PROLOGUE
Arrived Pearl Harbor on 23 May 1943 from East Coast. Took Signature
for modified Flash "D" given at New London, Connecticut. Accomplished
minor repairs and alterations to main engine exhaust valves alongside
tender (USS GRIFFIN) with tender force assisting ship's force on all
work items. Ready stowage for two 50 Cal. guns and ammunition
installed. Dry docked. Relief crew from tender cleaned and painted
bottom. Made repairs to leaky air banks. Three days training period.
Fired three exercise torpedoes. Readiness for sea 7 June 1943.
1. NARRATIVE
June 7th
1330 VW Departed Pearl Harbor enroute to Midway in company with USS
SEARAVEN and escorted by PTC CRYSTAL.
1600 VW Made trim dive.
2030 VW Dismissed escort and parted company with SEARAVEN.
June 8th
0833 VW Sighted and exchanged signals with Navy PBY.
June 9th and 10th
1650 WX Sighted and exchanged signals with twin motored land plane.
Enroute Pearl to Midway made daily dives, hold fire control drills, fired
20 MMs and 50 Cal. Machine guns and held battle surface drills. Made
daily tests for submerged reception from NPM. (See paragraph 11.)
June 11th
0545 X Sighted escort patrol vessel at 9,000 yds. SJ Radar coached on
and picked up target at 6,450 yards.
0715 X Sighted two Midway planes.
0800 X Took pilot aboard.
0840 X Arrived Midway. Received 14,750 gallons fuel oil.
1600 X Departed Midway under air escort for assigned operating area.
2400 M Crossed international date line. (Dropped Saturday June 12th from
calendar) Enroute area made daily trim dives, held fire control drills,
and fired 20 MMs and 50 Cal. When sea conditions permitted. Continued
tests for submerged reception from NPM until outside 3000 mile circle from
Pearl Harbor. (See paragraph 11).
June 13th and 14th
Uneventful cruising at standard speed of 15 knots (two-engines) using
constant helm steering 30 deg. either side of base course. Seas smooth.
June 15th
Wind shifted from SE to NW during night. Barometer dropped. Seas picked
up.
1000 M Seas very rough. Slowed to one-engine speed (12 knots) making
good 8 knots. Sighted two glassballs of type used by Jap fishermen.
June 16th
Wind and sea abated during night. Increased speed to 15 knots.
1100 LM Slowed to 1/3 speed, ran with sea and greased all topside grease
fittings.
1600 LM Swung ship on surface for deviation of magnetic compass.
June 17th
1030 LM Swung ship submerged for deviation of magnetic compass.
June 18th
0800 L Entered 600 mile circle from Tokio.
0830 L Sighted several more glass balls floating by.
June 19th
During night barometer dropped. Sea and wind picked up. Very heavy seas
by morning. Taking occasional waves over the bridge. (Experimental
canvass drainage tunnels to pump room bilges very satisfactory.) Sky hazy
and overcast. Intermittent light and heavy rain squalls throughout day.
Perfect weather for slipping into area unobserved. Heavy weather has
apparently grounded Jap planes covering this area and has chased patrol
craft and sampans into harbor.
1800 K About one-hour's flying time from Tokio air bases and still no
planes. Too bad this ship doesn't represent another and bigger
"Shangri-La" for a Doolittle "return engagement" over Tokio.
1910 K Sighted Hachijo Jima distant 18 miles. Picked up at same time on
SD radar. SJ radar coached on and picked up island at 23,000 yds.
2200 K Passed island abeam to port, distant 5 miles. No shipping
activity noted in open roadstead and no navigational lights in evidence.
June 20th
0300 K Entered SE corner of assigned area.
Study of previous patrol reports and plot of all contacts made indicates
that shipping along coast of Honshu follows two fairly well defined
routes: --One, the deep water route from Omai Saki to Kashino Saki; the
other route closely hugs the shoreline (inside the 100 fathom curve)
conforming to the contour of the southern Honshu coast line. Will first
patrol near center of area, where the Truk-Saipan-Nagoyaroute crosses the
deep water Honshu traffic lanes.
0505 K Dove and patrolled at 60 feet, making periscope exposure every ten
minutes.
1330 K First contact.
Sighted masts of vessel hull down with angle on bow of 70-S. Range 6
miles. Sounded battle stations and came to NAC at full speed. Closed to
position 4 miles from target, angle on bow now 120-S. Discontinued
approach. Target identified as small patrol vessel, speed 7 knots.
Several distant depth charges heard during afternoon.
2035 K Surfaced and put in battery charge while closing Omai Saki light,
distant about 90 miles.
June 21st
0238 K Sighted Omai Saki light bearing 28 deg T., distant 20 miles.
0438 K Dove on course 270, 6 miles SW of Omai Saki light and soon found
we were being pushed backwards by the Kuroshio even when making 2/3 speed.
Set course south to clear shoal water. Had hoped to work westward along
the south coast of Honshu today but Japan stream is too strong to buck in
this area if the battery is to be conserved for attacks.
NOTE: During night 30 miles of Honshu all members of the bridge force
smelled the beach. - A distinctive, almost perfume like fragrance,
suggestive of camphor wood and eucalyptus trees. The wind was from the
beach and the scent became stronger as we moved in. It is suggested that
all navigators keep this "aid to navigation" in mind when approaching
Honshu in reduced visibility.
1400 K Several sampans sighted. They seem to be on a picket line 5 or 6
miles off shore and conforming to contour of the coast. Considerable
nuisance value.
2030 K Plan to run through or under the Omai Saki - Daio Sake off-shore
patrols tonight just to see what goes on inside that picket line.
2200 K Headed for Daio Saki light.
2230 K Sighted light. Characteristics as listed in Asiatic Pilot except
that no red sectors were noticed.
2300 K Radar picked up patrol vessel at 4500 yds. Bridge sighted it
simultaneously. Turned hard away and speeded up to avoid detection. Nor
sighted but maneuver put us within three miles of Daio Saki. Came to
course 270.
2330 K Sighted another patrol vessel distant 4000 yds on port beam. His
subsequent courses indicated that we were sighted but he made no attempt
to challenge of open fire. At 15 knots we soon left him trailing on port
quarter. We were now definitely inside the picket line with visibility
conditions favorable to us.
June 22nd
0034 K Sighted two-ship convoy with single escort on port bow distance
11,000 yds. Sounded battle stations and commenced surface radar approach.
Leading ship showed by far to be the largest pip on radar screen. Attach
was started to seaward of the 100 fathom curve, but course of attack led
toward more shallow water. Range closing fast and should not be long
until firing. Decided to risk shallow water. At 6000 yds. target visible
in #1 periscope. At 4000 yds. cleared bridge and dove to 40 ft.
continuing radar approach. At 2000 yds. increased depth to 60 ft. and
shifted conn to #2 periscope.
0052 K Fired 4 torpedoes (torpex heads) at leading ship, (large AO or
AK), range about 800 yds. 1st torpedo exploded prematurely after 14
second run. (A bit disconcerting for my first shot of the patrol). #2,
3, & 4 hit target with shattering explosions that rocked the submarine.
Flames from three parts of target enveloped entire ship. It was ablaze
from bow to stern in a matter of seconds with the flames shooting 100 feet
into the air. I don't believe anyone aboard could have survived the
explosions or the fire for 30 seconds. Shifted attack, swinging ship and
periscope, to escort vessel on starboard hand, but watching flames of the
burning target had completely destroyed my "night vision." Ordered deep
submergence, right full rudder, all ahead full and rigged for Depth Charge
Attack. First Depth Charge exploded, not too close, as wee passed 100 ft.
Overshot ordered depth of 300 feet and made our first landing on the shore
of Japan in 355 feet of water. JK-QC sound head wrecked. Silenced all
machinery in boat and waited for counter measures. Did not have to wait
long. Twelve more charges exploded overhead at almost regular intervals.
The sound party on the escort vessel were no "bush leaguers." Time after
time, from 0110 until 0230, slow deliberate runs were made over the
submarine with one or two charges unloaded at each pass. None were too
close but none were really wasted. Of the 13 charges dropped two or three
were believed to be directly overhead but set shallow (probably at 200-250
ft.).
0300 K Decided not to wait for the second team to arrive on the scene.
Ship was heavy and considerable difficulty was experienced in breaking
loose from bottom even with safety and bow-buoyancy tanks blown.
0345 K Of bottom but grounded again on another shelf in 350 ft. of water.
Another try. -Then all clear. Discarded idea of returning to periscope
depth with boat in such heavy trim, trim pump sounding like a cement
mixer, and dawn only 1-1/2 hours away. Withdrew to southward. Am certain
that target's destruction was complete with those three torpex heads. At
0600 the Jap's second team arrived and the spot where HARDER had been was
given another thorough going over. Spent remainder of morning at 200 ft.
resting crew and checking over ship.
0900 K Back to periscope depth. Sighted two destroyers or patrol vessels
at range of 12000 yds, angle on bow 40 deg S. Sounded general quarters
and started approach. On 3rd observation both ships had reversed course
and were nearly out of sight.
1000 K Sighted float type plane at 3 miles. Went deep to 250 ft. Target
of last night identified as similar to the Matumoto Maru of 7000 tons
(page 229-ONI 208-J). Target was ablaze so furiously and so quickly that
we wonder if she carried explosives or gasoline aboard. This was one
picture the commentator on "Radio Tokio" can't laugh off. Flames from the
target must have been seen by a large part of the population of Honshu.
1400 K Sighted two PC type patrol craft.
1825 K Heard three distant depth charges or aerial bombs.
2047 K Surfaced after dive which lasted twenty hours. CO2 absorbent used
to good effect during dive. Steered east and west courses while charging
batteries.
June 23rd
0040 K Sighted PC type patrol vessel bearing 260 deg T.
0200 K Sighted patrol vessel bearing 315 deg T.
0205 K Sighted another patrol vessel bearing 270 deg T.
These three ships had a speed of about 14 knots and joined in a nearly
successful effort to box us in. At one time with two converging on us on
opposite bows and one on the starboard quarter, one of the ships came
within 2100 yds. Used maximum available speed to get clear of these
nuisances. The night was dark, and they seemed uncertain of our identity
but appeared reluctant to challenge or to attack. Why they did not summon
aid by radio, I cannot imagine. I hesitated to open fire because a gun
battle, with planes or destroyers in the vicinity, would only have guided
them to the attack.
0300 K Managed to put all patrol vessels astern or on port quarter,
opening range. Set course 110 making 17-1/2 knots.
0418 K Patrol vessels now out of sight astern. OOD sighted large
passenger-freighter bearing 170 deg, angle on bow 15 P. (Probably coming
up from Truk-Saipan area). Radar directed to target bearing and found an
already large "pip" on screen.. Range 16,500 yds! Bright moonlight, clear
sky, and only thirty minutes until dawn. This target was really big.
-Radar operator later described it as the largest one he had ever had on
the radar screen. Dove to forty feet and sent to NAC to make combined
radar-periscope approach. Target was unescorted and steering 40 deg
either side of base course (north) using constant helm at 15 knots. When
range had closed to 5000 yds. increased depth to 60 feet and made
periscope approach.
0447 K Range closing slowly; dawn almost at hand. At 2500 yds target
sighted periscope, turned away and commenced firing at periscope with 4
inch or 5 inch guns and several 20 MMs. Deflection good. All shots
seemed to pass directly over the scope. Fired four torpex heads from bow
tubes, using total diverging spread of 6 deg. Depth set at 18 feet.
First torpedo hit between bow and bridge, after run of one minute and
forty seconds. Target's turn away caused 2 - 3 and 4 to pass ahead and
they were timed exploding at the end o their run of about 5 minutes. #1
torpedo made a terrific noise and is believe to have exploded under the
target. Ship's bow jumped noticeably under the shock and a large cloud of
black some was seen over the target. Ship now shifted its gunfire to its
starboard bow, from which came noise of the three misses as they exploded
at end of run. Target commenced zigging radically on northerly course but
was maintaining a speed of 10 knots. Went to full speed and attempted to
close but target drew away rapidly. Viewed from the stern, target was now
observed to have a 10 deg list to port and was leaving a large oil slick
behind. (See narrative of June 29th for more about this ship).
Considered that risk involved did not justify a surface chase in view of
his accurate gun fire and shore based planes which should be here soon.
1005 K Sighted float type plane. Went to 100 feet until 1100.
1210 K Sighted Chidori type torpedo boat. Sounded battle stations and
commenced approach. Target was making radical changes of course, speed 15
and evidently searching our area. Echo ranging heard only once.
1238 K Closest range 3000 yds with angle on bow of 130 deg P.
Expenditure o torpedoes at this range against small shallow draft ship not
justified. Secured from battle stations and continued to patrol at
periscope depth on reverse of Chidori's course (in case he was running
interference for something bigger).
2036 K Surfaced on course 300, working back toward center of area.
June 24th
0445 K Dove and commenced periscope patrol while closing Daio Saki.
0614 K Sighted some on horizon. Headed for it.
0645 K Sighted patrol vessel.
0648 K Sighted convoy of three AKs. Patrol vessel was keeping station on
their port quarter. Commenced approach. Largest AK was in center with
one AK almost on his starboard beam, distant 1500 yds., and another on his
port quarter, distant 2000 yds. Angle on bow of center AK 12 deg P. Came
to NAC and maneuvered to gain position ahead of center ship. Paralleled
target on course 60 at slow speed; then came to course 330 bringing stern
tubes to bear for straight shots, and 90 deg track. (No torpedoes had yet
been fired from aft.) Just before firing bearing was reached, the targets
zigged 20 deg away, --This put center AK and right flank AK almost in
line.
0715 K Fired four torpedoes from after tubes with 2 deg diverging spread.
Gyro angles 187-182-182-183. (These gyro angles set on the tubes were
found to be just 10 deg out from those generated on TDC) - (See major
defects). Four misses! Swung hard right for bow shots. Torpedo tracks
had been observed by targets, crossing their wakes. Center AK now zigged
toward an angle on bow of 90 deg P and right flank AK zigged away giving
angle on bow of 130 deg P. The other AK and escort were not in the
picture at this time.
0718 K Fired three torpedoes at center AK range 1500 yds. Depth setting
20 feet. Observed one hit in after part of target from which a black
cloud of smoke ascended. This was a modified torpex head and the
explosion, timed at one minute and ten seconds was very loud (timed run of
1750 yds.). The sound of this hit was so loud that, I believed at the
time, it was an aerial bomb exploding close aboard and ordered deep
submergence and rigged for depth charge. As we went down #2 and #3
torpedoes were heard to explode at one minute and fifty seven seconds and
two minutes and sixteen seconds respectively indicating run of 3000 and
3400 yds. (Approximate distance to the right flank AK at that time).
Sound now reported screws of two ships passing overhead (probably he left
flank AK and convoy escort). However no depth charging occurred. Put
both sound bearings astern and maneuvered to get clear for one hour.
0718 K Examined timing of all shots and noted with some chagrin that I
had gone deep unnecessarily. The supposed aircraft bomb had been #1 fwd
torpedo hitting the target. Below table shows explosion time and running
time of all torpedoes.
Note that the four after torpedoes exploded at end of run (An almost
constant range of 8000 yds) while the three forward torpedoes exploded at
the ranges of the two targets.
TORP RM SHOT FIRED AT EXPLODED AT TIME TORP.RUN RESULT
-----------------------------------------------------------
AFT 1 15-44 20-17 4-33 6800 Miss
AFT 2 15-54 21-14 5-20 8000 Miss
AFT 3 16-00 21-27 5-27 8200 Miss
AFT 4 16-07 21-45 5-38 8500 Miss
FWD 1 19-06 22-03 1-10 1750 Hit
FWD 2 19-17 22-21 1-57 3000 Poss. Hit
FWD 3 19-29 25-03 2-16 3400 Poss. Hit
0818 K Returned to periscope depth. On bearing of attack sighted billows
of heavy black smoke. No AKs in sight but escort vessel was patrolling
back and forth in area of smoke. Headed for smoke and make reloads fore
and aft. Set up in TDC now showed escort to be stopped, about 10 miles
south of Ko Shima light. Ran at 100 feet between periscope looks in case
planes had been summoned to area.
0929 K While at 100 feet, sound reported propeller boats coming in fast
on bearing 357. Rigged for depth charging again, ran silent and went to
250 feet. No depth charging ensured.
0940 K Regained periscope depth. Neither the Aks nor the clouds of black
smoke were in sight but patrol vessel was circling in area. Am positive
of hit on center AK and believe that timed runs of 3000 and 3400 yds. for
explosion of 2nd and 3rd fwd torpedoes indicates two very likely hits on
the other AK.
1300 K Sighted two float type planes, distance two miles. Went deep for
one hour.
1600 K Passed through area of attack. Saw a good many boards floating in
water, several hundred sea birds circling over area. Targets of morning
attack similar in appearance to:
Tatutako Maru 7000 tons page 71 ONI-208 J
Mansyu Maru 7000 tons page 236 ONI-208 J.
1800 K Sighted another float type plane searching area. Went to 100 feet
for one hour.
2055 K Surfaced and set course for Shiono Misaki light. Sighted light of
small fishing vessel and maneuvered to avoid.
June 25th
0437 K Dove south of Shiono Misake light, on course north, closing coast.
1325 K Sighted large tanker under air escort of a single plane, in course
280. Angle on bow 90 deg P, speed 10, range 6500 yds, following coast
line closely, headed for Kobe. Closed to 5300 yds on NAC at standard
speed. Discontinued chase (Battery gravity 1200).
1400 K Plane sighted. Went to 100 feet for 15 minutes.
1520 K Sighted smoke. Headed for same.
1525 K Sighted three ships in column, all smoking heavily and escorted by
a boat of our PC type which patrolled back and forth across bows of the
convoy. Started approach. Gained position ahead of convoy. Set up
perfect for stern tube shots.
1555 K Came to course 160 and opened distance to track for stern tube
shots. Escort now close aboard showing #32 on the bow, flying large Jap
battle flag. Second ship in column is largest. Plan to fire 4 stern tube
shots at him then swing to get 3 bow shots at third ship. Distance to
track 1200 yds. As firing bearing approached, observed range to be
greater; now about 2000 yds. Corrected set up in TDC.
1603 K Fired 4 stern tube shots at middle target at eight second
intervals. Swung for bow shots.
1608 K Fired three bow shots at last ship in column, estimate range 2500
yds. At one minute and forty seven seconds and one minute and forty eight
seconds after firing 1st stern tube shot, two definite explosions were
heard and timed, (believed to be one hit and one countermined torpedo on
middle target) but no evidence of a hit was seen through periscope at this
time. At two minutes after firing the 1st bow shot one definite hit was
observed on trailing target which was covered with a splash of water.
Almost simultaneous with the observed hit, two more explosions were heard
by all in the conning tower. At this time both targets were observed to
be blowing their steam whistles and both had turned directly toward the
beach about two miles away. Shifted gaze to leading ship of convoy. It
had held course and speed and was opening range fast; the escort had
turned and headed our way. Took another look at targets. First target
was sinking stern first with after deck house already awash. Second
target not visible hurt but still headed for the beach.
1625 K Escort vessel now at range of 2000 yds, angle on bow zero. Went
deep (300-350 feet) ran silent and rigged for depth charge attack. It
began: --
1627 K 1st explosion about 200 yds.
1629 K 2nd explosion about 200 yds.
1631 K 3rd explosion about 100 yds.
1639 K 4th explosion about 300 yds.
1640 K 5th explosion about 300 yds.
1641 K 6th explosion about 500 yds.
1734 K 7th explosion about 2000yds.
1800 K The following excerpt is quoted from the quartermaster's note
book: "At deep submergence, steering 180, evading the enemy, (I HOPE)."
2000 K Came to periscope depth.
2055 K Surface and started battery charge.
June 26th
0412 K Dove south of Shiono Misaki light and commenced periscope patrol
while closing coast, with intent of scanning coast line closely for
evidence of stranded or beached ships in vicinity of yesterday's attack.
0545 K Two depth charges or aerial bombs heard several miles away.
0600 K Sighted large patrol plane at two miles. Went deep and made
radical change of course.
0715 K Echo ranging heard. Depth charging commenced about two miles
away. Spasmodic depth charging heard for next two hours at ranges from
one to three miles. (I believe we have worn out our welcome in this
area).
0915 K Resumed periscope patrol.
1115 K Had worked out to seaward while evading patrol boats. Commenced
second attempt to close the beach.
1514 K Sighted freighter with PC escort. Range seven miles. Angle on
bow 20 P. Made unsuccessful attempt to close into firing range on NAC at
high speed. Ship was hugging the coast line. Escort trailing on its
seaward quarter.
1608 K Target rounded Shiono Misaki light and turned 70 deg away to
course north. Angle on bow now 140 deg P. Closest range two miles.
1642 K Escort apparently guarded the freighter only until it cleared the
point, then turned toward HARDER, range 2500, angle on bow zero. Went
deep and rigged for silent running. Escort searched overhead for one hour
but seem uncertain of any contact. We certainly miss our ruptured QC
sound head. The other is so noisy below 100 feet that it is more of a
menace than a help.
1800 K Periscope depth again. Seas running very high. Depth control
difficult.
1935 K Sighted Chidori class torpedo boat searching area. Range 6000
yds., angle on bow 70 deg S. -Planned to use last two torpedoes on him if
he zigged our way.
1944 K Sighted another Chidori, range 4000 yds. Both ships now pinging
and searching area. Deemed it foolhardy to tangle with two Chidori's,
with only two torpedoes, high seas, battery gravity low, and sub had
already been submerged 15-1/2 hours.
2005 K Nearest Chidori headed our way at range of 3000 yds. Went deep
and rigged for depth charge attack. Ran silent and cleared area to
southward. Tested CO2 content in boat, found it to be 3-1/2%.
Distributed absorbent throughout the boat. Beneficial effects were
evident within ten minutes.
2145 K Chidori's presence no longer evident.
2200 K Back to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Planed up to 40 feet,
nothing on SJ radar.
2253 K Surfaced. Considered present area too hot for comfort; cleared to
SE charging batteries.
June 27th
Patrolling in center of area.
0436 K Dove and patrolled at periscope depth.
2038 K Surfaced and charged batteries.
2200 K C/C to 010 to close Omai Saki.
June 28th
0439 K Dove. Conducted patrol at periscope depth south of Hamano Ko.
Intend to close coast line when visibility improves.
0800 K On line between Omai Saki and Daio Saki staying outside of 100
fathom curve.
1300 K Sighted masts of freighter moving along coast. Unable to close
range.
1335 K Heard three distant depth charges. Intermittent depth charging or
aerial bombing was heard throughout remainder of day until 2000.
2100 K Surfaced and charged batteries. Keeping watch on traffic moving
around Omai Saki.
June 29th
0429 K Dove on course 035 attempting to work in close to coast off Omai
Sakai. Eighteen miles west of that point the 100 fathom curve goes within
two miles of the each. If we can get in there unobserved, the inshore
traffic can't et past us no matter how closely it hugs the coast line.
0517 K Sighted PC type patrol vessel.
0800 K Sighted masts of a three ship convoy to northward, range eight
miles, angle on bow 90 deg S. Continued to northward hoping to get into
position before the next one comes through.
0815 K Two sampans now close aboard and becoming a nuisance.
1055 K Distant explosions heard.
1135 K Sighted ship bearing 043 T. Distance seven miles. Went to NAC at
standard speed. TDC set up quickly showed target's speed was zero! He
was evidently very close to the beach. Broadside, too. Study of target
convinced us that he was the same big fellow we hit on the morning of June
23rd.
1135K He appeared to be beached and considerably down in the water. As
we closed range the mast, king-post, stack and superstructure became more
and more clear but deck was not showing. Our target of June 23rd had a
very high free board that was clearly evident at 8000 yds., so the deck
must be under water now. Sounded battle stations, made ready last two
torpedoes and decided to risk the shoal water in order to finish him off.
Took soundings as we moved in. Range about five miles. Making
calculations for set and drift of the Japan stream.
1327 K Took a look around to see what else might be in the vicinity and
here was the picture:
(a) One unescorted freighter moving down coast from Tokio way. Range five
miles, angle on bow zero.
(b) Grounded ship dead ahead, distance three miles.
(c) A three ship convoy of one AK and two AOs on port bow moving our way,
distance 7000 yds, angle on bow 15-S. They were moving right into our
lap. Here was choice of targets with plenty to spare. Two torpedoes left
and five good targets practically begging for them! What a three-ring
circus. Decided that grounded target was not going anywhere for a long
time and no use risking the run into shallow water with such a set up
where I was. Shifted attack to center ship the convoy and started
approach.
1341 K Just as firing bearing approached, (Track 75-S, range 800 yds.,
gyro angle nearing zero) it was noted that the center AK and the AO on its
left flank were practically in line. Target's speed was apparently one or
two knots less than used or he had just slowed. Fired two torpedoes. The
first, a torpex, was seen to hit the AK between the foremast and the bow
with [a] terrific crash that completely demolished at least forty of fifty
[feet] of the bow. It took an immediate down angle. Target seemed to
stop almost dead in his tracks. Exhaust bubbles from the 2nd torpedo's
track were plainly seen as 2nd torpedo passed ahead of the AK and streaked
directly for the AO, now overlapping the first target. Swung sub hard
left and first now completely blanked out, the AO on its flank, but
"timers" in the ship clocked two definite explosions; one at twenty seven
seconds, a run of 700 yds to nearest target, and one at one minute and ten
seconds, a run of 1875 to AO. Pure unadulterated luck on the second shot
but a sure hit! Since no surface escorts were around I reasoned that an
air escort must be present. It was. Last look at AK showed it settling
in water, bow down. Ordered deep submergence and rigged for depth charge
attack. Headed south for deep water and Midway. As we passed 100 feet,
aerial bomb exploded close to starboard quarter. Men in after part of the
ship state that this was the closest one of the patrol. No damage.
2048 K Surfaced on course 165. Commenced battery charge.
2200 K #1 Main Engine out of commission. (See paragraph 10)
June 30th
0130 K C/C to 090.
0500 K Sighted Hachijo Jima Island.
0509 K Sighted patrol vessel or DD in haze on port beam, distance 8000
yds., angle on bow 20-S. Turned away to present small silhouette and
dove. Spent next two hours plotting patrol vessel for course and speed.
Found that he patrols the bottleneck between Hachijo Jima and the next
small island to the north. Speed eight knots, course 035 and then 140.
Not very alert lookouts. Our subs coming through this area should look
out for this fellow. Someone should get him.
1458 K Sighted inter-island steamer, and several fishing sampans.
1700 K Hachijo Jima now abeam to starboard, distance twelve miles.
2040 K Surfaced on course 084, speed 15 knots.
2300 K Sent serials one and two to Comsubpac.
2400 K Shifted position eight miles to north; then resumed course for
Midway.
July 1st to 6th
L Converted #3 and #5 reserve fuel tanks into ballast tanks. Speed
increased by 1/2 knot. Uneventful cruising, making 2 and 3 engine speeds
into heavy seas.
July 7th
0700 X Sighted patrol plane.
0800 X Sighted air escort.
1020 X Moored alongside USS TINOSA at Midway. Received 18,000 gallons of
fuel.
1800 X Departed Midway under air escort in company with USS HOE.
1915 X Air escort departed. Opened range on USS HOE, now on port
quarter.
July 8th to 10th
VW Uneventful cruising on assigned courses for Pearl Harbor, at 2 and 3
engine speeds, bucking heavy seas.
0700 VW Sighted patrol plane.
1142 VW Moored alongside pier # 5 Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.
2. WEATHER
Enroute Station:
Variable, shifting winds and sea were encountered enroute Midway to
assigned area until evening June 18th, two days from station. Strong
southwest wind and sea accompanied by heavy rains and complete overcast
(typical typhoon weather but less intense) developed, necessitating
slowing to one engine speed. This weather held until passing Hachijo
Jima. Fortunately the weather cleared sea and sky of enemy observers.
On Station:
Normal coast pilot summer conditions prevailed characterized by warm
weather, occasional showers or overcast days, seas and wind moderate,
generally from east northeast.
From Station:
The return trip was marked by heavy fog for two days after passing Hachijo
Jima which again hid our passage.
3. TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents inshore were erratic but not strong, apparently affected more by
tidal and wind conditions than by the Kuroshio. A definite easterly set
to two knots on the shelf south of Omai Saki and a similar set of 1 to
1-1/2 knots within ten miles of Shiono Misaki were experienced.
4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
The fathometer was used almost exclusively for determining position when
approaching the coast at night when lights were extinguished.
Navigational lights were observed as follows:
OMAIL SAKI Normal (Reduced intensity)
ANORI SAKI Normal (Reduced intensity)
DAIO SAKI Flashing white 30 sec.(normal intensity)
KO SHIMA Flashing white,irregular flashes.
(normal intensity)
KASHINO SAKI Flashing white, irregular flashes.
(normal intensity)
SHIONO MISAKI Steady white (reducedintensity)
Structure now painted green.
Kami Shima, Suga Shima and Miki Saki were not visible and were assumed to
be extinguished. Alternating lights have been eliminated and white lights
of irregular characteristics apparently are used on this section of coast.
8. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES
Enemy ships in this area used to combat submarines appear to consist
of the following: -
Two Chidori class torpedo boats,
About 8 to 12 PC type patrol vessels,
About 20 to 30 Sampans and fishing craft, several float type planes and an
occasional patrol plane.
There seemed to be no organized search for a normal methodical
coverage of the area, until submarine attacks stirred them up; then
the Chidoris, patrol vessels and planes always showed up at the point
of recent attack, - ignoring the fact that the submarine normally
shifts its area of operations after each attack.
When trailed for two hours by 3 PC boats during early morning of the
23rd, the PCs had excellent opportunity to call for additional help.
I do not believe they are equipped with communications facilities for
this.
In one case a convoy escort was found to be patrolling across the
bows of the convoy; in all other cases the escort hung back on the
quarter of the convoy and waited for his charges to get hit before he
came down the torpedo tracks.
It is not believe that any depth charges or aerial bombs were set for
explosions deeper than 200 - 250 feet.
The Chidori torpedo boats apparently search by echo-ranging as well
as listening, while the PC boats used only listening. Both types,
due to their shallow draft, size and relatively high speed are
considered to be very effective for anti-submarine warfare.
The gunfire from the large passenger-freighter on the morning of June
23rd was quickly brought into action, and its deflection was good,
though the range was poor. Considering the number of attacks during
our period in the area, it is believe that the enemy simply does not
have the necessary number of anti-submarine ships to adequately combat
the submarine warfare in her home waters.
9. DESCRIPTION OF ENEMY MINESWEEPING OPERATIONS
No enemy mine sweeps were encountered during this patrol but it is believe
that the two mine fields layed in this area some while ago by our
submarines have long since been detonated or swept, for merchant shipping
now seems to go right through these areas. (However, I would not care to
demonstrate my faith in this theory).
10 MAJOR DEFECTS
June 10th - While starting number one main engine, water pressure overcame
exhaust pressure, (engine rolling by air at 200 rpm) number five cylinder
flooded and bent the piston rod. Piston rod was renewed.
June 29th - While charging batteries at 600 rpm and 700 KW the main idler
gear on number one main engine lost the after 2" of two adjacent teeth.
Engine was thus rendered inoperative for remainder of the patrol.
Trim and Drain pumps on this vessel have been altered for silent
operation. The net result is good, however, it can, and must, be
improved. The greater part of the noise seems to come from the manifold
and flooding in at depths in excess of 200 feet, as well as blowing out of
auxiliary tank carrying pressure, is accompanied by valve chattering and
loud wiredrawing noises. It is recommended that:
(1) A silent manifold be installed for one auxiliary tank. One suggestion
is a one inch line with a quick opening valve and a gate valve.
(2) A centrifugal pump similar to the submersible portable pump used on
large ships be installed so as to be used with the "silent" manifold. A
pump of this type has been used by this vessel and the results were most
satisfactory.
A total of 15 copper lines carried away on the main engines ranging from
the 3" attached pump relief valve return which carried away twice, to the
3/16" lubricator lines. These lines were obviously subjected to too much
continuous vibration. It is recommended that wherever possible these
lines be replaced by oil resisting synthetic rubber hose.
Number 2 periscope continued to leak, and grate, getting progressively
worse at deep submergence.
The hull fittings of the bow plane shafting leaked excessively.
As a result of depth charging on 22 June the engine induction developed a
leak of about 20 gallons an hour when below 200 feet. This leak continued
during the remainder of the patrol.
Gyro indicator regulator for after torpedoes gave an indication 10 degrees
in error for the attack on convoy June 24th. This has happened once
before. Error may be caused by weak phase in Selsyn system or a poor
electrical connection. Casualty remedied by turning switch off; then on
again. Will be thoroughly investigated during coming refit period.
The QC-JK sound head was smashed following the first attack, thus making
it inoperative for the remainder of the patrol. The extent of the damage
cannot be determined until it is possible to inspect the shaft and lower
bearing. It is impossible to raise the shaft more than two feet from the
rigged out position at present. The QS sound head gradually became more
of a detriment than an aid. It never seemed as sensitive as it should,
most of the time not even picking up our own screws at two thirds speed
and not able to pick up targets plainly audible on the JK.
As the patrol progressed the training equipment grew steadily noisier
until the end of the first week, it could be plainly heard in the control
room. This excessive noise was the combination of the training gears, the
drift stops, and a rumbling sound from the sea chest. The latter
indicating that the shaft was not rotating inside the lower bearing thus
the lower bearing was dragging against the sea chest and the opening in #1
MBT.
The tracks for the drift stops was poorly designed so that the wheels
traveled over the heads of the securing screws. In only a few days the
heads of these screws sheared off leaving the holes where the screws had
been countersunk.
11. WAS RADIO RECEPTION COMPLETE AND WHAT WERE THE LAST CONSECUTIVE
SERIALS SEND AND RECEIVED?
(A) Radio reception was complete. NPH FOX SKED was copied at all times
when on the surface but it was necessary to use high frequency most of the
time while in the patrol area. Some Jap interference was encountered but
not sufficient to prevent copying. Submerged reception was made several
times while enroute and the results are shown in the following table.
Reception in general was excellent. It is found that it is possible to
copy NPM on 16.68 KCS at a depth ranging from fifty to sixty-five feet.
The following submerged radio reception data were obtained enroute to our
operating area:
RELATIVE
BEARING OF
MILES MAXIMUM PEARL EFFECTS NOTED
TIME FROM DEPTH SIGNAL AT MAX WHEN RELATIVE
DATE GCT PEARL KEEL FREQ. STRENGTH SIGNAL BEARING CHANGED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
6/10/43 0200 1000 57 16.68 3 090 Possible to copy solid.
6/14/43 0400 1873 58 16.68 3 090 Possible to copy solid.
6/16/43 0235 2800 55 16.68 3 090 Noise level three.0
(B) Ship to Shore (4235 Series)
Our first transmission was at 1400 GCT June 30th. Attempt was made to
raise NQO on 4235, with no success. Upon shifting to 8470, NPM was raised
after only a few minutes. NPM gave us strength 3 and our reception was
strength 3. Some Jap interference was encountered but he was off
frequency and only caused difficulty when he crossed our frequency a
couple of times making it necessary to repeat five groups in one message
and two groups in the other. Two messages were sent with the intention of
only sending the one with the more important information, if difficulty
was experienced due to jamming.
LAST SERIAL SENT: 3
LAST SERIAL RECEIVED: 24
RADAR
The performance of both radars was satisfactory with only normal
maintenance being necessary to keep them in operation. This consisted of
the following:
1. Sweep tube burned out.
2. One I.F. tube became weak and was changed.
3. Moisture and grease on lobing motor contact rings. Became necessary to
dry and clean daily.
12. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS
Damage to our sound heads prevented a real test of sound conditions on our
part, but the fact that enemy patrol craft and Chidori torpedo boats were
successfully evaded several times indicates that sound conditions were
poor. Many density layers were encountered in this area; particularly off
Shiono Misaki and Daio Saki. On each deep dive there was a marked drop in
water temperature ranging from four to ten degrees. The drop was gradual
inside the one hundred fathom curve and in very marked layers in deeper
water. There was invariably a layer between one and two hundred feet
outside the one hundred fathom curve. In each case the layer necessitated
much flooding in to get down and pumping out to get back up. The
bathythermograph predicted the necessary procedure nearly every time.
This is a most valuable instrument but should be relocated in the Control
Room where it can be of great assistance, to the diving officer, and it
should be calibrated for depths to 400 feet.
13. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY
Health of the crew was excellent during the period covered by this report.
At daily "sick call" during the patrol treatment was given for: -
6 head colds.
12 cases of constipation.
This vessel is equipped with experimental ultra violet germicidal lamps in
the ventilation system. Common colds were at a minimum. Whether this
resulted from the action of the lamps is not a matter for the layman to
assert. However it is definitely felt that the lamps reduced considerably
the characteristic smell and eye irritation that develops at the end of an
all day dive. This might be the result of the ozone produced by the
action of the lamps.
Air pressure within the ship was pumped down at regular intervals during
the all day dives and fresh air bled into the boat. CO2 absorbent was
used twice to good effect.
14. MILES STEAMED ENROUTE TO AND FROM STATION
ENROUTE AREA
Pearl Harbor to Midway 1,213
Midway to area 2,300
ON STATION
On surface 800
Submerged 400
RETURN FROM AREA
Area to Midway 2,300
Midway to Pearl Harbor 1,213
TOTAL: 8,226
15. FUEL EXPENDED
Pearl Harbor to Midway 14,750
Midway to area 27,600
Area to Midway 34,825
On station 7,820
16. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
TORPEDOES FUEL PROVISIONS FRESH WATER PERSONNEL
(DAYS) (DAYS)
--------------------------------------------------------
NONE 8,100 FIFTY UNLIMITED THIRTY
17. WHAT FACTOR OF ENDURANCE, IF ANY, CAUSED ENDING THIS PATROL; ARMAMENT,
FUEL, FRESH WATER, PROVFISIONS, FATIGUE OF PERSONNEL, OR MATERIAL FAILURE?
The factor of endurance which terminated the patrol was - Expenditure of
all torpedoes.
Note: Fuel expended does not include that used in returning to Pearl.
18. REMARKS
The torpedo performance during this patrol, excepting the single
"premature," is considered to be excellent. Though it cannot be stated as
a fact, it is believed that 23 of the 24 torpedoes ran hot and normal.
Except for the 4 stern tube shots on which the gyro angle was 10 degrees
in error (due to a faulty gyro-indicator-regulator) all misses are
attributed to "control errors" and not torpedo performance.
Again excepting the 1st shot there is no reason to believe that magnetic
exploders failed to function properly. The single premature that occurred
was very likely due to the large (5 deg) down angle on the boat at the
instant of firing.
It is believed that fully 90% of the merchant shipping in this area avoids
the deep-water route and closely follows the coastline of Honshu,
sometimes unguarded, but usually escorted by small patrol vessels or
aircraft (possibly both). The greatest mental and physical hazard to an
aggressive submarine patrol is the fact that the sub must go well inside
the 100 fathom curve for his targets. It is therefore recommended that
future subs patrolling this area be permitted to leave their ECM behind in
order that its safety will not influence the decisions of the Commanding
Officer whose first thought is to go in after them wherever the enemy
ships are found.
Though the time on station was short, the pace was a fast one for an
unseasoned crew and the ship is proud of its results and the chance to
share in the job of ;whittling down the enemy sea power.
The Commanding Officer takes this opportunity to thank the ship's officers
and men whose efforts, enthusiasm, and desire to close with the enemy have
resulted in a successful war patrol.
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