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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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WWI

War Diary of U.S.S. Aylwin

Tuesday, February 5, 1918.

     At 2 A.M., having heard nothing from ANDREW KING and as the moon was coming up bright, got under way and proceeded on zig-zag course to area “B”. Patrolled area “B” on zig-zag course until 7:20 when Aylwin made contact and joined ANDREW KING and JAMES BENTOLE, continued zig-zagging behind trawlers until noon when ANDREW KING hoisted square black flag and signaled five long flashes to stop. From noon until 12:30 the trawlers and Aylwin alternated drifting and going ahead; at 12:30 a British “Blimp” balloon passed overhead and signaled “Bomb it”, general quarters were sounded and Aylwin proceeded at <full> speed to a point indicated by balloon’s course. When Aylwin reached line of the trawlers the ANDREW KING signaled to stop; a few minutes after stopping at about 1:30 P.M., a submarine was heard distinctly on the oscillator and several members of the ship’s company saw a periscope, first on the port bow, and again on the port quarter, the periscope was visible in all for about one minute and-a-half; the Aylwin WAS TURNED to make for the submarine which submerged and was not heard again by either Aylwin [or the trawlers]. After about an hour of drifting and listening, during which [no further sound] was heard, the chase was given up and Aylwin proceeded to square 18 [to] investigate a report received on wireless of oil and air bubbles. Nothing [was found] and Aylwin rejoined the trawlers and took up her position behind them [zig-]zagging at 15 knots. At dark took position in line ahead behind trawlers and continued patrolling area “B”, straight course at 6 knots.

Source Note: D, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B, Destroyer Ships Files: Aylwin.

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