|
(A)
Prologue |
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Arrived Pearl Harbor from sixth war patrol on 3 March, 1945. Underwent voyage repairs at Submarine Base and departed Pearl Harbor for San Francisco, California on 6 March, 1945.
Arrived U.S. Naval Drydocks, Hunter's Point, California on 13 March, 1945. Unloaded torpedoes and ammunition. Conducted sound test and commenced yard overhaul at Bethlehem Steel Ship Building Company, San Francisco, California on 14 March, 1945.
The following major alterations and repairs were accomplished:
ENGINEERING:
1. Renewed electrolyte in both batteries because of high nickle content.
2. Overhauled and interchanged port and starboard reduction gears because of pitting prior to this time.
3. Renewed propeller shafts because of excessive pitting.
4. Removed [---] motor generator and installed a 3rd 15 K.V.A. IC motor generator.
5. Installed BuShips type dummy log.
6. Installed Kegron YMS system.
7. Installed Tilefish's #3 main motor when ours could not be rebalanced in time for reinstallation.
RADAR, RADIO, SOUND:
1. Installed ST Radar.
2. Installed Loran equipment.
3. Made structural modification for future installation of SV radar.
4. Relocated JP-1 on port side of forward torpedo room and relocated sound
training motors on bulkhead of forward torpedo room.
5. Installed JT talkback for JP-1
6. Installed D.C.D.I.
7. Installed local power training for sound heads in forward torpedo room.
HULL:
1. Installed hydraulic hoist for periscope.
2. Installed a second IMO pump for main hydraulic plant.
3. Altered bowplanes to rig in on 15° dive.
4. Installed discharge snubbers on L.P. blower.
5. Increased size of maneuvering room hard patch.
6. Replaced flanged joints with welded joints in main induction.
7. Sound isolated air conditioning and refrigeration plants.
8. Installed liquidometer gauge in safety tank.
9. Removed air bottles from #4A & B Fuel Ballast Tank.
10. Removed hydraulic plant and trim pump drum controllers and replaced with magnetic type starting controllers.
11. Installed fiber glass insulation over control cubicle.
12. Replaced air condition coils with improved Bureau type.
13. Removed forward fuel oil filling connection.
14. Rearranged Conning Tower sound stacks forward to starboard, SJ aft to starboard, plotting table on after bulkhead. Moved SJ mast aft and removed SD mast relocating it abaft Conning Tower.
ORDNANCE:
1. Modified signal ejector for hydraulic-pneumatic operation.
2. Installed Mk 9 T.B.T. forward on bridge.
3. Modified gun foundation forward to accommodate four or five inch.
4. Modified gun foundation forward and aft on bridge level to accommodate 40mm.
5. Installed ammunition scuttle in crews mess.
6. Installed twin 20mm on after bridge deck.
7. Installed non-shatterable impulse flasks for forward tube next.
On 17 March 1945 Commander J.K. Fyfe was relieved of command by Lt. Comdr. W.L. Small. During the overhaul the following officers reported aboard:
Lt.(jg) H.E. Longfellow, U.S.N.
Lt.(jg) C.A. Sieck, Jr., (DE), U.S.N.R.
and the following officers were detached:
Lt.(jg) W.L. McCann, (DE), U.S.N.R.
Ensign R.H. Pepper, U.S.N.
On 26 May, 1945 completed overhaul and entered the loading period. ON 31 May 1945 departed San Francisco, California for Pearl Harbor.
Conducted training dives and emergency drills enroute Pearl. Arrived on 8 June, 1945, with voyage reparis by U.S.S. EURVALE under the
administrative command of Commander Submarine Squadron 18 and Commander Submarine Division 182. Renewed after engine room circulating water sea suction valve and adjusted #2 and #4 main motors for sparking; during overhaul much difficulty had been experienced with these two items. As the reduction gears had been at the maximum allowable noise level of 83 db. at 40 rpm. in San Francisco, conducted additional sound test in Pearl to se if the gears were wearing in as predicted by the experts. Had
readings of 89 db. at 40 rpm. and 99 db. at 60 rmp, and we are not too happy about this situation. In addition, had slip rings installed on
starboard sound head and installed persistent scope on SD.
On 13 June, 1945 commenced training under Captain C.C. Burlingame, Commander Submarine Division 182, from whom we received several helpful suggestions. Fired eight Mark 14 torpedoes, low power, simulating Mark 18's. Fired six Mark 27's and two Mark 28's.
Conducted lifeguard duty and convoy exercises.
On 26 June detached Lt.(jg) H.E. Longfellow, U.S.N. and Ensign D.W. MacEachron (D)L, U.S.N.R. reported aboard. This is also readiness for sea date.
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(B) Narrative |
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Officers and C.P.O's on board: |
|
| Lt. Cmdr. W.L. Small, U.S.N. |
10 |
| Lt. Clark K. Sprinkle, U.S.N.R. |
9 |
| Lt. John W. Ditewig, U.S.N.R. |
3 |
| Lt. Gerson I. Berman, U.S.N.R. |
5 |
| Lt. Richard H. Walker, U.S.N. |
5 |
| Lt.(jg) John L. From, Jr., U.S.N. |
6 |
| Lt.(jg) Herman W. Kreis, U.S.N. |
6 |
| Lt.(jg) Charles A. Sieck, U.S.N.R. |
1 |
| Ensign David W. MacEachron, U.S.N.R. |
1 |
|
|
| COX, Clifford B., 356 12 70, CMoMM(AA)(T)(SS), U.S.N. |
5 |
| LAUGHLIN, David W., 250 49 58, CMoMM(T)(SS), U.S.N. |
5 |
| PERSICO, Donato (n), 238 55 59, CTM(AA)(T)(SS), U.S.N. |
7 |
| RICKETTS, Ray A., 342 06 76, CEM(T)(SS), U.S.N. |
8 |
| SCHLIEF, Marius., 638 46 64, CY(AA)(T)(SS), V6, U.S.N.R. |
4 |
| WITTE, Ernest R., 266 45 42, CEM(T)(SS), U.S.N. |
7 |
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|
26 June, 1945 |
| 1330(VW) |
Underway from Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, enroute Saipan, in compliance with ComSubPacAdCom Op Order 123-A-45. Escorted by PC776. |
| 2030(VW) |
Released escort. |
| 2211(VW) |
Commenced end around to avoid friendly carrier and escorts conducting night operations. |
|
27 June, 1945 |
|
From here to Saipan conducted daily training dives and drills. |
| 1800(VW) |
L. 20°-52' N. Long. 162°-17 W. |
|
28 June, 1945 |
| 0932(X) |
Sighted friendly plane bearing 310° T, distance 14 miles. |
| 1200(X) |
L. 21°-02' N. Long. 168°-03 W. |
|
29 June, 1945 |
| 1200(Y) |
L. 21° 01' N. Long. 174° 03' W. |
|
30 June, 1945 |
| 1200(Y) |
L. 21° 10' N. Long. 174° 45' W. |
| 1304(Y) |
Crossed International Date Line. |
|
2 July |
| 1002(M) |
Sighted friendly AK on easterly course. |
| 1015(M) |
Sighted friendly AP on easterly course. Made end around to north on both of these ships to avoid detection. |
| 1200(M) |
L. 21° 16'N Long. 174° 49' E. |
|
3 July |
| 1200(L) |
L. 21° 12' N. Long. 168° 51' E. |
| 1900(L) |
Changed course to 290° T in an endeavor to contact Jap Hospital Ship headed for Wake and to assist the U.S.S. MURRAY in making contact. |
|
4 July |
| 0300(L) |
Patrolling across supposed track of Jap Hospital Ship. |
| 0600(L) |
Having covered all speeds from 13.5 knots to 10.5 knots, proceeded to Saipan feeling that friendly planes would find her for MURRAY anyway. Our navigation is doubtful; no fix for two days. |
| 0725(L) |
Sighted and exchanged recognition signals with a PBM. |
| 1200(L) |
L. 21° 00' N. Long. 163° 25' E. |
|
5 July |
| 1200(L) |
L. 19° 30' N. Long. 158° 08' E. |
| 6 July |
|
| 1200(K) |
L. 18° 31' N. Long. 152° 25' E.
From here all times are KING. |
|
7 July |
| 0701 |
Sighted two planes at 20 miles, zero angle on the bow, friendly IFF. Attempted to exchange visual recognition signals; no response. With a range of five miles and angle on the bow still zero, dived. |
| 0724 |
Periscope depth; one plane still hanging around. |
| 0740 |
All clear; surfaced and proceeded. Sighted several other friendly planes throughout the day. |
| 1140 |
Sighted Alamagan Is. bearing 270° T. distance 50 miles. |
| 1200 |
L. 17° 32' N. Long. 146° 42' E. |
|
8 July |
| 0518 |
Made rendezvous with escort LCI 222. |
| 1034 |
Moored alongside U.S.S. ORION for voyage repairs. |
|
10 July |
| 1407 |
Underway for Lifeguard League under escort of LCI 222, in compliance with ComSubPac Op Order No. 153-45. |
|
11 July |
|
Numerous friendly plane contacts throughout the day. |
| 0945 |
Passed friendly submarine over the horizon - either LAPON or WHALE. |
| 1200 |
L. 17° 58' N. Long. 143° 00' E. |
| 2330 |
Exchanged IFF and visual recognition signals with a friendly plane. From here all times are ITEM |
| 12 July |
|
| 1200 |
L. 21° 36' N. Long. 139° 43' E. |
| 1252 |
Sighted PILOTFISH; exchanged recognition signals and chit-chat. Several friendly planes throughout the day. |
|
13 July |
| 0115 |
Passed RONQUIL headed South, and exchanged recognition via SJ. |
| 0245 |
Many B-29's passed headed north. Several other friendly planes throughout the day. |
| 0315 |
Passed SEA DEVIL headed south and exchanged recognition via SJ. |
| 1200 |
L. 25° 52' N. Long. 139° 32' E. |
| 1250 |
Passed friendly submarine headed south;
probably the TRUTTA. |
| 1640 |
Passed U.S.S. CASE headed south and exchanged recognition signals. |
|
14 July |
|
Numerous friendly planes throughout the day. |
| 1200 |
L. 30° 55' N. Long. 139° 28' E. |
| 2100 |
APR signal 157 mc. Everyone knew that it was a Jap sub. Swung ship and struck out on 225° T. |
| 2143 |
Decided we were headed in reverse direction so came to 045° T. |
| 2337 |
Swung ship and located radar on Aoga Shima. |
| 2346 |
Received CSP 141029 and set course for area nine. |
|
15 July |
| 0410 |
Transmitted BATFISH No. 1 to ComSubPac. |
| 0558 |
Made dive for B-29 with zero angle on bow, fairly low, at 5 miles. |
| 0626 |
Sighted ship, closed range to 6,000 yards and identified her as U.S. Submarine, opened range, surfaced and proceeded. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 09' N. Long 138° 00' E. |
|
16 July |
| 1200 |
L. 29° 39' N. Long 131° 53' E. |
| 1209 |
Sighted one man home made wooden boat; passed it about 100 ft abeam; no occupant. |
| 1410 |
Okinawa based PBM and four fighters were very friendly. They liked to play around and zoom sub after identity was definitely established. It was very hard to make myself stay on the surface. |
| 1532 |
Received message from plane of man in rubber boat and answered that we would get him. Plane replied that ARGONAUT was also headed for him. |
| 1725 |
Sighted ARGONAUT who was recovering aviator. Exchanged recognition signals and chit chat, and followed ARGONAUT to rendezvous with QUILLBACK. |
| 2000 |
Entered area nine. |
| 2115 |
ARGONAUT transferred aviator to QUILLBACK. |
| 2200 |
Transferred WASLESKE, V.P., Jr., 868 90 13, Flc, V-6, USNR to QUILLBACK, for transportation to base for treatment; our diagnosis, renal colic, chronic. Received some dope on area. |
|
17 July |
|
Our analysis: "It looks like the zoomies have the area pretty well cleared out, and that it will be a patrol of aviator, planes, mines, and possibly a Jap sub." |
| 0345 |
Encountered QUILLBACK, he tracked us while we tried to avoid him. It was our fault as we were too far east. |
| 0507 |
Commenced submerged patrol for voyage repairs on steering, F.O. Purifier, H.P. Air Manifold, #2 Main Engine, I.C. Motor Generator, and one sound head. |
| 0552 |
The enemy makes his first appearance: One float plane (RUFE) at about four miles. |
| 1200 |
L. 30° 41' N. Long. 129° 36' E. |
| 1808 |
Surfaced. |
| 1907 |
Sighted one float plane (RUFE) at 7 miles; dived. |
| 1930 |
Surfaced. |
| 1945 |
Sighted PBM, 8 miles closing, zero angle on the bow. At 4 miles dived. |
| 2023 |
Surfaced. |
| 2046 |
and 2136 SD contacts with IFF. |
| 2225 |
Exchanged recognition signals with QUILLBACK by SJ. |
|
18 July |
| 0100 |
Received message of 8 parachutes sighted off China coast. Exchanged information with QUILLBACK. The position is 250 miles from us and 300 miles from her with at least one and possibly three boats closer. Neither of us went over. |
| 0510 |
SD contact at 14 miles, no IFF. |
| 0539 |
SD contact at 7 miles, no IFF |
| 1052 |
Surfaced, patrolling Shanghai, Nagasaki route into 15 miles from Nomo Saki. |
| 1149 |
SD contact at 11 miles and voice on APR from friendly planes; unable to locate them. It sounds like they are shooting up some small boats, but we can see nothing. |
| 1200 |
L. 32° 01' N. Long. 129° 20' E. |
| 1531 |
Submerged and compensated magnetic compass. |
| 1805 |
Sighted float plane (RUFE again); perhaps this is a dawn and dusk patrol. |
| 1920 |
Surfaced. Patrolled Shanghai - Van Diemon route. |
| 2110 |
SD contact 20 miles. |
|
19 July |
|
A couple more SD contacts throughout the night, not close. |
| 0436 |
Submerged. |
| 0915 |
Surfaced on Lifeguard station. |
| 1045 |
Strike should have ended 15 minutes ago and still no planes. It was no doubt cancelled because of typhoon near Okinawa. Submerged and closed beach. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 06.5' N. Long. 130° 17.5' E.
Whenever we get within 30,000 yards of the beach, Jap radar seems to cut us in continuously, so we decided to try it in close submerged. |
| 1921 |
Surfaced. |
| 1945 |
Sighted green flare not far astern; our first thought was "man in a boat". Started reversing course. |
| 1946 |
SJ contact at 2,000 yards; our next thought "Jap trap". Saw sub surface; it looked friendly, but decided to dive and find out later for he certainly had the drop on us. Tried to challenge by sound - no luck. |
| 2023 |
Surfaced. SJ interference - exchanged recognition signals with BLACKFISH - closed and exchanged chit-chat. Learned that we had run over him twice yesterday and once today while we were surfaced - most disconcerting; [---] off all lookouts. |
|
20 July |
|
No message from Okinawa; the typhoon should be near there, assumed no strike today and decided to patrol in close. |
| 0443 |
Submerged. |
| 0915 |
Came to 43 feet and listened on VHF and Safplan just in case we had missed a message about a strike today. |
| 0940 |
Periscope depth. |
| 1200 |
Lat. 31° 21.5' N. Long. 130° 01' E.
Patrolled about 8,000 yards off Noma Misaki and Bono Misaki. Seas picking up considerably. |
| 1924 |
Surfaced. |
|
21 July |
| 0212 |
SD contact 5 miles closing; dived. |
| 0300 |
Surfaced. |
| 0400 |
Still nothing from Okinawa and the weather was fine. We wondered if we had missed a
message. So opened up and asked; got a negative answer. It would certainly help if we could get the dope on days that there are no strikes so that we would feel free to patrol. As it is we can't get far enough away from our lifeguard station to feel that we are actually patrolling. But perhaps just our
presence keeps shipping from coming through here. (See remarks) |
| 0525 |
Submerged. Patrolled in close to west of Koshiki Retto. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 33.5' N. Long. 129° 42.5' E. |
| 1923 |
Surfaced, and sighted plane at 5 miles (HELEN). Dived again. |
| 2010 |
Surfaced. |
| 2105 |
SD contact at 4 miles; dived. |
| 2139 |
Surfaced. |
| 2203 |
Sighted one wake about 10 yards ahead and across bow, and another crossing a little farther ahead - seen by myself, O.O.D., and starboard lookout - probably torpedoes. We were
constant helming 80° at the time and turning toward, which made our probable torpedoes miss ahead with a very sharp track. L. 31° 24' N. Long. 129° 50' E. |
|
22 July |
| 0500 |
Submerged. |
| 0930 |
No message from Okinawa last n ight, but as we were submerged for a Helen at the time of the 1930 sked we could possibly have missed it (see remarks), so we surfaced on lifeguard station - nothing going on. |
| 1115 |
Submerged and closed Kure Shima. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 00.5' N. Long. 129° 56' E. |
| 1918 |
Surfaced. |
| 2207 |
SD contact 5 miles - we couldn't see him and guessed he couldn't see us as he opened up. |
|
23 July |
|
Had one hour chit-chat on Safplan with Okinawa trying to get lifeguard dope for today. We feel that their
operator missed his calling; he should have been a boiler-maker. About the end of this transmission and at |
| 0145 |
SD contact at 5 miles; no IFF; opened. This started our diversion for POGY and SENNET for at |
| 0146 |
At end of above transmission a Jap called BATFISH on 500 Kc. We didn't answer (see remarks). |
| 0214 |
APR signals on 150 mc. 1100 p.r.f SD contacts at 14 to 1 miles. They played around with us quite a bit between 10 and 12 miles, then with the set up
like they wanted it, and at |
| 0228 |
They started closing fast. With 5 planes at 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2, 5 and 6 miles we dived deep and zigged radically. |
| 0344 |
Surfaced. |
| 0601 |
Submerged. |
| 1015 |
Surfaced on station for 1030 lifeguard duty. |
| 1046 |
Sighted floating Mk 6 Mod. 1 Jap mine - exploded same with B.A.R. L. 31° 30' N. Long. 129° 56' E., about 8 miles from Simo Koshiki Shima. They certainly know we are here. |
| 1145 |
Strike should have ended - nothing happened; guess it was cancelled. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 24' N. Long 129° 53' E. |
| 1310 |
Passed empty life raft - tried to sink it, but no luck - it was make of cork. |
| 1500 |
Looked over Kusahaki Shima from 7 miles while they looked us over. Took pictures of radio station on surface. (More diversion for SENNET and POGY). |
| 1820 |
Sighted floating type 3, mark 2 Jap mine armed. L. 30° 55' N. Long. 129° 03' E. |
| 1822 |
Stopped alongside to sink it when Jap plane (RUFE) appeared at 5 miles. Went ahead; and when stern cleared mine, dived. |
| 1838 |
Plane out of sight; surfaced to look for mine. |
| 1850 |
Sighted mine and maneuvered alongside to sink it. |
| 1903 |
Plane on SD at 6 miles. Sighted him at 5 miles (JILL). Had a repeat performance of last dive as plane closed to 3 miles. |
| 1941 |
Surfaced but it was too dark to look for the mine again - just made sure that we avoided. |
|
24 July |
| 0215 |
Exchanged recognition signals with POMFRET by SJ. |
| 0508 |
Had the dawn patrol on SD at 5 miles. |
| 0553 |
Sighted and sank aircraft belly tank. |
| 0621 |
Sighted plane at 3 miles (PETE), dived. |
| 0901 |
Surfaced. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 24' N. Long. 130° 00' E. |
| 1226 |
Submerged. |
| 1920 |
Battle surfaced 3,000 yards off Yaku Shima and shelled village of Nagata. [---] and barracks. Expended 25 rounds of 5" and 128 rounds of 40mm. Upon surfacing there were about 20 people on the beach, but they miraculously vanished before we got off our first salvo. Roughly 90% of the shells landed in the target area and four direct 5" hits were observed, and of which demolished a frame building in the camp area. After about the 10th salvo smoke was so thick that further fall of shot couldn't be observed. This ended our diversion for POGY and SENNET. (Gun Attack No. 1) |
|
25 July |
| 0437 |
Submerged. |
| 1200 |
L 31° 18' N. Long. 130° 00' E. |
| 1923 |
Surfaced. Headed northwest and patrolled Takao - Sasebo route. Received new communication instructions for Texas League. This will probably solve all our afore-mentioned troubles. |
|
26 July |
| 0457 |
Submerged and closed Danjo Gunto. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 59'N. Long. 128° 32' E. |
| 1300 |
Surfaced. |
| 1310 |
Sighted SEA ROBIN headed for refit. Exchanged recognition signals and chit-chat. She suggested that we patrol Saishu Kaikyo, but we replied that we couldn't get that far from our lifeguard station. If there should be a strike the following day we couldn't get back in time. Also SEA ROBIN left there today, and starting tomorrow the POMFRET will be life guarding just south of the strait. We have been lifeguarding for ten days now and not an air strike yet. |
| 2210 |
SD contact 5 miles; no IFF; contact opened. |
| 2346 |
SD contact 5 miles; closing; no IFF; submerged with range 2 1/2 miles on two or more planes. |
|
27 July |
| 0024 |
At 53 feet for SD check. Four or more planes
between 1 1/2 and 4 miles, no IFF. We have been patrolling 8 miles off the beach with several strong land based radars on APR. These Japs don't come out often, but when they get us definitely located, they come in numbers. |
| 0127 |
Surfaced with SD contacts at 8, 13, and 15 miles. They hung around for about another 15 minutes and then left. Today the POMFRET, SANDLANCE, and SPIKEFISH joined the Texas League. Perhaps this means that we will soon have an air strike. |
| 0450 |
Submerged and closed Noma Misaki. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 17.5' N. Long. 130° 05' E. |
| 1310 |
Sighted 3 planes at 6 miles on southerly course; 2 engine land based bombers. |
| 1501 |
Surfaced. |
| 1548 |
SD contact; no IFF, closing to 4 miles; dived. |
| 1846 |
Surfaced. |
|
28 July |
| 0105 |
SD contact; no IFF; 5 miles, closing; dived. |
| 0137 |
Surfaced. |
| 0203 |
Repeat performance of one hour
ago. |
| 0218 |
Surfaced. |
| 0441 |
SD contact closed to 2 miles; dived. |
| 0957 |
Surfaced. |
| 1008 |
Sighted PBM and 8 P-51's; established communications and found out they were our air cover for a strike that is just beginning. To our surprise we learned from them that there have been about 5 to 7 strikes in the last ten days and we have had no dope on any except the ones that were cancelled on 23 July, and 19 July. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 24' N. Long. 129° 53' E. |
| 1300 |
Our cover departed for base. |
| 1545 |
SD contact, 5 miles closing; no IFF; dived. |
| 1857 |
Surfaced. |
| 2029 |
Sighted 3 searchlights on Kyushu. Patrolling 10,000 yards off Sata Misaki. |
|
29 July |
| 0253 |
Challenged by one white flash, one green flash and one white flash. We had had several SD contacts, and strong radar steady on us most of the night, but have not dived. It is completely overcast. |
| 0305 |
Sighted dim red light on Chirin Shima. This was probably cut on so that our challengers
could enter Kagoshima Kiawan. |
| 0322 |
No contact. This means that our
challenger was probably a sub and dived. We don't see how he got the drop on us, but he did! We are in a bad spot so we dived too - kept SJ and periscope watch and closed Sata Misaki to 8,000 yards. |
| 0529 |
Sighted Jap Submarine bearing 113° T. distance 5 miles. His L. 30° 59' N. Long. 130° 39' E. Full speed, swinging to normal approach course, and manned battle stations. |
| 0530 |
The clouds have finally burst - visibility 500 yards. The Exec and ST were looking through the number 1 scope. C.O. looking through number 2 and no one could see anything. |
| 0545 |
Sighted sub rounding Tachimo Saki about 300 yards off beach, angle on bow 180. The time required for this run means that he was making at least 20 knots. After challenging us he must have dived; then at dawn he surfaced, rounded Sata Misaki hugging the beach and heading for the barn at flank speed. We saw him only twice - didn't even get a set up, but we calculate that our closest range was 7,000 yards. (Ship contact #1). |
| 0812 |
Sighted smoke from Makurazaki - air raid, no doubt. |
| 1105 |
Surfaced and soon found PBM with 4 P-51's that we believed were our cover - no word on this strike either. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 04' N. Long. 130° 09' E. |
| 1400 |
Our cover departed. |
| 1515 |
Intercepted message of three men in water 90 miles south of us. Subsequent messages sounded like a PBM would land and pick them up, but we headed south at flank speed anyway. |
| 1600 |
(about) B-17 dropped life raft to man. |
| 1800 |
(about) men are in boat and it looks like PBM cannot land because of increasing wind and seas. told Okinawa we were headed down with our ETA. Many friendly planes, some of which gave us a bad time. Lowered high periscope one to save it from a zooming fighter. This is nerve wrecking. |
| 1945 |
Dumbo departed position of survivors because of low fuel; we are now 1 1/2 hours away after having been slowed by high wind and heavy sea. We have asked Okinawa if there will be a relief dumbo to orbit survivors who have a light in the boat and flares. Received a negative reply. (See remarks) |
| 2115 |
Arrived at best given position of survivors. Started search firing green flares every 8,000 yards. Numerous SD contacts throughout the night, and the Japs are jamming 500 Kcs. |
| 2210 |
Picked up what we believed was Gibson Girl signal, got bearing and headed west toward it. We chased this signal 40 miles and ended up 2 miles south of Akusaki Jima. As we approached the island the signal increased in intensity until it was saturated all around the dial. When we arrived here we lost the signal and didn't hear it again. The Japs no doubt know that the search was on and the theory is advanced that this was intentional deception. Continued search throughout the night firing green Verys every four miles. |
|
30 July |
| 0245 |
Passing friendly patrol plane assisted in search for one hour. |
| 0740 |
Playmate 15 arrived on station to assist in search. |
| 0810 |
PBM located survivors. |
| 0930 |
In L. 29° 28' N. Long 129° 53' E. rescued 1st Lieut. Nathan Mangeno, 0-755384; 1st Lieut. James L. Van Epps, 0-702509; and 2nd Lieut. Robert L. Bleicher, 0-833296 of U.S. Army 41st Bomber Group, Squadron 820, Plane 879.
Mangeno had fractured or broken ankle and cut tendon in left middle finger. Van Epps had laceration to the bone 8" long 4" wide in left shin. The bone was clean and smooth; no infection; two other bad, but lesser lacerations. Bleicher had sprained back. All three had numerous minor lacerations and bruises, and were suffering from shock and exposure. Survivors stated that they didn't believe other three crew members got out of plane as it was on fire, breaking up and hit the water at 125 knots. Destroyed boat and headed for station. |
| 1200 |
L. 29° 34' N. Long. 129° 50' E.
Many friendly planes throughout the day. |
| 1346 |
Received report of fighter plane down - headed for its position. |
| 1411 |
Received report that the pilot (only occupant) was definitely dead. |
| 1430 |
Received report of another downed plane; headed south to its position. |
| 1830 |
Three to five planes have searched the area for six hours and can't locate any survivors. We did not proceed further as the position is over the line in air surface zone. Made trim dive. |
| 1950 |
Surfaced and headed north. |
|
31 July |
|
Several planes throughout the night. |
| 0215 |
Transmitted BATFISH No. 2 to ComSubPac. |
| 0441 |
Submerged and closed Suwanose Jima. Yesterday we passed
here at a range of 10,000 yards on our survivor hunt and thought that we had
seen an anchored sea plane and a large sampan. |
| 0530 |
Got caught in a rip tide and closed the
beach to 500 yards, ST says, before we could get control, turn around and head out. Too close! |
| 0645 |
Nothing here - surfaced to proceed to station. Many friendly planes. |
| 1018 |
SD contact 5 miles closing, no IFF, dived. |
| 1200 |
L. 29° 31' N. Long. 130° 05' E. |
| 1310 |
Surfaced. Many friendly planes also learned on VHF that some Japs were around. |
| 1615 |
SD contact, 7 miles, closed to 4, no IFF, dived. |
| 1955 |
Surfaced. |
| 2055 |
Sighted two steady white lights on beach of southern Kyushu near Bono Misaki. |
| 2131 |
SD contacts closed to 4 1/2 miles; APR said that these two were definitely Japs, dived. |
| 2205 |
Surfaced. |
| 2212 |
SD and APR had Jap planes at 5 miles. These moved all around and were definitely searching the area. |
| 2218 |
Sighted beam of searchlight on southern Kyushu near Makurazaki. |
|
1 August |
| 0014 |
Submerged 10,000 yards west of Sata Misaki, and closed to 6,000 yards for
patrol at 42 feet with SJ watch. The Japs must know we are here because we had our plane on SJ practically continuously, and it passed inside of 1,000
yards on many occasions in an hour and a half. |
| 0230 |
Started opening range. |
| 0350 |
Surfaced for some fast battery charging. |
| 0615 |
Transmitted BATFISH No. 3 to ComSubPac. |
| 0715 |
Submerged. |
| 1039 |
Surfaced on lifeguard station. The Japs jammed Okinawa badly last night. We have no dope on our cover as we could copy only that part of the message which concerned BATFISH. |
| 1130 |
B-25 at five miles turned toward and challenged with lights; answered and called frantically on VHF. |
| 1131 |
Five bombs, beautiful first order detonations, not too close on port beam. We dived - too late. No damage. |
| 1200 |
L. 31° 25' N. Long. 129° 51.5' E. |
| 1225 |
Surfaced. Learned of a few Jap planes on VHF. |
| 1240 |
Friendly planes on SD at 7 miles. Sky was seven-tenths overcast with 3,000 foot clouds. Nothing in sight. Voices on VHF about
a bogey in water. One fellow said "You drop; I'll spot for you." He told Playmate 15 (POMFRET's cover) we had been bombed and that we haven't
see our cover. |
| 1259 |
SD contact 5 miles closing fast, no IFF, inside of 1 mile as we went under. Decided to ride this raid out
submerged even though we ought to be up as ComSubPac will probably send dope on treatment of our survivors. |
| 1913 |
Surfaced; wind and seas mounting. |
| 2220 |
Received message telling BLACKFISH to take BATFISH's lifeguard station as BATFISH had departed area for Iwo Jima - and we did, at best speed in typhoon. |
|
2 August |
| 0548 |
Passed floating mine, Jap Mark 6 Mod. 1; too rough to play with it and we
felt lucky to miss it by 20 feet. L. 30° 25' N. Long. 129° 52' E. |
| 0636 |
Transmitted BATFISH No. 4 to ComSubPac. |
| 1200 |
L. 29° 54' N. Long. 130° 48' E. |
| 1234 |
Passed floating mine, Jap Mark 6 Mod. 1; still too rough to do anything but avoid. L. 29° 53' N. Long 131° 00' E. |
|
3 August |
|
Master gyro out all day yesterday and all night. We were working on it with conning tower hatch shut and control room lighted. |
| 0400 |
Master gyro back in commission. |
| 0917 |
Submerged for trim. |
| 0935 |
Surfaced. |
| 1200 |
L. 29° 25' N. Long. 136° 13' E. |
|
1230 |
SD contact, 19 miles, with friendly IFF. |
|
1948 |
Transmitted BATFISH No. 5 to ComSubPac |
|
4 August |
|
|
1152 |
Made rendezvous with U.S.S. FANNING our escort to Iwo
Jima |
|
1200 |
L. 25° 04' N. Long. 140° 05' E. |
| |
Many friendly planes |
|
1715 |
Anchored east side of Iwo Jima and transferred our three
survivors to Flight Surgeon, 7th Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Army. |
|
1825 |
Moored alongside LST 646 on west side of Iwo Jima.
Received 64310 gallons diesel oil from LST 646. |
|
5 August |
|
|
0530 |
Got underway and anchored in berth 169. Spent the day
working on auxiliary gyro, getting a new 5" gun seat, "borrowing" green Very
Stars, and conducting general voyage repairs. |
| |
All times from here are KING. |
|
1830 |
Underway under escort of PC 1259 |
| |
Many friendly planes |
|
2340 |
Released escort, PC 1259 |
|
6 August |
|
|
0614 |
Submerged |
|
1200 |
Surfaced on lifeguard station. |
| |
L. 29° 58' N. Long. 140° 33' E. |
|
1245 |
Our cover arrived, one Privateer. |
| |
Many friendly planes. |
|
1540 |
Our cover departed. |
|
8 August |
|
| |
Several friendly planes. |
|
0745 |
Arrived on lifeguard station. |
| |
Many friendly planes |
|
0900 |
Not sure who our cover is but there is a B-24 circling us
and using a call that is not our cover - he knows who we are, so he'll do. |
|
1200 |
L. 29° 52' N. Long. 137° 57' E. |
|
1255 |
Cover departs. |
|
1356 |
Submerged to work on master gyro |
|
1854 |
Surfaced |
|
2003 |
Exchanged recognition signals with HADDOCK |
|
2113 |
Friendly SD contact 17 miles - closed to 1 mile. |
|
9 August |
|
|
0600 |
Sighted and sank floating Jap, Mark 6 Mod. 1 mine. L. 30°
00' N. Long. 138° 43' E. |
|
0631 |
Submerged. |
|
1200 |
L. 30° 00' N. Long. 139° 00' E. |
|
1701 |
Surfaced. |
|
1715 |
Learned that Russia had declared war against Japan. |
|
2347 |
Friendly SD contact, 13 miles. |
|
10 August |
|
| |
Several single SD contacts; friendly. |
|
0716 |
Submerged, working on master gyro. |
|
1200 |
L. 31° 56' N. Long. 137° 28' E. |
|
1549 |
Surfaced. |
|
11 August |
|
|
0540 |
Submerged - working on master gyro |
|
0952 |
Surfaced |
|
1200 |
L. 32° 26' N. Long. 138° 41' E. |
|
1325 |
Sighted and sank floating oil drum |
|
1400-1445 |
Sighted and destroyed empty life raft while friendly SD
contact closed to 1 mile |
|
2002 |
Friendly SD contact, 18 miles |
|
2305 |
Friendly SD contact, 24 miles |
|
12 August |
|
|
0040 |
Friendly SD contact, 14 miles |
|
0715 |
Submerged |
|
1200 |
L. 32° 10' N. Long. 137° 43' E. |
|
1342 |
Surfaced. |
|
13 August |
|
|
0040 |
SJ contact at 8,400 yards with SJ interference -
exchanged recognition signals with HAKE. |
|
0545 |
Submerged. |
|
1200 |
L. 32° 13' N. Long. 137° 48' E. |
|
1350 |
Surfaced; sheared and replaced bow plane shear pins. |
|
14 August |
|
|
0526 |
Submerged. |
|
1200 |
L. 33° 30' N. Long. 126° 15' E. |
|
1420 |
Surfaced on lifeguard station. |
|
1445 |
Cover arrived. |
|
1555 |
Cover departed. |
| |
Several SD contacts. |
|
15 August |
|
|
0443 |
Two straight diverging wakes crossed the bow while we
zigged right and backed emergency - seen by O.O.D. - J.O.O.D. and forward
lookout - possible torpedoes. |
|
0535 |
Submerged. |
|
0602 |
Surfaced on lifeguard sttion; strike apparently
cancelled. |
| |
Several SD contacts. |
|
1032 |
SD contact without IFF closed to 2 miles; dived. |
|
1100 |
Surfaced. |
|
1115 |
Received word from ComSubPac to discontinue all
attacks as Japan was in the process of surrendering. |
|
1200 |
L. 34° 17' N. Long. 137° 15' E. |
|
1343 |
Departed lifeguard station to rendezvous with TIGRONE. |
|
1840 |
Traded TIGRONE's rescued aviator, Major Theon Edward
Markham, U.S. Army for our V.H.F. and set course for Guam. |
|
2100 |
Sent BATFISH sixth to ComSubPac. |
|
16 August |
|
|
1038 |
Submerged. |
|
1056 |
Surfaced. |
|
1200 |
L. 30° 03' N. Long. 139° 33' E. |
|
1804 |
Received orders to had for Pearl via Midway, and did so. |
|
17 August |
|
|
0600 |
Sent BATFISH seventh to ComSubPac. |
|
1004 |
Sighted and exchanged recognition signals with friendly
plane. |
|
1200 |
L. 29° 15' N. Long. 144° 14' E. |
|
1405 |
Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. MOLALA (ATF106) |
|
18 August |
|
|
1125 |
Submerged. |
|
1143 |
Surfaced. |
|
1200 |
L. 29° 10' N. Long. 150° 44' E. |
|
19 August |
|
|
1200 (K) |
L. 29° 06' N. Long. 157° 32' E. |
|
1933 (L) |
Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. DEVILFISH. |
|
20 August |
|
|
1200 (L) |
L. 29° 18' N. Long. 163° 28' E. |
|
1448 (L) |
Submerged. |
|
1505 (L) |
Surfaced. |
|
21 August |
|
|
1200 (L) |
L. 28° 55' N. Long. 170° 55' E. |
|
2200 (L) |
Transmitted BATFISH eighth. |
|
22 August |
|
|
0930 (M) |
Exchanged recognition signals with LIONFISH. |
|
1200 (M) |
L. 28° 34' N. Long. 177° 22' E. |
|
1701 (M) |
Submerged for trim. |
|
1714 (M) |
Surfaced. |
|
22 August |
|
|
0001 (Y) |
Crossed International Date Line. |
|
0500 (Y) |
Made rendezvous with SEA HORSE and two Midway planes. |
|
0740 (Y) |
Moored at Midway and loaded two Mk. 18 torpedoes in
exchange for 16 rounds 5" and 185 rounds 40 mm ammunition. Transferred
TIGRONE'S aviator, Major Theon E. Markham, who had a chronic case of
seasickness, to Commander N.O.B. Midway for further orders and
transportation. |
|
1410 (Y) |
Underway for Pearl. |
|
1630 (Y) |
Released air escort. |
|
1714 (Y) |
Made trim dive. |
|
1750 (Y) |
Surfaced. |
|
23 August |
|
|
0132 (Y) |
SJ contact at 20,000 yards onship. Assumed it to be
friendly merchantman and avoided. |
|
1056 (Y) |
Made trim dive. |
|
1113 (Y) |
Surfaced. |
|
1200 (Y) |
L. 24° 11' N. Long. 173° 48' W. |
|
24 August |
|
|
1056 (X) |
Dived. |
|
1111 (X) |
Surfaced |
|
1200 (X) |
L. 22° 15' N. Long. 168° 01' W. |
|
25 August |
|
|
1200 (X) |
L. 20° 53' N. Long. 162° 13' W. |
|
1700 (X) |
Dived. |
|
1730 (X) |
Surfaced |
|
26 August |
|
|
0530 (VW) |
Rendezvous with PINTADO and escort PC 486. |
|
1000 (VW) |
Moored. |
|
(C) Weather |
|
Nothing but typical weather as described in sailing directions for the area south and wet of Kyushu was encountered during this patrol. This "typical weather" includes a typhoon which passed on 1-2 August during which time our maximum speed was reduced to 5 knots. The floating mines that were seen, were in every instance encountered during or shortly after periods of rough weather which probably caused them to break their moorings. |
|
(D) Tidal Information |
|
Nothing new can be added on tides or currents around Kyushu. They conformed closely to the information contained on Pilot Charts for July and August, and on H.O. Misc. No. 10058-8. |
|
(E) Navigational Aids |
|
No navigational lights nor other navigational aids were seen during this patrol with the single exception of the dim red light displayed on Chiria Shima, in Kagoshima Kaiwan, on southern Kyushu for the entry of the Jap submarine on 29 July.
The following lights were definitely extinguished: |
|
| Sata Misaki |
L. 30° 59' N. Long. 130° 40' E. |
| Bono Misaki |
L. 31° 15' N. Long. 130° 13' E. |
| Tsurikake Saki |
L. 31° 37' N. Long. 129° 41' E. |
| Mi Saki |
L. 30° 24' N. Long. 130° 23' E. |
|
|
(F) Ship Contacts |
|
| No. |
Time-Date |
Lat.-Long. |
Type Ship(s) |
Initial Range |
| 1 |
0529(I), 20 July |
Lat. 30° 59' N., Long. 130° 39' E. |
Submarine |
10,000 yards |
|
|
| Est. Speed-Course |
How Contacted |
Remarks |
| 21 knots - 000° T. |
Periscope, Day - Submerged |
Lost in rain squall - unable to close for
attack or to identify class. |
|
|
(G) Aircraft Contacts |
|
Usually the Japs made a dawn and dusk sweep over the waters south and west of Kyushu with a single RUFE, and they frequently made thorough night searches of the area with radar equipped planes. During the day friendly aircraft were present in such numbers that the Japs usually didn't get off the ground. |
|
(H) Attack Data |
|
U.S.S. Batfish |
Gun Attack No. 1 |
Patrol No. 7 |
|
Time: 1926, Date: 24 July, 1945 |
Lat. 30° 25'15" N., Long. 130° 23'52" E. |
|
Target Data - Damage Inflicted. |
|
Sunk: |
|
Damage: One building destroyed, two and possibly more buildings and barbed wire entanglements damaged at Nagata on Yaku Shima. Smoke and haze prevented further observation of fall of shot. |
|
Damage Determined By: Visual observation |
|
Details of Action |
|
Fired 25 rounds 5"/25 type HC with point detonating fuses and 128 rounds 40mm HEIT 0 non SD. The 40mm opened fire on the town, with range 3,500 yards, and put practically all of its shells in the target area. The five inch opened fire on the barracks and camp area at the right end of the beach. One direct hit on barbed wire
entanglements and one hint that demolished a frame building in the camp area were observed. Three duds were also seen (these were the Mk. 18-4 fuses). After ten rounds, the smoke and dust was so thick that further fall of shot could not be observed, so the 5" shifted to the town. One direct hit on a building was seen here and after about 9 rounds smoke and
dust again prevented spotting, so the 5" shifted back to the camp area which had cleared a little. These last shots all fell directly in the camp with one hit on a building being observed; also one round burst practically on the barracks - it probably exploded by hitting a tree limb directly over the barracks. The average 5" gun range was around 5,000 yards. About 90% of the shells fell within the target area and there were probably several other hits which could not be observed because of the smoke. Spotting was done by high periscope with Spot II on the bridge. |
|
(I) Mines |
|
No mine laying nor sweeping was observed. Only a few floating mines were encountered which had broken their moorings in heavy weather. |
|
(J) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasive Tactics |
|
On the nights of 22-23 July and 26-27 July we were
definitely hunted by an anti-submarine team of 5 and 4 or more planes respectively. On both nights it is fairly certain that the Japs knew our location within a thousand yards. On both nights the planes located us; remained at their extreme radar range until the set up was like they wanted it, and they all closed fast. This is not definite but from SJ information, it is believed that they all came from approximately the same direction, each one being about 1/2 mile behind the one ahead. Perhaps their scheme is to catch the sub unawares and each plane drop charges with increasingly deep depth settings employing both magnetic and radar detectors. We dived deep and changed course radically at high speed. We believe that they didn't drop because we got under before they were close enough to have any assurance of a close pattern. |
|
(K) Major Defects and Damage |
|
Hull and Machinery:
Number one periscope has been so stiff and jerky throughout the entire patrol that it is all but
unusable. this periscope is packed with rod type packing as is number two which is the best periscope that any officer on this ship has ever used.
The bathythermograph has been inoperative for the entire patrol, and repairs have been beyond the capacity of the ship's force. There is no registration of temperature whatsoever.
Number two and four main motors spark considerably at speeds above 210 rpm. This sparking has existed ever since overhaul; and is spite of much adjusting and several hours of work, little progress has been made in eliminating the sparking.
The voltage regulator on #3 I.C. motor generator is defective; ship's force is unable to repair and adjust properly.
The master gyro has caused practically continuous trouble for the entire patrol, with, to no avail, several hundred man hours spent on it. Finally,
#2 lighting motor generator speed regulator developed an open circuit. That caused the lighting motor generator to speed up, thereby causing the gyro motor generator to speed up and burn out one rotor phase.
The auxiliary generator armature voltage fluctuates abnormally with load changes, and the field rheostat will not control the generator. This has been investigated by the ORION and thus far the cause is undetermined.
Ordnance and Gunnery:
Eighteen Mark 18-2 torpedoes were carried on this patrol. Routine was carried out as prescribed in "Submarine Force Pacific Fleet Maintenance Instructions for Mk. 18 Torpedoes". No irregularities were encountered except for one ground between the twist lock charging plug in the tail and the fuses of one torpedo. |
|
(L) Radio |
|
Reception of NPM Submarine Fox was satisfactory during the entire patrol. 13655 Kcs. was very good during daylight hours; but from 1700 to 2100 Zebra, as on previous patrols, reception was very difficult. communications on the ship/shore frequencies were very good, and even before the war ended the enemy's jamming efforts did not seem to be up to their previous standards.
The air sea rescue communications left little or nothing to be desired in National League. The same may be said of Texas League after it
was effectively organized. Early difficulties are commented upon under (V) REMARKS. |
|
(M) Radar |
|
The SJ
radar performed dependably throughout the patrol, with no major casualties
other than a leaking modulation network, which was replaced. The ranges
obtained were normal but not phenomenal.
The SD radar functioned very poorly between Pearl and Saipan. the antenna
was found to have a very low ground reading after submergence due to a
porous rubber insulation on the head. The head was renewed in Saipan; the
equipment retuned, and the results obtained throughout the remainder of
the patrol were excellent. Ranges up to 70 miles were frequently obtained
on aircraft.
The ST radar was temperamental, as usual, and kept in operating condition
throughout the patrol only by frequent tuning and periodic renewal of
crystals, T.B. tube, and beat oscillator. The lack of targets prevented
our employing the ST on an approach, but it was used occasionally for
navigational purposes.
The IFF was employed extensively throughout the patrol and suffered but
one casualty which was a gassy oscillator tube in the BN.
The profusion of Jap radar in the Nansei Shoto and southern Kyushu kept
the APR/SPA humming. Early warning aircraft detection radar predominated
with airborne Type 4 Air Mark VI Mod. 4 (175/250/10) and Type 3
(155/1000/5) cropping up on frequent occasions to liven things up. |
|
(N) Sonar Gear and Sound Conditions |
|
During
this patrol no sound contacts were made except on fish noises and own ship
noises. No comment can be made except that the sound gear functioned
normally. |
|
(O) Density Layers |
|
The bathythermograph has been out of commission for the entire patrol. There is no registration of temperature whatsoever, and repairs have been beyond the
capacity of the ship's force. However it was noted that during the entire patrol, it was necessary to flood in about 6,000 pounds
to go from 60 feet to 150 feet; and conversely it was necessary to pump out about 6,000 pounds to go from 150 feet to 60 feet. This data, as does a comparison with maneuvering room injections, indicates about a 10 degree negative gradient between 60 feet and 150 feet south and west of Kyushu during the last two weeks of July, with the same condition existing east of Kyushu during the first two weeks of August. This gradient extended as far as 100 miles west of Kyushu and 50 miles east of Kyushu. Unfortunately we have no bathythermograph cards to bear this out. |
|
(P) Health, Food, and Habitability |
|
The health of the crew was average on this patrol with the usual bruises, minor cuts and burns. The first day on station (16 July) one man, Wasleske, V.P., Jr., Flc, V6, USNR, was transferred to the QUILLBACK for transportation to base because of chronic renal colic. This man was received from Submarine Division 162 in Saipan on 10 July. At that time he had been out of sick bay about four days following a previous renal colic attack.
The food was adequate in quantity and quality, but there was much room for improvement in the manner and quality of preparation. |
|
(Q) Personnel |
|
| (a) Number of men detached after last patrol |
20 |
| (b) Number of men on board during patrol |
74 |
| (c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol |
59 |
| (d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol |
60 |
| (e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol |
13 |
|
|
The performance of all officers and men was creditable, and the state of training is considered average for the submarine force. |
|
(R) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used |
|
|
Miles by log |
Gallons |
| Pearl to Area |
4981 |
57,800 |
| In Area (including trip to Iwo Jima) |
7117 |
80,170 |
| Area to Pearl |
3675 |
51,100 |
|
|
(S) Duration |
|
| Days enroute area |
16 |
| Days in area (including one day at Iwo Jima) |
33 |
| Days enroute base |
12 |
| Days submerged |
5 |
|
|
(T) Factors of Endurance Remaining |
|
| Torpedoes |
All |
| Fuel |
50,000 Gals. (at Midway) |
| Provisions |
10 Days |
| Personnel |
5 Days |
|
|
Note: BATFISH received 64,310 gallons of fuel at Iwo Jima on 5 August. |
|
Limiting factor this patrol: Operation order. |
|
(U) Communications, Radar and Sonar Countermeasures |
|
Radar Countermeasures: (1) Intercept of Enemy Signals: |
|
|
Date: |
Time: |
Freq. |
PRF. |
PW. |
DRAI Position |
Probable
Source |
Remarks |
|
7-13-45 |
1400 |
75 |
500 |
25 |
26°42'N, 139°20'E. |
Shore |
Strong; irregular sweeping |
|
7-14-45 |
2100 |
157 |
500 |
7 |
32°30'N, 139°40'E. |
Shore |
Strong; sweeping |
|
7-14-45 |
0102 |
106 |
555 |
25 |
32°24'N, 138°29'E. |
Shore |
Medium; slow sweeping |
|
7-15-45 |
2350 |
180 |
250 |
7 |
25°55'N, 135°08'E. |
Plane or Ship |
Strong; steady |
|
7-16-45 |
1034 |
81 |
500 |
28 |
30°05'N, 130°59'E. |
Shore |
Weak; fading |
|
7-16-45 |
1935 |
157 |
500 |
7 |
30°14'N, 129°42'E. |
Shore |
Medium; irregular sweeping |
|
7-18-45 |
0220 |
98 |
250 |
15 |
31°32'N, 128°25'E. |
Shore |
Medium; sweeping slowly |
|
7-18-45 |
0345 |
74 |
500 |
25 |
31°30'N, 128°35'E. |
Shore |
Saturation; sweeping |
|
7-18-45 |
0515 |
164 |
450 |
6 |
31°36'N, 129°53'E. |
Unknown |
Medium; fading |
|
7-18-45 |
1330 |
160 |
500 |
7 |
32°19'N, 129'04'E. |
Shore |
Medium; irregular sweeping |
|
7-18-45 |
1434 |
150 |
500 |
5 |
32°10'N, 129°20'E. |
Shore |
Medium; steady |
|
7-18-45 |
1436 |
155 |
500 |
5 |
32°10'N, 129°20'E. |
Shore |
Medium; steady |
|
7-19-45 |
0345 |
74 |
400 |
25 |
31°17'N, 129°22'E. |
Shore |
Saturation; steady |
|
7-19-45 |
0345 |
160 |
500 |
5 |
31°17'N, 129°22'E. |
Shore |
Strong; slow sweeping |
|
7-19-45 |
0345 |
159 |
500 |
8 |
31°17'N, 129°22'E. |
Shore |
Strong; slow sweeping |
|
7-19-45 |
1940 |
65 |
500 |
25 |
31°15'N, 130°38'E. |
Shore |
Saturation; steady |
|
7-19-45 |
2329 |
155 |
1000 |
8 |
31°14'N, 130°40'E. |
Plane |
Irregular sweep; keying |
|
7-21-45 |
2015 |
160 |
500 |
7 |
31°30'N, 128°54'E. |
Shore |
Saturation; sweeping slowly |
|
7-21-45 |
2020 |
157 |
500 |
6 |
31°30'N, 128°55'E. |
Shore |
Saturation; sweeping |
|
7-21-45 |
2200 |
102 |
350 |
48 |
31°32'N, 128°54'E. |
Shore |
Strong; slow sweeping |
|
7-22-45 |
2315 |
152 |
1000 |
7 |
31°04'N, 129°51'E. |
Plane |
Fading and keying |
|
7-23-45 |
0136 |
175 |
250 |
6 |
31°08'N, 128°24'E. |
Plane |
Steady; keying |
|
7-23-45 |
1210 |
160 |
750 |
25 |
31°04'N, 127°53'E. |
Unknown |
Medium; slow sweeping |
|
7-24-45 |
0120 |
150 |
1000 |
8 |
31°04'N, 128°10'E. |
Plane |
Strong; keying |
|
7-25-45 |
2400 |
180 |
500 |
8 |
31°23'N, 132°57'E. |
Shore |
Weak; sweeping |
|
7-26-45 |
2200 |
100 |
350 |
7 |
31°27'N, 127°33'E. |
Shore |
Strong; sweeping |
|
7-27-45 |
1506 |
160 |
500 |
12 |
31°18'N, 129°44'E. |
Shore |
Satuation; steady |
|
7-28-45 |
0235 |
179 |
250 |
7 |
31°25'N, 129°05'E. |
Plane |
Pulsating; medium to strong |
|
7-29-45 |
0225 |
150 |
1000 |
6 |
31°51'N, 130°00'E. |
Plane |
Strong; fading and keying |
|
7-30-45 |
2140 |
177 |
250 |
7 |
29°16'N, 129°42'E. |
Plane |
Medium; slowly sweeping |
|
7-31-45 |
2241 |
176 |
250 |
7 |
30°20'N, 129°40'E. |
Plane |
Strong; steady |
|
8-1-45 |
0425 |
159 |
550 |
13 |
30°40'N, 129°57'E. |
Unknown |
Medium; keying |
|
8-1-45 |
1040 |
161 |
500 |
4 |
31°58'N, 129°17'E. |
Shore |
Medium; sweeping |
|
8-2-45 |
0740 |
138 |
500 |
8 |
30°08'N, 130°05'E. |
Shore |
Medium to strong; sweeping |
|
8-6-45 |
2400 |
175 |
250 |
7 |
27°27'N, 140°45'E. |
Plane |
Medium; sweeping erratic |
|
8-8-45 |
0745 |
178 |
200 |
8 |
|
Plane |
Plane Saturation; steady |
|
8-10-45 |
0125 |
178 |
250 |
8 |
|
Plane |
Plane Medium; keying and sweeping |
|
8-11-45 |
0420 |
175 |
250 |
7 |
30°22'N, 141°32'E. |
Plane |
Plane Strong; in and out |
|
8-14-45 |
1745 |
165 |
550 |
12 |
33°23'N, 146°54'E. |
Shore |
Shore Medium; slow sweeping |
|
|
(V) Remarks |
|
The night before
each strike Okinawa usually sent a message at 1930 for which we had to "Roger". Sunset was within a few minutes of 1930 and the Japs frequently had a dusk air patrol which had forced us down several times. It is suggested that this schedule be shifted one hour, in order
to make it after dark. The 'receipt' method of sending this message has its disadvantages in that the Japs know a strike is coming on the day after each lifeguard submarine "Rogers" to
Okinawa. The Japs jam our Safplan frequencies practically continuously, so that when Okinawa is not having a strike we continuously wonder
whether we missed the message, or whether there is no strike. It seems that a practical solution would be for Okinawa to broadcast a message by the "Fox" method twice each night. Then if the lifeguard Texas Leaguers missed a
serial they could open up and ask for it. Also on days when there is no strike the submarines would be supplied with this negative information and perhaps they might get in a little patrolling of their own.
On the morning of 23 July, after our one hour discussion with Okinawa, a Jap called the BATFISH on 500 kc using our correct call (610V6). We certainly aren't
fooling anyone by giving aircraft calls to the lifeguard submarines. We are called; we answer; we get a message; and we 'roger' - all this is using the plain language call of 610V6, and the Japs know that this is a submarine 15 miles off southern Kyushu. The next day during the strike, we communicate with the planes on VHF using call (codeword - 610); then if CW is used we are "610V6". Wouldn't it be better if Okinawa used encoded calls?
On the night of 25-26 July we received new communication instructions which render the above comments obsolete except for historical interest - all our wishes have been fulfilled.
On 29 July: We do not know the situation on Okinawa and are not criticizing but at 1945 the survivors were definitely located with us 1 1/2 hours away. If this base could possibly have provided a plane to drop a couple of one hour flares for the boat to stay close to, three badly injured and shocked men would have been saved a cold, wet, miserable 12 hours in a boat with a 25 knot wind and force 5 sea. |
|
|
Torpedoes fired: 0 |
|
Number of hits: 0 |
|
Ships sunk: 0 |
|
Ships sunk (Official): 0 |
|
Ships damaged: 0 |
|
Ships damaged (Official): 0 |
|
Tonnage: 0 |
|
Tonnage (Official): 0 |
|
Damaged Tonnage: 0 |
|
Tonnage (Official): 0 |
|
Three aviators rescued |
|
One town shelled with moderate damage |
|
This patrol was designated as successful for the Combat Insignia Award |
|
|
