The remaining Japanese planes converged upon the retreating British task force. The planes had spread out to search for the British warships, so they arrived over the target in small groups. With fuel running short, the Japanese attacked as they arrived rather than forming into a large force for a co-ordinated strike. The first wave of Japanese planes, comprising eight Nell bombers from the Mihoro Air Corps, attacked at 11:13, concentrating solely on Repulse. Besides seven near misses by 250 kg (550 lb) bombs,Middlebrook and Mahoney, Battleship, p. 172, and Tarrant, King George V Class Battleships, p. 115–116. they scored just one hit, which penetrated the hangar and the upper deck and exploded in the marine mess area.Marder, Old Friends, New Enemies, p. 467, and Middlebrook and Mahoney, Battleship, p. 177. The bomb caused no serious damage and relatively few casualties, and Repulse continued on at 25 kts (46 km/h, 29 mph), still in fighting trim.Stephen, p. 109. Five of the eight bombers were damaged by anti-aircraft fire, and two were forced to return to base.
