TMO 2.5 w custom mods
100 difficulty. No cams or contacts.
War Patrol Report
USS Drum SS-228
War Patrol Thirteen
11 February- 30 March 1945
(A) Prologue
Arrived Apra Harbor, Guam from twelfth war patrol on 10 January 1945. Normal refit was accomplished by U.S.S. SPERRY and Submarine Division 82. Drydocked for routine bottom and sea valve work.
Lieut. (JG) G.P.A. Romano promoted to Lieutenant effective 31 January, 1945.Petty Officer 1st Class Eliot W. Ferrall promoted to Chief Petty Officer effective 15 January, 1945.Following detachment of the Chief of the Boat on 1 February, CPO Bernard J. Sanders was named the new COB.
Readiness for sea on 11 February 1945.
(B) Narrative
Roster of Officers and CPO
File Number Name Number of War Patrols
78641 Lt. Comdr. F.M. Eddy, USN (CO) 8
165835 Lieut. A.N. Callaghan, USN (XO) 7
919543 Lieut. A.L. O Leary, USN 10
161064 Lieut. G.P.A. Romano, USN 6
109492 Ens. L.Y. Hammond, USNR 4
228826 Ens. N.T. Connaway, USNR 4
89185 Ens. W.M. James, USNR 3
Service Number Name Number of War Patrols
261 78 40 Sanders, B.J., CTM, USN 9
238 59 06 Sawyer, L.F., CMoMM, USN 9
223 47 64 Ferrall,E.W., CEM, USN 10
321 19 14 Braun, W.S., CTM, USN 11
287 34 91 Baker, B.B., CMoMM, USN 7
328 60 88 Sevens, W.E., CMoMM, USN 6
11 February-
1000-Departed Apra Harbor, Guam for assigned patrol area Northern-Central Honshu.
1230-Trim Dive.
1300-Surfaced.
12 February-
En route to Area
13 February-
En route to Area.
14 February-
0700-Trim Dive.
0715-Sound contact. Submerged submarine bearing 092.
0716-Rig for Silent Running. 100 feet.
0731-Lost contact.
1100-Surfaced. Departed the area at high speed. Believe submerged sub was making an approach.
15 February-
En route to area.
0600-A moderate fog set in with overcast clouds and choppy seas.
16 February-
0000-Entered Patrol Area.
0030-10 NM off Honshu Coast.37 20 N 141 8 E
1408- SD contact. Submerged.
1600-Surfaced.
1714-SJ contact. Bearing 006 13 NM. 36 12 N 140 45 E
1730-Attemping to overtake SJ contact.
1745- APR-1 detecting radar emissions from contact.
1834-SD contact.
1836-Visual contact (in dense fog) on warship unknown type possibly DD or CL bearing 015 5000 yards. General Quarters.
1909-Vessel identified as W-19 class Minesweeper/Escort. Likely on patrol. Moving at high speed, unable to overtake.
1920-Secure General Quaters. Course 180 to patrol coastline.
17 February-
1410- SD contact
1411-SD contac.Submerged.
18 February-
0130-Sighted fishing boats. 37 18 N 141 12 E
0136-General Quarters. Battle Surface. Gun Action
0154- Opened Fire.GUN ACTION NO. 1 (See Gunnery Section)
0159-Ceased Fire.
0210-Secure General Quarters.
1213- SJ contact 169 degrees 11 NM. 38 47 N 141 47 E
1219-Submerged for attack.
1221-General Quarters-Torpedo
1241-ATTACK NO. 1 (See Attack Section)
1248- Sunk Type C escort 900 tons. 8-45 N 141-46 E
1250-Secure General Quarters. Drum at 200 feet, 6 knots, departing scene.
2100-Surfaced.
19 February-
0331-SJ contacts. Bearing 050 15 NM 38 38 N 141 42 E. PPI indicates convoy hugging the coast northbound.
0351- General Quarters-Torpedo Surface
0413- Convoy spotted. One AK, 7 MS and PC type escorts. 38-38 N 141-36 E Course/Speed 012 degrees 6 knots.
APR-1 detecting radar signals from convoy bearing.
0428 - ATTACK NO.2-
0433- Sunk BIYO MARU 5425 tons.38-38N 141-35 E . Under heavy gunfire from escort close aboard, submerged.
0434-Pinging from escort on short scale. Rigged for depth charge and silent running. SBT-1 decoys deployed. Escort overhead. Splashes from depth charges. Drum depth 200 feet.
0435-Multiple depth charges explosions. Minor damage. See damage section.
0438-Escort made second run. More explosions. Minor damage. See damage section.
0440-Escort overhead. More DC explosions.
0445-DC explosions. Close. Boat shaken.
0454-DC explosions astern.
0502-Escort overhead. DC explosions, close.
0507-Pinging from escort.
0508-DC explosions.
0630-Hour since last contact with escorts.
0710-Radar depth .Nearest contact is 6 NM. Secure Silent Running.
0711-Surfaced.
0712-Secure General Quarters
0800-Inspection complete. See damage section.
0859-SD contact .Submerged.
1219-Surfaced. Set course to patrol open sea while conducting repairs.
20 February-
0800-Submerged for day.
2000-Surfaced.
21 February-
0000-Set course to close coast
1106-SD contact . Submerged.
1109-Drum at 340 feet. Sounds of low flying aircraft audible through hull.
1111-Series of explosions above, not close. Drum at 350 feet.
1932-Radar Depth. All clear on SJ and SD.
2011-Surfaced.
21 February-
0700-Submerged 6 NM off Honshu Coast. 36-33 N 140-33 E
1339-Drum at 295 feet. Noise of low flying aircraft audible through hull.
1341-Multiple explosions astern.
1443-More explosions.
1840-Scraped bottom. Fathometer reading indicated more depth below.
2002-Surfaced.
23 February-
0300-Overcast, heavy fog, rain set int. Seas calm. Turned to course 090 to clear coast until storm passes.
0330-Seas heavy with 12-15 ft waves.
24 February-
Storms continued.
2341-SJ contact bearing 333 14 NM. Estimated position (DR) 150 SSE of Sendai, Honshu.
25 February-
0012- 10 NM ahead of contact, shadowing until weather clears for attack.
1550- Lost SJ contact.
1558-Regained SJ contact. Bearing 018 14 NM
26 February-
0159-Lost SJ contact.
0206- Regained SJ contact. Bearing 337 14 NM.
0610-Storms clear.
0624-Visual contact on AK or AP bearing 357 range 7 NM.
0625-Submerged for attack.
0626- Depth: 80 feet. General Quarters.
0630- Sound made contact with merchant vessel bearing 348 degrees estimated range 6 NM.
0647-Visual on AP type vessel
0706-Observation with Attack Periscope before firing revealed clearly marked hospital ship HIKAWA MARU class AP on course 225 degrees 7 knots. Closed outer doors on Tubes 1-6 and ordered back 2/3 to open range.
0710-Secured General Quarters.
0755-Surfaced. Turned course 0000 for return to patrol area. Estimated position 34 50 N 141 29 E.
27 February-
Closing coast for patrol.
28 February-
0528- SJ contact 14 NM. Closing fast. 38-40 N 141 40 E Patrol, avoided.
1422- SD contact.
1423-Submerged.
1619-Sound contact. Warship, closing 003 estimated range 6 NM. Drum at 378 feet. Rigged for Silent Running. Turned to course 090 to open range
1855-Secure Silent Running.
1937-Surfaced.
1 March-
1301-Submerged to avoid patrol.
1500-Surfaced.
2300-Enetered Sendai Bay
2 March-
0100-In Sendai Bay, SJ contact on two PC type vessels. Drum evaded at high speed as patrol closed.
0200-Set southerly course along coast.
0338-Fishing Boat spotted bearing 056 7000 yards.
0345- General Quarters. Battle Surface-Gun Action.
0359 - GUN ACTION NO. 2-
Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM in broadside action . 37-24 141-16
0401-Ceased Fire.
1149-SJ contact 11 NM. 37-26 N 141-13 E.
1158-Submerged for attack.
1200-General Quarters-Torpedo.
1229- ATTACK NO.3-
1234- Type D Escort Vessel 900 tons sunk. 37-26 N 141-09 E
1235-Three fishing boats sighted via periscope. 310 degrees 1900 yards
1236- Standby or Battle Surface-Gun Action.
1300-GUN ACTION NO. 3- Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM in broadside action.
1314-Ceased fire. Sunk three fishing boats 200 tons each. 37-26 N 141-11 E
1315-Secured General Quarters. Course 090 for high speed run away from coast.
3 March-
0700-1900-Submerged patrol along coast.
1901-Surfaced.
4 March-
1229-SD contact. Submerged.
1900-Surfaced.
5 March-
Patrolling 150 NM offshore.
6 March-
Offshore patrol
7 March-
Offshore patrol
8 March-
1012-SD contact. Submerged
1926-Surfaced.
9 March-
Patrol
1759-Aircraft spotted bearing 180 closing fast. Submerged.
1800- Drum passing 200 ft, low flying aircraft audible through hull.
1801- Multiple explosions above.
2100-Surfaced.
10 March-
0100-Sent status report to COMBUSBPAC
0300-Received orders from COMSUBPAC to rotate to Area 4 for lifeguard duty and patrol.
11 March-
En route Area 4
0920- SD contact.
0924-Contact 10 NM closing fast. Submerged.
1200-Sufaced.
1201-SD contact. 5 NM closing ! Submerged.
1202-Explosions above and near as Drum passed 200 feet. No damage.
2002-Surfaced.
12 August-
0200-Entered Area 4
0620-Submerged for patrol off Boso Peninsula, approaching Tokyo Wan for lifeguard station. 34 49 N 139 52 E.
1139:04-SD contact has multiple contacts 11 NM. B-29 raid from Marianas inbound Tokyo. Lifeguard Assignment underway.
1139:34- SJ contacts 023, 026. PPI indicates convoy departing Tokyo Bay.
1157-Smoke spotted of convoy. General Quarters-Torpedo.
1237-ATTACK NO. 4
1238-Torpedoes impacted targets.
Sunk ZINBU MARU 5700 tons. 35-0 N 139-43 E
Damaged KIGAN MARU 7326 tons.
1240-Pinging from escorts, at PT boat type escort 1200 yard saway closing fast. Drum to 200 feet, heading for deeper waters. SBT-1 decoy deployed. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.
1243-PT type escort heard overhead. Several splashes audible.
1244- Drum at 380 feet. Multiple DC explosions rocked the boat. Damage reported. See damage section.
1247-Pinging. Many DC explosions in distance, appears escorts attacking decoys.
1306-Pinging.
1608-300 ft.Secure General Quarters.
1630-Surfaced. Began pursuit of damage KIGAN MARU.
1723-SD contact. Submerged.
1725-Drum at 362 feet. Explosions above, not close.
1812-Surfaced.
2235- SJ contact reestablished with convoy. 14 NM bearing 357. 35-2 N 140-27 E. Convoy hugging South-East coast of Boso Peninsula. A lone contact, likely a patrol is on the SJ scope as well, inbound from NE.
2240-General Quarters-Surface Torpedo.
2312-Convoy sighted. 35-07 N 140-24 E Course 068 Speed 10 knots. One AK, four escorts.
2316-Believe APR-1 is not functioning.
2329-ATTACK NO.5
2331:11-Torpedoes impacted target.
2331:28-Drum illuminated by PC's searchlight, under deck gun and AC/MG fire. Engines on overload, left pursuers behind.
2335-KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk. 35-8 N 140-24 E. Drum course 090 20 knots to clear coast.
13 March-
0100-Secure General Quarters.
0825- SD contact. Submerged.
2100-Surfaced.
14 March-
0838-SD contact. Submerged
2100-Surfaced.
15 March-
0200-Entered Sagami-Wan
0629-Submerged for patrol.
1024-Smoke spotted Bearing 024 degrees estimated range 6NM
1027-Sound contact: Fast screws, possible warship bearing 028 degrees.
1034-PC type vessel spotted 032 degrees. Rigged for Silent Running.
1119-Lost sound contact.
1120-No visual contact. Heavy fog and rain set in.
1130-Surfaced.
16 March-
0533-SJ contacts bearing 000 degrees. 15 NM. 36-17 N 140-41 E. PPI indicates northbond convoy hugging coast. Increased to 20 knots to end around.
0708-Smoke sighted 265 degrees by light of sunrise.
0944-General Quarters-Torpedo.
0946-Submerged for attack.
1020-Convoy sighted. Course 012 10 knots. 37-4 N 141-4 E. Composition: AK, AO, AK + 5 PC/SC type escorts. Kead escort is Mikura Class (Type B) Escort.
1044 - ATTACK NO.6
Fired four MK 18 torpedoes at AO GENYO MARU 11800 tons at position 37-5 N 141-3 E.
1050-Torpedoes missed. Sound reports torpedoes ran in front of target. Convoy made slight course adjustment and slowed by one knot aft launch, causing the miss.
1056-Pinging from escort 1200 yards bearing 135 . Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running.SBT-1 decoy deployed.
1101-Depth charge explosions, appears escort attacked decoy. Passed thermal layer 170 feet.
1106-DC explosions astern. Escorts attacking decoys.
1220-One escort on sound, still searching 5000 yards aster. Convoy appears to have moved on. Two warship contacts arrived from the south at high speed, likely a patrol called in. Drum at 220 ft Course 070 at 3 knots.
1245-Secure General Quarters.
1317-Periscope Depth. Two PC/SC astern patrolling at estimated 6 NM.
1318-Radar Depth.
1321-Surfaced for end around for follow up attack.
1700-End around complete but unable to close enemy before reaches the Sendai Bay coastal minefield, preventing a night surface attack. Waters are too shallow for a submerged attack as well (50-60 feet max depth along their track). Broke off contact with run to the east at 18 knots.
1718-Spotted fishing boat 023 degrees 5 NM.
1720-General Quarters. Battle Surface-Gun Action
1732 -GUN ACTION NO. 4-
Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM in broadside action.
1734-Ceased fire.
1736-Armed Fishing boat sunk 37-36 N 141-23 E.
1738-Secure General Quarters. Continue high speed run eastward until dark.
1804-SD contact 7 NM closing fast! Submerged.
1807-Explosions above. Drum at 375 feet.
2004-Periscope Depth. All clear.
2005-Radar Depth. All clear.
2015-Surfaced
17 March-
0130-Set course for Pearl Harbor via Midway Island per operations order. Terminating patrol due to fuel state and distance to Midway.
18 March-
1146-SD contact 16 NM steady.36-37 N 149 10 E.
1148-SD contact at 9 NM steady. Lookouts spotted contact bearing 185 degrees 7.5 NM heading 075 estimated altitude 2500 ft. Aircraft is four engine flying boat, "MAVIS".
1151-Aircraft made sudden turn towards Drum diving closing range at high speed. Submerged to avoid.
1154-Drum at 216 feet. Low flying aircraft audible through hull.
1155-Multiple large explosions above. Drum at 300 feet.
1923-Surfaced.
19-25 March-
En route Pearl Harbor via Midway.
26 March-
0500-Docked Midway for refuel.
1100-Depart Midway for Pearl Harbor.
30 March-
1104-Docked Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor. Terminated Patrol.
(C) Weather
Weather en route to patrol area was favorable but declined as Drum reached within 100 nautical miles of the Honshu coast. Upon entering area, a fog, and squalls set in. Squalls made sporadic appearances during the patrol. The weather proved a particular hindrance during the pursuit of an SJ contact over a forty-eight hour period 24-26 February. Drum pursued this contact but was unable to establish visual identification due to storms. Upon clearing of storms, vessel was identified as a Japanese flagged hospital ship, HIKAWA MARU. Weather en route to Midway and Hawaii was overall favorable.
(D) Tidal Information
The currents encountered along coast of Honshu corresponded to those predicted by the pilot charts, current charts, and coast pilots. The effort of the Kuroshio was felt and it was noted that as the force of the northerly wind increased, the set due to the Kuroshio decreased.
(E) Navigational Aids
Navigational aids were few and far between. However, Sunosaki Lighthouse and the light on Cape Nojima, Bosho Peninsula were helpful.
(F) Aircraft Contacts
No. Date Time Position Course Altitude Range Bearing Visual Type Remarks
1. 16 Feb 45 1408 36 3 N 140 54 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid. Attacked.
2. 21 Feb 45 1106 6-56 N 141-44 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.
3. 21 Feb 45 1338 36-33 N 140-33 E 140° 500ft 8000 yds 200° Yes KATE Submerged to avoid. Attacked.
4. 27 Feb 45 1422 38-40 N 141-40 E N/A N/A 8 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid
5. 4 Mar 45 1229 37-1 N 141-7 E N/A N/A 8 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.
6. 8 Mar 45 1012 38-16 N 143-23 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid
7. 11 Mar 45 0920 35-12 N 142-22 E N/A N/A 14 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.
8. 11 Mar 45 1201 35-11 N 142-23 E N/A N/A 5 NM
9. 11 Mar 45 1139 34 49 N 139 52 E 350° 25000 13 NM 190° Yes B-29 Inbound USAAF raid on Tokyo Area. Lifeguard Assignment.
10. 12 Mar 45 1723 34-50 N 139-43 E N/A N/A 6 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.Attacked.
11. 13 Mar 45 0825 33-48 N 142-4 E N/A N/A 15 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.
12. 14 Mar 45 0838 33-58 N 140-12 E N/A N/A 14 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.
13. 16 Mar 45 1804 37-35N 141-32 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.Attacked.
14. 18 Mar 45 1146 36-37 N 149 10 E 075° 1000ft 9 NM 185° Yes MAVIS Submerged to avoid. Attacked.
(G) Attack Data
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 13
Time: 1241 (I) Date: 18 February 1945 Lat. 38-45 N., Long. 141-46 E.
Description:
Type C Escort Vessel on coastal ASW patrol.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage
Escort Type C 900
Ships Damaged:
None
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visual via periscope.
Target Course/Speed/Range:
030° 16 knots 1680 yds (at firing) 11 ft
Own Ship Data:
Course Speed Depth Angle
080° 2 kts 60 feet 70° Port (at firing)
Torpedo: MK 18 x 1 Tube #7 Gyro:90° Course:355° Track:70° S Depth: 6 ft Firing Interval:0 POA: MOT
Type Attack
Day-Periscope attack. Type C Escort vessel on coastal ASW patrol, first detected on SJ Radar thne visually spotted. Due to ideal setup, opted to attack. Torpedo hit amidships with large explosion. Vessel sunk quickly, initially on even keel but taking a down angle by stern just before going under.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 13
Time: 0428 (I) Date: 19 February 1945 Lat. 8-38 N ., Long. 141-35 E .
Description:
Small convoy hugging coast with one AK and six MS/PC/SC type escorts.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage
BIYO MARU AK 5425
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually from bridge.Sound confirmed sinking after submerging to evade gunfire.
Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft:
012° 8 knots Range: 3000 yds (at firing) 24 ft
Own Ship Data:
Course Speed Depth Angle
251° 2 kts Surfaced AOB:55 Starboard
Torpedo: MK 18 x 3 Bow Tubes: 3,4,5. Gyro:0° Course:262° Track:70° S Depth: 10 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT
Type Attack
Night surface attack on small convoy hugging the coast. one AK lead a minelayer type vessel with five PC/MS type escorts. After torpedo impact, Drum was illuminated by spotlight and fired to dive to avoid barrage of heavy gunfire. Several hours of depth charges followed with minor damage.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3, Patrol No. 13
Time:1229 (I) Date: 2 March 1945 Lat.37-28 N., Long. 141-13 E.
Description:
Type D Escort Vessel on ASW patrol presented favoriable opporunity for attack.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage
Escort Type D 900
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually via periscope.
Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft:
180° 16 kts 2264 yds (at firing) 11 ft
Own Ship Data:
Course Speed Depth Angle
085° 2 kts 64 92° Port
Torpedo: MK 18 x 1 Stern Tube #9 Gyro:328° Course:052° Track: 53° P Depth: 10 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT
Type Attack
Day periscope attack on lone escort on coastal ASW patrol. Wehn SJ contact was made, vessel was fairly close and with his sweep in the relatively shallow water, may overtaken and detected Drum. Vessels project track presented favorable setup for submerged attack with MK 18 electric torpedo.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4, Patrol No. 13
Time:1237 (I) Date: 12 March 1945 Lat. 35-0 N ., Long. 139-43 E .
Description:
Convoy of two AK with five escorts departing Tokyo Wan, hugging coast of Boso Peninsula for a run up cost of Honshu, likely to Sendai area or Tsugaru Straits. Patrol vessels were nearby as was a marauding single engine floatplane on patrol of the area. A B-28 air raid happened to overfly simulatenously as Drum made her approach, providing a distraction to the escorts, including the starboard guard to fall out of formation somewhat, providing an excellent shot for Drum.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Torpedo Hits Point of Impact
ZINBU MARU AK 5186 2 MOT
Ships Damaged:
Name Class Tonnage Torpedo Hits Point of Impact
KIGAN MARU AK 7390 2 Forward, Bow
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visual, through periscope. Audible through hull and sound gear.
Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft:
215° 10 kts KIGAN MARU 1985 yds (at firing) 27 ft
215° 10 kts ZINBU MARU 1500 yds (at firing) 15 ft
Own Ship Data:
Course Speed Depth Angle
100° 2 kts 64 90° KIGAN MARU 69° ZINBU MARU
Torpedo: MK 14 x 6 Bow Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Torpedoes 1,2 (ZINBU MARU)
Gyro Course Track Depth Firing Interval POA
19 052° 53° P 6 ft 5 seconds MOT
Torpedoes 3,4,5,6 (KIGAN MARU)
Gyro Course Track Depth Firing Interval POA
343 147° 94° P 10 ft 5 seconds MOT
Type Attack
Day periscope attack made in moderate seas. Four out of six torpedoes impacted as aimed. Two amidships on ZINBU MARU and two forward near the bow of KIGAN MARU. One missed ahead of KIGAN MARU as she slowed after absorbing two previous hits and torpedo #6 suffered an apparent gyro malfunction as it went off track and passed astern of KIGAN MARU, in the gap between the two vessels in the convoy. ZINBU MARU was burning fiercely and settling fast into water and eventually sunk in view of Drum. KIGAN MARU, with fires burning in the bow area continued on at slow speed while Drum was forced to submerge to the depths to avoid depth charges from escorting vessels.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5, Patrol No. 13
Time:2329 (I) Date: 12 March 1945 Lat.35-08 N., Long. 140-24 E.
Description:
Follow up attack on KIGAN MARU (AK) damaged earlier in the day in ATTACK NO.4 . While Drum was evading counter attack, the AK and most of her escorts rounded the Boso Peninsula and were heading NNW along the coast, roughly 3000-4500 yards off shore.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Torpedo Hits Point of Impact
KIGAN MARU AK 7390 4 MOT, MOT, Forward, Aft
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visually via bridge.
Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft:
068° 10 kts 3682 yds (at firing) 27 ft
Own Ship Data:
Course Speed Depth Angle
236° 2 kts Surfaced 52° Starboard
Torpedo: MK 14 x 4 Bow Tubes 1,2,3,4 Gyro:345° Course:313° Track: 30° P Depth: 10 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT
Type Attack
Night surface attack in moderate seas. All four torpedoes impacted the already damaged freight, obliterating the vessel. The vessel was left a flaming heap and quickly sunk. During torpedo run, a small PC moved up into position, putting Drum just 1300 yards away when torpedoes impacted target Drum was into a hard turn to starboard at high speed when illuminated by a searchlight. Drum came under heavy fire but suffered no hits or damages. Engines on overload helped to outpace the escorting PC's.
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 6, Patrol No. 13
Time:1044 (I) Date: 16 March 1945 Lat.37-05 N., Long. 141-03 E.
Description:
Convoy of one large AO, one medium sized AK and one small AK with six escorts moving north along the coast towards Sendai Bay.
Ships Sunk:
None
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
None
Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft:
012° 10 kts 3212 yards (at firing) 26 ft
Own Ship Data:
Course Speed Depth Angle
112° 2 kts 64 74° Starboard
Torpedo: MK 18 x 4 Stern Tubes 7,8,9,10 Gyro:358° Course:103° Track: 40° P Depth: 8 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT
Type Attack
Day periscope attack in calm seas and shallow waters (max depth 130 feet below keel). Fired at longer range than preferred due to enemy escort screen position which would overrun and likely detect Drum if closed range any further. All torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal. Upon raising scope ten seconds prior to expected impact, noticed the convoy had adjust course slightly to starboard, to heading 016°. Sound reported torpedoes ran ahead of target. Believe the course change came with a small and temporary speed reduction from 10 knots to 9 knots, the one knot differential being enough to cause a miss as the tanker did not speed up in time. This is unfortunate and hurts as target was a large 11800 ton tanker of the GENYO MARU class.
Drum was initially undetected due to torpedoes lack of wakes, but pinging soon began from closest escort as Drum made a high speed run for deeper water. A few depth charges fell, but none close, thanks to the SBT-1 decoys deployed, which absorbed many depth charges.
(H) Gunnery
Ammunition:
Gun Actions
NO. Date Time Location Description Result
1. 18 Feb 45 0154 7-18 N 141-12 E Two Armed Fishing Boats Sunk 200 tons x 2
2. 2 Mar 45 0359 37-24 N 141-16 E Armed Fishing Boat Sunk Fishing Boat 200 tons
3. 2 Mar 45 1300 37-26 N 141-11 E Three Armed Fishing Boats Sunk 200 tons x 3
4. 16 Mar 45 1732 37-38 N 141-22 E Armed Fishing Boat Sunk 200 tons
Gunnery Data by Gun Action
4' 50 Caliber 20 MM
NO. Fired Hits Fired Hits
1. 8 7 400 Multiple
2. 6 5 500 Multiple
3. 44 29 900 Multiple
4. 7 5 200 Multiple
Rounds at Start of patrol:
4" 50 Cal: 150
20 MM:2000
Rounds at End of Patrol:
4" 50 Cal: 85
20 MM: 0
Remarks:
Gun and gun crew performance was satisfactory on this patrol. Every fishing boat encountered was armed with machine guns but the fire was erratic and did Drum no harm. More 20 MM ammunition should be allotted given the number of gunnery actions on patrols have increased exponentially.
(I) No mines were observed visually. However, the reported minefields off shore in Drum's assigned patrol area between depth of 60 and 150 feet were a matter of concern. The newly established coastal defense minefield, which begins along the coast at Matsukawa-Ura Bay and stretches along the coast into Sendai Bay spoiled any chance of another attack on the GENYO MARU tanker.
(J) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics
Both assigned areas were heavily patrolled via sea and air along the coast and 10-15 NM offshore. Air patrols further offshore were fairly consistent.
Convoys use the shallows along the coast as an obstacle for an attacking submarine by typically sailing no more than 5000 yards off shore. This obviously dictates time place and manner of attack for submarines. The are pockets of deep water which extended almost to the beach along the coastal areas permitting short, high speed runs submerged to deeper waters after an attack.
Escort screens typically consist one or or two front line escorts (Kaibokan, DE, DD, MS etc) and multiple auxiliary SC and PC type vessels.
Enemy depth charge attacks were intense but brief ont his patrol, electing to rejoin their charges in most cases instead of leaving them vulnerable while in a prolonged hunt.
Submerged evasion tactics consisted of high speed runs at maximum depth to deeper waters, while deploying multiple SBT-1 decoys at different depth. Alternating change of course and depth was utilized as well. The SBT-1 decoys were particularly effective on this patrol and permitted Drum to escape serious damage.
Surfaced evasion tactics consist of high speed runs, beginning with a power turn about one minute before torpedo impact. Engines are pushed to overload as needed, enabling Drum to make 22.5 knots on surfaced for up to 6 hours if needed
(K) Major Defects and Damage
Depth Charge Attack #1
At 0434 on 19 February 1945, Drum was forced to submerge after a successful night surface attack(ATTACK NO.2) . A nearby enemy escort spotted Drum as she turned away from the scene and ran down her track, pinging. Drum's high speed run submerged placed her in deeper waters. At a depth of 200 feet at 0435, multiple depth charges exploded, shaking the boat badly and causing the following damage:
1.) Multiple pipe and air line leaks in conning tower and control room. (Repaired)
2.) Forward batteries damaged (Repaired)
3.) Rudder Transmission (Repaired)
4.) Stern Dive planes (Repaired)
5.) Aft Torpedo Room-Minor Flooding (Repaired, pumped out)
6.) Aft torpedo tube #7 damaged (Repaired)
7.) No. 1 periscope head (Repaired)
8.) No. 2 Periscope Head (Repaired)
9.) *APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver (Inoperable, not able to to repair at sea)
* It is not known if this equipment was rendered inoperable in Depth Charge Attack #1 (first or second pattern) or #2 but for reporting purposes listed in #1.
Note: Damage to periscope heads was not apparent until later when post attack inspection was completed.
A second depth charge attack by the same escort at 0438 caused the following damage:
1.) No. 1 Diesel Engine (Repaired)
2.) No. 2 Diesel Engine (Repaired)
3.) Port Propeller Shaft (Repaired)
4.)Compressor (Repaired)
5.) Trim pump (Repaired)
6.) Piping and air line leaks. (Repaired)
Depth Charge Attack #2
At 1244 on 12 March 1945, following successful submerged attack on a convoy off coast of the Boso Peninsula (ATTACK NO. 4), Drum came under depth charge attack. At 1244, while at a depth of 300 feet, multiple explosions rocked Drum causing the following damage:
1.)Multiple piping and air line leaks (Repaired)
2.) SD Radar Antenna (Repaired)
3.) SJ Antenna (Repaired)
4.) Hydraulic Pump (Repaired)
5.) Trim Pump (Repaired)
6.) Forward Dive Planes (Repaired)
7.) Minor flooding in Conning tower (Repaired, Pumped)
8.) Minor flooding in Control Room. (Repaired, Pumped)
9.) Minor flooding in forward torpedo room (Repaired, Pumped)
10.) Aft Batteries (Repaired)
11.) Radio Receiver (Repaired)
12.) Torpedo Tube # 8 (Repaired)
13.) Torpedo Tube # 9 (Repaired)
All damage, except for the APR-1 was repaired within twenty-four hours of occurring.
Incident:
At 1820 hours on 21 February at position 36-33 N 140-33 E Drum scraped the bottom of the sea at a depth of 300 feet while evading a pursuing aircraft, which had spotted Drum and dropped depth charges. The fathometer failed to give proper depth on this occasion, but strangely was accurate on all other readings. The following damage was caused by the bottoming of the boat.
1.) Port Sonar Head Damaged (Repaired)
2.) Starboard Sonar Head Damaged(Repaired)
3.) Forward Batteries Damaged (Repaired)
4.) Leaks in piping throughout boat namely conning tower and control room) (Repaired)
Inspection of the hull revealed no damage from the collision.
(L) Radio
Radio function for first part of the patrol was excellent. While functional after being damaged on 12 March, radio function was apparently not one hundred percent.
(M) Radar
SJ Radar performance was once again excellent. Targets were typically detected at 13-14 nautical miles. No failures or breakdowns occurred.
SD Radar performance was mediocre for most of the patrol. However, it is believed this is due to the proximity to land reducing the effectiveness as when Drum was in open ocean areas, SD contacts were typically made at 12-13 nautical mile, instead of the 6-8 while off Honshu.
(N) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions
Both supersonic sound sets operated satisfactorily throughout the patrol. In spite of the instance in which the JP contacted the convoy prior to the sighting of smoke (screws were reported once - contact was not regained until close range), it is not felt that proper results are being obtained from these gear and it will be thoroughly checked during the coming refit.
Because of the relative scarcity of contacts, it is difficult to estimate the sound conditions present in the waters assigned during this patrol. However, sound conditions were fair to good when contacts were made.
The pinging of the escorts encountered was heard at an estimated maximum range of 2,000 yards while screws were heard to a range of about 12000 yards.
(O) Thermal Layers
Due to the majority of operations being conducted in littorals, thermoclines were rare on this patrol. However, those encountered close were at 170, 250 feet, while those in open ocean were found at 190, 260, and 360 feet.
(P) Health, Food, and Habitability
The health of the crew during this war patrol was exceedingly good. Only 3 man days were lost, due to one case of gastro-enteritis, acute.
The food was palatable and well prepared. One new cook and one new baker did very good work on their first patrol and as a result the meals were much improved over the preceding few patrols.
The boat was very comfortable throughout the patrol. With the injection temperature lower than the Drum has been accustomed to, and the control room supply blower and air-conditioning unit, the entire ship was cool most of the time.
(Q) Personnel
Number of men detached after previous patrol 11
Number of men on board 72
Number of men qualified at start 48
Number of men qualified at end 59
Number of men unqualified making their first patrol 2
(R) Miles Steamed-Fuel Used
Guam to Area 1800.7 Miles 23030 Gallons
In Area 6285.8 Miles 56501 Gallons
Area to Midway 2727.9 Miles 33692 Gallons
Midway to Pearl 1381.6 Miles 22803 Gallons
Total 12196.0 Miles 136026 Gallons
(S) Duration
Days Enroute to Area 5
Days in Area 30
Days Enroute to Midway 9
Days Enroute from Midway to Pearl 4
Days Submerged 13
Total Days on Patrol 48
(T) Factors of Endurance Remaining (Area)
Torpedoes 5
Fuel 25700 gallons
Provisions 20 days
Personnel 20 days
Departed area due to low fuel state after thirty days and traversing thousand of miles in area. Calculations showed Drum has just enough fuel required to reach Midway enroute to Pearl Harbor, as directed in operational orders.
(U) Communications, Radar, and Sonar Countermeasures-APR-
APR-1 RWR was out of commission for most of the patrol thus difficult to judge effectiveness. Ship based radar seemed about the same as usual. However, given the performance of patrol aircraft, believe they are now routinely equipped with a surface search radar as well as underwater detection gear of some type, perhaps Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) gear.
(V) Remarks
This was a busy, and challenging patrol with majority of operations, and ALL of combat operations conducted close to shore in mostly shallow waters. The enemy has certainly increased it's ASW patrols in the home islands, which proved a constant nuisance.
For two patrols now, every enemy fishing boat in waters near home islands has been armed with machine guns and presumably radios. It is also believed that they ferry cargo around, possibly ammunition, judging by how many of these small craft quickly erupt in flames. Drum was involved in more gun actions than is typical for a patrol. Boats should be provided extra ammunition in future patrols to insure they can counter this new threat.
The overall dearth of traffic in once busy sea lanes is an indicator of the Japanese merchant marine and Imperial Navy's current state of affairs.
Drum is scheduled for a major overhaul and refit prior to the next patrol (her 14th), which is very much needed.
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