Submarine Qualification Book – Mark 37 Torpedo, 1966 is a section of an officers qualification book describing the tactics used with an electric homing torpedo.

Torpedo Data Computer Mark 3, Mark 3, Mods 5 to 12 inclusive, O.P. 1056, 1944 describes the most successful torpedo fire control computer of WW II. It is considered a masterpiece of mechanical computing design. (in PDF)

Submarine Attack Course Finder Mark I Model 3, O.D. 453, 1922. This describes the circular slide rule commonly know as an “is-was” used to calculate an approach and attack by an submarine.

Torpedo Angle Solver Mark VIII Operating Instructions, O.D. 3518, 1941. This describes the hand operated torpedo angle solver commonly called a “banjo”. It is used to calculate the gyro angle when the Torpedo Data Computer is not available.

5-Inch Gun Mount Mark 40, OP 1029, 1944, describes the five inch, 25 caliber, wet mount gun used on U.S.N. submarines near the end of WW II.

5-Inch Gun Mount Mark 40 Installation Instructions, OD 4707, 1944, describes the installation of the five inch, 25 caliber, wet mount gun used on U.S.N. submarines near the end of WW II.

40-MM Wet Mount Assemblies (Single), OD 5853, 1947, describes modifications to the Army single Bofors 40mm gun for use on submarines. The manuals for the gun are in the ordnance section below.

The Submarine Commander’s Handbook, (“U.Kdt.Hdb.”), 1943 describes the submarine U-boat tactics of Nazi Germany.

Submarine Medicine Practice, 1956. This was prepared for the training and orientation of medical personnel to the problems associated with diving and submarine life. It provides an insight into the life aboard submarines.

Medical Study of the Experiences of Submariners as Recorded in 1,471 Submarine Patrol Reports in World War II, 1949. duff.pdf (30.2 MB PDF).

U.S. Pacific Submarines In World War II, by William P. Gruner is a summary of the U.S. submarine war in the Pacific.

USS Pompon Ships Orders, 1944, Includes Ships Orders, Compartment Check-Off Lists, Emergency Bills, Diving and Surfacing Instructions. suborders.pdf (11.5 MB).

Standard Submarine Phraseology, describes a set of uniform voice procedures and phraseology for use throughout the U.S. WW II submarine fleet.

Submarine Telephone Talker’s Manual, NAVPERS 16171, 1944, Voice communications in the sub and standard submarine procedures and phraseology.subtalker.pdf (3.5 MB).

Submarine Information and Instruction Manual, 1942 was used for training on board S-class (built 1918-1925) submarines.

Submarine Bathythermograph Type CTB 40079 and CTB 40131, 1943, is the manual for the WW II bathythermograph, a device that records the temperature of the water as the submarine moves through the water.

Demolition Outfit Mark 108 (for Submarines), O.P. 1012, 1942 describes the demolition outfit provided for scuttling a WW II submarine.

Submarine Periscope Type 2E, NAVSHIPS 0324-048-6000, 1962. Describes the type 2E attack periscope used during the Cold War. Many of these have been donated to museums for display periscopes. periscope-2e.pdf (6.4 MB).

Optical Equipment, Periscopes, Mark XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII and XIX description, O.P. 495, 1924. Describes early submarine periscopes. periscope-mk-16-19.pdf (2.4 MB).

Target Bearing Transmitter, Mark 9, 1945. Describes the waterproof binoculars used for target designation on US WW II submarines. tbt.pdf (10.1 MB).

Submarine Sanctuaries Bombing And Attack Restrictions, 1943 shows how submarines and allied aircraft were supposed to be deconflicted. Unfortunately we also know that there were numerous friendly fire incidents during WW II.