USS Drum (SS-228)

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Eleventh War Patrol

September 9, 1944 - November 8, 1944

Commanding Officer - Lieutenant Commander M.H. Rindskopf

Drum War Patrol Eleven

Sinkings and Damages - USS Drum (SS-228) War Patrol Eleven

Date Name
of Vessel
Type
of Vessel
Tonnage
JANAC
Tonnage
Alden
Location Assessment
JANAC
Assessment
Alden
24 October 1944 Shikisan Maru Passenger/Cargo 4,725 4,725 20-27N, 118-31E Sunk Sunk
26 October 1944 Taisho Maru Cargo 6,886 6,886 19-21N, 120-50E Sunk Sunk
26 October 1944 Aoki Maru Cargo 3,710 3,710 19-21N, 120-50E - Light Damage Possible
26 October 1944 Taihaku Maru Cargo 6,886 6,886 19-21N, 120-50E Sunk Sunk
26 October 1944 Tatsurra Maru Cargo - 6,420 19-00N, 120-45E - Damage Possible
S(h)ikisan Maru

Image courtesy of History on CD-ROM.

Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is authorized.

Submarine Combat Insignia

(A) Prologue
(B) Narrative
(C) Weather
(D) Tidal Information
(E) Navigational Aids
(F) Ship Contacts
(G) Aircraft Contacts
(H) Attack Data
(I) Mines
(J) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics
(K) Major Defects and Damage
(L) Radio
(M) Radar
(N) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions
(O) Density Layers
(P) Health, Food, and Habitability
(Q) Personnel
(R) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used
(S) Duration
(T) Factors of Endurance Remaining
(U) Radio and Radar Countermeasures
(V) Remarks


(A) Prologue

Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., from tenth war patrol on August 14, 1944. Normal refit was accomplished by Submarine Base and Submarine Division 43. Air conditioning unit and booster blower installed in control room. Was dry-docked to pack shafts with sand and accomplish routine bottom and sea valve work. Fired Mark 18 test shots from bow tubes successfully.

Ensign J.M. Sullenger, U.S.N., was detached and Lieutenant (jg) P.J. Connolly, U.S.N.R., reported aboard for duty.

Seven days were spent in training during which two Mark 23 and one Mark 18 exercise torpedoes were fired. Night wolfpack exercises were conducted with U.S.S. SAWFISH and U.S.S. ICEFISH.

Readiness for sea September 9, 1944.

(B) Narrative

9 September
1330 (VW) Departed Pearl Harbor for eleventh war patrol in accordance with ComSubPac Operation Order No. 304-44 in company with U.S.S. SAWFISH, U.S.S. ICEFISH, U.S.S. ROCK, and the escort U.S.S. PC 1038.
1915 U.S.S. ROCK and the escort parted company. Formed scouting line on SAWFISH with Drum 10 miles to south.
10 September - 21 September
Enroute to Saipan in company with SAWFISH and ICEFISH. Held daily training dives and fire control drills using SAWFISH as target. Exercised at pack communications, both surfaced and submerged.
18 September
1243 (L) Sighted unidentified plane, range 20 miles. SD contact a few minutes later at 18 miles but soon lost. (Aircraft Contact No. 1).
20 September
1425 (M) Sighted CORONADO, range 20 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 2).
2138 Made land contact on SJ radar on Anatahan Island, range 48 miles.
21 September
0007 (K) Made SJ radar contact bearing 291°(T), range 8000 yards. Exchanged calls with eastbound U.S.S. PAMPANITO.
0335 Made SJ radar contact bearing 070°(T), range 12,000 yards on friendly submarine, later identified as PARCHE.
0536 Sighted destroyer bearing 170°(T), range 8 miles. Exchanged calls with the escort, U.S.S. DOWNES (DD 375).
0652 Set course for Saipan in company with DOWNES, SAWFISH, ICEFISH, and PARCHE.
1210 Moored port side to U.S.S. PARCHE in submarine nest alongside U.S.S. FULTON. Received 42,000 gallons diesel oil, topped off with fresh water and accomplished several minor repairs.
22 September
1700 (K) Underway from alongside FULTON.
1740 Set course for safety lane in company with U.S.S. CASE (DD 370) the escort, and U.S.S. SAWFISH.
2320 Parted company with the CASE, entered safety lane.
23 September
0655 (K) Sighted Liberator, range 20 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 3).
1635 Sighted Liberator, range 22 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 4).
24 September
Have experienced excessive vibration of the entire ship, especially at speeds of 16 to 17 knots, since leaving Saipan. During morning trim dive, conducted cavitation tests. The starboard shaft was found normal but cavitation noises from the port shaft began at lower RPM than before, as did the vibration. Apparently one blade of the port screw was slightly damaged in Saipan.
1525 (K) SD contact, range 12 miles. Sighted Liberator and exchanged recognition signals. (Aircraft Contact No. 5).
2330 Received orders changing our area. Most reluctantly set course for Surigao Strait. Transmitted Drum Serial #1 acknowledging receipt of orders.
26 September
0610 (I) Made trim dive and blew negative gasket! This was especially regretted a month later.
0845 SD contact, range 10 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 6). Dove.
0925 Surfaced.
1000 Sighted unidentified plane, range 9 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 7). Dove.
1020 Heard one distant depth bomb.
1130 Surfaced.
28 September
0000 (I) Made rendezvous with U.S.S. GAR (Ship Contact No. 1). Obtained information about enemy activity in Surigao Strait area, which is limited to radar planes and land based radar.
With this knowledge of the situation at hand, it was decided that to maintain the initiative it would be necessary to make the most use of the APR. While on the surface at night, a constant watch was kept on it, paying particular attention to the frequencies mentioned by the GAR.
It was soon found that within a radius of twenty-five miles of Suluan Island, a signal was picked up near 154 m.c.s. (see Anti-Submarine Measures and Radio and Radar Countermeasures). A number of times at varying ranges from Suluan, it appeared, from the signal on the APR, as though the enemy radar had contacted us. However, as no counter measures were ever taken against us, surface patrol was continued at fifteen to twenty-five miles from Suluan, the distance determined as best for coverage of the strait. The enemy radar was, in effect, ignored as we invited them to prove they actually had us located. Daylight submerged patrol was maintained five to six miles off the hundred fathom curve in the vicinity of Suluan.
It is felt that this coverage effectively blocked the strait whether the enemy radar contacted us or not. Neither aircraft nor ship contacts of any nature were made during the period 28 September to 13 October, 1944, and it is believed that no major units could have avoided detection had a sortie from Surigao Strait been attempted.
13 October
1930 (I) Set course for Convoy College at two engine speed.
14 October
0905 (I) Plans for an impressive ceremony for Drum's dive number 1000, with the Captain at the dive, (he has made them all, 1 to 999), are shattered by an SD contact at 8 miles with him in his bunk. We dive for Aircraft Contact No. 8, just as the pit log rolls over its 140,000th mile!
0950 Surfaced.
15 October
0913 (I) Sighted unidentified plane, range 15 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 9). Dove.
0945 Surfaced.
1655 Sighted Babuyan Island.
2000 Made SJ radar contact on Balintang Island, range 22 miles.
2130 Passed through Balintang Channel.
16 October
0330 (I) Arrived in assigned area of scouting line.
0630 Dove for submerged patrol; had APR contact on 154 m.c.s. before diving.
1850 Surfaced. Found we had been set well north into PARCHE's area.
2140 Made SJ radar contact bearing 139°(T), range 11,800 yards. Exchanged recognition signals with friendly submarine, probably PARCHE. (Ship Contact No. 2).
2320 Contact on APR on 153 m.c.s. Had two enemy radars intermittently until 0020. Apparently reached minimum range about 2345 as saturation echoes were obtained for ten minutes preceding and following this time. As at Surigao, the signal on the APR gave every indication that the radar had contacted us. (See Anti-Submarine Measures), but the planes (as they must have been) took no offensive action. It is therefore not believed that we actually had been contacted.
17 October
0635 (I) Dove in assigned area for submerged patrol.
1850 Surfaced.
2058 Made SJ radar contact bearing 193°(T), range 11,450 yards. Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. SEADRAGON. (Ship Contact No. 3).
18 October
0628 (I) Dove for submerged patrol.
1846 Surfaced.
2200 Received orders to continue normal patrol in Wolfpack composed of SAWFISH and ICEFISH. Set course for the area assigned by SAWFISH.
19 October
0314 (I) Made SJ radar contact bearing 314°(T), range 11,200 yards. Friendly submarine, probably ICEFISH. (Ship Contact No. 4).
0332 Made SJ radar contact bearing 245°(T), range 6500 yards. (Ship Contact No. 5). Avoided small unidentified target.
0630 Dove for submerged patrol.
1850 Surfaced.
20 October
0110 (I) Made SJ radar contact bearing 010°(T), range 9800 yards. Exchanged recognition signals with SAWFISH. (Ship Contact No. 6). Closed and received instructions for remainder of patrol.
0235 Parted company with SAWFISH.
0630 Dove for submerged patrol.
1145 Sighted Pete, range 6 miles heading south. (Aircraft Contact No. 10).
1357 Sighted Pete, range 6 miles heading north. (Aircraft Contact No. 11).
1850 Surfaced.
2225 Contact on APR on 153 m.c.s. This contact acted in much the same manner as that during the night of the 16th, although it was never as close. Again there were indications of two enemy radars.
21 October
0630 (I) Dove for submerged patrol.
1500 While at 50 feet before listening on pack frequency, had SD contact, range 6 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 12).
1600 Sighted Betty, range 4 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 13).
1850 Surfaced.
22 October
0625 (I) Dove for submerged patrol.
1742 Sighted enemy destroyer bearing 000°(T), range 8500 yards. (Ship Contact No. 7). Went to battle stations; commenced approach. Target identified as Asashio class destroyer.
1750 Target shows a zero angle at close range leaving us no time to come around for a shot. This is the third course he has been on in the 8 minutes we have had contact and he is making better than 25 knots. In the condition 5 sea existing, it would have been almost impossible to have hit him, had we had a favorable shot.
1752 Target passes about two hundred yards astern as we head for 100 feet. He is oblivious of our presence.
1756 Another look prevails two more Asashios to the eastward of our target. All three zig-zagging independently on three minute legs at high speed. These were the first targets worthy of torpedoes that Drum has seen since November 22, 1943! The epitome of frustration!
1853 Surfaced and transmitted contact report to ComSubPac.
23 October
0635 (I) Dove for submerged patrol.
1732 Heard the first of about eleven distant explosions.
1824 Surfaced and commenced patrol to southwest as both SAWFISH and ICEFISH are west of us.
1905 Made SJ radar contact bearing 249°(T), distant 25,000 yards. (Ship Contact No. 8). Commenced tracking. Determined to be convoy of four ships and at least three escorts on base course 350°(T), speed 7 knots.
1935 Received contact report from SAWFISH.
2000 Transmitted first contact report. Transmitted others hourly until 2300.
2240 ICEFISH and SAWFISH have contact and SNOOK is closing.
2330 SAWFISH completed attack. Heard six explosions.
24 October
0004 (I) ICEFISH reports diving for aircraft contact on radar. Our APR has had continuous indications of enemy radar (see Anti-Submarine Measures and Radio and Radar Counter Measures) but at least one of the escorts is thought to have radar.
0037 Plane on SJ radar closed to 3.5 miles and then opened. (Aircraft Contact No. 14).
0042 A roving escort is approaching us from the convoy. As we closed to gain position for an attack, he passed down our port side at a range of 2700 yards, but did not see us.
0100 Heard first of several explosions.
0107 Sighted gunfire and explosions in direction of convoy. SNOOK is making an attack.
0130 Commenced attack on port flank. (Attack No. 1).
0203 Fired four torpedoes from stern tubes, range 3200 yards, track 45°P, gyro angles small right. All torpedoes missed. Commenced trailing from port flank while SNOOK attacks.
0318 SNOOK reports attack completed; two ships hit.
0330 We start second attack with convoy now disposed into two groups; the nearer, which we are attacking, consisting of one ship surrounded by four escorts; the more distant group appears to be one ship with an escort.
0400 We have been unable to close to attack position because of the escorts. At this time two of the escorts begin closing us and the roving escort again appears astern of us. We are thus boxed in on three sides as the range to the three escorts closes to 5000 to 6000 yards. The APR continued to show indication of enemy radar and it is believed that one or more of the escorts had a radar for the visibility was poor - we never saw them.
0415 We begin run to northeast to shake the escorts, with the possibility of out distancing the closest starboard escort and still getting in an attack.
0430 The range to all three pursuers is increasing but we are being effectively blocked from approaching the convoy again.
0510 With the situation definitely in our favor, a fourth enemy escort appears bearing 330° relative, range 6500 yards, thus really boxing us in! Hope someone takes this opportunity to attack. Sent messages saying that we were being pursued by 4 escorts at 17 knots in case one of our comrades is unwittingly helping to give us this bad time!
0520 The climax is reached as the range to the most recent addition to the chase decreases to 5500 yards, and the range to the escort broad on our starboard beam is 7000 yards and decreasing, the remaining pursuers being on either quarter at slightly greater ranges.
0540 We are going to win the race as now we are gaining both bearing and range on all the escorts.
0615 The only escort remaining is at a range of 14,000 yards. It is getting light so at...
0619 Dove.
0700 Sighted enemy freighter bearing 180°(T), range 9000 yards on first look after diving. (Ship Contact No. 9). Commenced approach. (Attack No. 2).
0705 The second look reveals an Asashio destroyer (probably one of those that whizzed past us the other day) on the distant bow of our target, and three more freighters at a slightly greater range.
0750 Heard eleven depth charges "in the vicinity".
0757 Fired 4 torpedoes from bow tubes, range 1900 yards, track 75°P, small gyro angles.
0758-24" Observed first torpedo hit just forward of foremast after broaching before reaching target (set at 8' in #4 sea).
0758-32" Observed second torpedo hit just abaft stack.
0758-40" Heard third torpedo hit apparently at stern. Could obtain no favorable shot at remaining freighters so started down. Would have stayed up to survey the situation a little longer but the absence of a negative tank counselled our getting on our way.
0800 Commenced evasive tactics. Heard considerable breaking up noises after this as ship sank. Received the first of 13 depth charges, none close.
0940 Back up for a look. Sighted a Betty (Aircraft Contact No. 15) and the tops of the destroyer, bearing 059°(T).
1013 Sighted Maru type escort, bearing 084°(T), distant 5 miles, pinging. (Ship Contact No. 10). Can just see destroyer's foretop at this time.
1215 Maru escort last seen. Numerous explosions heard until 1800.
1853 Surfaced. Set course for assigned area.
2000 Passed several oil drums.
2214 - 2300 Passed through extensive fuel oil slick in position ???. 20-22N; 118-26E.
25 October
0716 (I) Sighted two large unidentified planes, range 12 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 16). Dove, thus ending plans for a surface patrol today.
1445 Sighted two unidentified planes, range 5 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 17).
1845 Surfaced.
26 October
0020 (I) Made SJ radar contact bearing 085°(T), range 30,000 yards. Commenced tracking; determined to be large south bound convoy, speed 8 knots. (Ship Contact No. 11). Sent contact report to ICEFISH and SNOOK. Eventually 13 ships were counted in the convoy - 3 escorts and 10 freighters, one of which later appeared to be a Maru type escort.
0300 Commenced attacks. (Attacks No. 3A, 3B, and 4).
0350 With range 1100 yards to an escort dead ahead, commenced firing six bow tubes using two ships as point of aim, average range 3400 yards, 85°P track, gyro angles 30°L - unable to decrease this gyro angle because of the escort.
0355-30" Swung hard right for stern tube shot. Escort has apparently not seen us for he has taken no offensive action.
0356-25" Heard #1 torpedo hit, probably sinking one unidentified ship.
0357-15" Commenced firing four stern tubes at third target, in nearest column, range 3050, 90°P track, small left gyro angles.
0357-38" Heard #5 torpedo hit.
0357-48" Heard #6 torpedo hit. These two torpedoes hit and set afire a four kingpost AK, partially identified as he burned.
0400-17" Heard #8 torpedo hit.
0400-32" Heard #9 torpedo hit.
These two torpedoes sank an unidentified freighter. In swinging to bring the stern tubes to bear, the range to the escort that had been bothering us increased and he did not chase us. As we withdrew from the scene, the convoy could be seen milling around; two ships turned on red truck lights and depth charges were dropped indiscriminately.
0430 Reload completed (we have 6 torpedoes left forward). Commenced another attack. The large AK is still burning brightly from stem to stern exploding frequently, and has been left behind to his fate.
0500 Our attempt at another night surface attack is being foiled by an escort who persists in staying between the convoy and us at 4000 to 5000 yards from the convoy. He knows, or at least suspects, where we are. Decided to make a dawn submerged attack in which case it is necessary for us to waste no time getting into position. Made 19.2 knots at emergency flank speed and at...
0555 Dove with range to convoy 12,000 yards, distance to track 5000 yards. Commenced approach. (Attack No. 5A and 5B).
0633 Up for a look after closing the track at standard speed. Can see many blurred shapes on our starboard quarter, range about 8000 yards. Sunrise is at 0650.
0637 Visibility has improved and we are right on the track of the convoy which now consists of six freighters of various types with two PC and one Maru type escorts. The ships are now zigging every three minutes and in the next fifteen minutes we shift targets four times!
0651 A favorable zig right gives us a good opportunity to get a shot at our original target, the best ship in the convoy identified as a Yamakaze Maru freighter (EC). Swinging hard left.
0652 Commenced firing four bow tubes at target, range 2100 yards, 50°P track, small gyro angles. Did not wait for him to come on giving us a better shot as he probably would have zigged again.
0653 Through a control error in shifting targets, #4 torpedo is misdirected. #5 and #6 torpedoes are fired at second target, range 1600 yards, 15°S track, large right gyro angles.
0654-00" Observed terrific hit under foremast of first target.
0654-54" Heard first of two timed hits from torpedoes #5 and #6 in second target, a 5000 - 6000 ton MFM freighter.
0655 Started for the depths - again a little earlier than desired as we still don't have a negative tank!
0655-47" Heard one definite torpedo explosion 2 minutes and 42 seconds after firing second torpedo. There was another MFM freighter in line with our original target at a greater range and it is conceivable that either torpedo #2 or #3 hit this target. No damage is claimed, however, as the explosion is the only available evidence, excepting the fact that two MFM ships were seen upon returning to periscope depth at 0925.
0700 The first of 51 depth charges lasting until 0830, none of which were close.
0925 Up for a look. Can see our first target (range about 9000 yards) with the section forward of his bridge listed to starboard - from his appearance, his back may be broken. Can see a MFM freighter burning. He is belching volumes of white smoke aft. Also can see a MFM well-decker (is he damaged too?), and the Maru escort. Circling this group in frantic maneuvers, are two Nells. (Aircraft Contact No. 18). Explosions are heard throughout the remainder of the day. The large damage freighter was not seen again.
1215 Can still see a large cloud of smoke from the burning freighter but nothing else. He has moved very little since the attack. This was the last seen of this ship.
1920 Surfaced. Set course for Balintang Channel, and sent the dope to ComSubPac. An attempt to get off a contact report before diving this morning had failed.
27 October
0042 (I) Made SJ radar contact on Sabtang Island, range 32 miles.
0230 Passed through Balintang Channel - east bound!
1005 Sighted friendly submarine - west bound. It is either HALIBUT or HADDOCK. (Ship Contact No. 12).
1553 As we are only 64 miles from position of northern most downed aviator and as we have not as yet received further orders from ComSubPac, decided to offer our services to SAWFISH in search for carrier pilots.
1630 Received instructions from Comdr. Banister to search area of northern-most position.
1930 Commenced search, firing flares, tooting whistle, and sweeping with searchlight intermittently.
28 October
0800 (I) Formed scouting line with SAWFISH and SEADRAGON to continue search. We are 8 to 10 miles on north flank of SAWFISH.
0910 Sighted aircraft detachable gas tank.
0938 Sighted unidentified plane, range 7 miles. (Aircraft Contact No. 19). Dove.
1000 Surfaced. Resumed search for aviators.
1030 Sighted SAWFISH bearing 130°(T), range 9 miles.
1102 Sighted decrepit floating mine. Sank with 20mm fire. It did not explode. Position Lat. 19-29 N., Long. 126-28 E.
1442 Sighted empty rubber life boat, with no readable identification marks. Position Lat. 19-29 N., Long. 126-48 E.
2100 Rendezvous with SAWFISH and SEADRAGON for further orders. We will continue search through tomorrow and depart areas for base at sunset. Also traded SAWFISH 20 gallons of hydraulic oil for 100 pounds of sugar.
29 October
0700 (I) Resumed search in scouting line.
1445-1500 Passed through area littered with empty Jap ammunition boxes and other debris. Position Lat. 18-51 N., Long. 125-36 E.
1900 Completed search, having covered all positions of downed aviators and forty miles down wind from them.
2000 Rendezvous with SAWFISH and SEADRAGON for orders.
2100 SEADRAGON parts company. Set course for Majuro by prescribed routing in company with SAWFISH.
5 November
1715 (M) Sighted friendly submarine bearing 025°(T), range 8 miles in position Lat. 20-55 N., Long. 160-30 E. Exchanged call signs with U.S.S. ARCHERFISH.
7 November
0800 (M) Sighted friendly AK and DE escort on northeasterly course in position Lat. 14-45 N., Long. 170-30 E. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. ACREE (DE 167).
2150 Sighted plane with running lights, range 2 miles. He passed directly overhead. (Aircraft Contact No. 24).
2248 Another plane passes close by.
8 November
1015 (M) Sighted escort, U.S.S. RAMSAY (DM 16) bearing 210°(T), range 6 miles.
1050 Set course for Majuro in company with escort and SAWFISH.
1400 Moored to U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE in Majuro Lagoon.

(C) Weather

In the Suriago Strait area, the weather was generally overcast with a gentle to moderate breeze. Condition 2 to 3 sea was average, with visibility only fair.

In the Luzon Strait area of the South China Sea, the predominant characteristic of the weather was the consistent moderate to fresh breeze from the northeast, with a condition 3 to 4 sea. The average cloud cover was from 0.2 to 0.6. Visibility was good.

In the two days spent in the northwest section of the area, in the lee of Formosa, the wind dropped to a gentle breeze and the sea to condition 2.

(D) Tidal Information

In the Surigao Strait area, the offshore current was neglegible. In the proximity of the 100 fathom curve, the flood and ebb tides caused a westerly and easterly set, respectively. Due east of Suluan the ebb set was northeasterly. The maximum set encountered was 1.5 knots with the average being about 0.6 knot.

As to be expected, the currents in the Luzon Strait area of the South China Sea, were large and variable. Fortunately, both weather and enemy air activity were such as to allow good morning stars before diving and good evening stars after surfacing shortly after sunset. Also, it was possible to surface for an LAN on morning or afternoon sun as was found necessary.

The following is a tabulated list of the sets and drifts encountered:

Dates Lat. Long. Set Drift
15-16 Oct. 20-25 120-42 330° 2 K
18 Oct. 20-14 120-41 -- 0
21 Oct. 20-19 119-46 320° 0.8 K
23-25 Oct. 20-06 119-43 310° 0.7 K
19 Oct. 21-40 118-53 180° 0.5 K
20 Oct. 21-45 119-44 315° 1.5 K
21-22 Oct. 19-46 118-52 035° 0.8 K

(E) Navigational Aids

Suluan Light on Suluan Island at the entrance to Suriago Strait was not lighted. This was the only lighthouse sighted.

Balintang Channel was easily traversed using the SJ radar; Balintang, Batan, and Babuyan Islands all offering good targets.

(F) Ship Contacts

No. Time (I)
Date
Lat. N.
Long. E.
Type Initial Range Est. Course
Speed
How Contacted Remarks
1. 2350
26 Sept.
10-50
126-33
Friendly SS 8500 yds. Various R Rendezvous with U.S.S. GAR (SS-206)
2. 2140
16 Oct.
20-45
120-18
Friendly SS 11,800 yds. 225°
5 knots
R Probably PARCHE (SS-384)
3. 2058
17 Oct.
20-17
120-15
Friendly SS 11,500 yds. 045°
4 knots
R SEADRAGON
4. 0314
19 Oct.
21-09
119-17
Friendly SS 11,200 yds. NW R Probably ICEFISH (SS-367)
5. 0330
19 Oct.
21-12
119-15
Unidentified 6000 yds. -- R Avoided
6. 0110
20 Oct.
21-25
119-29
Friendly SS 9800 yds. 120°
9 knots
R Rendezvous with SAWFISH (SS-276)
7. 1742
22 Oct.
19-33
118-52
3 Destroyers
Asashio Class
8500 yds. 180°
25-28 knots
P Zig-zagging on 3 minutes legs; Not pinging.
8. 1905
23 Oct.
19-08
118-31
Convoy, 4 ship, 3 escorts 25,000 yds. 350°
6.5 knots
R Attack No. 1
9. 0700
24 Oct.
20-27
118-30
Convoy, 4 AK's, 1 DD (Asashio) 9000 yds. 050°
6 knots
P Attack No. 2
10. 1013
24 Oct.
20-27
118-30
Maru type escort 10,000 yds. Various P Searched area following Attack No. 2
11. 0020
26 Oct.
19-43
121-05
Convoy, 10 ships, 3 escorts 30,000 yds. 195°
8 knots
R Attacks No. 3, 4, and 5
12. 1005
27 Oct.
20-45
123-09
Friendly SS 12,000 yds. 270°
14 knots
L.O. HADDOCK or HALIBUT

(G) Aircraft Contacts

Contact Number 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
SUBMARINE
Date 18 Sept. 20 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 20 Oct.
Time 1243 (L) 1425 (K) 0655 (K) 1635 (K) 1525 (K) 0845 (I) 1000 (I) 0905 (I) 0913 (I) 1145 (I)
Lat. N. 19-08 16-54 14-52 15-30 17-08 17-02 17-01 14-03 18-12 21-53
Long. E. 159-11 148-04 142-35 140-40 135-11 124-22 124-11 125-03 123-18 119-48
Speed 16.5 k 14 k 14 k 14 k 16.5 k 16.5 k 16.5 k 14 k 14 k 2 k
Course 265° 256° 265° 298° 288° 265° 265° 325° 341° 045°
Trim Surf. Surf. Surf. Surf. Surf. Surf. Surf. Surf. Surf. Per.
Min. Since Last
SD Radar Search
2 2 2 2 0 0 2 0 2 -
AIRCRAFT
Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Type Unid. PB-2Y B-24 B-24 B-24 Unid. Unid. Unid. Unid. Pete
Probable Mission Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol
How Contacted Sight Sight Sight Sight SD SD Sight SD Sight Sight
Initial Range 20 miles 20 miles 20 miles 22 miles 12 miles 10 miles 9 miles 8 miles 15 miles 6 miles
Elevation Angle -- --
Range & Rel. Bearing
of Plane When it
Detected Sub
ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
CONDITIONS
Sea State
(Beaufort)
2 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 2
Sea Direction-Rel. 135° 135° 225° 180° 130° 150° 250° 070° 050° 000°
Visibility (Miles) 40 30 40 40 40 15 15 15 15 40
Clouds Height in Ft. 3000 3000 2000 1600 1800 1000 1000 2000 1000 Unli.
Clouds % Overcast 3 8 3 7 7 8 8 9 9 1
Moon Bearing-Rel.                    
Moon Angle                    
Moon % Illum.                    

Aircraft Contacts Continued...

Contact Number 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
SUBMARINE
Date 20 Oct. 21 Oct. 21 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 25 Oct. 25 Oct. 26 Oct. 29 Oct. 1 Nov.
Time 1357 (I) 1500 (I) 1600 (I) 0037 (I) 0940 (I) 0716 (I) 1445 (I) 0925 (I) 0938 (I) 1007 (K)
Lat. N. 21-51 20-07 20-06 19-47 20-27 20-09 20-07 19-00 19-52 21-50
Long. E. 119-50 119-56 119-57 118-21 118-30 119-43 119-54 120-45 126-14 143-13
Speed 2 k 2 k 2 k 14 k 2 k 10 k 2 k 2 k 14 k 16 k
Course 170° 135° 135° 045° 265° 110° 110° 325° 070° 092°
Trim Per. Per. Per. Surf. Per. Sight Per. Per. Sight Surf.
Min. Since Last
SD Radar Search
-- 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0
AIRCRAFT
Number 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1
Type Pete Unid. Betty Unid. Betty Unid. Unid. Nell Unid. B-24
Probable Mission Patrol Patrol Patrol Escort H. Trans. Trans. H. Patrol Patrol
How Contacted Sight SD Sight SJ Sight Sight Sight Sight Sight SD
Initial Range 6 miles 6 miles 4 miles 5 miles 5 miles 12 miles 5 miles 5 miles 7 miles 8 miles
Elevation Angle -- -- 1/2° 1/4°
Range & Rel. Bearing
of Plane When it
Detected Sub
ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 200°
6 mi.
CONDITIONS
Sea State
(Beaufort)
2 3 3 5 4 3 3 3 3 1
Sea Direction-Rel. 210° 270° 270° 010° 190° 350° 350° 120° 000° 010°
Visibility (Miles) 40 30 30 1 15 30 30 25 20 40
Clouds Height in Ft. Unli. 1600 1600 1500 1600 2000 2000 1600 2000 2000
Clouds % Overcast 1 8 7 7 7 6 5 8 7 2
Moon Bearing-Rel.                    
Moon Angle                    
Moon % Illum.                    

Aircraft Contacts Continued...

Contact Number 21. 22. 23. 24.
SUBMARINE
Date 1 Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Nov. 7 Nov.
Time 1015 (K) 1058 (K) 1508 (K) 2248 (M)
Lat. N. 21-50 21-50 21-50 11-02
Long. E. 143-14 143-27 144-12 170-30
Speed 16 k 16 k 16 k 14 k
Course 092° 092° 090° 177°
Trim Surf. Surf. Surf. Surf.
Min. Since Last
SD Radar Search
2 2 0 --
AIRCRAFT
Number 1 1 1 1
Type B-24 PB-2Y B-24 Unid.
Probable Mission Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol
How Contacted Sight Sight SD Sight
Initial Range 10 miles 10 miles 2 miles 2 miles
Elevation Angle 15° 70°
Range & Rel. Bearing
of Plane When it
Detected Sub
070°
8 mi.
090°
8 mi.
270°
5 mi.
ND
CONDITIONS
Sea State
(Beaufort)
1 1 1 1
Sea Direction-Rel. 010° 010° 010° 220°
Visibility (Miles) 40 40 40 5
Clouds Height in Ft. 2000 2000 2000 2000
Clouds % Overcast 2 1 1 3
Moon Bearing-Rel.        
Moon Angle        
Moon % Illum.        

Type of submarine camouflage on this patrol - Standard Gray.

(H) Attack Data

U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 11

Time: 0203 (I) Date: 24 October 1944 Lat. 19-52 N., Long. 118-25 E.

Description:

Four unidentified ships with at least three escorts and air cover. Contacted at sunset by the SJ radar. Night surface attack made in dark night with poor visibility after two attacks had been made by other submarines.

Ships Sunk:

None.

Ships Damaged or Probably Sunk:

None.

Damage Determined By:

None.

Target Draft 18 feet, Course 345°, Speed 7 knots, Range 3200 yds.

Own Ship Data:

Speed 4 knots, Course 295°, Depth Surface, Angle --

Type Attack

Night surface attack firing stern tubes. Convoy tracked using SJ radar. Torpedoes fired using solved target course and speed, radar ranges and TBT bearings. During the attack, when at close range to the targets and escorts, all maneuvering was done on the battery.

Torpedo Attack #1
Tubes Fired #7 #8 #9 #10
Track Angle 43°P 46°P 47°P 48°P
Gyro Angle 187° 184° 183° 182°
Depth Set 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft.
Power -- -- -- --
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic? No No No * No *
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 55176 55149 54812 56252
Mark Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 9375 9376 ** 9091 9292
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual -- -- -- --
Mark Warhead 18-2 18-2 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 2534 2385 1993 3209
Explosive TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval - 10 sec. 10 sec. 10 sec.
Type Spread 1 1/4°L 1/2°L 1/2°R 1 1/4°R
DIVERGENT

Sea conditions: 5

Overhaul activity: Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS:

* It is possible that these torpedoes hit the shutters since a thumping, scraping noise was heard as they left the tubes.

** Torpedo record book shows 8809. On board inspection showed 9376.


U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 2, Patrol No. 11

Time: 0757 (I) Date: 24 October 1944 Lat. 20-27 N., Long. 118-31 E.

Description:

Four ships and one escort identified as follows: one Yasukawa Maru class freighter; one MFM freighter similar to Sanko Maru; one larger MFM freighter; and one MFM freighter, apparently damaged. The escort was an Asashio class destroyer. The attack was made against the Yasukawa Maru class freighter. The other three freighters were in a rough column about 2500 yards to port and 3000 yards astern of the target, on a slightly converging course. The destroyer took station on the starboard bow of the target, after having circled the group as the other ships joined from the south. This was not the same convoy attacked in attack number one. Attack was made in a condition five sea with good visibility.

Ships Sunk:

One Yasukawa Maru class freighter (6710 tons) (EC).

Ships Sunk or Probably Sunk:

None.

Damage Determined By:

Observed first torpedo hit just forward of foremast and second torpedo hit just abaft stack. Heard timed hit by third torpedo at stern. Heard considerable breaking up noises as ship sank.

Target Draft 20 feet, Course 060°, Speed 6.5 knots, Range 2100 yds.

Own Ship Data:

Speed 4 knots, Course 160°, Depth 62 feet, Angle 0°

Type Attack

Submerged periscope attack firing bow tubes. Accepted range of 2100 yards because of probability of zig, target having been on steady course for 17 minutes. No favorable position could be obtained for firing at the remaining ships.

Torpedo Attack #2
Tubes Fired #1 #2 #3 #4
Track Angle 75°P 74°P 73°P 72°P
Gyro Angle 5°R 6°R 7°R 8°R
Depth Set 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft.
Power -- -- -- --
Hit or Miss Hit Hit Hit Miss
Erratic? No * No No No
Mark Torpedo 23 23 23 23
Serial No. 61843 62025 33833 61990
Mark Exploder 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4
Serial No. 8321 11137 5773 3949
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact Contact Contact --
Mark Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 9403 12801 18192 3377
Explosive TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval - 8 sec. 8 sec. 8 sec.
Type Spread 1 3/4°L 1/2°L 1/2°R 1 3/4°R
DIVERGENT

Sea conditions: 5

Overhaul activity: Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS:

* This torpedo was seen to broach before hitting target.


U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 3A and 3B, Patrol No. 11

Time: 0354 (I) Date: 26 October 1944 Lat. 19-21 N., Long. 120-50 E.

Description:

Thirteen ship convoy composed of ten miscellaneous freighters (those left, identified in Attack No. 5) and three escorts. Contact made on SJ radar in dark night (no moon) with good visibility. Angles on bow could be estimated at firing range. Ships in close formation disposed in three rough columns with escorts patrolling station on either bow and ahead. Convoy zigging on ten minute legs.

Ships Sunk:

One large, 4 kingpost freighter (7500 tons) (EU). Attack 3B.

Ships Sunk or Probably Sunk:

One unidentified freighter (4000 tons) (UN). Attack 3A.

Damage Determined By:

Attack 3B: Heard two timed torpedo hits; saw target burst into flames; saw target burning and exploding before diving two hours later, the convoy having abandoned the ship.

Attack 3A: Heard one timed torpedo hit. Two lookouts watched two ships, in addition to the burning ship, sink. (Attack No. 4 accounts for second sinking ship). Counted ten ships, plus three escorts, in convoy while tracking; counted eight ships (including burning ship), plus escorts, by sight and radar, soon after the attack. Saw seven ships and two escorts during dawn submerged attack. It is definitely known that no ships parted from the convoy from the time of the attack until diving two hours later. The maximum range to the convoy during this period was 12,000 yards. The whereabouts of the third escort at the time of the submerged approach cannot accurately be established. Had he made a sweep from the opposite side of the convoy while we were running ahead, it is possible that he would have been undetected.

3A: Target Draft 16 feet, Course 240°, Speed 8 knots, Range 3600 yds.
3B: Target Draft 22 feet, Course 240°, Speed 8 knots, Range 3100 yds.

Own Ship Data:

Speed 5 knots, Course 005°, Depth Surface, Angle --

Type Attack

Night surface attack firing bow tubes at a group of four or five ships in lines of bearing. Points of aim on two different ships were used, three torpedoes being fired at each. TBT bearings, radar ranges, and visual angles on the bow were used. Again, all maneuvering during the attack was done on the battery.

Torpedo Attack #3
Tubes Fired #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6
Track Angle 83°P 84°P 85°P 87°P 88°P 89°P
Gyro Angle 27°L 28°L 29°L 31°L 28°L 33°L
Depth Set 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
Power High High -- -- -- --
Hit or Miss Hit Miss Miss Miss Hit Hit
Erratic? No No No No No No
Mark Torpedo 14-1 14-1 23 23 23 23
Serial No. 22515 33193 25905 50167 61786 62317
Mark Exploder 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4
Serial No. 4741 19387 7013 18273 12842 13118
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact -- -- -- Contact Contact
Mark Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 10503 16482 860 1312 13096 10076
Explosive TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval - 10 sec. 10 sec. - 10 sec. 10 sec.
Type Spread 1/2°L 1/2°R 3/4°L 3/4°R
DIVERGENT

Sea conditions: 3

Overhaul activity: Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS:

None.


U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 4, Patrol No. 11

Time: 0357 (I) Date: 26 October 1944 Lat. 19-21 N., Long. 121-50 E.

Description:

Same as Attack 3A and 3B.

Ships Sunk:

One unidentified freighter (4000 tons) (UN).

Ships Sunk or Probably Sunk:

None.

Damage Determined By:

Head two timed torpedo hits for torpedoes 8 and 9; Captain saw ship go down by the head and sink. See Attack No. 3A and 3B.

Target Draft 16 feet, Course 240°, Speed 8 knots, Range 3050 yds.

Own Ship Data:

Speed 7 knots, Course 155°, Depth Surface, Angle --

Type Attack

Continuation of Attack No. 3A and 3B. Swung hard right after firing bow tubes and fired stern tubes at a ship in the near column, astern of the original targets. Used TBT bearings, radar ranges and visual angle on bow.

Torpedo Attack #4
Tubes Fired #7 #8 #9 #10
Track Angle 93°P 92°P 90°P 89°P
Gyro Angle 172° 173° 175° 173°
Depth Set 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
Power -- -- -- --
Hit or Miss Miss Hit Hit Miss
Erratic? No No No No
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 55613 55713 55558 56253
Mark Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 9968 8681 9528 9371
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual -- Contact Contact --
Mark Warhead 18-2 18-2 18-2 18-2
Serial No. 2175 2215 2039 2567
Explosive TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval - 10 sec. 12 sec. 10 sec.
Type Spread 2°L 3/4°L 3/4°R 1 1/4°R
DIVERGENT

Sea conditions: 3

Overhaul activity: Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS:

None.


U.S.S. DRUM, Torpedo Attack No. 5A and 5B, Patrol No. 11

Time: 0652 (I) Date: 26 October 1944 Lat. 19-00 N., Long. 120-45 E.

Description:

Same convoy as attacks 3 and 4. Convoy now consists of seven freighters (one is probably a Maru escort) and two PC escorts. The freighters were identified as follows: one Yamakaze Maru freighter; one Kaisyo Maru freighter; one unidentified MFM well-deck freighter; one MFM freighter larger than Kaisyo Maru; and two engines aft, freighters similar to Hokko Maru. Attack begun in poor visibility before dawn and completed in twilight with good visibility.

Ships Sunk:

None.

Ships Damaged:

One Yamakaze Maru class freighter (6921 tons) (EC) Attack 5A.

One MFM freighter, larger than Kaisyo Maru (5000 - 6000 tons) (EU) Attack 5B.

Damage Determined By:

Saw #1 torpedo hit under foremast of Yamakaze Maru, blowing debris out far side.

Heard timed hits from #5 and #6 torpedoes. They hit the second target, a 5000 ton to 6000 ton MFM freighter larger than the one identified as a Kaisyo Maru type.

Both these ships were seen one hour and a half after the attack. The first target's section forward of the bridge was listed to starboard and his back may have been broken. The second target was smoking heavily aft. He was seen five hours after the attack, still smoking, in nearly the same position.

5A: Target Draft 22 feet, Course 215°, Speed 7.5 knots, Range 2100 yds.
5B: Target Draft 18 feet, Course 205°, Speed 7.5 knots, Range 1600 yds.

Own Ship Data:

Speed 4 knots, Course 355° - 348°, Depth 62 feet, Angle 0°

Type Attack

Periscope attack on convoy attacked three hours previously on surface. Drum found itself in the middle of the convoy after running at standard speed submerged to reach the track. The ships were then zigging on three minute legs, necessitating frequent changes of target. Three torpedoes were fired at the largest ship as soon as he steadied after zigging. If he had remained on this course, a better shot could have been obtained by closing the track but it was feared he would zig again soon. Four torpedoes were intended to be fired at this target but the fourth went astray due to a control error. It is not known why the second torpedo did not hit the target. Having observed the first torpedo hit under the foremast, with the spread used, the second torpedo should have hit aft. The remaining two torpedoes were fired at a closer target with a large gyro angle on a sharp track.

Convoy disposition at time of firing:

Convoy disposition sketch
Torpedo Attack #5
Tubes Fired #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6
Track Angle 49°P 50°P 51°P -- 14°S 15°S
Gyro Angle 6°L 3°L 61°R 56°R 57°R
Depth Set 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
Power -- -- -- -- -- --
Hit or Miss Hit Miss * Miss * Miss Hit Hit
Erratic? No No No No No No
Mark Torpedo 23 23 23 23 23 23
Serial No. 62006 62110 33788 62464 62001 50034
Mark Exploder 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4
Serial No. 2878 18275 18499 11185 18651 8645
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact * * -- Contact Contact
Mark Warhead 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial No. 9836 12161 12044 11477 20857 1968
Explosive TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval - 10 sec. 8 sec. - 9 sec. 8 sec.
Type Spread 1 1/2°L 1/2°L 1/2°R 1/2°R 1/2°L
DIVERGENT

Sea conditions: 3

Overhaul activity: Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS:

* One of these torpedoes exploded 2 minutes and 42 seconds after #2 had left the tube. See Narrative, entry of 0655-47.

(I) Mines

On 28 October 1944, at 1102 (I), a decrepit floating mine was encountered in Lat. 19-54 N., Long. 126-26 E. It was sunk by 20mm fire, not exploding when hit.

(J) Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics

In the Surigao Strait area, the indications of the Jap radar on the APR (probably on Suluan Island) were the only evidence of the presence of a Jap in any form! No planes were seen; no sampans or patrol boats were encountered. Because of the lack of enemy activity, it is difficult to evaluate the APR contacts. Many times the APR indication was at saturation and appeared to be on us. No offensive action was ever taken against us. It is therefore doubtful if we were ever contacted.

In Convoy College, night radar search planes were encountered on several occasions. On the two occasions during which the planes approached to the closest range, indications pointed to the presence of two planes making the sweep. Again saturation echoes were obtained and it appeared that the enemy radar was "steady on". We did not dive and no offensive action was taken by the enemy.

The convoy encountered on the night of October 23-24, 1944, had at least one radar equipped escort and air cover. As before, saturation echoes were obtained on the APR off and on during a period of about five hours. During one fifteen minute period, we ran at a range of 3000 yards from the convoy and were never molested by an escort. Later, however, upon approaching within 6000 yards of the convoy, two escorts detached themselves and chased us. We could not have been sighted.

The second convoy attacked, on the morning of October 24, had one destroyer as an escort. He was pinging on 17 K.C. After the attack, he administered a very poor depth charging as we evaded at 315 feet under a fine gradient, using the conventional "fish tailing" tactics while running at 80 turns. The Yasukawa Maru freighter sunk was making 6.5 knots - 60 turns. For about three hours after the attack, a small freighter, smoking heavily, remained in the vicinity. He was pinging on 17 K.C. and it was obvious that he was a Maru escort offering himself as "BAIT".

The escorts with the convoy attacked in the early morning of October 26, 1944 showed no indications of having radar. They were pinging on 17 K.C. throughout the time the convoy was tracked. After the daylight submerged attack against the same convoy, we evaded at 325 feet again under a good gradient. The depth charging was not very accurate as we escaped to the northwest at 80 turns. During the first fifteen minutes of the evasion, both conning tower sound gears were out having failed upon the order to take her down. Evasion was done by the JP. The Yamakaze Maru freighter damaged was making 8 knots - 90 turns.

(K) Major Defects and Damage

Engineering

The #2 auxiliary engine was out of commission during the entire patrol because of a broken lower crankshaft. The casualty occurred on September 11, 1944 or 50.4 engine hours on service at normal auxiliary loads since overhaul. A superficial inspection of the engine showed no other material failures or any apparent reason for the casualty.

On October 12, 1944, a cracked jacket liner was discovered on #1 unit of #2 main engine. In no way did this irregularity hinder the engine's performance as was evident when 19.2 knots were required to gain attack position on an enemy convoy. The jacket liner will be replaced in refit as part of the normal 1500 hour overhaul of #2 main engine.

The present I.C. motor generators are of insufficient capacity to carry the normal I.C. load on one unit. This necessitates continuous operation of both units while cruising on the surface.

(L) Radio

The following is a resume of the reception of the new submarine fox schedules in the Luzon Straits area of the South China Sea for the period October 16 to October 26, 1944.

Frequency Time Signal
Audible
Begins Time/Fading Completely Time/Faded Jamming
4515 0800
Fairly good
1200 1300 Starts heavily at 1100
6045 0600
Very good
1400-1500 1800 Constant
9515 0600
Good
1700 1800 Little
16370 2000
Poor
2200
Fair
0600 2130

0700

 

The 4155 China broadcast was well received.

(M) Radar

The SJ radar functioned in a satisfactory manner throughout the patrol. In the Surigao Strait area, 3000 feet peaks were regularly picked up over 100,000 yards and 1100 feet peaks at 70,000 yards. Of the two convoys encountered, one was detected at 25,000 yards and one at 30,000 yards, both being easily tracked at 15,000 yards or more.

SJ radar material failures were limited to six tubes, and the main power switch on the control unit. In the latter instance, the switch was shorted out and the IC-MG selector switch was used in its place.

For the first time in seven patrols no difficulty was experienced with the SJ motor generator.

The SD radar was used intermittently going to and from the area and performed satisfactorily with no material failures.

The APR-SPA radar detector functioned satisfactorily. (See Radio and Radar Countermeasures for contacts).

SJ radar interference from friendly submarines was encountered every night going to and from the area and every night while in the South China Sea - sometimes from as many as three submarines. No other type of interference was encountered on the SJ or on the SD radars.

(N) Sound Gear and Sound Conditions

At the beginning of the evasion after the submerged attack on October 26, 1944, both conning tower sound gears went out. This was caused by the unexplainable burning out of the line fuses. After these were replaced, it was found necessary to replace the QC-JK selector switch as the selsyn in the conning tower would not follow.

Sound conditions in the Luzon Straits area of the South China Sea were poor to fair. Marked decrease in sound ranges was noted at deep submergence during evasion.

(O) Density Layers

For the first time since the installation of the bathythermograph, favorable traces were recorded. The average gradient to 300 feet in the Surigao Strait area was only 4° but in the Luzon Strait area of the South China Sea, gradients of 10° were encountered. Evasion after the submerged attacks on October 24 and 26 was considerably simplified by the good gradients. During neither counter attack did the escort make a good sound contact on us. Below is a record of the traces obtained.

No. Date Time
(I)
Lat. N. Long. E. Surface
Temp.
Break
at Ft.
Total Drop
°F
Final Depth
Ft.
1. 29 Sept. 0540 10-38 126-12 86° 160' 4.5 280'
2. 30 Sept. 0500 10-39 126-18 86° 180' 4 300'
3. 2 Oct. 0520 10-49 126-13 86° 160' 2 300'
4. 4 Oct. 0520 10-59 126-13 85° 195' 4 300'
5. 17 Oct. 0630 20-19 120-36 81° 240' 5 300'
6. 18 Oct. 0640 20-10 120-36 82° 140' 7 315'
7. 19 Oct. 0650 21-36 118-53 82° 210' 8 315'
8. 20 Oct. 0640 21-42 119-42 82° 210' 3 315'
9. 21 Oct. 0620 20-22 119-44 82° 180' 7 315'
10. 22 Oct. 0615 19-45 118-52 83° 160' 7 315'
11. 24 Oct. 0800 20-27 118-31 84° 240' 10 315'
12. 25 Oct. 0715 20-09 119-43 84° 140' 10 315'
13. 26 Oct. 0700 19-00 120-45 84° 100' 10 325'

(P) Health, Food, and Habitability

The general health of the crew during this patrol was excellent. Two minor cuts and one case of gastro-enteritis resulted in the loss of three man-days.

The food was palatable and well-prepared throughout the patrol.

This being the first submerged patrol by the Drum in over a year, a few days passed before all hands accepted the fact that the boat would not be as cool as when surface cruising. The installation of the additional air-conditioning unit and blower in the control room improved the habitability of the forward section of the ship considerably. Surfacing for a few minutes at noon for a sun sight, as was done frequently, made the boat noticeably more comfortable during the day.

(Q) Personnel

Daily school for unqualified men was held by the unqualified officers, each officer being responsible for a group of four or five men. This method has proved advantageous to both officers and men.

Traveling in company with another submarine enroute to the area was decidedly helpful to the fire control party. Daily tracking drills using the SAWFISH as target were held enroute from Pearl to Saipan. Training dives and controllerman drills were also held.

Number on board 72
Number qualified at start 46
Number qualified at end 57
Number advanced in rating 2
Number first patrol men 10

(R) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used

Pearl to Area 5611 Miles 60377 Gallons
In Area 4868 Miles 34165 Gallons
Area to Majuro 4346 Miles 56561 Gallons
Total 14325 Miles 151103 Gallons

(S) Duration

Days Enroute to Area 17
Days in Area 29
Days Enroute to Base 13
Days Submerged 26
Total 59

(T) Factors of Endurance Remaining

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 8500 gallons
Provisions 10 days
Personnel 10 days

Limiting Factor of This Patrol:

Expenditure of torpedoes

(U) Radio and Radar Countermeasures

Interception of Enemy Radar Transmissions:

1. Ship or station - U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228)

2. Area covered on this mission (give dates) - Surigao Strait, September 28 to October 13, 1944.

3. Enemy radar was land based.
(a) Enemy installation was not definitely located; but probably on Suluan Island.

4. Intercept equipment - APR-1, TN-2A#43, TN-3-APR#38, and AN-SPA-1#429.

5.
(a) Frequency 149-154 Mc. Dial readings 149-154
(b) PRF 400-450 CPS How measured - SPA meter
(c) Pulse width - 8-10 Micro seconds How measured - SPA meter
(d) Sketch pulse
Sketch pulse
(e) Lobe switching was not used.
(f) Polarization of enemy signal
(g) Sweep rate - RANDOM - hand train indicated

6. Was radar used for surface or air search, GL, SLC, GCI, or AI - Unknown.

7. Action of enemy radar, including distances and bearings at which he searched, tracked, faded, etc. - The enemy radar signal was contacted within a radius of 25 miles of Suluan Island. A number of times, at varying ranges from ten to twenty miles, it appeared as though he had contacted us but no counter action was taken.


Interception of Enemy Radar Transmissions:

1. Ship or station - U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228)

2. Area covered on this mission (give dates) - Luzon Straits of the South China Sea, October 15 to October 26, 1944.

3. Enemy radar was airborne.

4. Intercept equipment - APR-1, TN-2A#43, TN-3-APR#38, and AN-SPA-1#429.

5.
(a) Frequency 151-152 Mc. Dial readings 151-152
(b) PRF 900-950 PPS How measured - SPA meter
(c) Pulse width - 8 Micro seconds How measured SPA meter
(d) Sketch pulse
Sketch pulse
(e) Lobe switching was not used.
(f) Polarization of enemy signal
(g) Sweep rate - RANDOM

6.
(a) Radar was used for surface search.
(b) Evidence for this conclusion - locality in which signal was contacted.

7. Action of enemy radar, including distances and bearings at which he searched, tracked, faded, etc. - Action similar to that in preceding report. Saturation echoes were maintained over a period of about 15 minutes but enemy apparently did not make contact as no counter action was taken. Not possible to estimate his range.


Interception of Enemy Radar Transmissions:

1. Ship or station - U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228)

2. Area covered on this mission (give dates) - Luzon Straits of the South China Sea, October 15 to October 26, 1944.

3. Enemy radar was shipborne.

4. Intercept equipment - APR-1, TN-2A#43, TN-3-APR#38, and AN-SPA-1#429.

5.
(a) Frequency 151-152 Mc. Dial readings 151-152
(b) PRF 900-950 PPS How measured - SPA meter
(c) Pulse width - 10-11 Micro seconds How measured SPA meter
(d) Sketch pulse
(blank)
(e) Lobe switching was not used.
(f) Polarization of enemy signal - none.
(g) Sweep rate - RANDOM

6.
(a) Radar was used for surface search.
(b) Evidence for this conclusion - locality in which signal was contacted.

7. Action of enemy radar, including distances and bearings at which he searched, tracked, faded, etc. - Again similar to the preceding reports. It will be noted that this radar is similar to that described as being airborne in the previous report. It is believed that this signal emanated from an escort of a convoy. Echoes to saturation were maintained during a five hour period. It is not possible to estimate at what range we were contacted.

(V) Remarks

1. Mark 18 Torpedo Information

Eight Mark 18 torpedoes were carried aft on this patrol for a period of 41 days. Very little difficulty was experienced in handling and maintaining them. No grounds were experienced (other than two in the charging leads furnished the ship); no watering was necessary and only four hydrogen eliminator wires burned out. The torpedo poppet roller on one tube was replaced with a mine poppet roller when it appeared that the clearance was too great for the poppet to function properly. Evidently one torpedo had a smaller outside diameter as the original roller functioned with another Mark 18 torpedo. The periods between charges averaged seven days. The average gravity drop was 14 to 18 points. The battery temperature averaged 90°F before charging and 105°F after charging.

On attack number one, a thumping and scraping noise was heard as the torpedoes left #9 and #10 tubes. It is possible that these torpedoes struck the shutters on leaving the tube. This may have been caused by the pitching and tossing of the ship in the heavy sea.

Although the maintenance problem of the Mark 18 torpedoes carried proved them practical and satisfactory, the Commanding Officer regrets having had electric torpedoes aft.

In the areas of Convoy College the advantage of the wakeless torpedo is negligible. The sea is consistently rough (averaging 3-4) and many of the attacks are night surface attacks.

I believe firmly in the high speed of the Mark 23. In any area where rough weather can be expected, I prefer to carry Mark 23 torpedoes fore and aft.

2. The Wolfpack

I sincerely regret that Drum was ordered to patrol Surigao Strait for the first three weeks of the patrol. The short time spent in the wolfpack composed of the SAWFISH and ICEFISH, under Commander A.B. Banister, USN, in SAWFISH was most enjoyable.

The one short rendezvous, while in the areas was necessitated by a change in plans because of the carrier strikes on Formosa and Luzon. The remainder of the time was spent in individual patrol, in the areas assigned - with the advantage of knowing that assistance was close at hand in case of a contact.

Communications, both by radio and SJ radar, were held to a minimum but functioned smoothly when they were used.


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