Good readings for knowledge

Loads of solid info in the patrol reports on this webpage.

http://coblinks.esryle.com/links/PATROLREPORTS.html

fx. in the last part of the first patrol report of USS Nautilus

"The performance of the SD Radar during the patrol can be classed
as very good. No serious trouble was experienced, and some excellent
results were obtained. From the experience gained so far a lane must
be at an altitude of at least 1000 feet before a satisfactory echo
can be picked up. This ship has been unable to pick up ships or low
flying planes with the radar. All airplanes that were sighted flying
at sufficient elevation were picked up on the radar at ranges varying
from 4 to 12 miles. Two contacts were made when planes were not
sighted, one at 8 miles moving in to 6 and one at 15 miles, which was
not again seen."

and

"In connection with the depth charge attacks made on us this morning and this afternoon, the following facts were noted specifically:
1. Just before the start of the attacks, or at least before the enemy closed on us, a peculiar crackling noise was heard approximately on the bearing where the enemy was seen by periscope. This occurred in each instance before his propellers were heard and continued until about the time the first of the charges were dropped.
2. The bearing of this sound was quite sharp (about 2 or 3 degrees) although it could be heard from quarter to quarter astern.
3. The best description I could give of the character of the sound was that it sounded like someone dragging a stick rapidly and at a steady rate along a picket fence, and there was a hollow-sounding background to the noise.
4. The possibility of the enemy having some type of underwater-sound _RADAR_ is advanced. They seemed to get our approximated location in the morning, and our exact location this afternoon, very quickly - even before closing to attack."

and regarding deck-gun firering times between rounds...

0711 M Checked fire. Our vision was obscured by trees and indirect
fire had to be used. At this time the frequency was jammed and we
could not contact our prearranged spotter. However, at 0716 M
steadied on course 262 and with bearing of 84 degrees relative, range
14000 yards, opened fire on lagoon. Trying continuously to contact
spotter to no avail so used the idea of many changes in range and
deflection to make sure entire lagoon was covered, hoping that luck
would be with us.

0723 M Ceased firing having expended 65 rounds of ammunition and in as
much as we could not observe our fall of shot it seemed to be an
unwarranted expenditure of ammunition. However, it appears that luck
was with us and that we sank two ships according to evidence brought
back by the marines whose statements are quoted herewith.

That gives 8 rounds pr. minute or 7.5 sec between rounds fired.