Good enough, but consider the following screen capture from the Midway movie trailer:
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That doesn't look like Japanese surface elements defending against an air attack. Ships relied on maneuver to evade torpedoes and steamed in relatively loose formations to do so. And can you imagine how many topside crew would be killed by FRIENDLY antiaircraft fire with the ships packed so closely together? No, this doesn't look like a reasonable depiction of a naval/air battle, circa 1942. Rather, it looks like World of Warships (the video game). Wouldn't be surprised if there's not just such a Midway game ready for release come the movie's premier date.
You are right Moe, no such thing as a tight formation like that in an open water naval battle, but you know, the CGI guys want to show off their skills...{sm4}{sm4}:wink2:
You guys make a great point, not just in terms of general naval tactics, but in the terms of the specific Japanese tactics, based on their doctrine.
In 1942, the Japanese still believed that an aircraft carrier was its own best defense against air attacks, which they expected to be coordinated or balanced strikes of torpedo planes and dive bombers. This was reflected in their own attack doctrine, too. They feared torpedo attacks over dive bomber attacks. It was no wonder, because their torpedo squadrons were the best in the world. In any case they expected to deliver a combined attack on a target afloat, with the torpedo planes crippling ships and the dive bombers finishing them off. With massed carriers, this was a devastating attack.
Based on this, the Japanese pushed the escorts out to a wide ring around the carriers. They served more as anti-submarine defense, and as pickets to warn of incoming air attacks. Remember, too, that they didn't have radar-they relied on the Mk 1 eyeball to spot attacks.
With that open space, a carrier could manoeuver to avoid torpedo and dive bomber attacks. The combat air patrol and the carrier's own AA batteries also contributed. But this reliance on manoeverability was displayed during the battle, as the American attacks unfolded. Manoeuvering to avoid attacks eventually drew Kido Butai's box formation into a ragged line about 10 miles from end to end.
This is a direct contrast to our navy's doctrine, which saw the escorting vessels as contributing to the carrier's AA defenses with their own batteries.
So, yeah, the image may look cool, but I agree, it looks like it comes from World of Warships.
I have even less of a desire now, to see this movie, ever.
Prost!
Brad
