U.S.S. BUCKLEY (DE51)
c/o Fleet Post Office
New York, N Y.
DE51/A16-3
Serial No. 008
8 May 1944.
S E C R E T
From:
The Commanding Officer.
To:
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:
(1) Commander Task Group 21.11.
(2) Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Subject:
Action report of Engagement with German Submarine, 6 May 1944.
Reference:
(a) Atlantic Fleet Confidential Letter 13 CL-43(Revised)
(b) Article 712, U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920.
Enclosure:
(A) Track chart of engagement.
1. A German submarine believed to be U-66 from papers found on survivors was attacked and sunk by this vessel between 0320 and 0336N, 6 May 1944, in Lat. 17-17N, Long. 32-29W.
2. The entire engagement was fought on the surface. This vessel, operating in Task Group 21.11 as screen for the USS BLOCK ISLAND, was detached to investigate a disappearing radar contact at 2120N, 5 May 1944. An observant search was conducted for one hour, followed by a retiring search commencing at 2224. At 0216, plane T21 of the USS BLOCK ISLAND reported a radar contact bearing 3500T distance 20 miles from BUCKLEY. This plane was on all night radar patrol and carried no armament. Speed was increased to flank (23.5 knots) and ship headed for contact on information given by plane. During the ensuing forty-five minutes, plane continued to give a steady stream of useful information by voice radio on the actions of the submarine, which it was tracking from a distance, apparently without being detected.
3. The night was brilliantly moonlit, with the moon about 25 high to the west. Sea was calm, with a gentle breeze from the northeast. The plane observed that the sub appeared to be lying to, at times moving in circles, and at times steaming on a steady course. This information was later corroborated by BUCKLEY's radar plot. It fitted admirably with information to the effect that enemy refueling operations were being carried on in this area. The assumption was immediately obvious that this was either a refueler or an operating sub awaiting rendezvous with a refueler. This was corroborated by prisoners.
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableBody.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
DE51/A16-3
Serial No. 008
S E C R E T
8 May 1944
Subject: Action report of Engagement with German Submarine, 6 May 1944.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
4. Radar contact on SL radar was made at 14,000 yards, bearing 3350T, at 0245. General Quarters was sounded at 0246, it being then apparent that the sub was closer than originally supposed. BUCKLEY altered course to 3400T. Courses determined for the sub by C.I.C. were irregular, and the idea of using torpedoes to attack was therefore abandoned. Flank speed was maintained, and it was decided to approach the target as nearly as possible up the path of the moon. Sound gear was secured. It was also decided to withhold fire until the last possible moment, on the chance that the enemy might think BUCKLEY was the other sub due at the rendezvous. Depth charges were set on shallow.
5. The order to stream FXR gear was given at 0300 and gear was reported streamed at 0303. Target was then at a range of 9,000 yards. The first indication that the enemy had sighted BUCKLEY came when the sub fired three red flares, which were apparently a recognition signal, at about 0308. BUCKLEY did not reply.
6. At 0317, at range 4,000 yards, the submarine came in full view silhouetted against the moon. BUCKLEY, still at flank speed on a northerly course, came left with standard rudder to course 2600T, bringing the sub dead ahead. Just after the turn, personnel aft reported a torpedo wake passing down the starboard side. This wake was also picked up by the SL radar operator, indicating that the torpedo was running shallow, but it was not seen on the bridge. At 0319, course was altered right to 2900T, to keep the sub in the moon, avoid torpedoes, and expose the FXR to possible torpedo tracks. All guns were loaded at this time. Submarine bore 2550T. The enemy opened fire first with machine guns.
7. The next few minutes witnessed fast action, as follows:
0320
Order given on BUCKLEY to commence firing. Range 2100 yards. The very first salvo from 3" guns scored a direct hit on the sub's forecastle just forward of the deck gun out of action temporarily. Rapid fire followed from all guns that would bear, including 20mm, 40mm and 3". Throughout engagement 3" battery was controlled from bridge, using SL radar ranges, and deflection settings given by gunnery officer. Pointer fire was used throughout.
- 2 -
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableBody.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
U.S.S. BUCKLEY (DE51)
c/o Fleet Post Office
New York, N Y.
DE51/A16-3
Serial No. 008
S E C R E T
8 May 1944
Subject: Action report of Engagement with German Submarine, 6 May 1944.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
0322
Cease Fire. Sub was getting out of moon wake to the north. Sub now began firing with deck gun. Rudder was put over left full. Fire from sub's machine-guns was considerable at this time, but high, the tracers consistently passing over the heads of personnel on the bridge. Fire from the sub's deck gun was also high, the only hit being scored on BUCKLEY's stack. Several short splashes, as close as 25 yards, were also seen. BUCKLEY steadies on course 1800T.
0323
Resume fire. Range 1,500 yards. Sub was again directly up-moon. At this time fire from all guns was very rapid and accurate. 20mm and 40mm shells could be seen bursting and splattering on the sub's conning tower, and all
0324
fire from the sub ceased, except for intermittent short bursts. Sub was maneuvering rapidly at about 19 knots, apparently in an effort to open range and fire another torpedo from stern tubes, but making no attempt to dive. Torpedo wake reported on starboard bow. Rudder put over right full. Torpedo crossed bow. Plane T-21 of the USS BLOCK ISLAND, directly overhead, contributing valuable and accurate spotting information by voice radio. This also afforded personnel in C.I.C., where voice radio speaker was located, a running account of the engagement, which the pilot was giving C.T.G. 21.11 in BLOCK ISLAND. Throughout this period range was closing rapidly. A fire was started on sub's bridge by the intense gun fire, and this burned with increasing intensity until snuffed out by a 3" direct hit.
0325
Sub buried under withering point blank machine gun and 3" fire. Range closing rapidly, (1,000-500 yards) with BUCKLEY following evasive maneuvers of sub.
0328
Sub close aboard (20 yards) to starboard on parallel course. Raked from bow to stern by machine gun fire (20mm and 40mm) and point blank 3" fire.
- 3 -
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableBody.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
U.S.S. BUCKLEY (DE51)
c/o Fleet Post Office
New York, N Y.
DE51/A16-3
Serial No. 008
S E C R E T
8 May 1944
Subject: Action report of Engagement with German Submarine, 6 May 1944.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
0329
BUCKLEY, alongside sub, gives hard right rudder, rides up on forecastle of sub and stays there. Men begin swarming out of submarine and up on BUCKLEY's forecastle. Machine gun, tommy gun, and rifle fire knocks off several. Ammunition expended at this time included several general mess coffee cups which were on hand at ready gun station. Two of the enemy were hit in the head with these. Empty shell cases were also used by crew of 3" gun #2 to repel boarders. 3" guns could not bear. BUCKLEY suffers only casualty of engagement when man bruises fist knocking one of enemy over the side. Several men, apparently dead, could be seen hanging over the side of the sub's bridge at this time. The boatswain's mate in charge of forward ammunition party kills a man, attempting to board, with .45 pistol. Man falls back over side. Midships repair party equipped with rifles mans life lines and picks off several men on deck of submarine. Chief Fire Controlman uses Tommy gun from bridge with excellent results.
0330
BUCKLEY stops all engines and backs off, to avoid boarding too many of enemy, some of whom came aboard armed. Sub draws ahead rapidly, maintaining speed of about 18 knots. Five prisoners are disarmed and taken aft.
0331
All engines ahead full. Machine gun, small arms and 3" hits rain on sub's topside. BUCKLEY again closes range. All engines ahead flank.
0333
Starboard K guns prepared to fire. BUCKLEY plans to draw up alongside and overtake sub, then fire throwers so that shallow charges will explode under sub's forefoot.
- 4 -
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableBody.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
U.S.S. BUCKLEY (DE51)
c/o Fleet Post Office
New York, N Y.
DE51/A16-3
Serial No. 008
S E C R E T
8 May 1944
Subject: Action report of Engagement with German Submarine, 6 May 1944.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
0355
Sub, still making about 18 knots, intentionally or out of control, veers sharply to port toward BUCKLEY, now alongside at distance of 25 yards with bow abreast of BUCKLEY's bridge. BUCKLEY stops starboard engine and gives right full rudder in an attempt to swing stern clear and protect shafting. Order is given to set depth charges on safe. Sub strikes BUCKLEY glancing blow and bow of sub rides under BUCKLEY's after engine room. Sub slowly rolls over to 600 angle. Personnel on deck have a clear view into conning tower, which is a flaming shambles. Man on deck of sub attempting to man gun disintegrates when hit by 40-millimeter shells. Torpedomen throw hand grenades, one of which drops through sub's open conning tower hatch before exploding. 20mm continue raking fire. Sub slowly draws aft on starboard side with bow under BUCKLEY, scraping along ship's side.
0336
Sub clears and passes astern, still making about 15 knots. No. 3 3" gun scores 3 direct hits on conning tower. Sub dissappears under surface of water at this speed under Diesel power with conning tower hatch open and fire blazing from it, apparently completely abandoned and out of control. Forward hatch also open. Entire action has lasted 16 minutes.
0339
Heavy deep underwater explosion heard, followed by smaller explosions. Plane drops sono-buoy on position. BUCKLEY stops engines. Indications negative. BUCKLEY starts sound gear, which had remained retracted throughout and was in good condition. No contact.
- 5 -
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableBody.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
U.S.S. BUCKLEY (DE51)
c/o Fleet Post Office
New York, N Y.
DE51/A16-3
Serial No. 008
S E C R E T
8 May 1944
Subject: Action report of Engagement with German Submarine, 6 May 1944.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
8. For the next three hours BUCKLEY steamed at slow speed through the area, picking up a total of thirty-six surviviors, including four officers. Most of them carried schrapnel or heavire wounds. Prisoners stated that they had thought they were being attacked by a light cruiser. Several large oil slicks were present.
9. During the 16 minutes between BUCKLEY's first commence firing and the time the sub sank, BUCKLEY expended the following ammunition:
3" 50 caliber
105 rounds.
(Guns #3, which could not always bear, fired only 20 rounds
20mm
2700 rounds.
40mm
418 rounds.
Small Arms
.45 caliber ball
300 rounds.
.30 caliber ball
60 rounds.
Shotgun shells
00 buckshot
30 rounds.
Grenades, fragmentation
2
10. Damage suffered by BUCKLEY included the following:
(a)
Starboard shaft sheared outside of skin of ship.
(b)
After engine room holed on starboard side with a 5" hole 2 feet above waterline and side of ship buckled from frame 110 to 115. Hole extended into laundry in compartment C-201.
(c)
Peak tank and ram bow buckled and pierced but after bulkhead of peak tank at frame 6 intact.
(d)
Several holes of various sizes in superstructure, stack, etc., caused by enemy hits, mostly small caliber.
- 6 -
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableBody.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-505TableMargin.jpg[/image]
U.S.S. BUCKLEY (DE51)
c/o Fleet Post Office
New York, N Y.
DE51/A16-3
Serial No. 008
S E C R E T
8 May 1944
Subject: Action report of Engagement with German Submarine, 6 May 1944.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
11. Damage control measures were instituted immediately. Mattresses backed with heavy shoring were used to block off hole in after engine room and laundry. Leakage here was completely stopped. A 5/8" wire strap was taken around one of the blades of the starboard screw and secured to a bit on deck. This prevented the screw from turning and banging against the ship's side while ship was under way. Locking shaft was ineffectual to accomplish this, since shaft was completely sheared. Ship was then able to maintain a cruising speed of 12 knots on the port screw. Further repairs were made two days later by ship's company, which welded a temporary patch over hole in after engine room.
12. In spite of the fct that the sub was close alongside for a full minute after ramming by BUCKLEY, opinions differed widely as to sub's appearance and armament. A gun resembling a quadruple mount 20mm was seen on the bandstand just aft of the conning tower. Some crew members stated that other 20mm guns were mounted on deck aft. The commanding officer personally observed no deck gun forward, although view of the sub's forecastle was obscured by BUCKLEY's bow. Nor did he personally observe any gunfire from a gun of this type during the engagement.
13. The commanding officer is proud of the fighting spirit, coolness in action, and through going teamwork shown by all hands. It was these characteristics, more than the individual brilliance or heroism of any one officer or man, which concluded the action successfully. By other correspondence, the ship's company who particularly distinguished themselves. Enclosure (A) emphasizes the high degree of maneuverability of this type vessel for ramming tactics.
14. This action report is classified secret, with the request that it be reclassified downward if deemed proper by superior authority. Since action did not involve an attack on a submerged submarine, no report on Form ASW-1 will be submitted.
B. M. ABEL.
Copy to:
Cominch (direct)
Cinclant (direct)
ComASDevlant
Note on the coffee cups. They were an older, handless style mug that is very, very heavy. The Navy memorial sells them as "liberty mugs" with specialized logos. I own quite a few , and did indeed "test" one when I first heard this story in Samuel Elliot Morrisons" 14 volume set. It's handle less shape gives excellent ballistic proformance. I'd really hate to get hit with one. I think a hit to the head could be fatal.
