Hull Number: SS-209
Last Captain: LCDR Robert Brinker
Date Lost: Estimated between 9 and 12 September 1943
Location: West of Luzon, Philippine Islands
Fatalities: 76
Cause: Likely rammed
Construction
Grayling was a Tambor class submarine completed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard at Kittery, Maine in March of 1941.
Loss Narrative
Grayling departed Fremantle, Australia for her eighth patrol in July of 1943. Her first mission was to deliver cargo to guerrillas in the Philippines which she completed on 31 July. On 19 August, she reported damaging a freighter and sinking a small oiler. This was the last report from Grayling.
On 23 August, she again delivered supplies to the guerrillas at Pucio Point, Panay, as reported by the guerrillas. Grayling was credited with sinking a 5,480 ton freighter on 27 August. On 9 September, the Japanese ship Hokuan Maru reports sighting a surfaced submarine in shallow water. The maru cruised through that area and reported that she noted an impact with a submerged object. That object was likely the Grayling.
On 23 August, she again delivered supplies to the guerrillas at Pucio Point, Panay, as reported by the guerrillas. Grayling was credited with sinking a 5,480 ton freighter on 27 August. On 9 September, the Japanese ship Hokuan Maru reports sighting a surfaced submarine in shallow water. The maru cruised through that area and reported that she noted an impact with a submerged object. That object was likely the Grayling.
Prior History
After commissioning and sea trials, Grayling was part of the group searching for the USS O-9 (SS-70). She then returned to Portsmouth after her shakedown cruise. She then sailed for the Pacific arriving in San Diego on 10 December 1941. One week later she sailed for Pearl Harbor where she was chosen as the flagship for ADM Chester Nimitz when he assumed command of the Pacific Fleet.
Prior to her loss, Grayling had completed seven war patrols without an overhaul. Her first patrol began on 5 January 1942 and she gained a great deal in training but was not successful. She sank a freighter on 13 April on her second patrol. This patrol ended on 16 May.
Next, she was part of the group of scouting submarines around Midway, watching for the Japanese battle fleet. Apparently, this was not credited as a patrol. On 7 June, after the Japanese carriers had been sunk, Grayling was attacked by a group of our USAAF B-17 bombers. The bombers reported that they had attacked an enemy cruiser and noted that it sank quickly. In reality, it was the Grayling diving to escape the danger. It is a good example of why submarine captains treated all aircraft as hostile.
On her third war patrol, which began on 14 July, Grayling claimed two hits on a freighter that were not confirmed. An oil leak forced her to end the patrol early. However, she was credited with damaging a Japanese submarine tender. The patrol ended on 26 August. During this refit, her damage was repaired and a surface search radar was added.
On her fourth, which began on 19 October, she was credited with a 4,000-ton freighter. Her fourth patrol ended in Fremantle, Australia on 13 December. On her fifth patrol, Grayling sank a 749-ton cargo ship. This patrol ended on 24 February 1943.
On her sixth and seventh patrols, Grayling reported multiple attacks although only one, on a 4,103-ton freighter, could be confirmed as sunk.
Grayling was lost on her eighth war patrol. JANAC credited her with five sinkings for 20,575 tons total for her WW2 service.
Prior to her loss, Grayling had completed seven war patrols without an overhaul. Her first patrol began on 5 January 1942 and she gained a great deal in training but was not successful. She sank a freighter on 13 April on her second patrol. This patrol ended on 16 May.
Next, she was part of the group of scouting submarines around Midway, watching for the Japanese battle fleet. Apparently, this was not credited as a patrol. On 7 June, after the Japanese carriers had been sunk, Grayling was attacked by a group of our USAAF B-17 bombers. The bombers reported that they had attacked an enemy cruiser and noted that it sank quickly. In reality, it was the Grayling diving to escape the danger. It is a good example of why submarine captains treated all aircraft as hostile.
On her third war patrol, which began on 14 July, Grayling claimed two hits on a freighter that were not confirmed. An oil leak forced her to end the patrol early. However, she was credited with damaging a Japanese submarine tender. The patrol ended on 26 August. During this refit, her damage was repaired and a surface search radar was added.
On her fourth, which began on 19 October, she was credited with a 4,000-ton freighter. Her fourth patrol ended in Fremantle, Australia on 13 December. On her fifth patrol, Grayling sank a 749-ton cargo ship. This patrol ended on 24 February 1943.
On her sixth and seventh patrols, Grayling reported multiple attacks although only one, on a 4,103-ton freighter, could be confirmed as sunk.
Grayling was lost on her eighth war patrol. JANAC credited her with five sinkings for 20,575 tons total for her WW2 service.
Submarine Photo
Captain Photo
LCDR Robert Brinker