TMO 2.5 with custom mods
100 difficulty. Cams off, contacts on.
USS Drum SS-228
War Patrol Report
Twelfth War Patrol
7 December 1944-10 January 1945
(A) Prologue
Terminated Eleventh War Patrol at Majuro Atoll on 9 December 1944. Regular refit conducted by Submarine Tender USS Howard Gilmore. LCDR F.M. Eddy USN relieved LCDR M.H. Rindskopf USN as Commanding Officer. Ensign W. M. James USN reported aboard. Ensign V.B. Ballantine detached. Ready for sea 7 December 1944.
(B) Narrative
7 December-
0700- Depart Majuro for Area 12 (Yellow Sea) via Saipan.
0900-Trim Dive.
0917-Surfaced
11 December-
0600-1100- Refueled at Saipan.
17 December-
1200-Entered patrol area.
20 December-
1513- SD contact. 15 NM closing. 33 30 N 124 40 E
1515-Submerged.
1630-Surfaced.
21 December-
2214- SJ contacts bearing 229 15 NM. 33 21 N 125 21 E
2225-General Quarters. Torpedo Attack-Surface.
2228-PPI read out indicates large convoy, 10+ ships in two columns with 5-6 escorts forming defensive circle around columns.
2236-APR-1 detected radar emissions from convoy bearing.
2251- Convoy sighted. 33 23 N 125 27 E Estimated Course/Speed 228 degrees 9 knots.
2255- Exploiting a gap in screen on port side, caused by an escort making a wide "sweep" , moved in to attack port column.
2304:01-The "sweeping" escort suddenly began a high speed run back towards the convoy. APR-1 detected radar emissions from that direction. Lookouts identified a fleet type DD, possibly Yagumo Class.
2305:45-Fired six MK 18 torpedoes (ATTACK No.1)
Unable to outrun the closing DD on surface, ordered a dive.
2306-All six torpedoes impacted as aimed. Both vessels suffered large explosions and were seen on fire from bow to stern, sinking quickly. Sound confirmed breaking up noises.
SHAJIMA MARU 6652 tons sunk. MOMOYAMA MARU 4239 tons sunk.
2307-Rigged for depth charge and silent running. Enemy DD closing from astern, another off the bow. Pinging on long scale audible. Passed thermal layer. SBT-1 decoys deployed
2309-Depth charge explosions astern, DD must have made false contact as were not close to Drum.
2311-Escort closing from 260 degrees, short scale pinging.
2312-Loud explosions of depth charge launchers overhead, multiple splashes audible. Explosions. Drum depth: 260 feet.
2313-DD above, dropped pattern. Explosions astern. SBT-1 decoy released.
2322-Many DC explosions astern.
2330-Believe combination of choppy seas, multiple SBT decoys, noises of sinking vessels, thermal layer, and disturbances combined to shield drum from enemy sound and echo ranging gear, preventing a solid counter attack.
2348-Periscope depth. Sweep shows DD astern 5000 yards. A "sleeper" escort bearing 070 3000 yards. Drum back to 250 feet.
22 December-
0020-Sound reports all clear.
0023-Periscope Depth. No enemy vessels within 5000 yards.
0024-Surfaced. Course 230 degrees to pull ahead for follow up attack.
0025-Secure General Quarters. Forward tubes ordered reloaded. Tubes 1-4 will have MK 14steam torpedoes, tubes 5 and 6 MK 18.
0140-Quarter moon set. Visibility decreased.
0215-Torpedo reload completed.
0223:12-Battery recharge completed.
0223:54- SJ contact reestablished bearing 007 14 NM. 33 15 N 125 10 E
0235-General Quarters-Torpedo Surface
0250-APR-1 detecting radar emissions from convoy bearing.
0252- Convoy sighted. 33 16 N 125 17 E Estimated course/speed 217 degrees 9 knots.
0300-Fired four MK14 torpedoes at two mid sized AK. ATTACK No. 2
0303-Torpedoes impacted both targets. Target 1 (MADRAS MARU) immediately exploded and began to sink. Target 2 (WATANABE MARU) absorbed torpedo just aft of stack. Fire and smoke seen visible with a slight stern, listing but underway.
Escort vessel spotted Drum 20 seconds after torpedo impact and shined spotlight . Range 1800 yards. The MS type vessel opened fire with main battery and auto-cannon/machine gun fire but Drum was not hit. Overload added to engines, Drum made 22 knots during the escape under intense fire, with multiple splashes, closest being about 25 yards with three escort type vessels trailing. Drum quickly left these vessels behind. The DD previously encountered was not spotted not further radar emissions detected, oddly enough.
0305-MADRAS MARU 3805 tons sunk.
0439-WATANABE MARU dead in water but afloat. Closed to finish vessel off. Closest escort 6000 yards off.
0440-Attack No. 2(A) Fired one MK 18 torpedo from stern tube(#7)
0441-Torpedo impacted as aimed under stack on port side of target. Large fire began burning
0442-Vessel began to list heavily to port.
0444-WATANABE MARU 3646 tons sunk.
0445- With four ships confirmed sunk, eleven torpedoes expended, and no time for follow up surface attack before dawn or end around for submerged attack before convoy departed assigned area, Drum broke contact for deeper waters as come daybreak intense enemy patrols in area of attacks could be expected. Plan to submerge at dawn for day of submerged maintenance, and rest.
0500-Secure General Quarters.
0800-Submerged for day.
2000-Surfaced.
23 December- Moved into Yellow Sea. Patrolling off Souh-West coast Korea by day, closed coastal shallows at night to interdict traffic using shallows for protection.
2145-SJ contact. Bearing 356 13 NM. 35 14 N 125 49 E
2150-PPI readout indicates small convoy. One ship encircled by four escorts.
2217-Small convoy sighted. 35 08 N 125 49 E Estimated speed course 030 degrees 8 knots.
2222-Target identified as large tanker. Estimated 8000-10000 tons.
2233-Attack No.3 Target identified as NIPPON MARU class tanker 10000 tons. Setup to fire four MK 18 from stern tubes. Range 2800 AOB 75 POA MOT Torpedo Depth: 10 feet. Fired tubes 7,8 nd was detected by enemy escort. Turned away at high speed. Both torpedoes missed as target took evasive action.
Evaded escorts with high speed run. Three escorts continued hunting in the area, sweeping with searchlights and star shells. A few depth charges were dropped, which was odd considering max depth was 50 feet.
Pulled ahead of tanker, now covered by one Minesweeper type escort. Closed for a stern shot.
2332-Attack No. 4- Fired three MK 18 torpedoes from stern tubes on zig zagging target. As target began zig to port presenting broadsides for hit, opened fired.
2333-All three torpedoes hit, setting off massive explosion of tanker. Tanker obviously loaded with fuel. Explosion caused tanker to break into two.
NIPPON MARU 10000 tons sunk.
2234-APR-1 detected previously undetected radar emissions from escorts bearing. Possible enemy radar was turned off.
24 December-
0130- 200 feet below keel. Secure General Quarters.
0200-Course set to Western Yellow Sea/Chinese coast. Eight (MK 18 )torpedoes remaining(six forward, two aft)
1000-Submerged
2216-Surfaced.
25 December-
1321-SJ contact bearing 320 14 NM. 36 26 N 121 42 E.
1351-Smoke sighted. Appears to be unescorted merchant.
1400-Submerged for attack.
1439- ATTACK No. 4 Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 1 and 2. Second torpedo suffered an apparent gyro failure as it veered far off bearing. First torpedo ran hot, straight and normal.Torpedo #1 impacted as aimed. Large explosion apparently blowing out boilers. Engines on target stopped. Target began list to starboard.
1446-Target dead in the water.
1506-Surfaced. Battle Surface-Gun Action No. 1
1507-Opened fire with 4 inch deck gun from 4500 yards.
1509- Cease fired. Vessel on fire and began to rapidly sink.
1510-AKITA MARU type AK 3936 tons sunk.
1511-Set easterly course away from China coast in case of responding patrols.
26 December-
1633- SD contact 7 NM closing 36 39 N 123 39 E. Submerged to avoid.
28 December-
1101- SD contact 10 NM. 36 54 N 123 50 E.
1240-Periscope depth. sweep with SD antenna. SD contact 9 NM closing. Ordered depth 220 feet (12 ft off bottom). Aircraft apparently spotted Drum while at depth, several large dc explosions, one fairly close as boat was shaken, no damage.
2000-Surfaced.
29 December-
Continued patrolling the Inchon-Qingdao shipping lanes in Northern Yellow Sea.
30 December-
0000-Set course for Korean coast.
1100-Storms.
31 December-
0200-Storms cleared. Position: 35 50 N 125 0 E
1 January 1945-
0030- Position:34 10 N 124 0 E Yellow Sea. En route to Shanghai-Japan sea lanes in Southern Yellow Sea.
2 January- Patrolled Shanghai-Japan sea lanes.
3 January-
0755-Spotted group of fishing boats. 33 17 N125 19 E. Shadowing until dawn for gun action.
0855-General Quarters. Battle Surface-All guns.Began closing from astern of fishing boats.
0902-GUN ACTION No. 2- Opened fire with 4 inch and 20 mm guns from 2400 yards. Four inch gun scored successive two hits setting vessel afire. 20 MM forward scored hits. Enemy vessel retired automatic gunfire.
0903-Fishing boat 200 tons (estimated) sunk 33 15 N 125 27 E. Exploded after two more four inch hits and multiple 20 MM hits.
0910-Sunk fishing boat estimated 200 tons by gunfire. 33 15 N 127 29 E
0917 Sunk fishing boat estimated 200 tons by gunfire. 33 15 N 127 29 E
0922 Fishing boat sunk estimated 200 tons gun gunfire. 33 15 N 125 32 E. Cease fire. All targets sunk.
0925- Secure General Quarters.
4 January-
1954- SJ contact 337 degrees 13 NM. 33 16 N 124 53E.
2000-PPI indicates convoy in single long column 6-7 ships with 5 escorts in semi circle. Est course 040.
2014- Smoke sighted 070 degrees.
2110-Convoy zigged to east.
2112-General Quarters. Torpedo-Surface.
2136-APR-1 detecting radar signals.
2139-Convoy sighted. 33 12 N 125 01 E. Estimated Course/Speed 104 degrees 9 knots.
2154-Indentified target as large tanker possibly 8000-1000 tons. Third in column. ( Escort MS, AK, AK, AO, AO, AO)
2204- ATTACK NO. 5- Fired four MK 18 torpedoes.
2206-Four torpedoes impacted large tanker as aimed, setting off massive secondary explosions, tanker likely loaded with fuel/oil as was inbound to home islands.
Enemy escorts closed, fired star shells fired, radar emissions fixed toward area. Drum slid through a gap of about 2500 yards between port flank escorts as they searched area. The dark of night hid Drum well, covering her escape.
2208-NIPPON MARU class tanker 10000 tons sunk.All forward torpedoes expended. Two torpedoes remain aft in tubes 9,10.
5 January-
Convoy reformed into defensive formation, small columns with moderately spaced screen.
0113-ATTACK No. 6- Position inside screen on starboard side of convoy. Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 9 and 10.
0114- Escort just 1800 yards astern, turned Drum to present stern and increased speed to open range and exit screen.
0115-Both torpedoes impacted as aimed on small tanker. After first torpedo hit, tanker erupted in a massive fireball, secondary torpedo caused tanker to quickly settle and go adrift.
0116-Escorts detected Drum. Drum came under heavy deck guns and auto-cannon, machine gun fire. No hits, but one shell splash was a bit too close for comfort(Five yards) in amidships area. Rest of fire was erratic and inaccurate. The dark of night again provided excellent cover for Drum as she escaped on the surface with engines on overload producing 22.5 knots, leaving escorts behind.
0130-Quarter moon began to rise.
0202-Secure General Quarters. All torpedoes expended, set course for Guam.
10 December-
0830-Arrived Guam. Terminated patrol.
(C) Weather
Weather for most of the patrol was overall favorable both during the transit and in patrol area. The storms of 31 December/1 January produced heavy seas ranging with swells of 10-14 feet, heavy fog, precipitation, and winds. While the winds, seas subsided, the light fog and drizzle remained for remainder of time in patrol area. This fog and rain along with a dark night provided excellent cover for the night surface attack(Attacks No. 5 and 6) of 4/5 January.
(D) Tidal Information
The currents encountered in the areas around the Nansei Shoto group and in the Yellow Sea corresponded to those predicted by the pilot charts, current charts, and coast pilots. The effort of the Kuroshio was felt both east and west of the islands and it was noted that as the force of the northerly wind increased, the set due to the Kuroshio decreased.
(E) The only lighthouse sighted was Sotsuko Zaki Light on Amami O Shima. It was not illuminated.
(F) Aircraft Contacts
No aircraft were visually sighted but several were detected on SD radar.
Date Time Type Range Position Additional
1.) 12/20/1944 1513 SD 15 NM 33 30 N 124 40 E Submerged
2.) 12/26/1944 1633 SD 7 NM 36 39 N 123 39 E Submerged
3.) 12/28/1944 1101 SD 10 NM 36 54 N 123 50 E Submerged.
4.) 12/28/1944 1240 SD 9 NM 36 55 N 123 51 E Submerged*
*While at periscope depth, SD antenna was extended for sweep prior to surfacing.SD contact at 9 NM closing fast. Ordered depth of 220 feet (12 ft off bottom). Aircraft apparently spotted Drum while at depth in clear, clear and calm seas as several large explosions occurred in the area, with one fairly close as boat was shaken, no damage.
(G) Attack Data
TORPEDO ATTACKS:
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 12
Time:2305 Date: 21 December 1944 Lat. 33-25 N., Long. 125-27 E.
Description:
Large Convoy consisted of ten ships in two columns with five to six escorts. When forward port flank escort made a wide sweep, left a gap in screen for Drum to move in for attack.
Ships Sunk:
SHAJIMA MARU 6652 Position:33 25 N 125 27 E
MOMOYAMA MARU 4239 tons Position:33 25 N 125 27 E
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed impact of torpedoes upon targets from bridge. Observed target burning and listing via periscope with audible sounds of hulls collapsing on sound from appropriate bearings.
Target Drafts estimated at 15 feet, Course 228°, Speed 9 knots, Range 2755/2300 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 2 knots, Course 020°, surfaced, Angle 65/75° (at firing)
Type Attack
Night surface attack made in choppy sea. Attack made on largest ships visually observed in convoy. Forced to fire earlier than planned due to "sweeping" enemy DD closed astern at high speed.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 12
Time:0300 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 33-16 N., Long. 125-19 E
Description:
Follow up attack on large convoy (ATTACK No. 1) , Convoy reduced to eight ships in two columns with five to six escorts. Fired four MK 14 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3,4.
Ships Sunk:
MADRAS MARU 3805 Position:33 16 N 125 19 E
Ships Damaged:
WATANABE MARU 3646 tons.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed impact of torpedoes upon targets from bridge. MADRAS MARU burned and quickly sunk. WATANABE MARU was seen afire, listing and moving at slow speed.
Target Drafts estimated at 12 feet, Course 217°, Speed 9 knots, Range 2900/3000 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 2 knots, Course 0200°, surfaced, Angle 70/65° (at firing)
Type Attack
Night surface attack made in choppy sea. Attack made on , largest ships visually observed in convoy, which presented best opportunity for torpedo attack.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2 (A) , Patrol No. 12
Time:0440 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 33-14 N., Long. 125-19 E
Description:
Follow up attack on damaged AK (ATTACK NO. 2). Upon escaping pursuit of escorts after ATTACK No. 2 , was able to ascertain position of damage vessel via PPI scope as it was distant from rest of vessels. Approached vessel to 5000 yards and backed down for stern shot couple de grace. Target listing and dead in water. Fired one MK 18 torpedo from stern tube.
Ships Sunk:
WATANABE MARU 3646 tons. Position:33 16 N 125 19 E
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed impact of torpedo fired upon target from bridge. Observed sinking of WATANABE MARU.
Target Drafts estimated at 12 feet, Course 217°, Speed 0 knots, Range 2000 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 2 knots, Course 270°, surfaced, Angle 90° (at firing)
Type Attack
Night surface attack.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3, Patrol No. 12
Time:2233 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 35-08 N., Long. 125-49 E 3
Description:
Single 10000 ton tanker later identified as NIPPON MARU class tanker with four escorts transiting shallow waters (max depth 51 feet) off Korean coast. Likely en route from Cheju to Inchon, utilizing cover of night and shallows to avoid submarine attack.
Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 7 at position 8 33 16 N 125 19 E
Ships Sunk:
None. Torpedoes missed due to evasive movements, target alerted by escort that detected Drum just after firing of torpedoes.
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
None. Target estimated draft 28 feet. Curse 030 8 knots.
Own Ship Data:
Speed 2 knots, Course 255°, surfaced, Range 2800 Angle 75° (at firing)
Type Attack
Night surface attack utilizing stern tubes.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4 , Patrol No. 12
Time:2332 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 33-10 N., Long. 125-52 E
Description:
Single 10000 ton tanker later identified as NIPPON MARU class tanker with four escorts transiting shallow waters (max depth 51 feet) off Korean coast. Likely en route from Cheju to Inchon, utilizing cover of night and shallows to avoid submarine attack.
Fired three MK 18 torpedoes from stern tubes 8,9,10.
Ships Sunk:
NIPPON MARU 10000 tons Position:35 10 N 125 52 E.
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed all three torpedoes impact target. Massive secondary explosions, tanker likely loaded out with fuel.
Target Draft estimated at 28 feet. Target course/speed 030 8 knots.
Own Ship Data:
Speed 2 knots, Course 262°, surfaced, Range 1900 Angle 75° (at firing)
Type Attack
Night surface attack utilizing stern tubes.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5 , Patrol No. 12
Time:1439 Date: 25 December 1944 Lat. 36-26 N., Long. 121-42 E
Description:
Unescorted AK 13 NM off China coast/Shantung promontory, Western Yellow Sea. Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from bow tubes 1 and 2. Second torpedo suffered apparent gyro failure, as torpedo veered off assigned course to starboard. First torpedo ran hot, straight, and normal.
Ships Sunk:
None.
Ships Damaged:
AKITA MARU 3936 tons Position:36 31 N 121 38 E (See Gun Action No. 1 for further details)
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed torpedo hit via No 2. (Attack) periscope. Explosive "whack" and "thud" audible through submarine hull, sound confirmed hit as well.
Target Draft estimated at 28 feet. Target course/speed 030 8 knots.
Own Ship Data:
Speed 2.5 knots, Course 300°, depth 64 feet, Range 1200 Angle 90° (at firing)
Type Attack
Daytime submerged periscope attack.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 6 , Patrol No. 12
Time:2204 Date: 4 January 1945 Lat. 33-12 N., Long. 125-01 E
Description:
Large convoy 900 yards between vessels in single column. Identified large target as large tanker possibly 8000-1000 tons, fourth in column. Convoy column visually identified: MS type escort, AK, AK, AO, AO, AO, AK, AK, ...etc). Worked inside convoy from port side astern of forward flank escort. Fired four MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3,4. all bow torpedoes expended.
After torpedo impacts, enemy escorts closed, fired star shells, radar emissions sweeping toward area. Drum slid through a gap of about 2500 yards between port flank escorts as they searched area. The dark of night hid Drum well, covering her escape.
Ships Sunk:
NIPPON MARU 10000 tons Position: 33 10 N 125 01 E .
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed torpedoes hit from bridge. Upon, first hit, tanker erupted into massive fireball and lost way, on fire from bow to stern as other torpedoes impacted. A explosion after torpedo #4 impacted, tanker split in two.
Estimated target draft 28 feet. Target course/speed 040 9 knots.
Own Ship Data:
Speed 4 knots, Course 352°, surfaced, Range 2500 Angle 85° (at firing)
Type Attack
Night Surface Attack
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 7 , Patrol No. 12
Time:0113 Date: 5 January 1945 Lat. 33-20 N., Long. 126-0 E
Description:
Follow up attack on large convoy, now reformed into four small columns encircled by escorts. Worked inside convoy from starboard for a shot with two remaining torpedoes in stern tubes. Forced to fire early at a SAKAI MARU class tanker tanker due to a Type C escort approaching fast from astern. Just after firing torpedoes, turned away to put approaching escort astern, escort did not spot Drum at 1900 yards, likely due to the light haze, partial clouds, and light rain persisting in the area. Upon torpedoes impacting, Drum was illuminated by spotlights from the lead escort and the escort astern, as well as star shells and came under heavy fire by deck guns, auto cannon and machine gun fire. A few stray MG/AC rounds hit Drum with many coming close. Multiple splashes from escort's deck guns (estimated 4 or 5 inch guns) were landing 200-50 yards of Drum. One errant shell landed five yards from amidships area of Drum, but caused no damage. Overall, fire was erratic and inaccurate. The dark of night again provided excellent cover for Drum as she an escape on the surface, with engines on overload producing 22.5 knots. This high speed run enabled Drum to leave her pursuers behind relatively quickly. APR-1 detected radar emissions after losing visual contact but appears Drum was not detected. Last two torpedoes expended after this attack.
Ships Sunk:
SAKAI MARU 2682 tons.
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
SAKAI MARU 2682 tons Position: 33-20 N,126-0 E
Visually observed torpedoes hit from bridge. Upon impact of first torpedo, tanker erupted in a devastating fireball. Second torpedo impacted, but was essentially redundant.
Own Ship Data:
Speed 4 knots, Course 100°, surfaced, Range 2500 Angle 64° (at firing)
Type Attack
Night Surface Attack
GUN ACTIONS
U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 1 , Patrol No. 12
Time:1507-1509 Date: 25 December 1944 Lat. 36-31 N., Long. 121-38 E
Description:
After disabling AKITA MARU with a MK 18 torpedo hit (ATTTACK No. 6), it was decided to finish off the vessel with the 4 inch 50 caliber deck gun. Range was opened to 4500 yards and Drum blew ballast for Battle Surface-Gun Action. Commenced firing at 1507, ceased firing at 1509. Vessel caught fire and sunk rapidly.
Ships Sunk: AKITA MARU 3632 tons Position: 36-31 N., Long. 121-38 E
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed rounds impacting target, target on fire, and sinking.
Rounds Expended:
Total 4" rounds aboard:150
4" 50 Cal: 18
Hits:14
20 MM:0
Own Ship Data: Speed 0 knots, course 281, Range 4500, Angle 25°
U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 2 , Patrol No. 12
Time:0902-0922 Date: 3 January 1945 Lat. 33-15 N., Long. 125-27 E
Description:
An hour before dawn made SJ contact with multiple small vessels. Visually identified as four motor driven fishing boats and found to be armed as all opened fire with machine guns. Several rounds impacted bow area of Drum but no damage of casualties occurred.
Ships Sunk:
Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 125 27 E
Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 127 29 E
Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 127 29 E
Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 125 32 E
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually observed deck gun and 20 mm hits on four vessels, all caught fire and sunk.
Rounds Expended:
Total 4" rounds aboard:132
4" 50 Cal: 42
Hits:28
20 MM rounds expended: 864
Own Ship Data: Speed 0 knots, course 281, Range 1200-2200, Angle 25-90°
Torpedo Data
Number of Torpedoes Aboard: 24
Number of Torpedoes Fired:24
Number of torpedo hits:21
Number of torpedoes missed(non-technical failure):2 (ATTACK No.4)
Number of defective torpedoes:1
Duds:0 Depth Keeping Malfunction:0 Gyro Error:1 (ATTACK No. 5)
(H) Mines
No mines or mining activity were encountered.
(I) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics
No unusual ASW measures were encountered on this patrol. Air and surface patrols were encountered, with one air patrol observing Drum while submerged and attacking. Patrols seemed to be dispatched to an area within 12-24 hours of an attack. Patrols were usually two ASW vessels in a line abreast formation 4000-8000 yards apart sweeping.
The depth charging of 22 December was intense but fortunately, inaccurate, and overall ineffective. The maximum depth under Drum's keel in patrol area was 280 feet and as shallow as 50 feet with an average of around 200 feet. When possible night surface attacks were employed to avoid being attacked in shallow waters. Evasion tactics consisting of Drum's standard tactics of high speed runs when escorts overhead, with the deployment of the SBT-1 decoys. The SBT-1 proved effective, combined with the choppy seas, and disturbances created by vessels in preventing an accurate counter attack by escorts.
Gunfire from pursuing escorts after surface torpedo attack was mostly inaccurate and erratic, especially as range opened but enemy escorts are well armed and able to able quite a barrage.
(J) Major Defects and Damage
Depth Charge Attack No.1
While majority of charges were not close, one close charge shook the boat quite severely. The charge caused minor hull damage (1 percent) and caused a leak in the main fuel oil tank. While the tank appear repaired, it appears a slow leak developed which led to loss of fuel over time as leak could not be fully repaired at sea. The nature of the leak beyond initial repairs was not known until the end of the patrol. However, Drum has plenty of fuel to transit to Guam.
(K) Radio
Radio function on this patrol was excellent with five contact reports sent and replies pomprlty received.
(L) Radar
SJ Radar performance was excellent, typically detecting contacts at 14 NM.
SD Radar performance was adequate, typically detecting aircraft at 10 NM.
(M) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions
Sound conditions varied from excellent to poor. Typical detection range on passive sonar was 8000-11000 yards. Active sonar was not employed aside from the fathometer, which worked well.
(O) Thermal Layers
Thermal layers were detected at 100, 144, 170, 194, 210, and 240 feet.
(P) Personnel
The state of training of both officers and men remains high, despite the large turnover in personnel during the past year. This is attributable to the generally good replacement material found in the relief crews and the manner in which these men take to the indoctrination by the old hands.
As has been done in the preceding three patrols, school of the boat classes were conducted for the unqualified men by the unqualified officers. This method continued to be beneficial to both instructors and students.
With the boat now being assigned to Guam, the journey to the refitting base was a matter of only four days causing the education program to be somewhat "caught-short", it is expected that a fair number of those eligible will qualify or secure their advancement in rating.
Number on board 72
Officers 7
Chief Petty Officers:8
Number qualified at start 50
Number qualified at end 57
Number advanced in rating 7
Number first patrol men 12
(Q) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used
Majuro to Area 3942 Miles 42400 Gallons
In Area 3711 Mile 26007 Gallons
Area to Guam 1875 Miles 24100 Gallons
Total 9078 Miles 92507 Gallons
(R) Duration
Days Enroute to Area 10
Days in Area 18
Days Enroute to Base 5
Days Submerged 4
Total Days on patrol 33
(S) Factors of Endurance Remaining
Torpedoes 0
Fuel 37300 gallons
Provisions 30 days
Personnel 30 days
Limiting Factor of This Patrol:
All torpedoes expended.
(T) Radar and Radio Countermeasures
Interception of Enemy Radar Transmissions:
A.
1. Ship or station - U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228)
2. Area covered on this mission - Yellow Sea, Nansei Shoto Islands, 19 Dec. to 7 Jan. 1945
3. Enemy radar was ship based.
4. Intercept equipment - APR - SPA
5.
(a) Frequency 155-157 Mc. Dial readings 155-157 (APR)
(b) PRF 480 How measured - SPA
(c) Pulse width - 9 Micro seconds How measured - SPA
e) Lobe switching was not used.
(f) Polarization of enemy signal - none.
(g) Sweep rate - irregular - probably hand train
6. Radar was probably used for surface search.
7. Action of enemy radar, including distances and bearings at which he searched, tracked, faded, etc. - With full gain on APR and SPA, obtained about 2/3 saturation signal at 18 miles.
6. Enemy ship based, surface searched radar was ineffective in detecting Drum during this patrol.
(U) Remarks
With seven ships sunk by torpedo and four smaller vessels sunk by gunfire for 41,508 tons sunk, this was an excellent patrol for DRUM and her crew.
With enemy shipping now avoiding open ocean sea lanes from territories in the South Pacific and Asia, one area where they have no choice but to brave the open sea during the voyage is the East China Sea between Shanghai and Japan. Traffic appears to route up the China coast off Shanghai then turn NE towards Quelpart Island and run North of Quelpart Island, with home island traffic running North of Quelpart as well. This route comes from the Sasebo and area via Tsushima Straits A number of wolf packs could provide maximum damage to the enemy and deny their use of this vital sea lane.
Torpedo performance: Aside from the single erratic MK 18, was excellent on this patrol and as the results indicate, effective against enemy vessels.
Material Condition: While Drum remains in relatively excellent material condition after twelve war patrols, she is in need of an overhaul and modernization as other boats of her class have received, particularly in the deck gun and AA gun realms. An increasing number of surface gun actions compared to past patrols necessitates Drum receive a five inch 50 cal wet mount deck gun, as well as 40 MM bofors for maximum effectiveness.