SUNK OFF SANTA CRUZ GROUP

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 32, 2 November 1942, Page 5

SUNK OFF SANTA CRUZ GROUP

Recently - Bombed U.S. Carrier SALVAGE FAILURE (By, Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received November 1. 7 p.m.) WASHINGTON, October 31. A Navy Department communique states: “In the South Pacific the United States aircraftcarrier which was announced in a recent communique to be severely damaged subsequently sank. It was twice attacked by bombers and torpedo planes on October 26 near the Santa Cruz Islands. “The first attack, which occurred during the forenoon, caused heavy damage, and the aircraft-carrier was taken in tow in an attempt to salvage her. In the afternoon a second attack caused further damage below the waterline, and she began to list. The personnel were removed at this time and the aircraft-carrier later sank. Reports hitherto indicate that there were few casualties. “This aircraft-carrier and the destroyer Porter (announced previously) were the only United States vessels lost in the above engagement.” The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” states that though the identity of the carrier is not given, it was believed to be either the Hornet (completed in 1042, 19,000 tons), Saratoga (1927, 33,000 tons), Ranger (1934, 14.500 tons), or Enterprise (1938, 19,900 tous). The reason for withholding the name is in consideration for the next-of-kin, who have not yet been notified. Guadalcanal Skirmishes. The head of the Office of Information, Mr. Elmer Davis, stated yesterday that all the American naval losses up to noon on October 28 bad been announced. Yesterday’s communique on the Solomons operations stated: “During the day of October 28 activity ashore on Guadalcanal Island was confined to small skirmishes between United States and enemy patrols. “United States aircraft from Guadalcanal continued to bomb and strafe enemy positions west of the airfield. In the late afternoon United States aircraft destroyed two enemy seaplanes at Rekata Bay. “A total of 12 Japanese light tanks has been destroyed in action during the past week. During the early morning of October 29 enemy bombers attacked our positions on Guadalcanal. AH the bombs were dropped in the water and no damage was suffered. “During the night of October 29-30 United States motor torpedo-boats attacked an enemy destroyer, which is believed to have been engaged in reinforcing and supplying the enemy troops on Guadalcanal. One torpedo hit was scored on the destroyer, which was stopped when last seen.”