The carrier Togakushi became the first aircraft carrier the Island Nation Navy lost in this battle. Of course, it would by no means be the last. The other three carriers of the Island Nation Navy's 1st Carrier Squadron were likewise targets of the German carrier-based aircraft group.
"How much ammunition do we have left?" the commander of the German carrier-based aircraft asked.
The pilots who still had bombs and torpedoes reported in one after another.
"We're running low on ammunition. Concentrate our fire on the carrier to the left! Even if we can't sink it, we must cripple it badly. Aircraft with no ammunition left, return at once!" the Commander ordered.
"Yes, boss!"
The attack began once more, only this time the target had changed to the carrier Hotaka. This was a larger aircraft carrier, with a displacement of more than 42,000 tons.
Because it had been converted from a Capital Ship hull, its displacement was generally much greater. Yet its carrier-based aircraft complement was actually inferior to that of purpose-built fleet carriers. However, carriers converted from Capital Ship hulls had the advantage of stronger defenses, and thus greater survivability in naval battles.
But if it took enough bombs and torpedoes, it would still be sunk.
"Woooo!"
The German Navy's Dive Bombers launched another attack. Diving from high altitude, they hurled heavy Aerial Bombs viciously at the carrier Hotaka. At the same time, several Torpedo Bombers seized the opportunity to attack as well.
Although the carrier Hotaka evaded some of the Aerial Bombs and Torpedoes, it was still inevitably hit.
Boom! Boom!
Explosions rang out across the carrier Hotaka. Great holes were blasted into its flight deck, and raging flames flared up. At the same time, its waterline armor on the side was pierced by Torpedoes, causing the carrier to