r/WarshipPorn • u/GuardianViolet • 11h ago
Art [1116x581] USS Hornet (CV-8), as found by the Japanese after being abandoned following the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, illustrated by Signalman Hitoshi Nakajima of the destroyer Akigumo. October 26, 1942
October 26, 1942, Night of the Naval Battle in the South Pacific
Destroyer "Akiyuki" Captain Major Soji Soma (50th class of the Naval Academy) says, under the guise of reporting to Naval General Staff.
"Take a photograph of this scene (Hornet)"
Navigator
"It's night, so photography is impossible"
"Then make a copy of it"
Signal Officer Usui, told this by the navigator, comes from the bridge lounge with paper for the wake self-drawing machine.
Signal Officer Usui
"Nakajima, you're good at drawing, so make a sketch"
Signalman Nakajima tries to draw, but the ship's hull is not clear due to the movement of smoke and flames.
Captain
"How's it going, Nakajima? Can you draw it?"
"The side of the hull is in shadow, so I can't see the details"
"Approach as close as possible, no, let's illuminate it with the searchlight. Prepare searchlight illumination"
To Nakajima, who cannot hide his bewilderment at this excessively bold action, the captain says.
"It's fine, Nakajima, don't worry. If we illuminate it with the searchlight, it'll be clear, right?"
(I'm not worried about not being able to see it. I'm worried that illuminating with the searchlight is far too dangerous)
"Yes, understood."
Nakajima had no choice but to answer that way.
The captain orders loudly.
"Begin searchlight illumination, left ninety degrees"
The crew, who know nothing, is surprised, wondering if something has happened.
【From: Makigumo To: Akiyuki】
"WHAT IS THE SITUATION"
【From: Akiyuki To: Makigumo】
"ILLUMINATING TO SKETCH THE CURRENT STATE OF HORNET"
Signalman Nakajima peers through 15cm binoculars to depict every detail, and while performing partial illuminations with the searchlight 5-6 times, he completes the drawing.
