U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310) — war patrol report SS-310_BATFISH_Part2.pdf

— page 2 —
12-10/A16-3(15)
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
Serial 02800
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BATFISH Report of
Fifth War Patrol.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 602.
U.S.S. BATFISH - FIFTH WAR PATROL.
From:
To :
Via:
Subject:
1.
2.
19 DEC 1944
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 December 1944.

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

The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.
(8 October to 1 December 1944).
The fifth war patrol of the BATFISH was conducted in
the Sulu Sea and South China Sea areas. This patrol was made under
the operational control of the Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
Five aggressive attacks were made. The first attack
was made on some form of a decoy target or a "4" ship. The attack
made on 12 November in San Fernando Harbor was daring and outstanding.
Undoubtedly, more damage was inflicted but observation of results was
impossible.
3. Award of the Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol
is authorized.
4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive
patrol and for having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

SUNK
1 - Medium Freighter (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 5)
1 - Destroyer Escort (EU) - 1,000 tons (Attack No. 5)

TOTAL SUNK 5,000 tons

DAMAGED
1 - Patrol Craft (EC) - 300 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Medium Freighter (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 4)

TOTAL DAMAGED 4,300 tons

TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 9,300 tons*

*NOTE: Since the above damage was done in areas under the operational
control of Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE, he is requested to
assume credit accordingly.

Distribution and authenti-
cation on following page. C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

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— page 3 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02800
DECLASSIFIED
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BATFISH Report of
Fifth War Patrol.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 602.
U.S.S. BATFISH - FIFTH WAR PATROL.
Subject:
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.
(8 October to 1 December 1944).
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 December 1944.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch
(7)
CNO
(5)
Cincpac
(6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas
(1)
Comservpac
(1)
Cinclant
(1)
Comsubslant
(8)
S/M School, NL
(2)
CO, S/M Base, PH
(1)
Comsopac
(2)
Comsowespac
(1)
Comsubsowespac
(2)
CTG 71.9
(2)
Comnorpac
(1)
Comsubspac
(40)
SUBAD, MI
(2)
ComsubspacSubordcom
(3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Pacific
(2)
Substrainpac
(2)
All submarines, Pacific
(1)
[SIGNATURE: C. L. Hynes 2nd]
[HANDWRITTEN: and]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

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SS310/A3-1
Serial: (059)
U. S. S. BATFISH (SS310)
1st copy
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
3 March, 1945
DECLASSIFIED
From:
To :
Via:
Subject:
Enclosure:
1.
The Commanding Officer.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The administrative Commander Submarine Advance
Training and Relief Crew Number TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S, BATFISH (SS310) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.
(A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart, for ComSubPac only.
Enclosure (A), covering the sixth war patrol of this
vessel conducted in the South China Sea area south of Hong Kong east
of Hainan, and Luzon Straits during the period from December 30, 1944
to March 3, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

/s/ J.K. FYFE.

FILMED
112335

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[HANDWRITTEN: (1705 721)]
DECLASSIFIED
Subject:
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE
BATFISH arrived Pearl from fifth war patrol on December. 1, 1944.
Refit and administration assigned to Submarine Squadron FOUR, Submarine Division
282, Submarine Division 42, and Submarine Base. During the refit period the
following major alterations were completed:

Installation of " gun and 40mm gun.
Installation of Gould Trim Pump.
Installation of hand type signal gun.
Installation of safety plates for deck hatches.
Installation of Mark 8 T.B.T., Mark 3 D.R.T.
Installation of radar bearing transmitter and repeaters for true and
relative bearings.

Post repair and training period commenced December 18, 1944. Sound
tested December 20. Five day training period during which time fired three
exercise torpedoes. Commander R.S. Benson, U.S. Navy, the training officer,
was exceptionally helpful and cooperative. Included in the training period
were two days of special exercises. Ready for sea December 30, 1944.

During the refit a total of 67 alterations were undertaken and while the
majority of these were completed during the 16 day refit period, some were
carried over into the training period, and while they didn't of themselves
prevent the proper execution of the training, they more or less constituted
a "thorn in the side" to the ship's company; and I believe that when a boat
that has been away from a home base for any length of time, and therefore is
way behind on necessary alterations (such as we were), her refit period
should be extended from two to four days to allow for the proper installation
of these items.

On December 18, Lieutenant C.K. Sprinkle, relieved Lieutenant Commander
J.M. Hingson as executive officer. Lieutenant (jg) H.J. Morin, U.S. Navy was
detached and relieved by Ensign R.H. Pepper, U.S. Navy on December 3, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE
30 December
1330 (VW) Underway from Submarine Base Fearl Harbor, T.H. in accordance with
ComSubPac operation order. Proceeding in company with U.S.S. CHARR
under escort PC 465.
1743 (W) Escort departed. Went ahead flank (4 engine speed).
1950 (W) Trim dive.

31 December
Enroute GUAM, at four engine speed. Making training dives and
conducting drills and exercises enroute,
0915 (W) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. Submarine.

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[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject:
U.S.S. PATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

13 January
1000 (I) Received report of downed aviators near our track.
1600 (I) SD contact 15 miles closed to 6 with no IFF so at
1603 (I) Dove.
1632 (I) Surfaced.

14 January
0228 (I) SD contact 26 miles. Closing, no IFF.
0834 (1) Plane at 6 miles - dive.
0913 (I) Surfaced.
0930 (I) SD contact 22 miles, opened to 29 and disappeared. IFF response,
not sighted from bridge. These planes are undoubtedly searching
for the downed aviators.
1000 (I) Request to conduct independent search to northward was not granted
by group commander.
1317 (1) Sighted life raft. Went alongside to investigate. Raft was empty
as was a nearby life jacket. This was a ship type raft and was
painted white with no identifying marks.
1647 (I) Sighted empty watertight type box which may have been used by the
survivors for whom we are searching.
2047 (I) Dove.
2100 (I) Surfaced.

15 January
All times hereafter are How (-8) unless otherwise indicated.

2355 Radar contact on CAMIGUIN and BABUYAN Islands. Commenced passage
of BALINGTANG CHANNEL. Wind and sea picking up and shifting to N.N.E.

16 January
Proceeding through Luzon Straits.
0851 SD contact 16 miles closing - no IFF.
0853 Plane at 10 miles - dove. Since the weather had deteriorated, decided
to stay down a while and routine torpedoes.
1040 Surfaced.
1130 Plane at 16 miles closing fast.
1132 Dove.
1219 Surfaced.
1418 Plane contact 14 miles, moved out to 15 and disappeared.
1436 Plane contact 9 miles; closed to 6 so at
1440 Dove,
1517 Surfaced.
1518 Plane at 18 miles closing.
1519 Dove.
1706 SD contact 20 miles, closed to 6 so at
1746 Dove,

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DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
1 - 9 January, 1945
Enroute GUAN at four engine speed. Conducting training dives and
drills enroute.
4 January
1030 (M) Exchanged recognition signals and calls with a U.S. Submarine.
7 January
1842 (K) SJ radar interference. Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S.
BLACKFISH.
8 January
0005 (K) Joined U.S.S. BLACKFISH. Proceeding in company to prescribed
rendezvous.
9 January
0220 (K) Rendezvous with PC 1126. Proceeding GUAM under escort.
1603 (K) Moored alongside U.S.S. ARCHERFISH to U.S.S. SPERRY, APRA HARBOR,
GUAM..
10 January
1702 (K) Underway in accordance with ComSubPac operation order, under escort,
in company with U.S.S. ARCHERFISH and U.S.S. FLACK FISH-as unit of
Task Group 17.16, known as Joe's Jugheads.
Commander Task Group, Commander J.F. Enright, Commanding Officer
U.S.S. ARCHERFISH. Conducting tracking and communication drills
enroute to patrol area in South China Sea.
2230 (I) Escort departed.
11 January
0830 (1) Sighted what appeared to be a floating mine but turned out to be
a mooring bouy. Held target practice with all small caliber guns.
1440 (I) SD contact 18 miles with IFF response, closed to 11 and then
opened. Not sighted from bridge.
12 January
1101 (I) PBM at 10 miles, closed to 4 and exchanged recognition signals.
1605 (I) ARCHERFISH sighted periscope. Took evasive action.
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DECLASSIFIED
C-C-N-F-I-D-E-M-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
1837 Surfaced. Strong APR signals at 152 mgcs.
2053 SJ contact on FORMOSA at 80,000 yards.
The unusually large number of plane contacts today may have been the
result of the recent strikes by blue ships and planes in this area,
or may even have been friendly patrols. In no case was there any
IFF response and in no case could any radar signals be detected. The
sky has been completely overcast all day and rough seas made an effi-
cient lookout impossible, so we manned the SD and perhaps the Japs
were homing on it.

17 January
Patrolling to westward south of Hong Kong.
0601 Dove. Fire in the after distribution board. Had to remain submerged
all day to effect repairs (see Defects and Damage). Was without lights,
vontilation and several other conveniences all of which made for a very
uncomfortable day.
1804 Surfaced.

18 January
Patrolling to westward off TONKON POINT, HAINAN. Weather stormy with
heavy seas.
0631 Dove.
1323 Surfaced.
1658 Sighted floating mine (horn type). Attempts to destroy it by gunfire
were of no avail due to rough seas and low visibility and after an hour
of target practice lost contact. (Lat. 20-29 N; Long. 113-10 E).

19 January
Patrolling to eastward off TAYA ISLANDS.
0642 Dove.
1330 Surfaced.
1405 Received word of downed aviators so headed for their probable track,
although it is doubtful whether a man could survive long in this weather.
1845 Sighted floating mine which passed down the starboard side at about 75
yards. Unable to regain contact. (Lat. 19-58 N.; Long. 112-03 E).

20 January
0643 Dove to water batteries.
0953 Surfaced, continued search for downed aviators.
2012 Headed west so as to be in position for a submerged patrol off east
coast of HAINAN tomorrow. Weather has improved considerably.

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C-DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

21 January
0643 Dove for submerged patrol along east coast of HAINAN in vicinity of
TONKON ICINT.
1851 Surface

22 January
Patrolling north and south along east coast of HAINAN.
0645 Dove,
1855 Surfaced.
2120 Received China plane contact regarding ships in TONKIN GULF west of
HAINAN Plot shows one convoy to be headed east through HAINAN STRAIT
and we should be able to contact them tonight, or if they anchor at
night, we can intercept them tomorrow.

23 January
0115 SJ contact 090 at 24,000 yards. Identified as a plane. No radar sig-
nals on APR. Disappeared at 14 miles.
0209 SJ contact at 9,800 yards. Two pips. Targets tracked on course 180,
speed varying between three knots and one knot. It looked suspicious
so eased in to 3,500 yards, where we could see two large shapes from
bridge, but could hear no screws or echo ranging. Since the pips were
rather small, decided they could be one of a dozen things and not
wishing to give ourselves away to the expected convoy, decided to track
them until daylight and make a submerged approach if they were bonafide
target
0535 Radar contact 17,000 yards. We were now 8,000 yards ahead of our origi-
nal contact and the new contacts tracked on course 350 but at only two
knots. This new contact is ahead and we are on the track of each group
and in good position for an attack on either.
0610 Contact developed into many ships, at least twelve.
C613 Could see dim outline of both groups of ships so at
0615 Dove and went to battle stations submerged,
0639 All ships were identified as Chinese Junk type sailing vessels.
Counteo a total of 28 of them, so decided to Battle Surface and deter
mine if they were by any chance carrying valuable Japanese cargos.
0711 Surfaced and started in.
0730 Commenced firing with all guns from 2,000 yards range. After hitting
one ship several times all the vessels hove to. Maneuvered the ship
alongside four, taken at random, and determined them to be harmless
Chinese fishermen, most boats having whole families, men, women, children,
and even babies aboard. Went alongside and sent off boarding party to
inspect for contraband, but a thorough search revealed nothing but a
few days catch of fish of various and unappetizing types, Gave them
a little bread, beans and rice for the scare we had given them, and
then headed for the one we had hit and damaged to board her.

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

After many bows, lots of sign language, found out they weren't so
concerned about their damaged boat (several holes in the hull, one
mast shot down, rigging partially demolished), or that two men had
been shot, but that they wanted help fixing up the wounds. Sent
the pharmacist mate over to take his practical factor for C.F.O.
He had two good patients and I'll never forget the demonstration I
had of plain intestinal fortitude. One, an old man, had a wound
in his thigh and didn't even flicker an eyelash while it was being
treated. The other had two wounds, one in his back and one in his
arm, but he was the most active person aboard. We stocked their
larder with cigarettes, beans, and rice and parted the best of
friends.
0950 Left the junk fleet and headed east.
1000 Sighted plane (EMILY) at about 7 miles. Dove.
1630 Surfaced. Many junks still in sight.
1745 Sighted floating mine which we exploded with 20mm fire. (Lat.20-10 N.
Long. 111-54 E.)

24 January
Patrolling to northward of HAINAN STRAITS.
0413 SJ contact 12,907 yards. Commenced tracking. Contact proved to be
another junk fleet.
0634 Dove.
0807 Surfaced.
1122 Sighted floating mine (horn type). Destroyed with 20mm fire.
(Lat. 20-15 N; Long. 111-24 E.)

25 January
0553 SJ contact 7,000 yards. Manned radar tracking stations and since
we were not sure these were junks, at
0633 Dove on their track
0651 Identified targets as more junks. Decided to remain submerged and
patrol off TAYA ISLANDS today.
1758 Surfaced.
1930 Received word of possible downed aviator. Headed for most probable
spot.

26 January
0250 SJ radar interference.
0555 Exchanged calls with ARCHERFISH on SJ radar.
0629 Surfaced, Searching for downed plane.
1412 Sighted floating mine (horn type). Destroyed by 20 mm fire.
(Lat. 19-54 N; Long. 112-10 E).

27 January
Several contacts during night which turned out to be more Chinese
Junks.
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DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

0640 Dove for submerged patrol off TONKON POINT.
1846 Surfaced.

28 January
0642 Dove.
1833 Surfaced.
2107 SJ contact 11,000 yards, three pips. Tracked on southerly course
at 1½ knots. Closed to visual range and identified three more junks.

29 January
0635 Dove for patrol off TAYA ISLANDS.
1833 Surfaced. Received plane report of ships anchored in YULIN BAY.
Although this is a little out of our area, headed south and told
SoWesPac boats in adjoining area we were moving into their baliwick.
2008 Sighted two lights on horizon. Commenced tracking.
2031 Identified contacts as junks.

30 January
0500 Land radar signals on 199 mgcs.
0623 Dove south of YULIN BAY.
0900 Reconnoitered YULIN anchorage from 6,000 yards. No shipping.
1300 Observed GAALONG BAY - no shipping.
1358 Sighted unidentified plane at about 9 miles.
1600 One bomb. Not close and I doubt if we were the target. More likely
this was a token bomb dropped by a China Recco plane.
1816 Sighted BETTY at about 4 miles.
1911 Surfaced.
2000 Radar signals 199 mgcs. Strong.
2016 Plane contact 5 miles, bearing 075 T. Also sighted from bridge.
2017 Dove.

31 January
0644 Dove off YULIN BAY.
0903 Sighted small tug coming out of YULIN. Turned to investigate.
0952 Sighted another small tug or pilot boat and it looks like there
might be something coming in today.
1001 Sighted small freighter on a westerly course, 8000 yards. Went
battle stations.
1026 Fired tubes 1,2, and 3 on a 90 port track, 1000 yards range, torpedoes
set for four feet, using 3° spread. Sound tracked all torpedoes to,
under, and away from the target. I don't know when I have ever been
so disappointed. I was so sure of getting this one we even had the
cameras ready to start taking pictures and if there was ever a story-
book set up, this was it,
1030 Target turned northward to enter YULIN, but decided to follow him
anyway in hopes of getting another shot,

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2-DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

1038 Sighted plane at about 2 miles, zooming over our AK.
1225 Have been following target since we fired and she is now anchored
in the inner harbor at YULIN. No chance for another shot at present,
but we'll hang around until she comes out.
1904 Surfaced.

1 February

Patrolling east and west in TONKIN GULF.
0624 Dove off YULINK N. SJ plane contact 10,000 yards, closing fast.
Radar signal, strong and steady at 198 mgcs.
1030 Sighted smoke bearing 070° T. Battle stations submerged.
1122 Lost race with small AK when he entered harbor ahead of us.
Identified as same ship as yesterday. Once again, he came out of
GAALONG BAY and entered YULIN, but how and when he moved out of
YULIN since this time yesterday I don't know. At any rate, we
were out of position to intercept and never got closer than 4,200
yards. During this approach we passed a red nun bouy close aboard
to starboard, the significance of which is unknown, but it may be
the seaward marker for the tum into YULIN. The AK passed inside
it about 2,000 yards but apperantly used it to turn on.
1235 Ship got underway and headed east toward SAMA. Went to 90 feet and
headed so as to intercept, running at standard speed.
1258 A look revealed ship had turned east and was headed for GAALONG.
Tracked at 8 knots, and once again we are out of position. This is
beginning to get irksome, especially running around in shoal and
poorly charted waters at 6 knots submerged, but we have now
definitely established his route and the next time he makes this
milk run'we know where to be so that he can't possibly get by.
1457 Sighted SALLY on a westerly course at about 8 miles.
1700 Heard echo ranging (distant) but was unable to determine the source.
1906 Surfaced.
1935 Searchlight, in vicinity of S/MA, which went on and off several
times.

2 February

Patrolling east and west in TONKIN GULF south of HAINAN.
0020 Received orders changing our patrol area. Hato to leave here now
that we have "cased the joint" so well and feel that nothing could
get by us again.
Headed for LUZON STRITS at three engine speed.
1140 Sighted unidentified aircraft coming out of clouds with zero angle
on bow. Loud APR signal at 158 mgcs. Contact four miles on SD.
1140 Dove.
1411 Surfaced. Weather deteriorating.

3 February

Proceeding toward LUZON STRAITS in heavy weather.

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DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol,

1900 Received orders to join with PLAICE, SCABBARDFISH, ARCHERFISH, and
BLACKFISH for patrol in LUZON STRAITS.

4 February
0615 Dove.
1000 Surfaced.
1714 Sighted medium sized LBV on a northerly course, range about 4,000
yards. It was much too rough to man deck guns but determined to
see what we could do with 40 and 20 mm. Target had a light machine
gun mounted in bow but no other armament was visible.
1743 Commenced firing with 40 and 20 mm and 50 caliber machine gun from
ranges varying from 1,000 to 50 yards. The sea was so rough that
any speed over 120 turns swamped the bridge on most courses and
since the target kept a zero or 180° angle on the bow as much as
possible found we were unable to use our superior speed to any
advantage. In addition it started to rain and that coupled with
approaching night made for poor visibility. Target returned fire
for a short time after we had moved in to 100 yards and sprayed him
with 20 mm and 50 caliber from point blank range, either his gun
was gone, his personnel killed or he had lost his fight because we
received no return fire. At one time, when we were about 50 yards
from target he attempted to ram, However before we could
polish him off, it got pitch black and at
1835 Ceased firing as target was no longer visible at close range even,
and all 40 and 20 mm ammunition, except that in deck stowage which
we were unable to get to was gone, This was a very much shot up
ship, and even if he hadn't sunk at the time, I doubt very much if
he can make the 100 or so miles to FORMOSA in this sea, and it's
questionable whether anyone was left alive, or if alive was not
mortally wounded.
1900 Received orders from PLAICE to patrol pass between B/BUY/N and
CALAYAN ISLAND.
2225 SJ plane contact, 24,000 yards, closed and then opened as it crossed
ahead.

5 February
0840 Patrolling in LUZON STRAITS, high wind, heavy sea, poor visibility.
0842 SJ plane contact, 18,000 yards, closed to 6 miles so at
0850 Surfaced.

6 February
Submerged patrol in pass between BBUYAN and C'LAYAN ISLANDS.

7 February
0018 SJ plane contact 12,000 yards. Disappeared at 14,000, No radar

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DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
signals on APR.
Submerged patrol in pass between B/BUYAN and CLAYAN ISLANDS.
1118 Sighted plane (SALLY) at about 4 miles.
Requested and received permission to patrol in BABUYAN. Channel south
2000
of CMIGUIN ISLAND.
2125
Loud radar signals, 176 mgcs.

8 February
0526
SJ plane contact on SJ at 14,000 yards. Lost at 10 miles.
0555
Dove. Patrolling southeast and northwest in BABUYAN CHANNEL south
of FUGA ISLAND.
1819
Surfaced.
2114
SJ plane contact, 21,600 yards. Lost contact at 15 miles.
2114
SJ plane contact, 21,600 yards. Lost contact at 15 miles.
2141
Plane contact 10,600 yards. Verified on SD and lost at 12 miles.

9 February
Patrolling in BABUYAN CHANNEL south of CMIGUIN Island.
0555
Dove.
1758
Sighted plane at about 8 miles heading southeast. Believed to
be a BETTY.
1823
Surfaced.
2210
Radar signal on APR at 158 mgcs, 500 PRF.
2250
SJ contact bearing 240 True, 11,000 yards. Commenced tracking,
Target tracked on course 310°, speed 12 knots so went to battle
stations and commenced approach, broadcasting dope to other wolves
in pack. Saturation signals on AFR at 158 mgcs which increased
in intensity as range decreased.
2331
Commenced firing tubes 1,2,3, and 4 on 130° starboard track gyros
practically zero, range 1850 yards torpedoes set for six feet using
a 2º divergent spread. All missed.
2339
(10 s - 40 s) Four end of run explosions. Pulled out to 5,000 yards
off target's track and commenced new end around while making reload
The night was very dark, no moon, partially overcast and target
was not seen on first run but was believed to be a Japanese submarine.
Decided to close to visual range for next attack and verify type of
contact but tentatively set torpedo depths at 4 feet, 2 feet, 2 feet,
and 0 feet.

10 February
0001
With range to target 1020 yards a Japanese I class submarine was
clearly visible from bridge. We were in beautiful position - 90
track zero gyros so at
0002
Commenced firing tubes forward. #1 was a hot run in the tube, #2
hit, and number three passed over spot where submarine sank. The
hit was accompanied by a brilliant red explosion that lit up the
whole sky and the target sank almost immediately. Radar indications
on the APR ceased abruptly. This radar signal was apparantly non-
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— page 15 —
BOELASSIETHO
Subject:
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
0010
directional type, and probably anti-aircraft since we closed to
900 yards without his giving any indication that he was aware of
our presence. Target disappeared from visual sight and on radar
screen almost immediately, screws stopped and loud breaking up
noises were heard on sound gear.
Heard one end of run explosion.
0015
Commenced reload forward, sent results of attack to pack commandër
and rigged searchlight preparatory to returning to scene and search
for survivors.
0120
Very strong oil smell, heavy slicks on water. A cut shows we are
two miles east of the point of attack. Turned on searchlight and
after a short experiment decided we were advertising ourselves
needlessly and accomplishing little except ruining the night vision
of the bridge personnel and probably drawing airplanes.
0150
After running through the "spot" several times decided to wait
until daylight and come back to investigate. It was too dark to
have been able to see any debris or survivors and while oil slick
was indication that submarine had sunk, would still like to
salvage some Nip submariners and see what makes them tick.
0510
Plane contact on SJ 9,000 yards. Verified on SD.
0512
Three planes seven miles. These lads are going to make our
daylight search a little difficult.
0540
SJ plane contact 12,000 yards. Verified on SD,
0541
Another plane at 5 miles.
0543
One plane coming in fast on port quarter, range 7,000 yards, Since
dawn is breaking and it is fairly light in spite of being overcast,
decided it was time to hide, so dove. Plane was at 3 miles when
SD went under. APR had saturation signal at 179.mges.
0947
Sighted five planes bearing 180° True, distance about 4 miles,
heading west. One, identified as a Black Cat was flying low,
apparently investigating the same oil slick we were; ie. the
remains of our last nights target. The other four were fighters
acting as escorts. Unfortunately B'TFISH failed to go to deep
submergence.
1008
While taking another look, sound heard a torpedo running on port
beam. Nothing in sight except four of the planes which are close
aboard on port bow. (One fighter was not seen on this sweep).
Went deep. Torpedo passed overhead and went away on bearing 150°
relative. A tender moment and if these actually prove to be blue
planes a very unfriendly act. My theory on the attack is that the
patrol plane launched the torpedo and the one fighter we could not
see was spotting us overhead flying down our track.
1812
Surfaced.
1930
FLAICE, SCARPARDFISH, AND SEAPO CHER, received orders to patrol
elsewhere. FACK consisting of ARCHEFFISH, BLACKFISH and BATFISH
to revert to former designation of Joe's Jugheads and continue
patrol in LUZON STRAITS.
2000
Radar signals on APR at 178 mges.
2038
SJ radar plane contact, bearing 280° True, 15,00 yards, crossing
astern.
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U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Fatrol,
Subject:
2042
Another plane on port bow. Then commended the now familiar tactics
emplayed by the Jap's anti-submarine planes and when range had
closed to 9,000 yards, with plane coming in on a steady bearing at
330°, and with APR at saturation 178 mgcs. at
2044
Dove to 200 feet.
2128
2150
Surfaced. Weak APR signal but no contacts.
SJ plane contact 15,000 yards on port bow. Crossed ahead and cut to
18,000 yards; then turned and came in on a steady bearing of 030°.
With range 10,000 yards at
2157
Dove to 200 feet.
2254
Surfaced. All clear. I guess the planes have found somebody else
to annoy.
0100
11 February
Received orders from pack commander to patrol west of CALAYAN.
Cannot make it tonight so will stay where we are until tomorrow.
0510 SJ plane contact 14,000 yards, crossing ahead from port to star-
board, closed to 9,000 yards and disappeared at 24,000 yards. No
AFR signals.
0548
Dove.
1820
Surfaced.
1837
Two plane contacts on SJ at 21,500 yards.
radar. Plane disappeared at 12 miles.
Indications of 178 mgcs
1915
Radar signals on APR at 158 mgcs, 500 PRF.
Since this is the same
1951
radar as we found on our submarine target last night, started search-
ing very carefully on SJ and swung ship in order to find null in the
signal, thereby determing the approximate true bearing of the source.
Radar contact on SJ at 8,000 yards, bearing 310 True. Manned
battle stations and commenced tracking. Since, if anything, it is
darker than last night; and since we had found how ineffective the
Jap radar was, decided to make a surface attack if possible and
close target sufficiently to identify him by class,
2037
Sighted target from bridge at range 1,300 yards, identified as
submarine with no shears, very low in water, and perhaps slightly
smaller than our last target.
2043
With range to target 1,200 yards, on a course for a 90° starboard
track, had made up my mind to shoot when the gyro angles decreased
10 more degrees to 10° left when at
2105
2043-30 Signal on APR went off and target dove. Changed course to left
and speeded up, in the meantime trying to reconcile myself to the
fact that I had lost this one by trying to wait for the theoretically
perfect set up. Why he dove became a point of discussion because at
Just one half hour later sound heard a swishing noise from general
direction of target that was universally accepted as the sound of a
submarine blowing his ballast tanks. At
2106
Sure enough, APR showed that 158 mgcs was back on and SJ made contact
8,650 yards, bearing 018º True.
Whether the target heard us or thought he heard us; saw us or thought

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— page 17 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

he saw us; had us on his radar or thought he did or just made a
normal and routine night dive I don't know, but I do know that
unless he has a radar detector that will intercept our SJ, he's
going to have a hard time finding us this time.

2109 Manned battle stations and started end around.
2150 With range to target 6,000 yards, dove to radar depth. Target had
speeded up, from 7 knots to 12 knots, and now tracked on base course
120° True.
2202 Commenced firing four tubes forward on a 100 starboard track, 880
yard range, torpedoes set to run at four feet using a 1 knot speed
spread.
2202-50 First hit, timed as first torpedo. Target literally blew apart,
and sank almost immediately.
2202-59 One muffled hit, timed as second torpedo hitting the target, a
piece of it, or the disturbance created by the results of the first
hits
2203-07 Another muffled hit. Probably the third torpedo doing likewise.
2207 Two loud explosions, believed to be internal explosions. Maybe
this guy was carrying ammunition to General YAMASHITA.
2210-02 One end of run explosion.
2211 One more explosion, very loud, which shook up the boat considerably.
Thought at first it was a close bomb, but then realized it was the
finale to the swan song of one Nip submarine. During this time and
for the next 15 minutes dound had a variety of noises identified as
small internal explosions, escaping air, etc.
2230 Taking sweep prior to surfacing, had a possible plane contact at
5 miles, Dropped down to 100 feet.
2341 Surfaced. Set course for assigned area to west of CALAYAN Island.
Reported results of attack to pack commander.

12 February

0536 SJ plane contact bearing 340° T., 12,300 yards closing.
0538 Dove for submerged patrol west of CALAYAN Island.
1823 Surfaced. Headed southeast for pass between CALAYAN and DALUPIRI
Islands.
2000 Received orders from pack commander to search for downed aviator
west of SABTANG and BATAN Islands.

13 February

0155 Weak APR signal at 157 mgcs, 500 PRF. In hopes that this may be
another Nip sub, started swinging ship to get approximate bearing
of source.
0215 SJ radar contact 220° True, range 10,700 yards. Commenced tracking.
0227 Target tracks on base course 120 at 7 knots. Looks like another
Nip sub so manned battle stations submerged and commenced approach.
0241 With range to target 7150 yards, he dove, why I'll never know, but
he probably had a plane contact, or thought he did. Headed to a
position ahead of an on his track so as to be in position when and
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-DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
if he surfaces,
0310 APR signal at 157 back on again so submarine must be surfaced or
taking a sweep,
0353 Finally regained contact after a few bad moments when we thought
he was making an approach on us. Target now bears 336° True, range
9,800 yards. Commenced new approach.
0412 Dove on targets track at 6,800 yard range and went to radar depth.
0430 Swung for 90 track with stern tubes, Tide rips are making depth
control and steering very difficult and I hope they don't adversely
effect the torpedo.
0448 Commenced firing 3 tubes aft on an 80 starboard track, zero gyros
1500 yard torpedo run, using a 1 knot speed spread. Torpedoes
set for 6 feet.
0449-30 Saw first torpedo hit and target sank immediately. Target
could be seen blowing apart on radar screen and the explosion was
accompanied by a large yellow ball of fire as seen through periscope.
( The second and third torpedoes missed, not due to errors in data,
but because target sank so quickly.
0452 Surfaced and headed for oil slick.
0457-08 Explosion - end of run.
0457-43 Second end of run explosion.
0500 Ran through oil and wreckage debris. Attempted to use the search-
light to search area and again this proved to be a futile and un-
productive method, due mainly to the wide diffusion of the beam and
the short effective range so decided to stay surfaced until after
daylight, planes permitting.
0620 After sighting several bits of wood and paper, lots of oil, but no
survivors; our search for something tangible was rewarded when we
recovered a wooden box that was found to contain Japanese navigation
equipment and a book of tables. From the positions listed in the
work book it looks like this guy went from NAGOYA to FORMOSA before
he headed down toward LUZON to join his ancestors.
0310
0630 Dove,
an we thought
1835 Surfaced, Headed toward area west of CALYAN Island to search
for aviator reported in water.
0430
green very star,
14 February
Torped
pth,
th
0121 Sighted white flare bearing 345° True.. Headed toward it and fired
0430 After thoroughly searching locality, and firing green very stars
every 15 or 20 minutes with no answer, decided perhaps flare had
been a shooting star, although the lookouts and officer of the
deck stick by their guns. Shortly thereafter received word that
aviator had been recovered by own planes.
0149
0542 Dove.
1827 Surfaced.
0457-13
end of ru
15 February
to
Proro in data,
S
Patrolling pass between CALAVAN and FUGA and FUGA and COMIGUIN Islands,
14
ide diefwion of the bem and

— page 19 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

0550 Dove,
1840 Surfaced.
16 February
Patrolling as before.
0539 SJ plane contact, 18,000 yards closing.
0540 Dove.
1820 Surfaced. Departed station and headed for prearranged rendezvous
with U.S.S. BLACKFISH.
17 February
0725 Rendezvous with U.S.S. BLACKFISH. Proceeding in company to GUAM.
1220 Plane contact at 18 miles on SD, openning,
18 February
1045 (I) Exchanged calls and numbers with a U.S. Submarine.
1050. (I) Sighted plane on horizon. No contact on SD.
20 February
0758 (I) Plane contact on SD at 10 miles. Sighted from bridge and
appeared to be a B-32. Exchanged visual calls.
21 February
0340 (I) Rendezvous with escort, PC1082.
0920 (K) Moored port side to U.S.. APOLLO (AS25), APRA Harbor, GUAM.
Voyage repairs by APOLLO and Submarine Squadron 28.
22 February
1815.(K) Underway for Pearl Harbor under escort, PC 1082.
23 February
0815 (K) Escort departed. Proceeding Pearl at 16 knots.
3 March
0710 (IK) Rendezvous with escort, PC 1078 and U.S.S. ARCHERFISH.
1400 (IK) Moored at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

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C-O-N-F-1-D-E-N-TI-AL
Subject:
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(C) WEATHER
Typical weather for the time of year and area was experienced.
Extremely rough weather was encountered west of 121° East. Depth control
was difficult while operating off east coast of HAINAN. A decided change
was noted south of HAINAN and good periscope weather was experienced. A
definite dividing line in the LUZON Straits at 20° North was noted. South
of this latitude the weather was moderate while to the north rough weather
was again experienced. The sky was overcast 75 percent of the time.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents followed generally as shown on H.O. Misc. No. 10,047-A-1
and larger seale H.O. Charts. Tide rips were encountered between islands
in the LUZON Straits.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No navigational aids were observed. A red nun buoy was seen 5,000:
yards south of the entrance to YULINKAN Bay, Shipping passed inboard of
this buoy when entering.
:
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C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(F) SHIP CONTACTS
No. Date
Time
Lat.
Long.
Type(s)
Initial
Range
Est. Course
Speed
How
Contacted
Remarks
1. 0209 (H)
Jan. 23
20°17′ N
111°36' E
Chinese Junks 9,800 yds
2 Kts. 150° T SJ
Sighted at 0337. Battle
Surfaced at 0730 Jan. 23
See Gun Attack #1.
---
Every day while operating off East Coast of HAINAN encountered from two to thirty of these Junks.
2. 2015 (H)
Jan. 29
19°10′ N
111 08' E
Chinese Junks 8,400 yds 4 Kts. 050° T
or small fishing
boats
SJ
3. 1440 (H)
Jan. 30...
18°07' N
109 39' E
Sailing
Vessel
4,000 yds 3 Kts. 270° T
Periscope
4. 0903 (H)
Jan. 31
18°05' N
109°37' E
Tug
7,000 yds 4 Kts. 050° T
Periscope
5. 0952 (H)
Jan. 31
18°06' N
109°38' E
Pilot Boat
7,000 yds
6 Kts. 120° T
Periscope
Apparantly waiting for
small AK
6. 1001 (H)
Jan. 31
18°06' N
109°36' E
Small AK
8,000 yds
4 Kts. 120° T
Periscope
7. 1030 (H)
Feb 1.
18°05' N
109°33' E
Small AK
12,000 yds
8 Kts. 260° T
Periscope
See Torpedo Attack #1.
8. 1714 (H)
Feb. 4
21°00' N
119°50' E
LBV
4,000 yds 12 Kts. 000° T
8 Kts. 270° T
Periscope
Bridge
See Gun Attack #2.
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Subject:
U.S.S. BATFISH (SS310) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)
Time
No. Date
9. 2250 (H)
Feb. 9
Lat.
Long.
18°50' N
121°40' E
10.1951 (H) 18°53' N
Feb. 11
121°50' E
11. 0215 (H)
Feb. 13
19°10' N
121°23' E
Type(s)
Initial
Range
Est. Course
Speed
How
Contacted
Remarks
Japanese
"Item" Class
Submarine
11,000 yds 13 Kts. 310° T SJ
See Torpedo Attack #2 & #3
Japanese
"Item" Class
Submarine
8,000 yds 12 Kts. 120° T APR - SJ
See Torpedo Attack #4
Japanese
10,700 yds
6 Kts. 140° T APR - SJ
See Torpedo Attack #5
"Item" Class
Submarine

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