EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #72
APRIL 1, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
0233: SS TIGER (U.S. Tanker, 5992 tons) torpedoed at 2300 March 31st about 10 miles SE of Cape Henry. Duty Officer at Norfolk reported by phone that a 0145 red flares were seen bearing 112° from Cape Henry. At 0150, 3 flares were seen. At 0210 CG Cutter JACKSON went to investigate. She reported 3 life boats full of men about 15 miles SE of Cape Henry. EDC reports that no survivors in any of the three boats would reveal the identity of their ship. At 0415 Norfolk reported that SS TIGER with cargo of Navy oil had been torpedoed at 2300 March 31st. Position about 10 miles SE of Cape Henry. Ship still afloat and not on fire. CG Cutter JACKSON standing by to attempt salvage. 41 survivors on YP 52 being brought in to Norfolk. Number of missing unknown. At 0445 Chesapeake Bay sector reports JACKSON is towing TIGER into Hampton Roads. At 0700 65th Observation Squadron reports vessel apparently torpedoed at 36 - 42 N, 75 - 32 W. No apparent survivors. This position is 13 miles E. of position of TIGER torpedoing. At 1215 it was reported that 42 survivors including 6 Navy gunners as passenger landed Norfolk. At 1450 Norfolk reported TIGER cut loose from towing vessel and sinking. At 1620 ComFive reports that TIGER is still afloat with stern almost awash. Trying to get another tug to tow her in or beach her. EDC reported that plane at 1930 saw no one aboard the TIGER and no boats visible. Ship had a list of 35°.
   
1415: U.S.S. ACUSHNET (AT) brought 30 more survivors of CITY OF NEW YORK to Norfolk at 1530Q, April 1. Included Ensign Schaefer, USNR, and the master. Possibility that GREER may have 7 more survivors aboard. Master reported to say that he saw a lifeboat containing the first officer and about 19 women and children which had not been picked up and may still be adrift.
            
1440: Airplane reports patches of lumber several miles long 10 miles off coast from Corolla to Kittyhawk, N.C. Also saw one lifeboat and a life preserver, but no survivors.
   
1518: B17 Army bomber sighted sub at 1618. Position 36 - 54 N, 74 - 53 W. An Army Radar-equipped plane is patrolling the area all night. A Navy plane is night patrolling between Wimble Shoals and Cape Henry in area of two afternoon sightings.
   
   
 
 
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EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #72
APRIL 1, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
1625: K-5 reported fresh orange paint covering a large area, but no wreckage. Position 38 - 38 N, 74 - 30 W, 30 miles SE Cape Henlopen. (No recent wreck reported to date near this position.)
            
1800: Intercept SSS S.S. LOCHDON (British Cargo, 5249 tons) Torpedoed. Position 37 - 05 N, 61 - 40 W, 300 miles NNE of Bermuda. Time 1722. COLE sent to search region. Expected to arrive at dawn April 2.
   
2010: COMINCH reported that a sub was sighted at 1601. Position 43 - 55 N, 59 - 53 W (near Sable Island Bank). Also reported a "sub contact" at 43 - 24 N, 59 - 40 W, at 1605.
   
2215: EDC 65th Observation Squadron reports at 1355 sighting a sub periscope. Dropped two 100 lb. bombs and one smoke bomb. Results negative. Position 34 - 50 N, 75 - 18 W.
   
2340: Position of S.S. EXCELSIOR at 0600 April 1st was 36 - 01 N, 72 - 34 W. (At 1430 March 29th S.S. EXCELSIOR had engine breakdown.).
   
APRIL 2.
   
0115: ComFive reports SS EMPIRE STEEL (8100-ton British tanker torpedoed March 23 at 2200. Position 36 - 45 N, 64 - 17 W. Bound from Baton Rouge to UK. Cargo high octane gas and kerosene. Ship owned by Bank Line, Ltd. 39 of crew of 47 still missing. 8 picked up by tug EDWARD J. MORAN March 28 and landed at Little Creek, C.G. Station, April 1. All in Marine Hospital, Norfolk.
   
0141: S.S. LIEBRE (U.S. Tanker, 7057 tons) sent SOS at 0129. "Shelled by sub south of Lookout Buoy." No definite position report given. At 0130 the British Motor Torpedo Boat 332 sighted submarine shelling "vessel" 17 miles 170° T from Cape Lookout Whistling Buoy. At 0200 the Motor Torpedo Boat approached the stricken vessel and dropped depth charges. Sailors from the boat boarded the vessel and found no signs of life on board. Steam was coming from the engine room, the vessel apparently drifting. No life boats sighted. CG Cutter 463 proceeding from Morehead City to position of shelled vessel. A plane sighted two lifeboats 320° T
   
 
 
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EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #72
APRIL 2, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
  from tanker 30 miles off Cape Lookout.
   
0155: In torpedoing of Tug MENOMINEE and three barges (see our 1135 of March 31) 9 men, the entire crews of the barges, and the Captain and Chief Engineer of the tug were saved. 16 as yet unaccounted for.
            
0240: Army B-18 bomber from Langley got radar contact on surfaced sub at 0142, heading 100° T. Position 36-28 N., 74-34W., at 100 fathom mark 65 miles south east of Cape Henry. Submarine submerged on approach of bomber. No bombs dropped. Trying to relocate, this airplane got another contact at 0318, eighteen miles from the first. Pilot feels confident it was a second sub. On approaching position he caught sight of sub five miles away in clear moonlight, approached dropped three depth charges which were fully visible at time of release. Bombs landed ten feet to side of sub. Believes he sunk sub at 36-38 N., 75-05 W.
   
  NOTE:    In the ten hours between 1618 April 1 and 0240 April 2, 3 sightings, 1 shelling by a sub and 2 radar contacts occurred in the Lookout-Hatteras-False Cape area. A Navy plane and the radar equipped B-18 patrolled the area during the night. Intensive search by eight Army planes underway at daybreak.
   
   
    Submitted
   
     
    J. F. MALONEY
    Lt. (jg) USNR
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #73
APRIL 2, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
0821: Cominch reports that sub is indicated by R.D.F. fix to be within 200 miles of 42-30 N., 52-00W. (360 miles south of Cape Race). At 0911 an additional report of sub by R.D.F. fix within 50 miles of 38-30 N., 57-00 W. (500 miles south of Cape Race). And at 0919 N.O.B. Bermuda informed E.S.F. of sub sighted 32-05 N., 64-25 W. (25 miles southeast Bermuda).
            
0855: S/S CHILORE, U.S. Cargo, 8310 tons sighted submarine 10 miles south of Sand Key (24-27 N., 81-53 W.). Distress ended at 0910.
   
0923: Further information re S/S TIGER (see our 0235 April 1) S/S WALTER JENNINGS (U.S. Tanker 9563 tons) reports S/S TIGER at 36-46 N., 75-45 W., after end submerged, port boat gone and forward rafts aboard. Bolt anchors down - no sign of life.
   
0930: Fresh oil slick at 35-55 N., 75-23 W. (5 miles off Oregon Inlet). Plane dropped bomb after complete reconnaissance. Also a destroyer scouted in vicinity.
   
1210: HERBERT reported contact now immobilized. Position 205° T. from Five Fathom Light Buoy - distance 11 miles. Request air coverage to determine character of target. Plane at 1450 reports negative.
   
1345: Boston reports Navy Tug Y-17 located seaplane from North Carolina downed 35 miles from Portland. Pilot safe. Prepared to tow to port and arrived 1920.
   
1332: SSS from S/S ARANMORE (British transport, 2000 tons), at 42-44 N., 65-35 W. (60 miles south of Cape Sable).
   
1515: U.S.S. KEWAYDIN (AT) towing S/S EXCELSIOR to Norfolk. To arrive daylight April 4. (see our 1430 March 29). Also Tug RESOLUTE bringing S/S LIEBRE to Morehead City. (see our 0141 April 2). Arriving before sundown.
   
1750: SSS from S/S BRILLIANT (U.S. tanker, 9132 tons) sub sighted at 34-55 N., 75-41 W. (20 miles south of Cape Hatteras). CESF notified U.S.S. HAMBLETON which was patrolling this area. At 1923 wake of torpedo seen to miss tanker which proceeded on southbound course. Distress ended shortly thereafter.
   
 
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #73
APRIL 3, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
2122: SOS from S/S DAVID H. ATWATER (U.S. cargo, 2438 tons) being shelled and sunk by sub at 38-00 N., 75-05 W. (hard on Winter Quarter). CESF asked Com 5 to investigate departure and routing of this cargo vessel. U.S.S. NOA and HERBERT were directed to scene, arriving 2400. At 0145 C.G. Cutter LEGARE landed 3 survivors and 4 bodies of crew of 29 at Chincoteague Island Coast Guard Station. Put out immediately for further search.
   
2211: SSS ALLO from S/S ESSO AUGUSTA (U.S. tanker, 11237 tons) sighted suspicious lighted vessel astern 8 miles, 054° T. from Bodie Island Light. Later reported lights doused. EDC states subject vessel is reported to be S/S/ ISLE OF YORK (not listed). ESSO AUGUSTA inside Capes -- all is well.
   
2256: Cominch fixes enemy unit within 100 miles of 39-30 N., 64-30 W., 240 miles south of Cape Sable.
   
0540: SOS from S/S/ OTHO (U.S. cargo 4389 tons) at 36-24 N., 72-25 W. (175 miles due east of False Cape) torpedoed. At 0652 message received "operate with caution - keep sharp lookout". Apparently vessel still afloat and proceeding. Bomber Command directs patrol to scene.
   
0755: SSS from S/S PAN RHODE ISLAND (U.S. tanker, 7700 tons) 5 miles SSW Sand Key "sighted sub near Key West".
   
NOTE: At 1030 Navy plane at 36-40 N., 51-40 W., sighted two lifeboats and directed U.S.S. COLE to scene. Other wreckage was noticed in area which is 600 miles east of Bermuda.
               
  Intelligence Officer reports the SS SVENOR (Norwegian tanker 7600 tons) torpedoed and sunk at 0230 March 28 in position 300 miles east of Hatteras. Tanker was carrying fuel oil from Curacao to Halifax. Of the 37 crew 29 survivors rescued by S/S GUNENE (Portuguese) and landed them at Philadelphia March 31. Other crew members lost, including all officers.
   
   
    Submitted
     
     
    W. M. MATERNE
    Ensign, USNR
   
   
 
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #74
APRIL 3, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
1200: S.S. OHIO (9264 Ton U.S. Tanker) enroute Baytown, N.Y., sighted sub at 37-53 N., 75-00 W. (4 miles S/W of Winter Quarter Shoals). OHIO on course 223° T., speed 15 knots HERBERT informed. At 1232 Distress traffic ended.
   
1325: S.S. MAUNA KEY reported sub sighted at 37-57-30 N., 75-06-30 W. This is probably same sub sighted by the S.S. OHIO. At 1415 Blimp K2, having searched, reported nothing except a wreck at this position.
   
1450: U.S.S. KEARNY (DD432) off Casco 130° T. fro Portland Head signaled HECP "We are attacking". Then turned and proceeded seaward.
   
1600: U.S.S. ROPER (DD) made sound contact at 34-27 N., 76-09 W. Dropped 21 depth charges. Results not positive. Info from E.D.C. via Chesapeake Bay sector from Fifth Naval District, originator.
   
1720: E.D.C. reports plane from Ft. Devens out on special patrol sighted oil slick at 43-10 N., 70-18 W. U.S.S. FINBACK is currently operating in this general area off Isle of Shoals. This position is about 35 miles S/W of where the KEARNY is reported to have proceeded seaward.
   
1745: (Further to our 1450 of April 2 - S.S. SVENOER) The S.S. LEDA docked New York April 3 and reports that on March 31 at 2123 she sighted a lifeboat at 35-10 N., 70-23 W. (50 miles west of where sinking occurred). Several oars across the thwarts and 1 in the water, which seems to indicate that other survivors got away but perished.
   
1810: S.S. ENSIS (British Tanker 6207 tons) sighted sub on surface 7 miles N/W of 35-43 N., 66-08 W. (460 miles due east of Wimble Shoals). At 0510 (Apr. 4) ENSIS machine gunned by sub at 34-54 N., 64-51 W. Engaging. At 0650 ENSIS again reports the sub at 34-55 N., 64-47 W. and again at 0730 reports sub still following -- require assistance.
            
1830: S.S. GRAINALA (ship not identified) sighted sub at 35-48 N., 66-11 W. This appears to be same sub sighted by S.S. ENSIS 20 minutes earlier.
   
1900: Mobile flight unit bombed oil slick at 35-37 N., 75-15 W. (close into Wimble Shoals). No results observed. Continuing observation. Report from Air Support Liaison.
 
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #74
APRIL 3, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
1905: Plane dropped bomb on oil slick 5 miles 60° T. from Five Fathom Bank. Asked for surface assistance.
   
2350: (See our 1515 of April 2) 26 survivors and 2 bodies were landed at Morehead City today from S.S. LIEBRE shelled by a sub at 0123 April 2 at 34-11 N., 76-08 W. 7 men missing believed lost. LIEBRE now docked at Morehead City, having been towed in by RESOLUTE. All confidential papers aboard.
   
2355: Further in re DAVID H. ATWATER shelled and sunk by submarine off Winter Quarter Buoy at 2115 April 2. Total crew was 25. The 3 wounded survivors and 4 dead landed by C.G.C. LEGARE are at the Marine Hospital, Norfolk. 13 bodies picked up by C.G. lifeboats are at Ocean City C.G. Station. 1 body picked up by Eagle 56 is at Lewes, Del. C.G.C. LEGARE reported destroying 2 lifeboats and 1 life raft. 1 lifeboat had been machine gunned.
   
0325: (APRIL 4) S.S. ARGON (U.S. Tanker 6952 Tons) sighted sub at 34-15 N., 76-05 W. This position is near where Roper attacked at 1600. At 0411 distress ended. At 0528 ARGON at 34-28 N., 75-37 W. now being chased by sub. Sub sending up flares. At 0615 Norfolk reported 5 planes sent to ARGON's assistance.
   
  The following RDF's were reported:
   
  1.    Within 50 miles of 42-00 N., 42-30 W. at 2245 Apr. 2.
   
  2.    At 39-00 N., 55-00 W. at 1930 Apr.3.
   
  3.    Within 100 miles of 36-00 N., 74-30 W. at 1845 Q, Apr 3.
   
  4.    Within 100 miles of 40-30 N., 50-30 W. at 1930 Q, Apr 3.
   
  5.    Within 100 miles of 35-00 N., 68-15 W. at 2239, Apr. 3.
   
0836: ENIS distress ended according to message received from Fourth Naval District.
   
    submitted
     
     
             GEORGE DWIGHT
    Lieut. USNR
 
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #75
APRIL 4, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
1155: S.S. EXCELSIOR (U.S. CARGO 5873 tons) arrived at Chesapeake Capes about 1055. On March 29 sent SOS, engine break-down.
            
1540: SSS from S.S. MAUNA KEA (U.S. Tanker) Sub sighted 4 miles north of Brigantine Shoals at 1540. Two blimps, 5 planes and Coast Guard cutter sent to scene. Merchant ships in area notified. At 1659 MAUNA KEA sent, "Distress is ended". At 2200 Lakehurst reported that one of blimps sent to scene reported visibility poor off Brigantine Gas Buoy. Blimp at first mistook a self-propelled oil barge for a submarine. Blimp thinks this may explain MAUNA KEA sighting.
   
2120: Eagle 56 of ComFour reported, "Good sound contact at 2105Q. Position 38-38 N., 74-24 W. (8 miles SE Five Fathom Bank). Stationary object, Scattered oil slick same area. Little debris in vicinity. Picked up lifebelt marked, 'PICARD-DUNKERQUE' Proceeding". ("PICARD" is not listed).
   
2140: The first of two SSSS from the American Tanker RHODE ISLAND, 8656 tons. "Strange flashing white light 258° T. from Cape Lookout. Position 34-35N; 76-50W." Army plane sent to investigate . Results negative. At 0455 RHODE ISLAND reported being followed by suspicious looking craft. Position 35-40N; 75-45W. This is 60 miles SE Cape Lookout.
   
2309: SSSS from S/S EVELYN (call WKCE, 3141-ton U.S. Cargo.) Reports a tanker torpedoed at 36-17N; 75-36W, 2 miles east of Currituck Lighted Whistle Buoy 66. Reported the torpedoed ship to be on fire at 2302Q. C.G. cutter DIONE reached position and reported at 0150 she had been alongside ship and was searching for survivors and for the sub. Ship at 0150 was 10 miles south of Currituck Buoy.
   
0050: Navy Liaison Officer at Army Information Center, Norfolk reported Wilmington, N.C. had word from the Army observation post at Onslow Beach that a sub was sighted going into New River Inlet. The Marine Base at New River sent 1 plane, 3 C.G. boats, and 8 other boats to investigate. 0900: EDC reports navigation lights were mistaken for a submarine at this position.
 
 
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EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #75
APRIL 5, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
0100: SSS ALLO from U.S. Tanker CHESTER SUN, 9096 tons. Sighted sub at 0040. Position 34-56N; 75-36W, 50 miles S of Cape Hatteras. A B-18 Army radar-equipped plane was sent to scene. At 0115 CHESTER SUN fired one shot at the submarine. "He submerged and apparently gone."
   
0105: Tug DAUNTLESS reported being chased by sub 5 miles south of Sea Grit, 40-00N; 73-58W. Zircon, Icarus, CG cutter 451, and AMC 200 nearby and ordered to this position. At 0110 Inspat reported that DAUNTLESS was all right, had seen nothing for 35 minutes. CG cutter 451 was abeam DAUNTLESS two miles off.
   
0517: Panamanian Tanker PROMETHEUS, 8890 tons, sent SSSS. Sighted sub at 13-10N; 69-30W at 0517. This is 50 miles NE of Aruba.
            
0540: HAMILTON (DD) at 0340 reports that while searching for sub she found the American tanker BYRON D. BENSON owned by Tidewater Oil Co., 7953 tons, blazing furiously in area 10 miles south of Currituck Light. Picked up 27 men from one boat. 10 men missing, including captain and all mates. Survivors all in good condition. Crew believes only one lifeboat launched. Sea calm. Set and drift zero. HAMILTON searching area until daybreak.
   
    Submitted,
     
     
    J. F. MALONEY
    Lt. (jg) USNR
   
   
   
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
 
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EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #76
APRIL 5, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
1005 - ComFive informs that Ocean City, Maryland C. G. Station at 0945 heard 4 shots of heavy gunfire to east and south of station. At 0955 three more. Position about 38-15N., 75-00W.
   
1010 - SSS from Pan-American Clipper. Sub sighted on surface at 35-46N, 69-05W. Course 110° T. Speed 5. Another report from Pan-American Clipper at 1411 sub sighted on surface 38-37N, 71-15W. Course 240° T. Speed 12.
   
0950 - BYRON D. BENSON, U.S. Tanker, 7953 tons. See our 0540 April 4. HAMILTON (DD) landed 27 survivors including 2 aliens at Norfolk. Reported an additional lifeboat headed toward beach. The H.M.S. NORWICH CITY picked up 1 survivor, leaving 9 missing. Patrol plane on scene at 2300 of April 4, saw gunfire and flares but not vessel. At 1740 SS PHOENIX reports vessel still afire and a further report at 1937 stated hull still afloat but gutted.
   
1515 - SSS from S/S ETHEL MAE, U.S. Cargo - 64 tons. Sub sighted 36-13N, 75-37W, at 1241.
   
1635 - RDFIX within 100 miles 42-30N, 46-30W, at 1113.
              
1830 - SSS from SS CATAHOULA, 5000 ton Cuban tanker torpedoed at 19-38N, 68-29W, in Mona Passage at 1822.
   
1912 - Caffey's Inlet Lifeboat Station, 327° T. - 24 miles from Oregon Inlet - heard 3 explosions a long way out to Sea, at 1923 heard 3 more.
   
2015 - SSS from S.S. JOHN D. ARCHBOLD, U. S. Tanker 12,590 tons sighted suspicious flashing white light 065° 8 miles from Cape Lookout. C.E.S.F. advised Norfolk and patrol directed to take appropriate action.
   
    Submitted:
   
   
    JOHN A. HOWELL
    Lieut.(jg) USNR
 
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #78
APRIL 7, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
1050: SS PAN RHODE ISLAND at 0950 picked up 29 survivors of the torpedoed Norwegian SS LANCING, (Cargo, 7866 Tons) stricken 14 miles 190 T. from Cape Hatteras, at 35-08N; 75-22W at 0435. 20 other survivors also rescued. All landed at NOB Norfolk. One man missing. Confidential papers sunk with ship.
   
1100: HMT ST. LOMAN reports having made three contacts April 6 at the position 40-41-30 N, 64-40 W. Times 1022, 1259, and 1332. Depth of water 30 fathoms. Position marked with can buoy and red flag.
   
1150: Despatch that HMT NORTHERN PRINCESS vanished without a trace in bad weather on March 7 off Canso, 45-22 N, 55-59 W.
   
1300: Positions of sinkings of two ships previously reported:
  BYRON D. BENSON at 36-07 N, 75-15 W. M.V. BRITISH SPLENDOUR at about 35-10 N, 75-19 W.
   
1430: Cominch reports a sub sighted at 17-40 N, 67-12 W. at 0628 Q April 7.
   
1734: SSS from U. S. Freighter STEELWORKER, 5686 tons. Sighted sub on surface 7 miles, bearing 160 T. from Montauk Point Light at 1725. Sub submerged. Army and Navy planes investigated. Results negative.
   
1915: Long Beach, L.I. C.G. Station reported an unidentified sub 3 miles S/E of Station, heading east at 1900. Two Navy planes and ANTIETAM sent. 2200--CGC 176, a 70-foot craft reported she was in this exact vicinity at 1900, heard report of sub sighting and saw nothing. Inspat feels the CGC 176 was the "sub" sighted from shore.
            
1930: Observation post of 101st Infantry "sighted sub" 2 miles south of Easthampton, L.I. AMc202 investigated. Results negative.
   
1932: Warning message broadcast to all U.S. merchant vessels in Atlantic: "At 1201 sub sighted 35-08 N, 68-13 W.", 330 miles east of Cape Hatteras. This report came in from the Manley (DD) reporting plane attack on sub in which two depth charges were dropped. A 2216 despatch from the MANLEY said that she sighted a sub crash diving at 35-37 N, 67-57 W., one mile on her port bow, dropped four 325-pound depth charges. Oil came up immediately. Attack considered by NANLEY probably not successful.
 
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #78
APRIL 7, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
2120: CG aircraft from Elizabeth City dropped two DCs, one of which was a dud, on a submarine periscope and swirl at 36-00N; 75-15W at 1750. aircraft searched area. No visible results.
   
0800: APRIL 8
   
  Cominch reports RDF positions:
   
  1. One within 200 miles of 43N; 28W at 2212 April 7.
   
  2. One within 200 miles at 41N; 60W at 2207
   
  3. One within 200 miles of 42-30N; 54W.
   
  4. One within 100 miles 43-30N; 60W at 0420 April 8
   
   
    Submitted
     
     
    J F MALONEY
    Lieut. (jg) USNR
   
   
NOTE:  
   
  At 0305 12 miles N/E of Brunswick, Georgia an Eastern Airlines pilot saw gunfire and explosions below. Planes were sent to the vicinity immediately and at daybreak at 3122N; 80-53W a still smoking hull with no personnel aboard was sighted. Three boatloads of survivors and one dead person were landed at St. Simons Island. Name of ship may WILMERDING.
   
   
 
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
EASTERN SEA FRONTIER
  
 
Serial #79
APRIL 8, 1942
  
 
ENEMY ACTION DIARY
  
     
  ALL TIMES E.W.T.  
     
 
0615: U.S.S. RAVEN (AM-55) contacted sub in 39-55 N., 67-50 W. nothing further.
   
1020: Army bomber reported lifeboat with 10 survivors in about 39-10 N., 73-30 W., 45 miles E X S from Absecon Inlet. Lakehurst sent blimp. Lakehurst sent blimp. Com3 and Com4 surface vessels to area. At 1218 U.S.S. ZIRCON (PY) took 16 uninjured survivors off this lifeboat. Survivors were from S/S OTHO, torpedoed April 2 175 miles due East of False Cape (see our 0540 April 2). Intelligence then reported ZIRCON bound for Cape May. At 2355 Com4, from interview with survivors, reported two other lifeboats also got away.
   
1615: (See our Note, Serial #78, Apr. 7). Dispatch from Com6 established one of 2 sinking tankers as S/S OKLAHOMA (U.S. 9,264 tons) from Port Arthur for Providence, R.I. She was torpedoed about 20 miles East of N/W end of Sea Island, Georgia about 0300 April 8, and sank in 7 fathoms. There were about 21 survivors out of 38. At 2330 EDC identified the other tanker, formerly believed to be WILMELDEL or WILMERDING as S/S/ ESSO BATON ROUGE (U.S. 7,900 tons), torpedoed at 0308 April 8. At 1712 April 8 she was still afloat.