Japanese Raids into Indian Ocean

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The Japanese Raids into the Indian Ocean was a World War II naval engagement fought between the Japanese Kido Butai Carrier forces and the British Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean.

The Japanese fleet numbering many aircraft carriers and escorts, cruisers and destroyers, sent waves of torpedo planes (Achi Val) and Zeros numbering approximately 80 to the British cruisers HMS Cornwall and HMS Dorsetshire in the Bay of Bengal, sinking both.

The second wave was against the refueling group of the aircraft carrier Hermes and its escorts. The CVE Hermes, a corvette, one destroyer and two oil tankers were sunk in the second wave. Fortunately, a hospital ship was passing through and picked up the wounded survivors.

[edit] Conclusion

This battle showed the importance of aircraft in sea engagements, and the superiority of the Japanese Navy over the British task force.

Casualties Chart

       Japan                  England
     ~24 Planes           1 Escort Carrier
                          2 Cruisers
                          1 Corvette
                          1 Destroyer
                          2 Oil Tankers