The 60-Second Ambush that Wiped Japan Out of the Pacific

On the night of November 25, 1943, five Japanese destroyers raced home from a successful Tokyo Express mission near Bougainville, unaware that Captain Arleigh Burke and Destroyer Squadron 23 the legendary “Little Beavers” were waiting in the darkness. Using radar the Japanese did not possess, Burke positioned his Fletcher-class destroyers for a devastating surprise attack at Cape St. George, launching 15 torpedoes before the enemy even knew American ships were nearby. Within minutes, the Japanese flagship Onami was obliterated and Makinami crippled, but Burke refused to stop there. His destroyers pursued the fleeing transports toward the heavily defended Japanese stronghold of Rabaul, narrowly dodged a spread of deadly Long Lance torpedoes, and fought a high-speed running gun battle before hunting down Yugiri. By sunrise, three Japanese destroyers and 647 men had been lost while Burke's entire squadron escaped without losing a single ship or sailor. This is the incredible story of the Battle of Cape St. George, one of the most perfectly executed destroyer actions of World War II—and the devastating defeat that brought the legendary Tokyo Express to an end. -- As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Seas sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Seas is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.