[ARC5] Radios at Midway

[Robert Eleazer]

I would assume that the TBDs at Midway were equipped with RF/GU equipment.  They had dedicated radio operators as well as a pilot and a gunner.  And interestingly enough, I read that the commander of VT-8, the TBD unit that lost all their airplanes and all but one of their men knew how hazardous the mission was and chose to leave all his radio operators on the ship, figuring to cut his personnel losses by a third.

The F4F Wildcats had two stage supercharged engines, the only operational US fighters so equipped at that time, and thus were faster than the Zero at altitudes above 20,000 ft (biggest worry for the prewar USN was a mock attack by an airplane called the B-17).  This also favored higher cruising altitudes for the Wildcats.  So after leaving the carriers the Wildcats climbed to higher altitude while the TBDs stayed low.  Low cloud cover prevented direct visual contact.  The agreement was that the VT-8 leader would call for the fighters to come down when he needed them.  The fighter cover never heard the radio call, did not come down to the aid of VT-8 and returned home without engaging the enemy.

Now, did the VT-8 commander's decision to save the lives of his radio operators doom VT-8 to having no fighter escort?  I think this is a case in which having the Type K Command Sets on board the TBDs could have made a difference.

By the way, on my bookshelf I have two new unread books about Midway that focus on the torpedo squadrons.  One is "A Dawn Like Thunder" and the other is "The Unknown Battle of Midway" by one of the TBD gunners.  I am hoping they will address the radio situation to some degree.  Of course the definitive work is "Miracle at Midway."

Wayne
WB5WSV