AMERICAN STALINGRAD - DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE

Ensign Register’s diary entries for the month before the Guadalcanal invasion give a good view of just how hectic preparation for departure to the combat zone was.

Things moved fast in Hawaii. Register wrote in his diary, “July 5, 1942 - Today was a big day. Much happened and after much work and seeing the right people, I am going to be transferred to Fighting Six with seven other flyers. We will go out on the Enterprise in about a week. All the new VF squadrons are to be 36 plane squadrons. Three CV are to go out and I believe we will meet the Wasp and possibly some Army transports. I think this is the start of our offensive and will probably be the biggest battle of the war so far. Am glad I can be in on it.”

The night of July 9, Register was able to take time to fill in his diary for the preceding days:

“July 8, 1942 - Today was the big day. In the morning, we prepared to fly our 36 planes out to the Enterprise which was about 100 miles out of Oahu. We left about 1300 and landed aboard about 1500. A fighter that landed behind me had a bad crack up, washing his plane out entirely. He came through the barrier and ended up very close to me. Many pilots have been killed while sitting in their planes and the fellow behind running into them. The Enterprise is a very nice ship with comfortable quarters. A TBF went over the side while landing.

”July 9, 1942 - Today was probably the fullest day I have ever put in and the most tired I have ever been. Got up at 0320 for flight quarters and received a lot of information. At 0630 took off for some tactical maneuvers with 36 VF and 36 U.S. VB. Landed at Maui, then took off again for another problem of bombing the carrier. Flew 6-1/2 hours of very strenuous flying, but learned a great deal. We are rehearsing a coming raid. It is now 2130 and we just secured.”

Enterprise, Saratoga and Wasp departed Pearl Harbor on July 16. Ensign Register wrote in his diary several days later:

“July 17, 1942 - Our destination for this trip is Tongatabu, southeast of the Fiji Islands. Don't know how long we will be there; probably not very long. I think it will be soon though when we are to see some real action. Possibly the start of our offensive. Position: 0730; Long. 162-34; Lat. N-12-09; Course 195; Speed 16.

“July 18, 1942 - Did not fly today. It rained a good part of the time. We are drawing very near to the Equator. Had mock torpedo attacks which were very good and interesting. The fighters strafed the CV. Enterprise can really turn sharp, and really heels over. Long. 196-14; Lat. N-6-38; Course 164; Speed 21 (0630)

“July 19, 1942 - We crossed the Equator at 1253 today, then 18 of us took off and flew over it. We lost an SBD today on a search. We all think he got lost as the radar picked him up 90 miles away, but couldn't reach him. 0630 Long. 165-10; Lat. N-1-10; Course 164; Speed 21. Crossed the Equator at 1253 at long. 165-48.”

Enterprise arrived at Tongatabu on July 24. Ensign Register wrote that it was beautiful, and that he wished he could come back when he had the time to sail around the small islands. The carrier departed the next evening, losing July 25 overnight when she crossed the International Date Line.

Register wrote on July 26: “We joined up with two task forces, 16 and 18. We now have over 70 ships in the group. This is the largest congregation of ships the Allies have had. It is a sight one will never forget. Carriers, Destroyers, Cruisers and Battleships, Transports, Tankers, Supply, and Hospital.”

This is the final free post of “American Stalingrad.” The next post will be August 7, with several posts regarding the invasion and the Japanese response. These and all subsequent posts will be behind the paywall, You will be able to access this and several other “paid subscribers’ benefits” for only $7/month or $70/year.

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