In order to transport heavy equipment to the Japanese army on Guadalcanal, the Japanese army decided to organize a large transport fleet to send 13,500 people and heavy equipment from the 38th Division to Guadalcanal. This fleet consisted of 11 fast ships

Composed of transport ships and 12 destroyers, commanded by the experienced Rear Admiral Tanaka Yorizo, it departed from Shortland Island on the 12th and is scheduled to arrive at Guadalcanal on the 14th. To ensure the safety of this fleet, the combined fleet dispatched 2 aircraft carriers and 4 battleships

, a fleet of 12 cruisers and 36 destroyers will provide cover and support, and will conduct a large-scale bombardment of Henderson Airport on Guadalcanal on the night of 12th and 13th.

In order to meet the Japanese offensive, the US military also made every effort to transport troops, equipment and supplies to Guadalcanal. Halsey also organized a transport fleet to transport about 6,000 Army and Marine Corps troops and heavy equipment, arriving on Guadalcanal on the 12th.

island.

On this day, a flying team equipped with special torpedo planes was also sent to Guadalcanal. They were equipped with modified B-17s and a torpedo plane specially modified for night operations. In order to be able to fly in the dark

After controlling the appropriate height, a special device was installed. This device is actually very simple, just a pair of small searchlights, one red and one green, fixedly installed on the left and right wings respectively. During flight

If the altitude matches the bomb drop height, the light spots illuminated by the two searchlights on the sea will coincide exactly. If the light spots are blue on the left and red on the right, it means that the flying altitude is a bit high. If the light spots are red on the left and blue on the right, well, get ready before you pull up the plane.

Swim in the sea.

Speaking of which, this device was originally invented by the British in 1943. The British used this device to guide the huge Lancaster bombers to fly at ultra-low altitudes over the river at night, and launch fatal attacks on the dams in the Ruhr, Germany.

A ricochet attack. When Ron was on the USS Enterprise, while chatting with a mechanic named Martinez, he casually mentioned this kind of missile that could allow a group of aircraft to fly relatively safely at ultra-low altitudes over the sea.

Method. Unexpectedly, the guy actually did it.

This thing is not of much use to the Navy for the time being, because under the current conditions, it is really difficult for aircraft carriers to fight at night. However, it is still good as a technical reserve. Maybe it can be used to attack others at night.

Military ports and the like. Anyway, the United States was not short of money, so an experimental team was established.

A few months after this team was established, it conducted a night attack demonstration for several navy generals. Of course, the difficulty of this simulated attack was not too great. The targets of the attack were only two target ships moving at a constant speed on the sea.

They can neither dodge nor be very fast. An aircraft drops flares over the target ship to show the corresponding position of the warship. Then the aircraft uses a special high-power searchlight to light up the target. Then 10 torpedoes

The attack group formed by the aircraft quickly dropped the torpedoes. As a result, the two target ships were hit by 3 torpedoes and 4 torpedoes respectively. This hit rate, even considering that the target did not evade, was very high, even higher than during the day.

The reason is that under the cover of darkness, the threat of the ship's anti-aircraft firepower to the torpedo aircraft is greatly reduced. This allows the torpedo aircraft to drop torpedoes at a closer distance.

This exercise left a deep impression on the generals who participated in the exercise. General Nimitz even gave this night-fighting Avenger a new nickname: Night Assassin. However, the carrier-based aircraft searched for enemies in a wide range at night.

The technology of the military fleet is not yet mature, so the use of this kind of fighter aircraft on aircraft carriers is still far away.

General Halsey also watched this drill at the time. When the Japanese general once again used battleships to attack the airport at night, Halsey immediately remembered this experimental unit and sent them all to Guadalcanal.

During the air raids on the 11th day, the Japanese army suffered heavy losses. Therefore, although the water reconnaissance aircraft of the 12th day army discovered the US military transport fleet, they could only send a small group of bombers to harass them instead of a large-scale attack like in history.

The attack was coming. But perhaps because there were fewer planes coming, a Japanese plane actually slipped in without paying attention. The bomber dropped a bomb on a transport ship parked in the port, but it failed to hit.

, not even a near-miss! This also shows that the level of Japanese pilots has really declined significantly. If they were those veterans in the early days of the war, how could they miss a parked ship?

However, this Japanese bomber that penetrated the defense still caused a small chaos, disrupted the originally orderly unloading process, and also sounded the alarm for the cactus, which has been winning consecutive battles these days. Perhaps, a series of victories

Let them start to be proud and careless.

"It seems that ideological work must be done unremittingly!" Ron thought silently, "It's a pity that we don't have a political commissar here. Although there is a military chaplain, his responsibility does not include this."

Throughout the day, the island was preparing to welcome the Japanese fleet that was coming in the evening. Reconnaissance planes were sent out one after another. Relevant reports were continuously sent back: at about 9 o'clock, a reconnaissance plane reported that it was in Gua Gua.

Two Japanese battleships, one cruiser and six destroyers were discovered 335 nautical miles north of Guadalcanal. Later, a reconnaissance plane reported the discovery of five destroyers west of Guadalcanal. At about 15:00, the reconnaissance plane reported the discovery of Japanese troops 265 nautical miles west of Guadalcanal.

There are two military aircraft carriers and two destroyers each. In the afternoon, 90% of the supplies carried by the transport ships have been unloaded. The transport ships can evacuate at any time, but the unloaded supplies have not had time to be transported away, and they are all piled up on the beach. Once attacked

If the army's artillery strikes, these supplies are likely to be burned to the ground. At the same time, the airport may also be bombarded. After consulting the superiors, the transport fleet, escorted by 3 destroyers and 2 minesweepers, left Guadalcanal and headed for Saint Es.

Pilitu Island returned. Rear Admiral Scott and Rear Admiral Callahan, who had originally escorted them, commanded all the escort warships to escort Turner's transport ship to safe waters south of Guadalcanal, and then returned to Iron Bottom Bay. This is a heroic act.

Of course, they knew that their fleet of 8 destroyers and 5 cruisers would not be able to fight against the Japanese fleet with two battleships. What's more, the Japanese Navy had been fighting at night since the Battle of Tsushima.

After taking advantage of the enemy, they attach great importance to night battles. The training intensity in this area is very high and the combat capabilities are quite good. In the previous night battles, against the Americans, even if the opponent had radar, the Japanese really did not suffer.

Too bad. There is no doubt that this was a fierce battle with a near-death experience. In fact, in the original history, Rear Admiral Scott and Rear Admiral Callahan were martyred in this battle. It can also be seen from this that although the Marine Corps

Although he is a separate military branch, his relationship with the navy is really extraordinary. He is definitely his biological son.

Ron, Rear Admiral Scott and Rear Admiral Callahan discussed the night's transfer plan on the radio. According to the plan they set, the fleet was under the unified command of Rear Admiral Callahan, and the destroyers equipped with radar in the fleet went out to use the radar.

Advantages of searching the target. Once the target is found, the target data is transmitted to the air force. The bombers of the air force are responsible for dropping flares to light up the target, and then use large searchlights to illuminate the enemy ships. The fleet begins to fire at the enemy ships, and the dark night assassin formation

Launch a torpedo attack on the enemy fleet from another direction.

Throughout the afternoon, the Dark Night Assassin formation was familiar with the waters near Guadalcanal, more precisely, the terrain in the Iron Bottom Bay area. Major Burke, who led the team, said that it would not be difficult for them to launch a surprise attack in this area.

At 21:30 in the evening, a specially modified B-17 flew into the sky, followed by 10 torpedo planes one after another. At 21:45, the Dark Night Assassin formation completed its takeoff.

Ron was sitting in the first B-17 that took off. This B-17 had almost the entire magazine removed, and the free space was used to install a huge searchlight. This B-17 was originally used for fortress air defense.

The searchlight can ensure that aircraft can use it to illuminate targets on the sea clearly at an altitude of 5,500 meters. At such an altitude, the small-caliber anti-aircraft guns of warships are completely ineffective, and the speed of large-caliber high-level and flat-purpose guns is too low.

The probability of hitting a high-altitude enemy aircraft at night is not much different than buying a lottery ticket. The aircraft still retains a small magazine specifically for throwing illumination bombs.

At about 23:00 that night, the first artillery formation composed of 2 battleships, 1 cruiser and 14 destroyers commanded by Vice Admiral Koki Abe arrived to the west of Savo Island and prepared to enter Iron Bottom Bay via the southern waterway of Savo Island. 23:30

At the same time, the cruiser "Helena" equipped with a new type of radar discovered the Japanese fleet 14 nautical miles away. While Callahan notified the target position to the Dark Night Assassin formation, he ordered the U.S. interception formation to turn to the right in an attempt to seize the advantage.

(In a fleet artillery battle, one side intercepts in front of the other side's column in a horizontal formation. In this way, the intercepting side can use the main guns on the bow and stern to fire at the enemy target, while the enemy can only use the main guns on the bow to fire back, and

The firing of ships in the rear will also be blocked by our own people in front).

After receiving the notification, B-17 dropped several illumination bombs continuously in Area 1. The sea was illuminated, but no Japanese fleet was found on the sea. At this time, because the Japanese fleet entered the island

Under the shadow, the US ship's radar was interfered by the radar waves reflected by the island, and also lost its target.

"Put a few more missiles inward." Ron gave the order while continuing to observe the sea surface with the telescope mounted on the plane. Suddenly a track came into his eyes. "Enemy ship track found!"

Another string of flares was thrown down, and the majestic figures of the Japanese battleships Kirishima and Hiei first emerged on the dark sea...

When the first round of flares was dropped behind the Japanese fleet, Koki Abe knew that the fleet was exposed. At the same time, he also judged that the US fleet operating in the Guadalcanal area during the day had not left, and they were preparing to intercept his fleet and fight with him.

A night battle.

"Observation posts pay attention to the sea surface, and each ship immediately replaces the high-explosive bombs and incendiary bombs originally intended to attack the airport with armor-piercing bombs to attack the warships." Abe immediately issued the order.

Abe did not expect that in addition to the enemy fleet hiding in the darkness, there were even torpedo attack aircraft. Of course, he could not be blamed for this. It was simply unimaginable to use aircraft to attack moving targets in such a dark night.

In the light of the second round of flares, the Japanese fleet was completely exposed in front of Callahan. Callahan was surprised to find that the distance between the two sides had shortened to about 6,000 meters. If he continued to turn right, his fleet would directly compete with Callahan.

The Japanese fleet is mixed together!

"Stop turning, the destroyers launch torpedoes, and all cruisers attack the closest battleship with artillery fire." The t-advantage can no longer be obtained. Then, before the enemy ships have discovered us, launch a preemptive strike. The 155mm cannon on the cruiser

It is impossible to penetrate the 203mm side armor of the King Kong-class battleship, and even the 96-165mm horizontal armor is definitely not something that 155mm shells can chew through. The turret and command tower are even more unthinkable. However, 155mm

The artillery shells can still sweep through the superstructure of this battleship. Especially the fine things related to observation and sighting, but they cannot withstand the bombardment of 155 guns. And once these are destroyed, the battleship will be deaf and blind.

Already.

At 23:40, the US destroyers began to fire torpedoes at the Japanese fleet. At the same time, led by the cruisers USS San Francisco and USS Atlanta, five US cruisers began to fire at the battleship Hiei.

As soon as the U.S. Army opened fire, the muzzle flash was immediately detected by the Japanese Army observation post. The Japanese Army was indeed well-trained in night fighting. As soon as the U.S. Army fired a round of volley, the Japanese Army had already determined the approximate location of the U.S. Army. At this time, Abe

It is estimated that most US destroyers have already fired torpedoes. Compared with US artillery fire, torpedoes are obviously a greater threat. So Abe ordered the destroyers to move forward to launch a torpedo attack on the enemy's artillery formation, while leading the formation to turn to avoid the torpedoes that should have been fired.

U.S. military torpedo.

At a distance of 6,000 meters, it took less than ten seconds for the shells to fall from launch to fall. In such a short time, the Hiei battleship had no time to react, but many of the shells fired by the US military still missed. In this short time, the battleship Hiei had no time to react.

After several rounds of strikes, many of the Hiei battleship's superstructures were damaged, but this did not have a great impact on its combat effectiveness. At this time, the Japanese fleet had completed the task of replacing artillery shells, and the Japanese army's

14 destroyers have also begun to turn towards the US fleet and are preparing to launch a counterattack.

"Port torpedo fire!" After arriving at the corresponding position, Lieutenant Commander Kanma Yoshiyoshi issued the order. Then several powerful 93 acid torpedoes were fired into the dark sea. Lieutenant Colonel Kanma Yoshiyoshi was the legendary Yukikaze.

The fourth captain of the destroyer. But at that time, Yukikaze was far from as famous as he would later be.

Xuefeng is famous because it is truly the No. 1 broom star. It can even be said that she is the king of broom stars throughout the ages. Later generations even described her like this: "When Xuefeng's curse included the entire Pacific Ocean in its course,

At that time, the Japanese navy was still ignorant of the fate it was about to face."

On January 20, Showa 15 (1940), the Japanese Navy's "Kagero" class destroyer No. 8 ship "Yukikaze" was completed. At this time, no one realized that this was a ship with a mysterious curse that could destroy

A super-class broom star who sucked away all the luck of surrounding friendly forces. From this day on, the "Japanese Empire", which was constantly sucking away the luck of the country, gradually moved towards a doomed fate... She participated in almost all the events in the Pacific War.

In any naval battle, no matter how strong the enemy is, Yukikaze can always escape unscathed. However, her friendly ships are not so lucky. When going on a mission with her, the probability of sinking is astonishingly high. So much so that in later generations

Ron also saw such a post: "Yamato + Yukikaze vs. Bismarck + Prince, who wins?" As a result, everyone generally believes that if the battleship Yamato singles out the battleship Bismarck + the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen,

The probability of winning is very high, but if you add Xuefeng, well, in one sentence: "You're dead. Anyone who comes out with Xuefeng will be immortal."

After firing the torpedoes on the port side, Xuefeng began to turn, preparing to launch the torpedoes on the starboard side. In Xuefeng's gorgeous turn, a torpedo launched by the US military passed by Xuefeng, and Xuefeng turned and set off a torpedo.

The waves caused a small change in the course of the torpedo... As a result, the torpedo accidentally hit the destroyer Yudachi, and the Yudachi sank immediately. This was also the first warship sunk that night. Of course,

This isn't the last one.
Chapter completed!