| Class: | Gleaves |
|---|---|
| Commissioned | May 13 1942 |
| Length Overall | 348' 3" |
| Extreme Beam: | 36' 4' |
| Standard Displacement tons Normal Displacement tonsl: |
1,620 2,030 |
| Max Draft: Mean Draft; |
14' |
| Ships Company: | Off. 16; Enl.: 260 |
| Armament: | Primary: (4) 5"/38 cal. DP |
| Armament: | Secondary: (2) 40mm twin (7) 20mm |
| Armament: | Torpedo Tubes: (1) 21" quint. ASW: (6) DCP |
| Designed Speed: | 37.5 knots |
| Designed Shaft Horse Power: | 50,000 shp |
| Screws: | 2 |
| Engine Manufacturer: | Beth |
| Type: | Turbine |
| Fuel (oil) tons | 503 |
Espirito Santo, New Hebrides. Sunday, November 1, 1942.
Zone description: Plus 12 1/2 W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr., USN, Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.2.
Rear-Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, ARRON WARD, BENHAM, FLETCHER and
LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 64.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 64 operation plan # 2 of October 16, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. Anchored. Long. Anchored.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. " Long. "
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 14-30-00 S. Long. 166-50-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 117
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 20.5 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: In Espiritu Santo moored to
tanker, S.S. FLAGSHIP SINCO. At 0735 left side of tanker and
moored to BENHAM and took on ammunition. At 1620 got underway with
Task Group 64.2 and proceeded to rendezvous with Task Force 65.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Enroute to Guadalcanal. Monday, November 2, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2 W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN, Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.2.
Rear-Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, ARRON WARD, BENHAM, FLETCHER and
LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 64.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 64 operation plan # 2 of October 16, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 14-33-00 S. Long. 164-14-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 12-30-00 S. Long. 163-09-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-15-00 S. Long. 160-28-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 300
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 22.8 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Steaming in company with Task
Group proceeding to Guadalcanal to act as sinking group against
any enemy ships present and after that to join Task Force 65. At
1940 ATLANTA reversed course just before entering channel and
with destroyers in column proceed into Indespensible straits.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Operating off Guadalcanal Island. Tuesday, November 3, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr., USN, Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.2,
Rear - Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, AARON WARD, FLETCHER, MC CALLA, and
LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 64 operation plan # 2 of October 16, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: Commander
Task Force 65 operation plan Cast 1.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 10-51-00 S. Long. 161-24-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 11-01-00 S. Long. 162-00-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-53-00 S. Long. 160-28-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 300.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 18.6 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: In Indespensible Straits
steaming in company with Task Group and waiting to rendezvous
with Task Force.
At 1610 fell in with Task Force 65 and took station in screen.
Task Group 64.2 became Task Group 65.8 in new operation order
(See C). 1635 Proceeding with Task Force to Guadalcanal.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Operating off Guadalcanal Island. Wednesday, November 4, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN., Comdg.
(a) (1)Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.2.
Rear -Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, AARON WARD, FLETCHER, MC CALLA,
and LARDNER.
Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
Major Task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 64 operation plan # 2 of October 16, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: Commander
Task Force 65 operation plan Cast 1.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-24-00 S. Long. 160-06-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-25-00 S. Long. 159-59-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-23-00 S. Long. 160-29-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 295.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 13.6 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening task force
proceeding into Guadalcanal. 0635 Transports commenced unloading
LARDNER acting as one of screening vessels.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Operating off Guadalcanal Island. Thursday, November 5, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN., Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.2.
Rear -Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, AARON WARD, FLETCHER, MC CALLA,
and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
(3) Major Task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 65.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-25-00 S. Long. 160-03-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-24-00 S. Long. 160-03-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 10-00-00 S. Long. 161-55-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 115.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 13.2 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening transports in
Indispensible Straits. At 0730 entered channel and at 0830
transports started unloading at Lunga Point. At 1203 Transports
with escorts got underway and headed out from Guadalcanal via
Nggela Channel, departure being hastened by impending air-attack
which took place at 1300, when formation of enemy planes bombed
air field at Guadalcanal.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Enroute from Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo. Friday, November 6, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN., Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.2.
Rear -Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, AARON WARD, FLETCHER, MC CALLA,
and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
(3) Major Task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 65 operation plan Cast 1.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 00-44-00 S. Lang. 164-00-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 12-25-00 S. Lang. 164-09-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 13-32-00 S. Lang. 165-51-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 134.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 15.7 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening transports as
before.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides. Saturday, November 7, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2 W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN.,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 65.8.
Rear - Admiral Scott in ATLANTA. AARON WARD, FLETCHER, MC CALLA and
LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sear frontier, etc: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 65 operation plan Cast 1.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 15-36-00 S. Long. 167-26-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. Anchored. Long. Anchored.
2000 L.C.T. position: " "
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 165.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 16.4 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening transports as
before. At 1054 entered Espiritu Santo harbor and moored to
LACKAWANNA and fueled. At 1330 left from alongside tanker,
anchored and provisioned ship.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached& None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides. Sunday, November 8, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W.M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN.,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.
Rear - Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, AARON WARD, LARDNER, FLETCHER and
MC CALLA.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 65 operation plan Cast 1.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since(b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. positions Lat. Anchored Long. Anchored.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. " Long. "
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. " Long. "
Course made good, 1200 to 1200:
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200:
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Anchored in Espiritu Santo
harbor,
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides. Monday, November 9, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN.,Comdg.
(a) 1 Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4,
Rear Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, AARON WARD, LARDNER, FLETCHER and
MC CALLA plus transports: ZEILIN, BETELGEUSE and LIBRA.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 65 operation plan Cast 1.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Anchored Long. Anchored.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 15-36-00 S. Long. 167-26-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 13-46-00 S. Long. 166-49-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 320.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 16.6 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Anchored in Espiritu Santo
harbor. At 1045 got underway in company with Task Group 62.4 and
proceeding to Guadalcanal acting as screen for transports.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy; None.
Tuesday, November 10, 1942.
Enroute from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN.,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.
Rear Admiral Scott in ATLANTA, AARON WARD, LARDNER, FLETCHER and
MC CALLA plus transports: ZEILIN, BETELGEUSE and LIBRA.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 65.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 65 operation plan Cast 1.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 11-29-00 S. Long. 164-01-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 10-56-00 S. Long. 163-41-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 10-00-00 S. Long. 161-45-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 308.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 17.7 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening transports as
before.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached:
None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal Island. Wednesday, November 11, 1942.
Zone Description: Minus 11. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr., USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4,
Admiral Scott in ATLANTA with Comdesron TWELVE in AARON WARD.
FLETCHER, LARDNER and MC CALLA escorting ZEILIN, BETELGUESE and
LIBRA.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: Operating as
unit of Task Force 67.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Operation plan
A 23-42 of Task Force 67. Commander Task Force 62, despatch
070430 designating task group as 62.4.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since CO) was issued; None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 09-24-30 S. Long. 160-02-30 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 09-24-30 S. Long. 160-02-30 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 09-28-00 S. Long. 160-54-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: Var.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: Var.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: 0445 Lone Task Group arrived
off Lunga Point. Screening transports during unloading and
debarkation. Units remained underway. At 0945, 10 Japanese type
97 dive bombers and 12 zeros made an attack on transports. No
damage was suffered by this vessel by the bombs. The group
steamed around on various courses and speeds in a closed anti-
aircraft screen until the attack was over about 0950 Love at
which time unloading and debarkation was resumed. The unloading
and debarkation was again interrupted at 1125 when thirty bombers
were sighted over Cactus air field. This group made no attempt
to attack the ships and appeared to be out of range of most of
the guns. The Task Group again resumed its unloading and at 1600
love, the ZEILIN escorted by this vessel departed Cactus area for
Button.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Enclosure: (A) Type Action Report "Anti-Aircraft Action by
Surface Ships".
(h) Own firing caused following damage:
(1) Housing of Blower for Fox Dog Radar broken.
(2) Pipe from forward section of torpedo director platform bent
inboard.
(3) Connection on depth charge surge tank on bridge torn from
bulkhead.
(4) Shrapnel cut through pipe arm of port lookout stands.
LOCATION OF SHIP: Off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal Island.
DATE November 11, 1942.
NOTES:
(a) REPEL ATTACK FIRST - Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "Gun Deck" this report - if data cannot be estimated
with reasonable accuracy enter dash in space for which no
data is available.
(c) These sheets are to be filled out immediately after action
is completed with available data from ship's log, memory,
and consultation with ship's officers. Information is
essential in order that the effectiveness of our equipment
can be determined. Where data is of doubtful accuracy fill
in with general terms. The obtaining or this information
must not be allowed in any way to adversely affect the
handling of equipment during action.
1. SURPRISE ATTACK (Yes or No): No
2. METHOD PICKING PLANE UP (Radar, binoculars, naked eye):
Warning of approach of planes received from Cactus control
and over net warning frequency.
(if by radar state type of set) - - -
3. RANGE PLANE WAS PICKED UP (50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles,
less 5 miles): Cactus control picked up planes over 85
miles away bearing 285° T. Ship picked up planes 6000
yards distance, bearing 180° T.
4. NUMBER OF PLANES: Twenty-two (22) planes.
5. TYPE OF PLANES (fighter, Scout, dive-bomber):Nine (9) Aichi
type 97 dive bombers, and thirteen (13) Zero fighters.
6. SPEED AND ALTITUDE: 200 knots, altitude various.
7. GUNS FIRING: ten (1) SIZE: 5"/38 CAL.; 1.10 AAMG, &
20mm. NUMBER: 5" Nos. 1,2,3, &4; 1.10AAMG No. 1 and 20mm
AAMG Nos. 1,2,3,4, and 5.
METHOD of CONTROL: Director and local.
8. AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 37 rounds 5"/38 cal, 150 rounds 1.1
and 420 rounds 20mm.
9. PERCENT SERVICE ALLOWANCE EXPENDED: 23%
10. Approximate time tracking to first shot: Ten (10) seconds.
11. Approximate time of first hits: None
12. Approximate time first shot to last shot: Two (2) minutes.
13. Approximate position angle open fire: 12°
14. Approximate position cease fire: 6°
15. Approximate bearing first shot: 220° T.
16. Approximate bearing last shot: 240°
17. Approximate range first shot: 6000 yards.
18. Approximate range last shot: 8000 yards.
19. Approximate altitude of bomb release: 1500 ft.
TYPE of BOMB: Approx. 150 lb.
20. APPROXIMATE RANGE TORPEDO RELLEASE: - - - yds.
21. HITS on SHIP: None.
22. NUMBER NEAR BOMB MISSES: 0.
CASUALTIES FROM NEAR MISSES: 0.
23. PLANES SHOT DOWN: 0. (POSSIBLE) 0. (DAMAGED) - - -.
24. DETAILS OF DAMAGE TO TARGET BY GUNFIRE IF AVAILABLE: - - -.
25. PERFORMANCE OF AMMUNITION (excellent, good, bad, poor):
GOOD.
26. PATTERN SIZES (large, small excessive): Small
LOCATION OF SHIP: Off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal Island.
DATE November 11, 1942.
NOTES:
(a) REPEL ATTACK FIRST - Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "Gun Deck" this report - if data cannot be estimated
with reasonable accuracy enter dash in space for which no
data is available.
(c) These sheets are to be filled out immediately after action
is completed with available data from ship's log, memory,
and consultation with ship's officers. Information is
essential in order that the effectiveness of our equipment
can be determined. Where data is of doubtful accuracy fill
in with general terms. The obtaining or this information
must not be allowed in any way to adversely affect the
handling of equipment during action.
1. SURPRISE ATTACK (Yes or No): No
2. METHOD PICKING PLANE UP (Radar, binoculars, naked eye):
Warning of plane's approach was received from Cactus
control station and net warning frequency.
(if by radar state type of set) - - -
3. RANGE PLANE WAS PICKED UP (50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles,
less 5 miles): Cactus control picked up planes 302° true,
distance 115 miles. Ship picked up planes optically at
36,00 yards.
4. NUMBER OF PLANES: Thirty (30) planes.
5. TYPE OF PLANES (fighter, Scout, dive-bomber):Twin engine
heavy bombers.
6. SPEED AND ALTITUDE (High and fast, intermediate and fast,
low and fast, high and slow, intermediate and slow, low and
slow): 210 knots, 25,000 feet.
7. GUNS FIRING: Four (4) SIZE: 5"/38 cal.
NUMBER: 5" Nos. 1,2,3, and 4
METHOD of CONTROL: Director
8. AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 74 rounds 5"/38 cal.
9. PERCENT SERVICE ALLOWANCE EXPENDED: 4.6%
10. Approximate time tracking to first shot: Fifteen (15)
seconds.
11. Approximate time of first hits: None
12. Approximate time first shot to last shot: Three (3)
minutes.
13. Approximate position angle open fire: 38°
14. Approximate position cease fire: 42°
15. Approximate bearing first shot: 210° T.
16. Approximate bearing last shot: 150°
17. Approximate range first shot: 14,500 yards.
18. Approximate range last shot: 14,500 yards.
19. Approximate altitude of bomb release: 25,000 ft.
TYPE of BOMB: No bombs fell near ship.
20. APPROXIMATE RANGE TORPEDO RELLEASE: - - - yds.
21. HITS on SHIP: None.
22. NUMBER NEAR BOMB MISSES: None.
CASUALTIES FROM NEAR MISSES: None.
23. PLANES SHOT DOWN: Sure None (POSSIBLE) None.
(DAMAGED) None.
24. DETAILS OF DAMAGE TO TARGET BY GUNFIRE IF AVAILABLE: - - -.
25. PERFORMANCE OF AMMUNITION (excellent, good, bad, poor):
GOOD.
26. PATTERN SIZES (large, small excessive): Small
ENCLOSURE (A)
Thursday, November 12, 1942.
Enroute from Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,USN.,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 67.2,
consisting of FEILIN and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon. Task Force 67.
(3) Major Task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 67 despatch 070430.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 11-24-00 S. Long. 161-19-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 11-55-00 S. Long. 162-05-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 12-44-00 S. Long. 163-06-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 148.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 13.5 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Acting as escort for FEILIN
en route to Espiritu Santo.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Enroute from Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo. Friday, November 13, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER Lt-Comdr., USN. Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 67.2,
consisting of FEILIN and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 67.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order or Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 67 despatch 070430.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 13-40-00 S. Long. 164-55-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 13-45-00 S. Long. 165-51-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 14-20-00 S. Long. 167-02-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 120
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 14.2 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Acting as escort for FEILIN
enroute to Espiritu Santo.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Saturday, November 14, 1942.
Enroute from Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt-Comdr.,USN.Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 67.2,
consisting of FEILIN and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 67.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 67 despatch 070430.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. positions Lat. Anchored Long. Anchored.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. " Long. "
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. " Long. "
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: -
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: -
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: . Acting as escort for FEILIN
enroute to Espiritu Santo. At 0840 entered harbor and moored to
tanker, TAPPAHANACK, and fueled. At 1330 left from alongside tanker
and anchored.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached:
None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Anchored Espiritu Santo Harbor. Sunday, November 15, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.1
consisting of Rear Admiral Lee in WASHINGTON, and SOUTH DAKOTA
plus escorts, STACK, AYLWIN, and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 64.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 64 Operation Plan #2 of October 16, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 15-41-00 S. Long. 167-19-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 15-32-00 S. Long. 166-20-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 13-30-00 S. Long. 163-40-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 312° T.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 23.6 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Anchored in Espiritu Santo
harbor. At 0825, got underway with STACK and AYLWIN and
proceeded to rendezvous with Task Force 64. At 2326 came within
radar contact of Task Force 64. At 2330, proceeding with Task
Force 64 to Noumea.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached:
None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
Enroute Noumea. Monday, November 16, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.1
consisting of Rear Admiral Lee in WASHINGTON, and SOUTH DAKOTA
plus escorts, STACK, AYLWIN, and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 64.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 64, Operation Plan #2 of October 16, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.\
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 15-43-00 S. Long. 163-50-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 16-42-00 S. Long. 162-48-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 19-35-00 S. Long. 161-45-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 193° T.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 22.9 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Screening Task Force 64
enroute to Noumea.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy:
Enroute Noumea. Tuesday, November 17, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.1
consisting of Rear Admiral Lee in WASHINGTON, and SOUTH DAKOTA
plus escorts, STACK, AYLWIN, and LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 64.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Force 64, Operation Plan #2 of October 16, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 22-10-00 S. Long. 164-52-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 22-25-00 S. Long. 166-05-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. positions Lat. Anchored Long. Anchored.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 140° T.
Speed made good, 1200 to 3200: 23.2 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Screening Task Force 64
enroute to Noumea. At 1555 entered harbor and moored port side to
tanker J. C. DONELLY and fueled. At 1610, DALE moored alongside
our starboard side.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
At Noumea. Wednesday, November 18, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W.,M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: None - awaiting
orders from Commander Task Force 62.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Moored.
1200 L.C.T. position: Moored.
2000 L.C.T. position: Moored.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: --
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: --
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Moored in nest with tanker
J. C. DONELLY to port and DALE to starboard in Dumbea Bay, Noumea.
At 1016, DALE left from alongside. At 1036, got underway and
moored alongside DALE at Great Roads Anchorage, Noumea.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
At Noumea. Thursday, November 19, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W.M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: LARDNER.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: None - awaiting
orders from Commander Task Force 62.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Moored.
1200 L.C.T. position: Moored.
2000 L.C.T. position: Moored.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: --
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: --
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Moored alongside DALE in
Great Roads Anchorage, Noumea.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
At Noumea. Friday, November 20, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Unit 62.4.3
consisting of BARNETT and ALCHIBA - transport group, and LAMSON,
HUGHES, and LARDNER - escort group.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3.) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Force.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 Operation Plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Moored.
1200 L.C.T. position: Moored.
2000 L.C.T. position: Moored.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: --
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: --
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Moored alongside DALE in
Great Roads Anchorage, Noumea.
(f) Summary of important, orders received and decisions reached:
None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
At Noumea. Saturday, November 21, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2 W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3
consisting of LARDNER, LAMSON, and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA with tow.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 Operation Plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. Anchored Long. Anchored
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 22-20-00 S. Long. 165-56-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 21-43-00 S. Long. 164-44-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 246° T.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 10.2 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day' s operations, etc.: Moored to Dale in Great
Roads Anchorage, Noumea. At 0713, got underway and proceeded out
of harbor. 1000, formed screen with escorts on transports.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the Untied States Ship Lardner
Enroute from Noumea to Guadalcanal. Sunday, November 22, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr., USN, Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3
consisting of LARDNE, LAMSON and HUGHES escorting BARNETT nd
ALCHIBA with tow.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, ect.: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3Operation Plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unt, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 29-06-00 S. Long. 163-15-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 19-48-00 S. Long. 163-10-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 18-39-00 S. Long. 163-12-00 E.
Course made good 1200 to 1200: 320°
Speed made good 1200 to 1200: 10.3 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day's operation, etc.: Screening as before.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Enroute from Noumea to Guadalcanal. Monday, November 23, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3
consisting of LARDB , LAMSON, and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA with tow.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 Operation Plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 16-43-00 S. Long. 162-11-00 E.
1200 L.C.L. position: Lat. 16-05-00 S. Long. 162-10-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 14-57-00 S. Long. 162-01-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 340° T.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 10.3 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Screening as before.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Enroute from Noumea to Guadalcanal. Tuesday, November 24, 1942
Zone description: 12 1/2 W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3
consisting of LARDB , LAMSON, and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA with tow.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 operation plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 13 06 00 S Long. 162 50 00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 12 38 00 S Long. 163 22 00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 11 42 00 S Long. 164 26 00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 025°
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 11 Knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening as before.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Enroute from Noumea to Guadalcanal. Wednesday, November 25, 1942,
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 64.4.3
consisting of LARDNER, LAMSON, and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA with tow.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior:. Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 Operation Plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 10-29-00 S. Long. 162-59-00 E.
1200 L.C.L. position: Lat. 10-12-00 S. Long. 162-17-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-43-00 S. Long. 161-18-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: 300° T.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 11 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening as before.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Enroute from Noumea to Guadalcanal. Thursday, November 26, 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3
consisting of LARDNER, LAMSON, and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA with tow.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 Operation Plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-22-00 S. Long. 160-04-00 E.
1200 L.C.L. position: Lat. 9-21-00 S. Long. 160-05-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. Anchored Long. Anchored
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: Var. T.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 11.1 Kn.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Screening as before.
1536 anchored in Tulagi Harbor.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Operating off Guadalcanal. Friday, November 27, 1942
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,U.S.N.,Comdg.
(a) 1 Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3,
consisting of LARDNER, LAMSON and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA with tow.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major Task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 operation plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: Commander
Task Group 92 operation order of November 27, 1942, designating
LAMSON and LARDNER AS a striking screen.
(d) 0800 - L.C.T. Position: Lat 9-22-00 S Long. 160-04-00 E.
1200 - L.C.T. position: Lat 9-21-00 S Long. 160-04-00 E.
2000 - L.C.T. position: Lat 9-16-00 S Long. 160-03-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: Various.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 10.5 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Anchored in Tulagi harbor
with Task Group. At 0515 Got underway with Task Group, proceeded
to Lunga Point. At 0730 Transports commenced unloading, escorts
screening to seaward. At 1837 HUGHES and transports returned to
Tulagi, Commander Destroyer Division Nine in LAMSON and LARDNER
lay to off entrance of Tulagi harbor in preparation of carrying
out Commander Task Group 92 operation order. At 2157 Got underway
and proceeded to a position Southwest of Savo Island to intercept
any enemy vessels attempting to land on Guadalcanal.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Operating off Guadalcanal. Saturday, November 28, 1942
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, LT-Comdr.,U.S.N.,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of' the unit: Task Group 62.4.3,
consisting of LARDNER, LAMSON and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 operation plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-22-00 S. Long. 160-01-00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-21-30 S. Long. 160-03-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-24-00 S. Long. 160-04-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: Various.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 12.2 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Patrolling in company with
Commander Destroyer Division Nine in LAMSON, South West of Savo
Island in order to intercept any Japanese attempting to land on
Guadalcanal. 0732 Proceeding with LAMSON to rendezvous with
transports at Lunga Point for resumption of screening operations.
0745 ALCHIBA received torpedo hit on port side and started
burning heavily. LARDNER screening to Westward.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Operating off Guadalcanal. Sunday 29, November 1942.
Zone description: 12 1/2. W. M. SWEETSER, Lt-Comdr.,U.S.N.,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3.
consisting of LARDNER, LAMSON and HUGHES escorting BARNETT and
ALCHIBA.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force 62.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc: South Pacific
Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task
Unit 62.4.3 operation plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: None.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-21-00 S. Long. 160-04.00 E.
1200 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-22-00 S. Long. 160-02-00 E.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 9-22-00 S. Long. 160-04-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: Various.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: 10.6 knots.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc: Screening to Westward of
ALCHEBA as before.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached: None.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: None.
War Diary of the United States Ship Lardner
Operating off Guadalcanal Island. Monday, November 30, 1942.
Zone description: Minus 11 W. M. Sweetser, Lt.Comdr.,USN,Comdg.
(a) (1) Composition and designation of the unit: Task Group 62.4.3
consisting of LARDNER, LAMSON and HUGHES, escorts, BARNETT and
ALCHIBA, transports.
(2) Next higher echelon: Task Force Sixty-two.
(3) Major task force, fleet or sea frontier, etc.: South
Pacific Fleet.
(b) Operation plan or order of Immediate Superior: Commander Task Unit
62.4.3 Operation Plan 2-42 of November 20, 1942.
(c) Changes in the tasks of the unit, since (b) was issued: Commander
South Pacific despatch 300312 directed LARDNER and LAMSON to join
Task Force 67.
(d) 0800 L.C.T. position: Guadalcanal.
1200 L.C.T. position: Guadalcanal.
2000 L.C.T. position: Lat. 09-24-00 S. Long. 160-22-00 E.
Course made good, 1200 to 1200: Various.
Speed made good, 1200 to 1200: Various.
(e) Brief of the day's operations, etc.: Screening ALCHIBA as
before. Received order for Commander Destroyer Division Nine in
LAMSON and LARDNER to join Commander Task Force 67 at 2100, 2
miles east of Nura Island. At 1850 proceeded to rendezvous. At
2052 fell in with Task Force 67 consisting of MINNEAPOLIS,
HONOLULU, PENSACOLA, NEW ORLEANS, NORTHAMPTON, LAMSON, PERKINS,
FLETCHER, DRAYTON, and MAURY and proceeded with force into
Guadalcanal to intercept Japanese force attempting to land
reinforcements. Task Force was formed in column with four
destroyers forward of cruisers and Commander Destroyer Division
Nine in LAMSON and LARDNER in rear of cruisers.
(f) Summary of important orders received and decisions reached:
Commander South Pacific despatch 300312 directed Commander
Destroyer Division Nine in LAMSON and LARDNER to proceed to point
2 miles east of Nura Island and join Task Force 67.
(g) Report of actions or contacts with enemy: Report of night surface
action, Enclosure (A). See micro serial 44807, p. 133