The Attack on Pearl Harbor

1. How did the Japanese succeed in launching such a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor - and why did the Americans fail to prevent it?

2. The Attack on Pearl Harbor • November 26, 1941 six Japanese aircraft carriers left for Oahu, Northern Japan. • 408 aircraft to be used in the aerial torpedo attack: 360 for the two attack waves & 48 defensive patrols • The first wave to be primary attack, and the second to finish anything off • Before the attack commenced, two scouting aircraft sent to report on enemy and four others to patrol in the case of a counter-attack • December 2 coded message arrived in Tokyo: "Climb Mt. Nitaka." This was the signal to wage war, and the fleet was to attack on December 7th 1941.

3. The First Wave • 183 planes launched north of Oahu, commanded by Captain Mitsuo Fuchida hit its target at 7:53 AM • specially made aerial torpedoes designed for shallow water • 54 dive bombers were to attack ground targets • aircrews ordered to target the important battleships and aircraft carriers, or any other high value ships. • first wave especially ordered to attack and destory parked aircraft to prevent them from taking off and defending themselves.

4. The Second Wave • Consisted of 171 planes, commanded by Lieutenant-Commander Shigekazu Shimazaki hit it’s target at 8:55 am. • 54 planes armed with general purpose bombs • 81 others to target aircraft carriers and cruisers • 36 focused on defense

5. How and why did America fail to prevent it? • Due to Pearl Habor’s shallow waters they didn’t think an aerial torpedo strike would be possible • Despite Britain warning America an attack of this type was possible because they attacked Italy November 1940 under similar circumstances • Even though they knew Japan was planning hostilities they didn’t think Pearl Habor was a likely target • The US decoded the statement that Japan was severing diplomatic relations with the US hinting that an attack was a possibility, however this wasn’t transmitted until it was too late

6. Because there wasn’t extensive proof of Pearl Habor being a target, the local American navy and army commanders didn’t take excessive precautions in protecting their facilities, for example - aircraft parked closely - torpedo nets not deployed - many officers and sailors on shore - minimal crew members available - warning signs disregarded by command authorities • No action was taken when a number of unidentified aircraft were detected as it was presumed they were American, when in fact they were a part of the first wave