Guadalcanal Campaign - Eastern Solomons (IJN 1 : 1 USN)

Today we look at the second major battle of the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons.
Sources:
www.amazon.co.uk/Neptunes-Inferno-U-S-Navy-Guadalcanal/dp/B004KSEYHI
www.cv6.org/1942/solomons/solo...
www.amazon.co.uk/Battle-History-Imperial-Japenese-Navy/dp/1591142199
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[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@fabianzimmermann5495]

Admiral Fletcher kind of gets overlooked, when compared to Spruance and Halsey. What is your opinion on him, did he do his job well? Also, after Guadalcanal he kind of disappeared. From what I‘ve read, he went to the northern Pacific and took command of naval forces there. But what did he exactly do?

[@am1000100]

How difficult would be to take Mikasa out of the concrete and make it seaworthy again?

[@vridiantoast7096]

@@fabianzimmermann5495 now you’ve given me the idea of five minute guides on fleet admirals... that would be interesting.

[@humphrey4976]

Can you do stuff on river boats in Nam please

[@ZJ517]

Do you plan to cover the Japanese submarine actions against the US carrier fleet between the battles of Eastern Solomon and Cape Esperance, i.e. I-26 vs USS Saratoga and I-19 vs USS Wasp and co?

[@cp1cupcake]

"it is recommended that these guns be installed in every available space on board all ships." American AA defense ww2 manual.

[@osedebame3522]

"And if that don't work, use more gun"

[@JosipRadnik1]

and then the recommendation continues: "....and it is furthermore recommended that these guns be installed in every available space on board all ships." - just in case someone didn't get the first line :-) "USS 2nd Ammendmend right"'s legacy I guess :-)

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

@@JosipRadnik1 the 2nd ammendment was written to in part to confirm your right to shoot guns from your vessel at the Bri...uh, enemies that may be at hand.

[@bkjeong4302]

It’s good to point out that even American AA wasn’t as effective as pop culture assumes (though better than that of everyone else). Fighter screens did much more to deal with air attacks.

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

You can never have enough dakka.

[@peterdavy6110]

"In conclusion, I must emphasise that I am in no way connected with, or invested in, the manufacturers of the 20mm anti-aircraft gun."

[@sweynforkbeard8857]

But I need to contact my broker.

[@justarandomtechpriest1578]

Or the manufacturers of the 20mm anti aircraft ammunition

[@strawberrydragon6252]

Failing to kill Enterprise, part 1

[@Fire-xd6rw]

Your not wrong.

[@spartanalex9006]

Which will kill the carrier? Active attack in multiple battles including multiple hits that almost sank the ship. or Having no money.

[@ZekeGraal]

@@spartanalex9006 There were many campaigns that tried to save Big E as a museum ship, but none were successful as I'm sure you are aware. I wished they could have saved her, my great grandfather was an AMM1C on her, and he retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. I've taken up the aircraft mechanic lineage in my family, love what I do.. But yeah: Having no money lol

[@connorgramer6334]

@@ZekeGraal they could not save the Enterprise for if they did, her descendants would lose the Powers CV6 held.

[@ph89787]

@@ZekeGraal Wasn't Halsey involved in those campaigns?

[@grondhero]

18:36 "This defensive barrage was added to by 'Lucky,' _Atlanta's_ dog, who decided to spend the assault barking furiously in what one assumes were canine curses at the Japanese navy pilots." Little known after action reports: *Lucky:* My barking has protected us from mailmen, fishy fish, and the Japanese. The _Atlanta_ was undamaged in today's attack. We have my barking to thank for that. _Atlanta's_ *Captain Jenkins:* Lucky was a good boy today. We rewarded him with raw meat, cooked meat, one scoop of ice cream and belly rubs from over a dozen sailors.

[@michaelsoland3293]

God I hope he survived its sinking

[@Mr.Beauregarde]

27:39 "these conditions are pointed out in no spirit of criticism" Holy shit, promote this sailor.

[@oneofspades]

Kind of attitude that separate the "good enough" and the better

[@alexwells225]

Please... *Holy ship

[@Mr.Beauregarde]

@@alexwells225 hole-y ship wrecked Now ship out before you get your ship rekt

[@Philistine47]

The really impressive thing about Eastern Solomons, IMO, is VAdm Fletcher's learning curve. Fletcher had commanded at every CV vs CV battle in the history of the world up to that point, and you can see his progression from Coral Sea to Midway, and from Midway to here, as he identified mistakes made in his earlier battles and worked to avoid repeating them. All of this in under 4 months, while commanding a CV task force which was on active operations for the bulk of that period. It's really a shame that Morison decided (for whatever reason) that he didn't like Fletcher, so that a lot of people to this day think of Fletcher as "an American Nagumo."

[@bkjeong4302]

Morison‘s work really gave severely flawed views on the Pacific War to pop culture history. Samar being a major example.

[@randomguy-tg7ok]

Fletcher: An example of how good you can get if you can make mistakes, learn from them, and still be allowed command.

[@johnaustin704]

I agree with you about Fletcher! Have you read Lundstrom's biography of Jack Fletcher, Black Shoe Carrier Admiral? I recommend it highly. As I recall, Morrison criticized the withdrawal of the carriers from the Guadalcanal invasion after the period of support because, in his Monday quarterback's morning view, there were no real threats to the carriers existence, ignoring that the 3 carriers under Fletcher's command were the ONLY ones in the whole south Pacific (and maybe the entire Pacific). The US Navy in 1942 wasn't the navy it would become in 1944 & '45 when it had dozens of fleet carriers!

[@joechang8696]

Morison may have been writing from the expectation of one glorious victory after another from a superior fighting force. I do not recall if he considered that many experience personnel were pulled from combat ships to train new recruits and seed the manning of a vastly increased fleet then under construction. This diminished US fighting effectiveness early in the war, but was clearly the long term winning strategy. The Japanese did not pull their incredibly valuable pilots, who were highly effective when alive, but their fleet greatly diminished in effectiveness after the experienced pilots were dead. His worked was rushed in the aftermath of the war. In further histories, one can see that the view of the war varied greatly between the low/mid level men, the on scene task force commanders, and the theater commander away from the fighting, not to mention the supply and training segments. All that said, front line command is incredibly stressful. King wanted younger men for this role, Halsey being the exception? After having fought as task force commander early, Fletcher could have been moved up to theater commander, supervising the task force commander. But King wanted Nimitz for this role, not leaving a good spot for Fletcher. King may have wanted aggressive fighters, but a level of caution in the early phase was warranted until the new ships were closer to completion,

[@johnaustin704]

@@bkjeong4302 I agree. In fairness to Morrison, however, he wrote that official history of the US Navy in WWII because he thought, as a Harvard history professor, someone with that training should be on site to witness and write the history. FDR (a Harvard alumnus) agreed and that is how Morrison came to be a USN Commander in the Pacific Theater in WWII. I don't think he arrived on scene until after the Guadalcanal campaign and King had Fletcher taken out of command of task forces, so I think a lot of what Morrison wrote about Fletcher depended heavily on what the people he came into contact with told him (Morrison).

[@marshja56]

The quality of writing in the Enterprise after-action report is impressive. Somebody onboard knew how to use the English language very effectively.

[@VersusARCH]

A very Entrepreneurial officer indeed.

[@John-ru5ud]

Obviously he was a Vulcan.

[@wilhelmcody5833]

College graduates of the time had been trained through high school and college how to write and how to read. Such an educational system is sorely missing now.

[@Mustango5]

@@VersusARCH One could almost say a very Enterprising officer... I'll see myself out.

[@M167A1]

@@wilhelmcody5833 spot on

[@VRichardsn]

1:55 Japanese air crews were under a lot of stress indeed. Saburo Sakai provides a great account of the grueling experience that was fighting those engagements: from Rabaul to Guadalcanal it was over 1,000 km _one way only_ . You then have to account battle time _and_ the return trip, another 1,000 km back. On one famous incident, he was struck in the head by a bullet fired from a Dauntless when in air combat over Tulagi. Half blind, losing blood, his left side paralised, his aircraft shot up, he had to fly the return trip of over 1,000 km all by himself. He somehow managed to bandage himself (no easy feat, considering that he only had one hand usable, and needed it to pilot the aircraft) and tried to head for home. Several times, he fell unconscious, and woke up seconds later to find his aircraft flying inverted. After puking his lunch over the instrument panel, he managed to find his navigation chart, covered in blood. Spitting on it, he managed to clear the blood and with difficulty managed to read his compass and estimate his position, making a bee line for the islands on the way to Rabaul. Shortly afterwards, the engine started to cough: the main fuel tank was empty. It was too late to use the automatic fuel pump to shift tanks: it had already been sucking air, so he had to do it manually. Once again, with only his right hand, which he needed to pilot the aircraft. Compounded even more by the controls being on the left side. It seem ridiculous that something as mundane would demand such a herculean effort, yet Sakai noted how frustrating it was that the most simple of tasks was so difficult to perform. Activating the manual pump, the engine once more roared with life. But he still had a long a way ahead, and the only chance was to fly in such a way that it would mean the utmost fuel economy. By reducing propeller speed and altering the fuel mixture to make it as lean as possible without choking the engine, Sakai managed to land by the time the fuel gauges were showing empty , after a 4 hours and 37 minutes flight. He died in September 2000, 84 years old.

[@BleedingUranium]

One of my favourite stories of the war, absolutely incredible.

[@thenumbah1birdman]

IIRC He also delivered his combat report to his superiors upon his return before collapsing.

[@shep9231]

@@thenumbah1birdman Speaks to his strength of will, training and willingness to accomplish his mission.

[@shep9231]

I've heard tales about this man. Saburo Sakai. Eighty years on and I salute you sir!

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

31:36 "and it is recommended that these guns be installed in every available space on all ships" TF2 engineer approves

[@cp1cupcake]

The one things the orks have right, is there is no such thing as enough dakka.

[@moritamikamikara3879]

And if that don't work... Use more gun Also he has a name btw

[@alexanderhartmann7950]

Sailors! Today's good morning order from the admiralty reads as follows: YOU get a 20 mm gun. And YOU get a 20 mm gun. EVERYONE gets 20 mm gun.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Can me and my buddy trade each of our 20mm for one 40mm ?

[@Snowstrider0001]

@@philvanderlaan5942 No, but your enthusiasm has earned you an additional crate of ammunition!

[@dapperfield595]

Read it in an enthusiastic german accent

[@Gastogh]

The fact your videos aren't interrupted midway by adverts and sponsor shoutouts (other than whatever KZbin inserts on its own) makes them pleasantly future-proofed. Too many other channels have their RAID SHADOW LEGENDS and such plugs as filmed and narrated parts of the video itself, which will reflect very poorly on them once the game/product/company is forgotten while the video remains. Your stuff is good now, and it will be good decades from now. I know no other content creator of whom I can say the same.

[@serban031]

You realize people can edit and reupload videos, right?

[@dave8599]

yeah, the Mega Project channel hosted by Simon is an example of that, fortunately it is easy to fast forward thru them, but really, a 5 minute commercial during a 15 minute video, ugh! Keep up the excellent work!

[@benjaminmiddaugh2729]

@@dave8599 Once he converts all his channels to the tone established on Business Blaze, all sponsor spots will be entertaining historical artifacts of their own.

[@rogerwilco2]

Yes, Drachnifels videos will be a good, high quality resource for decades. Just like ForgottenWeapons and a few other channels. These are as valueable, if not more as writing a best selling book on the subject.

[@LankyAssMofka]

C&Rsenal unless you stay past the credits

[@risasb]

Though I am an old lady, I pay attention to accounts of naval action in the Pacific as my father was there on an attack transport and my father-in-law was in the 1st Marines (he was 18 at Peleliu). I have to say that Drach's extended videos like the present example are the best I have encountered and I am grateful.

[@SwitchTF2]

My respects to your father. I read Eugene Sledge's "With the Old Breed", he was with the 1st Marines at Peleliu too. That theatre was a vision of hell.

[@TomDog5812]

I was 1st Marines.

[@LANless]

New plan: ship made entirely of 20mm mounts.

[@gangfire5932]

Sorry, no can do, we're all out of unobtanium. You'll have to make do with whatever you can scrounge from US steel mills.

[@Starwarsgeek-98]

So pt boats?

[@josephglatz25]

Has to be half 20mm mounts and half 40mm mounts.

[@josephglatz25]

@Lochness Monsta Not if we put guns on the bottom of it!

[@mattdickson2]

also known as most american anti aircraft destroyer variants

[@MrGouldilocks]

Those after-action reports and recommendations by the Enterprise officers goes a long way to explaining why it was such a successful ship and crew. And it really feels like the Enterprise itself was the prototype and model for American Carrier doctrine. I'd imagine that if the Japanese got a hold of that report, they would be extremely concerned about their chances of winning the war. The report demonstrates the US. Navy had extremely proficient and insightful officers that were willing to admit their deficiencies. And they were determined to make the changes necessary to be successful in the future.

[@johnladuke6475]

34:20 So here I am, half-listening as I do other things, fell asleep halfway through last time and wanted to catch the rest of Drach's take on this. And then almost at the very end, he drops the proof. The US Navy in WW2 actually officially put to paper the doctrine that "every available space" should be devoted to 20mm Oerlikan anti-air cannons.

[@williammurdoch468]

And I still don't see the problem. Ok, I see the humor, but honestly- if some empty part of your finite deck space isn't contributing to your fighting quality, put something there that does.

[@CSSVirginia]

Enterprises after action report has to be the most professional way of saying "more dakka" i can imagine.

[@deaks25]

The USS Enterprise after-action report is really fascinating. As you say, even in victory, the USN were looking at what lessons to learn, and the fact they are talking about everything from equipment, to training, aircraft composition. to even the number and positioning of AA guns on the ship, shows that they were examining every last detail to find improvement and shows why the USN were able to bridge the initial quality gap to the IJN so quickly.

[@Wolfeson28]

Absolutely. The USN's ability to rapidly analyze combat actions, formulate recommendations, and then act upon them quickly at an institutional level was one of our relatively unheralded advantages over the IJN. Obviously, the IJN could and did learn lessons and make improvements throughout the war themselves, and they did incorporate lessons learned into their own AARs. But it's certainly fair to say that the USN put a greater emphasis on the "lessons" aspect of their reports and on implementing the changes, plus the inner workings of the IJN meant that it usually took them longer to make the changes. The far greater resources of the US also helped magnify that advantage, since we could spare personnel and production to develop improved systems and procedures in a way that Japan couldn't afford to do as much.

[@deaks25]

@@Wolfeson28 Fully agreed, and I was not trying to say the IJN didn’t learn and adapt but as you say, the sheer focus on improving every tiny detail by the USN coupled with the ability to rotate experienced personnel and dedicate huge resources to analysis meant the USN could learn at basically an exponential rate.

[@todo9633]

I guess that's one upside of soldiers' tendency to complain lol

[@OnboardG1]

It's an absolutely brilliant engineering report. I might use it as an example at some point. They're clear in identifying issues, concise about describing them and both when describing the remedy. What makes it even better is that they don't allocate random blame, but make proper recommendations and identify areas where strengths can be enhanced across the whole fleet.

[@t5grrr]

@@OnboardG1 Having worked and run a business in China for two decades, I have found this is one area where the Chinese completely fail. When something bad happens the first, second, third, and so on events are all head hunting, who gets screwed. Almost never do they look at improvements of changes believing that they are so good at everything, that they make no mistakes.

[@davidbrennan660]

Just a tot. I just love the complexity of Imperial Japanese Naval plans which normally include the destruction of the greater foe, the local Imperial Japanese Army forces.

[@mr.s2005]

the imperial army and the Navy seem to think their rivalry was more important then winning the war. lol.

[@migkillerphantom]

The US was hardly any better, though this was mostly MacArthur's doing.

[@flamingrubys11]

@@migkillerphantom at least the army and navy could work together in the us

[@msticks3672]

My father was a Marine TBF pilot on Guadalcanal during this period. He told me he never made a torpedo attack in combat. They usually operated as glide bombers against shipping and a horizontal bomber when they attacked Rabaul. He said they also dropped depth charges when warranted (he said he once depth charged a whale). He's been gone 7 years now but I still remember him talking of his days in the "Cactus Air Force".

[@kennethdeanmiller7324]

That is awesome. Congrats that your father made it home! My Great-Grandma(Mama Spann we called her) had 2 brothers that signed up to be pilots in WW2. I was never told any of the specifics except one was a pilot flying missions against Germany, & the other was flying ✈ in the Pacific against the Japanese. Both were considered KIA, & neither one ever had their bodies found &/or recovered. Although I'm not sure if that was the contributing factor or not, but "Mama Spann was very reclusive & whenever I tried to talk to her she would rarely ever respond & if she did it was mean & nasty! So, as you might imagine, I stopped trying to socialize with her unless she initiated the conversation, and as long as she wasn't saying something mean.

[@jlvfr]

An admiral screaming "It's a trap!"... classic.

[@CFarnwide]

In my minds eye I can picture Admiral Fletchers stink eye

[@robertadamcik9179]

As a former CV Damage Control Assistant (on JOHN F. KENNEDY), I approve of the DC efforts on ENTERPRISE!

[@TaisharEnder]

Ryujo has a fascinating design. It’s probably the weirdest looking carrier I’ve seen. What with the river-boat pontoon looking keel, the downward pointing side exhaust vents, and no island. There’s nothing conventional about it. I kinda like it. Super minimalist looking.

[@richardbennett1856]

Designed by committee. A floating scow with a big bullseye by the forward lift.

[@redshirt5126]

Americans: exhausted from Election night Drach: Uploads video "Sleep was not an option."

[@danieltaylor5231]

In the political cat 6 hurricane that is the internet today Darchinifel provides a safe harbor.

[@reaperking2121]

Yep. I'm so happy to have this to take my mind off of the election for at least a good thirty minutes with some high quality naval history about when the USA was united together in the mission to thrash the japanese for declaring war against us.

[@clash3583]

@@danieltaylor5231 A safe "harbor" hehehahaha

[@5kehhn]

@@reaperking2121 the U.S. declared war on Japan following the Pearl Harbor attack; subsequently, Germany (and I presume the other 'Axis' powers) declared war on the U.S.

[@reaperking2121]

@@5kehhn I know. I literally have half a book shelf dedicated to WWII. My stament is correct. Japan declared war on us first. No matter how you look at it. No matter hwo you look at it they declared war on us first by, 1actually handing in a signed stament declaring war (it was a few hours after pearl harbor ) or By you know attacking us.

[@mcmoose64]

One of the greatest and most underrated strengths of the USN must have been their honest and clear-headed after action reports . There is no hint of blame shifting , face saving deflection or arse covering . The facts were layed out , conclusions drawn and remedial action put in place. Very impressive .

[@wellsbengston4132]

Except for Hornet at Midway...

[@novat9731]

31:36 ''And it is recommended that these guns be installed in every available space, on all ships.'' Oh boy did the navy take that recommendation to heart.

[@sundiver137]

In Drach's 5-Minute Guide to USS California he pointed out the USN's basic approach to AA was based on the following principle: "Is there an empty space on this ship? Why is there an empty space on this ship? Put a gun there you idiot!"

[@ComradeArthur]

Man, take a look at the Essex class carriers off Okinawa. 20mms as far as the eye can see...

[@Kevin_Kennelly]

@@sundiver137 A classic Drachism.

[@ph89787]

@@ComradeArthur On Battle 360, one of Enterprise's sailors described there was more quad 40s than he can remember.

[@flamingrubys11]

san diego: WHY HELLO THERE

[@jerrydickerson1111]

Two words I thought I’d never hear “Japanese damage control did a good job”

[@VersusARCH]

You want to read about the efforts to save the damaged cruiser Kumano at Leyte Gulf too.

[@emil-1609]

@@VersusARCH Kumano really deserves a vid about that

[@Masaji_Kitano731]

A lot of people was blinded cause of midway where it just so happens those bombs hit the littered bombs and torpedoes below deck which caused the destruction of the ships. Good firedhghting wont even save when it destroyed the pumps. Also showns by shokaku that was hit multiple times

[@UnshavenStatue]

my impression was that it was very hit or miss. certain individual officers and individual ships were indeed quite skilled at damage control, but that was by no means doctrinal (as opposed to USN where damage control was the single biggest item of doctrine)

[@toothedacorn4724]

Japan: look we're escorting these transports with 1 light carrier. Fletcher: **points** red sus

[@Shadow-sq2yj]

Lol, Japan has a huge red circle in the flag, and extra red lines in the Imperial Japanese Navy flag.

[@eric24567]

dang dude that's actually good

[@toothedacorn4724]

@@Shadow-sq2yj I was actually wandering if anyone would notice, nice spot

[@toothedacorn4724]

@@eric24567 why thank you

[@eric24567]

@@toothedacorn4724 Gotta give props to a good joke... Wait a minute why are you so civilized? YOU'RE SUS! XD

[@ayayaybamba3445]

I haven't even been able to finish off last weekend's mega patreon drydock yet and the madlad uploads another 40 minutes video. You need a TV show, the content you produce already is fantastic, I can only imagine what you would be capable of given a serious budget, movie grade equipment and staff to help you.

[@Lord_Foxy13]

A Netflix/BBC production on Naval History

[@jamesjarrait2231]

@@Lord_Foxy13 or even a collaboration between Drach, the BBC and PBS.

[@dave8599]

fine just the way it is. once you get big production, quality drops so often. soon there will be back ground music which you wont be able to hear the excellent narration over, there will be time wasted as the info is dumbed down to meet the needs of the wider audience, and you will have lots of the info repeated after each commercial break I prefer the low budget professor level lecture type of video that is so full of info that Drach excels at. Please no high budget sanitized dumbed down videos which a sponsorship by PBS or BBC will bring, ugh!

[@chaingun1701]

He would *have* to get Jingles for some of the voice overs. His voice is aF*%&ing British Morgan Freeman.

[@jochembrouwer5710]

I agree but that might also reduce the quality because of economic pressure

[@Heegaherger]

A lot of the After Action Report can be summed up the simple statement of: "Give us shit that actually works!"

[@petesheppard1709]

OK, now you're getting personal. My dad was aboard Enterprise for this battle. Thanks! When I was at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans last October, a series of films taken aboard Enterprise during this battle were on continuous loop in a mini-theater in the Pacific Theater display hall. Watching it was especially moving, as I wondered if my father was one of the men moving around the flight deck...

[@ethangavrilmoreno8479]

probably, but you must research deeper to find the answer

[@stanislavkamenicky8694]

Oh boy, Atlanta had a cute doggy on board, I sure hope that ship will have many more adventures in the Pacific and the dog will be safe and sound!

[@gkgameplaycz]

all right is this comment ironic or not?

[@javierg.b.6941]

@@gkgameplaycz bruh...

[@captianmorgan7627]

The ship was heavily damaged later on during the Guadalcanal campaign and was scuttled. I don't know about the dog.

[@captianmorgan7627]

Here's a short read about the dog and the guy who brought him aboard. www.ussatlanta.com/stories/edhuddleston/edhuddleston.htm

[@gluesniffingdude]

say sike right now

[@rutabagasteu]

The third explosion picture was taken by a photographer who was killed by the blast.

[@Ntwadumela84]

Robert F Read. He was actually already dead when this picture was taken. commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese_bomb_hits_USS_Enterprise_(CV-6)_flight_deck_during_Battle_of_the_Eastern_Solomons,_24_August_1942_(80-G-17489).jpg

[@yes_head]

If you haven't seen it, check out the amazing footage of the attack showing both bomb hits on the aft flight deck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXe7lKGLqbKHaqM&NR=1

[@johnbantle7004]

This segment provided a wealth of information I had never encountered before despite a lot of reading about this battle. Drach should have a show on the History channel.

[@sniperboom1202]

The officers we're basically like "look nothing is perfect but if we add more daka then maybe we can kill the planes quicker".

[@oldgringo2001]

8:15 Tameichi Hara (原 為一, Hara Tameichi) wrote a passage in his memoirs in which he vividly describes the loss of Ryujo. He didn't think well of the plan which sacrificed yet another aircraft carrier, the sixth Japan lost in the war.

[@thisguy7083]

I think there’s a video from John pashdale that mentions his memoirs are not that good

[@dozysplot]

That report at the end was just absolutely fascinating!!! Brilliant video!!!!

[@punkrawker06]

I know I’m very late to this, but LOVE the inclusion of the primary source!!!

[@michaeltelson9798]

My mother’s uncle William Brooks served 18 months on the USS Hornet. That is from commissioning in late 1941, which would include the Doolittle Raid and these battles.

[@mickryan2450]

Im oz and u eat vègemite sandwhiches

[@stevenpremmel4116]

Tonight's teatime viewing sorted.

[@06colkurtz]

It’s early morning!

[@michaeltruett817]

Tea Time is whatever time I say it is!

[@stevenpremmel4116]

"Pru, it's kicking off!"

[@RCAvhstape]

Or beer-o-clock.

[@cdr651]

The Sun is always over the Yardarm somewhere.

[@danlee5138]

Always look forward to Wednesday's rum ration!

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

Rum ration had to come out of your locker. PS. It did!

[@Sophocles13]

Thank you for not charging for this. Because its certainly high enough quality that you could. Listening to these vids is not only educational for me, but it's also therapeutic. I thank you for that :)

[@korbell1089]

USS Enterprise to Japan. "Is that the best you got?" Meanwhile the USS Atlanta answers the question of "When do you have too many guns?" with a resounding, "We still have some room in the galley!" Thank you to all the brave men who fought on land, sea and air.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

The USN was in no way ready for major battle in 1942 - but they did it anyway.

[@richardm3023]

I felt the same way at 15, the first time I beat up my older brother.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@Chris_Wooden_Eye - From everything I've read, even with Roquefort's analysis the US command in Washington still felt that the West Coast and the Aleutians were in danger. I certainly wouldn't use the term "pretty confident". In fact, the fleet that Nimitz dispatched to Midway had been formally requested to protect Pearl Harbor.

[@Rusty_Gold85]

Sadly a lot of empty bunks in the Flight wing sections to come from it

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@Rusty_Gold85 - for US torpedo squadrons, yes. And the mighty Kido Butai had been destroyed. Killed in the air or on the bottom of the Pacific along with four carriers.

[@benjaminmiddaugh2729]

War doesn't wait until you're prepared - even if you think you are, you probably aren't.

[@Sohowmuchwoodcoulda]

I just got recommended this video and I'm shocked I have not heard of this channel before. This is awesome. The AAR is really interesting to hear, as well as the documentation, pictures and everything learned from the action. Immediate sub and I'll be going through the backlog over the winter.

[@stevewhite3424]

You have made a most serendipitous Discovery my friend! Be aware though if you're going to review his entire library you will need to set aside a bit of time. LOL

[@Sohowmuchwoodcoulda]

@@stevewhite3424 No kidding! I had just really gotten fully caught up on Forgotten Weapons and C&R Arsenal. So I'm not afraid of a long watch/listen time while I combat the enemy, the drudgery of work.

[@robertl6196]

Never heard the concerns about the TBF being "too big" before. Interesting.

[@scottl9660]

In New Orlenes you can get great food, great music, and the WW2 museum complete with a TBF and a B25 displayed next to each other. They look about the same size once the wings are unfolded. TBF is a thicc boi.

[@michaelsmith6420]

Another TBF is on display at the Pacific War (Nimitz) museum in landlocked, Fredericksburg, TX. It is very large for a WW II naval airplane.

[@MrGouldilocks]

I find the after action reports incredibly fascinating. They are concise and insightful to the point of being genius. I'm not a very patriotic dude.. But I can't help feeling pride that The United States produced such fine officers and crew for the USS Enterprise.

[@Primarch359]

As an american still awake at 5 am my time this will be a great 30 min break from doomscrolling

[@Mr.Beauregarde]

Good morning from the east coast. News from the future.. it's grim.

[@johnvanlindingham9490]

My grandfather Felix Sinclair had a coconut plantation on Tolagee he had the charts with depth soundings of the harbour. Was a gunner on the Emden when she was sunk.Moved to Miami Florida was flown with military guard to Washington D C with his charts.

[@georgegeller1902]

My great uncle Eugene Burns was aboard Enterprise during this battle.

[@kingzeus8739]

Not saying you’re lying but I just read the entire uss enterprise (CV-6) and his name wasn’t on the crew rooster

[@rayg.2431]

@@kingzeus8739 www.cv6.org/company/muster/default.htm#E However, that page does state: "This directory is currently incomplete, but the long-term goal is for it to include all who served in the Big E" and "As of August 2003, approximately 7000 men and officers are listed in this web site's muster roll. This is (probably) just under half the total number of men who served in Enterprise."

[@sadwingsraging3044]

"The 20mm guns are considered to be an excellent and generally effective gun and it is recommended that they be placed at every available space on all ships." Had to smoke a cigarette after hearing that.

[@slightlyshabby9226]

The USS Enterprise was as much a Hero Ship for its after action reports as its survivability. Love that Big E!

[@andrewbachable]

The elephant in the room NOT mentioned in the after action report: Test our torpedoes again to make sure they actually work! But OK, the upgrades in the antiaircraft guns was very good.

[@johnfisher9692]

Thanks Drach for an excellent way to spend over half an hour. It looks like the US was quite lucky that the Japanese pilots were greedy to add to the tally when they diverted to North Carolina rather than making sure Enterprise was on her way to pay a visit to Davy Jones.

[@benlaskowski357]

180 miles!? Even by MODERN standards that's incredible!!!

[@Jaminhawk]

Really? Are those numbers correct then?

[@jlvfr]

It was placed in a tall place, which helps. But note that this was in optimal conditions, against large numbers or large aircraft at altitude...

[@karlvongazenberg8398]

Yes, but it was more like "there is something small/medium/big at this range, plus-minus 5 miles range and plus-minus a mile error in altitude"

[@TheHypnogog]

Exceptional history reporting! Outstanding. Really enjoyed this- your attention to detail shows. Whoever wrote the after action log was an effective logistical writer and thinker. Very impressive technical language. Simple and direct while outlining complex issues.

[@johndilday1846]

Well done and very informative. I have been a history buff all my life and your narrative gave me some information that I didn’t know before. Thanks very much for all your hard work. I will be looking forward to your next installment.

[@Srelde]

Great video! When you started in on the after-action report, I rolled my eyes thinking it would be boring. Turns out I was wrong, and it was incredibly interesting. Listening to a report of someone at the battle on the performance of their ship and its systems was really cool! It weirdly reminded me of some of the tech sections in Honorverse novels. Thanks for the Rum Ration :)

[@chadcountiss5290]

31:35 "and it is recommended that these guns be installed in every available space on all ships" There we go. That's the USN we know and love.

[@ewok40k]

Even B-17s hit something once a year... - A captain of IJN DD that was sunk while stationary and rescuing transport ship survivors.

[@theunsainted3422]

Just wanted to say, amazing content. I'm an avid history buff, especially in the area of naval history and I could watch these videos over and over. You always learn something new. Keep up the awesome work, and thanks for all the crazy good content

[@randomguy-tg7ok]

Wow - even if it's just sailing out on escort, Mutsu is actually doing something?

[@RodneyGraves]

Nicely and concisely done. The emphasis on after action lessons was particularly informative. BZ

[@Rammstein0963.]

The ship's dog of the Atlanta, such a brave animal, his contribution to the victory must never be overlooked or nay even forgotten. Here's hoping he got many biscuits and belly rubs as a reward, godspeed you noble beast. 🐶🇺🇸

[@bobbychoate7476]

I love your channel man, I have been listening to all the old dry docks, great stuff

[@bryank5523]

wow, fletcher predicted his enemy's moves very well

[@Bryan-cs9to]

Absolutely love your channel please continue this series covering other campaigns/battles.

[@agesflow6815]

Thank you, Drachinifel.

[@c4sualcycl0ps48]

28:30 coincidentally the Great Lakes “training carriers” Wolverine and Sable were commissioned on August 12, 1942 which probably had a massive effect on pilot training going forward.

[@garymcaleer6112]

Superb detail, Historiographer, Drachinifel.

[@canmufu3923]

I hope you love making these as much as I love watching them. I'm not gonna be looking up the events of the following battles for now because it's really fun to follow them this way.

[@doctorseruzawa175]

I really love your Guadalcanal series, Drach. I've been through it 3 times so far. To me it is the epitome of sea battles.

[@oldmassole]

My uncle was a gunner on the USS Marshall durring all of WW2, he past away in 1981. His wife worked in a factory in Florida while he was in the service, she will be 101 years young at the end of this year. Do you have any videos featuring his ship? Keep up the great work!

[@allenhamilton6688]

Strangely enough, as a retired cop, my department ruthlessly enforced radio discipline. 1: was it necessary, 2: compose your transmission, 3: the word "traffic" from another unit shut you down immediately. "Traffic" meant priority transmission.

[@hermatred572]

I feel like the impartiality in your wording is vastly underappreciated, but I appreciate it a lot. It brings out the humanity in these conflicts

[@xTheRealKestrelx]

Guadalcanal campaign hasn't gotten the coverage it deserves. Keep it up.

[@mastermariner7813]

Utterly fascinating and remarkable detail in this episode. Thank you

[@anthonyrobinson7715]

Hitting the like button. This was an excellent break down of one of my favorite Naval battles to study. I would love your take on the Battle of Santa Cruz sometime. Your videos are excellent retellings of history!

[@murderouskitten2577]

i just finished last drydock. you mate are a machine.

[@richardcharay7788]

Enjoyed! Please keep them coming. Thanks.

[@ARose-ik2mi]

Your videos are the best at putting me to sleep. I mean that in the best way. There's nothing quite like laying down and listening to you to unwind the day.

[@Marklva]

Just finished Neptune's Inferno on Audible and then found this video. Fantastic follow up to the reading!

[@d-cat8198]

Love these battle episodes. Very well done!

[@MrArtbv]

Superb Drach. Simply superb.

[@kitkeatingdesign]

Superb work! Thank you very much for posting this.

[@straswa]

Great vid Drach! Thanks for all your hard work, love your vids.

[@stephenbritton9297]

And here we see the origin of the Drach's infamous comment about US AAA mounting doctrine during WW2

[@depth386]

Wow so many recommended improvements in the post-battle report, that’s a huge report. So impressive. Good on them for making all those observations. That had to be a lot of after action writing reports, reading, maybe follow up questions and conversations, etc.

[@Sinvare]

That after action report from Enterprise was a great addition.

[@jonathankeeley8718]

what a nice style of commentary!

[@barrygysbers5632]

Your manner makes you a near perfect narrator! You make it easy to hang suspensefully upon every word. I have no idea where the time has gone when each vid is over! Amazing job!

[@p51cMustangFUYTGIVEMEBACK]

cant get enough of those wednesday videos they are my favorite. also hope for the new il2 great battles to introduce the pacific theatre its mx favorite

[@Lawschoolsuccess]

My father was a Naval Academy Graduate and he participated in these fights in WWII. He never talked of them but I am glad you are.

[@mcstaford]

Your videos are fantastic. Accurate and informative .

[@PeterOBraun]

Really enjoying this series, I always feel like the Guadalcanal campaign is under covered in WW2 histories.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

Very well done. .

[@Bagheera2]

I love your videos

[@TrickiVicBB71]

Ah, a Drach video in the morning. I'll watch half of it on breakfast

[@stavka6923]

the first time I even haven’t seen the pinned post for Q and A

[@nerva-]

The After Action Report was pure poetry. The ability to speak truth to power is why America won the war.

[@steventoal6594]

Love the photos you used in this video.!