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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 |
07-10-21, 09:11 PM
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#5086 |
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Navy Seal
 Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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USS Drum SS-228 Ninth War Patrol 9 April-1 June 1944.
TMO 2.5 with custom mods
100 difficult cams and contacts off. (Note* This report is shorter and has a lot of data from memory as I forgot to save the log somehow, power went out and lost all the data after 11 April, until 1 May) Below is a link to a patrol chart. This is from the USS Drum website and is the route followed on actual ninth war patrol as well as on ninth patrol in the sim. https://i.postimg.cc/fbxxcLSS/drum-patrolchart09.jpg USS Drum SS-228 Tenth War Patrol 9 April-1 June 1944 Area: Bonin and Northern Volcano Islands (A) Prologue Returned from eighth patrol on 7 December, 1943. Three weeks of refit by Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., assisted by the relief crew of Submarine Division 101. Left Pearl Harbor January 9, 1944 and arrived Mare Island on January 16, 1944.After eight consistent war patrols and heavy damage sustained on last two, Drum was due for an overhaul. Overhaul conducted at Mare Island January- March 1944. New conning tower installed due to crack from previous depth charging. New SJ-1 radar with PPI display installed along with JP listening gear. Departed Mare Island on March 22, 1944 with a new conning tower, and all alterations completed. Arrived Pearl Harbor March 29, 1944.Loaded twelve MK 23 and twelve Mark 18 torpedoes April 7 and 8, 1944. Ready for sea April 9, 1944. (B.) Narrative 9 April- 0900-Departed Pearl Harbor for patrol area via Johnston Island in company with Tambor. 1800-Lost sight of Tambor. 11 April- 0900-1200-Refueled at Johnston Island 12 April-22 April- En route patrol area- Bonin Islands. No contacts. Oddly enough no patrol aircraft from Wake or Marcus Island. 22 April- 0300-Entered patrol area. 1458-SJ contact bearing 095 14 NM. Position 28 10 N 141 10 E 1500-PPI displays large grouping of nine ships with escorts ahead and on ahead flank, three total. 1502-General Quarters. 1520-Submerged for attack on port flank of convoy. 1545-Sound check reveals bearing change. At periscope depth, observed convoy zigged to SW. While this did not ruin the shot, it opened the range from ideal to long. Drum went to 100 feet and ahead full . 1600-Periscope depth. Plot shows should be able to fire at 3800 yards. 1605-ATTACK NO.1 Fired three MK 23 torpedoes from tubes 1,2, and 3. Range 3850 yards. 1606-All three torpedoes hit target. Large fires observed and target listing. 1609- NAGARA MARU 7145 tons sunk 28 N 141 24 E. 1610- Type A Shimushu Class escort closing from bearing 030 range 3100 yards. Ordered Drum to 300 feet, rigged for silent running and depth charge. 1615-First in series of furious but ineffective attacks by two escorts. 1700-Last depth charge run. Escorts heard leaving area. 2100-Surfaced. Secured General Quarters and reloaded torpedoes. Began searching to regain contact for end around. 2309-Regained SJ contact at 13 NM bearing 004. 23 April- 0000-General Quarters Torpedo Surface Attack. 0010-Off starboard side of convoy. Targets medium sized tanker and medium sized merchants. Convoy zigged forcing Drum to fire earlier than planned. 0011-ATTACK NO. 2 - Fired three MK 23 torpedoes at tanker. Range 2000 yards AOB 80 POA MOT Depth 8 ft. 0012-Three torpedoes hit the tanker, which exploded in massive fireball, illuminating the area, including Drum, which was over half way through it's turn away. Drum, illuminated by star shells and searchlights and at a closer range than planned due to the unexpected zig came under heavy machine gun and auto cannon fire from merchants and escorts, as well as 3 or 5 inch gun fire with some splashes landing close as Drum sped away in overdrive at 22 knots. In lieu of diving continued high speed run alternating 5 degrees rudder for constant helming, this preventing accurate gunnery by escorts. Port lookout, Petty Officer 2nd Class D. Rosencrans was lightly wounded by machine gun fire. After ten minutes of pursuit Drum has opened range but was still pursued by a Wakatake Class DD and the Mikura Class Type B escort. Eventually the range was opened and they turned back to join the convoy. A definite close call caused by the unexpected zig at key moment before firing. 0016-SEITO MARU 5150 tons sunk 27 19 N 141 28 E. 0400-A follow up attack was planned, however a squall set in with heavy seas, rain, and fog. SJ contact was just and not regained. Drum turned north back into patrol area. 27 April- 0904- At dawn, SD contact. 8 NM closing fast. Position 26 15 N 141 39 E. 50 NM SW Haha Jima. 1004-Sound has fast screws at 101 bearing. SJ sweep at radar depth has lone contact bearing 099 13 NM. Rapid bearing suggests high speed target. 1016-Masts of a warship spotted. 1028-General Quarters. Contact is a full sized destroyer. Believe aircraft, while did not attack Drum spotted her and called in a surface patrol. 1034- DD's track presented favorable setup for stern shot with Mark 18 torpedoes. 1046-ATTACK NO. 3- Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 7 and 8 at zigging destroyer. Range 1800 yards AOB 75 Depth 5 feet. POA MOT. 1047-Both torpedoes hit the destroyer causing explosions and fires . Two large holes amidships at water line. 1050- Minekaze Class Destroyer sunk 1215 tons. 26 1 E 141 48 N 1100-Surfaced. Secured from General Quarters. 28-29 April- Only contacts were daily SD contacts, no visuals. Patrolled submerged off West coast and harbor of Chi Chi Jima through day of 29 April. 30 April- 0700-Received radio report of enemy weather ship or picket in vicinity of Sofu Gan, set course for Sofu Gan at 18 knots. 1 May- 0701- SJ contact on line pip off Sofu Gan. 0715-Submerged for approach and prepared for Battle Surface at dawn 0801-As dawn broke, observed stationary tug like vessel presumed to be a weather ship and picket anchored 5000 yards SE of Sofu Gan. What is believed to be a 4 inch deck gun observed forward. 0805-General Quarters- Battle Surface Gun Action 0810-Surfaced. 0811-Commenced firing from 4500 yards. Three hits amidships at water line and in deck housing. 0813-Target finally replied with a few rounds from deck gun. Crew ordered to target enemy weapons. 0816-Enemy guns now silent after several hits by 4 inch 50 cal gun. Switched back to aiming for waterline and hull. 0817-Vessel is burning and listing. Ceased fire. 0821-Enemy weather tug/picket estimated 1100 tons sunk. 29 47 N 140 23 E 4200 yards SE of Sofu Gan. Survivors seen in raft. 0825-Drum secured from GQ turned south at high speed. 2-7 May- No contacts aside from daily SD contacts. 8 May- 0000-0800- Replaced MK 23 in tubes 1-4 with MK 18. Forward load out is now 4 MK 18 in tubes 1-4, two MK 23 in tubes 5 and 6. Three MK 24 in reserved. Four MK 18 in stern tubes with two four reserves. 11 May- 0510- SJ contacts 349 14 NM. 27 41 N 141 28 E. PPI indicated 2-3 ships in column with one ahead and one on each flank. Possible TF or fast moving convoy as SJ shows rapid bearing change. 0515- General Quarters. 0538- Visual on targets. Lead DD possibly Akatskuki Class followed by CL possibly Oyodo Class followed by CA. Possibly Takao Class. 0547-Drum struggling to pull ahead. Engines on overload. Speed 22 knots. 0552- Turning about to bring bow tubes to bear as could not outpace the targets and burning precious fuel. 0554-Submerged for attack. Moonlight prevented surface attack. Contact report sent to COMSUBPAC. Task Force sighted . Position 27 33 N 141 23 E Course 179 speed 22 knots 0604- ATTACK NO 4. Fired four MK 18 Range:1400 AOB 70: Torpedo depth: 10 feet POA: MOT with two degree spread on TDC. 0605-Just after torpedo #4 exited the tube. Intense, short scale pinging began. A check showed a large DD beleived to be Shimakaze astern of Drum at 10000 yards. Drum went deep rigged for silent running and depth charge. 0608-Depth charge explosions. Drum shaken but undamaged. Depth 300 feet. Drum descended 380 feet. 0630-DD's appear to have lost contact with Drum. Many depth charges heard estimated 3000-6000 yards aster With winds at 13 knots, the chop and thermal layer encountered at 197 feet appear to have thwarted the counter attack. Also, like many previous encounters with escorts of capital ships, the effort is not so much to destroy a submarine but to pin it down while the larger warships escape. 0720-Lost contact with DD, last heard leaving area at high speed. Drum at 380 feet. Maintained silent running. Secured from General Quarters. On course to NW to clear area. Likely ASW patrols will arrive in area. 0914-Periscope depth. All clear. Secure silent running. Winds appear to have dropped to five knots 0915- Drum remained submerged for rest of day to avoid ASW aircraft and surface patrols in area. ASW efforts heavy. 2200-Surfaced. 12 May- 0001-Received orders to assume lifeguard position off Iwo Jima for strikes on 15 May. 0532-Ten NM west of Iwo Jima. Observed carrier based aircraft TBF F6F attacking Iwo Jima. One F6F was observed crashing into ocean. No bail out observed. Swept area , no downed aircrew reported or located. Returned to Bonin Islands area. 16-19 May- Storms arrived in area. Persisted through afternoon of 19 May. 20 May-Fuel low and per operation order, set course for Pearl Harbor. 1 June- 0900-Docked at Pearl Harbor. (C.) Weather Weather en route to area was excellent with calm seas mostly. Weather in patrol area was superb, aside from a squall that arrived , preventing a follow up night surface attack on 23 April. Weather remained excellent until 16-19 May when heavy seas, wind, and rains persisted for several days. Weather began to clear when Drum departed patrol area on 20 May. (D.) Tidal Information In the Bonins and Kazan Retto, sets of about one knot were encountered when close to the islands, predominantly to the southward. Southerly winds decreased this set. No set was experienced when well off the islands both to the westward and to the eastward. (E.) Navigational Aids Sofu Gan was as usual for boats operating in the area used as a navigational aid in addition to sighting and SJ targeting of Chi Chi, Haha, and Iwo Jima Islands. (F.) Attack Data Torpedo Attack No. 1 Date: 1944/04/22 Time:1604 Location: 28 N 141 24 E. Description: Submerged attack. Fired three MK 23 torpedoes from tubes 1, 2, and 3 at a large NAGARA MARU class AK from 3850 yards, AOB 80. Torpedo depth was 8 feet with point of aim(POA) middle of target (MOT). Result: All three torpedoes impacted target causing large fires. AK NAGARA MARU 7145 tons sunk at 1609. Torpedo Attack No. 2 Date:1944/04/23 Time:0011 Location:27 19 N 141 28 E. Description: Fired three MK 23 torpedoes from tubes 4,5,6 at tanker. Range 2000 yards AOB 70 POA: MOT Torpedo Depth: 8 ft. Result: All torpedoes impacted. Tanker erupted into massive fireball a was likely carrying refined aviation or vehicle gasoline southbound. The last two torpedoes were somewhat redundant as the first torpedo set off the explosion. AO SEITO MARU 5150 tons sunk at 0016 hours. Torpedo Attack No. 3 Date:1944/04/27 Time:1046 Location: 26 1 E 141 48 N Description: Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 7 and 8 at zigging destroyer. Range 1800 yards AOB 75 Depth 5 feet. POA: MOT. Result:Both torpedoes impacted the destroyer causing explosions and fires . Two large holes amidships at water line. Target took forward port list. Minekaze Class Destroyer sunk 1215 tons sunk at 1050 hours. Torpedo Attack No. 4 Date:1944/05/11 Time:0604 Location: 27 33 N 141 23 E Description: Fired four MK 18 torpedoes at Takao Class Heavy Cruiser. Range:1600 AOB: 70 POA MOT w/ two degree spread on TDC. Depth 10 feet. Target Course and speed: 179 degrees at 22 knots. Result: Missed Reason(s): Enemy destroyer detected Drum just after torpedo four was fired. An audible alarm klaxon was audible through the hull, searchlights observed and the target slowed, then sped up with a hard and impressive starboard turn (away from Drum) which likely caused the torpedoes to miss ahead. This of course, was quite disappointing as had a near perfect set up with wakeless torpedoes on an important enemy warship. Gun Attack No. 1 Date:1944/05/01 Time:0811-0817 Location: 29 47 N 140 23 off Sofu Gan. Description: Fired thirty-one 4 inch 50 Caliber rounds at a 1100 ton armed weather tug from 4500 yards. Result: Twenty-two of thirty-one rounds hit the target, demolishing it. Roughly 50 percent of hits focused on the water line but the vessel, like most wood construction Japanese vessels was stubborn. The dawn attack surprised the crew as the vessel was at anchored and did not return fire until several rounds hit hit the vessel. Drum's gun crew quickly silenced the the 4 inch gun mounted forward with several hits. Several more hits at waterline and in the pilot house area/deck left the tug burning and listing. Finally, the vessel sunk at 0820 off Sofu Gan. Survivors were observed in a raft but were not approached. Drum's 20 MM guns were manned but were not utilized in this action. (G.) Mines No mines were encountered. (H.) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasive Tactics. Enemy air patrols and surface patrols in the area were generally heavy. Typically when between 25-28 N and 139-142 E would encounter two SD contacts per day, usually before noon and in later afternoon early evening. When within one hundred nautical miles of Iwo Jima and Chi Chi Jima, would encounter SD contacts at night. The APR-1 RWR did detect radar emissions from these night flyers. However, none detected Drum as submerging out of caution was typical. After Drum sunk the Minekaze Destroyer, no more surface patrols were encountered Believe this was possibly the lone ocean going patrol vessel in region. Small PC type craft were observed at long range at Chi Chi and Haha Jima. Counterattack #1 The enemy's counter attack with depth charges on 22 April was initially intense but quickly faded and not effective. This was a welcome respite considering the intense and damaging attacks Drum had began to routinely experience on prior two war patrols. The thermal layer and choppy seas certainly assisted Drum's evasion, which was standard with depths of 300-380 feet with speed bursts as needed and constant turning, alternating of direction. Counterattack # 2 Two enemy escorts opened from from 2500(forward)-1900(aft to port of Drum) yards away on Drum, initially with a barrage of machine gun and auto cannon fire and then main battery fire. A few rounds of the auto fire did strike the Drum, wounding a look out. The convoys unexpected zig left Drum somewhat sandwiched and firing at 2000 yards instead of 2500 on the target. The target's massive fuel laden explosion illuminated Drum, compounded by star shells and searchlights. Drum was half way through turn away to starboard in 180 degree turn when the torpedoes hit. "Ahead Emergency" was ordered placing overload on engines. Drum accelerated to a 22.5 knot surface speed, estimating a 2.5 knots speed advantage of the old destroyer and the escort, which continued to fire even as Drum's stern was now showing them as she raced into the night. Five degrees right/left rudder applied alternately gave Drum a decent zig pattern which helped avoid accurate gun fire from the escorts. Eventually with range opened, both ceased fire but continued pursuit for some time, before slowing and turning back. Obvious these escorts do not have a surface search radar. Counterattack #3 The sneaky manner in which the enemy DD was able to get near Drum unnoticed during the attack on the cruiser was impressive. It is possible the DD was returning from it's sweep and heard the torpedoes fire. As has proven typical with escorts of large warships or fast moving merchants, the counter attack was to keep the submarine pinned down while the heavies escaped at high speed and out of range. The attack was brief and inaccurate but achieved its goal. Evasion was standard method and depth. (I.) Lifeguard Operations Per orders received via radio assumed lifeguard positions off Iwo Jima. SD radar detected inbound strikes at 11 NM. Visual identification was made on TBF and F6F aircraft. No calls for assistance were received no damage aircraft ditching or pilots/crew bailing out. However, one F6F was observed crashing. Drum went to scene and swept area but located no downed aircrew. (J.) Major Defects and Damage. Drum suffered no damage this patrol nor defects. This was Drum's first patrol with two new type of torpedoes, the MK 23 and 18. Performance of both were excellent with no known malfunctions. (K.) Radio Radio performance was excellent. (L.) Radar The new SJ-1 surface search radar performed excellently with average detection range at fourteen nautical miles. The new PPI display provides a real advantage in tracking targets and setting up for attack. SD radar performed well, with typical detection at thirteen nautical miles. (M.) Sound Sound conditions were generally poor to average in the area. The JP-1 sound gear, installed during the navy yard overhaul performed well but did not provide an discernible advantage on this patrol. The temperature gradients, choppy seas, and others seemed to provide not ideal sound conditions for the enemy hindering their tracking and attacking of Drum. (N.) Thermal layers Thermal layers were encountered at 196, 240, and 233 feet. (O.) Health, Food, and Habitability Since the entire patrol was on the surface in cool spring weather, the boat was comfortable all the time. This fact also cut the time lost due to minor ailments to a minimum. Two mild cases of catarrhal fever each were cured in three days.The food was well prepared throughout the run. Petty Officer 2nd Class Dilbert H. Rosencrans suffered minor injuries from gunfire during the surface attack on 23 April. Rosencrans was return to duty with one day. (P.) Personnel Lieutenant V. O.McDonald assumed the role of Executive Officer upon the detachment of Lieutenant R. B. P. Digby during the overhaul period. Throughout the period roughly half of Drum's crew was rotated out. Since the ship was out of the areas five months, to the day, much indoctrination of the new officers and men was necessary. However, performance of crew was excellent throughout the patrol. (Q.) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used Miles Gallons Gals/Miles Pearl to Johnston 813 12306 15.1 Johnston to Area 3000 30715 10.2 In Area 1 6233 33473 5.4 Area to Majuro 5295 30343 11.9 Total: 12641 106837 (R.) Duration Days Enroute to Area 13 Days in Area 31 Days Enroute to Majuro 9 Days Submerged 3 (S.) Factors of Endurance Remaining Torpedoes: 12 Fuel 20157 gallons Provisions 0 days Personnel 14 days Limiting Factor of This Patrol: Fuel and Operation order. (T.) Remarks. Aside from the convoy contact of 22/23 April, the lack of consistent merchant traffic in the area was disappointing as this since has long been a busy shipping corridor. A patrol to the east of the Bonins since the area was unoccupied also provide fruitless. It is possible the enemy has limited or even terminated this shipping route at this time. It is believed the enemy is using a new, larger, and more powerful depth charge as the explosions seem to emit more of shockwave even at greater distance. Depth charge capacity and deployment apparatuses such s throwers seem more common as well. Further more, the convoy attacked was large by imperial standards and had three escorts and further suggests an actual convoy system has been implemented. Last edited by Bubblehead1980; 07-13-21 at 08:02 PM. |
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07-20-21, 06:10 PM
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#5087 |
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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 Drum SS-228 Tenth War Patrol 24 June- 16 August 1944
TMO 2.5 w custom mods
100 difficulty Cams on contacts on. USS Drum SS-228 Tenth War Patrol 24 June- August 16 1944 Assigned Areas: Palau-Yap areas for anti-shipping patrol and lifeguard duty on specified dates. (A.) Prologue Arrived in Majuro, Marshall Islands from ninth war patrol on 1 June, 1944 in good material condition. Normal refit, with no alterations or major work, was accomplished by U.S.S. SPERRY, and SubDiv 101. Lieutenant B.R. Digby, USN, was detached and Ensign L. Hammond, USNR, reported aboard for duty. On June 23, 1944, the Commanding Officer, Commander D.F. Williamson, USN, was relieved by Lieutenant Commander M.H. Rindskopf, USN. Readiness for sea June 24, 1944. (B.) Narrative 24 June- 1300-Departed Majuro for tenth war patrol in accordance with ComSubPac Operation Order No. 215-44 in company with U.S.S. MEADE (DD 602) 1800-Trim Dive. 25 June-2 July- En route to assigned Lifeguard Station 3 July- 0700-Assumed Lifeguard Station 10 NM West of Yap. 1058-Closed West coast of Yap on surface to investigate reports of downed aircrew. 1103-Smoke marker spotted 000 estimated 7 NM. 1107-Large fires visible near harbor areas on Yap. 1117-SD contacts. 14 NM closing. Believe this is B-24 strike second wave. 1119-Submerged. Shore batteries opened fire at 9500 yards. 1132-Closing raft with multiple downed aircrew floating 5000 yards off the beach. 1139-Rescued five downed aircrew in raft 4400 yards off Yap at 9 36 N 138 4 E. 7 July- 0700-Released from lifeguard station. 8 July- Patrol area between 9 N and 11 N, 130 NM North of Palau. 0934-SD contact 6 NM closing fast. Submerged to avoid. 0936-Drum at 195 feet. Three large explosions well above. No damage. 1225-Surfaced. 9-25 July- Patrolled West of Palau. 26 July- 0500-Assumed Lifeguard Station 10 NM E of Palau. 1241-Rescued downed aviator east of Palau. 7 25 N 134 40 E 27 July- Lifeguard Duty 28 July- 0900-Released from Lifeguard Duty, returned to patrol West of Palau. 1 August- 0700-Submerged to avoid SD contact 5 NM closing. 8 24 N 133 7 E 0703-Several large explosions above. Drum at 200 feet. No damage. 0900-Surfaced. 2 August- Departed patrol area for home via Midway due to fuel and op order. 3-12 August- En route Pearl Harbor via Midway 13 August- 1200-1500- Refueled at Midway. 14-15 August- En route Pearl Harbor. 16 August- 1300-Docked Pearl Harbor. Terminated patrol. (C) Weather In the Yap-Ulithi area weather generally favorable. North-West of Palau there were frequent squalls, typically lasting a few hours. Typhoon like conditions were encountered South of Guam on 3-4 August. (D) Tidal Information In the Yap-Ulithi area, the set was consistently westerly; drift about one knot. (E) Navigational Aids Lights from Yap's harbors and as well as at the Southern and Northern capes were visible at ten to fifteen nautical miles. Mountain peaks in Palau Islands provided navigational aids. (F) Attack Data None (G) Lifeguard Description A total of two rescues of downed aircrew were made during this patrol. Both rescues were conducted close to shore and under fire from shore batteries. Downed aircrew were initially approached on surface at high speed until around 10000 yards away when shore batteries opened fired. A submerged approach was then conducted until roughly 500 yards away when Drum came to 28 feet with decks awash, permitting rescue and minimizing the boat as a target. While decks awash shore batteries continued firing but no shells came close. Upon rescue, Drum submerged again to periscope depth to continue searching until out of range of shore batteries. Just after the rescue of 26 July, an enemy aircraft(MAVIS) the SD radar failed to detect was spotted bearing 100 at 5 NM. Drum submerged rapidly and as passed 100 feet was shaken by three large bombs but suffered no damage. Rescues: Date: Time: Location : Type: 7/4/2944 1139 9 36 N 138 4 E Raft(multi-person) Rescued: R.E. Worley, Capt. USAAF T.G. Renton, 1Lt USAAF O.M. Klein, Sgt USAAF C.F. Beauregard, Cpl USAAF A.Z. Joblonski , Pvt. USAAF 7/26/1944 1341 13 6 N 144 9 E Single in life jacket. Rescued: E.F. Myer, 2Lt USAAF (H) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion tactics. Enemy air patrols in the Palau and Yap areas was heavy with daily SD contacts at dawn, noon, and dusk. On average every other night a night time SD contact was made, often forcing Drum to submerge. No surface patrols were encountered on this patrol. Shore batteries at Yap and Palau seemed to withhold fire until Drum was at a range of roughly 10000 yards. All harbors at Yap were guarded by subnets, minefields, and gun batteries. No previously unknown and unguarded passes in the reef around Palau Islands was detected. Evasion of air patrols was to follow standard policy to dive once SD contact was at ten miles or less. Dive was typically made to 180 feet and would remain there for an hour before rising. A sweep with raised SD mast and periscope would come before surfacing. Enemy aircraft most times seem to back track within two or three hours. (I) Mines Visible minefields were observed securing entrances to the harbors at Yap. (J)Major Defects and Damage None (K) Radio Radio function was excellent. (L) Radar SJ Radar performance was excellent overall with vessels in harbor at Yap detected at 16 NM. SD Radar performance was mixed on this patrol detecting most contacts at ten to eleven miles. However, it failed to detect a contact on the 26th causing Drum to be bombed. (M) Sound Conditions Sounds conditions in the Yap and Palau areas were generally good. (N) Thermal Layers No Thermal layers were documented on this patrol. (O) Health and Habitability Overall health and habitability was excellent. The long duration of patrol and lack of action did seemed to cause fatigue in the crew towards the end. (P) Personnel The training program this patrol was similar to that employed last patrol. The unqualified men were divided into small sections and each section was turned over to one of the unqualified officers for instruction. This method has proved advantageous to both the men and officers. Enroute to the area and on the return voyage, drills were conducted. (Q) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used Majuro to Area 2030 Miles/18767 Gallons In Area 6182 Miles/39791 Gallons Area to Pearl 3382 Miles /42113 Gallons Midway to Pearl 1300 Miles/20400 Gallons Total 12894 Mile 121071 Gallons (S) Duration Days Enroute to Area 6 Days in Area 31 Days Enroute to Base 14 Days Submerged 8 (T) Factors of Endurance Remaining Torpedoes 24 Fuel (at Midway) 13723 gallons Provisions 14 days Personnel 21 days Limiting Factor of this Patrol: Fuel and Operation Order. Remarks: The lack of shipping contacts in the Palau area was surprising given it's strategic location. The likely and unlikely routes in the approaches North, North West, and West of Palau were extensively patrolled. Although, this is large area and possible to miss approaching/departing shipping. The southern entrance and it's approaches were not patrolled as was another submarines assigned area. This the was first of Drum's previous nine war patrols to return without all twenty four torpedoes aboard, which is quite unfortunate. |
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07-25-21, 01:41 AM
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#5088 |
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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 Drum War Patrol Eleven 9 September-9 November 1944
TMO 2.5 with custom mods.
100 difficulty, cams and map contacts off. USS Drum SS-228 War Patrol Eleven 9 September-9 November 1944 Area(s) Fish Pond, Briar Patch, Convoy College (Luzon Straits) Patrol Chart.  (A) Prologue Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., from tenth war patrol on August 16, 1944. Normal refit was accomplished by Submarine Base. Executive Officer, LT V. McDonald USN detached.LT (JG) G.L. Romano USN detached.LT A.N. Callaghan USN moved up to position as Executive Officer. Ensigns N. Conaway, and V. Ballantine USN reported aboard. SBT-1 decoy launcher installed. Ready for sea September 9, 1944. (B) Narrative 9 September- 1330-Departed Pearl Harbor for patrol area Fish Pond via Saipan. 1628-Trim Dive. 1655-Surfaced. 10-18 September- En route Saipan. 19 September- 1600-Dock at Saipan, refuel. 24 September- 0000-Arrived in patrol area Fish Pond off Leyte Gulf/Surigao Strait, P.I. 30 September-Arrived in patrol area Briar Patch off San Bernadino Strait, P.I. 3 October- 0000-Set course for new patrol area in Luzon Strait(Convoy College) 5 October 0500-Entered Area Convoy College 9 October- 0202-Received ULTRA regarding German U-Boat en route from Tokyo-Singapore. 10-12 October- Attempted to make contact with reported U boat. 13 October- 1750-SJ contacts bearing 006 14 NM. 21 0 N 119 10 E PPI shows large convoy. 1755-General Quarters 1803-Smoke sighted on horizon 340-000 degrees. 1804-Submerged for attack. 1830-Infiltrated forward screen of convoy. Convoy is five large columns. 1855- Prepared to fire stern tubes at large troopship in center column when convoy zigged, ruining the shot. 1858-ATTACK NO. 1 Large AK crossed 1000 yards in front of Drum. Fired four MK 23 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3. Range:900 AOB: 70 Torpedo Depth: 10 feet POA: MOT All three torpedoes hit astern of midships area, believe estimated speed was slightly off. Vessel quickly slowed and caught fire. 1900-HAKUSIKA MARU 8365 tons sunk 21 04 N 119 06 E 1902-Escorts closing fast multiple directions. Ordered Drum to 300 feet, silent running, rigged for depth charge. 1905-As Drum passed 270 feet heard loud buzzing possibly of low flying aircraft, followed by four large explosions which shook Drum, no damage reported. Believe this was previously undetected convoy air support as no escorts were in a firing position at this time. 1910-Escort pinging. SBT decoy deployed. 1911- Escort overhead. SBT decoy deployed. Multiple large explosions astern of Drum. 1914-Same buzzing and Distant explosions. Believe from low flying aircraft aircraft. 1926-Multiple depth charge explosions, distant. Believe escorts attacking decoy. 1930-Pinging. 1945-Explosions overhead. Believe from aircraft as no escorts near by. Possible spotted by low flying aircraft. 1949-More explosions above. Likely from aircraft. 2100-Secured General Quarters. 2355-Surfaced for end around. 14 October- 0216-Regained SJ contact with convoy bearing 003 15 NM. 20 33 N 118 59 E 0345-General Quarters-Surface Torpedo. 0419-ATTACK NO. 2 Fired six MK 23 torpedoes on surface at two targets. Range: 3800/3200 AOB: 72/86 Torpedo depth 10 feet POA:MOT 0421-Three torpedoes impacted first target. Large explosions and fires, target broken in half. Escort at 1800 yards spotted. Drum under heavy fire during turn away. Shell splashes close, Drum submerged under heavy fire. KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk 20 01 N 118 50 E. 0423-Rigged for silent running and depth charge. Thermal layer at 200 feet. SBT decoy deployed at 160 feet. 0425-Depth charge explosions, close. 0645-Periscope depth. SJ SD sweep all clear. 0700-Surfaced. Secured General Quarters. 0714-SD contact 6 NM steady. Night flyer patrolling area of attack. 1108-SD contact 13 NM closing. Submerged to avoid. 2200-Surfaced 15 October- Storms in area. 16 October- 1345- Two SD contacts closing fast 9 NM. Submerged. 19 50 N 118 18 E 1348-Multiple large explosions above Drum. 2200-Surfaced 17 October- 1908-SD Contact 6 NM closing fast.20 45 N 118 52 E.Visually Identified "BETTY" bomber bearing 212 degrees, altitude (estimated) 1500 feet range 9000 yards (estimated). Drum submerged. 1909-Passing depth of 125 feet, a series of explosions rocked the boat, minor damage reported(see damage section) 18 October- 1620-SD contact 8 NM closing. Submerged to avoid 1622-Drum at 165 feet, four large explosions above, depth charged/bombed by aircraft. No damage. 1625-380 feet. Waters are calm and clear. No further explosions. 20 October- 0900-Submerged. 1400-SJ contact bearing 032 14 NM. 1424-Smoke on horizon bearing 001. 1425-General Quarters 1444-Target appears to be lone AK. course 090 7 knots. 1451-Vessel is possible ASW decoy. Distant prop sounds heard bearing 090 and 270. Sweep with SD antenna revealed aircraft contact at 10 NM closing fast. Drum went to 125 feet. 1508-Periscope depth. Turned for attack with stern tubes. 1520-Target identified as SANYO MARU 4252 tons. 1524- Target course 090 7 knots. 1529 - ATTACK NO. 3 Fired three MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 7,8,9. Range:1460 yards AOB: 75 Torpedo Depth:10 POA:MOT 1531- All torpedoes hit as aimed large fires amidships and stern. 1533-Crew seen abandoning in rafts. Ship appears to be settling rapidly on even keel. 1535-Vessel took down angle by stern. SANYO MARU 4252 tons sunk 21 23 N 119 33 E. 1542-Depth 200 feet. Secure General Quarters. Reload stern tubes. 1600-Fast screws heard in area of sinking astern estimated range five nautical miles. 1350-SJ contacts bearing 355 14 NM. 21 16 N 118 53 E 1355-Rapid bearing change and disposition of contacts on PPI suggest high speed vessels, possibly task force. 1401- Masts of warships spotted 082 degrees 7 NM. 1402-Submerged for attack. Contact Report sent. Task Force sighted. DD (lead) two CA, one CL (body) one DD (trailing) 21 17 N 118 50 E Course 180 25.5 knots. 1417- 1,600 yards off track for stern tube attack. DD leading CA and CL. 1422-ATTACK NO 4. Fired four MK 18 torpedoes at Myoko Class CA. Range: 1650 yds. AOB:70 Torpedo depth:10 ft POA:MOT, MOT, Fore turret, Aft turret 1426-All torpedoes missed. Sound check revealed missed astern. Possible TF increased speed. 1430-Depth: 350 ft. Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent running. 1440-No pinging or apparent course change. Task Force appears unaware of attack. 1600-Secured General Quarters 2100-Surfaced. 23 October- 1740-Submerged to avoid SD contact closing from ten nautical miles, fast. 20 20 N 118 25 E. 2032-Sound contact, distant props 032 degrees. 2037-Surfaced. Course 195 towards sound contacts. 2044-SD contact 10 NM closing. Submerged to avoid. 2052-Radar depth. SD contact 8 NM, range opening. SJ contacts bearing 348 degrees 14 NM. 2058-Surfaced. 2103-PPI shows convoy of four ships in single column with three escorts. Lead, port and starboard flank. 2112-Convoy zigged to west. Estimated heading now 005. 2115-General Quarters. 2117-SD contact 10 NM closing. 2118-Submerged for attack. 2124- Depth 350 feet. Closing estimated firing position at 8 knots. 2137 periscope depth. 2138-Smoke sighted bearing 000 estimated range 5 NM. 2216- Convoy is one large and three mid sized AK in single column. Three escorts. Lead escort is Mikura (Type B) class escort. 2239 - ATTACK NO. 5- Fired three MK 14 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3. Range:1300 AOB: 90 Torpedo Depth: 10 ft POA : MOT, Fore Mast, Aft Mast 2240-All torpedoes impacted as aimed. Ship left on fire bow to stern, masts collapsed, ship began to settle. 2241- Escorts closing both beams, pinging. Drum to 300 feet. Rigged for Depth Charge and silent running. 2242-Passed thermal layer at 200 feet. 2243-KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk 20 08 N 118 24 E. 2245- Escort overhead. Many DC splashes. SBT-1 decoy deployed 2246- Drum at 350 feet. Many DC explosions. Boat shaken. Damage report(see damage section) SBT- 1 decoy deployed 2250-Many DC explosions, escorts focusing on decoys astern of Drum. Boat is at depth of 375 feet. 2304-Pinging. 2315-Depth charge explosions above. 2345-Escorts appear to have lost contact with Drun. 24 October- 0034-Periscope depth. All clear. 0035-Radar depth. SJ contact 8800 yards astern. Likely "sleeper" escort. Convoy is 10 NM bearing 155. 0037-Surfaced. 0039-Escort underway turned towards Drum. Possibly heard blowing tanks. 0045-Escort turned back. Course 340 for end around. 0053-Secured General Quarters. Final reserve torpedo (MK 23) ordered loaded into tube 3. Three MK 14 torpedoes remain forward (Tubes 4,5,6) with one MK 18 in stern tube (Tube 7) 0143- General Quarters. Surface torpedo attack. 0155-Closing from port flank of convoy. 0211-ATTACK NO 6. Fired one MK 23 and One MK 14 torpedo from tubes 3 and 4. Range: 1900 yards AOB 80 Torpedo Depth: 6 feet POA MOT. Both torpedoes impacted forward of bridge area Large hole visible at waterline, fire but vessel is underway but lagging behind. Moving in to finish off with remaining stern torpedo. 0234-ATTACK NO. 6(a) Fired one MK 18 torpedo from stern tube (7) Range:1800 yards AOB 80 Torpedo depth: 6 feet POT MOT. Drum under fire from nearby merchants and escorts. 0240- MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons sunk 20 16 N 118 35 E 0244-Secure General Quarters. Start end around. 0415-SJ contact bearing 352 12 NM. APR-1 detected radar emissions. Believe this is ASW patrol searching area for Drum. Evaded 0447-SD contact 8 NM closing fast. Submerged. 0540-SJ contact regained with convoy. Bearing 004 15 NM. 20 28 N 118 40 E 0604-General Quarters. 0612-Due to moonlight, and improved visibility, submerged for attack. 0629-Pinging. Drum detected by lead escort. Escort closing fast. Drum to 300 feet, rigged for depth charge silent running. 0630-SBT-1 decoy deployed . Thermal layer 185 feet. 0632-Many DC splashes. Explosions. Damage reported(See damage section) 0633-SBT-1 decoy deployed. 0634-Many DC explosions astern at decoy site. 0637-Escort pinging. 0650-Escort above. 0651-DC explosions. Close. No damage reported. 0654-Pinging. 0658-DC explosion 0707-DC explosions, close. 0900-Lost contact with enemy. 1018-Surfaced.Secured General Quarters. 1200-Position: 20 25 N 118 20 E. Torpedoes Remaining: Mark 14 x 2. 31 October- 0930-Spotted life raft with survivors 0945-Rescued six survivors in raft at 19 57 N 118 50 E. Survivors were British/Australian POW's aboard the HAKUSIKA MARU sunk by Drum on 13 October. 2 November- 0000-Departed patrol area, set course for Majuro Atoll. 9 November- 1600-Arrived Majuro Atoll. Terminated patrol. (C) In the Suriago and San Bernadino Strait areas, the weather was generally overcast with a gentle to moderate breeze. Condition 2 to 3 sea was average, with visibility only fair. In the Luzon Strait area of the South China Sea, the predominant characteristic of the weather was the consistent moderate to fresh breeze from the northeast, with a condition 3 to 4 sea. The average cloud cover was from 0.2 to 0.6. Visibility was good. In the two days spent in the northwest section of the area, in the lee of Formosa, the wind dropped to a gentle breeze and the sea to condition 2. (D) Tidal Information Tides and sea states were generally calm, overall for most of the patrol. (E) Navigational Aids Suluan Light on Suluan Island at the entrance to Suriago Strait was not lighted. This was the only lighthouse sighted. Balintang Channel was easily traversed using the SJ radar; Balintang, Batan, and Babuyan Islands all offering good targets. (F) Attack Data U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 11 Time: 1900 Date: 13 October 1944 Location: Lat. .21 04 N Lon. 119 06 E Description: Large Northbound convoy in five columns roughly 1000 yards between ships and 2000 yards between columns. Infiltrated forward screen for submerged attack. Initial set up was on large troopship in port center column. Convoy made a zig which ruined the setup. However, a large AK crossed just 1000 yards in front of Drum presenting ideal setup for torpedo attack. Three MK 23 torpedoes were fired from tubes 1,2, and 3. Range: 900 yards AOB: 70 Torpedo Depth: 10 feet POA: MOT Ships Sunk: HAKUSIKA MARU 8365 tons. 21 04 N 119 06 E None. Ships Damaged or Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visual confirmation of torpedo impacts, listing of vessel, and sound confirmed sinking. Upon surfacing large debris field visible. None. Target Draft 27 feet, Course 345°, Speed 7 knots, Range 3200 yds. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 350 degrees, Depth: 64 feet. Type Attack Submerged daytime periscope attack. Convoy tracked using SJ radar until submerging for attack. Torpedoes fired using TDC, solved target course and speed, radar ranges and periscope bearings. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 11 Time: 0419 Date: 14 October 1944 Lat. 20 01 N Lon. 118 50 E. Description: After end around, follow up night surface attack on large convoy previously attacked (Attack No. 1). Fired six MK 23 torpedoes at two targets. Range:2300/2500 yards AOB:70/86. After torpedo six left tube began turn away. Drum came under heavy gunfire after torpedo impact. Due to close range of an escort and heavy volume of fire, submerged to avoid. Ships Sunk: KIGAN MARU 7390 tons 20 01 N 118 50 E Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Observed three torpedo impacts on target. Large fires visible and ship sinking. Target Draft 25 feet, Course 060°, Speed 8 knots, Range 2300 yards. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 160°, Depth: Surfaced Type Attack Night surface torpedo attack. Fired six MK 23 torpedoes from tubes 1-6.Three missed first target, three impacted the second target. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3 Patrol No. 11 Time: 1529 Date: 20 October 1944 Lat. 21 23 N Long. 119 33 E Description: Lone merchant contact. As this is unusual for enemy vessels to be sailing open waters without escort, along with SD Contacts and fast prop sounds in distance, believed this to be possible ASW decoy as noted in previous patrol reports of other boats. Fired three MK 18 torpedoes from stern tubes 7,8,9. Range:1460 yards AOB: 75 Torpedo Depth:10 POA:MOT Ships Sunk: SANYO MARU 4252 tons sunk Ships Sunk or Probably Sunk: None Damage Determined By: Observed all three torpedoes impact target. Target caught fire and settled with a port list. Observed target sink through periscope at 21 23 N 119 33 E. Target Draft 25 feet, Course 240°, Speed 7 knots, Range 1460 yds. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 005°, Depth: 64 feet Type Attack Submerged daytime periscope attack with MK 18 electric torpedoes in stern tubes. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4 Patrol No. 11 Time: 1422 Date: 20 October 1944 ask Force sighted. 21 17 N 118 50 E Description: Shortly after Attack No 3, sound picked up heavy fast screws. Upon investigation in bearing of contact, SJ made contact. Contact developed into a task force with two CA, one CL, two DD in single column with 1000 yard spacing. Estimated course/speed 180 degrees 25.5 knots. Fired four MK 18 torpedoes at Myoko Class CA. Range: 1650 yds. AOB:70 Torpedo depth:10 feet POA:MOT, MOT, Fore turret, Aft turret Ships Sunk: None Ships Sunk or Probably Sunk: None Damage Determined By: None Target Draft 20 feet, Course 180, Speed 25.5 knots, Range 1650 yds. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 090°, Depth: 64 feet Type Attack Submerged daytime periscope attack with four MK 18 electric torpedoes from stern tubes. Torpedoes missed, possibly due to task force increasing speed after torpedoes were fired. Targets were not alerted thanks to lack of visible wake from MK 18 torpedoes. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5 Patrol No. 11 Time: 2239 Date: 23 October 1944 Lat. 20 08 N Long. 118 24 E Description: Four ship , three escort convoy. Convoy is single column 1200 yards spacing. At 2239 Fired three MK 14 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3. Range:1300 AOB: 90 Torpedo Depth: 10 ft POA : MOT, Fore Mast, Aft Mast Ships Sunk: KIGAN MARU class AK Ships Damaged: none Damage Determined By: Visually observed torpedoes hit through periscope. Target left on fire bow to stern, masts collapsed, ship began to settle. KIGAN MARU sunk Target Draft 22 feet, Course 215°, Speed 7.5 knots, Range 2100 yds. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 355° - 348°, Depth 62 feet Type Attack Submerged periscope attack. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack(s) No. 6 and 6(a) Patrol No. 11 Time: 0211 and 0234(A) Date: 24 October 1944. Lat. 20 16 N Long. 118 35 E Description: Same convoy as Attack No. 5. Surfaced after dark and escaping depth charges for end around. A "sleeper" at 5600 yards heard Drum surfacing and headed for Drum but did not visually identify the boat and soon gave up pursuit. Turn to NNE for end around. Gained position on (surprisingly) unguard port flank of the convoy which was now on base course of 030 at 6 knots. The remaining ships were constant helming making tracking somewhat difficult. By 0211 was in position and fired one MK 23 and One MK 14 torpedo from tubes 3 and 4. Range: 1900 yards AOB 80 Torpedo Depth: 6 feet POA MOT. Both torpedoes impacted 6(a) Fired one MK 18 torpedo from stern tube (7) Range:1800 yards AOB 80 Torpedo depth: 6 feet POT MOT. Ships Sunk: #6(a): MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons Ships damaged: #6 MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons Damage Determined By: #6 Observed both torpedoes impact target, leaving a large visible hole at waterline just forward of midships area. Large fires burned for over 30 minutes. However, target did not lose way and continued with rest of convoy. Drum had to open range due to escort and sporadic gunfire. Began closing to setup for a shot to finish off the target. #6(a) Observed torpedo impact. Large explosion, likely the boilers. Ship settled and quickly sunk. 6: Target Draft 22 feet, Course 030°, Speed 6 knots, Range 1900 yds. 6(a): Target Draft 18 feet, Course 355°, Speed 6 knots, Range 1800 yds. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 095° - 348°, Depth :Surface Type Attack: Both attacks 6 and 6 (A) were surface attacks. The night was quite dark and seemed to conceal Drum for the most part. The APR-1 did not detect any radar emissions . (G) Mines While in Area Brian Patch, attempted to approach the entrances to Leyte Gulf for possible patrol in Surigao Strait. However, large minefields observe d 10 52 N 125 42 E. Mines ran roughly North to South in the navigable areas of the channel. A similar field was spotted at 10 33 N 125 42 E. This effectively sealed off known entrances to the gulf from the Philippine Sea. While there are likely unmined areas used by local traffic, they are unknown. Drum was unable to determine these passages and remain safe from shore batteries and observation posts. (H) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics Enemy ASW air patrols in areas Briar Patch and Fish Pond were steady, forcing a daily dive, sometimes more. No surface patrols were encountered. Radar emissions were registered on the APR-1 from each SD contact. Enemy ASW air activity in the Convoy College area is best described as intense with both day and night time air patrols. These aircraft were all apparently radar equipped. The air cover for the convoy attacked on 13 October (Attack No.1) was particularly effective and continued to detect Drum even once submerged to deep depth. Aircraft continued flying so low could be heard overhead and bombed Drum while submerged at 270 and 380 foot depth. This aircraft apparently directed escorts onto Drum's location. This was an impressive piece of air-sea ASW coordination. Surface patrols were encountered on SJ radar but none visually. Enemy convoys were heavily escorted with a minimum of three but usually four or five escorts covering all sectors of the convoy. Task Force was escorted by two fleet type destroyers believed to be Kagero Class. Their high speed likely explains why Drum was not detected nor her inbound torpedoes and lack of ASW response. The high speed itself and the change in speed without a zig proved to save the task force from disaster. Believe this task force was one later reported to be involved in the night surface engagement with our fleet in the Surigao Strait 25 October. Evasion tactics were fairly standard with running silent and at depth of 300-400 feet typically. The SBT-1 decoy proved invaluable during this patrol was it confused enemy sonar and permitted Drum to escape most of the depth charge barrages. (I) Major Defects and Damage 17 October-Aerial Bombing Several close aerial bombs/depth charges from aircraft exploded as Drum passed 125 feet. Minor damage incurred: Damage to aft batteries. Minor leaks in water and air lines throughout boat. Repaired at sea. 23 October- Depth charge attack # 2 At 2246 hours, while at a depth of 350 feet, rigged for silent running and depth charge, several large depth charge explosions occurred near the Drum on starboard side and above and just below stern. . Trim and hydraulic pumps took moderate damage, forward and aft batteries, electric motors, port prop shaft. Water and air lines leaking. Stern torpedo tubes damaged. All damage repaired at sea within 48 hours. 24 October- Depth Charge Attack #3 0632 multiple depth charge explosions caused flooding in forward engine room with serious damage to No 1 and 3 electric engines. Aft batteries, rudder and stern plane transmissions damaged. Air and water line leaks throughout boat. No 1 and No 2 periscopes damaged. All damage repaired within 48 hours except for No.1 and No 3 electric motors. Complete repairs to the motors unable to be completed at sea. Submerged speed limited to 7.8 knots for remainder of patrol. (J) Radio Radio performance during this patrol was optimal. (K) Radar SJ radar performed well, typically detecting targets at 14-15 nautical miles. SD Radar performance was overall excellent typically detecting targets at 11 nautical miles. However, it was observed against planes flying below 1000 feet the detection range dropped 6-7 nautical miles. Without SD radar, surfaced patrol would be close to impossible due to heavy air activity in Luzon Straits. (L) Sound Gear and Conditions Sound conditions were average to excellent in patrol areas. The detection of the task force was made at extreme range. (M) Thermal layers Thermal layers were common in the waters of Luzon Straits and detected at depths varying from 150-280 feet. (N) Health and Habitability Health and morale of the crew was excellent with habitability remaining excellent on this sixty day war patrol. (O) Personnel Personnel performance on this patrol was excellent, as demonstrated by the six confirmed sinkings. (Q) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used Pearl to Area 5611 Miles 60377 Gallons In Area 4868 Miles 34165 Gallons Area to Majuro 4346 Miles 56561 Gallons Total 14325 Miles 151103 Gallons (R) Duration Days Enroute to Area 17 Days in Area 30 Days Enroute to Base 13 Days Submerged 11 Total 60 (T) Factors of Endurance Remaining Torpedoes 2 Fuel 8500 gallons Provisions 10 days Personnel 10 days Limiting Factor of This Patrol: Remaining fuel. (U) Radio and Radar Countermeasures APR-1 detected numerous radar emissions from enemy aircraft throughout the patrol. Only once were transmissions detected from enemy surface vessels. It is believed that the surface search radar is still not common for enemy escorts. (V) Remarks Rescue of Allied POW's: On 30 October at 0930, lookouts spotted a life raft at bearing 001 degrees roughly four nautical miles away. Closed raft with caution and by 0945, was along side. The raft contained six Allied POW's(four Australian and two British) who were aboard a ship sunk on 13 October by Drum. The area was searched for others but none were located. Rescue location:9 57 N 118 50 E Torpedo performance was excellent on this patrol. While the MK 18 has a clear advantage of lacking a wake, it's limited speed can make shots against high speed targets such as the heavy cruiser missed on 20 October a challenge. With five ships and an estimated 31,450 tons sunk, this was a excellent patrol, Drum's best to date. Last edited by Bubblehead1980; 09-17-21 at 10:54 AM. |
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08-01-21, 09:25 PM
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#5089 |
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Lieutenant Commander
 Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DB-15
Posts: 849
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Partying in Makassar Strait.
USS Porpoise (SS-172)
January 19, 1942 (First patrol in FotRSU 1.46)  Currently en route to the Briar Patch & Pasture patrol area near Luzon.  Passing thru the Makassar Strait, I came across some drunken sailors making a mess of things.    Decided to pass them a good bit to the North, and pretend I saw nothing! 
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Heading to AM49.(U-553) 
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08-01-21, 11:08 PM
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#5090 |
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CTD - it's not just a job
Join Date: May 2016
Location: One hour from Music City USA!
Posts: 9,735
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That would be the AS-20 Otus and its Clemson DD escort, which left Manila on 10 December, 1941, and should be in either Albany, Australia or Tlatjap or Soerabaja, DEI... I can't remember which... There are no US flags on either ship, which brings the question "did you empty your Save folder before starting the game?" Those two were probably "stealing" a good bit of your computer's clock cycles...
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08-02-21, 08:47 PM
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#5091 | |
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Lieutenant Commander
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DB-15
Posts: 849
Downloads: 263
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Quote:
__________________
Heading to AM49.(U-553)
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08-03-21, 08:11 PM
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#5092 |
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CTD - it's not just a job
Join Date: May 2016
Location: One hour from Music City USA!
Posts: 9,735
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Ah-ha! would you believe the old flag hidden in the dark of the waves trick? lol
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08-13-21, 06:42 PM
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#5093 |
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Sea Lord
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: France Nord East
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TriMarOver 2.5
                 
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09-16-21, 04:48 PM
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#5094 | |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
Posts: 6,922
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Quote:
Wonderful shots 
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09-17-21, 06:13 AM
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#5095 |
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Sea Lord
Join Date: Jan 2017
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Screens
Thank you, this is nothing compared to the detailed report here ... we will say that it illustrates your subjects ... and makes you want to get involved maybe ..! No ..?
   Salutation KM_U669
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09-20-21, 06:08 AM
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#5096 |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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USS Drum SS-228 War Patrol Twelve
TMO 2.5 with custom mods
100 difficulty. Cams off, contacts on. USS Drum SS-228 War Patrol Report Twelfth War Patrol 7 December 1944-10 January 1945  (A) Prologue Terminated Eleventh War Patrol at Majuro Atoll on 9 December 1944. Regular refit conducted by Submarine Tender USS Howard Gilmore. LCDR F.M. Eddy USN relieved LCDR M.H. Rindskopf USN as Commanding Officer. Ensign W. M. James USN reported aboard. Ensign V.B. Ballantine detached. Ready for sea 7 December 1944. (B) Narrative 7 December- 0700- Depart Majuro for Area 12 (Yellow Sea) via Saipan. 0900-Trim Dive. 0917-Surfaced 11 December- 0600-1100- Refueled at Saipan. 17 December- 1200-Entered patrol area. 20 December- 1513- SD contact. 15 NM closing. 33 30 N 124 40 E 1515-Submerged. 1630-Surfaced. 21 December- 2214- SJ contacts bearing 229 15 NM. 33 21 N 125 21 E 2225-General Quarters. Torpedo Attack-Surface. 2228-PPI read out indicates large convoy, 10+ ships in two columns with 5-6 escorts forming defensive circle around columns. 2236-APR-1 detected radar emissions from convoy bearing. 2251- Convoy sighted. 33 23 N 125 27 E Estimated Course/Speed 228 degrees 9 knots. 2255- Exploiting a gap in screen on port side, caused by an escort making a wide "sweep" , moved in to attack port column. 2304:01-The "sweeping" escort suddenly began a high speed run back towards the convoy. APR-1 detected radar emissions from that direction. Lookouts identified a fleet type DD, possibly Yagumo Class. 2305:45-Fired six MK 18 torpedoes (ATTACK No.1) Unable to outrun the closing DD on surface, ordered a dive. 2306-All six torpedoes impacted as aimed. Both vessels suffered large explosions and were seen on fire from bow to stern, sinking quickly. Sound confirmed breaking up noises. SHAJIMA MARU 6652 tons sunk. MOMOYAMA MARU 4239 tons sunk. 2307-Rigged for depth charge and silent running. Enemy DD closing from astern, another off the bow. Pinging on long scale audible. Passed thermal layer. SBT-1 decoys deployed 2309-Depth charge explosions astern, DD must have made false contact as were not close to Drum. 2311-Escort closing from 260 degrees, short scale pinging. 2312-Loud explosions of depth charge launchers overhead, multiple splashes audible. Explosions. Drum depth: 260 feet. 2313-DD above, dropped pattern. Explosions astern. SBT-1 decoy released. 2322-Many DC explosions astern. 2330-Believe combination of choppy seas, multiple SBT decoys, noises of sinking vessels, thermal layer, and disturbances combined to shield drum from enemy sound and echo ranging gear, preventing a solid counter attack. 2348-Periscope depth. Sweep shows DD astern 5000 yards. A "sleeper" escort bearing 070 3000 yards. Drum back to 250 feet. 22 December- 0020-Sound reports all clear. 0023-Periscope Depth. No enemy vessels within 5000 yards. 0024-Surfaced. Course 230 degrees to pull ahead for follow up attack. 0025-Secure General Quarters. Forward tubes ordered reloaded. Tubes 1-4 will have MK 14steam torpedoes, tubes 5 and 6 MK 18. 0140-Quarter moon set. Visibility decreased. 0215-Torpedo reload completed. 0223:12-Battery recharge completed. 0223:54- SJ contact reestablished bearing 007 14 NM. 33 15 N 125 10 E 0235-General Quarters-Torpedo Surface 0250-APR-1 detecting radar emissions from convoy bearing. 0252- Convoy sighted. 33 16 N 125 17 E Estimated course/speed 217 degrees 9 knots. 0300-Fired four MK14 torpedoes at two mid sized AK. ATTACK No. 2 0303-Torpedoes impacted both targets. Target 1 (MADRAS MARU) immediately exploded and began to sink. Target 2 (WATANABE MARU) absorbed torpedo just aft of stack. Fire and smoke seen visible with a slight stern, listing but underway. Escort vessel spotted Drum 20 seconds after torpedo impact and shined spotlight . Range 1800 yards. The MS type vessel opened fire with main battery and auto-cannon/machine gun fire but Drum was not hit. Overload added to engines, Drum made 22 knots during the escape under intense fire, with multiple splashes, closest being about 25 yards with three escort type vessels trailing. Drum quickly left these vessels behind. The DD previously encountered was not spotted not further radar emissions detected, oddly enough. 0305-MADRAS MARU 3805 tons sunk. 0439-WATANABE MARU dead in water but afloat. Closed to finish vessel off. Closest escort 6000 yards off. 0440-Attack No. 2(A) Fired one MK 18 torpedo from stern tube(#7) 0441-Torpedo impacted as aimed under stack on port side of target. Large fire began burning 0442-Vessel began to list heavily to port. 0444-WATANABE MARU 3646 tons sunk. 0445- With four ships confirmed sunk, eleven torpedoes expended, and no time for follow up surface attack before dawn or end around for submerged attack before convoy departed assigned area, Drum broke contact for deeper waters as come daybreak intense enemy patrols in area of attacks could be expected. Plan to submerge at dawn for day of submerged maintenance, and rest. 0500-Secure General Quarters. 0800-Submerged for day. 2000-Surfaced. 23 December- Moved into Yellow Sea. Patrolling off Souh-West coast Korea by day, closed coastal shallows at night to interdict traffic using shallows for protection. 2145-SJ contact. Bearing 356 13 NM. 35 14 N 125 49 E 2150-PPI readout indicates small convoy. One ship encircled by four escorts. 2217-Small convoy sighted. 35 08 N 125 49 E Estimated speed course 030 degrees 8 knots. 2222-Target identified as large tanker. Estimated 8000-10000 tons. 2233-Attack No.3 Target identified as NIPPON MARU class tanker 10000 tons. Setup to fire four MK 18 from stern tubes. Range 2800 AOB 75 POA MOT Torpedo Depth: 10 feet. Fired tubes 7,8 nd was detected by enemy escort. Turned away at high speed. Both torpedoes missed as target took evasive action. Evaded escorts with high speed run. Three escorts continued hunting in the area, sweeping with searchlights and star shells. A few depth charges were dropped, which was odd considering max depth was 50 feet. Pulled ahead of tanker, now covered by one Minesweeper type escort. Closed for a stern shot. 2332-Attack No. 4- Fired three MK 18 torpedoes from stern tubes on zig zagging target. As target began zig to port presenting broadsides for hit, opened fired. 2333-All three torpedoes hit, setting off massive explosion of tanker. Tanker obviously loaded with fuel. Explosion caused tanker to break into two. NIPPON MARU 10000 tons sunk. 2234-APR-1 detected previously undetected radar emissions from escorts bearing. Possible enemy radar was turned off. 24 December- 0130- 200 feet below keel. Secure General Quarters. 0200-Course set to Western Yellow Sea/Chinese coast. Eight (MK 18 )torpedoes remaining(six forward, two aft) 1000-Submerged 2216-Surfaced. 25 December- 1321-SJ contact bearing 320 14 NM. 36 26 N 121 42 E. 1351-Smoke sighted. Appears to be unescorted merchant. 1400-Submerged for attack. 1439- ATTACK No. 4 Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 1 and 2. Second torpedo suffered an apparent gyro failure as it veered far off bearing. First torpedo ran hot, straight and normal.Torpedo #1 impacted as aimed. Large explosion apparently blowing out boilers. Engines on target stopped. Target began list to starboard. 1446-Target dead in the water. 1506-Surfaced. Battle Surface-Gun Action No. 1 1507-Opened fire with 4 inch deck gun from 4500 yards. 1509- Cease fired. Vessel on fire and began to rapidly sink. 1510-AKITA MARU type AK 3936 tons sunk. 1511-Set easterly course away from China coast in case of responding patrols. 26 December- 1633- SD contact 7 NM closing 36 39 N 123 39 E. Submerged to avoid. 28 December- 1101- SD contact 10 NM. 36 54 N 123 50 E. 1240-Periscope depth. sweep with SD antenna. SD contact 9 NM closing. Ordered depth 220 feet (12 ft off bottom). Aircraft apparently spotted Drum while at depth, several large dc explosions, one fairly close as boat was shaken, no damage. 2000-Surfaced. 29 December- Continued patrolling the Inchon-Qingdao shipping lanes in Northern Yellow Sea. 30 December- 0000-Set course for Korean coast. 1100-Storms. 31 December- 0200-Storms cleared. Position: 35 50 N 125 0 E 1 January 1945- 0030- Position:34 10 N 124 0 E Yellow Sea. En route to Shanghai-Japan sea lanes in Southern Yellow Sea. 2 January- Patrolled Shanghai-Japan sea lanes. 3 January- 0755-Spotted group of fishing boats. 33 17 N125 19 E. Shadowing until dawn for gun action. 0855-General Quarters. Battle Surface-All guns.Began closing from astern of fishing boats. 0902-GUN ACTION No. 2- Opened fire with 4 inch and 20 mm guns from 2400 yards. Four inch gun scored successive two hits setting vessel afire. 20 MM forward scored hits. Enemy vessel retired automatic gunfire. 0903-Fishing boat 200 tons (estimated) sunk 33 15 N 125 27 E. Exploded after two more four inch hits and multiple 20 MM hits. 0910-Sunk fishing boat estimated 200 tons by gunfire. 33 15 N 127 29 E 0917 Sunk fishing boat estimated 200 tons by gunfire. 33 15 N 127 29 E 0922 Fishing boat sunk estimated 200 tons gun gunfire. 33 15 N 125 32 E. Cease fire. All targets sunk. 0925- Secure General Quarters. 4 January- 1954- SJ contact 337 degrees 13 NM. 33 16 N 124 53E. 2000-PPI indicates convoy in single long column 6-7 ships with 5 escorts in semi circle. Est course 040. 2014- Smoke sighted 070 degrees. 2110-Convoy zigged to east. 2112-General Quarters. Torpedo-Surface. 2136-APR-1 detecting radar signals. 2139-Convoy sighted. 33 12 N 125 01 E. Estimated Course/Speed 104 degrees 9 knots. 2154-Indentified target as large tanker possibly 8000-1000 tons. Third in column. ( Escort MS, AK, AK, AO, AO, AO) 2204- ATTACK NO. 5- Fired four MK 18 torpedoes. 2206-Four torpedoes impacted large tanker as aimed, setting off massive secondary explosions, tanker likely loaded with fuel/oil as was inbound to home islands. Enemy escorts closed, fired star shells fired, radar emissions fixed toward area. Drum slid through a gap of about 2500 yards between port flank escorts as they searched area. The dark of night hid Drum well, covering her escape. 2208-NIPPON MARU class tanker 10000 tons sunk.All forward torpedoes expended. Two torpedoes remain aft in tubes 9,10. 5 January- Convoy reformed into defensive formation, small columns with moderately spaced screen. 0113-ATTACK No. 6- Position inside screen on starboard side of convoy. Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 9 and 10. 0114- Escort just 1800 yards astern, turned Drum to present stern and increased speed to open range and exit screen. 0115-Both torpedoes impacted as aimed on small tanker. After first torpedo hit, tanker erupted in a massive fireball, secondary torpedo caused tanker to quickly settle and go adrift. 0116-Escorts detected Drum. Drum came under heavy deck guns and auto-cannon, machine gun fire. No hits, but one shell splash was a bit too close for comfort(Five yards) in amidships area. Rest of fire was erratic and inaccurate. The dark of night again provided excellent cover for Drum as she escaped on the surface with engines on overload producing 22.5 knots, leaving escorts behind. 0130-Quarter moon began to rise. 0202-Secure General Quarters. All torpedoes expended, set course for Guam. 10 December- 0830-Arrived Guam. Terminated patrol. (C) Weather Weather for most of the patrol was overall favorable both during the transit and in patrol area. The storms of 31 December/1 January produced heavy seas ranging with swells of 10-14 feet, heavy fog, precipitation, and winds. While the winds, seas subsided, the light fog and drizzle remained for remainder of time in patrol area. This fog and rain along with a dark night provided excellent cover for the night surface attack(Attacks No. 5 and 6) of 4/5 January. (D) Tidal Information The currents encountered in the areas around the Nansei Shoto group and in the Yellow Sea corresponded to those predicted by the pilot charts, current charts, and coast pilots. The effort of the Kuroshio was felt both east and west of the islands and it was noted that as the force of the northerly wind increased, the set due to the Kuroshio decreased. (E) The only lighthouse sighted was Sotsuko Zaki Light on Amami O Shima. It was not illuminated. (F) Aircraft Contacts No aircraft were visually sighted but several were detected on SD radar. Date Time Type Range Position Additional 1.) 12/20/1944 1513 SD 15 NM 33 30 N 124 40 E Submerged 2.) 12/26/1944 1633 SD 7 NM 36 39 N 123 39 E Submerged 3.) 12/28/1944 1101 SD 10 NM 36 54 N 123 50 E Submerged. 4.) 12/28/1944 1240 SD 9 NM 36 55 N 123 51 E Submerged* *While at periscope depth, SD antenna was extended for sweep prior to surfacing.SD contact at 9 NM closing fast. Ordered depth of 220 feet (12 ft off bottom). Aircraft apparently spotted Drum while at depth in clear, clear and calm seas as several large explosions occurred in the area, with one fairly close as boat was shaken, no damage. (G) Attack Data TORPEDO ATTACKS: U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 12 Time:2305 Date: 21 December 1944 Lat. 33-25 N., Long. 125-27 E. Description: Large Convoy consisted of ten ships in two columns with five to six escorts. When forward port flank escort made a wide sweep, left a gap in screen for Drum to move in for attack. Ships Sunk: SHAJIMA MARU 6652 Position:33 25 N 125 27 E MOMOYAMA MARU 4239 tons Position:33 25 N 125 27 E Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed impact of torpedoes upon targets from bridge. Observed target burning and listing via periscope with audible sounds of hulls collapsing on sound from appropriate bearings. Target Drafts estimated at 15 feet, Course 228°, Speed 9 knots, Range 2755/2300 yds. (at firing) Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 020°, surfaced, Angle 65/75° (at firing) Type Attack Night surface attack made in choppy sea. Attack made on largest ships visually observed in convoy. Forced to fire earlier than planned due to "sweeping" enemy DD closed astern at high speed. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 12 Time:0300 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 33-16 N., Long. 125-19 E Description: Follow up attack on large convoy (ATTACK No. 1) , Convoy reduced to eight ships in two columns with five to six escorts. Fired four MK 14 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3,4. Ships Sunk: MADRAS MARU 3805 Position:33 16 N 125 19 E Ships Damaged: WATANABE MARU 3646 tons. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed impact of torpedoes upon targets from bridge. MADRAS MARU burned and quickly sunk. WATANABE MARU was seen afire, listing and moving at slow speed. Target Drafts estimated at 12 feet, Course 217°, Speed 9 knots, Range 2900/3000 yds. (at firing) Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 0200°, surfaced, Angle 70/65° (at firing) Type Attack Night surface attack made in choppy sea. Attack made on , largest ships visually observed in convoy, which presented best opportunity for torpedo attack. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2 (A) , Patrol No. 12 Time:0440 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 33-14 N., Long. 125-19 E Description: Follow up attack on damaged AK (ATTACK NO. 2). Upon escaping pursuit of escorts after ATTACK No. 2 , was able to ascertain position of damage vessel via PPI scope as it was distant from rest of vessels. Approached vessel to 5000 yards and backed down for stern shot couple de grace. Target listing and dead in water. Fired one MK 18 torpedo from stern tube. Ships Sunk: WATANABE MARU 3646 tons. Position:33 16 N 125 19 E Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed impact of torpedo fired upon target from bridge. Observed sinking of WATANABE MARU. Target Drafts estimated at 12 feet, Course 217°, Speed 0 knots, Range 2000 yds. (at firing) Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 270°, surfaced, Angle 90° (at firing) Type Attack Night surface attack. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3, Patrol No. 12 Time:2233 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 35-08 N., Long. 125-49 E 3 Description: Single 10000 ton tanker later identified as NIPPON MARU class tanker with four escorts transiting shallow waters (max depth 51 feet) off Korean coast. Likely en route from Cheju to Inchon, utilizing cover of night and shallows to avoid submarine attack. Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 7 at position 8 33 16 N 125 19 E Ships Sunk: None. Torpedoes missed due to evasive movements, target alerted by escort that detected Drum just after firing of torpedoes. Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: None. Target estimated draft 28 feet. Curse 030 8 knots. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 255°, surfaced, Range 2800 Angle 75° (at firing) Type Attack Night surface attack utilizing stern tubes. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4 , Patrol No. 12 Time:2332 Date: 22 December 1944 Lat. 33-10 N., Long. 125-52 E Description: Single 10000 ton tanker later identified as NIPPON MARU class tanker with four escorts transiting shallow waters (max depth 51 feet) off Korean coast. Likely en route from Cheju to Inchon, utilizing cover of night and shallows to avoid submarine attack. Fired three MK 18 torpedoes from stern tubes 8,9,10. Ships Sunk: NIPPON MARU 10000 tons Position:35 10 N 125 52 E. Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed all three torpedoes impact target. Massive secondary explosions, tanker likely loaded out with fuel. Target Draft estimated at 28 feet. Target course/speed 030 8 knots. Own Ship Data: Speed 2 knots, Course 262°, surfaced, Range 1900 Angle 75° (at firing) Type Attack Night surface attack utilizing stern tubes. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5 , Patrol No. 12 Time:1439 Date: 25 December 1944 Lat. 36-26 N., Long. 121-42 E Description: Unescorted AK 13 NM off China coast/Shantung promontory, Western Yellow Sea. Fired two MK 18 torpedoes from bow tubes 1 and 2. Second torpedo suffered apparent gyro failure, as torpedo veered off assigned course to starboard. First torpedo ran hot, straight, and normal. Ships Sunk: None. Ships Damaged: AKITA MARU 3936 tons Position:36 31 N 121 38 E (See Gun Action No. 1 for further details) Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed torpedo hit via No 2. (Attack) periscope. Explosive "whack" and "thud" audible through submarine hull, sound confirmed hit as well. Target Draft estimated at 28 feet. Target course/speed 030 8 knots. Own Ship Data: Speed 2.5 knots, Course 300°, depth 64 feet, Range 1200 Angle 90° (at firing) Type Attack Daytime submerged periscope attack. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 6 , Patrol No. 12 Time:2204 Date: 4 January 1945 Lat. 33-12 N., Long. 125-01 E Description: Large convoy 900 yards between vessels in single column. Identified large target as large tanker possibly 8000-1000 tons, fourth in column. Convoy column visually identified: MS type escort, AK, AK, AO, AO, AO, AK, AK, ...etc). Worked inside convoy from port side astern of forward flank escort. Fired four MK 18 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3,4. all bow torpedoes expended. After torpedo impacts, enemy escorts closed, fired star shells, radar emissions sweeping toward area. Drum slid through a gap of about 2500 yards between port flank escorts as they searched area. The dark of night hid Drum well, covering her escape. Ships Sunk: NIPPON MARU 10000 tons Position: 33 10 N 125 01 E . Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed torpedoes hit from bridge. Upon, first hit, tanker erupted into massive fireball and lost way, on fire from bow to stern as other torpedoes impacted. A explosion after torpedo #4 impacted, tanker split in two. Estimated target draft 28 feet. Target course/speed 040 9 knots. Own Ship Data: Speed 4 knots, Course 352°, surfaced, Range 2500 Angle 85° (at firing) Type Attack Night Surface Attack U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 7 , Patrol No. 12 Time:0113 Date: 5 January 1945 Lat. 33-20 N., Long. 126-0 E Description: Follow up attack on large convoy, now reformed into four small columns encircled by escorts. Worked inside convoy from starboard for a shot with two remaining torpedoes in stern tubes. Forced to fire early at a SAKAI MARU class tanker tanker due to a Type C escort approaching fast from astern. Just after firing torpedoes, turned away to put approaching escort astern, escort did not spot Drum at 1900 yards, likely due to the light haze, partial clouds, and light rain persisting in the area. Upon torpedoes impacting, Drum was illuminated by spotlights from the lead escort and the escort astern, as well as star shells and came under heavy fire by deck guns, auto cannon and machine gun fire. A few stray MG/AC rounds hit Drum with many coming close. Multiple splashes from escort's deck guns (estimated 4 or 5 inch guns) were landing 200-50 yards of Drum. One errant shell landed five yards from amidships area of Drum, but caused no damage. Overall, fire was erratic and inaccurate. The dark of night again provided excellent cover for Drum as she an escape on the surface, with engines on overload producing 22.5 knots. This high speed run enabled Drum to leave her pursuers behind relatively quickly. APR-1 detected radar emissions after losing visual contact but appears Drum was not detected. Last two torpedoes expended after this attack. Ships Sunk: SAKAI MARU 2682 tons. Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: SAKAI MARU 2682 tons Position: 33-20 N,126-0 E Visually observed torpedoes hit from bridge. Upon impact of first torpedo, tanker erupted in a devastating fireball. Second torpedo impacted, but was essentially redundant. Own Ship Data: Speed 4 knots, Course 100°, surfaced, Range 2500 Angle 64° (at firing) Type Attack Night Surface Attack GUN ACTIONS U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 1 , Patrol No. 12 Time:1507-1509 Date: 25 December 1944 Lat. 36-31 N., Long. 121-38 E Description: After disabling AKITA MARU with a MK 18 torpedo hit (ATTTACK No. 6), it was decided to finish off the vessel with the 4 inch 50 caliber deck gun. Range was opened to 4500 yards and Drum blew ballast for Battle Surface-Gun Action. Commenced firing at 1507, ceased firing at 1509. Vessel caught fire and sunk rapidly. Ships Sunk: AKITA MARU 3632 tons Position: 36-31 N., Long. 121-38 E Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed rounds impacting target, target on fire, and sinking. Rounds Expended: Total 4" rounds aboard:150 4" 50 Cal: 18 Hits:14 20 MM:0 Own Ship Data: Speed 0 knots, course 281, Range 4500, Angle 25° U.S.S. DRUM, Gun Action No. 2 , Patrol No. 12 Time:0902-0922 Date: 3 January 1945 Lat. 33-15 N., Long. 125-27 E Description: An hour before dawn made SJ contact with multiple small vessels. Visually identified as four motor driven fishing boats and found to be armed as all opened fire with machine guns. Several rounds impacted bow area of Drum but no damage of casualties occurred. Ships Sunk: Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 125 27 E Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 127 29 E Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 127 29 E Fishing boat 200 tons Position: 33 15 N 125 32 E Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually observed deck gun and 20 mm hits on four vessels, all caught fire and sunk. Rounds Expended: Total 4" rounds aboard:132 4" 50 Cal: 42 Hits:28 20 MM rounds expended: 864 Own Ship Data: Speed 0 knots, course 281, Range 1200-2200, Angle 25-90° Torpedo Data Number of Torpedoes Aboard: 24 Number of Torpedoes Fired:24 Number of torpedo hits:21 Number of torpedoes missed(non-technical failure):2 (ATTACK No.4) Number of defective torpedoes:1 Duds:0 Depth Keeping Malfunction:0 Gyro Error:1 (ATTACK No. 5) (H) Mines No mines or mining activity were encountered. (I) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics No unusual ASW measures were encountered on this patrol. Air and surface patrols were encountered, with one air patrol observing Drum while submerged and attacking. Patrols seemed to be dispatched to an area within 12-24 hours of an attack. Patrols were usually two ASW vessels in a line abreast formation 4000-8000 yards apart sweeping. The depth charging of 22 December was intense but fortunately, inaccurate, and overall ineffective. The maximum depth under Drum's keel in patrol area was 280 feet and as shallow as 50 feet with an average of around 200 feet. When possible night surface attacks were employed to avoid being attacked in shallow waters. Evasion tactics consisting of Drum's standard tactics of high speed runs when escorts overhead, with the deployment of the SBT-1 decoys. The SBT-1 proved effective, combined with the choppy seas, and disturbances created by vessels in preventing an accurate counter attack by escorts. Gunfire from pursuing escorts after surface torpedo attack was mostly inaccurate and erratic, especially as range opened but enemy escorts are well armed and able to able quite a barrage. (J) Major Defects and Damage Depth Charge Attack No.1 While majority of charges were not close, one close charge shook the boat quite severely. The charge caused minor hull damage (1 percent) and caused a leak in the main fuel oil tank. While the tank appear repaired, it appears a slow leak developed which led to loss of fuel over time as leak could not be fully repaired at sea. The nature of the leak beyond initial repairs was not known until the end of the patrol. However, Drum has plenty of fuel to transit to Guam. (K) Radio Radio function on this patrol was excellent with five contact reports sent and replies pomprlty received. (L) Radar SJ Radar performance was excellent, typically detecting contacts at 14 NM. SD Radar performance was adequate, typically detecting aircraft at 10 NM. (M) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions Sound conditions varied from excellent to poor. Typical detection range on passive sonar was 8000-11000 yards. Active sonar was not employed aside from the fathometer, which worked well. (O) Thermal Layers Thermal layers were detected at 100, 144, 170, 194, 210, and 240 feet. (P) Personnel The state of training of both officers and men remains high, despite the large turnover in personnel during the past year. This is attributable to the generally good replacement material found in the relief crews and the manner in which these men take to the indoctrination by the old hands. As has been done in the preceding three patrols, school of the boat classes were conducted for the unqualified men by the unqualified officers. This method continued to be beneficial to both instructors and students. With the boat now being assigned to Guam, the journey to the refitting base was a matter of only four days causing the education program to be somewhat "caught-short", it is expected that a fair number of those eligible will qualify or secure their advancement in rating. Number on board 72 Officers 7 Chief Petty Officers:8 Number qualified at start 50 Number qualified at end 57 Number advanced in rating 7 Number first patrol men 12 (Q) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used Majuro to Area 3942 Miles 42400 Gallons In Area 3711 Mile 26007 Gallons Area to Guam 1875 Miles 24100 Gallons Total 9078 Miles 92507 Gallons (R) Duration Days Enroute to Area 10 Days in Area 18 Days Enroute to Base 5 Days Submerged 4 Total Days on patrol 33 (S) Factors of Endurance Remaining Torpedoes 0 Fuel 37300 gallons Provisions 30 days Personnel 30 days Limiting Factor of This Patrol: All torpedoes expended. (T) Radar and Radio Countermeasures Interception of Enemy Radar Transmissions: A. 1. Ship or station - U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228) 2. Area covered on this mission - Yellow Sea, Nansei Shoto Islands, 19 Dec. to 7 Jan. 1945 3. Enemy radar was ship based. 4. Intercept equipment - APR - SPA 5. (a) Frequency 155-157 Mc. Dial readings 155-157 (APR) (b) PRF 480 How measured - SPA (c) Pulse width - 9 Micro seconds How measured - SPA e) Lobe switching was not used. (f) Polarization of enemy signal - none. (g) Sweep rate - irregular - probably hand train 6. Radar was probably used for surface search. 7. Action of enemy radar, including distances and bearings at which he searched, tracked, faded, etc. - With full gain on APR and SPA, obtained about 2/3 saturation signal at 18 miles. 6. Enemy ship based, surface searched radar was ineffective in detecting Drum during this patrol. (U) Remarks With seven ships sunk by torpedo and four smaller vessels sunk by gunfire for 41,508 tons sunk, this was an excellent patrol for DRUM and her crew. With enemy shipping now avoiding open ocean sea lanes from territories in the South Pacific and Asia, one area where they have no choice but to brave the open sea during the voyage is the East China Sea between Shanghai and Japan. Traffic appears to route up the China coast off Shanghai then turn NE towards Quelpart Island and run North of Quelpart Island, with home island traffic running North of Quelpart as well. This route comes from the Sasebo and area via Tsushima Straits A number of wolf packs could provide maximum damage to the enemy and deny their use of this vital sea lane. Torpedo performance: Aside from the single erratic MK 18, was excellent on this patrol and as the results indicate, effective against enemy vessels. Material Condition: While Drum remains in relatively excellent material condition after twelve war patrols, she is in need of an overhaul and modernization as other boats of her class have received, particularly in the deck gun and AA gun realms. An increasing number of surface gun actions compared to past patrols necessitates Drum receive a five inch 50 cal wet mount deck gun, as well as 40 MM bofors for maximum effectiveness. Last edited by Bubblehead1980; 09-23-21 at 08:45 AM. |
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09-20-21, 06:49 PM
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#5097 | |
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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:
I'd like to create a template along the lines of the actual reports for distribute to the SH 4 community so the detailed reports can be easily completed. Most time consuming part is keeping the data logged during the patrol for the report but interesting to look back. |
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09-23-21, 08:42 AM
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#5098 |
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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 Drum SS-228 War Patrol Thirteen
TMO 2.5 w custom mods
100 difficulty. No cams or contacts. War Patrol Report USS Drum SS-228 War Patrol Thirteen 11 February- 30 March 1945 (A) Prologue Arrived Apra Harbor, Guam from twelfth war patrol on 10 January 1945. Normal refit was accomplished by U.S.S. SPERRY and Submarine Division 82. Drydocked for routine bottom and sea valve work. Lieut. (JG) G.P.A. Romano promoted to Lieutenant effective 31 January, 1945.Petty Officer 1st Class Eliot W. Ferrall promoted to Chief Petty Officer effective 15 January, 1945.Following detachment of the Chief of the Boat on 1 February, CPO Bernard J. Sanders was named the new COB. Readiness for sea on 11 February 1945. (B) Narrative Roster of Officers and CPO File Number Name Number of War Patrols 78641 Lt. Comdr. F.M. Eddy, USN (CO) 8 165835 Lieut. A.N. Callaghan, USN (XO) 7 919543 Lieut. A.L. O Leary, USN 10 161064 Lieut. G.P.A. Romano, USN 6 109492 Ens. L.Y. Hammond, USNR 4 228826 Ens. N.T. Connaway, USNR 4 89185 Ens. W.M. James, USNR 3 Service Number Name Number of War Patrols 261 78 40 Sanders, B.J., CTM, USN 9 238 59 06 Sawyer, L.F., CMoMM, USN 9 223 47 64 Ferrall,E.W., CEM, USN 10 321 19 14 Braun, W.S., CTM, USN 11 287 34 91 Baker, B.B., CMoMM, USN 7 328 60 88 Sevens, W.E., CMoMM, USN 6 11 February- 1000-Departed Apra Harbor, Guam for assigned patrol area Northern-Central Honshu. 1230-Trim Dive. 1300-Surfaced. 12 February- En route to Area 13 February- En route to Area. 14 February- 0700-Trim Dive. 0715-Sound contact. Submerged submarine bearing 092. 0716-Rig for Silent Running. 100 feet. 0731-Lost contact. 1100-Surfaced. Departed the area at high speed. Believe submerged sub was making an approach. 15 February- En route to area. 0600-A moderate fog set in with overcast clouds and choppy seas. 16 February- 0000-Entered Patrol Area. 0030-10 NM off Honshu Coast.37 20 N 141 8 E 1408- SD contact. Submerged. 1600-Surfaced. 1714-SJ contact. Bearing 006 13 NM. 36 12 N 140 45 E 1730-Attemping to overtake SJ contact. 1745- APR-1 detecting radar emissions from contact. 1834-SD contact. 1836-Visual contact (in dense fog) on warship unknown type possibly DD or CL bearing 015 5000 yards. General Quarters. 1909-Vessel identified as W-19 class Minesweeper/Escort. Likely on patrol. Moving at high speed, unable to overtake. 1920-Secure General Quaters. Course 180 to patrol coastline. 17 February- 1410- SD contact 1411-SD contac.Submerged. 18 February- 0130-Sighted fishing boats. 37 18 N 141 12 E 0136-General Quarters. Battle Surface. Gun Action 0154- Opened Fire.GUN ACTION NO. 1 (See Gunnery Section) 0159-Ceased Fire. 0210-Secure General Quarters. 1213- SJ contact 169 degrees 11 NM. 38 47 N 141 47 E 1219-Submerged for attack. 1221-General Quarters-Torpedo 1241-ATTACK NO. 1 (See Attack Section) 1248- Sunk Type C escort 900 tons. 8-45 N 141-46 E 1250-Secure General Quarters. Drum at 200 feet, 6 knots, departing scene. 2100-Surfaced. 19 February- 0331-SJ contacts. Bearing 050 15 NM 38 38 N 141 42 E. PPI indicates convoy hugging the coast northbound. 0351- General Quarters-Torpedo Surface 0413- Convoy spotted. One AK, 7 MS and PC type escorts. 38-38 N 141-36 E Course/Speed 012 degrees 6 knots. APR-1 detecting radar signals from convoy bearing. 0428 - ATTACK NO.2- 0433- Sunk BIYO MARU 5425 tons.38-38N 141-35 E . Under heavy gunfire from escort close aboard, submerged. 0434-Pinging from escort on short scale. Rigged for depth charge and silent running. SBT-1 decoys deployed. Escort overhead. Splashes from depth charges. Drum depth 200 feet. 0435-Multiple depth charges explosions. Minor damage. See damage section. 0438-Escort made second run. More explosions. Minor damage. See damage section. 0440-Escort overhead. More DC explosions. 0445-DC explosions. Close. Boat shaken. 0454-DC explosions astern. 0502-Escort overhead. DC explosions, close. 0507-Pinging from escort. 0508-DC explosions. 0630-Hour since last contact with escorts. 0710-Radar depth .Nearest contact is 6 NM. Secure Silent Running. 0711-Surfaced. 0712-Secure General Quarters 0800-Inspection complete. See damage section. 0859-SD contact .Submerged. 1219-Surfaced. Set course to patrol open sea while conducting repairs. 20 February- 0800-Submerged for day. 2000-Surfaced. 21 February- 0000-Set course to close coast 1106-SD contact . Submerged. 1109-Drum at 340 feet. Sounds of low flying aircraft audible through hull. 1111-Series of explosions above, not close. Drum at 350 feet. 1932-Radar Depth. All clear on SJ and SD. 2011-Surfaced. 21 February- 0700-Submerged 6 NM off Honshu Coast. 36-33 N 140-33 E 1339-Drum at 295 feet. Noise of low flying aircraft audible through hull. 1341-Multiple explosions astern. 1443-More explosions. 1840-Scraped bottom. Fathometer reading indicated more depth below. 2002-Surfaced. 23 February- 0300-Overcast, heavy fog, rain set int. Seas calm. Turned to course 090 to clear coast until storm passes. 0330-Seas heavy with 12-15 ft waves. 24 February- Storms continued. 2341-SJ contact bearing 333 14 NM. Estimated position (DR) 150 SSE of Sendai, Honshu. 25 February- 0012- 10 NM ahead of contact, shadowing until weather clears for attack. 1550- Lost SJ contact. 1558-Regained SJ contact. Bearing 018 14 NM 26 February- 0159-Lost SJ contact. 0206- Regained SJ contact. Bearing 337 14 NM. 0610-Storms clear. 0624-Visual contact on AK or AP bearing 357 range 7 NM. 0625-Submerged for attack. 0626- Depth: 80 feet. General Quarters. 0630- Sound made contact with merchant vessel bearing 348 degrees estimated range 6 NM. 0647-Visual on AP type vessel 0706-Observation with Attack Periscope before firing revealed clearly marked hospital ship HIKAWA MARU class AP on course 225 degrees 7 knots. Closed outer doors on Tubes 1-6 and ordered back 2/3 to open range. 0710-Secured General Quarters. 0755-Surfaced. Turned course 0000 for return to patrol area. Estimated position 34 50 N 141 29 E. 27 February- Closing coast for patrol. 28 February- 0528- SJ contact 14 NM. Closing fast. 38-40 N 141 40 E Patrol, avoided. 1422- SD contact. 1423-Submerged. 1619-Sound contact. Warship, closing 003 estimated range 6 NM. Drum at 378 feet. Rigged for Silent Running. Turned to course 090 to open range 1855-Secure Silent Running. 1937-Surfaced. 1 March- 1301-Submerged to avoid patrol. 1500-Surfaced. 2300-Enetered Sendai Bay 2 March- 0100-In Sendai Bay, SJ contact on two PC type vessels. Drum evaded at high speed as patrol closed. 0200-Set southerly course along coast. 0338-Fishing Boat spotted bearing 056 7000 yards. 0345- General Quarters. Battle Surface-Gun Action. 0359 - GUN ACTION NO. 2- Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM in broadside action . 37-24 141-16 0401-Ceased Fire. 1149-SJ contact 11 NM. 37-26 N 141-13 E. 1158-Submerged for attack. 1200-General Quarters-Torpedo. 1229- ATTACK NO.3- 1234- Type D Escort Vessel 900 tons sunk. 37-26 N 141-09 E 1235-Three fishing boats sighted via periscope. 310 degrees 1900 yards 1236- Standby or Battle Surface-Gun Action. 1300-GUN ACTION NO. 3- Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM in broadside action. 1314-Ceased fire. Sunk three fishing boats 200 tons each. 37-26 N 141-11 E 1315-Secured General Quarters. Course 090 for high speed run away from coast. 3 March- 0700-1900-Submerged patrol along coast. 1901-Surfaced. 4 March- 1229-SD contact. Submerged. 1900-Surfaced. 5 March- Patrolling 150 NM offshore. 6 March- Offshore patrol 7 March- Offshore patrol 8 March- 1012-SD contact. Submerged 1926-Surfaced. 9 March- Patrol 1759-Aircraft spotted bearing 180 closing fast. Submerged. 1800- Drum passing 200 ft, low flying aircraft audible through hull. 1801- Multiple explosions above. 2100-Surfaced. 10 March- 0100-Sent status report to COMBUSBPAC 0300-Received orders from COMSUBPAC to rotate to Area 4 for lifeguard duty and patrol. 11 March- En route Area 4 0920- SD contact. 0924-Contact 10 NM closing fast. Submerged. 1200-Sufaced. 1201-SD contact. 5 NM closing ! Submerged. 1202-Explosions above and near as Drum passed 200 feet. No damage. 2002-Surfaced. 12 August- 0200-Entered Area 4 0620-Submerged for patrol off Boso Peninsula, approaching Tokyo Wan for lifeguard station. 34 49 N 139 52 E. 1139:04-SD contact has multiple contacts 11 NM. B-29 raid from Marianas inbound Tokyo. Lifeguard Assignment underway. 1139:34- SJ contacts 023, 026. PPI indicates convoy departing Tokyo Bay. 1157-Smoke spotted of convoy. General Quarters-Torpedo. 1237-ATTACK NO. 4 1238-Torpedoes impacted targets. Sunk ZINBU MARU 5700 tons. 35-0 N 139-43 E Damaged KIGAN MARU 7326 tons. 1240-Pinging from escorts, at PT boat type escort 1200 yard saway closing fast. Drum to 200 feet, heading for deeper waters. SBT-1 decoy deployed. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge. 1243-PT type escort heard overhead. Several splashes audible. 1244- Drum at 380 feet. Multiple DC explosions rocked the boat. Damage reported. See damage section. 1247-Pinging. Many DC explosions in distance, appears escorts attacking decoys. 1306-Pinging. 1608-300 ft.Secure General Quarters. 1630-Surfaced. Began pursuit of damage KIGAN MARU. 1723-SD contact. Submerged. 1725-Drum at 362 feet. Explosions above, not close. 1812-Surfaced. 2235- SJ contact reestablished with convoy. 14 NM bearing 357. 35-2 N 140-27 E. Convoy hugging South-East coast of Boso Peninsula. A lone contact, likely a patrol is on the SJ scope as well, inbound from NE. 2240-General Quarters-Surface Torpedo. 2312-Convoy sighted. 35-07 N 140-24 E Course 068 Speed 10 knots. One AK, four escorts. 2316-Believe APR-1 is not functioning. 2329-ATTACK NO.5 2331:11-Torpedoes impacted target. 2331:28-Drum illuminated by PC's searchlight, under deck gun and AC/MG fire. Engines on overload, left pursuers behind. 2335-KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk. 35-8 N 140-24 E. Drum course 090 20 knots to clear coast. 13 March- 0100-Secure General Quarters. 0825- SD contact. Submerged. 2100-Surfaced. 14 March- 0838-SD contact. Submerged 2100-Surfaced. 15 March- 0200-Entered Sagami-Wan 0629-Submerged for patrol. 1024-Smoke spotted Bearing 024 degrees estimated range 6NM 1027-Sound contact: Fast screws, possible warship bearing 028 degrees. 1034-PC type vessel spotted 032 degrees. Rigged for Silent Running. 1119-Lost sound contact. 1120-No visual contact. Heavy fog and rain set in. 1130-Surfaced. 16 March- 0533-SJ contacts bearing 000 degrees. 15 NM. 36-17 N 140-41 E. PPI indicates northbond convoy hugging coast. Increased to 20 knots to end around. 0708-Smoke sighted 265 degrees by light of sunrise. 0944-General Quarters-Torpedo. 0946-Submerged for attack. 1020-Convoy sighted. Course 012 10 knots. 37-4 N 141-4 E. Composition: AK, AO, AK + 5 PC/SC type escorts. Kead escort is Mikura Class (Type B) Escort. 1044 - ATTACK NO.6 Fired four MK 18 torpedoes at AO GENYO MARU 11800 tons at position 37-5 N 141-3 E. 1050-Torpedoes missed. Sound reports torpedoes ran in front of target. Convoy made slight course adjustment and slowed by one knot aft launch, causing the miss. 1056-Pinging from escort 1200 yards bearing 135 . Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running.SBT-1 decoy deployed. 1101-Depth charge explosions, appears escort attacked decoy. Passed thermal layer 170 feet. 1106-DC explosions astern. Escorts attacking decoys. 1220-One escort on sound, still searching 5000 yards aster. Convoy appears to have moved on. Two warship contacts arrived from the south at high speed, likely a patrol called in. Drum at 220 ft Course 070 at 3 knots. 1245-Secure General Quarters. 1317-Periscope Depth. Two PC/SC astern patrolling at estimated 6 NM. 1318-Radar Depth. 1321-Surfaced for end around for follow up attack. 1700-End around complete but unable to close enemy before reaches the Sendai Bay coastal minefield, preventing a night surface attack. Waters are too shallow for a submerged attack as well (50-60 feet max depth along their track). Broke off contact with run to the east at 18 knots. 1718-Spotted fishing boat 023 degrees 5 NM. 1720-General Quarters. Battle Surface-Gun Action 1732 -GUN ACTION NO. 4- Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM in broadside action. 1734-Ceased fire. 1736-Armed Fishing boat sunk 37-36 N 141-23 E. 1738-Secure General Quarters. Continue high speed run eastward until dark. 1804-SD contact 7 NM closing fast! Submerged. 1807-Explosions above. Drum at 375 feet. 2004-Periscope Depth. All clear. 2005-Radar Depth. All clear. 2015-Surfaced 17 March- 0130-Set course for Pearl Harbor via Midway Island per operations order. Terminating patrol due to fuel state and distance to Midway. 18 March- 1146-SD contact 16 NM steady.36-37 N 149 10 E. 1148-SD contact at 9 NM steady. Lookouts spotted contact bearing 185 degrees 7.5 NM heading 075 estimated altitude 2500 ft. Aircraft is four engine flying boat, "MAVIS". 1151-Aircraft made sudden turn towards Drum diving closing range at high speed. Submerged to avoid. 1154-Drum at 216 feet. Low flying aircraft audible through hull. 1155-Multiple large explosions above. Drum at 300 feet. 1923-Surfaced. 19-25 March- En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. 26 March- 0500-Docked Midway for refuel. 1100-Depart Midway for Pearl Harbor. 30 March- 1104-Docked Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor. Terminated Patrol. (C) Weather Weather en route to patrol area was favorable but declined as Drum reached within 100 nautical miles of the Honshu coast. Upon entering area, a fog, and squalls set in. Squalls made sporadic appearances during the patrol. The weather proved a particular hindrance during the pursuit of an SJ contact over a forty-eight hour period 24-26 February. Drum pursued this contact but was unable to establish visual identification due to storms. Upon clearing of storms, vessel was identified as a Japanese flagged hospital ship, HIKAWA MARU. Weather en route to Midway and Hawaii was overall favorable. (D) Tidal Information The currents encountered along coast of Honshu corresponded to those predicted by the pilot charts, current charts, and coast pilots. The effort of the Kuroshio was felt and it was noted that as the force of the northerly wind increased, the set due to the Kuroshio decreased. (E) Navigational Aids Navigational aids were few and far between. However, Sunosaki Lighthouse and the light on Cape Nojima, Bosho Peninsula were helpful. (F) Aircraft Contacts No. Date Time Position Course Altitude Range Bearing Visual Type Remarks 1. 16 Feb 45 1408 36 3 N 140 54 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid. Attacked. 2. 21 Feb 45 1106 6-56 N 141-44 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid. 3. 21 Feb 45 1338 36-33 N 140-33 E 140° 500ft 8000 yds 200° Yes KATE Submerged to avoid. Attacked. 4. 27 Feb 45 1422 38-40 N 141-40 E N/A N/A 8 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid 5. 4 Mar 45 1229 37-1 N 141-7 E N/A N/A 8 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid. 6. 8 Mar 45 1012 38-16 N 143-23 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid 7. 11 Mar 45 0920 35-12 N 142-22 E N/A N/A 14 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid. 8. 11 Mar 45 1201 35-11 N 142-23 E N/A N/A 5 NM 9. 11 Mar 45 1139 34 49 N 139 52 E 350° 25000 13 NM 190° Yes B-29 Inbound USAAF raid on Tokyo Area. Lifeguard Assignment. 10. 12 Mar 45 1723 34-50 N 139-43 E N/A N/A 6 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.Attacked. 11. 13 Mar 45 0825 33-48 N 142-4 E N/A N/A 15 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid. 12. 14 Mar 45 0838 33-58 N 140-12 E N/A N/A 14 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid. 13. 16 Mar 45 1804 37-35N 141-32 E N/A N/A 7 NM N/A No N/A Submerged to avoid.Attacked. 14. 18 Mar 45 1146 36-37 N 149 10 E 075° 1000ft 9 NM 185° Yes MAVIS Submerged to avoid. Attacked. (G) Attack Data U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 13 Time: 1241 (I) Date: 18 February 1945 Lat. 38-45 N., Long. 141-46 E. Description: Type C Escort Vessel on coastal ASW patrol. Ships Sunk: Name Class Tonnage Escort Type C 900 Ships Damaged: None Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visual via periscope. Target Course/Speed/Range: 030° 16 knots 1680 yds (at firing) 11 ft Own Ship Data: Course Speed Depth Angle 080° 2 kts 60 feet 70° Port (at firing) Torpedo: MK 18 x 1 Tube #7 Gyro:90° Course:355° Track:70° S Depth: 6 ft Firing Interval:0 POA: MOT Type Attack Day-Periscope attack. Type C Escort vessel on coastal ASW patrol, first detected on SJ Radar thne visually spotted. Due to ideal setup, opted to attack. Torpedo hit amidships with large explosion. Vessel sunk quickly, initially on even keel but taking a down angle by stern just before going under. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 13 Time: 0428 (I) Date: 19 February 1945 Lat. 8-38 N ., Long. 141-35 E . Description: Small convoy hugging coast with one AK and six MS/PC/SC type escorts. Ships Sunk: Name Class Tonnage BIYO MARU AK 5425 Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually from bridge.Sound confirmed sinking after submerging to evade gunfire. Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft: 012° 8 knots Range: 3000 yds (at firing) 24 ft Own Ship Data: Course Speed Depth Angle 251° 2 kts Surfaced AOB:55 Starboard Torpedo: MK 18 x 3 Bow Tubes: 3,4,5. Gyro:0° Course:262° Track:70° S Depth: 10 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT Type Attack Night surface attack on small convoy hugging the coast. one AK lead a minelayer type vessel with five PC/MS type escorts. After torpedo impact, Drum was illuminated by spotlight and fired to dive to avoid barrage of heavy gunfire. Several hours of depth charges followed with minor damage. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3, Patrol No. 13 Time:1229 (I) Date: 2 March 1945 Lat.37-28 N., Long. 141-13 E. Description: Type D Escort Vessel on ASW patrol presented favoriable opporunity for attack. Ships Sunk: Name Class Tonnage Escort Type D 900 Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually via periscope. Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft: 180° 16 kts 2264 yds (at firing) 11 ft Own Ship Data: Course Speed Depth Angle 085° 2 kts 64 92° Port Torpedo: MK 18 x 1 Stern Tube #9 Gyro:328° Course:052° Track: 53° P Depth: 10 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT Type Attack Day periscope attack on lone escort on coastal ASW patrol. Wehn SJ contact was made, vessel was fairly close and with his sweep in the relatively shallow water, may overtaken and detected Drum. Vessels project track presented favorable setup for submerged attack with MK 18 electric torpedo. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4, Patrol No. 13 Time:1237 (I) Date: 12 March 1945 Lat. 35-0 N ., Long. 139-43 E . Description: Convoy of two AK with five escorts departing Tokyo Wan, hugging coast of Boso Peninsula for a run up cost of Honshu, likely to Sendai area or Tsugaru Straits. Patrol vessels were nearby as was a marauding single engine floatplane on patrol of the area. A B-28 air raid happened to overfly simulatenously as Drum made her approach, providing a distraction to the escorts, including the starboard guard to fall out of formation somewhat, providing an excellent shot for Drum. Ships Sunk: Name Class Tonnage Torpedo Hits Point of Impact ZINBU MARU AK 5186 2 MOT Ships Damaged: Name Class Tonnage Torpedo Hits Point of Impact KIGAN MARU AK 7390 2 Forward, Bow Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visual, through periscope. Audible through hull and sound gear. Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft: 215° 10 kts KIGAN MARU 1985 yds (at firing) 27 ft 215° 10 kts ZINBU MARU 1500 yds (at firing) 15 ft Own Ship Data: Course Speed Depth Angle 100° 2 kts 64 90° KIGAN MARU 69° ZINBU MARU Torpedo: MK 14 x 6 Bow Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 Torpedoes 1,2 (ZINBU MARU) Gyro Course Track Depth Firing Interval POA 19 052° 53° P 6 ft 5 seconds MOT Torpedoes 3,4,5,6 (KIGAN MARU) Gyro Course Track Depth Firing Interval POA 343 147° 94° P 10 ft 5 seconds MOT Type Attack Day periscope attack made in moderate seas. Four out of six torpedoes impacted as aimed. Two amidships on ZINBU MARU and two forward near the bow of KIGAN MARU. One missed ahead of KIGAN MARU as she slowed after absorbing two previous hits and torpedo #6 suffered an apparent gyro malfunction as it went off track and passed astern of KIGAN MARU, in the gap between the two vessels in the convoy. ZINBU MARU was burning fiercely and settling fast into water and eventually sunk in view of Drum. KIGAN MARU, with fires burning in the bow area continued on at slow speed while Drum was forced to submerge to the depths to avoid depth charges from escorting vessels. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5, Patrol No. 13 Time:2329 (I) Date: 12 March 1945 Lat.35-08 N., Long. 140-24 E. Description: Follow up attack on KIGAN MARU (AK) damaged earlier in the day in ATTACK NO.4 . While Drum was evading counter attack, the AK and most of her escorts rounded the Boso Peninsula and were heading NNW along the coast, roughly 3000-4500 yards off shore. Ships Sunk: Name Class Tonnage Torpedo Hits Point of Impact KIGAN MARU AK 7390 4 MOT, MOT, Forward, Aft Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: Visually via bridge. Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft: 068° 10 kts 3682 yds (at firing) 27 ft Own Ship Data: Course Speed Depth Angle 236° 2 kts Surfaced 52° Starboard Torpedo: MK 14 x 4 Bow Tubes 1,2,3,4 Gyro:345° Course:313° Track: 30° P Depth: 10 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT Type Attack Night surface attack in moderate seas. All four torpedoes impacted the already damaged freight, obliterating the vessel. The vessel was left a flaming heap and quickly sunk. During torpedo run, a small PC moved up into position, putting Drum just 1300 yards away when torpedoes impacted target Drum was into a hard turn to starboard at high speed when illuminated by a searchlight. Drum came under heavy fire but suffered no hits or damages. Engines on overload helped to outpace the escorting PC's. U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 6, Patrol No. 13 Time:1044 (I) Date: 16 March 1945 Lat.37-05 N., Long. 141-03 E. Description: Convoy of one large AO, one medium sized AK and one small AK with six escorts moving north along the coast towards Sendai Bay. Ships Sunk: None Ships Damaged: None. Ships Probably Sunk: None. Damage Determined By: None Target Course/Speed/Range/Draft: 012° 10 kts 3212 yards (at firing) 26 ft Own Ship Data: Course Speed Depth Angle 112° 2 kts 64 74° Starboard Torpedo: MK 18 x 4 Stern Tubes 7,8,9,10 Gyro:358° Course:103° Track: 40° P Depth: 8 ft Firing Interval:5 seconds POA:MOT Type Attack Day periscope attack in calm seas and shallow waters (max depth 130 feet below keel). Fired at longer range than preferred due to enemy escort screen position which would overrun and likely detect Drum if closed range any further. All torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal. Upon raising scope ten seconds prior to expected impact, noticed the convoy had adjust course slightly to starboard, to heading 016°. Sound reported torpedoes ran ahead of target. Believe the course change came with a small and temporary speed reduction from 10 knots to 9 knots, the one knot differential being enough to cause a miss as the tanker did not speed up in time. This is unfortunate and hurts as target was a large 11800 ton tanker of the GENYO MARU class. Drum was initially undetected due to torpedoes lack of wakes, but pinging soon began from closest escort as Drum made a high speed run for deeper water. A few depth charges fell, but none close, thanks to the SBT-1 decoys deployed, which absorbed many depth charges. (H) Gunnery Ammunition: Gun Actions NO. Date Time Location Description Result 1. 18 Feb 45 0154 7-18 N 141-12 E Two Armed Fishing Boats Sunk 200 tons x 2 2. 2 Mar 45 0359 37-24 N 141-16 E Armed Fishing Boat Sunk Fishing Boat 200 tons 3. 2 Mar 45 1300 37-26 N 141-11 E Three Armed Fishing Boats Sunk 200 tons x 3 4. 16 Mar 45 1732 37-38 N 141-22 E Armed Fishing Boat Sunk 200 tons Gunnery Data by Gun Action 4' 50 Caliber 20 MM NO. Fired Hits Fired Hits 1. 8 7 400 Multiple 2. 6 5 500 Multiple 3. 44 29 900 Multiple 4. 7 5 200 Multiple Rounds at Start of patrol: 4" 50 Cal: 150 20 MM:2000 Rounds at End of Patrol: 4" 50 Cal: 85 20 MM: 0 Remarks: Gun and gun crew performance was satisfactory on this patrol. Every fishing boat encountered was armed with machine guns but the fire was erratic and did Drum no harm. More 20 MM ammunition should be allotted given the number of gunnery actions on patrols have increased exponentially. (I) No mines were observed visually. However, the reported minefields off shore in Drum's assigned patrol area between depth of 60 and 150 feet were a matter of concern. The newly established coastal defense minefield, which begins along the coast at Matsukawa-Ura Bay and stretches along the coast into Sendai Bay spoiled any chance of another attack on the GENYO MARU tanker. (J) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics Both assigned areas were heavily patrolled via sea and air along the coast and 10-15 NM offshore. Air patrols further offshore were fairly consistent. Convoys use the shallows along the coast as an obstacle for an attacking submarine by typically sailing no more than 5000 yards off shore. This obviously dictates time place and manner of attack for submarines. The are pockets of deep water which extended almost to the beach along the coastal areas permitting short, high speed runs submerged to deeper waters after an attack. Escort screens typically consist one or or two front line escorts (Kaibokan, DE, DD, MS etc) and multiple auxiliary SC and PC type vessels. Enemy depth charge attacks were intense but brief ont his patrol, electing to rejoin their charges in most cases instead of leaving them vulnerable while in a prolonged hunt. Submerged evasion tactics consisted of high speed runs at maximum depth to deeper waters, while deploying multiple SBT-1 decoys at different depth. Alternating change of course and depth was utilized as well. The SBT-1 decoys were particularly effective on this patrol and permitted Drum to escape serious damage. Surfaced evasion tactics consist of high speed runs, beginning with a power turn about one minute before torpedo impact. Engines are pushed to overload as needed, enabling Drum to make 22.5 knots on surfaced for up to 6 hours if needed (K) Major Defects and Damage Depth Charge Attack #1 At 0434 on 19 February 1945, Drum was forced to submerge after a successful night surface attack(ATTACK NO.2) . A nearby enemy escort spotted Drum as she turned away from the scene and ran down her track, pinging. Drum's high speed run submerged placed her in deeper waters. At a depth of 200 feet at 0435, multiple depth charges exploded, shaking the boat badly and causing the following damage: 1.) Multiple pipe and air line leaks in conning tower and control room. (Repaired) 2.) Forward batteries damaged (Repaired) 3.) Rudder Transmission (Repaired) 4.) Stern Dive planes (Repaired) 5.) Aft Torpedo Room-Minor Flooding (Repaired, pumped out) 6.) Aft torpedo tube #7 damaged (Repaired) 7.) No. 1 periscope head (Repaired) 8.) No. 2 Periscope Head (Repaired) 9.) *APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver (Inoperable, not able to to repair at sea) * It is not known if this equipment was rendered inoperable in Depth Charge Attack #1 (first or second pattern) or #2 but for reporting purposes listed in #1. Note: Damage to periscope heads was not apparent until later when post attack inspection was completed. A second depth charge attack by the same escort at 0438 caused the following damage: 1.) No. 1 Diesel Engine (Repaired) 2.) No. 2 Diesel Engine (Repaired) 3.) Port Propeller Shaft (Repaired) 4.)Compressor (Repaired) 5.) Trim pump (Repaired) 6.) Piping and air line leaks. (Repaired) Depth Charge Attack #2 At 1244 on 12 March 1945, following successful submerged attack on a convoy off coast of the Boso Peninsula (ATTACK NO. 4), Drum came under depth charge attack. At 1244, while at a depth of 300 feet, multiple explosions rocked Drum causing the following damage: 1.)Multiple piping and air line leaks (Repaired) 2.) SD Radar Antenna (Repaired) 3.) SJ Antenna (Repaired) 4.) Hydraulic Pump (Repaired) 5.) Trim Pump (Repaired) 6.) Forward Dive Planes (Repaired) 7.) Minor flooding in Conning tower (Repaired, Pumped) 8.) Minor flooding in Control Room. (Repaired, Pumped) 9.) Minor flooding in forward torpedo room (Repaired, Pumped) 10.) Aft Batteries (Repaired) 11.) Radio Receiver (Repaired) 12.) Torpedo Tube # 8 (Repaired) 13.) Torpedo Tube # 9 (Repaired) All damage, except for the APR-1 was repaired within twenty-four hours of occurring. Incident: At 1820 hours on 21 February at position 36-33 N 140-33 E Drum scraped the bottom of the sea at a depth of 300 feet while evading a pursuing aircraft, which had spotted Drum and dropped depth charges. The fathometer failed to give proper depth on this occasion, but strangely was accurate on all other readings. The following damage was caused by the bottoming of the boat. 1.) Port Sonar Head Damaged (Repaired) 2.) Starboard Sonar Head Damaged(Repaired) 3.) Forward Batteries Damaged (Repaired) 4.) Leaks in piping throughout boat namely conning tower and control room) (Repaired) Inspection of the hull revealed no damage from the collision. (L) Radio Radio function for first part of the patrol was excellent. While functional after being damaged on 12 March, radio function was apparently not one hundred percent. (M) Radar SJ Radar performance was once again excellent. Targets were typically detected at 13-14 nautical miles. No failures or breakdowns occurred. SD Radar performance was mediocre for most of the patrol. However, it is believed this is due to the proximity to land reducing the effectiveness as when Drum was in open ocean areas, SD contacts were typically made at 12-13 nautical mile, instead of the 6-8 while off Honshu. (N) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions Both supersonic sound sets operated satisfactorily throughout the patrol. In spite of the instance in which the JP contacted the convoy prior to the sighting of smoke (screws were reported once - contact was not regained until close range), it is not felt that proper results are being obtained from these gear and it will be thoroughly checked during the coming refit. Because of the relative scarcity of contacts, it is difficult to estimate the sound conditions present in the waters assigned during this patrol. However, sound conditions were fair to good when contacts were made. The pinging of the escorts encountered was heard at an estimated maximum range of 2,000 yards while screws were heard to a range of about 12000 yards. (O) Thermal Layers Due to the majority of operations being conducted in littorals, thermoclines were rare on this patrol. However, those encountered close were at 170, 250 feet, while those in open ocean were found at 190, 260, and 360 feet. (P) Health, Food, and Habitability The health of the crew during this war patrol was exceedingly good. Only 3 man days were lost, due to one case of gastro-enteritis, acute. The food was palatable and well prepared. One new cook and one new baker did very good work on their first patrol and as a result the meals were much improved over the preceding few patrols. The boat was very comfortable throughout the patrol. With the injection temperature lower than the Drum has been accustomed to, and the control room supply blower and air-conditioning unit, the entire ship was cool most of the time. (Q) Personnel Number of men detached after previous patrol 11 Number of men on board 72 Number of men qualified at start 48 Number of men qualified at end 59 Number of men unqualified making their first patrol 2 (R) Miles Steamed-Fuel Used Guam to Area 1800.7 Miles 23030 Gallons In Area 6285.8 Miles 56501 Gallons Area to Midway 2727.9 Miles 33692 Gallons Midway to Pearl 1381.6 Miles 22803 Gallons Total 12196.0 Miles 136026 Gallons (S) Duration Days Enroute to Area 5 Days in Area 30 Days Enroute to Midway 9 Days Enroute from Midway to Pearl 4 Days Submerged 13 Total Days on Patrol 48 (T) Factors of Endurance Remaining (Area) Torpedoes 5 Fuel 25700 gallons Provisions 20 days Personnel 20 days Departed area due to low fuel state after thirty days and traversing thousand of miles in area. Calculations showed Drum has just enough fuel required to reach Midway enroute to Pearl Harbor, as directed in operational orders. (U) Communications, Radar, and Sonar Countermeasures-APR- APR-1 RWR was out of commission for most of the patrol thus difficult to judge effectiveness. Ship based radar seemed about the same as usual. However, given the performance of patrol aircraft, believe they are now routinely equipped with a surface search radar as well as underwater detection gear of some type, perhaps Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) gear. (V) Remarks This was a busy, and challenging patrol with majority of operations, and ALL of combat operations conducted close to shore in mostly shallow waters. The enemy has certainly increased it's ASW patrols in the home islands, which proved a constant nuisance. For two patrols now, every enemy fishing boat in waters near home islands has been armed with machine guns and presumably radios. It is also believed that they ferry cargo around, possibly ammunition, judging by how many of these small craft quickly erupt in flames. Drum was involved in more gun actions than is typical for a patrol. Boats should be provided extra ammunition in future patrols to insure they can counter this new threat. The overall dearth of traffic in once busy sea lanes is an indicator of the Japanese merchant marine and Imperial Navy's current state of affairs. Drum is scheduled for a major overhaul and refit prior to the next patrol (her 14th), which is very much needed. . |
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09-23-21, 01:12 PM
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#5099 |
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A-ganger
 Join Date: May 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 77
Downloads: 65
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This is a old and short story but I just saw this thread and thought you guys might find it funny.
I was traversing the Sulu Sea in command of the USS S-27, fresh from my lackluster attempt to intercept a Japanese invasion force. As per usual, as I do not trust my officers to plot a course, I plotted a wonderfully efficient course through the Sulu and Celebes Sea in order to reach the new base in Java. Speaking of Java I grabbed myself a cup of coffee and was proceeding to take over in the control room when suddenly my XO alerts me that the boat was in shallow waters, odd considering we were in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Thinking that he had had a mental breakdown I went up to the bridge to look for myself but before I could ascend the first rung there was a crash. Coming to on the port side of the control room I managed to pick my way over the bodies of my gallant crew and out of the hatch to the bridge where I unceremoniously rolled out and onto the hard sandy ground of a small island no larger than the boat itself. Speaking of the boat, the poor S-27 was halfway up on the island rolled onto her port side with a fire emitting from her propellers, as we all know propellers are quite flammable. My gallant crew did not survive the encounter and I was presumed KIA as well but luckily I escaped to report that the Japanese were dropping islands in the middle of the sea. THE END??????? -------------------------------------- All joking aside this was probably the funniest thing that has ever happed to my years of playing both SH3 and SH4. I somehow managed the plot my course to go over the only island in the middle of the sea, and not having my glasses at the time didn't help so I didn't even see the little X for the island when zoomed out. I should add that this is not the only loss of the S-27 under my command though the other more recent story I might tell another time. Hope you guys enjoyed the hilariously short adventures of Lieutenant Commander Robert Dunne III the most unaware captain in all the silent service!
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"Damn the torpedoes! Four bells, Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!" -Rear Admiral David Farragut, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, August 5, 1864 Last edited by Ludwig van Hursh; 09-23-21 at 01:28 PM. |
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09-23-21, 11:26 PM
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#5100 | |
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Navy Seal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
Posts: 6,922
Downloads: 550
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Quote:
Thing is this happened more than a few times in WW II to US subs, S-39 comes to mind. Then you have the Darter which run aground on bombay shoals in South China Sea in October 44 while pursuing a damaged heavy cruiser, she was stuck and had to be abandoned, scuttled. |
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