Howard Francis Bone DSO, DSC, RN

Born  20 Oct 1908


If you can help with photo or any information on this Officer please
use our comment form
.

Ranks

1 Jan 1929 A/S.Lt.
16 Oct 1929 S.Lt.
1 Dec 1930 Lt.
1 Dec 1938 Lt.Cdr.
30 Jun 1941 Cdr.
30 Jun 1947 Capt.

Retired: 17 May 1957


Decorations

13 Nov 1940 DSO
20 Dec 1940 DSC
23 Sep 1941 Bar to DSO
17 Jan 1942 Bar to DSC
13 Jun 1957 CBE

Warship Commands listed for Howard Francis Bone, RN


ShipRankTypeFromTo
HMS Tigris (N 63)Lt.Cdr.Submarine6 Mar 194019 Jan 1942
HMS Otway (N 51)Cdr.Submarine14 Aug 194228 Aug 1942
HMS Otway (N 51)Cdr.Submarine19 Oct 19426 Nov 1942

Career information

We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.

Events related to this officer

Submarine HMS Tigris (N 63)


9 May 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) proceeded from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (1)

10 May 1940
Around 1100A/10, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Sheerness for Portsmouth. She is escorted by HMS Pintail (Lt.Cdr. T.H. Hill-Walker, RN). (1)

11 May 1940
Around 0810A/11, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) arrived at Portsmouth (Fort Blockhouse, Haslar) from Sheerness for further outfitting.

Her escort, HMS Pintail (Lt.Cdr. T.H. Hill-Walker, RN) also entered Portsmouth but departed again and returned to Sheerness later the same day. (1)

12 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted trials in the Portsmouth area. (1)

15 May 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) is docked at Portsmouth. (1)

4 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) is undocked. (2)

22 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted D/G and compass swing trials off Portsmouth. (2)

23 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Portsmouth for Fowey. (2)

24 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) arrived at Fowey for a period of training. (2)

25 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted exercises off Fowey. (2)

26 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted exercises off Fowey. (2)

27 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted attack exercises off Fowey during which, the armed yacht HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), acted as target. (2)

28 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Fowey for Portland. She was escorted by the armed yacht HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)

29 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) arrived at Portland for torpedo discharge trials. (2)

30 Jun 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (2)

2 Jul 1940
Around 0530A/2, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Portland for Portsmouth (Fort Blockhouse / Haslar Creek) where she arrived around 1445A/2. (3)

5 Jul 1940
Around 2045A/5, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Portsmouth for Rothesay. She made the passage together with HMS H 32 (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN) that was to proceed to Campbeltown. They were escorted by the armed yacht HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (3)

8 Jul 1940
Around 1230A/8, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) arrived at Rothesay for further training and trials in the Clyde area. (3)

9 Jul 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted sound trials in Loch Long. (3)

10 Jul 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Arrochar. (3)

11 Jul 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

12 Jul 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

13 Jul 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion, HMS Tigris, proceeded to Rothesay. (3)

16 Jul 1940
Around 0915A/16, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Rothesay for her 1st war patrol, escorted by HMS Northern Spray (Lt. H.P. Crail, RNR) until 2140A/17. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (4)

16 Jul 1940

For the daily positions of HMS Tigris during her 1st war patrol see the map below.

2 Aug 1940
Around 0730A/2, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) arrived at Falmouth. (4)

3 Aug 1940
Around 1520A/3, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Falmouth for Holy Loch after having taken on board some engine spare parts that were sent over to Falmouth by Chatham Dockyard.. (4)

5 Aug 1940
Around 2100A/5, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rothesay. (4)

15 Aug 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted engine trials in the Clyde area. (5)

21 Aug 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (5)

22 Aug 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (5)

27 Aug 1940
Around 2000A/27, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Rothesay for her 2nd war patrol. She made the passage together with cable ship HMS Lasso (Capt.(Retd.) H.C.P. Pipon, RN). They were escorted by HMS Notts County (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.K. Pollock, RN) until 2130A/29. HMS Tigris was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (4)

27 Aug 1940

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tigris during her 2nd war patrol see the map below.

2 Sep 1940 (position 47.29, -4.04)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) attacks German U-boat U-58 with one torpedo in the Bay of Biscay about 30 nautical miles south-west of Lorient, France in position 47°29'N, 04°04'W. The torpedo however missed the target despite the claim of a hit. U-58 had departed Lorient that day.

2231A/2 - Sighted a submarine only 500 yards away. Started attack.

2234A/2 - Fired one torpedo that was seen to hit 12 to 15 seconds after firing. As there were a lot of fishing vessels in the area that could pick up survivors made off to seaward at full speed. (4)

14 Sep 1940
Around 0855A/14, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN), arrived at Falmouth. She departed Falmouth around 1800A/14 for Holy Loch escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

16 Sep 1940
Around 1000A/16, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)

26 Sep 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) served as target. (6)

29 Sep 1940

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tigris during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.

29 Sep 1940
Around 0700A/29, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made togeter with HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

2 Oct 1940
At 2140A/2, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) reports that she is missed by two torpedoes in the Bay of Biscay near position 46°40'N, 05°35'W. No German or Italian uboats carried out an attack on this day near this position so the attack appears to be bogus. (4)

5 Oct 1940 (position 45.39, -1.34)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) attacked an Italian submarine with torpedoes in the Bay of Biscay off the Gironde estuary in position 45°39'N, 01°34'W.

According to Italian sources these were the Italian submarines Maggiore Baracca and Reginaldo Giuliani that both arrived at Bordeaux the following day. They were escorted by the German minesweepers M-9 and M-13. It appears that Giuliani was the target of the attack. (Note that there were only two submarines present and not three as claimed by Lt.Cdr. Bone.)

0658A/5, - Sighted three Italian submarines at a range of 6000 to 8000 yards. Started attack with the second and third submarines as targets.

0708A/5 - Sighted two escort vessel proceeding at high speed towards Tigris.

0710A/5 - Decided to concentrate on the third submarine.

0716A/5 - Fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards. Two explosions were heard after 2 minutes and 4 seconds and 2 minutes and 11 seconds giving a running range of 2800 yards. Only two submarines were seen shortly afterwards so a sinking was claimed.

0725A/5 to 0802A/5 - The escort vessels dropped 11 depth charges. None were close. (4)

16 Oct 1940 (position 45.44, -3.45)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) sank the French (in German service) coaster Cimcour (250 GRT, built 1931) with gunfire in the Bay of Biscay about 120 nautical miles West of the Gironde estuary in position 45°44'N, 03°45'W.

0155A/16 - Sighted a darkened ship bearing 355°. Closed. The contact was thought to be a trawler. As it closed to about 1000 yards it turned towards and it was thought it was trying to ram Tigris so fire was opened with the 4" gun. Two rounds hit her amidships and she appeared to settle. Ceased fire and cleared the area leaving it to a nearby trawler to pick up the survivors. (4)

18 Oct 1940
Around 0825A/18, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) also joined for the passage. (4)

19 Oct 1940
Around 1900A/19, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)

25 Oct 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) is docked in the graving dock at Ardrossan. (7)

28 Oct 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) is undocked at Ardrossan and proceeded back to Holy Loch. (7)

31 Oct 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was being towed by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (7)

4 Nov 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Long. On completion of the noise trials D/G trials were carried out off Helensburgh. (8)

6 Nov 1940

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tigris during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

(4)

6 Nov 1940
Around 0930A/6, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Holy Loch in company with HMS Triumph (Lt.Cdr. W.J.W. Woods, RN) and escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (4)

7 Nov 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) developed engine problems and has to proceed to Milford Haven for repairs arriving around 1445A/7. (4)

8 Nov 1940
With repairs to her Starboard engine completed HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) departed from Milford Haven around 1515A/8 to resume her patrol. About half an hour later HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) joined. They parted company the following morning. (4)

13 Nov 1940 (position 45.41, -2.57)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) sank the French fishing vessel Charles Edmond (301 GRT) with gunfire about 70 nautical miles west of the Gironde estuary in position 45°41'N, 02°57'W.

2340A/12 - Sighted barque on a course of 110°. Closed to investigate. There appeared to be a small vessel following astern and thought that this might be the damaged U-boat Tigris had been warned about. Started attack.

0110A/13 - In attack position. The vessel following astern could no longer be seen. The weather was to bad for a gun attack so at ......

0122A/13 - Fired one torpedo from 800 yards which appeared to run under. Proceeded down wind and sea, manned the gun and opened slow and deliberate fire with High Explosive (HE) shells. The crew was seen to abandon ship. Due to the rough sea very few hits were obtained despite the close range. Decided to fire a second torpedo at the now stopped ship.

0211A/13 - Fired a second torpedo from 600 yards. This exploded at the correct interval but nothing happened and it was thought it had exploded on the bottom. As Tigris closed the target was seen to be on fire below and it was decided not to waste any more ammunition.

According to French sources the second torpedo did hit the target. (4)

27 Nov 1940
Around 0732A/27, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Surprise (Capt.(ret) E.Stubbs, RN). (4)

29 Nov 1940
Around 1015A/29, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)

12 Dec 1940
During 12/13 December 1940, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area in. These included night and attack exercises. (9)

17 Dec 1940
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (9)

21 Dec 1940

For the daily positions of HMS Tigris during her 5th war patrol see the map below.

21 Dec 1940
Around 0915A/21, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch escorted by HMS Stella Polaris (Skr.Lt. S.J. Ward, DSC, RD, RNR) for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (4)

10 Jan 1941
At 0840A/10, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

11 Jan 1941
Around 1500A/11, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)

23 Jan 1941
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 8 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN). (10)

24 Jan 1941
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target towed by HMS St. Martin. (10)

29 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded to Loch Long to be on standy during dive trials by HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN).

HMS Tigris returned to Holy Loch later the same day. (11)

3 Feb 1941
Around 0900A/3, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch, escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse, for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (4)

3 Feb 1941

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tigris during her 6th war patrol see the map below.

12 Feb 1941 (position 43.30, -1.42)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the French merchant Jacobsen (523 GRT, built 1923) in the Bay of Biscay about 5 nautical miles North-East of Biarritz, France in position 43°32'N, 01°42'W.

0445A/12 - Sighted a lighted merchant vessel enter San Sebastian and another vessel, taken to be a fisherman, was also seen. After a while this 'fisherman' was seen to be much larger than first thought. It looked like a laden tanker of about 1500 tons. Started attack.

0620A/12 - Fired two torpedoes from about 2500 yards. One hit was obtained amidships and a huge column of water rose up into the air. Tigris surfaced to clear the area after the ship had sunk. (4)

19 Feb 1941 (position 44.48, -3.01)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the French merchant Guilvinec (3273 GRT, built 1920) about 90 nautical miles south-west of the mouth of the Gironde estuary in position 44°48'N, 03°01'W.

0045A/19 - In position 44°47'N, 02°50´W sighted a single white light bearing 030°. It was first thought to be a fishing vessel but later it was seen to be a merchant vessel. Started attack.

0308A/19 - In position 44°48'N, 03°01'W fired six torpedoes from the internal bow tubes (tubes 1 to 6). Two hits were obtained. The ships lights went out and she was seen to settle immediately by the stern. (4)

23 Feb 1941
At 0730A/23, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse. (4)

24 Feb 1941
Around 1430A/24, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)

6 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (12)

12 Mar 1941
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in the graving dock at Ardrossan. (12)

14 Mar 1941
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (12)

17 Mar 1941

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tigris during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

17 Mar 1941
Around 1930A/17, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch, with HMS Union (Lt. R.M. Galloway, RN) escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse, for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. She is also to carry out a special operation. (4)

30 Mar 1941
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out special operation ' European ' (SOE operation SAVANNA). Captain Appleyard (SOE), Capitaine Bergé, Adjutant Forman and Sergeant Le Tac are landed near St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. They are to attack the personnel of the German fire raising Squadron at Vannes. (4)

3 Apr 1941 (position 46.36, -3.38)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoes and sank the German tanker Thorn (5486 GRT, built 1932, former Norwegian Ruth) about 75 nautical miles South-West of St. Nazaire in position 46°36'N, 03°38'W.

2235A/2 - Sighted a darkened ship bearing 235°. This soon proved to be a large tanker of 10000 to 12000 tons. Closed to attack with torpedoes.

2247A/2 - Fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards. Shortly after firing the enemy made a large alteration towards, almost certainly a zig-zag. The result was of course that all four torpedoes missed.

2250A/2 - Fired two more torpedoes from 1500 yards. Both missed. Manned the gun and gave chase.

2254A/2 - Opened fire with flash less HE shells from a range of 750 yards. Several hits were obtained. During the next 1.5 hours a running gun battle followed until the enemy's guns were knocked out be direct hits. The enemy made four attempts to ram Tigris, all were dodged.

0020A/3 - After hits on the waterline the tanker began to list heavily and when he lay stopped Lt.Cdr. Bone opened the range and fired a torpedo to finish the enemy off. One torpedo was fired that hit the enemy amidships. As the enemy was now considered a total loss Tigris cleared the area. (4)

3 Apr 1941
During the night of 3 / 4 April 1941, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) picks up the agents that had been landed on 30 March. They are all recovered except Sergeant Le Tac who does not show up at the rendezvous. The mission was unsuccessful as it was based on obsolete information but valuable information was obtained. (4)

13 Apr 1941
At 0530A/13, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. M.K. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, DSO, RN) also joined company for the passage north. (4)

14 Apr 1941
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)

12 May 1941
Around 1900A/12, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch, escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR), for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. She is also to carry out special operation 'Explore'.

As no log is available and the patrol report holds no daily positions no map can be displayed. (4)

18 May 1941
During the night of 18 / 19 May 1941, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) closes the shore south of Arcachon to carry out Operation Explore, the pick up of French agents who had been sent to sabotage the electric transformer station at Pessac (SOE operation Josehine B.). No agent showed up at the rendezvous and the operation was abandoned. (4)

25 May 1941
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) was ordered to 47°17' N, 08°10' W to form a patrol line to intercept the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen believed to be heading for Brest. Nothing was seen as Bismarck was sunk 400 miles west of Brest. (4)

27 May 1941
When it was learnt that the Bismarck was sunk, the patrol line was altered and HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) was ordered to in 46°25' N, 05°48' W to intercept Prinz Eugen but the latter managed to slip by and arrived at Brest on 1 June. (4)

31 May 1941
Around 0530A/31, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

1 Jun 1941
Around 1045A/1, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Holy Loch.

18 Jun 1941
Around 1130A/18, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch, escorted during her passage through the Irish Sea by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse, for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

As no log is available and the patrol report holds no daily positions no map can be displayed. (4)

5 Jul 1941 (position 45.00, -4.00)
The Italian submarine Michele Bianchi is most likely torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay about 150 nautical miles West-South-West of the Gironde estuary in approximate position 45°03'N, 04°01'W by the British submarine HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN).

0941A/5 - The officer of the watch, Lt. N.J. Coe, RNR, sighted what he thought was a surface vessel escorted by two trawlers. Cdr. Bone was called to the control room. Three minutes later the target was identified as an Italian submarine. The masts thought to be of two trawlers were actually the two radio antennas of the submarine. Tigris turned to close the target at high speed.

0958A/5 - Six torpedoes were fired from 3000 yards. After nearly three minutes two hits were heard.

1014A/5 - Cdr. Bone wanted to surface to investigate the area for survivors but a Ju-88 aircraft was seen to approach. Cdr. Bone took Tigris deep.

No hits were observed (only heard). It is quite possible that Bianchi was indeed hit and sunk but there is no definite proof.

9 Jul 1941
At 0343A/9, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (4)

10 Jul 1941
Around 0750A/10, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)

26 Jul 1941
Around 1605A/26, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Polyarnoe, Russia. She was escorted out by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).

As no log is available no map can be displayed. (13)

4 Aug 1941
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Polyarnoe. (14)

11 Aug 1941
Around 0900C/11, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway.

As no log is available and the patrol report holds no daily positions no map can be displayed. (4)

17 Aug 1941 (position 71.03, 26.43)
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Norwegian passenger / cargo ship Haakon Jarl (1492 GRT, built 1904, offsite link) near Svaerholt, Norway in position 71°03'N, 26°43'E.

Three were killed and thirteen survivors were later picked up.

0735C/17 - In position 71°02'N, 26°46'E sighted a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons. Started attack.

0812C/17 - Fired four torpedoes from 4500 yards. One hit was obtained and the ship was seen to sink after 90 seconds. (4)

24 Aug 1941
Around 1500C/24, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO. DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Polyarnoe. She was escorted in by the Russian destroyer Uritsky. (4)

3 Sep 1941
Around 1830C/3, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway.

As no log is available and the patrol report holds no daily positions no map can be displayed. (4)

13 Sep 1941 (position 70.50, 23.57)
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Norwegian passenger ship Richard With (905 BRT, built 1909) off the Rolvsoy Fjord about 11 nautical miles north-east of Hammerfest, Norway in position 70°50'N, 23°57'E.

Of the crew of 26 and 71 passengers only thirteen survived.

1115C/13 - Sighted a Southbound ship of about 2000 tons near Breisund. Started attack.

1203C/13 - Fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards. One hit was obtained and the ship sank immediately. Survivors were seen on four rafts and these were seen to be picked up by a fishing vessel that was in the area. Tigris then retired to the seaward. (4)

17 Sep 1941 (position 70.21, 21.10)
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the German passenger/cargo ship Bessheim (1774 GRT, 1912) off the Kvænangen Fjord in position 70°21'N, 21°10'E. All torpedoes missed their target.

1200C/17 - Sighted a HE-115 aircraft patrolling. This most likely indicated the arrival of a convoy.

1304C/17 - Caught a glimpse of a merchant ship of about 3000 tons. This was Northbound. Tigris turned on a firing course but there was no time to take ranges. Four torpedoes were fired and one possible hit was claimed. The ship was in convoy with one other ship and they were escorted by one Motor Torpedo Boat.

According to German sources the above mentioned Bessheim was in convoy with the Norwegian passenger/cargo ship (in German service) Kong Ring (2034 GRT, built 1929). Escorts were the Motor Minesweepers R-152 and R-154. (4)

21 Sep 1941
Around 1015A/21, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Polyarnoe. (4)

6 Oct 1941
Around 1930C/6, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway.

As no log is available and the patrol report holds no daily positions no map can be displayed. (4)

11 Oct 1941
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) attacked a German convoy made up of three small merchant vessels escorted by four trawlers. Four torpedoes were fired at the two rear ships of the convoy. No hits were obtained.

According to German sources the composition of this convoy was the German merchant vessels Sonnenfelde (865 GRT, built 1922) and Andromeda (658 GRT, built 1910) and the Norwegian merchant vessel (in German service Kaupanger (1584 GRT, built 1930). They were escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-1211 and UJ-1416 and the patrol boat Nordlicht.

0800C/11 - Sighted an Eastbound convoy of 3 small merchant vessels escorted by four trawlers, started attack.

0921C/11 - Fired four torpedoes against the rear merchant ships. Due to the bad weather range could not be taken but was estimated at about 3000 yards. Shortly after firing trim was lost so the result was not observed. (4)

14 Oct 1941 (position 71.03, 27.10)
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) attacked a German convoy off Svaerholt, Norway. During the attack one torpedo was fired to early by accident. The attack was broken off.

Later on the same day Tigris attacks another convoy off the Laksfjord in position 71°03'N, 27°10'E. Tigris fired five torpedoes but missed the Norwegian merchants Tugela (5559 GRT, built 1921) and Havbris (1316 GRT, built 1919) (all offsite links).

0755C/14 - Sighted a convoy of two merchant vessel, one of 3000 tons and one of 8000 tons. They were escorted by one destroyer and two M-class minesweepers. Started attack.

Loss of trim resulted in Cdr. Bone missing his D.A. (director angle). Port rudder was ordered to get the D.A. on again. The rating at the torpedo order instruments put the switch to 'Fire' by mistake when Cdr. Bone gave the final 'Standby' order. After realising his mistake the rating at once put the switch to 'Stop' and then to 'Off'. This was however to late and one torpedo was fired. When Cdr. Bone sighted the torpedo track through the periscope he immediately ordered 'Stop firing'. It was by then too late to shoot a fresh salvo of torpedoes. The torpedo fired off course did not hit anything nor did it explode at the end of its run.

According to German sources the composition of this convoy was as follows; German merchants Hartmut (2713 GRT, built 1938) and Mar del Plata (7340 GRT, built 1938, former Belgian). Escort was provided by the German destroyer Z20 / Karl Galster and the minesweepers M-18 and M-22.

--------------------------------------------

1040C/14 - Sighted three medium seized merchant vessel escorted by four trawlers. Two HE-115 aircraft were approaching from the Eastward. Started attack.

1103C/14 - Fired three torpedoes at the 2nd ship (range 1500 yards) and two torpedoes at the 3rd ship (range 4000 yards). The second ship was hit before firing at the 3rd. Tigris went deep immediately after firing the last two torpedoes as the escorting trawlers counter-attacked immediately. Their hunt lasted for two hours but was ineffective. Only 8 single depth charges were dropped.

The composition of this convoy was as follows; the above mentioned Norwegian merchants (in German service) Tugela, Havbris as well as the Mimona (1147 GRT, built 1919). They were escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chasers Nordlicht, UJ-1211 and UJ1416. No hits were obtained despite that Cdr. Bone claimed to have hit and sunk the second ship. (4)

16 Oct 1941
Around 1030C/16, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Polyarnoe. (4)

20 Oct 1941
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe for Holy Loch.

As no log is available no map can be displayed. (14)

28 Oct 1941
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. She was escorted in by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (13)

10 Dec 1941
Around 1755A/10, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Wellard (Lt. S.F. Fell, RANVR). (13)

12 Dec 1941
Around 0930A/12, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow for a few days of W/T exercises. (13)

13 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 13/14 December 1941, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) conducted W/T trials off Scapa Flow.

15 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 15/16 December 1941, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) conducted W/T trials off Scapa Flow.

16 Dec 1941
Around 1600A/16, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for her 13th war patrol. She is to patrol of Northern Norway to cover the Lofoten raids (Operation Anklet).

As no log is available and the patrol report holds no daily positions no map can be displayed. (4)

17 Dec 1941
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) is recalled to Scapa Flow. Tigris reversed course and arrived back at Scapa Flow around 1500A/17. (4)

19 Dec 1941
Around 0930A/19, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow to resume her 13th war patrol. (4)

25 Dec 1941
HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) acted as beacon for Operation 'Anklet' (raid on the Lofotens) from 2330A/25 to 0130A/26. (4)

10 Jan 1942
At 1230A/10, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (4)

12 Jan 1942
Around 1345A/12, HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Holy Loch. (4)


Submarine HMS Otway (N 51)


14 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (15)

16 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (15)

17 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (15)

20 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (15)

21 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (15)

22 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with the brand new light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN). (15)

24 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (15)

25 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (15)

28 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)

19 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (16)

20 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (16)

21 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (16)

22 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (16)

23 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (16)

25 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kingfisher (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.H. Gandy, RN). (16)

26 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (16)

27 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS L 27 (Lt. W.N. Eade, RNR). (16)

29 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) and MA/SB's. (16)

30 Oct 1942
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) and MA/SB's. (16)

31 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (16)

1 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (17)

3 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (17)

4 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN), HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR), HMS L 26 (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) and HMS L 27 (Lt. W.N. Eade, RNR). (17)

Sources

  1. ADM 173/16603
  2. ADM 173/16604
  3. ADM 173/16605
  4. ADM 199/1845
  5. ADM 173/16606
  6. ADM 173/16607
  7. ADM 173/16608
  8. ADM 173/16609
  9. ADM 173/16610
  10. ADM 173/17045
  11. ADM 173/17046
  12. ADM 173/17048
  13. ADM 199/400
  14. ADM 199/2572
  15. ADM 173/17339
  16. ADM 173/17341
  17. ADM 173/17342

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


You can help improve officers Howard Francis Bone's page
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this officer.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve his page.

Allied Commanders main page