Dwarkesh Patel - Nagasaki Was Bombed Against Direct Orders - Adam Brown
The transcript delves into the historical account of the Nagasaki bombing during World War II, revealing that the mission was originally intended for a different target, Kokura. Due to cloud cover, the crew was unable to visually confirm the target as per their strict orders, leading them to Nagasaki, which was also clouded. Despite orders to only bomb if the target was visible, the crew allegedly decided to drop the bomb regardless, possibly using radar instead of visual confirmation. This decision was driven by the lack of fuel to return with the bomb, risking its loss in the ocean. The narrative suggests that this act of insubordination might mean that 50% of nuclear weapons used in combat were dropped against direct orders. The transcript also touches on the broader theme of nuclear insubordination, noting instances where refusal to follow orders prevented nuclear escalation, contrasting with the Nagasaki case where orders were ignored to ensure the mission's completion.
Key Points:
- The Nagasaki bombing was originally intended for Kokura but was redirected due to cloud cover.
- The bomber crew allegedly dropped the bomb against direct orders, possibly using radar instead of visual confirmation.
- The crew's decision was influenced by the risk of losing the bomb in the ocean due to fuel constraints.
- This incident suggests that half of the nuclear weapons used in combat were dropped against orders.
- Nuclear insubordination has played roles in both escalating and preventing nuclear conflicts.
Details:
1. 💥 Unexpected Target: Nagasaki Instead of Kokura
1.1. Decision-Making Process
1.2. Execution of Bombing
2. ☁️ Cloudy Skies and Fuel Constraints
- The mission intended for Kokura was redirected to Nagasaki due to cloud cover, highlighting the importance of adaptable target selection in mission planning.
- Strict orders to bomb only if the target was visible impacted mission execution, emphasizing the need for flexible operational protocols in adverse weather conditions.
- Cloud cover forced multiple passes over both Kokura and Nagasaki, complicating the mission and increasing risk, demonstrating the critical role of real-time weather intelligence.
- The Bomber Crew encountered navigation issues, including getting lost, which affected fuel reserves, indicating a need for improved navigation training and contingency planning.
- Pilot errors and miscalculations resulted in insufficient fuel to return after reaching Nagasaki, underscoring the importance of precise fuel management and error reduction strategies.
3. 🎯 Dropping Bombs Against Orders
3.1. Operational Challenges and Miraculous Event
3.2. Skepticism and Radar Bombing Controversy
4. 📜 Controversial Accounts and Historical Perspectives
- 50% of nuclear weapons dropped in combat were allegedly dropped against direct orders, highlighting significant concerns about command and control protocols.
- Historical incidents underscore the potential dangers of unauthorized nuclear weapon launches, drawing parallels to modern concerns about nuclear security.
- Curtis LeMay, a notable military figure, was prepared to court-martial individuals responsible for unauthorized launches but ultimately refrained due to the conclusion of the war and potential public relations issues.
- Diverse perspectives are presented, ranging from Manhattan Project participants who were integral to the development of nuclear weapons to Nobel laureates who later expressed opposition to their use.
5. 🤔 Insubordination in Nuclear Warfare
- Physicists from the Manhattan Project were typically present on planes during nuclear missions, such as Louis AZ on the Hiroshima mission, suggesting a high level of oversight and technical support.
- There are conflicting accounts regarding the decision to drop the nuclear bomb on Nagasaki, with some crew members insisting they saw a hole in the clouds, while others doubted it. Despite orders, the crew decided to drop the bomb regardless of weather conditions, highlighting a significant act of insubordination.
- Crew members had a strong incentive to complete their mission because failure to do so could have resulted in them not returning safely, as they barely made it back to their emergency landing spot in Okinawa.
- The narrative around the decision to drop the bomb reflects differing perspectives and memories among those involved, illustrating how historical events can be interpreted in various ways.
- The discussion points to the broader theme of insubordination in nuclear warfare, where the refusal to follow direct orders sometimes prevents nuclear escalation, as seen in cases like Petrov's refusal to report a false nuclear attack from America.