On 9th April 1942 129 Japanese aircrafts from aircraft carriers IJN Akagi, IJN Hiryū, IJN Sōryū, IJN Shōkaku and IJN Zuikaku attacked Trincomalea in Ceylon. Before the second attack the Japanese spotted British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes several dozen sea miles from the shore. The bombers hit HMS Hermes with about 40 bombs. The British aircraft carrier went down becoming the first aircraft carrier that went down during a raid.

Today in aviation history – 9th April
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