U.S.S. TUNA (SS-203) — war patrol report SS-203_TUNA_Part1.pdf

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1.0 2.8 2.5
: 1.1 2.2 2.0
: 1.25 1.4 1.6

OPERATOR: Edwards
DATE: 1-21-76

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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1. Lookouts and watch officers received a short period of night lookout training at Submarine Base before departing. The improvement in the efficiency of the lookouts is very obvious. The crew was informed of the general conditions under which the ship will probably operate on this patrol. Their cooperation and enthusiasm are excellent and very gratifying. All men are in good health and observance of simple hygienic rules should keep them that way. No cases of several disease are probable, due to lack of opportunity of infection since January 10, 1942.

Monday, January 26, 1942. Zone description - plus 10-1/2.

0622 Made trim dive. Went to 278 feet. Blinker gun and very pistol left on bridge, were round in place on surfacing and all were still in operating condition. Due to excellent work by Pelias, no other sort patch leaked. Crew plane sharting, forward marker buoy connection, and other places showed minor leaks. Shirted to head control.

0718 Surfaced.

0732 After lookout reported plane on starboard quarter. Submerged. Plane reported to be PSY, but could not be sighted through periscope.

0752 Surfaced.

0800 Port lookout reported 2 planes on port beam. Obviously two sea birds. Surfaced at 0807.

0800 Position 23-34 N., 161-46 W. Steering 290 T., standard speed 80-90 on two main engines, 14 knots.

0820 Specific gravity - 1,186. Commenced charging batteries and air banks.

1006 Ship was reported sighted bearing 200 T., on opposite course, submerged, c/c to 160 T. to close. Finally identified as Nihoa Island, bearing 190 T. c/c to 250 T and surfaced at 1110. Resumed charging batteries and air banks. Making 14.3 knots on two main engines, 80-90.

1200 Position 23-38 N. 161-54 W. Weather clearing. Average speed 24 hours, 11 knots. Fuel on hand, 90,901 gal. Fuel expended, 1617 gal. Potable F.W. expended 310 gal. Potable F.W. distilled 230 gal. Potable F.W. on

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1990 gal. 2 evaporator used 7.2 hours. Battery water, no change.

2000 Position; 24-16-30-N, 163-53 W. Weather continues clear and warm, sea fairly smooth.

TENTHAL:

Fresh water consumption remains within desired limits so that further restrictions are not necessary. It is estimated that double distilled water can be made in the standard clean still with a minimum loss of potable water. Air condensate of fairly good quality collects at the rate of about 2 1/2 gal per hour, while running on the surface. Due to the lack of storage facilities, much of it is wasted since containers for only 20 gallons at a time are on board.

Binoculars have been sealed with a 1/2" nylon and scotch tape. In addition, long stowage bags have been cut up and saved into bottomless bags which fit over the binoculars as they hang around the neck. Two slits are cut in these bags for the strap so that the bag is nearly slid up the strap to close the binoculars, then pulled down over the glasses after they are lowered. Personnel have found them convenient to protect their glasses from spray.

Removal of the hand rail by the lower conning tower hatch and substitution of plain ladders made of pipe for the ladders formerly installed from the bridge to the control room definitely assist personnel to get from the bridge to their submerged stations in the minimum of time. All long rain coats have been cut off short so that men will not trip or become entangled in coming below.

Tuesday, January 27, 1942. Zone description - plus 10.1/2.

Position at sunrise would be approximately on 300 mile position circle or enemy submarine reported 028 E., from Lay-san Island previous day. Planned to submerge during twilight and then zigzag on surface during the day. Heavy rain squalls encountered shortly after midnight.

0500 Set clocks to Z.D. plus 11.

0636 Submerged. Overcast with heavy rain squalls.

0800 Position, 25-12-11. 160-34-W. Weather clearing. Seas and wind increasing.

-3- HICLODUS (A)

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0813 Surfaced. Commenced zigzagging, base course 290 T., speed 17 knots. (80-90 on four main engines).

: 1200 Position 25-30 N. 167-25-W. Fuel on hand, 88,016 gal. Fuel expended, 2885 gal. Fresh water potable expended 390 gal. Fresh water potable distilled, 340 gal. Fresh water on herd, 4200 gal. #2 evaporator used 14.6 hours, Battery water - no change.

: 2000 Position, 25-47-N. 169-10-W.

CIPHER:

: During heavy rain or with spray, it is necessary to equip lookouts and OOD with goggles to permit them to see at all to windward.

: Wednesday January 28, 1942. Zone description - plus 11.

: C328 Submerged for practice dive.

: 0350 Surfaced. Continued on 290 T. at 14 knots (80-90 on 2 engines).

: Z.D. plus 12

: 0800 Position, 26-56 N. 171-39 W. Weather clear, strong wind moderately heavy seas.

: 1200 Position, 27-14 N. 172-33-W. Fuel expended 4373 gal. Fuel expended 4285 gal. Fuel expended 575. Fuel used 16.2 hours.

: 1521 Submerged for training, surfacing at 1640. Resumed course 290 T., and speed.

: 2000 Position 27-40.5 N. 174-05.5 W. c/c to 292 T. & pge. to pass through "Point".

CIPHERS:

: Potable water consumption has averaged 425 gal/day higher than desired. This is 7 gal/day/man while 5 gal/day/man was set as the goal. All wash basins & showers have been secured to prevent loss by leakage.

-4- INCLOSURE (A)

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1942. Zone Description - plus 12.

0030 c/c to 275 T. & pge.

0410 Obtained sounding of 60 fathoms off Pearl and Hermes Reef. c/c to 975 T. for 3 mi. then c/c to 000 T. at 0422. Heavy rain squalls since 0 hrs.

0445 c/c to 270 T.

0530 c/c to 275 T.

0600 Changed speed to 15 knots. (80-90 on 4 main generators).

0800 Position 28-07 N. 176-29.5 W. Weather clear, seas moderate.

1200 Fuel expended, 3430 gal. Fuel on hand, 80,301 gal. Potable F.W. expended, 182 gal. Potable F.W. distilled, 167 gal. Potable F.W. on hand, 4310 gal. #2 evaporator in use 6.5 hours.

1300 Commenced fueling.

1444 Completed fueling. Received 14,355 gals. Fuel on hand, 94,556 gal.

1646 Underway on various courses following Triton out of harbor.

1715 Informed by Midway that "Target" bearing 060 from Midway. Informed Triton who suggested delaying attack until receipt of better information. Inquired nature of target from Midway and informed that it was small craft. Triton suggested that planes from Midway could handle situation more effectively. Concurred due to distances and late hour.

1734 c/c to 274 T., speed 13.5 knots (80-90 two engines) to clear range of Midway guns by dark.

1920 Submerged for training and trim.

-5-

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1952 Surfaced, c/274 T., and pgc 255 psc. Speed 10 knots. (80-90 one engine). Commenced charging batteries and air banks and making battery water.

2000 Position, 28-11.5 N. 177-50 W.

GENERAL

Made battery water by redistilling F.W. from ship's tanks with No. 1 evaporator. -Brine discharge sent to ship's tanks since it was sufficiently fresh to be potable.

Friday, January 30, 1942. Zone description - plus 12.

0045 Secured battery charge.

0730 Crossed 180th meridian.

Saturday, January 31, 1942. Zone description - minus 12.

0800 Position, 28-24 N., 179-54 E.

1104 Submerged for training and various drills.

1139 Surfaced.

1200 Position, 28-15.6 N. 179-19 E. Heavy seas, weather clear with occasional rain squalls prior to 0800. Fuel on hand 91,671 gal. Fuel expended 2885 gal. Potable F.W. expended 400 gal. Potable f.w. distilled 130 gal. Potable f.w. on hand, 3500 gal. Battery water expended, 320 gal. Battery water distilled, 320 gal. Battery water on hand, 1196 gal. Evaporator No. 1 operated 8.7 hrs. making battery water. Evaporator No. 2 operated 10.8 hrs. making battery water.

1639 Submerged for training and drills & to swing ship for magnetic compass deviations. Surfaced at 1745.

1858 Lookout reported seeing small cloud of white smoke just above water. No one else could see anything. Word was passed to stand by to dive and an attempt made to rig out bow planes prematurely in the heavy swells. Planes rigged out only partially due to apparent failure of pilot circuit. It was eventually discovered that planes were not exactly on zero, interrupting pilot circuit. c/c to 110 T., at 2000 and -stopped to permit testing planes. Resumed course 274 T., speed 10 knots (80-90 on No. 1 main generator) at 2007.

-6- ENCLOSURE (A)

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1955 Commenced charging batteries and air banks.

2000 Position 28-29 N. 178-13-E. Clear and calm with heavy ground swell from N.W.

2345 Secured battery charge.

GENERAL

To prevent pounding bow planes in heavy seas, it is customary to rig them out after starting the dive and to rig them in shortly after the ship starts to rise from periscope depth due to blowing of tanks when surfacing. Apparent derangement was caused when planes were rigged cut in anticipation of the diving alarm.

Funday, February 1, 1942. Zone description - minus 12.

0800 Position, 25-26.3 N. 176-17 E. Wind and seas increasing.

1050 Submerged for training and drills. Surfaced at 1137.

1200 Position 28-30-N. 175-44 E. Fuel on hand 91,180 gal. Fuel expended 1666 gals. Potable F.W. on hand 3970 gal. Potable F.W. distilled 700 gal. Potable F.W. expended 330 gal. Evaporator No. 2 in use 24 hrs.

1715 Submerged for training and drills, surfaced at 1745.

1800 Started charging batteries and air.

2000 Position, 23-39 N. 174-43 E. Very rough, light rain, high wind from 270 T.

2145 Secured charge.

GENERAL

.50 cal. machine gun has been provided with two chest handles attached to a metal clamp around the barrel about a foot from the muzzle. They greatly facilitate handling the gun. It appears that the gun can be most expeditiously rigged by having a gun crew of two men go up to the bridge and receive the gun from two men in the conning tower. The gun crew mounts the gun. A third man follows the gun up the hatch and receives two magazines of ammunition from the two men in the conning tower which he conveys to the gun. Fire can be opened in about

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1 minute from the time the hatch is opened. The advantages of this gun are that it can be used when rough seas prevent using the 3 inch and the gun crew can start on deck before the 3 inch crew can. Stowage for this gun should be in the conning tower. The 1/4" drain from the hull ventilation in after battery appears to be too small. Water leaks from the ventilation line over crews bunks and onto battery deck in very rough weather.

Monday, February 2, 1942. Zone description - minus 12.

0800 Position 28-36 N. 173-45 E. Very strong winds and extraordinarily heavy seas continue from 270 T. Both evaporators have been temporarily disabled by water coming in main induction. Three men complain of sore throat. About eight are seasick, two of them enough so to reduce their effectiveness. 33 degrees roll, 10 degrees pitch on ship.

1200 Position 28-38 N. 173-17 E. Fuel on hand, 89,523 gal. Fuel expended, 1652. F.W. on hand, 3980. F.W. expended 320 gal. F.W. distilled, 410 gal. Evaporator No. 2 used 21.3 hrs.

2000 Position, 28-39 N. 172-36 E. Average speed, since 0800, was 5.1 knots. Heavy seas continuing. Wind beginning to shift to north. c/c to 280 T.

Tuesday, February 3, 1942. Zone description - minus 12.

0800 Position, 28-39 N. 171-09 E. Weather fair and much calm. Previous heavy weather tore after edge of port boat island loose. c/c to 285 T.

0955 Submerged. Bow planes would not rig out, until down 10 minutes. Surfaced at 1035.

1200 Position, 28-41 N. 170-38 E. Fuel on hand, 88,235 gal. Fuel expended, 1293 gal. F.W. on hand 4220 gal. F.W. expended 190 gal. F.W. distilled, 400 gal. Evaporator No. 2 operated 6.6 hrs.

1400 Secured boat island by making a V bolt of 3/4" stock and passing it around frame and through battens in deck.

Z.D. minus 11

1855 Bridge reported sighting what could have been a white flare bearing about 335 T. From altitude and direction of motion, it was probably a meteorite.

-8- ENCLOSURE (A)

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1955 Commenced charging batteries and air banks.

2000 Position 24-00 N 169-22.5 E. Wind and seas increasing from 330 T.

GENERAL:
Bow planes are difficult to set on zero and in any other position, pilot circuit interrupts so that they will not rig in or out completely. Boat handled very well submerged without bow planes.

Wednesday, February 4, 1942. Zone description - minus 11.

0800 Position, 29-14 N. 167-36 E. Wind and sea abating.

1200 Position 29-24 N. 166-53 E. Weather clear, light west wind, moderate sea. Fuel on hand 86,436 gal. Fuel expended 1799. F.W. on hand 4210. F.W. expended 250 gal. F.W. distilled 240 gal. Evaporator No. 2 in use 8.8 hrs.

1410 Passed large glass fish net float 150 yards to starboard.

1435 Submerged. Watered batteries. Held drills, battle surface at 1609.

2000 Position 29-44 N. 165-26 E.

2200 Commenced charging batteries.

Thursday, February 5, 1942. Zone description - minus 11.

0637 Submerged for various drills. Surfaced at 0721.

0800 Position 30-09 N. 163-32 E. Heavy rain squalls, light N.W. winds, clearing, wind from south most of day and night previous.

1200 Position 30-15 N. 162-49 E. Fuel on hand 84831 gal. Fuel expended 1655 gal. Potable F.W. on hand 3300 gal. Potable F.W. expended 440 gal. Potable F.W. expended to make battery water 420 gal. Potable F.W. distilled 135 gal. Battery F.W. on hand 1196 gal. Battery F.W. expended 280 gal. Battery F.W. distilled 280 gal. Evaporator No. 2 in use 2.1 hrs to make potable F.W. Evaporator No. 1 in use 21.9 hrs. to make battery F.W. Passed another glass ball & trunk of palm tree during afternoon.

-9- ENGLISH (A)

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2000 Position 30-27 N. 161-24.5 E.

GENERAL

Drills for surface attacks emphasize the necessity for more effective communication from bridge to conning tower. Four outlets are needed on any system provided the forward part of bridge near T.B.T., one near after T.B.T., one near helmsman, and one near T.D.C. in conning tower. Pressure proof microphones, or tranceivers installed on bridge would sacrifice watertight integrity of vessel the least. A voice tube is preferred to the telephones available because of possibility of becoming entangled in the telephone lead in the dark and of fouling the conning tower hatch with it.

Course lies tangent to 400 mile circle from Marcus Island where enemy land planes are reported to be based. Decided to continue on surface in day time until 500 mile circles from Chichi Shima, Marcus Island and Haichi Shima intersect. Following were factors considered:

(a) A distance of six hundred miles could be covered in about half the time at economical speed on the surface compared to time required to proceed submerged during day.

(b) Prevailing weather reduced visibility most of time and skies are overcast.

(c) Available information of geography of Marcus Island suggests that there are only limited facilities for basing planes there, and since they are land planes, the patrols probably are not especially efficient or effective.

(d) Information of recent actions in Marshalls and off Borneo suggest that some traffic may be expected in shipping lanes further to west any time after 3 to 5 more days, hence it appears desirable to enter this area within this time.

(e) Additional time and fuel will be available on station.

Friday, February 6, 1942. Zone description - minus 14.

From 0000 to 0100, barometer dropped from 29.68 to 29.58. Weather cleared after rain about 0115. Wind then increased to about 12 knots and shifted from east to south to north and toward west. About 0230, wind increased suddenly to 50 knots and weather cleared. About 0500, started shipping water down conning tower hatch.

-10- ENCLOSURE (A)

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U.S.S. UNA (SS203) - First War Patrol.

0400 c/c to 276 T.
0800 Position 30-46 N. 159-26 E. Seas increasing. Passed a patch of sea weed.
1200 Position 30-47 N. 159-04.5 E. Seas still increasing. Fuel on hand 83079 gal. Fuel used 1750 gal. F.W. on hand 4210 gal. F.W. expended 320 gal. F.W. distilled 1040 gal. Both evaporators in use 20.6 hrs.
2000 Position 30-54 N. 157-54 E. Wind still strong from. west and heavy seas. Maximum roll on ship was 42 degrees during forenoon watch.

GENERAL:
Commanding Officer attempted to sleep on mattress in conning tower. Water coming down hatch wet bedding. A small emergency bunk can be placed about 6 inches from deck in front of TDC and designed to fold upward out of the way very easily. With no lights in the conning tower and lights out above the floor plates in control room, Commanding Officer could go to the bridge quickly with eyes fairly well adjusted to darkness.

Although they have had no experience of long periods at sea the personnel on board have preserved excellent morale to date. No signs of nerves wearing thin or deteriorated dispositions have been apparent. The weather has been strenuous due to the heavy weather encountered. The food has been unusually well prepared and served. The men have adequate and well adapted clothing for the weather encountered. Daily instruction periods for new and unqualified men are conducted by the CPO's. Card and other games are terminated at 2200.

2200 Few magazines, but plenty of books are on board.

Saturday, February 7, 1942. Zone description - minus 11.

0555 Submerged for training. Bow planes failed to operate due to not being fully rigged out by operator. Lost control and had to blow forward tanks at 96 feet with 16 degree dive angle. Dived again at 0645 and surfaced at 0658.

0600 Changed to Z.D. minus 10.

Z.D. minus 10.

1000 Wind and seas decreasing. Position 31-06 N. 155-47 E.

-11- ENCLOSURE (A)

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1200 Position 31-10 N. 155-05 E. Fuel on hand 81,344 gal. Fuel expended 1735 gal. F.W. on hand 4200 gal. F. V. expended 290 gal. F.W. distilled, 280 gal. Evaporator No. 1 in use 10.9 hrs. Evaporator No. 2 cleaned after 200 hrs. use.

1401 Submerged for training.

1450 Surfaced.

1906 c/c to 345 T. to gain course line and to shift position in case contact had been made with enemy planes during day.

2000 c/c to 276 T. Position 31-14 N. 153-35 E.

GENERAL

The ship's newspaper, "The Terrible Blow" has developed into four typed pages of press news and personal items. Great interest in news of the war is evident among the men.

By partially flooding No. 1 and No. 2 main ballast tanks, the diving time can be reduced about 15 seconds. The ship rides well in a seaway when so trimmed down about 1/2 degree by the bow and steers well also.

A diving alarm contact maker on the bridge which can be operated by the OOD is believed to be desirable to permit more rapid submergence.

Sunday, February 3, 1942. Zone description - minus 10.

04:34 Electric cable support for cable cutter lead in superstructure carried away. Changed course and slowed to permit men to enter superstructure to effect repairs. The best that could be done at the time was to lash loose part with manila which will probably chafe through in a short time. It will be very difficult to cut away the loose metal working partly under water in the dark. A U-bolt is being made to secure the loose plate to a frame at the first opportunity.

0600 Submerged. Cane to periscope depth for observation each hour.

0800 Position, 31-33-45 N. 152-04-50 E.

-12- ENCLOSURE (A)

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1200 Position 31-25 N. 151-51 E. Fuel on hand 79489 gal. Fuel expended 1855 gal. F.W. on hand 4220 gal. F.L. expended 240 gal. F.L. distilled 250 gal. Evaporator No. 1 in use 8.5 hrs.

1815 Surfaced. Weather overcast, drizzly, and with occasional rain squalls. Visibility from 1500 to 8000 yards. Kept sound gear manned.

1820 Started charging batteries, and air banks. Started Radar.

1910. It was reported that the Radar apparently indicated a small vessel about 3 miles away. Got 2 tubes fully ready to fire. Ten minutes later, the Radar range was reported opening. c/c to 180 T in an endeavor to locate bearing of target. Radar ceased functioning at 1923. c/c back to 276 T since it then appeared that there was no use in attempting further to track the target. At this time one of the lookouts reported seeing a vessel on the port beam while on course 180 T. and broad on current on course 276 T. No one else could see any such object in spite of gradual improvement of visibility in that direction. In my opinion, both contact by Radar and by sight were extremely doubtful. The radar image was indistinct and not very positive. The lookout had knowledge of the radar contact. In any case, it could have been a very small vessel on the order of a samyan or patrol boat.

2000 Position 31-26-35 N. 151-11-40 E.

GENERAL

Experience with the Radar to date gives the impression that its operation is erratic and unreliable. The equipment must be very carefully adjusted from values of current supply to the antenna characteristics. Hours of tuning may be required to get any kind of a picture on the screen. The entire tuning process must be

-13- INCLOSURE (A)

— page 18 —
1942 (Cont'd)
repeated practically every time that the outfit is used. Indications of the presence of objects within the range of the equipment require experienced expert operators to interpret the images recorded and to read the range. In taking ranges on bodies of land, it has been observed that in some instances the beach of the nearest land will show, on other occasions the highest point of the land is the object reflected, even at moderate ranges. The image on the screen may or may not indicate the presence of an object and the set never seems to work at all when urgently wanted. There has been some trouble with the knife switch on the periscope antenna and from moisture which will be the subject of a special report.

Monday, February 9, 1942. Zone description - minus 10.

0000 Pulled torpedoes from ready tubes. One torpedo had 3 gallons water in afterbody.

0557 Submerged. Sea and wind slight. Bow planes jammed again. Position 31-30-N. 14-9-35 E.

1200 Position, 31-31.5 N. 14-9-30 E. Fuel on hand, 78,435 gal. Fuel expended, 1056 gal. F.W. on hand, 4260 gal. F.W. expended, 290 gal. F.W. distilled 350 gal. Evaporator No.1 in use 9.8 hrs.

1817 Surfaced. Sent men on deck to secure mine cutter cable support with U bolt. Attempted to throw port boat island overboard which had again started to work loose. It was too heavy to move, so again secured it and chopped part of the wood battens from it to reduce resistance to seas. Both inboard and outboard exhaust stops on No. 3 main generator leaked, floodline the engine and running salt water into the lub. oil sumps. 400 gal. of lub. oil in sumps were pumped into the fuel system and replaced with fresh oil. A small door on starboard side of periscope,shoars over grease fittings has come open during dives on past to days. Glass port amidships on bridge was smashed by sea and replaced with spare on board.

2134 C/C to 270 T.

GENERAL
The effect of the seas on the large and lightly constructed superstructure is a constant source of annoyance.

-14- ENCLOSURE (A)

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1942 (Cont'd)
---

Monday, February 9, 1942 (Cont'd)

Anticipating this condition, all material was removed from the superstructure before starting patrol with the following exceptions; Propeller hub wrench. Mine cable cutter wrenches. Mine skid. Torpedo truck. All of the above is so well secured that it has given no trouble. An obvious remedy is a smaller hessier structure.

On an average, only one of the outboard engine exhaust stops is tight during a dive. The inboard stops are generally tight, any exception may result in a flooded engine. The leak-are past the outboard stops is too great to permit opening the drains on the exhaust lines to the bilges. When enemy vessels may be encountered, any work on exhaust stops is out of the question. Cause of the leakage is believed to be:

(a) Carbon deposits on valve seats which can be removed to some extent by working valves and by running at high power.

(b) Warping of valve seats due to changes in temperature.

(c) The hardness of the metal in the valve seats may prevent the seats from lapping in with use.

Tuesday, February 10, 1942. Zone description - minus 10.

0610: Submerged. Bow planes jammed again.

0800 Position, 31-32 N. 147-05 E.

1200 Position, 31-32 N. 146-49 E. Fuel on hand, 77,429 gal. Fuel expended, 1004 gal. F.V. on hand, 4130 gal. F.V. expended, 340 gal. F.V. distilled, 240 gal. Evaporator No. 1 used 9.6 hrs.

1831 Surfaced. Sent two men on deck to work outboard exhaust valve on No. 3 main engine. Ran each main engine on full power for a time to blow carbon from exhaust systems.

2225 Bridge reported seeing two flashes of white light, elevation of about 10 degrees bearing approximately 225 T. About 2245 sighted white light flash on horizon at about same bearing. C/C to 180 T at 2300 for 3.3 miles, then C/C to 270 T. Again to close against background of rain squalls. No further developments and concluded that setting star through clouds had caused lights. Radar indicated nothing although apparently functioning very well.

-15-

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1942 (Cont'd)
GENERAL
Intercepted information regarding convoy of five ships for
Chichi Jima. Intersection of courses on convoy's 0600 departure
circle at 10 knots on 13 Feb. at daylight about 1½ days run
ahead. Decided to try to intercept by in-and-out search commen-
scing search from this point which will also give inter-
ception for 0000 departure, average speed 8.

Visibility at night is quite low at times clearing to
about 1000 yards due to rain squalls and overcast sky. Sea
fairly calm. Quite cold on bridge.

Wednesday, February 11, 1942. Zone description - minus 10.

0630 Submerged.

0800 Position, 31-34°N. 144-24°E.
1200 Position, 31-34°N. 144-24°E. Fuel on hand, 76,363 gal.
Fuel expended, 1066 gal. F.W. on hand, 4280 gal. F.W.
distilled, 315 gal. F.W. expended, 165 gal. Evaporator
No. 1 used 11.4 hours.

2000 Position, 31-32°N. 143-42°E. by DR. Overcast, light
rain squalls, light seas, wind about 20 knots from about
285 T.

GENERAL
Working engine exhaust valves on their seats from on deck
and running full power resulted in all exhausts being tight
except No. 4.

Removed remainder of wood from boat island and secured
frame with lashing as best could be done. Renewed lashing on
cable to mine cable cutter, using a wire strap. Checked deck
run and worked No. 4 main engine exhaust valve from deck.

Thursday, February 12, 1942. Zone description - minus 10.

0600 Set clocks back one hour to Z.D. -9.

Z.D. minus 9

0538 Submerged.

0800 Position, 31-26.5°N. 142-10°E.

-16-

— page 21 —
1912 C/C to 090 T.
1200 Position, 31-26.5 N. 142-17 E. Fuel on Hand, 75,284 gal.
Fuel expended, 1079 gal. F.W. on hand, 4320 gal. F.W.
expended, 280 gal. F.W. distilled, 320 gal. Battery
F.W. expended, 181 gal. Evaporator No.1 used 11.3 hrs.

1805 Surfaced.
1819 C/C to 270 T.
2000 Position, 31-26.5 N. 142-19.5 E., estimated.
Friday, February 13, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.
0639 Submerged, on course 270 T.
0658 C/C to 330 T. to intercept convoy. No contact by Radar.
0657 C/C to 345 T.
0800 Position, 31-26.5 N. 140-31-40 T.
1200 Position, 31-38 N. 140-24.5 E. Fuel on hand, 74,137 gal.
Fuel expended, 1147 gal. F.W. on hand, 3640 gal. F.W.
expanded, 750 gal. Battery F.W. expended, 235 gal.
Battery F.W. distilled, 70 gal. Evaporator No.1 used
11.1 hrs.

1750 C/C to 165 T. to retire at 11 knots.

1820 Surfaced.

2000 Position, 31-37 N. 140-48 E. Weather calm with occassion-
al rain.

GENERAL:
Came to periscope depth to search for convoy every half
hour.

Saturday, February 14, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.
0210 S. 1.3rd. white light bearing 121 T. C/C to bearing of
light, to close. Called crew to battle stations submerged.

0238 Submerged, having closed the range to about 6000 yards.

0327 Light appeared to be sanpan fishing or on stationary patrol.
Range closed to about 2000 yards. Scurred from battle
stations and churned course to 270 T.

-17- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 22 —
1942, (Cont'd)
0.450 Surfaced. Continued on course 270 T. Speed 11. Radar did not indicate contact.
0525 C/C to 360 T.
0542 Submerged to intercept convoy.
0550 C/C to 345 T.
0730 Sighted Torri Shima bearing 263 T., distance about 27 mi. C/C to 360 T.
0730 Position, 30-37 N., 140-51.5 E.
1200 Position, 30-45 N., 140-49 E. Fuel on hand, 72,199. Fuel expended, 845 gal. Potable F.W. on Hand, 2830 gal. Potable F.W. expended, 760 gal. Potable F.W. distilled, 0. Battery F.W. on hand, 1041 gal. Battery F.W. distilled, 240 gal. Evaporator No.1, used 6.7 hrs. Evaporator No. 2 used 8 hrs.
1817 Surfaced. Abandoned search for convoy. Proceed to area.
1824 C/C to 270 T., speed 10 knots.
1940 Sighted 3 white lights, apparently fishing saurians, bearing 218 T. Steered various courses to avoid closing range, passing to northward of them.
2000 Position, 30-58 N., 140-28 E.

GENERAL
Search plan for intercepting convoy covered times of departure as follows:
Convoy speed 10, 0600 to 2200, 12 Dec.
Convoy speed 8, 0000 to 2400 12 Dec. which was possible if convoy zigzagged.
Failure to contact may have been due to narrow front covered or to circuituous route employed by convoy. Eleven feet of periscope was exposed at high power to increase circle of visibility.
Sunday, February 15, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.
0553 Submerged.
0800 Position, 31-01 N. 138-15.5 E.

-18- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 23 —
1200 Position, 31-01 N., 138-00 E. Fuel on hand, 72,199 gal. Fuel expended, 845 gal. F.W. potable on hand, 2610 gal. F.W. potable expended, 270 gal. F.W. potable distilled, 200 gal. F.W. battery, on hand, 1196 gal. F.W. battery, distilled, 240 gal. Evaporator No. 1 used 4.3 hrs. Evaporator No. 2 used 11.5 hrs.

1810 Picked up propeller sounds on approximately constant bearing 298 T. which seemed to be closing. Could see nothing through periscope due to approaching darkness and rain squalls. Came around to the right, steadying on 100 T. for a time. Similar high speed propeller sounds of a second vessel were picked up. Both vessels appeared to be stopping to listen. They gradually circled us, using supersonic echo ranging equipment after the initial part of the search. When they stopped to listen, the boat was stopped. When they echo ranged, a turn was made. Got closer on C. 220 T. with both vessels bearing to northward. Used various depth from periscope depth (60 ft) to 200 ft.

1912 C/C to 270 T.

2000 Position, 31-01 N., 137-41 E.

2001 Surfaced. After battery was grounded due to leakage of sea valves in crew's head working down to outboard row of cell cars, all binnacle lights out due to moisture in light receptacle on bridge, and wardroom circuits failed due to overload from coffee percolator. Commenced charging forward battery at once. Ground was reduced sufficiently to permit charging after battery at 2130.

GENERAL
A plot of possible contacts with patrols suggested that perhaps the ship had been very efficiently trailed for several days. Contact could be maintained by efficient listening equipment in small vessels which could remain out of our sight.

Monday, February 16, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.
0000 C/C to 180 T., speed 11 knots, to throw off possible trailers.
0200 C/C to 270 T.

-19- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 24 —
1942 (Cont'd)
- 0430 Stopped and secured engines. Repaired binnacle, lighthouses. Conducted listening search. Propellers of two vessels, identified with the two heard the evening before were heard, one astern, and one on port quarter using echo ranging. Noticing in sight on bearings indicated. Changed ship's head to keep bearing of sounds astern and to present small silhouette until binnacle repaired.
- 0515 Made full speed on two engines, 14 knots, on C. 270 T. stopped at 0525 to listen again. No further contacts.
- 0536 Submerged.
- 0547 Picked up propeller sounds and echo ranging pins bearing about 105 T. C/C to 250 T. Periscope observation disclosed nothing.
- 0800 Position, 30-51.5 N., 136-17-35 E. Fuel on hand, 71,314 gal. Fuel expended, 885 gal. F'. on hand, 2620 gal. F.W. expended, 240 gal. F.W. distilled, 400 gal. Both evaporators in use 8.7 hours.
- 1824 Surfaced.
- 2000 Position, 31-13.5 N. 135-11.5 E. estimated. Calm, overcast.
- Tuesday, February 17, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.
- 0515 Stopped to listen and heard nothing.
- 0600 Submerged.
- 1613 C/C to 180 T.
- 0800 Position, 31-16 N. 133-17.5 E. Calm, overcast.
- 1200 Position, 31-03 N. 133-17.5 E. Fuel on hand, 70,399 gal. Fuel expended, 975 gal. F.W. on hand, 3080 gal. F.W. expended, 410 gal. F.W. distilled, 740 gal. Both evaporators used 13.9 hrs.
- 1545 Listener reported hearing propeller bearing 180 T. relative making 140 rpm. Nothing in sight through periscope. C/C to 215 T. and stopped. Noise originated in ship. C/C back to 180 T. at 1556.
- 1822 C/C to 270 T.

-20-

— page 25 —
1832  Surfacod.
2000  Position, 29-58 N. 133-25.5 E., estimated. Calm, heavily overcast, visibility about 4000 to 8000 yards.

Wednesday, February 18, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

0043  Visibility reduced to 500 yards, to 1000 yards, stopped, secured engines, and maintained listening watch. Heavy overcast, calm, light rain.

0402  Visibility improved. Underway on course 305 T. Speed 11 knots.

0551  Stopped to listen.

0611  Submerged.

0800  Position, 30-38.5 N., 131-59 E., estimated.

1200  Position; 30-45 N., 131-47-30 E., estimated. Fuel on hand, 69,413 gal. Fuel expended, 926 gal. F.W. on hand, 4280 gal. F.W. expended, 200 gal. F.W. distilled, 1320 gal. Both evaporators used 24 hours.

1332  Sighted patrol plane, 2 engines, bearing about 145 T.

1336  Went to 125 Ft. depth and C/C to 000 T.

1415  No planes in sight.

1419  C/C to 305 T.

1843  Surfacod.

1941  C/C to 030 T.

2000  Position, 31-03.5, 131-37.5 estimated.

2113  Visibility varied 1500 to 500 yards. Stopped and listened.

2315  Sighted lights bearing about 250 T. Prepared to attack. Lights appeared to be from sanfern at about 2000 yards range. Rotired at full speed on various courses from 050 T. around to 090 T.

-21-    ENCTOSURE (A)

— page 26 —
0003 On various courses to close Point Q by morning.
: 0522 Heavily overcast and no fix for 36 hours. C/C to 120 T.
: 0800 Position, 30-55.5 N., 139-02 E., estimated.
: 0936 Power failed on bow planes.
: 0950 Made indeterminate, sound contact on 165 T.
: 1001 Sighted well deck freighter about 7000 tons bearing.
: 130 T., angle on bow 090, port, on C. 040, speed 12,
: range 180 yards. Started to swing left to avoid large
: gyro angles while maneuvering stumps and cutting tubes
: ready, anticipating a 110 to 120 degree track angle.
: Lost depth control and went to 110 ft., flowing to rest
: up again. At 1011 finally fired 3 torpedoes on about
: 135 degree track, range about 3500 yards. 10 degrees
: left gyro. Depth setting 15 ft. No explosion heard,
: retired on C. 120 T. Target may have changed course
: to about 060 T. after firing and was seen to be listed
: about 10 degrees to starboard.

: 1030 Loss of power on bow planes found to be switch on pilot
: circuit in forward room. Switch removed and jumped out.

: 1200 Position; 30-49 N., 132-21.5 E., estimated. Fuel on
: hand, 68,602 gal. Fuel expended, 811 gal. Potable F.W.
: on hand, 4170 gal. Potable F.W. expended, 310 gal.;
: potable F.W. distilled, 200 gal. Battery F.W. on hand,
: 1090 gal. Battery F.W. expended, 462 gal. Battery
: F.W. distilled, 360 gal. Both evaporators used 11.5 hrs.

: 1535 Bow plane tilting out again. Contacts were readjusted.
: Limit switch in No. 2 periscope well grounded by salt
: water.

: 1842 Surfaced.
: 1849 C/C to 090 T.
: 2000 Position, 31-02 N., 134-00 W., first fix in 60 hrs.
: 2038 C/C to 180 T.

-22- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 27 —
2230 C/C to 260 T. to close shipping lane again.

Friday, February 20, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

0250 Strong wind and heavy seas from 285 T. Slowed to 6.5 knots. Shipped sea down conning tower hatch and into after battery through hull ventilation. Had to remove ground on No. 2 periscope limit switch again.

0444 C/C to 100 T. with the intention of attempting to secure mine cutter cable again which had broken its lashing during the night. Decided to abandon attempt until later.

0539 Submerged.

0800 Position, 30-31 N., 133-25-40 E. Strong wind and seas from 285 T., weather quite clear. Seas made depth control difficult at periscope depth.

0803 C/C to 270 T.

1035 C/C to 300 T. to verify possible sound contact which proved false. C/C to 270 T. again at 1052.

1200 Position, 30-31-N., 133-11-E. Fuel on hand, 67,624 gal. Fuel expended, 978 gal. Potable P.V. on hand, 4120 gal. Potable F.V. expended, 360 gal. Potable P.V. distilled, 300 gal. Battery P.V. on hand, 1130 gal. Battery P.V. distilled, 40 gal. Both evaporators in use 7.0 hrs.

1858 Surfaced. Reversed course and slowed to send run on deck to lash cable to mine cable cutter. C/C back to 270 at 2025.

2000 Position, 30-35.5 N., 132-50.5 E. Weather clear with scattered clouds, wind and seas subsiding.

2300 Wind and seas increasing from about 285 T. Wind second very cold.

2400 Slowed to 7 knots, to keep spray off lookouts.

-23- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 28 —
1952, 21, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

0300 C/C to 300 T., standing for point Q.

1552 Submerged. Low voltage supply from QC-JK generator failed. JK's operated from AC generator while defect located and remedied. Speed regulator contacts were dirty. Both sets of equipment were given general check and servicing. High voltage supply had failed two days before due to dirty brushes.

0800 Position, 30-52 N., 131-32 E., estimated.

0900 C/C to 000 T.

1030 Sighted land (Tol Hisaeki) bearing 270 to 340 T.

1200 Position, 31-05 N., 131-41 E. Fuel on hand, 60,773 gal. Fuel expended, 851 gal. F.l. on hand, 4120 gal. F.l. expended, 320 gal. F.l. distilled, 320 gal. Evaporator No.1 used 10.1 hrs.

1415 C/C to 090 T., to keep off 100 fathom curve.

1550 Sighted smoke bearing 210 T., commenced approach. Unable to close range to less than 9000 yards, and ship remained hull down. Discontinued approach at 1800, own course 070 T., bearing 090 T., enemy course about 060 T., speed 10.5 knots, range 12000 yds. Intended to pursue en surface during night. Target hull never visible but appeared to be about 6000 ton freight making heavy black smoke continuously.

1858 Surfaced. Saw white light at about 6000 yds. range, low con, bearing 010 T. Submerged again. Lost contact with light after diving. Could not see light through periscope and heard nothing on sound gear. Surface again at 1958. Ran to eastward on various courses in path of moon.

2000 Position, 31-31.5 N., 132-15 E., clear, calm, bright moon.

2330 Loon set, C/C to 255 T., to take position at daylight near contact with intention of spending following day in Van Dienan Strait to Tokyo route about 20 miles 060 degrees from Point Q.

GENERAL

The "Buck Fever" confusion, excitement, and mistakes apparent during previous attempts to attack were entirely missing during this second approach. The ship control was nearly perfect.

— page 31 —
1930 On various courses to develop light thought possibly sighted to northward. No contact.

1948 C/C to 090 T.

2000 Position, 30-59 N., 132-46 E., estimated, overcast, calm, good visibility.

2025 C/C to 180 T.

2047 C/C to 085 T.

2215 Sighted light bearing 000 T. C/C to close. Submerged at 2225 and came to normal approach course. Tracking indicated that light was shown by vessel making about 5 knots to westward. Appearance of light indicated a small craft, possibly a sampan. Retired on C. 180 T.

GENERAL

Contacts with small craft carrying lights suggests that they are fishing sampans enroute to and from Tosi Misaki and fishing areas in the vicinity of Tori Shima.

Tuesday, February 24, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

0029 Surfaceed. C/C to 235 T. Visibility decreasing.

0128 Visibility reduced to less than 1000 yards. Stopped to listen. Underway slowly at times, working to southwest and then west.

0600 Submerged. C/C to 320 T., to cross steamer lanes.

0800 Position, 30-52 N. 132-54.5 E., estimated, Heavy rain squalls, variable visibility, wind and seas increasing from southwest.

1200 Position, 31-03 N., 132-47 E., estimated. Fuel on hand, 64,659 gal. Fuel expended, 510 gal. F.W. on hand, 4100 gal. F.W. expended, 310 gal. F.W. distilled, 240 gal. No.2 evaporator used 9.2 hours.

1255 Sighted freighter bearing 160 T., on course 065 T., speed 10 knots, range 6000 yards, angle on bow 85. Came to normal approach course and promptly lost her in heavy rain. Continued on course 080 T.

1627 C/C to 055 T.

-27- BICLOCLINE (A)

— page 32 —
1907  |  Surface.  C/C to 270 T.
: 1939  |  C/C to 100 T., speed 10 knots.
: 2134  |  C/C to 180 T.
: 2155  |  C/C to 065 T.
: 2000  |  Position, 31-11 N., 133-11.5 E., estimated.  Strong north-
    early wind, heavy seas with cross seas overcast.  Visibility
    good.  Ship rolling up to 30 degrees.
: 2248  |  C/C to 000 T., speed 3 knots.

CIPHER:

Main induction and hull ventilation opened without orders,
flooding after battery compartment and rounding after battery
for about 1½ hours.

Wednesday, Febr.ry 25, 1942.  Z-ne description - minus 9.

0300  |  C/C to 330 T. to close steamer lanes after navigation
    obtained fix from star sights-taken about 0300.

0542  |  Submerged.

0550  |  C/C to 320 T. each hour before coming to periscope depth
    for observation.

0800  |  Position, 31-41-15 N., 134-54 E.

1200  |  Position, 31-49-45 N., 134-54 E.  Fuel on hand, 64,144 gal.
    Fuel expended, 715 gal.  Potable F.v. on hand, 3800 gal.
    Potable F.v. expended, 390 gal.  Potable F.v. distilled,
    0.  Battery F.v. on hand, 966 gal.  Battery F.v. expended,
    460 gal.  Battery F.v. distilled, 280 gal.  No.2 evaporator
    used 9.6 hours.

1232  |  C/C to 320 T.

1636  |  C/C to 270 T.

1856  |  Surface. Changed speed to 11 knots.

2000  |  Position, 31-47.5 N., 134-51 E.  Calm sea, light northerly
    breeze, overcast, visibility 10,000 - 12,000 yards.

-28-  INCLUSIVE (4)

— page 33 —
4

Subject: U.S.S. TURT (J3203) - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Wednesday, February 25, 1942, Coast Guard.

2244 Increased speed to 14 knots to arrive off Bungo Suido at dawn.

2334 Sighted small vessel without lights on opposite course bearing 220 T., range 10,000 yards, changed course to 330 T. to open range. Appeared to be a patrol vessel.

GENERAL

In the rough weather during the past few days it has become apparent that the battery ventilation system is not adapted to ventilate into the engine room, when the outboard battery and hull ventilation valves are closed and seas are coming down the main induction. The only way in which the battery can be ventilated under such circumstances is to recirculate the gas through the ship, which increases the hydrogen content and contaminates the air in the boat with acid fumes.

The discharge into the engine room provided is to the forward outlet of the main induction. "After coring in the main induction will enter the battery ventilation system. The design of the ship makes it desirable to run with the coming cover hatch closed in heavy weather, taking water into the engine room through the main induction rather than into the control room through the coring tower hatch.

Thursday, February 26, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

0003 C/C to 295 T.

0219 Rain, visibility decreased to 2000 yds. Changed speed to 11 knots.

0445 Obtained sounding, 300 fathoms.

0545 Submerged.

0800 Position; 32-25 N., 132-56 E., estimated. Light rain, overcast, calm.

1135 Obtained sounding, 500 fathoms.

1200 Position, 32-30.5 N., 132-50 E., estimated. Fuel on hand, 63,374 gal. Fuel expended, 770 gal. Potable F.V. on hand, 3630 gal. Potable F.V. expended, 230 gal. Potable F.V. distilled, 120 gal. Battery P.V. on hand, 1146 gal. Battery

— page 38 —
1926 Changc speed to 12 knots.

2000 Position, 31-18.5 N., 133-17 E., estimated.

GENERAL

Plotting engagement off Okinawa on Feb. 28, it appears likely that a force of 5 or 6 naval vessels, possibly the escort of the convoy which left Iaru on 26 February, was encountered, the guides only showing lights. If the ship fired at had an unseen similar ship 350 yds., on her starboard beam and the angle on the bow was 20 degrees less than estimated, the first torpedo may have passed ahead of the ship fired at. The second torpedo hit her, then the first torpedo hit the second ship.

This accounts for the two explosions and the time interval between. The sound operators say that the bearing of the enemy was quite broad with much interference that ceased after the explosions. They described the noises as similar to that made by porpoises without their characteristic whistles.

Monday, March 2, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

0200 C/C to 290 T. to close Point 3.

0452 C/C to 000 T. Fast wind, rain, 3000 yds., visibility. Decided to stay in Van Dieman strait to Tokyo route in view of weather.

0509 Visibility 1000 yds., slowed to 4 knots to listen.

0532 Submerged.

0800 Position, 31-09-30 T., 131-41-2E., estimated.

0808 C/C to 060 T.

1200 Position, 31-16-30 N., 132-01-30 E., estimated. Fuel on hand, 59,306 gal. Fuel expended, 1476 gal. F.V. on hand, 4240 gal. F.V. expended, 280 gal. F.V. distilled, 280 gal. Vaporator No. 2 used 10.3 hrs.

1907 Surfaced. C/C to 000 T., speed 3 knots. Rain, strong wind and heavy seas from north.

2000 Position, 31-31 N., 132-26.5 E., estimated.

-34- EXPLOSURE (A)

— page 39 —
1942. Zone description - minus 9.
0024 C/C to 200 T. and changed speed to 11 knots.
0220 C/C to 180 T., to bring heavy seas aft. Ship rolling 30 degrees.
0557 Submerged.
0608 C/C to 055 T., to follow steamer lane. Weather too thick to close To. Misaki.
0800 Position, 30-56.5 N., 132-37 E., estimated.
1200 Position, 31-04 N., 132-52-15 E., estimated. Fuel on hand, 53,597 Gal. Fuel expended, 709 gal. T.W. on hand, 4190 gal. T.W. expended, 270 gal. T.W. distilled, 340 gal. Evaporator Ho. 1 used 11.7 hrs.
1903 Surfaced.
1910 C/C to 090 T., speed 8 knots.
2000 Position, 31-48.5 N., 133-30 E., by observation, the first fix in 71 hours. Estimated position for 2D was only 30 miles in error. Weather clear, light wind and ground swell from north. Moon very bright.
2116 C/C to 304 T., and changed speed to 10.5 knots, standing for Bungo Suido.
2241 C/C to 305 T.
2300 C/C to 305 T.
Wednesday; March 4, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.
0322 Changed speed to 14 knots (Two engines 80-90).
0355 C/C to 300 T. to allow for set.
0439 Submerged. C/C to 280 T.
0447 C/C to 290 T.
0528 C/C to 250 T.
0537 C/C to 270 T.

-35- THOUGHT (A)

— page 40 —
U.S.S. TULIP (SS203) - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Wednesday, March 4, 1942, Cont'd.

These changes of course were made to obtain a resultant of speed and current which would close the shipping lane 250 T. from Okino Shima.

0800 Position, 32-34-45 N., 132-29-00 E.
1056 C/C to 250 T.

1119 Sighted sampan bearing 160 T., on course 030 T.

1200 Position, 33-39 N., 132-20.5 E. Fuel on hand, 57,712 gal. Fuel expended, 835 gal. Potable water on hand, 4020 gal. Potable F.'l. expended, 250 gal. Potable F.'r. distilled, 80 gal. Battery F.'r. on hand, 1196 gal. Battery F.'r. expended, 480 gal. Battery F.'r. distilled, 480 gal. Both evaporators used 9.7 hrs.

1350 Sighted sampan bearing 090 N., on course 270 T. C/C to 180 T., 100 T., and back to 250 T., to avoid.

1710 Sighted smoke bearing 203.5 T.

1718 C/C to 180 T., to close.

1728 C/C to 240 T.

1902 Surfaced. C/C to 180 T., making 19.5 knots on all four main engines to retire. Fire after on fire and sinking, bearing about 090, distance about 4000 yards. About 1910, the port stern tube packing began to heat up, relieved by slacking gland nuts.

1920 (Approx) "White lights displayed by patrol vessels were sighted as follows: Two on port quarter, in vicinity of wreck and one on starboard quarter estimated range about 8000 yds. on nearest. It was dark and slightly misty.

1925 Wreck sank at about this time.

-36- ENGLISH (A)

— page 41 —
1927
Sighted a light about 10 degrees on port quarter, probably about 1500 yards range and another about 4.5 degrees on starboard quarter. Immediately afterward, the vessel on the starboard quarter quickly threw the beam of a searchlight from his right to left than into our bridge and attempted to ram. The light was blue, like a carbon arc, and about 14 inches in diameter. Dived immediately, the destroyer passing about 50 yards astern. C/C to 110 T., after submerging. Observed that destroyer astern had apparently stopped about 20 degrees on our port quarter and was using searchlight. John rang in on about 17 kc's was heard from this bearing and from another ship on starboard quarter. C/C to bring first ship to relative bearing 100 and fired one torpedo from No. 10 tube at 1931. Subsequent explosion in cabin in engine, maneuvering and after torpedo rooms. C.C. to right at high speed after firing. Searchlight on target was not seen nor were her propellors heard again and no further echo ranging was received from any source. Destroyer on starboard quarter continued to swing searchlight about rapidly at intervals, working off to eastward.

1950 Steadied on 180 T., and silenced the ship, running at slow speed.

2000 Position, 32-32 N., 132-25 E. C/C to 140 T.

2100 Lost sight and sound contact with AJ forces.

2326 C/C to 120 T.

GENERAL

Probably the destroyer which attempted to ram underestimated our speed (19.2 kts) - Conduct of the search also seemed to indicate that our course had been guessed to be easterly rather than to the south, since the searchlights were directed that way most of the time.

Running was attempted probably by swinging for our wake from a course parallel to ours. The rapid swing might account for the failure to open fire. Neither ship was ever in position for depth charging. It is assumed that two destroyers tried to attack because of their spread and the height of their searchlights. Noting of their structure was seen. The four men and three officers on the bridge were maintaining an excellent lookout and did sight lights from these destroyers at about 8000 yards. Previous experience indicated that they would continue to display

— page 42 —
U.S.S. TUNIS (SS203) - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Wednesday, March 4, 1942, Cont'd.

their lights and would not use the high speeds which they did, permitting them to get so close unobserved.

The use of lights by the AS vessels is apparently for three purposes. They indicate the identity and location of each ship, they are used to indicate the subspace bearing of the submarine and they are used for searching. It is believed that the bearings of the submarine is indicated by steering a searchlight back and forth rapidly two or three times and then holding it on the bearing.

The tactics of the AS forces seem to be to lie in readiness inshore. The submarine contact develops, they race for the area. The contact in this case being the sound of an explosion. No patrol vessels have been sighted during the day but are encountered off shore in shipping lanes during the night. It is very likely that our attackers were lying behind Okino Shima when speeds and distances are considered.

We may have been tracked by listening, our bearing being indicated to the destroyers and permitting them to close at high speed.

Retiring on the surface was attempted for three reasons: (1) to get clear of area before AS patrol arrived, (2) to get clear of area before full moon arose, which might have required staying submerged until following night, (3) to conserve battery and to afford an opportunity to recharge if possible.

Thursday, March 5, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

0017 Surfaced, Sighted small vessel lying to 20 degrees on starboard bow, range about 6000 yards. Submerged again and steered various courses to avoid, running quietly.

0200 Surfaced again. Went ahead full on one engine, course 090 T., speed 11.5 knots, charging batteries on two main engines. No. 2 main engine flooded from leaky exhaust valve. Sighted red light on starboard beam, range 5000 yds. C/C to 000 T. Vessel displaying red light trailing on starboard quarter, increasing range slowly and apparently steering about 075 T.

0235 Got No. 2 main engine running, changed speed to 14.5 knots.

0245 Entered rain squall and C/C to 100 T.

0252 C/C to 120 T., opening range to trailing vessel.

-38-

— page 43 —
1942, Cont'd.
- 0300 Trailing vessel flashed a white light several times. Answered by another on port quarter not previously seen.
- 0318 Sighted two small vessels with lights ahead on opposite course. C/C to 200 T.
- 0344 C/C to 230 T., to stay in noon slick.
- 0350 C/C to 210 T.
- 0408 Lookouts reported large ship 20° degrees abaft starboard beam or opposite course at high speed and long range. Could not see it.
- 0408 Sighted destroyer without lights; lying to bearing 260 T., C/C to 140 T.
- 0548 Submerged.
- 0627 C/C to 100 T., to cross steamer lanes.
- 0800 Position, 31-42 N., 133-36 E., estimated. Overcast, easterly wind, occasional rain squalls, seas making.
- 1200 Position, 31-41.5 N., 133-54 E. Fuel on hand, 57,157 Cal. Fuel expended, 555 cal. F.V. on hand, 3000 gal. F.V. expended, 220 gal. F.V. distilled, 0.
- 1600 Repaired insulation on selsyn system of governor installation on No. 2 main engine which had failed about 0245, necessitating hand control of engine.
- 1912 Surfaced.
- 1917 Changed speed to 3 knots.
- 1932 C/C to 090 T.
- 1941 C/C to 120 T.
- 2000 Position, 31-39 N., 134-31 E., estimated. Strong wind and heavy seas from south, heavy rain.
- 2105 Changed speed to 7.5 knots.

Friday, March 6, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.

-39- [TECHNICAL (A)]

— page 45 —
1942, Cont'd.
0800 Position, 30-54 N., 137-30 E.
1200 Position, 31-32 N., 140-39.5 E. Fuel on hand, 54,332 gal.
Fuel expended, 1370 gal. T.T. on hand, 430 gal. T.T.
distilled, 240 gal. T.T. expended, 240 gal. Used both
evaporators 3.3 hours.
1830 Surfaced. C/C to 090 T., and changed speed to 13.5 knots
(80-90 on two engines).
1844 Sighted lights of small vessel bearing about 115 T., C/C
to 050 T., and change speed to 16 knots (full speed on two
engines) to avoid.
1915 C/C to 070 T.
1930 C/C to 090 T.
1957 Changed speed to 13.5 knots because of low visibility.
2000 Position, 31-36-15 N., 141-16 E., estimated.
2002 Changed speed to 13.5 knots.
Sunday, March 8, 1942. Zone description - minus 9.
0455 Surfaced.
0500 Set clocks ahead one hour to 2 T. -10.
2.D. minus 10.
0800 Position, 31-25.5 N., 143-27 E.
1200 Position, 31-26 N., 143-47 T. Fuel on hand, 51,552 gal.
Fuel expended, 240 gal. T.T. on hand, 4260 gal. T.T.
expended, 340 gal. T.T. distilled, 250 gal. Both evaporators in use 6.2 hrs.
1915 Surfaced.
1930 C/C to 005 T., changed speed to 11.5 knots.
2000 Position, 31-30 N., 144-20 B., Overcast, heavy seas from
about 010 T.

-41-

— page 47 —
2000 Position, 31-12.5 N., 157-49 E.

GENERAL:
Patches of fog encountered at intervals, some quite extensive. Visibility varies from 15,000 yards to 500 yards. Sky is clear.

Double fog observed shortly after sunrise. To permit continuous employment of the quartermaster of the watch on the bridge as an additional lookout, the chief of the section on watch in the control room has been detailed to record the notes for the deck log. The quartermaster thus remains on the bridge continuously where his services are valuable as an experienced lookout. He also takes charge of the relative position of the lookouts in his section, seeing that each man is properly equipped and stationed. The quartermasters relieve each other after all other members of the watch are relieved. In addition, it has been found that more complete data for the logs is recorded than formerly.

No. 4 main engine developed small crack in chamber by injector on No. 1 cylinder liner which resulted in small water leak.

Thursday, March 12, 1942. Zone description, minus 11.

0300 Position, 31-01.5 N., 160-46 E.

-43-

— page 50 —
2000 Position, 29-09 N., 172-14.5 E. Fuel on hand, 35,729 gal. Fuel expended, 3530 gal. F.W. on hand, 4240 gal. F.W. expended, 500 gal. F.W. distilled, 600 gal. Both evaporators used 10.6 hrs.

Z.P. minus 12.

2000 Position, 29-05 N., 173-38 E. Sunday, March 15, 1942. Zone description - Minus 12.

2000 Position, 28-52 N., 176-25 E. Rough seas from 000 T.

2000 Position, 28-36 N., 177-25 E. Fuel on hand, 32,579 gal. Fuel expended, 3150 gal. F.W. on hand, 4240 gal. F.W. expended, 420 gal. F.W. distilled, 450 gal. Both evaporators used 9.1 hrs.

2000 Position, 28-30 M., 179-03 E. Heavy seas and wind continue working to east.

CENRAL

Attempted to operate No's 2 & 4 main engines with the idea that since their leaking cylinder water jackets made them least reliable that we would be assured of two good engines if they failed. After 2 hours 45 minutes it was necessary to secure No. 4 because of the rate of loss of fresh water.

Sunday, March 15, 1942. Zone description - minus 12.

0045 Crossed 160th maridian. Zone time plus 12.

Z.D. Plus 12.

0800 Position, 20-11 N., 170-26 W. Heavy seas and wind from northeast. Overcast.

- 45 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 52 —
1100
Mechinist's mate dropped valve on foot receiving fractured toe. No. 2 evaporator has grounded heating elements due to water coming down main induction.

: 1200
Position, 25-03.5 N., 172-58 W. Heavy seas continuing from 090 T. Fuel on hand, 24,852 gal. Fuel expended, 4524 gal. F.W. on hand, 3900 gal. F.W. expended, 560 gal. F.W. distilled, 260 gal. Inspector 10.2 hrs.

: 2000
Position, 24-36 N., 171-29.5 W.

GENERAL:
Pulled rag from fuel collecting tank suction line.

Tuesday, March 17, 1942. Zone description - plus 11.

: 1200
Position, 23-31.5 N., 168-50 W. Engineering Officer reported a discrepancy of 4,000 gal. of fuel. Changed fuel to two main engines (00-90) in no. 8 that weather would calm enough to make 12.1 knots required.

: 1200
Position, 23-34.5 N., 168-50 W. Fuel on hand, 12,600 gal. Fuel expended, 4013 gal. (as of midnight before). Portable F.W. on hand, 3800 gal. Portable F.W. expended, 740 gal. Portable F.W. distilled, 130 gal. Battery F.W. expended, 400 gal. Battery F.W. distilled, 240 gal. Battery F.W. on hand, 1030 gal. Both evaporators used 6.3 hrs.

: 1215
Plane sighted at long range bearing 030 T., approximately, on opposite course. Plane changed course away to the northwest.

: 1645
Plane reported sighted at long range bearing about 020 T., not verified.

: 1700
Hopes of being able to make rendezvous on March 19 expired. Required speed could not be made. Slowed to one engine 00-90. Sent dispatch to Comtackfor 7 requesting rendezvous on March 20 for escort to Pearl.

: 1830
Slowed to 1/3 speed and C/C to 270 T., to send man into superstructure to secure cables to mine cable cutters again. Resumed course and speed at 1652.

- 48 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 53 —
2000 Position, 23-10-30 N., 106-46 N.

GENERAL

Opened radio trunk to remove ground. No moisture and no sources of ground apparent.

Wednesday, March 10, 1942. Zone description - Plus 11.

0600 Position, 22-40 N., 164-47 V.

0618 Submerged. Surfaced at 0835.

0630 Changed speed to 4.8 knots (Aux. Engine).

1200 Position, 22-32 N., 164-22 W. Fuel on hand, 9001 gal. Fuel expended, 3779 gal. Totable F.W. on hand, 3,000 gal. Potable F.W. expended, 360 gal. F.W. distilled, 0 gal.

1900 Changed speed to 9.5 knots, (60-90 one main engine).

2000 Position, 22-19-30 N., 163-51 V.

Thursday, March 19, 1942. Zone description - plus 11.

0600 Position, 21-47 N., 161-53 V.

1200 Position, 21-33 N., 161-17 V. Fuel on hand, 7,010 gal. Fuel expended, 1391 gal. F.W. on hand, 2400 gal. F.W. expended, 520 gal. F.W. distilled, 0 gal.

1300 Changed speed to 5 kts. (Aux. engine).

1455 Sighted PBY bearing about 190 T., distance 15,000 yards on course toward us. Exchanged recognition signals by flashing light.

1503 Sighted second PBY on about same bearing and at same distance on approximately parallel course.

1630 Set clocks ahead one hour to plus 10 zone time.

- 49 - INCLUSIONS (A)

— page 54 —
1942. Changed speed to 9.5 knots (80-90 on one main engine).

2000 Position, 21-17 N., 160-36 M.

2100 C/C to 096 T., for rendezvous.

Friday, March 20, 1942. Zone description - plus 10.

0400 Set close's ahead 1/2 hour to Z.T. plus 9 1/2.

Z.D. Plus 9 1/2.

0630 Made rendezvous with LITCHFIELD.

2. WATCHING

The sea condition in the patrol area varied from a heavy sea to a flat calm, the usual condition being a heavy sea.

The weather and wind conditions were very close to those predicted by the Pilot. With an east wind the weather was gray and overcast with heavy seas and fairly high winds. This condition usually prevailed two to three days. When it cleared the wind shifted to the west through south. With a west wind the sky became clear and the wind and sea abated. Of the 24 days spent operating submerged in patrol area, 5 days were clear, and 19 days were overcast.

Visibility varied with the wind as did the weather. During heavy rain and completely overcast periods, a range of 1000 yards by day and 300 yards at night represented the minimum which was encountered several times for comparatively short intervals. In clear weather, visibility approached the geographical limits by day and was 12,000 to 14,000 yards by night with a high full moon.

The Commanding Officer was reluctant to close the coast unless there was reasonable prospect of obtaining a fix before making a landfall.

- 50 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 55 —
3. TIDAL INUNDATION
The current encountered was consistent with that predicted in the Pilot and shown on H.O. charts. Drift varied from 1 to 2.5 knots and set from 055 degrees T.; to 105 degrees T. When operating off Okin Shima in the mouth of Bungo Suido, the flood and ebb tides were strongly felt, both flood and ebb average 1 1/2 knots. Set and drift were affected by the wind and could not be predicted with the limited experience on board.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
These are apparently still in use with the same characteristics as listed in the light list. The only navigational light sighted was Okin Shima. Its characteristics checked with the light list with one exception. Although listed as a 32 mile light it was visible only 15 miles due to apparent reduction in candle power.

Soundings were resorted to on 4 occasions. In each case a single sound was used. These were considered necessary after 2 to 3 day periods without a fix when near the 100 fathom curve.

5. ENEMY CONTACTS
| Contact | Time | Position | Description |
||------|

— page 57 —
5. ENTRY CONTACTS (Cont'd)

| Con- | Time | Position | Estimated | Descript. |
|------|------||||
| tac- | T. T. | Date: 28.2004-9 | 32-31 | 132-28 |
| tatt- | Z.T. | Date: 28.2004-9 | 32-27 | 132-31 |
| ber | 19. Feb | 28.2004-9 | 32-26 | 132-32 |
| 18. | 20. Feb | 28.2004-9 | 32-40 | 132-26 |
| 21. | 22. Mar | 28.2004-9 | 32-40 | 132-23 |
| 22. | 23. Mar | 28.2004-9 | 32-33 | 132-26 |
| 23. | 24. Mar | 28.2004-9 | 32-24 | 132-26 |
| 24. | 25. Mar | 28.2004-9 | 32-22 | 132-27 |
| 25. | 26. Mar | 28.2004-9 | 32-10 | 132-32 |
| 26. | 27. Mar | 28.2004-9 | 32-13 | 132-40 |
| 27. | 28. Mar | 28.2004-9 | 32-13 | 132-40 |

- 53 -

MISC. (A)

— page 58 —
5. ENEMY CONTACTS (Cont'd)
Con-tact: Time
Nun-tact: Position
Estimated Course: Speed
Remarks

28. | Mar 5 | 0245: -9 | 32-11 | 132-45 | 110 | :12 | :Lts. of small
29. | Mar 5 | 0318: -9 | 32-10 | 132-47 | 310 | :12 | :Lts. or 2 small
30. | Mar 5 | 0406: -9 | 32-09 | 132-49 | 030 | :High | :Lt. ship-not
31. | Mar 5 | 0408: -9 | 32-02 | 132-53 | 025 | :0 | :DD apparently
32. | Mar 7 | 0420: -9 | 31-12 | 140-17 | 080 | :0-12 | :Lts. or 2 small
33. | Mar 7 | 1844: -9 | 31-25 | 141-00 | :-- | :0 | :Lts. of small
Torpedoes were fired as follows:
3 at No. 10; results indefinite.
3 at No. 18; two explosions close together.
1 at No. 23; burned and sank.
1 at one DD of No. 25; light out, propellors stopped,
echo ranging ceased.

Attempted attacks were unsuccessful and no torpedoes were
fired at No's 11,15,17 and 19.

It is believed that the enemy is using the normal direct
shipping routes. South and west bound outgoing traffic runs
close inshore to avoid the Kuroshio while north and east bound
ships go well off shore to gain the favorable current.

The following routes are used in this area:

Van Dieman Strait to Tokyo Kaiwan-off shore, about 055 T.

Omani O Shima to Tokyo Kaiwan-off shore, about 055 T.

Van Nieman Strait for Bungo Suido, This track runs about
050 T., from near point C direct to Oshimo China.

- 54 - INCLOSURE (A)

— page 59 —
5. ENTRY CONTACTS (Cont'd)
Tokyo Kaiwan to Van Dieman Straits. Course passes close to Ashiizuri Zaki, thence about 260 T., to the vicinity of Shimancura Shima, passing 2 to 3 miles south of Okino Shima. Ships outbound from Bungo Suido join this route off Shimancura Shima. The course is then generally parallel to the coast of Kyushu to Sota Misaki, turning with Toi Misaki abeam.

Prompt appearance of AS forces is to be expected after an attack on the inshore routes, especially in the vicinity of Toi Misaki and off Bungo Suido. It is probable that the inshore route could be attacked easily at the indentation of the 100 fathom curve about Latitude 32-03 N. Another good point may be to the eastward of Ashiizure Zaki, which is slightly out-side area seven, although AS forces may be maintained there. If contact with sunpans could be avoided, surface patrol of the off shore steamer routes to Tokyo just east of the areas might be profitable with little prospect of AS activity. (See attached tracing from H.O. chart #5492.)

6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED
One two-engine plane resembling our PBY's was sighted through the periscope bearing 145 degrees T., from Lat. 30-50 No. Long. 131-40 E., at 1332 Z.T. -9, February 15, 1942, estimated course, 035 degrees T. (See attached tracing from H.O. chart #5492).

7. ATTACKS.
Attack #1. Contact #10, February 19. Sighted 6-8000 ton Japanese merchant freighter at 1001 bearing 130 degrees T, 10 degrees relative distance, 1800 yards, angle on the bow 50 degrees port. Rudder was put left and battle stations manned. Depth control was lost just prior to firing, submarines sinking to 110 feet. Upon receiving periscope depth again set up following on T.D.C.

Target speed 12 knots (Speed estimate probably high by 3 knots).
Target course 020.
Target track angle 140.
Target range 3000 yards.

- 55 - INCLOSURE (A)

— page 60 —
7. ATTACKS. (Cont'd)

Attack #1. (Cont'd)
Tubes 1,3 and 4 were fired at 1011 with ten second intervals and depth set 15, on relative bearings 059, 052 and 046 with gyro angles 036, 042 and 035. All torpedoes ran apparently hot straight and normal. Points of aim were stern, stack and stern. No explosions were noted. Target last seen from 20 degrees on her starboard quarter, carrying 10 degree list to starboard.

Attack #2. Contact #11, at 1550 February 21. Sighted smoke bearing 210 degrees true. Unable to close range to less than 9000 yards. Target remained hull down. Discontinued attack. At 1800, bearing then being 090 T. Enemy course 060 T. Speed 10.5 knots, range 12,000 yards. It was intended to pursue on surface after dark, but upon surfacing at 150, encountered small vessel forcing us to dive again. Finally surfaced at 1958. Very bright moon so pursuit abandoned in favor of running into moon-slick.

Attack #3. Contact #15. February 24, at 1255. Sighted smoke of vessel bearing 160 T. Upon sighting masts and obtaining a port angle on the bow continued, changed course from 320 T., to course 080 T., as bearing changed to left, increased S/M speed. Could not close (least range 8000 yards). T.D.C. solution of course and speed: Course 050 T. speed 9.5 knots. No torpedoes fired.

Attack #4. Contact #17 at 1632, on February 26. Sighted merchant combined freight and passenger vessel bearing 022 T. Changed course to 280 T., and commenced attack at standard speed (8.5 knots). Determined target course by T.D.C. solution 260 T., speed 15. Load and range of 6000 yards, did not fire.

Attack #5. Contact #18, at 2040, February 26. While on the surface sighted light bearing 165 T., increased speed to 11 knots to close. At 2045, submerged and proceed with attack. Initial setup on T.D.C:

Target bearing 067 degrees relative, 185 T.
Target range 6000 yards, course 040 T.
Target speed, 9 knots, angle on bow 035 degrees port.

- 56 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 61 —
7. ATTACKS. (Cont'd)
    Attack #5. (Cont'd)
    Own course 120 T., speed 3 knots (own speed never changed during attack). At 2055 set target speed on zero to check T.D.C., range to 6000 yards and increased target speed to 9 knots. Five minutes later range was again increased to 8000 yards.

    At 2120 set range to 5200 yards speed 10. No further changes were made until firing when a 1.1/2 degree change of relative bearing was made.

    At 2135, using stack as point of aim, fired torpedo tubes 2, 3 and 4 in that order with 10 and 6 second interval with 10' depth setting as follows:

    1st torpedo: Range 1500. Target speed, 10 knots. Target course 050 T., bearing 122 degrees true 002 relative. Gyro angle 340 degrees. Offset 0. Angle on bow 100 port. Track angle 110 port.

    2nd torpedo: Bear-ning 120 T. 000 relative. Gyro angle 347 1/2 degrees, 2 degrees offset towards track angle, 114 T.

    3rd torpedo: Bearing 118 T., 350 relative. Gyro angle 341. Offset 2 degrees away. Track angle 118 port.

    54 seconds after firing, a high sharp explosion followed 5 seconds later by a second explosion was heard. All torpedoes apparently ran hot, straight and normal. (See sketch attachee).

    Attack #6. Contact #19. Sighted white masthead light and starboard running light similar to lights of vessel in attack #4, bearing 260 T., range 6000 yards, course 060 T. Changed course to 050 T., to close. Original estimate of angle on bow, 5 degrees starboard. A stern tube shot was anticipated. It soon appeared that angle on bow was at least 30 degrees starboard. Turned to close but target passed beyond torpedo range. Minimum range estimated to be 4000 yards. (See sketch attached).

    - 57 - [HANDWRITTEN: EICLOSURE (A)]

— page 62 —
7. ATTACKS. (Cont'd)

Attack #7. Contact #23 at 1718, March 4. C/C to 180 T. 1728 C/C to 110 T. Vessel was observed to be on about course 050 T. at speed about 10 knots, range about 13,000 yards which was used as initial setup of T.D.C. Speed was increased to 6 knots to close target. At 1645, with range estimated at 2600 yards, speed 0.5 knots and course 050 T., with relative bearing 010 T., and angle on bow about 105 degrees port, it was decided to fire one torpedo as T.D.C. setup was tracking target closely with stack as point of aim. At 1647, tube #1 was fired with following setup:

Target bearing, 130 T. 008 relative. Range 2650 yards, course 050 T. Speed, 6.5 knots, track angle 118 degrees port, depth set 12 feet. Gyro angle 013 degrees, offset 0.

Two minutes and ten seconds later an explosion was heard. At 1925 target was observed to sink. (See attached sketch).

Attack #8. Contact #25, March 4. At 1931, while submerged evading destroyers a straight stem tube shot was fired at an apparently stationary searchlight estimated to be about 4000 yards away. Torpedo set for 6 feet, ran apparently hot, straight and normal. (Teil clamps were placed on torpedoes in tubes 5 and 6 at this time). About 3 minutes later an explosion was heard in engine, maneuvering and after torpedo rooms. Searchlight went out, echo ranging from all anti-submarine vessels no longer heard and no further propeller noises from this vessel heard.

8. ENEMY ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES

Numerous contacts were made with small craft during the night, almost none during the day. Those sighted at night always showed lights which were remarkably similar in appearance, although the combination of lights displayed might vary. For example, all seemed to have an all around white masthead light of quite high intensity which had a yellowish tinge and usually separate red and green side lights. On only one occasion the red and green lights were observed to be from a single fixture. Some times the side lights only would be displayed, other times the masthead light alone, and again all three lights. While in their vicinity, they sometimes changed the combination of lights shown, apparently showing or extinguishing both side lights simultaneously. The masthead lights

— page 63 —
8. ENEMY ATTACK MEASURES (Cont'd)

were sometimes flashed either with long or with short dashes. They were frequently encountered lying to but often appeared to be following the regular shipping lanes and were generally found adjacent to the steamer paths. On several occasions, they seemed disposed to attempt to close from ranges of 4 to 5 miles when first sighted. At speeds of 12 to 13 knots, they appeared to hold the range constant, but the ship was always able to draw away at speeds of about 15 knots (full speed on two engines) with one exception. They never attempted any more aggressive action.

During the petrol, particularly the first part, the frequency with which such contacts were made just before diving in the morning and just before or after surfacing at night, it was felt that we were being very efficiently trailed.

Coastal shipping vessels seem to show navigational lights regularly. Smaller men-of-war may or may not show lights. Large vessels are always darkened. "To escorts are provided for vessels proceeding singly. No destroyers, or other vessels identifiable as AS patrols were seen in the day time, although they arrived very promptly on the scene when a ship was struck by a torpedo.

The in. session was gained that destroyers are concentrated by two's or three's lying to in favorable indentations along the shore. They then proceed at high speed to the scene of any contact with submarines in their vicinity. Their attack methods with two or more vessels listening while one attempts to close the submarine, are well known. After the first engagement off Bungo Suido, it seems that one destroyer arrived displaying the usual navigation lights. Two others came darkened, but turned on their lights when they closed the first. After the second engagement it appeared that they came out darkened, establishing contact with each other by flashing masthead lights, then used searchlights only after they had closed.

Lights are probably used to establish identity and relative position of AS vessels and possibly are used to signal. Searchlights are used to indicate bearings by sweeping back and forth rapidly, then steadying and for usual illumination purposes.

- 59 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 64 —
8. ENEMY ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES (Cont'd)

Only one plane, similar to our PBY, was seen. It may or may not have been an AS patrol. In general the weather experienced would have reduced the effectiveness of air patrols.

It is thought that the following anti-submarine measures are employed by the enemy as a result of the experience gained on this patrol. It is suggested that they would represent a very efficient employment of the forces and material which the enemy is believed to possess in his home waters.

(a) Destroyers and similar high speed craft are distributed by two's and three's at strategic points inshore in the vicinity of natural focal points for shipping. They do not patrol and are at least inconspicuous in not completely hidden from seaward. Each group is in effect an anti-submarine striking force.

(b) Small patrol craft, probably motor sampans, observe and report submarines and any other hostile craft they encounter. They very likely are not fast enough to attempt charges and may even be unarmed. They rely on their appearance to give them away. They are not particularly well disguised. They are not particularly stealthy.

— page 65 —
9 (a) Gyro compass failure, 0700 to 1530, 2.1. minus 9, Feb- ruary 23, 1942. While on a dive, phase No. 2 of AC supply to Gyro compass failed. Vacuum dropped on one motor. Secured gyro, lifted sensitive element and found mercury contact part No. 500 69-14 (pin guide) broken. Manufactured new pin guide from No. 60 drill. Keinstalled sensitive element and started compass. The ship steered by magnetic compass while the gyro was being repaired.

Personnel officiating repair exhibited unusual know- ledge, initiative, and ingenuity in making this prompt repair to a delicate and important piece of equipment.

9 (b) Vapor compression stills, february 7, 1942. While underway No. 2 vapor distiller was put out of commission to clean it. While cleaning it and during the disassembling process, one silver soldered fitting on one of the coils was broken at the union. Since the job of silver soldering would have been a major- ship's one, the distiller was reassembled minus this coil.

February 10, 1942. (1) While underway, no. 1 vapor distiller was flooded with salt water from a wave taken down the forward engine induction. This caused a grounding of the heating elements of the distiller. (2) One heating element was replaced and the remaining one dried out. (3) Both evaporators were running at the time so that the efficiency of the plant was reduced by one half.

By rigging canvas chutes from the main induction inlets to engine room, salt spray and water can be delivered to the bilges and kept off machinery in the engine room.

9 (c) After main storage battery, 2001 2.1. minus 9, February 15, 1942. While surfacing obtained a 100 volt ground on after battery caused by seepage of water from lead- ing sea valves in crew's head and washroom into the battery well. Put forward battery on charge and one and one half hours later, after cleaning ground, put after battery on charge. On 22 february, same type of ground obtained when water was taken through hull induction valve on opening it after surfacing before receiving orders from bridge. Obtained a 200 volt ground which was cleared in about two hours.

- 61 =

— page 66 —
9 (d) Bow planes. 1858, 2.1. January 31, 1942, while making a dive the bow planes failed to rig all of the way out. Poor adjustment of the contact in the pilot circuit was believed to be the cause. As the planes were rigged out a heavy swell striking the planes moved them sufficiently to break the circuit. The circuit was adjusted and the planes rigged out satisfactorily.

February 9, 1942, 2.1., while making a dive the bow planes failed to rig out due to contact in rigging gear being set too close. This was one of several failures of this type experienced. It was remedied by resetting the contacts and operated satisfactorily and no further trouble has occurred.

9 (e) Main Engines. (1) Flooding of cylinders. 1700 to 1200, 2.1., 9 February 1942. On surfacing flooded No. 2 main engine with salt water, drained engine and renewed oil, turned engine over and ran it without further trouble. The flooding of this engine is the second experience of this type and is caused by leaking of the outboard and inboard exhaust valves. Carbon building up on the seats of these valves causes them to leak and thus floods the engine. All of the outboard valves leak occasionally and in small amounts. Only rarely is one of the inboard valves known to leak. When this occurs, the engine is flooded on the dive since there is no other recourse open, the rate of flow through the drains being too great to accept water.

A similar casualty of less extent occurred on March 5, when flooding was not sufficient to contaminate the lubricating oil. 20 minutes were required to free the engine of water.

March 11, 1942, while running on No. 4 main engine, the fresh water level was observed to go down. The engine was secured for inspection. A leak was found on the lower side of the injector nozzle post in the water jacket to No. 1 cylinder liner. The leak came from a small crack in the jacket covering the distance from the nozzle post to the limit of the chamber.

Four other cylinders have developed such leaks distributed on all engines except No. 1.

9 (f) Port stern tube heating. 1902 to 1940, 1.1., minus 9, March 4, 1942, after surfacing and going ahead at full power to retire from an attack, the port stern tube

— page 70 —
10(a) Radio reception. Radio reception as a whole was good. The shields were copied at all times on the surface on 17.8kilocycles. All came in clearly till about two hours before dawn when static made copying of schedules almost impossible. During certain transmissions contact was made with the radio station at 4.15 p.m. The parallel of 4.15 p.m. was parallel. The parallel of 4.15 p.m

— page 71 —
10(b) Sound Conditions. The sound equipment held up remarkably well, considering the almost continuous use from the time we submerged enroute to our station until we started running on the surface on the return trip, even being manned many nights during the patrol. There were two temporary derangements. On February 22nd while submerged, the 4th/6th receiver amplifiers went out, the indicator motor stopped running, amplifiers went out, due to insufficient a.v. voltage, voltmeters registered no filament or plate voltages. Leads were jumped from ship's i.v. system to the 4th/6th receiver amplifier power packs so that all listening gear remained in operation. The trouble was traced to the motor generator which was running at 1480 r.p.m., instead of the required 1800 r.p.m. The commutators were cleaned with sand paper. The speed regulator contacts were examined and found badly pitted from constant operation, these were filed smooth and speed regulator adjusted to run motor at 1800 r.p.m. This brought all voltages up to normal and equipment put back in operation again. The other time, low voltages supply failed due to dirty collecting rings.

Check or list were modified so that commutators, brushes and contacts were cleaned and checked more often than formerly required. It was necessary in some cases to grease the equipment more frequently due to the almost continuous operation.

Sound conditions were normal, being better than the San Diego area and worse than the Hawaiian area. Many reported contacts of screw beams or 140 rpm's and pinging were attributed to porpoises which were very numerous in this area. Water and back ground noises were rather light but relative to sea conditions. Propellers were seldom heard at more than 4,000 to 6,000 yards.

Matches were so arranged that while submerged, both sound heads were constantly manned, one by a seaman lookout, the other by a qualified sound man. This

— page 72 —
10(c)
U.S.S. LIMA (SS-203) - F-14A Tomcat.
CONTRIBUTED TO THE TRAINING OF SEVERAL LISTENERS AND MAINTAINED THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE EFFICIENCY IN LISTENING.

The only information obtained relative to density layers was verification of a 4-degree to 6-degree r. variations from expected mean surface temperature of 67 degrees in the marshal with temperature decreasing to 10 degrees evenly down to 100 ft. depth.

It is suggested that a wiring hook-up be designed and installed so that both receiver amplifiers (W/N) and a (d.c.) may be used for listening without having the W/N indicator and driver units in operation, thereby saving tube deterioration from almost constant use and wear on indicator and driver units. A suggested hook-up is a direct link volt. a.c. lead from the motor generator supply to the W/N power pick thereby jamming the indicator and driver units. Indicator and driver units can be cut back in by suitable switch.

It is recommended that the squadron obtain phonograph records of underwater sounds or transcribing listening. Such records have been prepared at the sound school, San Diego. They are invaluable for introducing listening to the various sounds and listening conditions which will be encountered.

10(c) HABITABILITY. It is believed that the serial physical condition of the crew at the termination of the patrol and their health during this period demonstrates the adequacy of the habitability of the ship.

It has been noted that the tendency to install sheet metal structures in the interior of the ship to cover pipe lines and electric cables and to enclose odd spaces merely for the sake of appearance complicates the task of keeping the vessel clean. In some cases, this may prevent adequate access for inspection of important equipment and might interfere with its proper repair.

With careful management of fuel consumption, it appears that the sea endurance of this ship is now limited by the provision capacity. Closer adjustment of the varieties and quantities of provisions carried would undoubtedly have improved the conditions of this patrol. It is necessary to employ places outside the regular provision storage spaces for carrying an adequate supply of food. On this patrol, the ship's officers...

— page 73 —
10(a) Potable and battery water endurance. It was demonstrated that the ship is completely self-sustaining in fresh water from ship's tanks to an average of 300 gallons per day. In addition to this, as much condensate from the air conditioning system as could be collected in cans and buckets was to be used without restriction for washing clothes and cleaning the ship. Chloride of lime solution was provided to sterilize this water in case it became necessary to use it to augment the supply of potable water. The condensate amounted to about 4 gallons per hour, but the lack of a collecting system permitted the use of only a third of this water at the best.

To reduce the battery auxiliary load during a dive and to eliminate adjustments of feed pressures, the intention was to operate one vapor compression still each night on the surface. At the expected rate of 30 gallons per hour, about 300 gallons of fresh water could be made each 24 hours in this manner. Generally, all fresh water tanks were refilled daily and battery water was replaced immediately after watering the cells. It was always necessary to use both stills for one or two days when battery water was replenished to catch up again.

At first, battery water was double distilled, increasing the fresh water consumption enormously. It was found that satisfactory battery water by silver nitrate test could be produced direct from salt water if care was exercised in operation of stills.

Experiments to reduce consumption of battery fresh water were made as follows:

(1) A. With hull ventilating cutboard, battery ventilating into engine room, hull supply and exhaust blowers running at 1/3 speed, one blower on each battery running at minimum speed; air flow through forward battery was 185 cu.ft. per min.

B. With hull and battery cutboard valves closed, hull ventilation recirculating, hull exhaust blower only running at 1/3 speed, one blower each battery at minimum speed; air blow through forward battery was 175 cu.ft. per min.

— page 74 —
U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) - FIRST WAR PATROL.

C. Same as B, but with no battery blowers in operation; no change in air flow through batteries. This was method used in dives. Any further reduction in battery ventilation must be done by restricting flow of air. Into battery suction louvers.

D. During charges, ventilation was adjusted to keep hydrogen concentration below 3%. Blowers were run at full speed when hydrogen approached 2.5% to avoid necessity of terminating charge if 3% should be reached. Maximum hydrogen concentration reached was 2.5%.

(2) Battery Operation. Operation of one battery at a time was attempted for a limited period but it appeared that higher average battery temperatures would be encountered which would increase the water consumption. One battery operation is discussed more fully in Remarks, section 10(h), of this report.

It is believed that washing machine contributed to the conservation of fresh water, possibly as much as 50 gals per day in addition to acquainting the health and comfort of personnel. It has been found that practically everyone can reduce the amount of clothing that they must carry on board to provide an adequate number of changes. One man exclusively operated the laundry and kept the washroom clean.

Potable water consumption per man per day: 5.2 gals.

Potable water distilled during petrol: 19,317 gals.

Potable water distilled per day, average: 357.72 gals.

Evaporator production per hour, average: 27.28 gals.

Battery water distilled during petrol: 1,940 gals.

Battery water used per day, average: 39.0 gals.

Hours per day, average, one evaporator used. 13.1 hrs.

Evaporators were cleaned after 200 hours of use. It was found that the scale was then sort easily removed and about 3/32 inch thick at top of coils. Although the stills will operate at designed capacity for greater periods, it is feared that the heavier scale which will be formed may interfere with disassembly of the coils for cleaning.

- 70 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 75 —
10(e) Binoculars. 8 pairs of Bauch and Lomb 7 x 50 binoculars and 3 pair of Bauch and Lomb 6 x 30 binoculars were used for the patrol. There was a tendency for them to become fogged up and when used in wet weather. To counteract this, waterproof bags were made that slid up on the strap when not in use. The bag was dropped over the binoculars. In addition all joints that permitted water to enter the binoculars were painted with Glyptol and then sealed with scotch tape. This was found superior to wrapping with rubber tape.

The 2 pair of 7 x 50 binoculars that were placed were disassembled and dried out at the end of the patrol. 3 pair of 7 x 50's were unfit for use being out of focus. None were flooded or fogged up. These three were rendered unfit for use by being knocked against objects by the bridge watch in clearing the bridge. It was found that by shortening the binocular strap this was remedied to some extent.

10(f) Health and hygiene. The health of the crew may be considered to have been excellent. The following list is a tabulated form of the complaints during the patrol:

1. Headaches 500
2. Constipation 85
3. Stomach aches 8
4. "Spig" itch 12
5. Lacerations 4
6. "Crotch" itch 4
7. Tonsillitis, chronic 2
8. Tonsillitis, acute 1
9. Fungus infection, ear 1
10. Flash burn, eyes 1
11. Appendicitis, chronic 2
12. Gastroenteritis, acute 1
13. Mastoiditis 1
14. Toothache 1

-71-

— page 76 —
15. Ulcer, stomach...... 1
: 16. Contusion of lip...... 1

Three cases of tonsillitis, acute, developed two days out of Pearl Harbor, and responded well to treatment. The patient with Fungus Infection, ear, was put to bed for one day; and on light duty for two days while under treatment. Lacerations mentioned above consisted of, (a) Lacerated finger, left index, in which case the vein was also lacerated and required two sutures to close. (b) Lacerations of the index, middle and ring finger, which required three sutures to close and two other minor lacerations of the hands. The patient with gastroenteritis, acute, has several entries of a similar nature in his health record, and while he responded to treatment was never quite sympathetic. Flash burn of the eyes, occurred when an electrician's mate was renewing a lamp which exploded in his hand. The ulcer of the stomach has been ulcer treatment for the past six months, and he gets some relief from the sloppy powders with which he has been supplied by the Squadron Medical Officer. Contusion of the lip, occurred on a quick dive, when a lockout in descending from the bridge was struck by his binoculars. There was a sharp increase in the number of cases of constipation due to the lack of exercise. All of these responded to specifics, enemies being resorted to in one case only.

When ship was submerged all day, at first many men complained of headaches, which they associated with charging of batteries after surfacing. The complaint lasted only a short time normally. It was probably due to low individual tolerances of CO2 since the incidents decreased as men became accustomed to the long dives.

(2) The navy ration as supplied on this vessel has been accurate, well balanced, and especially well prepared during the patrol. It is recommended that a variety of cold meats, sandwich spreads, apple butter, peanut butter, bouillon cubes and possibly ice cream in a form of a mix, various dried fruits having a laxative value, (such as dried prunes, apricots, peaches and raisins) be carried on future patrols to insure a variety in the cold luncheons that are served while submerged.

(3) The sanitation of the boat is considered to be excellent, daily cleanings being augmented by a field

-72-

— page 78 —
75-62/A16-3 SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY-TWO eb
Serial 023
Pearl Harbor, T.H.,
March 20, 1942.

CONFIDENTIAL
From: The Commander Submarine Division SIXTY-TWO.
To: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA - Comments on War Patrol.

1. The U.S.S. TUNA has completed an excellent patrol. The conduct of the ship on station was most aggressive and well handled. The TUNA was continuously harassed by patrol-rolling sampans and destroyers. In spite of this, it is especially noted most of the submerged petrol was conducted from periscope depth, and it is considered that the TUNA was not sighted by either planes, destroyers, or other patrolling craft. The periscope produces many contacts which never would have been made at deep submarine-marining the sound gear.

2. Attention is invited to page 55 of the basic report which outlines the enemy routes in this area.

3. It appears that the enemy destroyers are using RADAR to track down our submarines. The TUNA's experience confirms that encountered by Asiatic submarines.

4. The Bungo Suido area is a fruitful one. The TUNA had about twenty-three contacts while in the area. The considerable score of the TUNA's alertness on patrol is as follows:

   One 7,000 ton freighter (probable).
   One 2,000 ton freighter or naval vessel (sure).
   One Destroyer (probable).
   One Destroyer (sure).

5. This patrol report of the TUNA is extremely detailed and conscientiously prepared. Considerable date, information and recommendations have been made that will require thoughtful study, and consideration. The resourcefulness of the TUNA officers and crew in handling their material difficulties is noteworthy.

6. The conduct of the commanding officer while being hunted by two enemy destroyers on 4 March gladden the heart and is most reassuring. His aggressive action in coming...

— page 80 —
5-6/A16-3
Serial #088
Confidential
From: The Commander Submarine Squadron SIX.
To: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) - Report of First War Patrol.

1. The TUNA's patrol was of fifty-five days duration of which twenty-four were spent on station and thirty-one were spent enroute. Compared to other patrols this is a high percentage of time spent on station, but there is an excessive over head of time spent enroute on every patrol conducted from this base.

2. Material performance was, in general, very good although there were numerous minor casualties and several that might have had serious consequences. Casualties to the bow planes are considered especially serious as the inability to rig them out could easily slow down diving time with disastrous results. Defects in the bow plane mechanism and other material deficiencies will be correct during the tender overhaul period. Binoculars continue to give a great deal of trouble. The stegas taken on this patrol to take intelligent care of them are noted and recommended to other submarine commanding officers.

3. The health and endurance of personnel were excellent. It has been demonstrated that personnel can remain at sea in this type of submarine to the limit of its fuel capacity. The commanding officer states that the endurance of the ship is limited by the provision capacity, but states that this could be improved by closer adjustment of the varieties and quantities of provisions carried.

4. It appears that the crew were unnecessarily restricted in the use of fresh water. With two electric stills available, it should have been possible to permit the use of the showers part of the time. Fresh water is of such high importance to morale that every effort should be made to allow its use in reasonable quantities to the crew.

5. This patrol was aggressively conducted and a large number of enemy contacts made; four of these developed into attacks. It appears to be impracticable to conduct a surface patrol in these waters due to the large numbers of small craft in the area. It is considered that the following damage was inflicted.

— page 81 —
6/6/43
Serial 4088
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) - Report of First "War Patrol."

2 Undetermined types of about 2000 tons displacement each
1 freighter, 6000 tons
1 destroyer
Sunk
Sunk

6. Valuable information regarding enemy A/S measures is contained in this report. Some means of combating the small patrol boats and sampans should be developed.

7. The squadron Commander considers that this was a well conducted patrol and extends to the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the TUNA. a "Well Done".

8. The subject of evades will be taken up in separate correspondence.

A. R. McCAM.

Copy to:
Consubdiv 62
CO TUNA

U.S.S. TUNA
-773-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 82 —
12/10/46-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0309
CONSUBPAC PATROL REPORT No. 16
U.S.S. TUNA - FIRST WAR PATROL.
CONFIDENTIAL
From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
To: Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) - First War Patrol - Report of.
Enclosure: (A) Copy of TUNA War Patrol Report.
(B) Copy of CSD 62 Conf 1tr FB5-6/Al6-3 Serial 023 of March 20, 1942.
(C) Copy of CSD 63 Conf 1tr FB5-6/Al6-3 Serial 088 of March 21, 1942.

1. The value of this report on TUNA's patrol is greatly reduced by the mass of inconsequential material contained therein. Previous instructions have been issued to limit the information in patrol reports to that which is essential.

2. The patrol was aggressively conducted for a first patrol, but it is noted that considerable concern was had over the small craft which apparently infested this area. In one instance, the Commanding Officer states that, "Contact could be maintained by efficient listening equipment on small vessels which remained out of our sight". This indicates a concern that is considered more imaginary than real. The TUNA reported sighting only one plane, indicating that the area was not under aerial observation to any great degree. It is considered that under these conditions, it might be desirable to eliminate the bothersome small craft by use of the gun, especially in the presence steamer routes. This would then permit making a surface patrol and would definitely establish whether some of these numerous vessels are actually anti-submarine patrol vessels or whether they are part of the normal fishing fleet which is to be ordinarily found in the coastal waters of Japan.

3. The Force Commander does not concur with paragraph 1 of the Squadron Commander's comments as to the length of time spent on station. From the narrative, it appears that fourteen days only were spent on station and four additional days were spent in searching for a convoy northwest of the Bonin Islands on the TUNA's outbound route. Again too many days were spent submerged to and from station. It was noted on all

— page 83 —
11/12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0309
CONSUMPTION PATROL REPORT No. 16
U.S.S. TUNA - FIRST WAR PATROL.
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) - First War Patrol - Report of.

---

attacks that torpedo depth settings were made for contact hits. The Force Commander has now issued positive instructions that torpedoes be set at not less than five feet greater than the estimated draft of the target in order to take advantage of the greater damaging effect of the magnetic feature of the explorer.

4. On the first attack inasmuch as no explosions were heard at a range of 3,500 yards, it is considered that no hit was made. On the second attack inasmuch as the firing intervals and explosion intervals indicate hits on different vessels in a convoy, it is considered that two vessels were damaged. The third attack on a freighter of 6,000 tons was successful as it was sent to sink. From evidence given on the fourth attack, it is probable that a destroyer or anti-submarine vessel was sunk.

5. The TUNA is credited with the following damage:

DAMAGED
Two 2,000 ton freighters
SUNK
One 6,000 ton freighter
PROBABLE SINKING
One destroyer or anti-submarine vessel.

T. WITHERS.

(Distribution and authentication on following page).

--2--

— page 84 —
12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0309
Care of Postmaster,
San Francisco, California,
March 25, 1942

CONSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 16
U.S.S. TUNA - FIRST WAR PATROL.

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) - First War Patrol - Report of.

DISTRIBUTION:
Pacific List 7CM-4L:
   List I, 'Case 2,
   PI(5), SSF,
Atlantic List 11CM-41:
   SO(2).

Special:
   EN3(5), EN10(1), EN28(5),
   NDI1(2), NYI(1), NF9(1),
   NYI0(2), Subschooi MI(3),
   ConsubSWPec(2), Comirch(5),
   Sunships Groton Comi (2).
NPI(2).

E. R. SWINBURN,
Flag Secretary.

— page 85 —
1. NARRATIVE
14 April
LZT ZD
0856 VW Got underway and stood out of harbor.
0934 VW Passed channel entrance buoys and picked up escort, U.S.S. SOUTHARD. On various zig-zag courses, speed 14.5 knots. Held radar exercises with very good results.
1340 W Submerged to check trim. Escort dropped one depth charge by request for familiarization of crew. Surfaced at 1400.
1900 X Escort parted company.
15 April
0530 X Arrived at Point 23.
0655 X Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. patrol plane 1600 T.
0830 X Dived. Surfaced at 0856.
1030 X Exercised 'at battle stations surface, firing 20 mm. and .50 cal. guns. First round of 3 inch gun stuck: in bore and case parted from shell.
1405 X Sighted patrol plane bearing about 3500 T., distance 8 mi., course 1100 T., who apparently did not sight us.
16 April
1000 X Sighted patrol plane bearing 1550 T., distance 10 mi., course 2900 T. Plane turned away.
1400 X Fired six rounds from 3 inch gun.
2000 X Fired 20 mm. and .50 cal. guns.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 86 —
17 April
LZT ZD
0900 Y Submerged to 275 ft. for training and test.
Defects noted were repaired as noted in Sect.9.
18 April
0510 Y Sighted Midway Island bearing 285° T. Stood
into lagoon and moored to U.S.S. "LILLIAM WARD
BURROWS at 0636 Y. Received 30,300 gal. diesel
oil and assistance in effecting minor repairs
from BURROWS.
1630 Y Got underway and stood out with plane escort
from Midway.
1732 Y . Submerged to check trim.
21 April
2100 L. Passed through Point H. Slowed to 9.5 knots,
80-90 on one main engine, to conserve fuel.
Consumption of fuel has averaged 12.55 gals
per mile on 2 main engines for all purposes.
With 2580 miles to go to arrive in area, best
two engine speed would leave but half of fuel
on hand upon arrival in area, which is not con-
sidered to be sufficient in view of the 4200
mile return trip.
22 April
1020 L Sighted 2 engine plane, apparently a Mitsubishi
"Soyokazi", bearing about 185° T., range 4 to 5
miles, on course 080° T. Submerged. Unable to
see plane through periscope or to pick it up by
radar. Remained submerged to check torpedoes,
surfacing at 1250 L. Concluded that planewas
patrolling from Wake I. and so decided to re-
train from making contact report. Plane gave
no observed indication of having sighted us,
which may have been true because of strong seas
on our beam.

-2- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 87 —
U.S.S. TUNA - Report of Second War Patrol.

LZT ZD
25 April
0200 K Lookout reported sighting dim light intermittently on starboard bow. It was described as gradually shifting to port bow and then was reported on port quarter. Actual contact was not verified and appeared to be doubtful. Kept 20 mm. gun rigged at night commencing this date.

27 April
0505 K Submerged on C. 272° T.

1230 K Sighted XCA zig-zagging ahead of two freighters of 4000 - 6000 tons 190 miles east of Sofu Gan. Unable to close range to less than 12,000 to 14,000 yds. Broke off attack at 1500 K.

1500 K c/c to 135° T. with the intention of pursuing targets, closing from northeast to have targets against the moon.

1905 K c/c to 270° T. toward area, abandoning pursuit of ships because of doubtful possibility of renewing contact and gaining position for a new submerged attack.

28 April
2100 I Passed 21 mi. south of Sofu Gan.

29 April
1334 I Sighted 6000 tons armed freighter on zig-zag course 165 mi. west of Sofu Gan. Fired 4 torpedoes. Fired on sound from 90 to 100 ft. depth due to loss of depth control. Target may have zigged toward us making range about 350 yards and torpedoes running deep and a stern of target when they crossed track. Target next seen passing into rain squall at 7,000 yds. range, apparently holding course and speed. Fourth torpedo fired accidentally when hand firing lever on tube No. 4 bumped by torpedoman. Protective guards have not yet been installed over firing valves.

-3- ENGLISH (A)

— page 88 —
0614 I Sighted small coastal steamer bearing 070° T., distance about 7 mi. zig-zagging on base course about 180° T., apparently standing for Naze Ko, speed 10 kts. Approached with least range 7000 yds. Did not attempt to fire due to small size of target and lack of exact solution of course and speed because of zigs, requiring expenditure of too many torpedoes. Broke off attack at 0709 I and continued passage through Tokara Gunto 9 mi. southwest of Akuseki Jima. This was believed to be vessel previously encountered by NAR'HAI.

3 May

1845 I Entered patrol area assigned. Fuel on hand, 65,600 gals.

4 & 5 May Cruising in steamer lanes in southern part of area.

6 May

Began patrolling in vicinity of intersection of Osumi Kaikyo to Shanghai and Shimonoseki to Formosa routes. Sighted what appeared to be green flare bearing about 215° T. Submerged. No sound contact. Surfaced at 2243. Position: Lat 31-07 N., Long. 125-58 E.

8 May

1830 H Heard what appeared to be 3 heavy explosions at a distance to northward. Position: Lat. 31-07 N., Long. 126-30 E.

9 May

0425 H Heard 4 explosions to northward at about 5 minute intervals. Position: Lat. 31-03 N., Long. 126-28 E. Heard 4 more explosions apparently from southeast at 0636, 0637, 0651, 0713 E. 0630 H position: Lat. 31-05 N., Long. 126-24 E. More explosions heard from southeast as follows:

2 - 4 sec apart at 1843 H.
1 at 1844 H.
2 at 1908 H.
1 at 1910 H.

-4- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 89 —
U.S.S. TUNA
:  Report of Second War Patrol.

LZT  ZD
Although all explosions were plainly audible and shook the ship, none were heard on JK or QC and nothing could be seen through the periscope.

10 May
1210 H Sighted small steamer or very large sampan bearing 130° T. on course 250° T. speed 9 kts. Minimum range was estimated at 12,000 yds. Position: Lat. 30-55 N., Long. 126-56 E.

11 May
2200 H It appears that the explosions heard were of volcanic origin. Radio press reports of the eruption of Mt. Asama in Japan occuring Saturday, 9 May, may have been connected with these sounds.

12 May
1602 H Sighted small freighter and attacked. First torpedo missed because automatic gyro setting switch was not engaged. Second torpedo failed to explode. Sound tracked torpedo to target and fire control data indicates that torpedo should have hit. Lat. 31-41 N., Long. 126-37 E.

13 May
2111 H Received orders from Comtaskfor 7 adding Area to our patrol area.

14 May
0445 H Sighted Quelpart I. bearing 053° T., distance 46 mi.

15 May
0427 H Sighted Kokusan To bearing 031° T., distance 18 mi.

1850 H Sighted large freighter, range 3500 yds., angle on bow 15° port, on starboard bow. c/c to left to 030° T. for stern shot. Fired 3 torpedoes, waiting until proceeding shot missed before firing the next. Third torpedo sank target in about 3 1/2 min. Impression is that torpedoes are running much deeper and slower than the 4 ft. below depth setting. It is

-5- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 90 —
U.S.S. TUNA - Report of Second War Patrol.

LZT  ZD
believed that first two torpedoes should have hit set at 15 ft. Third shot was set for 8 ft. and must have hit the target well below 12 ft. to cause the extensive damage that it did. Position: Lat. 33-34 N., Long. 125-09 E.

16 May H
Sighted plane close on stbd. beam on course 1200 T. It was apparently a Mitsubishi M.C. 20 and did not see us because it did not remain in vicinity after we submerged. Lat. 32-52 N., Long. 125-58 E.

19 May
1210 H
Sighted small grey vessel bearing 3440 T., distance 6000 yds. Closed to attack. It was so rough that target could be seen only twice in 50 minutes and ship broached once. Torpedo fire appeared to be impossible at depth setting required. Vessel was probably a patrol boat or light mine layer with well deck forward, single wide stack and upper works resembling "Calypso" type U.S.C.G. cutters.

20 May
0750 H
Sighted smoke of steamer on westerly course. Unable to close within 18,000 yds., estimated range. Nothing of ship's structure could be seen. Broke off attack at 1003 H. Lat. 32-21 N., Long. 127-26 W.

22 May
0425 H
Sighted large tanker. No hope of closing so fired 3 long range shots at her and missed. Torpedo wakes were normal and torpedoes tracked by sound running toward target. About 4 min. after firing, sound operator reported torpedo bearing 0600 rel., then 0900 and 1350. Went to 125 ft. Men in engine room and some in control room reported hearing torpedo pass over the ship from stbd. to port. Lat. 31-44 N., Long. 128-41 E.

-6- ENGLISH (A)

— page 91 —
27 May

2326 I. In Lat. 31-32 N., Long. 128-24 W.
    Sighted light of what appeared to be a sampan
    bearing 3500 T. and shortly afterward, a second
    bearing 0250 T. Own course was 0000 T.,
    speed 6 kts. c/c to 0900 T. at 2335 I.
    Sighted lights of two more small vessels bearing
    about 1350 T. and 1500 T., respectively.
    c/c to 0700 T.
2400 I. Vessel bearing 0250 T. initially and now on
    port beam commenced firing white Very signals,
    barely visible through the rain. Changed
    speed to 16 kts. and gradually changed course
    to 1800. Flares continued to be fired at
    intervals of 4 or 5 secs. as long as the lights
    of the vessel were visible, at least 25 or 30
    bearing. Other vessels in the vicinity
    apparently did not see them because they seemed
    to take no action. Contact was lost about
    0017 I, 28 May. Continued at 16 kts until
    0134 I.

28 May

2032 I. Upon surfacing sighted large freighter, Lat.
    30-38 N., Long. 128-05 E., bearing 3500 T.,
    range 12,000 yds., angle on bow 300 port,
    course 1900 T. Bright full moon bearing about
    1400 T. Submerged again and proceeded to
    attack. The target was soon seen in the peri-
    scope, but accurate ranges were impossible to
    take. Finally employed echo ranging and
    obtained accurate range of 2000 yds., but
    angle on bow indicated that we were too close
    to track. Previous estimate gave a speed
    of 12 kts. Turned toward target until bow
    crossed her, then swung the other way and
    attempted to fire two straight shots, low
    speed, on 1700 port track, then 1800 track.
    Both were misses. Surfaced at 2250 I and
    pursued on surface trying to get ahead of
    target to attack submerged.

-7- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 92 —
00015 I Lost sight of steamer due to lowered visibility.
: 0430 I Submerged in track of target about 8 mi. ahead of estimated position. Heavy rain, wind and seas.
: 0810 I No position had been obtained since the evening of 24 May. 0800 estimated position indicated that we were at Lat. 29-27 N., Long. 127-57 E. indicating that we had cleared the area on 28 May. c/c to 0000 T. with the intention of running eastward to pass south of Akuseki Shima submerged the following day.
: 2024 I Surfaced and obtained first position in 5 days. 2000 position was proved to be Lat. 30-42 N., Long. 127-57 E., back in the area again, and about 50 miles north of estimated position.

: 30 May
: 0445 I Sighted Akuseki Shima and passed 13 miles south of it submerged, at 1202 I.
: 0922 I Sighted what appeared to be inter-island steamer, for Naze Ko, at about 12,000 yds range, angle on bow about 090°. At the time, we were steering 1800 T. to make good 1350 T. through the passage between the islands. No attack was attempted, since it appeared that the range could not be closed.

: 31 May
: 1600 I Thirty second consecutive day submerged and thirty fourth day submerged this patrol. Intend returning remainder of way on surface.
: 132-25 E., and attacked. Fired 3 torpedoes. Target maneuvered to avoid successfully by turning about 900 toward us. The wakes of two of the torpedoes appeared to give off an abnormal amount of white smoke. Third wake was not seen.

: 2 June
: 0235 I Passed 18 miles south of Sofu Gan.

-8- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 93 —
2300 K
Received message from Comtaskfor 7 altering return route to go via Point H. Changed course to proceed thence via great circle course.

4 June

2030 K
Received orders from Comtaskfor 7 to close Midway. Changed course direct for Midway. Fuel on hand is estimated at 10,000 gal., more than minimum requirements to reach Pearl Harbor. In view of 1500 mile distance from Midway, continued to proceed at 11.5 kts., saving fuel for high speed running to intercept enemy returning from Midway.

5 June

0746 K
Sighted plane bearing 020° T., distance 3 miles. Submerged. Lat. 21-00 N., Long. 152-00 E.

0758 K
Came to periscope depth and saw plane turning to attack course. Went to 150 ft. and c/o from 093° T. to 180° T.

0930 K
c/o to 093° T. and came to periscope depth. No plane in sight, but radar indicated one at 3.5 to 4 mi. Returned to 150 ft.

1150 K
Radar and periscope indicated no planes. Surfaced.

1156 K
Sighted another plane bearing 090° T., distance 5 mi. Submerged again.

1236 K
c/o to 045° T. to increase distance from Marcus I., which was assumed to be base from which planes were patrolling.

2033 L
Surfaced and proceeded to northeastward.

-9- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 94 —
2100 L Received message from Comtaskfor 7 to report position, etc. Delayed reply because the radio contact would be added to plane contacts and we would be within bombing range following day.

6 June

0942 L Radar indicated a plane. Submerged. About two minutes after contact, at 100 ft. depth, from 1 to 3 bombs exploded on port quarter. Attack came from ahead, out of the sun. Experience of previous day indicated that planes would continue to patrol area during the day. Remained submerged. Lat. 29-48 N., Long. 159-40 E.

2030 L Cleared message to Comtaskfor 7 giving position, course, speed, fuel, torpedoes and information of planes. c/c to 1200 T. and changed speed to 16.8 kts.

2400 L Received orders from Comtaskfor 7 to intercept enemy carrier on track to northward.

7 June

0018 L c/c to 0000 T., speed 16.8 kts.

0600 L Radar indicated 2 planes approaching. Submerged. Lat. 31-15 N., Long. 161-40 E.

0709 L Surfaced and proceeded at 11 kts.

1600 L On line to intercept enemy force. c/c to 0920 T., speed 11 kts.

8 June

0950 L Received message from Comtaskfor 7 ordering ship to proceed to Pearl Harbor searching for abandoned enemy BB enroute.

1030 L c/c to 1330 T. and changed speed to 15 kts to be on probable enemy course at his 11 kt. position circle at morning twilight.

-10- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 96 —
10 June (continued)

| TIME | ITEM                                                                 | POSITION LAT. | POSITION LONG. |
|------||||
| 0715 | M Bow of boat                                                      | 28-39 N        | 173-12 E        |
| 0914 | M Bow of boat (name-plate obtained)                            | 28-42 N        | 173-10 E        |
| 1014 | M Raft and body of Japanese (clothing removed from body which was then thrown overboard) | 28-47 N        | 173-15 E        |
| 1107 | M Wooden chest, containing gear & gas mask.                    | 28-48 N        | 173-15 E        |

Various Times:
3 wooden tubs
3 mattresses, blue & white striped ticking.
1 large cylindrical fender covered with woven rope.
Oil slicks (sample obtained.

1044 M c/c for point ten miles south of Midway I.

1049 M Sighted PBY type of plane which did not close us. Lat. 28-48 N., Long. 173-19 E.

1950 M Sighted 3 red flares bearing about 300° T., estimated distance 12 to 15 miles. The first flare was the brightest. Lat 28-59 N, Long. 175-19 E was our position at the time.

21.54 M Sent message to Comtaskfor 7 about the flares. Enemy interference delayed the transmission and KFS interfered on the alternative frequency. Message was cleared by increasing power to get through the interference. c/c to 180° T. to move off the course line about 20 miles.

11 June

0858 M Sighted U.S. PBY plane and exchanged signals in Lat. 28-16 N., Long. 177-45 E.

1455 M Sighted U.S.S. FLYING FISH and exchanged signals in Lat. 28-10 N., Long. 178-50 E.

-12- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 97 —
11 June
0630 Y Sighted U.S.S. POLLACK, Lat. 27-55 N.,
Long. 177-45 W.
0710 Y 17 miles south of Midway I. c/c to 131° T.
1500 Y Changed speed to 12.5 knots average to arrive
at Pearl Harbor on 15 June.
2227 Y Sent 1000 mile report of return to Comtaskfor 7.
14 June
1705 W Sighted U.S.S. CUTLEFISH and exchanged signals.
0600 WW Rendezvoused with U.S.S. LITCHFIELD: Lat.
21-00 N., Long. 158-45 W.

2. WEATHER
14 April to Pearl Harbor to patrol area.
2 May Good weather. Sea force 1 to 2.
3 May Patrol Area.
to Generally overcast with heavy seas and
21 May variable winds.
22 May Patrol Area.
to 100% overcast. Sea force 4 to 5, wind
29 May force 3 to 5, northwest to southeast.
30 May Patrol Area to Pearl Harbor.
to Weather clear except for rain squalls;
15 June wind and seas moderate.

3. TIDAL INFORMATION
Different currents were indicated in the patrol area
by the Pilot Chart and the Coast Pilot. At times the
currents varied greatly with the conditions expected.
The currents in the vicinity of Akuseki Hima, Danjo
Gunto and Quelpart Island were strong and variable.

-13- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 98 —
14-: NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Radio beacons off Shanghai are operated in accordance with listed characteristics. Japanese and Korean beacons appear to be silent even in thick weather.

Me Shima light was exhibiting the following characteristics:
3 white flashes 7 seconds apart;
obscured 20 to 22 seconds.
Total period of light 41 to 43 seconds.

While the ship was within the listed range of Mara To and Kokuzan To lights, the distance was rather great and neither was observed. It has been noticed that the intensity of lights in these waters is generally not sufficient to make them visible beyond 1/2 to 2/3 of their listed ranges.

Fathometer was used to obtain soundings to verify position on following occasions.
16 May, 1942 - In conjunction with a radar distance on Quelpart Island, soundings were used to obtain a position.
24-29 May - During the period when no sights were available, approximate positions were gotten by crossing the 100 fathom curve.

Radar was used to obtain ranges on land peaks as follows:
30 April, 1942 - Picked up Akuseki Shima at 16 miles making a landfall.
16 May, 1942 - Picked up Qualyart Island at 26 miles.
25 May, 1942 - Picked up Janjo Gunto at 12 miles.
30 May, 1942 - Picked up Akuseki Shima at 20 miles.

Echo ranging - not used.

— page 99 —
5. Enemy vessels sighted

CONTACT
NO. DATE TIME. LAT. LONG. COURSE(T). SPEED. DESCRIPTION

1 27 Apr 1220K 29-45N 143-50E 180° about base course

2 29 Apr 1334J 29-25N 137-10E 030° base course

3- 2 May 0614J 29-20N 129-30E 180° base course

4 3 May 2235J 30-18N 126-26E

5 4 May 0200J 30-17N 126-12E

6 4 May 1900H 30-47N 126-35E

7 5 May 1300H 30-26N 126-00E

8 5 May 2200H 30-41N 126-04E

9 6 May 2100H 31-07N 125-58E

XCA similar to Sado Maru
No. S34, Jap Merchantmen.
Patrolling ahead of 2
freighters of about 4000
tons, having tall, thin
stacks and stick masts.
one 5" gun visible on fore-
castle of "CA.

6000 ton freighter resembling
Canberra Maru, No. S54, Jap
Merchantmen. Attack No. 1.

Small coastal freighter bound
for Naze Ko apparently.

3 sampans.

2 sampans.

3 sampans.

6 sampans.

2 sampans.

3 sampans.

Green flare bearing
215° T. (260° rel.)

— page 100 —
5. ENEMY VESSELS SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO. | DATE. | TIME. | LAT. | LONG. | COURSE (T) | SPEED. | DESCRIPTION. |
:--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
11 | 7 May | 1601H | 30-55N | 126-17.5E | 2 sampans 187° T. | 3 miles. | 2 white lights (sampans). |
12 | 7 May | 1930H | 30-56N | 126-15E | 10-12° | 3 sampans. | 1 sampan. |
13 | 8 May | 0610H | 31-05N | 126-26E | 10-12° | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
14 | 9 May | 10-10H | 30-53N | 126-23E | 060° | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
15 | 9 May | 1430H | 30-58N | 126-23E | 060° | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
16 | 9 May | 2305H | 31-07N | 126-39E | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
17 | 10 May | 0027H | 31-06N | 126-44E | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
18 | 10 May | 0037H | 3106-126-45E | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
19 | 10 May | 0717H | 30-53N | 126-56E | 270° | 8 kts. | Small freighter or large sampan and one sampan. |
20 | 10 May | 1438H | 30-55N | 126-53E | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
21 | 10 May | 1957H | 30-49N | 127-06E | 2 white lights - sampans. | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
22 | 11 May | 0615H | 31-00N | 127-00E | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. | 1 sampan. |
23 | 12 May | 0810H | 31-19N | 126-56E | 070° | 8 kts. | 2 large sampans. |

— page 101 —
5. ENEMY VESSELS SCHEDULE.

| NO. | DATE  | TIME   | LAT.  | LONG.  | COURSE(T) | SPEED | DESCRIPTION |
|-----|-------||-------|||-------||
| 25  | 12 May| 1602H  | 31-4IN | 126-37E| 230°      | 9 kts.| Small freighter with deck-load of wooden crates aft. About 200 ft. long. Coal bunker, dark green, black stack with red and white bands. 2 white life rafts on fwd side of bridge. Attack No. 2. |
| 26  | 15 May| 1850H  | 33-3IN | 125-09E| 1050°     | 10 kts.| Freighter, 8000 tons. Resembled London-Maru type. Sunk. |
| 27  | 17 May| 1707H  | 31-53IN| 126-50E| 135°      | 14 kts.| 2 fishing boats. |
| 28  | 19 May| 1230H  | 32-37IN| 126-53E| 085°      | 9 kts.| Small grey steamer, well deck fwd., probably patrol vessel. 70' N.F. kt., 200 ft. overall. |
| 29  | 19 May| 1654H  |        |        |           |       | 1 sampan. |
| 31  | 20 May| 0750H  | 32-21N | 127-26E| W.        |       | Smoke. |
| 32  | 20 May| 1241H  | 32-12N | 127-32E|           |       | 2 samans. |
| 30  | 20 May| 0025H  | 32-31N | 126-58E|           |       | 1 sampan. |
| 33  | 20 May| 1923H  | 32-10N | 127-35E|           |       | 2 samans. |
| 34  | 20 May| 2015H  | 32-12N | 127-36E|           |       | 1 sampan. |
| 35  | 20 May| 2049H  | 32-13N | 127-37E|           |       | 2 samans. |

— page 102 —
5. ENEMY VESSELS SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO.  DATE.  TIME.  LAT.  LONG.  COURSE(T).  SPEED.  DESCRIPTION.
36  21 May  0420H  31-4LN  127-27E  2 sampans.
37  21 May  1540H  31-4LN  127-36E  1 sampan.
38  21 May  2345H  31-50N  127-40E  Lights of 2 Sampans.
39  22 May  0003H  31-4LN  127-42E  Lights of 2 Sampans.
40  22 May  0050H  31-4LN  127-45E  Green light on sampan.
41  22 May  0425H  31-4LN  128-41E  0100' to 0300'  Large tanker, run fwd., 1st 1.5 kts.  "1 sampan - white."
42  23 May  0720I  31-4LN  128-41E  W.  Smoke.
43  23 May  2300I  31-4LN  128-25E  2 sampans.
44  26 May  1513I  31-09N  127-15E  E.  2 sampans.
45  26 May  2228I  31-08N  127-22E  White light - sampan.
46  27 May  2326I  31-32N  128-24E  W.  White lights of 4 small vessels, one of which fired a large number of white flares.
47  28 May  2032I  1900  8 kts.  Freighter, gun fwd.  White light - sampan.
48  30 May  0417I  0550I  sampan.

— page 104 —
6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

| Contact No. | Date  | Time   | Lat.  | Long.  | T. Course | T. Bear. | Dist. | Description                                                                 |
||-------||-------||||-------||
| 1         | Apr 15 | 0655L  | 23-35N | 161-42W | 315°      | 135°    | 5 mi. | U.S. PBY (160t)                                                                 |
| 2         | Apr 15 | 1405L  | 24-05N | 163-15W | 110°      | 350°    | 7 mi. | PBY - held course and speed, no challenge.                                 |
| 3         | Apr 16 | 1000L  | 25-50N | 168-00W | 230°      | 155°    | 10 mi. | PBY - turned away.                                                                 |
| 4         | Apr 22 | 1020L  | 27-35N | 167-18W | 080°      | 185°    | 4-5 mi. | Mitsubishi "Soyokazii".                                                                 |
| 5         | May 16 | 0348H  | 32-52N | 125-58E | 135°      | 000°    | 1 mi. | Mitsubishi M. C. 20.                                                                 |
| 6         | Jun 5  | 0746K  | 29-00N | 152-00E | 120°      | 020°    | 3 mi. | Bright metal 2 engine monoplane. Transport type.                                 |
| 7         | Jun 5  | 0930K  | 29-00  | 152-06  |           |         | 4 mi. | Radar contact.                                                                 |
| 8         | Jun 5  | 1156K  | 29-00  | 152-18  | 120°      | 090°    | 5 mi. | Similar to No. 6 but painted olive drab.                                                      |
| 9         | Jun 6  | 0942L  | 29-48  | 159-40  |           |         | 8 mi. | Radar contact; bombs dropped. 8 or 11 mi 2 planes radar contact.                  |

— page 105 —
6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

Contact: 11 Jun 9 1040L 29-16 179-56 200° 020° 4 mi. 2 engine bomber, landplane, olive drab color.

12 Jun 10 1049M 28-48 173-19 110° 330° 8 mi. PBY type.

13 Jun 11 0858M 28-16 177-45 280° 180° 3 mi. U.S. PBY.

14 Jun 13 1245X 23-26 166-56 110° 280° 3 mi. U.S. PBY.

15 Jun 14 1657W 21-38 161-28 Var. 230° 4 mi. U.S. PBY.

— page 106 —
7. ATTACKS.

ATTACK NO. ONE. TWO. THREE. FOUR. FIVE. SIX.
NO. TORPEDOES 4 (One  Two Three Three Two Three
FIRED accidental) FIRING INTER- 10 sec. 1 min. 1 & 2 min. 30 sec. 1 min. 30 sec.
VAL.

POINT OF AIM. Sound. Stack. Stack. Bridge Stack Bridge
(TABLE: 95 to 90 and 74, 104 135 S. 170 S 120 S.
170 S. 120 P. & 140 P. & 180.
DEPTH SETTING. 15 ft. 14 ft. 16, 16, & 15 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft.
8 ft.
DRAFT OF TAR- 15-20 8 - 10 15 - 20 15 - 20 15 - 20 15 - 20
GET.

TORPEDO PER- Normal Both normal Impression 2 normal Normal. Normal. 2
FORMANCE. 1st gyro auto. is that tor- 1 may have smoked
set.not on. pedoes were circled. heavily:
ESTIMATED SPEED 14 kts. 9 kts. 10, 10.5 & 12 kts. 9.5, 11,
OF TARGET. 11.5 kts. 3rd torp. Low speed was 8
was 8
RESUSLTS OF NIL. Nil. Nil. shots. Low speed NIL.
ATTACKS. NIL. shots. NIL.
EVIDENCE OF SINKINGS. Sunk in 3.5 min, 30 1st.

— page 107 —
U.S.S. TULA - Report of Second War Patrol.

S.  E. Y. A. T. I. - J. U. R. I. S. I. A. N. U. R. I. S.

April 27
Contact No. 1. Two freighters were being escorted by what are agreed to be an LCM. The second freighter appeared to be about 1500 yards and 200 on port quarter of the first. They were both approximately steady course, speed 10 kts. The LCM was patrolling ahead, apparently using a zig plan with changes of course of 30 to 200 and with legs of 3 to 6 min. duration.

April 29
Contact No. 2. Freighter making 13 kts. and making 10 to 30 degree changes of course about every 4 to 6 minutes. Contact No. 3 similar zig plan but speed 10 kts.

May 6
Sighted green flare at 2100 T.

May 22
Contact No. 41 zig-zagging.

May 28
Large number of white flares, about 25 to 30, fired from what appeared to be fishing vessel.

May 31
Zig plan employed by large tanker, Contact No. 52, Attack No. 6, is represented by following times and observation of courses:

| TIME | COURSE(T) |
|------||
| 1601 | 0450       |
| 1616 | 0250       |
| 1633 | 0650       |
| 1637 | 1000       |
| 1637-39 | Fired. |
| 1643 | -1.1anewered - 1650 |
| 1646 | -to avoid Top.1700 |
| 1651 | 1100       |

9. JUNIOR DIRECTS ATTACHED CMD.

DATE  TIME  DIRECT

Apr 15  0900 X Tachometer shaft To. 2 Iain engine broken so that tachometer in linewering Room would not function. Made and installed new shaft by 2400 X.

-23-  [HICLOSSUN (A)]

— page 108 —
1035 X In attempting to fire first round in 3 inch gun, shell stuck and in efforts to load, case separated from it. Torpions had been left out and breech left open to test feasibility of keeping gun in this condition. Bore was cleared, round thrown overboard, and torpedions replaced. Operating with bore of gun open is not recommended for following reasons:
(1) Shells will seat with difficulty because of salt deposited on sloop of bore, resulting in casualties of this nature.
(2) Breech will operate sluggishly due to constant compression of breech closing spring.
(3) Initial opening of plug tends to break salt deposits and free breech so that it closes more readily.
(4) Keeping breech closed prevents washing away of lubricants which provide preservation and smooth operation of parts.

Apr 15 1625 X No. 1 main generator secured showing a ground while charging batteries. Found barrel from a large socket wrench lodged among cable terminals and removed it at 1700 X.

Apr 15 2020 X Secured Auxiliary engine because sparks were emitted from muffler in spite of conversion to wet type by connecting circulating water overboard discharge to muffler discharge pipe.

Apr 17 1330 Y Fired 20 mm. gun. Magazine spring was not tightly wound and third from last cartridge was pushed too far into chamber by lip on face of bolt so that it could neither be fired nor extracted. Cartridge could not be removed without putting considerable force on projectile so barrel was thrown overboard. Another barrel was inserted, a complete magazine fired, and ship submerged with barrel still hot without apparent damage to gun.

Apr 17 0900 Y Jumberged to 275 ft. for training and test. Following leaks of consequence were noted and corrected afterward as indicated:

-24-

— page 110 —
1. 2 cracked cylinder liner jackets on No. 4 main engine and one on No. 2. Satisfactory temporary repair effected by applying "Copalite" to cracks.

: 2. A-valve on steering gear in Control room is becoming more difficult to operate in shifting from hand to power steering. Partially relieved by adjusting, packing glands on plungers.

: 1920 H. Selector switch for bus tie would not go into "bus tie closed" position. Found 7/16 inch castellated nut between contact fingers on contactor in control cell. Source of nut could not be determined.

: 19. Tachometer of "No. 2 L.P. blow carried away. Disassembled and repaired by ship's force.

: 19. "Then testing degaussing motor-generators, found that line & accelerating contactors had been interconnected with fuse wire which netted.

: 20. Found cable clamp shorting line terminals in No. 1 L.O. purifier panel.

: 21. Fuse clips for evaporator feed pump burned off panel, temporarily disabling both evaporators.

: 29. Main motor coolers Nos. 1, 2 & 4 developed leaks. Plugged three tubes in No. 1, and one tube in No. 4. Circulating water supply line to No. 2 interferes with removal of head to plug tubes in that cooler. All tubes slow 50% loss of metal at tube sheet at entrance of circulating water.

: 30. Trim pump controller flash contact arm on last starting contactor broke off. Replaced with part made for CRS.

: 31. Completed plugging of one tube in No. 2 main motor cooler.

: 2. No. 2 main motor cooler developed more tube leaks.

-26- EXPLOSIVE (A)

— page 111 —
8 June
Load balancing rheostat for port main motors failed. Ran on starboard shaft until contacts were cleaned and adjusted.

9 June
Two more cylinder water jackets cracked on No. 2 main engine.

9 June
No. 1 periscope continues to be so tight in its bearings that two people are required to train it in azimuth in spite of efforts to free it by moving it daily. This prevents the use of this periscope in an effective manner. It is considered necessary to place this periscope in proper operating condition for use not only as a standby, but also for regular use at 55 ft. depth when radar is being used to detect planes. To use No. 2 periscope under this condition necessitates exposing about 12 ft. of the periscope.

11 June
Attempted to fire two green smoke flashers. The first failed completely, the second omitted a few sparks and only a wisp of smoke.

11 June
Spring on reset starting lever broken on No. 4 main engine, putting engine out of commission for 5 hours.

13 June
No. 2 Main Generator cooler developed leak in tube n.cst.

10. RADIO RECEPTION.
Last serial received: Tonic 150857.
Last serial sent: Agent 121005.

Radio reception was good at all times although beyond 2500 miles range, HMI schedules had to be copied on 3000 kc. band, making it impossible to guard CTF's frequency while copying schedules, because only one high frequency receiver is carried.

MFI: low frequency schedules could not be received submerged with any success in the patrol areas when conditions permitted listening for them.

Radar. Intertype radar exercises conducted on the first day out indicated that planes could be detected at ranges between 2 miles.

-27-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 113 —
11. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DISTANCE LENGTHS.

In general, sound conditions in both areas and were found to be rather poor. Water noises were often pronounced. Sound range was about 3000 to 4000 yards maximum. An exception was in the area just south of Danjo Gunto where the depth of water was over 100 fathoms. The range here was about 6000 yards.

The existence of density layers in these waters was not apparent, the water being quite homogenous at all depths encountered.

12. TEMPERATURE AND HABITABILITY.

Previous conclusions that the habitability of the ship is adequate were confirmed.

Following statistics present the general health of personnel:

| Condition | Health Status |
|||
| Treadach | 81. Landed in area at beginning of all day drives with a steady decline thereafter. |
| Constipation | 14. An increase of about 50% noted with supply of vitamin capsules ran out. |
| Golds | 12. None severe. This number was reduced about 50% at the end of the first week out and all were gone at the end of the second week with the exception of two chronic persistent non-productive coughs which lasted about three and one half weeks. |
| Catabral fever | 1. These chills occurred about one month after the start of the patrol and was the only case of a man excused from duty. |
| Laceration | 1. Right shin (one suture). Cut on a locker door. |
| Laceration - minor | 4. Lost of these injuries were received when clearing the bridge preparatory to diving. |
| Abrasion - minor | 14. (estimated) |

-29-

— page 114 —
U.S.S. TUM-Report of Second "War Patrol.

In general, all persons on board finished this patrol feeling much better than at the conclusion of the previous patrol. This was probably due to the following factors:

1. Use of vitamin pills.
2. Reduced nervous tension, permitting greater relaxation when off duty.
3. More accustomed to living conditions encountered.
4. Much smoother weather permitting more rest and reducing the physical strain.
5. Better diet and improved preparation of food.

Vitamin pills were quite popular with all hands on this cruise. Previously, the men had been indifferent or opposed toward taking them. Several individuals reported that they did not feel so fit if they abstained from taking vitamin concentrates for three or four days and that their condition improved markedly as soon as they resumed the dosage.

13. FACTORS OF SURFACE WEARING AND
    Torpedoes 7
    Fuel 12,160 gallons.
    Provisions (days) 20
    Personnel (days) 1
    Personnel (days) 1

14. FACTOR OF DEPARTURE: THICK CAUSED BY DING ON THIS PATROL:
    ORDERS AND GENERAL: THICK OR PROSPECTIVE.

-30- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 115 —
1. The Commander Submarine Division SIXTY-TWO.
To: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA - Second War Patrol - Comments on.

1. The TUNA's second war patrol covered a period of sixty-three (63) days of which thirty-seven (37) were spent in the assigned patrol areas. This is one of the longest patrols conducted to date.

2. It is disappointing that the grand effort expended by the officers and men of the TUNA did not produce more productive results. Seventeen torpedoes were expended and only one hit was obtained. From analysis of the attacks, it appears too much reliance was placed on the "seaman's eye" whereas effective use of the firecontrol equipment might have lead to better results.

3. It is regretted that the commanding officer did not choose to use the 20 MM gun and sink some of the numerous sampans sighted.

4. The TUNA is credited with inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

   | Damage | Location | Tonnage |
   ||||
   | 1       | London Maru | 8,000  |

F. M. O'LEARY.

Copy to:
CSS 6.
CO TUNA.

— page 116 —
12/10/16-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC ISLAND
Serial 0742
Cargo of Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California
June 29, 1942.

From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
To: Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: USS. TULI (SS203) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject report.
(B) Consolidated 62 Conf. ltr. MS-62/16-3, Serial 07A of June 16, 1942.

1. The TULI fired seventeen torpedoes on this patrol and obtained one hit. On the first attack, four were fired; three were fired on sound without good data and one was fired accidentally. On the second attack, two were fired; one with the gyro setting power switched on; one with the torpedoes in the netting light was turned off; indicating that either the torpedoes fired with the netting light on; one missed; or, cause unknown. On the third attack, three torpedoes were fired with different speed settings at one and two minutes intervals; two missed, one hit. On the fourth attack, three torpedoes were fired at a range of 6,200 yards at low power; all missed. One may have been erratic. On the fifth attack, two torpedoes were fired at low power at long range. On the sixth attack, three torpedoes were fired at long range, using a different speed estimate for each shot at 30 second intervals. The target sighted the torpedoes and maneuvered to avoid.

2. The supply of torpedoes available to this force does not permit firing when the possibility of hitting is only a faint hope. When more than one torpedo is fired at a target, they should be fired at the standard interval and a spread employed to cover errors in the estimated target's course and speed.

3. A 20 mm gun was installed on the TULI for the first effectiveness against submarines prior to requesting authorization to install this gun on all submarines. JUL 20 1942 was made, reason not stated.

Finished-Num-File
-1-

KOULE No. 10-11
On File No. (SOA) 3/23/SS203
Date No.
Copy No. 1
PNN

— page 117 —
1. NARRATIVE.
13 July 1942.
LZT ZD
0910 Wt Got Underway and stood out of Pearl Harbor.
1225 Wt Received orders from Comtaskfor 7 to proceed to Kiska area direct at 3 engine speed.
1410 Wt Reported to Comtaskfor 8 for duty.
15 July 1942.
2055 X Received Comtaskfor 8 operation order No. 6-42 directing TUNA proceed Agattu Area and conduct offensive patrol. TUNA Task Unit 8.5.12.
17 July 1942. Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 to proceed to Kiska areas and conduct offensive patrol.
18 July 1942.
0718 Y Submerged, plane gontact No. 1. Lookout reported plane bearing 100° T., distance 10 miles, not verified.
0749 Y Surfaced, resumed course and speed.
1950 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 to occupy by daylight 22 July Dutch Harbor date, and patrol that part of Kiska area to east of line bearing south from Aleut Point and north of line parallel to and 15 miles off southwest coast of Amchitka.
19 July 1942.
0730 Y Entered assigned areas, began patrolling.
22 July 1942.
0531 Y Began patrol 15 miles off southwest coast of Amchitka.

FINAL ENCLOSURE (c)
-1-
ENCLOSURE (c)
FINAL ENCLOSURE (c)
-1-

— page 118 —
2220 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 to patrol and observe as weather permits, south coast Kiska, on 25 and 26 July; to return and resume patrol in area south of Amchitka Island on 27 July and succeeding days.

: 2226 Y c/c to 310° T., speed 8 kts., proceeding to new station.

: 25 July 1942

: 0414 Y Submerged, began patrolling off south coast of Kiska.

: 26 July 1942

: 2029 Y Completed patrol of south coast of Kiska, weather permitted no observations, proceeded to area southwest of Amchitka Island.

: 27 July 1942.

: 0401 Y Entered area south of Amchitka Island and began patrolling.

: 2022 Y Radar contact while submerged, 3 miles. Lat. 51-15 N., Long. 179-00 E.

: 2032 Y All clear on Radar - surfaced.

: 2130 to 2146 Y Continual Radar contacts 14 to 3 miles.

: 2147 Y Radar contact 2 miles - submerged.

: 2147 Y Continual Radar contacts 3 to 14 miles.

: 2246 Y

: 2325 Y Surfaced - sent contact report to Comtaskgroup 8.5

: 30 July 1942.

: 1355 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 to proceed and patrol Kiska areas and

: 1400 Y c/c to 270° T. Began patrolling Kiska areas and

- 2 -

ENCLOSURE (C.)

— page 119 —
2 August 1942.
1420 Y Sighted 4-engine flying boat bearing 100° T., distance 7 miles, on course 180° T. apparently searching area. Plane contact No. 2. Lat. 51-43 N.; Long. 177-50 E.

3 August 1942.
2030 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 to observe possible anchorages Kiska area ___ and ___ commencing 4 August.

4 August 1942.
2300 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 to report surface visibilities if less than 5 miles beginning 7 August.

5 August 1942.
0840 Y Sighted 4-engine flying boat bearing 100° T., on course 000° T., distance 3 miles. Lat. 51-44 N., Long. 177-32 E. Plane contact No. 4.

2300 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 not to proceed to eastward of line bearing 220° T. from Vega Point nor approach closer than 25 miles to Vega Point from 1200 W to dark commencing 7 August. Kiska area modified by extending western limit of Ratam to Iron Point dash Scallion hook line.

6 August 1942.
2330 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 moving TUNA weather reporting station to point 30 miles bearing 240 from Vega Point and to keep to westward of line bearing 230 from same point.

7 August 1942.
1300 Y Surface visibility greater than 5 miles, no weather report required to Comtaskgroup 8.5.

- 3 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 120 —
2400 Y Received orders from Comtaskgroup 8.5 to return and patrol Kiska and discontinue weather reports. C/C to 090° T., enroute Kiska areas and

8 August 1942.

1225 Y Sighted patrol plane bearing 0260T, distance 12 miles on course 045T. Not identified. Lat. 51-44N., Long. 177-10E. Plane Contact No. 5.

1525 Y Sighted patrol plane wearing 0990T, distance 12 miles on course 000T. Not identified. Lat. 51-44N., Long. 177-22E. Plane Contact No. 6.

2340 Y Visibility 500 yards, lying to with four torpedo tubes ready for firing and sound near manned. Sighted unidentified submarine bearing 330° T., distance 500 yards on course 240T. Lat. 51-30N., Long. 177-55E. Started attack, diving alarm inadvertently sounded, lost contact on submerging.

0330 Y Surfaced and attempted to send contact report.

2102 Y Sent contact report to Comtaskgroup 8.5.

10 August 1942.

0825 Y Sighted one 4-engine flying boat bearing 3520T, distance 8 miles on course 090T. Lat. 51-40N., Long. 178-05E. Plant Contact No. 7.

1110 Y Sighted two unidentified single engine planes bearing 0000T, distance 8 miles on course 090T. Lat. 51-37N., Long. 178-11E. Plane contact No. 8.

1149 Y Sighted one 4-engine flying boat bearing 1650T, distance 4 miles on course 310T. Plane Contact No. 9.

11 August 1942.

1810 Y Sighted 4-engine flying boat bearing 0900T, distance 10 miles on course 000T, Lat. 51-39N., Long. 177-28E. Plane contact No. 10.

16 August 1942.

0735 Y Sighted single engine float-type seaplane bearing 2700T, distance 7 miles, course 180T. Lat. 51-40N., Long. 177-39E. Plane contact No. 11.

- 4 -

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 121 —
19 August 1942.

2300 Y Received orders from Comtorskgroup 8.5 to proceed to Dutch Harbor leaving area at dark on 21 August 1942.

21 August 1942.

2030 Y Cleared area enroute Dutch Harbor via Amchitka Pass.

23 August 1942.

1200 W Arrived Dutch Harbor.

2. WEATHER.

The weather encountered very closely followed that predicted by the Pilot.

ENROUTE PATROL STATION

July 13-15 Overcast, light wind and sea.

July 16-18 Heavily overcast, fog.

ON STATION

July 19-Aug. 3 Fog, visibility 1 to 2 miles, no stars visible. Wind and sea SW; force 1 to 2.

August 4-16 Visibility good, from 10 miles to unlimited - wind and sea SW and SE, force 1 to 2.

August 17-21 Visibility 1 to 8 miles - overcast. Wind and sea - SW - force 1 to 2.

ENROUTE DUTCH HARBOR

August 22-23 Visibility 1 mile to unlimited. Wind and sea SW, force 1.

- 5 -

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 122 —
3. TIDAL INFORMATION (If Abnormal).

Encountered severe tide rips five miles off Vega Point, Kiska Island. These made depth control and steering very difficult at times.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

The fathometer was indispensable in this area, and was used every day to determine the ship's position. The Radar was also used to determine the ship's position in low visibility and at night.

5. DESCRIPTION OF ALL ENERGY WARSHIPS OR MERCHANT VESSELS SIGHTED INCLUDING POSITION, COURSE, AND SPEED AND TIDE OF SIGHTING. TABULATE.

CONTACT GCT
NO. TIME DATE LAT. LONG. COURSE SPEED REMARKS
1 1140 9 Aug 51-30N 177-55E 240° --- Unidentified submarine on surface, distance 500 yards. Lost contact on diving.

- 6 -

ENCLOSURE (c.)

— page 123 —
6. DESCRIPTION OF ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED INCLUDING TYPE, POSITION, COURSE, ALTITUDE AND TIME. TABULATE.

CONTACT TIME
NO.  GCT.  DATE  LAT.  LONG.  RANGE  COURSE ALT.  BEARING T. REMARKS

1  1918  7-18  45-10 N  177-15 E  ---  ---  ---  100°  Not identified. One lookout reported plane 100° T., 10 mi., not verified - Radar showed all clear.

2  2020  8-3  51-43 N  177-50 E  7 mi.  180° T 2500  100°  L-engin flying boat, dark blue - Tyne-Kawanish 97.

3  2048  8-5  51-44 N  177-31 E  3 mi.  000° T 2000  100°  L-engin flying boat. Type-Kawanish-97.

4  2105  8-5  51-44 N  177-32 E  1 mi.  000° T  800  180°  L-engin flying boat. Type-Kawanish-97.

5  0025  8-9  51-44 N  177-10 E  12 mi.  045° T 1000  026°  Unidentified patrol plane.

— page 124 —
6. DESCRIPTION OF ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED INCLUDING TYPES, POSITION, COURSE, ALTITUDE AND TIME. TABULATE.

CONTACT TIME
NO. | GCT. | DATE | LAT. | LONG. - | RANGE | COURSE | A/T. | BEARING T. | REMARKS
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
6 | 0325 | 8-9 | 51-44 | N | 177-22 | E | 12 mi. | 000°T | 1500 | 000° | Unidentified patrol plane.
7 | 2025 | 8-10 | 51-40 | N | 178-05 | E | 8 mi. | 090°T | 800 | 352° | 4-engine flying boat. Type-Kawanishi-97.
8 | 2310 | 8-10 | 51-37 | N | 178-11 | E | 8 mi. | 090°T | 800 | 000° | Two single-engine planes. Unidentified.
9 | 2349 | 8-10 | 51-36 | N | 178-14 | E | 4 mi. | 310°T | 500 | 165° | 4-engine flying boat. Type-Kawanishi-97.
10 | 0610 | 8-12 | 51-39 | N | 177-28 | E | 10 mi. | 090°T | 800 | 090° | 4-engine flying boat. Type-Kawanishi-97.
11 | 1935 | 8-16 | 51-41 | N | 177-38 | E | 7 mi | 180°T | 1000 | 270° | Single-engine float-type seaplane.

— page 125 —
7. PARTICULARS OF ATTACKS.

NONE.

8. ENEMY ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES.

Aircraft patrol of the area.

9. MAJOR DEFECTS.

July 31: No. 2 Main Engine failed to start because it was 250° out of timing. The adjusting flange had twisted on the vertical shaft coupling nut. The engine was retimed and rolled with air. There is no positive lock on the coupling because the locking lugs on the locking plate were sheared.

Aug. 12: The fourth stage valve and cap of the starboard C&R Air Compressor blew out at 2950 pounds following a routine 100 hour valve overhaul. The threads in the valve port were ground out oversize and a new oversize valve cap was manufactured and installed. The air compressor tested normally at 3000 pounds.

10. WAS RADIO RECEPTION COMPLETE AND WHAT WAS LAST CONSECUTIVE SERIAL SENT AND RECEIVED?

Yes, all submarine should be copied completely except for the schedule missed with 1st submerged on 9 August.

Enemy transmissions were heard on 450 Kcs. as follows:

| TIME | GCT. | DATE | LT. | LONG. | BEARING |
|------|------|------|------|-------||
| 1000 | 8-7  | 51-34| N   | 176-20| 302°T. |
| 1100 | 8-8  | 51-32| N   | 177-50| 105°T. |

Last Serial received from Comtaskgroup 8.5

- 9 - ENCLOSURE (c)

— page 126 —
11. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS.

Sound conditions in Aleutian area were generally good.

12. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY.

The health and habitability were generally good for the conditions encountered.

The following individual cases were treated:

| Condition | Treatment |
|||
| Gastritis, acute | 1 |
| Rectal abscess (incised and drained) | 1 (2 days bin-nacle list). |
| Fungus Infection | 1 (3 days bin-nacle list). |

13. MILES STEAMED ENROUTE TO STATION: 2147
FROST STATION: 534.6

14. FUEL OIL EXPENDED:
49,700 GALLONS.

15. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:
Torpedoes: 24
Fuel: 39,300 GALLONS.
Provisions (Days): 30.
Fresh Water: Unlimited.
Personnel (Days): 14.

- 10 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 127 —
16. W.H.T. FACTOR OF ENDURANCE, IF ANY, C.J.SED
    ENDING THIS PATROL: MOUNT FUEL, FRESH
    WATER, H.O.VISIONS, FATIGUE OF PERSONNEL,
    OR MATERIAL FAILURE?

None, orders were received from Comtask-
group 8.5 to end the patrol.

17. REMARKS.

Of the thirty-four days spent on station sixteen
days observed south coast and approached to Kiska. When weather
permitted observations were made from the sixty fathom curve.
The entire coast was observed and is not being patrolled or used
for anchorages.

Nine days observed southwest coast of .mchitka.

One day spent on weather station.

Eight days spent off Rat Island and patrolling

Oglala Pass.

No patrol vessels of any type were encountered,
no shipping was sighted. This indicates that this area and the
southern approaches to Kiska are not being used by the enemy.

It is believed that the enemy could make this
area untenable for submarines by intelligent aircraft patrol at
night. A plane could readily spot a submarine on the surface
at night because of the extreme phosphorescence of these waters.

The Radar gave very satisfactory results both as
an aircraft warning device and as an aid to navigation, (planes
were picked up at eighteen-miles and land at thirty miles).

Communications were satisfactory with three ex-
ceptions. The despatch giving the new recognition signals ef-
fective on 6 August was not received until 1225, 15 August.

Our own surface forces were in the immediate
vicinity during the 9 days period spent without the effective
recognition signals.

- 11 -

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 128 —
U.S.S. TUNA - Report of Third War Patrol.

A repeat on the submarine schedule, missed on 9 August, was requested, but the Baker message of the second series was never received.

The message giving the new call sign set-up and scramble, effective on 15 August, was never received directly, but the necessary information obtained from NTM numbers 556 and 557 on 18 August.

1. NARRATIVE OF SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT.

25 August 1942.

LZT ZD

1000 W: Colonel Castner, U.S.A., and party reported aboard, held embarkation drill.

1424 W: Underway from Dutch Harbor in accordance with Comtaskgroup 8.5 Operation Order 11-42.

1557 W: Set course 256° T., speed 16 kts. Zigzagging.

1600 to 1700 W: Exchanged challenges with 4 PBYs.

0800 W: Boat frame lashed on topside completely crushed by beam sea and swept overboard.

1544 W: c/o to 225° T.

1615 W: Sighted Great Sitkin Island.

1845 W: c/o to 180° T. to approach Kuluk Bay.

1912 W: Submerged, conducted submerged patrol observing Kuluk Bay. All clear, no activity observed.

2115 W: Surfaced on course 280° T., approaching anchorage.

2200 W: Anchored in Kuluk Bay in 34 fathoms of water, 1 1/4 mile bearing 210° T. from Zeto Pt.

- 12 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 129 —
2310 W Embarked Colonel Castner and party in 6 rubber boats and 1 canvas boat. One two-man rubber boat developed air leak and capsized. Two men and equipment recovered and retained aboard, remainder of landing party proceeded to shore.

: 2315 W Underway, proceeding out of Kuluk Bay.

: 27 August 1942.

: 0630 W Approaching Dutch Harbor.

: 0753 W Moored port side to Fuel Dock, Dutch Harbor.

2. WEATHER:

ENROUTE AREA: Head winds, force 6 to 7, and seas, force 5 to 6, were encountered. 16 kts. were made good with full power on 4 Main Engines.

KULUK BAY: No white caps visible, wind SW, force 2, with occasional lulls.

LAND MARKS: At the time the landing party left the ship three excellent land marks were visible and identified by Colonel Castner, Zeto Point, Clam Lagoon, and a hill identified by Colonel Castner as Hill No. 537, when last seen the boats were headed for the mouth of Clam Lagoon.

- 13 - ENCLOSURE (C.)

— page 130 —
5/16-3
Serial (016)

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Task Group Eight Point Five.
To: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. TUN. - Report of Third War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Narrative of Special assignment.

1. This patrol covered a period of forty-two days, of which thirty-four were spent on station. It was terminated in order to have the TUNA available for a special task, Enclosure (B), and thereafter to send her to Pearl Harbor for overhaul.

2. While relatively unimportant details should not appear in the narrative of a patrol report, it is considered that subject report is not sufficiently informative. In fact, the narrative consists of briefs of orders received and contacts made. Only reference to the general remarks in paragraph 17 can any conclusion be drawn as to the manner in which the area was covered, and hence the possibilities of the area. It appears that the enemy ceased using the passes to Kiska Harbor from the south and southeast, after having made extensive use thereof early in July. During a considerable portion of the patrol the TUNA was restricted in her operations by the operations of the Kiska bombardment force. A marked increase in enemy air activity is noted immediately after the bombardment.

3. The TUNA's only contact, that with an enemy submarine at close range in darkness, was unfortunately broken off by inadvertent submergence.

4. The special assignment, Enclosure (B), was carried out with earnestness and ingenuity, despite inadequate training for this type of operation.

Copies to:
Comtasskforce Eight.
Comsubdiv 62.

- 1 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 131 —
0110-10/16-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01050
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
September 12, 1942.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 64
U.S.S. TUNA - THIRD WAR PATROL

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
To: Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) - Report of Third War Patrol.

| Notes:
| (A) Copy of Comtaskgroup 8.5 conf. 1tr. TG8.5/AL6-3, Serial 016 of August 28, 1942.
| (B) None.
| (C) Copy of subject war patrol.

1. The remarks of Commander Task Group 8.5 are concurred in.

2. The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet, questions the possibility of any Aleutian area being made untenable to submarines by aircraft night patrols with the aircraft available, as suggested by the Commanding Officer, TUNA, in paragraph 17 of this patrol.

DISTRIBUTION
(21CM-42)
List I, Case 2:
Pl(5), SSs
Special:
EN3(5); Consubplant(2);
Comsubsowespac(2);
Cominch(5).
E.R. SWINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.

DESCRIPTION
(SC) 4/6-3(2) 55203

— page 132 —
U.S.S. TUNA
DECLASSIFIED
REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
PERIOD FROM 9 NOVEMBER TO 28 DECEMBER, 1942.
AREA BAKER EAST
OPERATION ORDER COMSUBPAC SECRET DESPATCH
TASK UNIT 7.2.15
CHANGES:
GCT    DATE
0000    15 Nov.  Passed to command of ComSoPac.
Tuna Task Unit 42.1.28, assigned
area Baker East.
1800    15 Nov.  Received Comtaskforce 42 Number
33A, changing patrol area.
1600    16 Nov.  Received Comtaskforce 42 Number
38A, changing patrol area to
Baker (Northwest) and directing
to proceed to area Baker (Center)
at sunrise 12 December 1942.
19 Nov.  Received Comtaskforce 42 Number
1C with same information.

FILMED
45350

— page 133 —
1942

PROLOGUE:

Arrived at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H. on 5 September 1942 from Third War Patrol. Commenced Navy Yard overhaul on 7 September 1942 at Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, T. H. Completed overhaul 2 November 1942. Controlling job - installation of Main Motor armatures. Training period 5 to 7 November 1942. Readiness for sea 9 November 1942.

— page 134 —
1. NARRATIVE.

NOTE: This vessel had forty-aircraft contacts. Only those of special interest are set forth in the narrative. The others are listed in paragraph SIX.

9 November 1942.

LZT ZD

0900 WV Underway from Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H., enroute patrol station.

14 November 1942.

1200 M Passed to command of ComSoPac.

17 November 1942.

0856 L Submerged, Radar contact, plane not sighted - distance 7 miles - Plane Contact No. 6. Lat. 02 - 37 N., Long. 170 - 20 E.

0920 L Heard one distant double explosion.

0925 L Heard one more distant double explosion. This attack was made after having had four plane contacts on the two preceeding days.

1100 L Surfaced.

18 November 1942.

0856 L Submerged, Radar contact, plane not sighted - distance 9 miles - Plane Contact No. 8. (Same time as preceeding day). Lat. 0 - 24 S., Long. 166 - 26 E.

0900 L Heard two distant (not as distant as yesterday) explosions, apparently bombs from plane.

1108 L Surfaced.

— page 135 —
1. NARRATIVE.

20 - 23 November.

LZT ZD Four days were spent patrolling in vicinity of Ontong Java waiting for weather to clear.

24 November 1942.

0501 L Submerged.

0600 L Sighted Lord Howe Island, bearing 305° T., distance 12 miles.

1004 L Sighted large 2 or 4 engine seaplane taking off from inside lagoon near Ekoloo Island, bearing 300° T., distance 5 miles, course 030° T. Plane Contact No. 10. Lat. 5 - 31 S., Long. 159 - 47 E.

1917 L Surfaed. Sent report of plane sighted. No shipping sighted in lagoon. Reconnoitered three miles off Levansaoua and Ekoloo Island.

25 November 1942.

0500 L Submerged, commenced patrolling in area Baker (Northwest). The two focal points in this area were considered to be off Rekata Bay and in the vicinity of Edwards Bank. Of 17 days in this area 5 were spent off Rekata, 5 in vicinity of Edwards Bank and 6 days northwest of Ramos Island.

26 November 1942.

0451 L Submerged.

0608 L Sighted double-ended lifeboat (whaleboat) a-drift; no occupants. Oars, tiller and mast were in the boat. Name OSAKA plainly visible on each side of stern sheets. Lat. 7 - 31 S., Long. 159 - 23 E.

— page 136 —
1. NARRATIVE.
26 November 1942.
Throughout remainder of day sighted a large amount of debris, gasoline drums, wooden boxes, planks, etc.

28 November 1942.
LZT ZD
1730 L Sighted a lifeboat (whaleboat type) awash, not same type as OSAKA one sighted on 26 November. This boat was badly broken up. Lat. 7 - 43 S., Long. 159 - 23 E.

12 December 1942.
0310 K On surface, course 180° T., speed 5.5 knots, made sound contact, fast screws, 1950 T., manned Battle Stations.

0311 K Sail Jig Radar contact 9700 yards, coached on by sound, bearing 135° T. A dark object, apparently a destroyer, was sighted intermittently during the approach on the bearing of the target. The target had a dark land background, while we were silhouetted against a fairly bright horizon.

0317 K Fired No. 9 Torpedo Tube.

0318 K Fired No. 10 Torpedo Tube.

0322 K Heard and felt a heavy explosion that shook the ship and blanked out the sound gear. Sound reestablished contact after this. Sail Jig lost contact 1 minute after explosion and reestablished contact in same vicinity and finally lost contact at 8200 yards.

0349 K Submerged, laid course to round Cape Vikenara. Commenced patrolling in area Baker (Center).

— page 137 —
1. NARRATIVE.

12 December 1942.

LZT ZD

0756 K Sighted through periscope one two-engine land based plane - type Mitsubishi "1" on course 0900 T., bearing 3400 T., distance 2 miles. Lat. 8 - 38 S., Long. 159 - 59 E. Plane Contact No. 15.

1030 K Sighted same type plane course 1100 T., bearing 0200 T., distance 8 miles. Lat. 8 - 39 S., Long. 159 - 55 E. Plane Contact No. 16.

1048 K Sighted same plane circling at 8 miles. The above air contacts are considered of note because the plane was circling over the approximate position of the previous night attack. The two focal points in this area were considered to be off Visuvisu Point and north of Russell Islands. Five days were spent off Visuvisu and seven days north and northwest of Russell Islands.

14 December 1942.

0130 K Sighted one star shell or signal rocket 1050 T., distance at least 20 miles in direction of Savo Island. Lat. 8 - 43 S., Long. 159 - 10 E.

1913 K Sighted steady yellow light bearing 1000 T., distance at least 20 miles, apparently a parachute flare, in direction of Savo Island. Lat. 8 - 37 S., Long. 159 - 12 E.

17 December 1942.

0220 K Sighted 2 searchlight beams bearing 1900 T., over New Georgia Island. Lat. 7 - 56 S., Long. 157 - 53 E.

— page 138 —
1. NARRATIVE.
17 December 1942.
LZT ZD
0315 K Sighted one parachute flare, bearing 210° T., over New Georgia Island.
Lat. 7 - 54 S., Long. 157 - 50 E.

23 December 1942.
1208 K Sighted through periscope formation of seven bombers and six fighters; course 090° T., distance five miles, bearing 150° T. Plane Contact No. 37.
Lat. 8 - 43 S., Long. 158 - 58 E.

2301 K Sighted aircraft parachute flare bearing 066° T., over Santa Isabel.
Lat. 8 - 30 S., Long. 158 - 42 E.

24 December 1942.
1857 K Surfaced, departed from area Baker (Center) en route Brisbane in accordance with operation order.

28 December 1942.
Arrived Brisbane.

— page 139 —
1942: Weather clear, sea calm, light winds, normal Trade weather.

19 November to 23 November: Sea and wind force 6 - 7 from west. Overcast and squally.

On Station: Weather closely followed that predicted by the Pilot; sea comparatively calm, winds light, frequent rain squalls.

20 December to 23 December: Sky overcast, weather squally.

3. TIDAL INFORMATION (IF ABNORMAL).

From 2000/20 December to 0800/24 December 1942, a set of 1 to 1 1/2 knots east was encountered fifteen miles north of Russell and Buraku Islands.

This same set was experienced on 24 December while passing between Buraku and Russell Islands.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

Buraku Island apparently located six miles bearing 1100T. from charted position on chart N.O. No. 2896.

— page 140 —
5. ENEMY WARSHIPS, MERCHANT VESSELS, PATROL VESSELS AND SAMPS SIGHTED.

DATE    TIME    LAT    LONG    COURSE    SPEED    DESCRIPTION
12-12   0310-30K 8 - 32S 160 - 03E 000° T.   30kts.    Dark object, apparently a destroyer.

— page 141 —
6. ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

CONTACT
NO.  TIME  DATE  LAT   LONG    COURSE  ALT   DISTANCE    REMARKS
1   0700X 11-10  18-57N  162-09W  0500T  3000'  8 miles  Friendly PBY Patrol Bomber.
2   0637M 11-15  7-47N  179-27E  --  --  --  5.5 miles  Radar contact; plane not sighted.
3   1522M 11-16  4-09N  173-42E  --  --  --  7 miles  Radar contact; plane not sighted.
4   1720M 11-16  4-05N  173-33E  0600T  2000'  8 miles  Plane not identified; not detected by Radar.
5   2117M 11-16  3-56N  172-53E  1400T  2500'  8 miles  Sighted exhaust and then dark outline of plane; not detected by Radar.
6   0856L 11-17  2-37N  170-20E  --  --  --  7 miles  Radar contact; plane not sighted.
7   1317L 11-17  2-14N  169-49E  2300T  4000'  8 miles  Sighted plane, described as a small land plane, definitely not a PBY; not detected by Radar.
8   0856L 11-18  0-24S  166-26E  --  --  --  9 miles  Radar contact; plane not sighted.
9   0935L 11-19  3-40S  162-15E  3100T  1500'  5 miles  Sighted patrol plane; not detected by Radar.
10  1004L 11-24  5-31S  159-47E  0300T  500'  5 miles  Sighted large 2 or 4 en-gine seaplane, camouflaged with dull grey paint, through periscope.

— page 142 —
6. ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

CONTACT
NO.  TIME  DATE  LAT  LONG  COURSE  ALT  DISTANCE  REMARKS

11  1414L 11-27  7-548  159-39E  3450T  900'  8 miles  Sighted large twin-engine bomber through periscope. Type, Mitsibui 97.

12  1700L 12-1  7-548  159-55E  2500T  500'  3 miles  Sighted, through periscope, single-engine land plane, tentatively identified as Torpedo Bomber.

13  0855L 12-3  7-258  159-45E  3300T  800'  6 miles  Sighted, through periscope, one two-engine land based plane, Heavy Bomber 97 Kawansi 95.

14  0625L 12-7  7-468  159-24E  1300T  500'  8 miles  Sighted, through periscope, one two-engine land based bomber, type Mitsubishi 96 Heavy Bomber.

15  0756K 12-12  8-388  159-59E  0900T  800'  2 miles  Sighted, through periscope, one two-engine land based plane, type Mitsubishi 1.

16  1030K 12-12  8-398  159-55E  1100T  800'  8 miles  Sighted, through periscope, one two-engine land based plane, type Mitsubishi 1.

17  2030K 12-13  8-458  158-59E  --  --  --  6 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

18  2205K 12-13  8-448  158-53E  --  --  --  10 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

— page 143 —
6. ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

CONTACT
NO.  TIME  DATE  LAT  LONG  COURSE  ALT  DISTANCE  REMARKS
19  1409K 12-15  8-068  157-56E  1250T  800'  6 miles  Sighted, through periscope, one two-engine land based bomber, type - mono-plane.

20  2305K 12-15  7-573  158-02E  --  --  --  8 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

21  0536K 12-16  7-488  159-35E  3100T  1000'  6 miles  Sighted one double-tailed monoplane.

22  2100K 12-16  7-513  157-45E  --  --  --  7 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

23  2311K 12-16  7-568  157-53E  --  --  --  4.5 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

24  0224K 12-18  7-568  157-51E  --  --  --  11 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

25  0343K 12-19  8-128  158-18E  --  --  --  7 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

26  0523K 12-19  8-145  158-20E  1000T  800'  4 miles  Sighted one twin-engine land based bomber, mono-plane.

27  1345K 12-19  8-238  158-35E  3000T  800'  6 miles  Sighted Liberator bomber.

28  2240K 12-19  8-268  158-36E  --  --  --  6.5 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

29  0238K 12-20  8-258  158-32E  --  --  --  9 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

30  2235K 12-20  8-358  158-59E  --  --  --  10 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

31  2333K 12-20  8-358  158-59E  --  --  --  12,8 & 4 miles  Radar contacts; not sighted.
Radar contacts; not sighted.
3 separate planes.

— page 144 —
6. ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

CONTACT:
NO.  TIME  DATE  LAT   LONG    COURSE  ALT   DISTANCE    REMARKS
32   1331K 12-21  8-448  159-10E  2900T  1000'  10 miles  Sighted, through periscope, one unidentified plane, bearing 010°T.

33   0032K 12-22  8-278  159-38E  -  -  -  5.5 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

34   0130K 12-22  8-258  159-35E  -  -  -  8 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

35   0204K 12-22  8-278  159-38E  -  -  -  11 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

36   0233K 12-22  8-298  159-40E  -  -  -  14 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

37   1208K 12-23  8-438  158-58E  0900T  1000'  5 miles  Sighted formation 7 bombers and 6 fighters, not identified.

38   1333K 12-23  8-438  159-02E  2600T  1000'  7 miles  Sighted 1 Liberator bomber.

39   0257K 12-24  8-438  158-46E  -  -  -  14 miles  Radar contact; not sighted.

40   0910K 12-25  12-408  157-35E  2800T  500'  5 miles  Sighted one 2 engine land based bomber, not identified, bearing 180°T., not detected by Radar.

— page 145 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.
(Form enclosed).

: 8. ENEMY ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES.
Normal Air Patrols.

: 9. DESCRIPTION OF ENEMY MINE SWEEPING OPERATIONS. TYPE OF SWEEPS, NUMBER AND FORMATION OF SHIPS IN SWEEP.
None observed.

— page 146 —
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Date: 12-12-42 (Lat.) 8-323 (Long) 160-04E
Location
Torpedoes Fired on each Attack
Hits
Number Sunk (Tonnage)
Number Damaged or probably sunk
Type of Target
Range 1500 Yards or Less
Range More Than 1500 Yards
Periscope Depth
Surface Night
Deep Submergence
Estimated Draft Target
Torpedo Depth Setting
Bow or Stern Shot
Track Angle
Gyro Angle
Estimate Speed Target
Firing Interval
Spread - Amount and Kind
Remarks:

Note: This form is to be submitted by each submarine with the narrative of war operations. May be submitted in rough.

CSFP—3-12 42—500.

— page 147 —
10. MAJOR DEFECTS EXPERIENCED.

12 November - Forward bearing on driving lobe on No. 2 distiller seized. To remove bearing it was necessary to saw shaft and replace lobe and bearing with spare unit. 36 hours to replace.

Allowance List does not provide a spare lobe. The replacement used was an old one the ship's force had salvaged. It is recommended that a complete compressor be provided each ship as an on board spare.

SD Radar does not function properly submerged. A double picture is presented and a normal one is not obtained until five minutes after surfacing. The SD is of no use submerged. This feature evidenced itself for the first time on this patrol. The new whip antenna installed during overhaul is not an insulated antenna. The possibility exists that this is the cause of its poor operation while submerged.

— page 148 —
1. WAS RADIO RECEPTION COMPLETE AND WHAT WERE LAST CON-
SECUTIVE SERIALS SENT AND RECEIVED?

No. The following BELCON Numbers were missed: (due
to submerging at night) 801, 829, 857 and 914.

Last consecutive serial sent: Tuna No. 4.

Last consecutive serials received: 72, 90A, 14C and
1D.

: 12. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS.

12 December 1942, 0340 L, while on surface making five
and one half knots, picked up screws of ship making
thirty knots at 10,000 yards.

No density layers observed. Sound conditions were
excellent on the one contact made.

: 13. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY.

Health and habitability in general have been good.

Three admissions to the binnacle list:

One officer - chronic cold with recurrent fever.
One man - chronic sinusitis with complications involving
a face rash, glandular swelling and an infection with
marked edema of the left foot.
One man - a large contusion of the right thigh.

— page 149 —
14. MILES STEAMED EN ROUTE TO STATION:
To Station: 3340 miles.
From Station: 1190 miles.

: 15. FUEL EXPENDED:
63,000 gallons.

— page 150 —
16. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:
Torpedoes 22
Fuel 24,000 gallons.
Provisions (days) 30
Fresh Water 4000 gallons.
Personnel 14

: 17. WHAT FACTOR OF ENDURANCE, IF ANY, CAUSED ENDING THIS PATROL, ARMAMENT, FUEL, FRESH WATER, PROVISIONS, FATIGUE OF PERSONNEL OR MATERIAL FAILURE?
None. Operation order directed to leave area sunset 24 December 1942.

— page 151 —
CONFIDENTIAL
18. REMARKS.
It is considered mandatory for any submarine operating in area Baker (Center) to have an 8D Radar in excellent operating condition.

A. H. HOLTZ,
Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy,
Commanding.

— page 152 —
45350 FILMED
TF42/A16-3
Serial 00153
CONSIDERATE
From: The Commander Task Force Forty-two,
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet,
Via: The Commander South Pacific Force.
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203), Fourth War Patrol - Comments on:
Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject patrol report.
1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.
2. The U.S.S. TUNA completed the fourth war patrol for that vessel on December 28, 1942, having spent 48 days at sea and 29 days on station in patrol areas.
3. Only one contact was made during this patrol and this at night on what was believed to be a destroyer making high speed. Two torpedoes were fired and although a heavy explosion which shook the ship was felt some five minutes after firing, there is no evidence to substantiate a hit on the enemy.
4. It is regretted that lack of contacts made this patrol so unproductive.
5. The TUNA returned in excellent material condition. The SPERRY will conduct the routine overhaul of this vessel.

JAMES FIRE, jr.
DISTRIBUTION:
VCNO, Cincant,
Cincapac, Comsowespac,
Comsublant, Comsubpac;
Comsubsowespac, CSS 6, 8, 10,
Comsubdiv 62, CO TUNA File,
Each SS TF42, NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA, BURN,
CTF42 Patrol Summary File,
CTF42 War Diary.

— page 153 —
1st Endorsement on
UOMTaskFor 42 Secret
serial 00153 dated
December 29, 1942.

From: The Commander South Pacific Area and South
Pacific Force.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U. S. S. TUNA (SS203), Fourth War Patrol -
Comments on.

1. Forwarded. The only consolation to be derived
from subject report is that the TUNA returned from patrol in
excellent material condition and should be ready to depart on
another patrol in short order for which it is hoped that a
more fertile area will fall to his lot.

W. F. HALSEY

Copies to:
VONO
Cincapac
Cincolant
Comsowespac
Comsubpac
Comsublant
Comsubsowespac
CTF 42
Comsubron 6
Comsubdiv 62
C.O. U.S.S. TUNA

45350
FILMED

— page 155 —
1943
U.S.S. TUNA
REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
PERIOD FROM 18 JANUARY 1943 TO 18 FEBRUARY 1943
AREA ZED AND ROGER
COMMANDER TASK FORCE FORTY-TWO OPERATION ORDER S4-43
TASK UNIT 42.2.2

CHANGES:
LZT(-11) DATE
2230 21 Jan Received despatch changing our patrol area to cover the west-ern approaches to Shortlands.
2230 22 Jan Received despatch directing us to proceed to east side of Vella LaVella.
2230 23 Jan Received despatch to cover Faisi Munda traffic.
2230 26 Jan Received orders to patrol point Lat. 7 - 45 S., Long. 157 E.
2230 27 Jan Received orders to proceed and patrol west of Shortlands to cover Rabaul - Buka to Shortlands traffic.

— page 156 —
2236
DATE: 29 Jan
Received orders to proceed areas
Zed and Roger on surfacing 30
January 1943, to look at Queen
Carola Harbor en route.

: 2230
1 Feb
Received orders to patrol area
Roger and cover the southern
entrance to St. George's Channel.

: 0003
2 Feb
Area assignment changed from
Roger to Zebra.

: 2359
3 Feb
Patrol area shifted to cover the
western approaches to Shortlands.

: 2330
8 Feb
Received orders to patrol mid-
way between St. George's and
Shortlands.

: 2357
10 Feb
Received orders to stay out of
all areas and south of Zed.

: 2300
11 Feb
Received orders to proceed south.

— page 158 —
1. NARRATIVE.
All Times "I".
18 January 1943.
LZT
0900 Underway from New Farm Wharf, Brisbane, Australia.
1000 Transferred patient to U.S.S. FRED TALBOT fft U.S.S. FULTON. Diagnosis undetermined; showing signs of hysteria.
1141 Submerged off Pile Light for sound test.
1320 Surfaced; test completed. Stood out of Moreton Bay.
1825 Joined escort, 1-44, HMAS WARMONGER, off Caloundra Head.
2000 Passed Cape Moreton abeam to starboard.
2103 Commenced night approaches.
2357 Completed night approaches. Set course 025 T., speed 14 knots, zigzagging astern of escort.
19 January 1943.
0800 Submerged, commenced sound exercises with escort.
1100 Completed exercises. Made deep dive.
1148 Surfaced.
1300 Commenced submerged approaches, escort acting as target.
1619 Completed approaches.
1620 Escort departed for port; set base course 358 T., speed 10 knots, zigging. Port shaft out of commission. Salt water found in reduction gear sump tank.

— page 159 —
1. NARRATIVE.
19 January 1943.
LZT Put one shaft out at a time to change the oil in the sump and tighten up on the manhole plates. These had apparently worked loose permitting salt water from the bilges to enter the sumps.
2335 Both shafts in commission, c/s to 14 knots.
20 January 1943.
1202 c/s to 16 knots, 80-90 on three engines.
1521 Submerged for training dive.
1543 Surfaced.
1633 Submerged for training dive.
1647 Surfaced on course 008 T., speed 16 knots. Received despatch from CTF 42 changing our routing points to follow convoy routes.
21 January 1943.
0830 Battle stations for training.
0840 Battle stations; fired three rounds of 3" ammunition.
2230 Received despatch from CTF 42 to bend on speed, changing our patrol area to cover the western approaches to Shortlands. Were charging on one engine at time; put fourth engine on propulsion as soon as Auxiliary Engine could carry the charge.
22 January 1943.
0015 c/s to 18 knots, 80-90 on four engines.
0537 Submerged for daylight run.

— page 160 —
1. NARRATIVE.

LZT

1148
Sighted through periscope two-engine land-based bomber. Aircraft Contact No. 1. Lat. 7 - 44 S., Long. 156 - 11 E.

2300
Received despatch from CTF 42 telling us to attempt to reach east side of Vella LaVella by afternoon of 23 January, with no surface daylight running, and not to go south of 7 - 40 S., prior daylight of 24 January. Will not be able to make it; only three engines available; working on fuel rack on No. 1 Main Engine. Even if we had four engines, we couldn't make it.

23 January 1943.

0210
Sighted Simbo Island, bearing 020 T., distance 45 miles.

0456
Submerged for daylight run.

2030
c/c to 090 T., to pass north of Vella LaVella Island, and take patrol station east of the island.

2040
Plane Contact on Radar. Not sighted. Closing to 5 miles. Submerged. Aircraft Contact No. 2. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 25 - 30 E.

2050
All clear on Radar. Surfaced on course 090 T.

2200
Received despatch from CTF 42 to cover Faisi Munda traffic.

2230
Submerged - Radar contact. Plane not sighted. 5 miles opening out to 11 miles after submergence. Aircraft Contact No. 3. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 36 E.

2248
All clear on the Radar. Surfaced on course 090 T.

2310
c/c to 105 T., submerged. Radar contact. Plane not sighted. 8 miles, closing to 3 1/2 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 4. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 39 E.

2355
Surfaced on course 105 T., speed 10 knots.

— page 161 —
1. NARRATIVE.
LZT
24 January 1943
0015 Submerged; Radar contact. Plane not sighted. 6 miles closing to 3 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 5. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 45 E.
0100 Radar contact, 5 1/2 miles, closing to 4 miles and opening out to 7 miles - contact lost. Aircraft Contact No. 6. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 46 E.
0111 Radar contact, 5 miles closing to 2 1/2 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 7. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 46 E.
0120 Radar contact, 5 miles closing to 1 1/2 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 8. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 46 - 30 E.
0140 Radar contact, 5 miles closing to 2 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 9. Lat. 7 - 27 S., Long. 156 - 47 E.
0158 All clear on the Radar. Surfaced on course 150 T., speed 10 knots.
0210 - Sighted numerous gun flashes over Kolombangara Island in direction of Munda.
0225 Sighted aircraft flare bearing 135 T. 40 miles over Kula Gulf. Lat. 7 - 31 S., Long. 156 - 48 E.
0320 Sighted red aircraft flare bearing 102 T., 30 miles. Lat. 7 - 33 S., Long. 156 - 49 E.
0340 Sighted red aircraft flare bearing 120 T., 35 miles. Lat. 7 - 34 S., Long. 156 - 50 - 30 E.
0359 c/c to 150 T.
0412 Radar contact. Plane not sighted, 5 miles opening out to 8 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 10. Lat. 7 - 34 S., Long. 156 - 50 E. c/c to 138 T., to head for patrol line in Vella Gulf. Decided to patrol on

— page 162 —
1. NARRATIVE.

24 January 1943

LZT
line 205 T. - 025 T., about 7 miles off Kundurum-bangara Point. This line gives full coverage to all traffic to and from Villa Plantation.

0421
Submerged. Radar contact, 3 miles closing to 1/2 miles. Plane not sighted. Aircraft Contact No. 11. Lat. 7 - 34 S., Long. 156 - 50 E.

1400
Battle Stations. Sighted smoke bearing 295 T.

1410
c/c to 300 T.

1414
Contact No. 1, Attack No. 1. Sighted stack bearing 291 T., distance 7 miles. Used 8 knots to close the track, various speeds coming to firing course of 205 T. to reach firing position. Target was 6500 ton tanker. Lat. 7 - 40 S., Long. 155 - 50 E.

1452-47
Fired No. 1 Torpedo.

1453-04
Fired No. 2 Torpedo.

1453-14
Fired No. 3 Torpedo.

1453-26
Fired No. 4 Torpedo.

1454-50
Heard first torpedo explosion.

1455-01
Heard second torpedo explosion.

1458-32
Heard very loud explosion, similar to internal explosion on target. Much more pronounced than the torpedo explosions. At time of explosions, had temporarily lost depth control and were at 75 feet. By the time we got back to periscope depth, target was observed to be zigzagging violently using courses from 100 T. to 260 T. Screws were heard to stop after the torpedo explosions and then start up. Target appeared to be settling in the water and slightly down by the stern.

1504
c/c to 150 T. to attempt to trail the target and determine final results. Target slowed to about 8 knots, settling in the water and zigzagging toward Blackett Strait.

— page 163 —
1. NARRATIVE.
24 January 1943.
LZT
1526
Sighted two-engine bomber searching low, 7 miles, 270 T. Aircraft Contact No. 12. Lat. 7 - 40 S., Long. 156 - 52 E.
1533
Heard two aerial bombs close aboard. Went deep to 150 feet.
1539
c/c to 040 T. and headed back to Point Kundurumbangara, apparently the focal point for traffic coming into Vella Gulf.
1630
Came to periscope depth. Tanker out of sight.
1705
Contact No. 2, Attack No. 2. Lat. 7 - 40 S., Long. 156 - 52 E. Battle Stations. Sighted ship bearing 290 T., hull down. This vessel, a large freighter of 8000 tons, was escorted by a new escort vessel of about 500 tons, which was patrolling aft of the freighter.
1708
c/c to 270 T.
1716
c/c to 240 T.
1722
c/c to 230 T.
1729
c/c to 250 T. for firing course to compensate for target zig caught just prior to firing.
1730-56
Fired No. 1 Torpedo.
1731-21
Fired No. 2 Torpedo.
1731-40
Fired No. 3 Torpedo.
1733-10
Fired No. 4 Torpedo.
1732-14
Heard explosion and saw first torpedo hit just forward of the bridge. Shortly afterwards, much debris was observed coming down, consisting of pieces of superstructure. When last observed, target had a definite port list and was lowering life boats. Her screws had stopped and were not heard again.

— page 164 —
1. NARRATIVE.
24 January 1943.
LZT
1735
Periscope up - taking observations for approach on escort. Two bomb explosions were heard close aboard. The escort was observed to wheel around and head for us at high speed with a zero angle on the bow. Apparently we had been sighted by an aircraft. Started going deep. Aircraft Contact No. 13. Lat. 7 - 41 - 30 S., Long. 156 - 53 - 30 E.
1739
As we were passing 200 feet, a determined depth charge attack was made by the escort vessel with a pattern of eight charges that were close aboard. The pattern was laid across our stern. The third charge was the closest, knocking us 10 degrees off our course. Numerous gauges were knocked out and minor damage sustained throughout the boat. This was the first depth charge attack experienced by this vessel and the vessel and personnel took it very well.
1800
A second depth charge attack of 6 charges was experienced. We were at 290 feet for this attack. It was not as effective. The charges were not as close. Similar minor damage to that suffered on the first attack was experienced.
2012
This attack, as well as Attack No. 1, took place about 3 miles off Kundurumbangara Point. It was decided to return and patrol off this point in the morning and determine if the Japs would run the same route again.
2012
Surfaced on course 090 T., speed 5 knots, standing to east to get a partial charge in before coming back to to the Point to cover any of the outcoming traffic.
2135
Submerged. Radar contact 4 miles. Plane not sighted. Did not want to disclose our position. Plane opened out to 7 miles after submergence. Aircraft Contact No. 14. Lat. 7 - 36 - 30 S., Long. 157 - 04 E. Received despatch from CTF 42 repeating our assignment of sinking Faisi - Munda traffic.
2140
Surfaced and resumed course 100 T., speed 10 knots, zigging.

— page 165 —
1. NARRATIVE.
25 January 1943.
LZT
0339
Submerged. Decided to establish a patrol line closer to the Point than that used yesterday. Will attempt to intercept traffic a little more to the north, as they will undoubtedly be looking for us at the position of the two attacks yesterday.

1247
c/c to 000 T. to close the beach. Visibility has definitely deteriorated, being about maximum 8000 yards.

1508
Propellers picked up by sound gear bearing 325 T. Battle stations. Maximum visibility 7000 yards.

1516
Contact No. 3, Attack No. 3. Lat. 7 - 41 S., Long. 156 - 51 E. Sighted a DD bearing 265 T., range 4400 yards.

1517
Sighted a cargo vessel bearing 266 T., range 5000 yards. These vessels were on course to pass them two miles off Kundurumbangara Point. c/c to 210 T.

1518
Sighted a second cargo vessel with angle on bow of 90 port, range 5000 yards, already past, with a DD out ahead patrolling on port hand. The first DD was patrolling on port flank, zigging erratically, flying flag hoists, and using searchlight for communications. The patrol conducted by the two destroyers was very effective. The two freighters were within a mile or two of the beach and the forward DD was covering from ahead out to the port; the second was covering from the port beam aft of the second freighter.

The second cargo vessel was taken as the target, because the first cargo vessel and DD were past bearing, and the second DD was zigging violently, patrolling on the port quarter of the second cargo vessel.

1519
Did not use over 4 knots to close the track because of possibility of the DD hearing our screw noises. He was considerably closer at times than the target but never presented a good target. Also, the radical, frequent zigging made frequent observations necessary.

— page 166 —
1. NARRATIVE.

25 January 1943.

LZT

1530-48 Fired No. 1 Torpedo.
1531-05 Fired No. 2 Torpedo.
1531-13 Fired No. 3 Torpedo.

As soon as we fired, periscope was put on the second DD. He was observed to turn towards us with a zero angle on the bow, distance 2500 yards and increase speed. Went to deep submergence.

1532-43 Heard torpedo explosion of the first torpedo fired. Target screws stopped and were not heard again.

1535 First two depth charges were felt. During the next thirty minutes, a determined and scientific depth charge attack was made by the two destroyers. A total of eighteen charges and eight aerial bombs were heard and felt. One pattern of charges bodily knocked the boat down 20 feet, apparently detonating directly overhead. On two occasions, the DDs were heard to pass directly overhead without dropping any charges. Apparently our silent running was effective. Minor damage was experienced comparable to that received in the first attack.

1550 c/c to 065 T.

1558 Heard last two depth charges.

1836 c/c to 090 T. Came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

1905 c/c to 105 T.

2007 Surfaced on course 105 T., speed 10 knots, zigging. Standing to the east to get a partial charge in before heading back off Kundurumbangara Point. It was decided that the Japs were determined to continue running their traffic two miles off Kundurumbangara Point. We intend to be off that point at daylight to inter-dept any traffic coming out.

— page 167 —
1. NARRATIVE.
25 January 1943.
LZT
2300 Received despatch from CTF 42 telling that one and possibly three AKs with escorts left Faisi this afternoon. This apparently referred to the convoy we attacked during the afternoon.
26 January 1943.
0000 Underway as before on course 292 T., speed 10 knots, zigging. Proceeding to Kundurumbangara Point to patrol line four miles off beach.
0015 Submerged. Apparently false contact on sound bearing 221 T., described as pinging, but thought later to have been a porpoise.
0038 Surfaced on course 292 T., speed 10 knots, zigging.
0330 Submerged on course 292 T. We believe that the one ship that got by last night will be coming out this morning with the two DD escort. Did not want to be picked up by air search. Running with radio mast up to copy sked and check on planes.
0400 c/c to 130 T.
0417 Radar contact submerged. Distance 1/2 mile opening out to 2 miles. Not sighted through periscope. Aircraft Contact No. 15. Lat. 7 - 36 S., Long. 156 - 56 E.
0620 Sighted smoke bearing 201 T. Battle stations. c/c to 200 T. to close smoke.
0624 Distant explosions heard. Later on it registered that the DD escorts were dropping embarrassing charges at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes.
0633 Contact No. 4, Attack No. 4. Lat. 7 - 37 S., Long. 156 - 52 E. Sighted mast of vessel bearing 203 T.

— page 168 —
1. NARRATIVE.
26 January 1943.
LZT
0637
Sighted mast of what proved later to be a DD bearing 204 T.
0638
Sighted another mast bearing 202 T.
0647
Could definitely make out a modern cargo vessel with one DD out ahead and the other aetern. Both DDs were using their searchlights for communicating with cargo vessel and with each other. There were many flag hoists in the air. They were apparently changing course and zigging with flag hoists. These escorts and AK were the other 3/4ths of the convoy that entered yesterday afternoon.
0650
c/c to 250 T.
0702
c/c to 260 T.
0704
Heard several more depth charges. DD were patrolling out on the flanks on the starboard bow and port quarter of target, dropping the charges. The target was unloaded, running within 2 miles of the beach. Making 6 and 8 knots between periscope observations to close the track.
0725
c/c to 285 T. to get favorable track and zero gyro angle. It became apparent that we would not get closer than 3000 yards and that we had to fire soon. Forward DD was closer than the target, approximately 2500 yards, but did not present a favorable angle and was zigging erratically.
0742-27
Fired No. 1 Torpedo.
0742-45
Fired No. 2 Torpedo.
0743-01
Heard depth charge.

— page 169 —
1. NARRATIVE.
26 January 1943.
LZT
0747
Another explosion similar to aerial bomb heard, closer. By this time it was apparent that we had not been sighted definitely by the surface craft, but probably by the plane. The forward DD had opened range to 5000 yards and we were abaft his beam; the aft DD now presented us with a 70 degree angle and increased speed to about 25 knots. Much activity was noted as apparently Battle stations were being manned; activity noted on bridge, rangefinders, guns and torpedo mounts. A setup was made on the DD.
0749
Two depth charges heard fairly close; DD still giving us a fairly large angle and coming up on a good track.
0750-50
Another depth charge heard. At this time sound reported loud screws bearing 180 getting closer. As we had not seen other DD for some time, searched to see if he was coming in on us. As sweep disclosed nothing close aboard, swung around to fire our remaining three forward torpedoes at the DD.
0751-18
Fired No. 1 Torpedo at DD. Had an excellent setup on him, using 25 knots, range 2700 yards. Kept scope on DD; much activity noted on starboard wing of bridge. A hoist was made of a flag over a pennant (could not make them out) and the DD suddenly increased speed and came right rapidly and headed directly for us. Did not get second and third torpedoes off.
0752-XX
Went to deep submergence.
0752-15
First depth charge went off, fairly distant.
0754-25
Second depth charge heard much closer, overhead. Only one set of propellers were heard. It is thought that the other DD stood on with the target.
0756-25
Third depth charge heard - fairly close.
0759-00
Fourth depth charge.

— page 170 —
1. NARRATIVE.
26 January 1943.
LZT
0759-51 Fifth depth charge. DD crossed over on two of these attacks. It is felt that he did not have enough depth charges left to lay a regular pattern.
0801 Screws heard fading out on true bearing 252.
0810 Screws last heard on 241 T.
0820 Came to periscope depth. Target and two DD in sight standing away.
0849 Sighted one two-floatseaplane bearing 234 T., distance 5 miles. This was apparently one plane that had been covering the sortie of the convoy. Aircraft Contact No. 16. Lat. 7 - 37 - 30 S., Long. 156 - 54 E.
0950 c/o to 270 T. to close the beach 2 miles.
1754 Sighted smoke bearing 310 T.
1806 Sighted two two-floatseaplanes distant 8 - 10 miles, bearing 160 T., patrolling to northward along course line that passes two miles off Kundurumbangara Point.
1820 Contact No. 5, Attack No. 5. Lat. 7 - 35 S., Long. 156 - 50 E. Sighted masts of ship bearing 305 T.
1825 Sighted four two-floattype seaplanes similar to planes portrayed on Page 150 in publication FM30-38, patrolling along the course line in the vicinity of Kundurumbangara Point. As we were to the north of this point, they did not approach closer than 3 - 4 miles. Plane Contact No. 17. Lat. 7 - 40 - 30 S., Long. 156 - 53 E.
1826 Battle stations; target now definitely in sight, bearing 308 T.
1832 Sound picked up propeller noises, approximate range 11000 yards.

— page 171 —
1. NARRATIVE.
26 January 1943.
LZT
1834 Lat. 7 - 35 S., Long. 156 - 50 E. Sighted a DD patrolling ahead of cargo vessel - old type DD - not as large as the two previously seen.
1842 c/c to 260 T. DD patrolling out ahead of the target. Target zigging. Planes still in sight, patrolling out ahead of the target in vicinity of Kundurumbangara Point.
1850 c/c to 230 T.
1853-30 Fired No. 1 Torpedo.
1853-45 Fired No. 2 Torpedo. Had an excellent setup on TDC. Had tracked target for four minutes and everything checked cold.
1854-07 Heard torpedo explosion. Through scope saw a large geyser of water between target and DD escort. In approximate location of first torpedo. A premature explosion. The target was shaken by the explosion. The scope was trained on the target when the explosion took place. Training left, the scope came on the geyser of water. At this instant, the DD changed course to the right and speeded up. With no torpedoes left forward, deep submergence was ordered.
1857-15 Heard an explosion that we had expected to be a depth charge, but was a torpedo explosion. There is a possibility that the DD saw the premature explosion and thought that it was the torpedo exploding at the end of its run, and so ran down the track away from us and encountered the second torpedo.
1903 c/c to 050 T.
1905 Heard one set of screws making same RPM as target. Sound reports they resembled the target and not the DD. Still expected the DD to work us over, but depth charge attack did not come.

— page 172 —
1. NARRATIVE.
26 January 1943.
LZT
1920 Came to periscope depth; nothing in sight. Visibility very poor - dark.
2008 c/o to 090 T.
2012 Surfaced on course 090 T., 10 knots, standing to east to get in partial charge. Then intend closing Kun-durumbangara Point and waiting for the target to come out in the morning and ascertaining whether we hit the DD.
2018 Radar contact. Planes not sighted. 10 miles, opening out.
2110 Sighted large bubble with a definite source about 800 yards broad on the starboard bow. Came right with emergency speed. Turbulence in water increased in size; two tracks emanated from it and we ran parallel to one track and the other passed ahead of us. Went ahead full power on three engines, putting the bubble astern (again the lack of bow torpedoes was definitely felt). With our own screw noises, sound could not pick up anything else.
2115 Sighted another larger bubble two points on the starboard bow; headed for it at 17 knots; passed directly over the source of the bubble. Two tracks emanated from this large bubble and we passed between and para-1lel to them. At the time, we firmly believed these to be torpedo wakes. Observations since lead to the conclusion they were fish.
2116 Submerged on course 150 T.
2126 c/c to 100 T.
2230 Sound reported slow screws bearing 325 relative.

— page 173 —
1. NARRATIVE.
26 January 1943.
2302 All clear on the sound gear. Surfaced on course 100 T., zigging.
Received despatch from CTF 42 directing this vessel to proceed immediately to patrol station at a point Lat. 7 - 45 S., Long. 157 E., and telling us we had been spotted on our morning attack. We had hoped to go back and get our target in the morning. The usual routine is for them to enter at dusk, unload and then stand out the next morning.
27 January 1943.
0050 Underway as before on course 100 T., zigging, heading for new patrol point.
0050 c/c to 280 T., this line passing through patrol point.
0100 With battery fully charged, decided to submerge and conduct periscope patrol in the bright moon light rather than present a target for any Nip subs. All hands could stand a period of rest and quiet after the past three days. Patrolled on course 280 T. and 100 T. in vicinity of patrol point.
1205 Sighted eight twin-engine bombers bearing 150 T., distance 7 miles, on course 300 T. Aircraft Contact No. 13. Lat. 7 - 43 S., Long. 157 - 13 - 30 E.
1212 Sighted a PBY bomber bearing 270 T., distance 7 miles, on course 110 T. Aircraft Contact No. 19. Lat. 7 - 43 S., Long. 157 - 14 E.
1440 Sighted one four-engine bomber (land) similar in appearance to a Liberator, course 300 T., bearing 175 T., distance 5 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 20. Lat. 7 - 43 - 30 S., Long. 157 - 15 - 30 E.
1956 Surfaced.
2200 Received despatch from CTF 42 directing us to proceed immediately to a new patrol station west of Shortlands to cover the Rabaul - Buka to Shortlands traffic. Proceeded at 12 knots to new patrol station.

— page 174 —
1. NARRATIVE.
27 January 1943.
LZT
2355 c/c to 270 T. to pass north of Vella LaVella Island.
28 January 1943.
0000 Underway as before on course 270 T. headed north of Vella LaVella Island for new patrol station covering the westward approaches to Shortlands Harbor.
0202 c/c to 283 T. to head for a point to pass north of Mono Island. ZigZagging because of bright moon.
0412 Submerged on course 283 T.
0815 Sighted smoke over the horizon bearing 012 T., distance 10 miles. c/c to 020 T., and attempted to close. Bearing changed right rapidly; vessel apparently headed for Vella. Resumed course 283 T.
0820 Sighted two twin-engine land-based bombers patrolling ahead of convoy headed for Vella Gulf. Aircraft Contact No. 21. Lat. 7 - 20 S., Long. 155 - 50 E.
0900 Sighted four twin-engine land planes patrolling over the vicinity of Shortlands Harbor. Aircraft Contact No. 22. Lat. 7 - 19 S., Long. 155 - 47 E.
0908 Sighted 6 patrol planes making practice landings north of Shortlands Harbor. Aircraft Contact No. 23. Lat. 7 - 19 S., Long. 155 - 47 E.
0900 - Four twin-engine land-based bombers in sight continuously during this period patrolling the strait between Shortlands and Mono Island. Aircraft Contact No. 24. Lat. 7 - 19 S., Long. 155 - 46 E.
1214 Sighted twin-engine land-based bomber on course 000 T. Aircraft Contact No. 25. Lat. 7 - 18 S., Long. 155 - 43 E.

— page 175 —
1. NARRATIVE.
28 January 1943.
LZT
1455 Contact No. 6, Attack No. 6. Sighted smoke bearing 116 T., distance 7 miles. c/c to close. Lat. 7 - 14 S., Long. 156 - 36 E.
1506 Sighted freighter and escort vessel, 8000 yards, bearing 121 T.
1515 c/c to 270 T.
1521 c/c to 015 for stern tube shot.
1524 Target zigged away; changed course from 310 to 285 T., increasing distance from track.
1535-42 Fired No. 1 Torpedo.
1535-52 Fired No. 2 Torpedo.
1536-00 Fired No. 3 Torpedo.
1536-07 Heard an apparent double explosion. Officer on periscope saw a premature explosion of one of the torpedoes. When this occurred, the target was observed to change course to the left and apparently slow. The escort changed course toward us with a zero angle on the bow. We went deep to 280 feet expecting a depth charge attack from the escort.
1541-31 Heard an explosion.
1542-20 Heard a second explosion.
1556-30 Propellers heard fading out. Came to course 285 T.
1620 Came to periscope depth; nothing in sight.
1657 Sighted twin-engine land-based bomber searching over Mono Island Shortlands Strait in vicinity of unsuccessful attack. Aircraft Contact No. 26. Lat. 7 - 16 S., Long. 155 - 37 E.

— page 176 —
1. NARRATIVE.
28 January 1943.
LZT
1950 c/c to 235 T.
2003 Surfaced on course 235 T.
2012 Slighted two searchlight beams bearing 045 T. over the horizon in direction of Shortlands Harbor.
29 January 1943.
0059 Submerged; copied schedules on vertical antenna. Moon very bright.
0212 Heading a long convoy route.
1958 Surfaced.
2026 Radar contact. Plane not sighted. 7 miles closing to 1 mile. Submerged. Aircraft Contact No. 27. Lat. 7 - 20 S., Long. 155 - 10 E.
2050 Surfaced.
2127 Submerged. Radar contact, 3 miles closing to 1 mile. Aircraft Contact No. 28. Lat. 7 - 25 S., Long. 155 - 10 E.
2200 Surfaced.
2236 c/c to 000 T. Received orders to proceed areas Zed and Roger on surfacing on 30 January, to look at Queen Carola Harbor en route.
30 January 1943.
1234 Battle Stations. Sighted a ship 024 T., distance 8 miles. c/c to close. c/s to 8 knots. Contact No. 7. Lat. 7 - 13 S., Long. 155 - 03 E.

— page 177 —
1. NARRATIVE.
30 January 1943.
LZT
1315 Secured approach. Angle on bow had increased to 110 port, range had increased to 16,000 yards.
1701 Sighted ship bearing 341 T., distance 7 miles. Battle stations. c/c to close track. c/s to 8 knots. Contact No. 8. Lat. 7 - 07 S., Long. 155 - 00 E.
1729 Sighted two twin-floats platons patrolling ahead and astern of the target along the course line. Aircraft Contact No. 29. Lat. 7 - 11 S., Long. 155 - 06 E. These planes conducted a thorough patrol; the one head going out ahead and scouting the flanks, flying close to the water at times. The second plane did the same astern. When closer to Shortlands, they were joined by a third plane - same type - that stayed with AK.
1739 Secured approach. Angle on bow had increased to 110 starboard. 10,000 yards to track was the closest we could close. It later developed when a fix was obtained, that our position was about 8 miles south of where we wanted to be. The targets were heading from the convoy junction of 7 South, 155 East, passing close by the reefs charted in Lat. 6 - 58 S., and then on in to Shortlands. Outcoming traffic is apparently coming out of Shortlands and passing a point about 1 to 2 miles north of Nono Island.
1958 Surfaced.
2023 Contact No. 9. Sighted a lighted vessel bearing 065 T., distance 7 miles. Increased speed and c/c to evade. At first this was thought to be a lighted patrol vessel similar to the ones employed in Empire waters. As ship closed, it was seen to be larger than this. Lat. 7 - 06 S., Long. 154 - 56 E.

— page 178 —
1. NARRATIVE.
30 January 1943.
LZT
2112 A weak flashing light about five degrees to the right of the lighted vessel was observed. It was believed that this was signalling to the lighted ship. Lighted vessel was identified as Hospital ship, but felt suspicious of an escort, unlighted. Continued to open to get in battery charge. Ship was on course 250 T., speed 13 knots.
2330 Set course 326 T., passed astern of lighted vessel. No accompanying vessel encountered or sighted.
31 January 1943.
0458 Submerged to patrol along Shortlands - Rabaul line while en route Buka Island.
1956 Surfaced.
1 February 1943.
0402 Submerged 15 miles off Queen Carola Harbor. Laid course to close and observe.
1314 Passed 4 miles off Queen Carola Harbor. No shipping or air activity observed.
2018 Surfaced.
2115 Sent despatch to CTF 42 giving results to date and torpedoes left ( Five aft ).
2230 Received despatch from CTF 42 to patrol area Roger, southern entrance of St. George's Channel.
2250 Submerged. Radar contact. Plane not sighted, 3 miles closing to 1 mile. Aircraft Contact No. 30. Lat. 5 - 05 S., Long. 153 - 55 E.
2358 Surfaced.

— page 179 —
1. NARRATIVE.
2 February 1943.
LZT
0003 Received despatch from CTF 42 changing our area to Zebra.
0315 Submerged.
1112 Sighted twin-float seaplane, distance 5 miles, circling and then on course toward Shortlands. Aircraft Contact No. 32. Lat. 4 - 55 S., Long. 153 - 07 E.
1502 Sighted four-engine flying boat, distance 6 miles, course 070 T., bearing 180 T. Aircraft Contact No. 33. Lat. 4 - 58 S., Long. 153 - 14 E.
2020 Surfaced.
3 February 1943.
0345 Submerged.
2026 Surfaced.
2359 Received despatch from CTF 42 shifting petrol area to cover the western approaches to Shortlands.
4 February 1943.
0441 Submerged.
0600 - Heard three series of distant explosions, similar to those caused by earth tremors. Not heard on sound gear, but in all compartments through the pressure hull.
2025 Surfaced. Repaired flooded light compartment in bridge binnacle.

— page 180 —
1. NARRATIVE.
5 February 1943.
LZT
0420 Submerged.
2028 Surfaced.
6 February 1943.
0451 Submerged.
2030 Surfaced.
7 February 1943.
0230 Contact No. 10. Sighted several dark objects bearing 030 T. Visibility good for a dark night with no moon. Battle stations manned. Lat. 7 - 13 S., Long. 154 - 38 E.
0231 Sail Jig contact, range 8,000 yards, bearing 020 T. Tracked target at five knots to determine course and speed. Sail Jig ranges and bearings rough and not consistent. Changed course to open track and increased speed to 17 knots to get ahead of target. Sail Jig could make out 2 targets. At times, from the bridge, two were made out, but normally only one.
0424 Made Sail Jig contact, range 8,830 yards, bearing 357 T., estimated target course 270, speed 10 knots. Paralleled target 8,000 yards to track and worked ahead of him. It looks as if he were planning to arrive at convoy junction at sunrise.
0551 Submerged - getting light.
0636 Generated range 11,000 yards - target not in sight.
0736 Secured Battle stations. Evidently target changed course to head north short of the convoy junction point. Visibility poor; rain squalls and heavily overcast - average visibility 8000 yards.
2027 Surfaced.

— page 181 —
1. NARRATIVE.
8 February 1943.
LZT
0445 Submerged.
2029 Surfaced.
2330 Received orders to patrol midway between St. George's and Shortlands.
9 February 1943.
0405 Submerged.
2031 Surfaced.
2110 Submerged. Sighted green rocket bearing 175 T., distance 2 - 3 miles. We were on course 280 T., headed into bright moon slick. Astern, low black clouds were solid from horizon up to 15 degrees, and scattered clouds overhead. Rocket was observed to fall through the clouds and illuminate the ship. It is believed that a plane above the dark clouds spotted us in the moon slick and fired the rocket. Lat. 7 - 05 S., Long. 154 - 35 E.
2137 Sound contact; bearing 175 T., fast screws. Battle stations.
2152 Sound lost contact on 210 T.; estimated course 270 T., speed 25 - 30 knots.
2218 Surfaced.
10 February 1943.
0459 Submerged.
0641 Contact No. 11, Attack No. 7. Lat. 7 - 05 S., Long. 154 - 10 E. Sighted smoke bearing 116 T. Battle stations.

— page 182 —
1. NARRATIVE.
10 February 1943.
0642    Sighted ship bearing 116 T., distance 7 miles. c/c to normal approach. Closed track at 8 knots.
0734    Secured approach on first target (2000 ton freighter, Tatuhuka Maru, page 255, ONI 208J), range 9000 yards, angle on bow 90 port, track 130 P. Our closest distance to the track was 7600 yards. Sighted a DD of HATSUHARU class which joined the first freighter.
0737    Sighted a second small, 1500 ton, freighter (page 257, ONI 208J), bearing 154 T., 12,000 yards. Began approach on this vessel. DD now observed to be heading over to join second freighter. We had arrived at convoy junction at sunrise and the DD was meeting with the two freighters to escort them north.
    Continued to close track; planned to come around for stern shot about 1100 yards from track; could not get across ahead of target.
0810    Left full rudder to come to firing course, 1500 yards to track.
0818    Target zigged away. c/c from 330 T. to 355 T.
0819-27    Fired No. 1 Torpedo. Did not consider target worth the additional torpedoes for a spread but felt our data good enough to try one torpedo. At time of firing, DD was 4400 yards distant and was patrolling around target. Made setup on DD.
0824-43    Explosion heard. DD observed to speed up, change course and head for us with a zero angle on the bow. Went deep.
0827-25    Explosion.
0828-51    Explosion.
0843    Sound lost contact. Came to periscope depth. Three vessels out of sight; smoke bearing 356 T.

— page 183 —
1. NARRATIVE.
10 February 1943.
LZT
2032 Surfaced.
2357 Received orders to stay out of all areas and south of Zed.
11 February 1943.
0422 Submerged.
2033 Surfaced.
2300 Received despatch from CTF 42 to proceed south. Set course 142 T., speed 17 knots, zigzagging.
12 February 1943.
0504 Submerged.
2028 Surfaced.
15 February 1943.
2210 Submerged, sighted green flare bearing 175° T., distance 4 miles, dropped from an unidentified plane. Aircraft Contact No. 34. Lat. 17 - 40 S., Long. 155 - 08 E.
2300 Surfaced.
18 February 1943.
Arrived Brisbane, Australia.

— page 184 —
2. WEATHER.
The weather and visibility encountered during the entire patrol was good, winds light, sea comparatively calm, with occasional overcast days.

: 3. TIDAL INFORMATION (IF ABNORMAL).
VELLA GULF - No current experienced.
WEST OF SHORTLAND - Variable current encountered depending on prevailing wind.
SOUTH EAST CAPE ST. GEORGE - Current 1 1/2 knots south west encountered.

: 4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
The charted positions of peaks on Bougainville and New Ireland were in error, making it difficult to fix position by bearings.

— page 185 —
5. DESCRIPTION OF ALL ENEMY WARSHIPS OR MERCHANT SHIPS SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO. | TIME | DATE | LAT. | LONG. | COURSE | SPEED | MAST HEAD | HEIGHT | LENGTH | TONNAGE | RANGE
1 | 1414 | 1-24 | 7-40S | 156-50E | 132T. | 12.5 | 90ft. | 475ft. | 6500 | 14,000
Old type tanker, loaded, 475 ft. length, single tall stack and deck house aft., Similar TATTBANA NARU, page 276, ONI 208J.

2 | 1705 | 1-24 | 7-40S | 156-52E | 168T. | 10.2 | 90ft. | 450ft. | 8000 | 10,000
140T.
128T.
Loaded freighter, two goal post masts, one gun forward, stack and superstructure amidships.

3 | 1705 | 1-24 | 7-40S | 156-52E | 130T | 10-16 | 50ft. | 160ft. | 500
New type escort vessel, Contact No. 2 - one gun forward and also at least 14 depth charges.

4 | 1517 | 1-25 | 7-41S | 156-51E | 144T | 10 | 90ft. | 400ft. | 5000 | 7000
128T
Two heavily laden freighters - (1) MBSM - engines amidships, no goal posts,
(2) Modern freighter-white bridge, GMSMG.

5 | 1516 | 1-25 | 7-41S | 156-51E | Var. | 15 | 70ft. | 340ft. | 1800 | 7000
Patrolling
Two DD escorting freighters - one HATSUHARA class, and one older type with
straight stacks.

6 | 0633 | 1-26 | 7-37S | 156-52E | 355T | 10 | 90ft. | 400ft. | 5000 | 12,000
Modern freighter, white bridge, GMSMG, escorted by two DD.

7 | 0637 | 1-26 | 7-37S | 156-52E | Var. | 15-30 | 70ft. | 340ft. | 1500-1800 | 12,000
Patrolling
Same two DD as sighted on Contact No. 3.

— page 186 —
5. DESCRIPTION OF ALL ENEMY WARSHIPS OR MERCHANT SHIPS SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO. | TIME DATE | LAT. | LONG. | COURSE | SPEED | MAST HEAD HEIGHT | LENGTH | TONNAGE | RANGE
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
5 | 1820 1-26 7-358 | 156-50E | 145T. | 11 | 80ft. | 450ft. | 5000 | 14,000
Loaded freighter, MBSM, white bridge.

1820 1-26 7-358 | 156-50E | Var. | 11-15 | 70ft. | 300ft. | 1200 | 12,000
Patrolling Old type DD - vertical stacks.

6 | 1455 1-28 7-148 | 156-36E | 298T. | 10 | 90ft. | 400ft. | 4000 | 12,000
zigging New type freighter, GMBSM.

1455 1-28 7-148 | 156-36E | Var. | 10 | 50ft. | 160ft. | 500 | 12,000
Patrolling Escort vessel for freighter.

7 | 1234 1-30 7-133 | 155-03E | 290T |  |  |  | 10,000 | 14,000
Large freighter.

8 | 1701 1-30 7-073 | 155-00E |  |  |  |  | 12,000
Large freighter.

9 | 2023 1-30 7-063 | 154-56E | 260T | 13 |  |  |  | 12,000
Large lighted vessel, identified as a Hospital ship.

10 | 0230 2-7 7-133 | 154-39E | 280T | 10 |  |  |  | 8,000
Sighted several dark objects - contact by Sail Jig at 8,000 yards.

11 | 0643 2-10 7-053 | 154-10E | 005T- | 12 | 90ft. | 300ft. | 2000 | 14,000
295T.
Old freighter, mast, goal post on bridge, similar to TATUHUKU MARU. Mast, stack, engines aft. Page 255, ONI 208J.

0733 2-10 Var. | 100ft. | 340ft. | 1800 | 10,000
DD of HATSUHARU class, acting as escort for two freighters.

— page 187 —
5. DESCRIPTION OF ALL ENEMY WARSHIPS OR MERCHANT SHIPS SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO. 0736 2-10
TIME DATE LAT. LONG. COURSE SPEED
MAST HEAD HEIGHT LENGTH TONNAGE RANGE
35FT. 9 50ft. 260ft. 1500 12,000
Old freighter, similar to HOKO MARU, page 257, ONI 208J.

— page 188 —
6. DESCRIPTION OF ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO. | TIME | DATE | LAT  | LONG  | COURSE | ALT. | BEARING | DISTANCE | REMARKS
:--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 1148 | 1-22 | 7-44S | 156-11E | 1000' | 1300T | 6 mi | Twin engine land bomber. Through periscope.
2 | 2040 | 1-23 | 7-27S | 156-25-30E | 6 mi | 6-11 miles | Radar contact.
3 | 2230 | 1-23 | 7-27S | 156-36E | 6-11 miles | 8-3.5 miles | Radar contact.
4 | 2310 | 1-23 | 7-27S | 156-39E | 6-4 miles | 9.5-4-7 mi. | Radar contact.
5 | 0015 | 1-24 | 7-27S | 156-45E | 5-3 miles | 5-3 miles | Radar contact.
6 | 0100 | 1-24 | 7-27S | 156-46E | 5-3 miles | 5-3 miles | Radar contact.
7 | 0111 | 1-24 | 7-27S | 156-46E | 5-3 miles | 5-3 miles | Radar contact.
8 | 0120 | 1-24 | 7-27S | 156-46E | 5-3 miles | 5-3 miles | Radar contact.
9 | 0140 | 1-24 | 7-27S | 156-47E | 5-3 miles | 5-3 miles | Radar contact.
10 | 0412 | 1-24 | 7-34S | 156-50E | 8-5 miles | 8-5 miles | Radar contact.
11 | 0421 | 1-24 | 7-34S | 156-50E | 8-5 miles | 8-5 miles | Radar contact.
12 | 1526 | 1-24 | 7-40S | 156-52E | Various | 200' | 2700T | 7 mi | Sighted through periscope one 2-engine bomber flying low, searching. Two aerial bombs hit close by periscope - plane not sighted.
13 | 1735 | 1-24 | 7-41-30S | 156-53-30E | 6 mi | 6 mi | Radar contact.
14 | 2135 | 1-24 | 7-36-30S | 157-04E | 6 mi | 6 mi | Radar contact.

— page 189 —
6. DESCRIPTION OF ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO. | TIME | DATE | LAT. | LONG. | COURSE | ALT. | BEARING | DISTANCE | REMARKS
:--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
15 | 0417 | 1-26 | 7-36S | 156-56E | 2300T | 1500T | 2-5 miles | Radar contact, submerged. One 2-float type seaplane. Sighted four twin float sea planes - in sight for entire approach. Sighted eight twin-engine bombers - unidentified. Sighted PBY. 5 mi. 7 mi. 2700T 1750T 5 mi. 4-8 miles 7 mi. 5 mi. 4-8

— page 190 —
6. DESCRIPTION OF ALL AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

CONTACT NO. 24
TIME 0900-1200
DATE 1-28
LAT 7-195
LONG 155-46E
COURSE 1000'
ALT 4-8 miles
BEARING 316°T
DISTANCE 4 mi
REMARKS
Four twin-engine land planes patrol-landing between Shortlands & Mono Islands. In sight continuously. Twin engine land bomber. Twin engine land plane. Radar contact - submerged.
25 1214 1-28 7-185 155-43E 000°T 1500' 316°T 4 mi
26 1657 1-28 7-165 155-37E 100°T 303°T 8 mi
27 2026 1-29 7-208 155-10E 7 mi closing to 1 mi
28 2127 1-29 7-258 155-10E 3 mi closing to 1 mi
29 1729 1-30 7-115 155-06E 6 mi 3 mi closing to 1 mi
30 2250 2-1 5-058 153-55E 3-1 miles 2-1,5 miles
31 2340 2-1 5-058 153-50E 5 mi
32 1112 2-2 4-558 153-07E 140°T 1500' 180°T 5 mi
33 1503 2-2 4-588 153-14E 070°T 1500' 180°T 6 mi
34 2210 2-15 17-408 155-08E

Sighted thru periscope two twin float seaplanes. Radar contact - submerged. Radar contact - submerged. Plane hovered overhead. Sighted twin float seaplane. Sighted four engine flying boat. Sighted unidentified aircraft that dropped a green flare.

— page 191 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.

ATTACK NUMBER: ONE
DATE: 1430 24 January 1943.
LOCATION: Lat. 7 - 40 S., Long. 156 - 50 E.
TORPEDOES FIRED: Four (4).
HITS: Two (2).
NUMBER SUNK: Not observed.
NUMBER DAMAGED: 6500 tons.
TYPE OF TARGET: Tanker.
RANGE: 3800 yards.
PERISCOPE DEPTH: Yes.
ESTIMATED TARGET: 20 feet.
DRAFT: 4 feet.
TORPEDO DEPTH SET: 100'.
POINT OF AIM: Bow.
BOW OR STERN SHOT: No.1 94P, 2 103P, 3 108P, 4 112P.
TRACK ANGLE: No1 360, 2 358, 3 354, 4 352.
GYRO ANGLE: 132 True, 12.5 knots.
ESTIMATED TARGET: 1-2 17 sec., 2-3 10 sec., 3-4 12 sec.
COURSE AND SPEED: Normal.
FIRING INTERVAL: 1 degree divergent, 1st hit, 2nd 1 lead, 3rd 1 trail, 4th 2 trail.
TORPEDO PERFORMANCE: Normal.
REMARKS: Commenced submerged approach on sighting smoke and later the masts of a ship, target proved to be an old type tanker, single stack and deck house well aft. Closed track using 8 knots, fired 4 torpedoes, run 3100 yards. First and second torpedoes hit, explosions heard 2 min. 03 sec. and 1 min. 57 sec. respectively after firing. Depth control lost at time of firing, at 75 feet, last seen the target was low in the water aft, wallowing and zigging violently, headed toward Blackett Strait.

— page 192 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.

ATTACK NUMBER : TWO
DATE : 1730 24 January 1943.
LOCATION : Lat. 7 - 36 - 30 S., Long. 156 - 52 E.
TORPEDOES FIRED : Four (4).
HITS : One (1).
NUMBER SUNK : Not observed.
NUMBER DAMAGED : One (1) 8,000 tons.
TYPE OF TARGET : Frightener.
RANGE : 2550 yards.
PERISCOPE DEPTH : Yes.
ESTIMATED TARGET
DRAFT : 20 feet.
TORPEDO DEPTH SET : 6 feet.
POINT OF AIM : MOT.
BOW OR STERN SHOT : Bow.
TRACK ANGLE : 92P, 104P, 111P, 113P.
GYRO ANGLE : 358, 343, 330, 305.
ESTIMATED TARGET
COURSE AND SPEED : 128 True, 12 knots.
FIRING INTERVAL : 1-2 25 sec., 2-3 19 sec., 3-4 30 sec.
SPREAD AMOUNT AND
KIND : 1° divergent.
TORPEDO PERFORMANCE : Normal.
REMARKS : Commenced submerged approach on sighting stack of vessel - target proved to be a heavily laden freighter escorted by a new escort vessel. Both vessels had one gun forward. 8 knots was used to close the track. Fired torpedoes. Torpedo run 1900 yards (actual). First torpedo was observed to hit just forward of bridge. Two minutes after explosion, two aerial bombs hit close by periscope and escort vessel headed for us at high speed. This escort made determined depth charge attacks on us. After torpedo hit target, it was observed to take a large port list and lower life boats. Target screws were not heard again. Nothing was observed on coming to periscope depth - it was dark.

— page 193 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.

ATTACK NUMBER: THREE.
DATE: 1511 25 January 1943.
LOCATION: Lat. 7 - 41 S., Long. 156 - 51 E.
TORPEDOES FIRED: Three (3).
HITS: One (1).
NUMBER SINK: Not observed.
NUMBER DAMAGED: One (1) 6,000 tons.
TYPE OF TARGET: Freighter.
RANGE: 3000 yards.
PERISCOPE DEPTH: Yes.
ESTIMATED TARGET: 18 feet.
DRAFT: 4 feet.
TORPEDO DEPTH SET: MOT.
POINT OF AIM: Bow
BOW OR STERN SHOT: 86P, 87P, 89P.
TRACK ANGLE: 000, 358, 357.
GYRO ANGLE: 120 True, 10.5 knots.
ESTIMATED TARGET: 1-2 17 sec., 2-3 8 sec.
COURSE AND SPEED: Normal.
FIRING INTERVAL: 1-2 17 sec., 2-3 8 sec.
SPREAD AMOUNT AND KIND: 1° divergent.
TORPEDO PERFORMANCE: Normal.
REMARKS: Commenced submerged approach when sound picked up target at 7500 yards, visibility poor, convoy consisting of two large freighters escorting two torpedoes. One DD patrolling in the van, two freighters close in to Kundurumbangara Point, second DD patrolling port flank. First DD and freighter were past firing bearing when sighted. Second DD was zigging erratically, so second freighter was taken as target. Fired three torpedoes, torpedo run 2850 yards. 1 min. 55 sec. after firing first torpedo, heard war head explosion. Went deep to avoid depth charge attack by the DD that followed immediately. The target's screws were not heard after the explosion, but the other three were heard. On coming to periscope depth, nothing was in sight.

— page 194 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.

ATTACK NUMBER : FOUR
DATE : 0745 26 January 1943.
LOCATION : Lat. 7 - 37 S., Long. 156 - 52 E.
TORPEDOES FIRED : One (1) DD, Two (2) AK.
HITS : None.
NUMBER SUNK : None.
NUMBER DAMAGED : None.
TYPE OF TARGET : DD and freighter.
RANGE : 3100 yards.
PERISCOPE DEPTH : Yes.
ESTIMATED TARGET
DRAFT : 12 feet.
TORPEDO DEPTH SET : 4 feet.
POINT OF AIM : MOT
BOW OR STERN SHOT : Bow
TRACK ANGLE : 1048 - DD, 1103 - AK.
GYRO ANGLE : 359, 355, 354.
ESTIMATED TARGET
COURSE AND SPEED : 355 True, 11.8 knots.
FIRING INTERVAL : 1-2 15 sec., 2-3 8 min. 33 sec.
SPREAD AMOUNT AND
KIND : 1° divergent.
TORPEDO PERFORMANCE : Normal.
REMARKS : Commended submerged approach on sighting smoke and then masts of three vessels. These were the two DD and one AK that entered Blackett Strait last night. The DD were running a close and effective screen on the freighter. Embarrassing depth charges were dropped every 5 to 10 minutes. Fired two torpedoes at the freighter, torpedo run 3100 yards. At the time of firing, the leading DD was already past, at 5000 yards range. The second DD was about 2500 yards range but did not present a favorable angle. Torpedoes missed the target and our presence still apparently not detected. 8 minutes after firing at freighter, fired one torpedo at DD. Immediately after firing DD was observed to increase speed and head for us. Did not get other two torpedoes off. Went deep to evade depth charges that followed.

— page 195 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.

ATTACK NUMBER : FIVE
DATE : 1830 26 January 1943.
LOCATION : Lat. 7 - 35 S., Long. 156 - 50 E.
TORPEDOES FIRED : Two (2).
HITS : None.
NUMBER SUNK : None.
NUMBER DAMAGED : None.
TYPE OF TARGET : Freighter.
RANGE : 2550 yards.
PERISCOPE DEPTH : Yes.
ESTIMATED TARGET : 16 feet.
DRAFT : 4 feet.
TORPEDO DEPTH SET : MOT
POINT OF AIM : Bow
BOW OR STERN SHOT : 104S, 113S.
TRACK ANGLE : 357, 350.
GYRO ANGLE : 145 True, 12 knots.
ESTIMATED TARGET : 1-2 15 sec.
COURSE AND SPEED : 1-2 15 sec.
FIRING INTERVAL : 1-2 15 sec.
SPREAD AMOUNT AND : 1-2 15 sec.
KIND : 1-2 15 sec.
TORPEDO PERFORMANCE : One premature explosion.
REMARKS : Commenced submerged approach on sighting smoke and then masts of two vessels, one 5000 ton freighter escorted by one DD and covered by 4 aircraft. Fired two remaining torpedoes forward at freighter. 37 sec. after firing first torpedo, a premature explosion was observed. 37 sec. after firing DD, which was partially out ahead of target torpedo track, perhaps thinking the premature explosion was the torpedo exploding at the end of its run. 3 min, 30 sec after firing, a loud torpedo explosion was heard. It is possible the DD encountered our second torpedo. The screws of the target were heard after this, but not those of the DD. Went deep because of air screen; no depth charges were dropped. On coming to periscope depth, nothing was observed as it was dark.

— page 196 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.

ATTACK NUMBER : SIX.
DATE : 1530 28 January 1943.
LOCATION : Lat. 7 - 14 S., Long. 155 - 36 E.
TORPEDOES FIRED : Three (3).
HITS : None.
NUMBER SUNK : None.
NUMBER DAMAGED : None.
TYPE OF TARGET : Freighter.
RANGE : 3500 yards.
PERISCOPE DEPTH : Yes.
ESTIMATED TARGET : 16 feet.
TORPEDO DEPTH SET : 4 feet.
POINT OF AIM : MOT.
BOW OR STERN SHOT : Stern.
TRACK ANGLE : 783, 743.
GYRO ANGLE : 177, 178, 180.
ESTIMATED TARGET : 298 True, 0.8 knots.
COURSE AND SPEED : 1-2 10 sec., 2-5 6 sec.
FIRING INTERVAL : 1° divergent.
SPREAD AMOUNT AND : One premature explosion.
REMARKS : Commenced submerged approach on sighting smoke and then two vessels, one 4000 ton modern type fired three torpedoes at freighter; target zigged away just prior to firing; increasing torpedo run to 3150 yards. 25 sec after firing first torpedo, a premature explosion was observed through periscope. Target c/o left and escort vessel headed for us. Went deep to evade weak depth charge attack that followed. Nothing in sight when coming to periscope depth.

— page 197 —
7. SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS.

ATTACK NUMBER : SEVEN.
DATE : 0642 7 February 1943.
LOCATION : Lat. 6 - 58 S., Long. 153 - 59 E.
TORPEDOES FIRED : One (1).
HITS : None.
NUMBER SUNK : None.
NUMBER DAMAGED : None.
TYPE OF TARGET : Frelighter.
RANGE : 3500 yards.
PERISCOPE DEPTH : Yes.
ESTIMATED TARGET : 12 feet.
DRAFT : 4 feet.
TORPEDO DEPTH SET : NOT
POINT OF AIM : Stern.
BOW OR STERN SHOT : 39P.
TRACK ANGLE : 179.8.
GYRO ANGLE : 340 True, 8.7 knots.
ESTIMATED TARGET
COURSE AND SPEED : Normal.
FIRING INTERVAL : Commenced submerged approach on sighting smoke and then an old freighter. Could not close track closer than 7600 yards. Abandoned approach when target was past bearing. Sighted a DD forming up with freighter. Then sighted a second freighter and commenced an approach on it. Fired one torpedo at second freighter; went deep when DD headed for us and increased speed. Two distant explosions heard, resembling depth charges. On coming to periscope depth only the smoke of the vessels was visible.

— page 198 —
8. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES.

VELLA TULF.

(a) 1500 - 24 January 1943 - Following successful attack on tanker, two aerial bombs were dropped close to the periscope causing us to go deep. This plane was previously observed to be searching the area.

(b) 1740 - 24 January 1943 - Following a successful attack on a modern freighter, two bomb explosions were felt close aboard. The escort, a new 500 ton escort vessel with one gun forward, closed us and conducted a determined depth charge attack. The first pattern of eight charges was laid across out stern. The escort vessel used hand keying echo ranging for a period of about 5 minutes; at other times, he apparently stopped and listened and then made his approach. His second pattern of six charges was not as close as his first attack.

(c) 1535 - 25 January 1943 - Following a successful attack on a modern freighter, a scientific depth charge attack was made by the two destroyer escorts. These two DD conducted a very effective anti-submarine patrol; one DD patrolled out ahead of first freighter and back on the port flank; the second DD covered from port beam to aft of the second freighter. During the depth charge attack, lasting 30 minutes, a total of 18 charges and 8 aerial bombs were heard and felt. Charges were not dropped in regular patterns but in groups of one and two. One DD would stop and listen while the other made the attack.

(d) 0700 - 26 January 1943 - While making an approach on a freighter escorted by two DD, embarrassing charges were dropped at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. The two DD were screening the freighter effectively; one patrolling on starboard bow and the other on the port quarter. A plane dropped several bombs close to the periscope. After firing one torpedo at DD, went deep to evade his depth charge attack. It consisted of five single depth charges, none of which were close. After coming to periscope depth, a plane was observed searching the area.

(e) 1830 - 26 January 1943 - Made an approach on an armed freighter (one gun forward and one aft), escorted by a DD. Four twin-float seaplanes were observed patrolling along the course.

— page 199 —
8. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES.

line ahead of the target. They were patrolling in pairs. Following a premature explosion of one torpedo, the target maneuvered and the DD turned away and ran down the torpedo track. Went deep as we had no torpedoes left forward. No depth charge attack followed.

MONO-SHORTLAND PASSAGE.

(f) 0800 - 1200 - 28 January 1943 - Observed two twin-engine planes patrolling along Faisi-Munda route out ahead of ship. Could not close ship for attack. Four twin-engine land planes conducted a continuous patrol of the passage between Mono and Shortland Islands. 1500 - Made an attack on modern freighter escorted by a 500 ton escort vessel. Following a premature explosion, the target avoided and the escort headed for us. No depth charge attack followed. On coming to periscope depth, observed aircraft still searching Mono Island Passage.

(g) 1730 - 30 January 1943 - Started an approach on a large freighter but abandoned attack when unable to close range. Observed two twin-float planes patrolling course line of vessel. One went out ahead and then returned, scouting the flanks; the other did the same astern. When the vessel entered Mono Island Passage, it was joined by a third twin-float plane that stayed with the AK.

WESTERN APPROACHES TO SHORTLANDS.

(h) 0700 - 10 February 1943 - Made an attack on two freighters that met a DD escort at sunrise at a point 70° South, 154° East. There were no planes observed. The DD dropped several depth charges after we fired one torpedo at the second freighter.

— page 200 —
9. DESCRIPTION OF ENEMY MINE SWEEPING OPERATIONS.
None observed.

: 10. MAJOR DEFECTS.
19 January 1943 - Discovered salt water in reduction gear sump tank. Pumped down sumps, wiped off and flushed the gears and renewed the oil.
22 January 1943 - Unable to control speed on No. 1 Main Engine. Installed spare governor and still could not control speed. Investigation disclosed that the adjusting nut on the fuel rack linkage had backed off. The nut was replaced with proper clearance and the engine operated satisfactorily.

: 11. WAS RADIO RECEPTION COMPLETE AND WHAT WERE LAST CONSECUTIVE SERIALS SENT AND RECEIVED?
Yes, radio reception was complete.
Last consecutive serial sent: TUNA No. 2.
Last consecutive serial received: 56.

— page 201 —
12. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS.

Sound conditions in general were good. All targets but one were picked up between 6000 and 8000 yards. On the first attack, the target was picked up at 3500 yards.

No density layers were observed.

: 13. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY.

Health and habitability in general have been good.

Three admissions to the Binnacle List:

One man - severe case of heat rash that became infected - (4 days).

One man - ear infection - (7 days).

One man - Catharral Fever - (6 days).

— page 202 —
14. MILES STEAMED TO AND FROM STATION:
To Station: 1405 miles.
From Station: 1540 miles.

: 15. FUEL EXPENDED.
43,555 gallons.

: 16. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.
TorpedoesFive.
Fuel45,455 gallons
Provisions (days)......Fifty.
Fresh water4000 gallons.
Personnel25 days.

— page 203 —
17. WHAT FACTOR OF ENDURANCE, IF ANY, CAUSED ENDING THIS PATROL, ARMANENT, FUEL, FRESH WATER, PROVISIONS, FATIGUE OF PERSONNEL OR MATERIAL FAILURE.

With five torpedoes left aft, this vessel was ordered to return to port.

: 18. REMARKS.

None.

A. H. HOLTZ,
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy,
Commanding.

— page 204 —
1. INITIALLY SIGHTED FIRST FORWARD OF STD BEAM-KRANGE CLOSE.
2. COURSE 100-13kz
3. SPEEDED 4P 70 AT LEAST 15Kt
4. GIVE ORDER LEFT FULL RUDDER HIT ON HEADING ABOUT 080°
5. 2000 1000

— page 206 —
1/2
FF12-15(42)/A16-3/S.
Serial: 058
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-I-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S. TUNA (SS203), Fifth War Patrol - Comments on.

4. TUNA reports observing precautions on January 26 and 28. These torpedoes, one on each of the attacks on January 26 and 28, were encountered in the morning and were examined on the following day. The explosions were examined on the following day and were examined on the

— page 207 —
3-01169
Reg. No.: 3. 3. 01580
Serial 0401
SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER
MAR 10 1943

From: Commander South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (35203), Fifth War Patrol - Comments on.

1. Forwarded. The comments made in the forward-ing letter are concurred in.

2. It is gratifying to note that the ship stood up extremely well under its baptism of depth charge attacks.

3. The adequacy of targets (and escorts) com-pacted for the dearth experienced by TUNA on previous patrol. It is considered that all contacts were properly developed.

Copy to:
VONO
Cinepac
Cincelant
Comsowespac
Consubpac
Consublant
Consubovsepac
CIT 42
Consubron 6
Consubron 8
Consubdiv 62
CO USS TUNA

W. F. HALSEY
[Signature]
[Date]
[REVIEWED: 10/15/43]

— page 208 —
0237 (120237)...
5 0257
R.S. No. ......
CONFUSED
DECLASSIFIED
U. S. S. TUNA.
REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL.
FROI: March 4, 1943.
TO: April 20, 1943.
HOT TO DE T.L.T. TO S.A. OI SUBL. SUBL. - PURP.
48790 FILMED

— page 210 —
1
CONFIDENTIAL.
(b) NARRATIVE.
4 March 1943.
LZT ZD
1000 L Underway from alongside U.S.S. FULTON.
1402 Commenced sound test.
1515 Completed sound test.
1830 Rendezvou with escort HMAS WAGGA and proceeded out swept channel.
2122 Submerged on course 032 T. for trim and deep dive.
2212 At 275' - no bad leaks.
2228 Surfaced.
2242 Commenced training exercises with escort.
Distance run 84.0 miles. Fuel expended 890
gals.
5 March 1943.
1545 Completed training exercises, escort departed for port.
1200 Position: Lat. 25 - 52 S., Long. 154 - 26 E. Distance run 225.0 miles. Fuel expended 2055
gals.
6 March 1943.
0715 Sighted standard type U.S. life raft No. 2, hatch open, oars upright in hatch. No signs of any activity. Lat. 22 - 32 S., Long. 156 - 31 E.
1029 Submerged for training and drills.
1042 Surfaced.
1453 Submerged for training.
1509 Made Battle Surface - fired 3 rounds 3" ammunition.

— page 211 —
1200 L
LZT _ZD
Position: Lat. 21 -39 S., Long. 156 -31 E.
Distance run 330.0 miles. Fuel expended 3460
gals.

7 March 1943.
0640 Submerged for training and trim dive.

0650 Surfaced.

Received orders to pass up west coast of Bougainville, from C. Henpan to equator at 152 E.,
thence west to 143 E., down to Wewak, along coast of New Guinea past Hollandia to Manukwari Bay
and return to Wewak.

1200 Position: Lat. 15 -58 S., Long. 156 -57 E.
Distance run 342.0 mile. Fuel expended 3365
gals.

8 March 1943.
0615 Submerged.

1937 Surfaced.

1200 Position: Lat. 11 -25 S., Long. 157 -20 E.
Distance run 182 miles. Fuel expended 1860 gal.

9 March 1943.
0525 Submerged.

1513 Aircraft Contact No. 1. Sighted unidentified
flying boat (monoplane) (twin rudders), course
280 T., bearing 349 T., 5 miles. Lat. 9 -18 S,
Long. 156 -08 E.

1953 Surfaced.

2220 Received orders to proceed and patrol east coast
of Bougainville Island and cancel previous orders
to proceed via Japan Strait.

— page 212 —
1200 L
Position: Lat. 9 - 10 S., Long. 156 - 07 E.
Distance run: 165.0 miles. Fuel expended: 1535 gals.

10 March 1943,
0458
Submerged, patrolled enroute off Mono and Shortland Islands.

2000
Surface.

1200
Position: Lat. 7 - 19 S., Long. 155 - 06 E.
Distance run: 157.0 miles. Fuel expended: 1439 gals.

11 March 1943,
0500
Submerged, patrolling off Buka passage and Queen Carola Harbor.

0730
CONTACT NO. 1. Battle Stations - sighted masts of ship bearing 210 T., 7 miles, no smoke. Identified vessel as a patrol vessel, 175' long - two high masts - crow's nest on each mast - clipper bow - gun forward, head-ed for Buka passage. Broke off approach when abaft his beam, range 12,000 yards. Lat. 5 - 19 S., Long. 154 - 08 E. Observed Queen Car-ola Harbor. Nothing seen.

2000
Surface.

2030
Received orders from CTF 42 to sound off, pull clear and then patrol approaches to Bougainville on: line from Lyra Reef to Cape Henpan.

2200
Sent despatch to CTF 42.

1200
Position: Lat. 5 - 08 S., Long. 154 - 12 E.
Distance run 148.0 miles. Fuel expended: 1188 gals.

— page 213 —
12 March 1943.
LZT ZD
0620 L Submerged, patrolling on line from Lyra Reef to Cape Henpan.
1957 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 3 - 32°8', Long. 154 - 03 E.
Distance run 97 miles. Fuel expended 460 gal.

13 March 1943.
0530 Submerged.
1958 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 3 - 57°8', Long. 153 - 49 E.
Distance run 86 miles. Fuel expended 354 gal.

14 March 1943.
0529 Submerged.
1954 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 43°6', Long. 154 - 12 E.
Distance run 80 miles. Fuel expended 367 gal.

15 March 1943.
0528 Submerged.
1954 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 39°3', Long. 154 - 12 E.
Distance run 85 miles. Fuel expended 410 gal.

16 March 1943.
0527 Submerged.
1955 Surfaced.

— page 214 —
6.

CONFIDENTIAL.

(b) NARRATIVE.

LZT ZD

2030 L Received orders to proceed and patrol new area south east of line between Seadler and Musau. Set course 220 T, speed 15 knots, enroute new patrol station.

2215 Sent despatch to CTF 42.

1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 38 S., Long. 154 - 06 E. Distance run 117 miles. Fuel expended 735 gal.

17 March 1943.

0549 Submerged.

1959 Surfaced, sighted Tench Island, 10 miles, bearing 330 T.; current this day 1.5 kts., 315 T.

1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 08 S., Long. 151 - 28 E. Distance run 167 miles. Fuel expended 1550 gal.

18 March 1943.

Q125 CONTACT NO. 2. Lat. 1 - 56 S., Long. 149 - 48 E. Sighted small ship about 10,000 yds on starboard beam on a parallel course, just breaking clear from a black land background. Came about with hard right rudder and target sighted us about same time and came about with hard left rudder, bow on, then disappeared. Thought it was a submarine that had submerged, so went down also. At

0130 target started depth charge attack. A total of eight charges were dropped in the next five minutes. None were close. The target hauled away at 240 turns on a south easterly course. Target was not picked up on sound or radar. Believe he was lying to watching the passage between Musau and New Hanover. Target was not a destroyer.

— page 215 —
1516 L
CONTACT NO. 3. Lat. 1 - 59 S., Long. 149 - 08 E. Battle Stations. Sighted masts of freighter bearing 240 T., 9 - 10 miles also single mast escort vessel bearing 239 T., 9 miles. Attempted to close; at

: 1546
broke off approach, abaft target's beam. Closest range 14,000 yards.

: 1602
Aircraft Contact No. 2. Lat. 1 - 59 S., Long. 149 - 06 E. Sighted single engine float plane circling in vicinity of target, bearing 290 T., 8 miles, 1000' elevation.

: 1921
CONTACT NO 4. Lat. 2 - 00 S., Long. 148 - 57 E. Sighted smoke. Battle Stations. Later could make out masts and stack of target. Target had two high masts, high funnel and smoked continuously. We closed at 6 knots, coming in nicely to about 1000 yards of track. At

: 1956
range about 5,000 yards, target was made out to be rather small, a yacht destroyer or patrol craft of about 500 tons. Target stopped (evidently hearing us speeding up), turned bow to us and started echo-ranging. When target screws were heard speeding up, ordered deep submergence; at

: 1959
at 250 feet, evaded.

Do not believe we were sighted because we were against a dark background and target was between us and moon. Rather believe we were heard while closing track at 6 knots. Target continued to ping for about two hours. No trouble evading.

: 1200
Position: Lat. 1 - 58 S., Long. 149 - 12 E. Distance run 87 miles. Fuel expended 340 gal.

— page 216 —
1
CONFIDENTIAL.
(b) NARRATIVE.
19 March 1943.
LZT - ZD
0446 L Submerged, patrolling point of expected contact.
2005 Surfaced - no contact developed as forecast.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 06 S., Long. 149 - 38 E. Distance run 101 miles. Fuel expended 455 gal.
20 March 1943.
0410 Submerged.
0652 Battle Stations. Sighted smoke bearing 036 T.; could not close. Never sighted ship. Lat. 2 - 06 S., Long. 149 - 06 E.
0656 Heard one distant depth charge.
0701 Heard second distant depth charge.
0729 Secured approach.
1001 Sighted smoke bearing 003 T., could not close, never sighted ship. Lat. 2 - 00 S., Long. 149 - 12 E.
2013 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 00 S., Long. 149 - 17 E. Distance run 97 miles. Fuel expended 421 gal.
21 March 1943.
0415 Submerged.
2010 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 07 S., Long. 148 - 57 E. Distance run 91 miles. Fuel expended 367 gal.

.8.

— page 217 —
22 March 1943.
LZT ZD
0020 L COLTACT NO. 5. Lat. 2 - 38 S., Long. 148 - 50 E. Sighted Hospital ship bearing 270 T., on course 300 T., distant 6 miles.
0202 Submerged. Patrolled Point 2 - 40 S., 149 - 00 E., for contact.
2013 Surfaced. No contact made.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 43 S., Long. 149 - 04 E. Distance run 83 miles. Fuel expended 302 gal.
23 March, 1943.
0340 Submerged.
2012 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 06 S., Long. 148 - 58 E. Distance run 88 miles. Fuel expended 385 gal.
24 March, 1943.
0345 Submerged.
2008 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 1 - 59 S., Long. 149 - 09 E. Distance run 90 miles. Fuel expended 305 gal.
25 March, 1943.
0330 Submerged.
2011 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 13 S., Long. 148 - 50 E. Distance run 90 miles. Fuel expended 332 gal.

— page 218 —
26 March 1943.
LZT ZD
0400 L Submerged.
2008 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 2 - 01 S., Long. 149 - 20 E.
Distance run 92 miles. Fuel expended 375 gal.

27 March 1943.
0356 Submerged.
1008 CONTACT NO. 6. Lat. 1 - 41 S., Long. 148 - 46.5 E. Battle Stations. Sighted smoke of ship bearing 322 T., distance 7 miles, after torpedoes had been spotted since p.m. of 18 March, did not wish to disclose our presence. Broke off attack and resumed patrolling.

1046 Broke off approach.
2005 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 1 - 40 S., Long. 149 - 03 E.
Distance run 107 miles. Fuel expended 657 gal.

28 March 1943.
0300 Submerged.

10.

— page 219 —
0500 L Changed time to zone minus ten time.
: 0454 K CONTACT NO. 7. Sound contact; fast screws
: 0500 L Changed

— page 220 —
1200 L Position: Lat. 1 - 37 S., Long. 149 - 21 E.
Distance run 102 miles. Fuel expended 499 gal.

29 March 1943.
0440 Submerged.

1647 CONTACT NO. 8. Lat. 2 - 12 S., Long. 149 - 03 E. Sighted smoke bearing 120 T.

1700 Aircraft Contact No. 3. Lat. 2 - 12 S., Long. 149 - 02 E. Sighted two twin float planes patrolling ten miles ahead of smoke. Not being able to close before sunset, at

1800 c/c to 330 T. to parallel smoke.

1830 Getting dark fast, could make out masts and funnels of five ships in column and the masts of a smaller sixth ship, tentatively identified as an escort vessel. All ships were smoking heavily. When first sighted they were on course about 270 T., but at sunset they c/c to 320 T.

1943 Surfaced to trail convoy.

2037 Sighted dark object on the horizon which later on proved to be smoke of convoy.

2050 When smoke was identified, c/c to 330 T.

2255 c/c to 300 T. to open track on convoy.

2300 Increased speed to 14 knots.

2327 c/c to 310 T.

12.

— page 221 —
2330 K
Secured battery charge, increased speed to 16 knots.

: 2342
c/c to 320 T.

: 2345
Increased speed to 17 knots. Convoy a-bomb to starboard, 7 miles. Visibility too good for surface approach. Decided to draw ahead and make daylight submerged approach.

: 2358
c/c to 310 T.

: 1200
Position: Lat. 2 - 10 S., Long. 149 - 04 E. Distance run 102 miles. Fuel expended 657 gal.

: 30 March 1943.

: 0107
c/c to 320 T.

: 0130
Smoke last sighted bearing 095 T.

: 0300
c/c to 340 T. to close convoy track.

: 0430
Submerged.

: 0700
CONTACT NO. 9. ATTACK NO. 1. Lat. 0 - 25 S., Long. 147 - 48 E. Sighted smoke of convoy.

: 0744
c/c to 140 T. to close.

: 0800
Battle Stations.

: 0814
Made out ships of convoy on course 340 T., range 8 miles.

: 0815
c/c to 100 T. Convoy was composed of 5 AKs, one of 8500 tons, one of 6500 tons, one of 5000 tons, two 3000 tonners, and two escorts; one a modern Diesel Sub Chaser and the other a 500 ton, one stack corvette.

— page 222 —
0833 K
Target zigged, angle changed from port to starboard. At this time the escort vessel was sighted for the first time on the starboard quarter of the target. We were on the same flank of the target as the escort vessel.

0835 c/c to 150 T. to close range, 1300 yards from track.

0841 Heard target screws - range 5500 yards.

0846 c/c to 195 T. for.65 track.

0847 Target zigged away, increasing distance to track to 3400 yards.

0849-16 * Fire No.: 2 Torpedo Tube.
    -40 Fire No.: 3 Torpedo Tube.
    -56 Fire No. 4 Torpedo Tube.

0850 Escort speeded up and headed for us. Impulse bubble visible, sea flat, poor periscope weather. Went to 275 feet.

0851-45 Heard warhead explosion.
    -56 Heard warhead explosion.

0853 First depth charge dropped by Sub Chaser.

— page 223 —
0854- K
0858
0900
0902
0904
0943
0958
1236
1236

CONFIDENTIAL.
(b) NARRATIVE.

LZT ZD
Heard series of distant explosions accompanied by crunching and crumbling sound of the target breaking up. Three of the explosions sounded like boiler explosions.

Pattern of three depth charges dropped by Sub Chaser - fairly close.

Pattern of two depth charges dropped by Sub Chaser - closer.

Pattern of three depth charges dropped by the corvette. These were the closest yet. This escort apparently stood over from his patrol station as soon as the target was hit.
Following these attacks, the two escorts echo-ranged on us and attempted to make runs without success. At one time they were apparently communicating by supersonics while lying off, stopped, preparatory to making another sound approach.

Lost sound contact; started coming to periscope depth.

At periscope depth. Convoy in sight - four frigates and two escorts - on course 280 T. The two escorts were well astern of the four frigates, closing them. The escorts had apparently been at the scene of the sinking picking up survivors. c/c and headed for convoy to close track. At first it appeared that we might get another attack in, but at

they passed ahead of us 6 miles, on course 000 T.

c/c to 000 T.

— page 224 —
1702 K
    Surfaced, trailing convoy at 16 knots on course 000 T., zig-zagging - sent. des- patch to CTF 72.

: 1733
    Sighted smoke bearing 349 T.

: 1735
    Changed brace course to 340 T.

: 1852
    Last sighted smoke bearing 350 T.

: 2119
    c/o to 000 T. Sighted smoke of convoy.

: 2150
    c/o to 340 T.

: 2200
    Received orders to patrol a new area, 147 to 150 E., 1 to 2 S.

: 2203
    c/o to 320 T.

: 2225
    c/o to 300 T.

: 2309
    c/o to 340 T.

: 2323
    c/o to 320 T. Aben. of convoy. Decided to draw ahead for daylight submerged attack. Visibility too good for night surface approach.

: 1200
    Position: Lat. 0 - 18° S., Long. 147 - 44 E. Distance run 220 miles. Fuel expended 2926 gal.

: 31 March 1943.
    Last sighted smoke of convoy.

: 0429
    Submerged. c/o to 290 T.

: 0717
    CONTACT NO. 10. ATTACK NO. 2. Lat. 1 - 53 N., Long. 146 - 42 E. Sighted smoke bearing 159 T.

*16.

— page 225 —
0832 K Bearing still drawing ahead. c/c to 290 T.
4.5 knots.

0900 c/c to 265 T., 6 knots to close. Ran at
6 knots for one hour and thirty minutes to
close the track.

1000 Battle Stations - convoy in a loose column
of four ships, the largest one leading, with
an escort vessel on each quarter covering the
flanks of the convoy. As-poor periscope
weather as yesterday -- sea calm with only
light winds. Selected the leading ship, the
largest AK as the target.

1017 Closing track on course 265 T. at 6 knots.

1018 Target zigged.

1020 c/c to 250 T.

1026 Sound picked up screws of sub chaser on
starboard quarter of target, range 7500 yds.

1028 Target zigged 30° toward us, giving us a
15 degree starboard angle. c/c to 205 T.

1032 Steady on 205 T., target zigged again, giv-
ing us a zero angle.

1033 c/c with right full rudder at 6 knots to
get on port bow of target.

1036 Target had a three degree port angle.

1039 Coming in nicely, with range 3800 yards,
900 yards to track.

1040 c/c to 280 T. for 65 degree port stern
tube shot.

1041 Heard sub chaser echo-ranging.

— page 226 —
1043 K Target presented a zero angle.
1044 c/c to 320 T. with right full rudder for stern tube shot.
1046 Target presented a three degree starboard angle, range 2600 yards. Convoy appeared to be dispersing; escorts heard to speed up. We had apparently been spotted.
1047-08 Target presented a 20 degree starboard angle.
1047-35 Target presented a 5 degree starboard angle.
1047-49 Fired No. 7 Torpedo Tube.
- 57 Fired No. 8 Torpedo Tube.
1048-04 Fired No. 9 Torpedo Tube.
- 11 Fired No. 10 Torpedo Tube.
Target was similar to TAIBUN MARU, page 206, ONI 206J.
As we fired No. 7, could see convoy dispersing and both escorts headed for us. Started deep.
1048-38 Heard three weak explosions, believed to be gunfire.
- 46 -57
1049-10 First torpedo hit - warhead explosion.
1051-19 Heard a heavy explosion, definitely not a depth charge. Similar to warhead explosion. Could have been a torpedo hitting the corvette in line with the target on firing.
1052 Pattern of four depth charges close and overhead.

— page 227 —
1053 K Series of loud and close explosions in the direction of the target, followed by two... boiler explosions, followed by crunching sound of ship breaking up. Target screws not heard after warhead explosion.

1056 First sound, contact -- echo-ranging. From here on, only one escort vessel was heard. It is believed after the initial attack of four depth charges, the escort picked up survivors. The possibility exists that the second escort, the corvette, might have encountered one of our torpedoes.

1137 During this period the sub chaser made ex-cellerent sound attacks on us, coming from the quarter, using both echo-ranging and listening. His best attack was at

1137- Sub chaser attempted to make sound runs on us but never obtained a good sound contact.

1204 Lost sound contact.

1231 At periscope depth. Only three plumes of smoke in sight, bearing 005 T.

1634 Surfaced and trailed convoy at 15 knots, zig-zagging.

1823 On course 330 T.

1901 c/c to 305 T.

2220 c/c to 315 T.

— page 228 —
2243 - K Sighted smoke bearing 042 T.
: 2300 Sighted what is believed to be a green rocket in direction of convoy. We may have been spotted.
: 2310 O.O.D. sighted a white light in vicinity of convoy.
: 2318 c/c to 300 T.
: 2330 Last contact with convoy. Lat. 2 - 45 N., Long. 144 - 45 E.
: 1200 Position: Lat. 1 - 55 N., Long. 146 - 13°E. Distance run 215 miles. Fuel expended 3459 gal.

1 April 1943.
: 0434 Submerged.
: 1205 Surface. Did not contact convoy. It is believed that we were spotted last night and that convoy made a radical course change. Set course and proceeded at 14 knots to: new patrol area, searching for convoy to eastward.
: 1700 Sent despatch regarding convoy to CTF 72.
: 1200 Position: Lat. 4 - 00 N., Long. 144 - 08 E. Distance run 262 miles. Fuel expended 2750 gal.

2 April 1943.
: 1501 Aircraft Contact No. 4. Lat. 0 - 39 N., Long. 149 - 01 E. Sighted 6 large bombers bearing 105 T., distance 15 - 20 miles, course 015 T. Submerged.

-20-

— page 229 —
1643 K
LZT ZD
1643 K
Surfaced, proceeding to new patrol area.
1200
Position: Lat. 0 - 52 N., Long. 148 - 23 E.
Distance run 332 miles. Fuel expended 3372 gal.

3 April 1943.
0407
Submerged, patrolling in assigned area for expected contact.
0546
CONTACT NO. 11, Lat. 2 - 10 S., Long. 149 - 06 E. Sighted smoke bearing 176 T. c/c to close.
0600
Made out masts of a ship on course 090 T., closest range 9 miles. Broke off attack, unable to close.
1900
Surfaced.
1200
Position: Lat. 2 - 10.5 S., Long. 149 - 03 E.
Distance run 126 miles. Fuel expended 768 gal.

4 April 1943.
0405
Submerged.
1903
Surfaced.
2200
Received orders to cover Pelew-Rabaul traffic between Latitudes 3 S. and 1 N.
2300
Above area changed to "Northwest of See-adler-Mussau line to Lat. 1 N.
1200
Position: Lat. 1 - 26 S.; Long. 148 - 56 E.
Distance run 93 miles. Fuel expended 375 gal.

21.

— page 230 —
5 April 1943.
LZT ZD
0415 K Submerged.
1855 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 1 - 16 S., Long. 147 - 54 E.
Distance run 92 miles. Fuel expended 363 gal.

: 8 April 1943.
0405 Submerged.
0648 CONTACT NO. 12. Lat. 0 - 50 S., Long. 148 - 54 E.
Sighted smoke bearing 324 T., commenced approach. Made out masts and funnel of small AK.

: 7 April 1943.
0435 Submerged.
1855 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 0 - 47 S., Long. 149 - 10 E.
Distance run 94 miles. Fuel expended 388 gal.

: 7 April 1943.
0435 Submerged.
1855 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. Q - 46 S., Long. 147 - 31 E.
Distance run 89 miles. Fuel expended 404 gal.

— page 231 —
1. CONFIDENTIAL.
(b) NARRATIVE.
8 April 1943.
LZT ZD
0430 K Submerged.
1858 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 0 - 32 N., Long. 147 - 46 E.
Distance run 110 miles. Fuel expended 320 gal.
9 April 1943.
0422 Submerged.
1845 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 0 - 03 N., Long. 148 - 22 E.
Distance run 84 miles. Fuel expended 398 gal.
10 April 1943.
0417 Submerged.
1852 Surfaced.
2330 Received orders to sound off, proceed east to 154°E., and then head south via neutral zone.
1200 Position: Lat. 0 - 24 S., Long. 148 - 15 E.
Distance run 83 miles. Fuel expended 480 gal.
11 April 1943.
0430 Submerged.
1852 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 0 - 03 S., Long. 149 - 57 E.
Distance run 181 miles. Fuel expended 2425 gal.

23.

— page 232 —
CONFIDENTIAL.
(b)  NARRATIVE.
12 April 1943.
LZT  ZD
0414  K  Submerged.
1849  Surfaced.
1200  Position: Lat. 0 - 24 S., Long. 153 - 02 E.
Distance run 190 miles. Fuel expended
2230 gal.

13 April 1943.
0430  Submerged.
0916  Aircraft Contact No. 5. Lat. 3 - 13 S.,
Long. 153 - 51 E. Sighted unidentified
multi-engine bomber.

1132  Aircraft Contact No. 6. Lat. 3 - 17 S.,
Long. 153 - 51 E. Sighted unidentified
two engine land plane.

1853  Surfaced.
1200  Position: Lat. 3 - 20 S., Long. 153 -
51 E.
Distance run 198 miles. Fuel expended
2435 gal.

14 April 1943.
0400  Submerged.
1847  Surfaced.
1200  Position: Lat. 6 - 30 S., Long. 153 -
49 E.
Distance run 193 miles. Fuel expended
2560 gal.

1900  Received orders to shift left and return
to port via Blue Route.

24.

— page 233 —
15 April 1943.
LZT ZD
0420 K. Submerged.
1848 Surfaced.
2015 Received orders to proceed and rendezvous with USS GROUPER 5 miles east of Adele Islet at dusk sixteenth and receive one patient.
2021 Set course to proceed to Adele Islet.
1200 Position: Lat. 8 - 37.5 S., Long. 155 - 34 E. Distance run 198 miles. Fuel expended 2565 gal.
16 April 1943.
0358 Sighted Rossel Island bearing 236 T., distance 40 miles.
0429 Submerged, patrolling off Adele Islet.
1832 Surfaced, patrolling a point 5 miles east of Adele.
2040 Sighted USS GROUPER. Maneuvered to close.
2115 Received patient from USS GROUPER.
2116 Underway, proceeding to Brisbane via Blue Route.
1200 Position: Lat. 11 - 22 S., Long. 154 - 34 E. Distance run 178 miles. Fuel expended 2253 gal.
17 April 1943.
1200 Position: Lat. 14 - 53 S., Long. 155 - 50 E. Distance run 391 miles. Fuel expended 5652 gal.

25.

— page 234 —
17 April 1943.
LZT ZD
1918 K Started six hour battery discharge.
18 April 1943.
0145 Completed six hour battery discharge.
1200 Position: Lat. 18 - 45 S., Long. 157 - 01 E.
Distance run 395 miles. Fuel expended 5815 gal.
19 April 1943.
0919 Submerged;
0952 Surfaced.
1430 Submerged. Radar Contact - 8 miles. Flane not sighted.
1510 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 25 - 33 S., Long. 155 - 47 E.
Distance run 259 miles. Fuel expended 4525 gal.
20 April 1943.
Entered Brisbane.

26.

— page 235 —
CONFIDENTIAL.

(c) WEATHER.

The weather closely followed that predicted by the Pilot. In general, the sea was calm with few or no white caps, making for poor periscope weather.

(d) TIDAL INFORMATION.

Between Lyra Reef and Cape Henpan - current westerly 3/4 to 1 knot.

Between Mussaul Island and Seeadler Harbor - pronounced west and northwesterly set, 1 to 2 knots.

(e) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

Green Islands were not visible 8 miles from their charted position on a clear night.

27.

— page 236 —
175 foot patrol vessel, 2 high masts, large lookout crow's nests, 1 gun forward. Not heard by sound. Clip-per'bow'.

: 0125 3-18 1-568 149-48E 1'lying' to 10000
(Unidentified patrol boat lying to off Mussa Is.).

: 1516 3-18 1-598 149-08E 320T 10mi.
(Sighted masts of freighter and escort vessel out a-head).

: 1921 3-18 2-008 148-57E 140T 12 100' 6mi.
(Sighted masts and funnel of a vessel that turned out to be an A/S vessel. Broke off attack).

: 0020 3-22 2-388 148-50E 280T 6mi.
(Sighted hospital ship).

: 1008 3-27 1-413 148-46E 12 100'
(Same as No. 4. A/S vessel, 2 high masts, funnel a-midships, one gun forward).

: 0454 3-28 1-435 148-54E 290T 15
(Sound contact. Later sighted three or four vessels).

: 1647 3-29 2-128 149-03E 270T 12mi.
(Sighted smoke bearing 120 T. Later, at 1830, could make out masts and funnels of five ships in column and the masts of a smaller sixth ship, tentatively identified as an escort vessel).

— page 238 —
1. 1513 3-9 9-183 156-08E 349T 280T 1000'
    (Unidentified flying boat-monoplane-twin rudders-
    high wing).

2. 1602 3-18 1-595 149-06E 290T 1000' 8mi.
    (Sighted single engine float plane patrolling in vi-
    cinity of freighter).

3. 1700 3-29 2-125 149-02E 000T 000T
    (Two twin float planes patrolling out ahead of con-
    voy).

4. 1510 4-2 0-39N 149-01E 105T 015T 3000'
    (Flight of six unidentified heavy bombers).

5. 0916 4-13 3-138 153-51E 008T 300T 10mi.
    (Unidentified multi-engine bomber).

6. 1132 4-13 3-178 153-51E 277T 150T 2000' 5mi.
    (Unidentified two-engine land plane).

— page 239 —
30 March 1943.
Date : Lat. 0 - 22 S., Long. 147 - 46.5 E.
Location : AK - 8500 ton.
Type of target : 195 T.
Own course : Three.
Torpedoes : Two, three and four.
Tubes : Ten feet.
Depth setting : 24 seconds, 15 seconds.
Firing interval : Mot.
Point of Aim : 355.5, 359, 359.5.
Gyro angle : 82.58, 85.58, 86.58.
Track angle : 8 knots.
Enemy estimated course : 286 T.
Enemy estimated speed : 8 knots.
Spread : 00, 10L, 10R.
Firing range : 3500 yards.
Torpedo run : 3400 yards.

REMARKS:
Spread set by TDC spread offset dial. Torpedoes were fired at periscope depth using bearings supplied by periscope prior to each shot.

Two torpedo explosions heard two minutes, twenty-nine seconds and two minutes, forty seconds after firing first torpedo - this indicates hits by the second and third torpedoes. After torpedoes hit target, target screws were no longer heard. About three minutes after the torpedo explosions, a series of loud explosions was heard. Three of these explosions sounded like boiler explosions. They were accompanied by crunching and crumbling sound of the target breaking up.

— page 240 —
31 March 1943.
: Lat. 1 - 53 N., Long. 146 - 42 E.
: 6500 - 7000 ton AK.
: 320 T.
: Four.
: Seven, eight, nine and ten.
: Four, ten, four and four feet.
: 8 seconds, 7 seconds, 7 seconds.
: 2250.
: Mot.
: 176°, 175°, 178°, 178°, 178°.
: 98, 89S, 119S, 119S.
: 8 knots.
: 0°, 1°L, 1°R, 1/2°R.
: 1870, 1840, 1820, 1800 yds.

REMARKS:
Spread set by TDC spread offset dial. Torpedo explosion one minute, thirty-one seconds after firing first torpedo. It is estimated that the second torpedo hit the target. Torpedoes were fired at periscope depth using bearings supplied from periscope prior to each shot. Sound heard torpedoes running normally. Three minutes, thirty seconds after firing the first torpedo, a heavy muffled explosion was heard. This was similar to a warhead explosion but was definitely not a depth charge. This was followed by a series of loud and close explosions in the direction of the target, followed by the noise of the ship breaking up.

The four foot depth setting was used on torpedoes that had not been converted from MK XIV-1.

— page 242 —
1. Enemy mine sweeping procedures -- none observed.
2. Degaussing arrangements and radars -- none observed.
3. Own radio reception: Reception on Belconnen's 8370 Kcs and 5600 Kcs was good at all times. These frequencies can be utilized for reception while running at periscope depth.

Reception on 44.8 Kcs was good at times, depending on atmospheric conditions. At irregular periods reliable reception was impossible on 44.8 Kcs due to static and weak signals. Belconnen was not heard on 44.8 Kcs using DF loop antenna while submerged.

Radio Honolulu (NPM) was heard, but unreadable, on 16.66 Kcs while on surface using long starboard antenna. Signal strength was SI to 80 due to high noise level and weak signals. Radio Honolulu was not heard on 16.68 Kcs using DF loop antenna while submerged.

The ship to shore 4235 Kcs series was utilized for transmission of traffic and in general was reliable. Some repeats were necessary in clearing traffic. This was evidently caused by stations interfering with Radio Belconnen's reception. No extreme delays in transmissions were experienced.

4. Density layers and sound conditions: No density layers were encountered. Sound conditions were good to excellent.

5. Habitability and health: The air-conditioning system worked better this patrol than on any preceding one. As a result, the habitability was good. The health of the crew is considered good for the operating conditions encountered.

— page 243 —
5. HABITABILITY and HEALTH (continued).

The following cases were admitted to the binnacle list:

1. Fungus infection, skin, developed cellulitis. 4 days.
2. Furethraitis, acute. 9 days.
3. Septic sore throat. 5 days.
4. Furunculosis multiple, developed from severe heat rash. 21 days.
5. Infected wisdom tooth. 4 days.
6. Furuncle, external, ear. 3 days.
7. Cellulitis, hand and foot. 9 days.
8. Ulceration of lip. 20 days.

6. Endurance Factors:

Torpedoes 13
Fuel 16,000 gallons.
Fresh water and Battery water Capacity.

(One still inoperative - estimate remaining still could operate fourteen days.)

7. Very little reliability is placed in the Sail Jig radar. Although apparently operating in a satisfactory manner, the radar picked up the GROUPER, broadside to, at a range of 2320 yards. This was with the aid of bearings from the bridge. The contact was lost intermittently as the range decreased. It is understood from the patient received, that the GROUPER picked us up at 1900 yards when we had about a twenty degree angle on the bow.

A. H. HOLTZ,
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy,
Commanding.

35.

— page 245 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3-fm
Serial 0148
Confidential
Second Indorsement to
CO TUNA Sixth War
Patrol Report.

From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief U.S. FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) Sixth War Patrol, comments on.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject patrol report.

1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

2. TUNA left Brisbane March 4, 1943 on her Sixth War Patrol and arrived at her initial station on a line between Cape Henpan and Lyre Reef on March 12, 1943, having patrolled west of Bougainville Island enroute. On March 16, she was shifted to the area southeast of a line between TAIUS and IUSSAU Islands. She had few contacts and made no attacks until the late afternoon of March 29, when she sighted a convoy of one large, two medium and two small freighters, escorted by a corvette, a subchaser, and by air-craft. She trailed this convoy during the night and the next morning attacked and sank the largest freighter, obtaining two hits from the three torpedoes fired. TUNA was depth charged by both escorts following this attack. She continued to chase the convoy and the next forenoon attacked again, hitting a medium freighter with one of four torpedoes fired. After another depth charging, TUNA continued to chase this same convoy, but lost contact and was unable to regain it. On April 4, TUNA was shifted northwest of a line between MUSAU and MANUS Islands, still remaining on the Rabaul-Pelews traffic lane. She had no further attack opportunities. She was recalled to Brisbane on April 11, and arrived on April 20, having been on patrol forty-seven days.

3. Of the twelve contacts reported, four were with small anti-submarine vessels, one with a hospital ship, three with the convoy which was successfully attacked, and

— page 247 —
11287

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
April 21, 1943.

Subject: U.S.S. TUNA (SS203) Sixth War Patrol - comments on...

are concentrating their better trained anti-submarine units on these important Empire-Rebuild lances, it is only reasonable to expect that they are obtaining generally improved results from their sound equipment, with increased experience. The probable absence of sound layers in the Solomons-Bismarcks area during recent months may be a contributing factor. Except for this increased efficiency in underwater sound equipment, and an increase in the number of escorts and anti-submarine vessels, this patrol report indicates no recent radical changes in enemy anti-submarine tactics, equipment or methods. However, the increase in the number and efficiency of Japanese escort vessels in these areas must almost inevitably result in more frequent detection of our submarines before firing, or in submarines being required to fire from long ranges or on unfavorable tracks to avoid detection.

6. TUNAS material continues to be good. She is expected to be fully ready for her seventh patrol at the end of a normal refit period, which will include an interim docking.

7. TUNAS is credited with inflicting on the enemy the following losses:

Sunk - - - - - - One (1) Freighter, 8,500 tons

— page 250 —
1. Returned from Sixth War Patrol to Brisbane, Australia on 20 April 1943. Normal refit with dry-docking period was ordered. Refit accomplished by U.S.S. FULTON completed 4 May 1943. Drydocking period 4 - 6 May 1943. Readiness for sea 11 May 1943. Conducted sound test on 12 May 1943 in Moreton Bay and proceeded to sea with escort. One day training.

Operation order directed this vessel to conduct unrestricted warfare in the Solomons - Bismarck - New Guinea area and destroy enemy shipping.