Batfish: The Champion "Submarine-Killer" Submarine of World War II

by Hughston E. Lowder, Jack Scott

Book Club Edition, Written by one who served aboard her during WW II, this is truly a historic memory. Very slight signs of age, no real damage.

Genres: History, World War II, Naval History

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Andrew Leeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a war memoir, sue me. The older and more eclectic the better. Might just have to stop by and see the old boat next time I’m in Muskogee, OK.


25 rating all time lol :)

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hughston Lowder was a Radio and Sonar Operator on the USS Batfish for almost all of her WWII Patrols, and his effort to chronicle the Diesel Attacks Sub's exploits crackles with authenticity. He was in the conning tower or at his post in the command center for all the key passages in this book- and it shows. Along with writer Jack Scott, he told his story in 1980, when the memories were fresh, and fellow Submariner Vets could fill in his blank spots. The story is an example of the larger story of the American Navy's massive effort at commerce and logistics raiding that was so destructive to the Japanese Empire. You get the boredom of avoiding detection whilst looking for elusive ships and convoys, the terror of being chased and depth charged- and the immense effort and satisfaction when torpedo attacks were successful. Of the two books I read in rapid succession on this particular boat, this is the better one- buoyed by the authors' more immediate knowledge of the story.

Batfish is best known for its remarkable feat of sinking three Japanese Submarines in one short 76 hour period- hunting off the coast of the Philippines during the liberation of the Islands in 1945. The Batfish was engaged in hunting operations - submarines' purpose- the Japanese subs were trying to deliver supplies to ground forces- a very poor use of the craft. Doctrine- and the US breaking of Japanese Naval codes- gave the advantage to Captain Fyfe and his trusty crew. Lowder and Scott show us how a green crew in 1943 became a well -oiled killing machine in 1945- and a lot of other great WWII and Submarine content. A very compelling package.

There are some adult themes and graphic injury/ailment descriptions that make this best for the Junior Reader over about 12 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast this is a wonderful resource. There is lots of Submarine protocol and attack process content, and interesting Torpedo information, so this can inform both Scenario and Diorama development. The Military Enthusiast will appreciate the inside and down under knowledge being shared- but also the beginnings of how the boat became a Tourist Attraction/Museum in Muskogee Oklahoma, of all places. This book acts like a memoir for a whole crew- and as such is a great 20th Century history document. A good addition to any USN, IJN, WWII, Pacific War or Submarine Warfare shelf in the library.

[Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batfish was the name of a USA Submarine that was commissioned in 1943. It took part in the remaining years of World War II combat in the Pacific Theater. This nonfiction book tells the story of Batfish’s successful combat career with a distinguishing peak in February of 1945 when the Batfish sank 3 Japanese submarines in a 3-day period. That is a record of achievement that stands to this day. The author, Hughston Lowder, served aboard the Batfish during those World War II years as a radio operator. This is a well written chronicle of Batfish’s operations as well as providing knowledge of operating procedures and practices of USA submarines during the war. It is an interesting look at life aboard a US submarine during the war years.

[Kraig Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent WW2 US Fleet attack sub story.

[David Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting information in this book, but not much fun to read.

[Gary Misch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough account of the famous sub's life.

[Robert Zwilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely candid account about life on the Batfish, during it's seven war patrols, which it spent more time avoiding being sunk than sinking enemy ships.