Stories and Patrol Logs + Screenshots and Videos (merged)

[Bubblehead1980]

Screenshots. Report to Follow.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO V2.1 (testing)
100 difficulty with external cam and contacts on.

This is copied and pasted from a word document I put together based on information gathered throughout patrol. Due to unexpected CTD and need to reload, some discrepancy in dates/times.

The style is based on the Sailfish's actual first patrol report for the most part and differs somewhat what later reports. The original reports can be found at the link below, for those not aware.

https://maritime.org/doc/subreports.php


Below is a summary as the actual report is not copy and pasting well to this section. If would like the full report, let me know.
Screenshots from the patrol were posted first in a separate post.

First real patrol (although simultaneously testing forthcoming TMO Update) on new desktop, specifically dedicated for gaming, namely SH 4 lol. Overall, sim and mod runs quite well on Windows 11 (in compatibility mode).

One CTD system related, but believe have it figured out. Reload worked well, except for usual "reload" bugs that have always plagued SH 4 (date time errors, magnetic exploders not prematurely exploding in early war, AI functioning differently, etc.)

Was an interesting and busy patrol.

I began the patrol as a "pre-war Asiatic" patrol set to November 1941, after conducting training exercise, returned to port on 6 December, and was sent on patrol on 9 December after war declared.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

USS SAILFISH (SS-192) (Sargo Class)
Report of War Patrol Number ONE
9-16 December 1941
LCDR Franklin H. Ramsey, U.S.N.


A. PROLOGUE

Returned from exercise period on 6 December after twelve days. Informed of attack on Pearl Harbor (later Clark Field) on 8 December local time. Ordered to make emergency preparations for sea. Advised war declared by USA on Empire of Japan, preparations for war patrol commenced with required stores and ammunition loaded with competent haste. Twenty-four MK 14 torpedoes loaded at Cavite Navy Yard. Ready for sea 9 December.


B. NARRATIVE


9 December 1941

Departed Cavite at 0700 for assigned area PASTURE to guard eastern Luzon against enemy invasion forces.

Entered the minefield gap off Corregidor, waiting for PT boat escort. While transiting the minefield under escort, six G4M "BETTY" Bombers appeared (see screenshots), attacking SAILFISH, PT Boat, as well as PT boat tender anchored in Sisiman Cove (screenshots).

Sailfish had the "fun" task of evasive maneuvers in the narrow gap in the minefield while two BETTY's prepared for attack. In a dramatic moment, was able to see they were about to release bombs and ordered right full rudder, the bombs fell off to port, fairly close. One landed rather close to our PT escort as well. Sailfish's 20mm AA gun set the engine of one bomber on fire,
and we soon observed it crash off our portside (see screenshots). Two parachutes were observed over Sisiman Cove. The PT tender was hit and set on fire. In a dramatic moment, several mines were set off by a bomb that hit waters nearby as well.

After clearing the minefield, conducted trim dive, then surfaced and headed North, to reach patrol area via Bashi Channel North of Luzon.


10 December 1941


0400 Received radio message warning of enemy invasion forces off Vigan, Luzon. At this time, Sailfish was approximately 60 NM ESE of Vigan. Turned at flank speed in order to arrive quickly and at dawn.


0530 As closed the coast, the rising sun silhouetted Luzon, Vigan area and the smoke plumes, masts of a sizeable force anchored approximately five miles off Vigan. Covered as much distance as possible on surface until within 10 miles, then submerged to approach at 0630.

Based on observations, best method to get inside the large escort screen to attack the anchored transports were to approach from the front, to port, exploiting a decent gap between a auxiliary type subchaser lying to and a DD which stopped , then would periodically get underway, roughly every 15-20 minutes, sweep out, then comeback. During this time, observed Daihatsu type landing craft transiting to, from, and along the landing beaches. (screenshots)

By 0900, was ahead of the force, turned to port and closed them directly with periodic observations until 0930, when went to 250 feet, silent running to sneak inside the screen. Luck on our side, we made it inside but seems one SC knew something was there, began pinging, but went on searching area. While did not have us locked in, they knew something was in the area and others were alerted.

As we neared the marked position to rise to periscope depth, to attack an anchored light cruiser previously observed. An escort located us, began pinging intensely, dropping numerous depth charges, which shook the boat but missed. However, One very close charge damaged the stern torpedo room, damaging No.7 torpedo tube (stern) enough it was out of action for duration of patrol, as well as causing minor flooding. Enemy lost contact when SAILFISH dropped to 300 feet due to flooding.

With flooding under control and escorts astern dropping charges on some poor whale etc., we were well inside and came to periscope depth. Unfortunately, were out of position for a shot at the CL, but found a nice, large cargo vessel directly ahead.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1
10 December 1941
1151 hours

Tubes 1 and 2
Range: 1,350 yds
AOB: 50 S
Torpedo Depth Setting : 26 ft (keel shot) and 15 ft.

Fired tubes 1 and 2 at 1151 hour. Observed torpedo wakes run beneath vessels. Fired Tubes 3 and 4. One impacted, but did not detonate. The audible "thud" of the "dud" torpedo heard. The other passed below keel, then exploded off port side, not close enough to damage. (Screenshot)

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2
10 December 1941
1200 hours

Turned the boat about to bring stern tubes to bear, readied tubes 5,6,8. No.7 non operational due to damage.


Torpedo from tube No.6 prematurely exploded roughly ten yards from target. However, at 1201, torpedoes struck amidships and in the bow, setting off massive primary and numerous secondary explosions, splitting the keel amidships, pushing both sections out of the water, before they settled. (See screenshots). The vessel was likely loaded with ammunition as explosion was consistent with that of an ammunition ship. Vessel sunk was identified as HUZIKAWA MARU 4,923 tons.

Sound soon reported warships closing, a full sized DD was closing with a zero AOB and a "bone in its teeth" (the bow wake) as it closed at high speed. The subchasers and patrol craft were closing, at a speedy yet much slowed pace.
Rigged for depth charge and silent running, ordered 250 feet, and turned toward the DD to present low profile and to the west, out to see.


The DD and others delivered a brutal, prolonged depth charges. Sailfish was damaged by numerous close depth charges. One bounced off the hull (Clang sound effect was heard) and exploded below. (Caught screenshot of it just before it landed on deck).

Moderate but serious flooding occurred in aft torpedo and engine rooms.
Trim Pump, Port prop shaft, stern dive planes transmission were damaged as well as stern batteries.

A second close charge exploded off the bow (see screenshot), which caused damage and injuries in forward torpedo, notably the forward batteries.

A damage control party was dispatched and flooding was stopped quickly. The relatively small amount of water did add to boats weight in stern and require more speed to maintain a level angle and depth control. Of course, this aided the enemy as were forced to make more noise. Somewhere around 345 feet. The enemy seemed to lose contact, although one SC and DD were persistent and our trail for hours, delivering the occasional close charge.
Around 1400, enemy appeared to lose contact. Secured from GQ. maintained silent running.

After reloading torpedoes and preparing to surface after dusk to make a night time attack, the enemy force off Vigan got underway, heading away from Vigan on a NNW course. At dusk, a vigilant DD and four engine MAVIS patrol plane prevented surfacing to get ahead until nightfall.

Surfaced around 1900 and while attempting to regain contact with the force, stumbled across a lone DD and a merchant vessel. Figuring a lone vessel to have an escort, must be an important ship and per reply to contact report, went after the "sure thing."


TORPEDO ATTACKs NO.3 and NO.4

Submerged for attack but low light conditions made periscope difficult. Fired tubes 1 and 2 on sound bearings from 900 yds. (Early war stuff, they actually did lol. Torpedoes actually would have hit, but ran deep). Fired two more torpedoes; one dud, one miss (ran deep).

Brough stern tubes to bear, fired tubes 5 and 8; One ran deep, one hit stern, but no explosion, just the audible "thud" of the "dud" torpedo. Damn!

Now the DD, an older Wakatake Class closed in pinging. Rigged for depth charge and silent running, went to 250 feet.

The DD delivered an intense, dedicated, prolonged depth charge attack from
2145-0206, when we lost sound contact, as he went to "sleep" to listen for Sailfish. At 0341 the DD left the area at high speed, presumably satisfied he
killed us and to rejoin his charge. Secured and surfaced, heading for Bashi Channel.


11 December 1941

Submerged at dawn in Bashi Channel to avoid enemy aircraft.


Encountered two Minekaze class DD's on patrol, twice throughout the day. Avoided them by going deep, running quiet. Upon initial contact, had an attack lined up but a fortuitous (for one DD anyways), they changed course to NNW suddenly, putting Sailfish out of place, unable to get a shot.

At 1401, periscope watch observed large "MAVIS" flying boat patrolling the area.


Surfaced at 1900, proceeded through channel to East of Luzon in the Philippine Sea.



12 DECEMBER 1941

0700 Submerged for patrol.

0000 Noon position showed SAILFISH in assigned area.

1900 Surfaced. Received news of enemy invasion vessels in Albay Gulf. Set course for Albay Gulf at 18 knots.

13 DECEMBER 1941



At 0500, was just off entrance to Albay Gulf. Observed a large minelayer patrolling the entrance and interior, while a DD patrolled the entrance and adjacent waters out to sea. Used darkness to obtain satisfactory diving point,
submerged at dawn and slipped past the guardians.

This was accomplished by sticking closer to the coast and the rough state of the gulf waters assisted in masking, especially when the MS or small PC types came close to Sailfish.

At 1401, bserved smoke and masts as SAILFISH rounded the
Manito Peninsula off Belmar Beach. The invasion vessels
were found to be anchored in Poliqui Bay off Legazpi City, waters far too shallow for submerged operations. We spent the rest of the afternoon dodging the MS when it swept the area, native vessels, and small PC's.

TORPEDO ATTACKS NO. 5, 6, 7.

After dark, surfaced and eased in the shallows off Legazpi City and within visual of Poliqui Bay. After studying the situation, decided to utilize the low power setting of MK 14 torpedo to fire from 5000 yards, then to make high speed runs along the coast to avoid enemy vessels searching. Utilizing the surprise factor and the night as cover, could likely escape. To avoid the likely route, the entrance to Gulf, would utilize the strait between Batan and Rapu-Rapu Island, escape into Lagonoy Gulf and out to sea.

Throughout evening eased into position, dodging a patrolling DD off Legazpi City. Soon, we spotted a dream target. A light cruiser ! Believed to be of the Nagara Class. A contact report was sent, with reply from COMSUBAF ordering an attack.

14 DECEMBER 1941

0037 Fired Tubes 1,2,3,4 from range of 4,980 yds.

0040 Star shells in air, ship alarms audible, DD’s moving about as torpedoes spotted. Sailfish began leaving area high speed.

0045 All torpedoes missed. Two detonated when hit the beach behind the target.When felt it was clear. Slowed and returned to new firing position, turned about to bring stern tubes to bear.



0100 With stern tubes already brough to bear. Fired Tubes 5,6, and 8 from 6500 yds. Missed again! (using external cam, observed them run deeper than set!)

0115 Final two torpedoes loaded in stern tubes. Avoided the searching DD’s and prepared to take out a large AP sighted when the CL presented a favorable attack position after settling down.


0127 Fired Tubes 5 and 6 from 5100 yds, set to 5 feet. All torpedoes expended.

One torpedo hit but did not detonate. Another dud!
Second missed and eventually ran into the beach behind target, exploded.

Disappointed and out of torpedoes, fled the area as DD's and the the old MS swept the area, including the areas from which we fired.

Ran along the coast as shallow as dared, avoiding native fishing vessels and a 100-150 tons Japanese patrol boat. Deck gun and 20mm were manned in case needed to fire upon it, but were able to evade.

Transited the strait between Batan Island and Rapu-Rapu as planned, entered
Lagonoy Gulf, then exited to sea, turned for San Bernadino Strait, en route to Cavite since were out of torpedoes and had battle damage in need of repair.

0345 Secured General Quarters. Set course for Cavite via San Bernadino
Strait/Sibuyan Sea.

0454 Spotted S-Class Submarine* bearing 284. Unable to ascertain
identity. Out of caution, avoided. (AI submarine)

0630- Transited San Bernadino Strait on surface at high speed.
0900

0944 Observed native tug type vessel in Ticao Pass.

1133 Entered Sibuyan Sea. En route to Cavite.


15 DECEMBER 1941


0630 (Sibuyan Sea) Trim dive.
0650

0651- En route Cavite
2359

Evening Fox contained instructions to only enter Manila Bay at night due to on going air raids. Submarines in port instructed to submerge and bottom boats in the bay during daylight hours.

16 DECEMBER 1941

0032 Rendezvoused with escort (PT-41) outside Corregidor Minefield.

0033-Transited minefield under escort.
0115 (screenshot)

0116 Detached escort, headed for Cavite.

0402 Docked at Cavite. Terminated war patrol.


End of Report.

F.H. Ramsey

[Rifle Infantry]

Playing FOTRSU in Feb '42 the other day:

I was running submerged about ten nautical miles off the coast of southern Kyushu (where else do you go with an S-boat to find shipping?) when I heard my sonarman report a stationary merchant. Heading over to go look I found precisely that: a single merchant, dead in the water, not turning its screw. At about the same time I heard a warship rock up and figured I should hurry up with the attack.

I fired a torpedo from 600 yards and struck the merchant amidships. Instantly it started up its engine and shifted off, so I hit it with another torpedo (my last) and it stopped moving "for real". Unfortunately, with the thing bearing guns fore and aft, the visibility being nonexistent, and the warship circling overhead, I couldn't actually finish it off and had to let it go.

Shame I didn't think of grabbing any screenshots at the time. I can't think of a good explanation as to what it was doing standing still so close to shore. Has anyone ever run into a "sleeping" merchant like this before?

[Aktungbby]

Rifle Infantry!

[KaleunMarco]

Originally Posted by Rifle Infantry

Playing FOTRSU in Feb '42 the other day:

I was running submerged about ten nautical miles off the coast of southern Kyushu (where else do you go with an S-boat to find shipping?) when I heard my sonarman report a stationary merchant. Heading over to go look I found precisely that: a single merchant, dead in the water, not turning its screw. At about the same time I heard a warship rock up and figured I should hurry up with the attack.

I fired a torpedo from 600 yards and struck the merchant amidships. Instantly it started up its engine and shifted off, so I hit it with another torpedo (my last) and it stopped moving "for real". Unfortunately, with the thing bearing guns fore and aft, the visibility being nonexistent, and the warship circling overhead, I couldn't actually finish it off and had to let it go.

Shame I didn't think of grabbing any screenshots at the time. I can't think of a good explanation as to what it was doing standing still so close to shore. Has anyone ever run into a "sleeping" merchant like this before?

yes. it may be the modder changed the waypoint speed and entered a zero rather than some other number...aka typo.


it happens.


shame that two torpedoes couldnt put her down.