Richard Barklie Lakin DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 8 Oct 1914 | ||
| Died | 1 Mar 2011 | (96) |
| Ranks
Retired: 13 Nov 1946 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Richard Barklie Lakin, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS H 43 (N 43) | Lt. | Submarine | 12 Dec 1941 | 7 Mar 1942 |
| HMS Ursula (N 59) | Lt. | Submarine | 6 Mar 1942 | Jan 1943 |
| HMS Safari (P 211) | Lt. | Submarine | 27 Apr 1943 | early 44? |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS H 43 (N 43)
12 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)
13 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (2)
16 Dec 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Tobermory for Rothesay. At Oban HrMs O 9 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) joined. The submarines were escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)
17 Dec 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay.
She then departed Rothesay for her 10th war patrol later the same day. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN).
[No positions are noted in the log of HMS H 43 for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (2)
19 Dec 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Falmouth with defects. The patrol was broken off. (2)
20 Dec 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Falmouth for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.
[No positions are noted in the log of HMS H 43 for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (2)
21 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) returned to Falmouth after being recalled. (2)
24 Dec 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Falmouth for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.
For the daily positions of HMS H 43 during this patrol see the map below. No daily noon positions were noted in the log for HMS H 43 therefore the map is incomplete.
(3)
2 Jan 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Falmouth. She was escorted in by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (3)
17 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Cambeltown. (4)
18 Jan 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (4)
20 Jan 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (4)
23 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)
24 Jan 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR). (4)
26 Jan 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (4)
28 Jan 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (4)
29 Jan 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN). (4)
30 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)
31 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Cambeltown to Rothesay. (4)
1 Feb 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.L. Bouman, RNN(R)).
For the daily positions of HMS H 43 during this patrol see the map below.
(3)
13 Feb 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Falmouth. (3)
14 Feb 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN), HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) and HMS H 50 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Falmouh for Rothesay. They were escorted by HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.L. Bouman, RNN(R)). (5)
16 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (5)
25 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Londonderry. (5)
26 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN) and HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN). (5)
26 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR). (6)
27 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Summerside (T/Lt. F.O. Gerity, RCNR) and HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR). (5)
3 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN) and HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. S.G. Rivers-Smith, RN). (7)
4 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Mayo (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Duke, USN) and USS Simpson (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Burke, USN). (7)
Submarine HMS Ursula (N 59)
12 Apr 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Sheerness for Holy Loch. (8)
17 Apr 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (8)
1 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan for a battery change. (9)
6 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was docked at Ardrossan. (9)
13 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was undocked. (9)
25 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch for further trials and training. (9)
25 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her battery change completed, HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN), shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (9)
26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (9)
27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (9)
29 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)
30 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)
31 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Holy Loch. (9)
2 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area in which she served as target for HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) and HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN). HMS Ursula also carried out attacks herself. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Ursula proceeded to Campbeltown. (10)
3 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (10)
4 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (10)
5 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (10)
6 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (10)
9 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for special noise trials off Barra Head. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (10)
13 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her special trials. (10)
14 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (10)
15 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, RN). (10)
22 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. Passage is made together with HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN). The submarines were escorted by the armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (10)
24 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. After a few hours she departed for her 30th war patrol. She was ordered to provide cover for convoys PQ 17 / QP 13.
For the daily positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
13 Jul 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 30th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Holy Loch after a few hours escorted by the armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (12)
16 Jul 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (12)
24 Jul 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where her main generator will be replaced. (12)
20 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was docked at Ardrossan. (13)
21 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was undocked. (13)
28 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Ardossan for trials. (13)
29 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a short period of training. (13)
29 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (13)
7 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)
8 Oct 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She is to join the 8th Submarine Flotilla there as a temporarily reinforcement for the upcoming invasion of North Africa.
En-route she was to make a short patrol in the Bay of Biscay making this her 31th war patrol.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
16 Oct 1942 (position 44.32, -7.52)
At 0300 hours HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) sighted a uboat in position 44°32'N, 07°52'W. Contact was lost before a salvo of torpedoes could be fired. The uboat sighted was most likely the German U-659. (11)
22 Oct 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 31th war patrol at Gibraltar. (11)
1 Nov 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her her 32th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to perform a special operation (during operation Torch) and upon completion to patrol to the West of Ibiza.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
3 Nov 1942
During the night of 3-4 November 1942 HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) landed a folbot with a party of two men for a beach reconnaissance in the Gulf of Arzew (to the East of Oran). The party returned at 0050/4 after having left the submarine at 2320/3. (11)
7 Nov 1942
At 1855 hours HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) launched two folbots with two men in each folbot for beach reconnaissance.
Upon completion of this Ursula went to a position where she was to act as a beacon for the landing forces. She arrived in her position at 2036 hours. At 2115 hours she started the 'beacon procedure' and within 15 minutes the first ships of the landing force were within sight. Ursula ended her operations at 0035/8. course was set for her patrol position off Ibiza. (11)
11 Nov 1942 (position 36.44, -1.48)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) attacks but misses German U-boat U-73 about 25 nautical miles South-South-East of Carboneras, Spain in position 36°44'N, 01°48'W. The British claim to have sunk the uboat but this was not the case.
(All times are zone -1) 1003 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 180°. Altered course to close.
1014 hours - Identified the target as the conning tower of a uboat. Range 7000 yards. Brought all torpedo tubes to the ready.
1037 hours - In position 36°44'N, 01°48W fired six torpedoes from 5200 yards.
1041 hours - Heard one loud explosion. The HE of the target ceased.
1044 hours - The uboat was seen to sink by the stern.
1046 hours - Fast HE was heard. There was nothing in sight except the sinking uboat. It was thought another uboat was in the area.
1100 hours - No HE could be heard. Started to close the uboat's last position.
1130 hours - Sighted a large liner bearing 070°. Course was 220°. Range 7 nautical miles. Speed 14 knots.
1143 hours - The liner was seen to come towards. Ursula was now in the position where the uboat was during the attack.
1148 hours - Heard one explosion. The liner was coming straight towards. Range was 1500 yards.
1228 hours - The liner disappeared on course 230°.
1232 hours - Sighted a uboat following the liner. Unfortunately no more torpedoes were on board (Ursula carried no reloads, the folbots for the special operation had been carried instead) so it could not be attacked with torpedoes. Closed up for gun action. But the uboat dived shortly afterwards. It was thought it was a diffent uboat than the one previously attacked.
Note: in both cases however the uboat was U-73. (11)
12 Nov 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 32th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (11)
20 Nov 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 33th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Toulon and Genoa. Ursula also carried two folbots and a party of two that could be employed for train wrecking if a favourable opportunity was to occur.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
30 Nov 1942
Druring the night of 30 November / 1 December 1942, HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) landed a party of two to sabotage a railway tunnel near Laigueglia. The party was succesful and was re-embarked later that night.
(All times are zone -1) 1818 hours - Surfaced and closed the coast near Cape Mele to 500 yards.
2015 hours - Launched a folbot with a 2 men party. They were to wreck a train in a tunnel near the village of Laigueglia. The party consisted of Captain Richard Percy Livingstone (SBS) and Sergeant S. Wetherall. Due to the presence of a sentry, the demolition charges had to be laid 150 yards from the tunnel.
2115 hours - Ursula retired to seaward.
2335 hours - Returned to the rendez-vouz position and re-embarked the folbot party. They had managed to place their charges.
0008 hours (Dec. 1st) - Ursula proceeded to seaward. A large flash and an explosion came from the direction of Laigueglia. These were followed by three smaller flashes. It was thought that a train had set off the charges.
See the event of 1 December 1942 for the continuation of the events. (11)
1 Dec 1942 (position 43.54, 8.17)
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary submarine chaser V 135 / Togo (108 GRT) with scuttling charges about 5 miles south of Capo Mele, Italy (Approximate position 43°54'N, 08°17'E). [The crew of 16 abandoned the vessel, three of them were wounded.]
(All times are zone -1) 0030 hours - While proceeding away from the coast after the train wrecking mission sighted a darkened ship ahead. Position was Cape Mele 120°, 4 nautical miles. Manned the gun and closed to 750 yards.
0100 hours - Opened fire with the deck gun from 500 yards. The 6th round was a hit. This hit was followed by more hits. The crew was seen to abandon ship.
0130 hours - Ursula secured alongside the schooner. It was the 'Togo' of about 100 tons. She was fitted with 2 .3" Breda machine guns, 12 small depth charges. All documents that could be found were taken on board Ursula and scuttling charges were placed.
0215 hours - Slipped and proceeded clear.
0240 hours - A magnificent explosion extending 200 feet into the air. The schooner was completely destroyed. (11)
2 Dec 1942
Between 2300 and 2330 hours (zone -) HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) damaged a train with gunfire near San Lorenzo, Italy. [Italian sources show that one wagon was hit and electric cable was down on a length of 500 metres.] (11)
3 Dec 1942 (position 43.11, 7.19)
Between 0125 and 0150 hours HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) bombards olive oil storage tanks at Oneglia, Italy. The action had to be broken off when the gun jammed. Meanwhile Ursula became the target of shore batteries so at 0150 hours she dived and proceeded to seaward.
-----------------------------------------
Later on this day Ursula also sank the German merchant Sainte Marguerite II (1855 GRT, built 1921) about 30 nautical miles South-East of Cannes, France in position 43°11'N, 07°19'E. [She was bound from Marseilles, France to Naples, Italy. The German survivors were left with the impression that the submarine was American but no US submarines operated in the Mediterranean during the war.]
(All times are zone -1) 1830 hours - Surfaced in position 43°11'N, 07°19'E and almost immediately sighted a darkened ship bearing 270°. Range was 3.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 050°. Closed at full speed. Brought the tubes to the ready and manned the gun. The ship appeared to be in ballast and was of about 2000 tons.
1830 hours - Turned to starboard and brought the gun to bear. Range was 750 yards.
1831 hours - Opened fire. Several hits were obtained but after a few minutes the gun again jammed.
1835 hours - Fired one torpedo from about 500 yards. The torpedo ran under.
1840 hours - The ship was now stopped and the gun was in working order again so three more rounds were fired.
1850 hours - Closed the ship and noticed that the crew was abandoning her. The master and chief engineer were taken from the boat.
1900 hours - Went alongside the target and boarded her. Some provisions were taken from her as well as documents.
1940 hours - The seacocks and condeser inlets to the engine room were opened as well as the flood connection to both holds.
2040 hours - Cast off and waited for the ship to sink.
0030 hours (Dec. 4th) - The ship had still not sunk. She was boarded again and scuttling charges were placed. Half an hour later the charges went off and the ship sank almost immediately by the bows. (11)
9 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 33th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (11)
21 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 34th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Marettimo Island.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
28 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Gran (4140 GRT, built 1938, former Norwegian Gran offsite link) about 12 nautical miles north-west of Marettimo Island, Italy in position 38°09'N, 11°54'E.
(All times are zone -1) 0530 hours - In position 38°09'N, 11°51'E sighted a large merchant ship escorted by two destroyers. Range 10000 yards. Started attack.
0542 hours - Dived.
0553 hours - In position 38°09'N, 11°54'E fired three torpedoes from 750 yards. Loud explosions were heard after 32, 38 and 45 seconds. These were followed by breaking up noises. Meanwhile Ursula went to 150 feet and retired from the scene.
0606 hours - Depth charging started. No hunt followed.
According to Italian sources the escort vessels present were the Italian destroyer Lampo and the Italian torpedo boat Pallade. Gran was en-route from Napels to Bizerte. (11)
30 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was in rammed and damaged while she was in the process of attacking a southbound convoy of three large merchant vessels escorted by four destroyers North of Cape St Vito, Sicily, near position 38°43'N, 12°40'E. Ursula had penetrated the destroyer screen and was on the point of firing torpedoes when the convoy as a whole changed course and overran Ursula destroying both periscopes and standards, as well as damage to the conning tower. The attack had to be broken off. These were probably Oriani (352 GRT, built 1942), Manzoni (4550 GRT, built 1942) and Mario Roselli (6835 GRT, built 1942), escorted by the destroyers Maestrale, Corsaro and Lampo and the torpedo boats Sirio and Pallade.]
(All times are zone -1) 0023 hours - Received a signal from Capt. S-10 ordering Ursula to proceed to a new patrol position 360°, Cape San Vito, 12 nautical miles. Immediately set new course and proceed at full speed for this new patol position.
0504 hours - Shortly after arriving in this patrol area sighted a convoy of three merchant ships escorted by four destroyers. Range was 9000 yards. Course 240°. Speed 15 knots. Started attack.
0509 hours - Dived and closed at full submerged speed. Started an attack on the leading merchant ship, the biggest, thought to be of about 5000 tons.
0513 hours - The leading destroyer passed ahead. Ursula went a bit deeper then periscope depth when the destroyer passed.
0515 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Found that the situation had changed. The convoy had made a zig towards of about 35°.
0520 hours - The target was now 600 yards off and came towards. Ursula had to be taken deep but she hang for over a minute at 25 feet.
0522 hours - When at 29 feet Ursula was hit by the ship on the periscope standards and bridge.
0525 hours - The rear destroyer of the convoy passed overhead.
0600 hours - The HE of the convoy faded away.
0601 hours - Surfaced and proceeded at full speed to clear the area. The damage was; both periscopes and periscope standards bent and useless. The upper telegraphs were broken, centre section of jumping wire carried away, night light smashed and superficial damage to the bridge.
0621 hours - Passed enemy report to Capt. S.10.
0643 hours - Dived in position 38°43'N, 12°40'E.
1828 hours - Surfaced in position 38°53'N, 12°38'E.
2100 hours - Passed situation report to Capt. S.10. Altered course to return to Algiers. Due to the damage sustained the patrol had to be broken off. (11)
4 Jan 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 34th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. The damage Ursula had sustained required extensive repairs. Also she suffered from generator problems yet again. (11)
Submarine HMS Safari (P 211)
28 Apr 1943
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (15)
29 Apr 1943
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 11th war patrol (also 11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off North-West Sardinia, Italy.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Safari during this patrol see the map below.
(16)
2 May 1943 (position 41.05, 8.15)
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary Sogliola / F 111 (307 GRT, built 1924) with gunfire off Asinara Island, Italy. Sogliola had just delivered to Sardinia assault boats of the Decima Flotiglia Mas to defend the island from an invasion fleet. Of her crew of 35, one was killed and five were missing.
0800A/2 - Sighted a small vessel coast crawling Northward. Closed.
0857A/2 - Surfaced 500 yards on the Port quarter of a 450 tons coaster and opened fire with the 3" gun. 26 Rounds were fired for 25 hits, mostly on the waterline. The crew abandoned ship.
0905A/2 - Dived.
1026A/2 - The coaster was seen to sink in position 41°05'N, 08°15'E. (16)
6 May 1943 (position 40.58, 8.20)
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper R 106 / Onda (98 GRT, built 1903) off Asinara Island, Italy. Of her crew of nine, only two survivors were picked up.
0655A/6 - Sighted smoke from the direction of Porto Torres. Closed to investigate.
0922A/6 - Surfaced astern of a 300 tons steam trawler and engaged her with the 3" gun from 600 yards. 46 Rounds were fired for 40 hits.
0933A/6 - The ship sank in position 40°58'N, 08°20'E.
0945A/6 - Dived after sighting an aircraft and shore batteries had opened fire. (16)
8 May 1943
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant vessel Liv (3068 GRT, former Norwegian Liv, offsite link) at Porto Torres, Sardinia, Italy. Liv had already been damaged by air attack.
1745A/8 - Observed 2 merchant ships inside Porto Torres. Closed as it seemed possible to attack on of them through the harbour entrance.
1928A/8 - About 5 minutes after sunset fired a torpedo at the ship. She was half laden and was estimated to be 2500 tons in size. Range was 2100 yards. The torpedo hit the quay and exploded,
1930A/8 - Fired another torpedo, this hit just abaft the funnel. The ship soon settled on the bottom of the harbour on an even keel. Retired to seaward.
Supermarina confirms that she was sunk during this attack. (16)
14 May 1943
Around 0800A/14, HMS HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (also 11th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in by HMS Cava (T/Lt. R.L. Petty-Major, RNVR). (16)
26 May 1943
Around 1830A/26, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 12th war patrol (also 12th in the Mediterranean).
She was to carry out special operation MARIGOLD in two parts.
Later she was ordered to patrol off North-West Sardinia, Italy.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Safari during this patrol see the map below.
(16)
30 May 1943
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) started her special operation. A raiding party (Captain Godfrey Basil Courtney of the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment and Sergeant Norman Thompson, R.E., both now with the Special Boat Section) and was to be landed by folbot near Muravera on the South-East coast of Sardinia to carry out a beach reconnaissance. They were to drop a marked notebook on purpose to simulate a landing for deception purposes. This was successful and they returned at 0037A/31. (16)
1 Jun 1943
At 0005A/1, the second part of the operation was started. This time two folbots and two dinghies were launched with Captain Courtney, Captain Gudgeon and ten other ranks. They were landed at Porto Gonone to simulate a reconnaissance in force and hopefully capture an enemy soldier. The operation was only partly successful as they came under fire when they reached the shore. At 0300 hours, they returned to the submarine except Sergeant Lossby who was taken prisoner.
With the special operation completed HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) set course for Bone to land the raiding party there before she could continue her 12th war patrol. (16)
3 Jun 1943
Around 0800A/3, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Bone to disembark the raiding party. She was escorted in by HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR). HMS Safari left to resume her 12th war patrol around 1830A/3. (16)
7 Jun 1943 (position 41.46, 9.30)
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) was detected and depth charged by an enemy A/S vessel. Shortly afterwards an enemy convoy was sighted and attacked. No hits were obtained but Safari was hunted and depth charged by an enemy destroyer.
0440A/7 - Sighted smoke ahead, shortly afterwards sighted a dark shape.
0441A/7 - The object came towards, and fast. Shortly afterwards it opened fire from a range of 2000 yards.
0442A/7 - Dived to 200 feet and shut off for depth charging which began immediately. 12 Depth charges were dropped but none very close. [According to Italian sources this was the Italian torpedo boat Lira. She was escorting a convoy of three merchant ships (Italian passenger ship Buccari (334 GRT, built 1931, Italian tanker Scrivia (1086 GRT, built 1937) and cargo ship Ferrara (2993 GRT, built 1909) from La Spezia to La Maddalena. Lira sighted a submarine at 0430 hours in position 41°48'N, 09°31' E and from a distance of 5000 metres opened fire with her forward gun and then dropped two patterns of five depth charges but without result.]
0550A/7 - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted smoke to the North. Thought this to be the A/S vessel departing.
0555A/7 - Altered course to close the coast. The smoke had disappeared.
0615A/7 - The smoke reappeared but now in greater volume.
0620A/7 - Closed the bearing of the smoke.
0634A/7 - Saw that the smoke was from a convoy of 3 southbound merchant vessels escorted by 2 destroyers. Range was about 7 nautical miles. Started attack.
0719A/7 - After closing at high speed for 25 minutes, in position 41°46'N, 09°30'E, fired 4 torpedoes from 7000 yards at two 5000 tons merchant vessels. No hits were obtained.
0726A/7 - A counter attack begin in which 14 depth charges were dropped, all reasonably close causing some minor damage.
0900A/7 - The destroyer increased speed and came towards. Abandoned the idea of attacking her and went deep.
0904A/7 - The destroyer dropped 3 depth charges, close.
0936A/7 - The destroyer carried out 2 attacks dropping a pattern of 3 and 4. All were close.
1030A/7 - Returned to periscope depth. The destroyer was 3000 yards astern, hunting.
Went deep again and proceeded to seaward, slowly, at 300 feet.
1400A/7 - Returned to periscope depth. The destroyer was now 6 nautical miles away, still hunting. Half an hour later she was joined by a similar destroyer.
[According to Italian sources the convoy attacked was made up of the German merchant vessels Canosa (3823 GRT, built 1939, former French Sampiero Corso) and Melfi (4866 GRT, built 1929, former French President Dal Piaz) and the Italian merchant vessel Cassino (5890 GRT, built 1934). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Vincenzo Gioberti, and Fuciliere and Legionario. Vincenzo Gioberti hunted the submarine but believed only to have damaged it, the Italian corvettes Folga and Danaide were ordered to take over the hunt but found nothing.] (16) 9 Jun 1943 0057A/7 - Sighted a ship to the Westward. Turned stern on.
0058A/7 - The ship appeared to be a submarine steering 160°. Started attack.
0059A/7 - Observed ship to turn away and increase speed considerably.
0100A/7 - Dived. Shut off for depth charging. Altered course 90° to the Eastward.
0102A/7 - At 200 feet. The 1st depth charge was dropped. The vessel was using Asdics.
0103A/7 - 3 Depth charges were dropped, not very close.
0148A/7 - Surfaced. The A/S vessel was in sight right ahead laying stopped.
0150A/7 - Dived and went to 200 feet again. Cleared the area at slow speed.
0335A/7 - Surfaced. The vessel was still in sight.
0341A/7 - Dived and proceeded to the South to shake here off.
0530A/7 - At periscope depth. Sighted nothing.
0650A/7 - The A/S vessel was sighted again. On first glimpse through the periscope it was again thought to be a submarine.
0715A/7 - The vessel disappeared to the Northwards. Continued to patrol the approaches to Olbia. (16) 10 Jun 1943 (position 40.21, 9.45) The corvettes Danaide, Folaga and Gazzella were sent to pick up the survivors and hunt the submarine. Thirty-nine were found and twenty-seven were missing.
1155A/10 - Sighted a 1200 tons fast coaster rounding Cape Comito. She was Southbound and thought to be escorted by an E-boat. Started attack.
1219A/10 - Fired 3 torpedoes from 600 yards. 1 hit was obtained.
1226A/10 - Returned to periscope depth. Saw that the engine room and after part of the ship were burning furiously. The E-boat was seen to be rescuing the survivors.
1235A/10 - It was now seen that the E-boat was just a small motor launch.
1300A/10 - Saw the ship sinking. Proceeded Southwards. (16) 15 Jun 1943 30 Jun 1943 1 Jul 1943 3 Jul 1943 4 Jul 1943 In the morning, before proceeding on patrol, Safari was rammed in error by a French tug. Only some minor damage was sustained to the ballast tanks which could be made good by the submarines own crew.
No daily positions are known for this period so no map can be displayed. (16) 9 Jul 1943 10 Jul 1943 At 0410B/10, the task force was bombed by German JU 88's. A stick of bombs fell close to HMS Safari.
At 0452B/10, they witnessed the sinking of the US destroyer USS Maddox (Lt.Cdr. E.S. Sarsfield, USN) which had been hit by a dive-bomber. Safari rushed to find survivors but found none [in fact 74 were rescued by landing craft].
At 1515B/10, HMS Safari ended her 13th war patrol (also 13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16) 15 Jul 1943 At the same time HMS Seraph (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, OBE, RN) also departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean).
The submarines proceeded in company until 0530B/16 and were escorted until that time by HMS Antwerp (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hulse, RD, RNR). (16) 15 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) For the daily and attack positions of HMS Safari during her 14th war patrol see the map below.
18 Jul 1943 (position 40.42, 9.49) Following this attack HMS Safari was attacked by an Italian aircraft.
1345B/2 - Sighted a Northbound motor minesweeper.
1405B/2 - Surfaced for gun action. Range was 1600 yards. 34 Rounds were fired and several hits were obtained. The enemy at first replied with 2 machine guns wounding 2 of Safari's gun crew. The enemy however soon caught fire and was abandoned by her crew. The Captain was taken prisoner. The ship burnt until 1920 hours when it sank.
1430B/2 - An Breda 65 aircraft appeared and opened cannon fire. Very wide.
1432B/2 - Dived, proceeded to seaward.
1434B/2 - One bomb was dropped, not very close. Went deep.
1503B/2 - Returned to periscope depth. Soon afterwards 2 bombs were dropped quite near. No aircraft however was seen. Went to 120 feet. (16) 19 Jul 1943 (position 41.46, 9.26) 1420B/19 - Sighted a German transport barge proceeding Northward. Closed submerged for gun action.
1430B/19 - The barge stopped in Favone Cove. A second barge arrived and secured alongside.
1500B/19 - A small naval auxiliary arrived. She was southbound and was loaded with some sort of cargo.
1514B/19 - Surfaced and opened fire on the naval auxiliary. 15 Rounds were fired from 600 yards. 6 or 7 hits were obtained on the waterline. The crew had abandoned ship as soon as fire was opened. Then shifted fire to the barges which had anchored about 300 yards from the shore. 42 Rounds were fired from 1100 yards.
1521B/19 - After about 35 hits on the nearest barge, for no apparent effect broke off the action to conserve ammunition.
1525B/19 - Fired a torpedo from 1100 yards. It was seen to pass under the barges but exploded 3 seconds later on hitting the shore. Proceeded to seaward.
1539B/19 - One of the barges was seen to capsize and sink. The other was in a sinking condition as was the naval auxiliary. (16) 20 Jul 1943 (position 41.28, 9.18) 1615B/20 - Sighted a large A/S steam yacht (similar to HMS Breda). She was southbound and just passing Aciago Point. The target was of about 1000 tons, armed with depth charges, a 3.9" gun amidships and a 20mm gun forward. Enemy course was 198°, speed 6.5 knots. Range was 6500 yards, closed to attack.
1640B/20 - In position 41°28'N, 09°18'E fired two torpedoes from 500 yards. Both hit, the ship disintegrated and depth charges exploded as she sank. As the range had been overestimated had to take avoiding action to prevent a collision with everything that remained so went hard-a-starboard. The ships mainmast passed about 25 feet clear on the port side. 2 Survivors were seen Climbing on a large float and paddle for the shore.
Of her crew of fifteen, 13 survived including two wounded, two were missing. Another source (Mr. Lorenzo Colombo) reports only five survivors. (16) 22 Jul 1943 (position 41.39, 9.25) According to Italian sources the Durazzo had four killed (including her captain) and four wounded.
0800B/22 - Sighted a Buccari-class minelayer proceeding Northwards, coast crawling.
0845B/22 - Surfaced in position 41°39'N, 09°25'E to engage with the gun. Range was 2500 yards. Enemy speed was 6 knots. After fire was opened the enemy immediately turned towards the shore and ran himself aground in Cola Bay. 35 Rounds were fired scoring about 6 and 7 hits. By this time shore batteries had opened up an accurate fire.
0850B/22 - Dived. Decided to finish off the damaged ship with a torpedo. As the ship was in a difficult position it took a long time to find a good firing position.
1013B/22 - Fired 1 torpedo from 1800 yards. It hit under the ships bridge and the ship was now a total loss.
1015B/22 - Proceeded to seaward. (16) 25 Jul 1943 (position 42.47, 10.05) 0715B/25 - Heard HE coming from inshore. This soon turned out to be a large 3-masted schooner bound for Bastia.
0736B/25 - Surfaced in position 42°51'N, 10°04'E and chased the schooner.
0742B/25 - Sighted a ship approaching from beyond the schooner. She could not be clearly made out due to the mirage effect.
0745B/25 - Dived when it was sighted to be an A/S trawler. Decided to attack this trawler with torpedoes and then to follow up on the schooner.
0819B/25 - Fired 2 torpedoes from 1000 yards. Both missed. The schooner was now seen to be smaller than first thought.
0823B/25 - Surfaced and engaged the trawler with the 3" gun. 38 Rounds were fired for many hits.
0829B/25 - Observed a large single funneled merchant liner. Broke off the action to intercept. The sea suddenly looked full of small ships all firing. Almost immediately the merchant was seen to turn 180 degrees and made back for the Italian mainland.
0832B/25 - Re-opened fire on the trawler. Fired 20 rounds for 19 hits. Soon she was on fire and sinking.
0839B/25 - Dived. Several landing barges and shore batteries had now also opened fire.
0850B/25 - The target was seen to sink in position 42°47'N, 10°05'E.
Twenty-nine survivors were picked up, six were missing. (16) 26 Jul 1943 (position 42.55, 10.25) Shortly afterwards HMS Safari fires three torpedoes at the French (German controlled) tanker Champagne (9946 GRT, built 1938). Again all torpedoes missed their target. She was on passage from Bastia to Leghorn escorted by SG 11.
1815B/26 - Sighted a 5000 tons merchant vessel escorted by 3 Climene-class torpedo boats and 1 MA/SB approaching from astern. Enemy course was 270°. Started attack.
1855B/26 - In position 42°55'N, 10°25'E fired 3 torpedoes from 750 yards. All missed. Took avoiding action upon firing but there was no counter attack so returned to periscope depth and noticed that the target and one of the torpedo boats had turned 180° and made for Porto Vecchio di Piombino. 2 Torpedo boats were searching in the area. The MA/SB was not sighted.
According to Italian sources the torpedo boat Ardito was detached to hunt the submarine but without success.
1910B/26 - The first proper all round look revealed the surprising sight of another 5000 tons merchant vessel and an 8000 tons tanker steering 080°. Range was about 4000 yards. Started attack. Both were against the land and difficult to pick out. An aircraft flew overhead.
1918B/26 - In position 42°54'N, 10°25'E fired 3 torpedoes from 1500 yards. Again all missed. Took avoiding action upon firing.
1925B/26 - Returned to periscope depth. The target could no longer be seen but one torpedo boat passed at 2500 yards doing 20 knots on an opposite course. Over a period of 95 seconds it dropped 14 depth charges. Safari meanwhile retired to the North-West.
Two torpedo tracks were observed from Champagne and avoided. (16) 30 Jul 1943 15 Aug 1943 For the daily positions of HMS Safari during this passage see the map below.
(16) 19 Aug 1943 22 Aug 1943 Nothing was sighted except fishing vessels.
For the daily positions of HMS Safari during this patrol see the map below.
(16) 8 Sep 1943 She had been at Portland between 1800B/7 and 0800B/8. (16) 15 Sep 1943 18 Sep 1943 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) was detected and attacked with depth charges by an enemy A/S vessel to the East of Sardinia, Italy. No damage was sustained. This was the torpedo boat Ardito on passage from La Maddalena to Naples. She had spotted the surfaced submarine at 3000 metres and rushed to the attack, dropping six depth charges and claimed to have sunk a large submarine.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport ship KT-12 (834 GRT, built 1943) off Orosei, Sardinia, Italy in position 40°21'N, 09°45'E. She had been on passage from Leghorn to Cagliari.
Around 0900A/15, HMS HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (also 12th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in by HMS Stroma (A/Skr.Lt. J.S. Harper, RNR). (16)
Around 1030A/30, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for passage to Bizerte. She was escorted on this passage by USS PC 543 (Lt.(jg) M.V. Silverstein, USNR). (16)
Around 1700A/1, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Bizerte where she was to exercise with U.S. ships. (16)
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises with the US destroyer USS Bristol (T/Cdr. J.A. Glick, USN). (16)
Around 0915B/4, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Bizerta for her 13th war patrol (also 13th in the Mediterranean). She was to act as a beacon submarine during Operation Husky, the Allied landings in North Africa.
During the evening HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted her duties as beacon submarine off Licata during the Allied landing on Sicily. She successfully made contact with the US destroyer USS Bristol (Cdr. J.A. Glick, USN). Soon afterwards Safari was joined by her escort USS PC 543 (Lt.(jg) M.V. Silverstein, USNR). (16)
Around 0345B/10, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) completed her beacon duties and course was set towards Malta still escorted by USS PC 543 (Lt.(jg) M.V. Silverstein, USNR).
Around 1500B/15, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (also 14th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol off the West coast of Sardinia and Corsica.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper R 47 / Amalia (101 GRT, built 1931) with gunfire in position 40°42'N, 09°49'E.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked the German barges Maria, Paula and the Italian armed yacht Margherita (88 GRT)
with gunfire off the port of Favone, Corsica, France. Maria (or Marie) received a direct hit and sank, Paula was hit several times but above the water-line and could resume her passage the next day. Margherita was hit nine times and ran aground in Porto Vecchio. Apparently there were no casualties.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian pilot vessel / armed yacht F 50/Silvia Onorato (208 GRT, built 1895) between Bastia and La Maddalena carrying 180 tons of cement.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian minelayer Durazzo (530 tons) East of Corsica, France. She was on passage from La Maddalena to Bastia.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper FR 70 (ex French La Coubre, 120 GRT) gunfire North-West of the Island of Elba in position 42°47'N, 10°05'E.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked a 5000 tons merchant vessel with 3 torpedoes off Piombino, Toscane, Italy. All torpedoes missed. This was the Italian Saluzzo (ex-French Tamara, 3747 GRT, built 1936) escorted by the torpedo boats Ardito and Animoso on passage from Naples to La Maddalena. The submarine Ambra had been in company but had left hem 20 minutes before the attack.
Around 1400B/30, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (also 14th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (16)
Around 1900B/15, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. HMS Safari was to proceed to the U.K. for a refit.
Around 1145B/19, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (16)
Around 1200B/22, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 15th war patrol. She was ordered to perform an anti-Uboat patrol in the Bay of Biscay and to proceed to Portsmouth upon completion of this patrol.
Around 1330B/8, HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Portsmouth.
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for the Clyde. She made the passage together with HMS Unbroken (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN). They were escorted by Chasseur 5. (17)
HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived in the Clyde area. Shortly afterwards (23 September) she was taken in hand for refit at Troon. (17)
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