The Indian Ocean Raid is often remembered chiefly for Kido Butai's carrier strikes. Major attacks can cover other movements, as the comparison with Britain's Taranto operation makes clear. Operation C supported the seizure of Christmas Island and depended on cruiser activity as well as carrier aviation. The spectacular air attacks belonged to a layered Japanese campaign for bases, sea control, and freedom of movement.
Notable Point · 47:18-48:04
Operation C was more than a carrier raid
Japan's Operation C combined carrier and cruiser action with cover for the seizure of Christmas Island, placing the famous raid inside a wider operational sequence.