1 Reply Latest reply on Nov 20, 2019 7:36 PM by Jason Atkinson

Looking for after action report on loss of USS Bullhead

Ken Kitts Nov 16, 2019 9:10 AM

Bullhead was the last American warship sunk in World War II. She departed Fremantle, Australia, on July 31, 1945, and failed to rendezvous with other submarines in the area two weeks later. Japanese records indicate she was likely sunk near the Lombok Strait on August 6. I am trying to locate the Navy's after action report on her loss. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Looking for after action report on loss of USS Bullhead

Jason Atkinson Nov 20, 2019 7:36 PM (in response to Ken Kitts)

Dear Mr. Kitts,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

We are unaware of a single record series which documents all US Navy ship losses or even all submarine losses. There may be records related to the loss of the USS Bullhead in World War II Action and Operational Reports, 12/7/1941 - 1946, the records of Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, the Ship and Correspondence Files, 1942 - 1945 for Submarine Squadron Ten, or the General Administrative Files, 2/4/1942 - 9/3/1946 for Commander, Submarines, Southwest Pacific. For access to these records, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) via at archives2reference@nara.gov.

The Naval History and Heritage Command has an article on the loss of the USS Bullhead. They may have additional information concerning this topic.

If you have not already done so, we suggest you read Overdue and Presumed Lost: The Story of the USS Bullhead by Martin Sherida. This book was originally published in 1947, however it is available through some libraries and some book retailers sell more recent editions.

We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your research!

[information provided in part by Nathan Patch, Subject Matter Expert]

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