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Declassified – DOD DIR. 52009.
Of 27 Sep 58
By QLC DATE: 4/17/71
U.S.S. DARTER (SS-227)
SS227/A16-3 Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Cal.
Serial 020
DECLASSIFIED 5
NOVEMBER 1944
From: Commanding
Officer
To:
Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet
Via: (1) Commander,
Submarine Div. ONE EIGHTY ONE.
(2) Commander,
Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
(3) Commander, Task
Force SEVENTY ONE.
(4) Commander, Seventh
Fleet.
Subject: U. S. S.
DARTER, Report of War Patrol Number Four.
Enclosure:
Subject Report.
- Enclosure (A) covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel. Conducted in the Celebes(?) and South China Seas, during the period 1 September, 1944 to the date of her loss in action by grounding on 24 October, 1944, is forwarded herewith.
(signature)
D. H. McClintock
USS DARTER (SS-227)
SS 227 / 16-3
Serial 020
CONFIDENTIAL.
USS DARTER –
REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(A)
PROLOGUE:
Arrived
Brisbane from 3rd war patrol 8 August 1944. Refitted by Submarine Repair Unit plus
Sub Div. 182 relief crew. Docked.
Re-painted design # 32/955 (dark gray).
26
August fired (for test purposes) two electric torpedoes. One circular run. Made
deep dive off Calonndra Head. 31
August ready for sea.
(B)
NARRATIVE:
Officers
and Chief Petty Officers on board: Total Patrols
Comdr.
David H. McClintock, USN 9
Lieut.-Comdr.
Ernest L Schwab, Jr., USN 7
Lieut.
Eugene P. Wilkinson, USNR 8
Lieut.
Ira M. King, USNR 3
Lieut.
W. W. Price, USN 4
Lt.
(jg) Edmund J. Skorupski, USNR 3
Lt.
(jg) Donald N. Miller, USN 2
Ensign
William T. Paseler, USN 9
Ensign
William R. Webb, USNR 2
Blanton,
Osie W., 272 00 26, CTM
4
Gietek,
Alexander W., 212 37 80, CSS 7
James, Thomas
R., 263 21 53, CMOMM 10
McQuary, Eugene
O., 366 19 49, CY 6
O’Brien, John,
223 22 10, CMOMM(PA) 4
Schooley, Merle
H., 410 19 43, CRM (AA) 7
Stokes,
William, 622 92 61, CEM(PA) 2
Strother,
Winifred G., 359 91 20, CEM(AA) 5
Turner, Shelby,
341 23 69, CGM(PA) 4
Voss, Lyle G.,
299 38 20, CMOMM(AA) 4
FRIDAY, 1
SEPT. 1944.
1412 K Underway
from New Farm Wharf, Brisbane, Australia for Fourth War Patrol. In company with USS DACE. Comdr. R. R.
CRANE, USN on board as COE during training enroute.
1600 K Joined
H.M.A.S. WHYALLA and H.M.A.S. WARRNAMBOOL, target vessels for training.
1-5 Sep. 1944
Engaged
in training exercises including day approaches, night radar approaches, evasive
tactics and firing guns; enroute DARWIN.
1742 K 4
Sept 1944. Comdr. Crane transferred to USS DACE. H.M.A.S. WARNAMBOOL released.
1545 K 5
Sept 1944. Parted company with
H.M.A.S. WHYALLA with Comdr. Crane aboard latter
5-9
Sept. 1944. Enroute DARWIN via
TORRES STRAIT in company with USS DACE. Holding drills and exercises enroute.
Sunday
10 Sept. 1944.
0604 K SJ Contact 7000 yards with Australian ML-807,
our escort into DARWIN.
0630 K Sighted USS NARWHAL inbound.
0844 K Moored starboard side to USS COUCAL. Fueled,
minor repairs made by COUCAL.
1608 I Underway. At 1647 No escort at net, although
arranged for in A.M. Proceeding unescorted.
Noon Positions: DARWIN;
miles 263, fuel 3920 gal.
Monday, 11 Sept. 1944.
1226 I Submerged 17 miles off TIMOR passage.
1924 I Surfaced in passage.
Noon position: Lat. 08-375,
Long. 127-43E; Miles 298, Fuel 4786 gal.
Tuesday, 12 Sept. 1944.
1501 I Submerged to
await darkness before going through passage North of BO(illegible)ROE ISLAND.
1927 I Surfaced.
2000 I Picked up indications of another radar astern.
Probably DACE. Noon positions:
Lat. 04-528, Long. 125-39E; miles 323, fuel 5049 gal.
Wednesday, 13 Sept 1944.
0012 I SJ radar conatct 036 deg. T, 7000 yards.
Commenced tracking and maneuvering for position with target against a lighter
background. Target course 340 deg.
T, speed 6. Skip Contact #1.
0140 I At range 4500 yards target made out to be a
small patrol boat. Ceased tracking.
0150 I SJ Radar contact 154 degrees T, 9500
yards. This target had radar. Challenged by radar. No answer. Commenced four engines and around. (Contact later proved to be USS DACE)
0605 I Dove ahead of DACE at dawn.
0647 I No target yet. Surfaced.
1110 I Sighted 3 fighter planes unidentified headed
for us. Submerged. Air contact #1.
1229 I Surfaced.
2200 I Passing through BANCK passage. Noon position: Lat. 00-20S, Long.
126-09E; Miles 367, fuel 5811 gallons.
Thursday, 14 Sept.1944.
0800 I On station on reconnaissance line. North of CELEBES island. Patrolling at 2 generator speed during
daylight. One generator at night.
1043 I Sighted fishing stakes supported by glass
balls. Fired 20mm & 40mm for
drill. Fishing stakes were topepd
by white flags with Japanese writing on some.
1115 I SD radar contact 14 miles. Lost at 20. Not sighted. Aircraft contact # 2.
1345 I Fired .30cal & .50cal at stump for drill.
2312 I Submerged to wash oil out of #4 M.B.T (Main
Ballast Tank?) which had gone dry.
2332 I Surfaced. Noon Posit.: Lat. 02-55N, Long. 122-34E; Miles 336,
fuel 3436 gal.
Friday, 15 Sept. 1944.
From now until return to
BIAK we were patrolling on a reconnaissance line to detect approach of forces
which might interfere with the MOROTAI-PALAU Operations.
1120 I Plane on radar 15 miles. Lost at 22 miles. Not sighted. Air contact #3. Noon Posit.: Lat. 02-16N, Long.
122-19E; Miles 314, fuel 2777 gal.
Saturday, 16 Sept. 1944.
1034 I Plane on radar. 19 miles. Air contact # 4.
1041 I Sighted plane. Submerged.
1218 I Surfaced.
Noon Posit. Lat. 02-53N, Long. 122-34E; miles 297; fuel 2650 gallons
Sunday, 17 Sept. 1944.
0910 I Plane on radar. 17 miles. Air Contact #5.
0917 I Plane at 7 miles not yet sighted. Submerged.
1028 I Surfaced.
1033 I Plane on radar. 12 miles. Lost at 17 miles. Air
contact #6.
1054 I Plane on radar. 24 miles. Air contact #7.
1148 I Float plane sighted and picked up on radar at 6
miles. Air contact #8. Apparently this one had shadowed us all morning.
Submerged.
1432 I Surfaced.
1613 I Plane on radar, 10 miles. Air contact #9.
1614 I Range closed to 6 miles. Submerged.
1648 I Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 03-11N,
Long. 122-36S; miles 273; fuel 2013 gallons.
Monday, 18 Sept. 1944.
1542 I Plane on radar, 19 miles. Not sighted. Air
contact #10.
Noon Posit. Lat. 02-34N,
Long. 122-45E; miles 315, fuel 2792 gal.
Tuesday, 19 Sept. 1944.
0715 I Plane on radar, 10 miles. Air contact # 11.
Submerged.
0837 I Surfaced.
1009 I Plane on radar. Air contact # 12. Submerged.
1207 I Surfaced.
1451 I Fired 40mm at stump for drill.
1617 I Plane on radar, 8 miles. Air contact # 13. Submerged.
1621 I Took two bombs or depth charges while at 200ft.
No damage.
1856 I Surfaced.
Noon posit: Lat. 02-57N,
Long. 122-57E; miles 236; fuel 1980 gal.
Wednesday, 20 Sept. 1944.
0835 I Plane on radar, 10 miles. Air contact # 14.
Submerged.
1039 I Surfaced.
1157 I Plane on radar. Submerged. Air contact # 15.
1417 I Surfaced.
1418 I Indication of plane radar. Submerged.
1627 I Surfaced.
1714 I Sighted four horn floating mine. Exploded same
at range 250 yards with .30 cal. MG fire.
Showered small fragments on both sides of ship.
1722 I Sighted plane. Air Contact # 16. Submerged.
1901 I Surfaced.
Noon Posit: Lat. 02-26N,
Long. 122-21E; miles 206; fuel 1680 gal.
Thursday, 21 Sept. 1944.
1110 I Radar contact 19 miles. Air contact #17.
1112 I Sighted westbound friendly B-24. Plane did not
approach us.
1230 I Plane on radar, 26 miles. Air contact #18.
1244 I ID’d B-24 (probably 1112 Contact going home)
Approached. Fired recognition signal. Plane turned away.
1513 I Plane on radar 14 miles. Air contact #19.
1514 I Float plane sighted, apparently shadowing us.
1525 I Lost sight of plane.
2112 I Plane on SJ radar 4500 yards, air contact #20.
Submerged. Last range 2700 yards. It was too dark for plane to locate us by any
means except radar.
2238 I Surfaced.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 01-45N,
Long. 122-48E; miles 286; fuel 2625 gal.
Friday, 22 Sept. 1944.
0912 I Plane on radar 10 miles. Air contact #21.
Submerged. Stayed down to routine torpedoes.
1308 I Surfaced.
2105 I Plane on SJ radar 13,000 yards. Submerged at
range 7000 yards. Last range 3800 yards. This contact was within 8 minutes of
the time, and within 10 miles of position of last night’s contact. Air contact
#22.
2253 I Surfaced.
Noon Posit: Lat. 01-54N,
Long. 123-01E; miles 247; fuel 2125 gal.
Saturday, 23 Sept. 1944.
0625 I Submerged. Working on engine starting air
line. Relief valve had carried
away causing severe head injuries to JAMES, Thomas Ray, 283 21 53, CMOMM USN.
1308 I Surfaced. Noon Position: Lat. 01-39N, Long.
122-04E; miles 239; fuel 2095 gal.
Sunday, 24 Sept. 1944.
0645 I Sighted Jap float plane. Air contact #23. Submerged.
0812 I Surfaced. Proceeding to BIAK in accordance with
orders.
1150 I Sighted B-24. Air Contact #24.
1321 I Plane on radar, 24 miles. Not sighted. Air
contact #25.
[PAGES 9 & 10 MISSING]
Sunday, 1 Oct. 1944.
1830 I SJ radar contact on 4 small ships, course
Southeast. Closed to visual contact. Targets made out to be small ships (not
submarines). Decided they could not be enemy. Avoided.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 01-23S,
Long. 136-28E; fuel 2450 gal.
Monday, 2 Oct. 1944.
0606 I Sighted submarine (USS SEAWOLF). Sighted
numerous US planes 2 and 3 Oct. Noon Position: Latitude 01-29N, Longitude
134-25E; miles 316; fuel 3204 gal.
Tues, Oct. 1944.
1042 I Sighted USS NARWHAL
1502 I Sighted numerous US Planes – fighters, torpedo
bombers. These planes circled us to do approaches for next three hours which
necessitated firing many recognition flares. One defective flare exploded,
large fragments of flare and holder narrowly missed the J.O.O.D.
1518 I Sighted 3 DE’s. Found hunter-killer group was
“working over” the submarine safety lane. After firing five flares and
exchanging calls for what seemed like an hour, heard one DE say over voice
radio: “Believe this submarine is American”!
Noon Posit.: Lat. 02-35N,
Long. 130-16E; miles 296; fuel 4579.
Wednesday, 4 Oct. ‘44.
1200 I Transmitting 20 pass at 4 generator speed.
Noon posit.: Lat. 02-32N, Long. 125-17E; miles 355; fuel 5575 gal.
Noon posit.: Lat. 02-32N, Long. 125-17E; miles 355; fuel 5575 gal.
Thursday, 5 Oct. ’44.
0200 I Sighted large floating mine, dead ahead.
Narrowly missed hitting it.
0840 I Submerged for approach on SIBUTU passage
1660 I Set clocks to: 1500 H.
1836 H Surfaced proceeding through SIBUTU Passage.
Noon Position: Lat. 04-26N –
Long. 120-14E; miles 248; fuel 3976 gal.
Friday, 6 Oct. ’44.
0130 H Passing between PEARL BANK and DOC CAM Island.
0535 H Submerged.
0600 H Surfaced, proceeding North through SULU SEA.
1244 H Sighted Jap medium bomber, range 4 miles. Air
contact #26. Submerged.
1510 H Surfaced.
2225 H Submerged to flush # 4 M. B. T.
2304 H Surfaced.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 05-12N,
Long. 120-46E; miles 313, fuel 4401 gal.
Sat, 7 Oct. ’44.
1031 H Submerged South of MINDURO ISLAND. Weather had
cleared, making discovery very likely while running close to MINDURO.
1839 H Surfaced. Proceeding through MINDURO at East
pass. Thence West around North end of PALAWAN ISLAND.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 11-41N,
Long. 121-17E; miles 231; fuel 2956 gal.
Sun., 8 Oct. ’44.
0554 H Submerged at north end of PALAWAN PASSAGE, to
work on Hydraulic plant.
1120 H Hydraulic plant back in commission; surfaced.
Proceeding South in PALAWAN PASSAGE.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 12-04N,
Long. 118-56E; miles 271; fuel 3159 gal.
Mon, 9 Oct. ’44.
0400 H Entered assigned area (DOG-6)
0552 H Submerged for patrol in PALAWAN PASSAGE, SE of
BOMBAY SHOAL.
Patrolling submerged because 1) this point of passage is narrow
enough to permit sighting from midpoint of any convoy attempting passage, 2)
Nearness of PUERTO PRINCESA airfield.
1844 H Surfaced.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 08-58N,
Long. 117-30E; miles 178; fuel 1961 gal.
Tues, 10 Oct. ’44.
Received contact reports on
convoy which was at north end of PALAWAN PASSAGE at 2300 last night. Received
voice transmission from DACE that she was entering area and suggesting
rendezvous.
0450 H Rendezvous with DACE. DACE ordered to patrol
submerged today covering east half of passage; DARTER covering west half,
waiting for reported convoy at north end area.
0618 H Submerged.
1831 H Surfaced. Proceeding North up Western side of
passage; DACE up eastern half, to intercept convoy.
2400 H Reversed course. Noon Posit.: Lat. 09-17N,
Long. 117-07E; miles 170; fuel 1405 gal.
Weds, 11 Oct. ’44.
0231 H Spoke to DACE. Decided convoy must have
anchored inside the barrier. DACE will patrol passage at Northern limit area
today and DARTER West of BALABAC ISLAND.
1130 H Submerged NW of BALABAC ISLAND.
1836 H Surfaced.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 08-40N,
Long. 116-51E; miles 219; fuel 2083 gal.
Thurs, 12 Oct. ’44.
0140 H Spoke to DACE. DARTER will patrol Northern
limit of area in narrow part of PALAWAN PASSAGE today. DACE to patrol West of
BALABAC STRAIT.
0554 H Submerged.
0619 H Sound reported echo ranging bearing 030 degrees
T. Dead ahead.
0627 H Sighted 7 columns smoke, same bearing.
0705 H Smoke bearings began to draw right. Targets
which had been coming down center of PALAWAN PASSAGE are now apparently heading
for north BALABAC STRAIT. Changed to normal approach course, making 6 knots.
0759 H Raised SD antenna and sent contact report to
DACE. No receipt.
0803 H Minimum angle on the bow on any ship up to this
time was 45 deg. Starboard. Continued closing at high speed. Manned battle
stations. Targets seem to be:
3 AO’s – Toiyo Maru, Liyo Maru,and one resembling
Issyo Maru.
1 AP – Large square cabin structure – 7,500 tons
3 AK’s – Two large, one medium
2 DD’s – New type, large, one stack DD. Similar to Torutsuki without
#2 turret. 1 other probable DD heard pinging on far side of convoy.
0920 H Starboard DD went by at 4300 yards. Decided he could avoid torpedoes at
that range, whereas tankers could not.
0924 H Fired (from bow tubes) 4 low power Mark 14s at
two overlapping tankers, trailing ships of the convoy. (Other two torpedoes in
tubes were 23’s) 6000 yard torpedo run.
0926 H All torpedoes running normally. Closest DD
steaming as before. Went deep to escape air cover. Position of attack Lat.
8-40N, Long. 116-42E.
0930 H Heard 3 torpedo hits. Timed for two in forward
near tanker and one in the other.
0934 H Heard one end of run torpedo explosion.
0935 H Seven close aerial bombs. These lacked the
click which is distinctive of depth charges.
0937 H Evading two escorts which conducted 45 minute
echo ranging search. Although they passed close aboard several times, a heavy
density layer prevented them from making contact.
1055 H At periscope depth. One tanker in sight,
trailing remainder of convoy. This ship was slowed and it or its smoke was in
sight until 1315, inside the shallow water approaches to north BALABAC STRAIT.
We could gain nothing by surfacing since targets were now in the shallow waters
west of north BALABAC STRAIT so remained submerged. Estimated targets would
hole up in a bay on east side of BALABAC (The C.O. anchored in this bay on a DD
in 1938.)
1330 H Sent contact report to DACE on 2880 Kilocycles.
1848 H Surfaced. Sent contact reports to DACE and
CTF-71. Proceeding to rendezvous with DACE, west of BALABAC STRAIT.
2200 H Rendezvous, DACE had not seen our convoy.
Previous estimate of situation must be correct. DACE will continue patrolling
close in to BALABAC STRAIT tomorrow. DARTER will patrol 20 miles southwest, in
case a convoy heads for SINGAPORE.
Noon Posit.: Lat. 08-34N,
Long. 117-51E; miles 187; fuel 1979 gal.
(From this point to 20 Oct.
report is from memory only, due to loss of logs and quartermaster’s notebook.)
Friday, 13 Oct. ’44.
Patrolling submerged.
1700 H Received on vertical antenna DACE contact
report on our convoy seen at 1100 heading south inside BORNEO BARRIER REEF.
1800 H Sighted DACE on surface. Surfaced to decide on
plan of attack; DACE to head south coming in ahead of convoy. DARTER to come in
astern. (We were uncertain as to where convoy would be found)
2000 H Proceeding south inside BARRIER REEF in about
20 fathoms of water.
2300 H Radar contact ahead several minutes after DACE
made contact (26,000 yards)
Saturday, 14 Oct. ’44.
Maneuvering for attack position from
starboard beam of last ship. DACE ahead on convoy stbd. Bow. Could not attack
from port due to proximity of beach. Waiting for DACE attack. Doctrine called
for her to attack first, since she made first contact.
0035 H In position 8,000yds on beam of of starboard
trailing ship. One dog dog between us and ship.
0110 H Off GAYA BAY saw DACE make a beautiful attack,
getting 4 hits on an unknown number of ships. Great clouds of steam and smoke
arose from one ship. From now on an accurate radar check showed that one ship
sank as result of this attack and one ship was stopped. Original radar picture
was 10 ships, 7 large and 3 dog dogs. After attack, 5 large pips with one dog
dog kept going south. One large pip disappeared. (All ships were too well boxed
in by land on two sides and 2 subs on the other to have gotten away without our
sighting them on radar.)
One target stopped with dog dog. One dog dog chased where he thought
DACE was but came in our direction. DARTER now forced to to head north losing
several miles. Got back in position and started in for attack on the large
tanker (just north of MIWAMIS BAY. Convoy now zigged about 50 deg. Left into
MIWAMIS BAY. (This put rocks between us and convoy and cost us our chance to
attack.) Reversed course to head
for cripple. Found stopped cripple
off GAYA BAY escorted by two dog dogs who were patrolling slowly and echo
ranging. Started in slowly on surface.
Sat. 14 Oct. ’44 contd.
Detected at 10,000 yards and chased by dog
dogs. After evading some, waited 20 minutes and started in again. At 9,000
yards detected again (probably by sound), dog dogs closed into 5,500 yards
before we threw them off. With dawn one hour away and a four hour run to deep
water ahead, abandoned attack; making full power for deep water.
0900 H Submerged
for day west of BARRIER REEF (off GAYA BAY)
2400 H Rendezvoused
with DACE. Did not see fit to return to convoy since it had but a few miles to
go to reach BRUNEI BAY at lower edge area. Also had orders to cover
strait. Plan is: DARTER to patrol
PALAWAN PASSAGE east of ROYAL CAPTAIN SHOAL, DACE to patrol BALABAC STRAIT.
Exchange stations night of 17-18.
15, 16, 17 Oct. 1944.
Patrolling
east of ROYAL CAPTAIN SHOAL in PALAWAN PASSAGE. Nothing sighted. Exchanged
stations night of 17th.
Wednesday, 18
Oct. 1944.
Patrolling
west approaches to BALABAC STRAIT. Night of 18th received reports of
BLUE GILLS Southbound convoy. Headed north up PALAWAN PASSAGE to intercept.
Thurs., 19
Oct. 1944.
1000 H Sighted
periscope 3000 yards on port bow.
Turned away at flank speed.
1005 H DACE surfaced. Closing to plan attack on
convoy; visibility poor.
1009 H Sighted masts to northeast about 10 miles
distant.
1010 H Sent plain language report of masts to DACE on
2880 Kcs.
1011 H Submerged. Battle stations.
1018 H Found ourselves between tracks of two oncoming
FUBUKI Dog Dogs. Turned east to attack left flank DD on starboard track, since
DACE was submerged 3000 yards to west. DD’s zigging radically.
1040 H Target zigged away presenting 80 port angle on
the bow. Come hard right for stern shots.
1042 H Fired four stern tubes; 130 port track, range 3000
yards. 500 feet spread. Depth set 6 feet.
1043 H Target ran up flag hoist and turned away. Smoke
of torpedoes looked to show a straddle, but all torpedoes missed. Position of attack: Lat. 9-09N, Long.
117-03E. Went deep since could not turn 180 degrees in time to give him a down
the throat shot when he came at us. Several depth charges dropped, not close.
1830 H Surfaced. DARTER covering west side passage,
DACE east side in vicinity of ROYAL CAPTAIN SHOAL; looking for BLUEGILL convoy;
also suspected destroyer sweep might indicate heavy units coming this way.
Friday, 20 Oct. ’44.
Patrolling west side of PALAWAN PASSAGE,
searching for BLUEGILL convoy.
0400 H Contacted the two DD’s northbound, speed 17. We were just forward of their beam, range 18,000 yards. Could not close. Sent contact report to DACE.
Saturday, 21 Oct ’44.
0000 H Picked up news broadcast on Phillippines
invasion. Immediately headed for
BALABAC STRAIT to watch for heavy units since SINGAPORE-BALABAC-MINDANAO SEA is
shortest route for any part of Jap fleet which might head for LEYTE.
0815 H Submerged in western approach to BALABAC
STRAIT.
1824 H Surfaced. Patrolling tonight covering southwest
approaches to BALABAC STRAIT.
2350 H Radar contact 26,000 yards, 261 degrees T(3
targets) 0100 target position 07-31N; Long. 115-22E.
2352 H At battle stations; making full power. Sent
contact report to DACE and CTF-71 on 3 probable heavy cruisers. Targets tracked
at speed 23 knots, base course 020 degrees T, headed through the Dangerous Ground.
We were only 29 degrees forward of targets from beam on contact, and never had
a chance to gain position. Held on at full power (18.8 knots) through Dangerous
Ground until after daylight with view (1) possible zig toward us (2) to send
out contact reports to coach DACE onto track (3) to attempt to sight targets at
dawn for identification. Sent
total of two contact reports to CTF-71 and 11 to DACE. DACE was in position for
possible interception.
Sunday, 22 Oct. ’44.
0450 H Targets in a
zigzag to 335 degrees T to pass west of ALICIA ANN SHOAL. This was not
recognized as a change in base course in time to allow DACE to get in position.
0500 H Sent report to DACE that enemy course is now
335 degrees T.
0507 H Radar lost targets
Sunday, 22 Oct. ’44, Cont’d.
625 H Sighted tops of the probable BB West of ALICIA ANN SHOAL. Radar range 38,000 yds had coached
periscope on.
0659 H Abandoned chase since we were 19 miles behind a
22 knot target. (Their ships were
probably the 2 Aobas cruisers and one DD later contacted by USS BREAM. For 4 ½ hours the exact zigzag plan of
the force was as follows: From hour to half hour then repeat: 050 degrees, 350
degrees, 020 degrees, 350 degrees and so on, zig-zagging every five minutes.
Base course 20 degrees T.
0700 H Headed south through Dangerous Ground along
target’s track, in hopes more were coming.
0902 H Submerged for patrol in Dangerous Ground.
1818 H Surfaced. Proceeding to BALABAC STRAIT.
2000 H Heading for rendezvous with DACE.
Monday, 23 Oct. ’44.
0000 H Speaking to DACE; planning remainder of
coordinated patrol.
0016 H Radar contact 131 degrees T, operator says
“probably rain.”
0017 H By megaphone to DACE: “We have radar contact.
Let’s go”
0020 H Bearing changed to left. Operator says it is
ships. Both subs closing at full power. Come to normal approach course, 040
degrees T. Targets headed up to
PALAWAN PASSAGE.
Between now and dawn sent out 3 contact reports to CTF-71, giving
final estimate that ships were a task force of 11 heavy ships. This based on their high speed and long
radar ranges obtained (34,000 yards maximum); also many sweeping radars were
detected. Tracking party said that
gaining attack position was hopeless due to high target speed (initial estimate
22 knots) Blew negative, safety,
ran #10 blow every 30 minutes.
Managed to average about 19 knots.
Estimates of enemy speed began to drop until finally it was 15 knots. We
had them now! Enemy course 39 degrees. DARTER was to attack left flank column
first, at dawn, with DACE about 5 miles up the track in position to attack
starboard column. Did not attack
in darkness, as it was considered vital to see and identify the force which was
probably on its way to interfere with the Leyte landing. It was felt that there could be no radical
dawn zig due to size of force and narrowness of PALAWAN PASSAGE. Targets did
not zig during night.
0425 H 20,000 yards dead ahead of port column of heavy
ships. Slowed to 15 knots. Biggest pip in port column was last ship. Picked it
as target.
0452 H Manned battle stations.
0500 H Targets spread by up to 16 knots.
0509 H Reversed course, headed towards port column,
and submerged. (DACE had just passed us to dive to Northeast) DARTER planned to attack from West in
half light at dawn at 0540.
0517 H Now light enough to see shapes through ‘scope.
We were dead ahead of port flank column of heavy ships. Could not yet identify ships.
Visibility better to east where battleships and cruisers could be seen several
thousand yards away. Two
destroyers noted to east. Both drawing left. There was no echo ranging.
0525 H Making ready 11 tubes, depth 10 feet.
0527 H C/c right to parallel column to be able to fire
all ten tubes. Still looked like “down the throat” shots. First four ships in column identified
as heavy cruisers. Fifth one is probably a battleship.
0528 H Range 2880 yards to first cruiser in column.
Angle on the bow still small.
Monday, 23 Oct. ’44
Cont’d.
0530 H Targets zigged in a “ships left” to course 350
deg. T. Got new setup.
0532 H Commenced firing bow tubes at leading cruiser.
Using periscope spread to cover 150 degrees of length. Average range 980, gyros 35-70 right,
track 92-130 starboard. After
firing two into him and one spread ahead, target was rearing by so close that
we couldn’t miss so spread the remainder inside his length. Swing hard left to
bring stern tubes to bear while getting setup on second cruiser.
0533 H Torpedoes started hitting first cruiser. Five hits. Commenced firing stern tubes
at second cruiser; average range 1525, gyros 50 to 60 degrees (130 deg. Left to
120 deg. Left) Track 90-100
degrees starboard. Spread torpedoes over center 3 quarters of his length since
hits in first one showed the dope was good. Whipped periscope back to the first
target to see the sight of a lifetime: cruiser was so close that all of her
could not be seen at once with periscope in high power. She was a mass of
billowing black smoke from number one turret to the stern. No superstructure
could be seen. Bright orange flames shot out from the side along the main deck
from the bow to the after turret.
Cruiser was already going down by the bow, which was dipping under. #1 turret was at water level. She was definitely finished. Five hits
had her sinking and in flames. It is estimated that there were few if any
survivors.
0534 H Started deep. Evaded on base course 220 deg. T.
0534 H+ Four hits in second cruiser. Felt certain that
four hits would sink this one too.
The fourth hit was 25 seconds later than it should have been. This fourth
one may have hit the third cruiser, since they were now in line of bearing
formation. Attack position: Lat.
09-23N; Long. 117-11E.
0539 H Depth charge attack began. Four Dog Dogs were
echo ranging and milling about overhead.
The hits, and the screws of many heavy ships probably confound the sound
situation for the enemy, since the attack was not accurate.
0540 H Commenced hearing breaking up noises on sound
gear on a broad bearing (roughly 340 T) where our targets should be stopped.
Noises could be heard through hull in all compartments. These increased in
intensity until they seemed to be right overhead and shook the ship violently.
(Bearings of bucking and crunching noises only could be obtained. Heavy
rumbling and explosions were too violent to get sound bearings on.)
0550 H Heard four distant torpedo explosions in rapid
succession. Probably DACE firing. The Japs must think our submarines are
everywhere at once. From 0600 to 0604 there were tremendous explosions.
Probably magazines. It is estimated that from 0600 on, our target’s breaking up
noises combined with those of DACE’s target.
0605 H Depth charges began again. Probably meant for
DACE this time A total of about 36 overall were heard from this time on more
distant breaking up noises and distant rattling explosions (not depth charges)
could be heard until about 0625)
0630 H Last of depth charges. Four destroyers could be
heard echo ranging. Estimated composition of the task force as follows: left
flank column: four ATAGO class CA’s plus one possible BB. Right flank column: 2
CA’s, one BB. Asterna nd right
flank, 2 CA’s or CL’s and one CV or BB. In addition estimate six DD(only four
seen). Total 11 heavy ships, 6 DD.
0820 H At periscope depth: One Atago class cruiser
sighted bearing 019 deg. T, range 12,000 yards, at our attack position, listing
slightly to starboard and dead in the water. No steam up. Three destroyers were
near him and three planes circled the vicinity. No smoke coming from cruiser.
(This cruiser was of the CA 9 and 10 stage class with catapult forward of
mainmast)
The following in conenction
with the damage inflicted on this attack is submitted:
- Leading cruiser was seen to be afire and sinking with 5 hits.
2.4 more hits were obtained, at least 3 in
second cruiser; the 4th hit was 25 seconds late. Timed about right
for #3 cruiser.
3.Before returning to periscope depth we
were convinced we had sunk two.
4.DACE saw two cruisers burning before she
attacked her column.
5.Our cripple was NOT afire at 0820. It is
believed that large oil fires could not be put out in 2 1/2 hours.
6.Three hits should sink our second
cruiser.
7.Conclusion: There is a possibility
that two were sunk and one damaged. As stated this is only a possibility, yet
the idea is submitted; because, unless Jap cruisers can take more punishment
than ours, it is the logical explanation of the above.
0900 H Secured from battle stations, feeding crew, and
making reload preparatory to attacking again.
0930 H One destroyer shoved off to North. It is
believed he had been picking up survivors.
1100 H Started in towards cruiser.
1200 H Battle stations, rigged for depth charge.
1300 H Range to cruiser 8000 yards. Coming in on 90
port track. Two destroyers patrolling on beam at range 4000 yards from target,
the maximum range at which we could fire.
Four planes circling overhead. Decided we would never get to fire from
beam with DDs where they were, so commenced working around to bow for small
track.
1430 H Range 7000 yards to cruiser. Coming in on port
bow of target for small track when destroyers both headed towards us. When
range about 3500 yards on closest DD, and still coming in went deep and evaded.
Could not attack destroyers since our six torpedoes were for the cruiser.
Decided to wait until tonight when combined attacks of DARTER & DACE would
outlast the destroyer. (It should be remarked here that we were twice today
well within the low power (Mk 14) torpedo range of the stopped, 657 foot
target; but these are no longer manufactured in quantities sufficient to give
more than a partial load to any boat.)
NOTE: LOW POWER TORPEDOES DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE MEANT ONE MORE HEAVY
CRUISER ON THE BOTTOM.
1500 H Cruiser seen hoisting out a boat. He must have
some steam now.
Sunset Too close to cruiser to surface for star
sights.
1915 H Surfaced. Cruiser in sight on radar. Proceeding
to rendezvous with DACE. Sent contact report on stopped CA and estimated
composition of remainder of force.
2100 H Cancelled rendezvous with DACE not yet sighted.
And reduced visibility rendering immediate attack appear favorable. DACE
ordered to take attack position 10 miles bearing 150 deg. T from cruiser.
DARTER 10 miles bearing 050 deg. T from cruiser. (Thought DDs would attempt tow
cruiser in our direction towards PALAWAN BARRIER REEF)
2200 H Cruiser underway, course about 220 deg. T.
Speed varied from 4 to 5 knots; course was erratic as though target was
steering with screws. One DD patrolling on each beam.
2245 H Started in for surface attack in very poor
visibility. Planned to attack from Stbd. Quarter, coming in last mile slowly on
battery. Told DACE we would attack in 90 minutes and to sink him if we were
forced down.
2306 H Radar detector picked up two radars sweeping.
Decided against surface attack. Told DACE to attack when ready, DARTER ending
around to starboard for attack at radar depth. Ending around at range 15000
yards on target.
2310 H We now began running through heavy fuel oil
slick from the morning attacks. Slick seen and heavy fumes noted for next 45
minutes.
2400 H About one hour to run to gain attack position
ahead. Range to cruiser about 18000 yards. Making 17 knots. (Had no sights for
30 hours.)
0005 H (OOD and Captain on bridge. Navigator plotting
in conning tower.) Ship grounded on Bombay Shoal with tremendous crash. Took 20
degree up angle. Stern submerged. Thought we had been torpedoed. Rode up over
reef and came to rest with about a 3 degree up angle and 3 degree port list.
Informed DACE we were aground. Immediately took soundings: 9 feet from bow to
conning tower, 18 feet at stern.
(No damage to ship except probably bent plates and nicked screws)
Commenced lightening ship; high tide is at 0140.
0015 H Jap destroyer now began closing. He must have
heard us hit. Commenced burning secret and confidential matter and destroying
confidential gear. All hands not engaged in destroying gear employed in
lightening ship.
0030 H Radar range to DD now 12,100 yards. Steadied
here for a few minutes; started to man guns, but radar soon reported range
opening. Blew over all fuel oil except enough to keep us going for a few days;
variable water; fresh water; lube oil; anchor; jettisoned ammunition and
commissary stores.
0100 H Lost radar contact on DD.
0140 H Radar contact on DACE 11,000 yards challenged
by radar.
0146 H High tide commenced attempts to get off reef.
Engines would not run because all salt water intakes plugged with coral. Backed
with everything we had on battery. All hands assembled aft (to redistribute
weight) First on stern where we were in 18 feet of water. Then further forward,
sallying ship, in conjunction with backing (reverse speed)
0149 H Stopped. Ship had not moved. Heading remained
the same.
0210 H Tried backing, twisting and sallying again for
next twenty minutes.
0230 H Tide receding now. We are high and dry. Ceased
effort to get off. Concentrated on destroying confidential gear. Three fires
were kept burning below decks to detsroy classified matter: one in forward
engine room, one in radio shack, one in officer’s shower. These made much
smoke. Smoke was kept down to some extent by running #10 blow continuously.
More fires would have made destruction work below impossible. As it was,
personnel had to go topside for air every few minutes. All registered publications except
ONI-49 destroyed by burning. Report of confidential matter not burned submitted
by despatch and will be submitted by separate letter. (See recommendations
under paragraph (v) remarks.
FOLLOWING GEAR DESTROYED:
1.
SJ radar
including magnetron tubes
2.
SD
radar; ABK; BN; ARC
3.
Sound
gear in forward room; including JP.
4.
Sound
gear in conning tower.
5.
TDC and
both gyro angle indicator regulators.
6.
Bathythermograph
7.
Gyro
8.
Ship’s
radio transmitters and receivers
9.
All
generators were burned out (main generators)
0245 H DACE
approached to within 50 yards of stern and sent over a line.
0304
H Commenced sending over crew in ours and
DACE rubber boats.
0420 H Completed rigging demolition charges. Decided
to abandon ship now to permit firing charges and torpedoing by DACE prior
sunrise. Also some compartments
below could no longer be entered
due to dense smoke from fires. Final connecting of demolition outfit witnessed
by Gunnery Officer and Commanding Officer. Timer witnessed set for 35 minutes.
0435
H Commanding Officer last to abandon ship.
0455 H From DACE heard light explosion at correct
time. Some of the 50 charges may have gone off but certainly the warhead did
not. No damage observed to hull. Smoke still pouring out of hatches but this
may be from remains of publications fires. (One booster had been rigged in a
warhead) DACE now attempted to hit DARTER with four torpedoes. All seemed to
hit reefs. Tide is much lower. DACE now put about 3 common and 18 high capacity
four inch hits in DARTER along water line. It is estimated that the high
capacity ammunition penetrated outer hull only. One hit blew up #1 or #2 N.F.O.
tank and may have started fires in forward battery. It was now daylight and
DACE was forced down by a plane during firing. A DD soon appeared and may have
boarded, although fires were still burning. Night of 24-25th DACE
returned to scene with intentions of reboarding with DACE demolition outfit.
When at range 2000 yards from DARTER close echo ranging was heard on sound gear
(also by both CO’s on bridge) so DACE cleared vicinity. This was estimated to
be submerged submarine close aboard since 1) it was bright moonlight and
favorable for a periscope attack, 2) no radar contact on any other ship.
Proceeding to Freemantle in USS DACE.
At this point the Commanding Officer states that the Commanding
Officer of the DACE; Commander B. D. Claggett, USN, unhesitatingly risked his
ship close aboard a reef and in close proximity to the enemy, to rescue the
DARTER crew, the remnants of which would have been unquestionably captured on
arrival of the Jap DD, after our remaining ammunition was expended. The superb
seamanship and skillful direction by the DACE Commanding Officer enabled the
rescue to be carried out smartly, quickly and without the loss of a single man.
He is being recommended for an award by separate letter.
Monday, 6 November 1944.
(signature)
D. H. McClintock
After Action
report transcribed in handwriting by Hugh N. Siegel, retired Radio Technician
First Class, U.S.S. DARTER SS-227, date unknown
Handwriting typewritten by Hugh’s grandson Jeffrey D. Batt, son of
Hugh’s daughter Karen M. Batt (Siegel) on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Typeface set in Courier New, 12 pt.
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