A raid on Rabul.. (very) short story.

[SteamWake]

July 12, 1942 S-Class boat

We had been ordered by Comsubpac to patrol off / near the solomon islands. We steamed out of Brisbane and spent about a week in transit to our destination.

Aside from the occasional diving drill and quick dives to avoid air contacts the trip was un-eventfull with near perfect weather. We made good time.

When we arrived at our destination the Skipper ordered the engines to full stop. The skipper was experienced and had been in this area before. "A watery desert" he called it. Nothin out here but seaweed and blow fish.

It was rather nice out there floating on a calm sea. Some of the boys got a little swimming in. We all got a laugh out of Fred trying to get up the side of the boat when an emergency dive was called for to avoid an incomming aircraft. But he made it up in plenty of time and all was good. This sugar boat sure can get down in a hurry.

We stayed submerged drifting on the current for a good 4 hours. Playing cards listening to records, just generally shooting the bull.

I awoke the next day when the ship lurched and heaved as the diesels were started and we began to make headway. "Were off to richer hunting grounds" came the announcement over the speakers. 'Rabul' the hushed voices of the wide eyed crew filtered through the boat. The boys dident know wether to be excited or dismayed at this rumor. But there was no denying that they were headed WxSW at a pretty good clip.

We bugged sparky for more solid information, after all he got to see nearly all the correspondence. "I dunno" he said "all I know is we gots us orders to sink enemy shipping, and by god thats were gonna do !". "Its gotta be Rabul" one of the seaman blurted out. "Its the only port in this area". "Aint that place er.. pretty well guarded with (gulp) subchasers and stuff" another seaman asked. The first officer brushed this off with a glib "Ah they will never know what hit em !". The crew nervously agreed if not in a great cheer but more of a resignation to their 'fate'.

The boat pressed foward at nearly 10 knots as the cheif mechanic nervously watched the fuel consumption. It was only two days when we passed the penensula and began to work our way up the gulf. You can almost see Rabul from here the WO quipped confirming the crews suspicions. The word spread through the boat faster than a case of the crabs on shore leave.

--- End chapter one ---

Stay tuned for our next exciting episode "Spot or be spotted"

[kikn79]

Good beginning. Looking forward to the next installment.




Chuck

[AVGWarhawk]

Yeah Steamwake, looking forward to the next installment.

[SteamWake]

The majority of the crew were in their stupors. It was only a matter of time before you got that way. The droning of the engines the swaying of the boat. Next thing you knew you were staring into space with thoughts of loved ones at home.

Skipper nodded to his XO to open the com. As the com was opened a quick squeal of feed back and some scratches snapped the crew out of thier day dreams. They gathered about the speakers as though they expected a pin up girl to come oozing out of it.

"Now hear this" the skippers voice came through loud and clear. "I am aware of the rumors circulating that were going to 'raid' Rabul. Get this silly notion out of your minds. Were here for one thing only, to seek out and sink enemy shipping". You could almost hear the sighs of releif as the crewmembers sholders dropped a few inches in relaxation. There were a few of course that expressed their dissapointment. They wanted to be heros after all.

"Were going to patrol just outside the harbor in hopes of catching some un-suspecting SOB comming or going" the skipper continued. "Not chasing off on some fools errend". "Stay sharp and be ready for action. I suspect we will be seeing some soon !". The captin smiled and finished "Lets give em hell... that will be all". With a nod the com was closed and a cheer erupted throughout the ship. The crew knew the skipper knows his stuff and had no reason to doubt they would soon have a chance to test there mettle.

"Make turns for 8 knots turn heading 280" skipper ordered as the officers dutifully repeated. "Very well" skipper acknowledged. "Chip" the skipper called his XO by name, "come with me" and motioned towards his bunk.

The captains bunk was not the most private space on the boat but it was the best you could do in the cramped quarters of the S boat.

"Chip" the captain spoke softly in the confines of his bunk, "In spite of what Ive just told the crew if the chance to raid the harbor presents itself we may damn well just do that". "But the pickets sir ?" Chip expressed his concern. "What about them ?" the skipper urged him on. "Well Ive heard there pretty fast and damn good with there ash cans. Iv also heard they are so shallow you cant sink them with torpedoes" chip lamented.

"Pfffff" the captain let out a long sigh leaned back in his chair "of course your right you have heard these things. Dont misunderstand me the enemy is not a thing to be triffled with but there not the 'crack shots' youve been lead to believe. Oh we will be alright as long as we get the jump on them and thats what a sub does best" the skipper smiles reassuringly.

"Ship spotted, long range, bearing 300" came the call down from the bridge. The skipper and the XO's eyes met and they smiled to one another. "Lets kick some ass".

The skipper scrambled topside for a look see of his own. Off on the horizon there it was a composite freighter, un-escorted, low in the water laden with goods meant for the Japaneese army.

"All ahead full left 20 degrees rudder set course" there was a short pause as the skipper roughly guessed the ships apparent heading and speed through the TDC "Set course 275. Ready for dive on my command.

The boat lurched foward as the commands were transmitted down the telegraphs and the boat rolled into the turn. "We's gonna get us some now boys" the seaman were excited and maybe a little bit scared.

Everyone was nervously going about their dutys making sure things were lashed down, lubed up, and green to go. The nervousness soon subsided though after minutes ticked away with nothing but the sound clattering engines and water against the hull to break the silence. Some of the crew began to mutter 'Just anothe friggin drill Id bet".

Right about that time the klaxon rang out twice starteling the crew and the orders to dive were called out. "All shead full, periscope depth come left 10 degrees" oders given crisply by the skipper. "Now the hunt begins" he muttered almost indestincly.

"Up scope" as the skipper assumed his position near the scope as it rose up out of the floor. Skipper leand foward into the periscope rocking his face slowly to get a comfortable fit of the eyecups on the scope. He rotated the scope towards where he expected to see his target. "There she is" 'click' as he flipped in the magnifying optics. A few quick checks and some math in his head the skipper called out. "Single target, Composite freighter, Speed...... slow 6 knots, heading .... 170, Angle on the bow 40"... "Down scope, all ahead flank, come left 10 degrees heading 265, make depth 90 feet" the skipper spat out as he headed to the sonar station.

"We will be lucky to get into position in time, shame its daylight, we will do the best we can" he explained to the XO as he passed his station.

It wasent long before sonar picked up the track of the merchant, same speed, same course. "Good he hasent seen us" mused the captain. "SIR" the sonar operator spoke excitedly, "I have a second contact, same course same speed" he paused a moment wondering if he should be so bold as to say "Could it be a convoy ?" he blurted out. "Easy boy" the captain smiled re-assured him "When we get another 10 contacts we will call it a convoy". "This appears to be just what were looking for. Two easy targets without escorts. Just what the doctor ordered". "Range ?" skipper asked the sonarman. "About 4,000 yards, closing, still at 6 knots". "Grrrrr this is gonna be close" with that the skipper spun on his heels and returned to the attack periscope.

"Take her up to periscope depth cheif, lets have another look shall we. UP SCOPE". Skipper stood near the scope and slapped the handles down even as it rose. His face settled into the eyecups. "Dammit" he shrapley said and pulled away from the scope giving everyone in the con a start. He reached into a back pocket and pulled out a kerchief and proceeded to wipe the condensate from the optics. The crew let out there breath and turned their attention to their tasks.

Rotating the periscope head towards the plotted bearing Skipper could cleary now see two merchants. "Two contacts both merchants, frieighters, loaded up too !" with this the skipper turned to the XO and gestured him to the periscope. "Start your final solutions chip, I want to shoot at the furthest ship first then the closer. Let's try to supprise the hell out of them" skipper advised.

The XO expertly called out range bearing speed and AOB wich were dillegently plotted out on the attack map. He looked nervous the XO did, this was his first time of working a real solution at a real ship in a real war. "Down scope" the XO ordered. He was clearly emulating the skipper, some of the seaman glanced at one another and snickered. XO pretended not to notice but he did nervously fumble and drop his pencil when he approached the charts. It of course rolled accross the deck under some gear. "Dammit" the xo fumed. The seaman at the plot table smiled reached into his pocket and offered the xo a freshly sharpened pencil. XO snatched the pencil from the seamans hand in an indignent manner but turned his attention immediatly to the plot.

"Remember Chip" the captain spoke "I want a simultanious detonation. Dont forget the boats are heavily laden so allow for that in your calculations". "YES SIR" the xo barked. Skipper just shook his head and smiled.

A few moments pass when the xo lifted his focus from the map, checked his watch and called out "Helm 5 degrees starbod, slow to 2/3". The boat shifted when slowing from its frantic pace. A few loose items slid off various surfaces. This drew a sharp glare from the skipper. "Lets be a little more tidy shall we chip ?". Chip blinked he had been so focused on the solution he hadent even noticed the bits rolling about. "Yes sir" the xo replyed.

"We have about 10 minutes run till we are in range sir" the xo stated. "What range" the skip replyed. "Oh sorry sir, 3,000 yards" the xo explained. "A bit far out dont you think" the captain queried. "Well sir it is about the best we can do" said Chip. "Very well XO good luck".

--- end chapter two ---

Next chapter "Sometimes its the simple things"

Thanks for reading hope you enjoy my 'tale'.

[bookworm_020]

You bet we're enjoying this:up:

Now bring on the next chapter!

[darkfin]

Great story Steamwake. Anxious for the next part.

[ReallyDedPoet]

Nice work on this SW :up:


RDP

[SteamWake]

My goodness the typos and spelling is awfull.. Thats what happens when you type stuff half in the bag :p

Ill probably get to chapter 3 this afternoon or tonight.

Thanks for your support appreciate it and keeps me motivated.

[stuntcow]

Great read, thanks for the story and look forward to the next chapter.

[badaboom]

You're a Natural writer!!!!great read.:up:

[SteamWake]

Chapter 3 "Sometimes its the simple things"

Time passed quickly for the XO as he checked and re-checked the solutions that had been worked out. He called up to the torpedo room in order to get the required presets satisfied. Basically torpedo 1 would be set for the closest ship and two would be destined for the trailing cargo ship.

The sonar crew was doing a good job of keeping track of the contacts. They were right were they expected them to be and had not changed course or speed. "Perfect" xo muttered. "UP SCOPE" the xo barked. This time he really dident notice the crews amusement over the xo's imitation of the skipper.

The scope rose from the floor and stopped. The xo smugly pulled a kerchief from his back pocked and wiped the moisture from the eye pieces. Another emulation of the skippers behaviour. This time no one chuckled. Chip hunched foward to view through the attack scope. He briefly rocked the scope port and starbord muttering something under his breath. "Okay boys here we go ! OPEN TUBE 1 OUTER DOORS". The captain let out an audiable "Guff" but quickly rased his hand to his mouth to stiffle himself. Glances were exchanged about the crew was that a laugh or a cough. Chip pulled away briefly from the scope. "Something sir ?" "No Chip your doin fine". Chip returned to the eye cups.

"On my mark...." Chip paused to glance briefly at his watch.... "Fire ONE !". There was a muffled "fwoosh" hell you couldent even feel it. The crew looked at one another with that "is that it" in an anticlimatic mood.

Chip checked his watch once again and returned to line up the second ship... "On my mark ..... Fire TWO". This time nothing. Chip jerked upright and called out.. "What the hell ! Fire TWO NOW !" oh he was fuming. Finally the muffled fwoosh". "Son of a ... " the xo trailed off. He turned to the navigator whom was intently watching a pair of stop watches. "Time ?" xo asked gruffly. "97 seconds first impact sir.

The XO spun on his heels and headed for the torpedo room. "Uth oh..." the front planseman chuckled. "There in for it now". The sound of Chips irate stamping down the tube quickly subsided when scaring everyone half to death the skipper let out a big laugh. "Oh gawd" still laughing using his hankie to wipe the tears from his eyes.

"What sir ... What ?" to a man the crew begging. "Oh youll see" said the skipper in that omnipotent voice and posture. Still chuckling.

"What in the name of sam hill is going on down here" the xo had built up a good head of steam now. "When I say fire the torpedo you fire the God Damn torpedo. Do you have that sailor !" he sputtered. "Sir yes sir" the seaman was as stiff as a board terrified. Chip drew a deep breath and asked pointedly "So sailor would you be so kind as to explain to me as to WHY you did not fire the torpedo when ordered !". His voice rose to a great crecindo. You could almost hear him in the engine room. "Sir" the poor seaman nearly soiling his breeches now. "Uh it, er, it, we,". "Spit it out salor" Chip almost seemed to be enjoying it now. "Well sir you see" the sailor shifted his feet and began to reach for his collar. He remembered and re-assumed his stance at attention. "Well sir you see, well no one ordered us to open the outer doors". The XO's face went blank.

The immediate witneses to this event all did there best to stiffle there laughter. It dident help much. Givens jumped up and ran into the con. The rumor mill was now offically in full gear. It would be a matter of 30 seconds before the word had spread aft to stern.

The men in the con began to laugh too when the Skipper with a loud "MEN !, we have a job to do ! Id suggest you do it. We are not done here by a long shot. Try to keep it in mind. Im sure the enemy up there wont share our sense of humor ! NAV Time on target ?"

The laughter died sharply suddenly the atmosphere was much more intense. "10, 9, 8" The sailor at the map began to count down. The captain grabbed the attack scope and swung it on target. "3, 2, 1" everyone held there breath.

There was a some what muttered "Kawump" followed quickly by a "thunk" against the hull. The sub kind of bounced. A cheer erupted throughout the crew. "Direct hit, hella shot, I think she may go down."

"Someone get the xo on the bridge please, time on second torpedo ?" skipper asked the seaman. "20 seconds sir". "Unh huh" skipper shook his head. Just then the XO entered the conn. "Hey chip, come here" skipper gestured the xo to the scope. "Have a look".

The xo got to the attack scope and smiled as he looked at the burning merchant. "10, 9, 8" the seman began to count out. XO focused in on the second merchant. It had picked up speed obvious by its bow wake and was turning hard to port. "3, 2, 1," again everone held their breath. Skipper glanced at his watch everyone else did instincitvly. The seconds ticked by. "Cmon... come on !" Chip urged on while he watched the second merchant continue its manuveres.

"Shes turning aint she" skipper stated. Chip replyed "yes sir" without taking his eyes off the scope. "DOWN SCOPE" the captain barked. The scope lurched downward. Chip nearly lost his balance let alone his hat. The xo and the skippers locked. XO was still pretty warm. "Let it go chip we still have work to do. We will discuss this later" Skipper spoke calmly but firmly. "Sir... yes sir" chip replied.

"Take her up cheif" skip asked politely. "Surface the boat ! Dive planes normal surface all ahead....." chips stammared and glanced at the skipper. The skipper nodded and spoke quietly "full if you please". The seaman at the helm dident even wait on the xo and rang up all ahead full. The boat lurched foward and the bow began to rise. "Get Gordon and Smitty up here for deck gun duty" the captian spoke directly to the seaman at the plot station.

--- end chapter 3 ---

Next chapter "Of deck guns and egos where size matters"

[SteamWake]

I was wondering if you guys thought it would be a good idea to cull the chapters into one long post in the anchor post ?

If so should I delete the uh.. individual chapters and just do a bump when something is added ?

[Cooter1966]

Good reading so far, might I ask if your going to post some screenshots with your adventures?:88)

[SteamWake]

Good reading so far, might I ask if your going to post some screenshots with your adventures?:88)

Id need a brain scanner for that :rotfl:

[Elder-Pirate]

Just get the next chapter started man...........I'm shakeing here like a leaf with excitement. Damn I hope that freighters gun crew are lousey shots. Come on-come on get the lead out and move that sub. :rotfl:

SteamWake your right on with your tale, good job. :up: :rock:

[stuntcow]

Great Read!!!!!:cool:

[SteamWake]

Thanks for the words of encouragement (and bumps). It helps to keep me motivated.

I have to apologize for my horrific spelling and weak grammer not to mention inacuracies but its not like Im gonna try to publish this. Thats what proof readers are for :p This is just for fun.

Ill try to get to the next chapter tonight. No way till then.

Anyhow thanks again, enjoy.

[Elder-Pirate]

Are we there yet? Jeez someone give me a clean rag, gotta wipe off my binocs. SteamWake says there's a enemy freighter out there. :yep:

[kylesplanet]

Steamwake you are SO GOOD!!! I can't wait for the next chapter! This is a really good story and believable. I'm kinda pulling for Chip.:up: :up:

[donut]

"Remember Chip" the captain spoke "I want a simultanious detonation. Dont forget the boats are heavily laden so allow for that in your calculations". "YES SIR" the xo barked. Skipper just shook his head and smiled.
:hmm: Fire @ trailing ship first,longest run. Oops!:oops: Sorry,your story.:sunny:

[stuntcow]

I was not the only one that read thought that...... Was not my story so did not want to say anything but since you did...

[SteamWake]

"Remember Chip" the captain spoke "I want a simultanious detonation. Dont forget the boats are heavily laden so allow for that in your calculations". "YES SIR" the xo barked. Skipper just shook his head and smiled.
:hmm: Fire @ trailing ship first,longest run. Oops!:oops: Sorry,your story.:sunny:

Heh I knew some folks would be scratching their heads... task accomplilshed :p

Not to worry there is actually a reason for this 'flaw' which will be revealed in the next chapter.

Sorry I dident get to it last night Ill try for sure tonight.

[A_Engel]

Oh the suspense... Atleast I'll have something to look forward to tonight. :up:

[SteamWake]

The boat suddenly slogged and slowed. The bow had breached the surface.

Everything was different when the boat was on the surface, it pitched, rolled, yawed forth and back. The sailors feet shifted back and forth trying to keep their balance. It obviously was not a nice day topside.

"Were surfaced sir !" claimed a helmsman. "Very well" skipper responded. "Gordon, Smitty" your on. I have seen you boys in practice. Your good, lets see how you do now." The skipper caught their eyes and smiled. "Wait till I call ya up" skipper quipped. "Chip ?" skipper noted. "YES SIR" the xo replied. Obviously he had not relaxed much. The skipper put his hands out palm down... breathing out a smooth sigh, "Easy skip, we will get through this smelling like a rose. Just wait here till I call you up".

"Yes Sir" the xo replyed. He looked stunned, dismayed. Imagine petty officers on the bridge before him... a commisioned officer.... "Yes sir" he repeated.

The sound of a round singing over the top of the boat with an all to close sound of a cannon round striking water. "Zip, shoooonk, Thump".

Everyone within the sub ducked in reflex. Reality had set in. We are about to go toe to toe with an armed enemy ship. Chip sure had a change of attitude. He looked up at the skip but the Skipper wasent there. He had already started up the ladder.




---- I'm writing like doo doo tonight, I will continue this soon ---

Apologize for delays but life happens.

[jazman]

Here's where we get to contribute. Here's my ending, in the spirit of Das Boot, just to amuse the masses while they wait:

Unbeknownst to the crew, Flight Lieutenant Takahashi, at the controls of his large Type 97 Flying Boat spotted a sudden irregularity on the rippled but regular surface of the ocean below. Wheeling the lumbering flying whale around it soon became clear that it was a US sub. It was attacking a merchant ship. This anti-free-trade Yankee would certainly pay for his sins! though Takahashi, for a moment lost in wistful remembrance of university in America, studying economics.

Quickly but carefully lining up for the attack, the skilled Takahashi pushed the controls forward. Forward, forward, down, down, went the ungainly aircraft, then at just the right moment, as his countless training missions had taught him, he pulled up and released his bombs. The plane lurched a bit upward as the whale's deadly cargo sought a new home.

The shouts of "Banzai!" from his crew told the story. Only an oil slick remained where once a menacing fighting submarine had been spewing death! He exchanged an exultant Banzai! with his co-pilot.

Carry on!

[SteamWake]

Wow I cant believe Ive let this lay around for almost a year...

Sorry to drag up a very old thread but needed to tag it for easy retrieval. Might get involved in the story contest :up:

[buddha95]

My brother-in-law from West Virginia "had me learnt him to read" just for this story.

keep em coming

[donut]

Just dropped by to make sure you all hadn't bought the deep six.

[jazman]

Wow I cant believe Ive let this lay around for almost a year...

Sorry to drag up a very old thread but needed to tag it for easy retrieval. Might get involved in the story contest :up:
You never did finish it. I just plugged in something silly for the fun of it, and there it sat.

[Task Force]

Yea this story was just getting to its climax. Are you going to finish it.

[SteamWake]

Yes Im sorry, I need to cosolidate the parts and re-read it to pick it back up.

Couple of days ;)

[buddha95]

out standing