"The Naval
Battle of Guadalcanal - Night Action 13 November 1942" by James
W. Grace 
This is a well researched and highly readable account of the naval action on 13 November 1942 between an American force of five cruisers (some with only 5 inch main guns) and 8 destroyers against a Japanese force of two battleships (with 14 inch guns) three cruisers and several destroyers. This book really tells it like it was with no excuses for the screw-ups on both sides. The Americans had radar but the Commander, Rear Admiral Callaghan, did not trust it and had his newest ships with the best radar to the rear of his formation. The Americans were also not well trained in night actions and they had faulty torpedoes. The Japanese had excellent torpedoes in the Long Lance, which they used to devastating effect. They also had superior gun optics and were well trained in night operations. When the two forces met, everything turned sour for both sides and the action degenerated into a series of individual actions; the proverbial fur ball. The Americans took a hell of a beating from the Japanese torpedoes and the battleships as well as many hits from their own guns. They did manage to sink several Japanese ships, including the battleship Hai. All in all, it was more or less a standoff with the Americans taking higher casualties but preventing the Japanese from shelling Henderson field and the landing areas around Guadalcanal. The action is described in an exciting manner and there are numerous notes and appendices. My one question about the whole affair: Why did Callaghan win the Medal of Honor for botching the operation? He could have opened fire on the Japanese long before he did and used his force much more effectively.
Available from:
Naval Institute Press
Annapolis, MD 21402
Reviewed by Ken Smith, 26 April 1999
