The third action started the next morning (23 May) at 0604 when RABY made radar contact 
four miles distant. The sub dived and evaded all initial attacks, but at 0819 ENGLAND made sonar 
contact on the basis of information passed by GHORGE. ENGLAND immediately closed with 
Hedgehogs; on the second salvo eight or ten projectiles detonated, and 3 1/2 minutes later there 
was a tremendous underwater explosion. The submarine killers took no chances of being fooled - 
this explosion might be a ruse; the Jap may have discharged a delayed action bomb, pulled away 
to a safe distance while it exploded, then returned to the disturbed area which might provide pro- 
tection against sonar detection - so the ENGLAND crossed the explosion point and dropped a load 
of depth charges. Deck planking, cork, and a block of wood (with Japanese lettering) were picked 
up. By 1242 the dead Jap had vomited up an oil slick 800 yards wide and five miles long. 
The fourth action began early the next morning (24 May) at 0122 when GEORGE made radar 
contact at 17,000 yards, but when the range closed to 9000 yards the sub dived. At 0150 ENGLAND 
developed sonar contact and made two evaluation runs, the Second reSulting in a Fathometer read- 
ing on the sub at a depth of 180 feet. ENGLAND at once attacked with Hedgehogs, three projectiles 
detonated and resulted in a rumbling noise, but the characteristic violent explosion did not occur. 
This Jap was more adept at evasive tactics than were the first three victims; the Sonar in- 
dicated that he turned and fishtailed at high speed, used his echo ranging to interfere with the 
ENGLAND’s echo ranging at the crisis of the attack, and followed in the ENGLAND’s wake where 
the disturbed water might provide some protection against Sonar detection. However, the Jap’ s 
destruction was verified by deck planking, a chopstick, wood with Japanese lettering, ete. 
The fifth action started at 2304 on 26 May when RABY made radar contact at 15,000 yards 
on a surfaced sub heading for the killer group. ENGLAND maneuvered to gain position to fire 
torpedoes and illuminate the sub, but the Jap dived 4100 yards away. A few minutes later ENG- 
LAND made sonar contact, made a Single run, fired a Hedgehog salvo, and 4 to 6 detonations 
followed. Dawn revealed debris over a large area; articles obtained were: 14 pieces of deck 
planking marked with Jap lettering, pressed cork, part of a chronometer, etc. Number five Jap 
had joined his ancestors. 
The sixth action began on 30 May which was spent by GEORGE and RABY in a number of 
attacks on rather doubtful contacts which appeared to be a reef, but the Commander of the killer 
group had RABY maintain contact throughout the night with the “reef” which surfaced, in the form 
of a large Jap sub, at 0302 on 31 May between RABY and GEORGE who were only 4000 yards 
apart. Before the line of fire could be cleared, the Jap dived. 
RABY, maintaining sonar contact, attacked with Hedgehog without results. GEORGE then 
maintained sonar contact, but did not attack, and held sonar contact till after sunrise when ENG- 
LAND and SPANGLER (new comer) arrived. At 0649 GEORGE attacked with Hedgehog; results 
negative. At.0659 RABY tried; results negative. At 0713 SPANGLER attacked; results negative. 
At 0735 ENGLAND attacked; results 6 to 10 Hedgehog detonations followed shortly by a tremen- 
dous explosion. The usual evidence of planks, cork, etc., signified the end of number six victim. 
The ENGLAND’s six kills in eleven days broke two world’s records. Also remarkable is 
the fact that it was her first encounter with the enemy. The Commanding Officer, Lt. Cdr. W.B. 
Pendleton, USN, reported: “The team operated as a unit and functioned with little or no con- 
fusion. During ‘the attacks, the Commanding Officer and the Executive were interchangeable at 
the conn and both obtained hits. Hits were obtained with three different sonar men on the stack 
(Sonar console). As on any anti-submarine team that functions properly, there were no stars. 
During 1945 twenty-six Jap Submarines were sunk. Only one Allied ship was sunk by the 
Japs between VE and VJ Days. 43 Jap submarines were taken as a result of VJ, the remainder 
of their submarines had been scuttled. 
The terrific 72 months battle in which control of the seas was vitally essential to victory 
had cost the Allies about 4773 Merchant ships (21,141,000 gross tons) sunk by enemy action. 
During the war 996 Axis submarines were sunk, and 221 more plus scores of midgets were cap- 
tured after enemy capitulations. Credit for sinking enemy submarines was assigned approxi- 
mately to Britain for 70 per cent and to the United States for 30 fer cent. 
A-2405 
olgj 
