DEADLY GUNNERY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21151, 20 July 1943, Page 3

DEADLY GUNNERY

ALLIED NAVAL FORCE BATTLE OF KULA GULF JAP. SHIPS OVERWHELMED (11 a.m.) NEW YORK, July 10 The first six Japanese warships sighted in the second battle of Kula Gulf, in the Solomons, were crippled within Jive minutes of the Allied cruisers opening lire. This was revealed by Commandei Kenneth Ringle, chief of staff to the admiral commanding the Allied task force. . ~ “The British and American units operated as one,” he said, giving the first detailed account of the battle. “The British manoeuvred and shot magnificently.” ~ Commander Ringle added that tne gunfire was so heavy and sustained that ii; was impossible to credit ar.v individual ship, American or British, with any particular enemy ship sunk. The full Allied bag was a cruiser and three destroyers sunk, two destroyers probably sunk, and four more destroyers damaged. The battle actually occurred north of Kolombangara Island and not in Kula Gulf. The Japanese ships were sighted in bright moonlight, shortly after midnight and 40 miles away. The Allied formation swung across their bows. Of the enemy force sighted only two destroyers were left afloat and these took refuge behind a curtain of rain. The Allied foico followed and found a second group o enemy destroyers. These turned tail and fled, discharging torpedoes as they did so. One torpedo struck the American destroyer Gwin, which burst into flames and sank two hours later, while in tow. The Gwin was the only Allied loss in the action.