Battle of Savo Island
As Allied forces gathered for the assault on Japanese-held Guadalcanal, Vance received orders to HMAS "Canberra" as a liaison officer with the Royal Australian Navy. On 8 August, the Australian cruiser helped to screen American transports off the landing beaches. That night, "Canberra" was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island, and Vance was killed in action.