Stories and Patrol Logs + Screenshots and Videos (merged)

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by R3dakted

Woo, that’s way earlier than I’d have thought. I’m in mid-‘44 now in FOTRSU so .. will prep for potentially being detected while well under. Gulp.

Did the allies have MAD too? I guess they must have?

Thanks for all the info, very interesting!

Yes, Allies had both airborne and shipboard MAD and from what I understand deployed it in the Battle of the Atlantic long before Japanese.


https://uboat.net/allies/technical/mad.htm

[WinterMute]

Just a short story, probably everyone had witnessed something like this but this was the first time for me on this scale.

4th patrol on an S-boat from Surabaya. I get an assignment to the Karimata Strait. Turns out these are the last days of Allied rule in Indonesia. Before I even get to the patrol area I run into an enemy task group going in the opposite direction. I turn around and go flank ahead. They seem to be doing 13 knots as I cannot overtake them and they do not run away from me. It's a pitch black night, I can barely see two silhouettes of two huge warships, just hanging there on the horizon, plowing silently through the waves. I get an eerie feeling, even though it's just a computer game.

Suddenly they change course due south and I break contact. I steam towards Surabaya instead, were I expect to crash the party. A new day breaks out, the weather is good but seas are heavy. Suddenly I run into a huge convoy. I can see a battleship or a heavy cruiser far on a horizon but it leaves the convoy and sails away westwards. So it's just me and this stationary convoy defended by nothing but two sub chasers desperately trying to stay afloat in waves almost as big as they.

I dive, get into the middle and go on a killing frenzy. Considering the full torpedo load I could've done better - I bagged two large merchants and two mediums. One got away damaged, one torpedo went under when a small merchant hopped on a wave at the just right moment and the rest of my snapshots missed, sometimes by inches.

And now the fun part - 14 (!) medium merchants sunk on their own. All large ones were OK. I guess this is some limitation of the game engine. However I never witnessed lone smaller ships sinking on their own. I used TC up to 8 IIRC, maybe this contributed to this behaviour - too much physics to track in such a big convoy? I noticed that once a smaller merchant takes a dive into a big wave, it often seals in fate. The bow gets heavier, eventually takes another dive, a fire breaks out and then it goes down.

So, I witnessed stormy weather sinking half on the Japanese invasion fleet but obviously it didn't change Indonesia's fate. A dynamic campaign in SH4 would be sweet.

[R3dakted]

Originally Posted by WinterMute

Just a short story, probably everyone had witnessed something like this but this was the first time for me on this scale.

4th patrol on an S-boat from Surabaya. I get an assignment to the Karimata Strait. Turns out these are the last days of Allied rule in Indonesia. Before I even get to the patrol area I run into an enemy task group going in the opposite direction. I turn around and go flank ahead. They seem to be doing 13 knots as I cannot overtake them and they do not run away from me. It's a pitch black night, I can barely see two silhouettes of two huge warships, just hanging there on the horizon, plowing silently through the waves. I get an eerie feeling, even though it's just a computer game.

Suddenly they change course due south and I break contact. I steam towards Surabaya instead, were I expect to crash the party. A new day breaks out, the weather is good but seas are heavy. Suddenly I run into a huge convoy. I can see a battleship or a heavy cruiser far on a horizon but it leaves the convoy and sails away westwards. So it's just me and this stationary convoy defended by nothing but two sub chasers desperately trying to stay afloat in waves almost as big as they.

I dive, get into the middle and go on a killing frenzy. Considering the full torpedo load I could've done better - I bagged two large merchants and two mediums. One got away damaged, one torpedo went under when a small merchant hopped on a wave at the just right moment and the rest of my snapshots missed, sometimes by inches.

And now the fun part - 14 (!) medium merchants sunk on their own. All large ones were OK. I guess this is some limitation of the game engine. However I never witnessed lone smaller ships sinking on their own. I used TC up to 8 IIRC, maybe this contributed to this behaviour - too much physics to track in such a big convoy? I noticed that once a smaller merchant takes a dive into a big wave, it often seals in fate. The bow gets heavier, eventually takes another dive, a fire breaks out and then it goes down.

So, I witnessed stormy weather sinking half on the Japanese invasion fleet but obviously it didn't change Indonesia's fate. A dynamic campaign in SH4 would be sweet.

Interesting. I’ve seen the occasional coastal patrol ship sink for no particular reason, could have been heavy swells + time compression + physics limitations of that, yeah. Had one on my current patrol, subchaser size. I dived to avoid it and it was so impressed that it promptly dived too and left a pretty mark on my map. That was in rough seas and I did use low level time compression.

I’ve also seen escorts drop depth charges in rough weather and then fail to get away from the blasts in time, which I guess were set shallow.

[WinterMute]

and it was so impressed that it promptly dived too

Yeah, this has to be it - small, impressionable ships. Mom, can I dive too?

[Rinaldi]

I remember the weather in all of the SH games used to be the bane of my existence when I first started taking the series seriously. It might have had to do with the modsets I was using, I often stacked compatible environment mods on top of whatever conversion I was running.

I've been lucky in the last few careers that I've not had the dreaded infinite gale, nor waves that sink coasters and swamp merchants. Frustrating stuff!

PS: Thank you for all the kind comments for those following along with my little patrol log project. Sadly, I am at work wasting taxpayer's hard-earned monies whilst watching my legal advice be ignored consistently (can you tell I am having a bad Monday?) but do intend to update you all soon.

[KaleunMarco]

Originally Posted by WinterMute

Just a short story, probably everyone had witnessed something like this but this was the first time for me on this scale.

4th patrol on an S-boat from Surabaya. I get an assignment to the Karimata Strait. Turns out these are the last days of Allied rule in Indonesia. Before I even get to the patrol area I run into an enemy task group going in the opposite direction. I turn around and go flank ahead. They seem to be doing 13 knots as I cannot overtake them and they do not run away from me. It's a pitch black night, I can barely see two silhouettes of two huge warships, just hanging there on the horizon, plowing silently through the waves. I get an eerie feeling, even though it's just a computer game.

Suddenly they change course due south and I break contact. I steam towards Surabaya instead, were I expect to crash the party. A new day breaks out, the weather is good but seas are heavy. Suddenly I run into a huge convoy. I can see a battleship or a heavy cruiser far on a horizon but it leaves the convoy and sails away westwards. So it's just me and this stationary convoy defended by nothing but two sub chasers desperately trying to stay afloat in waves almost as big as they.

I dive, get into the middle and go on a killing frenzy. Considering the full torpedo load I could've done better - I bagged two large merchants and two mediums. One got away damaged, one torpedo went under when a small merchant hopped on a wave at the just right moment and the rest of my snapshots missed, sometimes by inches.

And now the fun part - 14 (!) medium merchants sunk on their own. All large ones were OK. I guess this is some limitation of the game engine. However I never witnessed lone smaller ships sinking on their own. I used TC up to 8 IIRC, maybe this contributed to this behaviour - too much physics to track in such a big convoy? I noticed that once a smaller merchant takes a dive into a big wave, it often seals in fate. The bow gets heavier, eventually takes another dive, a fire breaks out and then it goes down.

So, I witnessed stormy weather sinking half on the Japanese invasion fleet but obviously it didn't change Indonesia's fate. A dynamic campaign in SH4 would be sweet.

Originally Posted by R3dakted

Interesting. I’ve seen the occasional coastal patrol ship sink for no particular reason, could have been heavy swells + time compression + physics limitations of that, yeah. Had one on my current patrol, subchaser size. I dived to avoid it and it was so impressed that it promptly dived too and left a pretty mark on my map. That was in rough seas and I did use low level time compression.

I’ve also seen escorts drop depth charges in rough weather and then fail to get away from the blasts in time, which I guess were set shallow.

yes, weather is a factor that leads to ships sinking themselves.

for example, the ship that you damaged and got away...had the torpedo hit in a different part of the ship OR if the ship had a zone definition that was a bit different, that little merchie would probably have sunk in the high seas while you were sinking the others.


another factor is there are certain mod-sets in which the escort vessels' hydrodynamic and propulsion settings are configured such that they maneuver themselves into sinking by changing course at a speed that is higher than it should be in order to stay afloat.







who said AI was smarter than humans?


keep going. the world needs more reefs-made-from-sunken-hulls.

[WinterMute]

that little merchie would probably have sunk in the high seas while you were sinking the others.

This was one of those 7000-tonners and I hit her with just one torpedo in the worst spot possible - right under the superstructure (actually this was a torpedo meant for a medium merchant, the one I mentioned to skip over it. The torpedo went further and hit this big girl right in the middle, at such an oblique angle though that it probably should't have detonated). So her engine room remained functional and despite flooding she remained more or less leveled. Had I hit her in the bow, her sheer momentum would've pushed her under and big waves would've done the rest.

I once hit some four-stacker light CL in the bow and it sunk faster than crash diving sub. I dunno if this is modeled intentionally but for me it makes sense - I can imagine all this water forced inside by movement of the ship.

[Baxder]

8 convoys, 9 single contacts, and four ASW patrols encountered. The Sulu Sea was my killing ground, but I also took out an entire convoy off of Halmahera. Good stuff, and way too much to report, so I'll try sticking to the highlights.

Patrol Report
Patrol Date: 03 DEC 1943
01 JAN 1944
From : CAPT Baxder
 
Patrol # 14
 
To : SubRon 14 & ComSubPac
Report from USS Swordfish
Patrol area : Philippines

Special Mission Conducted: No
 
The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 7
Number of Merchants sunk : 29
 
Total Warship tonnage : 13864
Total Merchant tonnage : 143394
 
Total Gross tonnage : 157258
 
061817  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5399 ton
Long 119° 50' E, Lat   7° 55' S
 
070056  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1634 ton
Long 120° 54' E, Lat   7° 32' S
 
070333  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1633 ton
Long 121° 28' E, Lat   7° 46' S
 
071757  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Kagero Destroyer, 2490 ton
Long 124° 05' E, Lat   6° 52' S
 
071803  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Gun Boat, 904 ton
Long 124° 04' E, Lat   6° 52' S
 
101114  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1570 ton
Long 125° 34' E, Lat   2° 33' N
 
120316  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1564 ton
Long 121° 46' E, Lat   8° 03' N
 
120712  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7203 ton
Long 122° 00' E, Lat   8° 28' N
 
120751  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5437 ton
Long 122° 01' E, Lat   8° 29' N
 
122058  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10007 ton
Long 121° 37' E, Lat  10° 13' N
 
122123  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10032 ton
Long 121° 36' E, Lat  10° 13' N
 
130219  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7158 ton
Long 121° 41' E, Lat  10° 20' N
 
130608  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Modern Composite Freighter, 1851 ton
Long 121° 46' E, Lat  10° 08' N
 
131018  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1724 ton
Long 121° 53' E, Lat   9° 14' N
 
151942  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151950  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151953  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151957  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151959  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Old Composite Freighter, 4020 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
152003  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8165 ton
Long 126° 47' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
152011  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
152017  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton
Long 126° 47' E, Lat   0° 25' N
 
160151  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4467 ton
Long 126° 45' E, Lat   0° 08' N
 
160153  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5430 ton
Long 126° 46' E, Lat   0° 08' N
 
160156  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4477 ton
Long 126° 45' E, Lat   0° 08' N
 
160229  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
Long 126° 46' E, Lat   0° 12' N
 
190629  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Fishing boat, 200 ton
Long 120° 19' E, Lat  13° 03' N
 
191030  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4474 ton
Long 119° 53' E, Lat  13° 14' N
 
191858  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10021 ton
Long 120° 12' E, Lat  13° 07' N
 
191859  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10046 ton
Long 120° 11' E, Lat  13° 07' N
 
192029  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
Long 120° 09' E, Lat  13° 06' N
 
192042  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1763 ton
Long 120° 06' E, Lat  13° 05' N
 
210807  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1583 ton
Long 121° 46' E, Lat   8° 31' N
 
211321  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5272 ton
Long 121° 33' E, Lat   7° 34' N
 
241402  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
Long 125° 09' E, Lat   6° 19' S
 
251400  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7210 ton
Long 122° 11' E, Lat   7° 47' S

 
Torpedoes fired : 59
Torpedo impacts : 40
Torpedo misses : 19
Torpedo duds : 0
Torpedo premature explosions : 0
Gun loaded 501 times
 
 
Patrol narrative:

*Convoy 1*
06 DEC 1943 1554 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 344! Long range!
06 DEC 1943 1636 Periscope depth
06 DEC 1943 1637 Rig for silent running
06 DEC 1943 1816 Firing tube 3
06 DEC 1943 1816 Firing tube 4
06 DEC 1943 1816 Firing tube 5
06 DEC 1943 1816 Torpedo Impact!
06 DEC 1943 1816 Torpedo Impact!
06 DEC 1943 1817 Torpedo Impact!
06 DEC 1943 1817 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5399 ton
06 DEC 1943 1820 New depth 200 ft!
06 DEC 1943 1827 Periscope depth
06 DEC 1943 1838 Firing tube 8
06 DEC 1943 1839 Firing tube 9
06 DEC 1943 1838 Firing tube 10
06 DEC 1943 1840 New depth 196 ft!
06 DEC 1943 1842 Torpedo miss
06 DEC 1943 1843 Torpedo miss
06 DEC 1943 1843 Torpedo miss
06 DEC 1943 1906 Periscope depth
06 DEC 1943 1943 Surface the boat

*Single Contact 1*
06 DEC 1943 2320 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 298! Long range!
07 DEC 1943 0053 Gun loading
...
07 DEC 1943 0055 Gun loading
07 DEC 1943 0056 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1634 ton

*Single Contact 2*
07 DEC 1943 0149 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 028! Long range!
07 DEC 1943 0326 Gun loading
...
07 DEC 1943 0332 Gun loading
07 DEC 1943 0333 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1633 ton

*ASW 1*
07 DEC 1943 1639 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 330! Long range!
07 DEC 1943 1715 Periscope depth
07 DEC 1943 1724 Rig for silent running
07 DEC 1943 1756 Firing tube 3
07 DEC 1943 1756 Firing tube 4
07 DEC 1943 1757 Torpedo Impact!
07 DEC 1943 1757 Torpedo Impact!
07 DEC 1943 1757 Ship sunk! Kagero Destroyer, 2490 ton
07 DEC 1943 1758 Surface the boat
07 DEC 1943 1803 Gun loading
...
07 DEC 1943 1803 Gun loading
07 DEC 1943 1803 Ship sunk! Medium Gun Boat, 904 ton

09 DEC 1943 1630 [Refit]

*Single Contact 3*
10 DEC 1943 0714 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 329! Long range!
10 DEC 1943 1111 Gun loading
...
10 DEC 1943 1114 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1570 ton

*Single Contact 4*
12 DEC 1943 0214 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 019! Long range!
12 DEC 1943 0313 Gun loading
...
12 DEC 1943 0315 Gun loading
12 DEC 1943 0316 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1564 ton

*Convoy 2*
12 DEC 1943 0402 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 324! Long range!
12 DEC 1943 0607 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 0608 Rig for silent running
12 DEC 1943 0711 Firing tube 2
12 DEC 1943 0711 Firing tube 3
12 DEC 1943 0711 Firing tube 4
12 DEC 1943 0712 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0712 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0712 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0712 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7203 ton
12 DEC 1943 0713 Firing tube 5
12 DEC 1943 0713 Firing tube 6
12 DEC 1943 0715 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0716 New depth 198 ft!
12 DEC 1943 0717 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 0744 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 0749 Firing tube 8
12 DEC 1943 0751 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0751 Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5437 ton
12 DEC 1943 0753 New depth 198 ft!
12 DEC 1943 0918 Radar depth
12 DEC 1943 0921 Surface the boat

*Convoy 3*
12 DEC 1943 1657 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 276! Long range!
12 DEC 1943 1847 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 1856 Rig for silent running
12 DEC 1943 2055 Firing tube 4
12 DEC 1943 2055 Firing tube 5
12 DEC 1943 2055 Firing tube 6
12 DEC 1943 2056 Firing tube 3
12 DEC 1943 2056 Firing tube 2
12 DEC 1943 2056 Firing tube 1
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2058 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10007 ton
12 DEC 1943 2101 New depth 179 ft!
12 DEC 1943 2116 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 2122 Firing tube 7
12 DEC 1943 2123 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2123 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10032 ton
12 DEC 1943 2125 Firing tube 8
12 DEC 1943 2125 Firing tube 9
12 DEC 1943 2125 Firing tube 10
12 DEC 1943 2127 New depth 295 ft!
12 DEC 1943 2129 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 2129 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 2130 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 2343 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 2359 Surface the boat

*Convoy 4*
13 DEC 1943 0039 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0115 Firing tube 1
13 DEC 1943 0115 Firing tube 2
13 DEC 1943 0115 Firing tube 3
13 DEC 1943 0116 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0116 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0117 New depth 183 ft!
13 DEC 1943 0124 Torpedo miss
13 DEC 1943 0132 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0140 Firing tube 7
13 DEC 1943 0144 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0145 New depth 296 ft!
13 DEC 1943 0213 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0218 Firing tube 8
13 DEC 1943 0218 Firing tube 9
13 DEC 1943 0219 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0219 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0219 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7158 ton
13 DEC 1943 0219 Crash dive
13 DEC 1943 0225 Battery down to 50%, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0442 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0548 Surface the boat

*Single Contact 5*
13 DEC 1943 0548 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 178! Long range!
13 DEC 1943 0606 Gun loading
...
13 DEC 1943 0606 Gun loading
13 DEC 1943 0606 We're under attack, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0606 We're taking damage, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0606 Bulkhead damaged, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0606 Bulkhead repaired, sir!
...
13 DEC 1943 0607 Gun loading
13 DEC 1943 0608 Ship sunk! Small Modern Composite Freighter, 1851 ton

*Single Contact 6*
13 DEC 1943 0903 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 311! Long range!
13 DEC 1943 0934 Battery recharged 50%, sir!
13 DEC 1943 1013 Gun loading
...
13 DEC 1943 1017 Gun loading
13 DEC 1943 1018 Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1724 ton

15 DEC 1943 0853 [Refit]

*Convoy 5 - Total Elimination*
15 DEC 1943 1644 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 184! Long range!
15 DEC 1943 1727 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 341! Long range!
15 DEC 1943 1911 Periscope depth
15 DEC 1943 1912 Rig for silent running
15 DEC 1943 1943 Firing tube 1
15 DEC 1943 1941 Firing tube 2
15 DEC 1943 1942 Firing tube 3
15 DEC 1943 1942 Firing tube 4
15 DEC 1943 1942 Torpedo Impact!
15 DEC 1943 1942 Torpedo Impact!
15 DEC 1943 1942 Torpedo Impact!
15 DEC 1943 1942 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
15 DEC 1943 1943 Firing tube 5
15 DEC 1943 1944 Firing tube 6
15 DEC 1943 1947 Surface the boat
15 DEC 1943 1947 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1948 Torpedo miss
15 DEC 1943 1948 Torpedo miss
15 DEC 1943 1948 Torpedo miss
...
15 DEC 1943 1949 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1950 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton
15 DEC 1943 1950 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1952 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1953 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
15 DEC 1943 1953 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1956 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1957 Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
15 DEC 1943 1957 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1958 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1959 Ship sunk! Medium Old Composite Freighter, 4020 ton
15 DEC 1943 1959 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1959 No more HE ammunition!
...
15 DEC 1943 2002 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 2003 Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8165 ton
15 DEC 1943 2003 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 2010 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 2011 Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
15 DEC 1943 2011 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 2016 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 2017 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton

15 DEC 1943 2324 [Refit and hunt down rest of convoy]

16 DEC 1943 0149 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0150 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0151 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4467 ton
16 DEC 1943 0151 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0152 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0153 Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5430 ton
16 DEC 1943 0153 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0155 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0156 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4477 ton
16 DEC 1943 0156 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0228 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0229 Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton

*Single Contact 7*
19 DEC 1943 0844 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 354! Long range!
19 DEC 1943 1028 Gun loading
...
19 DEC 1943 1029 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 1030 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4474 ton

*Convoy 6*
19 DEC 1943 1544 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 022! Long range!
19 DEC 1943 1621 Radar depth
19 DEC 1943 1625 Rig for silent running
19 DEC 1943 1736 Periscope depth
19 DEC 1943 1856 Firing tube 1
19 DEC 1943 1856 Firing tube 2
19 DEC 1943 1856 Firing tube 3
19 DEC 1943 1857 Firing tube 4
19 DEC 1943 1857 Firing tube 5
19 DEC 1943 1857 Firing tube 6
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10021 ton
19 DEC 1943 1859 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1859 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10046 ton
19 DEC 1943 1859 New depth 300 ft!
19 DEC 1943 2011 Periscope depth
19 DEC 1943 2017 Firing tube 7
19 DEC 1943 2017 Firing tube 8
19 DEC 1943 2021 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 2026 Torpedo miss
19 DEC 1943 2026 Surface the boat
19 DEC 1943 2027 Gun loading
...
19 DEC 1943 2028 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 2029 Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
[Prosecute Straggler]
19 DEC 1943 2037 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 2041 No more HE ammunition!
...
19 DEC 1943 2041 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 2042 Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1763 ton

*ASW 2*
20 DEC 1943 0015 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 010! Long range!
20 DEC 1943 0104 We're under attack, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 We're taking damage, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Radar damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Radar repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Bulkhead damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Diesel Engines damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Electric Engines damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Crash dive
20 DEC 1943 0104 AA Gun damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Bulkhead repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 New depth 197 ft!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Diesel Engines repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0623 Periscope depth
20 DEC 1943 0707 Diesel Engines repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0707 Electric Engines repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0714 Surface the boat
20 DEC 1943 1032 Radar repaired, sir!

*Single Contact 8*
21 DEC 1943 0701 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 007! Long range!
21 DEC 1943 0805 Gun loading
...
21 DEC 1943 0806 Gun loading
21 DEC 1943 0807 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1583 ton

*Single Contact 9*
21 DEC 1943 1203 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 058! Long range!
21 DEC 1943 1247 Radar depth
21 DEC 1943 1311 Periscope depth
21 DEC 1943 1318 Firing tube 1
21 DEC 1943 1318 Firing tube 2
21 DEC 1943 1319 Torpedo Impact!
21 DEC 1943 1319 Torpedo Impact!
21 DEC 1943 1321 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5272 ton
21 DEC 1943 1321 Surface the boat

23 DEC 1943 0432 AA Gun repaired, sir!
23 DEC 1943 0454 [Refit]

*ASW 3*
24 DEC 1943 0609 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 116! Long range!
24 DEC 1943 1256 Periscope depth
24 DEC 1943 1259 Rig for silent running
24 DEC 1943 1400 Firing tube 1
24 DEC 1943 1401 Firing tube 2
24 DEC 1943 1401 Firing tube 3
24 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo Impact!
24 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo Impact!
24 DEC 1943 1402 Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
24 DEC 1943 1403 New depth 250 ft!
24 DEC 1943 1404 Torpedo miss
24 DEC 1943 1838 Periscope depth
24 DEC 1943 2010 Radar depth
24 DEC 1943 2123 Surface the boat

*Convoy 7 - Merry Christmas to the Empire*
25 DEC 1943 1105 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 246! Long range!
25 DEC 1943 1235 Periscope depth
25 DEC 1943 1237 Rig for silent running
25 DEC 1943 1358 Firing tube 1
25 DEC 1943 1358 Firing tube 2
25 DEC 1943 1358 Firing tube 3
25 DEC 1943 1359 Firing tube 4
25 DEC 1943 1359 Firing tube 5
25 DEC 1943 1359 Firing tube 6
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7210 ton
25 DEC 1943 1402 New depth 195 ft!
25 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1439 Periscope depth
25 DEC 1943 1448 Firing tube 7
25 DEC 1943 1448 Firing tube 8
25 DEC 1943 1448 Firing tube 9
25 DEC 1943 1451 Firing tube 10
25 DEC 1943 1452 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1452 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1453 New depth 249 ft!
25 DEC 1943 1455 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1457 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 2002 Radar depth
25 DEC 1943 2230 Surface the boat

RTP 31 DEC 1943

Happy New Year
CAPT Baxder
CO USS Swordfish

Departed on 03 Dec with orders to the South China Sea, outside Manila. Went through the Flores again, running across a convoy, two Old Engine Afts and one ASW patrol before our first refit at Halmahera.

 

Loaded out for South China, we made our way through the Sulu and encountered three convoys and four singles there, necessitating another refit at what became our home-away-from-home. My convoy attacks on this patrol featured several flawless simultaneous attacks that I'm really proud of. It's about time.

 

This felt sooo good!









Next! This one had lost its formation and had a straggler. Let's continue their nightmare...





and finish off their wounded

We made contact with another convoy immediately after the refit at Halmahera and engaged it on a very dark and rainy night. Six torpedos and hundreds of rounds later, with another refit thrown in, the entire convoy was on the bottom of the Molucca, escorts included.

 

Reloading once more, now on first-name terms with the entire Halmahera crew, we made for our duty station once again. This time, we made it through the Sulu with no further encounters. We had a convoy change course on us in the Mindoro Strait and decided not to pursue, and sank a couple of single contacts there afterward. Touching base and receiving orders to harass shipping in the area, we just doubled back, sure we'd be able to achieve the objective on the way back to Perth. Another convoy in the Mindoro made sure of it, with the added bonus of another perfectly executed simultaneous attack.

 

Coming up from our egress, we spotted an escort patiently waiting for us to make a sound. We fired two astern and hit with one - she started to move, but I'd fired with a spread in anticipation of it. With no response from the other escorts, we finished her off with the 4."

 

Continuing on home, we came across a few ASW patrols in the Molucca. One caught up with us and did minor damage before we snuck away. Another wasn't so lucky.

 

The rest we avoided, or they changed course as we set up and didn't pursue.

Our final enemy contact was with an oddly configured convoy in the Flores on Christmas Day. We delivered the only presents we had.

 

Getting back to Perth on the 31st, we were met with an impressive combined fleet of 2 American Carriers and 2 British BB's and Cruisers. Not a bad sight to ring in the New Year.

 

I hope the good fortune of this patrol carries into the year to come!

 

[Bubblehead1980]

Testing TMO Update


After successfully sinking the cruiser with no CTD in training, tested career December 1941 attacked force off Vigan. Sunk a troopship

Evaded depth charges, one close. Broke contact and the ship sunk no CTD (finally!)


Surfaced heading away. Aircraft spotted! Large formation of BETTY's (daily Manila Air Raid during this time period). Ordered a crash dive.


Oh they spotted me...AI had all 29 BETTY's attack me lol . Wish had a video of this, it was impressive sight and sound. A few came close as leveled at 150 feet, minor damage. Most were close they were very loud but no damage.
First time I recall having an entire squadron attack my sub lmao. Looked at the mission file, shows this flight has 29 bombers.

Three BETTY's lost in mid air collisions lol.


ood news, no CTD. If can replicate it, can actually get on patrol and continue development.


Sound.Act crash is issue. Appears does not like something in the 2.0 Sound folder. Replaced the folder with default TMO sounds, no crash when breaking contact or when ship sinks and "disappears" on bottom of sea.

-------------------------------Screenshots---------------------------

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Baxder

8 convoys, 9 single contacts, and four ASW patrols encountered. The Sulu Sea was my killing ground, but I also took out an entire convoy off of Halmahera. Good stuff, and way too much to report, so I'll try sticking to the highlights.

Patrol Report
Patrol Date: 03 DEC 1943
01 JAN 1944
From : CAPT Baxder
 
Patrol # 14
 
To : SubRon 14 & ComSubPac
Report from USS Swordfish
Patrol area : Philippines

Special Mission Conducted: No
 
The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 7
Number of Merchants sunk : 29
 
Total Warship tonnage : 13864
Total Merchant tonnage : 143394
 
Total Gross tonnage : 157258
 
061817  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5399 ton
Long 119° 50' E, Lat   7° 55' S
 
070056  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1634 ton
Long 120° 54' E, Lat   7° 32' S
 
070333  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1633 ton
Long 121° 28' E, Lat   7° 46' S
 
071757  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Kagero Destroyer, 2490 ton
Long 124° 05' E, Lat   6° 52' S
 
071803  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Gun Boat, 904 ton
Long 124° 04' E, Lat   6° 52' S
 
101114  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1570 ton
Long 125° 34' E, Lat   2° 33' N
 
120316  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1564 ton
Long 121° 46' E, Lat   8° 03' N
 
120712  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7203 ton
Long 122° 00' E, Lat   8° 28' N
 
120751  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5437 ton
Long 122° 01' E, Lat   8° 29' N
 
122058  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10007 ton
Long 121° 37' E, Lat  10° 13' N
 
122123  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10032 ton
Long 121° 36' E, Lat  10° 13' N
 
130219  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7158 ton
Long 121° 41' E, Lat  10° 20' N
 
130608  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Modern Composite Freighter, 1851 ton
Long 121° 46' E, Lat  10° 08' N
 
131018  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1724 ton
Long 121° 53' E, Lat   9° 14' N
 
151942  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151950  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151953  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151957  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
151959  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Old Composite Freighter, 4020 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
152003  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8165 ton
Long 126° 47' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
152011  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
Long 126° 48' E, Lat   0° 26' N
 
152017  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton
Long 126° 47' E, Lat   0° 25' N
 
160151  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4467 ton
Long 126° 45' E, Lat   0° 08' N
 
160153  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5430 ton
Long 126° 46' E, Lat   0° 08' N
 
160156  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4477 ton
Long 126° 45' E, Lat   0° 08' N
 
160229  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
Long 126° 46' E, Lat   0° 12' N
 
190629  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Fishing boat, 200 ton
Long 120° 19' E, Lat  13° 03' N
 
191030  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4474 ton
Long 119° 53' E, Lat  13° 14' N
 
191858  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10021 ton
Long 120° 12' E, Lat  13° 07' N
 
191859  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10046 ton
Long 120° 11' E, Lat  13° 07' N
 
192029  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
Long 120° 09' E, Lat  13° 06' N
 
192042  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1763 ton
Long 120° 06' E, Lat  13° 05' N
 
210807  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1583 ton
Long 121° 46' E, Lat   8° 31' N
 
211321  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5272 ton
Long 121° 33' E, Lat   7° 34' N
 
241402  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
Long 125° 09' E, Lat   6° 19' S
 
251400  DEC 1943
Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7210 ton
Long 122° 11' E, Lat   7° 47' S

 
Torpedoes fired : 59
Torpedo impacts : 40
Torpedo misses : 19
Torpedo duds : 0
Torpedo premature explosions : 0
Gun loaded 501 times
 
 
Patrol narrative:

*Convoy 1*
06 DEC 1943 1554 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 344! Long range!
06 DEC 1943 1636 Periscope depth
06 DEC 1943 1637 Rig for silent running
06 DEC 1943 1816 Firing tube 3
06 DEC 1943 1816 Firing tube 4
06 DEC 1943 1816 Firing tube 5
06 DEC 1943 1816 Torpedo Impact!
06 DEC 1943 1816 Torpedo Impact!
06 DEC 1943 1817 Torpedo Impact!
06 DEC 1943 1817 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5399 ton
06 DEC 1943 1820 New depth 200 ft!
06 DEC 1943 1827 Periscope depth
06 DEC 1943 1838 Firing tube 8
06 DEC 1943 1839 Firing tube 9
06 DEC 1943 1838 Firing tube 10
06 DEC 1943 1840 New depth 196 ft!
06 DEC 1943 1842 Torpedo miss
06 DEC 1943 1843 Torpedo miss
06 DEC 1943 1843 Torpedo miss
06 DEC 1943 1906 Periscope depth
06 DEC 1943 1943 Surface the boat

*Single Contact 1*
06 DEC 1943 2320 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 298! Long range!
07 DEC 1943 0053 Gun loading
...
07 DEC 1943 0055 Gun loading
07 DEC 1943 0056 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1634 ton

*Single Contact 2*
07 DEC 1943 0149 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 028! Long range!
07 DEC 1943 0326 Gun loading
...
07 DEC 1943 0332 Gun loading
07 DEC 1943 0333 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1633 ton

*ASW 1*
07 DEC 1943 1639 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 330! Long range!
07 DEC 1943 1715 Periscope depth
07 DEC 1943 1724 Rig for silent running
07 DEC 1943 1756 Firing tube 3
07 DEC 1943 1756 Firing tube 4
07 DEC 1943 1757 Torpedo Impact!
07 DEC 1943 1757 Torpedo Impact!
07 DEC 1943 1757 Ship sunk! Kagero Destroyer, 2490 ton
07 DEC 1943 1758 Surface the boat
07 DEC 1943 1803 Gun loading
...
07 DEC 1943 1803 Gun loading
07 DEC 1943 1803 Ship sunk! Medium Gun Boat, 904 ton

09 DEC 1943 1630 [Refit]

*Single Contact 3*
10 DEC 1943 0714 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 329! Long range!
10 DEC 1943 1111 Gun loading
...
10 DEC 1943 1114 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1570 ton

*Single Contact 4*
12 DEC 1943 0214 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 019! Long range!
12 DEC 1943 0313 Gun loading
...
12 DEC 1943 0315 Gun loading
12 DEC 1943 0316 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1564 ton

*Convoy 2*
12 DEC 1943 0402 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 324! Long range!
12 DEC 1943 0607 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 0608 Rig for silent running
12 DEC 1943 0711 Firing tube 2
12 DEC 1943 0711 Firing tube 3
12 DEC 1943 0711 Firing tube 4
12 DEC 1943 0712 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0712 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0712 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0712 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7203 ton
12 DEC 1943 0713 Firing tube 5
12 DEC 1943 0713 Firing tube 6
12 DEC 1943 0715 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0716 New depth 198 ft!
12 DEC 1943 0717 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 0744 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 0749 Firing tube 8
12 DEC 1943 0751 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 0751 Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5437 ton
12 DEC 1943 0753 New depth 198 ft!
12 DEC 1943 0918 Radar depth
12 DEC 1943 0921 Surface the boat

*Convoy 3*
12 DEC 1943 1657 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 276! Long range!
12 DEC 1943 1847 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 1856 Rig for silent running
12 DEC 1943 2055 Firing tube 4
12 DEC 1943 2055 Firing tube 5
12 DEC 1943 2055 Firing tube 6
12 DEC 1943 2056 Firing tube 3
12 DEC 1943 2056 Firing tube 2
12 DEC 1943 2056 Firing tube 1
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2057 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2058 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10007 ton
12 DEC 1943 2101 New depth 179 ft!
12 DEC 1943 2116 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 2122 Firing tube 7
12 DEC 1943 2123 Torpedo Impact!
12 DEC 1943 2123 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10032 ton
12 DEC 1943 2125 Firing tube 8
12 DEC 1943 2125 Firing tube 9
12 DEC 1943 2125 Firing tube 10
12 DEC 1943 2127 New depth 295 ft!
12 DEC 1943 2129 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 2129 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 2130 Torpedo miss
12 DEC 1943 2343 Periscope depth
12 DEC 1943 2359 Surface the boat

*Convoy 4*
13 DEC 1943 0039 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0115 Firing tube 1
13 DEC 1943 0115 Firing tube 2
13 DEC 1943 0115 Firing tube 3
13 DEC 1943 0116 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0116 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0117 New depth 183 ft!
13 DEC 1943 0124 Torpedo miss
13 DEC 1943 0132 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0140 Firing tube 7
13 DEC 1943 0144 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0145 New depth 296 ft!
13 DEC 1943 0213 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0218 Firing tube 8
13 DEC 1943 0218 Firing tube 9
13 DEC 1943 0219 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0219 Torpedo Impact!
13 DEC 1943 0219 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7158 ton
13 DEC 1943 0219 Crash dive
13 DEC 1943 0225 Battery down to 50%, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0442 Periscope depth
13 DEC 1943 0548 Surface the boat

*Single Contact 5*
13 DEC 1943 0548 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 178! Long range!
13 DEC 1943 0606 Gun loading
...
13 DEC 1943 0606 Gun loading
13 DEC 1943 0606 We're under attack, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0606 We're taking damage, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0606 Bulkhead damaged, sir!
13 DEC 1943 0606 Bulkhead repaired, sir!
...
13 DEC 1943 0607 Gun loading
13 DEC 1943 0608 Ship sunk! Small Modern Composite Freighter, 1851 ton

*Single Contact 6*
13 DEC 1943 0903 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 311! Long range!
13 DEC 1943 0934 Battery recharged 50%, sir!
13 DEC 1943 1013 Gun loading
...
13 DEC 1943 1017 Gun loading
13 DEC 1943 1018 Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1724 ton

15 DEC 1943 0853 [Refit]

*Convoy 5 - Total Elimination*
15 DEC 1943 1644 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 184! Long range!
15 DEC 1943 1727 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 341! Long range!
15 DEC 1943 1911 Periscope depth
15 DEC 1943 1912 Rig for silent running
15 DEC 1943 1943 Firing tube 1
15 DEC 1943 1941 Firing tube 2
15 DEC 1943 1942 Firing tube 3
15 DEC 1943 1942 Firing tube 4
15 DEC 1943 1942 Torpedo Impact!
15 DEC 1943 1942 Torpedo Impact!
15 DEC 1943 1942 Torpedo Impact!
15 DEC 1943 1942 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
15 DEC 1943 1943 Firing tube 5
15 DEC 1943 1944 Firing tube 6
15 DEC 1943 1947 Surface the boat
15 DEC 1943 1947 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1948 Torpedo miss
15 DEC 1943 1948 Torpedo miss
15 DEC 1943 1948 Torpedo miss
...
15 DEC 1943 1949 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1950 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton
15 DEC 1943 1950 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1952 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1953 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5326 ton
15 DEC 1943 1953 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1956 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1957 Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
15 DEC 1943 1957 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1958 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 1959 Ship sunk! Medium Old Composite Freighter, 4020 ton
15 DEC 1943 1959 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 1959 No more HE ammunition!
...
15 DEC 1943 2002 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 2003 Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8165 ton
15 DEC 1943 2003 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 2010 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 2011 Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
15 DEC 1943 2011 Gun loading
...
15 DEC 1943 2016 Gun loading
15 DEC 1943 2017 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5201 ton

15 DEC 1943 2324 [Refit and hunt down rest of convoy]

16 DEC 1943 0149 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0150 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0151 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4467 ton
16 DEC 1943 0151 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0152 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0153 Ship sunk! Medium Old Split Freighter, 5430 ton
16 DEC 1943 0153 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0155 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0156 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4477 ton
16 DEC 1943 0156 Gun loading
...
16 DEC 1943 0228 Gun loading
16 DEC 1943 0229 Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton

*Single Contact 7*
19 DEC 1943 0844 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 354! Long range!
19 DEC 1943 1028 Gun loading
...
19 DEC 1943 1029 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 1030 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4474 ton

*Convoy 6*
19 DEC 1943 1544 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 022! Long range!
19 DEC 1943 1621 Radar depth
19 DEC 1943 1625 Rig for silent running
19 DEC 1943 1736 Periscope depth
19 DEC 1943 1856 Firing tube 1
19 DEC 1943 1856 Firing tube 2
19 DEC 1943 1856 Firing tube 3
19 DEC 1943 1857 Firing tube 4
19 DEC 1943 1857 Firing tube 5
19 DEC 1943 1857 Firing tube 6
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1858 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10021 ton
19 DEC 1943 1859 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 1859 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10046 ton
19 DEC 1943 1859 New depth 300 ft!
19 DEC 1943 2011 Periscope depth
19 DEC 1943 2017 Firing tube 7
19 DEC 1943 2017 Firing tube 8
19 DEC 1943 2021 Torpedo Impact!
19 DEC 1943 2026 Torpedo miss
19 DEC 1943 2026 Surface the boat
19 DEC 1943 2027 Gun loading
...
19 DEC 1943 2028 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 2029 Ship sunk! Asashio Destroyer, 2370 ton
[Prosecute Straggler]
19 DEC 1943 2037 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 2041 No more HE ammunition!
...
19 DEC 1943 2041 Gun loading
19 DEC 1943 2042 Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1763 ton

*ASW 2*
20 DEC 1943 0015 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 010! Long range!
20 DEC 1943 0104 We're under attack, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 We're taking damage, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Radar damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Radar repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Bulkhead damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Diesel Engines damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Electric Engines damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Crash dive
20 DEC 1943 0104 AA Gun damaged, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Bulkhead repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0104 New depth 197 ft!
20 DEC 1943 0104 Diesel Engines repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0623 Periscope depth
20 DEC 1943 0707 Diesel Engines repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0707 Electric Engines repaired, sir!
20 DEC 1943 0714 Surface the boat
20 DEC 1943 1032 Radar repaired, sir!

*Single Contact 8*
21 DEC 1943 0701 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 007! Long range!
21 DEC 1943 0805 Gun loading
...
21 DEC 1943 0806 Gun loading
21 DEC 1943 0807 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1583 ton

*Single Contact 9*
21 DEC 1943 1203 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 058! Long range!
21 DEC 1943 1247 Radar depth
21 DEC 1943 1311 Periscope depth
21 DEC 1943 1318 Firing tube 1
21 DEC 1943 1318 Firing tube 2
21 DEC 1943 1319 Torpedo Impact!
21 DEC 1943 1319 Torpedo Impact!
21 DEC 1943 1321 Ship sunk! Medium European Composite Freighter, 5272 ton
21 DEC 1943 1321 Surface the boat

23 DEC 1943 0432 AA Gun repaired, sir!
23 DEC 1943 0454 [Refit]

*ASW 3*
24 DEC 1943 0609 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 116! Long range!
24 DEC 1943 1256 Periscope depth
24 DEC 1943 1259 Rig for silent running
24 DEC 1943 1400 Firing tube 1
24 DEC 1943 1401 Firing tube 2
24 DEC 1943 1401 Firing tube 3
24 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo Impact!
24 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo Impact!
24 DEC 1943 1402 Ship sunk! Fubuki Destroyer, 1680 ton
24 DEC 1943 1403 New depth 250 ft!
24 DEC 1943 1404 Torpedo miss
24 DEC 1943 1838 Periscope depth
24 DEC 1943 2010 Radar depth
24 DEC 1943 2123 Surface the boat

*Convoy 7 - Merry Christmas to the Empire*
25 DEC 1943 1105 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 246! Long range!
25 DEC 1943 1235 Periscope depth
25 DEC 1943 1237 Rig for silent running
25 DEC 1943 1358 Firing tube 1
25 DEC 1943 1358 Firing tube 2
25 DEC 1943 1358 Firing tube 3
25 DEC 1943 1359 Firing tube 4
25 DEC 1943 1359 Firing tube 5
25 DEC 1943 1359 Firing tube 6
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Torpedo Impact!
25 DEC 1943 1400 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7210 ton
25 DEC 1943 1402 New depth 195 ft!
25 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1402 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1439 Periscope depth
25 DEC 1943 1448 Firing tube 7
25 DEC 1943 1448 Firing tube 8
25 DEC 1943 1448 Firing tube 9
25 DEC 1943 1451 Firing tube 10
25 DEC 1943 1452 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1452 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1453 New depth 249 ft!
25 DEC 1943 1455 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 1457 Torpedo miss
25 DEC 1943 2002 Radar depth
25 DEC 1943 2230 Surface the boat

RTP 31 DEC 1943

Happy New Year
CAPT Baxder
CO USS Swordfish

Departed on 03 Dec with orders to the South China Sea, outside Manila. Went through the Flores again, running across a convoy, two Old Engine Afts and one ASW patrol before our first refit at Halmahera.

 

Loaded out for South China, we made our way through the Sulu and encountered three convoys and four singles there, necessitating another refit at what became our home-away-from-home. My convoy attacks on this patrol featured several flawless simultaneous attacks that I'm really proud of. It's about time.

 

This felt sooo good!









Next! This one had lost its formation and had a straggler. Let's continue their nightmare...





and finish off their wounded

We made contact with another convoy immediately after the refit at Halmahera and engaged it on a very dark and rainy night. Six torpedos and hundreds of rounds later, with another refit thrown in, the entire convoy was on the bottom of the Molucca, escorts included.

 

Reloading once more, now on first-name terms with the entire Halmahera crew, we made for our duty station once again. This time, we made it through the Sulu with no further encounters. We had a convoy change course on us in the Mindoro Strait and decided not to pursue, and sank a couple of single contacts there afterward. Touching base and receiving orders to harass shipping in the area, we just doubled back, sure we'd be able to achieve the objective on the way back to Perth. Another convoy in the Mindoro made sure of it, with the added bonus of another perfectly executed simultaneous attack.

 

Coming up from our egress, we spotted an escort patiently waiting for us to make a sound. We fired two astern and hit with one - she started to move, but I'd fired with a spread in anticipation of it. With no response from the other escorts, we finished her off with the 4."

 

Continuing on home, we came across a few ASW patrols in the Molucca. One caught up with us and did minor damage before we snuck away. Another wasn't so lucky.

 

The rest we avoided, or they changed course as we set up and didn't pursue.

Our final enemy contact was with an oddly configured convoy in the Flores on Christmas Day. We delivered the only presents we had.

 

Getting back to Perth on the 31st, we were met with an impressive combined fleet of 2 American Carriers and 2 British BB's and Cruisers. Not a bad sight to ring in the New Year.

 

I hope the good fortune of this patrol carries into the year to come!

 

Another successful patrol. Love how the fog displays in your shots. With new PC, I run with volumetric fog and it looks great, but not quite that level, yet.

[Baxder]

Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980

Another successful patrol. Love how the fog displays in your shots. With new PC, I run with volumetric fog and it looks great, but not quite that level, yet.

I use ReShade. See here.

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Baxder

I use ReShade. See here.

Oh yes, that has been on the "to do list" since you shared it before. Looks great.

[Rinaldi]

Well BH at least you can say you made a lot of Bettys waste their munitions, not sure that's reassuring to the crew.

Some good stories, and your reshade config is excellent Baxder. I used to use it, but sheer laziness has just stopped me from toying with it myself.

Anyways, a bit belatedly, my 3rd Patrol, USS Cero's 4th. Tidied up the style, and will back-update the earlier patrols when I compile them all, I suppose.

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Rinaldi

Well BH at least you can say you made a lot of Bettys waste their munitions, not sure that's reassuring to the crew.

Some good stories, and your reshade config is excellent Baxder. I used to use it, but sheer laziness has just stopped me from toying with it myself.

Anyways, a bit belatedly, my 3rd Patrol, USS Cero's 4th. Tidied up the style, and will back-update the earlier patrols when I compile them all, I suppose.

Lol Wish I had video of it, may try to replicate it, the visuals and sound were not done justice by screenshots. Tempted in testing to let boat stay at periscope depth or just below, see how many bombs hit, near misses, caused damage etc. Great way to test out damage models, durability of boats lol.


Enjoyed your latest report. The new format is great, stick with it.


MK 18's are great that have no wake, but their relatively short range and hitting power compared to MK 14/23 can be the trade off.


Hopefully I will get to do an actual patrol in coming days now that CTD resolved.

[Baxder]

Detailed Logs:

 

0800 February 2, 1944
Radar contact east end of Leyte gulf, inbound at southern passage. We refit at Halmehera two days ago after encountering three convoys and sinking seven ships. Our patrol station is the south end of the Mindoro strait between Panay, Mindoro, and Palawan. We took the Makassar strait and encountered those convoys on the way.

After the refit I thought we would come up the East Coast of Mindanao instead of going through the Celebs and Sulu seas, as usual.

We encountered a convoy, a bit ahead of us at the inlet and did not pursue. We’ve since sunk a small troop transport, medium modern composite freighter, and on a midnight raid on Tacloban, a medium gun boat, which was the only ship in port at the time. All engagements since the refit have been with the 4 inch in moderate to heavy seas, in an effort to save torpedoes for our patrol station.

Now here we are the next day sitting in the middle of the gulf and waiting to see what comes our way.

Prosecuting contact.

Target appears to be an SMC, which usually look deceptively like LMC’s from angles greater than 40° or so, but their bobbing about like a cork kinda gives them away.

0930 February 2, 1944: engaged SMC with 4” at 3000 yards. They swerved and unveiled an aft deck gun, which they hit us with once. Sustained light damage and injuries in the forward torpedo room. Sank SMC with 16 4-inch HE rounds.

Will continue to loiter in Leyte Gulf for another 24 hours before continuing to station.

1800 February 2, 1944: After diving to avoid the notice of two sampans, radar reports 3 x 3 convoy coming from Tacloban at the inlet of the gulf.

The convoy’s course takes them directly through the Western deep portion of the Gulf, where I had been loitering. Plan to intercept in an hour and 20 minutes. No time for scouting run, just going to get in position and ID targets as they approach.

Too good to be true – convoy turning east along the southern coast of Samar. Will attempt to intercept in the deeper portions of the coast.

Convoy course is settled at 105°, just off the coastal shelf of Samar.

1845: 2000 yards off position when lead escort comes into view at 280°. Going under the layer to close the distance and wait for the lead escort to pass by.

1900: Risking periscope depth as we get in position to identify targets. Estimate range to lead escort 8000 yards.

Count no less than four LMC‘s in the convoy. Jackpot. Two appear to be in the lead positions of columns one and three, for an easy 90° lineup.

1920: in position. The sun has set. Tubes one through six set for 26’ and magnetic triggers.

1940: lead escort passing 0°. No sign of detection.

1945: firing

1947: Six simultaneous impacts, two destroyed large modern composite freighters. Immediately pinged by near-side escort, close to port. Diving for the layer and reversing course for deeper water.

1955: No DC’s on first pass. Below layer.

2000: No further pinging. Risking periscope depth for an aft shot at targets of opportunity.

Large old split freighter at 175°. Distant depths charges. Escorts nowhere close.

2004: Firing spread of four torpedoes aft. Two escorts bearing approximately 225, just over 2000 yards. No pinging. Depth charges in that vicinity. Torpedoes all miss.

2120: At periscope depth, approximately five nautical miles from convoy. One escort still at the site of the attack. Hope to surface, reload, and run ahead of convoy for follow-up attack.

2210: After flank speed run, have gotten ahead of the convoy again. Near-side escort was the one left behind, so the approach will be very easy. The convoy is a mess, though, so targeting will not be.

0035 February 3, 1944: Lead escort passes. In position about 1000 yards off of near column track, which happens to contain an LMC and LOS.

0110: Up scope. LOS at bearing 315, 1300 yards. Will pass at about 600 yards if it doesn’t swerve too much.

0122: After minor adjustments, fired three torpedoes each at near column LMC and LOS with snap shots. Six impacts at 0124. All three LMC fish hit far aft. All 3LOS hit midships. Both sunk.

0127: With no response from escorts, ingressing into convoy for button hook to make aft shot on remaining LMC.

0135: Coming about to unmask aft tubes with target at 750 yards. Passing over LOS, can hear it breaking up with the naked ear.

0136: Periscope spotted by target, opened fire with machine guns, and accelerated. Fired snap shot spread of three torpedoes. Three hits, just after midships. Unit destroyed. Immediately pinged by lead escort, with far escort keen to support. Crash dive and set course for egress. Again, no DC’s on first pass.

0144: Depth charges close astern. No active sonar or screws overhead.

0210: Egressing South through the eastern depths of the Gulf at 250’. No further pinging or DC’s. Fresh convoy out of Leyte now short four LMC‘s and one LOS, or about 38,000 tons. Bravo Zulu to the conn team. More than half of that tonnage was due to their excellent snapshot targeting.

0350: 8 miles from the lingering escort, back on the surface in condition Yoke and underway for the Surigao Strait. Intend to pass through the Bohol Sea, and get on station without firing any more torpedoes. (4 fwd, 1 aft remaining).

1125 February 3, 1944: Contact in Bohol Sea on opposite course, 5 kn. Will engage with 4 inch.

1150: Visual on target, appears to be LMT head on. Veered 20° for 10 minutes to confirm LMT. 8nm.

1205: Target begins swerving and firing forward deck gun. General quarters and return fire.

1210: After expanding the few remaining HE ammunition on target, switched to AP rounds. With fewer than five hits, target exploded violently and broke in half. Target scored zero hits on us. We made constant speed and course changes to evade fire.

2200: Exiting Bohol Sea for Sulu. 13 hours to station.

0700 February 4, 1944: Arriving on station, received report of large convoy in the vicinity, heading away from us at medium speed. Will attempt to overtake before it leaves our patrol zone.

0720: Radar contact of another large convoy behind the radio reported one, 18 miles to port, moving at 5 kn. will intercept in deeper water of Mindoro strait.

1050: Nearing position with convoy still on track. No contact with original radio reported convoy. Target convoy is only two rows, three in front, two in rear, and slightly misshapen, spaced at 550 instead of 750 yards and with poor lines.

1250: Lead escort in sight. Periscope depth and general quarters sounded. medium old tanker and medium old split freighter in front row. Plan to fire two torpedoes at each.

1305: Near side escort bearing directly 270 coming straight on. Heading below layer for now. If he doesn’t sweep out, may rely on sonar bearings for attack.

1335: Lead escort bearing 320. Near side escort did sweep out to bearing 230, but is now on return track. Suspect he will be very close to port when time to fire. Plan to do so from 90 feet.

1350: Lead escort passing 0°. Near side escort bearing 265, estimated range 2400 yards. Convoy formation is a mess, but two intended targets appear to be nicely lined up by sonar bearings.

1357: We’ve been made – furious pinging, close to port from near side escort. Passed overhead at 1401 and dropped depth charges. No effect. Going deeper and bugging out.

1404: Belay that. Turning back towards convoy and coming to periscope depth for snapshot attack.

1406: Up scope. Immediately nearly struck by oncoming destroyer from the starboard. Burst flank ahead to avoid very close depth charge attack. All three escorts on my position and firing all barrels. Medium old tanker bearing 020.

1412: Firing spread of last four forward torpedoes at MOS and into convoy traffic. No damage from depth charges or destroyer main battery fire, but both are nearly continuous.

1414: One torpedo hit target aft. All others missed. Crash diving to 350 feet and bugging out.

1845: Surface and secure from GQ 12 miles from damaged freighter as its attending escort departs to catch up with the remainder of the convoy. Convoy is continuing north to the Mindoro Strait. Target heading SSW.

1940: Engaging freighter with 4 inch, just over 4000 yards.

1943: Freighter sunk. Approximately 30 rounds expended. Ship and crew hale and healthy, but shaken from such close action with three escort DD’s. With only one after torpedo and less than 100 AP rounds remaining, requested RTB but was ordered to remain on station and complete area patrol. will comply, but only engage single contacts so crew can recover

1450 February 5, 1944: Now in north end of patrol area just off southern tip of Mindoro in the Mindoro Strait. Only contact has been single ASW patrol and current aircraft which we are diving to avoid.

2237: Zigzagging our way back south, made radar contact with large convoy. Will scout and report.

2325: What a travesty. Count four LMC‘s. And me with only one aft torpedo. Making report and breaking contact. HQ responds with RTB orders. Setting course through the Sulu sea and Moro gulf for refit at Halmahera, continuing on through the Banda and Flores seas, making for the Lombok Strait. I’m sure we’ll get more luck on the way.

2155 February 6, 1944: Passed through the Sulu Sea with no contacts. Radar reports single contact coming through the archipelago from the Morrow gulf. Prosecuting.

2245 Engaged and sunk medium modern split freighter in moderate seas and “light” fog.

0005 February 8, 1944: Passed through Celebes Sea having contacted one convoy, but weather “prevented“ proper identification of two euros and four more LMC‘s, so no report made. Currently planning to scout another convoy 163 miles NNW of Halmahera support group on a crystal clear night.

0035: Proceeding with caution, 8 1/2 miles from convoy. Five escorts frequently ranging out 3 miles. Our track is 4000 yards from the center of the formation.

0105: 2 LMT‘s and 2 MOT‘s identified. Expect to be spotted any moment. Near side escort bearing 017 lead escort bearing 045 both appearing to turn our direction as I send report. Attempting to break contact on surface.

0120: Making way eastward away from convoy as near side escort sweeps our direction without appearing to detect us, radar scares the bejesus out of me with contact reports to the north. ASW patrol heading West and of no concern unless we’re spotted by convoy.

0135. Escorts have resumed positions in convoy. Breathing easier.

1230 February 8, 1944: refit at Halmahera.

0530 February 10, 1944: ASW patrol contact north of Timor at the West end of the Banda Sea. Prosecuting.

0600: Impossible to set up simultaneous attack with single speed torpedoes and targets 850 yards apart. Nothing’s perfect. 1700 yards from firing position. targets 10 nautical miles away.

0637: Contacts broke East 6 miles out. Not pursuing.

1420 February 11, 1944: no further contacts until passing west edge of Flores Island. Single contact. Prosecuting.

1550: Visual on contact, medium old tanker. Evaluating for armament.

1610: Forward deck gun spotted on MOT. Closing distance a little more before going to periscope depth.

1630: Periscope depth. Giving the tracking party a chance to practice fundamentals with a straight-ahead TDC shot.

1637: Firing spread of three torpedoes with target bearing 350

1639: 2 impacts. Target obliterated. All top-side structures blown off, and back broken.

1515 February 12, 1944: Just after turning for the Lombok Strait, one more radar contact coming our way. Prosecuting.

1845: Periscope depth. Identify target as another medium old tanker. Standing by for 90° shot.

1858: Another obliterated medium old tanker with a single magnetic trigger hit.

0030 February 13, 1944: Exiting Lombok Strait. Flank speed for home.

Patrol Report
Patrol Date: 20 JAN 1944
16 FEB 1944
From : CAPT Baxder

Patrol # 15
 
To : SubRon 14 & ComSubPac
Report from USS Swordfish
Patrol area : Philippines
 
Special Mission Conducted: No
 
The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 1
Number of Merchants sunk : 20
 
Total Warship tonnage : 900
Total Merchant tonnage : 123945
 
Total Gross tonnage : 124845
 
251915  JAN 1944
Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8356 ton
Long 117° 26' E, Lat   5° 56' S
 
251917  JAN 1944
Small Old Split Freighter, 2435 ton
Long 117° 25' E, Lat   5° 56' S
 
252000  JAN 1944
Large Old Split Freighter, 8231 ton
Long 117° 24' E, Lat   5° 55' S
 
271154  JAN 1944
Large Modern Tanker, 10012 ton
Long 118° 43' E, Lat   0° 46' S
 
271208  JAN 1944
Large Modern Tanker, 10037 ton
Long 118° 43' E, Lat   0° 46' S
 
281655  JAN 1944
Large Modern Tanker, 10010 ton
Long 120° 35' E, Lat   1° 59' N
 
282120  JAN 1944
Small Old Engine Aft, 1620 ton
Long 120° 54' E, Lat   2° 10' N
 
011615  FEB 1944
Small Passenger Carrier, 1747 ton
Long 125° 20' E, Lat  10° 45' N
 
011724  FEB 1944
Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4477 ton
Long 125° 13' E, Lat  10° 35' N
 
020005  FEB 1944
Medium Gun Boat, 900 ton
Long 124° 59' E, Lat  11° 15' N
 
020930  FEB 1944
Small Modern Composite Freighter, 1855 ton
Long 125° 32' E, Lat  10° 42' N
 
021947  FEB 1944
Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7194 ton
Long 125° 23' E, Lat  10° 58' N
 
021948  FEB 1944
Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7149 ton
Long 125° 24' E, Lat  10° 59' N
 
030125  FEB 1944
Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7194 ton
Long 125° 35' E, Lat  10° 55' N
 
030126  FEB 1944
Large Old Split Freighter, 8163 ton
Long 125° 36' E, Lat  10° 55' N
 
030137  FEB 1944
Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7149 ton
Long 125° 36' E, Lat  10° 56' N
 
031209  FEB 1944
Large Modern Tanker, 10027 ton
Long 124° 41' E, Lat   9° 27' N
 
041943  FEB 1944
Medium Old Tanker, 5100 ton
Long 121° 16' E, Lat  11° 34' N
 
062245  FEB 1944
Medium Modern Split Freighter, 3270 ton
Long 122° 19' E, Lat   6° 48' N
 
111639  FEB 1944
Medium Old Tanker, 4891 ton
Long 119° 47' E, Lat   7° 41' S
 
121858  FEB 1944
Medium Old Tanker, 5028 ton
Long 115° 57' E, Lat   7° 51' S

 
Torpedoes fired : 53
Torpedo impacts : 39
Torpedo misses : 14
Torpedo duds : 0
Torpedo premature explosions : 0
Gun loaded 167 times
 
 
Patrol Narrative:

--Makassar Strait--

*Convoy 1*
25 JAN 1944 1659 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 311! Long range!
25 JAN 1944 1852 Periscope depth
25 JAN 1944 1852 Rig for silent running
25 JAN 1944 1913 Firing tube 1
25 JAN 1944 1913 Firing tube 2
25 JAN 1944 1913 Firing tube 3
25 JAN 1944 1914 Firing tube 4
25 JAN 1944 1914 Firing tube 5
25 JAN 1944 1915 Firing tube 6
25 JAN 1944 1915 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 1915 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 1915 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 1915 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 1915 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 1915 Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8356 ton
25 JAN 1944 1917 Ship sunk! Small Old Split Freighter, 2435 ton
25 JAN 1944 1919 Torpedo miss
25 JAN 1944 1921 New depth 250 ft!
25 JAN 1944 1938 Periscope depth
25 JAN 1944 1952 We're under attack, sir!
25 JAN 1944 1954 Firing tube 7
25 JAN 1944 1954 Firing tube 8
25 JAN 1944 1955 Firing tube 9
25 JAN 1944 1956 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 1956 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 1957 Firing tube 10
25 JAN 1944 1959 Torpedo miss
25 JAN 1944 1959 Torpedo Impact!
25 JAN 1944 2000 Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8231 ton
25 JAN 1944 2000 Crash dive
25 JAN 1944 2000 New depth 300 ft!
26 JAN 1944 0011 Periscope depth
26 JAN 1944 0043 Radar depth
26 JAN 1944 0351 Surface the boat

*Convoy 2*
27 JAN 1944 0745 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 109! Long range!
27 JAN 1944 0746 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 111! Long range!
27 JAN 1944 0749 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 120! Long range!
27 JAN 1944 0851 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 159! Long range!
27 JAN 1944 0924 Radar depth
27 JAN 1944 0927 Rig for silent running
27 JAN 1944 0933 New depth 200 ft!
27 JAN 1944 1133 Periscope depth
27 JAN 1944 1152 Firing tube 1
27 JAN 1944 1152 Firing tube 2
27 JAN 1944 1153 Firing tube 3
27 JAN 1944 1153 Torpedo Impact!
27 JAN 1944 1154 Torpedo Impact!
27 JAN 1944 1154 Torpedo Impact!
27 JAN 1944 1154 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10012 ton
27 JAN 1944 1158 Firing tube 4
27 JAN 1944 1158 Firing tube 5
27 JAN 1944 1158 Firing tube 6
27 JAN 1944 1159 Torpedo Impact!
27 JAN 1944 1159 Torpedo Impact!
27 JAN 1944 1159 Torpedo Impact!
27 JAN 1944 1204 New depth 250 ft!
27 JAN 1944 1208 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10037 ton
27 JAN 1944 1214 Periscope depth
27 JAN 1944 1218 Firing tube 7
27 JAN 1944 1219 Torpedo Impact!
27 JAN 1944 1220 New depth 250 ft!
27 JAN 1944 1830 Periscope depth
27 JAN 1944 1841 New depth 297 ft!
27 JAN 1944 2146 Periscope depth
[Task Force Sighting]
28 JAN 1944 0021 Surface the boat

--Celebes Sea--

*Convoy 3*
28 JAN 1944 0643 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 032! Long range!
28 JAN 1944 1556 Periscope depth
28 JAN 1944 1557 Rig for silent running
28 JAN 1944 1654 Firing tube 1
28 JAN 1944 1654 Firing tube 2
28 JAN 1944 1654 Firing tube 3
28 JAN 1944 1654 Firing tube 4
28 JAN 1944 1655 Torpedo Impact!
28 JAN 1944 1655 Torpedo Impact!
28 JAN 1944 1655 Torpedo Impact!
28 JAN 1944 1655 Torpedo Impact!
28 JAN 1944 1655 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10010 ton
28 JAN 1944 1700 New depth 79 ft!
28 JAN 1944 1718 Periscope depth
28 JAN 1944 1724 Firing tube 8
28 JAN 1944 1724 Firing tube 9
28 JAN 1944 1724 Firing tube 10
28 JAN 1944 1726 New depth 250 ft!
28 JAN 1944 1728 Torpedo miss
28 JAN 1944 1728 Torpedo miss
28 JAN 1944 1728 Torpedo miss
28 JAN 1944 1927 Periscope depth
28 JAN 1944 1955 Surface the boat

*Single Contact 1*
28 JAN 1944 2017 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 120! Long range!
28 JAN 1944 2117 Gun loading
[17 rounds fired]
28 JAN 1944 2120 Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1620 ton

30 JAN 1944 0718 Refit at Halmahera

--Leyte Gulf--

*Single Contact 2*
01 FEB 1944 1445 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 337! Long range!
01 FEB 1944 1611 Gun loading
[17 rounds fired]
01 FEB 1944 1615 Ship sunk! Small Passenger Carrier, 1747 ton

*Single Contact 3*
01 FEB 1944 1722 Gun loading
[22 rounds fired]
01 FEB 1944 1724 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Composite Freighter, 4477 ton

*Tacloban*
02 FEB 1944 0005 Gun loading
[5 rounds fired]
02 FEB 1944 0005 Ship sunk! Medium Gun Boat, 900 ton

*Single Contact 4*
02 FEB 1944 0801 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 340! Long range!
02 FEB 1944 0929 Gun loading
[19 rounds fired]
02 FEB 1944 0930 We're under attack, sir!
02 FEB 1944 0930 Bulkhead damaged, sir!
02 FEB 1944 0930 Bulkhead repaired, sir!
02 FEB 1944 0930 Ship sunk! Small Modern Composite Freighter, 1855 ton

*Convoy 4*
02 FEB 1944 1803 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 312! Long range!
02 FEB 1944 1841 Periscope depth
02 FEB 1944 1842 Rig for silent running
02 FEB 1944 1848 New depth 180 ft!
02 FEB 1944 1900 Periscope depth
02 FEB 1944 1944 Firing tube 1
02 FEB 1944 1945 Firing tube 2
02 FEB 1944 1945 Firing tube 3
02 FEB 1944 1946 Firing tube 4
02 FEB 1944 1946 Firing tube 5
02 FEB 1944 1946 Firing tube 6
02 FEB 1944 1947 Torpedo Impact!
02 FEB 1944 1947 Torpedo Impact!
02 FEB 1944 1947 Torpedo Impact!
02 FEB 1944 1947 Torpedo Impact!
02 FEB 1944 1947 Torpedo Impact!
02 FEB 1944 1947 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7194 ton
02 FEB 1944 1948 Torpedo Impact!
02 FEB 1944 1948 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7149 ton
02 FEB 1944 1950 New depth 180 ft!
02 FEB 1944 1958 Periscope depth
02 FEB 1944 2004 Firing tube 7
02 FEB 1944 2004 Firing tube 8
02 FEB 1944 2004 Firing tube 9
02 FEB 1944 2004 Firing tube 10
02 FEB 1944 2008 Torpedo miss
02 FEB 1944 2008 Torpedo miss
02 FEB 1944 2008 Torpedo miss
02 FEB 1944 2008 Torpedo miss
02 FEB 1944 2013 New depth 180 ft!
02 FEB 1944 2053 Periscope depth
02 FEB 1944 2122 Surface the boat
[Run ahead and reload]
02 FEB 1944 2218 Periscope depth
02 FEB 1944 2221 Rig for silent running
03 FEB 1944 0122 Firing tube 1
03 FEB 1944 0122 Firing tube 2
03 FEB 1944 0122 Firing tube 3
03 FEB 1944 0123 Firing tube 4
03 FEB 1944 0123 Firing tube 5
03 FEB 1944 0123 Firing tube 6
03 FEB 1944 0123 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0124 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0124 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0124 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0124 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0124 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0125 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7194 ton
03 FEB 1944 0126 Ship sunk! Large Old Split Freighter, 8163 ton
03 FEB 1944 0136 Firing tube 7
03 FEB 1944 0136 Firing tube 8
03 FEB 1944 0136 Firing tube 9
03 FEB 1944 0137 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0137 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0137 Torpedo Impact!
03 FEB 1944 0137 Ship sunk! Large Modern Composite Freighter, 7149 ton
03 FEB 1944 0138 Crash dive
03 FEB 1944 0138 New depth 250 ft!
03 FEB 1944 0232 Periscope depth
03 FEB 1944 0325 Radar depth
03 FEB 1944 0329 Surface the boat

--Bohol Sea--

*Single Contact 5*
03 FEB 1944 1118 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 353! Long range!
03 FEB 1944 1205 Gun loading
[25 rounds fired]
03 FEB 1944 1208 No more HE ammunition!
[5 rounds fired]
03 FEB 1944 1209 Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10027 ton

--Mindoro Strait--

*Convoy 5*
04 FEB 1944 0724 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 301! Long range!
04 FEB 1944 1223 Periscope depth
04 FEB 1944 1224 Rig for silent running
04 FEB 1944 1302 New depth 200 ft!
04 FEB 1944 1403 Periscope depth
04 FEB 1944 1412 Firing tube 1
04 FEB 1944 1412 Firing tube 2
04 FEB 1944 1412 Firing tube 3
04 FEB 1944 1412 Firing tube 4
04 FEB 1944 1414 Torpedo Impact!
04 FEB 1944 1414 Crash dive
04 FEB 1944 1415 New depth 350 ft!
04 FEB 1944 1416 Torpedo miss
04 FEB 1944 1416 Torpedo miss
04 FEB 1944 1416 Torpedo miss
04 FEB 1944 1828 Periscope depth
04 FEB 1944 1847 Radar depth
04 FEB 1944 1848 Surface the boat
[Engage damaged Freighter]
04 FEB 1944 1940 Gun loading
[27 rounds fired]
04 FEB 1944 1943 Ship sunk! Medium Old Tanker, 5100 ton

--Sulu Archipelego--

*Single Contact 6*
06 FEB 1944 2154 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 351! Long range!
06 FEB 1944 2242 Gun loading
[30 rounds fired]
06 FEB 1944 2245 Ship sunk! Medium Modern Split Freighter, 3270 ton

08 FEB 1944 1231 Refit at Halmahera

--Flores Sea--

*Single Contact 7*
11 FEB 1944 1422 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 058! Long range!
11 FEB 1944 1629 Periscope depth
11 FEB 1944 1636 Firing tube 1
11 FEB 1944 1636 Firing tube 2
11 FEB 1944 1637 Firing tube 3
11 FEB 1944 1639 Torpedo Impact!
11 FEB 1944 1639 Torpedo Impact!
11 FEB 1944 1639 Ship sunk! Medium Old Tanker, 4891 ton
11 FEB 1944 1641 Torpedo miss
11 FEB 1944 1641 Surface the boat

*Single Contact 8*
12 FEB 1944 1514 Radar contact, sir! Bearing 088! Long range!
12 FEB 1944 1534 Periscope depth
12 FEB 1944 1857 Firing tube 1
12 FEB 1944 1857 Firing tube 2
12 FEB 1944 1857 Firing tube 3
12 FEB 1944 1858 Torpedo Impact!
12 FEB 1944 1858 Torpedo Impact!
12 FEB 1944 1858 Ship sunk! Medium Old Tanker, 5028 ton
12 FEB 1944 1859 Surface the boat
12 FEB 1944 1901 Torpedo miss

16 FEB 1944 2038 RTB

Went a different route to station in the Mindoro Strait this time - After a refit at Halmahera, we went up the east coast of Mindanao into Leyte Gulf instead of through the Celebes/Sulu Seas, and it paid off tremendously.

We returned to Makassar for our Northward transit and met two convoys there, netting 3 Freighters and 2 LMT's. We detecting a TF southbound during our submerged egress from the second convoy. I didn't realize the sonar lines were blue until they had almost passed us, but we were still running silent with empty tubes under convoy escort threat at the time, so we couldn't attack or even surface to report. They were also travelling at high speed, so by the time we were clear, they were long gone. Still couldn't help taking a peek. They were swerving all over the place, so they had likely been alerted to our presence.

 

Convoy 1











Convoy 2







TF

In the Celebes, we met another convoy into which we expended our remaining torpedoes, three of which sadly missed one of the two LMT's. That was followed by a single contact on a dark, rainy night that we managed with the 4" (SOEA). We had no further contacts until arriving in the Leyte Gulf after our refit in Halmahera.

 

Convoy 3





Single 1 - It's there, I promise.

We loitered in Leyte for a couple of days, bagging a liner and 2 freighters, and making a midnight run on Tacloban, which was a bust with only a gunship in port. It took all of five rounds to sink. 18 hours later, though, a 3x3 convoy emerged from the San Pablo Bay. Its initial course led right past our position, but they turned east along the coast of Samar. We intercepted and ravaged them at both deeper points along the coast, taking out 4 LMC's and an LOS.

 

Convoy 4

With that, we departed the gulf for the Bohol Sea, where we encountered a single LMT. They tried to defend themselves, but were no match for our agility or accuracy. We unloaded the rest of our HE into them, about 25 rounds, with no visible results. It took only five more rounds of AP to cause a devastating explosion. The intention was to keep the remaining torpedoes for our designated patrol station.

 

Single 5