Night Attack: The Naval Odyssey of Professor James Brand by J. Eugene Porter

Author:J. Eugene Porter [Porter, J. Eugene]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2021-01-17T00:00:00+00:00

25

21 October 1942

Office of Admiral Edwards

Washington, D.C.

• Guadalcanal--Japanese coastal force, with support of artillery and nine tanks, attempts to cross to east bank of the Matanikau but pulls back after losing a tank to U.S. fire.

• New Guinea--From Jaure, fifty-man patrol of U.S. 32nd Division, sets out for Kumusi Valley, where it subsequently establishes defense line and is joined by Medendorp’s main group, with the entire force being called the Wairopi Patrol.

Captain Jameson was waiting for Admiral Edwards at 0700. The captain, along with Sergeant McBride and Lieutenant Meyers, had driven to Washington the day before from Admiral Hewitt’s headquarters in Norfolk. No details were provided, nor were they needed. If Edwards wanted to see someone, you just did what you were told. Admiral Hewitt was also informed by Admiral King’s chief of staff about the need to have Jameson report to Washington, which was difficult for the man about to lead an invasion to accept, but the order was not a request. Hewitt had begun to rely on the science officer for insights on what was happening in his command, specifically the issues surrounding getting the ships loaded for the mission to North Africa.

As usual, Commander Allen was ready for the captain’s appearance and tried to help Jameson understand what the request was about. Not knowing too many details, the commander danced around the subject.

“Sir, I’m not sure about what’s happening. I know the admiral requested to bring you here yesterday afternoon. I’m sorry to have you pulled out of your planning meetings. We’ve heard only good things about your activities in Norfolk.”

Jameson knew the dance and appreciated Allen’s attempt to help, but there were no details. All he was told was to be ready for a meeting and to be dressed accordingly. The captain was in a well-pressed blue uniform, resplendent with his service ribbons. Sergeant McBride had pressed it early in the morning to ensure the captain looked like he had just walked out of a tailor shop. The science officer figured he would have a meeting with Admiral King or perhaps with some of the army brass to discuss the supply situation for TORCH.

Before Jameson could form another idea, the door opened, and Admiral Edwards came out. “Jameson, good to have you here. Follow me.”

The captain got in lockstep with the chief of staff, and Allen watched as the two men walked away. He picked up the phone to call Lieutenant Stevens letting him know where Jameson was going. The commander also wanted some time with Lieutenant Meyers to pump him for information on what was going on down in Norfolk. The invasion fleet was being formed, and the scuttlebutt was heavy with problems and incompetence. Meyers would know the real situation.

Edwards and Jameson walked into the office of Admiral King, who was on the telephone. Both men stood at attention but were quickly waved into chairs while the CNO kept talking.

“Tell the War Production Board we don’t want any more delays. I need the new carriers now, not in 1944.

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