Battle of the Komandorski Islands
(March 26, 1943)

By March, 1943, the Americans were beginning to get serious about retaking the islands of Attu and Kiska, which had been captured by the Japanese in 1942. Consequently, they placed a squadron in the area tasked with inderdicting any Japanese resupply convoys to the area. On March 26, 1943, this task group found what they were seeking, but got more than they bargained for. A Japanese convoy of two transports was coming north, escorted by eight warships, including two heavy and two light cruisers. What followed was one of the more 'pure' long-range naval gunfire engagements of the war.

The Americans, with heavy cruiser Salt Lake City and light crusier Richmond, were at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, they gamely gave battle, and paid the price. Although Salt Lake City drew first blood against Nachi, she was in turn hit repeatedly. Finally one engine room flooded, and she began to lose way. Only a quick smokescreen laid by US destroyers saved her from further harm. At this point the Japanese broke off the attack, and retired to rejoin the two transports who had been detached at the beginning of the fight. The Japanese commander, Boshiro Hosogaya, was retired from naval service shortly thereafter as a result of his rather under-aggressive performance.

Battle of the Komandorski IslandsJapanAllied
Starting Forces x2
x2
x4
 x1
x1
x4

Losses x1 lightly damaged (Nachi) x1 heavily damaged (Salt Lake City)
x1 lightly damaged (Bailey)

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