During World War Two, the Japanese had a plan to send submarines carrying Aichi M6A attack seaplanes to raid the Panama Canal. But by the time the submarines, aircraft and crew were ready for this plan, Japan was on the brink of invasion and the target was switched at the last minute to Ulithi Atoll, where carriers and other ships of the American fleet was assembled. The four submarines (with six aircraft, painted to look like USN planes) had already departed (on July 23) when they were sent a signal on August 16 to call off the attack because the war was over.
What if some combination of confusion and bad luck led to that message not being sent?
So in late August or early September 1945, (Sept. 2 for double irony!) six seaplanes disguised as American aircraft fly over Ulithi and start bombing and strafing the ships and facilities. An aircraft carrier is badly damaged and a number of transports are sunk or damaged. The number of casualties is several hundred.
How plausible is this scenario? There would certainly not be a return to hostilities, but what would be the repercussions? Also, tell me if you think that any Americans would not believe the Japanese when they would say that they "forgot" to call off the attack.
What if some combination of confusion and bad luck led to that message not being sent?
So in late August or early September 1945, (Sept. 2 for double irony!) six seaplanes disguised as American aircraft fly over Ulithi and start bombing and strafing the ships and facilities. An aircraft carrier is badly damaged and a number of transports are sunk or damaged. The number of casualties is several hundred.
How plausible is this scenario? There would certainly not be a return to hostilities, but what would be the repercussions? Also, tell me if you think that any Americans would not believe the Japanese when they would say that they "forgot" to call off the attack.