U.S.S. BURRFISH (SS-312) — war patrol report SS-312_BURRFISH_Part2.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-52-81]
[HANDWRITTEN: E-108]

1.0
   4.5
   5.0
   5.6
   6.3
   7.1
1.1
1.25 1.4 1.6

   2.8 2.5
   3.2 2.2
   3.6 2.0
   4.0 1.8

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: L. Frye]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5-6-81]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET - START AND END
NDW-NPPSO-5210/1 (6-78)

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: NRS 1975-32]

[HANDWRITTEN: BURRFISH (SS-312)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WWII REPORT FILE]

[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 35MM]

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A
DATE 29 July-4 Aug 1944 NAME BURRFISH
FROM CO - USS BURRFISH(SS-312)
SERIAL 001
DATE no date
SUBJECT Special Reconnaissance of PALAU Islands
Narrative report of photographic & special reconnaissance
of PELELIU-ANGAUR area 29 Jul-4 Aug 44. Material collect-
ed on this special mission supplied to THIRD AMPHIBIOUS
FORCE which captured the islands in September 1944.
(CENPAC: US SUB OPS)(CENPAC:STALEMATE II: FIRE SUPPORT ETC)
FILED: War Diary

Separately as ORIGINAL CARBON COPY

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3840-13 (11-55) B.Sto

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DATE 12-20 August 1944 NAME BURRFISH
FROM CO - USS BURRFISH(SS-312)
SERIAL 002
DATE 24 August 1944
SUBJECT Special Reconnaissance of PALAU Islands
Narrative report of photographic & special reconnaissance
of YAP-PALAU area 12-20 Aug 1944. Material collected on
this special mission supplied to THIRD AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
which captured the islands in September 1944.
FILED: War Diary
Separately as ORIGINAL CARBON COPY

(CENPAC: UN SUB OPS) (CENPAC:STALEMATE II: FIRE SUPPORT ETC)
MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3840-13 (11-55) B.Sto

DATE 13-17 November 1944 NAME BURRFISH
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD SERIAL
DATE
SUBJECT Coordinated Patrol Report
Report of Coordinated Attack Group under Cdr.T.B.Klekring
(BURT'S BROOMS) which conducted anti-patrol vessel sweep
in BONIN & VOLCANO Islands area.

FILED: War Diary
Separately under TASK GROUP 17.24 no ser of no date

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3840-13 (10-55) B.Sto

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2003
[HANDWRITTEN: Original Appx 521]
[HANDWRITTEN: GINIPACBOX #191(1-40 RS #015 21 FILES (GEN) JACKET # file.]
In reply refer to:
SS312/ A16-3
Serial (001)

U. S. S. BURRFISH (SS312)
Care of Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California.

DECLASSIFIED
TOP SEORET

From:
To
:
The Commanding Officer.
The Commander Submarine Force PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject:
Submarine Photographic and Special Reconnaissance of PALAU
Island Group.

Reference: (a) Comsubpac Operation Order No. 236-44.

Enclosure: (A) Reconnaissance Report (5 copies).
(B) Film negatives, contact prints of photographs taken,
and chart overlays (original only complete).
(C) Tracing showing current data vicinity PELELIU and ANGUAR
Islands (original only complete).
(D) Tabulation of data obtained from APR-1 type radar
detector with notes (5 copies).

1. The Reconnaissance directed by reference (a), insofar as
completed to date, is forwarded herewith (Enclosures A to D).

CONFIDENTIAL

[SIGNATURE: W. B. Perkins]
W. B. PERKINS.

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TOP SECRET
USS BURRFISH - THIRD WAR PATROL.
ENCLOSURE (A)
29 July - 4 August 1944.

PALAU Reconnaissance Report.

1. Periscope photographic coverage of the north, east, and south coasts
of ANGAUR Island, comprising ten rolls and ten sets of prints mounted in panorama,
tabulated information giving true bearings, etc., and overlays showing ship's
position when each roll was taken is forwarded in Enclosure (B). The latitude
and longitude from which each roll was taken are tabulated on the overlay.

2. Photographs were also taken of the south eastern tip of PELELIU
Island, showing the two beaches on this coast of the island. These photographs
were taken primarily for study by the special reconnaissance party on board, but
are included in Enclosure (B) since the beach defenses appeared so plainly in
the prints. These photographs comprise three rolls - No's. 11, 12, and 13.

3. Photographs of the PPI screen, taken from both east and west of
PELELIU Island were taken from various points. They comprise 23 individual
prints, numbered 1 to 23. A tabulation identifying and explaining these prints
is included in Enclosure (B). It is regretted that PPI pictures could not be
taken at a closer range on the east side, but extremely good visibility
prevented our approaching closer. An effort will be made to improve on these
when the moon changes. An extremely overcast night with rain permitted our going
in closer on the west side.

4. Three full daylight periods were spent submerged in and on either
side of the passage between PELELIU and ANGAUR Islands, collecting current data.
Navigational fixes were obtained every ten to fifteen minutes and currents
reckoned from the DR positions for each leg. Currents were reckoned only from
straight runs at steady speed. All such runs were plotted and no effort was made
to make the readings assume a smooth pattern. It will be noted from the data
tabulated in Enclosure (C) that observations were made during all stages of the
tide. An overlay with arrows indicating the sets determined is included in
Enclosure (C).
From all calculations and observations the current sets in southerly
directions parallel to the coasts of PELELIU, sets southwesterly when north of
the eight fathom shoal, and changes to a westerly set along the north coast of
ANGAUR. No tidal effect was noted. The average drift was one knot, and the
maximum encountered was one point seven knots.

5. The radar detector model APR-1 (80 - 300 MC, 300 - 1000 MC) was
employed. A tabulation of signals heard with explanatory notes is appended,
Enclosure (D). [HANDWRITTEN: 2017]
Jap shore based radars in the vicinity operate intermittently
throughout the twenty-four hours with intensive sector searches being made at
dawn. From all indications we were detected by radar from ANGAUR at
a distance of five miles. The signal was very strong and remained trained in
our direction. We dived to prevent his getting more information. Our SD and
SJ radars were secured at the time. Later in the morning planes were observed
searching in our immediate vicinity.

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TOP SECRET
PAIAU Reconnaissance Report - Continued.

6. Study of the beaches and islands was made through the periscope while
photographic and current data runs were being made. These observations were,of
necessity, of short duration due to proximity to land and occassional contact
with small motor sampans. No evidence of activity on the islands or beaches
was noted. All beaches observed were well covered with beach defenses consisting
of barbed wire and scullies. What appeared to be sand bag pill boxes or other
unidentified camouflaged positions were observed on the southeastern coast of
PELELIU in the vicinity of the beaches. In general, during all observations the
sea was calm and no surf was seen either on the beaches or over the reefs.

7. No tidal data could be obtained from the periscope observations.
Note that the photographs of PELELIU (rolls 11, 12, 13) were taken at low tide.
A comparison of these prints with those taken by the SEAWOLF may give some data.

8. Close in navigation was done on H.O. Chart 6073. Landmarks used were
the tangents of ANGAUR, the 206 ft. lighthouse on ANGAUR, the 206 ft. hill on
PELELIU, and the southern tangent of PELELIU. All of these cut in well. The
chart appears accurate in all respects.

9. Air activity during the period 1 to 4 August was slight - there being
about five planes sighted through the periscope each day. Most of these were of
fighter and observation types. However, on the night of 4 August (full moon) an
enemy bomber made radar contact (176 MC) on us about 18 miles west of ANGAUR.
He had good contact at 7 miles and retained it until we dived as he was coming
in for attack. Plane was detected by our SJ at six miles and was seen visually
at five miles.

10. One to three small motor sampans were seen daily when working in
close to the islands. Most appeared to be taking passage between PELELIU and
ANGAUR Islands. All of this traffic was observed in the afternoons. On the only
evening we were in close at sunset, two sampans came out apparently fishing.

- 2 - ENCLOSURE (A).

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TOP SECRET
SECRET
[HANDWRITTEN: 01521]

USS BURRFISH - THIRD WAR PATROL

PPI PICTURES OF PELELIU AND ANGAUR ISLANDS

Pictures 1 through 12 were taken on 2 August 1944. Pictures 12 through 23 were taken on 3 August 1944.

| No. | Course | Latitude | Longitude | ANGAUR | PELELIU | Remarks
| | (True) | (North) | (East) | Range | Rel.Bear. | Range | Rel.Bear. |
| 1. | 090 | 6-54-00 | 134-23-15 | -- | -- | 22000 | 220 | 265 ft. hill on south end of
| | | | | | | | | PELELIU. Other pips are rain
| | | | | | | | | squalls.
| 2. | 090 | 6-55-05 | 134-20-45 | -- | -- | 16200 | 220 | Same as No. 1 for source of pip.
| | | | | | | | (Approx) |
| 3. | 250 | 6-53-50 | 134-18-50 | -- | -- | 15550 | 080 |
| 4. | 250 | 6-50-30 | 134-15-30 | 13500 | 035 | 19000 | 105 |
| 5. | 220 | 6-49-30 | 134-14-45 | 12680 | 088 | 21750 | -- |
| 6. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | Shows 10000 yard range circle.
| 7&8. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | Shows 20000 yard range circle.
| 9. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | Shows 30000 yard range circle.
| | | | | | | | | 6, 7, and 9 may be used to
| | | | | | | | | establish a range scale to be used
| | | | | | | | | with enlargements of these pictures
| 12. | 240 | 6-47-00 | 134-09-05 | 14300 | 115 | -- | -- | Shows ANGAUR island - range circle
| | | | | | | | | set at 14300 yards.
| 13. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-01-35 | 16200 | 033 | -- | -- |
| 14. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-02-00 | 15900 | 037 | 26000 | 355 | PELELIU began to appear at about
| | | | | | | | | 27000 yards.
| 15. | 090 | S a m e a s n u m b e r 14 | | | | | | Showing range circle intersecting
| | | | | | | | | ANGAUR island at 15900 yards.
| 16. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-03-10 | 13550 | 040 | 23640 | 355 | Screen clouded by rain squalls.
| 17. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-03-35 | 12300 | 041 | 23550 | 354 | Strong pip at center of ANGAUR is
| | | | | | | | | lighthouse. Range 12940 yards,
| | | | | | | | | Bearing 043° relative.
| 18. | 090 | S a m e a s n u m b e r 17 | | | | | |
| 19. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-09-45 | | | | |
| 20. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-09-50 | | | | |
| 21. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-09-55 | | | | |
| 22. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-10-00 | | | | |
| 23. | 090 | 6-59-00 | 134-10-05 | | | | | This picture shows nearest part of
| | | | | | | | | ANGAUR island on 8000 yard PPI
| | | | | | | | | sweep.

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (B)

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[HANDWRITTEN: 12510.]
[STAMP: TOP SECRET]
[STAMP: SECRET]

USS BURRFISH - THIRD WAR PATROL
PPI PICTURES OF PELELIU AND ANGAUR ISLANDS - (Continued).

NOTES: 1. Longer ranges can be expected when approaching the PALAU islands from the
          East than from the West.

       2. ANGAUR island did not appear on our radar at ranges in excess of 20000 yards.

       3. PELELIU island could generally be detected at from 25000 to 35000 yards.

       4. Maximum ranges were in all cases apparently a function of target height, the
          raised portions of land - hills etc. appearing first on the screen. When
          approaching these islands it can be assumed that the first pip to appear will
          be from the highest point of the islands closest to the ship's DR position.

       5. Our equipment consists of model SJ-1 with 5 inch P.P.I. Antenna height: 33
          feet. Much greater ranges may be expected by ships having higher antennas.

       6. Analysis of the pictures may be facilitated by making up a range scale
          0 - 30000 yards from pictures 6, 7, and 9.

- 2 - ENCLOSURE (B).

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TOP SECRET

U.S.S. BURRFISH - THIRD WAR PATROL
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE

ANGUAR ISLAND - South, East and North Beaches. 31 July 1944
Camera focal length 10 cm. Periscope set on high power.

Roll | Range | Time
No. | Position | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Yards | (Zone -9)
1 | Lat. 6-52-12 | 013 | 016 | 019 | 022 | 025 | 028 | 031 | 034 | 037 | 040 | 043 | | 2200 | 1112
| Long.134-07-19 |
2 | Lat. 6-51-44 | 357 | 000 | 003 | 006 | 009 | 012 | 015 | 018 | 021 | 024 | 027 | 030 | 2500 | 1135
| Long.134-07-58 |
3 | Lat. 6-52-42 | 284 | 287 | 290 | 293 | 296 | 299 | 302 | 305 | 308 | 311 | 314 | | 2150 | 1307
| Long.134-09-41 |
4 | Lat. 6-52-46 | 312 | 315 | 318 | 321 | 324 | 327 | 330 | 333 | 336 | 339 | 342 | 345 | 2100 | 1310
| Long.134-09-45 |
5 | Lat. 6-53-50 | 255 | 258 | 261 | 264 | 267 | 270 | 273 | 276 | 279 | 282 | 285 | 288 | 1200 | 1346
| Long.134-10-03 |
6 | Lat. 6-53-52 | 283 | 286 | 289 | 292 | 295 | 298 | 301 | 304 | 307 | 310 | 313 | 316 | 1200 | 1350
| Long.134-10-05 |
7 | Lat. 6-54-00 | 296 | 299 | 302 | 305 | 308 | 311 | 314 | 317 | 320 | | | | 1100 | 1358
| Long.134-10-12 |
8 | Lat. 6-55-31 | 205 | 208 | 211 | 214 | 217 | 220 | 223 | 226 | 229 | 232 | 235 | 238 | 2150 | 1441
| Long.134-10-18 |
9 | Lat. 6-55-34 | 233 | 236 | 239 | 242 | 245 | 248 | 251 | 254 | 257 | | | | 2150 | 1445
| Long.134-10-10 |
10 | Lat. 6-55-50 | 164 | 167 | 170 | 173 | 176 | 179 | 182 | 185 | 188 | 191 | 194 | 197 | 1350 | 1510
| Long.134-09-57 |

Periscope ranges to light house on ANGAUR Island visible on rolls 1, 4, 8, and 9
are given as follows: Roll 1 - 4700
4 - 4300
8 - 4500
9 - 4300

- 3 - ENCLOSURE (B)

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[HANDWRITTEN: 01510]

TOP SECRET

U.S.S. BURRFISH - THIRD WAR PATROL
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE

PELELIU ISLAND - Southeast Beaches. 4 August 1944.
Camera focal length 10 cm. Periscope set on high power.

Roll | Position        | 1   | 2   | 3   | 4   | 5   | 6   | 7   | 8   | 9   | 10  | 11  | 12  | Range   | Time
No.  | Yards   | (Zone -9)
-----||-----||
11   | Lat. 6-57-49    | 330 | 327 | 324 | 321 | 318 | 315 | 312 | 309 | 306 | 303 | 300 |     | 2700    | 1407
     | Long.134-15-24  |
12   | Lat. 6-57-48    | 289 | 292 | 295 | 298 | 301 | 304 | 307 | 310 | 313 | 316 | 319 | 322 | 2800    | 1411
     | Long.134-15-08  |
13   | Lat. 6-57-39    | 300 | 303 | 306 | 309 | 312 | 315 | 318 | 321 | 324 | 327 | 330 | 333 | 2600    | 1415
     | Long.134-10-53  | to      | 2200    |

- 4 - ENCLOSURE (B)

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SECRET
TOP SECRET

[HANDWRITTEN: 01521]

CURRENT DATA.

USS BURRFISH
THIRD WAR PATROL

PELELIU AND ANGAUR ISLANDS

1 August 1944
Time Zone (-9)

High water 0302
Low water 1044
High water 1800

Symbol Time (-9) Set (true) Drift (knots) Tide
F 0600 - 0800 242° 0.9 Ebb
G 0805 - 1030 200° 0.7 Ebb
H 1030 - 1155 195° 0.7 Flood
I 1155 - 1530 228° 0.7 Flood
J 1600 - 1830 206° 0.7 Flood

31 July 1944
Time Zone (-9)

Flood Tide 0957
Low Water 1711
High Water

Symbol Time (-9) Set (true) Drift (knots)
A 1008 - 1053 250° 0.9
B 1053 - 1157 240° 0.9
C 1215 - 1330 225° 0.9
D 1330 - 1415 290° 1.0
E 1420 - 1530 270° 1.0

See attached overlay for positions of each observation.

- 1 -

ENCLOSURE (C)

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SECRET
TOP SECRET

                                                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 01521]
                                                                USS BURRFISH
                                                                THIRD WAR PATROL

CURRENT DATA.                                                   PELELIU AND ANGAUR ISLANDS

                                                                                                3 August 1944
                                                                                                Time Zone (-9)

Ebb Tide
High Water                                                      0458
Low water                                                       1213

Symbol | Time (-9)     | Set (true) | Drift (knots)
K      | 0622 - 0652   | 170°       | 1.7
L      | 0711 - 0753   | 165°       | 0.9
M      | 0805 - 0920   | 168°       | 0.6
N      | 0945 - 1131   | -          | 0.0

Flood Tide
Low Water                                                       1213
High Water                                                      1931

Symbol | Time (-9)     | Set (true) | Drift (knots)
P      | 1151 - 1350   | 187°       | 0.6
Q      | 1414 - 1545   | 156°       | 0.3

See attached overlay for positions of each observation.

- 2 -                                                           ENCLOSURE (C)

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SECRET
TOP SECRET

CURRENT DATA

Ebb Tide
High water
Low water

Symbol
R
S
T
U
V
W

Flood Tide
Low water
High water

Symbol
X
Y
Z
AA
BB
CC
DD
EE

See attached overlay for positions of each observation.

USS BURRFISH
THIRD WAR PATROL

PELELIU AND ANGAUR ISLANDS

Time (-9)
0600 - 0639
0758 - 0849
0849 - 0950
0950 - 1055
1055 - 1155
1155 - 1300

1255
2010

Time (-9)
1338 - 1417
1425 - 1500
1500 - 1535
1545 - 1610
1635 - 1653
1700 - 1730
1745 - 1812
1812 - 1846

- 3 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 01521 .]

4 August 1944
Time Zone (-9)

Set (true)
160°
220°
240°
256°
237°
220°

Set (true)
240°
248°
261°
270°
280°
280°
230°
250°

ENCLOSURE (C)

Drift (knots)
1.0
1.2
0.9
1.2
1.0
0.7

Drift (knots)
1.3
1.6
1.2
0.8
1.4
1.2
1.5
1.5

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TOP SECRET
SECRET
[HANDWRITTEN: 01571]

RADAR INSTALLATIONS IN THE PALAU ISLAND GROUP
DETECTED BY THE APR-1 RADAR DETECTOR AND SPA-1
PULSE ANALYZER INSTALLED IN THE USS BURRFISH.

| Date - | Location | Freq. | Pulse | Pulse | Antenna | Lobe | Signal | Remarks |
| Time | | MC | Rate | Length | Rotation | Switch | Strength | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 7-29-44 | 08°-30'N | 515 | 400 | 5 | No | No | Moderate | Same characteristics as |
| 1230(-9) | 130°-46'E | | | | | | | ASB. Plane sighted but not | identified before we dived. | May have been friendly. | 2. 7-30-44 | 06°-38'N | 155 | 400 | 5 | 2 rpm | No | Moderate | Jap shore based radar |
| 0510(-9) | 134°-15'E | | | | | | | thought to be on PELELIU IS | 3. 7-30-44 | 6-40-30N | 153 | 400 | 5 | Hand train - | No | Strong | Jap shore based radar - |
| 2330(-9) | 134-11-30E | | | | Sector search. | | | Probably on PELELIU. | 4. 8-1-44 | 06°-50'N | 153 | 400 | 5 | Hand train. | No | Strong | Looked like same outfit |
| 0500(-9) | 134°-15'E | | | | | | | described in No. 3. Came on | at 0500(-9). | 5. 8-1-44 | 06°-50'N | 158 | 400 | 5 | Hand train. | No | Very | This was another installation. |
| 0503(-9) | 134°-15'E | | | | | | strong. | He was trained right on us and | remained so until we dived. We | were 5 miles southeast of | ANGAUR ISLAND and signal was so | strong (much stronger than No.4) | that we believe he was on | ANGAUR ISLAND. Later in the | morning we saw an airplane | looking around in our general | vicinity. Apparently we were | detected by this radar. | 6. 8-3-44 | 07°-00'N | 155 | 400 | 5 | Hand train. | No | Strong | Came on at 0430(-9) this morn- |
| 0433(-9) | 134°-00'E | | | | | | | ing instead of 0500 as before. | Think this set is on PELELIU. | 7. 8-4-44 | 06°-50'N | Same as number 6 above. | | | | | | |
| 0440(-9) | 134°-15'E | | | | | | | |

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ENCLOSURE (D)

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TOP SECRET
SECRET
[HANDWRITTEN: 81521]

RADAR INSTALLATIONS IN THE PALAU ISLAND GROUP
DETECTED BY THE APR-1 RADAR DETECTOR AND SPA-1
PULSE ANALYZER INSTALLED IN THE USS BURRFISH. (Continued)

| Date - Time | Location | Freq. MC | Pulse Rate | Pulse Length Micro-Sec | Antenna Rotation R.P.M. | Lobe Switch | Signal Strength | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8. 8-4-44 2125(-9) | 07°-00'N 133°-10'E | 176 | 700 | 4 | Not apparent. | No | Strong. | This turned out to be a Jap patrol bomber. Signal remained strong and steady right from the time we first detected him with signal strength gradually increasing. He no doubt detected us as he made a very deliberate approach on us. Our SJ picked him up at 6 miles; visually sighted at 5 miles at which time we dived. Signal displayed a slight flutter caused probably by an antenna switch (as in ASB) or due to faulty generator. |
| 9. 8-7-44 0435(-9) | 07°-33'N 132°-07'E | 168 | 400 | 7 | Hand train - 3600 search. | No | Weak | This one could be on BABELTHAUP. |
| 10. 8-7-44 1850(-9) | 07°-45'N 133°-10'E | 168 | 400 | 7 | Hand train - 3600 search | No | Very weak. | This is first time we have picked up Jap radar upon surfacing early in evening. Signal remained on only for a few minutes. Probably same as No. 10. |
| 11. 8-8-44 0520(-9) | 07°-45'N 133°-53'E | 170 | 400 | 7 | | | | |

ALL FREQUENCIES LISTED ABOVE ARE FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCIES.

CONCLUSIONS:
1. Jap land-based radar installations in the PALAU island group detected by this submarine so far have
   frequencies concentrated between 150 and 170 megacycles and all exhibit very nearly the same characteristics
   as to pulse rate, width, and shape. Antenna rotation appears to be chiefly by hand. Sometimes several
   radars operate simultaneously, each apparently covering a specific sector.
2. The Japs do not seem to operate their radars continuously, but do so sporadically throughout the 24 hours.
   They seem to search very carefully at dawn usually with more than one radar, beginning generally
   sometime after 0400 (L.C.T.)
3. As indicated by our contact No. 8 the Japs are using radar equipped aircraft in this area - Frequency in
   this case having been 176 MC. (Note that this is in I.F. band)
4. Though it is difficult to determine accurately, we believe that the Jap shore based radar can detect a
   submarine at about 6 miles - aircraft radar - 10 to 12 miles.

- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 16 —
[HANDWRITTEN: S-85]
[HANDWRITTEN: A16-3(1)]
FF12-10/S85/(11) COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 00770
[STAMP: TOP SECRET]

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO, BURRFISH top secret
ltr. SS312/A16-3, Ser.
(001) undated.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet
and Pacific Ocean Areas.

Subject: Submarine Photographic and Special Reconnais-
sance of PALAU Island Group.

1. Forwarded. The orientation track chart, photo-
graphic negatives, mounted prints of all photographs taken,
and one copy of basic correspondence have been delivered to
the representative of Commander Third Amphibious Force for
processing.

CONFIDENTIAL
[SIGNATURE: J. H. Brown, Jr.]
J. H. BROWN, Jr.

Copy to:
JICPOA
CO, BURRFISH
ComTHIRDFlt.

[STAMP: RECEIVED AUG 18 1944 964-R-44]
[HANDWRITTEN: 01521]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 August 1944.

— page 17 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1903]
DECLASSIFIED
IN REPLY
REFER TO:
SS312/A16-3
Serial (002)

U. S. S. BURRFISH (SS312)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
24 August 1944.
[HANDWRITTEN: Original 01702]
[HANDWRITTEN, vertical along right edge: 1-1-DERS # 01702 (GEN) (SECRET) # 2 of 2 New]

From : The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: Photographic and Special Reconnaissance of YAP - PALAU Islands.

Reference: (a) Comsubpac Operation Order No. 236-44, as modified by
               Comsubpac dispatches 231017 of July and 140953 of August.
          (b) Commander Third Amphibious Force Top Secret, Serial
               (00010) dated 10 July 1944.
          (c) USS BURRFISH Top Secret Letter SS312/A16-3, Serial (001).

Enclosure: (A) Reconnaissance Report.
          (B) Film negatives, contact prints of photographs taken, and
               chart overlays.
          (C) Detailed report of beach reconnaissance submitted by
               Senior Officer, Special Reconnaissance Detachment,
               addressed to Commander Third Amphibious Force.
          (D) Tabulation of data obtained from APR-1 type radar detector,
               with notes.

1. A photographic and special reconnaissance report covering the
period 29 July - 4 August, spent in the PELELIU - ANGAUR Area has been
submitted, reference (c).

2. The report covering reconnaissance conducted subsequent to
4 August is submitted herewith. (Enclosures (A) to (E)). The original only
is complete - sketches and photographs not having been prepared for the
copies.

[SIGNATURE: W. B. Perkins]
W. B. PERKINS.

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

— page 18 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01702]
TOP SECRET

PALAU - YAP Reconnaissance Report

1. Periscope photographic coverage of the beaches on the southern tip of
YAP and of the beach northeast of PEIAK ENTRANCE on YAP, comprising sixteen rolls
of film and sixteen sets of prints mounted in panorama, with overlays and tabulated
ship's positions is forwarded as enclosure (B). Roll number 16 was taken with the
ship's 35 MM camera, duplicating the coverage of rolls numbered ten to fifteen.

No additional PPI pictures were taken since it was considered prudent to leave
the SJ secured when close to land.

2. Current observations were made when possible. The following data were
obtained:

| Date | Time(-9) | Lat. | Long. | Set | Drift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 August | 1630 | 6-50N | 134-10E | 270 | 1.2 kt. |
| 12 August | 1730 | 6-51N | 134-10E | 250 | 1.0 kt. |
| 12 August | 1830 | 6-52N | 134-11E | 270 | 0.8 kt. |
| 12 - 13 August | 1900 - 1900 | 6-40N | 134-04E(Mean) | 270 | 1.0 kt. |
| 16 August | 1000 - 1200 | 9-26N | 138-06E | 235 | 0.5 kt. |
| 16 August | 1400 | 9-27N | 138-02E | None | None |
| 16 August | 1630 | 9-27N | 138-02E | 070 | 0.7 kt. |
| 16 August | 1645 | 9-24N | 138-02E | 225 | 0.4 kt. |
| 16 August | 1730 | 9-23N | 138-04E | 220 | 1.1 kt. |
| 16 August | 1830 | 9-23N | 138-04E | 240 | 0.5 kt. |
| 18 August | 0900 - 1300 | 9-31N | 138-15E | 230 | 0.5 kt. |
| 18 August | 1600 - 1730 | 9-31N | 138-17E | 300 | 0.7 kt. |
| 18 August | 2000 - 2400 | 9-29N | 138-13E | 220 | 0.5 kt. |
| 19 August | 0600 - 0900 | 9-28N | 138-14E | 230 | 0.4 kt. |
| 20 August | 0800 - 1000 | 9-30N | 138-13E | 220 | 0.4 kt. |

It will be noted that the few additional observations taken in the vicinity
of ANGAUR tend to confirm the data submitted on enclosure (C) to reference (c).

In the vicinity of YAP, the ocean currents appear to be westerly, splitting at
the eastern tip and conforming to the trend of the coast in northwesterly and
southwesterly directions. One observation would indicate that the current eddies
around the reef on the southern tip of the island giving a counter current across
this reef at times. The drifts of all currents were small.

3. Three beach reconnaissance trips were made by the special reconnaissance
party. Beaches covered were those listed as 1(b), 3(a) and 3(c) in reference (b).
A detailed report of the rubber boat sorties is enclosed as enclosure (C). It is
noted that what appeared to be scullies on the beach on PELELIU from pictures and
periscope observations turned out to be log supports for a smooth wire fence. Land
based radar in the PELELIU - ANGAUR area prohibited further landings there. Beach

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 19 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01702]

Subject: PALAU - YAP Reconnaissance Report.

3(b), on YAP, was not attempted due to the inability of the submarine to reach a
reasonably close launching point for the rubber boat due to reported mines near the
GOFENU Entrance, combined with the effect of the unfortunate loss of three members
of the reconnaissance party on the night of 18 - 19 August. A narrative of the
events leading to the loss of these men is included in enclosure (C).

4. A tabulation of data obtained from the radar detector model APR-1
(80 - 300 MC, 300 - 1000 MC)) is appended, enclosure (D). The remarks included with
this tabulation are believed to be of interest, and represent a great deal of work
on the part of the Radar Officer.

Radar equipped planes seem to be plentiful in the PALAU area - the BURRFISH
was forced down six times by them. All except one were on 176 MC. It is noted that
they fly on moonless as well as moonlight nights.

No time schedule could be worked out covering the operation of the land based
(155 MC) radars on PALAU. They are intermittent and unpredictable. The YAP night
schedule of off at 1900 and on at 0400 was very consistent, and convenient for us.

No radar installations on PELELIU or ANGAUR could be identified as such.
Observations were made from various points close to and at a distance from these
islands and, although the presence of radar was definitely established, no radar
antenna could be identified.

Recognition signals were successfully exchanged with the U.S.S. BALAO by keying
the SJ at an estimated distance of 25 miles. It is pointed out that the BALAO and
BURRFISH were effecting a rendezvous and were without doubt, alert for such a signal
at the time.

There was some evidence that the JAPANESE were DFing our SJ when we were within
approximately 10 miles from land. For this reason we did not turn on our SJ on
those nights when rubber boat sorties were planned until after all operations were
completed and the BURRFISH had opened to at least 10 miles from land. The SD radar
was not used at all after the first aircraft contact off MARCUS while enroute to
station.

The APR-1 was manned almost continuously while on the surface, day and night.
In addition to indicating when land based radar was trained in our direction, it
proved invaluable as an early warning device for radar equipped airplanes.

5. No details on the islands not otherwise charted or apparent on the
photographs taken or previous ones could be observed through the periscope. Slight
activity was observed - a flash of light here and there at night and occassional
strollers along the shore by day. The stone tower on TOMIL Island is logically used
as a lookout station and persons were observed in its vicinity.

Searchlight beams eminating from the vicinity of the airfield on PELELIU and

- 2 - ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 22 —
Chronology of events leading to loss of three men on beach 3(c) on GAGIL
TOMIL Island August 18, 1944.
1. Boat launched from ship at 2006 at a point 3000 yards off center of beach 3(c).
Course to beach 315° mag.
2. Ship submerged at 2007.
3. Ship surfaced at 0034 and fixed her position as being 5000 yards bearing 000°
from rendezvous point.
4. From 0034 to 0300 steamed various courses at various speeds attempting to make
contact with rubber boat.
5. At 0300 sighted flashing white light from boat and altered course and speed
to close boat.
6. At 0315 picked up boat with BALL, John E., CBM(PA) and CARPENTER, Emmet L.,
CM3c, the only crew members in it. Missing were ROEDER, Howard L., CGM(AA),
680 10 60, МаCMAHON, John C., SP(A)1c, 402 71 86, and BLACK, Robert A. jr.,
QMlc, 811 44 04.
7. At 0348 JAP radar was picked up on the APR and the ship dived to avoid detection.
8. From 0348 to 0640 patrolled off beach 3(c). At 0640 changed course to 135°(T)
and ran out this line as this was rendezvous course line from beach. At 1829
surfaced but because of extremely black and rainey weather no attempt was
made to run to the rendezvous point. At 0515 dived and made submerged approach
on rendezvous point. Searched all day along beach, and along southeast
rendezvous course line.
9. According to BALL and CARPENTER the following is the chronology of the rubber
boat's movements: The boat was launched at 2006 and given a course to land
of 315° Mag. distance 3000 yards. On this beach the reef is approximately 1100
yards from the shore line. The boat had no difficulty in making the correct
beach. As they approached the surf they started taking soundings and in the
space of about 120 yards found "no bottom at 25", a sounding of 15', and
finally 3'. They were then allowing the boat to drift and discussing the
feasibility of going on through the surf when a roller caught them and left
them no alternative, however they crossed the surf with no great difficulty and
paddled to a point about 100 yards toward the shore and anchored the boat in
7' of water. ROEDER (who was crew captain) then directed BLACK and CARPENTER
to go in toward the beach on the left, while he and MacMAHON would go in on
the right. Each of these teams had a compass, and each man wore two knives,
a hand granade, a face mask, a waterproof watch, and all had swim fins except
ROEDER who had lost his apparently when the boat was launched although he made
no mention of it. The boat was anchored about 500 yards off the shore.
ROEDER gave each man a rendezvous time back at the boat at "absolutely no later
than 2245". The boat had been told to leave the beach no later than 2330. At
2110 the two teams left the boat headed for the beach the high point of which
was plainly visible. BALL was left as boat keeper. At about 2130 CARPENTER
and BLACK returned to the boat because CARPENTER was in distress and too tired
to swim farther. BLACK then oriented himself, took another compass check, and
headed back alone for the shore. At 2315, which was 30 minutes past the dead-
line time, BALL and CARPENTER manned the boat and rowed into within 100 yards
of the beach. They then returned to a point inside the surf line and then
rowed in a general Northeast and then Southwest line until 0015 at which time
BALL was forced to make the decision to return to the ship it then being 45
minutes past the deadline given the boat to depart for the rendezvous with the

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (B). to Senior Officer
Special Reconnaissance ltr. A16-3, Ser (003) of 24 August 1944.

— page 25 —
List of Equipment and Miscellaneous information for Future Reconnaissance Parties.

1. The following information has been obtained more or less by the "trial
and error" method, and is written down as a possible help to some future party.

2. Both the 4-man and the 7-man rubber boats have been tried, and the
7-man boat with a crew of five men has been found to be best. To carry the 7-man
boat, the submarine must be provided with a special stowage locker which consists
of a perforated cylindrical drum approximately 6'-0" long and 2'-6" in diameter
with a hinged dog type door on the after end. This drum is secured on the main
deck just aft of the conning tower fairwater. The boat is deflated, rolled up
from end to end, secured with a piece of line, and stowed in the drum. A special
inflating and deflating assembly, operating from the ship's 200 lb. air supply is
a great convenience and time saver. The E & R Shop at the Submarine Base in Pearl
Harbor has the details on both the stowage drum, and the inflating device - both
are excellent and their use is strongly recommended. Using them a boat can be
inflated and launched, or deflated and stowed in approximately seven minutes.

3. A five man crew has been determined as the best number. This allows
for one boatkeeper to stay with the boat, and two two-man swimming teams to do
the actual reconnaissance work.

4. The equipment to be carried can be tabulated as follows:

A. Equipment for each man:

1. One pair rubber swim fins.
2. One face mask.
3. Two pair cloth swimming trunks, dark color.
4. Two good quality combat knives.
5. One good quality waterproof watch.
6. One waterproof compass with luminous dial.
7. One sounding lead - 6 oz. lead slug with 10 ft. white line attached,
worn on belt.
8. One pair coral shoes dyed black.
9. One pair submarine sandals.
10. Three complete changes of clothing, three bed sheets, toilet
articles, gun, candy, cigarettes, wash clothes, towels, etc.
11. One web belt (standard officers' type).
12. One Army field jacket.
13. One penlight size flashlight.

B. Equipment for each boat:

1. One standard 7-man rubber boat less motor mount, less pneumatic
floor, with all line and fittings dyed black. Inflation fittings
must be altered to fit special inflation-deflation gear.
2. Ten standard 5 ft. wood canoe paddles (5 are spares left in ship)
with 5 ft. white line lanyard fitted with snap on outboard end.
3. The field repair kit bag is emptied of its normal gear and stowed
with the following:

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (C). to Senior Officer
Special Reconnaissance ltr A16-3, Ser.(003) of 24 August 1944.

— page 26 —
Subject: List of Equipment and Miscellaneous Information for Future Reconnaissance
           Parties.

— page 27 —
Subject: List of Equipment and Miscellaneous Information for Future Reconnaissance
         Parties.

24. Six spare waterproof flashlights with batteries and lamps (Penlight
    size).
25. Six spare knives.
26. Six spare compasses.
27. Six spare watches.
28. Six rolls rubber tape, six rolls friction tape.
29. Two spare "A" or "C" Nan receivers.
30. Two "Paratrooper" combination radio transmitter and receiver,
    fitted in waterproof carrying cases.

5. In general, reconnaissance of this type cannot be carried out on
inhabited shores except in the dark of the moon. If the enemy has good radar
installations, the submarine will probably be driven down before she can recover
the boat. NAN equipment is excellent except that it is fragile and non-waterproof.
The most satisfactory arrangement is the "A" type receiver and the X-7 beacon. An
average rowing time of one mile per hour is the best that can be expected. Good
strong swimmers are absolutely essential as most of the actual reconnaissance
is done in this manner. As few days as possible should be spent aboard the
submarine as the men rapidly lose their ability to perform hard physical work.
Beach reconnaissance and night bombing or carrier strikes do not work well to-
gether. The enemy is continually alerted. Preliminary training of boat's crew is
essential, also some training in launching and recovery of boat from submarine is
necessary.

                                                                    - 3 -
Special Reconnaissance ltr A16-3, Ser.(003) of 24 August 1944.
                                                                    ENCLOSURE (C). to Senior Officer

— page 28 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01702]

RADAR SIGNALS INTERCEPTED BY
APR-1 and SPA-1 RADAR RECEIVER
AND PULSE ANALYZER EQUIPMENT.

No. | Date     | Our        | Freq.MC | Pulse | Pulse     | Antenna  | Lobe   | Signal
    | Time     | LOCATION   |         | Rate  | Micro-sec.| Rotation | Switch | Strength
    |          |            |         |       | Length    | RPM      |        |
1.  | 7-29-44  | 08°-30'N   | 515     | 400   | 5         | No       | No     | Moderate.
    | 1230(-9) | 130°-46'E  |         |       |           |          |        |
    Remarks: Same characteristics as ASB. Plane sighted but not identified before
    we dived. May have been friendly.

2.  | 7-30-44  | 6-38N      | 155     | 400   | 5         | 2 RPM    | No     | Moderate.
    | 0510(-9) | 134-15E    |         |       |           |          |        |
    Remarks: Jap shore based radar. Thought to be on PELELIU Island.

3.  | 7-30-44  | 6-40-30N   | 153     | 400   | 5         | Hand train | No   | Strong.
    | 2330(-9) | 134-11-30E |         |       |           | Sector Search|        |
    Remarks: Jap shore based radar - probably on PELELIU.

4.  | 8-1-44   | 6°-50'N    | 153     | 400   | 5         | Hand     | No     | Strong.
    | 0500(-9) | 134°-15'E  |         |       |           | train.   |        |
    Remarks: Looked like same outfit described in No. 3. Came on at 0500(-9).

5.  | 8-1-44   | 6°-50'N    | 158     | 400   | 5         | Hand     | No     | Very
    | 0503(-9) | 134°-15'E  |         |       |           | train    |        | strong.
    Remarks: This was another installation. He was trained right on us and remained
    so until we dived. We were 5 miles southeast of ANGAUR Island and
    signal was so strong (much stronger than No. 4) that we believe he
    was on ANGAUR Island. Later in the morning we saw an airplane looking
    around in our general vicinity. It is likely we were detected by this
    radar.

6.  | 8-3-44   | 7°-00'N    | 155     | 400   | 5         | Hand     | No     | Strong.
    | 0433(-9) | 134°-00'E  |         |       |           | train.   |        |
    Remarks: Came on at 0430(-9) this morning instead of 0500 as before. Think
    this set is on PELELIU Island.

7.  | 8-4-44   | 6°-50'N    | Same as No. 6
    | 0440(-9) | 134°-15'E  |         |       |           |          |        |

8.  | 8-4-44   | 7°-00'N    | 176     | 700   | 4         | Not      | No     | Strong.
    | 2125(-9) | 133°-10'E  |         |       |           | apparent.|        |
    Remarks: This turned out to be a JAP patrol bomber. Signal remained strong and
    steady right from the time we detected him with signal strength gradually
    increasing. He no doubt detected us as he made a very deliberate

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (D). to CO BURRFISH ltr A16-3
Ser.(002) of 8-24-44 .

— page 30 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01702]

Subject: Radar Signals Intercepted by APR-1 Radar Receiver and Pulse Analyzer
         Equipment.

— page 31 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01707]
Subject: Radar Signals Intercepted by APR-1 Radar Receiver and Pulse Analyzer Equipment.
26. 8-14-44 07-29N 158 400 8 Slow hand No Very Weak.
    0525(-9) 133-57E train
Remarks: We were 50 miles east of BABELTHAUP.
27. 8-14-44 07-34N 155 500 12 Slow hand No Weak.
    1855(-9) 133-53E 168 400 7 train.
Remarks: Two signals from PALAU - on at same time.
28. 8-14-44 07-26N 177 350 3 No No Strong, then
    2217(-9) 133-42E faded out.
Remarks: Patrol aircraft over PALAU.
29. 8-15-44 09-12N 162 500 5 Slow hand Possible. Strong.
    0400(-9) 138-00E train.
Remarks: JAP radar on YAP Island. This one puts out double pips -
    could be lobe switching or double pulsing. 2nd pip smaller
    and shorter duration but both pips vary together in
    amplitude as antenna is trained.
30. 8-17-44 09-10N 156 500 5 Slow Hand Possible. Strong.
    0407(-9) 138-00E train.
Remarks: Looks same as No. 29 even though frequency is different. We were 12
    miles south of YAP Island.
31. 8-18-44 09-30N 157 500 5 Slow hand Possible. Very
    0355(-9) 138-25E train. strong.
Remarks: Location: YAP Island. Strongest signal received from a JAP radar to date.
    This outfit is probably located on top of one of the higher hill on YAP.
    Sometimes one pulse this morning - sometimes two. However P.R.F. remains
    same regardless. Also - he seems to search all around even when lobing.
32. 8-18-44 9-31N 155 500 5 Slow hand No Very strong.
    1840(-9) 138-20E train.
Remarks: Location: YAP Island. Only one pulse this time. He secured his
    radar at 1900(-9).
33. 8-19-44 9-30N 155 500 5 Slow hand No Very strong.
    0345(-9) 138-14E train.
Remarks: Same one again. YAP radar during time we were in vicinity searched
    from sunset until 1900 then secured until about 0400, being still
    on when we would dive at from 0345 to 0530.

* All frequencies listed are fundamental frequencies!

CONCLUSIONS.

A. PALAU Land Based Radar.
    1. There are 3 or more Radar installations at PALAU operating in the band
       of frequencies between 150 and 170 MC.
    2. During the time we were in the PALAU area the above radars operated from

- 4 -

ENCLOSURE (D). to CO BURRFISH ltr A16-3
Ser.(002) of 8-24-44.

— page 33 —
IN REPLY
REFER TO:
SS312/A16-3
Serial (003)
U. S. S. BURRFISH (SS312)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
24 August 1944.
[HANDWRITTEN: Com 3rd Phib Force BOX# 75-436 RS#
FILE H
JACAT B]

From:
To :
Via:
Subject:
Senior Officer, Special Reconnaissance Detachment
(Lieutenant C. E. Kirkpatrick, USN (Ret).
Commander Third Amphibious Force.
(1) Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BURRFISH.
(2) Commander Submarines, PACIFIC FLEET.
Reconnaissance Mission on beaches at PALAU and YAP Islands,
report on.
Reference: (a) Comthirdphib Top Secret 1tr FE25/A8, Serial 00010 of 10
July 1944.
Enclosure: (A) Sketches of beaches at (a) Southeast tip of PELELIU Island,
(b) South tip of YAP Island, (c) Northeast coast of GAGIL
TOMIL YAP Island Group.
(B) Chronology of events leading to loss of three men on beach
3(c) on GAGIL TOMIL Island.
(C) List of equipment and miscellaneous information for future
reconnaissance parties.

1. In accordance with reference (a) the special reconnaissance
party embarked in the U.S.S. BURRFISH at 2000 July 10, 1944. At 1300
July 11, the ship got underway for the PALAU Islands. In route to station
the ship was advised of a carrier strike, various bombing missions, and a
possible bombardment on the PALAU group. Accordingly the BURRFISH did not
get in the area off PELELIU until July 30, 1944. There was a bright moon
at this time which together with plane contacts and much JAP radar activity
prevented any beach work until the night of August 11, 1944 when beach
1(b) on PELELIU was reconnoitered. This beach was found to be satisfactory
for LVT's, DUKW's and possibly LCT's. Any smaller landing craft would have
difficulty in the surf. Because of intense JAP radar activity (occasioned
in part by almost nightly bombing attacks by our planes) we were forced to
abandon any further attempts at the remaining beaches on PELELIU and
ANGAUR Islands and on August 14 we notified Comsubpac and proceeded to
YAP Island.

2. On the night of August 16 a reconnaissance on beach 3(a) on the

-1-
ENCLOSURE (C) to CO BURRFISH 1tr SS312/A16-3, Ser(002) of 8-24-44

— page 34 —
SS312/A16-3
Serial (003)

USS BURRFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California.
24 August 1944.

Subject: Reconnaissance Mission on beaches at PALAU and YAP Islands,
report on.

— page 34 —
SS312/A16-3
Serial (003)

USS BURRFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California.
24 August 1944.

Subject: Reconnaissance Mission on beaches at PALAU and YAP Islands,
report on.

— page 36 —
IN REPLY
REFER TO:
SS312/A16-3
Serial (004)

U. S. S. BURRFISH (SS312)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
25 August 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Senior Officer, Special Reconnaissance
Detachment ltr. SS312/A16-3, Ser.(003)
dated 24 August 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: Reconnaissance Mission on Beaches at PALAU and YAP Islands,
report on.

1. Forwarded.

2. It is requested that this correspondence be further forwarded
to Commander Third Amphibious Force.

[SIGNATURE: W. B. Perkins]
W. B. PERKINS.

— page 36 —
IN REPLY
REFER TO:
SS312/A16-3
Serial (004)

U. S. S. BURRFISH (SS312)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
25 August 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Senior Officer, Special Reconnaissance
Detachment ltr. SS312/A16-3, Ser.(003)
dated 24 August 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: Reconnaissance Mission on Beaches at PALAU and YAP Islands,
report on.

1. Forwarded.

2. It is requested that this correspondence be further forwarded
to Commander Third Amphibious Force.

[SIGNATURE: W. B. Perkins]
W. B. PERKINS.

— page 37 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
He
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 August 1944.

FF12-10/A16-3/
(12)

Serial 00791

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
Senior Officer, Special
Reconnaissance Detachment
ltr. SS312/A16-3, Ser.
(003) dated 24 August 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander THIRD Amphibious Force.

Subject: Reconnaissance Mission on Beaches at PALAU and
YAP Islands, report on.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: C. A. Lockwood]
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

— page 37 —
FF12-10/A16-3/
(12)
Serial 00791
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
He
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 August 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
Senior Officer, Special
Reconnaissance Detachment
1tr. SS312/A16-3, Ser.
(003) dated 24 August 1944.

From:
To :
Subject:
1.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander THIRD Amphibious Force.
Reconnaissance Mission on Beaches at PALAU and
YAP Islands, report on.
Forwarded.
[SIGNATURE: C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.]

— page 38 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01702]
[STAMP: RECEIVED AUG 30 AM 1944 CINCPAC]
[HANDWRITTEN: 297-K-44]

FF12-10/S85/(11) COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 00792 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 August 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO, BURRFISH top secret
ltr. SS312/A16-3,
Serial (002) of 24
August 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet
and Pacific Ocean Areas.

Subject: Photographic and Special Reconnaissance of
YAP - PALAU Islands.

1. Forwarded. The orientation track chart, photo-
graphic negatives, mounted prints of all photographs taken,
and one copy of basic correspondence have been delivered to
the representative of Commander THIRD Amphibious Force for
processing.

[SIGNATURE: W. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.]
W. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Copy to:
JICPOA
CO, BURRFISH
ComTHIRDFlt.

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

— page 38 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01702]
[HANDWRITTEN: 297-K-44]
[STAMP: RECEIVED AUG 30 AM He CINCPAC 44]

FF12-10/S85/(11) COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 00792 Care of Fleet Post Office,
[Blacked out text] San Francisco, California,
29 August 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO, BURRFISH top secret
ltr. SS312/A16-3,
Serial (002) of 24
August 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet
and Pacific Ocean Areas.

Subject: Photographic and Special Reconnaissance of
YAP - PALAU Islands.

1. Forwarded. The orientation track chart, photo-
graphic negatives, mounted prints of all photographs taken,
and one copy of basic correspondence have been delivered to
the representative of Commander THIRD Amphibious Force for
processing.

[SIGNATURE: C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.]

Copy to:
JICPOA
CO, BURRFISH
ComTHIRDflt.

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

— page 39 —
DECLASSIFIED - OPNAV INST 5500.30
[HANDWRITTEN: BY 09091C DATE 4 SEP 59]
SS236/A16-3
Serial
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

From: The Commander Task Group 17.24 (Commander Submarine Division
     102).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
     (2) The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

Reference: (a) U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236) - Report of War Patrol No.
     Eleven.
     (b) U.S.S. SAURY (SS189) - Report of War Patrol No. Eleven.
     (c) U.S.S. TAIBOR (SS198) - Report of War Patrol No. Twelve.
     (d) U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS237) - Report of War Patrol No. Ten.
     (e) U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol No. Two.
     (f) U.S.S. BURRFISH (SS312) - Report of War Patrol No. Four.
     (g) U.S.S. RONQUIL (SS396) - Report of War Patrol No. Two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
     *(B) C.T.G. 17.24 Supplementary Patrol Instructions.
     (C) Track Chart (ComSubsPac only).
     (D) Log of despatch communications (ComSubsPac only).
     (ComSubsPac only).

1. Enclosures (A) to (D), inclusive, are submitted herewith.
The detailed reports of the ships comprising Task Group 17.24 are listed
above in references (a) to (g).

[HANDWRITTEN: X]
[SIGNATURE: Thomas B. Klakring]
THOMAS B. KLAKRING.

[STAMP: 98153 FILMED]

— page 39 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED - OPNAV INST 5500.30]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OPO971C DATE 4 SEP 59]

SS236/A16-3
Serial
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

From: The Commander Task Group 17.24 (Commander Submarine Division
102).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

Reference: (a) U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236) - Report of War Patrol No.
Eleven.
(b) U.S.S. SAURY (SS189) - Report of War Patrol No. Eleven.
(c) U.S.S. TAIBOR (SS198) - Report of War Patrol No. Twelve.
(d) U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS237) - Report of War Patrol No. Ten.
(e) U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol No. Two.
(f) U.S.S. BURRFISH (SS312) - Report of War Patrol No. Four.
(g) U.S.S. RONQUIL (SS396) - Report of War Patrol No. Two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
* (B) C.T.G. 17.24 Supplementary Patrol Instructions.
(C) Track Chart (ComSubsPac only).
(D) Log of despatch communications (ComSubsPac only).
(ComSubsPac only).

1. Enclosures (A) to (D), inclusive, are submitted herewith.
The detailed reports of the ships comprising Task Group 17.24 are listed
above in references (a) to (g).

[SIGNATURE: Thomas B. Klakring]
THOMAS B. KLAKRING.

[HANDWRITTEN: X]
98153 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 40 —
DECLASSIFIED U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

ENCLOSURE A.

(S) PROLOGUE:

Subject; Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

Commander Task Group 17.7's despatch 091929 of November directed the
formation of this coordinated attack group with designations as follows:

Com Task Group 17.24 - Commander T. B. KLAKRING (in SILVERSIDES)
Task Unit 17.24.1 - U.S.S. SILVERSIDES
Task Unit 17.24.2 - U.S.S. TRIGGER
Task Unit 17.24.3 - U.S.S. STERLET
Task Unit 17.24.4 - U.S.S. RONQUIL
Task Unit 17.24.5 - U.S.S. TAMBOR
Task Unit 17.24.6 - U.S.S. SAURY
Task Unit 17.24.7 - U.S.S. BURRFISH

The group was ordered to conduct a sweep to the Westward and Northward
of the Volcano and Bonin Islands to destroy patrol vessels and other enemy
shipping encountered.

The group commander and commanding officers of the task units assembled
in conference in the U.S.S. FULTON (AS-11) at Saipan on November 9 and 10.
Detailed plans for the sweep were formulated and supplemented by free dis-
cussion with a view to conducting the operation with a minimum interchange
of communications.

It was determined that optimum area coverage was obtainable by dividing
the sector to be searched into seven parallel lanes of such widths that ap-
proximately equal areas were to be traversed by each of the task units. The
longer lanes near the western and northern limits of the area were assigned
to the newer submarines in order that they might take advantage of their
superior speed if necessary.

Starting lines for the commencement of each day's search at 0600(I)
were laid down at equal intervals along the route. These lines were designa-
ted by terminal coordinates in order that they could be advanced or retarded
by the group commander if the tactical situation required such changes.

The entire sweep was designed to be completed in an eight day period.
A leeway of twelve hours was allowed for the development of contacts an-
ticipated near the island chain between the Bonin Islands and the Japanese
Empire. This prediction proved correct.

A mathematical study revealed that one hundred percent area coverage
could be obtained at three engine speed if a speed of advance of approxi-
mately seven knots was maintained. This computation included an estimated
reduction in search efficiency of twenty-five percent due to bad weather.

• 1 •
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 40 —
DECLASSIFIED U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

ENCLOSURE A.

(S) PROLOGUE:

Subject; Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

Commander Task Group 17.7's despatch 091929 of November directed the
formation of this coordinated attack group with designations as follows:

Com Task Group 17.24 - Commander T. B. KLAKRING (in SILVERSIDES)
Task Unit 17.24.1 - U.S.S. SILVERSIDES
Task Unit 17.24.2 - U.S.S. TRIGGER
Task Unit 17.24.3 - U.S.S. STERLET
Task Unit 17.24.4 - U.S.S. RONQUIL
Task Unit 17.24.5 - U.S.S. TAMBOR
Task Unit 17.24.6 - U.S.S. SAURY
Task Unit 17.24.7 - U.S.S. BURRFISH

The group was ordered to conduct a sweep to the Westward and Northward
of the Volcano and Bonin Islands to destroy patrol vessels and other enemy
shipping encountered.

The group commander and commanding officers of the task units assembled
in conference in the U.S.S. FULTON (AS-11) at Saipan on November 9 and 10.
Detailed plans for the sweep were formulated and supplemented by free dis-
cussion with a view to conducting the operation with a minimum interchange
of communications.

It was determined that optimum area coverage was obtainable by dividing
the sector to be searched into seven parallel lanes of such widths that ap-
proximately equal areas were to be traversed by each of the task units. The
longer lanes near the western and northern limits of the area were assigned
to the newer submarines in order that they might take advantage of their
superior speed if necessary.

Starting lines for the commencement of each day's search at 0600(I)
were laid down at equal intervals along the route. These lines were designa-
ted by terminal coordinates in order that they could be advanced or retarded
by the group commander if the tactical situation required such changes.

The entire sweep was designed to be completed in an eight day period.
A leeway of twelve hours was allowed for the development of contacts an-
ticipated near the island chain between the Bonin Islands and the Japanese
Empire. This prediction proved correct.

A mathematical study revealed that one hundred percent area coverage
could be obtained at three engine speed if a speed of advance of approxi-
mately seven knots was maintained. This computation included an estimated
reduction in search efficiency of twenty-five percent due to bad weather.

• 1 •
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 42 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 03122AJO46]

U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of,
and contacts with enemy aircraft.

All units were fueled and loaded with ammunition. An effort to obtain
star shells was fruitless and the only additional armament supplied con-
sisted of two "bazookas" per submarine which were borrowed from the forces
ashore on Saipan. These weapons proved of little value because of their range
limitation.

(B) CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVE: (All times ITEM (-9))

November 10, 1944

1700 - Cleared Saipan harbor in formation and proceeded under escort of
U.S.S. CAUTION to the entrance to the safety lane (Funnel) in com-
pany with U.S.S. BESUGO (SS321).

2130 - Entered the safety lane and released the escort. BESUGO departed.
Changed course and formation to proceed up the axis of the Funnel.

November 11, 1944

Individual ship's drills and dives. Sighted numerous friendly
planes.

2300 - Cleared the Northern end of the Funnel and formed scouting line
without signal as delineated in the operating instructions.

November 12, 1944

During the forenoon the three Eastern units, TRIGGER, TALBOR, and
SAURY, encountered a friendly task force consisting of three heavy
cruisers of the LOUISVILLE and PENSACOLA classes accompanied by
six destroyers. TALBOR and TRIGGER exchanged signals with this
force and the commanding officer of the TRIGGER informed the sur-
face task force commander of the presence and disposition of our
group. This was a surprise contact and I am glad it occurred during
daylight, otherwise a dangerous situation might have developed.

Several contacts with both friendly and enemy planes occurred dur-
ing this day.

- 2 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 42 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 03122AJO46]

U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of,
and contacts with enemy aircraft.

All units were fueled and loaded with ammunition. An effort to obtain
star shells was fruitless and the only additional armament supplied con-
sisted of two "bazookas" per submarine which were borrowed from the forces
ashore on Saipan. These weapons proved of little value because of their range
limitation.

(B) CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVE: (All times ITEM (-9))

November 10, 1944

1700 - Cleared Saipan harbor in formation and proceeded under escort of
U.S.S. CAUTION to the entrance to the safety lane (Funnel) in com-
pany with U.S.S. BESUGO (SS321).

2130 - Entered the safety lane and released the escort. BESUGO departed.
Changed course and formation to proceed up the axis of the Funnel.

November 11, 1944

Individual ship's drills and dives. Sighted numerous friendly
planes.

2300 - Cleared the Northern end of the Funnel and formed scouting line
without signal as delineated in the operating instructions.

November 12, 1944

During the forenoon the three Eastern units, TRIGGER, TALBOR, and
SAURY, encountered a friendly task force consisting of three heavy
cruisers of the LOUISVILLE and PENSACOLA classes accompanied by
six destroyers. TALBOR and TRIGGER exchanged signals with this
force and the commanding officer of the TRIGGER informed the sur-
face task force commander of the presence and disposition of our
group. This was a surprise contact and I am glad it occurred during
daylight, otherwise a dangerous situation might have developed.

Several contacts with both friendly and enemy planes occurred dur-
ing this day.

- 2 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 43 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
SS236/A16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject:
Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.
November 13
0600- Started the sweep on the line Fox-Sugar Zero. The weather had de-
teriorated during the night and wo found ourselves on the trailing
odge of a typhoon. Despite the hoavy seas about ninety por cont
arca coverage was obtained by all units. A for enomy planes were
oncountored but there were no surface contacts.
November 14
0600 - Continued the sweep from the line Fox-Sugar One. The weather im-
proved and comploto coverage was obtained by all units. No contacts
other than with enemy aircraft wore made.
November 15
0600 - Starting line For-Sugar Two.

ACTION OF SILVERSIDES, TRIGGER, AND STERLET
0025 - SILVERSIDES modo visual contact with a patrol vessel at Lat. 30-11N,
Long. 137-29E and broadcast the contact report, STERLET and TRIGGER
converged in accordance with the doctrine and SILVERSIDES trailed the
target and sent out an amplifying report.

1015 - SILVERSIDES dove to close the target and at a range of six thousand
yards dotormined the character of the enemy to be a patrol vossel
of the converted tune boat typo. A subnorgod attack was bogun but
discontinued after twenty ninutes when the onomy was observed to
bo nenouvoring radically. Those maneuvers wora occasioned by the
gun fire of STERLET which had closed on the surface.

1210 - STERLET had opened fire pronaturely boccuso he thought ho observod
the vessel dopth charging SILVERSIDES. There being no further opper-
tunity to got in a subnerged torpedo attack, SILVERSIDES then battle-
surfaced and joined the fight at an opening range of 7,500 yards.
Scvorel 4-inch hits worc obtained and the target was dis-mestod.
His return fire was axtremely accurate and he straddled STERLET so
offectively at ranges from 5,000 to 7,800 yards that the latter dived,
-3-
4

— page 43 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

SS236/A16-3

CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

November 13

0600 - Started the sweep on the line Fox-Sugar Zero. The weather had de-
teriorated during the night and we found ourselves on the trailing
edge of a typhoon. Despite the heavy seas about ninety per cent
area coverage was obtained by all units. A few enemy planes were
encountered but there were no surface contacts.

November 14

0600 - Continued the sweep from the line Fox-Sugar One. The weather im-
proved and complete coverage was obtained by all units. No contacts
other than with enemy aircraft were made.

November 15

0600 - Starting line Fox-Sugar Two.

ACTION OF SILVERSIDES, TRIGGER, AND STERLET

0825 - SILVERSIDES made visual contact with a patrol vessel at Lat. 30-11N,
Long. 137-29E and broadcast the contact report. STERLET and TRIGGER
converged in accordance with the doctrine and SILVERSIDES trailed the
target and sent out an amplifying report.

1015 - SILVERSIDES dove to close the target and at a range of six thousand
yards determined the character of the enemy to be a patrol vessel
of the converted tuna boat type. A submerged attack was begun but
discontinued after twenty minutes when the enemy was observed to
be maneuvering radically. These maneuvers were occasioned by the
gun fire of STERLET which had closed on the surface.

1210 - STERLET had opened fire prematurely because he thought he observed
the vessel depth charging SILVERSIDES. There being no further oppor-
tunity to get in a submerged torpedo attack, SILVERSIDES then battle-
surfaced and joined the fight at an opening range of 7,500 yards.
Several 4-inch hits were obtained and the target was dis-masted.
His return fire was extremely accurate and he straddled STERLET so
effectively at ranges from 5,000 to 7,800 yards that the latter dived.

[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 44 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
SS236/16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject:
Care of Flect Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

The Commanding officer of the SILVERSIDES concluded that STERLET
had submerged because of a plane contact so the decks and bridge
were cleared and SILVERSIDES opened the range from 4,200 yards to
8,000 yards. During this phase the patrol boat straddled SILVERSIDES
repeatedly with salvocs of four to six sholls that appeared to be
of 40MM and 3-inch calibers but no damago was sustained by either
subnerine. At this time I began to be concerned about the STERLET
so a despatch was sent out to TRIGGER and TAMBOR to join up. The
latter did not receipt for the message.

1322 - TRIGGER came into view and an attack line was fornod normal to the
bearing of the enemy, STERLET having surfaced in the meantine.
TRIGGER delayed the re-opening of the action by naneuvering to
avoid a periscope contact which later proved false,

1513 - All thrce submarines oponed fire on signal at an initial range of
7000 yards and closed to 4000 yards. Meny near nisses more obtained
but I could only observe one or two actual bursts on the target.
One of those started fire in his forecastle which, unfortunately,
was oxtinguished innodiatoly by the splashos from noor nissos. Return
fire was as accurate as in the preceding phase and each submarine
was straddled several times at intermediate rangos.

1638 - The target's maneuvers were so continuosly radical that our fire
control sirply was not adequato-to cope with the situation and STERLET
and SILVERSIDES ren cut of 4-inch ammunition and withdrew from the
action. STERIET uns instructed to join up with TRIGGER who was
still firing his dock gun and to assist TRIGGER in working the
patrol into a position from which SILVERSIDES could make a submerged
attack. The onomy being fully alerted, kept turning away fren
SILVERSIDES end-around and contact was lost after it becane dark.
His spood at this time mms about tolve Inots. TRIGGER was instructed
to reintain contact and attempt a night surface torpedo attack
while STERLET and SILVERSIDES were directed, to resung their sweeps.
Communication difficultios delayed TRIGGER's start, however, and she
lost contact and could not rogain it.

-4-

5

— page 45 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

SS236/A16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Califironia.
CONFIDENTIALL
ENCLOSURE A.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

— page 45 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

SS236/A16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Califironia.
CONFIDENTIALL
ENCLOSURE A.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

— page 48 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

SS236/A16-3

CONFIDENTIAL

ENCLOSURE A.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

1941 - Four electric torpedoes were fired with a zero depth setting at
an average range of 2375 yards. The commanding officer of SAURY
observed the phosphorescent wake of the two torpedoes aimed at the
middle of the target but no explosions were obtained. It is pre-
sumed that these torpedoes underran although the sea conditions
were excellent. The enemy opened fire with what the captain of
SAURY estimates as two three-inch guns. At the same time he speeded
up and cleared out of the sweep area to the Southward. SAURY elected
not to chase and resumed the sweep.

This attack is described in reference (b).

November 16

0652 - SILVERSIDES was ordered to join up with TALBOR due to apparent
failure of SAURY to report her time of arrival at the scene of contact.

1100 - SILVERSIDES passed through debris at the scene of TALBOR's battle
and at the same time received a report of the action from TALBOR.
TRIGGER had also hurried to team up and got just close enough to
see TALBOR's gun fire and to observe the target sink.

ACTION OF RONQUIL AND BURRFISH

November 16

1320 - RONQUIL broadcast contact report of two ships at approximately Lat.
32, Long. 139 - 40. BURRFISH, SAURY and SILVERSIDES all headed
for her in accordance with doctrine and sent out their times of
arrival all of which were about sunset or afterwards. RONQUIL tracked
and sent out amplifying reports.

1721 - As darkness approached the commanding officer of RONQUIL decided to
attack at once which he did in a manner of which the entire Sub-
marine Force can be proud. I will not attempt to describe either
this first engagement during this patrol or the following one early the next
morning for they are both described in detail in references (f) and (g).

- 6 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 48 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

SS236/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

1941 - Four electric torpedoes were fired with a zero depth setting at
an average range of 2375 yards. The commanding officer of SAURY
observed the phosphorescent wake of the two torpedoes aimed at the
middle of the target but no explosions were obtained. It is pre-
sumed that these torpedoes underran although the sea conditions
were excellent. The enemy opened fire with what the captain of
SAURY estimates as two three-inch guns. At the same time he speeded
up and cleared out of the sweep area to the Southward. SAURY elected
not to chase and resumed the sweep.

This attack is described in reference (b).

November 16

0652 - SILVERSIDES was ordered to join up with TALBOR due to apparent
failure of SAURY to report her time of arrival at the scene of contact.

1100 - SILVERSIDES passed through debris at the scene of TALBOR's battle.
She received a report of the action from TALBOR.
TRIGGER had also hurried to team up and got just close enough to
see TALBOR's gun fire and to observe the target sink.

ACTION OF RONQUIL AND BURRFISH

November 16

1320 - RONQUIL broadcast contact report of two ships at approximately Lat.
32, Long. 139 - 40. BURRFISH, SAURY and SILVERSIDES all headed
for her in accordance with doctrine and sent out their times of
arrival all of which were about sunset or afterwards. RONQUIL tracked
and sent out amplifying reports.

1721 - As darkness approached the commanding officer of RONQUIL decided to
attack at once which he did in a manner of which the entire Sub-
marine Force can be proud. I will not attempt to describe either
this first engagement during this patrol or the following one early the next
morning for they are both described in detail in references (f) and (g).

- 6 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 50 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
SS236/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

after by eleven hours. This was done by despatch.
0838 - Upon receipt of a message from TUNFISH that RONQUIL had been damaged,
I turned back SILVERSIDES from her chase to the southward and ordered
her to join up and support the RONQUIL.
1200 - Received message from RONQUIL that she had been bombed and had made
a satisfactory emergency dive to 100 feet with the aid of temporary
repairs effected to her damaged hull.
1630 - ConSubSPac ordered discontinuance of sweep. It took several hours to
clear my despatch to this effect to all the units. The TRIGGER was
ordered to Guan, RONQUIL to Saipan to transfer her badly wounded
man and the remainder of the units were assigned routes to Midway
and Pearl Harbor.
SILVERSIDES proceeded to rendezvous with RONQUIL and accompany her
to Midway. The two ships met at 0120 the next morning.

ENGAGEMENTS OF SAURY AND TRIGGER

November 16
1855 - SAURY made radar contact with two patrols between Tori Shima and
Sofu Gan. TRIGGER joined up but SAURY had to order the attack de-
layed until dawn due to the state of the weather. During the night
both TRIGGER and SAURY lost and regained contact with the patrols
due, in the main, to the miserable atmospheric conditions.
SAURY and TRIGGER dove ahead of the patrols at dawn and SAURY lost
contact completely. TRIGGER regained contact at 0705, and made
a submerged attack firing one electric torpedo at 1200 yards range
and then another at 2,400 yards range. Both torpedoes missed and
probably ran erratic in the heavy seas.
1200 - TRIGGER opened out and battle surfaced. It was too rough to use the
deck gun but the automatic weapons were all manned then, suddenly,
TRIGGER was surprised by a plane and had to make an emergency dive
- 8 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 50 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

SS236/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

— page 51 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

SS236/A16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

CONFIDENTIAL

ENCLOSURE A.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

— page 51 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)

SS236/A16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

CONFIDENTIAL

ENCLOSURE A.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

— page 52 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California.

SS236/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

— page 52 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California.

SS236/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A.
Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

— page 53 —
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
55236/16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
CCIFIDETIL
ENCLOSURE 4.
S
Subject:
Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.
Sunk
1 patrol vessel (by TAIBOR)
1 patrol vessel (by RONQUIL)
1 patrol vessel (by STERIET)
Destroyed (did not sink)
1 patrol vessel (by ROMQUIL and BURTFISH)
Damaged
1 medium 40 (by SAURY)
1 patrol vessel (by SILVERSIDES, STERIET and TRIGGER)
(b) The TAIBOR recovered two Japenese naval ratings from the water
on November 16 after sinking their vessel. Both prisoners were
wounded and were transferred to the destroyer which came out from
Saipan to meet the submarine and transfer her wounded man.
(c) The short time spent in the area did not afford observation of
enemy patrol boat locations and methods of operation sufficient
to warrant a critical analysis but a few facts quickly became evident
and impressed themselves on my mind.
There is a concentration of patrol vessels in the vicinity of
the island chain North of the Bonins and in the submarine lane
"Corridor". These vessels are well equipped with small caliber
weapons which they use with dexterity. They show no reluctance
to engage our submarines on the surface. They are hard to sink by
gunfire.
If we are going to employ submarines to seek out and destroy these
patrols, our gunnery equipment and technique should be greatly
augmented and improved. 5-inch guns should be installed both for-
ward and aft with ammunition scuttles at each location. A simple
director and follow-the-pointer system should be devised to permit
salvo firing. Considerable emphasis should be placed on gunnery
- 11 -
12

— page 53 —
SS236/-16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE A

U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

Subject: Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.24, report of.

Sunk
1 patrol vessel (by TALBOR)
1 patrol vessel (by RONQUIL)
1 patrol vessel (by STERLET)

Destroyed (did not sink)
1 patrol vessel (by RONQUIL and BURTFISH)

Damaged
1 medium LO (by SAURY)
1 patrol vessel (by SILVERSIDES, STERLET and TRIGGER)

(b) The TALBOR recovered two Japanese naval ratings from the water
on November 16 after sinking their vessel. Both prisoners were
wounded and were transferred to the destroyer which came out from
Saipan to meet the submarine and transfer her wounded man.

(c) The short time spent in the area did not afford observation of
enemy patrol boat locations and methods of operation sufficient
to warrant a critical analysis but a few facts quickly became evident
and impressed themselves on my mind.

There is a concentration of patrol vessels in the vicinity of
the island chain North of the Bonins and in the submarine lane
"Corridor". These vessels are well equipped with small caliber
weapons which they use with dexterity. They show no reluctance
to engage our submarines on the surface. They are hard to sink by
gunfire.

If we are going to employ submarines to seek out and destroy these
patrols, our gunnery equipment and technique should be greatly
augmented and improved. 5-inch guns should be installed both for-
ward and aft with ammunition scuttles at each location. A simple
director and follow-the-pointer system should be devised to permit
salvo firing. Considerable emphasis should be placed on gunnery
- 11 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 12]

— page 55 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch

FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02788
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Patrol Report of Twenty-Second
Coordinated Attack Group.

[HANDWRITTEN: R-uss.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 12-22-44]

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
9 December 1944. [HANDWRITTEN: 12 02942]

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.24.

1. This task group consisted of the following submarines:

U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236) (Eleventh patrol),
U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS237) (Tenth patrol),
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) (Second patrol),
U.S.S. RONQUIL (SS396) (Second patrol),
U.S.S. TAMBOR (SS198) (Twelfth patrol),
U.S.S. SAURY (SS189) (Eleventh patrol),
U.S.S. BURRFISH (SS312) (Fourth patrol).

The group commander was Commander T. B. Klakring, U.S. Navy. The mis-
sion of the group was to make an anti-patrol vessel sweep in the areas
west and north of the Volcano and Bonin Islands.

2. In spite of rough weather, which was prevalent most of
the time in area, the group succeeded in inflicting damage upon the
enemy with both torpedoes and guns. All submarines conducted aggres-
sive attacks when contacts were made, and the military advantage was
maintained in all cases where gun attacks were made. The performances
of the TAMBOR, RONQUIL and STERLET were particularly outstanding al-
though all seven submarines contributed to the success of this mission.

3. The fact brought out by the group commander that such
an anti-patrol vessel sweep does not rid the area of these vessels,
but to the contrary brings more of them into the area is noted.
Nevertheless the overall reduction in value is valuable.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the Commander of Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT TWENTY-FOUR for the
successful accomplishment of his mission and for the efficient manner
in which it was planned. He joins the Group Commander in congratu-
lating the commanding officers of all seven submarines who partici-
pated in this sweep for their aggressive conduct throughout the entire
patrol. Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT TWENTY-FOUR is credited with having
inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U M M A R Y

1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. TAMBOR
1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. RONQUIL [HANDWRITTEN: ORIGINAL]
1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. STERLET [HANDWRITTEN: MICRO]
1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. RONQUIL [HANDWRITTEN: and]
| U.S.S. [UNCLEAR: PHONAR] [HANDWRITTEN: OP-16]
| U.S.S. BURRFISH
| RETURN TO F-4253

[STAMP: FILMED]
- 1 - [HANDWRITTEN: 14]

— page 55 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch

FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02788
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Patrol Report of Twenty-Second
Coordinated Attack Group.

[HANDWRITTEN: R-uss.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 12-22-44]

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
9 December 1944. [HANDWRITTEN: 12 02942]

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.24.

1. This task group consisted of the following submarines:

U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS236) (Eleventh patrol),
U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS237) (Tenth patrol),
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) (Second patrol),
U.S.S. RONQUIL (SS396) (Second patrol),
U.S.S. TAMBOR (SS198) (Twelfth patrol),
U.S.S. SAURY (SS189) (Eleventh patrol),
U.S.S. BURRFISH (SS312) (Fourth patrol).

The group commander was Commander T. B. Klakring, U.S. Navy. The mis-
sion of the group was to make an anti-patrol vessel sweep in the areas
west and north of the Volcano and Bonin Islands.

2. In spite of rough weather, which was prevalent most of
the time in area, the group succeeded in inflicting damage upon the
enemy with both torpedoes and guns. All submarines conducted aggres-
sive attacks when contacts were made, and the military advantage was
maintained in all cases where gun attacks were made. The performances
of the TAMBOR, RONQUIL and STERLET were particularly outstanding al-
though all seven submarines contributed to the success of this mission.

3. The fact brought out by the group commander that such
an anti-patrol vessel sweep does not rid the area of these vessels,
but to the contrary brings more of them into the area is noted.
Nevertheless the overall reduction in value is valuable.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the Commander of Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT TWENTY-FOUR for the
successful accomplishment of his mission and for the efficient manner
in which it was planned. He joins the Group Commander in congratu-
lating the commanding officers of all seven submarines who partici-
pated in this sweep for their aggressive conduct throughout the entire
patrol. Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT TWENTY-FOUR is credited with having
inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U M M A R Y

1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. TAMBOR
1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. RONQUIL [HANDWRITTEN: ORIGINAL]
1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. STERLET [HANDWRITTEN: MICRO]
1 - Patrol Vessel | U.S.S. RONQUIL [HANDWRITTEN: and]
| U.S.S. [UNCLEAR: PHONAR] [HANDWRITTEN: OP-16]
| U.S.S. BURRFISH
| RETURN TO F-4253

[STAMP: FILMED]
- 1 - [HANDWRITTEN: 14]

— page 56 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
9 December 1944.

FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02788
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Patrol Report of Twenty-Second
Coordinated Attack Group.
Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.24.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

DAMAGED
1 - Medium Tanker
1 - Patrol Vessel

U.S.S. SARUY
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES,
U.S.S. STERLET and
U.S.S. TRIGGER.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubpac (40)
ComsubpacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (3)
All submarines, Pacific (1)
ComFleetAirWingTWO (1)
O-in-C,ASWTU,FltAirWingTWO (1)
[SIGNATURE: C. R. Hynes 2nd]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

15

— page 56 —
FF12-10/416-3(15)
Serial 02788
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Patrol Report of Twenty-Second
Coordinated Attack Group.
Subject:
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
9 December 1944.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.24.
-
DAMAGED
1 - Medium Tanker
1 - Patrol Vessel
U.S.S. SARUY
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES,
U.S.S. STERLET and.
U.S.S. TRIGGER.
DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch
(7)
CNO
(5)
Cincpac
(6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac
(1)
Cinclant
(1)
Consubslant
(8)
S/M School, NL
(2)
CO, S/M Base, PH
(1)
Comsopac
(2)
Comsowespac
(1)
Comsubsowespac
(2)
CTG 71.9
(2)
Comnorpac
(1)
Comsubspac
(40)
ComsubspacSubordcom
(3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Pacific
(2)
Substrainpac
(3)
All submarines, Pacific
(1)
ComFleetAirWingTWO
(1)
O-in-C, ASWTU, FltAirWingTwo (1)
C. A. LOCKWOOD', Jr.
[SIGNATURE: C. h. Hynes 2nd]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

15

— page 57 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-52-81]
[HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
___

|||| 1.0
|||| 1.1
|||| 1.25 |||| 1.4

|||| 2.8 |||| 2.5
|||| 3.2 |||| 2.2
|||| 3.6 |||| 2.0
|||| 4.0 |||| 1.8
|||| 4.5 |||| 1.6
|||| 5.0

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with eagle]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

— page 57 —
END OF REEL
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-52-81]
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]

|||| 1.0
|||| 1.1
|||| 1.25

4.5
5.0
5.6
6.3

2.8
3.2
3.6
4.0

2.5
2.2
2.0
1.8

|||| 1.4
|||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION