Konpeki no Kantai::Volume1 Chapter4

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Konpeki no Kantai Volume 1 Chapter 4

Chapter Four: The Deciding Battle at Pearl Harbor

1

Just what was the balance of power between the navies of Japan and America at the time the war started?

In December of the sixteenth year, the ratio of strength of America over Japan was narrowing. The official ratio of tonnage was 10 to 7. But, because there was a certain portion concealed, it was actually more like 10 to 8.

Indeed, if you took into account the firepower and degree of training, there were rumors that the Japanese Navy was many times better than the American Navy.

However, if you factored in the both countries shipbuilding capacity once the war started, the proportion of fighting power would rapidly open up, in year 18 to 10 to 5, and in year 19 to 10 to 3, but this was already predicted.

When you took that into account, the Japanese side needed to strike the enemy hard as possible at the start of the war. That meant they had to win all they could while they could win.

As it was, the Japanese were satisfied with their seven-minute win. The bad part of that was the rampant attitude of disdain towards their enemy.

In the case of the old Pacific War, that the Japanese did nothing special in the year following the start of the war (year 17) was a massive failure. During this time the American side steadily built up their forces for their long-awaited counteroffensive to start.

Takano Isoroku reflected to the utmost over the bitter experiences of his prior world.

For certain, his ideas about having a decisive battle using naval air were a success from the start. However, demonstrating this revolutionary tactic to the enemy was a strategic error.

"......Therefore, I think this time I would like fight with three things coordinated seamlessly: a naval air fleet, a battleship fleet and a submarine fleet."

Takano had been speaking to members of the Deep Blue Society.

Then,

"Your Excellency, we made an especially big mistake in making use of the submarine fleet," said Commander Genda, offering his opinion.

"I agree."

Takano gave a deep bow.

In the case of the Japanese Navy, it was normal to think of having submarines present in fleet actions, and to have them participate in naval battles. For that reason, many submarines were made, both cruisers and for the high seas, and able to keep up with fast fleet actions.

However, this had virtually no effect. This was because they were uneasy with regards to the antisubmarine tactics of the American Navy, the case in point being the ring shaped battle formation they had thought up. What's more, when their high performance radar was deployed, the damage to submarine forces was markedly increased.

In the end, using submarines for transport of supplies to Guadalcanal and other such places was the utmost in stupidity.

To be sure, the situation left them with little choice in the matter, but Japan of year 18 was backed into a corner, and yet who was to blame for having brought that situation to pass? Their vision for the great war had been inconsistent.

The excellent members of the Deep Blue Society's think tank had diligently investigated the matter. Everyone had racked their brains. Then they found a way to win.

With the 12/8 project plans in hand, our future world's Japan Navy faced the start of the war.

2

As the war opened, the Japanese side's Southern Strategy was put into action. This time, in what quite literally a breakthrough, a small fleet assisted the Army in capturing the Philippine Islands, Malaysia, Wake Island and the Gilbert Islands. In addition, there was the southern force of two battleships stationed in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

However, in addition to these, stationed in the Seto Inland Sea, there was the main fleet, what should be referred to as the nucleus of the Japanese Navy.

The battle formation consisted of six battleships, two aircraft carriers, two cruisers and thirteen destroyers. This great fleet, with its flagship the battleship Nagato, was not being used for the start of the war.

Certainly, setting them for rear guard duty just in case things went south… he could understand such thinking.

This, the Nagumo Battle Fleet, would be for the theoretical case that the attack on Pearl Harbor failed.

But for Japan the start of the war with America was an all or nothing gamble. It was a make or break moment. They couldn't afford to lose their nerve.

The Deep Blue Society expressed severe regret on this point.

They had concluded there was no middle ground between winning and losing in this gamble.

...Well then.

At 11am on the 7th, Admiral Kimmel received his reports on the search for the enemy and felt somewhat relieved.

There was a report on the discovery of the enemy fleet. His own fleet was fifty nautical miles to the southwest of Oahu and drawing nearer.

A staff officer informed him, "Sir. The enemy fleet has one carrier, two battleships, three cruisers, two destroyers and some other ships besides."

"There's only one aircraft carrier?"

"Yes, sir. We haven't discovered the other carriers at this time. But, they probably aren't that fast. First let's strike the enemy before us, and then slow-cook the remainder."

"It will be as you say."

Kimmel thought he could win this. He had a large fleet with eight battleships to back him up. If it came down to a shootout, he could blast them to dust in one go.

"Their location?"

"Approximately 70 nautical miles north-east of Oahu. From their course, wouldn't they be heading for Pearl Harbor?"

"Why?"

Kimmel tilted his head in puzzlement.

"Perhaps they intend to shell Pearl Harbor Naval Base?"

"Even though it's already been destroyed by the air raid?" said Kimmel.

"No. We still have a fuel depot adjacent to the base, and we still have 4.5 million barrels of fuel oil stored there."

"That so? Is that what they're aiming for?"

Kimmel's eyes opened wide.

"If they can do that, Sir, our Pacific Fleet would be incapacitated. We would be unable to operate in the Pacific for at least six months."

"I understand."

Kimmel's eyebrows went up. "Are those guys going to try and starve us?"

"Sir, we must do everything in our power to stop them."

"All right, we'll intercept them for sure. Make the whole fleet hurry up. The American Navy's honor is at stake."

Next up, they received another message from water reconnaissance.

It appeared that the enemy fleet had sent ahead a large number of Zero fighters.

"There don't seem to be any attack aircraft."

"Yes. The situation has become a more and more favorable to our side."

Shortly thereafter, a reconnaissance plane launched from the battleship West Virginia was attacked by a Zero and shot down...

The ships were slow. Kimmel was impatient. They had gotten the boilers up to full steam, but Kimmel's fleet was only making 21 knots. Worse, they had to change direction now and then to throw off enemy submarines.

(Will we make it in time?)

(Can we arrive at Pearl Harbor first?)

So thought Kimmel, who was about to start running around inside the West Virginia out of impatience.

But new reports arrived there.

Having taken off from Oahu, a small private plane had spotted the enemy fleet. According to radio reports from Oahu, the enemy didn't seem to be heading for the Arenuihaha Channel, but rather for the North Kaua'i Channel.

"Okay, if that's the case, then we needn't worry about enemy subs. Head for the Kaua'i Channel."

Kimmel, his eyes shining, came to a decision.

...On the other hand, there was the Takasugi Fleet.

The Japanese boasted a high speed fleet that could do almost 30 knots. For all that, Kimmel's fleet could only do just over 20 knots.

The Chief of Staff, Captain Inoue, glared at the sea charts as he calculated the point where they would assemble.

A report from the Seidens came in. They said that the Kimmel fleet had changed course slightly.

"They are heading for the Kaua'i Channel after all."

"Is that so? Could we change the fleet's speed? We must not arrive at the Kaua'i Channel too early or too late. The time at which we meet is critical to this operation."

"According to calculations, if we advance as we are now, we will arrive at the Kaua'i Channel at 13:20."

"When is Kimmel due to arrive?"

"Probably ten minutes later, at 13:30."

"That so? I suppose we should slow down just a little after all," said Takasugi.

"Then we will change to precisely 28 knots," replied Inoue.

"Understood. I will count on you for the rest. Give my condolences to the engineering."

Takasugi was completely calm.

At one in the afternoon, Kimmel's fleet, with the dark shape of Oahu to starboard, hurried towards the channel. They were safe from attack by the worrisome enemy submarines. Now and then an enemy fighter would show up and fly away.

"Just a little further. Call for battle stations."

They had not yet encountered the enemy, but Kimmel was preparing for battle early.

A little earlier, he'd got into contact with the observation post on the summit of Mount Ka'ala (1234m), which rose from the north end of the island. But the guard seemed to be in a hurry:

Signs of the enemy on the eastern horizon.

He'd sent the telegram in plain text, unencoded.

Immediately thereafter, they'd received a radio message from Oahu. It said that they had no planes because of the air-raid. Their batteries were completely destroyed, and they had no means by which to defend themselves.

"We cannot count on the Army to save us. We think we can handle it ourselves, so don't worry," Kimmel sent back in reply.

At 1:30pm, Kimmel's fleet arrived at the west entrance of the Kaua'i Channel. They received another telegram from Mount Ka'ala. The enemy fleet was outside the east entrance to the channel.

"All right. We made it on time."

Kimmel gave the order to attack.

The Kaua'i Channel separates the islands of Oahu and Kaua'i. One hundred kilometers wide, even if the fleet were spread out it would present no difficulty.

The large fleet approached the enemy at full speed. The Japanese side was the first to commence firing.

Undaunted, Kimmel's side returned fire.

The enemy battleships, Hiei and Kirishima had 16 35.6cm main guns between them.

In addition, the six ships Nevada, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Arizona, Tennessee and California had 64 35cm (14-inch) main guns.

It was 1:40pm on the 7th... The great battle between fellow battleships commenced.

The firepower was overwhelmingly in Kimmel's favor. The volleys from eight battleships were a sight to see. The ratio of main batteries was 80 to 16.

(We're going to win for sure!)

(There's no way we won't win.)

Kimmel thought. No, so he told himself, and encouraged himself.

Somehow. Because he had an awful suspicion he could not express in words. First of all, why would you challenge an enemy to fight if you had no chance of winning?

(Where these guys get their nerve, I have no idea.)

But, if he were to cool down and think about it a little, there was something he might have noticed. If had read it the other way, he should have realized it might be a trap. However, at that moment excited by the roar of the cannons, Kimmel gradually forgot himself.

The enemy shells weren't aimed at the battleships, but rather at the leading destroyers and cruisers. He was somewhat impatient as they were targeted, one by one. He was astonished at their amazing accuracy. The Japanese Navy was outdoing the American side by more than three to one in shelling precision. It was the result of hard training, seven days a week.

Two destroyers rushed in and launched torpedoes. They hit the heavy cruiser New Orleans. A pillar of fire several stories tall rose up. The light cruiser Raleigh was sunk instantly.

The blood rushed to his head.

Kimmel was at the height of excitement.

“Attack!”

Gradually, Kimmel's battleship group drew within the strait. The enemy turned around as if trying to keep out of range. If you chased them, they fled. If you pulled back, they advanced. They were a completely irritating opponent.

At last, an enemy battleship was hit by a 40cm. However, it wasn't an opponent easy to sink.

3

Unfortunately, Kimmel's suspicions were correct.

Twenty minutes later, they were watching a new enemy from across the channel.

A lookout from the West Virginia's bridge shouted out, "Six battleships, and there's more out there!"

Having been completely deceived, Kimmel was upset.

"Enemy aircraft incoming!" The lookout's voice modulated from a shout to a shriek.

Before his voice could be heard, the West Virginia received the first shots.

They were attacked by ship guns and carrier aircraft.

The fleet started to zig-zag, and poured out anti-aircraft fire.

Burning up like lighters, carrier aircraft covered with flames plunged into them. Enemy aircraft crashed into the bridge of the Arizona.

The situation in the 100km wide Kaua'i Channel had suddenly been turned upside down.

"Have I been tricked?" said Kimmel, gritting his teeth.

The escort ships were hit, one after another.

The newly arrived enemy battleships, with destroyers in the lead, quickly drew near.

Once they were in range, they didn't stand a chance.

"Somebody, tell me what to do!"

Dismay quickly turned into fear.

"What should I do...?"

The bridge of the flagship West Virginia was hellish scene.

At that moment, Vice Admiral Takasugi was talking via wireless with Admiral Sakmoto Ryouma, commander in chief of the Japanese main fleet.

"Takasugi-san, aren't you a little late?"

"No, the timing is just perfect."

The Kongou was serving as flagship of the battleship group. In the old Pacific War, they would have been part of the Seto Inland Sea battleship group.

"Hah! With that all the battleships are present. Eight against eight, as it should be," Takasugi continued.

The Sakamoto fleet, having received secret oders from the Commander in Chief of the combined fleets Takano Isoroku, had departed from the Japanese mainland before the start of the war. Having come around from the northwest Pacific via a great circle route, they were advancing on Hawaii from the north-east.

"Well then, shall we intimidate them just a little?"

Sakamoto was taking things easy.

It was 2:30pm. At this point in time, by means of shelling and air strikes, four enemy cruisers and eight destroyers had already been consigned to the bottom of the sea.

With the loss of the entire Hawaiian air forces as well as two aircraft carriers, the enemy fleet had already lost all control of the airspace. They were completely exposed.

If the enemy boldly challenged them by shelling, they could quickly retreat, taking advantage of their thirty knots. If they faltered, they could close in and pour on the shells. For that reason, their allies were practically unscathed.

Sakamoto launched a second wave from his carriers. The attacking forces swooped in. The enemy had no aircraft to guard them. The attack was just like a practice run.

They aimed for the cruisers, destroyers and smaller craft. The crews complained, but their orders were absolute.

One hour, then two hours went by. Sakamoto repeated the air attacks thoroughly.

In this way, by 5:30, the eight cruisers, twenty-nine destroyers and forty small craft of Kimmel's fleet had been sent to the bottom.

Kimmel could not understand it.

"Why don't they aim for the battleships?"

"We don't know, sir," said his chiefs of staff.

"All we can say is that we've been stripped bare."

"I don't know. I can't read their intentions."

They were low on ammunition from the long battle, especially for their anti-aircraft guns. Many rounds had been wasted.

"Indeed, sir. Tactically, it doesn't make sense."

"What are they doing?" murmured Kimmel, "Shoving their warrior spirit down our throats?"

"And one thought occurs to me: ships without ammunition are just so much scrap metal."

"We could surrender, but I'd hate to do that."

"Sir. It will be dark soon. Let's escape under cover of darkness."

"That's one way to recover."

For certain, the sun was setting, the shining golden disk of fire about to touch the western ocean behind them.

Kimmel had a bad feeling about this. He had a feeling something lurked beneath that red-stained sea surface. But he suppressed his anxieties.

"Attack. We will not dishonor the American Navy." said Kimmel.

At that moment, suddenly, that the Arizona was attacked.

Four columns of water rose at the same time. Kimmel saw it from close by. He understood at once that the attack had come from the west, from the direction of the setting sun. But there had been no torpedo wake at all.

He couldn't understand. Kimmel could not believe his eyes. The Arizona had received air attacks, but the damages had been minor. The West Virginia had been running alongside at flank speed.

(How could such a thing...)

His head went blank. His thoughts stopped.

(It should be impossible to take four hits at once. It defies common sense. At most, two. This is foolishness. I must be dreaming.)

But the Arizona broke into three pieces and sank, engulfed in flames. It sank at once. In the blink of an eye. There weren't even the bodies of crewmen or officers left on the ocean surface.

Everyone on the bridge gasped. There was not a single cough. They were dumbfounded, their voices lost. A huge ship, 31,400 tons had been sunk with a single blow. The surface of the sea broke out in a whirlpool, which soon subsided.

"Was this how they got the Lexington too?" said Kimmel.

"Yes sir. The Japanese Navy has made some new and terrible weapon."

"Nevertheless..."

Kimmel's forehead was beaded with sweat.

Five minutes later, as if to mock even their fears, the Oklahoma was attacked. Once more, four columns of water rose up. It took less than three minutes for the 27,500 ton hulk to disappear beneath the waves.

Just the thought of who might be next was terrifying. Without a doubt, the entire crew was the same.

"Sir, we can't stop them."

"I don't think you can replace human life."

Coming to a decision at last, Kimmel said “Understood. I will take the blame. Contact their fleet. Raise the white flag up the mast.”

<~~42% Completed~~>

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