[Bubblehead1980]

TMO 2.5 Update BH
100 difficulty, cams on and contacts on (for a change)


USS Seal SS-183 (Salmon Class) .

This was my second patrol in the TMO Update (non testing patrol) plan is to make it through the war in TMO in the Seal. I did so in a Gato finally, going to see how we do in one of the older boats.


Prologue

Returned from first war patrol on 6 January to Surabaya, Java . Serious hull damage (24 percent) suffered from a close depth charge during the severe depth charge attack by two DD in Bashi Channel on 24 December 1941 repaired. Provisioning and all other refit activities completed. Ready for sea 4 February 1942.

(B) Narrative.

Departed Surabaya, Java for patrol on 4 February 1942 at 0930. Exited the north-west channel and headed through the Java Sea, Karimata Strait, and South China sea to assigned Areas A4 and A5 off Manila-Mindoro area. Arrived in patrol area A4 on 9 February at 0600.



The few couple of days followed the routine of diving after dawn and patrolling submerged. Attempted surface patrols failed due to aircraft presence and Seal's lack of ability to procure an SD Air Detection Radar set during refit period in Surabaya.



Surfaced at 1830 on 12 February for battery recharge and patrol. At 2233 lookouts sighted a convoy of three ships and two destroyers bearing 0056 8000 yards at 14-05 N 119-13 E. Estimated Course/Speed 176 degrees 8 knots. Three ships, two DD escorting.

Seal was called to General Quarters-Torpedo and raced ahead for attack. The Convoy changed course to 160 degrees, Seal adjusted and was able to submerged for attack at 2342.

Just after leveling at 80 feet. Sound reported warship closing fast. Soon after, pinging began. Seal was detected and now had no shot, went to 250 ft rigged for silent running and depth charge.

The destroyers were first team, as from 2348-0300 they worked the boat over well with many depth charges. No damage occurred, except for few minor leaks in piping and air lines.

At 0311 Sound lost contact with the destroyers until 0345 when both were heard leaving at high speed. Wary of "sleepers" as Japanese have shown they like to do, Waited until 0500 with precious little night left, to come to periscope depth. At 0505, sweep with scope and sound revealed no presence of enemy. Secured from General Quarters, and surfaced for pursuit course to regain contact.

At 0706 regained visual contact and worked ahead of convoy, which now had two ships and two dd, whereabouts of third vessel unknown. Submerged at 0723 for attack.

At 0743 Fired two Mk 14 torpedoes (Bow Tubes #1 and #2) at lead AK-KANAGA MARU 4923 tons from 1000 yards AOB 88 P. One torpedo missed, second hit amidships.

Just after torpedo impact, spotted a aircraft (MAVIS) about 4000 yards bearing 280 closing fast and in a shallow glide towards Seal. Ordered emergency depth of 200 feet. As passed 131 feet, two large explosions astern, no damage.


The destroyers delivered a repeat performance of their earlier attack, forcing Seal to a depth of 385 feet to get under the numerous depth charges.

A close depth charge explosion at 0827 shook the boat and caused damage to the port prop shaft, aft electric engines and batteries.

Finally around 1230 last depth charge came. Lost contact with destroyers at 1238. At 1500 came to periscope depth, all clear except a smoke puff spotted at 180 distant. Just as was preparing to surface, the MAVIS was spotted at 280 flying low , searching for Seal. Submerged to 200 feet and closed bearing of smoke.


At 1545 came to scope depth to find the KANAGA MARU, dead in the water. Due to aircraft presence, decided to torpedo to finish ship off. instead of using deck gun

Closed to 1500 yards fired torpedo from tube 3. Torpedo prematurely exploded when 10-15 yards from target. Fired torpedo four, which hit target, causing KANAGA MARU 4923 tons to sink at 13-15 N 119-33 E.
Secured from GQ remained submerged at 200 feet until nightfall, surfaced and departed area.


At 1419 hours on Sunday February 15, 1942 , Seal was on the surface patrolling in area A6 in the South China Sea , when lookouts spotted an aircraft (MAVIS) closing fast from bearing 003 at five nautical miles. A dive was ordered, with emergency depth of 200 feet. As Seal passed 134 feet a series of explosions above the boat, aft caused damage in aft torpedo room. All four aft tubes suffered damage, as did rudder transmission Other compartments, including conning tower, and control room suffered piping and air line leaks. All damage was repaired within 24 within hours.

Surfaced at 1850 that evening and sadly, Evening Fox Traffic reported Singapore had fallen to the Japanese.


On Monday February 16th at 1709, sound made contact on a lone merchant. Seal closed for attack, firing two torpedoes at AKITA MARU at 1740 hours. Both torpedoes were observed to track properly but ran below target. Sea state had increased and is possible caused the vessels draft to be higher in the water.Just after observing the miss, a MAVIS flying boat was spotted in the dusk light, Seal went to 200 ft. Avoiding the bombs the fell soon after.

By 2021 Seal was in position for a attack with stern tubes. At 2021:07 fired two MK 14 torpedoes, stern tubes. After firing, torpedo #2 went on erratic run, to port! Circling back at the boat! Emergency Depth 100 ft! Rigged for collision. At 2022 Torpedo #1 impact with target heard while boat was at depth of 91 feet. Sound reported engine noises from target ceased after impact and at 2025, the audible end of run explosion by erratic torpedo was heard.

Seal came to periscope depth to find the target dead in the water at 1900 yards bearing 180. Two more torpedoes were fired, both prematurely detonated ten yards or less from the target. Surfaced the boat into choppy seas for Battle Surface Gun Action to finish off he vessel. The aft 3 inch deck gun commenced firing, the target responded by illuminating Seal with her searchlights and firing machine guns, a few close rounds sprinkled the waters but no hits on Seal. However, Seal scored twenty-one hits out of thirty one rounds fired from the deck gun, leaving the target a flaming wreck, which finally went down. At 2229 , AKITA MARU 3936 tons sunk at position 14-24 N 120 04' E. Secured from General Quarters and set course for Mindoro Strait for patrol in coming days.


On Wednesday February 18, 1942, submerged at dawn in Mindoro Strait. While patrolling submerged, spotted a MAVIS flying boat several times and at 0750 it bombed Seal, as she passed 170 feet. At 0808 sound had a contact and smoke was spotted on the horizon, went to General Quarters Torpedo and closed at Full speed.


Observation at 0818 showed a mid sized merchant identified as BIYO MARU. Plot revealed she would pass further ahead, forcing a longer range shot than was planned. Went to 80 feet and ahead flank to close the range. At scope depth again at 0834 revealed would have to fire at about 4800 yards. Contemplated surfacing to close the range, the MAVIS came into view, forcing Seal to go to 100 feet and quashed that idea. Continued closing at high speed. Finally, at 0848 came to periscope depth and with target at firing point, fired two torpedoes from 4656 yards, both of which tracked properly but prematurely exploded within second of one another when 20-50 yards from target. Target slowed, then sped up and turned to the west showing its stern to the Seal. Unable to surface due to air cover, nor close due to strain on battery power, went to 200 feet and secured from General Quarters.

However, it would not be long before another chance arose as sound made contact at 1003. Seal closed and at periscope depth, had a merchant in sight. Went to General Quarters-Torpedo and closed the target at standard speed (submerged). At 1037, fired three torpedoes from bow tubes at ATSUTASAN MARU 7827 tons at a range of 1100 yards. Torpedo # 1 missed astern, torpedo #2 hit amidships and detonated, damaging the vessel. Torpedo #3 impacted the side, but failed to detonate. The 'dud' torpedo was audible and heard by sound operator. Though damaged, the vessel increased speed and turned to west away from Seal. Surfacing was contemplated, however large guns fore, aft, and on each side were observed, preventing this. Again battery capacity prevented submerged pursuit and air cover prevented surfacing to end around. Lost contact with the merchant at 1100, secured General Quarters. At 1104 sound reported warship contacts closing fast. These were discovered to be a destroyer and a patrol craft, which began sweeping the area of the attack, joined by the MAVIS at 1121.Seal went to 200 ft , silent running, and turned away from the scene.


On Thursday February 19 was a normal day of submerged patrol in southern reaches of Mindoro Strait. with no contacts Surfaced and headed for main section of patrol area. On the evening Fox, the news of the bombing of Darwin in the morning was received. The next few days were uneventful with normal patrol routine and no contacts, aside from daily spotting of MAVIS, EMILY, PETE patrol aircraft, and BETTY as well. On 25 February received word that COMSUBASIATIC was shifting operations to Perth-Fremantle Australia. Foul weather set in that evening with blinding winds and rain, heavy seas, overcast, and fog. Weather did not improve until the following morning.


At 1150 on February 2 smoke plumes were sighted bearing 087. Seal went to General Quarters-Torpedo and closed for attack, submerging at 1152 hours. At 1255 submerged for attack and came to periscope depth at 1321. Observed RYUNN MARU 6538 tons and fired three remaining bow torpedoes at 1331 in heavy seas. All torpedoes tracked properly, but Torpedoes 1 and 3 missed as wakes passed under the target. Torpedo # 2 prematurely detonated 10-15 feet from target. Explosion that close may have damaged the target. With just one torpedo remaining in stern tube #8, turned to bring the tube to bear. A EMILY flying boat was observed at 1341, forcing Seal t 150 feet. No bombs fell. At 1400 Seal was in position and the target was on ideal course. Fired tube eight, the last torpedo which impacted the side of the target, but was another "dud". Air cover and heavy seas prevented immediate followed up with deck gun attack. Surfaced after dark and searched until 0700 following morning trying to reestablish contact, but was unable. With all torpedoes expended, set course for Surbaya via Mindoro Strait, Sulu Sea, Sibutu Pass, Celebes Sea, Makassar Strait to Java Sea at standard speed as had enough fuel to stop and fuel at Surabaya.


As Seal sailed the Celebes Sea word of the Japanese landings on Java was received and could not stop there for fuel. Calculations were done and showed at 14 knots could make Fremantle with small amount of fuel to spare. Course was set for Fremantle via Makassar Strait, Flores Sea, and Lombok Strait.

On Tuesday March 3, 1942 at 0800, in Flores Sea, Seal submerged at 6-58 S116-54 E for the approach to Lombok Strait due to heavy enemy air activity in area. At 0810 at depth of 90 feet, sound sweep revealed the sound of a submerged submarine bearing 090. Seal went to 200 feet, silent running. It is possible this submarine was making an approach on Seal at the time she submerged.

Surfaced at 1900 hundred hours and increased speed to full, entering North end of Lombok Strait at 2204 hours. Due to the moonless night, chose to make the passage on the surface.. Slowed to standard speed to avoid larger wake. At 2326 near center of Lombok Strait, observed two Japanese destroyers, believed to be Fubuki Class, patrolling the strait, at bearing 011 6000 yards. Took immediate action, presenting stern towards contact and and went to General Quarters. However, they did not spot Seal in the dark night. After clearing the contacts, Seal continued on and exited the strait at 0025 hours on 4 March and set course for Fremantle at 14 knots.


Friday March 6, 1942, while cruising on the surface at dusk en route Fremantle off coast of Australia, as Australia PBY Catalina was spotted bearing 267 at 8000 yards. The Catalinas range was steady, it then made an tur and aggressive high speed dive towards Seal. A dive was ordered, emergency depth 200 feet. As Seal passed 111 feet, multiple large explosions went off, mostly above. However, one or two charges were at Seals depth or below and boat was severely shaken. Piping and air lines began to leak profusely. There was minor flooding in the control room, conning tower, and forward torpedo room. No 2. (Attack) periscope was wrecked Trim and Hydraulic pumps also damaged. Inspection upon return to port indicated hull damage was well. (My friend fire mod, incorporated into TMO Update)


On Saturday March 7, 1942, Seal arrived at Fremantle, Australia and docked at 1031 hours, terminating the Second War Patrol.


Ships sunk on this patrol:

Class Name Ton(s) Caused

AK KANAGA MARU 4923 Torpedo

AK AKITA MARU 3936 Torpedo/Gunfire


Ships damaged on this patrol:


Class Name Ton(s) Cause:

AK ATSUTASAN MARU 7827 Torpedo

AK RYUNN MARU 6538 Torpedo




(C) Remarks


A challenging patrol given the air cover and lack of air search radar, with intense depth charge attacks from escorts. Running around without an SD radar can be quite a challenge but adds a certain element things. However, I should be able to get one next refit as it was not available after first patrol (part of the TMO upgrade).

Torpedo malfunctions certainly took their toll with premature explosions, duds, erratic(circular) runs, and depth control issues. Can only imagine how terrible it to try and fight with your primary weapon being defective.