uboat.net

  Front page - Fighting the U-boats - Allied Warships

Follow us on Twitter
@uboatnet

Notable events involving Hawkbill include:

The page dealing with the wartime history of USS Hawkbill was created in August 2025.

[No deck logs of this submarine are currently available to us so therefore some details, particularly regarding trials and exercises, might be missing on this page.]

20 May 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) commenced a trials and training period on the Great Lakes. (1)

1 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) completed her initial training on the Great Lakes. (1)

4 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed Chicago in a floating dry dock for passage down the Illinois and Mississipi Rivers to New Orleans. (1)

10 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived at New Orleans from the Great Lakes. (1)

16 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed New Orleans for the Panama Canal Zone. She was escorted out until the morning of the 17th by USS PC-1241 (Lt. E.E. Weingarden, USNR). (2)

18 Jun 1944
While in the Yucatan Channel, near the south-west tip of Cuba, in position 21°31'N, 85°04'W, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) was taken under fire by a friendly merchant vessel which later proved to be the White Clover (Panamanian, 5462 GRT, built 1920).

Radar range when the merchant vessel opened fire was 16550. Five shots were fired which all fell short by around 4000 to 5000 yards. The merchant vessel was then signalled by lamp to stop firing. (3)

21 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived at Colon (Christobal), Panama Canal Zone. She was escorted in by USS PC-1183 (Lt.(jg) L. Rogow, USNR). (2)

23 Jun 1944
From 23 June to 12 July 1944, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted a training programme in the Panama Bay area. (2)

23 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

24 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

25 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

26 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

27 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

28 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

29 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR).

30 Jun 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR).

1 Jul 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR) and USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

2 Jul 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR) and USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

3 Jul 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR) and USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN).

4 Jul 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR), USS Mallard (T/Lt. M.V. Evans, USN) and USS SC-635 (Lt.(jg) H. Yaskin, USNR) and USS SC-657 (Lt.(jg) C.C. Peters, Jr., USNR).

5 Jul 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises in Panama Bay with USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR) and USS SC-657 (Lt.(jg) C.C. Peters, Jr., USNR).

13 Jul 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed Balboa, Panama Canal Zone for Pearl Harbour.

28 Jul 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from Balboa, Panama Canal Zone.

2 Aug 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

3 Aug 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

4 Aug 1944
During 4/5 August 1944, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) and USS Scabbardfish (T/Cdr. F.A. Gunn, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Carlson (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Stapleton, USNR) and USS Bebas (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Schweizer, USNR). These included night exercises.

6 Aug 1944
USS Barbero (T/Cdr. I.S. Hartman, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Carlson (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Stapleton, USNR) and USS Bebas (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Schweizer, USNR).

7 Aug 1944
During 7 to 9 August 1944, USS Becuna (Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN), USS Hawkbill (Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) and USS Scabbardfish (T/Cdr. F.A. Gunn, USN) conducted convoy exercises off Pearl Harbor.

USS Carlson (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Stapleton, USNR) and USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR) went with them as escorts.

On the 8th USS Carlson and USS Burden R. Hastings joined incoming convoy SP-5 coming from San Francisco and en-route to Hololulu / Pearl Harbor. The submarines then commenced tracking, plotting and attack exercises with the convoy and the escorts.

This convoy had departed San Francisco on 31 July 1944 and was made up of the following transports;
Joseph K. Toole (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Makiki (American, 6457 GRT, built 1917), Malcolm M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Permanente (American, 9606 GRT, built 1902). On departure from San Francisco the convoy was escorted by USS Halloran (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Scripps, USNR).

At sea, in the morning of 2 August the transport Cushman K. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Seattle.

On 9 August the Cushman K. Davis, Makiki and Permanente were detached to Honolulu. The remainder of the convoy proceeded to Pearl Harbor.

11 Aug 1944
During 11/12 August 1944, USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor together with USS Allen (Lt. W.J. Riley, Jr., USNR), USS Carlson (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Stapleton, USNR) and USS Greiner (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Kiser, USN). These included night exercises.

12 Aug 1944
On completed of the night exercises, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor together with USS Carlson (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Stapleton, USNR) and USS Greiner (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Kiser, USN). USS Widgeon (Lt. C.W. Engler, USN) joined for torpedo recovery duties.

14 Aug 1944
USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor together with USS Canfield (Lt.Cdr. P.E. Cherry, USNR).

15 Aug 1944
USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor together with USS Canfield (Lt.Cdr. P.E. Cherry, USNR) and USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR).

Late in the afternoon, USS Hawkbill was detached. The other ships remained at sea for night exercises.

18 Aug 1944
During 18/19 August 1944 USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), USS Becuna (Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor together with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR), USS Lovering (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Bayley, USNR) and USS Rall (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Taylor, USNR). These included night exercises.

23 Aug 1944
Around 1400VW/23, USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) all departed from Pearl Harbor for their first war patrols. They were ordered to patrol between the Philippines and Palau as a coordinated attack group with T/Cdr. Holtz in USS Baya as the group commander. They were to proceed to Saipan first before continuing on to their patrol area.

They were escorted out until 2030VW/23 by USS PC 485 (Lt. W.C. Sands, USNR). (4)

4 Sep 1944
Around 1130I/4, USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived at Saipan from Pearl Harbour. They were escorted in by USS Ellet (T/Cdr. E.C. Rider, USN) which had joined around 0530K/4.

At Saipan all three submarines were taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Holland (Cdr. C.Q. Wright, Jr., USNR). (4)

6 Sep 1944
Around 0800I/6, USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed Saipan for their patrol area. They were escorted out until 1630I/6 by USS Heed (Lt. M. Dent. Jr., USNR). (4)

10 Sep 1944
At 1732K/10, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) entered her patrol area and commenced patrolling on a north-south line. (2)

18 Sep 1944
USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) are ordered to leave the area to the east of the Philippines to patrol to the south of the Sakishima Islands. (4)

23 Sep 1944
USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) are ordered to leave the area to the south of the Sakishima Islands and to patrol to the south-west of Formosa. (4)

26 Sep 1944
At 1256I/26, east-north-east of the Pratas Islands, in position 20°55'N, 118°27'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) obtained an SD radar contact on an aircraft at a range of 7 miles. The aircraft was closing fast. It could not be identified.

At 1257I/26, Hawkbill dived.

At 1302I/26, a depth charge was dropped by the plane. It was estimated it missed by about 200 yards. No damage was sustained. (2)

26 Sep 1944
Around 0720I/4, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made rendezvous with USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN). Information was then given by the group commander about coverage of the assigned area. (2)

27 Sep 1944
USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) are ordered to leave the area to the south-west of Formosa and to patrol in the northern part of the South China Sea to the west of Luzon. (4)

7 Oct 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese transport Kinugasa Maru (8407 GRT, built 1936, offsite link) in the South China Sea about 250 nautical miles west of Manila, Philippines in position 14°21'N, 115°46'E [position according to USS Hawkbill].

The sinking was shared with USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN) but it appears the torpedoes from USS Hawkbill hit just before the torpedoes from USS Baya hit.

The Kinugasa Maru was in convoy HI-77 (Moji, Japan to Singapore) together with the transport Manju Maru (7266 GRT, built 1925) and the oilers Omurosan Maru (9204 GRT, built 1937), Otowasan Maru (9204 GRT, built 1936), Arita Maru (10238 GRT, built 1944), Itsukushima Maru (10007 GRT, built 1937) and Kaiho Maru (10238 GRT, built 1944). The German submarine tender Quito (1230 GRT, built 1938) is also in the convoy, as is an unidentified vessel. They were escorted by frigates Chiburi, Etorofu, Shonan, Kaibokan 19 and Kaibokan 27 (all offsite links).

The oiler Akane Maru (10241 GRT, built 1944) of the convoy had already been sunk the day before and on the 5th, the transports Hakozaki Maru (10413 GRT, built 1922) and Oryoku Maru (7363 GRT, built 1937) had been detached (all offsite links).

6 October 1944

2015I/6 - Received a signal from the group commander on a contact report from USS Whale (T/Cdr. J.B. Grady, USN) on a convoy heading south towards our area.

2032I/6 - After decoding the signal set course to intercept.

7 October 1944

1900I/7 - In position 14°53'N, 116°07'E, picked up a large transport in high periscope. Commenced approach to obtain an attack position after darkness.

2147I/7 - In position 14°20'N, 115°55'E, fired four bow torpedoes from 2900 yards for a torpedo run of 3200 yards. All missed, reason not known. On firing the submarine swung hard right to bring the stern tubes to bear.

2149I/7 - Fired two stern torpedoes. These also missed.

2150I/7 - An escort vessel came toward. Went to full speed and the range gradually increased. In the meantime the target altered course radically and headed north-west at 15 knots.

2200I/7 - Commenced a new approach, determined that the target may not escape.

2224I/7 - In position 14°21'N, 115°46'E, fired three bow torpedoes from 2520 yards for a torpedo run of 2000 yards.

2226I/7 - The first torpedo hit the after hold which was in flames by the time the second torpedo hit in the forward hold. The entire ship bust into an inferno of lames and minor explosions.

2227I/7 - A catastrophic explosion lit the entire area. This explosion was an awe-inspiring sight. A mushroom of while and yellow flame rose hundreds of feet into the air. Tracers, rockets and pieces of flaming debris filled the sky. This ship literally disintegrated. A ludicrous sight at this time was the escort his green rocket submarine warning signal, but not so ludicrous were the 20mm tracers he started firing. With bullets whizzing past the bridge and periscope shears, and exploding in the water all around the ship, speed was increased to get clear. The range slowly opened.

2330I/7 - The escort was lost on radar. (5)

8 Oct 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) tries to make another attack, on what is identified as an aircraft / escort carrier. She is however forced down by an escort vessel and depth charged. [We have been unable to identify this 'carrier'.]

0032I/8 - In position 14°13'N, 115°28'E, obtained radar contact at a range of 30000 yards. Commenced tracking and set course and speed to attain a position ahead of the contact which was proceeding on course 000°. At a range of 11000 yards determined the target to be an aircraft carrier with two destroyer escorts, making 17 knots. The moon at this time was bright, visibility good, sea fairly rough. At full power it was just possible to keep up with the enemy. When first contacted the target was making good a northerly course and an urgent contact report to this effect was sent to the group commander. With the range down to 9000 yards the target apparently picked up the submarine on radar, for he changed course, keeping the submarine always on his beam.

0215I/8 - Found one of the destroyer escorts had closed from 11000 yards to 6000 yards while the crew of Hawkbill were busy tracking the carrier and was headed for the submarine at high speed.

0219I/8 - Submerged to 400 feet and rigged for depth charging.

0235I/8 - Received a well placed and rapid salvo of 19 depth charges. These must have been released from every rack and thrower the enemy had, for they all went off in less than 30 seconds.

0236I/8 - Hawkbill went to 500 feet.

0244I/8 - Anther salvo of 19 depth charges was dropped but now considerably off.

0255I/8 - A single depth charge was dropped. The enemy hund around for the remainder of the night, alternately pinging and listening, remaining in the immediate vicinity but dropping no more charges.

0545I/8 - Returned to periscope depth. Dawn was just breaking and the destroyer was sighted at a range of 6000 yards. Went to battle stations and made three tubes ready but the destroyer apparently gave up the hunt with daybreak and headed north.

0856I/8 - Surfaced.

0902I/8 - Sighted the aircraft carrier again at a range of about 14000 yards. Submerged and commenced closing at standard speed. This was a heart breaking approach. The target was without escort, the destroyers apparently being off on a hunt somewhere. It however proved not possible to gain an attack position. Making 17 knots the enemy never came closer than 8000 yards and eventually passed out of visual range.

1138I/8 - Just as the carrier went hull down out of sight to the southward, picked up masts of a ship to the north-eastward. Went to battle stations and commenced an approach on what is thought to be a Chidori-class torpedo boat, apparently one of the carrier's escorts. It was however also not possible to get into attacking range. The closest range obtained was 6700 yards.

Decided to remain down as the entire crew now had been at action stations for 18 hours. The majority of the crew was now able to get a few hours of sleep. Surfaced at 1747I/8. (2)

9 Oct 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) attacked a Japanese convoy west of Mindoro and claims to have sunk a transport and to have (at least) damaged two more transports.

The convoy attacked was convoy MI-19 (Manila - Miri) which was made up of the following ships;
Transports;
Daizen Maru (5396 GRT, built 1943), Eikyo Maru (6948 GRT, built 1944), Hida Maru (5321 GRT, built 1943), Nittetsu Maru (5993 GRT, built 1943), Shunten Maru (5623 GRT built 1928), Tatsubato Maru (5396 GRT, built 1943) and Yoshu Maru (5711 GRT, built 1916).
Oilers;
Daishu Maru (6886 GRT, built 1944), San Diego Maru (7269 GRT, built 1928), San Luis Maru (7269 GRT, built 1928) and Tokuwa Maru (1943 GRT, built 1942). The convoy was escorted by patrol boat PB-105, frigates Kaibokan 18 and Kaibokan 26, submarine chaser Ch 19 and possibly also the auxiliary submarine chaser CHa-56.

0800I/9 - Made rendezvous with USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and discussed the current news and future plans.

1600I/9 - Departed the area and set course for Mindoro Strait.

1601I/9 - Received a contact report from USS Becuna. Altered course to the north to intercept.

1622I/9 - Sighted many ships through high periscope. Commenced tracking. Position was 12°44'N, 118°03'E.

1642I/9 - Submerged and commenced approach.

1745I/9 - Definitely established the convoy to consist of twelve escorted transports and tankers. Three escorts were seen, thought to be frigates. One escort was patrolling back and forth across the front of the convoy, and one patrolling each flank. The convoy was zigging about every four minutes.

1809I/9 - Heard torpedo hits and assumed Becuna was attacking [which was correct], apparently from the same flank as ourselves. All hell broke loose in the convoy, ships turning this way and that, the escorts dropping charges like mad.

1812I/9 - In position 12°46'N, 118°02'E fired four bow torpedoes at a medium transport from a range of 2400 yards (2500 yards torpedo run). Meanwhile saw a tanker, that had been hit by USS Becuna sinking.

1813I/9 - Picked out another medium transport and commenced firing two torpedoes from the forward tubes at another medium sized transport which looked very much like the first target. Range was 1750 yards (2000 yards torpedo run).

1814I/9 -Saw the leading escort turning left to head back into the convoy and the port flank escort had a zero angle on the bow. Also saw two hits in the first target.

1815I/9 - Saw a hit in the second transport. About this time a heavy explosion shook the submarine considerably. From the first transport that had been hit only the bow was visible. It was sticking straight up in the air. Hawkbill dived and went to 500 feet. A total of 96 depth charges were counted. The escorts, either one or two of them, hung around for a couple of hours. Hawkbill waited for darkness to surface.

1958I/9 - Surfaced to commence and end around and make another attack on the convoy during the night. Range was now around 15000 yards. Worked up the port flank of the convoy with the intention of crossing ahead and attacking from the starboard bow. Escorts were determined to be on the port flank and ahead. There were now definitely nine ships, exclusive of escorts remaining in the convoy, with one of the nine lagging along about 1000 yards astern of the convoy.

2202I/9 - In position ahead and to starboard of the convoy. Started in for attack.

2204I/9 - The escort ahead of the convoy turned towards and the range was closing rapidly. Withdrew to the convoy's starboard side. Now an escort was discovered on the starboard quarter so decided that the port escort had shifted over. Changed the plan of attack to round the stern of the convoy and come in from the port flank.

2300I/9 - Discovered that there were the original three escorts, as the fellow on the port flank was still there. Came in across his stern.

2308I/9 - In position 12°21'N, 118°14'E, fired three bow torpedoes at a large passerger-freighter from 1920 yards for a torpedo run of 2300 yards.

2310I/9 - A lookout saw, and the rest of the crew head, one hit. A cloud of heavy black smoke covered the ship, but she did not sink as far as could be determined.

2325I/9 - Broke off the attack and headed for Mindoro Strait. (5)

10 Oct 1944
At 0640I/10, off Mindoro Strait, in position 12°45'N, 119°39'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sighted masts of several ships bearing 115° through the high periscope. Commenced tracking and make an end around to the north.

At 0647I/10, it was seen that the convoy consisted of two transports and a large oiler, plus escorts.

At 0810I/10, in position 13°00'N, 119°53'E, an aircraft contact was picked up by the SD radar at a range if 8 miles. USS Hawkbill dived.

At 0813I/10, a depth charge was dropped, fairly close. No damage was sustained. Diving however spoiled the chances of closing the convoy. The escorts came over but did not locate the submarine. (2)

12 Oct 1944
At 1015I/12, in the southern Celebes Sea, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) stopped alongside a 30 foot lugger containing six Malayans, scared to death. They were thrown a pack of cigarettes and were allowed to continue on their way. (2)

13 Oct 1944
At 0448I/13, in the Makassar Strait near Cape William, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) obtained radar contact on what is thought to be a patrol vessel. Range was 7500 yards. USS Hawkbill went around of the enemy to the westward. Minimum range was 6000 yards. (2)

13 Oct 1944
During the night of 13/14 October 1944, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) transited Lombok Strait southbound. The passage was made on the surface. No enemy patrol vessels were sighted. (2)

17 Oct 1944
At 1220I/18, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) ended her first war patrol at Fremantle, Australia.

She had been joined by an escort (unidentified) at 1000I/18.

At Fremantle she was taken in hand by USS Euryale (T/Capt. H.A. Guthrie, USN) for a refit.

3 Nov 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) commenced a training period off Fremantle.

5 Nov 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) is docked in ARD-10 to replace the port shaft which was found to be bent. (6)

10 Nov 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) is undocked. (6)

10 Nov 1944
USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted (A/S) and convoy attack exercises off Fremantle with HMAS Bunbury (Lt. J.F. Bleckman, RANR(S)), HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)), HMAS Launceston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.J. Barron, RANR(S)), HMAS Warrnambool.(Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) and USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR). (7)

11 Nov 1944
USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted A/S and attack exercises off Fremantle with HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)), HMAS Warrnambool.(Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) and USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR). (7)

15 Nov 1944
USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) conducted A/S and convoy attack exercises with HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)), HMAS Mildura (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)), HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) and USS Coucal (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Byerly, USNR).

The exercises were completed around 2300H/15. The submarines then parted company to proceed on patrol. They were to patrol in the South China Sea as a coordinated attack group under the command of T/R.Adm. Bryant in USS Hawkbill. This was the fifth war patrol of USS Flasher and the second war patrols of both USS Becuna and USS Hawkbill. (8)

22 Nov 1944
Around 1015H/22, USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN), USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) arrived at Darwin from Fremantle. At Darwin the submarines were to top off with fuel, water and provisions and also make voyage repairs if these were required. They were serviced by USS Chanticleer (T/Lt. L.L. Tyndall, USN).

The submarines were escorted in by HMAS ML 814 (T/Lt. B.R. Bayley, RANVR) which had joined around 0730H/22. (9)

23 Nov 1944
At 0430H/23, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) departed Darwin for her patrol area. (6)

25 Nov 1944
At 1414H/25, off the Tiger Islands to the south of Celebes, Netherlands East Indies, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sighted three sails on the horizon. Hawkbill closed to investigate.

At 1443H/25, Hawkbill inspected each of three native liggers. Each doused sail and hove-to. Each was given a pack of cigarettes and Hawkbill continued her passage. (6)

26 Nov 1944
At 0756H/26, off the south-west tip off Celebes, Netherlands East Indies, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) inspected a small native sail boat. They were released but these were not given cigarettes otherwise the crew of Hawkbill should quit smoking.

At 0826H/26, another small native sail boat was sighted but it was not ivestigated.

At 1436H/26, west of Makassar, Celebes, Netherlands East indies, a medium sized lugger was investigated.

At 1604H/26, in position 04°51'S, 118°37'E, masts were seen bearing 288°.

At 1615H/26, USS Hawkbill submerged and commenced an approach on the target. The calm sea and mirage effects made the enemy very difficult to identify and it was not until the range had closed to 9000 yards that it was seen it were to patrol vessels of about 400 tons apparently patrolling the approaches to Makassar.

At 1620H/26, USS Hawkbill surfaced and opened out to the north at 18 knots. (6)

27 Nov 1944
At 0540H/27, north of Cape William in position 02°26'N, 118°33'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sighted an enemy patrol boat. It was avoided by increasing speed to 18 knots. (6)

28 Nov 1944
At 1426H/28, in position 02°43'N, 119°40'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sighted a submarine through high periscope which was closed and turned out to be USS Hardhead (T/Cdr. F.A. Greenup, USN) which was on her way to Fremantle. (6)

1 Dec 1944
At 1235H/1, north-east of the Spratly Islands, in position 12°04'N, 117°55'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sighted a submarine through high periscope.

At 1627H/1, the submarine was closed and it was USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN) which was given patrol orders for the following day. (6)

2 Dec 1944
At 1038H/2, north-west of the Spratly Islands, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) spoke USS Jack (T/Lt.Cdr. A.S. Fuhrman, USN) which then joined the patrol line made up of USS Hawkbill and USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN). (6)

3 Dec 1944
Around 0715H/3, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) made rendezvous with USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN), USS Jack (T/Lt.Cdr. A.S. Fuhrman, USN) and USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) and the submarines were given patrol instructions for a new patrol line along Longtitude 117°E. (6)

4 Dec 1944
At 0721H/4, north-north-east of the Spratly Islands, in position 12°52'N, 116°53'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 359°.

At 0723H/4, masts were seen which were identified as being from a large tanker on a westerly course. Sent a contact report to the group and commenced an end around. USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN) should be dead ahead of the target.

At 0856H/4, there now was heavy rain between USS Hardhead and the target so commenced closing the track rapidly.

At 0918H/4, two torpedo explosions were heard. These were followed by the sound of depth charges exploding.

At 0932H/4, an escort emerged out of the rain and opened fire with what appeared to be a 3" gun at USS Hawkbill. Put him astern and went ahead full. Some ten to twelve rounds were fired by the enemy which all fell short.

At 1043H/4, was in position ahead of the target.

At 1110H/4, the target was seen buring. Three escorts were present.

At 1137H/4, a terrific explosion was seen on the tanker. USS Hawkbill skirted around the buring tanker and escorts to the north, alternately seeing and not seeing them as rain squalls passed. Course was then set to return to our position in the patrol line.

The tanker had been the Hakko Maru (10022 GRT, built 1944) which was on passage from Manila to Singapore escorted by the destroyer Kishinami (offsite link), frigate Kaibokan 17 and the minelayer Yurijima. It is possible more escorts were present at the time of the attack though. (6)

10 Dec 1944
At 0002H/10, in position 13°08'N, 117°00'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) obtained radar contact at a range of 23000 yards. Commenced tracking. USS Hawkbill had been searching for this contact after having received a contact report from USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN) at 1930H/9.

At 0037H/10, the target was identified as a large hospital ship on course 250° at a speed of 14 knots. She was on the Manila - Saigon route. Closed to 6000 yards and kept him on the starboard quarter while waiting an answer to the requist Hawkbill had signalled to capture the ship.

At 0407H/10, a signal was received which stated that the requist was turned down. USS Hawkbill then set course to return to the patrol line. (6)

14 Dec 1944
Around 1547H/14, north-north-east of the Spratly Islands, in position 12°57'N, 117°01'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) and USS Becuna (T/Cdr. H.D. Sturr, USN) are alongside of each other to transfer orders when smoke is sighted bearing 312°. USS Hawkbill commenced an end aroud.

At 1825I/14, Hawkbill was in position ahead of the target which was identified as a hospital ship proceeding on course 070° at a speed of 14 knots. The hospital ship was on the Saigon-Manila route and passed at a range of 3200 yards being lit up like a Chistmas Tree. USS Hawkbill then returned to her patrol station.

USS Becuna also investigated this hospital ship and in her patrol report it is stated that it was the Takasago Maru (9315 GRT, built 1937). (10)

15 Dec 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) torpedoed and sank the Japanese escort destroyer Momo (offsite link) about 140 nautical miles west-south-west of Cape Bolinao, Luzon, Philippines in position 16°00'N, 117°39'E.

The other 'destroyer' was actually the submarine chaser Ch-60 which had not been damaged.

1115H/15 - In position 14°50'N, 118°00'E, sighted mast through high periscope, bearing 097°. The bearing drew slightly north but then slightly south.

1121H/15 - Lookouts on the bridge sighted masts. Decided that we must be right ahead on the enemy's track. Dived and went to battle stations. It developed that these ships, of which there were three, were manoeuvring to avoid the B-24's patrolling in the area when they were sighted, and that their base course was such that they could not be closed. The nearest range was 7000 yards. They were definitely identified as Matsu-class destroyers, and they agree very well with the sketch provided to us by intelligence.

1341H/15 - Surfaced and attempted to contact the patrolling B-24 by VHF.

1346H/15 - Established communication with the B-24. He told us that the destroyers were part of the escort for two transports proceeding on course 330° at 7 knots. He then flew over the convoy to give a bearing and warned us that the convoy was escorted by six destroyers. He then wished us good luck and left to return home since he was already on his reserve gasoline supply. Commenced an end around to the north. Attempted to pass a contact report by W/T but thus was unsuccessful. We kept the tops of two destroyer, apparently covering the starboard flank, in sight until dark.

1820H/15 - Changed course to close the convoy.

1842H/15 - Obtained radar contact on two ships, commenced tracking.

1855H/15 - Identified the ships as two destroyers and commenced attack. There were no other ships within radar range at this time.

1927H/15 - In position 16°00'N, 117°39'E, fired a total of six bow torpedoes, three at each destroyer. The leading target was slightly ahead of and to starboard of the trailing target at a range of 2500 yards. Heard and saw four hits, at least three of them in the nearer Matsu-class destroyer. This target sank at once. The other one stopped. Hawkbill hauled off to watch the developments unfold.

1935H/15 - The second destroyer got underway and proceeded eastwards at 12 knots. It was assumed he had been damaged and was heading towards Manila.

1940H/15 - Picked up a new target by radar. The size of the pip indicated another destroyer bearing 248°, range 8000 yards. Tracked this contact at 10 knots so decided to go get the cripple and then come back for number three.

1945H/15 - Headed for what were thought was the crippled destroyer, whose angle on the bow was 180°, speed 12 knots. He kept putting his stern on.

2044H/15 - Decided not to waste more time on the cippled destroyer so fired three bow torpedoes from 1850 yards. They all missed. Hawkbill then swung right while the target turned left about 160°, putting him on our starboard beam with a sharp angle on the bow. The enemy then continued on a westerly course coming on nicely for a stern tube attack. Hawkbill stopped and left the enemy come across.

2056H/15 - Fired four stern torpedoes from 1800 yards. Again all missed to our disgust and astonishment. Hawkbill swung hard right to bring the bow tubes to bear.

2116H/15 - Fired three bow torpedoes from 1000 yards but again all missed. Time to quit. During these attacks the destroyer dropped numerous depth charges but otherwise took no offensive action. Hawkbill then made a sweep to the north-west but obtained no further contacts. (11)

16 Dec 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) claims to have attacked a Japanese fleet destroyer to the west-north-west of Manila Bay in position 14°52'N, 118°45'E. Four torpedoes were fired which were evaded by the target. [We can not place fleet destroyers in this area on this day.]

0505H/16 - In position 14°55'N, 118°50'E, obtained radar contact on two ships, bearing 195°, range 21000 yards. Went to battle stations and headed for the target at 18 knots as dawn was about to break and it was a matter of getting there in time for a surface attack or not at all. When the range had closed to 4000 yards it was seen that the targets were two large destroyers. They could not see us as dawn had broken and Hawkbill was to the east of them. Hung on as long as possible to make an attack. Enemy course was 330° at 12 knots.

0525H/16 - In position 14°52'N, 118°45'E, fired four bow torpedoes from 2400 yards on a 105° starboard track at the leading destroyer. The leading destroyer saw the torpedoes coming and swung hard right, allowing the torpedoes to miss ahead. As the situation became tense did not fire the stern tubes. With the leading destroyer now on the port quarter and the range closed to 1700 yards and angle on the bow zero, submerged and gave up the initiative. Immediately went deep and expected a good working over. The enemy made only one depth charge run and then hung around with her consort for about an hour but never gained contact as Hawkbill was under a good gradient layer.

0711H/16 - All clear on sound so surfaced to find nothing in sight. (6)

22 Dec 1944
At 0246H/22, north-west of the Manila Bay, in position 15°16'N, 119°12'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) obtained radar contact on bearing 180° at a range of 18000 yards. The target tracked on course 003° at 14 knots. It was seen to be the same hospital ship that had been sighted on 10 and 14 December. It is a large ship of about 9000-10000 tons, two stacks and coal burning. She carries a large red cross on her after stack outlined in red light, and a lighted green horizontal band along some 1/3 of her length.

At 1830H/22, USS Hawkbill set course to the west to re-form the wolf pack but now with USS Cavalla (T/Cdr. H.J. Kossler, USN) and USS Baya (T/Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN). The three submarines made rendezvous at 0620H/23 in position 13°30'N, 117°45'E and instructions were given on the patrol line that was to be formed. (6)

25 Dec 1944
At 1746H/25, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) left patrol to return to Fremantle. (6)

28 Dec 1944
At 0036H/28, south of the Riau Archipelago, in position 02°48'N, 108°19'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sighted two large native luggers. Let them proceed.

At 2150H/28, in Karimata Strait, in position 02°47'S, 109°14'E, object were sighted on the horizon which were closed and identified as a tug with two barges in tow. They made a nice gun target anywhere but not in Karimata Strait so did not engage them. (6)

29 Dec 1944
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sank a Japanese 'sea truck' with gunfire in Java Sea, east-north-east of Bawean Island in position 05°35'S, 113°29'E.

1800H/29 - Investigated a two-masted native lugger near Bawean Island. Gave them a carton of cigarettes and let them continue.

2015H/29 - in position 05°35'S, 113°29'E, sighted an object on the horizon. Closed an identified the target as a sea truck of about 300 tons.

2108H/29 - Opened fire with the 5" deck gun and destroyed the target with an unknown number of hits out of 52 rounds fired. The target returned our fire ineffectively with a large calibre machine gun at a range of 4500 yards. Passed through the wreckage consisting mostly of empty oil drums numbering about 100. Saw a few survivors but they showed no willingness to come aboard. A small section of the bow stuck out of the water showing the number 230 painted in large white characters.

31 Dec 1944
At 0312H/31, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) sighted a patrol boat at the eastern side of the entrance to Lombok Strait. The enemy opened fire with 40mm but Hawkbill evaded at 20 knots to the westward. The trip through the Strait was an exciting two hours. Hawkbill slipped between two more patrol boats, one on the port beam at 4000 yards and one on the starboard bow at 3800 yards, by the grace of a rain squall which lasted just long enough to squeeze by them.

Having just left the last one astern at a range of 7000 yards when the shore battery on the south-west tip of Lombok Island opened fire and illuminated the submarine with a large arc searchlight. The first salvo landed 200 yards over. The second 200 yards short, both tight on in deflection.

At 0449H/31, while the third salvo was in the air, Hawkbill submerged to periscope depth. The Japanese ceased fire but continued to hunt with the light for several minutes. It was hoped the enemy thought that he sank us. His fire control was excellent and obviously radar controlled. The transit of Lombok Strait was completed submerged.

1000H/31 - Surfaced and set course for Exmouth Gulf. USS Hawkbill was not in need of fuel but R.Adm. Bryant wanted to take a look at the Gulf. (6)

2 Jan 1945
At 1200H/2, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN, with T/R.Adm. E.H. Bryant, USN on board) arrived at Exmouth Gulf. R.Adm. Bryant did not return on board. He left by air for Fremantle so as to be able to make report later this day.

At 1600H/2, USS Hawkbill left for Fremantle. (6)

5 Jan 1945
At 0915H/5, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) ended her second war patrol at Fremantle. She was then taken in hand by the Submarine Repair Unit, Fremantle. (12)

23 Jan 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle with HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)). (13)

26 Jan 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle with HMAS Bunbury (Lt. J.F. Bleckman, RANR(S)). (14)

28 Jan 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle with USS Chanticleer (T/Lt. L.L. Tyndall, USN). (15)

5 Feb 1945
At 1300H/5, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed from Fremantle for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Java and South China Seas. She is also to carry out a special operation in / off Lombok Strait.

Before proceeding to her patrol area she was to top off with fuel.

7 Feb 1945
Around 0600H/7, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived at Exmouth Bay. After topping off with fuel and receiving the latest intelligence she departed for her patrol area at 1450H/7. (16)

11 Feb 1945
From 11 to 16 February 1945, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) conducted a special operation in Lombok Strait. Presumably to operate against the Japanese patrol vessels operating in this area.

A top secret report was made regarding this operation but so far we have been unable to locate it. No details of these operations are included in the regular report of her third war patrol. (16)

12 Feb 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the small Japanese cargo vessel Kisaragi Maru (300 GRT) south of Lombok Strait in position 09°20'S, 115°47'E.

14 Feb 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary submarine chasers Cha 4 (130 tons) and Cha 114 (180 tons) in Lombok Strait in position 08°28'S, 115°45'E.

16 Feb 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sank a small Japanese vessel with gunfire off Lombok Strait in approximate position 09°00'S, 116°00'E.

20 Feb 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Daizen Maru (5396 GRT, built 1943) about 175 nautical miles north-west of Singapore in position 00°42'S, 106°18'E.

Besides the Daizen Maru the convoy, which was on passage from Kuching to Singapore, was made up the transports Kwanto Maru (1542 GRT, built 1918) and Nankai Maru (???? GRT, built ????). They were escorted by auxiliary Nitto Maru No. 16 (???? GRT, built ????), auxiliary netlayer Tokachi Maru (458 GRT, built 1941) and another unidentified escort.

0918H/19 - In position 00°51'S, 108°01'E, sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 358°.

0926H/19 - Surfaced to look for ships. Sighted four ships on course 270°. Range was about 9 nautical miles.

0930H/19 - Submerged as a Val aircraft (Aichi D3A) was approaching.

1303H/19 - Surfaced. The smoke was still in sight. The aircraft was no longer seen. Decided to make an end around on the convoy and attack at night after moonset. The convoy appears to be heading to Singapore. Speed along his base course was only about 4.5 knots.

1950H/19 - Now ahead of the convoy at a radar range of 17000 yards. Commenced tracking.

0112H/20 - Moonset. Commenced attack from the port bow of the convoy.

0130H/20 - Obtained full picture of the convoy which is composed of a large transport, a medium transport and two small transports. There were two escorts of about PC-type patrol vessel size. Just before firing the convoy zigged towards which caused the firing of torpedoes to be delayed. However at a range of 1600 yards one of the escorts detected the submarine and fired the usual rocket warning. Hawkbill went ahead full and turned hard right until the escort was astern, and commenced getting clear. At a range of 1300 yards the escort opened fire with 20mm filling the air with tracers. It is a miracle Hawkbill was not hit.

0201H/20 - In position 00°47'S, 106°22'E, fired three stern torpedoes down the throat of the escort from 1300 yards. No hits were obtained.

The range gradually opened to about 5000 yards when the enemy slowed down, turned on a red light and started dropping depth charges. Hoping to get back to the convoy before the escort could return and fill the hole he vacated, Hawkbill maintained top speed and worked back up the port bow of the convoy.

0300H/20 - Commenced a second attack. The escort had not yet caught up with the convoy still being 5000 yards behind his proper station. Hawkbill went right into the open flank.

0312H/20 - In position 00°42'S, 106°18'E fired six bow torpedoes at the large and medium transport which were overlapping beautifully, the smaller of the two being astern of the other. Range was 3300 yards.

0314H/20 - The first torpedo hit the after end of the leading target and in succession the second and third hit the trailing target and the fourth, fifth and sixth hit the leading target. All six hits were clearly seen and heard. The escort went after Hawkbill again but the submarine now had a head start and he never got close. He was later seen to turn his red light on and started dropping depth charges.

0321H/21 - Both targets disappeared from the radar screen, leaving only four pips visible. Hawkbill hauled around to the westward until dead ahead of the convoy then headed in until a target could be chosen. There were now the two small transports left with two escorts on their port bow. So Hawkbill came in from the starboard bow.

0420H/21 - In position 00°31'S, 106°13'E, fired four bow torpedoes at a small transport from 2300 yards. On firing Hawkbill ran into a big patch of phosphorescent water and the torpedoes could be clearly seen running towards the target. But the target also saw them and turned hard left and nearly avoided the wakes.

0430H/20 - Opened out to the north-east at 18 knots to get clear of the area by daylight.

22 Feb 1945
At 1930H/22, in position 05°30'N, 104°00'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made rendezvous with USS Pintado (T/Cdr. B.A. Clarey, USN). Arrangements were made to patrol in a scouting line. (16)

23 Feb 1945
At 0800H/23, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) left the patrol line to proceed to her assigned lifeguard station 30 miles east of the Singapore Channel. (16)

24 Feb 1945
At 0600H/24, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived in her assigned lifeguard station.

At 0708H/24, in position 01°36'N, 105°03'E, masts were sighted through high periscope bearing 190° at a range of 14 miles. They were lost from sight almost immediately. Decided not to close them due to the assignment of lifeguard duties.

At 1215H/24, USS Hawkbill left her lifeguard station, her services not having been required. Course was set to the north. (16)

25 Feb 1945
At 0700H/25, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived in her assigned patrol position.

At 2000H/25, made rendezvous with USS Pintado (T/Cdr. B.A. Clarey, USN) and received patrol instructions. (16)

26 Feb 1945
At 1330H/26, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) left her patrol position to proceed to Subic Bay as ordered by CTF 71. (16)

3 Mar 1945
Around 0600H/3, USS Daniel A. Joy (Lt.Cdr. F.E. Lawton, USNR) made rendezvous with USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) and USS Hammerhead (T/Cdr. G.H. Laird, Jr., USN).

The arrived at Subic Bay around 1015H/3. USS Hammerhead ended her fourth war patrol at Subic Bay where she was taken in hand for refit by USS Griffin (T/Capt. J.F. Madden, USN).

USS Hawkbill was also taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Griffin. She also received torpedoes, fuel and provisions. (16)

6 Mar 1945
Around 0700H/6, USS Blackfin (T/Lt.Cdr. W.L. Kitch, USN) departed Subic Bay for her third war patrol and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed Subic Bay to resume her third war patrol. Both were to patrol in the South China Sea. They were escorted out until around 1200H/6 by USS Dyson (T/Cdr. L.E. Ruff, USN). (17)

8 Mar 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) arrived in her patrol area. She was now to patrol off the coast of Indo China as part of a coordinated attack group which was made up of USS Flasher (T/Cdr. G.W. Grider, USN), USS Bergall (T/Cdr. J.M. Hyde, USN), USS Blackfin (T/Lt.Cdr. W.L. Kitch, USN) and USS Blueback (T/Cdr. M.K. Clementson, USN and Senior Officer of the group). (16)

11 Mar 1945
At 1139H/11, north-north-east of Cam Ranh Bay / east of Cape Varella, in position 12°55'N, 110°05'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sighted a ship bearing 169° at a range of 16000 yards. Visibility was poor. Hawkbill submerged and commenced an approach.

At 1200H/11, the target was identified as the hospital ship Baikal Maru proceeding on course 006° at 10 knots.

The Japanese ship was en-route from Singapore to Kirun [Keelung], Formosa. (18)

13 Mar 1945
At 0301H/13, north-east of Cape Varella, in position 13°16'N, 109°40'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) obtained a radar contact at a range of only 4000 yards. Hawkbill turned away. Contact on the vessel was intermittent until the range was 6500 yards when all contact was lost at 0556H/13. (16)

22 Mar 1945
While patrolling of Cape Varella, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sighted over 70 sailing vessels varying in size from large sampans to small junks. Hawkbill surfaced and put a boarding party on the largest one of the lot. The junk was found to have only a cargo of sand ballast so they were released. It was allowed to sink all these vessels but the crews appeared to be Chinesa and Annamese. Also most of the boats contained women and children. (16)

24 Mar 1945
At 0330H/24, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) received orders to assist aircraft in searching for four ditched aviators 10 miles to the north-east of Hon Ngoai Island just to the north of Cam Ranh Bay. They were not found though.

At 1800H/24, USS Hawkbill left the area in accordance with orders from CTF-71. Course was set for Karimata Strait. (16)

26 Mar 1945
At 0400/26, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) received orders to perform lifeguard duties in the Singapore area on 28 March. IT was decided to patrol on the Singapore - Borneo traffic route in the meantime.

Later USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) was informed that air strikes were scheduled for 0030H/29 and 0200H/30. (16)

29 Mar 1945
At 0001H/29, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) was in position 01°05'N, 105°25'E for lifeguard operations. She remained on her lifeguard station until 0500H/30 when she left to continue her passage to Fremantle. Her services had not been required. (16)

30 Mar 1945
At 1604H/30, north of Karimata Strait, in position 01°12'S, 107°52'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sighted two mast on the horizon. Five minutes later Hawkbill submerged and commenced an appraoch.

At 1720H/30, Hawkbill surfaced after it had been determined that the target was a two-masted schooner.

At 1757H/30 - Hawkbill went alongside the target. It was a typical Celebes prau, about 75 feet long and manned by half a dozen natived. Decided to let them go. (16)

1 Apr 1945
During the day, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made a submerged southbound passage of Lombok Strait. (16)

6 Apr 1945
Around 0900H/6, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) ended her third war patrol at Fremantle. At Fremantle she was taken in hand for refit by USS Clytie (T/Capt. C.H. Walker, USN).

22 Apr 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) commenced a training period at Fremantle. Training was completed on 2 May 1945.

5 May 1945
Around 1300I/5, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed from Fremantle for her fourth war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Siam and the South China Sea.

On departure exercises were carried out with USS Hutchinson (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Houghtaling, USCG). (19)

10 May 1945
During the night of 10/11 May 1945, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made the northbound passage of Lombok Strait on the surface. No enemy patrol boats were encountered. (19)

15 May 1945
Around 0500I/15, USS Brill (T/Cdr. H.B. Dodge, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made rendezvous north-west of Singapore in position 01°57'N, 105°17'E. Arrangements were made on where to patrol in the coming days. (20)

16 May 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese minelayer Hatsutaka (offsite link) off the east coast of Malaya, north of Kuantan, in position 04°52'N, 103°28'E.

0419I/16 - In position 05°02'N, 103°50'E, obtained radar contact bearing 269°, range 18000 yards. Commenced tracking. The target was zigging on a base course of 150° at a speed of 14 knots.

0458I/16 - Went to battle stations for a torpedo attack. Turned in to target to get at him before he entered the mined area behind Pulau Tenggol.

0523I/16 - In position 04°54'N, 103°28'E, fired six bow torpedoes from 2800 yards. They were fired by radar as due to the rain the target was not in sight at that moment. Depth of the water was only 16 fathoms.

0525I/16 - Observed and heard the first of two timed hits in the target. Shortly before firing a smaller target was discovered close to the larger, decided this was an escort.

The target stopped and opened up with a barrage of 4" and 20mm which lased off until ...

0700I/16 - Dived. The target was obviously hurt but not sunk and his gunfire hold Hawkbill off during darkness. Commenced closing the target as dawn broke. He was finally seen to be lying to about 3000 yards from the shore. He had a 10° list to port.

0951I/16 - Went to battle stations for another torpedo attack to finish off the target.

1002I/16 - Observed a single engine aircraft circling over the target.

1015I/16 - Saw that the target, which was now identified as a Hatsutaka-class minelayer was being towed into the beach stern first by a sea truck of about 400 tons. Decided that if the enemy was to be sunk it was now.

1044I/16 - In position 04°52'N, 103°28'E fired three bow torpedoes from 4650 yards. The first torpedo ran erratic but the other two ran normal, smoking like locomotives. The target opened up with everything aboard at the torpedoes but to no avail since at ...

1049I/16 - One torpedo hit the target amidships with an explosion we could not believe. The target broke in two amidships with her bow stuck straight into the air. The sea truck scrambled for a nearby cove.

1114I/16 - Surfaced to try and find the sea truck but he must have proceeded up the Dungun river as he was nowhere to be seen. Hawkbill cruiser through the wreckage picking up some of it as evidence.

1200I/16 - Hauled clear and ran towards the 20 fathom curve at 18 knots.

1228I/16 - Submerged. (21)

18 May 1945
At 0015I/18, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) received orders to patrol in the Gulf of Siam and devide the area with USS Cobia (T/Cdr. A.L. Becker, USN) and HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN).

A message was sent to USS Cobia requisting a rendezvous. (19)

19 May 1945
Around 0600I/19, in position 08°05'N, 102°22'E, USS Cobia (T/Cdr. A.L. Becker, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made rendezvous. The patrol area was divided with USS Cobia patrolling north of 09°00'N. Cdr. Becker told Cdr. Scanland that USS Cobia had been heavily depth charged and damaged by a minelayer a few days before. Cdr. Scanland happily informed him that this minelayer was now resting on the bottom. (22)

20 May 1945
At 2043I/20, while patrolling in the Gulf of Siam, the sound watch on board USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) reported a torpedo approaching on the port side which was avoided with full rudded and flank speed. Sound tracked the torpedo down the port side. The sound operator was an experienced one and his description of the high speed, high pitched whirring noise he heard left little doubt that a torpedo had indeed been fired at USS Hawkbill. As no wake was visible it was considered the torpedo was electric.

No Japanese submarine was however in the area. (19)

22 May 1945
Around 2300I/22, in position 08°20'N, 103°00'E, USS Bergall (T/Cdr. J.M. Hyde, USN) and USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made rendezvous.

Cdr. Hyde gave instructions to Cdr. Scanland for a coordinated patrol in the area. (23)

24 May 1945
Around 0420I/24, in position 07°20'N, 103°00'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) and USS Kraken (T/Cdr. T.H. Henry, USN) made rendezvous.

USS Kraken, fresh out of Subic Bay, transferred a bag of very welcome mail to USS Hawkbill. (24)

29 May 1945
During the night of 29/30 May 1945, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sank a small coastal freighter with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam in position 10°05'N, 99°34'E.

2237I/29 - In position 10°17'N, 99°33'E, obtained radar contact at 9000 yards. Commenced tracking and found the target to be on course 160° at 6 knots.

2250I/29 - Sound picked up the screws of the target and the target was also sighted in the moonlight and identified as a small, stack amidships, steamer of about 400 tons.

2305I/29 - Went to battle stations for a gun attack. Closed the range to 3000 yards.

2321I/29 - Opened fire with both 5" guns. A total of 50 rounds were fired for an undertermined number of hits.

2359I/29 - Closed the target and raked it with 20mm fire.

0002I/30 - Ceased firing and headed for a loaded life boat.

0008I/30 - Went alongside the life boat which contained 12 persons including a young woman. The survivors appeared to be natives so brought all those aboard who could climb the side. Four men were too badly wounded to move. The wounded survivors which boarded Hawkbill were treated. The lifeboat, which was half flooded, was bailed out. Also put a rubber boat in the water as their lifeboat was not capable of safely carry 12 persons. The survivors were Siamese and they tried to communicate that no Japanese had been on board. After fixing them up as best as possible 6 people were put in the rubber boat and 6 in the life boat. The rubber boat was secured to the stern of the life boat and secured the life boat to the stern of Hawkbill

0015I/30 - The target was seen to sink.

0033I/30 - Set course for the Siamese coast.

0220I/30 - Brought both boats alongside and gave them bread, water, a medical kit and directions to the nearest land which was now 4 miles away and clearly visible in the moonlight. Hawkbill left to take up her place in the patrol line.

2 Jun 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) left patrol in the Gulf of Siam to patrol off the east coast of Malaya as ordered. (19)

6 Jun 1945
At 0302I/6, north-west of the Anambas Islands, in position 03°22'N, 105°20'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) obtained a radar contact at a range of 25000 yards.

At 0315I/6, the target was identified as a properly marked hospital ship on course 030° at a speed of 15 knots.

This was most likely the Hikawa Maru (11622 GRT, built 1930) on passage from Singapore to Japan via Hainan Island. (21)

15 Jun 1945
At 0258I/15, north of the Anambas Islands, in position 03°28'N, 105°37'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sighted a properly marked hospital ship at a range of 25000 yards. The ship was proceeding on course 210° at 12 knots.

This was the Hikawa Maru No.2 (6076 GRT, built 1927, former Tenno Maru, former Dutch Op Ten Noort) which arrived at Singapore later the same day.

At 1700I/15, USS Hawkbill left patrol to proceed to Subic Bay. (21)

18 Jun 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) ended her fourth war patrol at Subic Bay, Philippines.

She was escorted in USS Johnnie Hutchins (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Godsey, USNR) by which had joined around 0500I/18.

USS Hawkbill was then taken in hand for refit by USS Anthedon (T/Capt. R.E. Hawes, USN).

12 Jul 1945
Around 1400I/12, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed from Subic Bay for her fifth war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the east coast of Malaya.

On departure gunnery exercises were carried out on a target that was being towed by USS Coucal (T/Lt. W.P. Baron, USN).

She was escorted out until 2300I/12, name of the escort is not given in the patrol report. (25)

16 Jul 1945
At 2150I/16, in position 06°37'N, 103°33'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN), fresh out of Subic Bay, made rendezvous with USS Brill (T/Cdr. H.B. Dodge, USN). A spare radar part is then transferred by USS Hawkbill to USS Brill. (25)

17 Jul 1945
At 0443I/17, in position 05°01'N, 104°02'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made rendezvous with USS Hammerhead (T/Cdr. F.M. Smith, USN). Patrol orders were then given to USS Hammerhead to operate as a pack. (25)

17 Jul 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sank a small vessel with gunfire off the east coast of Malaya in approximate position 04°44'N, 103°39'E.

1040I/17 - Put the boarding party on a large southbound junk for an inspection of the cargo. Found out that the junk was heavily loaded with 50000 pounds of rice, Singapore bound. Remover the crew of nine and sank the junk with the 40mm gun.

1200I/17 - Delivered the crew of the junk to another, much smaller, junk.

1455I/17 - Inspected another junk, northbound. He was found to be carrying rock ballast so let him go. (25)

18 Jul 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) is damaged by depth charges off the east coast of Malaya, north of Kuantan, in position 04°41'N, 103°30'E. This was following an attack on a Japanese convoy in which torpedoes had been fired, to no result, at the Japanese destroyer Kamikaze.

The convoy Kamikaze was escorting was made up of the small tankers Hishi Maru (492 GRT, built 1931), Kyoei Maru (591 GRT, built 1937) and Nanshin Maru No.29 (834 GRT, built 1944). The other escorts were the auxiliary minesweepers Wa 9, Choun Maru No.6 and Toshi Maru No.2. The convoy was on passage from Singapore to Ha Hien, Indo-China.

1825I/18 - In position 04°40'N, 103°30'E, sighted a destroyer, identified as Kamikaze-class at a range of 14000 yards. He was making 14 knots proceeding southwards. The enemy was zigging wildly. The destroyer was about 4000 yards from shore and about 4000 yards ahead of a convoy he was escorting. The convoy appears to consist of two small tankers of about 2000 and 1000 tons respectively, a small transport of about 800 tons. There were also three other escorts, most likely auxiliary patrol vessels. Started attack on the destroyer.

1902I/18 - In position 04°41'N, 103°30'E, fired six bow torpedoes from 2200 yards at the destroyer.

1903I/18 - The target turned hard right towards the beach and was just able to avoid the torpedoes. Commenced reloading.

1910I/18 - Two depth charges were dropped to discourage the attacker. For the next hour the destroyer milled around at a range of 3000 yards apparently circling Hawkbill. Then a turned straight towards. Hawkbill had managed to kept the stern pointed on the enemy so at ...

2009I/18 Fired three stern torpedoes from 700 yards straight down the enemy's throat. The periscope was left up expecting the enemy being blown to bits but either the torpedoes ran under or run was shorter then thought and the torpedoes did not had the time to arm, no explosion followed. The crew of the destroyer could be seen pointing at the periscope so quickly retracted it but the periscope was only half down when the enemy roared overhead and let go his depth charges. Hawkbill was severely shaken and lost depth control as a result of which the bow broached putting it 20 feet into the air. Order was given 'all back full' and Hawkbill slipped beneath the waves again hitting bottom at 18 fathoms.

2104I/18 - The destroyer roared directly overhead again but did not drop depth charges.

2122I/18 - The destroyer passed directly overhead once more but again nothing happened.

2134I/18 - Again the enemy passed directly overhead, and immediately thereafter a terrific noise started, clearly audible throughout the entire submarine. It was thought a high pressure air leak outside the boat had occurred but a check on all gages failed to show such a leak. The noise persisted for an hour and it was thought that it may have been some sort of counter measure against acoustic torpedoes.

2155I/18 - Yet again the enemy passed overhead but astern. This time her dropped a four charge pattern which did no more than bounce the submarine a little bit around.

2248I/18 - Two more depth charges were dropped but they were well off.

0016I/19 - Not heaving heard our friend for over half an over left the bottom and at ...

0032I/19 - Surfaced. Stood out towards Pulau Tenggol to clear the area and to take stock of the damage sustained which appeared to be moderate. By 0700I/19, a lot of damage was repaired and it was clear that Hawkbill did not had to terminate her patrol.

0730I/19 - Hawkbill was on the newly laid out patrol line on the convoy's expected track as center boat (USS Cod (T/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Westbrook, Jr., USN) had now also joined the pack). (26)

19 Jul 1945
At 1028I/19, east of Kota Bharu, in position 06°14'N, 103°15'E, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sighted a patrolling aircraft and right underneath this aircraft, masts and stacks of the Kamikaze-class destroyer. (See the event for 18 July 1945 for more info on the composition of the convoy.)

At 1050I/19 - USS Hawkbill went to battle stations for a torpedo attack. Started attack on the destroyer. He was everywhere, ahead of the convoy, astern of it, twisting and turning. A very difficult target and the range was never closed to less then 3000 yards.

At 1312I/19 - Cdr. Scanland decided to abandon the attack.

At 1525I/19 - Hawkbill surfaced and commenced an end around.

At 1532I/19 - Two aircraft were seen at a range of six miles, the came directly towards. Dived to avoid being sighted one minute later.

At 1618I/19 - Aircraft were seen patrolling through the periscope so unable to surface.

At 1649I/19 - Three aircraft were seen through the periscope. They were only a mile away.

At 1858I/19 - An aircraft was seen through the periscope.

At 1915I/19 - Yet again, an aircraft was seen through the periscope.

At 1948I/19 - Sighted two aircrafr. The enemy is keeping the area well covered forcing the submarine(s) to stay submerged.

At 2055I/19 - USS Hawkbill was finally able to surface. She was now too far astern of the convoy to catch them before they would be in very shallow water again and given yesterdays experience this was to be avoided. (25)

20 Jul 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sank a small vessel by setting fire to it and later aided by gunfire. Another vessel was sunk with gunfire. This was near position 04°29'N, 103°29'E.

0803I/20 - Submerged off the coast just south of the Pulau Tenggol minefield.

0920I/20 - Surfaced to inspect junk. Boarding party found him fully loaded with rice. Since the small boat he carried was inadequate to carry the 8 man crew, we pit a 7 man working party aboard, and with their unwilling assistance, dumped the cargo into the sea. The cargo invoice removed from the junk gave the cargo as 469 'pikuls' of rice, one 'pikul' equalling 133,33 pounds. 62600 pounds of rice were thus jettisoned. That would otherwise have feed a lot of hungry Japanese in Singapore.

1102I/20 - While bringing the working party back onboard, sighted four aircraft at a range of 4 miles. Made a stationary dive to avoid ramming the junk, leaving 5 of our crew still aboard.

1113I/20 - Surfaced and recovered the remaining of the working party.

1120I/20 - Submerged to continue the patrol.

1903I/20 - Surfaced and headed out to sea in order to run down the coast for a little foraging to the south.

2034I/20 - Headed back in towards the coast.

2200I/20 - Found two junks at anchor 1000 yards off shore. Boarded the large one and found him to be a diesel driven junk of about 25 tons, loaded with rice. Put the crew in their boat and sent them to the other junk. Set fire to the first junk and were just turning about to head up the coast when a small coastal transport (Sugar Charlie) of 600 tons was sighted. He also sighted the submarine and turned for the beach when at ...

2251I/20 - Opened fire with the 40mm gun. Fired 64 rounds for about 90% hits. He beached himself and burned down to the water line.

The junk, which was carrying about 25000 pounds of rice for Singapore was not burning at all well, so it was raked with a pan of incendiary 20mm, setting the fuel drums afire after which he burned very nicely.

2316I/20 - Opened up from the coast.

21 Jul 1945
USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) sank two junks with gunfire off the Malayan coast near Pulau Tenggol.

1530I/21 - Sent a signal to CTF 71 informing him of the damage sustained. Later received a reply ordering USS Hawkbill to return to Subic Bay.

1553I/21 - USS Hawkbill boarded and inspected a junk. It was fully loaded with about 40000 ponds of rice. The crew was taken off and the junk was sunk with 40mm gunfire. The boarding party and the crew of the junk were then put onboard another junk which was loaded with 30000 pounds of rice. The rice cargo was then jettisoned.

Meanwhile the crew of a third junk, which had abandoned ship, was picked up and put on board the second junk. The third junk was also inpected and then sunk with 40mm gunfire. Finally the boarding party was taken off from the second junk which now had three crews on board.

All junks had been bound for Singapore.

1745I/21 - Submerged.

2230I/21 - In position 04°50'N, 103°45'E, made rendezvous with USS Cod (T/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Westbrook, Jr., USN) to receive some charts.

2245I/21 - Left patrol to proceed to Subic Bay. (25)

25 Jul 1945
At 0530I/25, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) was joined by USS Pratt (Cdr. R.H. Wanless, USNR) which then escorted her to Subic Bay.

At 0943I/25, USS Hawkbill moored alongside USS Anthedon (T/Capt. R.E. Hawes, USN) and was taken in hand for the most essential repairs to the battle damage that had been sustained. Also the submarine was fuelled and received nine replacement torpedoes. (25)

28 Jul 1945
At 1600I/28, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed Subic Bay to resume her 5th war patrol. She was now to patrol off Indo-China.

USS Hawkbill was escorted out by USS Woodson (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Corlett, USNR) which parted company just after 2030I/28. (25)

31 Jul 1945
At 0308I/31, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) obtained radar contact at a range of 7600 yards. The contact was tracked on course 030° at 6 knots.

At 0344I/31, five rounds of 5" were fired at the target for three hits. Went alongside the target which turned out to be a medium size junk with a Chinese crew. Only their sails had been holed. Allowed them to proceed.

At 1200I/31, USS Hawkbill was in position 16°54'N, 108°34'E.

At 1722I/31, a junk was investigated after which he was allowed to proceed. (25)

1 Aug 1945
At 0725I/1, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) investigated a junk. No contraband was found and the junk was allowed to proceed.

At 1130I/1, USS Hawkbill arrived on station of lifeguard duties for a B-24 strike on Tourane [now called Da Nang].

At 1200I/1, USS Hawkbill was in position 16°08'N, 108°34'E.

At 1343I/1, the lifeguard station was left as the raid was now over and the submarines services had not been required.

At 1900I/1, USS Hawkbill closed the coast west of Tourane to two miles and investigated several junks. All contained Chinese men, women and children.

At 2030I/1, retired from the coast and continued to patrol off Tourane. (25)

3 Aug 1945
At 0700I/3, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) left patrol off Tourane to proceed to the Singapore area for lifeguard duties.

At 1435I/3, a junk was investigated 80 miles out at sea. Nothing suspicious was found and he was allowed to proceed. (25)

5 Aug 1945
At 0400I/5, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) received orders from CTF-71 to proceed to Brunei Bay for a special operation. Went to 18 knots and altered course to comply. (25)

6 Aug 1945
At 0530I/5, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) made rendezvous with USS Coucal (T/Lt. W.P. Baron, USN) which then escorted her to Brunei Bay.

At 0930I/5, they arrived at Brunei Bay. CTF-71, T/Rear Admiral J. Fife, Jr., USN and A/Capt. W.R. Fell, RN then paid Hawkbill a visit.

At Brunei Bay Hawkbill was fuelled and two housings for rubber canoes were installed. Also five Australian officers boarded the ships for the upcoming special operation.

At 1850I/6, USS Hawkbill got underway for her special operation. (25)

9 Aug 1945
At 0700I/9, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) submerged one mile off the north coast of Pulau Tembelan. She then headed down the east coast of the island for a periscope reconnaissance.

At 1155I/9, while in the center of the 2000 yards wide channel at the southern end of Tembelan the master gyro compass went out of commission. Before this was discovered Hawkbill was heading for the beach and the fathometer readings were diminishing rapidly. Hawkbill came to 50 feet and got 3 fathoms of water under the keel. Surfaced 200 yards from the shore. Closed to 75 yards from shore while picking up several natives for questioning. They told us that there were 50-70 Japanese on the island and pointed out a radio station which they said was in daily contact with Singapore.

1300I/9 - Completed the reconnaissance of the island on the surface.

(25)

9 Aug 1945
At 0700I/9, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) submerged one mile off the north coast of Pulau Tembelan. She then headed down the east coast of the island for a periscope reconnaissance.

At 1155I/9, while in the center of the 2000 yards wide channel at the southern end of Tembelan the master gyro compass went out of commission. Before this was discovered Hawkbill was heading for the beach and the fathometer readings were diminishing rapidly. Hawkbill came to 50 feet and got 3 fathoms of water under the keel. Surfaced 200 yards from the shore. Closed to 75 yards from shore while picking up several natives for questioning. They told us that there were 50-70 Japanese on the island and pointed out a radio station which they said was in daily contact with Singapore.

1300I/9, Completed the reconnaissance of the island on the surface.

1330I/9, Questioned a native in a small fishing boat.

1405I/9, Came alongside a small Chinese junk. Took aboard and retained one Chinese natice from Singapore.

1500I/9, Laying 2000 yards from shore commenced a bombardment of the radio station, which sits right atop s 950 foot peak. Fired 40 rounds of 5" which completely demolished the radio station and the antenna mast.

1600I/9, Departed Tembelan Island for the Anambas Islands. (25)

10 Aug 1945
At 0712I/10, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) submerged off the southwest coast of Jemaja Island and commenced a periscope reconnaissance of the west coast of the Island.

At 1100I/10, Hawkbill surfaced and ran into a little inlet between Simrong Island and Jemaja Island. Put a party ashore in a rubber boat. They returned with a Chinese which was retained on board. He was questioned and pointed out a radio and lookout station which he said he had helped to construct.

At 1326I/10, fire was opened on this radio / lookout station sitting tight on top of a 1460 foot mountain. It was demolished with 40 rounds of 5" from 4200 yards range.

At 1346/10, Hawkbill continued the reconnaissance.

At 1534I/10, Hawkbill put into a river at the village of ???? [difficult to read in the patrol report, perhaps Maras]. The same landing party was then put ashore to proceed to the village.

At 1717I/10, Hawkbill left the river and during the night patrolled between Jemaja and Siantan Islands. (25)

11 Aug 1945
At 0709I/11, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. F.W. Scanland, Jr., USN) submerged one mile of the south-west corner of Siantan Island for a periscope reconnaissance.

At 0918I/11, entered the strait between Siantan and Mubur Islands to investigate Terempa, the capital of the Anambas Islands.

At 1058I/11, while being out of sight from Terempa surfaced in the strait and rounded up around 30 assorted natives and Chinese, men, women and children. They were brought onto the deck for questioning. The natives said that the Japanese garrison had fled to the hills upon receiving the news that an American warship had shelled Jemaja Island. There had been 70 Japanese naval officers and ratings in Terempa.

At 1220I/11, entered Terempa harbour where Hawkbill lay for the next four hours. A landing force of 5 Australians and 10 of the submarine's crew went ashore, using 2 rubber canoes and a captured rowboat with a 5 HP outboard motor. The landing party set fire to 300 drums of gasoline and confiscated great quantities of documents, equipment and souvenirs. At 1500I/11, the American flag was raised over the Japanese compound. An Indian POW was rescued. He had been captured in 1942. The native population of 3000 persons had taken advantage of the absence of the Japanese and had been evacuating the town all day.

At 1600I/11, acting on intuition and a lucky hunch the submarines whistle was sounded, the prearranged signal for the immediate return to the landing party. Ten minutes later everybody was back on board and Hawkbill started leaving the harbour.

At 1620I/11, all gear had been stowed and Hawkbill was ready to dive and clear of the harbour entrance.

At 1640I/11, three Japanese aircraft over Terempa harbour heading for the submarine which quickly dived.

At 1802I/11, Hawkbill surfaced and reconnoitred the west coast of Pulau Mubur. The leader of the party considered their mission accomplised so a message was sent to base giving the submarines ETA at Brunei for which course was now set. (25)

13 Aug 1945
At 0527I/13, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) exchanged recognition signals with USS Coucal (T/Lt. W.P. Baron, USN) which then joined to escort the submarine to Brunei Bay where both arrived shortly after 0900I/13. (25)

16 Aug 1945
At 0800I/16, with the Japanese now having surrendered and the follow up mission cancelled, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) departed Brunei Bay for Subic Bay. (25)

19 Aug 1945
At 0500I/19, USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN) joined USS Rasher (T/Lt.Cdr. C.D. Nace, USN), USS Caiman (T/Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN), USS Carbonero (T/Cdr. C.L. Murphy, USN), USS Woodson (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Corlett, USNR) and USS Rolf (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Hubbell, USNR).

They all arrived at Subic Bay around 0900I/19.

USS Rasher ending her 8th war patrol.

USS Caiman ending her 4th war patrol.

USS Carbonero ending her 2nd war patrol.

USS Hawkbill ending her 5th war patrol. (25)

31 Aug 1945
The submarine tender USS USS Howard W. Gilmore (T/Cdr. C.A. Johnson, USN) and the submarines USS Puffer (T/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Dwyer, USN), USS Rasher (T/Lt.Cdr. C.D. Nace, USN), USS Raton (T/Lt.Cdr. G.F. Gugliotta, USN), USS Baya (T/Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN), USS Becuna (T/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Bush, USN), USS Caiman (T/Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN), USS Blenny (T/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Fuller, Jr., USN), USS Blueback (T/Cdr. M.K. Clementson, USN), USS Boarfish (T/Lt.Cdr. E.C. Blonts, Jr., USN), USS Capitaine (T/Lt.Cdr. E.S. Friedrick, USN), USS Carbonero (T/Cdr. C.L. Murphy, USN), USS Entemedor (T/Cdr. W.R. Smith, Jr., USN), USS Hardhead (T/Lt.Cdr. J.L. Haines, USN), USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN), USS Kraken (T/Cdr. T.H. Henry, USN), USS Lamprey (T/Lt.Cdr. L.B. McDonald, USN), USS Lizardfish (T/Cdr. O.M. Butler, USN) and USS Loggerhead (Cdr. R.N. Metcalf, USN) departed Subic Bay. All were to proceed to Pearl Harbour except USS Blenny, USS Blueback and USS Boarfish which were to proceed to Guam.

14 Sep 1945
The submarine tender USS USS Howard W. Gilmore (T/Cdr. C.A. Johnson, USN) and the submarines USS Puffer (T/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Dwyer, USN), USS Rasher (T/Lt.Cdr. C.D. Nace, USN), USS Raton (T/Lt.Cdr. G.F. Gugliotta, USN), USS Baya (T/Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN), USS Becuna (T/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Bush, USN), USS Caiman (T/Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN), USS Capitaine (T/Lt.Cdr. E.S. Friedrick, USN), USS Carbonero (T/Cdr. C.L. Murphy, USN), USS Entemedor (T/Cdr. W.R. Smith, Jr., USN), USS Hardhead (T/Lt.Cdr. J.L. Haines, USN), USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN), USS Kraken (T/Cdr. T.H. Henry, USN), USS Lamprey (T/Lt.Cdr. L.B. McDonald, USN), USS Lizardfish (T/Cdr. O.M. Butler, USN) and USS Loggerhead (Cdr. R.N. Metcalf, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from Subic Bay.

15 Sep 1945
USS Hardhead (T/Lt.Cdr. J.L. Haines, USN), USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN), USS Kraken (T/Cdr. T.H. Henry, USN), USS Lamprey (T/Lt.Cdr. L.B. McDonald, USN), USS Lizardfish (T/Cdr. O.M. Butler, USN) and USS Loggerhead (Cdr. R.N. Metcalf, USN) departed Pearl Harbor for San Francisco.

22 Sep 1945
USS Hardhead (T/Lt.Cdr. J.L. Haines, USN), USS Hawkbill (T/Cdr. W. Scanland, Jr., USN), USS Kraken (T/Cdr. T.H. Henry, USN), USS Lamprey (T/Lt.Cdr. L.B. McDonald, USN), USS Lizardfish (T/Cdr. O.M. Butler, USN) and USS Loggerhead (Cdr. R.N. Metcalf, USN) arrived at San Francisco from Pearl Harbor.

As an Amazon Associate uboat.net earns a commission from qualifying purchases.