C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L November 6, 1943.
From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander South Pacific.
The Commander Task Force 39.
Subject: Report of Shore Bombardment Buka - Shortlands Areas.
Reference: (a) U.S.N.R. Art. 874(6).
(b) Cincpac Conf. Ltr. 36CL-42.
1. During the night of 31 October - 1 November this vessel as part of Task Force 39 participated in the bombardment of the Buka - Shortlands Areas on Bougainville Island. The approaches, firing courses and retirements were made in accordance with Commander Task Force 39’s operation plan 3-43 of 29 October 1943.
2. Prior to the approach formation was taken with Crudiv 12 in column, Desdiv 45 (less STANLY) in column, 3000 yards ahead of the cruisers, the first of Desdiv 46 1500 yards astern of the cruisers. The STANLY was acting as picket, distant 10 miles, bearing 310° T from the guide (MONTPELIER). The STANLY maneuvered to rejoin astern of the 2nd section of Desdiv 46 when clear of the firing area.
BUKA PHASE
3. The target assigned this vessel was Nova Plantation. A target area in the shape of a square with its four points at the cardinal points of the compass and 1600 yards on a side was selected. This target area allowed for an error of 100 yards to the southwest, northwest, and northeast edges of Nova Plantation. Fire was controlled from the computer. 120 salvos were fired with 15 deflection increments and 8 range increments. As the deflection pattern was estimated at 100 yards and range pattern of 200 yards this gave a theoretical coverage of 100% of the target area.
Fire was opened at range 16000 yards with west corner of the target area (initial point) bearing 073° T. Fire was ceased at 18000 yards with north corner of target area bearing 039° T. Firing course was 160° T at commence fire and then variable. Speed was 20 knots.
The first ten salvos from all guns were fired using flashless powder. Remaining salvos were fired using flashless powder in forward two guns and smokeless powder in the after three guns. 475 rounds of 5"/38 cal. AA common were expended. Salvo interval was 8 seconds (average).
