I found this on a web site called "54 Years Ago". Its apparently
not on the web any more but this information is incredible and wanted
to share this. I lef tthe authors name and email addy below if anyone
should want to contact him.
(U.S.S. JUNEAU CL-52 Anti-Aircraft Light Cruiser
Launched: 25 October 1941
Commissioned: 14 February 1942
Sunk: Friday, 13 November 1942 (ten survivors)
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52)
From: "Jordan J. Gardner" <jgardn01@mail.orion.org>
FROM: The Commanding Officer
TO: The Chief of Naval Operations.
(Office of Naval Records and Library)
Subject: War Diary.
Reference: (a) Opnav and Cominch joint ltr. FF1/A12-1(7)
Serial
291 A12-1 (420222) of February 22, 1942.
Enclosure: (A) Copy of War Diary
1. As directed by reference (a) enclosure (A) is
forwarded
herewith.
L.K.SWENSON
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52)
JUNEAU's diary starts on Sunday March 22, 1942 and continues to 31
October, 1942. They were maintained aboard ship and were
transmitted the
following month of the report..so the November diary went down
with the
ship..
War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (fitting out) 22 Mar 1942
Sunday March 22 - Departed Navy yard, N.Y at 1411 for Gravesend
Bay
anchorage for the purpose of receiving on board commissioning
ammunition
allowance. Anchored in above anchorage at 1517.
Monday March 23 - Received alongside two ammunition barges at 0800
from
N.A.D. Iona Island, N.Y. and comenced taking on board allowance.
Tuesday March 24 - Continued taking on board ammunition and
completed at
2145. Amount received on board entered in ship's log of this date.
Exercised depth charge control and operation personnel in the
conduct of
D.C. attack at 1900. Conducted radar exercise.
Wednesday March 25 - Underway a 0748 for the purpose of conducting
steering engine trials and engineering runs. Received air coverage
from
CommanderEastern Coastal Frontier. Operated off Pt. "X" in
conducting
above tests. Received satisfactory degaussing signatures from
Swineburne
Island Station. Anchored in Naval Anchorage off Tompkinsville,
Staten
Island, N.Y at 1354.
Thursday March 26 - At anchor Naval Anchorage, Tompkinsville,
Staten
Island, N.Y. Exercised General Quarters and conducted individual
instruction of men in operation of radar and in underwater sound
and
depth charge attack procedure.
Friday, March 27 - At ancho Naval Anchorage, Tompkinsville, Staten
Island, N.Y. Exercised at General Quarters. Continued instruction
as on
previous day.
This ends page one of War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) 1942
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) March 1942
From: "Jordan J. Gardner" <jgardn01@mail.orion.org>
Saturday, March 28 - At anchor Naval Anchorage, Tompkinsville,
Staten
Island,N.Y. At 0000 reported for duty to Commander-in-Chief U.S.
Fleet
and to Commander Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (ComTask Group
27.1). At=
0715 underway for Base Hypo in accordance with ComTask Group ltr.
A4-3(2)/A5-1(1)/FF13-6(0430) of March 14, 1942. Received air
coverage
from Commander Eastern Coastal Frontier of two seaplanes during
run
through New York swept channel and blimp to Delaware Capes.
Entered
Delaware Capes at 1700 where ship anchored overnight due to
submarine
menace. On entering Capes exercised both motor life boats in
recovery of
Franklin buoy accidentally dropped. Sea rough and wind about 40
knots.
Anchored for night to northward of Harbor of Refuge.
Sunday, March 29 - At anchorge inside Delaware Capes and underway
for Hampton Roads at 0730.
Visibility poor on run to destination, averaging about 3000 yards
with sea from the northeast veering to
southwest through north, wind averaging about 40 knots. Underwater
sound equipment made contact with
an unknown object at 780 yards, bearing 110 degrees true at 1235.
Launched an embarrassing depth
charge attack consisting of three depth charges. Results of attack
unknown. Concussion of depth charges
opened circuit breakers on forward distribution board resulting in
temporary loss of steering control and
gyros. Casualty rectified by closing circuit breakers. Arrived off
entrance to Chesapeake Bay at 1530 and
received on board Pilot Peak, V.PA., for passage through mine
field and to Hampton Roads. Anchored at
1800 in area "D" off Naval Operating Base. Hampton Roads, Va.
This ends page two (2) of War Diary- U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) 1942
==============================
Subject: War Diary- U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) March 1942
Monday, March 30 - At anchor Base Hypo. Exercised at General
Quarters and
gun drills.
Tuesday, March 31 - Underway for Chesapeake Bay operating area at
0625.
Anchored off Wolf Trap degaussing range prearatory to making runs
while
cables were inspected by range personnel. During course of
afternoon ran
the range. Informed that deperming was unnecessary. Completed
several
Tactical data runs (turns) prior to anchoring for the night
vicinity
U.S.S. SAN DIEGO.
This ends page three (3) of JUNEAU War Diary, 1942
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Operating under directive of ComTaskGroup 27.1, (ltr.
A4-3(2)/A5-1(1)/FF13-6(0430) of March 14, 1942
Wednesday, April 1 - underway at 0715 and completed several
tactical data
runs (turns) prior to exercising at General Quarters. Calibrated
R.D.F.
on two frequencies (300 and 460 kcs.) assisted by NITRO. Swung
magnetic
compass without magnetics and then made preliminary compensation.
Exercised at launching the paravanes. Anchored for night vicinity
U.S.S.
SAN DIEGO, in north portion of area "D".
Thusrday, April 2 - Underway at 0700 and completed deceleration
tacticl
data runs at 20, 15 and 10 knots to Stop, also from 20 knots ahead
to
back full. Prepared main and 1'1 batteries for structural test
firings.
Completed above test firings at 1330. During afternoon, swung
magnetic
compass for residuals with and without degaussing current on.
Curve
obtained unsatisfactory. Checked previously obtained R.D.F. curve
on 460
kcs. Streamed starboard and port paravanes at 15 knots and steamed
at 20
knots. Recovered at 15 knots. Anchored for night vicinity
U.S.S.SAN DIEGO.
Friday, April 3 - Underway at 0700 and compensated magnetic
compass.
Exercised at General Quarters and held AA tracking drills with
plane.
Swung magnetic compass for residuals.During afternoon continued AA
tracking drills but plane was forced to return to base because of
engine
trouble. Swung magnetic compass on cardinal and intercardinal
points with
degaussing current on. Satisfactory results. Returned to Base Hypo
with
camera party from USS SAN DIEGO and anchored in area "D" at 1940.
End of page one for April 1942
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Saturday, April 4 - At anchor off N.O.B. Hampton Roads, Va.
Captain
conducted material inspection of ship.
Sunday, April 5 - At anchor off N.O.B. Hampton Roads, Va.
Monday, April 6 - Underway at 0700 for gunnery training Chesapeake
Bay
vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck. Exercised at steering casualty drills
and
General Quarters. Conducted SRP "B" training runs on sled target
towed by
TUSCARORA. Conducted AA machine gun "G" and "H" training runs on
plane.
Instruction of watch officers in ship handling.
Tuesday, April 7 - Exercised at SRP training runs on sled target
and
conducted AA machine gun "G" and "H" training runs on airplane.
Plane
4J25 operating with this ship effected forced landing due to
broken lube
oil line. Had plane moor to SAN MARCOS light buoy and boat stood
by.
TUSCARORA towed plane back to base during night. Conducted battery
drill.
Trained condition watches in Depth Charge attack procedure.
Exercised at
steering casualty drill. Instruction of watch officers in ship
handling.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Wednesday, April 8 - Fired AA machine gun training practices "G"
and "H"
on towed sleeve during forenoon. During afternoon fired SRP "B"
completeing three of required five runs due to late arrival of
photographic aircraft and lack of fuel. Exercised at steering
casualty
drill and watch officer instruction in anchoring. Anchored
vicinity SAN
MARCOS wreck.
(Source: U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) War Diary, April 1942: File no.
CL52/A12
serial 030, dated May 1, 1942)
==============================
Subject: War Diary- U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Thursday, April 9 - Underway at 0435 in answer to distress message
received from S.S. "MIDDLESEX". Proceeded to vicinity Smith Point
Light,
Chesapeake Bay. Directed PADUCAH also proceed vicinity. Lieut.
Comdr
KNOWLTON WILLIAMS, USN boarded "MIDDLESEX'and learned that this
vessel
hadbeen in collision with Argentine freighter 'BRAZIL' and that
the
latter had been sunk. No loss of life and no medical attention
required.
"MIDDLESEX" received hole in starboard bow above water line and in
no
immediate danger. Despatch report made to Comd't, 5th Naval
District.
Wreck of "BRAZIL" lies 132 degrees true 3320 yards, in 67 feet of
water,
from SMITH POINT Light. No portion of wreck visible. Anchored
vicinity
until 0730 when underway for rendezvous with tug for completion of
SRP
"B". On completion this practice anchored vicinity Smith Point
Light.
Friday, April 10 - Low cloud formation and intermittent mist and
fog
prevented scheduled A-A training runs. Underway 0900 to rendezvous
with
USS MATAGORDA to transfer photgraphic party for return to Base
Hypo.
Exercised at General Quarters. On completion transfer obtained
tactical
data. Captain held instruction of ship's officers on Depth Charge
Attack
Procedures. Held steering casualty drills. Enroute Annapolis
during which
time Engineering Department obtained steady run data at 12 and 15
knots.
Anchored off entrance to Severn River channel.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
From: "Jordan J. Gardner" <jgardn01@mail.orion.org>
Saturday, April 11 - At anchor Annapolis Roads. Exercised each
condition
watch at Depth Charge Attack Procedure. Crew instructed by medical
officer. Midshipmen visited ship. During evening set Alert 2 on
main
engines and anchor windlass due to high winds and secured at 2200.
Sunday, April 12 - At anchor Annapolis Roads. Exercised each
condition
watch at D.C. Attack Procedure. Continued instruction of crew by
medical
officer. Exercised main battery plotting room. Midshipmen visited
ship.
Monday, April 13 - Underway at 0600 for Chesapeake Bay operating
area.
Conducted steady run data at 18 knots. Made training runs for
L.C.B.P.
and fired L.C.B.P. Spotting. Moored with stern anchor out for
night to
check holding ability for gear.
Tuesday, April 14 - Stern anchor dragged during night due to
tides. Wind
on beam about 10 knots. Fired L.C.B.P. Unable to train for and
fire A.A.B.P.
"B" due to ceiling. Anchored for night vicinity USS SAN JUAN and
D.C.
range.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Wednesday, April 15 - Exercised main battery during forenoon at
non-record AA "B" firing. Misalignment between main battery
directors and
rangefinders was so great as to prevent further AA firing.
Exercised at
Depth Charge Attack Procedure. During afternoon fired AAMG "A" and
"B"
for record. Made night training runs on anchored battle raft for
NSP.
Anchored vicinity Wolf Trap degaussing range.
Thursday, April 16 - Lieut. Robert F. WILSON, O-V(3), USNR, and
two other
representatives of Naval Gun factory reported on board to correct
misalignment of directors and rangefinders in which effort they
were
successful. Adjusted magnetic compass underway for degaussing.
Exercised
at Night Spotting practice and anchored for night vicinity SAN
MARCOS wreck.
Friday, April 17 - Conducted 5" AA training runs and obtained
tactical
data during forenoon. Proceeded to Base Hypo during afternoon
exercising
at D.C. Attack Procedure. Moored to Pier 5, Base Hypo for purpose
of
fueling and victualling.
Saturday, April 18 - Held inspection of personnel and living
spaces.
Received on board fuel and provisions.
Sunday, April 19 - Moored at Base Hypo.
Monday, April 20 - Proceeded to Chesapeake Bay operating area and
anchored vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck. Overcast prevented 5" AA
firing.
Exercised at D.C. procedure drills.
Tuesday, April 21 - Exercised at 5" AA firing "B" at flares and
instruction of Deck officers in seamanship in forenoon. During
afternoon
conducted same firing at sleeve. Fired night spotting practice and
anchored vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck.
==============================
Subject: War Diary -U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Wednesday, April 22 - Observers from Navy Department came on
board to
witness and experimental "Drone" 5" firing wich was conducted
without
injury to the "Drone". About 1123 a J2F-5 #00661 seaplane, piloted
by
Lieut. J.B. BURKS carrying Comdr. P.E.McDOWELL of Headquarters of
Cominch
with S.L.MOREL, AMM1c on board, nosed over while making a landing
one
half mile off starboard quarter. Above personnel were recovered by
MWB
uninjured and plane towed to side of ship where it was hoisted
clear of
water with boatcrane. Conducted 5" AA "B" firing in afternoon by
single
mounts. Later in afternoon fired 5" AABP "B" with photo
triangulation.
Visiting personnel departed in two planes for their respective
bases.
Proceeded to Tail of Horseshoe with wrecked plane to delive to
LAPWING.
Anchored vicinity entrance Thimble Shoal Channel for night.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Thursday, April 23 - Proceeded to Chesapeake Bay operating area
"C" for
AAMG training and firing but was unable to make runs due to fog.
Exercised Depth Charge attack teams. Conducted instruction of line
officers. Anchored vicinity SAN MARCOS wreck.
Friday, April 24 - Exercise at submarine contact drill and
training runs
for AABP "G" off entrance Potomac River during forenoon. Fired
AABP "G"
and MGAABP "G" during afternoonb and proceeded to Base Hypo to
anchor
overnight. While enroute lost pressure on #2 Boiler due to clogged
suction line of fuel oil service pump.
Saturday, April 25 - Anchored of N.O.B., Base Hypo. Underway at
1127 for
Base Sail in accordance with approved operating schedule. While
proceeding to Point "XM", in low visability, experienced shock of
two
underwater explosions similar to depth charges and heard one round
of gun
fire to north eastward. Visibility prevented further contact. On
clearing
Point "XM", Norfolk Canyon at 1605, proceeded on course 057
degrees true,
speed 25 knots and comenced zigzagging according to plan #7,
G.T.I.
course shaped for Hydrographer Canyon off Georges Bank.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) April 1942
Sunday, April 26- Conducting steady run data at various speeds.
Seacalm
at morning twilight. 0600 changed mean course to north and
continued
zigzag Plan#7. sighted sea plane at 0630 (+4) and soon thereafter
USS
PHILADELPHIA on SW course. 0800 fix Lat. 40-34.5 N., Long. 69-15.0
W.
Commenced working up to full power at 0800. Received radio of
enemy
submarine 15 miles to Westward of projected 1030 D.R. position.
Changed
mean course to 020 degrees. Commenced full power at 1030. Sea
began to
increase from northward. Changed mean course to 335 degrees at
1130. 1200
position Lat. 42-02 N, Long. 69-17.5 W. Obtained radio bearings
during
afternoon for navigational purposes. Completed full power at 1230
and
commenced decreasing speed. Entered swept channel to Base Sail at
1550
and anchored there at 1648.
Monday, April 27 - At anchor. Detection officers and sound
operators
received instruction at "Attack Teacher" in Portland, Me.
Tuesday, April 28 - Underway in forenoon and exercised with NORTH
CAROLINA in radar tracking exercise. During late afternoon and
early
afternoon exercised with USS S-20 in submerged submarine
detection.
Condition of water resulted in mediocre sound results. Returned to
base
for night.
Wednesday, April 29 - At anchor. Detection officers and sound
operators
received instruction at "Attack Teacher"
Thursday, April 30 - Underway in morning for operating area. Non
arrival
of towing plane prevented AAMG training and firing. Conducted
Crash back
from full power ahead. Dead in water 1'28".5; reach 475 yards.
Conducted
steering astern at 152 RPM. Crashed ahead from astern to ahead.
Dead in
water 17"; reach 75 yds. During afternoon fired AAMG "G" and "H".
Returned to base and anchored.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942
Operating under directive of ComTask Group 27.1 (Ltr. A4-3
(2)1A5-(1)/FF13-6(0430) of March 14, 1942).
Operating under ComCarib Sea Frontier and ComTask Unit 26.3.9, May
8 -
May 14, 1942.
Friday, May 1 - Underway about 0830 for operating area off Base
Sail. Sea
calm, weather clear, light winds. Fired AABP "B" on sleeve during
early
afternoon. Succeeded in hitting one sleeve and bringing other
sleeve
down. Exercised main battery Condition watches at picking up
targets
quickly. Exercised Q.C and radar personnel. Returned to base and
anchored
overnight.
Saturday, May 2 - Underway at 0658 for Navy Yard, N.Y., via the
Cape Cod
Canal, as directed by ComTaskGroup 27.1 (ComDesLant) dispatch
011815 of
May 1942. Cleared A/S net at 0712, and after passing through Point
"X",
commenced zigzagging on base course 201 degrees true working up to
27
knots. Changed base course to 180 degrees to avoid Portsmouth
(N.H)
submarine operating areas. Entered Cape Cod Bay at 1115 and
approached
canal entrance where pilot, Capt. Harlan Robinson, was received on
board
for canal transit which comenced at 1210. Cleared canal at 1327
and
proceeded down Buzzards Bay. After clearing Pt Judith and when
closing
Race Point to enter Long Island Sound, received despatch from
CincLant
directing JUNEAU put into Base George (Newport R.I) for a brief
visit.
Ship reversed course and passed through A/S net to Base George at
1645
and anchored off Gull Rock, where CincLant Vice Admiral INGERSOL,
U.S.N.,
and members of his staff visited the ship informally. Underway
from Base
George at 1740, and proceeded towards New York via Long Island
Sound, on
clearing Race Point during daylight noted a merchantman aground on
Valiant Rock, with two tugs standing by. Weather clear, and sea
calm.
Anchored for night at 2332 in Hemstead Harbor. During run in Long
Island
Sound obtained steady steaming data at 20 knots. Received
information
that ship would have to proceed to Gravesend Bay to unload
ammunition in
preparation for certain welding necessary in connection with the
installation of a de-gaussing "A" coil.
Sunday, May 3 - Thick fog prevented ship from getting underwayas
scheduled to make the slack at Hell Gate at 0640. Navigator landed
and
effected telephone communications with Third Naval Sistrict,
requesting
that pilot board JUNEAU at anchorage, rather than off City Island.
Pilot
FORDHAM came on board during forenoon, and weather cleared
sufficiently
to get underway at 1506, and proceeded thru Hell Gate at 1700.
Anchored
in Gravesend Bay at 1854 and commenced preparations for unloading
ammunition.
Monday, May 4 - Unloaded about 300 tons of ammunition into
lighters when
CincLant despatch 041817 of May 1942 was received about 1430
directing
JUNEAU proceed at best speed toward San Juan, reporting to
ComCarib Sea
Frontier for duty. Commenced reloading ammunition and ordered
various
necessary stores. Recalled men from leave and made preparations to
depart
Gravesend Bay at noon, tomorrow, Tuesday.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU May 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, May 5 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Receiving on board
stores
in preparation for departure in execution of C-in-C Atlantic Fleet
despatch 041817 of May 1942. 1247 underway and standing down
Ambrose
swept channel. 1403 took departure on New York Harbor Fairway
Lighted
whistle buoy "A" on base course 163 degrees true, speed 30 knots,
and
commenced zigzag plan #9 from G.T.I., enroute San Juan, P.R. Sea
calm,
light winds from northeastward. Visibility 10 miles. Air coverage
of one
Army Lockheed Hudson bomber furnished by CESF. 2000 position by
observation Lat.37-42.9 N, Long. 72-42.0 W.
Wednesday, May 6 - Enroute San Juan P.R. on base course 163
degrees at
speed 30 knots, Z.Z., according to plan no. 9 of G.T.I Sea calm,
light
winds from S.E. At 0540 sighted a life raft in Lat. 33-34 N.
bearing
inscription "GOTEB_____" (remainder of name indistinct). Long.
71-03 W.
Raft was empty. Returned to course and speed. 0800 position Lat.
32-34.5
N. Long. 70-36 W. Held General Quarters and exercised gun crews.
Made
battle disposition of ammunition. 1200 position Lat. 30-48.9 N.,
Long.
70-00 W. During afternoon, sky became overcast with occassional
light
rain squalls. Sea picked up to force 4. No evening observations.
2000
position by dead reckoning, Lat. 27-32.5 N., Long. 68-33.8 W.
Thursday, May 7 - Steaming with maximum boiler power available
enroute
San Juan, P.R., on base course 163 (t) at 30 knots, zigzagging
according
to plan #9, G.T.I. Good visibility; wind and sea from eastward,
force 5.
0800 position Long. 66-38.8 W., Lat. 22-05.2 N. Exercised at
General
Quarters. 1200 position 20-11.2 N., Long. 66-15.8 W. Ay 1230
reduced
speed to 27 knots and at 1500 changed base course to 179 degrees.
Raised
Puerto Rico bearing 170 degrees true at 1505, and changed speed to
24
knots. At 1547 changed base course to 200, and proceeded to San
Juan harbor entrance, passing through nets at 1626. Ship moored
east side
of Pier 1 for fueling, Captain docking without tugs. Captain
called on
ComCarib Sea Frontier and was aquainted with the Martinique
situation and
status of French men of war therein. JUNEAU directed to clear
harbor on
completion of fueling and proceed to Eastward of Martinique -
Guadeloupe.
Information concerning mined areas, submarines, hydrographic
information
in Caribean obtained by Navigator at District Headquarters.
Captain
informed CINCINNATI, (off Martinique), of JUNEAU's prospective
movements.
Friday, May 8 - Underway from Pier 1, San Juan at 0010 enroute to
an area
thiry miles to the eastward of Martinique-Guadeloupe in accordance
with
verbal orders of ComCarib Sea Frontier reporting to USS
CINCINNATI, then
in area. The object of this station being to prevent the escape by
force
of certain French (vichy) men-of-war contained at Fort de France
and
Pointe a Pietre. Shaped a course to pass 30 miles to northward and
eastward of Leeward Islands, steamed at 30 knots and Z.Z.
according to
plan. 0800 position Lat. 18-41.9 N., Long. 63-05.2 W. Readied ship
for
action and made ammunition dispositions. 1200 position Lat.
18-02.2 N.,
Long. 61-26.3 W. At 1615 changed base course to 180 degrees. At
1815
changed base course to 090 degrees and reduced speed to 17 knots,
and
commenced patrolling station on an east and west line with the
plan of
reaching Longitude 61 degrees W at a point midway between
Martinique and
Guadeloupe at 2200, two hours after dark. At 1908 in Lat.
15-49.7N.,
Long. 60-21.0 W., while on course 270 degrees, speed 17 knots made
and
underwater sound contact with the Q.C. equipment at 2000 yards
bearing
220 degrees (t) and attacked by releasing 3-600 lbs Depth charges
and
6-300 lbs charges. Evaluation of contact subsequent to attack
resulted in
the opinion that the contact was made on the knuckle of the
JUNEAU's wake
and that no submarine was present; the JUNEAU had countermarched
14
minutes before. Patrolled to eastward during night and at moonrise
zigzagged to right and left of true bearing of moon.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Saturday, May 9 - Patrolling off Martinique - Guadeloupe area.
0800
position Lat. 15-44.8N., Long. 58.59.7 W. 1110 sighted and closed
merchant vessel in Lat. 15-41 N., Long. 58-13 W. Identified vessel
as
S.S. NISHMAHA, U.S. registry, Captain OBOE. Vessel answered
correctly
wartime challenge. 1200 position Lat. 15-43.1 N., Long. 58.27.9 W.
Exercised crew at battle and anti-submarine stations. 2000
position Lat.
16-04.8 N., Long. 60-11.0 W.
Sunday, May 10 - Patrolled to eastward of Martinique - Guadeloupe
during
night on an eaterly course. Sighted a seaplane at 0530 which was
identified as attached to U.S.S. CINCINNATI, a vessel of Task Unit
26.3.9. Sighted a merchant vessel at 0630, about 13 miles distant
and
proceeded to investigate her. Unable to identify vessel from call
she
hoisted in response to our challenge. Directed her to heave to in
Lat.
15-13.3 N., Long. 58-40.9 W. Sent boarding officer, Lieut.
W.H.FARMER,
U.S.N., and party to board and investigate. Vessel listed in
Lloyds
registry as Elizabeth Van Belgie. A cargo of sugar from British
Barbados
to Halifax, N.S., Captain SANGLIER in command. Boarding party
returned to
ship and confirmed innocence of vessel, ie, that she was as listed
and
that she carried a cargo. She was allowed to proceed, though the
correct
use of the identification signal hoisted by VAN BELGIE did not
follow
current instructions due to incomplete information furnished
captain by
port authorities at Barbados. Proceeded and rendezvoused with Task
Unit
26.3.9 at 0900 as previously directed. Unit consisted of SAVANNAH,
Captain Bennett, S.O.P.A., CINCINNATI, DAVIS, LANSDALE and JUNEAU.
Official mail passed to JUNEAU by LANSDALE. Noon position Lat.
15-16 N.,
Long. 58-23.2. Set clocks ahead to zone plus 2 1/2 at 1300.
CINCINNATI
left formation to proceed to Pointe a Pietre to back up two
destroyers
patrolling off entrance to deny sorti of EMIL BRETIN. 2000
position Lat.
15-28.2 N., Long. 57-48 W. Ceased zigzagging at 2105 and steamed
during
night on course 070 at 17 knots.
*Informed of general plan of ComTask Unit 26.3.9 (SAVANNAH) that
Task
Unit would remain in Sector 065 degrees - 090 degrees from
Martinique
taking positions on a 300 mile radius at dawn of each day.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Monday, May 11 -Exercised at battle problem in afternoon
conducting radar
and range
finder tracking with other vessels of Task Unit. Reformed in
cruising
disposition 9N at 115. 1200 position Lat. 16-05 N., Long. 55-49.2
W.
Received word during afternoon that French ships would attempt to
escape
on expiration of time limit. No information on board as to actual
diplomatic representations to Vichy Government. Raer Admiral
HOOVER,
U.S.N., ComCarib Sea Frontier, visited Fortde France. 2000
position Lat.
16-02.2 N., Long. 57-45 W. Steamed during night on course 245 at
17 knots.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, May 12 - 0800 position Lat. 15-33 N., :png. 58-06.1 W.
Continued patrolling area to eastward of Martinique-Guadeloupe
about 300
miles. During afternoon exercised at Battle Problem in which
destroyer
SOMMERS simulated an escaping French cruiser. 1200 position Lat.
15-52.3
N., Long. 58.40 W. Received information that Rear Admiral HOOVER,
U.S.N., was to spend the night at Fort de France, and that in all
probability "EMIL BRETIN" and "JEAN d' ARC" would attempt escape.
Press
news reports stated that French Government considered U.S. demands
to
establish military garrisons onj the islands as well as to
demilitarize
warships therein to be an act of war. JUNEAU made preparations for
action, U.S.S. LANSDOWNE left formation to join U.S.S. CINCINNATI
for A/S
duty off Guadeloupe. 2000 position Lat. 16-31 N., Long. 57.37.8 W.
Steered at carious courses during the night within patrol area.
JUNEAU
taking station on starboard bow of SAVANNAH as A/S screen and
SOMMERS on
port bow.
Wednesday, May 13 - Patrolling Martinique - Guadeloupe area in
company
ComTask Unit 26.3.9, SAVANNAH O.T.C. 0800 position Lat. 15-40 N.,
Long.
56-59 W. 1200 position Lat. 15-41.5 N.,Long. 58.07.1 W. During
afternoon
received word there would be no trouble tonight. 2000 position
Lat. 14-26
N., Long. 57-36.1 W.
Thursday, May 14 - On blockade off Martinique-Guadeloupe. 0800
position
Lat. 16-00 N., Long. 57-07 W. Received information that French
warships
had been guaranteed not to move and to relax close blockade. 1200
position Lat. 15-59.7 N., Long. 58-04.6 W. ComCar Sea Frontier
141141
received directing that operations cease and Task Unit return to
bases.
Exercised at Battle problem with ships in company during
afternoon. 2000
JUNEAU released from Task Unit by CoTask 26.3.9 and proceeded
singly for
San Juan, P.R. 2000 position Lat. 16-53.5 N., Long 59-19.5 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) May 1942 (continued)
Friday, May 15 - Steaming singly enroute San Juan, P.R., for
purpose of
fueling. Course laid to north and eastward of Windward Islands. At
1400
received despatch from ComCar. Sea Fron., directing JUNEAU proceed
St.
Thomas for fuel instead of San Juan. Proceeded St. Thomas and
moored to
West India Oil Dock at 1526. Darkened ship during practice air
raid alarm
held in St. Thomas.
Saturday, May 16 - Moored at oil dock, St. Thomas. Vice Admiral
JONAS
INGRAM, U.S.N., ComTask Group 26, received aboard unofficially,
and left
after breakfast with Captain. Departed St. Thomas, 0930 and
exercised
with USS S-12 off entrance. Completed submarine tracking drills at
1430,
and proceeded San Juan, P.R., arriving there at 1815 and moored to
pier
1. JUNEAU waiting to rendezvous with CINCINNATI for return to New
York.
Sunday, May 17 - At San Juan, P.R. Underway at noon to rendezvous
with
CINCINNATI about 32 miles north of harbor. Joined CINCINNATI at
1400, and
shaped a base course of 345 degrees true, enroute New York, speed
of
advance 21 knots. 2000 position Lat. 20-51 N., Long. 66-29.9 W.
Monday, May 18 - In company CINCINNATI enroute New York, Z.Z. on
base
course 345 degrees, speed of advance 21 knots. 0800 position Lat.
24-57.3
N., Long. 67-45.9 W. sighted and investigated unnamed empty box
raft.
Exercised at range finder and radar tracking drill during
afternoon. 1200
position Lat. 25-55 N., Long. 68-11 W. Held anti-submarine drills.
2000
position Lat. 2834.5 N., Long. 68-54 W.
Tuesday, May 19 - UIn company CINCINNATI enroute New York, N.Y.
0800
position Lat. 32-52 .9 N., Long. 70-16.9 W. 1200 position Lat.
34-08.2
N., Long. 70-44.5 W., 2000 position Lat. 36=41.1 N., Long. 71-36.9
W.
Exercised at various drills during day.
Wednesday, May 20 - In company CINCINNATI enroute New York. Made
landfall
on Hudson Canyon with fathometer at 0530. Proceeded to entrance of
NewYork swept channel through dense fog. Anchored Gravesend Bay
1335 and
received alongside ammunition lighters for purpose of discharging
ammunition prior to Navy Yard overhaul.
Thursday, May 21 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Underway for
Brooklyn
Navy Yard at 0756 and moored at yard at 0851. Commenced overhaul
on
completion of shake down cruise. Final acceptance trials not
considered
necessary due to satisfactory performance of engineering plant.
Friday, May 22 - At Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York.
(JUNEAU remained at Brooklyn Navy Yard until May 31, 1942)
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) June 1942
Operating under Commander Task Force 22 (CincLant despatch 261422
of May
1942)
Monday, June 1 - Departed Navy Yard at 0535 for Naval Base,
Bayonne,
N.J., for purpose of deperming and receiving degaussing
calibration.
Completed this work at 1700 and proceeded to Gravesend Bay
anchorage to
receive on board ammunition; anchoring there at 1805.
Tuesday, June 2 - At anchore Gravesend Bay N.Y. Loading ammunition
delivered from Fort Lafayette.
Wednesday, June 3 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Loading
ammunition and
receiving on board various supplies. Completed loading.
Thursday, June 4 - At anchor Gravesend Bay, N.Y. Underway at 0630
for
Base George as directed C.T.F. 22 despatch 301720 of May 1942.
Proceeded
via Hell Gate into Long Island Sound. Exercised at , and
instructed crew
in general quarter stations while enroute. Passed through A/S net
into
Naragausett Bay at 1625 and anchored off Newport, R.I. Captain
called
upon CincLant and arranged for exercises to be conducted while at
Base
George.
Friday, June 5 - At anchor Base George. Prior to getting underway
at 0800
sent party of anti-aircraft machine gunners to Prices Neck for
instructional firing. During fornoon calibrated radio direction
finder on
310 KCS, in vicinity of Brenton Reef Lightship, light vessel
transmitting. Swung ship for magnetic compass residuals with
degaussing
current turned on. Returned to Base George and moored to buoy, for
exercise purposes at 1340.
Saturday, June 6 - At anchor , Base George. Received supplies
during
forenoon and shifted from buoy to anchorage. Anti-aircraft machine
gunners received instructional firing at Prices Neck. Received
information from New York Yard that F.D radar amplifiers were
available
for installation. Captain's telephonic request was approved for
engineers
and material to meet ship at New London, Conn., tomorrow Sunday
evening.
Request was also made of Submarine Base, New London, for services
of
submarine in Long Island Sound for R.D.F. calibration.
Sunday, June 7 - At anchor Base George. Underway for Base Queen at
0700
and R.D.F., calibration with U.S.S. O-10 off Race Point while
enroute.
Obtained calibration on 530, 730 and 900 kcs. Anchored Base Queen
(entrance to Thames River) outside os A/S net at 1540. During
darkness
stationed an armed picket boat two miles to "seaward" of
anchorage.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52), June 1942 (continued)
Monday, June 8 - At anchor Base Queen. Lieut. Comdr. E.W. Lovejoy,
U.S.N.R., and civilian engineers came on board at 0935 to effect
installation of F.D. Radar amplifiers and complete this work at
1700 and
departed. Underway for Base Roger as directed by CTF 22 despatch
021602
of June, 1942. At 1704 took departure from Endeavor Shoals Can
Buoy #3
(off Montauk Pt), shaped course 115 degrees true and commenced
zigzagging, speed of advance 23 knots.
Tuesday, June 9 - Enroute Base Roger. 0800 position Lat. 40-26.3
N.,
Long. 66-38.8 W. 1200 position Lat. 41-11 N., Long. 64-54.2 W.
2000
position Lat. 42-54.8 N., Long. 61-51.2 W. Exercised at general
quarters
and other drills during day. Made a two hour engineering economy
run at
120% boiler overload at 28 knots (two boilers). Approached and
identified
in Lat. 42-40 N., Long. 62-35 W., S.S. MOSEDALE of Norwegian
registry at
1800. Sighted at 2124, white flashing light answering the
characteristics
of West point light of Sable Island about 65 miles away. Doubt was
expressed as to the authenticity of the light because of the
distance as
well as its intermittent showing, but at 2200 received a
confirming radio
bearing. Made an unidentified radar contact at 2248, clocks had
been
previously advanced 1/2 hour to zone plus 3 and 1/2, and went to
general
quarters. Contact was most suspicious at first as relative bearing
remained practically constant, though range decreased. The ship
was
maneuvered at various courses and speeds with a resultant constant
bearing. It was reasoned a phenomenon existed resulting in a
cloud
contact and the ship secured from general quarters and proceeded
on base
course of 057 degrees true.
Wednesday, June 10 - Enroute Base Roger (Argentia, N.F.). 0800
position
Lat. 44-58 N., Long. 57-05 W., 1200 position Lat. 46-10 N., Long.
55-41
W. At 1224 raised land broad on port bow distant 37 miles.
Proceeded into
Placentia Bay and passed through A/S net into Argentia Harbor at
1653.
Moored alongside tanker WINOOSKI to fuel. Captain called upon
Comanders
Task Forces 24 (SOPA) and 22. Vessels of Task Force 22 under
command of
Rear Admiral ALEXANDER SHARP, U.S.N., present as follows AUGUSTA,
flag,
RANGER, RODMAN, CORRY and MACOMB.
Thursday, June 11 - At Base Roger. Exercised at general quarters.
Vice
Admiral R.M.BRAINARD, U.S.N. (ComTaskFor 24), and Rear Admiral
ALEXANDER
SHARP, U.S.N., (ComTaskFor 22), were received on board in the late
afternoon and informally inspected the ship.
Friday, June 12 - At Base Roger. Exercised at general quarters.
Material
inspection of ship by heads of departments.
Saturday, June 13 - At Base Roger. Inspection of personnel and
living
spaces by Captain. Locker and bedding inspection.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) June, 1942 (continued)
Sunday, June 14 - At Base Roger.
Monday, June 15 - At Base Roger. During forenoon commenced
painting a new
camoflage on superstructure consisting of alternating irregular
patterns
of haze grey and off white. Exercised during afternoon at general
quarters, abandon ship, boarding and salvage party drills.
Tuesday, June 16 - At Base Roger. Continued camoflage painting in
forenoon. Exercised at general quarters, battery drill and fire
drill in
afternoon.
Wednesday, June 17 - At base Roger. Prepared ship for Admiral's
inspection to be held Saturday. Exercised at general quarters in
afternoon.
Thursday, June 18 - Moored base Roger. Prepared for inspection by
Commander Task Force 22.
Friday, June 19 - Moored base Roger. Prepared for inspaction by
Commander
Task Force 22.
Saturday, June 20 - Moored at base Roger. At 1935 received verbal
orders
from ComTaskFor 22 to be prepared to depart base for base George
in
company other units ComTaskFor 22 at about 2130. Underwayat 2218
with
instructions to pick up stragglers and rejoin Task Force. Departed
base
Roger at 2350.
Sunday, June 21 - Enroute base George rejoining Task Force 22.
0800
position Lat. 45-11 N., Long. 57-10 W. 1200 position Lat. 43-59
N., Lat.
58-41 W. 2000 position Lat. 42-57 N., Long. 62-02 W. Rejoined Task
Force
22 at 2005 and took station 800 yards astern of RANGER in Special
Cruising Disposition ONE on course 247 degrees, steaming at 24
knots.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) June, 1942 (continued)
Mondat, June 22 - Enroute base George in company Task Force 22.
Heavy
for. Maintained station on RANGER by radar. 0700 reduced formation
speed
to 22 knots. 0800 position (Lat.) 40-54 N., Long. 67-57 W. 1150
reduced
formation speed to 19 knots. 1200 position Lat. 40-27 N., Long.
69-48 W.,
on course 277 degrees, steaming at 19 knots. At 1549 passed
Brenton Reef
Light vessel abeam to starboard and passed through A/S net to
Narragausette Bay anchoring therein at 1646. The Captain visited
ComTaskFor 22. Received instructions to prepare for an extended
cruise.
Tuesday, June 23 - At anchor base George. Received fiel oil and
various
supplies.
Wednesday, June 24 - At anchor base George. Underway at 0825 for
Navy
Yard, Boston, having been granted limited availability to June 30
for
installation of S.G. radar. Proceeded Boston via Cape Cod canal
and
transit was delayed an hour and a half due to slow and hesitant
passage
of large merchant convoy. Passed through Boston A/S net at 1608
and
received pilot on board in President Roads. Obtained satisfactory
degaussing signature over range. Moored to South Jetty, South
Boston Navy
Yard annex. Yard force came on board to install S.G radar.
Thursday, June 25 - At Navy Yard, Boston, Soth Boston annex. Yard
force
effecting various items of work in addition to S.G radar
installation.
Friday, June 26 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex.
Exercised
at aircraft alert received over "command circuit" during
afternoon.
Saturday, June 27 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex.
Sunday, June 28 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex.
Monday, June 29 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex.
Detection
officers received instructions in Attcak Teacher.
Tuesday, June 30 - At Navy Yard Boston, South Boston Annex..
Underway at
0700 for base George as directed by CTF despatch 282028 of June,
1942.
Proceeded via Pillock Rip channel, Nantucket Sound and Vineyard
Sound.
This route was taken because of closure of Cape Cod canal due to
wreckage
of sunken merchantman. Passed through A/S net to Narragansett Bay
at 1520
and anchored in berth 52.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) July, 1944
Operating under Commander Task Force 22 (CincLant Despatch
261422 of
May, 1942) until July 7, 1942.
Operating under Commander Task Force 23 (Com Task Force 22
Despatch
061418 of July, 1942 from July 7, 1942 to July 31, 1942.
(information note: for those that may be confused by the
dispatch's..they
indicate the day and time of the dispatch..ie 061418 of July, 1942
means that the despatch was sent on the 6th day of July at 1418
(2:18 PM))
Wednesday, July 1 - At anchor base George. Task Force 22 placed on
two
hour sailing notice in forenoon. ComTaskForce 22 Sortie Plan No.
SI-22 of
June 30, 1942, placed into effect and ZERO HOUR designated as 1500
this
date. Formed cruising Disposition "IX" at Pt. Afirm and took
departure
for base Dog in company following vessels TaskFor 22: RANGER
(ComTaskFor
22), AUGUSTA, ELLYSON, (ComDesRon 10), FORREST, FITCH, CORRY and
HOBSON.
2000 position Lat. 40-07 N., Long. 70-40 W.
Thursday, July 2 - Enroute base Dog on base course 158 degrees,
zigzagging at 19 knots in company Task Force 22, sea smooth,
visibility
excellent. 0800 position Lat. 37-14.6 N., Long. 69-14 W., 1200
position
Lat. 36-08.6 N., Long. 68-30 W. At 1300 changed base course to 160
degrees. About 1400 sighted strange vessel and went to general
quarters
on signal. A second ship appeared over horizon and both identified
as
U.S. Naval vessels. 2000 position Lat. 34-01 N., Long. 67-28 W.
Friday, July 3 - Enroute base Dog in company Task Force 22. Sea
calm,
visibility good, wind from south. 0800 position Lat. 30-48 N.,
Long.
66-05 W. 1200 position Lat. 29-36 N., Long. 69-31 W. 2000 position
Lat.
27-19 N., Long. 64-34.5 W. At about 2100 patrol plane on port bow,
distant about 3000 yards was reported by HOBSON to have dropped a
depth
charge. HOBSON proceededt to develope contact without result.
Remainder
of disposition executed ships right 60 degrees and resumed base
course of
160 degrees at 2115.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) July, 1942 (continued)
Saturday, July 4 - Enroute base Dog. 0800 position Lat. 23-46 N.,
Long.
63-10.5 W. At 1130 FORREST left formation and proceeded in general
direction of San Juan, P.R. She had experienced engineering
casualty
during the night. 1200 position Lat. 22-49.3 N., Long. 62-45.3 W.
The FITCH
about 1330, sighted a life boat to westward of formation and
rescued
four survivors. No other details known. JUNEAU directed to join
A/S and
sound screen and assume charge, taking station on axis at 1430.
2000
position Lat. 20-41.8 N., Long. 61-48.2 W.
Sunday, July 5 - Enroute base Dog. Sea calm, wind from east,
visibility
good. Base course 156 degrees, speed 19 knots. 0800 position Lat.
17-17.5
N., Long. 60-15 W. Sighted and empty unidentified life raft at
1143 in
Lat. 16-22 N., Long. 59-55 W. 1200 position Lat. 16-22 N., Long.
59-49 W.
At 1327 sighted an object on starboard bow resembling a periscope.
Disposition turned 60 degrees to port and object investigated by
CORRY
which reported a wooden spar resembling a periscope. Resumed base
course
2000 position Lat. 14-12.2 N., Long. 58-50.2 W.
Mondfay, July 6 - Enroute base Dog. Changed base course to 233
degrees at
0020. Sea calm, intermittent rain squalls. 0800 position Lat.
11-34.4 N.,
Long.60-24.4 W. Changed base course to 240 degrees at 0946.
Sighted
Tobago Island on port bow, distant about 10 miles at 1041.
Disposition at
various courses approaching Boca de Navios to Gulf of Paria.
Passed
through point "X" at 1340 and entered swept channel through mine
fields.
Swet clocks back to zone + 4 and anchored south of Five Islands at
1400
(+4). ComTaskFor 22 despatch 061418 of July 1942 directing this
vessel
report to ComTaskFor 23 for duty was received.
Tuesday, July 7 - At anchor base Dog. Fueled ship and reported to
ComTaskFor 23 for duty by despatch.
Wednesday, July 8 - At anchor base Dog. Exercised at general
quarters in
forenoon and afternoon.
Thursday, July 9 - At anchor base Dog, in Gulf of Paria. Underway
at 0800
to calibrate RDF on frequencies 335, 535, and 835 assisted by
U.S.S.
R-15. During afternoon operated with submerged submarine in
detection and
instructed S.G radar operators, Q.C. operators and Lookouts.
Returned and
anchored base Dog.
Friday, July 10 - At anchor base Dog. Underway in Gulf of Paria at
0800
and swung ship for magnetic compass residuals. Geberal quarters in
forenoon with simulated dive bombing, torpedo and high altitude
bombing
by U.S. Army Air Corps planes, obtained from Wheeler Field,
Trinidad.
Excellent training for ships as well as planes. Army officers were
on
board in observing capacity. Upon completion exercised with a
passing
squadron of Brithish M.T.B's in simulated attacks. Anchored base
Dog in
early afternoon.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU, July 1942 (continued)
Saturday, July 11 - At anchor base Dog. Shifted anchorage in
forenoon for
purpose of range finder check. ComTaskGroup 23.3 in OMAHA stood
into
anchorage in forenoon. MILWAUKEE and DAVIS arrived at base in
afternoon.
On completion of range finder check returned to anchorage vicinity
of
base Dog.
Sunday, July 12 - At anchor base Dog. At 1953 a flying boat (PBY)
crashed
while attempting a landing about one mile from ship. Sent a rescue
boat
with medical officer and pharmacist mate together with light gear
in
charge of J.O.O.W. Other boats of ship present were also
despatched. Two
survivors badly injured, were taken to MILWAUKEE and then to
N.O.B. The
plane sank and no bodies were removed at this time. It is believed
10 men
were lost.
Monday, July 13 - At anchor base Dog. Heavy rain prevented ship
from
operating with Air Corps planes and ship continued at anchor.
Observers
from Army, OMAHA and MILWAUKEE were on board.
Tuesday, July 14 - At anchor base Dog. Underway at 0800 with
observers
from Army, OMAHA and MILWAUKEE on board. Exercised with Army
planes and
on completion returned to base.
Wednesday, July 15 - Underway from baase Dog at 0800. checked RDF
calibration while proceeding to rendezvous with Air Corps planes
for
exercise simulating various methods of plane attack. Army
observers were
on board. Returned to base and anchored in forenoon.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52)
Thursday July 16, 1942 - At anchor base Dog. Underway in forenoon
to
check RDF curve on 335kcs. Exercised with U.S.AirCorps planes in
simulated dive bombing, high altitude bombing and torpedo attack.
Returned to anchorage. Fueled ship in afternoon. Underway at 1900
in
company ComTaksGroup 23.3 (OMAHA) and SOMMERS as noted in CTG 23.3
despatch 162122 of July 1942. Task Group enroute Point "C" to
intercept
and reinforce convoy AS-4 attacked by enemy SS (one ship damaged
by
torpedo) morning of July 16. Shaped course 030 degrees, speed 17
knots at
Point "B" off Boca de Navios, Trinidad. Ships in column/.
Friday July 17 - Enroute Point "C" in company CTG 23.3 (OMAHA) and
SOMMERS. Weather clear, sea calm, light northeast wind. Proceeding
on
course 030 degrees, 17 knots. At morning twilight (0500) JUNEAU
took
station in A/S screen on port bow of OMAHA (guide), 2000 yards.
SOMMERS
similar position to starboard. Commenced ZZ plan No.6 (GTI). OMAHA
launched plane. 0800 position in Lat. 13-09.7 N., Long.60-25.5 W.
When in
Lat. 13-22 N., Long.60-17.5 W at 0916 made underwater sound
contact and
dropped depth charge pattern. Sound contact was not reestablished
by this
ship nor by SOMMERS which proceeded from right flank of formation
to
area. OMAHA planesearched with negative results. Original contact
was
made at distance of 760 yards bearing 357 degrees true with ship
on zig
zag heading of 050 degrees true. It is believed contact was had on
a fish.
No evidence of existance of enemy submarine was noted when area
was
searched after attack. 1200 position Lat. 13-58.2 N., Long.
59-59.5 W.
Clocks set to Zone +3 at 1400. 2000 position Lat. 15-31.8 N.,
Long. 59-09
W. At 2030 ceased zig zag, formed column and changed course to 340
degrees at 2100.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Saturday July 18 - Enroute Pt "C" to rendezvous with Covoy AS-4.
Light
showers in early morning. Sea calm, light easterly winds. Steaming
at 17
knots on base course 340 degrees, zig zagging. 0800 position in
Lat.
18-37 N., Long. 60-05.8 W. At 1001 sighted convoy vicinity Pt "C",
Lat
19-09 N., Long. 60-13 W. Task Group 23.5 joined up. Convoy
consisted of
following vessels disposed in three columns: SS EXHIBITOR (21)
(Flag,
Rear Adm. COOKE, Convoy Commander; ZAANDAM(22) (DUTCH); AMERICAN
MANUFACTURER (23); HAWAIIAN SHIPPER (11); MORMACDALE (12); HMAS
ORIOLE(31); VICE ADM. TARN(32)(NORWEGIAN); SANTA CRUZ (33);
Numerals in
parenthesis represent position in formation. Escort consisted of
DD's:
LIVERMORE (Comdr. Maderia, C.T.G.21.5.2); WILKES; GLEAVES; MAYO.
JUNEAU
directed to take charge of screen. Following dispositions
according to
Lant Flt 9A were effected: Sector A - JUNEAU; Sectors B,C - MAYO;
Sectors
D,E - GLEAVES; Sector F - SOMMERS; Sectors G,H - WILKES; Sectors
I,J -
LIVERMORE. OMAHA took station astern of convoy. Base course 155
degrees,
speed 13 knots; speed of advance 12.3 kts; zig zag plan 11 in
effect. On
assuming command of screen following visual received from
ComTaskUnit 21.5.2;
"LATE DUE TO RADICAL EVASIVE COURSES TAKEN TO SHAKE OFF SUBMARINES
WHICH
HAVE BEEN SHADOWING AND DOG FOXING US EVER SINCE FAIRPORT
TORPEDOED AT
POINT BAKER X BELEIVE POSSIBLE SUBMARINES HAVE TRACKED AND MAY BE
WAITING
AT TURNING POINTS X TO COMPENSATE BELIEVE WILKES SANK OR BADLY
DAMAGED A
SUBMARINE YESTERDAY X SUB BLOWN TO SURFACE AND OBSERVED TO ROLL
OVER AND
SINK X LARGE OIL PATCHES AND BIG AIR BUBBLES X TWO ATTACKS MADE ON
SUB
WHICH SANK FAIRPORT X UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTACT AFTER SECOND ATTACK
X
PICKED UP THIRTY-ONE SURVIVORS SANTA RITA YESTERDAY WHICH WILL
DELIVER TO
AMERICAN CONSUL AT DOG X FUEL LOW WILL HAVE TO LEAVE YOU POINT DOG
X WHOM
DO I CONTACT AT DOG TO REFUEL AND WHAT REPORT IS REQUIRED THAT WE
ARE
COMING IN X HAVEN'T LATEST QJ MESSAGS X CALLS FOR SHIPS AND CONVOY
AS
FOLLOWS: COMMODORE SIXTY SIX MINE SEVENTY FIVE LIVERMORE ONE MAYO
THREE
WILKES FOUR GLEAVES FIVE X HAVE YOU ANY MESSAGES FOR US."
1200 position in Lat. 18-55 N., Long. 59-58 W. 2000 position Lat.
17-19.5
N., Long. 59-20 W. At dark JUNEAU took station to interpose center
of
convoy in center of monn path and commenced S.G. radar search.
Vessels of
screen equalized sectors. At 2000 ceased zig zag. At 2050 made
radar
contact in direction of rear of left flank of convoy; directed
WILKES to
investigate and conned her on over TBS. On arrival of WILKES
object
disappeared. This contact was very good and target acted
suspiciously
like a submarine force down on approach of destroyer. Convoy
executed an
emergency turn to starboard. At midnight changed convoy course to
evasive
course 125.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Sunday July 19 - Escorting convoy AS-4. at 0100 set clocks ahead
one hour
to Zone -3. Sea calm, wind easterly and passed throught numberous
rain
squalls on morning watch. At 0615 changed base course to 160
degrees amd
commenced zig zag plan 11. JUNEAU returned to daytime screening
station.
No morning stars. 0800 position Lat. 15-42.8 N., Long. 58-07.5 W.
HMAS
ORIOLE at 1120 left formation due to cargo of tanks becoming
adrift
because of deep roll. MAYO left convoy to screen ORIOLE. 1200
position
Lat. 14-59.1 N., Long. 57-50.9 W.
Sighted ORIOLE and MAYO at 1545 and vessels rejoined. During
afternoon wind and sea veered to south. Passed through numerous
rain
saqualls. No evening observations. 2000 position Lat 13-38.8 N.,
Long.
57-53 W. and ceased zig zag. At dark JUNEAU took station 2000 yds
on port
beam of convoy and commenced S.G. radar search. At 2100 shaped on
evasive course of 120 degrees and changed course again at 2300 to
148
degrees.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52)July 1942 (continued)
Monday July 20 - Steaming in company with convoy AS-4, course 148
degrees, speen 13 knots. Sea smooth, light easterly wind, night
dark. At
about 0425 picked up object with S.G. radar about 1000 yards on
starboard
beam of convoy and shortly thereafter, a second object close to
the
first. Directed MAYO reverse course and investigate. These objects
would
alternately disappear and reappear and on several occassions
assumed a
light intensity on disc similar to a ship. Upon approach of MAYO
these
objects disappeared completely and were not seen in this location
again.
MAYO was them directed to regain station. At about 0440 an object
was
sighted by radar off port quarter of convoy left flank. This
object
appeared and disappeared several times and WILKES was directed to
investigate at best speed. At times the target bore every
resemblance to
a surface vessel and first appeared about 2000 yards from convoy
gradually coming nearer. WILKES was conned on by TBS and upon her
appreoach object disappeared for good. Convoy commander was
notified and
executed an emergency turn to starboard of 45 degrees. It is
firmly
believed enemy submarines were in vicinity of formation. Morning
twilight
at 0516. At 0600 returned to base course 148 degrees and commenced
zig
zag. OMAHA launched a plane. JUNEAU proceeded to daylight
screening
station, Sector "A". Sunrise 0632. 0800 position Lat. 11-37 N.,
Long.
56-21.8 W. Changed base course to 165 degrees. Sighted DAVIS
(ComDesRon
9) at 0930 and she joined screening group, taking station in
Sector "B".
1200 position in Lat. 11-00 N., Long. 56-19.5 W. Changed base
course to
117 degrees. Experienced set of equatorial current of 310 degrees,
drift
2 knots. During afternoon JUNEAU held a battle and damage control
problem. At 1500 LIVERMORE, WILKES, MAYO and GLEAVES completed
duty with
this convoy and proceeded to Trinidad for fuel. Screen reoriented
as
follows, assuming stations of diagram: Lant Flt 9A: JUNEAU Sector
"A",
Circle 3: DAVIS Sector "C", Circle 4; SOMERS Sector "J", Circle 4.
At
dark JUNEAU took station 1500 yards on port beam of convoy
interposing
covoy between moon and JUNEAU. Commenced S.G. radar search. 2000
position
Lat. 10-29.2 N ., Long.55-12.5 W. At 2330 sighted light on water
which
was investigated by JUNEAU and OMAHA. This light observed close
aboard by
JUNEAU and was seen to be a floating electric light. It was
dropped from
HAWAIIAN SHIPPED by someone unknown, apparently with treasonable
intent.
The master of that vessel was directed to investigate. Two nights
previously that vessel had shown a light for no apparent reason.
Tuesdat July 21 - In company with convoy AS-4. Wind easterly, sea
calm.
Passed through rain squalls on morning watch. No observations.
Base
course 127 degrees. 0800 position Lat. 08-59.5 N., Long. 53-20 W.
1200
position Lat 8-35.8 N., Long. 52-42 W. Exercised at casualty drill
during
general quarters in afternoon. At dark took regular night station
on dark
side of convoy and commenced S.G. radar search. 2000 position Lat.
07-47.2 N., Long. 51-30.2 W. Changed to evasive courses of 0900
degrees
at 2000 and to 121 degrees at 2230. Continued zig zag because of
moonlight. At 2235 sighted ComTaskFor 23 in MEMPHIS accompanied by
escort
JOUETT, vessels joining disposition.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Wednesday July 22 - Enroute Recife, Brazil, with convoy AS-4.
Discontinued zig zag after moonset at 0100. Convoy on course 121
degrees.
Light winds from the eastward, sea calm. Directed JOUETT to patrol
Sector
"K", JUNEAU taking Sector "B" at twilight. MEMPHIS taking station
on
starboard beam of convoy. Zig zag plan 17 effective. 0800 position
Lat.
6-53 N., Long. 49-24 W. Experienced a set of 005 degrees, drift .8
kts.,
which is contrary to pilot chart which show a set to
northwestward. 1200
position Lat. 6-34.8 N., Long. 48-42.5 W. At 1800 CTF 23 in
MEMPHIS
escorted by JOUETT left disposition for Trinidad. 2000 position
Lat. 5-50
N., Long. 47-12.6 W. Changed to evasive course of 150 degrees at
2000 and
to 126 degrees at 2100.
Thursday July 23 - Enroute Recife as escort with convoy AS-4.
Weather
clear, sea moderate, wind SE by E. Ceased zig zag at moonset and
steadied
on course 126. JUNEAU conducting radar search on port beam of
convoy. At
morning twilight proceeded to regular screening station
(Sector"A") and
convoy commenced zig zag. Morning observations showed easterly set
of
Guinea current with drift of 1/2 knot. Ship 325 miles off mouth of
Amazon
and no discolored water noted. 0800 position Lat. 04-07 N., Long.
45-12
W. 1200 position in Lat. 03-48N., Long44-27 W. Sighted patrol
plane at
1400 which is furnishing air coverage for convoy. Sound equipment
inoperative due to short circuit with consequent cable fire. 2000
position in Lat. 2-49.5 N., Long. 43-05.5 W. Changed to evasive
course of
155 degrees at 2015 and to 115 degrees at 2145. 2156 convoy speed
slowed
to 11.5 kts and ceased zig zag at 2345 due to 500 yard visibility.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Friday July 24 - Enroute base Fox (Recife) with convoy AS-4. Low
visibility, sea calm, wind light from southeast. Passed through
heavy
rain squalls. Sky overcast. Convoy had difficulty in station
keeping. Two
vessels broke convoy formation easing off to eastward about two
miles.
Increased speed to 13 knots at 0800 continuing zig zag at
twilight. 0800
position in Lat. 1-3.8 N., Long 41-04 W. Changed base course to
130
degrees at 0845. 1200 position in Lat. 1-53 N., Long. 40-45 W. At
1730
echo ranging equipment picked up initials "D.J." and shortly after
Davy Jones
was received on board. The crew of Pollywogs was mustered and
subpeonas
issued. Certain subacious landlubbers were summarily incarcerated
as a
Pollywog revolt was rumored due to the small shellback ration of 1
to 5.
2000 position in Lat. 1-03 N., Long. 40-03 W. Changed to evasive
course
of 155 degrees at 2030 and to 120 degrees at 2130. Night clear,
bright
moonlight. Ship in normal station to eastward 2000 yards of convoy
to
obtain full effect of moon path. S.G radar used for continuous
search.
Saturday July 25 - Escorting convoy AS-4 to Base Fox (Recife).
During mid
watch wind and sea began to pick up from the south east. During
day sea
became moderate with a heavy swell. Wind reached a velocity of 30
knots.
At 0747 crossed the equator at Longitude 38.31 W. 0800 position in
Lat.
00-01 S., Long. 38-29.5 W.
Received on board "King Neptune" and the Royal court. Hoisted the
Jolly
Roger. All Pollywogs were dealt with accordingly. The court left
the ship
at 1130. Changed base course to 137 degrees at 0800 and convoy
speed was
slowed to 9 knots because of the sea and cargo condition in one of
the
merchantmen. 1200 position in Lat. 00-26.5 S., Long. 38-08.2 W.
Increased
speed at 1530 to 10 knots and during afternoon ceased zig zag. Sea
abated
slightly. 2000 position in Lat.00-54.5 S., Long. 37.42.4 W.
Changed to
evasive course of 110 degrees at 2030 and to 140 degrees at 2130.
Bright
moonlight night. JUNEAU occupying station on dark side of convoy
using
S.G. radar.
Sunday July 26 - In company Convoy AS-4 on course 140 degrees
steaming at
8 knots. Brilliant moonlight during night. Moderate sea, wind 25
knots
from southeast. 0800 position in Lat. 2-01 S., Long. 36-49 W.
Convoy
increased speed to 11 knots at 1124 as wind and sea slackened and
increased speed to 12.5 knots at 1309. 1200 position in Lat. 2-18
S.,
Long. 36-38 W. 2000 position in Lat.3-16 S., Long. 35-52 W. Wind
and sea
moderating. Brilliant full moon. Took station at twilight on dark
side of
convoy, 2000 yards. Commenced S.G radar search. Took evasive
course of
115 degrees at 1945 and 148 degrees at 2115.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942
Monday July 27 - In company Convoy AS-4. Brilliant moonlight
during
night. Slight sea, moderate southerly breeze. During morning
twilight
made excellent surface target contact on rain squall 3200 yards
bearing
north with S.G radar. Numerous rain squalls during forenoon with
reduced
visibility. Wind and sea freshened from south by east. 0800
position in
Lat. 5-05.7 S., Long. 34-51 W. 1200 position in (***no information
given***)
at 0837 changed base course to 165 degrees. Convoy zig zagging.
JUNEAU
patrolling in Sector "A". 1200 position in Lat. 5-50 S., Long.
34-46 W,
2000 position in Lat. 6-58.2 S., Long. 34-18.7 W. Changed course
as
follows during night: 2000 to 135 degrees; 2100 to 190 degrees;
0300 to
230 degrees; 0320 to 270 degrees. Expect to arrive off Recife,
Brazil at
0530. During night maintained station with center of convoy ib
moon path,
speed 12 knots and zig zagging.
Tuesday July 28 - Escorting Convoy AS-4. Approaching Recife on
base
course 270 degrees zig zagging. Weather clear with slight sea and
moderate breeze from the southeast. Bright moonlight. Made land
fall on
Olinda Point Light at 0338 bearing 286 degrees distant 20 miles.
Convoy,
at about 0400 formed column in accordance with directives of
C.T.G. 23.3
serial 062 for July 27. As a matter of interest it is noted that
the
above correspondence and other correspondence on previous
occassions was
dropped on board by an OMAHA plane. During entrance into harbor
JUNEAU,
SOMERS and DAVIS patrolled to seaward. Vessels of the convoy
anchored off
the reef and each waited her turn to be taken in and moored by
local
pilots. JUNEAU passed through breakwater about 1300 and was swung
for
heading out by two tugs in the turning basin. The ship was then
towed
stern first to Berth No. 8 where the starboard anchor (outboard)
was let
go and the ship beasted in. Shortly after arrival a conference was
held
in the S.S. EXHIBITOR by Rear Admiral COOKE, the convoy Commander.
Present were the masters of the Convoy vessels and commanding
officers of
the OMAHA, escort commander in addition JUNEAU, DAVIS and SOMERS.
The
necessity of correct station keeping was particularly stressed by
the
Admiral and the great value of the convoywas emphasized among the
items
of military equipage being about 400 tanks. The shifting of the
tank
cargo by the ORIOLE, a few days before was due to carelessness on
loading
at the Army Base by the vehicles not being placed in gear.
Thirteen were
found in the condition and seals were broken. It was decided that
Army
Technicians at Recife would inspect the tanks and see them
properly
placed in gear. Planswere discussed for sorting tomorrow, as it
was
believed all vessels should be fueled and watered. The appearance
and
manners of various masters made a most favorable impression on the
JUNEAU
officers who attended the conference. Fueling progressed during
the
afternoon and night.
Wednesday July 29 - Moored to Berth 8, Recife. Departure
impossible this
afternoon as fueling would not be completed for all vessels.
JUNEAU
received on board various victuals. Ship did not commence fueling
until
about 2000 and completed about midnight. Shore leave and liberty
expired
at 1830 during visit.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) July 1942 (continued)
Thursday July 30 - At Recife, at 0435 sorti commenced. Escort
vessels, in
order named, preceded the convoy: DAVIS, SOMERS, OMAHA, JUNEAU.
CTG 23.3
serial 063 of July 29 directed this operation. JUNEAU and
destroyers
patrolled to seaward; OMAHA anchored in the anchorage and each
merchantman anchored in her normal steaming position on completing
sorti.
Convoy underway at 1038 on base course 090 degrees, speed 12
knots, zig
zag plan 12 for MOMP, south and east of Ascention Island. At noon
changed
base course to 060. At about 1600 sighted merchantman on
southwesterly
course.
Left screen and spoke vessel which proved to be RIO DULCE
(Argentine)
bound for Brazil. Warned vessel not to use radio for eight hours.
Vessel
did not appear suspicious and directed her proceed. 2000 position
in Lat.
7-17.8 S., Long. 33-30.8 W., and changed to evasive course of 100
degrees. Moon rise at 2009 and assumed night screening station on
dark
side of convoy. S,G. radar search in operation. Night clear and
bright.
Friday, July 31 - Escorting Convoy AS-4 to MOMP. Weather clear,
sea calm,
light breeze from southeast. 0800 position in Lat. 7-40 S., Long.
31-43
W. Convoy speed increased to 12 1/2 knots at 0852. 1200 position
in Lat.
7-50 S., Long. 30-59 W. Took evasive course of 070 degrees at
1945. 2000
position in Lat. 8-06 S., Long. 29-35 W. Took station for night
astern of
center of convoy distance 2000 yards and maintained continuous
radar
search. At moonrise placed center of convoy in moon path. Received
TBS
report from DAVIS, patrolling on starboard bow of convoy that
enemy radio
signals were being intercepted on 10,510 kcs. Ship went to general
quarters at 2040. Additional information from DAVIS stated that
two enemy
stations were transmitting and that one was close to the formation
as key
clicks were audible. Some of the signals used indicated procedure
for
shore R.D.F. determination. The two ship stations were working
Lorient.
The signals from the shore station faded at times. It is believed
the
convoy is being shadowed by one or two enemy vessels. Secured from
general quarters at 2200 and set Condition 3, submarines. Changed
to
evasive course of 090 degrees at 2100. Night was very dark until
moonrise
at 2207.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) November 1942
From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Chief of Naval Operations,
(Office of Naval Records and Library)
Subject: War Diary - Transmittal of,
Enclosure: (A) War Diary for August 1942.
1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.
L. K. SWENSON
RECEIVED S-C FILE
ROOM 2055
Sep 23 1942
Route to 16-E-3
Op File No.(SC)
A12-1/CL52
? No. 61608
CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
From: August 1, 1942 To: August 31, 1942
Operating under Commander Task Force 23 (ComTaskFor 22 Despatch
061418 of July 1942) from August 1, 1942 to August 12, 1942.
Operating as directed by Cominch despatch 121820 of
August,
1942 from August 12, 1942 until reporting to ComSoPac on August
20, 1942
for duty as a unit of Task Group 2.9.
Saturday, August 1 - Escort to Convoy AS-4 enroute MOMP. During
night sea
increased to moderate with heavy swell with southeast winds, force
6.
Intermittent rain, poor visibility. Convoy commenced zig zag on
base
course 090 degrees at 0600. OMAHA left formation at 0745 to make
an
investigating sweep of area in view of intercepted radio signals
of last
night. JUNEAU directed take charge of convoy. OMAHA rejoined
formation at
1700 and at dusk (1830) JUNEAU took station 2000 yards astern of
convoy
and commenced radar search. Shaped evasive course to 120 degrees
at 1930;
to 150 degrees at 1945; to 120 degrees at 2100 and to 090 degrees
at
2115. During late afternoon wind and sea moderated. 0800 position
in
Lat.8-04 S., Long.27-24 W. 1200 position in Lat 8-02 S., Long.
26-47 W.
2000 position in Lat. 8-04 S., Long. 25-30 W.
Sunday, August 2 - Enroute MOMP with convoy AS-4, JUNEAU 2000
yards
astern of convoy maintaining continuous sweep with S.G. radar.
Ship No.
13, Vice Admiral TARN (Norwegian), showed a brilliant flame from
her
stack at 0250. JUNEAU closed the TARN and finding her stopped,
directed
SOMERS standby. TARN rejoined formation in early forenoon though
experienced engineering trouble during the day. The MORMACDALE,
No. 11,
sheered out of column at 0500 and when spoken by JUNEAU informed
JUNEAU
she had experienced a casualty to No. 1 engine and would rejoin
formation
at sunrise, which she did. Took screening station in the van at
0630.
Weather clear, sea moderate, moderate wind from southeast. Evasive
course
changes at 2015 to 120 degrees and to 097 degrees at 2200. At 0100
set
clocks ahead thirty minutes to zone plus 1. 0800 position in Lat.
8-16
S., Long. 23-34 W. 1200 position in Lat. 8-15 S., Long. 22-45 W.
2000
position in Lat. 8-16 S., Long. 21-23 W. Made good 10 knots during
day.
Experienced a curreny set of 305 degrees, drift .4 knots.
Monday, August 3 - Escorting convoy AS-4. Night dark, overcast
during
late moonrise. Sea calm with heavy swell, which diminished during
day.
Moderate breeze from east south east. After morning twilight
proceeded to
day screening, station in van at 0610. At 0800 changed base
course to
0900 degrees. Formation zig zagging since moonrise. Nothing of
importance
occured during the day. Shaped evasive course of 125 degrees at
2030 and
095 degrees at 2130. Took station at dusk (1900) in rear of convoy
and
maintained radar search.
0800 position in Lat. 8-28 S., Long. 19-23 W. 1200 position in
Lat. 8-36
S., Long. 18-18 W. 2000 position in Lat. 8-38 S., Long 16-49 W.
Experienced a current set of 075 degrees, drift 3/4 knot during
day
contrary to equitorial current.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) August 1942 (continued)
Tuesday August 4 - Escorting convoy AS-4 as before. Expect to make
contact with British Southbound convoy tomorrow at 0900 G.C.T.,
and be
relieved by British war vessels. At 0100 set clocks ahead thirty
minutes
to Zone plus 1/2. At 0800 changed base courseto 118 degrees,
shaped
evasive course of 160 degrees at 1930; of 115 at 2145 and of 070
at 2155.
0800 position in Lat. 8-55 S., Long. 14-38 W. 1200 position in
Lat. 9-14
S., Long. 13-59 W. 2000 position in Lat. 9-58 S., Long. 12-49 W.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) AUGUST 1942 (continued)
Wednesday August 5 - Escorting convoy AS-4. Night overcast.
Changed base
course to 032 degrees at 0100. At moonrise commenced zig zag
(0138). On
signal by Commander Convoy, the convoy formed into two columns at
0620 in
preparation to counter march on sighting Britich Convoy. The OMAHA
at
daylight proceeded ahead of convoy in direction of MOMP to make
contact.
Changed the base course to 012 degrees. At 0735 received
searchlight
signal from OMAHA, about fouerteen miles ahead, that she had
sighted
convoy and our convoy counter marched on signal. Sighted convoy in
Lat
9-00 S., Long. 11-26 W, at 0800. Both convoys were maneuvered and
were
joined as one during late afternoon. British convoy (WS21P)
commanded by
Vice Admiral MARTIN, in EMPRESS OF JAPAN, consisted of four other
large
transports and was escorted by H.M.S. ORION and three British
destroyers
which formed a screen for the combined convoy. OMAHA,JUNEAU,SOMERS
and
DAVIS formed a scouting line, interval of 3 miles and scouted
ahead on an
easterly (101 degrees) course until 1600 (Lat. 9-24.9S., Long.
9-43,3W)
at which time the vessels were released and executed previously
issued
orders by ComTaskFor 23. JUNEAU and SOMERS became Task Group 23.9.
This
group shaped a course of 330 degrees, speed 14 knots, on a sweep
of the
central Atlantic as directed by ComTaskFor 23 despatch 251215 of
July
1942. This sweep is palnned to proceed toward the Cape Verde
Islands and
return Recife (Base Fox) by August 14 via St. Paul rock. 0800
position in
Lat. 9-00S., Long. 11-26.3W. 1200 position in Lat. 8-13 S., Long.
10.41
W. 2000 position Lat. 8-37.7 S., Long. 10-10.7W.
==============================
WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Thursday, August 6 - On sweep in company with SOMERS. Ships in
line
during night 2000 yards distance, SOMERS to starboard. Wind and
sea
(calm) from south east. Continuous sweep maintained on S.G. Radar
by
JUNEAU. Q.C. listening watch maintained by each ship; SOMERS 60
degrees
on either side of base course, JUNEAU from head to 90 degrees on
port
bow. Secured S.G. radar at sunrise. JUNEAU and SOMERS commenced
daylight
sweep with S.C. radarand "began" pinging" on Q.C. During forenoon
exercised at signal amd tactical drill with SOMERS and passed
mail.
Exercised at Battle and Damage Control drill and tactics in
afternoon.
Day cruising station SOMERS 30 degrees on starboard bow, distance
1000
yards. Received information that ComTaskFor 23 would transfer his
flag to
this vessel on August 15 at Recife. At dusk both ships opened
range and
tracked by radar. JUNEAU S.G. radar functioned at 20,000 yards. On
closing range SOMERS sighted JUNEAU at 8000 yards while JUNEAU did
not
sight SOMERS until 4400 yards. Horizon slightly in favor of
SOMERS;
night dark and sky slightly overcast. 0800 position in Lat. 6-21
S.,
Long. 11-40 W. 1200 position in Lat. 5-40 S., Long. 12-04 W. 2000
position in Lat. 4-19 S., Long. 13-01 W. Base course during
daylight 330
degrees. ZigZag plan 6 (G.T.I.) effective. No sails sighted
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Friday, August 7 - Steaming as before in Company with SOMERS on
sweep.
Course 330 degrees, speed 14 knots. Night overcast, wind and sea
calm.
About 0500 made doubtful Q.C. contact, bearing 195 degrees
distant 2000
yards. Took evasive action and directed SOMERS by T.B.S. to
investigate.
SOMERS unable to locate contact. This contact was false and no
other
mention is made of it other than to state that it was an excellent
drill,
and brought to light the necessity of being able to accurately
conn an
investigating vessel on. Usual signal and tactical drills held
during
day, ie, at 0800, 1300 and 1600. Changed course to 335 degrees at
1630.
Obtained a radar contact 2116. Went to general quarters and
secured at
2216 after contact was found to be false. 0800 position in Lat.
2-05S,
Long. 14-18W. 1200 position in Lat. 1-21 S., Long. 14-50 W. 2000
position
in Lat. 0-10 N., Long. 15-32 W.
Saturday, August 8 - On sweep with SOMERS. Sea moderate. Reversed
course
to 155 degrees and slowed to 8 knots for purpose of fueling SOMERS
to
port. Delivered 42,063 gallons of fuel oil. Operation occupied two
hours
and seven minutes from time Afirm was two-blocked to casting off
SOMERS
at 0840. Returned to base course 335 degrees and speed 14 knots.
Exercised at routine signal and actical drill. 0800 position in
Lat.
2-10 N., Long. 16-32 W. 1200 position in Lat. 2-29 N., Long. 16-45
W.
2000 position in Lat. 4-03 N., Long. 17-31 W.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Sunday, August 9 - On sweep with SOMERS, course 335 degrees, speed
15
knots. During morning watch opened distance on SOMERS to 20,000
yards and
exercised at radar tracking and on closing SOMERS exercised at
battle
maneuvering. Excellemt results obtained with S.G. radar at 10
miles.
At 0830 sighted vessel hull down bearing 020 degrees true. Went
to
general quarters, increased speed and shaped course to intercept
vessel.
Vessel was wearing Dutch colors, visible after closing. She
hoisted her
international and secret calls. Vessel registered as S.S. MENDENAU
(DUTCH). Fell in astern, obtained course of 140 degrees, speed 11
knots
and then went close alongside to leeward (starboard) and hailed
MENDENAU
with bullhorn in Latitude 05-45 N., Long. 18-55 W., at 0935.
Interrogated
Master and learned vessel was bound from Trinidad, B.W.I., to
Capetown U.
of S.A., having departed Port-of-Spain July 29. Vessel was listed
in ship
movements and noting nothing of a suspicious nature vessel was
permitted
to proceed. The Master informed JUNEAU he had sighted a suspicious
vessel
hove to on the horizon at 1500 yesterday, 170 miles astern (about
320
degrees).
While proceeding toward MENDENAU sighted a second vessel at
0920, hull
down, bearing 075 degrees true. Directed SOMERS intercept but
SOMERS lost
fuel oil suction shortly thereafter and after clearing MENDENAU,
JUNEAU
proceeded to intercept this second vessel.
Closed second vessel in Latitude 5-57 N., Long. 18-51 W., which
proved
to be S.S. CALIFORNIA (U.S.A.) from international and secret
calls. Went
close alongside to leeward and hailed CALIFORNIA with bull horn.
Course
086 degrees, speed 9 1/2 knots. Vessel enroute Capetown U of S.A.
to
Portland, Oregon, via Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Cargo of manganese,
Captain JOHNSON. Vessel permitted to proceed after noting no
suspicious
circumstances. Upon clearing this vessel SOMERS rejoined and
proceeded on
course 320 degrees, speed 15 knots at 1023, to area of suspicious
vessel
reported by MENDENAU.
During afternoon fired 2 rounds of 5"/38 at a target
representing a
broached submarine after depth charge attack. Changed course to
318
degrees at 1500.
JUNEAU and SOMERSconducted a radar search during night of area
bounded
by following dead reckoning points: (A) Lat 7-30 N., Long 20-44 W.
(B)
Lat 7-55 N., Long 20-03 W. (C) Lat 8-27 N., Long 20-41 W. (D) Lat
8-07
N., Long 21-16 W.
This search was the result of the MENDENAU report of a
suspicious
vessel of buff superstructure and one stack. 0800 position in Lat.
5-36
N., Long 19-21 W. 1200 position in Lat 6-15 N., Long. 19-06 W.
2000
position in Lat. 7-28 N., Long. 20-12 W.
Monday, August 10 - On sweep with SOMERS. Night dark and clear.
Light
southerly winds. Sea calm,. Came to course 250 degrees upon
completing
radar sweep of area at 0700.
Sighted vessel at 0830 bearing 230 degrees true distant 12
miles.
Increased speed to intercept. Course determined to be 059 degrees,
speed
10 knots. Identified tanker to be El Grillo (British) of 7000 tons
from
International and secret calls and from silhouette. Vessel had
been
released from convoy yesterday having left Trinidad, B.W.I., on
July 28
for Freetown, B.W.A. Went close alongside tanker in Lat 7-44 N.,
Long
21-18 W., and spoke her withbull horn. She had no information to
report
and noting nothing of a suspicious nature, vessel was permitted to
proceed.
During afternoon conducted test firing on balloons of 20mm, and
1:1
machine gun battery. Changed course to 230 degrees at 1600 and set
clocks
back thirty minutes to Zone plus 1. When in Latitude 6-39 N.,
Lonitude
22-23 W., sighted a small, empty, dark grey merchant vessel type
life
boat. Rudder was unshipped and oars were neatly laid on thwarts.
Boat had
appearance of not having been occupied. A small amount of water
was in
bilges. Sea exceptionally calm in this area. 0800 position in Lat
7-54
N., Long. 21-10 W. 1200 position in Lat 7-05 N., Long 21-26 W.
2000
position in Lat. 6-16 N.,, Long. 22-57 W. Obtained first evening
stars in
many days.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, August 11 - On sweep with SOMERS. Course 230 degrees
speed 14
1/2 knots, for St. Paul Rocks to investigate area. Sea calm,
gentle
southerly winds from the southward. Nothing of special interest
occured
during the day. Set clocks back thirty minutes at 1630 to Zone
plus 1
1/2. Steamed at 14 knots during the night.
0800 position in Lat. 4-16 N., Long 25-10 W. 1200 position in
Lat.
3-41 N., Long 25-49 W. 2000 position in Lat 2-30.1 W., Long
27-22.6 W.
Wednesday, August 12 - On sweep with SOMERS approaching St. Paul
Rocks
for purpose of investigating locality as to possible presence of
survivors and evidence of enemy activity. Raised Rocks at 0610.
SOMERS
directed to close rocks to about one mile, circle, examine and
obtain
hydrographic soundings. JUNEAU circled at about two miles and
closed
rocks from the north to about one mile and a quarter. Soundings
were
obtained. No evidence of human occupancy was noted and at 0800
shaped
course of 210 degrees with SOMERS for Fernando Noronda. Crossed
the
equator into South Latitude at 1250. Set clocks back 30 minutes to
Zone
plus 2 at 1630.
When in Lat 0-46 S., Long. 30-19 W., sighted strange vessel
bearing
215 Degrees, distant 20000 yards at 1630 (Zone+2). Maneuvered to
intercept and closed starboard side to, to hail with bull horn.
She was
indentified by secret call as S.S. PEEBLES (British) 9000 tons,
with
cargo of copper bound from Capetown, U. of S.A.., to Trinidad,
B.W.I.
Vessel permitted to proceed as no suspicious circumstance was
noted.
JUNEAU and SOMERS returned to base course.
On receipt of Cominch 121820 despatch of August 1942 directing
JUNEAU
transit canal, and report ComSoPac. Changed course to 270 degrees
and
increased speed to 20 knots at 2240 shaping course for Trinidad to
refuel.
SOMERS was directed to leave formation and proceed Recife at 2248.
JUNEAU
shaped course 290 degrees and proceeded to Trinidad. The foregoing
despatch was received unexpectedly as JUNEAU had anticipated
arriving
Recife daylight August 14. 0800 position - off St Paul Rocks. 1200
position Lat 0-09 N., Long 29-49 W. 2000 position in Lat 1-21 S.,
Long
30-59 W.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Thursday, August 13 - Proceeding singly at 20 knots on course 290
degrees, enroute base Dog (Trinidad).
When in Latitude 0-54 S., Long 34-12 W., sighted a strange
vessel
bearing 215 degrees distant 12 miles, on a westerly converging
course at
0718, and shaped course to intercept vessel on course about 310
degrees,
speed 12 knots. On closing the vessel, she changed course to the
northward to head towards JUNEAU. The Swedish flag was observed.
The ship
was painted white and her stem painted painted with a blue and
yellow
verticle stripe. The Swedish flag was painted on her side and the
words
'SUNNANLAND' and 'SVERIGE' were painted in black on her hull.
Vessel
stopped and JUNEAU ranged alongside close aboard to her port and
spoke
vessel with bull horn at 0750 in Lat 1-00 S., Long 34-17 W. She
reported
herself as the motorship SUNNANLAND out of Buenos Aires,
Argentine, on
August 5, 1942 bound for Goteborg, Sweden. She replied in the
affirmative
when asked if a control officer was on board. She was registered
as of
3240 tons and noting no suspicious circumstances, and in view of
the
urgency of the JUNEAU's primary mission, she was permitted to
proceed at
0800. JUNEAU returned to base course of 290 degrees.
Set clocks back 30 minutes to Zone plus 2 1/2. 0800 position in
Lat.
0-58 S., Long 34-18 W. 1200 position in Lat 00-35 S., Long 35-24
W. 2000
position in Lat 00-14 N., Long 37-50 W.
Friday, August 14 - Steaming singly enroute Base Dog on course 290
degrees, speed 19 1/2 knots. Sea calm and light winds from
southeast.
Made S.G. radar contact at 0335, object bearing 326 degrees,
distant
10000 yards. Took evasive course change and dropped object on
radar
bearing 010 degrees distant 14000 yards. Changed course to 285
degrees at
2050. The day passed without incident. 0800 position in Lat 1-20
W., Long
31-34 W. 1200 position in Lat 1-48 N., Long 42-45 W. 2000 position
in Lat
2-54 N., Long 45-05 W.
Saturday, August 15 - Enroute singly to Base Dog on course 285
degrees,
19 1/2 knots. Sighted a tanker at 0730, bearing 317 degrees,
distant 11
miles. Shaped course to intercept. Vessel on course about 130
degrees,
speed 9 knots. When within signal distance in Latitude 4-15 N.,
Longitude
48-43 W., identified vessel by secret call as U.S. Tanker VERMONT.
Vessel
permitted to proceed as no unusual circumstances existed.
Changed base course to 305 degrees. Set clocks back 30 minutes
to Zone
plus 3 at 1630. Changed course to 282 degrees at 2000 to avoid
known
enemy submarine on patrol in area ahead. This course was selected
to pass
20 miles to southward of the foregoing area. Intelligence reports
had
placed this submarine in a definite area. Two additional
submarines were
also located on a line to the northward. It is believed that by
closing
the South American coast (French Guina) and running inside the 100
fathom
curve, less chance existed for submarine attack. 0800 position in
Lat
4-06 N., Long 48-47 W, 1200 position in Lat 4-42 N., Long 49-54 W.
2000
position in Lat 6-12 N., Long 52-08 W.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL-52) August 1942 (continued)
Sunday, August 16 - Increased speed to 25 knots at 0100. Changed
course
to 340 degrees at 0325 to regain original track and rendevous with
expected air coverage at sunrise. During night made no visual or
radar
contact. High speed was used to clear enemy submarine in known
area.
Sighted coverage planes at 0800. Proceeding on base course of 295
degrees, speed 19 1/2 knots after regaining track. Day overcast.
occassional sun and no stars. Nothing of particular interest
occurred
during the day. Changed course at 2000 to 313 degrees to round
Tobago
Island to northward instead of making a dark passage between that
island
and Trinidad due to lack of an evening navigational fix. 0800
position in
Lat 8-22 N., Long 55-35 W. 1200 position in Lat 80-47 N., Long
56-28 W.
2000 position in Lat 9-49 N., Long 58-42 W.
Monday, August 17 - Made radar (F.D.) contact on northern most
peak of
Tobago Island at 0035, distant 46 miles bearing 301 degrees true.
Rounded
the island by radar ranges and bearings and shaped base course of
241
degrees at 0250, increasing speed to 27 knots at 0320 in order to
arrive
off mine fields to Gulf of Paria at daylight.
Passed through Pt. "B" at 0658 and proceeded into Gulf.
Received
signal that ship would be boarded off Five Islands by pilot and
ship
would be berthed at Pier 1, N.O.B. Moored port side to peir at
0806 and
shortly thereafter an oil barge moored alongside.
The voyage just completed represented 18 days at sea since
leaving
Recife on July 30, and a cruise of 6345 miles in which the ship
expended
all but 8000 gallons of fuel oil.
Upon completion of fueling (376,851 gallons) ship underway at
1620 for
Cristobal, C.Z., as directed by Cominch 121820 despatch of August
1942.
Cleared mine field (Pt. "B") at 1724, increased speed to 25 knots
and
shaped a base course of 312 degrees. At 2220 changed course to 277
degrees. 2000 position in Lat 11-23 N., Long 62-30 W.
Tuesday, August 18 - Enroute Port-of-Spain, Trinidad to Cristobal,
C.Z.
at 25 knots on course 277 degrees. Sighted Bonaire and Curacao
Islands
during afternoon. Sighted friendly convoy of five tankers escorted
by one
Dutch and U.S. destroyer on easterly course. Changed course to 265
degrees at 1440 and to 250 degrees at 1906. Sea calm during day,
slightly
overcast. 0800 position in Lat 12-37 N., Long 67-29 W. 1200
position in
Lat 12-45 N., Long 69-00 W. 2000 position in Lat 12-29 N., Long
72-02 W.
Wednesday, August 19 - Enroute Cristobal, C.Z. Sky overcast, sea
calm. At
1240 made landfall on mountain peak and changed course to left to
close
Panamanian coast. Entered swept channel to Cristobal at 1730.
Pilot
boarded on arrival Limon Bay and ship proceeded immediately with
transit
of canal. Set clocks to Zone plus 5 at 1830.
Night transit of canal made under ideal conditions and a sight
long to
be remembered. Completed transit at 2315 and moored to Pier 8,
Balboa at
midnight. Time to transit canal was 5 1/2 hours. 0800 position in
Lat
10-48 N., Long 76-44 W. 1200 position in Lat 10-15 N., Long 78-10
W.
Thursday, August 20 - At Balboa, C.Z. Received provisions and
various
stores on board. Awaiting authority from OpNav to dock ship for
purpose
of repairing leaky fuel oil tank,
==============================
Subject: War Diary U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Wednesday August 19 - enroute Cristobal, C.Z.. sky overcast, sea
cal,. At
1240 made landfall on mountain peak and changed course to left to
close
Panamanian coast. Entered swept channel to Cristobal at 1730.
Pilot
boarded on arrival Limon Bay and ship proceded immediately with
transit
of canal. Set clocks to Zone plus 5 at 1830.
Night transit of canalmade under ideal conditions and a sight
long to
be remembered. Completed transit at 2315 and moored to pier 8,
Balboa at
midnight. Time to transit canal was 5 1/2 hours. 0800 position Lat
10-48N., Long 76-44W. 1200 position Lat 10-15N., Long 78-10W.
Reference: War Diary From August 1, 1942 to August 31,
1942...Operating
under Commander TaskForce 23 (ComTaskFor 22 Despatch 061418 of
July,
1942) from August 1, 1942 to August 12, 1942
Operating as directed by ComInch despatch 121820 of August,
1942 from
August 12, 1942, until reporting to ComSoPac on August 20, 1942
for duty
as a unit of Task Group 2.9.
==============================
Subject: War Diary..U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Thursday August 20 - At Balboa, C.Z. Received provisions and
various
stores on board. Awaiting authority from Op Nav to dock ship for
purpose
of repairing leaky fuel oil tank.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Firday August 21 - Moored to peir 8, Balboa, C.Z. Entered drydock
at 0735
for purpose of repairing leaky fuel oil tank (C-414). While in
dock
scraped bottom and repainted. During the afternoon, the Commanding
Officer boarded the SOUTH DAKOTA during canal transit at
Miraflores locks
to confer with COMTASKGROUP 2.9, Rear Admiral W.L. LEE, U.S.N.,
and was
disembarked at Balboa. JUNEAU was redocked at 2230 and proceded to
fuel
dock. During visit at Balboa received provisions on board and
disembarked
excess paint in accoprdance with current instructions.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Saturday, August 22 -- On completion of fueling from fuel dock,
departed
Balboa, C.Z. at 0140 in obedience to CINCPAC 130225 despatch of
August
1942 for Tongatabu, Tonga Islands and verbal orders of
COMTASKGROUP 2.9
to join SOUTH DAKOTA, DUNCAN, LARDNER, LANSDOWNE at sea. The above
vessels having departed Balboa, Friday afternoon. Took departure
at 0208
at entrance of Balboa, buoyed channel and proceeded through swept
channel
at 21 knots. Passed through Point Afirm (Lat. 7N.,Long. 80W) at
0730 and
shaped course 253 degrees. Visibility poor off Cape Mala. No items
of
particular interest occurred this date. 0800 position, Lat. 7
degrees, 03
minutes North., Long., 80 degrees, 03 minutes West. 1200 position
Lat.
6-38N., Long. 81-24 W. 2000 position Lat 5-46N., Long 84-06W.
The above as well as previous War Diary entry's classified
CONFIDENTIAL..
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) - August 1942
Sunday August 23 - Enroute Tonga Islands on great circle course
253
degrees at 21 knots. Nothing of particular interest occurred this
date.
Set clocks to plus 6 Zone Time at 1630. 0800 position in Lat. 4-21
N.,
Long. 88-11 W., 1200 position Lat. 4-00 N., Long. 89-30 W., 2000
position
in Lat 2-59 N., Long. 92-30 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Monday August 24 - Enroute Tongatabu, Tonga Islands on graet
circle
course 251 degrees at speed 21 knots. Sea calm, sky overcast, no
observations. Changed course to 236 degrees at 1300 to regain
great
circle track after obtaining noon latitude. Changed course to 249
and one
half degrees at 1430 to make good the great circle track. Bright
lookout
maintained lookouts and radars for DOUTH DAKOTA group as these
vessels
expected to be sighted during the day. Set clocks to zone plus 7
at 1630.
During the day passed through numerous fog banks. The day was
chilly
and uncomfortable. 0800 position Lat. 1-36 N., Long96-30W., 1200
position
Lat. 1-10 N., Long. 98-28 W., 2000 position Lat. 00-03 S., Long
101-39 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Sunday August 25 - Enroute Tongatabu steering course 249 and one
half to
make good great circle track of 251 degrees, speed 21 knots.
Visibility
good, sea calm, sky overcast. Obtained observations of stars on
dark
horizon. Changed course to 251 and one half degrees to regain
track,
having been set 5 and one half miles to the south and slowed to 17
knots.
Ship now believed to be ahead of SOUTH DAKOTA. Slowed to 12 knots
at 0810
and changed course to 278 degrees at 1100. Increasing speed to 21
knots
in attempt to locate SOUTH DAKOTA. The decision here being the
result of
strong and consistent "flashes" received by S.C. radar from a
northerly
direction (020 degrees true) and the fact that the rhumb line
(added..see
dictionary) to destination passed about 40 miles to northward.
These"flashes"could only emanate from another radar whose
frequency was
near JUNEAU's. Commenced returning to great circle track at 1530
by
changing course to 226 degrees, arriving thereon at 1935, speed 19
knots.
No contact made with SOUTH DAKOTA. Continuing on great circle
course and
set course to 251 degrees at 2000. 0800 position Lat. 1-29 S.,
Long.
105-47 W. 1200 position Lat 1-39 S., Long. 106-41 W. 2000 position
Lat.
2-28 S., Long 109-03 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Wednesday - August 26 - Enroute singly Tongatabu Island, steaming
at 19
knots on course 251 degrees. Sky overcast in early morning, sea
calm.
Changed course to 250 degrees at 1318 to regain great circle
track.
Changed course to 252 and one half degrees at 1900 to follow rhumb
between Longs. 119-45 W., and 125 W., and course 253 degrees at
2015 to
regain great circle track. Nothing of particular interest occurred
this
date. 0800 position Lat. 3-11 S., Long. 112-56 W. 1200 position
Lat 4-10
S., Long. 114-14 W. 2000 position Lat 5-06 S., Long. 116-47 W.
Remaining
distance to Tongatabu at 2000 is 3599 miles.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Thursday August 27 - Night bright with full moon. Wind increased
from
southeast to force five in early forenoon and then decreased. On
course
253 degrees and changed to 245 degrees to regain track at 0750.
Changed
course to 251 degrees at 1200. Set clocks to Zone plus 8 at 1630
and
changed course to 256 degrees at 2000. Nothing of particular
interest
occurred this date. 0800 position Lat. 6-10 S., Long 120-51 W.
1200
position Lat. 6-38 S., Long.122-10 W. 2000 position Lat. 7-45 S.,
Long.
124-57 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Friday August 28 - Night bright and sea calm. Sailing great circle
course
(253 degrees) at 19 knots to Tonga Islands. Changed the course to
255 and
one half degrees at 1113. Current setting 256 degrees with a drift
of
about one and one quarter knots. 0800 position ib Lat. 8-44 S.,
Long.
128-56 W. 1200 position in Lat. 9-06 S., Long. 130-11 W. 2000
position in
Lat. 9-47 S., Long. 132-49 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Saturday August 29 - Enroute Tongatabu steaming at 19 knots on
course 256
degrees. Sea calm, night bright, scattered cumulus clouds. Reduced
speed
at 0600 to 17 knots with intention of falling back on SOUTH DAKOTA
unit.
Reduced speed further during forenoon to 15 knots and changed
course to
254 degrees. Intercepted a weal T.B.S. (* talk-between-ships)
signal
believed to be from unit. Sighted SOUTH DAKOTA and escorts DUNCAN,
LARDNER, and LANSDOWNE at Lat. 11-02 S., Long. 137-37 W., bearing
055
degrees, distant 20 miles. Joined above unit and took station 1000
yards
ahead of SOUTH DAKOTA on course 251 degrees, speed 19 knots. Set
clocks
to Zone plus 9 at 1445. Changed course on signal at 1900 to 261
and one
half degrees when in vicinity point "B" of route; Lat. 11-45 S.,
Long.
140-00 W. 0800 position in Lat. 10-39 S., Long 136-16 W. 1200
position in
Lat. 10-59 S., Long137-24 W. 2000 position in Lat. 11-49 S., Long.
140-11 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Sunday August 30 - In company ComTaskGroup 2.9, Rear Admiral
W.L.LEE,
USN., in SOUTH DAKOTA and destroyer escorts of DUNCAN, LARDNER,
and
LANSDOWNE. Night bright with waning moon. Clocks set to Zone plus
10 at 0635.
At morning twilight (0530) arrived on station 15000 yards on
starboard
beam of SOUTH DAKOTA for radar and surprise contact drill. Later
during
forenoon, opened range to 35000 yards and exercised with group at
radar
tracking. Closed at 25 knots. Fired single bursts of AA simulating
aircraft contact thus exercising other vessels at alertness of
lookouts
of battery control. Made preparations during afternoon to fuel
from SOUTH
DAKOTA. 0800 position in Lat. 12-23 S., Long. 144-42 W. 1200
position in
Lat. 12-41 S., Long. 146-06 W. 2000 position in Lat. 13-15 S.,
Long.
149-04 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) August 1942
Monday August 31 - Enroute Tongatabu with C.T.G. 2.9 in SOUTH
DAKOTA on
great circle rhumb 261 and one half, speed 21 knots. Night bright
and
clear. Sea increased to force 4 from southeast with sunrise.
JUNEAU fueled from SOUTH DAKOTA receiving a forward and after
hose on
port side. Ship began approach at 0750, being conned by Captain,
and received
first line at 0800. Fueling commenced at 0830 and was completed at
1046,
having received 95,659 gallons. Ice cream, various papers, movies
were
also transferred to JUNEAU. Telephone communication was
established
between the two ships. The non-meeting of JUNEAU with remainder of
T.G
2.9 on about August 25 was explained due to misreading of
co-ordinates of
point "A", point of departure, by C.T.G. 2.9 (SOUTH DAKOTA)
resulting in
a different great circle track for group at point "B". These
co-ordinates
were read in CINCPAC despatch as being Lat. 7 degrees N., Long. 85
W.,
instead of Lat. 7 degrees N., Long. 80 degrees W. 0800 position in
Lat.
13-55 S., Long. 153-09 W. 1200 position in Lat. 14-04 S., Long.
152-43 W.
2000 position in Lat. 14-07 S., Long. 154-57W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Tuesday September 1 - Enroute Tongatabe with Task Group 2.9 on
base
course 248 degrees, speed 21 knots. Night bright, sea calm. 0600
set
clocks to Zone plus 11.
During morning watch maneuvered 5 to 10000 yards to starboard of
DOUTH
DAKOTA in execution of tracking exercise. SOUTH DAKOTA fired a
main
battery off-set practice on JUNEAU. With exception of one gun the
pattern
was very good and first salvo, at 10000 yards, was on in range
landing
about 600 yards astern.
SOUTH DAKOTA reported over T.B.S. radar contact at 2143 on
surface,
target bearing 226 degrees (t) distance 16000 yards. JUNEAU picked
up
same target by S.G. radar at about 2145 in Lat. 17-05 S., Long.
163-32
W., bearing 221 degrees (t) distance 10000 yards. Ship went to
general
quarters. Vessell passed on opposite course to port at about 2800
yards.
Estimated speed 10 knots, easterly course. Ship identified as
U.S.Navy
tanker PLATTE. C.T.G. 2.9 directed escort destroyer (LARDNER) to
investigate vessel. Ship secured from general quarters at 2205.
0800
position in Lat. 15-18.8 S., Long. 159-07.8 W. 1200 position in
Lat.
15-55 S., Long. 160-16 W. 2000 position in Lat. 16-52 S., Long.
162-56 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Wednesday September 2 - Enroute Tongatabu in company C.T.G. 2.9.
Weather
clear, sea calm.
During afternoon JUNEAU fired main battery off-set practice on
SOUTH
DAKOTA. All salvos with exception of two full broadsides were of
two
guns. Exercise fired between ranges of 17000 yards and 11000
yards.
Results were highly gratifying. 0800 position in Lat. 18-35 S.,
Long.
167-06 W. 1200 position in Lat. 19-11 S., Long. 168-20 W. 2000
position
in Lat. 19-58 S., Long. 171-09 W.
Crossed international date line at midnight and dropped one
calander
day, September 3.
(Reference U.S.S.JUNEAU War Diary, file no. CL-52/A12-1/serial
(050),
dated 2 October 1942)
Jordan J. Gardner, son of JUNEAU survivor Henry
J. Gardner, MM1c, U.S.N (RET)
jgardn01@mail.orion.org
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S.JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
(note: NO entry for September 3 because of "international date
line"--J.J.Gardner)
Friday September 4 - Appoaching Tongatabe, Tonga Islands, on
course 248
degrees, speed 21 knots. Picked up EUA Island on S.C. radar at
0542,
bearing 258 degrees, distant 34 miles and sighted this island at
0620.
Set clocks back to Zone minus 12 at 0630. Entered LAHI passage
from
northwestward at 1045 and received on board Ensign P.D.THOMAS,
U.S.N.R in
capacity of pilot at 1100, ship (1158) and Task Group anchored in
assigned berths. Oiler RHEEM went alongside port side of SOUTH
DAKOTA and
JUNEAU moored to port side of RHEEm at 1320. Received 276,249
gallons of
fuel oil and returned to assigned anchorage.
(Source: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942)
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Saturday September 5 - At anchor Tongatabu, Tonga Islands. Ships
present:
SOUTH DAKOTA (SOPA), LANSDOWNE, LARDNER, DUNCAN, VESTAL, ARTIC,
SEMINOLE,
GWIN, RHEEM. During afternoon BARNETT, HAYWOOD, NEVILLE, HUNTER
LIGGETT,
AMERICAN LEGION and LAFAYETTE (transports) escorted by CUMMINGS
and
WILSON stood in and anchored. GWIN departed.
Received various provisions and supplies from ARTIC and VESTAL.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Sunday September 6 - At anchor Tongatabu. Ships present same as
Saturday.
In late afternoon T.F 16, SARATOGA, NEW ORLEANS, MINNEAPOLIS,
ATLANTA,
DEWEY, FARRAGUT, MCDONOUGH, WORDEN, PHELPS, FLUSSER, LAFFEY and
TUG
NAVAJO stood in and anchored. The SARATOGA had received one
submarine
torpedo hit a few days before and was enroute PEARL with escort.
Officers and certain men from JUNEAU visited ATLANTA for
information
after lunch.
SOUTH DAKOTA and DesDiv 24 underway at 1300 with JUNEAU being
granted
permission to delay while making boarding call on ATLANTA. SOUTH
DAKOTA
and escort returned to harbor as JUNEAU was getting underway.
SOUTH
DAKOTA reported she had struck an uncharted 30 foot pinnacle when
on the
LAHI passage range. Task Group 2.9 was directed to remain at
anchor until
further orders.
(Source: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) SEPTEMBER 1942)
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Monday September 7 - At anchor Tonga Tabu. Directed by C.T.F 2.9
to
proceed in accordance with ComSoPac despatch 050732 September,
1942 to
rendezvous with T.G. 18 in Lat. 21-00S., Long. 170-00E. Underway
from
Tonga Tabu at 0745 in company C.D.D. 24 in LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN,
LARDNER and
LAFFEY. Shaped course of 263 degrees, speed 17 knots on clearing
anchorage.
Received ComSoPac despatch 070112 of September, 1942 about 1800
directing a change in rendezvous to Lat. 18-00S., Long. 167-15 E,
to
arrive 0800, September 10 Zone (-) 11. Changed course to 284
degrees at
1900 and reduced speed to 15 knots.
In clearing Tuvana Itholo and Tuvana Ira (Fiji Group) about 1915
obtained soundings of 250 fathoms and changed course to 264
degrees and
resumed track at 2130, steering course 285 degrees. 0800 position
Tonga
Tabu anchorage. 1200 position in Lat. 21-04 S., Long. 176-13 W.
2000
position in Lat. 21-22 S., Long. 178-51 W.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - U.S.S. JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
(continued)
September 8 - Enroute rendezvous with T.F. 18 with CDD 24 in
LANSDOWNE,
DUNCAN, LARDNER, and LAFFEY. Sea moderate from Southeast, night
clear.
Course 285 degrees, speed 15 knots. Crossed into east logditude at
0030.
Sighted at 0930 a vessel hull down when in Lat. 20-40 S., Long.
177-30
E., on southeasterly course steaming at about 15 knots. Directed
LANSDOWNE to proceed and investigate. Formation rotated 70 degrees
to
left to approach vessel and then returned to base course when
LANSDOWNE
reported that vessel was H.M.S. MATAI enroute Suva, (Fiji) to
Auckland,
New Zealand. No other incidents occurred during this date. 0800
position
in Lat. 20-38 S., Long. 178-03 E. 1200 position in Lat. 20-24 S.,
Long.
177-07 E. 2000 position in Lat 19-50 S., Long. 175-00 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942
Wednesday, September 9 - Enroute rendezvous with T.F. 18.
Proceeding on
course 290 degrees at 0800. Set clocks to zone (-)11 at 1630.
Rasdar
contact on aircraft at 0905 bearing 145 degrees true, distant 20
miles.
Went to general quarters and secured when aircraft were recognized
as
friendly. Changed course to 273 degrees at 2150 on radar ranges
and
bearings in rounding Eromanga Island. 0800 position in Lat.19-13
S.,
Long. 172-01 E. 1200 position in Lat. 18-55S., Long. 171-13 E.
2000
position in Lat. 18-20 S., Long. 169-24 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September, 1942
(continued)
Thursday, September 10 - Enroute rendezvous with T.F. 18 in Lat.
18-00
S., Long. 167-15 E, (southeast of Efate Island, New Hebrides) on
course
273 degrees, speed 11 knots. Sea calm, weather clear. Obtained
star fix
at 0530, which proved radar fixes obtained last night on north
peak of
Eromanga Island to be correct.
Made S.C. radar contact at 0550 on aircraft bearing 221 degrees,
distand 31 miles. Tracked planes (2) in towards formation and on
being
sighted on starboard bow were recognized as friendly. One plane
dropped a
message on board stating that T.F. 18 was bearing 270 degrees,
distant 30
miles. Changed course to 270 degrees at 0615. Sighted T.F. 18 at
0650
ahead, distant 15 miles. Joined formation at 0800 in cruising
disposition 1,
axis 350 degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards, course 090 degrees,
speed
12 knots. Guide in GUADELUPE (tanker). JUNEAU station 2.5-000
degrees.
T.F. 18 consists of following vessels: WASP (Rear Adm. NOYES,
C.T.F.
18), SAN FRANCISCO (Rear Adm. SCOTT), SALT LAKE CITY, GUADALUPE,
AARON
WARD, FARENHOLT, BUCHANAN, LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN, LARDNER and LAFFEY.
T.F. 18 proceded on easterly course, WASP launching and
recovering
planes during day and at 1715 changed base course to 015 degrees
to head
for rendezvous tomorrrow morning with T.F 17 in Lat. 15-00 S.,
Long.
170-00 E.
Set clocks ahead one hour to zone (-) 12 at 1800. 0800
position in
Lat. 18-03S., Long. 167-18 E. 1200 position in Lat.18-09 S., Long.
168-09
E. 2000 position in Lat, 17-28 S., Long. 169-22 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52), September, 1942
(continued)
Friday, September 11 - In company with T.F 18 on course 015
degrees true,
speed 15 knots steaming to eastward of New Hebrides Islands to
effect
junction T.F. 17. Sea calm, light wind from southeast which
increased to
force 6 by midday then decreased.
Made S.G. radar contact with T.G. 17 at 0612 bearing 085
degrees true,
distance 19000 yards. Sighted this force after daylight. Force
consisted
of HORNET, NORTH CAROLINA, PENSACOLA, NORTHHAMPTON, SAN DIEGO,
MORRIS,
DALE, ANDERSON, MUSTIN. Task Forces 17 and 18 on joining up
became Task
Force 61 in accordance with ComSoPac despatch 091016 of September.
T.F.
61 known as striking force. T.F.17 tookstation about 5 miles to
eastward
in a cruising disposition.
T.F.18 fueled during day from tanker GUADELUPE and JUNEAU
received on
board 71,442 gallons. Upon completion of fueling and routine
aircraft
landing and take off operations, T.F.61 shaped course 340 degrees,
speed
15 knots for the night.
Radio intelligence received that concentration at Faisi of
enemy
transports, destroyers and cruisers had departed that area for an
unknown
destination. Possibility exists enemy may attempt offensive
Guadalcanal
or Santa Cruz Islands.
0800 position in Lat. 15-03 S., Long. 170-07 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
15-34 S., Long. 170-10 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-13 S., and
Long.
170-01 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52), September 1942
(continued)
(Note: I will be giving you all a break on this...I will be gone
to Salt
Lake for a week..so will send what I can (up to September 19)
before I
leave tomorrow..I imagine some of youare getting bored with
it..thanks
for letting me share this piece of Naval history)
Saturday, September 12 - In company TF61 (TF17 and 18) on patrol
to
eastward New Hebrides Islands. Course 340 degrees, speed 15 knots.
TF17
to eastward of TF18.
Intelligence report received in afternoon, one enemy carrier
about 500
miles to northward, placing this vessel and its accompanying
cruiser 50
miles to northward of Santa Cruz Islands. Two flights of B-17
bombers
took off to search this area.
TF61 proceeding toward San Cristobal Island in Solomon group to
arrive
100 miles off island in morning in order to fly about 20 marine
fighters
to Guadalcanal Island to assist forces of occupation.
During night possibility of enemy contact existed. Orange
vessels
formerly located at Faisi had not been accounted for. 0800
position in
Lat. 13-34 S.,Long. 168-46 E. 1200 position in Lat. 13-15 S.,
Long.
168-20 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-44 S., Long. 166-58 E.
Sunday, September 13 - In company TF61 composed of TF's 18 and 19
(TF19
to eastward). Steaming at 17 knots on course 295 degrees in
cruising
disposition one. Sea calm and wind from southeast 17 knots.
Routine carrier operations during day. Received intelligence
that
enemy vessels formerly concentrated at Faisi had returned.
Speed and course changed to 15 knots and 115 degrees at 0715;
course
to 085 degrees at 1450 and to 135 degrees at 2000. 0800 position
in Lat.
11-29 S., Long. 164-22 E. 1200 position in Lat. 11-55 S., Long.
165-13 E.
2000 position in Lat. 12-07 S., Long. 167-10 E.
Monday, September 14 - In company TF18 on course 135 degrees,
speed 16
knots. Cruising disposition 1, axis 000 degrees. JUNEAU station
2500
yards with guide (WASP) bearing 135 degrees. Sea calm and wind
from
southeast during early morning increasing to force 5 by afternoon,
and
then becoming calm at nightfall. TF17 to eastward.
Changed course to 045 degrees at 0200; to 315 degrees at 0330;
to 270
degrees at 0635. Normal carrier operations during forenoon, and
until
time of enemy contact in afternoon.
Received enemy contact report at 1208 of 4 BB and 7 CV on
course 140
degrees, speed 17 knots, in Lat. 07-50 S.,Long. 164-00 E. This
report
later corrected to include 3 BB and 4 CA or CL, 4 DD and 1
transport.
This palced enemy 325 miles bearing 330 degrees from TF18. Force
increased speed to 23 knots on course 330 degrees. Received at
1350 major
vessel contact report of enemy CV and 2 Ca's bearing 008 degrees,
distant
305 miles. This force being about 200 miles to the eastward of the
first
contact. Two enemy seaplane reports also were received about this
time
which placed planes just to northward of Santa Cruz Islands.
Ship went to general quarters at 1348, Force being in Condition
I
anti-aircraft battery. At 1440 WASP launched an attack and search
group
of 26 planes to locate and attack enemy main body of battleships.
HORNET
(TF17) also launched planes at about this time.
Changed course to 300 degrees, speed 20 knots at 1450. On
signal at
1525 went into cruising disposition IV (Air attack immenent), axis
340
degrees. JUNEAU station 2000 yards with WASP bearing 115 degrees.
No
further information of enemy until 1650 when despatch was received
that
battleships had earlier in the afternoon turned to course 005
degrees,
speed 20 knots, thus nullifying possibility of air or surface
contact.
Shortly after the WASP launched and recovered planes and at 1700
the
course was shaped to 120 degrees and speed reduced to 15 knots.
0800
position in Lat. 12-32 S., Long. 127-30 E. 1200 position in Lat.
12-39
S., Long.166043 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-06 S., Long.166-31 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, September 15 - In company TF61 composed of TF17 to
eastward and
TF18. Force on base course 210 degrees, speed 16 knots. TF18 in
cruising
dispositin 1, axis 340 degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards, guide
at
center ib WASP;JUNEAU station 2.5 - 345 degrees. Cjanged course to
280
degrees at 0100. Sea calm, night dark, wind from southeast, force
2.
During early morning and forenoon, conducted carrier
operations. At
1220 sighted a bright flash and heavy column of smoke on horizon
bearing
010 degrees true. Received word shortly after that a WASP plane
had shot
down a Japanese scout bomber.
Maneuvered at 1225 to carrier launching and recovery course of
110
degrees returning to base course (280 degrees) at 1240. At 1417
conducted
similar exercise to course 125 degrees. Upon completion at about
1442,
TF18 began a ship's simultaneous turn to the right to the base
course
(280 degrees) and at 1444 the flash and concussion of two
explosions
about two seconds apart were noticed at the starboard side
amidships of
the WASP.
The below report of the destruction of the WASP by the
Commanding
Officer, JUNEAU, addressed to the Commander Crusiers, Task Force
18 (file
A16-3/L11-1, serial 001, of September 15, 1942) is quoted
herewith:
"1. At 1444(M) on September 15, 1942, in Latitude 12-27.5,
Longitude
164-14.5, the WASP bore 115(T) from the JUNEAU, distant
2500 yards
and had completed approximately 90 degrees of a right had turn out
of the
wind after launching planes. She was on a course estimated to be
220
degrees when two (2) apparently shallow running, closely bunched,
torpedo
hits were observed on her starboard side amidships. She continued
to
swing slightly more to the right and then apparently put on left
rudder
and hauled away to the southeat, or southeastward, burning
violently
amidships. The wind was from direction 125 degrees true blowing
smoke in
heavy clouds to the northwest. JUNEAU continued to turn in
direction of
WASP. At 1458 JUNEAU received an order from Commander Cruisers to
circle
WASP. The Commanding Officer interpetted this order to mean that
his
assignment was to protect the carrier, who at that time, appeared
to be
hauling away from the scene of the attack and to have a chance of
getting
damage under control. He therefore circled her counter-clockwise
at
approximately 2000 to 3000 yards. In the meantime he endeavored to
orient
himself as to the probable location of the attacking submarine.
The
JUNEAU, prior to the attack had been pinging with her sound gear
through
an arc of 100 degrees with offset 20 degrees towards the direction
of the
carrier. No submarine contacts had been made on the sound gear.
Shortly
after hits on WASP were seen what appeared to be a torpedo hit on
the SAN
FRANCISCO was observed. This observation was later to be
false.From the
meager and nebulous data at hand it was estimated that the
submarine had
attacked from the northward and the JUNEAU circled to make a sound
search
toward this area. In crossing the wake of the WASP the commanding
officer
was surprised to find numerous survivors already in the water on
his
track ahead. He therefore slowed to pick his way through, at the
same
time getting life nets and life rafts on the JUNEAU clear for
launching.
At this time a signal was received from Commander Cruisers
indicating he
did not understand JUNEAU's movements. This was interpreted to
mean that
he considered JUNEAU was unduly jeapordizing herself as a target.
JUNEAU
immediately speeded up and continued her search outboard of
destroyers
approaching to pick up survivors on the assumption that the
submarine was
still endeavoring to attack the carrier.
2. At 1535 a submarine contact was made to the eastward of
the WASP
which was confirmed by the LARDNER. The JUNEAU laid one pattern
and
hauled clear. No evidence of destruction observed. A TBS message
was sent
out from the JUNEAU at this time telling ships in company not to
lay
depth charges among survivors, which was corrected at the first
opportunity in TBS traffic to "Do not lay depth charges among
survivors
unless contact is reasonably certain". This was sent out because
there
were several destroyers in the vicinity searching for the
submarine and
false contacts appeared likely. The area of this submarine contact
was
well covered by destroyers who reported torpedo wakes so JUNEAU
hauled
off to the southward to avoid jeopardizing herself unnecessarily.
Previous to this time it had become evident that the WASP was not
making
progress through the water. Traffic channels were heavily loaded
and only
such information was available as to the conditions on the WASP as
could
be picked off the TBS circuit and the presumption from the fact
that she
was being abandoned.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September, 1942
(continued)
Tueday, September 15 (continued)
3. The JUNEAU was prepared to send fire fighting equipment
and
services should the situation on the WASP have warrented this
procedure.
From then on until orders from Commander Cruisers were received to
"clear
the area unless..." at 1710, the JUNEAU remained in the vicinity
of the
WASP in case an enemy air attack should develop, steering such
courses
and maintaining such positions as to avoid unnecessarily
jeopardizing
herself from submarine attack and at the same time to be ready to
close
quickly should an attack of anykind develop.
4. At 1716 a Douglas torpedo bomber made three (3) trys to
pass a
hand message to the JUNEAU, all of which failed. On the last pass
the
JUNEAU headed into the wind in order to facilitate such passing.
After
departure of the plane she joined Commander Cruisers Task Force 18
at 1732."
A plot showing JUNEAU position at the time of the torpedoing
together
with a track chart of the ships movements between 1444 and 2000 is
appended to this diary.
At 2000 steaming in column in order named with SAN FRANCISCO,
(ComCruT.F.18), SALT LAKE CITY, HELENA and JUNEAU on course 180
degrees,
speed18 knots for eastern passage, Espiritu Santo to transfer
wounded and
survivors. The destroyers FARENHOLT, LAFFEY, DUNCAN, LANSDOWNE,
LARDNER,
BUCHANAN and AARON WARD joined up forming a screen. Several of the
above
vessels had on board approximately 1700 survivors of the WASP.
0800
position in Lat. 12-30 D., Long. 163-23 E. 1200 position in Lat.
12-25
S., Long. 164-34 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-40 S., Long. 163-59
E.
Wednesday, September 16 - Enroute Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides in
company
TF18 at 18 knots with WASP survivors on board various destroyers.
When
off Eastern Passage to Button, LARDNER made a submarine contact
and
assisted by LANSDOWNE, attacked with unknown results.
Entered Eastern Passage of Espiritu Santo at 1355 and proceeded
to
anchorage following column leader through mine field. Anchored in
assigned berth at 1450 off Luganville. Seriously wounded were
transferred
from destroyers to hospital on shore, and remaining WASP survivors
were
placed on board SALT LAKE CITY and HELENA for transportation to
Noumea,
New Caledonia.
SAN FRANCISCO, JUNEAU and destroyers standing by on four hours
notice.
During the evening received orders to get underway at 2200 which
was
subsequently changed to daylight in the morning due to the
impracticably
of clearing the harbor at night without navigational aids. 0800
position
in Lat. 14-16 S., Long. 166-27 E.
Thursday, September 17 - Underway from Luganville anchorage in
company
with SAN FRANCISCO, LARDNER, LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN and FARENHOLT, at
0615 to
effect rendezvous with TF17 to south westward of Efate Island, New
Hebrides.
At 1440 made a doubtful submarine contact by underwater sound
vearing
095 degrees (t), distant 400 yards. Laid on embarrassing depth
cahge
pattern of 3 charges.
Joined TF17 at 1645 in Lat. 17-44 S., Long. 167-48 E. TF18 now
absorbed into TF17. Took station 2.5-270 degrees in cruising
disposition
1A. Fleet axis 000 degrees, circle spacing 1000, HORNET guide in
center,
zigzagging by plan #8 on course 293 degrees at 17 1/2 knots.
Following
vessels composed TF17: HORNET(CV), Rear Admiral MURRAY, O.T.C.
(CTF17);
SAN FRANCISCO(CA), Rear Admiral SCOTT, (CTG17.2 and CTU 17.2.1),
NORTHHAMPTON(CA), Rear Admiral GOOD, (CTU 17.2.2), PENSACOLA(CA),
SAN
DIEGO(AACL), JUNEAU(AACL), MORRIS(DD), captain HOOVER(CTG 17.4 and
CTU
17.4.1), RUSSELL(DD), HUGHES(DD), MUSTIN(DD); FARENHOLT(DD),
Captain
TOBIN (CTU 17.4.2), AARON WARD(DD), DUNCAN(DD), LARDNER(DD);Air
(HORNET)
Captain MASON(TG17.5). CTF17 operation order 15.42 effective
(CTF17
despatch 162304 of September, 1942).
The disposition made the following course changes during the
afternoon
and night: At 1748 to 180 degrees; at 1843 to 270 degrees; at 1945
to 300
degrees. 0800 coasting on soundings. 1200 position in Lat. 16-41
S.,
Long. 167-58 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-02 S., Long. 167-09 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September, 1942
(continued)
Friday, September 18 - On patrol in company TF17 south of New
Hebrides.
The force fuelled during day from tankers GUADELUPE and CIMARON.
Fueling
course 110 degrees, speed 8 knots. JUNEAU received 153,300 gallons
of
fuel in 44 minutes from portside of GUADELUPE, completing at 1042.
WASHINGTON(BB) escorted by MEADE(DD) and BARTON(DD) joined the
Task
Force at 1430 and assumed stations in the disposition.
Upon completion of all fueling at 1640 force reformed on base
course
110 degrees and at 1900 changed course to 065 degrees, speed 16
knots.
A periscope was sighted by several of JUNEAU crew bearing about
350
degrees (t), distant about 1000 yards in direction of starboard
quarter
of WASHINGTON. An embarrassing depth charge was fired from a port
projector with a range of 120 yards.
The following course change was made during the night. Course
020
degrees at 1945. 0800 position in Lat. 18-11 S., Long. 165-27 E.
1200
position in Lat. 18-15 S., Long. 165-53 E. 2000 position in Lat.
18-30
S., Long. 166-52 E.
Saturday, September 19 - Steaming in company with TF17 to north
and
eastward of New Caledonia Island on course 320 degrees at 17
knots. Moon
up and zigzagging until moonset at 0200. Changed course to 230
degrees at
0545. Sea calm though increased to force 5 during day and
flattened out
during night. Wind from southeast.
Routine carrier operations were conducted during day and planes
recovered prior to dark. Force maneuvered on various courses to
northward
of New Caledonia.
At 1245 made underwater sound contact on submarine. See
attached
report.
Information received that the HUGHES had picked up seven men in
a
rubber boat who had been adrift for seven days from a crashed
Army B-17 bomber. Men were discovered by a cruiser plane of the
inner anti-submarine patrol. 0800 position in Lat.17-06 S.,
Long. 165-05 E. 1200 position in Lat. 17-37 S., Long. 164-34 E.
2000 position in Lat.16-52 S., Long. 163-38 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL52) September 1942
Sunday, September 20 - In company TF17 patrolling to northward of
NewCaledonia Island. Force in circular cruising position 1A, axis
330
degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards, JUNEAU station 2.5-090
degrees. The
force steamed on various dase and zigzag courses during the day at
17
knots. Normal weather conditions prevailed, wind from southeast,
which
came up and went down with the sun. Night bright due to moonlight.
Normal carrier operations of launching and recovery of planes
during
the day with final recovery just before dark.
During forenoon watch sighted an United States Task Force
consisting
of three cruisers, ten destroyers and eight cargo or transport
vessels.
This Task Force, name not known, stayed in vicinity of our force
and
during late afternoon hauled out of sight to the southward. 0800
position
in Lat. 15-37 S., Long. 162-01 E. 1200 position in Lat. 16-40 S.,
Long.
161-58 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-14 S., Long. 161-42 E.
Monday, September 21 - Normal carrier operations during the day.
The
force steamed to the eastward of the New Hebrides and in forenoon
shaped
a course to pass midway between Effate and Eromanga Islands to
rendezvous
with additional vessels of force the forenoon of Wednesday,
September 23.
No incident of interest occured this date. 0800 position in
Lat. 16-12
S., Long. 160-07 E. 1200 position in Lat. 16-10 S., Long. 161-01
E. 2000
position in Lat. 16-56 S., Long. 163-07 E.
Tuesday, September 22 - In company TF17 enroute rendezvous to
eastward of
New Hebrides. Normal carrier operations throughout the day.
Exdercises 13(a), (b) and (c) were conducted during the
afternoonby
vessels present. Those exercises consisted of firing star shells
or
bursts representing high level and dive bombing targets and
torpedo plane
target. Ships fired at own stars or bursts and received practice
in
spotting and quick solution of problem.
Weather clear with wind and sea from southeast. 0800 position
in Lat.
17-58 S., Long. 166-00 E. 1200 position in Lat. 18-08 S., Long.
167-01 E.
2000 position in Lat. 17-59 S., Long. 169-04 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, September 23 - In company Task Force 17. On patrol to
southeastward of New Hebrides Islands. During forenoon destroyers
of
force were fueled from SAN FRANCISCO, PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON.
At 1000
when in Lat. 17-45 S., Long. 172-10 W., SALT LAKE CITY (CA),
HELENA (CL)
and destroyers WALKE, BENHAM and LANSDOWNE joined up. During time
of
fueling JUNEAU patrolled in van of fuelin formation. Fueling
operations
were completed at 1800. SALT LAKE CITY, SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA with
destroyers LANSDOWNE, DUNCAN, LARDNER and FARENHOLT left the force
and
departed to the westward.
Commander Task Force 17 placed operation order 17-42 quoted
below in
effect by despatch:
"Task Group 17.2 Cruisers Rear Adm. GOOD. Task Unit 17.2.1
Rear Adm.
GOOD, NORTHHAMPTON, WASHINGTON, PENSACOLA.
Task Unit 17.2.2 Capt. JENKINS, ATLANTA, SAN DIEGO, JUNEAU.
Task Group 17.4 Destroyers, Comdr. TRUE, MORRIS, HUGHES,
RUSSELL,
WALKE,BENHAM, BARTON, MEADE.
Task Group 17.5 Air Capt. MASON, HORNET"
"Daily Intelligence Submarines"
"Plan-operate areas assigned ComSoPac awaiting developements.
Be
prepared for offensive operations. Destroy hostile forces
encountered."
"Logistics-as ordered"
"Communications plan as for Opord 15-42. Use local Zone Time.
ComTaskFor 17 in HORNET. This order effective on signal.
G.D.MURRAY,
Rear Admiral."
0800 position in Lat. 17-29 S., Long. 171-57 E. 1200 position in
Lat.
17.56 S., Long. 172-32 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-00 S., Long.
173-11 E.
Thursday, September 24 - On patrol in company Task Force 17 to
south and
eastward of New Hebrides Islands. During the morning watch,
WASHINGTON
(BB) accompanied by the ATLANTA(CLAA) and escorted by the
destroyers
WALKE and BENHAM left the formation on operations not known to
this ship.
Normal carrier operations were conducted throughout the day.
Received a
signal from CTF17 that TF17 would enter a port the forenoon of
Saturday,
the 26th. No incidents of particular interest occured this date.
0800
position in Lat. 18-23 S., Long. 170-30 E. 1200 position in Lat.
19-19
S., Long. 170-40 E. 2000 position in Lat. 21-08S., Long. 170-44 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) September 1942 (continued)
Friday, September 25 - Proceeding with TF17 towards New Caledonia.
Courses shaped during thursday night suggest Noumea to be the port
of
call. Exercised during forenoon with planes in simulating high
level and
dive bombing attack. During the afternoon vessels of the formation
fired
at towed sleeves with machine gun batteries.
Performance of JUNEAU 1.1 and 20mm. batteries was
encouraging. Gun
crews showed an improvement in fire discipline and a better
understanding of pointing. Mess attendant 20mm. crew performed
with
satisfaction at first practice.
A heavy swell set in from the southwest around noon and as
the day
progressed, wind and sea increased from that direction until it
became
quite uncomfortable. At 1900 set clocks back 30 minutes to Zone
(-) 12.
0800 position in Lat. 23-30 S., Long. 169-33 E. 1200 position in
Lat.
23-42 S., Long. 168-50 E. 2000 position in Lat. 24-02 S., Long.
167-05 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL52) September 1942 (continued)
Saturday, September 26 - Proceeding to Noumea with TF17. Went into
channel formation 1 at sunrise after HORNET launched planes.
Passed
through barrier reef via Bulari Passage at 1030 and proceeded to
anchorage #43 in Dumbea Bay, anchoring therein at 1230.
Vice Admiral GHORMLEY, Commander South Pacific, S.O.P.A., in
ARGONNE.
The following combattant vessels present: HORNET(CV),
NORTHHAMPTON(CA),
PENSACOLA(CA), CHESTER(CA), SAN DIEGO(CLAA), LAFFEY(459),
HULL(350),
LAND(399), LARDNER(487), CUNNINGHAM(371), O'BRIEN(415),
HOPKINS(M93),
HOVEY(M91), HUGHES(410), MUSTIN(413), RUSSELL(414), MORRIS(417),
MEADE(602), BARTON(599), and various auxillary vessels.
Sunday, September 27 - At anchor in berth #43, Dumbea Bay. Task
Force 17
placed on 48 hours sailing notice. Received 166,140 gallons of
fuel oil
from tanker H.M.STOREY.
Monday, September 28 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Received on board
various
supplies and provisions.
Tuesday, September 29 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Task Force 17, less
MEADE,
placed on 24 hours sailing notice.
Wednesday, September 30 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Task Force 17,
less
MEADE, placed on 12 hours sailing notice.
==============================
s/L.K.SWENSON
WAR DIARY
fROM: oCTOBER 1, 1942 = TO: October 31, 1942
. Operating under Commander Task Force 17.
Thursday, October 1 - At anchor Dumbea Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia.
In
company Task Force 17. Rear Admiral MURRAY in HORNET, Commander
Task
Force 17.
Friday, October 2 - Underway at 1145 from Dumbea Bay for sea as
directed
by Commander Task Force 17 Sorti Plan (despatch 301321 of
September
1942). Passed through Point "A" at 1210 on schedule. HORNET
received
planes in vicinity Pt "O" (10 miles, 230 degrees from Amadee
Light)
during afternoon. 1610 formed cruising disposition 1, axis 090
degrees,
JUNEAU station 2.0-225 degrees, HORNET guide, speed 15 knots,
zigzagging
on base course 270 degrees, ships present of T.F. 17: HORNET
9CTF170,
NORTHHAMPTON, Rear Admiral SCOTT 9CTG 17.2), PENSACOLA, SAN DIEGO,
JUNEAU, MORRIS, Captain HOOVER (CTG17.4), HUGHES, RUSSELL, MUSTIN
and BARTON.
Received a visual despatch that this task force was to raid
enemy
vessels in the Buin-Faisi (Solomons) area at daylight October 5th.
Shaped northwesterly courses during the night to pass to the
westward
of New Caledonia. 2000 position in Lat. 22-22 S., Long. 165-24 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) October, 1942 (continued)
Saturday, October 3 - In company T>F 17, enroute Solomon Sea to
execute
operations against enemy vessels Buin-Faisi area.
Normal carrier operations during the day. Fired 20mm and 1.1
machine
guns at towed target during afternoon. Changed fleet axis to 120
degrees
at 0950 and to 145 degrees at 1210.
Received the below quoted operation order by visual signal
from
C.T.F. 17 during the afternoon: (C.T.F. 17 despatch 030412 of
October 1942)
'OPORD EIGHTEEN DASH FORTY TWO X INFO X CONCENTRATION ENEMY
VESSELS IN
BUIN FAISI TONALEI AREA THREATEN SECURITY CACTUS FORCES X DOG DAY
FOR
CARRIER AIR GROUP ATTACK ON ENEMY OBJECTIVES FIVE OCTOBER X DAILY
INFORMATION REPORTS X SOWESPAC MAKING RECONNAISSANCE TARGET AREA
IN
NORTHERN APPROACHES DOG MINUS TWO AND MINUS ONE DAYS X SOWESPAC
AIR
STRIKING FORCE ATTACKS AIRDROMES RABAUL DOG DAY X AIRSOPAC BAKER
SEVENTEENS HIT BUKA KIETA AREA SUNRISE DOG DAY THEN PROCEED
VICINITY
CARRIER FURNISH AIR COVERAGE EIGHT TO TWELVE HOURS X CARRIER
AIRGROUP
WILL AT SUNRISE DOG DAY ATTACK ENEMY VESSELS BUIN-FAISI AREA X
PRIORITY
OF TARGETS LARGE OR MEDIUM CARRIERS TRANSPORTS TANKERS SEAPLANE
CARRIERS
OTHER COMBATTANT TYPES X UPON RECOVERING AIRGROUP THIS FORCE WILL
RETIRE
TOWARD WHITE POPPY AT HIGH SPEED X TF PASS THROUGH INITIAL POINT
LAT
FIFTEEN LONG ONE SIXTY AT TEN HOURS DOG MINUS ONE DAY X THEREAFTER
SEVENTEEN POINT TWO AND SEVENTEEN POINT FIVE PROCEED AT TWENTY
EIGHT
KNOTS TO LAUNCHING POSITION ON ONE TWO FIVE MILE RADIUS FROM BUIN
X
SUBSEQUENT COURSES AND SPEEDS WILL BE SIGNALLED X SEVENTEEN POINT
FOUR
CONTINUE AT NINETEEN KNOTS AND REJOIN DURING RETIREMENT ON DOG DAY
X
RENDEZVOUS RETIREMENT COURSE AND SPEED WILL BE SIGNALLED X PARA X
FUEL
BUTTON WHITE POPPY X TANKER MAY JOIN DURING RETIREMENT TOWARDS
WHITE
POPPY X PARA X USE ZERO MINUS ELEVEN TIME RETIREMENT TOWARD WHITE
POPPY X
RENDEZVOUS DAMAGED SHIPS WHITE POPPY X COMMUNICATIONS ACCORDANCE
CURRENT
PLAN X SET RADAR CONDITION THREE AT TEN HOURS DOG MINUS ONE DAY X
SUBSEQUENT CONDITION AS SIGNALLED X INTERCEPT WATCH ON FOUR FOUR
THRE
FIVE ARMY RECONNAISANCE CIRCUIT OPTIONAL X COMTASKFOR SEVENTEEN IN
CARRIER X G D MURRAY "
0800 position in Lat. 20-21 S., Long. 163-17 E. 1200 position in
Lat.
19-58 s., Long. 162-54 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-39 S., Long.
162-04 E.
==============================
Subject: War Diary - USS JUNEAU (CL-52) OCTOBER, 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 4 - In company T.F. 17. At 1000 T.G 17.2
(cruisers) and
T.G. 17.5 (HORNET) increased speed to 28 knots (course 325
degrees) as
directed by operation order 18-42. T.G. 17.4 (destroyers)
proceeding at
19 knots.
HORNET launched and recovered aircraft during the day.
Formed column open order, distance 1500 yards at 1725 in
following
order from the van: JUNEAU (guide), SAN DIEGO, HORNET, PENSACOLA,
NORTHHAMPTON. JUNEAU placed in the lead because of her
installation of
the S.G. radar. Changed course to 318 degrees at 2000.
Went to general quarters at 1900 and so remained during the
night.
In the event of a night surface attack C.T. 17 had signalled
that the
carrier would turn away and that Battle Plan 2 would become
effective.
This plan called for the JUNEAU and SAN DIEGO (CLAA's) to remain
with the
carrier and the NORTHHAMPTON and PENSACOLA (cruisers) to interpose
between the carrier and the enemy.
0800 position in Lat. 15-34 S., Long. 159-59 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
14-20 S., Long. 159-19 E. 2000 position in Lat. 11-20 S.,Long.
157-03 E.
Monday, October 5 - Proceeding to launching station on radius of
125 mile
from Buin. No contacts during the night. Night clear, sea calm.
The moon
rose at 0225.
At 0340 the force slowed to 20 knots and began forming
Cruising
Disposition 1 at 0350 on base course 080 degrees, axis 120
degrees. The
HORNET commenced launching the first flight at 0430, wind from 145
degrees. Sunrise was observed at 0623. At about 0620 HORNET planes
commenced returning from their respective missions. The force at
this
time was retiring at 25 knots on a southeasterly course. Planes
were
launched and landed by the HORNET throughout the day.
T.G. 17.4 (destroyers) was sighted at 0815 on the starboard
bow and
upon joining uo and occupying screening stations in Disposition
IV, the
retirement course was shaped to 160 degrees and changed to 180
degrees at
1600.
At 0830 HORNET signalled that squadrons had returned with the
exception of one plane. This latter plane appeared at 0840 and
landed on
the carrier.
At 1315 received a signal that an enemy bomber had been shot
down by
a combat patrol 35 miles to the westward. A second bomber was
reported as
shot down at 1615 in the same relative location as the first.
The following visual despatch, as to the results of the
operation,
from C.T. 17 is quoted below:
"PRELIMINARY SUMMARY ATTACK X ONE HIT ON TANKER TWO HITS ON LIGHT
CRUISER
X HIT EACH ON TWO CARGO SHIPS X SHOT DOWN SEVERAL FLOAT SEAPLANES
X
STRAFED PATROL PLANES ON WATER AT FAISI X BOMBER KIKILI FIELD X
WEATHER
300 TO 700 FEET WITH RAIN X UNFAVORABLE FOR DIVE BOMBING X
APPROXIMATELY
TEN FOUR ENGINE PATROL PLANES MOORED FAISI X SIX TO EIGHT LAND
PLANES
SIGHTED KIKILI X WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR AIRCRAFT ATTACK DURING
DAY X ALL
AIRCRAFT RECOVERED "
During the course of this operation no enemy was sighted by
this
ship. The force secured from general quarters at sunset and the
Admiral
suggested that all hands be given sleeping periods tomorrow. 0800
position in Lat. 09-17 S., Long. 155-55 E. 1200 position in Lat.
10-29
S., Long. 156-51 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-12 S., Long. 157-37
E.
Tuesday, October 6 - Retireing in company T.F. 17 on southerly
course at
15 knots from operation in Solomon Sea.
HORNET launched and recovered planes during the day.
Intelligence received placed strong enemy activity to the
northeastward of Bouganville strait. Two covering forces
containing 2 BB
each are operating in that area. Numerous cargo and transport
vessels
have been observed Solomon Island area indicating that offensive
operations in force may be expected against Guadalcanal.
0800 position in Lat. 15-21 S., Long. 159-21 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
16-10 S., Long. 159-51 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-00 S., Long.
159-48 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October, 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 7 - Operating to area to northwestward of New
Caledonia with T.F. 17.
Sighted tanker GUADALUPE and escoprt to eastward at 0735 and
T.F. 17
commenced fuelling operations.
BARTON (to the westward) at 1236 signalled she had a submarine
contact and was joined by LARDNER to assist in the search.
Patterns were
laid with results unknown to this ship. Fuelling group changed
course to
the eastward.
JUNEAU received 188,370 gallons of fuel; commencing approach
at 1431
and casting off at 1608. Fueling course 045 degrees, speed 12
knots.
HORNET received 15 planes on board from Tontua. Normal carrier
operations during day. Vessels not engaged in fueling patrolled
specified
sectors. HORNET, last to fuel, completed after nightfall.
GUADALUPE left
formation at 2018.
0800 position in Lat. 20-05 S., Long. 161-06 E. 1200 position in
Lat.
19-59 S., Long. 162-01 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-21 S., Long.
162-26 E.
Thursday, October 8 - Patrolling area in Coral Sea to
northwestward of
New Caledonia with T.F. 17. Set clocks ahead one (1) hour to Zone
minus 12.
Normal carrier operations during the day. Fired 1.1 and 20mm
machine
guns at a towed sleeve during the afternoon.
0800 position in Lat. 17-37 S., Long. 161-18 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
18-11 S., Long. 161-35 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-28 S., Long.
161-18E.
Friday, October 9 - Operating to north-northwestward of New
Caledonia in
company T.F. 17.
During forenoon HORNET planes on return from scheduled search
simulated torpedo plane attack on formation. The Force maneuvered
to
avoid and obtained excellent training in ship handling and gunnery
pointing. In the afternoon fired at bursts with main battery.
Weather clear during the day with prevailing winds from
southeast.
Received mail from ANDERSON.
0800 position in Lat. 17-46 S., Long. 159-21 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
17-11 S., Long. 159-56 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-12 S., Long.
160-55 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), October, 1942 (continued)
Saturday, October 10 - Covering Coral Sea area with T.F.17 to
north-northwestward of New Caledonia. At 0615 when in Lat. 15-33
S.,
Long. 158-34 E., made S.G. radar contact bearing 290 degrees (t)
distance
12000 yards. An emergancy contact report was made to OTC (HORNET)
over
T.B.S. and BARTON (DD) was directed to investigate. The force
changed
course to the southeastward and increased speed to wade. Radar
contact
was lost at 0634. The target was believed to have been an enemy
submarine
which had surfaced to observe our movements. Morning twilight was
just
beginning at this time. The sea was smooth, the wind from the
southeast
at 18 knots.
During the early afternoon vessels of the force fired
anti-aircraft
machine guns at a towed sleeve. Carrier operations were conducted
throughout the day. Current determined to set 275 degrees, drift
1/2 knot
at 0800.
0800 position in Lat. 15-48 S., Long. 158-17 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
15-27 S., Long. 158-11 E. 2000 position in Lat. 15-05 S., Long.
159-45 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), October, 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 11
Steaming with T.F.17 to nnw of New Czledonia. Sea calm, light
winds from
southeast.
The PENSACOLA reported sighting a periscope 2000 yards to
starboard
and the force changed course 90 degrees to port to clear area;
then
resumed base course. No further evidence of submarine.
During the forenoon transferred one (1) 1.1" barrel and slide
via
HUGHES(DD) to PENSACOLA(CA).
The below quoted visual despatch (102350 of October 1942) was
received from C.T.F. 17 during the afternoon:
OPORD 19 DASH 42 X TASK GROUP 62.6 MCCAWLEY, ZEILIN AND ESCORT
TRANSPORTATION GROUPS WHITE POPPY TO CACTUS X POSIT 16 DASH 25 162
DASH
30 AT 0800 LOVE 11 BASE COURSE 005 SPEED OF ADVANCE 12 X ROUTE
NORTH SAN
CRISTOBAL EAST AND NORTH CACTUS X DUE TO ARRIVE DAYLIGHT 13 DEPART
SAME
DAY TASK GROUP 17.8 WASHINGTON ATLANTA PLUS DDS OPERATING SOUTH
CACTUS X
PARA X THIS TASK FORCE BE PREPARED TO STRIKE PROFITABLE TARGET
THAT MAY
DEVELOPE X WILL OPERATE GENERALLY TO WEST OF 62.6 X FUEL AS LATER
DIRECTED X COMMUNICATIONS ZONE TIME NORMAL."
Carrier operations were conducted during the day.
At 2302 when in Lat 13-53 S., Long. 160-06 E., made S>G>
radar
contact bearing 227 degrees (t), 9600 yards. Emergency contatct
report
was made and force turned away to evade. Contact was lost at about
2308
bearing 212 degrees, distance 9400 yards. The HUGHES(DD)
investigated.
The contact was believed to have been a surfaced enemy submarine.
No
known friendly submarines were in this area. Current at 0800 was
300
degrees, drift 3/4 knot.
08000 position in Lat. 16-50 S., Long. 161-33 E. 1200 position
in
Lat. 16-00 S., Long. 161-12 E. 2000 position in Lat. 14-29 S.,
Long.
160-42 E.
Monday, October 12 - Conducting operations in accordance C.T.F. 17
operation order 19-42. During the night T.F. 17 approached
south-westward
of Guadalcanal Island, reaching Lat. 12-30 S., Long. 158-40 E., at
0600
which is about 205 miles from Lunga Point. An operational flight
was
launched by HORNET and force retired to the southeastward.
Information was received on mid-watch that T.G 64.2 (see OpOrd
19-42)
had engaged at about midnight to the westward of SAVO Island and
enemy
force of 2CA and 6DD.
During the day numerous radar contacts were had on
unidentified
aircraft resulting in the destruction at 1007 of a Jap four motor
flying
boat by a HORNET fighter in Lat. 12-00 S., Long. 158-18 E. The
destruction being visible from the ship. Again at 1230 a Jap two
motor
bomber was shot down in Lat. 12-20 S., Long. 158-00 E., by a plane
of the
combat patrol vectored onto the target. The explosion and smoke
also
being visible from the ship. Numerous operational flights were
launched
by the HORNET during the day.
0800 position in Lat. 12-27 S., Long. 158-16 E. 1200position
in Lat.
12-27 S., Long. 157-44 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-53 S., Long.
158-31 E.
A westerly set was experienced during the day with a drift of
3/4
knot. The sea was calm, and surface visibility unlimited.
Occasional
cumulus was overhead.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October, 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, October 13 - Operation being conducted in continuum OpOrd
19-42.
At 0630 force reached to about 150 miles (Lat. 11-03S., Long.
157-54E.)
LUNGA PT. HORNET launched an operational flight and force retired
to
southeastward at 21 knots.
Various operational flights were launched by HORNET during the
day.
At 1220 a Jap 2 motor bomber was shot down in Lat. 12-00 S., Long.
159-12
E., by a fighter of the combat patrol after having been vectored
by the
HORNET. The destruction of this plane was visible from the ship.
During the afternoon three underwater sound contacts were made
by
various vessels of the screen. The authenticity of the contacts
are
unknown and no depth charge barrages were laid. Two destroyers of
the
formation received fuel from the PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON.
0800 position in Lat. 11-16 S., Long. 158-18 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
12-12 S., Long. 158-56 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-35 S., Long.
157-52 E.
The sea was calm throughout the day with little breeze.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), october, 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 14 - Proceeding to area to northwestward of New
Caledonia with T.F. 17 to rendezvous with tanker GUADELUPE and
escort
MEADE. Sea flat, slight breeze from the southeast. Tanker was
sighted at
1400 and formation occupied designated patrol stations for
fueling.
Normal carrier operations were conducted during daylight hours
by the
HORNET.
The BARTON, on right flank of formation, reported at 0915 a
submarine
contact. The RUSSELL joined BARTON and both destroyers searched
and
attacked several times. These vessels rejoined formation at about
1630
receiving a "well done" from CTF17 which implied a successful
attack
though no official word was received by this ship.
The JUNEAU proceeded to go alongside port side of tanker at
2355.
Fueling course 040 degrees, speed 12 knots, sea calm with light
wind from
eastsoutheast, night dark.
0800 position in Lat. 17-04 S., Long. 158-36 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
17-58 S., Long. 159-32 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-45 S., Long.
160-46 E.
Thursday, October 15 - Fueling from alongside tanker GUADALUPE and
casting off at 0240. Ship received 195, 331 gallons of fuel as
well as 84
bags of U.S. mail. The mail received being the first consignment
in 3 and
1/2 months.
T.F.17 on completeion of fueling at 0540 proceeded to northward
toward
Solomon Islands for offensive operations. The following operation
order
(CTF.17 despatch 150215 of October) was received visually during
the
afternoon:
"OPORD TWENTY DASH FOUR TWO X TASK ORGANIZATION STANDARD X INFO X
TASK
GROUP 62.6 MCCAWLEY ZEILIN AND ESCORT RETIRING CACTUS TO BUTTON X
TASK
GROUP 17.8 WASHINGTON ATLANTA PLUS TWO DDS PROCEEDING BUTTON FOR
FUEL X
TASK FORCE 64 SAN FRANCISCO SALT LAKE CITY HELENA PLUS SIX
DESTROYERS
DEPARTED BUTTON DAYBREAK FIFTEENTH FOR CACTUS AREA X OTHER INFO
CURRENT
DESPATCHES X PARA X THIS FORCE WILL PROCEED NORTH CACTUS AREA TO
STRIKE
ENEMY FORCES IN ORDER RELEIVE PRESSURE THERE X PARA X HORNET AIR
GROUP
CONDUCT ATTACK WHEN ORDERED X SET BOILER CONDITION ONE AT SUNSET
PLUS
THIRY MINUTES FIFTEENTH AND RADAR CONDITION ONE AT SUNRISE MINUS
ONE HOUR
SIXTEENTH X SET CONDITION OF READINESS FOR ACTION ONE AND MATERIAL
CONDITION AFIRM WITH MINIMUM MODIFICATIONS AT SUNSET FIFTEENTH
RESTING
PERSONNEL AT STATIONS AS PRACTICABLE X PARA X FUEL AS ORDERED X
PARA X
COMMUNICATIONS NORMAL X WARNING NET THREE TWO SIX FIVE PRIMARY
THIRTY
THREE EIGHTY FIVE SECONDARY X SEARCH AND ATTACK SIX EIGHT THREE
FIVE
PRIMARY SIX TWO NINE ZERO SECONDARY X COMBAT AIR PATROL SIX FIVE
FOUR
ZERO PRIMARY SEVEN TWO ZERO ZERO SECONDARYX USE LOCAL ZONE TIME X
RENDEZVOUS DAMAGED SHIPS BUTTON OR WHITE POPPY X CTF 17 IN HORNET
X
G.D.MURRAY."
0800 position in Lat. 16-36 S., Long. 162-27 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
15-23 S., Long. 162-19 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-53 S., Long.
163-14 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October, 1942 (continued)
Friday, October 16 - T.F. 17 proceeded to area south of Solomon
Islands
to launch carrier attack groups for operations in support of the
Marine
garrison of Guadalcanal. Just prior yo sunrise (0634) HORNET
commenced
launching operations in Lat. 11-14 S., Long. 160-57 E. An
approximate
total of about 70 planes were put in the air consisting of dive
bomber,
torpedo plane and fighter groups. The force during the day
proceeded on a
generally westerly course at 24 knots, and from time to time
maneuvered
with the carrier while planes were launched and received on board.
The
force operated in an area about 50 miles to the south and westward
of
Guadalcanal Island.
At 0945 in Lat. 11-15 S., Long. 160-10E., a Jap four engine
patrol
bomber was shot down by the combat patrol about 15 miles, 225
degrees (t)
from JUNEAU. This plane was the only contact with the enemy by the
formation though several unidentified radar contacts had been
made. At
about 1000 a HORNET fighter crashed astern of the carrier and a
rescue
attempt was made by a plane guard destroyer with unknown results.
The
plane, just before crashing, flew just off the water and it is not
known
whether the pilot had been wounded or the plane damaged.
Upon completion of final recovery of planes at about 1900 the
base
course was shaped to 100 degrees and to 110 degrees at 2015 when
speed
was reduced to 21 knots. At sunset, 1912, the NORTHHAMPTON made an
unidentified aircraft radar contact.
No information has as yet been received as to the results of
the
carrier air group attacks. Intelligence placed an enemy carrier
and
escort to eastward of Bouganville Island.
0800 position in Lat. 11-08 S., Long. 160-47 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
10-47 S., Long. 160-39 E. 2000 position in Lat. 11-02 S., Long.
161-25 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52). October, 1942 (continued)
Saturday, October 17 - Retiring with T.F. 17 to southeastward from
Guadalcanal operational area.
At 0030 made S.G (surface) radar contact of unknown object
bearing 120
degrees, distance 14000 yards. The HUGHES was directed over voice
radio
to investigate. Radar tracking placed the contact on a northerly
course
at 5 knots. The HORNET later picked up this target by radar and
confirmed
the JUNEAU's contact. Subsequent report by HUGHES stated in
substance
that the object disappeared as the HUGHESclosed to about 2000
yards
confirming the belief that a submarine was in the vicinity. No
offensive
action was taken by the HUGHES. Evasive tactics were carried out
by the
force, and a course South was shaped.
The HORNET launched and recovered planes throughout the day.
The following visual despatch (170410) was received from
C.T.F.17 and
is quoted herein as of being of interest:
"RESULTS YESTERDAYS OPERATIONS X JAP AIR BASE REKATA BAY TWELVE
FLOATS
SEAPLANES STRAFED AND BURNED X FUEL DUMP AND AA POSITIONS HIT
DESTROYED X
AT CACTUS X FOUND TWO TRANSPORTS BEACHED MADE FOUR DIRECT HITS ON
THEM
BROKE BACKS SET FIRE SUPPLIES X STRAFED SILENCED AA POSITIONS
FIRED
LANDING BARGES KOKAMUBRUA ESPERENCE X BOMBED ENEMY TENTS SUPPLIES
WITH
500AND 1000 POUND BOMBS X SEARCHED ENTIRE AREA NIL ENEMY SHIPPING
X
SECOND ATTACK GROUP WITH TORPEDOES NIL SIGHTING ENEMY SHIPS ENTIRE
AREA
PAR UNFORTUNATELY NO GOOD TARGETS AVAILABLE."
Forthcoming operations quoted below from C.T.F.17 visual
despatch 170406:
"PROSPECTIVE OPERATIONS REQUIRE PROCEEDING TO AREA ROSES APRICOTS
LINE TO
STRIKE ENEMY CARRIERS REPORTED OPERATING NORTHEAST APRICOTS X PARA
HAVE
REQUESTED TANKERS FOR MONDAY."
At 1900 set clocks ahead thirty minutes to Zone (-) 12 1/2.
0800 position in Lat. 14-20 S., Long. 162-44 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
15-28 S., Long. 163-17 E. 2000 position in Lat 17-27 S., Long.
164-46 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 18 - T.F. 17 to southward Efete Island proceeding
to area
to eastward of Hebrides for purpose of fueling from tanker prior
to
execution of operations against the enemy.
Normal carrier flight operations were conducted during the day.
A destroyer on the right flank at 1225 made an emergancy
submarine
contact signal, and force took evasive action by turning to port.
No
further information is at hand concerning this contact.
0800 position in Lat. 18-33 S., Long. 168-03 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
17-52 S., Long. 169-08 E. 2000 position in Lat. 16-41 S., Long.
171-03 E.
Uncomfortable cross sea running from SE and NE during the
afternoon
and subsiding about midnight. Weather clear and visibility
excellent.
Monday, October 19 - T.F.17 on southeasterly course during the
night to
the Eastward of the New Hebrides Islands. Information was received
that
tanker would not join force until morning of October 21.
At 0100 clocks were set ahead thirty minutes to Zone (-)13.
Normal carrier flight operations were conducted during the day.
A visual despatch (190030) was received from C.T.F.17 and is
quoted
herewith:
"I AM PLEASED TO PASS FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM CINCPAC QUOTE FOR
SUPERLATIVE PERFORMANCE ON SIXTEETH YOUR TASKFORCE AND HORNET AIR
GROUP
COMMA WELL DONE UNQUOTE."
0800 position in Lat. 19-16 S., Long. 172-52 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
19-05 S., Long. 172-07 E. 2000 position in Lat. 18-36 S., Long.
172-40 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52), October 1942 (continued)
Tuesday, October 20 - T.F.17 operating to the eastward of the New
Hebrides Islands. Force waiting to rendezvous with tanker early
tomorrow
morning.
At 1150 HORNET made radar contact with unidentified aircraft
bearing
120 degrees (t), distance 30 miles, and directed force to go to
general
quarters. Vessels proceeded to form anti-aircraft screen about
carrier.
Station of JUNEAU remained the same as in cruising Disposition I.
Above
contact was identified as two friendly planes on patrol and
vessels
secured from general quarters at 1210.
Aircraft operations were conducted by HORNET throughout the
day.
During afternoon exercised 5" battery in firing at bursts
representing
high level, dive bombing and torpedo plane targets.
0800 position in Lat. 16-17 S., Long. 17-45 E. 1200 position in
Lat.
15-37 S., Long. 170-08 E. 2000 position in Lat. 14-45 S., Long.
171-15 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU (CL52) October, 1942 (continued)
(If readers are curious as to why I am continuing the "War Diary"
instead
of doing a page a day..it's because I will be gone from the 19th
of
October until the 4th of November....just thought I'd let you
know)
Wednesday, October 21 - Cruising to Eastward of New Hebrides group
to
join GUADALUPE fuel fueling. 0740 T.F.17 commenced fueling from
tanker on
base course 140 degrees (t) at 12 knots. Wind from 120 degrees (t)
20 knots.
JUBEAU commenced fueling operations at 1718 and cleared
GUADALUPE at
1828 having received 227,304 gallons. Also received four bags of
U.S.Mail. Fueling course 125 degrees (t), speed 11 knots.
Fueling was conducted by the force during the night. The moon
was
bright and wind and sea went down with the sun.
0800 position in Lat. 17-54 S., Long. 171-17 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
18-20 S., Long. 171-50 E. 2000 position in Lat. 19-06 S., Long.
172-54 E.
Thursday, October 22 - T.F.17 in cruising Disposition 1 while
HORNET
conducted night fueling operations from GUADALUPE. Course 125
degrees,
speed 10 knots. At 0330 completed fueling operations and force
shaped a
northerly course, the tanker leaving the formation. Area of
operations to
eastward of New Hebrides.
Normal aircraft operations were conducted by the HORNET during
the day.
The force during the afternoon exercised AA batteries at
surprise
bursts fired by HORNET. Excellent training was here obtained in
bringing
the directors and turrets on and obtaining an accurate fire.
During the evening and night the force retired to the south and
westward.
0800 position in Lat. 18-38 S., Long. 163-44 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
17-54 S., Long. 173-17 E. 2000 position in Lat. 12-23 S., Long.
172-10 E.
The wind and sea were moderate during the day from the
southeast,
visibility and ceiling high. A westerly current of 3/4 knots was
experienced. Zone (-)13 time.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Friday, October 23 - T.F.17 operating to eastward of New Hebrides.
During
the day proceeded on northerly course and during the night
proceeded to
the westward.
Normal carrier operations of search were conducted during the
day.
Exercised at simulated torpedoe plane attacks on formation during
the
afternoon.
The formation axis was changed from 125 degrees to 90 degrees
in
keeping with the policy of the axis being dirceted toward the
general
direction of the true wind.
The following visual despatch (222203) from C.T.F.17 concerning
operations was received and is quoted below:
"IT IS MY PRESENT INTENTION RENDEZVOUS WITH TF SIXTEEN IN LAT 1345
LONG
17130 AT SIXTEEN HOURSMINUS THIRTEEN OCTOBER 24 X UPON JOINING
COMMA TF
16 AND 17 DESIGNATED TF SIXTY ONE X O.T.C IN ENTERPRISE X TF 61
WILL MAKE
SWEEP TO NORTHWARD NDENI THEN SOUTHWESTWARD TOWARD EAST SAN
CRISTOBAL
THEN TO AREA GUADALCANAL X PARA DDS WILL BE TOPPED OFF FROM
NORTHHAMPTON
PENSACOLA TOMORROW MORNING X MORRIS EXPECTED REJOIN ABOUT 1100
TOMORROW
AND WILL BE REFUELED BY HORNET X PARA BE ESPECIALLY ALERT TO
DETECT
PRESENCE ENEMY SUBMARINES DURING ENSUING OPERATIONS."
Intelligence received during the afternoon placed an enemy Task
Force
650 miles to the northward. Some confusion exists as to the
composition
of this force, but it is believed to contain an aircraft carrier.
Enemy
preparations indicate an intensification of the offensive against
the
Marine and Army garrison of Guadalcanal Island.
0800 position in Lat. 16-31 S., Long. 170-07 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
15-41 S., Long. 170-17 E. 2000 position in Lat. 15-00 S., Long.
171-49 E.
Saturday, October 24 - T.F.17 operating to eastward of New
Hebrides,
proceeding to the northwestward and to the northward during the
early
hours. Bright moonlight and full moon. Sea calm and light winds
from the
southeast.
The MUSTIN, at 0300, on the left flank of the disposition made
an
underwater sound submarine contact and force took evasive action
by
turning away. This contact was later reported to be false.
The HORNET carried out routine flight operations during the
day.
Destroyers were topped off from the tanker SABINE during the early
afternoon.
T.F.17 joined up with T.F.16 at 1500 in Lat. 15-35 S., Long.
170-41
E., T.F.17 taking station about 5 miles to southeast of T.F.16.
The
combined task force becoming T.F.61, the officer in Tactical
Command
being C.T.F.16.
The following is the composition of T.F.61:
TASK FORCE 16 TASK FORCE 17
ENTERPRISE HORNET
SOUTH DAKOTA NORTHHAMPTON
PORTLAND PENSACOLA
SAN JUAN SAN DIEGO
PORTER D356 JUNEAU
MAHAN D364 HUGHES D410
LAMSON D367 ANDERSON D411
CONYGHAM D371 MUSTIN D413
SHAW D373 RUSSELL D414
CUSHING D376 MORRIS D417
SMITH D378 BARTON D599
PRESTON D379
MAURY D401
The following allocation of forces is quoted from C.T.F.61
visual
despatch (240300):
'SURFACE ATTACK GROUP DESIGNATED TASK GROUP 17.3 RADM GOOD X
COMMON TASK
GROUP FREQUENCY 2830 EFFECTIVE WHEN ORDERED X TASK UNIT 17.3.1
NORTHHAMPTON PENSACOLA X TASK UNIT 17.3.2 COMDR TRUE COMPOSED OF
SUCH DDS
AS DESIGNATED BY COMTASK GROUP 17.4 X CLAAS AND THREE DDS REMAIN
WITH CV
IN EVENT OF SURFACE CONTACT X IF TANKER AND ESCORTING DDS ARE
PRESENT
THEY REMAIN WITH CV ALSO X IMPROMTU CALLS COMTASKGROUP 17.3 ZEKE
TASKGROUP 17.3 SHADRACH."
Set clocks to (-) Zone time at 1900.
During the night T.F.61 passed between Fataka Island and
Pandora Bank.
0800 position in Lat. 13-56 S., Long. 169-59 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
13-54 S., Long. 170-57 E. 2000 position in Lat. 13-14 S., Long.
171-19 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Sunday, October 25 - T.F.17 in Cruising Disposition 1 about 5
miles to
southwest of T>F>16. Bright moonlight night, sea calm and
gentle wind
from the southeast. Steaming at 23 knots on a northwesterly
course.
Aircraft operations were conducted by HORNET during the day.
Intelligence report was received about 1300, when in Lat. 10-03
S.,
Long. 170-18 E., that and enemy force consisting of 2CV, 2BB, 2CA
and 2CL
were in Lat. 8-05 S., Long. 164-30 E., on course 145 degrees (t),
speed
25 knots. The bearing of the enemy at this time was 290 degrees
(t), 265
miles. At 1333 Boiler condition 1 was set and speed increased to
27 knots
on signal at 1345. T.F.61 (T.F.16 and T.F.17) proceeding to
intercept
enemy on course 285 degrees (t). At about this time a despatch
from
ComSoPac was intercepted which directed T.F.61 to strike.
At 1556 speed was reduced on signal to 21 knots and the base
course
changed to 275 degrees at 1700.
Sunset was observed at 1842. HORNET received instructions from
ENTERPRISE to receive a flight of the latter's planes which was
accomplished after nightfall. Numerous planes landed in the water
and
destroyers rescued personnel though it is believed all were not
rescued.
Each vessel of T.F.17 was directed to turn on an all around range
light
and similar lights were observed in T.F.16.
At 2148 when in position Lat. 10-13 S., Long. 169-08 E., the
SOUTH
DAKOTA reported over TBS a submarine on the surface bearing 135
degrees
(t0., distant 12-14000 yards. It is not known whether this contact
was
visual or by radar. The position of this submarine was plotted as
Lat.
10-13 S., Long. 169-19 E. The destroyer MAHAN was directed to
investigate
and reported no contact. It is presumed the submarine reported our
course
and speed by radio before submerging.
0800 position in Lat. 10-25 S., Long. 171-07 E. 1200 position
in Lat.
10-04 S., Long. 170-14 E. 2000 position in Lat.10-11 S., Long.
169-16 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) october 1942, (continued)
(***This is a LONG one 13 pages for the day...last page is drawing
of
"track" done during the day, which I will not be able to provide
to
"list"..sorry)
Monday October 26 - During the night and early morning T.F.17
steamed on
course 305 degrees (t) at 22 knots. The night was bright and the
moon did
not set until after sunrise at 0627. Contact with an enemy Task
Force,
reported yesterday afternoon was expected. Throughout the day and
during
the ensuing action the sea was calm with light winds from the
southeast.
A copy of the Action Report, including a track chart, required
by
Arts. 712 and 874(6), U.S.N.R.,addressed to the
Commander-in-Chief, U.S.
Pacific Fleet (JUNEAU file A16-3 serial 059 of October 30, 1942)
follows.
The superscription of this report is omitted for brevity.
1. Comments on and summary of Outstanding Events.
(a) The enemy air attack on HORNET, commencing with the
dive
bombing attack at 1010, appeared to be well coordinated. The dive
bombing
attack was pressed well home and was immediately followed by the
torpedo
plane attack. Part of this attack was pressed home and part was
not.
(b) It is estimated from JUNEAU's observation point that
sixteen
(16) Aichi 99 dive bombers and nine (9) Mitsubishi 97 Mod 2, or
later
torpedo planes participated. Five (5) of above types of planes
were seen
to escape after attacks.
(c) Dive bombers attacked at an angle of 70 to 80 degrees
and in
the case of several planes were unable to pull out after release.
The
estimated release point of the attack ws about 800 feet. The
torpedo
planes approached at a low altitude from long range. All observed
attacks
were launched from abaft HORNET's beam. One sneak attack had been
completed. Some torpedoes were dropped at about 1000 to 1200 yards
and
one was seen to be launched at about 4,000 yards from carrier.
Torpedo
planes attacked in two (2) separated groups of three (3) each in a
loose
formation. The torpedoes observed were seen to pass astern of
HORNET.
(d) The torpedo officer reported that he observed two
suicidal
crashes on carrier but there is no confirmation by other
observers.
(e) A TBF pilot, rescued later in the day said he observed
ten
(10) fighters accompanying the attack group of eighteen (18)
bombers. Our
fighters shot down five (5) of these though this vessel observed
no
fighters.
2. Preliminary Operations.
(a) At about 0720, October 26, when in position Latitude
8-39 S.,
Longitude 166-53 E., decoded ComAirSoPac dispatch 271755 which in
substance reported an enemy force of one (1) carrier and about six
(6)
other vessels in Latitude 7-55 S., Longitude 164-15 E., at
0310(local) on
a southerly course at 10 knots. Assuming this force to continue
the
reported course and speed, the enemy was located about 160 miles
to the
northwestward of the JUNEAU's 0720 position. The composition of
this
enemy force was not determined.
(b) In view of the foregoing information the crew's
breakfast was
advanced as much as possible and the ship went to general quarters
at
0756. T.F.17 at this time was in Cruising Disposition 1, axis 120
degrees, circle spacing 1000 yards. JUNEAU's station was 2225 with
guide,
in HORNET, at center bearing 165 degrees T. Operations conducted
by this
vessel are shown in the chronological log included herein.
(c) The wind prevailed from the southeast throughout the
day at
about 12 knots. The sea was smooth with a slight movement from the
southeast. Surface visibility, in general, was excellent
throughout the
day. A rain squall was noted on the horizon to the southeastward
about
noon. Scattered clouds with ceiling 5,000 feet to unlimited.
3. Chronological log of Battle. (Kept by quartermasters
specially
detailed for this duty. Times are believed to be exact to the
nearest
minute).
TIME - (-12)
0756 - Ship went to general quarters
0800 - Ship's position Lat. 8-37 S., Long. 166-40 E. Base
course
270 degrees, speed 23 knots.
0810 - NORTHHAMPTON radar contact reported bogey aircraft
bearing
200 degrees (T), 28 miles.
0812 - Changed base course on signal to 330 degrees (T),
speed 27
knots.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52)October, 1942 (continued)
Monday, October 26 - (continued)
0831 - HORNET launched planes. Course approximately 120
degrees.
to Maneuvered to maintain station. Resumed base course
330
0845 degrees (T).
0857 - HORNET launched planes. Maneuvered to maintain
station,
to resumed base course 330 degrees (T). Received signal
to
0929 "Go to General Quarters" from C.T.F.17.
0942 - Planes report enemy dive bombers to port of
ENTERPRISE.
Intercepted message from ENTERPRISE to HORNET over
Combat
Air Patrol voice circuit for HORNET to launch all
aircraft.
0943 - HORNET launched planes. Increased speed to 30 knots.
Resumed
to base course of 330 degrees (T). HORNET directs
lookout for
0948 Hawks and Zeros. NORTHHAMPTON reports radar contact
of bogey
aircraft bearing 270 degrees (T), 35 miles.
0956 - Sighted smoke on water on port beam. Plane evidently
shot down=
.
0958 - HORNET reports radar contact on bogey aircraft
bearing 270
degrees (T), 25 miles.
1000 - Ships position in Lat. 8-31 S., Long. 168-45 E.
Ship's head
110 degrees (T), speed 29 knots. Search planes report
9 enemy
dive bombers on course southeast.
1001 - Changed course to 080 degrees (T).
1004 - Our Combat Patrol reported enemy dive bombers at
17,000 feet.
1005 - Fighters report contacting enemy dive bombers.
1006 - A destroyer reports planes coming in high.
1009 - Sighted smoke on water bearing 225 degrees (T).
NORTHHAMPTON
reports planes bearing 200 degrees (T), 28 miles.
1010 - Dive bombers attack developes with HORNET as target.
Close
miss on carrier. JUNEAU opens fire with 5" and
machine gun
batteries. Ship's head 065 degrees (T). Bearing of
HORNET
about 265 degrees (T), 2000 yards. Plane shot down.
Dive
bombers at 7,000 feet.
1011 - Dive bombing attack continuing on carrier. Plane shot
down
ahead of carrier.
1012 - HORNET hit by bomb aft. Heavy sheet of flame visible.
HORNET
on starboard quarter of JUNEAU.
1013 - Plane shot down.
1014 - Two (2) planes shot down.
1015 - Two (2) planes shot down. One crashing off JUNEAU
starboard
bow about 200 yards. Torpedo plane attack developed.
Three (3)
torpedo planes launched torpedos off JUNEAU starboard
bow.
HORNET on fire.
1016 - Bomb hit and plane crashed on board HORNET.
1017 - Three (3) planes shot down. One crashed close aboard
NORTHHAMPTON.
1018 - Three (3) torpedo planes launched torpedoes off
starboard
bow.
1019 - Near miss on PENSACOLA. Plane shot down and crashed
200
yards off port quarter of JUNEAU.
1020 - HORNET smoking badly. Nearly dead in water. Ship's
head
180 degrees (T). Torpedo sighted bearing 000 degrees
(T).
1021 - Plane attacking on starboard quarter and was shot
down.
1022 - One (1) plane attacking from starboard beam and one
(1)
from dead ahead.
1023 - Three (3) enemy planes on port beam, distant 6 miles.
Planes withdrawing.
1024 - Smoke on horizon bearing 055 degrees (T). Appeared to
be
crashed plane.
1025 - Plane ahead circling. HORNET smoking badly listing
abou
10 degrees to starboard.
1027 - Plane sighted bearing 045 degrees relative.
1030 - ship's position in Lat. 8-32 S., Long. 168-47 E.
Ship's head
155 degrees (T).
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
..Action Log of Monday, October 26 1942 - continued
1032 - Friendly planes sighted bearing north, distant 7
miles.
1035 - HORNET smoking badly, ship dead in the water and fire
appears
to have increased. Cruisers and destroyers begin to
circle
carrier counter-clockwise.
1038 - Bogey aircraft reported by NORTHHAMPTON bearing 290
degrees,
30 miles.
1039 - T.F.16 bears 030 degrees (T), distant about 24 miles.
1040 - Bogey aircraft bearing 210 degrees, 12 miles.
1044 - Destroyer makes starboard side of carrier to assist
with
fire hoses. Fire on HORNET appears under control.
Noticed
HORNET crew formed bucket brigade.
1047 - Destroyer alongside port side of carrier. Our planes
returning.
1055 - Ships circling HORNET at 17 knots (speed signalled by
NORTHHAMPTON), Distance 2000 yards. JUNEAU started
Q.C.
search.
1058 - ENTERPRISE reports (over TBS) planes bearing 190
degrees
relative, 40 miles.
1108 - Single dive bomber attacks HORNET. Near miss to
starboard
JUNEAU opens fire with 5" and machine gun batteries.
All
planes appeared to fire on this plane but plane
escaped.
1111 - Ceased firing on plane.
1115 - Heavy AA fire on horizon, bearing 100 degrees (T).
T.F.16
under attack.
1120 - NORTHHAMPTON reports enemy aircraft bearing 100
degrees(T).
1122 - Smoke of heavy explosion on horizon bearing 090
degrees(T).
1129 - Two (2) planes approaching low bearing 326
degrees(T). Opened
fire with 5" battery and plane turned away.
1120 - Fire appears to be out on HORNET. NORTHHAMPTON
closing to
pass tow to carrier.
1135 - NORTHHAMPTON reports radar contact bearing 015
degrees(T),
18 miles .
1143 - NORTHHAMPTON passes tow line to HORNET.
1146 - Six (6) friendly torpedo planes approaching on
starboard
beam.
1147 - ENTERPRISE reports torpedo plane attack. Heavy AA
fire on
horizon bearing 110 degrees (T).
1158 - Received following signal by flashing light from
ComCruTaskFor
17 "GO TO ENTERPRISE" Proceeded. On joining CTF 17 on
the
following day discovered signal had not been intended
for
JUNEAU. Signal officer, leading signalman on flying
bridge
lower bridge signalman and striker all state signal
addressed
to JUNEAU by call and by procedure followed
thereafter.
Transmitting ship says not.
1200 - Ships position in Lat. 8-32 S., Long. 166-52 E.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52), October 1942 (continued)
Action Log of Monday, October 26, 1942 (continues)
1201 - ENTERPRISE reports enemy planes bearing 240
degrees(T), 10
miles.
1207 - Smoke on water bearing 289 degrees(T). Appears to be
shot
down plane.
1210 - Heavy AA fire over T.F>16 bearing 090 degrees(T).
Changed
course to 085 degrees(T) to intercept.
1212 - Friendly SBD3 plane, No. B-8 of BomRon 8, landed in
water
1000 yards on starboard bow.
1216 - Picked up crew of 2 men of above plane with ship. Men
wounded and sent to sick bay.
1217 - Resumed course 085 degrees(T), speed 30 knots to join
T.F.16.
1221 - Sighted enemy plane ahead.
1228 - Enemy Zero shot down by fighter, bearing 118
degrees(T),
2000 yards.
1230 - Opened fire on plane on port beam. Plane turned away,
wittnessed two (2) seperate dog fights to starboard.
Results unknown.
1231 - ENTERPRISE appears to have a list.
1232 - Near miss or hit on SOUTH DAKOTA.
1233 - Enemy plane approaching. Commenced firing.
1235 - SAN JUAN appears to be out of control, heading on
reverse
course of ENTERPRISE.
1240 - Planes being recovered by ENTERPRISE.
1247 - Smoke on horizon in direction of T.F.17.
1314 - JUNEAU reported to C.T.F. 16 for duty by TBS.
1326 - Joining up with T.F.16. Base course 130 degrees(T),
speed
27 knots. Sighted PBY bearing 133 degrees(T). Sighted
smoke on water bearing 070 degrees(T), vicinity of
horizon
Appeared to be crashed plane.
1338 - Planes from HORNET begin landing in water as
ENTERPRISE
appears unable to accomodate more planes.
1339 - SBD lands in water astern of destroyer. DD goes to
rescue.
1341 - TBF lands in water bearing 102 degrees(T). DD goes to
rescue.
1342 - TBF lands in water bearing north, DD goes to rescue.
1352 - TBF lands in water bearing 300 degrees(T), DD goes to
rescue.
1356 - TBF lands in water on port beam, DD goes to rescue.
1358 - ENTERPRISE launches planes.
1408 - Received dispatch from C.T.G 16.2 'AXIS 110 DEGREES,
YOUR STATION 4000.'
1410 - TBF lands in water astern, DD goes to rescue.
1411 - ENTERPRISE receives planes on board.
1415 - Plane (type not known) lands in water, bearing
134(T),
DD goes to rescue.
1420 - TBF lands in water bearing 160(T), about 1000 yards.
Ship proceeds towards plane.
1422 - TBF lands in water broad on starboard bow, DD goes to
rescue.
1425 - Signal executed by C.T.F.16 "SPEED 23 KNOTS"
1427 - Resumed speed of 30 knots on course 120 (T) after
rescuing 3 men, unharmed, from TBF1, which landed in
water out of fuel at 1420.
1503 - Plane (type unknown) landed in water astern, DD goes
to
rescue.
1507 - ENTERPRISE reports our fighters have contacted enemy
bearing 190(T).
1515 - ENTERPRISE launches planes.
1525 - JUNEAU arrives on station with ENTERPRISE bearing
290(T)
distant 4000 yards.
1540 - Commenced zig-zag by plan #8. Normal cruising
operations
with T.F.16 were conducted after this time.
1709 - A destroyer on left flank of formation reports
submarine
contact. Disposition executes an emergency 90 degree
turn to right. Destroyer with contact drops depth
charges and then reports submarine was a porpoise.
NOTE: - Photographs were taken. Any good or pertinent ones
will
be forwarded when developed.
4. Special comments on Enemy Forces.
No comment of enemy forces other than report concerning
aircraft attacks.
5. Special comments on Own Forces.
(a)(1) Material and Training Deficiencies 5"/38 Battery:
665 rounds of 5"/38 AA common were fired without a
single misfire. In general material and personnel
performance was excellent.
Need is felt for training in shifting from one kind of
fire (such as dive bombing defense barrage) to a fast
multi-
ple plane torpedo attack or horizontal bomber attack while
own ship is maneuvering radically with full rudder.
With ship maneuvering radically under an attack on
quarter with other ships coming into line of fire at short
range it was necessary to cease fire numerous times and
also
to shift to different targets. Under these conditions guns
with improper fuse settingshad to be unloaded through the
muzzle and several instances occurred where shellmen had
removed the next projectile from the hoist. The latter
proj-
ectiles had to be reset on safe and sent below. Some
erratic
bursts were noted which were probably due to guns not
being
unloaded previously or shellmen holding one in his hand
too
long.
Machine Gun Battery
(a) The firing gear on gun #2 of 1:1 machine gun mount
"D"
broke after firing six rounds. This caused the breech
mech-
anism to jam in the half-closed position and gun was out
of
commisiion during remainder of action. There were no other
material casualties on 1:1 machine guns.
(b) There were three 20 mm machine gun stoppages:
(1) Gun #3 - A cartridge was cut in two while loading.
The projectile dropped into the empty case bag, while
the
powder burned having been ignited by the hot gun. The
gun
was recocked and resumed fire.
(2) Gun #5 - a misfire occurred due, it is believed,
to
faulty ammunition. The shell was too firmly seated in
the
chamber to be easily removed. Gun barrel was shifted
and
fire resumed.
(3) Gun #6 - hammer broke preventing fire pin from
operating properly. A spare hammer was installed but
engagement was over before gun was ready to open fire.
(b) There were no training deficiencies noted. The gun
crews
and ammunition parties performed their duties calmly and
in
the manner that they normally carry them out at drills.
There
were no loading casualties and it is believed that the
loaders performed their duties instinctively due to the
great
amount of drill they have received.
(2) Fire Discipline and Gunnery Communications
Gunnery Communications. General.
Much effeort was spent on decentralization of gun
control.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Action Log of Monday, October 26 1942 (continues)
(Subparagraph 5(2) -
(2) Fire Discipline and Gunnery Communications
Gunnery Communications. General.
Much effort was spent on decentralization of gun
control
This paid dividends in that action was taken promptly. Very
few
orders were needed. Communication lines were clear for
trans-
mitting information. Enclosure (E) is a memorandum covering
points which are reviewed whenever a major engagement
appears
imminent.
5" Battery
In general fire discipline and gunnery communications
were very good.
Machine Gun Battery
(a) The machine gun battery fire discipline was
excellent.
All targets in machine gun range were fired on. Only one
instance of a gun not getting on a target promptly was
noted.
There were no cases of opening fire outside machine gun
range.
The ship's machine gun Doctrine was strictly followed.
Except
in the one instance when a gun was slow in getting on a
target,
no orders were given by Control. Guns ceased fire as
necessary
in order to avoid hitting other ships.
(b) A system of "Alert Bells" is used in addition to
tele-
phone when it is desired to get a gun on a certain
target. A
button is pressed at Sky Control Forward or Sky Control
Aft
sounding a bell at the gun. The lookout then looks up to
control
to see what target is being pointed to. This method of
design-
ating targets saves time and good results have been
attained by
this ship with it.
(c) No difficulty was experienced with machine gun
tele-
phone communications during battle.
(d) Machine guns opened fire at any target within
range
regardless of sector. The lookout at the gun is
responsible for
keeping the gun firing at the most dangerous target and
for
guarding his guns sector at all times.
Radar
Fire control radar was not used at any time because
of
multiplicity of targets, and the short ranges fire at,
which
prevented much normal tracking, and necessitated the use
of
barrage fire throughout most of the attack.
It is thought that the use of the search radar to
pick up
torpedo plans while still at long ranges might have
resulted in
a little earlier warning of their approach and earlier
opening
of fire.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Action Log for Monday, October 26, 1942 - (continues)
(Subparagraph 5(2) (continued) -
Fire Control Methods
5" Battery
See enclosures (B) and (C). Planned barrage and
track-
ing methods were followed and are concidered sound. The
primary
difficulties encountered were caused by radical maneuvers
of
own ship and fouling of range by other ships in own
formation.
Machine Gun Battery
(a) Two of the ship's 1:1 machine gun mounts have
Mark
44 directors. The other two use local control. It is
thought
that the mounts without Mark 44 directors did better than
those
with Mark 44 directors. In many cases it is impossible to
see
the tracer stream in the director spotting glass due to
opening
fire too far ahead or behind the target. In addition the
after
director (mount "D") vibrates at battle speeds too much to
per-
mit satisfactory operation.
(b) At close ranges with high speed targets it was
found
impracticable to set sights on 1:1 machine guns without
direct-
ors. Best reults are obtained by using tracer method of
contact
with sight knobs on zero. Pointer and trainer then lead
target
and bring tracer stream on by individual tracer control.
(c) 20 mm machine guns used individual tracer
control
without ring sights. Results considered very good.
5(b) Ammunition Expended.
Type Amount Percentage of Allowance
5"/38 665 27.7
1:1 1654 4.3
20 mm 1500 .36
Above percentages are base on allowances as
follows:
5"/38 AA - 2400
1:1 - 38,400 (9600 per quad)
20 mm - 48,000 (6000 per gun)
Actual amounts on hand were:
5"/38 AA - 5400
1:1 - 63,000
20 mm - 56,000
5(c) It is believed that a radar search, by sectors, by
all
equipped with search radars would be valuable as a supplement
to
the all around search by the ships so detailed. It would
also, in
some cases, be an asset to tracking in a high level attack.
Inter-
ference is negligible. Fighter direction - no comment.
(d) More detailed comments on carrier aircraft - no
comment.
(e) No engineering casualties were suffered and ship
steamed
at maximum speed of 30 knots without effort. No pertinent
comment
concerning medical department or supply department.
(f) The ship suffered no material damage.
(g) No casualties occurred except minor injuries to
three
men by small caliber splinters and gun blast and flash burns
from
own guns to machine gun battery personnel.
6. Commendations where merited
The Commanding officer concurs in the statements
contained in enclosure (A) regarding the conduct of the
crew.
7. Lessons Learned and Recommendations
5" Battery
The well coordinated attack appeared to be of the
type
believed to be followed by our own planes rather than those
previously attributed to the Japanese, in that all planes
dived
steeply (70 to 80 degrees) and torpedo planes were close to
the
water all the way in. It is believed that every carrier
formation
should train on at least one similar attack by large
numbers of
own planes. Practice with one or two planes, representing
squadrons
is not considered sufficient.
Machine Gun Battery
(1) Alert Bells (see paragraph 5(a)(2) above) are
most
successful and it is recommended that other ships install
them for
trial.
(2) 1:1 machine guns without Mark 44 directors
should use
individual tracer control at near targets without setting
sights.
(3) Further indoctrination of lookouts at guns is
necessary
to insure proper targets under fire. It is considered that
the
lookouts at machine guns, with one exception, performed
well and
have gained valuable experience in this engagement.
However, the
ship itself was not the major target and it is felt that if
it had
been, the difficulty of designation of targets would have
been
greatly increased.
(4) It is recommended that voice tubing be
installed
between the pointers and trainers seats on each 1:1 machine
gun
mount to facilitate voice communications. At present it is
diffi-
cult to get pointer and trainer on same target.
The Commanding officer is of the opinion that the
stationing of the screen 2000 to 2500 yards from the
carrier
precludes full use of the 5" Battery. Rapid maneuver was
necessary
in order to maintain station during evolutions of HORNET.
An increase
of the screening distance to at least 3000 yards would not
only
facilitate handling of the 5" Battery, but would also give
unrestricted searoom for the carrier to maneuver. This
would greatly
eliminate the necessity of the screening ship having to
perform
rapid maneuvers and would thereby increase the
effectiveness of
the A.A. fire.
L.K.SWENSON
Copy for:
ComTaskGroup 17.2
ComTaskFor 17
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
From: Executive Officer.
TO : Commanding Officer.
Subject: Conduct of Crew During Enemy Action 26 October
Reference: (a) Art. 948, U.S.Navy Regulations.
1. I have to report that during the action of
26 October the conduct of the entire crew was, without
exception, praiseworthy. The personnel of all stations
performed their assigned duties in a cool and collected
manner. In particular, the after machine gun crews and
depth charge personnel, plus the crews of the forward port
20 mm guns carried on their duties while being subjected
to severe gun blast from the 5" battery which fired low
over their heads at torpedo planes. The following planes
were shot down by JUNEAU fire unaided by other ships: One
torpedo plane by the starboard machine gun battery, one
torpedo plane by the port machine gun battery, and two
dive bombers by the 5" battery. In addition, her battery
fired on two torpedo planes and two dive-bombers which were
unsder fire by other ships and which were seen to crash.
2. While the general performance was excellent,
no incident occurred which was sufficiently outstanding
or remarkable to warrant particular commendation.
W.E.MOORE.
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 - (continued)
Tuesday, October 27 - Steaming in company T.F.16 in Cruising
Disposition
1, Axis 140 degrees, JUNEAU station 4000 on easterly course at 20
knots.
Changed course to 210 degrees(T) at 0345.
ENTERPRISE conducted air operations during the day.
Received the below quoted visual dispatch (261956) from C.T.F.61:
"PRELIMINARY INFORMATION X YESTERDAY OUR PLANES DAMAGED TWO ENEMY
CV X
AT LEAST THREE ONE THOUSAND POUND BOMBS HITS ON ONE AND TWO ONE
HUNDRED
POUND BOMB HITS ON ANOTHER X ONE MOGOMI CA ONE BB BADLY DAMAGED X
BAKER
SEVENTEEN ALSO ATTACKED LATTER CV X BELEIVE THIRD ENEMY CV STILL
OPERATING
X ESTIMATE EIGHTY PLANES ATTACKED TF 16 OF WHICH OUR FIGHTERS GOT
TWENTY
FIVE AA FIRE ESTIMATED FORTY SHOT DOWN X SIMILAR INFO ON ATTACK ON
HORNET
NOT AVAILABLE NOW X WE ARE SEARCHING FOR ENEMY FORCES TODAY".
Sighted T.F.17 to northeastward at 1225. JUNEAU was directed
by
C.T.F.61 (CTF 16) at 1438 to rejoin TF17. Assumed station
screening
PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON. Colors were half-masted between 1608
and
1649 as burial services were conducted by other vessels of T.F.17.
During the latter part of the afternoon PENSACOLA and NORTHHAMPTON
fueled destroyers from alongside.
Upon joining up, T.F.17 consisted of the following vessels:
PENSACOLA with RAdm MURRAY CTF17 on board; NORTHHAMPTON with RAdm
GOOD
T.U.17.2 on board; SAN DIEGO, RUSSELL, BARTON, HUGHES and MORRIS.
Formed column natural order, JUBEAU last ship, at dark with
destroyer screen and steamed to the eastward and southwestward
during the
night.
0800 position in Lat. 12-14 S., Long. 170-57 E. 1200
position in
Lat. 13-10 S., Long. 170-30 E. 2000 position in Lat. 14-21 S.,
Long.
171-05 E.
A westerly set of 1/2 knot was experienced during the day.
Sea
moderate and wind from the southeast.
Wednesday, October 28 - In company T.F.17. Cruisers in column
natural order;
PENSACOLA, NORTHHAMPTON, SAN DIEGO and JUNEAU. Distance 1000
yards.
Destroyers; MORRIS, MUSTIN, HUGHES, RUSSELL and ANDERSON screening
ahead.
During night operated to eastward and southward of New Hebrides
Group.
At 0842 raised T.F.16 to the westward up, joined up and
vessels of
this force screened SABINE, tanker, during fueling operations of
T.F.17.
By direction of C.T.F61(16) RUSSELL came alongside to
starboard and
17 officers and 197 men, survivors of HORNET, were transferred to
this ship
by four (4) boatswain chairs. No casualties were suffered during
this
operation. The sea was moderate from the southeast. RUSSELL
received a
tow line and distance line from JUNEAUfor the maneuver whcih was
completed
at 1245, having taken one hour and twenty minutes.
The following HORNET survivors, officers and enlisted
personnel,
transfered aboard (JUNEAU) from U.S.S. RUSSELL on October 28th for
transportation to Noumea, New Caledonia:
FIGHTING SQUADRON 72
Lieut. M.S.Blake, A-V(S), USNR.
Lieut. J.F.Robbins, A-V(S), USNR
Lieut. A.H.Savage, A-V(S), USNR
Lieut. (jg) A.J.Downes, III, A-V(N), USNR
Lieut. (jg) G. Formanek, A-V(N), USNR
Lieut. (jg) F.W.Luebke, A-V(N), USNR
Lieut. (jg) E.J.McClintock, A-V(N), USNR
Lieut. (jg) B. Montgomery, A-V(N), USNR
Lieut. (jg) W.J.Moran, A-V(N), USNR
Lieut. (jg) V.H.Morris, A-V(N), USNR
Electrician (T) Lester A. Van Rooy, USN
Gunner (T) Clyde Christie, USN
Gunner (T) Milton R. Warburton, USN
Machinist (T) Stephenson B. Swindeck, USN
Machinist (T) Nolan G. Weatherman, USN
ADAMS, Guy S., 266 07 73, AMM1c, USN
ANFANG, Raymond L., 283 54 95, Sea1c, USN
BANCROFT, Keith M., 660 33 01, AMM3c V-6, USNR
BAKER, Arnold Jr., 295 97 47 Sea1c, USN
BARNES, John F., 272 43 15, Sea1c, USN
BAZZLE, Carl., 265 81 15, AMM2c, USN
BECK, Charles M., 272 57 17, AMM3c, USN
BETTS, Eugene N. 414 69 79, Y3c V-6 USNR
BLACKMER, Eugen E. 385 87 72, AMM3c, USN
BOWERS, L.E. EM3c
BRAY, Douglas O. 382 14 90, AOM3c, USN
BRUMFIELD, James A. 356 57 84, AMM3c, USN
BURNS, "H". "J". 356 57 95, AMM3c, USN
BUCK, Donnie J. 262 87 14 Sea1c, USN
BUCKO, Henry Z. 212 70 77, AMM3c, USN
CALLIA, Willie M. 274 10 08, ACMM(AA), USN
CASSIN, Robert P. 224 30 90, AMM3c, USN
CENTER, Jack 346 75 57, Ptr2c, USN
CHRISTENSEN, Thomas S., Jr. 201 96 68, AMM3c, USN
CLEAVELAND, John H 414 71 35, AMM3c 0-1, USNR
COFFEY, John W. 266 08 36, AMM2c, USN
CONATSER, Jesse H. 296 02 69, Sea1c, USN
COOKE, James L. 262 35 86, AMM2c, USN
COON, Clyde Cecil. 283 32 14, AMM3c, USN
COULTER, Eldridge C. 268 88 95, Sea1c, USN
CROCKET, Alvin B. 266 38 42, AMM3c, USN
CRUEA, Robert L. 279 59 56, AMM2c, USN
DARNOLD, Wesley T. 268 81 30, Sea1c, USN
DRAKE, Clarence W. Jr, 658 24 09, EM3c V-6, USNR
DURHAM, Jack J. 356 12 00, RM2c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 28 - (continues)..."HORNET survivors,
transfered to
JUNEAU from RUSSELL".....(continues)
EDMONSON, John R. 268 89 10 Sea1c, USN
ETTER, Ralph L. 257 96 47, AMM1c, USN
EVANS, Paul M., 411 25 48, AOM3c 0-1, USNR
EVERETTE, Frank H. 268 65 15, Sea1c, USN
FLOYD, Kenneth H. 268 77 72, Sea1c, USN
FUSSEL, Fred 272 42 72, AMM3c, USN
FLYNN, Leo J. 291 58 85, AMM2c, USN
FUCHS, George M 223 13 70, AMM1c, USN
GARDNER, Grady B. 295 64 48, AMM2c, USN
GARDNER, James J. 266 07 58, AMM2c, USN
GERVICKAS, Alex 212 66 60 RM3c, USN
GERVICKAS, Victor 212 27 23, AOMM(AA), USN
GOODENOUGH, Roscoe D. 375 26 74. Y1c, USN
GRIFFIN, Howard 262 86 96, Sea1c, USN
GRIMES, Robert A. 250 52 30, AMM2c, USN
HALL, William E. 201 71 92, Y2c, USN
HAMILTON, John D. Jr 268 75 06, AMM3c, USN
HARRELL, John W, 268 81 39, Sea1c, USN
HECKMAN, Vernon R 243 86 00, AOM2c, USN
HIOTT, Silas N. 268 70 96, AOM3c, USN
HOLMES, George H. 212 70 58, AMM3c, USN
HOOVER, Leo L. 243 69 88, AOM2c, USN
HOPKINS, Edward B. 650 01 24, Sea1c V-6, USNR
HUTCHINSON, Raloh E. 268 74 97, RM3c, USN
JACOBS, Harry J. 644 01 63, AMM3c V-2, USNR
JAGGARD, Joseph F. 243 91 15, AM3c, USN
JAMES, W. L. WAtt1c
HUNTER, Jerry J. 262 84 98, Sea1c, USN
JENSEN, James Hanson 243 07 13, CBM(AA), USN
JENNINGS, Harry 268 45 06, AOM2c, USN
JOHNSON, Athur L. 321 38 37, AMM1c, USN
JOHNSON, Carlos 272 36 26, Sea1c, USN
JOHNSON, Donald M. 375 81 64, AMM1c, USN
JOHNSON, Kenneth 207 30 37, AM2c, USN
JOHNSON, Richard H. 663 01 18, AMM3c V-6, USNR
JONES, Warren H. 266 32 47, AMM3c, USN
KEISLING, Charles R. 296 01 06, Sea1c, USN
KENT, Alvin D. 656 02 18, AMM3c, USN
KEMBRO, Malery Decase 268 14 82, ACOM(AA), USN
KNICKERBOCKER, Edward E. 223 88 77, AMM2c, USN
KREAGER, Kenneth K. Jr. 279 62 81 SC2c, USN
LACKEY, J.K. EM3c
LANGSTON, Carlton A. 268 89 01, AOM3c, USN
LARSH, George H. 300 06 92, AMM2c, USN
LINDO, William P. 272 32 38, OS3c, USN
LOCKWOOD, Lawrence S. 341 97 14, AMM1c, USN
LOWE, Nathaniel M 262 85 96, AMM3c, USN
LYONE, Willard C. 268 72 37, AMM3c, USN
MARSH, Clyde M. 266 45 74, Sea2c, USN
MARTZ, George J. 311 59 58, AMM2c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 - (continued)
Wednesday, October 28 - HORNET survivors transfered to JUNEAU by
RUSSELL
(continues)
MASON, Charles E. Jr 272 50 43, AOM2c, USN
MASON, Jack P. 272 25 80, AOM2c, USN
MATHENY, Jackie V. 300 54 27, Sea2c, USN
MAYNOR, George H. 268 75 03, AMM3c, USN
MC COY, William E. Jr. 336 69 31, AGMM(AA), USN
MC GHIN, Grady E. 268 72 96, AMM3c, USN
MC KAIG, Frederick C. Jr. 223 48 94, AMM2c, USN
MC KINNEY, Cecil G. 268 74 98, AMM3c, USN
MC MICKLE, Hugh D. 272 63 83, AMM3c, USN
MERCHANT, Lloyd K. 268 72 97, AMM3c, USN
MEYER, Clifford H. 279 59 90, AMM1c, USN
MILLER, Samuel T. 295 57 22, MAtt1c, USN
MOTON, Lonnie 272 77 54, MAtt1c, USN
MORGAN, James W. 272 63 99, Sea1c, USN
MORGAN, John K. 380 91 66, AMM1c, USN
MORRIS, Herbert 360 12 54, AOM2c, USN
MORROW, Robert L. 283 50 19, AMM3c, USN
MYERS, Alfred S. 311 60 84, AMM2c, USN
MERRIKEN, R. E. Sea1c
NEAL, Benjamin E. 311 60 96, AMM2c, USN
NELSEN, Rex E. 401 46 81, Sea1c V-6, USNR
NEUMAN, William F. 266 47 57, Sea1c, USN
NEWKIRK, John E. 279 81 77, Sea1c, USN
NORRIS, Joel S. 360 41 38, Sea1c, USN
PANASIK, John P. 311 62 69, AMM3c, USN
PENROSE, Robert W. 283 34 85. Ptr3c, USN
POTTER, Carl H. 336 09 36, ACM(AA), USN
POWELL, Robert W. 274 25 10, AOM1c, USN
QUINTON, John C. 295 57 52, AMM2c, USN
RAY, George G. 243 92 08, AOM3c, USN
REED, James T. 274 42 77, AMM2c, USN
REYNOLDS, Lewis A. 411 26 81, AMM3c V-6, USNR
ROBERTS, John M. Jr. 243 84 88, AMM3c, USN
RIGGS, Carroll C. 311 61 58, AOM2c, USN
ROCK, Pasquale B. 274 37 24, AM1c, USN
ROUX, Lorne E. 201 56 71, AMM1c, USN
ROLES, Gene 266 40 59, Sea1c, USN
SCHAGLE, Frederick W. 223 41 67, AMM3c, USN
SCHUG, Valentine J. 402 80 61, Sea1c V-6, USNR
SCHIBEL, R.L. Sea1c
SCHULTZ, Douglas J. 266 27 41, AMM3c, USN
SCHUMAKER, Howard 402 96 72, AMM2c, USN
SCHUMAN, John J. 268 75 21, Sea1c, USN
SELLERS, Charles E. 262 86 02, Sea2c, USN
SETTLE, Robert D. 262 34 68, AMM2c, USN
SIMPSON, Euthan A. 268 34 66, AOM1c, USN
SILVERS, Edward N. 287 03 38, AMM1c, USN
SPRINGER, Coleman J. Jr. 272 63 93, Sea1c, USN
STEVENS, Robert M. 234 23 80, AMM3c, USN
STROH, Eugene R. 382 40 94, AOM3c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 28 - HORNET survivors transfered to JUNEAU from
RUSSELL
FIGHTING SQUADRON 72 (continued)
SUTHERLAND, Howard C. 272 63 85, AMM3c, USN
SWEARINGEN, Howard W. 360 02 71, AOM1c, USN
SWITZER, Myrrel L. 320 58 28, AMM1c, USN
TAYLOR, Robert H. 268 34 58, AOM1c, USN
TERWILLIGER, Leverette G. 266 35 98, EM3c, USN
TESKE, Herman A. 403 53 48, AMM3c 0-1, USNR
THOMAS, Bryee A. 212 67 84, AOM3c, USNR
THOMPSON, Fred 346 64 94, SC1c, USN
TOLIN, Frank D. 337 23 38, AMM3c, USN
TOMLINSON, Daniel P. 658 00 64, Sea2c V-6, USNR
TRUSCOTT, Glenn E. 368 48 79, AMM2c, USN
TURNER, Edward P. 201 91 52, AOM3c, USN
VALENTINE, McConald 295 43 19, AMM2c, USN
VEZETINSKI, Anthony J. 223 27 30, PhM1c, USN
WASHINGTON, James F 407 40 85, MAtt2c V-6, USNR
WELLS, Albert C. 272 63 90, AMM3c, USN
WETHERINGTON, William B. 262 48 29, AMM2c, USN
WHARTON, Heyward M. 404 98 59, Sea2c V-6, USNR
WHEELER, Donald B. 212 58 66, AMM3c, USN
WHITE, Wilmot E. 381 08 53, ACMM(AA), USN
WOLFINGER, Wayne "J" 622 06 37, AMM3c V-6, USNR
ZITELLA, Joseph W. 257 89 82, ACMM(AA), USN
YADLOWSKI, Frank 238 69 01, AMM3c, USN
WHEELER, Robert N. 279 59 84, AMM1c, USN
SHIPS COMPANY, USS HORNET
O'DONNELL, J.J. CTM, USN
GIBSON, R.J. TM2C, USN
JARRED, C. TM3C, USN
WEYBRIGHT, S.V. TM3C, USNR
WOODS, W. F. SEA2C, USNR
MURPHY, P.W. SEA1C, USNR
WALL, C. H. GM3C, USN
HORN, S.J. SEA2C, USN
CULLEN, C.A.J. GM3C, USN
NOVOTNY, L.W. TM3C, USN
JAMES, E.D. SEA1C, USNR
BALSHUESEMAN, H.W. SEA2C, USN
SCOUTING SQUADRON EIGHT
GORDAN, W.T. AMM3C, USN
THOMAS, R. MAtt2c, USN
BROOKS, W.M. OS2c, USN
BUCKNER, A. MAtt1c, USN
VAN MANEREN, A.W. AMM3c, USNR
WILSON, W.L. SC3c, USN
GRANT, J.W. AMM3c, USN
==============================
Subject: WAR DIARY - USS JUNEAU(CL52) October 1942 (continued)
Wednesday, October 28 - HORNET survivors transfered to JUNEAU from
RUSSELL (continues)
SCOUTING SQUADRON EIGHT (continued)
JENKINS, H.E. Sea1c, USN
SOUTHARD, J.L. AMM3c, USN
CURREY, H. RM3c, USN
BUCKLAN, S.R. AOM2c, USN
TORPEDO SQUADRON SIX
Lieut. David Berger, A-V(S), USNR
Lieut. William P, Hart, A-V(S), USNR
BLANKENSHIP, Thomas L. AMM1c
BUSEY, John H. Jr. AMM2c
BRAGON, Frank D. RM2c
EBERLE, John J. AMM1c
FASANI, Carl L. AMM3c
HAGER, Verne D. SC2c
HAY, Claudius E. ACM
HEMMINGWAY, Frank G. Jr. AMM2c
HENDRICKSON, Carl A. AMM3c
HUDSON, Grady E. Sea2c
HUMMEL, Charles R. Jr. AMM2c
HODGE, W. CEM
KOESTER, William G. Sea1c
LUTHER, Kenneth B. AMM2c
PAYNE, Kenneth W. AMM3c
RICHTER, John H. AMM1c
ROBERTS, Louis F. AMM2c
SIMS, Robert L. AOM3c
WALL, Edward N. AMM1c
WARD, George T. AMM1c
The following HORNET officers and enlisted personnel rescued
by JUNEAU
on October 26, 1942:
Lieut. (jg) F.A.Elam, A-V(N), USNR
Lieut. (jg) C. E. Fisher, A-V(N), USNR
FERGUSON, G. E. ARM3c, USNR
DESJARDIN, Howard K. AMM2c, USN
WOODMAN, Richard C. ARM3c, USNR
The following visual despatch, C.T.F.17 (280215), was
received and
is quoted below:
'FOLLOWING IS TENTATIVE ESTIMATE RESULT OF TASKFORCE 61 ACTION OF
26
OCTOBER X 3 DASH 1000 POUND BOMB HITS ON LARGE JAP CARRIER X 2
DASH 500
POUND BOMB HITS ON SECOND CARRIER X THOUSAND POUND BOMB HITS ON A
MOGAMI
CLASS HEAVY CRUISER AND A JAP BATTLESHIP TWO TORPEDO HITS IN NACHI
CLASS
HEAVY CRUISER X MANY AIRCRAFT OF ENEMY AIR GROUP DESTROYED
ESTIMATE 50
DASH 100 X OTHER ACTIONS THE SAME DAY WERE TORPEDOING OF JAP
CARRIER AT
NIGHT BY PBYS DAMAGE UNKNOWN X BOMB HITS ON ENEMY HEAVY CRUISER X
MARINE
DIVE BOMBERS SANK TWO JAP DESTROYERS AND BADLY DAMAGED ONE HEAVY
AND ONE
LIGHT CRUISER X THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF OUR ACTION WAS ACCOMPLISHED
X IT
IS OF GREAT MILITARY IMPORTANCE THAT OUR DAMAGES OR LOSSES NOT BE
REVEALED UNTIL RELEASED BY PROPER AUTHORITY X THIS MUST BE
IMPRESSED
STRONGLY ON ALL HANDS".
During afternoon received U.S.Mail from RUSSELL. Column
natural
order was formed by T.F.17 at sunset and a southerly course
shaped.
Departed from the immediate vicinity of T.F.16.
0800 position in Lat. 15-56 S., Long. 170-43 E. 1200
position in
Lat. 16-08 S., Long. 170-36 E. 2000 position in Lat. 17-04 S.,
Long.
171-28 E.
Thursday, October 29 - Maneuvered throughout the day with T.F.17
with
T.F.16 to the northward. CTF61 (CTF16) in ENTERPRISE. Proceeding
Noumea,
New Caledonia.
At 1728 an afterlookout reported a periscope off port
quarter. A
signal was made and an emergency turn to starboard of 90 degrees
was
executed by C.T.F.17.
Sea moderate from the southeast with wind of about 20 knots
throughout the day. A set of 300 degrees (T), drift .3 knot, was
experienced.
080 position in Lat. 20-26 S., Long. 170-55 E. 1200 position
in
Lat. 170-47 E. 2000 position in Lat. 23-03 S., Long. 169-32 E.
Friday October 30 - In company T.F.17 composed of vessels noted
under
date of October 28th. Enroute Noumea, New Caledonia.
At about 0815 ANDERSON was directed to leave this force and
escort
MAHAN, (of TF16) into harbor, the latter vessel having been in
collision.
During the forenoon the force screened the entrance of TF16
through
Bulari Passage. JUNEAU enetered Bulari Passage, North Passage, at
1215.
Set clocks back one hour to Zone (-)11. Anchored in Dumbea Bay in
berth
22 at 1523.
0800 position in Lat. 23-24S., Long. 166-28 E. 1200 position
off
Bulari Passage.
Saturday October 31 - At anchor Dumbea Bay. Received stores
throughtout
the day.
+++++++++++++THIS ENDS THE "WAR DIARY" OF U.S.S.
JUNEAU(CL52)++++++++++++
I have tried to copy the information as it was in the 'DIARY'
without
making changes, except for the word "degrees".
Other matters pertaining to JUNEAU consists of reorts by other
ships on
"Loss of JUNEAU"...other ships being SAN FRANCISCO, and
HELENA...the
submitted "WAR DIARY" is available through the Naval Historical
Center,
Washington Navy Yard on Microfilm H-108-AR-39-76 (dated 8-14-74)
and
Microfilm F-108-AR-27-74 (dated 8-23-73)
==============================