Just wondering whether the Hornet ever had TBF Avengers on her deck during her short life ? Maybe at Santa Cruz ?
Good question. The Avenger made its non ceremonious debut at Midway with six planes going ariborne and only one returning. I do not have an answer to that question, but it is not out of the realm of possiblity.
I believe that the 6 Avengers were land based on Midway itself. Was that not the aircrafts combat debut?
So many facts - so small a brain!
In the book “Ragged Rugged Warriors” by Martin Caiden (SP?)he had a great story of the B-26s used as torpedo bombers at Midway. Good idea for a build!
Avengers from VT-6 were definitely on Hornet at Santa Cruz and IIRC were subsequently shore base on the 'canal after Hornet’s loss. After Midway all TBDs, what was left anyway, were quickly removed from carrier service. HTH
Gary