The wingspan of the B25 bombers just about covered the width of the flight deck.
The wingspan of the B25 bombers just about covered the width of the flight deck.
When you see footage taken from the starboard side of the carrier launching these, it is truly incredible how large the planes are compared to the ship. WWII carriers were much smaller than those of today, and even though these were small bombers they were still so much bigger than anything taking off carriers at the time. Back then catapults weren’t yet used; the ship had to face into the wind to help them get aloft.
To this day I’m surprised that Japan didn’t immediately seek a peaceful resolution after this attack (not necessarily surrender, but a ceasefire of sorts); while the physical damage was minimal, they were shocked that Tokyo itself could be reached like that.
A gorgeous sight!
A few years ago got the opportunity to buy a ride on a B-25. What a thrill! The look of the plane, feel, smell and the sound. Wish I could do it every day.
It was easy to imagine those boys taking off and not a one of em scared, knowing they were off to the biggest adventure in a lifetime.