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Bubblehead1980 · 10-06-21, 02:14 AM

TMO 2.5 Update
100 difficulty, cams off, contacts off.

War Patrol Report
USS Seal SS-183
Fourth War Patrol
26 May -26 June 1943
Area B6-South China Sea off Indochina

Departed for patrol on 26 June at 0730 hours and set course for patrol area via Lombok Strait, Makassar Strait, Sulu Sea, Balabac Strait to South China Sea. On

On the evening of 29 May while transiting Lombok Strait on the surface, spotted two enemy destroyers patrolling the center of the strait, evaded at high speed. Exited strait at 2331 and proceeded.

On 5 June at 0700 after exiting Balabac Strait, was forced to dive for an SD radar contact closing at 7 miles.

At 0415 on 6 June 1942, while passing through Area D6 in South China Sea en route to assigned area, lookouts spotted a vessel bearing 330 6000 yards. Immediately turned to shadow until dawn and went to General Quarters-Torpedo. The following action would be one of the most challenging vs an escorted merchant in memory.

At 0526 , submerged for dawn periscope attack. Target identified as KIGAN MARU 7390 tons. Target was on a course of 165 degrees at 9 knots. All stern tubes were readied and fired three MK 14 torpedoes from tubes 5,6, and 7 at 0553. Range 1000 yards, AOB 85 P , 1.5 degree spread on TDC knob. At 0553:35 torpedo (tube 5) prematurely detonated about 20 yards from target. This appeared to alert the target as it slowed and began to turned towards the Seal, caused the other two torpedoes to just barely miss ahead and aster of target respectively. Just after missing ahead, torpedo(tube 7) prematurely detonated off the starboard bow of target. Final torpedo reached its maximum range and end of run explosions was heard. KIGAN MARU increased speed and turned away preventing an immediate follow up attack. Note: Target was observed to have 4 inch guns for and aft.

At 0555 Surfaced, secured from General Quarters and raced at 10 NM off starboard side of target, tracking by its smoke, visible on horizon. All tubes reloaded. Ahead of target, submerged at 0808 for second attack. Called General Quarters Torpedo once submerged at 0815. At 0906 Seal was ahead of target, target changed course preventing a bow shot, turned off track for another stern shot. and at 0933 fired Tubes 5 and 6 at 1200 yards, as targets broadside exposed during its zig. First torpedo prematurely detonated and second passed right under the target. . The ship turned toward the Seal's periscope and fired forward deck gun and machine guns at scope. Ordered depth of 90 feet, soon the KIGAN MARU's props noises were audible through hull as it passed above.

Secured General Quarters, reloaded tubes and waited for enemy to clear area before surfacing for another end around. At 1403 surfaced into overcast skies, thunder, moderates winds, light but choppy seas and a light fog. Raced along last known course of KIGAN MARU at flank speed and made contact at 1419, spotting whips of smoke on horizon , in spite of the fog.

Submerged the boat in preparation for attack, but contact was not arriving as expecting. Target had changed course. Surfaced and began chasing to get ahead ad at 1442 spotted the KIGAN MARU in the fog at 7200 yards. KIGAN MARU spotted Seal, as opened fire with both deck guns, shells landing in the distance off Drum's stern and port side. Kigan Maru increased speed to 10 knots in opposite direction.

At 1531 SD radar had a contact at 9 NM closing fast. Seal submerged to 150 feet. Surfacing again at 1550, closed target s estimated location at high speed. SD contact was made but range steady, did not dive. The low visibility helped shield Seal from being spotted by the aircraft.

Submerged the boat at 1633 for attack. At 1637 all tubes were readied forward and at 1558 fired Tubes 1,2 at target from 1000 yards, both prematurely detonated shortly after arming. Fired tubes 3,4 as still have favorable set up. Torpedo 3 prematurely detonated, torpedo 4 impacted just of the stack, causing a large explosion. Engine noises on sound ceased. Enemy spotted Seal's scopes and began firing, dropped scope to move into position to finish vessel off with stern tubes. During the turn, passed 300 yards along side the enemy vessel and raised scope, which came under fire from deck guns and machine guns, dropped scope.

At 1721 fired Tube 6 from 900 yards. Torpedo impacted, setting off a large explosion and fire. Target began to sink, water lapping over the decks. At 1737, KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk at 8-54 N 113-36 E in South China Sea (Area D5) . Surfaced and continued on to patrol area after an action which lasted from contact to completion, 15 1/2 hours.

The ship most of have been on of the merchants set to "elite" , as it was not the relatively easy prey lone merchants usually are with the radical course and speed changes and sharp eyed look outs.

Some screen shots from the battle. I had the external cam off so options were limited...

Pressing the firing plunger. to finish off the the KIGAN MARU

After sinking the KIGAN MARU, proceeded to patrol area arriving the next evening. With SD radar now equipped and in an open ocean patrol area, opted to patrol surfaced instead of submerging in daylight to increase mobility and chances of sighting. A trim dive was made twice each day and thorough sound sweeps made throughout the day.

At 2100 on 14 June lookouts spotted an enemy destroyer. Went to General Quarters-Torpedo. Soon other ships spotted, had a convoy on course directly to Cam Rahm Bay. Convoy was large, with nine AP (troopships) and three escorts...two destroyers and one torpedo boat, possibly Otori class.

Submerged at 2203 and closed target. Went deep at 2221 to avoid destroyer, which passed overhead at high speed, Seal not detected. When back at periscope depth, was 300 yards off starboard side of the outer column! Convoy track had shifted slightly, ordered back 1/3 to open range for firing. A quick plot showed convoy speed of 13 knots.

At 2241 fired two MK 14 torpedoes (Tubes 1,2,3) at a KITRUIN MARU troopship from 1800 yards and two at a SAKITO MARU troopship at 2300 yards. Torpedo 4 prematurely detonated shortly after arming. Torpedo 1 missed astern of KITRUIN MARU, torpedo 2 hit, but was a dud. Torpedo 4 missed SAKITO MARU as the now alerted convoy slowed, causing torpedo to miss forward.

Escorts soon rushed in and depth charged Seal for the next 6 hours. Several charges came close, causing leaks in piping and air lines, as well as damage to forward batteries. All damage repaired. Surfacing after dawn, recharged batteries then submerged to 200 ft for the day for torpedo reload and crew rest.

Next couple of days saw increased air activity off Cam Rahn Bay, Seal had stirred the hornets nest so to speak and was forced to dive repeatedly. One contact on 15 June was only detected at 5.5 NM and spotted Seal as she submerged. The twin engine bombers (BETTY) put a series of charges along side Seal as she passed 84 feet, causing minor damage with leaks in piping and air lines, minor flooding in control room. All repaired.

During the morning trim dive on 16 June at 0600, sound detected distant prop noises bearing 335 long range. Surfaced into an overcast sky, with a medium fog and light chop to the seas. Obviously this made visual tracking difficult. Closed the bearing at high speed. At 0701, a whisp of smoke was spotted on horizon and General Quarters-Torpedo was called. At 0709 target spotted seal (somehow) and opened fire with deck guns, shells splashes around sea. Turned away, less they get a lucky shot and tracked ahead, submerging for attack at 0747, closing on sound bearing as had no visual contact at the time due to fog.

0752 via periscope, spotted ship emerging from the fog at range of 3870 yards on course 063 zigging at 7 knots. All bow tubes were readied for firing.At 0813 , as target zig presented favorable firing angle, fired bow tubes 1,2,3 from 1000 yards. All three torpedoes wakes were observed running under target, torpedoes set to depth of 10 feet ran deeper than set, it is assumed. Fired a fourth torpedo at 0816, which missed or ran deep.

Brought stern about, readied stern torpedo tubes and fired spread of four after torpedoes set to minimum depth setting. One prematurely detonated just yards from target, second impacted but failed to detonate (dud), two others missed or ran deep. Pulled away for torpedo reload as target disappeared in to the fog.

0956 Surfaced into clear weather as fog had lifted and began pursuit course.

1928 Finally regained contact with merchant and closed, which was difficult as night set in but by 2015 was submerged and had target in sight. Appeared to be the same DAKAR MARU freighter pursued earlier. At 2019 fired final two torpedoes from bow tubes 2 and 3. Both torpedoes missed, likely due to running deep as tracked properly. All torpedoes expended , waited for target to clear and pursued for a night gunnery action but was unable to regain contact. All torpedoes expended, set course for Fremantle.

At 0618 on 18 June as Seal approached Balabac Strait, spotted smoke on the horizon in the dawn light. One AK with one DD escorting exiting the strait course 302 degrees at 8 knots. Position 7-4 N 116-25 E. Contact report sent. Seal turned away from the ships. Suddenly, the destroyer turned towards Seal at high speed and flashes were seen from her forward guns. Splashes landed well ahead of Seal. Destroyer, an older type believed to be Wakatake Class closed and fired several times but could not catch up to Seals 20 knots and never came closer than 6000 yards. Eventually turning back, but she had protected her charge, ran us off. Continued on to Balabac strait and transited without incident.

On 21 June Seal was in Makassar Strait and made its morning trim dive at 0600. At 0605 sound detected distant props. Surfaced and closed to investigate contact. Smoke was spotted on Horizon at 0640. Pulled ahead to close and review target, to decide if gun action possible. Target made repeated course and speed changes making this difficult. Finally at 1026 submerged to close and inspect target, which revealed no large guns mounted, only anti aircraft type auto cannons and machines guns. Called for General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action at 1045 and turned off target track to present Seal's stern and aft mounted deck gun to target. Surfaced at 3000 yards from target an commencing firing at 1050.

The 3 inch gun and 20 MM gun scored numerous hits on the enemy vessel as it turned away and returned fire with its MG and AC.

At 1056, lucky rounds hit the deck gun crew (see casualties below). Immediately a replacement crew took over and Seal pursued at back emergency speed in a stern chased, scoring repeated hits on the target, which caught fire and seemed to lose way. The 3 inch gun continued to hammer the target until the entire ship was ablaze and appeared to be sinking. Ceased fire at 1106. At 1111, ZINBU MARU 5186 tons sunk by gunfire.

The following casualties were a result of machine gun fire from the enemy vessel. All were members of the primary 3 inch gun crew.

Killed in Action:

CTM Rob I. Madison (Chief of the Boat)

Wounded in Action

Ens. Marion L. Lynch - Minor wound-recovered

TM1 Herbert Bell-Seriously wounded, recovered.

TM1 Leigh Simmons-Seriously wounded, recovered.

TM3 Dudley T. Jenkins Seriously wounded-recovered

TM3 Theodore N. Campbell-Minor wound.-recovered.

All KIA WIA received Purple Heart upon return to Fremantle.

Ships Sunk on this patrol:

Name Class Tons Cause
KIGAN MARU AK 7390 Torpedo

ZINBU MARU AK 5186 Gunfire-3 inch and 20 MM

Remarks:

Difficult patrol, relatively short in duration of thirty days due to quick expenditure of torpedoes, with missed opportunities due to repeated torpedo failures. First patrol with SD radar. SD performance was overall satisfactory, although its failure to detect low flying BETTY did lead to Seal being damaged.

Casualties suffered in the gun action are regrettable, future gun attacks will be carried out at longer distances. A larger, more powerful deck is desired as 3 inch appears to be underpowered.

10-06-21, 02:14 AM	#5114
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	USS Seal SS-183 Fourth War Patrol 26 May-26 June 1942 TMO 2.5 Update 100 difficulty, cams off, contacts off. War Patrol Report USS Seal SS-183 Fourth War Patrol 26 May -26 June 1943 Area B6-South China Sea off Indochina Departed for patrol on 26 June at 0730 hours and set course for patrol area via Lombok Strait, Makassar Strait, Sulu Sea, Balabac Strait to South China Sea. On On the evening of 29 May while transiting Lombok Strait on the surface, spotted two enemy destroyers patrolling the center of the strait, evaded at high speed. Exited strait at 2331 and proceeded. On 5 June at 0700 after exiting Balabac Strait, was forced to dive for an SD radar contact closing at 7 miles. At 0415 on 6 June 1942, while passing through Area D6 in South China Sea en route to assigned area, lookouts spotted a vessel bearing 330 6000 yards. Immediately turned to shadow until dawn and went to General Quarters-Torpedo. The following action would be one of the most challenging vs an escorted merchant in memory. At 0526 , submerged for dawn periscope attack. Target identified as KIGAN MARU 7390 tons. Target was on a course of 165 degrees at 9 knots. All stern tubes were readied and fired three MK 14 torpedoes from tubes 5,6, and 7 at 0553. Range 1000 yards, AOB 85 P , 1.5 degree spread on TDC knob. At 0553:35 torpedo (tube 5) prematurely detonated about 20 yards from target. This appeared to alert the target as it slowed and began to turned towards the Seal, caused the other two torpedoes to just barely miss ahead and aster of target respectively. Just after missing ahead, torpedo(tube 7) prematurely detonated off the starboard bow of target. Final torpedo reached its maximum range and end of run explosions was heard. KIGAN MARU increased speed and turned away preventing an immediate follow up attack. Note: Target was observed to have 4 inch guns for and aft. At 0555 Surfaced, secured from General Quarters and raced at 10 NM off starboard side of target, tracking by its smoke, visible on horizon. All tubes reloaded. Ahead of target, submerged at 0808 for second attack. Called General Quarters Torpedo once submerged at 0815. At 0906 Seal was ahead of target, target changed course preventing a bow shot, turned off track for another stern shot. and at 0933 fired Tubes 5 and 6 at 1200 yards, as targets broadside exposed during its zig. First torpedo prematurely detonated and second passed right under the target. . The ship turned toward the Seal's periscope and fired forward deck gun and machine guns at scope. Ordered depth of 90 feet, soon the KIGAN MARU's props noises were audible through hull as it passed above. Secured General Quarters, reloaded tubes and waited for enemy to clear area before surfacing for another end around. At 1403 surfaced into overcast skies, thunder, moderates winds, light but choppy seas and a light fog. Raced along last known course of KIGAN MARU at flank speed and made contact at 1419, spotting whips of smoke on horizon , in spite of the fog. Submerged the boat in preparation for attack, but contact was not arriving as expecting. Target had changed course. Surfaced and began chasing to get ahead ad at 1442 spotted the KIGAN MARU in the fog at 7200 yards. KIGAN MARU spotted Seal, as opened fire with both deck guns, shells landing in the distance off Drum's stern and port side. Kigan Maru increased speed to 10 knots in opposite direction. At 1531 SD radar had a contact at 9 NM closing fast. Seal submerged to 150 feet. Surfacing again at 1550, closed target s estimated location at high speed. SD contact was made but range steady, did not dive. The low visibility helped shield Seal from being spotted by the aircraft. Submerged the boat at 1633 for attack. At 1637 all tubes were readied forward and at 1558 fired Tubes 1,2 at target from 1000 yards, both prematurely detonated shortly after arming. Fired tubes 3,4 as still have favorable set up. Torpedo 3 prematurely detonated, torpedo 4 impacted just of the stack, causing a large explosion. Engine noises on sound ceased. Enemy spotted Seal's scopes and began firing, dropped scope to move into position to finish vessel off with stern tubes. During the turn, passed 300 yards along side the enemy vessel and raised scope, which came under fire from deck guns and machine guns, dropped scope. At 1721 fired Tube 6 from 900 yards. Torpedo impacted, setting off a large explosion and fire. Target began to sink, water lapping over the decks. At 1737, KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk at 8-54 N 113-36 E in South China Sea (Area D5) . Surfaced and continued on to patrol area after an action which lasted from contact to completion, 15 1/2 hours. The ship most of have been on of the merchants set to "elite" , as it was not the relatively easy prey lone merchants usually are with the radical course and speed changes and sharp eyed look outs. Some screen shots from the battle. I had the external cam off so options were limited... Pressing the firing plunger. to finish off the the KIGAN MARU After sinking the KIGAN MARU, proceeded to patrol area arriving the next evening. With SD radar now equipped and in an open ocean patrol area, opted to patrol surfaced instead of submerging in daylight to increase mobility and chances of sighting. A trim dive was made twice each day and thorough sound sweeps made throughout the day. At 2100 on 14 June lookouts spotted an enemy destroyer. Went to General Quarters-Torpedo. Soon other ships spotted, had a convoy on course directly to Cam Rahm Bay. Convoy was large, with nine AP (troopships) and three escorts...two destroyers and one torpedo boat, possibly Otori class. Submerged at 2203 and closed target. Went deep at 2221 to avoid destroyer, which passed overhead at high speed, Seal not detected. When back at periscope depth, was 300 yards off starboard side of the outer column! Convoy track had shifted slightly, ordered back 1/3 to open range for firing. A quick plot showed convoy speed of 13 knots. At 2241 fired two MK 14 torpedoes (Tubes 1,2,3) at a KITRUIN MARU troopship from 1800 yards and two at a SAKITO MARU troopship at 2300 yards. Torpedo 4 prematurely detonated shortly after arming. Torpedo 1 missed astern of KITRUIN MARU, torpedo 2 hit, but was a dud. Torpedo 4 missed SAKITO MARU as the now alerted convoy slowed, causing torpedo to miss forward. Escorts soon rushed in and depth charged Seal for the next 6 hours. Several charges came close, causing leaks in piping and air lines, as well as damage to forward batteries. All damage repaired. Surfacing after dawn, recharged batteries then submerged to 200 ft for the day for torpedo reload and crew rest. Next couple of days saw increased air activity off Cam Rahn Bay, Seal had stirred the hornets nest so to speak and was forced to dive repeatedly. One contact on 15 June was only detected at 5.5 NM and spotted Seal as she submerged. The twin engine bombers (BETTY) put a series of charges along side Seal as she passed 84 feet, causing minor damage with leaks in piping and air lines, minor flooding in control room. All repaired. During the morning trim dive on 16 June at 0600, sound detected distant prop noises bearing 335 long range. Surfaced into an overcast sky, with a medium fog and light chop to the seas. Obviously this made visual tracking difficult. Closed the bearing at high speed. At 0701, a whisp of smoke was spotted on horizon and General Quarters-Torpedo was called. At 0709 target spotted seal (somehow) and opened fire with deck guns, shells splashes around sea. Turned away, less they get a lucky shot and tracked ahead, submerging for attack at 0747, closing on sound bearing as had no visual contact at the time due to fog. 0752 via periscope, spotted ship emerging from the fog at range of 3870 yards on course 063 zigging at 7 knots. All bow tubes were readied for firing.At 0813 , as target zig presented favorable firing angle, fired bow tubes 1,2,3 from 1000 yards. All three torpedoes wakes were observed running under target, torpedoes set to depth of 10 feet ran deeper than set, it is assumed. Fired a fourth torpedo at 0816, which missed or ran deep. Brought stern about, readied stern torpedo tubes and fired spread of four after torpedoes set to minimum depth setting. One prematurely detonated just yards from target, second impacted but failed to detonate (dud), two others missed or ran deep. Pulled away for torpedo reload as target disappeared in to the fog. 0956 Surfaced into clear weather as fog had lifted and began pursuit course. 1928 Finally regained contact with merchant and closed, which was difficult as night set in but by 2015 was submerged and had target in sight. Appeared to be the same DAKAR MARU freighter pursued earlier. At 2019 fired final two torpedoes from bow tubes 2 and 3. Both torpedoes missed, likely due to running deep as tracked properly. All torpedoes expended , waited for target to clear and pursued for a night gunnery action but was unable to regain contact. All torpedoes expended, set course for Fremantle. At 0618 on 18 June as Seal approached Balabac Strait, spotted smoke on the horizon in the dawn light. One AK with one DD escorting exiting the strait course 302 degrees at 8 knots. Position 7-4 N 116-25 E. Contact report sent. Seal turned away from the ships. Suddenly, the destroyer turned towards Seal at high speed and flashes were seen from her forward guns. Splashes landed well ahead of Seal. Destroyer, an older type believed to be Wakatake Class closed and fired several times but could not catch up to Seals 20 knots and never came closer than 6000 yards. Eventually turning back, but she had protected her charge, ran us off. Continued on to Balabac strait and transited without incident. On 21 June Seal was in Makassar Strait and made its morning trim dive at 0600. At 0605 sound detected distant props. Surfaced and closed to investigate contact. Smoke was spotted on Horizon at 0640. Pulled ahead to close and review target, to decide if gun action possible. Target made repeated course and speed changes making this difficult. Finally at 1026 submerged to close and inspect target, which revealed no large guns mounted, only anti aircraft type auto cannons and machines guns. Called for General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action at 1045 and turned off target track to present Seal's stern and aft mounted deck gun to target. Surfaced at 3000 yards from target an commencing firing at 1050. The 3 inch gun and 20 MM gun scored numerous hits on the enemy vessel as it turned away and returned fire with its MG and AC. At 1056, lucky rounds hit the deck gun crew (see casualties below). Immediately a replacement crew took over and Seal pursued at back emergency speed in a stern chased, scoring repeated hits on the target, which caught fire and seemed to lose way. The 3 inch gun continued to hammer the target until the entire ship was ablaze and appeared to be sinking. Ceased fire at 1106. At 1111, ZINBU MARU 5186 tons sunk by gunfire. The following casualties were a result of machine gun fire from the enemy vessel. All were members of the primary 3 inch gun crew. Killed in Action: CTM Rob I. Madison (Chief of the Boat) Wounded in Action Ens. Marion L. Lynch - Minor wound-recovered TM1 Herbert Bell-Seriously wounded, recovered. TM1 Leigh Simmons-Seriously wounded, recovered. TM3 Dudley T. Jenkins Seriously wounded-recovered TM3 Theodore N. Campbell-Minor wound.-recovered. All KIA WIA received Purple Heart upon return to Fremantle. Ships Sunk on this patrol: Name Class Tons Cause KIGAN MARU AK 7390 Torpedo ZINBU MARU AK 5186 Gunfire-3 inch and 20 MM Remarks: Difficult patrol, relatively short in duration of thirty days due to quick expenditure of torpedoes, with missed opportunities due to repeated torpedo failures. First patrol with SD radar. SD performance was overall satisfactory, although its failure to detect low flying BETTY did lead to Seal being damaged. Casualties suffered in the gun action are regrettable, future gun attacks will be carried out at longer distances. A larger, more powerful deck is desired as 3 inch appears to be underpowered.