A few years ago I published through Xeno games "Coastal Command" a set of rules and campign guidelines for small craft operations during World War Two. As part of the rules, I intended a list of scenarios based on actual engagements.

This article is a continuation of the scenario presentation process along with additional notes on small craft operations during the war. Invaluable material and an outstanding book on US operations can be found in Cpt Buckley's book, At Close Quarters, 1962, which is based on official reports from both Allied and Axis sources. Other good books include William Breuer's Devil Boats: PT War Against Japan and Frank Johnson's US PT Boats of World War II.

Much admiration must be given to the crews which manned the various types of small craft utilized during the war. The prestige of the assignment was little with the task of daily operations and maintenance of these craft daunting. The supply problems were vast. US PT Boat Squadrons were to be composed of the same boat model which improved the supply situation somewhat. The range of equipment used on the boats was vast with different tools needed for different torpedo or gun types within the US Navy. In addition the US Navy in Europe often operated with British forces which increased the different types of equipment and tools used.

Another example of their low supply priority was that PT units were given the pre-war Mark VIII torpedo until the supply was exhausted which was not until almost 1945. These torpedoes often ran too deep to be effective against the common targets of the boats. While later versions handled newer torpedoes, the launching systems were different so the same torpedo model could not be used on every boat AND the tools needed to fix or operate the systems also varied.

Because of their shallow draft which allowed the boats to cross most minefields and sail close to the shore, the patrol boats were often given missions which placed them in isolated positions without substantial support from larger vessels. Some missions included dropping off and picking up various OSS agents from the coastlines, rescuing ship and aircraft survivors, escorting minelaying-sweeping craft, carrying supplies to beachheads, and conducting deception operations while larger landing operations took place nearby.

While the speed of the US PT boats in the Pacific was fast enough to catch their primary target, Japanese barges, in the Mediterranean early models did not have the engine horsepower to overtake their Italian and German opponents. Also in the Mediterranean, the 20mm and .50 caliber guns could not inflict much damage to the well built German F-Lighters.

Considering that hundreds of PT boats were built, it may be surprising to discover how few PT boats were actually lost to enemy action. Many were destroyed by their crews to prevent capture. While others were lost due to friendly fire and collisions. Being of wood construction, the PT boats often suffered numerous hits and still remained afloat. Also these damaged boats were often quickly repaired for duty within only a couple of days.

Summary of PT Boat Losses

A summary of US PT boat losses are 69 boats lost with only 22 being lost directly due to hostile actions. The conditions of lost were: Seven by enemy ships; Four by Shore Batteries; Seven by enemy aircraft; Four by Mines; Two by Allied ships; Five by Allied Aircraft; Nineteen were grounded in enemy territory and destroyed to prevent capture; Three more were destroyed in port prior to being captured; Fourteen were lost due to storms or accidents in port or non-combat situations.

Patrol Actions at Night

Due to the dominance of Allied airpower in most areas after 1942, the Axis attempted virtually all of their supply convoys at night. As a result, most of the Allied boat patrols which made contact were also conducted at night. All engagements are at night unless otherwise noted.

While many of the engagements may have occurred after midnight, I have listed the date of the battle based on when the patrol began. In regards to the location of the battle, I have tried to list an approximate point. The Chart should be read as "Near or off the coast of ...(the point listed)". Not every area of operations had heavy contact with enemy forces. In the Aleutians and in the English Channel the number of contact were limited.

The main foe in the Aleutians was the environment. The 100+ islands were often surrounded by submerged rocks. The weather was a mix of high winds, rain or fog and could include a mix of snow and hail during the worst periods. This combined with high seas and frigid water severely limited patrol time. Also after their loss at Midway the Japanese expressed little interest in the area, so contact with the enemy was rare. Most of their missions included supply runs, mine laying, recon, and air-sea rescue. After a limited stay in the area most boats and crews were transferred to the South Pacific.

More US Patrol Boat Operations During World War Two

Introduction
English Channel Engagements 1944
South Pacific Engagements 1941-1945
Mediterranean Engagements 1943-1945
PT Boat Squadrons, Numbers And Boat Models Used Plus Other Notes