Halsey's Bluff by Larry Schweikart

Author:Larry Schweikart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Alternative History
Publisher: Winged Hussar Publishing
Published: 2016-01-31T00:00:00+00:00

Aboard the Akagi

4 Jun 42 1017

“Admiral, the Americans have severely damaged the Soryu and the Haruna, and done light damage to the Kaga. However, flight operations on the Kaga have already been restored.”

Nagumo nodded. “And the Soryu? Is she unsalvageable?”

“As of fifteen minutes ago, the fire control crews had not been able to contain the blaze, which is nearing the elevators. It’s only a matter of time, Admiral, before the bomb storage areas go up.”

Again, Nagumo solemnly nodded. “Very well, authorize Captain Ryusaku to abandon ship. Instruct him he is ordered to leave the vessel. We are about to achieve a great, great victory, and I will not minimize it by allowing my captains to go down with their ships.”

Somewhat surprised, the ensign nevertheless repeated the order, and concluded, “Yes, Sir.”

Even though he had officially transferred his flag back to the Akagi for operations with the Kido Butai (First Carrier Striking Force), Nagumo always requested permission of the captain of the Akagi to enter his bridge. “It is my honor, Admiral, please.” Nagumo stood in the front of the cramped space, with a half-dozen other officers, and knew that in the next hour much of the war in the Pacific might be decided. Fifteen minutes earlier he had received vectors from the scout planes sent out early that day. They had spotted the American carriers northwest of Midway. In fact, they were so far northwest that Admiral Kurita would run right into them, rather than envelop them ... if Nagumo’s strike force didn’t destroy them first.

“Captain Aoki, have you recovered all your aircraft yet?”

The diminutive Aoki, a veteran of several campaigns and one of Nagumo’s best carrier commanders, replied, “Yes, Sir. In fact, we will have the last of the fighters refueled in the next twenty minutes.” Anticipating Nagumo’s next move, Aoki asked, “Should I send for Commander Genda?”

Nagumo smiled. “You read me like a book, Captain. Yes, and get Commander Fuchida up here as well. He seems to have special insight into American tactics.”

Aoki immediately tasked a sailor to locate the airmen, who reported to the bridge within a few minutes, still in their flight suits. Nagumo motioned to the chart table and gave them the last-known vectors of the American carriers. “The Americans have utterly failed in their attack. Now is the time to destroy them. Commander Genda, you will take all remaining aircraft to this spot,” he slapped the chart northwest of Midway, “and finish off the American fleet. You have prepared for this, have you not?”

“Hai!” Genda exclaimed, and a smile crossed his face.

“Commander Fuchida, do you have anything to add? Have the Americans adapted to your tactics in any way?”

“No, Admiral-san. If I may ...?”

Genda raised an eyebrow and started to reprimand Fuchida, but Nagumo waved him off.

“Continue, Commander. You have a question?”

“Sir, it is not my place, but is it wise to leave an air base in our rear? We know their bombers and torpedo planes are not a threat to your ships, but

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