TMO 2.5 with custom mods
100 difficulty cams off, contacts on.
Note: This is the first time in all of my years of running TMO have managed to complete the entire war (well early 1942 when started new construction) until end of war in a Gato, or anything "below" a Balao Class without getting killed. TMO is tough and the boats who can't dive as deep face more of a challenge. I have started in January 1944 in a Gato and survived the war, but never from 42 when the class first becomes available I definitely had some close calls during the 14 patrols of this career, but managed to survive.
For all but the 12th, 13th, and 14th patrols(little to no traffic in those areas nor in the sim at the time, so went elsewhere) , I had orders to the actual areas Drum patrolled.
This also allowed me to test my TMO Update from early in the war until the end, see how things unfold in the campaign, and pretty happy overall.
As many may have read in this thread, I documented all 14 patrols in detailed reports and even began to write them in the style of actual WW II patrol reports utilizing data recorded during the patrol. Minute details of attacks such as Gyro Angles, Torpedo Tracks, Course etc. was gathered from the TDC in the sim. If not aware, can place your cursor over the TDC panel (2D) upper and lower dials, will provide these details. If the PK is activated, will update. Things such as serial numbers etc info not in game were stylized after the actual patrol reports.
With the 3D TDC/Radar mod which is incorporated in TMO, can get a lot of great information by studying the dials as they update the solution. I run most patrols without map contacts, so makes for a challenging but interesting time.
I also, by editing the career track files, "switched" Captains throughout the career at appropriate times and used the names of actual CO's for the Drum at appropriate time periods. This career served as a test bed for a future series of "campaigns" plan to develop, where player plays through a boats career, to the actual patrol areas. Drum will be first, followed by Tang, etc.
War Patrol Report
USS Drum SS-228
War Patrol Fourteen
1 July-19 August 1945
(A) Prologue
Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., from thirteenth war patrol on 30 March 1945.
Sent to Hunters Point, San Francisco, California, for overhaul and refit, including dry docking.
Arrived Hunters Point, San Francisco, California, on April 11, 1945.
The following major refit work was completed on Drum during the refit period following War Patrol Thirteen:
1.)5 inch 25 Caliber Wet Mount Gun added forward and aft. (Aft mount removed before patrol at Submarine Base Pearl Harbor.)
2.) Single 40 MM Bofors Cannon replaced Twin 20 MM Oerlikon on fore AA platform.
3.) SV Radar replaced SD Radar.
4.) Conning tower cut down aft to further reduce silhouette.
6.) No.1 periscope replaced with improved "night" periscope.
7.) JT Listening Gear installed to replace JP-1 Listening Gear.
Executive Officer Lieut. A.N. Callaghan, USN, detached for new construction on 15 April 1945, relieved as Executive Officer by Lieut. A.L. O Leary, USN.
Ens. L.Y. Hammond, USN, promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, effective 1 April 1945.
Ens. M.A. Rossi, USN, and Ens. I.T. Abele, USN, reported aboard 1 May 1945.
CPO. W.S. Braun, USN, replaced CPO B.J. Sanders, USN, as Chief of the Boat (COB), followed Sander's detachment to short duty.
CPO's, B.B Scott, and H.A. Gregory, USN, reported aboard. PO 1/c D.R. Muller promoted to CPO effective 10 April 1945.
In addition to the wardroom and senior enlisted changes, forty crewmembers were detached with forty mostly inexperienced replacements reporting aboard. In addition to training during the refit period, intense drills will be conducted en route to area on new patrol to insure maximum readiness of the crew.
Ready for Sea 1 July 1945.
(B) Narrative
Officers and Chief Petty Officers.
File Number Name Number of War Patrols
78641 Lt. Comdr. F.M. Eddy, USN (CO) 9
919543 Lieut. A.L. O Leary, USN (XO) 11
161064 Lieut. G.P.A. Romano, USN 7
109492 Lieut. (jg) L.Y. Hammond,USNR 5
228826 Ens. N.T. Connaway, USNR 5
831858 Ens. M.A. Rossi, USN 0
190345 Ens. I.T. Abele, USN 0
Service Number Name Number of War Patrols
321 19 14 Braun, W.S., CTM, (COB) USN 12
223 47 64 Ferrall,E.W., CEM, USN 11
328 60 88 Stevens, W.E., CMoMM, USN 7
425 87 91 Gregory, H.A., CMoMM, USN 8
391 21 42 Muller, D.R., CMoMM, USN 7
334 84 19 Scott, B.B., CMoMM, USN 0
1 July
0930 Depart Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor for patrol area via Midway.
1230 Trim Dive.
1250 Surfaced.
2 July
0900 Gunnery Drill. Fired 5 inch, 40 MM, and 20 MM guns.
0930 Emergency Dive Drill. Simulated SD contact closing fast. Dive Time is 38 seconds.
0935 Torpedo Approach and Attack Drill on simulated target.
2300 Submerged for night periscope attack drill.
2350 Surfaced.
3 July
En route to Midway
4 July
En route Midway.
5 July
1030 Docked at Midway Island for refuel.
1302 Refuel complete. Depart Midway Island for patrol area: Sea of Okhotsk and Kuril Islands.
1640 Trim Dive.
1700 Surfaced.
6 July
En route patrol area.
7 July
1730 Storms. Overcast with moderate fog, heavy seas with 10-12 ft waves.Wind speed 15 meters per second, direction 244.
1915 Storms cleared.
8 July
En route patrol area.
9 July
En route patrol area.
10 July
1000 Storms set in. Overcast, heavy wind, rain, seas, and fog. 10-12 ft waves. Wind 15 meters per second direction 002.
1840 Storms cleared.
11 July
En route patrol area.
12 July
0030 Entered Patrol Area.
1740 Submerged for attack.
1741 Sound contact: Warship bearing 299 Long Range. Closing medium speed.
1743 General Quarters- Torpedo.
1800 Spotted Mikura Class Type B Coastal Defense/Escort Vessel bearing 292, estimated range 6500 yards.
1816 ATTACK NO.1 Fired MK 27 Homing Torpedo.
1821 Torpedo Missed.
1828 Secured General Quarters
2049 Possible props noises 027 degrees very long range.
2245 Surfaced
2251 SJ contact bearing 295 12 NM. 47-55 N 153-4 E
2350 SJ contact is a large iceberg. 48-6 N 153-1 E 10 NM East Matsuwa Island.
13 July
0519 Sighted fishing boats 48-21 N 153-37 E.
0520 General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action.
0529:15 Opened Fire. GUN ACTION NO.1
0529:31 Direct hits caused boat to exploded. Boat destroyed.
0532 Ceased Fire. Three fishing boats sunk. 48-20 N 153-38 E
0540 Secured General Quarters.
1521 SV contact bearing 081 9 NM, closing. Submerged. AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.1
1915 Sound reports distant props bearing 131.
1916 Surfaced. Course 299° to investigate.
1922 SJ contacts bearing 341 14 NM 48-54 N 154-25 E PPI indicates convoy.
2131 Convoy rounded west side of Kharimkotan Island, Drum proceeded east of side to cut through the straight between Kharimkotan and Onekotan Islands to head off the convoy.
2211 Regained SJ contact with convoy round Kharimkotan Island. Bearing 316 11 NM. 49-12 N 154-37 E.
2214- General Quarters
2229 Smoke from convoy sighted bearing 260.
14 July
0130 Quarter moon set. Turned to course 195 for night surface attack.
0202 Convoy Sighted. 49-38 N 154-42 E Course 037 Speed 8 knots.
0216 ATTACK NO. 2
0218 All torpedoes impacted targets as aimed. Drum turned away for high speed run to west. Do not believe escorts had a fix on Drum as received no gunfire.
0221 HAKUSIKA MARU 8150 tons sunk at 04-37 N 39-37 N.
0224 TAIHOSAN MARU 1850 tons sunk at 04-37 N 39-37 N.
0240 Secure General Quarters.
0300 SJ contact 314 14 NM 49-55 N 154-38 E
0347 Visual contact on a Chidori Class Torpedo Boat, likely responding to area after alerted to earlier attack. Avoided contact.
1035 Submerged for patrol West of Paramushiru Island.
1044 Sound reports warship closing from bearing 035, medium range. Likely a patrol.
1109 Mikura Class Type B Coastal Defense/Escort Vessel spotted, bearing 145 4500 yards, closing, fast. Believe Drum has been detected.
1110 Rigged for Silent Running. Rigged for Depth Charge.
1119:10 Depth charge explosions astern, not close.
1119:44 Pinging by enemy.
1122 Escort overhead.
1123:10 Splashes in water.
1123:30 Multiple DC explosions, fairly close. Boat shaken. Drum Depth: 387 ft
1140 Escort several thousand yards astern , hunting. Appears to have lost contact with Drum.
1435 Second warship contact bearing 241 long range. Believe this is another ASW responding to reports of submarine presence.
2000 Surfaced. Ser course to patrol the La Perouse-Paramushiru sea lanes in Sea of Okhotsk.
15 July
Patrol
16 July
Patrol
17 July
Patrol
18 July
Patrol
19 July
Patrol
20 July
0602 SJ Contact bearing 042 14 NM. 49-16 N 144-32 E 10 NM E of Karafuto Island. PPI indicates NNW bound convoy hugging coast.
0746 Submerged for attack.
0750 General Quarters.
0905 Convoy zigged to starboard, ruining set up.
0907 Passed thermal layer at 150 feet.
0909 Escort pinging.
0914 Depth charge explosions astern, not close. Heavy seas preventing accurate tracking of Drum. Drum at 200 ft. Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running.
0919 More DC explosions.
1100 Secured General Quarters.
1215 Secured from Silent Running.
1219 Surface for end around on convoy.
1550 General Quarters
1608 Submerged for attack.
1637 Convoy sighted.50-01 N 144-02 E. Course 330 speed 9 knots. Three AK, screen consists one Chidori, one MS, three PC escorts.
1648 ATTACK NO. 3 Fired three MK 18 torpedoes from stern tubes.
1651 Torpedoes impacted bow area in succession. Large fires, ship appears seriously damaged. Type A escort is 1100 yards away bearing 180. Spotted scope just as torpedoes impacted. Escort changed course at high speed for Drum's scope, pinging on short scale. Ordered 350 feet depth, rigged for silent running and depth charge.
1652 at Thermal layer 95 feet. Deployed SBT-1 decoy at 105 feet.
1654:21 Splashes overhead.
1654:32 DC explosions. more pinging. Drum at 330 ft.
1655 More splashes. DC explosions.
1656 Drum at 375 ft.
1700 Many depth charge explosions astern. Escorts may be focused on SBT-1 decoy deployed.
1828 Secured General Quarters.
1835 Begin stern torpedo reload. Forward torpedo room removing MK 18's from Tubes 1,2, 3,4,5 to replace with MK 16 and MK 14 for future night surface attack on convoy. Remained submerged during torpedo reload and swap out due to heavy sea state.
2054 Torpedo reload and swap out completed.
2358 Radar Depth. SJ radar has convoy bearing 210 10 NM.
2359 Surfaced. Sea state improved from heavy to moderate.
21 July
0239 Regained SJ contact. Battery sufficiently charged for submerged attack. Night periscope attack in lieu of surface attack due to moonlight.
0245 General Quarters-Torpedo.
0250 Submerged for attack.
0318 Radar Depth.
0346 ATTACK NO 4. Fired two MK 16 torpedoes.
0347 Both torpedoes impacted target. Pinging began immediately. Drum rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running.
0348 MADRAS MARU 3790 tons sunk at 50-33 N 143-39 E. Ordered depth of 350 feet.
0351 Pinging. Escorts closing.
0353 Depth charge explosions astern. Passed thermal layer 170 feet.
0354 Short scale pinging. Escort closing. SBT-1 decoy deployed
0355 Escort overhead. Splashes audible.
0356 DC explosions.
0358 Escort close bearing 050 pinging short scale.
0359 DC explosion, close. Boat shaken. Drum at 380 feet.
0401 Short scale pinging. Escort c losing from astern Deployed SBT-1 decoy. Drum to 390 feet.
0402 DC explosions astern.
0403 Pinging, short scale.
0405 DC explosions.
0500 Escorts appear to have lost contact with Drum.
0530 Secured General Quarters.
0606 Periscope depth.
0607 Surfaced for end around.
0754 Convoy changed course to NE heading away from Karafuto Island. Believe sea lane establishedtraffice traffic exits La Perouse or ports on Hokkaido, runs along the Karafuto/Sakhalin coast the into the Northern Sea of Okhotsk, possibly into Russian waters to avoid submarine attack. Convoy took heading 025° at 50-57 N 143-46 E.
1046 Regained SJ contact bearing 334 15 NM. 05-20 N 143-55 E.
1104 Smoke sighted 090 estimated 8 NM.
1105 General Quarters-Torpedo
1118 Submerged for attack.
1154 Periscope depth. Convoy at bearing 056. Course 045 speed 8.5 knots. One AK, one Chidori escort leading, one Type A on starboard, one unknown on port. Escort is off on "sweep" permitting Drum to close target.
1159 Pinging. Drum detected. Chidori closing. Turned towards Chidori for down the throat shot.
1202 Attempted to fire MK 18 in tube # 4, torpedo failed to fire (See Damage and Defects Section) . With range now too close to fire ordered emergency dive. Released SBT-1 decoys. Ordered 350 feet.
DC splashes heard as Chidori roared overhead. Rigged for depth charge and silent running.
DC explosions. Boat shaken.
1204 Pinging.
1207 DC explosions. close Boat shaken. Depth: 375 ft
1210 DC explosions, close.
1400 Secured General Quarters.
1508 Surfaced for end around.
2025 Regained SJ contact with convoy 004 12 NM 51-43 N 145-0 E.
22 July
0102 General Quarters-Torpedo. Full moon, opted for submerged night periscope attack.
0133 Submerged for attack.
0153 ATTACK NO. 5 Fired two MK 14 torpedoes.
0154 Torpedo Impact! Amidships.
0155 Torpedo Impact! Forward. Vessel on fire.
0158:31 WATANABE MARU 3600 tons sunk. 52-01 N 145-25 E.
0158:55 PC type escort bearing 120 1000 yards. Ordered dive to 300 ft. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.
0202 DC explosions. close, boat shaken. Damage reported. (See damage section) Drum depth: 340 ft.
0205-0300 Multiple Depth charge attacks from escorts. No damage.
0400 Secured General Quarters.
0730 Submerged.
2200 Surfaced
23 July
Patrolled Northern Sea of Okhotsk along suspected Karafuto-Paramushiru shipping lanes.
24 July
0943 Spotted several icebergs. 53-15 N 150 14 E
25 July
Patrolled Northern Sea of Okhotsk along suspected Karafuto-Paramushiru shipping lanes.
26 July
Patrolled Northern Sea of Okhotsk along suspected Karafuto-Paramushiru shipping lanes.
27 July
Patrolled Northern Sea of Okhotsk along suspected Karafuto-Paramushiru shipping lanes.
28 July
Patrolled Northern Sea of Okhotsk along suspected Karafuto-Paramushiru shipping lanes.
29 July
0502 Spotted fishing boats bearing 042 5500 yards.
0503 General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action.
0512 GUN ACTION NO. 2. Commenced firing.
0523 Ceased fired. Three fishing boats 200 tons each (estimated) sunk at 49-10 N 154-52 E and 49-10 N 154-53 .
0649 Spotted fishing boats 000 5660 yards. General Quarter Battle Surface Gun Action.
0558 GUN ACTION NO.3 Commenced firing.
0611 Ceased Fire. Three fishing boats sunk by gunfire. 49-14 N 154-57 E
1331 SV contact bearing 089 8.8 NM. AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 2. Submerged.
1558 Surfaced.
1757 SV contact bearing 301 9 NM. Submerged.
2214 9 NM NNE of Matsuwa.
30 July
0015 Surfaced.
0047 Iceberg spotted 000 5700 yards. 48-12 N 153 07 E. 7 NM NE Matsuwa Island.
0500 Submerged for patrol off Matsuwa Island.
1100 Sound reported distant props bearing 040-050.
1155 Surfaced.
1220 PC arrived in Drum's former location and began searching. Possibly spotted by shore observers.
1232 Surfaced to clear Matsuwa.
1417 SV contact bearing 122 10 NM. Range steady. AIRCRAFT CONTACT #4
1426 SV contact closing. Submerged to avoid.
1549 Surfaced.
1650 Spotted fishing boats bearing 350 range 8000 yards.
1653 General Quarters-Battle Surface- Gun Action.
1700 GUN ACTION NO. 4 Commenced firing.
1710 Ceased fire. Four fishing boats sunk.
1712 Secure General Quarters.
31 July
0108 SJ contact bearing 325 14 NM. 47-5 151-54. PPI indicates convoy hugging coast of Simusir Island.
0125 General Quarters-Torpedo
0133 Submerged for attack.
0224 ATTACK NO. 6 Fired three MK 18 and one MK 27 homing torpedo. from stern tubes.
0227 Three torpedoes impacted lead AK.
0228 Pinging. Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running. Drum to 300 ft.
0232 Torpedo Impact ! MK 27 homing torpedo hit target. Believe to be the trailing AK.Massive secondary explosions audible as well as sounds of ship sinking.
0233 Pinging. DC explosions near by. Escort closing.
0400 Secure General Quarters.
0600 Periscope/Radar depth. All clear. Secure Silent Running.
0605 Remained submerged for the day at 200 ft. Periscope observations at 0900, 1200, 1600, 2250.
2300 Surfaced.
1 August
2000 Storms. Overcast, heavy seas, precipitation, winds.
2 August
0007 SJ contact on stationary object. Believe to be iceberg. Storms prevent investigation.
0636 Received orders from COMSUBPAC to sweep the southern coast of Hokkaido.
3 August
2200 Patrolling Southern Coast of Hokkaido
4 August
Patrolling Southern coast of Hokkaido, en route back to Okhotsk
5 August
Patrol
6 August
Patrol
2100 Evening FOX mentioned dropping of "Atomic Weapon" on Hiroshima. City reported destroyed.
Set course to patrol Karafuto/Terpeniya Bay.
2136 SJ contacts bearing 004 14 NM. 44-41 N 143 22 E. PPI indicates convoy off coast of Northern Hokkaido.
2140- General Quarters-Torpedo
2203 Submerged for attack.
2235 ATTACK NO. 7 Fired four MK 18 at lead AK.
2236 Pinging. Escort closing bearing 080. Rig for depth charge, silent running.
2238 Thermal layer 136 ft. Torpedoes missed. SBT-1 decoy deployed.
2239 Multiple DC explosions. Drum 268 feet. 12 ft off bottom. Escort appears to have dropped on decoy instead of Drum.
2244 Pinging. Escort closing
2245 DC explosions, close.
2250 DC explosions. Boat shaken.
2251 DC explosions close. Damage reported. See damage section.
2352-2259 Many depth charges astern. Escorts attacking decoys.
7 August
0003 Periscope/radar depth. Lone contact bearing 180 7800 yards.
0004 Surfaced. Escort heard Drum surfacing, closed fast. Drum sped away.
0006 Engines on overload, escort pursuing. 22.5 knots sustained speed, peaked at 23.0 knots.
0010 PPI indicates two other escorts heading for Drums position.
0052-Last reserve torpedo(MK 16) loaded into Tube # 4. Drum has four torpedoes remaining. One aft (Tube 8 MK 18) and three (Tubes 4, MK 16, Tubes 5 and 6 MK 18) bow. remain.
0309 Convoy resumed consist course. Prepared for surface torpedo attack.
0414 ATTACK NO. 7. Fired one MK 16 torpedo (Tube #4)
0416 Torpedo impact!
0419 AKITA MARU 3936 tons sunk at 44-24 N 143-45 E.
0430 Secured General Quarters. Dawn in less than one hour, will attack after breakfast and convoy has chance to settle down.
0743 Submerged for Attack.
0750 General Quarters-Torpedo.
0815 On observation, plot showed convoy would overrun Drum, too close for bow shot. With only one torpedo aft, this was not optimal, then began a turn away to open range, then a turn back for a bow shot. Lead escort came with 1200 yards during this maneuver but Drum was not detected.
0839 ATTACK NO. 9 Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 5 and 6. All bow torpedoes expended.
0841 Torpedo impacted target, setting off a massive explosion, engulfing the vessel in a fireball. similar to when a tanker is torpedoed. While an AK, possible was loaded with fuel. Second torpedo hit five seconds later, but was redundant.
0842 Pinging. Type C escort closing. Lead escort coming about towards Drum. Lead escort identified as a Otori Class Torpedo Boat. Rigged for depth charge and silent running.
0843 Thermal layer 134 ft.
0845 Escort passed overhead. Many DC explosions Drum at 265 ft. Charges were close but set too shallow it seems.
0847 Sounds confirms target sunk AK torpedoed sunk. WATANABE MARU (?) 3600 tons sunk.
0849 Escort passed overhead. Many DC explosions Boat shaken severely.
0855 SBT-1 Decoy deployed
0856 Escort passed overhead. DC explosions. Close. Boat shaken. Damage reported. (See damage section)
0858 Sound has second escort (presumed the Otori) closing fast bearing 130. Two more warship contacts closing at high speed, from long range at bearing 295.
0901 Pinging.
0904 Pinging. Escort closing from 170.
0906 Escort passed overhead. DC explosions. Close. Boat shaken. Drum at 380 ft. Damage reported(See Damage Section)
0909 Sound reports two warships closing from north. Likely ASW vessels trying to box in and block Drum's escape to deeper waters.
0911 Escort appears to be attacking decoys. DC explosion astern, distant.
1015 Escorts astern, long range.
1236 Secured General Quarters.
1409 Distant depth charges heard by sound. Escorts still hunting Drum. At periscope depth, secured silent running.
1411 Surfaced.
8 August
Patrolled off Hitokappu Bay. SJ contact was made with ships in the bay, but with one torpedo remaining and low fuel, did not seem prudent to attempt to enter the bay for an attack.
9 August
0030 After thirty nine days on patrol, with one torpedo remaining, and low fuel state, set course for Pearl Harbor via Midway.
1900 Evening Fox mentioned second Atomic Weapon dropped on Nagasaki with similar results to the bombing of Hiroshima.
10 August
En route Midway.
11
En route Midway.
12 August
En route Midway.
13 August.
En Route Midway
14 August
En route Midway
15 August
0200 Received message from COMSUBPAC that Japan has unconditionally surrendered, the war is over.
0700 Docked Midway for refuel.
1100 Departed Midway for Pearl Harbor.
16 August
En route Pearl Harbor.
17 August
En route Pearl Harbor.
18 August
En route Pearl Harbor.
19 August
0834 Docked at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
(C) Weather
The weather in the area was normal for the Sea of Okhotsk, and Kuril Islands. A near constant fog and cloud cover was present as well as cold temperatures, arctic squalls, with heavy ice cold seas. However, multiple days and nights were pleasant with calm, almost lake like waters.
(D) Tidal Information
The currents encountered in Sea of Okhotsk, in and around the Kuril Islands group corresponded to those predicted by the pilot charts, current charts, and coast pilots.
(E) No aids were encountered. Icebergs presented a navigational hazard, especially in the straits between various islands.
(F) Air Contacts
AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.1
Date: 13 July 1945
Time: 1521
Position: 49-0 N 154-20 E
Bearing: 081
Range: 9 NM
Altitude: 1000 ft
Course:015°
Speed:120 kts
Visual: No
Radar: SV
Type: Unknown
Own Ship: 115° 10 knots Surfaced.
Remark: Submerged to avoid at 1521.
AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.2
Date: 29 July 1945
Time: 1331
Position: 48-24 N 153-51 E
Bearing: 089
Range: 8.8 NM, closing.
Altitude: 800 ft
Course:135°
Speed:150 kts (estimated)
Visual: No
Radar: SV
Type: Unknown
Own Ship: 220° 10 knots Surfaced.
Remark: Submerged to avoid at 1332
AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.3
Date: 29 July 1945
Time: 1757
Position: 48-14 N 153-27 E
Bearing: 301
Range: 9 NM, closing.
Altitude: 900 ft
Course:340°
Speed:120 kts (estimated)
Visual: No
Radar: SV
Type: Unknown
Own Ship: 260° 10 knots Surfaced.
Remark: Submerged to avoid at 1757.
AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.4
Date: 30 July 1945
Time: 1418
Position: 47-53 N 153-13 E
Bearing: 122
Range: 9 NM. Steady (initially) Began closing 1426 6 NM at time of submergence.
Altitude: 1500 ft
Course:190° (initial) 290° (final)
Speed:120 kts
Visual: No
Radar: SV
Type: Unknown
Own Ship: 295° 10 knots Surfaced.
Remark: Submerged to avoid.
(G) Attack Data
Torpedo Attacks:
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 14
Time: 1816 (I) Date: 12 July 1945 Lat. 47-44 N., Long. 152-53 E.
Description:
Mikura Class Type B Coastal Defense/Escort vessel on patrol 5 NM off coast Russawa Island.
Ships Sunk:
None.
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
None.
Target Draft 13.1 feet, Course 215°, Speed 15 knots, Range yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 125°, Depth 63 feet, Angle 43° (at firing)
Type Attack
Daytime Periscope Attack with MK 27 "Cutie" homing torpedo. Torpedo missed.
Torpedo Attack # 1
Tubes Fired #6
Track Angle 101°S
Gyro Angle 9°R
Depth Set 11 ft
Course 155°
Point of Aim MOT
Hit or Miss Miss
Erratic No
Mark Torpedo 27
Serial No. 66451
Exploder 8-3
Serial No. 9992
Actuation Set Contact
Actuation Actual - -
Mark Warhead 27-1
Serial No. 5679
Explosive Torpex
Firing Interval 0
Type Spread 0
Sea Conditions Calm
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 14
Time: 0216 (I) Date: 14 July 1945 Lat. 49-38 N., Long. 154-44 E.
Description:
Small convoy hugging coast of Onekotan Island. One small AK, one large AK, two escorts.
Target #1: HAKUSIKA MARU AK 8150 tons
Target #2: TAIHOSAN MARU AK 1850 tons
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
HAKUSIKA MARU AK 8150 tons 04-37 N 39-37 N 0221
TAIHOSAN MARU AK 1850 tons 04-37 N 39-37 N 0224
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visual observation from bridge.
Target#1 Draft 28.5 feet, Course 215°, Speed 15 knots, Range 3400 yds. (at firing)
Target#2 Draft 12.1 feet, Course 035°, Speed 9 knots, Range 3100 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 4 knots, Course 131° Depth: Surfaced Angle (at firing) Target #1: 69°P Target #2: 80°S
Type Attack
Night Surface Attack. First firing of new MK 16 torpedoes. HAKUSIKA MARU burned profusely and sunk quickly after three solid hits amidships, the third torpedo was redundant in this case due to the larger warhead of MK 16. TAIHOSAN MARU slowed after first torpedo hit the trailing HAKUSIKA MARU, and was in a port turn when the fourth torpedo slammed into bow area, causing a large fire. One minute after impact, a massive, delayed secondary explosion occurred and the small ship quickly slipped beneath the waves.
Torpedo Attack # 2
Tubes Fired #1 #2 #3 #4
Track Angle 79°P 79°P 79°P 99°P
Gyro Angle 11°L 11°L 11°L 352°L
Depth Set 10 ft. 10 ft 10 ft 5 ft
Course 141° 141° 141° 123°
Point of Aim MOT MOT MOT MOT
Hit or Miss Hit Hit Hit Hit
Point of Impact MOT MOT MOT Forward Mast
Erratic No No No No
Mark Torpedo 16 16 16 16
Serial No. 83401 83402 83403 83404
Mark Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 10000 9993 9991 9994
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - - - - - - - -
Mark Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 9420 9425 9431 9471
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval 5 5 5 2
Type Spread 0 0 0 0
Sea Conditions Calm Calm Calm Calm
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3, Patrol No. 14
Time: 1648 (I) Date: 20 July 1945 Lat. 50-02 N., Long.144-03 E.
Description:
Convoy of three AK in single column with six escorts (Chidori, Shimushu Type A Escort, four PC) hugging coast of Karafuto Island
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
HAKUSIKA MARU* AK 8150 50-02 N 144-03 E 1658
* Similar to HAKUSIKA MARU likely of same class.
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visual observation of torpedo impacts via periscope. Fires visible along with sudden down angle by bow before Drum forced to go deep to avoid escorts. Sound check confirms of vessel sinking at proper bearing.
Target Draft 28.5 feet, Course 330°, Speed 9 knots, Range 3000 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 004°, Depth 60 feet, Angle 73° S (at firing)
Type Attack
Daytime Periscope Attack in heavy seas. Speed estimate was slightly fast at 9 knots, should have been set in TDC at 8.5 for MOT impact as aimed. However, the three MK 18 to bow caused serious damage to sink the vessel. A quick but ineffective counter attack by enemy escorts follow, thanks to the heavy sea state and thermal layer. One SBT-1 decoy was deployed but appears escort did not detect it until around 1700.
Torpedo Attack # 3
Tubes Fired #7 #8 #9
Track Angle 87°S 87°S 87°S
Gyro Angle 18°R 18°R 18°R
Depth Set 10ft 10ft 10ft
Course 61° 61° 61°
Point of Aim MOT MOT MOT
Hit or Miss Hit Hit Hit
Point of Impact Bow Bow Bow
Erratic No No No
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 55892 555666 54580
Mark Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 9358 10072 9312
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - -
Mark Warhead 18-2 18-2 18-2
Serial No. 2438 2554 9933
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval 5 5 5
Type Spread 0 0 0
Sea Conditions Heavy Heavy Heavy
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4, Patrol No. 14
Time: 0346 (I) Date: 21 July 1945 Lat. 50-33 N., Long.13-41 E.
Description:
Follow up attack on convoy attacked in ATTACK No. 3 after end around. Two remaining AK in single column with six escorts (Chidori, Shimushu Type A Escort, four PC) hugging coast of Karafuto Island
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
MADRAS MARU AK 3790 50-33 N 143-49 E 0348
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visual observation via periscope of two torpedo hits amidships and astern on target at 0346. Torpedoes caused two large explosions and fires on board, vessel began to list quickly to starboard until sunk at 0348.
Target Draft 25.6 feet, Course 330°, Speed 8.5 knots, Range 1746 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 250°, Depth 60 feet, Angle 89° S (at firing)
Type Attack
Night periscope attack in moderate seas due to moonlight and phosphorescence providing excellent visual conditions, not optimal for night surface attack. First use of newly installed No.1 "night periscope". In with the moonlight provided decent night time visual of target via periscope. Definite improvement over previous scopes for night attacks.
Torpedo Attack # 4
Tubes Fired #3 #4
Track Angle 100°S 100°S
Gyro Angle 8°R 8°R
Depth Set 10ft 10ft
Course 269° 269°
Point of Aim MOT MOT
Hit or Miss Hit Hit
Point of Impact MOT Aft Mast
Erratic No No
Mark Torpedo 16 16 16 16
Serial No. 83405 83406 83407 83409
Mark Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 10021 10022 10023 10024
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - - - - - - - -
Mark Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 9472 9480 9483 9487
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval 5 5 5 2
Type Spread 0 0 0 0
Sea Conditions Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5, Patrol No. 14
Time: 0153 (I) Date: 22 July 1945 Lat. 52-02 N., Long. 145-25E.
Description:
Follow up attack on convoy attacked in ATTACK No. 3 and 4 after end around. One remaining AK in single column with three escorts currently, forward, port flank, starboard flank with 1000 yards spacing. Other escorts likely trying to catch up. Convoy departed coastline and is heading NE into open waters of the Sea of Okhotsk towards Kuril Islands.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
WATANABE MARU AK 3706 52-01 N 145-25E 0157
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visual observation of torpedoes impacting target. Torpedoes impacted as aimed, with two large explosions upon impact. Large fire amidships area visible.
Target Draft 24.0 feet, Course 045°, Speed 8.5 knots, Range 1967 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 148°, Depth 64 feet, Angle 81° P (at firing)
Type Attack
Submerged, night periscope attack in calm seas.
Torpedo Attack # 5
Tubes Fired #1 #2
Track Angle 92°P 92°P
Gyro Angle 359°L 359°L
Depth Set 10ft 10ft
Course 146° 146°
Point of Aim MOT Fore Mast
Hit or Miss Hit Hit
Point of Impact MOT Forward, under mast.
Erratic No No
Mark Torpedo 14-3 14-3
Serial No. 86641 7453
Mark Exploder 6-3 6-3
Serial No. 6441 4421
Actuation Set Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - - - -
Mark Warhead 14-3 14-3
Serial No. 5472 11480
Explosive Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval 5 5
Type Spread 0 0
Sea Conditions Calm Calm
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 6, Patrol No. 14
Time: 0224 (I) Date: 31 July 1945 Lat.47-0 N., Long.151 -57 E.
Description:
Two ship, four escort convoy hugging coastline.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
SEIA MARU AK 7590 46-59 N 151-57 E 0229
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
BIYO MARU AK 5425 46-59 151-57E 0232
Damage Determined By:
Visual observation of three torpedo hits in lead AK. Large explosion and fires followed second and third hits. Observed lead AK sink by the stern at 0229. At 0232, while Drum was at 300 ft, MK 27 "Cutie" impacted an enemy vessel. The torpedo impact was audible through the hull and on sound gear. A series of massive secondary explosions occurred just after impact. Based on last bearing of the torpedo and the mid sized AK, believe MK 27 tracked and hit the AK. Judging by the unusually large explosions, ship was carrying volatile cargo such as ammunition.
SEIA MARU
Target Draft 27 feet, Course 065°, Speed 9 kts, Range 2800 yds. (at firing)
BIYO MARU
Target Draft 24 feet, Course 065°, Speed 9 kts, Range 3100 yds. (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 005°, Depth 64 feet, Angle 88° P (at firing) (SEIA MARU) 78° P (BIYO MARU)
Type Attack
Submerged-Night Periscope in choppy seas with three quarters moon and phosphorescence.
Torpedo Attack # 6
Tubes Fired #7 #8 #9 #10
Track Angle 79°S 79°S 79°S 70°S
Gyro Angle 348° 348° 348° 335°
Depth Set 10ft 10ft 10ft 6ft
Course 329° 329° 329° 329°
Point of Aim MOT MOT MOT MOT
Hit or Miss Hit Hit Hit Hit
Point of Impact MOT MOT MOT Unknown
Erratic No No No No
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1 27
Serial No. 11776 12001 10915 66454
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - - - - - - - -
Mark Warhead 8-2 8-2 8-2 27-1
Serial No. 8472 8888 9104 1308
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval 5 5 5 0
Type Spread 0 0 0 0
Sea Conditions Choppy Choppy Choppy Choppy
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 7 , Patrol No. 14
Time: 2235 (I) Date: 6 August 1945 Lat. 44-39, Long. 143-16.
Description:
Two ship four escort convoy sailing coast of Northern Hokkaido. Approached from port side of convoy.
Ships Sunk:
Ships Damaged:
None.
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
None.
Target Draft 24 feet, Course 147°, Speed 9 kts, Range yds. 2800 (at firing)
AKITA MARU 3936 tons.
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 220°, Depth 64 feet, Angle 80° P (at firing)
Type Attack
Submerged periscope attack at dusk. All torpedoes missed, as just a minute after firing, Drum was somehow detected by port flank escort. Alerted, the target changed course.
Torpedo Attack # 7
Tubes Fired #1 #2 #3 #4
Track Angle 90°P 79°P 79°P 79°P
Gyro Angle 0° 0° 0° 0°
Depth Set 10ft 10ft 10ft 10ft
Course 222° 222° 222° 222°
Point of Aim MOT MOT MOT MOT
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss
Point of Impact - - - - - - - -
Erratic No No No No
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 11182 12056 10922 10117
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - - - - - - - -
Mark Warhead 8-2 8-2 8-2 8-2
Serial No. 8499 8881 9109 9203
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval 5 5 5 5
Type Spread 0 0 0 0
Sea Conditions Calm Calm Calm Calm
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 8 , Patrol No. 14
Time: 0414 (I) Date: 7 August 1945 Lat. 44-25, Long. 143-45.
Description:
Attack on Two ship four escort convoy sailing coast of Northern Hokkaido after end around. Approached from port side of convoy.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
AKITA MARU AK 3936 44-24 N 143-45 E 0419
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Observed MK 16 torpedo hit amidships of AKITA MARU. A large fire started amidships followed by a delayed secondary explosion 30-40 seconds later. Ship began to settle in the water. Observed target sink at
Target Draft 24 feet, Course 147°, Speed 9 kts, Range: 2556 yards (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 209°, Surfaced, Angle 78° P (at firing)
Type Attack
Night Surface attack in calms seas, light fog, with no moon.
Torpedo Attack # 8
Tubes Fired #1
Track Angle 89°P
Gyro Angle 0°
Depth Set 10ft
Course 210°
Point of Aim MOT
Hit or Miss Hit
Point of Impact MOT
Erratic No
Mark Torpedo 16
Serial No. 83455
Actuation Set Contact
Actuation Actual - -
Mark Warhead 8-2
Serial No. 8769
Explosive Torpex
Firing Interval 0
Type Spread 0
Sea Conditions Calm
U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 9 , Patrol No. 14
Time: 0839 (I) Date: 7 August 1945 Lat. 44-11, Long. 144-14.
Description:
Follow up attack on remaining AK in convoy (ATTACK NO 6 and 7) at dawn. Two MK 18 remain torpedoes forward, one aft.
Ships Sunk:
Name Class Tonnage Location Time
WATANABE MARU (?) AK 3600 44-11 N 144-14 E 0842
Ships Probably Sunk:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Visual observation of both torpedoes impacting target. Impact of first torpedo set off a massive explosion and fireball similar to how tankers exploded when torpedoed. The vessel was left a burning heap, the second torpedo hit was redundant. While not an AO, possible this AK was pulling tanker duty due to the enemy's reportedly having a shortage of tanker vessels.
Target Draft 24 feet, Course 110°, Speed 9 kts, Range: 1939 yards (at firing)
Own Ship Data:
Speed 3 knots, Course 030°, Depth 64 feet, Angle 88° S (at firing)
Type Attack
Submerged periscope attack at dawn in calm seas.
Torpedo Attack # 9
Tubes Fired #1 #2
Track Angle 88°S 88°S
Gyro Angle 14°R 14°R
Depth Set 10ft 10ft
Course 047° 047°
Point of Aim MOT MOT
Hit or Miss Hit Hit
Point of Impact Aft MOT
Erratic No No
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 08999 9997
Actuation Set Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - - - -
Mark Warhead 8-2 8-2
Serial No. 8544 8897
Explosive Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval 5 5
Type Spread 0 0
Sea Conditions Calm Calm
(I) Gunnery
Gunnery
Ammunition: Rounds Type
5 inch 25 Caliber Gun: 300 HE
40 MM Bofors 1000 HE
20 MM 6000 HE
U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 1, Patrol No. 14
Time: 0529 (I) Date: 13 July 1945 Lat. 49-11 N ., Long. 154-52 E.
Description:
Dawn gunnery action with on armed fishing boats with 5 inch, 40 MM and 20 MM guns.
Target:
Three fishing boats. Estimated 200 tons. Armed with machine guns.
Range:
2000-1500 yards (at firing)
Angle:
40°-80°
Course: 05° (at commencement)
Speed: 5 knots
Own Ship:
130° 5-15 knots
5 inch 40 MM 20 MM
Rounds Expended: 8 49 91
Hits: 6 31 Undetermined
Misses: 2 18 Undetermined
Result:
Ceased fire 0532.Three fishing boats estimated 200 tons each sunk by gunfire. 48-20 N 153-38 E
Vessels exploded quite easily compared to past gun actions. Believe these boats were carrying volatile cargo, not just the catch of the day.
U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 2, Patrol No. 14
Time: 0512 (I) Date: 29 July 1945 Lat. 49-12 N ., Long. 154-55 E.
Description:
Dawn gunnery action. Commenced firing at 0512 on armed fishing boat with Drum's 5 inch, 40 MM and 20 MM guns in a broadside attack. Boat 1 exploded after three 5 inch gun hits and six 40 MM hits as well as unknown number of 20 MM hits.
Boat 2 was fired on from 3000 yards as it attempted to evade but was quickly dispatched with four rounds from the 5 inch gun.
Boat 3 was making its best speed in opposite direction but Drum easily overran her, closing to 1100 yards, swinging for broadside attack. 40 MM and 20 MM guns set target blaze, topped off with 3 five inch gun hits.
All three burning hulks remained afloat for a few minutes before finally sinking.Ceased firing 0523. All boats returned machine gun fire during the battle,, with no hits on Drum.
Target:
Three fishing boatsEstimated 200 tons, armed with machine guns.
Range:
2000-1100 yards (at firing)
Angle:
40°-100° 40° at commencement
Course: 030° (at commencement)
Speed: 6 knots (at commencement)
Own Ship:
211° 10 knots (at commencement)
5 inch 40 MM 20 MM
Rounds Expended: 14 32 223
Hits: 10 22 Undetermined
Misses: 4 10 Undetermined
Result:
All three fishing boats sunk. Each is estimated to be 200 tons. All were armed with machine guns which opened fire on Drum.
Boats 1 and 2 sunk at 49-11 N 154-53 E while the final boat sunk at 49-10 N 154-52 E.
U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 3, Patrol No. 14
Time: 0558 (I) Date: 29 July 1945 Lat. 49-14 N ., Long. 154-57 E.
Description:
Less than an hour after GUN ACTION NO. 2, spotted three more fishing boats. Dawn gunnery action. Commenced firing at 0558 on armed fishing boat with Drum's 5 inch, 40 MM and 20 MM guns.
Range:
3000-1100 yards (at firing)
Angle:
60°-100° 60° at commencement
Course: 035° (at commencement)
Speed: 5 knots (at commencement)
Own Ship:
205° 10 knots (at commencement)
5 inch 40 MM 20 MM
Rounds Expended: 12 96
Hits: 10 66 Undetermined
Misses: 2 30 Undetermined
Result:
Three fishing boats sunk 200 tons each at 49-14 N ., 154-57 E.
U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 4, Patrol No. 14
Time: 1700 (I) Date: 30 July 1945 Lat.47-56 N , Long. 152-556 E.
Description:
Engaged four armed fishing boats traveling in tight group. All opened fire. First three boats were hit with combo of 5 inch, 40, and 20 MM fire. Fourth boat was at 3500 yards fleeing and ws hit with five rounds of 5 inch ammo.
Range:
3500-1100 yards (at firing)
Angle: 0-70°
Course:150°
Speed: 6 knots
Own Ship:
277° 15 knots
5 inch 40 MM 20 MM
Rounds Expended: 22 101 311
Hits: 12 70 Undetermined
Misses: 10 31 Undetermined
Result:
Sunk four fishing boats-armed. 200 tons each. 47-57 N 152 56 E
(J) Mines
No mines were encountered on this patrol.
(K) Major Defects and Damage.
21 July
Defect-
1.) Torpedo tube door did not open when ordered, would not open. Torpedo was pulled from tube and repaired. Tube functional
22 July 1945 -Systems damaged by depth charge attack.
1.) Trim Pump
2.) Batteries-Aft
3.) Several seawater pipes and high pressure air lines
4.) Torpedo tubes # 4,5,6
5.) SV radar antenna
6.) Compressor
7.) Hydraulic pump
All damage repaired.
6 August 1945- Damage received from depth charge attack.
1.) Stern planes transmission
2.) Port prop shaft
3.) Stern tubes 7, 8, 9, 10.
4.) Rudder transmission
6.) Minor Flooding in Aft Torpedo Room.
7.Batteries-Stern
All damage repaired.
7 August 1945- Damage received by depth charge.
1.) Moderate flooding in aft torpedo room.
2.) Light flooding in crew berthing.
3.) Port prop shaft
4.)Batteries-Bow
5.) Seawater pips and air lines
6.) Trim pump
7.) No.1 Periscope
8.) No. 2 Periscope Head.
9.) 5 inch deck gun.
10.) No. 1 and No. 3 Diesels.
All damage repaired.
(L) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics
No unusual anti-submarine measure were encountered. Enemy ASW was overall mediocre with undetermined and moderately effective counter attacks.
Surface patrols were quite common while air patrols were not. It is likely enemy has moved aircraft to the home islands to repel Allied forces operating off here coast.
Evasion tactics were standard for Drum SBT-1 decoys have proven quite useful, especially with operations typically so close to the coast.
(M) Radio
Radio function was normal.
9090 Kcs Signal started coming in at 1100 GCT with good strength. Started fading at 1400 GCT and came back in with good strength at 1530 GCT. Started fading again at 1900 GCT.
6045 Kcs Signal first starting coming in at 0900 GCT otherwise same as 9090 Kcs.
4515 Kcs At all times jammed too much for use.
16730 Kcs No data available. Were submerged during transmission times on this frequency.
(N) Radar
SJ Radar performed well. Typical detection range was 13-14 NM.
The new SV air search radar performed well and is a great additional providing bearing, altitude, course etc information as opposed to the old SD. Detection range was typically around 10 NM when close to land. In open ocean improved to around 15-16 NM.
(O) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions
Overall, the sound gear operated fine. However, sound conditions in the Sea of Okhotsk and Kuril Islands were overall not great for us or the enemy.
(P) Thermal Layers
Numerous thermal layers were encountered. Depths ranged from 80 ft to 260 feet. These aided great in evading enemy counter attacks.
(Q) 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 comfortable throughout the patrol, largely thanks to the cooler climate of the assigned area.
(R) Personnel
Following the Thirteenth War Patrol, Drum underwent an overhaul and refit and experienced a high turnover of personnel in the process. Forty experienced men were detached with fort new, largely inexperienced men reporting aboard during the refit period, including two Ensigns who had yet to make a patrol. However, the crew rose to the occasion and performed with excellence.
Number on board 72
Number qualified at start 50
Number qualified at end 57
Number advanced in rating 7
Number first patrol men 25
(S) Miles Steamed-Fuel Used
Pearl Harbor to Midway 1350 Miles 25100 Gallons
Midway to Area 2369 Miles 31467 Gallons
In Area 6998 Miles 44707 Gallons
Area to Midway 2450 Miles 33900 Gallons
Midway to Pearl Harbor 1350 Miles 25892
Total 14517 Miles 161066 Gallons
(T) Duration
Days Enroute to Area 12
Days in Area 28
Days Enroute to Base 13
Days Submerged 11
Total Days of Patrol 53
(U) Factors of Endurance Remaining
Torpedoes 1
Fuel 27300 gallons
Provisions 15 days
Personnel 15 days
Limiting Factor of This Patrol:
Low fuel state and one torpedo remaining in after tubes.
(V Radio and Radar Countermeasures)
APR-1 only detected enemy radio once from a surface vessel and once from an aircraft (Air Contact #2)
Typical countermeasures towards our radios were employed by the enemy.
(V) Remarks
The performance of the new MK 16 torpedo was excellent. One MK 16 packs enough powwer to bring down most mid sized freighters. Two will finish off larger targets with relative ease.
The MK-27 "Cutie" homing torpedo proved effective as it sunk a ship that we chalked up to a miss. However, their slow speed require peculiar firing solutions and makes them practically useless against most escorts.
The new SV Air Search Radar is a tremendous improvement over the SD radar.
Many fishing boats engaged in later part of patrol exploded far more easily than before. Believe enemy used fishing bots to ferry fuel and ammo among the islands.
With the cessation of hostilities, this productive and challenging patrol proved to be the final war patrol of the Drum. Drum conducted a total of fourteen patrols between 1942 and 1945, amassing an outstanding record while experiencing many perils.