CVE60/A16-3
 
U.S.S. GUADALCANAL (CVE60)
 
 
 
CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVE
  
 
 
 
JUNE 4, 1944
  
     
 
1100 Task Group 22.3 under command of Captain D.V. GALLERY, Jr., USN, in the U.S.S. GUADALCANAL accompanied by Escort Division Four consisting of U.S.S. PILLSBURY, U.S.S. CHATELAIN, U.S.S. FLAHERTY, U.S.S. POPE and U.S.S. JENKS was steaming on course true north, speed 13 knots, in position about 21°30'N, 19°20'W (135 miles bearing 287°(T) from Cape Blanco, French West Africa). THe escorts were disposed according to Plan #35, contained in Appendix to General Signal Book, with CHATELAIN occupying station bearing 038°(T), 3600 yards. The carrier was preparing to launch planes and to recover the flight in the air.
   
1109 CHATELAIN obtains initial sound contact bearing 0600(T), approximately 800 yards.
   
1110 CHATELAIN reports to C.T.G. via TBS that she is investigating possible sound contact. c/c to right to 095°(T) and slows to 10 knots. Carrier c/c to 270°(T).
   
1112 Fighters #1 and #7 (F-1 and F-7) over base directed to standby to assist at contact.
   
1112 CHATELAIN evaluates contact as U/B. Range too close to fire. Came hard right and regained contact on starboard quarter at 200 yards.
   
1113 Fighters informed that contact is 3 miles astern.
   
  Carrier zig-zagging violently.
   
1114 PILLSBURY and JENKS left formation to assist at contact.
   
1116 Hedgehog attack by CHATELAIN. F-1 reports visual contact with U/B.
   
1116 1/2 F-1 broadcasts "SHIP THAT JUST FIRED HEDGEHOGS REVERSE COURSE".
   
1117 F-1 broadcasts again - "I AM FIRING A SPOT WHERE SUB IS!"
   
  Carrier ahead full speed.
 
     
 
ENCLOSURE (B) Page 1.
  
     
 
 

 

 
 

   
CVE60/A16-3
 
1118 F-1 reports marking U/B with another burst and that U/B is going deeper.
   
1121 CHATELAIN makes depth charge attack on course 135°(T).
   
1121 1/2 F-1 to CHATELAIN "YOU STRUCK OIL! SUB IS SURFACING!".
   
1122 1/2 U/B surfacing on CHATELAIN'S starboard quarter about 700 yards distant.
   
1123 Carrier c/c to 000°(T)
   
  CHATELAIN opens fire, range 500 yards.
   
  From C.T.G. "I WOULD LIKE TO CAPTURE THAT BASTARD IF POSSIBLE!"
   
1123 1/2 PILLSBURY and JENKS commence firing.
   
1124 Killer group launched.
   
1125 CHATELAIN fires one torpedo.
   
1127 All units ordered to cease fire.
   
1129 POPE ordered to circle scene at 2 miles range to search for other U/B.
   
1131 Deck of U/B cleared of personnel.
   
1138 PILLSBURY salvage party cast off.
   
1143 PILLSBURY salvage party aboard and in possession of U/B which was in tight right hand turn at about 7 knots.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
ENCLOSURE (B) Page 2.
  
     
 
 

 

 

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