UNITED STATES FLEET
 
 
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
 
 
NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C.
 
     
  FF1/A16-3(18)  
  Serial: 0776  
                                                                                                       3 March 1944  
     
  CONFIDENTIAL  
     
 
From:   Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
To    :   Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
     
Subject:   VB-107 Anti-Submarine Action by Aircraft Reports Nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13 dated 5 November, 1943; and 1st Composite Squadron USAAF Anti-Submarine Action by Aircraft Reports Nos. 4 and 5, dated 6 November, 1943 - Analysis of.
     
Enclosure:  
(A) Analysis of VB-107 Anti-Submarine Action Report No. 10.
(B) Analysis of VB-107 Anti-Submarine Action Report No. 11.
(C) Analysis of VB-107 Anti-Submarine Action Report No. 12.
(D) Analysis of 1st Composite Squadron USAAF Anti-Submarine Action Report No. 4.
(E) Analysis of 1st Composite Squadron USAAF Anti-Submarine Action Report No. 5.
(F) Analysis of VB-107 Anti-Submarine Action Report No. 13
     
        1.   Enclosures (A) through (F) are forwarded herewith.
     
     
                                                              F.  S.  LOW,
                                                       Assistant Chief of Staff
 
 
 
 
Copy to:
  CinCPac (2) Comdr. VB-107 (2)
  ComAirLant (2) LantASWUnit (1)
  ComAirPac (2) ComASDevLant (1)
  ComFourthFlt (2) Comdr. 1st Composite (2)
  ComFairWing 16 (1)    Squad. USAAF  
  Naval War College (1) ComGen USAFSA (2)
 
 
 
     

 

 

Analysis of 107-B-12's Attack

 

 
 
 
 
 
ANALYSIS OF ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTION BY AIRCRAFT
  
 
 
 
Unit:  VB-107                Unit Report No. 10                Incident No. 4917A
 
 
 
 
Base of Operations:  Ascension Island
 
     
 
Squadron No. of Aircraft:  107-B-12
 
     
 
Aircraft Type:  PB4Y-1
 
     
 
Aircraft Commander:  Lieut. C. A. Baldwin, USNR
 
     
 
Location of Attack:  Latitude:  10-09 S
  
     
                               Longitude:  18-00 W
     
 
Date:  5 November, 1943.                Time:  1111.                Zone:  Zero
 
     
 
1. WEATHER
   
          Clear with occasional rain squalls. Visibility 20 miles, stratus overcast at 5000'. Wind 15 knots from 1100T. Rough sea.
   
2. DEPTH OF WATER
   
          About 2450 fathoms.
   
3. MISSION
   
          A/S Sweep.
   
4. APPROACH AND CONTACT
   
          The plane departed from base at 0623 and was on the homeward leg of an A/S patrol (course 0680 T - speed 160 m.p.h.) when, at 1109, the bow-gun lookout sighted a fully surfaced submarine traveling at 15 knots on course 0900 T. The sub was four miles distant, bearing 2 points on the port bow. Radar was secured at the time as the plane was transferring fuel. The plane was flying at about 3500' and the submarine was sighted thru a break in the clouds. Increasing speed at once, and using cloud cover, the plane made a diving circle ahead of the sub and approached the U-boat from its port beam.
   
5. FIRST ATTACK
   
          Six Mk. 47 depth bombs, hydrostatically fused at 25 feet and spaced by intervalometer at 60', were dropped from 75 feet at an
   
 
 
- 1 -
 
 
  Enclosure (A) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March '44   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
 
  air speed of 252 knots indicated. The bomb explosions straddled the submarine at the conning tower, the first two to port, and four to starboard. The third bomb was a dud. This attack was apparently a complete surprise as no AA fire was encountered during the run.
   
6. SECOND ATTACK
   
          As the plane pulled out to port for a second run the submarine began a tight turn to starboard turning inside the plane so that an attack on the second run was impossible.
   
          The third run was made on the submarine's starboard bow (target angle 600) and three Mk. 47 depth bombs, spaced at 60' were dropped from 25 feet at an unreported speed. These bombs fell short (the pictures indicate the nearest one to be about 200 feet short). AA fire was encountered after pulling out from this run and the port vertical fin was hit. The pilot stated that it was his belief that only the element of surprise and the firing of the plane's own guns kept those top-side on the sub from manning their AA guns more effectively.
   
7. REPORTED EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE
   
          After these attacks, the submarine was observed to be losing large amounts of oil, which continued for four hours. During this time it remained on the surface under almost continuous attack indicating that it was unable to submerge.
   
8. SUBSEQUENT ACTION OF AIRCRAFT
   
          After reporting the attacks to his base, the pilot remained in contact with the submarine and sent MO's to home a nearby plane to the scene of the contact.
   
          When the second plane arrived a coordinated strafing attack was made in support of the bombing attack. After this, 107-B-12 remained at the scene, homing four other planes to the attack position and acting as O.T.C. A second strafing run was made later on in support of one of the subsequent attacks on the submarine. Altogether 107-B-12 remained at the scene of contact for 5-1/2 hours and had been in the air a little over twelve hours upon its return to base.
   
9. ANALYSIS OF ATTACK
   
          It is believed that as a result of this attack, the submarine
   
 
 
- 2 -
 
 
  Enclosure (A) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March '44   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
 
  was sufficiently damaged to prevent its submerging, thus leaving itself open to further attacks which resulted in the eventual sinking of the submarine.
   
10. COMMENTS
   
          The action of 107-B-12 after making the original contact was intelligent and aggressive. Although this plane was unable to sink the submarine single handed, it is doubted that such a successful conclusion could have been attained had the pilot not been tenacious in his subsequent actions.
   
          The report was complete and well prepared, and an excellent and valuable set of pictures was forwarded with the ASW-6 Report Forms. It is requested, however, that in the future a more detailed explanation of the pictures be included.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
- 3 -
 
 
  Enclosure (A) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March '44   
 
 
 
     

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
ANALYSIS OF ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTION BY AIRCRAFT
  
 
 
 
Unit:  VB-107                Unit Report No. 11                Incident No. 4917B
  
 
 
 
Base of Operations:  Ascension Island
 
     
 
Squadron No. of Aircraft:  107-B-4
  
     
 
Aircraft Type:  PB4Y-1
 
     
 
Aircraft Commander:  Lt. W. R. Ford, USNR
 
     
 
Location of Attack:  Latitude:  10-08 S
  
     
 
                               Longitude:  18-00 W
  
     
 
Date:  5 November, 1943.                Time:  1145.                Zone:  Zero
 
     
 
1. WEATHER
   
          Occasional rain squalls. Visibility 20 miles. Stratus overcast at 5000'. Wind 15 knots from 1100T.
   
2. DEPTH OF WATER
   
          About 2450 fathoms.
   
3. MISSION
   
          A/S Sweep.
   
4. APPROACH AND CONTACT
   
          107-B-4 was on the return leg of a 600 mile A/S sweep when the contact and attack of plane #107-B-12 was intercepted. Voice communications between the two planes was established, and the plane at the scene homed 107-B-12 by MO's Radar contact was made at 35 miles, 10 to port of plane's heading. Visual contact was first made on the oil slick at 12 miles. The submarine was sighted immediately thereafter circling to the left, down by the stern.
   
5. FIRST ATTACK (The third on this submarine)
   
          The plane immediately began the attack run, and the submarine opened up with heavy AA fire at a range of one to one
   
 
 
- 1 -
 
 
  Enclosure (B) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
     
 
  and one-half miles. The plane's return fire was successful in silencing the sub's guns before the attack run was completed.
   
          Six Mk 47 depth bombs, hydrostatically fused for 25 feet, and spaced by intervalometer at 60', were dropped from 150' at a speed of about 190 knots (target angle 1000)
   
6. REPORTED POSITION OF EXPLOSIONS
   
          The position of the explosions was not reported except that they were "all short". (Pictures indicate that they were about 250' short).
   
7. SECOND ATTACK (Fourth attack to be delivered on this sub)
   
          The plane immediately climbed and circled for another attack from the port quarter. Three more Mk. 47 depth bombs (same spacing and setting) were dropped (target angle 240) from 100' at 215 knots. The plane strafed the submarine on the way in. No AA fire was encountered.
   
8. REPORTED POSITION OF EXPLOSIONS
   
          This drop was also short although the exact position of the explosions was not reported. Pictures indicate the closest bomb to be about 50 feet short.
   
9. SUBSEQUENT ACTION OF AIRCRAFT
   
          Having dropped all its bombs the plane then returned to base, leaving the plane that made the original sighting to shadow the submarine. The U-boat was still on the surface trailing oil.
   
10. ANALYSIS OF ATTACK
   
          It is not believed the submarine suffered any damage as a result of the depth bomb attacks. The strafing runs were heavy and accurate, clearing the C/T of personnel and silencing the AA fire.
   
11. COMMENTS
   
          Both attack runs were vigorously pressed home at low altitude, the first in the face of heavy AA fire. The action of the plane's gunners was apparently very effective in silencing the submarine's AA fire. Outstanding and valuable pictures of the submarine were obtained.
   
 
 
- 2 -
 
 
  Enclosure (B) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
 
  The report, though it contained a few minor discrepancies and did not indicate the position of the bomb explosions, was otherwise complete and well prepared. It is requested that in future Section V of the ASW-6 report form, "Chart of Explosion" be completed for each attack.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
- 3 -
 
 
  Enclosure (B) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
ANALYSIS OF ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTION BY AIRCRAFT
  
 
 
 
Unit:  VB-107                Unit Report No. 12                Incident No. 4917C
  
 
 
 
Base of Operations:  Ascension Island
 
 
 
 
Squadron No. of Aircraft:  107-B-8
  
 
 
 
Aircraft Type:  PB4Y-1
 
 
 
 
Aircraft Commander:  Lieut. W. E. Hill, USNR
 
     
 
Location of Attack:  Latitude:  10-09 S
  
     
 
                               Longitude:  18-00 W
  
     
 
Date:  5 November, 1943.                Time:  1343.                Zone:  Zero
 
     
 
1. WEATHER
   
          Occasional rain squalls. Visibility 20 miles. Solid strato-cumulous overcast at 4000''. Wind 15 knots from 1100T. Rough sea.
   
2. DEPTH OF WATER
   
          About 2450 fathoms.
   
3. MISSION
   
          Continue attack on surfaced U/B damaged by four previous attacks.
   
4. APPROACH AND CONTACT
   
          Plane took off at 1209 to continue the attacks made by two other planes of this squadron at 1111 and 1145. Voice communications with planes at the scene was established at 1230 and MO's were intercepted at 1245. Flying at 1800' at 150 knots indicated, visual contact was made at 1338 at a range of 15 miles.
   
5. ATTACK (Fifth attack on this submarine)
   
          (a) The plane started the run in a power glide, leveling off at 1400'. Full throttle was applied at a range of about 5 miles, and the attack run was started. The submarine was down
   
 
 
- 1 -
 
 
  Enclosure (C) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
     
 
  by the stern on a course of 2700 T, but as the plane began its attack (target angle 1600), the submarine began turning to starboard so that the final run was made from the U-boat's starboard beam (target angle 0900). When about two miles from the submarine, AA fire was encountered. The plane's bow gun fired at the submarine but did not stop the AA fire, and the plane was hit in the #2 engine setting it on fire.
   
          (b) While this plane was making its attack run, 107-B-12, the plane making the original sighting, made a diversionary strafing attack on the submarine.
   
          (c) Five Mk. 47 depth bombs, hydrostatically fused at 25' and spaced by intervalometer were dropped from about 150' at a speed of 180 knots (target angle 0900) while the submarine was still on the surface.
   
6. REPORTED POSITION OF EXPLOSIONS
   
          All bombs fell short, and though the exact position of the explosions is not reported, and no pictures were obtained, the pilot estimates the closest bomb to have exploded about 100' short. They were strung out in a line perpendicular to the submarine's track just abaft the conning tower.
   
7. REPORTED EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE
   
          None.
   
   
8. SUBSEQUENT ACTION OF AIRCRAFT
   
          The plane's #2 engine was hit and set on fire by AA fire so the pilot gained altitude, feathered his propeller and circled the area for about 25 minutes. As the submarine was still on the surface and other planes were known to be on the way to the scene, the pilot returned to base leaving 107-B-12 to continue shadowing the submarine.
   
9. ANALYSIS OF ATTACK
   
          It is believed that as a result of this attack, the submarine received no damage other than possible personnel casualties due to strafing.
   
10. COMMENTS
   
          On the way to the scene of the action the pilot of this
   
 
 
- 2 -
 
 
  Enclosure (C) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
 
  plane tested the guns and other equipment to assure they were in proper working order. Voice communications was established with another plane at the scene, information was gained as to the submarine's condition and tactics, and a plan for a coordinated attack was worked out. This demonstrates foresight that might well be followed by other planes under similar circumstances.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
- 3 -
 
 
  Enclosure (C) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
ANALYSIS OF ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTION BY AIRCRAFT
  
 
 
 
Unit:  1st Composite Squad. USAAF                 Unit Report No. 4                 Incident No. 4917E
  
Base of Operations:  Ascension Island
Squadron No. of Aircraft:  41-12540.
Aircraft Type:  B-25-C
Aircraft Commander:  Capt. Philip Main, AC
Location of Attack:  Latitude:  09-57 S
                               Longitude:  18-07 W
Date:  5 November, 1943                Time:  1610-1622               Zone:  Zero
 
1. WEATHER
   
          Intermittent rain squalls. Visibility 10 miles. 3/10 scattered clouds at 2200 feet. Wind 18 knots from 1300 T.
   
2. DEPTH OF WATER
   
          About 2450 fathoms.
   
3. MISSION
   
          Precision bombing attack on surfaced, crippled submarine.
   
4. APPROACH AND CONTACT
   
          The plane took off at 1400 to proceed to the position given by previous attacks where 107-B-12 was circling the crippled U-boat making MO's. On the way, voice contact was made with 107-B-8 returning to base with one motor shot out. Information was received that the submarine's AA was accurate and effective, particularly from aft of the C/T. A decision was made to make the bombing runs from as high an altitude as possible commensurate with cloud cover. The submarine was sighted at 1550 distant 10 miles on the port beam.
   
5. FIRST ATTACK (sixth attack on this submarine)
   
          At 1610 the first bombing run was started, altitude 2200
   
 
 
- 1 -
 
 
  Enclosure (D) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
     
 
  ft. in the clouds. When 6 miles distant altitude was lowered to the predetermined dropping altitude and speed, 1480 ft. indicated and 200 m.p.h. indicated. The submarine maneuvered evasively and the two 500 lb. demolition bombs, fused 1/10 sec. delay, dropped 200 and 250 feet short. Heavy AA fire was encountered but no hits were made.
   
6. SECOND ATTACK
   
          At 1622 the second run was started. Four 500 lb. demolition bombs, fused for 1/10 sec. delay, dropped short, the closest reportedly falling about 20 feet from the stern of the submarine. During this run the plane was hit by AA fire and the hydraulic system was damaged.
   
7. SUBSEQUENT ACTION OF AIRCRAFT
   
          The damaged plane left the area at 1630 and returned to base. At this time 107-B-12 was still on station.
   
8. ANALYSIS OF ATTACK
   
          It is unlikely that the last bomb dropped was close enough to cause any damage. The fact that the bomb exploded very close to the submarine's stern but still did not stop or damage the U-boat's propellers or rudder would indicate that the damage, if any, was slight and did not affect the ability of the U-boat to maneuver.
   
          The report was well prepared and the comments made were pertinent. It is appreciated that 500 lb. demolition bombs are not suitable for A/S attacks, but this attack made effective use of the weapons at hand. A maneuvering submarine is a difficult target to hit even from such a low altitude as 1500 ft.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
- 2 -
 
 
  Enclosure (D) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
ANALYSIS OF ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTION BY AIRCRAFT
  
 
 
 
Unit:  1st Composite Squad. USAAF             Unit Report No. 5             Incident No. 4917F
  
 
 
 
Base of Operations:  Ascension Island
 
 
 
 
Squadron No. of Aircraft:  41-12629
  
 
 
 
Aircraft Type:  B-25-C
  
 
 
 
Aircraft Commander:  Major R. T. Akins, AC
 
 
 
 
Location of Attack:  Latitude:  10-10 S
  
                               Longitude:  18-12 W
     
Date:  5 November, 1943                Time:  1640                Zone:  Zero
     
 
1. WEATHER
   
          Overcast at 3000', visibility 10 miles, wind 18 knots from 1300 T
   
2. DEPTH OF WATER
   
          About 2450 fathoms.
   
3. MISSION
   
          Precision bombing attack on surfaced, crippled submarine.
   
4. APPROACH AND CONTACT
   
          The plane homed to the attack scene on MO's sent by 107-B-12. The submarine was sighted at 1635 and a bombing run commenced immediately.
   
5. ATTACK
   
          One run was made on which no bombs were dropped. The second run was made at an altitude of 2400 feet indicated and a speed of 210 m.p.h. indicated. Six 500 lb. demolition bombs fused for 1/10 sec. delay were dropped but the submarine's maneuvering resulted in all bombs falling over, the closest being about 25' away from the U-Boat. During both runs AA fire was encountered from the submarine but no damage was suffered.
   
 
 
- 1 -
 
 
  Enclosure (E) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
     
 
6. SUBSEQUENT ACTION OF AIRCRAFT
   
          After the attack the plane circled for about 15 minutes. At 1655, 107-B-4 arrived and it was decided to attack together, the Army plane with machine guns and the Navy plane with depth bombs. Accordingly two strafing runs were made from 300 ft. while 107-B-4 was making two runs with depth bombs. Shortly after this the submarine exploded and sank and the Army plane departed for base.
   
7. ANALYSIS OF ATTACK
   
          It is doubted that very much damage resulted to the U-boat from the bomb drops. The strafing runs, however, were undoubtedly quite effective in drawing fire and helping 107-B-4 in conducting attack.
   
          The report was fully and completely prepared. The two reports of Army aircraft in this attack did not reach Cominch until 3 months after the attack. This caused needless delay of the analysis and assessment.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
- 2 -
 
 
  Enclosure (E) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
ANALYSIS OF ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTION BY AIRCRAFT
  
 
 
 
Unit:  VB-107                Unit Report No. 13                Incident No. 4917D
  
 
 
 
Base of Operations:  Ascension Island
 
     
 
Squadron No. of Aircraft:  107-B-12
 
     
 
Aircraft Type:  PB4Y-1
 
     
 
Aircraft Commander:  Lieut. S. K. Taylor, Jr., USNR
 
     
 
Location of Attack:  Latitude:  10-10 S
 
     
 
                               Longitude:  18-12 W
 
     
 
Date:  5 November, 1943.                Time:  1658.                Zone:  Zero
 
     
 
1. WEATHER
   
          Rain squalls with ceiling from 1500' to 4000' and visibility 20 miles. Wind 15 knots from 1100T. Rough sea. Azimuth of sun 2250.
   
2. DEPTH OF WATER
   
          About 2450 fathoms.
   
3. MISSION
   
          Continue attack on damaged submarine previously attacked by three planes of this squadron and two Army B-25-C's.
   
4. APPROACH AND CONTACT
   
          

(a) This plane and crew, with the exception of the first and third pilots, had returned to base about one hour and forty minutes before, having made the third and fourth attacks on the same submarine. After being rearmed and refueled, the plane took off at 1513 for another attack.

(b) The approach was made at 165 knots flying in the base of the clouds at 2000'. On the way, contact was made with 107-B-8 which was returning from the attack with a damaged engine. MO's from 107-B-12, then circling the submarine, were picked up at 1625. Later, attack reports of two B-25's from

   
 
 
- 1 -
 
 
  Enclosure (F) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
     
 
  the Army were heard.
   
          (c) An oil slick was sighted at 1650, and at 1655 the submarine itself was sighted about 8 miles ahead of the plane and 12 miles to the west of the oil slick. The submarine was on course 2450 T speed 8 to 10 knots, fully surfaced.
   
          (d) All guns had been test fired and the bombing system checked, so the plane began a wide counter-clockwise circle trying to get into position to attack from the submarine's bow. When the plane reached a position about five miles on the submarine's bow, the submarine began turning to starboard as if trying to present a beam target.
   
5. FIRST ATTACK (Ninth attack on this submarine)
   
          The plane then turned toward the submarine and dived to attack in the face of heavy machine gun and cannon fire. Five Mk. 47, 350 lb. flat-nosed torpex depth bombs, hydrostatically fused for 25' and spaced by intervalometer at 60' were dropped from 70' at 225 knots. The attack was made from the submarine's bow, target angle about 315. The plane's bow guns and crown turret guns were fired continuously at the submarine after the plane came within range of one-half mile. The Army B-25-C that made the previous attack made coordinated strafing runs during this and the final run.
   
6. REPORTED POSITION OF EXPLOSIONS
   
          The third and fourth bomb of the string were reported to have straddled the submarine just forward of the conning tower. Photographs submitted bear out this report.
   
7. REPORTED EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE
   
          Submarine lost all headway and began listing to starboard.
   
8. SECOND ATTACK (Tenth and final attack on this submarine)
   
          Pulling out from this attack, the plane immediately made a sharp turn to the left and started another run from the submarine's starboard bow, dropping the remaining four depth bombs. (Target angle 0000 - speed 165 knots - release altitude 50')
   
9. REPORTED POSITION OF EXPLOSIONS
   
          Again the drop appeared accurate with all bombs exploding
 
 
- 2 -
 
 
  Enclosure (F) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.   
 
 
 
     

 

 
 
 
 
 
  very close to the submarine's starboard side.
   
10. REPORTED EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE
   
          (a) Immediately after this attack the submarine began settling rapidly. The report stated that "Suddenly, from the conning tower forward, it shot up in the air, and then there was a terrific cone-shaped explosion, coming from, and surrounding the entire sub, which rose high in the air. As this subsided, everything seem to be swallowed by the sea. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "The next instant there appeared in the middle of the oil patch a group of men, 25 or 30 in number, three life rafts, and a dark object which looked like part of the broken submarine. The apparent part of the sub soon disappeared below the surface."
   
11. SUBSEQUENT ACTION OF AIRCRAFT
   
          The plane dropped a life raft and then departed in search of the HMS FORT CUMBERLAND to summon her to the aid of the survivors. An Army PBY dropped three more rafts and then stood by sending out MO's while 107-B-4 was contacting the surface craft. Both planes then departed for base.
   
12. ANALYSIS OF ATTACK
   
          Based on the huge explosion and the number of survivors in the water, it is believed that the submarine was sunk.
   
13. COMMENTS
   
          These two attacks were carried out with speed and precision in the face of heavy AA fire from the submarine, and marked the successful conclusion of an engagement lasting almost six hours. In all, four Navy PB4Y's and two Army B-25-C's made seven depth bomb attacks and three demolition bomb attacks. A total of 32 Mk. 47 350 lb. flat-nosed torpex depth bombs, 12 Mk. 43 500 lb. demolition bombs and many rounds of 50 cal. ammunition was expended during the ten attacks on this submarine.
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
- 3 -
 
 
  Enclosure (F) to Cominch
  serial _0776__ dated    3 March 1944.