Ridiculous History: CLASSIC - The WWII Naval Battle Won Using Potatoes

Release Date: February 27, 2025
Hosts: Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown
Production: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into one of World War II’s most unconventional naval encounters—the Battle of Guadalcanal, where potatoes played an unexpected role in naval warfare. This detailed recounting reveals how ingenuity and sheer luck can turn ordinary objects into pivotal tools in battle.

Setting the Scene

[00:00 - 05:33]
Ben and Noel kick off the episode with light-hearted banter, referencing humorous insults among the Gallagher brothers and segwaying into the episode's main topic: the USS O'Bannon's unique engagement with a Japanese submarine using potatoes. They set the historical context, emphasizing the bizarre nature of using a common food item in naval combat.

Notable Quote:
Noel: "The humble potato is a staple foodstuff. It is delicious, it is hearty, it is resilient, and apparently also can be used to win naval battles."
[00:32]

The USS O'Bannon and Destroyer Squadron 21

[05:44 - 12:01]
The hosts introduce the USS O'Bannon, a Fletcher-class destroyer, and its role within Destroyer Squadron 21 (Desron 21) during World War II. They explain the capabilities of destroyers, highlighting their speed, armament, and strategic importance in naval warfare. The squadron's composition is detailed, showcasing the various ships involved alongside the O'Bannon.

Notable Quote:
Ben: "Destroyers are these very fast, long endurance ships that are meant to function as escorts in a fleet or a battle group."
[06:22]

The Encounter with the Japanese Submarine

[12:01 - 24:01]
Ben narrates the USS O'Bannon's mission on April 5, 1943, returning from shelling shore installations in the Solomon Islands. The ship detects a Japanese submarine on the surface. Initial attempts to engage the submarine escalate into a tense standoff when both sides lack adequate weaponry—neither the destroyers nor the submarine have handguns, leading to a precarious situation.

Notable Quote:
Noel: "They must have caught it right in the nick of time because they, you know, hit that tower and it disabled the sub enough that it wasn't able to escape."
[24:00]

The Potato Battle

[21:19 - 23:41]
The crux of the episode revolves around the unconventional use of potatoes. As tensions rise, the crew of the O'Bannon, realizing they can't effectively use their guns at close range, resort to improvisation. They discover storage bins filled with potatoes and begin throwing them at the Japanese sailors, who, in the darkness and panic, mistakenly believe these are hand grenades.

Notable Quote:
Ben: "They started throwing these at the guys on the submarine. And the Japanese sailors panicked because they thought the potatoes were hand grenades."
[21:25]

Consequences:

• The ensuing "potato war" causes chaos, with both sides exchanging potatoes.
• This diversion allows the O'Bannon to distance itself from the submarine.
• Once out of the sub's deck gun range, the O'Bannon seizes the opportunity to launch a decisive attack, hitting the submarine's conning tower and deploying depth charges to sink it.

Notable Quote:
Noel: "It's essentially a food fight at this point, because the Japanese sailors think that these are hand grenades."
[22:33]

Aftermath and Recognition

[24:01 - 25:23]
The battle concludes with the sinking of the Japanese submarine, marking a unique victory attributed to resourcefulness under pressure. The Potato Growers of Maine recognized this unconventional tactic by presenting the USS O'Bannon's crew with a plaque praising their ingenuity, albeit with controversial language.

Notable Quote:
Noel: "A tribute to the officers and men of the USS O'Bannon for their ingenuity in using our now proud potato to sink a submarine in the spring of 1943."
[25:14]

Additional Insights and Wrap-Up

[27:02 - 43:55]
Ben and Noel expand on the broader history of the USS O'Bannon, sharing anecdotes from sailor Ernest A. Hare about life aboard the ship during the Battle of Guadalcanal. They discuss the harsh realities of war, the disillusionment faced by young sailors, and the technological prowess of destroyers like the O'Bannon.

Towards the end, the hosts reflect on the human aspect of warfare, acknowledging the tragedy of lost lives despite the episode's humorous premise involving potatoes. They emphasize the blend of absurdity and gravity that Ridiculous History seeks to highlight in historical events.

Notable Quote:
Ben: "War as hell."
[31:20]

Conclusion

In this episode, Ridiculous History masterfully intertwines humor with historical analysis, presenting the Battle of Guadalcanal's potato skirmish as a testament to human ingenuity and the unpredictable nature of war. Ben and Noel provide a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also educates listeners on a lesser-known, yet fascinating chapter of naval history.

Key Takeaways:

• Ingenuity in Warfare: The use of potatoes underscores the resourcefulness of sailors in desperate situations.
• Human Element: The episode balances the absurdity of the potato battle with the sobering realities of war.
• Historical Context: Understanding the capabilities and strategic roles of ships like the USS O'Bannon enriches the narrative of WWII naval engagements.

Listen to the episode on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts to explore more such extraordinary tales from history.