DD-433 U.S.S. GWIN
War Diary and Action Reports November 1942,
S E C R E T
W A R D I A R Y
U.S.S. GWIN (DD433)
From November 1,1942
To November 30,1942
Original to Chief of Naval Operations
(Office of Naval Records and Library)
Copies to: None except advance carbon
Copy to OpNav.
U.S.S. GWIN (433)
DD433/A12
Serial: 0050
Ts/133
S E C R E T
REPORT FOR THE COMMANDING OFFICER U.S.S. GWIN (433)
Enclosures: (A) C.O. USS GWIN Secret Serial 0047 of November
16, 1942 - "Night Action, 14-15 November 1942".
(B) Track Chart.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 1, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Force 65 less Task
Groups 65.4 and 65.7 and NEVILLE, HEYWOOD AND
FORMALHAUT on course 355 at 14 knots, zigzagging
according to Plan #7. Guide in HUNTER LIGGETT;
GWIN in position 5310 conducting radar and sound
search. Cruising disposition 2N. Ships in
company; HUNTER LIGGETT, BARRETT, PRESIDENT HAYES,
ATLANTA, AARON WARD, STERRETT, WALKE, McCALLA,
McKEAN, MANLEY.
1440 0140 Changed fleet course to 315 .
1540 0240 Changed fleet course to 283 .
1705 0405 Changed fleet course to 328 .
1730 0430 Changed fleet course to 283
2100 0800 Position: Lat. 14 07'30" S; Long. 167 21'00" E.
2200 0900 Changed fleet course and axis to 308 .
0100 1200 Position: Lat. 14 07' S; Long. 166 41' E.
Made good since noon yesterday; Course 338 , speed
10 knots.
0210 1310 Changed fleet course and axis to 315 .
0900 2000 Position: 12 58'30" S; Long. 165 26'00" E.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 2, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Force 65 less Task
Groups 65.4 and 65.7 and NEVILLE, HEYWOOD, and
FORMALHAUT in cruising disposition 2N on course
315 at 14 knots, zig-zagging - Plan #7, GWIN in
station 5313 conducting radar and sound search.
1930 0630 Changed fleet course and axis to 350 .
2100 0800 MANLEY commenced maneuvering to deliver mail to
various ships in the disposition.
0028 1128 MANLEY came close aboard port quarter and passed
mail.
0100 1200 Position: 11 08'12" S; 164 04'00" E.
0117 1217 Changed fleet course and axis to 020
0130 1230 Changed fleet course and axis to 350 .
Maneuvered to join Task Force 65.
TASK FORCE 65.
65.1 - HUNTER LIGGETT, BARRETT, PRESIDENT HAYES.
65.2, 65.3 - ATLANTA, STERRETT, GWIN, WALKE,
McCALLA, AARON WARD, FLETCHER,
LARDNER, BENHAM.
65.4 - SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA, BUCHANAN, LAFFEY.
65.5 - MANLEY, McKEAN, NEVILLE, HEYWOOD,
FORMALHAUT.
65.6, 65.7 - PENSACOLA, CUSHING, PRESTON, MUSTIN,
ANDERSON.
65.8 - Cactus Group of 65.1 AND 65.2, 65.3.
65.9 - Aola Bay Group of 65.5 and 65.6, 65.7.
0442 1542 Changed fleet course and axis to 300 .
0658 1758 Changed fleet speed to 15 knots.
Task Force separated into Task Group 65.8 (Cactus
Group) and Task Group 65.9 (Aloa Bay Group).
Annex "A" to Comtaskfor 65 Opplan "C-1" of
October, 1942; annex A dated 1 November, 1942.
GWIN joined Task Group 65.8. Task Group 65.4
joined Task Group 65.8.
0700 1800 Fleet course and axis 150 . GWIN in station 5315,
HUNTER LIGGETT guide.
0845 1945 Changed fleet course and axis to 120z.
0900 2000 Position 10 31' S; 162 41' E.
0945 2045 Changed fleet speed to 12 knots.
1150 2250 Changed fleet speed to 15 knots.
1210 2310 Changed fleet course and axis to 156 (15k).
1240 2340 Changed fleet course and axis to 180 (15k).
1250 2350 Changed fleet course and axis to 270 (15k).
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 3, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group 65.4 and 65.8
in cruising disposition 2N on course 270 at 15
knots, zigzagging - Plan #7, GWIN on station 2000
conducting sound search and radar search; SAN
FRANCISCO guide.
1315 0015 With Task Group 65.4, commenced a sweep to
westward. Changed speed to 20 knots.
1345 0045 Changed formation speed to 23 knots.
1525 0225 Changed formation speed to 20 knots.
1600 0300 Changed formation course to 295 (20 k.)
1605 0305 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
1705 0405 General Quarters. Radar contact from HELENA
bearing 210 .
1720 0420 Radar contact 045 distant 8 miles.
McCALLA sent to investigate contact.
1735 0435 McCALLA sighted enemy submarine on surface and
attacked with main battery and the depth charges.
1805 0505 After having apparently sunk submarine, McCALL
rejoined the formation.
1845 0545 Secured from general quarters and set condition of
readiness II.
1851 0551 Changed speed to 17 knots.
1912 0612 Changed base course to 150 (17k).
2010 0710 Changed base course to 110 (17k).
2100 0800 Position 11 05'00" S; 161 17'30" E.
2115 0815 Changed base course to 090 (17k).
2210 0910 Sighted ATLANTA and four destroyers bearing 060
from HELENA.
0045 1145 Changed base course to 075 (17k).
0100 1200 Position 11 10'00" S, 162 26'12" E.
Made good since noon yesterday: course 2669 , speed
4.0 knots
0125 1225 Changed base course to 055 (17k).
0210 1310 Changed base course to 015 (17k).
0335 1435 Changed speed to 15 knots. Commenced maneuvering
to join forces with rest of Task Force 65.
0340 1440 Changed base course to 000 (15k).
0415 1515 Changed base course to 300 (15k).
0430 1530 Task Force 65 all present except FORMALHAUT. GWIN
still with Task Group 65.4.
0620 1720 LAFFEY relieved Gwin on station with Task Group
65.4.
0638 1738 Joined Task Group 65.8 in station 5315, ATLANTA
guide, zigzagging - Plan #8
0707 1807 Changed base course and axis to 295 (15k).
0715 1815 Changed fleet speed to 13 1/2 knots.
0745 1845 Ceased zigzagging; steered base course 295
(13 1/2k)
0900 2000 Position: 9 58'30" S; 161 52'18" E.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 4, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group 65.8 in
cruising disposition 2N on course 295 at 13 ½
knots. GWIN in station 5315, ATLANTA guide,
transports following.
1415 0115 Changed formation speed to 12 knots.
1600 0300 Maneuvered to form column and transit Sea Lark
Channel. FLETCHER passed ahead to conduct sound
and radar search.
1619 0319 Went to general quarters.
1710 0410 Changed speed to 15 knots. Made a patrol sweep
past Lunga Point. All ships acted independently.
1800 0500 Changed course 340 (12k).
1820 0520 Changed course to 180 (12k).
Transports HUNTER LIGGETT, BARRETT, and PRESIDENT
HAYES arrived in positions 1-3 miles east of Lunga
Point, 1500 yards off the beach and commenced
landing boats to disembark troops and unload
supplies. ATLANTA and destroyers formed anti-
submarine patrol in semi-circle around transports
at 2000-4000 yards. GWIN on patrol west of HUNTER
LIGGETT just off Lunga Point.
1830 0530 FLETCHER rejoined task group and commenced
patrolling, having made no contacts in a sweep out
of Savo Island.
1840 0540 Secured from general quarters. Set Condition I
modified on main battery - all main battery guns
and upper handling rooms manned with Condition II
crews.
1943 0643 Japanese shore battery opened fire on landing
boats from a position just west of Point Cruz. No
visible damage. Intermittent shelling continued.
2020 0720 FLETCHER, on orders from Task Group Commander and
commander screen in ATLANTA, opened fire on
Japanese shore battery.
2022 0722 Japs discontinued firing on landing operations.
2100 0800 Position: 9 21'45" S, 160 01'00" E.
Patrolling at 10 knots.
FLETCHER bombarded shore installations and troops
off and on during forenoon.
2130 0830 Task Group 65.4 approached from Sea Lark Channel
and commenced patrolling offshore from landing
group and destroyers.
2230 0930 HELENA made two short bombardment runs on enemy
shore installations west of Point Cruz on
Guadalcanal Island.
Army P-39 planes made strafing runs on Jap
positions and troops, drawing slight anti-aircraft
fire until it was silenced by HELENA and FLETCHER.
SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA, BUCHANAN, and LAFFEY
bombarded enemy installations and troops in the
vicinity of Koli point Guadalcanal during the
forenoon.
0045 1145 Air raid alarm. General Quarters. Closed
transports to 2000 yards as they began moving out.
0100 1200 Position: 9 22'00" S, 159 58'30" E.
Made good since noon yesterday: course3061/2 ,
speed 71/2 knots.
Transports formed column with cruisers and
destroyers equally spaced around them at 2000
yards forming air defense screen.
Maneuvered to clear Kukum area and to avoid
enemy bombs.
0210 1310 Alert over. Transports returned to positions and
proceeded with unloading. Secured from General
Quarters; set Condition I (Mod.) on main battery.
All cruisers and destroyers resumed former
patrols.
0450 1550 Left patrol to investigate small motor launch
approaching from westward.
0458 1558 Boat discovered to be local militia patrol boat
under U.S. Marine Corps orders.
0530 1630 Task Group 65.4 departed through Sea Lark Channel.
0700 1800 Commenced sortie towards Sea Lark Cannel. WALKE
lead the column and GWIN second - 15 knots.
0820 1920 Cleared Sea Lark Channel.
0835 1935 In Cruising Disposition 2N on course 113 . GWIN in
position 5300, HUNTER LIGGETT GUIDE.
0900 2000 Position: 9 18'30' S, 160 31'00" E.
0947 2047 Changed formation speed to 14 knots.
1100 2200 Changed base course and axis to 140 .
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 5, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group 65.8 in
cruising disposition 2N on course 140 at 14 knots.
GWIN in position 5300, HUNTER LIGGETT guide.
1300 0000 Changed base course and axis to 320 .
1320 0020 Changed formation speed to 15 knots.
1500 0200 Changed base course and axis to 293 (15k).
1740 0440 Commenced forming column to enter Sea Lark
Channel, GWIN second in column.
1750 0450 Entered Sea Lark Channel on course 255 (15k).
1830 0530 Left channel. Maneuvered to sweep ahead of
cruisers and to form anti-submarine screen around
them.
1930 0630 Transports in positions 1500 yards off shore 1-3
miles east of Lunga Point. GWIN commenced
patrolling 1000 - 3000 yards off Lunga Point.
Speed 10 knots.
2100 0800 Position: 9 24' S; 160 03' E.
2125 0825 Left patrol station. Maneuvered to go alongside
ATLANTA to fuel.
2200 0900 At about 9 knots went alongside ATLANTA, starboard
side to her port side. Course 290 .
2212 0912 Commenced turning to starboard while fueling.
2250 0950 Steadied on course 130 .
2326 1026 Having completed fueling, cast off and maneuvered
to regain patrolling position.
2333 1033 Air raid alarm. General Quarters. Transports got
underway and formed column. Maneuvered to form
anti-aircraft screen around transports - circular
screen all cruisers and destroyers. Formation
took evasive action to avoid contact (form.speed
15k).
0008 1108 Changed fleet course to 025 (15k).
0017 1117 Changed fleet course to 045 (15k).
0035 1135 Changed base course and fleet axis to 115 .
Entered Ngela Channel.
0130 1230 Cleared Ngela Channel.
0100 1200 Position: 9 14' S; 160 13' E.
Made good since noon yesterday: course 062 , speed
0.7 k.
0135 1235 Maneuvered to form anti-submarine screen on
transports. Base course 116 , speed 15 knots.
HUNTER LEGGETT guide; GWIN in station 5100.
0140 1240 Commenced zigzagging. Plan #6. Secured from
General Quarters. Set condition of readiness II.
0211 1311 Ceased zigzagging.
0215 1315 GWIN, WALKE, and STERRETT left formation to join
Task Group 65.4 off Aola Bay.
0250 1350 Joined Task Group 65.4 SAN FRANCISCO and HELENA in
column on course 120 . Destroyers forming circular
anti-submarine screen. GWIN in position 5120.
Speed 15 knots. PENSACOLA, MUSTIN and ANDERSON
separated inshore.
0315 1415 Reversed course to 300 - turn 18.
0320 1420 SAN FRANCISCO maneuvered to recover planes.
Shifted screen to cover.
0330 1430 Took new screening station 2090.
0345 1445 Ships right to 120 (15k).
0420 1520 Ships right to 300 (15k).
0449 1549 Ships right to 120 (15k).
0458 1558 HELENA maneuvered to recover planes. Shifted
screen to cover.
0530 1630 Ships right to 300 (15k).
0545 1645 Ships right to 120 (15k).
0615 1715 Ships left to 300 (15k).
0715 1815 Ships right to 110 (15k).
0739 1839 Changed course and fleet axis to 090 speed 14
knots.
0825 1925 Changed base course and axis to 270 (14k).
0900 2000 Position: 9 21'30" S; 160 40'30" E.
0930 2030 Ships right to 090 (14k).
1025 2125 Ships right to 270 (14k). DDs formed column ahead
and astern. GWIN in fourth place.
1130 2230 Ships right to 090 (14k).
1135 2235 PENSACOLA, MUSTIN and ANDERSON joined formation.
1225 2325 Ships right to 270 (14k).
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 6, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group65.4 patrolling
off Aola Bay and east of Lengo Channel,
Guadalcanal Islands, Solomons, on course 270 ,
speed 14 knots. Cruisers in column SAN FRANCISCO
guide, HELENA and PENSACOLA following. Destroyers
forming anti-submarine screen, GWIN in position
5260.
1315 0015 Ships right to 090 (14k).
1415 0115 Ships right to 270 (14k).
1510 0210 General quarters on signal.
1515 0215 Changed formation speed to 10 knots.
1535 0235 Ship right to 090 (10k).
1605 0305 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1620 0320 Column right to 110 .
1625 0325 Changed speed to 16 knots.
1635 0335 Destroyers maneuvered to form anti-submarine
screen on cruisers. GWIN took station 2060.
1645 0345 Secured from general quarters. Set condition of
readiness II.
1750 0450 Changed base course and axis to 130 (16k).
1835 0535 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
1930 0630 Changed base course and axis to 105 (16k).
2100 0800 Position: 9 54' S; 161 34' E.
0032 1132 Changed base course and axis to 35 (16k).
0100 1200 Position: 10 08'30" S; 162 30'30" E.
Made good since noon yesterday: course 112 , speed
6.1 knots.
0545 1645 Changed base course and axis to 180 (16k).
0620 1720 Changed course to 225 (16k). Ceased zigzagging.
0630 1730 Changed course to 245 (16k).
0633 1733 Changed speed to 18 knots.
0642 1742 Changed course to 225 (18k).
0649 1749 Changed course to 205 (18k).
0715 1815 Changed course to 190 (18k).
0720 1820 Changed speed to 15 knots. Took station 5060.
0725 1825 Changed course to 180 (15k).
0755 1855 Changed course to 210 (15k).
0830 1930 Changed course to 180 (15k).
0900 2000 Position: 11 38'00" S; 162 59'30" E.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 7, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group 65.4 on course
180 at 15 knots, zigzagging - Plan #8. GWIN on
station 5060, San Francisco guide.
1837 0537 Ceased zigzagging. Changed course to 100 and
fleet axis.
1900 0600 Resumed zigzagging - Plan #8. Changed speed to 16
knots.
2100 0800 Position: 14 08'30" S; 164 16'00" E.
0100 1200 Position: 14 14'48" S; 164 13'24" E. Mad since
noon yesterday 159 speed 11.8 knots.
0110 1210 Changed base course and fleet axis to 093 (16
knots).
0835 1935 Changed speed to 15 knots.
0900 2000 Position: 14 24' S; 166 19' E.
0950 2050 Changed base course and fleet axis to 110 (15
knots).
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 8, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group 65.4 on course
110 at 15 knots zigzagging Plan #8. Cruisers in
column, San Francisco guide; destroyers forming
anti-submarine screen. GWIN in position 5060.
1435 0135 Ceased zigzagging. Changed base course and fleet
axis to 155 (15K).
1447 0147 Changed base course and fleet axis to 195 (15k).
1540 0240 Changed base course and fleet axis to 165 (15k).
1545 0245 Changed course 125 and changed formation speed to
18k.
1548 0248 BUCHANAN was ordered out to investigate radar
contact bearing 065 from BUCHANAN. Contact
discovered to be friendly vessel.
1602 0302 Changed course to 155 (18k)
1610 0310 Changed course to 175 (18k)
1620 0320 Changed course to 185 (18k)
1623 0323 Changed base course and fleet axis to 220 (18k)
1630 0330 Commenced zigzagging. Commenced maneuvering to
enter port.
1810 0510 Cruisers commenced entry toward "White Rock" off
"Button". Maneuvered to screen cruisers.
1850 0550 Destroyers commenced forming column for entry.
GWIN last in column.
1952 0652 Moored starboard side to port side of LAFFEY
alongside KANKAKEE in Berth 4, Segond Channel,
Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
2306 1006 Got underway to shift.
0003 1103 Anchored in berth C-1, Button, in 14½ fathoms of
water, 90 fathoms of chain to starboard anchor.
0030 1130 Underway to shift.
0055 1155 Anchored 20 fathoms of water in Berth c-1, Button,
with 90 fathom of chain to the starboard anchor on
following bearings: Belchif outer beacon, 301½ ;
beacon at water's edge, 300 ; and Brigstock Point
right tangent, 270 .
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 9, 1942
Anchored in Berth C-1, Segond Channel, Espiritu
Santo, New Hebrides, in 20 fathoms of water with
90 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor.
2340 1040 Anchored began dragging. Commenced making
preparations to get underway.
0020 1120 After dragging about 800 yards on a flood tide,
got underway and maneuvered to find a better
anchorage.
0040 1140 Anchored in 21 fathoms of water with 90 fathoms of
chain to the port anchor on the following bearing:
Small dock, 300 ; Belchif Point outer beacon, 039-
3/4 .
0046 1146 LAFFEY anchored about 400 yards to westward.
0050 1150 Anchor began dragging. Made preparations to get
underway.
0103 1203 While heaving in port anchor chain, commenced
backing to attempt to maintain distance from
LAFFEY, which was dragging down on GWIN.
0104 1207 Veered port chain.
0107 1207 With anchor chain full out and engines backing,
came into contact with LAFFEY, which was also
dragging. Bow of GWIN met starboard side of
LAFFEY by starboard boat davits. At time of
contact, GWIN was in position with following
bearings: Belchif Point outer beacon near water's
edge, 326 ; right tangent Aore Island, 211
After three definite collisions, anchor chain
parted and GWIN backed clear. Damage was
insignificant except that anchor windless was
damaged so as to make it inoperative.
0118 1218 Buoyed and slipped remainder of port anchor chain
on following bearings: Belchif Point outer beacon,
346 ; outer beacon near water's edge, 296 ; right
tangent Aore Island 222 .
Maneuvered to go alongside PENSACOLA.
0203 1303 Moored port side to starboard side of PENSACOLA in
Berth A-6, Segond Channel.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 10, 1942
Moored port side to PENSACOLA in Berth A-6, Segond
Channel, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
1825 0525 Underway on orders of Comtask Group 67.4 to sortie
with task group 67.4 and carry out orders
contained in ComTaskForce 67 despatch 072332 of
November, 1942. Rear Admiral Tisdale In
PENSACOLA, CTG 16.9.
Maneuvered to clear harbor via north of Tutuba
Island. Destroyers STERRETT, PRESTON, LAFFEY,
CUSHING, BUCHANAN.
1922 0622 Commenced anti-submarine screen off Tutuba Island.
1955 0655 Formed cruising disposition - cruisers in column,
SAN FRANCISCO guide, HELELNA and PENSACOLA
following. Destroyers formed anti-submarine
screen. GWIN in Station 4250. Course and axis
140 , speed 17 knots.
2005 0705 Changed base course and axis to 180 (17k).
2014 0714 Changed base course and axis to 200 (17k).
2020 0720 Changed base course and axis to 220 (17k).
2035 0735 Changed base course and axis to 240 (17k).
2050 0750 Changed base course to 270 (17k) and fleet axis.
2055 0755 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
2100 0800 Position 15 51' S; 167 10' E.
2250 0950 Changed base course and axis to 290 .
2300 1000 Changed base course and axis to 320 .
0100 1200 Position: 15 27' S; 166 13' E.
0240 1340 Maneuvered to cover cruisers while they launched
planes. Ceased zigzagging.
0200 1300 HELENA, LAFFEY and PRESTON left formation to take
station 20,000 yards on starboard beam of SAN
FRANCISCO.
0303 1403 SAN FRANCISCO commenced firing main battery in
offset practice towards HELENA.
0309 1409 SAN FRANCISCO ceased firing.
0310 1410 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8, base course 320 .
0349 1449 Ceased zigzagging. Covered cruisers while they
maneuvered to recover planes.
0425 1525 Planes recovered. Resumed base course 320 (17k).
0432 1532 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
0638 1738 In accordance with signal, changed course to 135 ,
with PENSACOLA and PRESTON as Task Unit 67.4.4
GWIN took station 2045, speed 15 knots.
0645 1745 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
Proceeding as ordered by NPM #965 of 10 November.
Cipher not held by GWIN.
0703 1803 Ceased zigzagging. Changed base course and axis
to 170 .
0900 2000 Position: 15 04' S; 165 34' E.
1200 2300 Changed base course and axis to 092 (15k).
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 11, 1942
Steaming in company with PENSACOLA and PRESTON on
course 092, speed 15 knots. GWIN in stationed
2045.
1700 0400 Changed base course and axis to 122 (15k).
1730 0430 Changed base course and axis to 092 (15k).
1800 0500 Changed speed to 20 knots. Commenced zigzagging -
Plan #14.
1818 0518 Changed base course and axis to 070 (20k).
1845 0545 Changed base course and axis to 000 (20k).
1905 0605 Ceased zigzagging.
1912 0612 Maneuvered to patrol off entrance and follow
PENSACOLA and PRESTON into port.
1940 0640 Steered various courses at various speeds while
entering harbor.
2115 0815 Moored port side to starboard side of GUADELOUPE
in Berth D-3, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
Fueled
2135 0835 PRESTON came alongside to starboard and fueled.
2336 1036 PRESTON left from alongside.
2350 1050 Underway from alongside GUADELOUPE.
0017 1117 Moored starboard side to port side of PENSACOLA in
Berth A-7, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 12, 1942
Moored starboard side to PENSACOLA in BerthA-7,
Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
1858 0558 Underway with PENSACOLA and PRESTON - Comsopac
dispatch 110202 of November. Proceeded to join
Task Force 16, forming Task Group 16.9. Steered
various courses at various speeds leaving harbor.
1922 0622 Entered channel between eastern mine fields.
1928 0628 Cleared channel between eastern mine fields.
1937 0637 Commenced antisubmarine patrol off Tutuba Island
for sortie of PENSACOLA.
2100 0800 Position: 15 42' S; 167 21' E.
2105 0805 Maneuvered to from on PENSACOLA.
2120 0820 Took station 2315 on PENSACOLA on course 230 ,
speed 20 knots, commenced zigzagging - Plan #14.
2125 0825 Changed base course and axis to 270 .
2155 0855 Changed speed to 16 knots.
0000 1100 Changed base course and axis to 288 (16K).
0100 1200 Position: 15 45'42" S; 166 17'30" E.
0800 1900 Changed base course and axis to 000 (16k).
0855 1955 Changed speed to 15 knots.
0900 2000 Position: 14 58'30" S; 164 39'00" E.
Changed base course and axis to 287 (15k).
1100 2200 Ceased zigzagging. Course 287 (15k).
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 13, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group 16.9 on course
287 , speed 15 knots, destroyers forming
antisubmarine screen, GWIN in station 2315,
PENSACOLA guide.
1819 0519 Changed base course and axis to 305 (15k).
Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
2013 0713 Changed bas ecourse and axis to 270 (15k).
2100 0800 Position: 14 06' S; 161 37' E.
2101 0801 Maneuvered to screen PENSACOLA as she recovered
planes.
2106 0806 Changed course to 200 (15k).
2113 0813 Maneuvered to approach disposition and join
formation with Task Force 16.
2145 0845 Joined Task Force 16. O.T.C. (CFT 16) in
ENTERPRISE; other ships: WALKE, BENHAM, RUSSELL,
ANDERSON, HUGHES, MUSTIN, WASHINGTON, SOUTH
DAKOTA, SAN DIEDO, CLARK, NORTHAMPTON.
Set all clocks ahead one hour to Zone Minus 12
time
2210 1010 Maneuvered screen ENTERPRISE in flight operations.
2230 1030 Completed flight operations. Base course 015 ,
speed 20 knots. Maneuvered to approach ENTERPRISE
for guard mail.
2246 1046 Emergency turn left to 290 , speed 25 knots.
Torpedo wake reported sighted ahead of BENHAM.
BENHAM proceeded to investigate.
2250 1050 Changed speed to 28 knots.
2255 1055 Changed course to 210 . Changed speed to 20 knots.
2300 1100 Changed course to 300 (20k).
2315 1115 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #9.
2322 1122 Ceased zigzagging.
2325 1125 Changed base course to 015 (20k).
2332 1132 Commenced further approach to ENTERPRISE to
receive guard mail.
2344 1144 Closed aboard starboard quarter, received guard
mail from ENTERPRISE.
2346 1146 Completed transfer of guard mail. Cleared
ENTERPRISE. Maneuvered to approach PENSACOLA to
transfer guard mail.
2350 1150 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #9. BENHAM returned
to formation - no contact.
0000 1200 Position: 13 58' S; 61 43' E.
Made good since noon yesterday: course 291.8,
speed 12.8.
0005 1205 Maneuvered to screen ENTERPRISE during flight
operations - course 110 (28k).
0015 1215 Changed course to 135 (28k).
0025 1225 Changed course to 015 .
0030 1230 Changed base course to 270 . Changed speed to 20
knots.
0048 1248 Commenced zigzagging - base course 270 - Plan #9.
Maneuvered to approach PENSACOLA to transfer guard
mail.
0105 1305 Emergency turn left to 180 (20k).
0107 1307 Changed course to 190 (20k).
0112 1312 Changed course to 270 (20k).
0114 1314 Changed course to 000 (20k).
0115 1315 Sound contact bearing 160 . Gave alarm. Proceeded
to develop contact.
0117 1317 Dropped two Mark 7 depth charges as embarrassing
attack. Commenced search in area for submarine.
0155 1355 No further contacts. Maneuvered to rejoin
formation and to approach PENSACOLA.
0315 1515 Rejoined formation. Base course 180 , speed 20
knots.
0325 1525 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #9.
0340 1540 On base course 180 at 20 knots. Came close aboard
port quarter of PENSACOLA. Transferred guard mail
to and received guard mail from PENSACOLA.
0346 1546 Completed exchange of guard mail. Cleared
PENSACOLA's quarter. Maneuvered to deliver guard
mail to PRESTON.
0411 1611 Close aboard port quarter of PRESTON. Commenced
delivery of guard mail.
0419 1619 Cleared PRESTON's qside.
0429 1629 Took place in disposition on base course 180 ;
fleet axis 000 , formation speed 20 knots,
zigzagging - Plan #9. GWIN screening port bow of
PENSACOLA.
0610 1810 Ceased zigzagging - course 180 .
0613 1813 Changed base course to 000 . (20k).
0630 1830 Maneuvered to screen ENTERPRISE during flight
operations.
0648 1848 Flight operations completed. Resumed base course
000 , speed 20 knots.
0700 1900 On orders from CTF 16 (130645 of Nov.), exchanged
station with CLARK. Maneuvered to take position
on starboard bow of SOUTH DAKOTA.
0723 1923 On signal from TF 16, OTC, stood away with Task
Force 64 - Rear Admiral Lee CTF 64 in WASHINGTON,
SOUTH DAKOTA, BENHAM, PRESTON, GWIN. Task Force
64 remained on base course 000 and made 24 knots
speed, Task Force 16 withdrew to westward.
0730 1930 BB's formed line normal to base course, WASHINGTON
Gideon right; GWIN in station 5020. DD's forming
antisubmarine screen.
0755 1955 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #11 - base course 000 .
0800 2000 Position: 13 59'06" S; 161 55'42" E.
0810 2010 Changed formation speed to 26 knots.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 14, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Force 64 on base
course 000 , speed 20 knots. BB's in line abreast,
WASHINGTON guide; DD's forming antisubmarine
screen; GWIN in station 5020, zigzagging - Plan
#17.
1201 0001 Ceased zigzagging.
1203 0003 Changed base course and axis 315 (26k).
1217 0017 Changed formation speed to 23 knots. Commenced
zigzagging - Plan #17, Course 315 .
1600 0400 Changed formation speed to 26 knots.
1805 0605 Changed formation speed 23 knots.
1845 0645 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base course 315 .
1850 0650 Changed base course to 225 (23k).
1903 0703 Changed formation speed to 18 knots.
1910 0710 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #9, base course 225 .
1950 0750 Ceased zigzagging. Resumed base course 225 .
2000 0800 Position: 10 36'36" S; 159 39'30" E.
2003 0803 Changed base course to 315 (18k).
2035 0835 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #9, course 315 .
2300 1100 Air alert. DD's closed in to antiaircraft
screening stations, GWIN in station 3045. Changed
base course to 240 .
2307 1107 Changed course to 100 (18k).
2325 1125 Changed base course to 150 (18k).
2330 1130 No more contacts. Secured from air alert.
Commenced zigzagging - Plan #9.
0000 1200 Position: 10 14'30" S; 159 11'12" E.
0036 1236 Changed base course to 100 (18k).
0145 1345 Changed base course to 280 (18k).
0230 1430 DD's spread out to regular antisubmarine stations,
GWIN in 502.
0235 1435 Changed base course to 345 (18k).
0355 1555 Emergency turn right to 075 (18k). Planes
reported.
0405 1605 Changed base course to 130 .
0410 1610 Resumed zigzagging - Plan #9.
0440 1640 Changed base course to 150 (18k).
0541 1741 Changed base course to 320 (18k).
0615 1815 Changed formation speed to 23 knots.
0700 1900 Formed column, WASHINGTON guide, SOUTH DAKOTA
following, DD's leading in order WALKE, BENHAM,
PRESTON, GWIN.
0702 1902 Column right to 346 923k), WALKE leading turn.
0704 1904 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #17 - base course 346 .
0800 2000 Position: 9 39' S; 159 25' E.
0803 2023 Column right 020 , WALKE leading turn.
0910 2110 Went to general quarters. Set material condition
"A".
0911 2111 Ceased zigzagging.
0914 2114 Column right to 090 (23K), WALKE leading turn.
1041 2241 Column right to 150 (23k), WALKE leading.
1100 2300 Prep tare boats on patrol out of Ringbolt made
contact with BB's. BB's were reported to Cactus
control and then properly identified. Prep tares
continued their patrol near Savo Island.
1131 2331 Changed formation speed to 17 knots.
1145 2345 Column right to 270 (17k), WALKE leading.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 15, 1942
Steaming with Task Force 64 on course 270 , speed
17 knots in column - WALKE, BENHAM, PRESTON, GWIN,
Rear Admiral Lee in WASHINGTON guide, SOUTH
DAKOTA. WALKE leading all column movements.
Searching for enemy units reported in vicinity of
Savo Island. All hands at their stations; ship in
material condition "A". Sea calm, visibility
unlimited, moon showing occasionally through
clouds, night fairly dark.
1213 0013 SOUTH DAKOTA reported enemy contact bearing 330 ,
range 16,300 yards. (See enclosure A and B).
0200 1400 Held funeral services and burial at sea for men
who were killed during action last night.
Position 10 50' S; 160 28' E.
0406 1406 Captain of BENHAM decided to abandon ship because
of her damaged condition. Maneuvered to go
alongside of BENHAM.
Sea had been building p all day. Unable to
maneuver alongside with only one engine in
operation. Both ships rolling heavily in trough
of sea.
0430 1630 Stood close aboard BENHAM while crew went over
board either in their one motor whaleboat, on life
rafts, or in the water swimming.
0621 1821 Received on board last officer and man from
BENHAM. Maneuvered into position to destroy her
by torpedoes and/or gunfire to prevent her
becoming a menace to navigation or falling into
unauthorized hands.
Expended four (4) torpedoes, Mk 15-1, None hit.
#1 exploded prematurely on apparently normal run
about 400 yards from GWIN.
#2 passed under bow of BENHAM on apparently normal
run and kept going. Depth setting 10 feet.
#3 made a broaching run and angled off to right
about 90 from original course. Depth setting was
zero, wave 8' high.
#4 made apparently normal run except for an
initial kick to the right about 5 and another to
the left about 10 and missed the BENHAM's stern.
Fired on BENHAM with main battery. Numerous
fires were kindled before one salvo caused a
tremendous explosion which apparently broke the
ship in two abaft the stack. Explosion appeared
to be torpedo warhead(s). Ship sank with bow
and stern rising up and touching as she went
down amidships.
Position: 10 50' S; 160 53' E. Time 1938.
0740 1940 Proceeded on base course 130 at 16 knots.
Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
0945 2145 Ceased zigzagging. Resumed base course, 130 (16
knots)
0955 2155 Changed speed to 15 knots.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 16, 1942
Steaming alone on starboard engine with crew of
ex-BENHAM on board, course 130 , speed, 15 knots.
1808 0608 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #15, base course 130 .
2000 0800 Position: 12 41'36" S; 162 55'00" E.
0000 1200 Position: 13 23'48" S; 162 42'48" E.
Made good since noon yesterday: Course 129.5 sp.
10.9 kn.
0400 1600 Set all clocks back one hour to zone 11 time.
0458 1558 Ceased zigzagging.
0500 1600 Changed course to 170 (15 knots).
0501 1601 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
0625 1725 Changed base course to 090 (15 knots).
0835 1935 Changed base course to 130 (15 knots).
0900 1200 Position: 14 42'18" S; 165 29'36" E.
0925 2025 Sighted NICHOLAS and SHAW searching for GWIN and
BENHAM.
0930 2030 Ceased zigzagging. Joined formation with other
DD's forming protective screen on either bow.
Base course 134 , speed, 15 knots.
0950 2050 Resumed zigzagging - Plan #8, base course 134 .
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 17, 1942
Steaming in company with FLETCHER and SHAW on base
course 134 , speed 15 knots, zigzagging - Plan #8.
GWIN guide, other DD's forming anti-submarine
screen on bows. Only starboard engine in use.
Crew of ex-BENHAM embarked for passage.
1500 0200 Ceased zigzagging.
1502 0202 Formed column in order SHAW, GWIN, FLETCHER.
1504 0204 Changed course to 136 (15 knots).
1531 0231 Column left to 090 (15 knots).
1551 0251 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8
1705 0405 Ceased zigzagging - Plan #8.
1715 0415 Column right to 098 (15 knots).
1805 0505 Column right to 100 (15 knots).
1855 0555 Column left to 050 (15 knots).
1905 0605 Column left to 000 (15 knots).
Commenced steaming on various courses at various
speeds approaching channel through mine fields.
1951 0651 Entered channel between eastern entrance mine
fields - course 344 .
1958 0658 Cleared mine field. Steered various courses
headed for mooring.
2034 0734 Moored port side to starboard side of McCALLA in
Berth D-4, Segond Channel, Espiritu Sano, New
Hebrides.
0318 1418 Underway. Maneuvered to go alongside tanker.
0407 1507 Moored port side to starboard side of TAPPAHANNOCK
in Berth D-7.
Fueled.
All BENHAM personnel were transferred to HELENA
for passage, except wounded were transferred to
Mobile Hospital, Button.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 18, 1942
Moored alongside TAPPAHANNOCK in Berth D-7, Segond
Channel, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
0420 1520 Underway from alongside TAPPAHANNOCK under orders
Comtaskgroup 62.7. Maneuvered to clear harbor.
0449 1549 Received general signal that submarine had been
located bearing 270 from CURTISS (Comairsopac)
Reversed course and stood to westward toward
contact.
0455 1555 In vicinity of CURTISS received orders to proceed
with original sortie. Submarine was outside
western mine fields.
0500 1600 Reversed course.
0518 1618 On course 165 entered channel through eastern mine
fields.
0527 1627 Cleared all mine fields.
0530 1630 Proceeded to anti-submarine patrol off Tutuba
Island.
0543 1643 SAN FRANCISCO (CTG 62.7) and HELENA sortied in
column and came to base course 125 at 18 knots.
STERETT, BUCHANAN, and GWIN formed antisubmarine
screen on 4000 yd. Circle, GWIN, in station 4315.
0546 1646 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #8.
0601 1701 Changed base course and axis to 180 . Changed
speed of formation to 20 knots.
0616 1716 Changed formation speed to 18 knots. Changed base
course and axis to 230 .
0635 1735 Changed base and axis to 270 (18 knots).
0650 1750 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base course, 270 .
0706 1806 Commenced zigzagging - Plan #6 - base course 270 .
0716 1816 Ceased zigzagging.
0717 1817 Commenced zigzagging - Plan 8 - base course 270 .
0800 1900 Changed base course and axis to 180 (18 knots).
0900 2000 Position: 16 08'30" S; 166 52'00" E.
Changed base course and axis to 165 (18 knots).
0930 2030 Submarine sound contact dead ahead. Made
emergency report to other ships.
0933 2033 Dropped two Mk. 7 depth charges in embarrassing
attack. Maneuvered to develop further contacts.
0955 2055 Sighted KITTY HAWK and ELLETT trailing Task Group
62.7 at about 10 miles and losing distance. Gave
ELLETT report on contact.
1005 2105 No further contact. Proceeded to rejoin
formation.
1030 2130 Rejoined Task Group 62.7. Base course 165 , speed
18 knots.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 19, 1942
Steaming in company with Task Group 62.7 on base
course 165 , speed 18 knots, zigzagging - Plan #8.
SAN FRANCISCO following HELENA (CTG 62.7) guide in
column. DD's forming anti-submarine screen - GWIN
in station 4315. Steaming on starboard engine.
2100 0800 Position: 19 19' S; 167 58' E.
Changed base course and axis to 158 (18 knots).
0040 1140 Sighted what appeared to be a periscope dead
ahead, 1500 yards, gave alarm to other ships.
0045 1145 Dropped two Mk. 7 depth charges in embarrassing
attack. Maneuvered to develop further contacts.
No sound contact has been made at all.
0100 1200 Position: 20 12' S; 168 22' E.
0142 1242 No further contacts. Maneuvered to regain
position. Made about 211/2 knots.
0600 1700 In formation still maneuvering to regain station.
Changed base course and axis to 235 (18 knots).
Zigzagging - Plan #8.
0730 1830 Changed base course and axis to 180 (18 knots).
0900 2000 Position: 22 17'42" S; 168 22'00" E.
0945 2045 Changed base course and axis to 220 (18 knots).
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 20, 1942
Steaming on starboard engine in company with task
Group 62.7 0n base course 220 at 18 knots,
zigzagging Plan #8. HELENA (CTG 62.7) guide SAN
FRANCISCO in column. DD's forming anti-submarine
screen, GWIN in station 4315.
1400 0100 Changed base course and axis to 270 (18 knots).
1600 0300 Changed base course and axis to 305 (18 knots).
1857 0557 Changed base course and axis to 030 (18 knots).
2000 0700 Changed base course and axis to 047 (18 knots).
2031 0731 Changed formation speed to 15 knots. Maneuvered
to patrol off reef while cruisers entered
2058 0758 Commenced approach to Bulan Passage following
other ships.
2100 0800 Position: 22 32'00" S. 166 24'30" E.
2105 0805 Entered Bulan Passage on course 050 .
2110 0810 Passed Swedee Light abeam to port. Maneuvered to
approach harbor - various course and speeds.
2240 0940 Arrived off Dunbea Bay. Lay to awaiting orders
to proceed.
0100 1200 Position: 22 14'48" S. 166 22'00" E.
Made good since noon yesterday: course 223 sp.
6.9 Kn.
0208 1308 Moored port side to starboard side of S. S. J. C.
DONNELL (Sm) in Berth 24, Dunbea Bay, off Noumea,
New Cledonia.
Fueled.
0438 1538 Underway. Commenced approach to Great Roads.
0504 1604 Passed through net at entrance to harbor.
0600 1700 Moored starboard side to port side of STACK and
LAMSON in Berth on following bearing: tall
chimney, 078 ; beacon "L", 152 .
0713 1813 Underway on orders to shift berth. Commenced
maneuvering around harbor.
0833 1933 Moored starboard side to port side of STERETT
alongside BUCHANAN, alongside SOUTHARD, alongside
HOPKINS, alongside WHITNEY in Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 21, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels in
nest: HOPKINS, SOUTHARD, BUCHANA, STERETT and YP
boat #99.
0015 1115 O'BANNON came alongside to port.
0325 1425 Vice Admiral Wm. F. Halsey, Comsopac, made an
informal inspection of the ship with two members
of his staff.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 22, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels in
nest: HOPKINS, SOUTHARD, BUCHANAN, STERETT, and
O'BANNON.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 23, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels in
nest: HOPKINS, SOUTHARD, BUCHANAN, STERETT, and
O'BANNON.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 24, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels in
nest: HOPKINS, SOUTHARD, BUCHANAN, STERETT, and
O'BANNON.
1930 0630 HOPKINS got underway from nest.
0103 1203 STERETT got underway from nest. Moored alongside
BUCHANAN.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 25, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels in
nest: SOUTHARD, BUCHANAN, PORT WANGENEI, O'BANNON.
2034 0734 O'BANNON got underway from alongside and anchored
nearby.
2210 0910 PORT WANGENEI moored alongside to port.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 26, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels in
nest: SOUTHARD, BUCHANAN, PORT WANGENEI.
0824 1924 MORRIS came alongside to port, outboard of PORT
WANGENEI.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 27, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, Berth A3, Great
Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels in
nest: SOUTHARD, BUCHANAN, PORT WANGENEI, MORRIS.
1850 0550 SOUTHARD got underway from nest and proceeded to
ARD #2.
1919 0619 Underway. Maneuvered to go alongside starboard
side of WHITNEY.
2015 0715 Moored port side to starboard side of WHITNEY.
Tender repair force removed #5 five inch gun on
orders of Comsopac to transfer it to NECHES.
0412 1512 Underway.
0442 1542 Moored starboard side to port side of MORRIS in
nest alongside WHITNEY.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 28, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY in Berth A3,
Great Roads, Nomea, New Caledonia. Other vessels
in nest: BUCHANAN, PORT WANGENIE, MORRIS.
0035 1135 FARRAGUT came alongside to port.
0045 1145 CUMMINGS came alongside FARRAGUT to port.
0540 1640 CUMMINGS got underway from nest and anchored in
harbor.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 29, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY, in Berth A3,
Great Roads, Nomea, New Caledonia. Other vessels
in nest: BUCHANAN, PORT WANGENIE, MORRIS,
FARRAGUT.
1840 0540 Underway. Maneuvered to approach and entered
floating dry dock.
1937 0637 Entered ARD #2 IN Berth 59, Dunbea Bay, Noumea,
New Caledonia.
Cleaned the bottom. Repair force from
PROMETHEUS removed port propeller.
0724 1824 Underway. Cleared dry dock. Maneuvered to go to
anchorage in Great Roads.
0900 2000 After three unsuccessful attempts to anchor
(anchor windlass jammed each time), moored
starboard side to PORT WANGENIE alongside
FARRAGUT, alongside BUCHANAN, alongside WHITNEY in
Berth A3, also MORRIS.
G.C.T. L.C.T. November 30, 1942
Moored in nest alongside WHITNEY in Berth A3,
Great Roads, Noumea, New Caledonia. Other vessels
in nest: BUCHANAN, FARRAGUT, PORT WANGENIE,
MOORIS.
Various PT boats came alongside and got underway
again throughout the day.
John Benjamin Fellows, Jr.,
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy,
Commanding.
U.S.S.GWIN (433)
DD433/A16-3 c/o Postmaster,
Serial: 0047 San Francisco, Calif.,
TS/133 November 16, 1942
S E C R E T
From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander, Task Force 64,
Subject: Report of Night Action 14-15 November, 1942,
Reference: (a) Art. 712(2)(3) and 874(6), U.S. Navy
Regulations, 1920.
Enclosure: (A) Track Chart.
1. The report required by reference (a) follows in
chronological order:
TIME
GCT LCT EVENT
Formation column, destroyers in van at standard
distance, order, WALE, BENHAM, PRESTON, GWIN.
Battleships in column about 5000 yards astern.
Course 270, speed 18.
1213 0013 SOUTH DAKOTA reported contact bearing 330, range
16,300. GWIN observed two cruisers, believed to be
MOGAMI type, bearing 355, range about 14,000.
1214 0014 Column right to 300.
1219 0019 SOUTH DAKOTA opened fire.
1220 0020 Speed 23.
1221 0021 Set up torpedo director on cruiser target, target
angle 90, speed 25. As tube ready lights were turned
on, the center barrel of tube 2 fired due to a short
circuit. The cruisers were beyond effective range for
high speed setting.
1222 0022 WALKE reported target 20 on starboard bow and opened
fire.
1223 0023 GWIN fired two star shell spreads to illuminate
cruisers under fire of battleships. Fuse setting 45
seconds, range 12,000 yards.
Fired two salvos AA common at cruisers but range
was to great for the gunfire to serve other than
distraction purposes. Checked fire.
1226 0026 Opened fire on right hand ship of what appeared to be
one cruiser and four destroyers which were apparently
in column and circling SAVO island in a counter-clock
wise direction. Target bearing 350 true, estimated
range 10,000. Target angle 80 .
1227 0027 One of the two cruisers on our starboard quarter
is now flaming, and the other apparently retiring
to the northwest.
1229 0029 WALKE burning and has pulled out of column to port.
BENHAM and Preston are still firing at targets which
Appear to be DDs. Targets are very difficult to
Distinguish as they are masked by Savo Island.
1230 0030 We hit with the two consecutive salvos. Target which
had been firing 4-gun salvos now is replying with one
gun. Hitting gun range 8500, relative bearing 80,
target angle 110.
1231 0031 We are being fired upon by a KUMO type cruiser on our
port quarter.
1232 0032 PRESTON exploded dead ahead, distant 300 yards. Almost
simultaneously, ship received 4.7 caliber hit which
entered forward starboard side of #2 engineroom about
4 feet above water line. It apparently exploded in
in the vicinity of the control station, killing all
personnel on the upper level, filling the engineroom,
after 20 mm clipping room and gun four upper handling
room with steam, driving the crew out of the handling
room. General lighting is out in guns 4 and 5 but they
still have power and battle lighting.
All safety links on the torpedoes failed. Three
torpedoes slid out of #1 mount and over the side. The
remaining torpedoes in both tubes slid part way out.
Came hard right to avoid PRESTON and then resumed
course 300. Making 300 R.P.M. on starboard engine.
1233 0033 Flames from the PRESTON have subsided, but her depth
charges exploded right after we had passed her and
gave the ship quite a shaking up.
Ship received an unknown caliber hit at break of
deck, starboard side, from frame 188, leaving a jagged
hole about 2 square feet in are. This was evidently
a ricochet on its upward traverse. Starboard depth
charge rack was badly distorted. Two 600-pound depth
charges were broken open and their contents spilled.
1234 0034 Ship is still firing at flashes in the lee of Savo
Island, using guns one, two and five. One of the
battleships has destroyed the cruiser firing on our
port quarter. Torpedo crossed astern, coming from
starboard, missing stern about 30 yards. BENHAM has
disappeared from formation.
1236 0036 Ceased firing due to lack of suitable targets. All
firing has ceased temporarily.
1245 0045 Task Group Commander ordered DD's to retire.
1250 0050 Ship is acting very tender. Took a fifteen degree
roll to port and was very slow in recovering.
Repair party has not been able to determine watertight
integrity status of #2 engineroom because of escaping
steam. Boilers 3 and 4 have been secured and after
bulkhead stops closed. Ammunition is being removed
from #4 upper handling room, shell room, and jettisoned.
A fire hose is playing on the 20 mm ammunition
In the after clipping room.
1300 0100 Ordered jettison bill placed in effect.
1305 0105 Observed WASHINGTON bearing about 030 true, distant
6000, and SOUTH DAKOTA bearing 080 concentrating upon
a large cruiser and destroyer caught between them.
1315 0115 O.T.C. announced that WASHINGTON was retiring, and
directed SOUTH DAKOTA to join.
GWIN retiring, steaming on various courses at 15
knots to keep about 10 miles off Gaudalcanal.
1340 0140 Repair party reported that #2 engineroom was not
making water. Ceased jettison operations. Five
depth charges in port rack had been dropped, set
on safe, and provisions located in F.D. radar
compartment (vacant) had been thrown over.
1500 0300 BENHAM reported her position as 9-30 S, 159-30 E,
course 160, speed 10. GWIN closed to sight contact
with BENHAM and then took her course and speed.
1530 0330 Have lost sight of BENHAM. Called on TBS and
learned that see had slowed to eight knots.
Reversed course to reestablish contact.
1615 0415 Took station 1000 yards on BENHAM's port quarter,
and retired in company at 8 knots.
1900 0700 Course 130 , speed 12.
J. B. FELLOWS, Jr.
Information on the U.S.S. GWIN DD-433
DICTIONARY OF FIGHTING SHIPS
History of the U.S.S. GWIN DD-433
The third Gwin (DD-433) was launched 25 May 1940 by the Boston Navy Yard;
sponsored by Mrs. Jesse T. Lippincott, second cousin of Lt. Comdr. Gwin and
commissioned at Boston 15 January 1941, Lt. Comdr. J. M. Higgins in
command.
Gwin completed shakedown training 2O April 1941 and underwent final
alterations in the Boston Navy Yard before conducting neutrality patrol
throughout the Caribbean Sea. On 28 September 1941 she assumed identical
service in the North Atlantic from her base at HvalfJordur, Iceland. After
the infamous raid on Pearl Harbor, she hurried back to the Eastern Seaboard
thence through the Panama Canal to San Francisco, Calif.
On 3 April 1942 Gwin stood out of San Francisco Bay as a unit of the
escort for carrier Hornet who carried 16 Army B-25 bombers to be launched
in a bombing raid on Tokyo. Admiral William "Bull" Halsey in carrier
Enterprise rendezvoused with the task force off Midway, and Gen. "Jimmy"
Doolittle's famed raiders launched the morning of 18 April when some 600
miles east of Tokyo. The task force made a rapid retirement to Pearl
Harbor, then sped south 30 April 1942, hoping to assist carriers Yorktown
and Lexington in the Battle of the Coral Sea. That battle concluded before
the task force arrived, and Gwin returned to Pearl Harbor 21 May for day
and night preparations to meet the Japanese in the crucial battle for
Midway Atoll.
Gwin departed Pearl Harbor 23 May 1942 with Marine reinforcements for
Midway and returned to port 1 June. Two days later she raced to join the
Fast Carrier Task Force searching for the approaching Japanese Fleet off
Midway. But the crucial battle was all but concluded by the time she
arrived on the scene 5 June 1942. Four large Japanese aircraft carriers
and a cruiser rested un the bottom of the sea along with some 250 enemy
planes and a high percentage of Japan's most highly trained and experienced
carrier pilots. The Island of Midway was saved to become an important base
for operations in the western Pacific. Likewise saved, was Hawaii, the
great bastion from which attacks were carried into the South Pacific and
Japan itself. But there were American losses too. Gwin sent a salvage party
to assist in attempts to save carrier Yorktown (CV-5), heavily damaged by
two bomb and two torpedo hits in the Battle of Midway. As attempts
continued 6 June 1942, a Japanese submarine rocked Yorktown with torpedo hits
and sank destroyer Hamman who was secured alongside the carrier. The
salvage party had to abandon Yorktown and surviving men were rescued from
the sea the carrier capsized and sank the morning of 7 June 1942. Gwin
carried 102 survivors of the two ships to Pearl Harbor, arriving 10 June
1942.
Gwin departed Pearl Harbor 15 July 1942 to operate in the screen of fast
carriers who pounded Japanese installations, troop concentrations and
supply dumps as Marines invaded Guadalcanal in the Solomons 7 August 1942.
In the following months Gwin convoyed supply and troop reinforcements to
Guadalcanal. Joining a cruiser-destroyer task force, she patrolled the
"Slot" of water between the chain of Solomon Islands to intercept the
"Tokyo Express" runs of enemy supply, troop and warships supporting
Japanese bases in the Solomons.
On 13 November 1942, Gwin and three other destroyers formed with
battleships Washington and South Dakota to intercept an enemy bombardment-
transport force approaching the Solomons. The following night the task
group found the enemy of Savo Island: battleship Kirishima, 4 cruisers, 11
destroyers, and 4 transports, The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal was hot and
furious. Gwin found herself in a private gun duel with cruiser Nagara and
four destroyers. She took a shell hit in her engine room. Another shell
struck her fantail and enemy torpedoes began to boil around the destroyers.
Though shaken by exploding depth charges Gwin continued to fire at the
enemy as long as any remained within range in a short time the other three
American destroyers were out of action two sinking and Benham surviving
with her bow partially destroyed. But a masterful battleship duel fought by
South Dakota and Washington wrecked Japanese battleship Kirishima. She had
to be abandoned and scuttled as was Japanese destroyer Ayanami. The battle
was over. The gallant American ships had saved Guadalcanal from a savage
bombardment in this naval action that marked a turning point toward victory
for U.S. forces in the Solomons.
Gwin attempted to escort the nose less Benham to Espiritu Santo, New
Hebrides Islands. But when all hope was lost, survivors transferred to Gwin
who hurried Benham's abandoned hulk to the bottom with gunfire. The
survivors were landed 20 November at Noumea, New Caledonia, and Gwin was
routed onward to Hawaii, thence to the Mare Island Navy Yard, arriving 19
December 1942.
Having been overhauled, Gwin returned to the Southwest Pacific 7 April
1943 to escort troop reinforcements and supplies throughout the Solomons.
On 30 June she served with the massive amphibious assault force converging
on New Georgia under the leadership of Rear Admiral Richmond Kelly, Turner.
She supported the most important landings 30 June on the north coast of
Rendova Island, 5 miles across Blanche Channel from Munda. Immediately
after the first wave of troops hit Rendova Beach, Munda Island shore
batteries opened fire on the four destroyers patrolling Blanche Channel.
Gwin was straddled by the first salvo. A moment later a shell crashed her
main deck aft, killing three men, wounding seven and stopped her after
engine. The half-dozen enemy shore batteries were soon silenced as Gwin
laid down an effective heavy smoke screen to protect the unloading
transports. When aerial raiders appeared, her gunners shot down three.
Rendova Island was soon in American possession. It served as an important
motor torpedo boat base to harass Japanese barge lines and a base for air
support in the Solomons.
Gwin escorted a reinforcement echelon from Guadalcanal to Rendova, then
raced out in to the "Slot" 7 July to rescue 87 survivors of cruiser Helena,
lost in the Battle of Kula Gulf. She then joined a cruiser-destroyer task
force under Rear Admiral Walden L. Ainsworth to head off a formidable
"Tokyo Express" headed through the Solomon Islands to land troops at Vila
The battle was joined past midnight of 12-13 July and Japanese cruiser
Jintsu quickly slid to the bottom, the victim of smothering gunfire and
torpedo hits. But four Japanese destroyers, waiting for a calculated moment
when Ainsworth's formation would turn, launched 31 torpedoes at the
American formation. His flagship Honolulu, cruiser St. Louis and Gwin,
maneuvering to bring their main batteries to bear on the enemy, turned
right into the path of the deadly "long lance" torpedoes. Both cruisers
received damaging hits but survived. Gwin was not so fortunate. She
received a torpedo hit amidships in her engine room and exploded in a
burning white heat, a terrible sight. Destroyer Ralph Talbot took off
Gwin's crew after their heroic damage control efforts failed and she had to
be scuttled. Two officers and 59 men perished with the gallant destroyer,
casualties of the Battle of Kolombangara.
Gwin received five battle stars for service in World War II
Gleaves Class
Completed - 1938 - 43
DD 433 GWIN
Notes:
* The question of class the GWIN falls under the Gleaves
Benson Livermore class.
Dimensions
Displacement:
1,620 tons (stand)
2,450 tons (Mean War Service)
Length: 348' (oa)
Beam: 36'
Draft: 14' (max)
Armament
4 5"/38 DP
2 40mm twins (none on DD 366)
7-8 20mm
2 DC tracks
4-6 DC projectors
1 21" TT (quads)
Propulsion
Speed: 33 knots (max)
Max. Cruising radius:
2,400 miles @ 25 knots
4,700 miles @15 knots
Horsepower: 50,0000 (shaft)
Drive: 2 screws; geared turbine
Fuel: 503 tons oil (max)
Remarks:
Links to other web-sites with information on the
U.S.S. GWIN DD-433
To learn more about the U.S.S. GWIN Please visit these
Web-site
Destroyer
History Foundation
Hullnumber.com
NavSource
Online Has photos of DD-433
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