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Savo Sound
"Iron Bottom Sound"

Iron Bottom Sound
Map

"Ironbottom Sound" is the name given by Allied sailors to Savo Sound, the stretch of water between Guadalcanal, Savo Island, and Florida Island of the Solomon Islands. Dozens of ships and planes were sunk there during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 and 1943. Prior to the war, it was called Sealark Sound.

HMAS Canberra on Fire

There were four main naval battles in the area of Iron Bottom Sound:

- Battle of Savo Island, 9 August 1942
- Battle of Cape Esperance, 11–12 October 1942
- Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 13–15 November 1942
- Battle of Tassafaronga, 30 November 1942

The final toll was 32 Allied ships and 14 Japanese ships sunk - hence the name "Iron Bottom Sound"

Map of wrecks
Click for a bigger version

 

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