Out for another patrol Jan 21 1943. Happy to be ordered to patrol an area off Palau Islands as I knew I could get some time in the Truk region which proved a happy hunting ground last patrol with a light cruiser sunk.
Arrived on station without incident, didn't see a single plane. The first week on patrol brought some luck with a small fry entering my sights and taking the plunge.
Completed patrol duty and headed straight for Truk to try my hand in that area. On the way picked up another loner, small target and sent it to the bottom.
With 2 Kasagisan freighters and cargo that won't be arriving at their destinations I was feeling lucky.
Got a flash message about a small convoy heading for the Truk area, ordered flank speed but could not get there in time but who knows, I may pick up a straggler or a ship that struck mechanical problems.
My luck held and I picked up a radar contact about 180nm from Truk. Plotted my intercept, planned my attack and laid in wait.
I had a massive lead time on her which resulted in three torpedoes slamming in to her for two explosions. Dropped periscope and waited for the inevitable slowing down and listing of the ship. The captain of the freighter had other plans and just kept motoring on by dropping only three knots.
Infuriated by this I headed for the surface to exchange pleasantries but the rough seas restricted my deck gun use, not so for the freighter who put a round in to my side causing minor damage and flooding.
Time to return to the safety of the deep for some repairs and consideration. Do I abandon the attack or move in for another strike. Deciding to finish the job I ran out wide and once a good distance away surfaced to head out at flank speed to reach radar range and jump ahead to plan another ambush.
It was at this point another salvo from the freighter ripped a new hole in the boat re-starting the flooding and again causing widespread but minor damage. A fantastic 5000 yard shot from the freighter no less. I had to give it to him, whoever was manning that gun had a keen eye.
After spending some more time in the deep for repairs I was this time able to get away cleanly and jump ahead to lay in wait for my pray. But they had changed course again leaving me out of position. A quick adjustment and re-plotting of my attack and I was ready to settle the score. Now only 85nm out from Truk it was now or never, if I missed this chance I would not have time to get out and re-position in time for another attack most likely, I had already dodged two planes on my way to this second ambush. She entered my kill zone and I slammed another three torpedoes in to her this time all three detonated sending the Nagara Maru on her way.
Running low on fuel it was time to head for home. Pu8t in March 5 and after another good patrol and bagging 12060 tonnes I was hoping to secure a new boat, instead I was pointed to the direction of the dry dock for repairs, I guess they weren't too happy with how I had been treating the old girl.