| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Submarine |
| Class | T |
| Pennant | N 38 |
| Mod | First Group |
| Built by | Cammell Laird Shipyard (Birkenhead, U.K.) |
| Ordered | 20 Jul 1937 |
| Laid down | 18 Nov 1937 |
| Launched | 20 May 1939 |
| Commissioned | 3 Jan 1940 |
| End service | |
| History | Decomissioned into reserve in July 1945. Sold to be broken up for scrap in November 1946 and scrapped at Llanelly. For an account on life aboard Taku see this website (offsite link). |
Commands listed for HMS Taku (N 38)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
| Commander | From | To | ||
| 1 | Lt.Cdr. Walter Selby Hall, RN | 19 Jun 1939 | 24 Feb 1940 | |
| 2 | Lt.Cdr. Voltelin James Howard Van der Byl, RN | 24 Feb 1940 | 8 Oct 1940 | |
| 3 | Lt. Hugh Bentley Turner, RN | 8 Oct 1940 | 17 Oct 1940 | |
| 4 | Lt. John Frederick Beaufoy Brown, RN | 17 Oct 1940 | 22 Apr 1941 | |
| 5 | Lt.Cdr. Edward Christian Frederic Nicolay, RN | 22 Apr 1941 | 5 Aug 1941 | |
| 6 | Lt.Cdr. Peter Joseph Howell Bartlett, RN | 5 Aug 1941 | 25 Oct 1941 | |
| 7 | Lt. William Warner Dennis, RN | 25 Oct 1941 | Nov 1941 | |
| 8 | Lt. David Roger Oakeley Mott, DSC, RN | Nov 1941 | 8 Dec 1941 | |
| 9 | Lt.Cdr. Jack Gethin Hopkins, RN | 8 Dec 1941 | 11 Oct 1942 | |
| 10 | Lt. Arthur John Wright Pitt, RN | 11 Oct 1942 | 6 May 1944 | |
| 11 | T/Lt. Percy Samuel Parmenter, RNR | 6 May 1944 | 28 Oct 1944 | |
| 12 | Lt. George Edward Hunt, DSO, DSC, RN | 28 Oct 1944 | Ear.Apr 45 | |
| 13 | Lt. John Peter Angell, RN | Ear.Apr 45 | 25 May 1945 | |
| 14 | Lt. William Hedley Kett, DSC, RNR | 25 May 1945 | 18 Jun 1945 | |
| 15 | T/A/Lt. John Leslie Stevens, SANF(V) | 18 Jun 1945 | Jul 1945 | |
| 16 | Lt. Jeremy Nash, DSC, RN | 20 Sep 1945 | late 1945 | |
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Notable events involving Taku include:
The history of HMS Taku as compiled on this page is extracted from Taku's patrol reports and logbooks. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.
This page was created in November 2010.
This page was last updated in May 2018.
18 Dec 1939
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted trials off Liverpool during which she was escorted by HMS King Sol (Cdr.(Retd.) N.R. Peploe, OBE, RN) and HMS Arab (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (1)
21 Dec 1939
Around 0615Z/21, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) departed her builders yard for trials the Clyde area. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) which joined around 0800Z/21 off the Bar lightvessel. (1)
24 Dec 1939
Around 0925A/24, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) returned to Birkenhead on completion of her trials. (1)
5 Jan 1940
Around 0725Z/5, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) departed her builders yard for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) which joined around 0925Z/5 off the Bar lightvessel. (2)
8 Jan 1940
Around 1100Z/8, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) arrived at Portsmouth / Haslar. (2)
9 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) and HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) both conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)
10 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)
11 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)
18 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)
19 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) is docked at the Portsmouth Dockyard in No.9 Dry Dock. (2)
22 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) is undocked from No.9 Dry Dock at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (2)
23 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)
25 Jan 1940
Around 0930Z/25, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland where she arrived aroud 1515Z/25. She was escorted by HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)
26 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (2)
27 Jan 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (2)
1 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
3 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
4 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
5 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted echo sounding trials off Portland. (3)
6 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
7 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
8 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
13 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
14 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
15 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
16 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
19 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
20 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (3)
21 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Portsmouth (Haslar) where she arrived around 1730Z/21. (3)
23 Feb 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) is taken in hand for repairs at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (3)
4 Mar 1940
On completion the repairs, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) proceeded from the Portsmouth Dockyard to Haslar. (4)
5 Mar 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted special trials off Portsmouth. (4)
7 Mar 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (4)
9 Mar 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. These included practice attacks on HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (4)
11 Mar 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (4)
12 Mar 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) is docked at the Portsmouth Dockyard in No.9 Dry Dock. (4)
30 Mar 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) is undocked. (4)
1 Apr 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Portsmouth. (5)
2 Apr 1940
Around 2145A/2, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) departed Portsmouth for a trial period at Loch Long on the west coast of Scotland. She was escorted by HMS Malcolm (Capt. T.E. Halsey, RN) until 0730A/3 when HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) took over the escort. (5)
5 Apr 1940
Around 1200A/5, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) arrived at Loch Long. (5)
8 Apr 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Loch Long. (5)
9 Apr 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Loch Long. (5)
10 Apr 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Loch Long. (5)
11 Apr 1940
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during her 1st war patrol see the map below.
(5)
11 Apr 1940
Around 0515A/11, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) departed Loch Long for her 1st war patrol. She is to patrol off Central Norway. She was escorted until 2145A/12 by HMS Notts County (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.K. Pollock, RN).
(6)
17 Apr 1940
While searching for five German destroyers reported to be in her area HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) fires four torpedoes at the British destroyer HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN). Luckily all torpedoes fired missed their target. HMS Taku sustained some minor damage from depth charges dropped by HMS Ashanti.
Taku had received information that five German destroyers had been sighted off Stavanger at 1900A/16. They were steering northwards at 25 knots. It was estimated that these would pass close to Taku's position between 0330A/17 and 0400A/17.
0335A/17 - Sighted a ship bearing 240° steering 060° at high speed, distance was about 4 miles. Turned towards and commenced a surface attack. The ships silhouette was very similar to that of a German destroyer. In view of the previous report there was no doubt that this was an enemy destroyer.
0342A/17 - Fired four torpedoes from 3000 yards. One torpedo was seen to break surface. Taku dived immediately after firing. It was now rapidly getting lighter and immediately after firing the first salvo the destroyer changed course. Taku manoeuvred into position to fire a second salvo. The destroyer now turned directly towards and while doing so it was observed to have a tripod mast and twin gun mountings and it was identified as friendly. Taku went deep and the order was given to fire a yellow smoke candle and to transmit identity letter on S.S/T. When at 60 feet a pattern of depth charges exploded about 100 yards on the starboard bow. Taku now surfaced and established her identity by lamp. The destroyer was HMS Ashanti. Only minor damage was caused by the depth charges. (6)
18 Apr 1940
At 2130A/18, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) surfaced after a days submerged patrol. She then set course to proceed to Rosyth. (6)
20 Apr 1940
Around 0820A/20, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth. (6)
30 Apr 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Rosyth. (5)
1 May 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Rosyth. (7)
2 May 1940
Around 1800A/2, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 2nd war patrol. She is to patrol of southern Norway.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
6 May 1940
At 0230A/6, west of Stavanger in approximate position 58°50'N, 04°42'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) picked up HE of a reciprocal engine on the starboard bow bearing 235° (approximately). HMS Taku stopped the engines and turned towards. As HMS Taku was silhouetted against the eastern horizon and visibility was not good to the westward, HMS Taku dived. HE passed down the port side and then stopped. It started again five minutes later and the ship then made off to the southward at a higher speed then before. The ship was never seen through the periscope. HMS Taku remained dived until 2155A/6. (6)
8 May 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) attacked a German convoy with a full salvo of ten torpedoes and torpedoed and damaged the German torpedo boat Mowe east of Denmark in position 56°45'N, 06°12'E. After the attack HMS Taku was depth charged and hunted for over 6 hours.
The convoy attacked was made up of the German transports Palime (2863 GRT, built 1937) and Pelikan (3264 GRT, built 1935) escorted by torpedo boats Mowe and Kondor. They had departed the Elbe around 0445B/8 for Stavanger.
Mowe was damaged in the stern and towed to Wilhelmshaven by Kondor.
1715A/8 - Sighted two camouflaged merchant ships about 8000 tons each escorted by two torpedo boats and two aircraft. Bearing 175°, range 8000 yards. All ships were zig-zagging independently. Commenced attack. It was intended to fire five torpedoes at each of the merchant ships from outside the screen.
1736A/8 - Fired at the leading transport from 2000 yards. After the last torpedo was fired Taku went to 100 feet. One minute after firing three distinct explosions were heard. These were followed by an avalanche of depth charges. Taku meanwhile lost trim and bottomed at 150 feet. All motors were stopped. Taku was now hunted and depth charged until late in the evening.
2350A/8 - Left bottom after the hunters HE had ceased.
0150A/9 - Surfaced. Nothing in sight except some fishing vessels to the South and East. Proceeded to the north-west while charging. (6)
13 May 1940
At 2157A/13, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) surfaced and set course to return to Rosyth. (8)
15 May 1940
Around 0830A/15, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth.
(6)
16 May 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) is docked in AFD 3 at Rosyth. (7)
18 May 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) is undocked. (7)
22 May 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted engine trials and exercises off Rosyth. (7)
23 May 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) is wiped at Rosyth. Also compass adjustment trials were carried out. (7)
27 May 1940
Around 0500A/27, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
1 Jun 1940
At 0150A/1, in position 54°40'N, 04°11'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) almost collided with a small black conical buoy with white buff attached. The buoy was only three feet high and was considered to be too small to be a navigational buoy. It was lost from of sight in the bad visibility and not seen again.
Between 0945A/1 and 1015A/1, a large number of distant explosions were heard thought to be probably bombs. These may have come from the northern half of this patrol area where ORP Orzel (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J. Grudzinski, DSO) had been ordered to patrol. (6)
9 Jun 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) and HMS Triad (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) were ordered into the Heligoland Bight to intercept the German battlecruisers Gneisenau and Scharnhorst in case they returned from operations off northern Norway to Germany.
The German battlecruisers however entered Trondheim. (9)
10 Jun 1940
Around 2045A/10, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) received a signal to leave patrol and return to Rosyth.
She surfaced at 2300A/10 and set course accordingly. (6)
12 Jun 1940
Around 2115A/12, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (6)
18 Jun 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Rosyth. (10)
20 Jun 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) is docked in AFD 3 at Rosyth. (10)
21 Jun 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) is undocked. (10)
28 Jun 1940
Around 1230A/28 HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 4th war patrol. She is to patrol of central Norway.
In the morning, before departure, compass adjustment trials had been carried out.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
29 Jun 1940
At 0913A/29, in rough weather conditions, in approximate position 57°05'N, 00°31'W, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) sighted a surfaced submarine. HMS Taku subsequently dived and sent a recognition signal on SS/T.
The submarine in question, Rubis (Lt. G.E.J. Cabanier) had also sighted the British submarine and turned away. (6)
5 Jul 1940
At 2244A/5, west-north-west of Namsos, in position 64°48'N, 09°25'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) is bombed by an enemy aircraft. On sighting the aircraft HMS Taku dived and when at 45 feet the bomb exploded overhead abaft the conning tower. Only some minor damage was sustained. (6)
9 Jul 1940
At 1825A/9, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol. She then left patrol to return to Rosyth. (6)
12 Jul 1940
Around 1930A/12, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Rosyth. (6)
13 Jul 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Rosyth. (11)
15 Jul 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Rosyth. (11)
25 Jul 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Rosyth. (11)
27 Jul 1940
Around 2000A/27, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 5th war patrol. She is to patrol off Norway.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
7 Aug 1940
At 2100A/7, an aircraft from 269 Squadron reported a submarine in position 61°13'N, 01°13'E proceeding on course 150°. The aircraft had attacked the submarine which was U-52 which was returning to Kiel where she arrived on the 13th, after a short stopover at Heligoland from the evening of the 11th to the afternoon of the 12th. The German Uboat had sustained no damage during the aircraft attack.
Upon receiving this signal at 2316A/7, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN), which was in approximate position 59°45'N, 02°45, about 100 nautical miles away, altered course to the north-east to try to intercept as it was thought the enemy submarine was proceeding to Bergen.
No enemy submarine was seen though. (6)
8 Aug 1940
At 2305A/8, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol. She then set course to return to Rosyth. (6)
11 Aug 1940
Around 1010A/11, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol, which had been uneventful, at Rosyth. (6)
18 Aug 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) briefly conducted a post repair basin dive trial at Rosyth. (12)
22 Aug 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (12)
28 Aug 1940
Around 1800A/28, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Rosyth for Rothesay. (12)
30 Aug 1940
Around 0615A/30, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Stornoway.
They departed again to continue their passage to Rothesay around 1415A/30. (12)
31 Aug 1940
Around 1400A/31, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (12)
2 Sep 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) departed from Rothesay for her 6th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay off the Gironde estuary.
Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN).
The submarines parted company with the escort around 1915A/3 near Bishops Rock.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
11 Sep 1940
At 1100A/11, north of the Gironde estuary, in approximate position 45°47'N, 01°32'W, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) sighted a small southbound coaster. She was well inside the 10 fathom line.
At 1500A/11, in approximate position 45°53'N, 01°37'W, a small vessel was sighted though to be an E-boat (motor torpedo boat) [could also have been an R-boat / motor minesweeper] right astern proceeding on course 140°. She was lost out of sight around 1540A/11 as she was entering the Gironde estuary. (6)
16 Sep 1940
At 2207A/16, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol off the Gironde estuary. She then set course to return to the U.K. (6)
20 Sep 1940
Around 0730A/20, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Falmouth. She and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed around 1930A/20, for Holy Loch escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN). (13)
22 Sep 1940
Around 1200A/22, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Falmouth. (13)
24 Sep 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Holy Loch. (13)
25 Sep 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Holy Loch. (13)
30 Sep 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg. (13)
1 Oct 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Holy Loch. (14)
4 Oct 1940
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in Loch Long. (15)
8 Oct 1940
In the morning, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Holy Loch.
In the afternoon, Lt.Cdr. Van der Byl left the ship and Lt. Lt. Turner, RN assumed command temporarily. (15)
15 Oct 1940
In the morning, HMS Taku (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted noise and compass adjustment trials at Holy Loch. (15)
16 Oct 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted exercises in Loch Long. (14)
17 Oct 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted exercises in Loch Long. (15)
18 Oct 1940
Around 1545A/18, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 7th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay of Lorient / St. Nazaire.
Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Luce, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.Stubbs, RN).
The submarines parted company with the escort around 0730A/18 to the west of the Scilly Isles.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
2 Nov 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) torpedoed and lightly damaged the German tanker Gedania (8923 GRT, built 1920) in the Bay of Biscay about 35 nautical miles south-west of Belle-Ile island in position 46°54'N, 03°50'W with a dud torpedo.
The tanker came from the Canary Islands and had on board very valuable whale oil. She arrived at Saint Nazaire later the same day.
HMS Taku left patrol at 2000A/2.
0230A/2 - In position 46°54'N, 03°50'W sighted a large tanker bearing 190°. Enemy course was 020°. Started attack.
0238A/2 - Fired eight torpedoes from 800 yards. After 30 seconds there were three heavy explosions. These explosions even caused some damage to Taku. Taku was diving at the moment of the explosion but was still on the surface.
0247A/2 - Surfaced. The tanker could not be seen and there was a pronounced smell of oil fuel present. It was thought the tanker had been sunk.
0300A/2 - Cleared the area to the west on the surface. (6)
4 Nov 1940
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) made rendez-vous off Mounts Bay. They then proceeded in company towards Holy Loch escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN). (16)
6 Nov 1940
Around 1000A/6, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Holy Loch.
(6)
8 Nov 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Holy Loch. (17)
14 Nov 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg. (17)
15 Nov 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Long. (17)
18 Nov 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted W/T trials and attack exercises on Inchmarnock Water during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) acted as target. (17)
21 Nov 1940
Around 0930A/21, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 8th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay off the Gironde estuary.
Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS La Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.Stubbs, RN).
The submarines parted company with the escort around 0335A/23 when off Wolf Rock.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
6 Dec 1940
At 1900A/6, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) set course to leave patrol and return to Holy Loch. (6)
10 Dec 1940
Around 1000A/10, near Longships Lighthouse, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) joined her escort, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). They then set course for Holy Loch. (18)
12 Dec 1940
Around 1030A/12, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Holy Loch. (19)
22 Dec 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted noise trials at Holy Loch. (19)
26 Dec 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted noise trials at Holy Loch. (19)
27 Dec 1940
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Troon where she was immediately docked in the graving dock. (19)
3 Jan 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) is undocked. (20)
4 Jan 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) proceeded from Troon to Holy Loch. (20)
7 Jan 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted diving and noise trials in Loch Long. (20)
8 Jan 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Troon. (20)
9 Jan 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) is docked again at Troon for some more repairs to her torpedo tubes.
(20)
11 Jan 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) is undocked. (20)
12 Jan 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) proceeded from Troon to Holy Loch. (20)
13 Jan 1941
Around 0845A/13, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 9th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay off Brest and Lorient. During her passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) until midnight during the night of 14/15 January when they parted company near Wolf Rock. (6)
13 Jan 1941
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
31 Jan 1941
At 2002A/31, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) surfaced after a day's of submerged patrol. Course was then set to return to Holy Loch. (21)
1 Feb 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN) departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) coming from patrol also joined around 0820A/2 for the passage north through the Irish Sea. (22)
3 Feb 1941
Around 1700A/3, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) ended her 9th war patrol, which had been entirely uneventful, at Holy Loch. (6)
13 Feb 1941
During 13 and 14 February 1941, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN), conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night and gunnery exercises. (23)
17 Feb 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Long. (23)
19 Feb 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (23)
20 Feb 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area together with HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSC, RN). (23)
24 Feb 1941
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during the (aborted) passage from Holy Loch to Halifax see the map below.
(6)
24 Feb 1941
Around 1600A/24, HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, RN) and HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Halifax, Canada.
They were escorted until 1930A/25 by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (24)
27 Feb 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) has to abandon the passage to Halifax as she is damaged in heavy weather. The after hydroplanes are 'locked' in a vertical position rendering the ship un-maneuverable. A signal was made requesting assistance. (6)
3 Mar 1941
At 0045N/1, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN), is joined by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, RN). At 1130N/1 the corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) and the rescue tug HMRT Salvonia also joined. Attempts were now undertaken to take HMS Taku in tow but these failed. A connection between Salvonia and Taku was established only at 0808N/4 the following morning. Taku was now towed to Londonderry. During passage the tow parted once. (6)
10 Mar 1941
Around 1420A/10, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) arrived at Londonderry under tow. (6)
12 Mar 1941
Around 1520A/12, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed from Londonderry bound for Holy Loch. She is being towed by HMRT Salvonia bound for Holy Loch. (6)
13 Mar 1941
Around 1435A/13, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) arrived at Holy Loch under tow. (6)
16 Mar 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) was towed from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where she was docked in the graving dock for repairs to her after hydroplanes. (25)
21 Mar 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) was undocked. (25)
22 Mar 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) proceeded from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. After oiling she departed Holy Loch for her 10th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. She is to proceed to Gibraltar upon completion of her partol as she was to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla based at Alexandria.
Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN), HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. M.K. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, DSO, RN) and HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN). They were escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse.
They all parted company near Wolf Rock around 0845A/24.
(25)
13 Apr 1941
Around 1945A/13, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Gibraltar. (26)
14 Apr 1941
Around 1600A/14, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.
At 2324A/14, a torpedo track was sighted coming towards. Taku went hard to port and then dived. Nothing further was sighted and the supposed attack was most likely bogus. (26)
15 Apr 1941
HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) is ordered by F.O.C.N.A. (Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic) to return to Gibraltar. Instructions had been received from C-in-C Mediterranean and Capt. S.1 that they intend HMS Taku to make a war patrol in the Tyrrhenean Sea. Before proceeding on this patrol a rest period was needed therefore HMS Taku was recalled. (26)
16 Apr 1941
Around 1430A/16, HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from her aborted passage to Gibraltar. (26)
25 Apr 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) participated in RD/F trials off Gibraltar.
26 Apr 1941
Around 2030A/26, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 11th war patrol. This is her 1st Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea and to proceed to Alexandria afterwards.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
3 May 1941
At 2300C/3, while patrolling off Cape Vaticano, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a searchlight bearing 180°. HMS Taku dived.
At 2326C/3, HMS Taku surfaced but had to submerge again when the searchlight was seen again at 2328C/28 at a range of about 2000 yards. It was thought to have originated from a MAS boat. Evasive action was taken while submerged.
At 0033C/3, HMS Taku surfaced and proceeded to the westward. (27)
4 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) attacks the Italian transport Goggiam (1994 GRT, built 1922) ship in position 350° - Cape Vaticano - 6 nautical miles. Two torpedoes were fired but both missed.
1234C/4 - Sighted a small merchant ship of about 1100 tons bearing 166°, range 6900 yards, speed 9 knots. Commenced attack.
1251C/4 - In position 350° Cape Vaticano 6 nautical miles fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. Both missed. The target altered course away and closed the coast. (6)
5 May 1941
At 1132C/5, while south-east of Stromboli Island, in approximate position 38°45 N, 15°16'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted what is thought to be an Azio-class minelayer followed by an Partenope-class torpedo boat. They were proceeding on course 340°.
At 1400C/5, the Azio-class minelayer was seen returning to the southward on course 140°. She passed at a range of 3000 yards. (27)
6 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Cagliari (2322 GRT, built 1907) in the Tyrrhenian Sea off San Lucido, Calabria, Italy in position 39°18'N, 15°59'E.
1411C/6, sighted a tug proceeding on course 180° at a range of 2000 yards. Did not attack so as not to give the submarines position to the enemy.
1554C/6 - In position 39°11'N, 15°58'E sighted a coaster in ballast abeam. Enemy course was 340°. Range 3500 yards. Again did not attack.
1929C/6 - In position 39°18'N, 15°59'E sighted a merchant ship bearing 140° (thought to be Belvedere, 7166 GRT, built 1913). Enemy course 348°. Range 7300 yards. Started attack.
1936C/6 - The enemy altered course to 328°. Range now 3600 yards.
1944C/6 - Fired three torpedoes from 700 yards. Enemy course still 328°. All three torpedoes hit and the ship sank within a few minutes.
2331C/6 - Surfaced. Retired to the west to clear the area. (6)
7 May 1941
At 0150C/7, well to the north-east of Stromboli Island, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a hospital ship bearing 200°. It was proceeding northwards on course 325°. Naturally did not attack.
At 0438C/7, when in position 004° - Stromboli Island - 24 nautical miles HMS Taku changed course to 250° to leave the patrol area and proceed to Alexandria as ordered in Capt S.1's signal timed 2221C/6. (6)
10 May 1941
At 0345C/10, when in position 360° - Pantelleria - 4.5 nautical miles, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted several destroyers proceeding westwards at high speed. Recognition signals were exchanged between the leader and Taku. The destroyers in question were HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN). The destroyers had departed Malta for a high speed run westwards to rejoin Force H the previous evening. (6)
16 May 1941
At 1100A/16, to the north-north-west of Marsa Matruh, in position 32°08'N, 26°54'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a destroyer bearing 260° proceeding to the east-south-east. It was identified as an Australian V&W-class destroyer. This was HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) operating with the inshore squadron for Tubruk ferry runs. (6)
17 May 1941
Around 0915C/17, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Alexandria. (6)
22 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is docked at Alexandria in the Gabbari graving dock. (28)
26 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is undocked. (28)
30 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Alexandria. (28)
1 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 12th war patrol. This is her 2nd Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in Gulf of Sirte.
Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with the Greek torpedo boat RHS Aspis. (29)
1 Jun 1941
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during her 12th war patrol see the map below.
6 Jun 1941
At 2008A/6, when off Benghazi in position 32°08'N, 19°56'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a large transport leaving the harbour. An attack was started but the transport returned to harbour at 2030A/6. An A/S trawler was continually in sight at a range of 3000 yards. (29)
7 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) attacked a small convoy made up of one schooner, one tug towing a lighter and one A/S trawler with gunfire. The action however had to be broken off soon due to the gun malfunctioning.
The vessels attacked were the Italian schooners Elisa and Nadia escorted by the Italian auxiliary gunboat Mario Bianco.
During the night of 7-8 June 1941 the folbot party was landed on Gharah Island. The island was found to be uninhabited.
0800C/7 - In position 30°59'N, 20°02'E, sighted a schooner and a tug towing lighter escorted by an A/S trawler.
0850C/7 - Surfaced astern of the schooner at a range of 800 yards. Due to a misunderstanding fire was opened on the lighter instead of the schooner which, on the first round being fired, started to abandon ship. A missfire occurred after the first round which had falled short. The next round then went over. Order was then given to change target but the gun continued to misfire and the attack had to be broken off.
0852C/7 - Dived and retired to the westward.
0900C/7 - Depth charging started which lasted for 15 minutes. Six depth charges were counted in all. (29)
8 Jun 1941
During the night of 8/9 June 1941, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) lands a folbot party at Al Burayqah, Libya. The folbot party made a landing and investigated the old ford. It was found to be ruined and deserted. Then another landing was made but the folbot party was detected and had to leave the beach under a hail of bullets. Fortunately no one was hit. The shore battery at Al Burayqah was then bombarded by HMS Taku after the folbot party was recovered. Seven rounds were fired for one hit and one possible hit. (29)
11 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport Tilly L.M. Russ (1600 GRT, built 1926) at Bengasi, Libya. Several smaller vessels were also sunk or damaged.
When the transport, with ammunition on board, Tilly L.M. Russ blew up there were 15 men missing including all her AA gunners. The auxiliary schooners Giorgina (253 GRT, raised in July 1941) and Nadia (243 GRT) were sunk by the blast and the transport Ninfea (607 GRT, built 1918) and the schooners Rosina (244 GRT), [also reported as damaged by aircraft on 9 June] and Luigi (? GRT) were set afire, the water tanker Elisa (216 GRT) was also damaged.
2140C/11 - In position 1 nautical mile bearing 270° from the Benghazi breakwater light, fired one torpedo at a supply ship in the harbour. The torpedo hit the target and started a large fire. Three minutes later Taku proceeded up the Benghazi swept channel back out to sea. (29)
12 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) intercepted a convoy and torpedoed and sank the transport Silvio Scaroni (Italian 1367 GRT, built 1921) in the Gulf of Syrte 70 nautical miles bearing 283° off Benghazi, Libya in position 32°27'N, 18°42'E.
The above mentioned Silvio Scaroni was in convoy together with the transport Cadamosto (Italian, 1010 GRT, built 1905) and auxiliary schooner V 87 / Aosta (Italian, 562 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Polluce and Palade. The convoy had departed Tripoli around 0230B/10 destined for Benghazi.
0435C/12 - In position 32°20'N, 18°49'E, HMS Taku sighted a convoy. The convoy is identified as an Italian Orione class torpedo boat, an Italian MAS boat and three merchant ships of 1500, 2600 and 2500 tons respectively.
0503C/12 - Two torpedoes were fired against the last ship in line. One of these torpedoes was seen to hit just abaft the foremast. The ship sank.
0505C/12 - The torpedo boat was seen heading straight for Taku so Lt.Cdr. Nicolay went deep. (29)
18 Jun 1941
At 1201C/18, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), which at that moment to the north-west of Tolmeitha, in position 32°45'N, 20°38'E, left patrol to return to Alexandria.
22 Jun 1941
Around 0800C/22, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Alexandria. (29)
28 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Alexandria from the external amidships tubes No.9 and No.10. (30)
29 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Alexandria from the external amidships tube No.10. (30)
1 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is docked at Alexandria in the Gabbari graving dock for repairs to her Asdic dome and some other small repairs. (31)
5 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is undocked. (31)
6 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Alexandria from the external amidships tubes No.9 and No.10. (32)
8 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 13th war patrol. This is her 3rd Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.
Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with the Greek torpedo boat RHS Aspis. (29)
8 Jul 1941
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during her 13th war patrol see the map below.
13 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and sank the passenger / cargo ship Caldea (Italian, 2703 GRT, built 1928) in position 312° - Benghazi lighthouse - 10 nautical miles.
0956C/13 - In position 32°11'N, 19°58'E, Taku sighted the target about 7000 yards away. The target was escorted by three A/S trawlers. Taku closed for a torpedo attack.
1014C/13 - Fired four torpedoes. The first torpedo missed the target but the remaining three all hit. The ship sank and there was no counter attack on Taku. (29)
15 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sank the Italian motor schooner Vincenzo P. (270 GRT, built 1918) and damaged the tug Nettuno (406 GRT, built 1921) in position 30°41'N, 18°19'E.
1430C/15 - An armed tug and a schooner were sighted in position 30°56'N, 17°56'E. Weather conditions were unfavourable for gunnery action. Taku shadowed the ships.
2126C/15 - The ships were at anchor close inshore in position 30°41'N, 18°19'E. Taku surfaced to launch a folbot party. The folbot however broke in a wave and the idea of a folbot attack was abandoned. (A folbot is a folding kayak).
2314C/15 - The armed tug was engaged with gunfire from 300 yards. A lighter was sighted laying astern of the tug. The lighter was slipped and drifted ashore. The tug was hit, the crew slipped the anchor cable and beached itself. Taku now shifted fire to the schooner. 12 rounds were fired from 150 yards. The schooner was then boarded. Charts, books, etc. were captured. The schooner was the Vincenzo P. and was loaded with provisions. The schooner was then sunk by gunfire. (Italian sources give the tug as Italian tug Nettuno. She was badly damaged and beached, The crew was saved and the tug was later salvaged.) (29)
18 Jul 1941
At 1530C/18, in position 32°06'N, 18°46'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), sighted an Orione-class torpedo boat bearing 286° at a range of 3700 yards. Enemy course was 350°.
The torpedo boat then altered course to 095° and proceeded towards Benghazi at 12 knots. (29)
19 Jul 1941
As a result of an ULTRA intercept, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), patrolled north of Benghazi to intercept the transport Bosforo (Italian, 3647 GRT, 1929).
The Italian vessel had left Naples around midnight during the night of 15/16 July escorted by the torpedo boat Enrico Cosenz and would be at 0630C/19 July in position 33°06'N, 20°16'E where it would be met by the torpedo boat Perseo which was to take over from Enrico Cosenz. The convoy was to arrive at Benghazi at 1200C the same day.
Nothing was sighted except a fishing boat at 0900C/19 in position 32°33'N, 20°05.6'E. Bosforo in fact arrived in the afternoon of the 19th, a few hours late on her schedule. Captain S.1 was later criticised for having sent a signal which was too explicit and could have compromised the ULTRA secret it had been deciphered by the enemy or fallen in its hands. It was felt, that he ought to have just changed the submarine patrol position.
21 Jul 1941
In the early morning HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) landed a folbot party of two (Corporal R. Halloran, K.R.R. and Marine Miles from Lay Force) off Benghazi. They were to attack a 2500-ton ship in the harbour (this was most probably the transport Bosforo (Italian, 3647 GRT, 1929)). Several explosions were observed in the harbour 40 minutes after launching the folbot party. The folbot party did not show up on the rendezvous point despite several searches during the day and evening. They were obviously captured.
According to German sources three limpet mines exploded but only minor damage had been done.
At 1420C/21, in position 32°01'N, 19°34'E, sighted a destroyer in the distance on bearing 305° proceeding on a westerly course. (29)
28 Jul 1941
Around 1200C/28, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Alexandria. This was the last patrol of Taku. She is now sent back to the U.K. for a refit due to engine problems she had developed and which could not be repaired locally. (29)
13 Aug 1941
Around 1930C/13, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) departed from Alexandria bound for the U.K. where she is to refit. The first leg of the trip is to Malta. Taku had loaded 25000 gallons of kerosene for the RAF at Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during her passage to the U.K. see the map below.
(6)
21 Aug 1941
Around 0830B/21, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) arrived at Malta. The kerosene is unloaded. (6)
22 Aug 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at the Malta Dockyard for repairs to her Asdic cage. (33)
23 Aug 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) is undocked. (33)
24 Aug 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) is docked again at the Malta Dockyard but this time in No.1 graving dock. (33)
25 Aug 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) is undocked.
Around 2000B/25, HMS Taku departed Malta bound for Gibraltar. (33)
1 Sep 1941
Around 1330A/1, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. Before mooring she made four runs over the D/G range. (6)
4 Sep 1941
Around 1700A/4, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for the U.K. (6)
12 Sep 1941
At 0533A/12, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN), made rendezvous with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) near the Pendeen lighthouse. They then proceeded north through the Irish Sea towards Rothesay. (34)
13 Sep 1941
Around 1940A/13, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (6)
23 Sep 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) proceded from Rothesay to Ardishaig. At Ardishaig A/S exercises were carried out with MA/SB's.
(34)
24 Sep 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardishaig. (34)
25 Sep 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardishaig. (34)
26 Sep 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardishaig. Upon completion of these exercises she returned to Rothesay. (34)
29 Sep 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Ardishaig. At Ardishaig she participated in A/S exercises. (34)
30 Sep 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardishaig. Upon completion of these exercises she returned to Rothesay. (34)
1 Oct 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) departed Rothesay for Oban. She made the passage together with HMS H 32 (Lt. J.W.D. Coombe, RN). They were escorted by HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN). (35)
2 Oct 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) arrived at Oban. (35)
3 Oct 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) departed Oban for Blyth. She made the passage in convoy WN 88. (35)
6 Oct 1941
Around 1800A/6, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) arrived at Blyth. (35)
10 Oct 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (35)
13 Oct 1941
Around 0705A/13, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) departed Blyth for Sheerness. She was escorted by HMS Cottesmore (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, RN). (35)
14 Oct 1941
Around 1900A/14, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (35)
15 Oct 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) proceeded from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard. (35)
16 Oct 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) was taken in hand for refit at the Chatham Dockyard. (35)
24 Oct 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) is docked in No.6 graving dock at the Chatham Dockyard.
[We don't know the date she left the dock.] (35)
19 Feb 1942
With her refit completed, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), proceeded from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (36)
21 Feb 1942
Around 1430A/21, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Sheerness for Holy Loch via the English Channel. (36)
23 Feb 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) made rendez-vous of Wolf Rock with HMS Petunia (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rayner, RD, RNR). They then proceeded north through the Irish Sea towards Holy Loch. (36)
25 Feb 1942
Around 1230A/25, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Sheerness. (36)
27 Feb 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials at Holy Loch. (36)
2 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials at Holy Loch. (37)
3 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (37)
4 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo firing trials. (37)
9 Mar 1942
With her torpedo firing trials completed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (37)
11 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in Loch Long. (37)
12 Mar 1942
During 12 and 13 March 1942, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (37)
14 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where she was immediately docked in the graving dock. (37)
17 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was undocked. She then proceeded from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (37)
18 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in Loch Long. (37)
20 Mar 1942
After a short work-up and trial period in Scottish waters HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Gibraltar.
For HMS Taku's daily positions during this passage see the map below.
(37)
27 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (37)
31 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (37)
1 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (38)
2 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol. This is a work-up patrol to the East of Gibraltar.
For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(38)
3 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is recalled to Gibraltar. (38)
6 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Gibraltar to resume her 14th war patrol. (38)
13 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Gibraltar. (38)
15 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is docked at Gibraltar. (38)
16 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. (38)
22 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Gibraltar for passage to Alexandria. (38)
8 May 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (39)
22 May 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 15th war patrol. She is to patrol the approaches to Benghazi. Later she is used to give cover for operation Vigorous with several other submarines.
For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(40)
25 May 1942
In a signal timed 1825C/25, Capt. S 1 ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) to patrol in positions 34°12'N, 18°37'E and 33°57'N, 18°43'E respectively by 2200C/27.
This order was cancelled later in a signal timed 0935C/26. (41)
26 May 1942
In a signal timed 1921C/26, Capt. S 1 ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) to patrol in positions 34°02'N, 18°44'E and 33°50'N, 18°48'E respectively by 2301C/28. (41)
31 May 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked a convoy and claims to have hit a merchant ship with a torpedo. Italian sources however makes no mention of this.
(All times are zone -3)
0425 hours - In position 33°34'N, 18°30'E sighted one destroyer and one large merchant ship bearing 230°, distance 5 nautical miles. The destroyer was zig-zagging widely across the bow of the merchant ship about 1 to 2 nautical miles ahead. Closed at full speed to attack.
0440 hours - Dived and proceeded at full speed.
0443 hours - Fired three torpedoes (four was intended but there was a problem with the firing valve of Nr. 6 torpedo tube) from 6000 yards (Taku was unable to get closed due to the destroyer).
0451 hours - On loud explosion was heard. Taku went deep as the destroyer had turned back. Upon coming to periscope depth sighted sparks and a small amount of flame bearing 130, the approximate bearing of the ship when the torpedoes were fired. Nothing further was seen through the periscope but very shortly after seeing these spars there was a terrific explosion that sounded very close. Though nothing had been seen of the destroyer it was felt that this might have been a depth charge. Taku went deep for 15 minutes.
0550 hours - Came to periscope depth. There was nothing in sight. Kept diving patrol towards Benghazi.
(It is not known for sure which ships were sighted and attacked by Taku but most likely it was the brand-new Italian transport Rosolino Pilo (8326 GR, built 1942) escorted by the destroyer Nicoloso da Recco). (40)
13 Jun 1942
At 1554C/13, while patrolling submerged in position 36°02'N, 20°35'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted a periscope or W/T mast about 500 yards off on the starboard beam. One minute later loud HE was picked up on the starboard quarter and HMS Thrasher quickly increased speed and went to 90 feet to avoid being rammed.
The other submarine was HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) which was next in the patrol line to HMS Thrasher. HMS Taku reported seeing a periscope (British type) at 1543C/13 300 yards ahead.
HMS Thrasher had commenced patrolling in position Y (36°02'N, 20°32'E) of the patrol line at 0400C/4.
HMS Taku was patrolling in position X of the patrol line.
The submarines spotted each other on the surface around 2130C/13 and identities were exchanged. (40)
20 Jun 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Alexandria.
(40)
30 Jun 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 16th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.
For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(40)
11 Jul 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Haifa. (40)
31 Jul 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Haifa for her 17th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.
For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(42)
7 Aug 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) intends to attack a schooner with gunfire of Ras-el-Tin. The attack is spoiled at the last possible moment by patrolling aircraft.
(All times are zone -3)
0550 hours - Dived for patrol of Ras-el-Tin.
0920 hours - In position 32°21'N, 23°16'E sighted a two masted schooner in ballast close inshore. Decided to close and attack with the gun.
0945 hours - When just about to surface in a favourable position, sighted two aircraft patrolling along the coast. Reluctantly abandoned the idea of sinking the schooner with gunfire. (42)
13 Aug 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacks an enemy convoy. The attack fails as Taku is detected.
(All times are zone -3)
1230 hours - In position 32°30'N, 20°08'E sighted what is thought to be a Crotone-class sloop escorting 2 medium seized motor vessels with three aircraft overhead. Started an attack.
1251 hours - Fired three torpedoed at the rear ship. Sighted one of the aircraft coming straight toward. About 2 minutes after firing three bombs were dropped that were very close. All three navigation lights were broken. No hits were heard and it seems likely that the torpedoed could be avoided.
1320 hours - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight. Resumed dived patrol to the Westward.
According to Italian sources the ships attacked were Italian merchants Sibilla (1077 GRT, built 1900) and Albachiara (1245 GRT, built 1904) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Sagittario and submarine chaser Selve. (42)
15 Aug 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked the German merchant Menes (5609 GRT, built 1926) with 4 torpedoed about 90 nautical miles north-east of Benghazi, Libya in position 33°16'N, 21°16'E. All 4 torpedoed fired missed their target.
(All times are zone -3) 0729 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel, about 5000 tons, escorted by two Spica class torpedo boats (one ahead and one astern of the merchant) and one aircraft overhead bearing 185°, range 7 nautical miles. Went to 70 feet and closed at speed for 15 minutes.
0807 hours - Fired the first torpedo of a salvo of four. Immediately after firing this first torpedo the target changed course. Hold fire.
0810 hours - Fired three torpedoes. No hits. Taku went deep.
0833 hours - Depth charging commenced in patterns of six. All were astern and not close.
0915 hours - The last pattern of depth charges was dropped.
0930 hours - No HE was heard, came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Resumed dived patrol Eastwards. (42)
21 Aug 1942
Shortly before arriving at Beirut, where she ended her 17th war patrol, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is depth charged in error by a British Wellington aircraft.
(All times are zone -3)
0510 hours - In position 33°59'N, 34°48'E sighted a Wellington aircraft. The light by then was good and the aircraft flew close on both sides until 0555 hours when it approached from the starboard quarter and released two depth charges which dropped 15 feet and 20 yards on the port bean and bow respectively. The first narrowly missed the periscope standards. None the less Taku suffered no damage. (42)
2 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said. (43)
4 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Port Said. (43)
5 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (43)
7 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. (43)
9 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Port Said for her 18th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.
For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(42)
14 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) tries to land a party of four by folbots off Tobruk. The attempt is aborted due to the unfavourable weather conditions. This special operation was in conjunction with 'Operation Agreement'.
(42)
18 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacks an enemy convoy in position 32°29'N, 23°34'E. Four torpedoes were fired and a sinking is claimed.
The convoy attacked was made up of the transports Corso Fougier (Italian, 1359 GRT, built 1906), Nerucci (Italian, 1180 GRT, built 1892) and Dora (German, 795 GRT, built 1898). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats (All times are zone -3)
0303 hours - Sighted a darkened ship bearing 036°, distance 3 nautical miles. Identified as a destroyer.
0308 hours - Sighted two merchant ships bearing 030°, distance 3 nautical miles. Closed at speed to attack.
0320 hours - In position 32°29'N, 23°34'E fired four torpedoes at the leading ship. Dived.
0327 hours - Heard a loud explosion.
0336 hours - Heard another loud and prolonged explosion.
0345 hours - Periscope depth, nothing in sight.
0415 hours - Surfaced. Sighted a dark object in the vicinity of the attacking position and closed on main motors. The object was identified as a destroyer that was thought to be picking up survivors. Thought one ship to be hit and sunk.
0430 hours - Retired to the North. (42) 20 Sep 1942 (All times are zone -3)
0900 hours - Sighted a convoy made up of two merchants and two destroyers with a whole lot of aircraft overhead. It's likely there were more ships but the periscope could only be put up for very brief moments. Commenced attack.
0925 hours - In position 33°30'N, 21°10'E fired three torpedoes at the port wing ship from 1500 yards. Went deep after firing as one of the destroyers was very close.
0930 hours - Heard one explosion, most likely a depth charge.
0932 hours - Heard two explosions, most likely depth charges.
1025 hours - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight.
Italian sources give the following info regarding this attack: The convoy was made up of the Italian merchants Apuaniowa (7948 GRT, built 1942) and Monginevro (5324 GRT, built 1940) escorted by destroyer
Freccia. Apuania reported missed by one torpedo and Monginevro missed by two. (42) 1 Oct 1942 12 Oct 1942 14 Oct 1942 Before entering Port Said A/S exercises were carried out with the British destroyer HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO, DSC, RN) and the Greek destroyer Vasilissa Olga. (44) 19 Oct 1942 20 Oct 1942 21 Oct 1942 For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(42) 24 Oct 1942 (All times are zone -3)
1046 hours - Sighted masts of a caique bearing 120°, distance about 4 nautical miles through the periscope. Altered course to investigate.
1129 hours - Range was now 2500 yards. Saw that the caique was about 50 tons. Decided to attack with the gun.
1137 hours - Surfaced on the starboard quarter of the caique crossing his stern at 1600 yards. The third shot brought down her foresail. As the smoke from the gun was clouding the caique ceased fire and shifted to her port bow and reopened fire. It was then observed that the crew had not abandoned ship. Ceased fire to allow them to do so but the crew did not do so. They were ordered to abandon ship which they started to do except for 'Granpa'. Meanwhile they held up the mangled remains of one of the crew. Lt. Pitt considered that in name of humanity to let them go.
1152 hours - Dived in position 220° Kandeliusa Light 7 nautical miles.
The sailing vessel in question was the Italian Tutti Santi of 30 tons registered in Calino (Dodecanese, also known as Kalymnos). She was most likely the former Greek sailing vessel Panagia. (42) 25 Oct 1942 (All times are zone -3)
2304 hours - In position 38°48'N, 25°46'E sighted tanker and escort (This was the Italian destroyer Quintino Sella) bearing 285°, 8 nautical miles. Closed at speed to attack.
2328 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards. Dived. No hits were obtained.
2331 hours - First two of eleven depth charges were dropped. These were not close.
0015 hours (26th) - Came to periscope depth, northing in sight. Surfaced and set off in pursuit. (42) 26 Oct 1942 (All times are zone -3) 0750 hours - Sighted the tanker well inshore of the escort and difficult to distinguish against the land.
0804 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards. Went to 70 feet. 3min28sec after firing the first torpedo heard one explosion. Followed by two more explosions thought to be depth charges.
0814 hours - Came to periscope depth and saw that the tanker had been hit forward and that the foremast had fallen. She was down by the bows. Her boats were away and the escort vessel had gone off to the South. Started to get in position to put a 2nd torpedo into the target if needed.
0839 hours - While at 50 feet heard breaking up noises and on return to periscope depth it was noted that she indeed had sunk.
0846 hours - An aircraft arrived at the scene so went to 70 feet. Set course to the East to clear the area. (42) 27 Oct 1942 (All times are zone -3) 1727 hours - Surfaced when the target rounded the Cape and opened fire from 6000 yards. A chase followed and the small merchant was very well handled. In the end she managed to escape without being hit. About a mile to starboard a caique had lowered it sails and no doubt by staying very still hoped to be forgotten in the general excitement. Attention was now paid to this vessel. The caique was quickly sunk with gunfire.
Dived to 80 feet and cleared the area. (42) 31 Oct 1942 (All times are zone -3) 1011 hours - Masts appearing above the horizon. The convoy we had been warned about turned out to be one 5000 ton MV, one 3500 ton MV and one 1500 ton MV. They were escorted by a destroyer and two other escort vessels. Astern of the convoy was a hospital ship. Manouvered into attack position
1056 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 6500 yards. It was intended to fire four torpedoes but Taku lost trim and went deep. At 5min13sec after firing the first torpedo a loud explosion was heard which was correct for a running range of 6500 yards. Five depth charges were dropped, all distant but HE was heard fairly close so Lt. Pitt ordered Taku to 150 feet.
1155 hours - Came to periscope depth and could see no trace of the target.
1205 hours - Sighted the convoy again mines the largest MV and the hospital ship. They were hull down and Lt. Pitt decided to ran in for 10 minutes at full speed for another shot.
During these 10 minutes the crew managed to reload one of the torpedo tubes.
1237 hours - Fired two torpedoes (three was indented but there was a miscommunication). Four minutes after firing three depth charges were heard followed by five patters of two depth charges. The third pattern was rather close and shook Taku but no damage was done. HE was kept astern as Taku crept away slowly.
According to Italian sources this convoy was made up of the following ships: Italian Galiola (1357 GRT, built 1917) and tanker Cerere (1267 GRT, built 1915) with German merchant Ardena (1092 GRT, built 1915) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Lira, Calatafimi and Solferino. (42) 8 Nov 1942 The target has currently (May 2018) not been identified.
(All times are zone -3)
1115 hours - Sighted a ship rounding the right hand edge of Polino. Started attack. Observation was very difficult as waves were continually washin over the periscope. Range was 3000 yards. The target was thought to be some sort of armed merchant cruiser of about 2000 tons, two aircraft were patrolling overhead.
1132 hours - Fired one torpedo but due to an error in the attack setup made by Lt. Pitt it missed. Also there was a large splash when the torpedo was fired. 12 Nov 1942 13 Nov 1942 17 Nov 1942 24 Nov 1942 26 Nov 1942 8 Dec 1942 9 Dec 1942 For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 14 Dec 1942 (All times are zone -3)
1115 hours - Sighted an aircraft patrolling to the South.
1140 hours - In position 37°50'N, 24°07'E sighted smoke of two ships to the South. Commenced attack.
The convoy turned out to be a 5000 ton MV that was escorted by steam yacht of about 300 tons. This yacht was about 700 yards ahead of the MV. Two aircraft were escorting the convoy.
1226 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 750 yards. 33 seconds after firing a loud torpedo explosion was heard. The HE of the ship continued for about 15sec. but then it stopped and was followed by breaking up noises. A minute and a half after firing a depth charge was dropped.
1242 hours - Asdic transmissions were heard.
1245 hours - The escort dropped the first of eleven depth charges in a line with three second intervals. These depth charges were unpleasantly close. Taku was shaken considerably but only light damage was done. Five more depth charges were dropped but these were not as close as the first eleven.
1337 hours - Another eleven depth charges were dropped. These were as close as the first eleven dropped at 1245 hours. After these one other depth charge was dropped. This was the last one. Taku now managed to slip away although it took the rest of the day.
German sources however mentions that Delfin was not escorted and that the auxiliary submarine chaser UJ-2102 was sent to the area to hunt the submarine after Delfin was sunk. (6) 20 Dec 1942 22 Dec 1942 (All times are zone -3) 1257 hours - Surfaced 1800 yards on the port quarter and opened direct fire. The second shot hit and the occupants jumped overboard (these included German soldiers). 21 rounds were fired for 15 hits. The caique was now on fire.
1303 hours - Dived and withdrew to the South-West.
According to German sources Niki was damaged and abandoned, of the 10 German soldiers on board 2 were killed and the other 8 wounded. The wreck was later found drifting and was towed to Salonica. (6) 23 Dec 1942 Italian sources give the following: Agios Nikolaos / Volos 150 was sunk, Evangelistria / Piraeus 860 was heavily damaged, the Agios Nicolaus / Syros 552 was slightly damaged. One Italian
soldier was wounded. (6) 26 Dec 1942 More information on the attempts to block the Corinth Canal will be found in the book "Target Corinth Canal 1940-1944" by Platon Alexiades (this book will be published in 2015). (6) 27 Dec 1942 (All times are zone -3)
0450 hours - In position 37°32'N, 24°14'E sighted a small MV. Started attack and closed at speed on the motors.
0512 hours - Three torpedoes out of a salvo of four were fired. Before firing the fourth torpedo Lt. Pitt realised that the ship was much closer then he thought. Now the fourth torpedo was fired but this one also missed as had the first three.
0515 hours - Fired the stern torpedo but this one also missed, passing close to the targets port side.
0518 hours - proceeded on both engines to pursue the ship and gun her. The ship was seen to be of 1500 tons, 2 masts and one funnel with the bridge in front of it and having two holds.
0530 hours - The ship opened fire with her stern gun. As there was only half an hour to go before Taku had to submerge for the day and it was impossible to overtake the ship before that the action had to be broken off.
According to Italian sources this was the Italian merchant Bucintoro (1326 GRT, built 1909) (6) 1 Jan 1943 16 Jan 1943 17 Jan 1943 (47) 24 Jan 1943 6 Feb 1943 11 Feb 1943 12 Feb 1943 15 Feb 1943 17 Feb 1943 For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 2 Mar 1943 3 Mar 1943 4 Mar 1943 22 Mar 1943 24 Mar 1943 25 Mar 1943 30 Mar 1943 2 Apr 1943 4 Apr 1943 5 Apr 1943 After a few hours they were ordered to return to Portland due to suspected enemy mining of Lyme Bay. (50) 6 Apr 1943 8 Apr 1943 9 Apr 1943 10 Apr 1943 12 Apr 1943 13 Apr 1943 16 Apr 1943 18 Apr 1943 19 Apr 1943 21 Apr 1943 22 Apr 1943 25 Apr 1943 13 May 1943 16 May 1943 18 May 1943 1 Oct 1943 4 Oct 1943 5 Oct 1943 6 Oct 1943 7 Oct 1943 9 Oct 1943 11 Oct 1943 13 Oct 1943 14 Oct 1943 15 Oct 1943 16 Oct 1943 18 Oct 1943 19 Oct 1943 20 Oct 1943 21 Oct 1943 22 Oct 1943 25 Oct 1943 26 Oct 1943 27 Oct 1943 28 Oct 1943 29 Oct 1943 30 Oct 1943 31 Oct 1943 3 Nov 1943 4 Nov 1943 6 Nov 1943 9 Nov 1943 11 Nov 1943 12 Nov 1943 13 Nov 1943 15 Nov 1943 17 Nov 1943 18 Nov 1943 19 Nov 1943 20 Nov 1943 21 Nov 1943 22 Nov 1943 24 Nov 1943 Also in the morning, HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.
In the afternoon these cruisers conducted tracking exercises off Scapa Flow. (55) 26 Nov 1943 27 Nov 1943 29 Nov 1943 30 Nov 1943 1 Dec 1943 2 Dec 1943 18 Dec 1943 21 Dec 1943 2 Jan 1944 For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 15 Jan 1944 16 Jan 1944 18 Jan 1944 29 Jan 1944 31 Jan 1944 2 Feb 1944 For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 7 Feb 1944 (All times are zone -1) 1024 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards and went to 80 feet. 40 Seconds after firing the first torpedo an explosion was heard, most likely a premature. 2 Minutes and 24 seconds after firing the first torpedo another explosion was heard. 15 Depth charges were dropped by the escort but these were not close and Taku was never detected.
1124 hours - Came to periscope depth. Two trawlers and one aircraft were seen about two mile away. The target was seen to be stopped and on fire and with her boats away. Ten minutes later it was seen that the bow rose high out of the water. Five minutes later she had sunk and breaking up noises were heard. It was now seen that the convoy was made up of a 6000 ton ship (that was sunk), a 4000 ton ship, four 3000 tonners. Two escorts were seen but there were probably more. Taku reloaded and withdraw to the seaward.
According to German sources the Rheinhausen was carrying 9000 tons of coal, the other
vessels in convoy were the German merchants Isle Fritzen (5099 GRT, built 1922) and Wachtel (992 GRT, built 1924), the Norwegian merchants Maurita (1569 GRT, built 1925), Roald Jarl (1404 GRT, built 1913) and the Swedish merchant Vega (1073 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by NS-22, NS-09, NS-24 and V-5110. The whole crew of the Rheinhausen (including two wounded) was saved by NS-22.
(6) 12 Feb 1944 (All times are zone -1) 1154 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards and went to 80 feet. 1min2sec After firing the first torpedo heard and explosion followed very shortly by loud and pronounced breaking up noises. Three depth charges were dropped but these were not close and Taku was not detected. (6) 13 Feb 1944 (All times are zone -1) 1703 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the leading 3000 ton merchant ship from 1500 yards and went to 80 feet. About 70-75 seconds after firing the first torpedo three explosions were heard. Taku meanwhile retired to the seaward.
1737 hours - Came to periscope depth. Three trawlers and one aircraft were seen close by. Went deep again.
According to German sources this convoy was made up of the German merchants Hans Bornhofen (2130 GRT, built 1905) and Uhlenhorst (3741 GRT, built 1909) and the small Danish merchant Gottfred Hansen (394 GRT, built 1931). They were escorted by NS-21 and V-5108. (6) 18 Feb 1944 19 Feb 1944 21 Feb 1944 23 Feb 1944 24 Feb 1944 28 Feb 1944 8 Mar 1944 9 Mar 1944 11 Mar 1944 13 Mar 1944 15 Mar 1944 16 Mar 1944 For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 24 Mar 1944 (All times are zone -1) 0826 hours - Finally saw the target, a large tanker of about 10000 tons.
0833 hours - Fired the first of six torpedoes from 3500 yards and went to 80 feet.
0836 hours - One torpedo hit was heard. Also a depth charge exploded very close by causing minor damage through which Taku ended up at 280 feet. This depth charge was most likely dropped by one of the escorting aircraft. No more depth charges were dropped after this single one.
1000 hours - No HE was heard so came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight except a few fishing vessel. Withdrew to the Westward and reloaded the torpedo tubes.
According to German sources Moshill was escorted by the minesweeper M-132. (6) 30 Mar 1944 10 Apr 1944 For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 13 Apr 1944 (All times are zone -1) 0754 hours - In position 57°34'N, 07°42'E a very loud explosion occurred overhead. Quite some damage was done and Lt. Pitt eventually decided to abandon patrol and proceed back to Lerwick. (6) 16 Apr 1944 20 Apr 1944 21 Apr 1944 The submarines were escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark. (60) 23 Apr 1944 26 Apr 1944 2 May 1944 At 1540/3 Taku parted company with Voracious and Sardonyx and continued her passage to Blyth but now escorted by HMS Godetia (T/Lt. M.A.F. Larose, RNR) while Voracious and Sardonyx proceeded to Scapa Flow. (61) 5 May 1944 12 May 1944 5 Jul 1944 10 Jul 1944 11 Jul 1944 12 Jul 1944 14 Jul 1944 18 Jul 1944 19 Jul 1944 20 Jul 1944 21 Jul 1944 25 Jul 1944 26 Jul 1944 27 Jul 1944 28 Jul 1944 10 Aug 1944 11 Aug 1944 15 Aug 1944 16 Aug 1944 17 Aug 1944 18 Aug 1944 22 Aug 1944 23 Aug 1944 25 Aug 1944 29 Aug 1944 30 Aug 1944 31 Aug 1944 4 Sep 1944 6 Sep 1944 8 Sep 1944 14 Sep 1944 15 Sep 1944 19 Sep 1944 21 Sep 1944 22 Sep 1944 25 Sep 1944 27 Sep 1944 29 Sep 1944 3 Oct 1944 4 Oct 1944 5 Oct 1944 6 Oct 1944 9 Oct 1944 10 Oct 1944 12 Oct 1944 13 Oct 1944 16 Oct 1944 19 Oct 1944 21 Oct 1944 24 Oct 1944 26 Oct 1944 27 Oct 1944 1 Nov 1944 2 Nov 1944 3 Nov 1944 9 Nov 1944 10 Nov 1944 23 Nov 1944 24 Nov 1944 28 Nov 1944 29 Nov 1944 30 Nov 1944 5 Dec 1944 6 Dec 1944 7 Dec 1944 18 Dec 1944 21 Dec 1944 22 Dec 1944 28 Dec 1944 2 Jan 1945 3 Jan 1945 4 Jan 1945 5 Jan 1945 10 Jan 1945 16 Jan 1945 17 Jan 1945 29 Jan 1945 31 Jan 1945 5 Feb 1945 6 Feb 1945 7 Feb 1945 8 Feb 1945 9 Feb 1945 13 Feb 1945 14 Feb 1945 15 Feb 1945 19 Feb 1945 20 Feb 1945 21 Feb 1945 22 Feb 1945 23 Feb 1945 1 Mar 1945 2 Mar 1945 6 Mar 1945 7 Mar 1945 8 Mar 1945 9 Mar 1945 13 Mar 1945 14 Mar 1945 16 Mar 1945 19 Mar 1945 20 Mar 1945 21 Mar 1945 29 Mar 1945 4 Apr 1945 5 Apr 1945 6 Apr 1945 11 Apr 1945 13 Apr 1945 17 Apr 1945 18 Apr 1945 24 Apr 1945 25 Apr 1945 27 Apr 1945 30 Apr 1945 [There is no logbook available of HMS Taku for the month of May 1945, therefore no details for this month are known to us. She was at Blyth during the entire month.] (73) 5 Jun 1945 6 Jun 1945 7 Jun 1945 8 Jun 1945 13 Jun 1945 14 Jun 1945 18 Jun 1945 20 Sep 1945 25 Sep 1945 26 Sep 1945 6 Nov 1945 8 Nov 1945 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacks an enemy convoy in position 33°30'N, 21°10'E. Three torpedoes were fired without result.
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Beirut. (42)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said. (44)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Port Said where she is docked.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is undocked. (44)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Port Said. (44)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Port Said for her 19th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Aegean.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) damaged a caique with gunfire west of Kos, Greece in position 220° Kandeliusa Light 7 nautical miles.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) attacks the Italian tanker Arca (2238 GRT, built 1885) off Chios, Greece. The torpedoes fired however missed their target.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Arca (2238 GRT) south-west of Chios, Greece in position 38°04'N, 25°27'E.
0740 hours - In position 38°04'N, 25°27'E sighted escort vessel (This was the Italian destroyer Quintino Sella) through the periscope.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) chases the small Greek merchant ship Sifnos (315 GRT, built 1891) and fires at it with the deck gun, the ship however manages to escape. Following this chase Taku sank the Greek Caique Lora (121 GRT) with gunfire off the Gulf of Kassandra, Greece.
1645 hours - Sighted a small merchant vessel of about 200 tons coming out of the Gulf of Kassandra course 110°. Decided to attack with the gun but had to wait until he rounded Cape Drepano.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) fires three torpedoes against the Italian tanker Cerere (1267 GRT, built 1915) about 10 nautical miles south of Cape Sounio, Greece in position 37°30'N, 24°03'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.
0940 hours - Smoke sighted bearing 335° and soon after saw two aircraft on the same bearing.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) attacked what is though to be an auxliary patrol vessel south of Milos in approximate position 36°40'N, 24°47'E.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) ended her 19th war patrol at Port Said. (42)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Port Said to have external petroleum tanks fitted. (45)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is undocked. (45)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Port Said for Beirut.
(45)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Beirut.
(45)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. (46)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Beirut for her 20th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. She is also to perform a special operation.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Delfin (5322 GRT, built 1918) in the Aegean Sea about 5 nautical miles north of Macrosini island, Greece in position 37°52'N, 24°06'E.
At 2340 hours HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) lands three Greek agents 200 yards from Nisia Rocks (near position 38°40'N, 23°54'E). One was captured and talked because the Germans learned the identity of the
submarine (Abwehr files make reference to it). (6)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) heavily damaged the Greek caique (in German service) Niki (150 GRT) with gunfire in the Potidea Channel in position 40°13'N, 23°19'E.
1200 hours - A two-masted caique of about 150 tons was seen leaving the canal. Closed to attack.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) bombards the harbour of Kymi, Greece. 26 rounds were fired. A warehouse and several ships were hit.
At 0602 hours (zone -3) HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) carried out a special reconnaissance of Cape Skyli, this was actually for Operation 'Locksmith' (blocking the Corinth Canal).
While on patrol of the Zea Channel, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) fires five torpedoes against a 1500 ton ship in position 37°32'N, 24°14'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Beirut. (6)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. (47)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Beirut for Malta. Taku is to return to the U.K. for refit and repairs to the engines that continued to give problems during the last two war patrols.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Malta. (47)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Malta for Algiers. (48)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Algiers. (48)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Algiers for Gibraltar. (48)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (48)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for the U.K. Enroute she is to patrol for a few days in the Bay of Biscay making this her 21th war patrol.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Plymouth. (6)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Plymouth for Portsmouth. Due to the bad weather the passage is abandoned and Taku and her escort put into Dartmouth.
(49)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Dartmouth to continue her passage to Portsmouth where she arrived later this day.
(49)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (49)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (49)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (49)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (49)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) proceeded from Portsmouth to Portland. She made the passage together with HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) and HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR). En-route serveral exercises were carried out. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Portland together with HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR).
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) shifted from Portland to Plymouth. She made the passage together with HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR). (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (50)
During 10 April and 11 April 1943, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included night exercises. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (50)
During 13 April and 14 April 1943, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included night exercises. (50)
During 16 April and 17 April 1943, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included night exercises. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (50)
During 22 April and 23 April 1943, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included night exercises. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (50)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS H 32 (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) that was to proceed to Rothesay. They were escorted by HMS Damsay (T/Lt. A.M. Sullivan, RNVR). (51)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (51)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Troon where she was to refit. (51)
With her refit completed, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), shifted from Troon to Holy Loch to begin period of trials and training. En-route to Holy Loch full power trials were carried out. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. These were followed by full power trials and submerged runs over the measured mile. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted STU trials off the Fairlie dummy minefield. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises in the Clyde area. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials in the Clyde area. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included gunnery exercises on a target towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). Taku proceeded to Campbeltown upon completion of these exercises. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) and HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN). Also gunnery exercises were carried out on a target towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) as target. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) as target. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) as target. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) and vice versa. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) and vice versa. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is undocked from AFD 7. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN), HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Unswerving (Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR). (52)
On completion of yesterday's exercises, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), proceeded to Larne. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne on HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) which was escorted by six US destroyers. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Hotspur (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN). (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne on a convoy. (52)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Calder (Lt.Cdr. A.D. White, RD, RNR). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne with HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. She was escorted for most of the way by a Motor Launch. (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) as target. (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) as target. (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Celia (T/Lt. L.B. Merrick, RNR) and HMS Switha (T/Lt. V.S. Jeffery, RNVR). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN) and HMS Halcyon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.J. Martin, RNVR). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, RN). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN). (54)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN), HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN) and HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN). (53)
In the morning, HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN).
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN) and HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN), HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN). (53)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Lerwick. Almost the whole crew, including the Commanding Officer had the flu so her patrol was cancelled. (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 22th war patrol. She is to make a anti-U-boat patrol in the Norwegian Sea.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Lerwick. (6)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Lerwick for passage to Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR). Around 0930/17 they made rendez-vous off Scapa Flow with HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) and their escort HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) and HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Lerwick. They are escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (56)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 23th war patrol. She is to patrol off Norway near Stavanger.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Rheinhausen (6298 GRT, built 1912) in position 59°07'N, 05°37'E.
1010 hours - Sighted a Northbound convoy. Went to full submerged speed for 8 minutes to get into a firing position.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and heavily damaged the German merchant Harm Fritzen (4818 GRT, built 1915) off the Bømlafjord. The ship was run aground to prevent it from sinking. The ship was later salvaged.
1125 hours - Sighted a merchant of about 3000 tons and one escort Northbound in the direction of Haugesund. The escort was astern.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Hans Bornhofen (2130 GRT, built 1905) in the Boknafjorden, 8 nautical miles south of Skudeneshavn, Norway in position 59°08'N, 05°24'E.
1624 hours - Sighted a Southbound convoy of two 3000 ton merchants, two 1500 ton merchants and four escorts coming down Karm Sund towards Stavanger. Started attack.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) ended her 23th war patrol at Lerwick. (6)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch together with HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) They are escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (57)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (57)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (57)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is undocked from AFD 7. (57)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where she was docked. (57)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is undocked. (58)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (58)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. She was undocked later the same day. (58)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G.G. Slade, RN). (58)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (58)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 24th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Norway in the Trondheim area. She is to intercept the German battleship Tirpitz that is possibly leaving Norway for repairs in Germany. Taku was part of 'Operstion Foremost'in which a whole lot of Allied submarines were placed along the coast of Norway to intercept the Tirpitz if she came South. As of 2300 hours on the 20th she is also to attack enemy shipping as Tirpitz was not going to Germany after all.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) fires 5 torpedoes against a tanker in a German convoy about 25 nautical miles west of Namsos, Norway in position 64°33'N 10°37'E. The German merchant Moshill (2959 GRT, former Norwegian) was missed in this attack.
0630 hours - Sighted 2 aircraft circling bearing 190° and very distant. Obviously escorting a convoy. Started attack.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) ended her 24th war patrol at Lerwick. (6)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 25th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Skagerrak.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is damaged when a mine explodes overhead. The patrol has to be abandoned.
0248 hours - Dived in position 57°30'N, 07°20'E to pass under the Skagerrak mine barrier at 220 feet.
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) ended her 25th war patrol prematurely at Lerwick. (6)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). The next day, off Scapa Flow, they were joined by the Dutch submarine HrMs O 15 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) and the British submarine HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN).
(59)
HrMs O 15 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) departed Scapa Flow for Rothesay. She made the passage together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN).
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (59)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7 to inspect the damage. She was undocked later the same day. (59)
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Blyth and Scapa Flow respectively. They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR).
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Blyth. (61)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) proceeded from Blyth to the Swan Hunter shipyard at Wallsend-on-Tyne where repairs were to be made. (61)
With her repairs completed HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) proceeded from South Shields to Blyth. At Blyth she was assigned to training new submarine crews. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. These exercises also included night exercises during the night of 21/22 July 1944. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (62)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted W/T trials off Blyth. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted W/T trials off Blyth. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) is docked at Blyth in No.3 Dry Dock. (63)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) is undocked. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (64)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) departed from Blyth to pick up a pilot from a crashed aircraft who has parachuted in the sea.
This airman was successfully recovered at 1010 hours in position 55°02.6'N, 01°20.4'E. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (65)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (66)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (67)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (67)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (67)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (67)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (67)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (67)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (67)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (68)
During 31 January / 1 February 1945, HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. These included night exercises. (69)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (70)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (71)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN or Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN or Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN or Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (72)
HMS Taku (Lt. J.P. Angell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (74)
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (74)
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (74)
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (74)
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (74)
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (74)
The crew of HMS Taku went over to HMS Tactician. Taku was now prepared to be reduced to reserve. (74)
HMS Taku (Lt. J. Nash, RN) was commissioned from reserve at Blyth for passage to Falmouth where she was to be berthed on the mud to await scrapping. (75)
HMS Taku (Lt. J. Nash, RN) departed Blyth for the Chatham Dockyard where she was to stripped of all usable parts. (75)
HMS Taku (Lt. J. Nash, RN) arrived at the Chatham Dockyard. (75)
HMS Taku departed the Chatham Dockyard for Falmouth in tow of HMS Enforcer. (39)
HMS Taku arrived at Falmouth where she was berthed on the mud. (39)Media links
The T-class Submarine
Kemp, Paul J.
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