From the second war patrol report of USS DEVILFISH (SS-292).
1645 on 20 March 1945: “OOD [Officer of the Deck] sighted Zeke or Hap [a Japanese airplane] diving from cloud astern at about five miles. Dove. While passing 50 feet heard light explosion which sounded like a light bomb, not close. In about 10 seconds water commenced pouring through bottom of SJ mast and through APR lead in. We were able to close off latter leak but could do nothing about the SJ. Water came in at such a rate that drain pump could just keep up with it. We leveled off at 80 feet. Conning Tower bilges filled rapidly and a regular waterfall came down the hatch into Control Room. In order to prevent a fire, circuits were pulled to Conning Tower equipment which was being showered. We piled all loose canvas, rain clothes, etc. over electrical equipment in Conning Tower and Control Room to protect them from further damage. In a while we managed to trough the water from the SJ mast into the periscope well thus decreasing the cascade into the Control Room.
“It was difficult to imagine how so small an explosion could have done so much damage. Prior to surfacing we discovered that the SD and APR were inoperative. Number 2 periscope could not be raised. Number 1 periscope could be raised but neither trained nor seen through. Because of the extensive damage, decided to repair what we could while submerged and wait until dark to surface….
“…Surfaced on course for Saipan. All Clear. …The following damage was found topside: SD and SJ Radar masts sheared completely off. Eight inch hole in after periscope shears. APR and VHF antennas destroyed. Under water loop destroyed. Upper periscope bearings distorted. Amazingly enough the searchlight was intact. Draped across the shears were several pieces of aluminum which appeared to be parts of a plane’s wing section. On the cigarette deck was found a piece of aluminum fairing, mounting a piece of tubing which looked like a section of a plane’s landing gear. Closer examination revealed Japanese symbols on some of the pieces. A name plate in Japanese was also found. It never occurred to us that we had been the victims of a suicide attack until after we had surfaced.”
DEVILFISH with masts intact, circa 1944-45.
