U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS-323) — war patrol report SS-323_CAIMAN.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO.[HANDWRITTEN: 7-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 125-78]
[HANDWRITTEN: Catman (SS-323)]

1.0
1.1
1.25
| 4.5 | 2.8 | 2.5
| 5.0 | 3.2 | 2.2
| 3.6 | 4.0 | 2.0
| 1.8
| 1.4 | 1.6

OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: R Munch]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 7-7-78]

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

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[HANDWRITTEN: CAIMAN (SS-323)
WWII PATROL FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOG JULY 1944 - DECEMBER 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS
CUSTODY.

J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 3 —
Dictionary of

American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME II · 1963

NAVY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION · WASHINGTON

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Caiman
A salt water fish inhabiting the waters off Florida and
of the West Indies.

(SS-323: dp. 1,526; l. 311'9"; b. 27'3"; dr. 15'3"; s. 20 k.;
cpl. 66; a. 1 5" 25 cal., 10 21" tt.; cl. Gato)

Caiman, originally Blanquillo, was renamed 24 Sep-
tember 1942 and launched 30 March 1944 by Electric
Boat Co., Groton, Conn.; sponsored by Mrs. R. C. Bon-
jour; commissioned 17 July 1944, Commander J. B. Azer
in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.

Caiman sailed from Pearl Harbor on her first war
patrol 13 November 1944. Pausing at Saipan to put
ashore her severely ill commanding officer and embark
his relief, the submarine pushed on to the South China
Sea, where she combined an offensive patrol with lifeguard
duty to rescue aviators downed in air strikes on enemy-
held territory. Aggressive American submarine and
naval air attack had already greatly reduced the Japa-
nese merchant fleet; hence Caiman made no contacts on
this patrol, from which she returned to Fremantle,
Australia, on 22 January 1945 to refit. Her second
patrol, performed in the South China Sea and off the
Gulf of Siam, from 18 February to 6 April, also yielded
no contacts, but on her third, which began at Subic Bay
28 April, she sank two small Japanese merchant
schooners. Their use illustrated graphically the almost
complete loss of modern merchant ships which the Japa-
nese had suffered largely at the hands of the U.S. Navy.

Returning to Fremantle 27 June from her patrol area off
southern Indo-China and western Borneo, the submarine
refitted for her fourth war patrol, during which she per-
formed special missions, landing and evacuating agents
from the coast of Java. On this patrol, which took place
from 22 July to the end of hos-
tilities, she sank another Japanese schooner. She re-
turned to Subic Bay 19 August, then sailed for the west
coast.

Caiman operated out of San Diego, Guam, and Pearl
Harbor in 1946. In 1947 she made an Arctic familiariza-
tion cruise out of Seattle. Thereafter, based on Seattle,
she served as reserve training ship until 23 April 1951,
when she began a snorkel conversion at Mare Island
Naval Shipyard. Since 1952, based at Pearl Harbor and
San Diego, Caiman has alternated local operations and
fleet exercises with tours of duty in the Far East at 18-
month intervals. On her 1957 cruise, Brisbane, Aus-
tralia, was added to her more usual itinerary of Japa-
nese and Philippine ports.

Of Caiman's four war patrols, the last was designated
"successful." She received two battle stars for service
in World War II.

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S3323/A16-3
Serial ( 020 )
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division TWO SIXTY.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY SIX.
(3) Commander Submarines, Southwest Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323)- Report of First War Patrol.
Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart (ComSubSoWestPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of
this vessel, conducted in the South China Sea during the period
13 November 1944 to 22 January 1945 is forwarded herewith.

U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
22 January 1945.

[UNCLEAR: 02527]
[SIGNATURE: F. C. Lucas, Jr.]
F. C. LUCAS, Jr.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/25/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE

This vessel was commissioned at the Submarine Base, New
London, on 17 July 1944. Training operations were conducted
in the New London area from 21 July to 20 August. Departed
New London on 21 August and arrived in Key West, Florida 28
August. Operated with Fleet Sound School, Key West, Florida
from 29 August to 2 September. Departed Key West 3 September,
arrived Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 3 September. From 4 September
to 6 September conducted experimental work for Bureau of Ships
in conjunction with the Harvard University Underwater Sound
Laboratory. Departed Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 7 September and
arrived in Canal Zone 11 September. On 14 September departed
Canal Zone and arrived Submarine Base Pearl Harbor 1 October.
Underwent voyage repairs and complete overhaul of the hydraulic
system. Commenced regular new construction training schedule,
firing nine torpedoes and had three nights of exercises. Spent
four days conducting special exercises. Departed Pearl on 13
November 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

Nov. 13
1538 VW Underway for Saipan with PC 579 as escort.
1845 VW Released escort.

Nov. 14 (Y)
1300 Y OOD sighted torpedo broach, heading toward. Evaded.

Nov. 15 (Y) - Nov. 19 (M)
1830 M Conning tower hatch failed to close completely during
training dive because lanyard caught in hatch. Some
water entered the conning tower - no damage.

Nov. 20 (M)
2210 Picked up radar sweeping on APR on 120 mc. Probably
from Wake which was 40 miles away.

Nov. 21 (L) to Nov. 23 (K)
Made routine training dives.

Nov. 24 (K)
1635 Made trim dive. After adjusting pit log came up to
periscope depth for a look and at
1717 sighted periscope and impulse bubble on starboard
quarter. Went to 350 feet to evade torpedo and listen
for submarine. JP got a screw count of 280 RPM. At

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— page 7 —
CONFIDENTIAL

NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

(B)
1900 came up to periscope depth to see if we could pick up
     sub. Sound made contact but could not hold it.
1918 Surfaced and sent contact report.

Nov. 25 (K)
0350 APR showed Jap radar 109 mc. on Sarigan Island sweeping
     and at
0634 Picked up another radar 176 mc.
0700 Saturation reached on APR. At
0703 Sighted 3 B-24's 12 miles away flying low. IFF return
     12 miles. At 6 miles SD pip appeared.
0725 Sighted escort.
0755 Joined escort PC 115 and set course for Saipan.
1430 Moored port side to RAZORBACK alongside FULTON in nest
     with SPEARFISH, SEGUNDO, RAZORBACK, and TREPANG.

Nov. 26 (H)
1405 Took on fuel, lub oil, battery water, and fresh water.
     Accomplished minor repairs.
1442 Underway from alongside of FULTON.
     Passed entrance buoy, joined PINTADO and escort. Set
     course for entrance to safety lane.
2030 Released escort. Proceeding up joint zone.

Nov. 27 (H)
2235 Comdr. John B. AZER taken ill. Sent message to ComTask
     Group 17.7 advising that we are returning to Saipan.

Nov. 28 (H)
1500 Sighted escort, U.S.S. DUNLAP (DD 384).
1533 Joined escort, proceeding to Saipan.
2015 Moored port side to SHAD alongside FULTON in nest with
     REDFISH and SHAD.

Nov. 29 (I)
1600 Comdr. Frederic C. LUCAS, Jr., U.S.N. relieved Comdr.
     John B. AZER, U.S.N. as Commanding Officer.

Nov. 30 - Dec. 3 (I)
     Conducting training exercises. Made radar and sub-
     merged practice approaches. Topped off fuel, lub, fresh
     water, and battery water.

Dec. 4 (I)
1015 Underway for area from alongside FULTON.
1050 Joined escort, PC 1126.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
1520 Released escort.

Dec. 4 to Dec. 6 (I)
    Made routine dives and conducted training.

Dec. 7 (I)
1530 While testing firing circuits fired #9 tube with outer
    door closed. Fired MK 18-1 torpedo #56594, which
    exploded at end of run. Able to close door but oper-
    ating shaft apparently sprung and tube out of commission.

Dec. 8 (H)
    Enroute to station. Heavy weather.

Dec. 9 (H)
0530 Dived.
1810 Surfaced. Continued heavy weather. Proceeding through
    Balingtang Channel.

Dec. 10 (H)
0520 Dived.
1820 Surfaced.

Dec. 11 (H)
0113 Radar interference on SJ.
0144 Exchanged recognition signals with SEGUNDO by SJ radar.
0555 Dived.
1000 Passed to operational control of CTF 71 at 18-30N; 118-30E.
1800 Surfaced.
2000 Received orders to patrol southern half area A-3.
2315 Radar interference on SJ.

Dec. 12 (H)
0020 Proceeding to assigned area.
0555 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. Submarine,
    believed to be BLENNY, by SJ radar.
1810 Dived.
2114 Surfaced.
    Received orders to be on Lifeguard Station, 20 miles
    west of Pt. Sampoloc, Luzon at dawn on 14, 15, and 16
    December for carrier strike on Manila.

Dec. 13 (H)
0519 Dived off Palauig Point, Luzon.
1247 Sighted aircraft. (Aircraft Contact #1)
1820 Surfaced.

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CONFIDENTIAL
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

(B)

Dec. 14 (H)
Proceeding to assigned Lifeguard Station.
0239 176 mgc. signal on LPR which steadily increased until at
0244 saturation. Dived to avoid. From
later experience believe this was a friendly plane.
0341 Surfaced.
0447 150 mgc. signal on LPR at saturation and steady. Dived.
This signal later became very familiar and is apparently
shore-based early-warning aircraft search type on Luzon.
It is probably non-directional as it does not sweep, but
comes on at irregular intervals and gradually increasing in
strength until a steady saturation signal is received,
and at this time was assumed to be the 150 mgc. airborne
radar which has recently been used against our subma-
rines south of Formosa. Since we were nearly on life-
guard station decided to remain submerged until dawn.
0617 On station, submerged, looking for fighter cover or
some indication that the strike is on. Do not believe
that we can surface here without fighter cover, or at
least until we know the show has started. Listened on
vertical antenna at intervals.
0700 Sighted Jap float plane flying peacefully up the coast.
(S.C. #2)
1135 Sighted one Nell. (L.C. #3)
1149 Sighted another Nell. (L.C. #4)
1150 Sighted large PC or PF headed out from Subic Bay.
(S.C. #1) He searched all over the area, pinging.
Evaded at periscope depth.
1300 Sighted masts of another small ship headed out from Subic
Bay. This is too busy a spot for a Lifeguard Station.
1307 Observed that new arrival, was a destroyer and that all
his guns were firing. Then saw 2 Hellcats make a dive
bombing attack. Geysers of water completely obscured
him but he emerged apparently unscathed. Commenced
approach hoping to get in an attack while he was fully
occupied by the planes but he maneuvered radically and
did not come inside 7000 yards.
1310 Observed another attack on the destroyer, this time by
four Hellcats. No apparent damage. After this the
planes departed. Both ships remained in the area,
apparently searching, until
1600 Both ships headed in toward Subic Bay.
1822 Surfaced. LPR immediately reported a 155 mgc. signal,
steady on and increasing to saturation.
1825 Dived again to avoid aircraft. This signal was also
later identified as from a shore-based installation. No
indication of aircraft on SD or SJ radar.

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[HANDWRITTEN: 8]
CONFIDENTI L
(B)
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1845 Surfaced. APR signals on 150, 155 and 176 mgcs.
     Decided not to dive until SD or SJ radar gave indication
     of aircraft. There were several 176 mgc. signals, ap-
     parently from our own planes which were bombing Luzon.

Dec. 15 (H)
0118 Radar contact 17,000 yards. Commenced tracking. There
     are two small ships, apparently escort type vessels,
     base course 270°T, speed 12. (S.C. #3)
0300 Under light conditions that precluded identifying the
     type of target and sea conditions which would not per-
     mit the shallowest torpedo settings, did not consider
     that a night attack offered much chance of success and
     did not feel justified in abandoning lifeguard duties
     for a daylight attack in view of the apparent size of
     the targets, so secured tracking and set course for
     lifeguard station.
0316 Made radar contact on two more groups, of two each,
     same type vessel as previous contact, same general
     course and speed. Then believed this might be an outer
     screen for a major force sortieing from Manila.
     Searched astern, without further contact, until
0419 Set course for lifeguard station on four engines.
0520 Dived, approaching lifeguard station.
0835 Sighted smoke bearing 118°T. Commenced approach.
0913 Sighted Nell bomber. (A.C. #6)
0935 Target identified as properly marked hospital ship north-
     bound from Manila (CONTE VERDE, EU). (S.C. #5)
1820 Surfaced. No indications of fighter cover or strike
     during the day.

Dec. 16 (H)
0005 Aircraft contact on SJ radar at 13,000 yards. Keyed SD
     radar and when plane closed to 6 miles, dived.
0030 Surfaced.
0137 Radar contact at 17,000 yards. (S.C. #6) Commenced
     tracking. Two ships of about same size as those
     last night indicated. Believed we had stumbled across
     a place to make contact with escorts coming out of
     Manila to pick up convoys which we will investigate
     when free from lifeguard duties. Discontinued track-
     ing and set course for lifeguard station.
0520 Dived on lifeguard station to wait for some fighter
     cover.
0915 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #8)
0947 Sighted masts. (S.C. #7) Commenced approach. Ship
     turned out to be another hospital ship, southbound to
     Manila. Took photographs.
1820 Surfaced. No sign of strike today.
     - 5 -

— page 11 —
CONFIDENTI L
(B) N.RRATIVE (Cont'd)

0530 Dec. 17 (H)
1822 Dived in position 14-37N; 119-37E.
     Surfaced.

0520 Dec. 18 (H)
0921 Dived off Palauig Point, Luzon.
0950 Sighted aircraft. 2 float type planes. (L.C. #9)
1548 Sighted aircraft. (L.C. #10)
1820 Sighted aircraft. (L.C. #11)
2110 Surfaced.
     APR contact, 176 mcs. (L.C. #12) Cut in SD, picked
     up two planes, one at 10 and one at 12 miles. The
     plane at 12 miles closed to 6 miles. Dived. Probably
     Liberators. Note:
     Although it was not known at this time, our IFF was
     not functioning due to a break in the coaxial cable.
     Since Liberators are now making searches all over
     the South China Sea many of the subsequent plane con-
     tacts were undoubtedly friendly although not identified
     as such.

0539 Dec. 19 (H)
1304 Dived in position 14-16N; 119-27E.
1814 Sighted aircraft.
2206 Surfaced.
     Received orders to establish patrol line with BLENNY
     and LIPON at 17-50N, between 118-10E and 118-50E.

0610 Dec. 20 (H)
1805 Very heavy head seas. Could make good nearly as much
     submerged as on surface, so at
     Dived.
     Surfaced.

     Dec. 21 (H)
     Patrolling on patrol line.

2000 Dec. 22 (H)
2200 Patrolling on patrol line.
     Made rendezvous with LIPON and gave her a 1945 Nautical
     Almanac.
     Received instruction from CTG 71.1 to patrol area A-2
     with BLENNY. Assigned BLENNY southern half. Proceed-
     ing toward Luzon coast in northern half.

0547 Dec. 23 (H)
1811 Dived off Dile Point, Luzon.
     Surfaced.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

Dec. 24 (H)
0527 Dived off Salomaque Island, Luzon.
0738 Sighted two sea trucks skirting the shore line, (S.C.#8)
1817 Surfaced.

Dec. 25 (H)
0525 Dived off Salomaque Island, Luzon.
0730 Sighted aircraft. (U.C. #14)
1330 Sighted small coastal steamer anchored in Lapog Bay.
(S.C. #9)
1828 Surfaced.
2150 SJ radar picked up plane 14,000 yards. (U.C. #15)

Dec. 26 (H)
0527 Dived off Dile Point, Luzon. The constant two knot
northerly set which had previously been experienced
along this part of the coast was much more tricky at this
point, having a rotary counter-clockwise movement that
was never completely solved. Maneuvered to obtain
position on the 100 fathom curve 2 miles west of Dile
Point.
1502 Sighted masts of four ship convoy headed south along
the coast. (U.C. #10) Convoy consisted 1
large AP, 1 medium, and 2 large AK's in column, with
one destroyer leading, 3 more destroyers on the star-
board (seaward) flank, and 3 smaller escorts (DE's or
PC's) on the port flank. One plane was sighted.
Convoy course was 190°T, speed
about 12 knots. Estimated from a quick cut that the
convoy would have to hold this course to Dile Point
abeam, and headed in to attack the last two ships,
2 large AK's.
1520 Convoy had changed course to 175°T and went by at a
minimum range of 4,000 yards. The only possible
answer is that we were considerably further from the
beach that the fix taken at the start of the approach
had shown. This was verified by a fix taken immed-
iately afterward, but even so the convoy must have
skirted the 5 fathom curve. In retrospect, this
approach was made with too much regard for navigation
and not enough for the targets.
1817 Surfaced and sent contact report to CTF 71, and to
BLENNY on wolfpack frequency. Could not obtain re-
ceipt from the latter although we had had SJ interference
strongly from inshore. Commenced chase to intercept
along the coast.

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— page 13 —
CONFIDENTI L
(B)
2250 Sighted properly illuminated hospital ship. (S.C. #11)
(Hospital ship contact #3) Maneuvered to avoid.
2319 Sighted aircraft circling hospital ship, range 5
miles. Bright moonlight. Verified by keying SD.
(S.C. #17) Doubt that this is air cover so is prob-
ably one of our planes investigating.
2320 Plane headed toward. Dived

0002 Dec. 27 (H)
0002 Surfaced.
0527 Dived off Caiman Point. Luzon and closed to within
two miles of the beach. Chose this point partly because
of a hunch on the name, but chiefly because it was one
point on the coast where nothing can get by inshore.
Knew from intercepted message that two other submarines
were attempting to intercept convoy to the southward,
and that LAPON, by her SJ interference, was somewhat to
the northward.
1113 JP reported fast screws bearing 350°T. (S.C. #12)
1118 Sighted mast and masts of what was first believed to be a des-
troyer. Commenced approach. The target was on a
northerly base course steering a constant helm or ran-
dom zig-zag at high speed. During the early stages of
the approach he looked like light cruiser but was later
seen to be a much smaller type, probably a PF or DE.
(LAPON called him an "unlisted type of DD or CL" and
tracked him at 25 knots.) His lines were very similar
to our YP's, but he was considerably smaller and
lightly armed.
1145 Fired three electric torpedoes from the stern tubes.
All missed. (Attack No. 1)
1146 Target had turned toward, 2° port angle on the bow.
Possibly one torpedo broached with 3 foot setting,
ran across a heavy swell. Went to 400 ft., rigged
for depth charge attack.
1149 Four depth charges, none close. He then swung around
and came right over but did not drop. Evaded to sea-
ward at 80 RPM. The A/S vessel milled around for a
short while, stopping occasionally to listen but never
pinging, and then faded out.
1830 Surfaced.
2258 Received orders to establish patrol line on 200 mile
west of San Jose, Mindoro, with BLENNY, PADDLE,
HAMMERHEAD, LAPON, SEALLION, BAYA, CAVALLA and ANGLER.
Proceeding to assigned position, 13-53N; 118-02E.

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— page 14 —
CONFIDENTI L
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

Dec. 28 (H)
0610 Dived.
0642 Surfaced.
0800 Aircraft contact on SD radar at 30 miles - moved in to
28 miles, then faded out. (L.C. #18)
1325 Aircraft contact on SD at 23 miles. (L.C. #19)
1530 Arrived on assigned position on 200 mile circle from
San Jose.
2300 Lookout sighted plane. Dived. (L.C. #20)
2350 Surfaced.

Dec. 29 (H)
0907 Lookout sighted plane. (L.C. #21) Dived.
1020 Surfaced.
1035 APR picked up radar at 176 mgs. sweeping. Keyed SD
radar and got contact at 22 miles.
1036 Lookout sighted plane.
1038 Dived. (L.C. #22) Probably Liberator.
1227 Surfaced.
1552 Lookout sighted plane. (L.C. #23) Dived.
1655 Surfaced.
2055 SJ picked up plane at 4 miles. (L.C. #24) Dived.
2158 Surfaced.

Dec. 30 (H)
0000 Lookout sighted plane. (L.C. #25) Dived.
0144 Surfaced.
0647 Lookout sighted three planes. (L.C. #26) Dived.
0811 Surfaced.
1517 Sighted plane. (L.C. #27) Dived.
1607 Surfaced.

Dec. 31 (H)
0703 Sighted plane. (L.C. #28) Dived.
0757 Surfaced.
1039 Sighted abandoned lifeboat from ORYOKU MARU, Osaka.
Closed and attempted to sink with 20mm. Boat was
awash and would not sink. Position: 12-03N; 115-45E.
1553 SD contact 9 miles. (L.C. #29) Dived.
1653 Surfaced.
2339 Received orders dissolving patrol line and assigning
CALMAN to southern half of area B-4 with SALLION.
Set course for area.

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— page 15 —
CONFIDENTI L

(B)
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

Jan. 1 (H)
0938 SJ contact at 20 miles on aircraft. (S.C. #30) SD
     picked up plane at 18 miles.
2301 Received orders charging patrol area to northern half
     of area B-4. Set course for new area.

Jan. 2 (H)
     Patrolling east and west in center of northern half,
     area B-4. SEALLION thirty miles to the west.
     Sea continuing rough from N.E., heavy overcast and fre-
     quent rain squalls.
0636 Dived for trim. While diving, received message from
     SEALLION reporting she was diving for aircraft.
0732 Surfaced. Resumed surface patrol.
0745 Received contact report from BLENNY of 1 transport, 2
     escorts, headed northwest from 11-31N; 113-17E. Relayed
     to ANGLER and SEALLION but received no receipt from
     SEALLION. Estimate target may change course to the
     right for Manila after clearing N. Danger, in which case
     it will pass through ANGLER's area, or change course
     left for Luzon Strait or Takao.
0900 Set course for estimated dusk position and directed
     SEALLION to take position to the northwest.
1232 SD radar contact, 6 miles. (S.C. #31) Dived.
1316 Surfaced.
1335 Sighted SEALLION bearing 275°T, proceeding to assigned
     station.
1447 SD radar contact, 6 miles. (S.C. #32) Dived.
1458 Two distant explosions.
1538 Surfaced.
1545 Received another contact report from BLENNY giving
     position, course and speed that checked with original
     report and stating she had fired her last two tor-
     pedoes without results. We will make contact between
     1930 and 2000.
1937 SJ radar contact 164°T, 18,000 yards. (S.C. #13)
     Commenced tracking. This proved to be BLENNY's contact,
     one AP and two destroyers. Base course had been
     changed from 050°T to 030°T, to pass between Maccles-
     field Bank and Scarborough Shoal. Sent contact report
     to SEALLION.
2139 Tracking completed, manned battle stations and started
     in to attack. Informed SEALLION we were attacking from
     port flank. She was now also tracking from this flank,
     astern of us. Situation was as follows: target
     on base course 030°T, zigzagging between 000°T and

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— page 16 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B)
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0600T on 8 or 9 minute legs. Escorts about 1,500 yards
on bow or beam of target, depending on leg of zig plan.
Moon was just rising but there was a heavy overcast and
it had rained steadily during entire tracking period.
Estimated that under these conditions could make sur-
face attack from the flank, catching target on extreme
left leg when escort was well up on the bow, firing
across the rather heavy sea at a favorable range and
then retiring down sea. This plan failed because (a)
the target made a zig to the extreme right leg when he
was figured to come left and (b) the heavy overcast
and rain which had persisted for three days, at this
time suddenly cleared and the nearly full moon made vis-
ibility conditions such that there was no possibility of
closing undetected at the high surface speed then
necessary.
2223 Broke off attack and commenced end around on port flank
on four engines. Directed SEALLION to attack when in
position.

Jan. 3 (H)
0030 - Tracked SEALLION in as she made surface attack.
-(about) SEALLION attacked from the surface and retired. Port es-
0038 cort followed her out. No hits.
Nine to twelve depth charges heard. SEALLION was still
0137 retiring on surface, however, as evidenced by inter-
ference from her SJ radar.
0301 SEALLION reported attack completed and she had lost con-
tact. Directed her to return to assigned area.
0400 Gained position 20,000 yards ahead of target on her
track. Slowed to 11 knots on course 030°T. to maintain
this position.
Increased speed to 14 knots to gain distance so that
target could be observed with high periscope for
expected change of base course at dawn, prior to day-
light attack.
0424 SJ radar contact, 3 small ships, bearing 255°T, range
13,000 yards, closing rapidly. (S.C. #14) Apparently
reinforcements have arrived but it is difficult to
understand where they could have come from on such
short notice. Put tail toward them and increased speed
to 16 knots but range still closed. Bearing of nearest
ship changed slowly to the right and then steadied.
Repeated this procedure with same result. Range closed
to 10,500 and ships were in sight in bright moonlight.
No doubt in my mind we were being chased so went to
flank speed on 4 engines and range commenced opening
gradually.
- 11 -

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B)
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0541 Pursuers were lost at 16,000 yards but we were now sil-
     houetted against rapidly brightening eastern sky so
     further operations did not materialize but we had been driven far off the position
     on target's track which we had worked most of the night
     to gain. No further contact.

1630 Surfaced. Set course to return to patrol station.

Jan. 4 (H)
     Patrolling on surface in northern half area B-4. Pass-
     ing through position 13-15N; 114-40E at 0000, 0300 and
     1000 on course 135°T and at 0400, 0700, 1200 and
     course 315°T. Speed 9 knots. SEALLION assigned station
     at 13-45N; 114-20E, following same procedure.
1331 Sighted aircraft. (...C. #33) Dived.
1415 While preparing to surface, sighted same or another air-
     craft headed toward, range 2 miles. Back to 150 ft.
1544 All clear. Surfaced and resumed surface patrol.
1900 Received orders to form patrol line covering Cape St.
     James and Camranh Bay with ROCK, GURNARD, SEALLION, PERCH
     and GABILAN. Position of GABILAN 75 miles bearing 155°T
     from HON LON light. Set course for position.

Jan. 5 (H)
     Proceeding to station on patrol line.
0454 Made radar contact on friendly submarine at 10,500 yards.
0513 Passed 5,000 yards abeam of GUITIERRO headed for Mindoro
     with stern planes out of commission.
1548 SD contact at 12 miles. (...C. #34) Dived.
1652 Surfaced.
2000 OOD heard low flying aircraft. Keyed SD radar and got
     contacts at 1½ and 2 miles. (...C. #35) Dived.
2103 Surfaced.
2240 Exchanged recognition signals with GURNARD by SJ radar.

Jan. 6 (H)
0038 Arrived on station. Commenced surface patrol on 315°T-
     135°T.
0635 Dived on station.
1908 Surfaced.

Jan. 7 (H)
0633 Dived on station.
1848 Sighted two large sampans, apparently patrol boats,
     bearing 285°T, course about 220°T.
1923 Surfaced.

- 12 -

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

Jan. 8 (H)
0622 Dived on station.
1905 Surfaced.

Jan. 9 (H)
0616 Dived on station.
1912 Surfaced.
2115 Received orders to proceed to vicinity 5N; 105E to inter-
     cept traffic that might flee from Saigon or Camranh Bay
     for Singapore because of carrier task force operating in
     the South China Sea. Set course for new station.

Jan. 10 (H)
     Enroute new station at 5N; 105E.
2300 Received orders to guard lifeguard frequency for B-29
     strike on Singapore at 1000, 11 Jan.

Jan. 11 (H)
0641 On station. Made trim dive.
0745 Surfaced. Commenced surface patrol. BESUGO, HARDHEAD,
     COBIA, PERCH, GABILAN, SEALION and GURNARD also oper-
     ating in this area.

Jan. 12 (H)
0015 Received orders to proceed to Fremantle. Set course
     for Karimata Strait.
0638 Dived.
1908 Surfaced. SJ radar out of commission.

Jan. 13 (H)
0613 Dived 10 miles west of St. Julian Island.
1939 Surfaced. SJ radar back in commission.
2221 Crossed equator at 107-00E. Put 54 pollywogs on pro-
     bation until south of the Barrier.

Jan. 14 (H)
0609 Dived in western approach to Karimata Strait.
1944 Surfaced. Commenced transit Karimata Strait.
2349 APR contact, 218 mgcs. This radar had same character-
     istics as radar on British submarine later encountered
     south of Lombok.

Jan. 15 (H)
0400 Completed transit of Karimata Strait. Proceeding west-
     ward through Java Sea on the surface.
1900 Received orders to be on lifeguard station 20 mi.
     south of Sempu Island (south coast of Java) at 1100 (H),
     17th for Liberator strike on Soerabaja. To reach this
     station we will have to transit Lombok Strait one night
     - 13 -

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

earlier than anticipated but with luck can make it.
Full speed, four engines.

0515 Jan. 16 (H)
       Radar contact on Kangean Island, 40000 yards. Changed
       course to pass between Gagoa Island and Karang Takat
       Reef.
0630 Completed passage through the reefs. Sighted 4 native
       praus in the vicinity.
0653 Sighted plane. (A.C. #36)
       Dived. Continued on toward Lombok submerged.
1925 Surfaced.
2000 Received message that Soerabaja strike was cancelled.
2215 Commenced transit of Lombok Strait.

0015 Jan. 17 (H)
       Completed uneventful transit of Lombok Strait. Set
       course for Fremantle.

Jan. 18 - 21 (H)
Enroute Fremantle.

Jan. 22
Arrived Fremantle.

- 14 -

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER
     The weather in the area was generally excellent except
for a few days when the northeast monsoon increased to force 6 to 7
and general squalliness prevailed.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
     Currents encountered conformed closely to those predicted
in available Hydrographic information.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
     No information.

- 15

— page 21 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                SHIP CONTACTS

No. Time Date Lat. Long. Type(s) Initial Est. Course (F) How (Z) Remarks
                               PC or PF Range Speed Contacted
1. 1130 12-1 14-30N 119-51E 1 PC 1 DD 6,000 yd. Various F R
                                                        Base C. 270
2. 0118 12-2 14-34N 119-30E 2 Unidentified 17,000 yd. Base C. 12 R R
                                Escort type             Speed 12
3. 0310 12-2 14-32N 119-00E 2 Unidentified 16,000 yd. Base C. 300 R R
                                Escort type             Speed 15
4. 0900 12-2 14-44N 119-00E AH Escort type 14,000 yd. 340°T P Photographed
5. 0130 12-3 14-47N 119-35E (CONTE VERDE?) 14,000 yd. 320°T P Photographed
                                2 Unidentified
                                Escort type
6. 0945 12-3 14-46N 119-36E AH Escort type 18,000 yd. 120°T P Photographed
7. 0730 12-4 14-49N 119-50E AH 10,000 yd. 070°T P Photographed
8. 1430 12-4 17-49N 120-18E 2 Sea Trucks 10,000 yd. Anchored P Photographed
                                Coastal
9. 1500 12-4 17-46N 120-18E Freighter 14,000 yd. Lapog Bay P Photographed
                                                        195°T
10. 2250 12-4 17-35N 120-20E 1 AP, 3 AK, 4 14,000 yd. Speed 12 SN Unsuccessfully
                                DD, 3 PC or PF          350°T attacked
11. 1115 12-5 16-45N 119-38E AH 20,600 yd. Speed 12 Sound R
                                                        130°T
12. 1930 12-5 15-55N 119-41E FF or DE 12,000 yd. Speed 12 R R
                                                        030°T
13. 0420 12-6 13-02N 115-03E 1 AP, 2 DD 18,000 yd. Speed 11 P Nearly dark
                                                        070°T when sighted
14. 1845 12-6 14-17N 115-55E 3 PC or DE 13,000 yd. Speed 15 P R
                                                        220°T
15. 1-7 11-04N 109-52E 2 Sampans 4,000 yd. Speed 10 P R
                                (Patrol Boats?)
- 16 -

— page 22 —
CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

CONTACT NUMBER | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
|---|---|---|---|---|---
Date (1944) | 12-13 | 12-14 | 12-14 | 12-14 | 12-14 | 12-15
Time (Zone -8) | 1247 | 0700 | 1135 | 1149 | 1308 | 0913
Position: Lat. | 15°26N | 14°43' | 14°43' | 14°43' | 14°31' | 14°40'
Long. | 119°39E | 119°50 | 119°50 | 119°50 | 119°50 | 119°30
Speed | 2 kts | 2 kts | 2 kts | 2 kts | 2 kts | 2 kts
Course | 170°T | 200°T | 340°T | 340°T | 180°T | 090°T
Trim | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per.
Minutes since last | | | | | |
SD Radar search | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTI L
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

CONTACT NUMBER | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Date (1944) | 12-16 | 12-16 | 12-18 | 12-18 | 12-18 | 12-10
S | Time Zone - 8 | 0005 | 0915 | 0921 | 0950 | 1548 | 2110
U | Position: Lat. | 14°45 | 14°47 | 15°18 | 15°20 | 15°20 | 15°23
B | | | | | |
M | Long. | 119°34 | 119°50 | 119°53 | 119°54 | 119°55 | 119°07
A | | | | | |
R | Speed | 10 kts | 2 kts | 2 kts | 2 kts | 2 kts | 11 kts
I | | | | | |
N | Course | 000°T | 270° | 000° | 000° | 270° | 090°
E | | | | | |
| Trim | Surf. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Surf.
| Minutes Since Last | | | | | |
| SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
| | | | | | |
| Number | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2
A | Type | Unid. | Hell | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk.
I | | | | | |
R | Probable Mission | trol | H | H | H | H | Pat.
C | | | | | |
R | How contacted | Radar | Sight | Sight | Sight | Sight | Radar
A | | | | | |
F | Initial Range | 6½ mi. | 7 mi. | 10 mi. | 8 mi. | 9 mi. | 16 mi.
T | | | | | |
| Elevation Angle | | 1½° | 3° | 2° | 3° | -
| Range & Rel. Bear- | | | | | |
| ing of Plane When | | | | | |
| It Detected S/M | Unk. | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
C | (State (Beaufort)) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
O | Sea: (Direct. (REL)) | N | N | N | N | N | N
N | | | | | |
D | Visibility (Miles) | Dark | Unl. | Unl. | Unl. | Unl. | Dark
I | (Ht. in Ft.) | - | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | -
T | Clouds: (Percent | | | | | |
I | Overcast) | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | -
O | (Bearing (Rel)) | No | | | | | -
N | Moon: (Angle) | Moon | | | | | -
S | (Percent Illum.) | - | | | | | -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol GREY .

- 18 -

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date (1944) | 12-19 | 12-25 | 12-25 | 12-26 | 12-26 | 12-28 |
| SUBMARINE | Time (Zone - 8) | 1304 | 2150 | 2150 | 1502 | 2319 | 0800 |
| Position: Lat. (N) | 14°40 | 17°42 | 17°20 | 18°00 | 15°55 | 15°18 |
| Long. | 119°25 | 120°14 | 119°50 | 120°14 | 119°41 | 117°27 |
| Speed | 2 kts | 2 kts | 10 kts | 2 kts | 18 kts | 13 kts |
| Course | 220°T | 180° | 190° | 095° | 220° | 235° |
| Trim | Per. | Per. | Surf. | Per. | Surf. | Surf. |
| Minutes Since Last SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 180 | 0 | 190 | 0 |
| AIRCRAFT | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. |
| Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | H | Escort | Pat. | Pat. |
| How Contacted | Sight | Sight | SJ | Sight | Sight | SD |
| Initial Range | 15 mi. | 10 mi. | 7 mi. | 5 mi. | 6 mi. | 30 mi. |
| Elevation Angle | 40 | 30 | - | 10 | - | - |
| Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane When It Detected S/M | ND | ND | - | - | - | - |
| CONDITIONS | Sea: (Beaufort) | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Sea: (Direct. (Rel) | N | N | 180° | 270° | 180° | 180° |
| Visibility (Miles) | 8 mi. | Unl. | Dark | Unl. | 8 mi. | Unl. |
| Clouds: (Ht. in Ft. | 5000 | 5000 | Clear | 5000 | Clear | Clear |
| Clouds: (Percent Overcast | 30 | 50 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Moon: (Bearing (Rel) | - | - | 010° | - | 090° | - |
| Moon: (Angle | - | - | 75° | - | 85° | - |
| Moon: (Percent Illum. | - | - | 70 | - | 85 | - |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol GREY

- 19 -

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTI L
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date (1944) | 12-28 | 12-28 | 12-29 | 12-29 | 12-29 | 12-29 |
| Time (Zone - 8) | 1325 | 2300 | 0907 | 1038 | 1552 | 2055 |
| Position: Lat. | 14°27 | 14°00 | 14°00 | 13°55 | 14°00 | 14°00 |
| Long. | 117°52 | 118°06 | 118°05 | 118°04 | 118°06 | 118°- |
| Speed | 13 kts | 10 kts | 10 kts | 10 kts | 10 kts | 10 kts |
| Course | 155 | 205 | 025 | 205 | 205 | 205 |
| Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. |
| Minutes Since Last SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 30 sec. | 30 sec. | 2' | 3' |
| Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | B-24 | B-24 | Unk. |
| Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. |
| How contacted | SD | Sight | Sight | Radar | Sight | Radar |
| Initial Range | 28 mi. | 4 mi. | 20 mi. | 22 mi. | 10 mi. | 4 mi. |
| Elevation Angle | - | 2° | 2° | 6° | 30° | - |
| Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane When It Detected S/M | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sea: (State (Beaufort 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| (Direct. (Rel) | 230° | 220° | 300° | 160° | 150° | 260° |
| Visibility (Miles) | Unl. | Dark | Unl. | Unl. | Unl. | Dark |
| (Ht. in Ft. | Clear | 5000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | - |
| Clouds: (Percent Overcast | 0 | 90 | 70 | 70 | 70 | - |
| (Bearing (Rel) | 0 | 050° | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| Moon: (Angle | 0 | 60° | 70 | 70 | 70 | - |
| (Percent Illum. | 0 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol GREY.

- 20 -

— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

CONTACT NUMBER | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Date | 12-30 | 12-30 | 12-31 | 12-31 | 1-1-45 | 1-2-45
S | | | | | |
U | Time (Zone - 8) | 0000 | 1517 | 0703 | 1553 | 0938 | 1232
B | | | | | |
M | Position: Lat. | 13°55 | 13°58 | 13°57 | 13°54 | 13°10 | 13°30
A | | | | | |
R | Long. | 118°01 | 118°00 | 118°02 | 117°59 | 116°06 | 114°29
I | | | | | |
N | Speed | 10 kts | 10 kts | 10 kts | 10 kts | 14 kts | 10 kts
E | | | | | |
Course | 025° | 205° | 205° | 025° | 250° | Zig
| | | | | | Zag
Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf.
Minutes Since Last | | | | | |
SD Radar Search | 30 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
A | | | | | |
I | Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk.
R | | | | | |
C | Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat.
R | | | | | |
A | How Contacted | Radar | Sight | Sight | Radar | Radar | Radar
F | | | | | |
T | Initial Range | 6 mi. | 12 mi. | 12 mi. | 9 mi. | 20 mi. | 6 mi.
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Elevation Angle | - | - | - | - | - | -
Range & Rel. Bear- | | | | | |
ing of It | - | - | - | - | - | -
Plane When | | | | | |
Detected S/M | | | | | |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
C | (State Beaufort) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
O | Sea: (Direct. (Rel)) | 030° | 210° | 210° | - | 090° | -
N | | | | | |
D | Visibility (Miles) | Dark | Unl. | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7
I | Ht. in Ft. | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000
T | Clouds: (Percent | | | | | |
I | Overcast | 70 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100
O | Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | 170° | - | - | - | - | -
N | Angle | 60° | - | - | - | - | -
S | Percent Illum. | 90 | - | - | - | - | -
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol GREY

- 21 -

— page 27 —
CONFIDENTIAL
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date (1945) | 1-2 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-16 |
| Time (Zone -8) | 1447 | 1331 | 1425 | 1548 | 2000 | 0653 |
| S | | | | | | |
| U | Position: Lat. | 13°30 | 13°40 | 13°41 | 11°45 | 11°28N | 7°05 |
| B | Long. | 114°30 | 114°34 | 114°34 | 110°50 | 110°25 | 114°54 |
| M | | | | | | |
| A | Speed | 10 kts. | 10 kts | 2 kts | 10 kts | 10 kts | 18 kts |
| R | | | | | | |
| I | Course | Zig Zag | Zig Zag | 135° | 250° | 260° | 180° |
| N | | | | | | |
| E | Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Icr. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. |
| | Minutes Since Last | | | | | | |
| | SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | A | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| I | | | | | | |
| R | Type | Unk. | Unk. | IBM? | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. |
| C | | | | | | |
| R | Probable Mission | Lat. | Lat. | Lat. | Lat. | Lat. | Lat. |
| A | | | | | | |
| F | How Contacted | Radar | Sight | Sight | Radar | Sound | Sight |
| T | | | | | | |
| | Initial Range | 6 mi. | 10 mi. | 10 mi. | 12 mi. | 1 mi. | 8 mi. | Elevation Angle | - | 2° | 50° | - | - | 30° | C | (State (Beaufort) | 2° | 2° | 2° | 2° | 2° | 2° |
| O | Sea: (Direct. (Rel) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| N | | | | | | |
| D | Visibility (Miles) | 7 | 10 | Unl. | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| I | (Ht. in Ft.) | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 1500 |
| T | Clouds: (Percent | | | | | | |
| I | Overcast | 100 | 10 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 50 |
| O | (Bearing (Rel) | | | | | | |
| N | Moon: (Angle (Rel) | - | - | - | - | - | 135° |
| S | (Percent Illum. | - | - | - | - | - | - |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol GREY.

- 22 -

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. CHIMIN TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1
Time: 1145 (H) Date: 27 December 1944 Lat.: 15-55-45N; Long.: 119-41-45.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: A single escort vessel, probably a DD or FF, proceed-
ing southward along the Luzon coast at high speed,
using constant helm zig-zags. Estimated tonnage about
1,000. First contacted by J.P.D. sound gear. Visibil-
ity was good but heavy ground swell and small size of
target made observation and identification difficult.

Ships Sunk None

Ships Damaged None

Target Draft 10 ft. Course 180 (base). Speed 21 K. Range 1500.

Own Ship Data
Speed 1.5 K. Course 240T. Depth - 64 ft. Angle - 0.

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack | #7      | #8      | #10
|||
Day periscope attack.
Tubes Fired | #7      | #8      | #10
Track Angle | 149S    | 149S    | 153S
Gyro Angle  | 247     | 251     | 253
Depth Set   | 3 ft.   | 3 ft.   | 3 ft.
Power       | -       | -       | -
Hit or Miss | Miss    | Miss    | Miss
Erratic     | No      | No      | No
Mark Torpedo| 18-1    | 18-1    | 18-1
Serial No.  | 55857   | 55947   | 56311
Mark Exploder| 8-5     | 8-5     | 8-5
Serial No.  | 8429    | 8283    | 8408
Actuation Set| Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual| -       | -       | -
Mark Warhead| 18-2    | 18-2    | 18-2
Serial No.  | 3053    | 3230    | 3190
Explosive   | Tpx     | Tpx     | Tpx
Firing Interval| 10 sec. | 10 sec. | 10 sec.
Type Spread | 2° Div. | 2° Div. | 2° Div.
Sea Conditions| Calm, but heavy ground swell from North.
Overhaul Activity| Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.

Remarks Poor firing position, due to high speed and constant
helm maneuvers of target and difficulty of observations
due to his small size and the heavy swell, probably
resulted in misses. Believe that one torpedo may have
broached as target turned toward about time torpedoes
should have crossed track.
- 23 -

— page 29 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(I) MINES

No information.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS

No unusual anti-submarine measures were encountered.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

(a) General Motors 278-- Main Engines.
1. Six cases of cylinder head studs broken by fatigue
failure were experienced. Normal time for replacement is 6 to
8 hours, but in one case, due to the unusual hardness of the
broken stud, 50 hours were required for replacement.

2. Five cracked cylinder liners were replaced by spares
during the patrol

(L) RADIO

Reception at night was satisfactory during the patrol.
During the period 0500 to 1330(H) VLXO fades out and is
unreadable.

The RBH receiver, which was installed to replace one of
the R.L.'s in Pearl Harbor, was found to give inferior performance
to that of the R.L.

Of the five transmissions made from the area, one was
cleared in about 15 minutes from the original call up. All
others took somewhat more than one hour.

(M) RADAR

(a) Model SJ-1 gave excellent performance throughout the
patrol. The only casualty of any consequence occurred on the
night after leaving the area. A 1200 volt short to ground due
to wire insulation breakdown in the transmitter receiver unit
resulted in damage which required 15 hours to locate and repair.

(b) Model SD-4 was used with what was thought to be dis-
cretion and also gave excellent performance.

- 24 -

— page 30 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(L) R.D.R (Cont'd)

     (c) The MR-1 search receiver was used continuously while
on the surface off the coast of Luzon, where there
are apparently several aircraft search installations, at a
time when the air was full of our own planes, gave us one or
two bad nights until we learned to identify the various sig-
nals and ignore them unless presence of aircraft was confirmed
by the SD or SJ radars. There was no evidence of airborne
radar noted except that which is now believed to have emanated
from our own planes, and most of our planes operating in the
area apparently use a frequency above the range of the MR. It
is believed that an opportunity to observe the signal produced
by our own airborne radar at various ranges, angles of approach
and other variable conditions would increase the value of this
instrument.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

     (a) All sound equipment gave excellent performance, the
only defect being a knock which developed in the QB shaft, the
cause of which is yet undetermined. The JI-1 equipment gave
outstandingly fine results.

     No opportunity was had to test the Torpedo Detection
Modification to the QB, but the constant rotation feature of
this modification is believed to promote the efficiency of the
sound watch during the submerged patrol.

     (b) Sound conditions in the South China Sea were very good
insofar as observed.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

     Density layers were found to conform very closely to the
information given in the Submarine Supplement to the Sailing
Directions for the South China Sea area - November to April.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

     (a) Health of the crew was excellent, there being only 11
sick days.

     (b) Food was adequate although somewhat lacking in variety,
a deficiency which may probably be traced to inexperience of
commissary department personnel, the senior man of which is a
ship's cook third class.

     (c) Habitability was excellent except for the forward torpedo
room, this ship not yet having the alteration providing a booster
blower and auxiliary air conditioning unit.
- 25 -

— page 32 —
F05-26/A16-3
Serial ( 032 )
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT To
USS CAIMAN Ltr. SS323/A16-3
Serial (020) of 22 January
1945.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY SIX.
To : Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of First War Patrol.

1. The first war patrol of U.S.S. CAIMAN was conducted in the South China
Sea in various areas and on patrol lines as directed by the Task Force Commander.
It lasted for a period of 69 days of which thirty seven (37) were spent north of
the Barrier under operational control of Commander Task Force Seventy-One.

2. After arrival in the area twenty three (23) days were spent submerged
due to proximity to the coast. However, area coverage was good. A total of 15
ship contacts were made including 3 properly marked hospital ships, one large
convoy, a freighter escorted by two destroyers and a number of escort and anti-
submarine vessels. One attack was made:
Attack No. 1. was a daylight periscope attack on a single escort vessel,
probably a DE or a PF. Three electric torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes
at a range of 1500 yards on approximately 150° starboard tracks. All torpedoes missed.
Target turned towards CAIMAN about the time torpedoes should have crossed the track
which may have resulted from one or more torpedoes broaching.

3. On 26 December 1944, an opportunity to gain attack position on a large
heavily escorted convoy was missed by relying too much on a hastily obtained
navigational position rather than using speed to gain position ahead. On 3 January
1945, when in position ahead of a cargo vessel escorted by two destroyers, the
decision was reached to trail from ahead and make a submerged periscope attack at
dawn. CAIMAN was driven off by three small anti-submarine vessels and the oppor-
tunity to attack was lost. SEALION had previously made an unsuccessful attack on
this group but had been directed by CAIMAN to return to her area.

4. It is noted that there is no entry in the narrative for 19 December,
it is assumed that no event worthy of mention occurred on that date.

5. The material condition of CAIMAN upon her return from patrol was
excellent. The condition of number 9 torpedo tube outer door cannot be determined
until the ship is docked. The auxiliary and three main engines require overhaul.
He will be refitted by ANTHEDON and number one relief crew of Submarine Division
Sixty Two.

6. The health of the officers and crew is very good. Despite a long,
arduous, unproductive patrol morale is excellent.

7. The Squadron Commander welcomes CAIMAN to the Squadron.

[SIGNATURE: L. J. Huffman]
L. J. HUFFMAN.
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY SIX

Care of Fleet Post
San Francisco, California,
28 January 1945

3 02527

— page 33 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 2675]
UNITED STATES NAVY

FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0273
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

[HANDWRITTEN: A16. 3@]
14/hr
7 February 1945.

Ref: (a) COMSUBSEVENTH Conf. Ltr.
FE24-71/A16-3 Serial 020, dated
22 January, 1945. Report
of First War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of First War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. The First War Patrol of the CAIMAN, under the [HANDWRITTEN: 02527]
command of Commander F. C. LUCAS, Jr., U.S.N., was conducted
in the SOUTH CHINA SEA areas west of LUZON.

2. The first attack, on 27 December, was made upon
a patrolling anti-submarine vessel. Three MK-18 torpedoes were
fired submerged from a range of 1500 yards, but no hits were
observed.

3. During this patrol CAIMAN performed life guard and
reconnaissance duties in support of PHILIPPINE invasion operations.

4. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is not
authorized for this patrol.

5. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew of the CAIMAN upon their performance
of life guard and reconnaissance duties.

[SIGNATURE: Eliott H. Bryant]
ELIOTT H. BRYANT
ORIGINAL COPY.

Distribution and Authentication
on next page.

- 1 -

— page 34 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0273

UNITED STATES NAVY                                        14/hr
                                                          7 February 1945.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CABILAN, Conf. Ltr.
A16-3 Serial 0273, dated
22 January 1945. Report
of First War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. CABILAN (SS323) - Report of First War
         Patrol - Comment on.

Distribution:

Cominch             (5) Direct      CTG-71.5            (2)
Vice Opnav          (2) Direct      CTG-71.8            (2)
Vice Opnav Op-32Sc  (1)             CTG-71.9            (3)
ComlstFlt           (1)             DivComSubRon-12     (1 each)
Com2ndFlt           (1)             DivComSubRon-18     (1 each)
Com3rdFlt           (1)             DivComSubRon-28     (1 each)
Com4thFlt           (1)             S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Com5thFlt           (1)             Comdt: NYD Puget Sound (1)
Com7thFlt           (2)             SubAd, Mare Island  (2)
ComSubslstFlt       (30)            S/Ms 7thFlt         (1)
ComSubs2ndFlt       (4)
CTF-71              (7)
CTG-71.3            (2)
CTG-71.4            (2)

THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROLLED WATERS.

[SIGNATURE: J. B. Miller]
Flag Secretary.

[ROTATED TEXT: 27760]

- 2 -

— page 35 —
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

142
[STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: OM-4122 (ONI-03171)]
R. S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 8-08584]]
5 MAR 1945

A16-3(8)(P-3-4/whr)
Serial [HANDWRITTEN: 02385]

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CAIMAN Conf. Ltr.
A16-3, serial 020, dated
22 January, 1945.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of First War
Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: R. N. Cruzen]
R. H. CRUZEN,
By direction.

[HANDWRITTEN: 3-0917]
[HANDWRITTEN: nw]

— page 37 —
SS323/A16-3                               U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323)
                                          Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                          San Francisco, California
                                          6 April 1945.
                                          [HANDWRITTEN: A16-3(8)]
Serial ( 021)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 46-A]
From:             The Commanding Officer.
To :              The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :             (1) Commander Submarine Division TWO SIXTY TWO.
                  (2) Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY SIX.
                  (3) Commander Submarines, Southwest Pacific.
                  (4) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject:          U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323)- Report of Second
                  War Patrol.

Enclosures:       [HANDWRITTEN: ✓] (A) Subject report.
                  (B) Track chart (ComSubSoWestPac only).

1.
                  Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the South China Sea in vicinity of
Malay Peninsula, during the period 18 February 1945 to 6 April
1945; is forwarded herewith.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/25/72]
                                          [SIGNATURE: illegible]
                                          W. L. FEY, Jr.

                                          [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[FOOTER: 6 0581]

— page 38 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

This vessel arrived in Fremantle, Australia, on 22 January
1945. The normal refit was accomplished by Submarine Division
262. The officers and crew returned from recuperation leave on
6 February 1945, and Lieutenant Commander W. L. FEY, Jr., U.S.
Navy, relieved Commander F. C. LUCAS, Jr., U.S. Navy, as Command-
ing Officer, and Lieutenant Commander W. A. McGUINNESS, U.S. Navy,
relieved Lieutenant Commander L. B. McDONALD, U.S. Navy, as
Executive Officer, and Lieutenant (jg) W. H. O'NEAL, U.S. Naval
Reserve, reported aboard for duty.

The training period included 7 to 16 February 1945, three
nights of which were spent at sea. Sound tests, electronic tests,
and deep dive were accomplished during this period. Two days were
spent conducting special exercises. The five inch gun was fired
twice at a towed target. The various types of approaches were
practiced, finishing up by firing three exercise torpedoes.
Commander C. C. BURLINGAME, U.S. Navy, was aboard from 15 to 16
February as Training Officer.

Final loading day was 17 February, and date of departure
for second war patrol was 18 February 1945.

- 1 - [STAMP: 6 0581]

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

List of officers and chief petty officers attached:

NAME                     | RANK/RATE      | NO. PATROLS
||
FEY, William L., Jr.     | Lieut.Comdr.   | 2
McGUINNESS, W. A.        | Lieut.Comdr.   | 2
BENNETT, W. F.           | Lieut.         | 10
HECKLEIN, R. G.          | Lieut.         | 2
EMERY, J. H., Jr.        | Lieut.(jg)     | 2
LAKE, E. W.              | Lieut.(jg)     | 12
O'NEAL, W. H.            | Lieut.(jg)     | 1
PETERSON, J. V.          | Lieut.(jg)     | 2
LUSZCZEWSKI, Walter Michael | CTM(SS)        | 7
WATERS, Richard Eugene   | CRM(AA)(SS)    | 5
JONES, John Emanuel      | CMOMM(SS)      | 7
KOPACKA, William Frank   | CMOMM(AA)(SS)  | 5
WHITE, Bennie Russell    | CEM(AA)(SS)    | 5
BACKMAN, Henry Lee       | CPhM(AA)(SS)   | 5

Feb. 18
1300 Underway for patrol area in accordance with C.I.G.
     Order 22-45, in company with U.S.S. COBIA. Ensign
     HOPKINS, radar expert, on board to check SJ radar.
1400 Fired 5" deck gun at towed target.
1700 Commenced coordinated exercise with COBIA, HMAS INVERELL
     as target.
2300 Exercise completed. Transferred Ensign HOPKINS to
     INVERELL via small boat.

Feb. 19
0000 Enroute patrol area in company with U.S.S. COBIA.
0550 Exchanged calls with southbound HMS SPARK. Conducted
     various drills, some in conjunction with COBIA.

Feb. 21
0000 Enroute patrol area in company with U.S.S. COBIA. Con-
     ducted various drills, some in conjunction with COBIA.
1715 Exchanged calls with HMS TANTALUS.
1826 Exchanged calls and spoke HMS TRADEWIND. Reports all
     quiet in Lombok Strait.

Feb. 22
0000 Enroute patrol area in company with U.S.S. COBIA.
0730 COBIA turned back to proceed to Exmouth Gulf; proceeded
     independently.

- 2 -

— page 40 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

Feb. 23

0000 Enroute patrol area.
1325 Made training dive.
1354 Surfaced.
1355 Simulated SD contact - Dived. Main induction jammed
     partially open due to personnel failure, induction lines
     flooded as a result.
1359 Surfaced and drained induction lines.
2213 Commenced transit of Lombok Strait.
2342 Sighted small craft, possibly escort vessel, off Bali,
     range 7600 yards. (S.C. #1)

Feb. 24

0000 Transitting Lombok Strait.
0130 Cleared Lombok Strait.
1240 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #1) Dived.
1316 Surfaced.

Feb. 25

0000 Enroute patrol area, in Java Sea.
0820 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #2) Dived.
0826 Plane dropped first of four depth bombs.
1133 Surfaced.
1222 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #3) Dived.
1350 Surfaced.
2115 Set course for vicinity of 109°E; 5°S, at four engine
     speed.

Feb. 26

0000 Proceeding to vicinity of 109°E; 5°S.
0727 Submerged.
1412 Surfaced because of reduced visibility.
1530 Abandoned idea of making a contact. Set course for East
     Discovery Shoal Light to transit Karimata Strait. In
     doubt as to navigational position because of overcast
     since last night.
1603 Received message from CTF 71 to take lifeguard station
     off Singapore on early morning of 28 February.
2109 Having failed to pick up East Discovery Shoal Light,
     turned around hoping to obtain moonlight star fix. Com-
     plete overcast continued.
2310 Notified CTF 71 that I could not reach lifeguard station
     on time.

- 3 -

— page 41 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

Feb. 27
0000 Underway south of approaches to Karimata Strait.
1039 SD contact. (A.C. #4) Dived.
1212 Surfaced.
1413 Obtained a sun line. Set course estimated to be toward
     East Discovery Shoal Light.
1706 Sighted East Discovery Shoal Light, finding myself about
     35 miles from estimated position. Decided to try to
     transit Karimata Strait in one night at high speed.
1800 Received message from CTF 71 to make every effort to
     reach lifeguard station.
2051 Exchanged calls with U.S.S. MINGO via SJ radar.
2133 Sent message to CTF 71 giving earliest possible time of
     arrival on lifeguard station as 1900, 28 February.
     Reversed course while transmitting.

28 Feb.
0000 Underway in Karimata Strait.
1632 Sighted what appeared to be a ship, hull down. Discovered
     to be a small sailing craft. (S.C. #2)
2042 Received message from CTF 71 to take lifeguard station
     off Singapore during daylight on 2 March. Directed to
     patrol in vicinity of Anamba Islands in the meanwhile.
     Set course for Anamba Islands.

Mar. 1
0000 Patrolling in vicinity of Anamba Islands.
0650 Made trim dive.
1005 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #5)
1948 Sighted lighted ship. Thought it to be the AWA MARU
     although it carried hospital ship lights. Puzzled be-
     cause it was apparently leaving Singapore instead of
     arriving there as the AWA MARU was scheduled. Kept clear.
     (S.C. #3)

Mar. 2
0000 Patrolling in vicinity of Anamba Islands.
0236 SJ contact at 30,000 yards and sighted white light on
     the radar bearing. This turned out to be the southbound
     AWA MARU (the white light was a large white cross). So
     kept clear. Decided that last night's ship was a hospital
     ship. (S.C. #4)
0700 On lifeguard station.

- 4 -

— page 42 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

Mar. 2
0909 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #6) Dived.
1001 Surfaced.
1025 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #7) As OOD knew that air strike
      was scheduled for 1100 he did not dive. While this plane
      was being observed at a fairly long range, at
1033 SD contact was made at 3 miles. (A.C. #8) Before he
      went down the hatch, the OOD saw a float plane coming in.
1034 Dropped one loud depth bomb.
1119 Came to periscope depth and while in low power sighted
      float plane. (A.C. #9) Went deep to 110 feet.
1227 Came to periscope depth. Apparently all clear, but
      decided to have Executive Officer make a check sweep, and
      at
1248 he sighted a twin engine land plane. (A.C. #10) Went deep.
1433 Came to periscope depth.
1457 Sighted float plane. (A.C. #11) Went deep.
1542 Came to periscope depth and sighted float plane. (A.C. #12)
      Went deep.
1812 Surfaced. Listened on the lifeguard frequencies until
      2300 but heard nothing concerning the air strike.
      NOTE: We were involved with three different types
      of planes today; land plane, float monoplane,
      and float biplane.
2300 Having received no word of downed aviators proceeded for
      assigned patrol area.

Mar. 3
0000 Enroute patrol area, in South China Sea.
0226 SD contact - dived. Decided that contact was on Domar
      Island. Surfaced.
1013 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #13)
1100 Sighted what OOD thought was a parachute in the sky.
      Although the object was never definitely identified, it
      appeared to be a meteorological balloon. Four hours
      later it was still visible high in the sky.
1924 Received message from CTF 71 to join up with U.S.S.
      PINTADO at dark on 4 March off Pulo Tenggol, and to pa-
      trol off the coast of Malay between 4°N and 6°N, with
      the CO PINTADO as OTC of coordinated attack group. Set
      course for Pulo Tenggol.

- 5 -

— page 43 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

Mar 4
0000 Enroute Pulo Tenggol.
0700 Made trim dive.
1059 SD contact. (A.C. #14) Dived.
1145 Surfaced.
2010 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. PINTADO via
SJ radar.
2132 Closed PINTADO and received patrol instructions via line
throwing gun. The patrol area was divided into sub-areas,
each 30 miles wide. PINTADO and CAIMAN were to patrol
adjacent sub-areas, spending a day in each sub-area.

Mar 5
0000 Patrolling in sub-area assigned by O.T.C.
0700 Made trim dive.
1018 SD contact 4 miles. (A.C. #15) Dived.
1053 Surfaced.

Mar 6
0000 Enroute new sub-area just off Pulo Kapas.
0653 Dived for submerged patrol. Sighted a fleet of small native
fishing craft which were about almost all day.
1950 Surfaced and proceeded to new sub-area.

Mar 7
0000 Patrolling in sub-area assigned by O.T.C.
0945 Ordered by O.T.C. to proceed at high speed to northern
limit of area (6°N). Went to four engine speed.
1357 Received message that PINTADO has sighted smoke. Sent
my position, course and speed to PINTADO, and as I
received no orders, continued as before.
1517 Received message giving position, course and speed of
PINTADO's contact; the composition of the contact was
garbled. The contact is about fifty miles to the east
of my position.
1601 Received message that PINTADO is diving for attack.
As intercepted messages indicate that the submarines of
the wolf pack in the next area to the north have taken
up positions ahead of the enemy decided that my only
opportunity for attack lay in the enemy's being diverted
to the west.
1603 Slowed to one engine.
1622 Sighted two aircraft at about 6 miles. (A.C. #16) Dived.

- 6 -

— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

1651 Surfaced.
1825 Received message from PINTADO that contact was a hospital
      ship. Ordered by O.T.C. to return to assigned sub-area.

Mar. 8

0000 Enroute to assigned sub-area.
0705 Made trim dive.
2342 Received message from C.T.F. 71 to take life guard station
      at 104°-20'E; 4°N during daylight hours on 10 March for
      Singapore air strike.

Mar. 9

0000 Patrolling assigned sub-area.
0659 Made trim dive.
2030 Received message from C.T.F. 71 to the effect that coor-
      dinated attack group consisting of PINTADO and CAIMAN
      now dissolved.

Mar. 10

0000 Enroute to lifeguard station.
0109 Received message from C.T.F. 71 that Singapore air strike
      had been postponed, but to be on assigned lifeguard
      station for subsidiary air strike, then to patrol in that
      vicinity awaiting further word on originally planned
      strike.
0700 On lifeguard station.
0933 SD contact. (A.C. #17) Dived.
1029 Surfaced.
1235 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #18) Dived.
1313 Surfaced.
2035 Set course for Tanjong Laboha which is about 50 miles
      from my lifeguard station.
2322 Received message from CTF 71 ordering me to send weather
      report sometime on the 11th.

Mar. 11

0000 Patrolling, heading for Tanjong Laboha. My plans are to
      dive at daylight about 5 miles from coast and patrol until
      noon, then move out to surface and send weather report.
      This is the only place in the area that I can find which
      has at least 100 feet of water at five miles from coast.
0700 Dived. Low clouds and haze prevent obtaining a fix by
      periscope.

- 7 -

— page 45 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

Mar. 11
0800 Took a sounding and found 15 fathoms where I expected at
       least 20. The surface current here had been about 1-1/2
       knots to the south-southeast. Decided that either the
       charted soundings were too sketchy or there was a counter
       current and that this was not a very good spot. Set
       course away from coast.
1125 Surfaced.
1135 SD contact. (A.C. #19) Dived.
1308 Surfaced.
2002 Sent weather report to CTF 71.
2005 Set course for Pulo Tenggol. Planned to take some sound-
       ings off Tanjong Laboha while navigating by radar.
2345 Received message from CTF 71 to take lifeguard station
       during daylight on 12 March for Singapore air strike.
       Set course for lifeguard station.

Mar. 12
0000 Enroute lifeguard station.
0700 On lifeguard station.
1354 Aircraft sighted. (A.C. #20) Dived.
1430 Surfaced.
2000 Set course for vicinity of Pulo Tenggol.

Mar. 13
0000 Patrolling in vicinity of Pulo Tenggol.
1725 Received message from C.T.F. 71 to join PAMPANITO coor-
       dinated attack group at dark on 14 March.

Mar. 14
0000 Patrolling in vicinity of Pulo Tenggol.
0658 Made trim dive.
0854 Received message from PAMPANITO to rendezvous at 6°N-104°E
       at about 2100 tonight.
1445 Set course for rendezvous position.
2215 Closed PAMPANITO and received patrol instructions via line
       throwing gun. PAMPANITO, CAIMAN, MINGO, and SEALION
       to patrol between 5°N and 6°N off the coast of Malaya.
2230 Proceeded to assigned patrol station.

Mar. 15
0000 Patrolling on assigned station.

Mar. 16
0000 Patrolling on assigned station.
0658 Made trim dive.

- 8 -

— page 46 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

Mar. 17

0000 Shifted to new patrol station.
0655 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1930 Surfaced.

Mar. 18

0000 Patrolling on assigned station.
0035 Received contact report from PAMPANITO. Possible des-
     troyer making 20 knots; no action possible for this
     submarine.
0655 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1303 Received message from O.T.C. via SD antenna to surface.
1320 Surfaced and received orders from O.T.C. to proceed east.
1552 Received new patrol station assignment from O.T.C.,
     evidently because of this morning's contact.

Mar. 19

0000 Patrolling on assigned station.
1003 SD contact at 20 miles. (A.C. #21)
1223 Sighted PAMPANITO. Received message from PAMPANITO to
     close her.
1255 Lay to while PAMPANITO came alongside and delivered
     special patrol instructions.
1300 Proceeded to new patrol station to north of Pulo Tenggol.

Mar. 20

0000 Patrolling on assigned station.
0640 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1955 Surfaced.

Mar. 21

0000 Patrolling on assigned station.
0655 Received message from O.T.C. to proceed to new patrol
     station in Gulf of Siam about 90 miles southwest of
     Cape Kamao.
0700 Set course for new patrol station at two engine speed.
0920 SD contact at 20 miles. (A.C. #22)
1447 Received message from O.T.C. to patrol in Gulf of Siam
     about 120 miles west of Cape Kamao along about 8°N
     Latitude. The MINGO will be patrolling along about
     7°30'N Latitude.

- 9 -

— page 47 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

Mar. 22

0000 Patrolling along 8°N in the Gulf of Siam between 100 to
     120 miles to westward of Cape Kamao.
1446 Received message from O.T.C. for group to return to the
     coast of Malay tonight and for CAIMAN to rendezvous
     with PAMPANITO at 6°N-105°-30'E at 1800 tomorrow. Also
     that after 24 March I will be the O.T.C. of group.

Mar. 23

0000 Patrolling along 8°N in the Gulf of Siam to the south-
     west of Cape Kamao.
0142 Set course for rendezvous position.
0654 Made trim dive.
1017 SD contact 10 miles. (L.C. #23) Dived.
1033 Periscope depth.
1036 SD and radar depth. SD contact 3 miles. Went to 90 feet.
1058 Periscope depth.
1113 SD and radar depth.
1116 Surfaced.
1300 SD contact 22 miles. (L.C. #24)
1852 PAMPANITO moored alongside. Lieutenant Commander
     W. J. BUSH, U.S. Navy, reported aboard for temporary duty.
1905 Cleared PAMPANITO and commenced patrolling on assigned
     station.

Mar. 24

0000 Patrolling on assigned station.
0750 Sighted aircraft at about 6 miles. (L.C. #25) Dived.
0851 Surfaced.
2030 Sent message assigning patrol stations to MINGO,
     SEALION, and CAIMAN. The plan was essentially the same
     as the original PAMPANITO patrol plan, minus one boat.
     One boat, submerged during daylight, to patrol close to
     coast of Malay in vicinity of Pulo Kapas, the other two
     boats to patrol to seaward. An East-West line off the
     coast of about 130 miles was covered. I planned to
     rotate the boats every two days. The whole plan disin-
     tegrated, however, as the SEALION was assigned to
     lifeguard duty on the 26th, and the MINGO informed me
     that she was departing on the 29th due to low fuel.
2200 Received message from PAMPANITO that she was departing,
     for me to take O.T.C.

Mar. 25

0000 Patrolling between 25 and 75 miles off Pulo Kapas.

- 10 -

— page 48 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CHIMAERA WAR PATROL NO. TWO

Mar. 26
0000 Patrolling between 25 and 75 miles off Pulo Kapas.
0650 Made trim dive.
0917 SD contact. (L.C. #26) Dived.
1012 Surfaced.
1300 Attempted to relay C.T.F. 71 message to SEALLION which
     assigned lifeguard duty. No results.
2130 Ascertained that SEALLION had received repeat of message
     assigning her to lifeguard duty.

Mar. 27
0000 Patrolling close to Pulo Kapas.
0634 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1044 Sighted masts and superstructure of two vessels bearing
     290°T, range about 14,000 yards. (S.C. #5) This puts
     them a few miles north of Pulo Kapas. Came to course
     330°T and identified them as two small merchant vessels
     of about 1000 tons each, both southbound. Came to
     course 235°T. The possibility of an attack depended on
     the ships passing to seaward of Pulo Kapas, which they
     did. Rigged in sound heads because of uncertainty of
     depth of water. The only changes in target course
     seemed to be for navigational purposes rather than zig-
     zagging, so decided that long range shots (it was
     apparent that a short range was improbable) were worth
     while.
1145 At range of 3,740 yards fired four torpedoes set on 3 ft.
     Changed course to seaward and lowered sound head. (Post
     firing data indicates that range was in all probability
     greater.)
1148 Torpedoes should be hitting but are not. Observed two
     splashes ahead and one astern of target. Target had not
     maneuvered radically. The cause of these splashes is
     unknown. No noise was heard at the time. They may have
     been caused by gunfire directed at the torpedo wakes.
1152 On what was my last look I observed a vessel not previous-
     ly accounted for; I believe that it was a trawler type but
     am not sure as 3 depth bombs exploded at this time. JK
     reported pinging on the general bearing of target. Went
     deep to 75 feet and proceeded away at full speed.
1215 Pinging no longer audible.
2017 Surfaced.

Mar. 28
0000 Patrolling in vicinity to north of Pulo Kapas.

- 11 -

— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

Mar. 28
0030 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
2013 Surfaced.
2030 MINGO requested seaward area to facilitate her departure
     tomorrow, so gave it to her, CAIMAN remaining near the
     coast.
2333 SD contact. (A.C. #27) Dived.
2347 Surfaced. Several SD contacts made, as many as three at
     a time. The proximity of land made differentiation
     between plane and land contacts difficult, but we are
     sure that at least three planes were flying about.

Mar. 29
0000 Patrolling to west of Redang Island group. Numerous SD
     contacts continue during darkness.
1022 SD contact. (A.C. #28)
2035 SILLION reported back from lifeguard duty, assigned her
     station along 7°-30' to 8°-00'N to east of CAIMAN.

Mar. 30
0000 Patrolling just inside mouth of Gulf of Siam at about
     7°-30' to 8°-00'N.
0658 Made trim dive.
1237 SD contact 12 miles. (A.C. #29)
2114 SD contact 2 miles. (A.C. #30) Dived. This contact oc-
     curred almost as soon as the SD radar was turned on after
     moonrise. There is a strong suspicion that it was a
     false contact.
2154 Surfaced.
2256 Received message from BLUEBACK requesting that CAIMAN
     rendezvous with her and transfer 5 inch ammunition.
     Replied in the affirmative and gave rendezvous as 60
     miles east of Cape Varella at sundown on April 3rd.

Mar. 31
Patrolling in the mouth of the Gulf of Siam.

Apr. 1
0000 Patrolling in the mouth of the Gulf of Siam.
0555 Exchanged calls with U.S.S. KRAKEN via SJ radar.
0800 Changed to time zone ITEM.
     NOTE: All times henceforth in this
          narrative are ITEM zone.
1545 SD contact 22 miles. (A.C. #31)

- 12 -

— page 50 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd) U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

April 1 (Cont'd)

1725 SD contact 10 miles. (A.C. #32) Dived.
1813 Surfaced.
2000 Set course for departing area.
2026 Sighted SEALION surfacing.
2039 Closed SEALION and relayed radio message directing
     her to rendezvous with GUAVINA.

Apr. 2

0000 Enroute Subic.
1144 Sighted aircraft. (A.C. #33) Dived.
1310 Surfaced.

Apr. 3

0000 Enroute Subic.
1143 SD contact 14 miles. (A.C. #34)
1927 Sighted BLUEBACK. Closed her and transferred 72
     rounds of 5 inch ammunition and 1 main engine cylinder
     liner.

Apr. 4

0000 Enroute Subic.
0802 Submerged for all day dive. Due to the expediency
     with which ammunition was transferred last night we
     are ahead of schedule.
1925 Surfaced.
2020 SD contact 22 miles. (A.C. #34)

Apr. 5

0000 Proceeding to Subic.
0427 Contacted U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD by radar.
0608 Sighted U.S.S. SEALION.
0630 At Point Maxi.
0922 Dived for friendly plane too close.
0942 Surfaced.

Apr. 6

0000 Proceeding to Subic.
0550 At rendezvous.
0631 Picked up escort, U.S.S. KENNETH M. WILLETT (DE 354).
1129 Moored in nest alongside U.S.S. ANTHEDON.

- 12(a) -

— page 51 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO
The weather was generally excellent.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Current around Pulo Kapas and Pulo Tenggol and to the
south averaged about one and a half knots to the south-
southeast. Twice while submerged close to the coast of
Malay an easterly current was suspected. This might have
been a genuine counter current, or the indications might
have resulted from sketchy navigation.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No comments.

- 13 -

— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS
No. Date Time Lat. Long. Type Initial Range Est. Speed Course How Cont. Remarks
1. 23 Feb. 2342 08-24S 115-45E Unident. 7600 yds 11 kts 200°T Sight In Lombok Strait
2. 28 Feb. 1022 08-43N 106-06E Unident. 16000 yds 005°T Sight
3. 1 Mar. 1948 02-17N 105-08E Hosp. 22000 yds 14 kts 190°T Sight Kept clear
4. 2 Mar. 0250 02-20N 104-40E MARU 30170 yds 12 kts 160°T SJ clear
5. 27 Mar. 1044 03-15N 103-21E 2 small Maru 14000 yds 8 kts 160°T Periscope #1 Attack

- 14 -

— page 53 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO
No. Date Time Lat. Long. Type Initial Range Course How Cont. Remarks
1. 24 Feb. 1240 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 7 miles 225°T Sight Dived
2. 25 Feb. 0820 13-17N 125-07E Rufe 7 miles 210°T Sight Bombed
3. 25 Feb. 1222 13-17N 125-07E Unident. 6 miles 340°T Sight Dived
4. 1 Mar. 1039 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 9 miles SD Dived
5. 1 Mar. 1005 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 14 miles Sight Did not dive.
6. 2 Mar. 0909 13-15N 125-05E Dave 12 miles Sight Dived
7. 2 Mar. 1033 13-15N 125-05E Betty(?) 14 miles 050°T Sight Did not dive.
8. 2 Mar. 1119 13-15N 125-05E Dave 3 miles SD 15 sec. later
                                                       sighted.Dived
                                                       Peris- (One bomb.
                                                       cope
9. 2 Mar. 1248 13-15N 125-05E Rufe 4 miles 060°T Peris-
                                                       cope
10. 2 Mar. 1157 13-15N 125-05E Betty 3 miles 225°T Peris-
                                                       cope
11. 2 Mar. 1522 13-15N 125-05E Rufe 8 miles 090°T Peris-
                                                       cope
12. 2 Mar. 1015 13-15N 125-05E Rufe 5 miles Peris-
                                                       cope
13. 3 Mar. 1100 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 14 miles Sight
14. 4 Mar. 1010 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 9 miles SD Dived
15. 5 Mar. 1623 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 4 miles SD Dived
16. 7 Mar. 0933 13-15N 125-05E 1 Mavis 1 Uniden. 6 miles Sight Dived
17. 10 Mar. 1235 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 5 miles SD Dived
18. 10 Mar. 1135 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 12 miles Sight Dived
19. 11 Mar. 1354 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 9 miles SD Dived.
20. 12 Mar. 1005 13-15N 125-05E Betty 12 miles Sight Dived
21. 19 Mar. 0920 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 20 miles SD
22. 21 Mar. 1017 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 22 miles SD
23. 22 Mar. 1040 13-15N 125-05E Unident. 10 miles SD Dived

- 15 -

— page 54 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. 7.0
No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type | Range | Speed | Cont. | Remarks
| | | | Initial | | | | |
| | | | Course How | | | | |
23. | 23 Mar. | 1300 | 06-44N | 104-54E | Unident. | 22 miles | | SD |
24. | 23 Mar. | 0750 | 05-54N | 104-58E | Unident. | 6 miles | | Sight | Dived
25. | 24 Mar. | 0917 | 05-03N | 103-46E | Unident. | 12 miles | | SD | Dived.
26. | 26 Mar. | 2333 | 05-22N | 103-28E | Unident. | 10 miles | | SD | Believed 3
| planes.Dived.
27. | 28 Mar. | 1022 | 07-30N | 103-34E | Unident. | 10 miles | | SD |
28. | 29 Mar. | 1237 | 07-33N | 104-27E | Unident. | 12-14 mi. | | SD | 2 planes.
29. | 30 Mar. | 2114 | 07-35N | 104-30E | Unident. | 2 miles | | SD | 2 Planes.
| Dived
30. | 30 Mar. | 1545 | 07-28N | 104-59E | Unident. | 22 miles | | SD |
31. | 1 Apr. | 1725 | 07-29N | 105-14E | Unident. | 12 miles | | SD | Dived
32. | 1 Apr. | 1144 | 08-10N | 108-42E | Unident. | 12 miles | | Sight | Dived
33. | 2 Apr. | 1143 | 11-44N | 110-27E | Unident. | 14 miles | | SD |
34. | 3 Apr. | 1143 | 11-44N | 110-27E | Unident. | 14 miles | | SD |

- 16 -

— page 55 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA                               U.S.S. CAIMAN           WAR PATROL NO. TWO

                                        TORPEDO ATTACK NO. ONE
Time: 1145 (H)          Date: 27 March 1945     Lat: 5-11N;     Long: 103-20E

                                Target data - Damage inflicted
Description: Two merchant ships, estimated 1000 tonners, proceed-
            ing south, hugging coast of Malay. Prior to attack
            believed unescorted, but after attack sighted traw-
            ler type of vessel and heard echo ranging. Depth
            bombs indicated air cover at least in vicinity of
            attack. Changes of target course were apparently
            for navigational purposes rather than zigzagging.
            First contacted by periscope while submerged.
            After ship used as target.

Ships Sunk- None
Ships Damaged- None

Target Draft 15 ft.     Course 145(base)        Speed 7 kt      Range 3540

                                Own ship data
Speed 2.7 kt.           Course 200              Depth 65 ft.    Angle 0

                                Fire control and torpedo data
Type Attack Day periscope attack.
| Tubes fired         | #1    | #2    | #3    | #4    |
| Track Angle         | 121P  | 122P  | 123P  | 121P  |
| Gyro Angle          | 005½  | 003   | 002   | 003   |
| Depth Set           | 3 ft. | 3 ft. | 3 ft. | 3 ft. |
| Power               | Hi    | Hi    | Hi    | Hi    |
| Hit or Miss         | Miss  | Miss  | Miss  | Miss  |
| Erratic             | No    | No    | No    | No    |
| Mark Torpedo        | 23    | 23    | 23    | 23    |
| Serial No.          | 41388 | 65611 | 49853 | 65846 |
| Mark Exploder       | 6-5   | 6-5   | 6-5   | 6-5   |
| Serial No.          | 8694  | 19787 | 26870 | 19672 |
| Actuation Set       | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual    | None  | None  | None  | None  |
| Mark Warhead        | 16    | 16-1  | 16    | 16-1  |
| Serial No.          | 1308  | 14703 | 11213 | 13591 |
| Explosive           | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
Firing Interval       8 seconds
Type Spread           M-o-d-i-f-i-e-d speed spread
Sea Conditions        2
Overhaul Activity     U.S.S. ANTHEDON (AS 24)

Remarks-
Misses probably due to long range and the fact the
actual range may have been even longer.

- 17 -

— page 56 —
CONFIDENTIALL
(I) MINES
No information.

U.S.S. CAIMAN
WAR PATROL NO. TWO

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS
No remarks.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

(a) Kleinschmidt Vapor Compression Still.
1. One set of blower rotors were replaced due to fatigue
failure of the rotor drive shaft on the gear end at the rotor.
Unusual difficulty was experienced in timing the rotors when
shrinking on the new timing gears. The lobes had to be scraped
to obtain proper clearances between the lobes and between the
lobes and housing. The unit was out of commission for a total
of five days.

(b) General Electric Main Propulsion Motors.
1. During the course of the patrol, three main motors;
#2, #3, and #4, developed a clicking sound resembling the noise
made by holding a piece of cardboard against a rotating bicycle
wheel. A stronger beat was noticeable once every revolution and
it seemed to come from the brush region. Inspection revealed no derangement
either mechanical or electrical. No change, for worse or better,
has been noticed during continued operation of the motors.

(c) General Motors 16-278A Main Engines.
1. All injectors on #2 main engine were removed and
inspected due to smoky exhaust. Eleven filters - sintered bronze
type - were found to be punctured and particles had been carried
into the plunger and bushing, causing scoring of these parts.
Normal time for injector replacement is one hour. The engine was
out of commission for this reason a total of 10 hours.

(d) Main Induction.
1. After surfacing from a training dive the main induc-
tion operating gear was rigged for 'power'.
2. Main induction was opened.
3. Dived, simulating SD contact at close range.
4. Radioman thought main induction closed and pulled
pin to lock main induction shut.
5. At about same instant main induction closed by JCOW.
6. Hand operating wheel spun and finally jammed by
handle not permitting main induction to fully close.
7. The result was that main induction flooded. However,
careful inspection revealed no damage to main induction oper-
ating mechanism.

- 18 -

— page 57 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO

(L) RADIO

     Radio conditions were satisfactory.
     The RBH receiver which replaces one of the original
RIL receivers is definitely inferior to the RIL. This replace-
ment was made prior to first patrol and inferior performance
was experienced during first patrol. During the past refit,
overhaul of the set produced no improvement so a new RBH set
was installed. During second patrol inferior performance was
again experienced. The main fault of the RBH is an excessively
high noise to signal ratio.
     While on lifeguard duty particularly, two good high
frequency receivers are needed. It is requested that the RBH
be replaced with an RIL.

(M) RADAR

     (a) The performance of the SJ-1 radar was satisfactory
throughout the patrol except for the presence of abnormal
minor lobes. The set itself was not out of commission during
patrol, but hand train was necessary for a few hours when the
speed-reversing control burned out. Two 5U4G tubes in the
rectifier unit were replaced during a routine check.
     (b) The SD-4 radar performed satisfactorily throughout
the patrol. The set was out of commission for about one-half
hour when the preamplifier power transformer burned out. With
the preamplifier unit bypassed, maximum range for aircraft
contacts became 22 miles whereas with the preamplifier in use
the maximum range had been about 10 miles. One 905 CRT
and one 905 one having a loose end connection. The APR/SPA
set performed satisfactorily. The IFF was turned on during
lifeguard duty, but no responses were received.

(N) SOUND AND SOUND CONDITIONS

     (a) Sound gear performed satisfactorily until last few
days of patrol except for frequent breakdowns of the TDM micro
switch. On the night of 21 March 1945, speed was increased
to 18 knots with the QB head lowered. Speed was immediately
reduced and the head ordered raised. The head would not
raise at slow speed, and it was noted that the head was revol-
ving at slower than normal speed. The cause of this derange-
ment is not known.
     (b) The QB-TDM was in operation whenever ship's speed was
less than 14 knots during daylight and moonlight. This time
period included the greater portion of time spent on patrol.

- 19 -

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(O) DENSITY LAYERS U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. TWO
No remarks.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
(a) Health of the crew was excellent, there being only
11 sick days.
(b) Food was adequate. Commissary personnel problems to
departure adversely affected performance of the department.
Great improvement is expected on the next patrol.
(c) Habitability was excellent.

(Q) PERSONNEL
The performance of duty of all personnel was highly
satisfactory.
(a) Number of men on board during patrol 77
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 58
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 66
(d) Number of unqualified men making their
first patrol 9
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during
patrol 4

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
From Subic to Area 3551 miles - 41502 gallons
In Area 6914 48343
Area to Subic 1225 12255

(S) DURATION
Days enroute Area 6
Days in Area 37
Days enroute Subic 5
Days submerged 7

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes 18. Fuel 15,000 gals. Provisions 10 days.
Personnel Factors indeterminate. Limiting factor for this patrol:
Orders to proceed to base.

(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES
No information.

- 20 -

— page 59 —
FC5-26/A16-3
Serial 080

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY SIX

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.
14 April 1945.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323)
Report of Second
War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY SIX.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
      (2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. The second war patrol of U.S.S. CAIMAN under command of
Lieutenant Commander W. L. FEY, Jr., U.S.N., his first patrol as Command-
ing Officer, started at Fremantle, W.A. on 18 February 1945 and ended at
Subic Bay, P.I. on 6 April 1945. Forty-one days were spent north of the
Malay Barrier, the last three of which were enroute to Subic; seven days
were spent submerged. The patrol was conducted in the South China Sea, off
the east coast of the Malay Peninsula and entrance to the Gulf of Siam in
coordination with PINTADO, the latter portion with PAM-
PANITO, MINO and SEALION. Various lifeguard duties were assigned but
effectiveness on this duty was almost nullified by numerous enemy air con-
tacts and lack of friendly air cover.

2. Area coverage was dictated by the Group Commanders, at times
submarines of the group patrolling as far as 30 miles off shore were direct-
ed to conduct submerged patrol. Generally good area coverage was maintained
while CAIMAN was acting independently or as group commander. Only one worth-
while contact was made during the patrol, this was developed into a torpedo
attack.

TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1. While at periscope depth about 5 miles east of Pulo
Kapas two small freighters were sighted on a southeasterly course. Because
of flat calm and shallow water, use of high speed during the approach to
obtain a favorable range, was not possible. Four steam torpedoes were fired
from the bow tubes at a range of about 4,000 yards using 120° port track.
Three splashes were seen, one ahead and two astern of the target and three ex-
plosions heard, believed at the time to be aircraft depth bombs, were prob-
ably three of the torpedoes exploding in shallow water at the end of their
run. Since the target was not kept under observation it is possible that
the fourth torpedo hit, this possibility warrants a check of aircraft reports
of ships damaged in this vicinity.

[HANDWRITTEN: +]
- 1 -
[STAMP: 6 0581]

— page 61 —
FE24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY
Serial 0769 14/pr
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
30 April 1945

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CAIMAN Conf. Ltr.
A16-3 Serial 031 dated
6 April 1945. Report
of Second War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Second War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Second War Patrol of the CAIMAN was the first in
command for Lieutenant Commander W. L. FEY, Jr., U.S.N. The patrol
was conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA off the east coast of MALAYA,
and in the entrance to the GULF of SIAM. CAIMAN was a member of a
coordinated group consisting of PALMITO (CTC), LINGU, SEALLION and
CAIMAN.

2. On 27 March the only attack of the patrol took place.
Four torpedoes fired at long range missed two small marus proceeding
along the coast of MALAYA near PULO RAKAS.

3. It is of interest to note that on seventeen days
during which aircraft were sighted, fifteen contacts were made gen-
erally between the hours of 0930 and 1230. The regularity with which
this air patrol was sighted conceivably indicates periodic enemy
discovery of CAIMAN's general location and possibly offers an expla-
nation for the paucity of enemy traffic in CAIMAN's area during that
period.

4. Lifeguard services were preformed on three occasions
during the patrol.

5. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is not
authorized for this patrol.

6. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew of the CAIMAN on the completion of this
arduous patrol and upon their performance of lifeguard duties.
[SIGNATURE: James Fife]
JAMES FIFE. 6 0581
ORIGINAL COPY.

— page 62 —
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
14/3r
Serial 0769
30 April 1945
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
ComSubPac Conf. Ltr.
FE24-71/A16-3 Serial 021 dated
6 April 1945. Report
of Second War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. CATFISH (SS323) - Report of Second War
Patrol - Comment on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) Direct ComSubRon-22 (2)
Vice Opnav (2) Direct ComSubRon-28 (2)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) ComSubRon-30 (2)
ComlstFlt (1) DivComSubRon-22 (1 ea)
Com2ndFlt (1) DivComSubRon-28 (1 ea)
Com3rdFlt (1) DivComSubRon-30 (1 ea)
Com5thFlt (1) S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Com7thFlt (1) Comdt. NYD. Puget Sound (1)
ComSubs1stFlt (30) Subad, Mare Island (2)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4) S/Ms 7thFlt (2)
CTF-71 (7)
CTG-71.5 (2)
CTG-71.8 (2)

[SIGNATURE: J. B. Miller]
J. B. MILLER
Flag Secretary.

THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROLLED WATERS.

- 1 -

[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 19 MAY 1945]
[STAMP: 38571]

— page 63 —
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

[HANDWRITTEN: 26]
[STAMP: Reg. No. F446]
[STAMP: R.S. No. 6 0581]

A16-3(8)(F-3-4/ekb)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 03007]

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT on:
USS CAIMAN conf. ltr., [HANDWRITTEN: 5-03419]
serial 021 dated 6
April 1945.

[STAMP: 23 MAY 1945]

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Second
War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: J. H. Long]
J. H. LONG
By direction

[HANDWRITTEN: R+L]
[HANDWRITTEN: vers]

— page 64 —
SS323/A16-3
Serial ( 024 )
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[TYPED, STRUCK THROUGH: SECRET]

U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
27 June 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division TWO SIXTY TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY SIX.
(3) Commander Submarines, Southwest Pacific.
(4) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323) - Report of Third
War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart (ComSub7thFlt only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol
of this vessel, conducted in the South China Sea off the
South Coast of Indo China during the first phase and off the
West Coast of Borneo and in the Java Sea during the second
phase in the period from 28 April 1945 to 27 June 1945; is
forwarded herewith.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/25/72]

W. L. FEY, Jr.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 8 03905]

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(A) PROLOGUE
This vessel arrived in Subic Bay, P.I., on 6 April 1945,
and moored alongside U.S.S. ANTHEDON. The normal refit was
accomplished by Submarine Division 262 Refit Crew. The
officers and men returned to the ship on 20 April 1945, at
which time Lieutenant J. H. MERRY Jr., U.S. Naval Reserve,
was detached and Ensign W. F. PETRAT, U.S. Navy, reported on
board for duty.

The readiness for sea period was from 21 to 27 April
1945, two days of which were spent in training exercises. No
exercise torpedoes were fired, but the five inch gun was
fired at an improvised target which included a radar decoy.
Captain J. H. WILLINGHAM, U.S. Navy, was aboard for the sec-
ond day of training. His help in ironing out wrinkles in
the control party were particularly appreciated.

The personnel of the CAIMAN believe that special men-
tion should be made about the excellent refit performed by
the ANTHEDON repair force and the Submarine Division 262
Refit Crew. The number of post refit items was very low.

(B) NARRATIVE (All Times ITEM)
List of officers and chief petty officers attached:

NAME | RANK/RATE | NO. PATROLS
FEY, William L., Jr. | Lieut. Comdr. | 3
MCGUINNESS, Walter A. | Lieut. Comdr. | 3
BENNETT, William F. | Lieut. | 11
ROHCKLEIN, Robert G. | Lieut.(jg) | 3
LAKE, Edward W. | Lieut.(jg) | 13
O'NEAL, Walter H. | Lieut.(jg) | 2
PETERSON, James V. | Lieut.(jg) | 3
PETRAT, William F. | Ensign | 1

BACKMAN, Henry Lee | CPhM(AA)(SS) | 6
JONES, John Emanuel | CMOMM(SS) | 6
KOPASKA, William Frank | CMOMM(SS) | 6
SAXON, Robert Lewis | CMOMM(SS) | 6
WATERS, Richard Eugene | CRM(AA)(SS) | 8
WHITE, Bennie Russell | CEM(AA)(SS) | 10

28 April
1400 Underway from alongside U.S.S. ANTHEDON for third war
patrol in accordance with Commander Task Group 71.1
Operation Order No. 57-45.

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[STAMP: 8 03905]

— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1425 Passed through net and joined up with U.S.S. WILLETT
     and U.S.S. ACREE.
1545 Slowed down because of pit log derangement. Contemp-
     lated returning to tender, but at
1628 Decided that ship's force could effect repairs.
     Resumed speed.
1758 Rendered services to surface vessels for one hour.
1858 Set course for joint zone with U.S. WILLETT.
2030 Received message from CTF 71 to enter area at dawn on
     May 1st and to patrol special anti-submarine zone off
     CAPE PADARAN and CAMRANH BAY. In this zone we are
     authorized to attack any submarine contacted.
2130 Held radar tracking drill.
2222 Entered joint zone; released escort. Proceeded at
     three engine speed zig-zagging on base course 270°T.

29 April

0000 Transiting joint zone at three engine speed.
0013 APR contact on an SD radar.
0148 SJ interference detected on bearing 250°T. Challenged
     but received no reply.
0245 SJ interference faded out. Assumed it to be the
     BASHAM.
0704 Sighted periscope. (SC #1) Avoided.
0733 Sighted periscope. (SC #2) Avoided.
0815 Decided to send contact report in spite of fact that
     no SD or APR receipt was received.
0908 SD contact at 20 miles. Attempted to contact plane
     by VHF to report periscope sightings. No success.
1200 Posit: Lat. 14-57N
     Long. 115-34E
1719 SD contact at 18 miles.
1720 Sighted Privateer.
1730 Established communications via VHF and informed
     plane of our periscope sightings in the joint zone.
1900 Cleared joint zone.
2029 Slowed to two engine speed. We are not to enter area
     until BAYA has departed.

30 April

0000 Enroute CAMRANH BAY area at two engine speed.
0707 Made trim dive.
0938 Sighted plane.
0940 SD contact at 9 miles. Friendly IFF. Identified as
     Liberator. Plane fired correct recognition pyrotech-
     nic to which we replied in kind. VHF communication
     established.

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— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont't)

1200 Posit: Lat. 12-32N
Long. 111-53E
1340 Sighted Liberator which turned out to be the one we
saw this morning. He informed us that he had
sighted nothing on the coast.
2330 Noted message from B.A.L. to CTF 71 that she had
cleared anti-submarine zone.

1 May
0000 Enroute CAMRANH BAY area at two engine speed.
0611 APR contact on 162 mgc. Very strong.
0654 Divod about 17 miles from coast. The reason for
diving so far out was to study the geography of this
area.
1000 Headed for CAMRANH POINT. Numerous small sail boats
about.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-59N
Long. 109-26E
1700 Three miles off CAMRANH POINT. Crossed the entrance
to CAMRANH BAY and detected no activity there.
2000 Noted a large fire in the mountains.
2055 Surfaced about 4 miles off LUI DAVAICH.
2109 Received message from CTF 71 that BLOWER would re-
lieve us after 6th of May. No specific orders for
us however.
2130 Received message from CTF 71 to provide lifeguard
services for Liberator strike on SAIGON at 1230, May
3rd.
2135 Commenced patrolling between FAN RANG POINT and CAPE
PADARAN about 5 miles off the coast.

2 May.
0000 Patrolling about 5 miles off FAN RANG BAY.
0649 Submerged about 8 miles SSE of CAPE PADARAN for a
day's patrol covering FAN RANG BAY. On course 345°T
we made good 000°T.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-22N
Long. 109-03E
1358 In a position from which no part of FAN RANG BAY was
more distant than 4 miles we ascertained that the bay
was empty.
2057 Surfaced and proceeded to lifeguard station.
2200 Received message from CTF 71 that BLOWER will enter
our area on May 12th. We are to depart at dark May
11th and proceed patrol in Gulf of Siam. We are to
report when clear of the special anti-submarine zone.
(Note: This changes the message received last night.)

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— page 68 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMIN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

3 May

0000 Enroute lifeguard station.
0140 Passed between PULO CECIR DE MER and CATWICK ISLANDS.
0805 On lifeguard station. As no specific station was
     assigned, Posit- Lat. 9-30N, Long. 108-15E was selec-
     ted, putting us about 80 miles from the reference
     point (CAPE ST. JACQUES).
1200 Posit: Lat. 9-28N
     Long. 108-20E
1525 Received message from CTF 71 assigning lifeguard duty
     for strike on SAIGON at 1100, May 4th. No specific
     station was assigned so we selected Posit- Lat.10N,
     Long. 108E, putting us about 60 miles from the refer-
     ence point (CAPE ST. JACQUES).
2100 Decided to swing around the CATWICK ISLANDS which put
     us on new station tomorrow morning.

4 May

0000 Heading for CATWICK ISLANDS at two engine speed.
0520 About 2 miles North of PULO SAPATU.
0826 Made trim dive.
1000 On lifeguard station.
1022 Sighted object which resembled three construction
     pontoons, painted, noted "PONTOON GEAR" printed in
     English on one section. Fired 20mm into it.
1138 SD contacts varying from 24 to 36 miles. Sighted 12
     Liberators on generally westward course. Friendly
     IFF but no communications. Assumed them to be the
     SAIGON strikers.
1200 Posit: Lat. 9-59N
     Long. 108-11E
1254 SD contact at 28 miles. No IFF. Sighted group of
     Liberators evidently returning from strike on SAIGON.
1700 Set a westerly course to leave lifeguard station.
2000 Rounded CATWICK ISLAND group to southward and headed
     for CAPE PADARAN.

5 May

0000 Enroute vicinity of CAPE PADARAN from lifeguard station.
0620 Dived about 8 miles East of MUI DAVAICH and commenced
     closing the coast.
0915 About 2½ miles off MUI DAVAICH came to course North
     and just about stood still.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-42N
     Long. 109-18E

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— page 69 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1426 Sighted Liberator in high power. Ran East for an
     hour at 2/3 speed and at
1527 About 7 1/2 miles off coast put up SD mast to attempt
     radio communication with plane. This was unsuccess-
     ful.
1540 Commenced closing the coast.
2050 Surfaced and commenced patrolling off CAMRANH B.Y.

6 May

0000 Patrolling off entrance of CAMRANH B.Y.
0130 Ran down coast to CAPE PADARAN and returned to CAMRANH
     BAY.
0633 Dived about 8 miles off POINT HONNAI for a submerged
     patrol off entrance to CAMRANH B.Y.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-46N
     Long. 109-17E
1339 About 3 miles off MUI DAVID came to a northerly
     course, barely holding our own against the current,
     slowly closed the entrance to the bay.
1852 Headed to seaward.
2100 Surfaced about 5 miles off entrance of CAMRANH B.Y.
     Commenced patrolling between CAPE PADARAN and CAMRANH
     BAY.

7 May

0000 Patrolling between CAMRANH BAY and CAPE PADARAN.
0100 Received message from CTF 71 assigning us lifeguard
     duty for SAIGON strike; time over target from 0700
     to 1400 on May 7th. Station assigned is Lat. 10-33N,
     Long. 109-07E, which is about 10 miles East of PULO
     CECIR DE MER. Set course for lifeguard station.
0640 On lifeguard station.
1052 Sighted plane thought to be a Liberator.
1112 SD contact at 30 miles.
1125 Sighted Catalina (Air-Sea rescue plane for the strike).
1126 Sighted 3 groups of planes (total about 36) on west-
     erly course.
1127 Contacted Catalina by VHF.
1141 Sighted 4 Lightnings which are fighter cover for the
     Catalina.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-34N
     Long. 109-09E
1311 Received word from Catalina that there was no work
     for us. Decided to remain on station a while longer
     just in case.
1545 Knowing that the Japanese were suspected of having a
     lookout station on PULO CECIR DE MER, and as we had
     APR contacts which we thought might come from there,

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— page 70 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) (Cont'd)

We thought that we might find a military target suit-
able for bombardment with the five inch gun. We
circled the island and passed along the west and east
sides at about 2 miles. There were no indications of
radar antennae and nothing that looked like a lookout
station. As the island is only 3 miles long and 2
miles wide we had a good view of the entire place in-
cluding what it looks through a 16 power long glass. If there
is anything of a military nature on PULO CECIR DE MER
it is very well camouflaged. The reason we went so
close to the island on the surface was because we
could have been seen on the assigned lifeguard station
anyway.
1730 Received message from CTF 71 to take position North-
west of PULO MINKT (which is one of the ANAMBAS
ISLANDS) on May 8th.
1817 Finished looking over PULO CECIR DE MER and commenced
return to the vicinity of CAPE PADARAN and CAMRANH
BAY.
1917 Received message from CTF 71 that Liberators and
Mitchells would strike coast of INDO CHINA between
1100 and 1300, May 8th, and for us to take lifeguard
station off CAPE PADARAN. Decided to be about 15
miles East of CAPE PADARAN at dawn and then move in
closer when we sighted the bombers.

8 May

0000 Two miles off CAPE PADARAN - - began patrolling along
the coast.
1055 Fifteen miles East of PADARAN heading in toward the
coast.
1112 Sighted four Liberators.
1133 Saw the first of the bombs explode.
1150 Having moved in to about 5 miles off FAN RANG BAY, we
had a fairly good view of the bombing.
1151 The bombing completed, moved out off the coast.
1200 Position: Lat. 11-27N
Long. 109-04E
1343 Sighted Liberator.
1505 Sighted Liberator and received word over VHF that he
had nothing to report.
2030 Commenced night patrol attempting to be five or less
miles off PADARAN and CAMRANH BAY at end of each leg.
2130 Received message from CTF 71 to provide lifeguard
services for Mitchell strike on CAMRANH BAY between
1100 and 1300, May 9th. Assigned station 20 miles
East of ILE TAGNE.

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— page 71 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CAIMAN
WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

2215 Received message that aircraft sighted destroyer or
     large patrol boat patrolling Lat. 11-32N, Long. 109-
     0E at 1145, May 8th. What the aircraft sighted was
     the CAIMAN lifeguarding for him as the reported
     position was within a few miles of our position at
     that time. There was definitely no destroyer or
     large patrol boat in the vicinity.

9 May

0000 Patrolling about four miles off CAMRANH BAY.
0640 Headed East for lifeguard station 20 miles East of
     ILE TAGNE.
0725 Made trim dive.
1100 On lifeguard station.
1104 Sighted Liberator.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-48N.
                  Long. 109-25E.
     At this time we had moved in to about 10 miles off
     CAMRANH BAY.
1300 End of scheduled time for air strike and no Mitchells
     or Lightnings sighted. Not knowing whether strike
     had been cancelled or merely delayed we remained on
     surface between 5 and 10 miles off CAMRANH BAY.
1933 Sighted float plane (JAKE) flying out of CAMRANH BAY
     headed for us. (AC #1) Dived.
1937 Two very loud depth bombs. Although we had been
     under for fully three minutes he managed to drop
     fairly close.
2001 Started up to periscope depth.
2010 At 80 feet - two more depth bombs - not too close.
2013 Periscope depth - all clear - but decided to stay
     down till dark.
2104 Surfaced. Commenced patrolling off CAMRANH BAY
     about 5 miles off entrance.

10 May

0000 Patrolling off CAMRANH BAY.
0435 Received message from CTF 71 that one destroyer or
     large PC had been sighted in Lat. 11-32N, Long. 109-
     0E, at 1200, May 8th. We assume that this is a
     repeat of the message received last night. There
     is absolutely no possibility whatsoever of any destroyer
     or patrol craft having been in that position at that
     time. The CAIMAN and our sailboats were the only
     vessels operating on the surface off FAN RANG BAY
     at that time.

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— page 72 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CATFISH WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(E) MAY 10 (Cont'd)
0633 Submerged 5 five miles off POINT HON COU and headed to-
ward for inshore patrol.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-44N.
Long. 109-18E
1506 Sighted Liberator.
1930 East of HON DO at 3½ miles.
2051 Surfaced and commenced patrolling along coast between
CAPE PADARAN and CAMRANH BAY.

11 May
0000 Patrolling between CAMRANH BAY and CAPE PADARAN.
0631 Dived 3½ miles East of POINT CAMRANH and headed in to-
ward the coast.
1029 East of MUI DAVAICH at 2 miles, continued southward
along the coast.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-40N
Long. 109-13E
1930 East of CAPE PADARAN at 1½ miles.
2040 Surfaced about 4 miles East of CAPE PADARAN. Enroute
new area in the GULF OF SIAM.
2307 Sent message to CTF 71 reporting that we were clear
of the anti-submarine zone at 2200 tonight.
2320 Received message from CTF 71 cancelling our orders
to be off PULO MANKI on May 15th. Continued enroute
GULF OF SIAM.

12 May
0000 Enroute GULF OF SIAM at 2 engine speed.
0030 Passed between PULO CECIR DE MER and the CATWICK
ISLANDS.
0206 Received message from CTF 71 to patrol the area off
the INDO CHINA COAST between Lat. 10N and 12N. As
the BLOWER is in the anti-submarine zone we will be
restricted to that portion of coast between Lat.
10-00N and 11-10N.
0237 Reversed course to patrol a North-South line from
PULO CECIR DE MER to Lat. 11N.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-48N
Long. 108-53E
1300 Decided to patrol over toward approaches to SAIGON
during the night.
1500 Passed between PULO CECIR DE MER and the CATWICK
ISLANDS.
1815 Came to a westerly course on Lat. 10N.

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— page 73 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

13 May
0000 Patrolling to the southward of the approaches to
     SAIGON at 2 engine speed.
0015 About 19 miles south of CAPE ST. JACQUES reversed to
     an easterly course.
0210 South of CAPE BAIE headed North to the vicinity of
     the 10 fathom line. There are shoals which might
     force shipping to run out within range of us at this
     vicinity.
0420 Ran South and headed East along Lat. 10N.
0853 South of POINT KEGA headed North.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-31N
     Long. 108-15E
1210 Sighted POINT KEGA lighthouse.
1216 Sighted Liberator.
1238 Communicated with Liberator on VHF.
1413 Resighted Liberator and received word that he had
     found no shipping.
1420 Headed South to Lat. 10N and then ran East.
1810 After getting a fix on the CATWICK ISLANDS, turned
     North.
2057 Turned West when about 9 miles West of PULO CECIR DE
     MER to avoid BANC HOLLANDAIS.
2200 South of POINT GUIO headed north.

14 May
0000 Patrolling near coast of ANNAM at two engine speed.
     About 5 miles South of POINT GUIO came to an easter-
     ly course.
0215 South of CAPE PADARAN headed North and at Lat. 11-06N
     turned South.
0450 About 10 miles North of PULO CECIR DE MER ran North
     up to Lat. 11-03N then ran South rounding the island
     to the southward.
1130 Decided to patrol on zig-zagging legs along a line
     from PULO CECIR DE MER and CAPE ST. JACQUES in the
     hopes of finding a sea truck or lugger.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-29N
     Long. 108-48E
1305 SD contact at 20 miles.
1308 Sighted plane; apparently a Liberator.
1328 Resighted plane.
1443 SD contact at 26 miles.
1531 SD contact at 14 miles.
1532 Sighted Liberator.
1533 Communicated with plane via VHF; he had sighted no
     shipping.

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— page 74 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1952 Headed toward PULO CECIR DE MER and rounded it to the
     South, then headed North to about Lat. 11N.

15 May

0000 Patrolling toward Lat. 11N at 2 engine speed.
0105 Headed West toward POINT GUIO.
0300 Received badly garbled message from CTF 71 which
     would break far enough for us to find out that we
     were one of the addressees and that we were not re-
     stricted to only the southern portion of this area.
0447 The message was originated at 2100 ITEM on May 12th.
     South of POINT GUIO, distance 10 miles, turned North
     and ran up to a distance of 5 miles and then turned
     East.
0515 Received a rebroadcast of the garbled message and
     discovered that the CAIMAN and BLOWER were assigned
     the INDO CHINA COAST from Lat. 13N to 10N with CO
     BLOWER ordered to coordinate the patrol.
0715 Sent message to BLOWER requesting instructions.
0740 Received message from BLOWER that he was North of
     12N and for CAIMAN to patrol South of 12N.
0800 Headed North for the vicinity of CAPE PADARAN and
     CAMRANH Bay about 5 to 7 miles off shore.
0945 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-32N
               Long. 109-15E
1208 Sighted Liberator. He reported no shipping sighted.
1434 SD contact at 8 miles.
1440 SD contact at 8½ miles.
1654 Sank barnacle-encrusted mine in
               Lat. 11-34N
               Long. 109-20E
1700 Because of a heavy haze along the coast we moved out
     to 20 miles off shore. The sun and haze would allow
     that float plane from CAMRANH Bay to slip out unde-
     tected.
1832 Sank mine in: Lat. 11-24N
               Long. 109-24E
2100 Commenced patrolling between CAPE PADARAN and CAMRANH
     BAY about 5 to 7 miles off shore.

16 May

0000 Patrolling between CAPE PADARAN and CAMRANH BAY about
     5 to 7 miles off shore.
0632 Dived about 5 miles NE of POINT CAMRANH for inshore
     patrol.

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— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0735 Sighted float plane, (AC #2) identified as a JAKE. We
     watched him for about 10 minutes, but he did not come
     out to sea.
1156 One and one fourth miles East of MUI DAVAICH. No ac-
     tivity noted in CAMRANH BAY.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-44N
               Long. 109-15E
2000 Headed to seaward.
2051 Surfaced 4½ miles off HON DO. Commenced patrolling a
     line off CAPE PADARAN passing about 5 miles off the
     CAPE at the middle point.

17 May

0000 Patrolling a line off CAPE PADARAN averaging about 5
     miles off the CAPE at the middle point.
0634 Dived about 7 miles NE of HON DO. Dodging sailboats
     forced us several miles out from the desired diving
     point. Commenced submerged patrol across FAN RANG
     BAY down to CAPE PADARAN.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-32N
               Long. 109-09E
1815 2 miles East of CAPE PADARAN.
2000 Headed out to seaward.
2049 Surfaced 4 miles East of CAPE PADARAN. Commenced
     patrolling on E-W line 3 miles to 15 miles off the
     CAPE. We believe this to be a reasonable compromise
     to cover both the CAPE and some distance out to sea.

18 May

0000 Patrolling on E-W line through CAPE PADARAN; limits
     3 miles and 15 miles off the CAPE.
0330 Headed to the northward.
0630 Dived 5 miles NE of POINT CAMRANH for a submerged
     patrol off the entrance to CAMRANH BAY.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-48N
               Long. 109-17E
1506 Headed North across the entrance when 2½ miles East
     of MUI DAVAICH.
2000 Headed to seaward.
2048 Surfaced 4 miles NE of POINT CAMRANH. Headed for
     CAPE PADARAN to repeat last night's patrol.

19 May

0000 Patrolling an E-W line through CAPE PADARAN, the lim-
     its of which are three miles and 15 miles off the CAPE.

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— page 76 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0723 Sighted float plane (AC #3) identified as a JAKE.
Dived.
0805 Surfaced.
0830 Commenced patrolling a line 11 miles off CAPE PADARAN
and HON DO. We decided on a day surface patrol in
order to communicate with the search plane.
1135 Sighted Liberator. Communicated via VHF and learned
that he had sighted no shipping.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-27N
Long. 109-18E
2015 Headed North to patrol off entrance of CAMRANH BAY.

20 May

0000 Patrolling about five or six miles off entrance of
CAMRANH BAY.
0627 Dived five miles NE of POINT CAMRANH for a patrol off
CAMRANH BAY.
0830 Noted rotating radar antenna on ILE TAGNE.
1140 One and one half miles east of MUT DAVAICH. Headed
North.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-42N
Long. 109-25E
2051 Surfaced and headed South to patrol off CAPE PADARAN.

21 May

0000 Patrolling an E-W line through CAPE PADARAN; limits
three miles and fifteen miles off the CAPE.
0624 Dived five miles East of HON DO for a patrol across
FAN RANG BAY and off CAPE PADARAN.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-25N
Long. 109-04E
1629 One and one half miles off CAPE PADARAN.
2000 Headed to seaward.
2054 Surfaced about seven miles NE of CAPE PADARAN. Com-
menced a repetition of last night's patrol.

22 May

0000 Patrolling an E-W line through CAPE PADARAN; limits
three miles and fifteen miles off the CAPE.
0621 Dived five miles NE of HON DO for patrol across FAN
RANG BAY and off CAPE PADARAN.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-24N
Long. 109-04E
1415 Two miles SE of CAPE PADARAN. Maintained station off
the CAPE.
2000 Headed to seaward.
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— page 77 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

2046 Surfaced about five miles NE of CAPE PADARAN and
     headed North to patrol off CAMRANH BAY.
2245 Intercepted message from BLOWER to CTF 71 indicating
     that he is leaving the area tonight. This leaves
     CAIMAN independent off the coast from Lat. 10N to 13N.

23 May

0000 Patrolling off CAMRANH BAY along an E-W line through
     HON CHUT LIGHT; limits five and seventeen miles off
     the entrance.
0623 Dived five miles NE of POINT CAMRANH for a patrol off
     the entrance to that bay.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-48N
     Long. 109-16E
1224 Sighted float plane JAKE. (AC #4)
1540 One and one half miles off MUI DAVACH; reversed
     course.
1915 Headed to seaward.
2003 Sighted float plane JAKE. (AC #5)
2046 Surfaced about six miles East of ILE TAGNE. Headed
     for vicinity of CAPE VARELLA.

24 May

0000 Enroute vicinity of CAPE VARELLA.
0223 Sighted CAPE VARELLA LIGHT bearing 270°T, distant 4 miles;
     commenced patrolling between 3 to 7 miles off the
     CAPE.
0618 Dived 4 miles NE of CAPE VARELLA for submerged patrol
     1 to 2 miles off the CAPE.
1030 Sighted Liberator.
1200 Posit: Lat. 12-54N
     Long. 109-28E
1930 Headed to seaward.
2052 Surfaced about 4 miles off CAPE VARELLA and commenced
     patrolling between 3 and 7 miles off the CAPE.

25 May

0000 Patrolling between 3 to 7 miles off CAPE VARELLA.
0126 Sighted properly lighted hospital ship. On course
     170°T, speed 14 knots, he passed 7 miles off CAPE
     VARELLA at 0230. For unusual radar phenomenon see
     remarks under (M) RADAR.
0614 Dived 5 miles NE of CAPE VARELLA LIGHT for submerged
     patrol 1 to 2 miles off the CAPE.

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— page 78 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1025 Sighted Liberator.
1200 Posit: Lat. 12-54N
Long. 109-29E
2053 Surfaced about 4 miles off CAPE VARELLA LIGHT and
commenced patrolling between 3 and 7 miles off the
Cape.

26 May

0000 Patrolling between 3 to 7 miles off CAPE VARELLA.
0430 Intercepted message from CTF 71 to CAPITAINE order-
ing her into our area. We were not mentioned in the
message.
0620 Dived about 5 miles North of HON DOI for submerged
patrol covering the entrance to VAN FONG BAY.
1200 Posit: Lat. 12-32N
Long. 109-28E
1410 Sighted Liberator.
1925 Headed to seaward at standard speed.
1959 Surfaced about 6 miles off entrance to VAN FONG BAY.
We surfaced early in order not to miss any radio
messages. Headed South for CAPE PADARAN.
2300 Received message from CTF 71 that the special anti-
submarine zone off the coast between CAMRANH BAY and
CAPE PADARAN was to be cancelled at 1800 ITEM, 27 May.

27 May

0000 Enroute CAPE PADARAN.
0100 Commenced patrolling 4 to 6 miles off CAPE PADARAN
and HON DO.
0400 Received message from CTF 71 assigning lifeguard
duties on station 18 miles bearing 020°T from FULO
CECIR DE MER. Time over target 1100 to 1130,
May 27th.
0405 Headed for FULO CECIR DE MER.
1045 SD Contact at 30 miles.
1100 On lifeguard station.
1123 Sighted groups of Liberators.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-48N
Long. 109-08E
1330 Sighted groups of Liberators.
1650 Received message from CTF 71 to depart area prior
dark 28 May and to proceed to FREMANTLE.
1715 Received message from CTF 71 reporting two downed
aviators on a raft in Lat. 10-30N. Long. 111-40E.
1716 Headed for above posit. at 4 engine speed.

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— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

28 May

0000 Enroute posit. Lat. 10-30N, Long. 111-40E at 4 engine
       speed to search for downed aviators.
0200 In above posit.; commenced running a retiring search
       curve modified into squares. Assumed 5000 yd. visi-
       bility in bright moonlight and 3 and 6 miles during daylight.
       Fired green Very's stars at 15 minute intervals
       during night.
0925 Sighted Liberator. Communicated via VHF. He as-
       sisted in search for over an hour. Many SD contacts
       and several plane sightings during the day. Unable
       to communicate with any except the Liberator.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-44N
       Long. 111-25E
1600 Sent message to CTF 71 reporting low fuel supply.

29 May

0000 Searching for downed aviators in vicinity of Lat.
       11N, Long. 112E. Firing green Very's stars every
       half hour.
0015 Received message from CTF 71 directing us to proceed
       to SUBIC.
0215 Sent message to CTF 71 reporting ETA SUBIC Joint
       Zone and that we were continuing search until that
       time.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-02N
       Long. 112-18E

30 May

0000 Enroute western entrance to SUBIC Joint Zone. Firing
       Very's stars every half hour.
0200 Considered search no longer effective.
1100 Entered Joint Zone.
1200 Posit: Lat. 13-21N
       Long. 119-21E
1400 SD contact at 20 miles. Friendly IFF.

- 15 -

— page 80 —
U.S.S. CAIMAN
WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

31 May

0000 Transitting Joint Zone enroute SUBIC BAY at 4 engine
       speed.
0053 SJ contact at 15,400 yards.
0553 Sighted escort. Proceeded to SUBIC BAY in company
       with escort, U.S.S. ROLFE.
1000 Observed cruisers of the CLEVELAND class firing AA
       gunnery practice. Next observed four shells from
       the first run land and explode in the water less
       than 1,000 yards on our beam. On the second run
       seven shells landed about 6,000 yards on our quarter.
1020 Passed through net.
1048 Moored in nest alongside U.S.S. ANTHEDON in SUBIC
       BAY, P.I., and immediately commenced fueling ship.
1200 Posit: SUBIC BAY, P.I.
1910 Underway from nest alongside ANTHEDON pursuant to
       CTG 71.1 Operations Order 57-45 as modified by CTF
       71 Mailgram 310609 (May), assigned the patrol area
       between Lat. 2N and Lat. 5S, Long. 108-40E and Lat. 5S,
       Long. 108-40E on 4 June. Also to vary our location
       in this general vicinity.
1935 Passed through net and joined up with escort U.S.S.
       ROLFE. Headed for Joint Zone at three engine speed.
2347 Released escort.

1 June

0000 Transitting Joint Zone at three engine speed.
0112 Made SJ contact on SUBIC bound H.M.S. BLUEFISH.
0130 Received message from CTG 71 directing us to take
       station south of ST. PIERRE Island (Lat. 1-55N,
       Long. 108-40E) on 4 June. Also to vary our location
       in this general vicinity.
0703 Sighted Liberator.
1045 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit: Lat. 14-00 N
       Long. 116-25 E
1341 Sighted submarine.
1400 Spoke SUBIC bound H.M.S. SILENE.
1530 Received message from CTG 71 assigning us lifeguard
       duty to cover returning cripples from Liberator strike
       on BATAVIA late night of 3 June. Assigned station
       27 miles bearing 0080(T) from CAPE DATCE. We can
       expect planes over the Cape from about 0030 to 0330
       on 4 June.
2212 Cleared Joint Zone and headed for lifeguard station.

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— page 81 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

2 June
0000 Enroute lifeguard station off CAPE DATOE at three
     engine speed.
0330 Received message from CTG 71 assigning us lifeguard
     duty during Liberator strike on KUCHING between
     1130 and 1300 on 5 June. Assigned station 65 miles
     bearing 030°(T) from CAPE DATOE.
0917 SD contact at 18 miles - Sighted Liberator.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-18 N
     Long. 112-15 E

3 June
0000 Enroute lifeguard station off CAPE DATOE at three
     engine speed.
1200 Posit: Lat. 5-02 N
     Long. 110-17 E
1315 Sighted Liberator.
1515 SD contact at 20 miles.
1520 Sighted 2 Liberators.
1602 Sighted Liberator.
1604 SD contact at 16 miles.
2317 On lifeguard station 27 miles bearing 008°(T)
     from CAPE DATOE.

4 June
0000 On lifeguard station.
0613 Headed East in general direction of CAPE SIRIK.
1015 Made trim dive.
1100 Decided that day patrol in this vicinity was not
     a particularly good idea. Headed West toward SERASAN
     PASSAGE.
1200 Posit: Lat. 2-26 N
     Long. 110-18 E
1845 Decided to make a sweep across the mouth of the
     SARAWAK RIVER. Headed in that direction.

5 June
0000 Patrolling off coast near SARAWAK RIVER following
     in general the 10 fathom line which keeps us less
     than 10 miles from the 3 fathom line.

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— page 82 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(a) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
0050 Received message from CTF 71 that aircraft reported
     sighting a large Maru off BRUNEI BAY on course 235°(T)
     at 1400 on 4 May. Lifeguard duty will permit us to
     reach CAPE SIRIK barely before the Maru assuming his
     speed is not much in excess of 12 knots.
0030 Headed for lifeguard station.
1004 On lifeguard station 65 miles bearing 030°(T) from
     CAPE DATOK.
1200 Posit: Lat. 3-00 N
     Long. 110-27 E
1201 SD contact at 16 miles.
1219 SD contact at 28 miles
1230 Main engine went out at engine speed.
1300 Twenty miles NW of CAPE SIRIK LIGHT which is
     close enough to detect anything proceeding along
     the 3 fathom curve. Patrolled to the east, using
     fathometer to remain in about 90 feet of water.
1745 Reversed course.
2000 Intended to patrol the long way around along the
     coast enroute to ST. PIERRE Island, but SJ radar
     went out of commission. Headed toward SOEBI BESAR.
2115 SJ back in commission.

6 June
0000 Enroute assigned station south of ST. PIERRE
     Island.
0920 Rounded SOEBI BESAR to northward.
1100 Sighted 2 planes.
1200 Posit: Lat. 2-59 N
     Long. 108-23 E
1920 Closed coast of BORNEO.

7 June
0000 Patrolling southeast of ST. PIERRE Island.
0745 Made trim dive. Decided to remain submerged to
     facilitate main engine repairs. Patrolled about six
     miles off 3 fathom curve.
1200 Posit: Lat. 1-40 N
     Long. 108-58 E
1526 Surfaced.
1529 SD contact at 9 miles. No IFF, no reply on VHF, and
     plane not sighted, so at
1532 Dived with SD range of 4 miles.
1651 Surfaced. Commenced patrolling SE of ST. PIERRE
     Island.

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— page 83 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

8 June

0000 Patrolling to SE of ST. PIERRE Island.
0932 SD contact at 20 miles.
1200 Posit: Lat. 1-32 N
Long. 108-52 E
1505 SD contact at 16 miles. Sighted Privateer.
Learned via VHF that he had sighted nothing except
a schooner in PONTIANAK ROAD, but that he had
already gunned it himself. Decided that we would
go down that way in a day or so and see if there are
any others about.
1800 SD contacts at 22 and 23 miles.
1807 Sighted land plane with fixed landing wheels. Not
positively identified, but it resembled "VAL" (AC #6).

9 June

0000 Patrolling to southeast of ST. PIERRE Island.
0033 Headed for vicinity of SERASAN PASSAGE for change of
location.
0255 Commenced patrolling across western approach to
SERASAN PASSAGE.
0627 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Posit: Lat. 2-22 N
Long. 108-53 E
2037 Surfaced.

10 June

0000 Patrolling western approach to SERASAN PASSAGE.
0506 Shifted patrol station to southeast of ST. PIERRE
Island.
0745 SD contact at 21 miles. Sighted "BETTY" (AC #7).
0750 SD contact at 22 miles.
0808 Sighted "BETTY" (AC #8). Dived.
0856 Surfaced.
1200 Posit: Lat. 1-38 N
Long. 108-43 E
1334 SD contact at 22 miles. Sighted "BETTY" (AC #9).
2007 Shifted patrol station to NE of ST. PIERRE Island.

11 June

0000 Patrolling NE of ST. PIERRE Island.
0400 Shifted patrol station to vicinity of BURONG ISLANDS.
0741 SD contact at 11 miles.
0743 Sighted plane, probably "BETTY" (AC #10).

- 19 -

— page 84 —
OCCASIONAL L.L.
(B) NARRATIVE
U.S.S. CHIMIN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(Cont'd)

1045 Sighted two 2-masted topsail schooners (SC #1)
     heading north in company in SINGK.WANG BAY.
     Proceeded to investigate. The size (about 75 tons)
     of these schooners and the type and quality of
     their rigging put them in a category above native
     craft. After considering the orders which specifically
     forbid the promiscuous sinking of N.E.I. native
     craft, decided that the cargo carrying capacities
     of these schooners warranted their being sunk.
     This decision was made after inspecting them with
     a 16 power long glass at less than 5,000 yards.
1155 Manned 5 inch deck gun and opened fire. (See Gun
     attack #1).
1200 Posit:
          Lat. 1-00 N
          Long. 103-53 E
1222 To
1226 Both schooners sunk. Each schooner required about
     5 hits to be sunk, but it took a total of 83 rounds
     for us to obtain results.
1227 Moved out to 10 fathom line at 4 engine speed.
1258 Sighted Privatoer.
1428 Proceeded to work water out of hydraulic system.
1700 Surfaced.
1800 Headed north to patrol vicinity to west of SOUTH
     N.TUNA ISLANDS.

12 June

0000 Patrolling to westward of SOUTH N.TUNA ISLANDS.
0635 Dived for submerged patrol of approach to SERASAN
     PASSAGE.
1130 Sighted Privatoer.
1200 Posit:
          Lat. 2-24 N
          Long. 108-55 E
2051 Surfaced. Headed south to patrol SE of ST. PIERRE
     Island.

13 June

0000 Patrolling SE of ST. PIERRE Island.
0849 Headed south to patrol off RAJA POINT.
1200 Posit:
          Lat. 01-15 N
          Long. 108-42 E
1803 SD contact at 14 miles.
1805 Sighted "BETTY" (AC #11). Two more SD contacts.
     It seemed to suspect that we were not another
     sailboat (there was one a mile or two from us at
     the time).
1809 Sighted two more "BETTY'S" (AC #12) and (AC #13).
     Dived.

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— page 85 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1838 Surfaced.
1943 Headed north for vicinity of ST. PIERRE Island.

14 June

0000 Patrolling SE of ST. PIERRE Island.
1200 Posit: Lat. 1-45 N
Long. 108-45 E

15 June

0000 Patrolling SE of ST. PIERRE Island.
0735 Headed south to patrol off coast between RAJA
REJOINT and BUONG ISLANDS.
0838 SD contact at 17 miles. Sighted "BETTY" (AC #14).
1200 Posit: Lat. 1-08 N
Long. 108-43 E
1332 Sighted Privateer. SD contact at 18 miles.
Received report via VHF that he had sighted nothing
of interest.
1652 SD contact at 12 miles.
1653 Sighted plane, thought to be "TOPSY" (AC #15).
Though he would pass fairly close, his altitude was
at least 8,000 feet, so decided to try to wait him
out. However, when SD lost him at less than three
miles, he commenced to maneuver. Dived.
1743 Surfaced.
1754 SD contact at 13 miles. Sighted "BETTY" (AC #16).
1755 SD contact at 14 miles. Sighted 2nd "BETTY" (AC #17).
1806 SD contact at 12 miles. Sighted 3rd "BETTY" (AC #18).
2340 Sent message to CTG 71 reporting regularity with
which Jap planes passing over the same
place on the BORNEO coast. We believe that this
information may be of value to our air command.

16 June

0000 Patrolling to northward of BURONG Islands.
0015 Detected SJ radar interference. Challenged.
0100 Received reply to challenge and exchanged calls
with south bound KRAKEN.
0135 Received message from CTG 71 directing us to commence
return to FREMANTLE upon receipt of message.
Further ordered to patrol 4 days in JAVA SEA
along south coast of BORNEO.
1200 Posit: Lat. 0-25 S
Long. 107-57 E
1841 Sighted U.S. submarine on quarter.
1850 Exchanged calls with KRAKEN via SJ radar.

- 21 -

— page 86 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

2114 Commenced transit of KARIMATA STRAIT.

17 June

0000 Transitting KARIMATA STRAIT.
0003 Detected SJ radar interference ahead. Challenged.
0011 Exchanged recognition signals and calls with
north bound CHCE.
0530 Cleared KARIMATA STRAIT and headed east in JAVA SEA.
1200 Posit: Lat. 4-05 S
Long. 110-08 E
1609 Made trim dive.
1930 Headed NE to close the coast in vicinity of TG
POETING.

18 June

0000 Patrolling to eastward approximately along the 10
fathom line south of TG POETING.
0445 Headed to seaward in order to be divable waters
during daylight.
1200 Posit: Lat. 04-22 S
Long. 113-05 E
2105 Headed NW to close coast in vicinity of CAPE
SELATAN.

19 June

0000 Patrolling to the eastward along 10 fathom
line north of CAPE SELATAN.
0315 Headed to seaward vicinity west of LIUROT ISLANDS to
patrol in divable water during daylight.
1104 SD contacts at 18 and 23 miles. Sighted 2 Liberators.
Very sketchy communications established via VHF.
1200 Posit: Lat. 04-42 S
Long. 115-06 E
2000 Commenced closing the coast to patrol along 10
fathom line east of CAPE SELATAN.

20 June

0000 Patrolling along 10 fathom line east of CAPE
SELATAN.
0400 Headed to seaward in order to patrol in divable
water west of LIUROT ISLANDS during daylight.
1200 Posit: Lat. 4-48 S
Long. 114-48 E
2030 Departed area enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.

- 22 -

— page 87 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

21 June

0000 Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
1200 Posit: Lat. 6-40 S
Long. 116-39 E
2012 Approaching LOMBOK STRAIT went to 4 engine speed.
2235 Detected SJ radar interference ahead.
Challenged.
2258 Received reply from Northbound HARDHEAD.
2345 Cleared LOMBOK STRAIT.

22 June

0000 South of LOMBOK STRAIT enroute FREMANTLE.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-28 S
Long. 115-20 E
2030 Sent message to CTF 71 giving ETA FREMANTLE.

23 June

0000 Enroute FREMANTLE.
1200 Posit: Lat. 15-13 S
Long. 114-41 E

24 June

0000 Enroute FREMANTLE.
0007 Exchanged recognition signals with Northbound
BAYA.
0907 Sighted Northbound [UNCLEAR: BLUEB].
1200 Posit: Lat. 19-36 S
Long. 113-15 E
1809 Sighted Northbound HARDHEAD.
2044 Exchanged recognition signals with Northbound
BECUNA.

25 June

0000 Enroute FREMANTLE.
0615 Sent message to CTF 71 giving revised ETA
FREMANTLE.
1200 Posit: Lat. 24-00 S
Long. 112-23 E

26 June

0000 Enroute FREMANTLE. Sighted Northbound CAVALLA.
1200 Posit: Lat. 28-47 S
Long. 112-37 E

- 23 -

— page 88 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CABEZON WAR PATROL NO. THREE
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

. 1355 Sighted H.N.M.S. O-19.
  2210 Received message from CTF 71 to proceed into
       harbor unescorted.

27 June

0000 Enroute FREMANTLE.
0449 Sighted ROTTNEST LIGHT.
     Remained out to sea until daylight.
1239 Moored in berth 5 Fremantle Harbor, Fremantle,
     Western Australia.

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— page 89 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(C) WEATHER
No remarks.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
No remarks.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No remarks.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
| Time | Lat. | Long. | Type | Initial Range | Est.Course | Speed | How Cont. | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No.Date | 1. 25 May | 0126 | 12-54N | 109-30E | AH | 28000 yds | 170T | 14 kts | Lights Sighted | See (M) RADAR |
| 2. 11 June | 1045 | 1-00N | 108-54E | Schooners | 12000 yds | 000T | 4 kts | High Peris. | Sunk |

- 25 -

— page 90 —
PATROL NO. THREE
(G) AIRCRAFT CONT.CTS

No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type | Initial Range | Course Speed | How Cont. | Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
1. | 9 May | 0933 | 11-2.3N | 109-27E | Jake | 16000 yds | 070°T 120 kts | Sight | Rec'd 4 Bombs
2. | 10 May | 0705 | 11-5.5N | 109-20E | Jake | 4 to 5 miles | | Peris. |
3. | 19 May | 0724 | 11-21.5N | 109-20.5E | Jake | 10 miles | | Sight | Dived
4. | 21 May | 2008 | 11-47.5N | 109-16E | Jake | 10 miles | | Peris. |
5. | 23 May | 1800 | 11-50N | 109-19E | Jake | 5 miles | | Peris. |
6. | 8 June | 0745 | 01-37N | 109-55E | Val(?) | 18 miles | | SD | Sighted One
7. | 10 June | 0750 | 01-41N | 108-47E | Betty | 21 miles | | SD | Sighted
8. | 10 June | 0834 | 01-41N | 108-47E | Betty | 22 miles | | SD | Sighted Dived
9. | 10 June | 1741 | 01-30N | 108-51E | Betty | 15 miles | | SD | Sighted
10. | 11 June | 0803 | 01-33.5N | 108-47E | Betty | 11 miles | | SD | Sighted
11. | 12 June | 1302 | 01-19N | 108-41E | Betty | 14 miles | | SD | Sighted
12. | 13 June | 0638 | 01-19N | 108-41E | Betty | 14 miles | | SD | Sighted Dived
13. | 13 June | 1754 | 01-00N | 108-41E | Betty | 14 miles | | SD | Sighted
14. | 15 June | 0652 | 01-00N | 108-49E | Betty | 17 miles | | SD | Sighted
15. | 15 June | 1306 | 01-00N | 108-43E | Topsey | 13 miles | | SD | Sighted
16. | 15 June | 1804 | 01-00N | 108-39E | Betty | 13 miles | | SD | Sighted
17. | 15 June | 2000 | 01-00N | 108-39E | Betty | 14 miles | | SD | Sighted
18. | 15 June | 2100 | 01-00N | 108-39E | Betty | 12 miles | | SD | Sighted

- 26 -

— page 91 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CAIMAN
WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(H) ATTACK DATA

GUN ATTACK NO. ONE
Time: 1155
Date: 11 June 1945 Lat: 1-00N; Long: 108-54E

Target data - Damage inflicted
Sunk
2 two-masted topsail schooners, estimated 75 tons
each.

Damage Deter-
mined by
Both observed to sink.

Details of Action

Gun used:
5"/25 Cal. deck gun
Rounds fired:
83
Type ammunition:
H.C.
Effectiveness of Fire:
Fair; very high percentage of close
misses.
Average Range:
4500 yds for 38 rounds.
2800 yds for 45 rounds.
Fire Control used:
Radar ranges; TDC as range keeper;
Periscope Spotting.
Erratic Performance:
1 misfire; unloaded through breech.

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— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. CAIMAN
WAR PATROL NO. THIRD

(I) MINES

Two spherical horned mines were sunk NW of CAPE
PADARAN on 15 May 1945. Neither mine exploded in
spite of several 20mm hits.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

No remarks.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

(1) Engineering (General Motors 16-278A Main Engines)

Injector filters of the sintered bronze type again
caused trouble due to deterioration and carrying away of
filter material. The three times that the filters
caused trouble is considered an overall major defect as
each time an engine was put out of commission.

(2) Torpedoes

(a) On first routine battery charge torpedo number
54007 (Mk 18-1) was found to have one low cell and
zero ground reading. The ground was traced to the
starting motor main switch and was found to be caused by a small
piece of copper wire lodged between the contact and
the frame of the switch. The ground was cleared by
removing the piece of wire. Attempt was made to
bring the low cell up by charging, but the maximum
specific gravity attainable was 1.220. The cell was
discharged and jumped out.
(b) On the second routine battery charge torpedoes
number 57447 (Mk 18-2) and 57180 (Mk 18-1) in tubes 2
and 5 respectively were found to have been slightly
damaged by undetected battery explosions. The extent
of the damage was: several badly burned and a few
cracked cell caps in each, one cracked cell top in
torpedo number 57180, burned hydrogen burner cable in
both, and slightly burned main cables in both. The
damaged cell caps were replaced, the burned part of the
hydrogen burner cable was repaired by splicing in a
new section of cable, and the charred portions of the
main cables were scraped down to good insulation and
painted with glyptol. The cracked cell top was cracked
in such a way that no repairs could be made, and since
further trouble was unlikely nothing was done to this
cell. The cause of the explosion was determined to be
improperly insulated connections between the cable from
the torpedo and the cable from the hydrogen burner panel.

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— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

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

A short circuit at this joint shunted part of the
current from the burner bringing the temperature too
low for combustion of hydrogen. Subsequent breaking
of the short circuit allowed the temperature of the
burner to rise back to normal after an explosive
quantity of hydrogen had accumulated.

In order to reduce the chances of similar
casualties in the future it is recommended that
two improvements in electrical torpedo hydrogen
burning equipment be made. One is universal use
of screened type hydrogen burners now being supplied
by some activities; the other is a satisfactory method
of connecting the burner cable from the torpedo to the
burner panel. The second item could be accomplished
by installing small plugs on the torpedo cable with
mating connections in a protecting junction box.

(3) Main Hydraulic Plant

The bow plane rigging control unit developed a
leak-by which by-passed oil from supply to return
side. Emergency solution consisted of closing the
supply to this unit at the manifold, opening it only
when diving.

(L) RADIO

No major casualties to radio equipment were sustained.
Serials were missed only because of atmospheric cond-
itions and faulty transmission from Subic.
It appears that Subic does not repeat all serials the
following night. All of our missing serials apparently
were transmitted only during daylight.
When lifeguard services are provided, the establish-
ment of communications prior to, or immediately after
"Bombs Away" would be of mutual benefit to both
submarines and aircraft. On one occasion we heard the
planes talking among themselves prior to T.O.T., yet
attempts on our part to establish communications
failed. This group of planes reported the CAIMAN as a
destroyer or large patrol boat. If communications are
established it is possible to ascertain if all planes
are safely on the way home so that regular patrolling
is resumed with a minimum of wasted time.

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— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(M) RADAR

     All radar equipment functioned satisfactorily
except for various minor derangements easily repaired
by ship's force.
     As happened during the second war patrol the SD
preamplifier power transformer burned out necessitating
the by-passing of the unit. SD ranges in excess of 20
miles were obtained both with and without the preamp-
lifier unit.
     Off CAPE VARELLA on the night of 24-25 May 1945, the
SJ-1 radar tracked a hospital ship to the remarkable
range of 110,000 yards. After normal performance
the ship disappeared at 33,000 yards and then reappeared
at 36,000 yards. Lobing bearings were easily obtained
from 36,000 yards to 110,000 yards. No unusual perform-
ance was noticed in returns from mountain peaks at this
time.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

     No remarks.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

     No remarks.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

     Food was excellent. Provisions from the United
States, particularly meat and poultry are especially
appreciated after a long period of Australian supplies.

     Habitability, though excellent for the first phase
of the patrol, deteriorated during the second phase.
The air conditioning plant was not able to cope with
higher air and injection temperatures. The result was
a cropping out of heat rash and tropical itch, part-
icularly among personnel stationed in the forward
torpedo and control rooms. These ailments, uncomfort-
able to the extreme, became a menace to the general
health of the crew. This problem can be solved by
the installation of a booster blower in the forward
hull ventilation supply line, combined with an
additional air conditioning unit similar to the
alteration already accomplished in various other
boats of this class.

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— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. THREE

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) Number of men on board during patrol 78
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 61
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 70
(d) Number of unqualified men making their
first patrol 9
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during
patrol 6

The performance of personnel was highly
satisfactory.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Base to area 760 miles - 11,700 gallons
In area 13,259 143,830
Area to base 1,870 23,350

(S) DURATION

Days enroute to area 4
Days in area 50
Days enroute to base 8
Days submerged 18

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes all. Fuel 8,000 gals. Provisions
20 days. Personnel Factor Indeterminate. Limiting factor
for this patrol: Orders of Task Force Commander and fuel.

(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

No remarks.

(V) REMARKS

Directives (a) and (b) of ComSub7thFlt Conf. Ltr.
FE24-71/L13-1, Serial 0243 of 2 February 1945, were
complied with. Lieut. (jg) J.V. PETERSON, U.S.N.R., was
appointed Security Officer. Through oversight this
information was omitted from the report of 2nd War
Patrol. Both directives were complied with on that
patrol.

[STAMP: 8 03905]

- 31 -

— page 96 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY

FC5-30/A16-3
Serial: 097
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323)
Report of Third War
Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :
Subject:

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 June 1945.

The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY.
The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
(1) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. The Third War Patrol of the CAIMAN under the command
of Lieutenant Commander W.L. FEY, Jr., U.S.N., was conducted in two
phases. First phase was conducted off the South Coast of Indo China
and the second phase was conducted off the West Coast of Borneo and
in the Java Sea. Patrol was of 62 days duration of which 50 days
were spent in the assigned areas. Life guard services were conducted
at various times during this patrol but no rescues were made.

2. Area coverage was excellent, however there were no
contacts worthy of torpedo fire. One contact was made with a proper-
ly marked hospital ship. On eleven June two, two-masted schooners
were sunk by gunfire in SINGKAWANG BAY. These schooners were un-
doubtedly carrying enemy supplies due to their size and quality of
their rigging.

3. The CAIMAN returned from patrol in good material con-
dition and it is expected that refit will be completed in the normal
time.

4. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew upon the completion of a well conducted
and arduous patrol which was unfortunately devoid of enemy contacts.

[SIGNATURE: Jesse L. Hull (faded)]
JESSE L. HULL.

— page 97 —
FE24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY 11/dm
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
Serial 0247-A
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L 18 July 1945

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CAIMAN Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 0247-A, dated 27 June
1945. Report of Third War
Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Third War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Third War Patrol of the CAIMAN, under the
command of Lieutenant Commander W. L. FEY, Jr., U.S.N., was con-
ducted in the SOUTH CHINA and JAVA SEAS, and consisted of two
phases separated by a re-fueling stop in SUBIC BAY on 31 May.

2. During the First Phase of the patrol CAIMAN main-
tained a close-in search for traffic on the coast of INDO-CHINA
from SAIGON to CAPE VARELLA. During the Second Phase of the
patrol CAIMAN made a careful search for enemy traffic in the
SOUTH CHINA SEA East of SINGAPORE and in the JAVA SEA South of
BORNEO. Although area coverage was very thorough, no contacts
worthy of torpedo fire were encountered. Two schooners were sunk
by gunfire after inspection indicated that their cargo carrying
capacities warranted their destruction. Lifeguard services were
performed upon numerous occasions but no rescues were made.

3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is not
authorized for this patrol.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew of the CAIMAN upon the completion of
this long and arduous patrol. The CAIMAN is credited with hav-
ing inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

SUNK

2 - Schooners by gunfire 100 Tons

- 1 -
[SIGNATURE: James Fife]
JAMES FIFE.
ORIGINAL COPY. 8 03905

— page 98 —
FE24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES N.VY 11/dn
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
Serial 0247-A16-3
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

18 July 1945

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CAIMAN Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 024, dated 27 June
1945. Report of Third War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Third War
Patrol - Comment on.

— page 99 —
[STAMP: REG. NO. F-2643]
[STAMP: P. S. N. J. 8 03905]
[STAMP: REG. SHEET NO. 247]
[HANDWRITTEN: 17 AUG 1945]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3(8)(F-3c/gtc)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 05612]

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS CAIMAN conf ltr
A16-3, serial 024,
dated 27 June 1945.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Third
War Patrol - comment on.
1. Forwarded.

[HANDWRITTEN: R+L]
[HANDWRITTEN: Miss.]

[SIGNATURE: J. H. Long]
J. H. LONG
By direction

Copy to:
ComSubs7th
ComSubRon-30
CO USS CAIMAN (SS323)

[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 17 AUG 1945]
[STAMP: U. S. FLEET]
[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]

[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 100 —
SS323/A16-3
Serial ( 025 )

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

Enclosures:

1.
of this ship conducted in the Java, Flores, and South China
Seas during the period 22 July to 19 August 1945; is
forwarded herewith.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/25/72]

U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
19 August 1945.

The Commanding Officer.
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) Commander Submarine Division TWO SIXTY TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY SIX.
(3) Commander Submarines, SEVENTH Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS 323) - Report of Fourth
War Patrol.

(A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSub7thFlt only).
(C) Top Secret report of Special Missions
(ComSub7thFlt only).
(D) Report of interrogation of several
native craft crews. (ComSub7thFlt only).

Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol

[SIGNATURE: W. L. FEY, Jr.]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

11 0100

— page 101 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE

U.S.S. CAIMAN
WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

Arrived Fremantle, West Australia, 27 June 1945,
from 3rd War Patrol and was assigned to Commander Submarine
Division 302 for administration and to A. T. & R. C. #6 and
S.R.U., Navy 137, for refit.

During refit the following major changes were made:
S.T. radar and directional APR were installed, two 40MM guns
were installed on the bandstands and one 20MM gun was installed
on the main deck forward, and a silencer was installed on
the low pressure blower.

The officers and crew returned from recreation leave on
12 July 1945, at which time Lieut. W.F. BENNETT, United States
Navy Reserve, and Lieut. (jg) R.G. ROECKHLEIN, United States
Navy Reserve, were detached and Ensign W.F. FILLIUS, Jr.
United States Navy Reserve, reported for duty.

During readiness for sea period deep dive, sound and
electronic tests were made. The sound test necessitated re-
drydocking the ship. Three days were spent in training which
included day and night approaches, firing of three exercise
torpedoes, firing of 5"/25 and 40MM guns at towed target,
firing of MK 27 and 28 torpedoes. Captain P.H. ROSS, United
States Navy, was aboard for two days and a night as training
officer.

In loading ship 70 extra rounds of 5" ammunition were
stored in the forward torpedo room at the expense of two
torpedoes. This arrangement enables us to carry 167 rounds
of 5" ammunition.

- 1 -

— page 102 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE
U.S.S. CATMAN WAR PATROL NO. FOUR
List of officers and chief petty officers attached:

NAME                       RANK/RATE           NO. PATROLS
FEY, William L. Jr.        Lieut. Comdr.       4
MCGUINNESS, W.             Lieut. Comdr.       4
EMERY, J. H. Jr.           Lieutenant          4
PETERSON, J. V.            Lieut. (jg)         4
O'NEAL, W. H.              Lieut. (jg)         3
LAKE, E. W.                Lieut. (jg)         14
PETRAT, W. F.              Ensign              2
FILLIUS, M. F.             Ensign              1
JACKS, H. P. Y.            Lieut. RANVR        2
NICOLSON, L. A.            Lieut. RANVR        3
JONES, John Emanuel        (SS)                7
SAXON, Robert L.           (SS)                7
COTE, John F.              (SS)                8
MALIKOWSKI, Stanley P.     (SS)                4
KISH, William B.           [UNCLEAR: CHOMM]    1

NOTE: ALL TIMES ITEM (ZONE MINUS NINE).

22 July
1450 Underway from Fremantle, West Australia, for
     4th war patrol in accordance with CTG 71.1
     OpOrd No. 97-45.
1600 Conducted practice gunshoot at towed target.
1830 Made trim dive.
1900 Commenced night approaches on 3 ship targets.
2400 Released targets and set course for LOMBOK
     STRAIT, via safety lane.

23 July
0000 Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
1200 Posit: Lat. 29-47 S
                     Long. 113-24 E
1415 Sighted submarine; probably Southbound HMS
     TRENCHANT.

24 July
0000 Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
1200 Posit: Lat. 25-09 S
                     Long. 112-29 E

- 2 -

— page 103 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

25 July
0000 Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
1105 Made training dive.
1200 Posit: Lat. 20-00 S
Long. 112-58 E
1410 Made training dive.
1625 Made training dive.

26 July
0000 Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
0448 Exchanged recognition signals with Southbound
U.S.S. BLUEFISH.
1105 Made training dive.
1200 Posit: Lat. 15-08 S
Long. 114-36 E
1255 Made training dive.
1625 Made training dive.

27 July
0000 Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
0724 Sighted object; thought to be upper works of
friendly merchantman. Avoiding action unnecessary.
1000 Made training dive.
1200 Posit: Lat. 10-06 S
Long. 115-40 E
1336 Made training dive.
1555 Made training dive.
1615 Made training dive.
1947 Contacted BALI ISLAND on SJ radar at 65,000 yards.
2230 Commenced transit of LOMBOK STRAIT; experiencing
heavy rips and violently confused seas plus
a 4 to 5 knot southerly current.
2352 Passed the LOMBOK gun battery without incident,
probably because of rainfall over SW tip of
LOMBOK ISLAND.
2355 Adjusted course to close coast of LOMBOK in
vicinity of KOMBAL BAY.

28 July
0000 Underway in LOMBOK STRAIT heading for entrance
to KOMBAL BAY.

-3-

— page 104 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE
U.S.S. CABRILLA WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

28 July
0150 Rounded PENANJAU ISLAND and headed for coast in
vicinity of BIMA. NOTE: As we have no
time to spare we will make a close inshore patrol
from BIMA BAY investigating the various
known JAP anchorages on the way.
0600 About 2 miles off SULAWESI, dipped down into
entrance of ALAS STRAIT, but discovered nothing
on either side.
0730 Headed for RAJAWALI ISLAND.
1012 Came alongside native boat about 8 miles north
of RAJAWALI ISLAND for interrogation of natives
by AIB officers. Results included in separate
report. No cargo aboard.
1130 Found nothing in vicinity of SATONDA ISLAND so
headed for SANGGAR BAY.
1200 Position: Lat. 7-59 S
Long. 117-46 E
1201 Sighted U.S.S. CABRILLA and closed her to
communicate via semaphore.
1245 Came alongside native boat for interrogation of
natives by AIB officers. Results included in
separate report. These natives were fleeing
the CELEBES area because of wholesale confiscation
of their boats by the JAPS. No cargo aboard.
1332 Sighted British submarine, probably HMS STUBBORN.
1600 Made careful search inside SANGGAR BAY and
discovered nothing, so headed for BIMA BAY.
1900 Found nothing in entrance to BIMA BAY except
small sailboats. Considered that these boats
were too close to shore for going alongside.
Had hoped to obtain information on the ship-
ping situation at BIMA from one of them.
2018 Headed for entrance to FLORES SEA safety lane.

29 July
0000 Underway in FLORES SEA enroute entrance to
safety lane.
0730 Entered safety lane.
1100 Brought two small native boats alongside for
interrogation of natives by AIB officers.
Results included in separate report.

[HANDWRITTEN: - 4 -]

— page 105 —
. 1200 Posit: Lat. 6-45 S
                                Long. 120-34 E

30 July
0000 Underway in MOLUCCA SEA safety lane.
0200 Headed North for MOLUCCA SEA.
0937 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit: Lat. 4-52 S
                                Long. 123-25 E
1930 Headed for East coast of CELEBES ISLAND North
     of KENDARI BAY.

31 July
0000 Underway in MOLUCCA SEA off East coast of
     CELEBES ISLAND North of KENDARI BAY.
0534 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1200 Posit: Lat. 3-49 S
                                Long. 122-31 E
1951 Surfaced.

11 August
0000 Underway off coast of CELEBES ISLAND North
     of KENDARI BAY.
0537 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1200 Posit: Lat. 3-50 S
                                Long. 122-31 E
1621 Felt scraping and bumping along starboard side
     of hull, followed by a slight pounding movement
     of boat. A sounding taken a moment later indi-
     cated 15 fathoms and another 30 fathoms. The
     15 fathom sounding is at variance with chart.
     Believe that we touched an uncharted pinnacle
     in posit: Lat. 3-48.5S, Long. 122-31E. The
     suspected pinnacle must be quite small as
     earlier we had been in almost the same position.
     Damage sustained.- 1 pit log sword arm ruined.
1954 Surfaced.

2 August
0000 Underway off East coast of CELEBES ISLAND North
     of KENDARI BAY.
0537 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1200 Posit: Lat. 3-52 S
                                Long. 122-34 E
1947 Surfaced.

                                - 5 -

— page 106 —
- 9 -

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE
U.S.S. CALDAN WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

3 August
0000 Underway off East coast of CELEBES ISLAND.
0750 Posit: Lat. 3-51 S Long. 122-33 E
1200 Dived for all day submerged patrol.
1955 Surfaced.

4 August
0000 Underway off East coast of CELEBES ISLAND.
0100 Departed KENDARI BAY.
0710 Posit: Lat. 4-15 S Long. 123-25 E
1710 Between BUTON and WANGI WANGI ISLANDS, brought
     one of four native boats alongside for inspection
     and interrogation of crew by AIB officers.
     Results included in separate report. Cargo:
     trivial. Did not deem it worthwhile to inspect
     others.

5 August
0000 Underway in FLORES SEA enroute JAVA SEA.
0000 Posit: Lat. 6-50 S Long. 120-07 E
1350 Sighted plane; SD contact at 18 miles. Fired
     recognition pyrotechnic. Plane continued
     on heading straight at us.
1352 Plane tentatively identified as PBM.
1354 Plane still heading straight at us - no IFF or
     VHF. Although fairly sure that he is friendly,
     am not sure he understands the situation. We
     are just clear of the safety lane; further this
     particular blind bombing zone recently was
     changed to an air-surface zone. Is he insists
     on heading straight in - Dived.
1444 Surfaced.
1733 Brought small native craft alongside for interro-
     gation of crew by AIB officers. Approximately
     200 lbs of copra aboard. No cargo
     aboard.

— page 107 —
CONFIDENTL
(B) NARRATIVE J.S.S. CAIMAN W.R PATROL FOUR

6 August

0000 Underway in FLORES SEA enroute JAVA SEA.
0655 Detected SJ radar interference ahead.
Challenged but received no response.
0705 Confused signals on SJ radar.
0747 Again detected SJ radar interference. No
success in exchanging recognition signals.
1200 Posit: Lat. 7-06 S
Long. 117-29 E
1203 Sighted U.S. submarine in high periscope.
1206 Submarine dived; apparently he is planning an
attack with us as target. Changed to course
90 degrees from his bearing and went to four
engine speed. This will frustrate him if he
is really trying to attack.
1224 Sighted the other submarine surfacing.
1255 Finally exchanged recognition signals via SJ
radar and identified him as U.S.S. CHUB.

7 August

0000 Underway in FLORES SEA enroute JAVA SEA.
0628 Dived for all day submerged patrol North of
LITTLE MASALEMBO ISLAND.
1200 Posit: Lat. 5-23 S
Long. 114-26 E
2030 Surfaced

8 August

0000 Patrolling North of LITTLE MASALEMBO ISLAND.
0647 Dived for all day submerged patrol North and
West of LITTLE MASALEMBO ISLAND.
1200 Posit: Lat. 5-28 S
Long. 114-24 E
2021 Surfaced.

9 August

0000 Patrolling North of LITTLE MASALEMBO ISLAND.
0200 Headed for SEKALA ISLAND.
0750 Brought native boat alongside for inspection
and interrogation of crew by AIB officers.
No cargo aboard.
1200 Posit: Lat. 6-14 S
Long. 116-17 E
2000 Off SEKALA ISLAND.
2200 Accomplished Special Mission.
- 7 -

— page 108 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. 40

10 August

0000 Enroute CAPE BENDOH.
1200 Posit: Lat. 6-04 S
Long. 114-20 E
1330 Brought 2 masted PRAU alongside. Manned by
native crew. Craft's papers revealed a
cargo of 12 tons of salt and 1½ tons of
miscellaneous items from SURABAYA consigned
to JAPS in BANDJERMASIN. When ordered to
jettison the cargo, the master of this craft
claimed that his boat would capsize. His
suggested solution was to sink the craft and
put the crew on a BORNEO bound sailboat, and
for the AIB officers to take him to AUSTRALIA
as a volunteer. Took crew aboard and sank
PRAU with 40MM. Incidentally, 18 bottles of
whiskey were confiscated.
1635 Sighted Catalina.
1826 Brought 2 masted PRAU alongside. Cargo consisted
of 7000 coconuts consigned to MADURA. Ordered
crew to jettison cargo, but did not wait for
completion of job. These natives were in too
great a state of terror to be of any interrogation
value.

11 August

0000 Enroute CAPE BENDOH.
0642 Dived for all day submerged patrol off
CAPE BENDOH.
1200 Posit: Lat. 6-33 S
Long. 111-29 E
2035 Surfaced. Headed for CAPE BREBES.

12 August

0000 Enroute CAPE BREBES.
0510 Made SJ contact on target that tracked at
10 knots. Hoped that we had a target from
SEMARANG, but was unable to make him out in
the darkness. Just before dawn detected
another target on same general bearing.
Dawn revealed two British submarines, the HMS
THOROUGH and TACITURN. Was very thankful
that the initial contact was not multiple.
Learned that there were no ships in SEMARANG
ROADSTEAD.

- 8 -

— page 109 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CATFISH WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

(B) NARRATIVE

0750 Brought native boat alongside for interro-
     gation. No cargo. Crew of TRAJ which
     we sank aboard this craft and arranged for
     it to go to BORNEO.
0800 Resumed inshore patrol.
0830 Brought native boat alongside for inspection
     and interrogation of crew by AIB officers.
     No cargo.
1200 Posit: Lat. 6-42 S
     Long. 110-10 E
1300 Off CAPE BREBES
1336 Headed for KARIMATA STRAIT.

13 August

0000 Enroute KARIMATA STRAIT.
0215 Sent message to CTF 71 reporting results of
     Special Missions.
1054 Brought native boat alongside for inspection
     and interrogation of crew by AIB officers.
     Cargo trivial.
1200 Posit: Lat. 4-35 S
     Long. 109-11 E
1643 Sighted derelict aground alongside EAST
     DISCOVERY SHOAL LIGHT HOUSE.
2005 Commenced transit of KARIMATA STRAIT.
2100 Received two messages from CTF 71. First
     message directed us to rendezvous with
     USS HAWKBILL to the East of the ANAMBAS
     ISLANDS and transfer our passengers.
     Second message directed us to join HAWKBILL
     in a coordinated gun attack upon TERAMPAH.

14 August

0000 Transitting KARIMATA STRAIT.
0400 Cleared KARIMATA STRAIT.
1200 Posit: Lat. 00-10 N
     Long. 107-59 E
1307 Sighted plane. SD contact 10 miles.
     Plane not positively identified, possibly
     search plane.

15 August

0000 Underway off MIDAI ISLAND awaiting
     rendezvous instructions.

- 9 -

— page 110 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE U.S.S. CAIMAN WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

16 August
0030 Received message from CTF 71 to avoid
     detection in vicinity of ANAMBAS ISLANDS
     and to rendezvous with HAWKBILL at 3° N,
     109-30 E at 2300 on 16 August. Decided
     to patrol West coast of BORNEO until
     rendezvous time.
1015 Received message from CTF 71 cancelling
     arrangements with HAWKBILL and further
     instructioned us to join CARBONERO off
     PULO TENGGOL.
1200 Posit: Lat. 1-19 S
     Long. 108-20 E
1430 Received message from CTF 71 ordering
     cessation of offensive action against
     JAPANESE.
1800 Received message from CTF 71 to proceed
     to SUBIC immediately. Headed for SUBIC.
2124 Sent message to CTF 71 acknowledging receipt
     of messages and giving time of arrival at
     SUBIC.

17 August
0000 Enroute SUBIC.
1200 Posit: Lat. 6-25 N
     Long. 108-15 E

18 August
0000 Enroute SUBIC.
1200 Posit: Lat. 11-40 N
     Long. 112-40 E

19 August
0000 Enroute SUBIC BAY.
0930 Arrive POINT ANDY.
1200 Posit: Lat. 13-25 N
     Long. 114-49.5 E

20 August
0000 Enroute SUBIC BAY.
0922 Moored in nest of submarines alongside
     U.S.S. ANTHEDON (AS-24) in Subic Bay, P.I.

- 10 -

— page 111 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. CABIN WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

(C) WEATHER
     No remarks.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
     No remarks.

(E) NAVIGATION AIDS
     No remarks.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
     None.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
     None.

(H) ATTACK DATA

                                        GUN ATTACK NO. 1
Time: 1330      Date: 10 August 1945    Lat::5-58 S    Long: 114-10 E

Sunk:           One Schooner rigged PRAU
                Capacity Tons 18
                Registered Tons 13
                Name: SARI BERKAT
                Identity ascertained from craft's book and papers.
                Cargo consisted of 12 tons of salt and 1½ tons
                of miscellaneous items from SURABAYA consigned to
                JAPS at BANDJERMASIN.
Damage determined by: PRAU seen to sink.

Details of Action:
                The PRAU was sunk by 40MM at point blank range
                after removing crew. 36 rounds were expended.
                About 8 would have sufficed, the extra rounds
                being used to work out gun crews.

(I) MINES
     None sighted.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
     No remarks.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
     None.

                                        - 11 -

— page 112 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(L) RADIO
None

(M) RADAR
(a) SJ - Operated very well except for two days
when the sensitivity dropped off intermittently to about
25% of normal value. The trouble was found to be a loose
and dirty connection in the magnetron filament voltage
circuit.
(b) ST - Operated satisfactorily except that the
beat oscillator required frequent tuning and the crystal
life was too short.
(c) SD - Operated satisfactorily except for a
period of two days when the mast became grounded. The base
of the mast was cleared and the ground gradually disappeared.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
None

(O) DENSITY
No remarks.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
(a) Health was excellent with no sick days.
(b) Food was above average particularly consider-
ing that the boat was loaded in AUSTRALIA.
(c) Habitability was fair. This boat could be
improved by the addition of a booster blower in the hull
supply system and an extra air conditioning unit. Similar
improvement has been accomplished on other boats of this
class.

(Q) PERSONNEL
The performance of duty of all personnel was highly
satisfactory.
(a) Number of men on board during patrol 76
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 58
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 61
(d) Number of unqualified men making their
first patrol 11
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during
patrol 0

- 12 -

— page 113 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. GATO WAR PATROL NO. FOUR

(R) MILES STEAMED AND FUEL USED

Fremantle to Area 1720 miles - 18557 gallons
In Area 5395 56569
Area to Subic 378 9174

(S) DURATION

Days enroute Area 6
Days in Area 21
Days enroute Subic 2
Days submerged 7

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
No. | Gals. | Days | Days
19 | 35,366 | 50 | Indefinite
Limiting factor for this patrol: Orders of
C.T.F. 71.

(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

No remarks.

- 13 -

— page 114 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-SIX
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
26 August 1945.

SC-26/L16-3
Serial: 0344

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. CALIAN (SS323)
Report of 4th War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-SIX.
To : Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarines, SOUTHWEST PACIFIC.
      (2) Commander SEVENTH Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CALIAN (SS323) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1. The fourth war patrol of the CALIAN, under the
command of Lieutenant Commander W.L. Fey, Jr., was conducted in
the Java, Flores, and South China Seas. The patrol was of twenty-
nine (29) days duration, of which twenty-one (21) days were spent
in the area.

2. No enemy ships or aircraft contacts were made.
Numerous native boats were stopped, interrogated, and cargo examined.
One gun attack was made. Two special missions were carried out.
The patrol was terminated by the cessation of hostilities.

GUN ATTACK NO. 1.

This was an attack on a two masted schooner rigged
prau of 18 tons displacement. Thirty-six (36) rounds of 40mm
ammunition were expended, sinking the prau.

3. The CALIAN arrived in a good materiel condition and
will be given a short refit by the USS ANTLEDON and Submarine
Division 262 relief crew.

4. The Squadron Commander welcomes the officers and men
of the CALIAN, and regrets their lack of opportunity to inflict
damage upon the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: B. E. Bacon]
B. E. BACON, Jr.

11 0100

— page 115 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0470-A
[HANDWRITTEN: 9471] UNITED STATES NAVY [HANDWRITTEN: A16-3] 29 August 1945.
[HANDWRITTEN: (line crossing out text)] C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L 12/mn

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CAIMAN Conf. Ltr.
A16-3 Serial 025, dated
19 August 1945. Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarines SOUTHWEST PACIFIC.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of Fourth War Patrol -
Comment on.

1. The Fourth War Patrol of the CAIMAN under the command
of Lieutenant Commander W. L. FEY, Jr., U.S.N., was conducted in the
FLORES, JAVA and SOUTH CHINA SEAS.

2. Three Special Missions were conducted. A separate
report covering these has been forwarded to the Commander SEVENTH
FLEET. One cargo carrying schooner was sunk by gunfire.

3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is
authorized for this patrol.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew of the CAIMAN upon the successful
completion of this patrol and upon their contribution towards the
defeat of the enemy.

SUNK

1 - Schooner [HANDWRITTEN: 18 Tons.]

[SIGNATURE: B. E. Bacon]
W. L. WRIGHT,
A. Chief of Staff.
ORIGINAL COPY.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) Direct ComSubRon-22 (2)
Opnav (2) Direct ComSubRon-26 (2)
Opnav Op-23C (1) ComSubRon-30 (2)
ComlstFlt (1) DivComSubRon-22 (1 ea)
Com2ndFlt (2) DivComSubRon-26 (1 ea)
Com7thFlt (1) DivComSubRon-30 (1 ea)
ComSubPac Adcomd (1)(air mail) S/M School, N. L. Conn. (2)
ComSubslstFlt (30) Comdt: NYD, Puget Sound (1)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4) SubAd, Mare Island (2)
CTF-71 (7) S/Ms 7thFlt (1)
CTG-71.5 (2)

[HANDWRITTEN: J. B. Miller]
J. B. MILLER, [HANDWRITTEN: 11 c100]
Flag Secretary.

— page 116 —
[STAMP: F [HANDWRITTEN: 489]]
[STAMP: NO [HANDWRITTEN: 11 0100]]
[STAMP: REG. SHEET NO [HANDWRITTEN: 20]]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3(F-3/gtc)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 0298]

8 OCT 1945

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS CAIMAN conf ltr [HANDWRITTEN: 9-01923]
SS323/A16-3, serial
025, dated 19 August
1945.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CAIMAN (SS323) - Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: J. H. Long]
J. H. LONG
By direction

[HANDWRITTEN: X]

— page 117 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-125-78]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7-108]

[Microfilm Resolution Chart Numbers]
1.0
1.1
1.25 | 1.4 | 1.6

4.5 | 2.8
5.0 | 3.2
5.6 | 3.6
6.3 | 4.0
7.1 | 2.5
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6

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