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CaptBones · 09-21-16, 12:25 PM

For an English version (well American English anyway!) of that report in a U-Boat, I'd say the best translation would be "Destroyer starting another attack run, Captain!"

In a WWII USN Fleet Boat, that report would be about the same, but not exactly and not even identical from one boat to another. The specific circumstances, as well as the degree of "informality" allowed by the CO and/or XO would determine the way in which reports were made. I'm sure you recognize that there are also considerable differences between Navy's of different countries and between submariners of WWII and today.

Under most similar circumstances for a USN WWII Fleet Boat, I'd expect the Sonar Operator would report "Destroyer now bearing 'XXX', estimated range 'YYY' (if he could provide a reasonable range estimate), turning port/starboard, speed increasing/decreasing (or turn-count 'ZZZ'), closing (or starting attack run)." In most USN boats he would not have added a "Sir" or "Captain" to the report...unless the CO (or XO or Diving Officer) had given him an order to "Report"; even in stressful situations there was an air of informality. In dire straits, the report could end up being as terse as above..."Destroyer starting another attack run, Captain!"

09-21-16, 12:25 PM	#2
CaptBones The Old Man Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rockton, IL Posts: 274 Downloads: 208 Uploads: 0	Almost a literal translation. For an English version (well American English anyway!) of that report in a U-Boat, I'd say the best translation would be "Destroyer starting another attack run, Captain!" In a WWII USN Fleet Boat, that report would be about the same, but not exactly and not even identical from one boat to another. The specific circumstances, as well as the degree of "informality" allowed by the CO and/or XO would determine the way in which reports were made. I'm sure you recognize that there are also considerable differences between Navy's of different countries and between submariners of WWII and today. Under most similar circumstances for a USN WWII Fleet Boat, I'd expect the Sonar Operator would report "Destroyer now bearing 'XXX', estimated range 'YYY' (if he could provide a reasonable range estimate), turning port/starboard, speed increasing/decreasing (or turn-count 'ZZZ'), closing (or starting attack run)." In most USN boats he would not have added a "Sir" or "Captain" to the report...unless the CO (or XO or Diving Officer) had given him an order to "Report"; even in stressful situations there was an air of informality. In dire straits, the report could end up being as terse as above..."Destroyer starting another attack run, Captain!"