Steve - your correct that the bombs were in fact modified gun shells. I found a bit more here:
http://www.pearlharborattacked.com/c...=18;t=89;st=20
The source is also well respected and has dived on the wreck itself.
Regarding powder storage:
Quote:
|
Many qualified authorities have blamed powder storage outside of the magazines as the cause, but this is conjectural and probably will always remain so.
|
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/e...lhbr/ph-az.htm