FSO: MIRACLE AT MIDWAY - Aircraft Question

[Jester]

I have a question if I might..........

Exactly why is the 4-Gun F4F-3 WILDCAT posted for use through out the FSO anyway? 

The only F-4F-3's that took part in the Battle of Midway were 7 Marine F4F-3's attached to VMF-221 based on Midway for the islands' defense.

All USN Wildcats carried aboard the carriers were the 6-Gun F4F-4's.

USS Yorktown CV-4 - - VF-3 - - 25x F4F-4
USS Enterprise CV-6 - - VF-6 - - 27x F4F-4
USS Hornet CV-8 - - VF-8 - - 27x F4F-4

Thanks.   

[Saxman]

If you need the 6x.50cal package against Japanese fighters you need to either work on your gunnery or adjust your convergence. The 4-gun package is more than sufficient, and in many ways is superior. Less weight, larger ammo load, and greater duration of fire.

[Shifty]

I think he was asking a question out of curiosity based on the history of the battle, not your opinion of his needs or gunnery skills.

[VonMessa]

I'll have to agree with you, Shifty.  That's what I thought.   

 

[Stoney]

Perhaps I was mistaken, but I thought that the F4F-4 didn't begin to equip Navy sqaudrons until after the battle.  If I'm wrong, its something I can easily correct for frames 2 and 3.

[Shifty]

Perhaps I was mistaken, but I thought that the F4F-4 didn't begin to equip Navy sqaudrons until after the battle.  If I'm wrong, its something I can easily correct for frames 2 and 3.

Stoney, I believe Jester is correct on the use of the F4F4 on the USN CV's by Midway. I can't confirm it I'm not near my books. Jimmy Thach and a lot of the F4F pilots were not real thrilled with changing from -3s to-4s because of the added weight and less ammo per gun as Saxman mentioned. Also the -4 was heavier than the -3 because of the addition of wing folding equipment as well as the two extra guns.

Vonmessa long time no see bud.
<S>

[nikomon]

I think he was asking a question out of curiosity based on the history of the battle, not your opinion of his needs or gunnery skills.

agreed

[Shifty]

Stoney I found this OOB for the USN.

http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/midway/usoob.html

As well as this one for the IJN.

http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/midway/japob.html

[Stoney]

Thanks for the information Gents.  I'll make the change for Frame 2 and 3.