Torpedo Attack at Blanche Channel
While off-loading for the landing at Rendova Island, near New Georgia operations were halted twice to prepare for air attacks which did not materialize. Then, as the withdrawing column entered Blanche Channel, torpedo planes attacked. McCawley's gunfire brought down four of the attacking aircraft; but a torpedo hit in McCawley's engine room, killed 15 of her crew, and knocked out all power. At 2023 the final blow came. The doomed ship was again torpedoed and in 30 seconds she sank in 340 fathoms. The following day, it was learned that six motor torpedo boats had torpedoed an enemy transport in Blanche Channel, after having been informed there were no friendly forces in the area.
