First Task force encounter

[Shepelly]

Jan/2/42

1700hrs Lookout locates smoke on horizon 45 degrees off port bow. I move to the coning tower for a look, change from Binos to UZO's and DAMN Destroyer, Decks awash, ahead 1/3. Identify Destroyer as J&K class.

Preparing to dive when starboard lookout calls Ship spotted, Next lookout also calls ship spotted.

Pick up binos look ahead port, comming out of the mist at long range, four more smoke plumes.

Sweat on brow, is it a convoy, ahead slow, change to UZO's watching Destroyer at my 9 and smoke stacks at 12.

getting closer, periscope depth, zoom in, thats no convoy,



90 degrees port, tubes 2 and 3, depth 3m fast impact, select farthest Revenge battleship, fire tubes. DAMN spread angle is still at 5.

Select tubes 1 and 4, depth 3m, fast - impact,spread 0, select nearest BS....fire tubes.

Torpedoes strike 2nd Battleship forward and gun bay







Turn about 180 dive to 160 and sneak away with DC's going off well to the rear.

Surface after 2 hours to recharge and have a cigar with the sunset