Philip Henry May DSC, RN
| Birth details unknown |
| Ranks
Retired: 9 Feb 1958 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Philip Henry May, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS H 43 (N 43) | Lt. | Submarine | 2 Apr 1943 | May 1943 ? |
| HMS Umbra (P 35) | Lt. | Submarine | 19 May 1943 | 27 Dec 1943 |
| HMS Tantivy (P 319) | Lt. | Submarine | 19 Aug 1944 | Oct 1945 ? |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Tantivy (P 319)
25 Aug 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) departs Trincomalee for passage to Fremantle, Australia.
For HMS Tantivy’s daily positions during this passage (and what was to become her 6th war patrol) see the map below.
1 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) is attacked with bombs by a Japanese aircraft in position 07º30'S, 101º56'E. Three bombs were dropped but these all failed to explode.
(All times are zone -6,5)
1016 hours - In position 07º30'S, 101º56'E dived for an aircraft overhead reported by a lookout. The aircraft was not picked up by radar. The aircraft was identified as a Betty flying at 1000 feet. While diving a stick of 3 bombs was observed landing about 1 cable on the starboard bow. Fortunately they all failed to explode
1101 hours - Surfaced
1313 hours - In position 07º44'S, 102º10'E dived for an unidentified aircraft at extreme range
1325 hours - Surfaced.
2 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) is ordered to divert for a short patrol in the Sunda Strait. The passage to Fremantle now became her 6th war patrol (5th in Far Eastern waters).
4 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a Japanese merchant. Three torpedoes were fired but these all missed their target.
(All times are zone -8)
0632 hours - Dived south of Flat Cape
1100 hours - Established a patrol off Flat Cape
2212 hours - Radar reported a possible ship 7400 yards away. This was soon seen to be a submarine chaser that turned towards
2217 hours - Dived and turned away. H.E. was soon heard to fade away
2235 hours - Surfaced and found nothing in sight so set off at 13 knots towards the last bearing of the H.E. After 5 minutes an object was sighted and a few minutes later two small ones ahead. It was decided that this was a worth-wile target. It looked like they were coast crawling very close inshore along Flat Cape. Tantivy increased to full speed. Radar range was 7800 yards. When it came down to 6000 yards the course was estimated as 110 degrees, which was through the strait, passing close to Krakatoa, speed was 9 knots. The escorts were broad on each bow of the target so it was decided to fire from 4000 yards, the nearest escort would then be 3000 yards away
2314 hours - After slowing down, three torpedoes were fired, five torpedoes were intended but the target turned away after the third torpedo so the other two were not fired. The target turned away and Lt. May thought they had been spotted so he turned away and increased speed. In the meantime they started to reload the torpedo tubes that had been fired. However the target remained on her new course, aproximately 350 degrees, and also the escorts did nothing. So it was decided to follow them at slow speed. It now appeared they continued to coast crawl until they were north of Tabuan, then cross to the other side of Samanka Bay, coast crawl down again and so through the strait. Lt. May decided to cross to the west coast of Tabuan and then steer north up the coast and get a shot at them as they crossed north of the island. This was done but dispite that Tantivy ran at full power plus, they passed north of the island while the range was over 5000 yards. After been foiled again it was decided that rather then follow them round and been silhouetted against a very bright moon while thay were against the far shore, Tantivy would turn, go south of Tabuan and meet them on opposite course, thus getting between them and the shore. This was done but when they were sighted again at ......... (continues on 5 September 1944)
5 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese merchant cargo ship Shiretoko Maru (1799 GRT, former Dutch Siberoet, built 1927) in Semangka Bay in position 05º44'S, 104º58'E.
(All times are zone -8)
(continuation of 4 September 1944) ……… 0238 hours it was seen that they were so close inshore that the attack would have to be from the seaward and as the moon would be behind Tantivy again the attack had to be submerged
0310 hours - After manouvering into position for attack and having dived, 7 torpedoes were fired from 1500 yards. One minute after firing a dull flash was observed followed by a fairly heavy explosion. The nearest escort, 700 yards away, turned towards so Lt. May took Tantivy deep. H.E. from the target ceased. The escort that turned towards counter-attacked for half an hour dropping 11 depth-charges in all but none were very close. The other escort did not participate in the counter-attack. Tantivy remained deep until daylight, then came to periscope depth and set course for Princess Island. Nothing further was sighted all day
1928 hours - Surfaced and patrolled south-west of the Princess Passage.
6 Sep 1944
At dawn HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) departs the Sunda Strait area and resumes her passage to Fremantle, Australia.
13 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) ends her 6th war patrol at Fremantle, Australia.
9 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) departs Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (6th in Far Eastern waters). Patrol area is the Macassar Straits and Flores Sea.
For HMS Tantivy’s daily positions during her 7th war patrol see the map below.
13 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) tops off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf.
21 Oct 1944
While operating in Makassar Strait HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sinks (with gunfire) the small Japanese sailing vessels Chokyu Maru No.2 (136 GRT), Takasago Maru No.3 (82 GRT), Otori Maru (198 GRT) and six more that are unidentified.
(All times are zone -8)
0315 hours - Began approach to Bonthain Roads but the echo sounder became defective so the approach was abandoned
0500 hours - When it was getting light, it became evident that there was nothing of interest in the roadstead
0520 hours - Turned south and proceeded dived to patrol of Bulu Bulu
1330 hours - The sails of several large schooners were spotted. Tantivy closed
1400 hours - There were now 21 sails in sight and with HMS Sturdy's succes in mind (She reported 9 fully laden schooners sunk in the area next to Tantivy) decided to surface and engage
1416 hours - Surfaced and started closing in
1435 hours - Opened fire on the first one. All the others immediately struck sail and abandoned ship in their canoes. One survivor was picked up during the sinking of the schooners
1540 hours - In the vicinity of 05º41'S, 119º35'E eight schooners were sunk for an average of 21 rounds each. Radar now reported an aircraft closing
1543 hours - Dived to 80 feet. When Tantivy returned to persicope depth there was only one schooner in sight. Closed submerged
1739 hours - Surfaced and engaged the schooner
1753 hours - Schooner sunk and picked up 5 survivors
1815 hours - Set course for Sangean Island
2300 hours - Received a signal that aircraft had sighted troopships in position 04º02'S, 119º37'E
2336 hours - Altered course to the North-East intending to cover the South coast of Celebes from the Eastern edge of our area Westwards.
22 Oct 1944
While operating in Makassar Strait HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sinks the Japanese Communications Vessel No. 137 (approx. 200 GRT) in position 05º47'S, 119º42'E. Tantivy also sinks 6 small vessels that are unidentified with gunfire.
(All times are zone -8)
0540 hours - Sighted a coaster of about 150 tons stearing East close inshore. Closed
0620 hours - Opened fire
0627 hours - In position 05º37'N, 120º09'E the target was buring forward. Her stern was awash and she was probably beached
0656 hours - Sighted 4 topsail schooners steering South-West from Bonthain roads, closed. The schooners made off towards the shore. Increased speed to 14 knots
0715 hours - In position 05º36'S, 119º57'E slowed down and opeded fire
0716 hours - First schooner sunk with 4 rounds
0722 hours - Second schooner sunk with 2 rounds
0726 hours - Third schooner sunk with 3 rounds
0728 hours - Engaged and sank 2 out of 4 schooners anchored close inshore. These schooners were heavily laden and sank at once. The other 2 were empty and were left
0734 hours - Turned to seaward to go after the other remaining schooner of the original 4, which had separated from the others and was close inshore to the East when at 0742 hours the Starboard lookout reported an aircraft flying low over the trees at extreme range. Increased speed to 12 knots to get into deeper water. There was a long way to go
0749 hours - Dived in position 05º35'S, 119º57'E. Depth was only 6 fathoms. The aircraft was now only 8000 yards away
0751 hours - Two bombs were dropped close aboard. These were only small bombs and were followed by machine gun fire. Tantivy was then at 22 feet with nothing under the keel
0803 hours - Another bomb, and more machine gun fire followed. All were rather distant. Tantivy was now at 34 feet
0810 hours - Now at 45 feet made a 45 degree course change
0850 hours - Came to periscope depth to see if the aircraft was still about, he was so went to 60 feet and altered course again
1400 hours - Came to periscope depth. Sighted an armed coaster steering 265 degrees at 5 knots along the coast. Decided to sink this ship with a torpedo, from tube no.8. This torpedo had been leaking air for several days and was considered to be to unreliable to be fired in a salvo
1501 hours - In position 05º45'S, 119º44'E fired this torpedo from 3000 yards. The torpedo missed the target
1511 hours - Surfaced for gun action
1520 hours - Sighted an escort vessel on the port bow, 8 nautical miles away. Considered that there would be enough time to deal with the coaster before the escort got to near
1525 hours - Opened fire on the coaster at 3600 yards. The target fired back with possibly a 12 pounder gun and a machine gun
1532 hours - In position 05º44'S, 119º44'E, the target was seen to be burning furiously, listing to starboard and was probably beached. It was considered that the target was a total loss. Turned to seaward to reach deeper water
1534 hours - Dived. When the escort vessel came nearer nothing was dropped at all
1615 hours - An aircraft was seen to join the escort
1728 hours - Another escort vessel arrived but it remained close inshore
1730 hours - Lt. May was looking through the periscope at the second escort vessel when it was suddenly totaly obscured by a large explosion. When it reappeared it had settled considerably and it was considered that it was on the bottom as it was very close inshore. It is thought possible that by chance it set off the torpedo fired earlier as the positions checked (the torpedo was fitted with a magnetic exploder)
1820 hours - Surfaced and set course for Sangean Island.
23 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sinks a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire west of Sangean Island in position 08º15'S, 118º55'E.
(All times are zone -8)
Patrolled on the surface in the vicinity of Sangean Island during the forenoon. The visibility was very poor
1215 hours - In position 08º15'S, 118º55'E sank a small schooner with gunfire
1300 hours - Visibility much improved. Dived. Nothing in sight
2030 hours - Closed firm radar contact at 8000 yards and chased. This later turns out to be most likely a US submarine (possibly USS Muskallunge) so the chase was abandoned.
25 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sinks the Japanese barge No. 136 and the Japanese motor sailing vessel Tachibana Maru No.47 with gunfire off Miro, Sumbawa, Netherlands East Indies in approximate position 08º08'S, 117º45'E.
(All times are zone -8)
0635 hours - Dived and inspected Batahai Strait and anchorage. Sighted one topsail schooner steering North-East from Salah Bay. As there was almost no wind, Lt. May decided to leave the schooner for the moment as he could not get far hoping that bigger pray might show up
1500 hours - Sighted a large coaster coast crawling northwards
1520 hours - Sighted another large coaster following the first one
1612 hours - Both coasters anchored two nautical miles apart off Kunanga village
1628 hours - In position 08º08'S, 117º46'E. Fired one torpedo at the nearest (and largest) coaster from 1000 yards. After 22 seconds and after running 400/500 yards the torpedo exploded prematurely
1629 hours - Surfaced for gun action. The target returned fire with machine guns but this soon ceased as the target bust into flames. Fire was checked and course was set to go after the second coaster that was getting under way. THe crew opened fire on Tantivy but started to abandon ship before fire was returned. This coaster was also sunk with gunfire. Tantivy now set off at 14 knots to go after the schooner seen earlier this day
1830 hours - In position 08º05'S, 117º53'E sank the schooner with 3 starshell and 1 H.E. round and two pans of Oerlikon
1835 hours - Set course for deeper water to the westward
1900 hours - Set course for Sangean Island
2000 hours - The coasters were still seen buring from a distance of 15 nautical miles.
26 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) damages a coaster off Sangean Island in position 08º15'S, 119º10'E.
(All times are zone -8)
0608 hours - Sighted a coaster steering north-west from Banta Island, range 12000 yards. Closed at 14 knots. The coaster was seen to alter course to the west to pass through the channel between Sangean Island and Naru Point. Tantivy kept dead astern of the coaster with the rising sun behind them
0713 hours - It was decided to fire two torpedoes against the target. In position 08º16'S, 119º09'5"E fired tube 5. This torpedo immediately turned hard to starboard and passed close under the stern. Went to full speed to get out of the way as soon as possible. After 15 minutes turned our attention to the coaster again
0737 hours - In position 08º15'S, 119º10'E fired a torpedo from no.7 tube. This torpedo also malfuntioned and exploded 300 yards away. This also made the coaster decide that Tantivy was up to no good. He opened fire with a 12 pounder gun and two heavy machine guns. Fire was quite accurately. Tantivy made off at full speed but after about a minute turned towards now opening fire with her deck gun. 20 rounds were fired with four with (with two on the waterline) before ammunition ran out. The Oerlikon also jammed at the same moment. The coaster ran towards the shore and beached herself on Sangean Island. Her stern had settled down. The action had to be broken off until the Oerlikon was repaired as the coaster was still firing with their guns. The barrel of the Oerlikon had to be replaced
0847 hours - Dived for an aircraft. It was now decided to return to Fremantle as we were out of ammunition for the deck gun and the torpedoes proved to be unreliable. Set course for Lombok Strait
1712 hours - Surfaced and completed changing the barrel of the Oerlikon.
3 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) ends her 7th war patrol at Fremantle.
24 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) departs Fremantle for her 8th war patrol (7th in Far Eastern waters). Tantivy is to patrol in the South China Sea to the east of Singapore.
For HMS Tantivy’s daily positions during her 8th war patrol see the map below.
28 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) arrives at Exmouth Bay to top up with fuel and load fresh provisions. Also minor defects were repaired. She departs early the next morning.
29 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) suffers a burned out motor for the fore hydroplanes.
30 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) suffers three cracked breech ends. There was only one spare carried, it was decided to keep it in reserve for the moment.
1 Dec 1944
One of the breech ends cracked began to leak so badly that it had to be replaced with the spare. Also a hole in the Port muffler tank was repaired.
2 Dec 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) has to abandon her Northbound passage of Lombok Strait.
(All times are zone -8)
2 December 1944
2000 hours - Started passage of Lombok Strait
2242 hours - In position 08º33'S, 115º47'4"E sighted one motor launch ahead, range was 3000 yards. Turned to the westwards to go round him. Just before reaching the shelter of a rain squall at 2250 hours a violent lightning flash disclosed two more motor launches right ahead, in the rain squall in position 08º31'7"S, 115º46'5"E well under 1000 yards away. Turned 180 degrees and increased to full speed to run around the original motor launch inshore to eastwards. Reduced to 14 knots after 10 minutes. After 3/4 of an hour, when near the North entance to the Straits, close to the eastern shore, with the original motor launch abaft the beam drawing aft, range 2000-3000 yards, the moon shone out at full brilliance. After a few minutes the motor launch increased speed and turned towards
2348 hours - Dived to 230 feet in position 08º26'1"S, 115º54'7"E and rigged for depth charging.
3 December 1944
0057 hours - A pattern of four depth charges was dropped right on top of us, they were to close for comfort. 10 more depth charges were dropped in the next minutes. These caused minor damage (and violent squealing from the rats behind the woodwork !!!). During the first pattern of depth charges something scraping down the the side was reported from aft and the port screw became extremely noisy. Oil fuel was now leaking into the boat through the spindle of number 5 Port Kingston Valve, and the vent to number 3 Port External. It seemed very likely that we were leaking oil fuel from the external tanks, which would also account for the accuracy of the depth charging so at 0130 hours turned South to run back trough the Straits
0330 hours - Surfaced in position 08º35'2"S, 115º50'9"E to get clear of the Straits by daylight
0402 hours - In position 08º38'8"S, 115º48'3"E sighted a motor launch 3000 yards away. Turned to Port to run around him
0414 hours - Turned back to original course but the wheel jammed. Both engines were stopped but we went in the direction of the motor launch
0422 hours - The range was about 2500 yards so dived in position 08º40'7"S, 115º50'2"E and rigged for depth charging. No attack followed however. As daybreak was at 0500 hours decided to remain dived until well clear of the Straits
0830 hours - Surfaced in position 09º04'8"S, 115º39'5"E to charge and make good defects. No fuel leaks were found
1400 hours - Dived in position 09º15'S, 114º56'5"E and went to 120 feet to repair stearing gear
1852 hours - Surfaced in position 09º13'3"S, 114º54'E and set course for Lombok Strait
2350 hours - Commenced passage of the Strait.
4 Dec 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) succesfully transits Lombok Strait Northbound.
(All times are zone -8)
0102 hours - In position 08º36'8"S, 115º41'5"E sighted two motor launches 3500 yards away. Turned away to run round them
0137 hours - Altered course back North again
0300 hours - Passage completed
1313 hours - In position 06º36'2"S, 116º30'E dived for 2 aircraft detected by radar, range 7000 yards. They were not seen. The radar set had just been switched on again after 10 minutes of cooling, which accounts for the short range
1400 hours - Came to 20 feet to sweep round with the radar before surfacing. Got a radar contact at 2000 yards, went to 80 feet
1445 hours - Surfaced in position 06º31'4"S, 116º30'E
1930 hours - Discovered 1/4 inch of salt water in the drain oil tank, as the separators could deal with this amount it was decided to carry on until the next morning, then dive and investigate.
5 Dec 1944
Traces of salt water were found found in both cramshaft cases. Also Tantivy spent the day submerged to make repairs to both main engines.
(All times are zone -8)
0340 hours - Found traces of salt water in both cramshaft cases, stopped both engines
0420 hours - In position 05º16'S, 114º34'E went ahead on both engines (320 revs) to carry out an attack on a darkened ship. This turned out to be a fishing prau
0555 hours - Dived in position 05º16'1"S, 114º31'E to make good defects on main engines
1720 hours - Surfaced in position 05º06'S, 114º11'E and proceeded.
6 Dec 1944
More engineering problems were found aboard HMS Tantivy. They were of such nature that it was decided to abandon the patrol and return to Fremantle.
(All times are zone -8)
0645 hours - Dived in position 04º32'S, 112º12'E to clean inlet boxes and examine breech ends. It was discovered that number 6 Starboard breech end was cracked so badly that it would have to be cut out. The situation was now as follows. The Starboard engine with only five cylinders could not propel by itself and could only give a Down Group standing charge of 200 amps per battery. One of these five cylinders had a cracked breech end, likely to go completely at any time, which would put the engine completely out of action. The Port engine was still going on all six cylinders but one of the cylinders had a cracked breech end also likely to go at any given time. The spare breech end had already been used. Thus Tantivy was left with vitually only one engine. As the patrol are was still over 800 nautical miles away. A signal was sent to base of the intentions
1025 hours - Surfaced in position 04º32'N, 112º12'E and set course for Lombok Strait.
16 Dec 1944
After even more mechanical problems on the return trip HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) ends her 8th war patrol at Fremantle.
14 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Fremantle for her 9th war patrol (8th in Far Eastern waters). Tantivy is ordered to patrol in the Sunda Straits and then to proceed to Ceylon. After this patrol she is to proceed to the UK for a much needed refit.
Grotere kaart weergeven
17 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives at Exmouth Bay to top of with fuel. Also some repairs were made.
18 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Exmouth Bay after topping of with fuel and some minor repairs. Nearly three hours after departure two breech ends cracked. Tantivy returned to Exmouth Bay to make repairs.
21 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Exmouth Bay after the completion of repairs.
26 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives in her patrol area, the Sunda Strait.
3 Feb 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sinks a Japanese tug and two Japanese coasters in the Sunda Strait.
Tantivy also fires a torpedo into Panjang harbour to destroy a pier and ships alongside it. When getting clear of the area, Tantivy is grounded for more then two hours.
(All times are zone -8)
0645 hours - Dived in position 06º03'5"S, 105º41E
1245 hours - In position 05º57'5"S, 105º36'E sighted a coaster on the usual route from Zutphen Islands to Pajang harbour
1407 hours - In position 05º57'S, 105º35'E sighted an ocean going tug towing two coasters steaming south from Pajang, closed
1500 hours - Surfaced in position 05º51'S, 105º34'2"E and sunk all three with gunfire
1530 hours - Dived in position 05º51'S, 105º34'E and steered South, using plenty of periscope
1543 hours - Altered course to 320 degrees towards Pajang harbour keeping west of Tiga Islands
1727 hours - Surfaced in position 05º48'S, 105º27'5"E and proceeded at 13 knots towards Pajang
2005 hours - Grounded off Pajang Harbour but got off in a few minutes. Manouvered into place for a torpedo attack down the harbour entrance. One torpedo was fired at the pier at 2030 hours
2035 hours - Grounded hard
2225 hours - At last Tantivy was off, but not before fuel had to pumped overboard, 4 torpedoes from the bow tubes were fired and damaging the screws
2248 hours - Went ahead on both engines and cleared the area via Legundi Strait.
14 Feb 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) ends her 9th war patrol at Trincomalee.
2 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Trincomalee bound for Aden. The ultimate destination is Chatham Dockyard where she is to refit.
12 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives at Aden.
14 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Aden bound for Suez.
19 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives at Suez.
20 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) transits the Suez Canal and arrives at Port Said.
30 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Port Said bound for Malta.
3 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives at Malta.
5 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Malta bound for Gibraltar.
9 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives at Gibraltar.
10 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Gibraltar bound for Plymouth.
16 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives at Plymouth.
17 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Plymouth bound for Portsmouth where she arrives on the same day.
19 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departs Portsmouth bound for Sheerness.
20 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrives at Sheerness.