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25 Jun 1944

Bombardment of German batteries off Cherbourg

Task Force 129 was ordered to bombard and take out the large calibre German shore batteries off Cherbourg.

It was decided to split the force in two and also additional ships were added. Group I (Task Unit 129.1) was to attack the German batteries to the west of Cherbourg near Querqueville. Group II (Task Unit 129.2) was to attack the German batteries to the east of Cherbourg near Fermanville.

Group I was made up of the battleship USS Nevada (Capt. P.M. Rhea, USN), heavy cruisers USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 7 also COMTASFOR 129, T/R.Adm. M.L. Deyo, USN), USS Quincy (Capt. E.M. Senn, USN), light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) and the destroyers USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN, with COMDESRON 10, T/Capt. A.F. Converse, USN, on board), USS Hambleton (T/Cdr. H.A. Renken, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN) and USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN).

Group II was made up of the battleships USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN, flying the flag of COMBATDIV 5, T/R.Adm. C.F. Bryant, USN) and the destroyers USS Barton (T/Capt. J.W. Callahan, USN, with COMDESRON 60, T/Capt. W.L. Freseman, USN, on board), USS Laffey (T/Cdr. F.J. Becton, USN), USS O'Brien (T/Cdr. W.W. Outerbridge, USN), USS Plunkett (T/Cdr. W. Outerson, USN) and USS Hobson (T/Cdr. K. Loveland, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Cdr. L.W. Nilon, USN, on board).

To enable this bombardment, the area had to be swept for mines for which Task Units 129.3.1 and 125.9.3 was deployed.

Task Unit 129.3.1 was made up of the following minesweepers; HMS Sidmouth (Cdr. R.W.D. Thomson, RN), HMS Bangor (Lt. H. Sobey, RNR), HMS Blackpool (A/Lt.Cdr. G.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Boston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.L. Choppin, DSC, RNVR), HMS Bridlington (T/Lt. E.M. Betts, RNR), HMS Bridport (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.G. Rogers, RD, RNR), HMS Eastbourne (T/Lt. R.A. Aldred, RNVR) and HMS Tenby (A/Cdr. R.W. Wainwright, RN).
Danlayers (M/S trawlers); HMS Bryher (T/Lt. F.C.C. Knight, RNVR), HMS Dalmatia (A/Skr.Lt. C. Dale, RNR), HMS Ijuin (Skr. T.W. Doddington, RNR) and HMS Signa (T/Skr. J. More, RNR).
Motor minesweepers; HMS BYMS 2032 (T/A/Skr.Lt. P.S. Farmery, RNR), HMS BYMS 2052 (T/Lt. C.E. Haste, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2055 (T/Lt. S.R. Wakefield, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2070 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J. Hobbs, RNR), HMS BYMS 2071 (T/Lt. W.M. Dougall, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2157 (T/Lt. D. McGrath, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2173 (T/Lt. A.L. Mulcare, DSC, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2211 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Davies, DSC and Bar, RNR).
Motor launches; [Four in number, identity currently not known to us.]

Task Unit 125.9.3 was made up of the following minesweepers; USS Pheasant (Lt.Cdr. H.I. Pratt, USNR, with CTU 125.9.3, T/Cdr. H. Plander, USN, on board), USS Auk (Lt. D.L. Brantley, USNR), USS Broadbill (Lt.Cdr. O.B. Lundgren, USNR), USS Chickadee (Lt. W.D. Allen, USNR), USS Nuthatch (Lt.Cdr. R.A.L. Ellis, USNR), USS Swift (Lt.Cdr. R.K. Cockey, USNR), USS Threat (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Ferrill, USNR) and HMCS Thunder (A/Cdr. H.D. MacKay, RCNR). This last ship acted as danlayer. Also part of this Task Unit were three motor launches; HMML 139 (T/S.Lt. J.B. Foxlee, RNVR), HMML 257 (T/Lt. G.W. Lambert, RNVR) and HMML 275 (T.S.Lt. F.E.T. Dann, RNVR).

Movements of Group I.

Group I departed Portland around 0500B/25.

Around 1015B/25, Group I arrived in the assigned bombardment area. The minesweepers were still clearing the area at at this time.

At 1208B/25, gun flashes were seen on the beach.

At 1211B/25, HMS Enterprise opened fire. USS Rodman reported the coordinates of a battery which was firing on minesweepers sweeping in the area for the bombardment force. [We have been unable to find a detailed report of HMS Enterprise during this operation.]

At 1212B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery. Direct hits were obtained at 1221B/25. Rapid fire was then ordered. By 1229B/25 more hits had been reported. At 1232B/25, it was reported that out of the 8 guns of this target, 6 had been destroyed. By 1236B/25, more hits had been obtained and the Germans showed a white panel but Nevada was told to ignore this as there had been a previous deception. Fire was ceased on this target at 1327B/25. By then 32 two-gun salvos had been fired with excellent results. Fire was only ceased so that the main battery could also be used to engage the battery firing on USS Nevada at that time.

At 1213B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on an enemy shore battery that was initially firing on the minesweepers. Fire was ceased on this target at 1257B/25 after a total of 96 rounds of high explosive had being fired. Results were inconclusive according to the air spotter as it had been very difficult to observe the fall of shot as multiple ship had been firing at the same target.

At 1215B/25, more gunflashes were seen on the beach. Also the 5" battery of USS Nevada opened fire. Fire was ceased on this target at 1224B/25.

At 1216B/25, smoke was laid ahead of the minesweepers which were still being fired upon.

At 1218B/25, USS Nevada was straddled.

At 1220B/25, USS Nevada's part of 5" guns opened fire on another target. Fire was ceased after 5 minutes as the results could no longer be observed due to the smoke in the target area. It is believed that this battery was firing at HMS Glasgow.

At 1222B/25, USS Nevada was again straddled.

At 1228B/25, USS Quincy opened fire with 5" firing white phosphorus over one of the Allied destroyers laying a smoke screen which had come under enemy fire.

At 1236B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. Fire was ceased at 1252B/25.

At 1237B/25, USS Nevada was again straddled. Two shells landing 300 yards away on her port quarter. USS Nevada manoeuvred to get clear as enemy gunnery became more accurate.

At 1237B/25, enemy shells fell close astern of HMS Glasgow which took evasive action.

At 1240B/25, USS Nevada was straddled once more, now by an enemy salvo of four guns. All landed within 300 yards. Shortly afterwards and enemy three gun salvo landed 100 to 400 yards from the ship.

At 1241B/25, Four more splashed were observed close to USS Nevada landing at range between 100 and 400 yards.

At 1242B/25, a shell was seen to straddle HMS Enterpise at a distance of only 50 yards. USS Nevada was once again straddled by two shells, distance 400 yards.

At 1243B/25, two more shells landed within 50 yards of HMS Enterpise. Six splashes were seen from USS Nevada near HMS Glasgow.

At 1245B/25, a shell landed with 50 yards of USS Nevada.

At 1246B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled. USS Nevada opened fire with 5" guns on an enemy battery of four 6" guns. Nevada's gunfire was aided by air spotting. Fire on this target ceased at 1311B/25, with undetermined results.

At 1248B/25, both USS Nevada and HMS Glasgow were straddled followed by a hit amidships on HMS Glasgow which reported being hit in the hangar. Also USS Nevada commenced firing on another target with her 5" guns. Fire was ceased on this target at 1305B/25.

At 1250B/25, an enemy shell straddled USS Nevada by 25 yards. HMS Glasgow was hit again by enemy gunfire. She reported being hit on the after superstructure.

At 1252B/25, both USS Nevada and HMS Glasgow were straddled again.

At 1256B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on another now active battery. fire was ceased at 1302B/25. The battery could not be observed by the spotter aircraft but the salvos were observed from the ship to explode near the enemy gun flashes.

At 1257B/25, USS Nevada was straddled again.

At 1258B/25, USS Emmons opened fire on a small fort where flashes of gunfire were observed. At 1308B/25, he came under fire from another shore battery and was forced to retire to the north making use of smoke that was being laid by USS Rodman. USS Emmons ceased fire at 1313B/25. 64 rounds had been expended.

At 1259B/25, USS Quincy opened fire with her 5" battery. 56 rounds were fired into the target area and hits were reported.

At 1300B/25, three enemy salvos landed 400 yards from USS Quincy. Which then opened fire on a target with her 8" main battery. Fire was ceased at 1310B/25. 10 rounds had been fired and the result was reported as successful.

At 1301B/25, an enemy three gun salvo was seen to straddle HMS Enterprise from USS Quincy.

At 1302B/25, the plane which was spotting for USS Tuscaloosa reported that it had been hit by enemy AA fire and that it was returning to her base.

At 1303B/25, HMS Enterprise was straddled twice.

At 1304B/25, USS Nevada was straddled again. It landed so close on the unengaged side that it was a miracle that it did not hit the ship. Splinters landed on No.4 gun turret.

At 1305B/25, an enemy shell landed 100 yards off the beam of USS Nevada.

At 1310B/25, it appeared that the enemy battery that had been firing on HMS Enterprise shifted target to USS Quincy.

At 1311B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on a new target. Fire was ceased at 1337B/25 after 54 rounds of HE had been expended. The results were not known.

At 1312B/25, enemy salvos landed astern of USS Quincy which was just ahead of USS Tuscaloosa. Both ships had to take evasive action.

At 1313B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. She ceased fire 4 minutes later to shift target.

At 1315B/25, USS Ellyson was ordered to lay smoke near HMS Glasgow.

At 1316B/25, USS Nevada was straddled by an enemy salvo that landed 200 yards short.

At 1319B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. Fire was ceased at 1324B/25 but fire was resumed 2 minutes later for 4 minutes. At 1332B/25 fire was re-opened again for another 4 minutes. Spotting had been very difficult due to smoke and haze near the target.

At 1320B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy salvo by 50 yards.

At 1320B/25, USS Murphy was ordered to conduct a fire support mission and commenced closing her assigned target at high speed. Before fire could be opened USS Murphy came under enemy fire and she was straddled several times. At 1405B/25, USS Murphy retired under smoke.

At 1323B/25, enemy shells landed only 100 yards ahead of USS Tuscaloosa.

At 1324B/25, USS Nevada is straddled again.

At 1329B/25, an enemy salvo landed 200 yards short of USS Nevada's beam. USS Nevada went full speed ahead to throw of the enemy's aim.

At 1335B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy salvo which landed ahead at a range of 100 yards. A minute later three more salvos followed. Closest one was only 50 yards off.

At 1337B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery on the enemy gun positions currently firing on her. Range was 21900 yards. Fire was ceased at 1415B/25. Individual results could not be observed as many ships were firing on the same target. During the period that USS Nevada was firing on this target, radical manoeuvring had been necessary due to accurate enemy fire. This continued on until 1434B/25.

At 1337B/25, USS Tuscaloosa established communications with a relief spotting plane.

At 1337B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy three gun salvo. It landed close under her stern.

At 1339B/25, USS Quincy was straddled. HMS Ellyson was ordered shortly afterwards to cover her with a smoke screens.

At 1342B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. It was hoped that the air spotter would be of use now, however at 1343B/25 the aircraft had to make a forced landing. Fire was ceased at 1350B/25 but re-opened 3 minutes later to be checked again at 1355B/25. After reversing course fire was re-opened again as soon as possible but was checked once more at 1414B/25. Yet another aircraft had taken over the spotting but she reported being unable to see anything due to the haze and smoke near the target. Later it was reported that the air spotter operating for HMS Glasgow, which was not firing at this time, had observed a direct hit on the target by USS Tuscaloosa.

At 1342B/25, the damaged HMS Glasgow was ordered to retire to the north. USS Ellyson and USS Emmons laid smoke to cover her.

At 1345B/25, USS Quincy was straddled again, enemy rounds landed 200 yards off. USS Emmons laid smoke to cover her. She too came under fire and was near missed by two salvos.

At 1345B/25, USS Gherardi opened fire on a shore target she had been ordered to engage. Fire was shifted to another target, close to the first one, at 1400B/25. Both targets were reported neutralised by the shore fire control party and fire was ceased at 1405B/25. 110 round of 5" HE had been expended.

At 1348B/25, USS Hambleton laid a smoke screen and two minutes later she opened fire on an enemy battery from a range of 14250 yards. On opening fire she ceased making smoke. Only two salvos were fired as USS Hambleton came under heavy fire with many near misses. She quickly retired out of range of the battery manoeuvring radically while doing so.

At 1356B/25, USS Rodman opened fire on an enemy shore battery. 8 salvos were fired before the range became to great.

At 1435B/25, HMS Glasgow was missed by some enemy shells falling ahead. Course was altered to the south-east.

At 1347B/25, USS Quincy was near missed with an enemy shell landing near her starboard bow. USS Emmons commenced to lay smoke to shield the cruiser from the enemy.

At 1405B/25, USS Ellyson commenced laying a smoke screen and then fired 27 rounds of 5" at a German shore battery near Querqueville. Fire was ceased after only one minute because of the inability to observe the fall of shot.

At 1410B/25, USS Gherardi came under enemy fire and then retired northward under smoke.

At 1421B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased at 1443B/25 when the target was no longer in range. 57 rounds of HE had been expended. Several hits had been obtained within 100 yards of the target area.

At 1423B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased after two minutes.

At 1426B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased at 1455B/25.

At 1432B/25, USS Hambleton opened fire on a shore target from 14350 yards. While engaging this target radical manoeuvring was carried out to evade return fire. Fire was ceased after six salvos at 1440B/25. She had been forced out of range by enemy fire and retired under smoke.

At 1437B/25, USS Nevada had to radically change course due to a drifting mine being sighted which she just managed to miss.

At 1437B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on an enemy battery. The air observed reported he had been able to see the battery but it soon became obscured by smoke so fire was ceased after 6 rounds had been fired.

At 1441B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled. She turned away and streamed a smoke float.

At 1444B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery on a new target. Fire was ceased at 1455B/25, after the air spotter reported that gunfire had been excellent and that there was no need for further firing on that target.

At 1444B/25, USS Rodman opened fire on an enemy shore battery. Fire was ceased at 1545B/25 after a total of 50 rounds had been fired from range between 15000 and 17500 yards. USS Rodman then retired under smoke having come under accurate enemy fire.

At 1446B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled again. This was a very close call. The cruiser went full speed ahead and took evasive action.

At 1458B/25, CTF 129 ordered all ships to withdraw through swept channel 'No.3' and join up at buoy 'Charlie'.

At 1503B/25, USS Nevada came under fire again and was straddled. Fire was then opened with the main battery on the battery firing on Nevada. One hit on this battery was later reported.

At 1505B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy target aided by a shore fire control party. Fire was ceased at 1510B/25.

At 1507B/25, a three gun salvo straddled USS Nevada by 300 yards followed one minute later by a three gun salvo which was just 200 yards off.

At 1510B/25, USS Nevada had another close straddle. This one was a large calibre shell which missed by only 25 yards. Large pieces of shrapnel and splinters landed on the deck but there was no damage nor casualties. The main battery of USS Nevada now ceased firing on her current fire and intended to shift target to another enemy gun battery which was believed to be the one now straddling the battleship. The spotting aircraft however had difficulty locating the target due to enemy AA gunfire.

At 1511B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy target aided by an air spotter. Fire was ceased at 1530B/25.

At 1513B/25, an enemy salvo landed within 100 yards of USS Nevada which subsequently altered course to evade then enemy's aim.

At 1513B/25, USS Ellyson and USS Hambleton commenced laying smoke to cover the withdrawal of Group I.

At 1515B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on a casemated gun emplacement from a range of 25400 yards. Fire was ceased at 1540B/25. A direct hit was reported with more rounds hitting the immediate area around the casemate.

At 1520B/25, the aircraft spotting for USS Nevada finally located the enemy battery firing on the battleship. Fire was opened with the main battery on this target at 1522B/25. Range was 26300 yards. Fire was ceased after 6 rounds at 1525B/25. All rounds had straddled the target. Fire was ceased upon receiving the order to retire.

Around 1540B/25, Group I entered approach channel 'No.1' to return to Portland.

At 1820B/25, HMS Enterprise was detached to proceed to Portsmouth to re-ammunition there.

Around 1945B/25, Group I arrived at Portland.

Movements of Group II.

Group II departed Portland around 0330B/25. Around 0945B/25, Group II arrived in the assigned bombardment area. The minesweepers were still sweeping the area at this time.

At 1208B/25, USS Arkansas opened fire on an enemy battery from a range of 18000 yards. Results were unknown but two hits were thought possible. Fire was ceased at 1245B/25.

At 1228B/25, Group II and accompanying mineweepers were taken under fire by German shore batteries. Their first salvo landed near USS Barton, USS O'Brien and some of the minesweepers. At 1229B/25, USS Barton and USS O'Brien immediately opened counter battery fire after USS Barton had located the source of the enemy gunfire.

At 1230B/30, USS Barton was straddled and also suffered a hit in her after diesel engine room. Fortunately the projectile was a dud.

At 1232B/30, USS Laffey was straddled and also suffered a hit in her port bow near the anchor. This projectile was also a dud.

At 1234B/30, USS Texas was straddled several times and evasive action had to be taken.

At 1235B/30, USS Barton commenced counter-battery fire.

At 1237B/30, USS Barton was ordered to draw further ahead and be prepared to make smoke.

At 1238B/25, USS Texas opened fire on a shore battery. Range was 19200 yards. The results were doubtful as it is believed the spotter aircraft was in error as to the location of the target. Only six rounds were fired.

At 1241B/25, USS Barton, USS O'Brien, USS Laffey and USS Plunkett were now covering the minesweepers with counter-battery fire as indicated by flashes on the beach. The destroyers fire was intermittent due to the difficulty in spotting due to the heavy smoke in the target area.

At 1242B/25, USS Texas was straddled close to starboard.

At 1244B/25, USS Texas shifted fire to another shore battery.

At 1245B/25, USS Texas was straddled by two salvos followed by four more as the enemy had apparently found the range and commenced rapid firing. USS Arkansas reversed course to avoid USS Texas and therefore had to cease firing.

At 1246B/25, USS Texas was straddled to port.

At 1252B/25, USS Arkansas opened fire on a new target. 1000 yards from her previous target. Range was 20000 yards. Fire was ceased on this target at 1325B/25.

At 1254B/25, USS O'Brien was straddled followed by a hit which carried away the aft portion of the bridge. 13 of the crew were killed and 19 were injured.

At 1254B/25, USS Texas and USS Arkansas turned to the northwards with USS Hobson and USS Plunkett making smoke and screening. The minesweepers also retired to the northward making smoke.

At 1255B/25, USS Barton positioned herself between the minesweepers and the enemy laying smoke.

At 1256B/25, USS Texas was straddled astern. She then turned westwards with USS Arkansas following.

Between 1302 and 1500B/25, USS Texas fired 170 rounds with her main battery on an enemy shore battery believed to be. Many shells landed in the target area and one direct hit was observed by the air spotter.

At 1316B/25, USS Texas was hit by a large calibre enemy shell which wrecked the pilot house and all control equipment. She immediately altered course to the northward to asses the damage. There was 1 dead and 12 wounded.

At 1317B/25, USS Texas was straddled. She then took avoiding action and the escorting destroyers started to make smoke again.

At 1323B/23, a fire broke out on the stern of USS Texas which was quickly extinguished.

The enemy then concentrated on USS Arkansas which was straddled several times until smoke screens, laid by USS Plunkett and USS Hobson became too dense and the enemy fire was lifted around 1325B/25.

Around 1339B/25, USS Texas turned to the south-east after control of the ship had been transferred to the conning tower.

At 1401B/25, USS Arkansas re-opened fire from 19000 yards. Fire was ceased after 6 minutes when USS Arkansas was straddled. 8 rounds had been fired.

At 1443B/25, both USS Texas and USS Arkansas opened fire. Both fired on different targets.

At 1447B/25, USS Texas was hit by a did on the port side near frame 19 tearing a hole 3" by 2" above the waterline.

At 1454B/25, both USS Texas and USS Arkansas were straddled. It was then decided to retire northwards. USS Plunkett and USS Hobson laying smoke to cover the battleships.

At 1500B/25, both battleships ceased fire.

At 1504B/25, Group II was ordered to return to Portland by CTG 129.

Around 2230B/25, Task Unit 129.2 arrived in Portland Bay after an uneventful passage. (1)

26 Apr 1945
HMS Volatile (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Cape Comorin (T/Lt. M.E.F. Corley, RNVR), HMS Bridport (T/Lt. P.H. Bech, RNR), HMS Rother (T/A/Lt.Cdr. B.H.C. Rodgers, RNVR) and HMCS Matane (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.J. Jones, RCNVR). (2)