War report of USS Sturgeon
Attack on MV Montevideo Maru
(Typed, the “a” was wearing and not making a clear strike).
“30th June 1942
Patrolling North-West of Bojeador as before. Dove at dawn, surfaced at dusk. At 2216 sighted a darkened ship to southward. At first, due to bearing on which it was sighted, believed him to be on northerly course, but after few minutes observation it was evident he was on a westerly course, and going at high speed. He quite evidently had stood out of Babuyan Channel, headed for Hainan. Put on all engines and worked up to full power, proceeding to westward in attempt to get ahead of him. For an hour and a half we couldn’t make a nickel. This fellow was really going, making at least 17 knots, and probably a bit more as he appeared to be zig-zagging. At this time it looked a bit hopeless, but determined to hang on in the hope he would slow or change course towards us. His range at this time was estimated at around 18,000 yards. Sure enough, about midnight he slowed to about 12 knots. After that it was easy.
1st July 1942
Proceeding to intercept target as before. Altered course to gain position ahead of him, and dove at 0146. When he got in periscope range, it could be seen that he was larger than first believed, also that his course was a little left of west, leaving us some 3000 yards off the track. Was able to close some 1000 yards of this , and then turned to fire stern tubes as:
1. Only 3 tubes available forward, and at this range and with large target 4 fish spread desirable
2. After tubes had 700(indistinguishable) heads), while heads forward were small ones.
At 0225 fired four-torpedo spread, range 4000 yards, from after tubes. At 0229 heard and observed explosion about 75-100 abaft stack. At 0240 observed ship sink stern first. 0250 surfaced, proceeded eastward, completing battery charge. Ship believed to be Rio de Janeiro Maru, or very similar type, although it is possible it was a larger ship ; he was a big one. A few lights were observed on deck just after the explosion, but there was apparently no power available, and his bow was well up in the air in 6 minutes. Dove at dawn. No further contacts.
Again the advantage of a straight shot was demonstrated. I can honestly say that, even at the long range at which these torpedoes were fired, everyone felt perfectly confident, at the instant of firing, that we would hit. In fact, immediately after firing, I turned with full rudder in order to bring the bow tubes to bear in case of a miss. The T.D.C operator (Lt. Nimitz) remarked as the torpedoes were still running , “We won’t have to use any more. One of those will get him”. It was also noted (as it was also on 25 June) that at least some of the torpedoes explode as they sink. Two were about six minutes after firing. It would seem that explosion occurs, however, before the torpedo reaches the bottom, as water was very deep. It may occur as the head crushes. Torpedoes were heard running by second operator. Sketch of pursuit is included in enclosure (A2).
 |
| Launching of USS Sturgeon |
 |
USS 187 "Sturgeon" of the Salmon class, Captained by William Wright at time of Montevideo Maru sinking |
The simple language, casual, slangy almost, describing an event which was so momentous for so many. Over 1000 Australians died but so did most of the Japanese crewmen. The Americans had no idea what had just been achieved.
