22 April 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 87
Location: Nagasaki
Course: East
Damage: None
Orders: Refuel and proceed to Okayama
***
Kasumi and Hibiki pulled up to the docks to refuel around 3 AM. Refueling proceeded without problem and by dawn they were on their way to Okayama.
Tamon stood on the railing as the sun broke over the horizon. In the distance he could see the harbor tugs maneuvering Fuso into one of the large dry docks at the repair yard. Tamon had been to Nagasaki many times before and knew the repairs would take many months. Tamon returned to the radio room to the sounds of Radio Tokyo…
Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
23 April 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Okayama
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Report to Rear Admiral Tanaka
***
Captain Murakami left the ship the moment it was securely tied to the pier. Lieutenant Sanada oversaw the loading of additional supplies and refueling while the captain was away. Tamon was put in charge of inventorying the supplies which consisted mostly of rice, water, and canned goods. The ships pantry was being well-stocked which almost assured a long deployment away from the Home Islands.
Murakami returned later in the afternoon and called his officers for a briefing.
“What I am about to say does not leave this ship, nor are you at liberty to discuss it with the crew. We have been assigned to take part in Operation Sword Stroke, the target is Midway Island. Admiral Yamamoto is assigning the bulk of the carrier force and two surface action groups in support of the invasion. We have been assigned to Rear Admiral Tanaka’s heavy striking force centered on the battleships Nagato and Yamashiro. Our primary mission will be an anti-surface warfare sweep. If no surface forces are encountered, Rear Admiral Tanaka has the discretion to provide naval gunfire support to the amphibious troops.” Murakami paused to allow his officers to ask questions. When none were asked, he continued.
“We will rendezvous with the amphibious groups and carrier task forces at Wake Island. We will escort the amphibious units to the target, before sweeping in ahead to clear away an enemy opposition. We will remain under radio silence through-out the mission. Once we receive the signal that the mission is a go, we will be sent the coded message ‘Commence Operation Sword Stroke’. There will be no turning back once the operation commences. Any questions?”
The officers had no questions, each knew what was expected of himself and the men under his command.
DD Kasumi
Location: Okayama
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Report to Rear Admiral Tanaka
***
Captain Murakami left the ship the moment it was securely tied to the pier. Lieutenant Sanada oversaw the loading of additional supplies and refueling while the captain was away. Tamon was put in charge of inventorying the supplies which consisted mostly of rice, water, and canned goods. The ships pantry was being well-stocked which almost assured a long deployment away from the Home Islands.
Murakami returned later in the afternoon and called his officers for a briefing.
“What I am about to say does not leave this ship, nor are you at liberty to discuss it with the crew. We have been assigned to take part in Operation Sword Stroke, the target is Midway Island. Admiral Yamamoto is assigning the bulk of the carrier force and two surface action groups in support of the invasion. We have been assigned to Rear Admiral Tanaka’s heavy striking force centered on the battleships Nagato and Yamashiro. Our primary mission will be an anti-surface warfare sweep. If no surface forces are encountered, Rear Admiral Tanaka has the discretion to provide naval gunfire support to the amphibious troops.” Murakami paused to allow his officers to ask questions. When none were asked, he continued.
“We will rendezvous with the amphibious groups and carrier task forces at Wake Island. We will escort the amphibious units to the target, before sweeping in ahead to clear away an enemy opposition. We will remain under radio silence through-out the mission. Once we receive the signal that the mission is a go, we will be sent the coded message ‘Commence Operation Sword Stroke’. There will be no turning back once the operation commences. Any questions?”
The officers had no questions, each knew what was expected of himself and the men under his command.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
24 April 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: 360 miles South of Okayama
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
The task forces formed up in the hours before dawn and slipped out of the harbor at Okayama. The striking force was massive and Tamon counted thirteen carriers, two of which he had not seen before. As the task forces passed Wakayama into the open expanses of the Pacific Ocean, they began to disperse and put some distance between them.
Tamon sat in the radio room listening to radio messages from other ships and aircraft. Manila was once again being pounded by the land based bombers out of Takao. Convoys reported in, and the war progressed normally…if war could ever be considered normal.
To pass the time, Tamon again tuned in Radio Tokyo…
DD Kasumi
Location: 360 miles South of Okayama
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
The task forces formed up in the hours before dawn and slipped out of the harbor at Okayama. The striking force was massive and Tamon counted thirteen carriers, two of which he had not seen before. As the task forces passed Wakayama into the open expanses of the Pacific Ocean, they began to disperse and put some distance between them.
Tamon sat in the radio room listening to radio messages from other ships and aircraft. Manila was once again being pounded by the land based bombers out of Takao. Convoys reported in, and the war progressed normally…if war could ever be considered normal.
To pass the time, Tamon again tuned in Radio Tokyo…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
25 April 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 480 miles South East of Tsu
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
Another day of travelling in silence…
In the ward room, the officers aboard Kasumi were discussing the two new carriers.
“So when did they join the fleet? And what are their names?” Katsuo asked.
“They are Junyo and Hiyo. They are auxiliary carriers that were built from cruise ship hulls. And it appears that we need to work on ship recognition.” Lieutenant Commander Sanada answered him.
“Auxiliary carriers? That explains why they are smaller than the other carriers.” Tamon interjected.
Meanwhile Sanada had stepped out and ordered Chief Takeshi Saito to report to the ward room. As he appeared with recognition cards in hand, Tamon knew what was about to happen.
“And since we have new ships no one can recognize, we will teach the entire crew to recognize them starting with the officers. Chief I want them to recognize the ships instantly.” And with that Sanada left the officers at the mercy of Chief Saito.
***
That night Tamon dreamed of recognition cards….
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 480 miles South East of Tsu
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
Another day of travelling in silence…
In the ward room, the officers aboard Kasumi were discussing the two new carriers.
“So when did they join the fleet? And what are their names?” Katsuo asked.
“They are Junyo and Hiyo. They are auxiliary carriers that were built from cruise ship hulls. And it appears that we need to work on ship recognition.” Lieutenant Commander Sanada answered him.
“Auxiliary carriers? That explains why they are smaller than the other carriers.” Tamon interjected.
Meanwhile Sanada had stepped out and ordered Chief Takeshi Saito to report to the ward room. As he appeared with recognition cards in hand, Tamon knew what was about to happen.
“And since we have new ships no one can recognize, we will teach the entire crew to recognize them starting with the officers. Chief I want them to recognize the ships instantly.” And with that Sanada left the officers at the mercy of Chief Saito.
***
That night Tamon dreamed of recognition cards….
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
26 April 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 600 Miles East of Chichi Jima
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
It was of course inevitable. Despite the best efforts of the officers to keep things from growing out of proportion, the rumor mill always wins. This mission was no different. However, it had been impressed upon the officers that they were to suppress the rumors by any means possible.
***
“We are heading east. That can only mean one thing.” Isamu told Arata and Hideyoshi.
“And what is that Yanagawa?” Tamon had walked in on the conversation.
“Sir…where we are…um… going...” Isamu stammered.
“And where do you think we are going? I’m very interested in hearing all about it.” Tamon said sternly.
“Well…we are going to…um…”
Tamon cut him off. “The truth is that you do not know where we are going. The truth is that we are not to discuss the nature of the mission. We have been ordered to radio silence, and that also means rumor silence. To help remind you of this forgotten discipline I think you need to do extra duty shifts maintaining the ship. You will report to Chief Saito after your shift ends…all three of you…and you will do so for the next three days. Is that clear?”
“Yes sir.” The three said dejectedly in unison.
Just then a coded message was received. Tamon decoded it himself.
:::Southern Area Army reports Batavia secured.:::
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 600 Miles East of Chichi Jima
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
It was of course inevitable. Despite the best efforts of the officers to keep things from growing out of proportion, the rumor mill always wins. This mission was no different. However, it had been impressed upon the officers that they were to suppress the rumors by any means possible.
***
“We are heading east. That can only mean one thing.” Isamu told Arata and Hideyoshi.
“And what is that Yanagawa?” Tamon had walked in on the conversation.
“Sir…where we are…um… going...” Isamu stammered.
“And where do you think we are going? I’m very interested in hearing all about it.” Tamon said sternly.
“Well…we are going to…um…”
Tamon cut him off. “The truth is that you do not know where we are going. The truth is that we are not to discuss the nature of the mission. We have been ordered to radio silence, and that also means rumor silence. To help remind you of this forgotten discipline I think you need to do extra duty shifts maintaining the ship. You will report to Chief Saito after your shift ends…all three of you…and you will do so for the next three days. Is that clear?”
“Yes sir.” The three said dejectedly in unison.
Just then a coded message was received. Tamon decoded it himself.
:::Southern Area Army reports Batavia secured.:::
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
27 April 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 900 Miles South East of Chichi Jima
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
The punishment Tamon had meted out seemed to have worked, as the radio room was conspicuously devoid of discussions about the task forces destination. Of course Tamon had no idea what went on when he was not present, but he was an officer not a babysitter. Tamon had passed by Chief Saito earlier in the morning and noticed a wicked grin on the Chief’s face…that told him all he needed to know.
The day passed in silence, except for the occasional transmission from a search plane or a ship reporting in. However late in the evening one very interesting coded message was sent from 14th Army.
:::14th Army reports end of organized enemy resistance on Luzon.:::
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 900 Miles South East of Chichi Jima
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
The punishment Tamon had meted out seemed to have worked, as the radio room was conspicuously devoid of discussions about the task forces destination. Of course Tamon had no idea what went on when he was not present, but he was an officer not a babysitter. Tamon had passed by Chief Saito earlier in the morning and noticed a wicked grin on the Chief’s face…that told him all he needed to know.
The day passed in silence, except for the occasional transmission from a search plane or a ship reporting in. However late in the evening one very interesting coded message was sent from 14th Army.
:::14th Army reports end of organized enemy resistance on Luzon.:::
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
28 April 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 600 Miles East of Marcus Island
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
The radios were virtually silent save a scattering of allied search aircraft reports until late in the evening.
:::23rd Mixed Brigade reports Kragen Secured.:::
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 600 Miles East of Marcus Island
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
The radios were virtually silent save a scattering of allied search aircraft reports until late in the evening.
:::23rd Mixed Brigade reports Kragen Secured.:::
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
29 April 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 600 Miles South East of Marcus Island
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
“This is a Radio Tokyo News report. Liberation of the Philippine Islands. The Imperial 14th Army reported early this morning that all American and Philippino resistance in the Philippine Island ended yesterday with the surrender of all remaining troops in Manila. This great victory over the Western Oppressors was made possible by…”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 600 Miles South East of Marcus Island
Course: South East
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
“This is a Radio Tokyo News report. Liberation of the Philippine Islands. The Imperial 14th Army reported early this morning that all American and Philippino resistance in the Philippine Island ended yesterday with the surrender of all remaining troops in Manila. This great victory over the Western Oppressors was made possible by…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
30 April 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
Late in the evening the task force arrived at Wake Island. The carrier groups had already arrived ahead of the surface forces. Later in the day, the ships arrayed around the island began to refuel from the tankers stationed there. It was apparent that this lay-over would be a very brief one indeed.
Tamon watched from the fantail as replacement aircraft were flown to the carriers from the Islands small airstrip. As with all military operations, there had been some accidents along the way, resulting in the loss of a handful of aircraft that were either destroyed outright or damaged beyond repair. This was a normal part of carrier operations as the pitching flight decks made landings difficult at best.
Tamon returned to the radio room and tuned in the short wave radios. Again there were reports from American patrol aircraft, but nothing to indicate the invasion fleets had been detected yet. That would change once the fleets departed Wake Island bound for Midway…
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Proceed to Wake Island
***
Late in the evening the task force arrived at Wake Island. The carrier groups had already arrived ahead of the surface forces. Later in the day, the ships arrayed around the island began to refuel from the tankers stationed there. It was apparent that this lay-over would be a very brief one indeed.
Tamon watched from the fantail as replacement aircraft were flown to the carriers from the Islands small airstrip. As with all military operations, there had been some accidents along the way, resulting in the loss of a handful of aircraft that were either destroyed outright or damaged beyond repair. This was a normal part of carrier operations as the pitching flight decks made landings difficult at best.
Tamon returned to the radio room and tuned in the short wave radios. Again there were reports from American patrol aircraft, but nothing to indicate the invasion fleets had been detected yet. That would change once the fleets departed Wake Island bound for Midway…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
1 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
Tamon was awakened before dawn to and ordered to report to captain Murakami. “This can’t be good” he thought to himself as he quickly readied himself and set off to the captains ward room. Upon arrival he came to attention, and noticed an army officer present.
“At ease Harada.”
“Yes sir.”
Soon after, Hinata arrived in the room as well. After another round of formalities, Murakami introduced the new arrivals.
“This is Major Kenichi Fujita from the general staff. He will be accompanying us to Midway Island. I will let him brief you on his duties aboard this ship.” Murakami’s tone indicated that he was not happy with the situation.
Major Fujita began tersely. “This ship will be tasked with the capture of enemy airmen or naval officers as the opportunity presents itself. The general staff wishes to take this opportunity to interrogate the prisoners and attempt to gain information on the defenses in the central Pacific. You two will be under my command and assist me in the interrogation of these prisoners. Your skills in the English language will help ensure that we get as much information from them as possible. You will report to me once an American prisoner is brought on board. That is all.”
Major Fujita then turned about and left the three naval officers in the ward room without uttering an excuse.
“Very pleasant.” Murakami’s comment was obviously one of sarcasm. “You are dismissed gentlemen.”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
Tamon was awakened before dawn to and ordered to report to captain Murakami. “This can’t be good” he thought to himself as he quickly readied himself and set off to the captains ward room. Upon arrival he came to attention, and noticed an army officer present.
“At ease Harada.”
“Yes sir.”
Soon after, Hinata arrived in the room as well. After another round of formalities, Murakami introduced the new arrivals.
“This is Major Kenichi Fujita from the general staff. He will be accompanying us to Midway Island. I will let him brief you on his duties aboard this ship.” Murakami’s tone indicated that he was not happy with the situation.
Major Fujita began tersely. “This ship will be tasked with the capture of enemy airmen or naval officers as the opportunity presents itself. The general staff wishes to take this opportunity to interrogate the prisoners and attempt to gain information on the defenses in the central Pacific. You two will be under my command and assist me in the interrogation of these prisoners. Your skills in the English language will help ensure that we get as much information from them as possible. You will report to me once an American prisoner is brought on board. That is all.”
Major Fujita then turned about and left the three naval officers in the ward room without uttering an excuse.
“Very pleasant.” Murakami’s comment was obviously one of sarcasm. “You are dismissed gentlemen.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
2 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
In the Jungles South West of Batavia...
The Dutch were retreating, but had left a rear guard behind to attempt to slow Japanese movement. At this moment a Dutch sniper had opened fire on Yoshiro's squad, immediately finding his mark. Yoshiro jumped behind a rotting log because the head of the man standing next to him had exploded in a spray of blood, bone and flesh.
In due time, a Type 92 Light Tank was moved up from the rear, and after spraying all likely hiding places with heavy machine gun fire the enemy fire stopped. An order was barked by an officer somewhere in the back and Yoshiro found himself and the rest of his squad creeping up to the sniper's location to confirm if the tank had dispatched the Dutchman or not. Luckily for the men of Yoshiro's squad, the sniper had be eliminated, verified by Yoshiro crawling up to his bloody, mangled body.
The order was given to resume the march and the push to Tjilijap, the infantry once again leading the way. To an Allied commander this might seem strange, however in Japan lives are cheap, tanks are not. This order came down from the headquarters level, the infantry would lead the way so that no tanks would be lost to enemy land mines. It seems men are far easier to replace on the front lines.
Yoshiro could only hope Tamon was not as miserable as he was....
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
In the Jungles South West of Batavia...
The Dutch were retreating, but had left a rear guard behind to attempt to slow Japanese movement. At this moment a Dutch sniper had opened fire on Yoshiro's squad, immediately finding his mark. Yoshiro jumped behind a rotting log because the head of the man standing next to him had exploded in a spray of blood, bone and flesh.
In due time, a Type 92 Light Tank was moved up from the rear, and after spraying all likely hiding places with heavy machine gun fire the enemy fire stopped. An order was barked by an officer somewhere in the back and Yoshiro found himself and the rest of his squad creeping up to the sniper's location to confirm if the tank had dispatched the Dutchman or not. Luckily for the men of Yoshiro's squad, the sniper had be eliminated, verified by Yoshiro crawling up to his bloody, mangled body.
The order was given to resume the march and the push to Tjilijap, the infantry once again leading the way. To an Allied commander this might seem strange, however in Japan lives are cheap, tanks are not. This order came down from the headquarters level, the infantry would lead the way so that no tanks would be lost to enemy land mines. It seems men are far easier to replace on the front lines.
Yoshiro could only hope Tamon was not as miserable as he was....
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
3 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
Kure Factory District, Nakajima Engine Assembly Plant.
"Production must be increased. The Army is in great need of large numbers of new fighters and torpedo bombers. You must not fail the Emporer in this matter."
"Of Course Prince Asaka-sama." Makoto Harada quickly and respectfully replied. "I will see to it personally."
"I expect this facility to double production within the next 30 days. The War Council will ensure all the resources you need to accomplish this will be provided." Prince Asaka stop to point at a number of small houses surrounding the factory. "These houses will need to be destroyed to make room for the expansion. I will authorize a Kempeitai unit to ensure that this happens without incident. An Army engineer battalion will oversee the demolition and expansion."
"Hai." There was little more Makoto could say about the issue. "Shall we continue to inspection tour Prince Asaka-sama?"
An hour later, the Prince was gone and Makoto Harada had a burning feeling in his gut again. No doubt the stress he was under was taking its toll on his health, but he had no choice. He was the manager of the Kure production facility, so seeing to it that the War Council's wishes were carried out was mandatory.
The fact that the War Council had sent Prince Yasuhiko Asaka to personally oversee the expansion spoke volumes. It would appear that the war was not going as well as the newspapers and radio claimed. Makoto's thoughts soon drifted to his two sons. He could only hope that the families ancestors were watching over them both. Tamon far off out at sea and Yoshiro who's location Makoto had no way to know. Makoto tuned in Radio Tokyo to help ease his troubled mind....
****
This is a Radio Tokyo News Report. Trapped like rats! Dutch forces in the North of Java have been cut off from retreat towards Surubaya. A representative for the Army predicts the complete collapse of the Dutch defense within days..."
Prince Yasuhiko Asaka was an in-law of the Emporer, General in the Japanese Army, and member of the Supreme War Council. He was also the officer that allegedly gave the 'kill all captives' order that led to the 'Rape of Nanking'.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
Kure Factory District, Nakajima Engine Assembly Plant.
"Production must be increased. The Army is in great need of large numbers of new fighters and torpedo bombers. You must not fail the Emporer in this matter."
"Of Course Prince Asaka-sama." Makoto Harada quickly and respectfully replied. "I will see to it personally."
"I expect this facility to double production within the next 30 days. The War Council will ensure all the resources you need to accomplish this will be provided." Prince Asaka stop to point at a number of small houses surrounding the factory. "These houses will need to be destroyed to make room for the expansion. I will authorize a Kempeitai unit to ensure that this happens without incident. An Army engineer battalion will oversee the demolition and expansion."
"Hai." There was little more Makoto could say about the issue. "Shall we continue to inspection tour Prince Asaka-sama?"
An hour later, the Prince was gone and Makoto Harada had a burning feeling in his gut again. No doubt the stress he was under was taking its toll on his health, but he had no choice. He was the manager of the Kure production facility, so seeing to it that the War Council's wishes were carried out was mandatory.
The fact that the War Council had sent Prince Yasuhiko Asaka to personally oversee the expansion spoke volumes. It would appear that the war was not going as well as the newspapers and radio claimed. Makoto's thoughts soon drifted to his two sons. He could only hope that the families ancestors were watching over them both. Tamon far off out at sea and Yoshiro who's location Makoto had no way to know. Makoto tuned in Radio Tokyo to help ease his troubled mind....
****
This is a Radio Tokyo News Report. Trapped like rats! Dutch forces in the North of Java have been cut off from retreat towards Surubaya. A representative for the Army predicts the complete collapse of the Dutch defense within days..."
Prince Yasuhiko Asaka was an in-law of the Emporer, General in the Japanese Army, and member of the Supreme War Council. He was also the officer that allegedly gave the 'kill all captives' order that led to the 'Rape of Nanking'.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
4 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
Kasumi had been assigned to outer screen picket duty this day. Tamon sat in the radio room listening to American transmissions out of Pearl Harbor and Midway. No mention was ever made of the growing task force gathering at Wake Island, but that was not surprising, given that Wake Island was beyond the range of American search planes. The real threat of discovery would lie beneath the waves, and Tamon was not picking up any enemy submarine transmissions. The fact that all the merchant ships and carriers remained undamaged was they only indication that no submarines were lurking about.
Ships continued to pour in from the expanses of the Empire. Admiral Yamamoto had obviously assigned a significant force to this operation, and with good reason. Midway was easily within range of Pearl Harbor and the American carriers were still unaccounted for. Tamon also knew that the Americans had a large fleet of battleships, and in the time since the Pearl Harbor raid, they would have easily been able to move a large portion of the Atlantic Fleet through the Panama Canal to reinforce the Pacific Fleet.
While adjusting the dials tring to pick up enemy transmissions, Tamon tuned into RKO Radio...
***
"This is an RKO Radio News Report. German U-boats off the Eastern Seaboard? Reports abound of submarines surfacing along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. A spokesman for the Navy tell us that these reports are simply people mistaking whales for submarines in low light situations. Meanwhile the sinking of HMS Edinburgh in the Arctic Ocean lends some credibiilty to effectiveness of Germany's U-boat menace, crippled by torpedoes from an unkown u-boat, the Edinburgh was unable to make it to...."
***
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
Kasumi had been assigned to outer screen picket duty this day. Tamon sat in the radio room listening to American transmissions out of Pearl Harbor and Midway. No mention was ever made of the growing task force gathering at Wake Island, but that was not surprising, given that Wake Island was beyond the range of American search planes. The real threat of discovery would lie beneath the waves, and Tamon was not picking up any enemy submarine transmissions. The fact that all the merchant ships and carriers remained undamaged was they only indication that no submarines were lurking about.
Ships continued to pour in from the expanses of the Empire. Admiral Yamamoto had obviously assigned a significant force to this operation, and with good reason. Midway was easily within range of Pearl Harbor and the American carriers were still unaccounted for. Tamon also knew that the Americans had a large fleet of battleships, and in the time since the Pearl Harbor raid, they would have easily been able to move a large portion of the Atlantic Fleet through the Panama Canal to reinforce the Pacific Fleet.
While adjusting the dials tring to pick up enemy transmissions, Tamon tuned into RKO Radio...
***
"This is an RKO Radio News Report. German U-boats off the Eastern Seaboard? Reports abound of submarines surfacing along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. A spokesman for the Navy tell us that these reports are simply people mistaking whales for submarines in low light situations. Meanwhile the sinking of HMS Edinburgh in the Arctic Ocean lends some credibiilty to effectiveness of Germany's U-boat menace, crippled by torpedoes from an unkown u-boat, the Edinburgh was unable to make it to...."
***
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
5 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
It was clear that the hour of departure would be arriving soon. The train of ships arriving at Wake Island had slowed to a trickle, and the last of the troops and supplies being loaded from the Island itself was complete. The arduous task of positioning all the military and civilian vessels into something resembling a formation had begun. Still no order to sail, not yet...
***
"This is an RKO Radio News Report. The deadline for enemy aliens to turn in radio transmitters, cameras and short wave recievers to the Western Defense Command has passed. From this point forward, any enemy alien caught with these items..."
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
It was clear that the hour of departure would be arriving soon. The train of ships arriving at Wake Island had slowed to a trickle, and the last of the troops and supplies being loaded from the Island itself was complete. The arduous task of positioning all the military and civilian vessels into something resembling a formation had begun. Still no order to sail, not yet...
***
"This is an RKO Radio News Report. The deadline for enemy aliens to turn in radio transmitters, cameras and short wave recievers to the Western Defense Command has passed. From this point forward, any enemy alien caught with these items..."
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
6 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
It was late in the day when the signals were flashed amoung the ships of the invasion force. 'Commence Operation Sword Stroke 420508 0500' was the entire message. Simple, yet completely understood by every captain on every ship at Wake Island. What was unknown to most of the men in the task forces was that earlier that morning, CS Mizuho and AV Sagara Maru had slipped away from Wake Island at 2 AM the previous morning with a handfull of destroyers each as escort.
These two forces were headed North East and East to take up positions between Midway and Pearl Harbor. Their mission...act as forward scouts for the invasion fleets. If detected, it was highly unlikely they would survive contact with the enemy, but they would at least be able to warn the main fleet the American Carriers were about and send the abort code. Basically, they were expendable.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: None
Damage: None
Orders: Await Further Orders
***
It was late in the day when the signals were flashed amoung the ships of the invasion force. 'Commence Operation Sword Stroke 420508 0500' was the entire message. Simple, yet completely understood by every captain on every ship at Wake Island. What was unknown to most of the men in the task forces was that earlier that morning, CS Mizuho and AV Sagara Maru had slipped away from Wake Island at 2 AM the previous morning with a handfull of destroyers each as escort.
These two forces were headed North East and East to take up positions between Midway and Pearl Harbor. Their mission...act as forward scouts for the invasion fleets. If detected, it was highly unlikely they would survive contact with the enemy, but they would at least be able to warn the main fleet the American Carriers were about and send the abort code. Basically, they were expendable.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
7 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface combat
***
The invasion force broke anchor before dawn on the 7th and slowly and silently began moving to the North East. Task force 133 was tasked with clearing any enemy surface forces the morning of the invasion and providing heavy anti-surface escort for the amphibious groups along the way. This left the warships plodding along at a leisurely 10 knots, far slower than normal cruising speeds.
The day passed silently, though Tamon did manage to pick up a few transmissions from American patrol aircraft operating out of Midway and Johnston Island. The mood in the radio room was tense, as Major Fujita had made himself at home to the point of moving Seaman Sugiyama from his usual post.
Tamon had formed his opinion about Major Fujita already, that being that the major was an ass. This was going to be a very unpleasant voyage…
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface combat
***
The invasion force broke anchor before dawn on the 7th and slowly and silently began moving to the North East. Task force 133 was tasked with clearing any enemy surface forces the morning of the invasion and providing heavy anti-surface escort for the amphibious groups along the way. This left the warships plodding along at a leisurely 10 knots, far slower than normal cruising speeds.
The day passed silently, though Tamon did manage to pick up a few transmissions from American patrol aircraft operating out of Midway and Johnston Island. The mood in the radio room was tense, as Major Fujita had made himself at home to the point of moving Seaman Sugiyama from his usual post.
Tamon had formed his opinion about Major Fujita already, that being that the major was an ass. This was going to be a very unpleasant voyage…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
8 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 120 miles North East Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
The task forces moved slowly and smoothly through the day. Tamon had managed to tune in the American patrol aircraft on the short wave radio, but all indications were that the invasion fleet had not yet entered patrolled territory.
Later in the evening, a E-14 Glen from submarine I-23 reported a small number of surface ships at Midway Island. With the cloud cover above the Island, the crew was unable to determine the exact number or type.
***
“This is a BBC Radio News Report. Vichy French Madagascar surrenders. The Admiralty today reported that Vichy French commanders in Diego Suarez surrendered to Admiral Syfret and General Sturges yesterday…”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 120 miles North East Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
The task forces moved slowly and smoothly through the day. Tamon had managed to tune in the American patrol aircraft on the short wave radio, but all indications were that the invasion fleet had not yet entered patrolled territory.
Later in the evening, a E-14 Glen from submarine I-23 reported a small number of surface ships at Midway Island. With the cloud cover above the Island, the crew was unable to determine the exact number or type.
***
“This is a BBC Radio News Report. Vichy French Madagascar surrenders. The Admiralty today reported that Vichy French commanders in Diego Suarez surrendered to Admiral Syfret and General Sturges yesterday…”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
9 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 240 Miles North East of Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
Tamon spent another day intently listening to short wave radio communications from allied search aircraft. Again the patrols had not spotted any ships of the invasion fleet.
An incident late in the afternoon set Tamon’s blood boiling. Major Fujita had struck seaman Yanagawa hard enough to break one of his teeth for a minor infraction. While Tamon expressed his displeasure with Fujita for such an action, there was little more he could do as the Army Officer technically outranked him. After seeing that Yanagawa made it to the infirmary to have the remaining piece of tooth extracted, Tamon reported to Captain Murakami.
“That is not acceptable at all,” was Murakami’s reply after hearing Tamon’s report. “However, we are under orders from Admiral Tanaka to leave the major on board this ship until we reach Wake Island. For now, instruct your men to be very mindful of regulations until Major Fujita leaves the ship. In the meantime, I will remind the major that the men on this ship are under my command and if punishments are to be ordered, they must first come through me. That is all, Harada.”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 240 Miles North East of Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
Tamon spent another day intently listening to short wave radio communications from allied search aircraft. Again the patrols had not spotted any ships of the invasion fleet.
An incident late in the afternoon set Tamon’s blood boiling. Major Fujita had struck seaman Yanagawa hard enough to break one of his teeth for a minor infraction. While Tamon expressed his displeasure with Fujita for such an action, there was little more he could do as the Army Officer technically outranked him. After seeing that Yanagawa made it to the infirmary to have the remaining piece of tooth extracted, Tamon reported to Captain Murakami.
“That is not acceptable at all,” was Murakami’s reply after hearing Tamon’s report. “However, we are under orders from Admiral Tanaka to leave the major on board this ship until we reach Wake Island. For now, instruct your men to be very mindful of regulations until Major Fujita leaves the ship. In the meantime, I will remind the major that the men on this ship are under my command and if punishments are to be ordered, they must first come through me. That is all, Harada.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
10 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 360 Miles North East of Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
Major Fujita was even more abrasive than he had been before. However, he no longer interfered with Tamon’s operation of the signals room, so Murakami’s discussion seemed to have had the desired effect.
As for Yanagawa, his face was very swollen and he made obvious efforts to completely avoid Fujita as much as possible. Tamon should have assigned punishment duties for Yanagawa’s infraction, but given the harshness of Fujita’s reaction to it, he decided that the sailor had been punished enough. Tamon found himself appalled by the army officer’s treatment of the sailor under his command and could only hope that his younger brother was not being treated as harshly as Fujita was treating the sailors aboard Kasumi.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 360 Miles North East of Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
Major Fujita was even more abrasive than he had been before. However, he no longer interfered with Tamon’s operation of the signals room, so Murakami’s discussion seemed to have had the desired effect.
As for Yanagawa, his face was very swollen and he made obvious efforts to completely avoid Fujita as much as possible. Tamon should have assigned punishment duties for Yanagawa’s infraction, but given the harshness of Fujita’s reaction to it, he decided that the sailor had been punished enough. Tamon found himself appalled by the army officer’s treatment of the sailor under his command and could only hope that his younger brother was not being treated as harshly as Fujita was treating the sailors aboard Kasumi.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
11 May 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 480 Miles North East of Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
Early in the morning a lone PBY Catalina flew a leisurely south eastern course when one of the spotters noticed something. Six hours later, a number of B-17s and A-26 Hudsons made an attack run on the forward scouting force, only to be intercepted by a large number of Reisen fighters from the carrier task forces.
The unescorted bombers had no chance, and the radio transmissions from the battle confirmed it. In the end, four of six B-17s never reached the target, one turned back and crashed 20 nautical miles from Kasumi’s position, and the final one reached the target with no success. Of the Hudsons, none made it to the target.
A message from one of the E-13 search planes caught Tamon’s attention…
“Nagato two flight confirms one life raft in the water twenty miles from task force 133.”
Tamon immediately relayed the message to captain Murakami and shortly there after Kasumi picked up speed and changed course. An hour later the green raft was spotted floating in a debris field with three men inside.
Tamon yelled down to the men in the raft as Kasumi pulled up to retrieve them. “Attention American pilots, you are now prisoners of the Japanese Imperial Navy. Any attempt at resistance will be met with deadly force. You will now be brought on board. Do you understand?”
“We understand,” was the reply from the man Tamon assumed was the ranking officer.
As the airmen were taken on board, Tamon could tell that one was obviously badly wounded. Kasumi’s medical officer, Ensign Ichiro Nishimura quickly went to work bandaging the man’s wounds. Despite the fact that these men had shamed themselves by being captured, they still had value for the information they had on Midway Island. Major Fujita very much wanted them alive.
The airmen were searched for weapons then herded towards the front of the ship to be locked harmlessly away in the spaces of the forecastle. With the sun silently slipping away beyond the western horizon, Tamon knew he would soon be forced to do something he was not at all looking forward to. Despite the fact that these men had no honor, Tamon found no delight in the interrogation he knew he would have to carry out soon.
Lost in his thoughts, Tamon had not noticed Major Fujita who had walked up behind him.
“Harada! I will require your services in the morning. We will get information out of these men.”
Tamon’s expression betrayed his feelings, on both the Major and the upcoming interrogation, and Fujita had acutely picked up on it. “Let me be clear Harada, you will carry out this directive, you will do as I say to get information out of these men. You will report to me at 5 AM, am I clear?”
“Very clear…Sir,” Tamon tried to hide his contempt for the Major in his reply, he could only hope he had succeeded.
DD Kasumi attached to TF 133
Location: 480 Miles North East of Wake Island
Course: North East
Damage: None
Orders: Surface Combat
***
Early in the morning a lone PBY Catalina flew a leisurely south eastern course when one of the spotters noticed something. Six hours later, a number of B-17s and A-26 Hudsons made an attack run on the forward scouting force, only to be intercepted by a large number of Reisen fighters from the carrier task forces.
The unescorted bombers had no chance, and the radio transmissions from the battle confirmed it. In the end, four of six B-17s never reached the target, one turned back and crashed 20 nautical miles from Kasumi’s position, and the final one reached the target with no success. Of the Hudsons, none made it to the target.
A message from one of the E-13 search planes caught Tamon’s attention…
“Nagato two flight confirms one life raft in the water twenty miles from task force 133.”
Tamon immediately relayed the message to captain Murakami and shortly there after Kasumi picked up speed and changed course. An hour later the green raft was spotted floating in a debris field with three men inside.
Tamon yelled down to the men in the raft as Kasumi pulled up to retrieve them. “Attention American pilots, you are now prisoners of the Japanese Imperial Navy. Any attempt at resistance will be met with deadly force. You will now be brought on board. Do you understand?”
“We understand,” was the reply from the man Tamon assumed was the ranking officer.
As the airmen were taken on board, Tamon could tell that one was obviously badly wounded. Kasumi’s medical officer, Ensign Ichiro Nishimura quickly went to work bandaging the man’s wounds. Despite the fact that these men had shamed themselves by being captured, they still had value for the information they had on Midway Island. Major Fujita very much wanted them alive.
The airmen were searched for weapons then herded towards the front of the ship to be locked harmlessly away in the spaces of the forecastle. With the sun silently slipping away beyond the western horizon, Tamon knew he would soon be forced to do something he was not at all looking forward to. Despite the fact that these men had no honor, Tamon found no delight in the interrogation he knew he would have to carry out soon.
Lost in his thoughts, Tamon had not noticed Major Fujita who had walked up behind him.
“Harada! I will require your services in the morning. We will get information out of these men.”
Tamon’s expression betrayed his feelings, on both the Major and the upcoming interrogation, and Fujita had acutely picked up on it. “Let me be clear Harada, you will carry out this directive, you will do as I say to get information out of these men. You will report to me at 5 AM, am I clear?”
“Very clear…Sir,” Tamon tried to hide his contempt for the Major in his reply, he could only hope he had succeeded.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'