Battle of the Komandorski Islands | Nihon Kaigun
Battle of the Komandorski Islands
(March 26, 1943)

By March, 1943, the Americans were beginning to get serious about retaking the islands of Attu and Kiska, which had been captured by the Japanese in 1942. Consequently, they placed a squadron in the area tasked with interdicting any Japanese resupply convoys to the area. On March 26, 1943, this task group found what they were seeking, but got more than they bargained for. A Japanese convoy of two transports was coming north, escorted by eight warships, including two heavy and two light cruisers. What followed was one of the more 'pure' long-range naval gunfire engagements of the war.

The Americans, with heavy cruiser Salt Lake City and light cruiser Richmond, were at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, they gamely gave battle, and paid the price. Although Salt Lake City drew first blood against Nachi, she was in turn hit repeatedly. Finally one engine room flooded, and she began to lose way. Only a quick smokescreen laid by US destroyers saved her from further harm. At this point the Japanese broke off the attack, and retired to rejoin the two transports who had been detached at the beginning of the fight. The Japanese commander, Boshiro Hosogaya, was retired from naval service shortly thereafter as a result of his rather under-aggressive performance.

Battle of the Komandorski IslandsJapanAllied
Starting Forces x2
x2
x4
 x1
x1
x4

Losses x1 lightly damaged (Nachi) x1 heavily damaged (Salt Lake City)
x1 lightly damaged (Bailey)

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WW2DB article on Aleutian Islands Campaign


Japanese officers at the Aleutian Islands, circa 1942-1943Heavy cruiser USS Salt Lake City in action during Battle of the Komandorski Islands, 26 Mar 1943Pennsylvania in Adak Bay, Adak, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, on 12 Aug 1943, just prior to the Kiska operationLouisville steamed out of Kulak Bay, Adak, Aleutian Islands, bound for operations against Attu, 25 Apr 1943; note Sweepers Cove in backgroundLouisville and San Francisco operating in the Bering Sea during May 1943
Japanese officers at the Aleutian Islands, circa 1942-1943Heavy cruiser USS Salt Lake City in action during Battle of the Komandorski Islands, 26 Mar 1943Pennsylvania in Adak Bay, Adak, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, on 12 Aug 1943, just prior to the Kiska operationLouisville steamed out of Kulak Bay, Adak, Aleutian Islands, bound for operations against Attu, 25 Apr 1943; note Sweepers Cove in backgroundLouisville and San Francisco operating in the Bering Sea during May 1943
US Army soldiers unloading LCPR and LCM type landing craft on the beach at Massacre Bay, Attu, Aleutian islands, 12 May 1943; note military policemen on right side of photoAmerican soldiers unloading landing craft on the beach at Massacre Bay, Attu, Aleutian Islands, 13 May 1943American troops traveling across snow and ice during the Battle of Attu Island, May 1943African-American soldiers of the labor battalion deployed by the US Army eating a meal in the field, Massacre Bay, Attu, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, United States, 20 May 1943Map depicting the American operations on Attu Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, United States, 11-30 May 1945
US Army soldiers unloading LCPR and LCM type landing craft on the beach at Massacre Bay, Attu, Aleutian islands, 12 May 1943; note military policemen on right side of photoAmerican soldiers unloading landing craft on the beach at Massacre Bay, Attu, Aleutian Islands, 13 May 1943American troops traveling across snow and ice during the Battle of Attu Island, May 1943African-American soldiers of the labor battalion deployed by the US Army eating a meal in the field, Massacre Bay, Attu, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, United States, 20 May 1943Map depicting the American operations on Attu Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, United States, 11-30 May 1945

See all 13 photos of Aleutian Islands Campaign on WW2DB

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