The Battle of Empress Augusta Bay with special guest Drachinifel-Episode 220
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- This week Seth and Bill are again joined by naval historian Drachinifel and the trio discusses the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay that was fought as a result of the invasion of Bougainville on the night of November 1-2, 1943. Tune in and see what the trio has to say about the resounding American surface victory.
@Drachinifel
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I knew a gentleman in his final years who had been a plank owner on Montpelier and had served on that ship on a 40mm mount throughout the war. As a child he had known true poverty during the depression, and while he didn’t talk too much about the fighting his ship saw with a kid like me, he always wanted to talk about the gedunk aboard his ship. He loved ice cream and he had never eaten so much good food before in his life. I had been looking forward to this episode as I remember this now deceased friend. Thank you for making it, and tonight I will lift a bowl of ice cream in memory of Jim and in thanksgiving for his service and that of his shipmates.
You wouldn't be talking about James Fahey, would you. He wrote Pacific War Diary about his time on the Montpelier during WW II. It was a riveting look into life on a warship during that time period.
@@mikeat2637 , it was a different gentleman. Is the diary you reference in print somewhere? Thank you! Edit: Answered my own question with a web search. Thank you for pointing me to that book.
What is a plank owner??
And gedunk?? Or is that just a spelling error or the infamous spell check??
@@davidlafranchise4782 A plank owner is someone who was with the original crew of a newly built ship after commissioning and acceptance as part of the fleet.
I'm always impressed by Drachs' ability to speak on Naval History, off the top of his head. The depth and breadth of his knowledge is truly impressive.
He is a marvel. I love their introduction of him, I’m sure most of us know exactly who he is and are probably subscribed
Love the videos with Drac. You watch one of his videos and 3 hours later you’re learning about French steel manufacturing for ship building in WW1 and wondering how in the heck you got here. Great work gentleman.
Outstanding episode. Drachinfel is a wonderful resource. He did an episode on 18th century shipboard food and actually cooked some hardtack biscuits and salted beef and ate it with his wife laughing in the background. He is a treasure.
The amount of detailed knowledge just on the capabilities of the cruiser guns….
The crunching of the hardtack as he was eating was impressive!
Loved seeing him on gun ranges in USA- so good
@@francisbusa1074 I am a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans. My great great grandfather was captured in the Battle of Helena, AK July, 1863 and spent the rest of the war in Camp Douglas in Chicago. He survived unlike 6,000 + others.
@@francisbusa1074 I hope it has not broken your teeth.
Drachinifel is an outstanding presenter of naval history, and your vision and analysis is pertinent and valuable as we are heading for war and it is our future advisary whom has the manufacturing advantage in the coming war.
What the homefront did during that war was nothing short of miraculous. Unbelievable amount of supplies and material going to both fronts! With the situation with China looming it frightens me. I don't think we could mobilize the manufacturing base in this country to do that a second time and China has such a Monumental head start. I live in Seattle so with boeing, General dynamics, General Electric, etcetera we're pretty much ground zero for any type of attack
Agreed! Drach and Unauthorized are indeed my two favorite shows!
Again an absolutely amazing episode guys. As a European interested in WW2 - my focus has always been the European theater. Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea, Midway and the nuclear strikes we have learned about. Now I am equally intrigued and interested in everything related to the Pacific war as well - because of your amazing story telling. Thanks !!!
This is the place for that.
My father was a radioman on the bridge of the USS Stanley during this battle. A couple of years before he died he was telling me this story and I asked him to write it down. He conveyed the chaos of the night and the air attack the following day. I am grateful he wrote this and will pass it to my children. Recently, I was reading about the Stanley engine room crew. They had an exhaust leak and had to tend the boilers through the night using oxygen canisters. God bless them all
Please bless us with Your Dad's and USS Stanley's story! We will pass it on. And on. And on!
@@flparkermdpchave to agree. Joseph if you feel comfortable sharing that would be fascinating
Amazing
I agree! Could you post it to TH-cam? That's super important history that we could all learn from
Real Man!
Fantastic. How you got Drach to participate is even more impressive. “Nimitz had a dart board with MacArthur on the face.” Brilliant and to the point.
USS Foote was towed to Florida Island (Solomons) for integrity repairs, then was barge towed all the way to San Pedro for full repairs and modernization. Participated in combat for the last year of the war, remarkable.
@@blueboats7530 My Uncle was a firemen on the USS Foote during this battle. I can remember him describing having the stern destroyed - fire, smoke, screaming, deafening noise. He was amazed that ship remained afloat. He survived the war and was recalled to service during the Korean War. He was a wonderful man..
Thanks guys for making my boring evening more enjoyable. Your efforts are greatly appreciated….
Awesome overload this morning. My two favorite channels combined!
Can't beleive you don't have more subscribers. You re very good at what you do. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
I’ve said the same thing. Some of the best content on the Tube
To help the channel grow, spread the word to those you think might be interested in its subject matter. Word-of-mouth is the best way.
This channel is awesome, so glad I found it
Well up to 27k now.. should be forty times that of course.
Another outstanding episode gentlemen! Really appreciate Drachinifel's unbiased views as well! Regarding the question near the end about the location of the repair base the USS Foote was towed too, here is an excerpt from her history from Naval History and Heritage Command. "Putting into Vella Lavella 1 October 1943 with an LST convoy which she had joined at sea, Foote joined in fighting off an enemy air attack later that day, splashing at least one plane. She escorted the LSTs back to Guadalcanal, returning to convoy duty until covering the landings on the Treasuries 26 and 27 October. She put out from Purvis Bay 31 October to bombard Buka and the Shortlands, neutralizing enemy airfields to prevent air opposition to the Bougainville landings. Alerted to the movement of an enemy task force, Foote made contact by radar in the early morning of 2 November, and in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay which followed, she was hit by an enemy torpedo which blew off her stern, as the other ships of her division launched the torpedo attacks which helped sink two Japanese ships and turned back the planned assault by the Japanese task force on the shipping off Bougainville. With 3 killed and 17 wounded, Foote's men kept their ship afloat despite the fact that both engines were stopped, steering control lost and the main deck awash aft. They also manned their guns to splash at least one wave of Japanese planes which attacked the American ships the next morning. She was towed into Purvis Bay 4 November for repairs." Also, the battle damage report from Navsource.com indicates several fuel oil tanks were damaged and exposed to the sea which probably explains the report the water in the fuel that shut down the boilers. Again, my compliments to Seth, Captain Toti and Drachinifel for another outstanding broadcast!
Drach! This is awesome glad to see you.
Hey now let’s just work in a way to reinforce that Warspite is the greatest battleship ever and we’ll be good.😂😉
Keep em coming!!! I can't wait till next Tuesday!! Thank you
More to come!
3 of my favorite historians. Always a treat to watch and listen to you folk!
Wonderful again Drak, Seth and Bill.
Great Torpedo Tuesday. Drach is a naval encyclopedia. I really appreciate Drach fighting the late hours and sleep to bring us this wonderful podcast. Love watching these episodes.
Two of my FAVORITE shows together... I love it!
And Seth, thanks for the woodpecker lips comment because I’m going to have a lot of fun repackaging that one to repeat😂Classic!
You guys are AWESOME . Thank you for your time.
CPT Bill I hope your throat heals.
You guys ROCK.
SGT DOUG, RECON, 101ST, RVN 68-69.
CAPT Toti discussed his permanent vocal cord damage in an episode of the show as he often sees these types of comments. This veteran has earned his scars.
We all wish him good health, fair winds, and following seas.
Really like this guest's (Drach) precision. Can we hear from him some more? The three of you excel (as in mutually reinforce). Great piece! Great scholarship all. Most enjoyable,
Thank you to all three of you, another great presentation. Go Navy!
So good to see you guys together with one of the most preeminent Naval historians, Drachinifel. For further information there is a very nice USN animated film here on TH-cam of this battle, which involved Cleveland Class light cruisers effectively using their radars in the night engagement.
With respect, you have it backwards, Drach is more known due to his TH-cam channel which has widely grown in the last 5 years
Seth is one of the historians who made the National WWII Museum into what it is now
Thank you for another fantastic episode. A great three-hander, or four if you count the behind the scenes silent contribution from Seth's canine friend
So glad you are covering the Pacific Campaigns in this manner. Back in the 70’s when I was around 14, I became hooked on WWII Pacific history. Read every book I could get my hands on. This series is a great reminder of that time for me. Thanks
I also started became hooked on the war in the PTO around the same age, though about 15 years earlier. I was the assistant librarian in my high school and I read the entire series of Samuel Eliot Morison's History of US Naval Operations in WW II, which was in our reference section. I was able to take them home to read, and the volumes I enjoyed the most were about the battle of The Atlantic and the South Pacific Campaign, particularly the Solomons Campaign. It's been pretty much a lifelong affinity and I have read pretty much everything written about the subject. My favorite individual book is Jim Hornfischer's excellent book Neptune's Inferno, the best book written about the early days in the Solomons, with many personal descriptions from the notable people involved. As far as US Navy vessels, I have over the years bought all of Dr. Norman Friedman's amazing Design History series of books. They are invaluable.
I did much the same at twelve or thirteen in 1963-4. In those days I started with our library. I would ride my bike the two or three miles to said library. Then immerse myself in the 359 section and one other Dewey Decimal section around 940 I think. I read the compleat Morrlson series, and I read the eight Battle Report series by Walter Karig. So with these and books I began to read, I became precocious..
I would add that it was a shame that Karig died in 1956 at the age ot 57. He shows up as technical adviser in I think Victory at Sea and some movies.
Thank you. This is a great series. One of the things that I like best is that you try to explain the hell that the regular soldier went through. Keep up the great but hard work.
From the tactical situation, with all advantages to the USN, I was surprised more damage wasn’t sustained by the IJN.
In earlier radar directed fire actions it seemed that all/most ship radars locked onto the first or largest target. With that tremendous volume of fire, did a few IJN ships take the bulk of fire and allow the others to reply with little to no damage?
I love when you have guests. Drach is one of the best.
Great detailed and interesting podcast. Drachinifel is a great addition.
Bill, as an Air Force Nerd, I have the utmost repesect for your personal heroism of our nation's Combined Armed Forces, representing the highest intellect, management and courage.
Thank your for the maps and that beautiful wall behind you.
I'm praying for you great men and the thousands of hours of research, the 7 books I have read because of Ya'll, the rare photos and especially Seth's wonderful narrative.
Great episode, thank you. Sorry Drachinifel had to be up at a crazy hour but appreciate that he was there! As I was listening to the comments that the US navy had made huge progress incorporating learnings from the prior year, I hope the culture in the Navy continues to emphasis adaptation. Probably not since it has been 80 years since we learned that lesson, but hopefully so. Bill often comments how he tries to point out lessons from WWII are still incredibly relevant.
There is almost no more supreme irony within the IJN, that not only Yamamoto, but also Admiral Toyoda who later held the same post until the end of the war, both were openly opposed to war with the United States before the whole thing began. Toyoda in fact was quoted as saying, war with the US was unwinnable.
I cannot even imagine being in that role. Told everyone 6 years before this was a bad idea, now everyone else has been relieved or killed and you're supposed to go give it your best shot, when it is crystaly clear it is lost.
Even the most brainwashed of commanders couldn't possibly have been unaware of the US unlimited supply of fuel, unlimited manpower, equipment and armaments and unlimited industrial power; I just can't wrap my head around what drives an entire society to run headlong into that.
Desperation, and pride.
Good point. Just as Hitler attacking Russia; they believed their soldiers & sailors had superior courage and willpower (the Nazis were big on willpower), and this would make up for the allies 10-1 industrial capacity. It’s now called “magical thinking.” One of the big lessons of World War II was that there are no “supermen” or “superior races.” There’s only one race, the human race, and we’re all in the same boat.
Good morning Mr. Paridon, Capt. Toti & Drachinifel it s 06:19 EST hours here. I'm looking forward to another great episode.
Outstanding! A Second to None Top File History examination by a fun group of navy experts, historians, veterans, of WW2 Pacific battles and operations Gentlemen all.
I just started a new job after weeks of being home with my wife and newborn daughter. Normally I would listen to this the second it dropped, but starting today your episodes will just have to be delayed gratification. I look forward to this podcast every Tuesday and today (like always) I was not disappointed. Thanks for all the work you guys put into this. It has become one of my favorite parts of my week.
Congratulations on the child, my dude!
Thanks! Couple weeks ago my grandson was watching Episode 218 with me. He asked...Gmpa...have you watched ALL 218 episodes? I Said..."I only wish"!! Thanks for another great episode 220...wow!
Thank you
One thing- this is Season 2, Episode 18
There aren’t,,even in December 2024 more than two hundred episodes
I wish they would clarify the numbering
Another battle I knew nothing about I really love this show.
This is the best thing to drive around for my job and listen to. I binge listened to everything in about 2 weeks, and now I excitedly await the weekly stipend.
You guys bring so much to the table thanks!
Love Drac. I'm a subscriber to his channel also.
I have taken up long walks lately (hikes?). My favorite accoutrement is to listen to these podcasts while I walk…sometimes for hours in the forest. The stories inspire me to bear the pain of getting into condition. Thank you again gents.
What a great compliment, and suggestion!
@@James-hd4ms LOL! Only black bears where I go, with hiking poles. So they’d get a fight.
One of my favorite quotes of the WWII Pacific War is recounted in a USNI article by Robert Marsh (Tactics Rule at Empress Augusta Bay) of a radio exchange between Captain Burke and Commander Austin, the 2 US destroyer division commanders, when Burke's destroyers accidentally engaged Austin's: “For goodness sake, Arleigh, stop shooting at me.” Burke's reply, “Okay, Count. I won’t shoot any more but excuse the four salvos that are on the way.”
Good to see Drach on this episode. The track charts of the battle are worth a look. You can easily find them on line from a couple of different sources. In particular, the US cruiser column made several simultaneous 180 degree turns which put Denver in the lead, then Montpellier, etc. So they were operating very well together as a unit. Perhaps the turns also had some effect on gunnery accuracy, as the turrets also had to swing around about 180 degrees and reacquire targets? Nevertheless, Denver was hit by three duds (eight inch) which caused her to take on some water. I think Montpellier was hit by the base plate of an eight shell. Not sure how that would happen, but it's in the record. Cheers guys, and thanks.
As always you guys deliver great work
I look forward to these videos every week..
Thanks! Cold Beverages on a Hot Day, apologize to Drac for me, I'm afraid by the time he gets his the Ice will have all Melted. ;-)
Bravo zulu gentlemen, a great video, great content, and great to see drach again from his last drydock!!!!!
Just Googled Bravo zulu! I knew it was a positive thing but I didn't know that it translated to "well done!" Thx!
@@Jakal-pw8yq it was always nice to get a bravo zulu, with a added well done. For something we did or accomplished. You are most welcome.
Another great episode. It has been enjoyable watching your detailed analysis of these battles as the US pushed up the Slot in these campaigns in the Solomon Islands
You guys are always so good...a complete pleasure...you should be so proud of your work. All the best.
"Tougher than woodpecker lips!" Think I just discovered my favorite new slogan, Seth! 😂
Great job gentlemen. I really enjoy these episodes where you have invited Drach to participate. His technical input brings those episodes to a much higher degree of understanding in terms of tactics, techniques and procedures in addition to the resulting actions and outcomes.
I'm gladened to see that 10s of thousands view two or three guys tell the story of those days. Outstanding! There may be hope for us (and US) after all.
So well done fellas. Truly outstanding. Thank you.
As a retired SWO stumbling across this channel a few weeks ago, I have been enjoying these episodes immensely. I would add to you comments about the various US commanders at Guadalcanal keeping the DDa on a "short leash" wasn't so much from dogma or resistance as to fear of fractidie. The ships were often thrown together without having the time to learn how to operate as a team with a known engagement policy from the flag. Keep in mind most of the ships in the earlier campaigns did not have radar (or effective radar) and thier was no IFF. Even with the "tight leash" , there were a number of cases of friendly fires on US destroyers (and even Cruisers - Atlanta). Admiral Lee gave free reign to his 4 DDs in part due to the fact of the technology on his two modern BBs.
Because I learn more every time I do, I rewatch every episode! They are great the second and third time!!
Outstanding 😊😊 luv your content 👏
I could watch your vids every day!!
Well done gentleman. Thanks!
Thanks
Great way to start my day!
Yes! Drach!
Another great episode gents! Thank you!
My three favorite TH-camrs all in one video!
Seth, Bill, Drach another excellent Masters class in the evolution of USN operational and tactical doctrine in the SW Pacific. More Drach in future podcasts, please.. How about an episode dedicated to the legendary 31 knot Captain Arleigh Burke with Drach and other guests of your choice? Thanks for all your wonderful work.
Drach and Parchell?
@@Isolder74 ABSOLUTELY A SPLENDID IDEA!
To some degree, I think this battle was a precursor to Surigao Strait, in the sense that DDs were not tethered to heavier ships and heavier guns' fire was controlled by radar rather than visually.
Just like they say in the video, augusta bay was not the reverse savo island...
It was surigao strait. I wonder how much tonnage were lost in each of those battles for comparison🤔.
Love these collaborations! Fire at will!
Drach! You guys really are in the big leagues.
Great podcast and it was great to have Drach's commentary.
Oh goodness! What a set of cutie pies! 🥰
But yeah. Thoroughly enjoyed your podcast, as always. So much to learn, and your presentations are always top notch. Thank you all for sharing your passion and knowledge.
Also... Cutie... Pies!!! 🥰😁😘
Excellent, as usual. A battle I never heard of, but now I know. Thank you
Please thank "Drach". I'm sure as you mentioned Seth many of us are subscribers to his channel as well.
I think those 5” weigh about 53 lbs each. Those guys must have been pretty stout. Another wonderful job guys! I was excited to see a new video!! Thank y’all!!!
Right about that, Part of the reason why manually loaded artillery (land & sea, tanks included) is usually limited to around 5” is because ROF starts to drop off REAL fast beyond that. One of the issues with the early British 5.5” DP gun (particularly in its AA) role was the fact that the shells weighed 90 pounds-almost twice as much as the 5”/38. Crews just got worn out.
What does ROF mean? Thank you!😊🇺🇲⚓️🙏
rate of fire @@Jakal-pw8yq
Fun fact, Admiral Burke, who was obviously retired by then, gave a speech at least one of the various ceremonies regarding his name sake ship. There's a video lurking around on TH-cam somewhere.
Man was still alive and kicking, also making a speech when a class of ships or a ship is named after him, most person that are named for a class of ships weren't alive to see the commisioning of the lead ship
@@ramal5708 It's fitting for the type of person Admiral Burke was.
I believe that in the speech he gave at the commissioning of USS Arleigh Burke he said “This ship was built to fight. You better know how!” Succinct.
Good ol' 31 knot Burke! By the way does anybody know how he got that nickname? 🙏🇺🇲⚓️💖
One of the best "radar directed throw everything and the kitchen sink at them" engagements of the war. Glad you made one on Empress Augusta Bay.
Thank you gentlemen. Informative and entertaining yet again! I always find out more about anything I might have known some or a little about previously. Wishing Drach great travels to Aussie land! Enjoyed the America visit immensely.
Great guest, Drachinifel. Interested in this battle, makes a good comparison to Savo, only the US was better prepared.
FWIW, USS Indiana’s unrep accident with USS WASHINGTON altered the overall war record of both vessels, since Indiana was “late” to the party, she became one of, rather than individual actors such as the North Carolinas in 42-43. I still have the newspaper clipping announcement of the accident, it was dated nearly a year after the accident, in the press at Bremerton. My parents were married during the Washington’s yard time, the only leave my dad had between the North Atlantic operations and July 45. Some serious sea duty!
Excellently done !
You area great team! hank you for taking the time and putting ithe effort to create these videos. Although I have read about everything I could find about the Pacific war, I learned something new each time I watch.
I appreciate your guests and the insights that they provide.
You are a great example of excellence in action.
Thanks again
Always top quality presentation and Drach only makes it better!
Great show gentlemen.
Thank you for sharing your combined knowledge.
Masterful summary at the end by Drach.
Thanks for the detailed analysis of one of my favorite sea battles. The Americans had come a long way and had some great leadership in this battle.
Good job guy’s
Thanks covering this battle.
Big fan of all three of you 😊
Not to be too crude, but you dudes know your s**t. I just recently discovered your site, and your informed discussions of this amazing and endlessly fascinating subject (the Pacific War and the US Navy) never cease to impress.
Thanks for what you do.
Thank you. We try.
I watched to the end and look forward to new videos every Tuesday.
Congratulations on episode 50. Looking forward to the next 50.
Durable = USS Birmingham (CL-62) is a fair example. Great show gentlemen and always good to see Drach. I've learned quite a bit from both channels.
Thanks!
Oh boy, Sea Stories from my favorite Historians. Gotta get my coffee.😊
Great show. Keeping the streak alive. More maps please.
Fing GREAT episode. ⚓️
Love your work gentlemen. I need your help writing a book about a Fletcher class destroyer. 90% of the proceeds go to fund a home in washington dc for homeless veterans and veterans in recovery or suffering from PTSD. Im hoping to get popular historians to write one chapter each. Im friends with Richard Rashke. He wrote Useful Enemies and Escape from Sobibor. I live here and ill be going to the Naval Heritage Museum this week.
I met a man who was on the Foote when it was hit. He told me that after the Foote was hit, a cruiser went between them and the Japanese and the cruiser made smoke to screen the Foote. I appreciate having had the chance to listen to Max Flint.
Been waiting eagerly for this
Outstanding AGAIN 🎉
I am addicted to this show. One of the best 👍
James Fahey's "Pacific War Diary" about his time on the Montpellier is a classic. Hopefully most of your viewers have read it, if not, they should!
Ed , I have 2 of Jim Faheys diaries signed by him my father his shipmate left me , they’re gone now but this history must live on we owe them .
Boy, there are a lot of crazy coincidences in the comments! My father served on the Montpelier from 43 to 45. He was 17 when he joined up, and he said he got far more action than he ever bargained for, including the Kamikaze strike off Okinawa. That was one of the few things that he talked to me about and he had mentioned that the Kamikaze came in off the stern and made contact and blew up and three other zeros were coming in but instead of coming in all at once they came in one at a time and they all got shot out of the sky. By the way, my dad was on a 40 mm gun mount, not the one that shot down the other incoming Zeros. He used to wake up in the night screaming about a sailor named Dave, who was one of his best buddies that was KIA in the Kamikaze attack. The Greatest Generation? You're goddamn right! 🙏😔🇺🇲⚓️💯🍻
My 2 favorite WW2 History channels , clear and factual, Thank you guys
Another great one, guys ! Glad to see Drac visiting, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the ships, strategy, and tactics, just wind him up, and let him go. . TY
The Cleveland class recieves much praise, and perhaps rightfully so. But....
Given that by this stage of the war the CA was primarily used for carrier AA escort and the CL has become the main surface warfare ship, I would have definitely given the nod to the St. Louis class. I would trade the four extra 5" guns of the Cleveland for the three extra 6" of the St. Louis, and those up to 30 extra 6" projectiles downrange per minute on the broadside.
I have enjoyed every video you gentleman have released, and the cooperation with this channel with Drachinfel was a special treat indeed!