August 29, 1943
C/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
From: The Commanding
Officer.
To : The
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander
Submarine Division 102.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
(3) The Commander Submarine FORCE, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. WAHOO, Report of War Patrol number SIX.
Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart.
1. Enclosure (A), covering the SIXTH war patrol
of this vessel
conducted in the Japan Sea during the period August 8, 1943 to
August 29,
1943, is forwarded herewith.
(signature)
D.W. MORTON
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A) PROLOGUE TO
Arrived PEARL HARBOR, May 21, 1943 after FIFTH War Patrol.
On May 22, 1943 Admiral Chester
W. Nimitz, USN, Commander-in-Chief,
U.S. PACIFIC FLEET, came aboard
and made presentations of awards.
On May 23, 1943 departed for
Navy Yard, Mare Island, Cal. and
commenced overhaul.
On July 11, 1943, completed overhaul.
July 11 to 20th, inclusive post-repair trials and training period.
On July 20, 1943 Captain John
B. Griggs, Jr. USN came aboard and
made presentation of awards.
On July 21, 1943, departed
for PEARL HARBOR. Furnished services
for surface and air forces
the first day while enroute.
On July 27, 1943 arrived at PEARL HARBOR.
On July 29, 1943 Executive
officer and Chief-of-the-Boat
transferred to hospital.
Diagnosis: Appendicitis Acute. Lieut.
Comdr., Verne L. Skjonsby
USN, reported aboard and assumed duties
as Executive Officer.
July 30 to Aug. 1, underway
for training purposes. Fired three
exercise torpedoes.
(B) NARRATIVE
August 2nd: Departed for patrol Area via MIDWAY. Conducted daily drills.
August 6th: 0845Y; Moored alongside U.S.S. SPERRY at MIDWAY.
1700Y; Departed MIDWAY for assigned patrol area.
Conducted daily drills while enroute to area.
Crossed International Date Line, skipped Saturday 7th.
August 11th: 2032L; Increased to three engine speed (60-90).
Had
originally planned to make passage through YETOROFU STRAITS
during the night of August 13th, but fair weather and a
following sea has increased our daily distance run. This
additional engine will enable us to pass through YETOROFU
STRAITS, during the night of August 12th.
Consider the fuel well expended as it puts us on station a
day early.
August 12th: 1930K; Slowed to two engines (80-90).
2147K; Radar picked up land. Weather foggy, could not sight
land.
2345K; In center of YETOROFU STRAITS still conning by radar,
visibility zero.
August 13th: 0145K; Entered SEA OF OKEOTSK having completed
passage
through STRAIT without sighting land.
0200K; Fog lifted, visibility good.
0235K; Radar contact, distance 2,600 yds. Could not sight
ship, so considered it small and maneuvered to avoid.
0410K; Made trim dive. Decided to run on the surface during
the day. This will allow us to make passage through LA
PEROUSE STRAIT tonight. Visibility throughout the day varied
many times from zero to unlimited.
1710K; Dived on 100 fathom curve, 60 miles east of center of
LA PEROUSE STRAIT.
1815K; OOD picked up Man-of-War through periscope, range
about 10,000 yards. Went to battle stations and commenced
approach. During the early stages of the approach the target
looked like a destroyer. But when the range closed to 2,500
yds it was found to be an OTORI Class Torpedo Boat. At this
point we reversed tactics and commenced evading. Sound
conditions very poor. Temperature of the water dropped 25d
with 40 ft. change in depth. Final temperature of water was
7d below freezing.
Do not know whether contact with OTORI Class Torpedo Boat
routine or not. He came within a mile of us stopped and
searched. They could have had tracking information on our SD
radar, which had been used during the day.
2244K; Sighted smoke dead ahead. Maneuvered to avoid.
While avoiding, ship was plainly in sight, but no longer
smoked. She was small enough to be the same or another OTORI
Class Torpedo Boat.
August 14th: 0133K; Was challenged by shore station on SOYA
MISAKI, range
7 miles. Do not believe he sighted us as visibility was hazy
in that direction. He could have heard us through
microphones (doubtful as currents are strong here) or he had
some form of radar. Ignored challenge and did not change
course or speed (did not want him to suspect us nor did we
want to change the sound level).
Both navigational lights were burning and they remained
burning after we had been challenged.
0205K; Radar contact dead ahead range 5,500 yds. Maneuvered
to avoid. He must have been small as we never did sight him.
0422K; Dived.
1535K; Surfaced with REBUN SHIMA bearing 090dT., distance 25
miles. Believe it wise to make a run on the surface for our
assigned area which is about 150 miles south. Will likely
reward us with a target during the night. It is a beautiful
day.
We arrived in the SEA OF JAPAN in a little over six days with
70,000 gallons of fuel remaining. This is most satisfactory.
Good weather combined with FAIRBANKS-MORSE engines is really
wonderful.
August 14th: All times ITEK (-9 Zone)
2217; Sighted smoke over the horizon to the east.
Commenced tracking on the surface. Upon closing found three
freighters heading south. Two of them medium sized and one
small. Decided to attack the trailing ship. It could be
sunk without the next ship ahead (distance between last two
ships, 6,000 yards), knowing what it was all about, thus we
could get both ships.
August 15th: 0005; Dived for a submerged approached.
ATTACK No. 1
0035; Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter course 205d,
speed 7 knots, torpedo run 950 yds, track 96d starboard,
torpedo depth setting 10 feet, gyro angle 21d right.
Miss and no explosion.
0055; Surfaced and commenced tracking for another attack.
0143; Sighted another ship on a northerly course. It looked
like a larger ship and he was heading for us. Broke off the
chase on the other freighters and commenced tracking on
surface on new target.
0206; Dived for a submerged approach.
ATTACK No. 2
0222; Fired one torpedo at medium to large freighter course
030d speed 11.5 knots, torpedo run 1,150 yds., track 80d
stbd, torpedo depth setting 6 feet, gyro angle 180d. Hit at
point of aim, but torpedo was a DUD and did not explode.
0245; Surfaced and commenced tracking for another attack.
0415; Dived for a submerged approach. The moon was out, but
just setting and dawn had not quite arrived so went in on
sharp track to expedite attack while light enough to see.
ATTACK No. 3
0418; Fired two torpedoes at same target as in attack No. 2.
Course 025d, speed 11.5 knots, torpedo run 700 yds., track
60d starboard torpedo depth settings 6 feet, gyro angles 345d
and 343d. Both missed.
0423; One torpedo exploded at end of run.
In the meantime swung ship and headed directly for target.
At the completion of swing target presented a good, up-the-
stern shot.
ATTACK No. 4
0424; Fired one torpedo at same target course 025d, speed
11,5 knots, torpedo run 1,600 yds., track 176d, torpedo depth
setting 6 feet, gyro angle 355 3/4d. Missed.
0427; Torpedo must have broached and exploded before
reaching end of run.
This is bad as it is daylight now and we cannot clear the
scene of action and the target will disclose our presence.
Damn the torpedoes.
0930; Echo-ranging heard over sound. Soon sighted OTORI
Class Torpedo Boat. Commenced evading. Heard second ship
echo-ranging, but did not sight it.
1220; Lost sight of anti-submarine ships.
1930; While making preparations to surface, sound picked up
echo-ranging. Soon sighted another OTORI Class torpedo Boat.
Commenced evading. Heard second ship echo-ranging but did
not sight it.
2044; Surfaced in a cloudless night and with a full moon.
Headed on course 315d, which was directly down moon and
cleared the coast. No good hunting to-night with visibility
so good. Decided to move over on the HOKKAIDO-KOREA shipping
route and spend the night and tomorrow.
August 16th: 1749; Commenced closing the coast. The
moon is bright, but
there are a few clouds.
2339; Sighted freighter heading south. Commenced tracking
on the surface. The moon is bright and the target is making
such radical zigs, that it is difficult to gain proper
position ahead.
August 17th: 0050; Another contact.
0103; Dived to avoid detection.
0117; Surfaced and continued chase.
0149; Sighted another ship. This one is in a better
position to attack, so shifted targets. Commenced tracking
latest target.
0155; Dived for a submerged approach.
ATTACK No. 5
0226; Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter, course
000d speed 9 knots, torpedo depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle
359 1/4d. Miss and no explosion. The reason for the large
track was to give the torpedo a longer run. We had a perfect
position for 600 yd, 90d port track, but our only hit (dud)
was at a torpedo run of 1,150 yds., so decided to wait for a
similar range.
0244; Surfaced and cleared the coast. Our tactics are to
make night attacks only and clear the coast and rest during
the day.
0400; Dived.
1141; Surfaced for fresh air.
1300; Dived.
1938; Surfaced and commenced closing the coast.
We plan to shoot low power shots to-night. Maybe the torpedo
will have better depth control at low power.
2142; Sighted freighter heading north. Commenced tracking
on the surface.
2220; Dived and commenced submerged approach.
ATTACK No. 6
2224; Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter course
000d., speed 8 knots, torpedo run 1,100 yards, track 77d
starboard, torpedo depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle 001 1/2d
right. Miss and no explosion. This was a TDC controlled low
power shot.
2240; Surfaced. Decided not to chase this ship heading
north but wait for a loaded one heading south. Will fire
this next torpedo using banjo and zero gyro angle.
2307; Sighted freighter heading north. He looks a bit
larger than the others and partially loaded. Commenced
tracking on the surface.
August 18th: 0005; Dived and commenced submerged approached.
ATTACK No. 7
0023; Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter course
015d, speed 8.5 knots, torpedo run 850 yards, track 90d port,
depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle 000d. Miss and no
explosion.
Just as we fired a south bound freighter and our target
passed each other close aboard; still no hit!!!
0108; Surfaced and commenced chase after south bound
freighter. He is hugging the coast and he is very difficult
to see with dark coast as a background. While chasing this
ship sighted another one well ahead and away from the coast,
so we shifted targets. While tracking on surface passed two
small north bound ships. One looked like a tug and the other
a tanker.
0300; Dived for submerged approach.
ATTACK No. 8
0311; Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter loaded and
on course, 165dT, speed 7 knots torpedo run 1,100 yards,
track 45d port, torpedo depth setting 6 feet, gyro angle
225d. Miss and no explosion.
ATTACK No. 9
0314; Fired one torpedo at same target course 165dT., speed
7 knots, torpedo run 1,100 yards track 85d port, torpedo
depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle 186 1/2 d. Miss. Torpedo
broached at end of 23 second run.
0317; Explosion. Torpedo must have broached and exploded.
0330; surfaced and cleared the coast.
0407; Dived.
1515; Surfaced and headed further away from the coast.
Reported to ComSubPac poor performance of our torpedoes.
August 19th: Received orders from ComSubPac to return to base.
0647; Sighted ship and commenced surface tracking.
0758; Dived for submerged approach.
0848; When about ready to fire at target, her flag was made
out to be RUSSIAN. With-held fire and kept out of sight.
0928; Surfaced and continued toward LA PEROUSE STRAIT.
1707; Dived about 25 miles off LA PEROUSE STRAIT. SOYA
MISAKI could be seen through the haze.
1958; Surfaced and commenced run through the gauntlet.
Again we were challenged, but we ignored them. They
definitely could not see us to-night.
Instead of heading directly for YETOROFU STRAITS, we headed
southeast for about four hours. This kept us out of the path
of patrols.
August 20th: 0857; Sighted smoke on the horizon. Upon
closing it found
it to be sam-pan.
0915; Fired warning shot across bow of sam-pan. The Japs
invariably dive down into their holds when we fire a warning
shot. When sam-pan failed to stop opened up on it with 4"
gun and 20mm guns. After a half a dozen hits with the 4" gun
the sampan was a wreck with no sign of life about. Closed
sam-pan to board it. When bow of WAHOO was almost touching
sam-pan six members of sam-pan crew emerged through the
wreckage and held up their hands. Six Jap fishermen taken
aboard and made prisoners-of-war. Established an armed guard
over them. Gave prisoners clean, dry clothes, baths and a
round of brandy. Pharmacist Mate examined all prisoners and
found only one with a slight shrapnel wound on his knee.
None of then can speak English. However, through sign
language we were able to learn that five members of their
crew had been lost during the engagement. They said that
they had come from a port just north of TOKYO and had taken
passage through TSUGARU STRAITS and LA PEROUSE STRAITS and
they were enroute to ONEKOTAN or thereabouts.
Prisoners seemed to be grateful for being picked up.
1639; Sighted smoke on horizon. Commenced tracking on the
surface.
1649; Dived in order to close and take a look at short
range.
1736; Battle surface on another sam-pan. Fired warning shot
across his bow. Again they all dived for the holds.
Opened up with 4" gun and 20mm guns. Soon had the sam-pan in
roaring flames. Various members of the crew would jump over-
board, hide behind their boat and then climb aboard again.
None of them ever showed any desire of being rescued.
1759; While finishing up with present sam-pan, lookout
reported smoke on the horizon.
Commenced surface tracking.
1814; Dived for closing and to get a look at short range.
1901; Battle surfaced and fired warning shot across sam-pans
bow. Again they dived below.
Opened up on sampan with 4" gun and 20mm guns. After four
shots and four hits sam-pan commenced sinking rapidly.
Went alongside to pick up any willing survivors. A small
row-boat was floating. One Jap climbed in the row boat and
several others in the water gave no signs of wanting to be
picked up.
These latter two sampans were headed for YETOROFU ISLAND.
1948; Set course for YETOROFU STRAITS.
2200; Completed passage of YETOROFU STRAITS without sighting
land using radar entirely.
August 25th: Arrived in MIDWAY at 1107.
Unloaded ten (10) torpedoes.
1725Y; Underway for PEARL.
August 29th: 1035; Arrived in PEARL HARBOR.
(C) WEATHER
Good weather was encountered during the entire trip.
(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents
encountered were as given in sailing directions. Except
that the
northerly current in the JAPAN SEA was stronger than
expected,
(about 1.8 knots).
(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
SOYA MISAKI,
NOSHAPPU MISAKI, and KANOI MISAKI lights were
observed,
showing approximately characteristics given in light
lists, but
reduced in intensity.
(F) ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED
No. :TIME : LAT. : TYPE(S)
:INITIAL : EST. : HOW
:REMARKS
:DATE :
LONG. :
: RANGE : COURSE : CONTACTED :
:
: :
: : SPEED
: :
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1635Z : 45-50N :
---- :
: --- : RADAR :
1. : Aug 12: 148-50E : ----
: 2,800 yds: --- : SURFACE
:EVADED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 0815Z : 45-48N : OTORI
: :
: PERISCOPE : ECHO-
2. : Aug13 : 143-42E : CLASS DD : 13,500
yds: VARIOUS : SUBMERGED :RANGING
:
: :
: :
: :EVADED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1244Z : 45-43N :
: :
: BINOCULAR :
3. : Aug13 : 142-58E : ---
: 6,000 yds: --- : SURFACE
:EVADED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1650Z : 45-39N :
: :
: RADAR :
4. : Aug13 : 141-40E : ---
: 5,500 yds: --- : SURFACE
:EVADED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1200Z : 43-12N : 4,000T
AK : 20,000 yds: 205D : BINOCULAR :
5. : Aug14 : 140-00E : 3,200T AK : 20,000 yds:
7 KNOTS : SURFACE :ATTACK
:
: : 2,000T AK : 20,000
yds: :
: No. 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1600Z : 43-07N : 6,600T
AK : :
025D : BINOCULAR :ATTACKS
6. : Aug14 : 139-55E :
: 16,500 : 11.5 KTS : SURFACE :2,3,4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 2345Z : 43-12N : 2
OTORI :
: : SOUND
:ECHO
: Aug14-: 139-43E : Class
DD'S: 12,000 yds: --- : SUBMERGED :RANGING
7. : Aug15 :
: :
: :
:EVADED
: 0200Z :
: :
: :
:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1000Z : 43-10N : 1
OTORI :
: : SOUND
:ECHO-
8. : Aug15 : 139-35E : Class DD : 10,000
yds: --- : SUBMERGED :RANGING
:
: : 1 UNKNOWN :
??? :
: :EVADED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1500Z : 42-45N : 4,000T
AK : 10,000 yds: 180 7kts.: BINOCULAR :ATTACK
9. :-1800Z : 139-50E : 3,500T AK : 8,000
yds: 180 7kts : SURFACE :No. 5
: Aug16 :
: 1,500T AK : 8,000 YDS: 000 9kts :
:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1230Z : 42-16N : 3,500T
AK : 10,000 yds: 000 : BINOCULAR :ATTACK
10. : Aug17 : 139-39E :
: : 8 knots
: SURFACE :No. 6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1430Z : 42-17N : 3,000T
AK : 1,100 yds: 015 : BINOCULAR :ATTACK
11. : Aug17 : 139-43E :
: : 8.5 knts
: SURFACE :No. 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1650Z : 41-58N : 4,000T
AK : 10,000 yds: 165 : BINOCULAR :ATTACKS
12. : Aug17 : 139-53E :
: : 7 knots
: SURFACE :#8 #9
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 1715Z : 42-05N : 1,200T
AK : 10,000 yds: 335 : BINOCULAR :SIGHTED
13. : Aug17 : 139-42E : 800T AT :
: 6 knots : SURFACE :PRIOR
:
: :
: :
: :#8 #9
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 2147Z : 44-43N : 3,200T
KA : 14,000 yds: 255 : PERISCOPE :
14. : Aug18 : 138-55E :
: : 6 knots
: SURFACE :RUSSIAN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 2257Z : 45-35N : 36
Ton : 9,000 yds: 235
: PERISCOPE :SUNK BY
15. : Aug19 : 146-50E : Sam-pan :
: 6 knots : SURFACE :GUNFIRE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 0639Z : 45-50N : 30
Ton : 13,000 yds: 240 :
PERISCOPE :SUNK BY
16. : Aug20 : 148-22E : Sam-pan :
: 6 knots : SURFACE :GUNFIRE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: 0752Z : 45-47N : 35
Ton : 12,000 yds: 210 :
BINOCULAR :SUNK BY
17. : Aug20 : 148-42E : Sam-pan :
: 7 knots : SURFACE :GUNFIRE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
None.
(H) ATTACK DATA
(TORPEDO
ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1535 DATE Aug.
14, 1943 LAT 43-12 N LONG
140-00 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 3,000 Ton AK -
last ship in rough column of three. No escort.
Visual contact. Full moon over-cast surface visibility good.
Estimated range at time of contact 10 miles.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 15 Course 205 Speed 7 Range 950 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 4.5 K Course 100 Depth 64 FT Angle 009 1/2 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Tracked for period of one hour with
radar and TBT bearings then dived for periscope attack.
Problem checked precisely on TDC. Fired single torpedo. Miss.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1722 DATE Aug.
14, 1943 LAT 43-07 N LONG
139-55 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 6,000 Ton AK,
steaming alone. Visual contact, full moon,
overcast sky surface visibility good.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 3
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1918 DATE Aug.
14, 1943 LAT 43-15 N LONG
140-03 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 6,000 Ton AK, same target as attack #2.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 14 Course 025 Speed 11.5 Range 800 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3 k Course 269 Depth 64 FT Angle 345t 343 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Tracked target for another hour and
a half after previous attack while gaining position ahead.
Target data checked with that for initial attack. After
diving fired spread of two torpedoes using as points of aim
points 1/4 length from bow and stern. Both missed.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 4
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1924 DATE Aug.
14, 1943 LAT 43-15 N LONG
140-03 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 6,000 Ton AK, same target as #2 attack.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 14 Course 0025 Speed 11.5 Range 1200 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3 k Course 025 Depth 64 FT Angle 355 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Swung ship after unsuccessful second
attack on this target and as favorable 180d track presented
fired single torpedo. Miss.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 5
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1726 DATE Aug.
16, 1943 LAT 42-45 N LONG
139-50 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 4,000 Ton AK steaming
alone. Visual contact full moon,
scattered clouds. Surface visibility good.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 10 Course 359 Speed 9 Range 1100 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3 k Course 032 Depth 63 FT Angle 007 1/4 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Tracked target with radar and TBT
bearings for 45 minutes prior to diving for submerged
periscope approach. Purposely allowed range to open as only
previous success on this patrol had been with 1,100 yard run.
Fired single shot. Miss.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 6
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1324 DATE Aug.
17, 1943 LAT 42-16 N LONG
139-39 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 3,500 Ton AK steaming
alone. Visual contact, full moon, heavy
clouds surface visibility good.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 10 Course 000 Speed 8 Range 1200 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3.5 K Course 256.5 Depth 61 FT Angle 257.5 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Tracked target for half-hour on
surface, using TBT bearings radar ranges. Dived, continued to
track by radar until commencing periscope attack. Fired
single shot. Miss. Used low speed in hope of obtaining
better depth control.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 7
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1523 DATE Aug.
17, 1943 LAT 42-17 N LONG
139-43 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 3,000 Ton AK steaming
alone. Full moon, heavy clouds, surface
visibility good. Visual contact.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 10 Course 015 Speed 8.5 Range 850 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3 Course 102.5 Depth 63 FT Angle 016 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Tracked target for an hour using
radar ranges and TBT bearings. Set up checked closely on TDC.
Set up and fired low speed shot employing angle from MK VIII
angle solver. TDC checked exactly with angle solver. Fired
single shot. Miss.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 8
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1811 DATE Aug.
17, 1943 LAT 41-58 N LONG
139-43 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 4,000 Ton AK steaming
alone. Moonlight, high clouds.
Visibility good. Visual contact.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 15 Course 165 Speed 7 Range 1250 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3.5 K Course 075 Depth 55 FT Angle 223.25 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Tracked with radar and TBT, dived
for periscope TDC attack. High speed settings. Missed sixth
single shot.
(TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
TORPEDO ATTACK No. 9
PATROL No. 6
TIME GCT 1814 DATE Aug.
17, 1943 LAT 41-48 N LONG
139-53 E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 4,000 Ton AK. Same target as attack #8.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: ---
Target Draft 15 Course 165 Speed 7 Range 1200 (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3.5 K Course 076 Depth 55 FT Angle 193.5 (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night, Radar,
Periscope. Target data same as attack No. 8.
Torpedo broached after 23 second run.
Tubes Fired # 3 # 7 # 2 #
3 # 4 # 1 # 1 # 4
# 8 # 9
____________________________________________________________
Track Angle : 96S : 80S : 60S : 60S :176S :150P : 77S : 90P : 45P
: 85P
____________________________________________________________
Gyro Angle : 21R : 0 : 5.5L:4.25L:4.25L: .75L:
1.5R: 0 : 45R :6.75R
____________________________________________________________
Depth Set : 10 : 6 : 6
: 6 : 6 : 4 : 4 :
4 : 6 : 4
____________________________________________________________
Power : HP : HP
: HP : HP : HP : HP : LP : HP :
HP : HP
____________________________________________________________
Hit/Miss :Miss : Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss:
Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss
____________________________________________________________
Erratic : No : No : No
: No : No : No : No : No : No :
No
____________________________________________________________
Mk. Torpedo : XIV : 3A : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : -
- : - - : - -
____________________________________________________________
Serial No. :22791:23255:24390:22769:22798:24506:22764:24505:32612:23026
____________________________________________________________
Mk. Exploder: VI : -1 : - - : - - : - - : - - : - -
: - - : - - : - -
____________________________________________________________
Serial No. :6327 : 6372: 6357: 6401:17463: 6622: 6453: 7687:
6456: 5418
____________________________________________________________
Act. Set :CONTACT- - : - - : - - : - - : - -
: - - : - - : - - : - -
____________________________________________________________
Act. Act. :NONE : DUD :NONE :NONE :NONE :NONE :NONE
:NONE :NONE :NONE
____________________________________________________________
Mk. Warhead : XVI : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : -
- : - -
____________________________________________________________
Ser. No. :9674 :1475 :1438 :1081 :9572 :9641
:1600 :2619 :1461 :2329
____________________________________________________________
Explosive : TPX : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - -
: - - : - - : - -
____________________________________________________________
Fir. Intervl:SINGL:SINGL: 11 SEC :SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL
____________________________________________________________
Type Spread :SINGL:SINGL:LONGITUDINL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL
____________________________________________________________
Sea Cond. : 1 : 1 : 1
: 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 :
0 : 0 : 0
____________________________________________________________
Overhaul :
Activity :---------------SUBBASE PEARL HARBOR------------------------
____________________________________________________________
REMARKS : :
: : :
: : : Miss:
: Miss
: Miss: Dud : Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss:MkVIII:Miss:Broa-
: : :
: : :
: :Angle: :ched
: : :
: : :
: :Solver: :23 secs.
____________________________________________________________
(GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
GUN ATTACK No. 1
PATROL No. 6
TIME 2257(Zed) DATE Aug. 19,
1943 LAT 45-35 N LONG 146-50
E
T ARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Ship(s) Sunk: One enemy fishing vessel approximately 36 tons.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: Observation by ships company.
DETAILS OF ACTION (ALL TIMES ZED)
2257; Sighted smoke on the
horizon bearing 110dT, 22d R. Changed course
and speed to close. Target
turned out to be an enemy fishing vessel.
2315; Fired warning shot across
enemy's bow.
2326; Commenced firing 4"/50
and 20mm machine guns.
2328; Ceased firing, target
sinking. At this time six (6) survivors
came topside. Decided to take prisoners
of war.
A max firing range of 100 yards
was used. 4"/50 high velocity ammunition
with Mk 30-1 point detonation fuse
was used. The "superquick" feature
was employed on all nine (9) rounds
fired. All hits proved this
ammunition quite effective on this
type of target. Hits at the waterline
caused quick sinking of the enemy.
Approximately 120 rounds of 20mm
ammunition, with a ratio of one(1)
HET to two(2)HEI was used in this
attack. This machine gun fire
started no fires on this target.
(GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
GUN ATTACK No. 2
PATROL No. 6
TIME 0639(Zed) DATE Aug. 20,
1943 LAT 45-50 N LONG 148-22
E
TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Ship(s) Sunk: One enemy fishing vessel approximately 25 tons.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: Observation by ships company.
DETAILS OF ACTION (ALL TIMES ZED)
0639; Sighted smoke bearing
033dT, 317d R. Changed course and speed to
close target.
0649; Dived for close observation.
Identified as enemy fishing vessel.
0736; Battle surfaced manning
all guns.
0746; Commenced firing, still
pursuing enemy.
0751; Observed target burning
well, ceased firing. Sam-pan still not in
sinking condition so a few more
rounds of 4"/50 were placed at her
waterline at close range.
0758; Target sinking fast.
No survivors were taken.
Fifteen (15) rounds of 4"/50 high-capacity,
point-detonating ammunition
with the Mk 30-1 "superquick" feature
operative were used. All hits had
a devastating effect on the upper-works
of the sam-pan and the hits at
the water-line caused rapid sinking.
170 rounds of 20mm ammunition loaded
one(1)HET to two(2)HEI were also
used to good effect. They
definitely started a good blaze that was
stopped when the sam-pan sunk.
Mean range of firing was 1,000 yards.
*0745 Fired warning burst
across bow.
(GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM)
U.S.S WAHOO
GUN ATTACK No. 3
PATROL No. 6
TIME 0759(Zed) DATE Aug. 20,
1943 LAT 45-47 N LONG 148-42
E
T ARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED
Ship(s) Sunk: One enemy fishing vessel approximately 35 tons.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damaged Determined by: Observation by ships company.
D ETAILS OF ACTION (ALL TIMES ZED)
0759; Sighted ship bearing
180dR., shortly after sinking the fishing
vessel described in attack #2.
0814; Dived and tried to close
target.
0901; Battle surfaced manning
all guns and pursued target at full power.
0917: Fired warning shot across
bow.
0919; Commenced firing.
0930; Ceased firing - Sam-pan
sinking rapidly. By the time this ship
got to the wreckage the target had
sunk. Attempted picking up survivors,
no success.
Four (4) rounds of 4"/50 High-capacity,
point detonating ammunition with
the Mk 30-1 "superquick" feature
operative were used. Four direct hits,
several of which were at the waterline,
undoubtedly accounted for the
rapid sinking of this vessel.
Attacks show this ammunition quite
satisfactory at least on this type
of target.
Fifty(50) rounds of 20mm ammunition
loaded one(1)HET to two(2)HEI was
fired, but due to the short time
those guns were able to fire at
effectively, no conclusive observations
could be made concerning their
effect in this attack
The mean range of firing was 1,500
yards.
(I) MINES
None encountered.
(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
Several OTORI Class torpedo Boats conducted a search with their
echo-ranging sound gear. 17kcs was normally used, but one patrol
boat used 19kcs. They dropped no depthcharges.
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
The port propeller shaft has a squeal in it at high speed at deep
depth. It has a heavy vibration at minimum speed at deep depth.
When backing down on the surface it vibrates very badly. At the
first available opportunity this shaft should be put in proper
working order. Its present condition could be a hazard to the ship
during evasive tactics.
(L) RADIO
Radio reception was in general very good in spite of the fact that
we were entirely surrounded by land while on station. 450kcs and
4115 series were guarded continually and 4235 series at night.
Nothing was received on either 450 kcs. or 4235 kcs. NPM was
copied at periscope depth on the NL loop as far as 2,000 miles from
base, under good conditions. Little jamming was encountered.
The
only transmission made on station was made with no difficulty, NPM
answering immediately. Signal strength was five, frequency 8,470
kcs. On the second transmission enroute to the base, considerable
difficulty was encountered in trying to raise NPM. The message was
finally cleared through NPM and NPG.
Last serial received
250843 ComSubPac
Last serial sent
221330 WAHOO
(M) RADAR
S.J. Radar performance was very erratic with maximum ranges on land
ranging from 13,800 yds to 28,000 yds. The minimum ranges were
obtained under conditions of heavy fog. Overall performance could
be considered fair as maximum ranges on targets appeared shorter
than on past performance. No lost time.
The S.D. Radar proved useful for navigation and though it was
inoperative at one crucial time, the set was very reliable
throughout the rest of the trip with land ranges up to 41 miles.
Total lost time four hours.
(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
Sound conditions enroute to and on station can be described in one
word, terrible. At times the temperature of the water dropped as
much as 10 degrees in ten feet at periscope depth. Temperature on
one occasion dropped from 58d to 25d from periscope depth to 300
feet. The average temperature differential on station was 23d.
Two to three density layers were encountered every time we went
deep. The bathythermograph was a great help. During approaches,
target screws were heard p to 3,000 yards. The QC sound head was
used to "ping" a range, just prior to firing, but sound conditions
were so poor that no reliable results were obtained.
(O) HEALTH AND HABITABILITY
Health of the crew was good. a few members of the crew had minor
head colds, which were treated with nose sprays, aspirin, and
A.P.C. capsules. One case of constipation required bed and rest.
One case admitted with diagnosis #2715, tooth unerupted, right
inferior third molar. Treated with incision of the gingiva and
drained, this was followed with iodoform gauze packing, and sodium
perborate mouth-wash every three hours. The third day,
sulfathiazole powder was applied with a powder blower, followed by
iodoform gauze packing. Total sick days; five. One case suffered
from Caries teeth, left superior, second bicuspid, temporary
filling was made from Zinc Oxide powder and Eugenol. When applied
this relieved all pain. The Commanding Officer suffered slight
rheumatic pains two or three times during the patrol, not severe
enough to cause him to turn in. The pains were efficiently treated
with aspirin grs. 10 and Codeine grs. 1/2. Two doses usually
relieved the pain. About six days out from the base, inspection
revealed sixteen men infested with Pediculi Pubis. Due to the
small amount of Mercurial Ointment on board, these men were sponged
with Diesel fuel oil, followed in one hour with a shower. Another
inspection, three days later showed four men still infested. They
were instructed to shave and repeat the fuel oil bath. Final
inspection, two days later showed the crew to be completely free of
the vermin.
Six prisoners of war captured from a small trawler, were
accommodated on mats on the deck of the after torpedo room. One
prisoner had a small shrapnel wound in the right knee, wound was
cleansed and debribed, sulfathiazole powder, one suture, and
dressing applied, no complication or infection have appeared.
All the prisoners appeared to be comfortable and extremely pleased
with their surroundings. They have been helping with routine
cleaning of the ship, and doing their own mess cooking.
About half of the crew have been taking the multiple vitamin
capsules provided.
(P) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
PEARL HARBOR to MIDWAY
1,219
MIDWAY to AREA
2,117
IN AREA Surface
808
Submerged 236
AREA to PEARL
3,430
(Q) FUEL OIL EXPENDED
MIDWAY to AREA
23,890 gals.
IN AREA
5,062 gals.
FROM AREA TO MIDWAY
31,781 gals.
(R) FACTORS OF
ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes
14
Fuel
31,267 gals.
Provisions
40 days.
Personnel Factors
40 days.
(S) REMARKS
It is recommended that all influence torpedoes be provided all
submarines going on patrol, and permit the individual submarines to
inactivate the influence feature as necessary and as desired.
This will give the various submarines more flexibility in torpedo
firing.
FB5-42/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY TWO
Serial 025
In Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
4 September 1943.
CONFIDENTIAL
From: The Commander Submarine
Division FORTY TWO.
To : The Commander
Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine
Squadron FOUR.
Subject: U.S.S. WAHOO - Report of Sixth War Patrol - Comments on.
1. The WAHOO spent a total of twenty-eight
days on this patrol. Of
this time only seven days were actually spent in the assigned area.
The patrol
was terminated early after the expenditure of ten torpedoes on
six targets
without having inflicted any apparent damage on the enemy.
2. This is the fourth patrol of the present
Commanding Officer and the
first patrol subsequent to a Navy Yard overhaul. The first
three patrols of
this Commanding Officer were outstanding and highly successful
and resulted in
the sinking and damaging of considerable tonnage.
3. Nine separate torpedo attacks were made
on six different targets.
With the exception of the third attack in which a spread of two
torpedoes was
used all attacks were delivered with single torpedoes. The
impact of the
torpedo on the target fired on the second attack was heard by both
sound
operators and at the same time a plume of spray at the target was
also seen by
the periscope officer. Other than this "dud" no hits were
made on any of the
targets.
4. All attacks were delivered under cover
of darkness after the target
had been tracked by radar for periods varying between forth-five
minutes to an
hour and a half. Precise data were obtained on all targets
and the Commanding
Officer in each case skillfully maneuvered his boat to an excellent
firing
position for the initial attack. The ranges in all cases
except one were under
eleven hundred and fifty yards and in general small gyro angles
(about five
degrees) were used on the torpedoes. In an endeavor to obtain
improved torpedo
performance low power was used on two attacks without success.
On still another
attack a track of one hundred fifty degrees was accepted in preference
to one
nearer ninety in the hope that a glancing impact was the answer.
5. A skillful commander with precise instruments
for obtaining target
data has a natural reluctance to waste torpedoes on slow speed,
small, or even
medium sized merchant vessels. Why use two torpedoes when
one may easily finish
the job? Considering all factors including torpedo performance
it is essential
that spreads be used to insure destruction of the target.
6. The port propeller shaft squealed at
high speeds when running deep.
Other than this the WAHOO was in excellent material condition.
This will be
investigated and remedied during refit. In view of the poor
torpedo performance
the torpedo tubes will be thoroughly and carefully checked while
in dock and a
special report submitted.
FC5-4/A16-3 SUBMARINE
SQUADRON FOUR
Serial 0226
In Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
6 September 1943.
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CSD 42 Conf. Ltr. FB5-42/A16-3
Serial 025 of 4 September 1943.
From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief,
Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. WAHOO - Report of Sixth War Patrol - Comments on.
1. The sixth war patrol of the WAHOO was
conducted with the same
aggressiveness which has made her past performances outstanding.
Nine attacks
were made within seven days on station, indicating a productive
area.
2. All attacks were made from ideal positions,
average torpedo run
1,070 yards, gyro angles small, all tracks close to 90d.
Only one hit was
observed and this was a dud. Accurate determination of the
cause of the misses
is of course impossible. One possible cause is the fact that
all torpedoes were
set for shallow depths, average depth setting 5.5 feet. The
unreliable torpedo
performance with shallow depth settings has been noted in the past.
The
decision of the commanding officer to fire single torpedoes, while
understandable is not concurred in. A minimum of two, preferably
three
torpedoes, using a spread, should be fired at any target worthy
of torpedo
expenditure, taking into consideration the poor performance of
the Mark XIV
torpedo, the many unknowns in torpedo firing and the fact that
medium size
vessels can withstand one torpedo when it isn't in a vital spot.
3. The destruction of the sampans by gun
fire was conducted with the
usual efficiency of the WAHOO. It is recommended that the
WAHOO be credited
with the following damage inflicted on the enemy.
Sunk 3 Sampans.
Copy to:
CSD 42
CO WAHOO
FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE,
PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01235
In Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 September 1943.
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
WAHOO Report of Sixth
War Patrol dated 8-29-43.
From: The Commander Submarine
Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief,
U. S. Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief,
U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. WAHOO (SS238) - Report of Sixth
War Patrol,
(2 August to 29 August 1943).
Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject war patrol report.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv 42 Conf. 1st. end. FB5-42/A16-3
Serial 025 dated 4 September 1943.
(C) Copy of Comsubron 4 Conf. 2nd. end. FC5-4/A16-3,
Serial 0226 dated 6 September 1943.
1. The WAHOO's sixth war patrol was the
first after a navy yard
overhaul. It was carried out in the Japan Sea.
2. Many contacts were made and nine aggressive
torpedo attacks carried
out. The lack of success of these attacks is being investigated.
Failure to
use torpedo spreads during most of the attacks undoubtedly contributed
materially to the lack of success. Torpedo spreads must be
used to cover
possible errors in data or possibly of duds.
3. Three sampans were sunk by gunfire and
six prisoners were brought
back from one of them.
4. This patrol is not considered successful for Combat Insignia award.
5. The WAHOO is credited with inflicting
the following damage to the
enemy:
SUNK
3 - Sampans
-
96 tons
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.