U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 
DD438/A5-4 (705)
c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
23 May 1944.
 
     
     
     
 
From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via: (3) Commander Destroyer Division TWENTY-FIVE.
  (2) Commander Task Group 80.6.
  (1) Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters.
     
Subject: Report of action with enemy submarine on May 19, 1944 - Operation Monstrous 2.
     
Reference: (a) LantFlt Conf. ltr. 13CL-43.
  (b) NavNAW Conf. ltr.4CL-43.
     
Enclosure: (A) Nine (9) forms ASW-1, Depth Charge Attack on Submarine.
  (B) Narrative covering period of attacks, with comments and recommendations.
  (C) Track chart of attacks.
  (D) Transcript of T.B.S. log during period of attacks.
  (E) Recorder traces of attacks.
 
     
          1.        Pursuant to references (a) and (b), enclosures (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) are submitted covering subject contact with, and subsequent sinking of enemy submarine on the morning of 19 May 1944.  
     
     
                                                                                           
                                                                                          W.R. BARNES.  
     
     
  Copies:  
      ComInch  
      CinCMed  
      ASW (FOTC NOB NOR)  
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
 
  IV.  NARRATIVE:  Attack and Destruction of Enemy Submarine, 19 May 1944.  
     
          LUDLOW was in company with U.S.S. WOOLSEY, U.S.S. MADISON, U.S.S. BENSON and U.S.S. NIBLACK engaged in submarine hunt during period involved.  Disposition taken for the night placed U.S.S. WOOLSEY, U.S.S. BENSON and U.S.S. MADISON 10 miles ahead of best estimated submarine track position and U.S.S. NIBLACK and U.S.S. LUDLOW 10 miles astern of above position, with ships to conduct night radar and sound search along submarine estimated track.  
     
          A plane A.S.V. contact at 0228B was received giving submarine position about 22 miles astern of U.S.S. LUDLOW and U.S.S. NIBLACK position.  Orders were received to investigate contact and about 2330 U.S.S. NIBLACK (senior ship) and U.S.S. LUDLOW went to 25 knots and turned back.  
     
          No contact was made in vicinity of first report, but a later report of plane A.S.V. contact moved submarine position about 10 miles to the northeast, with flare having been dropped near contact.  U.S.S. NIBLACK and U.S.S. LUDLOW then set course to sweep over area of new contact.  
     
          While steaming on course 080°T, speed 20 knots on scouting line 10,000 yards distance, Commanding Officer, U.S.S. LUDLOW, noticed faint pip on bridge P.P.I. screen bearing about 082°T, distance 7,000 yards.  C.I.C. was directed to check this bearing for target but upon sweeping bearing by hand, no target could be discovered ad pip had completely disappeared.  At the same time U.S.S. NIBLACK directed a course change to 070°T to center aircraft flare, now just sighted, between the two ships.  U.S.S. LUDLOW notified U.S.S. NIBLACK of disappearing pip and signified intention to remain on 080°T course to investigate.  
     
          Sound operator made first contact on wake on starboard bow, which he classified as such, then, at 0320 announced target, bearing 100°T, range 500 yards.  Next report had ship passing submarine on starboard side.  Speed was reduced and ship swung out to make attack.  U.S.S. NIBLACK was notified of positive contact and stood over to join.  Sound contact was easily regained and held and ship stood in to make deliberate attack.  Contact was lost at 400 yards and medium barrage  
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
 
  IV.  NARRATIVEAttack and Destruction of Enemy Submarine, 19 May 1944.  (Cont'd)  
     
  ordered in view of the short elapsed submerged time of the submarine.  Fathometer actually gave 10 fathoms on this run.  Pattern was fired at 0337.  The remote P.P.I. was knocked out by concussion on this run, and the depth charge racks jammed.  The signalman detailed to drop a flare became excited and forgot to let go his flare.  
     
          Ship was swung around after the attack, contact easily regained, and stood in for a second attack.  The depth charge crews, handicapped by working in pitch black darkness, were not able to complete reloading and resetting depth charge projectors or to clear jammed racks by the time ship had arrived at firing point, so dummy run was made.  Ship dropped two (2) flares and stood off.  U.S.S. NIBLACK, who had just arrived, took charge of the target, made good contact, and conducted three(3) attacks.  Information as to target bearings, ranges, and estimated depth were passed between ships.  
     
          U.S.S. NIBLACK believed that torpedo exploded in her wake during one attack, so that conducting of a creeping attack, which had been discussed via T.B.S. was postponed until ships were sure submarine had gone deep.  Upon completion U.S.S. NIBLACK third attack, she hauled off to break out depth charges.  This vessel, with P.P.I. again operating and depth charge racks properly functioning, took over the attack.  
     
          Contact was readily made, with C.I.C. giving approximate ranges and bearings to target, and ship stood in to make standard, deliberate attack.  Contact was lost at about 500 yards and deep barrage fired at 0444.  Again bridge P.P.I. was knocked out and bridge lost steering control temporarily.  
     
          Ship was brought around, contact regained, opened out to about 2,000 yards and the third deliberate attack made at 0455.  This last attack depleted the supply of ready charges so ship slowed and swung a big circle, breaking out and preparing depth charges while U.S.S. NIBLACK took over target and made a deliberate attack.  
     
          Upon completion of U.S.S. NIBLACK 4th attack this ship  
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
 
  IV.  NARRATIVEAttack and Destruction of Enemy Submarine, 19 May 1944.  (Cont'd)  
     
  came on in, and at 0518 fired a deliberate attack, very deep setting, contact having been lost at about 550 yards.  
     
          U.S.S. NIBLACK again took over target and made deliberate attack, then holding contact, commenced directing this ship in on creeping attack.  Before this attack could be completed U.S.S. NIBLACK lost contact and instructed this vessel to start pinging.  Contact was immediately regained about 1,200 yards ahead and it was decided that this vessel would direct U.S.S. NIBLACK in on creeping attack.  Submarine however appeared to be heading for this vessel as range constantly closed and ship was swung out and around in an effort to come in on submarine's quarter.  Range was not sufficiently opened however and ship ended up with submarine ahead about 700 yards, ship dead in the water, and range steady.  U.S.S. NIBLACK was started in on a creeping attack, but contact was lost before attack could be completed, and both ships swung out to search for, and relocate submarine.  
     
          This vessel, after opening about 2,000 yards, came back through the submarine's last plotted position, dropped a green dye marker and stood on about 1,500 yards when contact was regained on the starboard bow, about 2,100 yards distance.  A final deliberate attack was then made at a very deep setting, with contact lost at about 500 yards.  Contact was regained immediately after the depth charge explosion and held until the submarine surfaced.  
     
          After this vessel's 5th attack U.S.S. NIBLACK stood in to make a deliberate attack, but was not satisfied with attack and did not fire.  This vessel then, with solid contact at about 1,750 yards, directed U.S.S. NIBLACK in on a creeping attack.  U.S.S. NIBLACK commenced firing pattern at 0705 using only depth charge racks.  A large continuously rising stream of air bubbles was noted in the vicinity of about the 4th charge, and guns and director trained on that spot.  At 0712, submarine surfaced about 200 yards from the air bubble and about 1,500 yards sharp on the starboard bow of this vessel.  Fire was immediately opened with 5" gins #1 and #2, and ship swung hard left to bring #3 and #4 to bear.  The first shots from the 5" guns were seen to be direct hits.  U.S.S. NIBLACK also opened fire promptly and obtained early hits.  The starboard 20 and 40 MM. battery opened up as the ship swung to  
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
 
  IV.  NARRATIVEAttack and Destruction of Enemy Submarine, 19 May 1944.  (Cont'd)  
     
  unmask them, and together with U.S.S. NIBLACK, soon had the air full of bullets.  At this point a patrol plane which had been circling over the attack area for about an hour, dove low over the submarine and laid a stick of bombs or depth charges alongside the sub.  
     
          After about two (2) minutes of fire, a signalman reported a white flag being waved from the submarine.  Fire was checked and a careful inspection of the submarine made, but no flag observed so fire was resumed.  Later information from survivors indicates that the submarine Commanding Officer waved his white cap from the conning tower, but was quickly blown over the side and seriously injured by 5" fire.  
     
          After an additional two (2) minutes of fire the submarine settled low in the water and was seen to be badly damaged and sinking so fire was checked.  At 0719, the submarine's bow went under and she sank on about a 30 degree angle.  This vessel then stood in to pick up survivors while the U.S.S. NIBLACK depth charged the submarine a final time and joined in rescue of survivors.  This vessel recovered three (3) officers and ten (10) men, none badly injured.  The U.S.S. NIBLACK recovered one officer, the Commanding Officer, and six (6) men.  This ship saw at least two (2) other badly wounded men in the water but they sank before they could be reached.  
     
  COMMENTS  
     
          1.  Sound conditions were good, average ranges of making contact being about 2,000 yards.  All contacts were lost at 400 - 550 yards, though survivors story does not indicate that this should necessarily have been so on earlier runs.  
     
          2.  Q.B.F. equipment was excellent in denoting doppler.  
     
          3.  Mk. 9 Mod. 2 depth charges, even at deep and very deep settings and at 15 knots, have considerable concussion effect on own ship.  Lost bridge P.P.I. twice, second time could not immediately repair it and was handicapped considerably in maneuvering with U.S.S. NIBLACK on a very dark night.  
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
 
  IV.  NARRATIVEAttack and Destruction of Enemy Submarine, 19 May 1944.  (Cont'd)  
     
  Believe equipment should be better shock mounted.  Lost steering control once but regained immediately.  
     
          4.  On four out of six runs there was no change of bearing during run in.  Believe that possibly submarine was lying to until range was about 600 - 700 yards, then using a burst of speed to get clear, and depending upon his depth to mask the maneuver.  
     
          5.  Survivors claim that submarine was soon aware that at least two destroyers were working him, that had there only been one they would have surfaced and fought.  Also stated that although they were sure they were done for, no appreciable damage had been done to them until the final attack.  There were unaware that the submarine had lost all the air seen on the surface but said they were forced to surface after taking about a foot of water in the submarine.  
     
          6.  Ship had just recently received Mk. 9 Mod 2 depth charges and Commanding Officer appreciates, that lead required is considerably less than with Mk. 6 and 7's.  No attack teacher period had been held using data for new charges and no data was available showing most favorable amounts of lead.  
     
          7.  The 5" fire was particularly effective.  First shots were direct hits.  75 rounds were fired with an estimated 40% hits on conning tower or hull.  20 MM. and 40 MM. fire did not seem to be either effective or desirable.  
     
          8.  Communication with assisting aircraft was very good, and information from one plane was directly responsible for gaining initial contact.  
     
          9.  Although S.A. Radars on both attacking ships were secured, submarine was able to detect presence of destroyers.  This indicates submarine either is able to detect S.G. Radar or has own surface search Radar.  Comment of survivors indicated that submarine was not equipped with a surface radar.  It is believed submarine was not equipped with aircraft detection radar as plane flew almost directly over submarine in obtaining initial contact before its presence was known.  Statements of survivors also verified this.  
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
 
  IV.  NARRATIVEAttack and Destruction of Enemy Submarine, 19 May 1944.  (Cont'd)  
     
  RECOMMENDATIONS  
     
          1.  It is recommended that an auxiliary shaft revolution speed indicator be installed and so connected through a selector switch in I.C. that it can feed ship's speed to stable element, master gyro, computer and D.R.T.  This is desirable as a standby speed input in case of casualty to the pit log, and a necessary speed input to D.R.T., particularly when ship's speed is less than five (5) knots, as pit log will not register at speeds less than five (5) knots.  Failure of the pit log to register at low speeds throws a large error into the D.R.T. when directing a creeping attack and causes the D.R.T. plot to register an entirely false submarine target speed.  
     
          2.  It is recommended that letters of commendation be addresses to the following named personnel from Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, for reasons as indicated:  
     
          (a)  Lieutenant J.P. MC GRADY, Jr., 96031, U.S.N.R.; As C.I.C. Officer during the attack and destruction of an enemy submarine he performed his duties in an outstanding manner by always maintaining a careful and accurate plot of the submarine's positions; by maintaining a valuable flow of information to the Conning Officer in the pilot house, so that he was properly enabled to maneuver the ship in conditions of total darkness and with the bridge P.P.I. out of commission; and that he plotted and directed the attacking ship in the final run that successfully forced the submarine to the surface.  
     
          (b)  Lieutenant (jg) R.G. LAURIE, 177127, U.S.N.; In that when an enemy was forced to surface he so promptly and accurately brought it under fire that no other possibility than to surrender was left to the enemy; that the performance of the ship's battery in this engagement and in all other gunnery exercises has shown his performance of duty as gunnery officer to be outstanding.  
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
 
  IV.  NARRATIVEAttack and Destruction of Enemy Submarine, 19 May 1944.  (Cont'd)  
     
         (c)  Lieutenant (jg) CLYDE B. ANDERSON, 165623, U.S.N.; In that in an engagement with an enemy submarine he performed his duties as sound officer in an outstanding manner by keeping the Conning Officer well supplied with the information necessary to carry out attacks; that his coolness and resourcefulness were an example to his men; and that his directing of the sound-men and his recorder operation were in a large measure responsible for the final defeat of the enemy.  
     
          (d)  Ensign ROBERT P. JAVINS, 309744, U.S.N.;  In that in an engagement with an enemy submarine he performed his duties as assistant C.I.C. Officer and Plotting Officer in an outstanding manner by properly evaluating information received and keeping an accurate plot of target position, and by so doing contributed greatly to maintenance of contact and tracking of submarine, which factors were essential to defeat of the enemy.  
     
          (e)  SOWERS, Everett G., 626 93 63, SoM3c., U.S.N.R.;  In that, as sound operator during an engagement with an enemy submarine he did outstanding work in gaining and maintaining contact with the enemy, through wakes and depth charge explosions; that the information which he obtained was at all times concise and reliable and that his performance of duty contributed greatly to the final defeat of the enemy.  
     
     
                                                                                               
                                                                                             W.R. BARNES,  
                                                                                 Lieutenant Commander, U.S.N.,  
                                                                                                Commanding  
     
     
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
0003 NIBLACK - CDD25
          Continue search at least until daybreak.  Keep big boss informed.
   
0056 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Execute speed 15.
   
0103 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Execute course 140°.
   
0105 NIBLACK- LUDLOW
          Have Radar contact and unidentified contact bearing 20 miles.
   
0107 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Do you want to investigate or not?
   
0108 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Just trying to get squared away now.  Will let you know in a few minutes.
   
0112 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Take station 0035.
   
0117 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Change course to 013°.  For time use your zigzag plan.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Do you have anything further to report on your radar contact?  Be a good idea to watch them.  Keep an eye on them to see if they are suspicious.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          No radar contacts.  Were a couple of friends of ours.  Thought maybe you heard them on this circuit.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          What was their course and did you track them?
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Yes.  Speed - 25, course approximately 000°.
   
0136 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          They definitely showed I.F.F.
 
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
0147 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Will you give me your best position for 145?
   
0149 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Stand by to execute turn 9.
   
0150 LUDLOW  - NIBLACK
          Execute turn 9.
   
0154 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Position you asked for 37°-10 - 01°-26'.
   
0203 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Do you have 190130 Baker?
   
0205 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Were you referring to British Intercept with that 190130 Baker?
   
0205 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Affirmative.
   
0206 NIVBLACK - LUDLOW
          Breaking it down now.
   
0207 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          That is fine as we want to keep in touch with all the contacts.
   
0218 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Stand by for 9 turn.
   
0218 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Only this time use same method as before.
   
0219 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          You mean E.I.A.D.
   
0219 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Affirmative.
   
0220 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Maintain station on beam.  I'm trying to keep clear of these friends that were sent.  Close to 4 of what you are now.  EXECUTE.
   
0243 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Turn 072°.
 
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
0244 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Is that true?  (Affirmative).
   
  MONSTROUS LOVE - WOOSLEY
          How many groups are there.  Two of us or three?
   
  WOOSLEY - MONSTROUS LOVE
          Groups are 3 in 1 and 2 in another.
   
  WOOSLEY - MONSTROUS LOVE
          I am in the group that has two.  Am coming around now to make sure you are the one I am talking to.  Am in group of two.
   
0247 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Execute speed 4.
   
0252 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Execute course 080°.
   
  MONSTROUS LOVE - WOOSLEY
          Understood don't worry.
   
0256 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Did you hear Monstrous on other circuit about Marker Negat?  We were just talking to him of the Marker we were headed for.
   
0257 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          That is about all the story.
   
0315 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Execute 070°.
   
0316 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Do you see flares bearing about 050° relative from us?
   
0316 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Affirmative.  That is why we changed.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Should be on your port now.
   
0319 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          We are still on last course.  Had pip on screen for a few turns and am going in a little more just for a little luck.
   
0319 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          What was true bearing?
 
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
0319 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Disappeared now but about 082°.
   
0319 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Flares now T plus 5 True.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Nice ping.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Am headed your way now to assist.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Have contact dead ahead.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          You were speaking of Tiger (sound contact) that time? (Afirm.).
   
0327 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Do you still have contact?
   
0328 NIBLACK  - LUDLOW
          We may have it again but am going back to see if we cannot regain.
          Bearing O plus 55 from me now.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Pretty good contact at 550 yards which indicated he may be deep.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          If you think you may want to make a creeping attack we'll assist but this looks like a good set up.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Someone fell down on me.  Recorder only 10 fathoms, but appears too deep.  Suggest another run.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          My P.P.I. out.  Not sure where you are.  Regained contact at I plus 15.  Bearing 140°T.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Don't worry about P.P.I.  Watch out for me and anything else.
 
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Having trouble with my racks, unable to drop.  Dropped flare but can't see it, can you? (Neg).
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Any time you want me to come in to assist I will, but looks like a good set up.  Will stay clear until you say so.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Go on in, can't regain contact.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Our best bearing 100°, distance 2000 yards.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Think he is deep.  Lost contact at 500 yards.  Used medium barrage, but if regain contact will fire deep.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Has anyone informed our friend? (Negative).
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Do you want me on other circuit?
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Yes, go ahead.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Will you give me best position?  I want it for CDD 25.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Position 37°-22' N - 01°-30' E.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Regained contact.  Range 1400.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Only got 3 off that time.  Lost contact at 450 yards.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          When you want me to take over, we are all set.
 
     
 
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U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
0410 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Am making another run.  Have contact.  Keep quiet now.
   
0505 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Drop 2 flares 1st - 1 second course 200°T.
   
0509 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Have contact and am going in now.
   
0510 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Looks good.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Set last one very deep.  Keep getting that track to the north about 1100.
   
0512 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          SG out.  You go in.
   
0512 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          SG back in.  Come on in LUDLOW.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Will you stop.  You know what.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Gave him super deep.  Had him to about 400.  Have to get more from the hold.
   
0507 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          We are same fix, but have enough for 1 more run.
   
0518 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          You come on in for this one while I dig some out.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          He appears to be very deep.  Lost him at 550.  Only dropped 6 charges.
 
     
 
- 6 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Coming around trying to hold it.
   
0535 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          If you can hold it how about sending me on creeper.
   
0536 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Good Idea.
   
0537 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Come in fairly close to beam of me.  Have contact.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Don't you think we'd better pull in our gear first?
   
0539 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          What is your course?
   
0541 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Hold up.  Will have to open up a bit.
   
0544 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Have contact.  Do you want us to direct you in creeper?
          (Affirmative).
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Stop.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Steer 330°T.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          We are coming to 330°T.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          We are 338° now.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          This fellow is coming at us and may have to come around.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Do you want us to get clear now?
 
     
 
- 7 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          We are coming right
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          This is about as slow as we can go on this type of attack.
   
0555 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Target now 700 yards on port beam.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          This guy seems to be dead in water.  I have stopped about 500 yards ahead of you.
   
0605 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Steer 010°T.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Pass close aboard of us.
   
0607 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          000°T.  Appears to be dead in water.  Speed 5 knots.
   
0609 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Bearing seems to be drawing slightly right about 005°T.
   
0611 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Just lost contact.  Rather deep and can't get him at this close range.
   
0611 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Coming right to see if I can pick him up again.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Regained contact?
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Negative.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          I am turning left.
   
0628 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          We're putting over one green dye on last position.
 
     
 
- 8 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
0630 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          We've got him bearing 170°T., distance 1900 yards.
   
0635 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Do you want to try it again creeper?
   
0635 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Going in again by ourselves.
   
0640 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Lost him about 550.  I thing if we are going to get him by creeper.  May have jarred him but I am also jarred.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Going to try one very deep.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          We will get out.
   
0642 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Regained at 255°T distance 1600 yards.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          We still have contact.  Do you have him?  (Neg.)
          You must have passed over him.  GO ahead and make run.
   
0649 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          We can try a creeper if you care.  Maybe that would be best.
   
  LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          Did you want me to turn left or right.
   
0650 NIBLACK  - LUDLOW
          Around to the left on my stern.
   
0655 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Target:  bearing 265T.
                      distance 1400 yards.
                      course 300°T.
   
0657 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Will you come up our port beam?
 
     
 
- 9 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
U. S. S.  LUDLOW (438)
 

DD438

c/o Fleet Post Office
 
NEW YORK, N. Y.
 
 
TBS LOG
 
   
 
19 May 1944
 
     
  TIME  
     
 
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Bearing 285°T, distance 1000 yards.
   
0654 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Steer 335°T.
   
0700 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Steer 333°T.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Steer north.
   
  NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Steer 013°T.
   
0707 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          Start dropping.
   
0711 LUDLOW - NIBLACK
          One seemed to bring up quite a bit of discoloration, and a big bubble patch.
   
0712 NIBLACK - LUDLOW
          If you will come around now we will take over.