An item referred to Australian sources reporting that the fights (1) with the Japanese fleet on 7 May resulted in the sinking of their aircraft carrier Ryukaku and a cruiser (probably of the Aoba-class) near Misima Island in the Louisade Archipelago. A second aircraft carrier which was probably the Shokaku was heavily damaged by bombs and torpedoes and was last sighted on fire. The Japanese also lost 23 aircraft. The J.I.C. commented that both aircraft carriers were recently added to the Japanese Imperial Navy each measured 15.000 tons able to carry 63 aircraft and completed in 1941. The Aoba-class of 7.100 tons heavy cruisers was completed in 1927.
Note
1. Battle of the Coral Sea between USA and Australia against Japan between 4-8 May 1942. In fact the Japanese lost the light aircraft carrier Shoho not, with the fleet carrier Sokaku damaged but no cruiser was lost.
Source
Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 152 dated 11 May 1942
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