U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS-222) — war patrol report SS-222_BLUEFISH_Part2.pdf

— page 1 —
11 AUG 1944
Al6-3(F-3/roj)
Serial: 02226

THIRD INDORSEMENT to
USS BLUEFISH conf. 1tr.
Al6, no serial, dated
27 June 1944. Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. Commander Seventh Fleet congratulates the
Commanding Officer, Officers, and Men of the U.S.S. BLUE-
FISH for the completion of a successful War Patrol.

H. W. GRAP,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
ComSubs7th
ComSubRon-16
GO U.S.S. BLUEFISH

— page 2 —
SS222/A16
From:  To:  Via:

Subject:  U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222), Report of War Patrol No. SIX.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the SIXTH war patrol of this vessel conducted in SOUTH CHINA SEA, NORTHWEST OF MANILA, during the period 22 July 1944 to 14 September 1944 is forwarded herewith.

C.M. HENDERSON.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP-0939C DATE 5/24/42

DECLASSIFIED

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28 June 1944 - Returned from FIFTH War Patrol. Relief Crew took over ship.
12 July 1944 - Regular crew returned from leave.
13 July 1944 - Made trim dive and conducted sound tests.
14 July 1944 - Alongside tender.
15-16 July - Independent operations.
17 July 1944 - ...longside tender.
18-20 July - ...Convoy exercise, practice approaches and independent exercises.
21 July 1944 - Final loading.

B. NARRATIVE:

July 22, 1944

1300(H) Underway from FRONTLINE, W.A. Made practice approaches during the afternoon.
1745(H) Proceeded in company with U.S.S. RASHER, conducting night approaches.

July 23-24, 1944

1530(H) Proceeding up the bombing restriction lane, conducting day and night practice approaches with U.S.S. RASHER.
2030(H) 23 July, flooded Nos. 1 and 2 main engines while diving. At
2030(H) 23 July, the cork on the overhead in the maneuvering room caught on fire. Lay to. 2215 damage repaired; proceeded. At
2300(H) 24 July, parted company with RASHER and proceeded.

July 25-29, 1944

Proceeding to DARWIN, W.A. conducting independent training enroute.
28 July, burned out holding coil on stern plane clutch. Sent my serial two requesting emergency replacement.
1050(H) 29 July, arrived DARWIN.

July 29-30, 1944

Lay at DARWIN awaiting arrival of spare parts for stern planes and bridge voice transmitter. Received 16,489 gallons fuel oil. During the two day period

— page 4 —
1700(H) Underway. Proceeded in company with U.S.S. COD, conducting training exercises together.

: 1830(H) Enroute northward through safety lane, conducting training exercises with U.S.S. COD, arranged patrol plan with COD and proceeded independentlly at four engine speed, heading for station north of LIFORNAITOLA ISLAND.

: 1058(H) Sighted southbound U.S. Submarine.
: 1600(H) Made trim dive.
: 1716(H) Surfaced.
: 1730(H) Sighted and avoided two small launches.

: 0130(H) Passed between BOEROE and SANTANA ISLANDS.
: 0453(H) Radar contact, bearing 3350(T), range 13,500 yards.

— page 5 —
0540(H) Closed U.S.S. COD and received information that he had just sunk a ship north of LIFOEM.L.TOL. ISL.ND.
: 0548(H) Sight contact on plane approaching from the south. Both of us dove in a hurry (Plane contact #1). Patrol led off LIFOEM.L.TOL. ISL.ND the rest of the day.
: 1754(H) Surfaced and patrolled vicinity of LIFOEM.L.TOL. ISL.ND.
: 2000(H) Pit log in commission for the first time since leaving Fremantle.

Noon Position: Lat. 1°40'S; Long. 126°20'E.

August 4, 1944

: 0100(H) Proceeded northward.
: 0143(H) Submerged when plane radar contact closed to 6 miles (Plane contact #2).
: 0217(H) Surfaced. Plane radar contact 8 miles.
: 0221(H) Submerged with range 3 miles.
: 0331(H) Surfaced and proceeded.
: 0740(H) Plane radar contact, range 13 miles.
: 0743(H) Sighted plane, a two engine land bomber or transport. He was on course about 240°(T), bearing 300°(T). (Plane contact #3).
: 0753(H) Lost sight of plane.
: 1251(H) Submerged when plane radar contact closed to 8 miles.
: 1708(H) Surfaced.
: 1900(H) Radar interference to the southward.
: 2000(H) Took a look in northern approaches to LEMBEH STR.IT. Passed 5 miles from the land.
: 2043(H) Proceeded through B.N.G.K. P.S.S.G.E.
: 2124(H) Plane radar contact, distant 7 miles. Slowed to 2/3 to reduce wake.
: 2126(H) Lost contact. Proceeded.

Noon Position: Lat. 0°55'N; Long. 125°39'E.

August 5, 1944

: 2130(H) Proceeded across CELEBES SEA. Intermittent radar interference from submarine astern (probably SEAWOLF).
: 2235(H) Sighted SIBUTU ISLAND.
: 2235(H) Commenced transit of SIBUTU PASSAGE on four engines.

Noon Position: Lat. 3°29'N; Long. 122°17'E.

August 6, 1944

: 0011(H) Sighted and avoided small patrol.
: 0020(H) Headed for passage east of PEARL B.N.K. Radar interference to northward.

— page 6 —
0315(H) Exchanged calls with PUFFER on radar. Closed PUFFER north of PE.R.L B.NK. Exchanged information. Formed scouting line on course 0300(T), distance 15 miles.
: 1550(H) Made trim dive.
: 1612(H) Surfaced and proceeded.
: 1830(H) Proceeded independently, heading for N.SO POINT, PAN.Y.
: Noon Position: Lat. 6°58'N; Long. 120°40'E.
: August 7, 1944
: 0310(H) Radar contact bearing 2820(T), distant 9,600 yards. Closed to 3,000 yards and identified contact as a small patrol boat (Ship contact #1).
: 0419(H) Proceeded.
: 0612(H) Submerged and patrolled northward 8 miles off N.SO POINT.
: 1714(H) Surfaced and proceeded northwestward. Passed eastward of T.G.N.Y.N ISL.ND, heading for J.PO E.ST P.S.S.
: 2245(H) Commenced transit of J.PO E.ST P.S.S.
: Noon Position: Lat. 10°37'N; Long. -122°46'E.
: August 8, 1944
: 0130(H) Completed transit of J.PO E.ST P.S.S. c/c to 3000(T) to head for SOUTH CHINA SEA.
: 0522(H) Submerged.
: 1737(H) Surfaced and proceeded towards rendezvous with R.SHER.
: 1855(H) Contacted R.SHER on voice radio and informed him of my position and that I would meet him at rendezvous with HOE the following morning. c/c to 2830(T).
: Noon Position: Lat. 13°32'N; Long. 119°33'E.
: August 9, 1944
: 0600(H) ..t rendezvous with HOE and R.SHER.
: 0640(H) Proceeded to patrol position at Lat. 14°25'N; Long. 117°20'E.
: 0322(H) Made trim dive.
: 0852(H) Surfaced and commenced standard station patrol on east and west courses, R.SHER 15 miles to westward, speed 9 knots.
: 2030(H) Made rendezvous. with R.SHER. Shifted to new station at Lat. 14°15'N; Long. 117°30'E, and maintained standard station patrol, R.SHER 15.miles to westward.
: Noon Position: Lat. 14°23'N; Long. 117°15'E.

— page 7 —
1037(H) Made trim dive.
: 1047(H) Surfaced.
: 1225(H) Made training dive.
: 1231(H) Surfaced.
: 1554(H) Sighted tops of a submarine to the westward.
: 1700(H) Closed RASHER.
: 1715(H) Formed scouting line and headed for new station
: 1503'N; Long. 119°47'E, with RASHER 10 miles
: bearing 065°(T).

Noon Position: Lat. 14°13.3'N; Long. 117°29'E.

August 11, 1944

: 0517(H) Submerged and commenced stat ionary patrol.
: 1850(H) Surfaced.
: 1851(H) Sighted two patrol boats to the westward. Avoided them. During the next hour and a half had radar contact on several patrol boats. Had difficulty establishing contact with RASHER. On two occasions established radar-communications, at the same time having contact on two patrol boats between RASHER and us. Finally at
: 2122(H) Identified ourselves to RASHER, who had been chasing patrols. Formed scouting line and headed up the coast for n ow station at Lat. 15°58'N; Long. 119°30'E, RASHER bearing 090°(T), distant 10 miles.

Noon Position: Lat. 15°-04'N; Long. 119°45'E.

: 0530(H) Submerged and commenced stationary patrol.
: 1830(H) Converted #4 F.B.T. to M.B.T.
: 1849(H) Surfaced.
: 1853(H) Submerged to flush out #4 M.B.T.
: 1856(H) Surfaced.
: 2037(H) Made rendezvous with RASHER.
: 2100(H) Proceeded to new station 5 miles off CALHAN POINT.
: 2331(H) Radar contact, bearing 247°(T), distant 8,700 yards.
: 2355(H) Closed RASHER. Was directed to form scouting line and proceed to new station 20 miles, bearing 225° from CAP NINE'S ISLAND LIGHT.

Noon Position: Lat. 15°56'N; Long. 119°26'E.

August 13, 1944

: 0528(H) Submerged 15 miles, bearing 225° from C.PONE'S ISLAND LIGHT and maintained stationary patrol. Heavy swells and stormy weather all day.

— page 8 —
1847(H) 2012(H) 2100(H) 2150(H) 0400(H) 1000(H) 1949(H) 2000(H) 0108(H) 0200(H) 0613(H) 0643(H) 1000(H) 1350(H) 1410(H) 0737(H) 0924(H) 1142(I) 1821(I) 2000(H) 2200(H) 2300(H)

: 1544'N; Long. 119043'E.
: 14, 1944
: 3300(T). Continuous rain
: 0550(T)
: 1528'N; Long. 118023'E.
: 15, 1944
: 2350(T)
: 3450(T)
: 18000'N; Long. 119027'E.
: 16, 1944
: 1900(T)
: 1550(T)
: 18000'N; Long. 119027'E.
: 16, 1944
: 190

— page 9 —
1944

Patrolling 8 miles west of CALAVITE LIGHT.
0508(H) Closed MINDORO ISLAND.
0528(H) Submerged.
0708(H) Sighted masts bearing 056°(T), close to the northern shore of MINDORO. (Ship contacts #5-8).
0715(H) Battle status.
0722(H) Lost power on stern planes.
0723(H) Made ready all tubes.
0730(H) Stcrn Planes back in commission.
0731(H) Identified targets as three small sea trucks escorted by one NASAMI Class mine layer. They are rounding CAPE C.L.VITE, 1,000 yards off shore. The escort was patrol-ling, 1,500 yards ahead of convoy and to seaward zigging radically. He passed us about 1,000 yards away. I have previously fired twelve torpedoes at minelayers with no results except depth charging; the sea trucks were not large enough for torpedo fire and although I was in excellent firing position on all of them I decided to let the whole flock go by.
0806(H) Secured from battle stations.
0834(H) Sighted: ship which was identified later as PUFFER's grounded tanker.
Spent day patrolling in C.L.VITE PASSAGE. Took pictures of grounded tanker. She seemed to be fast'aground. The deck forwerd had been torn up by PUFFER's torpedo, which hit her on the port side.
1820(H) Battle stations.
1837(H) Fired torpedo at the grounded tanker; gyro angle zero, depth 6 feet, rang e 1,250 yards.
1837-50(H) Torpedo hit about 100 feet aft of the bridge on the starboard side. Position of tanker: Lat. 13°31.4'N; Long. 120°23'E.
1844(H) Surfaced am commenced to clear area to westward.
1845(H) Part shaft out of commission due to burned out contactors in maneuvering cell.
1849(H) Went ahead full power on engines #1 and 3, with starboard shaft on propulsion.
2119(H) c/c to northwestward.

Noon Position: Lat. 13°34'N; Long. 120°20'E.

August 18, 1944

0135(H) Port shaft back in commission. Proceeded northward at standard speed, heading for rendezvous with R.SHER at Lat. 18°30'N; Long. 120°00'E.
1105(H) Submerged. for plane radar contact at 9 miles.
1235(H) Surfaced and proceeded. I hope we can intercept southbound convoy reported by submarine to northward.
1550(H) c/c to 030°(T).

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1709(H) c/c to 0900(T).
: 1730(H) Submerged for plane radar contact at 7 miles, which moved in to 5 miles while we were diving.
: 1836(H) Surfaced and proceeded eastward.
: Attempted to send voice message to RASHER to inform him that I could not make rendezvous and was proceeding eastward to coast, then northward along coast, hoping to intercept southbound convoy reported by submarine to the northward. Voice radio out of commission. (NOTE: I could not reach the designated rendezvous at 21030'N; 120000'E on time, and since RASHER was covering that vicinity I decided to move close inshore).
: 2145(H) Contacted RASHER and sent my message. c/c to the northward to keep 7 miles off the coast.
: 2234(H) Received RASHER's contact report and went ahead full speed on course 3000(T).
: 2246(H) c/c to 3400(T).
: 2345(H) Battery charge secured; went ahead flank speed.

Noon Position: Lat. 15051'N; Long. 11915'E.

August 19, 1944

: 0031(H) c/c to 3200(T).
: 0122(H) Radar contact, bearing 3550(T), distant 15,000 yards.
: 0128(H) c/c to 2400(T) and commenced tracking. Radar has two contacts.
: 0158(H) Action stations. Targets are tracking on steady course 2370(T), speed 14 knots. The night is dark with rain squalls all around.
: 0200(H) Received voice message from RASHER, saying that convoy had scattered.
: 0213(H) Commenced attack at 2/3 speed from a position 8,000 yards, 350 on port bow of leading ship.
: 0225(H) Commenced firing four torpedoes from the bow tubes; range 2,100 yards, gyro angle about 50 left, depth 7 feet, spread 75 yards between torpedoes. It was planned to fire four at the leading ship, then swing and fire four from the stern tubes at the second ship. However, the radar bearing of the second ship was used for the first shot. The correct bearing was used for the next three shots. The targets were not visible.
: 0225-30(H) Came hard right for stern tube shot.
: 0226-40(H) Observed and felt one hit.
: 0226-50(H) Observed and felt one hit.
: 0226-55(H) Observed an d felt one hit.
: 0230(H) Moved southward while analyzing situation.
: 0242(H) Reload completed.
: 0246(H) Commenced tracking one target which is now underway on base course 2600(T), speed 11, zigging radically. The other target is stopped.

— page 11 —
0339(H) In attack position with target bearing 0450(T), range 7,000 yards. Made all tubes ready.
: 0342(H) Commenced attack at 2/3 speed.
: 0350(H) Range 4,300 yards, angle on bow 100 port. Slowed to 1/3 speed.
: 0355(H) Target showing lights intermittently.
: 0359(H) Told RUSHER I could not close him now, and that I was attacking.
: 0400(H) Commenced firing 3 torpedo salvoes from the bow tubes, range 1,400 yards, gyro angle about zero, depth 7 feet, spread 75 yards between torpedoes. Radar bearings were used. Target was not visible in rain squall.
: 0400-30(H) All ahead flank; came right.
: 0400-50(H) Observed and felt one explosion.
: 0401-05(H) Observed and felt one explosion. This one hit aft and started a fire which enveloped the a after one third of the ship in huge flames for about 30 seconds. The target stopped and commenced to settle aft. Maneuvered in the vicinity for the next hour, watching target settle and hoping he would sink. Small fires visible on board. Two small pips appeared on the radar, moving away from the target. These were believed to be lifeboats. Finally, at
: 0500(H) Passed down his port side, swung away and at
: 0503(H) Fired two torpedoes from the stern tubes, range 2,000 yards, gyro angle 180, depth 7 feet, spread 50 yards apart.
: 0504-30(H) Observed and felt one hit. This one hit him forward. As we left the scene the after part of the ship was gone, the bow and bridge were high out of the water and the anshdisps section was almost awash, but he was still afloat.
: 0504(H) Headed at full power for last position of other cripple.
: 0527(H) Radar contact, bearing 0700(T), range 17,950 yards.
: 0535(H) Sunrise.
: 0535(H) Heard distant heavy explosion.
: 0546(H) Target in sight, speed zero, range 8,400 yards, Visibility over head is excellent. Horizon visible 8,500 yards due to low mist.
: 0550(H) Submerged and closed target at 2/3 and standard speed, going to 100 feet between observations.
: 0710(H) Took pictures of target. He is stopped and down aft.
: 0718(H) This is the largest enemy merchant ship I have ever seen. Commenced firing 3 torpedoes from the bow tubes, range 1,100 yards, gyro angle zero, depth 7 feet, spread by aiming one just inside the bridge, one anshdisps and one just inside his stack.
: 0718-45(H) Observed one hit under the bridge.
: 0718-55(H) Observed one hit anshdisps.
: 0719-05(H) Observed one hit under his stack. Felt all three explosions. At the time of firing flames several feet high were observed at the waterline all along the ship.

— page 12 —
0719-10(H) Started for 150 feet.
: 0719-30(H) Terrific explosion from aerial bomb. Shock the boat considerably.
: 0723(H) Another bomb explosion close aboard. Minor explosions from target for next 15 minutes.
: 0734(H) Distant explosion. All clear. Visibility 15,000 yards.
: 0815(H) Three loud explosions. Distant explosions all morning. Cleared vicinity to northwest.
: (NOTE: Much credit is due the executive officer, Lt. Comdr. P.E. LOUSTUNNUT, for the expert manner in which he handled the entire prewar wars. All I did was stand on the bridge, use radar bearings. All I did was stand on the bridge, listen to the range and angle on the bow over the loudspeaker, and count the hits.
: 1830(H) Surfaced and proceeded westward.
: 2054(H) Transmitted my serial three.
: 2100(H) Headed for the coast.

Noon Position: Lat. 17°45'N; Long. 119°34'E.

August 20, 1944

Both H.P. air compressors out of commission. (NOTE: #1 compressor has been out of commission for past 10 days).
: 0523(H) Submerged and patrolled two miles outside the 100 fathom curve in a position 10-15 miles north of VIGAN, hoping to spot RASHER's cripples.
: 1100(H) Sighted three planes in formation, heading for VIGAN. (Plane contacts #10-12).
: 1300(H) #1 air condition unit out of commission.
: 1315(H) L.P. air compressor out of commission.
: 1841(H) Surfaced and stood south along the coast.
: 2020(H) c/c to 315°(T).

Noon Position: Lat. 17°32'N; Long. 119°53'E.

August 21, 1944

: 1000(H) c/c to 180°(T). Patrolled south along longitude 119°00'E.
: 1400(H) One air compressor and all other auxiliary equipment back in commission.
: 2330(H) Landed for the coast.

Noon Position: Lat. 18°02'N; Long. 118°18'E.

— page 13 —
0517(H)  Submerged and patrolled 3 miles outside 100 fathom curve in vicinity of VIGAN.
: 1130(H)  Sighted ship believed to be ASPRO's beached transport.
: 1841(H)  Surfaced and headed westward.

Noon Position: 1at. 17°25'N; Long. 120°15'E.

August 23, 1944

: 0600(H)  Surface patrol 50 miles offshore in vicinity Lat. 18°10'N.
: 1900(H)  Headed for the coast.
: 2230(H)  Headed down the coast.

Noon Position: 1at. 18°12'N; Long. 119°02'E.

August 24, 1944

: 0519(H)  Patrolling east and west between 10 and 20 miles off shore in vicinity of VIGAN.
: 1846(H)  Submerged and patrolled northward from VIGAN, along 100 fathom curve. During the morning sighted one launch and one trawler southbound, close inshore.
: 2348(H)  Surfaced and patrolled westward.
: 1840(H)  Increased speed to 10 knots and 0/0 to 130°(T).

Noon Position: 1at. 17°45'N; Long. 120°10'E.

August 25, 1944

: 0512(H)  Submerged and patrolled 3 miles off shore in vicinity of SOLVEC COVE, hoping to intercept suspected southbound convoy.
: 1400(H)  Two one hundred ton luggers and a motor launch passed by southbound. Drilled at battle station and tracked them until they were out of sight.
: 1537(H)  Sighted single wing land plane over VIGAN. (Plane contact #13).
: 1849(H)  Surfaced and patrolled north along coast until 2100, then to seaward.

Noon Position: 1at. 17°20'N; Long. 120°25'E.

August 26, 1944

: 1614(H)  Spent the day patrolling about 75 miles off shore.
: 1832(H)  Submerged for sight contact on four engine flying boat, distant 8 miles. (Plane contact #14).
: 1832(H)  Surfaced and stood southeastward hoping to intercept PICUDA's contact.

Noon Position: 1at. 18°03'N; Long. 118°05'E.

— page 14 —
0125(H) Radar contact, bearing 073°(T), range 8,200 yards. (Ship contact #13).
: 0150(H) Target tracking on base course 240°, zig-zagging, spced 11.5. The pip is very small and the target is not visible at 8,000 yards.
: 0240(H) Closed to 6,000 yards and sighted target, but could not identify it. However, I was able to see that he was very small.
: 0243(H) Turned away and continued tracking. At this time he must have seen us because he changed course abruptly to 090°(T) and increased speed to.14 knots (Strange conduct for a patrol boat). He may have been an enemy submarine. Since no radar interference was noted, it is unlikely that he was a friendly submarine although HARDER and HAKE were patrolling a few miles south of us. Decided to let him go.
: 0300(H) Set course 055°(T) to cover the area through which our contact has just passed, in case he was making a sweep prior to the passage of a convoy.
: 0517(H) Submerged and patrolled eastward 20 miles north of C.E. BOLINAO.
: 1841(H) Surfaced and stood northward 20 miles off the coast.
: 2300(H) c/o to 270°(T)

Noon Position: Lat. 17°01'N; Long. 119°48'E.

August 28, 1944

: 2100(H) Spent the day patrolling 100 miles off shore. Headed for the coast.

Noon Position: Lat. 17°37'N; Long. 118°25'W.

August 29, 1944

: 0512(H) Submerged 20 miles north of VIGAN and stood south 7 miles off the coast.
: 1843(H) Sighted seven planes during the day.
: 1935(H) Surfaced and proceeded westward.
: 1959(H) Submerged when plane radar contact closed to six miles.
: 2022(H) Surfaced.
: 2130(H) Surfaced. Plane still there.
: 2131(H) Passed back down.
: 2149(H) Surfaced. This plane activity is either a night flying exercise or a sweep prior to the passage of shipping. Patrolled vicinity.

Noon Position: Lat. 17°40'N; Long. 120°12'E.

— page 15 —
0100(H) Increased speed to standard and c/c to 150°(T), to head for a position inshore off D.RIG.YOS POINT.
: 0513(H) Submerged five miles north of D.RIG.YOS POINT and patrolled southward.
: 1233(H) Sound reports echo ranging bearing about 180°(T).
: 1250(H) Bearing of echo ranging is drawing left.
: 1257(H) c/c to 045°(T) to head for the coast. Our contact is evidently hugging the coast.
: 1320(H) Sighted single mast, moving left close inshore.
: 1325(H) Identified target as a small sub chaser type (Ship contact #14). He is tracking at 12 knots. He proceeded up the coast out of range.
: 1400(H) c/c to 000°(T).
: 1515(H) Echo ranging faded.
: 1530(H) c/c to 270°(T).
: 1840(H) Surfaced and proceeded northeastward.

Noon Position: Lat. 16°55'N; Long. 120°21'E.

: 0100(H) c/c to 028°(T).
: 0536(H) Submerged and patrolled off CAFE BOYADOR.
: 1755(H) Surfaced and proceeded in accordance with OPD order, northward to CONVOY COLLEGE, thence to MIDW.Y in accordance with prescriorbed routing.
: 2258(H) Intermittent radar interference to eastward.

Noon Position: Lat. 18°28'N; Long. 120°03'E.

: 2 Sept.-1044(II), radar pip at 8 miles, submerged for one hour.
: 3 Sept.-1154(I), radar pip at 18 miles, closed to 15 miles, then opened out and faded.
: 4 Sept.-1350(I), radar pip at 18 miles, closed to 14 miles, then opened out and faded.
: 5 Sept.-0936(K), submerged for radar contact at 6 mile, 1108, surfaced. 1140, sight contact on 2 engine bomber. Submerged. 1637 Surfaced and proceeded.

: 10 Sept.-0905 Moored alongside dock at Midway. Fuel and supplies were efficiently replenished. Stretched our legs and enjoyed the fine hospitality ashore for a few hours. Transferred nine torpedoes to sub.marine base. 1400 Proceeded in company with PINT.DO and PILOTFISH.

: 14 Sept.-Arrived PEARL.

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— page 21 —
1. Torpedo Attack Report Form
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 6
Time 1834(H) Date 17 August 1944 Lat. 13°32'N., Long. 120°23'E.
Target Data-Damage Inflicted
Description: One tanker, previously damaged by U.S.S. PUFFER, aground on Mindoro Island in Calavite Pass.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Lumbered: One tanker (EU). about 450' long, clipper bow, cruiser stern, tall stack on after end of deck house.
Damage Determii. d by: Saw one torpedo hit about 100' aft or bridge.
Target draft: 12 Ft. Course ______ Speed 0 Range 1,250
Own Ship Data
Speed: 2.5 kts. Cou rse:165°(T) Depth: 65 Ft. angle 0
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Day periscope submerged attack. Set gyro angles on zero and swung ship to desired bearing.

— page 22 —
1
ATTACK NO. 1
Tube Fired - No. 1
Track angle - 90S
Gyro angle - 0
Depth Set - 6 Ft.
Power - HI
Hit or Miss - Hit
Erratic - No
Mk. Torpedo - 23
Serial No. - 61859
Mk. Exploder - 6-5
Serial No. - 17242
Rotation Set - Contact
Rotation actual - Contact
Mk. Warhead - 16-1
Serial No. - 11732
Explosive - TPX
Firing Interval - -
Type Spread - -
Sea Conditions - Heavy swell
Overhaul activity - U.S.S. Orion
Remarks: None

- 19 -

— page 23 —
20 ft. Course: 237°(T) Speed: 14 kts. Range 2100

Own Ship Data:
Speed: 12 kts. Course: 305 Depth: 18 Ft. Angle: 0

Target Data - Damage Inflicted:
(1) One very large ship (EC) (550 or more feet long positive) very similar in profile appearance to TON.N M.RU or NISSIN M.RU (Pages 293 & 294, ONI 208-J Revised). Had large box-like bridge structure forward, high solid looking catwalk amidships, long low after deck house, medium stack, gun mounts fore and aft, two catapults fore and aft, respectively, of catwalk, one single engine float plane on forward part of superstructure amidships. Twin stacks were not obsrvcd. This target is believed to be an ex- whale factory converted to an AV.
(2) One large tanker (EC) at least 500 feet long. Targets were steaming on a straight course in line of bearing about 800 yards apart. Contacted at night by radar at a range of 15,000 yards. Visibility very poor, low clouds and continued heavy rain squalls.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged:
(1) Under target description with two hits.
(2) Under target description with one hit.

Damage:
Determined by: Saw, heard and felt two torpedoes hit (1) and he stopped dead in the water. He was still in the same position and condition five hours later (See Attack No. 5). Heard and felt one torpedo hit (2). This ship had been making 14 knots before this attack. He was making 11 knots while we tracked him during the approach phase of attack No. 3.

Target Draft: 20 ft. Course: 237°(T) Speed: 14 kts. Range 2100

Own Ship Data:
Speed: 12 kts. Course: 305 Depth: 18 Ft. Angle: 0

— page 25 —
1. Tubes Fixed - No. 3
   - Track Angle - 115P
   - Gyro Angle - 3L
   - Depth Set - 7'
   - Power - HI
   - Hit or Miss - Hit
   - Erratic - No
   - Mk. Torpedo - 23
   - Serial No. - 61885
   - Mark Exploder - 6-5
   - Serial No. - 25031
   - Activation Set - Contact
   - Activation actual - Contact
   - Mk. Warhead - 16-1
   - Serial No. - 17147
   - Explosive - TPX
   - Firing Interval - 15 seconds
   - Type Spread - 20 Divergent
   - Sea Conditions - 3 to 5 foot swells
   - Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. Orion
   - Remarks: Torpedo from tube 6 missed target (1) probably due to spread set. Torpedo from tube 3 hit target (2).
   - Torpedoes from tubes 4 and 5 hit target (1).

- 22 -

— page 26 —
3 PATROL NO. 6
Timo 0400(H) Date 19 August 1944 Lat. 17°34.5'N, Long. 119°24.5'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Target (2) of Attack No. 2, after attack No. 2
Target changed to base course 260°(T) zigging
radially (220° to 300° on 2 to 3 minute legs).
Visibility same as for Attack No. 2.

Ship(s) Sunk: None

Ship(s) Damaged: One tanker - (2) of Attack No. 2.

Damage Determined by: Saw, felt, and heard two torpedoes hit. A sheet of flame enveloped after part of ship for about 30 seconds, then died out. Small fires could be seen the entire length of the ship for about 15 minutes after the first torpedo hit. Two small objects (probably lifeboats) were detected by radar pulling away from the ship. Target stopped and commenced to settle aft.

Target Draft: 20 Ft. Course: 260 (Base) Speed: 11 kts. Range: 1200.

Own Ship Data

Speed: 8 kts. Course: 325 Depth: 18 Ft. Angle: 0.

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface attack using radar ranges a d bearings and T.D.C. Gained attack position 450 on port bow of target (Range 7,000 yards for base course). Came left and kept bow pointed at target. Changed speed to obtain 800 port angle on the bow at a range of 2,000 yards. Target did not zig as he was expected to do and we end: up 1,400 yards from target with and angle on this bow 600 port. Fired 3 torpedoes from forward tubes.

- 23 -

— page 27 —
1. Tubes Fired - No. 1
   - Track .ngle - 78P
   - Gyro .ngle - 31L
   - Depth Set - 7'
   - Power - Hi
   - Hit or Miss - Hit
   - Erratic - No
   - Mk. Torpedo - 14-3A
   - Serial No. - 32617
   - Mark Exploder - 6-5
   - Serial No. - 5944
   - Actuation Set - Contact
   - Actuation .actual - Contact
   - Mark Warhead - 16-1
   - Serial No. - 17254
   - Explosive - TX
   - Firing Interval - 15 seconds
   - Type.Spread - 3° Divergent
   - Sea Conditions - 3-5 foot swells
   - Overhaul .activity - U.S.S. Orion
   - Remarks: Torpedo from tube 3 missed probably due to spread.

- 24 -

— page 28 —
(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4 PATROL NO. 6

Time 0503(H) Date 19 August 1944 Lat. 17°34'N., Long. 119°23'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Same as Attack No. 3.

Ship(s) Sunk: One large tanker.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw, heard, and felt one torpedo hit near the bow of the target. Before firing this ship had been far down by the stern (.ft deckhouse was /wash) and the wells fore and aft of the catwalk were under water. .apparently the ship had already been abandoned. .it this time the s.1p was 68 miles from the nearest land. When we loft the scene one hour later the after part of the ship had disappeared. 400 feet of him remained. Of this, the camidships section was awash.

Target Draft: 20 Ft. Course: 325° Speed: 0 Range: 2,000

Own Ship Data

Speed: 4 kts. Course: 235 Depth: 18 Ft. Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type, attack: Night surface attack using radar ranges, T.B.T. bearings and T.D.C. Approached parallel to target 1500 yards from track; changed course 90° to bring stern tubes to bear; slowed to one third; fired 2 torpedoes from stern tubes.

— page 30 —
20 Ft. Course: 312 Speed: 0 Range: 1150

Own Ship Data

Speed: 2.5 kts. Course: 042°T Depth: 65 Ft. Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type .ttack: Day submerged periscope attack. Dove 8,000 yards from target which was lying to; approached at 2/3 speed; set gyros on zoro; pointed ELWEIFISH at target; at 1200 yards range fired 3 torpedoes from bow tubes.

- 27 -

— page 31 —
5

Tubes Fired - No. 2 No. 4 No. 5

Track angle - 90P 87P 93P

Gyro Ingle - 0 0 0

Depth Set - 7' 7' 7'

Power - Hi Hi Hi

Hit or Miss - Hit Hit Hit

Epratic - No No No

Lk. Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3... 14-3...

Serial No. - 23328 26783 40319

Mk. Exploder - 6-5 6-5 6-5

Serial No. - 25352 .25244 25104

Actuation Set - Contact Contact Contact

Actuation Actual - Contact Contact Contact

Mk. Warhead - 16-1 16-0 16-1

Serial No. - 17138 2684 17246

Explosives - TPX TPX TPX

Firing Interval - 10 seconds 20 seconds

Type Spread - 3° divergent

Sea Conditions - 3 to 5 ft. swells

Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. Orion.

Remarks: Spread applied by swinging ship 3° either side of base course.

— page 32 —
1. WEATHER:
The weather in the South China Sea off LUZON was as desiribed in the coast pilot for this time of the year. Heavy rain squalls were frequently encountered. The sky was overcast a great deal of the time and the visibility was poor. The prevailing wind was from southeast and varied from 3 to 5. Occasionally the wind shifted to northward and fell off to a force 1.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION:
No prevailing currents were noted enroute to station with the exception of a two knot westerly current in the vicinity of TAU TAU. Currents inshore in the vicinity of LUZON were generally northerly and varied from 1/2 to 1 knots. An occasional easterly or westerly current of 1/2 to 1 knot was encountered.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:
CAPE CALVIE lighthouse is intact, but is not lighted.

I. MINES:
None encountered.

J. NTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
During the daylight attack of 19 August we were bombed by an enemy plane. One unidentified small ship, probably a patrol, was encountered north of CAPE BOJE-DOR. One patrol was encountered 50 miles due west of MUNILA, BAY. Plane patrols were encountered close inshore. Air cover off shore was weak. It is interesting to note that a convoy of three small sea trucks was escorted by a minelayer. This suggests a rather desperate fuel shortage.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:
During a training dive on 23 July, flooded number 1 and 2 main engines. This was entirely a personnel casualty caused by not closing the outboard exhaust valves. The engines were back in commission the following day. Later on 23 July, the series 2 starting resistor on the starboard main motors overheated and caused the crank on the overhead in maneuvering room to catch fire. This was also a personnel casualty. The controllerman left the starting lever in the series 2 position too long. On 28 July, the stern plane clutch holding coil began to get warmer than usual. An investigation showed that about 50% of the coil was grounded. This casualty happens frequently. It is suggested that each boat be issued at least one spare coil.

— page 33 —
9 August number one air compressor developed a leak in the 4th stage after-cooler coil. In unsuccessful attempt was made to silver solder the leak. After several days of this Lt.(jg) R.R. RUNNION did a very nice job of cutting out the damaged portion of the coil and coid-working the remainder into a shape that would fit into the casing. The coil has functioned very well since.

The Pitometer Log is the most unreliable piece of machinery on the ship. The U.S.S. ORION worked on it the entire 24 days we were in port. When we left, it immediately became temper-mental and had to be pampered for the first two weeks of this patrol. It the end of that time it was pronounced "in comission", i.e., it would probably read own spood within plus or minus 10%.

The ORION has been short of spare parts for this instrument. It is suggested that each boat be issued, as on board spares, a complete pump and pump motor unit and a complete control unit that has been adjusted and calibrated prior to departure on patrol. It is also suggested that a sensitive differential pressure gauge graduated to read knots be installed in parallel with the pump. This gauge should be a great help in adjusting the log to read the correct speed.

After surfacing on the evening of 18 August, the controller-man was unable to put the port motors across the line in the parallel two position without tripping the overload breakers. Investigation showed that the ore chute for contactor number 38 (series 1,2,3) had become coated with carbon and caused a short circuit. The port side of the cubicle was secured and the ore chute and contactor renewed.

L. RADIO:

Reception has been fair to good on both VIX and NPM Haiku frequencies. Little enemy interference was experienced.

Transmissions to VIX and to NPM were made without difficulty, except on the night of 19 August, when a transmission to VIX was made. Enemy interference on the regular frequencies (12705 kc. and 8470 kc.) made it necessary to transmit on one of the standby frequencies, 8290 kc.

M. RADAR:

Performance of the SJ radar has been normal and reliable. Because of poor visibility conditions in the CHINA SEA area, considerable daytime operation of this equipment has been necessary while cruising on the surface. Total operation time for this equipment on this patrol has been a little over 700 hours. On one occasion the 40,000 yard sweep of the FPI was found to be starting too early in the pulsing cycle, causing the transmitted pulse to appear in a bout the middle of the sweep. Renewing V-1, the multivibrator 6SN7 in the FPI restored normal sweep.

— page 35 —
1. Comdr. B.A. STRAUSS, the division engineer, has done an excellent job of taking care of our needs and wants during five refit periods, and I wish to express the appreciation of all hands in Bluefish for his splendid work.

The new men assigned as lookouts this patrol are smarter and more alert than any I have seen. All of them were trained at Squadron Sixteen Lookout School in Fremantle prior to reporting for duty in this ship.

At the end of the last patrol the ship was deficient in trained personnel. As a result, the only transfers required from the ship were those requested by the ship. This has resulted in a stable personnel situation.

School was held for one hour daily for all unqualified men, as during previous patrols. This school was conducted by the junior officers, who derived a great deal of benefit from it.

The following is submitted in regard to training:

1. No. men on board 73
2. No. qualified at start of patrol 38
3. No. attempting qualification 35
4. No. qualified at end of patrol 19
5. No. advanced in rating 17
6. No. first patrol men 14

No man is advanced in rating until he has qualified. Comprehensive examinations are given for both qualification and advancement in rating. At the end of the last patrol only 3 men were qualified and only 6 advanced in rating. It is gratifying to us to see our long range training program beginning to show results.

All four of the junior officers have been recommended for qualification.

R. MILES STE. MED - FUEL USED:

Fremantle to Area 3,650 miles 42,963 gallons.
In area 3,800 miles 30,333 gallons.
Area to Midway 3,750 miles 49,600 gallons.
Midway to Pearl 1,260 miles 14,276 gallons.

S. DURATION:

Days enroute to area - 17.
Days in area - 23.
Days enroute to Midway-11.
Midway to Pearl - 4.
Days submerged -17.

— page 36 —
1. F.C.TORS OF ENDURANCE REMINING:
   - Torpedoes
   - Fuel
   - Provisions
   - Personnel Factor
   - 11
   - 20 days
   - 15 days
   - LIMITING FACTOR this patrol operation order.

U. REMARKS:
   - (a) The ship benefited greatly from the convoy excercise and training conducted by Comdr. E.S. HUTCHINSON, U.S. Navy, and the exercises with R.SHER and later with COD while northbound. It is believed that, whenever possible, submarines should proceed in company while enroute to the area, in order to permit the fire control party to have realistic tracking drill.

   - (b) Standard "wolf pack" doctrine should provide for an alternate rendezvous, twenty or thirty miles away from the designated rendezvous and for a time 3 or 4 hours later, in case the original rendezvous cannot be made. This will obviate the use of additional voice transmissions.

   - (c) It is recommended that respective voice frequency plans be synchronized so that CONVOY COLLEGE submarines and MANILA RESUBMARINERS will guard the same frequency. In this way valuable contact information can be obtained on the spot, without the delay of as much as 24 hours imposed by the present system, which requires several transmissions between the submariners and force commanders affected.

   - (d) Frequently this ship has surfaced about 1900 HGW and has had to wait until the regular 2000 HGW VIXO schedule to receive important priority traffic which originated earlier in the day, and which we had just missed on the 1800 HGW broadcast. It is suggested that priority traffic be re-broadcast continually during the period from the end of the 1800 HGW broadcast and the beginning of the 2000 HGW broadcast.

— page 37 —
17 September 1944
Serial: 0107
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
C3 BLUE-TISH Conf., 1tr. SS222/
A15 of 14 September 1944 -
Report of SIXTH War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-FIVE.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
       (2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
       (3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol No. SIX.

1. The SIXTH war patrol of the U.S.S. BLUEFISH was conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA off the western coasts of the northern PHILIPPINES. The patrol was of 55 days duration of which 23 days were spent in the area.

2. In the morning of August 17th three small sea trucks escorted by a NASAMI class mine layer were identified rounding CAPE CALAVITE. No attack was made due to the shallow draft of the targets. In the evening of this day one torpedo was fired at a tanker previously damaged and driven aground on MINDORO ISLAND by PUFFER. This was a submerged periscope attack, range 1250 yards, depth setting 6 feet. The torpedo hit and caused sufficient further damage to render the tanker unavailable in the Commanding Officer's opinion.

3. At 0122 on August 19th radar contact was made with two large unescorted ships from a convoy scattered by RASHER a few hours before. Four torpedoes were fired in a night surface radar attack in very low visibility at the two ships, one at the second ship in column and three at the leading ship. Two hits were seen in the leading ship and one in the second ship. It had been intended to fire four bow torpedoes at one target and the stern tubes at the other. Stern tube fire was withheld when both ships were seen damaged in the first attack. Range was 2100 yards, 115-125 Port track angle, gyros 3-13 degrees left, depth setting 7 feet. One ship stopped and the other continued at 11 knots.

4. At 0400 three torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes in a night surface radar attack on the large ship which was moving away, range 1400 yards, 78-86 Port track angle, gyros 3-1/2 - 15 left, depth setting 7 feet. Two hits were seen. Small fires burned for 15 minutes throughout the length of this ship which was very similar in size and structure to TONAN or NISSIN MARU types.

5. At 0503 two torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes at this same ship, range 2000 yards, 90 port track, 0-1 gyros, depth setting 7 feet. One hit was seen forward. When last seen, the stern of this ship was gone, and depth section was with bow high out of the water.

— page 38 —
1. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol No. SIX.

6. BLUEFISH then returned to the cripple that had previously been stopped and at 0718 fired 3 bow tube torpedoes at this ship in a submerged periscope attack, range 1100 yards, 87-90 port track, zero gyros, depth setting 7 feet. All three torpedoes hit. A minute and a half after firing, as BLUEFISH was going deep, the first of two explosions thought to be aerial bombs occurred close aboard. Breaking up noises were heard in the direction of this ship, a large tanker, for 15 minutes.

7. No other contacts with torpedo worthy enemy ships were made. The BLUEFISH returned from patrol clean and shipshape with her crew in excellent health and spirit. BLUEFISH will be overhauled on the west coast prior to starting another patrol.

8. The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the BLUEFISH are congratulated on the damage inflicted upon the enemy during this well conducted and aggressive patrol.

K. G. HURD.

— page 39 —
11/tel
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
18 September 1944.

Serial 0355
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. BLUEFISH Report
of Sixth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
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: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Sixth War Patrol - Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Submarine Division FORTY-FIVE.

2. The BLUEFISH had only one contact worthy of torpedo fire other than the grounded tanker which had been previously damaged by the U.S.S. PUFFER. She skillfully developed that contact which culminated in the sinking of two valuable ships.

3. The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the BLUEFISH are congratulated upon the conduct of this well planned and aggressive patrol and on the damage they inflicted upon the enemy.

C. F. ERCK.

— page 40 —
10 0724
hh
SF MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 02050
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT TO
BLUEFISH Report of
Sixth War Patrol.
CONUSBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 531.
U.S.S. BLUEFISH - SIXTH WAR PATROL.
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: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS-327) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(22 July to 14 September 1944).

1. The sixth war patrol of the BLUEFISH was conducted in the South China Sea northwest of kanila. The BLUEFISH and the U.S.S. RACER (SS270) formed a coordinated search and attack group with Commander H. G. Lunsom, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer of the RASHER, acting as group commander.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained and aggressive attacks were delivered on the two contacts worthy of torpedo fire made during the patrol. One attack was the large tanker, which was seriously damaged by the PUFFL (SS268) during her fifth war patrol, and was seeking safety by grounding on hindoro Island. Little was left of this ship for salvage after the BLUEFISH put another well placed torpedo into her.

3. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for Combat Insignia Award.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this successful and aggressive patrol, the sixth consecutive successful patrol for this fighting ship with a total of 142 ships sunk for 108,014 tons, of which were tankers, and five ships damaged for 43,841 tons. The BLUEFISH is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol, all of which was accomplished in areas under the operational control of the Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE who is requested to assume credit accordingly:

| S U R K | | | |
|-------|--|--|--|
| 1- Large 10,000 ton AO (previously damaged by PUFFER) (EU) | 5,000 tons (Attack No. 1) | |
| 1- Large AK (TONAN or NISSIN MARU Type believed to be Converted Seaplane Tender) (EC) | 19,500 tons (Attacks Nos. 2 & 5) | |
| 1- Large AO (EC) | 10,000 tons (Attacks Nos. 2, 3 & 4) | |
| TOTAL SUNK | 34,500 tons | EXTRA: ORIGINAL SORG. MICRO PHOTO-LAB OP-16 RETURN TO F-4253 |

— page 42 —
SS222/A16
U.S.S. BLUEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
March 24, 1945.

From:  The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222).
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (Official channels).

Subject:  U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222), Report of War Patrol
number SEVEN.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject Report.
    (B) Track charts (2) of Seventh War Patrol, for
    Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, only.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the SEVENTH war patrol of
this vessel conducted in Nansei Shoto Area and Area South of Honshu
during the period 10 February 1945 to 24 March, 1945, is forwarded
herewith.

C. M. HENDERSON.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0443, OPNAVINST 5510.12
BY. 02-0282C DATE. 5/24/42
DECLASSIFIED

— page 43 —
1. Install elliptical head on Conning Tower (Ship1t S3242).
2. Install doublers on outer hull (Ship1t SS192).
3. Install removable blanks for all after hatches.
4. Install securing device on all hatches.
5. Install improved hydraulic bypass valve (Ship1t SS146).
6. Install hydraulically operated periscope and antenna mast hoists.
7. Install auxiliary plane angle indicator system (Ship1t SS227).
8. Install speed regulator on bow and stern planes tilt.
9. Install bow plane rigging indicator (Ship1t SS248).
10. Relocate SD radar antenna mast aft of Conning Tower.
11. Rearrange forward battery berths to accomodate 8 officers and 5 chief petty officers.
12. Install asbestos sheeting over main control cubicle.
13. Complete installation of detached main engine circulating water pumps (Ship1t SS216).
14. Complete replacement of material to eliminate main engine smoke (Ship1t SS147).
15. Install new type main motor and main generator terminal bars (Ship1t SS215).
16. Alter main motor cooler supports (Ship1t SS174).
17. Reduce shaft bearing noise (Ship1t SS238).
18. Relocate piping (Ship1t SS149).
19. Install T shaped main ballast vent gaskets (Ship1t SS173).
20. Modify high pressure air fittings to Walworth silver soldered type (Ship1t SS62).
21. Complete conversion of #4 M.B.T. to F.B.T. (Ship1t 208K).
22. Install ion exchangers (Ship1t SS234).
23. Replace 750 gal. distillers (Ship1t SS249).
24. Install 7MC (Ship1t SS204).
25. Modify telephone and call bell system (Ship1t SS246).
26. Install antenna mast base plug (Ship1t SS226).
27. Install BN and BK equipment.
28. Install VHF equipment.
29. Install 8KVA radar motor generator.
30. Install hand operated signal gun.
31. Modify target designation system (Ship1t SS240).
32. Install T.D.C. speed halving device.
33. Install 5"/25 gun.
34. Install 40 mm gun.

— page 44 —
37) Modify torpedo tube shutter roller supports (Shipalt SS239).
: 38) Install liquidometer gauge in safety tank (Shipalt SS206).
: 39) Modify spindle retraction indicating unit (Ordalt 1496).
: 40) Install new cocking device for 20 mm guns (Ordalt 1864).

The following changes in officer personnel occurred:

Ensign T.L. Allen, USNR(DE), reported for duty 11 October, 1944.
Lt. W.V. Mitchell, U.S.N. was detached in accordance with ComSubPacA, M.I. orders 15 October, 1944.
Lt. R.J. Trimmell, USNR(DE) was detached in accordance with ComSubPacA dispatch orders 15 November, 1944.
Lt. R.J. Trimmell, USNR(DE) reported for duty in accordance with ComSubPacA orders 21 November, 1944.
Lt. Comdr. R.P. Leupold, USNR(DM), was detached 29 December, 1944, in accordance with Commanding Officer's orders, for treatment at U.S. Naval Hospital, Oakland, California.
Lt. J.T. Hino, U.S.N., reported for duty 30 December, 1944.

Twenty four enlisted men were transferred and replacement notified from ComSubPacA, M.I.

All officers and men were granted rehabilitation leave.

Overhaul completed; departed San Francisco, Calif. for Pearl Harbor 2 January, 1945.
Arrived Pearl Harbor 10 January, 1945.
Departed Pearl Harbor for Midway 11 January, 1945.
Arrived Midway for voyage repairs and training 15 January, 1945.
While at Midway the ship was drydocked twice to eliminate a noise in the starboard shaft.

Departed Midway for Guam 31 January, 1945.

Arrived Guam 9 February, 1945.

Departed Guam for Patrol area 10 February, 1945.

B. NARRATIVE.

February 10, 1945

1500 (K) Underway from U.S.S. Holland at Guam, in accordance with ComSubPac Operation Order #41-45, enroute to patrol area.

February 11-13, 1945

Uneventful surface cruising. Made daily training dives and conducted drills. At 0500 (K), 12 Feb. set clocks back one hour to zone (-) 9 time.

— page 45 —
0629 (I) Submerged.
1803 (I) Surfaced.
1937 (I) Transmitted weather report (My serial one).

February 15, 1945

0622 (I) Submerged and conducted periscope patrol in eastern part of area.
1826 (I) Surfaced and proceeded southwest.
1840 (I) APR contact of moderate strength at 155 mcs.
1853 (I) APR contact disappeared.
2120 (I) First of many contacts on APR on land based radar of various frequencies.

February 16, 1945

0622 (I) Submerged and patrolled 15-20 miles southeast of TOKUNA SHIMA.
1832 (I) Surfaced and stood northeastward.

February 17, 1945

0619 (I) Headed towards MAMU OSHIMA.
0606 (I) Submerged 13 miles east of MAMU OSHIMA, and patrolled southwestward.
1842 (I) Surfaced and patrolled to seaward.
2330 (I) Headed for OKINOYERU JIMA.

February 19, 1945

'0616 (I) Submerged and patrolled eastern approaches to pass between OKINOYERU JIMA and TOKUNA SHIMA.
1835 (I) Surfaced and patrolled northeastward.
2000 (I) Transmitted weather report (My serial two).

February 20, 1945

0617 (I) Submerged 40 miles east of KIKAI JIMA and patrolled westward.
1845 (I) Surfaced and patrolled southeastward.

— page 46 —
0059 (I) Saturation contact on PR at 152 mcs. Enemy keyed his radar once a minute, later shifting to once every 30 or 40 seconds.
: 0103 (I) Keyed SD radar and obtained contact at six miles.
: 0107 (I) SD contact at 7 miles.
: 0112 (I) Lost contact on APR.
: 0615 (I) Submerged and patrolled southward.
: 1838 (I) Surfaced and patrolled northwestward towards KIKI. JIMA.

: February 22, 1945
: Have been unable to obtain fix for the past two days.
: 0030 (I) Commenced "homing" on enemy land based radar which we have plotted in on northern tip of JIMA. SHIMI.
: 0330 (I) Obtained land contact on SD radar and found the above mentioned "homing" to be fairly accurate.
: 0611 (I) Submerged 15 miles east of KIKI. JIMA and patrolled southwestward.
: 1852 (I) Surfaced and patrolled southward, then westward towards OKINOYER. BU JIMA.

: February 23, 1945
: 0616 (I) Submerged and patrolled eastern approaches to pass between OKINOYER. BU JIMA and TOKUN. SHIMI.
: 1848 (I) Surfaced and patrolled eastward.

: February 24, 1945
: 0613 (I) Submerged and patrolled northwestward towards KIKI. JIMA.
: 1841 (I) Surfaced. Immediately obtained strong APR contact on 155 mcs.
: 1847 (I) Saturation on APR contact. He is keying intermittently.
: 1859 (I) Lost contact. Patrolled to southeastward.

: February 25, 1945
: 0400 (I) Headed for KIKI. JIMA.
: 0612 (I) Submerged and patrolled 20 miles southeast of KIKI. JIMA.
: 1855 (I) Surfaced and patrolled eastward.

— page 47 —
0646 (I) Transmitted weather report (My serial three).
0647 (I) Submerged and patrolled northeastward.
1844 (I) Surfaced and patrolled northeastward.
1955 (I) Transmitted weather report (My serial four).
2006 (I) Changed course to westward.

: February 27, 1945

0615 (I) Submerged 20 miles south of KIKI JIMI and patrolled westward.
1852 (I) Surfaced and patrolled to seaward.

: February 28, 1945

0000 (I) Headed for TOKUNI, SHIMI.
0610 (I) Submerged and patrolled 15 miles southeast of TOKUNI, SHIMI.
1856 (I) Surfaced and proceeded to lifeguard station off OKIN, W. JIMA.

March 1, 1945

0600 (I) On assigned lifeguard station, Lat. 26°-32'N., Long. 128°-39'E.
0650 (I) SD radar and sight contact on the first of many groups of planes contacted during the day.
(NOTE: The sky is mostly overcast, with patchy visibility 1-15 miles. Our IFF equipment is out of commission.)
0803 (I) Sighted two masts, bearing 150°(T). Identified as destroyers or cruisers. Approximate range - 10 miles. They are circling at high speed.
0805 (I) Action stations.
0815 (I) Planes zooming the ship contacts. At the time I thought the ships wore Japs being attacked by our planes.
0816 (I) Four unidentified planes appeared out of the clouds, range 2 miles, heading for us. Submerged.
(NOTE: During the past hour and a half we have had approximately 25 separate contacts on groups of planes at ranges from one to 16 miles. A great number of these could not be identified as friendly until the range had closed to two or three miles; some could not be identified at all. Our fighter cover has not yet arrived).
0820 (I) Masts disappeared to southeastward.
0840 (I) Surfaced. Many plane contacts.
0854 (I) Ship contact, bearing 148°(T), heading towards us. Contact appears to be a heavy cruiser and a destroyer.

— page 48 —
0902 (I) Submerged with four planes heading for us, range 2 miles. Estimate of the situation as follows:

(1) My orders state that lifesquad duties take precedence over attacks.
(2) The contact is a combatant ship, believed to be a cruiser.
(3) The contact is heading towards us at high speed.
(4) Friendly surface ships are not expected to be within 50 miles. Even if they are in the immediate vicinity they should not approach us (We are 10 miles inside a submarine patrol zone, with position just obtained by radar fix on identified land).
(5) Contact has not been identified. Commenced the approach with the reservation that I would not attack unless the contact was positively identified as enemy.

0911 (I) One of the ships has turned away and is disappearing over the horizon. The destroyer is coming on, range 12,000 yards, angle on the bow zero.
0913 (I) Destroyer commenced each contact with the enemy.
0925 (I) Destroyer slowed, and sent recognition signal over sound gear. Range 5,000 yards.
0926 (I) Identified ourselves.
0935 (I) Surfeared. Identified ship as U.S.S. GATLING (DD671).
0945 (I) U.S.S. GATLING proceeded eastward (The two destroyers were in sight at intervals throughout the day). Continued to maneuver at high speed, in the vicinity of assigned life guard station.
1436 (I) Fighter cover arrived. Plane in distress was heading towards our position from point bearing 250°(T), c/c to 250°(T) and went ahead flank speed.
1538 (I) Commenced circling to remain clear of mineable water.
1555 (I) Sent our position to fighters escorting disabled plane.
1558 (I) Disabled plane in sight.
1601 (I) Crew man bailed out. Headed for him at flank speed. (POSITION Lat. 26°-41'N, Long. 128°-31'W).
1607 (I) Passed the man 100 yards abreast. There were eight people on the bridge searching intently for him, yet after he landed nobody saw him until his shouts attracted but attention. Backed emergency to keep man in sight.
1614 (I) Man recovered.
1615 (I) Second crew man bailed out. Manuvered at emergency power.
1618 (I) Second crew man was re-oovered.

— page 49 —
1619 (I) Pilot put his plane in a vertical dive and bailed out. (Plane crashed and sank almost immediately). Headed for him at emergency speed.

1621 (I) Pilot is being dragged along rapidly by his parachute.

1623 (I) Headed just to leeward of parachute.

1627 (I) Pilot recovered. His respiration and heart had already stopped. He was suffering from a six inch shrapnel wound in his left thigh and a smaller wound in his right leg. Artificial resuscitation was common and the head was slowly away from the land. Adrenalin was administered, and everything possible was done to revive the patient.

1651 (I) Transferred pilot below. Headed to seaward at high speed.

1736 (I) Fighter cover departed.

1745 (I) Lt. J. COB M. TITHER/ REGISRT, 112629, U.S.N.R., was pronounced dead from combination of shrapnel wounds, shock, and drowning. W.P. O'SHELL, ARM3/C, 809 52 70, U.S.N.R., and C.R. MC C.LL, ARM3/C, 852 02 03, U.S.N.R., the other two survivors, were both in excellent shape.

1910 (I) Held brief funeral service for Lt. REGISRT and commander this body to the sea. (NOTE: The late Lt. Regisrt's conduct is being reported in separate correspondence. It may be said here that his demonstration of fortitude, courage and unselfishness was most inspiring. The planes fuel system was damaged and the fuel almost gone -- the gauges had read empty for 20 minutes; the hydraulic system was inoperative; there were numerous holes in the plane and it was barely under control. The pilot was badly wounded, yet he managed to remain airborne over an hour and bring his crew to safety).

March 2, 1945

0600 (I) At assigned lifeguard station. Lat. 26°-53'N, Long. 128°-49'E. There has been no traffic on the lifeguard frequency and no indication that a strike is in progress. Submerged.

1840 (I) Surfaced.

1900 (I) Converted 44 F.B.T.

March 3, 1945

0600 (I) At assigned lifeguard station. Lat. 26°-32'N, Long. 128°-39'E. No indications that a strike is in progress. Submerged.

1220 (I) Surfaced and listened on lifeguard frequency. Still no traffic.

— page 50 —
1232 (I) Suiìmerged.
1330 (I) Commenced sound patrol while hydraulic plant is out of commission.
1810 (I) Hydraulic plant back in commission.
1841 (I) Surfaced and proceeded to original area eastward of M.M.I. OSHIMA.

March 4, 1945

0504 (I) Transmitted weather report (My serial five).
0610 (I) Submerged.
1841 (I) Surfaced and proceeded towards M.M.I. OSHIMA.
1854 (I) Transmitted weather report (My serial six).

March 5, 1945

0602 (I) Submerged and patrolled 8 miles east of southeast coast of M.M.I. OSHIMA.
1550 (I) Commenced sound patrol while hydraulic plant is secured.
1800 (I) Hydraulic plant back in commission.
1841 (I) Surfaced.

March 6, 1945

0609 (I) Submerged and patrolled eastern approaches to passage between TOKUNI SHIMA and M.M.I. OSHIMA.
1850 (I) Surfaced.

March 7, 1945

0604 (I) Submerged and patrolled eastern approaches to passage between TOKUNI SHIMA and M.M.I. OSHIMA.
1856 (I) Surfaced.

March 8, 1945

0601 (I) Submerged and patrolled approaches to passage between KIKU SHIMA and M.M.I. OSHIMA.
1852 (I) Surfaced.

March 9, 1945

0558 (I) Submerged and patrolled eastern approach to passage between TOKUNI SHIMA and OKINOYER BU JIMA.
0823 (I) Pinging on bearing 282° (T).
0826 (I) Made an observation at 55 feet. Nothing in sight. Visibility is excellent. The contact is on the other side of the passage. If he is eastbound I have a chance for an attack.
0835 (I) JT has sound contact, bearing 280° (T).
0848 (I) Bearing is drawing left. Changed course to 'head for the contact.
0940 (I) Loft contact on bearing 270° (T). This'contact was evidently southbound on the other side of the passage.

— page 51 —
1859 (I) Surfaced.
: 2120 (I) Departed area in accordance with dispatch orders and proceeded on course 054°(T) towards, nowily assigned lifeguard station.

March 10, 1945

: 1104 (I) Sighted friendly PRIVATEER patrol plane and determined that the SD radar was put of commission.
: 1118 (I) Submerged to check SD radar.
: 1220 (I) Surfaced. SD radar back in commission.
: 1824 (I) Submerged for radar contact on plane.
: 1851 (I) Surfaced.

March 11, 1945

: 0112 (I) Transmitted report that ECM was out of commission (MS' serial seven).
: 0917 (I) Submerged.
: 1638 (I) Surfaced.
: 2100 (I) Changed to zone (-) 10 time.
: 2237 (K) Transmitted report that ECM was back in commission (MS' serial eight).
: 2400 (K) At assigned lifeguard station (Lat. 33°-00'N., Long. 138°-00'E.).

March 12, 1945

: 0051 (K) First of several hundred radar and sight contacts on B-29 planes.
: 0447 (K) Sighted flare dropping from plane about 8 miles to the northeastward. Proceeded to investigate. Position of flare: Lat. 33°-10'N., Long. 138°-20'E.
: 0517 (K) Received message that plane was "ditching" in flames in position Lat. 33°-00'N., Long. 137°-50'E. Last plane contact disappeared. Conducted search plan to cover positions of plane and flare, using three engine speed.
: 0800 (K) Visibility was reduced to one mile by heavy smoke which persisted for over three hours over a large area. Incredible as it seems, this smoke smelled like wood smoke and even caused the bridge personnel to cough occasionally -- it was that dense. Distance from NAGOYA -- 150 miles; distance from TPKYO -- 190 miles. If this smoke is a valid indication I should say that the B-29 raids of the past two nights were quite successful.
: 1130 (K) Visibility improved, though still hazy.

— page 52 —
1247 (K) Received message that plane was down in position
Lat. 33°-16'N., Long. 137°-05'E., 70 miles from
my position. Decided to continue searching the
immediate vicinity for planes believed down here.
1741 (K) Secured search on sighting two picket boats, bearing
0450(T), distant about 20,000 yards. The weather was
too rough for gun attack. Turned away and tracked
targets.
1950 (K) Closed targets and determined that they were too
small for torpedo attack. Held tracking drill.
2039 (K) Transmitted weather and contact report. (My serial
nine).
2100 (K) Resumed search.

March 13, 1945

0624 (K) Submerged to work on #1 Main Engine.
1124 (K) #1 Main Engine back in commission. Surfaced and
continued searching area.
1406 (K) Sighted mast bearing 122°(T). Commenced tracking.
1415 (K) Observed interference on SJ radar. Commenced
closing contact.
1430 (K) Contact believed to be friendly submarine (PIPEFISH).
1433 (K) Submarine dove.
1434 (K) Turned away and proceeded.

March 14, 1945

0130 (K) At assigned lifeguard station. Position Lat. 330-00'N.,
Long. 137°-30'E.
0146 (K) First of several hundred radar and sight contacts on
B-29 planes.
0235 (K) To 0333 (K) Many distant flares and flashes bearing
between about 330°(T) and 0300(T).
0445 (K) Last plane contact disappeared. Have no message
or indication that any planes are down in the vicinity.
1024 (K) Dived for unidentified plane contact on radar, distant
8 miles, closing.
1237 (K) Surfaced and continued to search vicinity at three
engine speed.
2100 (K) Discovered salt water leak in starboard main motor
and reduction gear lubricating oil cooler.
2131 (K) Submerged. Dumped starboard lubricating oil sump
and flushed entire system twice with lubricating
oil. Renewed cooler. Inspected reduction gears
and found them apparently satisfactory.

March 15, 1945

0455 (K) Lubricating oil system and starboard shaft back in
commission. Surfaced in heavy seas.

— page 53 —
0952 (K) Sighted picket boat, bearing 020°(T), range 10,000 yards. Tracked contact on course 240°(T), speed seven. Seas were too rough for gun attack. Avoided contact on the surface. Have taken considerable water down the main induction and conning tower at various times this morning.

1100 (K) Submerged and conducted sound patrol.

1913 (K) Surfaced.

March 16, 1945

We missed several messages while submerged the night of 14th - 15th. It has become apparent from a study of subsequent messages that one of the missing serials contained orders for Bluefish to render lifeguard services. Therefore, at

0802 (K) Transmitted my serial ten, containing a weather report and a report that certain message serials were missed.

1206 (K) Submerged.

1743 (K) Surfaced.

2300 (K) Having received no answer to my request for missing serials containing my orders I attempted to deduce the position of the lifeguard station to which I might logically be assigned, using information contained in other dispatches. Concluded that OS-UK would be the target and that position Lat. 33°0'0"N., Long. 136°-30'E. would be a likely spot for me, and proceeded to the post, position,

March 17, 1945

0242 (K) First of several hundred radar and sight contacts on B-29 planes.

0652 (K) Last contact on plane radar disappeared.

1013 (K) Submerged for rapidly closing, unidentified contact on plane radar.

1055 (K) Sighted two engine Jap bomber, range 1,000 yards. Went to 140 feet.

1240 (K) Started periscope patrol.

1432 (K) Heard several distant underwater explosions.

1852 (K) Surfaced.

2335 (K) Strong AFR contact at 151 mcs.

March 18, 1945

AFR contact has steadied on us several times.

0022 (K) Lost AFR contact.

0631 (K) Submerged.

1855 (K) Surfaced.

— page 54 —
1945
March 19, 1945
: 33°C-00'N,
: 138°C-00'E,
: 0224 (K): First of several hundred radar and sight contacts on B-29 planes.
: 0611 (K): Last plane contacted disappeared to southward. Spent the day searching area at three engine speed.
: 1807 (K): In accordance with dispatch orders, proceeded towards GUAM, using prescribed routing through WINDPIPE, GULET, and SMOKESTACK.
: 1828 (K): Sighted ship on horizon.
: 1840 (K): Identified contact as picket boat and went to action stations. Headed for contact.
: 1859 (K): Commenced firing 5" gun. Opening range 8,000 yards. Observed one probable hit, after which the target commenced emitting large clouds of white smoke and showed a good sized fire on his stern. The target began maneuvering to take over behind the smoke. The smoke may have been coming from a smoke generator, but I believe we hit him. Continued firing and closing the range.
: 1917 (K): At a range of 5,000 yards, the target opened fire with a rapid fire weapon which appeared to be about the size of a 40 mm. He bracketed us several times with near misses as close as fifty yards.
: 1919 (K): Ceased firing, cleared the decks and turned away.
: 1922 (K): Broke off the action.
: 1923 (K): Enemy ceased firing.
: 1930 (K): Proceeded toward GUAM.

March 20 to 23, 1945
: Held training dives and drills while proceeding to base.
: March 24, 1945
: Contacted escort at dawn and proceeded into APRIA.
: H.R.BOR, GUAM.

— page 57 —
1 2 3 4
: Feb. 12  Feb. 21  March 1  March 10
: 0907(I) 0115(I)  Various 1104(I)
: 18014'N 27045'N 26932'N 29916'N
: 137036'E 131015'E 128039'E 132031'E
: 12 kts. 8 kts. 12 kts. 12 kts.
: 301 300  Various 058.
: Surf Surf Surf Surf
: 1 min. 1 min. 1 min. 1 min.
: One One Many One
: 4 eng. Pat. Pat. TBF's & Privateer
: Pat. Pat. Trans. Pat.
: S,R. S,R. S
: 7 mi. 7 mi. Various 3 mi.
: 60  Various 200
: 60  Various 200
: 3 170T 270R
: 4 mi. 6 mi. 10 mi.
: 5,000 5,000 5,000
: 75% 100% 75% 20%
: ---  ---  ---  ---
: ---  ---  ---

— page 58 —
5 6 7 8
March 10th, March 12th, March 14th, March 14th
1824(I) 0100(K) 0146(K) 1022(K)
30°03'N 33100'N 32058.9N 32040'N
133046'E 138000'E 137025'E 137015'E
12 kts. 10'kts. 9 kts. 15 kts.
058 Variqus 240
Surf Surf Surf Surf
1 min. 1 min. 1 min. 1 min.
One Many Many
B-29's B-29's Pat.
R Trans. Trans. Pat.
R Variqus Variqus
35 mi. 11 mi. 11 mi. 11 mi.
R Variqus Variqus
2 3
330T 230P 330R
2 mi. 10 mi. 5,000 5,000 5,000
15% 15% 15%
-

— page 59 —
9 10 11 12
S Data
U Time (Zone)
B Position: Lat.
M Long.
A. Speed
R Course
I Trim
N Minutes Since
E Search
A Number
I Type
R Probable Mission
C How Contacted
A Elevation Angle
F Range & Relative Bearing of Plane
T When It Detected S/M
C State (Beaufort)
O Sea:
N (Direction) 1350T
U Visibility: (Miles) 12 mi.
I (Height in Ft) 5,000
T Clouds: (% Overcast) --
O Moon: (Bearing) --
N (Angle) --
S (% Illumination)'

- 17 -

— page 60 —
ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. HUEFFISH (SS222) . Gun Attack No. 1    Patrol No. 7
Time: 1900(K)    Date: 19 March 1945    Lat. 32°30'N; Long. 137°57'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Sunk:    None.

Damaged:    One 200 ton picket boat.

Damage determined by: - Believe we scored one or two 5" hits
    in target. On two occasions target put
    out large clouds of smoke for a short
period. As we retired.a bright fire could be seen on stem of
target. This may have been some sort of smoke generating appa-
ratus. According to plot target was dead in the water after
engagement was broken off.

Details of Action

Target sighted one half hour before sunset.
Manned 5"/25 gun and approached on the surface. Opened fire at
a range of 8,000 yards. Fired 70 rounds as we closed the range to
5,000 yards. At the end of this time target was obscured in the
gathering dusk by smoke. Broke off engagement. Target returned
fire with an automatic gun (probably 40 mm) with an extreme range
of about 6,000 yards, bracketing this ship several times with
near misses.

Seventy rounds of 5"/25 cal. ammunition,
Mk. 36, Mod. 4 fitted with Mk. 29, Mod. 3 point detonating fuzes
were fired. One round prematurely exploded, 3,000 from the ship.
Deflection spots were made from the periscope. Range spots were
made using both the periscope and SJ radar.

I. MINES.

No evidence of mines or mining activity was observed.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MESURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Only anti-submarine measures encountered were six unidentified
aircraft contacts which were probably anti-submarine patrols.

— page 61 —
1. Hydraulic Periscope Hoists:
oil leakage around the hydraulic hoist piston rod packing glands has been a consistent annoyance and in the case of the #1 periscope has made the scope unusable, except in an emergency. Repacking these glands only stopped the leakage temporarily. Measurements of the distance between piston rods in the raised and partly lowered position indicates that the hydraulic cylinders are not aligned with the hoisting yoke. In the case of #1 yoke the difference is 3/16" and the resultant springing of the packing each time the periscope is raised causes excessive leaks to develop. On #2 the misalignment is only 3/64" and the leakage is not excessive.

(2) Hydraulic Flont:
Since leaving Midway the hydraulic accumulator has made a loud groaning noise on four different occasions. This was first corrected at Guam by adjusting packing gland evenly and honing down a screw, the cause of which could not be determined. Since then the noise has occurred and been corrected by pulling down the packing gland, and readjusting the gland. The lower rings of packing were found to be dry each time. Two bronze rings not shown on the drawing and of unknown function were found between the packing rings. The packing gland is left slackened off as much as possible, but still does not leak enough oil to keep the packing lubricated.

(3) Salt Water in Reduction Gears:
On March 21, 1945, routine inspection of reduction gears showed the oil in #1 reduction gear pump tank to be seriously emulsified. A salt water leak was found in the tub oil cooler. This cooler had been tested to 300# psi in Bethlehem Steel Co., Submarine Repair Basin, San Francisco, and found satisfactory. It was replaced with the on board spare. The starboard sump was dumped and clean oil was flushed through the system for one hour. This process was repeated twice. The third time the oil was run through the after engine room purifier. The shaft was turned over for 15 minutes of this third hour. Considerable sludge was noted in the purifier bowl, but no water.

The oil was renewed again and the shaft declared back in commission. This oil was purified continuously for the next twenty four hours. No traces of water or solids remained after the first two hours. No metallic flakes were found. Inspection of the reduction gears showed them unharmed.

— page 62 —
4) Engine Performance after Overhaul:

Replacing the aluminum pistons with cast iron and lash adjusting cams with concentric rollers has, apparently, been effective as a smoke elimination measure.

Loss desirable results, however, are increased vibration and higher engine temperatures. Due to the vibration a total of nine cylinder fuel manifolds have sprung leaks and had to be silver soldered. One body bound bolt on #2 M.E. snapped and had to be replaced on arrival at Guam. The flexible hose connections on the new type tube oil filters parted on three of the engines; this was corrected by bracketing the pipes more rigidly.

Average injection temperature this patrol was 65°F. Engine temperatures approached upper limits in this comparatively cool water when running full power. It is doubtful that we would have been able to run full power in tropical areas.

(5) 40 MM. Gun:

On 19 March while firing test rounds on the 40 MM gun the gun did not return to battery after firing the first round. Though not definitely determined, the difficulty appears to be lack of lubrication.

I. RADIO.

Reception: In the Nansai Shoto area from 16 February to 9 March, both NEM, on 9055 kcs., and NPN, on 9095 kcs., were received with strength 5 most of the time. These were the only two frequencies used in copying submarine fox. Occasional enemy jamming of strength 1 to 5 was heard on both these frequencies.

NKN (China broadcast) was heard with strength 5 on 4155 kcs. and strength 4 on 12465 kcs. Enemy interference of strength 2 was heard on 4155 kcs. and of strength 3 on 12465 kcs.

— page 64 —
69 and 72 of 14 March were missed because of being submerged at night.

Ship-Store Transmissions: In the Ninsai Shoto area messages were cleared through VHF, VHF, and VHF and VHF heard us strength 5 and were strength 2 to 3 on 8470 kcs. NTF heard us and was heard strength 1 only. NPN was heard and heard us on 8470 kcs. strength 5.

The time required to clear a message required from 8 minutes under favorable conditions to over 2 hours under least favorable conditions. On the morning of 26 February it took two and one half hours to clear a message (our 251900) through NTF.

In the area south of lohnshu NPN heard us and was heard at strength 5. Most messages were cleared through NPN on 8470 kcs., without difficulty.

VHF: The VHF equipment gave satisfactory performance for two-way communication with aircraft.

M. R.D.R.

SJ Radar:

Enroute from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor, various troubles were encountered in the SJ radar. These were caused by fluctuations in voltage output of the 8KVa motor-generator. Since then, a close check on the voltage has prevented further troubles from this cause. Total operating time from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor, including trial runs at San Francisco, was 190 hours. Operating time from Pearl Harbor to Midway was 50 hours. Total operating time from Midway to Guam was 210 hours, including the training period at Midway. Total operating time on patrol after leaving Guam has been 560 hours. During the latter period the operating time lost due to casualties has totalled 7 hours. This is time during which the equipment would have been operating if in commission.

The "steerable" sweep on the PFI, installed at Midway, has been useful in measuring ranges to land at ranges between 45,000 and 90,000 yards. The method used is to set the range unit so that the distance on the PFI scope from the transmitted pulse to the range mark is equal to that from the range mark to the contact, then double the reading of the range dial. The accuracy of this method is within 1000 yards of the correct value.

Ranges obtained have been normal: 18,500 yards on a U.S. destroyer, 8,000 yards on a 200 ton Japanese picket boat, and 10,000 to 30,000 yards on B-29 bombers.

— page 65 —
5 January: The line voltage switch became faulty. It was disassembled, cleaned, and adjusted to clear up the trouble.

: 6 January: Leaky modulation network was replaced. On starting the equipment, a high voltage fuse blew. The voltage regulator tube V8(UR-150-30) was found to be supplying insufficient bias voltage to the grid of V-9. This caused excessive high voltage current. V-8 was replaced.

: 7 January: No trace on range scope. A loose connection was found, and R37, R48B, and R56 were burned out. The loose connection was repaired and all defective elements replaced.

: 8 January: A fire occurred in the range indicator power supply. This was caused by an open secondary winding in the power transformer. This in turn had caused a high voltage arc to ground, starting the fire. Considerable wiring in the unit was burned up. The unit was not repaired, but a jumper was connected from terminal No. 29 in the transmitter-receiver to the oscillator repoller, to provide 150 volts repoller bias. The repoller bias was adjusted to tune the receiver. This permitted us to use the PPI, but not the range indicator.

: 10 January: At Pearl Harbor, the pulse generator in the transmitter became inoperative. The transmitter-receiver and range indicator units were exchanged. The casualties of January 6, 7, and 8 were probably caused by high line voltage. It was found necessary to make frequent voltage adjustments to keep the output of the 8KV motor-generator at the proper value.

: 15 January: Just prior to arrival at Midway the transmitter failed. C-3 in the modulation network was found to be shorted. The modulation network was replaced.

: At Midway the magnetron (706.4Y), V9(5D21), and V(705A) were renewed to improve performance.

: 7 February: A failure of the range indicator was found to have been caused by a washer from one of the handles, which had fallen across condenser C17.2. This burned out resistor R38, which had to be replaced.

: 9 February: While at Guam, the receiver crystal failed and was replaced. Failure was noted by a sudden decrease in echo strength.

— page 66 —
7 March: High voltage fuses burned out. The current limiting resistor R39 was found to be open and was removed. The H.V. rectifier tubes were found to be arcing from plate to cathode, and were replaced.

13 March: Bias generator became inoperative, because of shorted condenser C22-A. There was no kapellave voltage. Reworking C22 corrected the trouble. V9(5D2L) was found to be gassy, probably as a result of reduced bi as caused by the short in C22-A. V9 was replaced, and the "on time" period was decreased to lower the H.V. rectifier current.

SD Radar:

Performance of the SD radar was satisfactory except on the occasions noted below:

On 7 February the sensitivity was considerably reduced. The second detector (6H6) of the receiver was found defective and replaced.

On 11 March, the SD failed to detect a B-24 bomber until range had closed to 1 mile. A thorough check of all tubes, voltages, and wave forms, and of the receiver tuning failed to disclose any faulty operation. The 8014-A tubes in the transmitter and the 1960 gas tube in the duplexer were then renewed and the receiver was returned to the transmitter. There was no apparent increase in transmitter power or change, in the trace on the indicator scope. Later operation has been satisfactory however, with ranges on B-29 bombers up to 25 miles being obtained.

On 1 March during lifeguard operations the operation of the EN(IFF) became erratic. A defective divide V(6H6) was replaced, and subsequent operation has been satisfactory.

Countermeasures:

APR - SPA Contacts:

Performance of the APR receiver and SPA analyzer was reliable. This equipment was manned at night. The SD

— page 67 —
22 Feb. 1943
Pulse Rate
(Cycles)
Pulse Width
(Microseconds)
Bluefish Positi on
Date N. Lat. E. Long.

77-79-81
500
20-23-28
Contacted nearly every night
while in the area. Bearings
taken from different positions by swinging ship place this radar on the northern end of
Amami Oshima. This radar was sometimes steady, sometimes sweeping,
sometimes sweeping slowly at irregular intervals, and
regularly, every 10 minutes, the contact appearing for 3 minutes
out of 10.

82
500
4
16 Feb. Weak. Contacted
only twice, and was
steady for about 1
minute each time.

79-82
500
12
23 Feb. 27026' 130032' Weak
28 Feb. 27032' 129636'

110
500
1-2
18 Feb. Weak, triangular
pulse shape.

110
1500
3
5 Mar. 27038' 130033'
Mod. strength, sweeping triangular pulse
shape.

116-121
750
2
Contacted several nights.
Weak. Slow sweeping.

116-121
750
6-7
Contacted several nights.
Weak. Slow sweep (Period
sweep of 5 minutes).

119
553
11
16 Feb. Weak.

154-155-160
500
10-12-15
Contacted nearly every evening
after surfacing, and at other
times during the night when
times during the night when
close to the land. This contact came in strong on the night of
March 6. A bearing taken by swinging ship placed this radar on
the southern end of Kikai Jima. Irregular periods of sweep
were noted. Some of the seconds may have been airborne.

152
1000
10
20 Feb. Airborne (SD contact
as close as 6 miles)

140-155
250
27 Feb. 27030' 129040'
Very weak. Possibly
interference from
within the boat.

(Page 25)

— page 68 —
338
R.P. (Mms) 500
Pulse Rate (Cycles) 750
Pulse Width (Microseconds) 5
Blueship Position
Date N. Lat. E. Long.
22 Feb. 27035' 130003'
Moderate strength. Contacted only once. Rounded pulse shape:
452
465
460-462
500
650
656
750
750
500

— page 70 —
1. HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTH: 2. SICK D.YS 3. TREATMENT 4. G. STRO ENTERTITS 5. BED REST, 6. C.T. RR.H.L. FEVER 7. PENDICITIS, CUTE 8. GINGIVITIS, VINCENTS 9. The food was tasty, well prepared, and adequate. 10. HABITABILITY of the boat was excellent. 11. Since all previous patrols of the Bluefish were made in Southwest Pacific areas, 65-70° sea water temperatures were well appreciated.

— page 71 —
74
Number of men on board during patrol74
Number of men qualified at start of patrol39
Number of men qualified at end of patrol62
Number of unqualified men making first patrol25
Number of men advanced in rating during patrol.......

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Guam to Area 1,293 miles 13,217 gallons
In Area 5,073 miles 49,934 gallons
Area to Guam 1,318 miles 20,800 gallons

S. DURATION

Days enroute to Area 4
Days in area 5
Days enroute to Base 27
Days submerged 27

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REM.INING

Torpedoes, Fuel Provisions Personnel
24 33,153 gallons 20 days 20 days

Limiting factor this patrol --- Orders from ComSubPac.

U. REMARKS

None.

— page 72 —
1. The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY ONE.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TENITY EIGHT.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol Number SEVEN.

1. The seventh war patrol of BLUEFISH was conducted in the NANSEN SHOTO area and in the area south of HONSHU. The length of the patrol was forty-two days; time on station was thirty-three days of which twenty-seven were submerged. The patrol was terminated by orders of the Force Commander.

2. BLUEFISH thoroughly covered the areas assigned to her without discovering any worthwhile torpedo targets. The total enemy shipping encountered was limited to one unidentified sound contact and three sighted and identified picket boats. Shortly before sunset on 19 March, one of the latter was attacked with deck armament. After a short engagement at long to medium ranges during which the enemy was damaged by one or two five inch hits, the Commanding Officer, BLUEFISH, influenced by the accuracy of the enemy's return fire and by the rapidly deteriorating visibility, wisely decided to break off the action and retire.

3. On 1 March, 1945, while performing life guard duties a situation developed which conceivably might have developed into tragedy. Plagued by an inoperative IPF, BLUEFISH was trying to establish contact with her fighter cover and protect herself from friendly planes, when two combatant surface ships were discovered to the southeast. Later one of these ships, identified as a destroyer, commenced closing BLUEFISH. The Commanding Officer, BLUEFISH, knowing that he was within a submarine patrol zone and having no information that friendly surface ships were to be in his immediate vicinity, commenced an approach. Alert action on the part of both commanding officers clarified the situation and recognition signals were exchanged between BLUEFISH and U.S.S. GATLING.

4. Later on the same day BLUEFISH had the satisfaction of rescuing two crew members of one of our aircraft. It is impossible to read the narrative of this rescue without being profoundly moved at the courage and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant REISERT. The entire submarine service may feel a solemn pride in that, through the assistance of one of our ships, his brave sacrifice did not prove in vain.

5. The events of 12 March again emphasize the fact that a submarine must have accurate information to perform life guard duty efficiently. On this occasion BLUEFISH observed a flare 'over-head from a plane, and, half an hour later

— page 73 —
28 March 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol Number SEVEN.

was informed that a plane was down in that approximate location. Eight hours later additional information was received that a plane, presumably the same, was down in a position seperated some seventy miles from the first reported. Weighing all the information available the Commanding Officer arrived at the decision, which is concurred in, to thoroughly search the first position before investigating the second. Neither the disabled plane nor its crew were discovered. Since the navigational position of a plane and, to a lesser extent, a submarine can never be considered exact, it is suggested that, at the descretion of the commanding officer, a submarine should show a vertical searchlight beam when a plane in the vicinity announces that it is in difficulty during darkness. It appears that too often a plane in trouble attempts to close his base rather than seek out the nearest life guard submarine.

6. On the night of 14-15 March, BLUEFISH submerged to repair a leak in her reduction gear lubrication system. On surfacing it became apparent that radio traffic of the greatest importance had been missed. Failing to obtain a repeat, the Commanding Officer, with commendable initiative, deduced and occupied a life guard station which while some hundred miles north of his assigned station was near the line of "the flight.

7. BLUEFISH returned from patrol in a very good material condition and in an excellent state of cleanliness. It is anticipated that the refit will be accomplished in the normal time.

8. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of BLUEFISH are congratulated on the damage inflicted on the enemy and on the assistance rendered to the air arm.

L. H. CHAPPELL

— page 74 —
1. The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty-Eight, Pacific Fleet, (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via: (2) The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. ELUMFISH (SS222), Report of War Patrol number 5.

1. Forwarrded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty-Eight One.

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty-Eight Night congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew on the rescue of the naval aviation personnel, and on inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

DETAILED REPORT

1. Picket boat (ID) 200 Tons

— page 75 —
1-15A/16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0700
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BLUEFISH Report of
Seventh War Patrol.
COMSUBSEAC PATROL REPORT NO. 704
U.S.S. BLUEFISH - SEVENTH WAR PATROL.
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: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Seventh War Patrol (10 February to 24 March 1945).

1. The seventh war patrol of the BLUEFISH, under the command of Commander C. H. Henderson, U.S. Navy, was conducted in Nansoi Shoto areas and areas south of Honshu. The BLUEFISH performed lifeguard services as well as conducting offensive patrol.

2. The BLUEFISH, with her long illustrious combat record, was afforded only one opportunity to engage the enemy during this patrol, a gun attack which resulted in damage to a small picket boat. However, the smart performance of lifeguard duty resulted in the BLUEFISH having the honor of rescuing three downed Naval aviators on 1 March. The heroic action of the badly wounded pilot of the plane in this incident is an inspiration to all.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is authorized.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the BLUEFISH for this excellent performance of lifeguard duty and for inflicting the following damage upon the enemy:

DAMAGED
1 - MISS. (Picket Boat) (EC) (200 tons (Gun Attack No. 1))

MERRITT COSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
(Complete Reports) (7)
(Complete Reports) (5)
(Complete Reports) (6)
(Complete Reports) (1

— page 76 —
06
DECLASSIFIED
SS222/A16

From:
To:
Via:

Subject:

Enclosures:
(A) Subject Report,
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the EIGHTH war patrol of this vessel, conducted in the SOUTHWESTERN NANSEN SHOOTING AREA during the period 23 April, 1945 to 1 June, 1945, are forwarded herewith.

G. W. FORBES, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY O/P - ORDER DATE: 12/15/45

— page 77 —
1710 (K) Departed Apra Harbor, Guam in accordance with Consubpaco
Operation Order #84-45, enroute SAKISHIMA GUNTO.

List of Officers and CPO's on board:

| Name          | War Patrols (Including this) |
|||
| Lt. Comdr. G.W. Forbes, jr., USN | 11                           |
| Lt. J.T. Hine, USN        | 11                           |
| Lt. H.D. Felsenthal, jr., USNR | 7                           |
| Lt. (jg) B.P. Tucker, USNR  | 16                          |
| Lt. (jg) R.R. Runnion, USNR  | 6                          |
| Lt. (jg) C.R. Stokes, USN    | 4                          |
| Lt. (jg) O.P. LeCompte, jr., USNR | 4                          |
| Ensign A.M. Sikes, USNR      | 2                          |
| Ensign T.L. Allen, USNR      | 2                          |
| Machinist A.M. Cirillo, USN  | 13                         |
| Smith, J.G., 223 70 59, CTM, USN | 14                          |
| Miscavage, J.A., 706 09 85, CEM, USNR | 8                          |
| Drechsler, H.M., 223 50 61, CMOMM, USN | 7                          |
| St. Louis, F.G., 810 08 29, CPhM, USNR | 2                          |

— page 78 —
24 April, 1945

Enroute patrol area conducting daily dives and drills.
Sighted various friendly aircraft.

1200 (K) POSITION: Lat. 16° 04' N., Long. 141° 10' E.

25 April, 1945

0200 (I) Manned lifeguard frequencies to cover B-29 flights.
0600 (I) Secured lifeguard frequencies.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 18° 49' N., Long. 136° 28' E.

26 April, 1945

0100 (I) Manned lifeguard frequencies.
0500 (I) Secured lifeguard frequencies.
0754 (I) Sighted friendly submarine on easterly course. (Ship contact #1).
1015 (I) Sighted convoy of 16 landing craft with 3 escorts. Exchanged recognition signals. (Ship contact #2).

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 20° 48' N., Long. 132° 00' E.

1852 (I) Exchanged identification signals with U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS221). (Ship contact #3).

27 April, 1945

0000 (I) Manned lifeguard frequencies.
0400 (I) Secured lifeguard frequencies.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 20° 44' N., Long. 126° 30' E.

2300 (I) Manned lifeguard frequencies.

28 April, 1945

0300 (I) Secured lifeguard frequencies.
0634 (I) Sighted empty metal life raft.
1024 (I) Bogey 3 miles. Dived.
1117 (I) Surfaced.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 21° 42' N., Long. 121° 59' E.

1205 (I) Bogey 8 miles. Dived.
1535 (I) Surfaced. Planes may have been Liberators scheduled to strike POMOSA. Manned lifeguard and AOIC circuits. No reports of downed planes.

— page 79 —
29 April, 1945

047 (I) Sighted YONAKUNI SHIMA. As the SNOOK was not leaving our assigned lifeguard station until sunset, decided to patrol west of IRIOMOTE SHIMADURING the day.

0543 (I) Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 28' N., Long. 123° 25' E.

1734 (I) Surfaced.
1826 (I) Sighted 3 unidentified planes. Dived.
1917 (I) Surfaced.

30 April, 1945

0501 (I) Sighted white flares and tracer fire over ISHIGAKI SHIMA. Investigated possibility of distressed plane, but finally determined that a raid was in progress. No information on schedule or assigned calls had been received.

0557 (I) Sighted "rest of numerous friendly carrier based aircraft. Est. believed communications, using reference point code was as well still.

0835 (I) On lifeguard station south of MIYAKO JIMA.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 04' N., Long. 125° 04' E.

1536 (I) An Avenger (TERM) aircraft made a perfect water landing 100 yards ahead of BLUEFISH.

1540 (I) Ensign Victor T. MOLINARO, U.S.N.R., John A. HEINZ, 245 99 74, AMM3/c, and Jack F. BENTLEY, 894 41 74, ARM3c, all from the U.S.S. CHENANGO, reported aboard for transportation.

1748 (I) Received report of downed fighter pilot 2 miles inside reef on south coast of ISHIGAKI SHIMA. Planes promised us fighter cover for next morning to pick up pilot, but decided to attempt rescue at night if at all possible. Headed for designated position, which was 50 miles away, at flank speed.

1946 (I) Plane reported negative results in further search for downed pilot.

2200 (I) Closed to within 1.5 miles of reef searching for aviator.

2205 (I) Fired 2 green Verya Stars. No response. Opened out to southward.

2311 (I) Plane reported light in water which he thought might be pilot. Closed this position.

— page 80 —
1 May, 1945

0000 (I) Sighted flares and tracer fire over ISHIGAKI. Various friendly and enemy planes on SD and 8J radars.
0033 (I) Plane reported "splashing" an enemy plane near the assumed position of the pilot in the water; thereafter he lost sight of light toward which he had been directing us.
0100 (I) Friendly planes departed.
0112 (I) Saw several enemy planes take off from MYARA airstrip and pass over us.
0153 (I) Abandoned search for aviator. Information as to his location was doubtful, and without assistance from own planes further search at night seemed futile. We had thoroughly covered without success the given positions, which were only 2-3 miles off beach.
0430 (I) On lifeguard station southeast of ISHIGAKI SHIMA.
0700 (I) Planes reported negative results in morning search for downed pilot.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 15' N., Long. 124° 40' E.

2 May, 1945

On assigned lifeguard station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
1100 (I) Transmitted Bluefish First to Consubuca reporting bad weather and evidence of front.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 12' N., Long. 124° 38' E.

3 May, 1945

On assigned lifeguard station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 12' N., Long. 124° 38' E.

1445 (I) Sighted MYRT airoart, which closed to within 5 miles, but did not seem to see us.
1455 (I) Dived.
1725 (I) Surfaced.
2000 (I) Converted #4 F.B.T. to M.B.T. Dived to flush out the tank.

4 May, 1945

On assigned lifeguard station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
0811 (I) Sighted British task force of 2 BB's, 3 CA's, 2 CL's and 6 DD's to southeast. Exchanged recognition signals. (Ship contact #4).

— page 81 —
4 May, 1945, Cont'd.

1139 (I) Sighted A/A/A fire and smoke over task force which was apparently under attack.
1154 (I) Bogey at 8 miles. Dived.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 22' N., Long. 124° 58' E.

1220 (I) Surfaced.
1758 (I) Two lookouts sighted periscope. Cleared area to westward.
2000 (I) After dark closed position of periscope sighting, but could not make contact.

5 May, 1945

On assigned lifeguard station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
0555 (I) Bogey at 12 miles, closing.
0557 (I) Dived.
0705 (I) Surfaced.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 03' N., Long. 124° 38' E.

6 May, 1945

On assigned lifeguard station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 20' N., Long. 125° 01' E.

1354 (I) Sighted horn type mine rusty and barnacle covered. Sank 11/9 (I) with small arms and 20 mm. fire, but force was 2137 (I) Headed for ISLE OF IS

— page 82 —
0922 (I) Lookout sighted periscope, all clear on sound.
0923 (I) All clear on sound.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat: 24° 0' 18" N, Long: 125° 0' 66" E.
1305 (I) Surface, 9 May, 1945.

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
1000 (I) Sighted floating horn type mine. Exploded it with 20 mm. gunfire.
1147 (I) Bogey at 9 miles. Dived.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat: 24° 0' 18" N, Long: 125° 0' 66" E.
1400 (I) Surface, 10 May, 1945.

On assigned station.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat: 24° 0' 18" N, Long: 125° 0' 66" E.
1255 (I) Dived for drills and training planesmen. No aircraft all morning.
1622 (I) Surface.
1646 (I) Contact with various friendly carrier based planes.
1747 (I) Sighted smoke from radome over MIYAKO.

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat: 24° 0' 18" N, Long: 124° 41' E.
1606 (I) Received report of plane down near MIYAKO SHIMA. Headed for spot at flank speed.
1736 (I) Received report that seaplane had rescued pilot. Resumed patrolling.

— page 83 —
12 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0820 (I) Received report of three aviators in raft at point 34 miles southeast of us in air surface zone. Air cover was provided by carrier planes to allow us to enter this zone.

1028 (I) At reported position. Commenced search in company with Mariner type DUMBO and fighter cover of British Firefly and Corsairs.

1435 (I) Corsairs sighted raft. Headed toward them.

1503 (I) Sub Lieut. T.H. ST.NIFORTH, R.N.V.R.; Sub Lieut. W. ILLINGWORTH, R.N.V.R., and P.O. Gunner R.F. MORTIMORE, FX 113-677, reported aboard, all in good health after seven hours in raft. They were crew of Avenger plane from 857th N aval Air Squadron of H.M.S. INDOMITABLE.

1526 (I) Headed for reported position of another crash near MIYAKO SHIMA.

1722 (I) Seaplane reported rescue of survivors. Headed for lifeguard station. Corsairs stayed with us while in air surface zone.

2000 (I) Transmitted Bluefish Two to Comsubpac giving dope on survivors and bombardment.

13 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 07' N., Long. 124° 48' E.

14 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0612 (I) Bogey at 8 miles, closing.

0613 (I) Div'd.

0702 (I) Surfaced.

1013 (I) Received report of downed pilot off SW point of ISHIGAKI. Headed for point at flank speed.

1153 (I) DUMBO plane rescued pilot. Resumed patrol.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 19' N., Long. 124° 43' E.

2351 (I) Plane contact on SJ radar at 6,000 yards, closed rapidly to 3,700, Div'd.

— page 84 —
15 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0036 (I) Surraced.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 07' N., Long. 124° 41' E.

16 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0919 (I) Blamed floating mine. Exploded at with 20 mm. and .50 cal. gunfire.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 45' N., Long. 125° 08' E.

1800 (I) Received report of pilot down off south coast of MYAKO.

1945 (I) Closed position of area to within 3,000 yards of beach. Sighted two red Veyas stars.

2002 (I) Lt. D. H. OHUTA, R.N.V.R., Corsair pilot from H.M.S. VIORIOUS, reported aboard, in good health, after two hours in life raft.

2004 (I) Headed back to station.

17 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0937 (I) Sighted floating mine. Bank it with 20 mm. and .50 cal. gunfire.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 13' N., Long. 124° 43' E.

18 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0503 (I) Bogey at 24 miles.

0523 (I) Divad.

0745 (I) Suraced.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 17' N., Long. 125° 07' E.

— page 85 —
19 May, 1945

On assigned station. No planes.

1200 (I) POSITION: lat. 24° 10' N., long. 124° 40' E.
1230 (I) Div.
1703 (I) Surfaced.

20 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.
1140 (I) Boge' at 17 miles, olosing.
1146 (I) Dived.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 20' N., Long. 125° 11' E.

1258 (I) Surfaced.
2355 (I) Sighted glow of fires on MIYAKO SHIMA.

21 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 14' N., Long. 124° 23' E.

1306 (I) Dived.
1400 (I) Surfaced.

22 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 25' N., Long. 125° 05' E.

23 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 12' N., Long. 124° 50' E.

— page 86 —
24 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly planes in vicinity during day.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 16' N., Long. 125° 11' E.

1900 (I) Headed for ISHIGAKI SHIMA, planning to bombard the airfield.

2256 (I) At a range of 6,500 yards bombarded the ISHIGAKI Airfield with 39 rounds of 5"/25". All shots landed on or around the airfield, but no fires were started.

2303 (I) No return fire. Completed bombardment and headed for odd day station.

25 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0612 (I) Div'd.
0745 (I) Surfaced.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 07' N., Long. 124° 43' E.

1945 (I) Converted #3 and #5 F.B.T. to M.B.T.
2048 (I) Div'd to flush out tanks.
2058 (I) Surfaced.

26 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

0532 (I) Sighted floating mine or net float. Sank it with automatic weapons.

0612 (I) Bogey at 15 miles. Div'd.
0810 (I) Surfaced.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 20' N., Long. 125° 05' E.

1338 (I) Bogey at 15 miles. Div'd.
1628 (I) Surfaced.

— page 87 —
27 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based aircraft in vicinity during day.
Transmitted Bluefish Three acknowledging Comsubpac serial 25.
Sighted: unident ified plane at 3 miles, Nived.
Surfaced.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 07' N., Long. 124° 42' E.
1820 (I) Received report of plane down "in vicinity". Without more definite information than this decided to search around ISHIGAKI since it was nearest and had been under attack today. Searched all along the south and east coasts of ISHIGAKI from 5 to 6 miles from shore. Fired green V-eyes Stars at intervals. No response.

28 May, 1945

In vicinity at assigned station sweeping for downed plane. Various friendly carrier based aircraft contacts during day.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 26' N., Long. 125° 18' E.
1800 (I) Flares reported negative results in search for survivor. Abandoned search for missing plane. Headed for ISHIGAKI at 4° range of 6,000 yards bombarded ISHIGAKI Airfield with 27 rounds of 5"/25. Hits were observed in target area, with two large explosions, but still no fires. No return fire.
2309 (I) All ammunition expended. No casualties. Headed for lifeguard station.

29 May, 1945

On assigned station. Various friendly carrier based planes in vicinity during day.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 24° 09' N., Long. 124° 42' E.
1930 (I) Pursuant to provisions of operation order and despatch orders contained in Comsubpac serial 25 of 26 May, 1945, departed lifeguard station-enroute SUBIG BAY, P.I.

— page 88 —
30 May, 1945

Enroute base.
0900 (I) Passed to OpoCnotrol ComTaskForce 71. Sent Bluefish One to ComTaskForce 71 reporting for duty.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 22° 08' N., Long. 121° 59.7' E.
31 May, 1945
Enroute base. Several contacts with friendly patrol planes.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 17° 50' N., Long. 118° 26.3' E.
1 June, 1945
Enroute base.
0400 (I) Rendezvoused with escort and proceeded to SWHC BAY for refit.

C. WEATHER.
Weather conformed generally to olimatology summary in CincPac - CincPOA bulletin no. 162-44.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION.
On the southeast side of the SAKISHIMA GUNTO between 20 and 30 miles from shore a northeasterly current of .5 to .9 knots was experienced during May, 1945.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
A steady white light on the hill on the southeast point of ISHIGAKI was observed on two occasions visible 10 miles. It is probably an aircraft beacon.

No other aids observed.

F. SHIP CONTACTS:
| No. | Date | Lat. | Type | Initial Range | Est. Speed | Contact | Remarks |
|-----|------|------|------|||||
| 1   | 4/26 | 132-55 | 1 SS | 10 mi.     | 090(T)    | Surface | Friendly |
| 2   | 4/26 | 132-25 | 3 PG | 10 mi.     | 300(T)    | Surface | Friendly |
| 3   | 4/26 | 132-25 | 1 SS | 10 mi.     | 090(T)    | Surface | Blackfish |
| 4   | 5/4 | 125-00 | GL'A, | DD'15 mi.   | 310(T)    | Surface | Bombardment |
|     |      |      |      |              |           |         | task force |

- 12 -

— page 89 —
1. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
Two enemy planes were recognized and several unidentified contacts which might have been enemy were made. The continuous carrier neutralization of the SAKISHIMA GUNTO airfields was effectively.
One contact with aircraft was made at night.

H. ATTACK DATA.
None.

I. MINES.
Five floating mines were sighted and five were sunk or exploded with .50 cal. and 20 mm. gunfire.

J. ANTI-SUMMARINE MEASURES.
None.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.
(1) Worn rings in fourth stage of #1 Hardie-Tynes Air Compressor caused high pressure in all stages. Pulled fourth stage head and lines and renewed rings, compressor then operated normally.
(2) No. 1 main engine outboard forward bed plate holding down bolt parted, probably caused by engine vibration.

L. RADIO.
No major defects or damage were encountered. On one occasion poor modulation of the TEL transmitter when used on voice was corrected by deorassing the antenna coupling.

Enemy interference on all sub fox frequencies was light and infrequent and did not cause trouble at any time. The SD radar causes strong interference in the RAL, but none in the RBS receivers.

No Comsubpao serials were missed, and all ship to shore transmissions were cleared without difficulty.

9090 kcs. NPN was received with strength 4 to 5 from 0900 to 1500 Z and from 1800 to 2400 Z.

— page 90 —
9050 Kcs. NPM was received 4 to 5 between 1200 and 1800 Z.
This frequency was not used at other times.

16730 Kcs. NPM was received 4 to 5 from 1700 to 1300 Z; and
was weak from 1300 to 1900 Z.

4515, 6045, and 13655 Kcs. were used only occasionally at
about 1800 Z. Signal strength was 4 to 5 on these frequencies
at these times.

M. RADAR.

The SJ radar has given reliable operation, the only troubles
encountered being as listed below. Total operation time this
patrol has been 470 hours.

1. During the training period a damped series of pulses,
following the transmitted pulse, appeared on the screen. Re-
versing the receiver crystal eliminated this.

2. On April 27 trouble was encountered in keeping the
receiver tuned. The 726B oscillator tube was removed, correcting
the trouble. No operating time was lost, but sensitivity was
reduced for one night.

3. On May 11 the high voltage rectifier shorted out. A
thorough cleaning of the high voltage insulators and renewal
of the 836 rectifier tubes were both necessary to eliminate the
trouble. No operating time was lost, since trouble was encon-
tered during a morning check-up.

A whipping action has developed in the PPI flexible shaft
causing the PPI sweep to move in jerks. Renewal of the shaft
is necessary. A suggested improvement is to install a selsyn
motor to drive the sweep coil, powering the selsyn from the
bearing transmitter already installed; thereby eliminating the
flexible shaft.

The SD radar has operated satisfactorily, being kept in a
standby condition all the time while on the surface except for
short check-up periods. The SD was normally manned only during
the day time.

— page 91 —
M. RADAR (Cont'd.)

Trouble is occasionally encountered from the SD mast slowly slipping down from the raised position. A hydraulically operated holding device, similar to the upper drift stop on the sound heads, would eliminate this difficulty.

- Failure of V20(6L6GT) in the EN unit of the IFF occurred twice, necessitating renewal of the tube.

On 27 May two partial tube failures in the EN occurred. The defective tubes were V24(3B24) and V23(15E).

N. SONAR GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

No major defects or damage were encountered. No sonar contacts were made.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

Isothermal water was encountered off the southeast side of the SAKISHIMA GUNTO during May, 1945.

P. HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.

The health of the crew was excellent throughout the entire patrol. There were no man days lost as a result of sickness. There was a total of seven (7) man days lost as a result of the following injuries; An electric flash burn of face and eyes resulting from a fuse blow out. A possible fractured rib as a result of a fall into the cool room hatch opening, while the hatch was open. The treatment for the above injuries was as follows:

| DIAGNOSIS | SICK DAYS | TREATMENT |
||||
| Electric flash burn of face & eyes | 3 | First degree burn of face was treated with boric acid ointment and healed very well. Eyes were irrigated with boric acid solution, and butyn sulphate ointment used. Cold compresses were applied every two hours for the first 36 hrs. After 36 hours the burn of the right eye was complicated by infection, especially of the conjunctiva. |

— page 93 —
5
: 31
: 2
: 1

S. DURATION.
Days enroute to area
Days in area
Days enroute to base
Days submerged

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.
Torpedoes
21 and 5
Fuel
gallons
Provisions
40 days
Personnel
20 days

- 17 -

— page 94 —
U. COUNTERMEASURES:
The following enemy radar intercepts were made on the APR:

| Carrier | Pulse | Pulse | Position | Radar |
||-------|-------||-------|
| Freq.  | Rate | Length | E. N. | Loca- | Remarks | Pulse Shape |
| (mcs.) | (cps) | (m.s.) | Date | Lat. | tion | |
| 73     | 500  | --    | 5/16  | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | Weak, steady |
| 75     | 750  | 25    | 5/8   | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | " " |
| 78     | 500  | 50    | 5/17  | 24-10 | 124-42 | -- | Very weak |
| 90     | 50   | 30    | 4/26  | 23-53 | 123-04 | -- | Very weak |
| 98-100 | 500-650 | 3 per loop | Intermittently, | Ishigaki | Jima | May be a homing beacon. Pulse rate & length of "multiple pulses" change from time to time. |
| 98-100 | 750 per loop | All times while in area, | " | " | " | " | |
| 142   | 500   | 14    | 5/14  | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | Sweeping |
| 145   | 500   | 8    | 5/1   | 24-10 | 124-42 | -- | Sweeping |
| 145-147 | 500 | 12-15 | 5/15  | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | Moderate strength, sweeping |
| 150   | 500   | 4-5   | 5/12  | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | Very weak |
| 150   | 500   | 8    | 5/4   | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | Slow, irregular sweep. Moderate strength. |
| 150   | 750   | 12    | --    | E. end Miyako | Strong, slow sweep. | |
| 155   | 500   | 7-8   | All times in area | Ishigaki Jima | " | |
| 155   | 750   | 10-12 | All times in area | Moderate, slow Miyako sweep. | |
| 210   | 1000  | 12    | 5/6   | 24-15 | 124-55 | -- | Weak. |
| 212   | 500   | 3    | 5/12  | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | Weak, Intermittent. |
| 220   | 800   | 6    | 5/16  | 24-21 | 125-07 | -- | Strong, keyed, possibly air borne. |
| 490   | 1200 | Short | 4/26  | 23-53 | 123-04 | -- | Weak, intermittent. |

- 18 -

— page 96 —
FC5-22/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Serial: 0116
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222)--
Report of Eighth War Patrol.
From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) -- Report of Eighth War Patrol.

1. The U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) departed Apra Harbor, Guam, M.I. on 23 April 1945 on her eighth war patrol with Lieutenant Commander G. W. FORBES, Jr., USN, making his first patrol as Commanding Officer. The patrol was of thirty-eight (38) days duration, terminating on 1 June in Subic Bay, P.I. Thirty-one (31) days were spent on station rendering lifeguard services for aircraft in the vicinity of SAKISHIM GUNTO in the RYUKUS. One day was spent submerged.

2. Only seven hours after arriving on station 30 April, the BLUEFISH made what is probably the quickest rescue on record. Four minutes after their TMI crash landed alongside, the pilot and his two crewmen were safely aboard. On 12 May the BLUEFISH "impressed" three British carrier aviators. Again on 16 May another British pilot reported aboard from a point 3,000 yards off MIYAKO ISLAND, making a total of seven (7) British and American airmen returned to duty. Two more attempts to rescue snafus were foiled by sketchy or inaccurate information despite a thorough and courageous search in shallower water within two of three miles of enemy airfields on ISHIGAKI.

3. Three night bombardments were conducted on ISHIGAKI air strips observed to be operational. Although no great damage could be expected from such attacks the harassing effect on enemy morale may have been considerable.

4. Aircraft contacts of all types were almost continuous. Fortunately, enemy air contacts were very few. Several floating mines were sighted and destroyed.

5. The Squadron Commander is pleased to congratulate the Commanding Officer, officers and men of the BLUEFISH on a well-conducted patrol and the successful accomplishment of their mission. The ship returned from patrol clean and in excellent material condition. Refit will be completed by the U.S.S. HOUARD W. GITMORE and Relief Crew, Submarine Division 221 in the normal period.

E. S. HUTCHINSON.

7 0593

— page 97 —
11 June 1945.
Serial 074-A
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEFISH Golf. Ltr. A16,
Serial 06, dated 1 June, 1945
Report of Eighth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Eighth War Patrol - Comments on.

1. The Eighth War Patrol of the BLUEFISH under the command of Lt. Comdr. G. W. FORBES, Jr., U.S.N., was spent in rendering lifeguard services for aircraft in the vicinity of the RYUS. That no enemy ships were contacted was to be expected in this area.

2. The patrol was characterized by a thoroughness and determination in searching for downed airmen regardless of the depth of water and proximity to enemy air fields. A total of 3 American and 4 British aviators were successfully rescued.

3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is authorized for this patrol.

4. The Force Commander takes pleasure in congratulating the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the BLUEFISH on this successful and well conducted patrol which was made under the operational control of Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) Direct CTG-71.8 (2)
Vice Opnav (2) Direct ComSubron-22 (2)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) ComSubron-26 (2)
ComlstFlt (1) ComSubron-30 (2)
Com2nGtlt (1) DivComSubron-22 (1ea)
Com7thFlt (2) DivComsubron-26 (1ea)
ComSubslstFlt (30) DivComsubron-30 (1e)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4) S/M School; N.L. Conn. (2)
CTF-71 (7) Comdt. NYD, Puget Sound (1)
CTG-71.5 (2) SubAd, Mare Island (2)
S/Ms 7thFlt (1)

THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROLLED WATERS.

H. H. MELANSON,
A. Flag Secretary.

— page 98 —
23 JUN 1945
REG. NO E-1317
R.S. NO 0593
REG. SHEET NO 29

CONFIDENTIAL:
THIRD ENDORSEMENT on:
USS BLUEFISH (SS222)
Conf. ltr., serial 06,
of 1 June 1945. Report
of Eighth War Patrol.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Eighth
War Patrol - Comment on.

1. Forwarded.
2. The Commander Seventh Fleet notes with satisfaction the rescue of seven aviators by the BLUEFISH.

Copy to:
ComSubs7thFlt
ComSubRon 22
CO, USS BLUEFISH (SS222)

— page 99 —
014
Serial: (014)
CO DECLASSIFIED
SS222/A16

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222).
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Official channels).

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222), Report of War Patrol Number NINE.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosure (A) covering the NINTH War Patrol of this vessel, conducted in the EAST MALAY COAST-SINGAPORE Area during the period 25 June, 1945 to 29 July, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.10
BY: O.P. O.P. G. DATE: 5/24/42

DECLASSIFIED

— page 100 —
1 June, 1945. Arrived Subic Bay, P.I. from Eighth war patrol.

2-16 June, 1945. Officers and crew spent two weeks at Camp Coe while an excellent refit was accomplished by Sub. Div. 221 relief crew and U.S.S. HOWARD W. GLIMORE (AS-16).

Alterations completed: Installed Loran equipment, SD radar pre-amplifier, additional safety, negative and bow buoyancy blow valves, additional stop valve in drain pump discharge to compensating system. The relief crew electrical gang under Lt.(jg) C.B. BREDING did a particularly fine job of lowering the battery gravity to bring it within the prescribed limits which it had exceeded by as much as ten points in some cells.

16-25 June. Post repair, training and loading period including four days underway operations with Captain J.A. SCOTT; U.S. Navy as training officer. Rough weather prevented firing scheduled exercise torpedoes.

B. NARRATIVE.

25 June, 1945.

1409 (I) Departed Subic Bay, P.I. in accordance with Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE Operation Order #84-45, enroute area D-3, off the east coast of the MALAY PENINSULA.

List of Officers and CFO's on board:

| Name          | War Patrols (Including this): |
|||
| Lt. Comdr. G.W. Forbes, jr., USN | 12                           |
| Lt. J.T. Hine, USN       | 12                           |
| Lt. H.D. Felsenthal, jr., USNR | 8                            |
| Lt. B.P. Tucker, USNR     | 2                            |
| Lt. (jg) R.R. Runnion, USNR  | 7                            |
| Lt. (jg) C.R. Stokes, USN    | 5                            |
| Lt. (jg) O.P. LeCompte, jr., USNR | 5                            |
| Ensign A.M. Sikes, USNR     | 2                            |
| Ensign T.L. Allen, USNR     | 3                            |
| Smith, J.G., 223 70 59, CTM, USN | 15                           |
| Miscavage, J.A., 706 09 85, CEM, USNR | 9                            |
| Drechsler, H.M., 223 50 61, CMO, USN | 8                            |
| Boyd, L. "H", 376 29 12, CMO, USN | 8                            |
| St. Louis, F.G., 810 08 29, CPHZ, USNR | 3                            |

— page 101 —
26 June, 1945

Enroute patrol area conducting daily dives and d.lls.
Regular friendly search planes sighted each day.
Communications on SAFFLAN satisfactory.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 13° 50' N., Long. 116° 50' E.
1424 (I) Sighted floating mine and exploded 'it with .50 caliber
and 20 mm.
1554 (I) Sighted U.S. Submarine on opposite course (Ship contact #1).

27 June, 1945

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 12° 09' N., Long. 113° 14' E.
28 June, 1945

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 09° 07' N., Long. 110° 07' E.
29 June, 1945

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 06° 17' N., Long. 106° 18' E.

1400 (I) Entered area D-3 and proceeded to position north of
PULO TENGGOL.
2205 (I) Sent message to BLOWER reporting arrival.
2234 (I) Received message from BLOWER directing a submerged
patrol and designating rendezvous tomorrow.

30 June, 1945

0715 (I) Dived for submerged patrol about 12 miles off coast.
Listened on SAFFLAN frequency with SD antenna for first
ten minutes of each hour. Transmission and reception
satisfactory with aircraft and BLOWER.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 05° 09' N., Long. 103° 32' E.

2035 (I) Surfaced.
2245 (I) Rendezvoused with U.S.S. BLOWER (Ship contact #2),
and arranged to run alternate two day periods of
submerged and surface patrolling; BLUEFISH north of
PULO TENGGOL and BLOWER south.

— page 102 —
1 July, 1945

0730 (I) Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 04° 57' N., Long. 103° 34' E.

1358 (I) Sighted small native sail boat.

2030 (I) Surfaced.

2 July, 1945

Patrolling on surface between FULO TENGGOL and PULO REDANG.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 05° 42' N., Long. 103° 25' E.

1301 (I) Dived for trim.

1308 (I) Surfaced.

2220 (I) Rendezvoused with U.S.S. BLOWER and made coordinated search off shore.

3 July, 1945

0300 (I) Discontinued search and returned to area north of PULO TENGGOL for surface patrol.

1050 (I) Investigated small native fishing boat. Evidently harmless; gave Malays some tinned food to compensate for possible damage to their fish net. Several such sail boats in this area.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 05° 20' N., Long. 103° 29' E.

2345 (I) Headed for rendezvous designated by BLOWER in order to reconnoiter together, CHUKAI Anchorage, where aircraft had reported a tanker and sea trucks.

4 July, 1945

0448 (I) Rendezvoused with BLOWER and headed for anchorage. VHF receiver out of commission, used APR as receiver.

0845 (I) Closed within 7 miles of beach, but could see nothing in anchorage. Ships might be up river which sailing directions say is navigable for vessels of less than 8 foot draft. Many small fishing boats and junks were seen.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 04° 54' N., Long. 103° 51' E.

— page 103 —
1218 (I) Sighted small sail boat.
: 1236 (I) Headed for patrol station on probable shipping route between Indo-China and Singapore.
: 2245 (I) Patrolling on station.

: 5 July, 1945

: 1134 (I) Headed south to take station designated by BLOWER

: 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 04° 45' N., Long. 105° 08' E.

: 1913 (I) Sighted small sail boat. Avoided.

: 6 July, 1945

: 0022 (I) Commenced patrolling assigned station.
: 0337 (I) SLEUTH reported sound contact with enemy.
: 0450 (I) SLEUTH reported unsuccessful attack.

: 0709 (I) Dived for periscope patrol in case any more shipping came along this track.
: 1110 (I) Surfaced and started return to patrol area.

: 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 02° 08' N., Long. 105° 30' E.

: 1400 (I) Sighted small sail boat. Investigated and found harmless.
: 2135 (I) Converted #4 F.B.T. to M.B.T. Dived to flush out tank.
: 2140 (I) Surfaced.

: 7 July, 1945

: 0300 (I) Received orders from CTF 71 to patrol area E-1.
: 0328 (I) Headed for area.
: 0536 (I) Radar contact at 0500(T), 11,000 yards. Tracked on course 280, speed 9 (Ship contact #3).
: 0550 (I) Asked BLOWER her position.
: 0605 (I) BLOWER reported her position which plotted as our contact. BLOWER's SJ radar was out of commission.
: 0632 (I) Closed contact and exchanged identification with U.S.S. ELOWER.

: 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 03° 41' N., Long. 105° 04' E.

: 2215 (I) Commenced patrolling in vicinity of WHITE ROCK across route between ANAMBAS ISLAND and SINGAPORE.

— page 104 —
8 July, 1945

0845 (I) Received orders from BLOWER to patrol across route in vicinity of PULO REPON while he patrolled 10 miles northwest of us.
1055 (I) On assigned station patrolling on surface.
1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 02° 28' N., Long. 105° 45' E.
2026 (I) Received contact report from BLOWER. "Two small escorts, course 220, speed 10, Lat. 02° 42' N., Long. 105° 34' E. at 2000 (I)".
2032 (I) Headed on intercepting course at flank speed. BLOWER sent "Am attacking" on radar.
2149 (I) Radar contact on BLOWER making 17 knots on 205°(T).
2248 (I) Contact on two small enemy vessels at 7,500 yards, bearing 243°(T). Tracked on course 235°(T), speed 8½ knots (Ship contact #4). The closer ship was on the port bow of the other and showed as a slightly smaller pip on the radar.
2316 (I) Had a good solution. The ships were on a steady course which would take them to SINGAPORE.
2324 (I) BLOWER said she was in contact on port flank of enemy.
2327 (I) Sent message to BLOWER "Am attacking from port bow".
2331 (I) Headed in planning to shoot the closest escort.
2336 (I) Target in sight at 4,600 yards.
2340 (I) Target zigged to 260°(T). Otherwise no evasive action or indication that target was alerted.
2345 (I) Opened range to 8,000 yards and commenced end around.
2354 (I) All tubes reloaded.

9 July, 1945

0000 (I) Decided to try shooting the second, slightly larger ship, with two foot depth settings.
0003 (I) Made tubes ready and started in.
0011 (I) Target came left to 225°(T) giving an 85 port track.
0016 (I) Fired four Mark 14 torpedoes, set on two feet, gyro 35C, track 94P, 2,000 yard run, 1° spread.
0017-20(I) First hit. Both heard and seen from bridge.

— page 105 —
0017-28(I) Second hit. Both heard and seen from bridge. Target disintegrated. All the torpedo wakes were plainly visible in this salvo.
: 0025 (I) Remaining target continuing on original course and speed.
: 0035 (I) All tubes reloaded forward.
: 0038 (I) Made ready all tubes and started in again.
: 0042 (I) Target course 203(T), speed 9. Checking good.
: 0045 (I) Fired four Mark 14 torpedoes; set on two feet, gyro 3,2, track 113P, 2,200 yard run, 1° spread. No hits, and only one wake visible.

: Although it is hard to believe that five out of twelve torpedoes fired failed to run, the fact that wakes were clearly seen from the other seven may indicate that this is a possible cause for misses. The remaining torpedoes were carefully checked immediately after completion of attacks and were found satisfactory. In an earlier routine check one torpedo was found with no tacki-wax on the exhaust valves and its afterbody flooded when tested in tube.

: 0056 (I) Hauling clear while FLOWER makes attack.
: 0015 (I) FLOWER compltstd an unsuccessful attack.
: 0018 (I) We suggested coordinated gun attack.
: 0130 (I) Manned all guns and took station 1,000 yards astern of FLOWER. Closing target from his port quarter.
: 0225 (I) Ordered by FLOWER to break off attack. We hated to let this fellow get away, but did not want to waste any more torpedoes on him and it was too dark for gun action. By morning he would have been safe in SINGAPORE STRAIT.

: 0729 (I) Dived for submerged patrol.
: 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 020° 01' N., Long. 105° 12' E.
: 2010 (I) Surfaced.

: 10 July, 1945

: 1054 (I) Dived.
: 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 010° N., Long. 105° 33' E.

: 1285 (I) Surfaced.
: 1318 (I) Bogey at 22 miles
: 1320 (I) Sighted two engine unidentified plane closing.
: 1322 (I) Dived.

— page 106 —
1429 (I) 1440 (I) 1443 (I) 1637 (I) 1820 (I) 0019 (I) 0311 (I) 0722 (I) 1200 (I) 2005 (I) 2045 (I) 2126 (I) 2253 (I) 0002 (I) 0058 (I) 0720 (I) 1200 (I) 2035 (I) 2334 (I) 0708 (I) 1200 (I) 2045 (I) 2230 (I) 0704 (I) 1200 (I) 2045 (I) 2356 (I) 0704 (I) 1200 (I) 2045 (I) 2356 (I)

Surfaced.
Sighted two engine unidentified plane, closing.
Dived.
Surfaced.
Sighted small sail boat. Avoided.

11 July, 1945

0019 (I) Patrolling station designated by BLOWER off SINGAPORE STRAIT entrance.
0311 (I) Exchanged identification signals with BLOWER.
0722 (I) Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 01° 40' N., Long. 105° 00' E.

2005 (I) Slighted small sail boat.
2045 (I) Surfaced.
2126 (I) Exchanged identification signals with BLOWER.
2253 (I) Received contact report from BLOWER, headed toward.

12 July, 1945

0002 (I) BLOWER contact sail boat, returned to patrol station.
0058 (I) Patrolling along shipping lane from SINGAPORE.
0720 (I) Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 02° 21' N., Long. 106° 40' E.

2035 (I) Surfaced.
2334 (I) Exchanged identification signals with BLOWER.

13 July, 1945

0708 (I) Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 03° 30' N., Long. 108° 42' E.

2045 (I) Surfaced.
2230 (I) Joined WOLF PACK CHARR, BLOWER and HAMMERHEAD, patrolling east of GREAT NATURA Island. O.T.C., Comdr. F.D. BOYLE, USN, in CHARR.

14 July, 1945

0704 (I) Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 05° 18' N., Long. 109° 26' E.

2045 (I) Surfaced
2356 (I) Received contact report from BLOWER. Commenced closing at full power.

— page 107 —
15 July, 1945

0029 (I) BLOWER reported enemy course 040°(T), speed 14.
0222 (I) Heard two torpedo explosions.
0223 (I) One torpedo explosion.
0224 (I) One torpedo explosion, apparently hits or end of run explosions from BLOWER attack.
0317 (I) Radar contact 140°(T), 11,750 yards. Commenced tracking. (Ship contact #5).
0323 (I) Received report from BLOWER, "Attack completed, results doubtful".
0330 (I) Target tracked at 12 knots, zig-zagging between 010°(T) and 070°(T) on five minute legs. Radar interference present astern and quite distinct from target, determined to be BLOWER and HAMMERHEAD. CEARK was known to be much further west. Target definitely enemy.
0352 (I) Weas to action stations.
0401 (I) With angle on the bow from target base course, 55°P, range 8,300 yards, made ready all tubes and headed in; whichever leg we caught him on would give us a favorable track. Planned to fire both nests, if necessary.
0405 (I) Target zigged away. Identified as Jap sub.
0409 (I) Target zigged toward. Identified as Jap sub.
0411 (I) Fired four Kerrk 14 torpedoes set on 6 feet, gyros 348, track 78P, torpedo run 1,850 yards, swung to bring stern tubes to bear.
0412-14(I) First torpedo hit.
0412-20(I) Second torpedo hit. Both seen and heard from bridge. Target caught fire, broke in two. Flame shot high into air. Gun forward, low conning tower with vertical forward fairwater, and cigarette deck aft suggests I-1 class.
Our photographer, MOORHEAD, J.T., 945 94 53, F2c, USNR, had his camera going during the hits and fire. Some excellent movies should result.
0413 (I) Submarine sank stern first and disappeared from radar screen at 1,800 yards. Secured stern tubes.
0416 (I) Secured from action stations. Returned to scene of sinking to search for survivors. Heavy smell of gasoline present, but nothing visible, except large slick.
0442 (I) Fire broke out in gasoline slick about 500 yards off port beam. Hauled clear and took movies of flaming sea. Apparently the fire bubbled up from the wreck and more fuel was continually supplied by the sunken sub. Smoky, orange fire formed in shape similar to sub and flames were 50 feet high.

— page 108 —
0531 (I) CHARR cruised by to admire the spectacle.
: 0607 (I) Fire still burning. Left area to head for patrol station.
: 0630 (I) Transmitted BLUEFISH first to CTF 71 reporting results to date. Only eight torpedoes remain, all aft.
: 0709 (I) Decided to return to scene of the crime, where fire was still burning, to search for debris or survivors by daylight.
: 0813 (I) Entered large oil slick. Sighted three Japs in water near burning fuel. Considerable wood, cork and oil on water.
: 0815 (I) Brought three husky looking Japs aboard.
: 0857 (I) Headed for patrol station. Transmitted BLUEFISH second to CTF 71 reporting prisoners on board.

: 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 05° 13' N., Long. 109° 46' E.

Two prisoners were put in the empty skids forward and one in the after torpedo room. None of them spoke English and no attempts were made to question them. They were given regular meals and a few cigarettes daily and not allowed to communicate with each other.

: 1201 (I) Sighted large unidentified bomber 20 miles, closing.
: 1203 (I) Dived.
: 1306 (I) Surfaced.

16 July, 1945

: 1022 (I) Received CTF 71 serial 2 ordering BLUEFISH to patrol E-8 when relieved by BRILL.

: 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 02° 12' N., Long. 106° 50' E.

: 1407 (I) Bogey at 10 miles. Dived. No. 7 L.B.T. vent failed to open. See "Major Defects and Damage" for details.
: 1409 (I) Vent opened by hand.
: 1552 (I) Surfaced.
: 1730 (I) Dived to test vent, satisfactory.
: 1740 (I) Surfaced.

— page 109 —
17 July, 1945

Patrolling off SINGAPORE STRAIT.

0955 (I) Div'd.
1048 (I) Surfaced.
1150 (I) Bogeys at 20 and 24 miles. Not sighted.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 01° 42' N., Long. 104° 59' E.

1541 (I) Bogeys at 10 miles. Div'd.
1717 (I) Surfaced.

18 July, 1945

0750 (I) Sighted medium sized sailing vessel (Ship contact #6).
0835 (I) Spoke sail boat which was native manned. Ke said he was carrying cocoanut oil to PEKING ISLAND and that it was not for Japs. Considered crew and cargo offensive so let him proceed.

1032 (I) Div'd un the Line. King Neptune and his court made official visit and initiated 33 pollywogs into the order of Trusty Shellbacks.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 00° 03' S., Long. 106° 03' E.

1205 (I) Surfaced.
1704 (I) Div'd.
1826 (I) Surfaced.
2000 (I) Commanded patrolling along north coast of BANKA ISLAND.

19 July, 1945

0130 (I) Headed north again for SINGAPORE STRAIT.
0805 (I) Sighted large junk off POINT DJANG on LINGGA ISLAND (Ship contact #7).

0815 (I) Div'd to look him over.
1111 (I) Surfaced. Named 40 MM and 20 MM, and closed to investigate. Fired several rounds across his bow to stop him.

1130 (I) Distinguished two JAP flags flying from mizzenmast. Broke own colors. The Jap struck his, and commenced abandoning ship in small boat; gave him a couple of bursts to speed him up. Twelve to fifteen men in crew, mostly Malays.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 00° 05' S., Long. 105° 10' E.

1210 (I) With all crew clear in small boat, went alongside and sent over boarding party.

— page 110 —
1214 (I) Boarding party returned with specimens of ore cargo, charts, both flags, Jap-English dictionary, and various other articles. Identified junk as ore laden TECCHILI type (Page 179, ONI 208-J, supplement #2). When alongside he extended from bow planes well aft of conning tower making him about 125 feet long. Opened fire with 20 MM and 40 MM which caused little damage in spite of numerous hits at close range. Manned five inch and sank junk with three hits out of five rounds fired. Pictures were taken of entire action. 1217 (I) Lookout reported plane. Dived. 1348 (I) Surface, and continued up coast to patrol off SINGAPORE STRAIT. Attempted to question prisoner using dictionary taken from sunken junk. With this he indicated that his submarine was the I-351 (Not shown in ONI-220J). Imperfect understanding makes this identification uncertain.

20 July, 1945

0907 (I) Lookout reported periscope on starboard beam. Turned away at flank speed. 0916 (I) Dived to try to contact submarine by sound. 1145 (I) Surface. No contact by sound or periscope, periscope sighting believed doubtful, but cleared area to patrol off RIOUW STRAIT which appeared to be used by sailing vessels.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 01° 14' N., Long. 105° 02' E.

21 July, 1945

0748 (I) Sighted sail boat, investigated and found harmless.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 00° 10' N., Long. 105° 17' E.

1423 (I) Sighted aircraft identified as Privateer, closest range about 20 miles. 1435 (I) Headed for rendezvous point. 2021 (I) Received order to rendezvous next night. Headed back for patrol station. 2103 (I) Exchanged calls with U.S.S. CHUB on ST radar. 2122 (I) Converted #3&5 F.B.T. to M.R.T. Dived to flush out tanks. 2135 (I) Surface.

22 July, 1945

1055 (I) Sighted two Betty's closing. Dived. 1130 (I) Surface. 1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 00° 06' S., Long. 105° 29' E.

— page 111 —
1220 (I)  Sighted two Betty's closing.  Div'd.
: 1305 (I)  Surfaced.
: 1355 (I)  Sighted one Betty closing.  Div'd.
: 1457 (I)  Surfaced.  Proceeding to rendezvous with U.S.S. BECUNA.
: 1940 (I)  Sighted U.S.S. BECUNA.  (Ship contact #8).
: 2006 (I)  Transferred three Jap prisoners to U.S.S. BECUNA, and took departure from area for FREMANTLE.

: 23 July, 1945
: 0115 (I)  Radar contact on KARIMATA ISLAND.
: 0246 (I)  Entered KARIMATA STRAIT.
: 0722 (I)  Div'd to avoid sighting by small sail boat.
: 0907 (I)  Surfaced.

: 1200 (I)  POSITION:  Lat. 23° 17' S., Long. 109° 42' E.
: 1400 (I)  Cleared KARIMATA STRAIT.
: 2330 (I)  Sent BLUEFISH three to CTF 71.

: 24 July, 1945
: 0252 (I)  Sighted BAYEAN ISLAND.
: 1200 (I)  POSITION:  Lat. 06° 26' S., Long. 114° 24' E.
: 1249 (I)  Sighted two large sail boats.  Closed to investigate.  (Ship contact #9).
: 1335 (I)  Sail boats hove to and dropped their sails.  Went alongside and boarded one which was carrying a small cargo of fish.
: 1354 (I)  Went alongside the other and found he had the same cargo.
: 1531 (I)  Both boats had large crews including women and children and since their cargoes were inoffensive, allowed them to proceed.
: 2230 (I)  Sighted KANGZAN ISLAND.  Commenced transit LOMBOK STRAIT.

: 25 July, 1945
: 0035 (I)  Completed uneventful transit LOMBOK STRAIT.
: 1200 (I)  POSITION:  Lat. 11° 51' S., Long. 115° 22' E.

— page 112 —
26 July, 1945

Enroute FREMANTLE.

0519 (I) R'dar contact on U.S.S. CAIMAN (Ship contact #10).

1200 (I) POSITION: 1at. 17° 58' S., Long.°113° 37.9' E.

27 July, 1945

Enroute FREMANTLE.

1150 (I) Sighted British Submarine. (Ship contact #11).

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 23° 43.9' S., Long. 112° 37.5' E.

28 July, 1945

Enroute FREMANTLE.

1200 (I) POSITION: Lat. 29° 18.5' S., Long. 113° 04.1' E.

29 July, 1945

0700 (I) Made rendezvous with escort and proceeded in to FREMANTLE.

— page 113 —
WEATHER.
Regular SW monsoon weather prevailed with frequent rain squalls, gentle winds, cool air and good visibility.

D.  TIDAL INFORMATION.
Northerly currents of between 1 and 1.5 knots were experienced in the vicinity of PULO TENGGOL and off the east coast of the MALAY PENINSULA. Strong variable currents occurred near the approaches to SINGAPORE STRAIT, predominantly northerly.

2. NAVIGATION AID.
None sighted.

F.  SHIP CONTACTS.
| No. | Date       | Lat.  | Long. | Type | Initial Est. | Range and Speed | Contact | Remarks |
|-----||-------|-------|------|||||
| 1   | 1554(T)   | 11-4-20| 11-4-20| SS  | 10,000       | 070(T)        | Radar   | Friendly|
| 2   | 2245(T)   | 5-03N  | 10-4-00| SS  | 5,500       | 020(T)        | Radar   | BLOWER|
| 3   | 6/30      | 10-4-00| 10-4-00| SS  | 280(T)       | 10 kts         | Radar   | BLOWER|
| 4   | 7/7       | 10-4-28| 2-15N  | 2 PO | 7,500       | 210(T)        | Radar   | One sunk|
| 5   | 2284(T)   | 2-15N  | 2 PO  | 7,500| 8 kts         | 040(T)        | Radar   | Sunk   |
| 6   | 7/15      | 10-4-00| 10-4-00| SS  | 12 kts        | 040(T)        | Radar   | Sunk |
| 7   | 0750(T)   | 0-12N  | 10-4-00| SS  | Sail-10,000  | Varfbus      | Sight  | Passed |
| 8   | 7/19      | 10-4-00| 10-4-00| SS  | 12,000      | Varfbus      | Sight  | Sunk |
| 9   | 1940(T)   | 0-30S  | 10-4-00| SS  | 16,000      | 300(T)       | Sight  | BECUNA |
| 10  | 7/22      | 10-4-00| 10-4-00| SS  | 16 kts        | 300(T)       | Sight  | Passed |
| 11  | 1249(T)   | 6-30S  | 2 Sail-12,000| SS  | Varfbus      | Sail-12,000| Radar   | Cauman |
| 12  | 7/23      | 10-4-00| 10-4-00| SS  | 14 kts        | 018(T)       | Radar   | Cauman |
| 13  | 1150(T)   | 23-41.9S| 11,000| SS  | 13 kts        | 000(T)       | Sight  | Friendly|
| 14  | 7/27      | 11-4-00| 11-4-00| SS  | 13 kts        | 000(T)       | Sight  | Friendly|

G.  AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
On several occasions enemy planes were encountered about 100 miles from SINGAPORE. Friendly search planes from PALAWAN were contacted in the area.

— page 114 —
15 -

H. ATTACK DATA.

CONFIDENTIAL (Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 9

Time 2396(I) Date 8 July 1945 Lat. 2°13.5'N., Long. 105°08' E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Contact was made by SJ radar at a range of 8,500 yards on two small submarine chasers, each about 250 feet in length. Similar in appearance to PF 1-16 SHIMUSHUCLASS or PC-13 class (Pages 90 & 92, ONI 222-J). Had single stack and mast located immediately aft of bridge structure which was set forward. Targets were steaming in echelon formation, one about 800 yards on the starboard quarter of the other. Visibility fair, no moon, overcast with rain clouds astern of Bluefish. Target was sighted at a range of 4,500 yards. The target for this attack was the near, or leading ship.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Damage Determined by: ---

Target Draft: 6 ft. Course: 235°(T) Speed: 83 kts Range: 2,400

Own Ship Data

Speed: 13 kts Course: 320°(T) Depth: Surface Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface attack using radar ranges and bearings. TBT bearings were used when target became visible. Obtained position 55° on port bow of target at a range of 7,500 yards. Came right to keep bow pointed at target and went to flank speed. Slowed to 13 knots and fired four torpedoes from bow tubes at a range of 2,500 yards. Angle on the bow 85° port.

— page 115 —
16 -

CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK NO. 1

Tubes Fired - No. 6
Track Angle - 97P
Gyro Angle - 000
Depth Set - 4'
Power - High
Hit or Miss - Miss
Erratic - No
Lk. Torpedo - 14-3A
Serial No. - 66438
Lk. Exploder - 6-5
Serial No. - 1194
Actuation Set - Contact
Actuation Actual - --
Lk. Warhead - 16-1
Serial No. - 14755
Explosives - TPX
Firing Interval - 8 seconds
Type Spread - 2R
Sea conditions - 2
Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE (AS-16)

Remarks:
Only two torpedoes were observed. These are believed to have run ahead of the target. Possibility exists that second two torpedoes failed to run.

- 16 -

— page 116 —
1. CONFIDENTIAL (Torpedo Attack Report Form)
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 2
Time 0035(1) Date 9 July 1945 Lat. 20°13' N., Long. 105°03'E.
Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Target attacked was trailing ship described in Attack No. 1. Target seemed unalarmed by Attack No. 1 and after changing course away to 260°(T) continued on a straight track until shortly before firing when he came back to 225°(T). Visibility same as for Attack No. 1.

Ship(s) Sunk: 1 Escort Vessel (EU).

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw and heard two timed torpedo hits which were followed closely by an internal explosion. The target disintegrated into a mass of flames and sparks.

Target Draft: 6 ft. Course: 225°(T) Speed: 8.5 kts Range: 2,000

Own Ship Data

Speed: 14 kts Course: 320°(T) Depth: Surface Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface attack using radar ranges and bearings until TET bearings were available. Obtained position 8,000 yards on port beam of target. Headed for target and went to flank speed. Slowed to 14 knots and fired four torpedoes from bow tubes at a range of 2,000 yards, angle on the bow 95° port.

— page 117 —
1. Tubes Fired: No. 1 92P 94P 95P 97P
: 2. Track Angle - 353 350 347 344
: 3. Gyro Angle - 2' 2' 2' 2'
: 4. Depth Set - High High High High
: 5. Hit or Miss - Hit Hit Miss Miss
: 6. Erratic - No No No No
: 7. Mk. Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
: 8. Serial No. - 66191 63683 64397 24672
: 9. Mk. Exploder - 6-5 6-6 6-6 6-6
: 10. Serial No. - 14172 27101 26635 26634
: 11. Actuation Set - Contact Contact Contact Contact
: 12. Actuation Actual - Contact Contact 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
: 13. Mk. War head - 13263 3197 11716 14072
: 14. Serial No. - Explosives - TPX TPX TPX TPX
: 15. Firing Interval - 2R 1R 1L 1L
: 16. Sea Conditions - 2 2 2 2
: 17. Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE (AS-16)

Remarks:
Duration of run to first hit -- 80 seconds.
Duration of run to second hit -- 88 seconds.
Wakes from four torpedoes were observed.

- 18 -

— page 119 —
1. Tubes. Fired - No. 1
2. Track Angle - 112P
3. Gyro Angle - 34.6
4. Depth Set - 2'
5. Power - High
6. Hit or Miss - Miss
7. Erratic - No
8. Mark Torpedo - 14-3A
9. Serial No. - 40166
10. Mk. Exploder - 6-5
11. Serial No. - 32616
12. Actuation Set - Contact
13. Actuation Actual - --
14. Mk. Warhead - 16-1
15. Serial No. - 14866
16. Explosive - TPX
17. Type Spread - 2R
18. Sea Conditions - 2
19. Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE (AS-16)
20. Remarks: Only one torpedo wake was observed.

- 20 -

— page 120 —
1. U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4 PATROL NO. 9
Time 0403(I) Date 15 July 1945 Lat. 50°44.5'N., Long. 110°06.3'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Contact made by SJ radar at a range of 11,750 yards on one I-35I Class submarine (Not in ONI 220-J) (Identified by POW). Visibility fair, no moon with clear overhead and star-light. Target was sighted at a range of 5,500 yards.

Ship(s) Sunk: 1 Submarine (I-351 Class) (EC) - 1,600 - - 1,900 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw and heard two timed torpedo hits. Target broke in half directly aft of bridge structure and sank within two minutes leaving an oil and gasoline slick which covered an area of about five square miles. This slick caught fire thirty minutes later and burned for over five hours. Picked up three Japanese survivors four hours after the attack. Considerable wood, cork and other debris was also observed.

Target Draft: 16 ft. Course: 010°(T) Speed: 12 kts. Range: 2,000

Own Ship Data

Speed: 13 kts. Course: 125°(T) Depth: Surface Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface attack using radar ranges and bearings. TFI bearings were used as soon as they became available. Target was zigging on courses 010°(T) and 070°(T) with a base course of 040°(T). Interval between zigs about four minutes. Obtained position 550 to port of target's base track at a range of 8,000 yards. Came right, pointed bow at target and increased speed to flank. Slowed to 12 knots and fired four torpedoes from bow tubes at a range of 2,000 yards, angle on the bow 550° Port. POW said that he saw our shears just before torpedoes hit.

— page 121 —
6
Tubes Fired - No. 6
Track Angle - 77P
Gyro Angle - 351
Depth Set - 6'
Power - High
Hit or Miss - Hit
Erratic - No
Mk. Torpedo - '14-3A
Serial No. - 26303
Mk. Exploder - 6-5
Serial No. - 27819
Actuation Set - Contact
Actuation Actual - Contact
Mk. Warhead - 16-1
Serial No. - 20852
Explosive - TFX
Firing Interval - 8 seconds.
Type Spread - 2R
Sea conditions - 2
Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE (AS-16)
Remarks: Duration of run for first hit - 74 seconds.
Duration of run for second hit - 80 seconds.

- 22 -

— page 122 —
1. Sunk: 1 MISS (Sailing Junk) (EC). - 200 tons.
   - Damaged or
   - Probably Sunk: ---
   - Damage
   - Determined by: Saw vessel sink.

Details of Action:
Went close aboard to investigate three
masted sailing junk flying a Japanese flag.
Ordered crew to abandon ship and sent over
boarding party. Discovered cargo of ore.
Boarding party returned to ship. Commenced
firing at a range of 200 yards with 40 MM
and 20 MM guns using HCI ammunition. These
guns did very little damage. Fired five
rounds of 5"/25 caliber H.C. ammunition. Taken
with Mk. 29-3 point detonating fuzes set on super
quick. Three hits blew large holes in the
vessel's side and it sank within one minute.

All guns fired perfectly with the exception
of the 40 MM. Later examination disclosed
that rammer levers on the loading tray were
installed backwards causing frequent loading
failures.

— page 123 —
1. MINES.
One spherical horn type mine was encountered and destroyed.
Position: Lat. 13° 42' N., Long. 116° 30' E.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES.
None encountered.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.
Ordnance.

Shortly after leaving on patrol a 15 minute water pressure test was placed on all torpedoes in the tubes. This test resulted in flooding the afterbody and gyro pot on torpedo No. 66573. Examination disclosed that no taskiwa had been placed on the exhaust valves. The exhaust valves were taskiwaed and a second test revealed a tight afterbody. The torpedo was then removed to the racks. The gyro was also removed, soaked in alcohol, re-oiled and replaced in the torpedo.

During the gun attack of July 19, the 40 MM failed to load frequently. Later examination disclosed that rammer levers on the loading tray were installed backwards. When the levers were reversed the gun functioned normally.

Hull.

No. 7 M.B.T. vent failed to open hydraulically when making dive on July 16. Hydraulic pressure was 500#, accumulator air pressure was 1450#. The vent was opened by hand with three men and a persuader and the dive continued. An inspection of this vent showed quite a bit of rust on the bell crank and roller and a missing grease connection on the bell crank roller pin. This vent had been greased two days previously when it was reported to be noisy and the noise was eliminated. The casualty is believed to have been due to a combination of the low pressure and the rust on the mechanism.

All vents were inspected and none of them were found to have the grease fittings shown on BuShips plan #388926 for piece #03. These fittings should be installed at the next refit.

L. RADIO.
Report of Casualties.
After a few days operation the VHF receivers failed. A thorough check of the circuits failed to locate the trouble. (The instruction book provided with the equipment has no schematic diagram). The transmitter functioned properly on all channels; and VHF communications were carried on using the PR receiver.

— page 124 —
RADIO (Continued).

One failure of the CYL-860 tube in the high frequency master oscillator of the TEL-6 transmitter occurred,

... R.D.R.

Report of Casualties

...after two weeks of operation the EN interrogator, although keying at a steady rate in synchronism with the SD radar, started giving erratic responses from our own ABK units. A loose lead in one of the cables was tightened, and this improved the performance, but the response still appeared erratic. To opportunity for a close check with a friendly aircraft occurred; and although friendly Privateers were contacted at about 20 miles, no IFF response was obtained. Returning the EN to several different frequencies was tried, with no improvement in performance.

...a broken lead to the plate voltage variac in the SD-2 radar placed the equipment out of commission for one hour.

...A persistent opening of the circuit breaker in the primary side of the H.V. plate transformer of the SD-2 was eliminated by replacing the type 8013 rectifier tube.

...No material casualties occurred in the SJ-a radar.

Total hours operation this patrol have been 310 hours for the SD-2 radar and 415 hours for the SJ-a.

N. SONAR GEAR.

Report of Casualties.

On 6 July, in the QB driver rectifier unit, the autotransformer on the primary side of the high voltage plate transformer was found to be drawing excessive current and was boiling over. The relay which applies power to the H.V. plate transformer was stuck closed, and the relay coil was open.

The relay, a triple contact type, was replaced with two DDT relays (No spare carried). The autotransformer was removed. This applied 115 instead of 100 volts to the H.V. plate transformer, but operation was satisfactory. A faulty power switch and a faulty thermal time delay relay were replaced. ...all rectifier tubes and both oscillator tubes (807's) were replaced.

— page 125 —
12 July, the JK-QC sound head cables caught on the bearing pointer which extends above the azimuth: circle on the JK-QC shaft and parted. The cables were spliced, and the pointer was removed to prevent a recurrence.

Sound conditions -- no comment.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

None recorded.

P. HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

The health of the crew was excellent throughout the patrol. The only sick days lost were from one case of Uretheritis, believed to be venereal, that did not respond to Penicillin or Sulfa' therapy.

The food was well prepared and tasty.

...in additional air conditioning unit in the forward battery, the generally mild climate, and the large amount of surface running all contributed to the comfort and habitability of the ship during this patrol.

Q. PERSONNEL.

(a) Number detached after last patrol15
(b) Number on board during patrol73
(c) Number qualified at start of patrol61
(d) Number qualified at end of patrol12
(e) Number unqualified mon making first patrol12

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

Subi to area 1,125 miles 16,950 gallons
In area 6,145 miles 64,150 gallons
Area to Fremantle 1,450 miles 25,500 gallons

S. DURATION.

Days enroute to area 4
Days in area 25
Days enroute to base 4
Days submerged 7

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

|    | Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel |
|------||------|||
| 8    | 11,000    | 30   | 30 days    | 30 days   |

— page 126 —
20 16' N., 105° 26' E.; placing the radar on DJEMADJA ISLAND.

Communications C.M. In the area east of Singapore frequent enemy CW interference was heard on the SAPPLAN frequencies. The interference was heard at irregular hours, often coming in only when a friendly station was transmitting.

Interference of strength 1 to 4 was generally heard on the NVB (NPT-1) bakers frequencies.

Sonar C.M. None used or encountered.

V. REMARKS.
In order to provide for the safety of native crews in sail boats which are sunk, it is recommended that submarines be provided with more life rafts to accomodate them. The small boats carried by these craft often will not carry the entire crew and it is usually impractical to take them aboard and put them ashore.

— page 128 —
15 July 1945
Serial No. 0128
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Ninth War Patrol.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4: On 15 July a night surface attack was made on an enemy submarine of the I-351 (EC) Class. Four Mk. 14 torpedoes were fired on an 80° track, gyros small, torpedo run 1850 yards with depth set of 6 feet. Two hits were obtained, and the target blew up and sank. Three survivors were taken prisoners.

GUN ATTACK NO. 1: On 21 July a large PECHILI type junk (EC) was contacted and sunk with three out of five five-inch hits after a boarding party determined she was carrying ore. The crew had previously abandoned ship in their own boat.

4. The BLUEFISH returned from patrol in good material condition and refit will be completed in the normal time.

5. The Commanding Officer, Officers and crew of the BLUEFISH are heartily congratulated upon the completion of this excellent patrol and for the damage inflicted upon the enemy. This patrol adds to the excellent record of this fighting ship which has previously completed eight successful patrols in succession.

— page 129 —
1/2/1945
Serial 0478-3
C-6-N-F-I-D-ENITAI
2 September 1945

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEFISH Conf. Ltr.
A16 Serial (014) dated
29 July, 1945. Report
of Ninth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITE STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Ninth War Patrol - (25 June to 29 July, 1945).

1. The Ninth War Patrol of the BLUEFISH under the command of Lieutenant Commander G. J. FORES, Jr., U.S.N., was a skilfully conducted, aggressive patrol off the northeast coast of the MALAYAN PENINSULA.

2. Four torpedo attacks were made of which two were successful. The first successful attack resulted in the sinking of an escort vessel and the second in permanently submerging a Japanese Submarine. Three crew members of the enemy submarine were picked up and identified as the I-351. In the only gun attack of the patrol a large cargo-carrying junk flying the Japanese flag and loaded with bauxite ore, was sunk.

3. The highlight of this patrol was the very capable and thorough job done by the BLUEFISH in sinking an enemy submarine which was apparently loaded with the unusual cargo of gasoline. which was

— page 130 —
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
11/fg
Serial 0478-A

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
2 September 1945
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEFISH Conf. Ltr.
A16 Serial (014) dated
29 July, 1945. Report
of Ninth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Ninth War Patrol - (25 June to 29 July, 1945).

BLUEFISH then commenced a search for survivors which was cut short by a fire which broke out in the gasoline slick making smoky orange flames which reached to a height of about 50 feet. Returning later during daylight the BLUEFISH picked three husky looking Japs out of the water and made them prisoners. One of these tentatively indentified his ship as the I-351. The fire was still burning and being fed by gasoline bubbling up from the suken sub four and one half hours after the first torpedo hit. It is very gratifying to note that full moving picture coverage of this whole unusual action, including the torpedo hits, was obtained.

4. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is authorized.

5. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the BLUEFISH on this well conducted, aggressive, eighth successive successful war patrol, in which the following damage was inflicted:

S-U-N-K
↓ 1 - Escort Vessel (EU) 300 Tons
↓ 1 - Submarine Class I-351 (EC) 1500 Tons
↓ 1 - Large Cargo-Carrying Junk (EC) 200 Tons
Total 2000 Tons

JAMES FIRE.
ORIGINAL COPY.

— page 131 —
11/mn
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
2 September 1945

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEFISH (Comr. Ltr.
A16 Serial 014 3rd
29 July 1945. Report
of Ninth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Ninth War Patrol.
(25 June to 29 July, 1945.)

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominoh (3) Direct ComSubRon-22 (2)
Opnav (2) Direct ComSubRon-26 (2)
Opnav Op-23c (1) ComSubRon-30 (1)
Com1stFlt (1) DivComSubRon-22 (1 ea)
Com2ndFlt (1) DivComSubRon-26 (1 ea)
Com7thFlt (2) DivComSubRon-30 (1 ea)
ComSub1stFlt (30) S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
ComSub2ndFlt (4) Comdt. NYD, Puget Sound (1)
CTF-71 (7) SubAd, Mere Island (1)
CTF-71.5 (2) S/M 7thFlt (1)
ComSubPac Adcomd (1) (air mail)

J. A. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

— page 132 —
13 OCT 1945
Al6-3(F-3-2/Sw)
Serial: 0361

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEFISH Conf. ltr.
serial (OIL) dated 29
July 1945. Report of
Ninth War Patrol.

From: Commander Seventh Flect.
To: Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Ninth War
Patrol - (25 June to 29 July 1945).

1. Forwarded.

2. The Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the BLUEFISH
are congratulated on their excellent performance on this patrol, which
accounted for a Japanese I-Class submarine.

J.B. Milstead
T.C. KINKAID

Copy to:
ComSubsPhil
SubRon 30
USS BLUEFISH (SS222)

10 01598

— page 135 —
8 September 1943
CROSS INDEX CARD

Submarine strafed at dawn north of Melville Island by an RAAF Catalina from Cairns returning from aerial mining mission.

Separately under SEVENTH FLEET ser 00916 of 8 May 44.

RECLASSIFIED
DATE: 8 January 1944
NAME: BLUEPISH
SERIAL: 02
DATE: 17 January 1944

SUBJECT: SPECIAL MISSION

Report (to SEVENTH FLEET) of mine plant between Pulo Tenggol light and Tanjong Durgun on east coast of Malay peninsula. Eleven mines laid on mission during THIRD WAR PATROL. (SOMSSPAC-STP OPS)

FILED: War Diary

Separately as CARBON COPY

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPEN FOR 3480-13 (11-35) G20432

22 July-19 August 1944
CROSS INDEX CARD

BLUEPISH
025
3 September 1944

COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP

Report of operations with USS RASHER(SS-269) in the South China Sea area. In company only 9-19 August.

Separately as PROCESSED COPY under RASHER

— page 136 —
16-3(2)(F-3/roJ)
Serial: 00916

DECLASSIFIED

From: The Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE, 0370F
The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO, 0370F
The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-THREE, 0370F

Subject: Bombing of Friendly Submarines.

Inclosure:
(A) CHESAPEA Secret memorandum of 18 April 1944 to Commander Allied Naval Forces.
(B) Copy of memorandum for Com/7thFlt Intelligence Section dated 19 April 1944.

1. Enclosures. (A) and (B) are forwarded herewith for comments and recommendation honoring Commander Seventh Fleet's reply to Enclosures (A).

E. I. CRUZEN,
Flag Secretary.

ROBERT BUNKEL,
Flag Secretary.

17th May 1944

— page 137 —
1/2" 1/4" 1/8" 1/16" 1/32" 1/64" 1/128" 1/256" 1/512" 1/1024" 1/2048" 1/4096" 1/8192" 1/16384" 1/32768" 1/65536" 1/131072" 1/262144" 1/524288" 1/1048576" 1/2097152" 1/4194304" 1/8388608" 1/16777216" 1/33554432" 1/67108864" 1/134217728" 1/268435456" 1/536870912" 1/1073741824" 1/2147483648" 1/4294967296" 1/8589934592" 1/17179869184" 1/34359738368" 1/68719476736" 1/137438953472" 1/274877906944" 1/549755813888" 1/1099511627776" 1/2199023255552" 1/4398046511104" 1/8796093022208" 1/17592186044416" 1/35184372088832" 1/70368744177664" 1/140737488355328" 1/281474976710656" 1/562949953421312" 1/1125899906842624" 1/2251799803685248" 1/4503599627370496" 1/900719925474098" 1/18014398509481984" 1/36028797018963968" 1/72057594037927936" 1/144115188075855872" 1/288230376151711744" 1/576460752303423488" 1/1152921504606846976" 1/2305843009213693952" 1/4611686018427387904" 1/9223372036854775808" 1/18446744073709551616" 1/36893488147419103232" 1/73786976294838206464" 1/147573952589676412928" 1/295147905179353025536" 1/590295811358706051072" 1/1180591622718412102144" 1/2361183245436824204288" 1/4722366482873648408576" 1/9444732965757296817152" 1/18889465931514593634304" 1/37778931863029187268672" 1/75557863726058374537344" 1/151115727452116774074688" 1/302231454904233548149376" 1/604462909808467096298304" 1/120

— page 139 —
19 April 1944.

MEMORANDUM

Subject: Friendly Submarines being Attacked by Friendly Planes.

U.S.S. TUNA was attacked by one Catalina from Cairns on Orange Patrol, at 1936K/29 July 1943, in position 08-03 South - 152-18 East. Four depth charges were dropped as the TUNA was submerging causing damage. After the attack, the TUNA surfaced and was recognized by the plane as friendly.

COMMENT: TUNA was 33 miles South, and 138 miles East of the estimated position in the CTF 72 signal.

U.S.S. GROUPER stated she was attacked by friendly aircraft at 0620K/30, July 1943, in position 11-00 South - 156-45 East. This position was based on the GROUPER's last fix which was obtained on July 26th. The GROUPER signalled IFF on radar and burned a yellow flare. The sound gear and torpedo tubes were damaged.

The estimated position of the GROUPER at 0500K/30, was 11-00 South - 156-30 East.

The position of this attack is in search area 12V30, which originates at Guadalcanal. A signal from COMATROSS states that search plane sighted submarine at 0622K/30, July 1943 at 11-03 South - 156-43 East; dropped four small depth charges, two of which exploded.

COMMENT: According to the position given by the GROUPER, she was fifteen miles East of the position estimated by CTF 72, there was nothing in the signals from COMATROSS to indicate that the submarine was recognized as being friendly. The position given by the plane is three miles South and thirteen miles East of the position which had been previously estimated by TF 72.

U.S.S. STINGRAY was heavily bombed 0155K/31, July 1943, at 05-10 South - 154-07 East by a B-24 with special radar. The plane reported bombing an unidentified vessel, with three 500-pound bombs, missing by 50 feet. The same plane made two later attacks by use of radar but never saw the targets.

The target position was in Rabaul-Buka line along which enemy shipping is expected. ATRSOS has local total submarine bombing restrictions between 05 and 13 South and 154 to 155 East.

— page 140 —
The predicted submarine positions were not received at
AIRSOL until 0230/31. Due to inadequacy of local communications, pilot
of plane in question did not get the dope before the take-off. It was
erroneously assumed that the despatch from CTF 72, giving the positions
of submarines (30-1058) was the only report of submarine positions that
day.

U.S.S. BLUEFISH was strafed dawn of September 8, 1943, north of
Melville Island by an RAAP Catalina, no bombs. The plane was from Cairns
and had loaded mines at Darwin and was returning to Cairns from mission.

COMBAT: Such planes are not known to be briefed on sub operations
at Darwin prior to take-off.

U.S.S. ALBACORE reported 1130/08, November 1943, while working with
two other submarines on an eight-ship convoy, at 00-14 North - 148-35 East,
it was caught on surface and bombed, nil damage.

Plane reported bombing submarine at 00-02 North - 149-00 East.

ALBACORE again reported it was bombed by four-engine bomber 00001/9/10,
November 1943, was damaged and forced to withdraw at 0300/10. The sub-
marine was at 03-58 South - 150-13 East.

COMAFADVON reported search Liberator made skip bombing attack from
250 feet at 0039/10 on one destroyer. One bomb short, one direct hit
and one bomb explosion. Plane then returned and circled the area for 20
minutes; destroyer sunk, position 03-00 South - 150-14 East.

COMBAT: It is believed that both of these attacks reported by the
Fifth Air Force were attacks on the ALBACORE.

U.S.S. CERO at 1159K/11, April 1944, was attacked at 00-51 North -
139-20 East, by a PBAT of VRI06 (a regularly scheduled search plane out of
Nadsab). The CERO confirmed the attack and gave its position as 01-00 North
139-30 West and reported near misses with minor damage.

U.S.S. BASHW at 1149K/13, April 1944, was attacked by a regularly
scheduled Sopac PBAT search plane out of Green Island; plane reported that
a submarine had been challenged at 04-50 North - 148-01 East, course 270
degrees, speed ten knots; that the submarine did not reply and was attacked
with negative results, after a crash dive. The BASHW confirmed the
attack giving its position as 04-30 North - 147-26 East and at 1151K/13.

COMBAT: The search out of Nadsab was discontinued on the 12th, and
the search out of Green Island was initiated on the 10th. Resulting con-
fusion might explain possible inadequacy of briefing. It is noted that
there were no bombing restrictions in the areas in which the CERO and the

— page 147 —
22 July 1944
1300(H) Group departed FLINT and started up bombing restriction lance, conducted attack exercises on each other.

24 July
2300(H) Released HUFFISH who proceeded via DUNN and MOLUCCA Passage.
RASHER proceeded via BEAKOUTH Gulf for fuel, LOBBY and MOLUCCA Straits.

4 August
RASHER arrived area CHILLIE and established east-west fixed patrol in vicinity traffic junction.

6 August
0211(H) RASHER attacked and sank large escorted IK south of SCARBROUGH Shoal.
Shifted petrol to northeast corner of area CHILLIE.

9 August
0545(H) Made rendezvous with HUFFISH (and also with HOC to transfer patient).
Established stationery patrol across known lanes south of SCARBROUGH, HUFFISH 15 miles to eastward.

11 August
Shifted to area DOC in accordance Oporders. Conducted close in submargoed stationery patrol for coastal traffic.

-1- ENCLOSURE (.)

— page 148 —
12 August
Shifted to coast below CAFE BOLINGO.

13 August
Shifted to a line running southwest from CAFONES Island. Conducted submerged petrol close in to that island.

14 August
Surface patrol on east west line sweeping westward and then northeast to CAFE BOLINGO. Typhoon conditions.

15 August
On orders from CTF 71 detached BLUEFISH to proceed C.I.P.E C.L.VITE to complete destruction of a grounded tanker damaged by another submarine of this force who had expended her torpedoes. BLUEFISH accomplished this mission.

18 August
RASHER conducted surface patrol east and west in latitude of STUART Bank in areas DOC and POX.

2009(H) RASHER in blinding rain, pitch black night, contacted large southbound convoy 25 miles south of CAFE BOLINGO while proceeding up coast to a rendezvous with BLUEFISH due to rejoins this night 30 miles west of the CAFE.

While tracking and preparing contact report BLUEFISH sent her position as 83 miles ahead of the convoy.

2052(H) RASHER attacked convoy sinking a tanker and withdrawing on surface. Sent contact to BLUEFISH and, on request, to RATON in area ASY, and transmitted it to CTF 71 for broadcast.

2211(H) RASHER attacked convoy again, sinking a large transport and a tanker and damaging two unknown ships. Withdrew on surface after shaking off escorts. Attacks opposed by gunfire after RASHER had fired. Convoy now scattering.

— page 149 —
2000(H) USS S-26 (SS269) - U.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) Coordinated Attack Group.

2331(H) RASHER attacked largest remaining group of convoy sinking a large unknown and seriously damaging a large transport which later headed for the beach and was seen low in the water. RASHER torpedoes now expended. Withdrew on surface.

19 August

0015(H) RASHER sent convoy position to BLUFFISH and also to CTF 71 for broadcast.

0326(H) RASHER advised BLUFFISH of situation and that damaged AP of last attack was heading for the beach. Other cripples also believed heading that way. Extremely low visibility during entire night had eluded attacks but is hampering tracking of remnants.

0430(H) BLUFFISH advised she was attacking two tankers (both of which were sunk) and that she would close later. RASHER tripled AP to the coast.

0524(H) RASHER having lost all contact but the damaged AP, now in shallow water, advised BLUFFISH of situation and opened coast as daylight was now breaking and an escort had detected her.

0550(H) Spoke U.S.S. SPADEFISH entering area on a southerly course who advised sinking one of two transports. Those were probably remnants from the convoy when it scattered after RASHER's second attack.

0645(H) Sent summary and situation to CTF 71.

2000(H) RASHER commenced passage to PAUL on orders from CTF 71 to terminate petrol. Proceeded via BLUFFISH remained on station and Oporder route to INDIA. BLUFFISH remained on station.

(C) COMMUNICATIONS

All radio communications with BLUFFISH were by voice in the 2000 kcs. band. No difficulties were experienced.

.aircraft contact code was used.

RASHER and BLUFFISH both had the 3J keying device which was used on the daily rendezvous for recognition up to a range of about ten miles and proved most valuable.

All necessary instructions for each 24 hour search period were passed by blinker at the nightly rendezvous thus entirely avoiding the use of radio until after contact had been made. This nightly rendezvous proved valuable in view of the bad weather.

— page 152 —
1.0 2.8 2.5 1.2 2.2 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6

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