The second wave recognized the coastline and harbour from same-day reconnaissance photographs. Its route passed the breakwater, crossed land behind the balloon barrage, and aimed to put overlapping battleships broadside to the torpedo aircraft. Smoke, fires, flares, and intense anti-aircraft fire broke the ordered formation apart. Because the ships were stationary, each crew could abandon coordinated tactics and press an individual attack.
Chapter · 2:47:03-2:50:01
Planning the second wave's harbour approach
Reconnaissance photographs and harbour geography shaped a planned approach that dissolved into individual attacks under fire.