Robert Julian Clutterbuck DSO, RN
| Birth details unknown |
| Ranks
Retired: 22 Mar 1958 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Robert Julian Clutterbuck, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS L 23 (N 23) | Lt. | Submarine | 10 Jan 1942 | 6 Mar 1942 |
| HMS Otus (N 92) | Lt. | Submarine | 24 Apr 1942 | ??? |
| HMS Torbay (N 79) | Lt. | Submarine | 28 Oct 1942 | 2 May 1944 |
| HMS Truncheon (P 353) | A/Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 15 Dec 1944 | mid 1946 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Torbay (N 79)
28 Nov 1942
With her refit completed HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs the Devonport Dockyard bound for Holy Loch. She is to undergo a work-up and trials period in that area.
13 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Holy Loch for her 13th war patrol. This is the 1st war patrol of her 2nd commission after her refit. She is to patrol off the coast of North Norway during the passage of convoy JW 51A.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 13th war patrolclick here for bigger map
4 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 13th war patrol at Holy Loch.
19 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Holy Loch for Gibraltar.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this passage see the map below.
HMS Torbay passage U.K. - Gibraltarclick here for bigger map
29 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Gibraltar.
5 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol. This is the first Mediterranean patrol of her 2nd commission. She is to perform a work-up patrol off Valencia.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 14th war patrolclick here for bigger map
7 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fired two rounds at the Spanish submarine General Sanjuro, one hit the forward hydroplane causing slight damage, the two submarines later collided, Torbay getting a small dent.
All times are zone -1)
1345 hours - While dived sighted a 1500 ton Spanish ship at 2000 yards coming straight towards. Went to 80 feet until she passed Torbay.
1405 hours - Returned to periscope depth 38º18'N, 00º06'E. The ship was sighted to the South-West and on the same bearing a submarine was sighted steering 180º at 4000 yards. It was first thought that the submarine was escorted by the merchant vessel. Examination of Janes Fighting ships (1940 edition) showed no Spanish submarine resembling the one sighted, which could be seen to have two guns and large periscope standards and resemble the Italian Archimede class. There was no report of a Spanish submarine in this area just an intelligence report of the General Sanjuro that was on passage from Almeria to presumably Cartagena escorted by Torpedo Boat nr. 7. None of these conditions were fulfilled and when it was seen that the submarines course was diverting from the merchant vessel it was decided (at 1420 hours) to give chase on the surface.
1600 hours - Torbay now had the range closed to 6000 yards and it was intended to open fire as Lt. Clutterbuck was confident it was an Italian submarine unable to dive. This belief was stengthened by the fact she appeared to be listing to port and was down by the stern. This was afterwards found to be an optical delusion. It was a mistery why she had not opened fire with her after gun and this was thought to be bescause morale on the Italian submarine to be very low. Lt. Clutterbuck ordered to submarine to stop by Aldis lamp but this had no effect. At 1610 hours the submarine set course to 310º without decreasing speed. Lt. Clutterbuck took this as an effort to place her in the sun and bring both guns to bear. On Torbay the tubes were brought to the ready and at 1615 hours the order open fire was given. The first round fired hit her the hydroplanes but then the guin malfunctioned. The second round was not fired until one and a half minute later and went over. It was then seen that a large number of men were on the bridge of the submmarine which enhanced Lt. Clutterbuck's belief that it was an Italian submarine about to surrender so fire was ceased. Torbay closed and prepared to board. It was then seen that Spanish coulors were pained on the conning tower so the sub was asked (by Aldis lamp) for her name. No good form of communtication could be established so Torbay continued to close end on. The submarines were now very close and the Spanish submarine now drifted towards Torbay hitting Torbay's bow with her after casing but no damage was done other then a small dent. The identity of the submarine was now established.
1615 hours - Torbay now proceeded to the eastward to clear the area.
11 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Danish merchant (in German service) Grete (1563 GRT, built 1931) off Cape Oropesa, Spain.
All times are zone -1)
0815 hours - While on patrol near Cape Oropesa in position 39º58'N, 00º11'E sighted a very deep laden merchant ship bearing 270º steering 040º, range was 8000 yards. The vessel appeared to be the Danish Grete. National markings were seen on the bow and quarter but these did not appear to be Spanish. As her plotted course and position was outside territorial waters started an attack.
0850 hours - As the identity of the ship was by now established fired 2 torpedoes from 3000 yards. One torpedo hit the target that was seen to sink at 0920 hours. Torbay retired to the Southward.
13 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 14th war patrol at Algiers.
22 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Algiers for her 15th war patrol (this is the 2nd Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 15th war patrolclick here for bigger map
25 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) damages the Italian auxiliary minesweeper Monte Argentario (80 GRT) with gunfire off Ajaccio, Corsica, France.
(All times are zone -1)
0900 hours - A wooden motor vessel, about 80 feet long, painted grey and flying the Italian colours came out of Ajaccio and headed seaward. She was towing a small target with red sails. The wooden motor vessel had a small gun forward. Decided to let the target go in the hope of a better target.
1000 hours - Nothing of interest was visible in Ajaccio harbour.
1150 hours - The vessel sighted earlier was seen returning and as there was nothing bigger in Ajaccio and Torbay would leave this area the next night Lt. Clutterbuck decided to attack it after all. Surfaced about 1500 yards away, fired 17 rounds for only two hits. The ship was driven ashore by it's crew. The action was broken off when Torbay was fired upon by a shore battery.
26 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks the German merchant Mariaeck (1327 GRT, former French Oasis, built 1938) with gunfire about 30 nautical miles south of Cape Mele, Italy in position 43º27'N, 08º08'E.
Torbay also torpedoes and sinks the Spanish merchant Juan de Astigarraga (3561 GRT, built 1929) in position 180º Cape Mele 1.5 nautical miles.
Both ships were under German control.
(all times are zone -1)
0250 hours - In position 43º27'N, 08º08'E sighted a darkened ship to the Eastward.
0300 hours - The ship was identified as the French Oasis.
0310 hours - 3 Torpedoes were fired from 1000 yards, all missed or ran under.
0314 hours - Engaged the target with the deck gun.
0320 hours - Fired a fourth torpedo which also missed. After firing 66 rounds the ship was left well ablaze.
.....
1410 hours - Sighted a deeply laden merchant ship 5000 yards to the westward staring 044º. Spanish markings could be seen on thwe bow. The vessel is estimated at around 4000 tons. Closed at speed.
1430 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 1600 yards resulting in two hits. Shortly after firing two explosions were heard nearby resulting in slight damage to Torbay. After coming to periscope depth it was seen that the ship was escorted by two aircraft. The bow of the target was just above the water, the rest was below the waves. Torbay retired to the seaward.
27 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 276 / Baicin (173 GRT) with demolition charges and Oerlikon fire about 35 nautical miles south-west of La Spezia, Italy in position 43º37'N, 09º25'E.
Off the entrance to Bastia harbour Torbay also attacked and missed the Italian transport Rossini (2424 GRT, built 1928) who was in convoy with the transport Francesco Crispi escorted by the auxiliary Filippo /Grimani, the torpedo-boat Giuseppe La Masa and the Motor Torpedo Boat MAS 558
(All times are zone -1) 0130 hours - In position 47º37'N, 09º25'E sighted a darkened ship to the Eastward. The target was identified as an A/S schooner. The ship was stopped and no sails were set. Crept closer to 100 yards on the motors without stirring up any signs of life on board.
0150 hours - Opened fire with the Vickers gun and the 4" gun. the 4" gunfire was extremely inaccurate, 10 rounds being fired for only one hit. The crew of the schooner wasted no time in abandoning their ship. The schooner was boarded and a sack of bookes weighted and ready for dumping overboard was recovered. The vessel was inspected and was found to be a brigantine of about 80 tons had a new looking engine and a sound detector on the forecastle. The machine guns were not in their mountings. A demolition charge was set under the engine and fire was set in several places. Several rounds of Oerlikon fire were also fired in the schooner.
0240 hours - Torbay proceeded southward. The vessel was later soon to blow up.
.....
1155 hours - An aircraft fles over Bastia from coming from seaward. This was thought to be an escort of a convoy whose smoke could now be seen to the Eastward. The smoke was soon seen to come from a 200 ton coaster escorted by an ex-French sloop of the Elan class serving under Italian coulors. Lt. Clutterbuck decided to let them pass hoping for bigger prey.
1400 hours - Manouvered in a position to take a look in Bastia harbour.
1519 hours - While examening the possibility of firing a torpedo into the harbour another convoy was seen approaching Bastia. This consisted of a two-funnelled ship and two merchant ships in ballast escorted by a torpedo boat and a MAS boat. Range was 15000 yards. An aircraft was seen overhead but this soon left.
1545 hours - The two-funnelled ship, that had been selected as the target, zigged at a range of 5000 yards putting Torbay right ahead. Torbay manouvered into an attack position. During the attack four torpedoes were fired (first one, then two and then one) all missed their target.
Torbay was depth charged after the attack but received no damage. 14 Depth charges in all were dropped. Torbay retired to the East.
28 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian merchant Ischia (5101 GRT) off Portofino, Italy.
(All times are zone -1) 1220 hours - Heard H.E. to the North and sighted a merchant vessel of about 5000 ton approach. The vessel was painted grey and had a gun on the poop. She was strearing 290º to pass close to Portofino. Range was 16000 yards. An attack was started.
1255 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the ship (one other torpedo was fired in error) from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes hit the target that sunk. Torbay retired from the scene.
1 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) bombards oil storage tanks at the Italian city of Imperia.
(All times are zone -1)
1815 hours - Surfaced to bombard oil storage tanks at the Italian city of Imperia.
There were some problems with the deck gun and after firing only 5 rounds Torbay was taken under fire by shore batteries. Torbay submerged after only being on the surface of three minutes. The Italians reported damege to the city of Imperia as well as to the railway station but make no mention of oil storage tanks.
2 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) attacks a convoy of Bastia, Corsica in position 42º50'N, 09º37'E. One torpedo is fired that missed it's target.
(All times are zone -1)
0845 hours - In position 42º50'N, 09º37'E sighted a convoy to the South-West. It had come out of Bastia and was steering 020 degrees. Started an attack.
0930 hours - Fired the one remaining bow torpedo at the convoy but it did not found it's target.
7 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 15th war patrol at Algiers.
20 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Algiers for her 16th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the
Tyrrhanian Sea to the North of Sicily.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 16th war patrolclick here for bigger map
28 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks the French merchant (in German control) Lillois (3680 GRT, built 1910) off Cape Scalea, Italy in position 39º48'N, 15º43'E (230º Cape Scalea 3 nautical miles).
(All times are zone -1) 0950 hours - Sighted a convoy of two 1500 - 2000 tons merchant ships. Distance was 9 nautical miles steering 140º towards Cape Scalea. The escort was a torpedo boat that was zig-zagging between 2000 and 4000 yards on the seaward beam of the merchant ships which were in line ahead one mile apart. They were coast crawling. Started an attack. (The other ship in this convoy was the French Nantaise (1798 GRT, built 1920), this ship was also in German control. The torpedo boat was the Italian Sirio)
1038 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 2600 yards against the rear merchant ship. Two hits were heard. The torpedo boat carried out an ifeffective counter attack. 6 depth charges were dropped but these were not very close.
1 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) unsuccesfully attacks an unidentified merchant in position 160º Licosa Point 7 nautical miles.
Later this day Torbay sinks the Italian fishing vessel Madonna di Porto Salvo (21 GRT) with gunfire 8 nautical miles bearing 170 of Punta Licosa, Italy in position 40º15'N, 14º54'E.
(All times are zone -1)
0616 hours - Heard H.E. to the South-East. Sighted a 1200 ton merchant vessel steering 310º, range 4000 yards, spped 7 knots. Torbay was perfectly placed for an attack. An escorting E-boat was on the targets seaward beam so caused no problem.
0636 hours - Fired three torpedoes. All torpedoes ran straight but none hit. The e-boat, and another one not previoulsly sighted, counter-attacked. Nine depth charges were dropped but none of these was close.
0800 hours - Sighted three fishing boats.
1000 hours - Surfaced and sank a fishing boat with gunfire.
1020 hours - Set course to the South-West on the surface.
1040 hours - Dived for three approaching aircraft.
8 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 16th war patrol at Algiers.
18 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is damaged by an ememy air raid on Algiers harbour. A bomb landed 15 feet to the starboard side of the conning tower. Damage was severe; 148 battery cells were cracked, the starboard saddle tanks were bent and leaking, the gyro compass was broken, several electrical defects, several defects to the high pressure air system, defects to the telemotor system and several there were many smaller defects.
21 Apr 1943
After patching up the damage sustained in the air raid on the 18th HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Algiers for Gibraltar where she will be repaired.
23 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Gibraltar for repairs.
26 Jun 1943
With repairs completed HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Gibraltar for Algiers.
1 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Algiers.
11 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Algiers for her 17th war patrol (this is the 4th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Northern part of the Tyrhhenian Sea near Civittavechia.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 17th war patrolclick here for bigger map
17 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks the Italian sailing vessel Pozzalo (127 GRT) bearing 250º Cape Linaro 9 nautical miles. (5 nautical miles bearing 270º from Torre Chiaruccia according to Italian sources)
(All times are zone -2)
1838 hours - Surfaced in position bearing 250º Cape Linaro 9 nautical miles and sank schooner with gunfire. 44 rounds were required. Torbay was fired upon by shore batteries so she dived. The schooner was seen to sink through the periscope.
18 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 90/San Girolamo (109 GRT) with gunfire in position 41º34'N, 12º05'E.
(all times are zone -2)
2100 hours - Sighted a schooner to the southward.
2120 hours - Surfaced and set of in pursuit of the schooner that was no longer visible.
2230 hours - Found the schooner again and sank it with 28 rounds of the 4" gun and 2 pans of Oerlikon.
19 Jul 1943
While on patrol near Civitavecchia HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires four torpedoes at the French merchant (in Axis service) San Pedro (5947 GRT, built 1931) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Pegaso and Nicola Fabrizi but all torpedoes missed their target.
(All times are zone -2)
0827 hours - Sighted a camouflaged 5000 ton merchant ship at 7000 yards steering 315º at 10 knots. The ship was in ballast. Two torpedo boats were escorting the merchant. Closed for attack.
0933 hours - In position 115º Giannutri Island lighthouse 9 nautical miles fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards. All torpedoes missed but one of the escorting torpedo boats came towards at high speed. No depth charges were dropped and no hunt materialised.
23 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Italian Aderno (2609 BRT, built 1912, former British Ardeola) off Civitavecchia, Italy in position 42º04'N, 11º47'E.
(All times are zone -2)
1820 hours - Sighted smoke and air escort to the South-East. This was soon identified as a convoy consisting of one passenger/cargo ship of about 8000 tons and one 2000 ton merchant ship. They were escorted by one A/S trawler and two torpedo boats. Two aircraft were seen overhead. The largest ship was selected as target and an attack was started.
1940 hours - In position 275º Linaro Point 2.2 nautical miles fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 1000 yards. Three hits were heard nearly a minute after firing. Torbay went to 250 feet and retired to the Southward.
The composition of this convoy was besides the Aderno the Colleville escorted by the German torpedo boat TA-11, the German auxiliary A/S vessels UJ-2203 and UJ-2208 and Italian torpedo boat Aliseo (this was the escort leader).
31 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 17th war patrol at Algiers.
21 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Algiers bound for Malta. She makes the passage in convoy KMS-23.
24 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Malta.
25 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Malta for her for her 18th war patrol (this is the 5th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Aegean.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 18th war patrolclick here for bigger map
31 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks the Italian sailing vessel Columbo (15 GRT) with gunfire 15 nautical miles west of Kos, Greece.
(All times are zone -3)
0600 hours - Dived 5 nautical miles South-West of Krikelo Point, Kos and steered Northward. A 40 ton schooner under Italian colours was soon sighted steering under sail and power towards Stampalia. Course was altered to intercept.
1200 hours - In position 290º Krikelo Point 15 nautical miles surfaced and sank it with 21 rounds of gunfire.
2 Sep 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks the small Italian merchant Versilia (591 GRT, built 1880) off Patmos Island, Greece in position 240º Saraki Rock (Vrachonisída Saráki, Lipso Channel) 2 nautical miles.
(All times are zone -3)
0440 hours - Radar detected an echo at 2500 yards in position 270º Cape Yenupa (Patmos) 6 nautical miles. Soon 4 small ships were seen. Stopped the engines and sniffed around a bit on the motors. They were at first thought to be E-boats as no HE could be heard and the bearings did not seem to change. After a time they were identified as 4 small steam ships stearing 125º at 7 knots. Set a course as to be ahead of them at dawn.
0609 hours - It was getting rather light and the convoy could no longer be seen against Patmos when Torbay dived 3,5 nautical miles ahead of it for what was thought to be an e-boat but what later turned out to be a small sailing vessel.
0631 hours - The convoy came into sight again. The ships were at first thought to be too small to be torpedo targets and as the leader looked a torpedo boat it was feared that no attack would be possible. As it grew lighter however the ships turned out to be two 700 tons steamers and one of about 1000 tons. They were all laden. There was an escort ahead. Started an attack. (The convoy was made up besides the Versilia of the Sylva, the auxiliary Pola, the escort was a German UJ-boat).
0656 hours - In position 240º Saraki Rock (Vrachonisída Saráki, Lipso Channel) 2 nautical miles, fired four torpedoes at the 1000 ton ship. A fifth torpedo was fired at one of the other ships. The results were two hits on the 1000 ton ship. Torbay now went deep.
0720 hours - During the next 10 minutes 6 random depth charges were dropped but these were not close. Torbay retired from the area.
7 Sep 1943
From 1825 to 1845 hours (zone -3) HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires 93 rounds at a bauxite loading station on Amorgos.
11 Sep 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 18th war patrol at Beirut.
In the early moring hours she finds and tries to sink a derelict dismasted schooner. This is most likely the wreck of this schooner attacked 4 days before by the German submarine U-596.
(All times are zone -3) 0845 hours - Found derelict dismasted schooner of the usual Egyptian type No. D.169, completely waterlogged and damaged by fire in position 34º05'N, 34º22'E. Considered it a danger to navigation so fired a 25lb demolition charge in the poop well. This seemed to do little damage beyond scattering debris although it reduced buoyancy aft considerably. The cargo of oil drums held her up.
1630 hours - Arrived at Beirut.
21 Sep 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Beirut bound for Port Said to dock.
22 Sep 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Port Said for a short period in dock.
5 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Port Said bound for Beirut.
6 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives back at Beirut.
10 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Beirut for her 19th war patrol (this is the 6th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Aegean.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 19th war patrolclick here for bigger map
15 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks the Greek (German controlled) caique Poseidon / Pir 130 with gunfire east of Leros, Greece.
Following this sinking Torbay had an encounter with the German Q-ship GA 45. Torbay's periscope was sighted first by GA 45 which dropped 5 depth-charges very close. Later Torbay surfaced intending to dispose of GA 45 with her gun but the German vessel was very alert and opened an accurate fire as soon as the submarine surfaced and forced her to break off the action. She did not drop any further depth-charges which led Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck of Torbay to conclude that she was out of depth-charges. The submarine was not damaged during this encounter.
(All times are zone -3)
1345 hours - A caique, flying the Nazi flag, of about 50 tons appeared round Asipa Point from the Southward apparently bound for Palaio.
1400 hours - Surfaced and engaged the target at a range of 2500 yards. After 30 rounds she was on fire from fore to aft and aground. Torbay was now taken under fire so Lt. Clutterbuck dived and withdrew.
A short while later three landing craft were seen approaching from the direction of Kos. A schooner joined them fron the South of Kalymnos. Torbay's periscope was sighted by a crewmember of the schooner which quickly turned towards. She dropped 5 depth charges that were very close. This force was later seen to return to Kos. Lt. Clutterbuck decided to engage the schooner with the deck gun but as soon as Torbay surfaced she was taken under a very accurate fire from the schooner by a conceiled gun of about 12 pounder size. Now also a shore battery joined in so Torbay dived again and retired to the North-East.
16 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks the German troopship Kari (1925 GRT, built 1920, former French Ste. Colette, former Norwegian Kari, offsite link) east of Naxos, Greece in position 36º59'N, 26º10'E.
(All times are zone -3)
1225 hours - Sighted a convoy consisting of two merchant ships of about 1000 tons each, half loaded and escorted by what looked like an Albatros class torpedo boat to starboard and an UJ type escort to port, Also two aircraft were seen overhead. The ships were in line abreast steering 105 degrees for the Kinaros channel at 7 knots.
1258 hours - In position 36º59'N, 26º10'E fired four torpedoes from 1400 yards at one of the merchant ships. Torbay went deep as to dive under the convoy. Two hits were heard. One of the aircraft dropped a bomb at the firing position followed by 17 depth charges from the UJ-boat. The first few were fairly close but no damage was done.
This convoy was made up of the above mentioned Kari. The other merchant was the Trapani (1855 GRT, built 1926). The were escorted by UJ-2109, UJ-2110 and R-211.
28 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 19th war patrol at Beirut.
15 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Beirut for her 20th war patrol (this is the 7th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Once again she is to patrol in the Aegean.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 20th war patrolclick here for bigger map
21 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks the Greek caique Panagia / Chios 87 (29 GRT) with gunfire west of Psathoura Island, Greece in position 39º30'N, 24º10'E.
(All times are zone -3) 1015 hours - Surfaced and fired 14 round of 4" at a 50 ton auxiliary schooner rigged as a caique. The crew abandoned ship soon after. The caique was boarded in the hope to retrieve charts and other documents but the boarding party was just aboard when the vessel sank like a stone so they had to get back to Torbay in a hurry.
22 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks a German floating dock north of Skiathos Island, Greece in position 39º24'N, 23º24'E.
(all times are zone -3)
1230 hours - Saw smoke in the Skiatos channel and turned towards.
Identified the target a 300-400 foot floating dock towed by three tugs (so far unidentified) with six escorts. (These were GA-74, MAL-12, R-139, GM-64, GM-65 and GM-69)
In position 004º Cape Sepia 9 nautical miles fired two torpedoes at the three tugs that formed a long continuous target and three torpedoes at the floating dock. This resulted in no hits. Most likely all torpedoes ran under as the range was only 1500 yards. The torpedoes had been set to 8 feet. The attack was not noticed by the enemy.
1633 hours - Fired another two torpedoes at the floating dock from 1000 yards . These torpedoes were set to 0 feet. This resulted in two hits. No counter attack followed. Most likely they thought the dock was mined.
26 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German merchant Salomea (751 GRT, former Greek Evangelos Nomikos, built 1897) off Lemnos island, Greece. All three torpedoes missed their target.
(All times are zone -3)
0645 hours - Sighted a 1000 ton merchant ship to the South-West stearing course 340º, distance 6 nautical miles. Started an attack.
0700 hours - Dived and continued to run in at high speed.
0825 hours - Fired the stern tube from 1100 yards. No hit.
0908 hours - In position 135º Cape Irene 6 nautical miles fired two bow torpedoes from 800 yards, one again no hits. The attack was now abandoned as the battery was now very low.
27 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoes and sinks the German troop transport Palma (2609 GRT, former Italian Polcevera, built 1920) off Karlovassi, Samos, Greece in position 37º47'N, 26º38'E.
Palma had been escorted by the German UJ-2110 and R-210.
(All times are zone -3) 0700 hours - Saw an empty 1000 ton merchant ship anchored off the harbour and steered towards.
0717 hours - The ship was no under way so waited to see which way she would go. She turned on a course of 260 and later 240 and worked up to 8 knots. Ran in at speed on a course of 210, later fining up to 195. A small escort vessel, perhaps a corvette, transmitting on 15kcs, took station ahead. There was another diesel powered escort astern but this was never seen.
0800 hours - In position 270º Kalovasi 5 nautical miles fired two torpedoes set to two feet aimed at the two masts from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes were heard to hit after running for 50 seconds.
0805 to 0840 hours - Counter attacked by 4, 7 and 9 depth charges. The after periscope flooded and some leaks started. Torbay touched bottom at about 240 feet while making off.
1100 hours - The A/S craft seemed to have lost contact and on returning to periscope depth the 'corvette' was seen 5 nautical miles astern with three Arado seaplanes searching. Made off to the North-West and then to the West.
3 Dec 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 20th war patrol at Beirut.
17 Dec 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Beirut for her 21th war patrol (this is the 8th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Once again she is to patrol in the Aegean.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 21th war patrolclick here for bigger map
25 Dec 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) damages the Greek caique Ioannis Kutufaris / Samos 19 with gunfire off Cape Stavros, Crete, Greece. The caique was hit by two shells but they failed to explode.
(All times are zone -3) 1600 hours - Surfaced in position bearing 315º Candia Light 5 nautical miles and fired 19 rounds at an Eastbound schooner rigged caique. Torbay was taken under fire from about four guns from the shore. This fire was very accurate. The caique also fired with a machine gun. The action was broken off and Torbay dived.
5 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 21th war patrol at Beirut.
20 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Beirut for her 22th war patrol (this is the 9th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Patrol area is once again the Aegean.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 22th war patrolclick here for bigger map
26 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires 5 torpedoes against the German merchant Leda (4572 GRT, former Italian Leopardi, built 1943) south of Amorgos Island, Greece. All torpedoes fired missed their target. Leda was escorted at that time by the German destroyer TA-14, the German torpedo boats TA-16 and TA-17 and the German minesweeper R-195.
(All times are zone -3)
0220 hours - Heard A/S impulses to the North-West.
0230 hours - Heard HE on the same bearing. Radar soon picked up echoes at 10000 yards.
0240 hours - Sighted one ship and two destroyers ahead, course about 270º, to pass South of Cape Papas. The ship could be seen to be a medium seized motorvessel with the funnel amidships.
0252 hours - In position 215º Cape Papas 4,5 nautical miles, range 3500 yards fired 5 torpedoes. Dived. No hits. There was no counter attack.
31 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sinks a Greek sailing vessel with gunfire south of Lemnos Island, Greece.
(All times are zone -3)
2100 hours - Saw two 18ft caiques in position 155º Cape Irene 9 nautical miles. One had an engine and was towing the other. The cargo consisted of empty drums and fuel cans. Put the crew in the motorless one and destroyed the other with the motor by fire. It was not considered worth it destroying the other one as the five Greeks would have to be taken aboard.
7 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 22th war patrol at Beirut.
10 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Beirut bound for Port Said.
11 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Port Said. She is docked the next day.
12 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at Port Said.
16 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked.
24 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Port Said for her 23th war patrol (this is the 10th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Patrol area is once again the Aegean.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this patrol see the map below.
HMS Torbay 23th war patrolclick here for bigger map
3 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ends her 23th war patrol, that was blank, at Malta.
6 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Malta bound for Gibraltar. She is to return to the U.K. for a refit. She joined convoy MKS-42 for the passage to Gibraltar.
For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this passage see the map below.
HMS Torbay passage Malta to U.K.click here for bigger map
12 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Gibraltar.
20 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Gibraltar bound for the U.K.
30 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Devonport (Plymouth).
31 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Devonport (Plymouth)for Portsmouth where she arrives later this day.
1 Apr 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Portsmouth bound for Sheerness.
2 Apr 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrives at Sheerness.
3 Apr 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departs Sheerness for Chatham Dockyard where she is to refit. She arrives there after one hour.
Submarine HMS Truncheon (P 353)
19 May 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departs Plymouth for Holy Loch.
21 May 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrives at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training.
22 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departs Holy Loch for Scapa Flow.
22 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrives at Scapa Flow.
8 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departs Scapa Flow for Holy Loch.
9 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrives at Holy Loch.
7 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departs Holy Loch for the Far East. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar.
12 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrives at Gibraltar.
13 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departs Gibraltar for Malta.
17 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrives at Malta.
22 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departs Malta for Port Said.
27 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrives at Port Said.
5 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) passes the Suez Canal and starts her trip to Aden.
10 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrives at Aden.
13 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departs Aden bound for Colombo. From Colombo she goes to Singapore.