U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187) — war patrol report SS-187_STURGEON.pdf

— page 4 —
2- USS STURGEON (SS 187)

Her first sighting came on 9 December, when a small tanker hove in view, but remained out of torpedo range. On the 18th a cruiser was sighted, but before the STURGEON could attack, she was forced to ride out an attack by an escorting destroyer. Several light bulbs were broken in the depth charging, but the ship rode out the bombardment with little damage.

At 2100 on the 21st a darkened ship was spotted sharp on the port bow. Making a hurried set-up, Lieutenant Commander Wright fired four stern tubes, only to see each one miss ahead because of an error in speed estimate. Through-out the patrol, the ship was dogged by escorting destroyers and scores of small fishing boats. She returned to Mariveles for a bleak Christmas.

There was no time for the usual refit and recreation. Four days later the boat was at sea again, headed for Tarakan, off the east coast of Borneo. Southwest of Sibutu, she sighted a tanker on 17 January 1942, but missed with three torpedoes and the ship escaped.

Arriving on station on the 18th, the sub was alerted by a contact report from the USS PICKARD at 2200, and at 2204 heard the pings of a sonar search dead astern. Making a quick dive, she fired four torpedoes at an unidentified large target, with two explosions following. Two destroyers immediately started a depth charging, which continued for two and a half hours without causing any damage. Although Japanese records searched after the War did not reveal a sinking at this spot, it is thought that the target might have been the destroyer ASAGUJO, lightly damaged in the area at about the same time.

Early on 26 January, while operating in the vicinity of Balikpapan, the sub sighted a Japanese transport serenaded by four minesweepers. Four forward shots caused a loud explosion, followed by silence as the transport's screws stopped. Again, no record could be found of a sinking after the war, but since Japanese records were often incomplete, it may be that the STURGEON at least damaged an enemy craft.

The masts of four destroyers sighted on 28 January brought hopes up, since it seemed that such an unusually heavy escort must be screening something valuable. The STURGEON dove under the screen, coming up to periscope depth 3000 yards astern of the destroyers with all torpedoes ready but found no target. Another attack on the 31st registered two hits on a tanker, which again could not be identified from post-war data. The sub returned to Fremantle, Australia, as the last Allied strongholds in the islands began to crumble.

The STURGEON's third war patrol began on 15 March 1942, when she slipped out of Fremantle for Hikassar City in the Colonies. Here she made her first attack for which she received official credit.

— page 5 —
3- USS STURGEON (SS 187)

A cargo ship headed for the entrance to Makassar City came in sight on 30 March, and was immediately attacked with two torpedoes from the stern tubos. One of the fish hit just forward of the bridge, and Captain Wright had the satisfaction of seeing the CHOKO HARI, 842 tons, take a 30 degree list and sink by the bow.

Moving to the Balikpapan area, the sub was running at slow speed on the surface after dusk on 3 April 1942 when a merchantman was sighted a good distance away. As the STURGEON closed the range, she discovered that the ship was being escorted by a frigate on her starboard bow. The STURGEON, who was off the port bow of the ship, manoeuvred into position for a straight bow shot, and at 2328 fired three torpedoes at the frigate. Two minutes later an explosion was heard and soon as the fish hit right at the bridge and the ship began to settle by the bow. Her screws continued to turn slowly, but she never changed course as she headed straight down.

Three torpedoes were then fired at the merchantman, but all missed. The one remaining torpedo hit just abreast of the foremast and the ship began to settle forward.

The STURGEON headed south to charge her batteries before dawn forced her under again. After the war, she was credited with probably sinking an unidentified frigate, estimated at 750 tons.

The sub was directed to patrol the area looking for a tanker, and found her target at noon on the 5th. Coming in to close range she fired four torpedoes, but the range was so short that they failed to arm. The escorting destroyer dropped six depth charges, but did no damage.

On 16 April she shifted her patrol to the Davao-Itakassar route, and seven days later was worked over by two destroyers, but again got away with no damage. While enroute to Fremantle, she was ordered to proceed to Tjilatjap to rescue Royal Air Force personnel marooned on an island off the harbor entrance. A boat party made the risky trip on the 30th, but could not contact the castaways, and the STURGEON proceeded on to Fremantle, mooring there on 7 May.

With two ships to her credit, the redoubtable submarine left Fremantle on 5 June for her fourth patrol. By the 24th she was on station off Manila, and at 2320 on the same day made her first contact, a rich convoy of nine merchantmen and two destroyers. She tracked the group until 0455 the following day, firing three torpedoes at the largest merchant ship. One explosion was heard, but no record of a sinking has been found. The destroyers counter-attacked for half an hour, but did not come close.

— page 6 —
4- USS STURGEON (SS 187)

Her third verified kill came on 1 July, when the sub fired four stern torpedoes into the HONTEVIDEO HARP, a 7,267 ton transport, at 0230 after an all-night chase. The ship went down, storm first, within ten minutes.

Her luck did not hold out for an attack on six merchantmen and two destroyers on 5 July. An unexpected zig-zag caused three torpedoes to miss and the ship returned to base.

The STURGEON remained at Fremantle until 26 July 1942 for upkeep, and then sailed to Albany, Australia, for a tender overhaul by the FELIAC. On 13 August 1942 Lieutenant Commander H. A. Piezontkowski assumed command, relieving Lieutenant Commander Wright.

A large cargo ship drew four torpedoes on the 14th, but all four missed because of the target's high speed. Three days later the STURGEON assaulted a tanker, expending four torpedoes for two apparent hits. However, the attack was not recorded by the Japanese.

The ship's biggest target of the war came in view at 0535 on 1 October. The 8,033 tonner KATSURAGI HARI, an aircraft ferry, was attacked with four torpedoes at 0523, with three hits followed by numerous explosions and large cracking noises. The destroyer in company counterattacked with seven depth charges and then broke off to rescue survivors from the sunken ship.

The sub could observe with satisfaction the series of air attacks on Rabaul on 8 and 9 October 1942, and on the 9th sighted a heavy cruiser, but was unable to attack because of excessive range. Directed to patrol south of Totipari Island on the 14th, she developed an oil leak and returned to Brisbane one day early, arriving on 25 October.

After a refit by the USS GRUFFIN, the STURGEON arrived in the Truk area on 30 November 1942 for her sixth patrol. On 6 December smoke drew her attention to three unscorted marus proceeding southeast across Gray Feathers Bank. Firing four torpedoes at the load ship, the STURGEON could see one hit as the target turned to starboard, frantically blowing her whistle. Although there is no record of a sinking, the target's scores were not heard again.

The sub fired one fish at an unscorted ship on 9 December, but missed. Four more fired at a 7,000-tonner on the 18th, but missed when she zigged the wrong way. On Christmas day the sub left for Pearl Harbor, there she arrived on 4 January 1943.

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5- USS STURGEON (SS 187)

Bottom of 14 January and 11 May 1943 the ship was in the Navy Yard at Hunter's Point, California, undergoing an overhaul. After returning to Pearl Harbor, she put to sea on 12 June for a disappointing seventh patrol. Of seven north-whilc contacts, she was able to attack only one.

This ship was sighted steaming along the Japanese coast line on 1 July, escorted by two float planes and a patrol boat. The STURGEON fired four torpedoes and heard two hits. The ensuing counter-attack kept her under fire and a half hour, and she was credited only with possible damage to an unidentified freighter. On 2 August she arrived back in Midway for a refit alongside the SFERRY. During the rofit, Lieutenant Commander Charlton L. Murphy, Jr., assumed command.

The submarine's eighth patrol began on 29 August 1943. This patrol, during which 14 ship contacts were made, was hampered by extremely bad weather. The STURGEON was able to fully develop only one contact, that of a steamer sighted on 2 October. Then erratic depth control of her torpedoes in the heavy seas robbed her of a hit. She arrived back in Pearl Harbor on 23 October.

By 13 December 1943 she was underway again for Japanese home waters. Her first attack came on 11 January 1944, when seven ships were sighted in convoy with four escorts. Finding an overlapping target, she fired four torpedoes at 1248, and sent the ERIS [NAME: ERIC] to the bottom.

The STURGEON next deep to sit out a depth charge attack, and was unable to attack again.

A large freighter with one destroyer was sighted in mid-morning on 16 January, and attacked with four torpedoes from the bow tubes. Forced down after her fourth shot, the sub could hear four timed hits, three on the freighter and one on the destroyer. She was pinned down all afternoon by counter attacks, but at 1855 surfaced and cleared the area. Again, the Japanese did not record the attack.

Her third and fourth attacks wore made on a convoy consisting of two large ships with two escorts. Picking out the second ship in column, the killer launched an attack at 0228 on 24 January. The first of four torpedoes hit, causing a fine explosion, as the STURGEON spun around to fire three stern torpedoes at a second target. Two hits were registered, and the second target disappeared from the radar screen in three minutes. The sub is credited with destroying the CHOSEN [NAME: CHINA] on 3,110 tons.

— page 8 —
6- USS STURGEO (SS 187)

Another fruitless attack was made two days later on a convoy of two
frighters with one escort, and STURGEO returned to Pearl Harbor via
Midway for refit.

Her tenth patrol was conducted in the Bonin Islands area from 8
April until 25 May 1944, and included life guard duty off Iarusa Island
during carrier air strikes there. Only one convoy was sighted, and one
ship sunk from it.

This convoy came in view on 10 May, as the STURGEO patrol led it
periscope depth. Five merchantmen were being protected by two escorts. The
STURGEO fired four bow tubes at a small freighter for two hits. She was
then depth charged and kept under until 1500. Coming to the surface to
begin the chase, she was forced under again five minutes later. After 40
minutes she came to the top again, but another plane sent her under for almost
two hours.

Finally contacting the convoy at 2300, the sub made an end-around run
and submerged for her final approach. At 0334 on the 11th she loosed four
stern fish from periscope depth at a freighter. Three hits were heard and
the target could be seen to crumple and sink in two minutes.

The STURGEO swung right to fire her bow tubes at still another
frighten, obtaining two hits. 'Then last seen the target was dead in the
water, smoking heavily. After the war the Japanese, reported only the
sinking of the SEIRYU HAIU, 1904 tons.

Detailed to stand by for rescue work on 20 May, the submarine had a
ringside seat for the carrier attacks on Iarusa. At 1153 on the 20th she
spotted two men down in a rubber life raft five miles off the northwest
corner of the island, and hurried to pick them up. Anti-aircraft batteries
fired at her as she took the men aboard, but missed by 300 yards. Six hours
later she rescued a third man, again coming under fire with no damage. Two
days later she set course for Midway, arriving on 26 May.

By 10 June she was underway again, bound for the Nansai Shoto south
of Japan. Shortly after submerging on the morning of 29 June, she sighted
smoke which devoloped into a convoy of seven or eight ships, with numerous
small escorts. Although hampered by a flat calm, she fired four torpedoes at
the largest ship. As she went under, she could see her fish running hot,
straight and normal. Forty-five seconds later four timed hits echoed through
the boat, followed by minor explosions and breaking up noises as the TOYAHI
MARU, a passenger-cargo ship of 1,089 tons, went to the bottom. Seventy-seven
depth charges showered down, causing minor damage to the sub.

— page 9 —
7- USS STURGEON (SS 187)

In the afternoon of 3 July she began a submerged approach on a nine-ship convoy with air cover and many small escorts, headed northeast past
Jamaica. After maneuvering to clear three airlifted escorts, the STURGEON
found herself directly ahead of a large ship only 200 yards away, too close
for torpedoes. Diving under, she came up to fire four fish at another ship
for three hits which blew off the target's bow; and stove in her side. Then
last soon, she had rolled 25 degros to starboard and was sinking by the head,
a complete wreck. Soon afterwards, the enemy scratched the name of the
TAURIN MARU, 6,852 ton. In two counter-attacks, the STURGEON took 273
depth charges and aircraft bombs, but escaped unharmed. She returned to
Pearl Harbor and from there continued to the east Coast.

Not retired from fleet duty, she sub operated out of San Francisco
under Commander, Operational Training Command, Pacific, before departing
for the East Coast via San Diego and the Panama Canal. She arrived in New
York on 26 January 1945 and tied up at the sub base in New London, Connecticut,
on the next day to begin training duty there.

At war's end the STURGEON was still at New London. In October, she
sailed to Providence, Rhode Island, and Boston, where, on 30 October 1945
she was placed out of commission. On 12 June 1948 the ship was sold.

The USS STURGEON (SS 187) should be credited with eight battle stars
as follows:

1. Star/Philippine Islands operation -- 8 December - 25 December 1941
2. Star/Netherlands East Indies operation -- 17 January - 13 February 1942
3. Star/Third War Patrol -- 15 March - 7 May 1942
4. Star/Fourth War Patrol -- 5 June - 22 July 1942
5. Star/Capture and defense of Guadalcanal -- 4 September - 25 October 1942
6. Star/Sixth War Patrol -- 16 November 1942 - 4 January 1943
7. Star/Soventh War Patrol -- 12 June - 2 August 1943
8. Star/Minth War Patrol -- 13 December 1943
9. Star/Tenth War Patrol -- 8 April - 26 May 1944
10. Star/Elventh War Patrol -- 10 June - 5 August 1944

STATISTICS

308 foot
25 foot
21 knots
1,435 tone
8 officers, 72 men

— page 11 —
12-8-41. (Monday).
    ARR DISH

Received orders, departed arrive at 1605. Weather clear, sea
oils, swell from south. Dove off entrance, course 305T, speed 3.
Surfaced at dark. Speed 15. Nothing in sight. At 1930 sighted
of small craft, changed course to avoid detection. At 2324 destroyed
drowned ship ahead on course 1100T, speed 15, apparently destroyed
and believed to be a submarine. Surfaced with nothing. Nothing
noting in sight. Proceeded toward station remainder of night, nothing
else sighted.

12-9-41. (Tuesday)

Sea calm, with long swells, weather clear, with bright moonlight,
mush phosphorescence on water. Dove at dawn to 95 feet. At 1020 after
hearing gongs, came to periscope depth and observed small tanker
(about 1500 - 2000 Tons), range 5500 yards, angle on bow 095°, course
119°. Too long range. Sea becoming slightly choppy, sky clearing battery.
Nothing else sighted. Surfaced at dark. After watering battery. In
the at 13 knots in order to make battery water. Made 250 gallons. In
possible to make it with sea washing over deck.

12-10-41. (Wednesday)

Dove at dawn. Running at 95-100 feet, encountered unusual currents
which necessitated full rudder and stopping one over to maintain
course. Periscope exposures at irregular intervals. Sea very rough,
weather overcast. 20 minutes after sundown heard scores (high pitch)
at 2550T, drawing south. Nothing could be seen by periscope at 52 feet.
Surfaced at dark. Sky completely overcast, very dark, wind 12 knots,
heavy sea from northeast, scattered squalls. Slowed to 12 knots,
then 10, then 8 knots, in order to allow lookouts to see.

12-11-41. (Thursday)

Rough sea, overcast sky, scattered showers continued. In early
morning clouds broke in spots for a while, and a fair fire obtained by
moonlight star sighted. Dove at dawn. Made periscope exposures during
day, but nothing seen nor heard. Surfaced at dark. Sky overcast, wind
force 5, mountainous seas from northeast. Ran during night at 9-9
hours, mountains sea from northeast. Ran during night at 9-9
hours. Rolls of 400 a side, and terrific pitching. At intervals some
water down coming toward hatch. Should sight Formosa at dawn if it
alerts.

12-12-41. (Friday)

Continued rough weather. I note that although surface wind is high,

— page 12 —
12-13-41. (Saturday)
: 3 a.m. wind noxilgible, say mostly overcast. Patrol about 12-14 miles off Ryukyu. There are dozens of small power fishing boats in the vicinity. Most of them appear to be carrying lights, but at least one darkened small craft was seen, after hearing his screams at 12-13-41. There also appears to be at least two of the 300 T. submarines. These were prepared for firing, as encounters were deemed probable. In both cases vessels was luckily between us and moon. Drove at dawn, and decided to cruise to southwest as present location looked too precarious in view of patrol.

During forenoon heard two subchasers across, and both were ping-ing. They are equipped with supersonic, apparently about 18 1/2, with a modul-tor. They undoubtedly suspect our presence.

Periscope exposures at irregular intervals (5). Two of these were result of herring sores, and in both cases it was a power fishing boat.

Surfaced at 12hr. 3hr overcast, moderate choppy sea. Three lighted fishing vessels in sight. There are dozens of them. Started battery charge and started to work to seaward. Lying lighted vessels, and sighted several darkened ones. At 2215 heard scores were pinged on port bow. At 2230 vessel on port bow about 6 miles away turned on searchlight. Drove to 100 feet. Almost immediately two vessels "ping-ing" were heard. They were evidently aware of our presence, but were unable to detect us. However, they worked around in our vicinity for about two hours, while we ran silent.

12-14-41. (Sunday)
: 3 a.m. 3 a

— page 15 —
12-22-41. (Monday)

... at 0230 changed course to 130-7. Over at dawn. Sky clear breaking
few broken spats. 0t 2 stars for a dutious position. 0ct. late breakin
swell from 0800. 0urling day sea seemed to draw to dutious.
The remainder of the trip back was uneventful. 0ct. after 0f 0f
Island during daylight or 24 December, and entered 0n

— page 16 —
11-12 December.
    Sea rough, sky overcast for 4 wind free the northeast.
    Sea calm with practically no wind probably caused by ice of Frrross.
    Sky is almost continuously overcast in this area, but it times it
    suddenly clears only to become overcast again in a few minutes. Cloud
    layers overhead move in as many as three different directions at time in-
    dicating very definite wind layers.
    14-21 December.
    22-23 December.
    Sea shifted to southeast, but remained heavy.
    24-25 December.
    Sea calm with long, light swells from Southeast.

TIDAL LIFEWAY:
1. Tidal lifeways are encountered off the northwest coast of
   Luzon and the set was usually to the westward, at times, however, the cur-
   rent seemed to shift 180° for as much as 24 hours.
   Considerable difficulty was experienced in steering the ship sub-
   merged at low speeds, it being impossible to keep her on the course with
   full rudder at times. Depth keeping was made difficult, varying density
   layers.
   The current off southwest Fornose appeared to set to the westward at
   about 100 knots. It is believed that the currents in this vicinity set in
   general with the prevailing wind.

2. 8th December to 25th
   The only navigational light seen on this patrol was sighted at 2400
   on 12-14 bearing 080°T., distance 13-14 miles identified as Ryukyu
   light on southwest coast of Taiwan.
   The fathometer was used as necessary to check position with doubtful
   fixes obtained during inclement weather.
   Star sights were taken and accurate fixes obtained at all hours of
   the night.

3. 8th December to 25th
   Sighted U.S. SUBMARINE 4 steamer at 2324.
   12-9-41.
   Sighted small tanker believed to be enemy, 1500-2000 tons.
   12-12-41.
   Sighted air small sampans during evening similar to those seen in the
   Hawaiian area.
   12-13-41.
   Sighted 300 Ton subchaser at 0320. 30 had bridge similar to submarine and
   was first identified as a submarine, range 3500 yards, speed 6-8 knots,
   stopping and listening at intervals. Dozens of small fishing craft seen
   during morning periscope exposures. During fireman also heard pings of
   two subchasers.
   12-14-41.
   0100 heard pings in our area for over an hour, identified by sound as two

— page 18 —
4. after a dislighf no rarely heard. In this respect it should be remembered that a submarine on such patrol may very conceivably be down for a considerable period...and thus aie all messages on schedule for a long time. So frequent repititions should be in order.

5. Depth charge damage:
   a. Broke several lights aft.
   b. Knocked down lunge in fwd room.
   c. Knocked face of 2 gages in C.A.
   d. Broke deep depth surge in Gunn. Tower.
   e. Pushed case cable in about 1 inch in C.A.
   f. Knocked torpedo out of gun.
   g. Knocked top off shore charge connection box.
   h. Gasket trim line

JOURNAL RECORD:

1. **KOROLE: Good, I think. But some means must be found to permit ease rest and relaxation at the end of a patrol. I know I need it right now, and I feel sure the other officers and crew need it. The time spent in battle has offered very little opportunity for either.**

-8-

— page 19 —
9/9/39 - 9-6-7
U.S.S. STURGEON
29th December to 15th February

MAR 1941

12-29-41. (Monday)
Received instructions at mid-morning. Underway for patrol station at 0047, standing out until 9:30. Duty on various courses; see scout, wind negligible.

12-30-41. (Tuesday)
Proceeding on before to patrol station. Move at dusk, nothing sighted. Surfaced at dusk, proceeding on engines at 16 knots, very slight sea and wind. No further remarks.

12-31-41. (Wednesday)
Proceeding as before. See picking up - slowed to 15 knots. Move at dusk. Surfaced at dusk. No further remarks.

1-1-42. (Thursday)
Proceeding as before. No further remarks.

7 knots. Move at dusk. Surfaced at dusk. Nothing sighted. No further remarks.

1-3-42. (Saturday)
Proceeding as before. 3:30 out, steering by magnetic, speed 5 knots. 1:30 and 4:30, 1:

— page 20 —
1-6-42. (Tuesday)
1. 1-6-42. (Tuesday)
1. 1-7-42. (Wednesday)
1. 1-7-42. (Wednesday)
1. 1-8-42. (Thursday)
1. 1-8-42. (Thursday)
1. 1-9-42. (Friday)
1. 1-9-

— page 21 —
1-12-42. (Monday)
Proceeding as before heading for [NAME], speed 16 knots, sea smooth, visibility fair. Dove at dawn. Surfaced at dusk. Nothing sighted. No further remarks.

1-13-42. (Tuesday)
Proceeding as before for [NAME], speed 12.5 knots, sea sighted, visibility fair. Dove at dawn. Surfaced at dusk. Proceeding through passage at 15 knots on various courses. No ships sighted.

1-14-42. (Wednesday)
Underway as before in north [DIR]. Sea smooth, visibility fair. Dove at dawn. Surfaced at dusk. Nothing sighted. Proceeding on surface at 17 knots. No further remarks.

1-15-42. (Thursday)
As before. Dove at dawn. Surfaced at dusk. Nothing sighted.

1-16-42. (Friday)
Underway as before. Proceeding southward through [NAME]. Night very dark with frequent heavy rain squalls. Dove at dawn. Surfaced at dusk. Proceeding at 17 knots through [NAME] and [NAME] and [NAME] having been instructed to proceed to station off [NAME].

1-17-42. (Saturday)
Proceeding as before. Sea smooth, wind sighted, visibility poor with intermittent rain squalls. Dove at dawn southwest of [NAME]. 1245 sighted tops of destroyer bearing bearing 3100T. Came to normal approach course but [NAME] destroyed bearing 1700T. [NAME] passed about 4500 yards at range - no shots. At 1814 sighted [NAME] (type 168, ORIGINAL) [NAME] sighted [

— page 22 —
1-19-42. (Monday)

Fertilling station as before. Drove at dusk. Jurafoed at dusk. Visibility poor. at 2214 on source eastlighted destroyer dead ahead, estimated range 2000 yards, angle on bow zero. Dove immediately. Destroyer passed down starboard side apparently in company with one other ship, eastmasted speed 16 knots. Jurafoed at 2500.

1-20-42. (Tuesday)

Underway as before. Dove at dawn. Jurafoed at dusk. at 2245 in compliment of orders started for maintenance at 17 knots sea smooth.

1-21-42. (Wednesday)

As before making 17 knots headed for maintenance. Dove at dawn, Jurafoed at dusk, visibility poor. at 2200 received contact report from Jurafoed. Flotilla showed Jurafoed to be in just about right position for intercept at any time, and allowed to 5 knots. at 2204 pinged were heard from 190 relative, changed course to 210. at 2220 pinged were heard on starboard beam, heard, changed course to 210. at 2220

— page 23 —
1-23-42. (Saturday)

as before proceeding southwest to vicinity of Balikraft, dead calm sea, visibility fair. Dove at dawn. Surfaced at dusk. At 2310 sighted sharpness of several unidentified ships bearing 195, and headed for them. At 2315 sighted destroyer bearing 180, angle on bow 30 starboard, range 6000 yards. 2316 destroyer changed course heading directly for us. She quickly dive. This one and two more destroyers observed through periscope evidently engaged in submarine searchoperations asthey were alternately pinging, starting and stopping. At 2350 to depth charges were dropped but at a considerable distance. Sent to 220 feet. Searching continued with destroyers in vicinity until 0145. Surfaced at 0235, headed in direction in which ships were last seen but no further contact was made.

1-25-42. (Sunday)

as before. Dove at dawn. Surfaced at dusk. No contacts. Attrolling on surface 25 miles east ex-lightship.

1-26-42. (Monday)

as before. Visibility poor - frequent heavy rain squalls. 0335 sighted destroyer on starboard quarter, bearing North, estimated range 2000 yds, angle on bow 10 port. - due quick dive. Destroyer passed close aboard with one other destroyer and another heavy ship, speed 17 knots. No shots, as if

— page 24 —
1-27-42. (Tuesday)

Undergo a thorough search of the entire document, including:
- All pages
- All text
- All markings
- All annotations

1-27-42. (Tuesday)

1-27-42. (Tuesday

— page 25 —
0100: sighted a broken ship, bearing 240°, changed course to sloate. At observed to be a destroyer, sighted 35-45° starboard, range 7000 yards. 0107 made quick dive, and continued observation through periscope but could not reach decent firing range. Surfaced at 0135, at 0305, sighted darkened ship bearing 210°. Closed for ten minutes, and saw that ship was evidently a submarine, escorted by two destroyers (turned "deut-royers" turned by periscope. This was an ideal setup. 0315, dove and proceeded to attack

— page 26 —
2-6-42. (Friday)
Futroling as before. At 0100 received instructions to proceed to station of RUSSIAN ISLAND. Increased speed to 17 knots, proceeding to new station. Drove at dawn, surfaced at dusk; sea slight chop, visibility fair, with sky mostly overcast.

2-7-42. (Saturday)
Proceeding as before. 0500 reached new station, slew to 5 knots, patrolling on surface. Drove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts. Sky cloudy, frequent rain squalls, visibility otherwise fair. Lying to on surface.

2-8-42. (Sunday)
Lying to as before. At 0510, sighted darkened ship to eastward, headed east at 5 knots. 0515, made out 4 DMS, headed west. 0516 made quick dive. By periscope, counted 6 DMS, disposed, 4 in sound screen (all playing), 2 astern, with a cruiser still further astern. At 0525 went to deep submergence and rigged for depth charge attack. Raised directly under one of sound screens, then another WD and the cruiser passed close overhead. At least one other multiple screen ship, and 4 single screen ships passed very close aboard, with DMS still around. 12 DMS counted. I was evidently directly in the track, and they were zigzagging astern of these ships - some 5000 yards - were several miles away, easily distinguishable by their fast high-pitched screw. Formation evidently (turn count) making about 10 knots, on westerly course. Last of nine sweeps went over about 0715. At 0800 sent to periscope depth only mats of sweeps visible to west. At 0855 surfaced and sent contact report to CAPTAIN. In this case I surmised that my primary mission was to get the information in that an enemy force was there. I believed that the information was not worth the time and effort. Thereby making air attack development possible. Perhaps I should have got my periscope up again and obtained a check on the composition of the force, but I knew that detection would probably end up by being kept down for several hours, delaying reanalysis of the contact report. Continued submerged patrol. At 1200 observed 3 500 ton mine sweeps west but at about 16 knots - no attack, as 4500 range. Airfaced at dusk. Sea slight chop, sky overcast with frequent rain squalls. At 1950 made quick dive to avoid detection by west bound destroyer or mine sweep (unidentified) sighted alone aboard. Airfaced at 2025. Lying to on surface.

— page 27 —
2-9-42. (Monday)

Lying to south of Utah Island, before visibility poor.  U.S. at dawn, 1500 sighted 7 destroyers east bound, speed 3-4 knots.  Range 7000 yards, sighted on 20° port;  destroyers 3-4 knots, 1-2 knots

— page 28 —
1-10 to 15-42. See scoots, slight east wind, visibility fair.
1-16-42. Bright very dark with frequent heavy rain squalls.
1-17-42. Sea smooth, wind slight, visibility poor with intermittent rain squalls.
1-18 to 23-42. Sea smooth, visibility poor.
1-23 to 25-42. Sea dead calm, visibility fair.
1-26 to 29-42. Visibility poor, frequent heavy rain squalls see squalls.
1-30 to 2-42. Visibility good, sea smooth.
2-3 to 6-42. Sky slightly overcast, sea smooth, visibility fair.
2-7 to 10-42. Sky slightly choppy, visibility poor with intermittent rain squalls.
2-11 to 13-42. Sky overcast, frequent rain squalls, sea choppy, visibility poor.

JOURNAL NOTES:
- **JETTY 3/4" FISH WIRE**
- **Battery overwater as an urgent need. I was forced many times to patrol at 12-13 knots at night when on salton. I should blow up high, in order to make water. Not only does this waste fuel, it sometimes cuts down the patrol efficiency, as, on a dark night, a target can often be detected by sound at a greater range than by sight, and at this speed doubt reception is nil.**
- **RADAR**
- **A radar installation would tremendously increase a submarine's efficiency in covering an area, especially at night. It would also be a great aid in detecting target speed and range on night work, and would also help in indicating proximity of enemy aircraft in daytime - which is practically impossible to determine by periscope observation.**
- **I have seen no evidence that the Japanese have radar. However, I have seen plenty of evidence that they keep a close and efficient lookout, and that at night a submarine will be sighted soon after the target if the range continues to close. I am convinced that, in moonlight, the best range continues to close.**
- **A submarine after having determined target course, I method of approach is by periscope after having determined course. I and in dark (if an escorted target) by sound, after estimating course. I believe it is practically impossible to get in on the surface on an escorted target without being detected well before reaching firing range.**

TURN OUTS:
- **Jap destroyers (large) make about 12.5 turns per knot, up to 17 knots.**
- **500 ton nine sweeps make 22-25 turns per knot.**

REPORTED BY:
- **-40-**

— page 29 —
1. I witnessed an evidence of failure of exploders. I am sure they will explode all right if they hit. It is also noted that torpedoes that miss and sink in deep water do not explode.

RECOMMENDED SIGNALS:
If it becomes necessary when submerged to make yourself known to a friendly DD on surface, why not use smoke bomb (s), 20 signals, or a combination of both.

LAF SUMMER (SUBMARINE WAR CHRONICLES) (SUBMARINE WAR CHRONICLES)

Although the Japs use a loud screen of about the same composition as ours, and they "ping" constantly and conscientiously, it appears that all I have been in contact with get little or no results. ... and a formation running along on a dark night "pinging" is a dead giveaway. The only really close depth charges I got were off T-40, when the DD was within 200 yards of my periscope. ... after his first barrage, which was naturally very close, his sound search was obviously ineffective.

At least some of the 500 ton mine sweeps are equipped with sound gear and are used as anti-submarine screens. They undoubtedly must have depth charges, although, on the mornings of January 26, I saw one at 800 yards through the periscope, and sound not, with a rather hurried look, detect rooks or I-guns. They say have been there.

DIRECTION TRAINING

On the night of "January 3, when west of UZOR, headed south, a message was sent to CSAT. ... surely by chance, the radio operator, immediately after finishing his transmission, heard the call repeated on 4590 KCG, followed by an unintelligible short message. This was within 60 seconds after the transmission was completed, and bore every evidence of being a D.F. out in.

QUARTERS - SET 4 RIFTS

1. Area of Hong Kong - that current was encountered seemed to set with the wind.

OFF TARAKH

— page 31 —
17 January 1942 attacked Jap tanker (type #68 Orange Fleet Sill-houette). Started approach subcharged at 1850, surfaced at 1850 continued approach on surface. Closed range and fired 1 torpedoes with bow tubes when tanker started signaling to me. Tanker speeded up and turned left; no hits, missed to right.

2. 22 January at 2220 heard scores and pings on both beams and dead battery. Submerged and attacked heavily screened, multiple screened, tarbine or electrically driven and evidently quite large. At 2300 fired torpedoes range 1400 yds. track 100, speed 9 knots, keel depth at firing 15 ft. Heard two loud explosions at 1440sec and 1440sec at 14 minutes after first torpedo explosion heard loud explosion followed by 3 or 4 quick light explosions from direction of struck ship.

3. 16 January at 0635 attacked transport (32 Orange Fleet silhouettes) and surfaced by 4 500 ton mine sweeps. Bangs at firing at 0638 was 1000 yds. speed 8 knots course 2600 track 90°port. Heard one explosion 15sec after firing. Transports scores stopped.

4. 31 January 1942. 0315 Dove and started attack on tanker (Koryu Maru Type #12 Orange Fleet silhouettes). At 0345 fired 3 torpedoes estimated course 0200, speed 8 knots, 1000 port track, range 1000 yds. torpedoes at 1440sec and 1440sec at

— page 32 —
9/6
U.S.S. STURGEON
May 16, 1942.

From: [Name]
To: [Name]
Subject: [Subject]

Narrative:
1. Naval Intelligence.
2. Weather.
3. Tidal Information.
4. Navigation Aids.
5. Description of Ships Sighted.
6. Aircraft Sighted.
7. Record of Torpedo Yiring.
8. Anti Submarine Measures.
9. Miscellaneous Notes.
10. Track Charts.

In accordance with existing instructions as of
March 15, 1942, the report for the subject war patrol is submitted
herewith as enclosures A through J.

W.H. Miller

FILMED
4/1591

— page 33 —
U.S.S. STURGEON
May 16, 1942.

From:  Commanding Officer.
To:  Commander Submarines, U.S. Asiatic Fleet.

Subject:  War Patrol of U.S.S. STURGEON from March 15, 1942 to May 7, 1942.

Enclosure:  (A) Narrative.
(B) Weather.
(C) Tidal Information.
(D) Navigation Information.
(E) Description of ships sighted.
(F) Aircraft Sighted.
(G) Record of Torpedo Tiring.
(H) Anti Submarine Measures.
(I) Miscellaneous Notes.
(J) Track Charts.

1. In accordance with existing instructions as of March 15, 1942, the report for the subjet war patrol is submitted herewith as enclosures A through J.

W.L. Wilson

FILMED

Conclude source page 5, 5-12

— page 34 —
9-014/35
2-014/41

U. S. S. STURGEON
May 16, 1942.

Subject: War Patrol of U.S.S. Sturgeon from March 15, 1942 to May 7, 1942.

Sunday, 15 March, 1942.

Received patrol orders from C3AF at 1330. 1904 underway from Prescotle, WA, enroute to assigned station. Proceeding on three engines at fifteen knots, wind force four; sea, heavy swells from south. No remarks.

Monday, 16 March.

Proceeding northward to station as before, through bobbing restriction area. Heavy sea and swells from south, wind south by west, force 4-5. Made one hour drive for trial and training at day-light, then continued running on surface, speed 15 knots. 1118 sighted submarine bearing 3197, course southeast, identified by sight as U.S. (PICKARD). 1325 sighted plane bearing northeasterly, made quick dive. Held drills. Surfaced at 1415. 1939, radar contact, rapidly closing range; made quick dive. 1830 surfaced. Coast-timed on surface.

Tuesday, 17 March.

Proceeding to station as before on surface, speed 15, and south force 4, heavy swells from south. Sky partly overcast. 0605 made quick dive, running submerged. 1905 surfaced, sea moderate. 0605 made quick dive, running submerged. 1905 surfaced

— page 35 —
20 March.
Underway as before. Wind and sea increasing, and drawing from south to east. Slowed to 12 knots. Dove at sunrise. Surfaces at 1730. Wind full sail from 070T, barometer 29:37. Immense seas. Made steerageway, charging batteries, some water down conning tower hatch. No contacts.

Saturday, 21 March.
As before, riding out cyclonic storm. Wind and sea shifting counterclockwise to 030T. Making bare steerageway. Dove at daylight. Rolled 15° at 120 feet. Surfaced at 1715. Wind still galley intensity, with huge seas. Made turns for 6 knots, estimated making 2 knots good. Continues downpour of rain. Visibility nil. Wind 015°F.

Sunday, 22 March.
Underway as before. Barometer rising slowly; making 6 knots. Dove at daylight. Surfaced at 1730. Wind north, forsee 6, continuous rain. Proceeding at 6 knots.

Monday, 23 March.
Underway as before at 6 knots, proceeding to station. Sea and wind galley proportions. Submerged at sunrise, surfaced at 1730. Wind constant from North North West, forsee 6-7, seas still mountainous. Constant rain. Proceeding at 5 knots; no contacts.

Tuesday, 24 March.
As before. Wind from North West, slowly decreasing to forsee 5, sea showing some abatement. At daylight, obtained first fix for 4 days, position 50 miles E by 3 from DR. Ran submerged during day; surfaced at 1800, but clouds and rain prevented obtaining 5 from North West. Seeding toward Lobak on DR at 6 knots. Wind forsee 5 from North West. No contacts.

Wednesday, 25 March.
Proceeding as before. Made landfall on Lobak prior to dawn.

— page 38 —
1. March, [CONT.]:
Sea smooth, negligible wind, visibility good, with almost full moon.
Sea a couple of small sails, but managed to avoid them at a distance
which probably prevented them sighting us. Dove at dawn, proceeding
northward through deep water passage of Cape Williams. Surfaced at
dusk; no contacts. Proceeding on surface to NW at 12.5 knots,
ing the shallow water W. of Cape Williams, as this appears most likely.
route to S. from Ballikpeppen. Sky clear; water slightly rippled,
ability excellent, with bright moon. At 2200 sighted what appeared
to be a 5/8 inch bearing 300°T. Slowed and headed for him. At 2205, as
he still appeared to be a 3/8, and was getting much closer, made ready.
quaked, and proceeded with approach, making forward tubes ten days.
At 2200, however, craft was found to be a sailboat. Seized in order to avoid
and battle stations. Remained submerged until 2240, in order to contact.
being seen, then surfaced and continued N.S. No further contacts.

Wednesday, 1 April:
Proceeding on surface as before to Ballikpeppen area. Sea smooth,
sky mostly clear, with excellent visibility. Submerged at dawn and
patrolled to N., and then to ME, along the old line on which I had so
much good hunting in January. Nothing seen. Surfaced at dusk, and
continued to ME, to patrol in channel off North Matchee. No contacts.

Thursday, 2 April:
Underway on surface as before. Visibility good, with full moon.
Dove at dawn off North Matchee (not burning). Surfaced at dusk. No
contacts. Patrolling at slow speed on surface.

Friday, 3 April:
Underway on surface, proceeding from station off North Matchee
to a point about 12 miles off Mangakahiat Light. I hope to find out
where the Little Yellow Men come through here; for they must come
through here some time or other. Submerged at dawn, and patrolled
back and forth off the light, but nothing showed up except a few.

— page 39 —
3 April, [Cont.]:

fishermen in next to the Horno shore. Surfaced at dusk, and headed at slow speed to eastward, across the channel. At 2250 sighted dark-ened ship bearing 180°T, a good distance away (estimated 12,000 yds.). Headed toward hin, and estimated hin a merchantman on course between 000°T and 010°T. At 2256 made running dive, and proceeded to attack submerged. At 2300, discovered he had a destroyer escort. It seemed that his port bow, and the DD was on his starboard bow, but it seemed that in the circumstances I might have a chance at both if I got the 'gun' first. Maneuvered for straight bow shot, and at 2328, at range of 2500 yds., fired three fish at DD. Two minutes later explosion heard and observed. Torpedo hit him right at the bridge, and he immediately began to settle by the bow. His screws continued to turn slowly, but he never changed course before he sank. Turned to starboard to devote my attention to the merchantman who, unaccountably, had slowed to little more than steerage way and continued on the same course. Swaying out to bring stern tubes to bear, and at 2337 fired three [3] fish at it with gyro angles about 70°. This was a mistake. I was in too big a hurry, thinking the ship would change course any minute and get away. They all missed. But the ship still didn't make a move, so swam on around and brought forward tubes again to bear, where there was still one torpedo left. At 2342 let hin have this one. It hit him just abreast the foremast [which came down], and ship took list, and began to settle forward. However, he continued to turn over, making 5-6 knots, and made for the Ocelobes shore on outwards 080°T. Proceeded with reload, and continued trailing submerged. Decoded now, looks at DD showed hin still headed N., but apparently stopped now, and very low in the water. At 2354, heard a dull but heavy explosion, apparently from direction of DD. When I swung periscope over there, there was only a little smoke, but the DD was some 3500 yards, and he was still making some 5 knots. He may have made the beam, but I doubt it. He was listed to port some 15-20°, was down by the head, and I feel sure he sank in a matter of another hour or so at the most. I decided to make off to the south, and get in my bat. -y charge before dawn, so swung to course 180°T. The DD was of the M'w

— page 40 —
8/1/42
U.S.S. STURGEON
May 16, 1942
Serial 05
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of U.S.S. STURGEON from March 15, 1942 to May 7, 1942.

Saturday, 4 April.
Submerged as before, proceeding S., from N., entrance Maskear strait. Surfaced at 0150, and proceeded on surface, anchoring better. Sky overcast, with frequent rain squalls. Dove at dawn. Patrol led back and forth (5 mile legs) across estimated track from N. to N. to take on tanker duty. Surfaced at dusk, patrolling on surface. No contact.

Sunday, 5 April.
On surface as before. I was directed to patrol for Jap tanker at stern position, or along his line of advance, beginning at dawn. In which today. I decided to patrol alone 45-50 miles, 1900 feet from position. Patrol for two reasons: (1). The proximity of the given position to the position of the attack two nights ago will probably make his patrol of the position of the attack two nights ago will probably

— page 41 —
6 April, (cont.)
Months, 6 April, (cont.)
to me. Went to deep submergence, changing course, rigged for depth charge attack. Destroyer proceeded to search and attack, dropping at (6) depth charges, with no damage (bott 290 feet). We came in (1) turned search, stopping and starting, with occasional pinging, until about 1600.

This was one of the greatest disappointments I have ever had, and unfortunately, I have only myself to blame for the fact that this tanker is still afloat. It was an absurdly simple approach to make, and it was a dead set-up. It would have been so simple and easy to run out instead of in, and fire the stern tubes. I had three (3) torpedoes back there yet, and had done that very thing with the AK on 30 March. It was like shooting fish in a tub, and I botched it perfectly.

The tanker was of the engines and armaments type, with high stern and bow, with guns forward and aft (looked like a boat 4-5 inch). The forward gun, at least, was manned. I think it was a Navy tanker, but have no illoouette to identify it.

Surfaced at dusk and proceeded northward.

Tuesday, 7 April:
On surface, proceeding northeastward. Submerged at dawn between ungaraliat and N. Weather lights, continuing to N.E. Surfaced at dusk. No contacts.

Wednesday, 8 April:
Proceeding northeastward on surface, pulling off suspected ship routes in order to take torpedoes from deck tubes below. The decision to do this was based on the following facts: (a) Only one salvo of torpedoes was left in each room, and (b) if necessity to make trans- or torpedoes was left in each room, and (b) if necessity to make a torpedoes was left in

— page 44 —
19 April:
Patrolling on surface in Makassar Strait along estimated track to Makassar City. Nights now pretty rotten, with little or no moon, overcast and dark, with frequent rain squalls. Dove at dawn, surf-faced at dusk. No contacts.

Monday, 20 April:
Patrolling in Makassar Strait on southerly course, off Cape William. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts, except several small sailing craft. These can be somewhat of a nuisance as it is certainly not advisable to dislodge your presence to them, and their presence can interfere with periscope observations and surface running.

Tuesday, 21 April:
Patrolling on surface on southerly course between Cape William and Mandar, Celebes. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. Nothing sighted.

Wednesday, 22 April:
Patrolling on surface off Cape Mandar, Making high speed on 43 and 44 mains, in order to make battery water. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts. Water here covered with large quantities of debris, floating trees, etc.

Thursday, 23 April:
Patrolling off Cape Mandar as before. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. On surfacing, three objects were noted on the horizon, bearing south. 0.0.0. believed them to be ships, but I could not identify them as such, so headed for them at 1840. At 1843, they were drifting at 15 depth charges. Some were reasonably close. Boat at 2250, and continued searching and attacking until 2040, dropping at 15 depth charges. Some were reasonably close. Boat at 2050, and continued searching and attacking until 2050. Surfaced at 2250, and continued searching and attacking until 2050. Surfaced at 2250, and continued searching and attacking until 225

— page 46 —
1. U.S.S. STURGEON
May 16, 1942.
Serial 03
CONFIDENTIAL
Patrol of U.S.S. STURGEON from March 15, 1942 to May 7, 1942.

Wednesday, 29 April:
Underway for Tjilatjap as before. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk and proceeded on surface. At 2130 sighted land on port bow; at 2150 identified Chisling light. Proceeded to position three miles S.E. of light, and put boat in water. Engine trouble developed, and boat holstered back in to work on engine. Proceeded six miles to seaward.

Thursday, 30 April:
Off Tjilatjap, Java. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. Proceeded with work on boat engine. It is apparent that the only way to definitely establish the presence or absence of the party reported in the core is to examine it from a much closer range than practicable from ship. Went in to a point two miles south of light. At 2350, boat, with lieutenant MDITZ, KARLAT, OLE, GATTER, MALE, armed, and with appropriate signalling apparatus and gear, left ship to make close examination of core, and search for party.

Friday, 1 May:
Lying to, one to one and half miles south of Chisling Light, ammitting return of boat in charge Lieutenant MDITZ reported that the boat entered the core, recognition signal "p" was made some forty (40) times, the boat went to within fifty (50) yards of the beach, where he reported the core, and the beach was examined by spotlight beam, revealing only an apparently deserted lean-to, made from an old packing crate or some other suitable material. He reported that he is certain that there is no one there, as his procedure would have attracted the attention of anyone within a considerable distance, even if asleep. Hoisted boat aboard, reported to CGAT, and proceeded to southward. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts.

Saturday, 2 May:
On surface, proceeding to Fremantle, W.A. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts.

15

— page 47 —
3 May.

Underway on surface, enroute Fremantle, W.A., speed 15 knots.
At 0718 sighted plane overhead in vertical dive (est. alt. 10,000 ft);
made quick dive to 150 feet. From description by two lookouts, plane
appeared to be type 97-TS or 97-TLB, painted silver. He was pulling
out of his dive before the coming tower hatch was closed, for person-
nel in conning tower reported that his motor could be heard by others
plainly and distinctly. It appears that he had no bombs, for there
is no reason why he didn't release. Personally, I am suspicious of
the lookout's description of the plane; I suspect the possibility
that it was a small scout seaplane from a raider (possibly German),
but this is merely surmise. 0907 surfaced, and proceeded on surface.
No further contacts.

Monday, 4 May.

Underway on surface, enroute Fremantle, W.A. No contacts.

Tuesday, 5 May.

Underway on surface, enroute Fremantle, W.A., speed 15 knots.
1014 sighted PBT bearing 180°, distance 12-14,000 yards, on a
watery course. 1300 sighted PBT bearing 300°; plane approached
ship, and exchanged signals by blinking light. No other contacts.

Wednesday, 6 May.

Underway on surface enroute Fremantle, W.A.

Entered Fremantle 7 May

Miles Steamed (surface) - 5460
Mts. Suspended - 613.9
Fuel Consumed - 76,000 gals.
Lt. (Lt.) - 1600

- 14 -

— page 51 —
16 March, 1942:
At 1118 sighted submarine on southerly course, distance five (5) miles. Apparently the U.S.S. PICKEREL.

25 March, 1942:
At 1950 sighted submarine on port quarter, distance about 4,000 yards, on northerly course. Helped to either U.S.S. SARGO OR STARBOAK.

30 March, 1942:
At 0835 sighted tops of Merchantman of about 6,000 tons (ref. Narrative, pg.4). At 0921 sighted larger Merchantman standing out from Mckassar City (ref. Narrative, pg.4-5).

3 April, 1942:
At 2230 sighted ship to south on northerly course. (See Narrative).

6 April, 1942:
At 1205 sighted tanker and destroyer to northward on southerly course (ref. Narrative, pg8.)

15 April, 1942:
At 0800 sighted small patrol vessel (ref. Narrative, pg11).

23 April, 1942:
At 1840, on surfacing, sighted three merchantmen and two destroyers to southward on northerly course (ref. Narrative, pg13).

ENCLOSURE (1)

— page 52 —
16 March, 1942:
At 1325 sighted patrol plane on starboard bow, about 12,000 yards distance, headed on southerly course. At 1739 had Radar contact, range two (2) miles. No plane seen; may have been false contact.

3 May, 1942:
Sighted plane in vertical dive at about 10,000 feet, and painted silver. This plane was not identified and no description can be given. It appeared to be a light plane of the sounding or pursuit type.

5 May, 1942:
Sighted PBY at about 1030 at low altitudoon course 300ft. At about 1300 sighted PBY at low altitudoon on course about 1350ft. This plane airled STRUGGEN and communicated by flashing light (ref. Narrative, pg. 16).

EXPLOSURE (?)

— page 54 —
1. A new ship: Hit actually: Hit actually: At least two
   : riding light: observed. : observed. : torpedoes
   : Observed to: The DD re- : The target : probably hit
   : sink in 6 :

— page 57 —
1. I doubt if they are worth it. I believe the transfer of torpedoes from these tubes in enemy waters may be one of the most dangerous revolutions that can possibly be attempted. Especially is this true when a boat is carried (as STURGEON has), as it entails handling the boat into the water and back aboard again. The process of striking 4 torpedoes below took 2 hours, and there were no hitches.

Another potential objection to these 4 fish is the mere matter of weight. With present ballasting, STURGEON, with 40t. fuel on board and 24 torpedoes, would have to carry safety tank dry in order to have any appreciable amount of fresh and variable water. It is recommended that, until reballasted, 20 or at most 22 torpedoes be carried.

Another thing that must be guarded against in deck tubes is air in the torpedo air flasks. Two of ours had air in the flasks, both of them leaked, with the result that a nice string of bubbles was left. The air flasks of all torpedoes destined for deck tubes must be drained down prior to sealing tubes.

RADAR:
The radar installed in this ship accomplished two results: (1) It cluttered up the control room and dinette, and (2) increased our silhouette.

To be of much use to a submarine on station, a radar must indicate the presence of surface craft. True, indication of aircraft alone would be of great use in proceeding on surface in daylight, but apparently ours does neither. It is suggested that, before leaving port, sufficient tests should be made to find out just what the installation will do. Unless this is done, it is pretty much an unknown quantity, and its possession, even if it works, is a doubtful asset.

LOOKOUTS:
The value and importance of efficient lookouts cannot be overemphasized. However, there will probably be some difference in opinion as to the optimum number to use. Whatever this number may be, it will be a compromise: the greater the number, the better the coverage, but at the same time it will take longer to clear the bridge for a crash dive. STURGEON uses 4 lookouts - 2 forward and 2 aft. Normally, at speeds of 8 knots or more, each forward lookout's sector is from ahead to 2 points forward of the beam, and the after lookout from there aft.

EMBOLOQUES (I)

— page 58 —
1. U.S.S. STURGEON
2. U.S.S. STURGEON NOTES (CONT)
3. LOOKOUTS (CONT):
   - At all speed speeds, each has a 90° sector. This division is sometimes altered if there is a sector of relatively bad visibility. Then the sector of the affected lookout is decreased at the expense of the other on that side.
   - STURGEON has three lookout sections, with 5 men (steersman) in each and 2 hour watches are stood. Thus each man stands 4 hours in two 2 hour stretches per night - and has ten hours off watch while submerged.
   - A list of the lookouts is conspicuously posted in the control room, and each man is awarded a star by his name whenever he sights a darkened ship, and a wing for a plane by day. Competition is keen, and these awards are highly prized. I believe we have an efficient, complete, consistent, and effective system of lookouts. At the present date (15 April) a total of 30 darkened ships have been sighted by lookouts since 5 December.

FRESH MATER:
   - The distillation of battery and potable water on patrol is still an acute problem. The electric evaporators appear to be the obvious answer.

Another suggestion is to rig two of the deck torpedo tubes for battery water. This should be easy to accomplish, and would add 700 gallons, increasing capacity 70%.

MOONLIGHT PERISCOPE APPROACHES:
   - I don't know whether or not everyone fully appreciates the possibilities and advantages of periscope approaches in moonlight. I believe that, in most cases, it is the ideal condition, if a few principles are followed:
      (1) Get a good estimate of the target course before submerging. This can usually be done within pretty narrow limits, and it is not likely that target will be zig-zagging.
      (2) Use periscope freely, and feed bearings to TDC constantly. This is important because ranges (mostly estimates at best) are likely to be out.
      (3) Close to a good firing range; you can generally choose your positions far better than in a daylight approach.

ENCLOSURE (1) - 2 -

— page 59 —
U.S.S. STURGEON
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES (CONT)
MOONLIGHT PERISCOPE APPROACHES (CONT):
(4) Fire straight shots. Then a range error makes no difference.

A great many of my pre-war ideas as to night visibility have been knocked into a cooked hat by experience. For instance, the idea that the sector toward the moon is always the sector of best visibility. This is very often not at all so. Generally speaking, the sector of best visibility is that sector where there is the greatest contrast between color of sky and water, that is, where the horizon is most definitely defined. More often than not, the sectors bordering the path of the moon are the sectors of poorest visibility.

Also, I am convinced that, except on a very dark night, a surface attack on almost any target will be detected before a decent firing range can be reached. On an escorted target, it will almost certainly be detected.

MATERIAL CONDITION OF SUBMARINES:
A continued operating schedule such as has been followed for the past five months is bound, eventually, to lead to frequent and probably serious failures of material. The conditions of wartime operation are certainly as rigorous as in peacetime, and the consequences of casualties are potentially many times as dangerous. Boats are going to have to have a greater percentage of the devoted to material up-to-date. On 1 May, STURGEON had been at sea and underway a total of 163 out of the preceding 200 days, the longest period in port being 12 days, and it is now well over 18 months since completion of last Navy Yard overhaul. I realize, of course, the desirability of operating against the enemy as many submarines as possible actually operating against the enemy, and I realize that the upkeep phase has been given considerable thought, but it is a fact that no one can feel as keenly interested and concerned about this phase as are the people who, like me, are actually riding and operating these boats. The things are hazardous enough as it is, and it looks like a long haul ahead.

Another thing which should be done is to let a submarine know, as soon as it gets in port what date it has to be ready for sea again - and stick to it. It must be remembered that, even in the most favorable of such abodes, not by the tender, but by the ship's force. Last time in port the engineers on this ship were handicapped by being told that two weeks, and then cutting it down to 12 days when half the time was gone, and they had two and engines to overhaul.

ENDLOSSURE (I)

— page 60 —
1. U.S.S. STURGEON
PROVISIONAL NOTES (CONT.)

PROVISIONAL:
The supply of provisions obtained in Fremantle was the best we have had since San Diego. The fresh provisions, especially, were of an excellent and superior quality - and for the crew of a submarine on patrol, the importance of this is hard to over-estimate. We had tomatoes for 2 weeks, onions 4 weeks, cabbage 4 weeks, lettuce 3 weeks, potatoes over 5 weeks.

ENCLOSURE (I)

— page 61 —
3517/16-3
DECLASSIFIED

From: Operating Officer, U.S. Submarine Force
To: Commander Submarines, Submarine Force
Subject: Lt. D.L. Dury, U.S.S. SUBMARINE, 5 June - 22 July, 1942.

Inclosure: (A) Subject War Diary.

1. The Commanding Officer's War Diary, covering the first 24 hours of U.S. submarine patrol from 5 June, 1942, to 22 July, 1942, is forwarded herewith.

W. L. Dury.

453

Firmed
136635

443

— page 62 —
6
: 5
: 4
: 3
: 2
: 1

(A) K-REATIVE:
5 June 1942:

In accordance with orders, get underway from Frenchantle, W.A., at 2230 and proceeded to sea on war patrol, via beach restriction lane to northwest. Reuled signals made with shore stations without difficulty. On entering beach restriction lane, increased speed to 15 knots.

6 June 1942:

Underway as before on surface, proceeding to war patrol station. At 0355 sighted darkness destroyer, and, having been advised of its presence, maneuvered to weld devising contact further. 0508 made trial dive. 0559 surfaced and continued on surface. In afternoon sea increased and at 1645 slowed to 10 knots. At 1748 took a big one over bridge; much water in control room and flash-over in pump room, lost all power for several minutes. At 1851 went ahead on one engine at 5 knots.

7 June 1942:

Underway on surface as before, speed 5 knots. 0618, saw having abated, increased speed to 10 knots. At 0800 increased to 12 knots. At 1100 increased to 15 knots. 1501, located reported periscope on part bow, 1500 yards, changed course to right, ahead emergency, and sounded collision alarm. This was probably a false alarm.

8 June 1942:

Underway on surface as before, proceeding to station. Speed 15 knots. 0903 made quick dive for trim and tricling. 0943 surfaced, proceeding at 15 knots.

9 June 1942:

Underway proceeding to station, running on surface. Speed 15 knots. 1020, sighted submarine on port bow on southerly course. 1040 exchanged calls with U.S.S. PERMIT. 1326 made quick dive for tricling. 1408 surfaced and resumed 15 knot speed.

10 June 1942:

Preceding to station as before. Tore at sunrise, surfaced at sunset. No contacts.

11 June 1942:

Underway on surface, proceeding to station, speed 15 knots. Drove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts.

— page 63 —
5/1/1942-1
: 11/1/1942-1
: 12/1/1942-1
: 13/1/1942-1
: 14/1/1942-1
: 15/1/1942-1
: 16/1/1942-1
: 17/1/1942-1
: 18/1/1942-1

Proceeding to station as before. Do it dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts except fishier boats. Continued on surface in southern part of Massachusetts Strait.

Proceeding to station as before. At 0136 sighted sailing vessel close on port bow, answered to 'void. Dove at dawn, and made lantern on Cape Ann. Surf.ced. at dusk. Sailing vessels in this vicinity are a great nuisance. At on time 23 were in sight (periscope), and at night it is virtually impossible to avoid being seen by it. I don't know. Just how dangerous this may be, I don't know.

Continued to northward through MAKSA SHI SHI, at slow speed. Visibility very poor at night. No star sights, due to overcast. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts.

Proceeding northward through MAKSA SHI SHI as before. Submerged at dusk, surfaced at dusk. No contacts.

Proceeding northward through Colbeck Sea to patrol station. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. No contacts.

Proceeding northward through Colbeck Sea as before. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. As no fix obtainable for 72 hours, at midnight stepped and lay to, as by D.Z. should be nearing SHOUTU. No contacts.

— page 65 —
9/12/42
Ser1-1 06
S-T-C-R-E-T
24 June 1942 (Cont.)
4. If it was in a mortar convoy, see drylight would enable
   to pick the first st target.

His speed was estimated to be 8 knots, range 17,000-18,000
yards, course 350-355, Preceded on course estimated to intercept
capt t daylight 3 miles ahead. A sketch of this track is in-
cluded as enclose (..).

25 June 1942:

Proceeding as before it was very dark, with a glassy sea. It
0230, moon had set, and the interposition before sunrise, as the
was most desirable to make interception before sunrise, as the
state of the sea was very light periscope exposures in the vicinity
of the very hard-rain. 0631, dove, and it 0455 sighted ships
becoming southwest. The convoy consisted of nine merchantmen and
two DD's; two small armed trawlers, three armed merchantmen
men, a DD, then four merchantmen. The merchantmen immediately a
stern of the leading destroyer was by for the largest ship in the
formation; she was a 1st class ship, and the target, although it was
evident that a shot at this would be to be made at considerable
range. Proceeded to attack and rigged for depth charges. One
outer door of forward tubes could not be opened, so determined to
fire only three torpedoes. 0529, fired three torpedoes at a signal
immediately after third shot, but no damage was incurred. The
increase speed, and the target at firing was about 2800-3000
yards, but was, in reality, some 3600 yards. The target was the
TOYOTAN MARU, a very similar type (7,000 tons). Again, the
advantage of firing a strait shot was demonstrated. The speed
and course of the target was, of course known within very narrow
limits, but the range error would have caused a miss with a curved
shot.

The two DD's searched for about 2 hour. Then one of them
left, and the other searched in our vicinity until about 0900.

Continued to west-wind submerged, and surfaced at dusk.

- 4 -

9 453

— page 68 —
9 July 1942: (Cont.)
dum, surfaced t dusk. No contacts.

5 July 1942:

Patrolling off northwest coast of Luzon. Over t d.w.m. 0930 when about 20 miles off entrance to Ling-yi, sighted to southwest. Came to course 290° and proceeded to close. At 1120 ships came in slack, but we were apparently very far off, track. Convey consisted of air search, 2,000-4,000 tons, and two escorting MTs, a b.s. course apparently south north, zig-zagging t 2 knots. Surface of sc d.d.d. continued 90° normal course, but when position for a str-light shot, 900° track t stern ship, the estimated range was 5,000 yds. This ship was a small t nker of "proximately. 4,000 tons, and it was noted that he was camouflaged with grey and blck irregularly blocked paint. I believe this camouflaged irregularly painted. I believe

— page 70 —
3-5-0-R-5-7
18 July 1942:
Proceeding to French on surface. At 1800 sailed to 10knts, due to heavy sea. 2000, made report by radio to CSSWF. Nothing sighted.

19 July 1942:
Proceeding to French on surface. At 0400 increased speed to 12knts. No contacts.

20 July 1942:
Proceeding to French on surface. Put in equalling charge, and discharged by thirty sts-hour rate. Capability cited 107k. No contacts.

21 July 1942:
Arrived French. At 1600 sighted RY to westward on southern course. At 1950 sighted large tanker on course. Passed AUMAN at 2245.

22 July 1942:
Arrived French. Jotted to 5V at 1 0400, and stood in to French harbor.

(B) WATER

On June 5th and 6th the wind was about force five from the northwest and the sea was very rough. On June 7th the wind began shifting to northeast and dropped in force to force three. This condition a.ntilined until Lambok was reached.

The weather north of Lambok and in Miskisar Strait and the Isles Sea was very poor. There was practically no wind except with local disturbance and the sky remained overcast partially all the time. There were local showers throughout the day and nights. At night, when it was clear, the sea was absolutely smooth and no horizon could be found.

North sea shiuta in the Sulu Sea, the sky was overcast and it was raining frequently. There was very little wind except with local showers.

In general, the weather off Luzon was as expected after reading the coast pilot. The rainy season was in full swing and it remained overcast most of the time. At night, sudden heavy rain

— page 76 —
11 01688
From:  The Commanding Officer.
To:  The Commander Submarine Squadron FIVE.

Subject:  U.S.S. STURGEON - Report of War Patrol No. FIVE.

Reference:  (a)  [Comsubron Five Conf. 1tr. FC5-5/A16-3 serial 053 of May 29, 1942.]
    (b)  [Comsubron Five Conf. 1tr. FC5-5/A16-3/11 serial 083 of August 1, 1942.]

1. Submitted herewith is the war patrol report for this vessel covering the period from September 4, 1942 to October 25, 1942, during which period this vessel completed its fifth war patrol.

H. A. PIBEZENTKOWSKI

— page 77 —
1. Underwater report of the STURGEON between the fourth and fifth war patrols was as follows: Completed the fourth war patrol at Fremantle, W.A., on 22 July, 1942. Remained there carrying out routine upkeep until 26 July at which time got underway for Albany, W.A. Arrived Albany 28 July and began tender overhaul alongside U.S.S. PELIAS. Lt-Comdr. E.C. Stephan reported aboard with complete relief crew to carry out all overhaul work. The regular officers and crew of STURGEON left the ship for two weeks rest period. On 12 August regular crew took over the boat from the relief crew. On 13 August I relieved Lt.-Comdr., W.L. Wright as Commanding Officer. In accordance with Commander Task Group 51.1 Operation Order No. 4-7-42 left Albany on 18 August, 1942 for Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and arrived there the morning of 29 August, 1942. At 1300 zed 20 August, 1942 passed under command of Task Force Forty Two. From 29 August to 4 September, 1942 made all preparations for fifth war patrol.

Fifth War Patrol Report.

4 September 1942 (1st day)

1100 Underway from New Farm Wharf, Brisbane, Australia for fifth war patrol in accordance with C.T.G. 42.1 Op. Order #534-42. Made trim dive and obtained deviation curve for magnetic compass at point MAX. Cleared Caloundra Head after sunset, stood out to sea on surface for assigned patrol area.

5 September 1942 (2nd day)

0800 Proceeding on suu face to patrol area.
0927 Commenced zigzagging, speed 14.5 knots.
1110 Passed SCULPIN returning to base.
1430 Made training dive.
1448 Surfaced, speed 14.5 knots.
Positions: 0800: L 25-185S Lo. 155-20E.
1200: L 24-30S Lo. 155-42S.
2000: L.22-54S Lo. 156-23E.

— page 78 —
6 September 1942 (3rd day)
Underway on surface to patrol area. Zigzagging during daylight. Received Subs 42 serial #18 directing us to proceed to Faisi area.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 20-25S Long. 156-46E
          1200: Lat. 19-37S Long. 156-46E
          2000: Lat. 17-57S Long. 156-46E

7 September 1942 4th day)
Underway on surface to patrol station. Zigzagging during daylight.
1023 Made training dive.
1104 Surfaced, continued on to patrol area.
Positions: 1at. 15-10S Long. 156-38E - 0800
           Lat. 14-30S Long. 156-39E - 1200
           Lat. 12-40S Long. 156-39E - 2000

8 September 1942 5th day)
Underway on surface to patrol area.
0509 Submerged for daylight period.
1800 Surfaced, continued on to patrol area.
Positions: Lat. 10-17S Long. 156-34E - 0800
           Lat. 10-05S Long. 156-34E - 1200
           Lat. 09-24S Long. 156-25E - 2000

9 September 1942 (6th day)
Underway on surface to patrol station.
0442 Arrived on station and dove. Patrolling south of Faisi.
1712 Sighted plane returning to Faisi.
1820 Surfaced. Headed for position to patrol a line between Mono Island and Shortland. No shipping sighted.
Positions: Lat. 07-35S Long. 155-50E - 0800
           Lat. 07-19S Long. 155-54E - 1200
           Lat. 07-31S Long. 155-49E - 2000

10 September 1942 (7th day)
Underway on surface.
0423 Dove northwest of Mono Island patrolling on course north.
1808 Surfaced. Headed to the westward.
2220 Sound heard pings bearing 3550T. Saw large ship headed east for Faisi.

— page 79 —
10 September 1942 (7th day)(Cont.)

2230 Came right to 0150. Still heard pinging but could not see DD escort.
2252 Submerged to make sound approach as horizon astern too bright to make undetected surface approach. Could not pick up screws on sound.
2357 Gave up attack and changed course to south to clear coral reefs south of Bougainville.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 07-24S Long. 155-21E
    1200: Lat. 07-15S Long. 155-21E
    2000: Lat. 07-08S Long. 155-05E

11 September 1942 (8th day)

0012 Submerged as before course south.
0012 Decided to surface, when sound picked up loud pings on starboard beam. Went to 150 feet running quiet. Picked up destroyer scows (80 turns) headed east for Faisi.
0259 Surfaced and continued patrol.
0450 Sighted destroyer bearing 0050T., headed northwest at high speed. Made quick dive. Evidently shipping is arriving and leaving Faisi during the night and since there is no moon and the weather makes night attacks difficult, decided to move up to the west of Gazello Harbor, Bougainville, to intercept shipping between Rabaul, Buka, and Faisi during daylight.
1804 Surfaced and headed for above position.
2032 Sighted ship dead ahead in lightening flash, crossing to port, headed northwest. He soon faded out of sight on port bow. Sound could not pick him up.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 07-04S Long. 154-39E
    1200: Lat. 06-57S Long. 154-33E
    2000: Lat. 06-34S Long. 154-26E

12 September 1942 (9th day)

Underway as before on surface headed for position west of Gazello Harbor.
0454 Submerged, patroling east and west across traffic lanes from Rabaul and Buka to Faisi.
1812 Surfaced. Continued patrol running north and south during the night. No contacts today.
Positions: 0300: Lat. 06-43S Long. 154-34E
    1200: Lat. 06-43S Long. 154-45E
    2000: Lat. 06-51S Long. 154-32.5E

13 September 1942 (10th day)

Underway as before on surface patrolling west of Husker Point.

— page 80 —
13 September 1942 (10th day) (Con't)

0451 Submerged to patrol east - west line during day.
0920 Sighted masts of ship bearing 1900T, headed to the eastward towards Faisi at high speed, could not close him.
1100 Sound heard pinging on port quarter. Jap escorts evidently run along pinging which enables sound to pick them up before we can see them.
1105 Sighted smoke bearing 3250T, went to battle stations submerged and commenced approach. Target was a 3500 ton AK escorted by a sub-ohser ahead. When range was 9000 yards target changed course sharply to the left giving us an angle on the bow of more than 90 degrees. We're unable to close further so gave up the attack and continued patrolling east and west.
1809 Surfaced, running north and south during the night.
2050 Secured air charge, visibility very bad astern from beam to beam.
2125 Sound picked up high speed sorews bearing 3000T close aboard. Could not see him in bad visibility so dove. Apparently it was a destroyer headed for Faisi at high speed.
2242 Surfaced and continued patrol.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 06-53S Long. 154-33E
1200: Lat. 06-58S Long. 154-44E
2000: Lat. 07-02S Long. 154-42E

14 September 1942 (11th day)

0338 Underway as before on surface patrolling same area.
0338 Sound picked up high speed destroyer sorews bearing 2700T, heading to southeast toward Faisi. Unable to see target in poor visibility and as bearing was not changing rapidly dove to avoid detection. P.trolled to northwest on Rebaul - Faisi in e during day.

1220 Sighted large AK with 2 destroyer escort, one on each bow, dead ahead, zero angle on the bow, range 6000 yards. Went to battle stations and changed course to the left to fire stern shot. Went to 70 feet for screen to pass over. When sound reported screen clear came up to'periscope depth' and at 1240 fired four torpedoes at AK, range 3600 yards, track angle 125 stab. R.led for depth charge and went to 280 feet.
1245 Heur four explosions from our own torpedoes which had missed and were sinking. Used target speed of 15 knots which was too low, should have been at 1eest 18 knots.

— page 81 —
14 September 1942 (11th day)(con't.)

1425 Came to periscope depth and continued patrol.
1811 Surfaced, running north and south during the night.
2000 Received Subs 42 serial #38 directing us to change station
    sunset the 15th.
    Positions: 0800: Lat: 06-55S Long. 154-46E
    1200: Lat: 06-48S Long. 154-42.5E
    2000: Lat. 06-52S Long. 154-34E

15 September 1942 (12th day).

Underway as before on surface patrolling west of Husker Point.
0454 Submerged for the day on course 3250T.
1758 Surfaced and headed for point 10 miles south of Cape St.
    George. Nothing sighted today.
    Positions: 0800: Lat. 06-18S Long. 154-06E
    1200: Lat. 06-12S Long. 154-00E
    2000: Lat. 05-47S Long. 153-43E

16 September 1942 (13th day).

Underway as before on the surface headed for patrol area
    south of Cape St. George.
0443 Submerged, patrolling south of Cape St. George.
1817 Surfaced. Obtained first fix in 36 hours which showed a
    set to the south of about 32 miles. Headed north to close
    Cape St. George. First bright moonlight night.
2025 Sighted smoke bearing 1000T. Changes in bearings indicated
    ship headed for Rqbaul. Changed course to the right to
    close the track.
2048 Sighted what appeared to be two ships and one DD bearing
    3500T on a southeasterly course. Decided to attack this
    group.
2100 Submerged to make moonlight periscope attack. What appeared
    to be two ships turned out to be the bridge and after deck-
    house of a large, 10,000 ton, loaded tanker.
2111 Fired four torpedoes at tanker, range about 2,000 yards,
    track angle 90° starboard. Twenty two seconds after firing,
    first torpedo exploded prematurely between us and target.
    I saw the explosion and thought a DD we hadn't seen was
    starting to attack with depth charges so went to 280 feet.
    One minute and six seconds after firing heard two loud
    explosions, both hits. Five minutes after firing heard one
    explosion, our fourth torpedo going off on sinking. Sound
    heard destroyer milling about in vicinity of tanker but he
    did not attack.

— page 82 —
16 September 1942 (13th day) (cont'd)

Since our presence had been revealed in this area decided to go over to Cape Orford for a couple of days to see if we could contact the "Milne Express". Nothing can beat a moonlight periscope attack. The Sub has all the advantage.

Positions:
0800: Let. 05-05S Long. 153-10E
1200: Lat. 05-15S Long. 153-00E
2000: Lat. 05-32S Long. 152-58E

17 September 1942 (14th day)

Underway submerged as before heading for Cape Orford. Surface. Continued with battery and air charges. Submerged. Morning, after six showed another large set to the south (Sec navigation & current data). Steaded on 3400T to close Cape Orford.

1816 Surface. Very bad weather, overcast and raining, no fix. Steered various courses. If current of previous 36 hours persists here, the courses steered should keep us off Cape Orford, if not, we should end up southwest of Cape St. George. Nothing sighted today.

Positions:
0800: Lat. 05-49S Long. 152-26E
1200: Lat. 05-40S Long. 152-23E
2000: Lat. 05-43S Long. 152-14E

18 September 1942 (15th day)

Underway as before on the surface. Patrolling off Cape Orford. Visibility still bad with no morning star fix.

0402 Submerged for the day.

1532 Visibility improved and sighted Cape St. George north. Changed course to north to close Cape St. George.

1814 Surface. Nothing sighted today.

Positions:
0800: Lat. 05-04S Long. 152-41E
1200: Lat. 05-12S Long. 152-47E
2000: Lat. 05-20S Long. 152-52E

19 September 1942 (16th day)

Underway as before on the surface patrolling south of Cape St. George.

0430 Submerged.

1818 Surface. Nothing sighted today.

Positions:
0800: Lat. 05-20S Long. 152-47E
1200: Lat. 05-09S Long. 152-39E
2000: Lat. 04-59S Long. 153-04E

— page 83 —
1942 (17th day).

Underway as before on the surface patrolling off Cape St. George.
0407 Submerged.
1102 Sighted destroyer astern, distance 14,000 yards, angle on the bow 90 port. Un able to close for an attack.
1808 Surfaces.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-10S Long. 152-54E
1200: Lat. 05-09S Long. 153-00E
2000: Lat. 05-14S Long. 152-49E

21 September 1942 (18th day)

Underway as before on the surface patrolling off Cape St. George.
0450 Submerged.
0858 Sighted seaplane overhead headed for Rabaul.
1813 Surfaces.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-04S Long. 152-54E
1200: Lat. 05-04S Long. 153-04E
2000: Lat. 05-01S Long. 152-43E

22 September 1942 (19th day)

Underway as before on the surface headed for Cape Orford. Decided to try that spot for a few days. Nothing seems to pass close to Cape St. George during daylight. Weather for the past five days has been nothing but rain.
0358 Raining so hard decided to dive.
1035 Sound heard pinging bearing 0600 (T).
1051 Sighted small sub-chaser headed on course 2000T. Continued patrol.
1815 Surface of Cape Orford.
2119 Sound heard pinging bearing 2000T.
2132 Sighted small sub-chaser headed north. Apparently same one as sighted this morning. Submerged to avoid detection.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-28S Long. 152-31E
1200: Lat. 05-28S Long. 152-21E
2000: Lat. 05-29S Long. 152-21E

23 September 1942 (20th day)

Underway as before on the surface patrolling off Cape Orford.
0433 Submerged.
1300 Sighted tops of two destroyers, range 16,000 yards bearing 2890T. Angle on the bow 1300 starboard. Unable to close for attack.

-7-

— page 84 —
1824. Surfaced.
: 0800: Lat.: 05-32S Long.: 152-16E.
: 1200: Lat.: 05-25S Long.: 152-22E.
: 2000: Lat.: 05-26S Long.: 152-17E.

: 24. September 1942 (21st day)

Underway as before on the surface patrolling off Cape Orford and Wide Bay.

: 0447. Submerged.
: 1815. Surfaced. Decided to try the west side of St. George Channel just north of Wide Bay tomorrow.

: 2320. Sighted a destroyer and cruiser bearing 3250T, angle on the bow 450port, making 20-25 knots, range 9,000 yards.

: 2323. Destroyer turned towards us for attack. Submerged to 280 feet and rigged for depth charge. Destroyer dropped 10 depth charges none of which were too close.

: 2350. Destroyer left to evidently join the cruiser.
: 0800: Lat.: 05-23S Long.: 152-17E
: 1200: Lat.: 05-13S Long.: 152-19E
: 2000: Lat.: 05-19S Long.: 152-32E.

: 25. September 1942 (22nd day)

Submerged as before, rigged for depth charge, running silent. Since we have been discovered in this area, decided to move over to the east and patrol Buka - Rabaul line for a day then head back for Cape St. George.

: 0130. Surfaced and headed to the east.

: 0434. Submerged for the day.

: 1810. Surfaced. Patrolling across Buka-Rabaul line at long.153-45W.

: 2345. Sighted ship bearing 0800T. Submerged and went to battle stations.

: 2415. Ship turned out to be small sub-chaser. Gave up attack and avoided detection.
: 0800: Lat.: 05-27S Long.: 153-15E
: 1200: Lat.: 05-27S Long.: 153-27E
: 2000: Lat.: 05-18S Long.: 153-41E

: 26. September 1942 (23rd day)

: Submerged as before.
: 0130. Surfaced and headed for Cape St. George along Buka - Rabaul line.

— page 85 —
0408 Submerged for the day. Raining, visibility bad. St George by D. R. Heeded southeast to patrol along Rabaul - Faisi line.
: 2300 Visibility improved and obtained moonlight star sights. First sights in 46 hours.
: 2339 Sighted ship dead ahead feirly close aboard. Made quick dive. Ship turned out to be a small sub-chaser. These sub-chasers seem to hound us each night wherever we are. Fix obtained hours,'are now at southern end of our area south of Cape St. George, Lat. 68, Long. 153-20E. Changed course to head back for Cape St. George.
: Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-06S Long. 153-35E
: 1200: Lat. 05-03S Long. 153-25E
: 2000: Lat. 05-49S Long. 153-06E

27 September 1942 (24th day)

: 0050 Submerged as before.
: 0419 Surfaced. Continued on to Cape St. George.
: 1000 Twelve minutes after last periscope look, sound heard fast screws-bearing 1100 relative. Went to battle stations and saw DD, distence 6,000 yards, on perrellle course, angle on the bow 90 port speed 20-25 knots. Could not close.
: 1823 Surfaced. Continuing to northwest towards entrance to St. Georges Channel.
: 2154 Sighted two ships bearing 3200T, submerged, went to battle stations and changed course to the right for attack. Sound could not risk them up nor could I see them in periscope.
: 2220 Sighted DD and Manus, angle on the bow between 90 and 100 starboard, range about 4,500 yards. Decided not to shoot as range was large and indefinite, and track angle would have been high, probably causing a miss and waste of torpedoes. To surface and try to get ahead for another attack would have taken us out of our area into area assigned SAILFISH.
: 2329 Surfaced and continued on towards St. Georges Channel.
: Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-31S Long. 153-09E
: 1200: Lat. 05-22S Long. 153-05E
: 2000: Lat. 05-26S Long. 153-08E

— page 86 —
28 September 1942 (25th day).

Underway as before on the surface closing St. Georges channel. Sighted large ship dead ahead in St. Georges Channel just to left of Cape St. George. Submerged and went to battle stations. He continued north up St. Georges Channel. We had been unable to see him before because he had been in the shadow of the land of Cape St. George. Patrolling submerged in southern entrance to St. Georges Channel. Have patrolled seven days close to Cape St. George and have seen nothing during daylight. Plotted positions and courses of all sightings to date. (See enclosure.) This shows that traffic for Faisi passes through St. Georges Channel on 1800T to a position about 12 miles abeam of Cape St. George, thence on course 150 to lat. 6-00S, thence direct to Faisi. Return traffic follows same route. Since twice as many of our sightings to date have been during darkness and as no HINESC sightings during daylight have been given for our area, assume that most of the traffic leaves and arrives at Cape St. George at dusk and dawn respectively. With the above in mind, decided to patrol the 150-330 line for the remainder of the moonlight nights so that our position at moonrise would be that of a 15 knot ship leaving Cape St. George at dusk, and head 330 for the remainder of the night so as to close St. Georges Channel by dawn.

1823
Surfaced.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-00S Long. 151-46E
    1200: Lat. 04-55S Long. 154-42E
    2000: Lat. 05-16S Long. 153-57E

29 September 1942 (26th day)

Underway on the surface as before on course 3300T. Sound reported loud pinging bearing 3550T. Submerged. Could not pick up target as rain set in.

0300 Pinging seemed to be directly on us.
0315 Screws and pings very loud, went to 260 foot running quiet. Could not seem to shake him.
0405 Screws faded out, pinging still heard.
0500 Made periscope exposure, poor visibility, raining.
1022 Sound reported screws bearing 0000T.
1024 Sighted Nachi class cruiser bearing 3300T, distance 10,000 yards, angle on the bow about 120-130 port. Cruiser faded out in rain squall. Had not seen him during last periscope look 10 minutes before because of the rain.

1815 Surfaced.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-25S Long. 152-55E
    1200: Lat. 05-16S Long. 152-52E
    2000: Lat. 05-20S Long. 152-09E.

— page 87 —
30 September 1942 (27th day)

Underway as before on the surface patrolling Rebaul-Faisi line.
0436 Submerged for the day. Decided to move to south end of area to dump trash which has been collecting for three weeks.
1812 Surfaoed.
2100 Ran quiet while dumping trash.
2200 Resumed battery and air charge.
Positions: 0800: L.t. 05-38S Long. 153-05E
    1200: L.t. 05-45S Long. 153-12E
    2000: L.t. 05-50S Long. 153-19E

1 October 1942 (28th day)

Underway on the surface on course 330°T, heading back up towards Cape St. George.
0445 Submerged for the day.
0536 Fifteen minutes after last look sound picked up screws bearing 2100T. Sighted heavy cruiser, AOBa class, range 13,000 yards, angle on the bow 120° port, speed 20-25 knots. That's the second unescorted cruiser we've sighted going away. Would like to meet one of these with a small angle on the bow.
0547 While still watching the cruiser sighted the masts of a maru just beyond him, angle on the bow 5' starboard, range 17,000 yards. Went to battle stations and started approach. Saw one DD ahead of him, both were zigzagging. Decided to get both the can and the meru. Their zigs brought the can nearly over us so tried for the meru alone.
0623 Fired four torpedoes at the maru. Fifty-four seconds later heard first three torpedoes hit him. Five minutes after firing heard our fourth torpedo explode on sinking.
0624 Changed course to north and went to-290 feet, running quiet.
0632 DD commenced dropping depth charges, seven in all, which were very close, the third and sixth especially. These seemed to move the whole boat bodily, the lub oil return line from the starboard main motors was cracked, hand wheels were knocked off a few valves, paint chippings were knocked off the bulkheads and two gauges were broken. There was no serious damage. DD ran at high speed all the time and did not slow to listen or echo range. He passed over us twice, his screws audible through the hull in the after torpedo room.
0700 Heard numerous unidentified explosions and loud cracking noises both through the hull and sound gear. Personel in the engine rooms and torpedo rooms reported objects bouncing around the superstructure. Sound reported these noises were in the direction of the torpedoed ship. At the same time the DD started to fade out on the same bearing, slowed down and stopped. I then assume that the explosions were from the maru as she sank.

— page 88 —
0808 Heard faint screws in direction of target. He had evidently stopped to pick up survivors.
: 0818 Screws faded out. Remained submerged for the rest of the day heading to the eastward. Decided to patrol Buka-Rabaul line at the east of the area tomorrow, a line between East Cape and Feni Island the next day, and then back to Cape St. George and the Rabaul-Faisi line.
: 1821 Surfaceed.
: 0445 Positions: 0800: Lat: 05-19S Long: 153-02E. 1200: Lat. 05-09S Long. 153-00E. 2000: Lat. 05-48S Long. 153-54E.

2 October 1942 (29th day)

Underway on the surface as before headed for Buka-Rabaul line.
: 0445 Submerged for the day.
: 1046 Sighted masts of a ship on port quarter and one patrol bomber near him, headed for us. Went to 120 feet.
: 1101 Came to periscope depth, could not see plane, ship sighted was a DD headed for Buka too far away to attack.
: 1818 Surfaceed and headed to northward.
: 0800: Lat. 05-14S Long. 153-33E. 1200: Lat. 05-09S Long. 153-33E. 2000: Lat. 04-53S Long. 153-31E.

3 October 1942 (30th day)

Underway on the surface as before. After moonrise lay to on the surface to grease all topside fittings.
: 0438 Submerged. Patrolling between East Cape and Feni Island.
: 1818 Surfaceed and headed back to Cape St. George. Nothing sighted today.
: 0800: Lat. 04-18.5S Long. 153-29E. 1200: Lat. 04-16.5S Long. 153-29E. 2000: Lat. 04-28.5S Long. 153-28E.

4 October 1942 (31st day)

Underway as before on the surface heading for Cape St.Goorgg.
: 0445 Submerged southeast of Cape St. George headed to the west.
: 1600 Eight miles south of Cape St. George, picked up two small schooner rigged boats about 75 feet long, under power, headed on course 1200T towards Bu ka. They passed close aboard. May have been an ti-submarine patrols so did not observe them too closely. This is our 8th day close to Cape St. George and have see nothing during daylight.

— page 89 —
1817
Surfaced and headed southeast on Raubal-Faisi line.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-00S Long. 153-24E
1200: Lat. 05-04S Long. 153-14E
2000: Lat. 05-07S Long. 152-59E

Underway as before on the surface. Our moonlight nihts have gone.
0400
1816
Submerged for the day.
Surfaced. Patrolling Raubal-Faisi line. Nothing sighted today.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-40S Long. 153-03E
1200: Lat. 05-48S Long. 153-09E
2000: Lat. 05-41S Long. 153-02E

6 October 1942 (33rd day)

Underway as before on the surface. Visibility bad because of frequent rain squalls.
0430
1812
Submerged for the day.
Surfaced. Poor visibility.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-28S Long. 153-24E
1200: Lat. 05-22S Long. 153-32E
2000: Lat. 05-09S Long. 153-18E

7 October 1942 (34th day)

Underway on the surface as before patrolling Raubal-Faisi line, south of Cape St. George. Very heavy rain.
0430
1446
Submerged for the day. Obtained first fix in 48 hours. Encountered current of 1.3 knots setting 1500T. Still raining. Visibility not more than 1500 yards.
Rain stopped and weather cleared. Sighted Cape St. George bearing 3170T. First time we have seen the Cape since 4 October.
1826
Surfaced. Continued patrol of Raubal-Faisi line.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-07S Long. 153-19E
1200: Lat. 05-13S Long. 153-11E
2000: Lat. 05-07S Long. 152-58E

8 October 1942 (35th day)

Underway on the surface as before. Have seen no shipping since 2 October.
0435
Submerged for the day.

— page 90 —
0922 Sighted smoke from two ships bearing 270°T. Changed course to south and tried to close them for one and one half hours. Gave up chase when ships were 20° on starboard bow, range 12,000 yards, angle on the bow 110° port. They were two marus escorted by one DD on course 150°T. Had hoped they would change course towards us.

1823 Surfaced.

2043 Observed beam of anti-aircraft searchlights in direction of Rabaul. The beam was followed by small white flashes believed to be anti-aircraft fire. After several minutes an enormous explosion brilliantly lighted the sky in that direction.

Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-39S Long. 153-07E
          1200: Lat. 05-40S Long. 153-02E
          2000: Lat. 05-32S Long. 152-57E

9 October 1942 (36th day)

Underway on the surface as before patrolling south of Cape St. George.

0015 Saw searchlight shining horizontally across St. Georges Channel, beyond the horizon. Light was on New Britain.

0230 Saw light which looked like searchlight on west side of Cape St. George. Wouldn't be surprised if Japs have searchlights and shore batteries on each side of channel entrance.

0315 Bombing Rabaul again. Saw two large flares dropped about twenty minutes apart and many flashes from bomb hits. Sky lit up as if caused from fires. Visibility is excellent to light as we are about 80 miles from Rabaul.

0400 Saw 8 flashes of gun fire from Cape St. George.

0427 Submerged for the day.

0503 Just seven minutes after last periscope look sound picked up high speed screws bearing 080°T. Saw Nachi class cruiser on port beam range 13,000 yards, course 150°T, speed 20 knots. This is the third unescorted heavy cruiser we've seen in this locality. It sure is aggravating to see these big targets slip past and not be close enough to fire at them.

1815 Surfaced. Continued to patrol Rabaul-Faisi line. Have seen a great number of ships on this line but they all run at high speeds and it has been impossible to close most of them for attacks even with torpedoes set at low power.

Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-29S Long. 152-57E
          1200: Lat. 05-21S Long. 152-51E
          2000: Lat. 05-42S Long. 153-09E

— page 91 —
10 October 1942 (37th day)

Underway on the surface as before.
Rabaul getting bombed again. Sky was lit up by flares for one hour. Saw flashes from exploding bombs, and AA projectiles bursts above the horizon which looked like small stars.
Still hitting Rabaul. The visibility is excellent again tonight and we are 91 miles bearing 1500T from Rabaul.
Submerged for the day.
Surfaced. Will continue to patrol Rabaul-Fisi line for the remainder of time on station.
Positions: 0800: Lat: 05-52S Long: 153-15E
1200: Lat: 05-48S Long: 153-12.5E
2000: Lat: 05-35.5S Long:153-00.5E

11 October 1942 (38th day)

Underway on the surface as before patrolling Rabaul-Faisi line south of Cape St. George.
Sound picked up screws dead astern, bearing not changing. Could not see in that direction because of rain squall.
Submerged.
Ship passed overhead. Sounded like DD making 25 knots headed for Rabaul.
Surfaced.
Submerged for the day.
Surfaced. Received Subs 42 serial #82 giving position of large transport hit that day by aircraft and probably headed for Rabaul. Moved up to south entrance St. Georges Channel to try and intercept him at daylight.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-26S Long. 152-56E
1200: Lat. 05-34S Long. 153-02E
2000: Lat. 05-31S Long. 153-14.5E

12 October 1942 (39th day)

Underway as before on the surface.
Submerged and headed south to intercept transport.
Sighted enemy patrol plane.
Surfaced. Did not contact transport.
Sighted ship on starboard bow. He looked like a destroyer close aboard so dove. Sound could not pick him up. I then assumed he must have been a large ship beyond the horizon of which we could only see the superstructure.
Surfaced.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 05-16S Long. 152-48E
1200: Lat. 05-31.5S Long.153-02E
2000: Lat. 05-53S Long. 153-18E

— page 92 —
13 October 1942 (40th day)

Underway on surface patrolling south of Cape St. George.
Observed bombing attacks on Rabeul which lasted over an hour.
Large fires were started.

Submerged.
Surface and headed for Brisbane in accordance with Operation Order.
Positions:
0800: Lat. 05-36S Long. 153-07E
1200: Lat. 05-43S Long. 153-05E
2000: Lat. 06-06S Long. 153-17E

14 October 1942 (41st day)

Underway as before headed for Brisbane.
Submerged.
Surface.
Received Subs 42 Serial #95 directing us to new patrol station south of Tetipari Island. Headed east to new area.
Positions:
0800: Lat. 08-01S Long. 154-40E
1200: Lat. 08-08S Long. 154-49E
2000: Lat. 08-49S Long. 155-23E

15 October 1942 (42nd day)

Underway for new patrol station. Set clocks to love time.
Submerged for the day headed east on line through point 15 miles south Tetipari Island.
Sighted unidentified patrol bomber bearing 135°T headed away.
Sighted friendly heavy bomber bearing 315°T headed to south-east.
Surface.
Positions:
0800: Lat. 09-16S Long. 156-50E
1200: Lat. 09-19S Long. 157-01E
2000: Lat. 09-13.5S Long. 157-14E

16 October 1942 (43rd day)

Underway on surface patrolling 15 miles south Tetipari Island.
Submerged.
Surface. Nothing sighted.
Positions:
0800: Lat. 09-02S Long. 157-40E
1200: Lat. 09-01S Long. 157-34E
2000: Lat. 09-01S Long. 157-18.5E

17 October 1942 (44th day)

Patrolling on the surface south of Tetipari Island.
Submerged.

— page 93 —
17 October 1942 (44th day) Con't)

1145 Sighted single engine low wings monoplane bearing 0300T.
1859 Surfaced.
Position: 0800: Let. 08-58.5S Long. 157-30E
    1200: Let. 08-59S Long. 157-22E
    2000: Let. 09-04S Long. 157-10E

18 October 1942 (45th day)

Petrolling as before off Tetipari Island.
0504 Submerged.
1902 Surfaced. Nothing sighted.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 09-02S Long. 157-34E
    1200: Lat. 09-02S Long. 157-27E
    2000: Lat. 09-13S Long. 157-14E

19 October 1942 (46th day)

Underway on the surface patrolling south of Tetipari Island.
0502 Submerged.
1903 Surfaced. Nothing sighted.
2300 Received Subs 42 serial #1 directing us to return Brisbane sunset October twenty-one.
Positions: 0800: Lat. 08-59S Long. 157-31E
    1200: Lat. 08-59S Long. 157-24E
    2000: Lat. 09-03S Long. 157-10E

20 October 1942 (47th day)

Underway on the surface as before.
0514 Submerged for the day. Both the OOD and the navigator informed me that just prior to diving they had smelled a strong odor of fuel oil. Looked for oil slick through periscope as soon as it was daylight and could see none. Later in the day saw heavy slick astern and by changing course definitely determined that we were making it.

1908 Surfaced - Still leaving oil slick. Since we had only one more day on station and oil slick would reveal our presence decided to return to Brisbane.
Positions: 0800: Let. 09-00.5S Long. 157-25E
    1200: Let. 09-00S Long. 157-19E
    2000: L.t. 09-11S Long. 157-04.5E

21 October 1942 (48th day)

Underway on the surface heeded for Brisbane, Australia. Found the oil leak to be in the suction and discharge section of the trim line where it passes through number 3 fuel bellet tank. This, the fourth leak in the trim line.

— page 94 —
21 October 1942 (48th day) (cont't.)

this patrol, proved very dangerous as it opened a fuel tank directly to sea.

0430 Sent message to CSS-5 informing him that we had loft station one day early and of our ETA Bud.

0533 Submerged for the day.

1800 Surfaced and continued to Brisbane.

Positions: 0800: Lat. 15-24S Long. 156-25.5E
        1200: Lat. 16-08.5S Long. 155-13E.
        2000: Lat. 17-37.5S Long. 155-05E.

22 October 1942 (49th day)

Underway on the surface towards Brisbane. Zigzagging during daylight.

Positions: 0800: Lat. 15-24S Long. 155-25E.
        1200: Lat. 16-08.5S Long. 155-13E.
        2000: Lat. 17-37.5S Long. 155-05E.

23 October, 1942 (50th day)

Underway for Brisbane on the surface. Zigzagging during daylight.

Positions: 0800: Lat. 19-46S Long. 155-01.5E
        1200: Lat. 20-30.5S Long.154-54.5E
        2000: Lat. 22-05S Long. 154-33E.

24 October 1942 (51st day)

Underway on the surface for Brisbane. Zigzagging during daylight.

0800 Commenced 6 hour battery discharge.

1350 Secured discharge as cell No.59 reached low voltage limit 30 minutes before end of discharge.

2300 Sighted Cape Moreton Light.

Positions: 0800: Lat. 24-40S Long. 154-54E.
        1200: Lat. 25-07S Long. 154-08.5E
        2000: Lat. 26-21S Long. 154-32E.

25 October 1942 (52nd day)

Underway on the surface entering swept channel to Moreton Bay.

0430 Exchanged recognition signals with Port War Signal Station Caloundra Head and received permission to proceed up to Brisbane.

-18-

— page 95 —
25 October 1942 (52nd day) (con't.)

0515 While making 12 knots after rounding turning buoy at Hamilton Patchos heading for pilot vessel, the port anchor brake slacked off and dropped the anchor. By backing amoregory, stopped the chain at 85 fathoms. On heaving up found the anchor to be fouled with two large cables, apparently controlling the mine field. Could not clear anchor so slipped the chain and anchor, which had been buoyed and proceeded to Brisbane.

Bearing of position of anchor:

| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
||||
| Caloundra Head | 34° 6' 0" N | 24° 6' 0" E |
| Near Range | 24° 6' 0" N | 24° 6' 0" E |
| Far Range | 24° 6' 0" N | 24° 6' 0" E |
| Position | Lat. 26° 5' 24" S | Long. 15° 3' 00" 18" E |

-19-

— page 96 —
1. Wind force 1-3 from S.E. continually.
2. Sea Generally ruffled or choppy, with long swells.
3. Four out of the se ven days were completely overcast with numerous rain squalls.
4. Air warm and humid.
5. Visibility good except for rain squalls.
6. Sea choppy, with whitecaps about 60% of the time, ruffled about 30% and flat calm about 10%, the flat calm periods usually at night. Medium to long swells 100% of the time.
7. Sixteen days of the above period were completely overcast with almost continual rain squalls. Twelve days were clear with scattered clouds.
8. Air war and humid.
9. Visibility excellent except for rain squalls. On two occasions we were able to see explosions and flashes caused by bombing at Rabuul 80-90 miles away. The atmosphere is apparently very clear.

In general the weather was poor in both localities. During the night there was seldom a period during which the visibility was not bad in some sector due to rain squalls. Constant swells are a detriment to good periscope handling.

TETIPARI AREA: (October 14 to 20, 1942)

In general the weather south of Tetipari was good, with clear nights and only occasional passing rain squalls. Wind was from S.E., force 1 to 3 almost continually.

— page 97 —
1. This vessel experienced a current of from .8 to 1.4 knots setting in a southeasterly direction out of St. George's Channel. The current was not experienced to the northeast of Lat. 05-10S, Long. 153E nor to the westward of Long. 152-23E. The set of this current averages about 145°T and it is felt with apparently undiminished velocity as far south as Lat. 06S.

2. A current setting to the southeast was also experienced in the area ten to thirty miles to the east of Cape St. George south of the Feni Islands. This current appeared to flow between East Cape, on New Ireland, and the Feni Islands, but was not experienced southwest of Lat. 05S, Long. 153-50E. (See Enclosure (B).

3. A current of 1 knot setting towards 100°T was experienced while operating between 10 and 25 miles south of Rondova and Telitipari Islands.

D - NAVIGATION AIDS:

1. Cape St. George lighthouse, although described in volume II of the Light List, H.O. No. 31, as "steel framework tower" actually appeared to be the conventional white tower type of structure. It was not lighted.

2. The Feni Islands, reported on Chart No. 3830 to be 7 miles to the west of their charted position actually appeared to be about 4 miles bearing 315° from this charted position. Determined by two reliable star fixes.

3. It is recommended that radio station VIB/VIP broadcast time ticks nightly. At present VIBO (Perth) is the only station from which ticks could be obtained, and then only about once every two weeks.

4. In view of the fact that most of a submarine's celestial navigation is done at night, with a very poor horizon, it is urgently recommended that sextants be obtained that are equipped with telescopes of reasonable power and very large field to permit maximum amount of light transmission from horizon. Such a sextant as illustrated in Enclosure (C) and appears to embody this feature. Although this vessel