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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997
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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997 |
02-28-22, 04:14 PM
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#5236 | |
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Navy Seal
 Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
Posts: 6,922
Downloads: 550
Uploads: 42
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Quote:
Indeed, quite sad. One gets quite invested in a career/boat after that many patrols and knowing had one more before sailing back to US ( I have that implement in the sim for classes withdrawn before end of war, some dangers possible along the way to keep things interesting) . Of course can't say for sure but am confident that had been in a more modern boat that could submerged faster, go deeper, was more maneuverable under water, probably could have survived, not been hit by the hedgehogs but NAUTILUS was essentially a sitting duck. |
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02-28-22, 09:02 PM
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#5237 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
Posts: 6,922
Downloads: 550
Uploads: 42
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USS BARB SS-220 8 January-14 February 1944 in Area 8
TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty cams off, map contacts on (for this patrol) With the loss of NAUTILUS due to friendly fire after 14 patrols. Decided wanted to get back into the thick of things and test out some stuff in a 1944 career. So got a GATO and randomly assigned USS BARB SS-220 which I was happy with. BARB is the subject of many "historic contacts" , traffic I added to campaign, based on real ships, which can be located and sunk at or near the actual dates and times of sinking by a particular sub. Since started in Jan 1944, which is before the skipper would who make her famous (Fluckey) took over, I started the career under her previous skippers name and took the objectives assigned. I plan to change the name etc when appropriate time period comes about. BARB was assigned to Area 8 for this patrol, a prime area especially in 1944. This was one of the new patrol objectives I added to campaign. ________________________________________________ WAR PATROL REPORT USS BARB SS-220 WAR PATROL SIX 8 JANUARY-14 February 1944 AREA 8 LCDR J.R. WATERMAN, USN. PROLOGUE Overhaul completed at San Francisco Navy Yard, departed 23 December 1943, arrived Pearl Harbor 1 January 1944. Commenced pre patrol training, including doctrinal depth charges and firing of practice torpedoes. Loaded eighteen MK 14-1A torpedoes and six MK 23-1A torpedoes 6-7 January along with provisions and other ammunition. Ready for sea 8 January 1944. NARRATIVE *All times are local* 8 January ______________ 0900 Underway from Pearl Harbor in accordance with COMSUBPAC Operation Order 09-44 with PC-461 as escort. 1245 Escort detached. Signaled X GOD SPEED BARB X 1530 Dive. 1545 Surfaced 1550 En route Midway Island course 284 15.5 knots. 9 January ______________ En route Midway Island Course 284 degrees Speed 15.5 knots. 0700 Dive 0800 Surface 0900- Conducted Dive, Gunnery, Emergency, and Torpedo Fire Control drills. 1230 1700 Conduct crash dive drills, simulated aircraft spotting. 1730 Surfaced 10 January _____________ En route Midway Course 284 degrees Speed 15.5 knots. 0700 Dive 0730 Surface 1300- Conducted Gunnery, Dive, Emergency drills. 1500 11 January ____________ 0825 Rendezvoused with Escort. PC-191 outside Midway reef. 0900 Docked at Submarine Tender, Midway Island. Topped off fuel and provisions. 1315 Departed Midway for patrol area in company with PC-191 1430 Dive 1445 Surfaced 1700 PC-191 detached. Signaled "BON VOYAGE BARB X GOOD HUNTING X 12 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0800 Dive 0815 Surfaced 13 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0800 Dive 0815 Surfaced 14 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0800 Dive 0815 Surfaced 15 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0800 Dive 0815 Surfaced 16 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0800 Dive 0815 Surfaced 17 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0900 Dive 0915 Surfaced 18 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0940 Dive 1000 Surfaced 19 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots Curiously, no aircraft contacts as transited North of Wake and Marcus Islands last few days. Can only surmise recent carrier air strikes have neutralized the increasingly isolated islands as air bases. However, we remain alert for contacts. 0940 Dive 1001 Surfaced 20 January ____________ En route to patrol area. Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots 0945 Dive 1005 Surfaced 1233 Spotted vessel bearing 333 16202 yards (SJ range) off Sofu Gan. Possible picket or weather vessel. Spotted Sofu Gan. (Ship Contact No.1) 1234 Dive 1236 Depth 150 ft. Speed 6 kts closed target on course 245. 1239 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO 1348 Periscope depth. Course 198 Speed 2.5 kts Observed a weather tug/picket anchored 5200 yards SE Sofu Gan. Continued approach for torpedo attack. 1357 Periscope depth 64 ft. As scope was raising, three large explosions to port rocked BARB. Spotted BETTY speeding along at 300 ft, climbing. Apparently BARB spotted during approach. Ordered 200 feet. No damage reported. Vessel fired at our periscope as went down. (Aircraft Contact No.1) 1402 While at 200 ft, aircraft depth charged BARB again. Charges exploded above. Ordered 300 ft. Tug heard underway on sound. 1450- Attempted to rise to periscope depth several times for attack on tug. 1700 However, aircraft remained in area preventing this. Tug was underway and maneuvered out of range. 1705 Secured GQ. 2234 Surfaced 21 January ____________ Course 265 degrees Speed 10.5 knots until dawn, increased to 14.5 knots until night fall. 0936 SD contact 18228 yds. Night flyer closing, fast! (Aircraft Contact No.2) 0939 Series of large explosions heard, astern. Given still dark and not likely BARB was sighted, likely that aircraft equipped with radar. 1113 Just after dawn, came to periscope depth. 1130 Surfaced 1539 SD contact 19950 yds closing, fast! Dive (Aircraft Contact No.3) 1542 Depth 150 ft. 1544 Explosions of depth charges/bombs audible through hull, not close. BARB really stirred the hornets nest as believed radar equipped aircraft dispatched to search by day and night for submarine contact off Sofu Gan. This is slowly our transit and it is regrettable we were contacted before entering patrol area. 1600 Turned to course 180, 4 kts submerged until dark. Course change meant to confuse enemy searches. 2146 Periscope Depth. SD mast extended. 2230 Surfaced 22 January _____________ En route assigned area. Course 220 Speed 10 kts 0000 Entered Area CORRIDOR I adjacent to our assigned area. 0300 Increased speed to 15.5 kts. 0500 Turned to Course 260 10 kts 0901 Spotted surfaced submarine bearing 096 at 6500 yds. Appeared to be GATO Class, Likely TRIGGER as transiting her assigned area. Unable to exchange recognition signals, turned to course 180 at flank speed to put her astern. (Ship Contact No.2) 1103 Dive 1133 Surfaced 1135 Course 261 Speed 14 kts. 23 January _____________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1 0000 Entered Area 8, began North-South patrol line along suspected shipping route. 0010 Seas picked up. Strong chop but not heavy. Clear skies, low moonlight, Winds at 17.50 kts direction 114 degrees. 0100 SJ contacts bearing 355 28500 yds. Multiple pips, appeared to be convoy. Course 310 at speed 17 kts to intercept. Tracking party called to stations. 0109 Increased to Flank speed to close. 0114 Slowed to 15.5 kts. 0115 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE 0124 Spotted convoy bearing 235 10000 yds Course 133 degrees Speed 10 knots 0125 Sent Contact Report to COMSUBPAC Convoy Sighted 28-49N 132-39E in Area 8 Estimated Course 133 degrees Estimated Course 10 kts. 0132 3000 yards off to port of convoy track. Convoy appeared to be six merchants in loose formation with one escort forward, one astern. 0136 Forward escort identified as MIKURA Type B Escort Vessel Rear escort appears to be DE type. 0149 Near firing point, convoy made what appeared to be routine zig to SW. 0151 Flank speed, turned to course 105 to pull away from convoy. Rear escort, began high speed sweep along port side of convoy BARB was not spotted, this was believed to be routine escort maneuver as convoy showed no sign of alert. 0153 Rear escort bearing 175 4000 yards. Identified as Otori Class Torpedo Boat/Escort. 0155 Paralleled convoy on course 188 to pull ahead for attack. 0345 Convoy zigged to port course 160. BARB maneuvered to regain position quickly to fire from starboard side of convoy. 0400 Fired Tubes 1,2,3 at Target No.1 :20 0400: Fired tubes 4,5,6 at Target No.2 45 0402 Torpedoes impacted Target No.1 Large fires observed on target. 0403 Torpedoes impacted Target No.2 Large fires observed on target. After torpedo impacts, BARB came under heavy machine gun, deck gun fire, illuminated by strong searchlights aboard Target No.2 (MIIKE MARU) during turn away. Lead MIKURA escort came aboard, fired two star shells above BARB and began closing at high speed. Several rounds of machine gun/auto cannon fire hit BARB's superstructure but caused no serious damage. Several deck gun splashes observed , closed about twenty yards off starboard beam during turn away. 0405 Otori Class Torpedo Boat rear escort observed pouring on the coals speeding BARB's way. The choppy seas made it initially difficult to reach above 19 kts during initial get away but 20 knts was reached. 0412 Otori bearing 180 fired several rounds forward guns Splashes landed well ahead of BARB. One flew low and heard it roar over the periscope shears, splashed into sea about thirty yards off port bow of BAR. However, range continued to open so remained on surface. 0415 Began end around for follow up attack. Observed AK AKAMA MARU 5425 tons sink at 28-32 N 132-38 E. 0416 Depth charge explosions observed/heard 6000 yards astern. Enemy believes BARB submerged. Poor whale/fish taking our punishment. 0421 Observed AK MIIKE MARU 11800 tons sink at 28-32 N 132-38 E. 0426 Tracking large pip believed to be AK making a solo run from area. Bold strategy. BARB closed contact at high speed. 0450 Spotted AK bearing 292 10,170 yards. 0503 Turned about, began to back towards target for stern shot. 0525 Target identified as AK HIYAMA MARU 7145 tons. Course 160 Speed variations of 7-10 knots zigging along course. 0526 Report of enemy pip closing range fast on SJ radar, appears to be escort coming to join the party. 0538 AK HIYAMA MARU changed course 280, possibly to rejoin convoy. Escort closing high speed bearing 130 7000 yards Closing range fast. 0541 HIYAMA MARU suddenly turned hard starboard to course 345, instead of zigging back towards BARB as anticipated HIYAMA MARU increased speed to twenty knots ruining stern shot. Vessel also fired several rounds from her aft deck gun in BARB's direction. BARB turned to pursue, moving to her starboard to avoid oncoming escort now just 5000 yards bearing 335, identified as Otori Class Torpedo Boat. escort (interesting tactics AI pulled here) 0618 Unable to catch HIYAMA MARU, as rejoined other merchant vessels, another AK was on course to cross our stern for perfect setup. Switched targets to AK similar to JOKUJA MARU 7390 tons. 0630 JOKUJA MARU turned North, away from BARB. 0634 As pursuit of JOKUJA MARU was going on. HIYAMA MARU again towards BARB. 0636 Otori spotted bearing 170 5000 yards, closing. 0637 HIYAMA MARU turned away high speed, firing deck guns and machine guns/auto cannons at BARB. Star shell illuminated area. Otori observed heading BARB direction. Ordered flank speed on course 035 0640 Otori was now chasing BARB range 6000 yards bearing 180, closing. 0650 Otori slowed suddenly, then turned back for convoy. BARB secured GQ and ordered forward tubes reloaded. Would end around for follow up attack, before dawn if possible. This would give the convoy a chance to calm down. 0937 Regained SJ contact after end around. Bearing 009 28,350 yards. 0956 Ahead of convoy, waiting for anticipated dawn zig for dawn attack. Visibility now too great for surface attack. 1022 Convoy made dawn zig to SE. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2 1043 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED 1101 Submerged for attack. 1106 Depth 300 ft for high speed run to close range. 1128 Periscope depth. Observed convoy on course 160 degrees to being stern tubes to bear on convoy. 1148 Tubes, 7,8,9,10 made ready for firing. 1152 Fired tubes 7,8,9 1153 All three torpedoes impacted as aimed. 1154 Small fire observed, vessel lost way. Engine noises ceased on sound. 1155 List to starboard developed on target. 1156 Lifeboats (two) observed from AK KANAGA MARU. Vessel low in water, sinking on even keel. Pings. Otori observed closing, Mikura escort observed closing as well high speed. Ordered 300 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge. 1157 Passed thermal layer 195 ft. 1159 Pinging 1202 DC explosions astern, not close. 1203 Enemy above to port. Splashes. 1204 DC explosions. Close. Real tooth shakers. BARB at 350 ft depth. Most charges seem above. 1206 Second escort above. Many splashes. DC explosions. All were above, not too close. 1207 BARB leveled off at 370 ft. 1209 Pinging 1211 Depth Charge explosions, distant. 1212 Sounds of ship breaking up audible on sound gear from last bearing of target attacked. 1213 Multiple DC explosions astern. Pinging from closing escort. 1215 Pinging on short scale. Enemy closing high speed. 1216 Enemy above. Many splashes. 1217 DC explosions. 1221 Pinging. Distant DC explosions. BARB at 375 ft 1223 Enemy crossing bow above. One DC explosion, above aft. 1224 One DC explosion to port. 1226 Pinging. 1227 Enemy crossing bow, above. Splashes. Ordered AHEAD FLANK! BARB at 382 ft. Boat shaken by DC explosions. 1230 Pinging 1238 Distant DC explosions 1248 Pinging. More distant DC explosions. 1251 Enemy above. Splashes. BARB at depth of 390 ft 1252 DC explosions. 1310 Sound reported enemy heading away at high speed. 1332 Believe one escort departed to rejoin convoy. Other remained in area estimated 5000 yards, hunting. Occasional ping heard but did not appear to have contact with BARB. 1416 Secured GQ Escort remains in area hunting. Maintained Silent Running. Course 256 Speed 2.5 kts Depth 390 ft. 1500 Damage assessment show BARB faired well in depth charge attack. Only some light bulbs and glass fixture busted. Minor piping and air line leaks in conning tower and control room. 1510 Enemy remains in area about 7000-10000 yards astern. Occasional sporadic explosions heard. 1630 Turned to course 332 degrees 1945 Lost Sound contact. Secured Silent Running. 1948 Tubes 7,8,9 ordered reloaded. BARB to depth of 300 ft. 2306 Periscope depth. Night settled in. All clear. Seas remain choppy. 2308 Radar depth for SJ/SD sweep. 2315 Surfaced. 24 January _____________ 0000 Position: 28-22N 132-23E Course 320 Speed 10 kts Proceeded to Northern section of Area 8. 1150 Dive. Submerging for day to allow maintenance and rest of crew. 1151 SD contact 30380 yards (Aircraft Contact No.4) Contact made just after dive alarm sounded before SD was secured. 1157 Course 010 Speed 3 kts Depth 300 ft 2214 Surfaced. 25 January _____________ 1100 Dive 1130 Surfaced 26 January _____________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3 0103 SJ contacts bearing 009 12153 yards PPI showed eight pips, one lead, one astern. Definitely six ship convoy with two escorts. (Ship Contact No.4) 0110 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE 0130 Convoy zigged to starboard on course 186 degrees. 0211 Approaching from port of convoy for attack. 0212 Contact Report sent to COMSUBPAC Convoy Sighted 29-17N 132-42E Estimated Course/Speed 187 degrees 7 knots 0250 Fired tubes 1,2, Target No.1 Fired Tubes 3,4, Target No.2 Tubes 5,6, failed to fire, unknown damage 0252 All torpedoes hit their targets. Both vessels caught fire. BARB came under no fire, as was not spotted, in spite of star shells and search lights. 0300 AK 5000 tons sunk. 0315 AK 5000 tons sunk. 0322 Tubes 5,6, now functional. 0337 Approaching from starboard for attack. 0343 Inside scattered convoy large AK bearing 335 3000 yards closing. Escort vessel bearing 030 4000 yards. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4 0348 Fired tubes 5,6, 0349 torpedo impacts! Both hit 0350 During away large AK 2100 yards bearing 340 accelerated towards BARB to ram. Illuminated BARB with searchlight, opened fire with machine guns, auto cannon, and forward deck gun. Forward deck gun fire was not accurate, but multiple machine gun rounds hit BARB's bridge and deck. On the bridge, QM2c John C. Clark was seriously wounded by gunfire. BARB raced away at high speed, avoided ramming and gunfire, with nearby escort vessel in pursuit. 0351 Several large shell splashes off port and starboard bow, one was about 20 ft away. Escort opened fire. Star shells. SJ reports bearing and range of second escort rapidly decreasing, likely heading for the BARB. 0418 Escort turned back to rejoin remainder of convoy. BARB slowed and began working for attack position with stern tubes. 0546 3000 yards off convoy track. Convoy on course 140 at 6 knots constant zig along track. Three AK, one escort vessel. Second escort 8000 yards astern hunting. 0552 Tubes 7,8,9,10 made ready for firing. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5 0606 AK zigged towards BARB. Fired tubes 8,9,10 0608 Torpedo impact! All three torpedoes hit stern area of target. Stern appears blown off. Volley of machine gun fire was lobbed BARB's way as she went to flank speed to open range. Some rounds hit the BARB but no damage or injuries occurred. 0609 Escort appeared to have spotted BARB, racing in, guns blazing. Star shells illuminated BARB. 0615 Large AK sunk by stern. 0620 Escort suddenly ended pursuit, turned back to guard convoy. Barb slowed for torpedo reload. Four torpedoes remain forward compartment, two in aft. Shadowed convoy for one more surface attack before dawn. Just two merchant vessels out of original six remain. 0740 SD contact 8900 yards closing, fast! Night flyer. Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.5) 0742 BARB leveled off 150 ft. Series of explosions astern above. Likely night flyer had radar. Secured GQ to rest crew while wait enemy out. 0845 Sound reported warship closing fast, bearing 200. Appears aircraft vectored in one of the escorts. 0900 Escort arrived in general vicinity of BARB. 0914 Escort passed above, several pings heard BARB at 300 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge. 0920 Depth charge explosions about 4000 yards to port. 0940 Sound reported escort departing high speed. 1000 Periscope depth. Extended SD mast. 1002 SD contact 11000 yards, steady. Contact appears to be circling area. 1005 Surfaced for end around. 1300 Unable to regain contact within area. Turned for Northern part of area. 1505 Spotted debris field one of earlier sinking bearing 353. 29-18N 142-40E Debris from AK AKAMA MARU. 1900 Seas calmed. Wind speed 0 knots. 27 January ____________ 1100 Dive 1120 Surface 2149 SD Contact 13500 yds closing. (Aircraft Contact No.6) 2152 BARB at 150 ft. Series of explosions heard. Bomb/depth charges from aircraft. 2300 Surfaced. 28 January _____________ 0927 SJ Contact bearing 038 27500 yds Eight pips. Lead and rear are likely escorts of convoy. (Ship Contact No.4) 0937 Convoy will be out of area shortly after noon. Not enough daylight, too much moonlight for surface attack, opted for night time periscope attack. 0938 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED 0951 Convoy zigged to port. Convoy course 015 Increased speed, now in position to attack port column instead of starboard. 0958 Contact Report Sent to COMSUBPAC Convoy Sighted 31-08N 132-35E Estimated Course/Speed 014 degrees 8 kts 1001 Submerged for attack. 1004 Depth 90 ft for approach. 1007 Pinging. BARB detected. Enemy escort closing fast. Ordered 300 ft, rigged for depth charge and silent running. 1011 Enemy above. Splashes heard. DC explosions as BARB passed 292 ft. 1012 Damage Reported (See DAMAGE DEFECTS section). 1015 Pinging 1016 Enemy above. Ordered 350 ft. Flank speed 1017 DC explosions. 1018 Second escort above. Many splashes and DC explosions. 1020 BARB at 370 ft 1023 DC explosions 1024 DC explosions, boat shaken. Depth 380 ft. 1025 Damage reported. Flooding in aft torpedo room Flooding in forward torpedo room. Damage Control Parties assigned 1030 Flooding stopped in forward torpedo room. 1036 Flooding in aft torpedo under control. Increased speed to compensate. 1044 Very close pattern of DC explosions. 1056 Water pumped from Aft torpedo room. Boat returned to trim. 1058 Enemy above. Splashes 1059 DC explosions. BARB at 394 ft. 1059: Depth charge heard bouncing off aft deck. Distinctive "CLANG" heard. 35 1100 DC explosion below, real tooth shaker. 1102 Close DC. Boat shaken. 1130 One enemy escort heard leaving area high speed. 1546 Lost contact with enemy. 1600 Secured GQ. 1900 Secured silent running. Remained at 300 ft. 2240 Periscope depth. Neither periscope functional, apparently damaged in attack. 2242 Radar depth. All clear. 2244 Surfaced. 2250 Damage Control Party assigned to repair periscopes. 29 January ____________ 0939 SJ contact bearing 355 28000 yds. Two pips. Set course to close contact. (Ship Contact No. 7) 1000 Visual contact bearing 330. Contact is two DD's, a patrol. Due to material condition of boat, avoided contact. 1443 SD contact 16000 yards closing. (Aircraft Contact No. 7) 1444 Submerge 1625 Surfaced 31 January _____________ 1100 Dive 1125 Surface 1 February ____________ 1105 Dive 1125 Surface 2 February ____________ 0000 Both periscopes unable to be repaired at sea. Sent report to COMSUBPAC. Received permission to return to Pearl Harbor. 3 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 1045 Dive 1100 Surfaced 4 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 1045 Dive 1100 Surfaced 5 February ___________ En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 1045 Dive 1100 Surfaced 6 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor 1045 Dive 1100 Surfaced 7 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 0930 Dive 1000 Surfaced 8 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 0930 Dive 1000 Surfaced 8 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 0915 Dive 0930 Surfaced 9 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 0915 Dive 0930 Surfaced 10 February ____________ 1200 Docked Midway. Topped off fuel. 1800 Departed Midway for Pearl Harbor. 11 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor 0830 Dive 0845 Surfaced 12 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor 0830 Dive 0845 Surfaced 13 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor 0830 Dive 0845 Surfaced 14 February ____________ En route Pearl Harbor 0730 Dive 0745 Surfaced 1130 Arrived Pearl Harbor. Terminated War Patrol. CONTACTS Aircraft Contacts (at initial contact) *All times are local* NO.1 DATE 1944/01/20 TIME 1357 LAT 29-47N LOG 140-23E BRG 264 RNG 2000 yds CRS 110 SPD 200 kts ALT 300 ft HOW Visual TYPE G4M BETTY REMARK Bombed/depth charged BARB at periscope depth. NO.2 DATE 1944/01/21 TIME 0936 LAT 29-40N LOG 138-15E BRG -- RNG 18228 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT 1000 ft HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Night flyer. Dropped bombs/depth charges near location after BARB submerged. Likely equipped with radar as could not have visually sighted the boat. NO.3 DATE 1944/01/21 TIME 1539 LAT 29-38N LOG 137-27E BRG -- RNG 19950 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT 1500 ft HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Dropped bombs/depth charges, explosions heard. Possible radar equipped. NO.4 DATE 1944/01/24 TIME 1151 LAT 29-59N LOG 131-43E BRG -- RNG 30380 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT 1100 ft HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK While submerging just after dawn (local) NO.5 DATE 1944/01/26 TIME 0740 LAT 28-49N LOG 132-40E BRG -- RNG 8900 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT 1000 ft HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Aircraft likely called in due to reports of being attack. Believe aircraft had radar as it located BARB in rthe dark and bombed at site of dive Enemy escort a was vectored in. NO.6 DATE 1944/01/27 TIME 2149 LAT 30-14N LOG 131-16E BRG -- RNG 13500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT 1000 ft HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Dropped bombs/depth charges Likley radar equipped aircraft. NO.7 DATE 1944/01/29 TIME 1443 LAT 29-46N LOG 133-51E BRG -- RNG 16000 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT 1000 ft HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Ship Contacts (at initial contact) NO.1 DATE 1944/01/20 TIME 1233 LAT 29-47N LOG 140-23E BRG 333 RNG 16202 yds CRS 108 SPD 0 kts HOW Visual TYPE Weather tug/picket. Anchored. Armed with 3 inch gun forward, machine guns mounted amidships. Various antennae spotted. NO.2 DATE 1944/01/22 TIME 0901 LAT 28-27N LOG 135-46E BRG 096 RNG 6500 yds CRS 178 SPD 14 kts HOW Visual TYPE SS Appear to be US submarine of GATO Class. Likely TRIGGER as were transiting her area CORRIDOR I. NO.3 DATE 1944/01/23 TIME 0100 LAT 28-47N LOG 132-51E BRG 355 RNG 28500 yds CRS 133 SPD 10 kts HOW SJ TYPE AK, AK, AK, AK, AK, AK SC, TB TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2 NO.4 DATE 1944/01/26 TIME 0103 LAT 29-33N LOG 132-43E BRG 009 RNG 12153 yds CRS 155 SPD 8 kts HOW SJ TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AK, EV,EV TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5 NO.5 DATE 1944/01/28 TIME 0927 LAT 31-11N LOG 132-31E BRG 038 RNG 27500 yds CRS 321 SPD 8 kts HOW SJ TYPE Convoy, two escorts, unsure of composition. NO.7 DATE 1944/01/28 TIME 0939 LAT 30-5N LOG 133-52E BRG 355 RNG 28000 yds CRS 200 SPD 16 kts HOW SJ TYPE DD, DD REMARK Patrol WEATHER Weather en route to patrol area and while in area was calm, warm, and comfortable for most of the patrol. While in area for a few days seas did increase with 4-6 foot waves, winds 17-18 knots. Moonlight was on most night almost nonexistent providing ideal conditions for night surface attacks. Some squalls and rough seas were encountered en route to Pearl Harbor from assigned area but nothing unusual. ATTACK DATA Five torpedo attacks were conducted on this patrol, with a total of eighteen torpedoes fired for seven ships sunk.All torpedoes functioned properly to our knowledge. Four of five attacks conducted were on the surface, at night against convoys. Submerged day attack was made on convoy previously attacked during the night. A attempted submerged night time attack was made, but a alert escort detected BARB and prevented attack. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1 1944/01/23 0400 28-3N 132-38E Ships Sunk- AK AKAMA MARU 5425 tons 28-3N 132-38E 1944/01/23 0415 AK MIIKE MARU 11800 tons 28-32N 132-38E Verified by- Observed torpedoes hit and vessels sink. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2 1944/01/23 1152 29-18N 142-40E Ships Sunk- AK KANAGA MARU 4923 tons 29-18N 142-40E 1944/01/23 1212 Verified by- Observed solid torpedo hits in vessel, vessel sinking. Clearly audible sounds of vessel breaking up/sinking. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3 1944/01/26 0250 29-26N 133-0E Ships Sunk- AK Unidentified MARU 5000 tons 1944/01/26 0300 29-17N 132-42E AK Unidentified MARU 5000 tons 1944/01/26 0315 29-17N 132-42E Verified by- Observed torpedoes hit and targets sink. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4 1944/01/26 0348 27-17N 132-42E Ships Sunk- AK Unidentified MARU 7000 tons 1944/01/26 27-17N 132-42E Verified by- Observe target sink after torpedo hits. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5 1944/01/26 0606 27-18N 132-35E Ships Sunk- * Identity not confirmed, vessel similar to class named. AK HIYAMA MARU* 7145 tons 1944/01/26 0615 27-18N 132-35E Verified by- Observed three torpedoes hit target in stern. Stern blown off of target. Observed target sink visually and disappear from PPI scope. MINES No enemy mines were encountered NAVIGATIONAL AIDES Sofu Gan served as a navigational aid. Otherwise the open sea area provided no aides. THERMAL LAYERS Thermal layers were encountered at 195 feet and 270 ft. SOUND CONDITIONS AND SOUND GEAR Sound conditions were generally favorable in patrol area. Sound gear functioned well, with a marked decline due to damage taken in depth charge attacks. RADAR SJ Newly installed SJ-1 Radar and PPI scope worked well in detecting and tracking convoys. As a policy, SJ sweeps are conducted every quarter hour when on surfaced. Typical detection range was about 25000 yards. SD SD Radar function was adequate, although appears to have difficulty tracking aicraft beyond 10000 yards when at altitudes at altitude of 1000 feet or less. RADIO Radio function was normal throughout patrol. ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION Countermeasures Overall, enemy ASW measures were standard. Each convoy encountered had two escorts. Lead escort made sweeps to each side of the convoys path forward roughly every fifteen minutes, aft escort did the same, but often conducted sweeps 5000-10000 yards to the rear quarters of the convoys. Rear escort is typically a DE or in our case Otori class torpedo boats, capable of high speeds to conduct this manner of escort and patrol. Enemy aircraft were encountered almost daily in patrol area, with one called in following a series of attacks on 26 January that left four enemy ships sunk, out of six in the convoy (not including two escorts). This aircraft was a night flyer and most likely had radar as it closed in on BARB , forcing a dive. Explosions of bombs were heard above, indicating BARB was detected beyond visual range , at night. Night flyer, possibly equipped with radar were encountered en route to area as well. Following a attempted attack on a weather tug off Sofu Gan, in which a BETTY that was in area spotted BARB at periscope depth during approach and bombed us. For two days and nights aircraft flew in the area along our base course, forcing several dives, and were bombed nearly every time, even at night. Again, the pinpointing of our location beyond visual range, in particular at night, indicates aircraft armed with radar. Open ocean patrols by teams of first line Destroyers were contacted, indicating a strengthened ASW presence, along with aircraft in the vital sea lanes in which BARB was assigned. Enemy depth charge attacks were effective on this patrol. Japanese escorts appear to be equipped with new, more powerful depth charges along with improved sound gear. Team tactics including attacks in rapid succession were used by enemy in both attacks. After some time, one would rejoin convoy while other kept submarine pinned down permitting their charges to open the range for escape. While the ASW vessels were effective, a major flaw is neigh kept their attacks beyond a few hours, departing to rejoin. This is particularly true for the second attack on 28 January, as BARB had serious damage, the early termination of the attack provided much needed relief. Evasion Evasion of enemy aircraft consisted of a dive to 150 feet for 30-90 minutes, followed by a sweep at periscope depth with SD via extended mast. Forces hunting for BARB following encounter off Sofu Gan were evaded by a course change and high speed run further South-East into southern part of area in lieu of maintaining base course. This tactic proved successful as there were no more contacts until reached assigned area. Evasion of depth charges consisted of diving to 300 feet, rigged for silent running, with five to degrees rudder applied to port or starboard at nearly all times, this served to confused enemy as to our exact heading. After first run, BARB descended to 350 ft, then 375 ft. These left typically charges or most exploding above the BARB.However, BARB was forced to 390 feet to get below the enemy's sonar and depth charge patterns. Once at 390 ft, the enemy appeared to have difficulty, overall, tracking BARB. When a enemy would be directly above, a "burst" of speed would by used by ordering 'Ahead Flank' for thirty seconds, reducing to ahead standard and then back to 1/3 after thirty seconds. MAJOR DAMAGE AND DEFECTS Defects No major material defects occurred on this patrol. Damage All damage repaired at sea unless otherwise indicated. Depth Charge Attack No.1 1944/01/23 1.Hydraulic Pump 2.Leaks-Piping 3.High Pressure Air Lines 4. Light Bulbs 5. Glass Fixtures Depth Charge Attack No.2 1944/01/28 1. No.1 Observation Periscope Head- Unable to repair at sea. 2. No.2 Attack Periscope Head- Unable to repair at sea. 3. Forward Torpedo room flooding- One and a half foot of water pumped from compartment. 4. Forward Batteries 5. JP Listening Gear 6. Dive Planes-Forward Transmission 7. SJ Radar Antenna 8. SD Radar Antenna 9. Torpedo Tube No.4 10. Compressor 11. Trim Pump 12. Hydraulic Pump 11. Stern Batteries 12. No.2 Diesel 13. No.4 Diesel 14. No.1 Electric Motor 15. No.3 Electric Motor 16. Port Propeller Shaft- Unable to fully repair at sea, knocked out of alignment. 17. Dive Planes-Aft Transmission 18. No.10 Torpedo Tube 19. No.7 Torpedo Tube 20. 4" 50 Caliber Forward Mounted Deck Gun- Training and Elevation function limited.Unable to fully repair at sea. 21. Numerous water lines, piping, in all compartments developed leaks. A persistent leak in conning tower was not resolved for nearly twenty four hours. 22. High Pressure Air Lines in all compartments leaked. 23. Light Bulbs and Glass fixtures in all compartments busted. 24. Six inches of water in Aft Torpedo Room-Pump from compartment and bilges. PERSONNEL Crew of the BARB performed well throughout a busy and challenging patrol. Eight men advanced in rating during this patrol Eleven men qualified during this patrol. QM2c John C. Clark was wounded by machine gun fire during night surface attack. Clark was on the bridge as a forward lookout beside the Commanding Officer and Battle Stations OOD when just after torpedo impact, during BARB's turn away, a barrage of machine gun fire hit the forward deck with a few rounds hitting the lower shears and bridge area. Although wounded, Clark remained at his post until relieved and overall had recovered by the time BARB returned from patrol. HEALTHY AND HABITABILITY Crew morale and health on the patrol were excellent. No doubt this was assisted by well prepared meals, generally pleasant weather, and the sinking of seven enemy vessels. MILES STEAMED FUEL-CONSUMED Pearl to Midway 1350 Miles 16550 Gallons Midway to Area 3400 Miles 44865 Gallons In Area 5000 Miles 66,288 gallons Area to Midway 3500 Miles 64944 gallons Midway to Pearl 1350 Miles 16745 gallons DURATION Days Total 44.5 Pearl to Midway 3.5 Midway to Area 14 In Area 9 Area to Midway 14 Midway to Pearl 4 FACTORS IN ENDURANCE Torpedoes 6 Fuel 30,144 Gallons Provisions 34 days Crew Indefinite Factor in Termination of patrol-Damage Both periscopes damaged beyond repair. REMARKS A highly successful patrol, BARB's best to date with seven ships sunk. Area 8 proved to contain vital North/South sea lanes. Three convoys, two Southbound and one Northbound were encountered in the within five days of one another in patrol area. Enemy air and surface patrols, along with escorts protected these convoys well. Enemy frequently uses zigs and course changes to thwart attacks. Finally, the it is regrettable BARB had to depart early for home with six torpedoes left (four forward, two aft) due to irreparable damage to both periscopes, but BARB and her crew remain proud of what were able to accomplish in just nine days on station. J.R. Waterman |
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03-02-22, 12:24 PM
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#5238 |
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Watch
 Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 27
Downloads: 9
Uploads: 0
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SS-229 Flying Fish - first war patrol
PATROL 1 (06.08.1942 - 14.09.1942)
Skipper : Lt Cdr Arthur Wellman Boat : SS-229 Flying Fish (Call Sign NFAP) Area : East China Sea (F-2) Days at sea : 40 (13 in operation area, 27 on transit) Merchants sunk : 7 Merchant tonnage : 20803 Warships sunk : Warship tonnage : Torpedoes fired : 8 (5 hits, 2 miss, 1 dude) Awards : Navy Commendation Medal, citation : "for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service" PROLOGUE Midway, august 1942. Lt Cdr Arthur Wellman is taking command of SS-229 Flying Fish for his first war patrol as skipper. Orders was to carry anti-shipping operation in East China Sea for at least 10 days (operation area codenamed : F-2). SS-229 fully armed and supplied. Ready to be put to sea by 06.08.1942. NARRATION 06.08.1942 Midway 08:00 - Leaving Midway for first war patrol. Clear skies, good visibility, wind 15mps 189. Practiced dive test and drills. 06.08 - 19.08.1942 On transit to operation area. No contacts. Begin day submerged-night surfaced routine since 14.08.1943. Wind and waves changed several times from 12 mps (07.08.1942) to 15mps (16.08.1942) and 11mps (18.08.1942).Visibility excellent to good in general. 19.08.1942 129'40E-28'50N 09:43 - Visual contact with lone japanese large old split freighter, bearing 288 at 9knots.Probably sailling from Okinawa to Japan, apparently armed. Searching a good position for a submerged attack after going to periscope depth. Fired two torpedoes, one hit and other one dude. Sunk for 8198 tons. Returned to transit after visual confirmation of the sinking. 21.08.1942 126'8E-27'27N 04:48 - Operation area reached. Clear skies, excellent visibility, wind 9mps. 22.08.1942 123'47E-28'21N 10:44 - Visual contact during sunrise with lone japanese medium modern split freighter, bearing 009 at 07knots. Ennemy merchant was shadowed during 20 minutes to find adequate position for submerged attack. Fired two torpedoes, one hit and one miss. Surfaced to confirm sinking, 3266 tons. Partly cloudy skies, good visiblity, wind 2mps 157. 24.08.1942 122'16E-27'06N 21:38 - Visual contact with three unarmed japanese fishing boat, bearing 188 at 08knots. According to favourable situation and the small sizes, conducted surface attack with deckgun. Three ships sunk for a total of 800 tons. Since our position was certainly transmitted with ships S.O.S during the shooting party, we can maybe count on ASW group or airplaines patrols send into the area. Partly cloudy skies, good visibility, wind 8mps 207. 25.08.1942 121'59E-26'33N 23:52 - Visual contact with lone japanese Hogh Island type freighter, bearing 350 at 9knots. Shadowed her on surface to find a suitable attack position. Since it's unclear merchant is armed or not, opted to conduct a conservative submerged attack. Fired two torpedoes, two hits. Sunk confirmed for 4802 tons. Partly cloudy skies, good visibility, wind 11mps 161. 28.08.1942 122'42E-27'26N 14:12 - Sound contact with lone japanese medium old composite freighter, bearing 042 at 9knots. Shadowed her submerged and opted for a aft torpedoes tubes attack at 1750yards. Fired two torpedoes, one hit and one miss. Surface to confirm sinking for 3941 tons. Partly cloudy skies, excellent visibility, wind 2mps 299. 30.08.1942 122'25E-27'22N 00:49 - Bad weather in operation area. Cloudy skies, moderate rain, poor visibility, 7mps 52. Submerged during the night after battery recharged. 01:19 - Outgoing HF transmission : TO COMSUBPAC - ONE - IN OP F-2 SINCE 21.08 - SUNK SEVEN MERCHANTS FOR 20803 TONS - NFAP 08:42 - End of moderate rain. 22:00 - Received message through FOX SCHEDULE transmission : TO NFAP - ONE - TRANSMISSION ACKNOWLEDGED - EXCELLENT RESULTS - AUTHORIZED TO RETURN BASE AT DISCRETION - COMSUBPAC 22:47 - Deceided to pass betwenn Okinawa and Manya during return trip to see if we encounter traffic here. 02.09.1942 128'20E-17'20N 04:47 - Passing 45.5NM north of Okinawa. No traffic or contact. Plotted course to Midway, calculated best fuel conservation speed for the return trip. Partly cloudy skies, good visibility, wind 0mps 255. 02.09-12.09.1942 On transit to Midway. Crashdive after visual contact with unidentified aircraft (07.09.1942 - 146'59E-18'3N). Winds changed from 11mps (03.09) to 13mps (08.09) and 00mps (10.09). Visibility excellent. 14.09.1942 Midway 19:56 - Docked at Midway, ending first war patrol. AIR CONTACTS 07.09.1942 146'59E-18'3N 09:35 - Unidentified aircraft. WEATHER CONDITIONS Generaly good and calm sea most of the time during transit, excellent to good visiblity. Winds peaks to 15mps with high waves just for couple of hours or days. Some days of rains and bad weather in operation area. RADIO RECEPTION No difficulty experienced with reception during the entire patrol. All nightly FOX Schedule transmissions were copied. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY Excellent. Good morale and spirit among the crew. Two full meals were served daily, with soup and cold drink at noon. One officer was on the sick list three days, diagnosis undetermined. Last edited by ConvoyHunting; 03-02-22 at 12:35 PM. |
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03-02-22, 04:43 PM
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#5239 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
Posts: 6,922
Downloads: 550
Uploads: 42
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USS BARB SS-220 7th War Patrol "Tanker Sweep" March-April 1944
TMO Update BH V2.0
100 difficulty Cams off, Map contacts off 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) Last edited by Bubblehead1980; 03-02-22 at 05:00 PM. |
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03-02-22, 04:53 PM
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#5240 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
Posts: 6,922
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USS Barb 7th War Patrol "Tanker Sweep" Screenshots. See report below
                          
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03-02-22, 04:59 PM
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#5241 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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USS Barb 7th War Patrol "Tanker Sweep" Screenshots Part II
                
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03-02-22, 05:05 PM
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#5242 | |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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Quote:
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03-04-22, 01:45 AM
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#5243 |
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Swabbie
 Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: New Zealand
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I've been getting comfortable with SH4 after being a long-time SH3 player, and I've been reading old patrol logs and the background history of the American sub campaign and decided to write a patrol log in the style of the "narrative" reports that were forwarded to command after a patrol was completed.
I left out a few sections which were standard in this style of log, namely miles steamed, days on station and the fire control data for each attack as I forgot to log these initially and didn't want to restart the patrol - I'll remember for next time. There are likely a few minor errors but I hope it's an enjoyable read nonetheless. I'm just playing FOTRS without too many extras at this stage, it's a bit of fun getting creative with the photos and making it look like a typewriter-written report as it would have been in the 1940s. Played at 98% realism, external camera off but left map contacts on while I still learn the ins and outs. I left the images full size for the best resolution, just zoom your browser out to 60-80% if the scrolling takes to long. This career assumes USS Sawfish returned from the boat’s second war patrol earlier than the historical date of June 1943 and places it's return in May of that year, and that the historical skipper of Sawfish at this time, Lt. Cmdr E.T Sands, was transferred - therefore command of Sawfish is taken up by the fictional Lt. Cmdr J.P Salinger by June 1943 for the third war patrol.           
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03-04-22, 02:03 AM
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#5244 |
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Gefallen Engel U-666
 Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: On a tilted, overheated, overpopulated spinning mudball on Collision course with Andromeda Galaxy
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Welcome back!
coldDynamic!
__________________
"Only two things are infinite; The Universe and human squirrelyness; and I'm not too sure about the Universe" |
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03-04-22, 02:15 AM
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#5245 | |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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Quote:
Well done and welcome to the Pacific The photos in black and white and the report in the style it is, look great. Not sure if you've discovered this site, but this is where I read he patrol reports (link below) . Great resource and interesting to read. https://www.hnsa.org/manuals-documen...atrol-reports/ Look forward to the next report. |
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03-06-22, 01:19 AM
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#5246 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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USS BARB SS-220 Eighth Patrol in the Sea of Okhotsk 21 May-2 July 1944
U.S.S. BARB-Report of Eighth War Patrol
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (A) PROLOGUE: April 25 Arrived Midway after Seventh War Patrol. _________ April 26-May 11 Normal refit accomplished by SubDiv 61 relief crew and Sub Base Midway. _______________ An excellent job. April 28 Commander John R. Waterman was relieved as Commanding Officer by ________ Lt. Comdr. Eugene B. Fluckey. Received two new Submarine School graduates. May 14-18 Conducted training exercises. Fired five torpedoes. Fired all deck guns. Training facilities were excellent and well coordinated. May 19-21 Twenty four MK 14-3A torpedoes were loaded aboard with required provisions for patrol. Ready for sea 21 May. (B) NARRATIVE: May 21 _______ 1530 Departed Midway in accordance with Operation Order No. 164-44. 1830 Trim Dive 1845 Surfaced. May 22 _______ Course change to 303 degrees en route assigned area in Sea of Okhotsk. May 23 _______ Commenced daily training of section dives,drills, fire control drills, enlisted school for qualification, Officers school or department qualification. Winds increased to 21 knots direction 109 with 6-8 ft waves. May 24 _______ En route patrol area. Uneventful. May 25 ________ En route patrol area. Uneventful. Solid fog set in. May 26 _______ En route patrol area. Uneventful. May 27 ________ En route patrol area. Barometer took a dive, overcast and fog. Temperature dropped to 44 F. Winds 13 knots direction 209. Choppy seas. May 28 ________ En route patrol area. Moderate fog. Winds increased to 25 knots direction 130. Seas heavy. Temperature continued to drop as BARB progresses towards the higher latitudes of her assigned area. May 29 ________ En route patrol area. Uneventful. May 30 ________ 0745 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 004. 0746 SJ contacts bearing 006 28,355 yards. Two pips. (Ship Contact No.1) 0811 Contacts are to DE type vessels in patrol line. Avoided contact, continued en route area. 2353 Transited Rikord Strait, Kuril Islands, entered patrol area in Sea of Okhotsk.Sent message to HERRING, GOLET for rendezvous morning of 31 May. 31 May ________ 0037 Received reply from HERRING regarding rendezvous at 1000 hours. GOLET had yet to reply. 0714 Iceberg sighted bearing 330 six miles. 47-48N 152-11E 0850 SJ contact 349 14470 yards. Contact believed to be HERRING OR GOLET as near rendezvous point. Began cautious approach. (Ship Contact No.2) 0929 Dive. Decided to conduct submerged approach due to low visibility. 0940 Received ULTRA and ACTION for BARB, HERRING< GOLET for coordinated attack. Convoy departed MATSUWA this morning at 0630. G 0955 Confirmed contact is HERRING. Surfaced. 1000- Conducted meeting regarding coordinated attack. GOLET failed to acknowledge message or 1030 make rendezvous. 1400 Did not locate convoy at expected location. Set search course along Matsuwa-La Perouse line at 18 kts. 1438 HERRING reported contact and attacking convoy. Set course 220 to intercept. 1557 SJ contact bearing 318 27955 yards. (Ship Contact No.3) Four pips. Set pursuit course. 1630 Smoke sighted bearing 280. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO- SUBMERGED 1640 Submerged for attack. Went to depth 350 ft for high speed range to close for firing. 1705 Periscope depth. During ascent to periscope depth, convoy zigged to 205 away from BARB. Convoy is three AK with one frigate or MS type escort. One AK in rear appears damaged, likely from HERRING's earlier attack. AK has large hole aft and stack and slight list. 1725 Convoy zigged back towards BARB. Closed at high speed at 250 ft. 1740 At periscope depth, convoy zigged further away. 1750 Secured GQ. Due to radical zig making obtaining a suitable submerged shock unlikely. Decided to trail convoy until dark for night surface attack. 1805 Surfaced. Shadowed convoy at range of eleven miles off port side. Contact Report sent to COMSUBPAC and for action to HERRING, GOLET. 1900 Convoy zigs roughly every 10-15 minutes, radically. 2355 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE June 1 _______ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1 0100 Astern of convoy at 6000 yards, awaited next zig to close in for attack. 0104 Convoy zigged, moved for attack. 0119 Readied all bow tubes. No.1-6 0123 Fired tubes 1,2,3. at lead AK KOTO MARU. Range 2550 yards. 0124 Torpedoes 1,2,3 all hit target. Large explosions. Vessel began to settle in water. During turn away from convoy came under heavy fire from merchants. BARB illuminated by star shells. Escort attempted to chase but did not have speed to catch BARB. 0130 AK KOTO MARU 4466 tons sunk at 47-54N 151-29E. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2 0212 Closing on AK MADRAS MARU 0216 Fired tubes 4,5,6 at AK MADRAS MARU. Range 2000 yards. Torpedo (Tube 6) went on erratic track to port. Likely gyro failure. Other two torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal. 0217 Two torpedoes hit MADRAS MARU. Large fire visible, vessel lost water, settled in war. During turn away came under intense machine gun fire from MADRAS MARU. Escort about 4000 yards away hunting, closed in at high speed. Area illuminated with star shells. BARB turned away to evade closing escort. Several shells splashed ahead abut 100 yards from escort. 0232 MADRAS MARU dead in water. 0233 Forward tubes ordered reloaded. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2-A 0302 Fired Tube No.1 at MADRAS MARU. Range 5200 yards. 0306 Enemy escort bearing 304 dropping depth charges. Explosions heard, water columns from explosions observed. 5000 yards. 0307 Torpedo impact! 0308 MADRAS MARU sinking. Opened range to 10000 yards. Stopped. Fog lifted, with moonlight and phosphorescence, further surface action not possible. Early Arctic dawn approaching in less than two hours. Secured GQ, finished torpedo reload, allow crew to stand easy. Waited for pip of MADRAS MARU to disappear, if does not, will approach to finish off. Once vessel went down, decided to end around to finish off the remaining AK, previously damaged by HERRING. No word from HERRING nor GOLET in response to contact report. 0318 Pip disappeared. Visually observed MADRAS MARU 3790 tons sink at 47-54N 151-27E 0430 Dawn breaking, moving for end around. 0711 Regained SJ contact after end around. SJ contacts bearing 339 28544 yards. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3 0715 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED 0725 Smoke sighted ahead bearing 000. Convoy closing BARB. Submerged for attack. 0742 AK zigged away to SSE course. AK is RYUSEI MARU, previously damaged by HERRING. 0815 AK zigged back towards BARB. Heard distant explosions. Escort not in sight, possibly attacking (or being attack!) by HERRING/GOLET 0834 "Crossed the T" of the AK for stern shot. 0842 Fired Tubes 7,8,9 at RYUSEI MARU. Range 928 yards. 0843 Torpedoes 0844 Torpedo 1(Tube 7) hit the bow, Torpedo 2(Tube 8) missed just ahead, Torpedo 3(Tube 9) hit bow of target. Adjusted TDC speed to 5 knots and fired Tube 10. 0845 Torpedo hit target amidships. 0846 Target one fire, sinking by her bow. 0854 RYUSEI MARU 6538 tons sunk at 47-56 N 151-01 E 0855 Surfaced. Lone SJ pip bearing 240, presumed to be escort. Set course 150 to close. 0904 Spotted escort stationary/dead in water at 1252 yards. Submerged for approach and attack. 1054 Periscope depth. Target at 9000 yards appears dead in water, difficult to ascertain in fog. Returned 100 ft for approach, rigged for silent running. 1135 Thermal layer at 100 ft. Set depth for 105 ft. 1140 Sound has noises of escort ahead. Escort is stationary. 1230 Escort dead in water at 6000 yards, bearing 000. Returned to 105 ft for approach. 1332 Tubes 3,4,5,6 made ready to fire. 1333 Vessel identified as a Shimushu Class Escort Vessel. 1344 Periscope depth. 1350 Fired Tube 3 at Shimushu Class Escort (Type A) . Range 1600 yards. 1352 Torpedo ran below vessel. Secured GQ, went to 100 ft. Vessel's propulsion obviously disabled (external cam shows props and rudder blown off, surely by AI sub aka HERRING's torpedoes) decided would surface after dark and use deck gun to sink vessel, in lieu of possibly wasting more torpedoes on shallow draft vessel. GUN ACTION NO.1 2247 GENERAL QUARTERS-BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION 2344 Surfaced. 2346 Opened fire range 6500 yards. 2337 Hit 2338 Direct hit amidships. Large explosion and cloud of flames short into air, engulfing entire vessel. 2356 Ceased fire. Target on fire bow to stern, sinking. 2357 Shimushu Class Type A Escort Vessel860 tons sunk at 47-51N 151-09E 2359 Secured GQ. Set course to West, away from scene of days actions. June 2 ________ 1329 SD contact 30380 yards, steady. (Aircraft Contact No.3) June 3 ________ 0000 Winds picked up from 1 knots to 27 knots direction 274 as BARB found herself in a Arctic Gale. Naturally, heavy seas with 10-13 ft waves accompanied the winds making for a cold, wet, miserable night time topside. June 4 ________ Winds calmed to 14 knots direction 068 with 4-5 ft waves Temperature in area was a crisp 29 degrees. Patrolling center Okhotsk Sea. 1250 SD Contact 24000 yards, steady.(Aircraft Contact No.4) 1252 SD contact began closing fast. Submerged to avoid. 1254 Leveled off 150 ft. 1439 Surfaced. 2258 SD contact 20,200 yards, steady. (Aircraft Contact No.5) 2300 SD contact began closing fast. Submerged to avoid. 2303 Leveled off at 150 ft. 2351 Surfaced into well lit sky with brilliant full moon. June 5 ________ 1539 SJ contact bearing 059 23,500 yards. (Ship Contact No. 4) Single pip. 1540 Ordered course 065 18 kts to intercept contact. 1556 Smoke sighted bearing 009 estimated eight miles. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED 1557 Submerged for attack. 1610 AK on course 256 9 kts. Tubes 1,2,3,4 made ready to fire. 1625 AK identified as mid sized Soviet-Russian merchant vessel. Flag clearly observed. Outer doors on tubes ordered closed. 1630 After a decent fire control drill on a actual vessel, ordered 150 ft and secured GQ. 1726 Surfaced. June 6 ________ 15-20 ft seas 30 knot winds, moderate fog. 0600 In spite of best efforts, have been unable to contacts group members for several days. Have had no contact with HERRING since 31 May and no contact with GOLET at all since entering area. 1317 SD contact 27400 yards, steady. (Aircraft Contact No.6) June 7 _______ Seas and winds calmed. Uneventful. June 8 _______ Uneventful June 9 ________ Uneventful June 10 ________ 0000 Set course for Patience Bay area of Karafuto to investigate reports of Japanese shipping using coastal routes a long Russian portion of Karafuto Island for cover. 11 June ________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5 Winds at 20 knots direction 059. Choppy seas. 1734 SJ contacts bearing 349 24304 yards. (Ship Contact No.5) Ordered speed to full and intercept course 115. 1744 Smoke/ship spotted bearing 347 estimated 8 miles. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO SUBMERGED 1746 Submerged for attack. 1757 Sound contact on two merchant vessels. Bearing 280, closing. 1803 Contacts two AK on course 260 10 kts. 1810 Contacts on course 260 11.5 kts. Two small AK. Larger of two leading. Trailing AK too small, too shallow draft for torpedo in rough seas as fish would likely miss. Lead AK looks to draw about 18 ft, suitable for attack. 1819 Ahead flank for speed burst to close range to ideal firing position. 1820 Motors All Stop. Up scope. Fired Tubes 3,4 at ZUIKAI MARU . Range 1000 yards. 1821 Both torpedoes impacted ZUIKAI MARU.Forty seconds after last impact,a massive explosion followed by fireball. Ship engulfed in flames. Sinking. 1822 Second AK turned toward BARB's scope firing. AK is similar to CHOKO MARU 1800 tons. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6 1825 Snap shot at second AK. 700 yards. 1826 Torpedo impact! Massive explosions, BARB shaken. Multiple secondary explosions. AK must have been transporting ammunition. 1827 ZUIKAI MARU sunk at 48-23N 144-47E 1837 CHOKU MARU 1850 tons capsized at 48-23N 144-47E Observed one man in a small life raft leave vessel just before she rolled over. 1839 Surfaced to see if could rescue the lone survivor, perhaps for info. 1845 Closed on life raft, now empty. Possible occupant was swept overboard in heavy seas. Set course to depart area. 1850 Secured GQ. Set course for Northern Sea of Okhotsk NorthEast towards Paramushiru Island. 12 June ________ Submerged at 0700 and remained at 300 ft most of day for crew rest and to conduct maintenance. Surfaced at 1925 into overcast skies, moderate fog, 29 knt winds at dirction 269, with 16-20 ft waves. June 13 _________ 1400 250 NM East of Kamchatka Island searching for Japanese traffic taking the Northern route through Soviet waters. Heavy seas and winds remain with overcast. June 14 _________ Around 0830 BARB found herself in a Arctic Gale. Heavy precipitation and fog joined the already terrible weather situation. 1625 Skies cleared, heavy winds and seas remained. June 15 ________ Seas and winds died down. Seas remained with a strong roll and chop. 1700 As began to approach Paramushiru from Northwest, seas increased with 18-20 ft waves. Winds 29 kts direction 119. 1900 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 090. June 16 _________ 0347 15 miles West of Parmushiru Island. Seas calmed with 5-6 ft waves as eased closer to shore. 0412 Submerged before dawn for inshore patrol 10 NM West of Paramushiru. Depth under keel was 285 ft. 0413 Passed thermal layer at 90 ft. 0512 Periscope depth. Spotted Paramushiru Island bearing 330 distance 5 miles. 0600- Sighted numerous small craft and fishing boats in the area throughout the morning. 1200 1330 As moved into strait between Paramushiru and Taketomi Island seas increased to heavy state with a strong fog blanketing the area. 1841 Observed aircraft bearing 266 6500 yards estimated. (Aircraft Contact No.7) Ordered 150 ft. 1937 Finally able to observe Taketomi Island in fog break bearing 280 estimated 14000-16000 yards. 2322 Surfaced into heavy seas. June 17 ________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 7 0123 SJ contact bearing 335 27340 yards. (Ship Contact No. 6) Set course 223 Flank speed to close contact. 0220 Contact on estimated course 225 at 10 kts. BARB astern of contact, moving up at six miles to pass port side for end around. 0245 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE 0325 Contact identified as Chidori Class Torpedo Boat 0328 Readied all bow tubes 1,2,3,4,6. Depth set to 5 ft. 0335 Fired Tube No. 6 at Chidori Class Torpedo Boat. Range 3006 yards. 0337 Torpedo impact in bow of vessel! Vessel slowed, fired star shells and searchlight illuminated area. BARB submerged. 0338 Depth 100 feet. Passed thermal layer at 91 feet. 0350 Periscope depth. Vessels bow severely damaged but afloat. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.7-A 0443 Dawn, BARB trailing 5000 yards astern of damaged Chidori. Perfect position for a "Up the Kilt Shot" 0520 Fired Tube No. 4 "Up the Kilts" from 5200 yards. 0525 Torpedo missed, slide down the side port side of Chidori, scraping paint. At these times, we miss the megnatic detonators. 0530 Secured GQ. Went to 95 feet. Surfaced for end around after range with Chidori opened. 0600 While moving for end around, Chidori suddenly turned to port and opened fired, several rounds splashed 100 and then 50, and 25 yards from BARB. BARB submerged to 150 ft and closed at high speed. 0625 Sudden heavy fog, rain, heavy seas set in. Unable to visually locate target. Surfaced. 0800 In spite of SJ sweeps, SJ could not locate target. Sound could not locate vessel, nor could visually locate. For a moment, it was thought possible vessel subccumed to her wounds. However, as last she was seen underway and in control, she was logged as damaged. 0815 SJ regained contact with Chidori (presumed) BARB set course to intercept. 0823 Rains ceased, fog lifted, leaving a light haze in area. 0825 Contact at 12000 yards. 0827 SJ contacts bearing 280 21,500 yards. Two pips (Ship Contact No.7) 0830 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED 0844 Observed two pips merged on single pip (Chidori) 9000 yards ahead. Pips began patrolling in general area. Obviously, these were called in after Chidori radioed for help. BARB worked ahead to dive and approach. 0851 SD contact range 14500 yards closing! (Aircraft Contact No.8) 0852 BARB submerged. 0900- Multiple sweeps with raised SD mast showed aircraft in area, withing 20000 yards. 1200 Aircraft providing cover. SJ sweep showed other two pips remaining within 10000 yards of damaged Chidori as they proceeded off south end of Paramushiru. 1300 Surfaced for end around. 1311 APR-1 detected radar signals bearing 300. SD contact (Contact No.8) began closing fast. Apparently our airedale friend turned his radar on and picked up BARB 1312 Dive! 1314 Level at 150 ft. Heard multiple explosions above. 1315 Another series of explosions. 1341 Sound reported warship contacts bearing 345 closing fast! Seems the airedales called in the DD and DE escorting the damage Chidori. BARB rigged for silent running and depth charge. Went to 300 ft. 1354 Warships arrived in area searching. 1402 One passed about 1000 yards from BARB (Estimated). Pinging heard, briefly. Escort moved on. 1411 Heard multiple depth charge explosions astern. 1900 Lost contact with enemy. Secured GQ, Silent Running. 2200 Surfaced. June 18 _________ 0015 Seas calmed, fog lifted. Winds slowed to 4 knots direction 327. Seas-light chop. June 19 _________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 8 2043 SJ contact bearing 020 26500 yards. (Ship Contact No.8) Multiple pips indicated convoy. Set intercept course at 20 kts. 2052 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED. 2055 Late afternoon haze/fog set in. 2059 Convoy zigged to port on NE heading. 2108 Submerged for attack. 2158 Tubes 1,2,3 made ready to fire. 2206 Fired tubes 1,2,3. Range 1100 yards. 2207 All three torpedoes impacted ARISAN MARU. Large fires started followed by several secondary explosions. Vessel left burning, settled in water. 2208 Both forward and aft escort closing. Long scale pinging from aft escort began. Ordered 350 ft, rigged for depth charge and silent running. 2212 Escort above. DC explosions after splashes. Not close. 2214 Sounds of vessel breaking up sinking. ARISAN MARU 7827 tons sunk. 2215 More DC splashes. Explosions close. Minor damage. 2220 Close DC explosions. Damaged reported. (See DEFECTS AND DAMAGE) 2232 Boat shaken. Close DC explosions. 2245 Close DC. Damage reported. Water in control room, forward torpedo. 2302 Close DC. Tooth shakers. 2310 Both enemy escorts heard heading back for convoy at high speed. Perhaps convinced of a kill. 2330 Lost sound contact with enemy. June 20 __________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 9 0040 Periscope/Radar Depth. All clear. 0045 Secured Silent Running. Surfaced for end around. 0105 SJ Radar has pip at 11,500 yards bearing 340. Likely escort hanging back. Avoided. 0117 Regained SJ contact with convoy bearing 315 24,500 yards. 0332 off convoys port track at 3200 yards. Flooded down to 25 ft to reduce visibility in oddly bright, yet non moonlight night. Dawn is approaching. 0345 Identified last large AK in port column as KENYO MARU. 0346 Tubes, 7,8,9,10 made ready to fire. 0347 KENYO MARU suddenly change course to join opposite column, presenting poor solution. Large AK ahead similar ot HIYAMA MARU class presented better set up. Switched targets. 0348 Fired Tubes 7,8,9,10 Range 2050 yards. All torpedoes expended. 0353 All torpedoes missed. All torpedoes expended. Broke contact. 0400 Secured GQ. Sent status report. Set course for Pearl Harbor. Somewhat disconcerting that have not heard from pack mates HERRING since 1 June and GOLET at all since entering area. 0500 At dawn seas grew rough with 25 knot winds direction 176. A heavy overcast with moderate fog set in. 2100 Exited Sea of Okhotsk. June 21-July 1 _____________ En route Pearl Harbor. Conducted clean up of boat and schools for qualification for Officers and Enlisted. Passage was otherwise uneventful with daily routine. 2104 SD contact 17000 yards closing. Aircraft Contact No.) July 2 _________ 0545 Oahu visible in dawn light bearing 300. 0915 Docked Submarine Base Pearl Harbor. Terminated war patrol. (C) WEATHER: Weather in area varied, and was typical for this time of year in the polar circuit. Some days featured cold, clear, air, light winds and calm seas, others featured high winds, rough seas, heavy fog and cloud cover. Fog seemed to settle in and lift instantly throughout the days. Short Arctic nights usually featured abundant moonlight. Roughest seas and weather were encountered in higher latitudes West of Kamchatka Island. (D) CONTACTS Aircraft Contacts ___________________ No.1 DATE1944/05/21 TIME 1601 LAT 28-10N LOG 177-20W BRG 010 RNG 7500 CRS 100 SPD 100 kts ALT 600 ft HOW Visual TYPE PBYx12 REMARK Returning strike staging through Midway No.2 DATE1944/05/22 TIME 0400 LAT 28-20N LOG 179-30W BRG 172* RNG 12550 yds CRS 290 SPD 120 kts ALT 1000 ft HOW SD-Visual TYPE PBY REMARK Attempted to exchange recognition signals, but none were returned. Instead, aircraft made a dive towards BARB. Only a quick dive saved us from the depth bomb/charges. Explosions caused damage. * Initial contact was SD, bearing obtained visually. No.3 DATE 1944/06/02 TIME 1329 LAT 49-50N LOG 149-0E BRG -- RANG 30,380 yds, steady. CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Contact range stayed steady, then opened until lost contact at 32000 yards. No.4 DATE 1944/06/04 TIME 1250 LAT 49-14N LOG 147-29E BRG -- RANG 24,000 yds, steady. * CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Contact range stayed steady, then rapidly began to close, prompting a dive. No.5 DATE 1944/06/04 TIME 2258 LAT 49-1N LOG 148-17E BRG -- RANG 20,200 yds* CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Contact range stayed steady, then rapidly began to close, prompting a dive. No.6 DATE 1944/06/07 TIME 1317 LAT 49-57N LOG 149-9E BRG -- RANG 27,400 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK No.7 DATE 1944/06/16 TIME 1841 LAT 49-57N LOG 149-9E BRG 266 RANG 6,500 yds CRS 065 SPD 150 kts ALT 1000 HOW Visual-Periscope TYPE Twin engine Bomber, likely G4M-BETTY REMARK Patrol likely returning approaching nearby runway on island, spotted in fog via periscope. No.8 DATE 1944/06/17 TIME 0851 LAT 50-11N LOG 154-48E BRG -- RANG 14,500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD-Contact TYPE -- REMARK Aircraft called in after dawn to assist damaged Chidori. No.9 DATE 1944/07/01 TIME 2104 LAT 22-0N LOG 158-43W BRG -- RANG 14,500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Contact likely patrol plane out of Oahu. Ship Contacts ______________ No.1 DATE 1944/05/30 TIME 0746 LAT 45-54N LOG 154-55E BRG 006 RNG 28355 yds CRS 175 SPD 14 kts HOW SJ* TYPE DE,DE. REMARK Patrol just south of Kuril Islands. * APR-1 detected radar transmissions prior to SJ contact. No.2 DATE 1944/05/31 TIME 0850 LAT 47-53 LOG 152-19E BRG 006 RNG 14470 yds CRS 090 SPD 0 HOW SJ-Visual TYPE HERRING SS-233 REMARK Scheduled rendezvous. SJ made initial contact. No.3 DATE 1944/05/31 TIME 1557 LAT 48-19N LOG 152-22E BRG 318 RNG 27955 yds CRS 210 SPD 11 kts HOW SJ TYPE AK,AK,AK, MS/Escort REMARK Convoy on radical zig plan every 10-15 minutes. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2-A TORPEDO ATTACK No. 3 TORPEDO ATTACK No. 4 GUN ACTION No. 1 No.4 DATE 1944/6/05 TIME 1539 LAT 48-54N LOG 149-1E BRG 059 RNG 23,500 yds CRS 256 SPD 9 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK ( REMARK USSR AK, roughly 6000 tons. No.5 DATE 1944/6/11 TIME 1734 LAT 48-28N LOG 144-44E BRG 349 RNG 24,304 yds CRS 260 SPD 11.5 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK, AK REMARK TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6 No.6 DATE 1944/6/17 TIME 0123 LAT 50-38N LOG 155-4E BRG 335 RNG 27,340 yds CRS 225 SPD 10 kts HOW SJ TYPE Chidori Torpedo Boat. REMARK Torpedo Attack No.7 Torpedo Attack No.7-A No.7 DATE 1944/6/17 TIME 0123 LAT 50-10N LOG 154-45E BRG 280 RNG 21,500 yds CRS 225 SPD 20 kts HOW SJ TYPE DD,DE REMARK One DD, and one DE, apparently called in from Paramushiru to assist damaged DE as arrived on scene at high speed just after dawn. No.8 DATE 1944/6/19 TIME 2043 LAT 50-23N LOG 154-45E BRG 020 RNG 26,500 yds CRS 045 SPD 9 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK, Escort,Escort REMARK TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 8 TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 9 (E) ATTACKS TORPEDO ATTACKS U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 0123 DATE 1 June 1944 LAT.47-54N LOG.151-29E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: One AK, part of three ship convoy with one escort. Convoy made radical zigs throughout day on base course 250 T, preventing submerged attack. After dark trailed at 6000 yards astern until zig back towards BARB permitted to close into firing range. Radar bearings and observations throughout afternoon provided accurate speed and course. AK was lead in the single column of three. Decided to target lead as a zig was expected soon. Fired on TBT bearings from range of 2550 yards at five second intervals. SHIP SUNK: KOTO MARU 4476 tons 47-54 151-29E 0130 1 June 1944 DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: Observed all three torpedoes hit, igniting fires and blowing a large, visible hole at and above waterline amidships .Observed vessel sink at 0130. Target draft: 21.3 ft Course: 200 AOB 90 P Speed: 11 kts Range: 2550 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 014 Target True Bearing: 306 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Night Surface Tube No.Fired 1 Track Angle 90 P Gyro Angle 1 L Torpedo Course 293 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 406554 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 31311 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No. 99345 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Diverget Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Midway Tube No.Fired 2 Track Angle 90 P Gyro Angle 1 L Torpedo Course 293 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 406554 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 31311 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No. 99345 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Diverget Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Midway Tube No.Fired 3 Track Angle 90 P Gyro Angle 1 L Torpedo Course 293 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 406554 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 31311 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No. 99345 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Diverget Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Midway Remarks: Somewhere between 50-100 survivors seen in water, vessel obviously was transporting passengers, likely troops. Came under heavy machine gun fire from AK in column astern of target. No damage. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO'S.2 and 2A. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 0302 DATE 1 June 1944 LAT.47-54N LOG.151-27E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: ATTACK NO.2 Follow up attack on convoy after sinking lead vessel. Vessels initially scattered but returned to a loose formation with escort astern about 4500 yards, guarding, searching. BARB slipped past him to come around to starboard side and set up on AK MADRAS MARU, the closest target. Fired three torpedoes from 2000 yards via TBT bearings. Third torpedo (Tube No.6) went on erratic track to port. ATTACK NO.2-A Coup de grace to finish off the crippled AK and ensure her sinking. Due to presence of escort, fired from reloaded Tube No.1, range 5200 yards. SHIP DAMAGED: (Attack No.2) AK MADRAS MARU 3790 tons Observed two torpedoes hit, large fire burned profusely. Observed target go dead in water. SHIP SUNK (Attack No.2-A) AK MADRAS MARU 3790 tons 47-54N 151-27E 0318 1944/06/01 DETERMINED BY: Observed torpedo hit, vessel listed to starboard. Observed vessel sink visually and pip disappear from radar scope. Target draft: 25.6 ft Course: AOB 100 S Speed: 4.5 kts Range: 2000 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 000 Target True Bearing: 300 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Night-Surface Tube Number Fired 1 Track Angle 93 S Gyro Angle 4 R Torpedo Course 263 Depth Set 4 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404331 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39244 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.9914 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 2 Track Angle 93 S Gyro Angle 4 R Torpedo Course 263 Depth Set 4 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404331 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39244 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.9914 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 3 Track Angle 93 S Gyro Angle 4 R Torpedo Course 263 Depth Set 4 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic Yes Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404337 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39249 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.9914 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Remarks: Vessel left on fire and dead in water but afloat, required Attack 2-A for the coup de grace. Third torpedo initially fired, which ran erractic, would have completed the job. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2-A Target draft: 25.6 ft Course: 310 AOB 90 S Speed: 0 kts Range: 5200 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 000 Target True Bearing: 220 (at firing) Tube Number Fired 1 Track Angle 90 S Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 263 Depth Set 4 ft Power Low Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404342 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39249 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.9991 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ______ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 0842 DATE 1 June 1944 LAT.47-56N LOG.151-01E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Remaining vessel of three ship convoy previously attack. Vessel damaged by HERRING in previously attack on 31 May. List correct but a large visible hole at waterline was visible on starboard side. Vessel continued on radical zig plan, which thwarted BARB's initial approach, but held out for zig back towards, which came as expected. Closed at high submerged speed to obtain firing position. Encountered unescorted, as escort was several thousand yards astern dead in water, possibly attacked by HERRING.Elected to cross the bow of the AK at 5000 yards in order to be off her starboard track for stern shot. Fired three torpedoes from stern tubes on periscope bearings. Target changed speed slightly or alerted by torpedo wakes slowed to began evasive turn turn. This caused two torpedoes to hit forward near the bow, with one missing ahead. Fired Torpedo tube No. 10 after slight data adjustment. SHIP SUNK AK RYUSEI MARU 6538 tons 47-56N 151-01E 0854 1944/06/01 DETERMINED BY: Observed three torpedoes hit target. Observed target burn profusely and sink by the bow. Target draft: 15.4 ft Course: 335 Speed: 11 kts* AOB 77 P Range: 928 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 182 Target True Bearing: 085 (at firing) Target speed adjusted to 5 kts for Torpedo 4 (Tube 10). FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 7 Track Angle 77 P Gyro Angle 346 L Torpedo Course 249 Depth Set 5 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404355 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39255 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.10104 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 3 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 8 Track Angle 77 P Gyro Angle 346 L Torpedo Course 249 Depth Set 5 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404356 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39257 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.10104 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 3 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 9 Track Angle 77 P Gyro Angle 346 L Torpedo Course 249 Depth Set 5 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404358 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39258 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.10016 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 3 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 10 Track Angle 78 P Gyro Angle 348 L Torpedo Course 251 Depth Set 5 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404359 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39267 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.10024 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 3 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: One lifeboat observed in water. Initial firing stack, fore mast, and aft mast were points of aim for respective torpedoes. Target was previously damaged by torpedo hit but still required three more torpedo hits to being her down. The two torpedoes to her bow left bow wreck Well constructed vessel. __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 1350 DATE 1 June 1944 LAT. 47-52N LOG. 151-9E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Damaged Shimushu Type A Escort Vessel, dead in water. Believe propulsion damaged by HERRING's previous attack. Fired Tube No.1 at range of 1600 yards. SHIP SUNK None Target draft: 9.7 ft Course: 244 Speed: 0 kts AOB 88 S Range: 1750 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:000 Target True Bearing: 150 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 1 Track Angle 85 S Gyro Angle 357 R Torpedo Course 148 Depth Set 5 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404382 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39282 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.101013 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 3 Seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Torpedo run below keel. Vessel does seem high in the water. Propulsion damaged as unable to get underway, even after a visible torpedo wake passed below. __________________________________________________ ______________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 1820 DATE 11 June 1944 LAT.48-23N LOG.144-47 E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Small AK sailing in concert, unescorted, with another small AK rounding Cape Naka Shiretoko, Karafuto Island about 15 nautical miles off shore, sailing into Patience Bay. SHIP SUNK ZUIKAI MARU 2427 tons 1827 1944/06/11 48-23N 144 47E DETERMINED BY: Observed two torpedo hits on vessel. Large fire and explosions. Observed vessel sink. Target draft 20 ft Course: 260 Speed: 11.5 kts AOB 110 Range: 1000 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 0 Target True Bearing: 175 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 3 Track Angle 109 Gyro Angle 17 S Torpedo Course 192 Depth Set 9 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404400 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 393400 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.101040 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 2 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Heavy swells Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 4 Track Angle 109 Gyro Angle 17 S Torpedo Course 192 Depth Set 9 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404401 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 393401 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.101041 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 2 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Hravy swells Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Fired two torpedoes 2 seconds apart aimed at stack of small AK. Both torpedoes hit closer to bow, nearly blowing front of the ship off. A delayed, enormous explosions occurred about 35 seconds after second torpedo hit. Vessel sunk quickly, no survivors observed. __________________________________________________ ______________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 1350 DATE 1 June 1944 LAT. 47-52N LOG. 151-9E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Damaged Shimushu Type A Escort Vessel, dead in water. Believe propulsion damaged by HERRING's previous attack. Fired Tube No.1 at range of 1600 yards. SHIP SUNK None Target draft: 9.7 ft Course: 244 Speed: 0 kts AOB 88 S Range: 1750 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:000 Target True Bearing: 150 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 1 Track Angle 85 S Gyro Angle 357 R Torpedo Course 148 Depth Set 5 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404382 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 39282 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.101013 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 3 Seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Torpedo run below keel. Vessel does seem high in the water. Populsion damaged as unable to get underway, even after a visible torpedo wake passed below. __________________________________________________ ______________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 1825 DATE 11 June 1944 LAT.48-23N LOG.144-47 E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Small AK sailing in concert, unescorted, with another small AK rounding Cape Naka Shiretoko, Karafuto Island about 15 nautical miles off shore, sailing into Patience Bay. Fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. SHIP SUNK ZUIKAI MARU 1820 1944/06/11 48-23N 144 47E DETERMINED BY: Observed two torpedoes hit vessel, causing a delayed, massive explosion forty seconds later. Fireball engulfed the vessel and when subsided, vessel was on fire bow to stern and went down quickly. No survivors observed. Target draft 20 ft Course: 260 Speed: 11.5 kts AOB 110 Range: 1000 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 0 Target True Bearing: 175 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 3 Track Angle 109 Gyro Angle 17 S Torpedo Course 192 Depth Set 9 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404400 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 393400 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.101040 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 2 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Heavy swells Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 4 Track Angle 109 Gyro Angle 17 S Torpedo Course 192 Depth Set 9 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404401 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 393401 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.101041 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 2 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Heavy swells Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Fired two torpedoes 2 seconds apart aimed at stack of small AK. Both torpedoes hit closer to bow, nearly blowing front of the ship off. A delayed, enormous explosions occurred about 35 seconds after second torpedo hit. Vessel sunk quickly, no survivors observed. Second AK fired at BARB's scope and turned to ram at her best speed in the heavy seas. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 6. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 1825 DATE 11 June 1944 LAT.48-23N LOG.144-47 E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Small AK sailing in concert, unescorted, with another small AK rounding Cape Naka Shiretoko, Karafuto Island about 15 nautical miles off shore, sailing into Patience Bay. After sinking lead AK in Attack No.5, target fired guns at BARB's scope and appeared to be charging for ramming, but then presented favorable angle at just 700 yards. Quickly calculated a "snap shot" and fired one torpedo at the 1800 ton AK from 700 yards. SHIP SUNK CHOKO MARU 1825 1944/06/11 48-23N 144 47E DETERMINED BY: Observed torpedo hit vessel, causing a instantaneous, massive explosion and fireball which engulfed into vessel. Large hole at and blew waterline visible starboard side, just forward of bridge structure. Vessel likely carried ammunition given the manner in which it exploded. Observed vessel capsize and sink. Target draft 12.1 ft Course: 272 Speed: 5-6 kts AOB 110 Range: 700 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 0 Target True Bearing: 156 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 5 Track Angle 77 S Gyro Angle 7 S Torpedo Course 154 Depth Set 6 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 404444 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 393444 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.101044 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 2 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Heavy swells Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Explosion of ships ammunition cargo was truly awe inspiring. Due to short range, boat was shaken and many thuds heard against BARB's hull, no doubt sounds of debris and shockwaves, which continued even after vessel capsized. A dramatic scene was observed via periscopes, when just as vessel was capsizing, a life raft, with one occupant deployed into the heavy swells, just seconds before it was too late. BARB surfaced to recover this lone survivor for intel, but raft was empty when surfaced, apparently swept overhead into the heavy seas when his raft was swamped. __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 7. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 22 DATE 19 June 1944 LAT.-N LOG.-E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Contacted a lone Chidori Class Torpedo Boat on course 225 at 10 knots in heavy seas. Completed end around and fired one torpedo from 3000 yards. SHIP DAMAGED Chidori Class Torpedo Boat 50-18N 154-44E 0337 1944/06/17 DETERMINED BY: Observed torpedo hit forward in bow of target. Torpedo was aimed at midships area, but target slightly slowed, likely due to headwinds and waves. Target slowed after torpedo hit. Target draft 10.5 ft Course: 225 Speed: 9.5 kts AOB 91 P Range: 3006 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 011 Target True Bearing: 306 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 6 Track Angle 103 P Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 294 Depth Set 5 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415449 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398937 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13154 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 0 Type Spread -- Sea Conditions Rough Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Torpedo impacted bow, severely damaged the Chidori but target remained underway. __________________________________________________ ___________________________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.7-A U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 7-A. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 0520 DATE 17 June 1944 LAT.50-11N LOG.154-39E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Follow up to Attack No. 7 on damaged Chidori Torpedo Boat. Fired one "up the kilts" shot from 5200 yards astern at dawn. SHIP SUNK None. Target draft 10.5 ft Course: 2 Speed: 4.5 kts AOB 180 Range: 5250 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 000 Target True Bearing: 224 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Dawn-Periscope Tube Number Fired 4 Track Angle 180 Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 211 Depth Set 3.5 ft Power Low Hit or miss Erratic Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415454 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398973 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13165 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 0 Type Spread -- Sea Conditions Rough Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Torpedo missed and passed down the port side of target, scraping paint. Times like these, magnetic detonators would be useful. __________________________________________________ ______________________________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 8 U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. PATROL NO. 8. TIME 2206 DATE 19 June 1944 LAT.48-58N LOG.151-53 TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Convoy with seven AK, two escorts on ENE course. SHIP SUNK AK ARISAN MARU 7827 tons 8-48N 151-53E 2214 1944/06/19 DETERMINED BY: Observed three torpedoes hit target. Target caught fire and settled in water. Multiple explosions heard, sounds of ship breaking up audible. Upon surfacing spotted large debris field at site of attack. Target draft 29.5 ft Course: 045 Speed: 10.5 kts AOB Range: 1050 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:000 Target True Bearing:332 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Dusk-Periscope Tube Number Fired 1 Track Angle 115 S Gyro Angle 024 R Torpedo Course 345 Depth Set 10 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415474 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398989 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13187 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 4 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 2 Track Angle 115 S Gyro Angle 024 R Torpedo Course 345 Depth Set 10 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415426 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398961 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13131 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 4 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 3 Track Angle 115 S Gyro Angle 024 R Torpedo Course 345 Depth Set 10 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415411 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398241 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13199 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 4 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Torpedoes fired with about 20 divergent yard spread along length of target points aim were MOT, Fore mast, Aft Mast. __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 9 U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 9 PATROL NO. 8. TIME 0348 DATE 20 June 1944 LAT.49-21N LOG.152-15E TARGET DATA--DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Follow up night surface attack on convoy. Conducted end around and off port track. Targeted large AK KENYO MARU which suddenly signaled and switched to opposite column. Switched to large AK similar to HIYAMA MARU 7145 tons. Fired last four torpedoes from tubes 7,8,9,10 on divergent spread, aimed at MOT, MOT, Fore mast, Aft mast from range of 2050 yards. SHIP SUNK None. Torpedoes missed target. Target draft 24.6 ft Course: 014 Speed: 5 kts AOB Range: 2050 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 185 Target True Bearing: 142 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube Number Fired 7 Track Angle 84 P Gyro Angle 359 L Torpedo Course 316 Depth Set 10 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415431 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398931 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13193 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 4 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 8 Track Angle 84 P Gyro Angle 359 L Torpedo Course 316 Depth Set 10 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415432 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398932 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13194 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 4 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 9 Track Angle 84 P Gyro Angle 359 L Torpedo Course 316 Depth Set 10 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415433 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398933 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13194 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 4 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway Tube Number Fired 10 Track Angle 84 P Gyro Angle 359 L Torpedo Course 316 Depth Set 10 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 415437 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 398938 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13197 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 4 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub-Base Midway REMARKS: Enemy increased speed after firing or solution had a half knot speed error, causing torpedoes to miss. Divergent spread fired should have accounted for this, but torpedoes still missed. GUN ACTIONS USS BARB (SS220) GUN ACTION N0.1. WAR PATROL NO.8. DATE: 1 June 1944 Time: 2346-2357 LAT. 47-51N LOG. 151-09E DESCRIPTION: Shimushu Type A Escort vessel, damaged by previous torpedo attack of U.S.S. HERRING (SS-233) sometime on 1 June. Vessel was immobilized, possibly due to loss of prop. Attempted to finish vessel off with torpedo but draft too shallow was vessel was not in ballast. After nightfall, closed to 6000 yards and opened fire with Four Inch Fifty Caliber deck gun. Sixty out of 150 rounds aboard were expended. Sixteen direct hits and eight near misses, left the vessel a flaming wreck, bow to stern. Vessel sunk within one minute of ceasing fire. No survivors were observed. Due to lack of return fire or visible acitiy it is believed all aboard were killed when third hit amidships, set off a massive explosions. Round either struck unarmored fuel reserve or possibly ammo reserve. SHIP SUNK Shimushu Class Type A Escort Vessel 860 tons 47-51N 151-09E 2357 1944/06/01 GUNNERY FIRE CONTROL DATA GUN ACTION NO.1 (at firing) Target Bearing: 030 Target True Bearing:342 Target AOB: 80 P Target Range 6000-5800 yards Target Course 235 Target Speed 0 Rounds Expended: 60 4" 50 Caliber Type-HE Hits 16-direct 8-near Point of Aim: Amidships-Waterline Malfunctions- None Shells remaining after attack: 4" 50 Caliber HE x 90 40mm HE x 2000 20mm x HE 2000 Gun Crew: Gunnery Captain Ltjg J.W. Reeves, USN.- Director-Gunnery Officer CFC L.J. Brendle, USN.-Poiter TM1c C.A. Tomzyck, USNR.-Trainer TM2c J.A. Salantai, USNR-Shellman TM2c R.W. Roark, USNR.-Ammo Train GM3c B.M. Murphy, USN.-Ammo Train GM3c J.H. Petrasanus, USN.-Ammo Train. Casualties: None. (F) NAVIGATIONAL AIDES: Spotted enemy lights and shore batteries on Cape Shiretoko, Karafuto Island. Paramushiru and Taketomi Islands provided for excellent aides to navigation, although no lights were spotted. (F-1) HAZARDS TO NAVIGATION: Several icebergs were spotted throughout the area. 1.47-48N 152-11E 2.53-0N 153-0E 3.51-0N 146-0E 4.51-40N 144-02E (G) MINES: No enemy mines were encountered on this patrol. (H) THERMAL LAYERS: Thermal layers were detected at 90 ft, 91, ft, 100ft, and 200 ft. Majority of area did not feature thermal layers, a concentration of them were found off Karafuto and Parmushiru Islands. (I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTER MEASURES AND EVASION: Enemy ASW in area featured patrols by aircraft across the open ocean. Closer to the islands, namely the harbors warship patrols were encountered. A impressive coordinated response occurred on 17 June in response to the Chidori's reports of being torpedoed by BARB SSW of Paramushiru. Arrival of a DD and DE, along with air support certainly prevented BARB from being able to close in for the coup de grace. Depth charge attack of 19 June was intense, accurate, albeit short lived. Considerable damage was done by two skilled escorts. Impressive, large patterns were laid with variation in depth settings. Each escort took in somewhat rapid succession. One tactic encountered was for one escort to run "up the spine" of BARB, while other crossed our bow, with both laying impressive patterns to trap BARB one large shock wave. This tactic seemed to be used at least twice and BARB suffered damage both times, including flooding. Once again, the Japanese escorts propensity I have read of in numerous reports, to give up the attack early provided welcome relief. Evasion was conducted by rigging for silent running, use of speed bursts at ahead full or flank for 25-30 seconds once escort passes above to drop, frequent course and depth changes. When at 395 feet, a powerful pattern of charges above BARB pushed her to 407 feet. (J) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE: No major material defects. Damage BARB suffered serious damage during depth charge attack. All damage was repaired at sea over course of 72 hours unless otherwise noted. Damage: 1. Flooding-Forward torpedo room. Busted valves and lines repaired. 2 ft of water pumped out. 2. Flooding-Control Room. Busted valves and lines repaired. 1 ft water pumped out. 3. WCA Sonar Stack in conning tower jarred lose, rendered inoperable rest of patrol. 4. Forward Batteries 5. Compressor 6. Trim Pump 7. Rudder Transmission 8. No.1 Diesel 9. No.3 Diesel 10. JP Sonar Head-Deck Mounted 11. Radio Transmitter 12. SJ radar antenna. 13. Piping and water lines throughout boat. 14. High Pressure Air Lines in all compartments. 15. Light bulbs-all compartments. 16. Glass fixtures-all compartments. (K) RADAR: SJ SJ performance was overall excellent. Average target detection range was 22,000 yards. SD SD performance was adequate with typical detection ranges at 18000 yards. (L) SOUND CONDITIONS AND SOUND GEAR: Sound conditions in the area were generally poor. Sound gear function was limited to damage in depth charge attack. (M) TIDAL INFORMATION: Tides were typical for the area this time of year. (N) RADIO: Radio function was excellent until damaged in depth charge attack. After repairs, function was hit or miss, so to speak. (O) COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP OPERATIONS: Attempt to coordinate attack proved difficult after initial attack on convoy. One member of group (HERRING) made a attack while BARB was jockeying for position on 31 May, damaging one AK and crippling the convoys lone escort, which BARB later sunk by gunfire. After this attack there was no further communication from HERRING and no communication with GOLET was never established in the assigned area. (Real life note on the wolfpack: HERRING was sunk by shore batteries off Matsuwa in the Kuril Islands on 1 June 1944,vafter sinking the frigate Ishigaki and a merchant of the convoy in question on 31 May. BARB would go on to sink the other two. GOLET disappeared all together without a word, any trace. GOLET's CO, LCDR Clark had told LCDR Fluckey of BARB he would start his patrol off South Eastern Hokkaido. BARB would learn from a rescued Japanese merchant seaman that there were mines laid in that area. BARB attempted to warn GOLET, but never received a reply. GOLET is believed to have struck a mine and sunk. Another source says was sunk by Japanese escorts on June 14 1944 in sea of Okhotsk.) (P) PERSONNEL: Crew performance was excellent on this patrol, as demonstrated by sinking of six enemy merchant vessels, one warship, and severely damaging another warship. As this is BARB's eight patrol, large crew turnover is anticipated during next refit period. Two new officers with no patrol experience, fresh from Submarine School reported aboard at Midway. New "Old Hands" trained them well to takeover on next patrol. One Officer and twelve men qualified on this patrol. Eight men advanced in rating. (Q) HEALTH AND HABITABILITY Health and Habitability were overall excellent on this patrol. Rough Arctic seas and temperatures made for difficulties at times, but crew pulled together and overcame these challenges. Food was well prepared and of high quality. Minor injuries such as scrape, bumps, bruises were suffered as result of depth charge attack. (R) MILES STEAMED-FUEL CONSUMED Midway to Area 2300 miles 37564 gallons In Area 7500 miles 102644 gallons Area to Pearl Harbor 3632 miles 78555 gallons (S) DURATION DAYS Midway to Area 10.5 In area 20 Days Submerged 2 Area to Pearl Harbor 11 Total 41.5 days (T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE Torpedoes: 0 Fuel: 19244 gallons Provisions 41 days Crew Indefinite Reason for termination of patrol: All torpedoes expended. (U) REMARKS: With six merchant vessels and one warship sunk for estimated 28000 tons, with another warship severely damaged, BARB's EIGHTH patrol, my first in command was a unabashed success. Crew, boat, and torpedo performance were excellent. Commanding Officer does regret was unable to conduct more coordinated attacks with group members. Commanding Officer takes responsibility for the miss of BARB's last four torpedoes due to speed error. For that, a large merchant vessel managed to escape sure destruction. Noted for future patrols on how to avoid such incidents. E.B. Fluckey |
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03-06-22, 04:27 AM
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#5247 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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 Patrol area.  Crew morale was listed as "broken" or "shaken" for many after a severe depth charge attack.  Bow of Chidori hit by torpedo. Night surface attack from 3000 yrds. Target slowed in heavy seas, causing torpedo aimed for middle of target to hit the bow. Vessel was badly damage, traveled slow but managed to escape thanks to dawn breaking early in the polar areas, foul weather setting in. Then clearing, arrival of two DE called in to help after dawn, as well as a patrolling aircraft preventing from closing target. (see report) .  Small AK sinking after single torpedo hit (blew up nicely)   DC splashes.  Empty raft after sinking of small merchant. Raft was launched just as vessel capsized. Initially had a lone crew member in it. By time BARB surfaced to close, the raft was empty. Heavy seas so assumed the survivor was washed out.  Lone survivor, soon washed out of raft.  Rendezvous with USS Herring in Sea of Okhotsk 31 May 1944 1000. (Wolfpack operations)  PBY at Midway  Shaken crew (see cursor on morale)   Storms in sea of Okhotsk  Fired a "up the kilts" shot with AOB 180 but unfortunately the drift of the Chidori in heavy seas, torpedo ran down the port side.  Wolfpack message received on convoy. Entire three ship one escort convoy sunk. AI sub (packmate) "Herring" damaged one AK (had a hole in side of it when I located it) and crippled the escort (props and rudders blown off, later located). BARB sunk all three AK and the escort. Escort sunk by gunfire after dark after torpedo run below, showing draft too shallow. |
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03-09-22, 11:52 PM
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#5248 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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USS BARB SS-220 Ninth War Patrol screenshots
Few screenshots from 9th patrol. External Cams and contacts were off so not that many shots. Patrol Report to be posted soon. Do not recall if have ever had such a patrol playing without map contacts on. 11 ships with 78622 tons. Luzon Strait in August-September 1944 is certainly target rich environment, but difficult with large well defended convoys.
                       
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03-10-22, 02:50 AM
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#5249 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
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USS BARB SS-220 NINTH WAR PATROL 4 AUGUST-2 OCTOBER 1944
TMO Update V2.0
100 difficult, external camera and map contacts off. I did my best to keep up with the data on this patrol but the action in the Luzon Straits was busy. Attacks , esp the night surface actions and coordinated attacks required all of my attention, especially operating without map contacts to keep track on things, so my recording of data suffered at times. Having said that, this was my best patrol ever without map contacts on. Six tankers, four merchants, one destroyer. One escort carrier damaged. Fired 48 torpedoes (made a fast run to Saipan for reload after expending torpedoes early in patrol). Wolfpack operations I have added to the upcoming V2.0 of TMO Update were present in this patrol and worked well. AI subs attacked convoys. Some placed in area along convoy routes were scripted attacks. Others set to spawn and patrolled area, responded to contact reports. I have found that they will respond to some degree same way carrier aircraft will respond if a friendly carrier or airbase is nearby when player sends contact report. I am unsure on distance will respond from but guessing at least 20 miles or less. Anyways pretty cool when moving on on a convoy or after attack and see the flash explode from torpedo impact in the night sky. Enemy escorts are occupied making opportunities for attack. US wolfpacks tended to "take turns" , typically three boats in a pack, attack from opposite sides. This tactic can player out pretty well in SH 4TMO now. One coordinated attack I sunk three ships, pack mates sunk three, damaged another, which I later encountered and sunk. Anyways, new level of immersion in the sim, look forward to having it further implemented and refined in next release. U.S.S. BARB-Report of Ninth War Patrol -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (A) PROLOGUE: Returned to Pearl Harbor from 8th war patrol on July 4, 1944. Completed normal refit and repair under SubRon Four, four day training period. Loaded twelve MK 14-3A, four MK 23-2 torpedoes in forward torpedo compartment, with eight MK 18-2 torpedoes in aft torpedo compartment, along with all provisions. Lieutenants J.R. Post, and J.A. Easton, USN., detached. CAPT E.R. Swinburne, USN., reported aboard, as Commander, Task Group 17.5 , embarked on BARB for upcoming patrol. LCDR D.S. Baughman, USN., reported aboard for a Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) tour. CFM L.J. Brendle, USN., was detached, relieved as Chief of the Boat but CGM P.G. Saunders, USN. Several other members of crew detached with new men reporting aboard. Ready for sea August 2, 1944. (B) NARRATIVE August 4 _________ 1130 Departed Pearl Harbor for patrol area as part of Coordinated Attack Group, Task Group 17.5 as part of Task Group 17.5, with in accordance with Operation Order 265-44. COMTG 17.5 embarked for duration of patrol. 1350 Rendezvoused with QUEENFISH and TUNNY off Barber's Point. Proceeded on course 275 12 kts for Midway. 1530 Trim Dive. 1545 Surfaced. August 5 ________ 0830- Conducted wolfpack exercises. 1230 1542 SJ contact (Ship Contact No.1) bearing 020 22500 yards. 1600 Sighted smoke. 1615 Exchanged recognition signals. Vessel is Victory type cargo with DE escort. August 6 __________ Conducted sighting, torpedo fire control, and coordinated attack drills throughout the day with QUEENFISH and TUNNY. August 7 _________ 0000- Coordinated night surface attack drills. 0300 August 8 _________ Conduct drills and group exercises throughout the day. August 9 __________ 1000 Entered Midway channel with QUEENFISH and TUNNY astern at 5000 yard intervals. 1027 Docked at Submarine Tender, Midway Island. August 10 ___________ 0730 Departed Midway in company with QUEENFISH and TUNNY. 0800 Formed patrol line parallel to one another, spaced ten nautical miles apart. Course 261 degrees at 11 kts per operation order. ETA in assigned area 0500 25 August. August 11 ___________ En route. Normal routine. Maintained 11 kt speed of advance. Conducted sighting drills with QUEENFISH and TUNNY. August 12 __________ En route. Normal routine. Maintained 11 kt speed of advance. Conducted sighting drills with QUEENFISH and TUNNY. Received word via evening FOX that patrol will terminate at Majuro Atoll. August 13 __________ En route. Normal routine. Winds at 23 kts, direction 128 11-13 ft waves. August 14 __________ En route area. Normal routine. August 15 __________ En route area. Normal routine. August 16 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 17 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 18 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 19 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 20 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 21 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 22 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 23 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 24 ___________ En route area. Normal routine. August 25 ___________ 0000 West of Luzon Strait. 0010 Heavy rains and fog with 19 kt winds direction 273. 0300 Dead Reckoning fix has group entering area CONVOY COLLEGE. Ordered to proceed at best speed to assigned sectors given. 0541 Lost SJ contact with TUNNY 0821 Lost SJ contact with QUEENFISH August 26 __________ 0420 Skies cleared. Winds and seas calmed. Patrol in area. Uneventful. August 27 ___________ Patrol in area. 1555 SD contact(Aircraft Contact No.1) 1557 Dive 1630 Surfaced 1821 SD contact. (Aircraft Contact No.2) Dive. 2130 Surfaced August 28 __________ 0840 APR-1 detected radar signal bearing 020. 0841 SJ powered on. SJ made contact bearing 013 25000 yards Two pips. Ordered course to investigate contacts. Rough seas did not assist in chasing down contact. (Ship Contact No.2) 0900 Contacts identified as two DD in a "fan" patrol sweep of area. Heavy seas made success of torpedo attack on shallow draft vessels unlikely, avoided contact, saving fish for convoys will surely encounter in this area. 1140 SD contact. (Aircraft Contact No.3) Dive. 1230 Heavy enemy air presence in area, possibly indicating coming convoy(s). As such remained submerged with SJ sweeps at radar depth every half hour. 1950 Surfaced 2225 SD contact 11500 yds, closing! (Aircraft Contact No.4) Dive! 2227 Leveled off at 150 ft. August 29 __________ Patrol in area. August 30 __________ 1321 Received ULTRA and action addressed to BARB QUEENFISH TUNNY. Convoy reported en route Takao to Manila. Expected transit area 0000 31 August Conduct coordinated attack. 1330 COMTG 17.5 set intercept point at 20-55N 119-43E. QUEENFISH TUNNY acknowledged order for coordinated attack. BARB on course 139 18 kts. 1900 Contact with QUEENFISH (Radar signals) at designated ambush coordinates. 1930 Submerged until dark to avoid possible detection by aircraft, patrols in advnace of convoy. 2245 Periscope depth. Aircraft spotted! Bearing 007 5000 yards (Aircraft Contact No.4) Ordered 150 ft. 2247 Spotted TUNNY bearing 244 6.5 NM. 2250 Aircraft heading right for TUNNY. TUNNY detected AR submerged. Do not believe TUNNY was spotted as aircraft cruised on. (AI sub reached last waypoint to simulate a dive as it arrived at ambush site, GREAT timing lol) 2309 Sound has many prop noises ahead bearing 005, distant. 2330 Radar depth. SJ contacts bearing 004 28355 yds (Ship Contact No.3) 2350 Chose to make night submerged attack due to near full moon providing too great of visibility for surface attack. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED. 2356 Spotted smoke and outline of enemy ships (Convoy) bearing 017 8 miles estimated. August 31 ___________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1 0022 Contact report sent. Convoy sighted. Position 21-04 N 119-43E. Convoy course 160 Speed 11 kts 0025 Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6, made ready to fired. Torpedoes set to low power. Heavy escort screen and course change required firing from longer range. 0030 Selected one large AO in middle column, one mid sized AO in starboard column as targets. 0033 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at Target No.1 (AO 10000 tons) Range:6750 yards. Torpedo Depth: 5ft. Fired tubes 4,5,6 at Target No.2 (AO 6000 tons) Range: 5540 yds Torpedo Depth:5 ft 0039 Search lights on, star shells. Torpedo wakes spotted. 0040 Torpedo impact on far side of convoy with mid sized AK. 0041 Escorts heading in BARB's direction, fast. Ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge. 0044 Thermal layer at 216 feet 21-4N 119-44E 0046 Pinging. 0047 Enemy above. Splashes. 0048 DC explosions. Tooth shakers. 0050 Another enemy above. Splashes. 0051 BARB at 375 ft. Boat shaken. 0053 Enemy above. Large pattern of splashes. 0054 Large pattern exploded above. BARB at 395 ft. Pushed to 411 feet by explosions above. 0101 Many DC explosions astern, not close. Believe enemy lost contact with BARB. BARB at 390 ft. 0103 Many DC explosions astern. 0105 More DC explosions astern. Estimated range 3000-4000 yards. 0117 More DC explosions astern. 0210 Convoy moved on SSW course. Explosions heard bearing 293 long range. QUEENFISH/TUNNY attacked convoy. 0215 Periscope depth. 0220 SJ contact bearing 178 8500 yards. 0223 Surfaced. Began to close contact, as could be damaged AK torpedoed. 0225 Contact is DE type vessel. APR-1 detected radar emissions from contact bearing. Turned away on pursuit course of convoy. DE increased speed and closed location of BARB's surfacing .BARB slipped away into night. 0226 Ahead at bearing 330-340 observed star shells, cna see large splashes in water at 9000 yards. Fire and smoke visible as well, likely from damaged/sinking vessels torpedoed by QUEENFISH/TUNNY. BARB conducted end around and reloaded forward tubes. 0328 Tubes reloaded. Closed convoy for attack. 0331 Submerged for attack 3500 off track of convoy. Went to 150 ft for high speed run to close large AO. 0332 Sound has many depth charge explosions, distant bearing 305. TUNNY or QUEENFISH have the escorts in a real tizzy. 0342 Periscope depth. Large AO veered off out of range. Sighted medium sized AO identified as DAISHIN MARU 5150 tons 0342 Many DC explosions audible. 0344 Closing target at high speed. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2 0346: Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at AO DAISHIN MARU 5000 tons. Range 1700 yards. Torpedo Depth. 8 ft 0346 After release of torpedo No 4, noticed target slowed, and began a :45 turn to port, which would likely cause torpedoes to miss. Adjusted TDC speed and AOB to compensate, fired Tube No.5 at 0346:55. 0347 Torpedo No. 5 impacted! Tanker went up in massive explosions. Tanker began to sink. Torpedoes 1,2,3,4 missed. Large AK firing at scope 500 yards, rushing into ram BARB . Ordered 100 ft! TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 0402 Periscope depth. Fast set up on AK. Fired stern tubes 7,8,9 range 500 yards. Torpedo Depth 8 ft. 0403 Torpedo impact (all three)! massive explosion and seondary explosions for nearly a minute. Vessel split in two! Must have been a ammo ship. AK JOGU MARU 6669 tons sunk at 20-50N 119-41E 0404 AO DAISHIN MARU sunk! 20-50N 119-41E 0405 Large AO spotted ! Ahead flank. One torpedo forward, one aft. AO will pass astern of BARB. AO fired at BARB's scope. 0406 Sound reports warship closing high speed estimated range 4500 yards. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4 0408 Fired tube 10 at AO NAMPO MARU. Range 650 yards. Torpedo depth 8 ft. 0409 Torpedo impact! Massive explosion and fireball! Tanker slowed, on fire bow to stern. Ten seconds later a massive secondary explosion broke tankers back, split in two. NAMPO MARU 100000 tons sunk. 20-50N 119-41E. Pinging heard just after last explosion. Escort spotted 275 closing fast. Ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge. 0411 As BARB passed 275 feet. Heard torpedoes impact at bearing 330 estimatedrange 4000 yards. Submerged submarine detected same bearing. Appeared that QUEENFISH or TUNNY's torpedoes found their mark! 0414 BARB at 350 ft. Escort passed above, did not drop depth charges. Rushed on and dropped on bearing of submerged submarine. TUNNY or QUEENFISH were in for it. 0421 Pinging 0423 Pinging. Escort above. Again no splashes, escort moved on to attack other submarine. Many depth charge splashes heared on that bearing. 0435 Depth charge explosions, and gunfire, distant. 0500 Last depth charge explosions. Sounds of convoy grew distant. 0517 Secured General Quarters to give crew a rest. Maintained Silent Running. 0548 Sound has submerged submarine estimated 7000 yards on bearing 105.Likely QUEENFISH or TUNNY. 0820 Periscope/Radar depth. 0825 Surfaced for end around. Tubes ordered reloaded. Batteries on charge. 1100 Dawn. BARB still working into position ahead for attack. Radar interference on APR-1 bearing 230 believed to be from QUEENFISH. (Added radar to the AI subs, so if player has APR-1, will detect their radar signals sometimes) No communications otherwise from TUNNY or QUEENFISH. 1236 Regained SJ contact with convoy bearing 014 26500 yards. Course 319 to intercept. 1245 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED. 1255 Analysis of PPI scope shows attack from starboard side would be BARB's best bet due to persistent gap in the screen. Readout indicates four vessels surrounded by five escorts in a ring. BARB sunk three, apparent QUEENFISH and TUNNY sunk two, as original count of convoy was nine merchants/tankers, five escorts. 1308 Convoy changed course to SW. 1332 Contact report sent to QUEENFISH, TUNNY, COMSUBPAC. Submerged for attack. 1406 Easing inside escort screen from starboard side. Etorofu Escort crossed BARB's stern at 1800 yards. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5 1409 Observed AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons as best target in range of electric torpedoes. 1411 Tubes 7,8,9,10 made ready to fire. 1412 Fired tubes 7,8,9,10. Range 2548 yards. Torpedo Depth: 10 ft. 1415 Torpedoes missed. Secured GQ.Went to 200 ft. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6 1517 Sound has lone merchant contact bearing 200 long range. Possible damaged straggler trying to catch up. Ordered Ahead Full on intercept course and periscope depth. 1526 Periscope depth. Spotted damaged AK, low in water. Possibly AK BARB damaged in Attack No.1, of course could been damaged by TUNNY or QUEENFISH. Went to 80 feet at flank speed to close for attack. 1528 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED 1540 Single Ping Range to target. 3580 yards bearing 305. 1545 Periscope observation. Contact is AK of KOTO MARU Class 4466 tons. Course 215 8 kts. Vessel shows signs of previous damage. 1549 Fired Tubes 5,6,. Range 1200 yards. 1550 Target made evasive maneuver. One torpedo struck bow, other missed ahead. 1552 Target down by bow with angle. Stern lifted in air, but appears underway. No large guns visible. Prepared for BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION. 1553 AK has serious down angle by bow. 1556 Vessel now had heavy down angle by bow. Props broached surfaced. GUN ACTION NO.1 1558 BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION. Surfaced. 1600 Opened fired from 2500 yards with 4 inch 50 caliber gun, 40mm and 20mm guns. Gunners on stern, and port side, in spite of vessels condition returned machine gun fire. However, three solid hits from three inch, and several from 40mm and 20mm was all that was needed, as the AK's down angle increased and her stern stuck straight up in the air, before quickly sliding beneath the waves. Two lifeboats were observed in the water. AK KOTO MARU sunk 19-55N 119-31E 4473 tons. 1601 As BARB moved to investigate the wreck and lifeboats, SD had a contact a 15000 yards closing fast. Appeared that the stricken vessel put out a distress call. Cleared the deck and submerged to 150 ft. At 150 ft, secured from GQ. (Aircraft Contact No.5) 1727 Surfaced. Pursuit course to catch convoy before depart our area. 1813 Received contact report from QUEENFISH. Enemy convoy 21-18N 119-50E Course 170 Speed 9 knots. BARB turned north to intercept. 1959 SD contact 21000 yards closing fast. (Aircraft Contact No.6) 2000 Dive 2110 Surfaced 2246 SJ contact bearing 349 26250 yards. Multiple pips. Convoy. (Ship Contact No.4) 2248 Topped off Battery Charge. Shadowed convoy until night fall. 2259 SD contact 24000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.7 ) 2301 SD contact closing fast. Dive 2310 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED Opted to make dusk periscope attack as moon would again prevent surface torpedo attack. 2350 Observed large AO in center column. Similar to AKATSUKI MARU class 11800 tons. September 1, 1944 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.7 0003 Tubes 2,3,4 made ready to fire. 0004 Fired Tubes 2,3,4 at AO AKATSUKI MARU. 1950 yards. Torpedo Depth: 8 ft. All torpedoes expended. CAPT E.R. Swinburne, USN., COM TG 17.5, pushing the firing plunger for the last three torpedoes. 0005 All three torpedoes impacted tanker. Tanker apparently empty of fuel, as did not explode as expected. Tanker slowed with visible fire astern in engine compartments where one torpedo impacted. Fore toward bow as well. Pinging began. AK nearby fired on BARB's scope, turned to ram. Escort closing. Ordered 350 feet . Rigged for depth charge and Silent Running. 0010 BARB depth 300 ft, escort above. Large pattern of splashes heard. BARB passed 315 ft. Many DC explosions. Real tooth shakers. Damage reported in after torpedo room. 0012 Large DC pattern, not close. 0013 Pinging. 0015 Enemy above. Many splashes. BARB leveled off at 390 ft. 0016 DC explosions. Boat shaken. 0022 Pinging. 0025 Pinging, short scale. Enemy closing. 0026 Enemy above. Splashes. 0027 DC explosions. Boat shaken. Close depth charge. Damage reported. Flooding reported in Aft engine room. Damage Control Party dispatched. 0029 Flooding under control. 0032 Many DC splashes above. 0033 Many DC explosions. Boat shaken. 0035 Many DC splashes above. 0040 DC explosions. Boat shaken. 0045 Sounds of ship breaking up from last known bearing of AO torpedoed. Several large explosions from that bearing as well. 0430 Nearly four hours since last depth charge, two hours since last contact with enemy. BARB rose to periscope depth. 0435 Periscope Depth. 0440 Radar depth. 0450 Surfaced. Secured GQ. 0534 Returned to scene of Torpedo Attack No.7 0545 Located large debris field and oil slick at 20-30N 119-44E. AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons sunk 0546 With all torpedoes expended so early in patrol, set course for Saipan to rearm and refuel so that BARB my rejoin QUEENFISH and TUNNY for further operations. 1415 SD contact 12152 yards closing. Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.8) 1417 BARB at 150 ft. 2213 Periscope depth. Overcast, fog. Choppy seas with heavy rains. 2315 Surfaced. En route Saipan. September 2 ____________ En route Saipan 0150 TUNNY reported heavy damaged by aircraft attack. TUNNY departed area for return to Pearl Harbor. September 3 ____________ En route Saipan September 4 ____________ En route Saipan September 5 _____________ En route Saipan September 6 ____________ 1300 Docked at Garapan, Saipan. Reload of torpedoes, provisions, refueling, and voyage repairs began shortly after arrival. September 7 ____________ 0345 Voyage repairs completed. Provisions loaded and stocked. 0400 Reload of twelve MK 14-3A, four MK 23-2, and eight MK 18-2 torpedoes completed. 0430 Refueling completed. Ready for sea. 0500 Underway from Garapan, Saipan. Proceeded on course ot return to patrol area. September 8 ____________ En route patrol area. September 9 _____________ En route patrol area. Increased speed to 18 kts Course 279 September 10 _____________ En route patrol area. 0503 Received ULTRA on convoy passing through western Luzon Strait. 11 September. Set course for intercept point to assist "BEN's BUSTER's" (GROWLER, PAMPANITO, SEA LION) 1800 SD contact 27500 yards. Range steadied at 20250 yards. Did not observe BARB. (Aircraft Contact No.9) 2232 SD contact 18000 yards closing fast. (Aircraft Contact No.10) Dive! 2234 Leveled off at depth of 150 ft. September 11 _____________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 8 0026 Surfaced. 1207 SJ contact bearing 324 28250 yards.(Ship Contact No. 5) Pips indicated convoy. Set intercept course. 1255 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 270. Believe lead escort has radar. 1300 Convoy is large spaced in four columns with numerous escorts. BARB trailing until night fall for surface attack. Contact report sent. Convoy is not believed to be the one alerted to on 10 September. 1345 SD contact 10500 yards, closing fast! (Aircraft Contact No.11) Dive! Leveled off at 150 ft. Sound has distant noises of the convoy bearing 270. 1349 Explosions, above. Not close. Apparently BARB was detected by aircraft. BARB went to 200 ft. 1430 Periscope depth. Smoke spotted bearing 287. 1432 Radar depth. SJ contacts bearing 280 1139 yards. Convoy apparently zigged towards BARB. Apparently, did not receive a warning from the aircraft which dropped bombs earlier. 1434 With convoy closing and BARB dead ahead, decided to go for submerged attack. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED. 1442 Lead escort identified as Matsu Cass DE. 1453 BARB timed approach to slip past lead escort for attack on middle column of convoy, where two AO were spotted in distance. 1456 Convoy course 055 Speed 10 knots. 1457 200 ft depth. 3.5 kts, worked inside screen, astern of lead escort. 1513 Periscope depth. Inside convoy 2000 yards off center column track. 1515 All tubes, bow and stern made ready to fire. 1517 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at AO SANRAKU MARU. Range: 1511 yds Torpedo Depth: 8 ft 1518 Three torpedoes impacted as aimed. Tanker erupted into massive fireball after first hit, obviously loaded with oil/fuel. Tanker burned, sunkby stern. 1519 Set up shot with stern tubes of AK bearing 178. As target was about to reach firing bearing, BARB was rocked by series of explosions close aboard, appears air cover spotted BARB. Ordered 200 ft emergency, rigged for depth charge. Minor damage reported from close bombs/depth charges. Small leaks in valves, piping, and air lines. 1520 As BARB passed 125 ft, series of more explosions, above, close. Sound reported warship closing fast bearing 090. Ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running. Began turn to starboard to minimize profile to escort. 1526 Pinging. 1528 Enemy above. Many splashes. 1529 DC explosions. Boat shaken. 1530 Another escort pinging, crossed ahead of BARB. Many splashes. 1531 DC explosions. Tooth shakers. Close. 1533 Splashes above. 1534 Many DC explosions. Boat shaken. 1537 Enemy above. Many splashes. Explosions. BARB shaken. 1539 BARB depth 394 ft. 1540- Near constant pinging from multiple enemy vessels, but 1551 no attacks. Enemy searching for BARB, apparently lost contact. 1552 Warship at 235 switched to short scale pinging, closed in high speed. 1553 Enemy above. Splashes. 1554 Explosions. Boat shaken. More splashes. 1555 Explosions. Damage reported in aft torpedo room. 1611 Distant explosions. 1619 Pinging. Warship bearing 254, closing, slowly. BARB at 390 ft. 1622 Pinging grew steady, enemy gained fix on BARB. 1623 Enemy increased speed, closing, pinging. 1625 Enemy above. Splashes Explosions. Above, not close. 1631 Pinging 1900 Periscope depth. 1904 Radar depth. SJ contacts at 16500 yards astern. Secured Silent Running. Surfaced. 1910 Secured GQ. Decided to continue on to arranged attack position for coordinated attack as convoy just attacked, would be exiting BARB's operational area before next attack could be mounted. Updated contact report sent. 1911 APR-1 detected radar emissions from multiple bearings astern. Appeared the escorts switched their radars on. 1950 SD contact 29500 yards. Range steadied at 20500 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.12) 1955 Lost SD contact. 2124 APR-1 detected radar signals bearing 100. :21 2124 Near simultaneous SD contact range 12500 yards closing. :51 (Aircraft Contact No.12) 2125 Dive! 2127 Leveled at 150 ft. 2303 Radar depth. 2305 Surfaced. September 12 ______________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.10 0141 Detected radar signals from unknown US submarine. Possibly GROWLER, SEA LION, PAMPANITO (BARB in their area for attack on convoy) or QUEENFISH. 0226 SJ contacts! Bearing 001 27747 yards (Ship Contact No.6) Pips indicate convoy. 0230 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE 0235 APR-1 detected radar emissions from far port side of convoy. 0250 Received contact report from GROWLER regarding convoy BARB was currently closing. (lol contact report is set earlier in the mission file, sometimes timing is off lol) 0254 Sent contact report. Convoy on course 047 11 kts. 0304 Star shells fired. Two escorts closing BARB from port and ahead. BARB detected. APR-1 detected strong radar signal bearing 350 focusing on BARB. Turned about at high speed. 0305 Pursuers appeared to be matching BARB's speed. Engines put on overload , BARB began to pull away. 0306 SJ pip closing rapidly with APR-1 detecting focused emissions from same bearing. Identified contact as a full sized DD, possibly Fubuki Class. DD was obviously capable of overtaking BARB on the surface. 0307 Stern tubes made ready to fire. Depth set to 3.5 feet. BARB at 23 kts. 0313 Two escorts slowed, began depth charging, convinced BARB submerged. Fubuki DD continued pursuit of BARB. 0312 Fired tubes 7,8, "down the throat" at maneuvering DD, 3100 yards. 0314 Torpedo impact! DD on fire in bow area. Slowed but continue pursuit. Fired star shells and a few rounds at BARB. Two subchasers stopped depth charging and set pursuit at high speed for BARB. 0315 Fired tube No.9 down the throat, timed for the DD's zigs back and forth along its pursuit course. 0317 Torpedo impact! Large fired on bow and amidships. DD slowed with hard turn to port. 0318 DD turned away at best speed, ending pursuit. 0329 Fubuki Class DD sunk at 20-18N 117-31E 1680 tons. 0331 Subchasers ended their pursuit of BARB, turned back to convoy at high speed, likely in response to reports of the DD sinking. 0333 BARB turned to pull ahead of convoy for attack. 0336 Radar interference from a US submarine detected previously. Believe this was SEA LION or GROWLER 0358 All stern tubes fired reloaded. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.11 0447 Fired tubes 3,4, at mid sized AK. Range 1700 yards. Torpedo Depth: 8 ft 0448 Torpedoes missed astern, target sped up during torpedo run. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.12 0449 Switched to next target astern. Another mid sized AK. 0453 Fired tubes 5,6, range 1900 yards. Torpedo depth 8 ft. 0455 Both torpedoes impacted target. Target caught fired and settled in water. BARB illuminated by lead AK's spotlight and star shells. Came under heavy deck gun and machine gun fire BARB turned away, no damage. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 12-A Vessel while burning and lower in water, did not seem to be sinking. To ensure sinking, backed down to 3000 yards to fire two MK 18 from stern tubes. 0457 Fired tube 7,8, 3000 yards Torpedo Depth : 8 ft SJ reported contact closing rapidly bearing 215. Visual ID on a MS type escort closing at high speed. 3500 yards. Sneaky fella, got in close during all the chaos. Ordered ahead flank! Right full rudder! to close angle and present stern. Engines on overload, began to pull away into the dark of night. 0500 Both torpedoes impacted! Large explosion. Vessel sinking. Another escort spotted astern bearing 180! Silhouetted by the flames of the AK just torpedoed. Appeared to be Type C escort. Star shells illuminated area. Several shell splashes landed in general area of BARB from escorts, firing, but not close. Escorts continued pursuit. 0501 Unknown AK 4000 tons (estimated) sunk at 20-23N 117-36E 0510 Withdrew to shadow convoy and reload torpedoes. Convoy is sailing into position a submarine (likely SEA LION) ahead. Will allow SEA LION to take her turn at the convoy. 0535 SEA LION (?) attacked convoy. Observed flash of explosion 9000 yards aster bearing 165. Convoy scattering. Two escorts closing in on location of attack. 0540 Observed/heard distant depth charge explosions bearing 035. 0541 Spotted burning vessel bearing 055 0542 Tubes reloaded. Set course to pull ahead of course and to opposite side for further attack. Attempted to get in for attack multiple times, each time chased off by escort. Remaining three escorts formed a tight perimeter around remaining vessels. pre dawn phosphorescence grew ever more present further complicating things. One escort remained in area of SEA LION, dropped depth charges. 0619 Burning AK torpedoed by SEA LION sunk at 20-28N 117-40E 0630 Unable to get in for attack. Secured from GQ. Decided to work ahead for a later attack. This would give convoy time to relax a bit, not be on heightened state of alert. 0930 Lost SJ contact with convoy. Turned to back track and regain contact with convoy. 1040 Regained SJ contact bearing 005 25600 yards. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.13 1100 GENERAL QUARTERS TORPEDO SUBMERGED 1115 Dive 1133 Target course 045 11 kts. 1137 Fired tubes 1,2,3, . Range: 3259 yds Torpedo Depth: 4 ft 1138 Wakes were spotted by sharp eyed lookouts on the enemy vessel, which took evasive action, causing torpedoes to miss ahead. Enemy escort at 3000 yards. Ordered 350 ft rigged for silent running, depth charge. 1145 Depth charges astern, distant. Appeared enemy never detected BARB. 1215 Secured GQ. Maintained silent running. 1500 Radar depth. So contacts but APR-1 detected multiple radar emissions in area.While no SD contact was made, believe signals were from nearby aircraft due to rapid but constant bearings. Likely aircraft searching area for BARB. Went to 200 ft. 1900 Radar depth. Radar emissions detected bearing 040. Went to 200 ft. 2215 Surfaced September 13 ______________ 1000 Spotted PAMPANTIO bearing 345 6000 yards. 21-13N 118-41E 1248 SD contact 18255 yards closing. (Aircraft Contact No.13( Dive. 1440 Surfaced 1500 APR-1 detecting radar emissions bearing 125. Emissions focused on BARB.While no SD contact, likely a aircraft avoided earlier. 1501 Dive Due to heavy enemy air activity, possibly signaling more convoys en route to area, decided to remain submerged until dark to avoid detection. 2359 Surfaced into choppy seas. 14 September _____________ TORPEDO ATTACK NO.14 0300 Contact report received. Convoy sighted in Luzon Straits . Convoy position 20-11N 119-37E Course 250 8 kts. BARB turned to pursuit course at 18 ktsin attempt to catch up with convoy. 0751 SJ contact bearing 029 29500 yards. Pips indicate convoy. (Ship Contact No. 8) Increased to flank speed to end around for attack. 0900 Passed eight miles easy of convoy. 0922 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE 0938 Port flank escort departed station on "sweep", BARB moved in for attack at high speed. 0940 Lead escort appeared to be Ukuru Class Escort Vessel. 0948 Convoy organized into three columns, three ships each. Middle column has large AK leading two large AO. Convoy spaced too tight to get inside for attack. Brought stern tubes to bear to fire through first column with MK 18 torpedoes (lack of wake advantage here) at large AO estimated at 10000 tons in center of center column. 0951 Tubes 7,8,9 readied for firing. 0954 Fired tubes 7,8,9 at large Unidentified AO, similar to AKATSUKI MARU class 11800 tons. at a range of 2800 yards. Torpedo depth: 8 ft. All stern torpedoes expended. Lookouts report escort bearing 290 5000 yards closing fast. Confirmed by radar. Escort returning to station. 0957 Torpedo impact! (all three) Massive explosion and fireball characteristic of a loaded tanker. Vessel lost way quickly, burning from bow to stern nearly, and settled in water. BARB came under heavy deck gun, machine gun fire, with a few close splashesobserved. Star shells and searchlight from a AK illuminated BARB for a timeas opened range into the night at high speed. Lead and returning port escort began to chase BARB but never had a exact fix on her location. 0058 Both lead and port flank escorts observed heading for BARB at high speed. Port escort, tentatively identified as a Type A Etorofu Escort, opened from about 3000 yards, but ceased fire after firing four rounds. 1008 Large AO sunk at 19-42N 119-00E 1011 Observed flash in distance and visible smoke fire. Appears another submarine attacked convoy from starboard side as all three of BARB's torpedoes fire hit her target and MK 18 would have reached end of run by this time. 1012 Escorts gave up search for BARB, rushed toward other side of convoy. As convoy was now technically out of BARB's area and entered Area A2 in command area of COMSUBSOWESPAC, BARB turned North to disengage. (This was not a planned/scripted attack in the campaign files. However, this area has several AI subs roving during this time period, as these waters had so many US subs the folk lore among Japanese sailors was "You can walk from Singapore to Tokyo on the periscopes of American submarines" Convoy stumbled across where a AI was on patrol and/or the contact report sent earlier, drew a nearby sub, which does happen if AI subs are close enough) 1035 Secured GQ. 1040 Unknown AK torpedoed by unknown submarine appeared to sink at 19-42N 119-00E. Observed sinking visually in dawn light, also disappeared from radar scope. 1420 SJ Contacts bearing 080 range 26500 yards. Pips indicated very large convoy. (Ship Contact No.9) 1425 After analyzing PPI scope readout. Decided to shadow convoy until nightfall for surface torped attack. 1430 Contact report sent. Convoy sighted. 19-56 118-50E Course 100 Speed 9 kts (Given proximity of AI subs in area, expect convoy will be attacked by them as well) 1445 Convoy zigged to course 000 1730 Convoy zigged to course 100 1907 APR-1 detected radar signals. Believed aircraft scanning area with radar No SD contact. 1908 Dive 1931 Surfaced 1945 Convoy changed course to 030. APR-1 detected radar signals bearing 155. 1946 SD contact 11500 yards closing Dive! Convoy's air cover. (Aircraft Contact No.14) 2009 Surfaced 2105 Convoy zigged, returned to course 100. 2130 Spotted flotsam, debris field, oil slick bearing 260 2000 yards. 2145 Winds slows to 11 knots direction 342. Heavy seas calmed to 4-6 ft waves 2213 APR-1 detected radar signals bearing 280. 2214 SD contact 12000 yards closing fast! Convoy air cover likely same as Aircraft Contact No.14. Designated Aircraft Contact No.14-A Dive! 2235 Surfaced 2248 APR-1 detected radar signals short range bearing 281. No SD contact, assumed to be emissions from convoy air cover. Dive! 2306 Periscope depth, smoke sighted astenr bearing 173. 2307 Surfaced. September 15 ______________ 0108 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE 0130 Convoy zigged to course 083. This left the front starboard with a gap, BARB moved to maneuver inside the forward screen via this gap. 0148 Contact report sent. Convoy sighted 20-45N 120-05E Course 03 Speed 9 kts. 0158 BARB moved just inside forward screen, spotted two large AO in second center column. 0205 Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 made ready to fire. BARB moving between two center columns of convoy at 7 kts. Approached large 10000 ton AO toward end of the column. 0215 AO identified as TEIYO MARU 0220 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at AO TEIYO MARU 1500 yards. Torpedo depth: 8 ft 0221 All three torpedoes impacted. Massive explosion and fireball characteristic of a fully loaded tanker. Illuminated by searchlight of AK astern, came under heavy but inaccurate gunfire from AK astern and those port and starboard in column of AO just torpedoed. BARB went ahead flank and began moving towards next column. Star shells illuminated the area in addition to large fires burning from the sinking tanker. 0228 AO TEIYO MARU 9800 tons sunk. 19-46N 120-03E SJ has pips closing at high speed. Visually confirmed. APR-1 detected multiple radar emissions. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.15 0229 Setup on large AK in outer port column. 0230 Fired tubes 4,5,6 at unidentified large AK estimated 8000 tons. Range 1500 yards. Torpedo depth 8 feet. All torpedoes expended. 0231 Two torpedoes missed. One hit stern of target. 0250 Clear of convoy, slowed to 10 knots. Analysis of situation on radar scope show two pips, believed to be escorts hunting in area of tanker sinking , another hunting near the AK damaged with last torpedo. Pip believed to be the damaged AK near stationary in water, appeared that torpedo hit damaged her propulsion/steering. 0300 Cruising in area about six miles to port of stricken AK, waiting for escorts to clear out. Unclear i ship was abandoned, awaiting rescue due to its proximity to Luzon and Formosa, or attempting repairs, possibly all the above. 0424 Distant explosions on convoy bearing 060 seven miles. Flashes and flames visible in distant night sky. Believe another submarine attacked convoy. 0459 Radar shows closest pip (aside from damaged AK) is now nine miles away. GUN ACTION NO.2 0500 BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTON! 4 inch 50 caliber deck gun manned. 0524 Opened fired with deck gun. Range 4300 yds. 0531 Ceased fired. Vessel on fire, sinking. Rocked by several explosions after last gun hit. 0538 AK SHOEI MARU 9980 tons sunk at 20-48N 120-05E. 0540 Secured GQ. 0541 New SJ contact. Bearing 206 29350 yards, closing rapidly. Two pips. Likely enemy ships called in to assist/guard/tow the stricken AK. Since received no return fire during gun action, assumed AK was abandoned. 0700 Set course for Balintang Channel to clear area en route to Majuro. Sent status report to COMSUBPAC. 1031 Received Flash Traffic for action. PAMPANITO recovered multiple Allied POW's who were aboard ships sunk in the attacks of 12/13 September in Western Luzon Straits.Ordered along with QUEENFISH to proceed to area of sinking and search for more survivors. 1035 Set course 270 18 kts to search area for survivors. 1449 SD contact 14500 yards closing.(Aircraft Contact No.15) Dive. APR-1 detected signals bearing 085. 1450 Thermal layer 130 ft. 1622 Surfaced 1927 SD contact 12162 yards closing! DIVE! (Aircraft Contact No. 16) 1929 Leveled off at depth of 150 ft. 1930 Bombs/Depth charge explosions above. Not close. 2350 Periscope depth. Extended SD mast for sweep. SD contact 8000 yards steady. Aircraft apparently circling area. Ordered 150 ft. September 16 _____________ 0037 Radar depth. SD Contact 19500 yards closing. Air craft still in area. APR-1 detected transmissions bearing 235. 0044 Lost SD contact 0045 Surfaced 0803 Arrived in search area 20-6N 117-25E by 50 nautical miles. Began search pattern. 1813 SD contact 11500 yards closing. DIVE (Aircraft contact No. 17) 1814 Leveled off at 150 ft 1815 Bombs/Explosions above. September 17 _____________ 0030 Surfaced. Continued search for survivor. 0411 SJ contact bearing 303 27550 yards. (Ship Contact No.11) Multiple pips indicated convoy. Out of torpedoes, but closed to gain information for contact report, perhaps other boats in area could attack. 0416 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 355. 0425 GENERAL QUARTERS 0430 PPI indicates convoy seven vessels with four escorts. One escort ahead, aft, two on each flank. Flankers appear to be several thousand yards off to guard approaches, intermittently close rang eto check on convoy then return. Only source of near continuous radar emissions was detected from middle of the single column. 0450 Convoy appears to be several large AO's. Perfect targets but BARB is out of torpedoes! Will be forced to shadow convoy to try and bring in other boats for attack. 0454 Contact Report sent Convoy Sighted 20-34N 117-55E Course 041 Speed 11 0455 Flooded down to decks awash 26 ft. 0456 Contact in middle of convoy identified as a carrier! CVE possibly Taiyo Class. The luck! (This is a convoy of tankers with carrier Unyo I added to campaign to represent a real life convoy BARB attacked in September 1944 in Luzon Straits while searching for Allied survivors in waters. BARB sunk a tanker and the escort carrier UNYO in real life. Of course I would be out of torpedoes when I run into this target lol) 0547 APR-1 detect radar signals/interference ahead. Believed to be US submarine, possibly SEA LION. Surfaced from decks awash. 0551 Lead and starboard escort (DE, SC) increased speed and charged towards BARB. Apparently BARB was detected. 0600 Vessels began dropping depth charges, convinced BARB had submerged. 0602 APR-1 now had radar interference on APR-1 from two different bearings ahead. SJ had pips bearing 340 and 000. Believed these were SEA LION QUEENFISH on surface closing convoy. (Contact report will bring in AI subs in area if within range, usually) 0612 While moving ahead, spotted men in a makeshift raft at Turned about and slow for rescue, 11000 yards ahead of convoy. 0615 Rescued two Australian POW's who were aboard ships sunk on 12/13 September in area at 20-44N 118-2E. (Rescue raft mod) 0625 Pip of submarine disappeared from screen, presumed submerged for attack. (At present surfaced AI us subs can not fire torpedoes, working on bug fix for release.This sub reached its "dive" (last waypoint where it deletes itself to simulate a dive. A submerged sub was position in the area nearby, likely responded to contact report) 0630 Pip of second submarine disappeared from radar. 0811 BARB was 10,000 yards ahead of convoy on port side, star shells fired in area, lead escort rushed ahead began firing at water with gunsand made depth charge run. BARB turned about to close in to monitor attack. 0816 BARB 8100 yards from convoy. On bearing 030 witnessed a flash and large explosion, orange ball of flamerise into air and continue burning. One of our submarines torpedoed a tanker. 0820 Many depth charge explosions. Visible/audible. GUN ACTION NO.3 0821 Unable to stand it any longer. BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION was called. BARB would take a few pot shot from long range. Hope was to damage tankers carrying volatile fuel and provide distraction for escorts from attacking the boat(s) that just attacked convoy. Guns manned, BARB charge in at high speed. 0902 Opened fire on CVE from 5000 yards off port side. 0904 Hit on the carrier flight deck! Small fire visible on deck! Heavy gunfire lobbed BARB's way, counted eight shell splashes. Lead DE turned towards closing. BARB ceased fired and turned away at flank speed. Fire on carrier visible. 0905 Plan worked. Three of four escorts now chasing BARB. 0914 Three vessels observed burning in distance. Small fire on CVE, tanker torpedoed by a sub, and another apparently torpedoed as well. 0940 Enemy escorts gave up pursuit, returned to convoy. BARB set course to disengage and continue with search of area for survivors. 0945 Secured GQ. Continued search in area for survivors. 1358 SD contact 11200 yards closing. Dive! 1359 BARB at 150 ft. Explosions above, close. No damage, other some cork dust, few teeth shaken loose. 1443 Periscope depth. Spotted survivors and raft bearing 285 1250 yards. Turned to close and examine. 1449 Surfaced for rescue. 1455 Rescued four three Australians and one British POW/Survivor in water at 20-19N 117-3E. 1525 SD contact 13500 yards closing (Aircraft Contact No. 18) 1655 SD contact 12500 yards closing Likely same aircraft patrolling area. Designated Aircraft Contact 18-A September 18 ______________ 0030 Surfaced 2012 APR-1 detected radar signals bearing 325. Bearing change indicated aircraft. No SD contact. 2013 Dive 2058 Periscope depth. Aircraft spotted bearing 200 6500 yards, closing. Ordered 150 ft. Rigged for depth charge. September 19 ______________ 0041 Surfaced 1945 SD contact 13500 yards closing.(Aircraft Contact No.20) Dive 1947 Explosions above. 2010 Extended SD mast at periscope depth. SD contact 7000 yards. Back to 150 ft (Aircraft Contact 20-A) Contact 2100 Periscope depth. SD mast. Two SD contacts One at 6500 yards (Aircraft Contact 20-B) Second SD contact at 18000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.21) Both contacts appear to be loitering in area searching for BARB. 2105 Returned to 150 ft. September 20 _______________ 0030 Surfaced 21 September ____________ 0601 SJ contact bearing 238 27550 yards. Convoy. (Ship Contact No.12) Course 017 to intercept. 0615 Large convoy in three columns, four ships each, five to six escorts. 0617 APR-1 detected radar signals from convoy bearing. 0633 Contact Report Sent 19-51N 117-09E Course 223 Speed 10 kts. 0700 BARB broke contact to continue search mission. Fuel status required withdraw to Saipan at end of the day. 1430 Submerged to search via periscope avoid multiple read emissions on APR-1. 1958 Smoke spotted bearing 146 eight miles estimated. (Ship Contact No.13) 2000 Contact is large convoy heading directly for BARB. GENERAL QUARTERS. 2002 Lead escort (DE) spotted, BARB rigged for silent running, depth charge. Ordered 350 ft and turn off path of DE to try and slip by him, before going to depth to send contact report. 2020 Pinging heard, briefly. BARB stopped ascent to periscope depth, returned to 360 ft. 2039 Depth charge explosions astern estimated 3000 yards. Pinging. Enemy closing fast. 2040 Enemy pinging. 2042 Enemy above. Many splashes. 2043 DC explosions. 2044 DC explosions. Boat shaken. BARB at 377 ft depth 2045 Pinging 2047 Enemy ahead bearing 000 closing fast. pinging. 2048 Enemy above. Splashes. DC explosions. Boat shake. BARB depth 390 ft. 2050 Pinging. 2058 Enemy above. Splashes. Close explosions. Damage Reported (minor) 2108 Near constant pinging in area from several escorts, but none have made a attack. Believe did not have fix on BARB. 2114 Enemy above. Splashes. DC explosions. Real tooth shakers. 2115 Second enemy approached pinging. 2116 Enemy above. Many splashes. 2117 Boat severely shaken. Damage reported. BARB at depth of 380 ft. 2120 Splashes above 2121 DC explosions. 2127 Enemy above, moving slowly. Pinging. DC explosion, not close. Sounded as if charges were set shallow. 2149 Twenty two minutes of incessant pinging from two escorts ceased. BARB at depth 399 ft. Boat is sluggish due to severely damaged hydraulic pumps and serious damage to bow/stern dive planes transmission. 2200 Enemy heard leaving area high speed, likely to rejoin convoy. 2300 Secured GQ. Maintained silent running. Remained at depth and silent running as likely enemy left a "sleeper" or two behind. Controls remained sluggish due to damage. September 22 _____________ 0122 Periscope depth. All clear 0125 Radar depth. Clear. Secured from Silent Running. 0130 Surfaced. Set course of Balintang Channel. 1509 SD contact 19550 yards (Aircraft Contact No.22) Dive. Controls remained sluggish in spite of repairs. Hydraulic pumps remained under repair by damage control party. 1924 Midget submarine spotted bearing 060! Estimated range 4500 yards. Ordered 150 ft emergency. Rigged for silent running. (Ship Contact No.14) 1926 Sound picked up the midget sub bearing 071 closing high speed. 1936 Sound lost contact with midget submarine. 2030 Secured silent running. September 23 _____________ 0015 Surfaced. Clear of Balintang Channel, set course for Saipan to deliver survivors rescued. 0319 APR-1 detected radar signals. Likely a night flier. 0320 Submerged to avoid. 0432 Surfaced September 24 _____________ En route Saipan September 25 _____________ En route Saipan September 26 ______________ 1200 Docked at Garapan,Saipan. Disembarked rescued survivors. Conducted voyage repairs. Loaded six MK 14-3A torpedoes in bow tubes Four MK 18-2 torpedoes in stern tubes. Refueled and provisioned for trip to Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands where BRB's next refit period is scheduled. September 27 ______________ 0600 Departed for Majuro. September 28 _____________ En route Majuro. September 29 _____________ En route Majuro. September 30 _____________ En route Majuro. October 1 _____________ En route Majuro. October 2 ____________ 1100 Docked at Majuro, Marshall Islands. Terminated war patrol. (C) WEATHER: Weather conditions en route was overall pleasant, yachting weather. Weather in assigned area was overall pleasant and conducive to operations. Occasional squalls were encountered with up to 30 knot winds producing heavy seas making operations a challenge at times. (D) NAVIGATIONAL AIDES Babuyan Island in the Balintang Channel provided a aide to navigation when transiting to and from the area. A light was spotted on the island from ten nautical miles. (E) CONTACTS Aircraft Contacts No.1 DATE 1944/08/27 TIME 1555 LAT 20-26N LOG 119-56E BRG -- RNG 27500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK No.2 DATE 1944/08/27 TIME 1821 LAT 20-50N LOG 120-20E BRG -- RNG 22500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK No.3 DATE 1944/08/28 TIME 1140 LAT 21-48N LOG 119-17E BRG -- RNG 25600 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK No.3 DATE 1944/08/28 TIME 2225 LAT 21-20N LOG 118-40E BRG -- RNG 11500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK No.4 DATE 1944/08/30 TIME 2245 LAT 21-2N LOG 119-42E BRG 007 RNG 5000 yds CRS 000 SPD 150 kts ALT 1000 HOW Visual-Periscope TYPE G4M BETTY REMARK No.5 DATE 1944/08/31 TIME 1601 LAT 19-55N LOG 119-31E BRG -- RNG 19250 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD Only TYPE -- REMARK No.6 DATE 1944/08/31 TIME 1959 LAT 20-06N LOG 119-37E BRG -- RNG 2100 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD Only TYPE -- REMARK No.7 DATE 1944/08/31 TIME 1959 LAT 20-06N LOG 119-37E BRG -- RNG 21000 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD Only TYPE -- REMARK No.8 DATE 1944/09/01 TIME 1415 LAT 19-50N LOG 121-50E BRG -- RNG 12152 yds CRS -- SPD -- No.9 DATE 1944/09/10 TIME 1800 LAT 19-31N LOG 123-54E BRG -- RNG 27500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD Only TYPE -- REMARK No.10 DATE 1944/09/10 TIME 2232 LAT 19-45N LOG 122-33E BRG -- RNG 18000 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD Only TYPE -- REMARK No.11 DATE 1944/09/10 TIME 1345 LAT 20-42N LOG 119-3E BRG -- RNG 10500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD Only TYPE -- REMARK Bombed at 150 ft by contact. No damage. Bombed at periscope depth after torpedo attack, minor damage. No.11 DATE 1944/09/11 TIME 1950 LAT 20-48N LOG 118-39E BRG -- RNG 29500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD Only TYPE -- REMARK Range steadied at 20500 yards until lost contact. No.12 DATE 1944/09/11 TIME 2124 LAT 20-52N LOG 118-14E BRG 100* RNG 29500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD/APR-1** TYPE -- REMARK *Bearing from radar emissions registered on APR-1 ** Near simultaneous contact on SD with radar signals on APR-1. No.13 DATE 1944/09/13 TIME 1248 LAT 21-10N LOG 119-3E BRG RNG 18255 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK No.14/14-A DATE 1944/09/14 TIME 1946 LAT 20-20N LOG 119-34E BRG 155* RNG 18255 yds** CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD-APR-1*** TYPE -- REMARK Contact is convoy air cover. Patrolled convoy area throughout afternoon. *APR-1 detected radar emissions from contact. Bearing of radar emissions assumed to be aircraft. ** Range for initial contact 14-A **14-A Radar emissions bearing for 14-A 280 degrees. No.15 DATE 1944/09/15 TIME 1449 LAT 19-54N LOG 120-57E BRG 085* RNG 14500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK * APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 085 less than one minutes after SD contact. No.16 DATE 1944/09/15 TIME 1027 LAT 19-56N LOG 119-59E BRG -- RNG 12162 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Low flying aircraft, SD did not detect until very close range. Aircraft dropped bombs/depth charges above BARB. Aircraft circled area within 10000 yards of BARB for several areas. APR-1 detected radar emissions. No.17 DATE 1944/09/17 TIME 1358 LAT 20-20N LOG 117-0E BRG -- RNG 11200 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- No.18/ 18-A DATE 1944/09/17 TIME 1358 LAT 20-13N LOG 116-57E BRG -- RNG 13500 yds* CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK 18-A range at initial contact was 12500, closing. No.19 DATE 1944/09/17 TIME 2058 LAT 20-13N LOG 116-57E BRG 200 RNG 6500 yds (estimated) CRS 045 SPD 200 ALT 1500 ft HOW Visual-Periscope TYPE G4M-BETTY REMARK Likely source of emissions detected by APR-1 at 2012 on 18 September 44. No.20/20-A/20-A DATE 1944/09/19 TIME 1945 LAT 19-46N LOG 117-38E BRG -- RNG 13500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Bombed by aircraft 20-A at 7000 yds 2010 hrs 20-B 6500 yds. 2100 hrs Same aircraft as contact 20, loitering area searching for BARB. No.21 DATE 1944/09/19 TIME 2100 LAT 19-46N LOG 117-38E BRG -- RNG 6500 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Contact loitered area searching with contact No.20. No.22 DATE 1944/09/22 TIME 1509 LAT 19-46N LOG 117-38E BRG -- RNG 19550 yds CRS -- SPD -- ALT -- HOW SD only TYPE -- REMARK Balintang Channel air patrol. APR-1 detected radar emissions at same time as SD made contact. Bearing inconclusive. Ship Contacts No.1 DATE 1944/08/05 TIME 1542 LAT. 22-25N LOG. 162-57W BRG 020 RNG 22500 yds CRS 185 SPD 11.5 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK, DE REMARK Victory Cargo with escort en route Oahu. Exchanged recognition signals. No.2 DATE 1944/08/28 TIME 0841 LAT. 21-52N LOG. 119-42E BRG 013 RNG 25000 yds CRS 185 SPD 11.5 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE DD,DE REMARK Patrol. Heavy seas, avoided. No.3 DATE 1944/08/30 TIME 2330 LAT. 21-3N LOG. 119-42E BRG 004 RNG 28355 yds CRS 160 SPD 9 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AO,AO,AP, DE,SC,SC,SC,SC REMARK Convoy TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.7 GUN ACTION NO.1 No.4 DATE 1944/08/31 TIME 2246 LAT. 20-30N LOG. 119-44E BRG 349 RNG 26250 yds CRS 340 SPD 9 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK, AO, AK, SC,SC,SC,SC. REMARK Convoy TORPEDO ATTACK NO.8 No.5 DATE 1944/09/11 TIME 1207 LAT. 20-30N LOG. 119-44E BRG 324 RNG 28250 yds CRS 345 SPD 10 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE 12+ AK/AO, 5+ Escorts REMARK Large Convoy TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 9 No.6 DATE 1944/09/12 TIME 0226 LAT. 20-20N LOG. 117-35E BRG 001 RNG 27747 yds CRS 050 SPD 11 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,DD, SC, SC, EV,EV REMARK Convoy TORPEDO ATTACK NO.10 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.11 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.11-A TORPEDO ATTACK NO.12 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.13 No.7 DATE 1944/09/13 TIME 1000 LAT. 21-13N LOG. 118-41E BRG 345 RNG 6000 yds CRS 230 SPD 11 kts HOW Visual TYPE SS REMARK PAMPANTIO SS-383 No.8 DATE 1944/09/14 TIME 0751 LAT. 20-0N LOG. 119-20E BRG 029 RNG 29500 yds CRS 235 SPD 8 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AK,AO,AO, SC, SC, EV, SC(>) REMARK Convoy TORPEDO ATTACK NO.14 No.9 DATE 1944/09/14 TIME 1420 LAT. 19-56N LOG. 118-50E BRG 080 RNG 26500 yds CRS 100 SPD 9 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE REMARK Large convoy TORPEDO ATTACK NO.14 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.15 GUN ACTION NO.2 No.10 DATE 1944/09/15 TIME 0541 LAT. 20-47N LOG. 120-05E BRG 206 RNG 29350 yds CRS 180* SPD 20+** HOW SJ only TYPE -- REMARK * Estimated based on radar information. Believe two pips closing fast were ASW patrol/rescue sent for crippled freighter. Closed at high speed, BARB avoided. No.11 DATE 1944/09/17 TIME 0411 LAT. 20-28N LOG. 117-59E BRG 206 RNG 27550 yds CRS 041 SPD 11 HOW SJ-Visual TYPE AO,AO,AO,AO,AO,AO,CVE,DE,SC,SC,SC REMARK Tanker Convoy with Escort carrier. GUN ACTION NO.3 No.12 DATE 1944/09/21 TIME 0601 LAT. 19-50N LOG. 117-8E BRG 238 RNG 27550 yds CRS 223 SPD 10 kts HOW SJ-Visual TYPE 12+AK/AO,4-6 DE/SC REMARK Convoy Contact Report Sent. No.13 DATE 1944/09/21 TIME 1958 LAT. 19-9N LOG. 118-36E BRG 146 RNG 16,200 yds (estimated) CRS 040 SPD 9 kts HOW Visual-Sound TYPE 12+ AK/AO, 4-5 DE,SC. REMARK Large convoy. No.14 DATE 1944/09/22 TIME 1924 LAT. 19-45N LOG. 122-0E BRG 060 RNG 4500 yards (estimated) CRS 345 SPD 9 kts HOW Visual-Periscope, Sound TYPE SS REMARK Midget submarine in Balintang Channel 10 NM North Babuyan Island. (F) ATTACK DATA Torpedo Attacks U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0033 DATE August 31 1944 LAT. 21-4N LOG.119-44E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION Large convoy eight AK, two AO, five escorts. Merchants in three columns about 1000 yards apart, 600-700 yards between ships. Due to moonlight unable to make surface approach and attack. Escort screen and track shift away forced firing from longer range than desired. Torpedoes set to low power. Selected large AO of around 10000 tons (Target No.1) in rear of center column. Selected mid sized AO of 6000 tons (Target No.2) lead of starboard column. Timed shots so torpedoes would pass astern of escorts. Fired three torpedoes at each AO from 6750/5540 yards. SHIPS SUNK: None SHIPS DAMAGED One mid sized AK. Estimated 4500 tons. DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: Observed 'flash' of explosion when torpedo hit target. This illuminated target long enough get a decent glimpse of what torpedo hit. (Target No.1) Target draft: 28 ft Course: 160 AOB: 73 S Speed: 11 kts Range: 6750 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 344 Target True Bearing: 54 (at firing) (Target No.2) Target draft: 25 ft Course: 160 AOB: 93 s Speed: 11 kts Range: 5540 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 001 Target True Bearing: 072 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Night-Periscope Tube No.Fired 1 Track Angle 93 S Gyro Angle 004 S Torpedo Course 074 Depth Set 5 ft Power Low Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42500 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23500 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13500 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 2 Track Angle 93 S Gyro Angle 004 S Torpedo Course 074 Depth Set 5 ft Power Low Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42501 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23501 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13501 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 3 Track Angle 93 S Gyro Angle 004 S Torpedo Course 074 Depth Set 5 ft Power Low Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42502 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23502 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13502 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No. Fired 4 Track Angle 115 S Gyro Angle 22 R Torpedo Course 093 Depth Set 5 ft Power Low Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42504 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23504 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13504 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 5 Track Angle 115 S Gyro Angle 22 R Torpedo Course 093 Depth Set 5 ft Power Low Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42505 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23505 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13505 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 6 Track Angle 115 S Gyro Angle 22 R Torpedo Course 093 Depth Set 5 ft Power Low Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42506 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23506 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13506 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Torpedoes tracked properly and if had not been spotted due to phospohresence on a moonlit night, would have hit targets aimed. Torpedo No.3 missed its intended target but found another in outer port column. Both tankers fired at later identified and sunk in Attack No.2 and Attack No.4. Identity of damaged AK was never ascertained. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0346 DATE August 31 1944 LAT. 20-50N LOG. 119-41E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION End around on convoy following Attack No.1. Closed on surfaced and submerged after approach for attack. Located AO DAISHIN MARU. Fired two torpedoes 1700 yards. SHIPS SUNK: AO DAISHIN MARU 5150 tons 20-50N 119-41E 1944/08/31 0404 DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: Observed torpedoes hit. Tanker ignited in massive explosion and fireball. Observed tanker sink. (Torpedo No.1,2,3,4,) Target draft: 25 ft Course: 160 AOB: 90 S Speed: 10.5 kts Range: 1650 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 03 Target True Bearing: 096 (at firing) (Torpedo No.5) Target draft: 25 ft Course: 175 AOB: 110 S Speed: 7 kts Range: 1300 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 0 Target True Bearing: 090 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Night-Periscope Tube No.Fired 1 Track Angle 102 Gyro Angle 017 R Torpedo Course 111 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42507 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23507 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13507 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 2 Track Angle 102 Gyro Angle 017 R Torpedo Course 111 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42508 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23508 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13508 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 3 Track Angle 102 Gyro Angle 017 R Torpedo Course 111 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42509 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23509 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13509 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 4 Track Angle 102 Gyro Angle 017 R Torpedo Course 111 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42510 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23510 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13510 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 5 Track Angle 102 Gyro Angle 017 R Torpedo Course 111 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 42511 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 23511 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.13511 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Target spotted wakes of first four torpedoes due to phosphoresenct wakes in the near full moon. Fifth torpedo, compensating for speed and angle changes did the job. Tanker obviously loaded, given way it ignited from one torpedo hit. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0402 DATE August 31 1944 LAT. 20-50N LOG. 119-41E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION After sinking AO in Attack No.2, AK closed aboard fired on BARB's periscope, and attempted to ram. BARB went to 100 feet. Upon return to periscope depth, the fires of the burning AK, which was nearly submerged in water, just masts and stack poking aboce the surface, illuminated a large AK which sailed to her strboard side. Conducted a quick set up and when AK emerged clear of sinking tanker, fired three MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 7,8,9 at range of 500 yards, with torpedoes set to 8 ft. SHIPS SUNK: AK JOGU MARU 6669 tons 20-50N 119-41E 1944/08/31 0403 DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: Observed torpedoes hit. Vessel ignited in massive explosion, followed by secondaries.Observed vessel split in two and sink. Target draft: 25 ft Course: 155 AOB: 88 S Speed: 5.5 kts Range: 500 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 181 Target True Bearing: 284 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Night-Periscope Tube No.Fired 7 Track Angle 148 P Gyro Angle 347 L Torpedo Course 090 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 44293 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26593 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.135593 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 8 Track Angle 148 P Gyro Angle 347 L Torpedo Course 090 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 44294 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26594 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.135594 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 9 Track Angle 148 P Gyro Angle 347 L Torpedo Course 090 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 44295 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26595 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.135595 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Torpedoes hit as aimed, setting off a massive series of explosions. Believe vessel was a ammunition ship. Incidently, this was the AK that fired on and attempted to ram BARB's scope following Attack No.2. __________________________________________________ _________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0408 DATE August 31 1944 LAT. 20-50N LOG. 119-41E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION After sinking AO in Attack No.2,and AK in Attack No. 3., AO NAMPO MARU, original target in Attack No. 1 fired in direction of BARB's scope and in spite of turn, presented a perfect set up if range was opened. Ordered Ahead Flank, which opened the range sufficiently. Having just expended Tube 7,8,9, one MK 18-2 torpedo loaded in Tube 10 was all BARB had for this quick shot. Fired from 650 yards. SHIPS SUNK: AO NAMPO MARU 10000 tons 20-50N 119-41E 1944/08/31 0409 DETERMINED BY: Observed torpedo hit. Tanker ignited in massive explosion. Observed vessel split in two and sink. Target draft: 28.2 ft Course: 174 AOB: 75 S Speed: 5.5 kts Range: 650 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 180 Target True Bearing: 285 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Night-Periscope Tube No.Fired 10 Track Angle 101 P Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 103 Depth Set 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 44297 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26597 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.135597 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 0 Type Spread None Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Torpedo hit amidships, causing large fire and explosion, which broke the tankers back. __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 1412 DATE August 31 1944 LAT. 20-0N LOG. 119-30E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Remnants of convoy attacked by BARB, QUEENFISH, TUNNY through night and early morning. Worked inside gap in screen on starboard side. Fired four MK 18-2 torpedoes from stern tubes at AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons from a range of 2548 yards. SHIPS SUNK: None Target draft: 28.2 ft Course: 220 AOB: 88 S Speed: 13 kts Range:2548 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:178 Target True Bearing: 138 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube No.Fired 7 Track Angle 52 S Gyro Angle 36 R Torpedo Course 357 Depth Set 10 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 43000 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26000 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.14002 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 8 Track Angle 52 S Gyro Angle 36 R Torpedo Course 357 Depth Set 10 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 43001 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26001 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.14001 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 9 Track Angle 52 S Gyro Angle 36 R Torpedo Course 357 Depth Set 10 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 43002 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26002 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.14002 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 10 Track Angle 52 S Gyro Angle 36 R Torpedo Course 357 Depth Set 10 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 43003 Mark Exploder 8-2 Serial No. 26003 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.14003 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Target during torpedo run opened range by moving further towards port side of convoy. This, along with requisite increased in speed opened range, causing torpedoes to reach max range of 4000 yards and miss. AP's move appeared to be routine station change, as convoy was not aware of BARB's presence. __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 1549 DATE August 31 1944 LAT. 20-0N LOG. 119-30E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Damaged AK trailing convoy, attempting to catch up. Visible hole at waterline from earlier torpedo impact. Vessel was low in water but underway making 11 knots. Fired two torpedoes from 1200 yards. SHIPS SUNK: AK KOTO MARU 4466 tons * 19-55N 118-31E 1600 1944/08/31 *GUN ACTION NO.1 contributed to sinking. Target draft: 21.3 ft Course: 215 AOB:95 P Speed:11 Range: 1200 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:0 Target True Bearing: 124 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube No.Fired 5 Track Angle 95 S Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 123 Depth Set 6 ft Power Standard High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 23-2 Serial No. 44554 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245313 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21881 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 6 Track Angle 95 S Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 123 Depth Set 6 ft Power Standard High Hit or miss Hit Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 23-2 Serial No. 44554 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245313 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.2288 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Light chop Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Damaged AK managed to maneuver enough, causing one torpedo to miss ahead, and another to hit her bow. Serious flooding led to vessel with heavy down angle with props breaching the surface due to stern rising. Ordered BATTLE SURFACE (Gun Action No.1) to finish vessel off and save torpedoes. Three four inch gun hits caused vessel to quickly sink by the bow, with stern high in air. __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 7. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 1517 DATE September 11 1944 LAT.20-44N LOG. 119-01E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Large Northbound convoy contacted on SJ radar. Convoy sailing in four columns spaced about 2000 yards apart, with about 1000-1200 yards spacing between ships. Total pips counted in the "main body" were 14-16. A ring of six or more pips on scope, presumed to be escorts surrounded the merchants. Initially attempted to shadow convoy until night fall for coordinated night surface attack. However, after forced to dive to avoid SD contact (convoys air cover), convoy zigged towards BARB while submerged deep. At periscope depth convoy was just six miles to port and closing. With enemy coming to BARB, decided to attack. Submerged, BARB worked inside convoy from the front starboard, avoided a Matsu Class DE (radar equipped) lead escort, and crossed the outer starboard column. Lead AK in first center column was a smaller vessel, ignored it as spotted AO SANRAKU MARU 3000 tons astern. Being northbound, tanker was suspected to be carrying oil to Japan, indicated as well by riding lower in water. Approached tanker and fired three MK 14-3A torpedoes at a range of 1511 yards. SHIPS SUNK: AO SANRAKU MARU 3000 tons 20-44N 119-01E 1518 1944/09/11 Target draft: 19.7 ft Course: 055 AOB: 82 S Speed: 10 kts Range: 1511 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 347 Target True Bearing:314 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube No.Fired 1 Track Angle 94 S Gyro Angle 359 R Torpedo Course 327 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44950 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245950 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21950 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 2 Track Angle 94 S Gyro Angle 359 R Torpedo Course 327 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44951 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245951 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21951 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 3 Track Angle 94 S Gyro Angle 359 R Torpedo Course 327 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44952 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245952 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21952 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Fired three torpedoes on indviidual bearings aimed admidships, aft stack, and forward mast As with most loaded tankers, more thank one torpedo proved somewhat redundant, as initial torpedo hit is typically enough to ignite volatile fuel/oil cargo aboard, resulting in a destructive explosion. However, a spread was fired to account for being detected given daylight and clear conditions or attack or torpedo malfunction. Convoy attacked was quite large and well protected by Japanese standards. Reports ofa increase in enemy convoy size, composition, and protection, including multiple escorts and air cover have become normal as of late. Formation spacing made attack more than one target at a time difficult. Enemy escorts and air cover were first team and proved a challenge. One exception, is a apparent failure by enemy air cover to report having bombed BARB or miscommunication, that led to convoy zigging toward BARB, setting up convoy for submerged attack. __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.10. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0312 DATE September 12 1944 LAT. 20-18N LOG. 117-31E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Destroyer and two other escorts began pursuing BARB on the surface. With engines on overload, BARB was able to outpace two subchser type escorts, but naturally, the DD, guided by his radar, closed at a high rate of speed estimated 30+ knots and was overtaking BARB. Decided to utilize the wakeless electric fish loaded in stern tubes for "down the throat" shot.. Almost as if the DD's Captain sensed this, she began to zig back and forth along her track, at 25 knots estimated, as she was still closing the range. A quick estimation of the timing garnered a solution with a chance to work. Fired two MK 18-2 torpedoes from tubes 7,8, at a range of 3100 yards. Fired tube MK 18-2 from tube 10 at 2900 yards. SHIPS SUNK: DD Fubuki Class 1680 tons 20-18N 227-31E 0329 1944/09/12 DETERMINED BY: Observed two torpedo hits on destroyer. Large fires forward and amidships. Vessel slowed and observed down by bow, burning. Observed/ heard large explosion in distance. Contact disappeared from radar as well at same time. Target draft: 11.5 ft Course: 135 AOB: 0 Speed: 25+ kts Range: 3100 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 180 Target True Bearing: 046 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Submerged-Day-Periscope Tube No.Fired 7 Track Angle 179 Gyro Angle 171 Torpedo Course 037 Depth Set 3.5 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 41275 Mark Exploder 8 Serial No. 39245 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18-1 Serial No.21950 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 8 Track Angle 179 Gyro Angle 171 Torpedo Course 037 Depth Set 3.5 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 41276 Mark Exploder 8 Serial No. 39246 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18-1 Serial No.21956 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 9 Track Angle 178 Gyro Angle 172 Torpedo Course 038 Depth Set 3.5 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 41277 Mark Exploder 8 Serial No. 39247 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.21957 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 120 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Fired torpedo hit, although intended to be fatal, served as a "marker" which assisted the fire control party. Quite surprised after the first hit, DD continued its pursuit of BARB. There was a 120 second interval before the fatal torpedo was fired from the first two. DD was making his zigg to port and sailed right into the well timed fish. MK 18 fish, with their lack of wake are preferred for placement in stern tubes for just this sort of situation. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.11. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0447 DATE September 12 1944 LAT.20-23N LOG. 117-31E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Attack on convoy after sinking pursuing DD and evading other escorts. Moved to port side of convoy for attac. Ships were alerted and consant helming along base course 052. Approached three md sized AK's in column spaced about 900 yards apart. Fired tubes 3,4, from 1700 yards. SHIPS SUNK: None Target draft: 24 ft Course: AOB: 54 P Speed: 5 kts Range: 1700 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:357 Target True Bearing: 157 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Night-Surface-TBT Tube No.Fired 3 Track Angle 62 P Gyro Angle 348 L Torpedo Course 148 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44956 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245956 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21956 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 4 Track Angle 62 P Gyro Angle 348 L Torpedo Course 148 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44957 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245957 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21957 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Fired two torpedoes. Target increased speed slightly after firing, causing torpedoes to miss slightly astern. __________________________________________________ _________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.11-A. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0449 DATE September 12 1944 LAT.20-23N LOG. 117-31E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Attack on convoy after sinking pursuing DD and evading other escorts. Moved to port side of convoy for attac. Ships were alerted and consant helming along base course 052. Approached three mid sized AK's in column spaced 900 yards apart. Fired on lead in column (Attack No.12) but torpedoes missed. No longer presenting favorable angle, switched setup to mid sized AK astern. Fired tubes 5,6, at range of 1900 yards. SHIPS DAMAGED Mid sized AK 4000 tons. Similar to AK MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons. 20-23N 117-36E 0450 1944/09/12 DETERMINED BY: Observed two torpedoes hit target. Large fire broken out, target slowed and settled in water, but remained underway and did not appear to be sinking. Target draft: 15 ft Course: 052 AOB: 70 P Speed: 5 kts Range: 1900 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:0 Target True Bearing: 160 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Night-Surface-TBT Tube No.Fired 5 Track Angle 62 P Gyro Angle 355 L Torpedo Course 152 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44958 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245958 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21958 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 6 Track Angle 62 P Gyro Angle 355 L Torpedo Course 152 Depth Set 8 ft Power High Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44959 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 245959 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21959 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Single bearing Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: In a quick set up, torpedoes fired on single bearing at 5 second intervals. Torpedoes hit just forward of admiships. BARB illuminated by searchlights of other AK's and came under heavy, but inaccurate deck gun and machine gun fire. No damage. __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.12 PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0457 DATE September 12 1944 LAT.20-23N LOG. 117-31E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Damaged AK in previous attack (Attack No. 13) continued underway. To ensure sinking of vessel, fired two MK 18-2 torpedoes from stern tubes 7,8, at the range of 3000 yards. Enemy escorts, alerted by previous attack, were rapidly closing on BARB. SHIPS SUNK Mid sized AK 4000 tons. Similar to AK MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons. 20-23N 117-36E 0501 1944/09/12 DETERMINED BY: Observed two torpedoes hit vessel damaged in previous (Attack No.13) attack. Observed vessel sink. Target draft: 15 ft Course: 048 AOB: 85 P Speed: 3.5 kts Range: 3000 yds (at firing) Target Bearing:180 Target True Bearing: 150 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Night-Surface-TBT Tube No.Fired 7 Track Angle 85 P Gyro Angle 353 L Torpedo Course 304 Depth Set 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-1 Serial No. 44760 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 24760 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21760 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 8 Track Angle 85 P Gyro Angle 353 L Torpedo Course 304 Depth Set 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-1 Serial No. 44762 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 24762 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21762 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Two torpedo hits amidships and aft of stack were devastating and provided the coup de grace for target vessel. A brilliant fire ignited amidships after final torpedo impact, which served to illuminate general area. This illumination provided a silhouette of a fast approaching Type C Escort Vessel, previously undetected BARB came under heavy but inaccurate deck gun and machine gun fire during retirement. __________________________________________________ ____________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.13. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 1137 DATE September 12 1944 LAT.20-59N LOG. 118-14E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Convoy attack previously in Attack No's 12, 13, 13-A. Pulled ahead to reload tubes and let convoy calm down a bit for dawn attack. Enemy escort assumed position which required firing from longer range and different angle than desired. Fired tubes 1,2,3 from 3259 yards at AK JOGU MARU 6540 tons. SHIPS SUNK None Target draft: 18 ft Course: 045 AOB: Speed: 11 kts Range: 3259 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 0 Target True Bearing: 175 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Dawn-Submerged-Periscope Tube No.Fired 1 Track Angle 109 P Gyro Angle 347 L Torpedo Course 161 Depth Set 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 448455 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 24855 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21855 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 2 Track Angle 109 P Gyro Angle 347 L Torpedo Course 161 Depth Set 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 448456 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 24856 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21856 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 3 Track Angle 109 P Gyro Angle 347 L Torpedo Course 161 Depth Set 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo 14-3A Serial No. 44847 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 24857 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.21855\7 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Sharp eyed lookouts on AK spotted torpedo wakes in dawn light. Only skilled maneuvering by her Captain saved JOGU MARU. Torpedoes, surprisingly did not hit any other target in convoy and reached end of run. __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.14. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0957 DATE September 14 1944 LAT.19-42N LOG. 119-00E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Acting on contact report, BARB chased down a convoy in Luzon Straits on a SSW course. After a end around opted for a night surface attack just before dawn. Originally planned to target large AK on outer column, observed center column had one large AK leading two large AO. Closed range for MK 18 shot on large AO at center of the center column. Fired MK 18-2 torpedoes from tubes 7,8,9 at a range of 2800 yards. All stern torpedoes expended. SHIPS SUNK AO Unidentified 10000 tons. Similar to AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons. 19-42N 119-00E 1008 1944/09/12 Target draft: 26 ft Course: 250 AOB: 77 P Speed: 8 kts Range: 2800 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 195 Target True Bearing: 321 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Night-Surface-TBT Tube No.Fired 7 Track Angle 87 P Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 126 Depth 8ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 44500 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 27500 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.27500 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Heavy Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 8 Track Angle 87 P Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 126 Depth 8ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 44501 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 27501 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.27501 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Heavy Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 9 Track Angle 87 P Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 126 Depth 8ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo 18-2 Serial No. 44503 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No. 27503 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 18 Serial No.27503 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Heavy Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Fired torpedoes to hit 20 yards along length of tanker. Vessel erupted into the massive fireball characteristic of fully loaded tanker after first hit. As vessel was part ofa southbound convoy, likely carrying refined gasoline to enemy forces abroad.Came under heavy deck gun and machine gun fire vessels in outer column. BARB was briefly illuminated by spotlight and star shell. Gunfire was not accurate but a few close splashes. BARB was illuminated for a time by star shells and searchlights. Escorts (lead and port) chased BARB and fired upon, but never located exact position. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.14. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0420 DATE September 15 1944 LAT. LOG. TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: Tracked large convoy throughout day. After dark infiltrated convoy via gap in forward starboard screen during convoy's rouitne zig just after sunset. Turned into slot between first center and starboard columns. Trolled along between columns at 7 knots with ships on each side of BARB at 1500-1600 yards. Spotted large tankers in middle column and brought bow tubes to bear. Let a smaller tanker pass by in order to take shot at larger AO identified as TEIYO MARU Fired tubes 1,2,3 at TEIYO MARU from a range of 1500 yards. SHIPS SUNK AO TEIYO MARU 99849 tons 20-46N 120-03E 0229 1944/09/15 DETERMINED BY: Observed three torpedoes hit target. Vessel exploded in characteristic fashion of a fully loaded tanker. Observed vessel sink. Target draft: 30 ft Course: 085 AOB: 84 S Speed: 9.5 kts Range: 1500 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 348 Target True Bearing: 346 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Night-Surface-TBT Tube No.Fired 1 Track Angle 96 S Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 357 Depth 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo MK 23-2 Serial No.39450 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No.39050 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.22350 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 2 Track Angle 96 S Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 357 Depth 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo MK 23-2 Serial No.39450 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No.39051 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.22352 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 3 Track Angle 96 S Gyro Angle 0 Torpedo Course 357 Depth 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo MK 23-2 Serial No.39453 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No.39055 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.22361 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Fired torpedoes on divergent spread with points of aim amidships, forward mast, and stack aft. All three torpedoes hit, igniting a massive, devastating, explosion and fireball expected from a fully loaded tanker. Second torpedo hit seemed to set things off. Third torpedo hit aft under stack, set off another massive explosion, likely blowing out her boilers/engines. Tanker took a down angle by stern with fires ranging. With BARB just 1500 yards away and on the surface, the sounds and sights really set in for BARB, especially those topside. BARB came under heavy, but inaccurate gunfire from nearby vessels. __________________________________________________ ___________________________________ U.S.S. BARB (SS220) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.15. PATROL NO. 9. TIME 0230 DATE September 15 1944 LAT.20-46 LOG.120-03E TARGET DATA-DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: After sinking AO TEIYO MARU (Attack N.14), BARB plowed across the convoy at flank speed, dodging gunfire, searchlights, incoming escorts, en route to a gap which should permit a escape to port side of convoy.Along way spotted a large AK later identified as SHOHEI MARU or similar/or that class AK. With three torpedoes left and a setup presenting itself, decided to attack. Fired tubes 4,5,6 from a range of 1500 yards. SHIPS DAMAGED: AK SHOHEI MARU 9980 tons 20-46N 120-03E 0231 1944/09/15 Target draft: 26 ft Course: 065 AOB: 100 P Speed: 5 kts Range: 1500 yds (at firing) Target Bearing: 0 Target True Bearing: 085 (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (at firing) Type Attack: Night-Surface-TBT Tube No.Fired 4 Track Angle 96 S Gyro Angle 357 R Torpedo Course 015 Depth 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo MK 14-3A Serial No.42477 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No.32477 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.22467 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 5 Track Angle 96 S Gyro Angle 357 R Torpedo Course 015 Depth 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Miss Erratic No Mark Torpedo MK 14-3A Serial No.42478 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No.32478 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.22468 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor Tube No.Fired 6 Track Angle 96 S Gyro Angle 357 R Torpedo Course 015 Depth 8 ft Power Standard Hit or miss Hit Erratic No Mark Torpedo MK 23-2 Serial No.40454 Mark Exploder 6-4 Serial No.30243 Actuation Set Contact Actuation Actual Contact Mark Warhead 16-1 Serial No.22155 Explosive TPX Firing Interval 5 seconds Type Spread Divergent Sea Conditions Calm Overhaul Activity Sub Base-Pearl Harbor REMARKS: Due to possible speed error, first two torpedoes missed slightly astern, but third torpedo, aimed a forward mast, hit the stern of the AK. Out of torpedoes, with star shells illuminating area, under machine gun fire from the AK, BARB had to turn away and depart area. Observed the AK was damaged, slowed and the went dead in the water. Obviously propulsion/steering damaged by the torpedo hit to the stern. Rest of convoy moved on, but one AK remained in area. BARB hung out in area to wait out the escort, so could finish off the AK with deck gun if possible. (See Gun Action No.2) Gun Actions USS BARB (SS220) GUN ACTION N0.1. WAR PATROL NO.9. DATE: August 31 1944 Time: 1600 LAT.19-55N LOG. 119-31E DESCRIPTION: AK crippled by bow torpedo hit. Surfaced at 2500 yards to finish off with gunfire. Received brief gunfire from stern machine guns as vessel was down by bow. Three solid hits and a few more from 40mm and 20mm guns silenced the enemy gunners, and vessel quickly went down by the bow. GUNNERY FIRE CONTROL DATA GUN ACTION NO.1 (at firing) Target Bearing: 030 Target True Bearing:260 Target AOB: 80 P Target Range 2500 yds Target Course 215 Target Speed 0 Rounds Expended: 4" 50 Caliber- 4 (HE) 40mm- 21 (HE) 20mm- 110 HE .50 MG- 0 Hits : 4" 50 Caliber- 3 Point of Aim: Waterline-amidships-port Malfunctions- None Shells remaining after attack: 4 " 50 Caliber- 147 40mm 979 20mm 779 .50 cal MG 3000 Casualties: None. __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ USS BARB (SS220) GUN ACTION N0.2. WAR PATROL NO.9. DATE: Spetember 15 1944 Time: 0524-0531 LAT.20-50N LOG120-5E. DESCRIPTION: AK SHOHEI MARU crippled by torpedo attack but afloat. Positioned BARB 4300 yards off port side. Fired from range 4300 yards. Vessel likely abandoned as no response or activity noticed in response to BARBs gunfire. SHIP SUNK: AK SHOHEI MARU 9980 tons 20-47N 120-03E 0538 1944/09/15 DETERMINED BY: Observed multiple hits by deck gun on crippled AK. Several large fires burned for several minutes, forward mast collapsed. A hit at 0531 amidships set off a large explosion, followed by several explosions over next few minutes. Observed burning vessel sink. GUNNERY FIRE CONTROL DATA GUN ACTION NO.1 (at firing) Target Bearing: 023 Target True Bearing: 180 Target AOB: 73 P Target Range 4300 yds Target Course 055 Target Speed 0 Rounds Expended: 4" 50 Caliber- 44 HE 40MM 0 20MM 0 .50 MG 0 Hits 19 confirmed. 2-3 near misses. Point of Aim: Portside, waterline. Malfunctions- 0 Shells remaining after attack 116 (150 at start of action) Casualties: None. __________________________________________________ ____________________________ USS BARB (SS220) GUN ACTION N0.3. WAR PATROL NO.9. DATE: September 17 1944 Time:0902-0904 LAT. 20-50N LOG. 118-4E DESCRIPTION: Encountered convoy with seven AO, one CVE, and four escorts. All torpedoes expended, BARB shadowed convoy, send contact reports. Convoy came under attack by one, possibly two other submarines vectored in by contact report. In order to provide a distraction to escorts, induce further chaors, and hope to damage enemy, BARB opened fire from 5000 yards off port side on the escort carrier. SHIP DAMAGED: TAIYO Class CVE 17830 tons 20-50N 118-4E 0904 1944/09/17 DETERMINED BY: Observed a direct hit on flight deck aft of carrier. A small explosion occurred followed by a fire which burned for some time. A large objective believed to be aircraft parked on stern blowed overboard into the sea. GUNNERY FIRE CONTROL DATA GUN ACTION NO.1 (at firing) Target Bearing: 040 Target True Bearing: 170 Target AOB: 80 Target Range 5000 yds Target Course 040 Target Speed 10 kts Rounds Expended: 4" 50 Caliber- 5 (HE) 40MM 0 20MM 0 .50 MG 0 Hits-1 Point of Aim: Flight deck Malfunctions- 0 Shells remaining after attack 112 Casualties: None. (G) MINES: No enemy mines were encountered on this patrol. (H) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION Enemy ASW activity in the Luzon Straits area was intense and primarily consisted of day and night radar equipped air patrols. Many flew low making timely detected by SD radar difficult. As a result, several were detected at just 5-6 miles and BARB was subseuqently bombed several times. A new tactic by enemy air patrols appears to be to fly low at high speeds, which makes early detection via SD radar difficult as it reduces detection range. Enemy appears to keep radar off at times and turn on as needed based on APR-1 readings. Surface patrols consisting of DD/DE were encountered and avoided. One responded at a attack on a convoy and was inbound to assist a crippled vessel damaged by torpedo and finished off later with gunfire. A midget submarine was encountered in the Balingtang Channel off Babuyan Island. Given their limited range and thus need to operate from nearby base, highly likely this boat was patrolling the channel for our submarines. BARB was submerged when spotted the sub and out of torpedoes, so had to evade. Enemy convoys transiting area often had air cover and one convoy encountered had a escort carrier in the convoy. All enemy convoys encountered had at least four escorts, sometimes as many as seven or eight. These vessels were typically purpose built escort vessels "Kaiboikan", some eve DD and DE type escorts. Typically, at least one escort in convoy was radar equipped. A radar equipped DD (Fubuki Class) detected BARB on surface at about 6000 yards and pursued. BARB sunk this DD with a "down the throat" shot from stern tubes. (Torpedo Attack No. 10). Depth charge attacks were intense and accurate on this patrol. Enemy has expanded his ASW capabilities with improved, powerful depth charges and sound/sonar equipment. BARB, out of torpedoes, but working inside convoy to come up to depth and broadcast radio report, was detected as she ascended from 350 ft and passed 150 feet by a escort some estimated 4000 yards away. With multiple escorts in convoys, usually at least two remain in area to attack, sometimes more, employing apparent team tactics. Often conducted attacks in rapid succession. Evasion of enemy ASW consisted of diving to avoid aircraft. Often times it was found the APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver detected a aircraft's radar emissions prior to SD contact, Several dives were initiated due to APR-1 signals prior to contact. Submerged evasion of attack consisted of silent running, consistent course, and depth changes, combined with "sprred bursts" of 30-45 seconds during and imemdiately after depth chrge explosions. BARB's ideal evasion depth has been found to be 390-395 ft. One strong pattern did push BARB from 385 ft to 412 ft. BARB is a well built boat and the 112 ft past test depth seemed to do her no harm. (I) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE: No major material defects occurred on this patrol. *Most damage was repaired at sea. However, serious damage to Hydraulic pumps, **Bow and Stern dive plane transmissions rendered BARB somewhat sluggish for remainder of the patrol, especially when submerged, in spite of repairs. All damage listed was repaired at sea unless otherwise noted. 1. Hydraulic Pumps-Seriously damaged. 2. Bow Dive Plane Transmission** 3. Stern Dive Plane Transmission** 4. Flooding-Aft Engines Room-Sea valves busted. 2 ft water incompartment and flooded bilges. 5. Flooding Aft Torpedo Room-Leaks from aft tubes. 1 ft water in compartment. 6. Trim Pump 7. Forward Batteries 8. Compressor 9. Torpedo Tube No.10 10.Torpedo Tube No.7 11.JP sound gear 12.Various pipes- Leaks in all compartments. Serious leak in conning tower. 13.High Pressure Air lines-Leaks in compartments. 14.Light bulbs-All compartments 15. Glass fixtures-All compartments. (J) RADIO: Radio function, especially key on this patrol due to group operations was excellent. Messages sent and received with little to no trouble. (K) SOUND CONDITIONS AND SOUND GEAR: Sound conditions were overall excellent in the patrol area. Sound gear functioned well until damaged by depth charge attack. JP listening gear was not at optimal performance for remainder of patrol. (L) RADAR: SJ SJ-1 radar performance was excellent on this patrol. Typical detection range was 24,000 yards. PPI scope once again proved itself a major tactical advantage for BARB. SD SJ radar performance was somewhat inadequate on this patrol. A apparently new enemy tactic appears to be to fly low at high speed, which made early detection difficult at times. Typical detection range was 11000 yards or less. APR-1 often detected radar emissions from aircraft prior to SD contact, providing some early warning. Enemy Radar Nearly all enemy aircraft in area were found to be equipped with radar. Based on encounters it is believed enemy air mounted surface search radar has a range of of about 15000-20000 yards. Daytime aircraft tend to make sweeps with radar intermittently and focus on a target at close range, perhaps to counter our radar warning equipment. Night fliers tend to keep their radars active at all times. Enemy ship based surface search radar was encountered on at least once vessel in each convoy. Against a surface submarine the enemy raar appears at times ineffective. However, BARB was detected at least one from 6000 yards by a destroyer, prior to attack. (M) THERMAL LAYERS: Two thermal layers were recorded on this patrol. 1. DATE 1944/08/31 TIME 0044 DEPTH-216 ft LAT.21-4N LOG.119-44E 2. DATE 1944/09/15 TIME 1450 DEPTH 130 ft LAT. 20-47N LOG. 120-05E (N) RADAR COUNTERMEASURES: No known radar countermeasures wer encountered. While it is not believed typical enemy vessels or aircraft encountered can detect radar emissions, BARB exercises caution by keeping SJ radar off for majority of time, with sweeps every 15 minutes during standard patrol. Sweeps may be somewhat longer when in contact with/tracking a enemy. (O) GROUP OPERATIONS: For this patrol, BARB was assigned to Task Group 17.5 (TG 17.5), a coordinated attack group, or "Wolfpack", with QUEENFISH and TUNNY under the command of CAPT E.R. Swinburne, USN., embarked aboard BARB. Group was nicknamed "ED's ERADICATORS" after our Commodore. Assigned to the Luzon Straits area, pack operations proved effective and costly for the Japanese. Another Wolfpack, under CDR T.B. Oakley, CO of GROWLER, "BEN's BUSTERS" operated in area the West . The BUSTERS consisted of GROWLER, PAMPANITO, and SEA LION. Further underway training was conducted en route to Midway from Pearl Harbor. Upon departure from Pearl Harbor, group formed a scouting line fifteen miles apart with BARB in the center, TUNNY to port and QUEENFISH to starboard. This line was maintained the entire journey from Midway until reached the Bashi Channel to enter assigned area in Luzon Straits. Each boat proceeded independently into assigned area throughout the strait on surface at night. BARB, QUEENFISH, and SEA LION each patrolled their own designated sector of the assigned area. After several days of empty seas, contact was made with a convoy on August 30 and coordinated attacks throughout night and early morning of 31 August savaged the convoy. BARB sunk three of her ships, two, possibly three were sunk by her packmates. Follow up attacks on September 1 left more vessels sunk. Contact was lost with TUNNY after 1 September, as she had apparently been seriously damaged by aircraft bombs and departed area. BARB expended last of her initial torpedo load and proceeded to SAIPAN to reload torpedoes. Activity in the straits was somewhat absent during BARB's trip but upon return shifted into overdrive. While en route to join the BUSTER's for a coordinated attack, BARB encountered a large convoy and attacked, sinking a tanker. Night of 11/12 September, convoy was attacked by BARB, GROWLER, SEA LION, QUEENFISH, and later ,PAMAPNITO, at least five ships were sunk and others damaged. Unknown to all at the time, Allied POW's, mainly British and Australians held captive since Fall of Singapore in early 1942, were aboard as were being transported to Japan. PAMPANITO first discovered these poor souls and reported in. BARB and QUEENFISH were directed to the area to assist in the search, locating five men in the water, four Australians and two Brits. On the 16th, BARB was out of torpedoes, but encountered a convoy with tankers and a escort carrier Shadowing the convoy, her contact report brought in QUEENFISH, which attacked and sunk a tanker, confirmed. Although out of torpedoes, BARB opened fire on carrier from 5000 yards with 4 inch deck gun. This was meant as more of a diversionary tactic, and it worked. After scoring a hit, which blew aircraft off her deck and set her afire,enemy escorts backed off depth charging the QUEENFISH and raced towards BARB, with promptly withdrew. Overall, coordinated group attacks worked well, especially in this area, where large, well defended convoys are the normal. Chaos caused among a enemy convoy by coordinated attack served the group well in evasion. Group sunk a total of seventeen ships. BARB (11), QUEENFISH (4), TUNNY (2). BARB also damaged a CVE by gunfire. QUEENFISH damaged at least two other ships, TUNNY damaged at least one. (P) PERSONNEL: Crew performance was excellent throughout this patrol. This is best attested to by eleven ships sunk in total, with one carrier damaged. One Officer and twelve men qualified on this patrol and four advanced in rating. (Q) HEALTH AND HABITABILITY Health of the crew and habitability of the boat were overall excellent on the patrol. Extra crew (two officers, plus survivors rescued from water later in patrol) were accommodated with little to no issue. Food was overall excellent and always well prepared, even with somewhat extended duration of the patrol. A "pit stop" at Saipan half way through patrol of course assisted with these matters. (R) MILES STEAMED-FUEL CONSUMED (These are estimates, I lost my mileage/calculations somehow, did not save. Not doing them again lol) Pearl to Midway Miles 1350 Gallons 16550 Midway to Area Miles 3780 Gallons 58560 In Area (Prior to refit) Miles 3500 Gallons 71,500 Area to Saipan (Refit) Miles 1750 Gallons 26500 In Area (Post Refit) Miles 8500 Gallons 145800 Area to Saipan Miles 1850 27950 Saipan to Majuro Miles 2400 Gallons 39,556 (S) DURATION DAYS Pearl to Midway 5 Midway to Area 15 In Area 6 Area to Saipan 4.5 Saipan to Area 4 In Area 13 Area to Saipan 4 Saipan to Majuro 6 Days Submerged 3 (T) FACTORS IN ENDURANCE: Torpedoes: 0 Fuel: 23566 gallons Provisions: 34 days Crew: Indefinite Reason for termination of patrol: All torpedoes expended, survivors aboard in need of medical care. (U) REMARKS Busy, long, challenging, but ultimately rewarding war patrol. BARB sunk six tankers, four merchants, one destroyer, and damaged a escort carrier by gunfire in fifteen torpedo and three gun attcks. Total estimated tonnage sunk is 78677 tons. Sheer volume of enemy traffic throughout area provided for a pace of operations not typical of other patrol areas. Luzon Strait as one would assume, if a vital choke point for enemy shipping. Multiple large, well defended convoys, pass through a area well patrolled by enemy aircraft and surface vessels. Aside from of sinking enemy vessels, BARB rescued six POW's from the sea, inadvertently put there torpedoes of our subs, when ships they were aboard, bound for Japan, were sunk on 11/12/ September. This was BARB's Ninth War Patrol, and my second in command. E.B. Fluckey |
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03-13-22, 03:33 AM
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#5250 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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TMO "Evil Aircraft" sunk the BARB.
USS BARB SS-220, was lost on 18 November 1944 at 32-09N 127-36E in Area 9, in the East China Sea, just south of Tsushima Strait.
BARB, chased a convoy all night, after multiple attempts, was unable to attack on surface due to vigilant, radar equipped escorts. Tried for a dawn approach submerged , but was spotted by a PETE floatplane which spotted BARB at periscope depth, alerting escorts. Escorts located BARB in the waters with 315 max depth waters and after a depth charging lasting from dawn until noon 18 November, BARB had escaped and was cruising at 300 feet, just off the bottom of the sea, when began rise to periscope depth at 1900 for a visual check , after hours of no contact with enemy. As BARB passed 125 feet on way to periscope depth, heard a brief noise(presumed to be the low flying aircraft), and then two depth charge explosions which severely shook the boat. Followed four seconds later by even more intense explosions. Lights went out for five seconds, flooding reported in stern, damage reports rolled in, along with calls for medic. I had external cam on this patrol, so went outside after first explosion. One aerial depth charge had landed to port, could see the explosion bubble dissipating, while the second depth charge landed to starboard and exploded just as I got to external view. So two aerial depth charges bracketed BARB's stern about around the point where stern torpedo room bulkhead to maneuvering room would be on a GATO sub, very close. Perhaps 20 feet, within kill range for depth charges typically. Then I saw the aerial bombs dropped, one of which scored a direct hit on the stern. Yep, the lucky, bomb contacted the stern around the stern torpedo room loading hatch. (I tried to screenshot, hit the keys but apparently not fast enough as this happened quite fast) BARB's stern had taken two close depth charges, and a few seconds later, a DIRECT bomb hit seconds later from a EMILY flying boat, which likely detected BARB with MAD (TMO planes have a sensor simulating MAD in late war). and was lined up for attack as we , not aware of the plane, began rising to periscope depth. Stern was destroyed, wrecked. Large hole blow in it, with port prop shaft and stern torpedo bulkhead destroyed, nearly all equipment smashed and sadly, all but one crewman killed in the stern torpedo room, with one severely injured (health was 20/100. Flooding also in engine rooms , bulkhead 90 percent damaged with all suffering severe injuries in compartment. Hull damage was at 80 percent. Boat lingered a few moments, stern torpedo and engine rooms rapidly flooded, BARB took a down angle by stern and paused at 88 feet, stopping her ascent, began rapidly going down in spite of ahead flank speed.. Blew ballast tanks to get to surface to save the crew but did not rise in time as flooded out compartments stern dragged her down . Boat, in 300 ft waters with angle caught its self and bow was about to break the surface while what was left aft touched bottom. Just then, EMILY made another attack at BARB was at 94 ft, dropping a depth charge above, but not terribly close, yet close enough to shake the boat. Bow slid beneath surface, stern crashed into bottom. Hull collapsed, went to 100 percent. All was lost. Oddly enough, the boats external model then just disappeared lol but could stay inside, no controls worked, but game did not end. I had to exit. Side effects of altering the damage model is sometimes SH 4 does not play out the "fade to black" sequence . Can also have to do with the bottom. I've been depth charged, pounded into the sea floor before, where sub disappears lol and external model is gone and im dead, but dont get the death fade to black sequence. Definitely a lucky hit for the plane. This was first time I've been sunk or even severely damaged by aircraft in years lol. Disappointing. really had a great campaign going with the BARB and this patrol was a exciting and successful one already with just eight torpedoes left aft (All but three fired forward, all bow tubes disabled in November 15 depth charge, could not repair at sea) Survived these depth charge attacks, being fired at, and chased on surfaced, but taken out by a flying boat. Ahhh. Reminded me of how TMO aircraft earned their reputation for being "evil".  BARB, during her 10th patrol, which she was on at time of loss, sunk the following vessels: AO CHIYODA MARU 5004 tons 8 November AK JOKUJA MARU 7200 tons 8 November Aikoku Maru Class Auxiliary Cruiser 14500 tons 10 November CVE Akitsu Escort Carrier 11800 tons. 15 November Ah, well to start a new campaign. Screen shots:  Akitsu Class Escort Carrier (Akitsu Maru Aircraft Transport operated by Japanese Army)  AKITSU exploding a few minutes after taking 3 MK 18 torpedo hits.  Akitsu listing to port  First view of Akitsu through observation periscope.  Akitsu  Akitsu burning  Akitsu on fire listing. Took about 15 minutes to sink.  Akitsu listing  First MK 18 torpedo impact  Second MK 18 torpedo impact  DC pattern on 15 November following sinkng of Akitsu. From a Type C escort. Believe this was pattern which damage forward torpedo compartment. Caused some flooding , disabled forward dive planes transmission and tubes 1-6. All six bow tubes could not be repaired at sea.  EMILY which sunk the BARB, flying away after initial drop that scored the fatal hits.  Last DC explosion, following follow up drop by the EMILY H8k flying boat. Unfortunately, the halo effect did not show up on this one as it does usually.  Sunrise 18 November 1944, escort hunting for BARB as she approached convoy, 
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