TMO 2.5 w custom mods
100 difficulty. Cams and contacts off
USS Drum SS-228
War Patrol Two
During refit at Pearl Harbor after first war patrol, an SJ Surface search radar installed. Aft end of conning tower was cut down to and periscope shear plating removed to reduce surface silhouette .
10 July-
0900-Depart Pearl Harbor for patrol in Carolines-Bismark Archipelago shipping lane. Tuning of SJ radar.
1220-Trim Dive.
1240-Surface.
1400-1800-Diving, Gunnery, Emergency drills.
12 July-
1200-Ordered by COMSUBPAC to investigate reports of enemy vessel run aground off Rongelap Atoll, Marshall Islands.
16 July- Increased speed to to 15.5 knots to arrive Rongelap 18 July.
18 July-
1300-Off Rongelap, no ground vessel spotted.
22 July-
2057-10 10 N 151 0 E 180 NM NNW of Truk. SD contact 11 NM closing, slowly.
2100-SD contact 8 NM. DRUM submerged.
2214-Surface.
23 July-
1000-Submerged 100 NM NE of Truk Atoll.
Multiple aircraft spotted through day.
2200-Surface.
24 July
East of Truk-Piannu Pass.
0237-SJ contact. 348 9 NM. 7 24 N 150 49 E 40 NM E of Pianunu Pass. Possible ship(s) heading for Truk. Set course ot overtake before arrive at the pass likely by dawn.
0300-Multiple contacts. Likely convoy.
0310-General Quarters.
0338-Decided to go for submerged night attack as nearly a full moon out. Convoy would reach Truk before dawn so it was, now or never.
0414-Leading vessel identified as DD.
0415-DRUM submerged to 80 feet.
0426- DD leading two mid sized AK. Course 088- Speed 9 knots.
0448-Attack No. 1: Fired three MK 14 torpedoes. Range:1200 yards AOB 90 POA:MOT.
0449-Two torpedoes impacted target but failed to detonate. Third torpedo impacted bow area of target which, alerted was turning to starboard away from DRUM.
0456- Trailing the ship. Fired one Mk 18 Range: 600 AOB 180 (up the kilts shot) on target. Torpedo hit stern, setting off a large explosion and secondary explosions. Vessel quickly took a down angle by stern while burning.
0457-MADRAS MARU -3822 tons sunk 7 19 N 151 14 E. 30 NM E of Piannu Pass (Truk).
0500-No visual or sound on other two contacts
0504-Radar depth for SJ sweep.
0506-Merchant spotted moving away at est. 8 knots 4000 yards.
0509-DD spotted 010 2050 yards. Believe is "sleeping" listening. Moving for shot.
0512- Attack No. 2 Rng 2200 AOB 155 AIM aft starboard. Torpedo 1 prematurely detonated just after arming (Traveled 350 yards)
Fired torpedo 2.
0514-DD suddenly got underway spotted torpedo, torpedo missed. Expected depth charges, none came.
0600-Surfaced. Secure GQ reload torpedoes.
0717-SJ contact 330 9 NM.
0736-Two contacts possible an escort with merchant heading 180 speed 9 knots.Tracking for dawn scope attack convoy does not appear heading Truk just transiting area.
0857-Dawn. Smoke plumes from ships spotted 105 degrees 7 NM. Crossing track for stern shot, using rising sun in east as light for periscope.
0902-DRUM submerged.
0917-Convoy appears to be mid sized AK with PC or DE type escort. Both producing smoke.
0938-Escort is Shimushu Type A Escort Vessel
0938-Freighter appears to be AKITA MARU class, similar to one sunk on Drums first patrol in May.
0943- Target course 180 speed 8 knots. Escort 1000 yards ahead of target.
0951-Open out doors on stern tubes.
0959 - Attack No 3: Range:1150 AOB:80 Torpedo Depth:10 ft POA: middle . Torpedo 1 prematurely exploded just after arming. Torpedo 2 impacted amidships.
1001
rum ordered to 300 feet. Rig for depth charge and silent running. Escort closing fast with 0 AOB.
1004-Pinging. Escort closing
1005-Escort to short scale pings. Closing fast. Overhead. Drum ahead flank to depth 350.
1006-splashes. explosions...believe depth charge launcher going off.
1007-DC explosions. Some close. Boat shaken. no damage
1009-Pinging.
1011-Splashes astern.
1016-More distant splashes. Escort searching, pinging.
1018-Short scale pinging. Escort acquired DRUM.Closing fast.
1020-DC explosions overhead.
1023-Pinging
1025-Enemy overhead.
1027-Explosions.
1150-Escort appears to have lost contact with DRUM. Lost contact with botb vessels. One AKITA MARU class damaged by one torpedo hit.
26 July-
Truk-Rabaul shipping lanes. Heading for position East of Admiralty Islands.
28 July-
1750-SJ contact bearing 335 9 NM. 1 18 S 148 25 E. Course 155 to intercept.
1809-Smoke whisps spotted 060. 7 NM. Light fog/haze hampered visiblity.
1844-Two vessels in single column roughly 2000 yards apart. Believe both to be merchant vessels. Course 150 speed 9 knots.
1915-Drum submerged.
1926-Sound contact 352 closing.
1927-Visual contact on two freighters est. range five NM. Light fog haze remains present.
1936-Lead freighter is mid sized, similar to KANAGA MARU 4923 tons sunk on last patrol. Rear freighter is larger. Will target rear freighter first.
1947-Rear freighter is of KIGAN MARU class. 7390 tons. Encountered this class last patrol in final attack, but did not sink due to torpedo difficulties.
1950-Target course 150 8 knots.
2002-Prepared to fire, found target track changed slightly to starboard leaving DRUM 1300 yards instead of 1000 yards from firing point. Dropped scope and ordered ahead flank for speed burst to gain proper position.
2004-Attack No 4: Fired three MK 14 torpedoes. 800 yards AOB 90 Depth 10 ft. POA: MOT, Fore Mast, Aft Mast.
Torpedo one impacted but failed to detonate. Torpedoes 2 and 3 hit. Target afire around island structure from waterline.
2006-Fired fourth torpedo. Range 700 AOB 100. missed Fired fifth torpedo range 600 AOB 180 "up the kilts" shot. Torpedo impact. stern on fire.
2017-Fired sixth torpedo. Range 600 yard AOB 180 . Torpedo impact set off large secondary explosions and fires. Vessel quickly took down angle by stern.
2018-KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk at 1 39 S 148 29 E.
2022-KANAGA MARU is on course 140 8-10 knots. Waiting for to open range, will surface for end around. Secured General Quarters.
2140-Surface. 6 NM astern of KANAGA MARU. End round started.
2200-Lost SJ contact. Back track course to regain contact.
0106-Restablished SJ contact at 340. 2'0 S 148 50 E. Will trail until dawn for submerged attack.
0433-Lost SJ contact suddenly.
0440-Regained SJ contact. Sea conditions have increased to heavy.
0530-Lost SJ contact.
31 July-
Patrolling approaches N of Kavieng, New Irleand.
2 August-
1030-Surbmerged for day patrol between New Hanover Island and St Mathias Islands. 2'0 S 150'0 E
3 August-
0855-SJ contact 287 degrees 9 NM. 1 40 S 148 10 E.
0907-Large merchant spotted in morning haze bearing 355. Estimated course 075 7 knots. General Quarters
1000-Contact changed course to 60 SSE.
1012-Dive.
1058-Target is NAGARA MARU class freighter. 7145 tons. Course 160 7 knots.
1105-Attack No. 5 Fired three Mk 14 torpedoes. Range:800 AOB 85 POA:MOT, Fore mast, Aft Mast depth:15 feet
1106-Torpedo 1 hit as aimed. Torpedoes 2 and 3 missed target. Both detonated within 15 seconds of one another after missing target. Cause of miss is possibly running deeper than set. Target damaged, engines cut out according to sound
1108-Target listing to starboard, stern low in water.Target has one large gun turret fore and aft. Guns appear to be of the five inch variant.
1114-Target is dead in water down by stern.
1115-Fired one MK 14 from 600 yards AOB 109. depth 10 feet. Torpedo hit amidships. Large fire started.
1118-NAGARA MARU 7145 tons sunk 1 36 S 148 17 E.
1521- 1 37 S 148 6 E. 54 NM NE of Manus, Admiralty Islands. Drum submerged at 90 feet between observations. Sound detected warship at bearing 300 long range. Vessel snuck up on Drum.
At periscope depth observed a Destroyer-believed to be a Mutsuki Class with a zero AOB, closing at medium speed. Possibly searching for submarine , responding to the SOS from NAGARA MARU sunk a few hours ago. Attempted to evade but plot showed would not make it. Went to 300 ft, silent running, rigged for depth charge.
1535-DD passed overhead. Seems missed Drum. Suddenly sound reported bearing change Conning tower and stern torpedo room took damage but manageable.
1538-Drum at 350 ft.
1540-0400(4 August) -DD made numerous runs on DRUM but none as close as first one. DD stayed in area , stopping periodically to listen. Explosions were heard from other sources, likely aircraft. A 2154-A second warship contact arrived, sound reported likely a PC type. The PC did not contact Drum but did drop charges in the area.
4 August-
0410-Sound reported both warships leaving area.
0630-Periscope depth. Sonar, visual, and SJ/SD sweep shows all clear. Surfaced.
5 August -
1009-SJ contact 356 9 NM.
1051- Appears one freighter with escort. Moving ahead to get into attack position
1300-Lost contact. Heavy seas, unable to make contact.
6- August-
2200-Evening Fox indicated Operation Watchtower(landings at Guadalcanal and Tulagi) begins 7 August .
7 August-
0015- Patrolling between New Hanover and St. Mathias Islands to interdict possible enemy warships and others departing Kavieng in response to Operation Watchtower.
9 August-
0145-Radio intercepted Flash Traffic from Patterson DD-392 regarding strange ships entering Savo Sound.
0151-Radio received report of naval engagement in Savo Sound.
0401-Report of major naval engagement in Savo Sound. Heavy casualties. DRUM will patrol off Kavieng to interdict any returning vessels.
1001-Submerge 20 NM NNW Kavieng.
2154-Periscope depth. 2000 yards. Three fishing boats/sampans.
2230-Surface.
10 August-
0437-Received contact report of Enemy Task Force at 2 42 S 152 56 E WNW course 21 knots. Plot shows this is 142 NM East of Kavieng. Gambling this is enemy warships returning from the Savo Island engagement heading to base at Kavieng. Will enter Kavieng Bay before dawn and patrol to see if ships arrive. ETA if Kavieng is destination is 1100 hours 10 August.
0840-Dawn. Submerged 7 NM west of Kavieng in the bay. Seas choppy with light rain and haze. Sounding:624 feet.
1007-Sound has heavy, fast screws at long range bearing 025.
1016-Radar depth for SJ sweep.
1017-General Quarters.
1029-Radar depth. SJ contact 008 8.5 NM, Visual contact 010 on masts and superstructure of large warship...likely CA or CL. Est. course 090 speed unknown.
1042-SJ sweep. Multiple contacts. Visually spotted 3 CA in distance. Ships have turned south to enter the bay.
1053-Four CA in single column 2500 yards spacing. Lead two CA are Aoba Class, Rear two are Furutaka Class.
1104-Attack No. 6: Fired four MK 14 from bow tubes. at a Furutaka Class Heavy Cruiser 7100 tons. Range 1000 yards. AOB 70 . Target course/speed: 130 14.5 knots. Entering Kavieng Bay. Torpedo depth 6 feet POA:MOT MOT, Forward turret, Aft Turret.
First three torpedoes missed. The second running under target. Fourth torpedo impacted target amidships and detonated, but target did not slow as if damaged, no fires or explosions from ship. Began turn to bring stern tubes to bear as bow torpedo supply exhausted.
1106-Attemping set up on trailing AOBA class CA.
1109-Attack No. 7. Aoba Class Heavy CA. Range 700 yards AOB 90 Fired two MK 14 from stern tubes. (final two torpedoes)
Torpedo 1 ran under stern of target. Torpedo 2 impacted under bridge area. Large explosion and fire. Large hole visible at waterline.
Target turned away presenting stern underway at 14 knots. All torpedoes expended, DRUM set course to clear bay as new warship contact from bearing of Kavieng Harbor already inbound. Likely ASW vessel.
1112-CA has list to port.
1114-Target now has heavy port list with fires raging amidships but is underway estimated 12 knots turning for Kavieng.
1120-Target is 7300 yards astern course 130 est. speed 9 knots for Kavieng. Target has heavy port list. Fires appear to have been extinguished.
1121-Warship contact closing 070. Visual ID on PC type, heavily smoking as heading for DRUM's direction at high speed.
1123-Aircraft spotted 182 8000 yards closing high speed. Single engine float plane type, possibly a "PETE". Ordered DRUM to 300 feet, rigged for depth charge.
1126-AS DRUM passed 174 feet. Two large explosions nearby.
1142-PC contact in area. Silent running.
1148-Pinging in area. Does not appear to have located DRUM.
1313-No sound contacts. Drum secured rom GQ. Maintain Silent Running.
Results: One AOBA Class Heavy Cruiser 9341 tons heavily damaged. One Furutaka Class Heavy Cruiser 7100 tons lightly damaged. One torpedo hit each.
Torpedo malfunctions again hamper best efforts to sink enemy vessels.
1320-Torpedoes expended. Per operation order, set course to terminate patrol at Midway Island.
2159-Surface.
1301-SD contact 6 NM closing fast. Lookouts spotted aircraft simultaneous bearing 101. Est. altitude 2000 feet. Ordered DIVE.
1303-As DRUM leveled off at 200 feet...two large explosions well above and to port.
1305-Another explosion bearing 271.
2138-Surfaced into storm.
17 August-
1245-SD contact 10 NM closing fast. Drum submerged. 18 13 N 169 39 E. 208 NM ESE Wake Island.
2042-Surface.
18 August-
1802-Sent status report to COMSUBPAC. Position:21 03 N 173 19 E 800 NM SW Midway Island.
1900- Evening Fox contained information that tests reveal the MK 14 torpedo runs 10 to 12 feet deeper than set. This explains many of the difficulties Drum has experienced with torpedoes during her two patrols.
21 August-
0932-Docked at Midway. Terminate patrol.
Patrol Results:
Ships sunk:3
MADRAS MARU
KIGAN MARU
NAGARA MARU
Total tonnage:18322
Ships damaged: 3
Aoba Class Heavy Cruiser
Furutaka Class Heavy Cruiser
AKITA MARU