Benjamin Campbell Jarvis, USN
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Warship Commands listed for Benjamin Campbell Jarvis, USN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| USS Baya (318) | T/Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 27 Jan 1945 | ? |
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Submarine USS Baya (318)
10 Feb 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) departed from Fremantle for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea together with USS Hammerhead.
For daily and attack positions of USS Baya during this patrol see the map below.
15 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 15/16 February 1945, USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN), passed Lombok Strait northbound.
4 Mar 1945 (position 12.50, 109.30)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant tanker Palembang Maru (5236 GRT, 1942) in the South China Sea off Cape Varella, French Indo-China in position 12°52'N, 109°30'E.
Palembang Maru was in convoy together with tanker Ryoei Maru (10006 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the Japanese frigates Kaibokan 1, Kaibokan 67, Kaibokan 130 and Kaibokan 134.
(All times are zone H, -8) 0120 hours - In position 12°41'N, 109°33'E obtained SJ radar contact at a range of 16000 yards bearing 265°. Two sets of echo ranging were picked up on the same bearing. Went to four engines and commenced tracking.
0145 hours - The convoy appeared to consist of two heavy units with two to four escorts.
0220 hours - Manned battle stations.
0257 hours - In position 12°52'N, 109°30'E fired a full salvo of six bow torpedoes from 5900 yards. Two hits were heard and observed. The target erupted in flames from stem to stern.
0258 hours - Went to periscope depth.
0308 hours - Two escorts were pinging in our direction so went to 250 feet and rigged for depth charging.
0310 hours - The first of 42 depth charges was dropped.
0312 hours - Depth charges were coming down fast. Went to 300 feet.
0318 hours - The last of the 42 depth charges was dropped.
0552 hours - The escorts screws and echo ranging had now faded out.
0652 hours - Went to 60 feet to have a look around. All clear.
21 Mar 1945 (position 11.55, 109.18)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. Benjamin C. Jarvis) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Kainan Maru (525 GRT) off Cam Ranh Bay, French Indo-China in position 12°00'N, 109°17'E. Kainan Maru was part of the escort of convoy HI-88-I, that was made up of tankers Hosen Maru (1040 GRT, built 1944), Nanshin Maru No.21 (834 GRT, built 1944), Takasago Maru No.6. (834 GRT, built 1944) and merchant vessels Fushimi Maru No.2 (779 GRT, built 1940), Motoyama Maru No.1 (371 GRT, built 1936). They were escorted by the submarine chasers Ch-9, CH-20, CH-33 and the cable layer Tateishi.
Later on the same day Baya made another attack but now on CH-20. Following this attack Baya was damaged by depth charges from CH-9 in position 11°55'N, 109°18'E. However after repairs she remains on patrol for a few more days.
(All times are zone H, -8) 20 March 1945 2215 hours - Obtained SJ radar contact bearing 303°(T), range 10200 yards. They were rounding Hon Do and coming out of Phangrang Bay.
2220 hours - Went to four engines and commenced tracking.
2245 hours - The contact was coast hugging. Sent out a contact report.
2355 hours - The target was now plainly visible at a range of 11000 yards. It was seen to be a warship.
21 March 1945 0000 hours - Dived to radar depth.
0034 hours - In position 11°55'N, 109°18'E fired three torpedoes from 3100 yards.
0036 hours - Down to periscope depth.
0038 hours - Heard and observed a hit on the target amidships.
0040 hours - Surfaced.
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0605 hours - Sighted two Japanese escort vessels through the periscope.
0625 hours - No other targets wer seen or heard.
0630 hours - Made ready all torpedo tubes.
0645 hours - In position 11°43'N, 109°15'E fired three torpedoes from 2200 yards.
0647 hours - Sound reported all torpedoes running.
0648 hours - Sound reported one torpedo coming in, looks like a gyro failure.
0650 hours - The torpedo was reported going up down the port side.
0724 hours - An enemy escort vessel passed directly overhead. The first of 21 depth charges was dropped very close. All normal lights were knocked out and showers of cork and paint rained down. Also a lot of minor damage was caused.
0726 hours - All stopped and bottomed.
0740 hours - The last depth charge was dropped.
0911 hours - Came to periscope depth and found all clear. Started to clear the area.
27 Mar 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Subic Bay, Philippines. At Subic Bay she was refitted by USS Howard W. Gilmore and a relief crew of Submarine Division 222. It was not possible to dock USS Baya while at Subic Bay.
20 Apr 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) departed from Subic Bay for her 4th war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea along the French Indo-China coastline. Later she shifts her patrol area to the Java Sea. She, and USS Cavalla, were escorted out by USS George E. Davis.
For daily and attack positions of USS Baya during this patrol see the map below.
25 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) is put on lifeguard station near Cape St. Jacques. No action on her part was required.
29 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) is put on lifeguard station off Cù Lao Thu island. No action on her part was required.
2 May 1945
Late in the evening of 2 May 1945, USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN), unsuccessfully attacked the Japanese minelayer Hatsutaka (offsite link) with two torpedoes north of Kelantan, Malaya.
The convoy Hatsutaka was escorting is chased until the early morning of 4 May when Baya made another attack that also failed. She was then driven off by Hatsutaka.
In the meantime Hatsutaka had managed to sink another US submarine that was attacking the same convoy, USS Lagarto.
(All times are zone I, -9) 2 May 1945 1500 hours - Intercepted a contact report from a search plane of a convoy made up of one tanker, one auxiliary and two destroyers stopped in position 05°42'N, 102°58'E.
1525 hours - Set course to intercept at three engine speed around 2200 hours.
2155 hours - SJ radar contact on four ships at a range of 15000 yards, bearning 197°(T). Commenced tracking. Position was 06°12'N, 102°22'E.
2210 hours - Sent a contact report to USS Lagarto.
2245 hours - Lagarto reported she was also in contact with the convoy. The onvoy was identified as a large ship, a smaller ship and two escorts. Started an attack from the starbord bow of the convoy.
2305 hours - In position 06°19'N, 102°15'E fired two torpedoes at one of the escort vessels from 1500 yards. This was shortly afterwards seen to be a minelayer.
2307 hours - The minelayer opened fire on us with 20mm, 40mm and two or three 4.7" guns. Cleared the bridge with the exception of the Officer of the Watch and the Commanding Officer.
2309 hours - Fired three stern torpedoes down the enemy's throat. All missed.
2320 hours - Fired another stern torpedo at the target. Range was now 1700 yards. Again it missed. By now a second escort had illuminated Baya with her searchlight and also opened fire with her guns.
2325 hours - Range to the chasing escort was now 2100 yards.
2329 hours - Heard and felt six tremendous explosions about 10 seconds apart which shook Baya violently. These were possibly depth charges which exploded in shallow water.
2333 hours - The minelayer now turned away. Informed USS Lagarto that we had been driven off by gunfire.
2345 hours - Range was now opening fast. Secured from battle stations.
3 May 1945 0240 hours - Made rendezvous with USS Lagarto and discussed plans for today. Lagarto was to dive on the convoy's track to make contact at 1400 hours and Baya ten to fifteen miles further along the convoy's track.
1436 hours - Sighted a single floatplane at a range of about 15 to 20 miles apparently patrolling near the convoy.
1500 hours - Sent our first of numerous patrol reports to USS Lagarto, received no reply.
1645 hours - A second plane joined the convoy.
1653 hours - The original plane was apparently relieved and now started a sweep down the convoys track. Made a quick dive when the range was down to 9 nautical miles.
1805 hours - Surfaced. Only the plane over the convoy was in sight.
2037 hours - Headed down the convoys track at two engine speed to gain SJ radar contact.
2143 hours - Obtained SJ radar contact at 17250 yards on bearing 257°(T). Commenced tracking. Position was 08°03'N, 103°11'E.
2200 hours - The convoy was identified as the came convoy that we attacked last night. Enemy course was initially 030°(T) but after a few minutes of circling around the convoy proceeded due south.
2215 hours - Proceeded at full speed on an end around for a port flank attack.
2240 hours - Making good progress up the convoys port quarter. The convoy has suddenly changed course to his left to 050°(T). Continued to cross ahead at full speed.
The convoy changed course abruptly to 340°(T). These can not be zigs, the convoy is obviously alerted by our radar and is taking evasive actions based apparently on the change of bearing of our 10cm radar.
2300 hours - Continuing down the convoy's starboard flank to gain a favourable attack position. The convoy has now eased around to small zigs on a rough base course of 050°(T). We were now using our SJ radar only for 5 seconds every two minutes.
2347 hours - The convoy was zigging on a base course of 060°(T) at a speed of 9 knots. Having sent USS Lagarto contact reports almost half hourly with no receipt, decided to make the attack alone. Manned battle stations.
2358 hours - Baya was now in a fine position on the convoy's starboard bow expecting a zig away. Commenced surface approach at 14 knots.
4 May 1945 0010 hours - With the target now almost 15 minutes overdue for a zig decided to fire all six torpedoes at the leading and larger target.
0011 hours - In position 08°00'N, 102°10'E commenced firing from 5500 yards. As no.3 left the tube the target was observed to turn away.
0012 hours - Completed firing.
0013 hours - Observd the targets to turn away completely while the nearest escort turned towards.
0015 hours - One explosion was reported from below but nothing was heard or seen on the bridge.
0020 hours - Secured from battle stations.
0030 hours - Pulling awayfrom the escort. Decided to try another starboard flank attack after shaking off the escort. Manned battle stations.
0037 hours - The escort was still chasing Baya on the port quarter. The main target group was now on course 020°(T).
0053 hours - The convoy made a radical course change to the north-west.
0110 hours - Changed course to 020°(T) at full speed to shake off the escort, get ahead of him and then to come in for the second attack.
0118 hours - Moonrise. The convoy had now changed course to 320°(T) to keep us astern. The escort was between us and the main group so Baya was unable to close for another attack.
0134 hours - Lost contact with the convoy. Secured from battle stations. Changed course to get ahead on the possible convoy track at slow speed. However, the convoy was not seen again.
13 May 1945 (position -6.31, 111.19)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese tanker Yosei Maru (2594 GRT, built 1928, former Dutch Josefina) off the north coast of Java in position 06°31'S, 111°19'E. Yosei Maru was escorted by the auxiliary submarine chasers Takunan Maru No. 5 and Shonan Maru No. 17.
(All times are zone I, -9) 0514 hours - Obtained SJ radar contact on three ships dead ahead. Range was 15500 yards. Commenced tracking. Position was 06°33'S, 111°23'E.
0529 hours - Three ships were now in sight from the bridge at a range of 10500 yards.
0547 hours - Base course of the enemy was 330°(T), speed 7 knots. Baya was in a nice position on the starboard bow for a surface attack. Manned battle stations.
0553 hours - Commenced surface approach from the seaward and starboard flank of the convoy at 14 knots. All torpedoes were set to 4 feet.
0559 hours - Slowed to 12 knots to reduce the wake. The convoy was by now seen to be made up of an engine aft large freighter which looked quite new. She was heavily laden. A medium or small transport was following about 1500 yards astern. A third ship was on the starboard quarter of the large freighter, this ship was thought to be a large minelayer.
0605 hours - In position 06°31'S, 111°19'E started firing a full bow salvo of six torpedoes at the large freighter.
0610 hours - After swinging around fired two stern torpedoes at the medium to small transport. Went ahead flank fter firing these last two torpedoes.
0611 hours - Observed and felt one torpedo hit on the large freighter.
0613 hours - Observed and felt two torpedo hits on the medium to small transport.
0615 hours - Both ships hit were observed to be dead in the water.
0618 hours - Commenced a new approach but now on the 'minelayer'.
0619 hours - Fired two bow torpedoes at the 'minelayer'.
0622 hours - Observed and felt two hits.
0624 hours - There were still three targets on the radar.
0629 hours - Observed the large freighter sink and disappear from the radar screen. The pip on the transport was now very weak.
0631 hours - Secured from battle stations.
0639 hours - Lot sight of the transport from the bridge. Her pip now also disappeared from the radar screen. The 'minelayer' was still in sight.
0701 hours - On surfacing after a quick dive for trim found that the 'minelayer' had disappeared. It was thought she sank.
14 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN), made the southbound transit of Lombok Strait on the surface.
18 May 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) ended her 4th war patrol at Fremantle where she was refitted by Sub.Div 302 relief crew and USS Clytie.
14 Jun 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) departed from Fremantle for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.
For daily and attack positions of USS Baya during this patrol see the map below.
16 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) suffered a fire in the maneuvering room. She reversed course to return to Fremantle for repairs.
18 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) returned to Fremantle.
20 Jun 1945
With her repairs completed, USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN), departed from Fremantle to resume her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.
25 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 25/26 June 1945, USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN), made the northbound transit of Lombok Strait on the surface.
27 Jun 1945 (position -7.28, 116.37)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) attacked what is thought to be a Japanese minelayer with six torpedoes north of Lombok. No hits were obtained.
(All times are zone I, -9) 0330 hours - In position 07°24'S, 116°26'E obtained SJ radar contact bering 226°(T), range 16650 yards. Sent out a contact report to USS Bullhead, USS Icefish and USS Puffer. Commenced tracking from ahead on easterly courses.
0436 hours - Together with USS Icefish in contact with the target. The target was thought to be a Japanese minelayer. Dived for an attack from periscope depth.
0500 hours - In position 07°28'S, 116°37'E fired a full salvo of six torpedoes from 1500 yards. No hits were obtained. Several of the torpedoes were thought to have run under the target. The target turned towards while Baya was also turing to bring the stern tubes to bear.
0504 hours - Went deep to avoid a counter attack from the target.
0522 hours - Heard and felt 14 depth charges but none were close.
0600 hours - Another vessel was heard to be hunting in the area.
0725 hours - All clear on sound. Commenced to return to periscope depth.
0804 hours - Surfaced.
30 Jun 1945 (position -6.29, 117.08)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) sank the small Japanese sea truck Bandai Maru with gunfire north of Bali in position 06°29'S, 117°08'E together with USS Capitaine. This vessel had been damaged by gunfire and was abandoned by her crew.
The other two sea trucks in the convoy were Nashin Maru no.16 and Sugi Maru. They were escorted by submarine chaser CH-5 and the auxiliary minesweeper Shonan Maru No.2.
(All times are zone I, -9) 29 June 1945 1907 hours - In position 06°27'S, 117°19'E sighted smoke through the high periscope, bearing 088°(T). This contact developed into five small targets on a base course of 255°(T) at a speed of 7 knots. Commenced tracking from ahead.
2127 hours - Manned battle stations.
2150 hours - With the range now down to 3500 yards the targets finally became sufficiently visible to be identified as three Sugar dogs (400-500 ton), one 100 ton submarine chaser and one other patrol craft. Withheld fire as the targets were not large enough for torpedoes.
2153 hours - Reversed course and pulled clear leaving the targets alerted and maneuvering in tight circles. Resumed tracking the targets while awating the arrival of the USS Capitaine. Contemplate suggesting a gun shoot.
30 June 1945 0125 hours - Made rendezvous with USS Capitaine. It was decided that Capitaine would attack from the north while Baya would attack from the west. The submarine chaser would be the first target.
0152 hours - The order to attack came from USS Capitaine. Commenced firing from a range of 6000 yards. Position was 06°29'S, 117°08'E.
0154 hours - Hit the submarine chaser in the stern.
0155 hours - All ships in the convoy were now returning the fire. Range to the submarine chaser was now 4400 yards. Obtained another hit on this ship.
0204 hours - Broke off the engagement due to effective return fire from the Japanese. Damage inflicted was; two direct hits on the submarine chaser and possible damage to two of the sugar dogs.
0252 hours - Made rendesvous with USS Capitaine to discuss further action to be taken. Capitaine intends to make a submerged attack while Baya would stand by to capitalize on any confusing Capitaine might create.
0345 hours - Made another rendesvous with USS Capitaine. She was unable to attack since all targets were maneuvering radically and making no particular course good. It was decided to not attack again.
4 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) conducted life guard duties off south-west Borneo.
16 Jul 1945 (position -5.48, 115.53)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese torpedo boat Kari (945 tons, offsite link) in the Java Sea about 220 nautical miles west-south-west of Makassar in position 05°48'S, 115°53'E.
(All times are zone I, -9) 0130 hours - In position 05°48'S, 115°39'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 273°(T), range 20100 yards. Sent out a contact report to USS Becuna informing her that Baya was also in contact with her target. Commenced tracking.
0140 hours - Becuna started her attack.
0210 hours - Received a message from Becuna that all torpedoes had missed with a depth setting of four feet.
0221 hours - Manned battle stations.
0238 hours - Dived to radar depth directly on the targets track. Range was 12000 yards. Decided to make an attack with the stern tubes with a depth setting of zero.
0301 hours - Range was now 3000 yards.
0305 hours - In position 05°48'S, 115°53'E fired three stern torpedoes from 1100 yards.
0306 hours - Observed and felt one hit in the target near the stern which was now definately identified as an Otori-class torpedo boat.
0352 hours - The target was still afloat. Decided to finish her off.
0426 hours - Fired two bow torpedoes.
0428 hours - One hit, right below the funnel. The torpedo boat exploded and completely disintegrated.
20 Jul 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) attacked a Japanese patrol vessel with gunfire together with USS Blenny to the north-west of Surabaya. Baya obtained no hits and the action was broken off after about 40 minutes.
(All times are zone I, -9) 0021 hours - In position 06°10'S, 114°44'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 285°(T), range 13300 yards. Commenced tracking. Sent contact reports to other submarine in the vicinity. The target was identified as a small patrol vessel.
0030 hours - Manned battle stations. The target was tracking on a nearly steady course of 090°(T) at 11 knots. It was decided to make a submerged approach using a salvo of torpedoes set at 2 feet.
0050 hours - Broke off the attack as the Torpedo Data Computer had broken down as well as other fire control equipment.
0150 hours - The target suddenly reversed course to 270°(T). Commenced an end around at full speed.
0240 hours - Having gained a position due north of the target the patrol vessel suddenly changed course to 130°(T) and commenced tremendous constant helm zigs of about 90° either side of the main course. He is apparently patrolling. This new base course is taking him directly towards Surabaya. The target is now echo ranging occasionaly.
0330 hours - The TDC is now back in commission but due to the targets enormous zigs Baya was unable to attack.
0545 hours - Made rendezvous with USS Blenny. It was decided to make a coordinated gun attack on the patrol vessel at dawn. One submarine attacking from the north-west the other from the south-west.
0705 hours - Manned battle stations.
0721 hours - Received 'execute' from Blenny. Commenced firing from 8000 yards with both 5" guns. The target returned fire with small calibre automatic weapons which are splashing just short of Baya. She was also returning Blenny's fire with what appeared to be a 3" gun or 6 pdr. The patrol craft was belching great volumes of smoke and was maneuvering at a speed of about 20 knots. Position was 06°27'S, 112°00'E.
0800 hours - Ceased firing and broke off the attack after firing 71 rounds for no hits on the enemy which was now fleeing from the scene.
31 Jul 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) ended her 5th war patrol at Subic Bay, Philippines.
31 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) departed Subic Bay for Pearl Harbour.
14 Sep 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour from Subic Bay.
17 Sep 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) departed Pearl Harbour for San Francisco.
24 Sep 1945
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) arrived at San Francisco from Pearl Harbour.
22 Oct 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) departed San Francisco for the Puget Sound area.
25 Oct 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) arrived in the Puget Sound area from San Francisco.
29 Oct 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Baya (Lt.Cdr. B.C. Jarvis, USN) departed the Puget Sound area for San Francisco.
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