Date and Time: October 11, 1942, at just past 11 PM.
Location: Near Guadalcanal and Savo Island.
Allied Forces: Task 464, led by Rear Admiral Norman Scott.
Objective: Secure the convoy carrying the 164th regiment of the Americal division and intercept Japanese naval forces.
Historical Context: Allies have previously lost eight cruisers and three destroyers in night battles without Japanese losses since the Battle of Savo Island.
Japanese Intentions
Japanese Forces: Commanded by Rear Admiral Goto.
Objective: Bombard Henderson Field and reinforce their troops on Guadalcanal.
Reinforcement Group: Included fast seaplane tenders Nishin and Chatoze.
Bombardment Group: Comprised of heavy cruisers Alba, Furataka, Kinugaza, and destroyers Fubuki, Hatsuyuki.
American Strategy
Admiral Scott's Plan:
Formation: Line ahead with destroyers at the front and rear.
Tactics: Use destroyers to illuminate targets with searchlights and star shells.
Firing: Cruisers fire independently after radar contact.
Engagement Details
Initial Contact: A B-17 spots the Japanese task force heading to Guadalcanal.
Detection Issues: Helena detects targets but Scott is not informed due to radar technology miscommunications and limitations.
Battle Events
Formation Confusion: Scott's flagship San Francisco turns incorrectly, leading to chaotic positioning.
Helena's Initiative: Opens fire on Japanese ships mistakenly believing permission was granted.
Friendly Fire Incident: Some US destroyers are hit by their own cruisers.
Key Moments
Japanese Response: Alba and Furataka attempt retreat under heavy American fire.
American Firing: Boise and Helena focus heavily on Japanese ships, achieving significant damage.
Destruction:
Fubuki sunk after engagement.
Furataka heavily damaged and eventually sunk.
Aftermath
Japanese Losses: Heavy cruiser, three destroyers, and 454 sailors.
American Damage: Destroyer Duncan lost, Boise severely damaged.
Japanese Landings: Despite naval loss, successfully land reinforcements and equipment.
Subsequent Actions: Battleships Congo and Haruna bombard Henderson Field, significantly impacting Allied air operations.
Conclusion
Strategic Implications: Marked the first Japanese loss in a night action during the war.
Continued Conflict: Battle for Guadalcanal continues despite American tactical victory in this engagement.