[center]Thunder in the Pacific[/center]
This is an AAR of the current War in the Pacific game between Shark7 (Japanese) and Schwartzkie (Allies). In this AAR I will be doing a TROM type format, but rather than tracking the movements of a single ship, I will be tracking the movements of a single sailor and whichever ship he ends up on (props to Cuttlefish who has inspired me to try my hand at writing an AAR in this type of format). All characters and events in this AAR are completely fictional.
This is CHS Scenario 157.
To help tell our story and give my readers a snapshot of the bigger picture, I will be using intercepted comm. Signals, RKO, BBC, CBC and Radio Tokyo news reports and additional side stories to paint the landscape of the game as it progresses. You can expect to read of battles, especially those that have unique or unexpected outcomes.
Our hero is Signals Officer Kaigun Shoi (Ensign) Harada, Tamon currently assigned to the Asashio class destroyer Kasumi. Please enjoy the story:
******************************************************************************************
2 December, 1941
DD Kasumi, attached to TF1
Location: somewhere in the Pacific
Course: East South East
Damage: None
Current orders: Provide ASW and surface screen for Kido Butai, maintain radio silence.
***
Tamon Harada sat astutely at his station as the series of beeps and dashes came across the airwaves. He carefully decoded the message sent from Combined Fleet HQs in Kure. It was a simple, 3 word message that would ignite an inferno and change his world forever, though he could hardly know it at the time.
:::Niitakayama nobore 1208:::
It was such a simple and seemingly innocuous phrase. Finished with the decoding, and having carefully double checked his work, Tamon was satisfied that message was accurate and authentic. He calmly arose from his station and made his way to the bridge….
Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
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
7 December 1941
DD Kasumi, attached to TF1
Location: 240 miles North North West of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Course: East
Damage: None
Current Orders: ASW and surface warfare screen for Kido Butai
***
Tamon sat in the radio room of the Kasumi listening intently to the bits and pieces of intercepted short wave radio signals he could tune in. Through the static the intensity of the battle over America’s Pacific Fleet home port could easily be imagined.
“:static: reports torpedo hit on..:static:…ship”
“Massive explosion :static:”
“:static: blew it out of the wat…:static:”
“:static: battleship blown in half :static:”
Then a few hours after it started, the signals slowed and the planes of the strike force began to circle the fleet, waiting to land on the waiting carriers. The strike had been a resounding success, though Tamon could hardly know it at the time. What he did know was that as soon as the last of the strike aircraft had been recovered the Kasumi began to pick up speed and turn to the west…Kido Butai was heading home.
Later that morning Tamon managed to tune into an American radio broadcasting station. Having studied in Britain, his English was fluent. The report told it all, and it finally sunk in, Japan was at war with America…
***
“This is an RKO Radio news report: The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by air President Roosevelt has just announced. The unprovoked attack targeted facilities and ships of the Pacific Fleet…details to follow…”
“This is a BBC news report. The Japanese have landed troops in northern Malaya. Yet another Axis nation brings war to the British Commonwealth…”
DD Kasumi, attached to TF1
Location: 240 miles North North West of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Course: East
Damage: None
Current Orders: ASW and surface warfare screen for Kido Butai
***
Tamon sat in the radio room of the Kasumi listening intently to the bits and pieces of intercepted short wave radio signals he could tune in. Through the static the intensity of the battle over America’s Pacific Fleet home port could easily be imagined.
“:static: reports torpedo hit on..:static:…ship”
“Massive explosion :static:”
“:static: blew it out of the wat…:static:”
“:static: battleship blown in half :static:”
Then a few hours after it started, the signals slowed and the planes of the strike force began to circle the fleet, waiting to land on the waiting carriers. The strike had been a resounding success, though Tamon could hardly know it at the time. What he did know was that as soon as the last of the strike aircraft had been recovered the Kasumi began to pick up speed and turn to the west…Kido Butai was heading home.
Later that morning Tamon managed to tune into an American radio broadcasting station. Having studied in Britain, his English was fluent. The report told it all, and it finally sunk in, Japan was at war with America…
***
“This is an RKO Radio news report: The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by air President Roosevelt has just announced. The unprovoked attack targeted facilities and ships of the Pacific Fleet…details to follow…”
“This is a BBC news report. The Japanese have landed troops in northern Malaya. Yet another Axis nation brings war to the British Commonwealth…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
This is simply posting the combat report from the Pearl Harbor strike. This was by far the most successful strike on Pearl I have ever seen in any game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 114,72
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
D3A2 Val x 137
B5N2 Kate x 157
Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A2 Val: 17 destroyed, 63 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 17 destroyed, 49 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 19, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 21, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 32, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DM Montgomery, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 16, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 22, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 19, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DM Preble, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Helm, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DM Tracy, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1
DD Shaw, Bomb hits 1
DD Jarvis, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Phelps, Bomb hits 1
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 2
CL Raleigh, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Bagley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Ward, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AS Pelias, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hirondelle, Bomb hits 1
DD Schley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
29 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
23 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
26 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
18 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
15 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
13 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
21 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
25 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
26 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
28 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Virgina sank outright in the evening phase, a victim of a Magazine Explosion during the raid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 114,72
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
D3A2 Val x 137
B5N2 Kate x 157
Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A2 Val: 17 destroyed, 63 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 17 destroyed, 49 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 19, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 21, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 32, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DM Montgomery, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 16, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 22, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 19, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DM Preble, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Helm, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DM Tracy, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1
DD Shaw, Bomb hits 1
DD Jarvis, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Phelps, Bomb hits 1
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 2
CL Raleigh, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Bagley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Ward, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AS Pelias, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hirondelle, Bomb hits 1
DD Schley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
29 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
23 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
26 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
18 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
15 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
13 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
21 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
25 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
26 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
28 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Virgina sank outright in the evening phase, a victim of a Magazine Explosion during the raid.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
-
Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Good luck and have fun with this! Using a signals officer as your protaganist is an inspired idea which should allow you a lot of flexibility.
It looks like you are off to a good start in more than one sense. Nice results at Pearl. Not only did you hit the battleships hard but that looks like a wider spread of damage to the smaller stuff than I usually see. Hitting the AR was an especially nice touch.
It looks like you are off to a good start in more than one sense. Nice results at Pearl. Not only did you hit the battleships hard but that looks like a wider spread of damage to the smaller stuff than I usually see. Hitting the AR was an especially nice touch.
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Thanks for stopping in CF, and for the words of encouragement. [:D]
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
8 December 1941
DD Kasumi, Attached to TF1
Location: ~500 miles North West of Pearl Harbor
Course: North West
Damage: None
Orders: Rendezvous with TF2 to refuel and proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon found himself once again listening to garbled messages from various forces in various areas doing various things. There were many reports from Japanese submarines of contacts, successful attacks and reported sinkings. And then there were the various broadcast radio stations…
***
“This is RKO Radio News with a special report. The United States of America declares war on the Empire of Japan, Germany and Italy…more to follow…. President Roosevelt to address Congress… ‘Yesterday, December 7th, 1941. A date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan…’.”
Later that day: “RKO Radio News special report. Japanese forces invade the Philippines. Reports of large numbers of Japanese troops in Northern Luzon abound…”
“Radio Tokyo reporting. Yesterday forces of the Imperial Navy scored a major victory over our western oppressors. Imperial Naval Aviators successfully attacked and sank a large number of enemy battleships in their home port of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii…”
DD Kasumi, Attached to TF1
Location: ~500 miles North West of Pearl Harbor
Course: North West
Damage: None
Orders: Rendezvous with TF2 to refuel and proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon found himself once again listening to garbled messages from various forces in various areas doing various things. There were many reports from Japanese submarines of contacts, successful attacks and reported sinkings. And then there were the various broadcast radio stations…
***
“This is RKO Radio News with a special report. The United States of America declares war on the Empire of Japan, Germany and Italy…more to follow…. President Roosevelt to address Congress… ‘Yesterday, December 7th, 1941. A date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan…’.”
Later that day: “RKO Radio News special report. Japanese forces invade the Philippines. Reports of large numbers of Japanese troops in Northern Luzon abound…”
“Radio Tokyo reporting. Yesterday forces of the Imperial Navy scored a major victory over our western oppressors. Imperial Naval Aviators successfully attacked and sank a large number of enemy battleships in their home port of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
9 December 1941
DD Kasumi, attached to TF1
Location: ~800 miles North West of Pearl Harbor
Course: North West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka with Kido Butai
***
The saying goes that war is 99% boredom and 1% sheer terror. This day finds Tamon fighting the boredom part, with very little terror to deal with. In fact the most excitement the ship had seen in the past couple of days was a rat that had frightened the ship’s cook as it jumped from the pantry. And while the image of Seaman Takeda chasing a rat through the galley with a cleaver provided no small amount of humor for the crew, the thought of a rat in the galley made that night’s dinner even less appetizing than usual.
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Hysteria on the West Coast. The Army and Navy have received thousands of sighting reports from citizens claiming to have seen Japanese submarines, ships and aircraft off the west coast in the past 48 hours. A navy spokesman claims that these are false sighting and the public…”
DD Kasumi, attached to TF1
Location: ~800 miles North West of Pearl Harbor
Course: North West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka with Kido Butai
***
The saying goes that war is 99% boredom and 1% sheer terror. This day finds Tamon fighting the boredom part, with very little terror to deal with. In fact the most excitement the ship had seen in the past couple of days was a rat that had frightened the ship’s cook as it jumped from the pantry. And while the image of Seaman Takeda chasing a rat through the galley with a cleaver provided no small amount of humor for the crew, the thought of a rat in the galley made that night’s dinner even less appetizing than usual.
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Hysteria on the West Coast. The Army and Navy have received thousands of sighting reports from citizens claiming to have seen Japanese submarines, ships and aircraft off the west coast in the past 48 hours. A navy spokesman claims that these are false sighting and the public…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
This is one of the promised side stories.
Meanwhile off the coast of Borneo...
Captain Nashiba peered out into the darkness from the bridge of the light cruiser Isuzu. His four ship task force steamed east to intercept an allied heavy cruiser that was no doubt attempting to attack the small amphibious task force his squadron had been assigned to protect. Nashiba had his own flagship, the Isuzu and three small patrol gunboats to stop the enemy cruiser with.
The Allied cruiser seemed to be unaware of the Isuzu and her escorts, and Nashiba intended to take full advantage of this situation. He would hold fire until the big cruiser was well within range, utilizing his only advantage in this situation…the Type 93 torpedoes his ship carried. Nashiba brought the Isuzu smartly about so that he would pass the westward moving allied cruiser in a port to port parallel course while he kept an easterly course. This would minimize the time his smaller, less heavily armored ship would be exposed to enemy heavy gunfire.
“Sir, lookouts report the allied cruiser is at 12000 meters and closing.” Reported the ships XO, Lieutenant Sanada.
“Good, prepare our port torpedo tubes and launch at 10000 meters.” Nashiba replied.
A few minutes passed before Sanada spoke up again. “10000 meters sir.”
“Very well, spotlight the enemy and launch our torpedoes. Main batteries are clear to open fire.”
In an instant the ship that has been silently moving through the night became a bustle of activity. The large searchlights found near the Isuzu’s funnel came to life and sliced through the night like a Katana making a fatal stroke at its target. The loud ‘swoosh’ of the torpedoes leaving their tubes could be heard and their phosphorescent wakes could be seen speeding away from Isuzu on a collision course with the allied cruiser. Within seconds, Isuzu’s 5.5” main batteries sprang into action.
The allied cruiser reacted, but far too slowly. While spinning her main 8” turrets to engage the Isuzu one of the Type 93 Torpedoes hit the allied ship in the port bow, exploding into a geyser of fire and rain, and hefting the allied ship out of the water throwing off the trajectory of her first shots. On board the Isuzu, the whistle of the 8 inch shells could be heard as they passed harmlessly overhead and splashed into the sea 100 meters off the starboard stern.
The next few minutes saw a ferocious exchange of gunfire between the two capital ships with neither scoring a critical hit. However, the allied cruiser was beginning to find range and had bounced several smaller caliber rounds off of Isuzu’s hull. It was at this point that something unexplained happened…
The PG Uji had been moving into position to engage the allied cruiser with her 4.7” gun. Uji was little more than a distraction, truly no threat to the big cruiser. Perhaps it was the confusion of the battle, or maybe fears of another torpedo strike, but the allied cruiser shifted fire away from Isuzu and opened up a hellish barrage on the little PG.
Uji shuddered as shell after shell splashed into the sea around her, each shot inching closer and closer to the little gunboat. Frantically, the ships captain attempted to bring the little ship about and move her out of the range of the big cruiser’s furious gunfire, but to no avail. In a short succession, one, then two, then three 8” shells found their mark, tearing through the Uji’s hull like it was made of rice paper. The little ship shuddered to a halt, dead in the water, burning and with a 14 degree list to starboard. Uji was effectively out of the fight.
Nashiba turned the Isuzu back in and attempt to bring his cruiser and her starboard torpedo batteries into the fray, but the allied cruiser had already turned north and was steaming away from the battle exchanging inaccurate parting shots with Isuzu as she ran. Nashiba was left with a painful decision, abandon the Uji to her fate to chase down the allied cruiser or assist a ship under his command. In the end, Isuzu pulled along side Uji to take wounded sailors on board…but the battle was not over.
Continued...
Meanwhile off the coast of Borneo...
Captain Nashiba peered out into the darkness from the bridge of the light cruiser Isuzu. His four ship task force steamed east to intercept an allied heavy cruiser that was no doubt attempting to attack the small amphibious task force his squadron had been assigned to protect. Nashiba had his own flagship, the Isuzu and three small patrol gunboats to stop the enemy cruiser with.
The Allied cruiser seemed to be unaware of the Isuzu and her escorts, and Nashiba intended to take full advantage of this situation. He would hold fire until the big cruiser was well within range, utilizing his only advantage in this situation…the Type 93 torpedoes his ship carried. Nashiba brought the Isuzu smartly about so that he would pass the westward moving allied cruiser in a port to port parallel course while he kept an easterly course. This would minimize the time his smaller, less heavily armored ship would be exposed to enemy heavy gunfire.
“Sir, lookouts report the allied cruiser is at 12000 meters and closing.” Reported the ships XO, Lieutenant Sanada.
“Good, prepare our port torpedo tubes and launch at 10000 meters.” Nashiba replied.
A few minutes passed before Sanada spoke up again. “10000 meters sir.”
“Very well, spotlight the enemy and launch our torpedoes. Main batteries are clear to open fire.”
In an instant the ship that has been silently moving through the night became a bustle of activity. The large searchlights found near the Isuzu’s funnel came to life and sliced through the night like a Katana making a fatal stroke at its target. The loud ‘swoosh’ of the torpedoes leaving their tubes could be heard and their phosphorescent wakes could be seen speeding away from Isuzu on a collision course with the allied cruiser. Within seconds, Isuzu’s 5.5” main batteries sprang into action.
The allied cruiser reacted, but far too slowly. While spinning her main 8” turrets to engage the Isuzu one of the Type 93 Torpedoes hit the allied ship in the port bow, exploding into a geyser of fire and rain, and hefting the allied ship out of the water throwing off the trajectory of her first shots. On board the Isuzu, the whistle of the 8 inch shells could be heard as they passed harmlessly overhead and splashed into the sea 100 meters off the starboard stern.
The next few minutes saw a ferocious exchange of gunfire between the two capital ships with neither scoring a critical hit. However, the allied cruiser was beginning to find range and had bounced several smaller caliber rounds off of Isuzu’s hull. It was at this point that something unexplained happened…
The PG Uji had been moving into position to engage the allied cruiser with her 4.7” gun. Uji was little more than a distraction, truly no threat to the big cruiser. Perhaps it was the confusion of the battle, or maybe fears of another torpedo strike, but the allied cruiser shifted fire away from Isuzu and opened up a hellish barrage on the little PG.
Uji shuddered as shell after shell splashed into the sea around her, each shot inching closer and closer to the little gunboat. Frantically, the ships captain attempted to bring the little ship about and move her out of the range of the big cruiser’s furious gunfire, but to no avail. In a short succession, one, then two, then three 8” shells found their mark, tearing through the Uji’s hull like it was made of rice paper. The little ship shuddered to a halt, dead in the water, burning and with a 14 degree list to starboard. Uji was effectively out of the fight.
Nashiba turned the Isuzu back in and attempt to bring his cruiser and her starboard torpedo batteries into the fray, but the allied cruiser had already turned north and was steaming away from the battle exchanging inaccurate parting shots with Isuzu as she ran. Nashiba was left with a painful decision, abandon the Uji to her fate to chase down the allied cruiser or assist a ship under his command. In the end, Isuzu pulled along side Uji to take wounded sailors on board…but the battle was not over.
Continued...
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Nashiba had ordered another gunboat, the Hashidate to shadow the allied cruiser and report its position at regular intervals. The transfer of the wounded took less time than expected, and with the PG Saga ordered to assist the stricken Uji, Nashiba ordered Isuzu after the allied cruiser at flank speed. He would finish what he had started.
Three hours after the initial battle, the Isuzu found herself once again closing into firing range. And just as before, Nashiba maneuvered his ship to bring another battery of deadly Type 93 torpedoes to bear on the allied cruiser. This time he would bring his ship broadside with the allied ship, holding station at 9000 meters.
As the ships closed range, the damage from the earlier torpedo was eerily evident in the mangled and twisted bow of the allied ship. The ship had also picked up a list to port and was sitting low in the water forward. Flames could be seen spewing from a gaping whole just forward of the ships A-turret.
The allied cruiser desperately tried to come about to port and cap the T, but the damage from the previous torpedo strike had mangled the bow, reducing the ships speed and maneuverability. The more agile, and to this point undamaged, Isuzu had no problem matching the allied cruisers every move and before long the battle was again joined. Again guns erupted into a hail of fire, and again the four ghostlike fingers of torpedo wakes spread out from Isuzu.
Another large geyser of fire and water erupted against the port side of the allied cruiser, again hefting the allied ship out of the water and setting her back down hard. While not evident to Nashiba or the captain of the allied ship, this torpedo had mortally wounded the big cruiser. With her keel broken, it was only a matter of time, though the ship would fight to the end.
Again the big allied cruiser diverted it attention from Isuzu and focused on a smaller, less threatening target. Hashidate had closed to assist its flagship and was rewarded with 8” shells hurled in her direction. One of them found its mark, severely damaging the gunboat, but not mortally wounding it. Hashidate’s captain had managed to move his ship back out of the big cruiser’s range saving his ship and crew.
With Hashidate quickly retreating the allied cruiser turned its attention back to the Isuzu, which had been pummeling it with 5.5” and 3” gunfire. While Isuzu’s guns lacked the power to penetrate the allied cruisers armor belt, they had scored several critical hits on the allied cruisers secondary batteries and started several fires on the ships decks.
As the allied cruiser began to list heavily to port, her last shots sped away from her guns, landing the only meaningful hit she would score on Isuzu. In an explosion of sound and fire, the forward 5.5” gun mount was struck and destroyed. Nashida instinctively turned his ship to widen the gap between them while trying to see forward through the flames and smoke on his ships bow.
Isuzu’s remaining batteries answered with multiple hits on the allied cruiser, none of them penetrating the belt. However, within another 10 minutes the battle was over, as the big allied cruiser’s guns fell silent and her crew began to abandon ship. 15 minutes after that, the cruiser had capsized and slipped silently beneath the waves.
Nashida ordered the Isuzu about to pick up the allied sailors, now prisoners. The fires on the bow were quickly brought under control and the damage could be assessed. The 5.5” gun was struck at the mounting and had been blown clear of the ship. However the structural damage was minimal and the ship would be repaired quickly once they returned to a friendly port. Upon interviewing the captured officers later that day, Nashiba learned his opponent had been the USN Heavy Cruiser Houston; his little task force of aging ships had accomplished the impossible.
Three hours after the initial battle, the Isuzu found herself once again closing into firing range. And just as before, Nashiba maneuvered his ship to bring another battery of deadly Type 93 torpedoes to bear on the allied cruiser. This time he would bring his ship broadside with the allied ship, holding station at 9000 meters.
As the ships closed range, the damage from the earlier torpedo was eerily evident in the mangled and twisted bow of the allied ship. The ship had also picked up a list to port and was sitting low in the water forward. Flames could be seen spewing from a gaping whole just forward of the ships A-turret.
The allied cruiser desperately tried to come about to port and cap the T, but the damage from the previous torpedo strike had mangled the bow, reducing the ships speed and maneuverability. The more agile, and to this point undamaged, Isuzu had no problem matching the allied cruisers every move and before long the battle was again joined. Again guns erupted into a hail of fire, and again the four ghostlike fingers of torpedo wakes spread out from Isuzu.
Another large geyser of fire and water erupted against the port side of the allied cruiser, again hefting the allied ship out of the water and setting her back down hard. While not evident to Nashiba or the captain of the allied ship, this torpedo had mortally wounded the big cruiser. With her keel broken, it was only a matter of time, though the ship would fight to the end.
Again the big allied cruiser diverted it attention from Isuzu and focused on a smaller, less threatening target. Hashidate had closed to assist its flagship and was rewarded with 8” shells hurled in her direction. One of them found its mark, severely damaging the gunboat, but not mortally wounding it. Hashidate’s captain had managed to move his ship back out of the big cruiser’s range saving his ship and crew.
With Hashidate quickly retreating the allied cruiser turned its attention back to the Isuzu, which had been pummeling it with 5.5” and 3” gunfire. While Isuzu’s guns lacked the power to penetrate the allied cruisers armor belt, they had scored several critical hits on the allied cruisers secondary batteries and started several fires on the ships decks.
As the allied cruiser began to list heavily to port, her last shots sped away from her guns, landing the only meaningful hit she would score on Isuzu. In an explosion of sound and fire, the forward 5.5” gun mount was struck and destroyed. Nashida instinctively turned his ship to widen the gap between them while trying to see forward through the flames and smoke on his ships bow.
Isuzu’s remaining batteries answered with multiple hits on the allied cruiser, none of them penetrating the belt. However, within another 10 minutes the battle was over, as the big allied cruiser’s guns fell silent and her crew began to abandon ship. 15 minutes after that, the cruiser had capsized and slipped silently beneath the waves.
Nashida ordered the Isuzu about to pick up the allied sailors, now prisoners. The fires on the bow were quickly brought under control and the damage could be assessed. The 5.5” gun was struck at the mounting and had been blown clear of the ship. However the structural damage was minimal and the ship would be repaired quickly once they returned to a friendly port. Upon interviewing the captured officers later that day, Nashiba learned his opponent had been the USN Heavy Cruiser Houston; his little task force of aging ships had accomplished the impossible.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Great start. You've got your first fan [:D]
1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Thanks Cantona2. [:D]
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
10 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: North of Midway
Course: East
Damage: None
Orders: Escort Kido Butai to Osaka
***
One of the most ancient mysteries of the sea is just how a ship can become so filthy in the middle of what is essentially a giant bathtub. Kasumi was no exception to this rule, and this day finds Tamon directing a small army of sailors armed with mops and buckets. While no sailor enjoys the dull routine of daily maintenance, failing to do so could prove disastrous when the ship is far away from friendly waters. A clean ship is a happy ship after all.
Satisfied that the work had been done to Imperial Navy standards, Tamon released the work crew after 8 hours. Tamon retired to the officer’s ward room where Ensign Katsuo Goto, the ship’s gunnery officer sat sipping tea. As Tamon poured himself a cup of tea, Katsuo spoke up.
“More cleaning?”
“Yes. Even with a war starting only days ago, it seems the routine never changes” replied Tamon.
“Yes…. We should have finished it.”
“Finished what?”
“We should have launched a second wave to finish off the American fleet. We might regret it later.”
“Perhaps Goto-san, but Admiral Nagumo is acting in the way he thinks best.”
“Is it really the best decision to leave a tiger wounded, instead of killing it?”
“Perhaps not, but that is why we are Ensigns, not Admirals. We do not know the answers to these questions.”
“Yes, you are right...” Katsuo trailed off as both men fell into silence and turned back to their tea.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: North of Midway
Course: East
Damage: None
Orders: Escort Kido Butai to Osaka
***
One of the most ancient mysteries of the sea is just how a ship can become so filthy in the middle of what is essentially a giant bathtub. Kasumi was no exception to this rule, and this day finds Tamon directing a small army of sailors armed with mops and buckets. While no sailor enjoys the dull routine of daily maintenance, failing to do so could prove disastrous when the ship is far away from friendly waters. A clean ship is a happy ship after all.
Satisfied that the work had been done to Imperial Navy standards, Tamon released the work crew after 8 hours. Tamon retired to the officer’s ward room where Ensign Katsuo Goto, the ship’s gunnery officer sat sipping tea. As Tamon poured himself a cup of tea, Katsuo spoke up.
“More cleaning?”
“Yes. Even with a war starting only days ago, it seems the routine never changes” replied Tamon.
“Yes…. We should have finished it.”
“Finished what?”
“We should have launched a second wave to finish off the American fleet. We might regret it later.”
“Perhaps Goto-san, but Admiral Nagumo is acting in the way he thinks best.”
“Is it really the best decision to leave a tiger wounded, instead of killing it?”
“Perhaps not, but that is why we are Ensigns, not Admirals. We do not know the answers to these questions.”
“Yes, you are right...” Katsuo trailed off as both men fell into silence and turned back to their tea.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
11 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: North West of Midway
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Aside from typical reports and a few submarines reporting in contacts, the day went by quietly. Yet another day spent fighting boredom, rather than the enemy. Even the radio waves had little to report, though Tamon did manage to tune in RKO yet again….
‘This is an RKO Radio news report. The Japanese push deeper into China. According to sources inside the Chiang Kai Shek government Japanese troops…."
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: North West of Midway
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Aside from typical reports and a few submarines reporting in contacts, the day went by quietly. Yet another day spent fighting boredom, rather than the enemy. Even the radio waves had little to report, though Tamon did manage to tune in RKO yet again….
‘This is an RKO Radio news report. The Japanese push deeper into China. According to sources inside the Chiang Kai Shek government Japanese troops…."
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
12 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: North Pacific
Course: North West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
Tamon grunted in disgust at the tangled web of wires that seemed to laugh at him. One of the radios on board the Kasumi had decided that it would work only when it wanted to, rather than when Tamon wanted it too. This of course was simply not an acceptable situation, which led to Tamon staring at the inner workings of a radio for most of the day.
Electronic equipment is very finicky by nature. Even the slightest problem can cause issues that would befuddle even the greatest of technicians. But not this day…after carefully tracing each wire Tamon found the source of his frustrations. A simple loose wire was making intermittent contact and shorting the circuit. Five minutes later the wire was secured and the radio was functioning properly again.
***
“This is a BBC news report. Commonwealth forces repulse another assault against Hong Kong. Japanese losses are reported to be heavy and…”
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: North Pacific
Course: North West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
Tamon grunted in disgust at the tangled web of wires that seemed to laugh at him. One of the radios on board the Kasumi had decided that it would work only when it wanted to, rather than when Tamon wanted it too. This of course was simply not an acceptable situation, which led to Tamon staring at the inner workings of a radio for most of the day.
Electronic equipment is very finicky by nature. Even the slightest problem can cause issues that would befuddle even the greatest of technicians. But not this day…after carefully tracing each wire Tamon found the source of his frustrations. A simple loose wire was making intermittent contact and shorting the circuit. Five minutes later the wire was secured and the radio was functioning properly again.
***
“This is a BBC news report. Commonwealth forces repulse another assault against Hong Kong. Japanese losses are reported to be heavy and…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
13 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: East of Japan
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon leaned over the railing just outside the signal house watching the bustling activity near the ships Type 93 torpedo tubes. A warship’s ability to fight is directly related to the quality of the training its crew receives. And on a warship of the Japanese Imperial Navy, training is never complete.
“Not good enough!” The booming voice of Chief Petty Officer Takeshi Saito, the ships torpedo officer rang out above the sounds of the sea. “We’re going to keep at this until you get it right!”
Tamon chuckled to himself. He’d seen this before on every ship he’d served on in the last four years. And no matter how perfectly the torpedo crew performed the drill, they would never do it to satisfy the chief. Such was the life of a sailor…
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: East of Japan
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon leaned over the railing just outside the signal house watching the bustling activity near the ships Type 93 torpedo tubes. A warship’s ability to fight is directly related to the quality of the training its crew receives. And on a warship of the Japanese Imperial Navy, training is never complete.
“Not good enough!” The booming voice of Chief Petty Officer Takeshi Saito, the ships torpedo officer rang out above the sounds of the sea. “We’re going to keep at this until you get it right!”
Tamon chuckled to himself. He’d seen this before on every ship he’d served on in the last four years. And no matter how perfectly the torpedo crew performed the drill, they would never do it to satisfy the chief. Such was the life of a sailor…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
14 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: ~900 miles East of Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka with Kido Butai
***
Tamon find himself listening to the short wave communications of the carrier air wings again this day. A lone merchant ship had been found plowing through the vast expanse of the pacific about 250 nautical miles from Kido Butai. A strike force was immediately scrambled to eliminate the ship, and the possibility of it radioing the task forces location…
“ :static: under attack :static: short range fight… :static: Position :static: North by :static: West :static: Mayday Mayday :static:”
Tamon looked over to one of his radiomen, Seaman Riku Maeda. “Keep listening. Make note of everything. I am going to inform the captain of that message the merchant sent.”
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: ~900 miles East of Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka with Kido Butai
***
Tamon find himself listening to the short wave communications of the carrier air wings again this day. A lone merchant ship had been found plowing through the vast expanse of the pacific about 250 nautical miles from Kido Butai. A strike force was immediately scrambled to eliminate the ship, and the possibility of it radioing the task forces location…
“ :static: under attack :static: short range fight… :static: Position :static: North by :static: West :static: Mayday Mayday :static:”
Tamon looked over to one of his radiomen, Seaman Riku Maeda. “Keep listening. Make note of everything. I am going to inform the captain of that message the merchant sent.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
15 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: ~600 miles from Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon fiddled with the radio dials early in the afternoon. There were few transmissions to pick up. As he delicately adjusted dials Tamon managed to pick up the CBC news…
“…submarines spotted near Vancouver. There is no need to panic. Any citizen who spots an enemy ship or submarine should report all information about the incident to their local Royal Canadian Mounted Police Station….”
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: ~600 miles from Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon fiddled with the radio dials early in the afternoon. There were few transmissions to pick up. As he delicately adjusted dials Tamon managed to pick up the CBC news…
“…submarines spotted near Vancouver. There is no need to panic. Any citizen who spots an enemy ship or submarine should report all information about the incident to their local Royal Canadian Mounted Police Station….”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
16 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 300 miles East of Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon had arisen early this morning, hoping to tune in Radio Tokyo clearly given the short distance between Kasumi and Tokyo. The night watch were still on duty when he entered the signals room, listening intently to several coded and non-coded messages. The sun was not yet up, but the days battles were well under way…
‘:static: position 58 miles North west of Bata…:static:…ered heavy damage, severe flood…:static:.. assistance immediately…:static:’
“What’s happening” Tamon asked as the broken transmissions continued.
“Distress call from the Yudachi sir,” replied Petty Officer Haruki Tanaka. “The transmission is too broken up to tell exactly where Yudachi is or what they were doing.”
“I see. Carry on.”
***
Later that afternoon…
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Victory in the Philippines! This morning coastal defenses at Bataan and Corregidor successfully engaged and repulsed an attempted landing by the Japanese Navy. Reports indicate that several cruisers and destroyers were sunk along with amphibious vessels. More details as they become available.”
***
Author's Note: Sending a bombard TF to the wrong base can be a painfull experience...
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 300 miles East of Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka
***
Tamon had arisen early this morning, hoping to tune in Radio Tokyo clearly given the short distance between Kasumi and Tokyo. The night watch were still on duty when he entered the signals room, listening intently to several coded and non-coded messages. The sun was not yet up, but the days battles were well under way…
‘:static: position 58 miles North west of Bata…:static:…ered heavy damage, severe flood…:static:.. assistance immediately…:static:’
“What’s happening” Tamon asked as the broken transmissions continued.
“Distress call from the Yudachi sir,” replied Petty Officer Haruki Tanaka. “The transmission is too broken up to tell exactly where Yudachi is or what they were doing.”
“I see. Carry on.”
***
Later that afternoon…
“This is an RKO Radio News report. Victory in the Philippines! This morning coastal defenses at Bataan and Corregidor successfully engaged and repulsed an attempted landing by the Japanese Navy. Reports indicate that several cruisers and destroyers were sunk along with amphibious vessels. More details as they become available.”
***
Author's Note: Sending a bombard TF to the wrong base can be a painfull experience...
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
17 December 1941
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles South of Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka and refuel
***
As Kido Butai approached the home islands, the activity in the air increased. Large H-6K flying boats could be seen at various times patrolling for enemy submarines. To this point, the task force had not made a submarine contact, and the proximity of friendly waters gave Tamon a sense of security he had not felt in the vast expanse of the open Pacific. The radio messages from across the ocean told an entirely different story however…
“I-17 reporting heavy enemy contact…multiple hits, fire and flooding…: static:”
“:Static: I-4 reporting contact and successful engagement of enemy destroyer at…:static:”
***
“This is a BBC news report. Stalemate at Hong Kong. Japanese forces have once again been repulsed with heavy losses…”
***
While I attempted to find a picture of Kasumi herself, I was unable to locate one on the net. However, I did find this picture of Asagumo in the 1941 configuration. Kasumi would be almost identical to this ship at this time of the war. And if anyone does have a picture of the Kasumi, please post it or a link.
DD Kasumi attached to TF1
Location: 120 miles South of Tokyo
Course: West
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Osaka and refuel
***
As Kido Butai approached the home islands, the activity in the air increased. Large H-6K flying boats could be seen at various times patrolling for enemy submarines. To this point, the task force had not made a submarine contact, and the proximity of friendly waters gave Tamon a sense of security he had not felt in the vast expanse of the open Pacific. The radio messages from across the ocean told an entirely different story however…
“I-17 reporting heavy enemy contact…multiple hits, fire and flooding…: static:”
“:Static: I-4 reporting contact and successful engagement of enemy destroyer at…:static:”
***
“This is a BBC news report. Stalemate at Hong Kong. Japanese forces have once again been repulsed with heavy losses…”
***
While I attempted to find a picture of Kasumi herself, I was unable to locate one on the net. However, I did find this picture of Asagumo in the 1941 configuration. Kasumi would be almost identical to this ship at this time of the war. And if anyone does have a picture of the Kasumi, please post it or a link.
- Attachments
-
- Asagumo1.jpg (33.54 KiB) Viewed 414 times
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
'blueprint'
model kit pic
precedessor
model color guide
another photo of this class
Hope it helps, though I can't find a direct photo too
model kit pic
precedessor
model color guide
another photo of this class
Hope it helps, though I can't find a direct photo too
obey the fist!