What are you up to in your current camapign (lets get a sticky going)

[Bubblehead1980]

Taking this idea from SH3 forum. Tell us what you are up to in your current campaign?

Boat name/class
Homeport
Patrol

Details etc.

About to begin 2nd patrol USS Pollock SS-180 (Porpoise Class) out of Pearl Harbor, assigned to area off Truk. Patrol will coincide with the invasion of Guadalcanal.

First patrol out of Aleutians June-July 44. Sunk 4 merchants with torpedoes. Sunk two Daihatsus near Kiska. Plane from Attu bombed us (SD radar failed to detected and lookouts did not spot until 6,000 yards. DD's from Holtz Bay steamed into area and detected us while pumping water out aft torpedo. DD landed a close charge, which caused flooding in control room and bow torpedo room. Subs , rated for 250 feet test depth sunk to 530 feet before could stop the plunge. More charges followed but heavy seas seemed to save us. Charges were well above us at 250-300 feet. Eventually slipped away and repaired damage. Went on to sink two more ships, torpedo failures caused to miss out on two targets, including a DD as two ran right under the DD even though set shallow.Returned home.

[Kieldk]

19 January 1942
Just returned from my First patrol with USS Tuna ss-203 Tambor Class Submarine

The boat did well considering it’s not even a year since commisioning

Returned Too Midway after patroling the Home waters near Honshu and sunk an incredibly 40.000 tons of enemy shipping .

Primarily Big merchants and a modern tanker

Avoided Air patrols during day by being submerged

Received the Navy Cross for this brilliant First patrol
We have now recieved orders that we are going too the waters around Shanghai

The Crew are eager to get going

[4H_Ccrashh]

USS Sailfish (Sargo Class)
12 December 1941
Cavite Naval Base , Philippines.

First mission to deliver supplies to Formosa. No enemy contacts.

After completion, I sent a status report and was given new orders to patrol northwest of Luzon near Convoy College.

Picked up distant sound contact , surfaced and racing south to prosecute.

[Kieldk]

USS Sailfish (Sargo Class)
12 December 1941
Cavite Naval Base , Philippines.

First mission to deliver supplies to Formosa. No enemy contacts.

After completion, I sent a status report and was given new orders to patrol northwest of Luzon near Convoy College.

Picked up distant sound contact , surfaced and racing south to prosecute.


No court Martials given ?

The ppl still remember the former name of your submarine Squalus...
and ive heard rumors about the Word Squalfish
being Said

[Bubblehead1980]

USS Pollack SS-180
Porpoise Class
Transferred to Brisbane after first patrol
Departed for assigned area off Truk on July 20 1942


While in en route via Solomon Sea a surfaced IJN submarine came into view just after dawn. SJ radar did not make contact.Managed to slip ahead undetected and dove off projected track on silent running. Submarine came into view making 15 knots. From 1100 yards fired three Mark 14 torpedoes. Two prematurely exploded 50 yards or less from target. The submarine was able to avoid the third torpedo, barely. As it passed just ahead of the bow, the magnetic exploder was triggered. The sub's engines stopped, seems the shock wave damaged the sub(?). Set up to fire fourth bow torpedo, on final observation saw it pick up speed, so held to adjust solution. Sub's engines started up again and began fleeing at high speed but seemed to be going under, "diving" (AI subs cant dive in SH 4, likely taking on water due to damaged hull from the close torpedo explosion). Adjusted speed, fired fourth torpedo. The sub's conning tower was under as torpedo passed over and exploded. Sound could still hear the sub's props. As I recently added AI torpedo mod to IJN subs (not sure if works yet) was worried about torpedoes, so ordered 250 feet and evasive movement. Lost contact with sub soon after. No credit in log for sunken submarine.

Made submerged run for rest of the day at 4 knots, surfaced at night and headed for patrol area....

[Kieldk]

Radio Report from USS Tuna SS-203

February 19 1942
23:15 PM

Sunk Large tanker East of shanghai

14816 Tons

4 torpedoes expended - 1 dud

Returning to Patrol area

will keep radio Silence for the next 3 Hours

[Bubblehead1980]

July 30 1942 after arriving in patrol area off Truk and sinking a large tanker and small merchant running together (no escort) heading SW from Truk, orders to divert to New Georgia Sound (The Slot) to patrol for enemy vessels ahead of Operation Watchtower-The invasion of Guadalcanal and Tulagi.

Arrived August 4th. Spotted two merchants off Southern Bougainville. Sunk both of them. Headed down slot. Mid day August 7th SD radar picked up large air raid heading for Bougainville.

August 8th was entering waters off Savo Island for refuel and to take on more torpedoes. large air raid of torpedo equipped Bettys with escorting Zeros attacked landing force. While North of Savo Island, a lone Zero flying at low level jumped , SD radar never detected. Went to GQ and ordered AA gun manned. Chief manning the gun splashed the Zero which appear to attempt a suicide attack as it came back around and dove again. A last minute change of rudder hard to port caused the Zero to miss and slam into the water about 50 yards away, two lookouts and an Ensign on bridge(the GQ OD) suffered minor injuries.


Night of August 8 morning of 9th/ Around 1200 SJ radar made contact with unknown vessels. Closed fast and spotted 6-8 CA and CL with 1-2 DD heading for Savo Sound at high speed. Unable to close range for torpedo attack. Sent contact report and sped to North side of Savo Island to see if could end around for attack.

Around 0130 reports received of large enemy force in savo sound engaging with Allied vessels. In far distance could see flash of gun fire as rounded Savo Island to guard the pass between Savo and Florida Island (Tulagi)

Around 0200, in an unusual moment, SD radar reported a contact. From bridge could hear the humm or a single engine. Out of the darkness flew an unidentified single engine floatplane which buzzed the bridge and dropped a close bomb before bridge could be cleared. In the moonlight with plane an estimated 25 feet above could clearly see the "meatball: insignia of the plane. Must have been a observation plane from the cruiser making a night spotting mission. We went to 100 feet then came back to scope depth. Listening around, could hear heavy screws in distance with gunfire hitting water.


We raced at flank speed into the sound to see if could intercept enemy force. Soon had CA in sights closed on surface . Suddenly large shell splashes landed about 1000 yards to port,Aoba Class CA had us targeted. Crash dive to 100 feet. Soon, sound had the assigned to group was heading our way. Went deep to avoid. Pinged us dropped two charges circled once then headed away at high speed. Came to scope depth. Spotted a CL at 4000 yards. Closed to 2800. Observed an Allied CA explode just as fired four torpedoes at the CA. Two prematurely exploded, one missed and one hit the bow causing fire and heavy damage. Closed while reload commencing.

Sounded reported warship close range. Turned scope to see bow of a CA headed our way at high speed, AA guns firing at scope. Dove to 100 feet as it roared overhead main battery still firing t allied warships. Once fish loaded, came back to scope depth, spotted a CL at 1800 yards closed. Fired four fish. Two prematurely exploded 50 yards or less from target but two hit causing heavy damage. The CL soon began to sink by the bow. The enemy DD, trailing the formation, came rushing in and dropped several close charges, then departed.


Surfaced after dawn. Received a message to help with rescue operations in savo sound. Rescued several survivors, observed some crippled allied cruisers, debris from those sunk.

Battle of Savo Island was a defeat for Allies.

Rearmed and refueled at Tulagi, heading back to assigned area off Truk,..

[Armistead]

USS Blowhard S Class
Cmder. Wolferz
Exec - Armistead

We've been stranded on the Mississippi river for 5 years since we were delegated to river patrol. I keep whipping the men into shape only for Wolferz to say "they're not ready yet" grabs his coffee, cusses the coffee, then he vanishes back into his private head. The only way to get him out is old school religious rituals, we have to make a sacrifice, tie a bag of deck shells to the left leg and throw someone overboard. The men are so dedicated when we ask for a volunteer, everyone raises their hand. Wolferz will come out, ask who was sacrificed, mumbles.."getting closer" and retreats back to his head.

[Texas Red]

USS Blowhard S Class
Cmder. Wolferz
Exec - Armistead

We've been stranded on the Mississippi river for 5 years since we were delegated to river patrol. I keep whipping the men into shape only for Wolferz to say "they're not ready yet" grabs his coffee, cusses the coffee, then he vanishes back into his private head. The only way to get him out is old school religious rituals, we have to make a sacrifice, tie a bag of deck shells to the left leg and throw someone overboard. The men are so dedicated when we ask for a volunteer, everyone raises their hand. Wolferz will come out, ask who was sacrificed, mumbles.."getting closer" and retreats back to his head.


FROM: COMSUBPAC
TO: IMPOSTER S-CLASS
DATE: WE DON'T KNOW

CINCPAC is not pleased to hear that you are preforming occult rituals just to get some lazy commander to come out of his mancave! Let the old man be!
As for your self-imposed Mississippi River patrols, you are to report back to Pearl Harbor at once! Desertion is not tolerated! Head back to Pearl Harbor by [DATA REDACTED] or you will be facing a court-martial!
You are a disgrace to the entire US Navy!

COMSUBPAC

[Kieldk]

Radio Report from USS Tuna SS-203

June 28 1942

Position South of Higashi

Sunk 3 enemy merchants

1 Large Passenger Carrier 9565 tons
3 torpedoes expended 1 was a Dud

1 Large split Freighter 6611 tons
2 torpedoes expended all exploded as intended

1 Large Tanker 14815 Tons
5 torpedoes expended with 3 being Duds!

1 modern tanker got away

The Torpedoes doesnt work as intended
i hope you bring this back to the factory så they can fix this isue
otherwise 1 day it may be a DD coming and if the torpedo dont expload then we will probally not survive to tell the tale

will remain submerged until nights fall

[Macgregor the Hammer]

Fall of the Rising Sun Ultimate v1.2

USS Gudgeon SS-211 Tambor Class
Pearl Harbor
LtCdr. Ian ‘Sandy’ MacDonald
July 1942, 4 weeks out of Pearl

First patrol area: Southern Marshalls
Spent 5 days patrolling the assigned area with no enemy contact. We parked ourselves on the convoy resupply route from Truk and Wake Island. COMSUBPAC reassigned us to an area north of the first assignment. 3 days into the patrol, sonar reported a merchant 12 miles away. Attack party began the track and we set-up for a 90° zero gyro shot. The biggest concern was the surface chop. Seas were 4’-5’ due to a recent storm and I debated using the deck gun. We set the torpedoes to run a 5’. Surprisingly, none of them broached. Out of 4 torpedoes, 1 hit, 1 dud and 2 misses. The target was a Japanese auxiliary freighter, about 5000 tons. She was hit amidships and it was fatal. She instantly started to list and finally capsized and sank.

The tracking party officers and myself sat down in the ward room and reviewed the attack. We look at what went right and what needs improvement. The one item we all agreed on was a torpedo attack with high seas has to get much closer to the target track, a run <1000 yards. These review sessions are very helpful in developing better skills and team work.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO
USS Pollack SS-180

August 28 1942 East of Truk


After participating in the Battle of Savo Island, refueled and rearmed, headed for patrol area off Truk that was previously diverted from.

East of Truk on August 28 around 0600 SD radar made contact forcing us down. While submerged, sound picked up heavy prop noises. At periscope depth could see large pagoda style mast in the distance. Radar depth brought SJ contacts. Went to GQ and closed at 6 knots submerged.

The plane flew into sight, it was a "Jake" single engine floatplane, screening for the contacts.Apparently it spotted us as soon could hear the roar of DD's racing in a high speed on sound. Went to silent running and 250 feet. Closed projected track of contacts. Two DD's roared overheard one pinged but thermal layer protected us they ran right over searching.

Made a run at 2/3 speed for 10 minutes and slowed, came to scope depth.Right there at 7,000 yards, a CVE leading a battleship with one DD screening, while other DD's and plane were about 6,000 yards astern of us.Dropped scope went to 80 feet, closed quietlly.

Next observation revealed a Taiyo Class CVE and Yamato Class BB. They were alerted, zigging at 14.5 knots. Closed to 1000 yards of Yamato and fired all four Mark 14's. Began turn so fire the two stern tubes. Raised scope. First torpedo prematurely exploded 20 yards from ship, other three all hit home, one amidships, one under the number one forward gun turret and one just astern of the superstructure.


Fired stern tubes, one prematurely exploded shortly after leaving tube. Other hit the stern near props, sound pattern reduced on sonar, indicating one screw had stopped but the BB kept on moving.

Went to 250 feet as the DD was closing in. Other two arrive don scene with the plane and proceeded to give most intense depth charge have had in a while. Forced down to 350 feet, two detonated close by. Minor damage except the trim and hydraulic pumps were heavily damaged(90% and 80%) , boat some leaks, minor flooding in control room and conning tower. After pumping water with pumps not working, boat was tough to control but managed to get away after 4 hours . Remained submerged rest of day, made repairs.

The patrol continues..


Note: In real life, USS Flying Fish attacked Yamato off Truk on 28 August 1942. CO reported hits, but turns out were premature explosions.

A while back when redoing the japanese task force layers, using the tabular record of movement, I recreated the Yamato and Musashi's historical movements in the sim. This makes their appearances pretty rare(as were in real life) and a special thing if locate and attack. A few pseudo historical appearances are included for fun, talking a handful. Also redid the damage profile, these ships are difficult to sink, as were in real life. Testing it 10-20 torpedoes plus bomb hits from aircraft, much as in real life.

[Kieldk]

Just went from FOTRSU to TMO Again
i missed the harder escorts :haha:



Patrol Report
USS Tuna SS-203

February 2 1942

just got back to Pearl after a harsh start on the war

we set sail on the December 9th from pearl towards the Luzon Strait


Spottet an enemy convoy south of Convoy College

when aproaching on the surface at night, we got spottet by the escorts and was forced to abort and dive deep

before we where able to dive we where hit twice by enemy fire

with flooding in the engine rooms and the control room the situation was bad!

we managed to repair the hull and maintain safety depth just below the thermal layer

after evading the Escorts, myself and the other Officers aboard agreed on returning to Pearl to have the sub taken too drydock for repairs

on the way home we spottet and sank an enemy freighter for 8000Tons

that was our only kill this first patrol

The Admiral told me he was glad that we survived but i know deep inside he was disapointed at us.


I gave him my word, that the next time USS Tuna would be better prepared for what was waiting out there

-Captain Kiel

[Armistead]

FROM: COMSUBPAC
TO: IMPOSTER S-CLASS
DATE: WE DON'T KNOW

CINCPAC is not pleased to hear that you are preforming occult rituals just to get some lazy commander to come out of his mancave! Let the old man be!
As for your self-imposed Mississippi River patrols, you are to report back to Pearl Harbor at once! Desertion is not tolerated! Head back to Pearl Harbor by [DATA REDACTED] or you will be facing a court-martial!
You are a disgrace to the entire US Navy!

COMSUBPAC

We don't have engines and I don't think we could row it.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO

Departed September 26th 1942 for third patrol, second out of Brisbane. Last patrol helped support Guadalcanal invasion and witnessed disaster of Battle of Savo Island.


Assigned to patrol off Shortland Islands in the New Georgia Sound (The Sot) to interdict "Tokyo Express" making near nightly supply runs to Guadalcanal using Destroyer.

Arrived in Area on 30 September, patrolled submerged off entrance to the bay off southern Bougainville. Noon radar sweep revealed multiple SD contacts, via periscope spotted them visually in distance. Likely air raid heading Guadalcanal from Rabaul. Counted 19 G4M Betty Bombers, 9-15 A6M Zeke fighters.


1500 on October 1st, patrolling between Choiselil and Vella La Vella submerged sound reported high speed screws. Periscope observation revealed masts of destroyers in distance. Went to GQ, a line of nine Destroyers moving at 33 knots, the Tokyo Express. heading to make nightly drop off. Closed to 1000 yards before forced to fire. Fired two Mark 14's , two at a Mutsuki Class DD and two at a Fubuki class DD. All four prematurely exploded 300-500 yards from targets. One DD turned to hunt for us, others proceeded on.

Repeated torpedo failures caused to miss in two other attacks on Tokyo Express on Otober 3rd and 6th. Sunk a tanker off Shortland Island on Oct 8th. Final two torpedoes, fired on a DD patrolling the channel between Bougainville and Choiselil. Both prematurely exploded. Went deep and endured depth charged causing flooding. DD hunted us for 12 hours before giving up, Headed for Tulagi to rearm and refuel, since early in patrol.

While at Tualgi moored by sub tender. An air raid approached. Immediately got under way but "Val" dive bombers arrived overhead while still in shallow water. AA guns along with other ships and shore based opened fire. PO 1/c Lentz downed a "val" dive bomber as it dove on the Pollack.Bomber slashed down 50 yards or less from port side.OOD and lookout injured slightly.

Once in deeper water submerged to 100 feet to ride out

air raid.Surfaced after all clear, tanker in Tulagi Harbor on fire and sinking.Departed morning of October 11th for patrol area. While en route, received alert of IJN Task Force heading down "The Slot" positioned myself between New George and Santa Isabel. That evening SJ radar made contact with IJN force moving at high speed, 30+ knots.

Unable to close for shot but observed as US Task Force intercepted, "Crossing the T" . Casualties on both sides, enemy force was stopped from reaching Guadalcanal.This was the Battle of Cape Esperance. Rescued survivors in life raft from US DD sunk as well as IJN survivors after dawn.

Now October 3th, off Shortland again on patrol...

[jimmbbo]

October - December 1943
USS Balao
Home port is Brisbane
SH4 Stock V1.5


When I completed a mission and sank enough tonnage to RTB I decided to try Tulagi as a remote base and create mayhem in the Bismarck Sea entry to Rabaul... 'Tis easily in range of Tulagi and certainly a target rich environment. :D
On my first TDY at Tulagi I sank 500000 tons in about three months before returning to Brisbane.
After completing the next assigned mission I returned to do the Son of Tulagi Raid and in 9 weeks have sunk 450000 tons. At 500000 will return to Brisbane lest the crew keelhaul me. :har:

[ETR3(SS)]

Campaigns? You guys are starting campaigns? :doh::haha:

[Kieldk]

Campaigns? You guys are starting campaigns? :doh::haha:



Sorry I do not get the point of your post?


This topic is for campaigns yes
Where we tell our stories from our patrols :-)

[Bubblehead1980]

November 6, 1942
USS Pollack SS 180
(TMO 2.5 custom mods )

Departed Brisbane 0700 fro patrol area in Truk-Rabaul shipping lanes. 6 hours out of Brisbane spotted a surfaced submarine. Immediately dove and closed to identify, it was a Gato clas submarine heading for Brisbane. Surfaced and waved them on.

November 8th 0554 in the Coral Sea near 1750 S 15455 E lookouts reported a surfaced submarine at 034. In the morning haze difficult to id Closed in silently at GQ and identified it as a japanese I class heading 180 at 13 knots. Closed to 1200 yards and fired two mark 14 torpedoes.Raised scope just orior to expected impact time, the submarine had disappeared. Went to 250 feet and crept out. Two explosions were later heard as torpedoes reached end of their run.

Remained submerged res tof day, surfaced after dark. Voyage to patrol are continues.

(This is one of the subs I added otoTMO. They randomly reach their last waypoint and delete, simulating a sub raondmly "diving". Quite frusrating and makes them elusive targets.

[Bubblehead1980]

November 12/13 1942...

Flash Message arrived noon 12 November of a convoy heading for Guadalcanal, screened by a large Task Force including two battleships. En route to patrol area, diverted to New Georgia Sound to stand Guard near Russel Islands. Around 0100 made SJ contact, dancing green lines on the A scope revealed large ships. Raced to intercept off Savo Island

Made visual contact, task force zigged, would run right over us. Dove to periscope depth, went to GQ after sending contact report.Reply was orders to attack.

Task Force was making 24 knots, closed in high submerged speed on the port side. Spotted two large Kongo Class BB's, several DD and CA CL, classes undetermined.

From 1100 yards fired all four forward tubes. Two Mark 14's prematurely exploded, but two hit the target. Setting a fire and causing a heavy list but BB and TF sailed on while a DD worked us over with depth charges. One charge came very close...damaging pumps, fuel tank, electric and diesel engines. Minor leaks as well. Went to 350 feet. Soon could hear heavy gunfire and explosions, seems US Task Force made contact with japanese, the main body of which was some distance away but shells were falling near us . After a while came to scope depth, could see explosions and flashes in the distance.

As moved closer to battle once back at scope depth. Found a burning, crippled DD. Planned ot torpedo for the coup de grace, but it exploded and sunk before we could close

Around dawn in the distance revealed a crippled battleship.(Much as in real life, the Hiei was crippled still in the area after this battle, finished off by planes from Henderson Field at dawn) Closed in and fired four fish. Two duds, two impact, fired two from stern tubes, two hits. BB now had heavy list and was on fire when its main battery suddenly changed position and fired a salvo. US DD's and CA's were in range to finish off, a gunfight ensued. Torpedo and dive bombers Planes from Guadalcanal soon joined in. Fired our last four bow tubes, two more duds, two hits. As swung stern to fire last stern tubes the BB exploded and capsized, likely after a division of torpedo planes made their runs.

Surfaced secure from GQ and headed for Tulagi to rearm.

This was the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal(added it TMO a while back, firs t time have witnessed it in the sim) on November 12/13.

[Bubblehead1980]

November 14 1942

USS Pollack

Received message about enemy convoy and task force yet again heading for Guadalcanal. Positioned sub as picket near savo island. Before midnight detected enemy force. Closest was a lone contact making speed sweep counterclockwise around Savo Island. Turned out to be a destroyer. Ordered a dive and had perfect setup from 1000 yards on DD making 34 knots. Fired four Mark 14's, three prematurely exploded alerting the DD, the final one ran deep In spite of being set shallow as possible). DD changed course came in fast pinging. Went to 275 feet, charges exploded as passed 175. Minor damage, leaks mostly, some damage to conning tower bulkhead, tdc, sonar stack. All repaired.

Soon could hear sound contacts from all around in distance as well as heavy explosions and gunfire. Came back to scope depth to see DD adrift and burning. In distance could make out US vessels. Two battleships were most distinguishable (USS South Dakota and Washington) along with some destroyers.

Five minutes later, they opened up with main batteries at something else. Came to radar depth, there was an enemy battle line in distance.Visual inspection revealed pagoda mast structure of japanese battleship in distance, confirmed by the flash and glow of its main battery. Large shell splashes visible via scope.

Battle went on...massive explosions in distance. By time was a ble to close in submerged, the battleship was a flaming wreck which capsized. Found a burning slowly creeping away. Finished it off with torpedo.


Surfaced around 0400. As passed Tassafarronga area, spotted a beached freighter in distance. Part of the enemy convoy that made it through, beached itself. Too shallow for torpedoes, finished off from 6000 yards with deck gun as sun rose over Savo Sound.


This was the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. still rather impressive to watch the massive gunfights unfold in sim.See how it the battle plays out vs history. Have them at historical time and place. Just need to get AI torpedoes finally working in TMO, would add a whole new element.

[Kieldk]

December 1941

USS Seal SS-183
Class : Salmon


Departed Manila on the 8th December

went on a 10 day patrole close to singapore

got orders from Headquarters that a landing force was gathering near the Lingayen Gulf

went Full speed ahead and arrived 2 days later,

sneaked past 4 destroyers guarding the Gulf entrance

finally i found a huge landingforce with 10+ ships unloading soldiers and war materials

fired 1 torpedo at 4 different targets

3 hits and 1 dud , 3 ships sunk!

retreated, but got caught by two enemy destroyers near the bay entrance.
they made 4 runs with depht charges, suffered minor damage.

managed to slip away and headed for surabaya in the java sea for refueling

[Bubblehead1980]

USS Pollack SS 180

5th patrol.

Overdue and Presumed Lost off Hokkaido, Japan. (Struck a mine off Northern Honshu, 12 January 1943)


Sunk Zinbu Maru January 8 1943.

[Kieldk]

USS Pollack SS 180

5th patrol.

Overdue and Presumed Lost off Hokkaido, Japan. (Struck a mine off Northern Honshu, 12 January 1943)


Sunk Zinbu Maru January 8 1943.


On eternal Patrol

R.I.P

[Kieldk]

Fotrsu V. 1.21 with harder AI lvl 2


April 26th 1942
USS Seal SS-183
Salmon Class

Radio Report


En route to the Luzon Strait

Spotted a two ship convoy at night, in The Mindoro Straight

Submerged and closed for attack

Fired 4 torpedoes

Sunk 1 Passenger Cargo-freighter 5248 tons

Sunk 1 Modern Passenger freighter 11893 tons


Continuing north west towards the Luzon Straight

Will remain radio silence until dawn

[Strykr]

October 1942.
USS Greyling.
Gar Class
SS-209.

Departed Brisbane with a unit of Australian Coast Watchers.
Successfully inserted to the Central Solomon's.

Conduct anti-shipping operations off the Eastern coast of New Guinea, proved unproductive.

10-30-42.
Received orders to shift patrol area to the Bismarck Sea.

11-1-42
Sonar detects single Merchant entering Bismarck sea on a SE course, at 18:00 hours.
Determined speed of 12 knots and set up intercept course.
Identify merchant as Nagara Maru.
Initial attack 1500 yards-3 torpedoes fired. Two duds, one center hit.
Heavy listing.
Quick follow up attack -2 Torpedoes fired. One miss one dud.
Open range to 2500 yards, surfaced and engaged with deck gun, took 16 rounds of HE to put her down.
Ordered Full speed ahead to clear area before daybreak.
Weather remains clear.
Continuing patrol of assigned area.

[Kieldk]

USS Seal SS-183

June 24th 1942

Japanese papers claim that one of their task forces where attacked by an American Submarine in the Java Sea


They threw depth charges in the water , and saw wreckage and oil


The only sub we had in the area was the USS Seal
And she has been overdue for more than a month and are therefore presumed Lost with all hands

[4H_Ccrashh]

USS Sailfish (Sargo Class)
12 December 1941
Cavite Naval Base , Philippines.

First mission to deliver supplies to Formosa. No enemy contacts.

After completion, I sent a status report and was given new orders to patrol northwest of Luzon near Convoy College.

1428: Picked up distant sound contact , surfaced and racing south to prosecute.


1510: Tracked target southwest through Luzon Straights. Sighted large tanker Nippon Maru (10,000 tons).

1547: Fired three torpedoes at 1500 yards. 60 deg AOB, fish set to slow speed, contact, depth 10 feet, Three degree spread.

Observed two hits. On aft of amidships the other forward amidships. Target burned and sank immediately. No lifeboats.

Cleared the area to the west.

[Bubblehead1980]

March 1943
USS Drum out of Brisbane.

Initial assignment was patrol off Bougainville . Sunk a large troopship and a DD off Rabaul. Moved to attack enemy reinforcement convoy heading from Rabaul to Lae . Made contact March 3 40 /NM east of Lae as convoy rounded Huon Peninsula. While closing USAAF and RAAF aircraft arrived and savaged the convoy sinking six transports and 5 DD. Observed but unable to get into proper firing position.

Currently en route to new patrol area. Truk Rabaul shipping lanes N of Kavieng/Bismark chokepoint.

[Kieldk]

December 12th
1941

USS S-27 SS-132
S 18 Class


Departed Cavite naval base on December 9th orders where to act as an Coastal Defence Submarine

In the navy’s mind we are just a training unit and obselete in front of the newer fleet boats

we have even heard they are building a new type called the Gato class with 6 torpedo tubes at the bow, and even watertight bulkheads in the engine room !

Wow that sure sounds like a solid boat


But for now as a young commander I am in charge of S-27 and I’ve told the crew that this ship is a warship and not some training unit shooting at dummies ...

No , this is for real and the war has come


We reached San Bernardino strait on the 12th and spotted an enemy task force!

Called for battlestations and closed in while submerged

Spotted Takao Class cruiser

Closed to 1200 meters and suddenly we where spotted !

With bullets raining all around us we fires all our fish at the Cruiser

Setting the depth for 4.5 meters

We hit here right when she rolled on a wave and broke her back!

15870 tons sunk

Then came the escorts
We received heavy damage and flodding to the engine room

But with great skills and manuevring we managed to escape

Now heading for Cavite to inspect the damage and to load on more torps

The base won’t hold
On for long so we are steaming at best speed


-CO S-27

[Kieldk]

July 1942

USS Stingray SS-186
Salmon



After our third patrol I got transferred to the Stingray

in late May I left s-27 at the dock and walked right down to my new boat


Leaving my crew behind well knowing they where headed for the East coast so the old
Boat could Commence her final service as a training boat
Allot of the crew Have Been transferred too numerous new fleet boats ,
so they are in good hands


Me and my new crew left Brisbane on the 20th of June and headed for Truk where we sank four ships totaling 11654 tons

The rest of the patrol proved uneventful and we returned to Brisbane on July the 24th

[Bubblehead1980]

April 11/12 1943.

TMO 100 realism. no external cam. No map contacts.

Departed Brisbane April 6. Dropped off an Australian coastwatcher on Bougainville on April 10. Heading for assigned area SE of Palau in the Palau-Rabaul shipping lanes.

Evening of April 11 2300 SJ contact at 6 NM 50 NM NE of Manus Island . Although en route to my area, sent contact report and decided to attack. Reply from command said to target escorts. Dark evening so closed in on surface on the minesweeper type escorting 4 merchants. Fired 3 torpedoes from 2800 yards. Two prematurely exploded 50 yards from target. Alerting target but it was too late, the third hit but no explosion. DUD! Turned to starboard to speed away saw a perfect setup on a SEITO MARU (5151 tons) tanker. Escort fired star shells but seemed to not know where was exactly, but was turning towards direction in which torpedo came from. Target had slowed speed and was zigging also fired deck gun and machine guns in my direction. Fired 3 torpedoes from bow and turned away dodging. Two prematurely exploded but one hit. Tanker must have been loaded with fuel as a massive explosion followed by large secondary explosions with large fireball erupted. SEITO MARU sunk 0019 12 April 1943 0 53 N 146 49 E.

Sped away on surface escort pursued but eventually turned away. Proceeded on to assigned patrol area.

1300 while on surface SJ made contact at 7 NM. Overcast skies medium fog approached on surface at GQ. At 1000 yards a freighter could be made out in fog and we were directly in his path. Ordered hard port rudder to get off his track and dive. At periscope depth identified a KASIGASAN MARU freighter. Fired one torpedo from stern tube. Torpedo impacted, ship broke in two and sunk. Surfaced continued on to patrol area.

April 14 1943, still en route to patrol area.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO w custom mods/ Traffic.

April 15 1943

Patrolling SE on the Palau-Rabaul shipping lanes. Overcast with moderate to heavy seas and light fog. Beginning 0800 heavy air activity in area. Expecting possible convoy did best to stay on surface and cover likely routes. At 0900 after diving again sound detected heavy, fast props at long range. Closed at high submerged speed before SJ sweep. Surfaced made S?J contact at 0940 7 NM.

Low visibility made it difficult to spot targets but at 5.5 NM was able to make out the flat deck of a large carrier. Soon was able to see a CA or CL and 2-3 DD. Racing ahead at best speed was able to dive and close at high speed on the Task Force making 18-20 knots.

At 1011 was 1500 yards from a Hiyo Class CV, a Naka Class CL, three unknown DD;s. Course 150 19 knots. Fired 6 torpedoes at the CV at 10 second intervals for a nice spread. Three torpedoes detonated prematurely. Three hit, both failed to explode. Duds. Took a couple close depth charges on first run but heavy seas helped hide from the DD's. Unable to regain contact after surfacing.

[Bubblehead1980]

April 27 April 1943

0500 Off southern entrance to Palau Anchorage . 20 NM east of Peleliu. SJ contact at 9000 yds. Sound cant pick it up even with engines stopped. Dark night no visual. Dive to periscope depth and GQ.

Soon a Kamikaze Class Destroyer is in visual and suddenly audible on sonar. Terrible setup would waste a torpedo and give position away.

Now deep, running silent getting depth charged because of course the magic destroyer picks us up even though was at 350 ft when he passed over. Inept crew members lol

[KaleunMarco]

Off the southern coast of Mindanao patrolling in USS Gudgeon (SS-211).
Ran into a TF with a Yamato.
Took a beating (52%) but we got the bad-boy.

Going....
https://i.ibb.co/2WnrKC7/SH4-Img-2020-09-15-20-24-38-346.png

.....Going....
https://i.ibb.co/mSSGT9h/SH4-Img-2020-09-15-20-24-56-117.png

.....Gone
https://i.ibb.co/d2NpHNF/SH4-Img-2020-09-15-20-25-05-346.png
:Kaleun_Salute:

[Strykr]

KaleunMarco,
Did you finish her off with the deck gun ??? :haha:

Nice job !!!

[Kieldk]

Off the southern coast of Mindanao patrolling in USS Gudgeon (SS-211).
Ran into a TF with a Yamato.
Took a beating (52%) but we got the bad-boy.

Going....
https://i.ibb.co/2WnrKC7/SH4-Img-2020-09-15-20-24-38-346.png

.....Going....
https://i.ibb.co/mSSGT9h/SH4-Img-2020-09-15-20-24-56-117.png

.....Gone
https://i.ibb.co/d2NpHNF/SH4-Img-2020-09-15-20-25-05-346.png
:Kaleun_Salute:


Good job


Rumor of Your Victory , has spread around the Allied forces

Perhaps a medal og Honor is waiting at port

[KaleunMarco]

KaleunMarco,
Did you finish her off with the deck gun ??? :haha:

Nice job !!!

no, we surfaced to watch her go down.

[Bubblehead1980]

Nice job. How many torpedoes did it take? I revamped the Yamato for TMO recently,. Takes a lot of punishment to sink it. I put ten torpedoes into it, stopped it but was out of fish and unable to complete the job.

I added the air attack that destroyed her in April 45. Counted 21 torpedo hits and 15-25 direct bomb hits plus numerous near misses before it sunk. The one I put representing Musashi in Sibuyan Sea in October 44 took 18 torpedo hits from aircraft and 20-30 bomb hits.

[KaleunMarco]

Nice job. How many torpedoes did it take? I revamped the Yamato for TMO recently,. Takes a lot of punishment to sink it. I put ten torpedoes into it, stopped it but was out of fish and unable to complete the job.

I added the air attack that destroyed her in April 45. Counted 21 torpedo hits and 15-25 direct bomb hits plus numerous near misses before it sunk. The one I put representing Musashi in Sibuyan Sea in October 44 took 18 torpedo hits from aircraft and 20-30 bomb hits.

don't remember exactly. less than ten. the last one hit between the stack and superstructure and she blew up like the fourth of July.

not long ago, we tangled with a protected convoy. sank a few merchies, went deep and waited out the escorts.
when the DC calmed down and the escorts thinned out, we came to PD and saw a damaged heavy cruiser. we were out of torpedoes.
so, we opened the range to 8km, surfaced, manned the deck gun and i poured every shell we had left into that sucker. me, personally, manned the gun. she would not sink.
oh well.
we counted our blessings and headed home...grateful that our mission-returns equaled our missions.

[Rinaldi]

USS Snapper - Salmon class

Now based out of Fremantle for the first time, previously Brisbane.

My character's 8th War Patrol, 3rd in the Snapper.

____
Currently Mar 27/43. Made CPT at end of 7th patrol and was ordered into Solomon Sea for the 8th. It's been quiet and dead, the area is largely 'hunted out' since the close of active hostilities on Guadalcanal. Only traffic worth a torpedo was a single small-type freighter we took with aft tubes just off the coast of New Britain. We've also destroyed a large number of junks, smacks, sampans and trawlers - to the point where we have completely exhausted our 4" HE.

I have since been ordered further north and am on patrol along the equator, just at the edge of the Bismarck sea. I'm astride a cross-roads of lanes I had identified and hunted in my previous patrols in this area and am confident even with reduced need for traffic here I can get something. The problem with the Bismarck Sea lanes is that they tend to be nothing but fast TFs. I've never sank so many warships in a career before.

Hoping the next patrol will put us into the South China Sea area and among targets that don't habitually go 13+ knots and shoot back.

[Kieldk]

USS Stingray
Salmon Class

November 1942

the last 3 patrols was very positive with 8-9 merchants sunk and allot of sampans

from December 1941 and until now i have sunk 131366 tons of enemy shipping

ive had a good year:Kaleun_Applaud:

returned home too fremantle when i got transfered to the USS Trout

A Tambor Class Submarine

Fine looking boat, and now i have 6 tubes wich i intend to put to good use:Kaleun_Salute:


our next orders are to patrol near Manila

we will depart Freemantle on December 22th 1942

Merry Christmas:Kaleun_Cheers:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO+ custom mods

USS Drum

Departed Brisbane 6 September 1943. Dropped off supplies east of Wewak on 11 September then proceeded to patrol area in Truk-Rabaul shipping lanes.

Oddly enough from September 13-October 5 had zero enemy contacts in such historically busy shipping lane* Just a few patrol planes and frequently foul weather. On October 29 encountered a surfaced Gato class submarine heading SW, likely returning Brisbane from patrol.

On October 5 at 2200 SJ made contact just north of chokepoint area between Admiralty Islands and New Ireland. Closed in to find a 8 ships, four escort convoy . Sent contact report and closed for night surface attack.

Contact stated tankers are now priority targets. Happened to spot in the middle column a large GENYO MARU tanker 11000+ tons. Starboard flanking escort left position to search. We approached get in close enough to fire on middle column with high speed settings. Calm seas, dark night but a bit of a glow and haze.

Suddenly convoy zigged, star shells fired over us and two shell splashes landed about 300 yards to port. Suspect enemy had radar as visual spotting was not likely. With range still too far for a good shot, changed torpedo to low speed setting. After a shell splash came too close, pulled the plug to periscope depth. Plotting the new speed at 6 1/2 knots with the forward escort pinging and rushing in at just 800 yards. fired four torpedoes at GENYO MARU and two at an AKITA MARU AK as we dove (gotta love the TDC and PK)

As we passed 125 feet torpedo impact of four torpedoes and massive explosion sounds from above As we passed 150 feet dpeth charges exploded ll around but not too close. Then reports of two more torpedoes impacting. Evaded depth charges for five hours. surfaced after dawn. We had sunk the Genyo Maru and the Akita Maru was dead in water and down by stern as apparent torpedo impact had blown her stern off. Finished off with a torpedo and ship sunk.

Caught up with convoy after pursuit until 1300, sunk two more ships. Evaded for another end around. In heavy seas around 0300 on 6 October fired six torpedoes in a spread at middle of convoy from 5,000 yards( heavy seas and escorts preventing from getting any closer) Four torpedoes impacted three targets. RYUNN MARU sunk. Two other unknowns damaged.

While departing area on surface under long range gunfire a near miss caused hull damage.

With fuel down to 30 percent, two bow torpedoes and four aft left, and now some hull damage compromising DRUM's diving ability, five ships sunk and two others damaged(eight ships in convoy originally), decided to head for Brisbane and end the 24 hour + battle.

Arrived Brisbane October 13.

[Orffen]

Enjoyed these very much! Any more coming? :D

[Bubblehead1980]

Enjoyed these very much! Any more coming? :D


Glad you enjoyed. Once get back on patrol will share more.

I did an actual war patrol report for a patrol in SH 4 career with USS Drum, formatted off the real war patrol reports of USS Drum read on Historical Naval Ships Associtations website as well as drum228.org have read. Kept a a ships log as well while on patrol used it for the data in the report. Below is the link.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads.php?do=file&id=5657

[KaleunMarco]

The valiant crew of the USS Balao (SS-285) at battle stations...somewhere in the western Pacific.:hmmm::yep:
https://i.ibb.co/X8V7VSP/SH4-Img-2020-09-24-16-24-20-886.png


also, here is a valuable piece of intel for you Pacific Kaleuns.
this sinking Japanese Merchie has deployed a new secret weapon: an air-cushioned deck gun. it is not clear if this new weapon is any more lethal than its predecessors but be on the look out.:har:

https://i.ibb.co/xY3vG0m/SH4-Img-2020-09-24-16-27-33-842.png

good luck. and good hunting.:Kaleun_Salute:

Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
[C:\Ubisoft\TMO_2_5\MODS]

100 TriggerMaru_Overhaul_2-5
101 1.5_Optical Targeting Correction 031312 for TMO 2.5
102 1.5_OTC for 16 to 9 Aspect Ratio_TMO
104 EZ Plot V2.0
300 RSRDC_RFB_V575
301 RSRDC_V5xx_Patch1
400 Webster's Eliminate Floating Plankton

[propbeanie]

Open the ship's dat file, and see if there isn't an "F" and a "B" designation for the ship, with the gun attached to the other end of the ship, such that when you "break its back", the bow might be sinking a bit faster than the stern initially, and with the gun attached to the stern, it separates from the bow "mount" and floats. You'll see that with the "crew" of some ships, or the spotlights, etc... :salute:

[KaleunMarco]

Open the ship's dat file, and see if there isn't an "F" and a "B" designation for the ship, with the gun attached to the other end of the ship, such that when you "break its back", the bow might be sinking a bit faster than the stern initially, and with the gun attached to the stern, it separates from the bow "mount" and floats. You'll see that with the "crew" of some ships, or the spotlights, etc... :salute:

way to go, PB. eff me up with a question like that.....:har:

so i take your question and refer to the Career Track.UPC to find the ship, using the date-time-stamp from the sinking notification from my valiant crew, only to discover that the CareerTrack doesn't have ship sinking on that day.

so i have to JANAC myself with a "no credit". does that sound immoral or something.:har:

seriously now, i have no frickin clue why there is no ship-sunk in the CareerTrack. the only reason for this to happen is if i forgot that i sank this ship between my last save and my exit during the mission.:06:

[KaleunMarco]

Open the ship's dat file, and see if there isn't an "F" and a "B" designation for the ship, with the gun attached to the other end of the ship, such that when you "break its back", the bow might be sinking a bit faster than the stern initially, and with the gun attached to the stern, it separates from the bow "mount" and floats. You'll see that with the "crew" of some ships, or the spotlights, etc... :salute:

i found it, i think.:O:
she was the KMSSRyuun aka JP Medium Raked Bow Split Merchant Unittype=102.

[propbeanie]

That's the one... the Ryuun is a small clone of the WarMelody, which in and of itself, is a clone of an old KSSSBritish... not confusing at all... At first blush though, all looks fine, with the M01 associated with the fore as it should be:

https://i.imgur.com/mWUM49y.jpg


But when you zoom-in, you notice this:

https://i.imgur.com/P5A6qTp.jpg


The node is "hanging" a couple of feet in the air... So the "Y" coordinate needs to be lowered to be brought down to be on the hold cover (not very "realistic"), or a platform of some sort put underneath it (again, not very "realistic", when we are talking about guns being on "hold covers"...). Better still would be to "mount" a platform, fore and aft, and put the two guns on those...

Needless to say KaleunMarco, that is a STOCK (!!!) ship, and you sir, have discovered ~another~ Stock "issue"... :salute:

[KaleunMarco]

Needless to say KaleunMarco, that is a STOCK (!!!) ship, and you sir, have discovered ~another~ Stock "issue"... :salute:

does that mean i rate a new badge or a stint in the brig?:timeout::timeout:

[Orffen]

Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
[C:\Ubisoft\TMO_2_5\MODS]

100 TriggerMaru_Overhaul_2-5
101 1.5_Optical Targeting Correction 031312 for TMO 2.5
102 1.5_OTC for 16 to 9 Aspect Ratio_TMO
104 EZ Plot V2.0
300 RSRDC_RFB_V575
301 RSRDC_V5xx_Patch1
400 Webster's Eliminate Floating Plankton

You are using RDRDC for RFB with TMO? :hmmm:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO w custom mods.

USS Drum SS 228


Departed Pearl Harbor January 3rd 1944. Refueled Midway, assigned t to patrol off Wake Island and for lifeguard for airstrikes on 30 January- 9 February.

Sunk submarine approaching channel on 4 February (ULTRA alerted to arrival).

Released from lfieguard went to patrol NW of Truk. Night surface attack two ship four escort convoy 0030 17 February near Ulul Island. Sunk SEIA MARU and HAKUSIKA MARU. Dodged gunfire from escorts.

After attack raced to lifeguard station North of Truk for Operation Hailstone. Observed morning air strikes from outside reef.

SJ radar made contact with ships fleeing north channel closed to find a Katori Class CL , unknown DD, and a Aux SC fleeing north. Around 1240 SJ contact detected multiple contacts to north. In distance could see the masts of battleships. Task Group 50.9 (BB Iowa, BB New Jersey, two CA, four DD) Through periscope viewed US TG open fire on the CL, DD and SC. Observed direct hits from from Iowa main battery on CL. All three vessels quickly sunk.

Through day rescued 9 downed aircrew. Damaged large flying boat (EMILY) with 40 MM and 20 MM AA guns as it caught us on surface during rescue.

2000 released from lifeguard. Assigned to patrol off Saipan. Departed area.

19 February en route Saipan.

[KaleunMarco]

You are using RDRDC for RFB with TMO? :hmmm:

i guess i am. :doh:
i never noticed that before. {dumb ass}

haven't had any CTD's (knock on wood).

when i finish this career, i'll have to go back look for RSRD for TMO and re-enable the mods.

i guess RSRD for RFB can be played with TMO without destructive effects.:haha::hmmm::timeout:
:Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO with custom mods

April 23 1944 Luzon Straits-Convoy College area.

USS Drum

Received ULTRA about large convoy transiting area 24/25 April (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Ichi_convoy)* while patrolling area was damaged by an aircraft when SD radar failed to pickup contact until less than 5 NM away. Damage repaired. Continued patrolling.

Ran into another convoy (not the one mention ed in ultra) but decided to attack as could spare enough torpedoes for one attack. Sent contact message, ordered to attack.

Seas were choppy so approach was relatively easy on the six ship 3 escort convoy. Sunk HAKUSIKA MARU 8191 tons with three Mark 14's from 1400 yards. Dove to 375 feet. Escorts pinged but never exactly located DRUM, dropped many charges 3000+ yards off.

Four hours later still under water. They are hunting but no close by.

* In real life, USS Jack attacked this important convoy on 25 May 1944. The convoy was carrying thousands of troops to reinforce New Guinea. Jack was unable to penetrate the screen so fired at night from 7000+ yards and scored multiple hits. James Calvert was operating TDC and describes it great detail in his book SILENT RUNNING.

Convoy stopped Manila, departing 1 May and again operating on an ULTRA, USS Gurnard attacked NW of Halmahera on 6 May with great success. I added the convoys to TMO, they are historical time and locations. Also received ULTRA messages about the convoys. Happened to be assigned to this patrol area , always fun to see how it plays out.

[Cajun Kaleun]

Decided to give this a go after doing in SH3 in mid-43. Just playing vanilla at the moment to get the ropes as the aiming is really confusing to me and I'm not sure why.

Decided to start in 41 with the Asiatic Fleet in an S-18 boat. Basically putters around in the South China Sea for a bit until the radio traffic came in about the invasion of Borneo. We decided it was time to get into the war and steamed west along the the northern coast of Bormeo. We got bounced by a pair of Akatsuki destroyers we dived and fired off 2 fish. Hit one of the destroyers aft and that seemed to take the right out of them we slunk eastwards surfaced and recharged the batteries and tried going east again.

We reached the western end of Borneo without seeing much of anything so we started heading a little north when radio traffic came in that a massive task force was headed south just due east of us. It was the main invasion force so we followed their track south and got into firing position. First time really trying the Dick o'Kane method in the wild. Honestly it was a mild disaster fired 4 fish and my solution was way off but I did sink a Japanese destroyer who panicked and ran right into one amodships killing her. Dived deep and headed east once the remaining destroyers left surfaced the boat and reloaded the tube to go south and try again. Honestly this is where my U-Boat time bite me in the ass I came behind the task force again but the angle was really oblique and it was a disaster. Headed back to Manila to rearm.

By the time we got back to Borneo she had already fallen. Decided to head to the the Sulu Sea but it was fairly empty so headed off the coast of Indochina to ambush merchants heading into the Java Sea. Found a decent sized merchant and deck gunned him. Then found some Sampans and did the same. Was transiting south when we got radio traffic of a decent sized task force headed north so we sprinted into a firing position.

This made the whole war patrol here. The twin Fuso battleships were transiting north. I decided to give the Dick o'Kane method a last good college try. Setup the spot on the nearest battleship and launched all 4 fish. Every. Single. Damn. One. Hit! It was beautiful it was so spaced out the bottom of the hull was Swiss cheese. Right are I launched I dived deep and headed right across the convoy it priced unnecessary but it made for a clean escape. While rearming we got the message to divert to Java as our new base of operations. While I wanted to hunt down the other battleship I decided with fuel low it was best to head to Java. Sunk another merchant in the Makassar Strait in route to Java.

Overall an excellent patrol. Started off rocky but dammed of it wasn't fun in the USS S-28. Not sure why targeting confuses the hell out of me and need to break the habit of firing on really oblique angles like ImI'm in a U-Boat. Really enjoy the campaign structure as well.

[KaleunMarco]

so you want more stories....

Playing TMO with RSRD.

commanding the Balao (ss285).

On patrol in the Yellow Sea, March 1945

detected a convoy on its way from China to Okinawa for the upcoming battle there (April 1).
convoy consisted of troop ships and a capital ship plus about half dozen escorts.
we got in good position for an underwater attack.
got past the lead escorts and lined up shots on the two leading troop ships.
Bingo! all hit and exploded and both vessels sinking.

third troop ship changes course to evade.

we increase speed and adjust course to fire our remaining two forward tubes while reloading the others.
fire two fish at approx 1500 yds.

Bingo! two hits. now it gets interesting.
this merchie must have carrying ammo or fuel because she exploded like a fourth of july roman candle.
the bad news is that she was close aboard the capital ship and....when she blew she took the capital ship with her.

Damn!
for those of you who are new to SH4, if you don't put a round or a fish into an enemy and it sinks, you don't get credit.
so....as we were coming about to bring the stern tubes to bear on the cruiser, she blew up with the troop/ammo ship, obviating the need to expend more torpedoes.

we went deep and evaded.

what can a kaleun do, eh?
:Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO with custom mods
4 Luzon Straits-Convoy College area.

USS Drum SS 228 (Gato Class)

Departed March 29 for patrol area Convoy College Luzon Straits.

Acting on an ULTRA. Patrolled for a large convoy (Take Ichi Convoy, see previous post) and made SJ contact at 0032 24 April.

Convoy is 16 ships with 13 escorts moving 12 knots and zigging often. Attempted to penetrate the screen by on three occasions forced to back away. A Yagumo Class DD came within 2500 yards but managed to remain unseen as kept bow pointing at him, slowly backing away with right rudder to maintain low profile.

Finally decided to fire from outside the screen from long range, utilizing the Mark 14's low speed setting. Dark night so difficult to pick out targets visually. Aimed for center mass of ships on PPI scope with spread. At 0347 fired six torpedoes from 7100 yards. Turned and quickly fired spread from stern tubes aimed in similar fashion.

After a long torpedo run, could see and hear torpedo impacts in distance. 6 out of ten fired hit, not bad. About three minutes after impact a large secondary explosion occurred. Could also see a very large troopships in distance with a fire on its bow, but moving along swiftly.

Moved out in distance to reload torpedoes and get in another attack before dawn if possible. Lost contact on SJ then reestablished. Convoy ships were constant helming making obtaining a solid solution difficult from long distances. Managed to get to 4100 yards when an escort left a gap in screen while making a high speed run to check the flank. Aimed for a large troopship identified as KITRUIN MARU and fired four torpedoes. Unfortunately, one of the torpedoes passed jut astern of an escort that raced into position unexpectedly. The escort spotted the torpedoes and sounded the alarm. Targets all turned away. All four torpedoes missed. A Shiratsuyu DD spotted us or detected on radar as it began raced right towards us at high speed. With dawn approaching and turning away presenting broadsides too risky as could expose to gunfire, ordered a dive.

As we dove to 375 feet a lone torpedo impact was heard, we had lucked out and hit something. Depth charges followed (a few close ones) and were hunted by two particularly persistent escorts for six hours. 1230 back at periscope depth, all was clear. Surfaced and had two SJ contacts at 13 NM. Turned course and noticed they were stationary. Either escorts playing possum or damaged vessels left behind. Figured most likely damaged vessels from first attack due to distance and proximity to location of first attack. Also came across debris field soon after surfacing, something had sunk, perhaps from our lone torpedo impact on last attack or a mortally wounded vessel from first attack.

As closed two contacts could see they were troopships about 3100 yards apart, dead in water. One down by the stern, other listing heavily to port. Obviously, our victims of DRUM's initial salvo. Ordered deck gun manned. Closed in to finish them off. Took about 20 4 inch gun hits each to finish them off. Both were troopships of SAKITO MARU class 6800 tons.

Secured from GQ, raced ahead to try and reestablish contact with convoy but numerous patrol planes forced us to keep diving. Unable to locate convoy and at 0000 April 25 ended pursuit after 24 hours. Resumed patrol of area.

Two large troopships sunk, believe sunk vessel of unknown type as well.

[Bubblehead1980]

so you want more stories....

Playing TMO with RSRD.

commanding the Balao (ss285).

On patrol in the Yellow Sea, March 1945

detected a convoy on its way from China to Okinawa for the upcoming battle there (April 1).
convoy consisted of troop ships and a capital ship plus about half dozen escorts.
we got in good position for an underwater attack.
got past the lead escorts and lined up shots on the two leading troop ships.
Bingo! all hit and exploded and both vessels sinking.

third troop ship changes course to evade.

we increase speed and adjust course to fire our remaining two forward tubes while reloading the others.
fire two fish at approx 1500 yds.

Bingo! two hits. now it gets interesting.
this merchie must have carrying ammo or fuel because she exploded like a fourth of july roman candle.
the bad news is that she was close aboard the capital ship and....when she blew she took the capital ship with her.

Damn!
for those of you who are new to SH4, if you don't put a round or a fish into an enemy and it sinks, you don't get credit.
so....as we were coming about to bring the stern tubes to bear on the cruiser, she blew up with the troop/ammo ship, obviating the need to expend more torpedoes.

we went deep and evaded.

what can a kaleun do, eh?
:Kaleun_Salute:


Nice! . Ah the Yellow Sea. One of the more challenging areas in later war when escorts have their act together, no depth to hide in. Definitely have to plan attacks well. I opt for night surface attacks, dive only when must.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO + custom mods

USS Drum SS 228

April 28, 1944

Luzon Strait -Convoy College Area.


After several days of foul weather, it cleared. Began seeing more patrol planes than usual. Seems DRUM stirred up a Hornets nest attacking the big convoy on 24/25 April.


On 27 April at 0204 APR-1 detected radar signals and soon had SJ contacts closed to find were two DD's patrolling. Without a favorable setup, decided to save torpedoes for merchants or larger warships. As were backing away at 6000 yards, suddenly heard gunfire, shell splashes were visible, they had detected us on radar/spotted us. Unable to outrun two fleet type DD's, we dove to 375 feet and ran silent. Pinging began and a few depth charges landed, some close but soon they lost us. We slipped away and five hours later came to scope depth to find heavy seas, rain and low visibility. Surfaced and continued patrol.

Squalls cleared that afternoon. At 1621 2 April SJ made contact with convoy in Luzon Strait heading NE. Went to GQ and approaching, diving at 1700.Closed and at scope depth, saw convoy had zigged out of position and its choice targets, two large tankers were on opposite side of convoy. Allowed convoy to pass, surfaced and conducted end around. At 0100 was in position off port column of eight ship two escort convoy. Fired at two GENYO MARU class 11000 ton tankers.

Torpedoes hit the trailing tanker, causing massive explosion after just one hit. Torpedoes hit the second tanker, causing large fire and leaving it dead in water. All bow torpedoes expended, two left in stern tubes.

Escorts chased DRUM but were able to avoid. Waited several hours until convoy moved on and escorts with them. The tanker was dead in water, sinking. Backed in with caution, fired final two stern torpedoes. Last Mark 14 was a CIRCLE RUN. Fortunately, DRUM was able to avoid impact. Other torpedo impacted tanker, which capsized and sunk.

Set course for Pearl Harbor, arriving 17 May. 51000 tons total sunk.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO with custom Mods.

USS Drum SS 228

Departed Pearl Harbor 2 June. Assignment is to drop off some troops on coast of Formosa(one of those makes no sense type orders in SH 4 ugh) . Will patrol East China Sea North of Formosa after drop off.

Refueled at new US anchorage at Majuro as distance is closer than to Midway.

While en route to drop off received word of US landings on Saipan.

One 15 June contact reports from Flying Fish regarding Task Force exiting San Bernadino Strait with three carriers, three battleships plus many others. Few hours later a contact report from Seahorse was received regarding a Task Force 200 NM SE of Mindanao steaming towards Philippine Sea.


Plot based on contact reports has both TF roughly in the areas Corn Field and Flower Bed over next few days. These areas were along our route , decided to patrol a few days based on contact reports.

0700 16 June picked up radar signals and made contact with US Submarine...USS Cavalla. Passed at 4000 yards.


0145 SJ contact was made with multiple ships. Ships moving high speed possible TF. Closed to find four large tankers and three destroyers. Believe this to be support train for enemy task force.

0238 Fired six Mark 14's at two NIPPON MARU class tankers 10000 tons each . All torpedoes hit, both tankers exploded in massive fireballs and sunk. Radar emissions were detected but did not seem to detect DRUM as approached but possible after attack as starboard flank escort turned right towards us at high speed. While racing away on surface, destroyer placed spotlight on DRUM and opened fire with main battery, with two near splashes, light auto cannon and machine guns alos opened fire. While diving to escape, some light fire hit the boat, Officer of the Deck was wounded by the automatic fire before leaving the deck.

Submerged to 375 feet. Many depth charges but none too close. Slightly heavy seas and thermal layer helped mask the DRUM.

Slipped away but one destroyers hunted for eight hours. Each time came to scope depth or even radar was still one still hanging around in area. Reloaded tubes and surfaced at dawn.

[Cajun Kaleun]

USS S-28 based out of Java in early 42. Tasked for the Celebes Sea. Steam north and after exiting the Makassar Strait into the Celebes we catch sight of a destroyer streaming west and then a passenger liner being escorted with another destroyer trailing. We maneuver into a firing position and sit submerged. Let the first destroyer pass by and then let two fish swim and dive deep. Both fish hit sinking her and we escaped without pursuit.

Spent several days chasing phantoms and avoiding destroyers eventually we come across a lone merchant and sink her with a single fish. Eventually fuel starts getting low and we start heading back to Java. Once it off the Makassar Strait we get the message that an invasion force is headed for Java. We keep moving hoping to get to port before it falls. We entered the Bali Sea only to get a message to rebase at Fremantle. With very limited fuel we limp to Australia and just barely manage to make it to our new home.

I will have to credit my Type IX time for succeeding in this situation it was way too close to empty.

[Macgregor the Hammer]

TMO with custom Mods.
0238 Fired six Mark 14's at two NIPPON MARU class tankers 10000 tons each . All torpedoes hit, both tankers exploded in massive fireballs and sunk. Radar emissions were detected but did not seem to detect DRUM as approached but possible after attack as starboard flank escort turned right towards us at high speed. While racing away on surface, destroyer placed spotlight on DRUM and opened fire with main battery, with two near splashes, light auto cannon and machine guns alos opened fire. While diving to escape, some light fire hit the boat, Officer of the Deck was wounded by the automatic fire before leaving the deck.


I love the smell of burning tankers in the morning! It smells like..................Victory!!!

[Bubblehead1980]

I love the smell of burning tankers in the morning! It smells like..................Victory!!!


Indeed. They blow up quite nicely when loaded with fuel. Usually only requires one torpedo to set them off, but per doctrine fire a spread in case loaded with fuel (difficult to sink then) or to account for speed course change etc during torpedo run.

[Armistead]

Indeed. They blow up quite nicely when loaded with fuel. Usually only requires one torpedo to set them off, but per doctrine fire a spread in case loaded with fuel (difficult to sink then) or to account for speed course change etc during torpedo run.

Some loaded convoys I use to could get 3 plus ships for 1 torp, course only the one you hit count

[Bubblehead1980]

Some loaded convoys I use to could get 3 plus ships for 1 torp, course only the one you hit count


I have had this happen as well. Typically they are not spaced close enough during initial attack but have seen it happen. I added some tankers to my install, including Tonan Maru No 1 and 2 (19000+ tons) and a 15000 ton tanker, when loaded with fuel explosions are quite large. Watched them take out smaller merchants such as Taihosan Maru even at nice distance.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO with custom mods

12 August - 18 September 1944

Received worst depth charging so far. Heavy damage.

After a frustrating last patrol in Philippine and East China Sea ( sunk two large fleet tankers and a coastal steamer. Spotted but unable to close imperial battle fleet on 19-20 June West of Marianas due to numerous enemy aircraft contacts. ) assigned to Area 5 in Japanese home islands.

Departed August 12 Arrived in Area 23 August Patrols in open waters proved negative so per intelligence reports Japanese were moving merchant traffic along coast, moved in closer to coast submerged during daylight with periscope and periodic SJ sweeps while submerged.

August 28 tracked a large tanker and merchant with 6 PC type escorts just 6000 yards off coast between Omaezaki Cape and Ise Bay. heading West at 8.5 knots. Was not in favorable position at initial contact, so moved away from coast, surfaced to get ahead of convoy. A lone "VAL" dive bomber soon appeared and remained in area, appeared it was providing escort. This caused Drum to dive numerous times as it appeared to be closing but changed course at last minute. Unfortunately, was unable to gain attack position before convoy made port. Left coastal area to recharge batteries.

Afternoon of 29 August while submerged patrol off coastal between Omaezaki and Ise Bay, spotted smoke in periscope. Sound check revealed distant screw. SJ sweep at radar depth revealed small convoy heading our way. Went to GQ and began closing. Found a Madras Maru merchant with 5-6 escorts. One Matsu Class DE in lead, multiple PC types forming rest of screen. Were roughly 5000 yards off coast. Closed in at 100 feet came to scope depth convoy had moved closer with course change. Turned for stern shot with Mark 18's from 3800 yards as it kept us relatively deep waters for evasion. Fired spread of three Mark 18 torpedoes. Number 2 was a circle run, forcing us to go deep to avoid. Began heading away from coast for deeper waters when heard two torpedo impacts.

Initial evasion at 375 feet was successful but soon two of the escorts(cams off so not sure but believe based on sound one was the DE other was one of the PC types) contacted us and stayed on for nearly 7 hours, at one point due to flooding and inability to lose was at 589 feet, nearly 300 feet below test depth. Finally flooding stopped and enough water pumped to control vessel. Continued evasion, endured few more close charges but eventually slipped away.

Surfaced at 0300 hours to recharge and repair. Stern tubes 8,9 were damaged beyond repair but other damage, while serious was repairable.

SJ regained contact at 0400. Convoy was barely moving, likely due to the heavily damaged vessel from two torpedo hits but at their 3 knot speed would arrive Ise Bay around dawn. Night was dark enough with light fog and escort screen had a gap as one escort was still off hunting. Closed for night surface attack torpedo. Radar emissions were detected from lead escort but managed to approach undetected. Fired Four Mark 23's at Madras Maru from 4100 yards. Fired two at Matsu DD directly ahead. As torpedoes neared end of run, began high speed turn to race away. All four torpedoes hit the Madras Maru, obliterating the target. The two missed the DE, which was now turning to pursue us, having detected on radar no doubt.


Lined up aft TBT for stern tube down the throat shot on Matsu should it be necessary as she could overtake us with speed. However, its advance was slowed as it was zigging back and forth, no doubt anticipating we would fire torpedoes. However, she began opening fire with her forward deck gun which landed some close splashes but with each one accuracy fell off. The problem became a PT type boat closing at 30 plus knots from aft port with radar signal painting us. Too shallow for torpedoes and saving those two for the Matsu, Ordered 40 MM and 20 MM guns manned. PT opened fire as tracers passed over and around us a 3000 yards but held fire. A few of the light automatic rounds hit Drum. Finally at 2000 yards opened fire with 40 MM and 20 MM guns. Boat caught fire, lost way, exploded and sunk.

Unfortunately the engagement provided the Matsu with clear visual bearing on us and began closing at high speed, firing star shells and its deck gun. Two near misses caused hull damage.Began slight constant helming with 5 degree rudder port and starboard , providing a zigging target. While did not hole the boat, the near misses did cause apparent hull damage.

Lined up for down throat shot with stern tubes, just waiting for the DE to be within range when it began zigging again, slowing its advance. After a prolonged pursuit and a radical turn DE slowed and began dropping depth charges, convinced we had dived to evade.

Moved 100 NM out to sea to assess damage and repair.

Assessment of damage revealed two stern tubes could not be repaired and hull damage rated at "12". This could seriously endanger ability to safely evade deep as required when submerged, decided to head back to Pearl Harbor.

Just after midnight 31 August while en route home made contact with a 9 ship 4 escort convoy 200 NM off coast of Japan on course most likely for Tokyo. Opting a hit and run night surface attack, closed in and fired six Mark 23's. Sinking an Akita Maru freighter and a Shajima Maru freighter. Racing away evading gunfire with no damage.

On 11 September while 300 NM South Wake Island, with a light fog and overcast, moderate seas. An enemy plane appeared on SD at just 5 NM. Made emergency dive but as passed 125 feet several large explosions rocked the boat. Serious damage in forward torpedo room including flooding reported. Emergency surface with AA guns manned but no plane in sight.

About 6 minutes later a large flying boat (EMILY) appeared and flew in towards us. 40 MM and 20 MM hits blew the wing off the aircraft as it pass just 100 over pulling out of its glide. Two depth charges fell but missed by a great deal as plane crashed into waters.

Over next few hours while repairs conducted and water pumped out, more planes arrived search but even a few came close, never spotted us, in large part due to the low visibility. Finally water pumped out and repairs made. Continued on to Pearl Harbor where arrived 18 September.

[Bubblehead1980]

Not my campaign but a test campaign to make sure traffic is showing up and test some changes. Just had about most fun can have in this sim..


TMO with custom mods.

USS Tang SS 306

June 1944


Added the convoy Tang attacked en route to Yellow Sea on her third patrol on June 24/25 in Koshiki straits as it approached Nagasaki. This convoy was in very shallow waters and consisted of 8 ships with 12 escorts(!).

Convoy appears at historic time and place. Tracked convoy along coast and found a gap in the screen when a escort dropped out of place for a few minutes, checking the flank. Approached from astern as Tang did in real life, eased my way into the screen.. Came within 3000 yards of a type c escort did not detect us visually or on its radar. The night was quite dark for TMO so that helped. I also changed a setting which actually makes night affect the escorts vision . Not easy as they can still spot you and fire, but a sub was a tough target to spot on the surface.

Once inside screen fired on four three large ships and large tanker. Large and loud explosions (if you dont use Vickers EAX sound mod, you really must) Sunk all. Avoided rash of radar equipped escorts but high speed movements. A large merchant was across stern at 2800 yards fired Four mark 18 torpedoes. All hit and ship was crippled, eventually sunk..

Unfortunately, this brought attention of a Matsu DE and Etorofu escort, which opened fire and closed as we turned away at high speed, they continued closing. Waiting for tubes (especially stern tubes to reload). We hugged the coast within 900 yard (no shore battery in this spot but coastal searchlight which have found do not work in SH 4. Anyone want to fix this?) Matsu continued to close and opened fire, severla shell splashes were close. Saw some that were off hit the beach.

Radar signal was strong and he had us. Mark 18 reloaded in stern tubes, just two left. Lined up bow shot at 3700 yards and fired a down the throat shot. Reserved other for last ditch. 40 MM guns manned.

The matsu seemed to lose contact or was deterred by the proximity of the coast as it slowed and seemed to lose us.

Took stock of our position we were STILL inside the screen and located a large freighter at 300 about to cross our bow at 7 knots. Readied last two mark 23 torpedoes forward , closed in and fired. As we turned away merchant turned on his spotlight illuminating the Tang and firing machine guns. Returned fire with 40 MM guns . Rest of tracers and deck gun fire splashes near but no hits. Both torpedoes hit, freighter caught fire from bow to stern and began to sink,

As raced for the gap in the screen visible on PPI scope, the matsu and three escorts were closing forming a semi circle astern, another approaching from bow at 6000 yards, seemed to be boxing Tang in in. Changed course to run close to coast again. Saving last torpedo in tube 10(Mark 18) for a last ditch shot if needed. Shell splashes landed close but no hits.

Changed course and as noticed an object in water a close range. Life raft? Dark so could not tell then could see, it was a mine! (I added defensive minefields a while back in coastal approaches, forgot this was an area I did. Apparently seems to be a lone mine representing a floater) was able to give just enough rudder to avoid the mine. Two escorts continued pursuing but range steadily opened. Suddenly was bout 8000 yards back two large explosions, could see a vessel burning. The Matsu had ran into the mine we barely avoided lol. Unbelievably a few minutes later, another explosion, an unknown escort (possibly the Etorufu) hit another apparently. With this slowed speed and kept careful watch. By this time it was 0600 and a morning glow provided illumination not present throughout the night. Cleared the coast.

Since a test career enjoyed watch 40 MM take down two aircraft en route to Cheju. Went to Cheju (Where Tirante raided the harbor in 1945) and observed the pc patrolling the area as well as the minefield. Ran the boat into a mien on the surface. sent damage to 100. Boat was sinking by the bow as the screen faded to black.

Used auto targeting since this was a test run not an actual career. Really too bad cant get a more realistic auto target simulating crew plotting target, without the silly triangle etc and instant firing solution. Was a lot of fun not having to do all the plotting lol but does take away from the challenge.


This was a test of my campaign traffic. As part of my campaign traffic overhaul for TMO, Convoy layers remain randomly generated but reflect a more realistic composition of japanese convoys, which changes over the war, so your average convoy in 1942 will not be the same as one in 1944. I have also added convoys generate one time to appear at historical time and location, such as the one I discussed above. Routes also change, such as in late war the stay close to the coast.Tang's final convoy attacked off Formosa Oct 24/25 1944 is in sim as well and organized as O Kane described in his book Clear the Bridge(close as can within the parameters of sim) There are several of these through the war from 1941-1945.

Also change up some things with AI visual sensors so can pull off night surface attacks without sacrificing the risk . Of course it all depends on how dark night is. Unfortunately most nights in TMO are not dark enough, working on getting that fixed.

Testing went well, will continue to test and hopefully finally release upgrade soon.

[Texas Red]

New career with FORTSU 1.26p


December 9, 1941
USS Sculpin (Sargo Class)
Cavite Naval Base, Philipines
LCDR Ryan Reynolds
Patrol 1

We departed Cavite yesterday. We recieved news of the attack on Pearl Harbor and I was immeadiately called into the admiral's office where he gave me my orders for my patrol: Reconnoiter the "Blind Bombing Area" area for 10 non-continous days, sink ships at my discretion.
The Astatic fleet certainly will not hold up well in the face of an invasion. We are the neglected brother of the Pacific Fleet based in Pearl. We have nothing that could be matched or superior to what they have. We have always been a second priority, Washington sends us old and crappy equipment that breaks half the time.
My boat, the USS Sculpin, which had just completed a simulated war patrol with the S-27 only 3 days ago was set to leave on the 8th. The dock crew miraculously got her ready in time for the departure of our first patrol.

Currently, we are only 100 or so miles NW of Cavite at this time. I will write back later with another log.

[Kieldk]

Not my campaign but a test campaign to make sure traffic is showing up and test some changes. Just had about most fun can have in this sim..


TMO with custom mods.

USS Tang SS 306

June 1944


Added the convoy Tang attacked en route to Yellow Sea on her third patrol on June 24/25 in Koshiki straits as it approached Nagasaki. This convoy was in very shallow waters and consisted of 8 ships with 12 escorts(!).

Convoy appears at historic time and place. Tracked convoy along coast and found a gap in the screen when a escort dropped out of place for a few minutes, checking the flank. Approached from astern as Tang did in real life, eased my way into the screen.. Came within 3000 yards of a type c escort did not detect us visually or on its radar. The night was quite dark for TMO so that helped. I also changed a setting which actually makes night affect the escorts vision . Not easy as they can still spot you and fire, but a sub was a tough target to spot on the surface.

Once inside screen fired on four three large ships and large tanker. Large and loud explosions (if you dont use Vickers EAX sound mod, you really must) Sunk all. Avoided rash of radar equipped escorts but high speed movements. A large merchant was across stern at 2800 yards fired Four mark 18 torpedoes. All hit and ship was crippled, eventually sunk..

Unfortunately, this brought attention of a Matsu DE and Etorofu escort, which opened fire and closed as we turned away at high speed, they continued closing. Waiting for tubes (especially stern tubes to reload). We hugged the coast within 900 yard (no shore battery in this spot but coastal searchlight which have found do not work in SH 4. Anyone want to fix this?) Matsu continued to close and opened fire, severla shell splashes were close. Saw some that were off hit the beach.

Radar signal was strong and he had us. Mark 18 reloaded in stern tubes, just two left. Lined up bow shot at 3700 yards and fired a down the throat shot. Reserved other for last ditch. 40 MM guns manned.

The matsu seemed to lose contact or was deterred by the proximity of the coast as it slowed and seemed to lose us.

Took stock of our position we were STILL inside the screen and located a large freighter at 300 about to cross our bow at 7 knots. Readied last two mark 23 torpedoes forward , closed in and fired. As we turned away merchant turned on his spotlight illuminating the Tang and firing machine guns. Returned fire with 40 MM guns . Rest of tracers and deck gun fire splashes near but no hits. Both torpedoes hit, freighter caught fire from bow to stern and began to sink,

As raced for the gap in the screen visible on PPI scope, the matsu and three escorts were closing forming a semi circle astern, another approaching from bow at 6000 yards, seemed to be boxing Tang in in. Changed course to run close to coast again. Saving last torpedo in tube 10(Mark 18) for a last ditch shot if needed. Shell splashes landed close but no hits.

Changed course and as noticed an object in water a close range. Life raft? Dark so could not tell then could see, it was a mine! (I added defensive minefields a while back in coastal approaches, forgot this was an area I did. Apparently seems to be a lone mine representing a floater) was able to give just enough rudder to avoid the mine. Two escorts continued pursuing but range steadily opened. Suddenly was bout 8000 yards back two large explosions, could see a vessel burning. The Matsu had ran into the mine we barely avoided lol. Unbelievably a few minutes later, another explosion, an unknown escort (possibly the Etorufu) hit another apparently. With this slowed speed and kept careful watch. By this time it was 0600 and a morning glow provided illumination not present throughout the night. Cleared the coast.

Since a test career enjoyed watch 40 MM take down two aircraft en route to Cheju. Went to Cheju (Where Tirante raided the harbor in 1945) and observed the pc patrolling the area as well as the minefield. Ran the boat into a mien on the surface. sent damage to 100. Boat was sinking by the bow as the screen faded to black.

Used auto targeting since this was a test run not an actual career. Really too bad cant get a more realistic auto target simulating crew plotting target, without the silly triangle etc and instant firing solution. Was a lot of fun not having to do all the plotting lol but does take away from the challenge.


This was a test of my campaign traffic. As part of my campaign traffic overhaul for TMO, Convoy layers remain randomly generated but reflect a more realistic composition of japanese convoys, which changes over the war, so your average convoy in 1942 will not be the same as one in 1944. I have also added convoys generate one time to appear at historical time and location, such as the one I discussed above. Routes also change, such as in late war the stay close to the coast.Tang's final convoy attacked off Formosa Oct 24/25 1944 is in sim as well and organized as O Kane described in his book Clear the Bridge(close as can within the parameters of sim) There are several of these through the war from 1941-1945.

Also change up some things with AI visual sensors so can pull off night surface attacks without sacrificing the risk . Of course it all depends on how dark night is. Unfortunately most nights in TMO are not dark enough, working on getting that fixed.

Testing went well, will continue to test and hopefully finally release upgrade soon.

I really like reading your logs!

I tried your depth charge mod and I like it

Continue your great work with TMO and I might return one day

Right now I’m playing UBOAT....

But it still needs allot of work

Noticed yesterday a plane attacked me and we went to 120 Meters

And I could still follow the plane on the map!

Total immersion breaker, and after some time some of the crew got heart attacks even if we where not attacked, but because the plane was still visible on the map so there was still an alarm
Silly game plot

[Rinaldi]

FOTRSU mod with "AI_1" mod installed.

CAPT J. Harriet
USS Snapper
12th War Patrol:

November 1, 1943:
-Departed 0215 from Fremantle for patrol grid G3.

November 2, 1943:
-Snapper stops in Exmouth Gulf to top-up fuel reserves.

November 7, 1943:
- Snapper transits Manipa Strait, en route to patrol zone. Two Japanese schooners sunk by gunfire.

November 10, 1943:
-Snapper running 35nm south of Mindanao on surface. SJ reports single contact, bearing 252(T) speed 10 knots estimated. Intercept plotted and telegraph put to ahead full.
- Attacked and sunk freighter on surface later that morning approx 0445 hours. Two torpedoes fired for two observed hits. 3783t estimated.
- Snapper spends daylight hours at 120 feet, bearing 270(T), reloading torpedoes and avoiding inevitable enemy air search.

November 11, 1943:
- Submerged 38nm south of Mindanao coast.
- Hydrophone detects multiple screws, slow speed estimate. Submerged movement into attack position plotted.
- Radar depth thirty minutes later. Confirmed convoy of six medium sized contacts heading towards Snapper. No apparent escorts on scope.
- In position to attack approx 0450. Fired two spreads of two torpedoes each, which appear to miss.
-Gunfire from armed merchants force Snapper deep, battle stations torpedoes called. Reload commenced. Screws of lead merchants audible passing overhead.
- 0510, pos'n Long 124°57"E, Lat 5°19"N, attacked at periscope depth, moving at flank speed majority of time.
- 0517, medium oiler hit from stern tube, range 600 yards, and sunk, 5000t estimate.
- 0526 freighter hit bow tube, again from point blank range, sunk over next hour. 3734t
- 0530 second freighter hit from bow tube, range approx 1100 yard. Listing heavily to starboard, falls out of formation. Snapper shadows throughout day at 150 feet.
-Sea state too poor for gun attack, stern tube fired at second freighter. 1900 hit observed, sunk by 1903,

November 13 1943, 1943:
- 0200 Snapper running on surface 90nm southeast of Davao, SJ contact large convoy of mix small and large contacts. Speed estimate 16 knots, course 335(T).
- Surface attack conditions excellent, moderate swell and overcast. No visible moon. Intercept planned, telegraph reports flank. General quarters called.
- 0350 Visual contact. Convoy consists of three troopships escorted by 5 unidentified ships.
- 0414 3 torp spread at second troopship in line. 2 hits observed, distress flares, star shells from convoy. Snapper reverses course and makes good its escape at high speed. Ship sinks slowly by the bow.
-Briefly appears Japanese destroyer giving stern chase but we appear to remain undetected.
- 0420 Hydrophone reports depth charges well abaft. Torpedo reload ordered.
- 0700 second attack launched at periscope depth, a tight three torpedo spread fired at lead troopship. All appear to miss slightly forward. Solution suggested 7 knots, speed more likely 6 knots. Snapper spends next several hours avoiding depth charges, none of which are accurate.
- Now out of torpedoes Snapper puts to sea and home.

https://i.imgur.com/DgMkach.png

https://i.imgur.com/N8EqllT.png

https://i.imgur.com/aRj3yof.png

November 22 1943:
-0229 Snapper arrives at Fremantle and ends patrol with an estimated 26, 000 tons sunk.

[Bubblehead1980]

FOTRSU mod with "AI_1" mod installed.

CAPT J. Harriet
USS Snapper
12th War Patrol:

November 1, 1943:
-Departed 0215 from Fremantle for patrol grid G3.

November 2, 1943:
-Snapper stops in Exmouth Gulf to top-up fuel reserves.

November 7, 1943:
- Snapper transits Manipa Strait, en route to patrol zone. Two Japanese schooners sunk by gunfire.

November 10, 1943:
-Snapper running 35nm south of Mindanao on surface. SJ reports single contact, bearing 252(T) speed 10 knots estimated. Intercept plotted and telegraph put to ahead full.
- Attacked and sunk freighter on surface later that morning approx 0445 hours. Two torpedoes fired for two observed hits. 3783t estimated.
- Snapper spends daylight hours at 120 feet, bearing 270(T), reloading torpedoes and avoiding inevitable enemy air search.

November 11, 1943:
- Submerged 38nm south of Mindanao coast.
- Hydrophone detects multiple screws, slow speed estimate. Submerged movement into attack position plotted.
- Radar depth thirty minutes later. Confirmed convoy of six medium sized contacts heading towards Snapper. No apparent escorts on scope.
- In position to attack approx 0450. Fired two spreads of two torpedoes each, which appear to miss.
-Gunfire from armed merchants force Snapper deep, battle stations torpedoes called. Reload commenced. Screws of lead merchants audible passing overhead.
- 0510, pos'n Long 124°57"E, Lat 5°19"N, attacked at periscope depth, moving at flank speed majority of time.
- 0517, medium oiler hit from stern tube, range 600 yards, and sunk, 5000t estimate.
- 0526 freighter hit bow tube, again from point blank range, sunk over next hour. 3734t
- 0530 second freighter hit from bow tube, range approx 1100 yard. Listing heavily to starboard, falls out of formation. Snapper shadows throughout day at 150 feet.
-Sea state too poor for gun attack, stern tube fired at second freighter. 1900 hit observed, sunk by 1903,

November 13 1943, 1943:
- 0200 Snapper running on surface 90nm southeast of Davao, SJ contact large convoy of mix small and large contacts. Speed estimate 16 knots, course 335(T).
- Surface attack conditions excellent, moderate swell and overcast. No visible moon. Intercept planned, telegraph reports flank. General quarters called.
- 0350 Visual contact. Convoy consists of three troopships escorted by 5 unidentified ships.
- 0414 3 torp spread at second troopship in line. 2 hits observed, distress flares, star shells from convoy. Snapper reverses course and makes good its escape at high speed. Ship sinks slowly by the bow.
-Briefly appears Japanese destroyer giving stern chase but we appear to remain undetected.
- 0420 Hydrophone reports depth charges well abaft. Torpedo reload ordered.
- 0700 second attack launched at periscope depth, a tight three torpedo spread fired at lead troopship. All appear to miss slightly forward. Solution suggested 7 knots, speed more likely 6 knots. Snapper spends next several hours avoiding depth charges, none of which are accurate.
- Now out of torpedoes Snapper puts to sea and home.

https://i.imgur.com/DgMkach.png

https://i.imgur.com/N8EqllT.png

https://i.imgur.com/aRj3yof.png

November 22 1943:
-0229 Snapper arrives at Fremantle and ends patrol with an estimated 26, 000 tons sunk.


Very Nice!

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO with custom mods

USS Drum SS 228

12th War Patrol

January 1945-

Departed Pearl Harbor on 31 January for Area 6 off Japan. Refueled at Saipan then proceeded to area arriving February 14 in bad weather.

With nearly all traffic now running within 5-10 NM of coast in shallows, moved in for submerged daytime patrol with periodic radar sweeps.

Contacted surface and air patrols, avoiding them.

As was heading out to sea late on 15 February to surface for nightly battery charge, SJ made contact on a convoy on a Westbound course close to shore. Surfaced and waited for nightfall to conduct night surface attack.

2300 Moved in. Convoy is three ships with eight escorts in a circle. Armed with new Mark 16 torpedoes in forward tubes, planned to fire two at each freighter from 5000 yards, close as could get after a couple of tries. due to flank escorts. Also, multiple escorts appeared to have radar according to APR-1 equipment.

Finally around 0005 hours 16 February was in firing position. Fired tubes 1 and 2 at lead freighter, belieed to be HEITO MARU . As was about to fire on the aft freighter, saw lead escort turn towards us and star shells fired, seems radar had picked us up. Turned away at high speed but escort was Matsu DE, could not outrun so while dodging gunfire lined up for down the throat shot with Mark 18 from stern tube. Subchaser type escort and aux subchaser also in pursuit firing main batteries and light cannons machine guns at DRUM. Fired Mark 18 from tube 7.Missed. Adjusting and fired on the DE which was not at just 3900 yards. This torpedo found home, causing a fire and DE to turn away. Other escorts could not catch us, eventually pulled away. The DE sunk 10 minutes later, going down by the bow. The torpedoes fired at freighter missed and impacted the beach.

Pulled ahead reloaded tubes and moved in for another shot. This came snuck through the screen from the rear, got into position to fire and fired on the rear and middle freighter with Mark 16's. While exiting the screen an escort detected us on radar as came running to our position. Alerted, freighters slowed and torpedoes barely missed ahead of targets. Again we were under pursuit by four escorts, fired Mark 18 from stern tubes but none hit. However, DRUM managed to pull away.

Reloaded again and moved in few hours later for another attack around 0500. Contemplated submerged attack since these radar equipped escorts were on their game but with just 100 feet or less under the keel, would only dive if forced to do so. Fired from longer range of 7000 yards with Mark 14 torpedoes on two freighters. During torpedo run, an SD contact appeared and was closing.as we turned away seems aircraft's radar detected us as it closed in, again escorts headed our way and ships slowed, torpedoes missed and impacted the beach. The aircraft flew in low, identified as an EMILY flying boat. 40 MM AA guns and 20 MM was manned. Aircraft made a dive and was set afire, it flew on.

Soon escorts were closing, including Matsu class DE, which as noted cant outrun. Fired Mark 14's from stern tube, which DE avoided. De was now 3000 yards off and while its main battery fired missed with some landing close, the machine gun and autocannon fire did occasionally hit DRUM causing minor damage. Fired last stern torpedo down the throat of the DE which barely evaded the fish, watched in TBT as it slid down the side of the Matsu(makes one miss the magnetic detonators)

As Matsu was getting too close, now had 5 inch foward gun manned in case was needed. As Matsu closed to 2000 yards opened fire with aft 40 MM and 20 MM.The Matsu caught fire amidships from 40 MM hits and then a large explosion, believe the HE rounds set off the torpedoes. This caused the Matsu, burning, to slow and DRUM to put distance. Two minutes later a very large explosion followed by more secondary explosions from depth charges on stern , Matsu went dead water and sunk.

Other escorts were still in chase but unable to close. Soon the EMILY returned 40 MM set it on fire again and plane made a dive dropping bombs and depth charges which landed VERY close. The close explosions caused minor hull damage. THe gunners on the EMILY strafed the DRUM diving and after the dive. Two crewman manning the after 40 MM were killed by the gunfire. Chief of the Boat was wounded, as was PO 3 look out. Both recovered. The EMILY flew on burning, assume it crash.

With dawn fast approaching, made it to deep water and away from suspect minefields and dove at dawn for day of rest after a frustrating night.


17-19 February foul weather prevented coastal patrolling. While patrolling off shore in heavy fog a fishing boat suddenly appeared. DRUM was turned hard over barely avoiding a collision. The fishing boat was armed as it opened up with machine gun/auto cannon fire. DRUM sailed out of view but after calling GQ and manning the 40 MM guns(seas were fairly calm for storm) turned back and encountered the fishing boat. 40 MM made quick work setting the boat afire.

Radar had two more contacts nearby, seems we had wondered into a trio of fishing boats. After poking around found both and sunk them with 40 mm fire.


February 20 weather cleared and resumed coastal submerged patrol in daylight. Spotted an aircraft with observation periscope at 1421 . Went to 100 feet. When came back an hour later, a plane was observed quite close and slowly circling. Sound suddenly reported warship contacts closing fast. Seems the plane had spotted us and called in a nearby coastal patrol. Turned for deep waters and rigged for silent running.

Once patrol began pinging, dropped a decoy and went ahead full and to 300 feet , just off the bottom. Escort dropped a pattern which caused damage to compressor, pumps, minor leaks in conning tower, damage to stern tubes and electric engines. However, after this both escorts stayed on the decoy and the second dropped as we found deep water and escaped at 475 feet. After being pinged and a final pattern dropped which shook the boat, patrol lost contact.

Stayed submerged rest of day surfaced at night to charge batteries and patrol.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO w custom mods.

USS Drum SS-228


12th War Patrol


Area 6.

Frustrating patrol concludes.


After frustrating attempts to attack convoy hugging cost due to radar equipped escorts and being detected by aircraft while patrolling in shore, moved out to sea to reload and rest. Six Mark 18s left in forward tubes with four Mark 14 reloads. All stern torpedoes expended.

February 22 moved back inshore to patrol for traffic. Detected a convoy of three ships with 6 escorts near dusk Close enough could pull off a dusk torpedo attack, then follow up with last four in a night surface attack.

Maneuvered into perfect firing position 1800 yards off track inside the screen while starboard flank escort was away on a sweep. Fired three Mark 18's each at a SEIA MARU and AKITA MARU. During torpedo run, heard gunfire and soon pinging. Raised scope to see freighters had slowed and were maneuvering. Only one torpedo found its mark damaging AKITA MARU. Not sure how was detected(possible merchants have hydrophones) escorts were closing.

Dropped decoys went deep as possible in relatively shallow water and made high speed run to deeper water. Few close depth charges but after sometime lost the escorts. Decoys are a blessing.

Surfaced, made end around. Fired four Mark 14's from 5600 yards. Two hit SEIA MARU which was obviously loaded with volatile materials such as am on as it exploded in a massive fireball after just one hit. Turned away with radar equipped escorts pursuing me but could not close the range.Plenty of fuel aboard, set course for Pearl Harbor at Standard speed (15.5 knots). Arrived March 3.


Ended patrol with two Matsu class DE sunk, three fishing boats sunk, one SEIA MARU 7250 tons sunk. One AKITA MARU damaged.

Most frustrating patrol have had in long time. 1945 gets challenging.

[4H_Ccrashh]

https://i.ibb.co/Xbygn1K/REPORT2.jpg

First Patrol is over.

Fired 22 torpedoes for a total of 5 hits , sinking only three ships.

Two marus and one heavy cruiser.

https://i.ibb.co/vhcyjVB/patrol-1.png

[yubba]

Stock .4


Loading Stores on the Cleved/Atlanta for sea trials.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=200&pictureid=9573

[Bubblehead1980]

https://i.ibb.co/Xbygn1K/REPORT2.jpg

First Patrol is over.

Fired 22 torpedoes for a total of 5 hits , sinking only three ships.

Two marus and one heavy cruiser.

https://i.ibb.co/vhcyjVB/patrol-1.png

Very Nice.

[Rinaldi]

031124 FEB 1944
From : CAPT James Harriet

To : SubRon2 SUBSoWesPAC
Report from USS Snapper (SS-185)
Patrol area : South China Sea

Mods used 9
100_FalloftheRisingSun_UltimateEdition_v1.24_EN
Fleetboat_Interior-Officers_Quarters_FOTRSU_v1.1_EN
910_OfficerCountryPatch
901_Strategic_Map_Symbols
801_UMark Invisible
650_LotsaDudz
454_EasyAOB_FotRSU
301_MoreDifficultAI01
101_Patch_v1.2To_v1.26p

Special Missions Conducted: No

The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 0
Number of Merchants sunk : 9

Total Warship tonnage : 0
Total Merchant tonnage : 24270

Total Gross tonnage : 24270
Total JANAC tonnage : 24270

180631 DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Oiler, 1639 ton
Long 115° 45' E, Lat 7° 38' S

231006 DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 8036 ton
Long 104° 26' E, Lat 4° 27' N

231012 DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1729 ton
Long 104° 26' E, Lat 4° 27' N

042203 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Composite Superstructure Freighter, 1454 ton
Long 111° 11' E, Lat 7° 04' N

151909 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Medium Composite Freighter, 2979 ton
Long 119° 41' E, Lat 12° 13' N

160620 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Medium Raked Bow Split Freighter, 6680 ton
Long 120° 38' E, Lat 12° 17' N

160842 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Auxiliary Transport, 1473 ton
Long 120° 38' E, Lat 12° 18' N

251215 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Large Sampan, 80 ton
Long 129° 21' E, Lat 8° 13' S

251216 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Fishing Boat, 200 ton
Long 129° 20' E, Lat 8° 13' S


Torpedoes fired : 17
Torpedo impacts : 7
Torpedo misses : 14
Torpedo duds : 0
Torpedo premature explosions : -4
Gun loaded 58 times


Patrol narrative:

Nov 23 1943:
-2 Silver Stars, 2 Navy Commendation Medals, 3 Campaign medals awarded. Six promotions awarded. XO promoted and transferred off ship for new command in San Diego. Will be sorely missed. New Ensign taken on board to fill long-absent Watch Officer pos'n. Chief of the Boat also transferred out on standard rotation, new CPO taken from ranks.

-No overhaul organized and the Snapper will be putting to sea with its fairweather conning tower once more.

-Orders: depart DEC1419430 for "D3" grid. Shallow waters, so requested and rec'd load of 'self-defence' torpodeos in the form of Mk.27s (x4).

Dec 14 1943
- Departed BRISBANE 0118H.

DEC 15 1943
- Snapper tops up in EXMOUTH Gulf.

DEC 18 1943
-Snapper transits Lombok Strait on surface. SJ EMCON cancelled. Current course 330(T).

-0546H Hydrophone & SJ report merchant, course 133(T) speed estimated 6kts. Course set 354(T) for intercept.

-0606H Visual contact, 2 mast small type merchant. GQ called, telegraph reads ahead flank. Course changed to 10(T). Getting light out so lookouts kept above and AA manned. Battle stations deck gun ordered.

-0616H Range 4000 yards approx. 'Open fire' called. 4" scores hits and rapidly sets ship on fire.

https://i.imgur.com/iQP9GrC.png

-0622H Return fire from merchant in form of heavy machineguns. AA ordered to fire on enemy weaponry. Ship sinks shortly after. 40 rounds of 4" fired, 400 rounds of 20mm fired.

https://i.imgur.com/yJqLEUk.png

DEC 20 1943 - Snapper enters Karimata Strait. Japanese sailing vessel spotted 2213, sea state too rough for gun attack.

Dec 23 1943
- 0743H SJ contact on small group, course 15(T), speed 8.5kts. SJ EMCON ordered after data set. Occasional single sweeps every 5 minutes to monitor for zig-zags.

-0808H Periscope depth ordered due to SD contact - convoy has dedicated air cover. Spotted some form of tanker bearing 298(R). ID'd as Large Modern Tanker. A small passenger carrier was spotted shortly after. Some form of corvette appeared to be escorting. GQ called.

-0829H New course 314(T) and speed slowed to 6 knots with intention to shadow until air cover abates or night fall.

-0943H Convoy changes course to 356(T) providing an immediate opportunity to attack. Ship rigged for silent running.

-1004H: 3 'mk16' experimental fired at tanker. 1 fired at passenger carrier.

-1007H: 1 hit observed on tanker. Large series of explosions followed. 120 feet ordered.

https://i.imgur.com/KjlYcKD.png

-1008H: Impact heard on small passenger carrier.

-1012H: Hydrophone reports breaking up sounds.

-1620H: Snapper suffers prolonged depth charging by escort and air support. Total of 14 DCs counted plus various explosions from what is believed to be plane bombs. Snapper rocked occasionally but undamaged.

https://i.imgur.com/4BtGrie.png

-2330H: On station in grid D3. Course set to run up the Malay coast, zig-zagging along a heading of 310(T).

Dec 29 1943 - Snapper passes an uneventful 5 days in D3, marred by bad weather for 3 days and voracious air patrols. X-mas at 160 feet for crew. New orders to proceed to D4 for a further 5 days.

Dec 30 1943 - Snapper on station in "D4" patrol zone. Telegraph reads "Ahead Slow"

Jan 3 1944 - Japanese schooner spotted off bow. Sea-state too rough for gun action. Course adjusted 042(T) to avoid contact.

Jan 4 1944 Finished time on station, uneventful except for high frequency SD contacts. Set course 0(T) into open part of South China Sea in anticipation of new orders.

-1901H orders received, proceed to "A5" for further 5 days of anti-shipping ops.

-1944H single SJ contact, small size range 15nm. Course 24(T) speed est 8 knots, GQ called and torpedo reload of 2x Mk 14 spreads. Radar returns weak and inconsistent, likely due to small aspect.

-2121H visual range. Some type of split or composite freighter. End-run plotted.

-2143H Target ID'd as Composite Superstructure Freighter.

-2200H 2 torps fired, 1.5 deg spread, range around 3300 yards on surface.

-2203H Single impact, distress flares. Ship rapidly sinks by stern.

Jan 7 1944
-1304H on station in Grid "A5" - unusually heavy air presence, SD contacts flying in pairs and quadruplets.

-2039H SJ and Hydrophone contacts, fast screws. GQ called. Fast convoy of some form. Swells moderate and surface attack deemed viable. Course 193(T) speed estimated 15 knots. Intercept plotted.

-2105H visual contact. ID'd as Modern Passenger liner. XO concurs. Lookouts ordered below. Destroyer closes off portside of target, risked staying on surface but trimmed down.

-2113H: 4 torpedoes fired due to slight doubt in solution. Appears enemy DD spots wakes, convoy successfully evades all torps and Snapper is forced under by gun fire. Ships moving too fast to feasibly stalk. We are kept down by the loving attention of DD.

-2232H: Japanese put on quite the concerto over next hour or so. Count 20 DCs total dropped in decreasing accuracy. Superficial damage suffered in initial spread.

Jan 9 1944

-1931H SJ contact on large, fast moving group to our south, course 228(T) speed estimate 18 knots. For first time in career, Snapper's officers, CAPT incl, declines attack on significant target; sea state remains intolerable, it is a full moon night and fuel consumption becoming legitimate factor at this stage.

Jan 16 1944 - Passed remainder of time in A5 uneventfully. Ordered to 'PASTURE' zone off east coast of Luzon.

-0503H After sinking single lone merchant just north of Mindoro Strait, SJ reports two further contacts moving in column. EMCON ordered in lieu of occasional single sweeps for tracking purposes. Course 16(T), speed estimated 7.5kts. Due to increasing light have opted for submerged attack, much to XO's disgust. Cannot help but concur.

-0614H In attack position. Contacts ID'd as Medium Raked Bow merchant and an Auxiliary Transport. Plan: make high angle of attack with remaining bow torps on second ship then high-speed run for passing stern shot at lead merchant.

-0620H 2 torps fired at rear merchant. They appear to pass fore. Speed solution adjusted to 5kts. Ordered turn 180(R). Stern tubes more successful on lead merchant, her keel breaks and she sinks in less than 1 minute. Reload ordered.

-0632 In position for second try on second merchant. Fire off single snapshot, hits just abaft of amidships and ship settles by stern.

-0827H Surface at battle stations deck gun in effort to finish off crippled merchant.

-0842H Transport is of the stubborn sort. Finally sunk after large expenditure of 4" rounds. Decision is to now head for home, down to 1 offensive torp and less than 20 rounds of 4". ComSubSoWesPac concurs and cancels orders.

https://i.imgur.com/wp9dk5F.png

Jan 25 1944: Snapper sinks two Japanese schooners with remaining gun ammo 140nm west of Timor, 1217H.

Feb 3 1944 Patrol ends at Fremantle after 52 days at sea.


CAPT James Harriet
CO USS Snapper (SS-185)

[Bubblehead1980]

031124 FEB 1944
From : CAPT James Harriet

To : SubRon2 SUBSoWesPAC
Report from USS Snapper (SS-185)
Patrol area : South China Sea

Mods used 9
100_FalloftheRisingSun_UltimateEdition_v1.24_EN
Fleetboat_Interior-Officers_Quarters_FOTRSU_v1.1_EN
910_OfficerCountryPatch
901_Strategic_Map_Symbols
801_UMark Invisible
650_LotsaDudz
454_EasyAOB_FotRSU
301_MoreDifficultAI01
101_Patch_v1.2To_v1.26p

Special Missions Conducted: No

The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 0
Number of Merchants sunk : 9

Total Warship tonnage : 0
Total Merchant tonnage : 24270

Total Gross tonnage : 24270
Total JANAC tonnage : 24270

180631 DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Oiler, 1639 ton
Long 115° 45' E, Lat 7° 38' S

231006 DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 8036 ton
Long 104° 26' E, Lat 4° 27' N

231012 DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1729 ton
Long 104° 26' E, Lat 4° 27' N

042203 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Composite Superstructure Freighter, 1454 ton
Long 111° 11' E, Lat 7° 04' N

151909 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Medium Composite Freighter, 2979 ton
Long 119° 41' E, Lat 12° 13' N

160620 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Medium Raked Bow Split Freighter, 6680 ton
Long 120° 38' E, Lat 12° 17' N

160842 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Auxiliary Transport, 1473 ton
Long 120° 38' E, Lat 12° 18' N

251215 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Large Sampan, 80 ton
Long 129° 21' E, Lat 8° 13' S

251216 JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Fishing Boat, 200 ton
Long 129° 20' E, Lat 8° 13' S


Torpedoes fired : 17
Torpedo impacts : 7
Torpedo misses : 14
Torpedo duds : 0
Torpedo premature explosions : -4
Gun loaded 58 times


Patrol narrative:

Nov 23 1943:
-2 Silver Stars, 2 Navy Commendation Medals, 3 Campaign medals awarded. Six promotions awarded. XO promoted and transferred off ship for new command in San Diego. Will be sorely missed. New Ensign taken on board to fill long-absent Watch Officer pos'n. Chief of the Boat also transferred out on standard rotation, new CPO taken from ranks.

-No overhaul organized and the Snapper will be putting to sea with its fairweather conning tower once more.

-Orders: depart DEC1419430 for "D3" grid. Shallow waters, so requested and rec'd load of 'self-defence' torpodeos in the form of Mk.27s (x4).

Dec 14 1943
- Departed BRISBANE 0118H.

DEC 15 1943
- Snapper tops up in EXMOUTH Gulf.

DEC 18 1943
-Snapper transits Lombok Strait on surface. SJ EMCON cancelled. Current course 330(T).

-0546H Hydrophone & SJ report merchant, course 133(T) speed estimated 6kts. Course set 354(T) for intercept.

-0606H Visual contact, 2 mast small type merchant. GQ called, telegraph reads ahead flank. Course changed to 10(T). Getting light out so lookouts kept above and AA manned. Battle stations deck gun ordered.

-0616H Range 4000 yards approx. 'Open fire' called. 4" scores hits and rapidly sets ship on fire.

https://i.imgur.com/iQP9GrC.png

-0622H Return fire from merchant in form of heavy machineguns. AA ordered to fire on enemy weaponry. Ship sinks shortly after. 40 rounds of 4" fired, 400 rounds of 20mm fired.

https://i.imgur.com/yJqLEUk.png

DEC 20 1943 - Snapper enters Karimata Strait. Japanese sailing vessel spotted 2213, sea state too rough for gun attack.

Dec 23 1943
- 0743H SJ contact on small group, course 15(T), speed 8.5kts. SJ EMCON ordered after data set. Occasional single sweeps every 5 minutes to monitor for zig-zags.

-0808H Periscope depth ordered due to SD contact - convoy has dedicated air cover. Spotted some form of tanker bearing 298(R). ID'd as Large Modern Tanker. A small passenger carrier was spotted shortly after. Some form of corvette appeared to be escorting. GQ called.

-0829H New course 314(T) and speed slowed to 6 knots with intention to shadow until air cover abates or night fall.

-0943H Convoy changes course to 356(T) providing an immediate opportunity to attack. Ship rigged for silent running.

-1004H: 3 'mk16' experimental fired at tanker. 1 fired at passenger carrier.

-1007H: 1 hit observed on tanker. Large series of explosions followed. 120 feet ordered.

https://i.imgur.com/KjlYcKD.png

-1008H: Impact heard on small passenger carrier.

-1012H: Hydrophone reports breaking up sounds.

-1620H: Snapper suffers prolonged depth charging by escort and air support. Total of 14 DCs counted plus various explosions from what is believed to be plane bombs. Snapper rocked occasionally but undamaged.

https://i.imgur.com/4BtGrie.png

-2330H: On station in grid D3. Course set to run up the Malay coast, zig-zagging along a heading of 310(T).

Dec 29 1943 - Snapper passes an uneventful 5 days in D3, marred by bad weather for 3 days and voracious air patrols. X-mas at 160 feet for crew. New orders to proceed to D4 for a further 5 days.

Dec 30 1943 - Snapper on station in "D4" patrol zone. Telegraph reads "Ahead Slow"

Jan 3 1944 - Japanese schooner spotted off bow. Sea-state too rough for gun action. Course adjusted 042(T) to avoid contact.

Jan 4 1944 Finished time on station, uneventful except for high frequency SD contacts. Set course 0(T) into open part of South China Sea in anticipation of new orders.

-1901H orders received, proceed to "A5" for further 5 days of anti-shipping ops.

-1944H single SJ contact, small size range 15nm. Course 24(T) speed est 8 knots, GQ called and torpedo reload of 2x Mk 14 spreads. Radar returns weak and inconsistent, likely due to small aspect.

-2121H visual range. Some type of split or composite freighter. End-run plotted.

-2143H Target ID'd as Composite Superstructure Freighter.

-2200H 2 torps fired, 1.5 deg spread, range around 3300 yards on surface.

-2203H Single impact, distress flares. Ship rapidly sinks by stern.

Jan 7 1944
-1304H on station in Grid "A5" - unusually heavy air presence, SD contacts flying in pairs and quadruplets.

-2039H SJ and Hydrophone contacts, fast screws. GQ called. Fast convoy of some form. Swells moderate and surface attack deemed viable. Course 193(T) speed estimated 15 knots. Intercept plotted.

-2105H visual contact. ID'd as Modern Passenger liner. XO concurs. Lookouts ordered below. Destroyer closes off portside of target, risked staying on surface but trimmed down.

-2113H: 4 torpedoes fired due to slight doubt in solution. Appears enemy DD spots wakes, convoy successfully evades all torps and Snapper is forced under by gun fire. Ships moving too fast to feasibly stalk. We are kept down by the loving attention of DD.

-2232H: Japanese put on quite the concerto over next hour or so. Count 20 DCs total dropped in decreasing accuracy. Superficial damage suffered in initial spread.

Jan 9 1944

-1931H SJ contact on large, fast moving group to our south, course 228(T) speed estimate 18 knots. For first time in career, Snapper's officers, CAPT incl, declines attack on significant target; sea state remains intolerable, it is a full moon night and fuel consumption becoming legitimate factor at this stage.

Jan 16 1944 - Passed remainder of time in A5 uneventfully. Ordered to 'PASTURE' zone off east coast of Luzon.

-0503H After sinking single lone merchant just north of Mindoro Strait, SJ reports two further contacts moving in column. EMCON ordered in lieu of occasional single sweeps for tracking purposes. Course 16(T), speed estimated 7.5kts. Due to increasing light have opted for submerged attack, much to XO's disgust. Cannot help but concur.

-0614H In attack position. Contacts ID'd as Medium Raked Bow merchant and an Auxiliary Transport. Plan: make high angle of attack with remaining bow torps on second ship then high-speed run for passing stern shot at lead merchant.

-0620H 2 torps fired at rear merchant. They appear to pass fore. Speed solution adjusted to 5kts. Ordered turn 180(R). Stern tubes more successful on lead merchant, her keel breaks and she sinks in less than 1 minute. Reload ordered.

-0632 In position for second try on second merchant. Fire off single snapshot, hits just abaft of amidships and ship settles by stern.

-0827H Surface at battle stations deck gun in effort to finish off crippled merchant.

-0842H Transport is of the stubborn sort. Finally sunk after large expenditure of 4" rounds. Decision is to now head for home, down to 1 offensive torp and less than 20 rounds of 4". ComSubSoWesPac concurs and cancels orders.

https://i.imgur.com/wp9dk5F.png

Jan 25 1944: Snapper sinks two Japanese schooners with remaining gun ammo 140nm west of Timor, 1217H.

Feb 3 1944 Patrol ends at Fremantle after 52 days at sea.


CAPT James Harriet
CO USS Snapper (SS-185)

Nice patrol and report. Well done.

[Texas Red]

https://i.ibb.co/Xbygn1K/REPORT2.jpg

What mod do you use that creates that kind of report?

[d@rk51d3]

New PC...... good times. :yeah: (6 second boot into windows, and about 10 second boot into SH4.......ooooooh yeah.)

1st Patrol with OM, intercepted a small convoy SW of Biscay.
Took out 2 T3 tankers and then found and sank Queen Elizabeth skulking in the fog. :Kaleun_Cheers:


Came home to some shiny things.

[4H_Ccrashh]

What mod do you use that creates that kind of report?

Its not a mod. When a game generated radio message popped up I took a screen shot, edited the picture with Photoshop to remove all text and saved it as a blank form.

I found a font called "Carbon Type".

I complete a engagement, open the blank form in Photoshop and type up the new massage ..

Save as jpg and VIOLA!! A cool looking patrol message.

I guess that puts me firmly in the "geek" category. :yeah:

[4H_Ccrashh]

On second patrol, two days out.

https://i.ibb.co/nmRLrL2/REPORT-2.jpg (https://ibb.co/c3xrJr5)

[propbeanie]

You can also get that blank paper in the Data / Menu / Skins / American / Gui / Layout / radio_messages.dds file. In the FotRSU mod, in the Support / Research folder is a "SubmarineActionReportForm.pdf" file, of which I did the same with a copy of an actual report form from one of the Submarine War Patrol Reports (https://www.hnsa.org/manuals-documents/submarine-war-patrol-reports/), which are included as part of the data collected, along with the weather, plane sightings, etc. Use a couple of the actual filled-out forms in some of the War Patrol Reports as a "model", if you use the Action Report Form. You could also "model" a report after a sub-section of a War Patrol Report, like Bubblehead1980 does. Pepper some radio messages in your report like 4H_Ccrashh, and make a pdf of the whole set... You of course, have to fill it out quintuplet with good, clear carbons so that one goes on file, one to ComSubRon for endorsement and up the chain, one to ComSubsPac for off-site record keeping, one for yourself, and the fifth for when someone loses their copy... :arrgh!:

[Texas Red]

May 29, 1943
USS Gato- SS-212
Pearl Harbor
Capt. Ryan Reynolds

5 Navy Crosses, 1 Bronze Star, 1 Purple Heart, and an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal fill my wooden medal box. The countless commendation letters, certificates, and letters from congressmen and SECNAV take up a whole shelf in my filing cabinet. I have had an exceptionally meritious and successful career as a sub skipper, having sunk over 400,000 tons of merchant shipping, or so I claim. I have made a name for myself in the departments here, the younger officers envy my position and my success, while the older and more experienced men couldn't give a damn about my medals and the like. The press is constantly contacting me for opportunities to have a war correspondent on my boat, writing papers, and filming newsreels for the public. I have denied all of them, but COMSUBPAC has forced me to accept one, this time I let onboard a young war correspondent who doesn't look like he could survive a day on the sub. He seems eager to learn about my boat and see me and my crew in action. He'll have to learn I can't answer questions while attacking a Japanese Troop Transport.

CINCPAC has personally given me the most challenging mission they could afford: Insert a friendly agent into the Northern Mariana Islands. Ensure his safety and provide him with all the materials necessary for the completion of his mission. Now, that mission, in general, is not hard at all, in fact, my last task on my previous patrol was to insert a spy into a port in the Bungo Suido! I have no reason as to why we didn't get killed by Bungo Pete.

But where the intelligence people selected the drop off to be, 15° 6' 48'' N
145° 42' 5'' E, is right in front of the Tinian Island harbor. They could have made me drop him off somewhere else more discreetly but they had to choose right in front of a goddamn harbor! I have to infiltrate the harbor and surface in the dead of night and drop him off. I could get spotted by shore batteries or ships in the harbor, hell, I could even run aground in shallow waters. Yet no matter how stupid or dangerous the mission is, it is my duty to carry it out and support our beloved nation.

I have prepared my will and testament for my wife and daughter here in Pearl if I don't come back. This will be the most dangerous mission I will have to execute, and it is extremely important.

We leave today in 2 hours.

Signed,
Capt. Ryan Reynolds

[Texas Red]

June 19, 1943
USS Gato SS-212
Pearl Harbor
Capt. Ryan Reynolds

I am surprised that I was able to pull it off, we were fired upon yet we were able to slip away!

We approached the harbor at radar depth since it was too shallow for periscope depth, and at night. The weather was also starting to worsen, a storm was developing. Before surfacing, I brought up the periscope to check for shore batteries. We had left the SJ and SD radars on, so we knew that there were ships in the harbor, we did not need to check there. I saw 2 shore batteries where we were to drop off the agent. I knew there was no way we could surface without being detected, so I ordered general quarters, had the corpsman on stand-by, and left the watch crew below deck. Only me, the XO, the agent, and the war correspondent were to come on the deck.

We surfaced quickly, immediately being sighted by the shore batteries. They fired shells at me, they whizzed past my head making a whistling noise. The agent got off safely, yet I knew his mission would be an utter failure, he would spend the rest of the war in the camps.

We dove to radar depth, I yelled to the helmsman "Get us the blazes out of here!" And we made our escape. Slipping away silently, never being attacked by a warship on our way out.

Our new orders were to patrol the Caroline Islands and engage shipping there. We have patrolled for 10 days now, and we have not sighted a single ship yet.

Signed,
Capt. Ryan Reynolds

[SubRiderRetired]

USS Guardfish SS-217. 29APR43 1830hrs

15 days into 3rd Patrol...

CO: CoB...will you have Ensign Jax relieve the XO on the bridge and have the Officers muster in the ward room.
CoB: Yessir.
CO: Oh...CoB...in your travels, ask Chief Madson to join us along with yourself.
CoB: Yessir...

CO: OK fellas...we've been retasked to the Carolines...the way things have been going, sounds like somethings up. Nav plot the course, get input from CHENG, we need speed but be fuel conscious.
Nav: Yessir.
XO: Skipper...what about the problems with the Mk14's? Our last patrol we had 9 duds and we think 4 prematures...
CO: Yep...that's what Weaps and Chief Mason been tinkering with...Chief?Chief Madson: Well Skipper...Weaps and me still think the Mag detonators are the problem with the duds and the premies...but can't quite figure why...
Weaps: Yeah Skipper...the indicators just aren't lining up with what BuPOrd was telling us in Brisbane...all Chief and I can recommend is keeping the speed set to 30knts and try contact det only...but the Chief and I are still digging into it.
CO: Noted...keep at it...yall will find something...CoB?
CoB: Skipper...
CO: Our crew is getting their confidence, you and the XO keep an eye on them...we don't need anyone thinking they've a red S on their chest...confident is a good thing, but we need them to be smart about things.
CoB: Yessir...
CO: XO?
XO: I had noticed it also Skipper...the CoB and I got this...
CO: OK yall...we got a plan...Nav...you and CHENG get that new plot coordinated ASAP...CoB...spread the word if you would...all watch standers stay sharp, be smart...Anything else?...No?...Dismissed...

[Texas Red]

August 9, 1943
USS Gato SS-212
Pearl Harbor
Capt. Ryan Reynolds

We have completed our patrol. We sank over 50,000 tons of merchant shipping, as well as a lone destroyer. The war correspondent went back to the states to produce the film that he made of me in action and publish his paper. For this patrol, I was awarded a Silver Star, and the RADM is talking about a desk job for me!! No way will I go behind a desk!

We have yet to receive new orders.

Signed,
Capt. Ryan Reynolds

[4H_Ccrashh]

21 days into the second patrol. Status Report.

https://i.ibb.co/8c2csNY/PATROLREPORT.jpg (https://ibb.co/16K6Q7z)
https://i.ibb.co/TMdXgj5/RESPONSE.jpg (https://ibb.co/0yvNG43)

[SubRiderRetired]

15MAY43 1230hrs
USS Guardfish SS-217 is overdue. Last contact was 22APR43 off the Caroline Islands and she is presumed lost with all hands.

[4H_Ccrashh]

USS Sailfish SS-192 Asiatic Fleet

Finished second patrol. Sank one battleship, one heavy cruiser and eight marus.

All torpedoes expended. Broom flag flying high.

Docked in Surabaya 14 January 1942.

NOTE: Using contact exploder with slow speed settings and shallow angles of impact (60 degrees or lower) removed a lot of the dud torpedo problems. Still had a few deep runners passing under targets.

https://i.ibb.co/ZJVNWDC/end-2.jpg (https://ibb.co/VNt3248)

[Mandrisk]

Awesome. What mod do you use that puts those flags on the sub? And the emblem? It looks great!

[Mad Mardigan]

Awesome. What mod do you use that puts those flags on the sub? And the emblem? It looks great!

Ahoy... :Kaleun_Cheers:

I, too... would like to know about them, Myself as well.

M. M.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[Mad Mardigan]

Ahoy, :Kaleun_Cheers:

J. T. Mardigan aka Mad Mardigan, commanding U.S.S. Seadragon (SS-194), in the middle of a 10 day patrol of the Lamon Bay. 1st patrol started. Sank 2 DD's, 1 Mine layer & a sea plane tender, in transit to the Lamon Bay area... thus far.

M. M.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[Macgregor the Hammer]

USS Sailfish SS-192 Asiatic Fleet

NOTE: Using contact exploder with slow speed settings and shallow angles of impact (60 degrees or lower) removed a lot of the dud torpedo problems. Still had a few deep runners passing under targets.


I'm going to try that. I didn't even know that the "crushed firing pin" was modeled.

Thanks for the tip :up:

[KaleunMarco]

Early 1945, off the coast of the Chiba Peninsula.
Driving the USS Crevalle (SS-291)

Caught a small TF leaving Tokyo Bay.
Got a couple of hits, created a bit of havoc.
Dove and eluded the Escort-Swarm, then doubled back and hit 'em again.
Observe the effects of the last hit on the Big Y.
https://i.ibb.co/DKyps5b/SH4-Img-2021-01-03-16-13-11-449.png

[KaleunMarco]

Driving a Sargo out of Manila/Surabaya.
February 1942
Ran into a IJN TF in the Sulu Sea
this is a sequence of photos of the death knell for a Yamato.
Enjoy.
https://i.ibb.co/JRY8sFT/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-04-530.png
https://i.ibb.co/dLsSTgL/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-20-530.png
https://i.ibb.co/Q6SJ3Rh/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-21-450.png
https://i.ibb.co/N2p5mtR/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-22-500.png
https://i.ibb.co/8Pm96nW/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-23-560.png
https://i.ibb.co/5BKr4Nr/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-27-350.png
https://i.ibb.co/X44fpjs/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-29-260.png
https://i.ibb.co/sqpZxCY/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-30-700.png
https://i.ibb.co/phR1dNr/SH4-Img-2021-01-12-17-41-33-765.png

[Macgregor the Hammer]

KM--

Those explosions are quite vivid! Are you using a mod?

[Mad Mardigan]

KM--

Those explosions are quite vivid! Are you using a mod?

Wanna say, I believe those are baked into the mod, itself & NOT a separate mod, I do believe...

But... don't shoot Me out a tube, if I'm wrong... :haha: :D

M. M.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[KaleunMarco]

KM--

Those explosions are quite vivid! Are you using a mod?

Nope.....i'm running stock-FOTRSU. :haha:
just the main mod and the Maru mod.
that is all.

yes, i agree. the explosions are pretty neat.

[Macgregor the Hammer]

I'll have to take a hard look into Maru. I need to finish up my current campaign. One month at sea and I've tallied 32,000 GRT! :salute: :up:

[Macgregor the Hammer]

USS Sailfish SS-192 Asiatic Fleet

Finished second patrol. Sank one battleship, one heavy cruiser and eight marus.

All torpedoes expended. Broom flag flying high.

Docked in Surabaya 14 January 1942.

NOTE: Using contact exploder with slow speed settings and shallow angles of impact (60 degrees or lower) removed a lot of the dud torpedo problems. Still had a few deep runners passing under targets.

https://i.ibb.co/ZJVNWDC/end-2.jpg (https://ibb.co/VNt3248)

What mod are you using to for the flag and 'sunk ship' on the conning tower?