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Submarine USS Sailfish (192)

28 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (2)

29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (2)

8 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (3)

9 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Gunnel (T/Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN). (4)

10 Nov 1943
During 10/11 November 1943 USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Gunnel (T/Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. On the 11th, USS Harold C. Thomas (Lt.Cdr. V.H. Craig, Jr., USNR) and USS Seagull (T/Lt. F.L. van Camp, USN) joined for that days exercises. (5)

13 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Gunnel (T/Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Harold C. Thomas (Lt.Cdr. V.H. Craig, Jr., USNR) and USS Seagull (T/Lt. F.L. van Camp, USN). (5)

14 Nov 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN), USS Harold C. Thomas (Lt.Cdr. V.H. Craig, Jr., USNR), USS Turkey (Lt. R.J. Melchor, USNR) and USS Seagull (T/Lt. F.L. van Camp, USN). (6)

17 Nov 1943
Around 1315VW/17, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Gunnel (T/Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN) both leave Pearl Harbor for their 10th and 3rd war patrols resepctively. They were both ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters south of Honshu. Before proceeding to their patrol areas they were to top off with fuel and water at Midway. They were escorted until around 1915VW/17 by USS PC-596 (Lt. R.E. Blackwell, USNR). The submarines parted company around 2100VW/17 to proceed to Midway independently. (7)

21 Nov 1943
Shortly after 1000X/17, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) arrived at Midway. Some voyage repairs were then made by USS Bushnell (T/Capt. C.T. Bonney, USN). USS Sailfish also fuelled and watered to capacity and one torpedo was exchanged.

At 1611Y/, USS Sailfish got underway for her patrol area. She had an air escort until dawn. (8)

30 Nov 1943
At 1500L/30, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), had a hot run in No.8 torpedo tube while checking torpedoes.

The torpedo was later ejected but the torpedo tube was out of action for the remainder of the patrol. (8)

4 Dec 1943 (position 32.38, 143.38)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese escort carrier Chuyo (offsite link) southeast of Honshu, Japan in position 32°38'N, 143°38'E. The escort carrier had been hit and damaged in two earlier attacks (see below).

The escort carrier had been proceeding together with the light carrier Zuiho, escort carrier Unyo and heavy cruiser Maya from Truk, which they had departed on 30 November 1943 to Yukusuka. They were escorted by the destroyers Akebono, Sazanami, Ushio and Urakaze (all offsite links). Following the initial attack the Urakaze was ordered to remain with the damaged escort carrier. Later, after the second attack Maya and Sazanami also joined the rescue efforts.

Later the same day radar contact was obtained on a very small target which could not be identified. USS Sailfish did not attack and stood clear.

1745K/3, Surfaced in typhoon weather. Tremendous seas, 40-50 knots, driving rain and visibility, after twilight, varying from zero to 500 yards.

2348K/3, In position 32°27'N, 143°49'E, obtained radar contact bearing 114°(T), range 9500 yards. Commenced tracking.

2351K/3, Estimated the targets course to be 320°(T), speed 18 knots.

2352K/3, Obtained radar contact on another, smaller, target, just to the right and 900 yards closer than the first contact.

2353K/3, Obtained radar contact on a third contact of about the same size as the first contact. This contact was about 1000 yards beyond the first target.

2355K/3, Obtained radar contact on a fourth target. This contact was smaller then the other contacts and was 900 yards closer then contract No.2.

2358K/3, Seas were still mountainous with a driving rain. It was very difficult to see anything. Came to 300°(T) to get off the track of the nearest target which was believed to be a destroyer.

0000K/4, Near target close aboard on the starboard quarter turned on what appeared to be a good size searchlight with a greenish tinge to it, directed at USS Sailfish and apparently signalling to someone else near Sailfish or he had a doubtful radar contact.

0001K/4, Dove to 40 feet and came right to 340°(T) for a bow shot against the nearest biggest pip. Sailfish was 400 yards off track of the near destroyer.

0009K/4, The nearest destroyer passed close aboard to starboard and ahead.

0012K/4, Fired tubes 1 to 4 by radar setup. Range was 2100 yards. Two hits are thought to have been obtained but there was actually only one according to the Japanese.

0016K/4, Two depth charges exploded fairly close. Went deep and commenced crossing astern of the target.

Between 0017K/4 and 0152K/4, a total of 19 depth charges were counted. None of which were very close. Meanwhile the torpedo tubes that had been fired were reloaded.

0158K/4, Surfaced and commenced running up targets track to intercept possible cripple. Unable to make much speed without shipping much water in these weather conditions.

0230K/4, In position 32°29'N, 143°51'E radar contact bearing 340°(T) at a range of 8400 yards. Commenced tracking.

0240K/4, Tracking showed that the target was circling. The pip was small yet it was found difficult to believe that the radar would pick up a destroyer at 8400 yards in these conditions. Commenced easing in slowly. At times the contact got an edge which gave the impression that another contact was very near to our original pip which we were tracking.

0430K/4, The target settled down on a northwesterly course at a speed of 2 to 5 knots. The radar now showed that there were two contacts very close together.

0550K/4, Morning twilight and visibility improving fast, rain has stopped, but still a lot of water was being shipped. The targets were tracking with speed varying between 1 and 3 knots at a range of 3500 yards. With visibility improving so rapidly must fire soon, so it was decided to fire three bow torpedoes now while on the surface, reload and then make another attack from periscope depth reloading the tubes during the approach.

0552K/4, In position 32°37'N, 143°39'E, fired tubes 1 to 3 from 3200 yards.

0557K/4, observed and hear two torpedo hits. The Japanese also mention one or two torpedo hits at this time. Commenced swinging the submarine to bring the stern tubes to bear in case the target would get underway.

0600K/4, Tracers from Japanese gunfire came towards Sailfish.

0601K/4, Submerged. Commenced checking torpedoes and reloading tubes that had been fired.

Between 0603K/4 and 0605K/4, four depth charges exploded but they were well off.

0748K/4, The target could now finally be seen through the periscope. It was an aircraft carrier at a range of about 10000 yards. She was dead in the water in the position of the last attack. Nothing else could be seen.

0912K/4, Briefly sighted the tops of a destroyer apparently standing by the carrier. It was though this destroyer may also have been damaged. Depth control meanwhile was extremely difficult due to mountainous waves. It was therefore very difficult to see through the periscope. Meanwhile commenced closing the crippled carrier.

0937K/4, Abeam of the carrier now. A lot of aircraft were seen on the deck forward and a lot of crew / passengers were seen aft looking like they were preparing to abandon ship.

0940K/4, In position 32°38'N, 143°38'E, fired tubes 5 to 7 from 1700 yards. All were heard to run normal.

0942K/4, Heard two hits. They could not be seen as depth control was poor in the given weather conditions. The explosions were followed by loud breaking up noises.

0944K/4 to 0945K/4, two depth charges were dropped not too far away.

0951K/4, came to 55 feet for a look through the periscope. The carrier could not be seen but a sweep through the periscope revealed a heavy cruiser at 4000 yards. Commenced swinging hard left to bring the bow tubes to bear. Depth control was still poor though and during the turn Sailfish broached. Went to 90 feet abandoning the attack as there must also be a destroyer around which had not been seen.

Between 0954K/4 and 1004K/4, seven depth charge were dropped but the were not too close. Destroyer screws were heard fading in and out. Keeping them abaft the beam.

1128K/4, completed checking the torpedoes forward and reloading aft.

1228K/4, Now back in the estimated position of the sunken aircraft carrier. Nonthing could be picked up by the hydrophones. On coming to periscope depth a depth charge was dropped rather close so immediately went back deep and crossed over to the west about 3500 yards.

1330K/4, Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

1400K/4, set course to proceed to our assigned patrol area.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2040K/4, In position 32°39'N, 143°16'E obtained radar contact bearing 355°(T) at a range of only 1800 yards. Unable to make a visual sighting. The target is a small pip tracking at a speed on 9 knots on course 130°(T). Given the fact that this must be a very small vessel decided not to attack and resumed our course towards our patrol area. (8)

6 Dec 1943
At 0024K/6, south-south-east of Aogashima, in position 31°34'N 139°59'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted a small sampan which was not attacked. (8)

7 Dec 1943
At 0230K/7, in position 30°58'N 136°03'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted a lighted sampan apparently fishing. She was not attacked.

At 1440K/7, in position 31°21'N 134°10'E, USS Sailfish was bombed and strafed by a Japanese aircraft. which was thought to be a Zero fighter. This aircraft had not been picked up by radar nor was it seen before it dived out of low hanging clouds with his machine guns chattering. No one was injured but the second bomb exploded close aboard while crash diving resulting in a momentarily loss off propulsion. Besides that further damage was caused, the most serious was that No.1 engine was unreliable for the remainder of the patrol. Also there was damage to piping and fittings in the casing. (8)

9 Dec 1943
At 1509I/9, east-south-east of the Bungo Suido, in position 32°27'N 132°59'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted an A/S sampan patrolling. Kept to the southwest of him and did not close further than 3500 yards. (8)

10 Dec 1943
At 1820I/10, 18 nautical miles south-south-east of Okinoshima Island, in position 32°30'N 132°38'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), obtained radar contact bearing 346°(T) at 9500 yards. Commenced tracking. The target is thought to be a small transport or a fair size A/S vessel. Enemy course was 165°(T), speed 8.5 knots.

2115I/10, USS Sailfish, is now in a position 3000 yards off the targets track at a range of 11000 yards. It was intended now to let the target come to the firing point.

2120I/10, When USS Sailfish was turning the target was lost by radar and sight and contact could not be regained. It was later thought that the target, most likely an A/S vessel, had also turned and proceeded towards Okinoshima. (8)

11 Dec 1943
At 0655I/11, east-south-east of the Bungo Suido, in position 32°16'N 132°43'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted an A/S vessel bearing 015°(T) at a range of 6000 yards. Looked like a A/S yacht. Evaded this vessel. Closest range was 4000 yards. (8)

12 Dec 1943
At 2026I/12, east-south-east of the Bungo Suido, in position 32°08'N 132°49'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), radar contact was obtained bearing 228°(T) at a range of 8500 yards. Tracking gave that the target was proceeding on course 090°(T) at 13 knots.

At 2035I/12, the target had altered course to 160°(T).

At 2100I/12, when the range was 10100 yards radar and sight contact was lost and again could not be regained. The target had been seen to be not a submarine yet it suddenly vanished. (8)

13 Dec 1943 (position 30.55, 132.33)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Totai Maru (3195 GRT, built 1918) south of the Bungo Suido, Japan in position 30°55'N, 132°33'E.

The Totai Maru was part of convoy O-302 (Saeki - Palau) which was further made up of the transport Meisho Maru (2737 GRT, built 1941). They were escorted by the minelayer Yurijima, minesweeper W-17 and the auxiliary minesweepers (M/S whalers) Tama Maru No. 6 and Tama Maru No. 7.

1154I/13, When south of the Bungo Suido, patrolling submerged, in position 31°41'N, 132°16'E sighted smoke bearing 282°(T), range was about 30000 yards and drawing to the south. Commenced approach.

1325I/13, A two-engined bomber was sighted above the smoke, distance about 8 nautical miles.

1333I/13, Echo ranging was heard coming from the direction of the targets.

1408I/13, With 10 feet of periscope exposed sighted the tops of two sets of masts plus an additional set of black smoke pufs. Unable to catch them submerged so decided that we have to catch them during the night doing an end around.

1747I/13, Surfaced and commenced chase at 16 knots while also recharging.

1917I/13, Radar contact on a single small pip bearing 195°(T), range 20000 yards. commenced tracking and approach.

2003I/13, At a range of 14100 yards two transports could be seen. On the radar screen it looked like two transports and one escort.

2222I/13, USS Sailfish was now dead ahead, due south of the convoy. Stopped and trimmed down to reduce our silhouete.

2224I/13, At a range of 13000 yards four ships were visible. Two transports, one fair sized escort and a smaller escort.

2229I/13, Range was now 11500 yards. Base course of the convoy was 185°(T), speed 9 knots.

2245I/13, Range was now 7800 yards. Submerged to 45 feet.

2248I/13, The targets were visible through the periscope. Range was 7000 yards.

2302I/13, Convoy course was now 200°(T).

2304I/13, It was noted that the transports were going to overlap and that the escort on the east side would pass 400 yards ahead of Sailfish. Decided to fire when the targets would overlap.

2306I/13, In position 30°55'N, 132°33'E fired four torpedoes from the bow tubes from a range of 2500 yards.

2307I/13, Sailfish swung hard to the right to bring the stern tubes to bear. The nearest escort was seen to turn towards.

2308I/13, The nearest escort was now too close for comfort. Went deep and commenced evasive action. Two solid torpedo hits were heard shortly afterwards. These were followed by another explosion.

2310I/13, Two depth charges exploded. These were heavy depth charges but they were not close.

2314I/13, Heard two explosions, possible the two remaining torpedoes exploding at the end of their run.

2359I/13, An escort got contact on Sailfish which was very deep at that moment. No depth charges were dropped !!!.

0028I/13, Echo ranging faded out and no screws were heard so went up to periscope depth to have a look.

0122I/13, A radar sweep while at 40 feet showed no targets.

0125I/13, Surfaced to close the area where the attack had been made.

0218I/13, Obtained radar contact bearing 285°(T), range 13500 yards.

0220I/13, Saw a transport and one escort bearing 285°(T), range 12500 yards.

0245I/13, Sighted a stopped transport with the other transport astern and four escorts. All were milling around the stopped transport. Radar echoes showed the stopped transport and three smaller pips. Range was 6000 yards.

0250I/13, Sailfish reversed course and stood out. (9)

14 Dec 1943
At 1120I/14, in position 30°55'N, 132°56'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted what is identified as, a Otiri-class torpedo boat bearing 330°(T), distant 4000 yards. The enemy was making 23 knots on course 235°(T) which was towards the area of the attack of last night.

At 1439I/14, in position 30°53'N, 132°52'E, sighted a patrol vessel at a range of 8000 yards. Enemy course 265°(T), speed was 8 knots. (8)

21 Dec 1943 (position 32.38, 132.04)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport Uyo Maru (6376 GRT, built 1942) in the entrance to the Bungo Suido, Japan in position 32°38'N, 132°04'E.

Besides the Uyo Maru the convoy was made up of the Chiburi Maru (1943 GRT, built 1943), Ikoma Maru (3156 GRT, built 1925), Kosei Maru (1943 GRT, built 1943), Nichiai Maru (5443 GRT, built 1919) and Yasukuni Maru (3021 GRT, built 1920). The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser Tama, patrol boat PB-31 and the auxiliary minesweeper Tama Maru No. 6. Following the sinking of the Uyo Maru the convoy had returned to Saeki.

1020I/21, Sighted smoke bearing 300°(T), distant about 10 nautical miles. Commenced approach.

1040I/21, Sighted the tops of four ships under the smoke. Looks like Sailfish had hit the jackpot, unfortunately there were only five torpedoes left, one forward and three aft with and a reload for no.7 tube aft.

1050I/21, Picked up echo ranging from the direction of the convoy.

1054I/21, It was now seen that the convoy was made up of six heavily laden transports, two Chidori-class torpedo boats and an auxiliary A/S vessel.

1110I/21, Range now 6000 yards

1122I/21, Sailfish swung hard left to course 340° for a stern shot. Had selected a nice 'fat' target in the far column as the target for the three stern torpedoes.

1133I/21, In position 32°38'N, 132°04'E, fired three stern torpedoes from 2800 yards. Two hits were obtained two minutes later followed soon afterwards by breaking up noises.

1136I/21, Lost depth control and started to broach with a 5° up angle. Took action to counter this but the result was that Sailfish sank like a rock but control was later regained. Commenced evasive action as one of the escorting torpedo boats was heard approaching at high speed.

1137I/21, The first depth charge exploded.

1138i/21, A heavy depth charge exploded close.

1139I/21, Another explosion, possible two smaller depth charges exploding.

1140I/21, Picked up screws off all three escorts overhead.

1141I/21, Sailfish was now able to level off at 327 feet. She then returned to 280 feet.

Between 1141I/21 and 1146I/21, 15 depth charges were counted. All were close but no damage was sustained.

Between 1150I/21 and 1215I/21, 15 depth charges were counted. Some of which were close and one was very close. But again no damage was sustained.

1229I/21, All clear on the hydrophones.

1310I/21, Sailfish commenced to come up to periscope depth for a look.

1325I/21, Heard two sets of screws approaching fast. Went back to 200 feet.

1550I/21, All clear again on the hydrophones.

1815I/21, Surfaced.

1840I/21, In position 32°17'N, 132°30'E obtained a radar contact at a range of 10000 yards and closing. The contact was echo ranging so most likely it was an A/S vessel searching for the attacker of the convoy, aka, Sailfish.

22 Dec 1943
At 1110I/22, in position 31°20'N, 135°10'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) sighted a large white sampan at a range of 8000 yards. Submerged to evade.

23 Dec 1943
At 0835I/23, in position 32°07'N, 139°05'E, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) sighted another large white sampan at a range of 9000 yards. Evaded on the surface.

After dark USS Sailfish departed patrol to proceed to Pearl Harbour. (8)

5 Jan 1944
At 0630VW/5, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) made rendezvous with her escort into Pearl Harbour, USS PC-1081 (C.E. Trabant, USNR). She then entered Pearl Harbour ending her 10th war patrol at Pearl Harbor around 1130VW/5. Her condition was such, mostly damage from the bombing of 7 December 1943, that another major refit was needed before she was able to go on patrol again. (8)

8 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1310VW/8, USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) departed Pearl Harbour for San Francisco. (10)

15 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Sailfish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) arrived at San Francisco for refit for which she was taken in hand by the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard. (10)

18 Jun 1944
With her refit / repairs and post-refit trials completed, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) departed San Francisco for Pearl Harbour. (11)

26 Jun 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour from San Francisco. (11)

29 Jun 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (12)

30 Jun 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (12)

1 Jul 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (13)

2 Jul 1944
During 2 July 1944, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Croaker (T/Cdr. J.E. Lee, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Le Hardy (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Holtz, USNR), USS Harold C. Thomas (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Haddon, USNR) and USS Charles R. Greer (Lt.Cdr. W.T. Denton, USNR).

On completion of the day exercises USS Croaker and USS Harold C. Thomas returned to Pearl Harbour.

The remaining ships remained out for night exercises and were joined for exercises on the 3rd by USS Spadefish (T/Cdr. G.W. Underwood, USN) and USS Harold C. Thomas. (14)

23 Jul 1944
At 1540K/23, in the Bonin Islands area, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), picked up a Japanese fisherman (so he claimed to be) which clung to a buoy. The sampan he was on was sunk four days ago. (15)

27 Jul 1944
At 1238I/27, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted a small sailing sampan southeast of Okinoerabujima, Satsunan Islands, Ryukyu Islands, in position 27°12'N, 128°31'E. She was not attacked. (15)

31 Jul 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) arrived in her patrol area in the Luzon Strait. (15)

7 Aug 1944 (position 20.04, 121.46)
At 0830I/7, in the Balintang Channel, Luzon Strait, in position 19°49'N, 121°52'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) sighted an enemy patrol vessel bearing 311°(T) at a range of 6500 yards. The enemy was proceeding on course 190°(T), starting and stopping so as to listen in between for submarines. Did not attack so as to wait for bigger prey.

At 1105I/7, in position 19°53'N, 121°50'E, nine sailing sampans with two small, tunny boat type, escorts were sighted bearing 302°(T) at a range of 7000 yards. They were proceeding southwards.

Two minutes later, six more sailing sampans with a small, tunny boat type, escort were sighted bearing 010°(T) at a range of 7000 yards. These were also proceeding southwards.

1425I/7, in position 19°42'N, 121°37'E, faint smoke was sighted bearing 223°. Estimated range was 20 nautical miles.

1430I/7, now sighted smoke bearing 221°, 223° and 230°. Commenced approach.

1615I/7, Heard a distant explosion. [This was USS Billfish (T/Cdr. V.C. Turner, USN) at work].

1625I/7, Masts of one of the ships could now be seen. This was the nothernmost ship.

1635I/7, Now sighted masts and stack of the middle ship. The northern ship could not be sighted at this moment and of the southern ship only smoke could be seen. Selected the middle ship as the target for tracking purposes.

1645I/7, The targets upperworks gave the impression it was an auxiliary A/S vessel.

1715I/7, Target is now thought to be a transport of about 3500 tons. She is in ballast and proceeding at 9 knots. Would be difficult to obtain a good firing position though.

1735I/7, The target had zigged away as expected, range now 4500 yards and increasing.

1742I/7 The target was still going away, range now 6100 yards so shifted target to the southernmost ship which at first had looked like a fat single stack tanker but now was thought to be an auxiliary minesweeping vessel. Range was 2800 yards but with an angle on the bow of 35° (starboard). Commenced swinging hard right for a stern shot.

1747I/7, Targets speed was estimated to be 9 knots.

1749I/7, In position 20°04'N, 121°46'E, fired three stern torpedoes from tubes 5 to 7.

1751I/7, Torpedo No.3 was seen to hit and the ship was seen to disintegrate. Everything went sky high and within a fraction of a second there was nothing to be seen but smoke and debris in the air. The ships sunk was apparently the Kinshu Maru (238 GRT, built ????).

1753I/7, Two end of run explosions were heard.

During the evening USS Sailfish, USS Greenling (T/Cdr. J.D. Gerwick, USN) and USS Billfish searched for the transport but she could not be found and had most likely sought shelter between Sabtang and Ibahos Islands. (15)

18 Aug 1944 (position 18.40, 116.10)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) attacked but missed the Japanese battlecruiser Haruna with four torpedoes west of Luzon in position 18°40'N, 116°10'E. The battlecruiser was escorted by the destroyers Yamagumo, Michishio and Nowaki.

0029I/18, in position 19°14'N, 116°48'E, obtained radar contact bearing 020°(T), range 22650 yards. Commenced approach. Estimated targets course due south at 13 knots. Sent out contact report to the remainder of the wolf pack.

0042I/18, Tracking on parallel course. Range now 14000 yards. There was one large target now on course 220°(T) with one escort ahead and one on each quarter. Targets speed was 15 knots.

0127I/18, Range now 6900 yards.

0132I/18, Slowed down to 12 knots and opened the outer torpedo tube doors. The target was thought to be either a battleship or heavy cruiser.

0135I/18, In position 18°40'N, 116°10'E, fired four bow torpedoes from tubes 1 to 4 from 3600 yards for a torpedo run of 4500 yards which was longer than had been hoped for.

0136I/18, Right full rudder and all ahead full to get clear.

0137I/18, Two hits are thought to have been obtained.

0139I/18, The radar gave no indication that hits had been obtained. Course and speed of the target remained the same. Later it was thought that one of the destroyer had disappeared from the radar screen but none of them had been hit though.

0220I/18, Lost radar contact with the main target at 26000 yards. Discontinued chase. (15)

22 Aug 1944
At 0805I/22, South of Formosa, in position 21°27'N, 120°57'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) sighted a small patrol boat bearing 212°(T) at a range of 5400 yards. Enemy course 340°(T), speed 6 knots. Did not attack so as not to give away the submarines position and await bigger prey.

At 1155I/22, in position 21°32'N, 120°58'E, six single masts were sighted bearing 005°(T) to 013°(T). Commenced closing. By 1300I/22, the masts were determined to be five sampans escorted by a patrol boat. Evaded them. (15)

23 Aug 1944
At 0302I/23, South of Formosa, in position 21°20'N, 121°04'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) obtained radar contact bearing 072°(T) at a range of 6550 yards. Commenced tracking.

0338I/23, The contact is a small patrol boat on course 330°(T), speed 6 knots. Sailfish avoided and resumed patrol.

0936I/23, In position 21°25'N, 120°46'E, sighted a patrol boat bearing 056°(T) at a range of 11000 yards. Enemy course 290°(T), speed 5 knots. Sailfish avoided.

0953I/23, In position 21°26'N, 120°47'E, sighted a two-masted schooner at a range of 9500 yards proceeding on course 000°(T) at 4 knots. Sailfish did not attack as to not give away her position.

1440I/23, In position 21°30'N, 120°56'E, sighted six sailing sampans with a trawler type escort bearing 325°(T) at 9500 yards. Their course was 140°(T), speed 4 knots. Sailfish avoided.

1529I/23, In position 21°30'N, 120°58'E, sighted seven sailing sampans with two trawler type escorts bearing 306°(T) at 10000 yards. Their course was 140°(T). Sailfish again avoided. (15)

24 Aug 1944 (position 21.29, 121.18)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese troop transport Toan Maru (2110 GRT, built 1943) south-east of Formosa in position 21°29'N, 121°18'E. The sinking of a second vessel was claimed.

0220I/24, In position 21°30'N, 121°10'E, SJ radar contact was obtained bearing 318°(T) at a range of 14450 yards. Commenced tracking and sent out a contact report to the remainder of the wolf pack.

0245I/24, the target was proceeding to the south-east at 8 knots. Also it became apparent that this contact was a convoy.

0315I/24, The target groups smoke can be seen from the bridge. The convoy was though to be made up of four transports, three fair sized ones and a small one. Also two escorts were present, one ahead and one astern of the convoy. Decided to make a bow tube attack on the leading ship of the near column and then swing to the left to be in position to conduct another attack.

0333I/24, In position 21°29'N, 121°18'E, fired four bow torpedoes from tubes 1 to 4 from a range of 3020 yards. Enemy course 140° at 8 knots. After firing commenced to swing hard left at full speed.

0335I/24, Two hits were seen from the bridge. The target was immediately lost in a cloud of smoke. One minute later the targets stern was seen to the right of the smoke at a 60° down angle. The radar reported that the target had broken in two.

0339I/24, Heard two end of run explosions.

0342I/24, Heard three depth charges exploding, probably dropped at random.

0345I/24, Radar reported both ends of the ships had disappeared from the scope and must have sunk.

0347I/24, Sent out update report to the other members of the wolf pack.

0348I/24, Commenced reload forward. Tracking on the bow of the convoy at a range of 10000 yards.

0402I/24, Reload completed.

0430I/24, Started another attack and commenced an approach at high speed.

0446I/24, In position 21°29'N, 121°18'E, fired four bow tubes from 3070 yards. After having fired the last torpedo commenced swinging hard right at full speed.

0449I/24, Two hits were heard and felt on the bridge but the target appeared not to have been hit. Afterwards the after bridge personnel stated that they had seen an orange glow of hits on the leading transport of the quarter column.

0450I/24, In position 21°36'N, 121°19'E, fired four stern tubes from 3560 yards.

0452I/24, Heard and felt another explosion but nothing was seen. The target was in a smoke cloud.

0453I/24, The stern tube target disappeared from the radar screen.

0500I/24, Three explosions were heard and felt on the bridge. These were either depth charges or end of run detonations. Radar reported that something had disappeared from the scope but it was not known what this had been. No hits had been observed in either one of the last attacks targets. Sailfish had only one torpedo remaining.

At 2030I/24, Sailfish was ordered by the group commander to return to base. (15)

6 Sep 1944
At 1215Y/6, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) ended her 11th war patrol at Midway. She was then taken in hand for a tender refit by USS Proteus (T/Capt. R.W. Berry, USN). During the refit she was also docked for some repairs to fittings underneath the waterline. Following refit a trial was carried out followed by two days of exercises. (16)

26 Sep 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) departed from Midway for her 12th and final war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol in the Luzon-Formosa area. (17)

10 Oct 1944
At 1505H/10, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) sighted what is thought to be a large naval auxiliary with three escorts thought to be two Chidori-class torpedo boats and a gunboat bearing 256°, range 9000 yards. Three Sally bombers were seen to be patrolling overhead. Commenced approach.

1535H/10, Range now 8100 yards. The convoy had been maneuvering radically perhaps due a false A/S contact.

1614H/10, The least range had been 6100 yards. The convoy was now seen to be heading for the slot between Sabtang and Ibahos Islands. Sailfish had been unable to close the range enough to fire torpedoes.

The large naval auxiliary may have been the auxiliary minelayer Shinko Maru (offsite link) which arrived at the Sabtang anchorage early in the evening that day. (17)

12 Oct 1944 (position 22.16, 120.26)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) sank a Japanese sampan and damaged a Japanese tug with gunfire south off Formosa in position 22°16'N, 120°26'E. She also picked up 11 USN aircrew during lifeguard duties.

0735H/12, in position 22°16'N, 120°26'E, used the 20 mm to sink a small fishing sampan containing three fishermen. Normally such a target would not be attacked but as sailfish was now on lifeguard duty this was different.

1210H/12, Observed one of our carrier aircraft trailing smoke and finally crashing well to the north. Took bearing to be able to later pick up the crew if they had survived.

1235H/12, Picked up two aviators from a rubber boat. They were from the plane seen to crash 25 minutes earlier.

1257H/12, Picked up one aviator from a rubber boat.

1314H/12, Picked up three aviators from a rubber boat.

1353H/12, Picked up two aviators from a rubber boat.

1408H/12, In position 22°23'N, 120°15'E a Japanese tug or auxiliary patrol vessel was tying to beat us to the location where aviators were down. She was then taken under fire by the 4" gun. Three rounds were fired of which the second hit. Aircraft then took over attacking this small ship. Their attack left him on fire and sinking.

At 1430H/12, a fighter aircraft crashed off the bow. The pilot was quickly picked up. Five minutes later another aircraft crashed off the bow. Two aviators were picked up from this aircraft. (17)

13 Oct 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) resued an aviator off the south-west coast of Formosa. Later this day she was strafed by a Japanese aircraft but only some very minor damage was sustained.

0947H/13, Picked up one aviator from a rubber boat.

1205H/13, Sighted a corpse floating in the water which was seen be missing its head and shoulders. It was seen to be a Japanese aviator.

1635H/13, In position 22°09'N, 120°15'E, a Japanese aircraft was seen diving out of the clouds. Sailfish crash dived but was strafed by the plane while doing so. On surfacing at 1844H/13, some very minor topside damage was discovered. (17)

16 Oct 1944
0705H/16, In position 22°06'N, 119°54'E (south-east coast of Formosa), USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) sighted the tops of the masts of two vessels bearing 078°(T) at a range of 10000 yards. Closed to investigate.

0735H/16, The ships were now seen to resemble two Japanese Otori-class torpedo boats proceeding on course 310° at 10 knots. The closest range had been 8000 yards. [These ships were most likely the minesweepers W-38 and W-39 which arrived at Takao later the same morning.]

0901H/16, In position 22°07'N, 120°02'E, sighted a ship bearing 110°(T) at a range of 8000 yards. Commenced approach.

0935H/16, The ship was identified as a small net tender on course 310°, speed 10 knots. The least range was 5500 yards. It looked like both contacts seen so far were proceeding to Takao. (17)

17 Oct 1944
1545H/17, In position 21°45'N, 120°34'E, (just south of Formosa), USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted the tops of a ship bearing 317°(T) at a range of 9000 yards.

1635H/17, The target was thought to be a Japanese minesweeper heading eastwards beteen the tip of Formosa and Vele Rete rocks (Qixingyan). The closest range the target had come was 7000 yards. (17)

18 Oct 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Parche (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN) were both ordered to leave patrol and to proceed to Saipan. (18)

24 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600I/24, in position 14°40'N, 144°40'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), USS Barbel (T/Cdr. R.A. Keating, Jr., USN) and USS Parche (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN) all made rendezvous with their escort to Saipan, USS PGM-9 (Lt. C. Morgan, USNR).

The submarines arrived at Saipan around 1045I/24. (19)

25 Oct 1944
From 25 to 27 October 1944, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Parche (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN) underwent repairs alongside USS Fulton (T/Capt. A.A. Clarkson, USN) before they were to resume their patrols. (19)

28 Oct 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), USS Parche (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN) and USS Pomfret (T/Lt.Cdr. J.B. Hess, USN) departed Saipan to operate as a coordinated attack group (Senior Officer T/Cdr. Ramage). USS Sailfish and USS Parche were to resume their patrols. For USS Parche this was her 3rd war patrol. They were ordered to patrol in the Luzon Strait.

On departure from Saipan, around 1200I/28, they were escorted until around 1700I/28 by USS Conklin (Lt.Cdr. E.L. McGibbon, USNR).

Around 1400I/28, USS Sailfish however had to return to Saipan due to defects. Repairs were then made with the assistance of USS Fulton (T/Capt. A.A. Clarkson, USN). (20)

29 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With the repairs completed, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), departed Saipan around 1220I/29 to join the other ships of her coordinated attack group in the Luzon Strait. She was escorted until 1630I/29 by USS PGM-9 (Lt. C. Morgan, USNR). (17)

3 Nov 1944
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) attacked a large transport or naval auxiliary in a Japanese convoy in Luzon Strait to the south of Sabtang Island with four torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

Several more Japanese ships were seen throughout the day but none were attacked.

0304H/3, When south of Sabtang Island, in position 20°00'N, 121°51'E, sighted a large ship bearing 013°(T) at a range of 15000 yards. Commenced tracking and sent out a contact report to the group commander.

0330H/3, The contact had developed into a convoy made up of a large transport, either a smaller transport or large escort and at least four escorts. Enemy course had been 195° at a speed of 11 knots.

0346H/3, Submerged to complete the approach as the moon was almost full and overhead. Range was now 11000 yards and as escorts were detected at 14000 yards it was expected we could be seen at 9000 yards so a surface approach was out of the question.

0350H/3, SJ radar out of commission. Visibility through the periscope was not good enough for ranging and angle on the bow is difficult to estimate. Several escorts were pinging and being pinged so early in the game is out if the question.

0355H/3, Two leading escorts were going to pass close aboard to port. We still had no range or angle on the bow of the target the big transport.

0401H/3, The nearest escort turned towards with zero angle on the bow and a large phosphorescent bow wave. The second bow escort was also seen to turn towards. Looked like Sailfish was detected.

0402H/3, In position 19°57'N, 121°50'E, fired four bow torpedoes from an estimated range of 2700 yards. After firing the first two torpedoes the target was seen to turn so delayed the firing of the last two torpedoes until the targets new heading was known. On completion of firing went deep to evade the nearest escort which was coming in fast.

0406H/3, Heard the first of seven explosions. All sounded like depth charges and no torpedo hit is claimed. The last two explosions were fairly close and caused some minor damage.

0435H/3, A last depth charge was heard to explode.

0800H/3, Sighted smoke to the north of Sabtang Island. This smoke appeared to come from four ships and was in sight at frequent intervals throughout the day. Apparently these four ships were anchored in the channel between Sabtang and Ibahos Islands. Decided to remain in area to try to intercept them if they departed the anchorage and proceeded southwards.

0806H/3, Sighted a single masted patrol boat bearing 312°(T) proceeding southwards at slow speed, around 5 knots. She was echo ranging.

1619H/3, In position 20°09'N, 121°51'E, sighted a single masted patrol boat bearing 272°(T) proceeding southwards at slow speed, around 5 knots. She was echo ranging. (17)

4 Nov 1944 (position 20.09, 121.43)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese destroyer Harukaze (offsite link) in Luzon Strait in position 20°08'N, 121°43'E. A hit on a second destroyer was claimed but this seen not to be correct.

[Often the Japanese landing ship T-111 (offsite link) is reported as having been damaged by Sailfish but this seems not to be correct as no attack on such a target was made.]

During the attack on the destroyers Sailfish was damaged by depth charges / bombs from aircraft but she is able to effect repairs and remain on patrol.

0822H/4, to the southwest of Sabtang Island, in position 19°59'N, 121°46'E, sighted two patrol boats bearing 015°(T) at a range of 6000 yards. Their course was southerly at slow speed. They were echo ranging.

0830H/4, The hydrophone operator reported several echo rangers to the west. As Sailfish was right on the track of the two patrol boats went to 150 feet and kept the bow pointed towards them running as silent as possible. There had been nothing in sight except these two patrol boats and several aircraft patrolling the area.

0906H/4, Returned to periscope depth. The hydrophone operator reported that he had tracked seven separate high speed screw contacts which were echo ranging. The periscope picture is enlightening. Two old type destroyers, two Chidori-class torpedo boats and two patrol vessels plus the mast of a third were sighted. All on various courses at slow speed apparently searching. Three bombers were seen patrolling the area at low altitude. The closest was one of the destroyers at a range of 5500 yards. They were seen proceeding slowly southwards. It is obvious these had been sent as our presence in the area must be known to the enemy. Continued to close the Sabtang anchorage as it seems likely this 'killer group' might be sweeping the area before the transports there would proceed southwards.

1358H/4, Sighted the smoke of the transports anchored off Sabtang Island.

1544H/4, Sighted two older type destroyers bearing 226°(T) at a range of 6800 yards. Started approach. These turned out to be the same two destroyers seen earlier in the day as part of the 'killer group'. They were both proceeding on various courses and apparently still searching. Tried to make a setup to be able to fire torpedoes at both of them.

1555H/4, The hydrophone operator reported additional pingers so the whole group must be back. A quick sweep showed nothing nearby except the two destroyers.

1600H/4, In position 20°09'N, 121°43'E, fired four torpedoes from the forward tubes at the easternmost destroyer from 1600 yards.

1601H/4, Saw the first torpedo hit and blow everything aft of the second smoke stack sky high. The put the periscope to the second destroyer astern to setup for the attack on this one. A second torpedo was then heard to hit the first destroyer.

1603H/4, Fired three stern torpedoes at the second destroyer from 2700 yards. On firing the last torpedo started to go deep. While setting up this attack between 6 to 10 bombs had exploded close aboard. These must have been dropped by aircraft.

1605H/4, Heard a correctly timed torpedo explosion on the second destroyer. On going deep a fire was reported in the aft torpedo room. Sailfish then took a large up angle and started for the surface. Ordered all idlers forward and backed the screws and caught the boat with a 25 degree up angle at 170 feet.

1610H/4, Sailfish had now steadied at 230 feet with a 15 degree up angle but had to use speed to keep from settling and there were 35 men in the forward torpedo room to keep the bow down. The fire is out and no more water entered the boat. Apparently a close bomb aft forced open the inboard vent of no.7 tube about 15 seconds after firing this tube. This vent could not be closed. The master inboard vent and outer door were immediately closed when water was seen to enter but were not closed before a considerable amount of water had entered. Steps were taken to level the boat including a bucket brigade to transfer water from aft to forward.

1615H/4, While all this was going on evasive action was taken as five sets of high speed screws were heard pinging overhead.

1700H/4, The trim of the boat was now reasonably restored. No depth charges had been dropped by the enemy.

1720H/4, Commenced blowing down the tubes and started reloading as quietly and rapidly as possible during intervals when the enemy screws seem week.

1900H/4, Four torpedoes have now been reloaded forward and one aft. Further reloads aft could not be done due to the noise it would make to shift water. The hydrophone operator reported still hearing four sets of high speed screws and five pingers. Moonrise is at 2054H/4 (Sunset had been at 1720H/4) and the battery is close to flat so Sailfish had to get up soon.

1911H/4, At radar depth. Nearest target bears 080°(T) at a range of 6500 yards. Changed course to put him astern.

1913H/4, Surfaced. Sailfish was roughly in the center of five targets.
Target A) bearing 031°(T), range 9300 yards
Target B) bearing 083°(T), range 6900 yards
Targets C and D) fairly close to each other bearing 184°(T), range 13400 yards
Target E) bearing 236°(T), range 10500 yards
Commenced a battery charge and proceeded to the north-west where the biggest gap was.

1930H/4, The nearest target (bearing 083°(T)) is being left astern satisfactorily. Changed course to the west to evade the next target. Also increased speed to 4 engines as the target group appeared to be tightening the circle.

1942H/4, with this last target passing satisfactory astern at a range of at least 5800 yards course was altered to the north-west to clear the next one. All these three last targets were dimly visibly from the bridge, all had low lihouettes.

2000H/4, The picture was now good. Sailfish was north-west of all of the targets. Sailfish was now to the west of Ibuhos Island.

2015H/4, Lost radar contact with the targets. Continued charging the very depleted battery and commenced making repairs to the damage sustained.

2240H/4, Made a dive to check our trim after some repairs had been made and to reload the remaining aft torpedo tubes.

2340H/4, Surfaced and set course to rejoin the coordinated submarine attack group. (17)

11 Nov 1944
At 1035H/11, on board USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), while routining torpedoes there was a hot run torpedo in the forward torpedo room. No one was injured but there was considerable smoke inside the boat so therefore at 1042H/11, she surfaced to ventilate the boat for an hour after which she submerged again. (17)

15 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0052H/15, in position 18°11'N, 118°03'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 244°(T) at a range of 14950 yards. Two minutes later the contact had developed into two small targets within 1000 yards of each other. A third contact was possibly present. Commenced tracking.

At 0100H/15, the plot indicated that the contacts must be the three patrol boats reported earlier by USS Parche (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN). Radar interference was also picked up and was thought to be from the SJ radar from another American submarine.

0105H/15, the targets tracked on course 340° at 8 knots. Commenced an end around maintaining the range around 12000 to 13000 yards.

0223H/15, After having been in contact with USS Parche decided to close the contacts for visual identification.

0235H/15, Range was now 11000 yards. Started running in at high speed.

0240H/15, Obtained another radar contact bearing 190°(T) at a range of only 4500 yards. Swung left and opened the tube doors aft and setup on this target in the TDC. None of the targets could be seen from the bridge.

0242H/15, SJ radar interference on the bearing of this new target thought to be friendly.

0245H/15, The third target may be the third patrol vessel running on the same course as the other two targets but can not rule out it is another American submarine so swung right to run into the original two targets.

0306H/15, Range was now 6500 yards and still nothing could be seeen from the bridge. The targets must be very small and the whole setup 'smells fishy' so broke off the attack and started opening up the range to the north-east. (17)

24 Nov 1944 (position 20.54, 121.37)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) attacked an escort of a convoy she is trying to attack with a three torpedo down the throat shot. It was though two hits had been obtained but apparently this was not the case as USS Sailfish was then heavily depth charged and damaged by this Japanese escort.

The convoy USS Sailfish was trying to attack was most likely convoy TAMA-32B which consisted of the transports Choki Maru (927 GRT, built 1939), Kishin Maru (896 GRT, built 1941), Nissho Maru No.18 (1998 GRT, built 1942) and Shoho Maru (1365 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by the minesweeper W-39, the submarine chasers Ch-18 and Ch-38, the auxiliary submarine chasers CHa-176 and CHa-177 and auxiliary netlayer Kiri Maru No.1.

At 1805H/24, in position 20°57'N, 121°19'E, USS Sailfish obtained a radar contact bearing 000°(T) at a range of 24600 yards.

At 1810H/24, a contact report was sent to USS Pomfret (T/Lt.Cdr. J.B. Hess, USN). The contact was proceeding towards the Sabtang achorage at a speed of 7 knots. Commenced tracking the convoy from the starboard bow.

1855H/24, SJ radar contact with USS Pomfret bearing 070°(T) at a range of 14500 yards. Exchanged recognition signals and calls. He is heading north-east which will place him on the convoy's port bow.

1905H/24, The target convoy was now thought to be made up of four transports plus escorts. Their course was 160°(T) at a speed of 7 knots.

1910H/24, Received a message from Pomfret stating her position and course.

1918H/24, Radar contact with Pomfret again at a range of 7750 yards. Tracked him on course 300°(T) at 10 knots. Could not see him at 7000 yards which was reassuring. Sailfish Reversed course to the southwest to stay clear of Pomfret.

1920H/24, To insure that Pomfret understands Sailfish intentions sent a message stating Sailfish was on the starboard flank of the convoy.

1927H/24, Received a message from Pomfret stating she is commencing an approach on the convoy on the port flank.

1936H/24, Told Pomfret that Sailfish would attack first. Received no response so assumed that she had started her attack.

1940H/24, The convoy zigged away radically.

1955H/24, Changed course to run parallel to the convoy.

2004H/24, The convoy is now on course 120°(T) which was towards the shelter of the coast of Itbayat Island. Commenced approach on the surface at high speed.

2010H/24, the convoy is made up of four transports and four escorts, two ahead and one on either beam. The nearest beam escort was 3000 yards away from the transports. Intended to come in astern of the near beam escort with small silhouette and high speed to fire the bow tubes then swing left and fire the stern tubes and then pull out astern.

2015H/24, The convoy had zigged towards. Range now 12000 yards.

2020H/24, The convoy now tracks on its original course of 160°(T). Reduced own speed and changed course to left to let the near beam escort pass ahead while at the same time keeping a small silhouette. The transports were visible as good sized blobs above the horizon and the near beam escort is visible as a long low black corvette type vessel.

2025H/24, Just as everything is shaping up nicely the near beam escort has changed his angle on the bow radically. Shifted the tracking party to him. His range is 5700 yards.

2027H/24, The escort is heading towards doing 14 knots and speeding up. His relative bearing is 357°. Diced to hold on and let him have three torpedoes down the throat. If he is hit the way into the convoy is open for Sailfish. If he is missed Sailfish will have to go down and the transports can't be attacked before they reach the Sabtang anchorage.

2029H/24, In position 20°54'N, 121°37'E fired three bow torpedoes for a torpedo run of 3000 yards. On firing the last torpedo put the rudder full right and increased speed to full.

2030H/24, The first torpedo fired had taken a right hook and is porpoising erratic. The other two torpedoes were running normal.

2032H/24, Heard the first hit accompanied by a yellow flash and a small amout of smoke at the target. A second hit was heard 8 seconds later. Radar reported that the target had disappeared from the screen. When just about to shift the rudder and come back left the escort opened fire with his forward gun. The radar pip may have disappeared, but pip or no pip, no visible damage can be seen on the target from the bridge.

2034H/24, The is no doubt that the escort was very much still alive. His angle on the bow remains zero and his forward gun is still blazing away. Felt the ship jar when one of his shots landed and held up diving for a moment until it was clear that there was no damage. When this was confirmed Sailfish dived. It was intended to fire torpedoes from the stern tubes at him but inthe confusion this could not materialise. Ordered tubes secured when Sailfish passed 90 feet going deep.

2038H/24, Making standard speed and swinging northwest to get away from the diving position. Received six fairly close depth charges in two patterns of three each. They caused no damage. The boat was forced down by the explosions and was caught at 345 feet and was able to level off at 300 feet.

2045H/24, Rigged for silent running. Slowed down to 80 revolutions on both shafts.

2050H/24, Three sets of light screws were picked up all pinging. They remained in the area for half an hour. Attempted to keep them astern but with little success. The enemy seem to have a fair idea of the location of Sailfish.

2125H/24, Only one set of screws can be faintly heard. The other two sets of screws have faded out but their pinging can be heard. Started coming up slowly. If Sailfish can get up it would perhaps still be possible to attack the transports before they arrived at Sabtang.

2130H/24, Heard screws coming in fast. Eased back down to 290 feet.

2150H/24, Started easing up again but again screws were coming in fast. The other two pingers have faded out so assume this fellow has been left behind to keep Sailfish down. Attempted to make distance to the northwest with the current so as to be able to surface. The enemy seems to be maneuvering around Sailfish which failed to shake him off.

2221H/21, A pattern of 15 depth charges was dropped, all uncomfortably close and above. They were dropped in groups of three over a period of 1 minute and 50 seconds. His screws were heard to pass over the forward torpedo room just before the first drop. He did not change speed nor did he shift to short scale pinging. The depth charges jarred Sailfish considerably opening valves, knocking the hands of four gages, breaking a few light bulbs and chipping cork and paint. The charges apparently were nicely spaced except in depth. They appeared to shove Sailfish down so leveled off at 320 feet and once again tried to keep the enemy astern and keep him there.

2249H/24, Another pattern was dropped. This time made up of 12 depth charges, as close, if not closer than the last pattern with similar effect.

2330H/24, The enemy is still with Sailfish and hanging on. Looked like this is a pro. Abandoned the attempt to get clear to the northwest and are now trying to get to the northeast. Several fittings have become much noisier. It is thought Sailfish might be leaving an oil slick.

0100H/25, Moonset.

0110H/25, The screws of the enemy have faded out. For the past half hour he has been playing smart by alternately speeding up and then stopping to listen and using hand keying at irregular intervals on his pinger while changing his position between pings.

0135H/25, No more pinging was heard.

0145H/25, Started up slowly headed northeast. Both periscope hoists are out of commission.

0157H/25, All clear on radar. Surfaced. On surfacing some fittings on the bridge were found to be defective.

0200H/25, A radar fix found Sailfish to be 35 nautical miles northwest of Ibayat Island. Set course to clear Y'Ami Island and get clear to the east while taking inventory of the damage sustained and also to give some rest to everyone. Later a 360° turn was made to check if Sailfish was leaving an oil slick but this was not the case. During the 25th Sailfish remained on patrol submerged while effecting repairs but it was decided to leave patrol and ComSubPac was informed accordingly. After surfacing on the 25th course was set to leave the area and proceed to Midway. (17)

7 Dec 1944
Around 0815Y/7, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and around 0900Y/7, USS Pomfret (T/Lt.Cdr. J.B. Hess, USN) arrived at Midway from the Luzon Strait. They then fuelled and took onboard fresh provisions.

Around 1400Y/7, USS Sailfish and USS Pomfret (T/Lt.Cdr. J.B. Hess, USN) departed Midway for Pearl Harbour. (21)

11 Dec 1944
Around 0700VW/11, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN) and USS Pomfret (T/Lt.Cdr. J.B. Hess, USN) made rendezvous with her escort into Pearl Harbour, USS PC-571 (Lt. F. Stoddard, USNR). The submarines then ended their 12th and 3rd war war patrols respectively when they entered Pearl Harbor around 1100VW/11. (21)

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