Aviation-Centric Combined Fleet

Chapter 62 - Surprise Bombardment

"Until now, the 1st Mobile Fleet has secured air superiority through initial fighter sweeps, followed by a devastating blow from the combined air and surface forces, and finally repeated naval bombardment by surface striking vessels to finish off the enemy. Using the same method over and over again is not something to be praised because it is easily predictable by the opponent. However, it is a fact that using unconventional tactics against an opponent that can be defeated by conventional means is far better than being saved by clever strategies. Though lacking in excitement, I never doubted Admiral Yamamoto's consistent use of conventional methods. It's just he may have been envisioning today's events for a long time. That's why we have reserved the card of night naval bombardment by high-speed surface striking vessels until now."

Former Chief of Staff Kiyohide Shima, who once served on a flagship, whispered softly on the bridge of the heavy cruiser Atago. She was currently conducting naval bombardment against the American military facilities on Midway along with her sister ships Takao, Maya, Chōkai, and four other heavy cruisers of the Myōkō-class. The 20-centimeter shells of the Takao and Myōkō classes are only one-eighth the weight of the 41-centimeter shells fired by the Nagato and Mutsu, but at over 120 kg, they still possess sufficient destructive power, especially against structures that are not strongly fortified.

In the Midway operation, the 1st Mobile Fleet had adopted a completely opposite strategy from its usual approach. Instead of saving the surface striking vessels for the final phase, they were deployed at the forefront. To avoid letting the enemy realize this, the powerful Nagato and Mutsu were left behind in the homeland, operating or anchoring in locations easily visible to the public. Meanwhile, the eight heavy cruisers of the Takao and Myōkō classes were dispersed among the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Fleets, appearing as if they were escorting carriers. From the American perspective, the 1st Mobile Fleet without a surface striking fleet seemed to rely solely on carrier-based aircraft in the upcoming battle. Therefore, the Americans were undoubtedly focusing on preparing for the air-to-air battle the next morning.

Exploiting this vulnerability, the eight heavy cruisers and eight destroyers, detached from their fleets at sunset. They advanced at high speed, organized their formation, and began bombardment as soon as they reached the attack starting point. The Americans, thinking that the absence of a surface striking fleet meant no naval bombardment on Midway, especially the personnel at Midway Base, were completely caught off guard. The 20-centimeter shells fired rapidly from the eight heavy cruisers landed all over the narrow Midway. Even the smaller shells of the heavy cruisers, compared to battleships, had sufficient power to penetrate runways, and a direct hit could easily deprive aircraft of their flying capabilities, not to mention causing substantial damage.

Unfortunately for the Americans, the fighters and bombers parked on the ground were fully loaded with fuel, bombs, and machine gun ammunition, preparing for the decisive battle that would begin at dawn. Suddenly bombarded by 20-centimeter shells, these aircraft turned into masses of flammable or explosive material, wreaking havoc on Midway Base. The F4Us, which were supposed to intercept Japanese fighters and bombers, were engulfed in flames, while the B-24s, which were expected to perform reconnaissance, attack, and rescue missions, exploded with their bombs and fuel. The 20 cm shells not only struck the airfield but also hit the seaplane base, shattering the Catalinas that were supposed to carry out anti-submarine patrols and crew rescues. On the other hand, Midway's artillery positions were shrouded in smoke from burning aircraft and facilities, making accurate aiming impossible. As the fire intensified, positions were evacuated one after another due to heat and toxic gas.

The over 4.000 shells fired by the eight heavy cruisers, roughly 500 tons of iron and gunpowder, turned Midway into a blazing inferno, taking with it the fuel and bombs carried by American planes and the reserves stored at the base. Recognizing this, the special task force immediately turned around and set its course toward the main fleet. Each of the eight heavy cruisers and destroyers, boasting speeds of over 30 knots, made a swift escape with the bright ridgeline of the burning Midway behind them.

"Even I, who served as Chief of Staff for a long time, was deceived by Admiral Yamamoto. It's only natural that the enemy at Midway is caught off guard. Still, this is a high-stakes game at this point. Admiral Yamamoto is truly a born gambler. Well, for us, the frontline soldiers who are being used as chips in this gamble, it's quite frustrating. But if things go well, there's nothing to complain about."

After the successful surprise bombardment, the special task force attempted to escape behind the bright ridgeline of the burning Midway, but there was no trace of pursuit.

First Mobile Fleet

- First Fleet

-- Aircraft carriers Yamato, Musashi, Amagi, Katsuragi, Hiei

-- Heavy cruisers Takao*, Atago*

-- Heavy cruiser Aoba

-- Destroyers Naganami, Makinami, Takanami, Ōnami, Kiyonami, Tamanami, Suzunami, Fujinami, Yukikaze*, Hatsukaze*

- Second Fleet

-- Aircraft carriers Shinano, Kai, Kasagi, Aso, Kirishima

-- Heavy cruisers Maya*, Chōkai*

-- Heavy cruiser Kinugasa

-- Destroyers Kuroshio, Oyashio, Hayashio, Natsushio, Asashio, Ōshio, Michishio, Arashio, Amatsukaze*, Tokitsukaze*

- Third Fleet

-- Aircraft carriers Kii, Owari, Ikoma, Tsukuba, Kongō

-- Heavy cruisers Myōkō*, Haguro*

-- Heavy cruiser Furutaka

-- Destroyers Akigumo, Yūgumo, Makigumo, Kazagumo, Asagumo, Yamagumo, Natsugumo, Minegumo, Urakaze*, Isokaze*

- Fourth Fleet

-- Aircraft carriers Suruga, Ōmi, Ibuki, Kurama, Haruna

-- Heavy cruisers Ashigara*, Nachi*

-- Heavy cruiser Kako

-- Destroyers Hagikaze, Maikaze, Nowaki, Arashi, Kagerō, Shiranui, Kasumi, Arare, Hamakaze*, Tanikaze*

*Also belongs to the special fleet. After the mission is completed, each will be assigned to escort the carriers.