U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242) — war patrol report SS-242_BLUEGILL_Part1.pdf

— page 2 —
SS242/A16-3
Serial (031)
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242),
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
June 7, 1944.

C-DECLASSIFIED-I-A-L

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
(3) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
(4) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (CTF 72 only).
(C) Time Plots of Approaches and Attacks (CTF 72 only).
(D) Exposed film for development and Sketch of Barge (CTF 72 only).

1. Enclosure (A), observing the FIRST war patrol of this vessel conducted in vicinity MOROTAI and HALMAHERA Islands (West of New Guinea) and in vicinity HELEN Island, PULO ANNA Island, MERIR Island, SONSOROL Islands (Latitudes 20 - 30'N to 50 - 45'N, longitudes 128°E to 132°E) and as far north as 80N, 130°E, during the period April 1, 1944 to June 1, 1944.

E.L. BARR, Jt.
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, GPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY: OP-0939C-DATE: 5/2/72
DECLASSIFIED

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1. Commissoned at Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, November 11, 1943. Conducted training and trials and made post commissioning repairs New London Area until January 3, 1944 departed for Key West, Florida. January 9 to 29, 1944 at Key West rendering services to Sound School and to Special COMINCH Sonar Detail. Arrived Balboa, C.Z., February 2, 1944. Final training off Perlas Islands until departure February 22, 1944 for Milne Bay, New Guinea via Calapagos Islands, Ecuador. Arrived alongside U.S.S. EURYALE in Milne Bay, New Guinea, March 22, 1944. IFF installed. Camouflage painted. Training at practice torpedo approaches March 29 and 30, 1944. No torpedoes fired; too rough for recovery. Ready for sea and war April 1, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE:

April '44 Time K

1. 1300 Underway from Milne Bay, New Guinea on FIRST war patrol in accordance with Commander Task Force 72 Operation Order S22-44 of March 29, 1944. Fired 10 rounds of 4", two magazines of 20 mm and two belts of .30 caliber at target towed by H.M.A.S. ML801.

2. 0600 "End arounds" on escort U.S.S. BEALE throughout day and night. 070 - 431 S; 1500 - 251E. 212 miles. 2804 gallons.

3. 0710 Parted company with U.S.S. BEALE. 0735 Moored Fuel Pier, Langemak (Finchhaven) New Guinea. Received 8384 gallons fuel. 1100 Underway from Langemak escorted by U.S.S. SC 981. 1200 060 - 441S; 1470 - 561E. 266 miles, 374 gallons. 1230 Sighted and spoke U.S.S. SILVERSIDES escorted by U.S.S. GOUCAL southbound in Vitiaz Strait. 2000 Parted company with U.S.S. SC 981.

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4. 0825 Aircraft contact #1. S.D. Radar, 18 miles closed, to 16 miles, lost at 23 miles. Not sighted visually. Overcast sky. Remained on surface.
: 1200 02° - 20'S; 145° - 27'E. 323 miles, 3155 gallons.
: 1145 Aircraft contact #2. SD Radar, 16 miles, closed to 11 miles, lost at 21 miles. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface.
: 1850 Sight d. Kaniet Islands. Passed between Kaniet and Hermit Islands.
: 2250 Sighted and spoke U.S.S. TUNNY in-bound.
: 1200 00° - 34'S; 142° - 07'E. 322 miles, 3516 gallons.
: 1220 Evidence of ship having been sunk 00° -33' .3 S; 142° - 04'.7 E. Dirty water, possible oil slick, watersoaked kapok and wooden debris spread over mile square. Lieut. F.T. Cooper, U.S.N., dived overboard with line around waist and retrieved life ring. No name on ring. Marine growth indicated it had been in water several days. Pictures taken of debris.
: 1300 Aircraft contact #3. SD Radar, 25 miles, closed to 23 miles. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface.
: 0510 Crossed Equator at 138° - 02' E. Secured SD Radar.:
: 1200 10° - 07' N; 138° - 07'E. 317 miles, 3467 gallons.
: 0800 Secured IFF.
: 1200 20° - 47' N; 134° - 39' E. 301 miles, 3726 gallons.
: 0550 Sight d. Helen Island. Excellent piece of navigation by Lieutenant F.T. Cooper; traveling by D.R. since fifth when sun line was obtained.
: 0630 Submerged until 1956. Reconnaissance of Helen Island. Closed to within 1200 yards of barrier reef at point closest to island.

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8. Strong W.N.W. current. Took periscope pictures. No signs of activity either on island or in lagoon. Had good observation of both.
: 1200 30 - 00'N; 1310 - 51' E. 179 miles, 2632 gallons.
: 9 1200 20 - 41'N; 1300 - 39' E. 117 miles, 694 gallons.
: 1720 Entered area (20 - 30' to 40 - 00'N; 1280 to 1310 E) at 20 - 38' N.
: 2300 Sighted Morotai Island bearing 220°T, distant 30 miles. Bright moonlight.
: 10 0630 Submerged patrol western approach to Morotai Strait.
: 0932 Aircraft contact #4. Periscope 8 miles. Angle on bow zero. Similar to VAL type 99 DB. No bombs dropped; apparently undetected.
: 1008 Ship contact #1. Periscope 10 miles. Three merchant ships skirting beach at Tg Djodjefa, northwestern corner Morotai Strait. See masts, smoke and tops of stacks. Angle on bow third ship in column, 135° port; first two ships rounding point standing into strait. Unable to close. DAMN! Hulls not sighted but considered to be old type merchant ships; coal burners; single tall stack amidships; two tall masts; (MMM); all three same type; estimate 3500 tons, speed 10 knots.
: 1200 20 - 18' N; 1270 - 57' E. 210 miles, 2044 gallons.
: 2020 Surfaced. Ship contact #2. SJ Radar contact accompanied by strong radar interference, range 6800 yards, closing rapidly. Avoided. U.S. Submarine PADDLE ? 20-26'N; 1280 E.

11 0620 Submerged patrol Tg Sopi, Morotai (northern tip): skirting 100 fathom curve down western side, one and one-half to three miles off shore.
: 1200 20 - 43'N; 1280 - 38' E. 115 miles, 901 gallons.

ENCLOSURE (A) -3-

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0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-Z-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (cont'd):
April 144 Time K

11 2028 Surfaced patrol along axis Tg Sopi-Talaud-Davao, P.I.

12 0545 Submerged patrol Tg Sopi skirting 100 fathoms curve down eastern side, half to two and a half miles off shore.
1200 20 - 38' N; 1280 - 36' E. 126 miles, 1006 gallons.
2035 Surfaced patrol normal to axis Tg Sopi-Talauc-Davao, P.I.

13 0619 Submerged patrol east-west off Tg Sopi, 100 fathom curve.
1200 20 - 42' N; 1280 - 30' E. 109 miles, 779 gallons.
2018 Surfaced patrol along axis Tg Sopi-Palau.

14 0758 Submerged patrol east-west off Tg Sopi, 100 fathom curve.
1200 20 - 38' N; 1280 - 30' E, 117 miles, 853 gallons.
2020 Surfaced patrol normal to axis Tg Sopi-Palau.
2200 Proceeded to newly assigned area.

15 1200 30 - 42' 4 N; 1300 - 43' E. 156 miles, 1268 gallons.
1340 Entered new area (30 - 45' to 50 - 15' N; 1310 to 1320 - 30' E) at 30 - 45' N; 1316 E.
Surfaced patrol northeast-southwest diagonal of area with high periscope and high lookout manned during daylight.
1425 Aircraft contact #5. Dived.
1725 Aircraft contact #6. Dived.
2339 Sighted Pulo Anna Island.

16 0320 Sighted Merir Island.
1200 30 - 46' 3 N; 1310 - 01' E. 156 miles 1578 gallons.
1907 Sighted Pulo Anna Island.

ENCLOSURE (A) -4-

— page 9 —
22 1303 1429 1615 2210
: 23 0220 0645 1200 1810
: 24 1008 1200 1350 1890 1900 2330
: 25 0951 1200 1732 2105
: 26 1030 1200 1732 2105
: 27 0420 0630

INCLOSURE: (A) -6-

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27. 0707 Ship contact #4. Sighted tops of ship coming out of rain squall bearing 3280T, distant 26,000 yards, Turned away but forced to dive to avoid being sighted.
: 0710 Dived and commenced submerged approach. Ran at full speed, except for observations, for 50 minutes. Unable to close.
: 0800 Observed target stopped, laying to off southern tip of SONSOROL. Slowed to 3 knots to conserve battery and headed down true bearing.
: 0830 Visibility improved. Target identified as MUTSUKI class destroyer circling in large circle at slow speed off southern tip of SONSOROL. Where is the other target that was reported?
: 0905 Destroyer behind island. BLUEGILL closing to southern tip SONSOROL at 6 knots.
: 0940 Aircraft contact #21. Distant 1/2 mile, angle on bow 00. Sea calm with moderate swell. Vent to 100 feet, JP contacted target's screws range 9800 yards. Target circling off southern tip SONSOROL.
: 1010 Destroyer using yardarm blinkers.
: 1014 Ship contact #5. Cruiser of YUBARI type steamed out from behind island at high speed! Approach on cruiser, NAC at Full Speed, range 11,000 yards. But cruiser commenced radical maneuvers. She'd head first in one direction then another, speed up and slow down, staying on one course just long enough for me to alter BLUEGILL's approach course. So, headed down true bearing toward southern tip SONSOROL, her general vicinity at 4 knots. Destroyer laying to.
: 1022 Depth charge #1. Presumably from aircraft. Not too close. Lowered periscope. New Quartermaster said it missed!
: 1033 Depth charge #2. Presumably from aircraft. Not too close. Lowered periscope.
: 1037 Lost sight of cruiser behind island. Visibility hazy. Destroyer underway crossing our bow. Commenced approach on destroyer.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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27 1050
Destroyer apparently sighted us. She
turned toward and increased speed. JP
turn count 270 RPM. Range 3000 yards,
angle on bow 50P. Made ready four bow
tubes, depth setting 6 feet, 8 feet,
6 feet, 8 feet.
: 1054
Destroyer swinging on by range 1000 yards.
Cruiser sighted headed this way from be-
hind island with large stern wake and bone
in her teeth! Right full rudder. All
ahead full. Make ready all bow tubes
depth setting 10 feet.
: 1057
Quick set up on cruiser. Bearing 72° Rel.
(BLUEGILL still swinging right at full
speed). Angle on bow 85°S. Range 2,600
yards. Range and angle on bow estimate
difficult due to land background. Took
two more observations in next minute and
half. Rudder amidships. All ahead 2/3.
: 1058.40
Periscope vibration bad.
Fired six torpedoes! Bearing 348°Rel.
(BLUEGILL still swinging). Angle on bow
870S. Range 1,900 yards. Speed used 20
knots. Divergent spread covered 1,000
feet. Considered it fortunate to be able
to get the shots off.
: 1100.30
It's a hit! Good solid hit observed about
#1 fireroom. Saw it hit and then heard
explosion. Cruiser heeling to water line
to starboard almost completely engulfed in
smoke. A few seconds later heard another
explosion. Opinion: Torpedoes #5 and #6
hit. Left full rudder. All ahead full.
Brought stern tubes to bear in direction
of destroyer.
: 1103
Cruiser angle on bow 90°P, dead in water,
starboard list, smoking heavily. BLUEGILL
slowed to.2/3, rudder amidships. Destroyer
headed this way at high speed. Commenced
tracking.

: ENCLOSURE (A) -8-

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1103.50 Four explosions designated depth charges #3, #4, #5, #6. Not close. Not from destroyer. Could be from aircraft, from another destroyer (but none in sight unless obscured by island background), or could be explosions in cruiser, or other four torpedoes exploding against SONSORSL Island. Destroyer swung hard right. Bearing 182°Rel. Angle on bow 90°P, range 2,300 yards. Fired four torpedoes from stern tubes! Destroyer swung hard left at instant second torpedo was fired. Although altered TDC angle on bow to 30°P for third shot and 15°P for fourth shot, missed! Heard depth charges #7, #8, #9, #10 during firing. Presumably from aircraft. Not too close. Divergent spread used 150% coverage reduced with reduction of angle on bow. Opinion: Target maneuvered to avoid. All fish missed ahead. Started deep. All ahead standard. Left full rudder to get off torpedo tracks. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack.

: 1110 Depth charges #11, #12, #13
: 1111 Depth charges #14, #15. Missed!
: 1112 Depth charges #16, #17, #18
: 1114 Slowed to 60 RPM, 3 knots. Settled down to evasion at 312'. Southerly courses.
: 1118 Depth charges #19, #20 - not too close.
: 1133 Depth charge #21 - closer.
: 1139 Depth charge #22 - closer.
: 1155 Depth charge #23 - further.
: 1200 50 - 16' N; 1320 - 17' E. 261 miles, 2704 gallons.
: 1254 Depth charge #24 - relatively distant.
: 1323 Commenced return to periscope depth. Bango! Depth charge #25 - distant.
: 1325 At 150 feet. Depth charge #26 - closer. Checked ascent for few minutes. Ray diagram constructed from BT card showed 130 feet theoretical best evasive depth.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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1351. Up periscope. Nothing in sight. Secured. from Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack. Reversed course to North and headed back to see if cruiser still around.
: 1458. Sighted destroyer ahead distant 7 miles.
: 1528. Sighted a second destroyer ahead.
: 1547. Three destroyers in sight.
: 1558. Four destroyers in sight, patrolling in organized search. No cruiser visible. Where did all the destroyers come from?
: 1623. Depth charge #27 - not close.
: 1633. Reversed course to 180°T. No cruiser in sight. "Discretion better part of valor" against four destroyers on the hunt. Battery gravity low.
: 1703. Aircraft contact #22, Distant 5 miles. Angle on bow 00. Flying low, close to surface of water. Vent to 90 feet and returned to periscope depth.
: 1945. Ships signalling with flashing light vicinity SONSOROL.
: 2103. Surfaced. Transmitted contact report to CTF 72. Charged battery and headed back toward SONSOROL.

: 0650. Submerged reconnaissance of SONSOROL Islands. No cruiser. No military activity. On west side of island is a very ruggedly constructed pier extending from beach out over reefs. At foot of pier are many sturdy looking buildings. A tall lookout tower is located in center of island; estimated height 150 feet. What appeared to be a fuel tank was located among buildings at foot of pier. Reconnaissance May 5, 1944, showed no fuel tank in evidence. No radar installation on island. On FANA Island, the northward island of the two, there is nothing. Took periscope pictures.
: 1200. 50 - 21.8N; 1320 - 15°.7 E. 123 miles, 2428 gallons.

ENCLOSURE (A) -10-

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28 1246
Surfaced 8 miles to northward of islands.
Opened island and headed westward. Area
extended northward to 50 - 45' N.
1344 Ship contact #7. Attack #3. Dived and
commenced approach. Convoy bearing 2850T
distant, 14,000 yards. Convoy consisted of
one new type landing or cargo barge (sketch
enclosed for CTF 72) escorted by one MATUSKI
class destroyer. They popped out of rain
squall so forced to dive immediately. Select-
ed destroyer as target since barge was of
too shallow draft. Moreover, with destroyer
destroyed the barge could have been sunk
with gunfire. Visibility bad, the convoy
apparently deliberately following within
the rain squall.
1355 Targets completely lost in rain squall.
Ascended to radar depth but no contact.
Back to periscope depth.
1407 Targets in sight. Deliberate approach.
1420 Angle on bow 100S, range 5000 yards.
Swing ship for stern shot.
1424 Zig away! Damn!
1428 Fired four stern tubes! Angle on bow 90S,
range 2300 yards, gyros 1790 to 1900.
Speed used 12 knots. TDC was checking even
after firing and had been checking as a
perfect set up. Long torpedo run was bad.
Watched torpedoes set at 6 feet, 8 feet,
6 feet, 8 feet run apparently directly under
target although target might have maneuver-
ed to avoid. After torpedoes had apparently
passed under, destroyer swung hard left,
increased speed and showed 1800 angle on
bow. Opinion: Either fish ran deep under
target, or, target successfully maneuvered
to avoid.
1431 Destroyer and barge both headed toward; the
barge distant 1000 yards. Started deep at
standard speed. Rigged for Silent Running
and Depth Charge attack. Slowed to 60 RPM
and settled down to evasive action on
southerly courses.

ENIC,OSUNE (A) -11-

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28 1435.20 Depth charges #1 and #2.
: 1437 Depth charge #3.
: 1438 Depth charge #4.
: 1444 Depth charge #5.
: 1445 Depth charge #6.
: 1451 Depth charge #7.
: 1453 Depth charge #8.
: 1454 Depth charge #9.
: 1504 Depth charge #10.
: AAO said, "These depth charges are bigger than yesterday!"
: Conclusion: Either bigger or closer!
: Commenced return to periscope depth.
: Up periscope. Nothing in sight. Secured from Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack.
: Surfaced. Transmitted contact report to CTF 72. Not giving chase! Resumed surface patrol along northeast-southwest diagonal of assigned area at two engine speed.
: Sighted SOSNOROL Islands.
: Strong odor of bunker fuel oil and slick on water 50 - 36'.7 N; 131° -45' E.

: 1737
: 1745
: 2116
: 29 0050 Visual and SJ Radar contact Pulo Anna Island (66 ft) bearing 150°T, distant 20,000 yards. Radar lost contact at 23,000 yards.
: 1200 50 - 25'.8 N; 131° - 25' E. 223 miles, 3621 gallons.
: 1535 Sighted Sonsorol Island. Sighted two oil drums and one large crate during day.
: 2210 Sighted Sonsorol Island. Closed and patrolled across Sonsorol-Palau lane within radar range of island. Later patrolled westerly and southerly to resume diagonal patrol of area.

: 30 1148 Sighted Pulo Anna.
: 1200 40 - 44'N; 131° - 36' E. 316 miles, 2816 gallons.

— page 17 —
1754 Periscope depth. Deliberate periscope approach.
: 1757 Set torpedo depths 8 feet. Target length 450 feet.
: 1814 Made ready bow tubes. Angle on bow 30°P, range 5600 yards.
: 1822 Target zigged right. Angle on bow 90°P. Held fire 'til she steadied.
: 1825 Fired four torpedoes from bow tubes. Angle on bow 110°P, range 2475 yards, speed used 10½ knots, gyros 34.9° to 35.4°. TDC set up checking perfectly.
: 1826.40 Saw and heard two solid hits! One forward and one aft. Target presented 180° angle on bow, slight list to starboard, engulfed in smoke.
: 1829 JK reported high speed screws, torpedo, headed this way! Periscope observed leading merchant on that bearing angle on bow 0°, puffing smoke and rudder 300 feet, fast! Left full rudder to present bow to torpedo. All ahead standard. Rigged for silent Running and Depth Charge Attack. Commenced evasion. Explosions as of internal explosions in target - not depth charges. Last sweep around before going deep showed, in addition to Q-ship and target, the other merchant ship high-tailing it over the hill and the two subchasers headed in this general direction at high speed. On way down, hung up on heavy density layer at 200 feet; standard speed wouldn't drive her through. Necessary to flood in 14000 pounds in order to get to 300 feet. BT card showed 16° negative temperature gradient between 200 and 300 feet. Diving Officer considers BT extremely valuable for calculating necessary ballasting. Slowed to 60 RPM, 3 knots.
: 1834 Depth charge #1.
: 1835 Depth charge #2.
: 1836.15 Depth charges #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8.

INCLUSION (a) -14-

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1838 Depth charges #9, #10, #11.
    1842
    to Explosions as of internal explosions in
    1844 target - not depth charges.
    1845 Depth charges #12, #13.
    1847 Depth charges #14, #15.
    1848 Depth charge #16.
    1849 Depth charge #17.
    1850 Depth charge #18.
    1851 Commenced return to periscope depth.
    2018 Periscope depth. Sighted target blazing
    gloriously. Flames must be visible 50 miles.
    No other ships in sight, but visibility not
    good - darkness. Secured from Silent Running
    and Depth Charge Attack.
    2130 Surfaced at four engine speed. Transmitted
    contact report to CTF 72, CERO and DACE.
    Nothing in sight except target burning. Bright
    moonlight. Closed target and circled at 4000
    yards. Nothing around except target and four
    abandoned life boats. Considered giving
    chase, but convoy had four hours start, custom-
    ary for Japs to make radical change of course
    at end of twilight, fuel situation critical.
    Patrolled at one engine speed in vicinity of
    burning ship. Comes dawn, she's still afloat!

2. 0600 Battle Stations Surface! Manned SD Radar;
    intermittent keying. Closed target.
    Gun Attack #1.
    0637 Commenced firing 4" gun. Average firing range
    1500 to 2000 yards.
    0740 Ship sunk! 100 rounds 4" ammunition expended.
    90% hits. Good shooting! Observed two
    tremendous holes in bottom of target from
    torpedo hits yesterday. Ensign D.D. Duncan,
    U.S.N. took pictures with both the 16 mm movie
    camera and the 35 mm still camera during the
    firing. Ship identified as ASOSAN MARU (AK)
    8812/10,953 tons (page 84 ONI 208J) in ballast.
    She was gutted by fire raging inside for'n aft;
    hull plating showed red-hot before dawn. Main-
    tained afloat by unpunctured amidships section,
    fireroom spaces.

INCLOSURE (A) -15-

— page 19 —
2 0815 Closed one life boat with intention to retrieve gear, particularly looking for identification data.
0825 Aircraft contact #23. Dived. SD Radar contact 11 miles moving in. Hell with the life boat! Was alongside, and although abandoned and fully equipped could observe no name plate or anything that looked as though it might have name of ship on it. Had breakfast.
0915 Surfaced. SD Radar 'secured. Patrolling on northerly courses at auxiliary engine speed (5 knots) proceeding to newly assigned station. 70 - 01'.5 N; 1290 - 52'.4 E. 166 miles, 1858 gallons. Sighted two oil drums and large crate during remainder of day.

3 0732 Sighted life boat awash 8° - 17'N; 1290 - 44'E. Closed. Empty except for 7 fish swimming inside boat and oarlocks in place. Similar type to those from ASOSAN MARU. 0800 On station. Increased speed to one engine speed to extend coverage. 1200 8° - 26'.3 N; 1290 - 43'.2 E. 132 miles, 64.5 gallons. 1858 Ship contact #9. Closed at four engine speed. 1939 Contact identified as U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) 80 - 18'N; 1290 - 41'E. Spoke her. No contacts today either. 2000 Slowed to auxiliary engine speed. 2113 Radar lost contact on BILLFISH range 12,050 yards. 2400 Left station auxiliary engine speed. Enroute SEEADLER, MANUS ISLAND, ADMIRALTIES for fuel via SONSOROL Islands.

4 0600 Increased speed to one engine speed. 1121 Aircraft contact #24. Dived. 3 miles. Too close! 1200 70 - 22'N; 130° - 24'E. 155 miles, 959 gallons.

ENCLOSURE (A) -16-

— page 20 —
5 0235 SJ Radar contact on Sonsorol Islands (121 ft) bearing 2160ft, distant 17,000 yards. Patrols within radar range of islands.
: 0645 Submerged reconnaissance encircling Sonsorol Islands. Closed reef to within 1000 yards. Good look all around. No military activity. People swimming on beaches. Fuel tank previously suspected by reconnaissance of April 28, definitely not in evidence. Otherwise information obtained April 28 unchanged. Took periscope pictures. Current generally set 0400ft, drift 1 knot.
: 1200 50 - 25' N; 1320 - 17' E. 197 miles, 1569 gallons.
: 1957 Surfaced. Patrols at one engine speed course 0950ft enroute SEADLER. Manned BK of IFF. Ship contact #10. SJ Radar interference. No pip, U.S. Submarine?
: 2002 50 - 26'.8 N; 1350 - 10'.3 E. 177 miles, 1116 gallons. Increased speed to two engine speed (13 knots).
: 2000 Slowed to one engine speed. Juggling engine combination for speed and fuel consumption. Two engine speed during daylight.
: 7 1200 40 - 54'.9 N; 1390 - 53'.5 E; 280 miles, 2898 gallons.
: 8 0817 Aircraft contact #25. Dived.
: 1140 Aircraft contact #26. Dived.
: 1200 Aircraft contact #27. Dived.
: 1443 Sighted four oil drums and other debris vicinity 40 - 14'.8 N; 1460 - 08' E.
: 9 1200 20 - 01'.9 N; 1480 - 05'.2 E. 330 miles, 2727 gallons.
: 1237 Aircraft contact #28. Dived.
: 1245 Several distant explosions strong enough to shake ship.
: 2334 Crossed Equator at 1480 - 10' E heading south.

ENCLOSURE (A) -17-

— page 21 —
10 0630 Rendezvous with U.S.S. CERO and U.S.S. LONG BEACH (our escort).
: 1200 20 - 00'S; 14°0 - 20° E. 291 miles, 3070 gallons.
: 1230 Moored. SEADLER, MANUS ISLAND, ADMIRALTIES. Received nine (9) torpedoes and fifty (50) rounds of 4" 50 caliber ammunition from U.S.S. CERO.
: 1710 Received 84700 gallons diesel fuel from U.S.S. MINK.
: 2130 Received miscellaneous provisions from both U.S. Navy and U.S. Army shore establishments.

12 0120 Underway in company with U.S.S. CERO and U.S.S. LONG BEACH.
: 1710 IFF in use. SD not in use.
: 2130 Parted company with our escort U.S.S. LONG BEACH.

13 0120 Ship contact #11. U.S.S. HUTCHINS 100 miles S.W. of reported position.
: 0536 Crossed Equator at 14°0 - 08' E heading north.
: 1200 10 - 16'8 N; 14°0 - 05'8 E. 252 miles, 4100 gallons.
: 2330 Exercised at Radar Tracking and Battle Stations on U.S.S. CERO throughout day.
: 13 1200 40 - 39°3 N; 14°0 - 18'3 E. 256 miles, 3507 gallons.

14 0937 Aircraft contact #29. Dived.
: 1200 40 - 23° N; 14°0 - 04' E. 256 miles, 3116 gallons.
: 1913 Secured IFF.

15 1200 40 - 23° N; 13°6 - 56'3 E. 312 miles, 2739 gallons.

ENCLOSURE (A) -18-

— page 22 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (cont'd):

May'44 Time K
16 1200 30° - 30°.7 N; 131° - 40°.3 E; 295 miles,
3481 gallons.
1950 Entered area (Equator to 40°N; 130°E to
East Coast HALMAHERA and MOROTAI) at
20° - 55°N; 130°E.
17 0604 Submerged patrol Tg LELAI, HALMAHERA
(northeastern tip) skirting 100 fathom
curve inside gulf.
0745 Aircraft contact #30.
1200 10° - 45°.2 N; 128° - 48°.5 E. 234 miles,
2434 gallons.
1845 Sighted small wooden fisherman towing row
boat astern; inbound.
2025 Surfaced patrol across mouth of MOROTAI
GULF. A few white lights observed on both
MOROTAI and HALMAHERA.
18 0613 Submerged patrol Tg LELAI, HALMAHERA
skirting 100 fathom curve inside gulf.
0755 Sighted small fisherman or patrol boat;
outbound.
1125 Sighted 4 small landing barges in column
hugging coast headed in direction of
KAOE BAY, HALMAHERA. Apparently loaded
with stores. Took pictures.
1200 10° - 35°N; 128° - 39°13 E. 116 miles,
941 gallons.
: 2019 Surfaced patrol across mouth of MOROTAI
GULF. Same white lights visible as last
night.
19 0621 Submerged patrol Tg LELAI, HALMAHERA
skirting 100 fathom curve inside gulf.
0632 Ship contact #12. JP sonic gear reported
screws. Not visible by periscope; still
dark. Battle stations. Commenced approach.
0645 Ship shapes visible through periscope. Few
minutes later, with improving visibility,
identified as one MUSTUKI destroyer and
one SC-boat standing out to sea against
land; background. Unfavorable firing
position. Withheld attack. Bigger and
better things to come?

INCLOSURE (a) -19-

— page 23 —
19 1010 Ship contact #13. One 600 ton oiler in ballast accompanied by non-descript boat, maybe intended to be an escort, standing out to sea hugging coast. Both good gun targets but not worth torpedo. Completed approach; took periscope shots with camera. Business 'looking up today! 1115 Sighted 2 small landing barges in column hugging coast headed in direction KAOE BAY, HALMAHERA. Apparently loaded with stores. Took pictures. 1200 10 - 40' N; 1280 - 40' E. 109 miles, 904 gallons. 1320 Sighted small wooden fisherman towing rowboat astern; outbound. Took pictures. 1700 Sighted apparently converted small escort vessel; standing out to sea. Non-descript but flying man-o-war flag. Depth charges visible on the stern. More pictures. 2025 Surfaced patrol. Rounded MOROTAI to northward proceeding to newly assigned area (North tip. HALMAHERA:to 4°N; 128°E to West and North Coasts of MOROTAI).

20 0627 Submerged patrol Tg BISOA to Tg DJODJEFA, HALMAHERA, skirting 100 fathom curve western approach to MOROTAI STRAIT. 1200 20 - 16°N; 1270 - 59' E. 150 miles, 1350 gallons. 1646 Ship contact #14. Attack #5. O.O.D. Lieut. G.W. FOLTA, USN, sighted ship through periscope rounding Tg BISOA obviously intending to hug coast, round Tg DJODJEFA and enter MOROTAI STRAIT. Bearing 2350T, distant 12,000 yards. Escorts visible shortly thereafter taking station on port quarter of target. BLUEGILL in excellent position. Battle Stations! Commenced approach. Observed target apparently steady on course 0800T.

ENCLOSURE (A) -20-

— page 24 —
1712
Angle on bow 80°P range 4350 yards decided target was not going to swing further right and squeeze coast too close, so, "80 feet, Left Full Rudder, All Ahead Standard, Make Ready Stern Tubes." Crossed her bow with sound tracking; gained excellent attack position between target and coast line with both escorts out on a limb on port quarter of target. The target screens BLUEGILL from escorts; the coast makes high noise level background, most unfavorable for escorts. Altogether, "Sitting pretty" - if don't run aground! Incidentally, no pinging heard as yet; these fellows must be listeners! Ship tentatively identified as similar to .IAUAU .ARU.
1720 Up periscope! Using #2, the attack scope, now although fogged. Used #1 to begin with for clearer vision. Making 40 turns. Nice set up! Angle on bow 180°S range 1700 yards. Can't miss! "Use 100% coverage for a 300 foot length of target. Depth setting 6 feet." Firing all torpedoes to hit! Can almost make out features of crew on board target.
1724 Fired 4 torpedoes 750 yard torpedo run 70°S track used target speed 9 knots course 0870T. Check bearings between shots. Saw and heard first three torpedoes hit! The first one hit right under stack amidships, lined up perfectly on vertical crosswire. Such an explosion and flames! Indicated gasoline or ammunition or other high explosives. The ship simply evaporated! Small pieces of her might probably be found high and dry on land back of Tg Djodjefa. Tried to save the last torpedo from being fired, but it went out just as "Stop Shooting" was ordered. Don't think there was any ship left for it to hit!

ENCLOSURE (4) -21-

— page 25 —
20 1724.50
"SHES SUNK!"
Escorts maintaining perfect formation on port quarter of where target was. But, have seen all wanted to see, ship sank. Hope escort skippers do the honorable thing and commit Hari Kari!
Ordered 300 feet and right full rudder. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack. Commenced pulling out on course 2900T working gradually around to 0000T, to take advantage of high noise level background while escorts try to make contact. These fellows are definitely listeners! BT card showed 70 negative temperature gradient between 210 and 270 feet.
Received total of eleven Depth Charges. They were dropped too far away, particularly at first, were not too far away, particularly at first, evidenced by fact that several stowage clamps securing fuel hose in superstructure carried away with result at banging of hose against plating. Loudness of banging magnified by silence we were maintaining in boat. Took offending hoses inside boat upon surfacing. Still don't believe escorts ever had good contact.
Commenced return to periscope depth. Periscope depth. No shipping in sight. (Sunset 1930).
Sighted one of escorts crossing stern distant 6000 yards searching in westerly direction. BLUEGILL maintained northerly course.
Lost sight of escort in fading light against island background. Sound never had good contact; escort must have plush screws.
Secured from Depth Charge Attack and started some of our more silent auxiliaries. In general remained at Silent Running, however, until surfacing.
Surfaced at four engine speed heading northerly. Moderately dark night; no moon. Weak SJ Radar contact bearing 3110T, distant 16,000 yards.

ENCLOSURE (A) -22-

— page 26 —
20 2109: Blinking lights and searchlight observed in same general direction. Undoubtedly our escorts. Lost pip at 2113.
2255: SJ Radar interference bearing 0800T own posit: 20 - 49',9 N; 1270 - 56'.5 E. Suspicious. U.S.S. CERO ? (not recording radar interference as Ship Contacts anymore unless there is a pip in it. Radar interference around MOROTAI too frequent. Getting suspicious. Do Japs have anything that would cause it?)
2335: Transmitted results of attack to CTF 72.
21 0625: SJ Radar interference bearing 1700T in direction MOROTAI.
0636: Submerged patrol cast-west off Tg SOPI, MOROTAI (northern tip) 100 fathom curve.
0718: Ship contact #15. JK supersonic gear detected echo-ranging bearing 1100T.
0747: Sighted an escort vessel on westerly course. Not a CHIDORI but similar thereto, little smaller perhaps. No other shipping in sight. Maybe she'll bring suitable targets back! Broke off approach and watched her over horizon.
1200: Ship of yesterdays attack identified as similar MIYAUMA M.KU.
1545: Considered must have been loaded, though was doubtful yesterday; hence depth setting 6 feet on torpedoes, calm water.
20 - 42'N; 1280 - 33' E. 128 miles, 1256 gallons.
1545: Ship contact #16. JK supersonic gear detected echo-ranging bearing 2800T. Battle stations. Commenced approach. Here come our targets!

ENCLOSURE (A) -23-

— page 27 —
1630 But no. Sighted lone escort vessel on easterly course. Not a CHIDORI, but similar thereto, little smaller perhaps. Believe to be contact #15 of this morning retracing her track. Broke off approach and watched her over horizon. 2027 Surfaced patrol on northerly course.

: 0400 Sighted possible reflection of burning ship bearing 3500T. Own posit: 40 - 04'N; 1280 - 01'E. Headed toward. 0650 Ship contact #17. Sighted smokes over horizon at dawn accompanied by SJ Radar interference in same direction. Bearing 2330T. Commenced "end-around" at Full Power. Convey running the rain squalls. Two people can play that game! Closed to radar range, 20,000 yards, continuing "end-around" radar tracking with course changes to keep within rain squalls. 0900 Ran out of rain squalls and observed target group would soon do likewise. Opened but on reverse of true bearing to continue "end-around" by periscope. Necessary to gain 200 more bearing to be on enemy track. 0920 Aircraft contact #31. Dived. Continuing approach submerged; considered BLUEGILL in fair position. This contact was air coverage circling over convoy. Plane faintly visible through clearing rain squall. Tops of ships becoming faintly visible through rain squall. Don't believe were detected. 1034 Went to 90'feet as escort vessel (not CHIDORI but similar thereto) passed close aboard down starboard side. Escort shifted to hand keying short scale indicating she was suspicious, but no depth charges dropped. 1040 Periscope depth. Escort astern, opening range. Approach progressing nicely. HP to this point. Angle on bow 300S range 7000 yards.

— page 29 —
22 1723 Second one exploded seconds later while passing 200 feet. Boat severely shaken. Lost depth control. Planes jammed on hard dive. Took 250 to 300 down angle. Regained depth control at 250 feet by backing emergency and blowing bow buoyancy. Planes backed off hard dive by hand. Guess aircraft didn't think we were friendly after all! SJ Radar out of commission. #1 Main Motor noisy. Detailed list of damage sustained under paragraph (K). Have never felt so frustrated and helpless! Mad now! Hope CERO gives 'em hell! 2052 Surfaced patrol across northerly portion of area. Considered chase fruitless. Inspected top side for damage. Secured loose gear. Transmitted today's bad luck to CTF 72. 23 1200 4° - 14' N; 129° - 59'E. 229 miles, 2671 gallons. Made careful survey topside during day-light. Completed job of securing damage. Aircraft contact #33. Dived. One aerial bomb relatively distant. Planes getting touchy too! Should have one bomb left. 1535 (B) NARRATIVE: (B) MARATIME: May '44 1955: 24 0613 Submerged patrol TG SOPI, MOROTAI (northern tip) off 100 fathom curve. 0823 Aircraft contact #34 1200 20 - 42' N; 128° - 36' E. 211 miles, very 2844 gallons. Several small fishing boats and sailboats sighted during day. 2030 Surfaced patrol across northwestern approaches to MOROTAI, STRAIT, DAVAO-TALAUD-HALMAHERA. 2052 (A) ENCLOSURE: (A) top side 26-1.

— page 30 —
1. U.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.
2. (B) NARRATIVE (cont'd):
   - May'44 Time: K
   - 25 0025 Passed oil drum. 30 - 14'.4 N; 12'0 - 14'.6 E.
   - 0534 Submerged patrol in western approach to MOROTAI STRAIT off southwest coast of RAO ISLAND. Two to three knot currents.
   - 0931 Aircraft contact #35. Two aircraft.
   - 1200 20 - 23' N; 1280 - 02' E. 153 miles, 1546 gallons.
   - 2035 Surfaced patrol across northwestern approaches to MOROTAI STRAIT. DAVAO-TALAUD-HALMAHERA lane.
   - SJ Radar repairs completed; back in commission except for "lobe switching".
   - #1 Main Motor quieting as brushes wear in new position.
   - 26 0327 SJ Radar contact MOROTAI ISLAND. 70,000 yards! She's really perkin'!
   - 0610 Submerged patrol TG BISOA to TG DJODJEFA, HALMAHERA, skirting 100 fathom curve. Western approach to MOROTAI STRAIT.
   - 1200 20 - 17'N; 1280 - 02' E. 155 miles, 1527 gallons.
   - 2040 Surf. ed. patrol across northwestern approach. She's to MOROTAI STRAIT.
   - 2058 Ship contact #18. Small patrol boat or fisherman. Later showed one white light. Radar range 5250 yards bearing 0120T. A.cided.
   - 27 0110 SJ Radar interference! Own posit: 30 - 14'N; 1270 - 50' E. U.S. Submarine from Perth?
   - 0520 SJ Radar interference again.
   - 0614 Submerged patrol TG BISOA to TG DJODJEFA, HALMAHERA, skirting 100 fathom curve.
   - 1002 Sighted one small landing barge standing out of MOROTAI STRAIT on northwesterly course.
   - 1200 20 - 15' N; 1280 - 01' E. 164 miles, 1909 gallons.
   - 231 Sighted few native sailboats and two outrigger padded canoes during day.

ENCLOSURE (A) -27-

— page 31 —
27. 2045
: 2139
: 28. 0606
: 1650. 2040
: 29. 0700
: 0911. 1200
: 1615. 30. 1125
: 1200. 30-38.5 N; 130-58.5 E. 249 miles, 3671 gallons.
: 1310. 30-20 N; 1360-51 E. 375 miles, 6741 gallons.
: 1320. 30-20 N; 1360-51 E. 375 miles, 6741 gallons.
: 31. 0455. 30-20 N; 1360-51 E. 375 miles, 6741 gallons.
: 0600. 30-20 N; 1360-51 E. 375 miles, 6741 gallons.
: 1200. 30-20 N; 1360-51 E. 375 miles, 6741 gallons.
: 6008. 30-20 N; 1360-51 E. 375 miles, 6741 gallons.

ENCLOSURE (A) -28-

— page 32 —
0600 Rendezvous with U.S.S. PC 1124, [cur escort].
: 1105 Moored alongside USS [SURYALE], in SEADLER HARBOR, MANUS ISLAND, ADMIRALTIES.
: 1200 SEADLER HARBOR 20 - 00'S; 1470 - 20' E. 300 miles, 5472 gallons.

Patrol considered completed this date although to
departure in afternoon to arrive Brisbane, Australia,
June 7, 1944.

ENCLOSURE: (A) -29-

— page 44 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS2H2) - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1
Time 1058 Date April 27, 1944 Lat. 5°-20' N Long. 132°-16'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description
Cruiser with DD escort and air coverage.
YUBARI type.
Visibility hazy; land background.

Ship Sunk

One Cruiser.

CL YUBARI - - 2890 tons.

Damage Determined by
1100 - Observed one solid hit vicinity #1 fireroom and then heard explosion. Cruiser heeled to water line to starboard and was almost completely engulfed in smoke. A few seconds later heard another explosion. Timed hits checked closely for #5 and #6 torpedoes.
1103 - Cruiser last observed angle on bow 90°P (completely reversed), dead in water, starboard list, smoking heavily, and sinking.

Target Draft 14' 9" Course 080°T Speed 20 Range 1900 yards (at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 5 kts Course 35°T swinging right Depth 62° Angle 0° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack
Daylight submerge. periscope attack. Quick set up.
Commenced approach on [UTSUKI] destroyer. Cruiser hove in sight; shifted approach to cruiser. Lost sight of cruiser; sniffed approach back to destroyer. Cruiser suddenly reappeared from behind [SONSOROL]; shifted approach to cruiser. Right full rudder, all ahead full to bring bow tubes to

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 45 —
1. ATTACK DATA:
    - TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1

Fire Control and Torpedo Data (cont'd)

bear. Made three observations in a minute and a half. Fired six torpedoes quick set up on cruiser; still swinging right although rudder amidships and 2/3 speed ordered; gyros 40R to 150R; track 1100S; range 1900 yards; divergent spread 150% coverage. Three check bearings during firing. My divergent spread is: (1) aft of MOT (2) forward of MOT (3) inside bow (4) 1/4 length ahead (5) 1/4 length astern (6) inside stern. Opinion: First four fish missed ahead due to overestimate of speed. Consider it fortunate to have been able to get the shots off.

ENCLOSURE (A) -42-

— page 46 —
1. ATTACK DATA: (Cont'd)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1
Tubes Fired 1 2 3 4 5 6
Track Angle 110S - - - - 115S
Torpedo Run 1900 - - - - 2000
Gyro angle 015 013 013 016 004 006
Depth Set 10' 10' 10' 10' 10' 10'
Power Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss Hit Hit
Erratic No No No No No No
Mk. Torpedo 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 23 23 14-3A
Serial No. 26184 39771 40042 41310 41214 39262
Mk. Explorer 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5
Serial No. 13982 4955 13717 13911 9368 4833
Actuation Set C C C C C C
Actuation Actual - - - - C C
Mk. Warhead 16-1 16 16 16 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 9885 9228 4374 40092 11588 9647
Explosive TPX TNT TNT TNT TPX TPX
Firing interval Os 8s 8s 8s 10s 10s 8s
Type Spread Div. 1 1/8L 1 1/8L 3 3/8R 5 1/2R 5 1/2L 3 3/8L
Sea Conditions Calm with moderate swell
Overhaul Activity "Left- FULTON FULTON BURY-LEEURY-LE FULTON 80"

Remarks:
1. Rudder was put amidships prior to firing, but ships head was still swinging to the right.
2. Fish apparently ran HSN.
3. Opinion: First four fish missed ahead due to over estimate of target speed.

ENCLOSURE (A) -43-

— page 47 —
1944
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2

Time 1108  Date April 27, 1944  Lat. 5°-20' N Long. 132°-16'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description
Destroyer MUTSUKI class. Ship contact #4.
Escort for cruiser of attack #1. Visibility hazy.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk

None. Torpedoes missed.

Target Draft 9'10" Course 2970T-2320T Speed 18 Range 2300 yds
(at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 3 kts  Course 200  Depth 63' Angle 0° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Daylight submerged periscope. Quick set up.
Destroyer escort headed for us at high speed after our attack on cruiser. Swung for stern shot. Destroyer swung hard right presenting 90°P angle on bow bearing 1820 Rel., range 2300 yards. Fired four torpedoes. Destroyer swung hard left at instant second torpedo was fired. Altered TDC angle on bow to 30°P for third shot and to 15°P for fourth shot. Two check bearings during firing. Heard depth charges #7, 8, 9, and 10 during firing. Presumably from aircraft. Not too close. Divergent spread used 150% coverage reduced with reduction of angle on bow. Opinion: target maneuvered to avoid and all fish missed ahead.

ENCROACH (A) -44-

— page 48 —
1. ATTACK DATA: (Cont'd)
: 2. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2
: Tubes Fired 7 8 9 10
: Torpedo Run 2300 2150 2000 1800
: Gyro Angle 165 165 167 177
: Depth Set 6' 8' 6' 8'
: Power Hi Hi Hi --
: Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss
: Erratic No No No No
: Mk. Torpedo 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 23
: Serial No. 26431 40118 26213 41319
: Mk. Exploder 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5
: Serial No. 13269 13282 13284 10172
: Actuation Set C C C C
: Actuation Actual
: Mk. Warhead 16-1 16-1 16 16
: Serial No. 1202 3642 5270 5239
: Explosive TPX TPX TNT TNT
: Firing Interval Os 8s 10s 8s
: Type Spread Div. 0.4 R 0.4 L 1 1 R
: Sea Conditions Calm with moderate swell
: Overhaul Activity FULTON FULTON FULTON EURYALE

Remarks:
1. 1. Fish apparently ran HSN.
2. Opinion: Target maneuvered to avoid and all fish missed ahead.

ENCLOSURE (A) -45-

— page 49 —
5-44' N Long 132°-14'E
Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:
One MUTSUKI class destroyer escorting one new type landing or cargo barge. (sketches enclosed for CTF 72) Visibility poor, rain squalls, clearing somewhat last twenty minutes of approach.

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk
None. Torpedoes missed.

Target draft 9' 10" Course 060° Speed 12 Range 2,300 yards (at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 2 knots Course 152° Depth 64 ft. Angle 10° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack
Daylight submerged periscope. Deliberate approach. Targets popped out of rain squall; forced to dive immediately. Selected DD for victim. Visibility bad. Lost target group in rain squall. Radar depth but unable to contact on SJ. Periscope depth and regained periscope contact. Swung for stern shot. Destroyer zigged away (wrong direction). Fired four stern tubes. Missed, Angle on bow 90°S, range 2,300 yards, gyros 179° to 190°. Speed used 12 knots. TDC was checking even after firing and had been checking perfect set-up. Long torpedo run was bad. Torpedoes set at 6 feet, 8 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet. Opinion: Either fish ran deep under target, or, target successfully maneuvered to avoid.

ENCLOSURE (a) -46-

— page 50 —
7 8 9 10
Track Angle 90°S 90°S 90°S 90°S
Torpedo Run 2300 2325 2350 2400
Gyro Angle 179 185 190 189
Depth Set 6' 8' 6' 8'
Power -- Hi --
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic No No No No
Mk. Torpedo 23 14-3A 23 23
Serial No. 41323 40107 41278 41218
Mk. Exploder 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5
Serial No. 13248 13228 13259 2208
Actuation Set C C C C
Actuation Actual - -
Mk. Warhead 16 16-1 16-1 16
Serial No. 5281 11314 11693 4609
Explosive TNT TPX TPX TNT
Firing Interval 0 8s 9s 8s
Type Spread Div. 0.7L 0.7R 2R 2L
Sea conditions Sight sea with heavy swells
Overhaul Activity EURYALE FULTON EURYALE EURYALE

Remarks:
1. Fish apparently ran HSN.
2. Opinion: Either fish ran deep under target, or, target successfully maneuvered to avoid.

ENCLOSURE (A) -47-

— page 51 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4
Time 1825K Date May 1, 1944 Lat. 70° - 07' N Long.129°-56'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description
Convoy: two old type merchantmen (MFM) coal burners.
one ASOSAN MARU, MKFKKM, diesel.
two Subchaser escorts
5 ships
Visibility poor to good. Rain squalls.

Ship Sunk
One. Similar ASOSAN MARU - 8812 tons
(page 84 ONI 208J)

Two torpedo hits. Finally sunk by gunfire
0740 May 2, 1944.

Damage Determined by
Observation. EIGHTY WITNESSES!

Target Draft 12' estimate before firing
14' actual (in ballast)

Course 2820T Speed 10 knots Range 2475 yards (at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 3 kts Course 3400T Depth 65 ft Angle 10D (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack
Day "End around"; Day Surface Radar; Day Submerged Radar;
deliberate Day Submerged Periscope.
Commenced "end around" on convoy keeping tops within sight
of high periscope but out of sight of high lookout. Convoy
lost in rain squall. Headed toward rain squall at four eng-
ine speed favoring edge toward convoy track. SJ Radar con-
tact; commenced tracking, closing track on surface.

ENCLOSURE (A) -48-

— page 52 —
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd):

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4

Fire Control and Torpedo Data (Cont'd)

Sighted from bridge with binoculars and then with periscope. Submerged to radar depth; continued tracking. Periscope depth and completed attack by deliberate periscope approach. TDC set up checked perfectly before, during and after firing. Fired four torpedoes from bow tubes. Excessive torpedo run 2,600 yards. Divergent spread used with 150% coverage. Two good solid hits! Target presented 1800 angle on bow, slight list to starboard, engulfed in smoke. Opinion: Torpedoes #1 and #2, aimed abaft MOT and forward of MOT, hit. Target still afloat twelve hours later. Sank by gunfire; Gun Attack #1.

ENCLOSURE (A) - -49-

— page 53 —
1. TUBES FIRED
2. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4
3. TORPEDO RUN
4. GYRO ANGLE
5. DEPTH SET
6. POWER
7. Hit or MISS
8. ERRATIC
9. MK. TORPEDO
10. Serial NO.
11. Mk. EXPLODER
12. Serial NO.
13. Actuation SET
14. Actuation ACTUAL
15. Mk. Warhead
16. Serial NO.
17. Explosive
18. Firing INTERVAL
19. Type SPREAD DIV.
20. Sea CONDITIONS
21. OVERHAUL ACTIVITY "LEFT-80" "LEFT-80"
22. Remarks

1. FISH apparently ran HSN.
2. Opinion: Torpedoes #1 and #2, aimed abaft and forward of MOT, hit!

ENCLOSURE (A) -50-

— page 54 —
1944
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5

Time 1646 Date May 20, 1944 Lat.20-13' N Long. 1280-01'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description
One similar MIYURA MARU
Two escorts - apparently converted ships - best classified as PC boats.
Visibility fair.

Ship(s) Sunk
One. Similar IYAR IARU-1856 tons.

Observed through periscope:
Three torpedo hits. Tremendous explosion and flames. Ship disintegrated. Fifty seconds after first torpedo left submarine, there was no ship there.

Target Draft*12/21 ft Course 0870T Speed 9 kts Range 950 yds (at firing)

*Fish set at 6 feet. Must have been loaded but taking no chances of underrunning target.
Calm sea.

Own Ship Data
Speed 2 kts Course 1600T Depth 65' Angle 0° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack
Daylight submerged periscope attack. Deliberate.
Target sighted rounding point. Observed target steady on course. Crossed target's bow to take position between target and beach with escorts on target's disengaged quarter. Stern shot. Noisy sound-background of beach favorable to submarine. TDC set up checked good. Fired 4 stern tubes. Torpedo run 750 yards - couldn't miss! Check bearings during firing. Fired all torpedoes to hit using reduced target length of 300 feet, divergent spread 100% coverage. Three good solid hits! Target blew up!
Fact: Torpedoes #1, #2 and #3 hit.
Opinion: No ship left for torpedo #4 to strike.

ENCLOSURE (A) -51-

— page 55 —
7 7 9 10
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5

Tubes Fired 70S 70S 70S 70S
Track Angle 800 775 750 700
Gyro Angle 184 189 194 196
Depth Set 6' 6' 6' 6'
Power
Hit or Miss Hit Hit Hit Miss
Erratic No No No No
Mark Torpedo 23 23 23 23
Serial No. 33754 26849 26894 33792
Mk. Exploder 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5
Serial No. 4879 5673 1201 7141
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact Contact Contact --
Mk. Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 1238 12446 3474 12373
Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval 08 08 08 08
Type Spread Div. 1'0R 1'0R 3'0R 2'0L
Sea Conditions Calm sea with moderate swell
Overhaul Activity S/M Repair Unit, U.S. Navy 134.

Remarks:
1. Fish ran apparently H.S.N.
2. Fact: Torpedoes#1,#2 and #3 hit!
Opinion: No ship left for torpedo #4 to strike.

ENCLOSURE (A) -52-

— page 56 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BIJEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:
GUN ATTACK NO. 1
Time 0637 K  Date May 2, 1944 Lat. 70-07' N Long.129°-56'E
Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Ship(s) Sunk
Similar ASOSAN MARU - 8812 tons
(page 84 ONT 208J)
Same ship damaged yesterday with two torpedo hits.
(Torpedo Attack #4) Still afloat!

Damage Determined by
Observation. EIGHTY WITNESSES!
100 rounds 4" expended: 90% hits.

Details of Action
Type gun used: 4"/50 caliber deck gun.
Ammunition: 60 rounds High Capacity Flashless.
40 rounds Common Flashless
100 rounds expended.

Effectiveness of Fire: 90% hits!
Average Range: 1500 to 2000 yards.
Fire Control: Radar ranges. Visual spotting.
Erratic performance: After round 90, 4" gun slow in returning to battery. Pushed into battery after each shot.

Description of Action:
0637: Commenced firing. 0740 Ship sunk! 100 rounds of 4" inch expended. 90% hits and ship sunk in 63 minutes.
Ship was maintained afloat by unpunctured amidships section, fireroom'spaces. Torpedo hits in bow and quarter. Gun fire vented off and punctured amidships section.
Pictures taken of action with both 16 mm movie and 35 mm still camera.

ENCLOSURE (A) -53-

— page 57 —
1. MINES:
   - None.

: 2. ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
   - All shipping was escorted by surface craft! Aircraft utilized also.
   - Total depth charges received this patrol 72. It is not the quantity, however, but the quality that counts. Some of the quality wasn't bad.
   - Some of the escorts were pingers and some were listeners. No forward throwers or throwers other than Y-Guns' evident.

ATTACKS NO. 1 and NO. 2:

One MUTSUKI DD plus air-coverage escorted one YUBARI CL. After attack four DDs were seen. Upon taking departure from SONSOROL ISLAND, first the DD escort searched thoroughly at various speeds various courses both eche-ranging (16.4 kcs) and stopping to listen. Then YUBARI stood out on steady course at high speed, stopped, radical change of course with instantaneous increase to high speed, stopped, another radical change of course and increased speed. Destroyer imitated YUBARI tactics. Total effect being that the S/M was at loss as to proper approach course. After torpedoes fired DD instantly headed in direction of source of torpedo wakes. Apparently, however, DD did not have S/M accurately located, for, as I watched, DD stopped to listen. S/M fired four torpedoes at DD, then, but missed. DD went to high speed and headed immediately down torpedo tracks at instant of firing second torpedo. Suspect she heard as well as saw the torpedoes fired. Believe her aggressiveness dulled, however, by the four torpedoes fired at her. Evaded at 300 feet. First depth charges' closest. She and other three DDs who joined up used both echo-ranging air listening tactics. Believe some charges dropped by aircr . . . Total depth charges heard'27.

RADAR: Before, during all after the attacks, particular effort was made to discern radar on both target and escorts. There was positively no visible indication of radar installations in either the cruiser or destroyers.

ENCLOSURE (A) -54-

— page 58 —
1. ATTACK NO. 3:
   - One MUTSUKI DD escorted one new type landing or cargo barge. The DD was echo-ranging (16.4 kcs) prior to attack. After torpedoes were fired she headed toward firing point guided by torpedo tracks. During her counter attack she used listening only; no more echo-ranging heard on any frequency. Believe her aggressiveness dulled, also, by the four torpedoes fired at her. Total depth charges heard 10. Some members of the crew thought these closer than previous depth charges.

ATTACK NO. 4:
   - Two SC type A/S vessels escorted three merchant ships, the leader apparently a Q-Ship. There was no echo-ranging detected either before or after the attack. After torpedoes were fired both SC-boats and Q-Ship headed toward at high speed guided by torpedo tracks. The remaining merchant ship turned tail and ran. It is suspected that the Q-Ship fired a torpedo, since sound reported, "high speed crews - torpedo," on bearing of Q-Ship who showed zero angle on bow at that instant. Didn't wait to verify torpedo, but went deep immediately. Total depth charges heard 18. Dropped singly and in groups. First depth charges closest. These SC-boats looked quite similar to our own SC-boats. Though a studied look was not obtained, observed what suggested radar antennae top of mast on each SC-boat. It is not desired to over emphasize this suspicion; the suggested radar antennae was only a vague suggestion. On identical SC-boat (this fellow pinged however), observed at a later date, Ship contact No. 12, suspicioned a similar enlargement on top of its mast that suggested radar -- still only a vague suggestion.

ATTACK NO. 5:
   - Two non-descript A/S vessels escorted one merchant. These escorts were identical to each other and looked like conversions. They had lines like a miniature transport, MFM, box-like super-structure. About the size of our PC-boats. They were not pingers but definitely listeners only. They might have had Y-Guns since they apparently did not change slow speed for dropping charges. Their screws exceptionally silent, very hard to hear. They did not head toward firing point because don't believe they knew from which direction torpedoes came.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 60 —
1. Go Deep (300 feet) using Speed and Get Off Torpedo Tracks.
   - (a) Assists depth charges to explode above S/M since greatest force of explosion is up.
   - (b) Key West Sound School indicated difficulty in maintaining contact with S/M deeper than 250 feet regardless of BT indication.
   - (c) A/S vessel was S/M located within at least 1000 yards from torpedo tracks and/or impulse bubbles (we try not to make one) at instant of firing (Mk XVIIIs tend to eliminate this item, but, they can still be heard).

2. Rig for Silent Running.
   - (a) Take S/M away from scene of action. Escorts normally stay close to scene of attack. Necessary for S/M to guard against turning in circles and thereby staying under foot.
   - In detail, NAVIGATOR, marns Mooring Board and plots relative movements of A/S vessels from. True Sound Bearings using arbitrary ranges influenced by sound information of "closing" or "opening". S/M in maneuvered in effort to cause A/S vessels to pass astern, but normally no change of course is greater than 90° in order to make distance good in a certain direction. This general direction is selected with consideration given to proximity of land, presence and set of current and direction of advance and relative position of convoy. To further guard against turning in circles and also to assist navigation, the Plotting Officer, continues the plot of S/M track by D.R. This system seems to have merit. Good psychological effect on C.O., officers and men anyway.

4. Return to Best Evasive Depth as indicated on Ray Diagram constructed from BT Card.
   - (a) This depth is theoretically that at which S/M can approach A/S vessel the closest without detection, conversely, A/S vessel theoretically has to be closer to S/M operating at this depth than at any other depth in order to detect S/M.

— page 61 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTIC (cont'd):

BLUEGILL's EVASIVE TACTICS: (cont'd):

(b) As this depth is usually shallower than deep, less water leaks in to the boat tending for better depth control.

In detail, after BLUEGILL is deep, 300 to 350 feet, PLOTTING OFFICER takes BT card information and develops Ray Diagram which he shows to C.O. As echo-ranging, depth charges, screws and other noises from A/S vessels becomes more distant and C.O. feels A/S vessels not in contact (fine point here, this "feeling"). The Best Evasive Depth indicated on Ray Diagram is ordered. In practice, so far, this "feeling" has indicated but a short stop there before coming to periscope depth in order to actually look for the A/S vessels. However, here again, the psychological effect is good. Only criticism is that Ray Diagram considered still too much of a theoretical stage. It is hoped that further progress will continue to be made, rapidly, by the men engaged in developing anti-anti-submarine tools.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:

No major defects; consider ship to be in good material condition. Following items thought worthy of note, however, and will be corrected:

1. Hull ventilation valve outboard leaks.
2. Sea and stop valves in flushing line to all heads leak.
3. Soft patch in forward battery leaks.
4. No. 2 main engine outboard exhaust valve sticks periodically in partially shut position.
5. Periscopes fogged since May 19, 49th day of patrol. Periscopes periodically bind and scratch in train.
6. SJ Radar Mast bent, binds in train. Lobe switching feature is inoperative.
7. Pitometer Log not operating properly.
8. No. 1 main motor made excessively noisy by aerial bomb has quieted to almost normal with wearing in of brushes - alignment checks will be made of all main motors, reduction gear 'and shafting, however, if opportunity permits.
9. Foil bottom reduces maximum speed.

ENCLOSURE (A) -58-

— page 62 —
10. Stern tube and strut bearing groan now commences at 30 RPM where it was 20 and before that 10 RPM. "RYERTEX" bearing material was installed by E.B. Co; October 29, 1943. S/M Base, New London, pulled, inspected, cut to increase clearances and reinstalled December 18, 1943. NOB, Key West, pulled, inspected, cut to increase clearances and reinstalled January 26, 1944. After each installation, groan eliminated, but crept back in, first commencing at low RPM and later at higher RPM. Concern is felt that it may soon be groaning at 40 RPM (SILENT RUNNING-SPEED). It is suggested that RYERTEX be replaced by Lignum Vitae.

NOTE: - None of above defects would prevent extension of patrol nor cause termination of patrol.

DAMAGE: -

1. Sword arm of pitometer log bent upon striking log, fish or other underway body. (fish meat found in sword this one had replaced). Bent so could not withdraw inside boat; pushed out overboard and replaced.

2. Fuel hoses in superstructure stowage partially cast adrift, creating noise. Caused by Depth Charges breaking stowage retaining clamps; Attack No. 5.

Damage from Aerial Bombs; Aircraft Contact No. 32:

(a) SJ Radar out of commission - repaired, except for bent mast and lobe switching, after three days diligent work on part of Radar Officer, Radar Technician and Leading Radioman.

(b) No. 1 Main Motor noisy - brush rigging displaced 4"; quieted with wearing in of brushes in new position.

(c) SJ Radar mast bent out of alignment.

(d) Soft patch, forward battery leaks.

(e) Muzzle clamp, 4" gun, broken and carried away.

(f) Breech cover, 4" gun, knocked off.

(g) Gasket, tompion, 4" gun, blown.

ENCLOSURE A -59-

— page 63 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE: (cont'd)

DAMAGE: - (cont'd)

(h) Metal cover, deck locker, carried away.
(i) Metal cover, marker buoy stowage forward, dished in.
(j) Address doors, conning tower fairwater by induction, sprung open.
(k) Metal plating, Momsen Lung stowage, FTR, jarred to deck.
(l) Petcock #2 F.W. Tank in FTR, sheered off.
(m) Cork and paint showered throughout boat.
(n) Light bulbs (some on pendant) and gauge glasses broken:
    FTR = One light bulb.
    CT = One light bulb.
    CR = Two light bulbs.
    PR = One light bulb.
    FER = Two light bulbs, two thermometers.
    AER = F.W. gauge glass #3 M.E.
    MR = Light bulbs in hydrogen detectors.
    ATR = One light bulb.

Two bombs dropped. Deduct one exploding at 40 feet was forward above deck level, one exploding at 200 feet was aft.

Tribute is extended to the designers and builders of this submarine for their work in shock mounting. The extensive shock mounting and the improvement in shock mounting of machinery installed in this vessel effectively prevented extensive damage under the severe shock of two too close aerial bombs.

(L) RADIO

Material condition considered excellent; no casualties.

Communications considered good.
Missed no CTF 72 serials.
Missed Drell's 850, 875, 939.

ENCLOSURE A -60-

— page 64 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(L) RADIO (Cont'd):

Ship to Shore used 8470 kcs.  Always contacted on initial call-up.

BLUEGILL
SERIALS

APRIL
27
23
MAY
1
1
7
20
22
28
JUNE
1
0703
to
0713
10 min.
VHC

Jamming - negligible. During transmission of BLUEGILL's Serial 6, whenever VHM answered, a continuous signal frequency modulator would start up drowning out VHM signal. Transmission assisted by NPG relay until VHM shifted transmitters.

Ship to Ship 2880 kcs guarded continously in area. Good circuit.

BLUEGILL's 151415(2) April '44 received good; did not receipt as requested to avoid disolosing position. BLUEGILL's 261803(Z) April '44 received good. Answered up this time. Think S/Ms should normally transmit contacts on this circuit "blind." BLUEGILL's Serial 3 of 1 May transmitted "blind" twice 2207 to 2220(K) to CERO AND DACE.

Jamming - very little. Unidentified voice transmissions heard "counting accompanied by voice calls TOMCAT and RAZOR BLADE."

ENCLOSURE A -61-

— page 67 —
6. Twisted Off Flexible Drive to PPI—Twisted cable trouble is believed caused by the sudden strain on the cable when the mast starts rotation in power; especially when the inertia of the flywheel in the PPI unit must be overcome. This was occurred 4 times since gear went in commission about November 15, 1943, twice on this patrol. As a result the motors speed of rotation has been slowed down with an accompanying slow starting. This was done by inserting a resistance in the armature circuit. A 2 KW resistor unit from a navy heater was put in series with the armature series field, the shunt field being left across the line. A heater switch was inserted so that one-half the resistance could be shorted out. This gives slow acceleration and mast a rotation speed of 5 RPM with 120 ohms in circuit and about 83 RPM with 60 ohms in circuit.

Subsequent to Aerial Bombing:

7. Modulation network - Magnetron quit pulsing and modulation network was suspected as oil was found in abundance around the bottom posts and in bottom of transmitter unit. Unit replaced. Maggle still was not pulsing so systematic check was made. Symptoms were abnormally high and no current was drawn from the high voltage rectifier. Symptoms were the same as before once when no bias was present. It was noticed that bias regulator tubes were not glowing so bias supply was checked and it was found that C22xKB was shorted out, thus shorting out bias supply voltage, C22 was replaced and equipment returned to normal operation.

8. Lobe switching - still out of commission. It is believed that the jar and vibration caused the contacts to be held open or closed at all times. Lobe switching motor still operates normally even though the contacts are not operating.

9. Mast - Sprung. It turns stiffly from starboard beam aft around to port beam. Ahead trains same as before bombing.

ENCLOSURE A -64-

— page 68 —
C-O-N-F-I-L-E-N-T-I-L-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

Material condition excellent; no casualties.

Sound conditions generally good. High noise level due to beach and reef noises when operating close to shore. High noise level due to fish noises in vicinities of Morotai Strait (20-15N, 128°E) Tg. Sopi, Morotai, and Tg. Lelai, Halmahera. Great numbers of fish observed jumping clear of water in these vicinities. In general JP sonic-gear more sensitive close to beach and JK, QB/QC more sensitive in deep water open sea. Estimate echo-ranging (16.4 kcs) detected at least 30,000 yards; long before ship sighted coming over horizon (5°N, 128°E and off Tg Sopi, Morotai). Super-sonic equipment usually detected screws at estimated range 10,000 yards. JP sonic equipment detected screws at maximum estimated range 14,000 yards once off Tg Lelai appreciably. Before super-sonic gear detected either screws or echo-ranging.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS:

| Date | Time | Latitude | Longitude | Remarks | Max. Depth |
|------|------|||||
| 6    | 1003 | 1-29N    | 137-45E  | 1° neg. grad. to 130 ft. and | 319 ft. |
| 9    | 1600 | 2-39N    | 130-13.4E| 2° neg. grad. to 220 ft. | 320 ft. |
| 10   | 1000 | 2-21.2N  | 127-57.1E| 130 to 170 ft. and | 300 ft. |
| 11   | 0545 | 2-39N    | 128-27E  | 1° neg. grad. to 300 ft. | 305 ft. |
| 22   | 0615 | 3-44N    | 131-08.4E| 2° neg. grad. to 300 ft. | 340 ft. |
| 27   | 1109 | 5-11.3N  | 132-09E  | 80 to 100 ft. and | 310 ft. |

ENCLOSURE A

— page 69 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(0) DENSITY LAYERS (Cont'd):

| April | Time | Latitude | Longitude | Remarks | Max. Depth |
|------|------|||||
| 28   | 0650 | 5-41.6N  | 132-21E   | No layer | 315 ft.   |
| May  | 1747 | 7-05.8N  | 127-55.4E | 10 neg. grad. | 305 ft.   |
|      | 1237 | 1-54 N   | 148-5.3E  | 20 neg. grad. | 300 ft.   |
| 15   | 1311 | 4-20 N   | 136-12E   | 50 neg. grad. | 320 ft.   |
| 20   | 0627 | 2-15 N   | 127-54.1E | 10 neg. grad. | 310 ft.   |
|      |      |          |           | 50 to 60 ft. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 10 neg. grad. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 140 to 150 ft. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 90 neg. grad. |           |
| 22   | 1723 | 4-10.3N  | 127-54.1E | 200 to 260 ft. | 295 ft.   |
|      |      |          |           | 30 neg. grad. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 140 to 170 ft. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 20 neg. grad. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 200 to 300 ft. |           |
| 23   | 1500 | 4-17 N   | 130-05.4E | 30 neg. grad. | 295 ft.   |
|      |      |          |           | 150 to 170 ft. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 30 neg. grad. |           |
|      |      |          |           | 220 to 295 feet. |           |
| 24   | 0900 | 2-32.1N  | 128-41E   | 20 neg. grad. | 310 ft.   |
| 30   | 1125 | 2-25.7N  | 134-35.8E | No layer | 160 ft.   |
|      |      |          |           | Perfect Isothermal |           |

BT Cards forwarded direct to VCNO (Hydrographic Office).

Diving Officer considers BT Cards invaluable as an aid to ballasting in going deep.

Ray Diagrams constructed from BT Cards were utilized for evasion tactics. Research work along this line is encouraged.

ENCLOSURE A -66-

— page 70 —
1. Health generally excellent.

Following cases of sickness:
(a) HUNTLEY, D.C., 272 62' 88', St3c, USN.
   - Urethritis (Non-venerable) - 6 days, binnacle list.
   - Tonsillitis, chronic - 6-days sick in bunk.
(b) FOGG, H.J., 573 06' 13', Flc, USNR.
   - Gastro Enteritis, acute - 2 days sick in bunk.

CAREY, J.F., 610 13 96, PhM2c, USNR, ably treated and cured above cases of sickness as well as minor ailments and injuries occurring on board.

NOTE:
- Half of Vitamin Pills (4000) on board at start of patrol had imperfect candy coating. Fortunately there were enough on board so that these were not used. Can now understand some people's objections to taking vitamin pills.
- "Multi-Vitamin Tablets" - Strong, Cobb & Co., Inc. Cleveland, Ohio.

(2) Food good, well prepared and well served. Such has come to be taken for granted in the BLUEGILL. A "well done" must be given to all members of the Commissary Department, however, on the efficient administration and execution of their functions. Ice cream freezer installed by EURYALE proved its worth. Ice cream served at least three times per week! Should be made standard equipment on original installation for all submarines.

(3) Habitability excellent. Greater part of patrol carried out on the surface with moderate weather and sea conditions.

(q) PERSONNEL:
1. Performance of duty under combat conditions:

   All Hands conducted themselves in accordance with the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Submarine Force. Although this standard has come to be expected from officers and men in U.S. Submarines, such does not detract from recognition of performance of duty well done.

ENCLOSURE A

— page 71 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of First War Patrol.

(Q) PERSONNEL (Cont'd.):

For three officers and fifty-three enlisted men this was their first war patrol. They all behaved like seasoned veterans.

The Commanding Officer has the highest regard and respect for his crew; he flatters himself that the feeling is reciprocated. "Well Done" to Officers' and Men' in BLUEGILL from the '01 Man!

2. State of training: High.

First requisite to advancement in rating in BLUEGILL is "Qualified in Submarines." No Exceptions! A systematic "school of the boat" has been in effect since prior to commissioning. A daily two hour "School of the boat" period "as religiously observed throughout patrol with few excisions.

| Qual. | Training Rating | Training Courses Completed |
|------|||
| 18   | 34             | 49                     |
| 41   | 43             | 49                     |

This patrol Total since Commissioning:

One man not yet qualified.

The "school of the boat" was perhaps the most effective reliever of monotony; Interest, enthusiasm and pride of achievement greatly in evidence among officers and men.

Daily fire control drills conducted to and from area and periodically in area. In addition, CO exercised at angles on the bow estimates and identification using scale ship models, some obtained from EURYAL, Some obtained elsewhere. Aircraft contacts took care of training at clearing bridge and diving!

3. Miscellaneous:

(a) Weekly newspaper published on board.
(b) "Scoops" published whenever possible within bounds of proper security.
(c) Short Order Breakfasts for all hands.
(d) Lookout. competition for sightings.

-68-

ENCLOSURE A

— page 74 —
1. The Commander Submarine Division 152.
To: The Commander Submarine Squadron 152.
Via: (1) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. BURGESS (SS242) First War Patrol - Comment:

1. On the BURGESS's first patrol, six attacks were made, five by torpedo and one by gun fire.
   Attack #1 was made on 27 April 1944 at 1545 hours, on enemy cruiser, under destroyer and escort. This was a day one ship in sight from behind an island. Six torpedoes were fired; one observed hit and one turned back. Range 1900 yards, track 110°, mean gyro angle 90°, spread sufficient for 150° coverages. The cause of misses of the other four torpedoes is attributed to over estimation of the speed. This is quite understandable since torpedoes were fired four minutes after cruiser in an apparent attack. BURGESS bombed twice by aircraft during the approach.
   Attack #2 was delivered immediately thereafter on the destroyer escort. Four torpedoes were fired from stern tubes at a range of 2300 yards but radical maneuvers by the target caused all torpedoes to miss. Again during the approach BURGESS bombed by aircraft, and after the attack, was depth charged for two hours without major damage.
   Attack #3 was delivered the following day against a MURSUKI type destroyer which was escorting a larrikin or cargo barge. This was a day periscope attack in squall weather. Four torpedoes were fired from stern tubes, range 2300 yards, small gyro angles, track 90°, depth setting 6 and 8 feet. Spread used provided for 175° coverage. Either torpedoes passed under target or destroyer maneuvered to avoid as all four torpedoes missed. This attack resulted in a counter attack.

-1-

— page 75 —
1. SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE EIGHTY TWO
FB5-182/A16-3
Serial 80
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) First War Patrol - Comments

Attack #4 was made on 1 May 1944 against a convoy. The largest ship of the convoy was attacked with four torpedoes in a day submerged approach after an end around. Range 2600 yards, 1100, gyro 80 left, spread of 150% coverage. Two hits were obtained which set target on fire but did not sink it. This attack brought on a depth charge counter attack and possibly a torpedo from a Q-ship.

The following morning the burning hulk of this ship identified as the ASOSAN MARU class was sunk by 4" gun fire; 100 rounds were expended at range from 1500 to 2000 yards.

Attack #5 was made on 20 May 1944. Four torpedoes were fired from excellent position in a day periscope attack, range 750 yards, spread of 100% coverage. Three hits were obtained which blew up the target. Again the BLUEGILL was depth charged by the escorts with no major damage.

2. On 22 May 1944 an attack on a nine ship convoy was frustrated after an end around by an escort which evidently picked up the BLUEGILL by sound. Three depth charges were dropped. Two hours later when BLUEGILL surfaced she was picked up by a plane which dropped two charges, causing considerable minor damage.

3. A high state of training and excellent morale is evident from this report. This first patrol of the BLUEGILL is outstanding for its aggressiveness and tenacity. The determined manner in which attacks were pressed home, even during aircraft bombing as was the case in the first two attacks, is worthy of the highest praise. The Division Commander heartily congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew for the damage inflicted on the enemy.

C. C. BURLINGHAM.

— page 76 —
15/18/A16-3/(11) SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
Serial 065
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
Report of U.S.S. BLUEGILL
(SS242) First War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - First War Patrol, comments on.

1. The remarks of Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY-TWO are concurred in.

2. The material condition is very good and the state of cleanliness excellent. BLUEGILL will receive a normal refit by the Submarine Repair Unit, Brisbane, Australia.

3. The morale of the personnel is high and their state of health excellent.

4. The patrol was conducted with splendid aggressiveness and determination in spite of the enemy's greatly intensified anti-submarine measures. The Squadron Commander heartily congratulates the commanding officer, the officers and enlisted personnel on the serious damage inflicted upon the enemy.

Eli H. Bryant

— page 77 —
1. FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Lh
Serial 0207
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
Report of U.S.S. BLUEGILL
(SS242) First War Patrol.
From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander, SEVENTH Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - First War Patrol, comments on.

1. The remarks of the Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN are concurred in.
2. The first patrol of the BLUEGILL which was conducted in the vicinity of HALMAHERA, and in the area northward thereof, between HALMAHERA and FALAU, covered a period of sixty-seven days of which forty were spent in the patrol areas. Area coverage was most thorough and aggressive, the whole patrol being characterized by the Commanding Officer's intelligent and determined development of every possible opportunity.
3. Ten contacts worthy of torpedoes were made, of which three were developed into successful attacks resulting in sinkings. All attacks were well and aggressively conducted, enemy air cover and surface anti-submarine measures rendering them more hazardous and difficult than usual.
4. This patrol is designated as successful for purposes of award of Combat Insignia.
5. The Task Force Commander is proud to congratulate the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL upon the completion of this splendidly conducted first patrol, in the course of which the following damage was inflicted upon the enemy:

SUNK

1 YUBARI class cruiser (EC) 2,390 tons
1 Freighter (ASOSAN MARU Class) (EC) 3,812 tons
1 Freighter (MIYURA MARU Class) (EC) 1,856 tons
TOTAL 13,558 tons

RECEIVED 3-C FILES
23-6-20 2055
J. M. HAINES, JUN 29 1944
J. M. HAINES,

— page 78 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Lh
Serial  C207
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:  U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - First War Patrol, comments on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copies - 3)
VONO (Advance copies - 2)
VOFNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt.
Com 2nd Flt.
Com 3rd Flt.
Comsubs 1st Flt.
Comsubs 2nd Flt.
Comsubs 7th Flt.
CSS-4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20.
CSD-181 and 182.
CTF-72 War Patrol Summary.
Oinc S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Flt. Radio Unit, Melbourne.
All SS TF-72 (May be taken to sea, but BURN prior to passing 50° South)
CO BLUEGILL (File)

F. F. HURRY,
Force Secretary.

— page 79 —
27 JUN 1944
AL6-3(F-3/roj)
Serial: 0/6.87
C-C-N-F-1-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FOURTH ENDORSEMENT to
Report of U.S.S. BLUEGILL
(SS242) First War Patrol.
From: The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - First War Patrol.
1. Forwarded.
2. The Commanding Officer, Officers, and Men
of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL are congratulated for having con-
ducted a successful patrol during which 13,558 tons of
enemy shipping were sunk.

Copy to:
CTF-72
ComSubRon-18
ComSubDiv-182
CO U.S.S. BLUEGILL

— page 81 —
SS242/A16-3
Serial ( 032 )
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
August 24, 1944.

C-DECLASSIFIED-I-A-L
From: The Commanding Officer:
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
(3) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY ONE.
(4) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
(5) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (CTF-72 only).
(C) Time Plots of Approaches and Attacks (CTF-72 only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the SECOND War Patrol of this vessel conducted in vicinity of DAVAO GULF, MINDANAO, P.I., and in areas east, west and south thereof, during the period July 6, 1944 to August 24, 1944 is submitted herewith.

E.L. BARR, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED-ED-ART. C445, OPNAVINST 5510.C
BY C-0282C DATE 3/24/42
DECLASSIFIED

— page 83 —
11 0932 Aircraft contact #3. Div'd.
: 1145 Aircraft contact #4. Div'd.
: 1200 60 - 51'N; 1290 - 23'E. 226 miles, 2037 gals.
: 1304 Aircraft contact #5. Div'd.
: 1420 Closed Jap rubber or canvas boat, inflated similar to U.S. rubber boat. Red with white stripes. Wicker platform. Abandoned. Took pictures. 60 - 23'N; 1290 - 12'E.
: 1445 Aircraft contact #6. Div'd.
: 1548 Aircraft contact #7. Div'd.

: 12 1200 60 - 01'N; 1270 - 42'E. 205 miles, 1118 gals.
: 1227 Aircraft contact #8. Div'd.
: 1458 Aircraft contact #9. Div'd.
: 1545 Aircraft contact #10. Already submerged.
: 1630 Ship contact #11. Tops of two masts (one ship) sighted through periscope. No smoke. No stack. Wide angle on bow. Headed toward; determined direction of advance. Observation sighted tops for second and last time. Went to NAC at high speed slowing for few observations during rest hour and half but visual contact not regained. JP sound held contact of high noise level and intermittent screws on approximate generated bearing.
: 1707 Aircraft contact #11. BETTY searching close to water on general bearing of target.
: 1800 Preparing to surface and chase when Aircraft contact #12. Again BETTY searching close to water distance four miles. Sunset 1948.
: 1907 Surfaced. Gave chase and search at full power (20 kts). Contact not regained. This contact so vague, almost convinced there was no ship there, but only an hallucination. Those mast tops must have been sighted though. There was nothing ethereal about the BETTYS.
: 13 0923 Aircraft contact #13. Div'd.
: 1200 70 - 21'N; 1280 - 51'E. 258 miles, 3226 gals.
: 1554 Aircraft contact #14. Div'd.
: 14 1200 50 - 03'N; 1290 - 31'E. 252 miles, 1569 gals.
: 15 1000 Aircraft contact #15. Div'd.
: 1200 60 - 33'N; 1280 - 30'E. 213 miles, 1423 gals.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 84 —
16 0830 Aircraft contact #16. Div'd.
: 1200 60 24'N; 1270 - 33'E. 237 miles, 1964 gals.
: 17 1200 60 04'N; 1290 - 00'E. 213 miles, 1490 gals.
: 18 1200 60 - 23'N; 1280 - 38'E. 173 miles, 1443 gals.
: 1210 Aircraft contact #17. Div'd.
: 2100 Entered newly assigned area [50 to 70 - 30'N; line SE from Calian Pt. to 1260 - 40'E east to 1270 - 30'E.] at 60 - 15'N.
: 19 0618 Submerged patrol inside Cape San Agustin, Davao Gulf, Mindanao, P.I.
: 1200 60 - 18'N; 1260 - 07'E. 177 miles, 1283 gals.
: 2112 Surfacad patrol southern approaches Davao Gulf.
: 20 0608 Submerged patrol inside Cape San Agustin.
: 1012 Ship contact #2. Attack #1. JP detected high noise level bearing 350T. Commenced approach. High periscope observation sighted masts. Light Cruiser NATORI type! Oh boy! Both port and starboard angles on the bow seen during approach. Make ready all tubes! Ought to get this fellow. Demation! Radical zig to port. Bone in her teeth. Tracking 26 knots. 4300 yard torpedo run. She's not coming any closer! Start shooting anyway! Maybe she'll run into one of the fish!
: 1042 Fired six steam torpedoes. Tracks plainly visible plus light blue smoke! NATORI maneuvered to avoid and missed all six fish! Target stopped and started thither and yon, then with a great puff of smoke, over-the-hill around Cape San Agustin to eastward. Observed her antics for half hour, hoping she would get antisubmarine minded and close so we could plug her. But no!
: 1050 Depth charges #1 and #2. Not close. Probably aerial bombs, but could have been from cruiser, although periscope did not observe cruiser dropping at the time. Lowered periscope. No surface escorts in evidence.
: 1105 Aircraft contact #18. Lowered periscope. A MAVIS air coverage searching close to water.

— page 85 —
20 1108 Aircraft contact #19. Lowered periscope.
A. PETE air coverage searching close to water.
Definitely two types of planes observed.
60 - 15'N; 1260 - 05'E. 129 miles, 923 gals.
Solar Eclipse approximately 70%.
Aircraft contact #20. PETE air coverage
returning from cruiser?
Surfaced patrol southern and eastern approaches
Davao Gulf.
After opening lance transmitted NATORI contact
report to CTF-72. Hope some one will sink her
going into Palau.

21 0645 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve off PUJADA
and MAYO Bays, east coast Mindanao, P.I. Good
look into both bays. No military activity in
evidence. Sighted one small dugout canoe in
forenoon; one small patrol craft or fishermen
in evening twilight.
60 - 53'N; 1260 - 23'E. 160 miles, 1636 gals.
Surfaced patrol southward along coast LAMIGAN
Point to San Agustin and into southern approaches
Davao Gulf.

22 1632 Submerged patrol northward of Calian Point,
Davao Gulf.
60 - 12'N; 1250 - 45'E. 156 miles, 1294 gals.
Ship contact #3. Attack #2. BLUEGILL'S FOLLY!
Periscope sighted small 1000 ton MFM innocent
looking steamer standing northerly up coast.
Speed 7 knots course 0100T. No zig. No escorts.
Easy pickin's! Set depth 4 feet on torpedoes.
1218 Fired three steam torpedoes. (Tracks visible
plus light blue smoke!) 97 track. 80 gyros.
1400 yard torpedo run. Oh, beautiful! Target
did not maneuver to avoid. But, torpedoes did
not hit target! (Even at shallow depth and in
smooth water. Torpedoes must have under-run
target.) She was startled by explosion of three
torpedoes against the beach. She turned toward.
Won't waste any more on her. But, there is a
wire tending a submerged tow astern! Sucker!
A Q-Ship! "Take her deep - in a hurry! Rig
for Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack!"
Were we took on that one! Evaded.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 86 —
22 1226:20 Depth Charge #1. 1231.50 Depth Charge #6.
: 1228.30 Depth Charge #2. 1232.30 Depth Charge #7.
: 1228.50 Depth Charge #3. 1233.30 Depth Charge #8.
: 1230.15 Depth Charge #4. 1233.50 Depth Charge #9.
: 1230.45 Depth Charge #5.
: None of these were far enough away.
: JP Sonic gear lost contact except for high noise level. Screws faded out.
: Commenced return to periscope depth.
: Up periscope. Target in sight distant about 8000 yds. searching on northerly courses.
: BLUEGILL on southeasterly courses. Continued retirement at periscope depth until target out of sight. This fellow a listener only; no echo ranging. Secured from Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack. Closed coast again to be in position for intercepting coastal shipping.
: Oh, Oh! Slighted our friend again a-smokin' and a-purfin' on southerly course standing back down coast. His boss sent him back. No other shipping. BLUEGILL reversed course to open coast.
: Depth Charge #10. Watched her drop it in exact navigational position of attack. Warning for us to get away and not shoot torpedoes. Must have been uncomfortable close this noon!
: Depth Charge #11. Yes, can see you are still around. Steamed right on down the coast changing course neither to right nor left until she again came about and headed home to Davao, Honorable Race Saved! Some one said, "by golly, you know, they must think there is a submachine around here!"
: Surfaced patrol southern and eastern approaches to Davao Gulf. Planned to submerge off Cape San Agustin tomorrow, but changed plans and made surface patrol with high lookout and high periscope on eastern edge of area across Palau routes.
: 23 1200 2145 50 - 51°N; 127° - 25°E. 192 miles, 2038 gals.
: Ship contact #4. Sighted lighted ship. Commenced approach. Tracked on course 075°T. Spaced 14 knots. Not zigging. No other ships in company. Closed until positively identified as two stack hospital ship correctly illuminated, apparently on course for Palau out of Davao. We let the hospital ship go by. Should be rewarded with a nice big target.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 87 —
6-0-01N; 1270-27°E. 270 miles, 3437 gal.s.
25 0555: Submerged patrol inside Cape San Agustin, Davao Gulf.
0944: Aircraft contact #21.
Probable radar installation observed Lat 6°-17'-20"N Long 126°-11'-42"E. Cape San Agustin, Davao Gulf, P.I. Pencil sketch for CTF-72 only.
1200-6°-21"N; 126°-10"E. 168 miles, 1252 gal.s.
1205: Aircraft contact #22.
1300: Aircraft contact #23.
1330: Ship contact #5. Periscope sighted small 1200 ton MPM coastal freighter with three escorts rounding Cape San Agustin to head-northerly. Commenced approach. Tracked at 7 knots, course 3320T. No zig. Target bouncing around like a cork. As range reduced it became evident this ship was a trap, a hunter-killer group. A deep draft ship wouldn't bounce that much in the existing sea conditions. Decided wouldn't play sucker twice. Opened track to westward. Continued tracking but with-held fire.
2106: Surfaced patrol southern approaches to Davao Gulf. Entered newly assigned area (40N to coast Mindanao, 1250E to line SE from Calian Pt. to 1260-40°E 50N to 1260-35°E 40N) at 1250-40°E 60N.
26 0615: Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve skirting south and west coasts of Balut Island. Good look between Sarangani and Balut Island with high periscope. No shipping or other activity in evidence. Sighted small native dugout canoe with one occupant during afternoon.
1200-50-20°N; 1250-24°E. 122 miles, 910 gal.s.
2109: Surfaced patrol to principal intersection of traffic routes near Marore Island.
2210: Converted #3 & #5 FBT to Main Ballast Tanks.
27 0600: Submerged patrol east side of entrance to Sarangani Bay. Proceeded inside Bay far enough to obtain good look at GLAN. No shipping or other activity in evidence.
0910: Sighted small patrol boat or fisherman standing southerly down coast.
1155: Aircraft contact #24.

— page 90 —
31 0821 Ship contact #7. Sighted small 800 ton MPM coast freighter standing out of Bay on westside of entrance. Not worth torpedo. Unable to close. 1200 50 - 56°N; 1250 - 05°E. 135 miles, 996 gals. 2100 Surfaced patrol skirting Mindanao coast and Sarangani Isles at 14,000 yards and northerly to Luayon Pt., south of Davao Gulf on east coast Mindanao.

Aug. '44 Time K

1. 0611 Submerged patrol off Luayon Point. 0911 Aircraft contact #26. 1116 Aircraft contact #27. 1130 Self propelled landing barge similar our LCT's, perhaps smaller, stood by headed southerly down coast. Loaded with men in whites. Obviously navy. 1200 60 - 01°N; 1250 - 51°E. 152 miles, 1018 gals. 1645 Aircraft contact #28. 2055 Surfaced patrol skirting Mindanao coast and Sarangani Isles at 14,000 yards and northerly to Sarangani Bay.

2. 0625 Submerged patrol-eastside and across to westside entrance Sarangani Bay. 0700 Ship contact #8. Second worthwhile torpedo target of patrol; NATORI Cruiser was first. Echo ranging detected by QB supersonic gear. Commenced approach; target not yet visible in morning twilight. Submarine position less than 1000 yards from sheer beach eastside entrance Sarangani Bay. 0716 JP Sonic gear detected propeller beats. 0718 CHIDORI type escort and target faintly visible through periscope on bearing of echo ranging and propeller beats. Escort ahead and to stbd. of target. Target a 3500 ton MPM passenger freighter 0720 Angle on bow zero. Target seems to have steadied. Right full rudder to open target track and head astern of CHIDORI for stern shot stbd. track on target. Proximity of shore and absence of shelviri beach upon which to run aground prohibited opening for a stern shot port track which would have been a better shot due to apparant absence of escorts on that side. Sea glassy calm. (Sunrise 0735).

— page 91 —
2 0722
Four torpedoes depth setting eight feet. Make ready stern tubes. Another escort sighted, an SC taking station on stbd. quarter of target.
0736 Target has'zigged right. Angle on bow 150$, range 1800 yards, gyros 500L. Looks like a nice short torpedo run for Mk. 18 fish. But, sound reports CHIDORI shifted to snort scale hand keying. BOTH CHIDORI's and targets' screws have speeded up. 'Can't shoot now, gyros too large, track too sharp, data not accurate enough." Left full rudder to reduce gyros. Up scope! CHIDORI angle on bow 90P, range 150 yard: swinging hard left - topside crowded with crew in whites manning rail - passing honors! Maybe we really haven't been detected; they're just forming up. SC angle on bow 100P, range 2000 yards. Down scope! Can we shoot yet? "Still not good!" Depth charges #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6. Close! Must have fired in automatic!
0737 Depth charge #7. Probably dropped at same time as Depth charge #8. First six but pattern in depth. Rudder amidships. Up scope! Standby aft. Final bearing! Nope, target has zigged radically to right, angle on bow now passing 150P. She's speeded up. Do not shoot! Go Deep, Rig for Depth Charge Attack and Silent Running. Secure the Tubes. Col. durn it! My hat's off to you and a well done, Mr. Jap, you S-O-B! Let em roll!
0740 Depth charges #9, #10.
0740. Depth charges #11, #12, #13, #14. Close but no cigar! Evaded at 312 feet. Sound conditions excellent! Opinion: Detected at periscope depth by CHIDORI's echo raging about 2000 yards. Periscope not sighted in spite of calm sea or would have made better run on us at first, although it was good enough. She appeared to lead our position as though we were going in for a bow shot. Depth charges exploded close aboard astern.
0816 Three sets of echo ranging detected 16.4 kcs. Prior to this time CHIDORI, only, echo ranged. SC listened with screws turning over slowly. Third set echo ranging port quarter SC escort never sighted.
0830 Commenced return to periscope depth. Echo ranging drawing away bearing 1600T.
0901 Up periscope. Secure from Depth Charge Attack and Silent Running. Target group working down coast Mindanao. Better luck to CERO. Set course to clear her area.

— page 92 —
2 1200 50 - 47'N; 1250 - 01'E. 155 miles, 1222 gals.
1300 Entered newly assigned area (4.0N to coast Mindanao, P.I., 1230 - 30' to 125'E) at 50 - 48'.5N 125'E.
2056 Surfaced patrol westerly course paralleling coast of Mindanao, P.I., 14,000 yards off shore. Covered approaches to Lebak.
2200 Ship contact #9. Armada of ten landing barges similar to our LCT's (perhaps smaller), course 1100T, speed 6 kts. Sighted visually from bridge in bright moonlight. At first thought we had a large convoy. Chops practically dripping after rebuff of morning. Closed on surface but first radar contact 5000 yds. Truly small stuff. Decided against gun fire. Retired.

3 0640 Submerged patrol. off Maculi and Maguling Pts. south coast Mindanao, P.I. between Lebak and Sarangani Bay.
0849 Ship contact #10. Smoke sighted. High periscope observation revealed tops and stack of ship. Commenced approach. Opened track for stern shot but as angle on bow opened observed target to be too small for torpedo. With-held fire. Astern cf her were small tugs towing another small 800 ton MF coastal steamer (typical Philippine type) followed by small tug towing Jap PT boat. Around this group were four PT boats moting under own power. Two 20mm guns mounted forward and a 2 pdr. mounted aft. Steamers and tugs on course 1100T, no zig. Speed 5 kts. All to shallow for torpedoes. Decided against gun fire.
1200 60 - 03'N; 1240 - 20'E. 145 miles, 980 gals.
2103 Surfaced patrol 14,000 yards off coast covering approaches to Port Lebak. Sighted native sail boat midnight next to coast.

4 0627 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve off Tuna Point, ten miles southward of Lebak. Sighted native sail boat during foreroon.
1200 60 - 23'N; 1240 - 00'E. 132 miles, 795 gals.
1638 Two distant explosions. Torpedoes or depth charges?
2100 Surfaced patrol 14,000 yards off coast covering approaches to Port Lebak.

— page 93 —
5 0604
5 1200 60 - 25'N; 1240 - 00'E. 136 miles, 821 gals.
5 1257 Aircraft contact #29. Formation of twenty-five ZEKKE's. (Could be U.S. F6F?)
5 2102 Surfaced patrol. Bow planes failed to rig in. Major casualty. See section (K).

6 0615 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve off Tuna Point. Native canoe sighted in evening with two men paddling.
5 1200 60 - 23'N; 1240 - 01'E. 84 miles, 428 gals.
5 2105 Surfaced patrol. Bow planes still out.

7 0630 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve off Maculi Pt., southwest coast Mindanao, P.I. midway between Sarangani Bay and Lebak.
5 1038 Sighted small 500 ton MFM steamer on westerly course. Made approaches, with-held fire. Too small for torpedo.
5 1200 60 - 05'N; 1240 - 18'E. 82 miles, 387 gals.
5 1312 Ship contact #11. Attack #3. Sighted smoke through periscope bearing 312°T. Commenced approach. Headed toward.
5 1315 Aircraft contact #30. Three KATES in formation of general bearing of target. Looks like the real McCoy for a change. Sea flat with slightly ruffled surface - no white caps. Sky partly cloudy. Visibility good (excepting forged periscopes). 100 feet! Taking no chances on being thwarted. This fellow. Two subsequent observations 14 min. apart showed target drawing right, so - Again, 100 ft! Right full rudder. All ahead standard. (Full kicks up too much rumpus) Course 340°T. to close coast and apparent track.
5 1347 Observation. Closing track all right. Angle on bow 300S, first range 18,000 yds. 100 ft! All ahead standard! Echo-ranging detected. Really must be suitable torpedo target. 4 torpedoes, depth setting 8 feet, 400 foot length of target. She's an MFM freighter or passenger freighter.
5 1356 Observation. 90 ft! All ahead standard, course 0000T. Still doing all right. A lone KATE sighted relatively high on stbd. bow of target headed directly in this direction. Hope not detected. Small MFM steamer, tall masts, observed close aboard port in of target, beach side. They are hugging coast! This second steamer undoubtly an anti-sub vessel. Echo-ranging stronger but from bearing to stbd. of target.

— page 94 —
7 1408
Observation. Range 9600 yards. 90 feet! All ahead standard. Plot and TDC check target course—1100T., speed 12 kts. Right full rudder, course 0200T. Two CHIDORI type escorts seen on stbd. quarter of target, only one echo-ranging, the other must be listening. Lone KATE still there. "A-Squad" again! We are crossing bows of CHIDORIS.

1416
Observation. 90 feet! All ahead standard. Set-up looks good.

1424.10 Look out for the escorts. Hell with the escorts! Either we do or we don't. Complete set-up followed by final bearing and shoot! Bearing 335°R. Range 1425 yards. Angle on bow 75°S.

1424.20 Final bearing 339°R, shoot! Fired four bow torpedoes, 1400 yd. torpedo run. 80S track, 70 left gyro. Traaks visible but no smoke. Good! Apparently not detected yet! Target and escorts maintaining course and speed. Still long scale pinging. Escorts close aboard submarine port quarter.

1425.20 It's a hit! Good solid hit in engine spaces, just a vertical cross wire thickness abaft the funnel. Saw it hit and then heard explosion. Much smoke and flame billowing forth. Target took list to stbd. But,

1425.24 Short scale pinging! Escorts observed heading in! Take'er deep FAST! All ahead standard. Left full rudder. Heard a second torpedo explosion. Opinion: Torpedoes #1 and #2 hit. Last look at target; heel-ing to stbd., settling over all, going down by bow, entire hull smoking heavily! Looks like she's done for. Wanted to watch her sink but escorts decided against. Rig for Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack.

1426.45 Torpedo exploding against beach.
1426.55 Torpedo exploding against beach.
1427.15 Depth charge #1. (Aerial bomb?) Close! S/M down express.

1427.30 Heard series of explosions in direction of target as of target breaking up, or internal explosions in target.

1431.30 Depth charges #2, #3, #4, #5, #6. Close! to

1431.50
1432.50 Depth charges #7, #8. Close! Evading ±t 300 feet.
1434.20 Depth charges #9, #10,#11, #12, #13, #14, #15. to Still close but no damage except for shaking.

1435.50 boat severely. These charges undoubtedly from one or both CHIDORIS.

— page 95 —
1434.20 One apparently listens while the other pings (16.4 kcs.) They seem to have contact! A third set of 1435.50 screws heard; must be the MFM from the port bow of where target was. QUEENIE with the light brown haze! 1450.45 Depth charge #16. 1451.14 Depth charge #17,#18. Not so close! Maybe 1453.43 Depth charge #19. we've shock them. 1454.55 Depth charge #20. 1522.25 Depth charge #21. Here we go again! 1524.08 Depth charge #22. Closer. 1526.45 Depth charge #23,#24,#25,#26,#27,#28,#29,#30,#31, to #32. Not bad for the opposition but not as close 1528.15 as the first fifteen. Heavens, these fellows seem angry! Drop down another 25 ft! Evading at 330 ft. now. No layers worth of the name, but Ray Diagram constructed from BT card indicates 300 ft. best evasive depth and a little deeper will do no harm. 1535.35 Depth charge #33. 1539.32 Depth charges #34,#35. These last four further 1540.40 Depth charge #36. away. 1634 Screws have faded out. Echo-ranging becoming weaker. Commenced return to periscope depth. 1708 Up periscope. No shipping in sight. Still hear faint pinging. Secure from Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack. Headed back toward scene of action. 1836 Echo-ranging getting louder. 1853 Aircraft contact #31. A PETE on the hunt! The opposition seems persistent. Tops of echo-anger in sight. No other shipping, though her friend the listener is probably around if they are that serious. Feel confident ship sank. Broke off return. Set course to oven coast for surfacing. 2124. Surfaced. Delayed a few minutes until SJ Radar operative. Bow planes rigged-in by hand; power rigging still out of commission. Patrolled coast scene of action to Sarangani Bay, 14,000 yds. off shore. Bright moonlight.

8 0507 Visual contact on ship silhouetted against Sarang Bay. Commenced approach. Radar tracking, closing to 9000 yds. to gain radar contact. Tracked at 13 kts., course 2950T. She looked like a DD in moonlight but as dawn commenced she developed into an escort vessel somewhat similar to CHIDORI but not a CHIDORI. Couldn't get ahead before daylight so broke off approach.

— page 96 —
1. 8 0655
2. 0714
3. 1116
4. 1200
5. 1245
6. 1444

---

**CONFIDENTIAL**

U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (cont'd):

Aug. '44 Time K

8 0655
Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve along coast just westward entrance to Sarangani Bay.
Sighted what was thought to be a submarine in the poor visibility of morning twilight. Commenced approach. Ship developed into a naval minesweeper, small MFM. With-held fire. Too small for torpedo. She too was heading northwesterly along the coast at 10 or 11 knots.
Sighted smoke. Commenced approach. Heard echo-ranging. Why, it's our friend the escort vessel of this morning returning from wherever she has been! Continued approach, hoping to get the drop on her. Failed to reach favorable firing position however. Consider it imperative to be in perfect position with a perfect TDC set-up before shooting these shallow draft quick turning escorts.
50 - 50°N; 124° - 47°E. 152 miles, 1112 gals.
Sighted smoke. Commenced approach. Heard echo-ranging (16,4 kcs.). Another escort vessel, sister-ship to the first! She's coming from the same direction as the other, course 110°T. Going to get this one! Pulled standard speed at eighty feet for seven minutes on normal course to obtain a short torpedo run. Her course and speed had been checking good. Up periscope! Relative bearing 281°0. Range 2000 yds. Angle on bow 0°. She's zigged right and speeded up to 19 kts. 90 feet! All ahead standard! We'll still get her! Target has shifted to short scale echo-ranging! All ahead 1/3, 64 ft! Sound bearings indicate target again headed toward. Situation bad! Never hit her now anyway. Plane her deep! Rig for Depth Charge Attack and Silent Running Target passed over! After Torpedo Room and kept on going. Apparently had suspicious contact, but checked us off as a whale. At periscope depth again, observed her on her way. Well, next time!
Sighted minesweeper of this morning retracing her tracks too. Closed her to look her over good. Definitely not a torpedo target. This certainly has been a busy little corner here today. What's up? A naval minesweeper and two escort vessels stand by headed first in one direction and then six to eight hours later they parade on by again in the opposite direction. If they expected to find my target of yesterday and take her in tow, they certainly came back empty handed.

— page 97 —
8 2045
Surfaced patrol coast from Sarangani Bay to Lebak 10,000 yds., off shore. Bright moonlight. Visibility excellent. Bow planes still not operative with power rigging. Rigged in by hand.

: 9 0635
Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve off Maculi Pt. scene of fracas of the 7th. Made close inspection of coast line during day. No wreckage in evidence. All's peace! Identified target of 7th. as similar to SIRAH MARU 5725 tons (page 213 ONI-208 J) "Estimated Uncertain (EU)". 1200 6° - 05'N; 1240 - 17'E. 168 miles, 1766 gals. 1248 Sighted small craft, a large motor-fisherman. Avoided. Nice gun target! 1748 Passed through large oil slick Lat 6° - 04'N; Long 124° - 19'E. 1913 Passed through several pieces of floating debris large and small. Lat 6° - 05'.3N; Long 124° - 16E. Could be from victim of the 7th. 1925 Sighted small fishing boat. Avoided. 2045 Surfaced patrol southeasterly round Sarangani Isles 14,000 yds. off shore proceeding into newly assigned area. Bow planes now operative with power rigging.

: 10 0215
Indication of radar on RADAR DETECTOR. Strong note of rapidly increasing and decreasing intensity. Subsequent events indicate it was aircraft. Not sighted visually. Not listed as a contact. Did not dive. 0530 Radar interference on SJ bearing 035°T. Own position Lat 06° - 53'N; Long 125° - 48'.5E. Undoubtedly USS BREAM. 0630 Entered new patrol area at 6°N, 125° - 48'.5E. Proceeding for submerged patrol just north of Galian Point, Devao Gulf, P.I. 0637 Visual and radar contact range 9800 yds. on undoubtedly USS BREAM. Bright moonlight. Attempted but failed to exchange recognition signals on SJ radar. 0648 Submerged patrol off Caliam Point. 0925 Sighted small 500 ton MFM freighter on southerly course hugging coast. Commenced approach but withheld fire. Too small for torpedo. 1033 Heard distant explosion, strong enough to shake ship slightly. 1200 6° - 09'N; 125° - 44'E. 187 miles, 1810 gals.

— page 98 —
10 1445
1. Sighted trawler rounding Calian Point on northerly course headed for Davao. Commenced approach. Definitely too small for torpedo.
2. Sighted fishing sampan going somewhere. Avoided. Surfaced petrol across mouth of Davao Gulf. Searchlights observed in direction of Davao.

11 0150
1. Aircraft contact #32. Indication of radar on SN-2 RADAR DETECTOR. Same note as last night in all respects. Two minutes later plane observed crossing stern close aboard. Div'd.

0605
1. Submerged patrol inside Cape San Agustin, Davao Gulf, P.I.
2. Aircraft contact #33.
3. Aircraft contact #34.
4. Heard four distant explosions, strong enough to shake boat. Impression of torpedo explosions. BRAM across the gulf?
5. 60° - 18'N; 126° - 08'E. 125 miles, 920 gals.
6. Two more distant explosions.) Depth charges?
7. Two more distant explosions.) Strong enough to fire more distant explosions.) shake boat.
8. Surfaced patrol across mouth of Davao Gulf. Again searchlights observed in direction of Davao.

12 0240
1. Aircraft contact #35. Sighted bright flare falling to horizon and immediately sighted on aircraft. Div'd. Simultaneously had same indication on SN-2 as previous nights.
2. Submerged patrol inside Capw San Agustin, Davao Gulf, P.I. Hope that NATORI gives me another crack at her!
3. 60° - 16'N; 126° - 09'E. 128 miles, 885 gals.
4. Sighted SC boat rounding Capw San Agustin, in-bound from sea.
5. Surfaced patrol across mouth of Davao Gulf.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 16 -

— page 99 —
13 0135 Aircraft contact #36. Divded. Detected on SN-2. Not sighted visually.
: 0300 Aircraft contact #37. Divded. Detected on SN-2. Not sighted visually.
: 0601 Submerged patrol inside Cape San Agustin, Davao Gulf, P.I.
: 0901 Sighted small landing barge standing down coast to round Cape; out-bound.
: 0925 Ship contact #12. Attack #4. O.O.D. Ens. H.G. STORY, USNR. sighted cargo-transport with five escorts rounding Cape San Agustin; in-bound. Oh boy! This is what we've been waiting for! Commenced approach heading northerly on her probable track. Planning a stern shot with the Mk. 18s. Two escorts were similar to but not CHIDORIS, two were SCS and the remaining one was 500 ton MTM QUEENIE. Must be a suitable target with that much escort. Sea slight with excessive speed. Ship partly cloudy. Visibility good (excepting fogged periscopes).
: 0955 Target changing course to right and heading this way as contemplated. We are not far from probable track. Range 5000 yds. Super-sonic and sonic gear have contact. Escorts are listeners, no pinging.
: 1007 Target seems to have steadied. Bearing 171°R. Range 4200 yds. Angle on bow 8°S. Four torpedoes. Depth setting 4 ft. (she appears light). Should be a short torpedo run and good data, so - use target length 350 ft.
: 1014 Range 3200 yds. Plot and TDC checkincgcourse 3350T. Speed 7½ kts. Left full rudder, new course 3450T. to reduce opening of track. Escorts gaining station mostly outboard of target. One of two similar CHIDORIS, coming up on port bow of target, the other close aboard target's port quarter with little open water between her and target. The two SCS coming up on target's stern. QUEENIE lagging target's stdb. quarter putting us almost dead ahead but not close. Oh, it looks good!
: 1018.20 Right full rudder, new course 0600T. Target tracking course 330°T., speed 7½ kts. Many men, apparently troops, cluttering the topside.

— page 100 —
13 1024.35 Fired four Mk. 18s from stern tubes. 90°S track. 1500 yard torpedo run: 3°R gyros. S/M steady. Continuous bearings into TDC. Little longer torpedo run than maneuvering for. 1026.35 It's a hit! Right smoke in the quarter! Stern lifted out of water, target took heavy list to stbd. going down by bow fast. Much smoke and flames enveloping target flaring from aft forward - no chance to lower life boats here. Wonder if the Saki is as good in Hell as in Davao? 1026.40 Another hit! Holy smoke, we got an escort! Yippee! Lemmee look! Wait a minute. I wanna look! Look out for the other escorts. Never mind, they don't know what's happened yet. Boy, are they surprised! Wow! Did she explode! Escort went up in a column of smoke and flame 200 feet high. It was the similar CHIDORI. Two SCs must have been severely shaken, they were just this side of her. Those 18s sure pack a wollop! Opinion: Torpedo #9 hit target, #8 missed, #7 hit escort, #10 ran erratic. (Sound tracked out on 140°R). Firing order 7,8,9,10 spread from just abaft MOT forward except #10, spread ast-1. Masthead height was taller than estimated resulting in target actually being faster and torpedo run greater than used. 1028 Right full rudder, all ahead 2/3. Don't want to run aground. Leading escort is headed this way, speeding up and echo-ranging for first time. Have seen enough to convince me target is finished anyway. 300 feet! 1029.15 Depth charges #1, #2. Close, but don't feel she has good contact. 1030.15 Series of loud explosions, definitely ship break-up noises, from direction of target. Torpedo was observed to hit target about 1/4 to 1/3 length inside stern. Target last observed going down fast; what was left of her, submerged almost to the gunwales. list to stbd., down by bow, smoke and flames. It is considered opinion that these loud explosions marked the sinking of the ship, 1031.50 Depth charge #3.

— page 101 —
1033.30 Depth charge #4. Closest. Shook boat severely but no damage.
1038 Depth charge #5. Further away and the last. Perhaps with-holding depth charges to prevent killing survivors in water if any, but still don't feel they have good contact. Submarine evading at 300 ft on course 220° T. to take advantage of beach noise background, later 270° T. and 240°T. Wake less torpedoes with no impulse bubble head escorts in quandr. Not too aggressive, either, with one of their ilk already blown up, though they seemed to be tailing us. Echo-ranging (16.4 kcs.), stopping and listening.
1200 60 - 14'N, 1260 - 03'E. 130 miles, 851 gals.
1212 Screws no longer audible. Echo-ranging estimated to be greater than 8000 yds. away. Commenced retur to periscope depth.
1216 Up periscope, No shipping in sight. Echo-ranging still audible to south of Cape San Agustin. We are to westward. Secure from Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack. Reversed course to head back to scene of action.
1400 Sighted sister-ship of the escort sunk standing tway, apparently extending area coverage to westward. Slowed to 40 turns and watched her go by, closest range 3000 yards. Intermittent echo-ranging, stopping and listening.
1600 Back to scene of action. No activity in evidence, No wreckage along beach. Continued progress up coast and survey.
1710 Reversed course to 190°T.
1820 Aircraft contact #38.
2055 Surfaced patrol to southward. Clearing area in compliance with orders from CTF-72 to terminate patrol. Proceeding to Darwin, Australia.
14 0100 Transmitted results of patrol to CTF-72.
0105 Departed assigned area at 5° 20'N; 126° - 24°E.
0210 Aircraft contact #39. Dived. Detected on SN-2. Not sighted visually.
1000 Passed to Operation Control of CTF-71. Identified target of yesterday as MFM cargo transport similar TONE MIRU, 4070 tons (page 130 ONI 208J) "Estimated Uncertain (EU)".
1200 2° - 31'N; 126° - 12'E. 24l miles, 2940 gals.
1340 Aircraft contact #40. Dived.
1947 Aircraft contact #41. Dived.
2242 Crossed Equator headed southerly at 125° - 57'E.

— page 102 —
15 0935 Ship contact #13. Attack #1. Sighted sailing ship. Made "end-around" to get on her track. Commenced submerged approach to gain station for Battle Surface. 1200 20 - 35'S; 1260 - 20'E. 326 miles, 5732 gals. Looked her over closely at range about 300 yards. Identified as a sailing coaster. Ketch rigged, 90 foot estimated length, in excellent condition with what looked like a new suit of gaff-headed sails, 8 to 12 men in crew, possible auxiliary powered. 1345 Made Battle Surface. Range 3000 yds. Closing to 800 yards. 1355 Ship sunk. 23 rounds 4" expended with 17 hits. 180 rounds 20mm expended with mostly hits. Put stern to target and opened range on four engines. 1423 Aircraft contact #42. Dived. Less than 20 miles from land.

16 Patrol led on east and west courses across steamer lane in BANDA Sea during daylight; 1200 50 - 39'S; 1250 - 39'E. 275 miles, 3219 gals.

17 SJ Radar contact 5000 yds. with strong interference Little later sighted what was probably U.S.S. JACK. Attempted to exchange recognition signals on SJ without success. 1102 Aircraft contact #43. Dived. 1200 90 - 27'S; 1280 - 05'E. 318 miles, 4962 gals. 1400 Sighted U.S.S. STINGRAY, north bound. Closed and spoke her.

18 0632 Sighted our escort H.M.A.S. ML807; joined company. 0945 Moored alongside U.S.S. COUCAL, Darwin, Australia. 1200 12'0 0 28'S; 1300 - 50'E. 273 miles, 3280 gals. Received from U.S.S. COUCAL 46,351 gals. fuel oil, 4500 gals. fresh water, 4 Mk. 18 torpedoes for transfer. Three men received aboard for passage to Fremantle. Took departure next morning to arrive Fremantle, Australia, August 24, 194.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 20 -

— page 103 —
19 1200 120° - 15°S; 129° - 53°E. 60 miles, 661 gals.
: 20 1200 130° - 49°S; 123° - 03°E. 422 miles, 6467 gals.
: 21 1200 170° - 16°S; 117° - 34°E. 384 miles, 5531 gals.
: 22 1200 210° - 44°S; 112° - 51°E. 418 miles, 6198 gals.
: 23 1200 270° - 57°S; 112° - 39°E. 375 miles, 5349 gals.
: 24 1200 Fremantle, Australia. 282 miles, 4150 gals.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 21 -

— page 104 —
1. Seeadler, ADMIRATIES to Davao Gulf, P.I. July 7 to 10,1944: Set 1100T. Drift 0.6 kts.
2. Lat 50 - 00N to 70 - 30N Long 1270 - 20E to 1300 - 00E. July 10 to 18, 1944: Set SSW, drift 1.1 kts.
3. East and west coasts Cape San Agustin, Davao Gulf, Mindanao, P.I. July 19,20,25, Aug. 11,12,13, 1944: Set southwesterly drift 1.5 to 2.5 kts, except that inside gulf close to west coast Cape San Agustin current was negligible.
4. Calian Point (west side of gulf), Davao Gulf, P.I. and south of Sarangani Isle's, July 26,30, Aug. 1,10, 1944: Currents were as indicated on charts.
5. Sarangani Strait, Mindanao, P.I. July 29, 1944: Mean current of 1.5 kts. from eastward to westward but slightly affected by tidal changes.
6. Entrance Sarangani Bay, Mindanao, P.I. July 27,28,31 Aug. 2, 1944: Current negligible.
7. Maculi Point, southwest coast Mindanao, P.I. Aug. 7 & 9,1944: Four miles off shore 1600 (K) encountered current of 1.5 kts. Set S. Closer to shore current negligible.
8. Tuna Point, southwest coast Mindanao, P.I. Aug. 4,5,6, 1944: Current negligible until late in day when effect increased to 1.0 kts. Set S.
9. Molukka Passage (Lat 30 - 00N to 10 - 00S. Long 1260-15E) Aug. 14,15, 1944: Set NNE. Drift 1.5 kts.
10. Ceram and Banda Seas (Lat 20-00S to 80 - 30S. Long 1260 - 00E. to 1270 - 00E) Aug. 16,17,18, 1944: Set 2900T. Drift 0.6 kts.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
No navigation lights were burning.

— page 108 —
26 -

U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:

Notes:

(a) SD Radar not used during entire patrol. The need for a reliable radar for aircraft detection that cannot be DF'd is emphasized by the number of aircraft contacts while on the surface and particularly those contacted at night.

(b) "Moon data" has been left off the form in the following pages except where applicable as in case of night contacts.

(c) Type of S/M Camouflage on the patrol:

"Black and Dark Grey"

(d) In the cases of aircraft at night in Davao Gulf sighting was usually preceded by a strong radar note of 180 mcs. on the SN-2 Radar Detector installed on board.

(e) Abbreviations:

- Surf
- Submarine fully surfaced
- Per.
- Submarine at periscope depth
- Unk.
- Unknown
- ND
- Not detected
- SD
- Surface day (not SD Radar)
- P
- Periscope
- SN
- Surface night (not SN Radar Detector)
- Trans.
- Aircraft in transit
- Pat.
- Aircraft on patrol
- Esc.
- Aircraft escort of ship or convoy
- H
- Aircraft on hunt for submarine
- Var.
- Various
- R
- SN-2 RADAR DETECTOR

— page 109 —
1 2 3 4 5
S Date July '44 9 11 11 11
U
B Time (K) 0918 1508 0932 1145 1304
M Position: Lat. (N) 2-22 2-43 7-03 6-51 6-49
A Long. (E) 1134-10 1133-11 1129-34 1129-24 1129-17
R
N Speed (kts) 17 17 12 12 12
E
S Course (OT) 288 288 260 260 225
Trim Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf
A Number 1 1 2 2 12
I BERTHY
R Type SALLY Unk. Unk. 'or B-26' ZEKE
C
R Probable Mission Unk. Unk. Unk. Unk. Trans.
A
F How Contacted SD SD SD SD SD
T
Initial Range (miles) 10 7 15 7 9
Elevation Angle (deg.) 10 20 6 30 15
A Bearing (OT) 260 248 100 170 55
I
R Angle on bow (deg.) 1 1 0 90P 15P
C
R Course (OT) 280 80 250
A Range & Rel. Bearing
T of Plane when it de- ND ND ND ND
Tected Submarine
(State Beaufort) 1 1 0 0 0
C Sea:
O (Direction (Rel) 180 180 -  -
N
D Visibility (miles) 30 30 25 25 25
I (Height in thousand
T Clouds' feet) 12 12 8 8 10
I
O (Percent Overcast) 80 85 50 50 50
N
S

ENCLOSURE (A) - 27 -

— page 110 —
6 7 8 9 10
: 11 11 12 12 12
: 1445 1548 1227 1458 1545
: 6-43 6-41 6-05 6-20 6-22
: 129-11 129-09 127-44 127-45 127-45
: 6 12 12 12 2
: 150 225 330 005 005
: Surf Surf Surf Surf Per.
: 1 1 1 1 1
: ZEKE Unk. Unk. Unk. Unk. MAVIS
: Trans. Unk. Unk. Unk. Esco.
: SD SD SD SD P
: 6 10 10 4
: 330 315 250 205 255
: 0 0 0 45 Var.
: ND ND ND ND ND
: 0 0 0 0 0
: 25 20 20 20 20
: 10 10 10 10 6
: 40 40 40 40 70

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 111 —
11 12 13 14 15
S Date July '44 12 12 13 13 15
U B Time (K) 1707 1800 0923 1554 1000
M Position:
A Lat (N) 6-22 6-22 7-21 7-17 6-35
R Long (E) 127-12 127-5 128-37 123-43 128-44
I N Speed (kts) 2 2 12 12 12
E S Course (OT) 080 030 240 235 270
Trim Per. Per. Surr Surf Surf
A Number 1 1 1 2 2 2
R Type BERTY BERTY SALTY BERTY SALTY
C Probable Mission Esc. Esc. Pat. Pat. Pat.
A F How Contacted F P P SD SD
T Initial Range (miles) 3 4 7 9 10
Elevation Angle (deg.) 8 5 5 10 10
A Bearing (OT) 080 080 170 192 210
I R Angle on bow (deg.) Var. Var. 80P 1333 0
C Course (OT) 70 235 30
A Range & Hel. Bearing F Or Flare when it de- ND ND ND ND
T teated submarine (State Beat) 6 8 0 0 0
C Sea: - - - - -
O (Direction) - - - - -
N - - - - -
D Visibility (mles) 20 20 25 25 30
I (Height in the sand 6 6 8 8 10
T Clouds: feet) - - - - -
I O (Percent Overcast) - - - - -
N S - - - - -

— page 112 —
16 17 18 19 20
: 16 18 20 20 20
: 0830 1210 1105 1108 1653
: 7-17 6-23 6-18 6-18 6-18
: 127-58 128-36 126-08 126-08 126-14
: 12 12 2 2 2
: 200 280 240 240 000
: Surf Surf Per. Per. Per.
: 3 1 1 1 1
: BETTY Unk. MAVIS PETE PETE
: Pat. Unk. H H Pat.
: SD SD P P P
: 9 4 2 2 4
: 20 30 5 7 5
: 325 100 100 105 000
: 60S Var. Var. 110P
: 85 290
: ND ND ND ND
: 0 4 3 3 3
: 225
: 30 25 20 20 15
: 10 4 5 5 5
: 70 90 90 60 60

ENCLOSURE (A) - 30 -

— page 113 —
21 22 23 24 25
: 25 25 25 27 30
: 0944 1205 1300 1155 1130
: Lat. (N) 6-20 6-21 6-19 5-52 5-50
: Long. (E) 126-10 126-10 126-10 125-09 125-42
: 2 2 2 2 2
: 180 000 180 210 270
: Per. Per. Per. Per. Per.
: 1 1 1 1 1
: Unk. Unk. Unk. Unk. Unk.
: Pat. Pat. Pat. Pat. Pat.
: P P P P P
: 10 9 3 7 10
: 5 3 7 3 2
: 90 90 250 020 195
: 90P 90S 20S 90P 0
: 000 180 050 290 015
: ND ND ND ND ND
: 3 3 3 0 1
: 45 25 25 25 25
: 4 4 6 3 4
: 80 80 75 75 90
: 31

— page 114 —
26 27 28 29 30
: 1 1 1 1 5 7
: 0911 1116 1645 1257 1315
: 5-58 5-56 6-00 6-24 6-04
: 125-43 125-41 125-48 124-10 124-19
: 2 2 2 2 2
: 215 215 215 335 295
: Per. Per. Per. Per. Per.
: 1 1 1 25 3
: Unk. KATE KATE OR F6F KATE
: Pat. Pat. Pat. Unk. Esc.
: P P P P P
: 8 2 2 5 12
: 222 005 245 335 300
: 90S 90S 0 10P
: 312 185 335 155 130
: ND ND ND ND ND
: 0 0 2 1 0
: - - 180 -
: 30 30 30 25 40
: 8 8 3 3 3
: 50 50 70 80 70

ENCLOSURE (A) - 32 -

— page 115 —
31 *32 33 34 *35
: 7 11 11 11 12
: 1853 0150 0822 1000 0240
: 5-59 6-04 6-13 6-19 6-06
: 12-12-08 12-09 12-18-38
: 2 2 2 2 12
: 040 002 000 080
: Per. 3 frt Per. Per. Surf
: 1 1 1 1 1
: PETE TK. KATE NEIL UNK.
: H nk. Unk. Unk. Urk.
: P P P *SN
: 4 1 4 5 3
: 20 4 6 15
: 030 90 100 230 200
: 0 0 OS
: 210 90
: ND ND ND ND
: 35 220 0 125
: 30 7 7 7
: 2 2 2 2 2
: 100 100 100 60
: 5.1 50
: 2 2 2 2 2
: 100 100 60
: 5.1

— page 116 —
36 * 37 * 38 * 39 * 40
: 13 * 13 * 13 * 14 * 14
: 0135 * 0300 * 1820 * 0210 * 1340
: 6-05 * 6-05 * 6-14 * 5-03 * 2-06
: 126-10*125-57 * 126-08 * 126-26 * 126-12
: 12 * 12 * 2 * 17 * 17
: 270 * 270 * 190 * 175 * 180
: Surf * Surf * Per. * Surf * Surf
: 1 * 1 * 1 * 1 * 1
: Unk. * Unk. * Unk. * Unk. * FRED
: Unk. * Unk. * H * Unk. * Pat.
: *R *R *P * *R *SD
: 15 * 5 * 5 * 5
: 060 * 050
: 160S * 0
: 080 * 230
: ND * ND * ND * ND
: 3 * 3 * 4 * 4
: 325 * 325 * 40 * 50 * 45
: 5 * 7 * 7 * 8 * 60
: 4 * 4 * 2 * 3 * 2
: 90 * 70 * 100 * 80 * 60
: 200 * 210 * 290 * 50 * 50
: 40 * 50 * 30 * 30
: 30 * 30 * 30 * 30
: 36,37 & 39 not sighted visually; detected on
: SN-2 RADAR DETECTOR.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 34 -

— page 117 —
41 42
: 14 15
: 1947 1423
: 0-40N 2-33S
: 125-43 126-26
: 18 18
: 161 240
: Surf Surf
: 1 1
: Unk. MARY
: Pat. Pat.
: SD SD
: 8 3
: 30 11
: 250 110
: 0 0
: 70 290
: 3 mi.
: ND 230
: 3 3
: 65 340
: 40 20
: 2 2
: 0 40

ENCLOSURE (A) - 35 -

— page 118 —
1. Torpedo Attack No. 1
Time 1042 Date July 20, 1944 Lat. 6° - 18'N Long. 126° - 08'E.
Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:
NATORI Class CL.
Visibility fair. Periscopes fogged.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk
None. Torpedoes missed.
Target Draft 15' 10" Course 150°T Speed 26 Range 4000 yds.
(at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 3 kts Course 065 (swinging right) Depth 64' Angle 0°
(at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack
Daylight submerged periscope attack.
JP Sonic gear deteotad high noise level. Developed
into NATORI Class CL unescorted except for air coverage.
Target making radical zigs showed both port and stbd.
angles on bow. Thought right on track in good position,
but radical zig to port opened torpedo run. Fired anyway
with submarine swinging right and excessive torpedo run
rather than let him go by. Hoped for a hit. Torpedo
tracks plainly visible plus light blue smoke.
Opinion: Target maneuvered to avoid and all fish missed
ahead.

— page 119 —
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA: (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK NO 1.

Tubes Fired 1 2 3 4 5 6

Track Angle 120S 121S 120S 123S 122S 120S

Torpedo Run 4300 - - - - - 4500

Gyro Angle 24R 25R 24R 27R 22R 14R

Depth Set 6' 6' 6' 6' 6' 6'

Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss

Erratic No No No No No No

Mk. Torpedo 23 23 23 23 23 23

Serial No. 53155 41465 52946 41366 41390 53151

Mk. Explorer 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5

Serial No. 13695 2586 12953 2139 14221 0164

Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact

Actuation Actual - - - - - -

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

Serial No. 3955 12976 3460 2068 2049 3394

Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX

Firing Interval 0s 8s 13s 9s 15s 12s

Type Spread Div. .31 .3R .9R 1.5R 1.5L .9L

Sea Conditions Slight choppy sea with slight swells

Overhaul Activity S/M Repair Unit, U.S. Navy 134.

Remarks:

1. Fish apparently ran HSN.
2. Fish appeared to smoke excessively.
3. Opinion: Target maneuvered to avoid and all fish missed ahead.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 37 -

— page 120 —
C-O-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2
Time 1156 Date July 22, 1944 Lat. 60 - 11N Long 1250 - 10E
Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description
Small MPM, 1000 ton, incident looking coastal steamer.
Her counter attack proved her a Q-Ship.
Visibility fair. Periscopes fogged.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk
None. Torpedoes missed.

Estimated Target Draft 61 Course 0100T Speed 7 kts Range 1400 yds
(at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 2 kts Course 2809T Depth 65° Angle 0° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack
Daylight submerged periscope attack.
Small MPM steamer sighted standing up coast. Normal Course. TDC and Plot checking perfectly before, during and after firing. Target on steady course and speed, did not maneuver to avoid. Fired three bow tubes 975 track 8°R gyros 1400 yard torpedo run. Should have hit.
Opinion: Torpedoes must have passed under target. Can explain misses in no other way. Fish were set at 4 ft. Re-run of problem on TDC vs Plot vs Mk VIII checked fire control and equipment to be functioning properly. Fish were fired on bearing Mk VIII said they should have been fired.

— page 121 —
1. Fish apparently ran HSN.
2. Fish appeared to smoke excessively - examination of remaining steam torpedoes onboard disclosed oil and water in combustion pots of two out of seven torpedoes (Samples retained).
3. Opinion: Torpedoes under-ran shallow draft target, although depth set was 4 ft.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 39 -

— page 122 —
0-N-F-I-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3
Time 1424 Date Aug 7, 1944 Lat. 06° 04'N Long. 124° - 22°E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description
One loaded MFM similar SIRIUS, 5725 tons.
(page 213, ONI-208 J) Estimated Uncertain (EU)"
One MFM Q-Ship Escort.
Two CHIDORI type's escorts.
Three airplane coverage.
Visibility good. Periscopes fogged.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk

One freighter (SIRAHAMARU class) (EU).....5725 tons.

Damage Determined by
1425 - Observed one solid hit in engine spaces amidships and
then heard explosion. Much smoke and flame billowed forth.
Target took list to stbd. A few seconds later heard another
explosion. Timed hits checked closely for #1 and #2 torpedoes.

1426 - Target last observed heeling to stbd., settling over all
going down by bow, entire hull smoking heavily and sinking.

1428 - Heard series of,explosions in direction of target as of
target breaking up, or internal explosion in target.

Target Draft: Loaded 25' Course 110°T Speed 12 kts Range 1425 yds.
Light 10'
Estimated 15'
Own Data

Speed 2 kts Course 020°T Depth 66° Angle 00°(at firing)

ENCLOSURE (A) - 40 -

— page 124 —
3 4 5 6
Tubes Fired 80S 83S 87S 83S
Track Angle 1400 yds 1375 yds
Torpedo Run 350 353 357 353
Gyro Angle 8° 8° 8° 8°
Depth Set Hit Hit Miss Miss
Hit or Miss No No No No
Erratic No 23 23 23 23
Mk. Torpedo 41392 53184 41129 41636
Serial No. 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5
Mk. Exploder 13936 14320 8113 410
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact Contact - -
Mk. Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 9372 12136 3321 12396
Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval 0 8s 8s 9s
Type Spread Div. 10L 10R 30R 30L
Sea Conditions Flat with slightly ruffled surface -
Overhaul Activity S/M Repair Unit, U.S. Navy 134.

Remarks:
1. Fish apparently ran HSN.
2. Fish did not smoke.
3. Opinion: Torpedoes #1 and #2, aimed abaft and forward of MOT, hit.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 42

— page 125 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4
Time 1024. Date Aug 13, 1944. Lat 6° - 17'N Long. 126° - 09'.5E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description
One MFM cargo-transport, in ballast. Similar TONE MARU, 4070 tons. (page 130, ONI 208 J) "Estimated Uncertain (EU)" Two similar to but not CHIDORI escorts. Two SC escorts. One MFM Q-Ship escort. Visibility good. -riscopes fogged.

Ship(s) Sunk
1. One cargo-transport (TONE MARU class) (EU) - 4070 tons.
2. One Man-O'-War escort (similar but not CHIDORI)(EU) - 500 tons.
2 ships - total 4570 tons.

Damage Determined by
1026 - Observed one hit in target 1/4 to 1/3 length inside steel and then heard explosion. Stern lifted out of water, target too heavy list to stbd. going down by bow fast. Much smoke and flames enveloping target flaring from aft forward. Five seconds later observed one hit in escort, slightly astern and to port of target and then heard explosion. Escort blew up in a column of smoke and flame 200 ft. high. Escort disintegrated before my eyes.

1028 - Target last observed going down fast; what was left of her, submerged almost to gunwales, list to stbd., down by bow, smoke and flames.

1030 - Heard series of loud explosions, definitely ship breaking up noises, from direction of target. It is considered opinion that these loud explosions marked the sinking of the ship, albeit but one hit.

1. Target Draft: Loaded 24' Course 330°T Speed 7.5 kts Range 1500 y Light 9' (at firing)

2. Target Draft: 6' Course 330°T Speed 7.5 kts Range 2000 yds. (at firing)

ENCLOSURE (A) - 43 -

— page 126 —
0° (at firing)
: 4
: Own Ship Data

Speed 2 kts Course 060° Depth 65° Angle 0° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Daylight submerged periscope attack.
Sighted target and five escorts rounding Cape San Agustin. Commenced approach heading northerly on probable track. Target steadied on course 3300T. S/M swung left to reduce opening torpedo run. S/M swung right and steadied on normal course for stern shot and fired four Mk. 18s from stern tubes. Continuous bearing introduced into TDC. Sound tracked out three torpedoes on correct bearing and the fourth running erratic on 140°R. 1500 yd. torpedo run, 900S track, 30R gyrc. Saw and heard one hit target and one hit escort.
Opinion: Torpedo #9 hit target, #8 missed, #7 hit escort, #10 ran erratic. (firing order 7,8,9,10 spread from abaft MOT forward except 10 spread astern). Masthead height was taller than estimated resulting in target actually being faster and torpedo greater than used.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 44 -

— page 127 —
1. Three fish apparently ran HSN.
2. #10 ran erratic - torpedo flooded several days earlier. Foreign matter possibly in gyro which ship's force failed to wash out.
*3. Opinion: Torpedo #9 hit target, #8 missed, #7 hit escort, with torpedo run estimated at 2000 yds.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 45 -

— page 128 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:
GUN ATTACK NO. 1
Time 1345 K Date Aug 15, 1944 Lat. 20 - 35'S Long. 126° - 20°E.
Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Ship(s) Sunk
One Ketch rigged sailing coaster - 100 tons.
Damage Determined by
Observation THIRTY WITNESSES!
23 rounds 4" expended; 17 hits.
180 rounds 20mm expended; mostly hits.
Details of Action
Type gun used: 4"/50 caliber deck gun.
20mm machine guns.
Ammunition: 4" High Capacity Flashless set for "super-quick".
20mm High Explosive Tracer and High Explosive non-tracer-mixed.
Effectiveness of Fire: 17 hits with 4".
mostly hits with 20mm.
Range: 3000 closing to 800 yds.
Fire Control: Radar ranges. Visual spotting.
Erratic performance: none.
Description of Action:
1345: Made Battle Surface. Range 3000 yds. Closed to 800 yds.
1355: Ship sank. Ceased fire.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 46 -

— page 129 —
1. MINES:
   - None.

: 2. ATTACK SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
   - All torpedo targets except the NATORI Cruiser escorted by surface craft. Aircraft a.s.o. utilized.
   - Total depth charges. This patrol 68. Grand total two patrols 140. It is not the quantity, however, but the quality that counts. Some of the casualties wasn't bad.
   - Some of the escorts were pingers and some were listeners; some did both intermittently. No forward throwers in evidence.

ATTACK NO. 1

One NATORI CI with air coverages but no surface escorts. After avoiding six torpedoes, target stopped and started thither and you, then with a great puff of smoke, over-tro-pi-hill around Cape San Agustin to eastward. She was not anti-submarine minded. There was no echo-ranging detected. Two depth charges were dropped, not close. Probably aerial bombs, but could have been from cruiser, although periscope did not observe cruiser dropping at the time. Total depth charges heard 2.

ATTACK NO. 2

One 1000 ton MIM Q-Ship unescorted. Target startled by explosions of three torpedoes against beach. She turned toward S/M. A wire over her stern observed tending a submerged tow astern. S/M went deep. Q-Ship dropped nine fairly close depth charges in seven and a half minutes, dropped singly and in pairs. There was no echo-ranging detected, she was a listsener only. Five hours later in the afternoon she was observed to return a nd drop two more just for good luck. Total depth charges heard 11.

SHIP CONTACT NO. 8

One 3500 ton MIM passenger-freighter escorted by one CHIDORI type escort and two SC escorts. Attack frustrated by alert CHIDORI escort who apparently detected S/M by echo-ranging (16.4 kcs.) about 2000 yds., She alerted target who speeded up and swung hard right. She headed toward, shifting to short scale pinching. She lead our position as though we were making a tow shot, when in fact it was a stern shot. She dropped eight close depth charges in twenty seconds, six exploded almost simultaneously, two others

ENCLOSURE (A) - 47 -

— page 131 —
1. C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:

ATTACK NO. 4

One MFM cargo-transport escorted by one MFM Q-Ship, two, similar to but not, CHIDORI, and two SCS. All wore listening only. Mk. 188 were fired, sinking target and one, similar to but not, CHIDORI escort. Wake loss torpedoes with no impulse bubble had escorts in quandary. Skirtled by explosions, leading escort headed toward and commenced echo-ranging (16.4 kts.). Five depth charges were dropped, singly except first two. They were close, but believe they were random charges and escort didn't have good contact. They all apparently joined in the search echo-ranging, stopping and listening intermittently. Escorts not too aggressive with one of their ikk already blown up. S/M took advantage of beach noise background. Total depth charges heard 5.

BLUEGILL'S EVASIVE TACTICS (Same as detailed description in report of First War Patrol)

1. Go deep using speed and get off torpedo tracks.
2. Rig for Silent running.
3. Pick a Quadrant for Headings.
4. Return to Best Evasive Depth as indicated on Ray Diagram constructed from BT card.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 49 -

— page 132 —
1. C. Motor Generators on 17 July:
   - The motor cut-out switch for the I.C. motor generators located in the pump room burned out. These switches failed because of a loose connection on the bakelite panel, causing the switch to overheat and carbonize the bakelite base. This switch is rated on 53 amperes but should be at least 75 ampere as this system used as much as 80 amperes under peak load. These switches and panel will be replaced.

2. Casualty to Bow Plane Rigging System:
   - On surfacing on the evening of 10 August 1944, the bow planes would not rig in from the control room. The planes were rigged in from the Forward Torpedo Room. When reaching the "in" position the limit cut-out switch failed to operate the system to be overloaded and fuses blown. This overloading strained and distorted the topside rigging shaft, twisted couplings, distorted key-ways, and sheared tapered pins. Three days were spent in investigation. The planes were rigged out by hand and placed on 15 degrees dive for the remainder of the night. The entire electrical system was broken down but no fault was found. The system was reassembled after a thorough cleaning; the limits adjusted and tested and plane rigging system put back in commission. An electrician was put on watch in the forward torpedo room standing by the overload switch in the rigging panel to prevent the casualty happening again.
   - The probable cause of this failure was an elusive short-circuit, which has not yet been found, in the control circuit in the control room. During the investigation, lasting 3 days, of the casualty the bow planes could be rigged "in" and "out" only by hand. Universal joints, keyways, tapered pins, and shaft will be renewed or reworked. Electrically the pilot circuit will be rewired and bakelite switch interior for controller box in control room will be renewed.

— page 133 —
35. Main engine exhaust piping is blown out just before it enters mufflers. Piping will be replaced or patched on 11 four main engines.

4. Periscopes are badly fogged. They have been fogged throughout the whole patrol. They bind and scratch in train and have been that way throughout the patrol. 30th periscopes removed, and reinstalled. The "dry-ice" method of drying out scopes as practised by the U.S.S. [SURVEYOR: text here] is desired.

5. Hull ventilation valve or line outboard leaks.

6. Sea and stop valves in flushing line to all heads leak. Sea and stop valves in suction and discharge sides to main motor cooling systems leak.

7. Stern tubes leak excessively; will be repacked.

8. Rudder operating gear is excessively noisy, even in hand, a definite hazard to Silent Running. At this writing the noise is believed to be isolated to the cross-heads. A thorough inspection of the operating gear and the hydraulic system will be made and defects remedied in an effort to eliminate noise.

9. The stern tube and strut bearing groan so noticeable until now was apparently eliminated by the filling of the propeller shafts with sand; accomplished by Navy Repair Unit, New Farm Wharf, Brisbane, Australia. "RYERTEX" bearing material has been installed since prior to commissioning and has been retained. Deliberate tests were made while underway August 19, 1944 and absolutely no groan was heard at any RPM down to zero.

— page 134 —
1. RADIO
Material condition considered good; one casualty.
*F/G's serial 2 to CTF-72 was transmitted using finishing rate of battery charge; High voltage, 350V, blew fuses in magnetic controller unit of TBL motor generator set interrupting transmission. Battery charge was secured, fuses replaced and transmission completed. Transmission was also interrupted by dive for aircraft contact.

Communications considered good.
Missed no CTF-72 serials.
Missed Bell's 999, 813, 827 872, 891.
Missed no CTF-71 serials.

Ship to Shore used 8470 kcs. Always contacted on initial call-up.

| TIME TO CIR. MSG | RECEIPTING STATION |
|||
| 2350 to 0002     | NPM               |

AUGUST

| TIME TO CIR. MSG | RECEIPTING STATION |
|||
| 0100 to 0130   | VHM               |
| 0245 to 0254   | VHM               |
| 2035 to 2050   | VHM               |
| 2105 to 2120   | VHM               |
| 1002 to 1007   | VHM               |

Jamming-negligible.

Ship to Ship

1. At 1618152 July heard voice transmission in aircraft code to "Buddy from Ruth" telling about a contact to West of Phillippines.
2. On evening of July 18 heard "Moonbeam" calling "Coaster no answer."
3. At 2111492 July received CERoI'S contact by CW.
4. At 2613122 July received DACE'S contact by CW.
5. At 0618052 August heard the encoded call of the PILOTFISH called 4 times by NERK- no answer.

Jamming-negligible.

Shore to Ship

BELL'S - reception as a whole good. Jamming neglible.
Day: 12,170Dcs. best frequency.
Night: 5600Kcs. best frequency.

BAKER- reception clear. No Jamming. 9250Dcs. best frequency day and night.

ENCLOSURE (A) -52

— page 135 —
1. Japanese Early Warning Search Type Radar located 1500 yards., bearing 0150T from Cape San Agustin light, Davao Gulf, P.I. frequency 155 Mcs, pulse rate 500 cycles per. second.

2. Night flying radar aircraft (friend or foe?) vicinity Davao Gulf, P.I., August 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 1944 frequency 180 Mcs, pulse rate 200 cycles per second. A characteristic note increasing and decreasing intensity rapidly as plane moves in and goes away.

R.rad Interference:
R.rad interference, not jamming, was encountered on numerous occasions on the SJ-1 radar during the patrol (the SD-4 was secured while in the patrol area). In no instance, however was there any evidence that interference, either from another radar operating at or near our SJ-1 radar frequency or from the deliberate jamming, was emanating from the enemy forces. Each time that we experienced interference on our SJ-1 radar, it was typical of the type of interference produced by another nearby SJ radar, and in each instance, we were reasonably certain that the interference was caused by the SJ radar.

PENCLOSURE (A). - 53 -

— page 136 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Radar Interference: (cont'd)
tain that it was caused by radiation from another SJ radar on one of our own submarines. At no time during the patrol did we encounter any evidence of jamming, either from our own or the enemy's forces.

Troubles and Remedies in Detail:
General

The SJ Radar was operated continuously in hours of darkness or low visibility whenever we were surfaced while going to and from the patrol area and while in the area.

The SD Radar was operated when surfaced during daylight while enroute from Brisbane to Jeddah, the first three days out of Seadler while enroute to the patrol area, and while enroute from Darwin to Perth. The transmitter was keyed for 5 seconds every 40-60 seconds while the equipment was in use.

The BM Interrogator-Responder was always in a standby position when surfaced. It was keyed on most plane contacts, but we never received an answer when in enemy waters.

The BK Transponder was operated continuously when surfaced while going to and from the patrol area and at first in the area, as will as intermittently there after when evidence indicated that our own planes were in the vicinity. This equipment was Triggered continually all night long the second, third, and fourth nights out of Seadler while enroute to the patrol area. It was also Triggered continually when operated at night in the vicinity of the coast of Mindanao; consequently it was secured in the area to avoid DF.

The SN-2 Radar Receiver was operated continuously when surfaced during hours of darkness.

SJ-1 Radar

During the greater part of the patrol the performance of the SJ-1 Radar was very good, and excellent ranges were obtained.
Examples:
The contact on the hospital ship at 27,750 yards, "pips" on high peaks on the southern Mindanao coast at seventy to eighty thousand yards, etc.
There was a period of about three days, however, during which time it was necessary to constantly work on the equipment during the submerged hours during daylight in order to be able to nurse the equipment through the operating hours while surfaced during darkness.

ENCLOSURE (A). - 54 -

— page 137 —
1-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Troubles and Remedies in Detail (cont'd)

The trouble was caused by condenser C10 shorting out and allowing excessive currents to flow through the associated circuit elements. Although the condenser finally shorted completely and was comparatively easy to locate, the other faulty components were intermittent in their operation and consequently very difficult to "track down".

The first indication of trouble was a blown fuse in the high voltage circuit. When the fuse was replaced, on excessive H.V. rectifier current would be drawn when the high voltage control was turned up, and the magnetron would "double pulse." When the high voltage control was turned off there would be a continued "singing" of the Peterson coil in the modulation network, a slow decay of the last 150 volts on the high voltage voltmeter and a slow decay of the rectifier current from 25 millimeters down to zero. This indication caused a suspicion of the modulation network (16) which was replaced. Trouble was still present however, and the magnetron (706AY) was replaced. During further testing, it was found that the sync. pulse to the grid of the modulator tube (5D21) was of very low amplitude. The cause in the defective sync. pulse was soon found to be due to a shorted condenser (C10), which also allowed a (positive) 450 volts to be applied to the grid of the modulator tube continuously. The short condenser was replaced, but the operation of the equipment was still intermittent. The resistor (R46) was suspected since the shorting of C10 would allow an excessive current to be drawn through R46 and R29 to ground. R46 was finally found to be defective. It would open intermittently when it became heated. This was very difficult to prove even though it was suspected, since it would always test O.K. when the transmitter was turned off. The resistor was replaced and this greatly improved the performance of the equipment and increased the output, but the slow decay of high voltage and the "singing" of the indicators (L2) still persisted for a period of several seconds after the high voltage was turned off. The modulator tube was then replaced and normal operation resulted. The equipment had a total of 2170 hours of operation at this time.

During the stop-over at Darwin, a new T-R tube was installed and the equipment returned, resulting in a noticeable increase in overall response. Several times during the patrol the IF gain dropped somewhat, but it was brought back to normal by replacing the tube in the sixth IF stage. The H.V. rectifier current-meter (which had been damaged by the high current drawn when the high voltage fuse blew out) finally broke down and failed completely. This in no way impaired the performance of the equipment, but the meter will be replaced during next re-fit.

Just before leaving Brisbane, a new type reflector for the S3 RADAR Antenna was issued to the Bluegill. The reflector was installed in Seaadler and thereafter proved to be very satisfactory. It definitely cuts down on the minor lobes and appears to give greater maximum ranges, which would be expected with a more concentrated beam with smaller side lobes.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 140 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(N) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions:
Material condition good; no casualties.

Sound conditions were generally good throughout patrol in vicinity east, south and west of Davao Gulf, Mindanao, P.I. The usual beach and fish noises were encountered. No unusual sound conditions encountered.

(O) Density Layers:

| Date       | Lat.  | Long.  | Date       | Lat.  | Long.  |
||-------|||-------||
| 03-07-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 10 July   | 280°  | 285°   |
| 07-01-00N | 1270  | 1300E  | 11 July   | 150°  |        |
| 05-23-00N | 1270  | 1300E  | 12 July   | 140°  |        |
| 07-21-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 13 July   | 180°  | 300°   |
| 07-21-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 14 July   | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 15 July   | 180°  | 290°   |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 16 July   | 130°  | 290°   |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 17 July   | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 18 July   | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 19 July   | 180°  | 290°   |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 20 July   | 130°  | 290°   |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 21 July   | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 22 July   | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 23 July   | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 24 July   | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 25 July   | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 26 July   | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 27 July   | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 28 July   | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 29 July   | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 30 July   | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 31 July   | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 1 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 2 August  | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 3 August  | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 4 August  | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 5 August  | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 6 August  | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 7 August  | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 8 August  | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 9 August  | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 10 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 11 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 12 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 13 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 14 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 15 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 16 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 17 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 18 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 19 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 20 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 21 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 22 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 23 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 24 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 25 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 26 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 27 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 28 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 29 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 30 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 31 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 1 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 2 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 3 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 4 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 5 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 6 August | 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 7 August | 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 8 August | 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 9 August | 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 10 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 11 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 12 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 13 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 14 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 15 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 16 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 17 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 18 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 19 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 20 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 21 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 22 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 23 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 24 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 25 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 26 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 27 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 28 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 29 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 30 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 31 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 1 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 2 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 3 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 4 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 5 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 6 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 7 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 8 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 9 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 10 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 11 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 12 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 13 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 14 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 15 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 16 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 17 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 18 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 19 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 20 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 21 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 22 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 23 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 24 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 25 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 26 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 27 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 28 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 29 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 30 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 31 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 1 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 2 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 3 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 4 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 5 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 6 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 7 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 8 August| 130°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 9 August| 140°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 10 August| 150°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280  | 1315E  | 11 August| 180°  |        |
| 06-22-00N | 1280

— page 142 —
1. Fungs
(a) Athletes Foot
(b) Heat Rash
(c) Jock Itch
2. Common Cold
3. Burns, Electrical
4. Conjuctivitis
5. Euestrain
6. Urethritis, Acute, Non-venerable
7. Minor Cuts and Bruises
8. Earaches
9. Constipation
10. Severe Laceration
11. Sunburn
12. Gastro Enteritis, Acute
13. Ginitis
14. Boils

Food good, well prepared and well served. Such has come to be taken for granted on the BLUEGILL. A "well done" must be given to all members of the commissary department, however, on the efficient administration and execution of their functions. The ice cream freezer again proved its worth; ice cream normally served daily.

Habitability good. The movies shown as a result of our acquisition of a new movie projector were popular. It is considered that more than five features should be allotted each submarine per patrol, however. The large record player with the half hour broadcast programs is a fine addition to our now many "moral builders" on board. The best morale builder of all, however, is still a good solid torpedo hit on a Jap ship.

— page 143 —
1. Performance of duty under combat conditions:

All hands conducted themselves in accordance with the highest traditions of the U.S. NAVY and the U.S. Submarine Force. Although this standard has come to be expected of officers and men in U.S. Submarines, such does not detract from recognition of performance of duty well done.

For two officers and fifteen enlisted men this was their first war patrol. For six additional enlisted men this was their first war patrol on the BLUEGILL. They all behaved like seasoned veterans.

The Commanding Officer has the highest regard and respect for his crew; he flatters himself that the feeling is reciprocated. "Well Done" to Officers' and Men in BLUEGILL from the '01 Man.

2. State of training: High.

First requisite of advancement in rating in BLUEGILL is "Qualified in Submarines". No exceptions! A systematic school of the boat has been in effect since [PRIOR TO COMMISSIONING]. A daily two hour "school of the boat" was observed throughout the patrol with few exceptions.

| Number of men on board during patrol | 72 |
||----|
| Number of men qualified at start of patrol | 55 |
| Number of men qualified at end of patrol | 55 |
| Number of unqualified men on their first patrol | 8 |
| Number of men advanced in rating during patrol | 8 |

21 new men were received aboard prior to departure on this patrol. 17 of those new men were unqualified. None of those unqualified men have fulfilled the requirements for qualification but most of them have completed required sketches and have learned enough that they should be able to qualify before the end of their next patrol. To qualify in one war patrol, though not impossible, is considered to be beyond the mental and physical capabilities of the average man.

Daily fire control drills conducted to and from area and periodically in area.

Air craft contacts took care of training at clearing bridge and diving.

— page 144 —
1269 miles 17524 gals.
Seacdler to Area 5655 miles 45123 gals.
In Area 1364 miles 19633 gals.
Area to Darwin 1941 miles 28356 gals.
*Darwin to Fremantle

Total 10229 miles 110636 gals.

*Note - Received aboard 46351 gals. of fuel in Darwin, Australia.

(S) Duration:
Days enroute 4
Days in Area 35
Days enroute Area to Darwin 5
Days enroute Darwin to Perth 5
Total 49

Days Submerged 24

(T) Factors of Endurance Remaining (upon arrival Darwin)
Torpedoes 7
Fuel 2048 gal.
Provisions 40 days
Personnel Factor 25 days

Limiting factor this petrol - Terminated by order of CTF 72.

(U) Remarks:
None

ENCLOSURE (A) - 62 -

— page 145 —
1. Material Defects.
The hydrogen eliminator circuit installed performed satisfactorily. However it was found that the taps off the transformer did not provide the correct amperage. With 4 tubes loaded it was found that the 21 volt tap furnished an average current of 5.2 amps. While the 21 volt tap furnishes 4.1 amps, the 21 volt tap was used and it is believed that most of the hot wires which burned out were due to this excess of current.

On torpedo #5344 a ground in the hydrogen eliminator circuit was found to be caused by water in the junction box where this circuit enters the aft or body. As this torpedo had not been in a flooded tube it is believed that this flooding occurred during tests in the shop.

The hydrogen eliminator circuit junction box on torpedo #53405 flooded when that torpedo was in a flooded tube. Both these junctions were wired out and replaced. No further difficulty was experienced although these torpedoes were in flooded tubes severely times.

While onaraging torpedo #54650 an electrolyte leak in the tap of cell #62 was found. This leak was caused by a hole in the cell tap. This was repaired by using pitch and a hot soldering iron.

Metal strips, resembling cable identification markers were found on the cell taps of three torpedoes. A broken tool and a metal strip, were found in the aft body of two torpedoes.

It was found necessary to water the batteries in the torpedoes once during this patrol. No difficulties were encountered in charging the batteries.

On August 3 after making ready the after tubes the aft body on torpedo #54145 was found to be flooded. This was caused by a defective aft body drain plug. The shoulder on the drain plug had cracked and upon removal from the torpedo the drain plug fell in two pieces. The aft body was disconnected and the motor removed. It was found that the armature had a 300,000 ohm ground and 3 fields were also grounded to 100,000 ohms. The armature and fields were washed in fresh water with a spray gun using air pressure and then baked in the galley oven until dry; a period of 3 hours. All insulation was then rewarmed with Glycerin. The readings obtained then were 10 megohms on the armature and 100 megohms on the fields. The motor was then reassembled and installed in the after body. A test was made on the motor using the idle lighting motor generator, using 20 volts and a maximum of 1.3 amps. The motor was started 10 times, building up to 130 amps, and operated satisfactorily. The aft body was then connected to the battery compartment and the torpedo was ready for use.

— page 146 —
1. Material Defects (cont'd):
The rudder rods on all torpedoes operated very hard when the torpedoes were brought on board. These rudders wore worked out daily until they were satisfactory. It is believed that this condition could be corrected by having these rudder rods rountined more often while in the shop awaiting issue.

On August 8 the afterbody on torpedo #54050 was found to be flooded when the torpedo was rountined after the tubes had been made ready but not fired. No water was found in the battery compartment. The flooding was caused by a broken handhole gasket on #7 handhole plate. This torpedo had been given an air test before loading but #7 handhole plate had been removed after loading into the tube. The afterbody was removed from the battery compartment and the motor taken out. The armature and the fields were washed in fresh water and the armature baked in the oven. After reassembly a reading of 4 megohms was obtained. The motor was then connected to the idle lighting motor generator and given a test run. Operation of the motor was considered satisfactory so the afterbody was connected to the battery compartment.

While the motor was removed from the afterbody an inspection revealed that the rudder connecting pin for the vertical steering line had fallen out. The spring retainer clip for this pin was found to be bent so as to be useless in holding the rudder connecting pin in place. It is recommended that particular attention be paid to this part of the steering line in overhaul because the routines prescribed for the rudders and steering line would not reveal any defects in the line.

The meters on #2 charging panel in the after torpedo room were found to be out of calibration, a condition which resulted in using an excessive charging rate. Several grounds due to electrolyte on cell taps are believed to have resulted from using this excessive.charging rate.

It is recommended that the hydrogen eliminator circuit be rewired to include a rheostat and a warning bell system. A wiring diagram for this is submitted with original to CTF 72 only.

The insulating discs on several illuminators were found to be badly burned. It is believed that several of the burned out hot wires were due to pieces of this material falling on the wire. A different manner of attaching the hot wire has been developed on board this vessel which, it is believed, will eliminate this type of casualty.

A hexagonal adapter with 1/8" pipe threads on one end and 1/4" 20 threads on the other was made up for use in the ventilation system. A connection was then made for the ventilating hose using a piece of copper tubing and collar and a 1/4" 20

— page 147 —
1. Material Defects (cont'd)
thread not. This combination simplified attaching the vent-
ilating hose for ventilating torpedoes in the tube.

2. A Suggested Method to Make Possible the Immediate Reload of
Mark 18 Torpedoes After Firing.

The present practice of replacing #6 handhole cover with a
wire screen necessitates making an air test for tightness just
prior to leading. This, and the other prior to leading rout-
ines usually require from 20 to 30 minutes for each torpedo.
This may take longer if a leak is found.

It is suggested that #6 handhole cover be replaced
immediately after the 2 hours ventilation period following a
freshening charge, and the "prior to leading" tests and rout-
ines be applied. The torpedo could then be secured in the
rack ready for reload with the exception of the ventilation
plug in the tail, which would be removed to prevent any press
ure building up in the battery compartment due to gassing.

Generated hydrogen could be eliminated by either or both
of the methods used for this purpose at the tubes - ventilation
and the use of the hot wire.

Very slight alterations would be necessary to fit the
torpedo room for this ventilation and additional hot wire
circuits.

The torpedo would be made watertight just before closing
the tube breech door by replacing the ventilation plug and
gasket.

— page 148 —
1st First Endorsement to U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Report of Second War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
       (2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. The second patrol of U.S.S. BLUEGILL was conducted in the vicinity of Davao Gulf, Mindanao, P.I. Thirty-five days were spent in the area. The patrol was marked by numerous contacts with small vessels and enemy aircraft. A total of 42 aircraft contacts were made.

2. Four torpedo attacks and one gun attack were made.

(a) The first, on 20 July 1944, was a day periscope attack made on a NATORI class cruiser. Excessive range with resultant avoiding action accounted for misses of the six torpedoes fired. The excessive range was the result of a radical zig away.

(b) Attack #2 was a day periscope attack on 22 July 1944 against a small froighter which turned out to be a Q ship. Three torpedoes were fired; none hit. Nine depth charges were dropped but no damage was sustained.

(c) Attack #3 was conducted on 7 August 1944 against a froighter escorted by two Chidoris and one docoy vessel. A day periscope approach was made; four torpedoes fired. One hit was observed and an additional timed hit was heard. The attack position and fire control data were excellent.

(d) Attack #4 was also a day periscope attack against a medium-sized froighter escorted by two torpedo boats, two SC's and one docoy vessel. Four electric torpedoes were fired from good position resulting in one hit in the target and one in an escort similar to a Chidori class torpedo boat.

(e) One gun attack was conducted against a 90 foot Kotch. Seventeen hits out of 23 rounds of 4" plus numerous 20 MM hits accounted for this vessel.

— page 149 —
1/2/44
FCS-18/A16-3/FB4-182
Caro of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
27 August 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Report
of Second War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(f) One other attack on a passenger-freighter on 2 August 1944 was
frustrated by a Chidori type escort making sound contact on
BLUEGILL, resulting in a close depth charge attack.

3. The patrol report is very complete, especially as regards
tidal information, density layers, radar and electric torpedoes. It is
probably the first illustrated patrol report submitted during the war.

4. It is noted that the SD radar was not used while in the
area. Although it is appreciated that the SD is susceptible to intercept-
tion and is limited in its effectiveness due to blind spots, still it is
considered that limited use of it in an area under heavy air coverage
is a better practice than relying entirely on lookouts.

5. The BLUEGILL returned from patrol in good material con-
dition and a normal refit by Submarine Repair Unit, Fromantle, should
take care of the minor defects noted.

6. This second patrol was marked by the same aggressiveness
and fighting spirit which characterized the first patrol. The Squadron
Commander takes pleasure in congratulating the BLUEGILL on another ex-
cellent patrol.

Eliot H. Bryant

— page 150 —
9 03622
USSBLUEGILLConf. Itr.
A16-3 Serial 032 dated
24 August 1944. Report
of Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Second War Patrol.
Comment on:

1. BLUEGILL's Second War Patrol was conducted in the vicinity of DAVAO and MORO GULF. This difficult area was thoroughly and intelligently covered in search for worthwhile contacts.

2. All torpedo attacks were made while submerged during daylight. The two medium AK's sunk by BLUEGILL were apparently carrying valuable cargo, judging by the number of escorts accompanying ships of this size.

3. The destruction of the sailing vessel is regretted. We are not at war with the native inhabitants of the NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES and PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. The destruction of their craft does the enemy little or no harm and is forbidden.

4. The use of Radar Detachment Equipment during darkness is considered excellent practice. It can be used to advantage whenever the ship is on the surface. Commanding Officers should make every effort to see that their personnel understand its capabilities and are properly trained in its use. In addition to its use defensively to obtain early warning of radar equipped planes and anti-submarine vessels in the vicinity, it can be used offensively to determine the presence and approximate bearings of convoys carrying search radar equipment. It can detect other surface borne radar at ranges up to twenty-five or thirty miles.

5. The slotted reflector installed on the 3J radar is not designed to increase the range of this equipment. The power saved in cutting out the minor lobes is used to increase the vertical coverage, providing greater protection against low flying aircraft.

6. This patrol is designated "successful" for the award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

FILMED

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

— page 153 —
101901 FILMED
SS242/A16-3
Serial (039)
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
25 November 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
(3) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(4) The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubs7thFlt only)
(C) Time Plots of Approaches and Attacks (ComSubs7thFlt only)

1. Enclosure (A), covering the THIRD War Patrol of this vessel conducted in vicinity of Makassar Strait, Sulu Sea and off Manila, P.I., during the period September 18, 1944 to November 25, 1944 is forwarded herewith.

2. After having read the completed edition of this lengthy and unwieldy epistle, my apologies are extended to others who read it. A conscientious effort toward the reduction of paper work will be made in future patrol reports.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
E.L. BARR, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED 1 0739

— page 154 —
1. BARR, Eric L. Jr., Lieut. Comdr., USN.
2. COOPER, Francis T., Lieut. Comdr., USN.
3. FOLTA, George W., Lieut., USN.
4. SCHWER, William W., Lieut., EV(S), USNR.
5. PLOETZ, George L., Lieut., DE-V(G), USNR.
6. STOCKTON, Frank, Jr., Lt(jg), EV(RS), USNR.
7. STORY, Hugh G., Lt(jg), EV(G), USNR.
8. MADDEN, Dennis W., Ens., DV(G), USNR.
9. VOLLENWEIDER, Robert W., Ens.(T), USN.
10. SEXTON, Clyde (n), CTM(AA), USN.
11. WARE, Harold R., CRM(AA), USN.
12. HANEY, Howard A., CMOM(AA), USN.
13. MAC NEIL, William R., CMOM(PA), USN.
14. WARD, Lewis W., CMOM(PA), USN.
15. DUNNING, Glen F., CEM(PA), USN.

-1-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 155 —
1343: Underway from Fremantle, Western Australia, on THIRD War Patrol in accordance with Commander Task Group 71.1 Operation Order No. 135-44 of September 17, 1944. Proceeding through Australia, in company with U.S.S. COD and U.S.S. ANGLER conducting training exercises enroute.

September 19, 1944 Time H: 1200 29-22'S; 1130-01'E. 227 miles, 3000 gals. Sighted and spoke H.M.S. STOIC on southerly course.

September 20, 1944 Time H: 1200 25-10'S; 1120-18'E. 262 miles, 4433 gals.

September 21, 1944 Time H: 0827 Moored port side to U.S.S. ANGLER alongside fuel barge in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Received aboard 12,261 gals. fuel and 605 gals. water from U.S.S. ANGLER. 220-121'S; 1140-08'E. 288 miles, 4265 gals. Underway from alongside U.S.S. ANGLER. Proceeding Sulu Sea, P.I. independently.

September 22, 1944 Time H: 1200 180-40'S; 1130-53'E. 214 miles, 2236 gals.

September 23, 1944 Time H: 1200 140-06'S; 1140-48'E. 282 miles, 3227 gals.

September 24, 1944 Time H: 1200 100-25'S; 1150-34'E. 225 miles, 2553 gals. Aircraft contact #1. Visual 6 miles, Dived. 100-13'S, 1150-37'E.

September 25, 1944 Time H: 0100 Commenced transit Lombok Strait. (East of Bali). Ship contact #1. SJ Radar 10,000 yds. later sighted visually. Closed to 5400 yds. speed 6 kts. 60-40'S; 1150-43'E. Patrol craft or fisherman. Avoided.

0305 Completed transit Lombok Strait. Three or four native sailboats in sight throughout foreseen vicinity of Sekala Island, Java Sea. 60-24'S; 116-33'E. 255 miles, 4929 gals.

1200

— page 156 —
1532 Aircraft contact #2. SD Radar 7 miles closing. Not sighted visually; overcast. Dived. 50-37°S; 116°-59°E. One small and distant aerial bomb or depth charge heard and felt.
: 1612 While preparing to surface; a second small and distant aerial bomb or depth charge heard and felt.
: 1623 At radar depth 50 ft., SD Radar contact 6 miles. Persistent cuss! Remained submerged.
: 1725 All clear on SD Radar. Surfaced.
: 1754 Aircraft contact #3. Visual 8 miles (evening twilight). Dived. 50-26°S, 117°-03°E.
: 1825 All clear on SN-2 Radar Detector. Surfaced. (Darkness SD Radar Secured.)
: 1935 Aircraft contact #4. Strong SN-2 indication rapidly increasing in intensity. Not sighted visually, but, having learned the hard way, a sure enough airplane. Dived. 50-08°S, 117°-08.5°E.
: 1955 All clear on SN-2 Radar Detector. Surfaced. Patrolling Alaska's Strait enroute to Sulu Sea.

September 26, 1944 Time H
: 1200 10-18°S; 118°-22°E. 343 miles, 5917 gal.s.
: 0635 Cape William, Celebes, passed to stbc. Four or five native sailboats sighted throughout day. Investigated one which turned out to be a floating island complete with trees, jungle and native-birds. Stowed rice and cigarettes back down below.
: 2124 Crossed Ecuador heading north at 119°-00°E.

September 27, 1944 Time H
: 0520 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve! Sankalihit Point, Borneo. One native sailboat in sight throughout day. Previously reported lookout station atop light house very much in evidence. No radar indication.
: 1200 10-01°N; 119°-02°E. 185 miles, 1253 gal.s.
: 1509 Ship contact #2. Bearing 180°T. distance 14,000 yds. from 00-58°N; 119°-00°E. Commenced approach. Final bearing 1000 yd. torpedo run, mark 18-1 stern tube shot, 80 stbd. track! DON'T SHOOT!! Too small! Tall 70 foot masts (upper 15 feet painted white) and fine angle on bow observation had me fooled into thinking she was big enough for torpedo. Broadside view proved her to be a 500 ton wooden vessel similar to Sea Trucks described in Recognition Journal No. 11 July 1944, page 28, except for extremely tall masts.

— page 157 —
1944 Time H
0430 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Bondec Point, Sibuyan Sea. One sailboat in sight throughout forenoon. One small motor fisherman (same size as yesterday) and one boat similar to 60 foot motor launch decked over stood by on southcasterly courses along 100 fathom curve Bondec Pt.
1200 130-11'N; 1220-31'E. 72 miles, 242 gals.
1847 Surfaced patrol skirting south coast Bondec Peninsula and southwest coast of Burias Island at 14,000 yds.

October 6, 1944 Time H
0425 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Bondec Point, Sibuyan Sea. One small power boat stood by on northwesterly courses along 100 fathom curve Bondec Pt.
1020 Aircraft contact #10. Periscope 1/4 mile. Already submerged. 130-13'N; 1220-30'E. Visibility practically zero in heavy rain squall. Plane apparently lost; flying 400 feet off water marvellous coast line vending his way homeward on northwesterly courses.
1200 130-13'N; 1220-31'E. 100 miles, 557 gals.
1625 Ship contact #7. Bearing 3400T. distance 15,000 yds. from anchored 100 fathom curve Bondec Pt. Commenced approach. Looked her over good close aboard. She was an MPA inter-island steamer estimated tonnage 1500 best described by enclosed sketch. Largest ship contact yet made this patrol. Made Battle Surface at range 1200 yds. First 4" shot hit in amidships engine spaces. 20mm and 30 cal. sprayed to side particularly when looked like a gun on fo'c's'le head. Target with full left rudder headed for beach but apparently abandoned; ship almost immediately thereafter. Darkness closed in fast. Resorted to open sights. Effectiveness of 4" gun fell off readily even at close range due to blinding effect of flashless powder and 20mm tracers. After expending 64 rounds of 4" HCDP (60% hits) set super-quick, 1400 rounds 20mm and 1500 rounds 30 cal. The target was sinking but slowly, although a fire started by 20mm was beginning to rage in superstructure.
1805 Ceased fire.
1820 Target not sinking any faster, so fired one Mk. 23 torpedo. No. 4 tube. Submarine surfaced. Torpedo run 1000 yds. Track 90 port. Gyro zero. Depth set 2 ft. Smooth sea. Run apparently HMN, except observed to slightly broach 3 or 4 times. Target disintegrated! Net result of gun fire: served two torpedoes. Would have fired three on submerged attack. Action took place less than one mile from beach. Retired at four engine speed. Petrolled across Iloilo traffic lane and eastern approaches Vorde Island Passage onroute Pt. Malabrico passing between I'arinduque and Dos Hermanos.

— page 159 —
1944 Time H
0415 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Melabrigo Point.
Six to ten native sailboats in sight throughout most
of day.
1200 130-34'N; 1210-16'E. 140 miles, 1216 gals.
1340 Ship contact #8. Ten Sea Trucks stood by in convoy on
castrelly courses along 100 fathom curve off Melabrigo Pt.
Strong temptation to surface and shoot but ammunition
shortage, time of day, proximity of beach and airfield
dictated discretion better part of valor.
1905 Surfaced patrol on southerly courses through Teblas Strait.
2225 SJ Radar and visual contact on two nested seilboat bearing
2100T. distance 5700 yds. from 120-42.5'N, 1210-50'E.
Avoided.

October 8, 1944 Time H
0447 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Nucio Point (northwestern
Panay, P.I.).
1200 110-47'N; 1210-50'E. 166 miles, 1943 gals.
Not even a sailboat sighted all day.
1843 Surfaced patrol on southerly courses along west coast
Panay, P.I., and in western approaches Iloilo.

October 9, 1944 Time H
0430 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Lusaran Point, Guimaras
Island, covering southwestern approaches to Iloilo, Panay, P.I.
Seven small native sailboats in sight throughout forenoon.
Sighted black smoke in direction of and near Iloilo
possibly a ship but no hull or stack sighted with 12 feet
of periscope.
1200 100-29'N; 1220-26'E. 166 miles, 1683 gals.
1252 Ship contact #9. JP-1 detected screws making 90 rpm bearing
0700T. estimated range 4000 yds. from 100-29'N, 1220-26'E.
Not sighted. Probable submarine contact. Soundmen including
one very experienced operator, an experienced officer and
the commanding officer convinced the contact was submarine
screws. Contact held until 1315. Last bearing 0650T. Enemy
submarine possibly headed into Iloilo submerged.
1323 Sighted what developed. into eight or ten apparently black
spar buoys. Closer inspection revealed one of them to be
more like a 10 ft. high & inch pine with a flange on top.
All very suspicious particularly since depth of water
there is 600 fathoms or so. Their position 100-30'N, 1220-
17'E. Sonar buoys of some sort? Avoided. Had several good
looks into Iyang Bay-with high periscope. No shipping in
evidence.
1846 Surfaced patrol southerly courses enroute newly assigned
area.

— page 160 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
October 9, 1944 Time H (Cont'd)
2230 Entered new area at 90-30'N, 1220-17'E.

October 10, 1944 Time H
0208 Ship contact #10, SJ Radar interference; sighted, closed and spoke U.S.S. ANGLER by keying SJ Radar. Exchanged patrol results to date. 80-48.5'N; 1220-41.4'E.
0440 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Madalag Point, Zamboanga Peninsula.
1200 80-26'N; 1220-56'E. 174 miles, 1717 gals. Not even a sailboat sighted today.
1845 Surfaced patrol skirting Zamboanga Peninsula at 14,000 yds.

October 11, 1944 Time H
0432 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Sindangan Pt., Zamboanga Peninsula.
1200 80-11'N; 1220-40'E. 136 miles, 1235 gals.
1845 Surfaced patrol skirting Zamboanga Peninsula at 14,000 yds.

October 12, 1944 Time H
0440 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Tumao Point (5 miles south of Coronado Point).
0819 Ship contact #11. Three heavily loaded bonafide Sea Trucks complete with trees and brush camouflage, bearing 0400T. distance 14,000 yds. from 70-53'N, 1220-09'E. on south-westerly courses along 100 fathom curve. Looked them over close aboard.
0947 Made Battle Surface on stab. quarter of target group, range 1800 yds. Target group immediately dispersed in a very efficient and military manner. Appearances indicated they were running for beach so altered course to port to cut them all. Contrarily, however, they were dispersing in a probable prearranged maneuver to put up a fight. The leader of the column stopped and swung left. No. 2 swung left, opened the track about 300 yds. and stopped. No. 3 swung right, opened the track about 300 yds. and stopped. Nos. 2 and 3 returned fire with apparently .50 cal. machine guns. (samples of projectiles on board). 4" hits and the forward 20mm quickly silenced No. 2 but meanwhile No. 3 had found range on us and was hitting with no opposition. Our after 20mm was jammed with the first cartridge, a blind loaded clearing projectile stuck in the barrel. The 30 cal. had not yet opened fire. The four inch shifted targets and scored hits in No. 3 but her gunners continued their fire. Our fwd. 20mm was shifting ammunition drums, the after 20mm was still jammed and the 30 cal. were just opening fire.

— page 161 —
0947 (cont'd) GOLD, F.H., SM2c, 603 86 39, USNR was wounded on top of scalp by enemy, 50 cal. which pierced his helmet. (His helmet saved his life by deflecting bullet.) GOESSEL E.F., RM3c, 305 92 35, USN was creased on the elbow by an enemy. 50 cal. projectile. CERRETO, T.H., Cox, 642 24 31, USNR received light shrapnel wounds in left shoulder. With .50 cal. bullets rattling around periscope shears, bridge and 20mm platform.

0952 Cleared the topside and dived. The whole three of them not worth one U.S. Sailor being wounded! In clearing topside HARMON, H.W., TM2c, 603 87 03, USNR wounded extensively but not too seriously with shrapnel in left shoulder and arms as he descended through hatch, and RUDICK, W., F2c, 205 44 90, USNR, received split lip when he was kicked in the sketch in the scramble for the hatch. All hands from the skipper down madder'n hell. Altogether an ignominious retreat, but seemed the sensible one. We could have blasted all three out of water in short order, but probably would have lost several good American lives doing it. Actual result two 500 ton Sea Trucks damaged, No. 2 with 3 hits of 4" HCPD and numerous hits of 20mm., No. 3 with 2 hits of 4" HCPD. Total ammunition expended 7 rounds 4" HCPD, 60 rounds 20mm. Hope we killed some of the bastards. In the "red", five men wounded, none beyond capacity of ship's pharmacist's mate to handle. Damned lucky! The three sea trucks were observed through the periscope to form column and move on albeit slower than before and one with a decided list. No. 2 in the new column was possibly in tow by No. 1. What a flascol! Will do it differently next time. After results of October 6th. BLUEGILL was overly cocky. This action today, the absence of torpedo targets and the quantity of small shipping contacted this patrol and last emphasize the need for some weapon with which targets too small for torpedoes may be attacked and sunk from the submerged condition.

1200 7-49'N; 122-06'E. 164 miles, 748 gals. 1742 Surfaced patrol on westerly courses. 2230 Commenced retiring s search at 3 engine speed for convoy reported by U.S.S. DARTER as standing on southeasterly course through North Balabac Strait at 1500 today.

— page 163 —
1702
October 15, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
Aircraft contact #16. SD Radar 18 miles, closed to 16 miles, opened to 29 miles and lost. Not sighted visually, remained on surface. 14°05'N, 119°45'E.

: 0612
October 16, 1944 Time H
Aircraft contact #17. Plane sighted visually (circling over Cabra Island as though to land) bearing 130°T. dist. 20 miles from 140°08'N, 149°04'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Lost sight of plane after 8 minutes when he probably landed. Remained on surface.
0632 Aircraft contact #18. SD Radar 12 miles, closed to 5 miles. Not sighted visually. Dived. 14°11'N, 119°42'E.
0937 Aircraft (contact #19. SD Radar anl visual bearing 175°T. dist. 9 miles. Dived. 140°10'N, 119°48'E.
1039 Aircraft contact #20. SD Radar 6 miles. Not sighted visually. Dived. 140°11'N, 119°47'E.
1143 Aircraft contact #21. Sighted visually bearing 170°T. dist. 12 miles. Not detected on SD Radar. Dived for launch. 14°12'N, 119°45'E.
1200 140°08'N, 119°43'E. 215 miles, 1295 gal's.
1244 Aircraft contact #22. Sighted visually bearing 250°T. dist. 4 miles from 140°07'N, 119°44'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Dived.
1431 Aircraft contact #23. SD Radar 8 miles, closing. Not sighted visually. Dived. 140°06'N, 119°43'E. Beginning to believe there is a continuous anti-submarine aircraft patrol established here. Will remain submerged with high periscope observation for a while. This elevator patrol is hard on the air supply.
1620 Aircraft contact #24. Preparing to surface. Sighted through periscope bearing 255°T. 20 miles from 140°04'N, 119°44'E. Remained submerged.
1852 Surface patrol across southwestern approaches to Manila, P.I. along a line 315°T. from Lubang Island to 140°15'N. Sighted searchlight display in direction of Manila and further in direction of Lubang Island in evening.

: 0620
October 17, 1944 Time H
Aircraft contact #25. Plane sighted visually (circling over Cabra Island as though to land) bearing 120°T. dist. 20 miles from 140°08'N, 119°51'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Remained on surface.
0647 Aircraft contact #26. Plane sighted visually (circling over Cabra Island, landing or taking off). Not detected on SD Radar. Remained on surface. Lost sight of plane.

— page 164 —
0345
October 17, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
0705 Aircraft contact #27. Plane sighted visually (circling over Cabra Island). Not detected on SD Radar. Remained on surface keeping plane in sight. He apparently was commencing an anti-submarine patrol. He closed in leisurely while executing a definite search plan.
0712 SD Radar contact on this plane at 13 miles. Remained on surface watching him.
0723 Div'd. SD Radar range had closed to 7½ miles and his next leg on the search plan would head him this way.
0800 Hydrogen explosion in Mk. 18-1 torpedo in #10 tube. Torpedo withdrawn and four cells jumped. Ready for action again at 1600 on 19th. (See paragraph on Mk. 18-1s for details).
0808 Aircraft contact #28. Preparing to surface. Plane sighted through periscope bearing 1300T. dist. 4 miles from 140-12'N, 1190-47'E. Remained submerged with high periscope observations.
1200 Aircraft contact #29. SD Radar 9 miles closing. Not sighted visually. Div'd. 140-04'N, 1190-49'E. Submerged patrol with high periscope observations.
1315 Surface.
1640 Aircraft contacts #30 and #31. Plane sighted visually over Cabra Island bearing 1200T. dist. 16 miles from 140-01'N, 1190-48'E. flying from west to east across and in front of Lubang Island. Simultaneously SD Radar contact 30 miles moving out; apparently a flight of planes; not sighted visually. Remained on surface.
1700 Ship contact #13. High periscope sighted two DE type patrol vessels searching. Bearing 3460T. approx. 12 miles from 140-02'N, 1190-49'E. Kept them in sight in periscope until dark. Observed searchlights again in direction of Manila in evening.

October 18, 1944 Time H.
0345 Ship contact #14. Attacks #2,#3,#4,#5. SJ Radar contact bearing Q14T. range 25,000 yds. from 140-08'N, 1190-41'E on what developed into a convoy of about ten large ships plus at least three DE escorts and one XAM-Coastal Mine Sweep (converted trawler-similar left picture of XAM on Patrol Craft page of ONI 4-42) Headed down true bearing and commenced tracking. Target group appeared to be milling' about as though forming up. Finally, apparent base course 2400T. (later judged to be 2200T) speed 8½ knots.

— page 165 —
0342 - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

October 18, 1944 Time H (Cont'd)
0437 Started in for a night surface attack, hoping to complete it before dawn, but no such luck, A zig put us dead ahead of convoy with escort 3000 yards away. Led the parade feeling like a band leader, tracking and planning a dawn submerged attack. Stayed on surface waiting for next zig until it got almost too light. All ships of convoy plainly visible against dawn background in east.
0440 Commenced transmitting contact report to USS ANGLER plus all subs and completed transmission at 0508. No receipts. When "Frank" (ANGLER) was called first a "MAXINE" answered up with "Frank has submerged have you anything for me". Suspicious of a Jap on that one! Broadcast encoded contact report to all hands. (In later personal conversation with the C.O. of USS RATON when we were at Mios Woendi, it developed that "Maxine" was "Mike Shea".)
0514 Submerged to radar depth, getting too light (sunrise 0552). Range to convoy 6000 yards, to escorts 3000 yds. Continued tracking. Hoped to end up in middle of convoy. But, convoy zigged left! BLUEGILL on stbd. flank. Went to NAC.
0522 Red light turned on masthead of one of ships. Yardarm blinkers on a DE escort. Down to periscope depth.
0531 Convoy zigged right. We'll get in an attack after all! Escorts bothering us a little.
0536 Set depth on torpedoes 6 ft. fwd., 4 ft. aft. - electrics ready for the escorts.
0540 Commenced tracking HMM small transport - undoubtedly a large Q-Ship. She was equipped with echo-ranging. She had flag hoists to the fore yardarms. Possibly the convoy commander. She approached us pinging, speeding up and then slowing down and listening. Make ready bow tubes! May have to plug this fellow!
0555 Forward room match pointers! Open outer doors! Will shoot four fish. A bad set-up with her variable course and speed, but she's forcing our hand! Range 750 yards. Angle on bow 80°P. Final bearing 3390R! Don't shoot! She's transmitting a series of "N's by sound, speeding up, turning away! Cls outer doors! Vent off tubes! Suppose that meant hell near, no submarine" for convoy kept on coming and zigged still further toward us.
0600 Selected two per trailing sister-ships, large MKFM passenger riggers as targets for bow tube divided fire. No stern tube targets available.

— page 166 —
0610
Left-handed ship. Bearing 2800R. Range 4500 yds. Angle on bow 35°. Left full rudder! Course 1600T. 90 feet! All ahead full.

0617
"NAV" the small transport Q-Ship started transmitting "NNS again."

0611
Bearing 332°R. Range 2200 yds. Angle on bow 600S. Coming on nicely. Open outer doors forward! Will shoot three fish at one target then shift and shoot three at other target. Observed the XAM minesweep headed this way from astern of target. She was apparently bring up the rear of the convoy. All other escorts had gone by, although still in sight.

0612.35
Bearing 335°R. Range 1600 yds. Angle on bow 700S.

0614.20
Final hearing 351°R. Fired three torpedoes at near sister-ship. 1000S track. 2°R gyro. 1600 yard torpedo run. Spread 0-3R-3L. Depth shot 6 feet. Chock bearings between each shot.

0615.12
Bearing 22°R. Range 2500 yds. Angle on bow 1350S. Shoot! Fired three torpedoes at sister-ship to first. 1350S track. 35°R gyro, 2800 yard torpedo run. Spread 0-1R-1L. Depth 6 feet. Chock bearings between each shot. In addition to this selected target there were several ships of the convoy in line of fire beyond target.

0615.26
Timed hit in first target! Too busy with second target to observe.

0617.20
XAM minesweep heard to speed up and observed heading this was. Torpedo tracks must have given him a beautiful fix on us. Take'er deep! All ahead standard! Right full rudder! Rig for Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack!

0617.24
Torpedo explosion! Up periscope! Too late, I'm dipped! Probable hit in second target.

0618
Series of loud explosions: - not torpedo nor depth charge - as of a ship breaking up - heard throughout boat and on sound equipment in direction of first target. In midst of this - -

0618.15
Probable torpedo explosion! In direction of second target but the run is too long. Must've hit another ship in the convoy!

0619.40
Depth charge #1. "Missed!" says observant quartermaster. "Not bad", thinks C.O.

0620.14
Depth charge #2.

0620.35
Depth charge #3. Let'em roll you devils, let'em roll! They did!

— page 167 —
15 - ENCLOSURE (A)

U.S.S. BLUECREST (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

October 18, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
0622.00 Depth charges #4,#5,#6,#7,#8,#9.
to
0622.15 0625.42 Depth charges #15,#16.
0623.17 Depth charge #10. Closer!
0624.24 Depth charge #11. Closer! 0627.50 Depth charge #17. What!
0624.43 Depth charge #12. Closer! That was close, a
0625.07 Depth charge #13,#14. Further! parting wollop!
Settled down to evasion at 325 feet on northwesterly
courses at 90 RPM.

0707 Started up to periscope depth. Escorts still around but
thought to have been shaken.

0725 Checked ascent and tracked a closing escort - loud screws.

0752 Up periscope -- nothing close. Smoke of convoy in sight.
Tops of escorts milling around near scene of attack in
direction of echo-ranging. Secure from Silent Running and
Depth Charge Attack. Secure from Battle Stations. Headed
toward echo-ranging and scene of attack at 2/3 speed. In-
tended to survey situation holding smoke of convoy in sight
and then surface and "end-around".

0756 Made out two damaged ships in direction of echo-ranging
and milling escorts! Decided to close and polish off
cripples.

0905 Altered course to 1500ft. more to right. Targets drifting
with freshening northeasterly wind. Appeared to be only
one escort around near target; two escorts around near
target. Selected near target to sink first. Made out near
cripple to be one of the two UKFII sister ships fired at.
The other far cripple was a stranger, a large UKFII AP/AK.
Surmiser: First target of 'this morning's attack sank with
two hits; Second target is our near cripple winged with
one hit; The stranger, the far cripple, was winged with
one torpedo. of this morning's second salvo.

0953 Aircraft contact #32. Periscope 4 miles. A float plane
circling on anti-submarine search bearing 150°T from
14°-05'N, 119°-39'E. Again altered course to right,
165°T. Wind drifting targets.

1020 Battle Stations 'Submerged' Bearing 354°R. Range 3800 yds.
on near cripple, our selected target. Far cripple bears
209°T.

1025 Observed two escorts patrolling in vicinity of our selected
target. One was a DE, the other the XAI-minesweep (converted
trawler). The DE was patrolling between us and target on
a line normal to our course. The XAI had apparently come
over from the other cripple where two or three other escorts
were observed. Perhaps the airplane has spotted us!

— page 168 —
1040
Two more DDs heading over from other cripple, Don't think we've been spotted, however. No speeding up nor short scale pinging nor other indications. Just looks like we picked the wrong target or anyway the wrong time.
: 1049
By golly! Here comes "NAN" our MFM small transport of "Negat" fare! Flags flying at foreyard. Echo-ranging. She too is standing over from our other cripple. She's a live one! We'll clip her for sure this time!
: 1051
Set up on "NAN". Bearing 45R. Range 6200 yds. Angle on bow 25P. Make ready bow tubes. Set depth 6 feet. Will shoot four at "NAN" and then immediately two at cripple.
: 1057
Range 2600 yds. Angle on bow 60P. Checking in nicely both plot and TDC. Steady course 0550T. Speed 10 knots. Open outer doors! But, sound reports target screws slowing down and another set of high speed screws in same direction as "NAN". Up periscope! A DE is coming up fast on target's port quarter to pass between us and target. Set up on target! TDC reports target definitely slowed. Sounds reports target stopped. Plot reports target about 500 yds. from our near cripple. Observed flag hoist on target executed. "NAN" still holding course, however, DE shifted to short scale pinging. We've definitely been detected. Hold your hats boys, here we go again! Set torpedo depth at 4 feet! (Hope to get DE with one of this salvo!) Open outer doors!
: 1100
Bearing 14R. Range 2200 yds. Angle on bow 85P. "NAN" still holding course. DE coming up with bone in her teeth.
: 1101.20
Bearing 35R. Range 1000 yds. - A good range! Angle on bow of DE 70P swinging toward. Delaying shot in order to better determine speed.
: 1104.00
Bearing 6R. DE bearing 17R; Angle on bow 60P. We're going to have to shoot! Use 1 1/2 kts speed on the target!
: 1104.52
DE bears 10R; close 30P! Final bearing 6R! Shoot! Fired four torpedoes at "NAN". Check bearing between each shot. 85P track. 5R gyro. 1000 yard torpedo run. Spread 1R-1L-3L-3R. Depth set 4 feet.
: 1105.40
Bearing 35R. Range 2200 yds. Shoot! Fired two torpedoes at cripple, speed zero. 120P track. 70L gyro. 2200 yard torpedo run. Spread 0-1L. Depth set 4 feet.
: 1105.47
It's a hit in "NAN". And a other hit! But the DE's still coming - missed her! Damn! Angle on bow 5O. Saw two hits in quick succession in "NAN" and then heard explosions. One hit directly amidships and the other just abaft amidships. Still looking for a hit in the DE.
: 1106.30
Take'ler deep! All ahead standard! Right full rudder! DE has slight port angle on bow and she's close! People on deck pointing at periscope!

— page 169 —
1107.10 Timed torpedo hit in direction of crippled
: 1107.30 Timed torpedo hit in direction of crippled Depth charges
: #1,#2,#3 in direction of BLUEGILL. Too close!
: All hell breaks loose! Depth charges #4,#5,#6. Depth
: charges #7,#8,#9. Left Full Rudder, Depth charges #11,
: #12,#13,#14,#15. Depth charges #16,#17,#18. Depth charges
: #19,#20,#21,#22,#23. Too close! Closest depth charges from
: surface craft received by BLUEGILL to date. Caused considerable
: damage and momentary concern. See Section K for
: details.
: Depth charges #24,#25. Still close!
: Depth charges #26. Still close! Commenced hearing breaking
: up noises - not sure it wasn't BLUEGILL. Ordered course
: 0900T. Wading at 20°C. Port at 90 rpm.
: Depth charges #27,#28. Not as close!
: Breaking up noises terrific. Increasing in both quantity and
: intensity all around. Our course changes have put us
: practically under a sinking ship. Noise strongest on stbd.
: quarter and from conning tower seemed to be just outside
: and on deck. Loudest we've ever heard. Fully expected that
: ship was breaking up right on deck. Depth gauges showed we
: were not being set deeper, however, and the main deck was
: clear of all shipping when we surfaced.
: Depth charge #29. Further.
: Depth charges #30,#31.
: Depth charges #32,#33,#34,#35,#36.
: Depth charges #37,#38. Still further! Guess this running
: under a sinking ship works as far as shaking the escorts.
: Frightening though! Loud breaking up noises on deck have
: stopped except for an occasional crackle.
: 140C 6N, 1130-40E. 160 miles, 1420 gals.
: Started up to port scope. depth.
: Up nerfing. Nothing close. Secure from Silent Running
: and Depth Charge Attack. Secure from Battle Stations.
: Headed toward echo-ranging and scene of attack at 2/3
: speed. Will polish off remaining cripple. When! Some days
: one has to work to make a living! Guess this is one of
: those days.
: Slighted the DE escorts near our remaining cripple bearing
: 2500T.
: Apparently running into search group again. Another DE
: bearing 236 range 2000 yards closing. (Signal range
: by BT until 1200 yds.) Played "hide and seek" at periscope
: depth for ensuing ten minutes. Her search curve still
: closing.

- 17 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 170 —
1345
Planned dive to 220 ft. - best evasive depth by BT Card.
Rigged for Depth Charge Attack and Silent Running.
Evaded on southerly courses. Three different escorts
made up the search group as detected by sound. One
sounded like the XAM and two like DES. Later confirmed
by observation.
1456
Periscope depth. Nothing close aboard. Secured from Depth
Charge Attack and Silent Running. Echo-ranging direction
of cripple. Observed search group still searching enroute
home to Manila.
1525
Our cripple and one DE escort bearing 2500T. from 140-02'N,
1190-38.3°E. only shipping in sight. Wind and sea picking
up from northeast causing considerable drift to cripple.
Typhoon working up. We have passed through scene of last
action and if those two ships are still afloat they would
surely have been sighted by now.
1837
Surfaced. SJ Radar range to cripple 11,000 yds., to escort
7000 yds. High wind and seas from NE - typhoon. Overcast.
Visibility poor.
1953
Heard two MC. 18-1 torpedoes. 900s track. 1200 yard
torpedo run. 6°R gyros. No hits! Depth set 6 feet. Decided
it'd take two to sink her and would still have three left
aft plus two broken down electrics it was hoped would
eventually be fixed.
2030
Fired remaining three MK. 23 torpedoes from bow tubes.
60°F track. 800 yard torpedo run. 2°R gyros. Depth set
8 feet. Poor track accepted in dodging escort who was a
nuisance but no worse. Fired on radar bearings. Target
could not be seen from bridge even at that close range.
Observed and heard two torpedo hits in target. Almost
instantly thereafter target pip disappeared from radar
screen at range 400 yards. Target never seen from bridge.
2045
Lost contact with escort bearing 3150T distant 8200 yards.
2055
Ship contact #15. Radar interference only. Probably
ANGLER. Unable to exchange recognition signals. 130-52'N,
1190-24°E. Proceeding toward new patrol station (Lubang
Islands to Cape Calavite) - exchanging station with USS
ANGLER. Course 1600T. at speeds varying 2/3 and 1/3 due
to force of typhoon. Tried standard twice but too rough.
Took a couple down hatch.

- 18 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 171 —
1944 Time H (cont'd)
2306 Commenced sending contact report and days activity to CTF-71 and completed transmission at 2355. Delay due to crowded circuits and much difficulty with radio as result of antenna trunk flooded by depth charging and the rolling and pitching and wetting from the typhoon.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF DAYS WORK:
Positively Sunk
One (1) large MKFM AP/AK (EU) - 7500 tons
One (1) large MKFM AP/AK (EU) - 7500 tons
One (1) small MPM AP (EU) - 4000 tons

Three (3) ships - 19000 tons

Possibly Sunk
One (1) large MKFM AP/AK (EU) - 7500 tons

Four (4) ships - 26,566 tons

The one possibly sunk is not damaged. It is either sunk or afloat unsnatched. It is one of the two sister ships fired at in first attack this morning. If any corroborating information develops that the first ship fired at sank, then this "possibly sunk" is it. If not, then this "possibly sunk" is the one of the two cripples found afloat after first attack polished off by second attack. From the periscope eye this is the one in which one timed hit and one observed hit were made with visual evidence of the timed hit and the one from which loud explosions as of a ship breaking up were heard - but it wasn't actually seen to sink. And, there was one just like her still afloat upon return to periscope depth, although this letter is believed to have been the second target fired at in first attack and damaged with one timed hit.

October 19, 1944 Time H
0643 Aircraft contact #33. Visual 6 miles bearing 0300T. From 13-42N, 119-59E. Circling over Lubang Island. Dived. Not detected by SD Radar. Remained on surface as long as possible trying to close Verde Island Passage to insure coverage. Typhoon moderating although still rough and windy. Submerged patrol with high periscope observations. Overhauling and repairing one sick fish aft - the one with the hydrogen explosion on October 17th.

— page 172 —
1944 Time H (cont'd)
1200 13-41'N, 120-05'E. 135 miles, 1079 gals.
1600 The Mk. 13-1 torpedo which had hydrogen explosion repaired and ready for action with four cells jumped out.
1840 Surfaced patrol across southwestern approaches to Manila steering courses 3150T. and reverse from Cape Calavite to Cabra Island.
1940 Ship contact #16. SJ Radar interference only (not sighted visually) bearing 2500T. from 130-28N, 120-23E. Exchanged recognition signals and spoke USS ARON on SJ Radar.
2340 Ship contact #17. SJ Radar interference and contact (not sighted visually) bearing 3090T. 6ist. 7200 yds. from 130-46N, 1150-50'E. Exchanged recognition signals and spoke USS ANGELER.

October 20, 1944 Time H
0510 Submerged patrol 100 fathom curve Delmonte Point, Cape Calavite.
0620 Aircraft contact #34. Periscope 6 miles bearing 1900T. from 130-33N, 1200-16'E. Already submerged.
0800 Ship contact #18. Sighted a tanker beached on Delmonte Point at exactly 130-31'-15" N, 1200-22'-45" E. Closed. Looked her over good. Took pictures. Apparently had been hit on port side with two torpedoes as what looked like holes from torpedo explosions in deck are located one forward and aft of amidships bridge structure. Ship is high and dry on southwestherly heading. No signs of activity of any kind. Decided against shooting a fish at her as she looked to be hard aground. It would be better to wait until attempts at salvage, if any, were underway so some of the navy yard workers could be included in the explosion.
1200 130-32'N; 1200-22'E. 163 miles, 1010 gals.
1225 Ship contact #19. Periscope sighted smoke on horizon bearing 1030T. well up the coast and around point from our patrol line. They are headed this way.
1402 Battle Stations Submerged! Two medium tankers in ballast with one SC escort rounded the point. Planned a stern tube shot from a position between target and beach but navigational fix showed targets hugging coast too closely to permit. Maneuvered to position for a stbd. track shot between target and escort. Escort went by without detecting submarine. Everything checking in perfectly. Target course 2400T. speed 10 knots. 130-32'N; 1200-22'E.

— page 173 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-T-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

October 20, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
1441 Fired four Mk 18-1 torpedoes (better to sink one than wound two with beach so close) from stern tubes, 120 stbd., track, 1200 yard torpedo run, 32R gyros, depth set 4'6"4"6". But!!!* Observed large impulse bubble through periscope and target turn radically away. Torpedoes missed. Damn! If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed it! An impulse bubble ruined all the effectiveness of the Mk. 18-1 fish. Would have been better off if these had been Mk. 23s; their higher speed would probably have resulted in hits even with target manouvering to avoid! Morale instantaneously dropped to a low ebb. We really feel low. Later discussion and the fact that only three torpedoes were heard to explode against: beach points to possibility of hydrogen explosion when fish left tube causing bubble instead of impulse air. Watched the escort for a few minutes. She had stopped but knew not which way to turn. She finally headed our way coached on by target.
1446 Three hundred feet! Rig for Depth Charge Attack and Silent Running!
1447 Received 8 depth charges, the first two dropped together and the others singly. Aided and abeted by our would-be victim the first four were fairly close. The others were more distant. Don't believe escort ever had positive contact. Periscope depth. Escort still searching in vicinity of attack. The two tankers were observed to have recovered course, high-tailing it back toward Manila. Estimated course 340°T. Perhaps they plan to round Lubang Island to northward before standing southwesterly again. Observed escort give up search and head in direction of her two charges.
1628 Lost sight of convoy rounding southeastern point of Golo Island to northward.
1930 Surfaced and transmitted contact report on inter-sub crew and also to CTF 71 on ship-shore circuit. Raised ANG and COD. Our signal strength only 4 says COD. ANGLER apparently can't make us out, but knows we're talking. Weak signal attributed to flooded antennae'trunk from depth charging on 18th. Headed up toward' Cabra Island to be in position to intercept convoy if she should round Cabra.
2130 Sighted search light display in direction of Manila.
2250 Ship contact #20. Su Radar interference and contact (not sighted visually) bearing 34LT. range 7200 yds. Exchanged recognition signals and spoke U.S.S. ANGLER. USS ANGLER submerged patrol off Cabra Island tomorrow morning. USS BLUEGILL submerged patrol covering passes between Golo Island and Lubang Island and between Golo Island and Cape Calavite tomorrow.

— page 174 —
1957

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

U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

October 20, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
2250(cont'd) Resumed surface patrol across southwestern approaches to Manila, steering courses 3150T. and reverse from Cape Calavite to Cabra Island.

October 21, 1944 Time H:
0515 Submerged patrol in position 130-31N; 120-16E., commanding good reconnaissance of passes between Golo Island and Lubang Island and Cape Calavite. High periscope observations.

0709 Ship contact #21. Periscope sighted masts and JP and JK sound.equipments heard screws bearing 2000T. dist. 14000 yards from 130-35N, 1200-19E. Contact developed into eight Sea Trucks proceeding northerly into pass between Golo Island and Cape Calavite probably bound for Manila.

0940 Ship contact #22, periscope sighted four small landing barges bearing 0290T. dist. 4 miles from 130-39N, 1200-16E. Standing northwesterly along coast of Lubang Island probably out of pass between Golo Island and Lubang Island.

1014 Sighted small native sailboat 1680T. dist. 6000 yds.

1115 Lost sight of Sea Trucks.

1200 130-36N;1200-17E. 148 miles, 987 gals.

1843 Surfaced patrol proceeding Mios Woendi, Shouten Islands (Dutch New Guinea) in accordance with directive from CTF 71. No torpedoes aft although work is progressing on the drying out of the motor and recoditioning of the last remaining torpedo on board which grounded out thru an after-body leak when tubes were flooded and made ready preparatory to action on October 18, 1944.

1957 Commenced transit of Mindoro Strait.

October 22, 1944 Time H:
0145 Completed transit Mindoro Strait.

0200 Departed assigned area at 120-04N; 121-00E. dist.

0530 Sighted two two-masted sailboats bearing 0330T. dist. 10,000 yds. in morning twilight on northwesterly courses crossing from Panay toward Mindoro in Tablas Strait.

0535 Battatan Island bearing 0900T. dist. 10,000 yds. Changed course to 1750T.

0555 Aircraft contact #35. SD Radar 11 miles closing to 5 miles Not sighted-visually. Dived 110-22N, 121-48E.

0955 Aircraft contact #36. SD Radar 18 miles; closed and opened to 21 miles. Lost contact. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface. 100-53N, 121-38E.

1200 100-30N; 121-22E. 260 miles, 4257 gals.

— page 175 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

October 22, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
1615 Ship contact #23. High Periscope sighted probably friendly submarine over the horizon bearing 1350T. dist. 22,000 yds from 90-41'N, 120-45'E. Simultaneously encountered strong SD Radar interference. Headed toward.
1619 Submarine apparently dove.
1620 Aircraft contact #37. SD Radar 9 miles closing. Not sighted visually. Dove. 90-41'N, 120-45'E.

October 23, 1944 Time H
0653 Aircraft contact #38. SD Radar and visual. 23 miles lost at 28 miles. Remained on surface. 7-28'N, 120-17'E.
0715 Aircraft contact #39. Visual 25 miles bearing 030T. from 7C-23'N, 120-17'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Two Unidentifieds. Watched out of sight. Remained on surface.
0843 Aircraft contact #40. SD Radar 23 miles. Closed to 21 miles and lost. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface. 7C-10'N 120-15'E.
0950 Exercised 20mm and 30 cal. at target practice on small floating island complete with feathered natives, 7C-06'N 120-15'E. Thought to be a small native boat until closed.
1200 Aircraft contact #41. Visual 8 miles bearing 230T. from 6C-19'N; 120C-01'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Div'd.
1526 Aircraft contact #42. Visual 7 miles bearing 260T. from 6C-19'N; 120C-01'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Div'd.
1920 Passed between Doc Can Island and Pearl Bank on southerly courses.
2255 Commenced transit. Sibutu Passage (west of Tawi Tawi, P.I.).
2256 Aircraft contact #43. SJ contact accompanied by interference bearing 030T. from 4C-59'N, 119C-36'E. range 8500 yds. closing rapidly to 3000 yds. and lost at 9500 yds. bearing 260T. Simultaneously strong SN-2 Radar Detector contact 176 mos, 200 pr rapidly increasing intensity and fading out in direct parallel with SJ Radar contact. Not sighted visually. Cleared bridge in preparation but did not dive as range increased. Anxious to get through Sibutu Passage.

October 24, 1944 Time H
0022 Completed transit. Sibutu Passage.
0718 Aircraft contact #44. SD Radar 9 miles closing. Not sighted visually. Div'd. 3C-57'N,121C-17'E.
0810 Aircraft contact #45. SD Radar 12 miles. Preparing to surface. Remained submerged. Not sighted visually. 3C-56'N, 121C-18'E.
0832 Surfaced and sighted a white float buoy bearing 283T. dist. 1 mile.

- 23 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 176 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

October 24, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
0834 Aircraft contact #46. SD Radar 9 miles closing. Not sighted visually. Dived. 30-53'N, 121-25'E. IFF indicated friendly.
1046 Aircraft contact #47. SD Radar 21 miles. Lost at 25 miles. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface. 30-47'N, 121-44'E.
1111 Aircraft contact #48. SD Radar 21 miles to 24 miles. Flight of planes. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface. 30-45'N, 121-48'E.
1200 30-42'N, 121-59'E. 277 miles, 4047 gals.
1212 Aircraft contact #49. SD Radar 12 miles closing to 9 miles. Lost at 18 miles. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface. 30-42'N, 121-59'E. IFF indicated friendly.
1226 Exercised 20mm, 30 cal. and one rifle and sank floating mine complete with horns. 30-42'N, 121-59'E.
1348 Aircraft contact #50. Visual 5 miles bearing 3450T. from 30-34'N, 1220-15'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Dived.
1715 Commenced 'conversion #3 & #5 RFO tanks to MBT and completed at 1740.

October 25, 1944 Time H
0200 Aircraft contact #51. SD Radar 14 miles closed to 8 miles and moved out again. Remained on surface. 20-25'N, 1250-00'E.
0415 Transited Siaoes Passage between Siaoes and Taohoelandang Islands of the Sangi Group.
0700 Aircraft contact #52. SD Radar 29 miles closed to 25 miles and lost. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface. 20-32'N, 1250-59'E.
0755 Aircraft contact #53. Visual 11 miles bearing 0400T. from 20-31'N, 1260-10'E. IFF indicated friendly. Dived. Not listing plane contacts as such from here in to Mios Woendi. Plane contacts today and tomorrow all probably friendly and too numerous to keep track of. They bothered BLUEGILL by coming too close, on several instances less than 5 miles, forcing us to dive. Finally decided to brazen it our and trust them or we'd never arrive Mios Woendi.
1115 Numerous pips on SD Radar 18 to 24 miles. Observed visually to be a flight consisting of about 25 planes heading toward Biak probably returning from bombing mission or the major fleet engagement taking place in the Philippines. B-25s or "Venturas"?
1147 SD Radar contact 6 miles accompanied by radar jamming. Not sighted visually. Closed to 3miles and we dived! Too close!
1200 20-39'N, 1270-11'E. 331 miles, 4830 gals.

— page 177 —
1944 Time I (cont'd)
1256 After surfacing had 4 to 6 planes in sight all around horizon obviously patrolling. Remained on surface until one headed in at 5 miles. Pulled flare and dived! Too close! Even with IFF indicating friendly!
1645 Exchanged recognition signals with PBY (Black Cat) who circled us at about 500 yards. Waved salutation and they waved back, thank God! Don't suppose they realize what an uneasy day they've been giving us. Upon surfacing from last dive 6 to 8 of these fellows in sight all around horizon. After 2½ hours this one apparently sighted us and headed in. Although IFF indicated friendly, cleared bridge of all personnel except signalman, OOD and CO. When aircraft is close enough for positive friendly identification, it's too late for the submarine if he turns out to be enemy. Strongly recommend aviators to be told to keep clear of known friendly submarines, and they should be properly briefed to know from our position we are friendly.
2300 SD Radar contact 21 miles closing to 13 miles and out to 21 miles; lost. IFF indicated friendly.
2330 SD Radar contact 24 miles opening to 28 miles; lost. IFF indicated friendly.

October 26, 1944 Time I
0000 Clocks advanced one (1). hour to ITEM time.
0418 SD Radar contact 18 miles closing to 2 miles! Too close! IFF indicated friendly. For next hour 20 to 30 plane contacts both SD and visual. Planes were burning running lights. Apparently flight off to the Fleet Engagement in the Philippines.
1200 10-59'N; 1320-39'E. 343 miles, 4850 gals.
1855 Aircraft contact visual 10 miles bearing 0000T. from 10-28'N, 1340-37'E. Not detected SD Radar. No IFF return.

October 27, 1944 Time I
0458 Crossed equator heading at 1360-37'E. Numerous friendly aircraft contacted both visually and by SD Radar throughout forenoon.
1135 Spokes USES RAY out-bound off Mios Woendi.
1229 Morred port side to Australian tanker SS KURUMBA, Mios Woendi, Schouten Islands, Dutch New Guinea.
10-20'S; 1360-25'E. 375 miles, 5080 gals.
Received 3oar 88933 gals. fuel oil, 1512 gals. #9370 lube oil from SS KURUMBA.

October 28, 1944 Time I
0730 Shifted berths and moored starboard side to USS ORION.

— page 178 —
1944 Time I (cont'd)
Voyage repairs by USS ORION and SubDiv 162 Relief Crew. Renewed Blower and Accessory Drive Assembly of No. 1. Main Engine. Adjusted Forward Angle Solver of TDC. Re-located 20mm ammunition ready locker forward. Installed two 50 cal. machine gun stowages and four 50 cal. machine gun mounts topside. Stowage and mounts obtained courtesy of USS POLLACK. Four 50 cal. machine guns obtained courtesy of PSY squadron. Spares and accessories for 50 cal. machine guns obtained courtesy of PT squadron. Transferred the one remaining Mk. 18-1 torpedo to USS ORION. This torpedo re-paired by ship's force after flooding motor. Received aboard torpedoes, sixteen Mk. 23s forward and eight Mk. 18s aft; ammunition, 73 rounds 4" from USS ORION and 2500 rounds 50 cal. from USS POLLACK. Replenished fresh water, stores and provisions. Transferred one TM3c to SubDiv 162 for treatment of kidney stones; received one S2c replacement. Ready for sea and war October 31, 1944.

October 31, 1944 Time I
1600 Underway from alongside USS ORION in accordance with October 30th modification to Commander Task Group 71.1 Operation Order No. 135-44, proceeding from Mios Woendi, Schouten Islands, Dutch New Guinea to Sulu Sea war patrol area.
2245 Crossed equator heading north at 136°-30'E.

November 1, 1944 Time I
0645 SD Radar contact 12 miles lost at 21 miles. Not sighted visually. IFF indicated friendly. 10-02'N, 135°-20'E.
1200 10-24'N; 134°-14'E. 280 miles, 3868 gals.
1630 SD Radar contact 16 miles and lost. Not sighted visually. 1°-36IN, 133°-17'E.

November 2, 1944 Time I
1200 20-48'N, 129°-15'E. 311 miles, 5193 gals. The afternoon and evening were spent witnessing a beautiful and awe inspiring display of U.S. Air Strength. From 1300 to 2130: fifty to a hundred planes were sighted and SD Radar contacts made. The majority indicated friendly by IFF return. Various types were identified: PBY, B-24, P-38. Generally: they were headed easterly or southeasterly toward Morotai and New Guinea as though returning from a mission, though some were obviously patrolling. Remained on surface and brazened it out with more assurance than when same situation occurred in our passage into Mios Woendi eight days earlier in the same general locality. 20-48'N; 129°-01'E. to 20-35'N; 127°-22'E. Still don't like it, however, when they come too close, as for example, when two P-38s closed to 1 mile.

ENCLOSURE: (A)

— page 179 —
1944 Time I
0400    Transcribed passage between Siaoé and Tahoelandang Islands, off the Saugi Group.
0712    SD Radar and visual plane contact range 20 miles opened to 28 miles and lost. Remained on surface. 20-35'N, 1240-30'E.
1150    SD Radar contact 32 miles and lost. Remained on surface. 20-52'N, 1230-35'E. 1200    ～20-58'N, 1230-25'E. 366 miles, 6133 gals.

November 4, 1944 Time H
0250    Retarded clocks one hour to H0W time.
    Commenced transit Sibuitu Passage (west of Tawi Tawi, P.I.)
    and completed transit at 0410. Commenced surface patrol
    in assigned war patrol area having entered it in Sibuitu
    Passage. Covering northern approaches to Sibuitu Passage
    and Alice Channel.
0540    Commenced tabulating aircraft contacts as such. Aircraft
    contact #54. Visual 15 miles closed to SD contact 10
    miles and opened. Remained on surface watching: plane
    out of sight. No IFF return. 50-21'N, 1190-35'E.
0650    Aircraft contact #55. Visual 18 miles. Not detected on
    SD Radar. Remained on surface watching plane out of
    sight. 50-28'N, 1190-40'E. These last two plane contacts
    were running thru Sulu Chain of Islands on southwesterly
    course from c direction of Jolo toward Borneo.
1100    ～50-30'N, 1190-45'E. 327 miles, 6047 gals.
1542    Aircraft contact #56. Visual bearing 2400T. and SD
    contact 16 miles lost at 20 miles. Remained on surface.
    No IFF return. 50-20'N, 1190-41'E.
1855    Ship contact #24. Exchanged recognition signals and
    spoke US NAUTILUS, in-bound, by SJ Radar. 50-28'N,
    1190-44'E. SJ Radar not working properly. NAUTILUS
    contacted at 3000 yards and lost at 4000 yards. In-
    vestigation showed SJ mast damaged probably by hitting
    a dog while making trim dive today. Estimate effective-
    ness of SR Radar reduced to 1/3 of its normal range for
    reminder of Patrol in spite of work of ship's force.
    See section (T) for details.
2230    Passed between Loo Can Island and Pearl Bank in Sulu
    Sea, F.T. Neighbor contacted by SJ Radar. Surface
    patrolling in Sulu Sea on northerly courses enroute.
    Puerto Princesa, Palawan, P.I.

- 27 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 180 —
5, 1944, 1st, 0205
Ship contact #25: Exchanged recognition signals and spoke USS REDFIN, north-bound, by SJ Radar. 60-17'N, 1190-36'E.
0940: Cagayan Sulu Island abeam to port bearing 2700T. dist. 15 miles.
0943: Aircraft contact #57. SP Radar 8 miles, moving in to 4 miles. Dived. Not sighted visually. NO IFF return.
1111: Aircraft contact #58. Visual bearing 3500T. dist. 7 miles. Not detected SD Radar. Dived. 70-04'N, 1180-43'E.
1200: 70-07'N, 1100-46'E. 206 miles, 1466 gals.
1315: Aircraft contact #59. Visual bearing 0100T. dist. 15 miles. Not detected on SD Radar. Dived. 70-10'N, 1180-45'E. All plane contacts today appeared to be small fighters either land or carrier based.

November 6, 1944 Time H: 0015
Patrolling off Puerta Princessa, Palawan, P.I. between 9000 and 17000 yards from land. Bright moonlight; waning moon.
0504: Submerged patrol along 100 fathom curve choking entrance to Puerta Princessa.
1200: 90-41'N; 1180-47'E. 196 miles, 2143 gals.
1503: Ship contact #26. Two Sea Trucks stood out of Puerta Princessa. Headed northeasterly toward Cuyo West Pass after rounding close aboard Bancaobancan Point.
1842: Surfaced patrol off Puerta Princessa.

November 7, 1944 Time H: 0505
Submerged patrol across entrance Puerta Princessa.
1200: 90-41'N; 1180-48'E. 138 miles, 827 gals.
1838: Surfaced patrol off Puerta Princessa.

November 8, 1944 Time H: 0506
Submerged patrol across entrance Puerta Princessa.
0945: Aircraft contact #60. Periscope sighted plane bearing 3300T. dist. 2 miles. 1500 to avoid detection. 90-42'N, 1180-48'E.
1200: 90-42'N; 1180-48'E. 136 miles. 874 gals.
1837: Surfaced patrol off Puerta Princessa.
2100: Ship contact #27. Simultaneous visual, SJ Radar and Sound contact on one Sea Truck bearing 1400T. Dist. 2800 yards. 90-41'N, 1180-53'E. Tracked and closed for positive identification. Avoided.

- 28 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 181 —
1944 Time H
0410 Presence of radar indication on SN-2 Radar Detector.
173 mcs prr 200, 90-40'N, 1180-55'E. Faded out at 0415.
0432 Airraft contact #61, Visual 4 miles bearing 1650T.
90-42'N, 1180-51'E. Sighted exhaust flame and dimmed
white light. Simultaneously SN-2 again indicated presence
of radar of rapidly increasing intensity -- convinced!
Dived. Submerged patrol across entrance Puerta Princessa.
1200 90-42'N; 1180-48'E. 134 miles, 1005 gals.
1655 Ship contact #28. One small Sea Truck stood into Puerta
Princessa from northeast. Rounded close aboard Bancaoban-
cano Point in entering harbor. Crowded with men in whites.
1842 Surfaced patrol off Puerta Princessa.

November 10, 1944 Time H
0506 Submerged patrol across entrance Puerta Princessa.
0555 Aircraft contact #62. Periscope sighted plane bearing
3000T. dist. 1 miles. 150' to avoid detection. 90-40'N,
1180-45'E.
0640 Observed sailboat inside harbor. Sailboats unique in
their absence from this port.
1200 90-41'N; 1180-48'E. 133 miles. 911 gals.
1603 Aircraft contact #63. Periscope sighted plane bearing
3000T. dist. 6 miles from 90-40'N, 1180-44'E. Plane
landed in harbor.
1705 Ship contact #29. One Sea Truck stood out of Puerta
Princessa. Headed northeast to ward Cuyo West Pass
after rounding close aboard Bancaohancan Point.
1835 Surfaced patrol off Puerta Princessa.
2345 Aircraft contact #64. Visual and SJ Radar bearing 2800T
dist. 1800 yds. Dived. Flew low out of Puerta Princessa.
Passed directly overhead. 90-44'N, 1180-52'E.

November 11, 1944 Time H
0200 HAPPY BIRTHDAY! BLUEGILL'S FIRST ANNIVERSARY.
0505 Completed conversion #4 R.F.O.T. to M.B.T.
0758 Submerged patrol across entrance Puerta Princessa.
Aircraft contact #65. Periscope sighted 5 single engine
fighters with fixed landing gear first in formation and
then sham dog fighting over Puerta Princessa. Bearing
2900m. dist. 4 miles from 90-41'N, 1180-50'E.
1200 90-41'N; 1180-48'E. 113 miles, 853 gals.
1331 Aircraft contact #66. Periscope sighted plane bearing
2500T. dist. 6 miles from 90-42'N, 1180-48'E.
1847 Surfaced patrol off Puerta Princessa.

- 29 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 182 —
1944 Time H
0504: Submerged patrol across entrance Puerta Princessa.
0721: Aircraft contact #67. Periscope sighted plane bearing 1200T. dist. 1 mile from 90-42'N, 1180-48'E. 150' to avoid detection.
1200: 90-41'N; 1180-48'E. 138 miles, 834 gals.
1855: Surfaced patrol on southeasterly courses across eastern approaches to Balabac Strait while enroute to patrol across northern approaches to Jolo.

November 13, 1944 Time H
0846: Aircraft contact #68. SD Radar 26 miles closed to 5 miles and lost at 22 miles. Sighted and identified as a Liberator. IFF indicated friendly. Remained on surface, 70-04'N, 1210-00'E. Tried to establish communications with him both radio and visual without success. He would have been of inestimable assistance in increasing effectiveness of our patrol had we had communications. It is strongly recommended that direct communication be established between submarine and aircraft working same areas. The present system is such that contact reports from aircraft are 6 to 12 hours or more old before being received by the submarine. Yet, there is the reco-aircraft, close enough to hit him with an Idaho spud!
0920: Aircraft contact #69. Visual 15 miles bearing 1100T. from 60-55'N, 1200-49'E. Not detected on SD Radar. Friend or Foe? Looked like PBY. Remained on surface and lost plane at 0945.
1040: Aircraft contact #70. Visual 15 miles bearing 2600T. from 60-54'N, 1200-41'E. Same or similar plane as last contact. Not detected on SD Radar. Remained on surface and lost plane at 1100.
1200: 60-47'N; 1200-33'E. 285 miles, 4007 gals.
1605: Aircraft contact #71. Visual and SD Radar 11 miles bearing 1350T. from 60-10'N, 1200-05'E. Observed plane turn and head toward. Dive to 150'.
1618: and 1620: Heard two aerial depth charges explode well distant but loud and unmistakable. IFF return indicated Foe, albeit rather delayed action!

November 14, 1944 Time H
Surfaced patrol on northerly course enroute to patrol across Iloilo and Cebu traffic lane to eastward of Tubataba Refs.

— page 183 —
1944 Time H [cont'd]
0646 Aircraft contact #72. Visual 3 miles bearing 2900T. Dived. Not detected SD Radar.
0805 Ship contact #30. High periscope sighted USS REDFIN, south-bound, bearing 2980T. dist. 14 miles from 80-54'N, 1200-20'E. Exchanged recognition signals and spoke by SJ Radar.
1042 Aircraft contact #73. Visual and SD Radar 8 miles bearing 0550T. from 80-50'N, 1200-08'E. Dived. 8-48'N; 1200-10'E. 289 miles, 3090 gals.
1200 Aircraft contact #74. SD Radar 7 miles. Not sighted visually. Dived. 80-51'N, 1200-13'E.
2130 Commences a mysterious series of events with SN-2 contact interpreted as similar to signal emanating from ABK. Simultaneously, SJ contacted dead ahead 1000 yds. Reversed course and slowed. At the time was proceeding at 4 engine speed to take position for submerged patrol off Siaton Point, Negros, P.I. Turned on SD Radar and...own ABK and keyed BN of IFF to receive what was interpreted as the "emergency" code return from within 2 mile range.
2140 Reversed course to 1200T. to search for downed plane or something close aboard.
2150 Aircraft contact #75. SD Radar 8 miles closing. No IFF return from this pip. Dived. 80-47'N, 1200-53'E.
2220 Surfaced and resumed search. Still receiving "emergency" indication on IFF range. 4 miles upon surfacing. Closed to 2 miles by heading back. At this time it was determined that this "emergency" indication was there intermittently whether we keyed our BN or not. Indicated the presence of another BN, possibly a searching plane. Gave up plans for submerged patrol in favor of search for possibly downed aviator.
2240 Fired one green racket.
2335 Sighted green flare or rocket bearing 1500T. from 80-48'N, 1200-55'E. Ran down true bearing without results. Just prior to sighting this green flare the "emergency" indication on the IFF ceased and was never received again.
2338 Fired another green rocket. Continued search throughout remainder of night in vicinity of original contact.

November 15, 1944 Time H
0119 Aircraft contact #76. SD Radar 14 miles closing. No IFF return. Dived at 7 miles. 80-51'N, 1200-50'E.
0300 Aircraft contact #77. SD Radar 7 miles closing to 5 miles. No IFF return. Dived. 80-51'N, 1200-50'E.

— page 184 —
0-0-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

November 15, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
0500 Aircraft contact #78. SD Radar 26 miles. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface. 80-51'N, 1200-49'E. Came the dawn, executed a careful high speed search plan covering large area in direction of probably set and drift from wind and sea. No results!
1200 8°-19'N, 1200-42'E. 320 miles, 3395 gals.
1213 Aircraft contact #79. SD Radar 28 miles, closed, opened, lost at 30 miles. IFF indicated friendly. Remained on surface. Not sighted visually. 80-21'N, 1200-38'E.
1432 Aircraft contact #80. Visual and SD Radar 22 miles, closed, open, lost at 32 miles. Two unident bearing 0600'T. from 8°-01'N, 1200-22'E. IFF indicated friendly. Passed between Doc Can Island and Pearl Bank on southerly courses. Doc Can sighted visually but not detected by SJ Radar at 5000 yards.

November 16, 1944 Time H
0118 Commenced transit Sibutu Passage and completed transit at 0215. Patrolling Celebes Sea across southern approaches to Sibutu Passage and Alice Channel.
0737 Aircraft contact #81. SD Radar 20 miles closing. No IFF return. Two planes sighted visually bearing 1000'T. from when two closest appeared to be heading in. Forty-four minutes later, at 50 feet, preparing to surface SD contact at 2 and 4 miles. Remained submerged.
0910 Surfac'd patrol across southern approaches to Alice Channel.
0956 Aircraft contact #82. SD Radar 8 miles. Not sighted visually. No IFF return. Dived. 30-58'N, 1180-43'E.
1125 Aircraft contact #83. SD Radar 30 miles. Apparently a large formation. Strong IFF return indicated friendly. Closed to 9 miles and opened to 30 miles. Not sighted visually. 30-56'N, 1180-33'E. More SD contacts, a formation at 21 miles. More SD contacts.
1158 Visual contacts! 29 or more planes counted in two groups heading easterly. Apparently U.S. Aircraft returning from a major mission.
1200 30-55'N, 1180-31'E. 350 miles, 4852 gals.
1207 Aircraft contact #84. While formations of aircraft still in sight, one single plane observed heading in fast and close. Dived.
1403 Aircraft contact #85. SD Radar 27 miles closed to 22 miles and lost. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface.
1437 Aircraft contact #86. SD Radar 20 miles opening. 7 pips. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface.
1444 Aircraft contact #87. SD Radar 18,20,26 miles opening. 3 pips. Not sighted visually. Remained on surface.

— page 185 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUECILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

November 17, 1944 Time II
Surface patrol southeasterly courses through Celebes Sea along possible Tarakan, Borneo, traffic lane.
Submerged patrol.100 fathom curve off Irongkalahit Point, Borneo. SN-2 indicated present of radar 152 mcs prf 500, identical characteristics to one heard and positively identified at Cape San Agustin, Davao Gulf, P.I.
000-49'N; 1180-54'E. 251 miles, 3082 gals.
Ship contact #31. Frustrated would be attack #7. Supersonic gear detected two sets of echo-ranging bearing 0400 from 0-48'N, 1180-52'E. Subsequent periscope observation sighted, masts on same bearing. A convoy skirting close aboard coast on southwesterly courses. Developed into one (1) small MTM transport with at least two Chidori type escorts and possibly three plus air coverage (Aircraft contact #88) of at least two planes observed flying together over convoy. Visibility good, except against land background. Flat calm crystal clear sea! Commenced approach.
100 feet! All ahead standard! Closing coast on normal course. This fellow is really hugging coast! Will have to cross 100 fathom curve to get her.
Observation! Target showing 350 angle on bow! She'll have to swing left or hit coast!
Target has zigged left and steadied, angle on bow zero. Range 5600 yards. Observed that target had es camouflage the silhouette of a small ship painted on port side. Left full rudder to normal course for straight stern tube shot. S/M now inside 100 fathom curve headed for beach. Looks good! Electrics aft. Escorts both on port side of target. But, two minutes later observed one escort crossing bow of target to take station ahead and on inboard bow of target! Looks bad, we'll be right under foot just prior to firing!
Target angle on bow still zero. Range 4600 yards. Keep coming left!
Make ready tubes except for outer doors. She may zig again.
Heard three light explosions! Sono-bombs, flares dropped by aircraft, or what? Opinion: Submarine detected by aircraft at this point and position indicated by the dropping of flares or floats of some discription.
Up periscope! Damn! We've been spotted! Target has swung hard left; angle on bow 1400's, increasing! Can't shoot! Closest escort range 1000 yards. Angle on bow zero. Port escort coming up with a stab. angle on bow taking station in line of bearing with near escort. Gyros bad for down throat shot at near escort! Secure the tubes. Take'em. deep fast! Rich for Depth Charge Attack and Silent Running.

— page 186 —
1605 (cont'd) Still don't believe escorts had contact. There was no indication that they had, as for example, shifting to short keying, sudden increase in propeller rpm. But, the aircraft surely had us spotted! For the second time this patrol, the BLUEGILL received a severe depth-charging, and comparatively, the other was a dummy run!

1607 At 312°: Evading at 90 rpm.

1610 Depth charges #1,#2,#3. The quartermaster's usual cryptic remark of "missed" was noticeable by its absence. These were hits! HSN! Block Butsters! Samples of depth charges were retrieved upon surfacing and are retained on board for examination - not a facetious statement.

1611.15 Depth charge #4.

1611.30 Depth charges #5,#6,#7,#8. Emergency lighting failed temporarily, used flashlights.

1612.30 Depth charges #9,#10,#11,#12,#13,#14. Depth charge #15. Depth charges #16,#17. Depth charge #18. Depth charges #19,#20,#21,#22,#23,#24,#25,#26,#27,#28. In midst of these, maneuvered with full left rudder and standard speed until noise of charges died away. Didn't do any good! Force of explosions knocked us down to 384 feet with increasing down angle. Bow planes, stern planes and rudder buffeted around. Stopped to avoid going deeper while regained control of angle on boat. Clutches to bow and stern planes held in locally by hand in forward and after torpedo rooms.

1613.25 Depth charges #29,#30,#31,#32. Pattern in depth; single explosions, not ripple effect.

1614.30 Depth charge #33.

1615.00 Depth charges #34,#35.

1615.45 Depth charges #36,#37. Sound reports noise as of escaping air from forward room. Secured Service Air Forward - noise stopped! Guess it wasn't impulse bottles. Depth charge #38.

1619 Depth charge #39. Still awfully close!

1625 JP Sonic equipment reported out of commission. Quick survey of boat indicates considerable minor damage, but, she's still tight, (though not as tight as she was) and she's still moting. Everything under control! Forward torpedo room crew getting tight from alcohol fumes from torpedo alcohol as result of broken stowage tanks! Boat heavy and hard to hold at 340 feet at 90 rpm. Subsequent inspection revealed amidships sanitary tank flooded with both sea and stop valves backed open.

1627 Depth charge #40.

1639.20 Depth charges #41,#42,#43. Oh, God! Why don't they go away and leave us alone? We ain't done them no harm!

1640.22 Depth charges #44,#45.

1641.02 Depth charge #46.

— page 187 —
C-Q-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

November 17, 1944 Time H (cont'd)
1614.15 Depth charge #47.
All forty-seven of these depth charges were very close.
The last two were the least close of the lot and the first
indication that the escorts were losing us. These charges
were definitely big. They sounded differently than those of
other depth charge attacks. #46 and #47 being a little
further away, were first heard as a deep rumble increasing
to the final boom! The characteristics noted on far depth
charges of other attacks were first a detonator click than
water rushing through superstructure and then bang! Ah well,
maybe these were just closer!
The minor damage was numerous. See section (K) for details.
Of immediate importance: Gyro spindles bent on bow turts
#1,#2,#3,#4. Number 5 and 6 spindles had been withdrew
Bow planes would not rig-in in power. Neither bow nor stern
planes would tilt in power. Numerous electrical grounds
throughout the ship. Of interest: Forward torpedo room saw
flame of exploding depth charges through torpedo loading
hatch when it lifted off its seat during many explosions.
Ok,Ok, I know! But, one CTM, one TMLc, two TM2c, one RMC
and one RC3c, all considered cool headed and reliable men,
say they saw it. Well, anyway, not only on that hatch but
on all topside access hatches, the operating gear was found
to have backed off from 4 to 2 turn. Urgently desire lower
hatches, similar to that in ATR of USS SALMON, installed
throughout boat during next refit.
1700 Started up to periscope depth. Trim pump noisy!
1730 Checked ascent and went back down to 220 feet, best evasive
depth in accordance with BT Card. Echo-ranging commenced
to close.
1743 Started up to periscope depth again.
1803 Up periscope. Nothing close. Could see tops of one pinging
escort. After first flurry of depth charges had subsided,
sound reported three sets of echo-ranging. Where did third
escort come from? Only two were sighted, but now there was
this one holding us down and still two others going out on
bearing 280°T. apparently continuing on with our target.
Secure from Depth Charge Attack and Silent Running. Secure
from Battle Stations. Will chase the convoy after dark!
1904 Surfaced and commenced chase but broke off when it was
realized the extent of the minor damage suffered, and
survey of the chart showed they would be at anchor in
about an hour and a half thirty five miles away. Patrolling
on surface enroute to patrol across Laut Island - Makassar
City traffic lane.
2245 Crossed equator heading south at 1180-56'E.

— page 188 —
0925 Aircraft contact #89. SD Radar 8 miles. Not sighted visually. Dived. 30-10'S, 1180-26'E. Ship contact #32. High periscope sighted one Sea Truck bearing 1480T dist. 15 miles from 30-24'S, 1180-26'E. Tracked on steady course about 2800T. Speed 7 kts. Restrained impulse to "shoot'er up" in order not disclose our presence in this vicinity. Subsequently and throughout remainder of day passed through countless sailboats (counted 13 with still more coming over horizon) ranging from small native out-riggers to large two-masted schooners with topsails, staysails and flying jibs. After several attempts at "end-arounds" only to encounter more sailboats, finally gave up and decided to plow through them. May have been sighted by one of the big ones, but doubt it. Passed close aboard small sailing out-rigger and closed another well built 26 foot sail boat in excellent state of repair. Both definitely native crews. Waved and they waved back. The large schooners, I don't trust, however, and I'm not so sure the natives would have such a well conditioned boat if they were not in Japanese employ. No time to spare or would have boarded. Hazard to navigation: This vicinity is littered with debris, logs, stumps, floating islands, coconuts, oil drums. 30-46'S, 1180-24'E. 30-37'S, 1180-25'E. 275 miles, 4597 gals. By this time as result of continuous and untiring effort of all hands the important damage of yesterdays depth charging has been repaired. All tubes are ready to shoot after having removed, straightened and replaced gyro spindles. The bow and stern planes are operative in power. Host of the numerous electrical grounds have been cleared. Patrolling across East Island - Makassar City traffic lane while retiring to eastward for submerged patrol off approaches to Makassar City tomorrow. Sighted sailboat range 2500 yards bearing 0460T from 40-23'S, 1180-02'E. Avoided. Later saw her again with sails, doused.

November 19, 1944 Time: H
Sailboats and debris encountered throughout night. Avoided. Aircraft contact #90. Visual and SD Radar 9 miles closing to 6 miles. Dived. 40-48'S, 1180-46'E. Possibility we were sighted. Upon attempting to surface an hour later he was still there, SD contact 9 miles. Remained submerged until 0845. Aircraft contact #91. SD Radar 8 miles. Dived. Not sighted visually. 40-45'S, 1190-03'E.

- 36 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 191 —
5
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION (cont'd):
Locality: Celavite Pass, P.I.
Date: 10/20/44 and 10/21/44
Latitude: 275° T.
Longitude: 1.3 Km.
From Sibutu Passage to Mios Woendi, Schouten Islands, Dutch New Guinea via Celebes Sea.
Latitude: 11/4/44
Longitude: 160° T.
Latitude: 11/6/44
Longitude: 200° T.
Latitude: 11/14/44
Longitude: 9 Km.
Lombok Strait, N.E.I.
Latitude: 11/21/44
Longitude: Negligible

(E) NAVIGATION-LIDS:
Cagayan Sulu Island, Sulu Sea, P.I., checked 1.5 miles S.W. of charted position as shown on Chart No. 4707, and as per restricted notice to mariners No. 12 of 1944.
No navigational lights were burning.

- 39 -

ENCLOSURE (4)

— page 199 —
1. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 2. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 3. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 4. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 5. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 6. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 7. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 8. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 9. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 10. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 11. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 12. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 13. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 14. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 15. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 16. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 17. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 18. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 19. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 20. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 21. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 22. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 23. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 24. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 25. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 26. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 27. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 28. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 29. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 30. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 31. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 32. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 33. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 34. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 35. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 36. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 37. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 38. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 39. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 40. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 41. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 42. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 43. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 44. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 45. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 46. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar
   - 47. Lookout P. Presthope SD - SD Radar Sst2 - Sst2 Detector Sf - Sf Radar

— page 204 —
1752 MADE BATTLE SURFACE at range 1200 yards. First 4" shot hit amidships engine spaces. 20mm and 30 cal. sprayed topside, particularly what looked like gun on fo'f'

— page 205 —
1. ATTACK DATA:
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1
Time 1820 H Date Oct 6, 1944 Tat. 130-31'10" Long. 1220-30"E

Target Data: Damage Inflated

Ship Sunk: One (1) MTM Inter-island passenger cruiser - 1500 tons.
(see sketch; same target as that attack No. 1)
Note: - this ship previously targeted by Hun Attack No. 1.

Damage Determined by:

Observation: Twenty men saw burning ship disintegrate and fire go out. Pip on radar disappeared at 800 yds range. Torpedo explosion seen and heard after the correct 40 second torpedo run.

Target Draft 51' Course 220°T Speed 0 Range 1000 yards (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 4 kts Course 310°T Depth Surface Angle 00 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Night surface attack on stopped target previously damaged by gunfire. 1820 fired one Mk. 23 torpedo from No. 4 tube. Submarine surfaced. Torpedo run 1000 yards. Track 900P. Gyro zero. Depth set 2 feet. Smooth sea.

- 52 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 206 —
1. ATTACK DATA: (Cont'd)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1
Tubes Fired 4
Track Angle 90P
Torpedo Run 1000 yds.
Gyro Angle 0
Depth Set 2'
Hit or Miss Hit
Erratic No
Mk. Torpedo 23
Serial No. 49991
Mk. Exploder 6-5
Serial No. 12868
Actuation Set Contact
Actuation Actual Contact
Mk. Warhead 16-1
Serial No. 34247
Explosive TPX
Firing Interval 0
Type Spread None
Sea Conditions Sea Cond. #1

Overhaul Activity: Subiaco (SRU-137)
Torp. Sta., Fremantle, Australia.

Remarks:
1. Fish apparently ran HSN. Spray was noticed as torpedo ran towards target - was too dark to tell if fish
   - Fact: Torpedo hit! Ship sank!

2. Fact: Torpedo hit! Ship sank!

— page 207 —
3 Sea Trucks (Recognition Journal No. 11 July 1944)
page 28, in column on southwestly courses skirting coast on 100 fathom curve along Zembonga Peninsula.
Heavily loaded. Camouflaged with trees and brush.

Ships Damaged: 2 Sea Trucks (EC) --- 1000 tons

Damage Determined By: Observation. 3 4" hits in Sea Truck No. 2.
Many 20mm hits in Sea Truck No. 2.
2 4" hits in Sea Truck No. 3. Column pro-
ceeded slower than before and one Sea Truck
had decided list. One Sea Truck appeared to
be in tow.

Details of Action

Type gun used: 4"/50 caliber dock gun.
One 20mm machine gun. (see erratic performance)

Ammunition: 7 rounds 4" HCPD Flashless set for "super-quick".
60 rounds 20mm High Explosive Tracer and High
Explosive Incendiary, mixed.

Effectiveness of fire: 3 4" hits in Sea Truck No. 2.
95% of 60 rounds 20mm in Sea Truck No. 2.
2 4" hits in Sea Truck No. 3.

Range: Varying 1800 yards to 800 yards.

Fire Control: Radar range. Visual spotting.

Erratic performance: After 20mm jammed with first cartridge,
a blind loaded clearing projectile stuck
in barrel.

Description of Action:

Made Battle Surface on stbd., quarter of target group,
range 1800 yards. Target group immediately dispersed in a
very efficient and military manner. Appearances indicated
they were running for beach so altered course to port to
cut them off. Contrarily, however, they were dispersing (cont'd)

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 208 —
1. ATTACK DATA: (Cont'd)
GUN ATTACK NO. 2 (cont'd)
Description of Action (cont'd)
in a probable prearranged maneuver to put up a fight. The leader of the column stopped and swung left. No. 2 swung left, opened the track about 300 yds. and stopped. No. 3 swung right, opened the track about 300 yds. and stopped. Nos. 2 and 3 returned fire with apparently .50 cal. machine guns. (samples of projectiles on board). 4th hits and the forward 20mm quickly silenced No. 2 but meanwhile No. 3 had found range on us and was hitting with no opposition. Our after 20mm was jammed with the first cartridge, a blind loaded clearing projectile stuck in the barrel. The 30 cal. had not yet opened fire. The four inch shifted targets and scored hits in No. 3 but her gunners continued their fire. Our fwd. 20mm was shifting ammunition drums, the after 20mm was still jammed and the 30 cal. were just opening fire. GOLD, F.H., SH2c, 603 86 39, U.S. War was wounded on top of scalp by enemy .50 cal. which pierced his helmet. (His helmet saved his life by deflecting bullet.) GOESSL, E.F., RH3c, 305 92 35, USNR was creased on the elbow by an enemy .50 cal. projectile. CARRETO, T.E., Cox, 642 24 31, USNR received light shrapnel wounds in left shoulder. With .50 cal. bullets rattling around periscope shears, bridges and 20mm platform - 0952. Cleared the topside and dived. The whole three of them not worth one U.S. Sailor being wounded! In clearing topside HARNON, H.W., TM2c, 603 87 03, USNR wounded extensively but not seriously with shrapnel in left shoulder and arms as he descended through hatch, and RUDICK, W., F2c, 305 44 90, USNR received split lip when he was kicked in the teeth in the scramble for the hatch. All hands from the skipper down madder'n hell. Altogether an ignominious retreat, but seemed the sensible one. We could have blasted all three out of water in short order, but probably would have lost several good American lives doing it.

— page 209 —
1. ATTACK DATA:
   - TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2
   - Time 0614 H Date Oct 18, 1944 Lat. 140-06'N Long. 1190-40'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Convoy of about 10 large mercant's plus at least 3 DE and 1 XAR escorts out of Manila, P.I.
Visibility: good.
Ships Possibly Sunk: (a) one (1) large MCFH AP/AK.(EU) - 7500 tons
(b) one (1) large MCFH AP/AK (EU) - 7500 tons
(c) one (1) large MCFH AP/AK (EU) - 7500 tons
Note: - (a) and (b) identical sister ships.

Damaged Determined by:
(a) One timed hit and one, observed hit with visual evidence of the timed hit. Load explosions as of a ship breaking up were heard. Not actually seen to sink. Believed sunk, but if not, then this target was one of two crippled but still afloat upon return to periscope depth. This latter believed to be (b), however.
(b) One-timed hit. Observed crippled ship upon return to periscope depth.
(c) One timed hit. Observed crippled ship upon return to periscope depth.

Est: Target Draft (a) 15' Course 2400T Speed 8½ kts Range 1400 yds(at)
(b) 15' 2400T 8½ kts 2500 ydsfr-
(c) 15' - - - 2 kts - - ing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 2 kts Course 160°T Depth 65° Angle 00 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Daylight submerged periscope attack after short surface radar and submerged radar tracking. Divided fire from bow tubes; three torpedoes at target (a), three torpedoes at target (b). Target (c) was another ship of the convoy in line of fire beyond target (b).

— page 211 —
1. ATTACK DATA: (CONTINUED)
2. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2
3. Tubes Fired 1 2 3 4 5 6
4. Track Angle 162° 102° 109° 134° 134° 136° 136°
5. Torpedo Run 160° 160° 160° 2600 2800 2800
6. Gyro Angle 252° 302° 324° 340° 370° 340°
7. Depth Set 6° 6° 6° 6° 6° 6°
8. Hit or Miss Hit -one hit- Hit
9. Erratic No No No No No No
10. Mk. Torpedo 23 23 23 23 23 23
11. Serial No. 50332 50297 50013 49930 50328 50301
12. Mk. Exploder 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5
13. Serial No. 26341 25909 21832 14294 26295 26279
14. Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
15. Actuation Actual Contact - - Contact -Contact- Contact
16. Mk. Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
17. Serial No. 17958 17364 17071 1309 16468 17943
18. Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX
19. Firing Interval - 12" 6" 32" 13" 9"
20. Type Spread Div. 0 30R 30L 0 130R 130L
21. Sea Conditions Slight sea with average low swell - no white caps
22. Overhaul Activity S/If Repair Unit, U.S. Navy 137(Subiaco Torp. Station)

Remarks:
1. Fish apparently ran from USS.
2. Opinion: Torpedoes #1 and #3 hit target (a); torpedo #2 missed ahead due to spread. Torpedo #6 hit target (b); torpedo #4 or #5 hit target (c), which one, unknown.

— page 212 —
1. C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3

Time 1105 H Date Oct 18, 1944 Lat. 14°-06'N Long. 119°-40'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: (b) One (1) large MKFM AP/AK (the one of two sister ships damaged in Torpedo Attack No. 2)
(d) One (1) small MFM AP ('NAN' of narrative)
Plus 3 DE and 1 XAM escorts and Float plane coverage. Visibility good.

Ships Sunk: (b) One (1) large MKFM AP/AK (EU) - - - - - 7500 tons
(d) One (1) small MFM AP (EU) - - - - - 4000 tons

Damage Determined by:

(b) Two timed hits. Terrific breaking up noises. Previously crippled ship not in sight upon return to periscope depth although S/II returned through vicinity of action. Target (c) of Torpedo Attack #2 still in sight.
(d) Two observed hits. Terrific breaking up noises. Ship not in sight upon return to periscope depth although S/II returned through vicinity of action. Target (c) of Torpedo Attack #2 still in sight.
It is considered opinion that these two ships sank. Aggressive DE escort prevented observation of actual sinking.

Est. Target Draft (b) 15' Course 1000T Speed 0 Range 2200 yds (at (d) 10' 0750T 12 kts 1000 yds firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 2 kts Course 1650T Depth 65' Angle 00 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Daylight submerged periscope attack. Divided fire from bow tubes; two torpedoes at target (b), four torpedoes at target (d).
Returned to scene of Torpedo Attack No. 2. Two cripples plus escorts sighted. Made approach on near cripple (b) which had least number of escorts. Just as firing position was reached escorts plus a small MFM transport (d), echo-ranging and flying flags, stood over from far cripple (c). This transport has been designated "NAN" in the narrative.

- 59 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 215 —
1944 H Date Oct 18, 1944 Lat. 130-55'N Long. 1190-20'E

Target: Det. - Damage Inflicted

Description: (c) One (1) large MKFKM AP/AK (the stranger found damaged after Torpedo Attack No. 2)
Plus one (1) DE escort.
Visibility generally poor.

Ship(s) Sunk, Damage or Probably Sunk: None. Torpedoes missed!

Target Draft 15' Course 150° Speed 0 Range 1200 yds (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 5 kts Course 188° Depth Surface Angle Various (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Night surface radar attack against stopped target (c) crippled with one hit by Torpedo Attack #2. Typhoon working up increasing in intensity.

Upon return to periscope depth after Torpedo Attack #3 headed toward echo-ranging and scene of Attack. Ran through and under search group consisting of two DE escorts and one XAM escort. Waded at 220 feet rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge Attack. Returning again to periscope depth observed search group continuing search toward Manila. Our cripple has one DE guarding her now. 1837 surfaced. Approached target on surface keeping clear of DE escort. Visibility very bad. Maneuvered for stern tube shot on stbd, leeward, side of target, and timed to be at close range in position when escort furthest away. From this side and at this time the large MKFKM passenger freighter (c) could be plainly seen. Submarine was yawing and pitching from force of typhoon. Fired two Mk. 18-1 torpedoes. 900S track. 1200 yard torpedo run. 60R gyros. Depth set 6 feet. Both TBT and SJ Radar bearings checked simultaneously at firings. Torpedoes missed! End of run explosions heard. Opinion: Misses due to rolling and swinging of submarine resulting in poor firing bearings; or to high seas causing erratic running of torpedoes.

-62- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 216 —
1. ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4
Tubes Fired 7 8
Track Angle 900S 900S
Torpedo Run 1200 1200
Gyro Angle 60R 60R
Depth Set 6' 6'
Hit or Miss Miss Miss
Erratic ? ?
Mk. Torpedo 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 54939 55152
Mk. Exploder 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 7968 8675
Actuation Set Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - -
Mk. Warhead 18-2 18-1
Serial No. 2266 2461
Explosive TORPEX TORPEX
Firing Interval - 10 sec
Type Spread Div. 1 1/2R
Sea Conditions Typhoon
Overhaul Activity SRU #137 SRU #137

Remarks:
1. Opinion: Misses due to rolling and swinging of submarine resulting in poor firing bearings; or to high seas causing erratic runs.
2. Fact: Both torpedoes missed.

— page 217 —
0-N-F-I-D-F-N-T-A-
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5

Time 2030 H Date Oct 18, 1944 Lat. 130-55'N Long 1190-20'E

Target Data - Damage Inflated

Description: Same as for Torpedo Attack No. 4.

Ship Sunk: (c) One (1) large MKKKM AP/AK (EU) - - - - - 7500 tons

Damage Determined by: Observation.
(c) Six.men, bridge watch, observed and heard two torpedo hits in target. Almost instantly thereafter target tip disappeared from radar screen at range 400 yards. Pip on escort still in evidence until lost at 8200 yards.

Target Draft 15' Course 1050T Speed 0 Range 800 yds. (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 5 kts Course 2300T Depth Surface Angle Various (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Night surface radar attack against stopped target (c), same target as Torpedo Attack #4. Typhoon.
After missing with two fish from stern tubes in Attack #4, maneuvered for bow shot on port side, windward side, of target. Timing not good and forced to accept a 600p track in order to keep clear of escort. From this side even at this close range and at this time target could not be seen from bridge due to poor visibility and background. Submarine was yawning and pitching from force of typhoon. Fired remaining three 1k. 23 torpedoes from bow tubes 600p track. 800 yard torpedo run. 20R gyros. Depth set 8 feet. Dired on radar bearings only. Two observed hits! Opinion: The one miss due to rolling and swinging of submarine resulting in poor firing bearing; or to high seas causing erratic run.

- 64 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 218 —
5
Tubes Fired 3 4 5
Track Angle 60°F 60°P 60°P
Torpedo Run 800 800 800
Gyro Angle 20L 30R 20R
Depth Set 8' 8' 8'
Hit or Miss Two hits out of three
Erratic ? ? ?
Mk. Torpedo 23 23 23
Serial No. 50126 61911 50218
Mk. Exploder 6-5 6-5 6-5
Serial No. 12625 12209 24983
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual -- Contact -- Contact --
Mk. Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 17014 13360 12650
Explosive TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval 0 6" 7"
Type Spread Div. 0 2½L 2½R
Sea Conditions Typhoon
Overhaul Activity S/II Repair Unit, U.S. Navy 137
(Subiaco Torp. Station)

Remark:
1. Opinion: The one miss due to rolling and pitching of submarine resulting in poor firing bearing; or to high seas causing erratic run.
2. Fact: Two hits! Ship sank!

- 65 - [EXCLUSIVE (A)]

— page 219 —
1944 H Date Oct 20. 1944 Lat. 130-32'N Long. 1200-22'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Convoy consisting of two medium AOs plus one SC escort, Visibility good.
Ship(s) Sunk, Damaged or Probably Sunk: None.
Target maneuvered to avoid and torpedoes missed!
Est. Target Draft 10' Course 2400 Speed 10 kts Range 1000 yds. (at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 2 kts Course 325° Depth 66° Angle 20° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack
Daylight submerged periscope attack. Four Mk. 18-1 torpedoes fired from stern tubes.
Sighted two medium tankers in ballast with one SC escort rounding point. Planned stern tube shot (no bow torpedoes left) from a position between target and beach but navigational fix showed targets hugging coast too closely to permit. Maneuvered to position for a starboard track shot between target and escort. Escort went by without submarine. Everything checking in perfectly. Fired four Mk. 18-1 torpedoes from stern tubes at one AO. 120°S track, 1200 yard torpedo run. 320°R gyros. Depth set 4°6'46". Spread 11°R-3R-1. Hut, observed large impulse bubble through periscope and target turn radically away. Torpedoes missed.

- 66 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 220 —
6
TUBES FIRED 7 8 9 10
Track Angle 1200S 1200S 1200S 1200S
Torpedo Run 1200 1200 1200 1200
Gyro Angle 32R 38R 41R 42R
Depth Set 4' 6' 4' 6'
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic No No ? No
Mk. Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 55439 55494 55147 55134
Mk. Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial 9564 7951 8733 9500
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Three torpedoes, only, exploded against
beach.
Mk. Warhead 18-1 18-1 18-2 18-2
Serial No. 1372 1603 1964 2374
Explosive TORPEX TORPEX TORPEX TORPEX
Firing Interval 12" 8" 16"
Type Spread Div. 1L 1R 3R 3L
Sea Conditions Slight sea with average low swell - no white caps
Overhaul Activity 5 #137 SRU #137 SRU #137 SRU #137

Remarks:
1. Three torpedoes apparently ran HSN. The other torpedo possibly had a hydrogen explosion upon firing as evidenced by the presence of a very large tube, similar to an impulse bubble but larger, which was sighted by target who successfully maneuvered to avoid all torpedoes. Further, there were but three explosions against beach.
2. Fart: All torpedoes missed. Target maneuvered to avoid. Only three of the four torpedoes exploded against beach.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 221 —
1. U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-24), R-Report of Third War Patrol.

(I) MINES

October 24, 1944, 1226 H, 30-42'N, 121°-59'E. Exercised 20mm, 30 cal. MGs and one rifle (ball ammunition from rifle or 30 cal. MG more effective than 20mm for sinking mines) and sank one floating mine complete with horns. Estimated: 18" exposed spherical shape above water; 3 ft. diam. Old redlead paint or rust. Marine growth indicated it had been in water for some time.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND FIXATION TACTICS.

Total depth charges received this patrol 114. Grand total three patrols 254. Two rather severe depth charge attacks occurred in which considerable minor damage to the BLUEGILL was incurred.

Some of the escorts were pingers and some were listeners; some did both intermittently. No forward throwers evident. Of note is possible use of sono-bombs, flares or floats dropped by aircraft as in Ship Contact #31.

ATTACK NO. 1 "Ship Contact #7:

One unescorted MFM interisland steamer. No A/S measures.

GUN ATTACK NO. 2 Ship Contact #11:

Battle surface against three Sea Trucks (Recognition Journal No. 11, July 1944, page 28) who immediately whispered in a very efficient and military manner. The leader stopped and swung left; No. 2 swung left, opened track about 300 yds. and stopped; No. 3 swung right, opened track about 300 yds. and stopped. Nos. 2 and 3 returned fire with apparently .50 cal. machine guns and wounded five men. BLUEGILL broke off attack and dived.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 Ship Contact #14:

Daylight submerged periscope attack against convoy of about ten large mercenants plus at least 3 DE and 1 XAM escorts. Convoy apparently not equipped with radar in as much as tracking was carried out on surface with escorts as close as 3000 yds., and further, there was no indication of presence of radar on SN-2 Radar Detector.

Excerpts from narrative: 0522 Red light turned on masthead of one of ships. Yardarm blinkers on a DE escort. (S/M submerged) 0531 Convoy zigged to stbd (toward). 0540 Commenced tracking MFM small transport. She was equipped with echo-ranging. She had flag hoists to fore yards. She approached us to 750 yds., speeding up and then slowing down and listening. 0555 She's transmitting a

— page 223 —
1. U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-24) - Report of Third War Patrol

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS. (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4 Ship Contact #14:

Night surface radar attack against stopped cripple with one DE escort standing by. Remnants of convoy of attacks #2 and #3. DE patrolling irregularly back and forth near target. Typhoon weather. Fired two torpedoes and missed cripple. Attack not noticed by DE. While submerged in afternoon after counter attack resulting from attack #3, ran through search group of two DES and one XAM who were both echo-ranging and listening. Avoided by running at 220 ft, best evasive depth indicated by BU card.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5 Ship Contact #14:

Same as attack No. 4. Hit target with two torpedoes. No counter measures. The one DE escort ran like hell away from target, when she heard the explosions.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 6 Ship Contact #19:

Daylight submerged periscope attack with four mark 18-1 torpedoes fired from stern tubes. Two medium AOS one SC escort skirt-ing close aboard coast. Missed when target sighted bubble and maneuvered to avoid. Three electric torpedoes exploded against beach point where bubble was sighted. Received eight depth charges, the first six minutes after firing first torpedo, (the first four fairly close) in a period of two minutes. The first two were dropped together the others singly. Don't believe escort ever had contact. BLUEGILL successfully passed between escort and escort in gaining position for attack without being detected. Escort was most on stab bow of target. No aircoverage in evidence. Escort was mostly echo-ranging, though she stopped to listen occasionally. Total depth charges heard 3.

Ship Contact #11:

One small IWM transport with at least two chidori escorts, possibly three, plus aircoverage of at least two float planes. Visibility good. Flat calm crystal clear sea.

Attack first struck by alert aircover. Escorts from narrative: 1557 observed target had as camouflage the silhouettes of a small ship painted on port side. Heard echo-ranging; observed two Chidori escorts. Both on port, outboard, side of target. BLUEGILL dead ahead of target crossing toward beach for stern shot. 1539 observed one Chidori crossing bow of target to take station on stab, inboard, bow of target, other escort on target's port quarter coming up 1602 Heard three light explosions,

— page 225 —
1. Go deep using speed and get off torpedo tracks.
2. Rig for Silent hunting.
3. Pick a Quadrant for readings.
4. Return to East Evasive Depth as indicated on Ray Diagram constructed from BT card.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:

The ship is considered to be in fair material condition. None of the following defects would prevent extension of nor cause termination of patrol. Albeit the correction of some would facilitate and render more effective prosecution of patrol.

Engineering casualties #1 and #8 will be thoroughly investigated. Not only these two generators but all generators are showing low insulation readings and are cause for grave concern.

(a) Hull:

1. Casualty to #2 Periscope on Sept. 18, 1944.

#2 Periscope elevating handle fell out while lowering. Upon raising the scope this handle caught in the hull ventilation supply inlet to the conning tower and jammed the periscope over to the opposite side of the periscope well.

A small hydraulic jack with shoring and "C" clamp was used to force the periscope down far enough to free the handle and allow the periscope to spring back to its normal position. Periscope was in jammed position for an hour and a half.

The elevating handle shaft, hinge pins and detent pin were badly bent, and the scope was jarred optically causing parallax. The handle was repaired by ship's force, and the periscope trained in azimuth. No further damage could be noticed.

A wooden plug was temporarily inserted in this hole to prevent a possible re-occurrence while on patrol Grating bars will be welded over this hull supply opening.

While on the subject of periscopes, it is desired to commend the excellent work performed on the periscopes during the last reit by SRU 137 Fremantle, Australia.

— page 226 —
1. Casualty to #2 Periscope on Sept 18, 1944. (Cont'd)

Prior to this patrol, both periscopes had been pulled at least once in every port. (A total of eight times in eight months) to try and remove the foreign matter which was causing scratching, binding, leakage and generally poor operation.

After refit the periscopes have trained perfectly the entire patrol, and have shown no signs of leakage even at extreme depths during severe depth charging.

It is believed that this was entirely due to the excellent cooperation and thorough work of Lt. Baxter, USN, Lt.(jg) Linneman, USN and CMM Bevel of the Base Optical Shop SRU 137 Fremantle, Australia.

2. Casualty to #2 HP Air Compressor on Sept 25, 1944.

#2 HP Air Compressor started blowing by the 3rd and 4th stage rings to such an extent the compressor could no longer be used. It was dismantled by the ships force and new rings installed. The compressor had been completely overhauled during the refit at Brisbane July 1944. Cause of extreme wear unknown, possibly poor quality rings.

3. Hull ventilation valve outboard still leaks -- hangover from 1st and 2nd W.P.s.

4. Sea and stop valves to all heads leak badly -- hangover from 1st and 2nd W.P.s. THESE VALVES MUST BE RENEWED!

(b) Engineering:

1. Casualty to #3 Main Generator on Oct. 3, 1944.

Insulation resistance of #3 main generator dropped to 400,000 ohms. The end bell was lifted to clean out the carbon in the armature windings, main field and compensating poles, and brush rigging. The resistance increased to 800,000 ohms. Out of commission 10 hours during an all day dive.

— page 227 —
1. U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(K) MAJOR DIRECTS AND DARPAFF (CONT'D):
(b) Engineering: (cont'd)
2. Casualty to #1 Main Engine on Oct. 22, 1944.

A rumbling noise in the casemate gear train housing of #1 main engine developed when the engine was rolled prior to surfacing. The engine was shut down and the housing removed. Inspection showed that the thrust tubing for the propeller drive gear had worn badly, allowing the boiler drums to back off and mesh with the main drive gear. The drive gear, which was oil-tight, was replaced on the main drive gear. The cause was the plugging up of the oil grooves in the bushing with the bushing. The oil supply lines were blown out and were not restricted. SubDIV 162 Relief Crew assisted by U.S.S. ORION and BLUEGILL ships' force installed a new gear train to insure even wear on all gears. Out of commission until repaired at Mios Woendi; Schouten-Islands, Dutch New Guinea, October 31, 1944. Repairs could have been accomplished at sea by ships force had spare gear been aboard. It's noted that allowance list provides ship-board spare for auxiliary engine but not for main engine -- rather incongruous.

3. Casualty to Stern Plane Solenoid Clutch Coil on Oct. 8, 1944.

Stern plane solenoid clutch coil burned out from overheat. All attempts to repair the short circuits in the coil were unsuccessful. Rewinding of this coil was not attempted at sea because the proper wire was not on board. U.S.S. ORION installed a rewound coil until this was done, the clutch was lashed in the proper position and thrown to hand manually when necessary.

4. Casualty to Washing Machine Motor on Nov. 4, 1944.

Washing machine motor burned out. Both main field coils and the armature were rewound and the motor put back in commission. A new motor will be obtained and the old one kept as spare.

5. Casualty to #1 Main Engine on Nov. 12, 1944.

The fresh water temperature of #1 main engine rose suddenly to 180°F. The engine was shut down and inspection showed the copper compression gasket on number 4 unit had blown out, allowing exhaust gases to enter the fresh water system through the rubber gaskets around the water ferrules. The engine was out of commission for seven hours to renew the copper compression gasket and the rubber gaskets. The cause is believed to be due to the liner studs vibrating loose so that hot gases could blow out the compressible gasket.

- 74 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 228 —
6. Casualty to Hydrogen Detector on Nov. 14, 1944.

Hydrogen detector pump motor field coils burned out when short circuited by a loose nut falling inside the motor. The coils were rewound and the motor placed back in commission. A new motor will be obtained and the old one kept for spare.

7. Casualty to Auxiliary Engine on Nov. 17, 1944.

The auxiliary engine outside exhaust valve would not open in either power or hand. Inspection both below and topside showed that the shaft through the pressure hull was bent as a result of severe depth charges received this day. All other linkage and shafting was free. Rather than force the shaft open and take the chance of it not closing again, the engine was pulled out of commission for the remainder of the patrol.

8. Casualty to #2 Main Cc. on Nov. 18, 1944.

Insulation resistance of #2 main generator dropped to 250,000 ohms. This generator had been cleaned three weeks previously and will be thoroughly cleaned during next refit period, since it has been below the required reading of 600,000 ohms throughout the patrol. The armature will be pulled if necessary.

(c) Ordnance:

1. Torpedo Data Computer Mark 3 Mod. 5.

The forward angle solver runs a normal angle solver test; but fails to continuously give a zero angle when decreasing torque; run with the following set up. Target angle 0; relative bore -g 0; our course 0; target's course 180. Average error is as follows:

| Torpedo Run | Error  |
|||
| 2500         | 00-20' |
| 1500         | 00-35' |
| 1000         | 20-10' |
| 500          | 30-50' |

— page 229 —
1. Torpedo Data Computer Mark 3 Mod. 5. (cont'd)
The ORION worked on our TDC. They changed the inner members of our
Sine follow-up head and our Cosine follow-up head. They also shifted
the selsyn of the high speed gyro angle dial. This reduced the error
to one degree at a five hundred yard torpedo run. The consensus of
opinion of the TDC experts on the ORION is that the forward Sine
follow-up head has been damaged in some way; no spare available, a
new one has been ordered.

2. After Target Bearing Transmitter.
After TBT flooded out. Removed selsyn, dried out, and replaced
after putting in another rubber "finger pad" on switch for indicator
light. Flooding was through the rubber pad which had a crack in it.
Believe this switch on the TBT for indicator light in CT is not
sturdy enough. Another switch on the same principle, but with sturdier terminals would be more satisfactory because of less danger of
injury when replacing the TBT base. After TBT out of commission two
days.

3. Torpedo Tubes.
During a severe depth charging gyro spindles and gyro spindle
sleeve in tubes #1,#2,#3, and #4 were bent. Removed gyro spindle
operating mechanism and repaired bent parts. NOTE: #5 and #6 had
been withdrawn upon rig for depth Charge Attack, but didn't get
others out in time. After room withdrew #7,#8,#9,#10 before depth
charges.

4. Torpedoes - Mark 23
No trouble --- In two torpedoes, #40332 and #49930, oil was
found in the combustion pot. The oil was drained off in both cases.
Overhaul activity SRU 137, Subiaco, Torpedo Station.

- 76 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 230 —
1. #IMBT/riser started leaking at flange where riser joins master vent.
2. Fan near officers WC broken from base.
3. Packing on bow plane shafting started leaking.

Officers Quarters and Fwd. Battery Compartment.
1. Two lights broken in battery tank.
2. Overhead light broken in CO's, stateroom.

Conning Tower.
1. Fan on Air Conditioning coil jarred loose so that blades hit coil.
2. Lights broken on rudder angle indicator and 1 MB circuit.
3. Particles of paint and cork broken loose from overhead.
4. Barometer on port side broken.
5. Tubes and resistors of SJ jarred from sockets.

Control and Pump Room.
1. Lights on bow plane angle indicator broken.
2. Emergency light over trim manifold broken.
3. Radio antenna partially flooded.

After Battery and Crew's Quarters.
1. Light broken port side corner in crew's quarters.
2. Light broken port side center in crew's quarters.
3. Light broken stbd. side center in crew's quarters.
4. Packing leaks caused around #4A and #4B emergency vent.
5. Three lights broken in after battery tank.
6. Particles of paint and cork broken loose from overhead.

After Engine Room.
1. Four lights broken.

Manuevering and Motor Room.
1. #1 Main Motor Brushes displaced 1" began chattering again.

After Torpedo Room.
1. Slight leak on #7 MFT riser.
2. Silver solder joint on HP impulse Reducer supply valve broke and started leaking.
3. Water check drain on #1 tube knocked out of line.
4. HP impulse by-pass started leaking (Hammer Valve).

Topside.
1. After 20mm. Ready locker partially flooded.
2. Antenna trunk flooded.

— page 231 —
1. All lighting except two bulbs went out. Emergency lightsout
2. Relief valve on 200# air volume tank began leaking.
3. All torpedo tube pressure gauges out of commission.
4. Lifted torpedo loading hatch.
5. #1 MBT riser leaking badly at flange to master vent.
6. Port bow plane shaft developed bad leak.
7. Broke torpedo holding strap on stbd. pit top. rack.
8. Numerous leaks in capstan line.
9. Opened petcock on top. alcohol tank.
10. JP sound gear out of commission.
11. Officer's head sea valves leaking.
12. Tubes 1,2,3, and 4 out of commission due to bent gyro spindl.
13. Resistor in bow plane tilting sol. burned out.

Officer's Quarters:
1. Knocked off paint and cork.

Control Room:
1. Emergency light bulbs broken.
2. Hydraulic replenishing line to telemotor sprung leak.
3. Hydraulic pressure for'd had to be cut off. because of leaks in capstan line.

Pump Room:
No Damage.

Conning Tower:
1. Two lights bulb broken.
2. Steering station rudder angle indicator out of commission.
3. Cork and paint knocked off.

After Battery:
1. Flooded #3 'Sanitary tank thru overboard, disch.
2. Irrepaired leaks in both crew's heads.
3. After Batt. hatch began leaking.
4. Opened riser vents on #3 and #4 FBTS.
5. Knocked out fire lights.
6. Knocked off cow and paint.

For'd Engine Room:
1. Eroke five lights bulbs.
2. Burnt out generator dry lights.
3. Opened riser vents on #5 FBT.
4. Knocked both. swinging air gauges out of line.
5. Pressure gauge on #5 FBT out of commission.
6. Knocked fuel fittings loose around both fuel oil attached p.

— page 232 —
1. C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE. (Cont'd)

(e) Damage from Depth Charge Attack November 17, 1944.

For'd Engine Rooms. (cont'd)
1. Knocked Union loose on generator lub oil line

After Engine Room.
1. Knocked out dry lights, #3 and Aux. generators.
2. Inboard vent line from hull stop, clooecting tank to menifold, leaking air silver solder joint.
3. Three lights broken.
4. Auxiliary engine outboard exhaust sprung in closed position, cannot be opened.
5. Access hatch jarred loose.
6. Compensating water line vent valves jarred open.
7. Drain line suction valve to collecting tank opened.
8. Various flanges and couplings on L.O. lines damaged, causing L.O. leaks on #3 and #4 M.E.

Maneuvering Room.
1. Port stern tube gland leaking excessively.
2. Increase in brush noises on main motors.
3. Port oil cooler thermometer broken.
4. Hydrogen detector damaged.
5. Sanitary tank deodorizer charcoal shaken out.
6. Knocked out five lights, including emergency lights, and several gauge glasses.

After Torpedo Room.
1. Stern Plane motor kicked into power with each explosion.
2. Emergency light bulbs broken.
3. Leak developed port side low; believed to be #10 tube roller drain.
4. Hydraulic supply tank vent valve knocked open.
5. Blow valves on #7 and #10 began leaking after first charge causing pressure in tubes.
6. Access hatch and loading hatch both backed off slightly.

Topside.
1. SJ radar mast slightly bent.
2. SN-2 radar antenna insulator cracked.
3. EN radar antenna lead spring broken.
4. Support for 4" gun muzzle knocked flat.
5. After TBT platform jarred loose; rattles.
6. Elevated 4" gun about 8" in "Point", no actual damage to gun.
7. All topside access hatches backed off to 2 turn.

Note: Innumerable valves backed off throughout boat.

- 79 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 233 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SSN: 42) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(L) RADIO:

Radio reception was good throughout patrol. VIXO's Bakers schedules were copied with no difficulty on 9250 kcs. during hours of darkness and 12,630 kcs. during daylight. No enemy interference was encountered on these frequencies. All CTF-71 serials were received.

Our only casualty occurred during depth charging of October 18, the antenna trunk was flooded, resulting in zero grounds on all antenna's. This condition persisted until remedied by the U.S.S. ORION at Mios Wosini.

Seven transmissions to VIXO were made, considerable trouble being encountered in clearing BLUEGILL serials two and four due to low signal strength caused by flooded antenna trunk. In transmitting our 181515 of October 1944, we were unable to contact VIXO on our initial call-up. The message was sent to VHM but VIXO logged for it before we finished authenticating with VHM. VIXO answered our initial call-up when transmitting our 241601 of October 1944 and requested that we repeat each group twice, since our signal strength was one. After further repeats of 28 groups the message was finally cleared. Both of these messages were sent at night on 8470kcs. Very weak Jap interference was noted while transmitting this message. It was found that 84/70kcs. at night and 12,705kcs. during daylight hours were the best frequencies for transmissions. 12,705 kcs. was especially good during daylight, with no interference whatsoever encountered.

BLUEGILL messages to CTF-71 (VIXO)

BLUEGILL Date-Time Transmission Time to Frequency Receipting
Serial: Group: Times: Clear Msg. (kcs) Station

1. 131501 Oct 1533-1545(2) 12 min. 8470 VIXO
2. 181515 Oct 1506-1555(2) 49 min. 8470 VHM
3. 201150 Oct 1226-1242(2) 16 min. 8470 VHM
4. 241601 Oct 17.5-17.56(2) 41 min. 8470 VIXO
5. 250640 Oct 0640-0647(2) 7 min. 12705 VHM
6. 1:6) 141402 Nov 0335-0348(2) 13 min. 12705 NPM
7. 2:7) 220555 Nov 0906-0921(2) 15 min. 12705 VIXO

2880 kcs. voice was used very successfully while in the area with no trouble being encountered in reception or transmission except after depth charging of Oct. 18th. when antenna trunk was flooded. Two Jao stations were heard to broadcast schedules every morning on the circuit from 0600 to 0800 (H).

— page 234 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(L) RADIO (Cont'd):

On several occasions, we attempted, but with no success, to contact friendly planes by VHF while in the area. We did, however, overhear occasional VHF transmissions from friendly planes while enroute to and from Mios Woendi. The upper section of the VHF antenna was broken off early in the patrol. The antenna was replaced with an SD whip at Mios Woendi and gave satisfactory performance thereafter. The antenna insulator was cracked during the depth charging of November 17, and will be replaced.

Statistics on dispatches received and decoded on board this patrol:

Messages decoded in one day, minimum - 6
Messages decoded in one day, maximum - 26
Total messages decoded on board - 794
Average messages decoded per day - 13

The usual 13 messages each day required about 24 man-hours daily to decode. The result is that the services of all officers are utilized solely for watch-standing and decoding to the neglect of their departments and at times to the neglect of all important sleep. It is suggested that an indicator system in the heading be utilized to indicate the necessity of decoding all messages in order to find out whether or not you are affected by its contents.

(M) RADAR

SD - The only trouble encountered was the tendency of the SD to double pulse. This trouble was first experienced immediately after leaving Fremantle and Kept growing progressively worse until shortly after leaving Exmouth Gulf three days later when the SD became entirely inoperative.

After various combinations of 8@14A tubes and all possible combinations of grid bias and lock-in voltages were tried, megger readings were taken on the mast and showed a resistance of 150,000 ohms. The black glyphol coating over the mast head rubber insulator was removed and the resistance immediately increased to infinity. The equipment gave very satisfactory results from that time on, with only a few minor operational troubles which were quickly remedied. The glyphol coating had been placed on the mast during the last refit. It is detrimental and its use should be discontinued.

Planes were usually picked up at ranges of about 18 miles or more although occasionally they would close to about seven miles before being detected. Land was picked up at ranges as great as 35 miles on one occasion.

- 81 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 237 —
25 Sept. 06:53:20S 116022:00E -70° 20' 70' 120'
: 27 Sept. 01:02:30N 119066:50E 120' 30' 120' 260'
: 28 Sept. 02:02:15N 119032:30E 120'
: 30 Sept. 10:43:30N 12059:52E 80' 40' 80' 260'
: 1 Oct. 11:55:05N 121051:00E 160' 30' 160' 260'
: 2 Oct. 13:15:00N 121038:00E 100' 40' 100' 260'
: 3 Oct. 13:07:10N 122037:05E 70' 50' 70' 300'
: 4 Oct. 13:06:30N 122038:20E 130' 50' 130' 260'
: 5 Oct. 13:05:40N 122028:40E 150' 3.50' 150' 260'
: 7 Oct. 13:02:35N 121019:55E 100' 20' 100' 260'
: 8 Oct. 11:04:20N 121047:10E 100' 50' 100' 280'
: 9 Oct. 11:02:30N 122026:50E 160' 2.50' 160' 270'
: 10 Oct. 08:23:30N 122054:55E 220' 40' 220' 265'
: 11 Oct. 08:01:05N 122039:15E 180' 30' 180' 280'
: 12 Oct. 08:52:00N 122003:15E 190' 60' 190' 280'
: 13 Oct. 07:04:30N 119024:16E 120'
: 14 Oct. 09:31:00N 119035:05E 110'
: 15 Oct. 13:04:10N 119032:14E 120'
: 16 Oct. 14:00:05N 119034:25E 120'
: 17 Oct. 14:01:45N 119019:00E 110'
: 18 Oct. 14:01:05N 119041:10E 160' 60' 160' 280'
: 19 Oct. 13:37:20N 119051:10E 160'
: 20 Oct. 13:34:05N 120016:20E 220' 50' 220' 300'
: 23 Oct. 07:39:00N 120018:00E 120'
: 24 Oct. 04:01:00N 121001:30E 60' 10' 60' 120'
: 25 Oct. 02:03:20N 125049:00E 250' 10' 250' 280'
: 31 Oct. 00:47:00S 136030:00E 300'
: 1 Nov. 01:09:00N 135035:45E 300'
: 2 Nov. 02:38:05N 130016:00E 120'
: 3 Nov. 02:31:45N 124046:30E 110' 10' 110' 120'
: 5 Nov. 06:03:50N 119013:00E 140'
: 6 Nov. 09:43:55N 118051:30E 70' 100' 70' 270'
: 7 Nov. 09:04:00N 118055:20E 70' 90' 70' 280'
: 8 Nov. 09:04:00N 118055:50E 80' 100' 80' 280'
: 9 Nov. 09:04:31N 118049:00E 100' 11.50' 100' 280'
: 10 Nov. 09:04:03N 118045:20E 60' 60' 60' 280'
: 11 Nov. 09:39:30N 118048:30E 100' 60' 100' 280'
: 12 Nov. 09:39:45N 118049:30E 120' 50' 120' 280'
: 13 Nov. 07:24:30N 120052:55E 120'
: 15 Nov. 08:49:00N 120052:55E 130'
: 16 Nov. 04:07:20N 119090:45E 130'
: 17 Nov. 01:01:50N 119098:30E 110' 80' 110' 340'
: 18 Nov. 02:03:00S 118037:30E 130'
: 19 Nov. 04:47:05S 118047:20E 80' 1.50' 80' 120'

- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 239 —
0) DENSITY LAYERS.
: 1) Isothermal to
: 2) Thermocline
: 3) From
: 4) To

| Date | Lat.  | LCLS. | LCL

— page 240 —
1. F-1
2. F-2
3. F-3
4. F-4
5. F-5
6. F-6
7. F-7
8. F-8
9. F-9
10. F-10
11. F-11
12. F-12
13. F-13
14. F-14
15. F-15
16. F-16

No. of Cases
1. Fungus 36
2. Heat Rash 3
3. Athletes Foot 21
4. Jock Itch 12
5. Catarrhal Fever, Acute 2
6. Urrthritis, Acute, Non-Venera1
7. Common Colds 12
8. Scabies 2
9. Minor Cuts and Bruises 24
10. Severe Laceration 1
11. Constipation 11
12. Impacted Wisdom Tooth 1
13. Teeth filled (temporary) 6
14. Minor Strains and Sprains 7
15. Sunburn 1
16. Electrical. Burns 5
17. Earaches 4
18. Eyestrain 3
19. Multiple Shrapnel Wounds 3

One case of Calculus Ureteral was transferred to the USS ORION for treatment.

The food was well prepared and well served. Fresh frozen foods and limited supply of fruits and fresh vegetables from the USS ORION were greatly appreciated. Several member of crew greatly perturbed when they discovered that they couldn't have ice cream for breakfast every day.

— page 242 —
1. State of training: High. (cont'd)
2. Performance of duty under combat conditions:
   - All hands conducted themselves in accordance with the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Submarine Force. Although this standard has come to be expected of Officers and men in U.S. Submarines, such does not detract from recognition of performance of duty well done.
   - For 1 officer and 11 enlisted men this was their first patrol. For 3 additional enlisted men this was their first war patrol in the BLUEGILL. They all behaved like seasoned veterans.
   - During the severe depth charges of October 18 and November 17, 1944, the calmness and efficiency of all hands was evident in the manner in which repairs were effected and corrective action taken to avoid more serious damages.
   - "Well Done" to officers and men in BLUEGILL from the '01 Men' we'll do even better next time!

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL.
   - Fremantle, W.A. to Malay Barrier
   - North of Malay Barrier
   - Malay Barrier to Fremantle, W.A.
   - Total:
     - 1,600 miles 21,687 gals
     - 11,550 miles 139,415 gals
     - 1,493 miles 26,417 gals
     - 14,643 miles 187,519 gals

(S) DURATION.
   - #No. of days enroute to Malay Barrier: 7
   - #No. of days North of Malay Barrier: 57
   - No. of days enroute to Fremantle, W.A.: 5
   - Total: 69

Days submerged:
   - Includes 10 hour stop in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia.
   - Includes 4 days alongside USS ORION in Mios Woendi Anchorage, Schouten Islands, Dutch New Guinea.

- 87 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 244 —
1944 S/M Posit. Time Frequency
Date H mcs. R.R.F. Remarks

Nov 01-05 N 0405 152 500 Sweeping or random
17 119-10 E trained. Fairly strong-
picked up intermittently.
Probably air search type
on Mangkalihat Pt.,Borneo

Nov 07-50 S 2135 175 25-500 Probably airborne. Sounded
20 115-52 E like two radars on same
- 08-33 S 2400 175 25-500 frequency. One with 25 prf
115-50 E sweeping at 12 rpm. beating
with another having steady
500 prf. Lombok Strait,
N.E.I.

Nov 08-49 S 0112 115 60 Probably land based on
21 115-41 E S.W. point Lombok Island,
N.E.I. Very slow sweep.

(V) REMARKS
None.

— page 245 —
1. Casualties to Mark 18-1 Torpedoes.

(a) Partially flooded afterbog on torpedo #55170 during battle stations submerged 9-26-44. Subsequent air pressure test indicated leak to be thru syphongeland in tail section. Reason: insufficient greasing. Information previously received was to the effect that the syphongeland was subject to rupturing if too much grease was applied. Consequently, when routine was applied upon receipt aboard ship, only a small amount of grease was added at this point.

(b) During a freshening charge on torpedo #55147, a full voltage ground was detected. The charge was secured, and investigation proved the ground to be caused by a badly frayed flexible shunt cable lead from the battery to the brush rigging. The insulation was worn thru. This was repaired and the charge resumed.

(c) Battery explosion #1. Started routine 24 hr. ventilation on all tubes at 2400 oct. 13. When the hydrogen eliminator for tube #8 was turned off preparatory to ventilation, an explosion was heard to occur in tube #9. On opening tube #9 and starting to ventilate, smoke was observed to be present in exhausting air, also odor of burning. Torpedo was withdrawn and cell cap on cell #69 and #37 was seen to be broken into several small pieces. These cells were smoking badly. There was electrolyte in bottom of battery compartment indicating broken cell or cells. Cells #37 and #69 were shorting thru the electrolyte on the bottom of the battery compartment. The high rate of discharge caused the plates to buckle and the cells to emit sulphuric fumes. As we were unable to break the connecting bars, the cells adjacent to the bad ones began smoking. We tried to discharge the cells by reversing the leads on the charging panel but the smoking seemed to increase so we stopped that procedure. Took out the battery compartment drain plug and drained out the electrolyte hoping to break the complete circuit, but this did not stop the fuming which increased with time and then black fumes from burning tar became evident. At this point several cells started to break down, the battery comp. walls became hot and the warhead started to heat up. The fumes became unbearable, men had to do gas masks. Decided to jettison the torpedo. Removed the gyro which was later turned over to the ORON. Plumes were now coming out of handholes. Secured all handhole plates and fired the torpedo at 0344. If the connecting bars between cells could have been broken, this torpedo could have been saved.

— page 246 —
1. Casualties to Mark 18-1 Torpedoes (cont'd)

(d) Battery Explosion #2. At 0800 on Oct 17th we had another explosion of less severity in #10 tube. We pulled this torpedo, took off hand hole plates and noticed two cell tops broken. There was no gassing or shorting of cells, but the electrolyte in two cells was missing and 2 cells were cracked. We pulled off the warhead and tail - removed the battery and broke the connecting bars between the good and bad cells. Then we discharged the bad cells. The torpedo was reassembled and checked; found to be OK. The bad cells were jumped out with jumpers manufactured on board.

Cause of explosions #1 and #2: When time came to ventilate torpedoes, one tube was turned off at a time without changing the voltage tap of the transformer, because with four tubes on the average amperage was 4.69 to 4.73 and with three tubes it was 5.0 amps. Although this is within the allowable amperage the practice of turning off one at a time was apparently an error because the surge of current in the other three tubes apparently flashed off the high pressure, strongly enough the 18 volt tap was used on the last pistol, while on this patrol the 21 volt tap would hardly give sufficient amperage even with the shunts around the lights decreased as much as allowed. These explosions might have been provided and then a rheostat provided for each tube so that the amperage per tube could be accurately controlled, (2) a good AC armature on which one could rely were installed. The only two aboard are the ones on the hot wire panel; both are Australian; both seem unreliable. This entire circuit was checked by SRU 137, Fremantle, W.A., before the patrol. Now, to be on the safe side, we turn off the tubes all at the same time if we are going to ventilate and we ventilate every four hours.

(e) Flooded Afterbody. The afterbody of torpedo #55170 flooded during battle stations on Oct 18, 1944. This torpedo had flooded previously on 9/26/44 thru the sylphon gland in the tail. Extent of damage on second flooding: - Armature fields and coils, brushing, rigging and charging socket all showed zero grounds. Positive leakage from battery to switch burned thru insulation to cable. Battery and gyro were dry. The motor was removed from afterbody and dismantled. The armature and field coils were washed with battery water and baked. Ground reduced to 6 megs. on armature and 100 megs. on field coils. Brushing removed from frame, was cleaned and retaped; a 6 meg. reading resulted. Burned cable partially renewed. Torpedo leaked badly on air test - renewed 2 gaskets and one hand hole spider. Discovered leak around port gyro setting socket also grease fitting to sylphon leaking on three air tests one of which was 15 psi.

— page 247 —
1. U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS2142) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(Z) NOTES PERTAINING TO MARK 18 AND 18-1 TORPEDOES. (Cont'd)

(e) (cont'd) We stopped leaky by closing off grease hole with drop of solder after completely filling sylphon.

All of above casualties occurred with Mark 18-1 torpedoes received from SRU 137 Torpedo Station Subiaco. Eight Mark 18 torpedoes received from USS ORION were carried on board twenty seven days this patrol with no casualties. Eight Mark 18 torpedoes received from SRU 134 were carried on board last patrol with no hydrogen explosions but with after body flooding of two torpedoes.

2. Suggestions on Mk. 18 and Mk. 18-1.

(a) Present method of connecting field coils makes location and removing of grounds very difficult. Suggest a bolted connection instead of a soldered one.

(b) Present instructions say too much grease will rupture sylphon; now, it is not possible to tell whether sufficient grease is in sylphon to prevent air leak. Suggest water proof grease if this would not increase load on shafting too much.

(c) Ventilation exhaust line nipple in afterbody very difficult to connect when re-assembling. Suggest coupling similar to supply line.

(d) Forward battery connection in awkward place. If a high ground is present, it is extremely difficult to disconnect rapidly. Suggest mounting nearer to #1 handhole.

(e) Suggest hot-wire system with (1) a transformer having a larger secondary tap and a rheostat in secondary line so as to control the total amperage to tubes, (2) a precision built ammeter, (3) a fine rheostat, for instance a sliding rheostat, for each tube.

(f) Hot wire leads were found. In some cases to be too short to reach from the tube to terminals and still allow leading thru cable cutter, causing leak thru tube cable opening when fired and during flooding; also made equalizing tube and sea pressure more difficult. A good standard length would eliminate this.

(g) Present charging panels overheat when charging necessitating securing the charge for a cooling interval.

(h) A 900 elbow grease fitting would make greasing of sylphon more accurate. Present 450 fitting makes greasing of torpedoes in port tubes almost impossible.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 248 —
1. The probability of a leak occurring is increased by the number of openings made in the torpedo at time of routing or charging. The after-grease cup on motor could be moved adjacent to forward grease cup by means of a grease line. This would eliminate removing starboard inspection plate.

(j) Due to the greater resistance of loading a Mk. 18 fish than a Mk. 23, heavier handling gear should be provided. Our "old man" line has parted causing temporary loss of control of torpedo.

— page 249 —
1. The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) Report of War Patrol Number Three.

1. This third patrol of U.S.S. BLUEGILL was broken into two parts by a trip to Mios Woendi to replenish torpedoes. The first half was very active; the second half resulted in only one attack opportunity. Six torpedo attacks and two gun attacks were made.

Torpedo Attack No. 1 on 6 October of 1942. Southern Luzon, was a battle surface attack on an inter-island steamer of about 1500 tons. Sixty-four rounds of four inch and numerous hits with 20 MM and small arms failed to sink the ship fast enough so a torpedo was used.

Torpedo Attack No. 1 was made against this steamer. One steam torpedo was fired from the surface, range 1000 yards. The torpedo hit and the ship disintegrated.

2. Gun Attack No. 2 on 12 October of 1942. North-west Mindanao was another battle surface against three sea trucks. Initial range was 1800 yards. Several four inch hits were registered in two of the trucks but they were equipped with .50 caliber guns and fought back. A jam on the after 20 MM kept all three from being corrod and one truck sprayed the BLUEGILL. Five men were wounded and the BLUEGILL dived to avoid. These sea trucks seem to be formidable opponents at close range.

Torpedo Attack No. 2 on 18 October of 1942. Island was made on a large convoy. Convoy was picked up by SJ radar and a dawn periscope attack made. Two large AF/AK sisters were chosen for targets. The first was hit by two torpedoes out of the three fired at her. Range 1600, 1000 truck, small gyro, 6 foot depth setting, spread coverage of 500 feet.

— page 250 —
1. Torpedo Attack No. 2B was made by divided fire on the other sistership; range 2500, 1350 track, 350 gyro, spread coverage of 600 feet. One timed hit was heard and another hit heard, possibly in another ship of the convoy. A severe depth charging lasted for one and a half hours. Upon return to periscope depth two airplanes were seen: One of the sisterships and another large AP/AK, not the second sistership. These were protected by surface and air coverage.

2. Torpedo Attack No. 3A was made by periscope at a small AP which was echo-ranging and apparently escorting. Four steam torpedoes were fired, range 1000 yards, 50 gyro, 85 track, spread coverage 300 feet. Two hits were observed in the target.

3. Torpedo Attack No. 3B was made with the other two tubes forward in divided fire at one of the triples; range 2200 yards, 1200 track, 70 gyro, target stopped. Two timed hits were made. The BLUEGILL was depth charged for the second time that day for one hour. Upon surfacing after dark BLUEGILL went after the remaining cripple and an escorting DE.

4. Torpedo Attack No. 4 was made from the surface. Two electric torpedoes aft were fired at the cripple, range 1200 yards, 900 track, 60 gyro, 6 foot depth setting, spread coverage 180 feet. All torpedoes missed, due probably to heavy seas.

5. Torpedo Attack No. 5 was made forty-five minutes later at the same cripple. By this time the sea had made up so that the target was not sighted at 800 yards, the firing range. The last three steam torpedoes were fired with 60 track, 20 gyro, 8 foot depth setting. Two hits were observed from the bridge and the pip disappeared from the radar screen.

6. Torpedo Attack No. 6 on 20 October off Cape Calavite was made against a convoy of two medium tankers. The last four electric torpedoes were fired at one tanker, range 1200 yards, 120 track, 320 gyro. All torpedoes missed, due to radical maneuver of target. The fact that only three torpedoes were heard to explode on the beach lends credence to the commanding officer's opinion that a hydrogen explosion, not an impulse bubble was what disclosed the BLUEGILL's position.

2. On 17 November 1944 off Mangkalah Point, Borneo, an alert air escort frustrated an attack on a small AP, and a scvece depth charge attack resulted. Flame was seen to enter the ship through the torpedo loading hatch.