Battle of Midway TMO (screenshots)

[Bubblehead1980]

USS Trigger- Gato Class
First War Patrol May 21-June 11 1942.
TMO 2.5 + custom mods

I completely revamped the Battle of Midway in TMO 2.5 (along with other battles) for forthcoming upgrade release. This was done to include ships that were not available last time TMO was updated and to provide as realistic as possible (within the sim) recreation of the battle. The Japanese and US forces depart their respective ports at historically accurate date and times, are in their approximate positions at correct date and time.

Departed Pearl Harbor on 21 May assigned to patrol Mariana Islands(will revamp orders for TMO update so player is assigned as part of TF of subs assigned to defend Midway). After refueling at Midway, received message about anticipated enemy attack on Midway, patrolled NW of the island. June 3rd received reports of enemy vessels approaching Midway from SSW. Early on June 4th a PBY flew overhead. A contact report was received reporting carriers NNW of Midway. Soon SD radar detected large group of planes heading towards Midway. Soon after several groups of planes from Midway flew overhead. Followed their course and soon observed smoke in the distance and could make out large warships...CV, BB, CA. Went to GQ and to periscope depth. Worked inside the TF and set up an attack the carrier Kaga. Fired six torpedoes from 1200 yards. Two prematurely exploded, two missed due to skillful evasive maneuvering by the carrier and two ran under the keel , failed to explode. Attempted to attack a Kongo BB with aft tubes but could not get a set up and a DD forced us deep, taking some depth charges.


Rescued several downed aviators and aircrew in rafts as surfaced and tried to catch the fleet. Dove around 1004 due to SD contacts. At periscope depth, confirmed they were US dive bombers, 30 or so were counted. At 1030 sound could hear heavy screws ahead at long range. Scope depth revealed smoke on the horizon and numerous SD contacts. Dive bombers had found the enemy carriers. Around 1400 spotted Soryu class carrier dead in water, guarded by two DD. One was along side assisting, other was patrolling. Closed and fired six torpedoes. Four hit, two prematurely exploded. Carrier was afire and sunk not long after. After evading depth charges. Located smoke of downed aviator, surfaced and rescued him. Continued to head North and look for a reported fourth carrier but unable to locate. Did find a DD in area who spotted as and rushed in firing. We dove and fired four torpedoes "down the throat" from stern tubes, but all ran deep. DD dropped many charges until after dark and departed area.

Received a contact report at 0230 4 June reporting enemy cruisers 90 NM west of midway. Headed for area at flank speed. Around 0100 on 5 June spotted two heavy cruisers with DD's on a course of 258 at 12 knots west of Midway. Moonlight was sufficient for a attack. Pulled ahead, went to GQ and dove to periscope depth. Fired four torpedoes from 800 yards. Two prematurely detonated, one impacted but failed to detonate, one torpedo impacted and exploded amidships. The CA slowed and took on a list but was afloat. DD's kept us down for some time. With DD rushing in, fired two more, both of which hit. The Mogami Class CA caught fire , took a heavy starboard list and capsized. After several hours evading depth charges, the other CA and the DD's departed. Surfaced for end around and to attack at dawn if possible. The Mogami CA was zigging at 11.5 knots on base course 258. Managed to move into position and fire four remaining bow torpedoes from 1400 yards as cruiser began its zig towards Trigger. All four prematurely exploded. Made turn and fired remaining stern torpedoes, two missed two hit but were duds. Out of torpedoes, went deep to avoid the two DD's rushing in. They delivered an expert attack, forcing trigger to 375 feet to evade. The attack lasted nine hours before DD's gave up.

Surfaced later in afternoon and headed for Pearl Harbor. Several waves of planes form Midway were spotted, likely heading for the cruiser and DD. Arrived at Midway on 11 June, observed TF 16 (Enterprise and Hornet) anchored outside Pearl Harbor, having just returned from the Midway battle.

Overall, battle unfolded as designed, no errors etc. Still have to check out some things such as the invasion force SSW of Midway, the air attacks on Yorktown etc. Will reduce the formation spacing of the Kido Butai, too far apart. Also, need to find a way to simulate the damaged CV's, they are all position to spawn with their DD's guarding after the SBD's attacked at 1024, while Hiryu and remaining vessels head North. Hiryu is attacked later in day.

Some Screenshots:

Soryu sinking



First attack and sinking of Mogami Class





B-25's attacking morning of 4 June (B-25 filling in for B-26 as no B-26 models are available to my knowledge).





Enterprise and Hornet with others of TF 16 off Oahu after arriving from the Battle of Midway.





USS Trigger SS-237