![]() The World’s largest battleship, Yamato with light cruiser Yahagi and eight destroyers, were sent on a one-way mission to intercept the landing force and beach themselves to become shore-based artillery. On April 7 air support was interrupted by a large Japanese “special operation” (Japanese euphemism for a variety of suicide operations). The Helldivers were much appreciated by the ground forces for their ability to hit precise targets. Bombing squadrons had just been reduced to 15 aircraft (I believe from 18, but in 1942 there were 36 dive bombers on a fleet carrier) in an effort to increase fighter numbers against the Kamikaze. US Navy marking regulations allowed for Dark Sea Blue aircraft to only have the white elements of the insignia, but apparently Curtiss really liked Insignia Blue and continued using it. Dive flaps have a red interior so that when the leader opens up for the dive, everyone in trail sees it quickly. Bombing accuracy was considered good too, so overall a very successful operation for the Helldiver. A pair of Bombing 12 pilots shot down a Japanese transport. This was the last reported such combat for Helldivers during the War. Bombing 9 fought off fighters, claiming two damaged for no loss. ![]() Weather and anti-aircraft fire were both reported as heavy, only one Helldiver squadron reported fighters. These were the first carrier raids on Japan since the Doolittle B-25s in 1942.ĭuring these raids the Helldivers targeted airfields and and industry around Tokyo. ![]() Task Force 38 was a huge combat force at this time, 16 aircraft carriers with over 1000 aircraft. From an outside view it seems clear the War was all but over at the start of 1945, but for those involved combat remained intense and relentless towards an Apocalyptic end.īombing 84 (VB-84) on the USS Bunker Hill had a noteworthy, late, tour of duty.īombing 84, calling themselves “The Wolf Gang”, first saw combat during Tokyo air strikes of February 16-17 1945. ![]()
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