Help support TMP


"Henderson Field Bombardment question" Topic


2 Posts

All members in good standing are free to post here. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the posters, and have not been cleared with nor are they endorsed by The Miniatures Page.

Please use the Complaint button (!) to report problems on the forums.

For more information, see the TMP FAQ.


Back to the WWII Naval Discussion Message Board


Areas of Interest

World War Two at Sea

Featured Link


Featured Showcase Article

Small Scale Ships with M.Y. Miniatures

Mal Wright Fezian's first experience with 1:4800 scale naval models.


Featured Profile Article

Editor Julia's 2015 Christmas Project

Editor Julia would like your support for a special project.


Featured Book Review


3,949 hits since 12 Dec 2011
©1994-2025 Bill Armintrout
Comments or corrections?

HesseCassel12 Dec 2011 9:05 a.m. PST

When the IJN was bombarding Henderson Field from sea, anyone know how long they did it and at what ranges? It's a land target, so I assume they don't need to get very close to work the firing vectors.

I'm working on a scenario at the club tonight.

BuckeyeBob12 Dec 2011 10:01 a.m. PST

I've found this on Wiki:

"At 01:33 on October 14, Kongô and Haruna, escorted by one light cruiser and nine destroyers, reached Guadalcanal and opened fire on Henderson Field from a distance of 16,000 metres (17,500 yd)."

I recall reading that spotter aircraft (land based) were used extensively to guide the shellings. CA & DD shelling was done at closer ranges (IIRC about 8-12,000 yrds).
Due to the drop offs of the volcanic islands, ships could literally tie up to the trees along the shoreline (Florida Island for example where damaged US CA's repaired battle damage before returning to their base of operations.) So getting in close to shore is not too much of a concern as it would be with other bombardment locations (I.e. Normandy, the Med. etc). Just need to be far enough out to be able to "lob" the shells in.

Sorry - only verified members can post on the forums.