CV5/A16-3
(OP-10-Rd)
(054)
U.S.S. YORKTOWN
May 11, 1942

     
From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.
Via: The Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN.
     
Subject: Attack made by Yorktown Air Group on Enemy Forces in TULAGI and GAVUTU HARBORS.
     
Reference: (a) Article 712, U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920.
     
Enclosures: (A) Position of Japanese Ships during First Attack.
  (B) Position of Japanese Ships during Second Attack.
  (C) Position of Japanese Ships during Third Attack.
  (D) Photographs taken on attack.
  (E) Sketch of Japanese plane encountered.
  (F) Track Chart of the U.S.S. Yorktown.

  1. The U.S.S. Yorktown under command of Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN, Rear Admiral F.J. Fletcher, made three consecutive air attacks on the Japanese vessels in the harbors of TULAGI and GAVUTU, on the south coast of FLORIDA ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS on May 4, 1942 (Zone - 11½ time). This attack resulted in the following losses to the JAPANESE NAVY:

    1. Ships Sunk

      Two dd's
      One AK
      Four small Gunboats (1,000 - 1,500 tons)

    2. Ships Beached

      One CL (Tenatively identified as of the Jintsu Class) beached and sunk with deck awash.

    3. Ships Severely Damaged

      One DD (Asasio Class)
      One AV (Identification doubtful may have been a CA).

    4. Ships Damaged

      One large AK (8 - 10,000 tons)

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    1. Planes Shot Down

      Five single engine seaplanes (See Enclosure (E) for sketch)

    2. Other Damage

      An unestimated amount of damage was done by strafing small vessels in the harbor and at least two motor launches were sunk.

      Our losses consisted of two fighters, F4F-3's, and one torpedo plane, TBD, lost while returning to ship, eight other planes were slightly damaged by anti-aircraft fire, the most serious damage being a bullet hole in one cylinder.

  1. Detailed Report

    This report was compiled from the narratives of the personnel participating in the attack recorded immediately on their return from each flight.

    1. Movements of U.S.S. Yorktown

      At 0701, May 4, 1942 (Zone - 11½ time), the U.S.S. Yorktown was at latitude 11° 10'S, longitude 158° 49'E; a speed of 23 knots was maintained and various courses were steered in maneuvering to launch and land aircraft; a course of 076°(T) and speed of 9 knots was made good during the day until the attack was completed at 1815, when the Task Group retired on course 130°, speed 23 knots.

    2. Weather

      A frontal zone extending East and West covered GUADALCANAL ISLAND and the area to the south for a distance of 70 miles. Showers from cumulo-nimbus and strato-cumulus were encountered in the morning and scattered squalls in the afternoon. Flying conditions in this area, where the Yorktown was operating, were undesirable due to winds of 17 - 35 knots and undesirable

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      between the ship and GUADALCANAL ISLAND because of low visibility and squalls. Conditions at TULAGI HARBOR were average with broken to scattered cumulus at 3,000 feet, winds 10 - 15 knots from SE.

    1. Task Organization

      Air Group Commander - Oscar Pederson, USN.

      VT-5 - 12 TBD's - Lt.Comdr. J. Taylor, USN.
      VS-5 - 13 SBD's - Lt.Comdr. W.O. Burch, jr., USN.
      VF-42 - 18 F4F-3's - Lt.Comdr. C.R. Fenton, USN.
      VB-5 - 15 SBD's - Lieut. W.C. Short, jr., USN.

    2. First Attack

      At 0701 launched a Combat Air Patrol of 6 VF and the Attack Group consisting of 12 VT, 13 VS, and 15 VB. A Combat Air Patrol of 6 planes was maintained throughout the day. The Attack Group then proceeded to TULAGI and GAVUTU HARBORS, the Squadrons to proceed independently and coordinate their attacks to take place at approximately the same time. The ships in the harbor are as shown in Enclosure (A), (1) and (2) large AK's or AP's (8 - 10,000 tons), (5) two DD's and one CL (Jintsu Class), (6) one large AV, (7) five seaplanes anchored off MAKAMBO ISLAND which apparently is being used as a seaplane base, and (8) numerous small patrol boats and launches seen in this area.

      1. VT Attack

        The twelve VT planes were armed with MK 13 torpedoes with a depth setting of 10 feet. Upon arrival at the objective the following attacks were made at 0850 (referring to Enclosure (A)):

          Three VT attacked a large AK marked (1). No hits, two of the torpedoes exploded on the beach; seven VT attacked two DD's and a CL moored together marked (5). They dropped six

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          torpedoes and made three hits; soon afterwards the two DD's sank and the CL beached itself to the northward and sunk to deck level.

          Note: No one witnessed the beaching of this CL but it is assumed that the beached CL sighted on the second attack was the one attacked here.

          One torpedo failed to release and plane returned to ship with torpedo, it is believed that the pilot did not turn on his switch as the release mechanism worked when tested on the ship and on the second attack.

          Two VT attacked an AK marked (3) and obtained two hits. This ship did not get underway, and was still dead in the water when the Attack Group departed. Upon return of the Attack Group this ship had disappeared, it is felt certain that it sank as it was reported that a ship's masts were showing out of the water.

          All torpedo drops were made individually from an altitude of about fifty feet and at a range of 400 - 500 yards. Upon completion of the torpedo drops, the various small vessels in the harbor were attacked with machine gun fire. The torpedo planes were subjected to heavy AA fire from all ships in the harbor.

      1. VB Attack

        The 15 VB planes were armed with Mk 13, 1,000 lb. bombs, fused with Mark 21 and 23 fuses.

        Note: All VS and VB planes used the above for all attacks.

        Squadron was divided tactically into three divisions of five planes each and targets were assigned upon arrival at the objective. Attack commenced at 0900.

--4--

        First Division - Attacked AK marked (3). No hits and no misses closer than 30 feet. Strafed a seaplane, taking off from MAKAMBO ISLAND, which crashed and burned.

        Second Division - Attacked large AV, marked (6), as it was getting underway. One possible hit, and several close misses.

        Third Division - Three planes attacked the same AV and scored one hit and one possible hit. The other two planes attacked an AK, marked (3), and a DD scoring no hits.

        All dives made down wind from an altitude of 10 - 11,000 feet, dive angle 70°, altitude of release 2,500 feet. The bombing planes were all subjected to heavy AA fire from the ships and in addition AA fire from MAKAMBO ISLAND while attacking the seaplane.

      1. VS Attack

        The 13 VS planes were armed with Mk 13, 1,000 lb. bombs with Mk 21 and 23 fuses. While proceeding to the objective at 17,000 feet, the Squadron Commander saw what he thought to be a DD leaving WEST CAPE, GUADALCANAL ISLAND at high speed headed North, this vessel was not seen again, although VS searched for it on the second and third attacks. The squadron was divided tactically into two divisions. Squadron attacked by dive bombing the CL and two DD's moored together, marked (3). Four sure hits and one probable were made. Time of attack 0845.

        Heavy but ineffective AA fire was encountered. Commenced dive at 19,000 feet, final push over at 9 - 10,000 feet, angle of dive 70°, altitude of release 2,500 feet. Upon completion of attack returned to ship.

        At 1001 commenced landing Attack Group on board, rearmed Group immediately upon landing.

--5--

    1. Second Attack

      Launched the Second Attack Group as follows:

        At 1106 - 14 VB, at 1134 - 13 VS, and at 1150 - 11 VT. Each squadron proceeded independently, VS and VB scouted area to West and Northwest of FLORIDA ISLAND and reported position of ships to VT.

        Position of enemy ships at time of second attack was as follows:

          In harbor see Enclosure (A). One AK marked (1) at anchor, AK marked (2) standing out, two DD's marked (5) sunk, one CL marked (5) beached, one AK marked (3) had disappeared believed sunk, and various small launches. Ships outside harbor, see Enclosure (B), one AV and one DD marked (10), original position at first attack not definitely known, headed Northwest and three Gunboats marked (4) in column NE of SAVO ISLAND headed West.

      1. VS Attack

        The 13 VS proceeded to GUADALCANAL ISLAND and scouted the area to the West and Northwest of FLORIDA ISLAND and sighted an AK, marked (2), standing out of TULAGI HARBOR, and the AV and DD, marked (10), headed in a Northwesterly direction between TULAGI and SAVO ISLANDS. At 1240 attacked the AV by dive bombing, commenced dive down wind at 9,000 feet, angle 70°, and altitude of release 2,500 feet. Made two sure hits and one probable. AA fire from AV heavy and accurate. Attacked by one seaplane and shot it down. Two planes damaged by AA fire but returned to ship. Strafed small launches in harbor, several sunk, some damaged. Two bombs failed to explode, arming wires brought back in both cases.

--6--

      1. VT Attack

        11 VT planes took off at 1115 and proceeded towards TULAGI ISLAND. Sighted AV and DD between TULAGI and SAVO ISLANDS. Squadron divided tactically into two divisions.

        First Division of six planes commenced approach for torpedo attack at 1315 and attacked AV on starboard bow, distance 10,000 yards. During the approach the AV increased speed from 10 to 25 knots and commenced turning to starboard. Range was closed to 2 - 3,000 yards where torpedoes were fired, target angle at time of release was from about 10° on starboard bow to well on port bow. No hits were made. Attacked by single float seaplane about 5 miles SW of TULAGI and chased him back to harbor, where he landed near MAKAMBO ISLAND, and an AA battery opened up on the TBD's.

        Second Division of five planes made attack five minutes after first division, commenced attack on AV's starboard bow but ship turned rapidly to port and when torpedoes were released at a range of 1,000 - 1,500 yards, the target angle was abaft the beam. No hits were made.

        Both divisions encountered heavy AA fire, especially from machine guns during approach and attack. Strafed small launches in harbor, results indeterminate.

        Squadron rendezvoused and returned to carrier. One TBD which had proceeded independently towards ship was missing. This plane later became lost and landed in the water due to lack of fuel at 1606. The crew was not recovered although a plane and ship search was made. This plane could transmit on its radio but could not receive.

        Note: Two days later this Squadron made 10 torpedo hits (100%) on JAPANESE CARRIER.

--7--

      1. VB Attack

        Launched 14 VB airplanes at 1105, to scout area to West and Northwestward of FLORIDA ISLAND for enemy ships fleeing from TULAGI. They sighted three Gunboats marked (4) 5 miles ENE of SAVO ISLAND. The squadron was tactically divided into three divisions of five, five and four planes.

        First Division - Attacked the rear ship at about 1145 which may have been a DD. Five bombs were dropped on this vessel, one direct hit which blew the ship to pieces and three close misses.

        Second Division - Attacked the next ship from the rear and a direct hit blew the ship to pieces.

        Third Division - Attacked the leading ship with three bombs, one close miss was obtained. This vessel used evasive tactics making sharp turns while the planes were diving. The fourth plane of this division did not drop due to cloud interference, he attacked the AV, his bomb hit close aboard within 20 feet of the forecastle port side, the ship slowed down to about 10 knots after the attack.

        The first and second division strafed the remaining Gunboat leaving it in a sinking condition, it was later seen beached near VATILAU ISLAND.

    1. Third Attack

      At 1340 launched four VF to proceed to TULAGI HARBOR to destroy seaplanes which were attacking bombers and torpedo planes. At 1430 launched 12 VS and 9 VB for third attack. Position of ships were as follows:

        In harbor (see Enclosure (A)), one AK marked (1) at anchor, many small launches; ships outside (see Enclosure (C)), one AK marked (2) East of SAVO ISLAND, one small Gunboat marked (4) north of SAVO ISLAND, and the AV and DD to Northwestward of VATILAU ISLAND.

--8--

      1. VF Attack

        Launched four VF at 1340 to proceed to TULAGI to attack enemy seaplanes. VF searched TULAGI area for seaplanes then head NW along FLORIDA ISLAND coast line and saw a Gunboat beached at VATILAU ISLAND. They sighted and attacked three enemy single float seaplanes and shot them down, all three crashed into the water.

        VF strafed DD marked (10) making two runs from astern down the fore and aft axis of the ship, then two runs from abeam with the point of aim for the first at the waterline, and for the second on the bridge. The tracers seemed to start small fires on deck and when the four VF left, smoke was rising from fires on deck and the ship was leaving a wake of oil. It is estimated that the VF planes expended about 4500 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition in the attack on the DD. On their return to the ship, one section became separated and landed on the south coast of GUADALCANAL ISLAND near CAPE HENSLOW. Pilots picked up by our own DD.

      2. VS Attack

        12 VS planes launched at 1430 proceeded in for third attack to TULAGI HARBOR. Upon arrival sighted only one AK marked (1) and a number of launches in harbor. At 1530 attacked by dive bombing the AK and made one hit and several near misses. This ship got underway and possibly beached itself on TULAGI ISLAND (this was not definitely confirmed). Dive made down wind from 9,000 feet, angle of dive 70°, and altitude of release 2,500 feet. Light and inaccurate AA fire from the AK was encountered. Upon completion of dive bombing attack, strafed launches in harbor and one small Gunboat outside, sank several launches and the Gunboat by machine gun fire.

      3. VB Attack

        Launched 9 VB at 1430 for third attack. After

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        crossing GUADALCANAL ISLAND they sighted AK marked (2) dead in the water about 5 miles NE of SAVO ISLAND but it got underway when the planes were sighted. Sighted a beached Gunboat on VATILAU ISLAND. They observed a long oil slick running about 290° T, they followed this and sighted one DD marked (10), which was leaving the oil slick, and the AV. Both ships increased speed on sighting the planes. At 1545 First Division attacked the AV from westward, Second Division from the southward. Two bombs landed very close, the remainder within 50 yards; the AV appeared to slow down. During the attack only weak and inaccurate AA fire was encountered but the ship maneuvered sharply to avoid bombs. Returned to the ship and landed on board at 1702.

  1. Summary of Attack

    1. Damage Inflicted

      1. Ships Sunk

        Two DD by bombs and torpedoes.
        One AK by torpedoes.
        Four small Gunboats by bombs and strafing.

      2. Ships Beached

        One CL (Jintsu Class) by torpedoes and bombs.

      3. Ships Severely Damaged

        One DD (Asasio Class) by bombs and strafing.
        One AV (Identification doubtful may have been a CA) by bombs.

      4. Ships Damaged

        One large AK by bombs.

--10--

      1. Planes Shot Down

        Five single float seaplanes.

      2. Other Planes

        Various small craft sunk or damaged by strafing.

    1. Damage Suffered by Own Forces

      1. Planes Lost (Not due to Enemy Action)

        Two VF - Pilots recovered.
        One VT - Crew of two not recovered, it is believed the plane landed safely in the water.

      2. Planes Damaged

        Two VT - Suffered minor damage - shrapnel and bullet holes in wings and tail.
        Three VB - Damaged - One had a large hole 8 - 10" in diameter in the rudder, in the right elevator a 20" square hole. Part of ribs gone, and a hole 3" in diameter in the after end of the right horizontal stabilizer. Other two planes each had a bullet hole in the wing.
        Three VS - One had a bullet hole in the cylinder, one had bullet holes in fuselage and the other bullet holes in wings and tail.

    2. Ammunition Expended

        VT dropped 22 torpedoes Mk 13 set for a depth of 10 ft.
        VS dropped 38 - Mark 13 bombs fuses Mk 21 and Mk 23.
        VB dropped 38 - Mark 13 bombs fuses Mk 21 and Mk 23.
        Total .50 caliber ammunition expended 12,570 rounds.
        Total .30 caliber ammunition expended 7,095 rounds.

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  1. General Comments

    1. The performance of all personnel can not be praised too highly. The enthusiasm, high morale and aggressive spirit shown by the pilots and other flight personnel was particularly gratifying, and the manner in which the attacks were made were pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire encountered in the Harbor is worthy of the best traditions of Our Navy. It is considered that the performance of all pilots involved in the attack was sufficiently outstanding to warrant special commendation, and it is therefore recommended that suitable commendation be given to each squadron for their outstanding performance. Further recommendations for awards will be made by separate letter.

    2. The Air Department and flight deck personnel are deserving of special mention for the highly efficient manner in which they re-spotted and armed the planes at night, without lights.

    3. Tactics Employed by Enemy

      1. Ships against dive bombing attacks:

        Sharp and radical maneuvers after planes had commenced dives.

      2. Ships against torpdeo attacks:

        1. One ship at anchor veered chain and backed causing two torpedoes to miss the bow by about 20 feet.

        2. Sharply turned either towards or away from torpedo planes after they had commenced their attack and combed the path of the torpedoes.

      3. Planes versus planes

        The Japanese planes encountered were identified as single engine, single float, two seat biplanes, pronounced taper to the wings and considerable sweep back with a single faired strut between the

--12--

        float and fuselage. See Enclosure (E) for sketch. The planes were highly maneuverable and the pilots seemed to particularly favor split "S" and snap rolls which were extremely well executed, to break off engagements. The planes were well camouflaged with brown and grey coloring, identification marks only on wing tips. The estimated speed of these planes was 115 - 140 knots. It appeared that three of the planes were equipped with a fixed cannon on the upper wing, these planes had no rear seat gunner, the other two had a rear seat gunner and no cannon, number of machine guns unknown.

    1. Dissemination of information by squadron and division leaders was hampered by poor radio performance in the VSB airplanes.

    2. A total of 76 - 1,000 lb. bombs were dropped, two of which were duds, the arming wires were attached to the planes on their return which indicates that the duds were caused by failure of the fuses.

    3. All Scout Bombers were severely handicapped by fogging of the windshields and sights during their dive. In the first attack made by VS-5 from an altitude of 19,000 feet, the fogging was so bad that the sights could not be used. It is imperative that this difficulty be eliminated as soon as possible.

    4. Shore Establishments

      Pilots reported that the shore establishments at TULAGI ISLAND and at the seaplane base at MAKAMBO ISLAND appeared intact and had not been destroyed when evacuated. The Japanese were basing at least five seaplanes at MAKAMBO ISLAND on the day of the attack.

    5. Anti-Aircraft Fire

      The ships in the harbor put up a heavy barrage of AA fire and kept firing as long as the planes were in sight. Several pilots report AA fire from MAKAMBO

--13--

      ISLAND. It was observed that there was a large percentage of duds in the AA fire from the Japanese ships.

    1. The results obtained from direct hits on large vessels with Mark 13 - 1,000 lb. bombs, fused with Mark 21 and 23 fuses, were disappointing. It is believed that the Mark 21 and 23 fuses are too quick acting and it is therefore recommended that a slower fuse of approximately 1/25th of a second delay be provided. It is believed this would allow the bomb to explode well inside the ship instead of on contact which appeared to be the case in this attack.

 

E. BUCKMASTER.

 

Copy to:
Ch. of BuAer.

 

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Last updated: January 31, 2003

Transcribed and formatted by Jerry Holden for the HyperWar Foundation