[Bubblehead1980]

TMO 2.5 with custom mods
100 difficulty cams and contacts off.

Note: In the real eight war patrol of Drum, the conning tower was cracked by depth charges, leading its replacement at Mare Island from January-March 1944.With no Gato conning towers available at the time, the Drum was fitted with a Balao class conning tower, a unique arrangement.

Like the previous patrols of the Drum I have documented, I have patrolled the same areas, taken same routes etc. as Drum did during the war and most have had near the same duration. On this patrol my conning tower did take damage from a depth charge, somewhat mirroring reality.


USS Drum SS-228
Eight War Patrol
2 November- 7 December 1943
Patrol Area: South-West of Caroline Islands in Palau-Truk-Rabaul shipping lanes.

(A) Prologue

Returned from seventh war patrol 6 October, 1943. Normal refit by the Submarine Repair Unit at Brisbane, Australia. Docked for application of Measure 32 paint scheme ,22-23 October, 1943. Commander D.F. Williamson relieved LCDR B.F. McMahon as Commanding Officer. Ready for sea: 2 November, 1943.


(B) Narrative


2 November-

1100-Departed Brisbane for patrol area via Tulagi.


6 November-

0708-1100-Refueled at Tulagi.


7 November-

1630- SD contact 9 NM. 3 38 S 156 39 E. Submerged to avoid aircraft.

1900-Surfaced.


13 November-

0412- SJ contact bearing 000 9 NM. 3 53 N 138 46 E

0416-General Quarters.

0429-Convoy zigged to east.

0445-Submerged for attack. Moonlight too plentiful for surface attack

0522 - ATTACK NO. 1 Target: AK KOBAYASHI MARU 9980 tons Range: 1000 AOB: 85 Torpedo Depth: 10ft POA MOT, Fore, Aft Fired 3 MK 14 torpedoes. All impacted as aimed. Ship burning bow to ster. listing

0526- ATTACK NO 1(a) Fired two MK 14 at large troopship in second column range 1400 yards AOB 80. Depth 10 ft. POA MOT. Both torpedoes hit.

0528-ATTACK NO 1(b) Fired one MK 14 at mid sized freighter identified as KINOPASAN MARU. Range 600 yards AOB 80 as crossed Drum's bow. One hit in stern area.

0529- KOBAYASHI MARU 9980 tons sunk 3 52 N 138 54 E

0530- HORAI MARU 9549 tons sunk 3 53 N 138 54 east. Troop transport.

0532-Escort spotted 330 4000 yards closing fast. Ordered 300 fett, rigged for depth charge and silent running.

0534-0645-Both escorts made multiple runs on Drum, a few close depth charges with no damage reported. Drum pushed to 395 feet to get under the enemy sonar and charges.

Last attack was 0645.

0650-One escort heard speeding away to NE at high speed, likely to rejoin convoy. Lost contact with other. possibly "sleeping" listening for Drum. Drum on course 270 at 395 feet and 2 knots. Maintained silent running.

0730-Secure GQ.

0900-Periscope depth.

0905-Surfaced for end around.

0914- SD contact 8 NM closing. Submerged.

0935-1200-Attempted to surface for end around multiple times. One, then two large flying boats patrolled the general area continuously covering the convoy. Submerged to 300 feet.

2100- Surfaced


22 November-

1130- SJ contact 9 NM. 3 17 N 141 24 E

1131- Smoke plumes from convoy spotted on horizon bearing 015. General Quarters.

1135- Convoy estimated course 151 degrees at 7 knots.

1220-Convoy zigged to SW thwarting set up as was about to dive.

1237-Convoy course 195 degrees 7 knots

1246-Submerge for attack. Contact report sent to CTF-72. Convoy sighted 3'3 N 141 19 E course 195 speed 8 knots.

1250-Reply from CTF-72 received as descending deep for high speed run to attack position. X ATTACK X

1300-Periscope depth. Convoy zigged east. Ruined the setup. Drum turned to close at high speed for possible shot from 4000-5000 yards.

1315- Convoy at 5600 yards course 135 8 knots.

1330-ATTACK NO 2 Target: RYUNN MARU class AK 6538 tons. Fired three Mk 14 on high speed setting. Range 3980 yards AOB 80 Torpedo Depth: 6 feet POA MOT.

1332-Two torpedoes missed astern. One impacted stern. Target possibly disabled closing for coup de grace.

1338- ATTACK NO 2(b) Closed to 2100 yards at target which was drifting at less than half a knot. Fired one MK 14 set for 6 feet. POA MOT. Type A Etorofu class escort closing in at high speed 020 degrees 3000 yards. Rigged for silent running and depth charge.

1339-As Drum passed 226 feet heard a torpedo impact. Confirmed by sound. Audible through hull.

1343- Enemy closed to 500 yards before pinging briefly. Passed overhead dropping large pattern. Drum descended to 350 ft.

1344-Sounds of ship sinking breaking up. RYUNN MARU 6538 tons sunk 3 04 N 141 20 E.

1347-Close depth charges. Boat shaken.

1359-Forward engine room reports minor damage (See damage section)

1404-Close explosions, damage reported. Pressure and water line leaks. Damage in forward engine and control room. (See damage section)


1444-Several charges close. Boat shaken. Forward torpedo reports minor damage(see damage section)


1514-Close explosion. Damage reported in aft battery.


1540-Last depth charge. Both enemy escorts sped away at high speed to rejoin convoy.

1935-Periscope depth. Dark fallen. all clear.

1943-Surfaced. Began reload, battery recharge and end around for night surface attack.


2314-Regained SJ contact. Bearing 357 9 NM. General Quarters Surface Attack-Torpedo

2345-Battery charge completed. Convoy zigged to SE.

23 November-

0008-Contact report sent to CTF-72. Convoy sighted 2 35 N 141 27 E Course 135 degrees speed 8 knots.

0011-Received reply from CTF-72. X ATTACK X

0025- Convoy zigged towards Drum. Sped away as shot was ruined.

0034- Convoy now on course 185 7 knots

0052 - ATTACK NO. 3 Fired four MK 14 torpedoes from stern tubes, two per target. Range: 2000/2300 AOB 90/80 Torpedo depth 8 ft POA MOT. One torpedo suffered apparent guidance failure and did not track to second target but went for first. All others ran normal.

0053-Torpedoes 1,2,3 hit trailing freighter. Setting it afire. Torpedo 4 hit middle freighter, causing large explosion and fire.

0055-MOMOYAMA MARU 4100 tons sunk 2 34 N 141 24 E. 4031 tons.

0056- SHAJIMA MARU freighter burning but underway.

0057-0554-Multiple attempts t close targets failed due to radical convoy movements and escorts. Rising half moon provided illumination. Worked into position by 0555.

0555-Submerged for attack due to morning twilight.

0606- ATTACK NO 3 (Continued) fired two MK 14 torpedoes from stern tubes. Range 1200 AOB 70 depth 8 ft POA MOT.

0607-Both torpedoes hit target, previously damage in ATTACK NO. 3. SHAJIMA MARU 6450 tons sunk 2 27 N 141 30 E.

Escort closing, ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge.

0612-Pinging.


0614-Escort overhead. Depth charge explosions.


0733-Close explosions. Aft battery reports damage.

0821- Close Dc. forward battery damage. Damage in conning tower and control room (see damage section)

1050-Last depth charge. Escorts left area at high speed.

1144-Secure GQ. Maintained silent running.

1526-Surfaced for end around and attack after charging batteries and repairs.


24 November-

0022-Unable to regain SJ contact. Rough seas hampered efforts.


2028- SJ contacts 000 6 NM.

2032- General Quarters- Surface Torpedo.

2050- Contact report sent to CTF-72. Convoy sighted. 6 vessels 2 escorts. Position 3 43 N 139 27 E. Course 120 degrees speed 9 knots.

2118- ATTACK NO.4 Fired six MK 14 torpedoes from forward tubes at two targets. SAKITO MARU type troopship and KIGAN MARU type merchant. Range 2200/2400 yards AOB:75/90 Torpedo depth 10 ft. POA MOT.

2119-All torpedoes hit their targets. Both ships quickly caught fire and sunk by the stern. SAKITO MARU AP 8839 tons and KIGAN MARU AK 7390 tons sunk at 3 41 N 141 30 E. Escorts identified as Wakatake DD(lead) and Chidori (trail), both fired off star shells and closed on Drum but did not open fire before lost contact.

2134-Moving for end around to fire last two torpedoes (stern) before dawn.



25 November-

0023- Regained SJ contact bearing 351 8 NM.


0116-ATTACK NO 5. Fired two remaining torpedoes (MK 14) at lead freighter in convoy. Range 2600 yards AOB 88 Torpedo depth 8 ft POA MOT. Both torpedoes hit as aimed starting large fires and setting off a large secondary explosion 10 seconds after last impact.

0117-BIYO MARU 5426 tons sunk 3 18 N 139 37. All torpedoes expended.

0200-All torpedoes expended, set course for Pearl Harbor to terminate war patrol.


(C) Weather
Weather on this patrol was mostly pleasant both en route to the area, while in the area and en route to Pearl Harbor. A squall which kicked up heavy seas did stifle Drum's efforts to end around for follow up attack on 24 November.

(D) Tidal Information
In the equatorial region between longitudes 140° East to 152° East, a current setting 285°(T), varying from one-half to one knot was experienced during the entire time in the area. The force and direction of the wind had little effect on this current.

(E) Navigational Aids
None sighted.

(H) Attack Data

U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 8

Time: 0522 (L) Date: 13 November 1943 Lat. 3 52 N 138 54 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

Submerged for attack due to excessive moonlight. Fired three MK 14 torpedoes from 1000 yards, AOB 80 Torpedo depth 10 ft POA: MOT.

Immediately Followed up with Attack 1(a) at a large troopship 1400 yards AOB 80 and 1(b) 600 yards AOB 80. These quick shots were conducted as excellent setup presented after initial attack. All torpedoes hit.
.

Ships Sunk:

AK KOBAYASHI MARU 9980 tons 3 52 N 138 54 E

AP HORAI MARU 9549 tons 3 53 N 138 54 E

Ships Damaged:

AK KINOPASAN MARU 3900 tons 3 53 N 138 54 E


Own Ship Data:

Speed 3 knots, Course 010°(T), Depth 64 ft., Angle 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Sighted convoy on the surface, intended a surfaced torpedo attack but due to moonlight and clouds clearing, submerged at about 10,000 yards. Closed the track of the target group. Torpedoes were fired using individual bearings for each shot.


Sea conditions - glassy.

U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 8

Time: 1330 (L) Date: 22 November 1943 3 04 N 141 20 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

SJ made contact at 1130 and began tracking convoy. Submerged for attack at 1246. During the approach sound reported bearing shift. A periscope observation revealed convoy had zigged away roughly to the south-east. Once the new track settled was apparent could likely close for a shot. Ordered Drum to 100 feet and ahead flank to close the range. Ordered torpedoes set to low speed as a shot in excess of 4500 yards was likely.

At 1330 reached an attack position and fired three MK 14 torpedoes from 3900 yards AOB 80 set to 6 ft depth POA was MOT. Two torpedoes missed astern of target, but the last hit the stern. Believe it destroyed the prop, saft etc as vessel lost its way. Compensating for the speed change and with an escort bearing down on Drum, fired one more MK 14 before began descending to 300 feet, rigged for depth charge and silent running. As Drum passed 226 feet, the impact of a torpedo ws heard, audible through the hull and confirmed by sound. At 1344, sounds of ship breaking up were heard from last bearing of target.

Ships Sunk:

AK RYUNN MARU 6538 tons 3 04 N 141 20 E.


Ships Damaged:

None.


Own Ship Data:

Speed 2 knots, Course 160°(T), Depth 64 feet, Angle 0°

Sea conditions - glassy


U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3, Patrol No. 8

Time: 0055 (L) Date: 23 November 1943 2 34 N 141 24 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

Follow up night surface attack to ATTACK NO. 2. Fired stern tubes at two targets from 2200 yards with AOB of 90 on target one and 70 on target two. Torpedoes were set to ten feet and POA was MOT. Torpedo #3 was supposed to go to target 2, but suffered a guidance failure and headed for general direction of target 1 and to our surprise, did hit. Torpedo 4 ran normally and hit the target.

Attack No. 3(continued) After multiple attempts to attack through the night, was unable due to increasing moonlight, radical evasive movements by the convoy, and escorts. Submerged in morning twilight at 0555 to attack. Fired two MK 14 torpedoes at 1200 yards AOB 90. Both impacted.

Ships Sunk:

0055- AK MOMOYAMA MARU 4100 tons 2 34 N 141 24 E

0607- AK SHAJIMA MARU 6450 tons 2 27 N 141 30 E

Ships Damaged:

0055- AK SHAJIMA MARU 6450 tons. 2 34 N 141 24 E


Own Ship Data:

Speed 0 knots, Course 240°(T), Depth: Surfaced

Sea conditions: Calm, Glassy.



U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4, Patrol No. 8

Time: 2118 (L) Date: 24 November 1943 3 41 N 141 30 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

SJ failed to detect convoy until just 6 NM away in the dark night. Ordered General Quarters and began tracking the six ship two escort convoy.

At 2118 fired remaining six bow torpedoes at a large AK and AP from a range o 2200(AP) and 2400 (AK) AOB 90 (AP) and 75(AK). Torpedo depth of 10 feet with POA MOT. All torpedoes impacted, both vessels quickly went under.


Ships Sunk:

2120- AP SAKITO MARU 8839 tons 3 41 N 141 30 E

2129- AK KIGAN MARU AK 7390 tons 3 41 N 141 30 E



Own Ship Data:

Speed 0 knots, Course 090°(T), Depth: Surfaced

Sea conditions: light chop


U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5, Patrol No. 8

Time: 0116 (L) Date: 25 November 1943 3 18 N 139 37

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

Follow up attack on convoy from Attack No. 5 after end around. Convoy had reformed into a center column of two AK with an AK on each flank screening the center vessels. Escorts were forward and aft at 800-1000 yards.

Fired two remaining torpedoes (MK 14) from stern tubes at lead freighter in center column. Range 2600 yards AOB 88 Torpedo depth 8 ft POA MOT. Both torpedoes hit. The vessel was burning from bow to stern and quickly sunk,

Ships Sunk:

0117 BIYO MARU 5426 tons 3 18 N 139 37


Ships Damage:
None


Own Ship Data:

Speed 0 knots, Course 000°(T), Depth :Surfaced

Sea conditions-light chop.


() Anti Submarine Measures and Evasive Tactics


Counter Attack #1 11-13-1943

As noted on last patrol enemy ASW has improved in quality. This attack was performed well over several hours, pushing Drum to 395 feet, but ultimately ineffective.


Counter Attack #2 11-22-1943

The two Type A Etorofu Class escorts did an excellent job of depth charging in this attack. The lead escort used a new tactic of closing Drum but did not pinging until at roughly 500 yards. At this point the escort began intense short scale pinging as sped up to make his run, only ceasing as arrived overhead.

The second joined in and they took turns over several hours making runs using racks and throwers, causing damage to Drum.


Counter Attack #3 11-23-1943

The working over of attack no. 3 the Etorofus gave Drum, put counter attack #2 to shame. This time the close ones were really close, and they were big!

The initial attack was by one escort but he was joined within 15 minutes by the second escort, which had been astern of convoy on a sweep at time of Drum's attack. They proceeded to apparently circle Drum, taking turns listening while one attacked. Rinse and repeat was the method over next five and a half hours. The calm seas provided ideal sound conditions. Serious damage was suffered during this counter attack (see damage) section.
After five hours, contact faded and was lost.


(J) Major Defects and Damage

(1.) Damage From #3 Depth Charge Attack

(a)Damage to conning towercausing flooding. Air and water lines leaking.
(b) Damage to forward control room bulkhead caused flooding.
(c) Forward and Aft batteries damaged. This damage could not be completely repaired at sea, batteries would only gain a charge to 85 percent.
(d)compressor damaged
(e) Trim pump damaged
(f) 4 inch 50 Cal deck gun left inoperable. Repaired at sea. Test fired 1 December.

(2.) Damage From #2 Depth Charge Attack

(a) Aft batteries damaged
(b) Air and water line leaks throughout boat.
(c) Minor flooding in forward torpedo room. Tubes-3,5,6 damaged.
(d) Port sonar head hoist damaged.


Note: Drum's new paint job was left damaged by one or all attacks.

(3.) Torpedoes

Torpedo performance was excellent this patrol. This is said to be the first patrol out of Drum's eight where torpedo performance was so. Drum experienced no premature explosions, no duds, no known deep runners, no circular runs. One torpedo suffered an apparent gyro malfunction and did not take proper course to target. However, it did impact another ship contributing to its destruction. The new torpex warheads continue to provide the much desired extra punch.


(K) Radio

Radio performance was satisfactory.


(L) Radar

SJ radar performance was overall satisfactory, except for when it failed to detect the convoy on one occasion until at just 6 NM. Average detection range is 8 NM.


SD radar functioned well and average detection range was 11 NM.


(M) Sound conditions

Sound conditions were generally excellent this patrol with typically detecting contacts up to 8000 yards. Naturally, these conditions contributed to the effective depth charging and tracking by escorts.

(N) Density layers. Only one thermal layer was located on 13 November at 204 feet.


(O) Health, Morale, Habitability, and Crew.

The health, morale, and performance of the crew on this patrol was excellent. Several crew in the forward torpedo room and the Executive Officer in the conning tower suffered minor injuries during the Counter attack # 3. All maintained their stations and healed fine.

After the intense actions of 22/23 November with more action 24/25 November the crew was fatigued but with eight ships sunk and another damaged, and Drum en route to Pearl Harbor morale remained high.

(P) Miles Steamed-Fuel Used

Brisbane to Area 2097.5 Miles 17934 Gallons
In Area 3672.0 Miles 26499 Gallons
Area to Pearl Harbor 3848.4 Miles 40584 Gallons
Total 9617.9 Miles 85017 Gallons

(Q) Duration

Days Enroute to Area 10
Days in Area 15
Days Enroute to Pearl Harbor 13
Days Submerged 1


(R) Factors of Endurance Remaining
Torpedoes 0
Fuel 20873 gallons
Provisions 40 days
Personnel 30 days

Limiting Factor of This Patrol:

All torpedoes expended and damage to key systems.

Remarks:

A challenging yet highly successful patrol. Of the fifteen days on station, only thirty-seven hours eleven minutes were spent submerged. Of this time some twenty hours were during attacks and counter attacks.

It is significant to note that all six aircraft contacts in the area were in the vicinity of 2° N. Although much time was spent near 3° N., no planes were sighted in that locality.