The Hornet Stings Japan
VOLUME 171
NUMBER 6
JUNE, 1943
86th YEAR OF CONTINUOUS PUBLICATION
by MAJOR THOMAS ROBERT WHITE
APRIL, 1, 1942. — Loaded sixteen B-25’s (Mitchell Bombers) onto carrier Hornet and pulled out into the stream. Went ashore and had a fish dinner. Back to the Hornet and was plenty sick. Fish must have been spoiled.
April 2. — Pulled out in the morning with escorting vessels. Supposed to be going to Hawaii. The Grumman representative pulled wires to get a free trip. Imagine his surprise! We did not stop at Hawaii.
Weather stormy from the start. Zigzagged day and night. Had a hard time refueling. The third try was successful though we broke a hose. A man was washed overboard the first try and picked up by a destroyer.
Fine coöperative crew on the Hornet, the Medical Department especially helpful. Had a cabin to myself until one of the officers came down with the measles. Some of the boys slept in the Admiral’s cabin and some in the Captain’s cabin. Big poker and crap games. Gave men their final shots and studied maps of the target area. Loafed.
April 12. — Picked up the second part of the Task Force. Lost the 13th crossing the date line. Gassed ships and loaded bombs.
April 17. — We left part of the escort and began our run in to the target. Very rough.
April 18. — Still more than 900 miles out. An enemy surface ship about 150 feet long was sighted. We made a fast turn and manned our planes. One of our cruisers opened fire — beautiful shooting. Could not see what at, but no return fire. Planes from the carrier scouted.
I am in Plane 40-2267, the fifteenth plane to take off. We got off at 9.15 A.M. and followed Major Hilger toward Japan. Flew low and at minimum cruise. Our crew is D. G. Smith, Pilot; G. P. Williams, Copilot; Sessler, Bombardier-Navigator; Sergeant Saylor, Gunner; T. R. White, Surgeon.
Sighted several small steamers and fishing boats but apparently caused no concern. Flew south of Tokyo, saw smoke in the distance (from bombs?). Thirteen planes went to Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. At 2.00 P.M. our time (1.00 P.M. Japan time) we turned into Nagoya Bay past myriads of fishing boats and many small steamers. Some of the fishing boats were gayly decorated with lots of flags. Past lighthouses and coast defense batteries without attracting any notice. The only person we bothered as we flew directly over was one fisherman who jumped into the water!
At 2.30 Japan time the Major wiggled his wings and turned right toward Nagoya, up over an island to surprise them. We continued on and then turned left over the Isthmus in the direction of Osaka and Kobe.
Copyright 1943, hy The Atlantic Monthly Company, Boston, Mass. All rights reserved.
Very pretty and interesting countryside, rice paddies terraced clear to the tops of the hills. Only airplane seen was a commercial airliner which flew by overhead. No pursuit seen though we flew by several airfields. Over the ridge to Osaka. Dense smoke haze from the “Pittsburgh of Japan.” Took pictures of factories along the river. The sea breeze blew the smoke back as we approached Kobe.
At 3.15 Japan time we picked up speed and altitude and dropped our bombs (four clusters of 128 thermite bombs each — a cloud of green and black sticks) right on the target and then dove close to the water at about 300 m.p.h. Two anti-aircraft got four shots at us but all were wide misses. Took pictures the whole time, one of a new aircraft carrier under construction.
We headed out the Bay, fast and low past fortifications, again without drawing any fire. Once out to sea we took up a course parallel to the coast and throttled back to minimum cruise. Took film out of camera and scaled it in tin and put it in my pocket, which later proved most opportune. No other pictures known to be saved.
At 4.15 P.M. Japan time we sighted two pursuit planes having target practice. They didn’t see us until we were even with them; then they gave chase, but a short run at maximum cruise left them hopelessly in the distance. At 4.45 we passed a formation of three Jap cruisers heading seaward, but here again no notice was taken of us! At 5.00 P.M. we passed the tip of Japan. Expected pursuit but saw none. Passed several islands, one a steaming volcano.
The weather closed in as we neared the China coast. Getting dark. Unknown shore. Overcast, so no sights could be taken. Circled several times. Motors cold and no visibility, so we landed in the water alongside an island, 11 hours and 45 minutes after take-off, or 6.00 P.M. local (Chinese) time.
Had a hard time releasing the life raft and then punctured one side. Saved my B-4 bag but lost it when raft turned over. Ship went down in eight minutes. Sessler swam ashore, we paddled. Bucked current and wind for a while, then turned with it. Nearly an hour in the cold yellow water. Dark. Rocks all around with big waves breaking over them. Turned over three times. The last time I was too tired to climb back on, so popped my life vest and swam, towing the raft. Current nearly swept us past the point but finally we made it. Climbed up nearly vertical rocks through surf. Tried to save the raft but too tired — cold and dark and the raft was waterlogged, so I tied it to a rock.
Climbed up to top of cliff and looked for signs of life. Nearly fell over several cliffs and huddled to get warm, for we were thoroughly chilled and exhausted, Too cold and no shelter from wind and rain, so went exploring again. Saw a dim light and headed toward it. Found a haystack and a goat shed. We curled up in the straw. The owner came out with a candle and dragged us into the house, built a fire of straw on the floor, and we took off our wet clothes and got warmed up somewhat. We four went to bed in the family bed, two each way!
At first the people said they were Japanese, but finally we found a book with some English words in it and the Chinese equivalents. Then we established ourselves as Americans (Megua) and found out that they were Chinese (Chungqua). We were fed and given dry, if inhabited, clothing.
2
April 19. — Awakened early by an influx of visitors; one, a more prosperous-looking man, was evidently a leader. Soon after he left, our host came to us and told us by signs that this man and another had taken a boat, and we thought he meant that they had gone to warn the Japs. We were then in a fever of impatience to get away, so we donned our still wet clothing and after a breakfast of rice, tea, dried shrimp, and garlic greens, set off.
The first person we met was Sessler, much to our joy. He was still intact, though chilly, having spent the night in a sheltered cleft in the rocks, about two miles from where we landed. A native explained that because of a Jap gunboat in local waters we should have to wait till dark to go. Nothing for it but to go back and keep under cover.
When we got back to our host’s house we found our prosperous friend there with the news that the Japanese were near. We napped and tried to dry our clothes all afternoon. About dusk five men, including our host’s best friend, took us down to a small junk. After stowing us in the bottom they started to scull the boat off to sea. There was a cold drizzle and no wind. Their feet slipped several times, because of wet and slimy soles. We rowed until midnight and reached a large island. Here two men with lanterns took me by the hand and led me off through an outpost of sorts, and after an hour’s walk we arrived at a farmhouse.
Inside was a local leader, who spoke some English. He told me that another of our planes had crashed near-by and that he and his men had sent them to Free China only that evening. The flyers had apparently been badly injured. The Chinese illustrated heads cut, eyes injured, teeth knocked out, arms and legs broken. I sent a note back to the other chaps to come on, and talked nearly two hours before they arrived. I learned that five of our ships had gone over in addition to the two which crashed, and that one had circled and dropped two flares.
The other men arrived and we all went another mile to a house where we were given a mat on the earthen floor and some covers. Went to sleep almost at once.
April 20. — Spent the day under cover. The Chinese called and brought us some chicken for dinner. An educated Chinese girl came and we conversed via pencil, paper, and dictionary, writing phonetically — L for R, etc. Gave out pictures of my kids and coins to the people. Photos highly prized. Water pump wheel in house. Sanitation nonexistent.
The leader told us that we were just a very few miles from the Japs and we would make our next move that night. Five men were detailed, including his No. 1 boy. They arrived with English, Belgian, and German pistols decorated with red cords and tassels, and ancient “Russian” rifles.
In the late afternoon we got word that the Japs were coming and we split up, all going different ways. The leader and another man and I went the back way over some hills. Finally reached a canal where we all got into a boat and went for a long ride, collecting hard-boiled eggs by the way! Much shouting back and forth — the grapevine telegraph. Occasional stops for heated discussions. I noticed the extreme age of everything we saw. Carving on the ridgepoles of tiled roofs; others thatched; sluice gates of carved stone; extensive canals and terraces. Everything was just as it had been for thousands of years except for us and the guns of our companions.
We reached the end of the canal about dusk and then walked a mile to a kind of barracks where we had supper of eggs, rice, shrimp, tea, and wine. Then walked about two miles further in the dark till we came to the water again. Here we had another heated discussion and then entered an apparently abandoned house where we waited a couple of hours, evidently for the moon to set. Then we got into another small boat and after a short trip again disembarked and walked.
Finally we wound up in an old temple. The old priest had fine features, wild hair and beard, and wore a black gown. Our leader and the priest offered up prayers for us and then tested the omens via the jumping sticks three times. Once for them, once for us, and once for Chiang Kai-shek! Then we had tea and eggs and curled up on a mat on the floor. No covers. Very cold night.
April 21. — Spent the day under cover, resting and drying out. The usual meals of eggs, tea, rice, and garlic greens. Broke open one of our iron rations for a change. Gave the priest a piece of chocolate and a cracker. He gave us some hard black Chinese candy.
About 3.00 P.M. one of the men came rushing in with the news that sixty-five Japs were looking for us and were on their way there. We hastily gathered our few belongings and went into hiding in a cave. The Chinese brought mats and a candle for us and then left us for perhaps half an hour. Then after some scuffling, which scared us plenty, five or six men came in. They all sat down between us and the door and loaded and cocked their guns, very obviously ready to die in our defense.
We felt trapped like rats and I had some of the worst moments of my life while we waited for the Japs to find us. At last the host brought us some rice and tea but I couldn’t cat. The cigarette smoke got nearly intolerable. After nearly two hours we heard someone calling to us and everyone relaxed and crawled out. I was never so glad to see the light of day.
We started off while it was still quite light and walked at least eight miles around rice paddies back and forth to another building, where we had more eggs and rice, and then finally to the water and into a small junk. But we were surprised to wind up at 4.00 A.M. in a place we had not been heading for. We were later told that the Japanese were waiting at the village we had planned to go to.
Stopped at a store for tea while they rounded up someone who spoke English. We then went to the home of a fat and jovial gentleman. Typical Chinese gentry. We talked until 8.00 A.M., had a sumptuous breakfast, and washed with soap. The Chinese were always interested in the hair on our arms, legs, and chests!
Then we started off for a town, carrying our few belongings, mostly life vests and spare coats. It was good to be walking by daylight. Fascinating countryside. A couple of times we hid from airplanes, but otherwise the trip was without danger. Had a septic hand developing and operated on it with my pocketknife heated over a match. Got very hot and thirsty. Our feet were sore and blistered, the soles of our shoes cracked from drying them out over a fire. Finally arrived at a river where we boarded two small junks for ferryboats. The old boatman had a wonderful face to paint or photograph, but I had no camera. A young boy ran the other boat. They had a small ragged standing lug sail. Long trip up river. Twice hid from planes. One passenger, probably with hypertension, had a nosebleed.
At the end of the ferry ride we had another stiff walk of fifteen li (five miles).
Magistrate gave us a royal welcome, turned out the Guard, etc. Went to local Army H.Q. and all had baths with soap in a small wooden tub. The Chinese don’t use dry towels, so we dried on the same one used for a washcloth. They provided clean civilian shirts (mine much too small) and shorts. Glad to get off my lousy underwear! Had a very nice dinner and entertainment. Small girls brought us flowers, danced, and sang about the wonders of flight. The magistrate gave us each $100 Mexican and a chicken-blood precious stone signature seal from his home province. Heard Lawson’s crew had been through two days previously, given first aid, and was now in hospital.
3
April 23. — Had a gorgeous night’s sleep and then breakfast. Washed our teeth for the first time since leaving the ship. Sent wires announcing our safe arrival and cabled my wife “Safe and well.” [The cable never arrived.]
The magistrate loaned me his pistol, no others available.
Big mass meeting in our honor — soldiers and school children. Blew bugles (out of tune!), cheered, and sang. The magistrate and other officials made speeches. A girl made a speech in English.
Then we each made a short speech which she translated for them. We were then presented with a silk banner and adjourned for tea. A Chinese army doctor gave us some adhesive and iodine for our feet. The night before, we had inquired for cameras but were told there were none for 100 li. After tea the photographer showed up; they had wired for him, and he had come thirty-five miles on foot. He took our pictures with a big old-fashioned camera, 12 x 12, no shutter or diaphragm. Said good-bye to our friends. Couldn’t give them anything. (Gave the magistrate’s son my helmet.)
Sedan chairs were provided for us but we walked through town, a triumphal procession — soldiers, firecrackers, confetti, cheers and songs. We walked about five li before we stopped and got into our chairs, and the procession was still winding out of the city. Ten soldiers, five of us, interpreter, and company of soldiers. Seven chairs with four men each — $100 for chair and four men for the trip.
Several Jap planes flew by but did not molest us — apparently on their way to bomb a town further on. We went up a long valley. The broad stonepaved road degenerated to a single muddy track at times. Rice paddies everywhere, right up the hillsides. Pumps and bailers; scattered farming settlements; hay drying in trees. The age of everything and lack of repair noticeable. The Chinese have a saying, “maen maen tih,” which means, “in due course.” They use it as the Latins do “Mañana. ”
Just outside of town we were met by a long line of school children and their teachers bearing banners and cheering and singing. They followed us into town still cheering and singing songs about airplanes — boys and girls with hot dusty little faces. One or two who were late came running up as we went by. We went down the main street (10 feet wide) lined with shops, mostly selling food. Wonderful variety of odors! Turned off to local Army H.Q. and school.
After lunch — eggs again, pork and sausage and wine — we headed for the mountains, where bandits used to lurk. We were assured that none remained, but I noticed the soldiers kept a sharp lookout. Over an arched bridge and up a beautiful valley. The children followed us for some time, still shouting and singing. The yellowish green of the sprouting rice and the deeper green of the more mature plants made very pretty patterns. Everywhere we went people crowded around to see us. One baby crawled under my chair. Its mother yanked it out and slapped it, and it started to cry. I gave it a penny and it stopped instantly. They were all fascinated by our zippers. We saw “Victory” cigarettes everywhere. Yellow and gold colors for China, manufactured in Shanghai by Japan!
Arrived at a village at 3.15 P.M. Had chow water at the Chinese hospital while waiting for the local military commander to arrive. The Commanding Officer A.D.R. nice-looking man with a voice like H. B. Warner’s.
Spent the night at Army H.Q.
April 24. — Up early, walked over to the “telegraph” with our guide. It turned out to be a very ancient field telephone. We spent nearly twenty minutes trying to tell the next town when to expect us. The “telegraph” is in an old temple. Peeked behind a partition and saw several old wooden warrior gods that made my collector’s palm itch. Back for breakfast and ceremonial send-off.
Hazy to rainy. Twenty-five li and two hours to L-. Arrived at 10.00 A.M. Went to public court for conference, past ranks of boy and girl scouts, much the cleanest-looking of all the people. The town was captured by the Japs last year and held four days. Bombed eight times.
Went to hospital to stay and take care of Lawson’s crew. Lawson in very poor shape with compound fracture of left knee and badly infected leg, eight front teeth knocked out and cuts about the chin and face. Davenport not too good, badly infected cuts on right leg. McClure suffering sprained or possibly fractured right shoulder and nerve injury to left arm, small infected cuts. Clever has infected cuts above left eye, scalp, and right leg, sprained right ankle, cuts on right hand. Thatcher, one small cut on head. Two Chinese doctors, father and son, looking after them.
Went to work on the boys. Wired Chungking to fly some supplies down. Found some sulfanilamide and put Lawson and Davenport on it.
The Chinese newspapers came out with news of our raid, causing much excitement. Deputations from the town, schools, and all sorts of organizations came and brought eggs (at 4 for $1.00), cookies, oranges. The local magistrate was very helpful, furnishing all our food and a cook, who cooks “foreign” food and used to work in the Y.M.C.A. in Shanghai.
Deloused at home of Mr. X, who loaned us all clothes.
Wire from Major Hilger to pick up two men at another town. None there but two or three in the hands of the Japs, worse luck.
April 25 (one week in China). — Lawson had a bad night. Gave him two transfusions of 150 and 200 c.c. by two-syringe method, the copilot, Lieutenant Williams, donor. Syringes clogged!
All given Chinese names. I’m “Way Esong” meaning “Great and Powerful Doctor”! It rained. We had several air raid alarms. Planes apparently on the way to bomb a near-by town.
April 26. — Made a splint for Lawson’s leg at Mr. X’s and installed it. Very painful. Had a table made for McClure to get his arms up. Put a splint on his left hand to prevent contraction.
Had church services. Mr. X preached. The magistrate called and brought oranges. Local merchants and party officials, army and municipal officials, called and brought presents nearly priceless. Raisins, preserves, wine, grapefruit, eggs, thermos bottles, shirts, canned butter. Raisins are 2 ounces for $1.00; sugar, brown, as there is no white, $10.50; fresh milk, two 6-ounce cups for $1.00; canned fruit of poor grade is $6.00-$10.00 a can; cod liver oil $85.00 a bottle; quinine, 2 gr., $1.00; matches $2.50 a box; coarse brown salt, 7 ounces for $1.00; canned butter, $15.00 a can; “Foreign” candles, $2.50 each. Toilet soap is $10.00 a bar. Canned milk is $46.00 a can. Emetine, $100 an ampule, and sulfanilamide $2.00 a tablet (.5 gm.).
April 27. — Gave Lawson an intravenous and he had a very sharp reaction. Running out of sulfanilamide.
Smith, Williams, Sessler, Saylor, and Thatcher left via chair for the next town. Sent letters with them.
April 28. — Cold and rainy. Had a fire built but felt chilly all day. Mr. X loaned me a sweater and coat. Lawson no better, so gave him chloroform and operated to improve drainage. He nearly went out under the anaesthetic.
I had a chill at night. Malaria?
We heard there are 375 missionary children at the Mission School at Chefoo, occupied by Japs. Their parents are in Free China and the Japs forbid any communication!
April 29. — Felt better. Dressed wounds, which are looking better. Went downtown shopping. Very interesting narrow streets lined with shops, mostly selling wood. Bought a thermos for $120, sulfanilamide (twenty tablets, $40.00). Had another chill and went to bed with quinine and a fire.
May 1. — Stopped quinine. Feeling better but have a swell drug rash. Lawson’s wounds don’t look so good. Put in forty dollars’ worth of sulfa powder. The Chinese got us some more sulfa, thank goodness. I’m getting joint pains, probably flu!
May 2. — Rainy. Met the doctor from-Hospital. He brought a little morphine and sulfa and a blood transfusion set. Dressed the boys’ wounds. I’m feeling better today but still very rheumatic. Lawson no better, durn it. Gave him a blood transfusion, Clever and McClure donors.
Bought a slick Chinese key-winder watch.
May 3. — Deputations from Chinese Air Force, Girl Guides, Hwangyen Youth Movement, and a neighboring village with about 400 eggs, cakes, sugar, oranges. We’ve had several thousand eggs given us already.
Had church services and went for a walk on the City Wall. Very interesting. Saw an old cannon in the wheat fields. Checked on the river for possible seaplane landing. Lawson no better. I’m afraid he’ll lose that leg. Rainy. Wired for a seaplane to pick up Lawson.
May 4. — Lawson much worse. Decided to amputate. Did a high mid-thigh under spinal. Gave him 1500 c.c. blood for transfusion. A Jap plane flew over. Pretty nice day. Changed dressings. Lawson not reacting very well so far.
May 5. — Lawson much better. Very little drainage so far.
Went shopping with Mr. X and with Davenport and Clever in chairs. Mrs. X took me to see an old Taoist temple converted into a school. Too bad to ruin the old buildings. It had a pretty moon gate and a long flight of steps.
May 6. — News of Corregidor’s surrender! Visiting Chinese doctors left this morning. Lawson definitely more lucid. Changed dressings.
Davenport, McClure, and Clever in chairs, Mr. X and I on foot, went for a tour of the city. Saw a cobra. Made Mr. X a spring, repaired a safety valve, drew some fuse wire, and checked the hookup on a charger.
May 7.— Lawson better but still running some temperature. Gave him a second pint of my blood. Felt this one a bit. Other boys doing well.
May 8. — Lawson looking somewhat better in the morning, but bloody stump is infected! Durn! Changed dressings. Went for a hike with Clever up to the City Wall. Nice and clear today. Went down town with Mr. X and Dr. C to get some dentist’s tools to fix Mr. S’s tooth. Dentistry, watchmaking, and photography combined in China! Had a big crowd following me, much amused by the feathers in my hat. Upstairs photo studio with backdrop interiors, very un-Chinese, much cracked, patched and ragged. Feeling somewhat shaky as yet from the transfusions. Lawson much worse this evening. “Off the beam” and not eating. Gave him an intravenous and some morphine.
Had a big Chinese feast at Dr. C’s — sixteen courses and six extras. Had a fine time and wonderful food. Dr. C apologized for not having anything worth eating!
May 9. — Lawson some better but stump plenty infected. Did some dentistry and put in two fillings for Mr. S. There have been several patients who wanted me to look at them, but I’ve explained that as a military doctor I can’t take them except on consultation with Dr. C. They seem to understand and honor me for it. There is no other hospital near-by.
Had three more dentistry patients and three eye patients! Opthalmoscopy and retinoscopy by candlelight! (One of the nurses and two older women. Dark fundi make retinoscopy difficult.)
May 11. — Lawson’s temperature normal for the first time! Seems on the mend.
Clever, S., Y., and I went downtown shopping. Bought another pipe with imitation jade mouthpiece. Also some paper — $4.00 down to $2.00 “because I’m a famous aviator.”
Bathed and shaved. Clean clothes. The red invitations to a feast arrived. Feast being given by twenty organizations. The Yuentsiang came to escort us to the feast. Had our pictures taken. Presented with banner and silver knife, fork, spoon, and napkin ring all engraved “Presented to Dr. White in remembrance of the event of the first bombing of the country of the dwarfs, by the Chamber of Commerce.” Very nice food. Didn’t eat or drink as much as last time. Only nine dishes and five extras. Our cook was there officiating officiously! Shark fins, very rare and expensive, mothball candies. Had tea first at a separate table. “Welcome” spelled out in millet seed. Sugar cane and watermelon seed and water chestnuts. I borrowed Mr. X’s pants and Mac’s blouse with ornaments to wear. Cut Davenport’s hair.
News broke that army bombers (that means US) raided Japan. Some 3000 casualties and fires burned two days.
May 14. — Five canes arrived this morning inscribed in Chinese, “A keepsake to the officers of our friends and allies of the American Air Force. The 31st Year of the Chinese Republic, the fifth month, the twelfth day (May 12, 1942). Presented by the people of the District of I-.
Did dressings and whittled a dagger. Mr. and Mrs. T, missionaries, arrived last night. Filled three teeth and dug one out for Mr. T and checked Mrs. T over. They are from China Inland Mission at H-.
Walked over to the local magistrate’s office and back with Davenport and Clever. The office is in an old temple. Nice view. Signs and idols, one of a physician! Mac and Lawson both have temperatures. Durn! Poor Mac has boils. Lawson’s temperature going up. Starting sulfanilamide on both of them.
May 17. — Had news that the Japs are moving up fast. Plan to get out tomorrow to be on the safe side. Wrote letters to Dr. C and the magistrate. Dr. C won’t take any money for his services or expenses!
Took Lawson, Davenport, and Clever to X’s for tea and supper. Checked glasses for Mrs. X and Mr. T. Mrs. X gave me some doilies for Edith, and Mr. T gave me a stamp.
News not so good. The army and the banks have already left town! Home in the rain. Have to leave tomorrow, rain or shine. Lawson stood the trip O. K. and we are all packed.
Whatever people can say about the unsanitary conditions, etc., of the Chinese, no one can ever complain about their hospitality. They are great people.