Japan’s carrier striking force and the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
Historical background
Japan’s main carrier striking force had demonstrated what massed naval aircraft could do at Pearl Harbor. At Midway, the Japanese sought to take the atoll and draw American carriers into battle. US codebreaking helped reveal the plan.
On 4 June 1942, American carrier aircraft struck Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū and Hiryū. The loss of the four Japanese carriers weakened the striking force and made Midway a turning point in the Pacific War.
Read more about the historical background.
