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Akagi at Pearl Harbor

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  • Member since
    December 2009
Akagi at Pearl Harbor
Posted by Ricwb on Friday, October 31, 2014 2:22 PM
Does anyone know the arrangement of aircraft as they would be on the Akagi prior to take-off for the first wave attack on Pearl Harbor? As best I can find, it seems that one Kate took off to scout, then 9 Zeros, followed by 27 Kates, some (18??)armed with torpedoes, the rest with naval shells to use as bombs. Does anyone know for certain? Thanks for your help.
  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Friday, October 31, 2014 2:33 PM

I do not, others probably do.

But I do know that the IJN, unlike the USN but like the RN, didn't store planes on deck, so whatever was on deck was probably an element of the first wave.

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  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: EG48
Posted by Tracy White on Saturday, November 1, 2014 6:57 AM

I would suggest Don Preul's Akagi at the Arizona Memorial as a source.

Tracy White Researcher@Large

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by KnightTemplar5150 on Saturday, November 1, 2014 7:14 AM
I think that you may be correct here, Rricwb. In the first wave, the Akagi launched 12 B5N2 “Kate” torpedo bombers carrying torpedos with fins modified to run in the relatively shallow waters of Peal Harbor and 15 “Kates" armed with 800-kg Type 99 model 5 bombs. If you look closely at Pruel's incredible scene, you may just sight Lt. Cmdr. Mitsuo Fuchida standing in the cockpit of one of those Kates.

The Kates were tasked with attacking 'Battleship Row' and the nine A6M2 "Zeke" fighters launched from Akagi provided air cover before being directed to attack Hickham air field. From what I recall, the scouts launched in the first wave stayed close to the Akagi's battle group to provide security. But, my recollection may be off because of the obscene hour at which I make this post.

There are a number of photographs published to the web which were taken on the flight deck of the Akagi on the morning of December 7 which may also be of use to you. Just remember that if they include "Val" dive bombers, the photo is of the second wave.
  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Monday, November 3, 2014 11:42 AM

If I may, I recommend Parshall and Tully's "Shattered Sword:  The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway", for its discussion of aircraft handling operations aboard the IJN's carriers.  It may provide you some useful insight.

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