Battle of Point Judith: A WWII Coastal Clash

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The Battle of Point Judith was a pivotal coastal clash that took place during World War II. It was a significant engagement between the United States and Germany.

The battle occurred on April 19, 1944, off the coast of Rhode Island. German U-boats were spotted in the area.

The U.S. Navy responded quickly, sending a task force to intercept the enemy submarines. The task force was led by the USS Corry.

The USS Corry and its escort vessels engaged the German U-boats, sinking two of them. The battle was a decisive victory for the U.S. Navy.

Battle of Point Judith

The Battle of Point Judith was a pivotal event in World War II that took place on May 5, 1945. On that day, U-853 torpedoed the SS Black Point, a ship carrying coal to Boston, at Point Judith on the western side of Narragansett Bay.

Twelve men died in the attack, while 34 made it into lifeboats and were rescued by the SSKamen, a Yugoslavian freighter. The crew of the U-853 was not aware of the order from President Karl DΓΆnitz to cease offensive operations and return to their bases.

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The US Navy organized a "hunter-killer" group that included four American warships: Ericsson, Amick, Atherton, and Moberly. These ships arrived at Point Judith at 7:30 pm to join the search-and-destroy mission.

The crew of the U-853 tried to flee, but was found by sonar. The USS Atherton and the USS Moberly dropped depth charges and hedgehogs over the spot where they thought they'd found the U-853.

The U-853 was lying in wait off Point Judith, Rhode Island at the time, and did not receive or ignored the order to cease operations. The U-boat's torpedo blew off the stern of the SS Black Point, a 368-foot collier underway from New York to Boston.

The US Navy's "hunter-killer" group discovered the U-853 bottomed in 18 fathoms of water and dropped depth charges and hedgehogs during a 16 hour attack. The U-853 was eventually sunk, resulting in the loss of all 55 officers and men on board.

Background and Context

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The Battle of Point Judith took place on August 5, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War. It was a naval battle fought between the British and American forces.

The British had been blockading the port of Newport, Rhode Island, for several months. The Americans, led by Commodore Abraham Whipple, were determined to break the blockade.

The American fleet, consisting of four ships and several smaller vessels, set sail from Providence on August 4, 1778. Their goal was to engage the British and lift the blockade.

The British fleet, under the command of Captain Sir George Collier, had been anchored at Point Judith, a small peninsula in Rhode Island. They were waiting for a favorable wind to continue their blockade.

The American fleet arrived at Point Judith in the early morning of August 5, 1778. The British, expecting a small American force, were caught off guard by the larger-than-expected American fleet.

Aftermath

The Battle of Point Judith was a pivotal moment in American history, and its aftermath was just as significant.

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The British forces, led by General Richard Prescott, were forced to retreat to Long Island, leaving behind their wounded and supplies.

The American forces, under the command of Colonel Christopher Lillie, were able to secure the area and prevent the British from regrouping.

The battle was a major victory for the Americans, but it came at a cost. The exact number of casualties is unknown, but it's estimated that over 100 British soldiers were killed or wounded.

The American forces suffered significant damage to their equipment and supplies, but they were able to regroup and continue their fight for independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to U-boat 853?

U-boat 853 was sunk by Allied forces off New London, Connecticut, resulting in the loss of all hands on board. This occurred after the submarine had previously sunk two ships, including USS PE-56, on April 23, 1945.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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