Quote:
Originally Posted by mac_bolan00
perhaps but as in all wars, there's never a conclusive pattern. the only guadalcanal battles i remember that were decisively won by radar were cape esperance and the second major battle wherein the kirishima was sunk. before and after those, battles like savo, the first major battle, and tassafaronga, were won by discipline and lots of cojones.
after guadalcanal, the only other successful american surface actions were the battles of surigao straight and the battle of samar. the first was won by good coordination and lots of moxy in the part of the PT boats and destroyers who harassed the japanese battleships, giving the US battleships time to line up. the second was won by sheer bravery, if there was ever such.
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Logically, ships bearing better technology would have the edge. However, as T.A. Gardner points out, the crews of the ships have to know how to use the new technology properly.
As for radar battles off Guadalcanal, a good book (IMO) is the old Bantam Book's Battle for Guadalcanal.
T.A., good what if, especially when you pointed out that the PoW and Repulse could have headed to Manila Bay.
However, even if I admit that the presence of the PoW and Repulse would have strengthened the ABDA fleet, the important factor would be when the hypothetical engagement with the Japanese would take place.
I say this because at this point of the war, the Japanese had the edge in night fighting doctrine at sea with the Allies a poor second.
If it's daylight, then the Allies have the edge. Of course in any naval fleet battles, the first one to score a good hit on the other's capital ship generally enjoys the tactical advantage.