jason taylor
05-29-08, 10:32 PM
It has been ages since I have been here and I doubt any of you remember me. But in any case I have developed a specialty in striking at harbors. I feel more comfortable with them then with convoys.
Reason 1. You are often not expected and resistance is limited. There is seldom the game of ring-a-round-the-rosy with escorts because most escort craft are docked. Often there is no more then a gunboat and you can surface and dispose of it.
Reason 2. There is often plenty of prey standing still, waiting for you to creep up to it and get a perfect shot.
The main disadvantages are the possibility of running aground, and the ships that are protected by the wharfs. The first is tolerable and the second can be made up for if the target only has a dock on one side.
I set out from Brisbane on Jan 2, 1944. My station was near Saipan so I took the chance for an easy voyage by detouring round Tulagi thus ensuring that most of my transit would be in friendly territory. After reaching my station I had an annoying wait until my star turned grey. Then I decided to go to Saipan because I had "heard rumors"(I.E. read the history books) that that was to be one of the targets for the next campaign.
Saipan turned out to be peculiarly vulnerable. There was plenty of deep water around, more then enough to duck under if a wandering plane or patrol boat decided to interfere with my plans. The ships were anchored in a position where it was easy to get into a good position. I managed to come away with four kills totalling about 27,000 tons. One thing I noticed was that there was a landed plane. I thought of coming up to get it but decided not to.
On the return journey I went by the same route round Tulagi. I took more care on the return trip to duck underwater by daylight as I had, had a run of bad luck on previous sessions, several times killed on the first patrol and once relieved(That was not my fault-I made more then enough effort that time but the targets just wouldn't sink though hit more then enough times). I did not wish to spoil this one(also a first patrol).
When I got back to Brisbane I still had four fish left. I didn't get any medal but a purple heart although I certainly deserved one for my initiative and daring. And if it was an undramatic patrol it was because I was clever enough to make it so-or so I hope the Admiral will think.
The moral of all this is that in 1944, Saipan is a plum waiting for the plucking. It has plenty of deep water and this time at least, there were plenty of targets. Those who have a chance might consider it.
Reason 1. You are often not expected and resistance is limited. There is seldom the game of ring-a-round-the-rosy with escorts because most escort craft are docked. Often there is no more then a gunboat and you can surface and dispose of it.
Reason 2. There is often plenty of prey standing still, waiting for you to creep up to it and get a perfect shot.
The main disadvantages are the possibility of running aground, and the ships that are protected by the wharfs. The first is tolerable and the second can be made up for if the target only has a dock on one side.
I set out from Brisbane on Jan 2, 1944. My station was near Saipan so I took the chance for an easy voyage by detouring round Tulagi thus ensuring that most of my transit would be in friendly territory. After reaching my station I had an annoying wait until my star turned grey. Then I decided to go to Saipan because I had "heard rumors"(I.E. read the history books) that that was to be one of the targets for the next campaign.
Saipan turned out to be peculiarly vulnerable. There was plenty of deep water around, more then enough to duck under if a wandering plane or patrol boat decided to interfere with my plans. The ships were anchored in a position where it was easy to get into a good position. I managed to come away with four kills totalling about 27,000 tons. One thing I noticed was that there was a landed plane. I thought of coming up to get it but decided not to.
On the return journey I went by the same route round Tulagi. I took more care on the return trip to duck underwater by daylight as I had, had a run of bad luck on previous sessions, several times killed on the first patrol and once relieved(That was not my fault-I made more then enough effort that time but the targets just wouldn't sink though hit more then enough times). I did not wish to spoil this one(also a first patrol).
When I got back to Brisbane I still had four fish left. I didn't get any medal but a purple heart although I certainly deserved one for my initiative and daring. And if it was an undramatic patrol it was because I was clever enough to make it so-or so I hope the Admiral will think.
The moral of all this is that in 1944, Saipan is a plum waiting for the plucking. It has plenty of deep water and this time at least, there were plenty of targets. Those who have a chance might consider it.