AP-10 U.S.S. MC
CAWLEY
War Diary and Action Reports November 1942,
War Diary
The McCawley apparently did not submit a diary for the month of November
ACTION REPORT
USS MC CAWLEY AP-10
Serial 023 23 November 1942
Report of Battle off Guadalcanal, 12 1942.
Report covers action while unloading troops and cargo off
Kukum, Guadalcanal at 1412(-11), operating in Task Force 67.
Attacked by 21 Japanese torpedo planes. (C.O. Capt. C.P.
McFeaters, USN).
U.S.S. McCAWLEY
From: The Commanding Officer
To: The Commander Amphibious Force, South Pacific.
Subject: Report of Battle off Guadalcanal, November 12,
1942.
Reference: (a) U.S. Navy Regulation, Article 712.
Enclosures: (A) Statement of Executive Officer.
(B) Statement of Gunnery Officer.
1. Enclosures (A) and (B) are forwarded herewith.
2. The ship was underway at 1324, six minutes after
receiving warning of approach of hostile aircraft.
This ship was formation guide of Commander Task
Force SIXTY-SEVEN during maneuvers and the torpedo
plane attack. The commanding officer was at the
conn. The chronological data was more fully
observed by Commander R.H. Rodgers, USN., Executive
Officer, and Lieutenant Commander E.C. MacMurdy,
D-V(G), USNR., as contained in enclosures (A) and
(B).
3. The commanding officer has noted a vast improvement
in plane identification, fire discipline, and
particularly accuracy of fire (notably leading
instead of lagging). The addition of two 20mm.
and eight .50 caliber guns has added considerably
to the volume of fire. It is believed that
transport batteries and are more effective for low
flying torpedo planes then for high altitude
bombing.
4. The performance of duty of Commander R.H. Rodgers,
USN., was outstanding and I specially recommend him
for a silver star citation in addition to
Lieutenant Commander Hamblett and Lieutenant
Commander MacMurdy. Commander Rodger, although
only on board a limited time, took hold immediately
and arranged the effective planning that was
directly responsible for the expeditious unloading
of troops and over 100,000 cubic feet of cargo in
about nine hours, thus permitting ship to 100%
complete its mission of aid to reinforcing
Guadalcanal.
5. The commanding officer particularly desires to pay
the highest tribute to an under sized crew who
performed a superhuman task of completely unloading
this vessel. It really has been a pleasure to
serve with such a splendid crew. Previous
recommendations to fill this vessel to a complement
of 490 men should be accomplished in order to allow
for some relief's on station and also for
casualties. At present no relief's are possible
and all men are served meals on station and in the
boats.
6. Also the commanding officer desires to commend all
the reserve officer complement who preformed their
duties with utmost zeal and efficiency. It has
been a pleasure during my two years on this vessel
to observe young officers grow up to make efficient
and dependable officers.
C.P. McFeaters.
U.S.S. McCAWLEY
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L November 16, 1942.
From: The Executive Officer.
To: The Commanding Officer.
Subject: Report of Battle off Guadalcanal, November
12, 1942.
Reference: (a) Articles 874(6), and 948, U.S. Navy
Regulations, 1920.
Enclosure: (A) Statement of Gunnery Officer.
1. Enclosure (A) forwarded herewith is concurred in.
2. Following chronological data is submitted, all
times November 12, 1942, (-11 ZT.)
0642 This vessel was anchored off KUKUM Guadalcanal, 600
yards from the dock, engaged in combat unloading,
all hands in the Transport Area condition of
readiness, ship in material condition of readiness
AFFIRM. Ship was fired on by an enemy shore
battery of one or more 155mm. guns (estimated).
Shots fell close aboard but no damage inflicted.
Supporting vessels engaged enemy shore battery and
this vessel continued unloading at an incredible
and record breaking pace with co-ordination and
coolness of all officers and crew.
1318 Received warning of approach of hostile aircraft.
1324 Underway as formation guide. Task Force 67, zig-
zagging by signal on base course 340°(T), wind N.E.,
force one, sea clam.
1407 Sighted twenty-one Japanese torpedo planes
approaching from over Florida Island. Planes
identified as Japanese Mitsubishi "97", torpedo
bombers, twin engine.
1412 Opened fire with three inch battery, followed
closely by 20mm., and .50 calibre batteries.
1420 Ceased firing, 1043 rounds fired.
1435 Changed course and returned to anchorage, continued
unloading.
1825 Underway one hundred percent unloading completed.
Task accomplished. Received "Well Done" from Task
Force Commander.
3. Following personal observations are submitted:
(a) The twenty-one enemy planes came in column from
both flanks. After dropping torpedoes they passed
through the formation. Our fire discipline was so
excellent that although planes approached from many
directions all were taken under fire.
(b) I counted eleven planes to crash into the water.
Only one planes was seen escaping. This planes was
attacked by a fighter and downed. Of the twenty-
one torpedo planes I saw no other attacked by
planes.
(c) Six enemy planes were fired at by this vessel.
Hits were observed on each of them. All crashed.
Two planes were taken under intense fire close
aboard and brought down. There was cross fire from
several vessels on each of the planes fired at by
this vessel.
(d) The complete unloading of this vessel of full holds
and capacity troops and personal baggage was
accomplished by back breaking performance of all
hands far beyond the ordinary dictates of duty.
4. Following recommendations are made based on
performance mentioned:
(a) A fighter patrol of only six planes is not adequate
for the size of the force screened.
(b) That two more 20mm., guns be installed.*
(c) That four 3"/50 calibre guns be replaced by two
40mm., double barreled guns.
(d) That the complement of this vessel be increased to
490 in order that our battery can be completely
manned during unloading. This is considered
urgent.
(e) That an advance transport move be screen by either
a combat carrier or one or more converted carriers
carrying fighters at immediate vicinity of action.
(f) That any troop movement be preceded by a conference
of the troop commander with the ship in order to
eliminate useless cargo. This vessel carried too
much of this type.
(g) That the practice of wetting down all decks at
general quarters be continued. It is noted that
other vessels followed the McCAWLEY in this which
during this and later action of screening force
resulted in a minimum of fire loss.
5. Discipline was excellent. All hands performed
their duties with coolness, braveness, and
efficiency. To single out individuals for personal
mention is most difficult. However, the following
outstanding achievements are noted and
recommendations made:
(a) Lieutenant Commander Cyril B. Hamblett, D-M,
U.S.N.R., is recommended for a silver star citation
as follows:
"For outstanding performance of duty under fire.
This officer as First Lieutenant organized and
directed the unloading of this vessel so that
although under fire by shore batteries and enemy
planes the loading continued and was accomplished
in record breaking time, and thereby contributed
most materially to the accomplishment of the Task
Force mission.
(b) Lieutenant Commander Ernest G. MacMurdy, D-V(G),
U.S.N.R., for a silver star citation as follows:
"As Gunnery Officer of this vessel, while under
torpedo plane attack this officer coolly directed
the fire of three separate batteries in such an
outstanding manner that all enemy planes in range
were kept under fire, at one time engaging four
separate planes. His performance is considered
even more outstanding when it is considered that
although 25% of his crew were new and no
opportunity for training offered he was able not
only to produce an unsurpassed battery performance
but perfect discipline".
R.H. Rodgers.
AP10/A16-3
Serial (021)
U.S.S. McCAWLEY
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
November 14, 1942.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
From: The Gunnery Officer.
To : The Commanding Officer.
Subject: Report of Action with enemy on November 12, 1942.
Reference: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations 1920, Arts. 712 & 874(6).
1. Action, November 12, 1942.
(a) At 1318 while in transport area off Kukum, Lunga
Point, Guadalcanal, report was received of approach
of thirty (30) hostile aircraft. All ships got
underway and steered zigzag courses in area between
Guadalcanal and Florida Islands, while preparing
for attack. General Quarters stations were manned
and at about 1407, twenty-one (21) Japanese
Mitsubishi "97" torpedo bombers were sighted
approaching at low altitude from Florida Island
making typical torpedo approach.
Transport were screened by cruisers and destroyers
during initial phases of the attack and fire was
opened at 1412 by the U.S.S. ATLANTA followed
immediately by our 3"/50 Cal. Battery.
After releasing torpedoes, planes did not make any
attempt to gain altitude but continued approach at
altitudes of 50 to 100 feet weaving in and out and
around all ships in formation evidently assuming
that our forces would hesitate to fire for fear of
hitting our own ships. However fire was opened by
our 20mm. and .50 Cal. A.A. batteries and four of
the enemy bombers were shot down in flames by this
ship's guns, three on port side one on starboard,
in only a few minutes time.
Nine of the bombers were shot down in the immediate
vicinity of our ship, one circled the beach and was
shot down by a shore batteries and landing boats in
the water, and two were observed escaping in the
direction of Cape Esperance. Fire was opened on
these planes with #1 3"/50 Cal. and a hit was
scored at about 4000 yards on one and the other was
hit by one of the destroyers. Both planes went
into long glides leaving long trails of smoke,
finally lighting on the water between Savo Island
and Cape Esperance where they were later demolished
by destroyer gun fire.
A total of twelve planes were shot down by surface
ships and the remainder by our land based fighters.
One plane was seen crashing into the U.S.S. SAN
FRANCISCO in flames, igniting the area in the
vicinity of the main mast. Flames were quickly
subdued but damage was not observed.
(b) All gun crews are to be commended for their
coolness under fire and for their marksmanship in
shooting down five planes out of total of twelve
for all ships.
(c) No casualties occurred and the ship suffered no
damage.
E.G. MacMurdy
Lieut. Comdr., D-V(G), U.S.N.R.
AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
Office of the Commander
U.S.S. ARGONNE, Flagship,
November 29, 1942.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
McCAWLEY conf. Ltr.
AP10/TS133 serial 023
Of November 23, 1942.
From Commander Amphibious Force, South Pacific.
To: Commander South Pacific Force.
Subject: Report of Battle off GUADALCANAL,
November 12, 1942.
1. Forwarded.
2. Attention is invited to the recommendations made in
paragraph 4 of the basic letter. Approval is recommended
in the case of Lieutenant Commander HAMBLETT and Lieutenant
Commander MacMURDY. Both of these officers took an active
part in the operations commencing on August seventh. Since
that time, they have reentered the GUADALCANAL area with
their ship on September eighteenth, October thirteenth, and
November twelfth. On these occasions, the ship was
subjected to high-altitude bombing and torpedo attack. The
Gunnery Department of the U.S.S. McCAWLEY gave a very
creditable performance and contributed to the shooting down
of at least six enemy aircraft. Lieutenant Commander
MacMURDY, as Gunnery Officer, is responsible for the fine
performance of the gun crews of this vessel. On three
occasions, the unloading of the U.S.S. McCAWLEY was
interrupted by hostile attacks, in spite of which a very
large percentage of her cargo was unloaded. Lieutenant
Commander HAMBLETT, as First Lieutenant, was responsible
for the organization and supervision of the unloading of
this ship on all occasions.
3. Approval is not recommended in the case of Commander
RODGERS at the present time.
R.K. TURNER
Copy to:
CO McCAWLEY
Comairsopac
SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
McCAWLEY Conf. Ltr. AP10/
A16-3, Serial 023 dated
November 23, 1942.
From: The Commander South Pacific Area and South
Pacific Force.
To: The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: Report of Battle off GUADALCANAL, November 12,
1942.
1. Forwarded.
2. Action taken on the recommendations for awards will be the
subject of separate correspondence.
W.F. HALSEY
U.S.S. McCAWLEY at Guadalcanal
The Flagship Under Fire
Morning broke hot and still over Kukum beach, Guadalcanal, November 12, 1942.
USS McCawley-the big transport and flagship of Task Force 67-lay anchored just six hundred yards off
the shore, her holds yawning open. Cargo nets swung constantly as Marines heaved ammunition,
rations, and personal kits into waiting boats. The winches groaned without pause, their tempo matched
by the splash of landing craft nosing back and forth through the oily harbor chop.
The crew had been at it since dawn. The First Marine Division needed everything they carried-food,
cartridges, fuel, spares-and the McCawley's undermanned crew of fewer than 400 sailors worked like
men possessed. Sweat slicked their backs. Meals were grabbed standing up, often on station, hands still
black with grease or powder.
At 0642, the first test came. The thunder of enemy shore batteries echoed down from the jungle ridges,
heavy Japanese 155mm guns lobbing shells into the transport anchorage. Two splashes fell close aboard
the McCawley, tall geysers of green water rising against her gray hull. The concussion rattled plates, but
the crew didn't break stride. Supporting cruisers and destroyers opened up, their broadsides booming
until the Japanese guns fell silent. Unloading continued-if anything, faster than before.
By midday the men thought perhaps their luck would hold. Then came the radio warning.
At 1318: hostile aircraft inbound.
At 1324, the McCawley weighed anchor and got underway, assuming her place as formation guide of
Task Force 67. She zigzagged steadily on course 340°T, engines thrumming, the sea calm and deceptively
serene.
At 1407 the lookouts sang out the inevitable: twenty-one Japanese twin-engine torpedo planes,
Mitsubishi Type 97s, sliding in low over Florida Island. Black crosses of death, sunlight glinting off their
canopies, they came on in perfect column formation.
"Stand by… Commence firing!"
At 1412 the McCawley's three-inch batteries thundered, followed by the rip of her .50 caliber machine
guns and the hammering chatter of her 20mm Oerlikons. The air shook with the sheer volume of fire,
tracers streaking out in white-hot streams. Her additional mounts-two new 20mms and eight .50s-
poured fury skyward, every man remembering the August landings and vowing not to be caught flat-
footed again.
The Japanese came in from both flanks, splitting the formation, each plane picking its target. Torpedoes
splashed into the sea, their silver tracks slicing toward the convoy. Cruisers and destroyers weaved
desperately. The McCawley herself heeled hard over, still leading the screen.
The gunners held their discipline. They didn't chase every shadow, didn't fire wild. Instead, they led their
targets-calculated, deliberate. One torpedo bomber bore in low on the port side, intent on delivering
the kill. The gunners raked it stem to stern; flames blossomed, and it cartwheeled into the sea. Another
came close aboard starboard, riddled by crossfire, breaking apart before it could release.
The attack lasted just eight minutes, but it felt like an eternity.
By 1420 it was over. Smoke curled from the sky, oily black columns marking where planes had smashed
into the waves. The Executive Officer, Commander R.H. Rodgers, later counted eleven torpedo planes
destroyed in the water, with another brought down by a fighter. Of the twenty-one attackers, none
escaped. Not one.
The McCawley herself had claimed six, her gunners hitting every target they engaged.
By 1435, the formation had turned back toward Kukum. And by 1825-after hours of backbreaking
labor-McCawley had completed the impossible: her entire cargo unloaded, her mission one hundred
percent accomplished. The flagship received a simple signal from the Task Force Commander: WELL
DONE.
Captain C.P. McFeaters, pacing the bridge, knew just how much that "Well Done" had cost. His
undermanned crew had performed like veterans, unloading more than 100,000 cubic feet of cargo under
fire from both land and air, and then meeting the torpedo planes with cool precision. His junior reserve
officers-men who had come aboard untested-had matured overnight into dependable leaders.
Some would be recommended for Silver Stars. Commander Rodgers for his flawless organization and
calm under fire. Lieutenant Commander Cyril Hamblett, who drove the unloading with bulldog
determination even as shells fell. Lieutenant Commander Ernest MacMurdy, who directed the batteries
with such precision that at one point four separate planes were kept simultaneously under fire.
The captain wrote it plainly: an undersized crew who performed a superhuman task… it has been a
pleasure to serve with such men.
And when darkness fell on November 12, 1942, McCawley swung at anchor once more, her holds empty,
her decks weary, her men bone-tired. They had done their part for Guadalcanal. Tomorrow, the sea
might claim them-as it had so many others in Ironbottom Sound-but for now, they stood unbroken.
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
McCAWLEY AP-10
The second McCAWLEY (AP-10), formerly SS SANTA BARBARA, was completed in 1928
by the Furness Shipbuilding Co., Haverton Hill-on-the-Tees, England; acquired
by the Navy from Grace Lines 26 July 1940; renamed McCAWLEY 29 July 1940; and
commissioned 11 September 1940, Capt. H. D. McHenry in command.
On 19 February 1942, McCAWLEY got underway for Iceland with troops embarked.
She returned to New York 25 March and then steamed to Norfolk en route a new
assignment with the Pacific Fleet. Transiting the Panama Canal 18 April, she
discharged marine aviators at Pago Pago 8 May and continued on to Wellington,
New Zealand.
Joining Amphibious Force, South Pacific, she became the flagship for Rear
Adm. R. K. Turner shortly before the first Allied counter invasion of the
war, Guadalcanal. On 7 August, the campaign started; at 0800 landings were
made at Tulagi, at 0919 on Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. Air raids commenced on
the 8th; McCAWLEY's guns scored their first kills, destroying three, possibly
four planes. On the 9th, she witnessed the flares of the Battle of Savo
Island, in which American heavy cruisers ASTORIA (CA-34), QUINCY (CA-39),
VINCENNES (CA-44) and Australian heavy cruiser CANBERRA were lost and
American heavy cruiser CHICAGO (CA-29) was severely damaged. The transports
continued to unload cargo until sailing for Noumea that afternoon.
McCAWLEY returned to Guadalcanal 18 September with supplies and
reinforcements, departing again the same day with wounded and POWs.
Unfortunately, aircraft carrier WASP (CV-7) was lost and battleship NORTH
CAROLINA (BB-55) and destroyer O'BRIEN (DD-415) were damaged by torpedoes
while protecting this troopship convoy.
On 9 October, the transport again got underway for Guadalcanal in a convoy
carrying over 2,800 reinforcements. One of the support groups for the convoy
was Rear Adm. Norman Scott's cruiser force, which, on the night of 11 and
12 October, defeated an enemy force off Cape Esperance, insuring successful
completion of the troop movement. McCAWLEY landed her troops and cargo,
returning once more to Noumea with wounded and POWs.
On 8 November, McCAWLEY departed Noumea with other units of TF 67 for
Guadalcanal. Two cruisers and three destroyers under Rear Adm. Daniel J.
Callaghan supported them. At the same time, another convoy, covered by a
cruiser and four destroyers under Rear Admiral Scott, set out from Espiritu
Santo. Further direct support for the operations was to be supplied by
battleships and destroyers of TF 64.
Transports from Espiritu Santo arrived at Lunga Point on the 11th, McCAWLEY's
group from Noumea on the 12th. By dusk on the 12th, as reports of Japanese
ship movements from Truk increased, 90 percent of the transports' lading had
been discharged, despite torpedo plane attacks. The transports were pulled
out and sent back to Espiritu Santo, while Admiral Callaghan's and Admiral
Scott's combined force gallantly engaged the enemy fleet in the initial
action of what would later be called the Naval Battle for Guadalcanal.
The battle, lasting 12 to 15 November, cost the Japanese two battleships, one
cruiser, three destroyers, and 11 transports. The United States lost two
cruisers and seven destroyers, and Admirals Callaghan and Scott were both
killed.
On 24 November, McCAWLEY departed Noumea for overhaul at Wellington. She
returned to New Caledonia 10 January 1943 with 1st Marine Raiders and the 3d
Parachute Battalion. After discharging those units, she loaded Army troops
and construction equipment and resumed supply runs to Guadalcanal.
McCAWLEY, redesignated attack transport APA-4 on 1 February 1943, continued
to supply Guadalcanal until mid-June. At that time, she began preparations
for the New Georgia and central Solomons campaign. At 0643 on 30 June,
she began off-loading for the landing at Rendova Island, near New Georgia.
Twice, before completion at 1350, operations were halted to prepare for air
attacks which did not materialize. Then, as the withdrawing column entered
Blanche Channel, torpedo planes attacked. McCAWLEY's gunfire brought down
four; but a torpedo hit in McCAWLEY's engine room, killed 15 of her crew, and
knocked out all power.
Following the attack, Admiral Turner and his staff transferred to destroyer
FARENHOLT (DD-491). Rear Admiral Wilkinson remained in McCAWLEY to command
salvage operations, while attack cargo ship LIBRA (AKA-12) took the
transport in tow and destroyers RALPH TALBOT (DD-390) and McCALLA (DD-488)
stood by to assist.
At 1640 all the crew, except the salvage party, were taken off by RALPH
TALBOT. Soon afterward, the group was attacked by dive bombers, and McCAWLEY
was strafed, but no further damage was inflicted as the salvage party manned
her guns to splash one of the three planes destroyed. By 1850, the draft aft
had increased to 38 feet, and Admiral Wilkinson ordered McCALLA alongside to
take off the salvage party. Within the hour all hands were aboard McCALLA
and pulling clear of the stricken transport.
At 2023 the final blow came. The doomed ship was again torpedoed and in 30
seconds she sank in 340 fathoms. The following day, it was learned that six
motor torpedo boats had torpedoed an "enemy" transport in Blanche Channel,
after having been informed there were no friendly forces in the area. PTs
were then placed directly under Admiral Turner and given a liaison officer to
keep them informed.
McCAWLEY received five battle stars for World War II service.
McCawley-class Class
APA-4 McCawley (ex AP-10)
APA-5 BARNETT (ex AP-11)
Dimensions
Displacement: 1,3800 (full load)
Length: 486' 6" (oa)
Beam: 64'
Draft: 26'
Armament
4 3"/50 DP
2 40 mm twins
10 20 mm
Carrying capacity
Cargo DWT: 26 LCVP
2 LCM (3)
1,400 troops
Propulsion
Speed: 14 (kts) (max)
12.5 (kts) (econ)
Horsepower: 8,000 (shaft)
Drive: Diesel
Screws: 2
Fuel: 1,100 (tons)
Links to other web-sites with information on the
U.S.S. McCAWLEY
NavSource
Online Has photos of AP-10
Naval Historical Center Has info. and photos of
the U.S.S. McCAWLEY
