Nagumo surprised during the IO raid

Re: Nagumo surprised during the IO raid

feeds@yuku.com (Creeping Death1929) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:49:21 GMT

If Akagi had been severely damaged or sunk, it is possible that the Japanese would institute some of the measures introduced after Midway, such as fueling and arming the planes on deck rather than in the hangar, since Akagi would be lost or severely damaged because of the same reason.

Re: Nagumo surprised during the IO raid

feeds@yuku.com (Glenn239) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:44:06 GMT

What would be the effect of a successful attack on Akagi and possibly some of the other carriers if more aircraft had been available?

Ironically, it was probably within Japan's interests for Akagi to have been damaged in that attack (or even sunk). With 5th Carrier hors-de-combat and Akagi in the "shop" for months, Yamamoto would probably have had to postpone the Midway operation.

Re: Nagumo surprised during the IO raid

feeds@yuku.com (CA30ist) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:08:45 GMT

Hello,

The Japanese themselves were not pleased with this incident. (It is also mentioned in many accounts other than Polmar, of course.) According to Marder nine (9) RAF Blenheim light bombers from No. 11 Squadron took off at 0840 & located KdB at 1025, "catching the Japanese completely flat-footed even thought combat air patrols were aloft. Six bombs burst near the Akagi, but caused no damage. The Zeroes quickly pursued the Blenheims, shooting...

Re: Nagumo surprised during the IO raid

feeds@yuku.com (jlyons97) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:43:48 GMT
Regardless of how that engagement turned out, future disaster for the Kido Butai was there for anyone with the wit to see it. That these somewhat pedestrian aircraft could arrive overhead without being intercepted should have rung some Japanese bells somewhere.

Re: Nagumo surprised during the IO raid

feeds@yuku.com (RK) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:14:53 GMT

Of the British planes available, only torpedo bombers would pose a danger to Nagumo's ships as high level bombing was too inaccurate. Of the aircraft available, the Swordfish and Albacore were easy targets for Japanese fighters and the faster Beaufort would still require a fighter escort.
If the British had more planes, then their chance of hitting the Japanese would rise. It's unlikely that a bomb hit or two would affect either the Ceylon operation or the battle of the Coral...

Nagumo surprised during the IO raid

feeds@yuku.com (PMN1) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:48:23 GMT

Polmar in Aircraft Carriers (p193)states:

"While the Vals were flying towards Hermes and the Trincomalee bombers were refueling on their carriers 9 RAF twin engined Blenheim bombers attacked the carrier Akagi."

From what i've read elsewhere, the Blenheims were actually RCAF and were undetected until after the bombs were falling.

What would be the...