U.S.S. ROCK (SS-274) — war patrol report SS-274_ROCK.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108] AR. 154-8

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: L Frye]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 12-15-81]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[IMAGE: Seal of the Department of Defense with text "DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

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[HANDWRITTEN: NAS 1977-37]
[HANDWRITTEN: ROCK (SS-274)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WWII REPORT FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 16MM]

— page 3 —
DATE 4 Jul-3 Aug 1944
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD
NAME ROCK
SERIAL
DATE

SUBJECT Coordinated Patrol Report
Report of EIGHTH Coordinated Attack Group under Capt.W.D.
WILKIN (WILKIN'S WILDCATS) operations in SOUTH CHINA SEA.
Sank or damaged 52,100 tons of enemy shipping.

FILED: War Diary
Separately under TASK GROUP 17.13 ser 08 of 14 Aug 44

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3880-13 (11-55)
                 | R.81011

DATE 12 January 1945
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD
NAME ROCK
SERIAL
DATE

SUBJECT Attack by USS ENGLISH
Submarine, on lifeguard duty to recover Naval aviators
during THIRD FLEET South China Sea Sweep, was attacked
by USS ENGLISH in latter's first real encounter with
underwater contact.

FILED: War Diary
Separately FIFTH WAR PATROL of USS ROCK
under DESDIV 123 ser 057 of 25 Jan 45
under ENGLISH ser 058 of 26 Jan 45

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3880-13 (11-55)
                 | R.81011

DATE 14-16 March 1945
FROM CO - USS ROCK(SS-274)
NAME ROCK
SERIAL none
DATE 17 March 1945

SUBJECT Special Mission 6-16 March 1945
Chronological report of landing of cache of supplies and
party of agents off CAPE SARA, LUZON Island Lat. 15-00N,
Long. 116-04 E.
(SOWESPAC: US SUB CPs)

FILED: War Diary
Separately as ORIGINAL CARBON COPY

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3880-13 (11-55)
                 | R.81011

— page 4 —
A
DATE 18 March-14 April 1945
FROM CO - USS ROCK(SS-274)
NAME ROCK
SERIAL 09
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4] May 1945
SUBJECT Coordinated Attack Group
Report of coordinated PATROL operation of USS ROCK, COBIA,
GUAVINA, RAYA & BLENNY in the SOUTH CHINA SEA off the coast
of French Indo China. 1 destroyer sunk, 12 aviators
rescued during lifeguard duty. (SOWESPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary
Separately as ORIGINAL; as PHOTOSTAT(0)

MICROSERIAL NO. 121603
ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-55)
B-9888

A
DATE 27 March 1945
FROM C.O. USS ROCK (SS-274)
NAME ROCK
SERIAL 0001
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4] May 1945
SUBJECT SUBMARINE ACTION REPORTS, Forwarding of
Forwards report of one torpedo firing on SIXTH WAR PATROL
off French Indo-China. No hits claimed.
(SOWESPAC: SUBS)
FILED: War Diary
Separately as CARBON COPY PROCESSED COPY

MICROSERIAL NO.
ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-55)
B-9888

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[HANDWRITTEN: 1st End (6)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1]

U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307)

SS307/A16
Serial 00                                                              14 August 1944

DECLASSIFIED

From:           Commander Task Group 17.13.
                (Commander Submarine Division 142).
To :            The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :           (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
                (2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject:        Coordinated Patrol of Task Group 17.13 Composed of U.S.S. TILE-
                FISH (SS307), U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS276), and U.S.S. ROCK (SS274) -
                Report of.

Enclosure:      (A) Track Charts, (ComSubsPac only).
                (B) Detailed plan for Coordinated Patrol and Attack of Task
                Group 17.13.
                (C) Radio Log.
                (D) Visual and SJ Radar Log.

                1.      A report of the coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 conduc-
ted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA during the period 4 July - 3 August 1944 is sub-
mitted herewith.

                2.      PROLOGUE.

                On 6 June 1944, orders were received from Commander Submarine Force,
Pacific Fleet, to form a coordinated patrol group of U.S.S. TILEFISH, U.S.S.
SAWFISH and U.S.S. ROCK to depart MAJURO about 22 June 1944. Due to the lack
of targets and the restrictions on night operations at MAJURO it was not pos-
sible to conduct a special convoy exercise during the training period. The sub-
marines carried out regular training exercises during the period 17-19 June
1944. Special communication exercises were conducted by the group during the
training period to test equipment on the frequencies which were to be used
during the patrol and to familiarize communication personnel with the coor-
dinated attack code and special procedures.

                On 21 June 1944, despatch orders from Commander Submarine Force, Pacific
Fleet, assigned the name "WILDCATS" and directed the group to join the FORMOSA
Rotating Patrol following the "BATCHELOR" schedule. The Group Commander held
two conferences with the Commanding Officers prior to departure for detailed
discussion of the plans and instructions for the coordinated patrol.

                3.      NARRATIVE.

                                                                22 June

                1300 - TILEFISH, SAWFISH, and ROCK underway from alongside Tenders. Joined
                escort (U.S.S. FRASIER) and set course for channel entrance. Upon
                clearing entrance formed column on escort distance 1500-2000 yards,
                steering various courses for departure point north of MAJURO ISLAND.

                                                                - 1 -

— page 6 —
SS307/A16
Serial 08
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS 307)
Bd
14 August 1944

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: Coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 Composed of U.S.S.
TILEFISH (SS 307), U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS 276), and U.S.S. ROCK
(SS 274) - Report of.

— page 8 —
SS307/A16
Serial 08

C O N F I D E N T I A L

Subject: Coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 Composed of U.S.S.
TILEFISH (SS307), U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS276), And U.S.S. ROCK
(SS274) - Report of.

2240 - SAWFISH reported that she was unable to regain contact and was
returning to area.
2341 - Designated position for SAWFISH to proceed to by 0600 on 16 July.

17 July

2000 - BANG departed area in accordance with the provisions of her operation
order.

18 July

0325 - TILEFISH Made radar contact bearing 061°(t), range 16,000 yards from
point HOW. Commenced radar tracking.
0346 - TILEFISH transmitted contact report to all submarines.
0350 - Received contact report from ROCK reporting radar contact bearing
060°(t), 16 miles from point HOW. Enemy course 200°(t), speed nine. Nine
ships 0340, ROCK trailing from ahead.
0400 - TILEFISH plot indicated an enemy speed of 14 knots on base course 185°
(t). In accordance with doctrine TILEFISH was due to attack and
become trailer. ROCK was already in position as port flanker and
SAWFISH had to close in from west and become starboard flanker.
Considering the short time of darkness remaining and the high convoy
speed the ROCK was ordered to attack from the port flank with the
expectation that this would divert the convoy toward the TILEFISH and
SAWFISH and enable both to deliver a surface attack before daybreak.
0415 - ROCK had not yet made her attack, and considering SAWFISH position
relative to the convoy it was not believed she could get into posi-
tion for surface attack in the period of darkness remaining and she
was ordered to take station ahead on convoy base course so as to be
in favorable position for dawn submerged attack.
0431 - ROCK was ordered to attack immediately from the port flank,
TILEFISH continued tracking from ahead waiting for ROCK to
complete attack.

U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307)

W1
14 August 1944.

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SS307/A16
Serial. 08

U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307)
W1
14 August 1944.
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: Coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 Composed of U.S.S.
TILEFISH (SS307), U.S.S. SANFISH (SS276), and U.S.S. ROCK
(SS274) - Report of.

0458 - ROCK reported attack delayed by ships ahead of convoy. This was
assumed to mean that either the escorts had detected ROCK or that
she was forced to pull out to avoid getting too close to leading es-
corts.
0511 - TILEFISH was ordered to head in for attack from starboard flank and
ROCK informed that TILEFISH was attacking. Shortly after starting in
the convoy made a radical zig to the right placing TILEFISH ahead
of convoy and in unfavorable position. TILEFISH pulled out to star-
board to gain position for starting another approach.
0515 - SJ radar not operating properly, pips fading in and out.
0520 - TILEFISH lost radar contact and closed convoy's base course at max-
imum speed. During the period TILEFISH radar was out the convoy had
zigged to course 150°(t) and increased speed to 17 knots. ROCK inform-
ed that TILEFISH was not in attack position and ROCK ordered to attack.
TILEFISH continued to close convoy track at maximum speed until no
longer able to gain bearing then turned to course 185°(t) to gain
position ahead. Headed for a rain squall and darkest part of horizon
in order to stay on the surface as long as possible.
0531 - SANFISH reported diving 20,000 yards ahead of convoy.
0550 - TILEFISH unable to reach protecting cover of rain squall and was
forced to dive as it was getting too light to remain longer on the
surface. Continued on normal approach course submerged hoping that
the convoy would make a wide zig back to the westward.
0605 - TILEFISH heard torpedoes running on bearings which indicated ROCK
had fired, heard several torpedo explosions and observed one large
tanker or transport list heavily. Range at this time precluded
more positive type identification.
0615 - TILEFISH unable to close the range below 6000 yards which was too great
for the mark 23 single speed torpedoes and had to watch the convoy
of two small carriers, one heavy cruiser, six transports and six
tankers disappear over the horizon. Continued on course 185°(t).
0805 - TILEFISH observed a FUBUKI class destroyer which had dropped back
over ROCK's estimated position. TILEFISH headed
in for the destroyer but target turned away at high speed.
0844 - Same destroyer sighted and TILEFISH started second approach and again
target turned away and disappeared in a rain squall. TILEFISH
resumed course 185°(t), speed 2 knots.
0902 - Bomber makes run on TILEFISH and dropped one aerial bomb - not close.

— page 10 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: Coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 composed of
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307), U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS276),
and U.S.S. ROCK (SS274) - Report of.

— page 11 —
SS 307/
Serial:
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS 307)
14 August 1944
Subject: Coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 composed of U.S.S. TILE-
FISH (SS 307), U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS 276), and U.S.S. ROCK, (SS 277)
report of.

2020 - TILEFISH proceeded at full speed on course 180°(t) to intercept convoy
on estimate that it was headed for BALINTANG CHANNEL. From a plot of
convoy's bearing and estimated position and speed versus own speed it appeared
doubtful that interception could be made east of BALINTANG CHANNEL.
TILEFISH was ahead and continued south for BALINTANG CHANNEL
while SAWFISH went through the channel north of BALINTANG CHANNEL
off 15 miles and offering a fair chance of intercepting on west side of
BALINTANG CHANNEL.
2041 - Asked ROCK if there were any enemy ships in vicinity of attack position.
2107 - TILEFISH in negative attack position only oil fire.
2252 - SAWFISH reported as radar out of commission and was taking course 050°(t),
speed 5.
2300 - Very heavy seas forced TILEFISH to reduce speed to 12 knots. Assuming
that convoy would also have to reduce speed on account of the destroyer
escorts, plotted an estimate of the convoy's 0600 position and TILEFISH
headed to intercept at this point.
2345 - Ordered ROCK and SAWFISH if unable to reach assigned area by dawn to
patrol probable courses east of BALINTANG CHANNEL during daylight of the 22nd and
proceed to area Q 1 that night.

22 July

0600 - Reached estimated convoy position and patrolled along most probable
enemy base course during the day. Convoy never sighted. Believe this
convoy headed down for SAN BERNARDINO STRAIT.

23-25 July

Patrolled assigned squares in area ELEVEN DELETE.

26 July

0600 - All submarines took assigned positions for station patrol in BALINTANG
CHANNEL.
1653 - Sighted Japanese submarine similar to the I-52 class on estimated
course 045°(t), range 12,000 yards.
1655 - Observed and heard three torpedo hits on NIP submarine bearing 301°(t),
range 12,000 yards from TILEFISH position. Submarine disintegrated
in a pillar of flame and smoke.
2024 - SAWFISH reported as follows: "Sighted submarine sank same three hits."
2356 - ROCK directed to proceed home due to low fuel.

- 7 -

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SS/307/
Serial.

USS TILEFISH (SS307)

14 August 1944.

C O N F I D E N T I A L

Subject: Coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 Composed of U.S.S.
         TILEFISH (SS307), U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS276), and U.S.S. ROCK
         (SS274) - Report of.

— page 14 —
SS307/
Serial.

C O N F I D E N T I A L

U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS 307)
14 August 1944.

Subject: Coordinated patrol of Task Group 17.13 Composed of U.S.S.
TILEFISH (SS 307), U.S.S. SAMFISH (SS 276), and U.S.S. ROCK
(SS 274) - Report of.

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Detailed Plan for Coordinated Patrol and
Attack for Task Group 17.13

Reference: (a) ComTaskForce 17 Operation Order 212-44.

Enclosure: (A) Group Squares for Area Eleven Defer, Eleven
Detect, Eleven Delete and Eleven Destroy.

(B) Coordinated Attack Doctrine.

(C) Submarine Coordinated Attack Code.

RENDEZVOUS POINTS

1. Enroute to the area the eight rendezvous points listed below are
assigned according to the speed of advance of 10 knots. These rendezvous points
are numbered consecutively and will commence on the date after the day of de-
parture from the eastern Safety Lane. Time of rendezvous will be at sunset and
will be made on the center submarine (TILEFISH). If, while enroute, a diver-
sion is made, the submarine will, without signal, make the next rendezvous point,
in the direction of advance, which can be made at two engine speed. There will
be no waiting at rendezvous points or reversal of course in case a point is
passed during the diversion.

2. In the event a submarine becomes separated from the remainder of
the group, so that he will be unable to make the expected rendezvous without
excessive expenditure of fuel, he will send a signal designating the number of
the position he can get to and the date. The group commander will then attempt
to meet the rendezvous or designate another.

3. Rendezvous in area will be as designated by group commander.

4. Unless directed otherwise, there will be no rendezvous points for
returning. Each submarine of the group will return independently.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Detailed Plan for Coordinated Patrol and
Attack for Task Group 17.13

RENDEZVOUS POINTS (Cont'd)

5. Rendezvous points enroute to area. Center Submarine
will be at the following points:

GCT         Rendezvous Point
0800/27     (1) 153°-10'E                 10 knots
0800/28     (2) 149°-25'E                 240 miles daily
0800/29     (3) 145°-20'E
0900/30     (4) 142°-22'E
0900/1      (5) 140°-55'E
0900/2      (6) 137°-56'E
0900/3      (7) 135°-00'E
0900/4      (8) 131°-57'E

PATROL DOCTRINE IN AREA

1. Enclosure (A) shows Patrol Area Eleven Defer, Eleven
Detect, Eleven Delete and Eleven Destroy divided into squares of 1°
Latitude and 1° Longitude on a side. These squares are appropri-
ately lettered. In some cases it will be necessary to designate
the square with a letter and number. The center of the square will
be the group position point and all enemy contacts will be refer-
enced to this point.

2. Each square is divided into three smaller areas giving
a lane 20 X 60 miles for each submarine to patrol. The areas speci-
fied will be the 0000 GCT positions of the respective ships on the
respective days, from which they will proceed to the next assigned
position at speeds to get them there at 0000 GCT the next day. This
movement usually keeps the ships in column or approximate line of
bearing normal to the probable shipping routes. It should be noted
that all areas are not squares. In such areas (triangle) the flank
submarines may patrol beyond the area limits but along a lane paral-
lel to the center lane. The ships should remain in their areas in
such positions that the flank submarines be no more than 20 miles
from the track of the center ship; considering the center ship runs
through the center of her area.

- 2 -                                         ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Detailed Plan for Coordinated Patrol and Attack
for Task Group 17.13

PATROL DOCTRINE IN AREA (Cont'd)

3. Unless otherwise ordered, the TILEFISH will be the
center submarine, the SAWFISH will be to the north, northwest or
west and the ROCK will be to the south, southeast or east. The above posi-
tions will be maintained for patrol of the areas and in search dis-
positions, whether formation is column or line of bearing.

4. Every effort will be made to make the day in area
correspond to the square assignment for the day. Should an area
prove active in enemy contacts, a signal may be made to remain in
the active area. In this event, one of the other area assignments
may be skipped. If it is desired to move the areas in any direc-
tion, this can be done by shifting the center of the square in that
direction.

5. When an assignment is made that does not correspond
with the schedule, a message will be sent giving rendezvous point
and the day (i.e., MD FD WN). This means rendezvous at position "G"
on 15th.

6. In the event information is received concerning
enemy forces, the group commander will give appropriate signal in
order to intercept the enemy. The group should keep concentrated
to inflict maximum damage in the shortest time.

7. Submarines will endeavor to be in the center of their
respective areas at sunset each day. This will facilitate a rendez-
vous if it becomes necessary. Normally movement from one area to
another should be made at night.

8. Once contact is made submarines will operate in
accordance with enclosure (B) "Coordinated Attack Doctrine". During
this patrol, change paragraph 203(e) of the doctrine to read:
"Immediately transmit the bearing and distance from nearest
group position point, and estimated course of the enemy". This
doctrine is primarily designated for use against slow convoys and
is not practical to employ for high speed targets. In the event
the Wolf Pack operates against a high speed task force, a signal
will be issued covering the disposition of the submarines. In
general submarines will spread out along the expected track of the
task force a sufficient distance apart so that one submarine after
completing attack can send target data to the next submarine on the
line in time to permit the latter to gain attack position.

- 3 -
ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 21 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Detailed Plan for Coordinated Patrol and Attack
for Task Group 17.13
PATROL DOCTRINE IN AREA (Cont'd)

9. Submarines will zig-zag enroute to and while in the
patrol area.

SCHEDULE OF GROUP POSITIONS

Day | Date | Center Position Square
| | Area 11 Defer
1 | 5 July | D
2 | 6 July | D9
3 | 7 July | D8
4 | 8 July | D1
5 | 9 July | D
6 | 10 July | D9
7 | 11 July | D8
8 | 12 July | D1
9 | 13 July | D2
10 | 14 July | D7
11 | 15 July | D6
12 | 16 July | D3
13 | 17 July | D4
| | Area 11 Detect
14 | 18 July | B
15 | 19 July | E
16 | 20 July | G
| | Area 11 Delete
17 | 21 July | P
18 | 22 July | P
19 | 23 July | Q
20 | 24 July | Q
21 | 25 July | P1
22 | 26 July | P2
23 | 27 July | Q1
24 | 28 July | Q
25 | 29 July | P
26 | 30 July | P
27 | 31 July | P2
28 | 1 August | R
29 | 2 August | W2
30 | 3 August | Depart Area

- 4 -
ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 22 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Detailed Plan for Coordinated Patrol and Attack
for Task Group 17.13

COMMUNICATION PLAN

1. The submarine COORDINATED ATTACK CODE shall be used
for all signals -- Enclosure (C). To insure rapid and adequate ex-
change of information the communication officer of each submarine
must be thoroughly acquainted with the use and contents of the code
before entering the area.

2. Four primary frequencieis, 2006 kcs, 2102 kcs, 2160
kcs, 2204 kcs and four alternate frequencies, 265 kcs, 304 kcs, 402
kcs, 450 kcs, will be used in accordance with the schedule given
below. All submarines will have their radio sets carefully cali-
brated to these frequencies. Frequencies will be shifted at 0000 GCT
each day. Primary frequencies will be used at all times unless a
shift to the alternate frequencies is ordered by signal:

Day                                         Primary Alternate
                                            Freq.   Freq.
June 22 26 30 July  4  8 12 16 20 24 28 Aug. 1  5  9    2006    265
     23 27      1  5  9 13 17 21 25 29      2  6 10    2102    304
     24 28      2  6 10 14 18 22 26 30      3  7 11    2204    402
     25 29      3  7 11 15 19 23 27 31      4  8 12    2160    450

3. CW will be used for all transmissions except that after
first attack has been made urgent information may be sent plain
language voice if time does not permit encoding the message. No
heading or call-up is required. Transmit a series of three V's
before sending each CW message and use the word "Attention" prece-
ding voice transmissions. All messages will be receipted. All
messages will be receipted for. Send each receipt twice.

4. Ships submerged will transmit essential information
(when possible) on the vertical antenna using the correct frequency
for the day.

5. While submerged, submarines will endeavor to listen
in for the first five minutes of each hour on this frequency. If no
receipt is obtained for messages sent while submerged repeat them
when surfaced only if information is still pertinent.

6. Emergency signals such as "Aircraft sighted. Am
diving" etc., should be coded and readily available in radio room
for immediate transmission.

                                            W. D. WILKIN,
                                            Captain, U. S. Navy.

- 5 -                                       ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 23 —
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307)

7 July 1944

CONFIDENTIAL

From: Commander Task Group 17.13.
To : Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BANG.

Subject: Instructions for conduct of coordinated patrol
with Task Group 17.13.

Reference: (a) Comsubspac despatch serial 88.

Enclosure: (A) Group Squares for Areas Eleven Destroy
and Eleven Detect.
(B) Detailed Plan for Coordinated Patrol and
Attack for Task Group 17.13.
(C) Coordinated Attack Doctrine.
(D) Submarine Coordinated Attack Code.

1. As directed by reference (a) BANG join Task Group
17.13 on 8 July 1944, for coordinated patrol and attack in accord-
ance with enclosures. Remain with this group until scheduled de-
parture date unless material casualty or expenditure of fuel, tor-
pedoes or vital supplies makes earlier departure necessary.

2. The schedule of group positions shown on page 4 of
enclosure (B) is revised for the period 8-20 July as follows:

Day | Date | Center Position Square
| | Area 11 Destroy
5 | 8 July | J
6 | 9 July | J1
7 | 10 July | J

| | Area 11 Detect
8 | 11 July | G
9 | 12 July | G
10 | 13 July | F
11 | 14 July | F
12 | 15 July | #E
13 | 16 July | #C1
14 | 17 July | #C1
15 | 18 July | #E
16 | 19 July | F
17 | 20 July | G

#In area E submarines maintain station patrol within a
10 mile radius of the center of assigned rectangle.

#Note that normal position of submarines is changed for
this area to simplify movement through BASHI CHANNEL.

- 6 -

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 25 —
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307)

10 July 1944

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Task Group 17.13.
To : The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SAWFISH.
The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ROCK.

Subject: Change in area boundaries and revised schedule of
group positions.

Reference: (a) CTG 17.13 Detailed Plan for Coordinated Patrol
and Attack.

Enclosure: (A) Chart showing change in boundaries of squares
GEORGE, FOX, EASY and CHARLIE ONE.
(B) Revised schedule of group positions in areas
11 DETECT and 11 DELETE.

1. Enclosure (A) indicates changes in the boundaries
of certain squares to accommodate four submarines and provide bet-
ter coverage. Enclosure (B) is a revised schedule of group posi-
tions necessitated by earlier date of entering area.

2. The lanes in areas GEORGE, FOX, EASY and CHARLIE ONE
are labeled to avoid any confusion as to the position each submarine
will occupy and to make it unnecessary to issue further changes when
the BANG departs. It should be noted that the center of the above
areas remains the center of the TILEFISH lane whether there are four
or three submarines.

3. In area CHARLIE ONE submarines should endeavor to
maintain greater portion of patrol in the western half of their
lanes. To provide better coverage the lanes of ROCK and TILEFISH
have been extended 20 miles to westward as indicated by dotted lines
on enclosure (A). ROCK and TILEFISH will patrol between center of
lane and western boundary as extended.

W. D. WILKIN,
Captain, U.S. Navy.

- 6 -

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 26 —
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307)

CONFIDENTIAL

The schedule of group positions shown on page 4 of reference (a)
is revised as follows:

        Day             Date            Center Position Square
                                        Area 11 DETECT
        ---
        8               11 July         G
        9               12 July         G
        10              13 July         F
        11              14 July         F
        12              15 July         E
        13              16 July         #C1
        14              17 July         #C1
        15              18 July         #E
        16              19 July         F
        17              20 July         G

                                        Area 11 DELETE

        18              21 July         P
        19              22 July         P
        20              23 July         Q
        21              24 July         Q
        22              25 July         P1
        23              26 July         P2
        24              27 July         Q1
        25              28 July         Q
        26              29 July         P
        27              30 July         P
        28              31 July         P2
        29              1 August        Safety Lane
        30              2 August        Safety Lane
        31              3 August        Depart Area

#In area E submarines maintain station patrol within
a 10 mile radius of the center of assigned rectangle.

##Note that normal position of submarines is changed for
this area to simplify movement through BASHI CHANNEL.

- 9 -                                   ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 28 —
Page Two
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS 307)
WOLFPACK LOG

MESSAGE

TIME 16 JULY 1944

2318 FRO S.FISH: ALL SUBS MY COURSE 250 SPEED 15 to GAIN POS
2345 FRO TILEFISH: ALL SUBS TAKE POSIT IN LINE OF BEARING 098 270 DISTANCE
BETWEEN SUBS 15 MILES TILEFISH POSITION AT 0600 WILL BE 21 44 00 119 39 00
THIS POINT NO PATROL ON STATION TOMORRO RENDEZVOUS AT POSITIO NO. 172100

17 JULY 1944

0014 FRO TILEFISH: CANO DEPART SUNSET TOMORRO GOOD LUCK

18 JULY 1944

0346 FRO TILEFISH: ALL SUBS ENEMY POSITION 13 MILES BEARING 010 FROM POINT HOW
0350 FRO ROCK: ALL SUBS RADAR CONTACT BEARING 060 16 MILES BEARING FROM POINT HOW
ENEMY COURSE 200 SPEED 9 KNOTS SHIPS 0340 TRAILING AHEAD OF
0400 FRO TILEFISH: ROCK ATTACK FROM PORT FLANK
0415 FRO TILEFISH: S.FISH TAKE POSITION AHEAD OF CONVOY TILEFISH WILL ATTACK
FROM STARBOARD FLANK ENEMY COURSE 185 SPEED 13
0431 FRO TILEFISH: ROCK ATTACK
0453 FRO TILEFISH: ROCK REPORT WHEN ATTACK COMPLETED
0458 FRO ROCK: ATTACK DELAYED BY SHIPS AHEAD OF CONVOY
0511 FRO TILEFISH: ROCK DELAY ATTACK TILEFISH ATTACKING FROM STARBOARD FLANK
IMMEDIATELY
0529 FRO TILEFISH: ROCK ATTACK IMMEDIATELY TILEFISH ATTACK DELAYED
0531 FRO S.FISH: ALL SUBS 20,000 YARDS AHEAD OF CONVOY DIVING
2034 FRO TILEFISH: ALL SUBS REPORT RESULTS OF ATTACKS TO OTC IN PATROL AREA CHARLIE
TO NORTH
2103 FRO S.FISH: DAMAGED 10,000 TANKER 2 HITS 9 TORPEDOES
2130 FRO ROCK: SEVERAL SHIPS RESULTS UNKNOWN 10 TORPEDOES FIRED AT FOUR
2157 FRO TILEFISH: ROCK REPORT TIMES AND NUMBER OF HITS
2231 FRO ROCK: RESULT OF ATTACKS AS FOLLOWS APPROXIMATE 1 HIT AND 2 HITS TRASPORT
2 HITS TOTAL 5

19 JULY 1944

2022 FRO TILEFISH: ALL SUBS RENDEZVOUS AT POINT CHARLIE 2400 VISUAL MESSAGE

- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 32 —
Page Six
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS 307)
CIPPACK LOG

MESSAGE
-----
TIIE 29 JULY 1944
-----
2115 FROM TILEFISH: SA.FISH TAKE POSITION IN LINE OF BEARING 010T WEST DISTANCE
       15 MILES X PATROL NORTH SOUTH TOMORROW TILEFISH AREA.
       19 00 N 119 52 E
2122 FROM TILEFISH: SA.FISH RECEIPT FOR MESSAGE
2313 FROM TILEFISH: SA.FISH COURSE NORTH SPEED FOURTEEN
2333 FROM SA.FISH: POSITION ACTION MESSAGE
2341 FROM TILEFISH: TO SA.FISH FROM PRESENT POSITION
----- 30 JULY 1944 -----
0000 FROM TILEFISH: SA.FISH STOP SEARCH PROCEED TO STATION
0027 FROM TILEFISH: SA.FISH PROCEED TO POSITION 19 12 120 50 BY MIDNIGHT
----- 31 JULY 1944 -----
0105 FROM SA.FISH: RADAR CONTACT TRUE BEARING 080 RANGE 55 FROM QUEEN ONE
0110 FROM SA.FISH: COURSE 232
0127 FROM SA.FISH: SPEED 9
0135 FROM SA.FISH: COURSE 195 SPEED 9
0150 FROM SA.FISH: ENEMY COURSE 220 SPEED 8
0226 FROM SA.FISH: FOUR TORPEDOES RAN UNDER
0231 FROM TILEFISH: SA.FISH TORPEDO DEPTH INTERROGATIVE
0234 FROM SA.FISH: EIGHT FEET
0236 FROM SA.FISH: RE: CONTACT CONVOY SIGHTED BEARING 105 RANGE 60 MILES
0245 FROM TILEFISH: CONVOY POSITION INTERROGATIVE
0250 FROM SA.FISH: RE: CONTACT CONVOY SIGHTED BEARING 105 RANGE 60 MILES QUEEN ONE
0256 FROM SA.FISH: APPROXIMATELY 7 LARGE SHIPS ENEMY COURSE 250 SPEED 9 SA.FISH
       TAKING POSITION ON STARBOARD FLANK
0307 FROM SA.FISH: ENEMY COURSE 270 SPEED 8
0317 FROM TILEFISH: SA.FISH ATTACK REPORT WHEN COMPLETED TILEFISH THEN TAKE
       POSITION ON STARBOARD FLANK
0321 FROM SA.FISH: CANNOT ATTACK ESCORTS CHASING US

- 6 -                                                      ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 33 —
Page Seven
U.S.S. TILFISH (SS 307)
CIFFAC. LOC

MESSAGE

T I M E 31 JULY 1944

0327 FROM S.FISH: IN COURSE 180 SPEED 18 TILFISH TAKE POSITION ON STARBOARD
FLANK
0333 FROM S.FISH: INTERROGATIVE ON COURSE APPROXIMATELY 150 SPEED 10
0337 FROM TILFISH: S.FISH POSIT INTERROGATIVE TILFISH COURSE 205 SPEED 18
0339 FROM S.FISH: INTERROGATIVE CONTACT CONVOY
0340 FROM TILFISH: NEGATIVE
0347 FROM S.FISH: MY POSIT 19 20 120 44
0401 FROM S.FISH: NEW ENEMY POSIT 60 MILES BEARING 060 FROM POINT QUEEN ONE
0410 FROM TILFISH: MY COURSE 000 CUT 40 MILES TAKE POSITION AHEAD OF CONVOY MAKE
NEW ATTACK. TILFISH PROCEEDING 18 29 120 30
0415 FROM S.FISH: ENEMY COURSE 270 SPEED 8
0513 FROM S.FISH: ENEMY COURSE 180 SPEED 8
0530 FROM TILFISH: S.FISH NEW ATTACK COMPLETED PATROL ON COURSE NORTH
0534 FROM S.FISH: DIVE DIVE
1 AUGUST 1944
2033 FROM TILFISH: S.FISH REPORT RESULTS OF ATTACK TO OTC
2049 FROM S.FISH: FOUR TORPEDOES FIRED DECOY UNABLE CLOSE FOR ATTACK MAIN CONVOY
2058 FROM TILFISH: CONVOY LARGE SHIPS ESCORTS HAVE RADAR INTERROGATIVE
2102 FROM S.FISH: AFFIRMATIVE
2105 FROM TILFISH: S.FISH PROCEED TO POSITION 20 05 N 122 02 E CONDUCT SUB-
MERGED PATROL TO OTO. COURSE 055 X TILFISH POSITION 7 MILES 310 FROM U
3 AUGUST 1944
0001 FROM TILFISH: S.FISH PROCEED UNLIMITED SPEED TO AVOID LOW
0045 FROM S.FISH: INTERROGATIVE MESSAGE
0104 FROM S.FISH: CANCEL MESSAGE
1712 FROM TILFISH: TO S.FISH STOP PROBABLY BEHIND PRESENT POSITION USE SPEED
UN DISCRETION

- 7 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 36 —
U.S.S. TILFISH (SS 307)
SJ TRANSMISSION LOG

27 JUNE 1944

TIME
1633 FROM TILFISH: ROCK I ALL SJ TRANSMISSIONS USE VISUAL PROCEDURE X
  COMMUNICATION POSSIBLE AT 25 MILES X NOT NECESSARY TO
  CLOSE IN
1634 FROM ROCK: TILFISH REQUEST PERMISSION TO PROCEED X AND CLOSING
  IN X IS THIS CORRECT
1655 FROM ROCK TILFISH ARE YOU GETTING INTERFERENCE ON EACH FREQUENCY
1657 FROM TILFISH: ROCK NEGATIVE

28 JUNE 1944
2100 FROM TILFISH: SAWFISH MAKE SJ RENDEZVOUS AT 1730 X PROCEED
2106 FROM TILFISH: SAWFISH MAKE SJ RENDEZVOUS AT 1730 X PROCEED

29 JUNE 1944
1730 FROM TILFISH: SAWFISH PROCEED ON BASE COURSE 342 AT 1800
1820 FROM TILFISH: ROCK PROCEED ON BASE COURSE 342 AT 1800
1849 FROM ROCK: TILFISH RUNNING ON ONE ENGINE DAY AND NIGHT TO SAVE FUEL
  X PROCEEDING

30 JUNE 1944
1000 FROM ROCK: TILFISH SAIL RECEPTION IMPROVED BY MAKING OUTPUT FROM
  PPI X PROCEEDING AT GIVEN TIME

1 JULY 1944
2000 FROM TILFISH: SAWFISH CEASE ZIG ZAGGING WHEN SENDING AND RECEIVING X MAKE
  REMAINING RENDEZVOUS AT 1730 ITEM X GIVE OUR POSITION
  AS NECESSARY TO EXPEDITE RADAR COMMUNICATION

2 JULY 1944
1756 FROM SAWFISH: TILFISH DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING FOR US
1758 FROM TILFISH: SAWFISH NEGATIVE
1820 FROM TILFISH: ROCK CLOSING YOU FOR TRACKING DRILL
1826 FROM TILFISH: ROCK NEW RANGE IS 2000 BOTH START ZIG ZAG AND TRACK
  FOR 1 HOUR
1856 FROM ROCK: TILFISH SUGGEST CODE GROUP BE ADDED TO PLAN AN SJ FOR
  COMMUNICATION

- 3 - ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 37 —
Page Two
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS 307)
SJ TRANSMISSION LOG

6 JULY 1944
1414 FROM TILEFISH: ROCK DO YOU HAVE A CONTACT
1419 FROM ROCK: TILEFISH NEGATIVE
1423 FROM TILEFISH: ROCK USE PLAIN LANGUAGE ON SJ
0430 FROM SAILFISH: TILEFISH RADIO ON

12 JULY 1944
2300 FROM TILEFISH: ROCK BE AT THE CORNER OF YOUR LINE AT SUNSET TOMORROW
X PROCEED TO AND MAKE AND CONDUCT STATION PATROL
ABOUT 20 MILES OFF SHORE DURING THE PERIOD
INFORMATION WHETHER SHIPPING IS MOVING CLOSE TO THE
COAST X REPORT BY THAT FOLLOWING THEN UNLESS YOU
RUN INTO SOMETHING CAN ALL WORK ON

13 JULY 1944
2221 FROM ROCK: TILEFISH YOU GET ULTRA X JAP NIGHT PATROL I AM
IMPOSSIBLE X THE ONLY ONE OF SOUTH WEST OF THE
OF LIGHT SOUTH OF SMALL BRIGHT LIGHTED
WEST OF FUTURIA ISLAND X LIGHT FIRST SEEN AT 2030
LOCAL AT 2100 X SAME SPOT SO STALLED X TO PATROL
WHICH ENDED AT 2130 X ONE PLANE ON SEARCHLIGHT DRILL
WHICH ENDED AT 2130 X ONE PLANE ON SEARCHLIGHT SEEN TODAY

2231 FROM TILEFISH: ROCK WE ARE CLOSING COAST ENROUTE TO AREA.
2239 FROM TILEFISH: ROCK GOT ULTRA X ORDERS TO CHECK ABOUT X CANCEL MOVEMENT
TO CHARLIE ONE

16 JULY 1944
2102 FROM ROCK: TILEFISH REMAINING FUEL 50,000

17 JULY 1944
2057 FROM TILEFISH: ROCK (SENT LATER TO SAILFISH) ADVANCE POSITION TO
THE TWENTY FIVE MILES OF BEARING ZERO ZERO EIGHT TRUE X
LINE OF BEARING AND DISPOSITION REMAINING
ADVANCE POSITIONS IN ADVANCED LINE IN NIGHT AND
MAINTAIN CLOSE STATION PATROL UNTIL CONTACT IS MADE
OR UNTIL ORDERED OTHERWISE X PROCEED

19 JULY 1944
2201 FROM TILEFISH: SAILFISH TAKE POSITION IN LINE OF BEARING 305 - 125
DISTANCE BETWEEN THE SHIPS 15 MILES AT 0600 X TILEFISH
POSITION AT 0600 WILL BE 21-20 N 123-05 E PATROL
ON STATION

2342 FROM TILEFISH: SAILFISH WE ARE AT POINT INTO X ANOTHER POSITION
IMMEDIATELY

- 4 -
ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 38 —
Page Three
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS 307)
SJ TRANSMISSION LOG

24 JULY 1944

2123 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH DO YOU HAVE 721 A SPARE TUBE FOR US
2127 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH DO YOU HAVE CONTACT
2129 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH NO CONTACT
2130 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH HAVE ONE SPARE X DO YOU NEED IT NO.
2147 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH NO X HAVE NO SPARE HAVE USED THEM X
   WILL TRY FOR

25 JULY 1944

2030 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH ARE E TEST OF SOUTH SUBMARINE
2040 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH CLOSE US ON COURSE 020
2100 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH AND ROCK ON 91 FT AT 260600 RD IN POSITION AS FOL-
   LOWS X TILEFISH 20-06 N 122-00 E S. FISH 6 MILES BEARING
   270 TRUE ROCK 6 MILES BEARING 180 TRUE FROM TILEFISH X MAIN-
   TAIN CLOSE STATION PATROL AT ASSIGNED SPOT X FILATES WILL
   JOIN AND STATIONED TO NORTH AND ATTEMPT LISTEN ON
   VISUAL AFTER X FIVE MINUTES X IN CASE
   ATTACK FAILS OR CONTACT CANNOT BE CLOSED GET THE DOPE OUT X
ALL SUBS ARE ON FREQUENCY X BALINTANG ISLAND DESIGNATED POINT VICTOR
   REFERENCE CONTACTS TO THIS POINT

26 JULY 1944

2121 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH REPORTED RESULTS OF ATTACK 1000 AND EACH HALF HOUR
   AFTER X DID YOU RECEIVE ANY MESSAGES
2155 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH NEGATIVE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY MESSAGES
2305 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH SIX EIGHT MILES BEARING TO EIGHT ZERO FROM POINT
   VICTOR X IS ROCK STILL WITH US
2320 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH AFFIRMATIVE ARE YOU RECEIVING RADIO TRANS-
   MISSIONS
2322 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH AFFIRMATIVE

27 JULY 1944

2313 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH AT 2200 PROCEED TO POSITION 18-20 N 120-30 E
   PATROL ON STATION TO OUR X TILEFISH POSITION 10
   MILES TO WEST X THAT IS RADIO
2320 FROM TILEFISH: S. FISH CLOSE
2345 FROM S. FISH: TILEFISH RADIO ON X BELIEVE TROUBLE IS SO WEST

- 5 -
ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 39 —
Page Four
U.S.S. TILIFISH (SS 307)
SJ TRANSMISSION LOG

27 JULY 1944
THE
2350 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH HAVE TRIED TO GET YOU FOR 2 HOURS CHECK YOUR
RADIO SET UP

0045 FROM SALFISH: TILIFISH ESTIMATE WILL BE THIRTY FIVE MILES SHORT OF
POSITION DURING NEXT SPEED AT ZERO FOUR THIRTY
0050 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH TAKE NEXT SINK POINT AND CONTINUE WEST SPEED X
TILIFISH WILL TAKE NEXT POINT
0236 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH IN COURSE 268

28 JULY 1944
2136 FROM SALFISH: TILIFISH CLOSED CYLINDER HEAD ON 3 AND 4 COULD LIKE TO USE
ONLY 1 HOUR SPEED UNLESS CHARGING X CUTTER DOOR GAS
KETS GONE FORWARD LEAVING FOUR USABLE TORPEDOES AND X
SEVEN FISH FORWARD FOUR AT 23,000 FUEL

29 JULY 1944
0011 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH INT PATROL AREA TOMORROW
0015 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH SAFE POINT IS TO STAND BY FOR POSSIBLE CHANGE
0053 FROM SALFISH: TILIFISH BELIEVE WE WERE DETECTED BY COAST PATROLS TODAY X
WILL DIVE 15 MILES OFF BEACH AND PROCEED TO POINT SUBMERGED.
0100 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH PROCEED TO POSITION 19-12 N 121-07 E ARRIVE BY 0600
X PATROL ON STATION TILIFISH POSITION WILL BE 305 FROM
YOU X DELAY RADIO TO AVOID DETECTION
0415 FROM SALFISH: TILIFISH YOUR COURSE AND SPEED
0418 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH COURSE 047 SPEED 15

30 JULY 1944
2123 FROM SALFISH: TILIFISH COURSE AT ARRIVAL AT POINT
2125 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH AT NIGHT COMMENCE STATION ON COURSE 047 SPEED 15

1 AUGUST 1944
2010 FROM TILIFISH: SALFISH PATROL TO EAST END IN CENTER OF SAFETY LINE X
TILIFISH WILL PATROL ALONG NORTH BOUNDARY ADJUST SPEED
TO DEPARTURE FROM A SUNSET THIRD X DEPARTURE REPORT IS
BEEN MADE X GOOD LUCK

- 6 -
ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 40 —
9 03466

FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
Serial 01901 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 6 September 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
Patrol Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
EIGHTH Coordinated Attack Group. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

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

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.13.
(4 July to 3 August 1944).

1. The Eighth Coordinated Attack Group consisted of the
U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS307), U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS276), and U.S.S. ROCK (SS
274) with Captain W. D. Wilkin, U.S. Navy, as the Group Commander in
the TILEFISH. The patrol was conducted in the South China Sea. Fur-
ther details are contained in the TILEFISH second, SAWFISH seventh,
and ROCK third war patrol reports.

2. With excellent area coverage and helpful exchange of
information, eight contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made, and five
aggressive attacks resulted. The sinking of a FUBUKI class destroyer
by the TILEFISH and an I-class submarine by the SAWFISH will be par-
ticularly painful to the enemy. Likewise, the damaging of a tanker by
the SAWFISH and a freighter, two transports and two tankers by the
ROCK will not add to their pleasure.

3. The comment and recommendations of the Group Commander
are noted, and will be given full consideration in the study of group
tactics.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the Commander Task Group 17.13, the Commanding Officers, of-
ficers, and crews of the TILEFISH, SAWFISH, and ROCK for this success-
ful patrol. Due to the circumstances attending the attacks made by
the ROCK, evidence of the exact damage to the enemy is not conclusive.
It is estimated that the group inflicted the following damage upon the
enemy:

S U N K
1 - DD (FUBUKI Class) (EC) - 1,700 tons (TILEFISH Attack No. 1)
1 - SS (I-5 Class) (EC) - 1,900 tons (SAWFISH Attack No. 3)

TOTAL SUNK 3,600 tons

- 1 -

[STAMP: EXTRA : ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

— page 41 —
FF12-10/16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01901
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Patrol Report of
EIGHTH Coordinated Attack Group.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 September 1944.

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

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.13.
         (4 July to 3 August 1944).

— page 42 —
PROCESSED COPY

DD696/A12
Serial 058

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L]

U.S.S. ENGLISH (DD696)
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.

26 January 1945

From: The Commanding Officer, USS ENGLISH (DD696) (Task Group 38.2).
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Destroyer Division One Twenty-Three (123).
     (2) The Commander Task Group Thirty-Eight Point Two (38.2).
     (3) The Commander Task Force Thirty-Eight (38).
     (4) The Commander THIRD Fleet.
     (5) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and
         Pacific Ocean Areas.

Subject: Action Report, U.S.S. ENGLISH (DD696), for Period 29 December,
         1944, to 26 January, 1945; forwarding of.

Reference: (a) Pacific Fleet Confidential Letter 1CL-45.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
           (B) DRT Track Chart.

1. In accordance with reference (a), Enclosure (A) is forwarded
herewith.

2. Only one copy of Enclosure (B) is forwarded herewith. Ad-
ditional copies will be forwarded direct as soon as photostated.

JAS. T. SMITH.

[HANDWRITTEN: Copy 19]
[HANDWRITTEN: BOX #39 / 530 RS #50190 FILES All-3/A]
[HANDWRITTEN: Jacket 7A-1/3]

— page 43 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
CONFIDENTIAL ACTION REPORT

Part I BRIEF SUMMARY.
A. (Covered by Division Commander's forwarding endorsement).

Part II PRELIMINARIES.
A. (Covered by Division Commander's forwarding endorsement).
B. (Covered by Division Commander's forwarding endorsement).
C. (Covered by Division Commander's forwarding endorsement).
D. (Covered by Division Commander's forwarding endorsement).
E. (Covered by Division Commander's forwarding endorsement).

Part III CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT OF THE ACTION, INCLUDING ACTION BY
OWN AIRCRAFT.
(Covered by Division Commander's forwarding endorsement, except
surface action, pre-dawn 12 January, 1945).

At 0542, 12 January, 1945, this ship was on station as picket
bearing 260 true, distance 25 miles from the center of Task Group 38.2
Latitude 11-41.4 N, longitude 109-52.5 E, bearing 103 true, distance
28 miles from Camranh Point, French Indo-China. Zone time ITEM was in
use. Wind was from 050 at 16 knots; sky thinly overcast, visibility
three (3) miles; no moon. Condition of readiness II.

At 0542, while on course 245 true at 18 knots, the officer-of-
the-deck sighted a yellowish-white flare bearing 284 true. SG radar
was immediately ordered to search carefully on that bearing. Surface
radar contact was made at 0545, bearing 284 true, range 16,300 yards.
The pip was intermittent and fuzzy. The Mark 12 fire control radar and
the battery were coached on the target. Another white flare was seen
at about this time. Contact was reported to Commander Task Group 38.2
by VHF after one attempt to do so by TBS. At 0553, slowed to 15 knots
to allow ample time to evaluate the contact before closing the range.
From 0552 to 0600, courses of the target appeared erratic, and the
speed slow. This, together with the appearance of the echo, and the
relative wind, indicated a sailing vessel. Speed of the target appeared
to be about nine (9) knots. At 0602, reported to CTG 38.2 that target
appeared to be a sailing vessel. At 0605, CTG 38.2 asked: "Do you
wish me to destroy the target?" to which the following reply was made:
"Affirmative. Destroy the sailing vessel." At 0610, changed course to
315 true to close. Meanwhile, a third white flare had been observed
on the target bearing. About this time, a report was heard from an
ENTERPRISE plane, "I have dropped two flares over the target." At first
it was believed that the plane was illuminating the surface target; but
this was soon cleared up by a further report from an ENTERPRISE that his
target was an airfield. His transmission was: "I have dropped two flares
over field. Field is empty of planes, and revetments are empty."

At 0614, changed course to 321 true and changed speed to 22 knots.
0616 Changed course to 021. 0618 Changed course to 351. Bearing of tar-
get: 332 true, range 9800. CIC plot showed target on course 007 true at
13 knots at this time. Radar interrogation of the target gave no results.
On course 351 true, all guns were reported unmasked, and at 0620-25 fire
was commenced in full radar control at range 9200 yards. Target bearing
was 332 true. Since target bearing did not draw left as expected, mount
three did not fire. One round of smokeless powder, fired on the first
salvo, blinded all bridge personnel, who did not recover normal vision
until after fire was ceased. At 0621-25, check fire was given to observe
results, after expending thirty-six (36) rounds of 5" AA common. No hits
were observed. All screens were reported clear. This fact was reported to

-1-

— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE (A)

CTG 38.2. About 0623, a transmission was received from CTF 38, for
information CTG 38.2: "Approach the target with extreme caution. It
may be a life guard." At 0625, course was changed to 021, speed 15
knots, and CIC was directed to give the course to pass over the
point at which the target disappeared. During the change of course,
a green flare was sighted near the last bearing of the target. This
flare was ranged at infinity. No ranges had been obtained on previous
flares. At 0627, changed course to 326, which was the course given by
CIC to close the point of disappearance. At 0630, changed course to
321. At 0637, slowed to 10 knots in order to look and listen
more efficiently. At 0638, changed speed to 15 knots and commenced to
turn to the right, conducting sonar and visual search with negative
results. Steadied on course 190 true. At 0644, changed course to 120
true and speed to 22 knots. 0647 Changed course to 175 true. 0648
Changed course to 120 true and retired toward formation.

Part IV ORDNANCE

A. 1 (a) Ammunition expended: 36 rounds AA common, 10 rounds smokeless
powder and 26 rounds flashless powder.

(b) Fire discipline and battery performance were excellent. Salvo
fire was used. There were no misfires or other casualties. Four
salvos were fired after the order "Check Fire", due to failure
to use the bridge cease firing alarm. Telephone communication
during firing is difficult and unreliable.

Radar spotting was not possible using Mark 12 radar. SG radar
observed all splashes short about 200 yards except the last,
which appeared very close to the target.

No hits were observed. There was no return fire. There were
no material failures of any kind, and the rate of fire is con-
sidered an indication of well-trained gun crews.

B. None.

Part V DAMAGE

No comment.

Part VI SPECIAL COMMENTS AND INFORMATION

A. Surface gunnery operations. No comment.

B. Air Operations. No comment.

C. Amphibious Action. No comment.

D. 1. Combat Information Center

a (2) Employment and performance of radars in:
(a) Tracking. Surface search radar was used contin-
uously for keeping own forces plotted on Summary Plot.
Few contacts were made where the friendly nature was
not known or immediately established. Air search radar
was employed to a much greater extent for tracking
enemy air raids and friendly aircraft.

(b) Air and Surface Search. Air search was employed
only while operating as a picket, during general quarters,
or when authorized by radar condition. Surface search
was continuous and proved very effective in evaluating
surface contacts.

— page 45 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE (A)

(c) Fire Control. Both air and surface radars were
effective in "coaching" control on enemy air raids,
as well as on friendly aircraft for tracking drills.
Full radar control was used in firing at skunk on
morning of 12 January.

(d) Shore bombardment. No comment.

(e) Navigation. No comment.

(f) Station keeping. No comment.

(g) Composition. No comment.

2. a. Radio transmissions mentioned in this report were
recorded after the action ceased. A log is regularly kept on
TBS only. Discrepancies in times may have occurred as a result,
but the chronological sequence of events is accurate.

E. No comment.

F. No comment.

Part VIII LESSONS LEARNED, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

No comment.

— page 46 —
SIGHTED GREEN
FLARE PORT BOW
CLARA
40
41
42
[HANDWRITTEN: C-190]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-15]
43
44
45
[HANDWRITTEN: C-120]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-22]
46
47
35
34
33
32
31
30
[HANDWRITTEN: C-321]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-15]
29
28
[HANDWRITTEN: C-326]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-15]
27
[HANDWRITTEN: C-021]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-15]
USS ENGLISH
BEARING 284
RANGE 16300
[HANDWRITTEN: C-245]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-15]
SIGHTED WHITE FLARE
DEAD AHEAD
[HANDWRITTEN: C-326]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-22]
26
25
24
23
22
CHECK FIRE 062125
21
OPEN FIRE 0620
BEARING 332
RANGE 9200
20
19
Scale 500 yds/in
[HANDWRITTEN: C-351]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-22]
18
17
[HANDWRITTEN: C-021]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-22]
0615
USS ENGLISH

[HANDWRITTEN: C-007]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-13]
18
17
Scale 500 yds/in
0615
(A)
[HANDWRITTEN: C-020]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-08]
16
(A)
Scale 2000 yds/in
[HANDWRITTEN: C-232]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-9]
15
[HANDWRITTEN: C-357]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-8]
14
[HANDWRITTEN: C-045]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-2]
13
[HANDWRITTEN: C-327]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-10]
12

N (with arrow)
USS ENGLISH
12 JANUARY 1945

— page 48 —
CLASSIFICATION REDUCED TO
SECRET
BY AUTHORITY OF
OPNAV INT. INST. 5510.1
BY OP-09RC Date [HANDWRITTEN: 1/4/52]
[HANDWRITTEN: 88274/A16-3]
DECLASSIFIED

[HANDWRITTEN: CHANGE OVER]
[HANDWRITTEN: 35-A-45]

U. S. S. ROCK (SS 274)

c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
17 March 1945
[HANDWRITTEN: 6 553]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Task Group 71.1.

Via : (1) The Commander Submarines, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander Task Force 17.7.

Subject: Special Mission, report on.

Reference: (a) Annex "D" CTG-71.1 Operation Order 29-45.

Enclosure: (A) Aerial photographs of SILOENG BELANAK Bay.
(B) Periscope photographs of landing site area.

1. In accordance with annex "D" of reference (a),
four (4) Allied Intelligence Bureau personnel and 3,000 pounds
of stores were embarked in the U.S.S. ROCK on 6 March 1945. The
personnel consisted of

Lieut. L.S. BLACK, #NX105873, A.I.F. (in command)
Lieut. M.V. GILLIES, #NX73953, A.I.F.
Lieut. J. CROFTON-MOSS, #VX328786, A.I.F.
Sgt. A.V. HOFFIE, #QX16135, A.I.F.

Tests of equipment and rehearsals of procedures were conducted
while fueling at EXMOUTH GULF.

2. In studying all available intelligence and charts,
it was felt that as much as three to four weeks could be saved by
landing the party five (5) miles east of TG. BATOE GENDANG, with
an emergency cache on the east side of TG. SARA. It was there-
fore decided to conduct a periscope reconnaissance east of TG.
BATOE GENDANG to pick a suitable landing spot. The following
narrative of the mission is submitted herewith, all times HOW.

14 March 1945

0533 Submerged 16,000 yards south of LOMBOK Island.

0616 Sighted medium flying boat, tentatively identified as
a "CHERRY", making a reconnaissance of the south coast
of LOMBOK, flying from east to west close inshore at an
altitude of about 150 feet. After rounding the Southwest
cape of LOMBOK he flew north up LOMBOK STRAIT.
[HANDWRITTEN: 6 553]

0620 Sunrise.

- 1 -

— page 52 —
[HANDWRITTEN: P.2.
COO'RI SLOENG BELAN
BAK BAY. LOMBOK. (5" FEB'45) 0945/LL" 100' 8
DPRS. 9-14]

[HANDWRITTEN: Cache
3-04-40-S
116-04-40E]

[HANDWRITTEN: ed for landing
lights (presumable)]

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE ( )]

— page 53 —
[HANDWRITTEN: P.2.]
[HANDWRITTEN: COOR'S SILOENG BELATAK]
[HANDWRITTEN: BAY, LOMBOK. (5" FEB. 45) 0945/LLC" 100.8]
[HANDWRITTEN: JPRS. A-14]

[HANDWRITTEN: Cache]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8-53-10"S]
[HANDWRITTEN: 116-38-40"E]

[HANDWRITTEN: ed for landing]
[HANDWRITTEN: lights (presumed)]

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (A)]

— page 54 —
[HANDWRITTEN: PE]
[HANDWRITTEN: C0021 S.L.oe]
[HANDWRITTEN: NG BELAMAK BAY. LOM BOK. (S. FEB.]
[HANDWRITTEN: (S)0945/L.G. 100 872RS]
[STAMP: ENCLO]

— page 55 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 196-4X197-A]
[HANDWRITTEN: A16-3(2)]

6 553 14/hn

FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 00038

UNITED STATES NAVY
14 May 1945

T-O-P S-E-C-R-E-T

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
USS ROCK Top Secret Ltr.
A16-3 dated 17 March 1945.
Report of Special Mission.

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

Subject: U.S.S. ROCK (SS274) - Report of Special Mission -
Comment on.

1. The ROCK performed a Special Mission from 14 to 16
March, 1945. During this period a party of four (4) A.I.F.
personnel was landed on LOMBOK ISLAND.

2. The mission was well planned and carried out.
Particularly noteworthy is the careful reconnaissance which was
performed on the day prior to the actual landing of the party,
and the smart and seamanlike manner in which the party was launched
and retrieved.

3. The Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the
ROCK, as well as Lieutenant L. S. BLACK, A.I.F., and his party,
are congratulated upon the successful completion of this Special
Mission.

[SIGNATURE: James Fife]
JAMES FIFE

Distribution:

Vice CNO (1)
Com7thFlt (1)
ComSubsPacFlt (1)
CO USS ROCK (1)
File. (1)

6 553

— page 56 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 6 553]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8m C 7241]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3(2)(F-3-4/ekb)

Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 000182]

TOP SECRET
[STAMP: TOP SECRET]

4 JUN 1945

SECOND ENDORSEMENT on:
USS ROCK Top Sec. ltr.
A16-3 dated 17 March
1945.

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

Subject: Special mission, Report on.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: J. H. Long]
J. H. LONG
By direction

[STAMP (rotated 90 degrees clockwise): 1945 JUN 11 8 13]

[HANDWRITTEN: 6 553]

— page 57 —
SS274/A16-3
Serial 09
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ROCK (SS274)

c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
4 May 1945

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

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Search and Attack Group
(Pack #2) from 18 March 1945 to 14 April 1945.

Enclosure: (A) Subject War Patrol Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the subject war patrol is
submitted herewith. This group operated in the SOUTH CHINA SEA
off the coast of FRENCH INDO CHINA (Area C-4).

[SIGNATURE: R. A. Keating, Jr.]
R. A. KEATING, Jr.

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE

          The BECUNA, BAYA, and BLENNY were operating in
area C-4 off the coast of FRENCH INDO CHINA in a pack with the
Commanding Officer U.S.S. BECUNA the pack commander. On 18 March
1945 the BECUNA departed the area for SUBIC BAY and the COBIA and
ROCK were ordered to join the group, with the Commanding Officer
U.S.S. ROCK becoming pack commander. The GUAVINA and COBIA joined
the group on 20 March 1945, ROCK arrived in the area 23 March 1945.

          With the present setup, it is intended to divide the
area into three sectors as follows: From 10-00N to 11-00N, from
11-00N to 11-30N, and from 11-30N to 12-00N. Due to the topography
of the area each sector will be occupied by one sub, with the sub
in the southern sector standing daily lifeguard to seaward, while
the other two can work close inshore, each submarine spending four
days in each sector in rotation.

(B) NARRATIVE

20 March 1945

          COBIA and GUAVINA entered area, joining BAYA and BLENNY.

21 March 1945

          COBIA sighted surfaced I-121 Class Jap sub 20 miles south
of Cape PADARAN.

23 March 1945

1800    ROCK entered area.

2300    Assigned sector from 11-30N to 12-00N to the ROCK, sector
          from 11-00N to 11-30N to the COBIA, and the remainder, with
          lifeguard duty, to GUAVINA; BAYA, and BLENNY patrol in-
          dependently.

24 March 1945

          BAYA and BLENNY departed area for SUBIC.

27 March 1945

0503    ROCK sank one DE east of CAMRANH BAY.

1225    ROCK contacted 3 DE's, advance escort for northbound convoy.
          Detected and depth charged, convoy put into PHANRANG BAY.
          Attack with one MK27 missed.

                                  - 1 -

                                                            ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 59 —
CONFIDENTIAL
28 March 1945
0450 A reconnaissance of PHANRANG BAY failed to uncover the
     convoy that had put in there previous day.
1000-1200 Air strike on coast.
1200 GUAVINA picked up five man crew of ditched B-25.

29 March 1945
0030 Rendezvous with GUAVINA, COBIA performing lifeguard duties
     for B-29.s strike. Shifted COBIA to position off CAMRANH
     BAY, ROCK to lifeguard duties south of 11-00N, and GUAVINA
     to station off of Cape PADARAN.

30 March 1945
1450-1912 ROCK conducted end around on large ship later identified
     as properly marked hospital ship headed for SINGAPORE.
     Incidentally, this ship had been sighted by an aviator
     24 hours previously who had not reported it as a hospital
     ship.

31 March 1945
     Shifted COBIA to lifeguard station south of 11-00N, ROCK
     to station off Cape PADARAN, and GUAVINA to station off
     CAMRANH BAY.

1-2 April 1945
     ROCK conducted sweeps from Cape PADARAN to SAIGON - nothing
     sighted except small fishing fleet.

3 April 1945
0813 COBIA sighted periscope in position 10-49N, 109-37E.

4 April 1945
2200 All boats shifted stations, GUAVINA assigned lifeguard
     duties.

6 April 1945
0316 ROCK fired three torpedoes at large coastal sailing vessel.
     No hits.

8 April 1945
0400 Contacted HARDHEAD and received mail.

- 2 -

— page 60 —
0536 Contacted COBIA, GUAVINA, and BASHAW and delivered mail.
1500 COBIA rescued seven 13th A.A.F. aviators from ditched B-24
     off Cape PADARAN at position 11-25N, 109-07E.
2300 All boats shifted stations, ROCK assigned lifeguard duties.

12 April 1945
2000 COBIA left station in accordance with Operation Order,
     proceeding to SUBIC for refit.

14 April 1945
1400 In accordance with CTF-71.1 serial 32 ROCK departed area
     proceeding to PEARL HARBOR. GUAVINA assigned special anti-
     submarine patrol in area C-4.

(C) COMMUNICATIONS

     Communications within the pack was primarily by CW
on the wolf pack frequency, supplemented by both blinker tube and
VHF during rendezvous. Recognition signals were exchanged over
the SJ radar, with an absolute minimum of other communication over
this channel.

     Communications with the daily Navy search plane were
conducted by voice on the wolf pack frequencies, while communica-
tions with the Army bombers were conducted by voice on 4475 Kcs
and VHF.

(D) REMARKS

     It is regretted that there was not more traffic
encountered, as the ROCK made the only contacts worthy of torpedo
fire - one of two DE's and the other of three DE's. Because of
being detected and driven off, the ROCK was unable to close an
important convoy later attacked by the BLUEGILL.

     Both the COBIA and GUAVINA are to be commended for
their excellent work in rescuing downed aviators.

     The increasing use of Jap subs as an anti-submarine
measure is noted. The COBIA had three definite submarine contacts,
and the ROCK three probable contacts.

     Enemy radar offered but little trouble. The shore-
based stations (150-155 megs 400 pps, 100 megs, 300 pps) were not
manned from 2300I to 0600I thereby proving of no worry during night
coastal sweeps. There were but two contacts with radar equipped
planes, both during moonlight. This equipment was 153 megs, 1000
pps.

- 3 -

— page 61 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(E) DAMAGE TO ENEMY

     It is estimated that the following damage was in-
flicted on the enemy:

     U.S.S. ROCK - One DE Sunk - 1,000 tons

                                        R. A. KEATING, Jr.

- 4 -

— page 62 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Sory] 1d

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01120

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 May 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
Patrol Report of
Coordinated Attack
Group.

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

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

Subject: War Patrol Report of Coordinated Attack Group (Pack
#2) Composed of U.S.S. ROCK (SS274), U.S.S. COBIA
(SS245), U.S.S. GUAVINA (SS362), U.S.S. BAYA (SS318),
U.S.S. BLENNY (SS324).

1. Forwarded. Further details of the activities of this
group are contained in the reports of war patrols during this period
of the ROCK, COBIA, GUAVINA, BAYA, and BLENNY.

2. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer of the ROCK, Commander R.A. Keating, Jr.,
U.S. Navy, for his smart, aggressive handling of this group.

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
ADICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsublant (1)
S/M School, NL (8)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comsowespac (2)
CTG 71.5 (1)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (2)
Comsubspac.dComd (1)
SUB.D, MI (40)
ComsubspacSubordcom (2)
All Squadron and Div. (3)
Commanders, Pacific (2)

Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)
ComFleetAirWingTWO (1)
OinC, SWTU,Flt.AirWingTWO(1).

[SIGNATURE: R. L. Hynes, 2nd.]
R. L. HYNES, 2nd.,
Flag Secretary.

— page 63 —
[STAMP: PROCESSED COPY]

SS274/A16-3/S75
Serial 0001
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: TOP SECRET]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. ROCK (SS274)                                                  c/o Fleet Post Office
                                                                     San Francisco, Calif.
                                                                     4 May 1945

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Adminis-
      tration.
Subject: U.S.S. ROCK, Top Secret Report of Firing Mark 27
      Torpedoes, Patrol No. 6.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

cc: Comsubs7thFl-                                                    R. A. KEATING, Jr.

[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL COPY INST 5500.39]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY K. Kien DATE 4-14-60]

5 1221

— page 64 —
TOP SECRET
U.S.S. ROCK Mark 27 Torpedo Attack No. 1 Patrol No. 6
Time 1311 Date 27 Mar. 1945 Lat. 11-40.2N Long. 109-16E
Sound conditions fair Depth of water 28 fathoms
Distance to nearest shore or reef 9,000 yds Sea condition two
Was it raining? No.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description Single ship DE UN-1 class. Periscope contact.
Ship sunk None
Ship damaged None
Damage deter-
mined by -----
Target draft 6' Course 020°T Speed 10 kts Range 1500 yds (at firing
Target turn count 130 Target bearing at firing instant 200°T
Give any peculiarities noted in target's sound output None

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 2 Course 200°T Depth 153' Angle 0° (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA
Was target aware of submarine's presence? Yes
Was submarine being depth charged? Yes
Type Attack Torpedo was fired as target approached from
ahead at an estimated range of 1,500 yards.
Tube fired from 7 Erratic No
Hit or miss Miss Time from firing to hit
Mark torpedo 27 Serial No. 777
Mark warhead Serial No.
Mark exploder Mk 11 Mod 0 Serial No. 1311

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 65 —
TOP SECRET
U.S.S. ROCK Mark 27 Torpedo Attack No. 1 Patrol No. 6
Arming distance set 175 yards
Issuing activity Torpedo depot, Navy No. 137
COMMENTS:
No major difficulties were encountered, batteries
were all kept charged with minimum of difficulties.

In reloading, detent wire caught on breech door
hinge, and "start" switch was pulled before pre-
start "switch". The torpedo did not then respond
to tickle test. The third torpedo was loaded in
place of this one.

Later, the battery was discharged, and torpedo
allowed to stand in rack. When torpedo battery
reached low voltage limit, relays apparently
reset automatically, because torpedo battery was
charged normally and torpedo then responded to
tickle test.

ENCLOSURE (A) (Cont'd.)

— page 66 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
ADMINISTRATION
Serial 00035

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 May 1945.

[STAMP: Rec'd 180-P.45a]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5 P221]
[HANDWRITTEN: JK]

[STAMP: TOP SECRET]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS ROCK Top Secret ltr
file SS274/A16-3/S75, serial
0001 dated 4 May 1945.

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. ROCK (SS274) - Top Secret Report of Firing Mark 27
Torpedoes, War Patrol No. 6.

1. Forwarded.

2. Unfortunately, attack was unsuccessful, probably due to error in
distance target was off the submarine's track.

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. PACIFIC FLEET
1945 MAY 18 16 23]

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (2)
CNO (2)
Cincpac (3)
Comsubspac (2)
ComsubspacAdCond (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
Comsubslant (2)
Comsubs7thFleet (2)
All Squadron Commanders (1)
All Division Commanders (1)
BuOrd (2)
BuShips (2)
CO USS ROCK (1 copy this
endorsement only).

[SIGNATURE: P. L. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

[STAMP: SECRET]

5 1221

— page 67 —
END OF REEL
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 154-81]
JOB NO.
[HANDWRITTEN: F-108]

|||1.0
|||1.1
|||1.25 |||1.4 |||1.6

|||2.8 |||2.5
|||3.2 |||2.2
|||3.6 |||2.0
|||4.0 |||1.8

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION