1943-08-18
Battle off Horaniu
Off the north coast of Vella Lavella
Eleven nights after Vella Gulf, four Japanese destroyers covered barges bound for Horaniu, on Vella Lavella. Rear Admiral Matsuji Ijuin flew his flag in Sazanami, with Hamakaze, Isokaze, and Shigure. Four American destroyers intercepted them. Torpedoes from both sides missed, including four that Chevalier fired at Shigure. Hamakaze and Isokaze were nicked by gunfire. Nothing hit Sazanami, and Shigure was not hit. Most of the barges still landed their troops.
A diagram of how this fight went will go here.
