For the experts out there

[Local Yokel]

Looks to me like a pretty accurate representation of Akagi. Difficult to be sure whether the accompanying cruiser is a Takao or a Myoko - I would guess the latter.

The hinomaru emblem was applied to the flight decks of all four fleet carriers lost at Midway. In the case of Akagi and (I think) Soryu it appeared on a white background, whilst on Kaga and Hiryu it was merely outlined in white.

It has been suggested that the emblem was applied to these four carriers following the attempt by some of Zuikaku's airgroup to land on an American carrier at Coral Sea - presumably the Japanese concluded that their carriers needed to better advertise their nationality in order to avoid a repeat of this incident! The majority of SBD pilots at Midway found the emblem a useful aiming point, so its application was probably not a good idea. If the suggestion that it was a post-Coral Sea recognition symbol is correct, it implies that the four Midway carriers carried these hinomaru for no more than about one month, given that this was the interval between Coral Sea and their sinking. However, other Japanese ships (e.g. some seaplane tenders) are also reported as having been painted with these emblems, so it's conceivable they were applied to the carriers before Coral Sea.

Anyway, a good painting; thanks for posting the link.

[redcoat]

ORIGINAL: Local Yokel

The hinomaru emblem was applied to the flight decks of all four fleet carriers lost at Midway. In the case of Akagi and (I think) Soryu it appeared on a white background, whilst on Kaga and Hiryu it was merely outlined in white.

It has been suggested that the emblem was applied to these four carriers following the attempt by some of Zuikaku's airgroup to land on an American carrier at Coral Sea - presumably the Japanese concluded that their carriers needed to better advertise their nationality in order to avoid a repeat of this incident! The majority of SBD pilots at Midway found the emblem a useful aiming point, so its application was probably not a good idea. If the suggestion that it was a post-Coral Sea recognition symbol is correct, it implies that the four Midway carriers carried these hinomaru for no more than about one month, given that this was the interval between Coral Sea and their sinking. However, other Japanese ships (e.g. some seaplane tenders) are also reported as having been painted with these emblems, so it's conceivable they were applied to the carriers before Coral Sea.

Here is a photo of the Akagi shortly after leaving Port Stirling, Celebes Island, for her attack on Colombo.



There looks like there might – possibly? - be something painted on the forward flight deck in front of the Kates. A Hinomaru (Sun disc) perhaps? I’m just speculating. The photo was taken on 26 March, 1942. Some time before Coral Sea in May. If it is a Hinomaru they must have added a white background sometime before Midway.

If anyone is wondering, the ships in the background are, from left to right: Soryu, Hiryu, Hiei, Kirishima, Haruna, Kongô, Zuikaku and Shokaku.

[Gilbert]

No Hinomaru was painted for "C Sakusen" on any carrier. The Hinomaru was indeed painted on a white background for "MI Sakusen" on Akagi.

HTH

Gilbert

[redcoat]

ORIGINAL: Gilbert

No Hinomaru was painted for "C Sakusen" on any carrier. The Hinomaru was indeed painted on a white background for "MI Sakusen" on Akagi.

HTH

Gilbert

I’ve looked at a much larger version of the Akagi ‘C Sakusen’ photo. The ‘blotch’ in front of the B5Ns does not look like a Hinomaru close up. It is too angular. The theory that the Hinomaru was added after the Zuikaku incident at Coral Sea still has legs.

Click the 'full resolution photograph' link on this webpage to see the larger photo.

[skrewball]

ORIGINAL: Local Yokel

Looks to me like a pretty accurate representation of Akagi. Difficult to be sure whether the accompanying cruiser is a Takao or a Myoko - I would guess the latter.

The hinomaru emblem was applied to the flight decks of all four fleet carriers lost at Midway. In the case of Akagi and (I think) Soryu it appeared on a white background, whilst on Kaga and Hiryu it was merely outlined in white.

It has been suggested that the emblem was applied to these four carriers following the attempt by some of Zuikaku's airgroup to land on an American carrier at Coral Sea - presumably the Japanese concluded that their carriers needed to better advertise their nationality in order to avoid a repeat of this incident! The majority of SBD pilots at Midway found the emblem a useful aiming point, so its application was probably not a good idea. If the suggestion that it was a post-Coral Sea recognition symbol is correct, it implies that the four Midway carriers carried these hinomaru for no more than about one month, given that this was the interval between Coral Sea and their sinking. However, other Japanese ships (e.g. some seaplane tenders) are also reported as having been painted with these emblems, so it's conceivable they were applied to the carriers before Coral Sea.

Anyway, a good painting; thanks for posting the link.

That's correct...I remember watching a documentary on Midway...or maybe it was Enterprise 360, anyways...

One of the first SBD bomber pilots said that he aimed at that "Big Red Meatball" on the front of the carrier. He said he released his bomb and it hit right before the symbol on the deck.

[spence]

One of the first SBD bomber pilots said that he aimed at that "Big Red Meatball" on the front of the carrier. He said he released his bomb and it hit right before the symbol on the deck.

Since Akagi was destroyed by one "perfect" hit on the midships elevator Hiryu would most likely be the carrier referred to by the pilot.