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Notable events involving Swordfish include:

The history of USS Swordfish as compiled on this page is extracted from her patrol reports.

This page was last updated in April 2016.

8 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed Mariveles Bay (near Manila, Philippines) for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Hainan Island.

For the attack positions of USS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) the attack positions were taken from the patrol report. Unfortunately the patrol report does not give daily noon positions.

9 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) claims to have sunk a steamer about 100 nautical miles west of Manila Bay, Philippines. There is no confirmation for this claim.

(All times are zone -8)
0044 hours - In position 14°30'N, 119°00'E sighted a steamer bearing 325°. Ship thought to be about 3900 tons, course 105°, speed 13 knots. Started surface approach.

0057 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards. Submerged to avoid gun attack which did not materialize. Lost depth control but had a fair glance at the target. Apparently one hit 1/4 lenght from the stern. The ship appeared to be settling evenly but the back might have been broken leaving her stern a little high. Returned to periscope depth after about 20 minutes, nothing in sight. Consider ship sunk.

11 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a steamer of about 3500 tons with two torpedoes in the South China Sea south of the Paracel Islands. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
0525 hours - In position 14°14'N, 111°40'E sighted a steamer of about 3500 tons bearing 230°. Range 5 nautical miles. Made surfaced approach. Target course 046°, speed 0 knots. Fired two torpedoes from 1270 yards. Submerged on firing. No explosions were heard.

14 Dec 1941
While operating off the south coast of Hainan, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN), attacked but missed a steamer with two torpedoes. Later on the same day USS Swordfish torpedoed and damaged the Japanese army cargo ship Kashii Maru (8407 GRT, built 1936) in position 18°08'N, 109°22'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0427 hours - In position 18°05'N, 109°18'E sighted a steamer on the starboard bow on an easterly course. Made surface approach. Enemy course was course 097°, speed 12 knots.

0434 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 2000 yards. Submerged on firing to avoid possible counter attack with gunfire in fairly bright light. No explosions were heard due to own noises on diving. Results of the attack were not clear.

------------------------------------------

1751 hours - In position 18°08'N, 109°22'E sighted a steamer thought to be about 9200 GRT and in ballast, bearing 085°, range 3.5 nautical miles. Made submerged approach. Enemy course 315°, speed 14 knots.

1808 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 750 yards. One hit was obtained. The ship stopped after having turned northwards. She was listing 10° to port.

1842 hours - Fired another torpedo from 1400 yards. It hit. The ship was seen to sink slowly.

16 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith) torpedoed and heavily damaged the Japanese Army transport Atsutasan Maru (8663 GRT, built 1937, offsite link) off the coast of Indo-China in position 18°06'N, 109°44'E.

Atsutasan Maru sank on the 18th.

(All times are zone -8)
1143 hours - In position 18°06'N, 109°44'E sighted steamer bearing 235°, range 5.5 nautical miles. Enemy course 100°. Increased to full submerged speed for approach. Shortly afterwards sighted a total of six steamers in more or less a loose column. Finally got into minimum torpedo range from the last ship, 2800 yards. Fired three torpedoes. 35 seconds after firing the first torpedo a torpedo explosion was heard. One of the torpedoes had prematured, most likely on arming. A second detonation was heard after about 2 minutes. The ship was seen to be stopped and on fire amidships and listed 10° to starboard. Circled to the southward of the torpedoed ship at a range of about 4 nautical miles.

1547 hours - Sighted a destroyer. Went to 120 feet and cleared the area to the south. When the steamer was last seen she was down by the bow and it appeared she would sink soon.

19 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer with two torpedoes off the South coast of Hainan in position 18°05'N, 109°20'E. No hits were obtained. One of the torpedoes prematured and the destroyer was able to evade the other torpedo. Swordfish was then counter attacked with depth charges but sustained no damage.

(All times are zone -8)
1046 hours - In position 18°05'N, 109°20'E sighted a destroyer and a trawler. Proceeded to attack the destroyer. Fired two torpedoes from 1120 yards. A premature torpedo explosion was heard 22 seconds after firing. The destroyer was then able to evade the second torpedo. Went deep and changed course to get off the torpedo tracks. 2 minutes after firing depth charging started. A total of 8 being dropped. Swordfish managed to get out of the way for 15 minutes but was heavy aft and not willing to pump (for the noise) she settled on the bottom at 174 feet.

1500 hours - Having heard no pinging for 2 hours came off the bottom.

1607 hours - Returned to periscope depth, nothing in sight.

21 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a so far unidentified Japanese merchant/transport vessel south of Hainan in position 18°06'N, 109°20'E. One torpedo was fired but it missed.

(All times are zone -8)
1156 hours - In position 18°06'N, 109°20'E sighted a steamer bearing 219°, range about 5 nautical miles. Proceeded to attack. Enemy course was 110°, speed 9 knots, size 3900 GRT and partially loaded.

1310 hours - Fired one torpedo from 1000 yards, it missed.

22 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked but missed a large Japanese merchant/transport ship with two torpedoes off the south coast of Hainan.

(All times are zone -8)
0637 hours - Sound reported propeller noises bearing 197°. Came to periscope depth and saw a destroyer at a range of 2000 yards.

0644 hours - In position 18°07'N, 109°20'E heard and sighted a steamer at a range of 1000 yards. This ship made several course changes in quick succession and finally averaged about 320°. Started attack.

0654 hours - Fired two torpedoes for a torpedo run of about 5000 yards. The ship was thought to be about 9200 GRT and was proceeding towards Sama Bay at a speed of 14 knots.

0703 hours - Heard three torpedo explosions. The target produced more smoke after the explosions but was most likely not hit but just speeding up.

0730 hours - Sighted the destroyer coming in our direction. Also several trawlers were patrolling the area as was another destroyer.

0930 hours - Depth charged while at periscope depth. Most likely an aircraft. Went to 135 feet. A total of 12 depth charges were then dropped quite close.

1115 hours - Returned to periscope depth. All clear.

27 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) ended her 1st war patrol at Mariveles, Phillipines.

31 Dec 1941
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) embarked part of the organizational staff of the Submarines Asiatic Command Staff at Mariveles, Phillipens and departed for Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies.

No positions are currently known for this passage so no map can be displayed.

7 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) arrived at Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies.

16 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies for her 2nd war patrol. She was to patrol in the Celebes Sea and in the Philippines.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below.

20 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to patrol in Piru Bay, Seram, Dutch East Indies.

22 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to patrol off Davao, Philippines via Kema, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies.

24 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary gunboat Myoken Maru (4124 GRT, built 1938) north of Kema, Celebes in position 01°25'N, 125°08'E.

(All times are zone -8)
1015 hours - Sighted a cargo ship bearing 011°, range about 7 nautical miles. Sche was anchored about 7 nautical miles north-east of Kema.

1043 hours - Sighted another cargo ship bearing 023° well up toward the beginning of Lembeh Strait. Decided to go in the lower part of this strait to attack these ships.

1238 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the 7000 tons target from 2100 yards. Heard two torpedo explosions. While swinging to attack the other target the first target was seen to list 20° to starboard.

1242 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the 10000 tons target from 3600 yards. Two torpedo explosions were heard but the results were not observed as Swordfish had gone to 180 feet on firing and was able to creep away. A single depth charge was dropped most likely by an aircraft but this caused no damage to Swordfish.

26 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer with two torpedoes south of Davao Gulf, Philippines. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
0445 hours - In position 05°22'N, 126°12'E sighted what was thought to be a steamer but turned out to be a Japanese destroyer bearing 220°, range 3 nautical miles. Changed course to close the range and attack.

0459 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1700 yards. Submerged on firing. Targets course was 025°, speed 12 knots. No hits were obtained. Most likely the torpedoes missed astern and were not observed as no counter attack followed.

27 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a Japanese merchant / transport ship east-south-east of the Gulf of Davao. One torpedo was fired but it missed.

(All times are zone -8)
1143 hours - Surfaced for a sun sight. Sighted a steamer bearing 008°, range 10 nautical miles. Enemy course 240°.

1146 hours - Dived and closed submerged at full speed. The target was a merchant / transport ship of about 6300 GRT.

1258 hours - In position 06°20'N, 126°49'E fired one torpedo from 3300 yards. It missed astern.

28 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to patrol off Kema, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies.

29 Jan 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to patrol in the eastern part of Mollucca Strait.

1 Feb 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to patrol off Kema, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies.

2 Feb 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is detected and depth charged by Japanese destroyers 1 nautical mile north of Lembeh Island.

(All times are zone -8)
1908 hours - Just as Swordfish cleared the north tip of Lembeh Island several destroyers were sighted ahead and on the port bow at a range of about 2 nautical miles. Swordfish was somewhat silhoutted by the moon and detection was inevitable.

1910 hours - Submerged. The destroyers were seen heading towards. Went to 250 feet.

1912 hours - Depth charging started. The first charges exploded when Swordfish was between 100 and 150 feet. There appeared to be 2 destroyers participating in the hunt. During the next 20 minutes 6 depth charges were dropped. Several were very close causing some damage to Swordfish. After about half an hour one of the destroyers left. The other remained hunting in the area until 2215 hours.

2231 hours - Surfaced. Nothing in sight.

5 Feb 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) spotted a merchant vessel south of Davao Gulf, Philippines. Swordfish was unable to close to attack. Shortly afterwards an enemy convoy was sighted but Swordfish was sighted and depth charged by an escorting destroyer.

(All times are zone -8)
2218 hours - In position 05°53'N, 126°15'E sighted a merchant ship bearing 318°, range 4.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 250°. Changed course to approach and increased speed to 116 knots.

2248 hours - Unable to close so broke off the approach and headed west.

2317 hours - In position 05°54'N, 126°12'E sighted three large cargo ships in column bearing 340°, range 5 nautical miles. Enemy course was approximately 260°. Started to turn towards to attack when a destroyer was seen proceeding towards Swordfish at high speed. Range to the destroyer was 4 nautical miles.

2330 hours - Dived.

2340 hours - The destroyer dropped two depth charges soon after followed by two more.

2345 hours - One depth charge was dropped. The destroyer returned to the convoy after about 15 minutes.

14 Feb 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese transport ship Amagisan Maru (7623 GRT, built 1933, offsite link) east off Davao Bay in position 06°45'N, 126°54'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0735 hours - Sighted ship bearing 265°, range about 9 nautical miles. Changed course and went to full speed ahead to intercept.

0828 hours - In position 06°45'N, 126°54'E fired two torpedoes from 2800 yards. Obtained one hit. The ship, thought to be of 9500 GRT, had stopped and was settling by the stern.

0855 hours - The damaged ship got underway on a westerly course.

19 Feb 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked what is thought to be a small tanker west of Manila Bay, Philippines with two torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Swordfish was then depth charged by an escort vessel but was not damaged.

Late in the evening Swordfish entered Mariveles Bay.

(All times are zone -8)
0925 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 215°, range 5 nautical miles. Commenced approach. Enemy course was 040°, speed 13 knots.

0947 hours- In position 14°32'N, 120°08'E fired two torpedoes from 800 yards at the target which was thought to be a small tanker. Most likely one of the torpedoes prematured.

0950 hours - A counter attack started in which 8 depth charges were dropped in qrous of two in quick succession. Swordfish meanwhile had gone to 250 feet. The depth charges were close but not close enough to cause damage.

The depth charge attack was, according to Lt.Cdr. Smith carried out by a Japanese torpedo boat. This might well be correct as three Japanese torpedo boats were employed on the blockade of Manila Bay; Otori, Hayabusa and Kiji.

20 Feb 1942
During the night of 19 to 20 February 1942, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN), took on board fuel and 13 torpedoes at Mariveles Bay.

Early in the evening Swordfish took on board the President of the Philippines, his family and some officials. Swordfish departed through a minefield and arrived at San Jose, Panay, Philippine Islands on 22 February where the President and his party were transferred to a motor tender. Swordfish then returned to Manila Bay on the 24th and embarked 13 civilian evacuees, including Commissioner Francis Sayre and his staff, and 5 military personnel, 18 in total.

Upon completetion of these tasks and after a short patrol, USS Swordfish set course to return to Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies. Due to the invasion of Java this was later changed to Fremantle, Australia.

2 Mar 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to proceed to Fremantle, Australia.

9 Mar 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Fremantle, Australia. At Fremantle she was refitted by USS Holland and USS Otus.

1 Apr 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed Fremantle, Australia for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to deliver 40 tons of provisions to the besieged island of Corregidor, however Corregidor fell before this mission could be carried through so on 10 April 1942 Swordfish was ordered to patrol in the vicinity of Ambon Island, Netherlands East Indies.

No daily position ar listed in the patrol report of USS Swordfish. The deck log is not available to us (at the moment). The positions displayed on this incomplete map below were taken from the patrol report.

1 May 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) ended her 3rd war patrol when she returned to Fremantle. The patrol had been uneventful. At Fremantle she was refitted by USS Otus.

15 May 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed Fremantle for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.

No daily position are listed in the patrol report of USS Swordfish. The deck log is not available to us (at the moment). The positions displayed on this incomplete map below were taken from the patrol report.

20 May 1942
During the night of 20/21 May 1942, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN), passed Lombok Strait northbound.

23 May 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) most likely torpedoed and damaged the Japanese merchant vessel Asakaze Maru (6517 GRT, built 1938) in Makassar Strait in position 02°21'S, 118°34'E.

(All times are zone -8)
1055 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 343°. Started approach.

1157 hours - The target was now seen to be a 6500 tons merchant ship, zig-zagging. Started attack.

1311 hours - In position 02°21'S, 118°34'E fired two torpedoes from 3400 yards. No explosions were heard but the ship stopped. It was thought both torpedoes had missed ahead. The target got underway and decided not to fire torpedoes on a 180° track. As the ships gun was manned also decided not to surface for gun action.

29 May 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Tatsufuku Maru (1946 GRT, built 1939) at the south-western entrance to Balabac Strait in position 07°33'N, 116°18'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0150 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 338°, distance about 8 nautical miles. Closed to investigate.

0224 hours - Dived. The vessel looked like a destroyer lying to. Range was now 3 nautical miles. Continued approach submerged.

0240 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1600 yards. A torpedo explosion was heard 1m 25s after firing the first torpedo. Observed a narrow column of water one quarter lenght from the bow. Continued towards the target and at a range of 600 yards thought the target was a tanker of about 3500 tons. Thebow was slightly down but the target did not seem to be sinking. Turned away to bring the stern tubes to bear.

0253 hours - Fired one stern torpedo. A loud explosion was heard 56 seconds after firing. Smoke and spray were observed near the stern of the target. The target sank within two minutes.

4 Jun 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer north-west of the Anambas Islands in position 03°25'N, 105°27'E. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
0154 hours - In position 03°25'N, 105°27'E sighted a ship to the southward at a range of about 6 nautical miles.

0156 hours - Dived. The ship headed towards Swordfish. The target was soon seen to be a destroyer proceeding at high speed.

0209 hours - Fired four torpedoes from the stern tubes as the destroyer passed astern at a range of 400 yards. No explosions were heard.

0212 hours - Went to 200 feet as the destroyer was seen coming towards. The destroyer patrolled in the area for about 2 hours but she did not detect Swordfish.

6 Jun 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy off the east coast of Malaya in position 05°00'N, 104°00'E. Results are not clear but most likely no hits are obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
1250 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 135°. Started approach. After a while the contact was seen to be a convoy.

1457 hours - Sighted three ships in the convoy bearning 115°. Range was 8 nautical miles. Ememy course 005°. No escort was seen to be ahead of the convoy.

1530 hours - The ships were seen to be zig-zagging. Base course was bearing 340°.

1610 hours - Sighted three more ships bearing 045°. They were on a southerly course. Range was 9 nautical miles. A total of eight merchant ships were finally in sight.

1626 hours - In position 05°00'N, 104°00'E fired two torpedoes from 3300 yards at the closest merchant ship. One torpedo explosion was heard 3 minutes 15 seconds after firing the first torpedo.

1630 hours - A large destroyer was seen coming towards. Went deep.

1638 hours - Hit the bottom at 140 feet.

1642 hours - One depth charge was dropped.

1648 hours - Another depth charge was dropped, a little closer. Swordfish remained on the bottom until dark.

12 Jun 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Burma Maru (4585 GRT, built 1917) northwest of Pulo Wai, in the Gulf of Siam in position 10°08'N, 102°34'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0318 hours - In position 10°08'N, 102°34'E sighted a ship bearing about 150°. Made surface approach. The target, thought to be of 6900 tons, was zig-zagging on a base course of 320° at a speed of 8 knots.

0357 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1400 yards. No hits were obtained. The torpedoes appeared not to have been sighted by the target. Started another attack.

0434 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1400 yards. A torpedo hit was observed just forward of the bridge of the target 70 seconds after firing the first torpedo. The ship stopped, settled and sank by the bow after 12 minutes.

28 Jun 1942
During the day, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN), passed Lombok Strait southbound while submerged.

4 Jul 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) ended her 4th war patrol at Fremantle, Australia.

27 Jul 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN) departed Fremantle for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below.

3 Aug 1942
In the early morning hours, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN), made the northbound passage of Lombok Strait.

16 Aug 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN) attacked a what is thought to be a Japanese merchant vessel with four torpedoes south-east of Macclesfield Bank, South China Sea. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
2002 hours - In position 15°45'N, 114°55'E sighted a dark object dead ahead. It turned out to be a large vessel on an opposite course as our own. Range was about 3000 yards. Started attack.

2008 - Submerged to completed the attack from periscope depth as Swordfish was likely to be sighted if she remained on the surface.

2030 hours - In position 15°23'N, 114°58'E fired four torpedoes from a range of about 2000 yards. It is thought all torpedoes missed.

2125 hours - Surfaced and set of in pursuit of the target but she was not seen again.

17 Aug 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel with three torpedoes south-west of Macclesfield Bank, South China Sea. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
1606 hours - In position 15°30'N, 113°30'E sighted smoke bearing 355°. Closed to investigate. The target turned out to be a 10000 tons merchant vessel.

1636 hours - Increased speed to get into a firing position. Targets course was 210°, speed 8 knots.

1711 hours - Range was now 2300 yards. In position 15°25'N, 113°05'E fired three torpedoes. Swordfish lost depth control and ended up at 200 feet.

1718 hours - Heard three end of run torpedo detonations.

1930 hours - Surfaced. Nothing in sight.

5 Sep 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN) departed her patrol area to return to Fremantle.

9 Sep 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN) attacked an unidentiefied enemy ship with four torpedoes about 8 nautical miles south-west of Ambulong, Island, Philippines. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
2008/08 - In position 10°50'N, 121°25'E sighted white light about 10° on our port bow. Bearing remained steady for about 2 minutes before the light was extinghuised.

2018/08 - Visibility was bad due to heavy rain. Dived to avoid a possible collision. Shortly after diving a heavy screw was heard bearing 155°, 84 rpm. Changed course to follow the bearing of the screw. The vessel passed very close to Swordfish. Enemy course was 335° - 340°.

2108/08 - Surfaced on course 340° and set off chasing the target at 14 knots. It was still raining heavily, visibility was only 200 yards.

2240/08 - Sighted the ship on the port bow.

0042/09 - The enemy must have sighted Swordfish she laid a smoke screen and disappeared in it.

0104/09 - Swordfish closed to 1700 yards and fired four torpedoes but no hits were obtained. Dived on firing the last torpedo.

0114/09 - Heard screws bearing 295° turing at high speed.

0135/09 - Surfaced. Nothing in sight.

16 Sep 1942
In the early morning hours, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN), made the southbound passage of Lombok Strait.

21 Sep 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN) ended her 5th war patrol at Fremantle, Australia.

18 Oct 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed Fremantle for Brisbane via Sydney.

No positions are currently known for this passage so no map can be displayed.

26 Oct 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) arrived at Sydney.

27 Oct 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed Sydney for Brisbane.

29 Oct 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) arrived at Brisbane.

30 Oct 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed Brisbane for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Solomon Islands / New Britain area.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below.

11 Nov 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to patrol off the south-east coast of New Britain.

13 Nov 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked two Japanese transports in a convoy to the south of Rabaul. One hit was claimed

(All times are zone -11)
1809 hours - In position 05°27'S, 152°29'E sighted smoke bearing 169° T. Commenced to close. The contact turned out to be two transports escorted by a submarine chaser ahead.

1917 hours - Fired four torpedoes from the bow tubes from 1650 yards, two at each of the transports. Heard an explosion 2 minutes and 38 seconds fter firing the first torpedo.

1922 hours - Heard three more explosions, most likely the other three torpedoes exploding at the end of their run. Heard the escort coming towards. Went deep and rigged for depth charging.

1928 hours - One depth charge exploded overhead but it caused no damage.

2000 hours - The escort ceased the hunt.

2050 hours - Surfaced. Nothing in sight.

17 Nov 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a Japanese tanker in a convoy to the south of Rabaul. One hit was claimed.

(All times are zone -11)
1206 hours - In position 05°00'S, 152°26'E sighted smoke bearing 297° T. Commenced an approach.

1223 hours - Sighted masts, bearing now 269° T. Range was 8 nautical miles. The contact turned out to be a convoy made up of a transport vessel of about 5500 tons, a 4500 tons transport and a 4500 tons tanker. They were escorted by two submarine chasers.

1325 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the tanker from 2400 yards. On hit was obtained just forward of the stern. The tanker immediately settled by the stern and smoke was seen pouring from the boiler and engine rooms.

1329 hours - Went to 250 feet as one of the escorts came towards.

1330 hours - Heard the other three torpedoes explode at the end of their run.

1338 hours - Heard two depth charges explode about 500 yards to starboard.

1347 hours - Two more depth charges were heard to explode about 600 yards on the port quarter. The enemy continued to hunt but by 1500 hours the hunt was well astern.

18 Nov 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) is ordered to patrol off Cape Ward Hunt, New Guinea.

A group of five Japanese destroyers is seen returning to Rabaul from Buna but could not be attacked.

12 Dec 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) departed her patrol area for Brisbane.

19 Dec 1942
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) ended her 6th war patrol at Brisbane, Australia.

9 Jan 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) departed Brisbane for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Solomon Islands.

During 9 and 10 January 1943 exercises were carried out with the Australian destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN).

9 Jan 1943

For the daily and attack positions of USS Swordfish during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

19 Jan 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Myoho Maru (4122 GRT, built 1939) north-east of Bougainville, Solomon Islands in position 05°25'S, 156°00'E. (05°38'S, 156°20'E according to Japanese sources).

Myoho Maru was part of Convoy 35 / A together with Teiyo Maru (6863 GRT, built 1923 former German Saarland) and Shinsei Maru No.1 (5864 GRT, built 1919). One of the destroyers that were escorting this convoy at that moment was the Shigure (All links are offsite links).

(All times are zone -11)
1540 hours - Heard pinging and immediately afterwards sighted three transport ships screened by two destroyers and one aircraft. Started attack.

1634 hours - Fired three stern torpedoes at the first and second transport in line. One hit was observed on the leading transport, just forward of the bridge. Then went deep. While doing so three bombs were heard to explode, these mut have been dropped by the aircraft.

1640 hours - Depth charging started.

1653 hours - Depth charging ceased. A total of ten depth charged had been dropped but no damage was caused by them.

1733 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted one destroyer and one transport about five nautical miles away. Nothing else in sight. Two bombs then went off quite close, the aircraft must still be patrolling overhead. Went deep again.

2020 hours - Surfaced. Nothing in sight.

7 Feb 1943
While patrolling on the surface north-north-east of Kavieng in position 00°12'N, 152°00'E, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN), was attacked by a large land based bomber that came out of the sun. Damage was sustained and this forced Swordfish to abandon her patrol. She was ordered to proceed to Pearl Harbour.

23 Feb 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) ended her 7th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was escorted in by USS PC 588 (Lt. J.R. Hinton Jr., USNR).

26 Feb 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) departed Pearl Harbour for San Francisco where she was to refit.

No positions are currently known for this passage so no map can be displayed.

4 Mar 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) arrived at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Company at San Francisco where she commenced a refit. She was escorted in by USS Lawrence (Lt.Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN).

8 Jun 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) started her post refit trials off San Francisco.

19 Jun 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) departed San Francisco for Pearl Harbour.

No positions are currently known for this passage so no map can be displayed.

25 Jun 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour.

29 Jun 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) suffered a fire in her bridge and superstructure which destroyed all electrical cables outside the pressure hull, the underwater loop, numerous gaskets, some wood decking, the SJ and DS radars. Repairs were made by tender and ship's force.

18 Jul 1943
After repairs, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN), started a training period out of Pearl Harbour.

27 Jul 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) completed her training period.

29 Jul 1943
With her overhaul and refresher training completed, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN), left Pearl Harbour for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Palau. Swordfish was escorted out by USS SC 983 (Lt.(jg) R. Crews, USNR).

No daily position are listed in the patrol report of USS Swordfish. The deck log is not available to us (at the moment). The positions displayed on this incomplete map below were taken from the patrol report.

31 Jul 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) made a short stop at Johnston Island before she proceeded towards her patrol area.

12 Aug 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) arrived in her patrol area off Palau.

22 Aug 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Nishiyama Maru (3016 GRT, built 1921) between New Guinea and Palau in position 02°53'N, 136°21'E.

Nishiyama Maru was in convoy together with Kazuura Maru (6804 GRT, built 1938) and Ehime Maru (4653 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the Japanese submrine chasers Ch 16 and Ch 17.

(All times are zone -10)
0644 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 118°(T). Changed course to head for the smoke and went to two engines and commenced TDC tracking of the smoke puffs. Range was later estimated to be 35000 yards. The targets were tracked on a base course 350° - 000°(T). Headed north-easterly to gain a position ahead.

0830 hours - The targets appeared to have changed couse to 315°(T).

0835 hours - Sighted the tops of three sets of masts from the top of the periscope shears. Opened the range to 28000 yards and continued tracking by occasional smoke puffs.

1000 hours - The targets apparently had changed base course to 280°(T). Speed was tracking at 12 knots so went to four engines, making 16.8 knots.

1057 hours - Obtained desired position ahead of the convoy. Their mast heads were again in sight from the top of the periscope shears.

1107 hours - Dived to close the convoy. Two large ships send up puffs of smoke every time they zigged. The leading ship did not smoke. Two corvette like escorts were also seen.

1238 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the centre ship and two at the last ship of the column. Three torpedo explosions were heard.

1242 hours - Depth charging started. A pattern of 10 depth charges was dropped quite close and it shook Swordfish severely.

1244 hours - Breaking up noises were heard.

1327 hours - Two depth charges were dropped but they were astern.

1420 hours - Received 6 depth charges close aboard, the escort had passed directly overhead. It caused damage to the rudder and the sound gear.

1630 hours - Pinging died out astern.

2013 hours - Surfaced. Visibility was very poor. Set course for Manokwari.

27 Aug 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) conducted a reconnaissance of Manokwari Roads. No activity was observed. Decided to return to our patrol area.

5 Sep 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Tenkai Maru (3203 GRT, built 1917) north of New Guinea in position 01°35'N, 141°45'E.

In the convoy, that was en-route from Palau to Wewak, New Guinea, was also Shinsei Maru (4734 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the Japanese submarine chaser CH-33 (offsite link). Swordfish reported that a third transport was present.

(All times are zone -10)
0744 hours - Sighted smoke slightly on starboard bow indicating that the convoy we had sighted and tracked yesterday had run a higher speed during the night. Went to 17 knots and commenced tracking to gain a position ahead of the convoy.

1256 hours - Dived and commenced an approach for an attack.

1410 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the largest ship.

1412 hours - Heard four torpedo explosions. The result could not be observed as Swordfish meanwhile had gone deep.

1414 hours - Six depth charges exploded but they were not very close.

1445 hours - Four depth charges were dropped.

1630 hours - Pinging and the escorts screws died out.

1732 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the smoke of two ships well over the horizon. Passed through a small amount of wreckage.

1914 hours - Surfaced.

10 Sep 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) departed her patrol area for Midway.

13 Sep 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) attacked what was thought to be a large destroyer escorting a convoy north of Truk in position 13°25'N, 152°00'E. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. Swordfish was then depth charged but escaped without damage.

The convoy attacked was most likely the convoy that was en-route from Truk (12 September) to Yokosuka (18 September) and was made up of the Japanese auxiliary Irako (9750 GRT, built 1941) that was escorted by the destroyer Hamakaze and the minelayer Japanese minelayer Tsugaru (all links are offsite links). Most likely it was this last ship that was the target of the attack by USS Swordfish.

(All times are zone -10)
1340 hours - In position 13°00N, 152°00E Sighted smoke bearing 125°(T). Commenced tracking and gaining position ahead. Range was about 30000 yards.

1527 hours - Dived and commenced approach. The target group was made up of a large transport vessel escorted by two destroyers.

1632 hours - In position 13°25'N, 152°00'E fired four torpedoes from 3000 yards at what was thought to be a cruiser but most likely was a large destroyer as later depth charging indicted. No hits were heard by sound.

1635 hours - Received the first of 13 depth charges extending over a period of 26 minutes. The first two depth charges were very close. Clearly heard destroyers passing overhead.

1730 hours - The destroyers screws faded out.

2015 hours - Surfaced and searched the area.

20 Sep 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) ended her 8th war patrol at Midway.

6 Oct 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) departed Midway for Pearl Harbour where she was to dock.

No positions are currently known for this passage so no map can be displayed.

10 Oct 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour.

15 Oct 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) was docked at Pearl Harbour.

17 Oct 1943
During 17 and 18 October 1943, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) conducted post repair trials off Pearl Harbour.

19 Oct 1943
During 19 to 21 October 1943, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) conducted training off Pearl Harbour.

24 Oct 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) departed Pearl Harbour for Midway. Swordfish was escorted out by USS YMS 118 (Lt. L.J. Patterson, USNR).

No positions are currently known for this passage so no map can be displayed.

28 Oct 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) arrived at Midway.

29 Oct 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) conducted exercises off Midway. Upon returning to Midway Lt.Cdr. F.L. Barrows took over command from Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker.

30 Oct 1943
From 30 October to 1 November 1943, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.L. Barrows, USN), conducted exercises off Midway.

8 Nov 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.L. Barrows, USN) departed Midway for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the south of Japan.

No daily position are listed in the patrol report of USS Swordfish. The deck log is not available to us (at the moment). The positions displayed on this incomplete map below were taken from the patrol report.

28 Nov 1943
Due to several serious defects, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.L. Barrows, USN), departed her patrol area to return to Midway.

5 Dec 1943
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.L. Barrows, USN) ended her 9th war patrol at Midway.

29 Dec 1943
USS Swordfish (Capt. K.G. Hensel, USN, in temporary command) departed Midway for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters off the main island Honshu.

No daily position are listed in the patrol report of USS Swordfish. The deck log is not available to us (at the moment). The positions displayed on this incomplete map below were taken from the patrol report.

14 Jan 1944
USS Swordfish (Capt. K.G. Hensel, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Yamakuni Maru (6925 GRT, built 1938) off Hachijo Jima, south of Honshu in position 33°16'N, 139°30'E.

Yamakuni Maru was in convoy together with the repair ship Yamabiko Maru (6795 GRT, built 1937) and the transport Keiyo Maru (6443 GRT, built 1937). They were escorted by the destroyer Asakaze, frigate Manju and minesweeper W-24. Yamabiko Maru had been torpedoed by USS Steelhead on 10 January 1944 and had been taken in tow by Yamakuni Maru. Shortly after Yamakuni Maru sank Yamabiko Maru also sank.
(All links are offsite links).

(All times are zone -9)
13 January 1944
2223 hours - Radar and smoke contact at a range of 18000 yards. Started tracking the contact. Closed and held the contact at a range of 16000 yards.

2337 hours - Started our run in at full speed.

2349 hours - Dived to radar depth at a range of 9800 yards. Went to periscope depth at a range of 6500 yards. Ten minutes before firing slowed to silent speed. By now the contact was seen to be made up of a large well-deck freighter, one other vessel nearly end on that gave the impression to be down by the stern, one or possibly two good sized freighters further away. One destroyer and two other escorts were circling, stopping, starting and pinging.

14 January 1944
0037 hours - Fired a spread of four torpedoes. Two hits were heard. The result was not observed as Swordfish had gone deep on firing.

0041 to 0054 hours - Heard breaking up noises.

0044 hours - Depth charging started.

0048 to 0054 hours - During this period two depth charges exploded quite close.

0344 hours - The last of a total of 24 depth charges was dropped.

0415 hours - Surfaced and cleared the area at full speed on two engines.

16 Jan 1944
USS Swordfish (Capt. K.G. Hensel, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary gunboat (Q-Ship) Delhi Maru (2205 GRT, built 1922) off Miyake Jima, Honshu, Japan in position 34°04'N, 139°56'E.

Delhi Maru was with anti-submarine net layer Tatsu Maru (253 GRT, built 1916). They were escorted by the submarine chaser CH 50 (offsite link).

(All times are zone -9)
15 January 1944
2217 hours - Obtained a radar contact at a range of 14000 yards. Commenced tracking.

2247 hours - Obtained radar contact on an escort vessel at a range of 8850 yards.

2350 hours - Went to battle stations and closed for attack.

16 January 1944
0003 hours - Dived to radar depth. Went to periscope depth when range was 6200 yards.

0020 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. Three hits were heard and observed. Swordfish then went deep.

0023 - The first depth charge was dropped.

0025 to 0040 hours - A whole lot of explosions were heard. It is hought the ship sank at 0040 hours.

0024 hours - A depth charge exploded.

0102 hours - A depth charge exploded.

0104 hours - A depth charge exploded.

0222 hours - Three depth charges were dropped quite close aboard.

0235 hours - Four more depth charges followed. These escorts were hard to shake off.

0318 hours - Surfaced.

0319 hours - Sighted an escort four nautical miles astern. Went to full speed to clear the area.

17 Jan 1944
USS Swordfish (Capt. K.G. Hensel, USN) attacked but missed the Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku with four torpedoes south-west of Tokyo Bay.

Shokaku had been at Yokosuka for a short one month refit and was proceeding to Tokuyama Bay to rejoin Zuikaku in the Inland Sea. Swordfish and Tautog both reported that she was escorted by four destroyers. The destroyers Wakatsuki, Akigumo and Kazagumo had also been refitting at Yokosuka and were with Shokaku and Zuikaku on 6 February 1944 when they departed the Inland Sea for Singapore. It seems therefore most likely that these three destroyers were part of the escort of Shokaku during her high speed run from Yokosuka to Tokuyama Bay, maybee with a fouth destroyer.

(All times are zone -9)
1840 hours - In position 33°09'N, 138°50'E obtained radar contact bearing 065°(T). Range was 15000 yards. Went to battle stations. During the whole afternoon a lot of depth charges were dropped and it looked like something big was coming towards Swordfish.

1845 hours - The target was making 18.5 knots. Four or five ships were present, one was 4000 yards closer then the largest ship. Decided that this was some sort of task force in view of the high speed and the random dropping of depth charges during the whole afternoon. Dived when the range was 10300 yards.

1849 hours - All tubes were reported ready.

1851 hours - Radar range was now 5800 yards. Enemy speed still 18.5 knots.

1852 hours - Radar range now 5250 yards.

1853 hours - The closest destroyer passed at a range of 1200 yards.

1900 hours - In position 33°06'N, 138°48E fired four stern torpedoes from 2500 yards. No hits were obtained.

1906 hours - Four depth charges were dropped. Block busters, but they were not very close. One destroyer gave us some attention for a while.

2020 hours - Surfaced and cleared the area to the south-east.

2140 hours - Decoded ComSubPac's rebroadcast of USS Tautog which had also contacted and attacked this task force, Tautug also reported a carrier escorted by four destroyers.

27 Jan 1944
USS Swordfish (Capt. K.G. Hensel, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary gunboat Kasagi Maru (3140 GRT, built 1928) about 130 nautical miles south of Tokyo Bay in position 33°31'N, 139°36'E.

(All times are zone -9)
2254 hours - In position 33°41'N, 139°31'E obtained radar contact to the north-east at a range of 14000 yards. Tracked the target as zig-zagging between 120° and 180°. Enemy speed was 12 knots.

2333 hours - Two escorts had now been detected by radar to be in the area as well. Range to the target was now 4500 yards.

2346 hours - Fired four bow torpedoes from 1700 yards. However the target zigged on firing and the torpedoes missed.

2348 hours - In position 33°31'N, 139°36'E fired four stern tubes from 1000 yards. Three hits were obtained.

2354 hours - The target's pip was now longer seen on the radar screen and she must have sunk by now.

3 Feb 1944
USS Swordfish (Capt. K.G. Hensel, USN) made a short stop at Midway before she continued on to Pearl Harbour.

7 Feb 1944
USS Swordfish (Capt. K.G. Hensel, USN) ended her 10th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was escorted in by USS PC 603 (Lt. E.D. Gasson, USNR).

2 Mar 1944
From 2 to 10 March 1944, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) conducted training off Pearl Harbour.

USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) depared Pearl Harbor for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Mariana Islands area.

No daily position are listed in the patrol report of USS Swordfish. The deck log is not available to us (at the moment). The positions displayed on this incomplete map below were taken from the patrol report.

15 Mar 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) made a short stop at Johnston Island. After topping off with fuel and water she departed for her patrol area.

5 Apr 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy to the North-west of the Mariana Islands. She fired a total of eight torpedoes at two Japanese transport ships. A total of three hits were claimed.

Later on the same day Swordfish attacked a Japanese Mutsuki-class destroyer with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Swordfish was depth charged following the attack on the destroyer.

(All times are zone -10)
4 April 1944
0405 hours - Heard distant depth charging.

0410 hours - A lookout sighted a small vessel coming out of a rain squall. Radar picked this ship up at the same time, range was 10000 yards, bearing 185°(T). While Swordfish turned away the enemy was identified as a destroyer. The range closed to 5600 yards but then started to open up again.

0415 hours - Picked up three other pips on radar ranging from 18000 to 15000 yards. Commenced tracking. Started to work into a position for a dawn submerged attack as there was not sufficient time left for an immediate attack during the night. Position was 17°31'N, 142°28'E.

0547 hours - Dived. Went to battle stations. Commenced approach.

0647 hours - Had been tracking the convoy on a course of 285°(T), but at dawn the convoy zigged to 000°(T). We could not get closer then 5000 yards. A small escort turned towards an came to a range of about 3000 yards. Went deep to avoid detection.

0732 hours - Returned to periscope depth.

0740 hours - Heard distant depth charging.

1004 hours - Surfaced.

1050 hours - Sighted and obtained radar contact on a patrol plane. This plane and its relief were over the convoy until about two hours before sunset.

1227 hours - Sighted smoke of the convoy. Commenced an end around run and planned to attack after moonset.

5 April 1944
0439 hours - Started in for attack. Three escorts were seen on the dark side of the convoy which was thought to be made up of .

0513 hours - In position 20°23'N, 141°22'E fired four bow torpedoes at an unidentified freighter from 3100 yards.

0515 hours - Fired four stern torpedoes at a second freighter which was larger then the first one attack. Range was 3000 yards.

Also heard and observed one hit on the first target.

0518 hours - Heard and observed two timed explosions in the second target followed by a large flash and fire. Both targets were now observed to be burning.

0614 hours - Commenced another end around run.

0740 hours - Regained sight contact.

0753 hours - Heard distant depth charging.

0930 hours - Lost sight contact.

1140 hours - With radar contact with the convoy still at 22000 yards sighted a destroyer coming out of the haze and heading directly for Swordfish. Dived and went to battle stations. The destroyer passed 4000 yards astern and dropped 6 depth charges where he thought we were. The destroyer was identified as a Mutsuki-class destroyer.

1319 hours - Sighted the convoy passing with large port angle on the bow. A small escort headed our way. Went deep to avoid. Unable to see if any ships were missing from last night's attack.

1502 hours - After a careful search around through the periscope came to radar depth. All appeared clear so surfaced. Shortly after surfacing the destroyer (see 1140 hours) was sighted again.

1506 hours - Dived. When at periscope depth saw the destroyer rushing towards. Went to battle stations.

1521 hours - In position 21°16'N, 141°21'E fired three MK 18 torpedoes from the stern tubes at this Mutsuki-class destroyer from 1050 yards. One muffled explosion was heard but this was possibly the destroyer dropping depth charges. Swordfish meanwhile went deep.

1522 to 1524 hours - Eight depth charges were dropped, but they were not very close. The destroyer kept pinging but dropped no further depth charges.

1700 hours - Could no longer heard the destroyer.

1900 hours - Surfaced. SJ radar was out of action. Repairs were undertaken.

7 Apr 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) sighted another Japanese convoy north-west of the Mariana Islands. Twice an attack was started but during both attacks the convoy changed course leaving Swordfish unable to fire torpedoes. During the chase after the last failed attack Swordfish was twice detected and bombed by Japanese aircraft and finally the chase was abandoned.

(All times are zone -10)
6 April 1944

1959 hours - In position 21°54'N, 140°50'E obtained radar contact at 2400 yards. Commenced tracking. Moon was almost full and night was very light. Two destroyers were patrolling 6000 to 8000 yards ahead of the convoy.

2300 hours - SJ radar interference from another SJ radar set.

7 April 1944

0045 hours - Received a very garbled message from USS Searaven on 450 Kcs.

0141 hours - With radar range to the leading destroyers at 14000 yards dived to radar depth ahead of the convoy. The convoy had been zigging between 180° and 120° about every 20 to 30 minutes. Went to periscope depth when the range to the nearest destroyer was 10000 yards.

0242 hours - By this time could only see a small escort through the periscope at a range of 3000 yards. Believed the convoy must have changes course radically.

0344 hours - Surfaced and commenced chase to work ahead for another attempt to attack. Kept in radar and sight contact with the convoy.

0735 hours - Sent a contact report on 450 Kcs.

1100 hours - In position 20°10'N, 141°32'E sighted an aircraft near the convoy about 12 nautical miles away coming towards us. Dived to 175 feet. A malfuntion to a valve occured. Temporary repairs were made.

1500 hours - Surfaced and continued the chase of the convoy.

2143 hours - In position ahead of the convoy. Submerged to attack.

2230 hours - Passed right between the two leading destroyers. Again they were 6000 to 8000 yards ahead of the convoy.

2306 hours - By now it had become clear that the convoy had again zigged radically as it had the night before.

8 April 1944

0025 hours - Surfaced and commenced chase.

0343 hours - Heard about 12 depth charges explode.

0435 hours - Heard more depth charges explode. Saw escorts blinking lights and two escorts dropping astern of the convoy. Looked like another submarine had made an attack. Closed to 12000 yards to look for cripples but saw none.

0617 hours - Sighted an anidentified object on the horizon. Closed and identified it as the forward half of a Japanese aircraft, most likely a 'Betty'. This plane was floating nose down and wings about half under water. Took pictures.

0955 hours - In position 18°29'N, 143°04'E obtained SD radar contact at 4 miles. Crash dived, went deep and rigged for depth charges.

0957 hours - One bomb, fairly close, it caused some minor damage.

1000 hours - A second bomb exploded but not close.

1252 hours - Surfaced. Resumed chase of the convoy.

1313 hours - In position 18°32'N, 143°06'E obtained SD radar contact, range 7 nautical miles. Dived.

1315 hours - One bomb exploded. Again fairly close.

1316 hours - A second bomb exploded. Not close. The valve that had been damaged earlier still leaked and three gyro spindles were found to be bent on forward torpedoes. Remained down for repairs and abandoned the chase of the convoy.

21 Apr 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) was ordered to leave her patrol area and to proceed to Majuro.

29 Apr 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) ended her 11th war patrol at Majuro. She was escorted in by USS Sederstrom (Lt. J.P. Farley, USNR).

16 May 1944
During 16-18 May 1944, USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN), conducted training off Majuro.

22 May 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) departed Majuro for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Bonin Islands. Swordfish and USS Grouper (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Wahlig, USN), were escorted out by USS Weaver (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Paret, USNR).

No daily position are listed in the patrol report of USS Swordfish. The deck log is not available to us (at the moment). The positions displayed on this incomplete map below were taken from the patrol report.

9 Jun 1944
While on her 12th war patrol USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese destroyer Matsukaze (offsite link) about 70 nautical miles south-east of Chichi Jima, Bonin Islands in position 26°59'N, 143°13'E.

Matsukaze was escorting convoy No. 3606. This convoy was made up of Sugiyama Maru (4297 GRT, built 1914), Shinroku Maru (2857 GRT, built 1944), Kanseishi Maru (4804 GRT, built 1929), Kaiko Maru (1515 GRT, built 1922), Awaji Maru (2045 GRT, built 1906), Yamatama Maru (4642 GRT, built 1944), Daiten Maru (4642 GRT, built 1943), Ryuko Maru (5626 GRT, built 1936), Toyokawa Maru (5123 GRT, built 1911), Toko Maru (530 GRT, built 1944), Shozui Maru (2719 GRT, built 1940), Miho Maru (4667 GRT, built 1943) and Hakuyo Maru (1391 GRT, built 1942).

Besides Matsukaze the convoy was escorted by the torpedo boat Chidori, the frigates Oki, Amakusa and Nomi, the submarine chasers Ch 16 and Ch 18 and the auxiliary minesweepers Showa Maru No.7 and Showa Maru No.8 (all links are offsite links).

(All times are zone -9)
8 June 1944
1525 hours - In position 29°10'N, 143°17'E sighted a destroyer bearing 290°(T), range 18000 yards. Turned towards to try to pick up the convoy this destroyer was most likely escorting.

2323 hours - In position 27°49'N, 143°08'E obtained radar contact bearing 125°(T). Two ships.

2355 hours - Sighted, in the bright moonlight, six ships, three freighters, two escorts and the destroyer we had been following. Commenced an end around run.

9 June 1944
0315 hours - We were now ahead of the convoy at a range of 16000 yards. Went to battle stations.

0337 hours - Radar range was now 10900 yards. Dived to radar depth. At 8000 yards went to periscope depth. Started an attack on one of the freighters. The destroyer however came near so shifted target.

0416 hours - In position 26°59'N, 143°13'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. Went deep on firing.

0417 hours - Heard two timed explosions.

0419 hours - A depth charge exploded. Most likely one of the destroyers depth charges that was knocked off the destroyers stern when she was hit.

0421 hours - Heard the sounds of a ship breaking up.

0424 hours - Another escort was now heard to approach.

0428 hours - Six distant depth charges were heard to explode.

0434 hours - Eight distant depth charges were heard to explode.

0530 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted one escort and one freighter at a range of 16000 yards. An aircraft was also seen patrolling near the convoy.

0735 hours - Surfaced and commenced chase but it soom became evident the convoy was heading for Chichi Shima which was only 50 nautical miles away so abandoned the chase.

15 Jun 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Kanseishi Maru (4804 GRT, built 1929) about 150 nautical miles north-north-west of Chichi Jima in position 29°30'N, 141°11'E. Two earlier attacks on the convoy Knseishi Maru was part had failed.

Besides Kanseishi Maru, the convoy attacked was made up of Miho Maru (4667 GRT, built 1943), Toyokawa Maru (5123 GRT, built 1911) and Awaji Maru (2045 GRT, built 1906).

They were escorted by the destroyer Satsuki, the frigates Oki, Amakusa and Nomi and the auxiliary minesweepers Showa Maru No.7 and Showa Maru No.8 (all links are offsite links).

(All times are zone -9)
14 June 1944
1410 hours - Sighted smoke.

1500 hours - In position 28°13'N, 140°55'E sighted a convoy consisting of four ships and five escorts. Range was about 20000 yards. Decided to trail the convoy and make a night surface attack.

1715 hours - Lost sight contact with the convoy.

1815 hours - Surfaced and commenced chase.

2048 hours - Regained radar contact with the convoy.

2120 hours - Commenced approach from the port beam of the convoy.

2135 hours - Broke off this approach as we would get to close to one of the escorts. Worked over to the other side of the convoy and commenced approach from the starboard bow.

2255 hours - Swordfish was detected by one of the escorts.

2256 hours - In position 29°21'N, 141°05'E fired four bow tubes at one of the transports from 1975 yards. All missed.

2258 hours - Sighted a small escort 20° on the starboard bow, range 500 yards. This quickly closed to 200 yards before Swordfish was able to maneuver to avoid. The escort dropped no depth charges. The convoy now seemed to disperse so commenced trailing one unidentified which seemed to be separated from the rest.

15 June 1944
0006 hours - Commenced approach on a single ship with one escort ahead and one small escort astern.

0025 hours - In position 29°28'N, 141°04'E fired four bow tubes from a range of 1500 yards. Again all torpedoes missed.

0029 hours - Commenced another approach on the same target.

0104 hours - Again fired four bow torpedoes from 1000 yards. Position was 29°30'N, 141°11'E. Three hits were obtained. The target began to settle by the bow.

0118 hours - The radar pip of the target disappeared. An escort dropped a few depth charges but then started to pick up survivors.

0154 hours - Abandoned the chase of the remainder of the convoy.

22 Jun 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) made an unsuccessful torpedo attack on two trawlers off Iwo Jima. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -9)
1844 hours - Surfaced. In position 26°08'N, 141°28'E sighted two trawlers, range 10000 yards. Commenced an end around run with the targets to port. These trawlers were apparently heading for Iwo Shima, course 200°(T).

2042 hours - While getting ahead of the targets, got radar contact on two other ships on the starboard beam, range 5500 yards. Position was 26°00'N, 141°45'E. Tracked them on course 030° but the pips appeared small so continued tracking the original targets.

2126 hours - The ships were now visible, radar range was 7200 yards.

2225 hours - Ahead of the target. All stopped with the stern pointed at the target and on the targets track. Let the target come up astern and gradually working off track and keeping stern to the target until ...

2310 hours - In position 25°18'N, 141°17'E fired two stern torpedoes for a torpedo run of 1800 yards. One torpedo explosion was heard but neither ship appeared to be hit. It is thought the torpedo might have exploded in the targets wake.

2318 hours - Heard an end of run explosion. It was thought not advisable to fire more torpedoes at these small ships.

27 Jun 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) heavily damaged or sank two Japanese trawlers with gunfire near Chichi-Jima

(All times are zone -9)
26 June 1944
2137 hours - In position 27°00'N, 141°55'E radar contact at a range of 7300 yards.

2147 hours - Sighted six trawlers. Decided to attack by gunfire. These trawlers were tracked on a course of 140°(T) which headed them for Chichi Chima.

2317 hours - Commenced approach on the port quarter of the rear ship.

2328 hours - In position 27°25'N, 141°55'E commenced firing with all guns at the rear ship from a range of 1000 yards.

2330 hours - Ceased firing. Pulled away to clear the jam on the 3" gun. The 20mm fire was very effective. Saw a small fire start on the ship fired upon. He stopped and dropped from the column. Now planned to cripple another one and then finish them both off.

2350 hours - Commenced another approach but now on the 5th ship.

27 June 1944
0010 hours - In position 27°10'N, 141°57'E commenced firing all guns on this ship from 900 yards. From now on until 0120 hours made runs on the target at ranges of 1000 to 500 yards and finally stopping at 300 yards from the target and blasting away. The first hit with the 3" gun on this target was made at 0022 hours.

0120 hours - As the other ships had increased speed to 10 knots it was estimated that they would arrive at Chichi Chima before we could intercept them so with the present target afire from stem to stern and main deck almost awash, commenced search for the trawler previously damaged.

0215 hours - Abandoned the search for the damaged trawler.

0445 hours - Dived.

28 Jun 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) departed her patrol area and set course for Midway.

30 Jun 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) sank or heavily damaged a Japanese picket boat / fishing vessel with gunfire in the North Pacific in position 28°02'N, 153°24'E.

(All times are zone -10)
1412 hours - In position 28°02'N, 154°23'E sighted the masts of three small trawlers. Took a course to get ahead of them.

1715 hours - Dived ahead of the trawlers, enemy speed was 7 knots, enemy course 330°(T). Sighted them through the periscope after diving however numerous rain squalls obscured the targets every now and then. They did not appear to be closing and to be stopped.

1936 hours - Surfaced.

1955 hours - Obtained radar contact on the three trawlers at a range of 6300 yards. Decided on gun action. Commenced approach.

2027 hours - In position 28°02'N, 153°24'E commenced firing all guns on the rear ship, range 900 yards. The enemy promptly returned fire with small calibre mchine guns. however 20mm soon silenced his gunfire. From now on until 2145 hours made runs on the target at ranges of 1000 to 500 yards. The targets speed was abut 10 knots. The target attempted to ram us once.

2150 hours - Secured from battle stations. The target was now down by the stern with water up to the deckhouse amidships, she listed 20° and fires were burning. The other two trawlers had left the scene at the start of the action. As ammunition supply was low we made no effort to search for them.

5 Jul 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) made a short stop at Midway before proceeding towards Pearl Harbour.

9 Jul 1944
USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) ended her 12th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was escorted in by USS PC 485 (Lt. W.C. Sands, USNR). On the 11th Swordfish then went into refit at the Navy Yard there. Refit was completed in early October.

16 Oct 1944
During 16/17 October 1944, the submarines USS Skipjack (T/Cdr. R.S. Andrews, USN), USS Swordfish (T/Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN), USS Albacore (T/Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rimmer, USN), USS Peto (T/Cdr. R.H. Caldwell, Jr., USN), USS Dragonet (T/Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) all conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. These included night exercises. Also participating in these exercises were the destroyer minelayer USS Ramsay (Lt. R.R. Pollard, Jr., USNR) and the destroyer escorts USS Connolly (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Collier, USNR) and USS Hemminger (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Bodler, USNR)

22 Dec 1944
USS Swordfish (Cdr. K.E. Montross, USN) left Pearl Harbor for her 13th war patrol. She was to patrol of Nansei Shoto. On 26 December 1944 she topped off with fuel at Midway. On 2 January 1945, she was ordered to patrol clear of the Nansei Shoto area until completion of scheduled air strikes. She acknowledged receipt of these orders on 3 January. No further communication was received from the submarine. On 15 February, after repeated attempts to contact her by radio had failed, she was reported as presumed lost, the victim of unknown causes.

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