USS Savannah (CL-42) at Salerno
Strike of a German "Fritz X" Guided Bomb and Its Aftermath
USS Savannah (CL-42) Is hit by a German radio-controlled "Fritz X" bomb while supporting Allied forces ashore during the Salerno operation, 11 September 1943. The bomb hit the top of the ship's number three 6-inch/47-caliber gun turret and penetrated deep into her hull before exploding. The photograph shows the explosion venting through the top of the turret and also through Savannah's hull below the waterline. A motor torpedo boat (PT) is passing by in the foreground (NH 95562).
View of the bomb penetration hole atop Savannah's number three 6-inch turret, while the ship was undergoing initial repairs off Salerno. Note life rafts atop the turret, one of which has been cut in two by the bomb. Also note the turret's armored faceplate. View looks forward, with number two turret in the immediate background (NH 97959).
For Further Reference
Dictionary of American Fighting Ships (DANFS): USS Savannah (CL-42)
National Air and Space Museum: German "Fritz X" (Ruhrstahl X-1) Guided Bomb
Published: Fri May 10 11:51:03 EDT 2019