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Although the August 8 Mission to the Yawata Steel Works was after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, it was one of the most hotly-contested battles in the War. Over 245 aircraft from the 58th, 73rd, and 313th Bomb Wings took part in this mission. Many B-29 crews remarked about the intensity of the flak. Four aircraft were lost. The radar operators played a vital role in the success of this mission. Because of overcast and smoke, 136 planes (more than half) bombed by radar. To the right is a map of Kyushu, showing the route of flight as reconstructed from the radarscope pictures. |
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The Assembly Point is where the bombers are supposed to gather prior to entering the combat zone. This location was selected because it is easily recognized on radar. |
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This picture was taken just before landfall on the southern tip of Kyushu. |
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The Departure Point is where the planes would turn toward the target, on a heading of 030º. |
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The Initial Point is where the bomb run begins. From here on out, the aircraft is under the control of the bombardier, navigator and radarman. |
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This picture was taken over the target area. The scale is set to the highest resolution (each ring represents 5 miles) and other planes are clearly visible as white dots. |
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