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

Pinned post for Q&A :)

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

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."

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

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.

The fact your videos aren't interrupted midway by adverts and sponsor shoutouts (other than whatever RU-vid 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.

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

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.

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.

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

Failing to kill Enterprise, part 1

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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".

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 .

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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...

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

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.

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

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.

Always look forward to Wednesday's rum ration!

New plan: ship made entirely of 20mm mounts.

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

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 :)

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.

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.

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

Tonight's teatime viewing sorted.

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.

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

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

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.

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 :)

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Superb detail, Historiographer, Drachinifel.

"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.

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. 🐶🇺🇸

Utterly fascinating and remarkable detail in this episode. Thank you

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

That after action report from Enterprise was a great addition.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

Another great video ! Please consider a Wednesday myths and legends on the role of US and HMS destroyers in Operation Overlord. Specifically gunnery at Utah and Omaha beaches.

Could you do a review of Operation Pedestal. The big effort to resupply Malta. My Grandfather was on that convoy. Would love see your take on it. Awesome channel, still haven't got through it all yet.

Drachinifel really adds a lot of unique value to his videos with his inclusion of after action reports and recommendations made for improvements by USN officers. The level of professionalism is clearly praiseworthy but otherwise would go completely unsung. ... And that fellow that was advocating for Oerlikon guns in multiple episodes, "I like this guy." It's not just great texture, this is the kind of detail that allows one to understand 'how things were' under these wartime conditions with new untested weapons technologies and systems. The only way to win was to have a better learning curve than the enemy. Well done.

Thank you, Drachinifel.

Nice to hear about all those ships which you use in Axis & Allies Naval War or similar games

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.

Just catching up with some of your older videos. I have read at least four history books on the Guadalcanal 'battle'. I must say, your concise narrative is a superb history of that, those, navel battles.

Enjoyed! Please keep them coming. Thanks.

I have a recommended book series on the Pacific War for anyone. Ian W. Toll's "Pacific Crucible, The Conquering Tides, and Twilight of the Gods". Great series for any WWII enthusiasts!

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

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

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

Love these battle episodes. Very well done!

what a nice style of commentary!

Love the photos you used in this video.!

I enjoyed this rum ration with a double rum ration of my own. Thank you.

Superb Drach. Simply superb.

*Visiting Admiral askes*: Do you have any available space on the deck of your ship? *Ships Captains states*: Yes! yes we do! *Visiting Admiral shakes head*: Why do you have open spaces? Fill those open space with a Gun of some kind now! *Visiting Admiral notes*: Ask Fleet about strapping an Atlanta or two to the hull of all carriers.

Great video. I'd love to see you do a video on the 1st Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. I've had the impression for years that the vast majority of personnel on the warships of both sides had no idea of the proximity of enemy forces until the Japanese emerged from the squall at something on the order of 3,000 yards from the Americans. I'd like to get your take on it. In any case, you do first class work.

When Drach mentioned the Atlanta's dog, I couldn't help but think of that classic photo of Abe Simpson called "Man Yells at Cloud".