This is just a temporary war patrol information page, until I receive the real report. Thanks to Joseph Sullivan for this information.
On December 8 in heavy seas with low visibility contact was made on a single Matsu class destroyer, and BAYA began a submerged approach. Despite difficulty in maintaining depth control the range was closed. Just at the firing stage the target changed course forcing BAYA deep to avoid being rammed, and the attack was thwarted. Two destroyers were sighted the following day headed north at high speed, but they could not be closed for attack. A properly marked hospital ship of the Takasayo Maru class was sighted on 10 December.
After this series of contacts BAYA shifted stations and joined the submarine scouting line deployed off Mindoro Island during its occupation 14-25 December. While changing areas to the westward, a major enemy task force of two heavy cruisers escorted by four destroyers was contacted on the night of 27 December; these ships were evidently attempting to flee the Philippine area. A contact report was transmitted and the range closed for attack. Submerging to radar depth ahead of the enemy, the attack phase was reached, but difficulties in depth control necessitated completion of the attack by sound. At a range of 3200 yards, a full bow salvo was fired at the leading cruiser, but no damage was inflicted. The patrol was terminated by orders to proceed to Fremantle, West Australia. This destination being reached via Karimata and Lombok Straits on 12 January 1945.
The routine refit was accomplished by the Submarine Division 262 Relief Crew of the U.S.S. ANTHEDON. Commander Holtz was relieved by Lieut. Commander Ben C. Jarvis as Commanding Officer. Ten days later BAYA and the U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD proceeded to the area off Cape Varella, French Indo-China.
