![]() ![]() landed against the heavily defended Japanese positions of Gavutu and Tulagi in the British Solomon Islands, while at the same time the 1st Marine Division was landing A second attack consisting of 9 Rabaul-based "Val" dive bombers arrive at about 1430 hours local and 5 are shot down by VF-6 pilots and the remaining 4 ditch in the ocean during their return flight to Rabaul. The Wildcat pilots shoot down 8 "Betty" bombers and a "Zeke" fighter while losing 8 Wildcats and an SBD Dauntless. They are met by 18 F4F-4 Wildcats of Fighting Squadrons Five and Six (VF-5 and VF-6) in the aircraft carriers USS Saratoga (CV-3) and USS Enterprise (CV-6) respectively. ![]() He returns alone with only one eye, one arm and one leg in a crippled Zero, 565 miles.Īt 1315 hours local, 27 Rabaul-based IJN "Betty" bombers escorted by 17 "Zeke" fighters attack the invasion fleet. It is this mission from which his epic returnįlight to Rabaul will begin. Among the Japanese pilots on this strike is Saburo Sakai. The first Japanese reaction to these landings arrives in the form of an afternoon air strike from Rabaul. ![]() Admiral Crutchley is in command of the Australian Cruiser Squadron at this time and has been placed in command of the transport screening forces by Admiral Turner. Admiral Victor Crutchley, RN was one of the few officers to hold this command who was not born in Australia. The Australian naval college only started taking students in 1913, consequently it was difficult to find flag officers of the Royal Australian Navy with the requisite experience. ![]() For example, Rear-Adm Jack Crace (who commanded the squadron at the Coral Sea) was born in Australia but joined the Royal Navy. The squadron was commanded by a Rear-Admiral of the Royal Navy, usually Australian-born. The Australian Cruiser Squadron, consisting of: The islands of Tulagi, Gavatu & Tanambogo are heavily contested. The landings on Guadalcanal are not contested. Admiral Fletcher, USN with TF 61 provides air cover from carriers Enterprise, Saratoga and Wasp. The Marines commanded by General Vandegrift, USMC haveĬlose support from TF 62 under Admiral RK Turner, USN. This first offensive action in the Pacific war comes 8 months to the day after Pearl Harbor. GUADALCANAL: The US 1st Marine Division (reinforced) lands on Tulagi, Gavatu & Tanambogo, and Guadalcanal islands in the southern Solomon Islands. The bombardment serves as a diversion for the Allied landings in the Solomon Islands.ĪLASKA (11th AF): 3 B-24s dispatched to bomb Kiska return with their bombs due to solid overcast 4 more B-24s also depart for Kiska 1 turns back with mechanical trouble, the others abort the mission over the target due to undercast 1 B-24, 4 P-38s and an LB-30 fly 2 air coverage missions at Nazan Bay, Atka for USN tenders. The ships fire 631 rounds of 8-inch, 3,534 rounds of 6-inch and 2,620 rounds of 5-inch ammunition destroying barracks, landing barges, a moored "Mavis" flying boat (Kawanishi H6K Navy Type 97 Flying Boat) and the merchant ship SS Kano Maru they also damage 2 "Mavis" flying boats. Louis and six destroyers bombards Kiska Island between 19 hours local. Smith) consisting of the heavy cruisers USS Indianapolis and USS Louisville the light cruisers USS Honolulu, USS Nashville and USS St. In the Aleutians, the USN's Task Group 8.6 (Rear Admiral William W. ALASKA: A US Naval Force bombards Japanese positions on Kiska in the Aleutians. ![]()
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