FM: ADM T. WITHERS
COMSOWESPAC, PEARL HARBOR
TO: PILLY LENT
CDR U.S.S.TRITON
JANUARY, 1942
SUBJ: FAULTY TORPEDOES
BT
THE EXTREME SHORTAGE OF TORPEDOES WILL NOT ALLOW THIS HIGH EXPENDITURE FOR THE RESULTS OBTAINED. ONE GOOD HIT USING THE MAGNETIC EXPLODER SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR A 5000 TON MERCHANT SHIP. IF ONE HIT DOES NOT SINK A SHIP OF THIS TYPE, IT SHOULD BE SUFFICIENTLY DAMAGED TO KEEP HER IN ONE SPOT SO THE SUBMARINE CAN TAKE UP FAVORABLE POSITION TO FINISH HER OFF.
BT
END
Typical message sent to commanders complaining about faulty torpedoes early in the war.
Nine failures (duds) out of ten torpedoes must be some kind or record, though.
You might consider re-loading with the MK X torpedo, rather than the MK XIV. Lighter warhead, but more positive results.
Good Hunting!
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