World War II Database

1. Anonymous says:
22 Sep 2014 07:46:59 PM

Takeo Kanda, my grandfather, took this photo. So strange.

http://www.yamato-museum.com/concept/note/2009/07/vol10.html

2.  Bill says:
13 Jun 2016 07:42:53 PM

TURK HEADQUARTERS OF THE JAPANESE NAVY:

In Turk Lagoon as many as fifty (50) to sixty (60) warships and merchant ships were at anchor. It also had airstrips, warehouses, support buildings, troop barracks, for the thousands of troops and other facilities.

The Japanese based over 300 combat aircraft
Both the Musashi and Yamato were based there.
Yamamoto Chief of the Combined Fleet had his headquarters aboard Yamato.
Later the flagship of the fleet, was transferred from Yamato to Musashi.

3.  Bill says:
19 Jun 2016 02:05:12 PM

CAPITAL SHIPS OF THE IMPERIAL NAVY:

Both the Musashi and Yamato were Japan's largest Capital ships. The main armament and secondary armament was impressive, but what about the crew. Both ships were manned by the
skilled seamen of the Imperial Navy.

ODDS & ENDS:

However, later during the war, as crew losses mounted the navy was sending right out of rushed training schools too many sailors with lack of training and too many new inexperienced and unskilled hands.
Many having been drafted into the navy. Training was stepped up as fast as possible. The older experienced Commissioned and Petty Officers had their hands full.

SHIPS COMPANY: TOO MANY NEW HANDS

Both the Musashi and Yamato carried about the same number of crewmembers the Yamato was designed for 2,000, with added anti-aircraft guns and other equipment and personnel to man and operate brought the ships company to 3,332 as big as Yamato, there wasn't enough room them.

ONBOARD CHOW:

Food aboard the ships was good, some would say the best in the navy. The galley was staffed with almost one hundred cooks and stewards, the menu was different each day, to give the crew a balanced diet.
Food served were fish, beef, vegetables and large issues of rice. The Officers ate separate from the men and also had their pick of food. Both crew and Officers had an issue of beer and rice wine.

DUTIES ABOARD SHIP:

The day started aboard ship at 0700 the crew had a full day of work aboard with training and maintenance. At 0800 to noon and lunch for one-hour with three more hours of gun drills, work and other chores. Clean up followed by dinner and personal time.
Crewmembers assigned watch, radio room and guard took their posts being relieved during the watch cycle while others were assigned to other duties.

I thank the editor/ww2db for his continued support...

4.  Bill says:
19 Jun 2016 06:17:36 PM

HOTEL YAMATO:

The Yamato was stationed at Turk from August 1942 to May 1943 she took no part in the Solomon's campaign, shortages of ammunition and fuel all played into Adm. Yamamoto's reluctance to commit her to battle.

SCUTTLEBUTT: OUT OF HARM'S WAY

Going here, going there, but going nowhere she departs Turk for Japan, goes into dry dock for inspections and repair. Used as a transport for troops and material assigned to Turk, she also under took sorties with other cruisers and destroyers but failed to make contact, sorties to Singapore and other Japanese controlled islands.
If anyone has more info post it here I'd like to read it. I'm not an expert on WWII, only my personal knowledge from reading different books