52 SHIPS SUNK OR DAMAGED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 15 October 1942, Page 2

52 SHIPS SUNK OR DAMAGED

NEARLY 300 PLANES DESTROYED ! BATTLE FOR THE SOLOMONS <Rec. 12.50 p.m.) Washington, Oct. 14. A total of 52 Japanese ships have been sunk or damaged and at least 270 planes lost in the battle for the Solomons, while the American losses total 10 ships and an unrevealed number of aircraft, probably less than a quarter of the enemy’s plane losses. The summary of Japanese sinkings is based on United States Navy figures. The point-blank battle in Guadalcanal* channel on 9th August, in which H.M.S. Canberra and three American cruisers were sunk, was a constant explosion from beginning to end, according to Lieutenant-Commander Henry Heneberger, gunnery ollicer on the Quincy. "Our cruisers accomplished their mission,” said Lt.-Com. Heneberger. and the Japanese naval force did not reach the transports unloading marines in to the Solomons. By opening lire the American warships saved the transports. The Japanese probably sent a small force designed lo get ill fast, do the maximum damage to the transports, and then scamper. The light developed into a pitched battle. When the enemy was going by at high speed at a range of 2000 or 3000 yards we tired on them with everything we had. I do not know what damage we caused but I saw several searchlights going out. indicating hits.” The Pearl harbour correspondent of the New York “Times” says it is unaccountable that the Japanese forces failed to follow up the advantage they gained on that terrible night and left the United States transports alone. — P.A.