Melvin Hultquist Dry, USN
| Born | 13 Feb 1911 | ?, Pennsylvania, USA | |
| Died | 27 Aug 1997 | (86) | Palm Coast, Florida, USA |
| Ranks
Decorations |
Warship Commands listed for Melvin Hultquist Dry, USN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| USS Searaven (196) | T/Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 9 Oct 1943 | 20 Oct 1944 |
| USS Pomodon (486) | T/Cdr. | Submarine | 9 Nov 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine USS Searaven (196)
25 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (1)
26 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (1)
27 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
From 27 to 29 October 1943, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. These included night exercises. (1)
30 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (1)
31 Oct 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Greenlet (T/Cdr. F.W. Laing, USN). (1)
5 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200VW/5, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Johnston Island to top off with fuel and make some minor voyage repairs. She departed for her patrol area around 1800X/5. (2)
14 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived in her patrol area and commenced patrolling the shipping route between Truk and Makin Island. (2)
18 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2010L/18, between Truk and Ponape, in position 06°32'N, 155°53'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), obtained a radar contact bearing 242°(T) at a range of 16000 yards. Commenced tracking which gave the target as being on course 100°(T) at 6.5 knots.
At 2050L/18, the target could be seen but appeared to be very small.
At 2111L/18, the range had come down to 3500 yards and the target could clearly be seen. It was considered to be a small patrol vessel not worth a torpedo attack due to its shallow draft. She was then evaded. (2)
25 Nov 1943 (position 8.20, 158.01)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry) torpedoed and sank the Japanese fleet tanker Toa Maru (10052 GRT, built 1934, offsite link) north of Ponape in position 08°20'N, 158°01'E. The escorting destroyer had been the Akigumo.
1353L/25, sighted a ship bearing 284°(T) at 15000 yards. Commenced approach on the target which turned out to be a large Japanese tanker escorted by a destroyer.
1432L/25, In position 08°20'N, 158°01'E, fired four bow torpedoes at the tanker from 1300 yards. Went deep on firing and rigged for depth charging. Two torpedo explosions were heard while going deep.
1438L/25, Depth charging started with a pattern of six. Searaven was at 275 feet by now.
1448L/25, Seven depth charges were dropped in rapid succession. Also what are thought to be breaking up noises were heard.
1730L/25, The last of a total of 27 depth charges were dropped.
1950L/25, Surfaced. Nothing in sight.
5 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
1905L/5, When east-north-east of Ponape, in position 08°15'N, 161°53'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry), obtained a radar contact bearing 156°(T) at a range of 30950 yards. Commenced tracking which gave that the target was proceeding on a base course of 240°(T) at a speed of about 15 knots. The target was zig-zagging and appeared to be bound for Ponape. To make a sucessful attack an end around would be needed.
0200L/6, When in position 07°40'N, 161°00'E, the target changed course to 270°(T) apparently heading for Truk.
0549L/6, Dived to 65 feet and commenced a periscope approach during which it was seen the the target was a large tanker escorted by two destroyers. Due to a change in the zigzag pattern no favourable attack position could be obtained.
The tanker must have been the Nippon Maru (10024 GRT, built 1936, offsite link) en route from Kwajalein to Truk escorted by the destroyers Maikaze and Nowaki. (2)
13 Dec 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed her patrol area to return to Pearl Harbour via Johnston Island. (2)
19 Dec 1943
At 1130X/19, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Johnston Island where she embarked 19400 gallons of fuel (she had only 3250 gallons remaining on arrival).
She departed for Pearl Harbour around 1635WX/19. On departure she assisted in towing the stranded transport Admiral Nulton (American, 3545 GRT, built 1920) off the reef in the turning basin. (2)
22 Dec 1943
Around 0700VW/22, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) made rendezvous with USS PC-1080 (Lt. A.G. Steer, Jr., USNR) which then escorted her to Pearl Harbour.
USS Searaven moored at the Submarine Base at 1130VW/22 ending her 9th war patrol.
USS Searaven refitted from 23 December 1943 to 5 January 1944 during which period she was also docked.
Post refit trials and exercises were carried out from 6 to 12 January 1944. (2)
11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 11/12 January 1944, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) and USS Apogon (T/Cdr. W.P. Schoeni, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Greenlet (Lt. J.T. Hodgson, Jr., USNR). (3)
17 Jan 1944
Around 1100VW/17, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Marshall (Eniwetok), Caroline (Truk) and Marianas Islands (Saipan) areas. She was escorted out by USS PC-570 (Lt. A.W. Cocroft, USNR) until 1945VW/17. Before proceeding to her patrol area USS Searaven is to top off with fuel at Johnston Island. (4)
19 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0920WX/19, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Johnston Island. After embarking 14290 gallons of fuel she departed for her patrol area around 1745X/19. (4)
26 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0330L/26, when passing through position 12°00'N, 163°00'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) entered her patrol area. (4)
27 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the day, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), conducted periscope reconnaissance of the islands of the Eniwetok Atoll. A total of 141 photographs were taken through the periscope and also a movie was shot. No shipping was sighted inside the lagoon. Also no patrol vessels were encountered. About 50 Japanese were seen working on the beach on the northeast end of Eniwetok Island. (4)
29 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1048L/29, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted the tops of an enemy transport bearing 057°(T) at a distance of 8 nautical miles in position 11°18'N, 162°20'E which was one mile of the entrance to Wide Passage. The ship then entered the atoll and anchored off Engebi Island.
In the afternoon more pictures of the Eniwetok Atoll were taken. (4)
9 Feb 1944
After over a week of lifeguard duties off Eniwetok, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), took more pictures of the Atoll following the air strikes which had been carried out. (4)
13 Feb 1944
in the late afternoon, after several more days of lifeguard duties, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), departed the Enewitok area. She set course to patrol between Truk and Ponape. (4)
16 Feb 1944
At 0200L/16, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), passed through position 07°20'N, 156°10'E, entering her new patrol area.
At 1432L/16, in position position 07°20'N, 156°10'E, USS Searaven sighted smoke bearing 200°(T). Commenced to close to investigate.
At 1448L/16, sighted the masts of a freigher.
At 1532L/16, sighted the masts of two escort vessels near the freighter.
At 1607L/16, the approach was broken off as USS Searaven was to be off Truk for lifeguard duties the following morning. (4)
18 Feb 1944
At 1038L/18, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), rescued three American aviators from a rubber boat off Truk. (4)
20 Feb 1944
Late in the evening, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), departed the Truk area to proceed towards the Mariana Islands. (4)
22 Feb 1944
At 0345K/22, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 330°(T) at a range of 11800 yards. It was only a very weak pip on the screen and was probably a small patrol vessel. Contact was lost soon afterwards and could not be regained. (4)
23 Feb 1944
At 0130K/23, in position 15°03'N, 144°56'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 330°(T) at a range of 17000 yards. It was a small single pip proceeding on course 190°(T). Most likely a patrol vessel so evaded this contact.
0212K/23, Resumed course to get to our assigned station off Saipan.
0240K/23, In position 15°11'N, 144°56'E, obtained a radar contact bearing 300°(T) at a range of 16900 yards. Tracked this target on course 180°(T) at 6 knots. It was only a small pip so considered that this was another patrol vessel.
0258K/23, In position 15°20'N, 144°10'E, obtained another radar contact bearing 036°(T) at a range of 24250 yards. This was determined to be an other American submarine (USS Sunfish).
0408K/23, In position 15°41'N, 144°57'E, obtained another radar contact bearing 355°(T) at a range of 24800 yards. This was determined to be an other American submarine (USS Tang).
0600K/23, Submerged and proceeded towards the assigned position for lifeguard duties.
1240K/23, In position 15°26'N, 145°20'E, sighted four sampans, two with their sails rigged. They were heading northwards at a speed of around 6 knots.
1640K/23, In position 15°16'N, 145°25'E, sighted a large sampan at a range of 5 nautical miles proceeding on a course of 115°(T) at 6 knots.
2135K/23, In position 15°20'N, 145°10'E, obtained another radar contact bearing 130°(T) at a range of 16000 yards. Tracked the target as northbound at 4 knots. Did not close this target as it was suspected to be the submarine trap (Q-ship) reported by earlier (by USS Sunfish). (4)
25 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2030K/25, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed her patrol area in the Mariana Islands for Midway. (4)
3 Mar 1944
At 0900Y/3, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) ended her 10th war patrol at Midway. She is then taken in hand for a short refit by the submarine base there. refit was completed on 20 March 1944. During 22/23 March 1944 exercises were carried out off Midway. (5)
26 Mar 1944
At 1600Y/26, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed from Midway for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Bonin Islands. (6)
4 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0400K/4, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) passed through position 24°00'N, 143°00'E and entered her patrol area.
At 0601K/4, Sighted a searchlight directed at Searaven. This was seen to come from a patrol boat bearing 270°(T). Distance was about 5 nautical miles. Position was 24°08'N, 142°20'E which was to the south-east of Iwo Jima. It was a patrol vessel which was difficult to see. Light conditions were favourable for the enemy therefore he was able to see the submarine first. SJ radar had not picked up this target (yet), so most likely it was rather small. (4)
6 Apr 1944
At 0010K/6, south-west of Iwo Jima, in position 24°30'N, 141°05'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 020°(T) at 22000 yards. Commenced tracking which gave the contacts course as 170°(T) at 8 knots. The contact turned out to be a convoy of 7 to 8 ships, 3 or 4 were thought to be escorts. One of the escorts was 7000 to 8000 yards in front of the convoy going from one side to the other at a speed of 5 knots.
0306K/6, Range to the largest target was 8200 yards. The closest escort was then about 4000 yards away. Dived to periscope depth.
0358K/6, Unable to see any part of the convoy from periscope depth. The moon was now one hour from setting and was covered by clouds.
0410K/6, Still no targets in sight.
0413K/6, Sighted what is thought to be the original target (the largest ship of the convoy) bearing 345° relative with a port angle on the bow at a range of 2000 yards. Swung right for a stern shot but soon steadied when a destroyer came into sight at 1200 yards.
0415K/6, With the setup almost completed the destroyer turned towards presenting zero angle on the bow at a range of about 700 yards. There was no time to fire a down the throat shot and Searaven started to go deep.
0417K/6, The destroyer went right over the submarine but did not drop any depth charges.
0420K/6, Searaven was now at 225 feet while the convoy passed overhead.
0515K/6, Surfaced with the closest vessel of the convoy at a range of about 14000 yards bearing 191°(T). Commenced an end around to the west of the convoy for a daylight attack.
0559K/6, in position 24°05'N, 141°07'E, a radar contact was obtained bearing 073°(T) at a range of 13650 yards and closing. Then sighted a patrol vessel on this bearing. Tracked it on course 220°(T) which put this vessel directly between Searaven and the convoy.
0615K/6, Evaded this escort vessel and lost contact at a range of 18000 yards.
0650K/6, Changed course and opened out the make an end around to the eastward.
0833K/6, Obtained radar contact on an aircraft at 9 miles and closing. Dived and changed course to trail the convoy.
0837K/6, Searaven was at 120 feet when the aircraft dropped a bomb. The explosion was loud but not close.
1150K/6, Surfaced to close the convoy again but could not regain contact. (4)
9 Apr 1944 (position 24.12, 141.08)
At 1020K/9, while south-south-west of Iwo Jima, in position 24°12'N, 141°08'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), while running at 60 feet and 20 seconds after exposing the periscope, two bombs or depth charges were dropped close aboard which caused some damage. (6)
17 Apr 1944 (position 25.52, 142.24)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary minesweeper Noshiro Maru No.2 (216 GRT, built 1923) in position 25°52'N, 142°24'E.
At 0740K/17, east of Iwo Jima, in position 25°00'N, 142°46'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 025°(T). Changed course to close. Increased speed to 15 knots.
0826K/17, Again sighted smoke now bearing 014°(T). Visibility was now hazy.
0845K/17, Visibility cleared. Sighted four ships through the periscope. Range was about 11 miles. Later lost contact.
1134K/17, Regained contact when smoke was again sighted now bearing 335°(T). Commenced an end around run.
1345K/17, Abeam of the convoy, distance 20 miles. The convoys base course was established as being 335°(T).
1531K/17, Now dead ahead of the convoy at 21 miles. Dived to close the convoy submerged.
1742K/17, Sighted the tops of four ships which later turned out to be two transports, one trawler and a yacht type escort.
1826K/17, Course of the convoy was now 355°(T). The freighters were on the left flank and the escorts on the right flank.
1828K/17, in position 25°52'N, 142°24'E, four torpedoes were fired at the leading transport, thought to be of 5500 tons, from 1100 yards. Two hits were obtained which blew the target to pieces.
1829K/17, Went deep and rigged for depth charges. While going deep breaking up noises were heard for several minutes.
1830K/17, The escorts went to work and started dropping depth charges quite close.
1908K/17, After 37 depth charges had been counted it was thought the escorts had exhausted their supply as no more were dropped while they remained hunting. Some minor damage had been caused by the depth charges. (6)
1 May 1944 (position 25.43, 142.41)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) claims the sinking of a yacht type escort vessel south-east of Hahajima in position 25°43'N, 142°41'E.
0912K/1, east of Iwo Jima, in position 24°35'N, 143°00'E, the high periscope watch of USS Searaven sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 298°(T). Range was about 22000 yards. Commenced an end around at full speed. Contact was lost at 0941K/1. Enemy course was to the north-north-west.
1650K/1, Regained contact bearing 120°(T). Commenced another end around to gain a position ahead.
1734K/1, The target was now almost dead astern bearing 165°(T). Submerged.
1813K/1, Heading of the target now 160°(T), range about 12000 yards.
1835K/1, Targets course now 340°(T), speed 7 knots. The target is thought to be not very big.
1851K/1, With the range estimated at 4000 yards, came left for a stern tube shot. Unable to determine the type of ship the target is.
1856K/1, Tracking the target by sound. Set the torpedoes to four feet to ensure hitting.
1902K/1, In position 25°43'N, 142°41'E, fired three stern torpedoes. The condition of the sea permitted only one look through the periscope and it was then seen that the target was a yacht type escort vessel of about 1000 tons. Average run of the torpedoes was 850 yards.
1903K/1, The second torpedo was seen to hit and the target blew up, and except for the clipper bow, sank immediately.
1905K/1, Two of the targets ready depth charges went off and caused the bow also to sink. (6)
3 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2000K/3, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed her patrol area for Midway. (6)
9 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Midway. (6)
11 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed Midway for Pearl Harbour where she is to refit. (6)
14 May 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) ended her 11th war patrol at Pearl Harbour. On the 15th she is taken in hand for refit at the Pearl Harbour Navy Yard. The refit was completed on 25 July 1944. From 5 to 12 August 1944 a training programme was carried out. (7)
4 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (8)
5 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (8)
6 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) and USS Growler (T/Cdr. T.B. Oakley, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR) and USS Rall (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Taylor, USNR). (9)
7 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 7/8 August 1944, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. These included night exercises. (8)
10 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 10/11 August 1944, USS Skipjack (T/Cdr. R.S. Andrews, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR).
Later USS Seahorse (T/Capt. C.W. Wilkins, USN) and USS Allen (Lt. W.J. Riley, Jr., USNR) before the night exercises commenced.
On the 11th, USS Greiner (T/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Kiser, USN) also joined. (9)
12 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Skipjack (T/Cdr. R.S. Andrews, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR). (9)
15 Aug 1944
At 1330VW/15, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbour for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Kuril Islands via Midway where she was to top off with fuel and water before proceeding to her patrol area. She was escorted out by USS PC-603 (Lt.(jg) S. Powel, Jr., USNR) which escorted the submarine until 2015VW/15. (10)
19 Aug 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbour. She was then taken in hand for voyage repairs and repairs to no.1 engine, which was defective upon arrival, by USS Proteus (T/Capt. R.W. Berry, USN). (10)
21 Aug 1944
With her repairs completed and a dockside trials run for no.1 engine carried out, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), departed Midway to proceed to her patrol area off the Kuriles. (10)
28 Aug 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) entered her patrol area after passing through position 46°50'N, 157°00'E. (10)
1 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0734L/1, in position 52°17'N, 155°41'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted a ship bearing 030°(T) at a range of 20000 yards. Commenced approach but this was broken off when it was seen that this was a properly marked Russian transport proceeding on course 150°(T) at 10 knots.
At 1450L/1, in position 51°54'N, 156°17'E, a northbound transport was sighted bearing 095°(T) at a range of 16000 yards. She was subsequently also identified as Russian.
At 2312L/1, in position 52°40'N, 154°20'E, the running lights of a vessel were sighted bearing 320°(T) at a range of about 7 nautical miles. The ship was identified as Russian. (6)
3 Sep 1944
At 0822L/3, when in position 50°24'N, 155°38'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted 5 sampans in Kakumabetsu Bay, Paramushiru. These were not attacked.
At 0904L/3, when in position 50°27'N, 155°42'E, USS Searaven sighted 23 sampans in Kakumabetsu Bay, Paramushiru. These were not attacked.
At 1242L/3, when to the west of Paramushiru in position 50°34'N, 155°35'E, USS Searaven sighted a ship hull down through the periscope bearing 104°(T) at an estimated range of 16000 yards. Commenced approach on the ship which was proceeding to the south-east.
At 1255L/3, it was seen that the ship had an escort which was later thought to be a Sokuten-class minelayer.
At 1320L/3, a third vessel was sighted trailing the other ships by 4 to 5 miles. This is thought to be a patrol vessel.
At 1348L/3, a second patrol vessel was sighted.
At 1430L/3, the transport was lost out of sight. The closest range had been 10000 yards. (10)
4 Sep 1944 (position 47.03, 151.21)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sank a small Japanese fishing trawler with gunfire in position 47°03'N, 151°21'E.
At 1533L/4, when in position 46°55'N, 151°24'E, USS Searaven, sighted three small craft thought to be trawlers bearing 355°(T) at a range of 5000 yards. Dived to observe but for set in and the targets could no longer be seen. Contact could not be regained and a search was started.
1852L/4, Sighted a single fishing trawler bearing 110°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. Manned battle stations and commenced approach.
1907L/4, Opened fire with the 4" gun from 2500 yards, gradually closing the range to 500 yards. When the range was 1500 yards fire was also opened with the two 20mm and one .50 cal.
1925L/4, The target was now well ablaze. Two minutes later fire was ceased and the target sank at 1733L/4 in position 47°03'N, 151°21'E. There had been no return fire.
27 Rounds of 4", 600 rounds of 20mm and 300 rounds of .50 Cal had been expended. (10)
6 Sep 1944
At 0541L/6, when north-west of Chirinkotan-to, in position 49°04'N, 153°24'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted a sampan. She was avoided. (10)
11 Sep 1944
At 0915L/11, in the Sea of Ochotsk, in position 49°54'N, 150°07'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted what was initially thought to be an Chidori-class torpedo boat on the horizon bearing 085°(T). Initially only smoke and the foremast had been seen but on closing it was thought to be a torpedo boat.
0946L/11, Range now 9000 yards. The target appears to speed up and slow down alternately as if searching. He was not using echo ranging.
0953L/11, Range now 8500 yards.
1007L/11, Range now 7800 yards.
1011L/11, Observed the target heading away at 18 knots.
1025L/11, Target lost over the horizon bearing 214°(T). On closing the target further it was seen to be not a torpedo boat but a minesweeper of the modern type.
The minesweeper sighted was most likely W-24 (offsite link). (10)
13 Sep 1944
At 0704L/13, north of eastern Etorfu, in position 45°48'N, 148°40'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a single ship through the high periscope bearing 139°(T). The ship was difficult to make out in the morning light and was not visible from the bridge. It's two masts appeared to be close together.
0705L/13, Dived.
0743L/13, At 45 feet, the target is in sight bearing 182°(T). Only the tops of the masts were visible though.
0800L/13, The masts were no longer visible. The target was evidently proceeding southbound down the west coast of Etorfu. The target was not seen afterwards as Searaven was kept down by an aircraft. (10)
14 Sep 1944
At 0704L/14, east-north-east of Etorfu, in position 45°35'N, 149°03'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a steady light bearing 340°(T). This developed into three separate lights. Radar made contact at 6000 yards and three small vessels were tracked on course 217°(T) at 6 knots, heading for the coast of Etorfu. The outlines of these vessels were not visible, but they must have been small fishing vessels or cargo sampans.
2350L/14, north-east of Etorfu, in position 45°42'N, 148°56'E, obtained a radar contact bearing 356°(T) at a range of 6200 yards. Tracked the target on course 250°(T) at a speed of 6 knots. Decided to have a closer look at this one. It turned out to be a flat barge and could be seen only properly at 600 yards. It was possibly a landing craft. Let it pass. The target did not seem to have noticed the submarine. (10)
15 Sep 1944
At 1208L/15, east-north-east of La Perouse Strait, in position 46°14'N, 145°45'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a ship bearing 254°(T) at a range of about 22000 yards. Started an end around to the northward, then submerged and started an approach.
1400L/15, Determined the target to be a Russian Liberty ship proceeding on course 035°(T) at a speed of 12 knots. Took pictures through the periscope.
1629L/15, In position 46°42'N, 145°48'E, sighted smoke, shorty after having surfaced, bearing 305°(T). Commenced an end around to the southward. Estimated course of the target was 220°(T) at 7 knots.
1814L/15, In position 46°06'N, 145°14'E, sighted smoke bearing 232°(T). Decided to get into a position so that contact could be kept with both targets. Estimated course of the target was 075°(T).
1843L/15, Submerged and commenced an approach on the first target which was later seen to be Russian.
1929L/15, Sunset and then lost contact with the second target.
2015L/15, Surfaced to try to locate the second target. This was most likely a Russian as she was unescorted and very near to the regular Russian shipping route. She could however not be found but at 0520L/16, in position 47°28'N, 146°35'E, a properly lighted Russian transport was sighted on course 200°(T) at a speed of 7 knots. (10)
19 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0309L/19, east of La Perouse Strait, in position 45°43'N, 144°50'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a light on the horizon. Headed towards.
0317L/19, SJ radar picked up the target at 18750 yards. Tracked the target on course 270°(T) at a speed of 7 knots.
0350L/19, Observed the target to be a correctly lit Russian transport.
1445L/19, In position 46°07'N, 145°00'E, the high periscope watch sighted a ship bearing 314°(T) at a range of about 21000 yards. Commenced an end around to the northward.
1626L/19, Dived and commenced approach.
1830L/19, Identified the target as Russian on a course of 085°(T) at a speed of 8.5 knots. (10)
21 Sep 1944 (position 49.16, 145.29)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport Rizan Maru (5288 GRT, built 1917, former British Munlock) out of a convoy in position 49°16'N, 145°29'E.
The convoy (KIRA-803) attacked was made up besides the above mentioned ship of the fleet supply ship Shirasaki (754 GRT, built 1942) and the transports Hanasaki Maru (1570 GRT, built 1905) and Senzan Maru (1144 GRT, built 1918). They were escorted by the destroyer Kamikaze and the frigate Fukue (all links are offsite links).
1251L/21, Visibility suddenly improved and then sighted a convoy between bearings 210°(T) and 225°(T) which was seen to consist of two transports and one large and two small escorts on course 010°(T) at a speed of 8 knots. Range was around 24000 yards and position was 48°30'N, 144°57'E. Commenced an end around.
2020L/21, Obtained SJ radar contact on the convoy at 13000 yards. Commenced tracking and went to battle stations. Tracked the convoy on course 010°(T) until 2105L/21 when it changed course to 060°(T). The sea was very rough and visibility only 500 yards.
2232L/21, in position 49°49'N, 145°10'E, commenced firing four torpedoes from 2200 yards at one of the transports but after the second torpedo had been fired the large escort overlapped the target at a range of 850 yards so the last two torpedoes were fired at her. 2m, 35s and 3m, 5s after firing the first torpedo two explosions were heard. The torpedoes probably ran underneath the large escort and one, probably the last torpedo fired, had hit the transport. The other explosion was probably a premature. After the explosions the large escort turned on a red searchlight and headed for the transport that had probably been damaged.
2300L/21, Commenced tracking the second transport which had meanwhile changed course to 108°(T). The two other escorts, probably patrol vessels deserted it shortly thereafter and headed for the scene of the first attack.
2347L/21, In position 49°16'N, 145°29'E, fired four torpedoes from the stern tubes from 2500 yards. One timed hit was heard and seen 2m, 40s after the first torpedo had been fired which was the correct time for the second torpedo to hit the ship. The targets radar pip began to diminish immediately until it completely disappeared. A retrace of the track later gave no contact so the target must have sunk. (10)
25 Sep 1944 (position 44.40, 146.50)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) attacked several Japanese small craft off the southwest tip of Etorofu, Kuril Islands in position 44°40'N, 146°50'E. In all she sank two trawlers and 8 sampans with gunfire.
0754I/25, In position position 44°43'N, 147°03'E, sighted a fishing trawler bearing 155°(T) proceeding on course 240°(T) at 4 knots. Avoided.
0859I/25, In position position 44°45'N, 147°05'E, sighted a patrol type trawler bearing 176°(T) departing from Naibo Wan. Enemy course was 240°(T) at 5 knots.
1440L/25, In position position 44°47'N, 147°01'E, sighted patrol type trawler bearing 036°(T) at a range of 4000 yards proceeding on course 040°(T) at 8 knots. Avoided.
1548L/25, In position position 44°44'N, 147°02'E, sighted another converted trawler type patrol vessel at a range of 8000 yards on course 040°(T) at 8 knots. The target was considered too small to be engaged with torpedoes.
1600L/25, In position 44°50'N, 147°06'E, sighted ten cargo sampans and trawlers in convoy. Range 7000 yards proceeding on course 220°(T) at 6 knots. Trailed submerged.
1839L/25, Fog set in, so surfaced to recontact the sampan convoy.
2009L/25, Went to battle stations for a surface gun attack and opened fire on the nearest group in position 44°40'N, 145°50'E. Some of the sampans carried stern lights. The attack procedure was to get close and the from about 250 yards fire one or two 4" rounds and then open up with 20mm and .50 cal. After the initial action the remaining sampans and trawlers scattered to the westward. Radar kept the targets on the screen until 6000 to 7000 yards out.
2220L/25, By this time it is believed that all targets had been destroyed, capsized, sunk or were in a sinking condition. A subsequent search of the area revealed only wreckage and burning or sinking craft. Only 27 rounds of 4" were expended on these 10 craft which had been made up of two trawlers of about 200 tons each, 4 large sampans of about 100 tons each and four sampans of 50 tons for a total of around 1000 tons. Other ammunition expended was 1380 rounds of 20mm, 450 rounds of .50 cal, 200 rounds of .45 cal and 120 rounds of .30 cal. (10)
26 Sep 1944
At 1715L/26, west off the southern part of Urup, in position 45°47'N, 149°33'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a patrol vessel bearing 234°(T) at a range of 5300 yards. Enemy course was 040°(T) at a speed of 10.5 knots. Too small to attack with torpedoes so avoided. (10)
27 Sep 1944 (position 45.41, 148.38)
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) attacked and damaged the Japanese frigate Nomi with gunfire in position 45°42'N, 149°07'E. Later a torpedo attack with three torpedoes in position 45°41'N, 148°38'E failed to hit the target.
2123L/26, west of Urup, in position 46°10'N, 149°38'E, obtained a radar contact bearing at a range of 12500 yards. There was bright moonlight with excellent visibility. Maneuvered to place the target down moon and trailed on course 220°(T). The target was zigzagging on courses between 195°(T) and 270°(T). The target was closed to between 8000 and 10000 yards where it was sometimes visible. It was suspected that it was the same target that had been contacted at 1725L/26 or some other small craft too small for torpedoes but suitable for gun attack. Continued to track the target until moonset.
0030L/27, Moonset. Commenced closing the target slowly. Fog started setting in so lost complete sight of the target.
0200L/27, At battle stations for a gun attack. Radar range now about 1000 yards, paralleling target which was sharp on the starboard bow, but not in sight. The targets course was 260°(T).
0210L/27, In position 45°42'N, 149°07'E (between Urup and Etorfu), the target came in sight broad on the starboard bow at 300 yards range. The outlines were not distinguishable. Opened fire with the 4" gun, 20mm and .50 cal. On explosion of the second 4" shell it was seen that the target was a modern type minesweeper so much bigger then thought. The enemy was caught by surprise and did not return fire. Four 4" hits caused damage above the waterline while the smaller machine guns raked the bridge.
0211L/27, Turned left away from the target, while the target also turned away from the submarine and she was soon lost from sight. Secured from battle stations gun and went to battle stations torpedo.
0230L/27, Still tracking the target to get ahead for a torpedo attack. The target was now zigzagging radically and evidently unaware of the submarines position. Speed of the target gradually increased to 16.5 knots.
0331L/27, In position 45°41'N, 148°38'E (north of eastern Etorfu), fired three bow torpedoes from tubes 1 to 3 from 900 yards. The target was not seen so the radar input was used to fire the torpedoes. On firing went flank ahead. No hits were obtained and it is believed the target either ran between the torpedoes or one may have run under. The target dropped 23 depth charges.
0341L/27, obtained a new radar contact at a range of 12000 yards. There were two pips. Decided to clear the area to the northward as it was to be expected that it was going to be heavily patrolled during the day. (10)
28 Sep 1944
At 0530L/28, west of the southern part of Simushir, in position 46°53'N, 151°35'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), obtained radar contact bearing 152°(T) at a range of 7200 yards. Tracked and avoided as it was considered to be a small fishing trawler which was stopped.
0713L/28, in position 47°06'N, 151°42'E, obtained radar contact bearing 050°(T) at a range of 7400 yards. Tracked the target on course 220°(T) at 5 knots. Considered the target to be a fishing vessel so avoided.
0758L/28, in position 47°07'N, 151°47'E, obtained another radar contact at a range of 7000 yards which was also considered to be a fishing vessel. This one was on course 205°(T) also proceeding at 5 knots.
Seas were too rough for gun attacks and visibility was not more then 1000 yards. Set course to proceed further to the west to avoid further contacts on these small boats. (10)
30 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2330L/30, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) left patrol to proceed to Midway. (10)
6 Oct 1944
At 0930Y/6, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) ended her 12th war patrol at Midway. She was then taken in hand for a tender refit by USS Proteus (T/Capt. C.N. Day, USN). Following refit a 7 day training period was carried out before she was ready to proceed on her next, and last, war patrol. (10)
Sources
- War diary Pearl Harbour Navy Yard for October 1943
- Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 9th war patrol
- War diary USS Greenlet for January 1944
- Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 10th war patrol
- Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 10th war patrol + Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 11th war patrol
- Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 11th war patrol
- Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 11th war patrol + Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 12th war patrol
- War diary 14th Naval District for August 1944
- War diary 14th Naval District for August 1944 + War diary USS Burden R. Hastings for August 1944
- Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 12th war patrol
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