[Bubblehead1980]

Sim played out close to what actually happened in April 1945 for USS Besugo.

TMO 2.5 with custom mods
100 realism. cams and contacts off.
USS Besugo SS-321
4th War Patrol


3/24/1945-

0900-Departed Fremantle under new Commanding Officer LCDR H.E. Miller (editing the career track, switch up CO's every 5 patrols or so or to correspond with historical dates and focus more on the boat and crew than individual CO career, trying to implement this new focus into TMO update. LCDR H.E. Miller historically did relieve CDR T.L. Wogan after Besugo's third patrol in February 1945) assigned to patrol Area E6 in the Java Sea.


3/26- Fueled at Exmouth Gulf.


3/29-Transited Lombok Strait Northbound. No patrols encountered. Cleared strait by 2330 hours.


4/1-

0700- SD contact. Submerged to avoid.


4/2-4/3- patrol


4/4-

1640- SJ contact bearing 315 11 NM. 6 30 N 115 20 E. APR-1 detected emissions.

Target indentified as Nagara Class CL with two MS and one TB escort. Target on course 270 at estimated 22 knots.


1730- Submerged.

1740-Attack No.1 6 20 S 116 20 E. Fired four Mark 18 set for 10 feet from stern tubes.Range: 2100 yds. AOB 70 . Point of Aim: MOT with two degree spread using TDC spread knob.


1744- All torpedoes missed. Believe target changed speed as observed slight course change upon rising scope to observe expected torpedo impact. Sound showed torpedoes missing ahead by just 20-50 yards (estimated).

1745- Aircraft observed via attack periscope diving for Besugo. Ordered dive to 150 feet. Bombs detonated, no damage. One escort was heard breaking off to the area but did not search long, returned.


1820-Surface and initiated pursuit of enemy cruiser. Regained SJ contact but unable to close distance beyond 8 NM due to speed differential.

0000-Terminated pursuit. Returned to patrol area.


6 April-

0300- ULTRA received indicating enemy CL Isuzu(Nagara Class, attacked on 4 April en route to Bima Bay, apparently) on transport mission from Kupang Harbor, Timor to Bima Bay Sumbawa Island would transit Sape Strait between 1600-2000 hours 6 April. . Along with Charr and Gablian, directed to area. (submerged AI torpedo firing subs placed in TMO upgrade).

Plot showed Besugo could make Sape Strait by 1300 on 6 April at 18 knots. Proceeded to Sape Strait.


1304- Entered Sape Strait(North). Observed multiple mines. Besugo had inadvertently entered a previously unreported minefield. Backed out without course change and ordered guns manned. Using 40 MM, 20 MM, and 5 inch gun fire...fired upon and destroyed four mines.

1345- Departed area due to minefield. Moved to position 8 10 S 118 40 E off Sumbawa in attempt to ambush enemy upon arrival at entrance to Bima Bay.


1900- Enemy detected on SJ, attempted to intercept but enemy speed was high with radical course changes within a few thousand yards of the shore after passing the narrow strait between Sumbawa and Sangeang Island. A persistent radar equipped patrol craft also contributed to hampering the interception.

2100- Unable to gain attack position, moved further away from coast

2300-ULTRA received indicating the CL (identified as Isuzu-Nagara Class) would depart Bima for Surabaya after 0200 7 April


7 April-

0651 - SJ contact bearing 031 11 NM. 7 50 S 118 30 E 35 NM NW of Bima Bay. APR-1 detected radar emissions. Went to GQ and initiated intercept course.

0701- Radar indicated targets slowed with what was believed to be one escort and the Isuzu and another escort heading in different directions. Explosions of depth charges heard in distance. Another submarine attacked. Closed to assist but forced to dive by a patrol plane.

0811- SJ sweep detected two pips heading towards Besugo. Surfaced and closed at 20 knots. Due to the calm, clear morning, was soon able to spot the Nagara Class CL (Isuzu) and MS in the distance. Plotted course and speed, believe would transit through the Tengah Islands. SJ showed another pip racing to catch up with two main pips, believed to be escort attempting to rejoin the Isuzu and the other escort.

0900- Ahead of target, waited for a expected zig to NW and submerged for attack.

0908- Target observed on course 310 at 19 knots. Target track was proving too close for bow shot and would be directly under the leading escort. . Besugo conducted a turn away to bring stern tubes to bare.


0912-Attack No 2: 7 18 S 117 55 E Fired 4 Mark 18 torpedoes set for 8 feet from stern tubes. Range 1900 yds. AOB 71 Point of AIM:Middle, Middle, Forward, Aft.

0914- Torpedoes 1 and 2 hit the stern and just forward of the stern of the cruiser, which set off the depth charge rack and aft magazine. Torpedo 3 hit amidships leaving a large visible hole under the middle stack. Torpedo 4 hit under the third stack. Target quickly slowed with a turn away from Besugo with two large fires burning. A list to starboard and by the stern quickly developed.

0915 - A large series of explosions, presumed to be the magazines were observed. Isuzu quickly took a sharp down angle by stern while rolling to starboard and sunk at 7 18 S 117 E east. No survivors or lifeboats observed.

Simultaneously, pinging began. Observed a Shimushu Class Type A Escort(previously identified as an MS) closing in from 1800 yards. Ordered a dive to 450 feet, rigged for silent running, and depth charge. Two SBT decoys deployed. Escort did not take the bait and continued pinging Besugo.

0919. As Besugo passed 375 feet, escort passed overhead and dropped a sizeable DC pattern. All exploded above.

0921-Leveled off at 450 feet.

0922-0945- Escort conducted four attacks with the last two being accurate causing minor damage. Most serious was trim pump and battery damage.


0952- Besugo descended to 600 ft depth. On the 5th attack, a close pattern exploded above the conning tower and forward torpedo room. Leaks and mild flooding occurred in both. The flooding in conning tower was quickly stopped but the flooding forward was serious . With the trim pump not operating at 100 percent, the flooding forward gave Besugo a slight down angle and she began to sink beyond ordered depth. To avoid rapid sinking, ordered rise on planes and minimal forward speed , adding back speed as required. Deployed three decoys as Besugo slowly descended . The 6th and 7th attacks landed no close charges as escort focused on escorts

1005- Besugo at 701 ft. Flooding stopped and rate of descent checked. Maneuvered about at 700-720 feet. Trim pump repaired.


1021- Depth-650 feet.


1031- Escort appeared to regain sonar contact as closed in and made another run. Two charges were fairly close and caused minor damage in engine rooms.


1035-1054- Escort, obviously first team, made two more attacks, shaking Besugo badly as she descended again to 675 feet but charges were above.Water finally pumped out of conning tower and forward torpedo room.

1101- Sound reported a second escort arrived in area.

1110-1304- Both escorts took turns making repeated depth charge attacks on Besugo. At 1231 ,a depth of 750 feet was reached to get below the intense and accurate attacks. Minor damage was incurred from these attacks, most serious of which being periscopes and JT listening gear heavily damaged.


From 1305, no sound contacts detected, believe escorts were "sleeping" listening for Besugo. To conserve power Besugo was back at 575 feet. slipping away to SW at 2 1/2 knots.

1619- Sound had one escort suddenly roaring to life at 900 yards and another at 1200, both began pinging and roared overhead. Dropping patterns of charges. However, none were close and appeared to explode either well above or well below Besugo. Sound then lost contact and was unable to regain contact. Believe escorts were "sleeping" at this time.


1650- Sound reported two warships moving away at medium speed to NW. Secured from GQ maintained silent running.


1900- Periscope depth. Dark had fallen. Neither No 1 nor No 2 periscopes functional. Sound and SJ sweeps clear. Secure silent running.

1910-Surface.


2000-All damage repaired except No 1 and No 2 periscopes. Unable to repair attack scope while observation scope heavily damaged, barely functional. With eight torpedoes (All stern ) expended and scopes damaged, decided to set course for Fremantle for repair and rearm, to continue war patrol as soon as possible.


9 April- Transited Lombok Strait Southbound, no patrols encountered.

12 April- 1700- Arrived Fremantle.

13 April-Repairs, rearm, refuel completed.

14 April-0900-Departed Fremantle to continued war patrol.

16 April-Topped off fuel tanks at Exmouth Gulf.

17-18 April-Heavy seas and storms slowed transit.

19 April-

0121- Cleared Lombok Strait Northbound.

20 April-

0100- Received ULTRA indicating a large transport with escorts would depart Surabaya for Singapore via North coast of Java to Banten Bay and Bangka Straits at 1900 hours. Proceeded on course at best speed.

2205- SJ contact 9 NM bearing 090 6 45 S 112 20 E. PPI showed two large pips with six vessels in tight circle, presumed to be escorts. The convoy was transiting just 6000 yards off North Coast of Java.Submerged to avoid numerous planes throughout day.

2210- General Quarters for Torpedo Attack-Surface. Conditions were ideal with no moonlight and calm seas.

2230- Lead vessel was a large 7000 ton freighter, trailing vessel was a very large ton tanker, identified as the NOKURA MARU (14800 tons). Decided to swing stern around when convoy zigged towards to fire four stern torpedoes at the tanker.

2244- Attack No. 3: Fired four Mark 18 torpedoes at five second intervals, depth of 12 feet. Point of AIM :MOT with 2 degree spread along length. Range 2400 yards. AOB: 70 starbord. Enemy speed 14 knots. Course 285 degrees.

2246- All four torpedoes hit target, resulting in three very large explosions and a massive fireball. The tanker split amidships into two sections, her keel broken. NOKURA MARU sunk 6 44 S 112 14 E.

Immediately upon impact, the nearest escort spotted Besugo after star shells and the burning fires illuminated the area. As Besugo raced away at flank speed, vessel turned to pursue and several shell splashes were observed, one coming within 25 yards.

2248 Gunfire ceased as escort seemed to lose contact. Although there was just 60 feet below keel, an SBT decoy was deployed in and effort to give the pursuing escort the impression that Besugo had submerged.

2250- Escort slowed, fired a star shell, began circling location of decoy and dropped several large patterns of depth charges, it seemed the ruse worked.

2251-Observed a DE type moving towards Besugo at high speed. This contact was soon identified as a Matsu Class DE. APR-1 detected radar emissions from this DE. Besugo turned to show its stern to the Matsu at 4000 yards. The Matsu seemed to have Besugo on radar as it increased speed and was closing the distance.

2253-Tube 7 was now reloaded with a Mark 18. Opened out door and prepared for a down the throat shot if required. Decided to gamble and make a slight turn to port with five degrees rudder to turn off the track of the Matsu

2255-In the distance several large dc explosions heard as escort continued to work over the decoy deployed earlier. The Matsu slowed and turn on its search lights directly ahead. Besugo was by this time off the track and racing away. DE spotlight illuminated Besugo's stern. Several shells splashed within 10-40 yards of Besugo. The DE turned and began closing, apparently gaining visual lock after losing radar lock. Tube 8 was now reloaded, opened out door as well and prepared for a down the throat shot.

2256-The DE suddenly began zigging back and forth, wary of coming right at the stern of an enemy submarine. This slowed the DE enough that Besugo was able to open the range and disappear into the darkness. The enemy DE continued probing with radar and seemed to regain contact intermittently but did not come within 3500 yards again nor open fire.

2300- DE slowed, dropped a pattern of depth charges, then stopped completely, as if to listen with hydrophones.

2321- Besugo was abeam of the convoy remnants... the freighter and three escorts. The other three escorts were still hunting in the area of the first attack.

Merchant was now moving at 7 knots zigging 4000-6000 yards off Java Coast.

2341- Attack No 4.- Fired three Mark 18 torpedoes from bow tubes 1,2, and 3 at 2500 yards AOB 70. Aimed for MOT.

2343- All torpedoes missed target. Apparently target increased speed after launch, causing the miss astern. A radar equipped escort became curious and suddenly headed towards Besugo at high speed. Made hard turn to starboard and departed area at flank speed. Escort was seen with searchlight on focusing on area Besugo was previously located.

2344-Raced ahead for end around and follow up attack. Three escorts were observed rejoining the formation at high speed, the Matsu DE taking the lead.

21 April-

0330- Attack No. 5-Fired four Mark 18 torpedoes at ATSUTASAN MARU class frieghter(7100 tons) 2400 yards. AOB 81. Target speed 14 knots Course 270. AIM: MOT, MOT, Aft, Forward. Fired as individual TBT bearings.

0332- Three torpedoes impacted freighter. Large fires consumed topside, freighter slowed and listed to starboard. Besugo turned away under heavy gunfire from escorts.

0333- Fourth torpedo inadvertently hit one an unidentified escort on the side of convoy closes to shore. Fires observed and vessel became stationary. The Matsu DE was closing fast on Besugo's position but was obstructed by the burning and drifting freighter, which prevented the DE from taking a direct course. This bought Besugo precious time and was able to escape into the dark of night.

0340-ATSUTSAN MARU 7100 tons sunk. 6 34 S 111 31 E


0341 - SD contact. A marauding night flyer circled the area. APR-1 detected radar emissions but did not observe Besugo.

0430-Cleared cost into deeper waters South of Bawean Island. Secured from GQ,


0645-As dawn broke submerged for SD contact at 6 NM.

0800-Surfaced.


22 April-

0900-Submerged to 150 feet to avoid aircraft. Bottom is 160 feet. 6 S 113 30 E

0911- Four large explosions above Besugo, close. Assume aircraft spotted Besugo in calm clear waters of Java Sea. Minor leaks throughout boat. Most serious damage was to compressor, pumps, and No 1 (Observation) periscope.

Remained submerged, changing course at high speed and using all available depth.

1000- 60 feet. SD showed two aircraft within 8 NM hunting Besugo. Turned to NE course at 4 knots.

1101-Sound reported fast screws approaching bearing 161. Two PC types observed in distance. Most likely called in by aircraft as Java coast was just 60 NM away.

1102-1400- Aircraft and PC searched area. One PC came within 6000 yards of Besugo.

1500- Sound lost contact.

1900-Sweeo with SJ SD and sound showed all clear. Surfaced into night.


23 April-

0000-Set course to clear coastal area to let things calm down


0640- 4 30 S 112 30 E. During morning trim dive-Sound sweep revealed faint props of possible submerged submarine at bearing 010. Set course at 3 knots for contact, remaining submerged.

0711-Sound had steady contact on props of submarine.


0742-Surfaced submarine spotted at bearing 355 estimated distance 9000 yards. General Quarters. Began approach course 180 at 3 knots


0750 - Unidentified submarine on course 090 estimated speed 13 knots.

0756-Target identified as a German Type 9 U-Boat. Course 092 12 knots. Ordered tubes 4,5, and 6 readied as contained Mark 18 wakeless torpedoes, while tubes 1,2, and 3 had Mark 23 steam torpedoes.

0804-Attack No. 6-Fired three Mark 18 torpedoes. Range 2400 yards AOB 70 AIM:MOT. Depth 5 feet.


0806-First torpedo impacted amidships under the conning tower, followed but the other two, the torpedo explosions causing the U-Boat to nearly fly out of the water, then crash back and briefly submerge. The bow broached at a high angle before settling. Within 20 seconds, the U-Boat disappeared. A small oil and debris field was located. Type 9 U Boat sunk 4 30 S 112 20 E 80 NM NNW Bawean Island.


24-29 April- No contacts.

30 April-

0600-10 NM south of Bawean Island. SD failed to detect aircraft until just 6 NM away. Aircraft flew over the island from the North. As Besugo passed 81 feet...five large explosions close and at Besugo's depth exploded. Conning tower took worst of damage with SJ radar damaged heavily and various leaks of piping and air lines. DC party activated.


0626- A series of explosions estimated 5000-9000 yards away, aircraft apparently dropping more bombs. Besugo limped away.

1300-Surfaced.


1400-Submerged to avoid aircraft.


1 May

0011- SJ contact bearing 010. 6 48 S 113 55 E. on small convoy of one merchant and two pc type escorts, 7000 yards off NE Java coast. Course 270 7 knots.

0405-General Quarters. Closed for attack. Heavy seas and full moon necessitated submerged attack. Shadowed convoy until was in location with 110 feet under keel as convoy would pass through a "deep" stretch off coast.. Felt the less than ideal sonar conditions would provide a margin of safety for Besugo.

0431- Attack No. 7 Fired Four Mark 23 torpedoes from bow tubes. Range 1800 yards AOB 87 Depth 10 feet.

0432-All four torpedoes hit target, obliterating it Believe target was ammo ship judging by numerous secondary explosions. KANAGA MARU 5100 tons sunk 6 52 S 113 26 E.


0433-Turned North at high speed to evade, then rigged for depth charge and silent running. Escorts came to area Besugo was at and dropped depth charges. The high speed run allowed Besugo to escape. The heavy seas concealed Besugo's escape.

0700- Secured from GQ and surfaced.

Avoided planes throughout day of 1 May.

2 May-

0624 Sighted what believed was a small PC type at 5 40 S 112 50 E 7 NM E Bawean Island. Seas calmed and used morning haze as cover to approach undetected for Battle Surface-Gun action. However, as closed range and fog cleared, vessel was revealed to be a minesweeper type. The APR-1 suddenly came to life detected radar emissions. The MS gave chase from 9000 yards. Turned Besugo away to NE at high speed.

0625-0630 five shell splashes observed in distance none close.

0650- MS gave up pursuit as was unable to close range.


3 May-

0504-

As clearing coast after a fruitless night of patrol, SJ contact bearing 170 at 6 20 S 111 0 E. Turned to intercept.


0520- Two small coastal freighters with 6 small PC type escorts on course 090 speed 8 knots 5000 yards from shore. With dawn coming soon and not enough depth for submerged attack and evasion, moved in to fire last torpedoes...four Mark 18's in stern tubes.


0538- Attack No. 8 Fired four Mark 18 torpedoes at two targets. 3100 yards AOB 67 . Depth 5 feet at MOT.Targets were both Taihosan Maru class coastal merchants 1800 tons each.

0542-Torpedoes missed both targets. Believe torpedoes ran deep. Choppy seas may have also been a factor.

0543- With all torpedoes expended and dawn breaking. Secured from GQ and raced away from coast. Once clear of coast, set course for Lombok Strait.


4 May-

0400- Cleared Lombok Strait Southbound

9 May -

1100- Docked at Fremantle. Terminated War Patrol.