SUB'S EXPLOIT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 153, 30 June 1945, Page 7

SUB'S EXPLOIT

ATTACK ON CONVOY TOO SHALLOW TO DIVE SAN FRANCISCO, June 15. A submarine's daring surface attack on a Japanese convoy at anchor in water too shallow to permit a dive won high honours for her skipper and crew. The submarine, U.S.S. Barb, sent several enemy ships to the bottom. The Navy in Washington has just told the story for publication. Commander Eugene B. Fluckey, the Barb's commanding officer, took his ship on what appeared to be virtually a suicide mission, because the anchored convoy was hidden behind a protecting screen of escorts, concentrated on every logical approach. In the convoy were freighters, tankers and munition ships. The water was so shallow that Fluckey knew the attacking submarine would have to remain surfaced during its approach and for at least an hour after the attack. The shallow water also indicated a strong probability of mines. Suddenly the Barb moved through the escort screen, every man tense. Reaching the planned attack position, she let go with everything she had, gave full right rudder, and moved toward the rock strewn water at high speed. From the bridge Fluckey watched Japanese ships all around him erupting like volcanoes.

"Columns of fire leaped from several vessels," the Navy reported. "The first target was seen to settle in the water. "Some vessels that were hit were obscured by others burning in the line of vision. Pillars of smoke poured skyward. The side of one vessel blew out like the fired magazine of a warship. The two ships exploded and sent a shower of tracers in all directions."

Intermingled with the tracers were projectiles of all sizes, from six to twelve inches. As Fluckey had hoped, the anchored junks impeded and confused pursuers as the Barb "highballed" for open water. In the confusion, some of the junks were fired on. Also, as he had hoped, the pursuers were discouraged by the rocks, through which the Barb ran like a broken field runner. When the Barb reached open water, dawn was breaking, but she had not yet reached safety. A Japanese plane sighted her, and for the first time since she had spotted the rich prize she was forced to submerge. The Navy did not disclose the date 'or the location of the attack.