This Top-Secret Weapon Saved US Battleships From Complete Wipeout

On the night of November 14 to 15 1942, the battle of Guadalcanal raged on. A relentless Japanese fleet charged towards Henderson Field. They have a juggernaut force- the battleship Kirishima, flanked by four cruisers and nine destroyers, all poised to wipe out Henderson, paving the way for reinforcements in the dead of night.

Dwindling Defenses

Admiral William “Bull” Halsey surveyed his dwindling defenses- most of his cruisers were either deep in battle or badly mauled. All he had left for a surface clash were two warships patrolling as guardians for the battered Enterprise carrier.

In 1942, battleships were relegated to protective roles, their anti-aircraft guns shielding carriers from enemy planes. With his cruisers decimated and only one crippled carrier at his command, Halsey had no choice but to unleash his remaining battleships. Both new and bristling in firepower, both Washington and South Dakota received their orders.

Unleashing the Secret Weapon

During the second naval battle of Guadalcanal, USS Washington, and USS South Dakota were equipped with advanced SG radar systems offering a technological edge. The SG radar was a surface-search radar that could detect ships and aircraft at considerable distances, even at night or in poor visibility conditions.

This radar technology allowed US battleships to track and engage enemy vessels with unprecedented accuracy and from beyond visual range. In contrast, the Japanese Navy didn’t have comparable radar technology during this period.

Although Japan developed rudimentary radar systems they were not widely deployed or as advanced as the US models. This lack of radar capability left the Japanese fleet disadvantaged, as they mainly relied on visual detection and traditional optical rangefinders during engagements.

Using radar on ships such as the Washington and South Dakota was a carefully kept secret to maintain a tactical advantage. As the two fleets converged, the fate of Guadalcanal hung in the balance.

The Battle

Unaware of the presence of American battleships, the Japanese panicked as 900-foot geysers of water erupted around their ships, sent up by the thundering guns of South Dakota. The Japanese had been cut off-guard and blind, their biggest ships had fled.

The Kirishima was taken down after twenty direct hits from Washington’s 16-inch guns and numerous impacts from her five-inch batteries. After the Japanese was stripped of its centerpiece, made one last defiant gesture, sending torpedoes in a futile cry of rage against the inevitable. They then fled into the night.

The fierce engagement between the USS Washington and USS South Dakota against a superior Japanese fleet had significant implications for both sides and significantly influenced the war’s course.

Outcome

The US achieved a decisive victory, yet at a significant cost. The Americans lost four destroyers, and the South Dakota was heavily damaged with 26 hits. Despite these losses, Admiral Lee’s advanced radar technology and tactical acumen turned the tides of the war in favor of the Americans.

Meanwhile, the Japanese fleet suffered devastating losses. The Kirishima sank after 20 direct hits from Washington’s 16-inch guns. They also lost the cruiser Sendai and several destroyers in the chaotic retreat.