy day.

Dear Pop
Just a quick one -there is a rumour that mail may go ashore tomorrow before we leave our waters, you can guess where we are today
I met the Skipper today, seems like a real fighting man, keen to get at the enemy.
The guns on here are very impressive -and we are quickly gaining a rivalry with another certain ship also armed with 8 inch guns.
Could be interesting watching them in action.
Its getting bloody hot now -not sure when I get to the spaces - but the Chippie shop has plenty to attend to thanks anyway, never ceases to amaze me how so many things have to be fixed after a refit!
Got to go -just saw the XO headed forward -another "fire" coming up -a good lark!
Your Son
langy

the Captain