U.S.S. SCAMP (SS-277) — war patrol report SS-277_SCAMP.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: DEBOSE]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 2-4-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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Office of Naval Records and History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS SCAMP (SS 277)

The 1,500-ton ALBACORE-Class submarine SCAMP was built at the
Portsmouth, New Hampshire Navy Yard as part of the Navy's emer-
gency program. After four months in the building from keel up,
the new sub was launched on 20 July 1942 in a ceremony attended
only by naval and shipyard personnel. Sponsoring the vessel was
Miss Katherine E. McKee, daughter of Captain A. E. McKee, USN,
who was then planning officer of the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Forty minutes after SCAMP took to the water, her sister-ship
SCORPION slid down the ways, marking one of the Navy's first
dual submarine launchings.

On 18 September 1942 the new submersible was placed in full
commission as USS SCAMP (SS 277). Commander W. G. Ebert, USN,
assumed command and conned her throughout her training period
and the ship's first six war patrols.

SCAMP's first war patrol was conducted in the southern
approaches to the Japanese Empire during March 1942. While on
this patrol the sub was plagued by poor torpedo performance but
succeeded in damaging a tanker and two freighters.

War patrol two in the Bismarcks-Solomons area was conducted
with slightly more success and the enemy lost a large freighter
to SCAMP's accurate torpedo runs. Operating in this vicinity
again on her third patrol, SS-277 damaged a Japanese submarine
and a large tanker. Her fourth war patrol was again in this
area and resulted in the sinking of a freighter and a freighter-
transport,plus damaging a destroyer-escort.

On her fifth patrol SCAMP ranged the Truk-Kavieng traffic
lanes and during this time she sank a freighter-transport and in-
flicted damage on a large cruiser and a transport. Patrolling
this traffic lane again on war patrol six, from mid-December 1943
to February 1944, SCAMP sent a large tanker to the bottom. The
seventh patrol was conducted in the New Guinea-Palau-Mindanao
area with Commander J. C. Hollingsworth in command.

During this patrol, SCAMP was severely damaged by a close
enemy aircraft bomb. The vessel was saved only by the heroic
work of her commanding officer and crew. The only damage

— page 3 —
2. SCAMP

inflicted on the enemy while on this patrol was a small trawler
sunk in a surface gunfire attack.

SCAMP's eighth war patrol commenced on 16 October 1944 when
she stood out from Pearl Harbor enroute for Midway again under
the conn of Commander Hollingsworth. After a brief stop at
Midway where she topped off her fuel tanks, the sub continued
to her area of patrol in the Bonin Islands.

On 8 November she received instructions to stay clear of the
Bonin Islands during B-29 raids and this message was acknowledg-
ed by the submarine. At this time she reported that she had made
no torpedo attacks. This message was the last received from
SS-277 and the remainder of her patrol activities must be left
to conjecture and to information learned through comparing Jap-
anese reports reviewed after the war.

In order to provide rescue services for downed aviators dur-
ing the Saipan-based bomber assaults on Tokyo, SCAMP was ordered
to lifeguard duty on 14 November. In this transmission, she was
directed to proceed to a point just east of the peninsula which
forms the eastern boundary of Tokyo Bay on Honshu. Between that
date and 26 November 1944, numerous messages were sent to the
sub which required no acknowledgment, thus rendering it impos-
sible to tell whether she received any or all of them.

On 29 November, information was received of an enemy mine-
field in the vicinity of Inubo Saki, a point on the previously
mentioned peninsula, and all submarines in that area were warned
to stand clear. Since all transmissions to SCAMP after 9 Novem-
ber remained unacknowledged, and she had not appeared by 21
December, she was reported as presumed lost on war patrol in
enemy waters.

Since the end of the war, the following facts have been
learned from Japanese sources: On 11 November 1944, a Japanese
patrol plane bombed what appeared to be a large oil slick left
by a submarine (near SCAMP's probable position on that date). A
coast defense vessel was led to the scene by the plane and drop-
ped about seventy depth charges in three runs on the target where-
upon a large oil pool appeared. On 13 November GREENLING, also
on a lifeguard station, contacted a ship which, despite radar
interference, she thought was SCAMP, although she was unable to
sight anything.

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3 SCAMP

On 16 November two attacks were made by the Japanese in the
proximity of the lifeguard station. Amplifying data on these
attacks reveal that on the second attack, "Great explosive
sounds came as a result of this attack." It would seem, then
that SCAMP was attacked several times during her period of life-
guard duty. Whether she was badly damaged and withdrawing from
the Japanese coast at the time of the last two attacks, it is
impossible to say.

No attack cited here ties in with any anti-submarine attacks
reported by submarines returning from patrol. It is probable
that damage to SCAMP became progressively more serious as she
absorbed each successive attack. She may have been withdrawing
from the Empire without transmission facilities when her
end came. USS SCAMP was officially declared lost on 12 April
1945.

***

USS SCAMP earned seven battle stars on the Asiatic-Pacific
Area Service Ribbon for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Submarine Assessment -- 27 July 1943

1 Star/Consolidation of Solomon Islands
    Consolidation of Southern Solomons -- 8 February to 20
    June 1943

1 Star/Eastern New Guinea Operation
    Lae Occupation -- 4 to 22 September 1943

1 Star/Treasury-Bougainville Operation
    Treasury Island Landing -- 27 October to 6 November 1943

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 1 March to 26 May 1946

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 16 December 1943 to 6
    February 1944

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 3 March to 22 April 1944

***

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4
SCAMP
***
STATISTICS

SURFACE DISPLACEMENT 1,525 tons
LENGTH OVERALL 311 feet
TORPEDO TUBES Ten 21" tubes
CREW 85 officers and men

***
Restencilled: May 1951

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[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET 1d
Serial 0456
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
April 6, 1943.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST. 5510.1C
BY [SIGNATURE: DRD9BH] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/77]

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO: 160
U.S.S. SCAMP - FIRST WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Report of First War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of Subject War Patrol Report.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv 141 Conf. 1st. end. to SCAMP file
SS277/49/(05) of March 26, 1943.
(C) Copy of Comsubron 4 Conf. 2nd. end. to SCAMP file
SS277/49/(05) of March 26, 1943.

1. This was the first war patrol for the U.S.S. SCAMP and was
carried out in an aggressive manner. It is most unfortunate that the torpedo
performance was so poor. Possible reasons for the poor torpedo performance
are as follows:
(a) Too shallow a depth setting may have been used, causing premature
explosions.
(b) While enroute station, too deep a depth setting for long periods
of time may have been used, causing a permanent set in the depth
setting spring.
Corrective directives have been issued to all submarines of this force regard-
ing proper depth settings for torpedoes having the latest depth control modi-
fication.

2. It is gratifying to note that the SCAMP used its Radar to good
advantage.

3. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates
the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew on this successful first war patrol.
The SCAMP is credited with having inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

DAMAGED
1 Tanker (MANZYU M.RU Class) - - 6,520 tons
1 Freighter (HIYOSI M.RU Class) - 4,046 tons
1 Freighter (SEIHYO M.RU Class) - 2,608 tons
TOT.L DAMAGED - 13,174 tons

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 48627]

J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
Acting.

Distribution and authentication on
following page.
- 1 -

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ld
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of First War Patrol - Period from
March 1, 1943 to March 26, 1943. Operation Order: Comtaskfor
Seven Operation Order 32-43, as modified by Comtaskfor Seven
Serial 93.

PROLOGUE:

Arrived PEARL HARBOR February 13, 1943 from East Coast U.S.
Shortly after departure from PANAM upper crankshaft No. 2
main engine was broken after the engine had been flooded. This
was main repair job of refit period and was accomplished by
SPERRY and Navy repair forces. Had three day training
period; provided one day training for P.C.O. HADDOCK. Readiness
for sea March 1, 1943.

1. NARRATIVE.

March 1, 1943
1300(VW) Departed PEARL HARBOR enroute to MIDWAY escorted by PC 478.
2000(VW) Escort parted company.

March 2, 1943
1545(WX) Sighted a mine identified as Type 64, U.S. Navy in position Lat.
24-07 N, Long. 162-43 W. Attempted to sink by gun fire from 20 MM
and .30 caliber machino guns at rance of 200 yards. Sea was too
rough to get enough hits to sink mino.

March 3, 1943
0745(WX) Sheer pins in bow plane rigging shaft carried away upon surfacing
replaced and planes rigged in at 0815(WX).
1020(WX) Sighted PBY plane on course 110°(T), range ten miles, bearing 200°
(T), position Lat. 24-26 N, Long. 166-42 W. No evidence of having
been sighted by plane. SD Radar made contact shortly after sighting.
1144(WX) ED Radar made contact and immediately thereafter sighted PBY plane
on course 290°(T), range seven miles, bearing 020°(T), position
Lat. 25-38 N, Long. 167-00 W. No evidence of having been sighted
by plane. Passing messenger in plane later informed us at Midway
that he had sighted us and informed the pilot.

March 5, 1943
0636(XY) Made contact with two SBD planes, (MIDWAY air escort), position
Lat. 28-16 N, Long. 176-49 W.
0815(XY) Contacted escort vessel by SJ Radar bearing 275°(T), range 3500
yards. Escort came out of rain squall at 3000 yards.
0950(XY) Entered MIDWAY for fuel. Accomplished numerous minor repair items
and reported mine contact.
1655(Y) Departed MIDWAY for assigned area.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 24 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 63-2506]
[HANDWRITTEN: NAY 204]
[HANDWRITTEN: 3:42-11-2]
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 25 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FORTY ONE 1d
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
April 1, 1943.

FB5-1/1/16-3/9
Serial 311
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS SCAMP Report of First
War Patrol SS277/L9/(05) of
March 26, 1943. CONF.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 141.
To: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP Report of First War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Division Commander considers this, the first patrol of
SCAMP, as an aggressive, fighting patrol. Time in the area was cut short due
to expenditure of torpedoes. Results were decimated due to poor torpedo per-
formance. The experience gained in the importance of, and difficulties to be
expected in, depth control should prove of great value. SCAMP, her Commanding
Officer, officers and crew have taken their baptism and proven that they are
made of stout stuff.

3. The remarks of the Commanding Officer on material deficiencies
are fully concurred in.

4. By copy of this endorsement "Well done, SCAMP".

ENCLOSURE (B)

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SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR

FC5-4/A16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial 077
San Francisco, California,
April 5, 1943.
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS SCAMP Report of First
War Patrol SS277/A9/(05)
of March 26, 1943.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP Report of First War Patrol - Comment on.

1. Forwarded. The first patrol of the SCAMP was of 26 days dura-
tion, of which 7 days were spent in the area. The patrol was terminated due
to expenditure of all torpedoes.

2. The cause of excessive prematures and the erratic torpedo per-
formance cannot be determined from the patrol report. The depth settings on
the torpedoes was consistently shallow. In one case (attack #5) three torpedoes
were set at four feet against a target of an estimated draft of 20 feet. The
latest official information on the torpedoes is that they run three feet
shallower than the depth set at ranges over 1,000 yards, which would make the
torpedo actually run on the surface, when a torpedo of this power will probably
give erratic performance. Whether the Commanding Officer of the SCAMP and
Commanding Officers of other submarines have received the latest information
on depth performance of these torpedoes, since the alteration to the depth
control, is not known. This information should be widely disseminated.

3. The patrol was conducted aggressively and with determination.

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 27 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]
[HANDWRITTEN: 01018]

[TYPED: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST. 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: 0109BJK] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/72]

U.S.S. SCAMP

REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL

FROM: April 19, 1943.
TO: June 4, 1943.

NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA IN SUBMARINES (BURN)

[STAMP: FILMED]
[STAMP: 30833]

— page 41 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of Second War Patrol.

| | (1) | (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Firing Interval | : 7½,8,8 secs. | 10 secs. |
| Spread - Amount and Kind | : Divergent-0,2L: | None |
| Was Torpedo Performance | : One | : |
| Satisfactory? | : Premature | : Yes |
| Own Course | : 160°T | : 207°T |
| Target Course | : 240°T | : Adrift |
| Point of Aim | : HOT | : HOT |
| Interval between firing & hit | : 1-25 & 1-46 | : 5-41 |
| Sound heard torpedoes running | : Yes | : No |
REMARKS: Attack #1 SCAMP was almost directly on the track of
the target as the angle on the bow was zero at three different
times during the approach. First contact was by sound, which
heard echo ranging 15 minutes before target was sighted.
The spread was roughly calculated to cover 250% of the
target with 5 torpedoes, with the normal expectancy of two
hits. We were fortunate that the torpedo that exploded pre-
maturely was not one designed to hit.
Early ranges were taken by bringing mast head to main
deck level.
Turn count did not agree with that given in ONI 208-J.
We got 110 rpm = 14 knots.
Two times during the approach large zigs by the target
required us to turn around. Each time we went deep before
we speeded up for the turn.
The sea was smooth and clear. It seemed that it would be
impossible to complete the approach and attack without being
sighted by either the plane or the surface escorts. The inter-
position of a rain squall at the firingpoint actually worked
to our advantage for it allowed a last speed up to reduce dis-
tance to track and decreased the chances of the plane sighting
us or the target avoiding the torpedoes by maneuvering. How-
ever, for a time, it looked like we would have to fire on the
generated bearing.
The final target course was obtained by bearing alone, as
angle on the bow could not be ascertained through rain. Our
standard procedure for such a case is to interduce an arbi-
trary 20° change, which we did. The final firing bearing
checked OK, the periscope was lowered and raised again in
time to get a bearing check before #4 was fired. This bear-
ing also checked on.
Counter action by the near escort, which was on the
quarter of the target about 1000 yards from us, was immedi-
ate. He evidently came right down the tracks and was drop-
ping charges with in a minute after we fired our last torpedo.
For this reason, sound only heard torpedoes start to run as
they were immediately blanked out by escort coming in. As the
last torpedo was fired we started for 280 feet and turned left
with full rudder. The first charges went-off close astern as
we passed 185 feet.

[HANDWRITTEN: (19)]
- 14 -

— page 44 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
June 5, 1943

FC5-S/A16-3

Serial 064

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCAMP report of
Second War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
To: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277), Second War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. The second war patrol of the SCAMP was of
forty-seven days duration, of which, thirty-four days were
spent in the combat zone. Only seven contacts were made,
three of which were on hospital ships and two on small
patrol boats. The one worthy contact was developed into
attack with the probable sinking of the KANIKA MARU.

2. No major defects were experienced during
the patrol. The general material condition of the SCAMP
is excellent. The SCAMP will be given a regular refit
by the Submarine Repair Unit assisted by the FULTON.

W. H. DOWNS.

[HANDWRITTEN: (5)]

— page 45 —
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 8, 1943.

FF12-15(72)/A16-3/He
Serial 0205
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander THIRD FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277); Report of Second War Patrol -
comments on.

1. SCAMP departed Pearl Harbor 19 April 1943 on her
second war patrol stopping at Johnson Island for fuel enroute to
the Bismarck - Solomons area. She passed to operational control of
Commander Task Force Seventy-Two on 27 April and on the following
day reconnoitered Ocean and Nauru Islands with negative results.
On 30 May she passed longitude 156°-00' East, at the equator and on
the following day was ordered westward to patrol area between the
equator and 1°-00' North and between longitudes 145°-00' and 150°-00'
East. On 10 May SCAMP was ordered to assist GRAYBACK in interception
of a convoy which had been sighted by ALBACORE off Tingwon but failed
to make contact although she sighted GRAYBACK three times during the
chase. She returned to her area on the twelfth and terminated a day-
light periscope approach on 15 May when the target was identified as
a lightly laden hospital ship. On 19 May she sighted two more hosp-
ital ships,both south bound, which the commanding officer reports as
appearing heavily laden. SCAMP contacted a patrol boat on 23 May and
attempted an attack on a destroyer the following day but was unable to
get into firing range. At noon 28 May in the vicinity of Tench Island
she sighted a converted seaplane tender of the HIROKAWA Maru class es-
corted by two PC type ships of about 500 tons. This group had been
seen a short time previously by Commander Task Force Seventy-Two who
was making a special reconnaissance flight from Guadalcanal. The escorts
were stationed, one on each quarter, distance 800 yards. Although the
enemy may be using these escort positions with magnetic mine sweeper
in an effort to activate magnetic exploders before they reach the target,
a better answer would seem that this puts escorts in a much more effec-
tive position for counter attacking a submarine than where the escort
positions are ahead of the target. SCAMP made two hits out of five
torpedoes fired and was counter attacked with a total of twenty three
depth charges commencing within a minute after firing the last torpedo.
The hits were sufficient to stop this valuable target but SCAMP with-
drew due to reduced remaining battery capacity, and, after putting in
a partial charge, returned that night and made a surface attack with
two torpedoes at long range set for low power. Both torpedoes evidently
hit the target and resulted in a terrific explosion. Due to proximity
of escorts SCAMP did not remain in the vicinity to actually observe the
sinking of the target. Under the circumstances it is considered that
this procedure was correct but it is also considered that the target
did not survive the two attacks. SCAMP then headed for Brisbane and
arrived there on 4 June without further contacts after spending forty
seven days on patrol.

- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (4)]

— page 46 —
[STAMP: 7 01018]

FF12-15(72)/A16-3/He

Serial 0205
[STRIKETHROUGH: CONFIDENTIAL]

SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277); Report of Second War Patrol -
         comments on.

— page 47 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 8155]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: JUN 25 1943]
[STAMP: CINCPAC]

COMSOPAC FILE
A16-3/(11)
Serial 0993

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER

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

[STAMP: JUN 19 1943]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8364]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7 018]

3rd Endorsement on
CO USS SCAMP Report
of Second War Patrol

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - report of Second War
Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. SCAMP made the most of her one opportunity
on this patrol.

[SIGNATURE: H. R. Thurber]
H. R. THURBER,
Acting Chief of Staff

Copy to:
VCNO
Cincpac
Cinclant
Comsowespac
Comsubpac
Comsublant
ComsubsoWespac
CTF 72
Comsubron 8
Comsubron 14
Comsubdiv 81
Comsubdiv 141
CO USS SCAMP

[HANDWRITTEN: 50833]
[STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: (V)]

[STAMP: 1943 JUL 15 7]
[HANDWRITTEN: 30]

[HANDWRITTEN: 21]

— page 48 —
SS277/S29-1/( 015 ) U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)
[HANDWRITTEN: Reg # None]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
July 29, 1943.
CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: 01446/3]
[STAMP: RECEIVED 9 AUG 1943 COM. TASK FOR 72]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: Displacement of KAMIKAWA.

1. Scamp on second war patrol sank Japanese converted seaplane
tender KAMIKAWA. The ship was positively identified.

2. ONI publications list the KAMIKAWA as a intregal part of the
Japanese fleet. As such she should be classed as a war ship rather than a
merchant vessel.

3. Consequently it is believed that Scamp and C.T.F. 72 should
be credited with sinking a converted seaplane tender of 15,650 tons, as
listed on page 62 Op ONI 14 and in ONI organization of Japanese fleets.

[SIGNATURE: Walter G. Ebert]
Walter G. EBERT.

— page 49 —
9 0695

FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Fk                               TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
                                                   Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial 0249                                        San Francisco, California.

CONFIDENTIAL
                                                   13 August 1943.

From:      The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To :       The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via :      (1) The Commander, THIRD FLEET.

Subject:   U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277), Report of Second War
           Patrol, reassessment of damage.

Reference: (a) CTF 72 Ltr. FF12-15(72)/He Serial 0205 of
           8 June 1943.

1. In the light of later and more accurate in-
formation, paragraph 5 of reference (a) is corrected to
read as follows:

           "5. SCAMP inflicted the following damage
           on the enemy during this patrol:

           SUNK

           HIROKAWA Maru type (XAV) 15,650 tons."

                                                   [SIGNATURE: James Fife]
                                                   JAMES FIFE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copy - 2)
VCHO
VOFNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 7th Flt (2)
Comsubs 1st Flt
Comsubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 8, 14
CSD 81, 82, 141
CTF 72 War Patrol Summary and Boat Files
Flt Radio Unit, MELBOURNE
All SS TF-72 (Not to be taken to sea - BURN)
OinC, S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
CO SCAMP (File).

54240 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 50 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 9-0321]
COMSOPAC FILE
A16-3/(11)
Serial 01492

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

From:
To :
Subject:

1. SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER

1st Endorsement on
CTF 72 Conf. ltr.
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0249 dated
13 August 1943.

The Commander South Pacific.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277), Report of Second War
Patrol, reassessment of damage.

Forwarded. [HANDWRITTEN: 1221]
[HANDWRITTEN: 9 0695]

ejh

[STAMP: 30 AUG 1943]

[SIGNATURE: R. M. Carney]
ROBT. B. CARNEY,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
CTF 72
Comsubdiv 82
CO USS SCAMP

[STAMP: 43 SEP 9 14 16]
[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. FLEET
RECEIVED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 51 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

9 0690

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

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST. 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OROBOK] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/72]

U.S.S. SCALP
REPORT OF
THIRD WAR PATROL

From: 22 June 1943 To: 8 August 1943

NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA BY SUBMARINES - (BURN)

54241 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 52 —
SS277/A16-3
Serial 017
CONFIDENTIAL

From:
To:
Via:

Subject:
Enclosure:

1.
this vessel conducted in SOLOMONS - BISMARK SEA area during the
period 22 June, 1943 to 8 August, 1943.

- 1 - U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)
Care Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
August 8, 1943.

Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277).
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
(3) Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

U.S.S. SCAMP, Report of War Patrol number Three.

(A) Subject Report.

Enclosure (A), covering the Third war patrol of

Walter G. EBERT.

— page 53 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of Third War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE
Scamp returned from Second war patrol on 4 June, 1943 in
excellent material condition, requiring work only on sound
gear and antenna trunk. Refit was accomplished by FULTON and
Submarine Base, Brisbane, Australia. Ship was dry-docked to
repair propellers damaged while in port.
No training was accomplished prior to departure on patrol.
A limited amount of training was done enroute, and is included
in the narrative (B).

(B) NARRATIVE

June 22, 1943
0900(K) Departed Brisbane. Conducted sound tests and gun
firing in MORETON BAY.
1800(K) Joined escort (HMAS COOTAMUNDRA), and proceeded to
sea.
Made trim dive and night approaches after clearing
shallow water.

June 23, 1943
0800(K) Submerged; acting as target for sound training of
escort.
1100(K) Deep test dive. Many minor leaks. Antenna trunk,
which leaked after depth charging on last patrol,
leaked badly. Many nuts found loose, gaskets dis-
torted, and too heavy gaskets on all joints.
Trunk leaked throughout patrol, although one bad
leak was stopped by replacing low hand hole
gasket.
This was but the beginning of many minor casualties,
which included every thing from the air conditioning
plant all out of adjustment and full of oil, to the
dead reckoning machine running backwards. For the
next five days the entire crew off watch was working
long hours in an effort to get the ship into operat-
ing condition. The results of the refit were such
that it is felt that the highly technical equipment
that is operating satisfactorily would be much better
left alone than be checked over by some inexperienced
fireman who doesn't know what he is about.
1230(K) Started daylight approaches, using escort as target.
1640(K) Proceeding independently toward patrol area.

June 24, 1943
Numerous training dives. Practice battle surfaces.

June 25, 1943
Numerous training dives. Practice battle surfaces.
Emergency drills.

- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 54 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of Third War Patrol.

June 26, 1943
0500(K) Submerge for all day dive, having passed Latitude 13°
        South.
1732(K) Surfaced.

June 27, 1943
0530(K) Submerged for all day dive.
1748(K) Surfaced.

June 28, 1943
0525(K) Submerged for all day dive.
1810(K) Surfaced.
        Refit completed.

June 29, 1943
0455(K) Submerged for all day dives.
1312(K) Sighted plane (aircraft contact #1) through periscope.
1845(K) Surfaced.
        Made passage between GREEN ISLAND and CAPE HENPAN before
        midnight.

June 30, 1943
1225(K) Sighted plane (aircraft contact #2); submerged to avoid.
        No evidence of having been sighted by plane.
1247(K) Surfaced.

July 1, 1943
1445(K) Arrived in position on scouting line; started scouting
        toward initial point.
1930(K) Received CTF 72 serial 45 shifting scouting line.

July 2, 3, 4, 1943
        Maintained position on scouting line as directed by
        CTF 72. Made trim dive each morning before dawn.

July 5, 1943
        Maintained position on scouting line as before.
0415(K) Made short trim dive.
0615(K) Sighted NUKUORO ISLAND bearing 180°(T), distance 15
        miles.

July 6, 1943
        Maintained position on scouting line as before.
0415(K) Made short trim dive.

July 7, 1943
        Maintained position on scouting line as before.
0415(K) Made short trim dive.
0726(K) Sighted three float planes (aircraft contact #3).
        Submerged to avoid. (Were Japs basing float planes at
        GREENWICH ISLAND?)

- 3 - ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 62 —
CONFIDENTIAL

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

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

:Time:Lat.                               :Initial:Est. :How con-:
No:Date:Long.      :Type                 :Range :Course:tacted : Remarks
1. 1312K 5-30S     :"RUTH"               :2 miles:030°T.: P      :Bearing 100° T.
  :6/29:154-01E    :                     :      :      :        :Altitude 1000 ft.
2. 1225K. 1-50S    :Unident-             :8 miles:180°T.: LO     :Bearing 345° T.
  :6/30:156-00E    :ified bomber.        :      :      :        :Altitude 1000 ft.
3. 0726K 2-37N     :3 float              :8 to 10:270°T.:Seen by :Bearing 155° T.
  :7/7 :154-52E    :planes               :miles :      :Captain :Altitude 3000 ft.
  :                 :Unidentified.        :      :      :        :
4. 0126K 5-46S     :"DAVE"               :3 miles:070°T.: OOD    :Bearing 160° T.
  :7/17:156-02E    :or "PETE"            :      :      :        :Altitude 1000 ft.
5. 1450K 5-43S     :Unidentified         :2 miles:315°T.: P      :Bearing 045° T.
  :7/18:155-27E    :bomber.              :      :      :        :Altitude 700 ft.
6. 1135K 2-11S     :"MAVIS"              :5 miles:110°T.:Seen by :Bearing 290° T.
  :7/21:153-16E    :                     :      :      :Captain :Altitude 1500 ft.
7. 0842K 3-10S     :US B-24              :16    :020°T.: P      :Bearing 110° T.
  :7/23:153-30E    :                     :miles :      :        :Altitude 2000 ft.
8. 1330K 3-10S     :"KATE"               :12    :215°T.: P      :Bearing 215° T.
  :7/23:153-30E    :                     :miles :      :        :Altitude 700 ft.
9. 1430K 2-19S    :3 unidentified       :10    :Circl-: P.     :Bearing 177° T.
  :7/25:150-47E    :planes               :miles :ing to:        :
  :                 :                     :      :land. :        :
10. 1855K 2-08S    :Unidentified         :12    :Circl-: LO     :
  :7/25:150-45E    :planes               :miles :ing to:        :
  :                 :                     :      :land. :        :
11. 0610K 14-45S   :3 B-25s              :15    :320°T.: LO     :Bearing 230° T.
  :8/5 :154-00E    :                     :miles :      :        :

SD - RADAR
LO - Lookout P - Periscope

(H) ATTACK DATA
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3
Time: 0240(K) Date: 27 July Lat. 2-38S Long. 149-20E
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Two ship convoy with one destroyer escort. Lead-
             ing ship was empty tanker about 550 feet in length.
             Second ship was unidentified.
Ship(s) sunk: None.
Ship(s) damaged
or Probably sunk: One.
Damage deter-
mined by: Hearing torpedoes hit.
Target draft: 16' Course: 312 Speed: 13.25 Range: 780 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 2 kts. Course: 050 Depth: 60 ft. Angle:0° (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type attack: Approach was carried out on surface using RADAR
             ranges and bridge bearings. We ran with target and

- 11 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 66 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
8 August 1943.

FC5-8/A16-3
Serial 0109

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCAMP Report of
Third War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
To : Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) Third War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. The SCAMP'S third war patrol covered a
period of forty-seven days, thirty-five of which were
spent in the combat zone.

2. The material condition of the SCAMP upon
return from patrol, was in general, excellent. Only
one major casualty developed during the patrol. This
was due to a casualty in the blower of number two
main engine. The cause of this casualty has not been
determined. A full report will be made after investi-
gation. The SCAMP will receive a regular standard
refit by the FULTON.

3. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew
are congratulated on this highly successful patrol.

W. K. DOWNEY.

— page 67 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0251
CONFIDENTIAL
2nd ENDORSEMENT to
C.O. SCAMP Report of
Third War Patrol

From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander, THIRD FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Report of Third War
Patrol; comments on.

1. SCAMP departed Brisbane 22 June 1943, on her
Third War Patrol. She arrived at her assigned station on
the Submarine line south of TRUK on 1 July, remaining there
without any contacts until 10 July. During the afternoon
of 14 July in her new area near the northeast entrance to
SHORTLAND BASIN, SCAMP made an approach on two of four
northbound destroyers, but was unable to reach a favorable
firing position. On 17 July she proceeded in accordance
with orders via the north coast of NEW IRELAND enroute new
station southeast of STEFFEN STRAIT. That night she made a
night approach on two trawlers but after identifying them
withheld attack. Early on the morning of 27 July she made
a night attack on a westbound convoy of two ships and one
escort in Latitude 2°-43' S., Longitude 149°-43' E. Six
torpedoes were fired at an empty tanker, resulting in one
sure hit and two possibles. Counter-attack by escort caused
no damage. In the late afternoon of the same day she sight-
ed a Jap submarine Latitude 2°-50' S., Longitude 149°-01'
E. During the approach on this target, the sound operator
reported that the enemy submarine had fired a torpedo.
SCAMP immediately went deep and heard the torpedo pass
overhead. She then quickly returned to periscope depth and
fired four torpedoes, one which hit and destroyed the sub-
marine. After several contacts with small craft she sight-
ed a large eastbound freighter with one escort afternoon 30
July Latitude 3°-41' S., Longitude 151°-11' E., but was un-
able to obtain a favorable attack position. She departed
from her area on 31 July and arrived Brisbane 8 August, after
forty-six days on patrol.

2. The two attacks which SCAMP made during this
patrol were well conducted, resulting in two sure and two
- 1 -
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

12 August 1943.

— page 69 —
[STAMP: 12253]
[HANDWRITTEN: 9. 0690]
[HANDWRITTEN: ab]

COMSOPAC FILE

A16-3/(11)
Serial 01503

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER

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

[HANDWRITTEN: 3rd Endorsement on]
[HANDWRITTEN: CO USS SCAMP Report]
[HANDWRITTEN: of Third War Patrol.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 31 AUG 1943]

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS 277), Report of Third War
Patrol - comments on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Commander South Pacific congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
SCAMP on this successful war patrol.

[SIGNATURE: Robt. B. Carney]
ROBT. B. CARNEY,
Chief of Staff.

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]
[STAMP: U.S. FLEET]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 1943 AUG 31]

Copy to: VCNO
Cincpac
Cinclant
Comsowespac
Comsubpac
Comsublant
Comsubsowespac
CTF 72
Comsubron 6
Comsubron 8
Comsubdiv 81
Comsubdiv 82
CO USS SCAMP

[HANDWRITTEN: 19]

— page 70 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: D.M.0.22-24]
L.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 10 01934]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED - ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[STAMP: BY] [HANDWRITTEN: D/0964] [STAMP: DATE] [HANDWRITTEN: 6/4/58]

U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)
FOURTH WAR PATROL.

FROM: 2 September 1943. TO: 1 October 1943.
!

NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA BY SUBMARINES - BURN

57154 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 71 —
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

A16-3

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

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of War Patrol Number
         Four.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

         1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol
of this vessel conducted in Solomons - Bismarck - New Guinea
area during the period, 2 September 1943 to 1 October 1943.

W. G. EBERT.

— page 72 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE
SCAMP returned to Submarine Base, Brisbane, Australia from
Third War Patrol on 8 August 1943. Refit finished on August
22. Ship left on Fourth War Patrol 0900(K) 29 August in
accordance with C.T.F. 72 Operation Order S-55-43. Sound
survey, and gun firing at a towed target, were conducted in
MORETON BAY. Rendezvous made with H.M.A.S. VENDETTA in
vicinity of COLOUNDRA HEAD, and proceeded to sea in company.
Conducted trim dive and night approach. Port sound gear out
of commission and reported to C.T.F. 72. Received instruc-
tions to return to port upon completion of training exercises.
Conducted training with VENDETTA, made deep dive, and returned
to Submarine Base, Brisbane at 0030 1 September, 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE
2 September 1943
1300(K) Underway from Submarine Base, Brisbane in accordance with
C.T.F. 72 Operation Order #S-59-43.
1817(K) Passed Cape MORETON.
2016(K) Deep dive. Only deficiency was drain pump, which could
not pump against head of over 100 feet.

3,4,5 September 1943
Training dives and emergency drills while proceeding on
surface toward TULAGI.
- 1 -

6 September 1943
0515(K) Submerged for all day dive, having reached Lat. 13°S.
1741(K) Surfaced.

7 September 1943
0305(K) Made rendezvous with H.M.N.Z.S. KIWI, which ship escorted
SCAMP to TULAGI.
1030(K) Moored alongside YOG-41 in TULAGI HARBOR, and fueled to
capacity.
1400(K) Underway for patrol area in company with PETO, and
escorted by KIWI.
1805(K) Escort left formation.

8 September 1943
0020(K) SCAMP and PETO parted company.
0454(K) Submerged for all day dive.
0624(K) (Aircraft contact #1) Sighted unidentified plane bear-
ing 032° T, distance 15 miles, thru periscope.
0801(K) (Aircraft contact #2) Sighted unidentified plane bear-
ing 352° T, distance 8 miles, thru periscope.
1741(K) Surfaced.

9 September 1943
0506(K) Submerged for all day dive. Found after diving that
radio was interrupted in the middle of reception of radio
message.
0728(K) Surfaced to copy radio schedule.
0734(K) (Aircraft contact #3) Sighted bomber bearing 190° T, dis-
tance 20 miles. Submerged to avoid.
0829(K) Surfaced to copy radio schedule.
- 2 -

— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

18 September 1943
1055(K) Heard loud cracking noise thru hull. Wounded MARU drop-
          ped further down by the head, his screw out of water.
          He evidently broke a bulkhead tearing around avoiding us.
1058(K) Escort finally located us and came tearing in. Rigged
          for depth charge and sought solitude at 320'.
1101(K) Six depth charges, well laid. This was the closest
          attack we had experienced at deep depth.
1112(K) Four depth charges, not quite so close.
1115(K) One depth charge, still farther away.
1240(K) At periscope depth in heavy rain squall, visibility 500-
          2000 yards. Nothing in sight, but maneuvered toward
          pinging.
1305(K) A single distant depth charge.
1318(K) Sighted wounded MARU range 2750 yards, being circled by
          pinging escort.
1319(K) Sighted other MARU bearing 078° relative, range 2900
          yards, circling to his left. Came right for a bow shot
          at this fellow on his next circle, stern ready to fire at
          wounded MARU.
1321(K) Circling MARU disappeared in squall, never to be seen
          again.
1332(K) Dispaired of getting shot at undamaged MARU; maneuvered
          to put stern on crippled MARU and check his drift.
1340(K) Stern steady on. Escort headed toward us on his routine
          circle, but still unaware of our proximity.
1343(K) Escort came astern at 400 yards. Makes contact.
1345(K) Fired two torpedoes aft with periscope cross wire dead
          astern on stack of MARU. Had not yet gotten a check on
          drift. Also on cross wire was escort, angle on bow zero,
          range 200 yards with bone in teeth. Down we go.
1346(K) One explosion which may have been second torpedo prematur-
          ing at 22 secs. As we were passing 100 feet, escort un-
          loaded everything on us. Any where from 10 to 15 charges
          spread over us like a tent. SCAMP shuddered like a leaf
          in a high wind. The following reports were immediately
          received in control tower: (1) Forward torpedo room flood-
          ing; being evacuated. (2) Fire in control room (3) Ship
          in pump room (4) Forward escape trunk door open (5)
          at 420' with 10° down angle (6) Engine induction flooded.
          Actually the above casualties turned out to be as
          follows: (1) The forward torpedo room was flooding thru
          the pit log. It was being rigged in at the time, and
          was pushed up inside its gland, allowing a geyser of
          water to enter the ship. The man who was doing the rig-
          ging cleared out; but DALITZ, Wilbert W., 337 78 48, F1c,
          USN, and BRADLEY, James H. Jr., 268 54 97, TM2c, USN,
          dove in and closed the gate. Lt.(jg) A. H. WILLIAMS, in
          charge of the forward room, had men while ordered excess
          excess men from the compartment. He actually took in
          about 7000 pounds of water. (2) The fire in the control
          room was flashing from the trim pump controller which was
          jarred loose from its foundation. It stopped flashing
          when the attack was over.

- 5 -

— page 88 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                (Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2 Patrol No. 4
Time 1345(K) Date 18 Sep 43 Lat. 00-38'N Long. 146-31E .

                                        Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Convoy of KANS I MARU and one 500 ton D.E.
The 10,000 ton AK left the convoy after our first attack.
Periscope approach in rain squall; maximum visibility
3000 yards. Approach made by following pinging until
target was sighted.

Ship(s) Sunk - None

Ship(s) Damaged - None
or Probably Sunk

Damage Deter-
mined by

Target Draft 40'Fw. Course 175 Speed ½ K Range 1500 Yds.
                 0'Aft.                                (at firing)

                                        Own Ship Data

Speed 2 Course 270 Depth 67 Angle 30 down (at firing)

                                        Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Target stopped due to previous attack. Was
tracking target for drift when escort made contact and
caused us to fire before drift had been calculated. Zero
gyro angles from stern tubes on 90° port track. Torpedo
Depth 18 feet.

                                        - 18 -

— page 89 —
SECOND ATTACK
K N S I MARU

CONFIDENTIAL

Tubes Fired - No. 7 No. 8 No. No. No.
Track Angle - 90S 90S
Gyro Angel - 0 0
Depth Set - 14' 18'
Power - high high
Hit or miss - Miss Miss
Erratic - No No
(yes or no)
Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. - 24041 22263
Mark Exploder- 6-1 6-1
Serial No. - 11463 14691
Actuation Set - Contact Contact
Actuation Actual-None None
Mark Warhead - 16 16
Serial No. - 5519 2605
Explosive - Torpex Torpex.
Firing Interv l - ---- 12 sec.
Type Spread - None None
Sea Conditions - Smooth - Slight swells from N.E.
Overhaul Activity- Fulton Fulton
Remarks -

- 19 -

— page 90 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                (Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. SCALP (SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 Patrol No. 4
Time 1855(K) Date 18 Sep Lat. 0°-36'N Long. 146°-27'E

                                                                Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Convoy of KANSAI MARU & 500 ton D.E.
Periscope approach at twilight, visibility good.

Ship(s) Sunk: One 500 ton D.E.

Ship(s) Damaged
or Probably Sunk

Damage Deter- Escort was reported echo ranging and
mined by crossing our bow from port to starboard
exactly when the explosion occurred.
Escort was never seen or heard of again.

KANSAI
Target Draft - 40'F&O'A Course 170 Speed 7K Range 7000
ESCORT 8 ft. 170 10K 6500
                                                                                                (at firing)

                                                                Own Ship Data

Speed 2 Course 081 Depth 67' Angle Zero (at firing)

                                                                Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Shot at the goose and hit the gander.
Depth setting 18 feet and 12 feet. The first torpedo
was a premature. This was a long range shot at a
stopped target with D.E. escort protection.

                                                                - 20 -

— page 91 —
THIRD ATTACK
(DE) ESCORT

CONFIDENTI L

Tubes Fired - No. 1 No. 2 No. No. No.
Track Angle - 92S 92S
Gyro Angle - 0 0
Depth Set - 14' 14'
Power - Low Low
Hit or miss - (See Remarks)
Erratic - Premature No.
(yes or no)

Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. . 22555 23699
Mark Exploder - 6-1 6-1
Serial No. - 5185 11940
Actuation Set - Contact Contact
Actuation Actual- None Magnetic
Mark Warhead - 16 16
Serial No. - 2401 5833
Explosive - Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval- ---- 23 Sec
Type Spread - None None
Sea Conditions- Smooth - slight swells from N.E.
Overhaul Activity - Fulton Fulton

Remarks - D.E. Sunk -
One premature at 42 secs. could have been
either torpedo. One torpedo hit at 7 mins-
20 secs.

- 21 -

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. SCAP (SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4 PATROL NO. 4
Time 0058 Date 19 Sept Lat.0-25N Long. 146-21E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: KANSAI MARU; Loonlight night, visibility
excellent.

Ship(s) Sunk KANSAI MARU, AP, 8610 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged -----
or Probably Sunk

Damage Deter- Entire crew watched the ship sink.
mined by

Target Draft 40'F Course 170 Speed 4K Range 950 Yds.
O'A (at firing).

Own Ship Data

Speed 4K Course 070 Depth 53' Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Attack of one torpedo fired at stack of
stopped target (damaged by previous
torpedo hit). Depth setting 18 feet. Checked
drift and fired with zero gyro angles
using 3/4 lead angle. Torpedo hit exactly
where aimed.

- 22 -

— page 93 —
FOURTH ATTACK
KANSUI MARU

CCRFIDENTI.L
Tubes Fired - No. 3 No. No. No. No. No.
Track Angle - 84S
Gyro Angle - 0
Depth Set - 18
Power - High
Hit or miss - Hit (37 secs)
Erratic - No
(yes or no)
Mark Torpedo - '14-3A
Serial No. - 23635
Mark Exploder - 6-1
Serial No. - 11956
Actuation Set - Contact
Actuation Actual-Contact
Mark Warhead - 16
Serial No. - 10354
Explosive - Torpex.
Firing Interval - ----
Type Spread - None
Sea Conditions- Smooth
Overhaul Activity- Fulton

Remarks - Target was dead in water (approximately 2
knot drift). Down by the bow from one (1) previous
torpex hit. This hit was Amidships - Target sank 28
minutes later.

- 23 -

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. SCAL P (SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5 PATROL NO. 4

Time 1935(K) Date 21 Sept Lat. 10-05'N Long. 142-38E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Convoy consisting of 6 freighters (5000 to
8000 tons), 2 - 500 ton D.L.'s, and one 500 ton armed
trawler. It was a dark, moonless night.

Ship(s) Sunk 1 - 6500 ton freighter.

Ship(s) Damaged
or Probably Sunk.

Damage Deter- Two positive hits in freighter plus a
mined by possible third hit.

Target Draft 21Ft. Course 135 Speed 9½ K Range 1500
(at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 4 Course 250 Depth 40Ft. Angle 1º Down (at fir-
ing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Made high speed surface attack on opposite
of convoy course, convoy silhouetted against evening
twilight. At 7000 yard radar contact dove to 40' and
conducted periscope - radar approach on center column of
convoy. Leading ship zigged to his right giving us a
good shot on 55º Port track. Torpedo depth setting 18 Ft.

- 24 -

— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                ATTACK #5
                                                        UNIDENTIFIED MERCHANT SHIP

Tubes Fired - No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. No. No.
Track Angle - 52P 55P 55P
Gyro Angle - 13R 10R 10R
Depth Set - 18ft. 18ft. 18ft.
Power - high high high
*Hit or Miss - Hit Possible Possible
                        (70sec) Hit Hit.
                                (75sec) (75sec)
Erratic - No No No
(yes or No)
Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. - 32496 41717 23634
Mark Exploder - 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. - 2424 10531 6770
Actuation Set - Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual-Contact Possible Possible
                                Contact Contact
Mark Warhead - 16 15(Mk-1 ext) 15(Mk-1 ext).
Serial No. - 6035 3845 3805
Explosive - Torpex TNT&Torpex TNT&Torpex
Firing Interval - ---- 9 secs. 8 secs.
Type Spread - None Divergent Divergent.
Sea Conditions - No swell - Calm Sea.
Overhaul Activity - Fulton Fulton Fulton
Remarks - * 2 Hits obtained - Unable to ascertain
          whether #2 or #3 Hit.
          Ship believed sunk.

                                                                - 25 -

— page 96 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 6 PATROL NO. 4
Time 1113(K) Date 22 Sept Lat. 0-12S Long. 144-24E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Convoy consisting of 5 freighters, (500 -
8000 tons), 2 - 500 ton D.E.'s, one 500 ton
armed trawler. Unlimited visibility, flat
calm.

Ship(s) Sunk
Ship(s) Damaged
or Probably Sunk

Damage Deter
mined by
Target Draft 21Ft. Course 100 Speed 9K Range 450 Yds
(at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 2 Course 344 Depth 67 Ft. Angle Zero (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Day submerged attack on leading ship in
center column of convoy. Had good set up for starboard
track when target zigged nearly at us (50 port track).
Let target go by at short range and fired four torpedoes
aft at 500 yard torpedo run as target turned in under
our stern. No hits. Depth setting 18 feet.

- 26 -

— page 97 —
ATTACK #6
UNIDENTIFIED MERCHANT MARU

CONFIDENTIAL

Tubes Fired - No. 7 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10 No. No.
Track Angle - 141P 136P 131 P 126P
Gyro Angle - 25L 20L 15L 10L
Depth Set - 18 Ft. 18 Ft. 18Ft. 18 Ft.
Power - High High High High
Hit or Miss - Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic - No No No No.
(yes or no)
Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. - 20218 24044 20305 24048
Mark Exploder - 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. - 11970 11408 3701 5810
Actuation Set - Contact Contact Contact Contact.
Actuation Actual - None None None None
Mark Warhead - 16 16 16 16
Serial No. - 2303 5986 3899 5731
Explosive - Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval- --- 7 secs 6 secs 6 secs
Type Spread - None Divergent Diverg. Diverg.
Sea Conditions - Calm Sea - Slight Swells from West.
Overhaul Activity - Fulton Fulton Fulton Fulton
Remarks: Fired at estimated range of 450 yards.
Torpedoes believed to have run under target.

- 27 -

— page 98 —
(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCALP(SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 7 PATROL NO. 4
TIME 0356(K) Date 23 Sept 43 Lat. 00°-30'S Long. 146°-45'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Convoy of 5 freighters, (5000 - 8000 tons),
2 - 500 ton D.E.'s, and one 500 ton Trawler.
Night attack. Poor visibility through periscope.

Ship(s) Sunk -----
Ship(s) Damaged -----
Damage Determined by -----

Target draft 21 Ft. Course 130°T speed 9.5 Range 3500

Own Ship Data

Speed 4 Course 050°T Depth 53 Ft. Angle Zero

Fire Control and Torpedo Data.

Type Attack - Night periscope and sound. Radar ineffective.
Ranges were poor due to moon clouding over. Speed dropped
to 7.8 by TDC operator, and not reset at 9.5 when proper
ranges were cranked in just prior firing.

- 28 -

— page 99 —
ATTACK #1

CONFIDENTIAL
Tubes Fired - No. 6 No. 5 No. 4 No. 3 No. No.
Track Angle - 103S 105½S 103½S 109S
Gyro Angle - 6R 8½R 1½R 12R.
Depth Set - 18Ft. 18Ft. 18Ft. 18Ft.
Power - High High High High.
Hit or Miss - Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic No No No No
(Yes or no)

Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. - 25049 25036 33905 23296
Mark Exploder - 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. - 11964 11952 11953 5172
Actuation Set - Contact Cont. Cont. Contact.
Actuation Actual - Miss Miss Miss Miss
Mark Warhead - 16 16 16 16
Serial No. - 5960 10423 782 6045
Explosive - Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval - --- 12 Sec 9 Sec 11 Sec
Type Spread - None Divergent Diverg. Divergent.
Sea Conditions - Calm Seas - No swells.
Overhaul Activity - Fulton Fulton Fulton Fulton.

Remarks - Fired at estimated range of 3500 yards.

- 29 -

— page 101 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCULP - Report of Fourth War Patrol

(R) Miles Steamed - Fuel - Used.
(S/M Base, Brisbane Aust. to Area 2135 Mi. - 22,700 gals.)
(In Area 3877 Mi. - 39,580 gals.)
(Area to S/M Base, 2090 Mi. - 27,380 gals.)

(S) Duration.
(Days enroute to ren 8 days).
(Days in area 15 days).
(Days enroute to base 6 days).
(Days Submerged 5 days).

(T) Factors of endurance remaining:
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor
2 20,500 Gals. 40 Days 30 Days
                                          (after two days rest on
                                          station).

Limiting factor this patrol - Task Force Commander ordered
                                          Return.

(U) Remarks:
Our submarines are definitely in need of a night periscope.
It is suggested that design include a non-housing periscope
located in Conning Tower, that reached to height of radar
Mast, and is large enough to allow maximum light passage.
Radar could be incorporated on or within it.

- 31 -

— page 102 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON LIGHT
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
2 October 1943

FC5-8/A16-3
Serial 0155

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCAMP Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron LIGHT.
To: Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277), Fourth War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. The Fourth War patrol of the SCAMP was of
twenty-eight days duration, fifteen of which were spent in
the combat area. Five contacts were made, one of which was
a hospital ship. Seven attacks were made resulting in the
sinking of one destroyer escort, one AP and one AK.

2. The SCAMP received very severe depth charging
on this patrol. Numerous material failures resulted from
these attacks. The officers and crew of the SCAMP were
prompt in taking remedial action and at all times were the
masters of the situation. Their action reflects great credit
on the training of the crew as a whole. No major casualties
were experienced other than those due to depth charging. The
SCAMP will be given a regular standard refit by the Submarine
Repair Unit.

3. The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the SCAMP on the
damage they inflicted on the enemy and the splendid spirit
displayed by them under the severest conditions.

V. T. DO NAS.

— page 103 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0312
CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander, THIRD FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Report of Fourth War Patrol;
comments on.

1. The SCAMP departed BRISBANE on 2 September 1943,
for her Fourth War Patrol. She proceeded to area via TULAGI
where she topped off with fuel on 7 September 1943. On 11 Septem-
ber, patrolling off LYRA REEF, she sighted properly marked south-
bound enemy hospital ship. Shifting patrol to northwest MUSSAU
ISLAND, SCAMP sighted unidentified enemy destroyer heading south-
east. Detected by echo-ranging during final stage of approach,
she was severely depth-charged while going deep, most serious
casualty being damage to gyro setting spindles of forward tubes
necessitating complete overhaul by ship's force. On 18 September,
SCAMP made night contact with a three ship escorted convoy headed
northwest sixty miles north of ADMIRALTY ISLANDS. Reaching
position ahead, she attacked, firing three torpedoes at each of
two freighter-transports. Warned by a premature, the larger ship
maneuvered to avoid, but one hit was obtained in an 8,600-ton
vessel identified as KANSAI Maru by life rings retrieved later.
Remaining at periscope depth maneuvering for second salvo SCAMP
was finally forced deep eight minutes later, escort delivering a
heavy depth-charge attack. In early afternoon, SCAMP returned
to crippled maru and fired two torpedoes, one a probable pre-
mature, the other a miss. The escort delivered a heavy and
accurate depth-charge attack which caused considerable minor
damage to SCAMP. Later the same afternoon SCAMP again attacked
with two torpedoes, one of which prematurely, and the other, al-
though the crippled ship was the intended target, is believed to
have hit and probably sank the escort, as it was not seen nor
heard again. About midnight SCAMP returned to deliver the kill
shot, sinking the abandoned KANSAI Maru in Latitude 0°-25' N.,
146°-21' E., with one torpedo. On the 21st SCAMP sighted a six
ship southeast bound convoy with three escorts. She fired three
torpedoes at a medium freighter-transport of this convoy, Lati-
tude 1°-05' N., 142°-38' E., but was unable to observe results,
although she heard at least two torpedoes hit. Later that night
she again contacted the same convoy, now reduced to five ships,
but was unable to complete surface attacks due to alert escorts.
Mid-day of the 22nd, she attacked and missed with four torpedoes.
Again SCAMP closed the convoy, and in early morning of 23rd,
fired and missed with four torpedoes. Later in the day, while
attempting fifth attack in a glassy sea, she was detected by

- 1 -

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

12 October 1943.

— page 105 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0312
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Report of Fourth War Patrol;
comments on.

— page 106 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: 0P09B2] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/77]

U.S.S. SCAMP

REPORT OF

FIFTH WAR PATROL

From: 22 October 1943
To : 26 November 1943

NOTE:- May be taken to sea by submarines, but must be
destroyed by BURNING prior to passing 5° South.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 60897]

— page 107 —
SS277/A16-3
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
26 November 1943.

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Scamp.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Official Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. Scamp, report of War Patrol number Five.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Fifth war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the TRUK - KAVIENG area during the period
22 October 1943 to 26 November 1943.

Walter G. EBERT.

- 1 -

— page 113 —
U.S.S. SCAMP - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

10 November 1943
2045(L)

           Cleared area to westward.

11 November 1943
0631(L) Submerged to inactivate magnetic feature of eleven
           torpedoes.
1605(L) Job completed; surfaced.
1735(L) Headed south on Longitude 149°E, for new area.

12 November 1943
0505(L) Trim dive.
0513(L) Surfaced.
0850(L) Four distant explosions.
0904(L) (Ship Contact #4a & b). Sighted tops of heavy cruiser
           bearing 175°T. Submerged and started approach. Sea
           was the glassiest ever seen. Cruiser escorted by large
           destroyer, stationed well ahead.
0924(L) Fired 6 torpedoes on 105° starboard track, range 1875
           yards. One good hit under stack 1 min. 15 secs. after
           firing. Explosion lasted seven seconds. Record coming
           in. Sent in.
           During the approach the cruiser kept on a constant
           course but changed speed radically. He was closing
           well at 20 knots as we started to fire, but evidently
           speeded up at least 5 knots during the firing.
           The ship resembled none of the silhouettes supplied.
           It was either a modernized TYOKAI class, or a new ship.
0940(L) Four explosions - perhaps from cruiser. The destroyer
           is fooling around overhead, but is evidently establish-
           ing good contact before letting go.
1001(L) First depth charge attack of 3 - well laid astern.
1009(L) Second attack of 6 charges - well laid astern. Inter-
           mittent depth charging at a safe distance during re-
           mainder of day.
1130(L) At periscope depth. Another stopped ship! Why don't
           they sink or keep going? Cruiser dead in water, and
           down by the bow. Destroyer patrolling between SCAMP and
           cruiser.
           Kept cruiser in sight for remainder of day.
1925(L) Surfaced. Changed batteries.
2202(L) Started night approach on surface from a new (southerly)
           quadrant.
2215(L) Stopped. Lowered sound head to listen for echo ranging.
2221(L) (Aircraft Contact #18). Two float planes practically
           over head crossing from starboard to port, altitude 1000
           feet. Submerged. No attack resulted.
2323(L) Surfaced and continued approach, having located echo
           ranging on sound gear.
2330(L) (Ship Contact #5). Sighted submarine bearing 189°T,
           about 3 miles away. Presented a zero silhouette. He soon
           disappeared as if he submerged. Continued approach on
           cruiser.

- 7 -

— page 119 —
U.S.S. SCALP - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

: Time : Lat. : In- :Est. :How :
: & : Type :range:speed :acted: Remarks
No. Date : Long. : : : : :

: : : 8 mi: - : R :
6 :0850(L): 3-33S:
:10/29 :157-00E:
7 :0912(L): 2-45N: Unident.:10 mi:240°T : SD :Twin float
:11/1 :153-56E: : : : : plane.
8 :1811(L): 0-27N:Unident.:15 mi:210°T : SD :
:11/4 :152-15E:bomber : : : :
9 :0208(L): 2-08S:Unident.: - : - : - :Plane not sighted-
:11/6 :154-00E: : : : :dropped flare-no
: : : : : :attack.
10:1040(L): 1-08S:Unident.:15 mi:290°T : SD :Possibly a B-24.
:11/7 :151-57E:bomber : : : :
11:1417(L): 0-58S:Unident.: 8 mi:155°T : SD :Possibly a PBY.
:11/7 :151-37E:Patrol : : : :
: : :plane : : : :
12:1220(L): 0-02S:Enemy :18 mi:300°T : SD :Float monoplane.
:11/8 :148-59E:seaplane: : : :
13:1815(L): 0-11S:Enemy : 8 mi:circl-: SD :Twin float mono-
:11/8 :148-59E:seaplane: :ing : :plane.
14:1054(L): 0-17S:Enemy :10 mi:320°T : SD :Twin float bi-
:11/9 :148-36E:seaplane: : : : :plane.
15:1525(L): 0-04S:Enemy :10 mi:300°T : SD :
:11/9 :148-43E:seaplane: : : : :
16:0943(L): 3-35N:Enemy : 6 mi:315°T : SD :
:11/10 :150-27E:bomber : : : :
17:1720(L): 3-47N:Enemy : 4 mi:circl-: P :Twin float bi-
:11/10 :150-38E:seaplane: :ing : :plane.
18:2221(L): 0-54N:2 flying: 2 mi:262°T : SN :
:11/12 :149-07E:boats : : : :
19:0756(L): 0-26S:PBY : ½ mi:Diving: SD :
:11/18 :151-00E: : : : :
20:1253(L): 3-43N:PBY :10 mi:124°T : SD :
:11/20 :155-42E: : : : :
21:1440(L): 6-29N:PBY : 5 mi:185°T : R :Sighted shortly
:11/21 :158-28E: : : : :after SD contact.

- 13 -

— page 127 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0356
CONFIDENTIAL
2nd ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCAMP Report of
Fifth War Patrol

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277), Report of Fifth War Patrol;
comments on.

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

30 November 1943.

1. Starting her Fifth War Patrol, the SCAMP departed
BRISBANE 22 October 1943. After one day training proceeded
TULAGI arriving 27th. Topped off fuel and made all prepara-
tions for special assignment, departing October 28th, cruising
north via bombing restriction lane east of BOUGAINVILLE. Dur-
ing the night of 30 - 31 October, successfully completed
special mission and proceeded north to join scouting line south
of TRUK. Her first contact was southbound TRUK - RABAUL trans-
portation group of three large transports escorted by three
destroyers. At dusk of the 4th fired six torpedoes at large
freighter - transport near 0°-23' N., 152°-03' E. First tor-
pedo was premature, one normal hit and one dud. Depth charge
attack followed but no damage was sustained. The patrol line
having been shifted 3 November south of Equator, SCAMP pro-
ceeded to new station. No contacts except search planes until
8 November sighted smoke of RABAUL bound convoy being trailed
by STEELHEAD but SCAMP was prevented from chasing by air
patrol. Ninth sighted smoke of northbound convoy and started
surface chase being forced down twice by float planes. After
all night pursuit at 0129 L., on 10th fired four torpedoes at
medium freighter near 3°-36' N., 150°-34' E. One hit, one
premature close aboard target, possibly countermined. After
accurate depth charge attack, SCAMP returned periscope depth
to see target still afloat but stopped. Fired three torpedoes,
one premature two misses, again depth charged. At dusk saw
crippled maru being towed toward TRUK. Later sinking on 12th
confirmed. On 11 November inactivated remaining torpedoes.
Early morning of 12th sighted heavy cruiser enroute TRUK,
steering steady course, varying speed 20 - 30 knots, with one
destroyer escort. SCAMP aggressively attacked, firing six
torpedoes 105° track, range 1875 yards. One normal hit, poss-
ibly two. Inaccurate depth charging. During night SCAMP
attempted another attack sighting ALBACORE on same mission.
Delivery of attack prevented by arrival screening force of
aircraft, cruiser and destroyers. Heavy weather front handi-

- 1 -

— page 128 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0356
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277), Report of Fifth War Patrol;
comments on.

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

30 November 1943.

1. capped search for cruiser next day. 14 November sighted two
patrolling destroyers. Attack broken off as targets changed
base course radically. 15 November sighted BLACKFISH. Another
destroyer anti-submarine patrol sighted 17th but no attack en-
sued as range could not be closed. Enroute to Base, 17 November,
19 potential torpedoes. SCAMP was surprised on surface by enemy
plane. Changed course radically and dove. Two bombs dropped
but no damage except superficial holes in periscope shears
structure. Uneventful homeward trip via usual route through
Solomons arriving BRISBANE 26 November 1943. Thirty-five days
on patrol, twenty-two days patrol in area. Fired nineteen tor-
pedoes obtaining three possibly four hits, two prematures with
a third either premature or countermined near target.

2. Every attack was aggressively pressed home in the
face of determined anti-submarine efforts. SCAMP received
seventy-four depth charges in attempting to close damaged
cruiser for renewed attack. Again the efforts of a skillful
and aggressive commanding officer were greatly nullified by
poor torpedo performance. That the Jap escaped real damage on
this patrol is attributable to this cause. The Commanding
Officer informed the Task Force Commander before inactivating
exploders and under the heartbreaking circumstances orders to
the contrary were not issued. Torpedo ailments in this Task
Force have greatly increased since the receipt of Ordalt 1600.
The problem was taken up again during recent visit of Commander
marines, Southwest Pacific. SCAMP will go out on next patrol
with a different torpedo set up and, it is hoped, without ones
which will premature.

3. The attack on cruiser on 12 November was well exe-
cuted. The identification of this ship is in doubt as the des-
cription by the Commanding Officer is at variance with known
physical features of Japanese cruisers. Tentatively classed as
"pocket" heavy cruiser possibly Noshiro class. SCAMP was pre-
vented from delivering second attack by unfavorable visibility
conditions and arrival of screening force. All available sub-
marines were sent after this cruiser, ALBACORE also being
driven off before delivering attack. Heavy rain with poor
visibility ensuing day enabled enemy to possibly get ship
safely away, so that SCAMP is only credited with damage.

- 2 -

— page 129 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0356
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277), Report of Fifth War Patrol;
comments on.

— page 130 —
COMSOPAC FILE

A16-3(6)/(11)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 00]-062

CONFIDENTIAL

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER

[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[HANDWRITTEN: SR 563]

6 JAN 1944

[STAMP: Reg. No. 19725]
[STAMP: R.S. No. 04581]

3rd Endorsement on
CO SCAMP Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS 277), Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Commanding Officer and Crew are to be
congratulated on their continued success against the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: R. B. Carney]
ROBT. B. CARNEY,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
CTF 72
CO SCAMP

18 JAN 1944

[HANDWRITTEN: 4th Endorsement]
[HANDWRITTEN: CinC Pacific Fleet]
[HANDWRITTEN: To: Cominch]
[HANDWRITTEN: Via:]

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: P. V. Mercer]
P. V. MERCER,
By direction.

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]
[STAMP: U.S. FLEET]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 1944 JAN 31 22 01]

— page 131 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

SS277/A16-3/                               U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)
                                                 c/o Fleet Post Office,
Serial ( 02 )                                    San Francisco, Calif.,
                                                 6 February 1944.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
                                                 DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
                                                 BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP09BH] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/72]

From:                                            Commanding Officer; U.S.S. SCAMP.
To :                                             Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :                                            (Official Channels).

Subject:                                         U.S.S. SCAMP, Report of War Patrol
                                                 Number Six.

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

                                                 1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the Sixth war
                                                 patrol of this vessel conducted in TRUK - NEW GUINEA - NEW
                                                 IRELAND area during the period 16 December, 1943 to 6 February,
                                                 1944.

                                                 [SIGNATURE: Walter G. Ebert]
                                                 Walter G. EBERT.

66667 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 132 —
(A) PROLOGUE
Arrived at Submarine Base, Brisbane, Australia on November
26, 1943 from Fifth War Patrol. Material condition was good,
except that hydraulic plant was not operating satisfactorily.
Ship was drydocked; altered propellors installed. No training
was accomplished until after departure on Sixth Patrol, and
will be included under the NARRATIVE.

(B) NARRATIVE
16 December, 1943
0830 (L) Underway in accordance with C.T.F. 72 Operation
Order S-86-43 for training exercises and Sixth
War Patrol.
1034 (L) Submerged in South Moreton Bay for sound survey.
1204 (L) Surfaced.
1340 (L) Battle surface drill.
1435 (L) Commenced firing at towed target.
1527 (L) Finished firing all guns.
1747 (L) Anchored near COLOUNDRA HEAD.

17 December, 1943
0050 (L) Underway; proceeding independently to sea.
0349 (L) Trim and deep test dive.
0645 (L) Made rendezvous with HMAS STUART, target vessel
for training exercises.
0710 (L) Started first of seven (7) practice torpedo
approaches.
1300 (L) Started sound training exercises for STUART.
2100 (L) Started first of 2 night approaches.

18 December, 1943
0800 (L) Began tracking and approach exercises, STUART
acting as convoy target.
1616 (L) Submerged for attack.
1643 (L) Surfaced; proceeded toward COLOUNDRA HEAD in
company with STUART.
1747 (L) Transferred O.C.P. (Comdr. J.A. Willingham) to
STUART.
1800 (L) Proceeding independently toward THLAGE.

19 December, 1943
Training dives; battle surface and fire control drill.
Hydraulic plant charging and by-passing continuously.
1700 (L) Reported condition of hydraulic plant to
C.T.F. 72 by dispatch.

-1-

— page 133 —
21, 22 December, 1943
     Training dives; battle surface and fire control
     drill. Practiced diving using hand instead of
     hydraulic system.

23 December, 1943
0556 (L) Made rendezvous with SC1268; proceeded in compa-
     ny to TULAGI.
1103 (L) Moored alongside YC-41 in TULAGI. Fueled ship.
     Mechanics, who had arrived from U.S.S. FULTON by
     plane, started work on hydraulic plant, assisted
     by U.S.S. WHITNEY. Lt. Comdr. R. F. SELLARS
     reported on board as P.C.O.

24 December, 1943
0600 (L) Underway for PORT PURVIS.
0700 (L) Anchored vicinity U.S.S. WHITNEY.
     (SCAMP had received directive to remain TULAGI
     area until further orders).

25 December, 1943
0800 (L) SCAMP ready for sea. Hydraulic plant satis-
     factory, but new pilot valve and body assembly
     needed for complete cure. WHITNEY had tuned
     sound gear and R.D.F. equipment so that its
     efficiency was much greater than we had hereto-
     for experienced.
0948 (L) Moored alongside U.S.S. SPENCE in WHITNEY nest
     at request of C.O. WHITNEY to allow his officers
     and men to inspect a submarine. (They are hard
     up for amusement in TULAGI, and it is Christmas!)
     Conducted Cooks tours remainder of day.

26 December, 1943
0600 (L) Underway for TULAGI.
0700 (L) Anchored TULAGI in vicinity U.S.S. PETO.
1300 (L) Received orders from C.T.F. 72 to proceed on
     patrol.
1345 (L) Underway in company with PETO, escorted by
     SC 1268.
1934 (L) Escort left formation.
2059 (L) SCAMP and PETO proceeding independently of each
     other.

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— page 134 —
27 December, 1943
0440 (L) Trim dive.
0513 (L) Surfaced.
0647 (L) (Aircraft contact #1). Sighted B-24 bearing 350°T,
       distance 11 miles head NW. Submerged to avoid.
0654 (L) Surfaced.
1215 (L) (Aircraft contact #2) SD Radar contact 17 miles.
       Range opened to 28 miles and pip disappeared.
1312 (L) Sighted U.S.S. PETO for a few minutes thru high
       periscope. (She is coming up other side of same
       bombing restricted lane.)
1441 (L) (Aircraft contact #3) SD Radar contact 10 miles.
       Submerged to avoid. Flare not sighted.
1450 (L) Surfaced.
1546 (L) (Aircraft contact #4) Sighted B-24 bearing 245°T,
       distance 8 miles, on course 160°T. Submerged to
       avoid.
1555 (L) Surfaced.
1710 (L) Sighted TAUU Island through high periscope bear-
       ing 042°T, distance 18 miles.

28 December, 1943
0300 (L) Left bombing restricted lane and proceeded to-
       ward a point five miles north of EMIRAU Island
       in accordance with directive from C.T.F. 72.
0508 (L) Trim dive.
0525 (L) Surfaced.
1130 (L) (Aircraft contact #5) SD contact 14 miles.
       Range opened and pip soon disappeared.
1244 (L) (Aircraft contact #6) Sighted unidentified
       bomber bearing 200°T, distance 14 miles, on
       course 290°T. Submerged to avoid.
1252 (L) Surfaced.
1638 (L) (Aircraft contact #7) Sighted B-24 bearing 230°T,
       distance 10 miles, on course 140°T. Submerged
       to avoid.
1648 (L) Surfaced.

29 December, 1943
0004 (L) Sighted TENCH Island bearing 272°T, distance
       9 miles.
0346 (L) Sighted EMIRAU Island bearing 225°T, distance
       20 miles.
0533 (L) On station 5 miles north of EMIRAU Island sub-
       merged for all day patrol.
1950 (L) Surfaced; headed north for new patrol area as
       directed by C.T.F. 72.

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— page 135 —
30 December, 1943
0518 (L) Trim dive.
0526 (L) Surfaced.
1330 (L) Entered assigned area, north of MUSSAU Island.
1541 (L) (Aircraft contact #8). Sighted two unidentified
          biplanes bearing 250°T, distance 10 miles, on
          course 190°T, altitude 2000 feet. Submerged to
          avoid.
1601 (L) Surfaced.
1700 (L) Commenced east-west patrol at standard speed,
          covering area.

31 December, 1943
0518 (L) Trim dive.
0527 (L) Surfaced.
0736 (L) (Aircraft contact #9). Sighted B-24 bearing
          080°T, distance 6 miles, on course 230°T, alti-
          tude 1500 feet. Submerged to avoid.
0750 (L) Surfaced.

1 January, 1944
0520 (L) Trim dive.
0532 (L) Surfaced.
1100 (L) Patrolled more to eastward as directed by C.T.F.
          72.

2 January, 1944
0636 (L) Trim dive. Routine check of all torpedoes.
1122 (L) Surfaced.
1607 (L) (Aircraft contact #10). Sighted B-24 bearing
          270°T, distance 9 miles, on course 090°T, alti-
          tude 1000 feet. Submerged to avoid.
1622 (L) Surfaced.
1900 (L) Moved southward as directed by C.T.F. 72.

3 January, 1944
0515 (L) Trim dive.
0530 (L) Surfaced. Patrolling TRUK-KAVIENG route near
          equator.
1415 (L) (Aircraft contact #11). Sighted B-24 circling
          at altitude of 1000 feet, bearing 060°T, distance
          18 miles. Immediately thereafter sighted flight
          of 2 BETTYS bearing 000°T, altitude 3000 feet,
          distance 16 miles, on a southerly course. Sub-
          merged to avoid.

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[HANDWRITTEN: 191]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

— page 136 —
1423 (L) Flight of 8 BETTYS passed overhead, trailed at a
respectable distance by B-24.
1504 (L) Surfaced.

4 January, 1944
0532 (L) Trim dive.
0538 (L) Surfaced.
0753 (L) (Aircraft contact #12). Sighted land based fight or
plane bearing 125°T, distance 3 miles, headed at us
at 1000 feet altitude. Submerged to avoid. Doubt-
less this plane sighted SCAMP, but no attack re-
sulted.
0900 (L) Surfaced. Sent contact report blind via aircraft
frequency.
1445 (L) Aircraft contact #13). Sighted B-24 bearing 125°T,
distance 12 miles, on course 260°T, altitude 2000
feet. Submerged to avoid.
1506 (L) Surfaced.

5 January, 1944
0515 (L) Trim dive.
0529 (L) Surfaced.
0815 (L) Entered new area west of 148°E and north of 2°S.
Started patrol across PELEWS - RABAUL lane.
1613 (L) (Aircraft contact #14). Sighted B-24 bearing
090°T, distance 14 miles, course 000°T, altitude
2000. Submerged to avoid.
1621 (L) Surfaced.

6 January, 1944
0156 (L) Headed North at flank speed to intercept south
bound convoy being trailed by BLACKFISH.
0606 (L) Trim dive.
0816 (L) Surfaced.
1617 (L) (Ship contact #1). Sighted masts of ships bear-
ing 322°T, distance 15 miles. Started tracking
on the surface.
1700 (L) Determined that convoy was stopped.
2000 (L) Started night approach on surface.
2030 (L) Sighted convoy on base course about 160°T, now
moving at about 10 knot advance. Five or six
small ships escorted by 3 destroyers.
2100 (L) Submerged for attack.
2134 (L) Fired 4 torpedo forward at a small tanker, range
2500 yards, 90° starboard track, zero gyro angle.
First three torpedoes prematured at 13, 9, and 10
seconds respectfully. Fourth torpedo missed
astern. Two destroyers on our side of convoy
boxed us immediately. Went deep and started evasion.

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[HANDWRITTEN: (70)]

— page 137 —
2140 (L) End of run explosion of 4th torpedo.
2146 (L) First depth charge attack of 8 well placed
           charges, 2 of which were directly overhead. Ship
           was at 320 feet, and this was the most severe
           depth charging SCAMP had received at deep depth.
           Bow planes suddenly work very easily in hand and
           sound.
           IMC out in conning tower for duration of run.
2158 (L) Second attack of 5 charges also well placed, but
           slightly to port.
2204 (L) Third attack of 4 charged about 300 yards away.
2300 (L) At periscope depth.
2323 (L) Surfaced. Sighted two destroyers astern about
           3000 yards away. Cleared area to westward at
           flank speed. Sent contact report and requested
           permission to inactivate magnetic feature of re-
           maining torpedoes.

7 January, 1944
0655 (L) Submerged to remove core bar from magnetic ex-
           ploders of torpedoes as directed by C.T.F. 72

1231 (L) Surfaced - Started south after convoy.
2130 (L) Headed eastward to a point 150 miles northeast
           of MUSSAU as directed by C.T.F. 72

8 January, 1944
0620 (L) Radar interference on SJ.
0637 (L) (Ship contact #2). Sighted submarine bearing
           225°T, distance 3000 yards, on course 020°T.
           Submerged for attack.
0645 (L) Identified submarine as GUARDFISH.
0715 (L) Submarine submerged. Attempted to contact by
           sound to no avail.
1210 (L) Surfaced. Headed west toward new area on PELEWS -
           RABAUL WEWAK route.

9 January, 1944
0655 (L) Submerged to completely inactivate magnetic
           feature of remaining torpedoes as directed by
           C.T.F. 72
1906 (L) Surfaced.

10 January, 1944
0540 (L) Trim dive.
0544 (L) Surfaced.
0700 (L) In area west of 146°E and North of 2°S - going
           west.

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— page 138 —
11 January, 1944
0712 (L) Trim dive.
0723 (L) Surfaced. Searching PELEW - TRUK route - Going
west.

12 January, 1944
0653 (L) Trim dive.
0705 (L) Surfaced.
1052 (L) Sighted ROEMAMBA Island bearing 225°T, distance
25 miles.
1200 (L) Started search to Northeastward.

13 January, 1944
0636 (L) Trim dive.
0645 (L) Surfaced.
0840 (L) Headed Northwest to cover W.E.I. - TRUK route in
vicinity of 140°E and 5°N.

14 January, 1944
0354 (L) Patrolling in vicinity of 140°E, 5°N.
0503 (L) Trim Dive.
0513 (L) Surfaced.
1206 (L) (Ship contact #3). Sighted smoke bearing 200°T,
range about 16 miles. Started tracking.
1313 (L) Reported contact on 7785 Kcs - No receipt.
(Ahead of convoy, base course 070°T).
1349 (L) Ahead of convoy. Base course now 060°T, Speed
12. Submerged for attack.
1420 (L) Convoy consisted of three loaded 10,000 tons tank-
ers in a V formation, with two ASASHIO class
destroyers escorting, one on each bow of the con-
voy. Zig zagging 30° either side of base course.
Thudding of bow planes very disconcerting.
1451 (L) Fired 6 torpedoes from bow tubes at middle tank-
er (NIPPON MARU) on a 90° port track, range 1175
yards; zero gyro angle. Two solid hits heard but
not observed.
1452 (L) Had to duck as we were dead ahead of tanker on
our side, and he was about to pass over. Heard
his screws loudly throughout ship as SCAMP passed
150 feet.
1455 (L) Breaking up noises heard clearly thru hull. They
continued for over 5 minutes. First of 44 depth
charges to be heard during afternoon. None too
close.
1637 (L) At periscope depth. Two destroyers in sight
searching around bearing 060°T, about 12,000 yards
away. (They were between SCAMP and position of
attack).

- 7 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 921]

— page 139 —
1723 (L) Destroyer's out of sight. Headed towards scene
             of attack.
1835 (L) One destroyer coming back.
1848 (L) Destroyer coming in fast at 3000 yards. Got
             ready for evasion. Destroyer changing course and
             speed radically.
1858 (L) At 2300 yards, destroyer suddenly turned away and
             left vicinity.
2000 (L) Surfaced - headed south.
2056 (L) Sent attack report to C.T.F. 72.

15 January 1944.

0605 (L) Trim dive.
0613 (L) Surfaced.
0926 (L) Submerged to investigate binding of hydraulic
             manifold operation levers. Added lighter oil.
             Condition somewhat improved.
1127 (L) Surfaced.

16 January 1944.
0219 (L) Headed for TULAGI for fuel, as directed by C.T.F.
             72. Going east along equator.
0601 (L) Trim dive.
0614 (L) Surfaced.

17 January 1944.
0534 (L) Trim dive.
0548 (L) Surfaced.
0746 (L) (Aircraft contact #15). Sighted 3 BETTYs bearing
             120°T, distance 16 miles, on course 350°T, alti-
             tude 2500 feet. Submerged to avoid.
0806 (L) Surfaced.
1830 (L) Reported estimated positions to C.T.F. 72. Also
             reported condition of hydraulic plant which was
             growing steadily worse. Levers stuck so badly
             that a rawhide maul was sometimes required to
             move levers.

18 January 1944.
0549 (L) Trim dive.
0557 (L) Surfaced. Hydraulic operation so poor that all
             preparations were made to shift to hand operation.
0825 (L) Entered bombing restricted lane.
1225 (L) (Aircraft contact #16). Sighted unidentified
             bomber bearing 120°T, distance 12 miles, on
             course 220°T, altitude 1000 feet. Submerged to
             avoid.
1238 (L) Surfaced.

19 January 1944.
0533 (L) Trim dive.
0541 (L) Surfaced.

             - 8 -
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— page 140 —
1553 (L) (Aircraft contact #17). SD Radar contact 6 miles.
     Submerged to avoid. Sighted B-24 through peris-
     cope circling around our diving slick.
1609 (L) Surfaced.

20 January, 1944
0234 (L) Made rendezvous with PC-539 in vicinity of CAPE
     ASTROLABE. Proceeded in company to TULAGI.
0808 (L) Moored alongside YOG-41 at TULAGI. Fueled ship.
     U.S.S. COCAL moored alongside and hydraulic re-
     pair party came aboard. Tore down manifold
     and replaced oil. Theory at this time was that
     some carbon-tetrachloride had been added to the
     system inadvertently instead of oil during the
     last refit. A sample was taken back to FULTON by
     repair party, and C.T.F. 72 may have further in-
     formation regarding this strange casualty. System
     was flushed as well as possible in the short time
     alloted, and refilled with symbol 2110.

21 January, 1944
0555 (L) Underway for patrol area, escorted by PC-539.
     Hydraulic plant appears to be satisfactory.
0715 (L) Thru SANDFLY PASSAGE.
1104 (L) Left escort in vicinity CAPE ASTROLABE.
1110 (L) Trim dive.
1123 (L) Surfaced.
1552 (L) (Aircraft contact #18). SD contact 10 miles.
     Submerged to avoid.
1601 (L) Surfaced. Plane not sighted.
1635 (L) (Aircraft contact #19). Sighted PBY bearing 320°T,
     distance 10 miles, altitude 2500 feet, headed SW.
     Submerged as plane sighted SCALP and headed in our
     direction.
1657 (L) Surfaced.

22 January, 1944
0532 (L) Trim dive.
0543 (L) Surfaced.
0828 (L) (Aircraft contact #20). SD contact 8 miles.
     Submerged to avoid. Plane not sighted.
0900 (L) Surfaced.
1006 (L) (Aircraft contact #21). Sighted B-24 bearing
     025°T, distance 6 miles, on course 110°T, altitude
     1200 feet. Submerged to avoid.
1014 (L) Surfaced.
1300 (L) (Aircraft contact #22). SD contact 30 miles.
     Pip shortly disappeared.

23 January, 1944
0500 (L) Left bombing restricted lane; heading north as
     directed by C.T.F. 72

- 9 -

— page 141 —
0534 (L) Trim dive.
0545 (L) Surfaced.
1310 (L) (Aircraft contact #23). Sighted unidentified
          2 engine bomber bearing 295°T, distance 2 miles,
          headed North. Submerged to deep depth to avoid.
          No attack.
1331 (L) Surfaced.
1632 (L) Intercepted dispatch to TRUK reconnaissance plane
          that SCAMP would be on equator at 154°E in case
          of forced landing. Headed west to pass through
          this position.
2005 (L) Stopped gyro, built up decreased vacuum.
2203 (L) Having passed thru 154°E, headed towards TRUK.

24 January, 1944
0637 (L) Submerged to service torpedoes.
0932 (L) Surfaced.
1806 (L) (Aircraft contact #24). Sighted unidentified
          2 engine plane bearing 293°T, distance 6 miles,
          altitude 1000 feet headed toward us. Submerged
          to avoid.
1916 (L) Surfaced.
2130 (L) Headed west for patrol between Helene Shoal and
          150°E as directed by C.T.F. 72.

25 January, 1944
0646 (L) Trim dive.
0655 (L) Surfaced.
1105 (L) Started east-west patrol in assigned area.

26 January, 1944
0532 (L) Trim dive.
0543 (L) Surfaced.
1850 (L) Headed S.W. on TRUK-ADMIRALTY line as directed
          by C.T.F. 72.

27 January, 1944
0724 (L) Submerged for all day patrol on TRUK-ADMIRALTY
          line.
2013 (L) Surfaced. Headed for new area south of TRUK
          within 60 miles of MOEN Island.

28 January, 1944
0620 (L) In new patrol area. Submerged for all day dive.
1553 (L) Sighted TOL Island bearing 006°T, distance 28
          miles.
1927 (L) (Ship contact #4). Sighted lighted hospital ship
          bearing 346°T, distance 9 miles on course 210°T.
2003 (L) Surfaced for night patrol.

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— page 142 —
29 January, 1944
0557 (L) Submerged for all day dive.
1440 (L) (Ship contact #5). Made sound contact, and there-
          after sighted trawler type patrol craft bearing
          085°T, distance 6 miles, headed toward SOUTH PASS.
          All TRUK Islands clearly in sight all day.
2005 (L) Surfaced. Hydraulic manifold, which had been
          again binding, was by now most difficult to
          operate. Several minutes were required to move
          the operating levers for the induction to the
          open position, and it had to be thrown violently
          on several times before induc-
          tion to the open position. Other levers also practi-
          cally frozen. A rawhide maul had become standard
          equipment at the manifold and with each operation
          of levers it was known that operating spindle
          was twisting more and more out of alignment due to force
          applied. (Should one of these twist off during
          diving it would be most embarrassing). All vents,
          floods and inductions operated normally in hand,
          and all preparations were made to shift to hand
          operation.
2015 (L) Decided to clear area to westward and report con-
          dition of hydraulic plant to C.T.F. 72.

30 January, 1944
0140 (L) Got dispatch off to C.T.F. 72 regarding condition
          of hydraulic plant. Started return to area.
0557 (L) Submerged for all day dive in area. All TRUK
          Islands in sight all day.
1310 (L) (Ship contact #6). Sighted trawler type patrol
          craft bearing 140°T, distance 6 miles, headed
          toward SOUTH PASS.
1400 (L) Held drills for new diving operation.
1450 (L) (Ship contact #7). Sighted trawler type patrol
          craft bearing 135°T, distance 4 miles, headed
          toward SOUTH PASS.
1605 (L) (Ship contact #8). Sighted trawlers type patrol
          craft bearing 291°T, distance 5 miles, headed
          toward SOUTH PASS.
2000 (L) Surfaced.
2035 (L) Received directive from C.T.F. 72 to leave area
          at midnight.
2400 (L) Started south.

31 January, 1944
0030 (L) Received directive from C.T.F. 72 to take station
          north of LYRA REEF by dawn 2 February.
0647 (L) Submerged for all day anti-submarine patrol.
1300 (L) Surfaced for fresh air.
1313 (L) Submerged.
1850 (L) Surfaced.

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— page 143 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 071]
1 February, 1944
0702 (L) Submerged for all day anti-submarine patrol.
1300 (L) Surfaced for fresh air.
1314 (L) Submerged.
1703 (L) (Ship contact #9). Sighted submarine bearing
     046°T, distance 7 miles, headed about 340°T.
     Went to battle stations and started approach.
1710 (L) Identified submarine as ALBACORE and broke off
     approach.
1351 (L) Surfaced.

2 February, 1944
0555 (L) Trim dive.
0607 (L) Surfaced.
0700 (L) In assigned position North of LYRA REEF, circling
     on station as plane guard.
0851 (L) (Aircraft contact #25). Sighted 2 B-24's bearing
     008°T, distance 14 miles, headed 160°T, at 1500
     feet altitude. Submerged to avoid.
0903 (L) Surfaced.
0906 (L) (Aircraft contact #26). Sighted a third B-24
     bearing 011°T, distance 17 miles, also headed
     160°T, but at altitude of 6000 feet. Realized
     this must be flight of three planes, now
     broken up, which we are guarding for. If so they
     are way off schedule. Remained on surface.
     Plane passed without heading SCAP.
1226 (L) (Aircraft contact #27). Sighted unidentified bomber
     bearing 350°T, distance 8 miles, headed 080°T at
     2000 feet altitude. Submerged to avoid.
1234 (L) Surfaced.
1500 (L) Started for MILNE BAY as directed by C.T.F. 72.

3 February, 1944
0050 (L) Entered bombing restricted lane.
0940 (L) (Aircraft contact #28). SD Radar contact 16 miles,
     moving in. At 4 miles B-24 broke through clouds
     bearing 220°T, on course 320°T, altitude 4000 feet.

4 February, 1944
0650 (L) Made rendezvous with USS TUMULT; escort through
     SOLOMONS, in vicinity CAPE ASTROLABE.
1423 (L) Proceeding independently from south of RUSSELLS.
     Escort returning TULAGI!
1425 (L) Trim dive.
1438 (L) Torpedo reductions will not open hydraulically.
     Shifted to hand.
2001 (L) (Ship contact #10). Sighted unidentified Submarine
     bearing 077°T, distance 3 1/2 miles, headed north.
     Started approach.
2004 (L) Stopped approach on realization that submarine may
     be PESTO. Sent contact report. Continued toward
     Milne Bay.

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— page 144 —
2006 (L) Submarine appeared to submerge.

5 February, 1944
0713 (L) Trim dive.
0719 (L) Surfaced.

6 February, 1944.
0435 (L) Made rendezvous with escort.
1130 (L) Moored alongside U.S.S. FULTON, at Milne Bay,
New Guinea.

(C) WEATHER
Usual seasonal weather.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
No new data.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No new data.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
SD - DAY SIGHTING : S - SOUND
SN - NIGHT SIGHTING: P - PERISCOPE
R - RADAR
| NO. | TIME | LAT. | LONG. | TYPE(S) | RANGE | INITIAL COURSE | SPEED | CONTACTED | REMARKS |
|---|
| | :DATE | : | : | | | | | | |
| 1 | 1617(L) | 2-24-N | 148-00E | 1 AO | :15 Mi. | :200°T | :9 K | SD | :5 or 6 small ships |
| | :6 JAN | : | : | :3 DD | | | | | :escorted by 3 DDs |
| 2 | 0637(L) | 00-35N | 149-43E | 1 SS | :2 Mi. | :020°T | :12 Kts | SD | :USS GUARDFISH |
| | :8 JAN | : | : | | | | | | |
| 3 | 1206(L) | 5-05N | 140-26E | 3 AO | :16 Mi. | :070°T | :12 Kts | SD | :ASASHIO Class DD's |
| | :14 JAN | : | : | :2 DD | | | | | :10,000 Ton Tankers |
| 4 | 1927(L) | 6-49N | 151-35E | Hosp. Ship | :9 Mi. | :210°T | : | P | : |
| | :28 JAN | : | : | | | | | | |
| 5 | 1440(L) | 6-59N | 151-36E | TRAWLER | :6 Mi. | :000°T | :6 K | S | : |
| | :29 JAN | : | : | | | | | | |
| 6 | 1310(L) | 7-05N | 151-41E | 300 Ton: TRAWLER | :6 Mi. | :345°T | :6 K | P | : |
| | :30 JAN | : | : | | | | | | |
| 7 | 1450(L) | 7-03N | 151-40E | TRAWLER | :4 Mi. | :000°T | :6 K | P | : |
| | :30 JAN | : | : | | | | | | |
| 8 | 1605(L) | 7-00N | 151-40E | TRAWLER | :5 Mi. | :020°T | :6 K | P | : |
| | :30 JAN | : | : | | | | | | |
| 9 | 1703(L) | 1-35N | 152-27E | 1 SS | :6 Mi. | :340°T | :15 K | P | :USS ALBACORE |
| | :1 FEB. | : | : | | | | | | |
| 10 | 2001(L) | 10-14S | 158-09E | 1 SS | :3½ Mi. | :10 K | :015°T | SN | :PETO or Enemy |
| | :4 FEB. | : | : | | | | | | |

[HANDWRITTEN: (15)]
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— page 145 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
SD-DAY SIGHTING
SN-NIGHT SIGHTING
R-RADAR
P-PERISCOPE
| TIME | LAT. | LONG. | TYPE(S): | INITIAL: | COURSE: | HOW | REMARKS |
| NO.: | DATE | | | RANGE | SPEED | CONTACTED: | |
| 1 | 0647(L) | 6-25S | B-24 | 11 MI. | 345°T | SD | |
| | :27 DEC. | 158-50E: | | | | | |
| 2 | 1215(L) | 5-45S | --- | 17 MI. | --- | R | |
| | :27 DEC. | 157-43E: | | | | | |
| 3 | 1441(L) | 5-23S | --- | 10 MI. | --- | R | |
| | :27 DEC. | 157-11E: | | | | | |
| 4 | 1546(L) | 5-11S | B-24 | 8 MI. | 160°T | SD | |
| | :27 DEC. | 156-58E: | | | | | |
| 5 | 1130(L) | 2-20S | --- | 14 MI. | --- | R | |
| | :28 DEC. | 153-15E: | | | | | |
| 6 | 1245(L) | 2-13S | UNIDENT | 14 MI. | 290°T | SD | |
| | :28 DEC. | 153-00E: | BOMBER | | | | |
| 7 | 1638(L) | 2-00S | B-24 | 10 MI. | 140°T | SD | |
| | :28 DEC. | 152-19E: | | | | | |
| 8 | 1541(L) | 1-24N | TWO | 10 MI. | 190°T | SD | Probably "PETES" |
| | :30 DEC. | 148-39E: | BIPLANES: | | | | |
| 9 | 0736(L) | 2-08N | B-24 | 6 MI. | 230°T | SD | |
| | :31 DEC. | 148-27E: | | | | | |
| 10 | 1607(L) | 2-51N | B-24 | 9 MI. | 090°T | SD | |
| | :2 JAN. | 150-23E: | | | | | |
| 11 | 1415(L) | 00-12N | B-24 | 12 MI. | 180°T | SD | This Flight En- |
| | :3 JAN. | 150-02E: | 8 BETTYS: | | | | route TRUK to |
| | | | | | | | KAVIENG. B-24 |
| | | | | | | | Trailing |
| 12 | 0753(L) | 00-33N | FIGHTER | 3 MI. | 275°T | SD | Carrier or land |
| | :4 JAN. | 150-44E: | | | | | based fighter |
| 13 | 1445(L) | 00-38N | B-24 | 12 MI. | 260°T | SD | |
| | :4 JAN. | 150-41E: | | | | | |
| 14 | 1613(L) | 00-25S | B-24 | 14 MI. | 000°T | SD | |
| | :5 JAN. | 147-24E: | | | | | |
| 15 | 0746(L) | 00-01S | 3 BETTYS | 16 MI. | 350°T | SD | |
| | :17 JAN. | 149-56E: | | | | | |
| 16 | 1225(L) | 02-40S | UNIDENT | 14 MI. | 220°T | SD | |
| | :18 JAN. | 155-19E: | BOMBER | | | | |
| 17 | 1553(L) | 6-24S | B-24 | 6 MI. | Circl- | R | |
| | :19 JAN. | 158-56E: | | | | ing | |
| 18 | 1552(L) | 7-28S | --- | 10 MI. | --- | R | |
| | :21 JAN. | 160-03E: | | | | | |
| 19 | 1635(L) | 7-22S | PBY | 10 MI. | 230°T | SD | |
| | :21 JAN. | 159-59E: | | | | | |
| 20 | 0828(L) | 5-35S | --- | 8 MI. | --- | R | |
| | :22 JAN. | 157-09E: | | | | | |
-14-
[HANDWRITTEN: 15]

— page 146 —
:TIME : LAT. : :INITIAL:COURSE: HOW :
NO. :DATE : LONG. : TYPE(S) :RANGE :SPEED :CONT ACTED: REMARKS
21 :1006(L):5-31S : B-24 : 6 MI. :110°T : SD :
:22 JAN. :156-58E: : : : : :
22 :1300(L):5-25S : — :30 MI. :— : R :
:22 JAN. :156-33E: : : : : :
23 :1310(L):3-36N : UNIDENT : 2 MI. :000°T : SD :Two Engine -
:23 JAN. :155-17E: : : : : :Twin Tailed
24 :1806(L):3-36N : UNIDENT : 6 MI. :100°T : SD :Two Engined
:24 JAN. :155-56E: : : : : :Plane
25 :0851(L):1-00S :(2) B-24 :14 MI. :160°T : SD :Contacts 25 &
:2 FEB. :153-20E: : : : : :26 were probably
26 :0906(L):1-00S :B-24 :17 MI. :160°T : SD :the same recon-
:2 FEB. :153-20E: : : : : :naissance group.
27 :1226(L):1-00S :UNIDENT : 8 MI. :080°T : SD :Bobber
:2 FEB. :153-20E: : : : : :
28 :0940(L):5-13S :B-24 :16 MI. :320°T : R :Sighted at four
:3 FEB. :156-23E: : : : : :miles

(H) ATTACK DATA (TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM)

U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 6

TIME 1617(L) DATE Jan. 6 LAT. 2°-18.5N LONG. 147°- 56'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION: Six or seven ships convoy including one small
Tanker, one or two small Freighters, three DD
escorts, and some miscellaneous craft appear-
ing to be a tug; at least one craft being tow-
ed. Dark night, good visibility, sea with
moderate swell.

SHIP(S) SUNK: None.

SHIP(S) DAMAGED
OR PROBABLY SUNK: None.

DAMAGE DETERMINED
BY: —

TARGET DRIFT: 18' COURSE 150°T SPEED 11 RANGE 2500 Yd. (AT FIRING)

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED 4 COURSE 060 DEPTH 60 ANGIE 0° (AT FIRING)

- 15 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (20)]

— page 147 —
(H) ATTACK DATA Cont.
                                                              FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA:
TYPE ATTACK                                                   Submerged. First three torpedoes prematured.
                                                              Fourth was aimed to miss astern, and probably
                                                              did. No hits.

Tubes Fired - # 6             # 5             # 4             # 3

Track Angle -     88 1/4        90S             85S             89 1/8

Gyro Angle -      358 1/2       000             355             359 1/2

Depth Set -       20'           20'             20'             20'

Power -           High          High            High            High

Hit or Miss -     Miss          Miss            Miss            Miss

Erratic -         ?             ?               ?               No
(Yes or No)

Mark Torpedo -    XIV-3A        XIV-3A          XIV-3A          XIV-3A

Serial No. -      39297         39377           25619           25406

Mark Exploder -   VI-1A         VI-1A           VI-1A           VI-1A

Serial No. -      4095          6940            7133            6943

Actuation Set. †                                Influence

Actuation Actual - First 3 prematured                           No

Mark Warhead -    XVI           XVI             XVI             XVI

Serial No. -      10925         11317           11407           11486

Explosive -       TPX           TPX             TPX             TPX

Firing Interval   0             9               21              31

Type Spread -     Div.          Div.            Div.            Div.

Sea Conditions - Moderate Swells.

Overhaul Activity - Left 80'

Remarks -         First torpedo prematured 13 Secs. after it was fired.
                  2nd torpedo prematured 9 Secs. after it was fired.
                  3rd torpedo prematured 10 Secs. after it was fired.
                  Tubes flooded only 3 minutes prior firing.

- 16 -
[HANDWRITTEN: P2/1]                                                                                              [HANDWRITTEN: 17]

— page 148 —
(TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM)
U.S.S. SCAP (SS277) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 6
TIME 1451(L) DATE 14 JAN. 1944 LAT. 5°-02.3N LONG. 140°-43'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION: Convoy consisting of two ASASHIO class DD's,
and three Nippon ton tankers (NIPPON MARU,
and two other tankers). Sighted smoke of
convoy on an overcast day with good visibility.

SHIP SUNK: NIPPON MARU, 10,000 ton tanker.

SHIP DAMAGED: [HANDWRITTEN: 1]
OR PROBABLY SUNK: ---

DAMAGE DETER- Heard two hits and heard ship breaking up.
MINED BY: Confirmed by GUARDFISH contact at 1800(L).

TARGET DRAFT: 29 COURSE 080°T SPEED 12 RANGE 1175 Yds. (AT FIRING)

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED 4 COURSE 160°T DEPTH 65 Feet ANGLE 0 (AT FIRING)

FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA

TYPE ATTACK: Submerged.

Tubes Fired - No. 6 | No. 5 | No. 4 | No. 3 | No. 2 | No. 1
Track Angle - 82°P | 86½°P | 91½° | 94½°P | 99½°P | 104°P
Gyro Angle - 13½°R | 13½°R | 08½°R | 05½°R | 2°R | 4°L
Depth Set - 13' | 13' | 13' | 13' | 13' | 13'
Power - High | High | High | High | High | High
Hit or Miss - Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Miss | Miss
Erratic - No | No | No | No | No | No
(Yes or No)
Mark Torpedo - XIV-3A | XIV-3A | XIV-3A | XIV-3A | XIV-3A | XIV-3A
Serial No. - 39298 | 25231 | 39357 | 25613 | 25608 | 25660

- 17 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (22)]

— page 150 —
again left TULAGI with plant operating satisfactorily.
Ten days later it was all frozen up again. Danger of twist-
ing off spindles and being "hung up" during a dive, to-
gether with fact that sometimes several sharp blows had to
be struck to operate inductions and vents even after lever
had been thrown to desired position, caused SCAMP to be
pulled out of patrol area close in SOUTH-of-TRUK. It was
a question from here on of either going entirely to hand
operation, or taking a chance that the manifold would not
give out during a dive. Should one of the twisted spindles
decide to shear off in any but the "hand" position, great
difficulty would be experienced in shifting to hand on that
particular unit. The lines supplying that unit would have
to be vented first. The hydraulic system was used until
arrival in port, but probably all spindles are twisted. Re-
fit crew is in for a real headache in overhauling this en-
tire system. If it is carbon tetrachloride, and it produces
the effect described above, the problem of cleaning it out
of the system is one that may finally result in a new plant.

Pit log again no good submerged or at low speeds.

LMC system in conning tower went out on first depth charge
attack, and remained out for duration of patrol.
[HANDWRITTEN: D]

Bow planes pound in neutral position submerged after heavy
shock during first depth charge attack. Packing ball and
socket joints with heavy grease eliminated pounding for
about a week, but then it showed up again.

The outstanding performance of the Fairbanks' Morse -
General Electric Main power plant during six patrols of
high speed operation is nothing short of a miracle. Only
once during this period has an engine failed to answer a
bell or stay on the line after called for. This one casu-
alty was the result of faulty operation and not design.

(L) RADIO
No new data.

(M) RADAR
SJ operation excellent.
It is interesting to note that during six war patrols
SCAMP has made only two initial contacts by SJ Radar. These
were both on large ships at 8000 yards, and the ships were
sighted almost simultaneously with the Radar contact. Over
90% of the time the visibility at night has been greater
than the maximum range of the Radar. The Radar has been

- 19 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (2-4)]

— page 151 —
used to advantage twice during submerged attacks. Maximum
range at 40' being 3500 yards. In other words, it has been
almost more trouble than it is worth. It is strongly re-
commended that SCAMP be supplied with one of these super
duper Radars we keep hearing so much about and never seeing.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
Starboard sound receiver was turned over to us by refit crew
entirely out of balance, and therefore useless. During the
secondary refit alongside WHITNEY in PURVIS BAY, both sound
receivers were removed and balanced, with the result that
our sound gear was even more sensitive and valuable than
ever before.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
A negative gradient of 2° between 180' and 320' was noted
at Lat. 2°-30'N; Long. 147°-45'E.
A negative gradient of 5° between 200' and 320' was noted
at Lat. 5°N; Long. 140°-40'E.
NOTE: This is the first patrol on which SCAMP has carried
deep recording bathythermograph.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY
Ended patrol with 6 cases of trench mouth, which didn't
show up until two days before reaching port.

(Q) PERSONNEL
It is interesting to note that during the six war patrols
made to date, and in spite of severe depth charging on each
patrol involving a total of over 500 depth charges, only
one man has cracked up. This was on the very first depth
charge attack on the first patrol, and the man was a veteran
of several war patrols on another vessel.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
Submarine Base, Brisbane to area, including side trip to
TULAGI for fuel - - - - - 3984 Mi. 43,057 Gals.
In area 9000 Mi. 90,675 Gals.
Area to Milne Bay - - - - - 1400 Mi. 19,900 Gals.

(S) DURATION
Days enroute to area, including 3 day lay over in
TULAGI enroute to area and side trip back to
TULAGI for fuel                               17
Days in area                                  32
Days enroute to base                           3

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
TORPEDOES      FUEL        PROVISIONS   PERSONNEL FACTOR
14             41,865 Gals. 20 days      30 days
Limiting factor this patrol: Ordered to return to base by
C.T.F. 72, doubtless occasioned a few days early by con-

- 20 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 217]
[HANDWRITTEN: 20]

— page 152 —
dition of hydraulic plant.

(U) REMARKS
We wish to heartily thank the U.S.S. WHITNEY for their
enthusiastic cooperation and expert repair work on our
hydraulic plant, sound receivers, and RADAR during our
Christmas layover in JERVIS BAY.

- 21 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (261)]

— page 153 —
FE12-15(72)/A16-3/Fk
Serial 023
CONFIDENTIAL
1st INDORSEMENT to
CO SCALP Report of
Sixth War Patrol

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCALP (SS277) - Report of Sixth War Patrol;
comments on.

1. SCALP departed from BRISBANE on her sixth war
patrol on 16 December 1943. After two days training with H.M.
A.S. STUART as target, she proceeded to TULAGI arriving 23rd.
Remained for two days overhauling hydraulic system, proceeding
on 26 December to patrol area north of the Bismarck Archipe-
lago via route east of Bougainville. From 28 December to 4
January, uneventful patrol on TRUK - LAVIENG - AUSSAU routes
with numerous friendly plane contacts. On 3 January sighted
a formation of 8 southbound Bettys trailed by one B-24, near
the Equator and 150°-25' E. Fifth shifted to new area across
the TALAU - RABAUL line. On 6 January the SCALP contacted a
convoy of six or seven small vessels including one tanker and
three destroyer escorts southbound in Latitude 2°-24' N.,
Longitude 148°-00' E. Tracked convoy until after dark then
made night submerged attack firing 4 torpedoes at the tanker.
Three torpedoes exploded prematurely and the fourth missed.
Counter-attack by two neat destroyers commenced immediately
with several close depth charges which caused minor damage.
After surfacing SCALP withdrew to westward and sent contact
report. On 9 January completely inactivated magnetic explod-
ers of all remaining torpedoes by order of the Task Force
Commander. Shifted to TALAU - WEWAK - RABAUL route 9 - 11
January, and later to N.E.I. - TRUK route 13 January. On 14th
sighted three large loaded tankers, two destroyer escorts en-
route TRUK in Latitude 5°-05' N., Longitude 140°-25' E. Made
submerged attack at 1451(L) firing six torpedoes at tanker in
center of formation. SCALP was forced deep by flanking tank-
er so did not observe results, but heard two definite hits
with possibly four total. Ship was heard to break up and
sinking was confirmed by GUARDFISH later sighting of same
convoy. Counter-attack lasted until about dusk with many but
not too close depth charges. SCALP again developed consider-
able trouble with hydraulic system which steadily grow worse.
Sixteenth proceeded to TULAGI for fuel arriving 20 January.
Made emergency repairs, assisted by COUCAL, and on 21st de-
parted for patrol in TRUK - LAVIENG - ADMIRALTY area. 27

- 1 -
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

14 February 1944.

— page 154 —
FE12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 023
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Report of Sixth War Patrol;
comments on.
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
14 February 1944.

1. January assigned new area south of TRUK within radius 60 miles
of MOEN ISLAND. 28th Sighted properly lighted southbound
hospital ship. On 31 January increasingly faulty operation of
hydraulic system to point of endangering diving operations
compelled orders to SCAMP to return to base for repairs. On 2
February stationed north of LIRA REEF as a plane guard ship,
then proceeded to MILNE BAY via Solomon Islands route. Arriv-
ed MILNE BAY 6 February. Fifty days on patrol, thirty days in
area, fired ten torpedoes for 2 hits, 3 prematures.

2. The SCAMP had two contacts worthy of torpedo at-
tack. Both contacts were developed and aggressive attacks
made. Unfortunately 3 prematures prevented any damage to the
enemy as result of the first attack. The second attack re-
sulted in sinking an extremely valuable heavily loaded large
tanker enroute TRUK. Two positive hits were heard and there
may have been four as the resulting noises and series of
explosions seem to indicate. The remainder of the convoy
escaped in the ensuing depth charge attack which was persis-
tent but inaccurate.

3. The sticking and freezing of operating mechanisms
in the defective hydraulic system caused the SCAMP to be in
an extremely dangerous condition when cruising on the surface
in areas covered by enemy planes. The entire system will be
completely overhauled during this refit, and every effort
will be made to determine the cause of the hydraulic plant
failure. Chemical analysis of oil replaced during repairs
in TULAGI does not reveal any impurity.

4. This is designated as a successful patrol for
purposes of award of the Submarine Combat insignia.

5. The SCAMP will be given a normal refit alongside
the FULTON. Estimated readiness for sea 26 February 1944.

6. The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the SCAMP for
inflicting the following damage on the enemy:
SUNK
1 Tanker (NIPPON Maru class) 10,000 tons

[SIGNATURE: JAMES FIFE.]
Distribution on next page.

— page 155 —
3 0158

FE12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 023

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCALF (SS277) - Report of Sixth War Patrol;
         comments on.

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

14 February 1944.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copies - 3)
VCNO (Advance copies - 2)
VOPNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 7th Flt (2)
Comsubs 1st Flt
Comsubs 2nd Flt
Comsubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 8, 10, 16, 18
CSD 81, 82, 181, 182
CTF 72 War Patrol Summary
OinC, S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Flt Radio Unit, MELBOURNE.
All SS TF-72 (May be taken to sea, but BURN
         prior to passing 5° South).
CO SCAMP (File)

(C-1)
[STAMP: FILMED]

— page 156 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

                                U.S.S. SCAMP

                                                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, Calif.
                                                                22 April, 1944.
SS277/A16-3/A9/                     DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
Serial ( 016 )                      BY [HANDWRITTEN: OPO9B4] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/97]

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

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (Official Channels.)

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP, Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
           (B) Track Charts.

           1. Enclosure (A) covering the seventh war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the New Guinea, Palau, Mindanao area during the period 3
March, 1944 to 22 April, 1944.

                                                                [SIGNATURE: J. C. HOLLINGSWORTH]

[STAMP: 73444] [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 157 —
U.S.S. SCAMP
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS277/A16-3/A9/
Serial ( 016 )

CONFIDENTIAL

ENCLOSURE (A)

(A) PROLOGUE:
SCAMP arrived at Milne Bay, New Guinea on 6 February 1944
from sixth war patrol. Commander W. G. Ebert, U.S.N. was
relieved by Commander J. C. Hollingsworth, U.S.N. as com-
manding officer. SCAMP received normal two week refit
alongside U.S.S. FULTON, officers and crew spent leave per-
iod at Camp Beeman, Milne Bay. The major difficulties,
namely the hydraulic system and the bow planes, were tho-
roughly overhauled and satisfactorily tested. A 40mm gun
was installed in place of the forward 20mm gun.
Crew returned to ship on 21 February. Commencing 22 Feb-
ruary the SCAMP received an intensive and thorough train-
ing period until 3 March. Training included independent
operations, operations with a task force consisting of
three cruisers and five destroyers for two days, and oper-
ations with Australian destroyers and frigates screened by
small patrol craft. During exercises fired three exercise
torpedoes at cruiser targets.

(B) NARRATIVE:
3 March 1944
0828(L) Underway from alongside U.S.S. FULTON, Milne
Bay, New Guinea, in accordance with CTF-72 oper-
ation order S10-44 of 2 March 1944 to conduct
seventh war patrol.
0856(L) Anchored in Milne Bay.
0912(L) Made stationary dive to conduct sound tests.
1024(L) Surfaced and got underway to conduct underway
sound tests.
1135(L) Anchored in vicinity HMAS GASCOYNE.
1152(L) Underway in company with HMAS GASCOYNE, our
escort to LANGEMAK BAY.
1340(L) Submerged to conduct sound training exercise for
escort.
1600(L) Surfaced.
1645(L) Fired all guns using SHORTLAND REEFS as target.
1809(L) Secured from gun drill, proceeding astern of es-
cort up the bombing restriction lane.

4 March 1944
0700(L) Commenced end-arounds and simulated attacks on
escort vessel. Made one day and two night end-
arounds and attacks.
2300(L) Training exercises completed; proceeded astern
of escort to LANGEMAK BAY.

- 1 -

— page 161 —
U.S.S. SCULP
                                                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, Calif.

                                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

SS277/A16-3/A9/
Serial ( 016 )

CONFIDENTIAL

0645(L) Surfaced.
1249(L) (Aircraft Contact #10). Sighted a medium bomber
         bearing 210°T, distance 10 miles, headed 130°T,
         altitude 1000 feet. Submerged.
1330(L) Surfaced.
1550(L) Submerged to repair bow-plane rigging out motor.
         (Brake band inoperative.)
1800(L) Surfaced.

23 March 1944
0630(L) Made trim dive.
0652(L) Surfaced.
1550(L) (Aircraft Contact #11). Sighted two bombers, bear-
         ing 152°T, distance 9 miles, flying low and headed
         up our track from astern. Submerged.
1702(L) Surfaced.

24 March 1944
0631(L) Made trim dive.
0646(L) Surfaced.
1229(L) Submerged to service torpedoes.
1323(L) (Aircraft Contact #12). Sighted one bomber through
         periscope bearing 289°T, distance 10 miles, headed
         350°T.
1828(L) Surfaced.

25 March 1944
0320(L) Received CTF-72 Serial #11 designating new patrol
         area off New Guinea coast.
0630(L) Made trim dive.
0648(L) Surfaced.
1230(L) Submerged.
1249(L) (Aircraft Contact #13). Sighted twin-tailed medium
         bomber through periscope bearing 315°T, distance
         3 miles, headed 030°T - flying low.
1713(L) Surfaced.

26 March 1944
0600(L) Left scouting line headed south for new area.
0845(L) Sent SCALP serial number one to CTF-72 (Reported
         fuel on hand.)
1100(L) In accordance with CTF-72 Serial #10 set clocks
         back one hour to KING time.

                                                                - 5 -

— page 162 —
U.S.S. SCAMP
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS277/A16-3/A9/
Serial ( 016)

CONFIDENTIAL

ENCLOSURE (A)

1205(K) (Aircraft Contact #1A). Sighted medium bomber bear-
ing 255°T, distance 9 miles, altitude 3000 feet,
headed 115°T. Submerged.
1345(K) (Aircraft Contact #15). Sighted bomber bearing 060°T,
distance 14 miles, headed 180°T. Submerged.
1418(K) Surfaced.

27 March 1944
0300(K) Received CTF-72 Serial #17 directing SCAMP to fuel
at LANGEKIK BAY.
0310(K) In bombing Restriction lane, headed east.
0546(K) Made trim dive.
0557(K) Surfaced.
0600(K) Sent DAWN-DUSK Posits to CTF-72 also requested
TDC repair man's services.

28 March 1944
0600(K) (Ship Contact #1). Sighted submarine bearing 100°T,
distance 5 miles, headed 277°T. Identified as
friendly by I.F.F. (Challenged the submarine (USS
DACE.)
0605(K) Sighted NINIGO Island bearing 162°T, distance 22
miles.
0700(K) Left patrol area.
0808(K) Sighted HERMIT Islands bearing 163°T, distance 36
miles.
0930(K) (Aircraft Contact #16). Sighted bomber bearing 235°T,
distance 8 miles, headed 300°T, altitude 2000 feet.
Identified as friendly by I.F.F.
0941(K) (Aircraft Contact #17). Sighted bomber bearing 036°T,
distance 10 miles headed 300°T. Identified as friend-
ly by I.F.F.
1012(K) Sighted KANET Island bearing 051°T, distance 20 miles.
1530(K) (Aircraft Contact #18). Sighted medium bomber bearing
325°T, distance 15 miles, altitude 2000 feet headed
135°T. Identified by I.F.F. as friendly.
1821(K) Sighted MANAM Island bearing 200°T, distance 90 miles.

29 March 1944
0500(K) Made trim dive.
0531(K) Surfaced.
0550(K) Sighted TOLOKIWA Island, bearing 130°T.

- 6 -

— page 163 —
U.S.S. SCAMP
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS277/A16-3/49/
Serial (016)

CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 167 —
U.S. S. SCALP

SS277/A16-3/A9
Serial ( 016 )

CONFIDENTIAL

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

ENCLOSURE (A)

angle on the bow. Searchlights blinking on all
cruisers in sight. Sound reported fast screws on
starboard bow getting louder. Swung periscope to
starboard bow and saw destroyer with zero angle on
bow, range about 700 yards and in the same field
of view another destroyer further away with zero
angle on bow and to the left a third destroyer with
zero angle on the bow. Did not see what ships on
our port side were doing, for at this time 0944(K)
started deep. Could not understand why we were not
depth charged on the way down. Closest destroyer
passed over stern, screws on all sides. Think de-
stroyers coming in and may have had to turn out to
clear cruisers in right hand column. At 1004(K)
first of twenty-two depth charges - none parti-
cularly close. Only four short periscope exposures
were made. Sea a glassy calm with slight swell.
All destroyers had been using echo ranging, but
after we went deep echo ranging was not used.
There was no temperature gradient. Could have
fired on way deep as we had already been detected,
but with the set up we had at the time considered
we would only cause confusion. Cruisers were still
swinging to starboard when last seen and expected
first depth charge before we reached 100 feet. Will
not attempt to express our feelings at this time.
1142(K) Last of twenty-two depth charges.
1217(K) At periscope depth.
1405(K) Surfaced to send contact report.
1407(K) (Aircraft Contact #27). Sighted medium bomber bear-
ing 120°T, distance 7 miles, headed 220°T. Submerg-
ed.
1423(K) Surfaced. Tried to send contact report - made con-
tinuous efforts until at 1543(K) (Aircraft Contact
#28) Sighted float plane, bearing 230°T, altitude
about 1500 feet diving directly out of sun. Sub-
merged. Passed word, "Rig Ship for Depth Charge!",
"Left full rudder!" Boat had seven degree down
angle and was passing forty feet with rudder full
left when bomb or depth charge landed port side
frame seven seven. Terrific explosion jarred boat.
All hands not holding on to something were knocked
off their feet. All power was lost. Emergency
lights turned on. Boat began to take a large up
angle and settle fast. All main vents were open at
the time of the explosion, and failed to close by

- 11 -

— page 171 —
U.S.S. SCALP                               c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                            San Francisco, Calif.

SS277/A16-3/A9/
Serial ( 016 )

CONFIDENTIAL                                ENCLOSURE (A)

2340(K) Radar interference bearing 096°T. Maneuvered to
        lose contact. (Believed to be FLOUNDER).

9 April 1944
0130(K) Lost radar interference and headed East.
0653(K) Submerged for all day dive, crew still working to
        stop leaks and repair damage.
2004(K) Surfaced.

10 April 1944
0115(K) Sent SCALP Serial #5 to CTF-72 describing condi-
        tion of ship.
0130(K) Sent SCALP Serial #6 to CTF-72 giving contact re-
        port of enemy task force (message that caused
        our grief.)
0421(K) Received message to check our encyphering of SCALP
        Serial #5.
0430(K) Sent Serial #5 a gain with much reluctance. (Mess-
        age was encyphered properly but Port Moresby re-
        ceived internal indicator wrong.)
0445(K) Baloon sent correction on internal indicator.
0640(K) Submerged for all day dive.
1935(K) Surfaced.
1943(K) Received CTF-72 Serial #53 informing us that DACE
        would escort us until a surface escort could be
        provided.
2115(K) SJ Radar interference bearing 030°T, assumed it to
        be DACE so kept our radar on the bearing until we
        were sure DACE had our interference.
2131(K) Received CTF-72 Serial #57 directing SCALP to pro-
        ceed to 146°E and Equator.
2152(K) SJ Radar contact bearing 357°T, range 8650 yards.
        It was our very good friend the DACE. Exchanged
        recognition signals and information. (Contacted
        DACE on V.H.F.). DACE took position on bow of
        SCALP and proceeded on course 105°T.

11 April 1944
0644(K) Submerged for all day dive.
1925(K) Surfaced.
1954(K) SJ Radar interference bearing 050°T, trained on
        bearing and homed the DACE.
2035(K) Exchanged recognition signals with DACE who took
        position ahead.

- 15 -

— page 173 —
U.S.S. SCAMP
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS277/A16-3/49/
Serial (-016 )
CONFIDENTIAL
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 177 —
SS277/A16-3/A9/
Serial ( 016 )
CONFIDENTIAL
-----
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:Cont.

U.S.S. SCAP
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

ENCLOSURE (A)
-----
P - Periscope
R - Radar
SD - Day Sighting
SN - Night Sighting

:TIME :LAT. : :INITIAL:COURSE: HOW :
NO.:DATE :LONG. :TYPES(S) :RANGE :SPEED :CONTACTED: REMARKS
: : : : : : : :
:0804(K):3-37S : : : : : :
19 :1 Apr. :146-23E:B-24 :14 Mi. :000°T : SD :
:1058(K):3-10S : : : : : :
20 :1 Apr. :145-59E:Bomber :12 Mi. :090°T : SD :
:1455(K):2-31S :Unident. : : : : :
21 :1 Apr. :145-31E:Plane :20 Mi. :190°T : SD :
:1020(K):0-30S : : : : : :
22 :2 Apr. :142-51E:Bomber :13 Mi. :270°T : SD :
:1656(K):4-58N : : : : : :
23 :5 Apr. :125-46E:Bomber :8 Mi. :000°T : SD :
:0730(K):5-14N :Medium : : : : :
24 :7 Apr. :125-55E:Bomber :8 Mi. :135°T : P :
:0905(K):5-15N :Float : : : : :
25 :7 Apr. :125-55E:Plane :4 Mi. :CircL- : P : Single Engine
:0930(K):5-16N :3 Bombers: : :ing : :
26 :7 Apr. :125-54E:2 Floatpl:4 Mi. :CircL- : P :
:1407(K):5-06N :Medium : : :ing : :
27 :7 Apr. :125-49E:Bomber :7 Mi. :320°T : SD :
:1543(K):5-02N :Float : : : : :
28 :7 Apr. :126-07E:Plane :1/4 Mi.:Diving: SD :
:0643(K):3-18N :2 Float : : : : :
29 :8 Apr. :126-32E:Plane :3 Mi. :000°T : SN :

- 21 -

— page 179 —
U.S.S. SCAMP
SS277/A16-3/A9/
Serial ( 016 )

CONFIDENTIAL

2. Port engine induction line dented badly between frames 74
   and 78.
3. Number 5B Fuel Ballast Tank ruptured below vent riser.
4. Leak between 5B and 6B where inner hull pulled away from
   bulkhead bar.
5. Bulkheads between 4B, 5B and 6B buckled.
6. Examination of 5B indicates that the explosion apparent-
   ly tore the inner hull plating away from the inner hull
   frames in several places in 4B, 5B and 6B, and formed
   deep dimples in the inner hull where this occurred leav-
   ing the frame relatively undistorted. The worst dimples
   appear to be about 8 to 12 inches. In no such case was
   the inner hull ruptured. Some distortion of the inner
   hull frames occurred in the way of the brackets to the
   tank tops where the tank top was dished in.
7. Outer hull: The tank tops of 4B and 5B and the sides near
   the water line are dished in and the outer hull frames
   are distorted in these areas.
8. Number 4B main vent line leaks at the junction of the riser at
   the tank top, and at the valve itself.
9. Superstructure and deck completely blown away in vicinity
   of 5B F.B.T.
10. High pressure air line twisted between bulkhead and bulk-
    head stop valve from bottles in 4B F.B.T. Pressure in
    bottles has been bled down. No air leaks detected.
11. #5B emergency vent operating gear jammed against #2 H.E.
    blower. Bent 45° out of line. Emergency vent was open-
    ed by cutting hole in tank top.
12. Compensating water line bent and twisted in vicinity of
    5B F.B.T.
13. Forward engine room engine air induction valve twisted
    out of line. Can be held closed with a chain fall.
14. Battery water tanks in forward battery well moved for-
    ward 2 inches.

ELECTRICAL:
1. Battery cells #106, #120, #121 after battery show zero
   ground. (Cells jumped out).
2. Leads in control cubicle shorted out: Supply and Return
   leads to #2 and #4 generator fields; port motor start-
   er electrical interlocks leads. (Have been repaired -
   leads replaced).
3. #4 generator electrical clutch damaged beyond repair.
   (2 pole single throw switch mounted in closed bakelite
   frame.) Replaced #4 clutch.

- 23 -

— page 181 —
U.S.S. SCULP
SS277/A16-3/A9/
Serial (016)
CONFIDENTIAL
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 183 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
In
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
24 April 1944

FCS-18/A16

Serial 037

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS SCAMP (SS277) report
of SEVENTH War Patrol.
026737

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Seventh War Patrol, Comments on.

1. The seventh war patrol of the U.S.S. SCAMP was the first patrol
for the present commanding officer as such, as well as his first command, and
was conducted in the area north of New Guinea and Halmahera-Davao area. It
was of fifty days duration, twenty-five of which were spent in assigned areas,
which were well covered.

2. On 4 April an armed trawler was engaged by 4 inch gunfire at
long range (4500 yards) and damaged by two hits causing a slight list and fire.
Action was broken off when the gun failed to return to battery after 91 rounds
had been fired. Excessive range contributed to the very small percentage of
hits.

3. Four contacts with enemy torpedo targets were made, none of
which resulted in attacks. Contact with five high speed unidentified ships
on night of 6 April was only momentary. Two attempts to deliver attacks on
a three ship convoy on 7 April were unsuccessful. The first attempt, an early
morning surface approach was frustrated by the enemy making a radical change
of base course at dawn. The second approach, submerged in daylight failed to
reach a firing position. Further action against this convoy was broken off
when an enemy force of 2 CA's, 4 CL's screened by DD's and planes was sighted..
An approach on the new targets was immediately started and an excellent firing
position was gained for successive bow and stern tube salvos but SCAMP was
detected by aircraft cover due to the glassy sea just prior to final firing
periscope observation. Cruisers were forced to take evasive action and made
an ineffective hour and a half depth charge attack. No damage resulted. Contact
with one unidentified high speed target on night of 8 April was evaded due to
damaged condition of SCAMP.

— page 184 —
026737
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
In
FC5-18/A16
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
Serial 037
24 April 1944
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Seventh War Patrol, Comments on.

— page 185 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/G1.
Serial 0144
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCAMP Report of
Seventh War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Report of Seventh War Patrol -
comments on.

1. Forwarded. The remarks of Commander Submarine Squadron
EIGHTEEN are complete and are concurred in.

2. This patrol is designated as successful for the purpose of
the submarine Combat Insignia award.

3. The SCAMP is credited with inflicting the following damage
upon the enemy:

DAMAGED (by gunfire)

1 trawler 200 tons

4. The commanding officer, officers and crew of the SCAMP are
especially commended for the exceptional courage displayed and the out-
standing performance of duty in saving their ship to fight again.

J. M. HAINES.

DISTRIBUTION:
COMINCH (Advance copies - 3)
VCNO (Advance copies - 2)
VOPNAV (Op-23c)
COM. 1st Flt.
COM. 2nd Flt.
COM. 3rd Flt.
COMSUBS 1st Flt.
COMSUBS 2nd Flt.
COMSUBS 7th Flt.
CSS-4, 6, 8, 10, 12,
14, 16, 18 and 20.
CSD-53, 81, 82, 181, 182.
CTF-72 War Patrol Summary.
OinC, S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Flt. Radar Unit, Melbourne.
ALL SS TF-72 (May be taken to sea, but BURN prior to
CO USS SCAMP passing 5° South).

[SIGNATURE: F.P. HURRY,]
Force Secretary.

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

12 May 1944.

— page 186 —
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
A16-3(F-3/roj)
Serial: 01497
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 026737]
[STAMP: 9 JUN 1944]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCAMP Report of
Seventh War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Report of Seventh
War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. The remarks of Commander Submarine Squadron
EIGHTEEN are concurred in.

3. It is noted that the SCAMP, while surfaced
in an area where enemy air was known to be active, was
surprised and bombed by an enemy aircraft with resultant
serious damage. The bombing attack was delivered after
the SCAMP had spent one hour and twenty minutes on the
surface in a fruitless attempt to deliver an important
contact report. The difficulty in delivering the contact
report is considered to have been a contributing factor
to the damaging bombing attack.

4. The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew
of the U.S.S. SCAMP are highly commended for their courage
and skill displayed while successfully bringing the SCAMP
to port.

[SIGNATURE: C. E. Van Hook]
C. E. VAN HOOK,
Deputy.

[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 1944 JUN 14 AM 8 03]
[STAMP: U.S. 2 FLEET]
[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]

Copy to:
[HANDWRITTEN: +]
CTF-71
CTF-72
ComSubRon-18
CO USS SCAMP

— page 187 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108]

||||| 2.8 2.5
||||| 3.2 2.2
||||| 3.6 2.0
||||| 4.0 1.8
||||| 1.0
||||| 1.1
||||| 1.25 ||||| 1.4 ||||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[EMBLEM: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION
D-52254

— page 188 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR 45-82]
[HANDWRITTEN: F-108]

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

|||| 2.8
|||| 2.5
|||| 2.2
|||| 2.0
|||| 1.8
|||| 1.6

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: L. Frye]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 3-23-82]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[Image of Department of Defense seal with text: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (top arc), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (bottom arc)]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

— page 189 —
[HANDWRITTEN: NAS 1977-41]
[HANDWRITTEN: SCAMP (SS-277)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WORLD WAR II REPORT FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DOCK LOGS SEPTEMBER 1943 - SEPTEMBER 1944]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 16MM]

— page 190 —
Office of Naval Records and
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS SCAMP (SS 277)

The 1,500-ton ALBACORE-Class submarine SCAMP was built at the
Portsmouth, New Hampshire Navy Yard as part of the Navy's emer-
gency program. After four months in the building from keel up,
the new sub was launched on 20 July 1942 in a ceremony attended
only by naval and shipyard personnel. Sponsoring the vessel was
Miss Katherine E. McKee, daughter of Captain A. E. McKee, USN,
who was then planning officer of the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Forty minutes after SCAMP took to the water, her sister-ship
SCORPION slid down the ways, marking one of the Navy's first
dual submarine launchings.

On 18 September 1942 the new submersible was placed in full
commission as USS SCAMP (SS 277). Commander W. G. Ebert, USN,
assumed command and conned her throughout her training period
and the ship's first six war patrols.

SCAMP's first war patrol was conducted in the southern
approaches to the Japanese Empire during March 1943. While on
this patrol the sub was plagued by poor torpedo performance but
succeeded in damaging a tanker and two freighters.

War patrol two in the Bismarck-Solomons area was conducted
with slightly more success and the enemy lost a large freighter
to SCAMP's accurate torpedo runs. Operating in a Japanese submarine
area again on her third patrol, SS-277 damaged a submarine in this
area and a large tanker. Her fourth war patrol did again in this
area and resulted in the sinking of a freighter and a freighter-
transport, plus damaging a destroyer-escort.

On her fifth patrol SCAMP ranged the Truk-Kavieng traffic
lanes and during this time she sank a freighter-transport and in-
flicted damage on a large cruiser and a transport. Patrolling
this traffic lane again on war patrol six, from mid-December 1943
to February 1944, SCAMP sent a large tanker to the bottom. The
seventh patrol was conducted in the New Guinea-Palau-Mindanao
area with Commander J. C. Hollingsworth in command.

During this patrol, SCAMP was severely damaged by a close
enemy aircraft bomb. The vessel was saved only by the heroic
work of her commanding officer and crew. The only damage

— page 191 —
SCAMP
2.

inflicted on the enemy while on this patrol was a small trawler
sunk in a surface gunfire attack.

SCAMP's eighth patrol commenced on 16 October 1944 when
she stood out from Pearl Harbor enroute for Midway again under
the conn of Commander Hollingsworth. After a brief stop at
Midway where she topped off her fuel tanks, the sub continued
to her area of patrol in the Bonin Islands.

On 8 November she received instructions to stay clear of the
Bonin Islands during B-29 raids and this message was acknowledg ed
by the submarine. At this time she reported that she had made
no torpedo attacks. This message was the last received from
SS-277 and the remainder of her patrol activities must be left
to conjecture and to information learned through comparing Jap-
anese reports reviewed after the war.

In order to provide rescue services for downed aviators dur-
ing the anticipated bomber assaults on Tokyo, SCAMP was ordered
to lifeguard duty on 14 November. In this transmission, she was
directed to proceed to a point just east of the peninsula which
forms the eastern boundary of Tokyo Bay on Honshu. Between that
date and 26 November 1944, numerous messages were sent to the
sub which required no acknowledgment, thus rendering it impos-
sible to tell whether she received any or all of them.

On 29 November information was received of an enemy mine-
field in the vicinity of Inubo Saki, a point on the previously
mentioned peninsula, and all submarines in that area were warned
to stand clear. Since all transmissions to SCAMP after 9 Novem-
ber remained unacknowledged, and she had not appeared by 21
December, she was reported as presumed lost on war patrol in
enemy waters.

Since the end of the war, the following facts have been
learned from Japanese sources: On 11 November 1944, a Japanese
patrol plane bombed what appeared to be a large oil slick left
by a submarine (near SCAMP's probable position on that date). A
coast defense vessel was led to the scene by the plane and drop-
ped about seventy depth charges in three runs on the target where-
upon a large oil pool appeared. On 13 November GREENLING, also
on a lifeguard station, contacted a ship which, despite radar
interference, she throught was SCAMP, although she was unable to
sight anything.

— page 192 —
3
SCAMP

On 16 November two attacks were made by the Japanese in the
proximity of the lifeguard station. Amplifying data on these
attacks reveal that on the second attack "Great explosive
sounds came as a result of this attack". It would seem, then
that SCAMP was attacked several times during her period of life-
guard duty. Whether she was badly damaged and withdrawing from
the Japanese coast at the time of the last two attacks, it is
impossible to say.

No attack cited here ties in with any anti-submarine attacks
reported by submarines returning from patrol. It is probable
that damage to SCAMP became progressively more serious as she
absorbed each successive attack. She may have been withdrawing
from the Empire without transmission facilities when her
end came. USS SCAMP was officially declared lost on 12 April
1945.

***

USS SCAMP earned seven battle stars on the Asiatic-Pacific
Area Service Ribbon for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Submarine Assessment -- 27 July 1943

1 Star/Consolidation of Solomon Islands -- 8 February to 20
    Consolidation of Southern Solomons
    June 1943

1 Star/Eastern New Guinea Operation
    Lae Occupation -- 4 to 22 September 1943

1 Star/Treasury-Bougainville Operation
    Treasury Island Landing -- 27 October to 6 November 1943

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 1 March to 26 May 1946

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 16 December 1943 to 6
    February 1944

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 3 March to 22 April 1944

***

— page 193 —
SCAMP
4
***
STATISTICS

SURFACE DISPLACEMENT                                1,525 tons
LENGTH OVERALL                                      311 feet
TORPEDO TUBES                                       Ten 21" tubes
CREW                                                85 officers and men

***
Restencilled: May 1951

— page 194 —
DATE 13-21 March 1943
FROM CO - USS SCAMP (SS_277)
NAME SCAMP
SERIAL
DATE
SUBJECT SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT

Six torpedo firing reports for FIRST WAR PATROL. Claims
damage to two freighters and one tanker off northern
HONSHU.
(CENPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary
Separately as ORIGINAL

MICROSERIAL NO.
ACTION REPORT OPNY FORM 3480-13 (11-55)

DATE 27 July 1943
FROM CO - USS SCAMP (SS_277)
NAME SCAMP
SERIAL
DATE
SUBJECT SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT

Torpedo firing report for SECOND WAR PATROL. Claims
sinking of Japanese I-class submarine off ADMIRALTY
Islands.
(SOWESPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary
Separately as ORIGINAL

MICROSERIAL NO.
ACTION REPORT OPNY FORM 3480-13 (11-55)

DATE 7 April 1944
FROM U.S. NAVAL DRYDOCKS, HUNTERS POINT, SAN FRANCISCO
NAME SCAMP
SERIAL none
DATE none
SUBJECT WAR DAMAGE REPORT

Composite report of damage sustained on SEVENTH WAR PATROL
from depth charge attack during emergency dive in southern
Philippine Islands area.
(SOWESPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary
Separately as PROCESSED COPY

MICROSERIAL NO.
ACTION REPORT OPNY FORM 3480-13 (11-55)
G20432

— page 195 —
DATE 22 September 1944
FROM CO - USS SCAMP (SS-277)

SUBJECT Collision Report

Report of collision with USS CHEW on surfacing from a
practice dive during training prior to a War Patrol.
Neither ship needed assistance. SCAMP required repair
period at Pearl Harbor. (CENPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately as ORIGINAL

MICROSERIAL NO.

DATE November 1944
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD

SUBJECT Loss of USS SCAMP (SS-277)

Report of loss of USS SCAMP while on EIGHTH WAR PATROL
in the Bonin Islands area. Last heard from on 9 Nov 44
when reported position was Lat. 28.44N, Long. 141.44E.
(CENPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately as CARBON COPY under SUBSPAC

MICROSERIAL NO.

NAME SCAMP
SERIAL 0111
DATE 24 September 1944

ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-53)

NAME SCAMP
SERIAL 001019
DATE 21 December 1944

ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-53)
G20432

— page 196 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]
[HANDWRITTEN: Card]
[HANDWRITTEN: KD F990R KW]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

DECLASSIFIED
U. S. S. [HANDWRITTEN: SCAMP]
Time [HANDWRITTEN: 0828 K]

U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT
Date: [HANDWRITTEN: March 13] [UNCLEAR: awo] [HANDWRITTEN: 194 3]
Location: Latitude [HANDWRITTEN: 35 - 55 N]
Longitude [HANDWRITTEN: 151 - 53 E] [UNCLEAR: A obspoT roT]

INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Attack First—Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "gun deck" this report—if data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter
    a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions [HANDWRITTEN: Overcast - wind west, force 2.]
Sea conditions [HANDWRITTEN: Large swells from WNW - condition 4.]
Sound conditions (if applicable) [HANDWRITTEN: Fair.]
Type of operations [HANDWRITTEN: War patrol. Enroute to station.]

Specific objective [HANDWRITTEN: To sink enemy shipping.]

Forces engaged: Own [HANDWRITTEN: submarine.]
(Name and Type) Enemy [HANDWRITTEN: 3000 ton freighter - KOHUKU MARU type or similar.]
Type of attack (own/enemy—scratch one) [HANDWRITTEN: Submerged, torpedo.]

Brief description [HANDWRITTEN: Fired 3 torpedoes from stern tubes, track about 90° P., gyro about]
[HANDWRITTEN: 180°, range 1000 yards. All three torpedoes exploded prematurely.]

Weapons employed:
    Own [HANDWRITTEN: Torpedoes.]
    Enemy [HANDWRITTEN: None.]
Ammunition expended [HANDWRITTEN: 3 torpedoes.]

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (A)]

— page 198 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT
U. S. S. SCAMP
Time 1138 K
Date: March 16 1943
Location: Latitude 34-38 N
Longitude 141-38 E

INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Attack First—Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "gun deck" this report—if data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter
a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions Clear - light wind from NW.
Sea conditions Smooth & slight swell.
Sound conditions (if applicable) Excellent.
Type of operations Submerged patrol.

Specific objective Destroy enemy shipping.

Forces engaged: Own Submarine.
(Name and Type) Enemy 4 merchant ships, one torpedo boat, one aircraft.

Type of attack (own/enemy—scratch one) Torpedo.

Brief description Fired 3 torpedoes at leading ship of two ship column. (HEIYOSHI
MARU type.)

Weapons employed:
Own Torpedoes.
Enemy Depth charges.

Ammunition expended 3 torpedoes.

— page 199 —
CONFIDENTIAL
[REVERSED TEXT: U.S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT]

Evasive tactics employed:
Own None.
Enemy Attempted to RAM.

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
Firing range 1100 yds.
Type Attack
(check)
Periscope
Keel depth 64 ft.
X Periscope and TDC
Straight/curved shot(s) both
Sound
Type spread 3° diverg.

Attack: (unopposed
(check) x(opposed by air screen/close screen Sound and TDC
Detected: (prior to firing
(check) x (after firing
(undetected

Results: (Certain) None.

(Estimated
None.

Damage to own ship
None.

Lookout(s) or special equipment detector operator(s):
(Name) (Rate) (ServiceNo.)
made initial contact by (sound) (radar), (SMSD), (MAD), (Sight)

Brief Remarks First torpedo exploded prematurely after 15 second run.

— page 200 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT

U. S. S. SCAMP (SS277) Date: March 16 1943
Time 1146 K Location: Latitude 38 - 19 N
Longitude (11) - 38 E

INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Attack First—Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "gun deck" this report—if data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter
    a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions Clear - light wind from NW.
Sea conditions Smooth - slight swells.
Sound conditions (if applicable) Excellent.
Type of operations Submerged patrol.

Specific objective Destroy enemy shipping.

Forces engaged: Own submarine.

(Name and Type) Enemy [HANDWRITTEN: 4 merchant ships, one torpedo boat, one aircraft.]

Type of attack (own/enemy—scratch one) Torpedo.

Brief description [HANDWRITTEN: Fired 3 torpedoes at second ship of two ship column.]

Weapons employed:
Own [HANDWRITTEN: Torpedoes.]
Enemy [HANDWRITTEN: Depth charges.]

Ammunition expended [HANDWRITTEN: 3 torpedoes.]

— page 201 —
[REVERSED TEXT: REPORT]
[REVERSED TEXT: SUBMARINE 2.0]
[REVERSED TEXT: ACTION]

CONFIDENTIAL

Evasive tactics employed: [HANDWRITTEN: Deep submergence, running silently.]
Own [HANDWRITTEN: None.]
Enemy [HANDWRITTEN: None.]

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
Firing range [HANDWRITTEN: 1240 yds.]
Keel depth [HANDWRITTEN: 64 ft.]
[CROSSED OUT: Straight]/curved shot(s)
Type spread [HANDWRITTEN: 1° diverg.]

Type Attack
(check)
Periscope
[X] Periscope and TDC
Sound

Attack:
(check) x (unopposed
[X] x (opposed by air screen/close screen

Detected:
(check) x (prior to firing
(after firing
[X] (undetected

Results: (Certain) [HANDWRITTEN: None.]
(Estimated) [HANDWRITTEN: One hit.]

Damage to own ship [HANDWRITTEN: None.]

Lookout (s) or special equipment detector operator(s):

(Name) (Rate) (ServiceNo.)
made initial contact by (sound) (radar), (SMSD), (MAD), (Sight)

Brief Remarks [HANDWRITTEN: First torpedo exploded prematurely after 15 second run.]

— page 202 —
[STAMP: RECEIVED APR 2 AM 1943 CONCR]
[HANDWRITTEN: P16-3/S9]
U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT

CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. SCAMP Date: March 20 [UNCLEAR: nwo] 1943
Time 1725 K Location: Latitude 17 - 06 N
Longitude 147 - 26 E

INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Attack First—Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "gun deck" this report—if data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter
a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions Overcast. Temperature low enough to fog periscope. Wind force 3
from north.
Sea conditions Choppy.
Sound conditions (if applicable) Excellent.
Type of operations War patrol.

Specific objective Sink enemy shipping.

Forces engaged: Own Submarine.

(Name and Type) Enemy SEIKYO MARU type freighter but newer.

Type of attack (own/enemy—scratch one) Torpedo.

Brief description Fired 3 torpedoes from stern tubes.

Weapons employed:
(Own) Torpedoes.
(Enemy) None.

Ammunition expended 3 torpedoes

— page 203 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Evasive tactics employed: [STAMP: U.S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT (reversed)]
    Own None.
    Enemy Turned toward.

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
    Firing range 1450 yds.
    Type Attack
    (check)
        Periscope (a)
    Keel depth 65 ft.
        X Periscope and TDC (d)
    Straight/curved shot(s)
        Sound (e)
    Type spread divergent.

Attack: x (unopposed by air screen/close screen)
    Sound and TDC

Detected:
    (prior to firing
    x (after firing
    (undetected

Results: (Certain) None.
    (Estimated 3 hits.

Damage to own ship None.

Lookout (s) or special equipment detector operator(s):
    (Name) (Rate) (ServiceNo.)

made initial contact by (sound) (radar), (SMSD), (MAD), (Sight)

Brief Remarks

— page 204 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT
Date: March 20 1943.
U. S. S. SCAMP
Time 173 K
Location: Latitude 41 - 06 N
Longitude 141 - 26 E

INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Attack First—Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "gun deck" this report—if data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions Overcast. Temperature cold enough to fog periscope. Wind force 3 from north.
Sea conditions Choppy.
Sound conditions (if applicable) Excellent.
Type of operations War patrol.

Specific objective Destroy enemy shipping.

Forces engaged: Own Submarine.

(Name and Type) Enemy TATUWA MARU type freighter.

Type of attack (own/enemy scratch one) Torpedoes.

Brief description Fired 3 torpedoes from bow tubes.

Weapons employed:
Own Torpedoes.
Enemy Depth charges.
Ammunition expended 3 torpedoes.

— page 205 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Evasive tactics employed:
Own [HANDWRITTEN: Went deep and ran silently.]
Enemy [HANDWRITTEN: Turned away.]

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
Firing range [HANDWRITTEN: 1800 yards]
Keel depth [HANDWRITTEN: 65 ft.]
Straight/curved shot(s) both.
Type spread [HANDWRITTEN: Divergent]

Attack: (unopposed)
(check) x (opposed) [HANDWRITTEN: by close screen]
Detected: (prior to firing
(check) (after firing
x (undetected)
Results: (Certain) None.

Damage to own ship [HANDWRITTEN: None.]

Lookout (s) or special equipment detector operator(s):
(Name) (Rate) (ServiceNo.)
made initial contact by (sound) (radar), (SMSD), (MAD). (Sight)

Brief Remarks

---
[BLEED-THROUGH / REVERSED TEXT FROM OTHER SIDE OF PAGE (best effort to transcribe):]
U.S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT
INSTRUCTIONS
Type Attack
(check)
(a) [UNCLEAR: All]
(d) Periscope
(e) Periscope and TDC
(f) Sound
Sound and TDC
[UNCLEAR: Same conditions]
Sound conditions
Type of operation
[UNCLEAR: Special objective]
[UNCLEAR: Estimated]
[UNCLEAR: Torpedoes]

— page 206 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT

U. S. S. SCAMP
Time 0432 K

Date: March 21 1943
Location: Latitude 41 - 45 N
Longitude 142 - 14 E

INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Attack First—Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "gun deck" this report—if data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter
    a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions Overcast. Slight breeze. Almost full moon.
Sea conditions Smooth, slight swell.
Sound conditions (if applicable) Excellent.
Type of operations War patrol.

Specific objective Sink enemy shipping.

Forces engaged: Own Submarine.

(Name and Type) Enemy MANZYU MARU type tanker.

Type of attack (own/enemy—scratch one) Torpedo.

Brief description Fired three salvos of 2, 5 and 2 torpedoes respectively. Three
hits obtained.

Weapons employed:
Own Torpedoes.
Enemy Depth charges and gun fire.
Ammunition expended 9 torpedoes.

— page 207 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Evasive tactics employed:
[MIRRORED: U.S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT]
Own None.
Enemy Turned toward.
[MIRRORED: U.S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT]

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
Firing range 2100, 1750, 1000 yards.
Type Attack
(check)
Keel depth 64 ft.
[HANDWRITTEN: x] Periscope
Straight/curved shot(s) both.
[HANDWRITTEN: x] and TDC & SJ RADAR.
Type spread Divergent.
Sound

Attack: x (unopposed)
(check) (opposed by air screen/close screen
Sound
Detected: (prior to firing
(check) (after firing
x (undetected

Results: (Certain) 3 hits. Target not observed to sink.

(Estimated None.

Damage to own ship None.

Lookout (s) or special equipment detector operator(s):
GILLMORE, J.H. Yeo2c 356 27 10
(Name) (Rate) (ServiceNo.)
made initial contact by SJ RADAR
(sound) (radar), (SMSD), (MAD), (Sight)

Brief Remarks

[MIRRORED: ammunition expended]

— page 208 —
[STAMP: Rec. No. 01236]
[STAMP: R.S. No. 9 0330]
[HANDWRITTEN: Original]
CONFIDENTIAL

DECLASSIFIED

U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT
[UNCLEAR: T.K.R.O.T. 30AVE O'K T.I.S.S. O.S.S.] Date: 27 July 1943
U. S. S. SCAMP
Time 1754 K. Location: Latitude 2-50 S
Longitude 149-01 E

INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Attack First—Then collect data for this report.
(b) Do not "gun deck" this report—if data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter
a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions CLEAR
Sea conditions SMOOTH
Sound conditions (if applicable) EXCELLENT
Type of operations WAR PATROL

Specific objective SINK ENEMY VESSELS.

Forces engaged: Own SCAMP
(Name and Type) Enemy I-CLASS SUBMARINE
Type of attack (own/[STRUCK THROUGH: enemy]—scratch one) TORPEDOES (SUBMERGED)

Brief description ENEMY FIRED ONE TORPEDO AT SCAMP, AFTER WHICH SCAMP
FIRED FOUR, ONE OF WHICH HIT.

Weapons employed:
Own TORPEDOES.
Enemy TORPEDO.
Ammunition expended 4 TORPEDOES.

[HANDWRITTEN: Commend]

— page 209 —
CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN, upside down: 0330]
[STAMP, upside down: DECLASSIFIED]

Evasive tactics employed:
Own [HANDWRITTEN: WENT TO 220 FEET TO EVADE TORPEDO.]
Enemy [HANDWRITTEN: NONE.]

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
Firing range [HANDWRITTEN: 1800 YARDS]
Keel depth [HANDWRITTEN: 66 FEET]
SEX/curved shot(s)
Type spread [HANDWRITTEN: DIVERGENT]

Attack: (unopposed) [HANDWRITTEN: X]
(opposed by air screen/close screen)

Detected: (prior to firing) [HANDWRITTEN: X]
(after firing)
(undetected)

Results: (Certain) [HANDWRITTEN: SUNK.]
(Estimated)

Type Attack
(check)
Periscope (a)
Periscope and TDC [HANDWRITTEN: X] (d)
Sound (e)
Sound and TDC (f)
Radar (g)
Radar and TDC (h)

Damage to own ship [HANDWRITTEN: NONE.]

Lookout(s) or special equipment detector operator(s):
(Name), (Rate) (Service No.)
made initial contact by [HANDWRITTEN: SOUND.]
(sound) (radar), (SMSD), (MAD), (Sight)

Brief Remarks

[HANDWRITTEN: 5]
[STAMP, vertical on right side: COMMANDER
SUBMARINES
FLEET
RECEIVED
1944 SEP 4]

— page 210 —
[HANDWRITTEN: MIDDLE]
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)
[HANDWRITTEN: R2]

REPORT OF DAMAGE SUSTAINED FROM
AERIAL BOMB OR DEPTH CHARGE 7 APRIL 1944

ENCLOSED HEREWITH

(A) HULL
(B) ELECTRICAL
(C) MACHINERY
(D) FIRE CONTROL
(E) RADIO AND SOUND

-----

— page 211 —
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)

(A) HULL: Continued.

16. Fresh water line through forward engine room and crew's wash room bent
    and leaking. All leaks have been stopped.

17. #4B M.B.T. emergency vent very hard to operate. Can be opened and closed.

18. Safety tank main vents leak.

19. #2 sanitary overboard discharge line constricted so it cannot be blown.
    This line is broken off at outboard hull leaving a hole in #4 M.B.T.

20. Battery water tanks in forward battery well moved forward 2 inches.

21. Minor damage in bridge plating and steps twisted.

22. Line from #2 main engine exhaust to compensating water broken.

23. Valve stem extension arm missing, from #2B M.B.T. 10 lb. blow stop
    valve topside.

Ship is now carrying five to ten degrees right rudder. Examination of
rudder shows no apparent damage.

— page 212 —
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)

(A) - HULL:

1. Engine air induction to forward engine room punctured in four places
   between frames 75 and 78. Punctures caused by braces to hull pull-
   ing loose and tearing sections of the main induction off.

2. Port engine induction line dented badly between frames 74 and 78.

3. Number 5B Fuel Ballast Tank ruptured below vent riser.

4. Leak between 5B and 6B where inner hull pulled away from bulkhead bar.

5. Bulkheads between 4B, 5B and 6B buckled.

6. Examination of 5B indicates that the explosion apparently tore the inn-
   er hull plating away from the inner hull frames in several places in
   4B, 5B and 6B, and formed deep dimples in the inner hull where this
   occurred leaving the frame relatively undistorted. The worst dimples
   appear to be about 8 to 12 inches. In no such case was the inner hull
   ruptured. Some distortion of the inner hull frames occurred in the
   way of the brackets to the tank tops where the tank top was dished in.

7. Outer hull: The tank tops of 4B and 5B and the sides near the water-
   line are dished in and the outer hull frames are distorted in these areas.

8. Number 4B main vent leaks at the junction of the riser at the tank
   top, and at the valve itself.

9. Superstructure and deck completely blown away in vicinity of 5B F.B.T.

10. High pressure air line twisted between bulkhead and bulkhead stop valve
    from bottles in #4B H.P.T. Pressure in bottles has been bled down.
    No air leaks detected.

11. #5B emergency vent operating gear jammed against #2 H.B. blower. Bent
    45° out of line. Emergency vent was opened by cutting hole in tank
    top.

12. Fuel oil transfer line in vicinity of 5B F.B.T. bent.

13. Compensating water line bent and twisted in vicinity of 5B F.B.T.

14. Forward engine room engine air induction valve twisted out of line.
    Can be held closed with a chain fall.

15. Hydraulic lines through forward engine room bent. No hydraulic lines
    leaking.

-1-

— page 213 —
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)

(B) ELECTRICAL:
1. Battery cells #106, 120, 121 after battery show zero ground. (Cells jumped
   out).
2. Leads in control cubicle shorted out: Supply and return leads to #2
   and #4 generator fields. Port motor starter electrical interlocks leads.
   Have been repaired - Leads replaced.
3. #4 generator electrical clutch damaged beyond repair. (2 pole single
   throw switch mounted in closed bakelite frame). Replaced #4 clutch.
4. #2 and #4 motor volt meter leads shorted out.
5. Main contacts to #1, 2, 3, and #4 main motors show signs of pitting.
6. Terminal blocks port side of cubicle has signs of burns.
7. Hull ventilation supply and exhaust blower panel broken in several
   places and all leads to this panel (located port side forward of forward
   engine room) were pulled loose and ruptured. (Jury rig constructed to
   give power).
8. Auxiliary supply box in forward engine room shorted out, fuse clips
   blown loose. This has been repaired.
9. Numerous cable clips holding cables to bulkhead were jared loose in
   the forward engine room and crew's wash room.
10. Hot water heater panel located in crew's wash room completely demolished.
    Panel crushed against hot water heater tanks.
11. After battery duck broke in after battery well. (Duct taped.)
12. Breaker holding coil resistor in after battery broke loose shorting out.
    (Resistor replaced by spare).
13. Air flow meter to forward battery does not function indicating clogged
    or crused lines.
14. Bridge gyro compass repeater knocked out of its gembals and suspended
    vertically by electrical cable. Still functions.

— page 214 —
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)

(C) MACHINERY:

1. #2 M.E. out of commission. Blower damaged, engine probably out of
   alignment. Engine has not been run, but has been jacked over and
   rumbling noise heard in lobes.

2. #3 M.E. blower vibrates excessively, trouble seems to be in small mis-
   alignment of drive gears.

3. #1 Fuel Oil detachment pump damaged (will not supply proper pressure)

4. Salt water lines to #2 generator or bent.

5. #1 Lub Oil Purifier out of alignment.

6. Main engine governor (spare) broken beyond repair.

— page 215 —
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)

(D) FIRE CONTROL:

1. SJ RADAR
   (a) Mast sprung.
   (b) Receiver indicator, numerous tubes jolted loose.

2. BN radio transmitting and receiving equipment.
   (a) Antenna coupling gap closed, causing high voltage arching on
       operation. (Note: This item has been repaired).

3. Bathythermograph
   (a) Temperature element housing outside hull torn from position.
       (note: This equipment is operative.)

— page 216 —
U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277)

(E) RADIO AND SOUND:

1. Forward insulator on center antenna broken. Antenna had to be cut to
   remove it upon surfacing.

2. Coupling on TBL motor - generator jarred loose placing generator out
   of commission. The coupling was repaired satisfactory.

3. IMC battle station alarm out of commission on signal generator #1 and
   #2. Repairs were effected on #2 signal generator.

— page 217 —
SL477/ A9/L11-2/M
SERIAL (0111)

[HANDWRITTEN: [ CENPAC:MISC ]
22 SEP 44]

[HANDWRITTEN: Original]

U. S. S. SCAMP
C/O FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

24 September 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Report of Collision of U.S.S. SCAMP
with U.S.S. CHEW.

Reference: (a) Art. 840, U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920.

1. At 1223, 22 September 1944, in latitude 21 - 09.5N, longitude
158 - 19.5W the U.S.S. SCAMP in surfacing from a practice dive collided with
the U.S.S. CHEW. The bow of the U.S.S. CHEW struck the starboard bow of
the U.S.S. SCAMP halfway between the bridge and the bow.

2. The U.S.S. CHEW was standing by to the eastward while the
SCAMP made practice dives in assigned operating area on courses north and
south. Arrangements had been made for the U.S.S. GRISWOLD to make practice
runs for the SCAMP commencing at 1300, 22 September 1944. At 1147 the
U.S.S. GRISWOLD sent following message on voice circuit which was guarded
by SCAMP, GRISWOLD and CHEW: "BT if you are ready now we will make next
thirteen hundred so we would like to get message to GRISWOLD: "BT we are
circling on station until start of next run." At this time attempted to
send searchlight message to the CHEW who was three to four thousand yards
to the eastward to inform CHEW that we would make practice approach on the
GRISWOLD on the next dive. A fuse blew in the searchlight before the message
could be sent. At 1158 GRISWOLD commenced run and SCAMP commenced practice
torpedo approach. At 1219 SCAMP simulated firing four stern tubes at the
GRISWOLD on a 120 port track, range 875 yards. GRISWOLD continued on her
run well clear of SCAMP. Commanding Officer made periscope sweep from GRISWOLD's
bearing around to the right to the CHEW's bearing. Nothing sighted except a
destroyer on port quarter over six miles away, which was thought to be the
CHEW de- parting the area. No sonar noises other than the GRISWOLD's were
reported by the sound operators. At 1222 passed word "Standby to surface".
SCAMP speed three. Sounded "Surface" signal on report from diving officer:
"Main vents closed! Bow planes rigged in!". Diving officer carried out
surfacing procedure and on report: "High pressure air in the boat." Commanding
officer ordered "Crack the hatch!". Before the hatch could be cracked,
SCAMP hit unknown object, heeled over sharply to port and right-

[HANDWRITTEN: (CENPAC BOX # 421-1/32RS + 2360)]

- 1 -

— page 218 —
S8277/S9/L11-1/MM/
SERIAL (0111)

U. S. S. SCAMP
C/O FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

24 September 1944.

Subject: Report of Collision of U.S.S. SCAMP
         with U.S.S. CHEN.

Collision alarm was sounded. All stop. Main
ed herself immediately.
ballast was blown. Hold
Depth remain-
ed twenty-six feet. Commanding officer reports of water entering the boat.
and officer of the deck went to the bridge. SCAMP'S bow was rammed into
the starboard bow of the CHEN about half way between the CHEN's
conning tower hatch was opened and CO
bridge and bow. SCAMP's bow was not held firmly. SCAMP lying at an angle
of 135 degrees to the CHEN, SCAMP backed at 2/3 speed until clear of CHEN,
then backed full until clear then stopped. Low pressure blowers were
put on the tanks and all compartments checked for damage. There was no
damage within the boat and no personnel casualties. SCAMP's bow above the
pressure hull and above the forward torpedo tubes was damaged from the
collision and set
section watch. SCAMP and CHEN were secured from collision and set
assistance.
SCAMP sent message to ComSubPac, ComSubTrain
Pac, ComSubDiv FORTY-THREE informing
CHEN. SCAMP then proceeded astern of the CHEN to the Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor.

3. After careful inspection of the SCAMP in SUSE at the Submarine
Base, Pearl Harbor the only damage sustained by the SCAMP was as follows:
1. Frame 0, 4, and 1 to 6 of the bow superstructure damaged.
2. Repairs are being made by the S and R department, Submarine
Base, Pearl Harbor.

4. The Inspector General, U.S. Fleet is investigating the inci-
dent.

J. C. HOLLENWORTH.

— page 219 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE

Refer to No.
F35-43/L11-1

FIRST ENDORSEMENT on C.O.
USS SCAMP Conf. Ltr. A9/
L11-1/A4/ Serial (0111)
dated 24 September 1944.

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

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Report of Collision of U.S.S. SCAMP with
U.S.S. CHEW.

1. Forwarded. SCAMP had just completed a practice
torpedo attack on GRISWOLD as part of her war time training
prior to departure on patrol when she collided with CHEW
which had been acting as escort. There is no damage to the
torpedo tubes, torpedo tube shutters, or to the pressure hull.

2. The entire bow superstructure for a distance
of nineteen (19) feet from bow and from upper deck down to
and including bow buoyancy tank deck, and bow buoyancy vent
valve operating rod require renewal.

3. Repairs will be accomplished by the Submarine
Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. in an estimated seven (7) day period.

D. C. WHITE.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

24 September 1944

— page 220 —
FILE NO.
FCS-4/L11-1
Serial 0370
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
11/tel
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
27 SEP 1944

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
CO SCAMP ltr. S277/A9/L11-
1/A4 Serial 011 dated 24
September 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: Report of Collision of U.S.S. SCAMP with
U.S.S. CHOW.

1. Forwarded. Inasmuch as this incident is now
under investigation, comment and recommendations are withheld
at this time.

C. F. ERCE.

— page 221 —
F712-10/L11-1/
(70)
Serial 02111
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
COMSUBPAC Ltr A9/L11-1/A4 Serial 36277/
of 24 September 1944.

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

Subject: Report of Collision of U.S.S. SCAMP with
U.S.S. CIUSN.

1. Forwarded.

2. A preliminary investigation is being conducted
by the Inspector General, Pacific Ocean Areas.

3. There were no injuries to personnel.

4. The SCAMP will be repaired at the Submarine
Base, Pearl Harbor.

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

29 SEP 1944

G.A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

— page 222 —
LLL-[HANDWRITTEN: yC + G]
Serial [HANDWRITTEN: (]05430[HANDWRITTEN: )]

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

From:
To:
Subject:

1.

[HANDWRITTEN: 73650]
[HANDWRITTEN: file 654/A]
No.
00
001
[HANDWRITTEN: (]01[HANDWRITTEN: )]
015
1
2
21
251
[HANDWRITTEN: (]3[HANDWRITTEN: )]
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓]813
815
816
82
83
831
832
833
834
4
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
5
[HANDWRITTEN: (]6[HANDWRITTEN: )]
601 [HANDWRITTEN: H&S]
61
611
62
63
64
[HANDWRITTEN: (]65[HANDWRITTEN: )]
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓]651
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓]Ins. Gen. Pac.
[HANDWRITTEN: 654/THa]

6 OCT 1944

4th Endorsement on
CO SCAMP Conf. Ltr.
SS277/A9/LLL-1/A4
Serial 0111 of 24
September 1944.

Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Report of Collision of U.S.S. SCAMP with
U.S.S. CHEW.

Forwarded.

E. H. MCMORRIS
Chief of Staff

[STAMP: FORWARDED]
[STAMP: OCT 6 A.M.]
[STAMP: OFFICE OF COMMANDER IN CHIEF]

— page 224 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 07985]
[STAMP: TOP SECRET]
FF12-10/A4-1
Serial 001019
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Loss of.

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
He
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
DEC 21 1944

— page 225 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 11]
[HANDWRITTEN: 03955]

FF12-10/A4-1
Serial 001/19
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
Subject:

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
DEC 21 1944

U.S.S. SCAMP (SS277) - Loss of.

9.
This was the second patrol with Commander John C.
Hollingsworth in command of the SCAMP. He was awarded the
Legion of Merit for his services during the Seventh War Patrol
of that vessel, in which he distinguished himself by saving his
ship from loss after being severely damaged by an enemy aircraft
bomb. Prior to taking command of the SCAMP he had combat experi-
ence on board the U.S.S. TRITON and U.S.S. [UNCLEAR: PERMITO].

10.
The results obtained on all previous patrols of
the U.S.S. SCAMP are as follows:

FIRST PATROL
From 1 March 1943, to 26 March 1943

D A M A G E D

Date         | Type Ship      | Tonnage
||
3-16-43      | Freighter      | 4,046
3-20-43      | Freighter      | 2,608
3-21-43      | Tanker         | 6,520
-o0o-

SECOND PATROL
From 19 April 1943, to 4 June 1943

S U N K

5-26-43      | Aux. Seaplane Tender | 15,650
-o0o-

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
THIRD PATROL
From 22 June 1943, to 8 August 1943

S U N K

7-27-43      | Submarine      | 2,300

D A M A G E D

7-27-43      | Tanker         | 10,000
-3-

— page 228 —
[HANDWRITTEN: From (Bap #1900-40 Series) C/C]
[STAMP: COPY]
[STRIKETHROUGH: CONFIDENTIAL]
TOP SECRET
Serial 0001180

DEC 29 1944

[HANDWRITTEN: 01-983]
[HANDWRITTEN: 317-BI]
[HANDWRITTEN: 12/25]

1st Endorsement to
ComSubPac Top Secret
ltr. FF12-10/A4-1,
Serial 001519, of
21 December 1944.

From: Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet. [HANDWRITTEN: 019]
Subject: U.S.S. SCAMP (SS 277) - Loss of.

1. Forwarded with regret for the loss of a
great ship and her distinguished commanding officer.

C. H. MCMORRIS
Chief of Staff

Copy to:
ComSubPac 0806

[HANDWRITTEN: Much]
[HANDWRITTEN: 12/29/44]
[HANDWRITTEN: illegible symbol/initials]

CONFIDENTIAL

| No. |
|---|
| 00 |
| 001 |
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| 101 |
| 015 |
| 1 |
| |
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| 21 |
| [HANDWRITTEN: 124-VX] |
| 3 [HANDWRITTEN: the] |
| [HANDWRITTEN: 317 ✓] |
| 318 |
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| 316 |
| 32 |
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| 4 |
| 43 |
| 44 |
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| 46 |
| 47 |
| 48 |
| 49 |
| |
| [HANDWRITTEN: 5W. 316] |
| [HANDWRITTEN: 6 ✓] |
| 61 |
| 611 |
| 62 |
| 63 |
| 64 |
| 65 [HANDWRITTEN: VX] |
| 651 |
| 67 |
| 70 |
| |
| Ins.Gen.Pac. |
| [HANDWRITTEN: VX] |

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END OF REEL
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-45 280]
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]

1.0
1.1
1.25

2.8 | 2.5
3.2 | 2.2
3.6 | 2.0
4.0 | 1.8
1.4 | 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[STAMP: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE]
[STAMP: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION