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Submarine USS Searaven (196)

2 Apr 1942
At 1700H/2, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Fremantle for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to transport 1500 rounds of 3" AA ammunition to Corregidor. (2)

7 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1212H/7, in position 14°49'S, 117°38'E, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) a periscope was reported on the port bow distant 1500 yards. USS Searaven then headed for this spot at three engines. When over the sport altered course 90° to right. When settled on this now course a torpedo wake was reported opposite new track crossing old track just aft of the turning point. The Commanding Officer did not see the reported torpedo wake and it is considered the contact report was false.

[Which was most likely indeed the case as no Japanese submarines were operating in this area at this time.] (3)

9 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
When midway between Sumba and Sawu Islands, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) receives a signal ordering her to patrol to the north of Timor Island. (3)

11 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2125H/11, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN), receives a signal ordering her to pick up around 24 Australian troops stranded on the south coast of Timor near Cape Kurus. Course was then reversed to proceed to the south coast of Timor. (2)

12 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0100H/12, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN), receives a signal informing her that 26 Australians were using a code of doubtful security and that precautions were to be taken against an enemy surprise attack while attempting the rescue. (2)

13 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) stood into the coast submerges at the rendezvous point while making careful periscope observations.

1530H/13, two horsemen were seen approaching the rendezvous point from the southward.

1900H/13, Surfaced. Stationed machine gunners to guard against possible enemy interference with small boats. Lights were seen on the beach near the rendezvous. Rigged the boat but the engine gave trouble so paddles had to be used. Signalled the beach and got a reply, took this as coming from the stranded party. Communications with the shore were lost and also the surf was to great so the party could not be picked up. It was therefore decided to try again next evening and USS Searaven stood out to charge the batteries. (2)

14 Apr 1942
0445H/14, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) submerged and stood into the coast again to observe the rendezvous point from around 1500H/14 until dark.

1530H/14, Observed a group of four men mounted on horseback and another group of three men on foot approaching the rendezvous position. They disappeared into the brush just short of the rendezvous point.

1900H/14, Surfaced and prepared the boat for lowering. Removed the engine to lighten the boat.

2050H/14, Noted reflection of a campfire on the beach a little south of the rendezvous point. Signalled 'SR' and within two minutes received an answering signal from a point a little to the northward of the campfire. Sent the boat in to this point to pick up the party and signalled the beach to this effect. Received answering flash from the beach after completion of this message. The boat anchored off the surf and an attempt was made to get in contact with someone ashore but the attempt failed. Ensign C.C. Cook, USNR then left the boat and swam to the shore and then approached a campfire on the beach. He noticed about 12 men around it. When about 25 yards from the campfire he turned his flashlight upon himself and shouted. All men at the campfire then scattered. Ensign Cook then searched the area for an hour but failed to make contact after which he was ordered to rejoin Searaven. Attempts to make contact with the shore from the submarine failed.

0100H/15, The inoperative engine of the motor boat was jettisoned to expedite securing the boat.

0130H/15, The boat returned and was hoisted aboard.

0200H/15, As USS Searaven stood out signals from the beach resumed. Left the area to make a report about the situation the ComSubs Asiatic Fleet when well to the south. The signal was sent on 16 April 1942. (2)

16 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) is ordered to return to Timor and continue the attemps on the night of the 17th and if needed the 18th. (2)

17 Apr 1942
At 1530H/17, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) was one mile off shore at the rendezvous point. Seven horsemen plus three pack horses were seen approaching the rendezvous and four men on foot were seen at the rendezvous position.

1900H/17. Searaven surfaced and observed a bombing raid on Kupang. A blinking light was observed on Mount Kurus signalling the letters A I M three times.

2020H/17, An unidentified northbound ship was sighted to the west. Two bow and two stern torpedo tubes were brought to the ready but no attack was made due to the ongoing operation.

2100H/17, Commenced making signals towards the beach. 15 Minutes later contact was established. Lowered the boat and sent it to the beach.

0115H/18, The boat returned with 16 Australians and learnt that another 17 men remained on the shore, 15 of which were very weak. Sent a signal to the that the submarine would return the following night to pick them up. Also learnt that it was expected that the Japanese could attack at any moment the following day. Of the men coming on board all but three had fever and almost all were in a bad condition.

0215H/18, Stood clear of the coast to charge the batteries. (2)

18 Apr 1942
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy) evacuates 32 Royal Australian Air Force men from Timor.

18 Apr 1942
At 1600H/18, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) was one mile off shore at the rendezvous point and observed the beach closely for the remainder of daylight.

1900H/18, Surfaced and observed another air raid on Kupang.

2120H/18, Established communication with the stranded party and sent over the boat.

0100H/19, The boat returned with the remaining 17 Australians. 4 of them could not sit up and could hardly move. All but 2 had to be carried below on the shoulders of the crew of the submarine. This second group was in much worse condition than the first group that had come aboard. 2 of the Australians were in a serious condition.

0200H/19, With everybody secured as well as the boat course was set to the west on two engines, using the other two to charge the batteries. Course was subsequently set for Fremantle. (2)

23 Apr 1942
At 2008H/23, on board USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) a fire was reported in the maneuvering room when she was in position 28°51'S, 112°55'E (west of Geraldton, Australia). That room and the after torpedo room had to be evacuated.

At 2100H/23, a signal was sent to ComSubs Asiatic Fleet requiring assistance.

At 2300H/23, a signal was sent to ComSubs Asiatic Fleet that the fire had been extinguished and that only the batteries could be used for propulsion.

At 2358H/23, a signal from ComSubs Asiatic Fleet was received stating that the submarine USS Snapper (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Stone, USN) would come to our assistance and later also the patrol yacht USS Isabel (Lt. J.W. Payne, Jr., USN).

At 0735H/24, USS Snapper was sighted and at 0845H/24, Snapper took Searaven in tow.

Around 1000H/24, the tow line parted. A new tow could be astablished and towing resumed around 1300H/24.

At 1615H/24, the minesweeper HMAS Maryborough(A/Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) joined.

At 1700H/24, the destroyers USS Parrott (Lt. J.N. Hughes, USN) and USS Paul Jones (Lt. C.R. Herms, USN) joined as escorts.

Around 1745H/24, the tow parted.

At 1755H/24, USS Snapper. parted company to proceeed to Fremantle.

At 1800H/24, HMAS Maryborough passed a towline.

The tow and its escort arrived at Freemantle on the 25th. (2)

25 Apr 1942
USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Fremantle. She was then taken in hand for repairs and refit with the assistance of USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN). (2)

28 Jun 1942
At 1645H/28, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Fremantle for her 4th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Banda Sea, in the Timor, Kendari and Ambon areas respectively.

For the daily positions of USS Searaven during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

(4)

10 Jul 1942
At 1729H/10, when in position 08°32'S, 125°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a ship bearing 000° at a range of 10000 yards coming out of the haze.

At 1735H/10, When the range was 8000 yards the ship was identified as being from the Hakiwa Maru-class. Decided to overtake and make a surface attack. The speed of the target was 12 knots.

At 2120H/10, The target was seen again, broad on the starboard bow at a range of 8000 yards.

At 2125H/10, the target was obscured by a rain squall. Enemy course had been determined to be 240°(T) and speed was estimated to be 13 knots.

At 2225H/10, the target was lost from sight and was not seen again.

The target may well have the hospital ship Hakiwa Maru which arrived at Kupang on the 11th. So if this correct the identification of the ship had been spot on. (4)

25 Jul 1942
At 2300H/25, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sent a signal to ComSubs Southwest Pacific informing them that the submarine had developed serious defects and that it was not considered safe to remain on patrol any longer and permission was requisted to return to Fremante. This permission was granted in a signal received at 0116H/26 and course was set accordingly. (4)

5 Aug 1942 (position -29.54, 113.39)
At 1007H/5, when south-west of Geraldton, Australia, in position 29°54'S, 113°39'E, the officer of the watch and a lookout on board USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a periscope bearing 080° at a range of 1200 yards. Evasive action was taken. The periscope was seen once more but no torpedoes were seen and USS Searaven resumed her passage. A signal was sent to report this contact.

No enemy submarine was in this area at this given time though so the sighting must have been bogus. (4)

6 Aug 1942
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 4th war patrol at Fremantle. She was escorted in by USS Isabel (Lt. J.W. Payne, Jr., USN). The submarine was then taken in hand for refit and repairs by USS Holland (T/Capt. P.E. Pendelton, USN). (4)

27 Sep 1942
Around 0745H/27, USS Skipjack (T/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Coe, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Fremantle for their 5th war patrols.

USS Skipjack was ordered patrol in the Banda Sea and then patrol her way north wards as she is to end her patrol at Pearl Harbour.

USS Searaven was ordered to patrol in the Sunda Strait inspecting Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island en-route and on the way back from the patrol area.

On laving harbour they first conducted exercises with USS Lark (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Thomson, USN) before proceeding on patrol. (5)

27 Sep 1942
For the daily and attack positions of USS Searaven during her 5th war patrol see the map below.

4 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
0458H/4, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted Christmas Island bearing 015°(T) at a range of 8 nautical miles.

0553, Searaven submerged and cruised up the east coast of Christmas Island about 2 nautical miles from the beach. Rounded the north-east point and had a look inside Flying Fish Cove but saw no signs of activity except for a small patrol boat of about 50 tons anchored in the cove and some salvage work being undertaken on a beached steamer to the southwest of Smith Point.

1840H/4, Set course to 340°(T) to be well clear of the island on surfacing which was done at 2022H/4. (6)

5 Oct 1942
0555H/5, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) submerged to make a survey of Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island. There were no signs of activity except near the stranded merchant vessel.

1251H/5, Fired one torpedo at the stranded merchant vessel (this was the wreck of the Norwegian merchant vessel Eidsvold (Norwegian, 4184 GRT, built 1934)) which hit amidships as intended. That should end any salvage operations. Then stood out and cleared to the northward of the island.

1950H/5, Surfaced and sent a signal to ComSubs Southwest Pacific reporting the situation at Christmas Island and our action taken. (6)

7 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived in her patrol area off / in the Sunda Strait. (6)

9 Oct 1942
At 1210H/9, when in position 06°06'S, 105°46'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a ship bearing 097° at a range of 14000 yards. The target was heading 225° at 12 knots. No attack was possible as the range could not be closed further then 4000 yards. It was thought the target was the cement carrier Kiyotada Maru (3080 GRT, built 1936) proceeding to Christmas Island to load phosphate there. (6)

10 Oct 1942 (position -6.00, 105.28)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a transport in an enemy convoy in the Sunda Strait. No hits were obtained though and one of the three torpedoes fired exploded prematurely.

0525H/10, Sighted an enemy convoy in approximate position 06°15'S, 105°28'E about 5 miles south of Krakatau Island. Range was 6 nautical miles. The convoy was proceeding on an easterly course at an estimated 8 knots.

0530H/10, Reversed course to close. The convoy was made up of three transports (one thought to be of the Senkai Maru-class and two of the Aden Maru-class) and a minelayer-type escort thought to be the Itsukushima (offsite link) [this could not be the Itsukushima though as she was not in the Sunda Strait area at this time, given the discription given in the patrol report it may have been one of the Hatsutaka-class, perhaps the Hatsutaka herself (offsite link)].

0538H/10, The leading vessel of the convoy turned on a searchlight. Submerged.

0634H/10, Fired three torpedoes from 3000 yards at the third ship in line. However one of the torpedoes prematured after which USS Searaven went deep. The other two torpedoes missed. No counter attack followed.

0800H/10, Sighted the minelayer which apparently had remained behind. Commenced approach but after almost one hour this was given up as the range could not be closed. (6)

12 Oct 1942 (position -6.10, 105.37)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) torpedoed and damaged the German blockade runner Regensburg (8068 GRT, built 1928) in Sunda Strait, Netherlands East Indies. It was thought the ship had been sunk but this was not the case. The damaged ship reached Batavia barely afloat. She was later fully repaired at Singapore.

1312H/11, Sighted a ship bearing 077°(T) 06.10at a range of 16000 yards on a southwesterly course. Commenced approach. Crossed ahead at a range of 6000 yards. Enemy course was 240°(T) at a speed of 12 knots. The enemy was identified as a German transport of the Este-class. The German nazi flag was seen flying from the mast. Four torpedoes were fired from 1500 yards from the stern tubes, position was 06°10'S, 105°37'E. One hit was obtained just forward of amidships of the target. After the hit the target circled to the right and seemed to steady on course 250°(T) at a reduced speed. It looked like she might get away so swung the submarine around and fired four torpedoes the bow tubes but all missed. The target was seen to settle by the bow and appeared to be dead in the water by now so stuck around to watch her sink while reloading two torpedoes aft and two forward in the meantime. The hydrophones later heard explosions from the direction of the target and these were thought to be the target breaking up. Also fast screws were reported approaching fast. The periscope was put up but it was covered with an oil film and nothing could be seen so went to 200 feet and took evasive action. Later Searaven returned to periscope depth and nothing except two lifeboats under sail could be seen. Each boat contained about 20 men. No A/S vessel could be seen though and it was considered the ship must have been sunk.

24 Oct 1942 (position -6.12, 105.34)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer [most likely a torpedo boat] in the Sunda Strait with three torpedoes. No hits had been obtained.

1836H/24, Heard pinging to the southward.

1843H/24, east-south-east of Krakatau Island, in position 06°12'S 105°34'E, sighted what is thought to be a modern type Japanese destroyer bearing 201°(T), range 6000 yards, speed estimated to be 12 knots. Two stacks were seen. She had a tripod foremast, military mainmast, high forecastle, torpedo tubes and a low main deck. The target had first been identified as a Tomozuru-class torpedo boat but this was later changed to a destroyer and the targets speed was thought to be 16 knots. Commenced attack.

1844H/24, fired three bow torpedoes from 1200 yards. All missed as the targets speed had been underestimated. No counter attack followed and the attack had probably not even been noticed by the Japanese. Following this attack Searavenhad five torpedoes left, one forward and four aft. (6)

25 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0925H/25, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), heard pinging to the northward. Five minutes later the shape of a destroyer in a rain squall. The shape was not definite enough to indentify the type. The bearing was 000°(T), range 12000 yards, enemy course about 210°(T). Commenced approach but the target disappeared into the rain squall and could not be seen again. The pinging faded out to the northwestward.

At 1230H/25, a Tomozuru-class torpedo boat was sighted bearing 254°(T), range 14000 yards. Enemy position was 06°14'S, 105°25'E. Enemy course was 105°E. Commenced approach but the target could not be closed enough to fire the single torpedo that was left in the forward torpedo tubes. (6)

29 Oct 1942
At 1122H/29, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted a merchant vessel bearing 155° at a range of 14000 yards, in position 06°17'S, 105°37'E. She was on an estimated course of 050°. The actual hull of the vessel could not be seen but the configuration of her upperworks and masts gave the impression this was a German ship. No attack was possible due to the ship passing at too great a range. The vessel sighted was most likely the German blockade breaker Weserland (6521 GRT, built 1922).

3 Nov 1942
At 1425H/3, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted the top of a tripod mast bearing 198°(T) at a distance of 8 miles. The stack and the hull of the ship could not be seen but the top of the mast looked a lot like the one of the minelayer sighted twice on 10 October 1942. Enemy position was 06°17'S, 105°36'E. Before the mast was sighted some faint pinging had been heard. No attack was possible due to the long range which could not be closed. (6)

4 Nov 1942
At 0905H/4, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted smoke bearing 239°(T) at a distance of about 10 miles. Commenced approach during which the bearing was drawing to the right. The contact developed into a laden tanker of about 8000 tons. She was a new ship with a large stack over a deckhouse well aft. A military type mainmast was situated just forward of of its after deckhouse. The bridge was about two thirds of the way to the bow. Short king posts were situated about two thirds of the way forward between the after deck hourse and the bridge. Other king posts were just forward of the bridge. She had a raked bow and cruiser stern. Enemy course was 022° at 16.5 knots. She could not be found in the identification books but looked a bit like the Itsukushima Maru except that her foremast was farther forward, there were king posts near the bridge and she seemed a little smaller then 10000 tons. She could not be closed further then 8000 yards. Enemy position on sighting was 06°23'S, 105°26'E. (6)

7 Nov 1942
At 1415H/7, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted two unescorted merchant vessels thought to be of the Kamikawa Maru-class bearing 320°(T), range 8000 yards, enemy course 230°(T). These ships were in column 1000 yards apart and appeared identical. They were of about 7000 tons and were making 20 knots. They passed out of range and could not be attacked. Their position when they were sighted was 06°15'S, 105°29'E.

It was very unfortunate that the ships sighted by USS Searaven could not be attacked as they were the Japanese armed merchant cruisers Aikoko Maru and Hokoku Maru proceeding on a raid in the Indian Ocean. (6)

10 Nov 1942
At 1122H/10, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted a merchant vessel bearing 218°(T) at a range of 14000 yards. The ships course was 080°. Position of the ship when first sighted was 06°15'S, 105°30'E. Commenced closing but the closest range obtainable proved to be 5000 yards. The target was seen to fly the French flag from the gaff. She was last seen heading for the pass to the eastward of Sangiang Island. (6)

13 Nov 1942
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed her patrol area in the Sunda Strait to return to Fremantle paying a visit to Christmas Island en-route. (6)

15 Nov 1942
At 1235H/15, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted Christmas Island. She patrolled, submerged, to the north of the Island. She surfaced at 2002H/15 to charge the batteries and continue the patrol on the surface. (6)

16 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
0400H/16, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), set course to proceed to Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island.

0447H/16, Submerged and continued the approach.

0745H/16, Commenced reconnoitering the area around Flying Fish Cove from about 2 miles out. Also took a series of pictures through the periscope. Saw about 12 soldiers on the beach near Smiths Point. Noted that the stranded ship that we had put a torpedo in on 5 October had settled considerably.

1300H/16, Located what appeared to be the barracks. It is a large building near Rocky Point. About 60 soldiers were seen in front of it which entered the buildings around 1305H/16.

1600H/16, Decided not to attack the barracks with the use of the deck gun as we had been warned that a 6" gun had recently been installed near Smiths Point although nothing could be seen.

1700H/16, Set course to the eastward.

2003H/16, Surfaced.

2005H/16, Sighted the lights of a ship about 3 miles north of Flying Fish Cove. Stood to the northward and patrolled north of the island during the night. (6)

17 Nov 1942 (position -10.24, 105.41)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sank the Japanese small transport Nissei Maru (833 GRT, built 1942) (offsite link) in Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island in position 10°25.6'S, 105°40.28'E.

0420H/17, Submerged.

0605H/17, Headed in towards Flying Fish Cove.

0635H/17, Sighted a ship alongside the southernmost dock at Flying Fish Cove.

0705H/17, Fired two stern torpedoes from No.5 and No.6 tubes from 2700 yards. Both hit and after the second torpedo had hit it appeared that the whole ship disintegrated and she was not seen again.

0706H/17, Standing out.

0707H/17, Heard explosions which sounded like light depth charges or perhaps from a medium gun aft. Went deep to 250 feet.

0830H/17, Heard a last series of explosions. The Japanese had used a considerable amount of ammunition during this period.

2003H/17, Surfaced.

21 Nov 1942
At 0925H/21, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf to land her excess diesel fuel there. She departed for Fremantle at 1210H/21. (6)

24 Nov 1942
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 5th war patrol at Fremantle. She was then taken in hand for a refit by USS Pelias (T/Capt. W. Wakefield, USN). Refit was completed on 15 December 1942 and from then until 18 December 1942 and exercise programme was carried out. (6)

18 Dec 1942
At 1600H/18, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Fremantle for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to proceed through the Banda and Ceram Seas towards her patrol area off Palau. On completion of the patrol she is to proceed to Pearl Harbour. (7)

21 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930H/21, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf to top off with fuel. She departed again around 1400H/21, having taken on board 9800 gallons of fuel. (7)

31 Dec 1942 (position -3.54, 127.50)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) claims the sinking of the Japanese minelayer Itsukushima (offsite link) off Ambon. The Itsukushima was however not in the Ambon area at that time. No ship is reported as having been sunk by the Japanese.

1430I/31, Sighted smoke bearing 266°(T) at a range of about 15 nautical miles. Commenced approach.

1434I/31, Heard an explosion close by which sounded like a depth charges. There was nothing in sight and also no aircraft were seen.

1521I/21, Several colums of smoke were seen and later it was seen that the contact turned out to be a convoy made up of three merchant vessels ('Bengal Maru-type') escorted by two A/S vessels to the right of the convoy.

1604I/15, Searaven appeared to be dead ahead of the convoy now.

1615H/15, picked up what is thought to be a destroyer about 1000 yards on the starboard wing of the convoy. Later it is tought to be the minelayer Itsukushima.

1630I/31, In position 03°54'S, 127°50'E fired three torpedoes from 1600 yards. Searaven went deep after firing. Three explosions were heard, all thought to be hits.

1633I/31, Depth charging started by the two other A/S vessels.

1710I/31, Depth charging ceased. During a lull in the depth charging it was though that breaking up noises were heard. (7)

6 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived in her patrol area off Palau. (7)

9 Jan 1943 (position 7.38, 134.12)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy to the west of Babeldaob, Palau in position 07°38'N, 134°12'E. Apparently the torpedo fired missed.

1710I/9, Sighted smoke bearing 103°(T) which developed in a convoy leaving Babeldaob through the Toagel Mlungi Channel. Two large vessels were in column were in column on the starboard wing with two smaller vessels on the port wing. The convoy's base course was 300°(T) and they were zigzagging between 280°(T) and 320°(T). There was 3000 yards between the columns. All were hull down. Commenced approach on the starboard wing. Saw no escort. Got caught close ahead of the column leader which passed about 400 yards astern and that the torpedo run to the second target would be too short. Decided to attack with a stern torpedo.

1823I/9, in position 07°38'N, 134°12'E, fired one stern torpedo (Mk. XIV) from No.8 tube from 700 yards. Went deep on firing. Did not hear an explosion. [Probably the torpedo had been a dud which perhaps did inflicted some damage to the ship.] Some depth charges were dropped for about one hour but these did no damage.

2000I/9, Considered that as the convoys base course was around 300°(T) they were likely to be proceeding towards the San Bernandino Strait. Decided to give chase and overtake them during the night and then make another attack at dawn.

2108I/9, Surfaced and gave chase at 15 knots. Figured the convoy speed as 10 knots so by 0600I/10 Searaven could be 15 to miles ahead of the convoy.

10 Jan 1943 (position 8.47, 132.18)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a two-ship, unescorted, Japanese convoy with four torpedoes north-east of Palau in position 08°47'N, 132°18'E. Apparently no hits had been obtained.

0230I/10, Left our patrol area.

0609I/10, Nothing in sight yet. Decided to patrol back and forth across the estimated enemy course line to about 6 miles on each side.

0628I/10, Sighted smoke bearing 122°(T), distance about 15 miles. Submerged.

0720I/10, The smoke developed into two ships on base couse 300°(T). Commenced approach and attack. during which it was seen that these were the same two ships from the column we attacked the day before. No escort was seen. The targets were zigzagging on courses between 285°(T) and 315°(T) at a speed of 9.5 knots.

0804I/10, In position 08°47'N, 132°18'E, fired two bow torpedoes at each of the targets so four torpedoes in total. Ranges were around 1600 to 2000 yards respectively. The first torpedo fired exploded prematurely 14 seconds after having been fired. Searaven went deep after firing the last torpedo to avoid any possible aircraft bombs. Another explosion was heard after about 1 minute and 30 seconds. The screws of the first ship were heard to stop and it was thought that this ship had been hit.

0835I/10, Returned to periscope depth. The two ships were seen smoking proceeding on course 050°(T) apparently undamaged.

1000I/10, Sighted a column of smoke bearing 345°(T), distant about 10 miles. Commenced approach. Remained on contant bearing with Searavens course as 270°(T).

1100I/10, Smoke has now faded out on the same bearing. Must have been a ship on course of about 300°(T).

Decided to spent tonight and tomorrow in this area as there seemed to pass shipping to and from Palau through this area. (7)

14 Jan 1943 (position 9.12, 130.38)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) torpedoed and sunk the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Ganjitsu Maru No.1 (former whaler, 216 GRT, built 1926) and the Japanese transport ship Shiraha Maru (5682 GRT, built 1918) well to the north-west off Palau in position 09°12'N, 130°38'E.

Besides the above ships the convoy was made up of the transports Genoa Maru (6791 GRT, built 1919), Hoeisan Maru (6037 GRT, built 1918) and Kenzan Maru (4705 GRT, built 1919). Other escorts were the submarine chaser CH-20 and the auxiliary submarine chaser Showa Maru (178 GRT, built 1927) (all links are offsite links).

0850I/13, Sighted several columns of smoke bearing 141°(T) at a range of about 10 miles.

0907I/13, Smoke was blowing to the southward giving impression of ships on a northerly course. Came to course 056°(T) to close.

0918I/13, Made out masts giving the convoy a westerly course. Came to course 200°(T).

0929I/13, Changed course to 220°(T).

0959I/13, The convoy was dead ahead at 7000 yards range so came to course 270°(T). The convoys course was around 290°(T) at this time. Decided to trail to try to ascertain base course and speed.

1049I/13, Sighted a seaplane.

1130I/13, Decided convoy was on base course 300°(T), speed 9 to 10 knots. Thought over the situation for the rest of the day. Figured the convoy would be 54 miles ahead at the time Searaven could surface. With luck it would then be possible to be ahead of the convoy for an attack at daylight tomorrow.

1835I/13, Surfaced and gave chase on course 300°(T) charging on one engine and running on three. Placed the fourth engine on propulsion at the end of the battery charge.

0210I/14, Figured Searaven to be within 10 miles from the convoy. Changed course to 306°(T) to pass to starboard.

0400I/14, Figured to be abeam of the convoy. Visibility was poor due to rain squalls. Came back to course 300°(T).

0612I/14, Nothing in sight. The position of the convoy was estimatedd to be 15 miles bearing 161°(T). Changed course to 251°(T).

0707I/14, When four miles to the southwest of the estimated convoy track came to course 120°(T) and slowed to 12 knots. Planned to run to the convoy 8 knot position circle them make a run for their 10 knot position circle on track between Palau and Surigao Passage.

0740I/14, Sighted smoke bearing 160°(T) distant about 15 miles. This soon developed into several columns of smoke.

0745I/14, built up to 16 knots. Changed course to 290°(T). Figured from navigational position convoy was on base course 298°(T) at 9 knots.

0800I/14, Came to course 266°(T) taking position 15 miles ahead.

0901I/14, Changed course to 221°(T).

0907I/14, With the convoy bearing 123°(T) at 15 miles submerged and commenced approach.

1022I/14, The convoy was now bearing 276°(T) and the range was 20000 yards.

1030I/14, The convoy changed course to 280°(T) and at 1106I/14 it appeared to be on course 290°(T).

1128I/14, The convoy was on a base course 285°(T). Range to the leading ship of the starboard column, and the better target on this side of the convoy, was 4000 yards. Sailfish came to course 200°(T). The A/S vessel was a little forward of the beam of this target about 1500 yards from the column.

1132I/14, In position 09°12'N, 130°38'E, fired four bow torpedoes from a range of 3500 yards. Three were aimed at the leading merchant of the closest column and one at the A/S vessel (range 2500 yards).

A total of four explosions were heard after 1m17s, 1m25s, 2m22s and 2m30s. These were followed by depth charges and gunfire for about 10 minutes. During this time also cracking and popping sounds were heard for about 15 minutes. These sounds were followed by a loud very mushy explosion heard clearly throughout the submarine. The A/S vessel did not drop any depth charges.

1220I/14, Returned to periscope depth. The only thing in sight was a small A/S vessel in the vicinity where the convoy had been. He was cruising around at various courses in a small area apparently searching for and / or picking up survivors. It is thought the first two torpedoes fired may have hit the A/s vessel and the last two torpedoes fired hit the transport and that both had been sunk. (7)

17 Jan 1943 (position 7.52, 134.02)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked but missed the Japanese armed merchant cruiser Gokoku Maru (10438 GRT, built 1942) (offsite link) north-west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°52'N, 134°02'E.

0720I/17, Sighted a transport bearing 290°(T), range about 5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 180°. Commenced attack.

0727I/7, Enemy course now 142°. Range 7000 yards.

0739I/7, In position 07°52'N, 134°02'E, fired three bow torpedoes from a little over 1600 yards. No.2 tubes outer door would not open so a full salvo of four torpedoes could not be fired. 1.5 minutes after firing the target was seen to change course towards with hardover rudder so went deep. All torpedoes thus missed. A counter attack then followed during which 15 depth charges were counted. (7)

19 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
0737I/19, northwest of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 08°00'N, 134°00'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted an A/S vessel patrolling on course 060°(T) at a speed of 8 knots. This ship was evaded.

0900I/19, Smoke was sighted bearing 355°(T). Changed course to 090°(T) to close the supposed track.

0953I/19, The contact had developed into two A/S vessels about 1 mile apart patrolling on course 140°(T). Position was 08°01'N, 134°10'E. Closed to about 5000 yards but then set course to get clear as the targets were considered to be too small to attack with torpedoes. (7)

20 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
0220I/20, west-north-west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°47'N, 133°56'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted an A/S vessel bearing 270°(T) at a range of 4 miles. This ship was evaded as she was too small to attack with torpedoes.

0333I/20, In position 07°45'N, 133°49'E, sighted a transport, estimated to be around 4000 tons, bearing 275°(T) at a range of 4 miles. She came out of rain squall. Her course was estimated to be 120°(T). Decided to make an end around on this vessel and then attack from periscope depth.

0415I/20, The ships disappeared into the haze. USS Searaven came to course 180°(T) to close the track. At 0427I/20, course was changed to 215°(T). At 0436I/20, decided the contact must have been on a westerly course so changed course to 270°(T). At 0505I/20, course was changed to 330°(T) but ran into heavy rain squalls.

0530I/20, Submerged.

0700I/20, In position 07°43'N, 133°45'E, sighted a transport bearing 036°(T) at a range of 7 nautical miles. The ships was proceeding to the south-east. No escort was seen but the ship could not be attacked as the range could not be closed enough.

04 (7)

21 Jan 1943
1249I/21, west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°42'N, 133°07'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted sighted smoke bearing 130°(T) at an estimated range of 15 miles. Commenced approach but at 1406I/21, the vessel was recognised as being the hospital ship Seattle Maru (6178 GRT, built 1908). She was proceeding at 8 knots on course 300°(T) and had obviously left Palau for the Phillipines earlier in the day. The approach was discontinued. (7)

23 Jan 1943 (position 7.42, 134.11)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a Japanese transport in a convoy off Palau with four torpedoes but no hits were obtained. USS Searaven sustained some damage from depth charges in the counter attack. Following this attack Searaven had only one bow torpedo left so the patrol area was left to proceed to Pearl Harbour.

0628I/23, west-north-west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°42'N, 134°11'E, smoke was sighted bearing 294°(T) well over the horizon. Commenced approach. The contact developed into a six ship convoy escorted by what are identified as three Otori-class torpedo boats as well as aircraft. Course of the convoy was 120° at 7 knots speed.

0645I/23, Obtained a position ahead of the convoy.

0750I/23, Fired four stern torpedoes from 2600 yards at the leading ship of the starboard wing of the convoy. One explosion was heard but the result was not seen as Searaven had gone deep after firing but one minute later a depth charge exploded close aboard to starboard which caused damage. The depth charge or bomb must have been dropped by an aircraft.

One of escorts came over and also started dropping depth charges fairly close. She was later joined by one more of the escorts and both dropped depth charges. Searaven meanwhile was at 315 feet. Depth charging lasted for about 20 minutes. (7)

10 Feb 1943
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy) ended her 6th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was ordered to the Mare Islands Navy Yard for an overhaul.

10 Feb 1943
Around 0530W/10, USS Pollack (T/Cdr. R.E. Palmer, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) both made rendezvous with their escort to Pearl Harbour, USS PC-584 (Lt.(jg) A.L. Pattison, USNR).

The submarines entered Pearl Harbour later that morning ending their 5th and 6th war patrols respectively. (8)

12 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Pearl Harbour for the Mare Island Navy Yard where she is to undergo a major refit. (9)

19 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at the Mare Island Navy Yard from Pearl Harbour. (9)

7 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) completed her refit at the Mare Island Navy Yard. (9)

18 May 1943
Having completed her post-refit trials USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed the Mare Island Navy Yard for Pearl Harbour. (9)

25 May 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour from the Mare Island Navy Yard. At Pearl Harbour she was docked for some repairs to her torpedo tubes. Before she was ready to go on patrol four days of exercises were carried out. (9)

29 May 1943
USS Spearfish (T/Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN). (10)

30 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Spearfish (T/Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN). (10)

31 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 31 May and 1 June 1943 USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN). (11)

6 Jun 1943
Around 1300VW/6, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 7th war patrol. She was initially ordered to patrol north-north-west of the Mariana Islands area. Before proceeding to her patrol area she is to top off with fuel and water at Midway. She was escorted out until 2000VW/6 [identity of the escort not mentioned in the patrol report]. (9)

12 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830X/12, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbour. At midway she was taken in hand for repairs as a defect had occured on No.4 engine. (9)

16 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400Y/16, with the repairs completed, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Midway for her patrol area. (9)

20 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1155M/20, a lookout on board USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) reported seeing a puff of smoke on the horizon bearing 320°(T). This was not seen by the Officer on duty. Altered course to 320°(T) to close and investigate.

1215M/20, Nothing in could be seen on the reported bearing. Made a careful search from beam to beam through the high periscope. Decided the smoke had probably been a whale spouting. Came back to our original course of 262°(T).

1242M/20, In position 26°20'N, 168°08'E, sighted a ship bearing 290°(T) range about 7 miles. This ship suddenly appeared through the slight haze on the horizon. Reversed course to open out and track the contact.

1246M/20, The contact was very difficult to see only a very dim outline was visible and only the superstructure could be seen. It was thought to be a small vessel with thee superstructure amidships. One tall mast appeared to come out of the superstructure. It was thought the contact was on course 200°(T). The outline was to dim for a positive identification. USS Searaven came to course 200°(T) and no.1 and no.2 engine were started to warm them up to keep smoking down as much as possible but both started to smoke badl [USS Searaven suffered badly from smoking main engines after her refit.]

1259M/20, The ship had been out of sight for five minutes. Came to course 240°(T) to close the track. Increased speed to 16 knots.

1311M/20, Still no sign of the ship. Came to course 300°(T) to close thinking that the ship may have turned to the north or the west.

1321M/20, Speed now 17 knots. Still no sign of the ship. Came to course 000°(T) figuring on moving north, then north-west, then west and finally south to cover possible tracks.

1328M/20, When near the position where the ship had last been seen the Executive Officer sighted what he believed to be a periscope about one point forward of the port beam at about 1500 yards. Swung with hard over rudder to 090°(T). Went to full power and retired behind the resulting heavy smoke screen.

Later it was thought the ships seen had been a Japanese submarine. [We can place no Japanese submarine in this area on this time though.] (9)

24 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 24 and 25 June 1943, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Marcus Island during which a small transport (about 1500 tons) and escort were seen off the island. The small size of the target did not warrant a torpedo attack and most likely anti torpedo nets would be installed to the seaward of the target. (9)

28 Jun 1943
Around 2200K/28, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), entered her patrol area in position 21°00'N, 144°36'E. (9)

11 Jul 1943
0644K/11, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a lone enemy destroyer of the modern type bearing 030°(T) at a range of about 10000 yards. Her course was 270° and she was doing around 20 knots. She was first mistaken for a cruiser. It was considered that she was probably part of a screen of a larger force so decided to let her go by unmolester and hope for bigger prey.

0655K/11, When the range was 3500 yards the destroyer came left to course 170° presenting zero angle on the bow. Eased down to 120 feet while the enemy came down the starboard side. She was not pinging.

0720K/11, the destroyer went out of sight on bearing 160°(T). She had been zig zagging redically. USS Searaven came to course 090°(T).

0739K/11, Changed course to 130°(T) and at 0800K/11 to 140°(T).

0820K/11, When in position 27°34'N, 137°30'E, sighted a formation of ships and planees bearing 034°(T) distant 20000 yards. First appeared four large ships and a number of smaller ones. Angle on the bow appreared quite small. Range did not change and bearing hauled rapidly to the southward. USS Searaven changed course to 120°(T).

The ships were identified as aircraft carriers of the Skokaku-class. Masts were riggers on the trailing carrier and lowered on the leading carrier. They were hull down and mast had given the impression that more ships had been present. Islands and foremast had given the impression of a small angle on the bow where it was now seen to be around 80° starboard.

0839K/11, Identified the leading ship as a Chitose-class seaplane tender and the trailing ship as a Tone-class heavy cruiser. The tops of what most likely were three destroyers were also seen. Two floatplanes and two single engine carrier planes provided A/S escort overhead.

0925K/11, The formation went over the horizon. their base course had been 155°(T) with a speed of about 15 knots. An enemy contact report was sent after surfacing in the evening.

The force sighted was made up of the aircraft carriers TONE and CHIKUMA depart Shinagawa with a task force: CarDiv 1's Shokaku, Zuikaku, Zuiho, heavy cruisers Tone, Chikuma, Mogami, light cruisers Agano, Oyodo and the destroyers Arashi, Hagikaze, Isokaze, Hatsuzuki, Suzutsuki and Tamanami (all offsite links). They were en-route from Tokyo Bay to Truk. (9)

14 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0610K/14, when southwest of Iwo Jima, in position 23°54'N, 140°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) shipped two enormous seas. Water came into the conning tower and electrical equipment was damaged as well as to the after battery. (9)

16 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2000K/16, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) informed ComSubPac in a signal that she is going to leave her patrol area and is going to patrol further to the eastward between 151'E and 152'E and then north of 21'N. This due to a shortage of lubrication oil which was due to excessive usage by the engines. (9)

21 Jul 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed her patrol area to patrol off Marcus Island. (9)

23 Jul 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) made a persicope reconnaissance off Marcus Island. A patrol vessel was sighted patrolling to the south of the island. (9)

29 Jul 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 7th war patrol at Midway. She was then taken in hand for refit by the submarine base. On completion of the refit three days of exercises were carried out before she was ready to depart on her next patrol. (12)

20 Aug 1943
Around 1300Y/20, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Midway for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters off the north-eastern coast of Honshu. She was escorted out until 1500Y/20 [identity of the escort not mentioned in the patrol report]. (13)

22 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1755M/22, in position 30°44'N, 177°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted what is thought to be a fairly large vessel bearing 310°(T) at a range of about 12 nautical miles. USS Searaven tried to intercept but the ship, which was on a southerly course at a speed of around 18 knots, but she could not be closed. The identity of this vessel is not clear, Japanese surface vessels would not be that far out and also no Japanese submarine was in these waters. No Allied ships were reported to be in this area as well. (13)

26 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1547L/26, in position 36°37'N, 156°57'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted a large sampan of about 500 tons bearing 244°(T) at a range of 8000 yards. The ships draft was too shallow to attack with torpedoes and as it was thought this was a picket boat and that she would be armed she was not attacked with the deck gun. (13)

28 Aug 1943
At 0425L/28, in position 36°57'N, 149°33'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted two sampans in column directly ahead at a range of 3000 yards. They had been detected by the SJ radar shorly before. Evaded them as these were most likely picket boats. (13)

29 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived in her patrol area off northern Honshu, Japan. (13)

2 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0810K/2, north-east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°17'N, 141°47'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a ship bearing 294°(T). The sampans course was 200°(T). It was first though to be a bigger ship but on closing the range it was seen to be a sampan of only 100 tons. She was not attack so as not to give away the submarines position.

At 1627K/2, in position 37°23'N, 141°48'E, two sampans were sighted bearing 050°(T) on course 310°(T). These were in column 500 yards apart and are thought to be patrolling. They were of about the same size then the sampan sighted earlier this day. (13)

3 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0200K/3, east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°04'N, 142°24'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained two small radar contacts bearing 055°(T) at a range of 4500 yards. Commenced tracking which gave that the contacts were on course 300°(T) at 4 knots. They were 500 yards apart. Closed to 3500 yards to investigate and it is thought it may be the same two sampans sighted yesterday afternoon. If that was the case they were patrolling along a convoy lane which the Japanese had been using before. Decided to patrol along this convoy lane.

1917K/3, in position 36°54'N, 142°04'E, sighted a sampan proceeding on course 310°(T), avoided her. (13)

4 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0605K/4, north-east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°19'N, 142°01'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted two sampans of about 80 tons proceeding on course 315°(T) proceeding at 4 knots. Both had radio antennae and were most likely picket boats. They passed at 1500 yards.

At 0845K/4, in position 37°14'N, 141°55'E, sighted a sampan of about 100 tons on course 340°(T) proceeding at 6 knots. Evaded. (13)

5 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0335K/5, south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°45'N, 142°10'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 270°(T) at a range of 4600 yards. Closed but the target was not visible at 3000 yards. It was a very small pip also. Must be another patrolling sampan so avoided.

At 0915K/5, in position 37°45'N, 142°00'E, sighted a sampan bearing 180°(T) at a range of about 8000 yards. The sampans course was 320°(T) at 4 knots. She was larger then the previous saipans sighted, about 150 tons and looked like a miniature USS Holland. It was possible the same one contacted earlier this day.

2232K/5, in position 37°45'N, 142°14'E, obtained a radar contact bearing 035°(T) at 5250 yards. Tracked the target on course 130°(T) at 4 knots. It was a small pip on the radar scope.

2300K/5, The target reversed course and was not visible at 3000 yards. Later lost contact at 4200 yards and contact could not be regained. Must have been either a patrolling sampan which had reached the end of her patrol line or a submarine that had submerged. (13)

8 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1025K/8, east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°03'N, 141°26'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a small sampan of about 50 tons proceeding on a southerly course at 6 knots. She was not attacked. (13)

11 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0243K/11, south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°28'N, 142°25'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 125°(T) at a range of 4500 yards. The contact developed into two small pips. Figured these were the routine patrols. Due to a mistake we came to close to another pip which had appeared on the radar scope at 0302K/11 at a range of only 2500 yards. The submarine must have sighted as a signal was flashed towards. Then quickly got clear of the contacts. (13)

14 Sep 1943
At 1200K/14, east of Kinkasan Island, in position 38°14'N, 142°21'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a sampan of about 80 tons 038°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. She was proceeding on a course of 320°(T) at 4 knots. (13)

16 Sep 1943
At 1110K/16, south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°43'N, 141°43'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a patrol boat of about 100 tons 172°(T) at a range of 5000 yards. She was proceeding on a course of 020°(T) at 5 knots. She seemed to be patrolling the 100 fathom curve. Evaded. She passed at a range of about 2500 yards. (13)

24 Sep 1943
At 0438K/24, off Sendai Bay, Honshu, in position 38°03'N, 141°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact on a small vessel bearing 050°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. Placed the contact and commenced tracking which gave the following result; enemy course 135°(T) at a speed of 4.5 knots. Contact was lost at 0500K/24 at a range of 6000 yards. Sight contact was lost soon afterwards.

At 1003K/24, in position 37°48'N, 141°23'E, sighted a sampan bearing 183°(T) proceeding on a northerly course. Range was about 5000 yards. Went to 120 feet to let him pass close aboard.

At 1300K/24, in position 37°43'N, 141°26'E, a sampan was sighted bearing 202°(T) at a range of 7000 yards on an opposite course. Evaded. (13)

25 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0221K/25, north-east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°14'N, 141°35'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact on a small vessel bearing 265°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. The target tracked on course 315°(T) at a speed of 5 knots. Radar contact was lost at 0231K/25 when the range was 6000 yards. The target had never been sighted. (13)

26 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1233K/26, well to the east-south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°38'N, 143°11'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted four sampans in loose column about 500 to 800 yards apart on course 240°(T) doing about 8 knots. The nearest one passed 1500 yards abeam. They were all around 100 tons in size and all mounted guns forward, had radio antennae and what were most likely depth charge racks aft. Evaded them as they were obviously patrol / picket boats. (13)

27 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1830K/27, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) left patrol to return to Midway. (13)

2 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1200Y/2, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Midway where she disembarked 18 torpedoes and took on board almost 30000 gallons of fuel. She left for Pearl Harbour at 1717Y/2. (13)

5 Oct 1943
At 1400X/5, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) and USS Pargo (T/Cdr. I.C. Eddy, USN) joined company. (14)

6 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600W/6, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) and USS Pargo (T/Cdr. I.C. Eddy, USN) were joined by an escort [identity not known] which was to escort them to Pearl Harbour. The submarines arrived at Pearl Harbour around 1000W/6 ending their 8th and 1st war patrols respectively. (14)

7 Oct 1943
USS Searaven is taken in hand for refit at Pearl Harbour to make her fit her her next patrol. Refit is completed on 24 October. From 25 to 31 October 1943 an exercise programme was carried out. (15)

Submarine USS Tigrone (419)

6 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Newport, Rhode Island from the Portsmouth Navy Yard for her torpedo trials.

9 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her torpedo trials completed, USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), arrived at New London, Connecticut from Newport, Rhode Island.

31 Dec 1944
With her trials and initial training completed USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) departed from New London bound for the sound school at Key West.

31 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed New London, Connecticut for Key West, Florida.

6 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Key West, Florida.

16 Jan 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Key West bound for the Panama Canal Zone.

16 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Key West, Florida for the Panama Canal Zone.

20 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived in the Panama Canal Zone.

31 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed the Panama Canal Zone for Pearl Harbor.

16 Feb 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) arrived at Pearl Harbor.

9 Mar 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to proceed to Guam.

19 Mar 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) arrived at Guam.

21 Mar 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) departed from Guam for her patrol area in the South China Sea.

24 Apr 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) ended her 1st war patrol at Guam.

19 May 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) departed from Guam bound for Saipan.

20 May 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) departed from Saipan for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol south of Honshu, Japan.

27 May 1945 (position 29.24, 141.01)
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) sank the Japanese guard boat Yawata Maru No.3 (19 GRT) with gunfire off Tori Jima in position 29°24'N, 141°01'E.

3 Jul 1945
USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) ended her 2nd war patrol at Guam

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