TMO 2.5 w custom mods
100 difficult. Contacts off, Cam on(for a change)
USS Drum SS-228
Fifth War Patrol
24 March- 1943
(A.) Prologue
Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. on January 22, 1943 from Fourth War Patrol. Commenced repairs and overhaul by Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, on January 25, 1943. Completed overhaul on March 11, 1943. Damage repaired.
4"/50 caliber gun installed forward of conning tower; pilot house cut away and twin 20 mm mounts installed fore and aft or conning tower, as well as on aft deck; all outstanding alterations completed. Loaded with 24 MK 14 torpedoes with new Torpex explosive warheads and new depth equipment, said to solved the deep running torpedo problem. Commenced training period March 16, 1943, and completed it on March 19, 1943. Ready for sea March 24, 1943.
B. Narrative
24 March
0900-Departed Pearl Harbor with escort PC 477 for assigned patrol area in Truk-Rabaul shipping lanes via Johnston Island. Orders specify a course that will take Drum through the Gilbert Islands between Tarawa and Makin Atolls.
1130-Trim Dive
1200-Surfaced
1300-1900-Conducted dive, torpedo, and gunnery drills.
25 March-
Conducted drills en route Johnston Island.
26 March-
1400-1700-Fueled at Johnston Island.
1705-Departed Johnston Islands for patrol area via Gilbert Islands.
6 April-
1524-Position 10' 0 S 149 10 E 75 NM NW of St Mathias Islands. One hour after submerging to avoid SD contact, sound reported distant props at bearing 289.
1537-Surface. Closed on contact bearing.
1551-Smoke Sighted bearing 350. Near simultaneous SJ contact bearing 354 9 NM .Appears to be a convoy. General Quarters.
1555-Submerged for attack. 7 NM ahead of convoy.
1616- Four ship one escort convoy course 015 speed 7 knots.
1649-Pinging. Drum somehow detected. Escort turning back 2000 yards away.
1650-ATTACK NO. 1: Switched to closest target, lead freighter in port column. MADRAS MARU class AK. Fired three MK 14 torpedoes range 1000 yards AOB 90. Depth 6 ft.
1651- Three torpedoes hit target. Third as Drum was passing 70 feet with escort closing.
1652-Escort closing in pinging short scale. Escort is MS-19 Class Minesweeper. Escort passed overhead. Splashes. Drum at 300 ft. DC explosions astern
1653- MADRAS MARU 3790 tons sunk 0 19 S 149 02 E
1700-Escort pinging closing Drum from 078.
1747-Close DC explosion. Damage reported (see damage section)
2000-lost sound contact with escort. Last heard leaving area at high speed.
2137- Visual, Sound, SJ SD sweeps all clear. Secure GQ, Surface for end around.
7 April-
0002-Regained SJ contact 001 9 NM. Continued end around.
0034-General Quarters.
0036- Convoy in sight. Course 012 8 knots. Approached from astern up to the port side of convoy, to gain position for surfaced torpedo attack.
0156-ATTACK NO . 2 :Fired four MK 14 torpedoes from stern tubes (on the surface) at two targets from 2100/1900 yards AOB 70/85. Two torpedoes prematurely exploded, one hit small freighter but failed to explode as confirmed by sound. One torpedo hit large freighter and exploded, causing large secondary explosion. Freighter dead in water. Heavy gunfire from convoy. shells landing to port and starboard ahead. Escort turned toward Drum firing. Drum on high speed run away.
0201-KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk at 0 17 N 149 10 E.
0218-Escort slowed and turned back, giving up chase. Drum continued on course SW to return to patrol area as last position shows had crossed out of area above 0 N of it in pursuit of convoy.
0225-Secure GQ. Reload torpedoes and complete battery charge.
2300-Heavy seas and wind.
8 April
0402- 0 40 S 147 30 E. SJ contact 320 9 NM. End around for dawn submerged attack.
0530- Ahead of two ship convoy, unclear if escorted. Visibility low. Convoy course 130 7 k nots.
0650-Range opening. Convoy zigged to west. New course 195 degrees. Heavy seas continue.
0850- General Quarters.
0903-Submerged for dawn periscope attack.
0925- Convoy zigged, with each ship in opposite directions. Ships are of identical class. Unclear if Drum detected (not sure how) or if routine move to throw off possible tracking submarine. Tracking lead freighter.
0943-ATTACK NO. 3- Fired two MK 14 torpedoes. Range 1000 yards AOB 85. Torpedo depth 15 feet. POA: MOT Both torpedoes impacted as aimed, causing large explosions and damage. Fires.
0946- KANAGA MARU 4923 tons sunk. 1 11 S 147 47 E.
1000-ATTACK NO. 4 Fired TWO MK 14 torpedoes 700 yards AOB 100. Torpedo Depth 15 feet. POA MOT. Both torpedoes impacted as aimed. one minute are second impact, a massive secondary explosion occurred, breaking the ship in half. KANAGA MARU class AK 4923 tons sunk 1 10 S 147 47 E
1005-Surfaced. Ran to west to clear scene.
1155-Submerged to reload torpedoes and permit crew rest. Unable to reload in heavy seas.
2100-Surfaced.
10 April-
0052- SJ contact bearing 054. Rapid bearing changes. Possibly warships out of Kavieng moving at high speed.
0053-General Quarters.
0130-Identified as two DD's possibly Kagero and Fubuki class. DD's were on apparent ASW sweep. Could indicate heavy traffic through area. Avoided contact and secured GQ, will patrol for more important targets.
0900-Patrolling 40 NM off Kavieng at 2 S 150 40 E
11 April-
.
0755-Sighted fishing boat possible picket.
0802-Submerged.
0821-Close inspection via periscope. Vessel appears to be native. No radio antenna or guns etc visible. Decided not to engage.
0830-Decided to remain submerged for day to patrol the strait between New Hanover and St Mathias Islands.
2133-Surface.
14 April-
0445-Encountered 3500 tons paddle coastal steamer off St Mathias Islands along with a large sampan. Steamer was flying Japanese flag. Believe making a cargo run to the Admiralties. Unusually far from shore, may have been lost in storms.
0455- BATTLE SURFACE GUN ACTION.
0505-GUN ACTION # 1: Sunk Coastal Paddle Steamer Est. 3500 tons at 0 45 S 148 35 N by 4 inch 50 cal gun fire (30 hits out of 51 fired) from ranges 4500-5000 yards. Steamer had 3 or 4 inch gun aft and returned fire with one shell coming close. Also fired with MG AC but Drum out of range
0516-Utilizing Drum's new additional twin 20 MM mounts, opened fired on the large sampan accompanying the steamer. The sampan was reduced to a flaming wreck with the hulk floating on fire by combined 20 MM fired. Used two 4 inch 50 cal shells at waterline to finish the job.
Sampan est. 80 tons sunk at 0 45 S 148 35 N.
0517-Secure General Quarters.
15 April-
1325-Submerged to avoid SD contact at 8 NM closing fast. 0 40 S 148 20 E.
2100-Surface.
18 April-
0234- SJ contact bearing 012 9 NM.
0245-General Quarters.
0314-Submerged for attack. Too much moonlight for night surface torpedo attack.
0330-Convoy zigged to west opening range. May be forced to fire from longer range.
0337-ATTACK NO. 5: Fired three MK 14 torpedoes. Range: 3455 yards AOB 90 Torpedo Depth: 10 feet. POA: MOT.
0338- two premature detonations.
0340-Torpedo impact. Large explosion. Target HAKUSIKA MARU 8150 tons. Sound reports engine noises on target have ceased.
0345-Pinging.
0346-DD overhead. Splashes in water.
0347-DC explosions. Drum at 350 ft.
0443-DD went silent. Believed DD was "sleeping" , listening.
0900-Dawn. Periscope depth. All clear. SJ sweep contact at 110. Visual on smoke plume, can see stationary vessel. This is vessel torpedoed in ATTACK NO. 5. Drum down to 90 ft. closed to finish target off. Believe escort and other AK left area.
1000-Opted to torpedo target in lieu of gun action. Seas are heavy. Target has 4 inch gun mounted forward as well.
1016 - ATTACK NO 5 (Continued) Fired 1 MK 14 torpedo range 800 AOB 90. Depth 15 ft POA MOT. Torpedo impacted but failed to detonate.
1017-Fired another torpedo. Impacted as aimed. Large hole amidships under stack. Large fire at waterline from the hole. Listing to port and by stern.
1022-Fired a third torpedo. Torpedo impacted.
1024-HAKUSIKA MARU 8150 tons sunk 0 15 S 149 03 E.
1100-Secured from GQ. Depth 300 feet. Reloading torpedoes, unable on surface due to heavy seas. Will remain submerged rest of day to avoid air patrols and allow crew to rest.
20 April-
1557 -SJ contact 059 9 NM closing fast. Weather:Storms, heavy seas, fog, rain. Estimated position 1 50 S 146 0 E 40 NM West of Admiralty Islands.
1730-Lost SJ contact.
22 April-
0655- SJ contact bearing 005 9 NM.
0720-Bearing changed, range opened. Believe convoy zigged to west. Closed for dawn periscope attack.
0745-Weather set in.Heavy rain wind seas, fog. Waiting to clear. Lost SJ contact.
Drum was not able to regain contact.
23 April-
2330- SJ contact 030 9 NM.
2332-Rapidly bearing change suggest targets moving high speed. General Quarters. Intercept course 220 flank speed.
2347-Convoy or task force course 170 est speed 18 knots. five contacts on SJ total. Will attempt night surface torpedo attack with stern tubes.
24 April-
0004-Two large AK or AP escorted by 3 DD DE. Course 171 17 knots. Contact report sent. 0 28 S 148 29 E Two large troopships three DD. One Fubuki class leading , other two unknown
0025-ATTACK NO 6. (night surface torpedo) Fired four MK 14 torpedoes Range: 3500 yards AOB 60. Forced to fire earlier due to port flank escorting DD rapidly returning to position and would be on top of Drum at planned firing point. Submerged just after firing.
0026-Two premature detonations.
0027-third premature. one torpedo impacted amidships of large troopship to be KOTOBUKI MARU 18765 tons. DD 1000 yards bearing 210. Pinging began 10 seconds after impact. Drum t0o 300 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge. A few depth charges were dropped but none close and escorts failed to established solid contact.
0326-Periscope/Radar depth. All clear. Secure SR Surfaced for pursuit course.
0800-Unable to regain contact with convoy. Turned north to avoid entering another patrol area. One KOTBUKI MARU class PL 18765 tons damaged by one torpedo hit.
26 April-
0928-Spotted fishing type boat bearing 004 range 6000 yards at dawn. BATTLE SURFACE GUN ACTION .
1003-Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM guns.
1008-Cease fire. Sunk one large Japanese fishing boat and one large sampan est 200 tons and 80 tons at 0 41 S 149 09 E.
1010-Secured GQ.
26 April-
0928-Spotted fishing type boat bearing 004 range 6000 yards at dawn. BATTLE SURFACE GUN ACTION .
1003-Commenced firing 4 inch and 20 MM guns.
1008-Ceased fire. Sunk one large Japanese fishing boat and one large sampan est 200 tons and 80 tons at 0 41 S 149 09 E.
1010-Secured GQ.
28 April-
0444-SJ contact bearing 035 9 NM.
0450-Rapid bearing and range change, believe have task for or high speed convoy as on 24 April.
0502-General Quarters. Range still closing. Speed is exceeding Drum's 20 knots. Opted for moonlight periscope attack with three remaining torpedoes in bow tubes.
0510-Submerged for attack. Lead DD spotted at 9200 yards ahead of Drum .
0517- Heavy cruiser. leading another possible CA with DD's forming screen possibly Takao Class at 3300 yards. Estimated course 350 speed 21 knots. Readied Tubes 3,4,5
0521 -ATTACK NO . 7: Fired three torpedoes. Range:2100 yards AOB: 80 Torpedo depth: 10 ft. POA: MOT MOT, Forward turret. Target is TAKAO CLASS CA 16870 tons.
0522-One premature detonation. Torpedo impact...last torpedo missed ahead by 10 feet or less as CA made hard starboard turn. Large fire consuming CA t impact area amidships and forward, bridge area on fire. Pinging from port flank DD just 1300 yards. Ordered 350 feet, rigged for silent running and depth charge.
0525-DC splashes. DD overhead. DC explosions appear all above.
0531-Drum at 380 feet. Two DD now hunting. The DD's made tow runs each, no DC came very close. The DD's then tooled around for some time. Once again .The attack was surprisingly lax. See ASW section .
0808-Visual and SJ sweep clear. Surface. Secure GQ. All torpedoes expended but will pursue course 350 at best speed in attempt to regain contact to observe damaged CA and send out another contact report if possible.
1737- Submerged to avoid closing SD contact.
1757-Surfaced.
29 April-
0000-Discontinued pursuit due to fuel level , position shows well out of patrol area and that by this point unlikely to regain contact. Set course for Brisbane. East coast New Ireland
6 May-
1000-Docked at Brisbane. Terminated patrol .
(C.) Weather
The weather during the entire time in assigned area had what can best be described as mostly unfavorable conditions that included; calm to glassy seas, little or no wind, or heavy seas with high winds along with frequent rain squalls with attendant poor visibility, and partly cloudy skies. Heavy weather which suddenly set in during tracking of contact, caused loss of contact and prevented attack.
(D) Tidal Information
In the patrol area, currents of one-half knot setting east to southeast were experienced at times.
In the area, westward of the Solomon Islands, from 10° S. to the pass between New Ireland and Buka, currents of 1.0 to 1.5 knots setting southeasterly were encountered.
(E) Navigational Aids
None sighted.
(F) Attack
Torpedo Attacks Conducted: 7
Torpedoes expended:24
Gun Attacks:4
Gun rounds expended:
4' 50 Cal. x 71
20mm x 1142
Sinking by torpedo:
Date: Time: Type/Class/Name Tonnage: Location:
4/6/1943 1615 AK-MADRAS MARU 3790 0 19 S 149 02 E
4/7/1943 0201 AK KIGAN MARU 7390 0 17 N 149 10 E
4/8/1943 0946 AK KANAGA MARU 4923 1 11 S 147 47 E
4/8/1943 1000 AK KANAGA MARU 4923 1 11 S 147 47 E
4/18/1943 1024 AK HAKUSIKA MARU 8100 0 15 S 149 03 E
Sunk by gunfire:
Date: Time: Type/Class/Name Tonnage: Location:
4/18/1943 0505 AK Paddle Steamer 3500 0 45 S 148 35 N
4/18/1943 0510 Large Sampan 80 0 45 S 148 35 N
4/26/1943 1008 Fishing Boat 200 0 41 S 149 09 E
4/26/1943 1008 Sampan 80 0 41 S 149 09 E
Damaged:
Date: Time: Type/Class/Name Tonnage: Location: Cause:
4/24/1943 0027 AP KOTBUKI MARU 18765 0 28 S 148 29 E Torp.
4/28/1943 0522 CA Takao Class 15870 1 23 S 148 27 N Torp.
(G.) Anti Submarine Measures and Evasive Tactics
Anti-Submarine measures on this patrol was essentially no different that what Drum had encountered on four previous patrols. The depth charge attack on 6 April was most effective of the attacks received on this patrol, causing some damage (see damage section). The Minesweeper escort appeared to only have stern racks and no throwers with what is assumed typical active and passive sonar gear. The ideal sonar conditions did assist in this attack.
The escorting vessels in the attacks on the KOTOBUKI MARU and Takao Class Heavy Cruiser were not as effective nor persistent as one would assume they would be. Believe where enemy vessels are escorting fast warships and transports, their goal in depth charging is to keep the submarine down so they fast ships can open the range and prevent a follow up attack, upon which the escorts utilizing their speed can rejoin. Drum has encountered this on previous patrols and this one as well. This is opposed to escorts of convoys with slower vessels which tend to be quite persistent in their attacks, which often last hours.
Patrol aircraft were encountered nearly daily but no visual contacts were made as SD provided ample warning to dive.
Two surface patrols consisting of DD or DE types were encountered during patrol, they were focusing on the Bismark Sea "chokepoint" between Admiralty Islands and New Hanover/St Mathias Islands, and New Ireland. Possible these vessels have surface search radar.
Evasive tactics during depth charge attacks were Drum's standard fare: 300 foot depth, silent running, 5-10 degrees rudder all times, alternating as required with 25-50 ft depth increase in increments when the escort is making its run, while Drum is in its sonar blind spot, along with a speed burst (ahead full or flank as needed) typically lasting 60-120 seconds to get out from under the depth charge pattern. During this patrol Drum did reach a depth of 400 feet to get under the sonar and charges on 6 April .
Tactics above were used in other evasions, but max depth reached was 350 ft.
The improved model of the SD radar installed during refit typically detected aircraft at 12-15 NM, permitting a dive. In the calm and clear seas where the boat is likely visible from air, will dive to 200 ft for 30-60 minutes before coming back to scope depth for a visual and SD sweep before surfacing. When required, may remain submerged to avoid persistent air contacts, such as after an attack.
Escorted enemy vessels have become more common in recent patrols but a proper convoy system does not seem in place as most consist of a few vessels and one escort.
(H) Major Defects and Damage
Torpedoes continued to suffer failures...primarily premature detonations. Depth keeping performance was improved this patrol as believed suffered no deep runners. Dud torpedoes are an additional issue as well.
On 6 April one or two close depth charges caused minor damage to after batteries, hydraulic, and trim pumps. Water and air lines leaks in the conning tower and control room as well as electrical shorts. No.2 periscope, TBT mount on the bridge, and forward dive planes were also damaged but all repairs were conducted at sea.
(I) Radio
Radio function was normal throughout patrol.
(J) Radar
SJ radar performed well for most of patrol, typically detecting larger vessels at 8-9 NM. Smaller vessels around 5-6 NM.
The improved SD radar installed during refit after last patrol worked well with aircraft typically detected at 12-15 NM.
(K) Sound gear and Conditions
WCA Listening and Sonar gear function well overall. The sonar conditions were ideal for most of patrol, aside from the storms. During trim dives each morning a thorough sound sweep is made and is often our first indication of a nearby vessel.
(L) Thermal Layers
Three thermal layers were encountered during depth charge attacks at 190 , 250, and 211 feet. They aided in the successful evasion of enemy escorts.
(M) Crew
Total Crew:68
Officers: 7(Including Commanding Officer)
Chief Petty Officers: 6
Men: 55
Morale: Morale is high after another successful patrol.
Health: Health of crew is excellent.
Injuries: No injuries on this patrol .
(N) Miles Steamed/fuel consumed
Brisbane to Area 1965 Miles 17405 Gallons
In Area 5565 Miles 38483 Gallons
Area to Brisbane 1951 Miles 19823 Gallons
Total 9481 Miles 75711 Gallons
Duration of Patrol: 42 days.
Reason for termination: All torpedoes expended and low fuel state.
(O) Remarks
Failure of the magnetic detonators continues to be a problem. In five patrols this issue along with others has cost Drum the sinking of several vessels, including the Takao CA on this patrol. The explosions endanger the boat and crew as they reveal presence to enemy escorts, alerting targets to take evasion action, and foiling attacks. The torpedoes failure to exploded on contact resulting in"duds" also remains an issue. Drum suffered no apparent deep running or circle running torpedoes this patrol.
The cut down of the conning tower to reduce visibility and allow a forward twin 20 MM gun mount as well as addition of aft deck twin 20 MM gun mount proved an excellent set up during the gun actions on this patrol. The 20 MM 's make quick work of the smaller vessels permitting conservation of 4 inch ammo for larger targets.
The new torpex warheads did make a noticeable difference when the torpedoes impacted the enemy. Examples would be ATTACK NO. 3, two torpedoes to each vessel was enough to do the job where as previously three torpedoes would have been typically required. The hit on the Takao CA caused serious visible damage, believed had one of the other two torpedoes impacted, the cruiser would have been crippled if not outright sunk.
Drum refitted prior to fifth patrol...pilot house further cut away to reduce silhouette with fore gun platform added. Additional 20 MM twin mount on aft deck.
20 MM's opening up on small craft during Fifth War Patrol (modded them to function as AI deck guns)
BATTLE SURFACE- GUN ACTION
Periscope photo of HAKUSIKA MARU sinking.
Aerial shot of Drum submerging in Australian waters.
Sunset photo.