EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 1, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0900: USS NORTH CAROLINA proceeding to Navy Yard.
   
1130: Clipper sighted submarine 34-45N; 74-05W - course of sub 100° T, speed 8 knots.
   
1500: SS COAMO saw three submarines 19-58N; 67-54W. Info sent both above to Cominch, Cinclant, OpNav, et al., warning all ships.
   
1445: Army plane reports sub at 41-26N; 71-15W - course 090° T. Later reported negative.
   
1913: SAN JACINTO sighted two suspicious craft four miles from San Juan Light House, Puerto Rico.
   
2240: The SS ESSCO WILLIAMSBURG, 37-30N; 75-20W, heading south, sent an SSS. Duty officer in Norfolk advised Eagle boat in the vicinity.
   
2306: The SS CORILLA, 44-48N; 61-40W, sent an SSS, reporting a submarine following her. At 020105 EST she reported that she had been torpedoed at 020051, same position, but still afloat, leaking badly, could not send flares because there was benzene all over, and personnel were taking to the boats. Request help. Proceeding toward coast, position 44-49N; 61-37W. Assistance being sent from Halifax 0253 EST.
   
  (Army plane sighted an SS at 38-47N; 75-00W
   
  (A coast guard plane saw a submarine off Nantucket Light.
   
  Cominch dispatch 020403 - readdressed to NOB Newport, Com One, Three, Four, Five.
   
  OpNav and Cominch dispatch 012355 received reference 6th ND in NANCF
   
 
Submitted
   
    F. W. OSBURN
  Lt. Cdr., USN (Ret.)
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 1, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
The following was telephoned to Lt. Cdr. Payne by Commander Bassett, First Naval District, Boston:
 
"ComOne received the following message from the Senior Coast Guard Officer, First Naval District:
 
        'Captain Parsons, of fishing schooner LARK, Type 8-12 dories, engaged in fishing, position 60 miles SE magnetic from Cape Cod Light, at 7:30 EST January 31, sighted a freighter about 7 miles away to the SE. Vessel appeared to be having engine trouble, as it would proceed a short distance, then stop, then proceed again. In this manor the vessel came nearer, finally approaching one of the LARK's dories, and some one from the bridge called in a foreign, guttural voice, requesting to purchase fish. The dory occupant referred him to the LARK, which the vessel then approached to about 200 yards distance. The same foreign, guttural voice again asked to purchase fish, which Captain Parsons declined to sell, as the sea was becoming rough -- and he was suspicious. The vessel then zig-zagged to the NE for about 2 or 3 miles, then set course due south until out of sight. Vessel was a freighter of lake type, about 5000 tons, painted all dark gray, no name visible, two guns on afterdeck, bridge amidships, and large radio antenna between masts. Two men only were visible, both on bridge. LARK now moored town wharf, Provincetown; expects to sail tonight at midnight.'"
 
February 3, 1st N.D. reports vessel positively identified as Portuguese vessel. Intelligence.
 
     
     
  Copy to:  
          Duty Officer, NANCF  
          First Bomber Command  
          Intelligence Officer, Coastal Information  
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 2, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1248: S.S. W. L. STEED (U.S. tanker) sent out SSS that she was being attacked and going down 38°25N; 73°W.
 
1430: S.S. ESSO CONCORD (U.S. tanker) sent out SSS reporting periscope sighted 27°03N; 90°30W - periscope disappeared at 1435 EST.
   
1110: Army patrol plane (B-17) sighted oil slick 300'-500' long with what appeared to be twin periscopes just below surface at one end of oil slick. 3 demolition bombs were dropped and plane circled for 30 minutes but no debris was observed. Pos. 36°10N; 74°20W.
   
2040: M.S. AMERIKLAND (15,300-ton Swedish ship) sent out SOS and SSS that she had just been torpedoed and was still afloat, position 3636N; 7410W. This information given to Captain Rebe, Duty Officer, 5th N.D., Norfolk at 2150 EST. Captain Rebe notified NANCF that a U.S. destroyer was in the vicinity of the AMERIKALAND.
   
2325: S.S. CHOMEDY (Canadian passenger ship) sent out QQQ reporting suspicious vessel approaching position 37°39N; 59°49W. 0143 EST CHOMEDY cancelled her QQQ.
   
 
February 3, 1942.
   
0315: Lakehurst informed NANCF K-5 short of fuel. Making arrangements to refuel at Cape May about 0600.
   
0430: Received from Duty Officer, Phila., via Tuckerton Radio:
  "SS PAN MASSACHUSSETS sighted submarine 0900 GMT at 37°30'N; 75°16'W. Course 30 T., speed 11.5 knots. Dispatch forwarded to OpNav, Cominch, Cinclant.
   
  Captain Payne, Norfolk, stated Little Creek Station had been informed.
   
  Informed NAS, New York. Reply received on 0515 that location was quite far south and close to NAS, Norfolk, will not send plane. Advised Lakehurst ship scheduled to leave on patrol soon. Will expedite departure. Bomber Command informed. Will send out a flight at daylight.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 3, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0530: At 0930 Zero PAN MASSACHUSETTS advised she had lost submarine. OpNav, Cominch, Cinclant, Lakehurst, Norfolk, and Bomber command.
   
 
Submitted
   
    C. F. McNAMARA,
    Lieut.Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 3, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
  At 2344 GMT suspicious craft low in water apparently not moving was sighted by Frank J. Peterson. Position 32-17N; 80-10W.
 
2145: SILVERAY (British cargo 4535-tons) SSS 43-54N; 64-16W, at 2132
   
 
February 4, 1942.
   
0000: SAN GIL (Panamanian cargo ship 3598-tons) 38-05N; 74-40W, torpedoes and sinking (cannot receive). "Putting boats out." USCG NIKE picked up al survivors. Ship sank 15 miles south of Fenwick Island light. 38 survivors (2 members of crew lost - 1 man broken hand).
   
0045: Between 2330, 3 February, and 0030, 4 February, arranged for air escort for ALGORAB as per her dispatch 031945. Langley will send medium bomber to meet her. Notified Norfolk by phone. No dispatch sent by NANCF.
   
0115: At 2200, 3 February, talked with Ensign Wright, N.T.S. relative to dispatch ComEight 032358. Ensign Wright reported that on 1 February, Lieut. Stout had talked with Comdr. Mansfield of Communications, Navy Dept., Washington. Comdr. Mansfield was to arrange liaison group. Ensign Wright will arrange for a report to NANCF on this matter 4 February.
   
0115: At 0020, Philadelphia informed Duty Officer, NANCF, that USCG NIKE would leave immediately for the SAN GIL.
   
0230: Called Norfolk to attempt to arrange air coverage for SANGAMON out of Hampton Roads tomorrow noon.
   
0830: NIKE rescued all survivors of SAN GIL.
   
0900: Comdr. Fisher at Philadelphia reports Inspat of 4 N.D. received message from NIKE that she picked up 38 survivors of SAN GIL. NIKE expects to arrive Delaware Capes at 1045 today and will proceed to Lewes. 4 N.D. will arrange for survivors to be brought up river presumably to Immigration Station. 4 N.D. will question survivors and owners will be notified.
   
1005: Coast Guard airplane on patrol saw unknown freighter about 30 miles East of Cape Lookout at 34-40N; 75-55W. Refuses to identify herself. Seven deck guns. Course southwest.
   
1719: S.S. COLLAMAR sent SSS - intercepted by Mackey. Being chased by sub, 27-28N; 56-46W.
 
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 4, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1847: S.S. MONTROLITE SSS at 2347 GCT in 35-14N; 60-05W.
 
1915: S.S. SINCLAIR SUPERFLAME sent SSS from 33-15N; 78-52W. Torpedo fired across her bow. No injury as yet.
   
1920: S.S. INDIA ARROW torpedoed. No position given and her radio failed to answer subsequent call from F.C.C. Merchant Ship Plot estimates her position between Barnegat Bay and Sea Girt. INDIA ARROW is 8237-ton tanker. This vessel left Corpus Christi 27 January for New York.
   
2050: Unknown freighter in item 1005 identified as S.S. OGOUTZ.
   
2137: S.S. W.W. BRUCE (6700-ton tanker of Continental Steamship Co., Delaware) sent SSS stating she was then 10 miles off Frying Pan Shoals Buoy (Cape Fear), bearing 020 T., and had been followed for one hour by suspicious small vessel.
   
 
February 5, 1942.
   
0150: Sound contact on submarine established by naval vessel at 42-16N; 69-37W. No name given.
   
0328: S.S. SIXAOLA chased by two submarines in Lat. 47-14N; 50-44W., at 2145 EST. February 4. This is off Cape Race.
   
0700: S.S. SIXAOLA resumed course and ended alert.
   
0600: EST Burning tanker seen by fishing vessel. 45 miles ESE of Five Fathom Buoy.
   
1228: ALCOA PIONEER SSS 22-58N; 85-36W.
   
1238: S.S. BRAZIL sent SSS from 33-47N; 68-57W. Bearing 93.5 T., from Cape Lookout.
   
1319: S.S. NIOBE sighted submarine and sent SSS from 36-31N; 75-45W. This position close inshore off Currituck Sound, N. C. NIOBE is Panamanian tanker, 7153-tons, 476' overall and belongs to Panama Transport Co., carrying bulk oil. She was empty and going south.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 5, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1337: Aeroplane dropped depth charge - oil on water - this message originated from S.S. NIOBE.
 
1510: TOURMALINE reports encountering wreck at INDIA ARROW near Winter Quarter Shoal. Her boats afloat but no survivors in them. 27-31N; 75-14-30W.
   
1545: At 38-07N; 73-45 W., army bomber reports submarine contact. Later report same location, three lifeboats sighted with 29 survivors. Eagle 56 is dispatched to investigate.
   
0745: USCG CAMPBELL picked up 35 survivors from torpedoed M/V SILVERAY (British) in position 43-45N; 64-16W. and report originating from same.
   
2040: Lt. Evans, First Army, from Lt. W. B. Boyd, Ches. H.Q. reports Wash Woods C. G. Sta., Caffey's C. G. Sta., and Little Island C. G. Sta. at 1930 to 1938 saw flares and burst of light and heard gunfire; position of same plotted at 36-30N; 75-20W.
   
2242: S.S. HALCYON bombarded by raider (500 Kc: message) 34-20N; 59-10W.
   
2300: Info Center reports 2 suspicious ships approached from opposite directions and stopped 10 or 15 miles off Cape Fear.
   
  S.S. LIHUE reports sighting submarine at 0435 off No. 2 Buoy, Cape Henry. (LIHUE, 7000-tons, Cargo, U.S.) Position 10 miles 77° from Cape Henry.
   
0515: Suspicious vessel, submarine, sighted Lakewater Florida, 26-15N; 84-46W. Sent by "KKKG."
 
0747: SSS from ESSO BELGIAN, followed by suspicious vessel 29-20N; 74-09W. (10568-tons tanker.)
     
 
Submitted,
     
    L. C. FARLEY,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 6, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0849: Submarine sighted on surface by POMELLA (British) 35-43N; 60-37W. Sent SSS; bearing on POMELLA 151-5° from Yarmouth N.S.
 
  Note: Three reports of submarines have come from the Gulf of Mexico near the West Florida coast as follows:
   
    (0015: Unidentified ship reported sub at  26-15N; 84-46W.
  Probably same (0515: KKKG                     "        "    "  26-15N; 84-46W.
    (0525: SS MALTRAN        "        "    "  25-06N; 87-50W.
   
1045: DIONE made sound contact with submarine 35-49N; 74-55W. Dropped 6 depth charges. result -- oil on surface. TRIPPE sent out to relieve DIONE.
   
 
February 6, 1942.
   
  INDIA ARROW survivors landed at Atlantic City today. Attack occurred 35 miles east of Five Fathom Bank Lightship. Attack took place 1000 EST Wednesday and survivors were adrift 38 hours.
   
  Above by L. O. Peterson, Asst. Duty Officer, Philadelphia.
   
  The S.S. AMA PALA, docking today, reported seeing a long, heavy oil slick 36-35N; 73-35W. and an extremely heavy slick at 34-55N; 73-25W. These seen on February 5th at 21-2200 EST and 0900 EST respectively.
   
2300: EMPIRE SUN 43-55N; 64-22W. torpedoed.
   
  February 7, 1942.
   
0256: S.S. ATLANTIAN, British cargo vessel, sent out an SSS from position 44N; 63-25W. stating that she was being shelled by a submarine.
   
0424: S.S. AMERICAN ARROW, giving the call letters of the JAPAN ARROW, an American tanker of 8327-tons, sent out an SSS at 0424 from a position in the vicinity of Diamond Shoals.
   
 
Submitted
   
      R. H. BRAUE,
      Lieut.(j.g.), USNR.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 7, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1642: 6th Observation Group plane sighted submarine at 36-19N; 75-37W. Later check revealed pilot of plane mistook mast of sunken ship for submarine periscope.
 
1930: S.S. MARY sent out distress signal. At 1938, S.S. MARY radioed "O.K., O.K., proceeding nearest port. Collision." Later coded wireless message from S.S. MARY to Bull Steamship Co., "SS MARY in collision with S.S. PALIMOL 24-50N; 66W., proceeding San Juan course 181. Damage to forepeak."
   
1945: Lat. 38-06; Long 75-47. USCG NIKE located the 3 lifeboats previously sighted and picked up Capt. and 30 seamen of the S. S. CHINA ARROW. Torpedoed 1115 EST 5 February enroute Beaumont, Texas, to New York. One hospital case -- others good shape. Expected time arrival NIKE at Lewes, Del. 0330 8 February.
   
1954: S.O.S. from S.S. GERTRUDE RASK: "On rocks Barrington Bay. Send help Quick." (N.B. Barrington Bay is directly east of Cape Sable Island.) Later report: "S.S. GERTRUDE RASK on rocks Baccaro Point."
   
  At about 2330 EST 6 February the S.S. LIHUE sighted submarine 100' from Brigantine Shoal Buoy.
   
 
February 8, 1942.
   
0126: SSS SOS from SS ZACAPA 15 miles off Hatteras. At about 0135 EST, the ZACAPA radioed "Sub chasing us." Duty OFficer, 5th N.D. Norfolk, reported that the U.S.S. LUDLOW was in the vicinity of the ZACAPA and has been advised. 0156 EST message from ZACAPA "Annul SOS -- submarine submerged."
   
0249: S.S. J. W. VAN DYKE (11,600-ton tanker) sent out SSS - SOS. At 0255 EST the VAN DYKE reported "Submarine trailing us on surface about 1/2 mile ahead. We zig-zagging." At 0310 SSS from VAN DYKE "Still being trailed, but no attack as yet." Position of VAN DYKE, 34-25N; 75-44W. Duty officer, 5th N.D. advised. At 0332, VAN DYKE reported: "Submarine still astern," and at about 0440 "Submarine not in sight now. We are gaining on her." Position 34-43N; 75-55W.
   
0345: SSS from S.S. OCEAN VENTURE, 3705N; 74-45W, torpedoed. At 0350 OCEAN VENTURE reported radio receiver out, sinking, abandon ship. Duty officer 5th N.D. advised.
   
0640: Message from S.S. VAN DYKE: "All clear."
   
0921: S.S. TIDEWATER ASSOCIATED (8900-ton tanker). SSS 35-03N; 75-20W. SSS canceled 1010.
   
 
Submitted
   
    F. W. OSBURN,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USN (Ret.)
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 8, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0915- 0945: S.S. TIDEWATER felt three heavy thuds as though struck some submerged object. No sign of oil on water.
 
1016: Sub sighted 25 miles SE Cape Charles light. Plane sent out.
   
1416: Submarine sighted 36-07N; 75-28W. Three planes and a patrol boat sent out.
   
2010: S.S. CITIES SERVICE KOOLMOTOR sent SSS from 24-59N; 84-40W stating: "Submarine now gaining on us." Position further stated to be 160 miles on course due west from Key West. CITIES SERVICE KOOLMOTOR is 6762-ton tanker enroute to Harbor Island, Texas, from Stapleton, Staten Island.
   
2015: S.S. CITIES SERVICE KOOLMOTOR - submarine still gaining; 24-50N; 74-40W.
   
2016: S.S. CITIES SERVICE KOOLMOTOR - SS gaining - 24-59N; 84-40W.
   
2030: S.S. CITIES SERVICE KOOLMOTOR - 25-07N; 84-40W; SS following, we zig-zag hard.
   
2035: Captain requests assistance.
   
2200: S.S. CITIES SERVICE KOOLMOTOR cannot elude submarine.
   
2212: S.S. CITIES SERVICE KOOLMOTOR ended "alert" dispatch from Nav. Com., Key West.
   
2213: S.S. CHARLES W. O'CONNOR reported being followed by suspicious craft 4 miles from Hog Island Gas Buoy.
   
2330: S.S. EMPIRE HOPE passed submarine on surface at 19-25N; 67-35 W, no attack.
   
 
February 9, 1942.
   
0140: S.S. J. L. LUCKENBACK transmitted SOS no position given. LUCKENBACK is enroute from Philadelphia to New York. Manasquan River, N. J., Coast Guard station obtained uncertain bearing showing "LUCKENBACK" to bear 150° from Manasquan direction finder.
   
0255: S.S. WEST JAFFREY aground of Peases Island. No other position given.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 9, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0345: Master of WEST JAFFREY requests advice.
 
0410: Regional information center reports WEST JAFFREY aground off Case Island. No latitude given.
   
0430: EST JAFFREY located just south of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Position 43-45N; 66W.
   
0630: S.S. J. L. LUKENBACK reported inbound at Sandy Hook by Mackay Radio.
   
 
Submitted
   
    C. F. McNAMARA,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 9, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0930: Submarine sighted by Army bomber 37N; 73-05W.
 
1540: Lifeboat sighted by plane with seven survivors in it. Ship sent to pick up boat. Position 36-15; 74-32W.
   
1801: ROE picked up Captain and 13 survivors and 1 dead from OCEAN VENTURE. Reported 20 in other boats missing. Position approximately 36-24N; 74-34W. Conducting further air search. Origin: 5th N. D.
   
2213: S.S. ANDERSON (call letters LCDE) SOS position unknown. Intercept 500 KC's.
   
2325: S.S. STEPHEN R. JONES (American cargo - 4387-tons) SSS. Sighted sub on surface 38-54N; 74-46(?)W. Was enroute New York to Norfolk.
   
  February 10, 1942.
   
0200: S.S. AMA PALA (Honduran cargo, 4184-tons). Call letters HRBP. Sighted "What appears to be a sub 34-17N; 76-35W." Was enroute Honduras to New York at 0415. Capt. Johansen observed yellow flare beyond horizon to eastward. Visible for about 10 seconds in position 33-45N; 77-07W.
   
0520: Civilian Guard, Glover, attached to Naval Radio Station at Amagansett observed what he recognized as a sub passing to the eastward about 5 miles off shore at same time C.G. man in watch tower observed unidentified boat. At 0700 Ditch Plain C.G. Station 16 miles east of Amagansett observed what they recognized as a patrol boat passing to the southeast.
   
0649: S.S. CRAIGSMERE (Panamanian tanker). Reported aground of Hellgate. Requests tug from Tracy.
   
0800: Three tugs standing by S.S. CRAIGSMERE waiting for high tide.
   
 
Submitted
   
    L. C. FARLEY,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 10, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1047: EMPIRE SUN reported torpedoed February 3, now reported underway at 39-28N; 72-05W.
 
1200: (C 101008) S.S. CITIES SERVICE EMPIRE sighted sub 1000 GCT, Feb. 9 Position 38-30N; 74-40W.
   
1340: Moving oil slick bombed, possible submarine, 20 miles east of Atlantic City, bearing 120°T.
   
1542: Blimp K-5 dropped 4 bombs on oil slick 13 miles east of Atlantic City.
   
1600: Lieut.-Comdr. Farley received phone call from Capt. Cutts of Sub Base, New London, saying they intercepted a message from the S.S. WELLHART stating they had sighted a large sub at 41-10N; 71-13W. at 1400Q. This is the middle of safety lane for returning subs but he knew of none within 100 miles. Safety lane ref. 060122. Capt. Cutts said to observe sub if possible and attack if she left lane.
   
1745: C.G. Floyd Bennett reported: "M/V IMPERIAL at 2000 GMT 36-11N; 74-55W. Sighted liferaft with several dead bodies. Submarine periscope seen near lifeboat. Olsen Master."
   
2045: S.S. ANDERSON reported aground at Eastern Head near St. Shotts Cape Race, Newfoundland. Called for immediate assistance. Report from information center, Army. Time of 1151 GCT given. ComOne gave Newfoundland ans.
   
2120: Information center reported Fort H.G. Wright firing on water targets which would not answer signals. Call came to Lt. Braue.
   
2145: S.S. VICTOLITE reported SSS and torpedoed at 36-12N; 67-14W. British time approx. 110130 GCT.
   
2305: Ref. 2120. U.S. HUMHAU, 5000-ton freighter and tug were the vessels in question.
   
2306: S.S. AUSTRAILIA 34-10N; 76-30 W, SSS being chased by suspicious craft 2255EWT time of dispatch. DF bearing from Surfside, Mass.,
   
2355: S.S. THERMO (KUNP) U.S. tanker 4487-tons SSS 37-30N; 75-30W., 10 miles north Hog Island. Info center reported Tuckerton, N. J.(WSC) picked up.
   
 
Submitted
   
    R. G. PAYNE,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 11, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0900: Oil slick reported by Navy plane from Floyd Bennett 197° T. 64 miles from Ambrose. Track 330°.
 
0915: An SSS was sent out at 0900 by S.S. W. HAGAN, 38-20N; 74-50W. Correction 37-50N; 75-00W.
   
0954: SSS KULB 35-05N; 75-12W., (S S. MALTRAN) suspicious craft with sail resembling lifeboat at 1330 GCT thick vapor.
   
1020: At 38N; 74-35W. oil slick seen by 112th Observation Squadron plane (from Dover Del.) 3 miles long running NE to SW.
   
1035: SSS from U.S.S. NEMESIS escorting KRESSIN 38-46N; 74-47W. Planes sent report finding nothing.
   
1205: TRIPPE attacking on sound and propeller contact in 39-04N; 74-10W.
   
1209: 17 miles 120°T. from Atlantic City planes dropped bombs on suspicious slick. Claimed slick moving 335 zig-zag, speed two.
   
1225: NEMESIS reports submerged sub. at 39-15N; 74-10W.
   
1310: TRIPP dropped 3 large and 3 small depth charges in vicinity of oil slick 39-04N; 74-10 W. on good sound contact.
   
1330: K-6 reported good contact with submarine 39-27N; 74-09W.
   
1331: Excellent contact reported by TRIPPE 39-04N; 74-10W. Sub speed six.
   
1345: ESSO BAYTOWN reported lifeboat with sail in 35-04N; 74-10W. Sub speed six.
   
1422: Reference 1020 above: oil slick increasing in length. Position 38-10N; 74-35W.
   
1510: Bombers found nothing in search of area where WEST HOGAN sent SSS. Five miles north some debris. THis took place several hours ago.
   
1700: K-3 returning to location where TRIPPE lost sub contact.
   
1740: K-6 advises TRIPPE has regained contact with sub. Message from the K-6.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 11, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1800: Approximately. Norfolk planes observed overturned ship's boat near 36N; 74W.
 
1841: SSS from CRAWFORD ELLIS 82-20N; 70-38W, followed by suspicious small ship.
   
1930: K-6 reports that last contact off Atlantic City was a wreck.
   
2023: ICARUS made sound contacts 6 miles 120°T. from Ambrose Light. "Dropped 13 depth charges, many spots of oil, believe sub destroyed."
   
 
February 12, 1942.
   
0100: Ship reported aground near Monomay C. G. station Nantucket Sound. Thought to be DIXIE SWORD.
   
0645: Confirmed that ship aground is DIXIE SWORD.
   
 
Submitted
   
    P. P. BASSETT
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 12, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1115: First Naval District called Mr. Farley. Said S.S. LEWIS LUCKENBACK arrived Newport saying she had received a naval radio message that all North Atlantic traffic was to get into Newport. A check fails to reveal such a message, and an investigation is being made.
 
1150: TRIPPE exploded small depth charges (4) on sound contact and propeller noises 38-04N; 74-38-30W. Continuing search. (Note: SAN GIL wreck at 38-05N; 74-40W.)
   
1311: Dispatch from ICARUS, apparently about 6 miles 120° from Ambrose, dropped charges on object appearing to be 250' long. Surface oil slick about one mile long and ICARUS believes object destroyed. ZIRCON present at spot, and Blimp K-5 and LARCH also dropped charges. (Apparently first attack made in the morning.) Continuation of attack of Feb. 11, LARCH is anchored over object 20-30.
   
1625: Panamanian Clipper reports having sighted a wreck at 1300, position 37-10N; 70-22W. (Mr. Vickery).
   
1320: Alert in Boston. Two unidentified planes moving west. Proved to be Army observation planes from Fort Devens.
   
1701: DIONE sighted periscope. Attacked.
   
1815: DIONE apparently contacted submarine a 35-20N; 75-06W. Duty officer at Chesapeake Bay section reported DIONE saw periscope, and this was reported to us by Duty Officer, Eastern Theatre of Operations. Dropped four depth charges Believed successful.
   
2223: S.S. NORTH ATLANTIC sent SSS from 32-50N; 79-13W.
   
2338: Alert over on the NORTH ATLANTIC, resumed course and SPEED
   
 
February 13, 1942.
   
0003: S.S. HOGAN reported being followed by suspicious craft in 32-50N; 79-30W.
   
0557: S. S. E.R. KEMP sent SSS from position 19 miles north of St. John, Fla. (30-23N; 81-18W. position of St. John Lightship.)
   
0600: S.S. TIGER in 39-09N; 74-22W saw red flares twice bearing 215°.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 13, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0649: SYLPH (PY) contacted submarine 40-51N; 72-03W. Did not continue search due to fact U. S. submarines were operating in the area. (Dispatch C 121250)
 
1319: S.S. LOIDA sighted what appeared to be conning tower of a submarine and a ship outside (sub) that seemed to be on fire and sinking. Position 10 miles SW of Hatteras 34-50N; 75-25W. Later Coast Guard Plane from Elizabeth City sent to investigate, reported seeing nothing except wreck of the EMPIRE GEM at position given by LOIDA.
   
1650: U.S.S. STANSBURY (escorting the U.S.S. SAPELO to Portsmouth, N. H.) picked up sound contact 37-03N; 74-58W, at 2000 yards. Attacked and dropped 3 charges. Reversed course, regained contact at 100 yards, dropped 3 more charges, rejoined SAPELO 1730. (This report from E.T.O. at 2125.)
   
1650: (This time is Feb. 13, report submitted Feb. 14) confirms report of STANSBURY contact, adds that contact was lost.
   
1930: Coast Guard motor lifeboat sighted what was believed to be submarine 35 miles southeast of Ocracoke Inlet Bar, N. C.
   
1932: Message received from Waterman S. S. Co. that the JOSEPHINE LAWRENCE (2300 ton U.S. freighter) broke down. Unable to light fires, 7 miles southeast of Chincoteague Light. C. G. lifeboat investigated, cause of breakdown -- water in fuel.
   
1745: Report from Information Center that there will be AA firing at Fort Hancock Feb. 14. 50 cal. M guns from 0900 to 1200 EWT. 3" shrapnel from 1330 to 1700 EWT.
   
2115: YP patrol boat in vicinity of Fort Totten sighted schooner heading out of East River bound for LOng Island Sound. The YP fired several shots to stop her and the schooner then went back into the East River. Inshore Patrol advised.
   
2330: Report that there will be AA firing from 0800Q to 1700Q Feb. 14 to 21 at Fort Tilden. Danger Area sector between lines bearing 100°T. and 130°T. from Fort Tilden extending 20,000 yards.
   
 
Submitted
   
    F. W. OSBURN,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USN (Ret.)
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 14, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1035: Duty officer, 15th Floor, reports that Censorship, 67 Broad St. advises that GYPSUM PRINCE is aground on Stratford Shoals. Engines on full astern. Ship not moving. Ship later floated and proceeding.
 
1145: Navy Plane sighted a periscope 10 miles south Savannah lightship. Plane searched area, periscope disappeared.
   
1200: SSS from S. S. BIELA (5298-ton British cargo vessel) at position 42-35N; 45-30W. Reports that she is being chased by a submarine. Bearing 130°T. from Cape Race.
   
1540: C. G. Plane sighted submarine, dropped two depth charges, 17 miles east Diamond Shoals buoy. Fleet air arm sent PBY to assist. LUDLOW dispatched to scene. Plane dropped bomb 100 yards forward of bubbles. Plane to cover area all night and tomorrow morning.
   
1654: LADY NELSON torpedoed 45-49N; 55-11W. SSS Torpedo missed. LADY NELSON proceeding.
   
  February 15, 1942.
   
0242: PYc-41 believed it saw a submarine at 38-43-35N; 75-01-30W., 4 miles off Henlopen. North and south course. Chased submarine for four miles and lost it.
   
0805: SOS PUBHI, S.S. BUARQUE, Brazilian. 30 miles east of Norfolk. C. G. CALYPSO proceeding to assist. Bombers also sent.
   
0919: Army plane standing by two lifeboats with survivors. Oil slick and some wreckage nearby 37-14N; 74-45W. Plane made this observation at 0830. Oil 5 miles west lifeboats.
   
0945: SSS. S.S. LAERTES sighted periscope 2 miles South Cape Romain, No. 6 Light Buoy. Time sighting 0845Q. LAERTES - Dutch. Plane dispatched 0949.
   
1040: Army plane saw disturbance in water, might have been sub. 38-00N; 73-00W. approximately. Time of sighting about 0830.
   
1125: Wreckage sighted 37-49N; 72-36W. Mostly wood. Half-mile long. 1 piece 30-40 feet long.
   
1232: Bearings on S.S. BUARQUE, Cape Henlopen 173°, Bethany Beach 172°, Cape Hatteras 021°.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 15, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1310: S.S. INGA needs assistance urgently. Position from above bearings approximately 36-44N; 74-48W.
 
1500: Report from Army on lifeboats; positions as follows:
   
 
  36-52N; 74-57W.   seen by Army plane 1440.
  36-50N; 74-36W.   seen by plane from Elizabeth City 1300.
  36-44N; 75-45W   CG CALYPSO saw empty lifeboat from S.S. SEEJORD.
       
  36-27N; 74-49W   Army plane saw two lifeboats 1400.
  ROE, RUSH, and PE 19 searching for above.
   
1735: USS ALLEGHENY (navy tug) sent SSS about 50 miles east of Winter Quarter Light. Position 37-55N; 73-52W. (see dispatch C 172142).
   
1745: Two life boats and 47 survivors of BUARQUE picked up, probably by CALYPSO. EAGLE #19 ordered to relieve CALYPSO. CG RUSH also dispatched to scene.
   
1810: S.S. POINT BREEZE (U.S. tanker-4756-tons) aground Throggs Neck. Explosion in engine room damaged steering gear. One man killed, one overboard. Ship refloated herself and was towed back to New York at 2245.
   
1945: Major Roberts (Chief of Staff's Office) reports Holly Ridge, N.C., patrol sighted freighter, and what appeared to be a sub nearby, just off shore east of Holly Ridge. Haze and visibility make validity of report doubtful. A plane is being sent from Camp Davis, N.C., to investigate. Navy notified and Souther Sector (Atlantic) notified at 1840 EWT, Feb. 15. Souther Sector reported this to Charleston Navy Yard.
   
2000: Intelligence Reports. MS OPAWA (British cargo 11,700-tons) torpedoed and sunk by shell fire at 38-21N; 61-13W. at 0600 EWT, Feb. 6. 54 missing, 15 survivors landed by S.S. HERCULES at New York on Feb. 15. One torpedo fired.
   
 
February 16, 1942.
   
0108: Ship with call letters WKHU (not listed) rammed at 36-15N; 75-38W. Damaged but returning to Norfolk unassisted.
   
0305: MAYRANT searched area between 38-02 and 37-51N; and 73-46 and 74-00W. for three hours without result. Now searching on course 315° T. towards Overfalls Light. Plan to be in vicinity ALLEGHENY contact at daylight.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 16, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0700: Sub reported near Aruba off Venezuela. Censorship reported to D.O. 3ND at least 2500 ton ship destroyed at about 0200Q. Details to follow:
 
0736: Duty Officer, 3ND reported that CG POINT PLEASANT reported odor of oil at Point Pleasant, first detected at Bay Head. None detected at Sea Girt or Shark River.
   
1100: Dispatch 161140. S.S. BUARQUE torpedoed at 0035 Feb. 15, 30 miles southwest Cape Henry. 42 persons in two life boats have been picked up by the CG CALYPSO. 43 more in two more life boats are still to be picked up.
   
1312: USS NEW YORK inbound Narrows.
   
1400: At 1340 Pan-American plane reports subs fueling from two ships at 39-14N; 72-00W. Corrected later to mere observation of tankers hove to.
   
1430: SSS from OPALIA (6200-ton English tanker) in 37-38N; 66-07W. being shelled by submarine. At 1515 position 37-41N; 66-20W. being chased by sub. C162207 intercept at 1940 GMT sub last seen on surface broadside to.
   
2010: Submarines present on South coast of Curacao and Aruba on Feb. 16 from 0130 to 1100 Q. Message from Curacao.
   
2137: E. H. BLUM (WGYM) struck mine off Cape Henry gas buoy from FCC Captain Comstock.
   
2220: WOODBURY (CG) NRMJ reported. Got one boat load, getting two more.
   
 
February 17, 1942.
   
0312: S.S. MONTOSO - SSS, suspicious craft following, position 30-06N; 81-11W.
   
0750: Naval Intelligence, Norfolk, reported (Lt.(jg) Brane) that all crew of E. H. BLUM rescue, two in hospital.
   
1025: Army plane (B-25-A) sighted lifeboat with sail hoisted containing ten to fourteen men dressed in blue uniforms at 39N; 74 W. The pilot of the plane attracted the attention of southbound freighter in the vicinity. The freighter picked up the occupants of the lifeboat at 1055. The plane left the scene at 1100. 1645 same freighter sighted 50 miles bearing 280°T. from 37 N; 74W. course 180°T speed 8 knots.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 17, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1300: USS JACOB JONES picked up 16 survivors including the master of the S.S. BUARQUE. Position 37-42N; 74-15W. The BUARQUE was torpedoed 0500 GCT Feb. 14. (Dispatches S171700 & S 171745.)
 
1500: At 1100 EWT, a Pan-American plane sighted two submarines at 1321 EWT 5 minutes (about 10 miles) out of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
   
1700: Received from Captain Colby. S.S. SPYROS (Greek) cargo 6629-tons, grounded off Beaver Head, 49-30; 54-30W. North central coast of Newfoundland.
   
   
1830: Coast Guard, Aruba, reports enemy submarine between ORANJSTAD and SAN NICOLAS (Intercepted by 67 Broad at 1849 EWT from PJC Curacao).
   
2030: Report from NOB Norfolk that the S.S. EAGLE was landing 21 and the USS JACOB JONES, 16 survivors from the S.S. BUARQUE. This accounts for all four life boats.
   
 
February 18, 1942.
   
0130: First Naval District reports S.S. OSWEGO (Standard Oil tanker) in collision with USS DETECTOR (AMc-75) 300 yards ENE of Finn's Ledge Buoy. (entrance North Channel, Boston). DETECTOR Sunk -- no casualties. Collision at 2355Q, Feb. 17.
   
0037: (Feb. 15). Two submarines sighted on surface heading east 54-42N; 28-55W (Dispatch C171750 from CRUSCORON 15).
   
2150: (Ship's time Feb. 11). S.S. BLINK (Norwegian tanker) torpedoed 35-00N; 72-20W. S.S. MONROE picked up six survivors at 1455 ship's time Feb. 14 at 33-34N; 71-41W. Survivors landed at Baltimore Feb. 17. (Dispatch C172358.)
   
0730: Dispatch from USS PULLUX (AK). "Require immediate assistance. Aground Lance Point." (Lance Point, Newfoundland) (180937).
   
 
Submitted
   
    F. W. OSBURN,
    Lieut.-Comdr. USN.(Ret.)
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 18, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0441: USS WILKES (DD) aground entrance to Placentia Bay, Nfd. Later report: TRUXTON and PULLUX also aground. Position not yet determined.
 
1007: Captain Stevenson E.T.O., reported information received from Seventh Naval District, Florida sub-sector stating that a submarine was sighted at 13-07N; 71-40W, north of Maracaibo.
   
1500: This time is assumed, and the information subject to correction upon the arrival of survivors. The information comes from NOB Norfolk at 1815, after landing of the B-17 from Langley Field upon returning from the scene.
   
  1535:   Vessel afire, lifeboats nearby. Later it was determined that the ship had been torpedoed.
   
  1606:    Vessel sank at 1606, name given as BRAZILAN, a South American tanker. (No such ship listed.) It may be the BRAZIL, or the BRAZILIAN. Position: 37-38N; 74-00W. Two lifeboats with 15-18 men each on scene.
   
1735: An unarmed mine sweeper reported seeing a submarine at 38-26N; 74-35W.
   
 
February 19, 1942.
   
0000: Time not definite. Radio dispatch via Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, stated NIOKIHAVA (American freighter) was torpedoes. Later NIOKIHAVA sent word it was abandoning ship. Position not ascertainable.
   
0010: SS VACUUM, American tanker, sent SSS saying she was followed by suspicious vessel. 0014 alert was cancelled.
   
0430: SS OKLAHOMA, American tanker, was subjected to a torpedo attack at 34-37N; 76-10W. Her message stated that one torpedo had crossed her bow. Course 360°T. Speed 15 knots.
   
0825: Cancelled alert and resumed course (from Southern Sector).
   
0924: SS WASHINGTON aground in East River off Mill Rock. Probably rudder trouble.
   
1007: Submarine sighted by Pan Clipper in 24-49N; 68-14W.
   
1035: Torpedoed, sinking of Aruba entrance - call SPUM.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 19, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0915: U.S. destroyer picked up one lifeboat of survivors from the Brazilian ship torpedoed Feb. 18. Position of lifeboat when picked up: 37-50N; 74-25W. NOB Norfolk informed.
 
1351: SS ELIZABETH MASSEY (British cargo - 4300-tons) SSS torpedoes 28-06N; 80-00W. Also saw tanker explode. Radio intercept Fort Macon received from E.T.O.
   
1415: DALLAS arriving Cape Henry with 23 survivors from Brazilian tanker OLINDA at 1630. See "Brazilian" above - 0915 Feb. 19. (Also dispatch S191450.) Other lifeboat containing Captain last seen around sunset last night -- search continuing. Men in good condition. DALLAS later picked up balance of crew making 46 in all.
   
1733: SS EMPIRE SEAL (British cargo) SSS torpedoed 43-14N; 64-45W (22 miles south of Little Hope Island).
   
1900: S 1 stood out at 1800Q escorted by PE 56.
   
2130: SCOTTISH STEER torpedoed at 13-24N (or 23-24N); 49-36W at 2108Q.
   
2202: SS EAGLE (American tanker, 6003-tons) SSS followed by suspicious craft 32-10N; 80-25W.
   
  February 20, 1942.
   
0440: From FCC (via Information Center) WGC from WTOU at 0422 EWT SSS ALLO WTOU. Position 26-45N; 79-55W. Suspicious craft following us C 185° speed 10 knots. Name of vessel - WILLIAM C. ATWATER.
   
0545: USS OWL reports British SURREY is in tow, and will be towed into Chesapeake Bay after daylight this date.
   
0610: AA firing at Fort Hancock, 0900 to 1700EWT. 3" shrapnel, 90 mm. H.E., 15,000 ft. alt. 15,000 yds. rg.
   
0625: SOS - KDDE - SSS 75 miles off St. Lucia (14-55N; 61-10W). Abandoning ship. SS DEL PLATA, 5127-ton freighter. 1000 GMT.
   
0640: SS VACUUM collision with SS BYLAYL. Damage to bow extensive, both ships proceeding. Approximate position 38-05N; 75-00W.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 20, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1315: At 0200 Schooner GEORGIA SILVERRA saw sub on surface about 45 miles S x E of Cape Henry. Another sub reported five miles off Hilton Head, S. C. (no time given).
 
1940: (rec'd.) Intercept - 2235 GCT Army Observation post near CG station #165 reports vessel traveling north, range 25,000 yds. Explosions ahead of vessel. Army sending plane. Observe and report on way in if sighted. Information Center says 20 miles south of Virginia Beach.
   
 
February 21, 1942.
   
0050: SS SWIFTSURE, American tanker (KDNG) SSS 12 miles north of Fairwick buoy, course 330°, 10 knots.
   
0500: SSS, 1SMDD, torpedoed 41-29N; 52-30W. Later position 41-42N; 52-16W. Vessel identified as the SS EULIMA (Call letters GZLR). British tanker 6200-tons.
   
0833: C.G. patrol reports sighting sub course 50° and position 40-28N; 71-55W. Believe to be S-1.
   
 
Submitted
   
    C. F. McNAMARA,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 21, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0100: German U-boat reported off Fort de France, Martinique (dispatch 210909).
 
1205: Suspicious vessel sighted 36-15N; 75-25W. Course North. USS DALLAS ordered to investigate (dispatch 211920). C212104 from DALLAS: "Assuming minimum speed of five knots and northerly course for suspicious vessel should overtake about 1930Q, 30 miles east of Cape Henry." SZ 212352 from DALLAS: "Investigated two steamers both identified as friendly. No other vessels in sight. Will be at position previously given at 2100Q. Request instructions."
   
1549: NORTH CAROLINA out Narrows.
   
1810: Report that Army planes had sighted the SS SWIFTSURE at about 1030Q and again at about 1700 proceeding southerly on course. No visible damage.
   
2129: SSS from the SS OLNEY. Attacked by sub-torpedo missed. 10 miles North of Bethel Shoals Buoy (27-54N; 80-10W).
   
2345: SS REPUBLIC (5,300-ton U. S. tanker) torpedoed off West Palm Beach, Florida. Captain and 24 men got ashore.
   
 
February 22, 1942.
   
0248: SSS from SS LOWLANDER in 23-10N; 74-30W. "Suspicious craft on surface like submarine."
   
0450: SS CITIES SERVICE MISSOURI sighted lifeboat with men in it about ten miles N of Jupiter Inlet Light House and about 4 miles off the beach. They asked for help and stopped, turned ship, but were unable to locate them again.
   
0611: White flares approximately 120 about 10 miles from Quogue Station.
   
0613: SS CITY OF HOUSTON SSS sighted object afloat 15 miles ENE of Melbourne, Fla.
   
0616: SS CITIES SERVICE EMPIRE on fire at 26-37N; 79-55 W.
   
0636: Quogue C.G. cancels report on white flare. Now identified as a morning star.
   
 
Submitted
   
    L. C. FARLEY,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 22, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0808: Surface Raider attacking a vessel at 40-35N; 36-15W. Source of information is the Liaison Officer at Halifax.
 
1127: W. D. ANDERSON, Atlantic Ref. Co. tanker, sighted the periscope of an unescorted submarine at 25-41N; 79-53W.
   
1457: Eastern Air Line plane sighted a submarine between two freighters, one of which was northbound, the other southbound, 7-10 miles off Fort Pierce (27-30N; 80-10W). Details are lacking.
   
1612: From Sambro light vessel (Chebucto Head, Nova Scotia) ship, bearing south by west 3 quarters magnetic about 7 miles, afire.
   
1609: Submarine sighted 44-22N; 63-20W. Merchant vessel torpedoes. Probably same as that off Sambro Light Vessel.
   
1745: Ship afire sighted off Barnegat Light.
   
1836: SSS - KHLQ (Not listed) sub seen on surface approaching us 7 miles east of Mona Island. Later, 1855, submarine 10 miles SE Mona Island steering 180T.
                                       (KDLP)
  Received at 1940: SSS (KDPL)? WALTER JENNINGS reports vessel in sight 10 miles E. of Jupiter Light (Florida) exploded. Later it was confirmed that ship was torpedoed. She is ablaze. WALTER JENNINGS cannot assist -- loaded and afraid of torpedoing.
   
1945: USS JACOB JONES (DD) made sound contact at 40-16N; 73-45W. Attacked, oil slick on surface, continued attack.
   
2022: 40-14-5N; 73-44-5W. Position of contact. JACOB JONES later reported that submarine had bottomed.
   
2220: Continuing attack. Great quantities of oil coming to the surface. It even smells oily!
   
2240: Submarine probably 6 miles 135°T. from Beth Shoals Light Buoy (27-44N; 80-10W).
   
2247: Via Coast Guard, Floyd Bennet Field. Steamer lying on her side adrift seven miles NNE of Jupiter Light. She is identified as the SS BALDBUTTE, American 6295-ton tanker.
 
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 22, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
2250: SSS Sub charging batteries 17 miles NE of Jupiter Light. Seen at 2250 Q Feb. 22.
 
2306: WEST ZEDA, American cargo vessel, torpedoes 09-13N; 59-04W.
   
 
February 23, 1942.
   
0102: SSS - SS LIHUE "Torpedoed, sinking" 14-30N; 64-45W.
   
0020: Dispatch from JACOB JONES: "Made twelve attacks on submarine and used all depth charges." Believes submarine sunk; will remain till daylight to look for bodies.
   
0043: JACOB JONES "made sound contact 2 1/2 miles south of previous attack. Leading ICARUS to attack. She has only four depth charges."
   
0255: SSS from SS EVERAGRA 34-43N; 76-13W, being followed by a submarine.
   
0300: CGC VIGILANT reports stern of REPUBLIC grounded in 42 ft. of water five miles 026° from Jupiter. SS is still lurking in vicinity.
   
0343: SSS - the CGC VIGILANT reported a submarine following on the surface 5 miles off Jupiter bearing 26° from Jupiter Light.
   
0945: Sub sighted on surface by Pan American Airways pilot 25-10N; 79-53W. (Off Carysfort Reef, Fla.)
   
1220: E.T.O. advises positive identification of ship torpedoing, witnessed by the WALTER JENNINGS is W. D. ANDERSON (U.S. tanker, 10,227-tons). One seaman swam ashore at Stewart, Fla., claiming to be only survivor. He claims W. D. ANDERSON was struck by two torpedoes and sank immediately.
   
1620: At 1613Q EMPIRE UNION sent SSS. Reports sub on surface. 44-14-30N; 63-53-30W. Shelled.
   
1740: EMPIRE UNION SSS cancelled - Ref. Mr. Farley.
   
2034: WEST CHESWALD (KIXB) SSS ALLO in 43-44N; 69-54W (15 miles off Seguin Island). Gunfiring sighted.
   
 
February 24, 1942.
   
0441: Head on collision about 5 miles south of Savannah Light vessel between steamer PAN MARYLAND and steamer HANDEY. Ships forward AAA unable to back clear vessel, but require immediate assistance before being able to proceed Savannah.
   
 
Submitted
   
    F. W. OSBURN,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USN (Ret.)
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 24, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1232: Pan-American plane sighted two submarines on surface at 35-05N; 67-10W.
 
1300: USS EMERALD (PY) attacked sub off Cape Canaveral, Fla. Feb. 24, 1942.
   
1632: SOS SS NORALORE off Diamond Shoals.
   
1850: Duty Officer, Lt. (jg) Martin DIO reported from 3ND, C. G. Norfolk. Buoys established near Diamond Shoals - flashing green whistle 225T. distance 8-1/2 miles from former position at Diamond Shoals. Flashing white buoy replacing Diamond Shoals Lightship. Flashing White bell 310T. distance 3-1/2 miles from former position.
   
  February 25, 1942.
   
0030: SOS from SS JOSEPHINE LAWRENCE 35-53N; 75-08W. "Steering entirely disabled, need assistance immediately." - 15 minutes later, repaired and underway again.
   
0015: The GOFF reported (S250155 & S250720) on Feb. 25 at 0015 sighted two torpedo wakes and believes two subs in vicinity, Lat. 10-04N; Long. 79-41W.
   
  Note: This location is about 45 miles from the Panama Canal, Atlantic Side.
   
 
Submitted
   
    THOS. F. C. WALKER,
    Lieut.-Comdr., USNR.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 25, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
  All times E.W.T.  
 
 
1300: (Feb. 24) - U.S.S. EMERALD (PYc-1) attacked submarine off Cape Canaveral, Fla.
   
0200: (Feb. 25) - S. S. LA CARRIERE (5700 ton British tanker) torpedoed 16-52 N, 67-10 W.
   
1035 - U.S.C.G. ST AUGUSTINE made sound contact and attacked with depth charges 42-30 N, 70-40 W. (10 miles off Salem, Mass.). At 1110 the PC-473 was sent to assist the St. AUGUSTINE and several naval planes were sent to investigate. The 26th observation Group reported that a naval vessel was dropping depth charges in the vicinity at 1326.
   
1510 - An Army plane reported about 15 - 20 feet of the bow of a sunken ship protruding from the water 40-10N, 69-25W. No indication of life or recent sinking was observed.
   
  A submarine was reported Feb. 25th operating in the area between Cape Lookout and Cape Henry. (Secret dispatch 251935)
   
 
Submitted
   
    FRANKLIN BUTLER
    Ensign, USNR
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 25, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1008: Currituck Lighthouse (36-22-25N; 7-49-52W) reported a large ship and a small one about 100 yards away from it about 11 or 12 miles NE of the lighthouse. There appeared to be gunfiring from the larger vessel and she seemed to be sinking. (N.B. 5th Naval District reported earlier that the SS FLORIDA was broken down 10 miles NE of Currituck and that a tug had been sent from Norfolk to tow the FLORIDA into Norfolk.)
 
1035: USCG ST. AUGUSTINE made sound contact and attacked with depth charges 42-30N; 70-40W. (10 miles off Salem, Mass.) Two Navy planes sent to investigate.
   
1110: PC-473 sent to assist ST.AGUSTINE (dispatch 252200).
   
1111Q RARITAN (U.S. Cargo) sank 33-31N; 77-57W. (on Frying Pan Shoals).
  CGC CALYPSO rescue 29 survivors.
   
1326: Army reports friendly DD dropping depth charges vicinity of 42-27N 72-23W. The ship was flush deck - had guns fore and aft - placard on side bearing the marking: EWT-CROMWELL. She was heading due EAST at a speed of 10 knots. She hoisted no flags nor did she give any other recognition signal. Believed to be EMPIRE CROMWELL bound for Liverpool.
   
1510-1900: A bow of sunken boat probably red-brown in color observed 40-10N; 69-25W. Approximately 15-20 ft. protruding from water. No sign of life or recent sinking.
 
From First Bomber Command.
   
 
February 26, 1942.
   
0545: SOS - SS CASSIMER, U.S. tanker, 5030-tons, position 33-56N; 77-56W. "Don't know trouble yet - intercept FCC."
   
0551: Power off now, sending on emergency battery resulting from collision.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 26, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0553: NAM relayed message - Abandoning ship (position off Cape Fear). Charleston and Coast Guard informed, Coast Guard going out.
 
0618: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter MILLINOCKET aground at Paredon Grande Key Lighthouse. Old Bahama Channel North Coast Cuba. Send assistance.
   
0200: (Feb.25) SS LA CARRIERE (5700-ton British tanker torpedoed 16-52N; 67-10W. (Dispatch 251945.)
   
0430Q: E.T.O. reports disabled sub sighted bearing 012°T from Fort Pierce, Fla. at 1015Q. Col. Hill of E.T.O. (Southern Sector) advised "sub" was a disabled vessel anchored. Navy sending vessel out from either Port Everglades or Miami. At 1220 Q E.T.O. advised identity of vessel as SS CANFIELD.
   
 
Submitted
   
    R. H. BRAUE,
    Lieut., USNR.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 26, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
1042Q Pan American Clipper (Intelligence) sighted sub on surface at 39-33N; 73-37W.
 
1148: E.T.O. (Southern Sector) advises sub sighted 4 miles off Palm Beach. Plane investigating.
   
1215: The TEXAS SUN, a 9,900-ton American tanker, sighted a submarine at 34-34N; 76-16W.
   
1430: Army bomber from Mitchel Field saw submarine on surface at 40-50N; 70-30W. Submarine submerged as bomber approached.
   
1530: Two SS sighted on surface 37N; 76W. by plane 65th Obs. Sq. Position is in Chesapeake Bay between Cape Henry and Cape Charles. Obs. plane (light) had no bomb racks. Norfolk Info. Center.
   
1755: SS NNIOBE - SSS 35-31N; 71-27W. 1746Q Feb. 26.
   
 
February 27, 1942.
   
0035: Great light and explosion 095°T. and about 5 miles from Sea Girt. Vessel torpedoed and afire. Some survivors taken aboard ship's boat to Bradley Beach. Others in PC-507 and Coast Guard. VALPARAISO?
   
0050: A submarine was seen submerging 25 miles off East Hampton by the AMc-201.
   
0406: SS SWIFT ARROW reported two suspicious craft 9 miles 205°T. from American Shoals Light 24-32N; 81-31W.
   
0546: Lieut.Comdr. Abbott, DIO Zone Officer reports VALPARAISO still afire and still afloat.
   
0610: Inspat reports PC-507 will arrive Tompkinsville at 0640 with two survivors.
   
0815: Agt. Carmody of Coastal Intelligence reports no survivors on board PC-507.
   
0820: Coast Guard says survivors were transferred from PC-507 to a Coast Guard Cutter, but as yet this cutter has not returned to its base at Manasquan.
   
 
Submitted
   
    S. S. BUNTING,
    Comdr., U. S. Navy
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 27, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
0842Q: Sub sighted by plane 35N; 7-29W. Origin Coast Guard, Elizabeth City.
 
0900: Army plane sighted 2 periscopes close together about 30 miles N. of Delaware Bay about 20 miles out. Interior phone system out of order so bombardier who sighted 'scopes could not communicate till plane landed. Hence time and position are doubtful. Note: this may be the 2 barges reported in sunken condition at 39-23N; 74-07W on February 18.
   
0935: The VALPARAISO positively identified as R. P. RESOR (Esso Tanker). Coast Guard amphibian returned from position of the burning tanker 15 miles bearing 75T. from Manasquan Inlet. Tanker broken just aft of bridge. Still burning forward. Neither bow nor stern awash. Sighted 3 empty life rafts. 2 overturned. Numerous rescue vessels and planes on scene.
   
0958: ZIRCON (PY) made depth charge attack 39-45N; 73-46W.
   
1130: LAKE OSWEGA (U.S.) not arrived Halifax, possibly sunk same night as EMPIRE SEAL (Feb. 19) whose master reported U. S. ship 3 miles on starboard quarter at time torpedoing occurred, taking to boats, a third explosion was heard. From N.C.S.O., Halifax.
   
1300: At 1115 report by Navy plane of sunken ship and boat crews in 35-33N; 74-58W. At 1152, 3 lifeboats have been picked up by other ships. STANSBURY (DD) sent out to search area for sub. Received by phone Norfolk.
   
1529: SS ORARI (call letters GJKX) sighted torpedo at 41-31N; 51-51W.
   
1640: Sunken ship reported at 35-33N; 74-58W. identified as SS MARORE, (8000-ton U.S. ore ship) bound from Panama to Baltimore and torpedoed and sunk at 2330 Feb. 26. 15 men including Captain Charles E. Nash landed at Big Kennabeet (just above Hatteras). Total crew 40, put over 3 boats. Other boats picked up by passing ships. Tanker, Byron N. Benson, heading south for Baton Rouge, picked up one boat. SS JOHN GILL picked up 25 survivors. Passed them to Coast Guard cutter and brought into NNOB Norfolk. Expect 2 more boats, presumably they are all from MARORE. Origin -- Major De DuFour, 1st Army at 0150Q February 28.
   
1900: Info in our dispatch 271725 was telephoned to 3ND,4ND, 5ND, and NOB Newport.
   
2045: A life boat with 2 rafts sighted at 1725 at 34-22W; 75-10N. No personnel aboard. Local naval forces taking action.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 27, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
2113: ANTIETAM (CG contacted sub 1/2 mile east of Point X-Ray. Dropped depth charges but no visible results.
 
 
February 28, 1942.
   
0253: SAN AMBROSCO sighted sub at 27-57N; 75-27W. Radio intercept.
   
0400: EXULTANT (AMc-79) and the FEARLESS (AMc-80) left Boston at 0345Q for Yorktown.
   
0420: RDF bearing indicates sub about 41-50N; 70-30W. (in Cape Cod Bay).
   
0645: SOPA, Navy Yard, Boston reports McCOMB (DD) departing 0900. More to follow.
   
0715: Information Center reports (via the Army) that a Navy sub was practicing gun firing sometime today north of line between Block Island and Montauk.
   
0923: 54th Obs. Group plane on Dawn Patrol sighted a life raft with survivors aboard adrift at 38-37N; 74-32W. At 0923 army plane reported first rescue vessel had arrived on the scene and was picking up survivors.
   
1100: Sub visible from America Shoals, 24-35N;81-35W. Sub sank oil tanker and is chasing freighter. Army plane sent to scene to attack.
   
1120: Sub sighted by Army Obs. plane 10 miles off Montauk headed south.
   
1225: SS EBERLIGHT reports sighting enemy submarine 60 miles SE Delaware Capes. Sub awash. Was not followed. Mast and sidelights recognized. This occurred at 0200 February 27.
   
1540: 10-55N; 61-05W; suspicious vessel and lighter apparently in contact.
   
1625: Pan Air sighted sub 40-10N; 73-17W.
   
2009: SS CABPERBY torpedoed 39-57N; 55-40W.
   
2010: SS PLEIODON torpedoed 39-57N; 55-40W.
   
2115: SS A. S. HANSEN at 24-30N; 81-20W. course 270°T, speed 6 knots, sighted rockets and gunfire approximately SE 20 miles.
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
 
     
 
February 28, 1942
 
     
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
 
     
 
2130: Hyannis Police, Cape Cod, report strong blinking lights offshore at Centerville.
 
2230: SS GUAYAQUIL reports being chased by a suspicious vessel 10 miles S/W Cape Lookout.