Purported to be the genuine photo the model was based on.... About to be hit by a Japanese A6M Zero Kamikaze, while operating off Okinawa on 11 April 1945. The plane hit the ship's side below the main deck, causing minor damage and no casualties on board the battleship. A 40mm quad gun mount's crew is in action in the lower foreground. It is believed the photographer was either Seaman Len Schmidt or Harold I. “Buster” Campbell. Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
The above got me reading in detail about the whole crazy operation involved in the "Kaiten". I think this picture is genuine.
Not from that particular weapon, I seem to recall that UK aircraft carriers stood up to air attacks much better than US carriers. Bit of an ironic visit given the vessels name https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2...to-pave-way-for-f-35-operations-by-their-navy https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-carrier-strike-group-to-visit-japan-in-2025
I was at that race, a mere 12 years old! Gardner was superb. I can’t remember if he won, Sheene had a habit of playing with his competitors on this track and then clearing off.
Norwegian pilot Erik Haabjørn of 56 Squadron showing the squadron scoreboard at RAF Matlaske, (Coltishall satellite station). Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib. February 1943
Many years ago I was involved with moving animals on a ship to Hong Kong. One of the animals was a polar bear and as it was before health and safety you could (if you were stupid enough) get to within touching distance of the animals. Close enough to see its paws were even larger than the one shown in the picture. I would not like to get thumped by it. Apparently 6% of Americans think they could beat a bear in a fight
