I have attempted to be faithful to the original document: reproducing the form, spellings, and punctuation (including errors), with two exceptions: [1] ship names have been rendered in italics, rather than all UPPER-CASE, as in the original; and [2] the necessary use of a spell-checker to correct my typographic errors has undoubtedly 'corrected' spellings in the original. |
COMMANDER BATTLE FORCE | |
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET | |
A16-3(PH)/(05)/ | |
( 09 ) | c/o Fleet Post Office, Pearl Harbor, T.H. |
CONFIDENTIAL | |
January 9, 1942 | |
From: | Commander Battle Force. |
To: | Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet. |
Subject: | Japanese Air Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. |
Enclosure: | (A) Narrative by Captain H.C. Train, U.S.N., Chief of Staff to Commander Battle Force. (B) Summary of Damage Sustained by Ships of the Battle Force. |
1. Enclosures (A) and (B), which it is believed constitute a rather complete report of the subject action and the damages resulting therefrom, are submitted for the information of the Commander-in-Chief.
[signed]
W.S. PYE
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS ON BOARD U.S.S. CALIFORNIA ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 7, 1941, DURING AIR ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR BY JAPANESE NAVAL AIR FORCE, AS SEEN BY CAPTAIN HAROLD C. TRAIN, U.S. NAVY, CHIEF OF STAFF, BATTLE FORCE.
[signed]
H.C. Train,
Captain, U.S. Navy,
Chief of Staff, Battle Force.
December 24, 1941
MEMORANDUM for Flag Secretary:
(a) BATTLESHIPS
Arizona sunk at berth as result of aircraft torpedoes and heavy bombs which exploded forward magazines. Ship is considered to be a total wreck.
California sunk at berth as a result of hits by two or more aircraft torpedoes; also received one large bomb hit amidships which caused serious fire.
Nevada damaged by heavy bombs, possibly mine in the channel, and aircraft torpedoes. Beached across from Hospital Point to prevent sinking after an attempt to sortie. Batteries intact and manned though no power is on the ship.
Oklahoma capsized at berth as a result of receiving three or more hits by aircraft torpedoes.
Pennsylvania slightly damaged by bomb hit, starboard side of boat deck, while in drydock number 1, Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor. Repairs have been completed and ship is ready for service.
Maryland damaged by two bomb hits forward -- one on forecastle and one through side which exploded in C&R storeroom causing numerous leaks.
Tennessee received one heavy bomb through turret top which did not explode, but put two rammers out of commission. Also one bomb hit aft which cracked one 14-inch gun. Heat from the Arizona fire melted and ignited paint in after portion of the second deck, which was badly burned out.
West Virginia sunk at berth as result of four aircraft torpedoes and one bomb hit. There is considerable damage from fire.
(b) CRUISERS
Helena damaged by bomb hit at frame 80 starboard side, opening up side under armor belt for distance of about 50 feet. number One and Two firerooms and forward engineroom flooded. Ship is now in drydock #2, Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, to effect repairs to make seaworthy. It is estimated that new shell and framing will be completed within two weeks and ship will be able to operate with two shafts and with all gun batteries in commission. It has been recommended that ship proceed to Mare Island for completion of repairs to hull and machinery.
Honolulu damaged by near miss at approximately frame 40, port side. Considerable internal damage to structure and electric cables.
Raleigh damaged by one aircraft torpedo which flooded forward half of machinery plant. Also hit by small bomb aft, which penetrated three decks and went out ship's side and did not explode.
(c) DESTROYERS
Cassin and Downes damaged by bomb in number one drydock, Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, ahead of Pennsylvania. Bomb hit Downes exploding her torpedo warheads and causing serious oil fire. Cassin was damaged by fire and was knocked off drydock blocking and fell over on Downes.
Shaw hit by bomb while docked on floating drydock. Forward part of ship and floating drydock badly damaged by fire resulting from oil and power. After part of ship not seriously damaged.
(d) AUXILIARY VESSELS
[signed]
H. N. WALLIN,
Commander, U.S. Navy,
Battle Force Material Officer.
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