Laid down (35)

1919: Minesweeper Willet (ARS 12)

1933: Destroyer Fury (H 76)

1941: Minesweeper Pirie (J 189) - Corvette Snowflake (K 211) - Destroyer Murphy (DD 603)

1942: Minesweeper BYMS 2060 (J 860) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 331 (LCT 331) - Destroyer Zentih (R 95) - Destroyer Laws (DD 558) - Patrol craft PC-595 (PC-595) - Submarine chaser SC-1032 (SC-1032) - Submarine chaser SC-703 (SC-703)

1943: Frigate Orkney (K 448) - Destroyer Cavendish (R 15) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 930 (LCT 930) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-443 (LCI(L)-443) - Patrol craft PC-820 (PC-820) - Fleet tug Tawakoni (ATF 114)

1944: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1033 (LCI(L)-1033) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-635 (LCI(L)-635) - Landing craft tank LCT 1102 (LCT 1102) - Landing craft tank LCT 796 (LCT 796) - Landing craft tank LCT 905 (LCT 905) - Medium landing ship LSM 154 (LSM 154) - Medium landing ship LSM 155 (LSM 155) - Medium landing ship LSM 156 (LSM 156) - Medium landing ship LSM 157 (LSM 157) - Medium landing ship LSM 217 (LSM 217) - Medium landing ship LSM 242 (LSM 242)

1945: Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 525 (LSM(R) 525) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 526 (LSM(R) 526) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 527 (LSM(R) 527) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 528 (LSM(R) 528) - Motor torpedo boat PT 764 - Motor torpedo boat PT 798

Launched (44)

Armed Yacht Calanthe

1908: Repair ship Vestal (AR 4)

1920: Light cruiser Emerald (D 66)

1928: Large destroyer Valmy - MS Trawler Dalmatia (FY 844) - Sloop Lulworth (Y 60) - Submarine Osiris (N 67) - Cutter Chelan

1929: Submarine D-2 / Narodovolyets

1936: ASW Trawler Loch Monteith (FY 135)

1942: Landing Craft Tank LCT 392 (LCT 392) - Vehicle landing ship Catskill (LSV 1) - Minesweeper YMS-6 (YMS-6)

1943: Frigate Dacres (K 472) - Frigate Domett (K 473) - Frigate Foley (K 474) - Frigate Garlies (K 475) - Frigate Odzani (K 356) - MS Trawler St. Agnes (T 352) - Destroyer Urania (R 05) - Oiler Cahaba (AO 82) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-424 (LCI(L)-424) - Patrol craft PC-819 (PC-819) - Motor torpedo boat PT 302 - Motor torpedo boat PT 303 - Motor torpedo boat PT 345 - Motor torpedo boat PT 364 - Destroyer Escort Schmitt (DE 676) - Minesweeper YMS-139 (YMS-139)

1944: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 406 (MTB 406) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-618 (LCI(L)-618) - Landing craft tank LCT 1296 (LCT 1296) - Tank landing ship LST 618 (LST 618) - Net tender Mastic (AN 46) - Motor torpedo boat PT 394 - Motor torpedo boat PT 429 - Submarine Spot (413)

1945: Tank landing ship LST 3532 (LST 3532) - Minesweeper Pyrrhus (J 448) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 513 (LSM(R) 513) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 514 (LSM(R) 514) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 515 (LSM(R) 515) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 516 (LSM(R) 516)

1951: Destroyer Timmerman (DD 828)

Commissioned (44)

1919: Destroyer Mackay (D 70) - Destroyer Bernadou (DD 153) - Destroyer McCalla (i) (DD 253)

1925: Submarine K XII (N 61)

1934: Heavy cruiser Minneapolis (CA 36)

1938: Minesweeper Leda (J 93)

1939: Destroyer Anderson (DD 411) - Light cruiser St. Louis (CL 49)

1940: Motor Launch ML 100 (ML 100)

1941: Motor Gun Boat MGB 316 (MGB 316) - Motor Launch ML 231 (ML 231) - Motor Launch ML 241 (ML 241) - Motor Launch ML 266 (ML 266)

1942: Rescue Tug Empire Fairy - Motor Gun Boat MGB 501 (MGB 501) - Motor Launch ML 354 (ML 354) - Frigate Spey (K 246)

1943: Submarine chaser Jacuí (CS 57) - Frigate Bentinck (K 314) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1281 (ML 1281) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 877 (LCT 877) - Escort destroyer Talybont (L 18) - Tank landing ship LST 175 (LST 175) - Tank landing ship LST 485 (LST 485) - Motor torpedo boat PT 245 - Submarine chaser SC-1056 (SC-1056) - Submarine chaser SC-1057 (SC-1057) - Submarine chaser SC-1292 (SC-1292) - Destroyer Sproston (DD 577) - Minesweeper YMS-243 (YMS-243)

1944: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 746 (MTB 746) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 1103 (LCT 1103) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-613 (LCI(L)-613) - Tank landing ship LST 1020 (LST 1020) - Tank landing ship LST 1021 (LST 1021) - Tank landing ship LST 613 (LST 613) - Tank landing ship LST 694 (LST 694) - Tank landing ship LST 741 (LST 741)

1945: Tank landing ship LST 3028 (LST 3028) - Tank landing ship LST 3501 (LST 3501) - Fleet tug Cusabo (ATF 155) - Medium landing ship LSM 445 (LSM 445) - Patrol craft PC-813 (PC-813) - Escort carrier Salerno Bay (CVE 110)

1940: Minelayer Princess Victoria (M 03) - Destroyer Whitley (L 23)

1945: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 715 (MTB 715)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1940

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: Around 0800EF/19, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Colombo for Aden at 23 knots. Orders were received to proceed to Aden with despatch and speed was therefore increased to 27 knots. Not long after departure, at 1045EF/19, in position 06°45'N, 79°15'E, HMAS Sydney a whale or large shark was struck by the starboard outer propeller. A slight bump was felt and the carcass was seen floating away nearly cut in half with blood, etc. surrounding it. Later divers checked the propeller for damage but none was found.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) is docked in No.6 graving dock at Birkenhead.

Light cruiser HMS Liverpool: Around 0630 hours (zone -3), HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) arrived at Djibouti. She departed Djibouti to return to Aden shortly after 2300 hours.

Light cruiser HMS Gloucester: HMS Gloucester (Capt. F.R. Garside, CBE, RN) arrived at Mombasa. After fuelling and provisioning she departed for Aden later the same day.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Alcantara: Around 1120B/19, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived in False Bay near Simonstown. Before anchoring gunnery exercises were carried out.

Submarine HMS Oswald: HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Fraser, RN) arrived at Alexandria.

Submarine HMS Seawolf: HMS Seawolf (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Studholme, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Triton: Around 1900A/19, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South coast of Norway near Lister. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Triton during this patrol see the map below.

Destroyer HMAS Waterhen: HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Alexandria for A/S patrol off Alexandria. She returned to harbour the following morning.

Destroyer HMS Khartoum: HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) departed Buenos Aires to resume patrol.

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from Scapa Flow. She departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol later the same day. In the evening of 23 May she commenced operations against the German battleship Bismarck and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen. [For more information see the events ' Chase and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck, 18 to 27 May 1941 Part I and Part II ' both for 18 May 1941.]

Heavy cruiser HMS Exeter: HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. The included A/S exercises with HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN).

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) departed Sydney for Melbourne.

Light cruiser HMS Gloucester: At 1530 hours (zone -3), HMS Gloucester (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) and HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN), arrived at Alexandria to fuel and ammunition before they were to proceed to sea again the next day.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.W. Termijtelen, RNN) departed Surabaya for trials and exercises in Madoera Strait.

Submarine HNMS O 21: HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 61.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN) and HMCS St. Clair (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Wallace, RCNR).

Aircraft Carrier HMS Hermes: HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) re-embarked her Swordfish aircraft.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Hector: Around 1445C/19, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) turned over the escort of the troop transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) to HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) H.L.I. Kirkpatrick, OBE, RN). HMS Hector then set course to return to Kilindini / Mombasa.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Alcantara: Around 0845P/19, HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo from Samborombón Bay.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Circassia: HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) proceeded from Hvalfjord to Reykjavik.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda: Around 1230Z/19, after having embarked 200 tons of water and also 1690 tons of fuel from the chartered tanker Nyholm (Norwegian, 5843 GRT, built 1927), HMS Queen of Bermuda (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) departed St. Helena to patrol in the mid-Atlantic.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Ranchi: HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Unbeaten: HMS Unbeaten (Lt. E.A. Woodward, RN) attacked the Italian merchant Silvio Scaroni (1367 GRT, built 1921) off Tagiura, Libya in position 32°46'N, 14°06'E. with a spread of three torpedoes. Two torpedoes however hit bottom and exploded exposing the stern of the submarine above the water. A hunt by the destroyer followed in which Unbeaten was depth charged. According to Italian sources the escort was torpedo boat Pleiadi. Pleiadi sighted a torpedo which was aimed at her and combed the track, dropping all her depth charges. (All times are zone -2) 1219 hours - In position 32°46'N, 14°06'E sighted a single merchant vessel of 5000 to 6000 tons escorted by a destroyer proceeding Eastward. Closed to attack. 1241 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 3500 yards. The first torpedo however struck bottom and exploded 8 seconds after firing. The result was that the third torpedo was fired with Unbeaten out of control and possible even with her stern out of the water (and the bow way down). This torpedo then also hit bottom and exploded. A depth charge attack by the destroyer now followed. In all 27 depth charges were dropped, some of which were quite close causing minor damage. Unbeaten only surfaced about 12 hours later after the destroyer had finally left the scene.

Submarine HMS Perseus (i): HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) departed Alexandria for her 7th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Southern Aegean. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Perseus during this patrol see the map below. HMS Perseus 7th war patrol click here for bigger map

Submarine HMS Porpoise: HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) returned to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Sturgeon: HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. D. St. Clair-Ford, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Dartmouth with two ML's and later with HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN).

Submarine HMS Tribune: When convoy HX 126 came under attack from enemy submarines HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, RN) was on the opposite side and could not manoeuvre through the convoy to attack the enemy as she was limited by her slow speed (she could only make 10 knots due to her engine defects). She then made a sweep astern of the convoy to search for the enemy but they were not seen. Course was then set to proceed to the U.K. independently.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Talisman: HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Halifax for convoy escort duty in the North Atlantic. She is to escort convoy SC 32 for part of the journey to the U.K. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SC 32 ' for 19 May 1941.] [No map of this convoy escort mission can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.]

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) arrived at Arrochar to begin her torpedo discharge trials.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS H 31: HMS H 31 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. B.G. Heslop, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Minelayer HMS Abdiel: HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. She departed Alexandria around 1500C/19 for operation ' Mat One ' during which a minefield was to be laid off Cephalonia.

Light cruiser HMS Naiad: Aeound 0600C/19, ' Force C ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Juno (St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) departed Alexandria to proceed towards the Kaso Strait.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: Around 0700B/19, HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from patrol. HMS Nigeria departed for Rosyth later the same day.

Battleship HMS Revenge: Convoy SC 32. This convoy departed Halifax on 19 May 1941. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antiope (British, 4545 GRT, built 1930), Baron Kinnaird (British, 3355 GRT, built 1927), Brynhild (British, 2195 GRT, built 1907), Chagres (British, 5545 GRT, built 1919), Dalemoor (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Erica (Norwegian, 1592 GRT, built 1919), Flynderborg (British, 2022 GRT, built 1930), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Inger Elizabeth (Norwegian, 2166 GRT, built 1920), Ingerfire (Norwegian, 3835 GRT, built 1905), Juno (Dutch, 1763 GRT, built 1908), Katwijk (Dutch, 1589 GRT, built 1921), Lars Kruse (British, 1807 GRT, built 1923), Maplewood (British, 4566 GRT, built 1930), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Michael L. Embiricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Picotee (British, 4307 GRT, built 1913), Rajahstan (British, 6391 GRT, built 1929), Rosenborg (British, 1997 GRT, built 1914), Saltwick (British, 3775 GRT, built 1929), Stalowa Wola (Polish, 3133 GRT, built 1924), Stonepool (British, 4815 GRT, built 1928), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937), Welsh Prince (British, 5148 GRT, built 1940), West Saginaw (British, 6187 GRT, built 1919), Western Ocean (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918) and Zypenberg (British, 4973 GRT, built 1920). The Picotee and Stonepool both developed engine trouble and returned to Halifax. On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN), the submarine HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN), and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). Around 2030P/19, HMCS Cobalt and HMCS Collingwood parted company with the convoy and returned to Halifax. During the night of 24/25 May 1942, the Marita straggled from the convoy and she did not rejoin. Around 1900O/29, Convoy SC 32 temporary joined Convoy HX 128. Convoy SC 32 took station astern of convoy HX 128. With convoy HX 128 was the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) which also was to provide protection to Convoy SC 32. Around 2000N/30, HMS Talisman parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. Around 2200Z/31, HMS Revenge and HMS Laconia parted company with the convoys to return to Halifax or to proceed to Reykjavik respectively. A/S escorts commenced to join the convoy as from 29 May but sources vary on their composition, [this will have to be researched further in the future.] The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 7 June 1941.

Battlecruiser HMS Renown: Operation Splice. Fighter aircraft to be flown off to Malta. Around 0330A/19, ' Force H ', made up of the battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) and the destroyers HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) departed Gibraltar to the westward. At 1500A/19, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) and HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) departed Gibraltar to the westward to make rendezvous with ' Force H '. At 1445A/19, ' Force H ' had altered course to the eastward to pass through position 35°40'N, 07°05'W at 1900A/19. At 1920A/19, HMS Furious, HMS London and the four destroyers were sighted. HMS London, HMS Harvester and HMS Havelock were then detached to briefly provide cover for the dummy battleship HMS Centurion (resembling HMS Anson, King George V-class, Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W.J. Martin, RN) which had departed Gibraltar for Freetown. HMS London, HMS Harvester and HMS Havelock returned to Gibraltar around 2300A/20. At 2130A/19, the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) departed Gibraltar to the eastward to make rendezvous with ' Force H ' after dawn. At 2245A/19, ' Force H ' entered the Straits of Gibraltar. It was a bright starlit night and it was thought to be almost impossible to pass the Straits without being observed by fishing vessels. At 0720B/20, HMS Brilliant joined ' Force H '. A section of fighters was kept ranged in HMS Ark Royal to be flown off if shadowers appeared. An aircraft was detected by RDF at 1128B/20 passing along the African coast from west to east. It did not approach neared than 38 miles, a distance greater than existing visibility, and finally faded from the screen at a range of 48 miles. At 1215B/20, when 70 miles north fo Oran, ' Force H ' passed through a very straggling and unescorted northbound Vichy French convoy. Given the loose formation of this convoy there was no way of avoiding detection but no ships were heard making a report though. At 1350B/20, an aircraft was detected by RDF passing rapidly down the port beam of ' Force H ' at a range of ten miles and was held between bearings of 020° and 220°. The aircraft was nog sighted. As a precauteionary measure course was altered towards Ibiza. At 1515B/20, a favourable weather report was received from the Naval Officer in Charge, Malta. This indicated that a westerly wind of not less than ten miles per hour might be expected and HMS Ark Royal reported that a flying off position of 06°00'E would be acceptavle. Speed was then reduced to 20 knots. Further favourable weather reports from the Naval Officer in Charge, Malta were received at 2000B/20 as also from the Vice-Admiral Commanding North Atlantic Station at 1520B/20. Three groups of aircraft were detected at 2135B/20, 18 miles to the southward, steering 080° at 160 knots. It was thought that these aircraft were Wellingtons proceeding from Gibraltar to Malta. At 2215B/20, course was altered to 097° and speed increased to 22 knots so as to arrive in appoximate position 37°50'N, 06°00'E at dawn the following morning for flying off the fighters to Malta. Visibility inceased to 14 miles in the evening. There was so far no indication that ' Force H ' had been reported by aircraft or shipping. At 2300B/20, when in position 38°05'N, 03°10'E, three lighted merchant vessels were sighted to the southward steering approximately 225°. At 0200B/21, when in position 37°56'N, 04°29'E, a lighted merchant ship passed ahead of ' Force H ' northbound, evidently from Bougie. Weather reports indicating westerly winds of 10 miles an hour or over were received from the Naval Officer in Charge, Malta at 0200B/21 and 0430B/21, and from the Vice-Admiral Commanding North Atlantic Station at 0330B/21. Information was also received from the Naval Officer in Command, Malta that only two Glenn-Martin bombers would be available to guide the first two flights of Hurricanes in. At 0535B/21, an all-round screen was formed and 15 minutes later, course was altered to 300° into the wind for flying-off. The first aircraft took off at 0600B/21 in position 37°47'N, 06°08'E. The Fulmar flown off by HMS Furious to lead the first flight of Hurricanes was unable to retract its undercarriage. The stand-by Fulmar was then flown-off by HMS Furious at 0617B/21 as a relief. However the Hurricanes had already formed up on the defective aircraft and the Hurricanes could not be persuaded to follow the relief aircraft so finally both Fulmars went off in company, each leading a portion of the Hurricane flight. The complete flying-off programme was as follows; 0600 - First Hurricane flew off from HMS Furious. 0605 - First Hurricane flew off from HMS Ark Royal.. 0608 - First flight of 9 Hurricanes from HMS Furious was airborne. 0610 - First flight of 11 Hurricane from HMS Ark Royal was airborne. 0635 - Second flight of 10 Hurricanes was airborne from HMS Ark Royal. 0650 - Second flight of 9 Hurricanes from HMS Furious was airborne. 0729 - Third flight of 9 Hurricanes from HMS Furious was airborne. The Hurricanes took off very well, the take-off distance being between 300 feet and 380 feet with a wind speed of 30 knots over the deck and with auxiliary tanks full. When all Hurricanes had left HMS Ark Royal flew off a section of two Fulmars to patrol over the fleet and transferred a Fulmar crew by Swordfish to HMS Furious, who had four Fulmars on board wit only three trained crews. Each of the carriers then ranged four Fulmars on deck. At 0750B/21, HMS Ark Royal's second flight returned and the escorting Fulmar made an emergency landing due to heavy oil leakage. It was decided that HMS Ark Royal was to fly off another Fulmar instead and at 0815B/21, the Hurricanes departed for Malta again now with their new leader. An Italian signal was intercepted at 0824B/21, reporting that 9 aircraft had been sighted at 0750 hours steering 150°. At 0900B/21, a Cant floatplane was sighed low down 10 miles to the southward, shadowing the fleet which was then retiring to the westward. HMS Renown fired a few salvoes of 4.5" to indicate the enemy to the Fulmars, but these were unable to intercept. At 0930 hours and Italian signal was intercepted revealing the correct composition of ' Force H '. These two sightings must have revealed the whole operation to the enemy. At 0940B/21, HMS Ark Royal flew off a second section of Fulmars. The visibility was 20 miles from 2000 feet at 15 miles from 1000 feet, with cloud base at this height. Information was received from the Naval Officer in Charge, Malta at 1015B/21 that the first formation had landed and the second was in sight. This was followed at 1100B/21 by a report that the fourth formation had landed and that the fifth was approaching. Information of the delayed third flight was not received until 1400B/21 when the Naval Officer in Charge, Malta reported that 5 Fulmars and 47 Hurricanes had arrived, and that one Hurricane had been seen to dive into the sea off Cape Bon. One Fulmar was therefore missing and the Naval Officer in Charge Malta was informed accordingly. Weather conditions for the flight had been favourable, the average wind at 2000 feet being 15 miles an hour from the north-west. Visibility had been 10 to 15 miles. A further Italian signal was intercepted at 1230B/21 indicating that ' Force H ' had been reported at 1100 hours. At 1310B/21, a formation of aircraft was sighted low down 15 miles to the southward on an easterly course. These were probably Blenheims on passage from Gibraltar to Malta. At 1320B/21, a single aircraft, probably a Vichy-French plane bound for Algiers, was detected by RDF bearing 345°, distant 26 miles. Information was received from the Vice-Admiral Commanding North Atlantic Station at 1321B/21 that an SOS had been heard from one of the Blenheims en-route for Malta and that its estimated position was approximately 02°00'E and 04°00'E. Four TSR aircraft were at once flown off from position 37°57'N, 02°56'E to carry out a search over the area indicated. The visibility was 40 miles to the north and east but rain persisted to the southward with visibility down to half a mile. These aircraft landed on at 1800B/21 having sighted nothing. At 1855B/21, the A/S patrol reported a dinghy with one occupant bearing 290°, distant 12 miles from ' Force H ' (37°22'N, 01°13'E). HMS Hesperus was detached and picked up one officer, which was the navigator of the aircraft that had sent out the SOS. At 0045B/22, course was altered briefly to avoid a merchant vessel steering approximately 300°. At 0530B/22, HMS Ark Royal flew off seven Swordfish to carry out exercises with ' Force H '. At 0544B/22, a signal was received from the Naval Officer in Command, Malta that the destroyer HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN) had departed from there for Gibraltar at 2030B/21 and that her estimated time of arrival at Gibraltar was 1600A/23. HMS Furious, escorted by HMS Brilliant and HMS Hesperus, was detached at 0800B/22 to proceed at best speed towards Gibraltar for a quick docking. They arrived at Gibraltar around 1215A/22. During the forenoon more exercises were carried out by ' Force H '. At 1038A/22, an intercepted Italian signal indicated that HMS Foresight was being shadowed by enemy aircraft. Her estimated position was midway between Galita Island and Bougie. ' Force H ' therefore altered course to the west to close and instructed HMS Foresight to report immediately in case she was being attacked by enemy bombers and the result of such attacks. No report had been received from HMS Foresight by 1600A/22 and as it was though that by now she would be (almost) out of range of enemy bombers, ' Force H ' revised course to the west and increased speed to 25 knots. ' Force H ' arrived at Gibraltar around 2245A/22.

Destroyer HMAS Vampire: On 19 May 1941, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops and stores for Tobruk. These were landed at Tobruk during the night of 20/21 May and HMAS Vampire then embared wounded soldiers. She arrived back at Alexandria on 21 May. While in Tobruk Harbour alongside the jetty she struck a submerged object which carried away her ASDIC dome and oscillator. Both were later salvaged by naval personnel at Tobruk. On Vampire's return to Alexandria it had become obvious that the old ship was badly in need for a long refit. At speeds above 18 knots she suffered from massive vibration. HMAS Vampire then commenced boiler cleaning and to prepare for the trip to Singapore where she was to refit.

Destroyer HMAS Stuart: HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) conducted D/G trials at Alexandria.

Destroyer HMAS Nestor: HMAS Nestor (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMS Vanquisher: HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) picks up 2 survivors from the British merchant Empire Ridge that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-96 90 nautical miles west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°08'N, 10°40'W.

1942

Corvette HMCS Halifax: HMCS Halifax (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Copelin, RCNR) picks up 3 survivors from the American trawler Foam that was sunk on 17 May 1942 by gunfire from German U-boat U-432 about 85 nautical miles south of Halifax.

Submarine HNoMS Uredd: HNoMS Uredd (Lt. Røren) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR).

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) arrived at Abadan from Bahrein.

Heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher: Around 1500B/19, HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) departed Capetown escorting the Capetown section of convoy WS 18. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 18 ' for 16 April 1942.]

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) conducted compass swing trials off Portsmouth.

Submarine HNMS K XI: HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is undocked.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and HMS Bleasdale (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, RN).

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises with the harbour defence off Rothesay.

Submarine USS Haddock: With her torpedo trials completed, USS Haddock (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Taylor, USN), arrived at New London, Connecticut from Newport, Rhode Island.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Ranchi: Around 0930EF/19, HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay with convoy WS 17B2.

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Gibraltar.

Submarine HMS P 222: HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted gunnery and D/F calibration trials in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Thunderbolt: During 19 and 20 May 1942, HMS Thunderbolt (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Crouch, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted exercises off Devonport. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for her 24th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Truant during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Penelope (Italian, 1160 GRT, built 1907) about 5 nautical miles north-west of Monopoli, Italy in position 41°01'N, 17°16'E. Penelope had sailed at 0530B/19 from Bari for Taranto. The torpedo boat sighted at 1300C/19 was probably the Giacomo Medici who sailed from Bari at 1130B/17 for an A/S sweep toward Polignano and returned at 1800B/19. The torpedo boat sighted at 1920C/19 was certainly Giuseppe Missori who sailed at 1330B/19 from Bari and returned at 1910B/19. 0532C/19 - Dived in position 41°09'N, 17°08'E and closed the coast 10 nautical miles north-west of Monopoli. 0830C/19 - In position 41°02'N, 17°17'E sighted masts and funnel of one heavily laden merchant ship of about 3500 tons approaching from the direction of Bari. Commenced attack. 0852C/19 - In position 41°00'6"N, 17°15'6"E fired the first of three torpedoes from a range of 800 yards. 0853C/19 - Two torpedoes hit the target, the third missed astern and exploded when hitting the shore. 0900C/19 - Proceeded to the north-west towards Bari, reloading the torpedo tubes in the meantime. 1300C/19 - In position 41°07'N, 17°07'E sighted one Abba-class torpedo boat and one auxiliary schooner approaching from the direction of Bari, apparently carrying out an A/S sweep. They remained within 2000 yards, proceeding at slow speed, until 1400 hours when the torpedo boat proceeded to the south-east and the schooner retired towards Bari. 1630C/19 - In position 41°11'N, 17°03'E sighted one small armed tug steaming out of Bari on a course of 070°. When in position 9 nautical miles 070° from Bari it slowed down and started circling about. Altered course to close its position. The tug was probably waiting to pilot a ship into Bari. If this ship appeared so much the better, it not Lt. Mackenzie intended to surface and sink the tug with gunfire as soon as it shows signs of returning to Bari. 1920C/19 - In position 41°15'N, 16°59'E sighted one very effectively camouflaged torpedo boat, the Giuseppe Missori approaching from the eastward, course 250°, speed 15 knots. The tug joined up with the torpedo boat and they both proceeded into Bari. 2226C/19 - Surfaced in position 41°15'N, 17°03'2"E.

Submarine HMS Turbulent: At 2115C/18, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), was informed by Capt. S 1 (in a signal timed 1915C/18), that three destroyers and two merchant vessels had been reported at 1730C/18 in position 34°05'N, 17°30'E. No course and speed were mentioned in the signal though. This position was about 100 miles from the position HMS Turbulent was in. These ships had earlier been reported in position 37°15'N, 15°55'E, steering 140° at 16 knots. This convoy was made up of the transports Citta di Tunisi (Italian, 5419 GRT, built 1929) and Citta di Napoli (Italian, 5418 GRT, built 1929) proceeding at 15 knots escorted by the destroyers Lanzerotto Malocello and Emanuelle Pessagno sailed from Naples at 0830B-0930B/17. They were later joined by the destroyer Ugolino Vivaldi and arrived at Benghazi at 0745B-0905B/19. HMS Turbulent was also informed that aircraft would drop flares to the north-east of this convoy from 0100C/19 if they were in contact. At 0143C/19, HMS Turbulent sighted a flare bearing 210° at a range of 6 miles. Assuming this was for southbound ships, set course to intercept and increased to full speed. At 0150C/19, a report was received that four ships had been sighted but no mention of courses and speed. If the flares were dropped to the north-east of the target the position was a good way out so decided to rely on the flares. At 0228C/19, another flare was seen bearing 210° at a range of 6 miles. It was thought the convoy was 10 miles ahead and if this were the ships reported at 1730C/19 they must be doing 14 knots. At 0400C/19, HMS Turbulent, had received no further contact reports and as it was obvious it was impossible to overtake the convoy course was set to the north-north-east in the hope that a slower convoy proceeding to Benghazi might be intercepted but in the end nothing would be sighted all day. At 2225C/19, HMS Turbulent, received a signal from Capt. S 1 (timed 1809C/19), which reported that one destroyer and a merchant vessel were expected to pass through position 31°50'N, 18°40'E at 0001C/20. No speed was given and the signal did not state that the enemy was eastbound but this was assumed to be the case. Course was set to try to intercept but the next day no there was no sign of the reported enemy convoy. This signal most probably referred to the transport Brook (German, 1225 GRT, built 1927) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Cantore who had sailed from Tripoli at 1220B/18 and arrived at Benghazi at 1250B/20.

Submarine HMS Utmost: HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Umbra: HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Alexandria.

Submarine HMS Unbroken: HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS United: HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. J.S. Bridger, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR), HMS Monkshood (Lt.Cdr. J.E.R. Wilford, RNR), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and HMS Marigold (Lt. J.A.S. Halcrow, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Campbeltown where she participated in A/S exercises.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. D.E.O. Watson, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay and then to Kames Bay where she was docked again.

Minelayer HMS Welshman: HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) arrived at Greenock from Milford Haven. She was taken in hand for repairs and docking at Glasgow (at the Yarrows Shipyard at Scotstoun) on the 20th. Repairs were completed on the 26th.

Light cruiser HMS Penelope: HMS Penelope (Capt. A.D. Nicholl, RN) arrived at New York.

Light cruiser HMS Hermione: The following vessels departed Diego Suarez for Kilindini; aircraft carriers HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) and the minesweepers HMS Cromarty (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Palmer, DSC, RNZNVR), HMS Cromer (Cdr. R.H. Stephenson, DSC, RN), HMS Poole (Lt. W.L.G. Dutton, RNR) and HMS Romney (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.V. Sivewright, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: HMS Kenya (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

Battleship HMS Rodney: HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMAS Stuart: HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Adelaide.

Submarine USS R-12: USS R-12 (Lt. E.E. Shelby, USN) participated in A/S exercises of St. Thomas together with USS Davis (Lt.Cdr. M.R. Peterson, USN).

Submarine USS R-18: USS R-18 departed New London, Connecticut for a patrol to the north of Bermuda.

Submarine USSR M-176: M-176 fires two torpedoes against the German hospital ship Birka (1000 GRT) off Makkaur. Both torpedoes missed their target.

Destroyer HNMS Tjerk Hiddes (ii): HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is towed up river and docked in No.2 dock at Govan.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners.

Submarine HMS P 615: HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) participated in A/S and attack exercises off Campbeltown.

1943

Sloop HMS Sennen: German U-boat U-954 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-east of Cape Farewell, Greenland in position 54°54'N, 34°19'W, by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RNR) and the British sloop HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Thornton, DSC, RNR).

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, CB, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Hvalfjord.

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: Combined convoy WS 30 / KMS 15. This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 19 May 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 30 and KMS 15 at sea on 25 May 1943. The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Argentina (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Brisbane Star (British, 12791 GRT, built 1937), Deseado (British, 9641 GRT, built 1942), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), H.F. Alexander (American, 8357 GRT, built 1915), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Siboney (American, 6938 GRT, built 1918), Sloterdijk (Dutch, 9230 GRT, built 1940), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936). The landing ships HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Royal Ulsterman (Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) were also part of the convoy. On formation off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) C.C. Bell, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RD, RNR), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), escort destroyers HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), ORP Slazak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski), sloops HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), Cutters HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) and the frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN). The destroyer HMS Sardonyx apparently parted company on 20 May. HMS Cleveland fuelled from HMS Suffolk during the morning of 21 May. At 1130Z/23, HMS Active sighted a surfaced submarine in position 42°16'N, 15°40'W at a range of about 6000 yards. Shortly afterwards HMS Ness also sighted this submarine. Both ships rushed towards to attack and the submarine was seen to crash dive. When the range was down to 2900 yards HMS Active obtained contact on the target with her ASDIC. At 1143Z/23, HMS Active dropped a pattern of ten depth charges set at 150 and 300 feet. At 1150Z/23, HMS Ness dropped ten depth charges (150 and 300 feet). At 1158Z/23, HMS Active came back for another pattern of ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). At 1212Z/23, HMS Ness dropped ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). A double explosion was then heard by the two escorts. At 1223Z/23, HMS Active dropped ten depth charges (350 and 550 feet). At 1240Z/23, a small amount of wood and cork wreckage came to the surface as well as life-jackets, coffee tins marked 'Napoli' and a pair of fresh human lungs. At 1305Z/23, HMS Ness dropped a final pattern of ten depth charges (500, 550 and 700 feet). It is believed that the Italian submarine Leonardo Da Vinci was sunk in this attack. The most succesful Italian submarine of the Second World War disappeared with all hands. Nine officers and fifty-four ratings perished. At 0630Z/24, the transports Brisbane Star and Deseado were detached from the convoy. Around 1530Z/24 a German Focke Wulf aircraft attacked and dropped some bombs near HMS Unicorn but no damage was done. At 1040Z/25 the convoy split up. All escorts proceeded with convoy KMF 15 except for HMS Suffolk, HMS Corfu which went along with WS 30. Convoy KMF 15 was made up of the transports Arawa, Boissevain, Duchess of York, Franconia, Indrapoera, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Letitia, Ormonde, Samaria, Staffordshire and Stirling Castle. HMS Royal Scotsman and HMS Royal Ulsterman were also part of this convoy. On the 26th, the transport Letitia proceeded to Gibraltar as did HMS Unicorn which had on board Beaufighter aircraft and aircraft spares besides two operational squadrons which she had been able to operate during the passage. The escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) had come out to escort them in although HMS Haydon was later detached to proceed to the assistance of an aircraft that had crashed into the sea. HMS Active, HMS Cleveland and ORP Slazak also put into Gibraltar. The transports Staffordshire and Stirling Castle were detached and arrived at Oran on 26 May. The remainder of convoy KMF 15 arrived at Algiers on 27 May. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Convoy WS 30 continued on to Freetown and was made up of Argentina, Brisbane Star, Deseado, H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Siboney and Sloterdijk. Their escort of HMS Suffolk and HMS Corfu was joined by the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) which all came from Gibraltar. HMS Boadicea also rejoined after fuelling at Casablanca. In the morning of May 27th, HMS Antelope fuelled from HMS Suffolk. The convoy arrived at Freetown on 31 May 1943. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On 3 June 1943 the convoy departed Freetown now made up of the transports Argentina, H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Siboney and Sloterdijk. On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk, armed merchant cruisers HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN), HMS Corfu, destroyers HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN), HMS Boardicea, HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick. At 1500Z/6, the transport Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923) and the destroyer HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Takoradi. At 1950Z/6, HMS Corfu and HMS Boadicea parted company with the convoy to proceed to Takoradi. At 1445Z/9, the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) joined the convoy coming from Pointe Noire. At 1517Z/9, HMS Witch, HMS Wolverine and HMS Rapid parted company with the convoy to proceed to Pointe Noire. Around 0730A/13, the transports Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941) and Santa Barbara (American, 6507 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy as did the sloop Savorgnan de Brazza which had been escorting them. On 15 June 1943 the convoy arrived at Capetown. HMS Suffolk and HMS Carnarvon Castle then went on to Simonstown. In the approaches to Capetown the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) joined the escort as an enemy submarine had been reported to be operating in the area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On 16 June 1943, the convoy departed Capetown for Durban. It was now made up of the transports Argentina, Cuba, Exceller, Exiria (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), H.F. Alexander, Mataroa, Nieuw Holland, Santa Barbara, Siboney and Sloterdijk. The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam, HMAS Norman, HMS Quadrant and HMS Redoubt. On 18 June, the transport Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy presumebly coming from Port Elizabeth or East London. The convoy arrived at Durban on 20 June. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On 25 June 1943, the convoy departed Durban for Aden / Bombay, now made up of the transports Cuba, General Fleischer (Norwegian, 5138 GRT, built 1943), Karagola (British, 7053 GRT, built 1917), Nieuw Holland, Sagoland (American, 5334 GRT, built 1913), Santa Barbara and Sibajak. The convoy was now escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (now commanded by Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN). The armed mercant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) joined the convoy around 0900C/28 having departed Kilindini around 1745C/25. Around 2000C/29, HMAS Norman parted company with the convoy to return to Durban via Tulear, Madagascar. HMS Rotherham and HMAS Quickmatch remained with the convoy for another 150 miles and then parted company to rejoin HMAS Norman and then proceed to Tulear. Around 0900C/1, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy having departed Kilindini around 1730C/29. HMS Canton then parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindi taking the transports Karagola and Sagoland with her. They arrived at Kilindini around 1200C/2. At 0310C/3, the transport Santa Barbara was detached to proceed independently to Colombo. At 1115C/4, the transports General Fleischer and Sibajak were detached to proceed independently to Aden. The transports Cuba and Nieuw Holland arrived at Bombay and their escort, HMS Alaunia, around 1000FG/9.

Light cruiser HMS Caradoc: HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) is docked in the Hughes dry dock at Bombay.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: During 19/20 May 1943, HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Durban.

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Capt. W.R.C. Leggatt, RN) arrived at Freetown from Recife.

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN), HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

Submarine HNMS K XII: HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNN) ended her 9th war patrol at Fremantle. This was the last operation war patrol of K XII, she suffered from many defects due to her age and lack of spare parts. She was now assigned to A/S training duties. Following her arrival at Fremantle repairs were undertaken by Submarine Repair Unit 137 and the USS Otus.

Submarine HNMS O 24: HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel with four torpedoes off the North coast of Sumatra in position 05°38'N, 96°46'E. All torpedoes fired missed the target. (All times are zone -6.5) 0240 hours - In position 05°40'N, 96°45'E sighted a ship looming up out of a rain squall bearing 134°. Range was approximately 3.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 285°. Turned towards. 0243 hours - Dived. 0253 hours - In position 05°38'N, 96°46'E fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards. No hits were obtained on the target that was thought to be a 2000 tons merchant vessel. 0324 hours - Surfaced to gave chase as the attack appeared to have been unobserved. 0514 hours - As no attack position could be gained before daylight and a an A/S trawler was seen to be escorting the merchant vessel the chase was abandoned.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with ML's. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay.

Submarine USS Gar: USS Gar (Lt.Cdr. P.D. Quirk) damaged the Japanese guard boat Asuka Maru (37 GRT) with gunfire in Makassar Strait in position 01°02'N, 119°08'E. The Japanese ship caught fire and finally sinks.

Submarine USS Paddle: In thick fog, USS Paddle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Rice, USN), is grounded off New London, Connecticut. She sustained minor damage to the rudder and one propeller.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Furious: HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted flying exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) conducted diving trials in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these trials HMS Oberon proceeded to Kames Bay.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) served as the target.

Submarine HMS Satyr: HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) arrived at Dundee.

Submarine HMS Sceptre: HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Sibyl: HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. The patrol has been uneventful.

Submarine HMS Simoom: HMS Simoom (Lt. G.D.N. Milner, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. For the daily positions of HMS Simoom during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HMS Sportsman: HMS Sportsman (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the French passenger ship Général Bonaparte (2795 GRT, built 1923) off Nice, southern France in position 43°01'N, 07°40'E. She was on passage from Ajaccio to Nice carrying passengers and 350 tons of goods. There were a total of 279 persons on board, including 199 passengers and twelve Italian guards. The German destroyers TA 10 (ex-French La Pomone) and TA 11 (ex-French L’Iphigénie) picked up 143 and 24 survivors respectively, three Italian guards were among the victims. After the war Fregatten Kapitän Loerke of TA 10 had the rare distinction of being decorated with the Legion of Honour by the French government for his part in rescuing the survivors. The sinking of Général Bonaparte caused an interruption in traffic between Corsica and the French mainland resulting in severe hardships for the population of the island. Italian authorities had to distribute flour from their own stocks to alleviate the situation. (All times are zone -1) 1231 hours - In position 43°01'N, 07°40'E sighted the funnel and masts of a steamship bearing 139°. Started attack. 1309 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. One hit was obtained. HE ceased shortly afterwards and this was followed by breaking up noises. 1316 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw a lot of wreckage and one extremely full lifeboat. The area was patrolled by two A/S vessels and several aircraft during the afternoon. Sportsman remained at 200 feet to reload the torpedo tubes.

Submarine HMS Syrtis: HMS Syrtis (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde area for Scapa Flow. She made the passage North through the Minches together with the Soviet submarine L-15. They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(G.W. Dobson, RNR).

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dartmouth and proceeded to Plymouth upon completion. The exercises included an A/S exercise with HM ML 118 (?). The ML then escorted the submarine to Plymouth.

Submarine HMS Taurus: HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Algiers for Malta. For the daily positions of HMS Taurus during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HMS Templar: HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Tally-Ho: HMS Tally-Ho (Lt.Cdr. L.W.A. Bennington, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Unbroken: HMS Unbroken (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian pilot vessel (tug) F 20 / Enrica (269 GRT, built 1913) three nautical miles bearing 260° off Pizzo Calabro in position 38°45'N, 16°00'E. It was towing the pontoon Titano from Messina to Salerno. An Italian seaplane alighted and rescued the eight survivors, thirteen were killed or missing. Three minesweepers were sent to the scene and Titano was taken in tow. (All times are zone -1) 1500 hours - Sighted a floating sheer-legs towed by a large tug close inshore proceeding north. Started attack. 1547 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. 2m 6s after firing a hit was heard followed swiftly by breaking up noises. On returning to periscope depth the tug had sunk. The sheer-legs appeared to be beached. The escorting seaplane landed and picked up the survivors. [On 30 October 2020 information was published in the newspaper Il Quotidiano Del Sud that the wreck of the Erica had been dived and positively identified. For the identification proces the divers had been assisted by Platon Alexiades, Lorenzo Colombo and Franco Vallone.]

Submarine HMS United: HMS United (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) attacked an Italian tug with two torpedoes off Raisi Point, Sicily. Both torpedoes missed. This was probably the tug Tifeo proceeding from Trapani to Palermo. (All times are zone -2) 1620 hours - Sighted a tug towing a lighter bearing 226°. Started attack. The tug was a modern looking vessel of about 350 tons. Enemy course was 077°, speed 7 knots. 1639 hours - In position 38°13'N, 13°05'E fired two torpedoes from 2000 yards. Both torpedoes missed.

Submarine HMS Universal: HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) was docked at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Upstart: HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(retired) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR).

Submarine HNoMS Ula: HNoMS Ula (Lt. R.M. Sars) arrived at Dundee.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR), HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(retired) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Clematis (T/Lt. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 33].

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR).

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR).

Submarine HMS P 512: HMS P 512 (Lt. R.B. Foster, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Light cruiser HMS Charybdis: Convoy KX 10/OG 90. This convoy departed Liverpool on 19 May 1943. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algerian (British, 2315 GRT, built 1924), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Brinkburn (British, 1598 GRT, built 1924), City of Lancaster (British, 3041 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Eliphalet Nott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Empire Flamingo (British, 4994 GRT, built 1920), Empire Kangaroo (British, 6219 GRT, built 1919), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Fort Confidence (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Halkett (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort McCloughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Fylingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924), Galway Coast (British, 1431 GRT, built 1915), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Hilde (Danish, 1595 GRT, built 1930), Jan (Norwegain, 1946 GRT, built 1920), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Mers el Kebir (French, 1953 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Coast (British, 1173 GRT, built 1935), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922), Pass of Ballater (British, 7960 GRT, built 1928), Richard Olney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Ronan (British, 1489 GRT, built 1938), Shetland (British, 1846 GRT, built 1921), Somerset Coast (British, 1097 GRT, built 1920), Svanholm (British, 1321 GRT, built 1922), Tautra (Norwegian, 1749 GRT, built 1920), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930) and Volturno (British, 3420 GRT, built 1914). On departure from Liverpool the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Oxlip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR). On 20 May, the destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(retired) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Teviot (Cdr. T. Taylor, DSC, RN), HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR) and corvette HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR) joined coming from Londonderry. The merchant vessel Jan apparently developed defects and returned. Cover for the convoy during part of its passage was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and the destroyer ORP Orkan (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) which were on patrol off the Bay of Biscay having departed Plymouth on 23 May. The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 31 May 1943 minus the merchant vessels City of Lancaster, Greathope, Gullpool, Hallfried, Shetland and Volturno which had been detached to Lisbon on 29 May 1943.

Battleship HMS Howe: The battleship HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived the following morning. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Inglefield (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN).

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt. A.K. Tyree, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS S-15: USS S-15 (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Acker, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Graph: HMS Graph (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Barrow for Holy Loch.

1944

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Convoy MKS 50. This convoy departed Port Said on 19 May 1944. On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Bengkalis (Dutch, 6548 GRT, built 1918), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), City of Sydney (British, 6986 GRT, built 1930), Empire Harry (British (tug), 479 GRT, built 1943), Empire Sandy (British (tug), 479 GRT, built 1943), Empire Voice (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Frans van Mieris (Dutch, 7170 GRT, built 1942), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Peter Trimble Rowe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Prometheus (British, 6095 GRT, built 1925), Sambalt (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Skagerak (Norwegian, 4244 GRT, built 1936), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Turkistan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1939). On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR) and HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR). On 20 May 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Kalarand (British, 1496 GRT, built 1906), Kepong (British, 1874 GRT, built 1916), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930). The submarines RHS Papanikolis, Galatea and the minesweepers RHS Palaros, RHS Kassos, RHS Kos and RHS Patmos also departed Alexandria and joined the convoy for passage westwards. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) and auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR) which also joined the convoy. on 23 May 1944, the Sofala arrived at Benghazi after having been detached from the convoy. On 24 May 1944, the following transport / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Antonia (Dutch (tanker), 3357 GRT, built 1938), Archbishop Lamy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Astra (Norwegian, 2164 GRT, built 1919), Cape Howe (British, 6999 GRT, built 1943), Charles Brantley Aycock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), James W. Nesmith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), Joseph H. Nicholson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), La Drome (French, 1055 GRT, built 1910), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samur (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942), Thistlemuir (British, 7237 GRT, built 1942) and Ugo Fiorelli (Italian, 1600 GRT, built 1943). On 25 May 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Carelia, Fort Meductic, Kalarand, Kepong, Luminetta, Marit Maersk, Peter Trimble Rowe, Stagerak, Strategist and Trajanus. On 25 May 1944, the transport Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914) departed Malta to join the convoy. On 26 May 1944, the transport Djebel Aures arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Tunis; Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922) and William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). On 26 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy; Empire Harry, Empire Sandy, Frans van Mieris, George Davis, Joseph H. Nicholson, La Drome, Lincoln Steffens and Ugo Fiorelli. The four Greek minesweepers (YMS) were also detached to Bizerta. The following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Tore Jarl (Norwegian, 1514 GRT, built 1920) and Vigsnes (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1930). Also the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy. On 27 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy; Astra, Sinnington Court and Vigsnes while the P.L.M. 17 (British (former French), 4008 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Bone. Also joining from Bone was the rescue tug HMRT Nimble. On 27 May 1944, the transport Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942) departed Philippeville to join the convoy while the Tore Jarl arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy. On 28 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy; Antonia, Archbishop Lamy, Cape Howe, Charles Brantley Aycock, Chateau Latour, Empire Gain, Esek Hopkins, Fort Michipicoten, James W. Nesmith, John A. Brown, Lucia C., Prometheus, Samur, Thistledale and Thistlemuir while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Cap-Pinede (French, 1320 GRT, built 1938), Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Spinney (British, 871 GRT, built 1941), Fort Hudson's Hope (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925). The destroyer HMS Tigre also joined the convoy. On 29 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy; Charles Schiaffino, Chloris, Empire Spinney, James Rumsey, William F. Cody and HMS Colombo while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925), Empire Beatrice (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Crown (British, 7070 GRT, built 1944), Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942). On 30 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Gibraltar; Appledore, Cap-Pinede, Empire Thackeray, Fort Glenlyon, Fort Hudson's Hope111, Fort Thompson, Ittersum, Lornaston, William R. Davie as well as HMRT Nimble and the submarine RHS Papanikolis and Galatea. Also the current escort made up of HMS Dart, HMS Shiel, HMS Gloxinia, HMS Primula, HMS Wolborough as well as the HMS Tigre arrived at Gibraltar. The remaining ships of the convoy; Alcinous, Bengkalis, Capitaine Paul Lemerle, City of Capetown, City of Exeter, City of Sydney, Empire Beatrice, Empire Conrad, Empire Crown, Empire Meteor, Empire Voice, Fort Bell, P.L.M. 17, Sambalt, Turkistan proceeded into the Atlantic and made rendezvous with convoy SL 159 coming from Freetown on 31 May 1944. A new escort had joined them off Gibraltar, this was made up of frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR).

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, DSO, RN) and HMS Diomede (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN) proceeded from Methil to Rosyth.

Heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher: Around 1120B/19, HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Greenock.

Light cruiser HMS Belfast: HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow.

Destroyer Escort USS England: The Japanese submarine I-16 (offsite link) is sunk about 140nm north-east of Cape Alexander, Solomons, in position 05°10'S, 158°10'E, by Hedgehog depth charges from the US destroyer escort USS England (Lt.Cdr. Walton B. Pendelton, USN).

Destroyer USS Ludlow: German U-boat U-960 was sunk in the Mediterranean north-west of Algiers, in position 37°20'N, 01°35'E, by the US destroyers USS Niblack, USS Ludlow and Wellingtons (Sqdn 36) and Venturas (Sqdn 500).

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Majoro Atoll for a two day exercise together with her sister ship USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), light carrier USS Belleau Wood (Capt. J. Perry, USN) and destroyers USS Izard (Cdr. M.T. Dayton, USN), USS Charrette (Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN), USS Bell (Lt.Cdr. J.S.C. Gabbert, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Conner (Cdr. W.E. Kaitner, USN), USS Patterson (Lt.Cdr. A.F. White, USN) and USS Dorsey (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Teall, USN).

Submarine USS Blackfish: USS Blackfish (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Sellars) ended her 8th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She is sent to San Francisco for a major overhaul.

Submarine USS Raton: USS Raton (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Davis) departed from Fremantle for her 4th war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol in the Java and South China Seas.

Submarine USS Crevalle: USS Crevalle (Cdr. F.D. Walker, Jr., USN) arrived at Darwin, Australia where her passengers were disembarked. Upon arrival she was escorted in by HMAS ML 815 (T/Lt. F.J. Horsfield, RANVR). She also underwent some minor repairs before departing for Fremantle the following day.

Submarine USS Skate: USS Skate (Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr.) sank the Japanese guard boat Meisho Maru (31 GRT) with gunfire off Ogasawara-Gunto in position 28°56'N, 141°38'E.

Submarine USS Barbel: USS Barbel (Cdr. R.A. Keating, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Indefatigable: HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises in the Clyde area and speed trials on the Arran measured mile.

Escort Carrier HMS Khedive: HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted flying exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN).

Escort Carrier HMS Khedive: HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted flying exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN).

Escort Carrier HMS Trouncer: Around 0540T/19, HMS Trouncer (Cdr. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) departed San Francisco for Balboa, Panama Canal Zone.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth to instruct her new Russian crew.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Braithwaite (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RD, RNR) and HMS Inman (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Evans, RN) served as the targets.

Submarine HMS Stratagem: HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden.

Submarine HMS Spark: HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Supreme: HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training.

Submarine HMS Tribune: HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne.

Submarine HMS Tuna: HMS Tuna (A/Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was docked at Malta in No.1 dock.

Submarine HMS Unbending: HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS United: HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) arrived at Lough Foyle. Later the same day A/S exercises were carried out together with HMCS Port Colborne (T/Lt.Cdr. C.J. Angus, RCNR), HMCS Saint John (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R. Stacey, RCNR) and another vessel of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Sheerness. She was escorted by HMS Vervain (T/Lt. R.A. Howell, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Unsparing: HMS Unsparing (Lt. A.D. Piper, DSC and 2 bars, RNR) destroyed two small sailing vessels and damaged (at least) two others with gunfire at Kamara Bay, Kos, Greece. (All times are zone -2) 0800 hours - Sighted several small caiques hauled up on the beaches at Kos but none in the water. Considered a bombardment. 1022 hours - Surfaced in position 36°44'N, 27°02'E and carried out a bombardment. Two of the caiques received direct hits and the remainder near misses. In all 25 rounds were fired. 1029 hours - Dived and withdrew to the southward.

Submarine HMS Varangian: HMS Varangian (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HNoMS Ula: HNoMS Ula (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Sars) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR).

Submarine HMS Upshot: HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Visigoth: HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Voracious: HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) and HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) shifted from Londonderry to Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Hutley, RNR) shifted Ardrishaig to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. G.J. Gellie, RANVR) is undocked. She is then decommissioned and transferred to the control of the shipbreaker, W.H. Arnott Young & Co. from Dalmuir.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) arrived at Londonderry.

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (T/Lt. A.F. Wicker, RNVR) shifted from Londonderry for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: Around 1810FG/19, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Colombo from Aden.

Light cruiser HMS Jamaica: HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN) and HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. HMS Jamaica returned to Scapa Flow late in the evening. HMS Argonaut remained out for night exercises and she returned to Scapa Flow late the following morning.

Battleship HMS Anson: Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN, struck his flag in HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and hoisted it in HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN).

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Around 0700K/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) is docked at Brisbane.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: Around 1520FG/19, the aircraft maintenance carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN).

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt.Cdr. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Dudley, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) is undocked.

1945

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire: The heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Copenhagen from Oslo. During passage of Swedish territorial waters they had first been escorted by the Swedish destroyer Karlskrona and later by the destroyers Ehrensköld and Nordenskjöld.

Submarine HNMS O 23: HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Dundee. Passage towards Scapa Flow was made together with HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN ) with escort provided by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). Off Scapa Flow O 23 is joined by HrMs Tijgerhaai (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN) escorted by HMS Bute (T/S.Lt. G.F. Kettle, RNVR) for onward passage to Dundee while the other ships proceeded towards Scapa Flow.

Submarine HNMS O 24: HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle.

Submarine USS Searaven: USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour.

Submarine USS Permit: USS Permit arrived at Newport, Rhode Island to conduct special test of the Bureau of Ordnance.

Submarine USS Ray: USS Ray (Cdr. W.T. Kinsella) sank a small Japanese vessel with gunfire in the Yellow Sea in position 37°24'N, 125°05'E.

Submarine USS Balao: USS Balao (Lt.Cdr. R.K. Worthington, USN) sank a sampan / junk in the Yellow Sea in position 38°09'N, 124°40'E. (All times are zone -9) 1309 hours - Here comes another ship (several had been sighted in the morning). Started approach. Position was 38°09'N, 124°35'E. 1412 hours - Not in an ideal position but it would not become any better. Range was 2000 yards. Fired three torpedoes. Position was now 38°09'N, 124°40'E. 1415 hours - One of the torpedoes hit a junk that was nearby. The other two torpedoes missed the target. 1421 hours - Retired to the west to open the range to the coast.

Submarine USS Dragonet:

Submarine USS Manta: USS Manta (T/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Madley, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour.

Submarine USS Chub: During the night of 19/20 May 1945, USS Chub (Cdr. C.D. Rhymes, Jr., USN), made the northbound transit of Lombok Strait on the surface.

Submarine USS Kraken: USS Kraken (Cdr. T.H. Henry) departed from Subic Bay for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Siam.

Submarine USS Ronquil: USS Ronquil (Cdr. R.B. Lander) departed from Midway for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the East China and Yellow Seas.

Submarine USS Tigrone: USS Tigrone (Cdr. H. Cassedy) departed from Guam bound for Saipan.

Submarine HMS Sibyl: HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) sank four small sailing vessels with gunfire and demolition charges in the Malacca Strait. (All times are zone -6.5) 0545 hours - Sighted a tongkang to the South. 0610 hours - In position 03°00'N, 100°37'E sank this tongkang with a demolition charge. Took the crew of three prisoner. They were put on a fishing vessel a few hours later. --------------------------------------- 1028 hours - Fired a warning shot to stop a convoy of four tongkang's. 1050 hours - Commenced boarding operations. 1136 hours - put all crews on the poorest looking tongkang and sank the other three. Two with gunfire and the other one with a demolition charge. Position was 03°17'N, 100°33'E.

Submarine HMS Shakespeare: HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked at Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Sportsman: HMS Sportsman (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Scythian: HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca. (All times are zone -6.5) 0556 hours - In position 03°54'N, 99°34'E altered course towards a junk which proved to be a Chinese twakow of about 50 tons. The crew departed after one warning shot. Three further shots were fired for two hits and the twakow sank.

Submarine HMS Sea Devil: HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Spirit: HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Port Said for Malta.

Submarine HMS Statesman: HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. On return to harbour D/G and noise trials were carried out.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted snort trials off Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Tactician: HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7.

Submarine HMS Tireless: HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Trespasser: HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Terrapin: HMS Terrapin (Lt. R. H. H. Brunner, DSC, RN) is damaged on 19 May 1945 while west of Batavia, Java in the Java Sea by depth charges from a Japanese escort vessel while attacking an escorted tanker. She is forced to abandon her war patrol due to the damage sustained. (All times are zone -8) 1314 hours - In position 05°58'5"S, 107°42'5"E sighted masts and upper works of a ship bearing 280°. 1320 hours - Started attack. 1327 hours - The target was now bearing 273°, range 6000 yards, course 100°. Two escorts were seen, one on each beam of the target. Continued to run out to reach a position on the port quarter of the nearest escort. 1331 hours - Now right ahead of the escort but could not get a favourable position for attack with the bow tubes so went for a stern salvo instead. 1342 hours - Fired 3 stern torpedoes from 2500 yards at the target, thought to be a small tanker or 'funnel aft' freighter. Ordered depth 60 feet upon firing but hit bottom at 57 feet. No torpedo hits were heard after their expected running time so all torpedoes must have missed. 1351 hours - One explosion was heard, most likely an end of run torpedo explosion. HE of one of the escorts was heard coming closer. 1357 hours - Five depth charges were dropped close causing some minor damage. 1407 hours - Five more depth charges were dropped very close resulting in serious damage amongst damage to the pressure hull forward. It was obvious the escort knew exactly where Terrapin was. It was decided to stay on the bottom and not make any noise trying to escape with the hope of escaping after dark. 1420 hours - Another run overhead by the escort, one depth charge was dropped, once again very close. 1538 hours - Another depth charge, now a bit further away. 1545 hours - The escort went overhead again and dropped 2 depth charges very, very close. One on each side amidships. Six more runs overhead followed but no more depth charges were dropped, most likely he was nearly out of supply of these. Luck for Terrapin as it saved her from destruction. 1800 hours - Nothing further had been heard so efforts were made to get off the bottom but without success. 1830 hours - Enemy HE was heard again. He crossed overhead twice without dropping anything. 1839 hours - The enemy went overhead again dropping two depth charges (probably his last). These were again very close but caused no further damage. 1846 hours - Final run of the enemy overhead. He did not drop anything. 1959 hours - Blew main ballast and came off the bottom. Surfaced at full speed ahead. Saw the enemy just abaft the port beam, range about 5000 yards. Altered course and left the area at full speed. Terrapin was not sighted by the enemy. Decided to escape through Sunda Strait. 2038 hours - Sighted a ship blocking the path towards Sunda Strait. It was decided to proceed towards Lombok Strait instead. During the night repairs were made. Terrapin was able to dive for trim early next morning but it took several attempts before a satisfactory trim was found. She continued towards Lombok Strait on the surface. It was not possible to sent a signal about the situation as the wireless transmitter was damaged in the attack and beyond repair. ------------------------------------------ Some examples of the Major damage that was sustained by Terrapin in this depth charging: Pressure hull distorted forward and stove in on both sides abreast the forward torpedo tubes. All forward torpedo tube firing gear displaced or otherwise damaged. The torpedo tubes were distorted and leaking through the bow caps. The fore hydroplanes were stiff to operate and could not be turned in. Asdic and hydrophones were defective. Forward periscope top glass fractured and tube flooded. After periscope almost useless. Several leaks in ballast and fuel tanks.

Submarine HMS Totem: HMS Totem (Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta.

Submarine HMS Truncheon: HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Taciturn: After exercising with HMS Trenchant (Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Thorough (Lt. A.G. Chandler, RNR) en-route, HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) sets course for position 08°58'S, 117°50'E (South of Sumbawa, Netherlands East Indies). From this position she makes a sweep (close inshore) to Lombok Strait. Nothing however is sighted.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth.

Submarine HMS Upshot: HMS Upshot (Lt. A.J. Boyall, RN) conducted gunnnery exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Urtica: HMS Urtica (Lt. R.C. Bucknall, RN) conducted exercises off Moelfre Bay.

Submarine HMS Vagabond: HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) shifed from Holy Loch to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Virtue: HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN) departed Sydney for Brisbane. She was escorted by HMAS Limosa (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Connelly, RANVR) and HMAS Tringa (Lt. J.S. Parsons, RANVR). For the daily positions of HMS Virtue during the passage from Sydney to Manus see the map below.

Submarine HMS Amphion: HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at the torpedo firing range off Arrochar.

Light cruiser HMS Newfoundland: HMS Newfoundland (Capt. R.W. Ravenhill, CBE, DSC, RN) departed Manus for Auckland, New Zealand.

Light cruiser HMCS Ontario: Ontario (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) conducted gunnery trials off Belfast.

Battleship HMS Anson: HMS Anson (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) and HMS Bermuda (Capt. J.S. Bethell, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Malta.

Destroyer HMAS Stuart: HMAS Stuart (T/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Litchfield, RANR(S)) departed Madang for Morotai.

Submarine USS R-9: USS R-9 arrived at New London, Connecticut.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt. R.D. McWenthy, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Dudley, USN or Lt. R.G. Black, USNR) conducted exercises off Key West.