Aviation-Centric Combined Fleet

Chapter 41 - Regret

"The planes that launched from the First Fleet sank two Illustrious-class aircraft carriers and destroyed two cruisers and six destroyers. Subsequently, a report has been received that one of the destroyers, previously reported as sunk by contact aircraft, has indeed sunk. On the other hand, the Second Fleet sank a carrier believed to be the Hermes and a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship, in addition to destroying four cruisers and four destroyers each. At this point, only eight ships in the Eastern Fleet remained intact, including four Revenge-class battleships and four destroyers."

Confirming the slight nod from Admiral Yamamoto, the aviation staff continued the report.

"As for our losses, the fighters that participated in the attack suffered no damage. Due to the absence of enemy fighter interception, there were no aerial battles, allowing all aircraft to return safely. However, among the attacker planes, 19 have not returned, and a considerable number of them have sustained damage. The fighters of the combat air patrol that intercepted the British carrier-based planes lost two aircraft."

Simultaneously with the 312-plane allied attack on the Eastern Fleet, the First and Second Fleets faced an attack from nearly 40 fighter planes and a similar number of torpedo bombers from the British carrier air groups. Presumably, the Eastern Fleet had deployed all available aerial assets for the attack. However, the eight carriers each had two squadrons, a total of 192 Zero fighters, serving as direct cover. These aircraft easily annihilated the British attackers. Nevertheless, it wasn't a flawless victory, as two Zero fighters and skilled crew members piloting them were lost.

"Despite annihilating more than half of the enemy forces, in terms of simple surface striking power, the Eastern Fleet still far exceeds us. Until we completely eliminate them, gaining control of the Indian Ocean remains a pipe dream. Of course, the attack will continue, but I have two points to confirm. First, the current availability of attackers that can be deployed for the attack. Second, the current situation of the Eastern Fleet."

Before the start of the battle, the First and Second Fleets each had 156 Zeros and 114 Type 1s as their standard aircraft. Out of the 228 Type 1s, 36 were engaged in scouting or maintaining contact, and the remaining 192 were all deployed in the initial attack that sank three carriers.

"Out of the 173 attackers that returned, 76 are immediately ready for redeployment, and an additional 25, excluding those damaged or experiencing engine troubles while off scouting duty, can be made operational soon. As for the Eastern Fleet, both the mobile and surface striking forces have not moved from their current area. They are likely engaged in rescue operations. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, most of the Eastern Fleet's ships are heavily damaged, making their activities extremely challenging."

Expressing satisfaction with the prompt response from the aviation staff, Yamamoto nodded approvingly while mentally calculating the situation. The Eastern Fleet still has four battleships and four destroyers intact. Additionally, six cruisers and nine destroyers have suffered significant damage. Their anti-aircraft capabilities have likely significantly decreased, and their maneuverability should be similarly impaired. On our side, the fatigue of the crew is a concern, but by closing the distance and launching attack squads, we can somewhat alleviate the burden.

"Deploy all operational attackers. Equip all with torpedoes. Target the remaining battleships, one for every two carriers. As for the fighters, leave only one squadron for the fighter cover, equip the rest with bombs, and integrate them all into the attack squad. Also, dispatch all fighters that were not involved in the initial attack but served as escorts for the unused attack squads. Among these fighters, especially those with excellent bombing skills, target the undamaged destroyers. For the remaining fighters, attack the damaged cruisers and destroyers and deliver the finishing blows. After the attack squad has launched, proceed with the repair of lightly damaged aircraft and the assembly of spare planes. Leave the heavily damaged ones untouched. It will be challenging for the maintenance and weapon crews, but this is a critical moment. We cannot afford to slack off until the Eastern Fleet is completely annihilated."

There are 101 operational Type 1s available for the attack, and there are four remaining British battleships. In other words, approximately 25 Type 1s can launch an attack on each battleship. With this number, skilled pilots from the First and Second Fleets should be able to effectively sink the British battleships. Additionally, there are likely around 250 Zeros available for the attack. This should be a sufficient number to annihilate the undamaged four destroyers and the 15 damaged cruisers and destroyers. With 250 kg bombs, they can penetrate the armor of heavy cruisers, and even on thinly armored destroyers, a close-range hit might prove fatal.

"Alternatively, should we have reduced the number of fighters and prepared more attackers?"

The momentary regret-like thought surfaced in his mind, but Yamamoto immediately brushed it aside. Having too many Zero fighters or feeling a shortage of Type 1s were both hindsight observations. Nobody anticipated that the British carrier-based aircraft squadrons would be so weakened.

"To regret a happy miscalculation is a luxury on the battlefield."

Suppressing a wry smile, Yamamoto issued orders one after another. As the supreme commander, he had a mountain of tasks to accomplish.