Naval Battle Of Guadalcanal, Sinking Of The IJN Kirishima And Hiei-1942

January 1942,

Ijn Kirishima and her sister Hiei were sent to attack Guadalcanal to attack Henderson field. They pointed away with their 14 inch guns. The Hiei spotted the light anti-aircraft cruiser USS Atlanta. The Atlanta was later scuttled, i.e. sunk by the own navy to prevent capture or due to damage beyond repair. The Hiei was crippled by USS San Francisco which was seriously damaged. The Hiei was later sunk by bombers from Henderson field.

14 November, 1942

Knowing the damage his fleet had taken, Admiral William Halsey reinforced his unit with the battleships USS South Dakota and USS Washington.

At 23:41, Pacific time, the battleships made contact, Admiral Halsey said ' stand aside, we're coming through'. The radar directed fire from the U.S. battleships gave them the upper hand. For hours the battleships thundered away at each other. The Kirishima was attempted to tow her out but after confirming that she couldn't be salvaged, the crew was evacuated and she turned over and sank.

1992

The wreck was found by Robert Ballard. The Kirishima was upside down, her front missing due to magazine explosion, her anchor chain was wrapped around her rear section

The naval battle of Guadalcanal Saw one of the two battleships vs. Battleships actions of the Pacific front.