NEWSLETTER -- MAY 1998

The lecture of the evening was presented by Hamish Paterson and was entitled "The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot". This Battle of the Philippine Sea was the biggest carrier battle in history, and was the last. The term "Turkey Shoot" was how one US pilot decribed the air actions which virtually eliminated Japan's remaining naval air power.
By June 1944 the relentless American advance toward Japan was facing the Imperial Navy with a do-or-die situation. Its strength had been severely depleted in previous battles, whereas US naval capability had grown massively along with its air power. For the Japanese, the only hope seemed to be a single, decisive victory such as the one they had won against the Russian fleet in the Tsushima Straits four decades before.
The US threat to Japanese-held islands in the Marianas group gave the Imperial Navy its opportunity, although the odds were against it from the start. Its three fleet and six light carriers faced the Americans' seven fleet and eight light carriers. In all, 472 American fighters, 233 dive bombers and 190 torpedo bombers, faced Japanese numbers of 255, 126 and 99 respectively. The Japanese bombers and torpedo planes had the advantage of range and speed, but the US Hellcat fighters outclassed the Japanese Zeros in speed and protection, although not in range.
The Japanese hoped that land-based aircraft from the Marianas, Japan and elsewhere, would boost their numbers. However, they suffered from one vital deficiency which even their superior range and search capabilities were unable to counter. Owing to their previous heavy losses, their pilots lacked both training and experience.
First contact between the opposing fleets was on 18th June 1944. The Turkey Shoot comprised four engagements. In the first the Japanese lost 44 aircraft and succeeded only in damaging the US battleship South Dakota. Raid two lost 97 aircraft and was repulsed with only slight damage to the carrier Wasp and the battleship Indiana. Meanwhile US submarine Albacore torpedoed the Japanese carrier Taiho. Raid three did not make contact, but seven of its 47 aircraft fell to marauding Hellcats. The final raid was a complete failure, losing 30 aircraft out of its 49. The US submarine Cavalla torpedoed the carrier Shokaku, which blew up and sank, as did the Taiho. Altogether the Japanese lost 342 aircraft to the Americans' 30.
The US triumph was marred the next day when 97 aircraft, many of which ran out of fuel, went down in an attack on the retreating Japanese ships that was launched too late in the day and at too great a distance. Although only 34 aircrew were lost, it was a heavy price to pay for sinking one light carrier and two oilers.

Members are reminded that it is still possible to book for the 26th May to 1st June Namaqualand Battlefied Tour up to 14 days before the date of departure. The tour leaves from and returns to Kimberley, although it can be joined at Okiep. Travel is in air-conditioned vehicles and includes visits to Springbok, Brandewynkop, Okiep, Gares, Leliefontein, Augrabies, Scotty's grave, a wine-tasting, Porth Nolloth, a Cornish pumphouse and interesting geological formations. Cost of the tour, which is fully escorted by Satour guides, is from R1 740 per person. More information can be obtained by fax or phone from Steve Lunderstedt on (0531) 814006

COMING LECTURES

Johannesburg:

14th May:

ML F W Bullen All the Queen's Men

ML Lt-Gen. J Dutton With the Armour in Korea

11th June :

CR Terry Willson A Relic from Berea: Facts and Speculation, or Coincidence

ML B Bunyard Military Music

Durban:

14th May

Paul Kilmartin First Battle of Ypres -- 1914

Cape Town:

14th May

Johan van den Berg German Paratroops in Belgium and the Assualt on Fortress Holland -- 1940

George Barrell (Chairman/Scribe) (011) 791-2581

CR = Curtain raiser ML= Main Lecture