World War II Gunfire Support Bulletins, 1945: Finding Aid

The United States Navy in World War II

On December 7, 1941, with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy, and the United States as a whole, was drawn into the hostilities of the Second World War. Throughout the conflict, the combined fleets of the U.S. Navy saw service in waters across the globe, ensuring victories in the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Aleutian Islands, as well as defending the homeland and vital shipping routes. By the time the Empire of Japan surrendered nearly four years after Pearl Harbor, over 700 U.S. Navy vessels had been sunk or damaged beyond repair and 36,950 officers, enlisted men, and officer candidates were lost to enemy action.

Description of Contents

The World War II Gunfire Support Bulletins, comprising two bulletins, one for Cruisers and one for Destroyer Escorts, were distributed by the Pacific Fleet in March 1945 and June 1945, respectively. The bulletins offer instruction and exercises in the methodology and procedures to be used by cruisers and destroyer escorts in the provision of gunfire support prior to, and during amphibious landing operations in the closing months of World War II.

The first bulletin, Cruiser Gunfire Support in Landing Operations, is divided into two main parts: Part I - Elements of the Problem; and Part II - Qualification Course for Cruiser in Shore Bombardment and Gunfire Support. Part I is further subdivided into the following sections: Introduction, Requirements, Modifications, Ship Control, Communication Organization, Fire Control Procedures, Special Types of Fire, Conversion Tables, Miscellaneous Notes, and Sample Bombardment Check-Off List. Part II is subdivided into the following sections: General, Objectives of Course, References Pertinent to Shore Bombardment, Preparatory Steps Prior to the Exercises, Safety Precautions, Flexibility of Procedure, Reports Required, Outline of Exercises, and Shore Bombardment Exercise Group. These two sections are followed by a set of annexes, including: Fire Support Area Grid Chart of Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii; Cruiser Communications for Naval Gunfire Support; "Reduced Velocity Charge Procedure" with Range Tables; and Instructions for Use of Radar Beacon MK. 2, Mod. 0, and MK. 2, Mod. 1.

The second bulletin, Destroyer Escort Gunfire Support in Landing Operations, is likewise divided into two main parts: Part I - Elements of the Problem; and Part II - Qualification Course for Destroyer Escorts in Shore bombardment and Gunfire Support. Part I is further subdivided into the following sections: Introduction, Requirements, Modifications, Limitations, Ship Control, Communication Organization, C.I.C. Organization, Fire Control Procedures, Methods of Control, Special Types of Fire, Miscellaneous Notes, Conversion Tables, and Sample Bombardment Check Off List for Shore Bombardment. Part II is subdivided into the following sections: General, Objectives of Course, References Pertinent to Shore Bombardment, Preparatory Steps Prior to the Exercises, Safety Precautions, Flexibility of Procedure, Reports Required, Outline of Exercises, and Shore Bombardment Exercises. These two sections are followed by a set of annexes, including: Fire Support Area Grid Chart of Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii; Destroyer Escort Communications for Naval Gunfire Support; and Air Burst Data Tables for 3"/50 and 5"/38 Caliber Batteries.

Arrangement

The World War II Gunfire Support Bulletins are arranged alphabetically by vessel type.

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The World War II Gunfire Support Bulletins are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Custodial History

Originally acquired by the Marine Corps Historical Library in 1970.

Provenance and Acquisition

Transferred from the Marine Corps Historical Library.

Related Materials

Related Archival Material

Additional official reports and releases on World War II in this repository can be found in World War II Ship Action Reports, MS 415; World War II Battle Action and Operational Reports, MS 416; and World War II Navy Department Communiqués, MS 477.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

World War II Gunfire Support Bulletins, MS 488

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in March 2019. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in March 2019.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Naval gunnery -- Handbooks, manuals, etc
• United States. Navy. Pacific Fleet

Genre Terms

• Bulletins
• Manuscripts