Battle of Midway

By apehega

  • The start of the battle:

    Admiral Nimitz reviews reports saying that a large group of Japanese aircraft and ships were approaching Midway from a few hundred miles away.

  • At 9 AM, American seamen spot a Japanese recon team.

    At 9 AM, American seamen spot a Japanese recon team.

  • American bombers bomb Japanese ships.

    At12:30 B-17s operating from Midway drop bombs on the main Japanese Naval force that are about 400 nautical miles away from the island. No hits reported.
  • Period: to

    The Battle of Midway

    After the USA finds out that the Japanese want to take the Midway Islands, battle rages.

  • The first ship is destoryed.

    The first ship destoryed in the battle is a Japanese oil tanker. Killing her crew.

  • First major attack on the American controlled island.

    At 04:30 on 4 June, Nagumo launched his initial attack on Midway itself, consisting of 36 Aichi dive bombers and 36 Nakajima torpedo bombers, escorted by 36 Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters.

  • American scout team spots Japanese fighters.

    At 5:30 PM, American Catlina fighters spotted the large group of Japanese planes. The Catilna's reported back to base and informed their leaders.

  • Major air raid on Midway air base.

    Those Japanese planes damaged and destoyed a good deal of the main air fleed on Midway although it survied and remained fuctional. American Marine fighter pilots took heavy losses and had to fight back. In the end Americna Anti Aircraft guns repulsed the attack.

  • The American fleet mobilizes.

    At 8:00 AM the American Fleet mobilizes lead by the USS Yorktown. The Americans do a good job of dividing the Japanese ships and planes. This enabled Admiral Fletcher to have his ships pick off the enemy ships one by one.

  • Nagumo's decision.

    In accordence with Japanese battleship doctrine, Admiral Nagumo kept half of his reserve planes on ship. This however lead to a missed oppritunity because they had a chance to strike but didn't act with enough force or quickly enough. He launched the first half of his reserve at 7:53, but they got quickly beaten down by the incoming Americans.

  • Combat air control (CAP's)

    At 10:00 Japanese CAP's begin to run out of ammo.

  • Main body of the Japanese fleet is wiped out.

    The United States Navy wipes out the Japanese fleet in a well arrangered counterattack.

  • The only remaining Japanese carrier counterattacks.

    The Hiryu, the only remaining aircraft carrier on the Japanese side is quick to counterattack the defenders.

  • The Japanese retreat. The battle is over.

    After the deaths of over 3,000 seamen, and around 5 of their best ships the Japanese retreat. The battle is won by the United States. The USA lost around 300 lives and 4 or so ships.