[ARC5] Midway - VHF - channelized sets - Q on history

[Leslie Smith]

Hello ListMembers:

I'm trying to understand (and check) my knowledge of the switch from HF to VHF channelized sets.  Also, of the general context of the role of radio in Midway.  

Can anyone correct me on this general understanding cobbled together from various sources?

(1)  Situation: Midway, 1942, morning of the US attack on the Japanese Fleet.
(2)  Because of aircraft elevator capacity, the bombers were lifted to the flight deck
     about 7:00 AM they took off.  While the escort fighters were being elevated 
     to the flight deck the bombers circled.
(3)  The escort aircraft were got on the flight deck; this took about 30 minutes.
(4)  To avoid exhausting scarce fuel by circling, the slower SDB bombers were 
     sent w/out an escort.
(5)  When assembled, the escorts were sent after the SDB's (later, and separately)
(6)  Radio silence was maintained, as required.
(7)  At the point of attack (or time of attack) it was discovered that 
     the HF sets were on different frequencies (then = time of attack).
     This prevented liaison between the two forces in the attack.

Please tell me if my general understanding is correct?
Where is this documented?

Next, ss a result of this problem I understand the Navy took an interest in VHF channelized sets, eg the SCR522.  Dr. Drake, from A.R.C did not favour VHF radio communication at first.

Comment and corrections please!


Les 

-- 
_______________________________________________
Surf the Web in a faster, safer and easier way:
Download Opera 9 at http://www.opera.com