On the night of 24 - 25 October, prior to the engagement, destroyers were on A/S screening stations as follows: Stations This command was OTC (CTU 79.11.3) of movement group from Manus to Leyte and then Transport Screen Commander (CTG 79.11) until 0805, 25 October. From then on to the time of the torpedo attack DesRon 54 was assigned A/S screening duties. (a) DesRon 54 less Wadleigh and Norman Scott, and 19 patrol craft left Manus on 11 October and escorted 104 LSTs, LCIs and LSMs to Leyte Gulf and arrived in transport area about 0400, 20 October, for the initial assualt on Leyte Island. No ship of this squadron sustained any material or personnel casualties. After the torpedoes were launched, DesRon 54 retired at maximum speed zig-zagging behind a smoke screen. Our attacking destroyers were illuminated by searchlight and star shells and were under enemy gunfire for several minutes. One ship blew up as a result of torpedo fire from Western Attack Group. Two ships that appeared to be battleships were definitely damaged by the Eastern Attack Group and forced to drop astern of enemy formation. Several, probably 5 to 6, torpedo hits were made by ships of this squadron. The enemy was headed on a northerly course at about 18 knots.
It is estimated that the enemy force consisted of two battleships and one cruiser in an approximate column, screened by four destroyers, total number of ships was seven.
#Screen commander. leyte gulf full#
Full salvos, depth setting of 6 feet and intermediate speed were used by all destroyers. This command made initial radar contact with the enemy at 0240 on the 25th and proceeded to launch a torpedo attack as per plan, Remey, McGowan, and Melvin from eastward and McDermut and Monssen from westward. Constant reports from reconnaissance planes and later from PT boats indicated a strong Japanese surface force was headed for Surigao Strait. Remey, Monssen, McDermut, McGowan and Melvin were patrolling along the southern end of Leyte Gulf. The Mertz and McNair were guarding the eastern entrance to Leyte Gulf. On the night of 24 - 25 October, 1944, DesRon 54, less Wadleigh and Norman Scott were on anti-submarine patro stations. In accordance with reference (a) the following report is made covering surface action with Japanese surface forces in Surigao Strait, Philippine Islands on the night of 24 - 25 October 1944.Īll times mentioned throughout this report are Zone (-) 9 (Item) time.ġ. (A) Reproduction of Own and Enemy Tracks as Submitted by Ships of DesRon 54.ġ. Philippine Islands, 24 - 25 October 1944. Report of Night Action in Surigao Strait, (1) Commander Task Force 79 (ComTHIRDPhibFor). HyperWar: Battle of Surigao Strait (CTG 79.11)Ĭommander Task Group 79.11 (ComDesRon 54).
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