"Scratch one flat-top"
 

Remember that famous message sent during the battle of Midway.
For non-English speaking peope, how can "scratch" must be translated:
- erase (strike off records)
- scrape?

Thanks.

Chris

Re: "Scratch one flat-top"
 

to "scratch" one flattop, in the literal vernacular, means to strike it from the list; otherwise to put a line through the name, to eliminate or delete

Rich

Re: "Scratch one flat-top"
 

Gents;

The full quote was "Dixon to Carrier: Scratch one flattop". It occurred at the battle of Coral Sea on 7 May in response to the sinking of the Japanese carrier Shoho.

Mark E. Horan

Re: "Scratch one flat-top"
 

In the military sense, it also means remove from the duty roster. Like at roll call when people were absent for sick call, leave, etc.

Re: "Scratch one flat-top"
 

Hi Mark!
Yes, that's right. It was during the Coral Sea action.

Thanks to all.
That's what I thought but I needed a confirmation.

Chris

Re: "Scratch one flat-top"
 

And in horse racing, it means to withdraw from the list of runners.