War Patrol Report (Page 12)
| CONFIDENTIAL | |
| Subject: | U.S.S. BERGALL - Report of SECOND War Patrol |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| (I) | MINES - |
| No comments. | |
| (J) | ANTI- SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS - |
| None. | |
| (K) | MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE - |
| 1. Damage caused by shell hit: | |
| After passing through the superstructure the projectile entered the after port side of the forward torpedo room loading hatch, creasing the pressure hull before entering. It tore out a section of the pressure hull about 10 inches wide just forward of frame number 35 between the longitudinal frames either side of the loading hatch. Leaving, it took with it approximately 35% of the hatch neat and a large section of the starboard side of the hatch. The hatch cover was badly twisted and thrown up on deck. Frame #35 and the longitudinal frame mentioned above were bent and the hull was deeply grooved from outboard on the starboard side of the hatch. Although it is believed the shell did not explode, it or fragments of it (took) out four superstucture supports, one leg of the JP tripod, the forward room high salvage connection, and the starboard riser for #1 main ballast tank. The starboard side of the superstructure plating was badly torn. | |
| Below decks the only damage consisted of cutting the 225 lb. air connection to internal salvage, making inoperative the hull ventilation supply bulkhead flapper, and cutting the cable trunk running across the top of the compartment. Minor fragment holes were discovered in deck plating. | |
| Immediately after the hit, it was apparent that serious damage had resulted as compartment fires (electrical) and compartment lights could be seen from the bridge, and the venting of #1 main ballast tank and the 225 lb. air leak could be heard. Inspection was immediately made topside and below; fires extinguished by opening all forwrd room circuits and smothering; 225 lb. air forward was secured; and repairs were initiated. |
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