A raid on Rabul.. (very) short story.

SteamWake · 10-16-07, 10:22 AM

July 12, 1942 S-Class boat

We had been ordered by Comsubpac to patrol off / near the solomon islands. We steamed out of Brisbane and spent about a week in transit to our destination.

Aside from the occasional diving drill and quick dives to avoid air contacts the trip was un-eventfull with near perfect weather. We made good time.

When we arrived at our destination the Skipper ordered the engines to full stop. The skipper was experienced and had been in this area before. "A watery desert" he called it. Nothin out here but seaweed and blow fish.

It was rather nice out there floating on a calm sea. Some of the boys got a little swimming in. We all got a laugh out of Fred trying to get up the side of the boat when an emergency dive was called for to avoid an incomming aircraft. But he made it up in plenty of time and all was good. This sugar boat sure can get down in a hurry.

We stayed submerged drifting on the current for a good 4 hours. Playing cards listening to records, just generally shooting the bull.

I awoke the next day when the ship lurched and heaved as the diesels were started and we began to make headway. "Were off to richer hunting grounds" came the announcement over the speakers. 'Rabul' the hushed voices of the wide eyed crew filtered through the boat. The boys dident know wether to be excited or dismayed at this rumor. But there was no denying that they were headed WxSW at a pretty good clip.

We bugged sparky for more solid information, after all he got to see nearly all the correspondence. "I dunno" he said "all I know is we gots us orders to sink enemy shipping, and by god thats were gonna do !". "Its gotta be Rabul" one of the seaman blurted out. "Its the only port in this area". "Aint that place er.. pretty well guarded with (gulp) subchasers and stuff" another seaman asked. The first officer brushed this off with a glib "Ah they will never know what hit em !". The crew nervously agreed if not in a great cheer but more of a resignation to their 'fate'.

The boat pressed foward at nearly 10 knots as the cheif mechanic nervously watched the fuel consumption. It was only two days when we passed the penensula and began to work our way up the gulf. You can almost see Rabul from here the WO quipped confirming the crews suspicions. The word spread through the boat faster than a case of the crabs on shore leave.

--- End chapter one ---

Stay tuned for our next exciting episode "Spot or be spotted"

10-16-07, 10:22 AM	#1
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	A raid on Rabul.. (very) short story. July 12, 1942 S-Class boat We had been ordered by Comsubpac to patrol off / near the solomon islands. We steamed out of Brisbane and spent about a week in transit to our destination. Aside from the occasional diving drill and quick dives to avoid air contacts the trip was un-eventfull with near perfect weather. We made good time. When we arrived at our destination the Skipper ordered the engines to full stop. The skipper was experienced and had been in this area before. "A watery desert" he called it. Nothin out here but seaweed and blow fish. It was rather nice out there floating on a calm sea. Some of the boys got a little swimming in. We all got a laugh out of Fred trying to get up the side of the boat when an emergency dive was called for to avoid an incomming aircraft. But he made it up in plenty of time and all was good. This sugar boat sure can get down in a hurry. We stayed submerged drifting on the current for a good 4 hours. Playing cards listening to records, just generally shooting the bull. I awoke the next day when the ship lurched and heaved as the diesels were started and we began to make headway. "Were off to richer hunting grounds" came the announcement over the speakers. 'Rabul' the hushed voices of the wide eyed crew filtered through the boat. The boys dident know wether to be excited or dismayed at this rumor. But there was no denying that they were headed WxSW at a pretty good clip. We bugged sparky for more solid information, after all he got to see nearly all the correspondence. "I dunno" he said "all I know is we gots us orders to sink enemy shipping, and by god thats were gonna do !". "Its gotta be Rabul" one of the seaman blurted out. "Its the only port in this area". "Aint that place er.. pretty well guarded with (gulp) subchasers and stuff" another seaman asked. The first officer brushed this off with a glib "Ah they will never know what hit em !". The crew nervously agreed if not in a great cheer but more of a resignation to their 'fate'. The boat pressed foward at nearly 10 knots as the cheif mechanic nervously watched the fuel consumption. It was only two days when we passed the penensula and began to work our way up the gulf. You can almost see Rabul from here the WO quipped confirming the crews suspicions. The word spread through the boat faster than a case of the crabs on shore leave. --- End chapter one --- Stay tuned for our next exciting episode "Spot or be spotted"