U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310) — war patrol report SS-310_BATFISH_Part1.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-89-78]

1.0
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1.25

2.8
3.15
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4.0
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2.5
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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: HANCOCK]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: MAY 19, 1978]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[Image of Department of Defense seal with text: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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BATFISH (SS-310)
WWII PATROL FILE
FOR DECK LOG AUGUST 1943-JULY 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY,
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
[SIGNATURE: J.A. KOONTZ]

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Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS BATFISH (SS 310)

USS BATFISH (SS 310) set the record for U. S. Submarines sink-
ing enemy submarines during World War II. She also had the unique
experience of being the first U. S. Submarine to hold divine
services while submerged in a War Zone. This aggressive submarine
compiled her record during the years 1944-1945 when Japanese ship-
ping was hard to find. BATFISH ended the war with a record of 14
vessels sunk and three damaged, for a total of 37,080 tons of enemy
shipping sunk.

USS BATFISH's career began on 27 December 1942 when her keel
was laid at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
At her launching on 5 May 1943, Mrs. Nellie W. Fortier, of Chocorua,
New Hampshire and mother of six sons in the Service sponsored USS
BATFISH.

Following the Navy's policy of naming submarines for denizens
of the sea USS BATFISH was named for the flat, pediculate fish
common in the West Indies; a truly ferocious looking fish.

Upon commissioning, on 21 August 1943, Lieutenant Commander
Wayne R. Merrill, USN, assumed command of BATFISH. Post commission-
ing shakedown was held around Portsmouth, New Hampshire. During
the month of training exercises included in the shakedown cruise,
about 66 per cent of the crew had to be qualified in submarines
and also learn the war time procedure of submarines. Diving,
gunnery and seamanship drills were held daily until the crew proved
itself worthy.

In mid-September BATFISH sailed for Newport, Rhode Island,
for torpedo exercises. After several days of firing practice which
was very successful, BATFISH sailed on for New London, Connecticut,
arriving on 26 September 1943. Minor voyage repairs were made and
another training period followed in which gunnery drills took
priority.

In mid-October, BATFISH stood out enroute to Pearl Harbor
via the Panama Canal and arrived there on 19 November. Five days
were spent on minor repairs alongside USS GRIFFIN and from 25
November until 11 December she participated in routine, but
vigorous, submarine training.

After training exercises at Pearl Harbor BATFISH departed
for Midway from where she departed on her first war patrol on 11
December 1943. This patrol was to be south of Honshu, Japan. It
was during this patrol that BATFISH established a "first" by hold-
ing Divine Services while submerged in a war zone. After sailing
through high seas and near typhoon weather, she arrived in her
patrol area on 29 December.

— page 4 —
-2- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

The weather continued to be her worst enemy during the
entire war patrol and several convoys had to be by-passed due to
the heavy seas preventing BATFISH from raising her periscope.
However, on the night of 19 January 1944, a torpedo attack was
made on a convoy of 4 Japanese ships and two large
freighters were hit. A cargo ship, the HIDAKA MARU was sunk as a
result of this attack.

On 24 January, BATFISH departed for Midway Island and ar-
rived there on 30 January for a refit. A Submarine Combat Insignia
was awarded for her first war patrol.

Eighteen days were spent for the refit after which six days
training followed. BATFISH sailed on her second war patrol in the
Honshu area on 22 February 1944. No contacts were made during the
patrol as the heavy weather again hampered operations with near-
typhoon gales. BATFISH returned to Pearl Harbor on 15 April, 54
days after she left Midway.

At Pearl Harbor, USS PROTEUS and Submarine Division 210 relief
Crew spent 18 days in refitting BATFISH in preparation for her
third war patrol. On 10 May she stood out enroute to Midway Is-
land and upon arrival there, Lieutenant Commander J. K. Fyfe, USN,
relieved Lieutenant Commander Merrill as commanding officer.

On 26 May 1944, after additional training under her new
commanding officer, BATFISH departed Midway for her third war
patrol. This time she set course to arrive in the area south of
the Japanese home islands off Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu.

Six attacks were made during the patrol with the first one
coming on 10 June when a Japanese training ship was sighted at
1058. After closing the range and trying to identify her, BATFISH
attacked with three torpedoes and got one hit amidships. The
enemy literally "blew up in the commanding officer's face" in
what was described as one of the most terrific explosions he had
ever seen. The target sank in less than two minutes, going down
slightly by the stern.

At 1247 another terrific explosion rocked BATFISH consider-
ably. At first it appeared that an enemy plane had sneaked in and
dropped a bomb but upon further investigation it appeared that the
sunken ship's magazine had blown up as a periscope look showed
nothing in sight.

Late on 12 June a ship was sighted on the horizon and a firing
set-up made. However, upon closing the range it was identified
as a hospital ship; the second in four days. BATFISH remained in
the area on patrol until 17 June without incident. Upon surfacing
on 17 June she found a sizable portion of a fishing net firmly
attached to her stern. She had been dragging it all day. Shortly
after disengaging the net and submerging, about an hour was spent
in dodging Japanese picket boats.

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-3- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

Shortly after noon on 18 June a small cargo ship and a tanker
were sighted. BATFISH swung in for an attack and at 1328, fired
three torpedoes in an effort to hit both ships. However, only the
cargo ship was hit as the other two torpedoes passed astern of the
tanker. The cargo ship broke in half and sank in about a minute.
At 1331 the other two torpedoes exploded at the end of their run.
They exploded at the edge of a well-terraced garden which ran right
to the water's edge. Sinking a ship in sight of the city of
Andakino must have had some effect on the morale of the Japanese
home front.

At 1120 on 22 June, another ship was sighted. This one ap-
peared to be very new not only in looks but nothing in the BATFISH's
intelligence book resembled it. At 1212 three torpedoes went on
their way but all missed. However, they went unnoticed as the
enemy kept his course in a very unconcerned manner. At 1216
BATFISH came around for another approach and was temporarily startled
by the sampan that had been lying to about 800 yards on her star-
board beam. However, the sampan didn't notice the periscope either
and the attack course continued.

At 1238, just as BATFISH was ready to fire, the Japanese ship
turned away about 40 degrees and gave two blasts on her whistle.
BATFISH thought she had been sighted then but a little later
another cargo ship almost exactly like the target ship appeared
and answered the two blasts, apparently just being friendly. At
1255 four torpedoes were fired from BATFISH's forward tubes for
two hits, one forward and one aft. The target sank immediately.
BATFISH dove then in water where the charts showed 400 feet but
at 240 feet she grounded, damaging her starboard sound head.
From 1329 until 1542 she depth charges rained down, some came
close but inflicted no further damage. Seventeen depth charges
fell altogether and at 1857 another attack started. From then
until 1930, 34 more depth charges exploded all around BATFISH but
again she escaped damage. At 2045 BATFISH surfaced and cleared
the area to charge her batteries and repair her starboard sound
head.

At mid-morning on 28 June a convoy was sighted and BATFISH
began tracking. The convoy consisted of three destroyers, two
cargo ships, and several landing ships. With the cargo ships
overlapping each other broad on BATFISH's beam, and presenting a
perfect target, a bomb fell from nowhere to shatter a few glass
gauges and knock cork from the bulkheads. The commanding officer
had been watching the target so intently he had not noticed
the planes overhead.

At 1005 BATFISH upped her periscope for another look and,
upon seeing one of the destroyers in a good attack position,
made ready to fire on her. However, at the last moment the
destroyer changed course and put on speed so BATFISH brought her
tubes to bear on the second destroyer which had been lying to. In

— page 6 —
-4- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

the meantime, BATFISH found that at any speed over 3½ knots, she
sounded like a freight train, apparently something being knocked
loose on the bridge. After trying for several hours to get a fair
shot at the destroyer without success BATFISH turned away as the
setup began to look suspicious. Shortly after turning, two torpedoes
passed BATFISH, barely missing the stern.

On 29 June another convoy was sighted and a firing problem
set up. At 2316 a spread of three torpedoes was fired but none
hit. At 2330 BATFISH swung around for another attack but one
minute later the escorts came bearing down on the submarine and
she dove deep to rig for depth charging. It was not long before
16 depth charges came rumbling down and though they were all near,
they did not shake BATFISH too much as all were light charges.
By midnight all appeared to be clear and BATFISH surfaced to find
her quarry out of sight and headed for Yokohama. It appeared that
they would arrive before the submarine would have a chance to over-
haul them so BATFISH turned south for a patrol in that direction.

At 1020 on 1 July her hunch turned into reality as the masts of
two ships were sighted. At 1045 the targets were identified as a
large trawler escorted by a yacht type patrol boat. Because the
trawler was under escort, BATFISH's commanding officer decided she
was carrying a valuable cargo and decided to battle surface and
sink the trawler and maybe also get a chance at the escort.

At 1125 BATFISH shot to the surface with her four-inch gun
crew ready for action. The fifth salvo scored and a large fire
was started up forward with the 18th. Ten clean hits were scored
out of the 18 and BATFISH turned her attentions to the escort who
was trying to sneak up on her disengaged side. One 20 millimeter
and 1 fifty caliber was trained on him and hitting with regularity
though he kept closing. After opening up on the enemy with the
four-inch he did a good job of keeping his bow pointed at BATFISH,
giving her a very small firing angle. However, BATFISH's crew
had to admire his intestinal fortitude and it wasn't until 1215 that
he was stopped and began to sink. A closer inspection showed 16
holes above the water line, his bridge completely demolished and
the topside riddled by small caliber fire. The trawler was sink-
ing faster by then and BATFISH closed for a closer look. She was
carrying lumber and barrels mostly, which caused her to stay afloat
so long. The remainder of her cargo appeared to be small stores
from the looks of the debris.

During the firing, one of BATFISH's crewmen was wounded in
the knee from a caliber bullet. He was treated by the chief
pharmacist's mate and no complications resulted.

At 1835 the following day, BATFISH departed the area enroute
to Midway Island. She arrived on 7 July and moored at the Sub-
marine Base. There she underwent a refit and minor repairs until
31 July 1944.

— page 7 —
-5- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

On 31 July BATFISH departed Midway under air cover enroute
to her fourth war patrol area. On 4 August she sighted a barnacle
encrusted mine floating and sank it with 20 millimeter gunfire.
On 13 August BATFISH was treated to the sight of friendly bombers
blasting the airstrip at Babelthuap.

On 23 August BATFISH received word of a destroyer that was
aground near Velasco Reef and she turned to close that area. By
the time the range was closed to 5,000 yards a completely different
picture appeared as several escort vessels were standing by the
"destroyer" which turned out to be a cargo ship of about 3,000 tons.

However, a little farther down the reef a destroyer was also
aground and as the cargo ship was temporarily out of reach across
the reef where a torpedo could not reach from BATFISH's present
position, she began an approach on the destroyer. At 1403 BATFISH
fired three torpedoes and scored three hits which left the destroyer
sinking fast and smoking heavily.

BATFISH swung around and headed for the other side of the
reef and the cargo ship when a patrol boat came bearing down to
temporarily disrupt the submarine's plans. Going deep, BATFISH
rigged for silent running and watched the escorts mill around in a
wild and disorderly fashion. By 1538 BATFISH discovered that the
cargo ship was firmly aground with no way of getting off. She also
found that in order to torpedo the ship that she would have to go
inside the reef which her commanding officer considered was too
great a risk as the enemy was a perfect target for planes anyway.

At 1546 BATFISH headed toward the west to contact another
destroyer which appeared to be aground. Heavy rains and low
visibility changed those plans and BATFISH surfaced and headed
out until visibility was better, meanwhile patrolling the sea
lanes between Velasco Reef and the Japanese Home Islands. August
24th passed without any contacts and early on the 25th BATFISH
returned to Velasco Reef to finish off the Velasco Reef "Task
Force" as BATFISH's crew had named the ships in that vicinity.

At 1831 on 26 August, after waiting around all day, BATFISH
fired a spread of torpedoes at the FUBUKI-Class destroyer which was
aground and at 1834 two hits came reverberating across the water.
The torpedoes practically sheared the stern right off the destroyer
as the foremast broke about half way up and #2 stack folded over
like a wet noodle. Debris and smoke flew about 200 feet into the
air to reward the submarine's patience. At 2400 BATFISH turned
south and shortly after received word that a big bombing raid in
the vicinity of Peleliu was scheduled for the following day.

Early on 27 August BATFISH surfaced about 20 miles off
Peleliu Island and headed in to be in a position for life guard
duty in case a friendly flier was downed during the raids. Un-
known to BATFISH, the raids had been delayed one day and after

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-6- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

closing the beach to 6 miles, she spent a long day waiting for
the bombers to no avail. The following day results were a little
better as a large number of friendly planes came zooming in at
1101 to bomb the air fields on the island. A little flak was seen
but none of the fliers were shot down and at 1140, after the planes
departed, BATFISH headed back for Velasco Reef to see if the Japs
had succeeded in floating the cargo ship.

Arriving on 30 August, BATFISH was just in time to see the
Japanese put the finishing touches to the FUBUKI-Class destroyer
which BATFISH had previously torpedoed. The bow, which was still
floating, was blown up almost in the face of the skipper who was
at the periscope.

On 3 September, BATFISH departed her patrol area and headed
for Fremantle, Australia. On 8 September BATFISH crossed the
Equator and Neptunus Rex, and his entourage came aboard to renew
old acquaintances and try all pollywogs before his "impartial"
Royal Court. On 12 September BATFISH arrived at Fremantle for a
refit.

On 8 October, BATFISH departed Fremantle enroute to her
fifth war patrol area in the South China and Sulu Seas. On 11
October periscope trouble caused BATFISH to return to Darwin,
Australia for repairs. By the 17th she was again underway for her
patrol area.

At 2107 on 19 October, BATFISH made contact with a large
ship with two escorts. After looking at the large silhouette,
BATFISH's commanding officer decided he must be a tanker or large
cargo ship. Determined to do his best, six torpedoes were readied
and at 2210 went swishing on their way. All missed much to the
skipper's consternation for this firing problem had been carefully
worked out and appeared to be the easiest of his entire career.
At 2218 BATFISH swung out to look things over again as the skipper
began to smell a rat. Deciding to pull ahead and watch things a
little further, BATFISH's skipper put on the speed and at 0036
fired one torpedo set at 1 foot depth. Again the torpedo missed
though it appeared to run hot, straight and true. When the torpedo
exploded however, one of the escorts disappeared from the radar
scope, leading BATFISH to believe it was sunk.

The commanding officer of the submarine was so mad by this
time that "he could chew nails" and decided to attack again at
daybreak. However, about 0400 the officer of the deck sent word
down that the enemy was going through a maneuver that he could
not follow and by the time the commanding officer could return
to the helm, the enemy had drew away to about 18,000 yards. By
0530 BATFISH had closed to 13,000 again. The target still ap-
peared to be large enough to be worthwhile and BATFISH commenced
to end around to get into position. After a closer inspection the
commanding officer was convinced that the enemy wasn't what he

— page 9 —
-7- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

appeared to be and decided to lob a few four-inch through him to
see what he would do. At 0541 BATFISH's skipper got his first
good look at the escort and far from being a "spit-kit", it was a
new-type resembling a United States patrol craft.

Determined to fire a few rounds before he ran, BATFISH's
skipper set course to intercept. When the range closed to 5,500
yards a flag hoist signal went up on the escort and both ships
turned toward BATFISH, the larger unmasking some wicked looking
guns in the meantime. Putting all four engines on the line, BAT-
FISH proceeded to get out of there. However, the range closed to
5,000 yards before BATFISH's extra knot of speed began to tell.
All salvos had been overshot now as BATFISH opened the range she
began running into the salvos. At 0620 she dove and escaped a
little wiser, but still chagrined.

By 1335 BATFISH was well on her way through the Flores Sea
but hunting there was meager and on 23 October, after receiving
news of the invasion of the Philippines, BATFISH was ordered into
the Mindanao and Sulu Seas area.

On 27 October 1944, BATFISH was patrolling in hopes of catch-
ing at least a part of the Japanese fleet, fleeing the Philippines.
However, upon turning on her radar for a plane sweep, she found that
that reliable little instrument was being jammed, apparently by
someone taking a great deal of pride in his work. Later in the
day BATFISH assumed lifeguard duties which lasted through 8
November. At 1101 on 6 November, two masts were sighted and
Battle Stations submerged were manned.

As the convoy came on, it developed that several escorts,
destroyers and a damaged cruiser were protecting a few small
cargo ships. BATFISH picked the cruiser for her target and pre-
pared to let go her torpedoes. One of the destroyers of the group
picked that time to make sound contact on the submarine and BAT-
FISH went deep and ran silent. By the time she got back to
periscope depth, the only decent target was a cargo ship. At 1224
six torpedoes were fired but all missed. A more disappointed crew
could not have been found than for four escorts came bearing in and
kept BATFISH down for quite a while, and also gave her a few
anxious moments.

On 7 November BATFISH headed for San Fernando Harbor to see
if she could find the convoy of the previous day. After finding
the convoy at anchor inside the harbor, BATFISH decided to wait
until dark and while trying to get out of the harbor undetected,
four patrol boats came bearing in. A fifth patrol boat immediately
joined the other four and for several hours BATFISH was in a
precarious situation. However, she found a hole in the Japanese
box hunt and slipped quietly through.

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-8- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

About midnight BATFISH received a dispatch ordering her to
rendezvous with USS RAY the following day and hunt in a coordinated
attack force.

At 0854 on the following morning, BATFISH sighted another
convoy and at 0920 began an end around to get into position. The
convoy changed course just as BATFISH was readying her torpedoes
and all the ground she had gained was lost. An escort and a plane
also discovered her about that time forcing her to dive and run
silent. The escorts did their job well and, by the time they let
BATFISH surface, the convoy was out of sight.

On 11 November, RAY ordered BATFISH to reconnoiter San
Fernando Harbor and at 1300 a large cargo ship was sighted just
inside the harbor lying at anchor with two small ships moored to
the dock. In a daring move, BATFISH's skipper put his submarine
in toward the harbor and at 1424 fired two torpedoes in a "down
the throat" shot at the anchored cargo ship. At 1425 two more
torpedoes were fired at the moored ship and at 1426 the first two
torpedoes passed ahead of the anchored cargo ship and exploded
against the beach at the foot of an aircraft hangar doing some
damage. A moment later an enemy plane drove BATFISH deep and, as
her bowplanes angled downward, a second explosion was heard
against the docks. Though BATFISH did not stay around long enough
to see the results of her last two torpedoes it was later learned
she sank one small cargo ship that was moored to the docks and
damaged the other.

On 14 November BATFISH joined USS RAY and RATON for another
coordinated search and at 1702 a four-ship convoy was sighted.
RAY and RATON attacked from either flank and at 1945 BATFISH ob-
served several large explosions from those attacks. A tanker
carrying high test gasoline blew up in one mighty explosion and
sank in a few moments.

Still tracking the convoy, BATFISH was ordered to attack at
midnight and by 0031 on 15 November, she was in position and fired
four stern tubes at a medium sized cargo ship. Four minutes later
the explosions started rumbling back over the water as the cargo
ship blew up. A timed torpedo run also indicated the far escort
missed the torpedo and, a moment later, she was firing distress
signals. At 0039 the medium cargo ship sank and at 0105 BATFISH
set out in pursuit of the lone remaining target. Contact was
made at 0215 and at 0230 a U. S. submarine was contacted. By 0315
the target seemed to be surrounded by BATFISH's sister ships and in
good hands as far as BATFISH was concerned.

Turning back, BATFISH headed for the attack area where she
found the dead body of a combat-ready Japanese soldier at 1000.
Going alongside, BATFISH collected his pack and the commanding
officer raffled off the bayonet, cartridge belt, canteen, and other
gear for the benefit of the welfare fund and wrapped up the Japanese
wallet for delivery to the proper authority.

— page 11 —
-9-
USS BATFISH (SS 310)
On 17 November, BATFISH headed for Pearl Harbor where she
arrived on 1 December 1944 to conclude her fifth war patrol. There
she underwent a normal refit and on 30 December 1944, set out for
her sixth war patrol.
This outstanding patrol was probably best summed up by Com-
mander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet who said, "This illustrious
patrol was outstanding in every sense of the word. The splendid
planning, judgment, and daring displayed in the attacks is best
described by the fact that three enemy submarines were destroyed
in a period of four days.
Upon departing Pearl Harbor, BATFISH set course for her pat-
rol area in the South China Sea, south of Hongkong, east of Hainan,
and in the Luzon Straits. On 10 January 1945, BATFISH, ARCHERFISH,
and BLACKFISH set out from Guam as a coordinated attack group
known as Joe's Jugheads, Commander J. F. Enright, commanding officer
of ARCHERFISH was the attack group commander.
On 23 January BATFISH tracked a target all night and at day-
break discovered that there were about 30 sailing vessels, ap-
parently Chinese, in the convoy. At 0730, after trying in vain to
hail the boats, BATFISH opened fire and after several hits on one
of the boats, all stopped. BATFISH maneuvered alongside several
at random to inspect them for cargo valuable to the enemy. It
was found that most of them held entire Chinese familics, including
women and children. After the inspection BATFISH produced bread,
beans, and rice for them.
On boarding the vessel that they had been fired upon BATFISH
found that they wern't so concerned about their damagei boat or
that two men had been wounded. They simply wanted help in fixing
up the wounds. BATFISH's pharmacistes mate was sent over to take
his practical factor test for advancement to Chief Petty Officer.
He found he had two good patients and no one in the crew will
ever forget the demonstration of plain intestinal fortitude. One,
an old man, had a wound in his thigh and didn't even flicker an
eyelash while it was being treated. The other had two wounds, one
in his back and one in his arm. But he was the most active person
aboard. After treating the wounds, Commander Fyfe ordered the crew
of BATFISH to stock the fisherman well and thrie larder was stocked
with cigarettes, beans, and rice. They departed the best of friends.
On 31 January, BATFISH tracked a target for about four hours
and after getting in position for a story book setup, missed with
three torpedoes. Commander Fyfe was so sure he was going to get
this one that he already had the cameras set up to take pictures
and after the miss all hands were highly disappointed. The target
turned north and BATFISH followed in hope of getting another shot.
However, on 2 February BATFISH was ordered into Luzon Straits
to see what was going on around there. On the 4th, a medium-sized
landing craft was sighted and though the seas were very rough,

— page 12 —
-10- USS BATFISH (SS 310)
Captain Fyfe was determined to try his small caliber guns on him.
The range was closed to 1,000 yards and less until the landing
craft was nothing but floating junk. The submarine had to break
off the engagement because of darkness and bad visibility before
it could be sunk.
On 9 February, BATFISH made contact on a surfaced submarine
which turned out to be an enemy "I" class ship. Four torpedoes
were fired but all missed and exploded at the end of their run.
Making an end around BATFISH got into a beautiful position to fire
again and at 0002 on the 5th, three more torpedoes were sent
streaking for the target from BATFISH's forward tubes. The first
one missed but the second hit with a beautiful red explosion that
sank the Japanese sub so quickly that the third torpedo fired by
BATFISH passed over the same position but hit nothing solid enough
to explode.
At 1930 ARCHERFISH and BLACKFISH joined BATFISH in Luzon
Straits and "Joes' Jugheads" fanned out to see what damage they
could inflict on the Japanese Fleet. On 11 February another sub-
marine was contacted by BATFISH and again it turned out to be an
enemy. After tracking the Japanese sub for some time, it sub-
merged leaving BATFISH "holding the bag" while waiting for the
"perfect set-up".
At 2202 Commander Fyfe fired torpedoes on the enemy submarine
when he surfaced again, and 50 seconds later, the target literally
blew apart. Nine seconds later the second torpedo hit pieces of
the conning tower and exploded, bringing the sinking ship to the
surface again temporarily -- long enough for the next two torpedoes
to crash into the enemy sub. At 2211 a large explosion rocked BAT-
FISH considerable and at first it was thought a plane had sneaked
in and bombed her but it only took another look where the target
was to see it was only the enemy submarine's last dive.
At 0300 on 13 February, another submarine contact astounded
BATFISH's crew. Swinging around for an end-around on the sub
BATFISH fired three stern tube shots at 0448. At 0449 the first
torpedo hit and the target sank immediately, accompained by a
large yellow ball of fire. The second and third torpedoes missed,
not due to errors in aiming but because the target was no longer
there. This target was seen to literally blow apart on the radar
scope and there was never any doubt but that the second and third
torpedoes were wasted.
On 17 February, "Joe's Jugheads" headed for port with a very
successfull patrol behind them. ARCHERFISH and BLACKFISH had also
had very good hunting and it was with great elation when awards
began coming in for the success and daring of BATFISH's patrol for
she had established an unprecedented record of sinking three enemy
submarines in four days. Only one surface ship had bettered that
record.

— page 13 —
-11- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

BATFISH arrived at Guam on 21 February and reached Pearl
Harbor by 3 March 1945.

BATFISH sailed for San Francisco on 6 March and arrived there
on 13 March 1945. After undergoing a Navy Yard overhaul she re-
turned to Pearl Harbor and on 26 June sailed for Saipan and her
patrol area in Empire waters.

While in Pearl Harbor Lieutenant Commander W. L. Small, USN,
relieved Commander Fyfe as commanding officer.

BATFISH's seventh war patrol consisted primarily in serving
as life guard ship for downed aviators.

On 24 July BATFISH surfaced some 3,000 yards off Yaku Shima
and shelled the village of Nagata. Several barracks were demolished
and other buildings were badly damaged. Smoke from the burning
buildings made visibility in the target area very bad.

On 29 July BATFISH got a message that three airmen were down
about 90 miles south of her present position and the submarine
headed down at four engine speed. Upon arrival, several patrol
bombers were circling and one dropped a life raft on which the
three survivors climbed. Several fighters were maintaining air
cover for the heavy bombers and Captain Small had to lower his
high periscope to keep one of the zooming fighters from taking the
top off.

On 31 July while trying to double check information received
the previous day, BATFISH got caught in a rip tide and closed the
beach to 500 yards before she could regain control and come out
to safe waters.

On 4 August BATFISH anchored off Iwo Jima and transferred
her survivor passengers.

On 9 August the submarine sighted a Japanese mine and sank
it with 20 millimeter gunfire. BATFISH arrived at Midway Island
for a refit on 22 August. Later on the same day though, she re-
ceived orders to proceed on to Pearl Harbor where she arrived on
26 August. BATFISH departed Pearl Harbor on the 30th, enroute to
San Francisco where she arrived on 9 September 1945. She proceeded
to Mare Island where she underwent preservation processing prior
to decommissioning.

During BATFISH's war career she sank 14 ships for a total
damage of 37,080 tons of enemy shipping. Three other enemy
ships were damaged by BATFISH for a total of 4500 tons damaged.
In addition three aviators were rescued.

For this heroic action displayed on her war patrols, BAT-
FISH's crew were awarded 10 bronze Star Medals, four Silver Star
Medals, 1 Navy Cross and the entire crew serving aboard on her
sixth war patrol was authorized to wear the Presidential Unit
Citation. The text of the Citation reads as follows:

— page 14 —
-12- USS BATFISH (SS 310)

"For extraordinary heroism in action against
Japanese combatant forces during her sixth War Patrol
in the South China Sea from December 30, 1944, to March
3, 1945. Persistent and aggressive in her search for
vital targets, the USS BATFISH relentlessly tracked
down the enemy and in three separate, brilliantly ex-
ecuted attacks, launched her torpedoes with devastating
speed and skill and demolished three Japanese submarines.
By the destruction of these formidable and threatening
hostile Fleet units in a single War Patrol, the BAT-
FISH contributed significantly to the successful com-
pletion of the war. The courage, superb seamanship
and gallant fighting spirit of her officers and men
reflect the highest credit upon herself and the United
States Naval Service."

USS BATFISH (SS 310) earned nine Battle Stars on the Asiatic-
Pacific Area Service Medal for participating in the following
operations:

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol, Pacific -- 11 December 1943 to 30
January 1944

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol, Pacific -- 26 May to 7 July 1944

1 Star/Western Caroline Islands Operation
Capture and Occupation of Southern Palau Islands -- 6
September to 14 October 1944

1 Star/Leyte Operation
Leyte Landings -- 10 October to 29 November 1944

1 Star/Anti-Submarine assessment, Pacific -- 9 February 1945

1 Star/Anti-Submarine assessment, Pacific -- 11 February 1945

1 Star/Anti-Submarine assessment, Pacific -- 12 February 1945

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima -- 15 February to 16
February 1945

1 Star/THIRD Fleet Operations against Japan -- 17 July to 13 August
1945

STATISTICS
LENGTH OVERALL 312 feet BEAM 27 feet
DISPLACEMENT 1,465 tons SPEED 20 knots

NOTE: All estimates of sinkings, tonnage, and types sunk are
taken from the commanding officer's evaluations during the war
patrols.

Compiled: December 1952

— page 15 —
[HANDWRITTEN: SI COPY]

SS310/A16-3
Serial: (032)

U. S. S. BATFISH (SS310)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Cal.
30 January, 1944.

DECLASSIFIED

From: Commanding Officer.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : Commander Submarine Division 201.
Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH, Report of War Patrol number one.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart, for Comsubpac only.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel
conducted in Area six (ABIE), southeast of the island of Shikoku, during
the period 11 December, 1943 to 30 January, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. R. Merrill]
W. R. MERRILL.

[HANDWRITTEN: 65855]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 083]

— page 16 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

(A) Prologue.

Arrived Pearl Harbor from Atlantic via Panama Canal on 19 November,
1943. The period 20 to 24 November was spent at the Submarine Base and
alongside U.S.S. GRIFFIN completing voyage repairs and installing P.P.I.
for S.J. radar. Entered drydock at Navy Yard on 25 Nov. for renewal of
propellers. Starboard blade tips bent alongside GRIFFIN. Touched up
bottom paint and undocked same date. On 26 Nov. was sound tested in West
Loch and had deperming checked at Beckoning Point. Underway 27 Nov. for
independent surface and submerged operations. Exercised at emergency
drills, maneuvering drills, submerged and surface ship handling, and went
to 300 feet. During 28 and 29 Nov. underway conducting zed and radar
rehearsals, radar tracking, and night radar rehearsals. Received two in-
doctrinational depth charges. On 30 Nov. and 1 Dec. participated in convoy
exercise with SILVERSIDES and TARPON. Made two night surface attacks.
Underway 2 Dec. for zed and radar rehearsal runs. On 3 and 4 Dec. underway
for zed and radar rehearsals, radar tracking, night radar rehearsals, battle
surface, firing all guns, and firing of three exercise torpedoes. On 5 Dec.
remained at Sub Base. Underway 6 Dec. for zed and radar rehearsals. On
7 and 8 Dec. conducted zed and radar rehearsals, radar tracking, night radar
rehearsals, four inch night gun firing, and fired three exercise torpedoes.
Comsubpac boarded for 8 Dec. firing. Spent 9 and 10 Dec. loading and mak-
ing final preparations for sea. Painted ship in accordance with latest
camouflage instructions. Readiness for sea date 11 December, 1943.

(B) Narrative.

11 December.
1300(V-W) Departed Pearl Harbor for Midway with the YMS 286 as escort.
Operating in accordance with Comtaskfor 17 Secret Operation Order
No. 290-43 as Task Unit 17.1.2.
1919(V-W) Released escort.
2015(V-W) SJ contact at 39,300 yds. on island of Kauai.

12 December.
0140(V-W) In bright moonlight had intermittent SJ contact bearing 310°
range 1200 yds. drawing aft. Nothing sighted. Believed to have
been box or floating debris.
0715(V-W) Commenced zig zagging during daylight.
0800(V-W) SD contact at 12 miles. Sighted PB 2Y and exchanged recognition
signals at 6 miles. Plane circled once and flew off. (Aircraft
contact #1.)
1504(V-W) Submerged for trim dive. New gasket in crew's mess hatch leaked
badly down to eighty feet, then stopped.
1526(V-W) Surfaced. Hatch now leaking on surface when waves wash over deck.
1600(V-W) Received Midway rendezvous message slightly garbled as to time.
This message was never repeated. Set all clocks back 1½ hours
to plus 11 time.
2100(X) Our passenger to Midway, Lt. (jg) W.S. Brown, ChC-V(G), U.S.N.R.,
valiantly fought off an attack of minor nausea for a sufficient
time to hold the first divine service in a U.S. submarine enroute
to a patrol area. Father Reilly had previously held mass on
board prior departure Pearl.

- 1 -
2332

— page 17 —
DECLASSIFIED
[HANDWRITTEN: (line through DECLASSIFIED)]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

2330(X) Experienced difficulty with SJ radar M-G.

13 December.

SJ radar motor-generator out of commission - using supply from
ship's A.C.
1058(X) SD contact at 11 miles.
1059(X) Sighted U.S. Navy PB 2Y bearing 273° T, distant 6 miles on course
160° T. Made identification signal by searchlight but plane
did not reply. (Aircraft contact #2.)
1107(X) SD lost contact at 12 miles. Encountered extremely heavy swells
during most of day. Took some water down C.T. hatch which ground-
ed out Bendix log repeater in conning tower. During afternoon
D.R.A.I. went out due to failure of transmitting unit in Bendix
log.

14 December.

Continued heavy swells from west-northwest, but very little
wind. Seas carried away experimental thermometer element in
superstructure which drips continually into C.O.C. Will have
hull opening plugged at Midway. Same type element as bathyther-
mograph, but with less protection. Repaired Bendix repeater in
conning tower and made water-tight. Previous installation of
special night lighting in this repeater had rendered it non-
watertight. D.R.A.I. still out and mess hall hatch leaking con-
siderably. Unable to repair SJ radar motor-generator. This M-G
set has previously been renewed for same trouble (low voltage).
Trouble believed to be inherent in design of speed regulator.
Set clocks back one hour to plus 12 zone time.
1600(X) SJ radar contact bearing 330° relative at 16,000 yds. Contact
2132(Y) proved to be center of rain squall.

15 December, 1943.
0657(Y) SD contact at 11 miles. Two U.S. Navy SBD's sighted at 5 miles.
These planes were our escort into Midway. Sighted numerous other
aircraft and small surface craft in vicinity of Midway.
0840(Y) Sighted Midway through periscope bearing 237° T, distant about
15 miles.
0851(Y) Lost contact on SJ radar at 25,150 yds.
1008(Y) Pilot came on board.
1039(Y) Moored stbd. side to U.S.S. DACE alongside U.S.S. BUSHNELL.
Tender and ship's force turned to and completed the following
repairs:
(1) Renewed crew's mess hatch gasket.
(2) Repaired speed regulator of SJ radar motor-generator.
(3) Removed experimental thermometer element in C.O.C. and plugged
hull opening. In accomplishing this work the tender force
accidentally cut the bathythermograph element instead of
the thermometer element which necessitated removing over-
night at Midway to renew the bathythermograph element. The
spare element carried on board was installed.
(4) Fueled to capacity.
(5) Watered battery and filled B.W. tanks.

- 2 -

— page 18 —
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War patroli
-
(6) Removed all unnecessary gear in superstructure and stowed
on tender,
(7) Delivered 2 20m.m. mounts brought from Pearl to tender.
(8) Removed all unnecessary classified matter in locked box
and stowed with Communication Officer on tender.
(9) Filled fresh water tanks.
(10) Turned in one TNT loaded warhead and replaced it with Torpex
head.
(11) Routined torpedoes.
(12) Detached Chaplain Brown.
(13) Repaired D.R.A.I. transmitter in Bendix log.
(14) Checked both periscopes.

16 December, 1943.
1050(Y) Pilot came on board,
1111(Y) Underway for patrol area,
1141(Y) Pilot left the ship.
1210(Y) Submerged to 400 ft. to test ship for water-tightness. No
abnormal leakage.
1324(Y) Surfaced. All repairs being satisfactory made rendezvous with
escort planes and departed Midway for patrol area at standard
speed on 2 engines.
1516(Y) Escort planes departed.

18 December, 1943.
0000(Y) Changed to East longitude date and time.
0423(M) SJ radar contact on rain squall at 6,300 yds. This squall
showed up well on P.Ρ.Ι.
Encountering rough seas from the south with 30 to 40 knot wind.
Am 26 miles behind schedule but will be forced to slow to con-
serve fuel if seas do not abate soon.
1200(M) Wind and sea have hauled around to W.N.W. Bridge very wet. Forty-
six miles behind schedule at noon. Still making standard speed,
but it is all we can do on 2 engire s.
1345(M) SD contact at 6 miles.
Sighted U.S. Army B-25 bomber coming in fast at 4 miles. Identified
myself by searchlight. Plane replied, circled once, and flew off.
(Aircraft contact #3.)
2105(M) Grounded out stbd. conning tower engine order telegraph when
failed to get hatch closed in time. Took considerable water
into C.O.C. Put drain pump on pump room bilges. Seas entirely
too heavy to continue at. this speed, even though I'm losing
ground. Slowed to 170 rpm which is giving us about 9½ knots.
C.T. hatch is still closed most of the time and considerable
water going down main induction. Want to reach area as soon as
possible but see no reason for wrecking the boat in doing it.
2314(M) Completed repairs to engine order telegraph under spray screen
and timely hatch closing. Removed night lighting fixtures which
are all apparently non-watertight.
.
19 December, 1943.
Rough seas continue unabated from N.W. Wind decreasing somewhat
but still about 25 knots.
-3-
2 02332

— page 19 —
DECLASSIFIED U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
1200(M) Am now one hundred miles behind position and still just inside
area patrolled by friendly aircraft. Decided to send my 190004
to Comsubpac in accordance with Task Force 17 Op. Plan 1-43
because of proximity of routes of other vessels. In addition
weather report may be of considerable value. No trouble en-
countered in transmitting. NPM authenticated message but no
receipt was ever sent by Haiku.
2100(M) Very rough seas still prevail. Barometer 30.30.

20 December, 1943.
During forenoon wind and sea have shifted from NW to SSE and
barometer has dropped from 30.30 to 29.66. Seas are mountain-
ous with wind velocity of 60 knots. Heavy rain squalls with
visibility varying between 100 and 1500 yds.
1321(M) Forced to head up into sea on course 195° T and slow to 4 knots.
1340(M) Wind shifted suddenly to westward, but barometer remains between
29.70 and 29.76. Started working around to westward, keeping
bow headed into seas. Increased speed gradually to 7 knots.
Set clocks back one hour to -11 zone time.
1600(M) During remainder of day we encountered continued mountainous
seas with wind from WNW of 50 to 60 knots. Impossible to average
more than 5 or 6 knots. Ship handles nicely under the circum-
stances, but bridge is almost continuously inundated. Several
pairs of binoculars have been flooded. Keeping them repaired
by continuous effort on part of quartermasters. Estimate waves
average 40 ft. from trough to crest.

21 December, 1943.
0800(L) Weather remains the same. Averaged 5.6 knots during last 12
hours.
1200(L) Have made 16 miles good since 0800. Seas worse, if anything.
Boat is pounding heavily at 4 knots. Highest barometer during
last 24 hours 29.80. Running low pressure blower frequently.
Wind of 50 knots from WNW. No relief in sight. Crew holding
up well under continual buffeting, but I'm afraid they'll all
be worn out by the time we reach our area. Keeping boat dry
below decks by closing hatch on suspicion. This is the fifth
consecutive day of rough weather since departing Midway. We
are going to be quite late in arriving in our area. If sea
hasn't abated by day after tomorrow will be forced
to dive to routine torpedoes, water batteries, and rest the crew,
particularly the lookouts.
2145(L) SJ radar contact on rain squall bearing 230° relative, distant
8,500 yds.

22 December, 1943.
During forenoon barometer started to rise and wind to die down.
Kept increasing speed as sea permitted.
2000(L) Making best two engine speed at last. Sea is still fairly
rough but a millpond compared to what it has been the past five
days.

- 4 -

— page 27 —
DECLASSIFIED
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

1835(I) Sighted smoke bearing 131° T, radar had not picked up anything
        as yet.
1914(I) SJ radar contact bearing 123° T, distant 27,000 yds. Commenced
        radar tracking.
1917(I) Three distinct pips on radar at 25,000 yds.
1931(I) Five pips on radar.
1951(I) Six pips on radar. Apparently we have contacted a convoy as
        there are three large ships, one medium size ship, and two
        small ships, the latter three probably escorts.
2004(I) In full moonlight sighted five ships which appeared to be
        three large AK in column with a DD and a smaller escort. The
        other escort could not be seen. The range at this time was
        between 16,000 and 17,000 yards. Only one of the ships was
        smoking. Decided to continue tracking until battery charge
        was completed while gaining a position ahead for an attack at
        periscope and radar depths. The targets were zigging radically
        in the bright moonlight and their base course appeared to be
        considerably to the eastward of our first estimate.
        Since surfacing the barometer had been dropping rapidly and the
        wind and sea had begun to pick up quite noticeably. The sky
        was beginning to cloud up to the westward, indicating coming rain
        squalls and very variable visibility. It was apparent that an
        attack would have to be made before long or else I wouldn't be
        able to see. At about this time visibility began to vary between
        15,000 and 18,000 yards, depending on whether or not the moon was
        obscured by clouds.
2015(I) Secured the battery charge and speeded up to work around ahead
        of the convoy.
2047(I) Lookout sighted patrol boat or sub chaser on stbd. bow at range
        of 8,200 yds. Picked up by radar immediately thereafter. Man-
        euvered to avoid, but this interrupted my end-around run on the
        convoy, necessitating a longer run. Apparently he did not sight
        us. (Ship contact #10.)
2118(I) While still running around the patrol boat at a range of 9,000
        to 10,000 yards, radar picked up a second patrol boat in the
        same vicinity which had not been sighted from the bridge because
        the moon was temporarily behind clouds. Its range was 8,500
        yds. the other one at 9,650 yards. Both were later sighted from
        the bridge when the moon broke through the clouds. They looked
        like our sub chasers.
2127(I) Apparently the patrol boats, which were between us and the convoy
        by now, were sighted also by the port flanking convoy escort,
        as he sheared out and closed them rapidly to investigate, then
        returned to the convoy. By ranges on our PPI it was evident that
        he had sighted them at over 6,000 yds. which gave us a good
        indication of our own visibility.
        By the time we had attained a position ahead of the convoy the
        visibility was unpredictable. It varied anywhere between 500
        yds. and 16,000 yds. Several times I started in for periscope
        attacks, but each time it would get dark and start raining. All
        the time the wind and sea were increasing in intensity so as
        to make maneuvering difficult, even on the surface. For example,

- 12 -

— page 29 —
DECLASSIFIED U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
1748(1)
Remained submerged for the ramainder of the day to rest the
crew. We rolled considerably at 120 feet. During the after-
noon the sea subsided only slightly and we broached again when
we were getting ready to surface.
Surfaced, blowing all tanks dry with H.P. air because of the
state of the sea. Commenced surface patrol back to the south-
ward to get back in the vicinity of our convoy contact. Sea
abating somewhat during the night, but still quite heavy. Barom-
eter rising, indicating a change for the better by morning.

11 January, 1944.
0605 (1)
Patrolling on surface on southerly course toward the southwestern
corner of our area, which is apparently the most productive part.
Lookout sighted a sampan bearing 150° T at a range of 2000 to
2500 yds. Maneuvered to avoid on the surface but am sure we were
sighted. He was a typical observer type boat with two light radio
masts which are not common to the fishing types. Decided to clear
the area as quickly as possible so as to be able to continue sur-
face atrol if planes came out. Changed course to southeastward
as soon as he was out of sight, then to eastward at noon. Radar
was unable to pick up this sampan except for one small pip at
3800 yds. and another at 6900 yds. He was very low in the water
for his size and a considerable sea was still running. Weather
improving throughout the day, however, with scattered clouds and
light wind. (Ship contact #11.)
SD radar contact at 16 miles. (Aircraft contact #7.)
Radar
1229(1)
1230(1)
Radar contact now 13 miles so submerged with out sighting the plane.
We were just 28 miles from the sampan contact of this morning,
which probably accounts for the plane being in this vicinity.
Remained submerged in vicinity of Kobe-Palau traffic route for
the rest of the afternoon in order to routine torpedoes. Con-
ducting periscope patrol.
1737 (1)
Surfaced and commenced patrol toward the eastward to cross the
Kobe-Palau traffic route and then patrol northward along the
eastern edge of the route. Want to give the southwestern corner
of the area a couple of days rest in order to avoid arousing sus-
picion at this particular time which might jeopardize our chances
of later success.
2020 (1)
Put two men on deck to work on 4" gun. May need it on some of
these sampans at any time.

12 January, 1944.
0800(1)
Patrolling on the surface to the eastward of Kobe-Palau traffic
route on a northerly course.
Changed course to southeastward to avoid possible contact with
STEELHEAD.
0954(1)
SD contact at 20 miles. As sky was overcast submerged to avoid
detection. After our sampan contact of yesterday it appears we
will have more planes to contend with from now on. (Aircraft
1004(1)
contact #8.)
Commenced submerged periscope patrol to southwestward. Decided
to remain submerged for remainder of day because of low overcast.

S
-14-

— page 32 —
DEGLASSIFIED[UNCLEAR: A-L]
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

0627(1) Submerged to conduct patrol because of complete overcast.
1739(1) Surfaced and commenced surface patrol to northeastward to cross
Kobe-Saipan - Truk route and to investigate northeastern corner of
our area.

16 January, 1944.
Patrolling on the surface across Kobe-Saipan - Truk route on north-
easterly course. Morning fix shows us considerably to southeast-
ward of our DR position.
0635(1) Submerged to conduct periscope patrol because of low clouds. Patrol-
ling back to westward across Kobe-Truk route.
1732(1) Surfaced and commenced patrolling to southwestward so as to arrive
on Bungo Suido-Palau route by morning. Doubt if the eastern
half of our area is very productive. There is a noticeable absence
of observer sampans in that part of the area. All of our contacts
have been in the western half so I intend to favor that part of the
area during the remainder of our time on station. A plot of all
our sampan contacts shows them to lie on two distinct routes. -
on each of which we have had a convoy contact.

17 January, 1944.
Patrolling on the surface toward the southwestern corner of the area,
Overcast sky cleared for a few minutes just after daybreak and we
were able to get a good fix.
0702(1) Submerged to conduct periscope patrol. Had intended to remain on
the surface today but just after sunrise the sky became completely
overcast and stayed that way all day. It has been very cloudy
of late making it inadvisable to conduct a slow-speed surface
patrol during daylight. The clouds are unusually low and broken
just enough to allow planes to sight us without themselves being
seen. Of all our plane contacts to date, only one has been visual,
and that was made while submerged.
1744(1) Surfaced and commenced surface patrol. Was unable to obtain good
navigational fix, which I wanted very badly, because of low clouds.

18 January, 1944.
Patrolling on the surface to the westward to get on Bungo Suido -
Palau convoy route.
0640(1) Submerged to conduct periscope patrol. Sky extremely cloudy with
rain threatening. Very doubtful fix shows us about 12 miles to
southwestward of our estimated position. Changed course to close
Bungo Suido - Palau track as rapidly as possible. Visibility fair
but very cloudy.
1748(1) Surfaced and commenced surface patrol northward along route, chang-
ing to eastward after dark.
1909(1) Indication of friendly submarine in vicinity to southward on our
radar. We are at southern area boundary near normal routing lanes.
Interference was very weak and lasted only a short time bearing
about 170° T. It is not very difficult to identify radar inter-
ference from our own submarines as it has very marked character-
istics.

- 17 -

2 02352

— page 39 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

(c) Weather.

Enroute Pearl Harbor to Midway the weather was in general good except
for the existence of long high swells. No difficulty was encountered, how-
ever, in making standard speed on two engines.

Between Midway and Area 6A the weather was generally very bad. Winds
of up to sixty knots from WNW were common and mountainous seas accompanied
them. The wind shifted rapidly to the southward on several occasions, but
this meant nothing unless accompanied by a falling barometer, at which times
violent winds and seas followed.

As we neared the area, in the vicinity of the islands of the Nanpo
Shoto, the weather moderated somewhat, but a WNW wind continued to prevail.
Weather in the area closely adhered to that described in ONI 60, Part 2 for
the islands to the eastward. Notable characteristics were the prevailing
wind from WNW, the prevalence of a high percentage of clouds during daylight,
and to a lesser extent, at night, and the sudden variations in the percentage
of clouds and the state of the sea. On very frequent occasions they sky
would vary from completely overcast to clear to overcast again in less than
one-half hour. This is attributed to high winds at higher altitudes, even
though the surface wind was moderate.

Seas were generally from WNW and of considerable intensity. Only two
or three days of calm prevailed during 27 days spent in the area.

Only one typhoon, or near typhoon, was experienced, that being on the
night of 9 January and the morning of 10 January. Unfortunately that one
typhoon ruined what might otherwise have been a successful attack on a con-
voy of five ships.

Enroute from the area to Midway we were blessed with fair weather
and moderate seas for the first two days. The remainder of the return trip
was made in rough weather with poor visibility.

- 24 -

— page 41 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: (F)]
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Est. Course | How | Remarks.
    | Date | Long. |         | Range   | Speed      | Contacted |
    | Ship Contacts. |         |         |            |           |
----|------|-------|||||
1   | 0411(K) | 31-13.5N | Unknown - Probably | 18,000 | 330° | SJ radar | Escort challenged us by
    | 27 Dec. | 140-48E | small AK with escort | Yds. | 6.5 Kn. | using PPI | searchlight at
    |        |         | or Patrol Boats |        |             |             | 14,650 yds. Visibility
    |        |         |                 |        |             |             | 2000 yds.
----|------|-------|||||
2   | 1952(I) | 31-04.5N | Sampan or | Estimated | 255° T | SJ Radar | P.P.I. S.
    | 30 Dec. | 134-01.5E | Submarine | 27 miles | 11.5 Kn. | Interference on | no pips.
    |        |         |         |        |             | same Frequency |
----|------|-------|||||
3   | 0353(I) | 30-30.5N | Unidentified - | Estimated | 255° T | SJ Radar | "
    | 31 Dec. | 137-16.7E | Probably FINBACK | 27 miles | 11.5 Kn. | Interference |
----|------|-------|||||
4   | 0445(I) | 30-42N | Unidentified - | Estimated | 095° T | SJ Radar | "
    | 31 Dec. | 136-03.6E | Probably HERRING | 27 miles | 14 Kn. | Interference |
----|------|-------|||||
5   | 1753(I) | 30-39.5N | Unidentified - | Estimated | 180° T | Visually | Probably observer as not
    | 3 Jan. | 136-01.6E | Probably FINBACK | 5 miles | 5 Kn. | then SJ Radar | likely fishing ground.
----|------|-------|||||
6   | 2128(I) | 30-26N | Sampan (lighted) | Estimated | Visually | Visually by | Believed to be decoys for
    | 4 Jan. | 134-55.5E | 5 to 10 tons. | 5 miles | lookout | PC boat contacted nearby.
----|------|-------|||||
7   | 2304(I) | 31-40.5N | 2 Sampans (lighted) | Estimated | Visually | Visually then | Wooden-hulled vessel.
    | 4 Jan. | 135-06 E | 10 to 15 tons. | 10,000 | then Radar | Radar | About size our PCs. Dark
    |        |         |                 | Yds. |             |             | lighted sampans.
----|------|-------|||||
8   | 1330(I) | 31-36N | Similar to our | Estimated | Visually | Glimpsed through high per-
    | 8 Jan. | 135-09E | PC450 class. | 7,000 | from smoke | iscope but never seen
    |        |         |                 | Yds. |             |             | afterwards.

- 26 -

— page 42 —
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
(F) Ship Contacts (Continued).

No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Est. Course | How | Remarks.
    | Date | Long. |         | Range   | Speed | Contacted |
    |      |       |         |         |       |           | Base Course |
9 | 1723(I) | 30-21N | 3 AK | About | 130° | Visually | In contact with convoy
  | 9 Jan.  | 135-16E | 1 DD or small AK | 12 | 6 Kn. | SJ Radar | for 13 hrs. Every
  |         |         | 2 Escorts | Miles |       |           | 347° T | attack was
  |         |         |         |         |       |           | Speed 10.5 | frustrated
  |         |         |         |         |       |           |           | while sub-attempt to
  |         |         |         |         |       |           |           | merged visibility
  |         |         |         |         |       |           |           | was variable
  |         |         |         |         |       |           |           | and rough seas
10 | 2047(I) | 30-38N | 2 Submarine Chasers | 8,200 | 060° | Visually | Appeared to be patrolling
   | 2118(I) | 134-20.5E | or Patrol Boats | 8,500 | 6 Kn. | SJ Radar | the convoy route. Similar
   | 9 Jan.  |         |         |         |       |           | to our SC class.
11 | 0606(I) | 30-38N | Sampan (darkned) | 2,000 | 110° | Visually | Believed to be an obser-
   | 11 Jan. | 134-18E | About 25 tons. | 2,500 | 5 Kn. | by | ver because of very
   |         |         |         |         |       | lookout. | noticeable radio masts
   |         |         |         |         |       |           | and general appearance of
   |         |         |         |         |       |           | plane.
12 | 0621(I) | 30-12N | Sampan about | 4,000 | 130° | Visually | Believed to be same ob-
   | 13 Jan. | 134-12.5E | 25 tons. | Yds. | 5 Kn. | by | server as Contact #11.
   |         |         |         |         |       | lookout. |
13 | 0623(I) | 30-52.5N | Sampan about | 6,000 | 130° | Visually | Similar to Contact #11
   | 14 Jan. | 134-12.5E | 25 tons. | Yds. | 5 Kn. | by | and #12.
   |         |         |         |         |       | lookout. | Turned on steady
   |         |         |         |         |       |           | white light after sighting.
14 | 2332(I) | 30-48.5N | 1 BB | 23,500 | Course | Visually | JP-1 picked up at 18,000
   | 14 Jan. | 135-17.3E | 2 or 3 DD | Yds. | 347° | by | yds. Estimated speed
   |         |         |         |         |       | J.O.O.D. | 18 to 20 knots.
   |         |         |         |         |       |           | Showed a reddish colored
   |         |         |         |         |       |           | light.
15 | 0501(I) | 30-58.2N | Sampan | 8,000 |         | Visually | Contacts #11
   | 15 Jan. | 135-40.2E | (lighted) | Yds. |         | by Lookout | Turned on steady
   |         |         |         |         |       |           | white light after sighting.
   |         |         |         |         |       |           | Contact #11

- 27 -
[STAMP: 2 02352]

— page 43 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
(F) Ship Contacts (Continued)

No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Est. Course | How | Remarks.
    | Date | Long. | | Range | Speed | Contacted |
16 | 1211(I) | 30-16.9N | 1 AK - AP | 12 Miles | 325° T | Visually | Sighted one 7,000 Ton AK. (Similar
   | 19 Jan. | 135-31.5E | 2 Escorts |          | 9 Kn. |         | to TATUKAI RU) Dam-
   |       |         | (Air escort) |          |       |         | aged one 3,000 Ton AK-
   |       |         |              |          |       |         | AP (Similar to GINYO MARU)
   |       |         |              |          |       |         | and attacked again later.
17 | 0427(I) | 30-28N | 1 AK-AP | 24,100 | Dead | SJ Radar | 1 hit of 2 torpedoes
   | 20 Jan. | 134-52.5 | 1 Patrol Vessel | Yds. | in | and | leaving a fiery wake
   |       |         |              |          | water | Visually. | (Same ship damaged
   |       |         |              |          |       |         | Attack #2)
   |       |         |              |          |       |         | Apparently not one of the
   |       |         |              |          |       |         | attacked again later.
18 | 1635(I) | 31-06.5N | Sampan | 8,000 | 180° | Visually | Apparently observed radio
   | 20 Jan. | 135-30E | (Fishing type) | Yds. | 10 Kn. | by periscope | visible.
19 | 1757(I) | 31-07N | Sub chaser | 6 Mi. | 120° | Visually | Similar to our wooden-
   | 20 Jan. | 135-35E | (Wooden-hulled) |          | 8 Kn. | by lookout | hulled SC class.
20 | 0645(I) | 31-25.3N | Sampan or Junk | 8 Mi. | 165° | Visually | Image on surface. Small
   | 22 Jan. | 135-43.5E | (Sailing vessel) |          | 8 Kn. | by lookout | vessels with no masts
   |       |         |              |          |       |         | smoking a lot.
21 | 2148(I) | 31-43.3N | Sampan | 6 Mi. | About | Visually | Did not pick up on radar.
   | 22 Jan. | 136-08' E | (lighted) |          | 345° | by lookout. |
22 | 1133(I) | 32-06.5 | 2 sampans or | 14 Mi. | --- | Visually | Two masts fore and aft
   | 24 Jan. | 142-45E | Patrol Boats |          | --- | by periscope | very small.

- 28 -

— page 44 —
DECLASSIFIED
(G)
Aircraft Contacts.

U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

| No. | Time | Date | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|
| 1 | 0800 W | 12 Dec. | 24-45.8N | 160-44.8W | U.S.N. PB2Y | 12 Mi. | 110 T | Radar 12 Mi. | Exchanged recognition signals at six miles. |
| 2 | 1058 X | 12 Dec. | 26-52N | 166-58S | U.S.N. PB2Y | 11 Mi. | 160 T | Radar 11 Mi. | Made identification signal but plane did not reply. |
| 3 | 1345(M) | 18 Dec. | 25-30N | 176-56E | U.S.A. B-25 | 6 Mi. | 085 T | Radar 6 Mi. | Exchanged recognition signals. | Visual 4 Mi. | Radar Interference noted from plane. |
| 4 | 0954(K) | 27 Dec. | 31-11 N | 139-55E | Unknown | 17 Mi. | - | Radar 17 Mi. | Plane not sighted - sky 60% clouds. |
| 5 | 1029(I) | 29 Dec. | 30-38N | 136-55E | Unknown | 13 Mi. | - | Radar 13 Mi. | Plane not sighted - sky 70% clouds. |
| 6 | 1335(I) | 7 Jan. | 30-05N | 134-37.5E | Unknown | 16 Mi. | - | Radar 16 Mi. | Plane not sighted - divod at 13 Mi. range. |
| 7 | 1229(I) | 11 Jan. | 30-21.5N | 134-41E | Unknown | 26 Mi. | - | Radar 26 Mi. | Plane not sighted - sky over-cast. |
| 8 | 0954(I) | 12 Jan. | 30-42N | 135-37.3E | Unknown | 20 Mi. | - | Radar 20 Mi. | Plane not sighted - sky over-cast. |
| 9 | 0740(I) | 13 Jan. | 31-05.3N | 134-07E | Unidentified land plane. | 2 Mi. | 000° T | Periscope | Plane was close so went deep without identifying. |
| 10 | 1228(I) | 19 Jan. | 30-17N | 135-51.5E | Navy float biplane (PETE) | 6 Mi. | Patrolling | Visually by periscope | Plane escorting convoy (Contact #16). |

- 29 -
[STAMP: 2 02352]

— page 45 —
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
(G) Aircraft Contacts. (Continued).

| No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Course | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|
| 11 | 1538(I) | | 30-30N | 135-52E | Navy Float biplane (PETE) | 10 Mi. | | Visually by periscope. | May have been same plane as Contact #10. |
| | 19 Jan. | 12 | 0824(I) | | 31-20N | 135-03E | KAWANISHI 97 (MAVIS) | 3 Mi. | 225° | Visually by periscope. | Plane patrolling in vicinity of Attack #2. |
| | 20 Jan. | | | | | | | | |

- 30 -

— page 48 —
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
Torpedo Attack No. 1. (Continued).

| | #4 | #5 | #6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired - - - - - | | | |
| Track Angle - - - - - | 129 P | 131 P | 129½ P |
| Gyro Angle - - - - - | 346 | 344 | 345½ |
| Depth set - - - - - | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Power - - - - - | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss - - - - - | Hit | Miss | Hit on another ship. |
| Erratic - - - - - | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo- - - - - | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No. - - - - - | 25442 | 26011 | 39907 |
| Mark Exploder - - - - | 6-1A | 6-1A | 6-1A |
| Serial No. - - - - - | 172 | 6065 | 6396 |
| Actuation Set - - - - | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual- - - - | Contact | - - - - | Contact |
| Mark Warhead- - - - | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Serial No. - - - - - | 2146 | 2092 | 2142 |
| Explosive - - - - - | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval - - - | 8 sec. | 8 sec. | 8 sec. |
| Type Spread - - - - | Div. | Div. | Div. |
| Sea Conditions- - - - | Mod. | Mod. | Mod. |
| Overhaul Activity- - - | SB, PH | SB, PH | SB, PH |

Remarks:
Spread was fired as follows - 0°, 1° L, 1° R. Second
torpedo missed ahead because of size of spread used and
third torpedo passed astern and hit the ship on which
Attack No. 2 was made a few seconds later.

- 33 -
[STAMP: 2 02352]

— page 49 —
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

U.S.S. BATFISH Torpedo Attack No. 2. Patrol No. 1.
Time: 0058 Date: 1-20-44 Lat: 31-30 N - Long: 134-51 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Similar to TATUKAMI MARU (7,065 gross tons). One of four
ships in convoy described under Attack #1. The attack on
this ship followed 18 seconds after completion of Attack #1.

Ship Sunk: One AK similar to TATUKAMI MARU of about 7,065 gross tons.

Ship Damaged: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw ship disappear in heavy cloud of black smoke. It
disappeared simultaneously from the radar screen. Heard
the explosions of three torpedoes hitting at times corres-
ponding to calculated torpedo run. Also heard many loud
crackling noises like a ship breaking up. Although partially
obscured by smoke this vessel definitely sank. Observation
of the entire vicinity a few minutes later showed no trace
of it.

Target Draft: Loaded 26½ feet - light 9½ feet. Target appeared to be well
loaded. Course: 325° T. Speed: 9 knots (pit) Range: 3,600 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 9 knots Course: 030° T Depth: Surfaced Angle 0°.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Same as Attack #1 and following it by 18 seconds. Upper
three bow tubes were fired. The two upper tubes caused
considerable water splash, but not too bad.
Fortunately the third torpedo fired in Attack #1 hit the
target of this attack.

- 34 -

— page 50 —
DECLASSIFIED U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
Torpedo Attack No. 2. (Continued).

| Tubes Fired         | #1      | #2      | #3      |
| :| :------ | :------ | :------ |
| Track Angle         | 128 P   | 130 P   | 128 P   |
| Gyro Angle          | 347     | 345     | 347     |
| Depth Set           | 10'     | 10'     | 10'     |
| Power               | High    | High    | High    |
| Hit or Miss         | Hit     | Hit     | Miss    |
| Erratic             | No      | No      | No      |
| Mark Torpedo        | 14-3A   | 14-3A   | 14-3A   |
| Serial No.          | 39329   | 24781   | 39500   |
| Mark Exploder       | 6-1A    | 6-1A    | 6-1A    |
| Serial No.          | 10,843  | 7729    | 5923    |
| Actuation Set       | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual    | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Mark Warhead        | 16      | 16      | 16      |
| Serial No.          | 3691    | 873     | 1731    |
| Explosive           | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     |
| Firing Interval     | 8 sec.  | 8 sec.  | 8 sec.  |
| Type Spread         | Div.    | Div.    | Div.    |
| Sea Conditions      | Mod.    | Mod.    | Mod.    |
| Overhaul Activity   | SB, PH  | SB, PH  | SB, PH  |

Remarks: First and second torpedoes hit and third missed astern.
Third torpedo fired in Attack #1 also hit this target giving
a total of three hits. Miss is attributed to size of spread
angle at this range. Spread fired was 0°, 1° L, and 1° R.

- 35 -
[STAMP: 2 02352]

— page 51 —
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol

U.S.S. BATFISH Torpedo Attack No. 3. Patrol No. 1.
Time: 0509(I) Date: 1-20-44 Lat: 31-28 N Long: 134-52 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Same ship damaged in Attack #1. Dead in water with corvette
type escort circling it at about 1500 to 2500 yards - but
not adhering to a fixed patrol pattern. Contact was made
by knowing position from previous attack and recontacting
by radar. Visibility excellent with very bright moonlight.
Sight ship from bridge at 14,000 yards.
On this attack it was necessary to approach the target with
the moon nearly astern in order to gain a position on the
target's beam as there was insufficient time before daylight
to get on the opposite side. This fact accounts for the
decision to fire low power shots at considerable range. The
entire approach, attack, and retirement was made on the
surface.

Ship Sunk: One passenger-freighter similar to GINYO MARU of 8,613 gross
tons.

Ship Damaged: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw torpedo hit just abaft stbd. beam throwing up
geyser of water and white smoke. Saw ship take increased
port list and settle by stern until the bow was above main
deck level and open air showed under the bow for a distance
of 50 to 75 ft. abaft the stem.
Seven minutes after the torpedo hit there was a loud explosion
audible for miles under water. Radar pip separated from one
into two smaller pips at this time and only the forward part
of the superstructure and the bow were visible above water.
Coming daylight prevented watching her go completely under.

Target Draft: About 30 feet aft and 5 feet fwd. Course: Stopped and drift-
ing on heading 100° T. Speed: 0 Range: 6000 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 9 knots. Course: 020° T. Depth: Surfaced. Angle: 0°.

- 36 -

— page 52 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
Torpedo Attack No. 3. (Continued).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Night surface radar and visual attack. By radar ranges and
visual bearings the target was determined to be dead in the
water. The ship was 'conned from the bridge so as to approach
on a 100 stbd. track. Two torpedoes were fired using 0°
gyro angles at low power with ten foot depth settings. The
submarine was conned directly on the target's beam using the
bridge pelorus. The order to fire was given from the bridge
when steadied on. Tubes #5 and #6 were fired because it
was a surface attack. A speed of 9 knots was made to main-
tain good steerageway.

- 37 -
[STAMP: 2 02352]

— page 53 —
DECLASSIFIED
[STRIKETHROUGH: S E C R E T]
[STRIKETHROUGH: I N I T I A L] U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 55 —
DECLASSHED
(L)
Radio.
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

Except occasionally, communications were handled without difficulty.
Haiku's low frequency, 16.68 Kcs., was excellent to a point about 500 miles
west of Midway. West of that point, while enroute to and from station,
9090 Kcs. and 14390 Kcs. were best during daylight hours while 4525 Kcs. and
9090 Kcs. were best during hours of darkness. During part of the time
spent on station, all schedules became unreadable from 1800 to 2100 GCT.
However, when Haiku increased power and extended the 4525 Kcs. to 2100 GCT,
conditions were much improved.

Japanese interference and jamming on 4525 Kcs. were experienced on
several nights while in the area. In addition, certain American Naval shore
stations used 4525 Kcs. as a working frequency, adding to the confusion.
These stations included NUD, NAT, NPC, NSO, and NCF.

BATFISH messages to NPM were cleared without difficulty, using 8470
Kcs. or 4235 Kcs. No Comsubpac serials were missed. About 5% of the Haiku
serial numbers were missed during the patrol because of submerged days.
Underwater receiption was not possible west of Midway, or below periscope
depth, at any time. There were no important material casualties.

- 40 -

— page 57 —
Γ
DECLASSIFIED
(M)
Radar: (Continued)
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

The SD with frequency meter for tuning gave good results with only
routine maintenance. The minimum ranges at which low friendly planes were
picked up was 6 miles. On the surface in the area intermittent operation
was used as follows: The power switch was left on and the High Voltage Variac
set for optimum plate current. The plate voltage switch was snapped on and
the scope viewed for 8 seconds. It was then switched off and remained off
for 22 seconds. This gave contacts at a minimum of 16 miles and a maximum
of 26 miles. There was no indication that it was being DF'ed. A toggle
switch was mounted convenient to the operator and lashed in series with the
plate voltage switch to eliminate wear on the switch and yet insure the
protection of the thermal overload in that switch.

(N) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions.

The sound gear operated quite satisfactorily throughout the patrol.
I was particularly well pleased with the performance of the JP-1, even though
the area was all deep water. At periscope depth in fairly calm water the JP
was far more efficient than the supersonic gear. This was aptly demonstrated
during our approach on the battleship on 14 January when it maintained contin-
uous contact when the range was 18,000 yards or less. It was even able to
distinguish the screws of the DD escorts at about 16,000 yds. In addition
to its value in tracking other vessels the JP was of great help in detecting
our own ship's noises allowing us to take corrective measures. It was found
to be quite efficient at any speed up to 5 or 6 knots.

The one obstacle in the path of full utilization of the JP-l is the lack
of satisfactory communication between the fwd, torpedo room and the conning
tower. We employed telephones rather than the 7MC to preclude any possibility
of fouling our fire-control communications. A thorough investigation of the
subject is recommended.

Sound conditions were found to be excellent throughout the area and super-
sonic equipment operated as well, or better, than in the Hawaiian area. This
was undoubtedly because of the absence of temperature gradients in all parts
of the area. At no place did we discover even the slightest layer down to 350
feet. There was also a noticeable absence of fish and suspended matter in the
water. Background noises were low and none of the unexplainable sounds common-
ly reported were heard. Depth charges were audible at twenty miles and echo-
ranging at fifteen miles. Between the surface and periscope depth a slight
positive gradient normally existed, but too slight to be of any particular
consequence.

-42-
S

— page 59 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[FADED TYPED: CONFIDENTIAL] U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

**(P) Health, Food, and Habitability.**

The health of the officers and crew was, in general, satisfactory. One
officer, Ensign O.A. Morgan, U.S.N., suffered from a small hernia, previously
incurred in service, and will be hospitalized upon arrival in port. He is to
be commended, however, for his fortitude in disregarding his own discomfort
and continuing to stand his watches. Only after being ordered to do so would
he accept a relief and then for only the time necessary to rid himself of the
immediate pain. The hernia was aggravated by rough weather and during the
latter part of the patrol he was able to get along quite nicely.

A ship's cook suffered second degree burns about the neck and arm when
a coffe silex burst near him. Prompt treatment by the PhM restored him to
duty in short order. One infected leg was effectively treated by the applica-
tion of hot wet dressings hourly and the use of sulfathiazole powder. Other
than the foregoing there were only the usual common complaints of colds, minor
cuts, and bruises. There were surprisingly few colds.

The cooks are to be commended on the excellent quality of the food
served as well as the variety. We still were eating fresh lettuce, fresh eggs,
and ice cream after five weeks underway. The stowage problem was effectively
solved and we will be returning to port with about twenty-five days supply of
normal provisions. No food spoiled or was damaged in any way. There were
no cases of food poisoning.

The boat was quite comfortable throughout the patrol. All hands slept
under blankets habitually. Frequent field days helped spend our idle hours
as well as enabled us to live quite comfortably. As much surface patrolling
was done as was considered practicable and this added to the general comfort
of all hands although our submerged days were comfortable also. The water
situation was never acute, and showers were opened at frequent intervals.

**(Q) Personnel.**

This was the first patrol for this vessel and also the first for two
officers and over half of the crew. The weather was unusually trying and a
lack of contacts during the first three weeks in the area led to the monotony.
Under these conditions the Commanding Officer has nothing but praise for the
splendid performance of duty on the part of both officers and men. Morale
remained high throughout, even when it looked as if we would return to base
without having fired a torpedo. There was, however, a very noticeable in-
crease in enthusiasm when we heard the explosions of our first torpedoes
fired.

The dull days were shortened by continual instruction in submarines,
field days, material upkeep, and associated pursuits.

Excellent work on the part of the cooks was a great help.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[FADED TYPED: CONFIDENTIAL]
- 44 -

— page 62 —
DECLASSIFIED
(U)
Remarks.
U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
1
Viewing the entire patrol as conducted in retrospect, the Commanding
Officer feels that he is guilty of several errors in judgment. Uncertainty
as to the effectiveness of our new camouflage resulted in firing torpedoes
at ranges which are considered excessive. Luckily the maximum calculated
number of hits was obtained in spite of this. The new camouflage was put
on during the final loading period at Pearl and no opportunity existed there-
after for determining its effectiveness. It is earnestly recommended that
some provision be made during the training period for "feeling out" our own
ship's visibility under varying conditions.

After the first attack on the convoy during the morning of 20 January
it is now thought that a chase of the two undamaged ships would have been
preferable to staying to sink the damaged ship, which would probably have
sunk anyway At least more opportunities to make later attacks on the
damaged ship would have presented themselves whereas two undamaged ships
were making port at best speed.

The convoy contacted on 9 January on which no attack was made because
of developments in the weather might have been effectively attacked had
I not waited to recharge the battery. I'm now convinced that it doesn't
pay to delay an instant in launching an attack once contact is made. Any-
thing may happen to frustrate an attack if delayed to gain more advantageous
conditions.

It is hoped that the experience gained on this patrol, my first in
command, will aid in obtaining more impressive results in the future.

-47-

2 02352

— page 63 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY-ONE
FB5-61/A16-3                                                              Ie.
Serial 036                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED][HANDWRITTEN: L]                                     San Francisco, California.
                                                          4 February 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BATFISH Report
of First War Patrol.

From:             The Commander Submarine Division SIXTY-ONE.
To :              The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :             (1) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
                      Subordinate Command.
                  (2) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
                  (3) Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject:          U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

      1. On her first War Patrol, the U.S.S. BATFISH was in
patrol area 27 of the 51 days covered by the patrol. This was the
first patrol of Lieutenant Commander W. R. MERRILL as a Commanding
Officer.

      2. The patrol area was well covered in efforts to
locate the traffic lanes, but contacts with suitable targets were
not numerous.

      (a) On the early morning of 27 December 1943,
          tracking for about one hour, the approach on an
          unknown target was broken off after being detected
          by the escort and the possibility of an attack
          before daylight seemed remote. This target may
          have been larger than suspected because radar con-
          tact was maintained out to a range of 27,000 yards.

      (b) An approach on a convoy on the night of 9 - 10 January,
          1944, was frustrated partly by the heavy seas, and
          finally by a probable change of course at dawn.
          After submerging ahead at daylight the convoy was not
          again sighted.

      (c) On the night of 14-15 January, 1944, an approach was
          made on an enemy battleship. The SJ radar was secured
          at a range of 21,000 yards and the submarine submerged
          to avoid detection. The enemy formation made a wide
          sweep around and passed at a minimum range of 10,000
          yards. It seems quite probable that the evasive action
          of the enemy was due to detection of the BATFISH's SJ
          radar. It is doubtful that the submarine was detected
          at that range by enemy radar.

                                                              2
                                                              02352

— page 64 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY-ONE

                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California.
                                                                4 February 1944.

FB5-61/A16-3

Serial 036
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject:        U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 65 —
A16-3
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504

Serial (022)                                    Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                5 February 1944.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BATFISH Report
of First War Patrol.

From:       The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
            Subordinate Command.
To :        The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via :       (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
            (2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject:    U.S.S. BATFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

1.          Forwarded, concurring in the remarks made in
first endorsement which fully cover this patrol.

2.          This was a difficult patrol for a new ship.
Encountering typhoon weather followed by inability to close
the range on valuable targets sighted. BATFISH finally gained
position to make an aggressive night surface attack and sink
two enemy ships.

3.          Commanding Officer, officers and crew of BATFISH
are congratulated on their shakedown patrol, well done.

                                                J. A. CONNOLLY

Copy to:
U.S.S. BATFISH
CSD-61

[STAMP: 2 02352]

— page 66 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Extra Copy]
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
                                                                mr
Serial 0276
[STAMP: Ing. No. 28050]
[STAMP: File No. 2 02352]
DECLASSIFIED
THIRD ENDORSEMENT
BATFISH Report of
First War Patrol.

                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                                7 February 1944.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 358
U.S.S. BATFISH - FIRST 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. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of First War Patrol.
         (11 December 1943 to 30 January 1944).

         1. The first war patrol of the BATFISH was conducted in an open sea
area south of the Empire.

         2. Extensive area coverage was somewhat handicapped by enemy day-
light anti-submarine air patrol, and also severe weather.

         3. Of the three contacts made that were worthy of torpedoes, the
BATFISH succeeded in conducting three successive attacks on a four-ship convoy
in the early morning of January 20. These attacks were aggressive and well con-
ducted, resulting in inflicting damage upon the enemy.

         4. This patrol is considered successful for Combat Insignia Award.

         5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for having inflicted the following damage
upon the enemy:

                                        S U N K

         1 Passenger Freighter (GINYO MARU class) - 8,615 tons (Attacks Nos.
                                                                1 and 3).
         1 Passenger Freighter (TATUGAMI MARU - 7,065 tons (Attack No. 2).
                                 class)
                                 TOTAL - 15,680 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)                                              C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
Cominch             (5)
CNO                 (5)
Cincpac             (6) CTF 72              (2)
Intel. Cen. Pac. Ocean (1) Comorрас          (1)
Areas
Comservpac          (1) Comsubspac          (40)
(Adv.Base Pln. Unit) (2) SUBAD, MI           (2)
Cinclant            (8) ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
Comsubslnt          (2) All Squadron and Div. (2)
S/M School, NL      (2) Commanders, Subspac (2)
Comsopac            (2) Comsubstrainpac     (2)
Comsowaspac         (1) All Submarines, Subspac (1)
Comsubsowaspac      (2) [SIGNATURE: J. A. WOODRUFF, Jr.]
                        J. A. WOODRUFF, Jr.,
                        Flag Secretary. [HANDWRITTEN: C&R]

— page 67 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1 ST copy]

SS310/A16-3
Serial: (037)

U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Cal.
15 April, 1944.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: Commanding Officer.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : Commander Submarine Division 201.
Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of War Patrol number two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart, for Comsubpac only.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this vessel
conducted in Area six (ABLE) southeast of the Island of Shikoku, during the
period 22 February, 1944 to 15 April, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. R. Merrill]
W. R. MERRILL.

[HANDWRITTEN: 73/00]

— page 73 —
DECLASSIFIED
[STRIKE THROUGH: CONFIDENTIAL]

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 75 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.
1000(1) SD radar contact at 26 miles moving in rapidly. (Aircraft contact #4.)
1001(1) Submerged to avoid detection, plane at 22 miles when radar was secured.
Remained submerged to routine torpedoes and because of overcast sky.
Conducting periscope patrol.
1830(1) Surfaced and continued patrol to northeastward to arrive on Kobe-
Saipan traffic route et northern extremity of area. Sea calm and
sky clear to partly cloudy.
2200 (1) Arrived on Kobe-Saipan route and altered course to southeastward to
patrol along this route. All contacts still confined to aircraft.
It appears plausible that the Japs are routing most of their shipping
along the coast or southward near the islands of the Nanpo Shoto in
order to avail themselves of land-based air coverage and the protec
tion of defensive mine fields. The total absence of sampans is not
consistent with the observations made during our last patrol in this
area.
17 March.
Conducting surface patrol to southeastward along Kobe-Saipan traffic
route. Sea calm and sky partially cloudy.
A caroful analysis of probable traffic routes, with most probable
positions and times of interception, has been worked out assuming an
average convoy speed of seven to nine knots along base course and
utilizing all available information concerning times of arrival and
departure from ports and course changes before sunrise and after sun-
set. A lack of contacts persists in spite of this analysis. In an
effort to attain the best area coverage possible the following measures
are being taken:
(1) Maximum permissible amount of surface cruising, using high peris-
cope lookout.
(2) General area coverage on both east-west courses and north-south
courses prior to concentrating at any particular point.
(3) Investigation of areas lying botween normal traffic lanes as
well as "shortest-distance" routes.
(4) Concentration at points shown by analysis as mentioned above
to be located as follows:
(a) Southbound convoys enroute Bungo Suide or Kobe to Palau or
Saipan - crossing area during darkness - daylight position
between Lats. 30 N and 30-30 N and between Longs. 134 E
and 136 E.
(b) Northbound convoys enroute Saipan or Palau te Kobe ar Bungo
Suido crossing area during darkness- daylight position
between Lats. 31-30 N and 32 N and between Longs. 133-30 E
and 135 E.
(5) In view of area limitations and probable air coverage during day-
light it is considered most feasible to concentrate in the area
described under 4(a) above so as to allow either submerged attade
on northbound convoys at dusk or night surface attacks, and
either day or night surface chases and attacks on southbound
convoys. It is also considered advantageous to patrol southward
during daylight and northward at night.
It is hoped that adoption of the foregoing measures will result in
contacts with the enemy.
-8-

— page 77 —
DECLASSIFIED

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.

2241(I) SJ radar contact bearing 150° T, distant 3,250 yards. Small pip and
        nothing visible from the bridge. Concluded it was a small sampan so
        maneuvered to avoid. While turning range closed to about 2000 yards,
        but nothing was sighted although it was very clear and dark. (Ship
        contact #1.)
2246(I) Sighted flare-up light on sampan and made out very dim outline of
        small boat. Range 3,850 yards.
2249(I) Lost radar contact at 5,400 yds. Do not believe that our presence
        was detected.

20 March.
        Conducting surface patrol to southeastward toward south central part
        of area. Am going to patrol this general vicinity for two or three
        days as it appears to be the most likely point for interception of
        shipping.
0242(I) Sighted lights of two sampans about a mile apart bearing 180° T and
        195° T, distant about six thousand yards. Could not pick up on radar.
        Maneuvered to avoid on the surface. (Ship contact #2.)
0630(I) Arrived on Kobe-Palau traffic route and altered course to southward to
        patrol that line.
1019(I) SD contact at 16 miles. Submerged to avoid detection. (Aircraft
        contact #5.)
        Plane was not sighted as the sky was partially overcast with low clouds.
        Conducting periscope patrol to southward. Visibility good, but wind
        and sea increased in intensity throughout the day. Watered battery.
1817(I) Altered course to westward.
1826(I) Surfaced in heavy seas with wind of about 30 knots. Continued surface
        patrol to westward.
2016(I) SJ radar contact bearing 110° T, distant 3,900 yds. Very small pip which
        disappeared in two minutes.
2020(I) Sighted light of sampan bearing 155° T, distant about 3000 yds. (Ship
        contact #3.) Believe these to have been two separate sampans as the
        heavy sea made it impossible to see the light at much over 3,000 yards.
        Could not pick up second sampan on radar.
2023(I) Lost light of sampan from view bearing 130° T. Continued surface patrol
        to westward.
        After 16 days in the area with only two plane contacts have sighted
        five sampans and contacted a plane in the last twenty hours. Am
        remaining in this vicinity in the hope that the sampans are being used
        as observers, since this is not a likely fishing ground and the sam-
        pans have been distributed along a line corresponding to the Bungo-
        Saipan route, but about 15 to 20 miles to the northeastward.
        Such an offset routing would allow a sharp course change just before
        sunrise for southbound convoys and the same change just after sunset
        for northbound convoys. This observation checks with our observations
        during our last patrol in this area.
        During the evening watch the wind has decreased to about 16 knots and
        there is a moderately heavy sea from WNW which appears to be abating.
        Barometer is holding steady.

- 10 -

— page 79 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject:
U.S.S. BATFISH (35310) - Report of Second War Patrol,
1005(1) Heard the first of a series of twenty-five depth charges dropped at
irregular intervals up to 1112(1). The charges were a long distance
off, estimated at fifteen to twenty miles, and it was impossible to
tell for sure from which direction the sound came, Could see nothing
at any time, although the sea was calm and a very high periscope watch
was maintained.
1528(I) Sighted fishing sampan dead ahead on opposite course, distant eighteen
hundred to two thousand yards. Only one mast, which was aft and very
low. Shortly thereafter picked up his screws. (Ship contact #6.)
Was forced to do some fancy maneuvering to prevent his catching a
Batfish as he suddenly decided to lay his net across our bow and in
a long are at a fairly high speed. Had a good look at him at about
500 yard range and am convinced he was an innocent, though troublesome,
fisherman, without radio and unarmed. Was tempted to eliminate him,
but could not feal justified in taking a chance on disclosing our
presence. The net he laid wes marked by eighteen bamboo poles carry-
ing white flage, which were of considerable help in avoiding it.
1600(1) Resumed periscope patrol to northwestward.
1831(1) Surfaced and commenced surface patrol to westward across area near
northern area boundary. Making standard speed on two engines.
Have found it
necessary to occasionally put a good load on the engines in order to
climinate accumulated lub oil which causes cxcessive snoking when a
lot of power is needed on short notice.
Only have nine more days in the area and still have 60,000 gals. of
fuel remaining so intend to start using some of it in wider arca
coverage.
2315(1) Altered course to southwestward.

24 March,
Conducting surface patrol at standard speed on two angines to south-
westward toward western area boundary.
0802(1) Submerged on southerly course in neutral zone to westward of area.
Conducting periscope patrol.
1200(I) Altered course to westward. During the afternoon watch the sea picked
up considerably from WWW. Wind of about 20 knots.
1850(1) Surfaced in moderately heavy sea.
Star fix showed us to be nineteen miles inside eastern boundary of
Area 8 and about forty-five miles west of our own area. We had an
excellent star fix prior to submerging this morning. Average current
during the day was 1 3/4 knots setting WSW. Commenced surface patrol
to southeastward toward southwestern corner of our own area.
2200(I) Altered course to eastward.
2345(I) Arrived in assigned area.
2400(1) Altered course to southeastward.
25 March
Conducting surface patrol to southeastward just inside western area
boundary. Sea moderately heavy from NW with good visibility and
variable cloudiness.
0730(I) Altered course to eastward along southern area boundary.

-12-

— page 80 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L]
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 83 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.

2000(I) Slowed to best two engine speed to conserve fuel. Will be able to
intercept at this speed. Routined all torpedoes in tubes and re-
loads during the night. Check over entire fire control system and
overhauled one tube firing valve.

2 April.
Making best two engine speed to westward to attempt interception of
BB about fifty miles to eastward of Tanega Shima. Should arrive on
his track at 0500(I) this morning.
0500(I) Encountering continuously rainy weather with very poor visibility.
Sky completely overcast with falling barometer and rising wind and
sea. Water is highly phosphorescent and the wake we're leaving
could be seen for some distance.
0511(I) Rain ceased, but the sky was still completely overcast and it was
impossible to obtain a navigational fix. Slowed to patrol speed of
five knots and altered course to southward. Believe we are on the
track of the target. Have taken best estimates of current into
consideration.
1855(I) Submerged to conduct periscope patrol. Sky cleared completely dur-
ing the day and sea was moderate until about 1600(I), when wind
increased considerably.
No sight or sound contacts of any description were made. Visibility
was very good.
Surfaced in moderately heavy sea. Star fix verified our position.
We had patrolled the desired line during the day in spite of the
fact that we had been unable to obtain a morning fix.
Set course to eastward at two engine speed across areas 8 and 6A
in order to depart area 6A at specified position.
After today's lack of results I'm about convinced that our luck
just isn't in this patrol.

3 April.
0000(I) Enroute across area at two engine speed toward departure point. Bar-
ometer very unsteady with wind and sea increasing considerably.
Increased speed to three engine speed.
1705(I) Departed area 6(A) at latitude 31°-32'N enroute Midway. Wind and
sea moderate from NW and barometer rising slowly. Should pass Bay-
onnaise Rks. abeam to port about 0300(I) tomorrow morning.

4 April.
0148(I) Enroute Midway from patrol area at three engine speed.
SJ radar contact on Sumisu Shima bearing 142° T, distant 31,500
yards.
0225(I) Sighted Sumisu Shima bearing 174° T, distant 23,400 yards.
0316(I) Lost radar contact on Sumisu Shima bearing 221° T, distant 35,400
yards.
0955(I) Lookout sighted low-flying patrol plane bearing 327° T, distant
seven miles. (Aircraft contact #7.) Plane was not picked up on
SD radar.

- 16 -

— page 85 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.
15 April.
Enroute Pearl Harbor at four engine speed.
0000(V-W) Slowed to three engine speed.
0630(V-W) Contacted PC 602 at rendezvous and proceeded in company with
escort to Pearl.
1100(V-W) Moored at Submarine Base, P.H., T.H.

-19-

— page 87 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(F) Ship Contacts.

| No. | Time    | Date    | Lat.    | Long.   | Type(s)                   | Initial Est. Course | Speed | Range      | How con-   | Remarks

— page 88 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol
(P) Ship Contacts (Continued):

No. | Time | Date | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course | Est. Speed | How contacted | Remarks
----|------|------|------|-------||||||
7 | 0706(I) | 26 Mar. | 13-41N | 133-41E | 1 Sampan (2 masts) | 8 miles | 090° T | 8 Kn. | Visually on surface | Patrolling on the sur-face, two masts, probably radio antenna.
8 | 0824(I) | 27 Mar. | 13-35N | 135-20E | 1 Sampan (2 masts) | 8 miles | 110° T | 8 Kn. | Periscope on surface | May have sighted us also while he turned away while we were turning to avoid him.
9 | 1526(I) | 27 Mar. | 13-35N | 135-13E | 1 Sampan (2 masts) | 8 miles | 320° T | 8 Kn. | Periscope on surface | Avoided to contact #7 with probable radio. We were not detected.
10 | 1830(I) | 30 Mar. | 13-30N | 134-44E | 1 Sampan (2 masts) | 7,000 yds. | 185° T | 4 Kn. | Visually by lookout | Evening twilight. Might pos-sibly have been a submarine or small patrol boat, but not pick up on radar.
11 | 0050(I) | 30 Mar. | 13-29N | 134-59E | 2 Sampans (lighted) | 7,900 yds. | Est. NM | 4 Kn. | Visually by lookout | Radar picked up sampans when on the proper bearing. Small pip at 7,900 yds.
12 | 0309(I) | 30 Mar. | 13-27N | 135-14E | 2 Sampans (lighted) | 8,000 yds. | Est. | 4 Kn. | Visually by lookout | Radar picked up sampans at 7,300 yds. Not believed to be the same as contact #11.

— page 89 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject:
(G)
Time
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.
Aircraft Contacts.
No. Date.
1
1232(K)
Mar. 1.
20421(K)
2 Mar.
31-53N
151-30E
Lat.
Long.
Type (3)
Unknown
Initial
Range
22 mi.
31-52N
148-15E
Unknown
20 mi.
-
3
1118(1)
30-08N
14 Mar.
134-38E
Patrol Bomber
8 Mi.
Est.
How
Course Contacted
Radar
22 mi.
SJ Radar
40,000 yds.
Visually
- by J.D.O.D.
Remarks.
Plane not sighted - dived on con-
tact.
Pip moved rapidly across PPI screen
and disappeared at 9 miles.
Plane sighted while taking high
periscope sweep on surface; also
seen from the bridge by 0.0.D.
4
1000(1)
16 Mar.
31-15N
136-138
Unknown
26 mi.
Radar
26 mi.
Plane not sighted, but closed
rapidly from 26 to 22 miles.
5 1019(1)
20 Mar.
30-49.5N
134-58E
6 1348(1)
30-06N
25 Mar.
135-24E
Unknown
20 mi.
7
0955(1)
32-01N
4 April
141-57E
Patrol Bomber
7 mi.
SE
8
1124(K)
32-41N
Patrol Bomber
6 April
152-57E
(4 engines)
6 mi.
ENE
NCTE:
Unknown
16 mi.
Radar
16 mi.
Radar
20 mì.
Visually
by lookout
Plane not sighted. Sky partially
overcast. Dived when range had
decreased to 18 miles.
Plane fiying very low and could
not be detected by radar.
Plane flying low and could not
be detected by radar.
Friendly aircraft contacted in vicinity of Midway and Pearl Harbor on retura voyage are
not included in the above.
Plane not sighted. Sky partially
overcast with low clouds.
Visually
by lookout
-23-
ど
١٤-

— page 94 —
(Q) Personnel.
The performance of duty of both officers and men during the patrol
left nothing to be desired. In spite of a very uninteresting and unproduct-
ive patrol, morale remained high throughout. All hands seemed to hang onto
thier hopes of making an enemy contact right up to the time of entering
Midway. It is believed that the maintainance of morale can be attributed
to the many hours devoted to qualifying new men and in material upkeep. No
advancements in rating were effected as all eligible men were advanced just
prior to the start of the patrol. A summary of personnel status follows:
(a) Number of men on board during patrol
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol
72
49
69
(d) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol 3
(e) Number of men advanced in rating.
0
In addition to the foregoing, one officer is being recommended for
the designation "Qualified to command submarines". Three other officers
completed their qualification notebooks during the patrol and one warrant
officer is being recommended for promotion to Ensign.

- 28 -

— page 96 —
DECLASSIFIED
(U) Remarks.

In the opinion of the Commanding Officer the lack of success on
this patrol must be attributed to the nearly complete absence of enemy
traffic through the area. At no time were there any indications of merchant
shipping having passed through the area. On four occasions attempts were
made to intercept men-of-war, none of which were successful. In two of
these instances the targets were submarines. It is believed that deviations
from the supposed tracks, or schedules, caused failure of the other two
attempts on surface craft. In spite of difficulties due to weather, our
navigational position was pretty accurately determined in each case.

Anti-submarine measures were noticeably lacking and it was possible
to conduct most of the patrol on the surface. Dives were made only to check
trim, routine torpedoes, and to avoid planes. It is felt that the area was
thoroughly searched in as systematic a manner as was practicable. It is
believed that the enemy is routing traffic both to the eastward along the
islands of the Nanpo Shoto and to the westward near the coast of Kyushu in
order to avail himself of the protection of land-based aircraft and defensive
mine fields.

The decision of the Commanding Officer not to asky for a more produc-
tive area was influenced by our planned fleet attack on Palau, and nearby
islands, which I hoped would result in combatant ships passing through the
area enroute to, or from, the main islands of Japan. The decision was also
based on prospects occasioned by two contact reports received earlier.

At the present time I feel that the area can be covered sufficiently
well by submarines enroute to and from other areas as to justify elimination
of it as an area patrolled continuously by one submarine.

[HANDWRITTEN: (36)] - 30 - [HANDWRITTEN: 31]

— page 97 —
FB5-201/A16-3
Seriel: (039)
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
16 April 1944.
DECLASSIFIEDI A L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
C.C. USS BATFISH Conf. Ltr. 38310
Al6-3 Serial (037) dated 4/15/44.

From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
1.
The Commander Submarine Division 201.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310), Report of War Patrol
Number Two Comments on.
-
The second war patrol of the U.S.S. BATFISH
was conducted in Area six (ABLE) during the period 22 February,
1944 to 15 April, 1944. During this patrol the BATFISH spent
thirty-one (31) days in the Area and twenty-three (23) days
enroute to and from the area.
During most of the time spent in
the Area extremely rough and stormy weather was encountered
and no contacts worthy of attack were made although exception-
ally good Area coverage was effected. The whole patrol was a
battle with the elements and it is extremely gratifying to see
how well this grand submarine and crew came through a most
trying experience.

The morale of the crew and material condition of the
BATFISH on her return from patrol were excellent. The ship was
clean and an eagerness to get going gain was evidenced in all
hands.

In spite of disappointment after disappointment this sub-
marine went right ahead with instruction and training so that
only three new men were unqualified on completion of the patrol.
The Commanding Officer is deserving of special credit in keeping
up this enthusiasm in the face of adverse circumstances of which
he had no control.

Material difficulties experienced in this patrol were of
a minor nature, but again it is noted that Radar maintenance is

-1-

— page 99 —
FC5-20/A16-3
Serial 014

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 April, 1944.

[STRIKE-THROUGH: CONFIDENTIAL]
DECLASSIFIED

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO BATFISH Conf.ltr.
SS310/A16-3 Serial 037
dated 15 April 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of War Patrol
Number Two.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division 201.

2. The absence of contacts on this patrol is a keen
disappointment to all hands. The spirit and fine enthusiasm of the
Captain of BATFISH is clearly reflected throughout the ship. The
Squadron Commander congratulates the Captain, officers and crew
of BATFISH for carrying on with admirable spirit despite the lack
of contacts. It is confidently anticipated that the attitude
displayed will pay good dividends in the near future.

[SIGNATURE: J. L. Pace]
LEO L. PACE.

Copy to:
CSD-201
CO BATFISH

— page 100 —
[HANDWRITTEN: JRS]
mr
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0757
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
21 April 1944.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
BATFISH Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Second War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 406
U.S.S. BATFISH - SECOND 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. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(22 February to 15 April 1944).

1. The BATFISH's second war patrol was conducted in an
open sea area South of the Empire.

2. The patrol was handicapped by severe weather and a
lack of targets. The BATFISH sighted nothing but sampans.

3. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, is pleased
to note that advantage was taken of the time on patrol to conduct ex-
tensive instruction in order to qualify new men and officers.

4. This patrol is designated as not successful for Combat
Insignia Award.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports) C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas(1)
Comservpac
(Adv. Base Plan. Unit) (1)
Cinclant (2)
Comsublant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes 2nd]
All Squadron and Div. E. L. HYNES, II,
Commanders, Subspac (2) Flag Secretary.
Comsubtrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

— page 101 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st COPY]

U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Cal.
7 July, 1944.

SS310/A16-3
Serial (042)

DECLASSIFIED

From: Commanding Officer.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : Commander Submarine Division 201.
Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of War Patrol number three.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart, for Comsubpac only.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of this vessel
conducted in Areas 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 during the period 26 May, 1944 to 7 July,
1944, is forwarded herewith.

J. K. FYFE.

[HANDWRITTEN: 82080]

— page 106 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1247 One very loud explosion which jarred the BATFISH considerably. Went
     to 250 feet and rigged for depth charge. At the time I thought this
     was a bomb, but since I had seen no planes during the approach, post
     mortem held later makes me think it was either a magazine or a boiler
     on the sunken ship blowing up. At the time I was making a periscope
     sweep and nothing was in sight as far as I could see. However since
     the sea was glassy calm and I only had 1 foot of periscope out, my ho-
     rizon was less than 2500 yards.
1300 Commenced reload forward.
     Since this attack was made 4 miles off Shimanoura Shima and in plain
     sight of the lookout station, I expected the Chidoris to be out of Bungo
     Suido in full force, so cleared the immediate vicinity to get back
     across the 100 fathom curve and then headed on course 145 to patrol the
     line from Fuka Shima.
1445-1650 Depth charging in distance. Nothing in sight in periscope.
2009 Surfaced.
2032 SD contact 10 miles, moved in to 7 and back out to 12. Picked up on
     SJ bearing 109° T, 20,000 yards so he must have been flying low. (Air-
     craft contact #14.)
2145 Flare sighted bearing 175° T, about 4000 yards away. Turned away at
     high speed.
2200 Picked up radar signal on APR, 145 Mcs., very strong. He seemed to
     have us as he would sweep back and forth and then stay on us for about
     15 seconds. This was deduced from the fact that the signal would in-
     crease from weak, to very strong to weak and then back to very strong,
     and remain there for 15 seconds or so. At this time we were 30 miles
     from Ashizuri Saki radar station.
2346 SD contact 12 miles. (Aircraft contact #15.) Closed to 9 and then to 7
     so at
2351 Dove because it looked like he had us cold.

                               11 June.

0050 Fast screws moving down the starboard side - fairly close. Sounded
     like a small, high-speed A/S vessel.
0145 Started to surface. (Plane contact (SD) 6 miles, closing. (Aircraft
     contact #16.)) S.J. picked it up bearing 075° T, 4 miles. Dropped down
     to periscope depth.
0210 S.D. contact bearing 090° T, 4600 yards. No sound contact. Sighted
     what appeared to be a torpedo boat (Ship contact #5) search on a westerly
     course. The Nips seem to be looking for somebody tonight.
0416 Surfaced.
0427 Dove 18 miles off Okino Shima. Decided to patrol south and east along
     100 fathom curve during the day.

                               - 5 -

— page 110 —
DECEPOSIFIED
L
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
18 June.
Patrolling west and east across Kii Suido.
0344 Dove to patrol off Shiono Misaki during day.
0620 Sighted sampan fishing fleet coming out. 5 of them altogether.
0735 Sighted patrol boat bearing 338° T, range 11,000 yards. (Ship con-
tact #14.) He took departure at Shiono Misaki and headed on a course
of about 135° T. We will look into that route tomorrow.
0900 Sighted a 2-engine patrol plane bearing 025 at about 7 miles. (Plane
contact #27.)
1029 One "PETE" bearing 317 at about 8 miles. (Plane contact #2$.)
1132 Another "PETE" bearing 019 on a northeasterly course. (Aircraft con-
tact #29.)
1248 Sighted coastal AK and a small coastal AO bearing 069° T, distant about
12,000 yards. Commenced approach. (Ship contact #15.)
1300 Identified the A.K. as a MFM ship similar to the MAYATI MARU, page
147 ONI 208-J, revised. She had a crow's nest on the foremast with
two lookouts and had four or five lookouts forward and aft on the
port (seaward) side. I figured at first that she was acting as escort
for the tanker but on sober second thought decided she was not be-
cause whereas she had been on the seaward quarter of the oiler when
we first made contact, she was just forward of the beam when we fired.
The oiler had an appearance similar to a U.S. YO, except perhaps,
she was a little larger, The AK was painted grey, the oiler a dirty
red. Thought I could get them both with a three fish spread so at
1328 Fired three torpedoes on a 120 port track, 2100 yard range with a 6
foot depth setting.
1329-30 One hit in the AK which broke her in half. She sank with a 50° rise
angle in less than a minute. The oiler poured on the coal and turned
toward the beach. By tracking the other two torpedoes by sound, de-
termined they passed astern.
1331-25 Two end of run explosions at the foot of a well terraced garden which
ran right down to the water's edge. I hope we ruined their potato crop.
Perhaps I was guilty of an error in judgement in only firing three tor-
pedoes at these two targets but at the time I didn't think so. Anyway,
this attack which sunk a ship in plain sight of the city of Andakino
must have had some effect on the morale of the Jap home fromt.
1535-1539 Four depth charges far away. Could see nothing through the per-
iscope.
1625 One depth charge.
1650 One depth charge.
1656 A string of 8 depth charges. I guess he thinks he's got. us. All clear
in the periscope.
1703 A pattern of 9 depth charges. Still nothing in sight.
2037 Surfaced, patrolled to south and east.
19 June.
0400 Dove - patrolling to eastward.
1008 Sighted patrol bomber (BETTY) bearing 129 on a southeasterly course.
(Plane contact #30.)
1912 Surfaced.
-9-

— page 111 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.

0358 Dove.
0833 Surfaced.
20 June.

0405 Dove.
21 June.
1103 Sighted ship bearing 280° T. (Ship contact #16.) Commenced approach.
Ship was identified as an OTORI class torpedo boat patrolling on course
020 at various speeds. He was echo ranging on 15.7 Kcs., one ping
every 10 seconds and although he passed about 1100 yards ahead, he
never suspected our presence.
2001 Surfaced. Decided to patrol convoy routes that converge on Shiono
Misaki during night and dive off Daio Saki in the morning.

22 June.
0020 Sighted patrol boat, dead ahead, angle on bow zero. (Ship contact #17.)
Radar range 1800 yards. Evaded on surface at flank speed. I'm reason-
ably sure he saw us or at least our wake because the water is extremely
phosphorescent. I also believe he had radar both because of the way
he came in and then followed us and because of the extremely loud radar
signal we had on the APR right at that time. The operator said it
sounded as if it were coming from a radar mounted on our bow. Changed
course to patrol across Enshu Nada during the night and dive off Omai
Saki in the morning.
0330 Dove south of Shiono Misaki.
0855 Sighted large armed sampan-type patrol boat bearing 065° True. He was
echo ranging at odd intervals and had a drag out astern. (Ship Con-
tact #18.)
1120 Sighted ship bearing 302° T, range 12,000 yards. (Ship contact #19.)
Commenced approach. From all appearances she is very new. Estimated
tonnage about 3100. In silouette she has an appearance similar to
the ANASTASIA, page 271 ONI 208-J, revised but in detail she differs
in that she has two heavy cranes or derricks just forward of the
bridge, her bow is higher and has two masts with heavy cargo booms, one
forward and one aft. I would judge that she is one of a class that
the Japs have built since the war started and have standardized for mass
production.
1212 Fired 3 torpedoes on a 90 S track using a 1° spread. Estimated range
1900 yards. All missed. The target apparantly never saw the wakes be-
cause she continued on very unconcerned so at
1216 came around and started new attack. We were a little embarrased by a
sampan that was lying to about 800 yards on our starboard beam but I
guess he never suspected our presence either.

- 10 -

— page 120 —
DECLASSIFIED-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(C) WEATHER
Enroute to the Empire we were blessed with excellent weather and smooth
seas ideal for high speed surface cruising. On station we experienced the
usual summer haze and calm sea. However, we ran into the paths of two tropical
storms, average for the month of June, with their low barometer readings of
29:43 and 29:48 and heavy seas. It was generally overcast and haze all along
the southern coast of Shikoku and Honshu and particularly so around the islands
of Nanpo Shoto. From area to Midway the sea was reminiscent of a mill pond.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
The currents in the areas south of Honshu and Shikoku and between Kyushu
and the Nanpo Shoto generally follow those described in the coast pilot. The
Kurishiru was very steady ranging from NE to E in open waters, average drift
1.5 kts, but close ashore off Toi Misaki a counter current was experienced.
Off Shiono Misaki the current was 4.5 knots - 090° during the morning and
slacked to 2.0 kts. for the afternoon. Just west of Miyake Saki, in the am,
current reached 3.5 kts. 050° T but by noon, a counter current developed
with a drift of 1.2 Kts. 315° T. Similar currents were noticed close aboard
the other islands of Nanpo Shoto and were very tricky for a submerged patrol
particularly on their west side.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
The SJ and SD radars proved invaluable for night navigation and in the
summer haze. Very few of the normal lights were burning at all and those
that were with reduced intensity. The following lights were observed to be
burning for a short while and then at infrequent intervals:
1. Toi Misaki - FWL 27 Sec. - 1 Sec. Flash.
2. Shimanoura Shima - Fixed white light.
3. Okino Shima - Fixed white light.
4. Muroto Saki - Fixed white light, first part of night only.
5. Ataki Saki - Fixed white.
6. Susami - Fixed red.
7. Shiono Misaki - Fixed white (very dim).
8. Daio Saki - Fixed white.
9. Andri Saki - Flash white every 25 Sec.
10. Kami Shima - Flash red every 30 Sec.
11. Miyake Shima - Fixed white.

Most all of the other coastal light houses could be seen by day when the
haze lifted and the one on Misaki was painted in camouflage green.

A large gas buoy was observed about 4 mi. bearing 112° (T) from Fuka
Shima marking the 100 fathom curve on the western entrance Bungo Suido and
was painted red with a horizontal black stripe topped by a black diamond
shape pinacle which according to the Japanese buoy-marking system marks a
shoal. We had to pass within 1000 yds. to the south of it to make a torpedo
attack inside the 100 fathom curve. The peaks of various islands and on the
-19-

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[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(F) Ship Contacts

| No. | Date | Time | Type(s)

— page 123 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(F) Ship Contacts.
Type(s)
Est. Course How Con-
No.. Date Time Lat. Long.
Range Speed
Initial
tacted.
Remarks
7 11 June 32 14'N Two patrol boats (PCs)
8000 Ids.
270° T Periscope Vessels in column. Several
0725 132°25'E One large trawler.Br.294°.
6 Kts.
lookouts aloft.
8
12 June 32°35'N Hospital Ship
14,000 Yds. 090° T Periscope Properly marked with neon red-
1935 132°50'E "TAKASAGO MARU"
12 Knots
cross between stacks, horizon-
Br. 330° T.
tal green from bow to stern.
9
14 June 31°42'N Armed trawler similar
8000 Yds. 000° T Periscope Fairly large gun fw'd. Machine
0512 135°30'E "MINATO MARU"Br.184° T.
6 knots.
guns on bridge. Patrolling.
10 16 June 33°25'N Armed tug
7000 Yds. 205°. T. Periscope Flying baker and towing a
1603 134°23'E Bearing 3230 T.
5 knots
spar with flag on it.
11 17 June 33°33'N CHIDORI torpedo boat
8000 Yds. 150° T. Periscope Attempted approach but he re-
1213 135°18'E bearing 354° T.
8 Knots.
versed course and continued
patrolling and pinging.
12
17 June 33°33'N Patrol vessel (PC)
6000 Yds. 090-270 Periscope Patrolling at various speeds.
1300 135°18'E Bearing 028° T.
5 knots.
Stopping 'frequently to listen.
13 17 June 33°33'N Small A0 (500-600 tons)
6000 Yds. 340° T. Periscope Steaming close inshore.
1306 135°18'E Bearing 356° T
7 knots.
14
18 June 33°21'N Patrol craft
11,000 Yds. 135° T. Periscope. Patrolling.
0735 135°50'E Bearing 3380 T.
15
18 June 33°25′N Small 10 (600-800 tons)
10,000 Yds. 2750 T. Periscope Made approach attempting to
1248 135°39′E Coastal AK 2900 tons.
8 Knots.
crack both targets with 3-fich
Bearing 069°.Τ.
spread. AK disintegrated aft.
Bow went down 50° L.
1-22-

— page 124 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject:
(F) Ship Contacts.
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
Date
No.
Time
Lat.
Long.
Type(s)
Initial
Range
Est. Course How Con-
Speed
tacted
Remarks.
16
21 June
33°14'N
1102
136°35'E
One OTORI torpedo boat. 4500 Yds.
Bearing 280° T.
020° T
15 Kts.
Periscope
Zig-zagging and pinging with
21.5 kc., and 15.7 kc.
17
22 June
34°10'N
0020
137°04'E
Small patrol craft con-
verted yacht.
1600 Yds.
Lying to Lookout
& SJ.
Patrolling and listening -
evaded on surface.
18
22 June
34°28'N
Patrol motor sampan
6000 Yds.
0855
137°58'E
towing a sweep. Br.055°T.
4 knots.
125-150° Periscope Echo ranging and milling about,
systematically sweeping.
19
22 June
34°35'N
New coastal freighter
12,000 Yds. 110° T Periscope
1130
137°54'E
3100 Tons. Br.312° T.
7 Kts.
Made approach. Fired three
fish missed and started another.
20
22 June
34°36'N
Coastal freighter. Sister 4000 Yds. 135° T. Periscope
1238
137°58'E
ship to above. 3100 tons:
6 knots.
While renewing attack on 1st.tar
get saw two blasts on whistle.
Turned and saw sister ship.Fired
ANASTASIA class. Br.049°T.
four fish two hits. Amputated
his stern. Grounded 240 feet.
21
22 June
34°10'N
Patrol picket
4000 Yds.
200º T. Lookout
2118
137°30'E
bearing 010° T.
15 Knots
A/A flank left smoke in his
eyes evading on surface.
-23
22
23 June
33°42′N
Three pips on radar
9500 Yds.
070° T
SJ radar
2230 137°01'E
Bearing 214° т.
8500 Yds.
14 Knots
Had radar interference on same
bearing. Escort appeared to start
an approach on us (we had a low
can) Dove; fast screws passed
overhead. 160 rpm. Surfaced -
_started_chase,
23 23 June
33°46'N
Patrol craft
3000 Yds.
?
?
Lookout
2320_137°08'E
Bearing 070° T___
Evaded on surface losing good
time_in convoy_chase.
24
28 June
34°12'N
Patrol craft
5000 Yds.
220° T.
Periscope Heard distant depth charges.
0707
139° 44'E
bearing 130° T.
10 Knots.

— page 127 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(G) Aircraft Contacts.
CONTACT NO. | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Date | 4 June | 8 June | 8 June | 8 June | 8 June | 9 June |
Time | 1312(1) | 0940(1) | 1030(1) | 1122(1) | 1936(1) | 1030(1) |
Position: Lat. | 30°39'N | 31°20′N | 31°23′N | 31°33'N | 31°20′N | 31°22°N |
Long. | 139°42'E | 131-30E | 131°32'E | 131°38'E | 131°33'E | 131°34'E |
Speed | 15 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. |
Course | 270° T | 025° T | 025° T | 025°: T | 190° T | 025° T |
Trim | Surf | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub |
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search | 30 Sec. | - | - | - | - | - |
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
Type | Unk | Mavis | Sally | Sally | Betty | Nell |
Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat |
How Contacted | SD | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per |
Initial Range | 18 Mi | 5 Mi | 2 Mi | 11 Mi | 4 Mi | 3 Mi |
Elevation Angle
Range & Relative
Bearing of Plane
When it Detected
Submarine. | Unk | 2° | 5° | 2° | 4° | 5° |
| Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
(State Beau-
Sea: ( fort) | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
(Direction-Rel.0450 | 2250 | 2250 | 2250 | 225 | 2250 |
Visibility (Miles) | 15 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 6 Mi. | 12 Mi. |
(Height in
Clouds: Ft. | 6000' | 4000' | 4000' | 5000' | 6000' | 6000' |
(Percent
Overcast | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.4 |
(Bearing-Rel. | D | D | D | D | D | D |
Moon: (Angle | A | A | A | A | U | A |
(Percent | Y | Y | Y | Y | S | Y |
Illum. | Time | Time | Time | Time | K | Time |
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.

- 26 -

— page 128 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(G) Aircraft Contacts.
CONTACT NO. | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17
|----|----|----|----|----
Date | 10 June | 10 June | 10 June | 11 June | 11 June
S Time | 0305(I) | 2030(I) | 2346(I) | 0145(I) | 2215(I)
U Position: Lat. | 32°02'N | 32°20'N | 32°02'N | 32°08'N | 32°02'N
B | Long. | 131°47'E | 132°18'E | 132°21'E | 132°30'E | 132°48'E
M | | | | |
A Speed | 15 Kts. | 5 Kts. | 10 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 15 Kts.
R | | | | |
I Course | 005° T | 180° T | 090° T | 040° T | 225° T
N | | | | |
E Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Sub | Surf
  Minutes Since Last | | | | |
  SD Radar Search | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | 0 | 30 Sec.
|----|----|----|----|----
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
|----|----|----|----|----
Type | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | 2 Eng. 4 Exh. Unk
A Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat
I | | | | |
R How Contacted | SD | SD & SJ | SD | SD & SJ | SD & SJ
C | | | | |
R Initial Range | 9 Mi | 9 Mi | 12 Mi | 6 Mi | 6 Mi
A | | | | |
F Elevation Angle | Unk | Unk (Low) | Unk | Unk | 1°
T Range & Relative | | | | |
  Bearing of Plane | | | | |
  When it Detected | | | | |
  Submarine | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | 12,000 010°
|----|----|----|----|----
  (State (Beau- | | | | |
C Sea: fort) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
O (Direction-Rel. | 225° | 225° | 210° | 200° | 225°
N | | | | |
D Visibility (Miles) | 8 Mi | 2 Mi | 8 Mi | 8 Mi | 2 Mi
I | | | | |
T Clouds: (Height in | | | | |
I | ft.) | 8000' | 6000' | 6000' | 4000' | 5000'
O | (Percent | | | | |
N | Overcast) | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.8
S | (Bearing-Rel.) | 280° | Not | 035° | 180° | N
  Moon: (Angle) | 24° | up yet | 20° | 40° | 0°
  (Percent | 100% | DARK | 90% | 90% | T up
  Illum.) | | | | |
|----|----|----|----|----

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.

- 27 -

— page 129 —
L
C-DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(G) Aircraft Contacts.
CONTACT NO: 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23
Date | 11 June | 12 June | 12 June | 12 June | 12 June | 12 June
Time | 2316(1) | 0130(1) | 0240(1) | 0349(1) | 0954(1) | 1734(I)
S
U Position: Lat. | 32°02'N | 31°53'N | 31°58'N | 32°06'N | 32°24′N | 32°34'N
B
M. Long. | 132°46′E | 132°38'E | 132°33'E | 132°28'E | 132°44'E | 132°44E
A
R. Speed | 8 Kts. | 15 Kts. | 15 Kts. | 15 Kts. | 2.0 Kts. | 2.0 Kts.
I
N Course | 270° T | 325° T | 325°T | 3250 T | 330° T | 270° T
E
Trim | Surf L.T. | Surf | Surf | Surf | Sub | Sub
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search | 61M | 30 Sec. | 30 Bec. | 30 Sec. | - | -
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1
AIR
Type | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Sallies | Mit"95"
Probable Mission for Batfish | Searching Search | Search | Search | Pat | Pat
C
How Contacted | SD | SD | SD | SD | Per | Per
R
A
F Initial Range | 8 Mi | 12 Mi | 18 Mi | 8 Mi | 2 Mi | 2 Mi
T
Elevation Angle | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | 5.0 | 4°
Range & Relative
Bearing of Plane
When it Detected
Submarine | 16,000 | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
(State (Beau-
C
Sea: ( fort) 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
Ο
(Direction-Rel.2250 | 2250 | 2250 | 2250 | 260° | 2600
N
D
Visibility: (Miles) 4 Mi | 4 Mi | 4 Mi | 4 Mi | 15 Mi | 12 Mi
I
(Height in
T
Clouds: Ft. 50001 | 5000 | 5000' | 5000' | 4000 | 6000
I
(Percent
0
Overcast 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.9
(Bearing-Rel. 180° | 2350 | 2550 | 2700 | D | D
Moon: (Angle 200 | 200 | 30° | 40° | A | A
(Percent 80% | 80% | 80%. | 80% | Y | Y
Illum. | Time | Time
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.

- 28 -

— page 130 —
DECLASSIFIED

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310). - Report of Third War Patrol.
(G) Aircraft Contacts.

| CONTACT NO. | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 15 June | 15 June | 15 June | 18 June | 18 June |
| S Time | 0942(I) | 1108(I) | 1206(I) | 0900(I) | 1029(I) |
| U Position: Lat. | 32°08'N | 32°10'N | 32°28'N | 33°21'N | 33°21'N |
| B Long. | 133°48'E | 134°10'E | 134°32'E | 135°48'E | 135°39'E |
| M Speed | 8 Kts. | 8 Kts. | 8 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. |
| A Course | 000° T | 090° T | 090° T | 300° T | 285° T |
| R Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Sub | Sub |
| I Minutes Since Last | | | | | |
| N SD Radar Search | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | --- | --- |
| E Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| A Type | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | PETE |
| I Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat |
| R How Contacted | SD | SD | SD | Per | Per |
| C Initial Range | 26 Mi. | 24 Mi. | 28 Mi. | 9 Mi. | 9 Mi. |
| R Elevation Angle | Unk | Unk | Unk | 2° | 2° |
| A Range & Relative | | | | | |
| F Bearing of Plane | | | | | |
| T When it Detected | | | | | |
|   Submarine | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| C Sea: (State (Beau- | | | | | |
| O fort) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| N (Direction-Rel. | 225° | 225° | 225° | 225° | 225° |
| D Visibility (Miles) | 30 Mi. | 30 Mi. | 30 Mi. | 30 Mi. | 30 Mi. |
| I (Height in | | | | | |
| T Clouds: Ft. | 10,000' | 10,000' | 10,000' | 8000' | 8000' |
| I (Percent | | | | | |
| O Overcast) | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| N (Bearing-Rel. | D | D | D | D | D |
| S Moon:(Angle | A | A | A | A | A |
|   (Percent | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
|   Illum. | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.

- 29 -

— page 131 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(G) Aircraft Contacts.
CONTACT NO. | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33
Date | 18 June | 19 June | 22 June | 22 June | 22 June
S | Time | 1008(I) | 1008(I) | 2025(I) | 2142(I) | 2325(I)
U | Position: Lat. | 33°24'N | 32°43'N | 34°20'N | 34°03'N | 33°50'N
B | Long. | 135°38'E | 136°56'E | 137°39.5'E | 137°32'E | 137°30'E
M
A
R | Speed | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 3.5 Kts. | 18.5 Kts. | 15 Kts.
I
N | Course | 285° T | 305° T | 215° T | 215° T | 180° T
E
Trim | Sub | Sub | Sub | Surf | Surf
Minutes Since Last | --- | --- | --- | 10 Min. | 30 Sec.
SD Radar Search
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2
A | Type | PETE | BETTY | Unk | SAILIES | Unk
I
R | Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Search | Lookout & | Search
C | | | | SD | SD
R | How Contacted | Per | Per | SD | | SD
A
F | Initial Range | 6 Mi | 4 Mi | 8 Mi | 14 Mi | 8 Mi. & 16 Mi.
T
Elevation Angle | 3° | 3° | Unk | 2° | Unk
Range & Relative
Bearing of Plane
When it Detected
Submarine | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
(State (Beau-
Sea:( | fort) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1
C | (Direction-Rel. | 225° | 150° | --- | --- | ---
O | Visibility (Miles) | 30 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 0 | 0 | 0
N | (Height in
D | Ft. | 6000' | 4000' | --- | --- | ---
I | Clouds: (Percent
T | Overcast | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1
I | (Bearing-Rel. | D | D | N | N | N
O | Moon:(Angle | A | A | O | O | O
N | (Percent | Y | Y | N | N | N
S | Illum. | Time | Time | E | E | E

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.

- 30 -

— page 132 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(G) Aircraft Contacts.

CONTACT NO. | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38
---|---|---|---|---|---
Date | 23 June | 23 June | 23 June | 24 June | 24 June
S | Time | 2041(I) | 2108(I) | 2233(I) | 2016(I) | 2127(I)
U | Position: Lat. | 33°46'N | 33°44'N | 33°31'N | 34°13'N | 34°05'N
B | Long. | 137°51'E | 136°54'E | 137°01'E | 138°26'E | 138°14'E
M | Speed | 10 Kts. | 10 Kts. | 15 Kts. | 15 Kts. | 15 Kts.
A | Course | 135° T | 115° T | 180° T | 235° T | 235° T
R | Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf
I | Minutes Since Last | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec.
N | SD Radar Search
E | | | | |
A | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I | Type | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
R | Probable Mission | Search | Search | Search | Search | Search
C | How Contacted | SD | SD | SD | SD | SD
R | Initial Range | 10 Mi | 11 Mi | 16 Mi | 13 Mi | 12 Mi
A | Elevation Angle, | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
F | Range & Relative
T | Bearing of Plane
  | When it Detected
  | Submarine | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
C | Sea: (State (Beau- | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
O | fort) | | | | |
N | (Direction-Rel. | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
D | Visibility (Miles) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
I | (Height in | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
T | Clouds: | Ft. | | | |
I | (Percent | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1
O | Overcast | | | | |
N | (Bearing-Rel. | N | N | N | N | N
S | Moon: (Angle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
  | (Percent | N | N | N | N | N
  | Illum. | E | E | E | E | E

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.

- 31 -

— page 133 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(G) Aircraft Contacts.
CONTACT NO. | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43
|||||
Date | 25 June | 26 June | 26 June | 28 June | 28 June
S | | | | |
U | Time | 0905(I) | 1136(I) | 1442(I) | 1000(I) | 1045(I)
B | | | | |
M | Position: Lat: | 33°54'N | 32°57'N | 32°58'N | 34°11'N | 34°11'N
A | | | | |
R | Long: | 139°28'E | 139°19'E | 139°30'E | 139°45'E | 139°45'E
I | | | | |
N | Speed | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts. | 2.5 Kts.
E | | | | |
  | Course | 300° T | 090° T | 010° T | 220° T | 160° T
  | Trim | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub
  | Minutes Since Last | | | | |
  | SD Radar Search | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
  | | | | |
A | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I | | | | |
R | Type | SALLY | MAVIS | MAVIS | PETE | PETE
C | | | | |
R | Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Search
A | | | | |
F | How Contacted | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per
T | | | | |
  | Initial Range | 4 Mi | 12 Mi | 10 Mi | 0 | 4 Mi.
  | Elevation Angle | 2° | 2° | 2° | 90° | 3°
  | Range & Relative | | | | |
  | Bearing of Plane | | | | |
  | When it Detected | | | | |
  | Submarine | Unk | Unk | Unk | CLOSE | 2 Mi.
  | Sea: (State (Beau- | | | | |
  | fort) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3
  | (Direction-Rel. | 225° | 200° | 200° | 225° | 225°
  | Visibility (Miles) | 20 Mi | 15 Mi. | 15 Mi. | 20 Mi | 20 Mi
  | Clouds: (Height in | | | | |
  | Ft. | 5000' | 4000' | 4000' | 6000' | 6000'
  | (Percent | | | | |
  | Overcast | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3
  | (Bearing-Rel. | N | N | N | N | N
  | Moon: (Angle | O | O | O | O | O
  | (Percent | N | N | N | N | N
  | Illum. | E | E | E | E | E

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.

- 32 -

— page 135 —
DECLASSIFIED-L
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of War Patrol No. Three.

(G) Aircraft Contacts.

CONTACT NO. | 49 | 50 | 51

S | Date | 1 July | 2 July | 3 July
U | Time | 1342(I) | 0906(I) | 0730(I)
B | Position: Lat. | 31°37.5'N | 30°08'N | 30°08'N
M |            Long. | 140°45.0'E | 140°10'E | 146°27'E
A | Speed | 15 Kts. | 15 Kts. | 18 Kts.
R | Course | 150° | 055° | 090°
I | Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf
N | Minutes Since Last | | |
E | SD Radar Search | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec. | 30 Sec.
  | | | |

  | Number | 1 | 1 | 1
A | Type | Unk | Unk | Unk
I | Probable Mission | Search | Pat | Pat
R | How Contacted | SD | SD | SD
C | Initial Range | 19 Mi. | 9 Mi | 19 Mi.
R | Elevation Angle | Unk | Unk | Unk
A | Range & Relative | | |
F | Bearing of Plane | | |
T | When it Detected | | |
  | Submarine. | Unk | Unk | Unk
  | | | |

C | Sea: (State (Beau- | | |
O |       fort) | 2 | 1 | 1
N |       (Direction-Rel. | 215° | -- | --
D | Visibility (Miles) | 30 Mi. | 30 Mi. | 25 Mi.
I | Clouds: (Ht. in | | |
T |       ft.) | 4000' | 5000' | 5000'
I |       (Percent | | |
O |       Overcast) | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.1
N | Moon: (Angle | | |
S |       (Bearing-Rel. | N | N | N
  |                     | O | O | O
  |                     | N | N | N
  |                     | E | E | E
  |       (Percent | | |
  |       Illum. | | |
  | | | |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Dark Grey.
- 34 -

— page 138 —
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Third War Patrol.