The Battle of Midway

A tremendous Japanese naval power was spread across the western Pacific in the early hours of 4 June 1942. The diversionary Aleutian operation comprised three elements: an invasion force of three escorted transports protected by two heavy cruisers; a carrier force formed of two light carriers; and a covering force of four older battleships. The main Midway operation involved several distinct elements. An advanced submarine force, patrolling in three groups, formed a screen between Hawaii and Midway, its mission to intercept the US carriers. The latter, however, had sailed beyond, to their station north-east of Midway Atoll, before the submarines were in position. The actual invasion