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Notable events involving Seadragon include:

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

This page was last updated in January 2017.

10 Dec 1941
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) was alongside USS Sealion (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Voge, USN) when this submarine was bombed and heavily damaged at the Cavite Navy Yard. Seadragon herself was slightly damaged during the attack. The force of the explosion aboard Sealion ripped off part of Sealion's bridge. Shrapnel and splinters punctured Seadragon's tanks and pierced her conning tower, killing one and wounding five of her crew. The heat of the explosion also scorched her hull and blistered her paint.

16 Dec 1941
After temporary repairs USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) left Manila with members of the Asiatic Fleet staff aboard. She was escorted to Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies by USS Bulmer (Cdr. L.J. Manees, USN). At Surabaya She landed her passengers and made further repairs.

20 Dec 1941
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) arrived at Makassar, Netherlands East Indies.

22 Dec 1941
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) (most likely) departed Makassar for Surabaya.

24 Dec 1941
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) (most likely) arrived at Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies.

30 Dec 1941
After repairs by the USS Holland, USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) left Surabaya for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea off the coast of Indochina.

No map for this patrol can be displayed as the patrol report does not contain much positions.

10 Jan 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer with two torpedoes off Camranh Bay. No hits were obtained.

Later the same day Seadragon attacked a transport in a convoy off Camranh Bay with two torpedoes. Again no hits were obtained.

In the evening Seadragon was detected and depth charged by a Japanese destroyer.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0530 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 180°(T).

0536 hours - Dived and started an attack on an approaching destroyer.

0605 hours - Fired two torpedoes at a destroyer though to be of the Fubiki-class from 1500 yards. Both torpedoes missed. No counter attack followed. Position was about 10 miles east of Camranh Bay.

0735 hours - Sighted the same destroyer patrolling. Decided not to attack again as the destroyer might be patrolling the area before a convoy arrived.

0830 hours - The destroyer disappeared to the south.

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

1214 hours - Sound picked up screws bearing 015°(T).

1247 hours - At periscope depth. Sighted a convoy of eleven transports escorted by a light cruiser and three destroyers. Started attack.

1305 hours - As Seadragon could not get any closer fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards at the last transport in the column. No hits. Position was about 8 miles east of Camranh Bay.

1420 hours - The convoy headed for Camranh Bay. Two of the destroyers came back out and started a hunt for the attacker. Seadragon meanwhile retired from the area.

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

1942 hours - Sighted a destroyer bearing 250°(T). Changed course and attempted to run away undetected but the destroyer trained a searchlight on Seadragon. Dived to 250 feet and evaded two depth charge attacks.

2000 hours - A second destroyer joined the hunt. Seadragon meanwhile retired to the east.

2245 hours - Lost all contact with the destroyers.

2320 hours - Surfaced and continued to retire to the east.

12 Jan 1942
At 1642 hours (zone H, -8), USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN), was bombed by an enemy aircraft while at periscope depth trying to attack an emeny merchant vessel. Three salvoes of several bombs were dropped close aboard but caused no damage. Seadragon went to 200 feet and retired to the eastward.

17 Jan 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked a Japanese merchant of transport with two torpedoes off Hon Lon Island. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone H, -8)
16 January 1942
2308 hours - Sighted a white light bearing 058°(T). Changed course to investigate.

2326 hours - Sighted a second white light bearing 090°(T). Determened the first while light to be a steamer heavily loaded on a course of 180°(T), speed 9 knots. Started attack.

17 January 1942
0042 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 500 yards. No hits. One of the torpedoes appeared to circle to the right. Submerged to avoid possible detection.

0058 hours - Surfaced and closed for another attack.

0142 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1200 yards. Again no hits.

0145 hours - Retired to the northwest.

23 Jan 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese merchant Fukuyo Maru (5463 GRT, built 1921) northeast of Camranh Bay.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0037 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 227°(T). Closed to investigate.

0043 hours - Sighted two more ships astern of the first ship. Started tracking them.

0100 hours - Sighted what appeared to be a fourth ship well astern of the others. Their course was 355°(T), speed 9 knots. Ran to the north ahead of this column of ships.

0547 hours - Dived.

0659 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 170°(T). Started attack.

0806 hours - Fired one torpedo at the leading ship from 1200 yards. It hit on the port quarter.

0808 hours - Fired one torpedo at the second ship in the column from a range of 1500 yards. It missed.

0814 hours - Fired another torpedo at the second ship in the column which was now standing by the damaged ship. Torpedo run was 650 yards. It missed. Both the other ships were seen to leave the area. The leading ship was observed to be listing to port and down by the stern. In company with the second ship she made for the beach.

0855 hours - Battle surfaced.

0856 hours - Opened fire with the deck gun from 3000 yards. Expended 12 rounds of 3". No hits were obtained.

0859 hours - Sighted an aircraft. Dived to 200 feet.

25 Jan 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked an emeny merchant / transport vessel with two torpedoes off Cape Varella. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0818 hours - Sound reported screws bearing 010°(T).

0820 hours - Sighted a loaded merchant vessel bearing 025°(T) on course 175°(T), speed 10 knots. Started attack.

0825 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1650 yards. No hits were obtained.

26 Jan 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) was detected by a Japanese destroyer and depth charged.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0000 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 320°(T). It was at first thought to be a submarine.

0004 hours - Identified the ship as a destroyer. Dived to 250 feet.

0008 hours - Depth charging started. A total of 8 patterns were dropped. Seadragon went to 300 feet. The attack caused some minor damage.

0115 hours - Lost sound contact with the destroyer.

0240 hours - Surfaced.

1 Feb 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked the Japanese merchant Arizona Maru (9685 GRT, built 1920) with two torpedoes off San Fernando Point, Luzon, Philippines. According to the Japanese one torpedo hit the target but it was a dud.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0912 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 010°(T). Commenced approach.

0929 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 013°(T).

0925 hours - Sighted three more ships in company.

0957 hours - Started attack.

1021 hours - Fired one torpedo at the leading ship, thought to be 6000 tons. Range was 850 yards. It missed.

1025 hours - Fired a stern torpedo from from 800 yards. The result could not be observed but several explosions were head. Seadragon retired to the northwest.

2 Feb 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and sank Japanese transport ship Tamagawa Maru (6441 GRT, built 1938) off Cape Bolinao, Luzon, Philippines in position 17°16'N, 119°48'E. The other target in this attack was the Nisshu Maru (5948 GRT, built 1917). This ship was not hit.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0350 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 340°(T). Changed course to investigate.

0416 hours - Sighted two ships bearing 338°(T). Dived and commenced approach.

0443 hours - Started attack on a column of five ships on a southerly course.

0522 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the fourth ship in the column from 500 yards. Both hit.

0530 hours - Fired one torpedo at the fifth ship in the column from 1200 yards. It missed.

0600 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 060°(T) at a range of 4500 yards. Started attack.

0653 hours - Fired one torpedo from 800 yards. It missed. It was now seen that this was our first target. She was settling by the stern and was being abandoned.

0700 hours - Retired to the northwest.

4 Feb 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) arrived at Corregidor.

5 Feb 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) evacuates 21 army and navy personnel, 23 torpedoes, 4,000 pounds of submarine spares, and 3,000 pounds of radio equipment from Corregidor. She was ordered to take these men and supplies to Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies.

13 Feb 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) ended her first war patrol at Surabaya.

21 Feb 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) departed Surabaya for Tjilatjap. While en-route she was ordered to proceed to Fremantle, Australia instead after picking up naval personnel.

4 Mar 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) arrived at Fremantle, Australia.

16 Mar 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) departed Fremantle for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.

No map for this patrol can be displayed as the patrol report does not contain much positions.

25 Mar 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) made the northbound transfer of Lombok Strait.

31 Mar 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) was ordered to proceed to Cebu to load stores and fuel for Corregidor.

3 Apr 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) arrived at Cebu.

4 Apr 1942
Having embarked stores and fuel, USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN), departed Cebu for Corregidor.

8 Apr 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) delivers 7 tons of food to Corregidor and had some of her diesel fuel pumped out for the Corregidor supply tanks. She evacuates 21 naval radio and communications intelligence people.

11 Apr 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked but missed a Japanese destroyer with three torpedoes off Subic Bay. One torpedo exploded prematurely. Another torpedo was seen to broach and circle.

(All times are zone H, -8)
1649 hours - Sighted a destroyer, looked like the same one sighted in the morning. She was coming out of Subic Bay bearing 340°(T). Changed our course and commenced approach.

1720 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1800 yards but 29 seconds after firing the first torpedo prematured. At about the same time the second torpedo was seen to broach and circle abeam of the target. Went to 200 feet to avoid this torpedo and expected depth charge attack.

1730 hours - Six depth charges were dropped but not close.

1803 hours - At periscope depth. The destroyer was now 6000 yards away. One of his friends had come out of Subic Bay and had joined the hunt.

1815 hours - One of the destroyers came towards. Went to 200 feet again. Seadragon was hunted for the remainer of the day and only surfaced next morning at 0101 hours.

20 Apr 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) made the southbound transfer of Lombok Strait.

26 Apr 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Fremantle.

11 Jun 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) departed from Fremantle for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea. Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN).

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

16 Jun 1942
In the evening USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) made the northbound passage of Lombok Strait on the surface.

4 Jul 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) twice attacked a Japanese convoy north-east of Camranh Bay. A total of three torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0343 hours - In position 13°01'N, 109°39'E sighted three ships on a southerly course bearing 325°(T). Moonlight astern of Seadragon so ran ahead for a dawn attack.

0500 hours - Now well ahead of the convoy.

0521 hours - Dived.

0747 hours - In position 12°30'N, 109°33'E fired one torpedo, from a range of 1600 yards, at the leading ship, an old freighter of about 3000 tons. Missed ahead due to an error in her speed estimate. Should have used two torpedoes. The second ship in line was an old freighter of about 2000 tons and the third an old freighter of about 1500 tons. All were coal burners. After the target had passed through the torpedo wake all ships were seen to change course towards Seadragon. The leading ship proceeded down the torpedo track firing her bow gun. About 30 shots were fired.

0759 hours - All ships now headed towards the shore. Seadragon now headed towards the eastern point of Hon Lon Island to intercept the ships as they came down the coast.

1000 hours - The convoy had entered van Fang Bay and proceeded south inshore of the islands.

1050 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 195°(T).

1134 hours - In position 12°16'N, 109°26'E sighted two freighters on course 015°(T), range 13000 yards. Started attack.

1232 hours - In position 12°15'N, 109°26'E fired two torpedoes at the leading ship but tube no.1 did not fire. The other torpedo missed astern. Range on firing was 1100 yards.

1234 hours - Fired another torpedo at the leading ship but she maneuvered to avoid and it missed.

1237 hours - Fired one torpedo at the second target from 600 yards. Most likely it ran under.

1241 hours - The targets headed inshore. In the afternoon Seadragon was bombed twice by aircraft but no damage was sustained.

12 Jul 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Hiyama Maru (6171 GRT, built 1920) off Cam Ranh Bay, French Indochina in position 13°48'N, 109°33'E.

(All times are zone H, -8)
11 July 1942
2325 hours - In position 13°16'N, 109°32'E sighted smoke bearing 247°. Tracked the target from a range of 5000 yards.

12 July 1942
0156 hours - Started attack.

0212 hours - In position 13°48'N, 109°33'E fired three torpedoes from 700 yards at a heavily laden freighter of about 6000 ton. Two hits were obtained.

0213 hours - Dived to avoid possible gun action.

0219 hours - Surfaced. Observed the ships stern to be settling and boats in the water.

13 Jul 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Shinyo Maru (4163 GRT, built 1938) northeast of Cape Varella, French Indochina in position 13°04'N, 109°39'E.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0555 hours - In position 13°04'N, 109°39'E sighted a freighter similar to Shinyo Maru on course 340°(T), speed 12 knots, range 7000 yards. Started attack.

0617 hours - Fired two torpedoes. One was seen to hit about 50 feet abaft the stem and the vessel immediately settled by the bow. Cleared the area to the northwestward.

16 Jul 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Hakodate Maru (5303 GRT, built 1919) north of Cape Varella, French Indochina in position 12°55'N, 109°29'E. She was en-route from Formasa to Bankok.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0923 hours - In position 12°58'N, 109°33'E sighted a freighter bearing 301°(T) at a range of 16000 yards. She was on a southerly course.

0933 hours - Sighted a convoy of four ships bearing 327°(T), range 16000 yards. Closed Varella lighthouse at high speed to be in a position to attack.

1037 hours - In position 12°55'N, 109°29'E fired two torpedoes at the second ship in the column from a range of about 1250 yards. Both torpedoes hit the beach after almost five minutes. All ships then turned towards and started firing their guns.

1044 hours - Fired two stern torpedoes at the last ship in the column from 2750 yards. This was a freighter, lightly laden of about 7000 ton. After almost two minutes a torpedo explosion was heard. Seadragon meanwhile had gone to 100 feet.

1052 hours - Returned to periscope depth and could see only three ships. Went to 240 feet and made off for deeper water.

26 Jul 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked an escorted enemy merchant / transport vessel west of Makassar. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone H, -8)
1101 hours - In position 05°21'S, 118°53'E sighted a ship bearing 072°(T), range 10000 yards. She was on a northerly course and was escorted by a small high speed patrol vessel. Started attack.

1120 hours - The merchant / transport changed course to the westward. She looked like Olympia Maru and was of about 5600 tons.

1155 hours - In position 05°19'S, 118°52'E fired two torpedoes from 2100 yards. Both missed ahead.

1158 hours - The escort came down the torpedo tracks and dropped two depth charges at random. Seadragon had gone to 200 feet and was proceeded to the south to retire from the area.

28 Jul 1942
In the early morning hours USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) made the southbound passage of Lombok Strait on the surface.

2 Aug 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Fremantle.

26 Aug 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) departed from Fremantle for her 4th war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea off French Indochina.

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

29 Aug 1942
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) fuelled to capacity at Exmouth Gulf before proceeding to her patrol area.

1 Sep 1942
During daylight hours USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) made the northbound passage of Lombok Strait submerged.

22 Sep 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked an enemy transport vessel and later a heavy cruiser off Camranh Bay. All torpedoes fired missed their targets.

The heavy cruiser attacked was in fact the light cruiser Kashii which arrived at Camranh Bay that day.

(All times are zone H, -8)
0143 hours - In position 12°12'N, 109°25'E sighted a ship bearing 343°(T) at a range of 8000 yards. Enemy course was 190°(T), speed 6 knots.

0200 hours - Dived and commenced approach from periscope depth.

0235 hours - In position 12°11'N, 109°23'E fired three torpedoes from 2050 yards. No hits.

0255 hours - Surfaced with the target bearing 240°(T). Circled the target to the eastward for a dawn attack.

0540 hours - Dived.

0613 hours - In position 11°43'N, 109°19'E sighted smoke bearing 007°(T). Commenced approach. Enemy course was 210°(T), speed 6 knots.

0650 hours - In position 11°44'N, 109°18'E sighted ships 209°(T) and 202°(T).

0656 hours - Identified these ships as a heavy cruiser of the Atago class with two destroyers escorting. Started attack on the cruiser.

0722 hours - In position 11°43'N, 109°18'E fired four torpedoes from 2050 yards and went deep on firing. No hits.

0724 hours - Went to 230 feet.

0742 hours - Received a well executed depth charge attack. Retired to the eastward.

30 Sep 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy north-north-east of Camranh Bay. A transport of 7000 ton was claimed to have been sunk but this was not the case.

(All times are zone H, -8)
29 September 1942
2139 hours - In position 12°20'N, 109°27'E sighted smoke bearing 171°(T). Closed to investigate. The contact was later seen to be a convoy of three transports, one tanker and one escort.

30 September 1942
0122 hours - In position 12°27'N, 109°29'E fired four torpedoes at the first and the second ship. The first ship was a transport of 7000 ton, the second ship was a 5000 ton tanker. The transport is claimed to have been sunk.

0124 hours - Dived.

0159 hours - Surfaced and circled the convoy to the eastward.

0225 hours - One of the escort vessels turned on a searchlight and illuminated Seadragon. Crash dived and rigged for depth charging.

0234 hours - Received six depth charges, all astern.

0340 hours - Surfaced and circled to the eastward.

0629 hours - Smoke of the convoy now 270°(T). Came to the conclusion that it was not possible to close again for another attack.

10 Oct 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese troop transport Shigure Maru (1579 GRT, built 1920) off Samarinda, Borneo, Netherlands East Indies in position 01°01'S, 117°23'E.

(All times are zone H, -8)
1041 hours - In position 01°00'S, 117°21'E sighted smoke bearing 073°(T). Closed to investigate.

1151 hours - In position 01°01'S, 117°23'E fired two torpedoes at an enemy merchant / transport vessel from a range of 900 yards. The vessel was hit and was seen to sink very quickly.

13 Oct 1942
During the night of 13/14 October 1942, USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN), made the southbound passage of Lombok Strait on the surface.

17 Oct 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf where she transferred 9000 gallons of fuel to USS Tautog (Cdr. J.H. Willingham, Jr., USN). She departed for Fremantle later the same day.

20 Oct 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) ended her 4th war patrol at Fremantle.

23 Oct 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) departed Fremantle for Brisbane via Bass Strait.

2 Nov 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) arrived at Brisbane where she was refitted by USS Griffin and USS Fulton.

23 Nov 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) left Brisbane, Australia for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Bismarck Archipelago before proceeding to Pearl Harbour and eventually the US West Coast for a refit.

For daily and attack positions for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

8 Dec 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Seadragon was depth charged following this attack but she was not damaged.

The Japanese destroyers Isonami, Inazuma, Asashio, Arashio, Yugumo and Kazagumo all departed Rabaul that day for a troop transport run to Buna, New Guinea and were the destroyers sighted. For the moment it is not known to us which of these destroyers was the one actually attacked by Seadragon.

(All times are zone L, -11)
0755 hours - In position 04°22'S, 152°27'E sighted masts of ships bearing 341°(T).

0801 hours - Commenced approach on three destroyers in column bearing 339°(T), range 8400 yards, enemy course 165°(T), speed 14 knots.

0803 hours - With the range now 7200 yards decided to cross the column to the westward for a stern tube shot.

0811 hours - While crossing the column the targets had made a large left zig resulting in in a minimum range of 3000 yards. Swung to 135° hoping for a zig towards but even with e zig by the enemy to 200°(T) the minimum range was 2700 yards.

0824 hours - Sighted three more destroyers in column to the eastward.

0829 hours - In position 04°35'S, 152°30'E sighted a single destroyer, thought to be Fubuki (Amagiri) class on course 350°(T), bearing 195°(T), distance 7400 yards, speed 17.5 knots.

0838 hours - In position 04°31'S, 152°30'E fired three torpedoes from 1450 yards. The first torpedo was seen to throw up a plume of smoke and the target was able to avoid.

0848 hours - Received the first of 15 depth charges but none were close.

0902 hours - Screws faded out on bearing 032°(T).

0912 hours - Heard 5 heavy explosions fairly close. Most likely aircraft bombs.

1035 hours - Returned to periscope depth. All clear.

11 Dec 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese troop transport Johore Maru (6187 GRT, built 1932) off Cape St. George in position 04°55'S, 152°44'E.

(All times are zone L, -11)
0610 hours - In position 04°57'S, 152°51'E sighted a ship on a southerly course bearing 195°(T).

0615 hours - Commenced approach on a freighter of about 4800 ton. She was lightly laden and escorted by a minesweeper. Range was 14000 yards, enemy speed 10 knots.

0700 hours - In position 04°55'S, 152°44'E fired two torpedoes at the freighter from 1280 yards. One hit was observed under the main mast.

0704 hours - Now at 250 feet and rigged for depth charges.

0705 hours - Received the first of 8 depth charges.

0719 hours - While working up back to periscope depth sound reported screws approaching.

0729 hours - In the next 11 minutes 3 more depth charges were dropped.

0750 hours - At periscope depth. The freighter was now at a range of 9000 yards. She was listing to starboard and down by the stern.

0945 hours - Commenced trailing the enemy. The ship was not going to sink and the minesweeper had taken her in tow.

1343 hours - Had to abandon the chase as we could not catch the ship before it would arrive near Rabaul.

20 Dec 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer out of a group of three with three torpedoes off the St. George Channel. All torpedoes missed. No counter attack followed.

(All times are zone L, -11)
2130 hours - In position 04°52'S, 152°38'E sighted three destroyers bearing 340°(T), range 12000 yards. Enemy course was 120°(T), speed 21 knots. Closed to attack.

2134 hours - Dived.

2150 hours - In position 04°55'S, 152°40'E fired three torpedoes at the rear destroyer. Range was 1000 yards. All missed.

2157 hours - Heard the torpedoes explode at the end of their run. No counter attack followed.

2225 hours - Surfaced.

21 Dec 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese submarine I-4 (offsite link) between New Britain and New Ireland in position 05°02'S, 152°33'E. I-4 is proceeding to Guadalcanal with supplies.

(All times are zone L, -11)
0620 hours - In position 05°05'S, 152°33'E sighted submarine of the I-68 class bearing 168°(T), range 6000 yards and on a northerly course. Started attack.

0638 hours - In position 05°02'S, 152°33'E fired three torpedoes from 850 yards. One hit was obtained in the stern of the enemy. Shortly after firing the third torpedo a terrific explosion occured. The forward torpedo room reported that the outer door of tube no.1 could not be closed followed that they believed that they had a hot run in that tube. Meanwhile the enemy submarine was seen to sink stern first.

0646 hours - Fired no.1 tube. The torpedo exploded gaving Seadragon another shaking up.

25 Dec 1942
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese transport ship Nankai Maru (8416 GRT, built 1933) off Cape St. George, New Britain in position 05°05'S, 152°28'E. Nankai Maru was escorted by the destroyer Uzuki. While attempting to take the damaged transport in tow Uzuki collided with Nankai Maru and was also damaged. The destroyers Naganami, Tanikaze, Airake and Urakaze were now ordered to the scene where Airake took Nankai Maru in tow and Urakaze towed Uzuki. Both casualties made it to Rabaul for repairs.

(All times are zone L, -11)
1900 hours - In position 04°58'S, 152°31'E sighted a transport with a destroyer escort bearing 311°(T), range 11000 yards. Commenced approach for an attack.

1933 hours - In position 04°58'S, 152°31'E fired four torpedoes from the stern tubes at the transport thought to be of about 6000 ton. Range was 2550 yards. One hit was observed just forward of the bridge.

1938 hours - The destroyer dropped two depth charges.

1942 hours - Two more depth charges were dropped by the destroyer.

1950 hours - Having lost the target and the destroyer due to darkness went to 200 feet to wait for the moon to rise.

2137 hours - Sighted the target down by the bow bearing 197°(T), range 4000 yards, with the destroyer alongside. Closed for another attack.

2203 hours - In position 05°05'S, 152°29'E fired four stern torpedoes from 1400 yards.

2204 hours - Head a loud explosion.

2208 hours - Another loud explosion, either a torpedo at the end of it's run or the ships boilers exploding.

2215 hours - Sound reported numerous explosions, possibly a ship breaking up. Went to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

7 Jan 1943
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall) ended her 5th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was escorted in by USS Litchfield (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Campbell, USN).

9 Jan 1943
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall) departed Pearl Harbor for the Mare Island Navy Yard where she was to refit. She was escorted out by USS Litchfield (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Campbell, USN).

15 Jan 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) arrived at the Mare Island Navy Yard where she commenced a refit.

8 Apr 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) started a period of trials off San Francisco.

17 Apr 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed San Francisco for Pearl Harbour.

23 Apr 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour from San Francisco.

24 Apr 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) was docked at Pearl Harbour.

30 Apr 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) was undocked.

2 May 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

3 May 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

4 May 1943
During 4 and 5 May 1943, USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN), conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. These included night exercises.

6 May 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

9 May 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Caroline / Marshall Islands area.

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

11 May 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) topped off with fuel at Johnston Island before proceeding towards her patrol area.

13 Jun 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) claims to have damaged (or sunk) a large Japanese transport vessel off Roi.

(All times are zone L, -11)
1450 hours - In position 09°30'N, 167°30'E sighted masts of a ship zigzagging on base course 220°(T). Commenced approach. The ship was a transport escorted by two trawlers as escorts. One ahead and the other trailing. An aircraft was patrolling overhead.

1526 hours - Fired four bow torpedoes from 1500 yards. After firing the second torpedo a bomb exploded close aboard on the starboard quarter. Two torpedoes hit the target amidships.

1530 hours - The target lay stopped, low in the water with a large list to port. One escort was heading towards our position. Upon swinging the periscope aft picked up what appeared to be a torpedo boat or small destroyer very close and headig right at us. Went deep and rigged for depth charging. A last look at the target showed her stern almost under.

1532 hours - Depth charging started. Two of them were very close. Between 1532 and 1615 hours ten attacks were made in which a total of 28 depth charges were dropped. All were quite close and some minor damage was sustained.

1914 hours - Surfaced.

21 Jun 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) ended her 6th war patrol at Midway. Refit was then commenced by USS Sperry.

3 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed Midway for Pearl Harbour. Repairs had to be undertaken to the steering gear and this was not possible at Midway.

7 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour.

8 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) was docked at Pearl Harbour.

11 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) was undocked.

12 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

13 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

14 Jul 1943
During 14/15 July 1943 USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. These included night exercises.

15 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

18 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Marshall Islands area. Seadragon was escorted out by USS PC 588 (Lt. J.R. Hinton Jr., USNR).

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

20 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) topped off with fuel at Johnston Island before proceeding towards her patrol area.

27 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) claims to have damaged a grounded freighter at Wake Island.

(All times are zone L, -11)
0910 hours - Sighted a ship with her bow on the beach east of the channel to the lagoon.

1110 hours - Decided to fire two torpedoes at this ship, an older (coal burner) transport of 5000 ton.

1136 hours - From position 19°20'N, 166°32'E fired two torpedoes from the bow tubes from 2200 yards. Two hits were obtained but the first torpedo was a dud. When the smoke had cleared the barge that was alongside the ship had disappeared and the ship itself was now down by the stern with water up to the after deckhouse. Two patrol boats and a trawler were now seen to come out of the lagoon to hunt the attacker. Went deep.

1156 hours - Three depth charges were dropped.

1220 hours - Two depth charges were dropped.

1231 hours - Two depth charges were dropped.

1335 hours - Went to periscope depth. Six aircraft were seen patrolling nearby.

1338 hours - Three bombs were dropped. Went deep again. Until 1626 hours Seadragon came to periscope depth seven times and each time she was greeted by a salvo of aircraft bombs.

1912 hours - Surfaced.

31 Jul 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) claims to have damaged a small freighter south-west of Wake Island.

(All times are zone L, -11)
1133 hours - In position 17°30'N, 164°00'E sighted smoke bearing 010°(T). Made out the tops of a ship on a course of 195°(T). Dived.

1203 hours - The ship was seen to be a small freighter of about 3000 ton that was seen at Wake Island two days before. She was accompanied by two escorts and one aircraft.

1249 hours - In position 17°40'N, 163°58'E fired three torpedoes from the after tubes from 2000 yards. One hit aft was obtained. Enemy course was 188°(T), speed 11.5 knots.

1252 hours - The target was obscured by heavy black smoke.

1255 hours - The trailing escort dropped one depth charge.

1256 hours - The target had pulled clear of the smoke but lay stopped. A second depth charge was dropped.

1257 hours - Went deep as one of the escorts was coming towards. Between 1259 and 1316 hours six depth charges were dropped. None were very close.

1320 hours - Suffered an electrical fire in the after torpedo room.

1325 hours - The fire was out.

1335 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target appeared to be underway but was still smoking heavily. The escorts were heading towards us again so went deep.

1355 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target was now much further away, still smoking heavily. Had to go deep again due to a patrolling aircraft.

1405 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target appeared to be stopped at a range of 9000 yards and was still smoking heavily. Again had to go deep due to the escorts.

1608 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

4 Aug 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) claims to have either damaged or sunk a Japanese freighter from a convoy south-south-west of Eniwetok.

(All times are zone L, -11)
1525 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 260°(T).

1604 hours - Sighted a plane, range 10 miles. Dived.

1814 hours - Made out the target as a four ship convoy with one torpedo boat as escort. The convoy was in two colums and on a base course of 265°(T). The escort was trailing between the two colums. Three of the ships were transports of about 5000 ton each, the other ship was a passenger-freighter of about 6000 ton.

1920 hours - In position 07°40'N, 160°45'E fired two torpedoes from the after tubes at the leading transport in the starboard column from a range of 1900 yards. One hit was obtained. The explosion was not very loud. A big column of smoke was seen to come out of the targets forward hatch. The target stopped.

1926 hours - Went deep as the torpedo boat acted like he had detected us.

1928 hours - Depth charging started. Until 1937 hours a total of eight depth charges were dropped. All were deep and rather close.

2031 hours - Started to come up to periscope depth but the escort was still patrolling overhead.

2050 hours - Went deep again as sound reported the escort coming closer.

2158 hours - Surfaced and commenced radar search of the area.

2330 hours - Unable to pick up anything. Took up base course of te convoy and went ahead on all four engines. Early the next moring two transports were sighted but Seadragon as not able to attack.

7 Aug 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) claims to have sunk two 5000 ton freighters off Kwajalein.

(All times are zone L, -11)
6 August 1943
0822 hours - Sighted masts of convoy bearing 250°(T).

1122 hours - The convoy passed to the south of Seadragon. Minimum range was 6500 yards. The ships were in the same formation as yesterday and an aircraft was patrolling ahead. Decided to trail instead of getting ahead due to this aircraft for a night attack.

1250 hours - Surfaced.

1514 hours - Dived as the aircraft came closer, although he was too low or too far away for the radar to pick her up.

1546 hours - Surfaced, continued trailing the convoy.

1805 hours - The aircraft left the convoy. Went to full speed ahead.

2120 hours - Radar contact bearing 320°(T), range 16000 yards. Decided to attack from the convoy's starboard bow.

2241 hours - Seadragon was sighted by the enemy due to lightning. One of the escorts came towards. Changed course to the south to open up the range. The convoy inreased speed from 9 to 12 knots and scattered. After the range had increased from 7000 to 10000 yards came around to take up a position on the starboard quarter of the nearest ship and wait until the convoy had settled down.

2304 hours - The convoy appeared to have settled down. Speed had been reduced again to 9 knots and the ships had regained their previous positions. Commenced approach on the last ship on the starboard flank.

2324 hours - On reaching a range of 6000 yard another flash of lightning lit up the scene and again Seadragon was sighted. One of the escorts again came towards. Reversed course and opened range. Decided to attack from the port flank although this side would gie Seadragon a lighter background.

7 August 1943
0014 hours - While crossing astern of the convoy, radar made a contact, range 2500 yards ahead. Reversed course and went to full speed ahead. Radar kept this target for about a minute and a half before it disappeared. Nothing was sighted from the bridge.

0025 hours - Came around to make another try at the port flank of the convoy.

0159 hours - In position 08°49'N, 167°23'E fired four torpedoes from the forward tubes from 2600 yards at overlapping targets. Three hits were obtained on the ships beyond the intended target.

0204 hours - The escorts started dropping depth charges, numerous explosions were heard until 0221 hours.

0205 hours - Came around astern of the convoy and opened the range to 8000 yards to see what was going on.

0219 hours - One of the pips on the radar slowly disappeared. Shortly after it disappeared sound reported an explosion.

0221 hours - The pip from the other transport also disappeared again followed by an explosion.

0224 hours - The only pips left on the screen were the small ones from the escorts at a range of 9500 yards. Range finally faded out at 11000 yards.

0507 hours - Dived.

28 Aug 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) made a short stop at Johnston Island to take on board some fuel before proceeding towards Pearl Harbour.

30 Aug 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) ended her 7th war patrol at Pearl Harbor where she was refitted by USS Holland.

18 Sep 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

19 Sep 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

24 Sep 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 8th war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol in the Marshall Islands area. She was escorted out by USS PC 587 (Lt. R.E. Trumble, Jr., USNR).

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

26 Sep 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) topped off with fuel at Johnston Island before proceeding towards her patrol area.

13 Oct 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) claims to have sunk a Japanese cargo-passenger vessel of Kwajalein.

(All times are zone L, -11)
11 October 1943
2151 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 280°(T). Changed course to gain a position ahead. Decided to go for a dawn attack as light conditions were not satisfactory for a night approach.

12 October 1943
0444 hours - Radar had not picked up the target but the target was fairly visible through glasses, dived believing the target was at least 13000 yards away.

0518 hours - Picked up the target through the periscope. She had already passed us, range was now about 3500 yards. Sound had not picked her up. Range on diving must have ben only about 8000 yards instead of the estimated 13000 yards.

0530 hours - As light conditions improved identified the target as a cargo-passenger ship of about 8000 ton, with a large trawler as escort. The target appeared to be on a base course of 090°(T), speed was estimated as 8 knots.

0709 hours - Surfaced.

1247 hours - Obtained a position dead ahead of the target on her estimated base course. Range was 16000 yards. Dived.

1305 hours - Had a first good look at the target. Commenced approach.

1455 hours - Discontinued the attack as the range could not be closed further then 3800 yards. He must have changed it's base course just as we dived.

1631 hours - Surfaced and commenced chasing the target. Intended to make a moonlight radar approach around 2300 hours.

2015 hours - Lost contact with the target.

2100 hours - Unable to regain contact. Believed the target had changed course to the north. Changed course accordingly.

13 October 1943
0304 hours - Sighted our target bearing 160°(T). Went ahead full on all four engines to get ahead before daybreak.

0448 hours - The target and escort reversed course, probably they had sighted us. Our SJ radar was not functioning properly, range was about 7000 yards and it did not pick up the target.

0500 hours - Dived as it was getting light and we were only 15 miles from Kwajalein.

0525 hours - The target and escort had reversed course again and were coming towards. Commenced approach.

0557 hours - In position 08°45'N, 167°08'E fired four stern torpedoes from 2200 yards. Two torpedo hits were heard about two minutes after firing.

0600 hours - The targets screws stopped.

0602 hours - The target was dead in the water, broadside to us.

0604 hours - Went deep as the escort was seen to come towards.

0606 hours - Heard a heavy explosion in the direction of the target.

0618 hours - Three depth charges were dropped.

0630 hours - Started to come up to periscope depth. Another depth charge or an aerial bomb was dropped.

0645 hours - At periscope depth. Only the escort was sighted lying-to where the target was last sighted. Two floatplanes were circling overhead. Considered the target sunk.

31 Oct 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed her patrol area to return to Pearl Harbour.

5 Nov 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) ended her 8th war patrol at Pearl Harbor where she was refitted by USS Holland.

14 Dec 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Caroline Islands area. She was escorted out by USS SC 1055 (Lt.(jg) R.A. Wilks, USNR).

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

16 Dec 1943
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) topped off with fuel at Johnston Island before proceeding towards her patrol area.

9 Jan 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy north-west of Truk and claims the possible sinking of a transport ship.

(All times are zone K, -10)
8 January 1944
1852 hours - In position 09°30'N, 149°33'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 345°(T), range 19000 yards.

1855 hours - Went ahead on three engines, charging on the fourth. Commenced tracking. The contact developed into three large pips and two smaller ones.

2302 hours - Obtained a position ahead at a range of 11000 yards. There were three large ships in line ahead and two small escorts, one on each flank.

2310 hours - The convoy changed course radically to the west.

9 January 1944
0149 hours - Again obtained a position ahead, now at a range of 8000 yards. Dived and started an approach from radar depth.

0218 hours - In position 10°20'N, 149°28'E fired four torpedoes from the bow tubes at the right flank ship, a transport. This ship was the largest of the three ships. Range was 1700 yards. Three torpedo explosions were heard after about one and a minute.

0221 hours - Took a look at the target which was completely obscured by a large cloud of black smoke rising about 200 feet into the air.

0222 hours - Three depth charges were dropped.

0223 hours - Two more depth charges were dropped, they were close. Took a look at the nearest escort, which was very close with zero angle on the bow. Went deep.

0226 hours - Heard a heavy explosion which shook the submarine.

0227 hours - Heard the screws of the second escort which joined the other escort in the hunt. Between 0228 and 0235 hours nine more depth charges were dropped but they were not close.

0330 hours - Surfaced and headed back to the scene of the attack. Then set off to the westward to try to regain contact with the rest of the convoy. Seadragon was albe to regain contact but could not make another attack before the convoy reached Truk.

20 Jan 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese ammunition ship Irako (9750 GRT, built 1941) north-west of Truk in position 08°04'N, 152°52'E.

Irako was escorted by the destroyers Satsuki, Akebono and Ushio. After she was torpedoed destroyer Suzukaze also joined. The next day heavy cruiser Chokai also came from Truk and towed the damaged ship back to Truk for repairs.

(All times are zone K, -10)
1034 hours - In position 08°04'N, 152°57'E sighted masts of ships bearing 105°(T). Commenced approach. The contact developed into three large transports with four destroyers as escorts, two on each flank. All ships were in a very tight formation. Started attack on the largest transport whih was on the right flank. Three floatplanes were also patrolling overhead.

1123 hours - In position 08°04'N, 152°52'E fired four torpedoes from the stern tubes from a rane of 800 yards. Saw and heard two hits on the after part of the target.

1125 hours - Heard a third torpedo hit, possibly on the ship beyond the target. Seadragon meanwhile was going deep.

1127 hours - Two depth charges exploded close aboard when Seadragon was passing 100 feet. Between 1127 and 1211 hours three of the destroyers were hunting above. The dropped a total of 52 depth charges of which quite a few were too close for comfort and Seadragon was shaken up considerably.

1300 hours - Went ot periscope depth but immediately saw an aircraft circling our position so immediately went deep again.

1328 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

24 Jan 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) departed her patrol area to return to Pearl Harbour.

5 Feb 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) ended her 9th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was ordered to the Pearl Harbour Navy Yard for an overhaul and short refit in which her conning tower was rebuilt. Also a 4" gun replaced the 3" gun.

23 Mar 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Mitchell (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Erdahl, USNR).

24 Mar 1944
During 24/25 March 1944, USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN), conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Mitchell (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Erdahl, USNR), USS Florikan (Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN), USS Allen (Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN), USS Salmon (Cdr. H.K. Nauman, USN) and USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN). These exercises included night exercises.

25 Mar 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Wyman (Lt. E.P. Parker, USNR), USS Florikan (Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN) and USS Salmon (Cdr. H.K. Nauman, USN).

26 Mar 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Mitchell (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Erdahl, USNR), USS Litchfield (Lt. A.F. Hollingsworth, USN) and USS Guavina (Cdr. C. Tiedeman, USN).

1 Apr 1944
With her overhaul and training completed, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) left Pearl Harbor for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Honshu in Japanese home waters.

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

3 Apr 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) topped off with fuel at Johnston Island before proceeding towards her patrol area.

23 Apr 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the brand new Japanese freighter Daiju Maru (6886 GRT, built 1944) off Shionomisaki, Honshu, Japan in position 33°25'N, 135°45'E.

Later the same day a single ship was attacked with four torpedoes a bit further to the south-east but all torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone I, -9)
0533 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 314°(T). Commenced approach.

0545 hours - In position 33°25'N, 135°44'E sighted masts of several ships.

0603 hours - Went to battle stations submerged. The contat by now was seen to be a convoy of four ships and three escorts. Started attack on the third freighter which appeared to be the largest.

0649 hours - In position 33°35'N, 135°45'E fired three torpedoes from the bow tubes from 1900 yards. One torpedo hit was heard but the result could not be observed as Seadragon meanwhile had to go deep due to one of the escorts rushing towards.

0653 hours - Depth charging started, very close. Until 0910 hours a total of about 40 depth charges were dropped casusing some minor damage which was quickly repaired.

1030 hours - Returned to periscope depth. All clear.

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

2200 hours - In position 33°01'N, 135°55'E obtained SJ radar contact at a range of 18500 yards. Commenced tracking.The contact was a single ship, zig zagging at a speed of 12 knots. The contact was sighted at a range of 6000 yards. Started attack.

2249 hours - In position 32°48'N, 136°17'E fired four torpedoes from 2850 yards. All torpedoes missed. The target was seen to turn away. As he was heading towards the Kii Suido an end around was not possible.

2254 hours - Heard distant explosions, most likely the torpedoes exploding at the end of their run.

27 Apr 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese transport Hawaii Maru (9467 GRT, built 1915) off Shikoku, Japan in position 33°32'N, 135°59'E.

(All times are zone I, -9)
1030 hours - In position 33°32'N, 135°59'E sighted the masts of a ship against the land background. Haze along the beach made the sighting of the masts very difficult. Went ahead full to close the track. Soon saw more masts ahead and realized they had gotten by without being seen. Closed the track on the third (last) ship which looked like a freighter of about 2500 ton.

1057 hours - Broke off the attack as we were only 2 miles from the beach by now.

1105 hours - In position 33°29'N, 135°57'E sighted two medium transports escorted by a Minekaze class destroyer. We were between the convoy and the beach. Started attack.

1212 hours - In position 33°32'N, 135°59'E fired three stern torpedoes from 1000 yards at the leading target. One hit was obtained amidships near his stack.

1215 hours - The destroyer was seen coming towards.

1216 hours - The target was seen to lay stopped and was now almost completely obscured by smoke.

1217 hours - Went deep and rigged for depth charging.

1219 hours - The first depth charge was dropped but it was not close.

1220 to 1455 hours - A total of about 80 depth charges was dropped by the enemy. There were three A/S vessels involved in the hunt for Seadragon.

1459 hours - Returned to periscope depth and sighted a destroyer and a torpedo boat on the horizon.

13 May 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) departed her patrol area for Midway.

17 May 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) sank a Japanese armed trawler with gunfire in position 33°31'N, 155°25'E.

(All times are zone K, -10)
1102 hours - In position 33°31'N, 155°25'E sighted masts of a small vessel. Took up a position ahead.

1222 hours - Submerged.

1315 hours - The contact was seen to be an armed trawler of about 150 ton.

1526 hours - Took stations for battle surface.

1533 hours - Battle surfaced on the starboard side of the trawler at a range of 5000 yards.

1535 hours - Opened fire with the 4" gun. The fourth or fifth round hit the target in the pilot house which put his gun out of action and started a good fire.

1700 hours - Ceased fire after having expended a total of 117 rounds. The target was still afloat but burning fiercely from the pilot house aft. The hull was full of holes.

1755 hours - Closed the trawler and saw three Japanese still alive and huddled in the forepeak.

1816 hours - Put the bow of Seadragon against the bow of the trawler and sent over a boarding party of three to try to take prisoners but the Japanese refused to be taken prisoner, two had to be shot and the third dived into a smoke filled hold.

1830 hours - Took off the boarding party.

1856 hours - The trawler broke in two and the after section sank. Only a small section of the bow was still afloat and it was burning.

1900 hours - Cleared the area.

21 May 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) made a short stop at Midway to take on board fuel for the passage to Pearl Harbour.

25 May 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) ended her 10th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was ordered to the Mare Island Navy Yard for an overhaul.

27 May 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbour for the Mare Island Navy Yard.

3 Jun 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) arrived at Mare Island Navy Yard for a refit.

27 Aug 1944
During 27/28 August 1944, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), conducted trials off San Francisco. These included deep diving trials. She was escorted by USS King (Lt.Cdr. C.E. Pond, USN).

29 Aug 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), conducted trials off San Francisco. These included diving and full power trials. She was escorted by USS King (Lt.Cdr. C.E. Pond, USN).

31 Aug 1944
With her refit completed, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), departed the Mare Island Navy Yard for Pearl Harbour. She was escorted out by USS PC 791 (Lt. J.P. Hinckley, USNR).

7 Sep 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour from the Mare Island Navy Yard.

13 Sep 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Charles R. Greer (Cdr. A. Jackson, Jr., USNR).

15 Sep 1944
During 15/16 September 1944, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Charles R. Greer (Cdr. A. Jackson, Jr., USNR), USS Greiner (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Kiser, USN), USS Eisele (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Ranta, USNR), USS Besugo (Cdr. T.L. Wogan, USN) and USS Perch (Cdr. B.C. Hills, USN). These exercises included night exercises.

18 Sep 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Greiner (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Kiser, USN), USS Allen (Lt. J.A. Rowe, USNR) and USS Blackfish (Cdr. R.F. Sellars, USN).

19 Sep 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Le Hardy (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Holtz, USNR), USS Tisdale (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Hatfield, USNR) and USS Blackfish (Cdr. R.F. Sellars, USN).

23 Sep 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 11th war patrol together with USS Shark (Cdr. E.N. Blakely, USN) and USS Blackfish (Cdr. R.F. Sellars, USN). These submarines are to patrol as a wolf pack in the northern South China Sea. The submarines were escorted out of Pearl Harbour by USS PC 482.

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

3 Oct 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) arrived at Saipan. She (and other submarines) were escorted in USS Fanning (Cdr. J.C. Bentley, USN).

5 Oct 1944
After voyage repairs by USS Holland, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), departed Saipan for her patrol area. She and USS Trigger (Cdr. F.J. Harlfinger, II, USN) were escorted out by USS Motive (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Lundgren, USNR).

22 Oct 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) attacked a Japanese task force south of Formosa Strait in position 21°57'N, 118°14'E. A 'carrier' was attacked with four torpedoes however there was no carrier with this task force which was made up of the heavy cruisers Nachi and Ashigara, the light cruiser Abukuma and the destroyers destroyers Akebono, Kasumi, Ushio, Shiranuhi, Wakaba, Hatsushimo and Hatsuharu.

(All times are zone I, -9)
21 October 1944
2315 hours - In position 21°47'N, 118°14'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 025°(T), range 25000 yards. There were five large pips.

2317 hours - Commenced tracking. Sent out a contact report to USS Shark and USS Blackfish. The targets were varying speed from 15 to 22 knots and were making 10 to 20 degree zigs. Base course of the enemy was 190(T).

2330 hours - Four smaller pips appeared, so there were now a total of nine.

22 October 1944
0015 hours - Reached a position ahead of the target and 2500 yards from track.

0035 hours - In position 21°57'N, 118°14'E fired four torpedoes at the leading target thought to be an aircraft carrier (sic). Range was about 2200 yards. Three torpedoes were heard to explode.

0037 hours - Dived.

0041 hours - Five depth charges were dropped. None were close.

0222 hours - Surfaced.

24 Oct 1944
While attacking a Japanese convoy north-west of Luzon, Philippines, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ships Daiten Maru (4642 GRT, built 1943) in position 20°23'N, 118°47'E (?), Eiko Maru (1843 GRT, built 1903) in position 20°35'N, 118°32'E. Seadragon claimed to have sunk three ships.

(All times are zone I, -9)
0615 hours - Received a message from USS Shark that she had radar contact on a single freither.

0620 hours - Went ahead to full speed to gain contact.

0730 hours - In position 20°26'N, 118°28'E made sight contact through the periscope at a range of 24000 yards. The target was proceeding south at a speed of 11 knots.

0850 hours - Dived in the hope the target would turn towards.

0920 hours - Sighted three freighters escorted by a Chidori class torpedo boat.

0921 hours - Went to battle stations and commenced approach. The freighters wer in loose column with the torpedo boat patrolling the starboard side of the convoy from bow to beam.

1055 hours - In position 20°31'N, 118°32'E fired four bow torpedoes at the leading freighter from 1100 yards. The first torpedo broached and ran erratic alerting the escort who headed for us. Rigged for depth charges.

1056 hours - Two torpedo explosions were heard followed by loud breaking up noises.

1101 hours - The first of eight depth charges was dropped but none were close.

1154 hours - At periscope depth. Sighted the torpedo boat about four miles astern milling around by himself probably picking up survivors. Sighted two freighters ahead at a range of 3000 yards. Went ahead at standard speed to try to close. The target made only 2 knots. When the range was 2500 yards the torpedo boat speeded up and rejoined the freighters.

1214 hours - In position 20°33'N, 118°34'E fired four bow torpedoes from 1000 yards. Saw and heard three hits. The ship sank in less then two minutes. Attempted to evade the torpedo boat at periscope depth but as he appeared to be in contact went deep.

1218 hours - The first of 15 depth charges was dropped but none were close.

1310 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The torpedo boat and one freighter were in sight. Luck was with us again and the freighter soon turned towards.

1404 hours - In position 20°31'N, 118°32'E fired four bow torpedoes from 850 yards. Observed and heard two hits. The ship broke in two, the bow remained afloat and the remainder sank very quickly. The torpedo boat came towards again so went deep and rigged for depth charges. [This target was the Eiko Maru].

1405 hours - The first of 25 depth charges was dropped.

1447 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The torpedo boat was seen on the horizon still searching for submarines.

1858 hours - Surfaced and tried to contact USS Shark but she did not reply.

25 Oct 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) attacked what is thought to be a Japanese destroyer of the Fubuki-class with four torpedoes south of the Formosa Strait in position 22°00'N, 119°22'E. All torpedoes missed and Seadragon was briefly depth charged after this failed attack.

(All times are zone L, -9)
2103 hours - Obtained SJ radar contact at a range of 11300 yards. Commenced tracking and sent a contact report to USS Blackfish. The target was making 11 knots. The night was very bright with half moon.

2153 hours - Dived to radar depth when the range was 8000 yards and we were 2500 yards off track.

2201 hours - Could now see the target through the periscope and it was seen to be a destroyer.

2227 hours - In position 22°00'N, 119°22'E fired four stern torpedoes from 450 yards. All missed and it is thought the torpedoes had not enough time to reach the depth they were set for and ran under.

2230 hours - Rigged for depth charging.

2231 hours - The first depth charge was dropped, close, as were the next three.

2235 hours - The last of seventeen depth charges was dropped.

2302 hours - Surfaced.

8 Nov 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) ended her 11th war patrol at Midway.

27 Nov 1944
During 27/28 November 1944, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Greenlet (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hodgson, Jr., USN). These included night exercises.

3 Dec 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) left Midway for her 12th and final war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters and off the Bonin Islands and to perform lifeguard duties for downed Allied aircrews.

For daily and attack positions (though incomplete) for USS Seadragon during this patrol see the map below.

12 Dec 1944
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) attacked a small escorted transport off the Bonin Islands with four torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone I, -9)
1725 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 310°(T), headed towards.

1732 hours - SJ radar did not made contact until the range was 16000 yards. Went to battle stations for a night torpedo attack. Commenced tracking.

1735 hours - Four additional small pips appeared on the SJ radar.

1800 hours - When the range was 3000 yards the targets came in sight. The convoy consisted of a small transport, a patrol vessel, two other small escorts were neer sighted.

1813 hours - In position 29°49'N, 140°03'E fired four bow torpedoes from 1200 yards. All missed.

1820 hours - Heard end of run detonations.

22 Jan 1945
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) ended her 12th and last war patrol at Guam. She was now assigned to training duties.

23 Jan 1945
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) departed Guam for Pearl Harbour. She was escorted out by USS Martin (Lt. R.W. McCallister, Jr., USNR).

2 Feb 1945
USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour.

25 Feb 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbour for the US West Coast.

4 Mar 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) arrived at the Hunters Point Navy Yard.

12 Mar 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) departed the Hunters Point Navy Yard at San Francisco for Monterey where she arrived later the same day for duty with Commander Fleet Air, Alameda.

24 May 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) departed San Francisco, California for the US East Coast via the Panama Canal.

3 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) arrived at Balboa, Panama Canal Zone from San Francisco, California.

9 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) departed the Panama Canal Zone for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

11 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) arrived at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from the Panama Canal Zone.

14 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

15 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

18 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

20 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

23 Jun 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

1 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

2 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

4 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

5 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

8 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

11 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

13 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

14 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

15 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

16 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

17 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Guantanamo Bay.

18 Jul 1945
Upon completing exercises, USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN), departed Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for Key West, Florida.

20 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) arrived at Key West, Florida from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

26 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

27 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

28 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

30 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

31 Jul 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

1 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

2 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

6 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) is put on the railway at Key West.

8 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) is put back in the water.

9 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

10 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

11 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

13 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

14 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

17 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

21 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

24 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

25 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

27 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

28 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

29 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

30 Aug 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

10 Sep 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) is put on the railway at Key West.

13 Sep 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) is put back in the water.

17 Sep 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) departed Key West, Florida for New London, Connecticut.

21 Sep 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) arrived at New London, Connecticut from Key West, Florida.

25 Oct 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) shifted from New London, Connecticut to Providence, Rhode Island.

30 Oct 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) shifted from Providence, Rhode Island to the Boston Navy Yard where she was to be decommissioned.

15 Nov 1945
USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) was decommissioned at the Boston Navy Yard.

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