| |
A/C was flying at 115 knots true airspeed down track in search of C/V at altitude of 700 feet when radar contact was made at seven mile range, bearing 315 degrees. A/C increased speed and headed directly for contact. At approximately five miles range a group of three corvettes was observed. Next it was observed that the corvettes were circling and firing upon a surfaced U/B. U/B was returning fire and making evasive turn to starboard. Due to gun fire it was necessary for A/C to make short steep approach, diving at approximately 30 degrees. As A/C approached, Lt.(jg) Dinkins fired approximately 45 rounds from bow 30 caliber and crew of after deck gun jumped overboard. Hits from this gun were observed about deck and C/T. Four D/C were released at 60 feet altitude 200 to 300 yards from U/B at true airspeed of 155 knots. A/C passed over port quarter of U/B approximately midway between C/T and stern as U/B circled to starboard. Splash of D/C was not observed. Four D/C explosions were observed on the port side of the U/B between C/T and bow. The last explosion seemed to have been approximately 50 feet from hull of U/B and after the geyser had subsided, waves fro nearest explosion were observed breaking over deck of U/B. Other explosions were observed further from U/B spaced approximately 30 to 40 feet on A/C track. A/C made climbing turn to port. Three of crew were observed to come out of C/T hatch. They attempted to man stern deck gun and were washed overboard by wave. A/C made second run along side of U/B approximately 500 feet distant, 150 foot altitude, in order to give port waist gunner opportunity to strafe deck. 25 to 30 rounds were fired from port 50 caliber and hits were observed about C/T. Three of crew jumped into the sea from hatch of C/T and one was observed hit by this fire. A/C made thrird run directly over U/B C/T at altitude of 150 feet. 45 rounds were fired from bow 30 caliber and hits were observed about C/T and in C/T hatch. As a result of straffing attacks, decks of U/B were kept clear and U/B crew were prevented from manning deck guns. Corvette came in and rammed U/B causing it to roll completely over. It sank immediately, stern first at 1305. One of escort corvettes was observed picking up survivors. A/C investigated torpedoed and burning M/V 3 to 4 miles distant, bearing 230 degrees but could be of no assistance. A/C then proceeded to cover C/V until relieved. |
|
