[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
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WAR PATROL REPORT
USS BARB SS-220
WAR PATROL SEVEN
2 March-25 April 1944
LCDR J.R. WATERMAN, USN.


PROLOGUE

Returned Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., from SIXTH War Patrol on 14 February 1944.
Entered yard for repairs and refit. Attack and Observation periscopes replaced as were
damaged beyond repair. All other repairs conducted. M/S 32 paint scheme applied to boat, and
new APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver installed. Sixteen MK 14-1A torpedoes loaded forward
and eight MK 18-1 torpedoes loaded aft on 1 March. Ready for sea 2 March.



NARRATIVE

2 March
___________


1700 Underway from Submarine Base Pearl Harbor in accordance with
COMSUBPAC Operation Order 41-44, in company with escort PC-463.

1753 Spotted PBY bearing 173 8000 yards (Aircraft Contact No.1)

1900 PC-463 detached. Signaled X GOD SPEED BARB X

1925 Trim Dive

1945 Surfaced

2000 Course 272 degrees Speed 15.5 kts en route Midway Island.


3 March
__________

0700 Dive

0730 Surfaced

1300- Conducted Dive, Gunnery, and Emergency Drills
1500



4 March
__________

0700 Dive

0730 Surfaced

0900- Torpedo Fire Control Drill
1000

1300 Dive drills.


5 March
__________

0800 Winds increased to twenty five knots. Sea state rough with 10-13 ft waves, whitecaps.
Canceled gunnery drills.

1230 Surprise diving drill

1300 Surfaced



6 March

Course 351 Speed 15 kts
Approaching Midway. Concern over entering channel
due to heavy seas. However, channel remains open.

0800 Dive

0815 Surface

1040 Seas calmed as came within sight of Midway Island.

1100 Rendezvoused with escort PC off Midway.

1135 Docked Midway Island.
Topped off fuel and provisions.

1631 Departed Midway for assigned area in company with PC escort.

1900 PC detached, turned back. Sent X WELL DONE X PC Replied X GOOD LUCK BARB X


7-9 March
___________

En route patrol area CLOSET.
Course 265
Speed 14 kts, slowed to 10 kts from just after dusk until dawn next day.
Daily routine of morning and evening trim dives.
Passage was otherwise uneventful.


10 March
___________

0838 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 340.

0840 SD contact 13000 yds, closing fast!
Appeared aircraft equipped with radar.
(Aircraft Contact No.2)

0841 Dive

0843 Leveled off at 150 ft


1130 Surfaced


11 March
__________

0900 Dive

0920 Surfaced


1936 SD contact 14177 yards closing!
Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.3)

1937 Leveled off 150 ft.

1938 Series of explosions, not close.

2200 Surfaced.


12 March
__________

0845 Dive

0900 Surfaced

1044 SD contact 32505 yds Closing.
(Aircraft Contact No.4)

1045 Dive


2142 Surfaced


13 March
____________


0840 Dive

0900 Surfaced

1101 SD contact 21200 yards
APR-1 detected emissions bearing 194.
(Aircraft Contact No.5)

1102 Dive

1449 Surfaced


14 March
__________

0900 Dive

0930 Surface

1221 Destroyer spotted! Bearing 272 16202 yards. (Ship Contact No.1)
Dive! SJ was between sweeps and powered off.

1224 Leveled off 150 ft, Rigged for Silent Running.

1315 Lost contact.

1320 Periscope/Radar depth. All clear.

1330 Surfaced

1331 SJ sweep clear. Believe DD was a patrol as current position has
BARB passing between Iwo Jima and Bonin Islands.

17 March
__________

0000 Arrived in area "CLOSET", initiated patrol along
reported shipping lanes.

1000 Dive

1020 Surfaced


18 March
__________

1000 Dive

1030 Surface


19 March
__________


1705 SD contact 21,250 yards closing.
(Airraft Contact No. 6)

1706 Dive

2200 Surfaced


20-25 March
__________

Patrol in area. Uneventful.



26 March
___________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

0014 SJ contact bearing 007 28,355 yards
Numerous pips, likely convoy, appears Northbound.
(Ship Contact No.2)

0015 Increased speed 18 kts to intercept.


0025 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE


0026 Eight pips in two columns with one pip forward and one in rear, likely
escorts.

0050 Spotted convoy bearing 040 9000 yards.

0052 Contact Report sent to COMSUBPAC
Convoy Sighted 23-53N 131-47E
Estimated Course 066 degrees
Estimated Speed 9 kts.

0102 Lead escort is minesweeper.


0103 Spotted large Tanker similar to AKATSUKI MARU Class.

0105 Directly astern of AKATSUKI MARU was a mid sized tanker
similar to ICHIYU MARU Class.

0112 APR-1 detecting radar emissions from astern of convoy.
Rear escort appeared to have radar.

0117 Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 made ready to fire. Depth set for 8 ft.

0125 Fired Tubes 1,2,3 at ICHIYU MARU. Range 2893 yards.
Fired Tubes 4,5,6 at AKATSUKI MARU. Range 2500 yards

0127: Torpedoes 1,2,3 impacted ICHIYU MARU. Massive fireball and explosions
05-15 after second torpedo hit loaded tanker.

0127: Torpedoes 4,5,6 hit AKATSUKI MARU. First torpedo set off massive, skyward reaching fireball
25-35 engulfing the entire vessel. Second and third torpedo hits were somewhat redundant, but
further wrecked the vessel.

0138 During turned away, lead escort spotted BARB. BARB received some machine gun/Auto Cannon fire, few rounds heard
stringed aft , starboard. No damage. Escort continued pursuit as second escort, with its radar
signal sweeping BARB's area coming in fast. BARB making 21 kts plowing through seas to get away.

0145 Oddly, both escorts disengaged, returned to convoy.
BARB moved for end around and follow up attack.

0146 AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons sunk
23-52N 131-47E

0150 AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons sunk
23-51N 131-47E


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2

0247 Stern tubes brought to bear on convoy, approached
large AK which suddenly turned hard away at high speed.
BARB not detected, routine evasive maneuver. Switched setup on
small AK believed to be CHOKO MARU 1800 tons. Unable to set up
on others due to proximity to the radar equipped escort. APR-1
was buzzing at this time.

0250 Fired Torpedo Tube No. 10 at AK CHOKO MARU. 1950 yards.

0252 Torpedo impact! Large fire visible just forward of bridge structure.
Large hole visible forward. Vessel appeared to be sinking.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3

0307 CHOKO MARU out of range. Spotted mid sized AK similar to MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons
crossing stern of BARB.

0309 Fired tubes 7,8,9 at MOMOYAMA MARU. Range 2000 yards.

0313 Torpedoes missed!
Based on sound, missed just astern. Speed setting in TDC
was slightly too slow, perhaps should have been 5 kts instead of 4.5 kts.

0314 Pulled away from convoy to conduct torpedo reload as
all tubes empty after three attacks with seven out of ten torpedoes hitting targets.
Two tankers sunk, one AK damaged.


0315 APR-1 detected enemy radar emissions focusing on BARB's bearing. Escort, a unidentified DE type
began closing at high speed. BARB increased to flank speed.


0323 DE turned back to convoy.


0330 Secured General Quarters. Torpedo reload ordered, all tubes.


0400 Convoy changed course to 040 degrees.


0600 Torpedo reload completed.


0924 Regained contact with convoy. SJ contacts bearing 033 25,500 yards.


1011 Submerged for dawn periscope attack.


1045 Periscope depth, convoy zigged to NE, unable to attack.

1140 Convoy cleared area. Raised SD mast at periscope depth. SD contact 8000 yards steady.
Aircraft circling area covering convoy.(Aircraft Contact No.7)
Went to 100 ft.


1215 Periscope depth. Spotted BETTY bearing 310 6000 yards
circling area.(Aircraft Contact No.7-Visual ID)


1300 Surfaced. Searched for convoy, unable to regain contact.
While submerged winds increased to 30 knots direction 130.
Waves 15-20 ft. Skies clear.


27 March
__________

Patrol in area. Uneventful.
Rough seas persisted throughout the day



28 March
__________

Patrol in area. Uneventful.
Rough seas persisted throughout the day.

1100 Dive

1115 Surface


29 March
__________

Rough seas persisted throughout the day.

1100 Dive

1115 Surface

1515 SD Contact 21000 yards closing.
(Aircraft Contact No.8)

1650 Surfaced


1945 SD Contact 24000 yards closing.
(Aircraft Contact No.9)

1946 Dive.


2200 Surfaced.



30 March
__________

Rough seas persisted throughout the day.
Unventful.



31 March
__________
Rough seas persisted throughout the day.
Unventful.


1 April
__________

Winds slowed to 17 knots
Seas remained heavy.


2 April
__________

Winds remained at 17 knots direction 276.
Seas calmed somewhat compared to recent days.

1226 Passed ten nautical miles North of Kitadaito Island.

1919 SD Contact 29100 yards, closing.
(Aircraft Contact No.10)

1920 Dive

2200 Surfaced



3 April
_________

1100 Dive

1120 Surfaced


1805 APR-1 detected radar signals bearing 230.

1807 SD contact 11500 yards.(Aircraft Contact No. 11)
Dive.

2124 Surfaced


4 April
_________


1045 Dive

1100 Surfaced

1216 SD contact 29200 yards, closing.(Aircraft Contact No.12)

1218 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 067.
Dive.

1530 Surfaced.


5 April
_________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4

0023 SJ contacts bearing 345 27844 yards.
Turned to to 349 to intercept.

0032 Eight pips in two columns, one pip ahead, one rear.
Contact appears to be convoy likely on southern course, currently on zig heading east.
Closing for submerged attack as full moon does not permit night surface attack.


0037 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED

0042 Submerged for attack. 6000 yards starboard off convoy track, seven miles ahead of convoy.

0047 350 ft. Flank speed to close convoy for firing.

0105 Convoy zigged slight to NE, forcing a longer range shot.

0106 All forward torpedoes set to low power setting for long range shot.

0110 Convoy on course 071 Speed 9.5 kts

0114 Identified two mid to large AO in middle of second column on port side of convoy.

0116 Torpedo Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 made ready to fire.

0119 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at Target No.1. Range 4450 yards.
All torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal.

0120 Fired tubes 4,5,6, at Target No.2. Range 4150 yards.
All torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal.

0121 Began turn to port to bring stern tubes to bear.

0124 Torpedoes 1,2,3 impacted tanker as aimed.
First torpedo set off a massive explosion, fireball shot in air, quite visible through periscope.
Second and third torpedoes demolished what was left. Tanker left on fire bow to stern.

0125 Torpedoes 4,5,6 hit second tanker as aimed. Tanker did now explode as exploded initially,
but after about 40 seconds of burning, a massive fireball engulfed the obviously loaded,
but well constructed modern tanker.

0126 Forward and lead escort stopped, listening as had no idea where BARB was.

0129 Observed AO (Target No.1) sink.
Observed and confirmed by sound, escorts closing BARB fact.

0130 Ordered 350 ft. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.

0132 Sounds of vessels breaking up and exploding from last known bearing of both targets.

0140 Depth Charge explosions astern 3000-4000 yards.
No pinging. Enemy does not have contact with BARB.

0141 Pinging

0144 Enemy above.

0145 Splashes. DC explosions
BARB at 380 ft.

0146 Close DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0152 Pinging.

0156 Enemy above. Splashes.

0157 DC explosions. Tooth shakers.

0159 Enemy above. BARB at 393 ft.

0200 Splashes.

0201 More splashes. DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0213 Splashes. Enemy above.

0214 DC explosions. Damage reported aft torpedo room.

0217 Enemy above. Splashes.

0218 DC explosions.

0219 DC explosions. Serious damage reported(See MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE Section)

0224 BARB at 392 ft. Flooding in control room and forward torpedo rooms controlled.

0229 One enemy has gone silent, likely listening to see if he got the kill.
Second enemy escort heard fleeing area at high speed, likely to rejoin the convoy.

0707 Periscope depth. All clear.

0709 Radar Depth. All clear
Secured GQ, set regular watch and Damage Control Party.

0715 Surfaced. Ordered torpedo reload and pursuit course of convoy.
Seas calmed since dive. Full moon still out.


0720 Damage Control party assigned to:

1.Pump out remaining water in Forward Torpedo Room.
2.Repair Trim Pump
3.Repair No. 3 and No.4 torpedo tubes.
4.Repair Radio Transmitter


1801 All repairs completed.


6 April
__________

0000 Unable to locate convoy. Resumed normal patrol.

1030 Dive

1100 Surfaced

1118 SD contact 31500 yards. Steady. (Aircraft Contact No.13)

1120 SD range now 20,500 yards but steady. Turned course 350 to present stern and low profile.

1121 Aircraft switched on her radar. APR-1 detected emissions bearing 222.

1122 SD contact began rapidly closing.
Dive! Spotted a large flying boat astern, possibly H8K EMILY.

1124 Leveled at 150 ft.

1124: Series of explosions, above, astern. Aircraft dropped payload.
41

1126 More explosions, not close.


1200 Decided to remain submerged until dark, give crew chance for rest, study, and maintenance.

2300 Surfaced.


7 April
_________

Patrolled area.
Uneventful.

1045 Dive

1115 Surfaced


8 April
__________


1050 Dive

1115 Surfaced

2052 Spotted floating debris field b earing 255 1900 yards.
Turned course 090 to investigate.

2110 Examined wreckage. Found documents and life ring identifying
AO AKATSUKI MARU sunk on 26 March. Appears BARB passed near scene of her sinking some twelve days previous.

2111-2115 With AA guns manned while examined wreckage in case aircraft appeared, allowed some target practice by 20 and 40 MM guns
in the flotsam.

2116 Secured guns. Resumed course 210 for patrol.


9 April
_________

Patrol. Uneventful.

1045 Dive

1100 Surfaced


10 April
___________

Patrol. Uneventful.

1050 Dive

1115 Surfaced

1600 Thirty knot winds arrived with heavy seas, naturally.


11 April
___________

Patrol in area. Uneventful

1025 Dive

1045 Surfaced



12 April
_________

Final day in area.
Patrol.
Seas remained heavy, but later calmed.


1030 Dive

1050 Surfaced

1145 Winds lowered to 1 knot direction 327. Seas calmed, nearly flat.

2028 SD contact 26500 yards. Closing. (Aircraft Contact No.14)

2030 Dive

2115 Periscope Depth. Spotted large flying boat bearing 173. Likely Aircraft Contact No.14 backtracking on patrol.
Designated Aircraft Contact No.14-A. Ordered 150 ft depth.

2315 Periscope depth

2326 Surfaced


13 April
_________

0000 Set course 084 Speed 13.5 kts for Midway.

1030 Dive

1045 Surfaced.

14 April
__________

En route Midway

1025 Dive

1045 Surfaced


15 April
__________

En route Midway.

0930 Dive

0946 Surfaced

1848 SJ contact bearing 010 28255 yards
Two pips (Ship Contact No.4)



1904 Two DE, appears to be patrol.
Set shadow course 135 to pull ahead for submerged attack.
As was through DUNKERS DERP. A 'Wolfpack' assigned to area currently, sent contact report.


1905 Sent contact report to COMSUBPAC while working ahead for attack.
Task Force Sighted
25-27N 144-54E in area 'DUNKERS DERP'
Estimated Course 135 degrees
Estimated Speed 14 kts


1915 Received reply from COMSUBPAC.
Ordered to break contact, other boats will be routed to intercept.
Broke contact and continued course for Midway.

1959 Just prior powering on SJ radar for top of the hour sweep at
2000, sighted smoke on horizon bearing 343 estimated ten miles.
(Ship Contact No.5)

2000 SJ contacts bearing 330 20,253 yards.
Eleven pips, three believed to be escorts.

2005 Sent contact report to COMSUBPAC
Convoy sighted. 25-27N 144-59E
Estimated course 315 degrees
Estimated speed 9 kts

2011 Received reply from COMSUBPAC.
Ordered to break contact and return to base. Other boats
would be routed to attack.

2015 Escort began closing BARB, turned to course 270 at 15 kts to evade.

2030 Lone escort arrived in position BARB previously occupied, began circling, dropped depth charges.

2115 BARB back on base course for Midway.
Winds increased to 29 kts, churning up heavy seas.


16 April
____________

En route Midway

0900 Dive

0920 Surfaced


17 April
__________

0940 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 072
No SD contact but possibly flying low. No SJ contact.
Given proximity to Marcus Island and previous aircraft contact in this area, decided to submerged.
(Since no SD or visual, this was not listed as a Aircraft Contact)

0941 Dive


2222 Surfaced.
Winds calmed to 12 knots direction 109.
Waves calmed considerably.


18 April
__________

En route Midway

0900 Dive

0915 Surfaced

1256 SD contact 23000 yards closing
APR-1 simultaneously detected radar emissions.
(Aircraft Contact No.15)

1257 Dive

2100 Surfaced



19 April
___________

En route Midway

0800 Dive

0830 Surfaced

1256 SD contact 26000 yards closing.
(Aircraft Contact No. 16)

1257 Dive

2150 Surfaced


20 April
__________

En route Midway

0815 Dive

0831 Surfaced


21 April
__________

En route Midway

0815 Dive

0831 Surfaced



22 April
__________

En route Midway

0745 Dive

0801 Surfaced




23 April
__________

En route Midway

0640 Dive

0700 Surfaced


24 April
__________

En route Midway

0640 Dive

0700 Surfaced


25 April
___________


0655 Dive

0715 Surfaced

1011 Arrived Midway Island. Terminated War Patrol.


WEATHER


Weather during transit to and from and in area was overall pleasant. Several days of heavy winds with high winds
did plague BARB at at times, but overall weather was favorable.


NAVIGATIONAL AIDES

Marcus Island and Iwo Jima served as navigational aides during transit to and from area.
While in area, the Daito Island provided aid to navigation as well.



MINES

No mines were encountered.



CONTACTS


Contacts patrol Seven


AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
(at initial contact)

*All times are local*

NO.1
DATE 1944/03/02
TIME 1753
LAT 21-14N
LOG 158-11W
BRG 173
RNG 8000 yds
CRS 005
SPD 100 kts
ALT 600 ft
HOW Visual
TYPE PBY


NO.2
DATE 1944/03/10
TIME 0840
LAT 25-53N
LOG 164-12E
BRG 340*
RNG 13000 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW APR-1, SD
TYPE --

*APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver detected radar emissions bearing 340 two minutes before
SD contact. Bearing of radar transmissions supposed as bearing of aircraft.


NO.3
DATE 1944/03/11
TIME 1936
LAT 26-20N
LOG 157-0E
BRG --
RNG 14177 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --


NO.4
DATE 1944/03/12
TIME 1044
LAT 26-13N*
LOG 154-22E*
BRG --
RNG 32505 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --

*127 NM NNE of Marcus Island. Appears the thoughts regarding enemy
air operations at Marcus were premature.


NO.5
DATE 1944/03/13
TIME 1101
LAT 25-59N
LOG 151-2E
BRG 194*
RNG 21200 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD, APR-1
TYPE --
* Radar Emissions bearing on APR-1


NO.6
DATE 1944/03/19
TIME 1705
LAT 23-59N
LOG 131-14E
BRG --
RNG 21250 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --

NO.7
DATE 1944/03/26
TIME 1140
LAT 24-44N
LOG 132-18E
BRG 310
RNG 8000 yds (at contact) 6000 yds (Visual)
CRS 177
SPD 130
ALT 1500 ft
HOW SD, Visual(later)
TYPE G4M BETTY
REMARK
Circling convoy in area Arrived just after dawn
obviously in response to attacks through the night.


NO.8
DATE 1944/03/29
TIME 1515
LAT 22-11N
LOG 131-24E
BRG --
RNG 21000 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --


NO.9
DATE 1944/03/29
TIME 1945
LAT 22-14N
LOG 131-24E
BRG --
RNG 24000 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --


NO.10
DATE 1944/04/02
TIME 1919
LAT 25-10N
LOG 131-50E
BRG --
RNG 29100 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --


NO.11
DATE 1944/04/03
TIME 1807
LAT 24-09N
LOG 131-43E
BRG --
RNG 11500 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --


NO.12
DATE 1944/04/04
TIME 1216
LAT 23-33N
LOG 131-8E
BRG 067*
RNG 29200yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --

*APR-1 bearing of radar emissions.



NO.13
DATE 1944/04/06
TIME 1118
LAT 21-47N
LOG 131-10E
BRG 222*
RNG 31500 yds
CRS --
SPD 150 kts
ALT 2000
HOW SD-Visual-APR-1
TYPE H8K EMILY

*APR-1 provided radar emissions bearing from plane.
Visual contact made on bearing prior to submerging.


NO.14
DATE 1944/04/12
TIME 2028
LAT 23-53N
LOG 131-39E
BRG --
RNG 26500 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --


NO.14-A
DATE 1944/04/12
TIME 2115
LAT 23-53N
LOG 131-39E
BRG 173
RNG 9500 yds
CRS 015
SPD 120 kts
ALT 1000
HOW Visual-Periscope
TYPE H8K EMILY
REMARK
Most likely same plane from Aircraft Contact No.14 backtracking on patrol.


NO.15
DATE 1944/04/18
TIME 1256
LAT 26-0N
LOG 156-50E
BRG 072*
RNG 23000 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --
REMARK

*Bearing derived from APR-1 NO.15

No.16
DATE 1944/04/19
TIME 1256
LAT 26-8N
LOG 158-25E
BRG --
RNG 26000 yds
CRS --
SPD --
ALT --
HOW SD only
TYPE --
REMARK



Ship Contacts
(at initial contact)


NO.1
DATE 1944/03/15
TIME 1221
LAT 25-5N
LOG 141-39E
BRG 272
RNG 16202 yds
CRS 025
SPD 14 kts
HOW Visual
TYPE DD-Momi Class
REMARK
30 NM NE of Iwo Jima, likely patrol
as was encountered in pass between Iwo Jima and Bonin Islands.



NO.2
DATE 1944/03/26
TIME 0014
LAT 24-0N
LOG 131-41E
BRG 007
RNG 28355 yds
CRS 066
SPD 9.5 kts
HOW SJ
TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AO,AO,AK,AK,AK MS,DE
REMARK
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3



NO.3
DATE 1944/04/05
TIME 0023
LAT 23-48N
LOG 131-21E
BRG 345
RNG 27844 yds
CRS 110
SPD 9.5 kts
HOW SJ
TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AO,AO,AK,AK, Escort, Escort
REMARK
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4

NO.4
DATE 1944/04/15
TIME 1848
LAT 25-27N
LOG 144-54E
BRG 345
RNG 28255 yards
CRS 135
SPD 14 kts
HOW SJ-Visual
TYPE DE-DE
REMARK
Patrol


NO.5
DATE 1944/04/15
TIME 1959
LAT 25-27N
LOG 144-59E
BRG 343
RNG 20,253yards
CRS 315
SPD 9 kts
HOW Visual-SJ
TYPE Convoy-9 AK, three escorts.
REMARK
Convoy. Possible the patrol (Contact No.4) was sweeping the area.



ATTACK DATA

USS BARB SS-220
WAR PATROL SEVEN
TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER ONE
DATE 1944/03/26 TIME 0125
LAT. 23-52N LOG. 131-47E


TYPE OF ATTACK

Night-Surface-TBT

Calm seas, no moon , no clouds, no fog.


SHIPS SUNK
AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons
1944/03/26 0146
23-52N 131-47E

AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons
1944/03/26 0150
23-51N 131-47E

Verification-

Observed torpedo hits in both tankers. Both tankers erupted in massive fireballs,
surely the gasoline/oil cargo ignited by torpedo hits. Both vessels left flaming wrecks, burning
from bow to stern. Observed both vessels sink at stated times, as well as disappear from PPI
radar scope. Large patches of burning oil remained on surface at sites of sinking.


SHIPS PROBABLY SUNK
None

SHIPS DAMAGED
None

SHIPS PROBABLY DAMAGED
None


TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER ONE TARGET DATA (at firing)

TARGET NO. 1
CLASS AO AKATSUKI MARU
TONS 11800
DRAFT 26.2 ft
COURSE 066
SPEED 9.5 kts
BEARING 351
TRUE BEARING 155
RANGE 2500 yds
AOB 90 P
REMARK
Loaded Tanker, low in water.

TARGET NO. 2
CLASS AO ICHIYU MARU
TONS 5113
DRAFT 21 ft
COURSE 066
SPEED 9.5 kts
BEARING 015
TRUE BEARING 179
RANGE 2893 yds
AOB 76 P
REMARK
Loaded Tanker, low in water.




TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER ONE TORPEDO DATA (at firing)


TUBE NO. 1
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.232444
EXPLODER MK-6
SERIAL NO.21555
GYRO 04 L
COURSE 168
TRACK 87 P
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED High
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Midships
MALFUNCTION
REMARK
Fired at Target No.2

TUBE NO. 2
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.232445
EXPLODER MK-6
SERIAL NO.21556
GYRO 04 L
COURSE 168
TRACK 87 P
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED High
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Midships
MALFUNCTION
REMARK
Fired at Target No.2

TUBE NO. 3
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.232446
EXPLODER MK-6
SERIAL NO.21557
GYRO 04 L
COURSE 168
TRACK 87 P
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED High
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Aft-below stack.
MALFUNCTION
REMARK
Fired at Target No.2


TUBE NO.4
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.232460
EXPLODER MK-6
SERIAL NO.21560
GYRO 338 L
COURSE 142
TRACK 106 P
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED High
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Midships
MALFUNCTION
REMARK
Fired at Target No.1



TUBE NO.5
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.232461
EXPLODER MK-6
SERIAL NO.21561
GYRO 338 L
COURSE 142
TRACK 106 P
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED High
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA Aft-Stack
HIT Yes
POI Aft-Stack
MALFUNCTION
REMARK
Fired at Target No.1


TUBE NO.6
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.232462
EXPLODER MK-6
SERIAL NO.21562
GYRO 338 L
COURSE 142
TRACK 106 P
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED High
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Midships
MALFUNCTION
REMARK
Fired at Target No.1



OWN SHIP DATA (at firing)

DEPTH Surface
COURSE 179
SPEED 2.5 kts
ANGLE 0 up/down
SEAS Calm

__________________________________________________ ___________


USS BARB SS-220
WAR PATROL SEVEN
TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER TWO
DATE 1944/03/26 TIME 0250
LAT.23-55N LOG.131-53E

TYPE OF ATTACK

Night Surface-TBT

Clear skies, no moon, calm seas.

SHIPS SUNK
None

SHIPS PROBABLY SUNK


SHIPS DAMAGED

CHOKO MARU 1850 tons
1944/01/26 0252
23-55N 141-53 E

Verification-

Observed one torpedo hit. Large fire forward, vessel
forward section went lower in water, but did not sink, remained under own power.Fire extinguished. Pip remained on PPI radar scope.


SHIPS PROBABLY DAMAGED



TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER TWO TARGET DATA (at firing)

TARGET NO.1
CLASS AK CHOKO MARU
TONS 1850
DRAFT 12.1 ft
COURSE 064
SPEED 5 kts
BEARING 178
TRUE BEARING 159
RANGE 1950 yds
AOB 82 P
REMARK
Constant zig along base course.
Fired as target began zig to port towards BARB.
Decks loaded with crates
and one partially assembled aircraft.


TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER TWO TORPEDO DATA (at firing)

TUBE NO.10
TYPE MK 18-1
SERIAL NO.234540
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.24993
GYRO 349 L
COURSE 329
TRACK 89 P
DEPTH 4 ft
SPEED Standard
INTERVAL 0
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Forward, just aft of fore mast.
MALFUNCTION
REMARK
Fire visible. Vessel did not sink.



OWN SHIP DATA (at firing)

DEPTH Surface
COURSE 325
SPEED 3 kts
ANGLE 0 up/down
SEAS Calm
__________________________________________________ __________

USS BARB SS-220
WAR PATROL SEVEN
TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER THREE
DATE 1944/03/26 TIME 0309
LAT.23-55N LOG.131-53E


TYPE OF ATTACK

Night Surface-TBT

Clear, no moon, calm seas


SHIPS SUNK
None

SHIPS PROBABLY SUNK
None

SHIPS DAMAGED
None

Ships Probably Damaged
None


Verification-
Torpedoes missed.


TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER THREE TARGET DATA (at firing)

TARGET NO.1
CLASS AK MOMOYAMA MARU
TONS 4037
DRAFT 12.1 ft
COURSE 063
SPEED 5 kts
BEARING 180
TRUE BEARING 156
RANGE 2000 yds
AOB 84 P
REMARK
Quick set up as target course change put her crossing our stern.
Constant zig along base course.
Fired as target began zig to port towards BARB.
Miss caused by speed error in TDC due to miscalculation.
Should have been set to 5 knots instead of 4.5 knots.


TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER THREE TORPEDO DATA (at firing)

TUBE NO.7
TYPE MK 18-1
SERIAL NO.234542
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.24994
GYRO 351 P
COURSE 326
TRACK 86 P
DEPTH 4 ft
SPEED Standard
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK

TUBE NO.8
TYPE MK 18-1
SERIAL NO.234543
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.24995
GYRO 351 P
COURSE 326
TRACK 86 P
DEPTH 4 ft
SPEED Standard
INTERVAL 5 Seconds
POA MOT
HIT No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK


TUBE NO.9
TYPE MK 18-1
SERIAL NO.234548
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.24997
GYRO 351 P
COURSE 326
TRACK 86 P
DEPTH 4 ft
SPEED Standard
INTERVAL 5 Seconds
POA MOT
HIT No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
OWN SHIP DATA (at firing)

DEPTH Surface
COURSE 325
SPEED 3 kts
ANGLE 0 up/down
SEAS Calm
__________________________________________________ ______________


USS BARB SS-220
WAR PATROL SEVEN
TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER FOUR
DATE 1944/04/05 TIME 0119
LAT. 23-43N LOG. 131-33E


TYPE OF ATTACK

Submerged-Periscope-Night

Full moon, clear, calm seas.


SHIPS SUNK

AO Unknown 5000 tons (Target No.1)
1944/04/05 0129
23-44N 131-33E

AO Unknown 7000 tons (Target No.2)
1944/04/05 0132
23-44N 131-33E

Verification-

Observed torpedoes hit both tankers, which erupted in massive fireballs as their
volatile fuel/oil cargo ignited by torpedo impacts. Visually observed Target No.1
sink. Observed Target No.2 on fire and low in water. At 0132 hours sound report, and also audible through hull of
boat of ship breaking up. Noises were from last bearing of Target No.2.

SHIPS PROBABLY SUNK
None

SHIPS DAMAGED
None

Ships Probably Damaged
None



TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER FOUR TARGET DATA (at firing)

TARGET NO.1
CLASS AO (Unknown)
TONS 5000
DRAFT 24 ft
COURSE 071
SPEED 9.5 kts
BEARING 337
TRUE BEARING 326
RANGE 4450 yds
AOB 77 S
REMARK
Loaded Tanker

TARGET NO.2
CLASS AO (Unknown) Possibly HAKKO MARU
TONS 7000
DRAFT 28 ft
COURSE 071
SPEED 9.5 kts
BEARING 357
TRUE BEARING 356

RANGE 4150 yds
AOB 92 S
REMARK
Loaded Tanker



TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER FOUR TORPEDO DATA (at firing)


TUBE NO.1
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.23551
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.22671
GYRO 354 R
COURSE 344
TRACK 93 S
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED Low
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
MALFUNCTION
REMARK No
Target No.1


TUBE NO.2
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.23552
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.22672
GYRO 354 R
COURSE 344
TRACK 93 S
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED Low
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
MALFUNCTION
REMARK No
Target No.1



TUBE NO.3
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.23553
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.22673
GYRO 354 R
COURSE 344
TRACK 93 S
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED Low
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
MALFUNCTION
REMARK No
Target No.1

TUBE NO.4
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.23554
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.22674
GYRO 14 R
COURSE 004
TRACK 109 S
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED Low
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Target No.2


TUBE NO.5
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.23554
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.22674
GYRO 14 R
COURSE 004
TRACK 109 S
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED Low
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Target No.2



TUBE NO.6
TYPE MK 14-1A
SERIAL NO.23555
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.22675
GYRO 14 R
COURSE 004
TRACK 109 S
DEPTH 8 ft
SPEED Low
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POA MOT
HIT Yes
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Target No.2


OWN SHIP DATA (at firing)

DEPTH 64 ft
COURSE 350
SPEED 2.5 kts
ANGLE 1-down
SEAS Calm

__________________________________________________ _________



ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION

Anti-Submarine Countermeasures

Enemy ASW in area was conducted mainly via air patrols, encountered on a near daily basis.
Nearly all were radar equipped. Distress calls for convoys under attack at night brought in
radar equipped air support at dawn. APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver installed during refit after last patrol
proved a great asset in mitigating effects of these patrols.

North of Wake and Marcus Island air patrols equipped with radar harassed BARB daily during transit to and from
patrol area.


One enemy escort vessel was known to be equipped with radar, which proved useful in providing some idea of BARB's location on surface.

A patrol of two DE type vessels encountered on en route from patrol area East of Iwo Jima in
area DUNKERS DERP (see contacts) produced radar emissions detected by APR-1. Both vessels
appeared to have radar. Both enemy convoys attacked on this patrol had what no appears to be the standard two escorts, one forward, one aft, with each making
sweeps. All merchant vessels appear to be armed, some heavily.

Depth Charge attack experienced by BARB on this patrol was fairly standard by proved effective in damaging
the boat. After sinking two tankers via periscope at night, submerged. Each escort, unaware of BARB's location stopped and listened.
BARB was at least 4500 yards from each but their search detected us. Both vessels rushed our location. BARB was at 350 feet, rigged for silent running and depth charge, when first depth charges exploded, well astern of us, apparently the escorts attacked a false contact.

However, a few minutes later pinging began and BARB was located. Each escort took turns in rapid succession making depth charge attacks.
These escorts are believed to have the improved depth charges encountered on recent patrols.
After several tooth shaking patterns, a closer one caused serious damage (see MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE) to BARB, but all was repaired in due course at sea.

However, again a fatal flaw in Japanese ASW escorts, is to give up too soon. After the pattern that damaged,
enemy seemed to give up as one was heard rushing away to rejoin convoy. Other went silent, likely to listen for BARB.
BARB crept away at 390 feet, with water in control room and forward torpedo room. This flooding plus a damaged trim
pump made depth control a challenge at times, requiring some extra speed. A one point BARB descended to 404 feet.

Overall, enemy sonar gear, depth charges, and ASW tactics have dramatically improved in recent months.


Evasion


Evasion for BARB was standard with previous patrols. BARB, if detected by aircraft, upon surfacing would change
course and speed to thwart any searches along course steered when detected.APR-1 was found to often detect aircraft, if their radar sets were on, before SD radar detected them.
This provided early warning and a dive was made at least once when SD failed to detect what was believed a low flying
radar equipped aircraft.


Evasion of enemy depth charges was made with utilizing thermal layers, frequent speed bursts, course,
and depth changes.

Evasion of enemy following night surface attack consisted of turning away slowly during torpedo run
and just moments before, ordering flank speed and departing area, at times under fire.



MAJOR DAMAGE AND DEFECTS

No major material defects.

Damage

Depth Charge Attack No.1

BARB suffered serious damage during depth charge attack, but all damage was repaired at sea.


1.Flooding in control room and bilges due to numerous busted sea valves.
One foot of water in compartment.

2.Flooding in Forward Torpedo Room due to shear dogs on hatch, leaks in damaged
torpedo tubes, and busted sea valves. Two foot of water in compartment.

3. No.3 Torpedo Tube

4. No.5 Torpedo Tube

5. Trim Pump

6. Hydraulic Pump

7. Forward Batteries

8. Aft Batteries

9. Compressor

10. Radio Transmitter

11. No.2 Electric Motor

12. No.4 Electric Motor

13. Dives Planes Transmission-Bow and Stern

14. Fuel Oil Tank-Leak

15. Compressed Air Reserve- Twenty five percent of capacity lost due to damage,

but repaired and replenished.


16. Leaks in piping and vales throughout all compartments

17. Leaks in high pressure air lines throughout all compartments.

18. Glass fixtures and light bulbs in all compartments



RADAR

SJ

SJ Radar performance was overall excellent. Typical
detection range of surface targets was 25000 yards.


SD

SD Radar performance was overall acceptable. Typical detection
range was 12000 yards.

Enemy

Enemy air based surface search radar appears to have a range of at least 30000 yards.
Enemy aircraft do not always have the set active, but appear to alternate on and off searching area.
Night flying aircraft tend to keep radar on at all times as those encountered in hours of darkness on this patrol previous demonstrated behavior as such. On this patrol APR-1 was able to confirm presence of radar.


Enemy escorts equipped with radar did not appear as effective was was on surface and within 5000 yards of enemy escort producing radar emissions and was not detected, until after torpedo impact. Submarines are,
as we know difficult targets to detect. Likely a operator on watch noticed BARB's small pip on their scope only after alerted by exploding
tanker vessels.


RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

APR-1 proved a effective tool on this patrol, often providing indication of bearing of a
aircraft contact, at times before SD even detected their range.

APR-1 detected ship based radar as well and proved vital to the success of this patrol.


SOUND CONDITIONS AND GEAR

Conditions

Sound conditions in area were overall excellent. Hydrophones could track enemy
precisely about 5000-7000 yards and distant noises could be heard at great distance.
These conditions no doubt assisted enemy in his effect depth charge attack.

Sound Gear

Sound gear functioned well overall in conjunction with the optimal conditions.


Enemy

Enemy sound gear appeared improved as were able to hear BARB at 4500+ yards
when running at just 95 RPM following Torpedo Attack No.4 and located her
with active sonar at 350 ft of depth, rigged for silent running.



RADIO

Radio function was optimal for most of patrol. Serious damage
to radio transmitter during depth charge attack did have lasting effects
in spite of our talented radioman's best efforts to repair completely.
Function was restored by not satisfactory for remainder of patrol.


No enemy radio transmissions or signals were detected on this patrol.




THERMAL LAYERS

One thermal layer was detected at 209 feet.


PERSONNEL

Crew performance was once again excellent on this patrol. Eleven men advanced in rating while
two officers and eight men earned qualification.


HEALTH AND HABITABILITY

Health and morale of the crew remained excellent throughout the patrol.
Meals were well prepared, certainly helping maintain these conditions along with
mostly calm, almost yachting seas and weather. Sinking of four enemy tankers
certainly kept morale high as well.

Only minor injuries such as bumps, bruises, and scrapes were suffered during depth charge attack.


MILES STEAMED-FUEL USED


Pearl to Midway
1350 miles 18550 gallons

Midway to Area
3350 miles 53865 gallons

In Area
7200 miles 99455 gallons

Area to Midway
3750 miles 57344 gallons



DURATION

Days

Pearl to Midway 4

Midway to Area 11

In Area 26

Area to Midway 12

Days Submerged 4

Total 57




FACTORS IN ENDURANCE

Torpedoes 8

Fuel 26864 gallons

Provisions 37 days

Reason for termination of patrol:

Fuel level. Time on station expired per orders.


REMARKS

A busy and challenging, but successful patrol, my final in command as will be relieved upon return to port.
Depriving the enemy of four large, valuable ,loaded, Northbound tankers and their precious fuel oil cargo was the proverbial "cherry on top" for this patrol. While it is regrettable were not able to expend last eight
torpedoes, it is understood the nature of operations as BARB was transiting another's area and accordingly followed orders.
BARB is a excellent boat, with a top notch crew that will no doubt have further success.


J.R. Waterman



(See above for screenshots)