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USS Bluegill (SS-242) WW2

Third War Patrol:
Bluegill sinks convoy, 18 October 1944

"There is a difference in being depth-charged in a submarine - there is nothing else quite like it. For one thing, you are in surroundings that, regardless of experience, are unnatural and abnormal. Then, you are motionless-in a state of suspense. Too much time to think. Too much opportunity for the imagination. . .

"Let's read it in the official language of Eric Jr.: 'We've been spotted! Target has swung hard left, heading for us. Take her deep fast. Rig for depth-charge attack and silent running. Destroyer is shifting to short keying and speeding up. Stand by. Depth charges Nos. 1, 2, 3-close, too close. Depth charges 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Emergency lighting failed; using flashlights. Depth charges 9 to 28, saturation bombing. Left full rudder, all motors ahead full under cover of the noise. Didn't do any good- force of explosions knocked us down one hundred feet. Bow planes, stern planes and rudder batted back and forth. Clutches to planes knocked out. Depth charges 29 to 47-all single and aimed. QP sonic out of commission, air-line forward ruptured, alcohol fumes in the after torpedo-room from ruptured stowage tank. Boat too heavy to hold. Must speed up. Sanitary tank flooded into the boat. Electrical grounds all over. Forward torpedo-room reported flame through torpedo loading hatch.'" Admiral Christie

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