Story: Second World War

Dive bombers in the Battle of Midway

Dive bombers in the Battle of Midway

'Dauntless' dive bombers from the American aircraft carrier USS Hornet approach the Japanese cruiser Mikuma on 6 June 1942. The Battle of Midway had begun two days earlier, and is often regarded as a turning point in the Pacific War. The Japanese lost four aircraft carriers and the large cruiser Mikuma, with a total loss of life of over 3,000 men. The defeat undermined their ability to conduct further major advances, and from that time the likelihood of a Japanese invasion of New Zealand was very low.

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Naval History and Heritage Command
Reference: 80-G-17054

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How to cite this page:

Ian McGibbon, 'Second World War - American counter-offensive', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/34580/dive-bombers-in-the-battle-of-midway (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Ian McGibbon, published 20 Jun 2012, updated 1 May 2016