K: Hiroshima and Nagasaki almost did not work. Die-hards were numerous and came very close to preventing the Emperor’s surrender message from being broadcast. Idea was to stage a coup and broadcast orders for “ketsu-go” (fanatical last-ditch, suicidal defense of Japanese Homeland.)

Only reason coup failed was a diverted flight of B-29s caused a blackout in Tokyo during a critical 20 minute period. Story related in “The Last Mission”.

48 bombers were scheduled. All managed to take off, all managed to make it to target, all made it back to base and all 192 R3350 engines quit for lack of fuel as they taxied in. And they caused that essential blackout.

One of the most fascinating tales I have ever read. History Channel has film version. It is true to the book.

How did this come about? Divine Navigation.