HMCS Morden Report of A/S Operations

Note:  U-756 is believed to have been destroyed during the action beginning at 0050Z on 1 September 1942

     
     
                                                                                                                      September 9, 1942.
   
 
From: Commanding Officer, MORDEN.
To: Commanding Officer, Task Unit 24.1.12.
   
  Report of A/S Operations while in escort with SC 97.
                             (All times are Zone - )
 
     
                        At 0803 Aug. 31st, Ships 83 and 63 were observed to be torpedoed.  The former caught fire, was seen to blaze from foc'sle to bridge and sank almost immediately by the stern.  The latter was torpedoed within a few minutes - a puff of smoke was observed, following which she fell out of station and sank within ten minutes.  "Perth", # 75 in the convoy, and Morden, detailed as rescue ships stood by to pick up survivors.  BRANDON was ordered to screen the rescue operation.  While "Perth" was picking up survivors from # 83, Morden observed a boat from # 63 (Capira) swamped and in danger of sinking.  Morden therefore proceeded to rescue the occupants of this boat.  Unfortunately due to inexperience of personnel in the boat, it was overturned while coming alongside.  Morden therefore put over starboard sea boat to pick up these men.  Meanwhile a raft drifted alongside to port, and survivors on the raft were taken aboard over our scrambling mat.  A/B Jos. Breckon then dived overboard and rescued one man clinging to a spar.  16 survivors were rescued by Morden and landed in Londonderry.  
                        While rescue operations were proceeding, Morden's H.S.D. obtained contact with an echo on the starboard bow.  As engines were stopped and attack at the moment was therefore impossible, the bearing and range were passed to Brandon, who at once covered.  The contact apparently was non-sub as no attack was made.  
                        Rescue operations completed, no further attacks were evident, and convoy proceeded normally.  
                        At 1112Z/31/8 Morden obtained a contact and attacked as detailed on form S 1203.  (Copy attached)  
                        At 0050Z/1/9 Morden, while on port leg of zig-zag 2 miles astern of convoy, obtained an RDF contact which proved by visual evidence to be a submarine, and attacked as detailed on form S 1203, (Copy attached).  Subsequent temporary failure of RDF apparatus suggests the importance of carrying RDF I ratings, if they are available, for care and maintenance of Type SW2C sets.  
                        At 1355Z/2/9, Morden obtained a contact which had many submarine characteristics, including small extent of target (10 to 15 degs.), apparent movement, and a firm, clear echo.  Asdic conditions were, however, difficult, and on failing to regain the contact after a second attack, following fifteen minutes hunt, it was judged better to rejoin the convoy.  
                        No further evidence of the presence of submarines, definitely confirmed as such, was experienced by Morden following actual sighting and attack as above described.  
     
     
  Copy to:  
          CTG 24.7  
          [other addressees illegible]