Monday 15th October

57 days to go.

Well, up at 0600 to watch the second of the Rugby WC Semi-finals. This one went to prediction though. After a couple of hours at work, the internet has finally been restored. Contact with the outside world! Grind through the morning and lunchtime will be upon us.

Here are the details of the 7th and final "Naval Battle of the Solomons". The Battle of Rennell Island, 29 - 30 January 1943.

A US Naval force moved from the south to try for 2 objectives. To escort troop carriers with the reinforcements for Guadalcanal, then steam north and protect the troop carriers bu guarding "The Slot". The Slot is the passage between the Islands that make up the Solomons.

The Japanese launched a series of Air attacks at dusk and they carry on into the night, the Japanese used flares and floating lights to help. A US Heavy Cruiser was badly damaged and taken under tow. The next morning the Japanese renewed the air attack and sunk the towed Heavy Cruiser. One Destroyer was also damaged. The Japanese suffered heavy aircraft losses.

The US troops were safely landed on Guadalcanal.