Quote:
Originally Posted by ColonelSandersLite
Where in the world would the 20% casualty rate amongst submariners come from then I wonder?
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Sadly, a lot of it was self-inflicted. 11 of the 52 US subs lost weren't due to the enemy. Three older US submarines sank in accidents in US controlled waters. USS
Dorado and
Sea Wolf were sunk by friendly forces.
USS Tang and
Tullibee by circular runs of their own torpedoes. Four (
S-27, S-36, S-39, and
Darter ended up stranded on reefs.
Plus, the Japanese observed how poorly US torpedoes performed early in the war and were lulled by it into a false sense of security. By the time the tide turned they were way behind the ball in the convoying and escort game although they tried desperately to catch up.