DOYLE-CHARLES

DIED  WHILE  IN  CAPTIVITY  WHILE  POW

Charles Doyle was a crewmember of the submarine USS Grenadier (SS-210).  On April 22, 1943, the sub was on its sixth war patrol, patrolling in Lem Voalan Strait in the northeast Indian Ocean when it met its fate.  On the night of April 20, having had poor hunting for several days, Grenadier ventured out of her patrol area to see what she could find.  She found two ships, but before she could attack, they turned away.  Figuring that they would come back to their original course it was decided to remain in the area to await their return.  About 15 minutes before time to dive and prepare for an attack, a Japanese plane suddenly appeared, and the sub quickly dove.  As she was passing 120 feet, a violent explosion shook the sub, all lights went out and power was lost.  Grenadier settled on the bottom at about 270 feet.  The hull and hatches were leaking badly aft, and a fire in the control cubicle kept the ship without propulsion.  A bucket brigade kept the motors dry and later a jury rig pump was called into service to perform the task, while the electricians worked all day to restore propulsion.  Several men were prostrated by heat and exertion, but the work continued.

At dusk, Grenadier was able to get to the surface and work continued in an attempt to restore the sub to a working condition.  Finally, it became possible to turn over one shaft very slowly, but in spite of what had been accomplished, adequate speed could not be expected.  As morning came, a merchantman was observed approaching the area and an escort vessel was seen on the horizon.  Also, a plane came overhead but was driven away by gunfire.  As it was obvious that Grenadier was incapable of getting away from the area, the Commanding Officer decided to scuttle the ship.  All hands soon found themselves in the water and all were taken prisoner by the enemy merchant ship. 

The Grenadier crewmembers were made prisoner at Fukuoka #3 POW Camp in Japan.  Following the end of the war the crewmembers related the brutal treatment they received at the hands of the Japanese, and of how their spirit was kept up by their Commanding Officer.  They unanimously reported the Japanese gained no information from this gallant crew despite the worst they could inflict.  During their confinement, four Grenadier crewmembers died while being held as POWs.  Unfortunately, Charles Doyle was one of the fatalities who reportedly died on April 12, 1944 due to acute pneumonia. 

Following the war, the remains of Charles Doyle were returned to the U.S. and are buried in the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.  He was survived by his mother who resided in Boston.

                    

During her five war patrols, Grenadier is credited with sinking six Japanese ships and damaging several others.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)