May 31st, 1942
Northern Pacific:
The dark, cold waters around Umnak were lit, and the silence broken, by the gunfire of warships. Knife fighting destroyers traded blows, but the IJN came out on top. Three enemy destroyers met the light cruiser Nagara and four IJN destroyers in a series of running battles. The enemy destroyers had only 4" guns, which could not penetrate Nagara's armor. The IJN boats had 5.5", 5" and 4.7" guns, and they landed several hits. DD Morris and Crosby both were hit by a torpedo and several 5.5" hits and both sunk. The DD Litchfield took 9 solid hits, but evaded the torpedoes. The ship was reported to be on fire and heavily damaged upon disengagement. Of the IJN group, only DD Ikazuchi suffered major damage, taking 3 hits and one torpedo.
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Nighttime battle at Umnak[/center]
As day broke, the task force had to return to Adak for fighter cover and Ikazuchi was left behind. Enemy B-25c bombers soon attacked the destroyer, but amazingly no hits were scored. In the afternoon, bad weather prevent further attack on the destroyer. It is in bad shape and will probably not last another day. (68/85/19) If the ship sinks, we will have at least sunk more than we lost (2 or 3 to 1), good odds, but not good enough against the US Fleet. Air attacks will resume tomorrow as Nagara heads northwest out of range of the enemy bombers. CL Tama is forming up a group in Tokyo and will sail to take over station at Attu Island for Nagara, as she heads home for repairs to the light battle damage received.
Also in the area, I-122, waiting south of Umnak to lay mines, was attacked repeatedly by escorts of a large task force, presumably the American carriers again. The sub took 13 near misses out of probably 100 depth charges dropped. The ship is damaged and has minor flooding but may well be able to make it home for repairs. If so, the skipper will get a medal.
Elsewhere:
Betty bombers from Sabang attack Colombo, but after the long flight, our pilots suffered from fatigue and missed their targets. The falling bombs will at least keep the British on their toes, and perhaps they will divert some fighters to the base that will be missed elsewhere.
Helens in New Zealand resumed the bombing of Auckland. They will continue until the city is captured.
Some days ago the the fact that the enemy has increased sub activity was mentioned. Numerous dive and level bombers were put on ASW missions across the empire and today off the coast of Burma, a Sally and a Lily II both score a hit on the same submarine. Hopefully we will continue to land hits on these enemy submarines.
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Air ASW makes an impact[/center]
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