Correct, the date that a third weapon could have been used against Japan was no later than August 20. The core was prepared by August 13, and Fat Man assemblies were already on Tinian Island. It would have required less than a week to ship the core and prepare a bomb for combat.
Thanks. I didn’t know that we had another one that could come on line so quickly.
I’ve always liked Rush’s song (rock & roll) on it - sort of a tribute to the scientists behind it and not a “blame America” song. The link has a youtube video with other historical photos I found cool. Of course at the end of the video the poster has to blame America - but that is easy enough to ignore. (I’ve had lots of practice!).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4zP7l2NFKs
“Manhattan Project” by RUSH
Imagine a time when it all began
In the dying days of a war
A weapon that would settle the score
Whoever found it first would be sure to do their worst
They always had before...
Imagine a man where it all began
A scientist pacing the floor
In each nation, always eager to explore
To build the best big stick
To turn the winning trick
But this was something more...
[Chorus:]
The big bang took and shook the world
Shot down the rising sun
The end was begun and it hit everyone
When the chain reaction was done
The big shots tried to hold it back
Fools tried to wish it away
The hopeful depend on a world without end
Whatever the hopeless may say
Imagine a place where it all began
Gathered from across the land
To work in the secrecy of the desert sand
All of the brightest boys
To play with the biggest toys
More than they bargained for...
[Chorus]
Imagine a man when it all began
The pilot of ‘Enola Gay’
Flying out of the shockwave on that August day
All the powers that be, and the course of history
Would be changed forevermore...