SOLVED. WWII submarine novel, possibly YA [s]

[John]

Likely published between 1945 and 1979.

The novel begins when a boy is rescued by a U.S. submarine crew. The crew is complaining that the new magnetic torpedo detonators don't work.

With his parents permission, he joins the navy early, maybe at 17? Partially by convincing his mother that if he doesn't volunteer he might be drafted into the marines.

In sub training, a training officer or NCO doesn't believe him that the magnetic torpedoes don't work. Later, somehow, they both end up on the same sub in the Pacific where it is discovered that indeed the magnetic torpedoes don't work. They get old style torpedoes that do work.

They also set up a "Boy Scout" squad to destroy small civilian boats that aren't worth wasting a torpedo on by surfacing and attacking with small arms.

[Ayshe]

War Beneath the Sea maybe?

[John]

Very likely. To my surprise, that's the second Frank Bonham book I've found here. I wonder which others of his I've read?

[John]

SOLVED: War Beneath the Sea