HMS Conqueror & The Belgrano: Captain's log declassified

[blackthorn]

Came across these declassified documents of the captains log from when the Conqueror entered the area until the patrol ended. It`s a long read but worth it imo as it gives you an insight into what actually happened.

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...of-proceedings

Brilliant stuff .... I'm halfway through part one. If anyone can illuminate any of the many abbreviations used in the log, that would be helpful. I've guessed a few:

PD - Periscope Depth
ROE - Rules Of Engagement
TOT - Time of Transmission
ARG - Argentine
SUB - Submarine
W/S - WarShip
AUX - Auxilary support ship
NUC - Nuclear

[blackthorn]

ssixs- submarine satelite information exchange subsystem
I think from memory COR is bits of a message received that have to be put back together to make sense
Not sure but Rason could be remain at sea overnight

Yes, I got that COR were message fragments. The captain frequently complains that he's missing a couple and has to go back up to PD under cover of darkness to try to receive them again. I'm wondering what COR actually stands for though.

The log also uses an initial letter followed by a number to refer to a specific sonar (S) or tonal (T) contact.

Thanks for SSIXS, again, I guessed what it related to but couldn't work out what the specific initials meant.

A bit of Googling suggests you are right, RASON means Remain At Sea OverNight.

[blackthorn]

Reading it, you get the sense of frustration and at times anger from the co, he`s not too happy with Fosm (flag officer submarines) and its interesting that he knows to replace the mk 8 fish with mk24`s but as an experienced co he knows the mk8s are more reliable

[alferret]

Very interesting, getting through part 1 art the mo.

[blackthorn]

Thinking about it, the S in rason is more likely to mean station rather than sea as submarine's don't usually come into harbour each night.

Originally Posted by blackthorn

Reading it, you get the sense of frustration and at times anger from the co, he`s not too happy with Fosm (flag officer submarines) and its interesting that he knows to replace the mk 8 fish with mk24`s but as an experienced co he knows the mk8s are more reliable

Yep, there's this little gem in part 1, page 36:

"Have left S Georgia Argentinian MEZ. My ROE now changed. Only Argentinian submarines may be attacked. In theory, I should withdraw my Mk 8 torpedoes - in practice, I won't."

I think:

C/D = Changed Depth
C/S = Changed Speed, in Kts
C/C = Changed Course

Edited

[blackthorn]

On an ex submariners forum that I`m a member of I`ve asked for clarification of a few of these abbreviations, there`s a few ex Conqueror ratings including 1 of the radio operators on there but they seem very reluctant to talk about it.

Originally Posted by blackthorn

On an ex submariners forum that I`m a member of I`ve asked for clarification of a few of these abbreviations, there`s a few ex Conqueror ratings including 1 of the radio operators on there but they seem very reluctant to talk about it.

They signed the official secrets act, quite possibly in their own blood. I don't blame them - why take the chance. Also, I imagine it was a pretty intense experience they don't easily share with those that don't really understand.

---------- Post added at 09:04 ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 ----------

COR = Coded ORders?

[blackthorn]

I think I`ve sussed out COR as he mentions Operation Corporate further on, so cor(number) would mean signal number pertaining to operation corporate.
Over on the submariners forum, Rason has created a bit of a debate, some agree with me that it doesnt mean Remain at sea overnight or station and in this context it means Receipt and acknowledge for signals received.