MORNING DEPARTURE
CHAPTER 9
This is PO Scott reporting.
We weighed anchor at dawn, and are now at sea.
Capt Barnaby made an announcement to the crew shortly after we got away, and he told us that our orders are to proceed to an area near the Palau Islands where there has been a report of a Japanese Battleship sighted, which appears to be heading to Midway. We are to intercept it, and sink it. We are all very excited.
Here now is Scruffy to continue the report:
This is Lt SCRUFFY reporting.
We are approaching the Palau Islands, but so far there has been no sighting of the Battleship and its escorts. We are expecting to make contact at any time. Lt Casey and PO Spike are glued to the radar and we are keeping radio silence.
While cruising on the surface, our lookouts are scanning the horizon for signs of smoke. The whole crew is wired!
PO Colleen and Chief Jimmy have been cooking up some special treats for us, to give us something to really look forward to at meal times.
We weighed anchor at dawn, and are now at sea.
Capt Barnaby made an announcement to the crew shortly after we got away, and he told us that our orders are to proceed to an area near the Palau Islands where there has been a report of a Japanese Battleship sighted, which appears to be heading to Midway. We are to intercept it, and sink it. We are all very excited.
Here now is Scruffy to continue the report:
This is Lt SCRUFFY reporting.
We are approaching the Palau Islands, but so far there has been no sighting of the Battleship and its escorts. We are expecting to make contact at any time. Lt Casey and PO Spike are glued to the radar and we are keeping radio silence.
While cruising on the surface, our lookouts are scanning the horizon for signs of smoke. The whole crew is wired!
PO Colleen and Chief Jimmy have been cooking up some special treats for us, to give us something to really look forward to at meal times.
PO BOOGIE reporting here.
Well, after several days with nothing happening, we got a few blips on the radar screen tonight. It may not be what we are looking for, but we are keeping the contact under close observation.
We are proceeding at full speed and at periscope depth toward the contact. There are no allied ships in the area so it has to be the enemy.
Keeleigh took this picture of two of our drivers, Buster and Ginnie.
Well, after several days with nothing happening, we got a few blips on the radar screen tonight. It may not be what we are looking for, but we are keeping the contact under close observation.
We are proceeding at full speed and at periscope depth toward the contact. There are no allied ships in the area so it has to be the enemy.
Keeleigh took this picture of two of our drivers, Buster and Ginnie.
The next day.
Capt BARNABY addresses the crew.
"This is your Captain speaking. There's no doubt now. This is the Battleship we are looking for. It has an escort of three Destroyers. It's going to be tough getting close enough to put a half dozen torpedoes into her side, not to mention trying to escape from three destroyers, but that's what we are here to do.
"We are going to a depth of 200 feet until we get in close. That way we have a chance of avoiding detection. We should be in range in roughly an hour from now. All crew to battle stations, and good luck to us all."
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..................
This is PO SCOOCH reporting.
We are almost in range now, and the girls, in particular, are feeling nervous. Poor Lacey O'Quinn is quieter than I've ever seen her, and the younger ones are really scared. Kaity, Dottie, Jessica and Maggie have the sickbay ready and are trying to reassure the youngsters.
Capt BARNABY addresses the crew.
"This is your Captain speaking. There's no doubt now. This is the Battleship we are looking for. It has an escort of three Destroyers. It's going to be tough getting close enough to put a half dozen torpedoes into her side, not to mention trying to escape from three destroyers, but that's what we are here to do.
"We are going to a depth of 200 feet until we get in close. That way we have a chance of avoiding detection. We should be in range in roughly an hour from now. All crew to battle stations, and good luck to us all."
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..................
This is PO SCOOCH reporting.
We are almost in range now, and the girls, in particular, are feeling nervous. Poor Lacey O'Quinn is quieter than I've ever seen her, and the younger ones are really scared. Kaity, Dottie, Jessica and Maggie have the sickbay ready and are trying to reassure the youngsters.
Down we plunged to 400 feet, where the SEADOG rested on a conveniently large rock shelf. Capt Barnaby ordered, "All stop!" and we waited for the onslaught of Destroyers.
We did not run for it. There is no point in attempting to outrun three Destroyers! We could only seek the silence and safety of the depths.
Seaman Kramer on sonar listened for the torpedoes to hit. Even as he heard one explosion after another coming from the crippled Battleship, the Destroyers were upon us, dropping depth charges.
"WE GOT IT SIR!" Kramer hissed in the loudest whisper. "I can hear her breaking up! I heard six hits!"
The crew cheered, but Barnaby quickly motioned for complete silence. He knew the Destroyers would be listening for sounds.
Meanwhile the order was given to reload the torpedo tubes. (Barnaby was known for waiting until the enemy thought they had destroyed us, and then coming to periscope depth and putting torpedoes into them as they departed!)
We clung to anything we could hold as the gallant SEADOG tossed and groaned under the attack. The 'damage control' under the command of Ensign Wally took care of leaks while the rest of us prayed.
Depth Charge runs were the worst nightmare of any submariner. The noise from outside - as the destroyers thundered above and over our position with engines blaring into our ears like the approach of a squadron of devils, then the dense 'thuds' as depth charges hit the water and descended towards us like metal sharks seeing their helpless prey.
Then there were the noises from inside, as our boat was mercilessly tossed and rolled and the hull creaked, while pipes burst or sprung leaks, and we feared we might die at any minute, or that our boat's hull would be crushed like an egg shell under the pressure.
Yes. We prayed.
We did not run for it. There is no point in attempting to outrun three Destroyers! We could only seek the silence and safety of the depths.
Seaman Kramer on sonar listened for the torpedoes to hit. Even as he heard one explosion after another coming from the crippled Battleship, the Destroyers were upon us, dropping depth charges.
"WE GOT IT SIR!" Kramer hissed in the loudest whisper. "I can hear her breaking up! I heard six hits!"
The crew cheered, but Barnaby quickly motioned for complete silence. He knew the Destroyers would be listening for sounds.
Meanwhile the order was given to reload the torpedo tubes. (Barnaby was known for waiting until the enemy thought they had destroyed us, and then coming to periscope depth and putting torpedoes into them as they departed!)
We clung to anything we could hold as the gallant SEADOG tossed and groaned under the attack. The 'damage control' under the command of Ensign Wally took care of leaks while the rest of us prayed.
Depth Charge runs were the worst nightmare of any submariner. The noise from outside - as the destroyers thundered above and over our position with engines blaring into our ears like the approach of a squadron of devils, then the dense 'thuds' as depth charges hit the water and descended towards us like metal sharks seeing their helpless prey.
Then there were the noises from inside, as our boat was mercilessly tossed and rolled and the hull creaked, while pipes burst or sprung leaks, and we feared we might die at any minute, or that our boat's hull would be crushed like an egg shell under the pressure.
Yes. We prayed.
THE BATTLE BEGINS
This is PO Scott reporting.
It is just coming on sunset, and when we came up to periscope depth the Battleship and its escorts were silhouetted clearly in the distance.
We submerged again to 100 feet and drew up closer. So far, we have not been detected by the enemy. Now, we are going in for the kill!
Within striking distance we came to periscope depth and Capt Barnaby had a few minutes to fire the torpedoes before the escorts spotted us.
We fired all forward torpedo tubes then made a quick turn so that our stern tubes were able to be brought into range.
All 8 torpedoes were running straight and level. Then Barnaby called "Down Periscope" and Lt Jazz, the Officer of the Deck, shouted "DIVE" - and we plunged to the depths.
It is just coming on sunset, and when we came up to periscope depth the Battleship and its escorts were silhouetted clearly in the distance.
We submerged again to 100 feet and drew up closer. So far, we have not been detected by the enemy. Now, we are going in for the kill!
Within striking distance we came to periscope depth and Capt Barnaby had a few minutes to fire the torpedoes before the escorts spotted us.
We fired all forward torpedo tubes then made a quick turn so that our stern tubes were able to be brought into range.
All 8 torpedoes were running straight and level. Then Barnaby called "Down Periscope" and Lt Jazz, the Officer of the Deck, shouted "DIVE" - and we plunged to the depths.
We sustained damage in three of our stern tubes and water was entering some compartments. These were immediately secured as soon as crew members were evacuated to safe areas. Damage control was busy and several of the crew were being treated for minor wounds in sickbay.
At this point, which was over an hour since the counter attack began, Capt Barnaby gave the order to the torpedo room to remove one torpedo and load the tube with debris. Everything that wasn't needed was packed in and jettisoned through the tube. Hopefully the enemy would see this and think they had sunk us. Finally, oil was released. We held our breath and hoped they would take the bait.
The Destroyers made a few more runs, and then Kramer reported that the sounds of screws were becoming fainter. Either they were preparing for another run, or they were leaving, no doubt to pick up survivors from the sinking Battleship.
Barnaby waited for another twenty minutes, and then gave the order to "Rig for silent running" and we began to move slowly. His next order was, "Come to periscope depth" - and we knew what he had planned.
"Up periscope," he called, and looked at the chaotic sight. The Battleship was burning and listing heavily to port, and survivors were being taken aboard one of the Destroyers. The other two were off to starboard, just circling, and made excellent targets.
"Prepare to fire torpedoes one, two, three and four" he ordered calmly, as he gave the necessary range and coordinates. Then came the order to "FIRE" - with two torpedoes directed at each of the Destroyers that were circling the rescue operation.
Once more the SEADOG dived deep, and moved at flank speed - away from the enemy ships. If any of the torpedoes missed, we did not want the Destroyers coming after us!
However, we need not have worried because all the torpedoes struck their targets, and the remaining Destroyer could not chase us as it was in the middle of picking up survivors. We got clean away!
Every member of the crew let out a sigh of relief. We were safe, and our mission was accomplished.
Captain Barnaby called for a damage and casualty report. Fortunately there were no serious casualties and damage was light. However, we needed to surface to recharge our batteries and repair outer damage to the hull.
The next day we stopped on the surface to allow a work crew to do repairs. The wind was very strong and, - well, have you ever tried to balance on a narrow, low submarine in a strong wind…? Anyway, the repairs were carried out, and soon we were underway.
PO Scott signing out.
At this point, which was over an hour since the counter attack began, Capt Barnaby gave the order to the torpedo room to remove one torpedo and load the tube with debris. Everything that wasn't needed was packed in and jettisoned through the tube. Hopefully the enemy would see this and think they had sunk us. Finally, oil was released. We held our breath and hoped they would take the bait.
The Destroyers made a few more runs, and then Kramer reported that the sounds of screws were becoming fainter. Either they were preparing for another run, or they were leaving, no doubt to pick up survivors from the sinking Battleship.
Barnaby waited for another twenty minutes, and then gave the order to "Rig for silent running" and we began to move slowly. His next order was, "Come to periscope depth" - and we knew what he had planned.
"Up periscope," he called, and looked at the chaotic sight. The Battleship was burning and listing heavily to port, and survivors were being taken aboard one of the Destroyers. The other two were off to starboard, just circling, and made excellent targets.
"Prepare to fire torpedoes one, two, three and four" he ordered calmly, as he gave the necessary range and coordinates. Then came the order to "FIRE" - with two torpedoes directed at each of the Destroyers that were circling the rescue operation.
Once more the SEADOG dived deep, and moved at flank speed - away from the enemy ships. If any of the torpedoes missed, we did not want the Destroyers coming after us!
However, we need not have worried because all the torpedoes struck their targets, and the remaining Destroyer could not chase us as it was in the middle of picking up survivors. We got clean away!
Every member of the crew let out a sigh of relief. We were safe, and our mission was accomplished.
Captain Barnaby called for a damage and casualty report. Fortunately there were no serious casualties and damage was light. However, we needed to surface to recharge our batteries and repair outer damage to the hull.
The next day we stopped on the surface to allow a work crew to do repairs. The wind was very strong and, - well, have you ever tried to balance on a narrow, low submarine in a strong wind…? Anyway, the repairs were carried out, and soon we were underway.
PO Scott signing out.
This is PO BOOGIE reporting.
We all received a wonderful surprise this morning. The Captain addressed us, congratulating us on our performance during the recent action. Then he told us the best news we have ever heard - - WE ARE GOING HOME!
It is official. The USS SEADOG and its crew have been granted home leave. Of course, Liam, Colleen and Caelan will fly back to Australia, but the rest of us will return to Wheatenville and to our various homes and families throughout the United States.
Everyone is ecstatic!
Ginger took this picture of me with Redhot, Shadow, Happy and Tallulah during the celebrations that followed the great news. (You can hear Morgan playing a recording of Vera Lynn, singing with the troops, 'WE'LL MEET AGAIN' !)
We all received a wonderful surprise this morning. The Captain addressed us, congratulating us on our performance during the recent action. Then he told us the best news we have ever heard - - WE ARE GOING HOME!
It is official. The USS SEADOG and its crew have been granted home leave. Of course, Liam, Colleen and Caelan will fly back to Australia, but the rest of us will return to Wheatenville and to our various homes and families throughout the United States.
Everyone is ecstatic!
Ginger took this picture of me with Redhot, Shadow, Happy and Tallulah during the celebrations that followed the great news. (You can hear Morgan playing a recording of Vera Lynn, singing with the troops, 'WE'LL MEET AGAIN' !)
It has been a long tour of duty, but we had many very happy and memorable times together, sharing both the dangers and the adventures, - the tears and the laughter. Some of our dear friends are no longer with us, but they will always be remembered with love.
Miss MORGAN has many wonderful stories for her magazine 'Bitches N Stitches' - and no doubt her tour with us will bring her fame in literary circles.
Our Photographers, GINGER and KEELEIGH, have hundreds of photos which will tell our story, and SCRUFFY, SCOTT, SCOOCH and myself, as War Correspondents, have countless stories also which will hit the newspaper headlines, telling of the brave and remarkable exploits of the USS SEADOG.
No doubt our lovable LACEY O'QUINN will get herself into some outrageous situations during her home leave. (I'd love to be a fly on the wall wherever she is!) She brought so much laughter into our lives, and I'm sure members of the crew will be telling their families 'LACEY Stories' for years to come!
I believe that Lt CHARLIE plans to spend his home leave mainly in the air! Why aren't I surprised?
The cats all agree that dry land will be a wonderful change. They all plan to go garbage can hunting I believe!
BROOKLYN BIRD is flying home - apparently!
Admiral ANDREW is headed for a very distinguished desk job, or so I heard. We wish him all the best.
Our gallant Captain, Commander BARNABY, will no doubt receive some decoration for his success in sinking the Battleship. He's definitely the best, and I wish him an enjoyable and restful home leave. I also have a special word to say for our Chaplain, Lt BENTLEY. His spiritual support of our crew in difficult times was invaluable. He never tired, and he always had time to listen to someone's troubles.
Our MO Lt Commander FINNEGAN, and the nursing staff, gave us all the physical care we needed. Thanks to their dedication and skill we are all returning home in good physical condition.
The Cadets can't wait to get home to their mums and dads. They aren't 'kids' anymore but have matured under the stress of battle. What fine youngsters they proved to be!
Well, that's about all. This is War Correspondent BOOGIE, along with SCRUFFY, SCOOCH and SCOTT, signing off from the USS SEADOG - HOMEWARD BOUND!
Miss MORGAN has many wonderful stories for her magazine 'Bitches N Stitches' - and no doubt her tour with us will bring her fame in literary circles.
Our Photographers, GINGER and KEELEIGH, have hundreds of photos which will tell our story, and SCRUFFY, SCOTT, SCOOCH and myself, as War Correspondents, have countless stories also which will hit the newspaper headlines, telling of the brave and remarkable exploits of the USS SEADOG.
No doubt our lovable LACEY O'QUINN will get herself into some outrageous situations during her home leave. (I'd love to be a fly on the wall wherever she is!) She brought so much laughter into our lives, and I'm sure members of the crew will be telling their families 'LACEY Stories' for years to come!
I believe that Lt CHARLIE plans to spend his home leave mainly in the air! Why aren't I surprised?
The cats all agree that dry land will be a wonderful change. They all plan to go garbage can hunting I believe!
BROOKLYN BIRD is flying home - apparently!
Admiral ANDREW is headed for a very distinguished desk job, or so I heard. We wish him all the best.
Our gallant Captain, Commander BARNABY, will no doubt receive some decoration for his success in sinking the Battleship. He's definitely the best, and I wish him an enjoyable and restful home leave. I also have a special word to say for our Chaplain, Lt BENTLEY. His spiritual support of our crew in difficult times was invaluable. He never tired, and he always had time to listen to someone's troubles.
Our MO Lt Commander FINNEGAN, and the nursing staff, gave us all the physical care we needed. Thanks to their dedication and skill we are all returning home in good physical condition.
The Cadets can't wait to get home to their mums and dads. They aren't 'kids' anymore but have matured under the stress of battle. What fine youngsters they proved to be!
Well, that's about all. This is War Correspondent BOOGIE, along with SCRUFFY, SCOOCH and SCOTT, signing off from the USS SEADOG - HOMEWARD BOUND!
CLICK ON THE PAUSE BUTTON, THEN ON THE ARROW BELOW TO HEAR 'WE'LL MEET AGAIN'
THE END
Copyright - Audrey Plowes - 2010
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