Henri Max Louis Frédéric Emile van Oostrom Soede DSO, RNN
| Born | 12 May 1910 | Groede, Netherlands | |
| Died | 11 Jul 1993 | (83) | Den Haag, Netherlands |
| Ranks
Retired: 1 Jun 1960 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Henri Max Louis Frédéric Emile van Oostrom Soede, RNN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HNMS O 15 (N 15 / P 15) | luitenant ter zee 2e klasse (Lt.) | Submarine | 27 May 1939 | 6 Apr 1942 |
| HNMS Dolfijn (P 47) | luitenant ter zee 1e klasse (Lt.Cdr.) | Submarine | 23 Sep 1942 | 25 Jul 1944 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HNMS O 15 (N 15 / P 15)
2 Oct 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) and HrMs O 20 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bussemaker, RNN) departed Den Helder, Netherlands for the Dutch West Indies. They were escorted by the gunboat HrMs Van Kinsbergen (Cdr. J.L.K. Hoeke, RNN).
For the daily positions of HrMs O 15 during this passage see the map below.
(1)
18 Oct 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) and HrMs O 20 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bussemaker, RNN) and their escort HrMs Van Kinsbergen (Cdr. J.L.K. Hoeke, RNN) departed Ponta Delgada, Azores to continue their passage to the Dutch West Indies (Curacao). (1)
31 Oct 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) and HrMs O 20 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bussemaker, RNN) and their escort HrMs Van Kinsbergen (Cdr. J.L.K. Hoeke, RNN) arrive at Willemstad, Curacao, Dutch West Indies. (1)
13 Nov 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was docked at Willemstad, Curacao, Dutch West Indies. (1)
14 Nov 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was undocked. (1)
19 Nov 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Willemstad, Curacao for Aruba. (1)
20 Nov 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Oranjestad, Aruba, Dutch West Indies. (1)
27 Nov 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Willemstad, Curacao. (1)
18 Dec 1939
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba. (1)
2 Jan 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Willemstad, Curacao. (1)
11 Jan 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba. (2)
22 Jan 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Willemstad, Curacao. (2)
5 Feb 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba. (2)
19 Feb 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Willemstad, Curacao. (2)
28 Feb 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was docked at Willemstad, Curacao, Dutch West Indies. (2)
2 Mar 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was undocked. (2)
4 Mar 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba. (2)
18 Mar 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Willemstad, Curacao. (2)
8 Apr 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba. (2)
18 Apr 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Willemstad, Curacao. (3)
1 May 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba. (3)
6 May 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Willemstad, Curacao. (3)
10 May 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba. (3)
12 May 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Kralendijk, Bonaire. (3)
15 May 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Kralendijk, Bonaire to Willemstad, Curacao.
During the coming period a self refit was conducted by the crew of O 15. (3)
27 Jun 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was docked at Willemstad, Curacao, Dutch West Indies. (3)
28 Jun 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was undocked. She continued her self refit at Willemstad. (3)
13 Jul 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her refit at Curacao. She departed for Bermuda the same day. She made the passage together with the British sloop HMS Dundee (Capt.(Retd.) O.M.F. Stokes, RN).
For the daily positions of HrMs O 15 during this passage see the map below.
O 15 was to proceed to Halifax, Canada. There she was to join a convoy for onward passage to the U.K. where she was to join the 9th Submarine Flotilla based at Dundee.
19 Jul 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Hamilton, Bermuda.
During passage engine defects developed. It was intended to tow O 15 to the U.K. for repairs. This however was rejected and it was decided to stick to the original plan and sent her to Halifax. At Halifax repairs would be made before onward passage to the U.K. (3)
2 Aug 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Bermuda for Halifax. (3)
6 Aug 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Halifax. Repairs were now undertaken to the engines. This had to be done mostly be her own crew with the assistence of the Halifax naval dockyard. (3)
5 Oct 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was docked at Halifax. (3)
31 Oct 1940
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was undocked. (3)
13 Mar 1941
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her refit at Halifax. Meanwhile it had been decided that O 15 would stay in Canada to aid in A/S training for the rapidly expanding Royal Canadian Navy.
No logs of O 15 are available for the period March 1941 / May 1942 therefore few details are known for this period. (3)
29 Jan 1942
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Halifax for Philadelphia, U.S.A. At the Navy yard there she is to be refitted. (4)
5 Feb 1942
HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and commenced a refit. (4)
Submarine HNMS Dolfijn (P 47)
7 Oct 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (5)
8 Oct 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (5)
15 Nov 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Sealion (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR) until 1900/17.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
26 Nov 1942 (position 43.31, -8.34)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) attacked the German U-boat U-263 with three torpedoes in position 43°31'N, 08°34'W. U-263 reported that two torpedoes ran underneath her. U-263 had been heavily damaged by Allied aircraft two day's before and was unable to dive.
(All times are zone -1) 0750 hours - Asdic reported HE bearing 240°. Nothing could be seen through the periscope as it was still too dark for seeing any distance. Lights of fishing vessels were visible all round.
0758 hours - The Officer of the Watch sighted a small vessel, unidentified, and warned the Commanding Officer.
0800 hours - The Commanding Officer sighted a small darkened craft coming straight towards P 47. Changed course to get clear. Made ready for a torpedo attack.
0803 hours - Identified the target as a submarine at a range of 800 yards. Started attack.
0810 hours - Fired three torpedoes (four were intended). All missed. (6)
5 Dec 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 1st war patrol at Falmouth. (6)
8 Dec 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)
22 Dec 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Holy Loch for the passage to Gibraltar. En-route Dolfijn was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay to intercept the German bockade runner Rhakotis making this passage her 2nd war patrol.
During her passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS St. Elstan (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR).
For the daily positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
24 Dec 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) put into Falmouth to land two sick ratings. One of which was operated on immediately for appendicitis. (6)
27 Dec 1942
After taking on board three ratings that had to come from Dundee, HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), departed Falmouth to continue her passage to Gibraltar. She was escorted out (until 1740/27) by HMS Lord Inchcape (T/Lt. A.C. Baxter, RNVR) and HMS Conway Castle (T/Lt. N.G. Nell, RNVR). (6)
31 Dec 1942
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was ordered to intercept the German blockade runner Rhakotis. (6)
1 Jan 1943
During the night, HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), sighted flares dropped by aircraft but can't find the German blockade breaker Rhakotis. In the evening Dolfijn is ordered to continue her passage to Gibraltar. (6)
6 Jan 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (6)
13 Jan 1943
After two days of exercises out of Gibraltar, HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Alicante, Spain.
For the daily positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No positions are currently known for 16 to 20 January 1943.
(6)
23 Jan 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
1 Feb 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the west and south of Sardinia.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 4 to 10 February 1943.
(6)
9 Feb 1943 (position 38.42, 8.52)
The Italian submarine Malachite was torpedoed and sunk near Cape Spartivento, Sardinia, Italy in position 38°42'N, 08°52'E by the Dutch submarine HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN). Her commanding officer, T.V. Alpino Cinti, three officers and nine ratings were picked up by the auxiliary submarine chaser Arcioni and the fishing vessel Dori. One officer and thirty-four ratings were lost.
(All times are zone -1) 1047 hours - Heard HE bearing 100°.
1048 hours - Sighted a submarine bearing 095°. Started attack. The submarine was identified as Italian, the Ensign was clearly visible, most likely a Gemma-class boat.
1059 hours - Fired a full salvo of four torpedoes from 2200 yards. One hit was obtained. The enemy quickly started to sink by the stern. When almost gone the submarine popped up vertically out of the water with the bow visible almost up to the conning tower before she slipped under the waves for the final time. (6)
13 Feb 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
23 Feb 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Sardinia.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 27 February to 7 March 1943.
(6)
1 Mar 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) attacked an Italian submarine with four torpedoes off Cavoli Island. No hits were obtained. This was Argento on passage from Cagliari to La Maddalena. Dolfijn was later hunted by the auxiliary patrol boats Idria and Bella Italia.
(All times are zone -1) 1300 hours - Sighted an Italian Gemma-class or Sirena-class submarine coming round Cavoli Island. Closed to attack.
1312 hours - Fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 3500 yards. All missed ahead.
1316 hours - Sighted a twin-engine aircraft diving steeply and turning towards Dolfijn. Went to 120 feet.
1318 hours - Three explosions. One was rather near but it caused no damage.
11 Mar 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
14 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was docked at Algiers. (7)
17 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was undocked. (7)
23 Mar 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). Once again she was ordered to patrol off Sardinia. Later patrol was shifted to west of Sicily.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 27 March to 5 April 1943.
(6)
29 Mar 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Egle (1143 GRT, built 1893) off Cavoli Island, Sardinia. She was travelling from Cagliari to La Maddalena.
(All times are zone -1) 0840 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of 4000-5000 tons escorted by one RD-class minesweeper. Started attack.
0912 hours - Fired a salvo of three torpedoes. Obtained one hit in the engine room.
0915 hours - The target had a starboard list of 20°.
0919 hours - Had another look through the periscope. The target was no longer sighted. The minesweeper however was quite near so went deep but no counter-attack developed. (6)
10 Apr 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
24 Apr 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Sicily.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 29 April to 3 May 1943.
(6)
26 Apr 1943 (position 38.15, 5.52)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) attacked but missed the Italian submarine Dandolo with four torpedoes west-south-west of Sardinia. The Italian submarine spotted three torpedo tracks and turned away, two missed passed on her port side and the third on the starboard side.
(All times are zone -1) 0305 hours - In position 38°15'N, 05°52'E sighted a submarine steering a course of 340° abaft our beam. Range was between 2000 and 3000 yards.
0307 hours - The enemy zigged, course was now 320°.
0309 hours - Started attack.
0310 hours - Fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 1500 yards. Unfortunately, right at that moment the enemy started going astern and all torpedoes missed.
0312 hours - Dived. The enemy remained on the surface and made off to the northward. (6)
4 May 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) intended to shell a schooner with the 3" gun at St. Maria Bay, Ustica. Unfortunately, the gun malfunctioned and not a single shot was lost.
(All times are zone -1) 1020 hours - Surfaced to gun a 150 ton schooner in St. Maria Bay, Ustica. Unfortunately, the gun jammed and it was not possible to get it working.
1025 hours - Dived and retired from the area without firing a single shot. (6)
9 May 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
20 May 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of the Straits of Messina.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 1 to 4 June 1943.
(6)
25 May 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) damaged the Italian patrol vessel M 9 with gunfire off Ustica.
(All times are zone -1) 1630 hours - While passing Ustica investigated Santa Maria Anchorage. A small tug of about 200 tons and an apparently unarmed small M.T.B., no depth charges being visible and no torpedo on the starboard side. In order to make sure no torpedo was carried on the port side Dolfijn closed. As the M.T.B. was moored at a very sharp angle to the coast, Dolfijn had to come very close inshore. A torpedo was now seen to be carried on the port side so the plan for gun action was abandoned.
1700 hours - Lt.Cdr. van Oostrom Soede had overestimated the distance to the coast and Dolfijn grounded at slow speed on the rocks. While getting off Dolfijn came to 20 feet.
1702 hours - Blew main tanks; manned the machine gun and the 3" gun to keep the M.T.B. at a distance in case we could not get off right away. Kept the M.T.B. covered with machine gun fire, doing damage. A machine gun on the shore had meanwhile opened fire on Dolfijn.
1705 hours - Dived as Dolfijn was now in deeper water.
1706 hours - Periscope depth. It was now reported that there were two wounded.
A signal was sent about the two wounded crewmembers. Dolfijn was ordered to land them at Malta. (6)
28 May 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Malta to land her wounded. (6)
29 May 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Malta to resume her patrol. (6)
1 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1320 hours off Cape Zafferano, HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) sighted a Generale class torpedo boat escorting two vessels toward Palermo. The submarine closed to attack but desisted when the two vessels proved to be a tug and another very small vessel. These were most probably the torpedo boat Generale Achille Abb escorting the tugs Titano and Ursus to Palermo where they arrived about an hour later.
10 Jun 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
27 Jun 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Giglio Island and the Italian Mainland to provide cover during Operation Husky.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 3 to 13 July 1943.
(6)
4 Jul 1943 (position 42.05, 11.47)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Sabbia (5788 GRT, built 1926) south of Civitavecchia, Italy in position 42°05'N, 11°47'E. Sabbia was escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2207 which also towed the damaged ship into Civitavecchia where she was beached, partly blocking the entrance.
Also on this day HrMs Dolfijn sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 50 / Adalia (165 GRT) with gunfire about 15 nautical miles west of Civitavecchia, Italy in position 42°02'N, 11°20'E. The crew escaped in a lifeboat and reached the coast at Torre Chiaruccia the following morning.
(All times are zone -1) 0632 hours - In position 41°44'N, 11°52'E sighted a 5000-6000 ton merchant vessel with one escort at a range of about 7000 yards. Started attack.
0709 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 400 yards. One hit was obtained. Dolfijn took avoiding action and went deep. Depth control was lost and Dolfijn ended up at 300 feet but was soon able to go to 200 feet.
0731 hours - A counter attack in which a pattern of 6 depth charges was dropped, quite close.
0745 hours - Another pattern of 9 depth charges. Again quite close. The depth charging caused some minor damage.
0930 hours - Came to periscope depth. The target was about 5 nautical miles to the north-east. She was very much down by the stern and it appeared she would sink soon.
0957 hours - It was seen that the escort had taken the ship in tow.
-------------------------------------------------------
2000 hours - Sighted a three-masted armed patrol schooner. Remained nearby for gun action.
2110 hours - Surfaced for gun action in position 42°02'N, 11°20'E. Opened fire from 3500 yards. The crew abandoned ship in a dinghy.
2116 hours - Stopped firing after 43 rounds for 8 hits. But the gun was not functioning properly.
2125 hours - Boarded the schooner. Collected logbooks and papers and placed demolition charges.
2215 hours - The charges exploded and set the ship on fire.
2250 hours - The schooner blew up and sank. (6)
13 Jul 1943 (position 41.41, 12.00)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) sank the Italian sailing vessel V 105 / Stefano Galleano (137 GRT) with gunfire off Ostia, Italy in position 41°41'N, 12°00'E. One of the crew was killed, two were missing and three were wounded.
(All times are zone -1) 2134 hours - Surfaced in position 41°41'N, 12°00'E for gun action with an armed patrol schooner. Range was 2500 yards. 23 rounds were fired. All were hits except for one near-miss.
2200 hours - Boarded the schooner and placed explosive charges. Found one of the crew killed. The others had abandoned ship in their dinghy.
2225 hours - After burning fiercely the schooner sank. (6)
20 Jul 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
24 Jul 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was docked at Algiers. (8)
1 Aug 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was undocked. (8)
4 Aug 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Toulon, Southern France.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 8 to 11 and 13 to 15 August 1943.
(6)
12 Aug 1943
At 0010 hours (zone -2), HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), sighted a southbound U-boat in position 42°50'N, 05°55'E. This was U-380 that had left Toulon for her patrol area the previous evening. It was not possible to attack. U-380 also sighted Dolfijn but was also unable to attack.
At 2143 hours (zone -2), HrMs Dolfijn, sighted another southbound U-boat in position 42°40'N, 05°55'E. This was most likely U-431 that had left Toulon for her patrol area that afternoon. It was not possible to attack. (6)
19 Aug 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
3 Sep 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Corsica and the Italian mainland.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 9, 11, 14 and 14 September 1943.
(6)
10 Sep 1943 (position 42.45, 9.54)
At 0105 hours (zone -2), HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), encountered the Italian minelaying submarine Filippo Corridoni in position 42°45'N, 09°54'E. A conference was then held on board Dolfijn. Corridoni had escaped from La Maddalena when the port was taken over by the Germans. She had been refitting at La Maddalena and was unable to dive. Also she had no lubricating oil on board. A signal was now sent to Capt (S)8 requesting orders. After a few hours these orders were received and passed to the Corridoni. The submarines then parted company.
Corridoni eventually put into Palermo on 13 September 1943. (6)
11 Sep 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) torpedoed and damaged the brand new Italian merchant Humanitas (7980 GRT, built 1943) off Bastia, Corsica. The unfortunate ship was then damaged by German air attack and had to be finished off by gunfire from the corvettes Gabbiano and Pellicano.
(All times are zone -2) 1542 hours - Sighted a large merchant vessel about 1 nautical mile outside Bastia harbour. She had just left this harbour. Enemy course was 075°. Two torpedo boats were escorting the merchant ship. Started attack.
1548 hours - Fired a full salvo of four torpedoes.
1550 hours - One torpedo hit the stern of the enemy doing tremendous damage. No counter attack followed. (6)
13 Sep 1943 (position 44.09, 9.37)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) sank the German barges Gerda and Hedwig with gunfire south of Sestri Levante, Italy in position 44°09'N, 09°37'E.
(All times are zone -2) 1000 hours - Sighted two 250 tons loaded German transport barges.
1040 hours - Surfaced in position 44°09'N, 09°37'E and attacked both barges with gunfire. Both were destroyed. A total of 74 rounds of 3" were fired for 20 observed hits. Not very good shooting but the barges were very low in the water and difficult to hit.
1106 hours - Withdrew from the area on the surface until 1118 hours when Dolfijn dived for an aircraft contact on the radar. (6)
15 Sep 1943 (position 43.55, 8.07)
Around noon, HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), fired a total of three torpedoes at the wreck of the French merchant Dalny (6672 GRT) that was aground off Cape Cervo, Liguria, Italy in position 43°55'N, 08°07'E. One torpedo hit was obtained but it did not explode. The wreck was most likely protected by nets. (6)
19 Sep 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for patrol but returned the same evening due to a defect to the telemotor system.
7 Oct 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), her repairs completed, departed Algiers for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Toulon and the French Riviera.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 10 to 19 October 1943.
(6)
14 Oct 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) attacked a small convoy with gunfire near Fréjus, southern France. Dolfijn fired 16 rounds but broke off the action as fire was returned very quickly and forced the submarine to submerge. The barge Vidi was hit twice during the engagement. It was in convoy 5355 from Toulon to La Spezia consisting of landing barge F 433 with barges Vidi, Tulipe, Jan, Frans and Marabout but Jan had defects and turned back to Toulon and the convoy proceeded to St Tropez. They sailed again on 14 October, but Frans broke down and F 433 had to tow her back to St Tropez. The convoy was now formed by the barges Vidi, Tulipe and Warntraut (Marabout?) escorted by the Flak boats HS 19 and HS 20 in a very loose formation with Warntraut and one (or two?) HS boat about 4-5 miles astern when they were attacked. There were no casualties but two Germans from Vidi jumped overboard and were later recovered by HS 13. Vidi and Tulipe (also reported as damaged) were diverted to Cannes for repairs (our thanks to Theodor Dorgeist for this information).
(All times are zone -1) 0845 hours - Sighted two empty transport barges escorted by a small fishing vessel.
0943 hours - Surfaced for gun action at a range of 2400 yards. Fired 16 rounds for 2 hits. The action had to be broken off as shore batteries opened an accurate fire. Before the gun crew was down one Officer was hit by a small splinter and very slightly wounded. Also the starboard night sight was hit and put out of use.
0947 hours - Dived to periscope depth. The barge that had been hit must have been only slightly damaged as it continued on its voyage. (6)
23 Oct 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)
3 Nov 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Algiers for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa. Although merchant ships were sighted on a couple of occasion, not attack could be carried out.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs Dolfijn during this patrol see the map below. The map is however incomplete. No daily positions are currently known for 7 to 15 November 1943.
(6)
20 Nov 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Bizerta. (6)
22 Nov 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Bizerta for passage to Malta. She made the passage together with HMS Untiring (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS BYMS 2028 (Skr. J.R. Clark, RNR). (6)
23 Nov 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
24 Nov 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was docked at Malta. (9)
4 Dec 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) was undocked. (9)
11 Dec 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Malta for Beirut. (9)
16 Dec 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Beirut. (9)
24 Dec 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Beirut for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.
No daily positions are known for this patrol so no map can be displayed. (6)
29 Dec 1943
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) developed engine defects forcing her to abandon her war patrol and return to Beirut. (6)
4 Jan 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (6)
22 Jan 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Beirut for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.
No daily positions are known for this patrol so no map can be displayed. (6)
26 Jan 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) unsuccessfully tries to attack the
German merchant Leda (4572 GRT, built 1943, former Italian Leopardi) south of Ikaria Island, Greece. She was escorted by the German destroyers TA 14 (former Italian destroyer Turbine), TA 16 (former Italian torpedo boat former Italian Castelfidardo) and the German motor minesweepers R 194, R 211. Dolfijn was spotted and driven off by TA 14.
(All times are zone -2) 0357 hours - Radar contact, probably a ship, bearing 300°. Range was 8000 yards. Position was 37°21'N, 26°17'E.
0358 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel and two destroyers on the bearing indicated. Started attack.
0400 hours - The merchant vessel altered course towards. This brought the starboard wing destroyer much closer to Dolfijn. Reduced speed and kept the bow pointed towards the destroyer hoping to remain unseen. Radar was of assistance giving range.
0405 hours - The destroyer passed Dolfijn at a range of 2000 yards but then one of his lookouts must have sighted Dolfijn. Fire was opened with heavy machine guns, later joined by a pom-pom, firing tracer. Dived and took avoiding action, expecting being depth charged but this did not materialise.
0501 hours - Surfaced. An enemy report was passed a little over one hour later. (6)
31 Jan 1944 (position 36.31, 25.26)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) fires three torpedoes against the German merchant Oria (2127 GRT, built 1920, former French Sainte Julienne, former Norwegian Oria) north of Santorini Island, Greece. She was escorted by UJ 2105, UJ 2106 and UJ 2110. The target was however not hit. Twelve days later she was sunk in a storm, over 4000 Italian PoWs lost their lives.
(All times are zone -2) 0740 hours - In position 36°31'N, 25°26'E sighted a 2000 ton merchant vessel and three escorts. A JU-88 aircraft was patrolling overhead. Started attack.
0818 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 2500 yards. The target probably sighted the torpedo tracks as it took avoiding action by turning away. No hits were obtained.
0829 hours - The three torpedoes were heard to explode at the end of their run. No counter attack followed but more aircraft arrived and they began searching the area. Withdrew to the north. (6)
4 Feb 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) attacked the German auxiliary submarine chaser (auxiliary schooner) UJ 2141 with gunfire in the Doro Channel. The Germans opened an accurate return fire and Dolfijn broke off the action and dived.
(All times are zone -2) 1502 hours - Sighted a 120 ton motor schooner. Started to close. The schooner passed out of range, but i decided to follow, as it was thought possible to attack her by gunfire during the night.
1715 hours - The schooner had rounded Cape Doro but remained in sight.
1853 hours - Surfaced and closed the schooner on the surface. Visibility against the dark background was very poor. Owning to the close vicinity of the land radar was useless.
1925 hours - Opened fire with starshell from 2500 yards. Before starshell burst the enemy opened fire with all armament, which was plenty. The armament was estimated as two guns, one pom-pom and two Oerlikons.
1928 hours - Enemy fire was coming close. Dived and took avoiding action. No counter attack followed.
2018 hours - Surfaced and retired to seaward. (6)
10 Feb 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (6)
24 Feb 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Beirut for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. Only small vessels were sighted. An attempt to intercept a U-boat (U-453 ?) in Kaso Straits (8-9 March) failed.
No daily positions are known for this patrol so no map can be displayed. (6)
15 Mar 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
3 Apr 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.
No daily positions are known for this patrol so no map can be displayed. (6)
14 Apr 1944 (position 37.00, 23.05)
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) attacked the German patrol vessel GA 01 with two torpedoes off Kiparissi, Greece. It missed.
(All times are zone -2) 0950 hours - Sighted one vessel hull down, proceeding north.
1015 hours - The vessel was identified as an UJ-boat. She was patrolling the coast together with two R-boats. Started attack.
1032 hours - In position 37°00'N, 23°05'E fired the one torpedo (three were intended). Depth control was lost after firing this torpedo and Dolfijn went to 230 feet. Took avoiding action.
1035 hours - A mild counter attack followed but only the first two-depth charge pattern was close. The rest was further away.
1115 hours - Periscope depth. The UJ-boat was still hunting and dropping small depth charge patterns but the R-boats were no longer in sight. Withdrew from the area. (6)
17 Apr 1944 (position 36.32, 24.18)
In two separate attacks HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) sank the Greek sailing vessels HYD 129 / Agios Georgios (38 GRT) and PI 1997 / Theonie (6 GRT) with gunfire south-south-west and south of Milos Island, Greece. The four crew members of Agios Georgios reached the coast in a boat, the three crew members of Theonie were taken prisoner.
(All times are zone -2) 0452 hours - Near the south-west corner of Milos sighted a sailing caique against the eastern horizon. Closed.
0502 hours - Dived to avoid detection. Closed submerged.
0522 hours - Surfaced in position 36°32'N, 24°18'E and sank the caique of about 30 tons with gunfire. The crew abandoned ship in their dinghy.
0530 hours - Dived. Patrolled to the south of Milos.
------------------------------------------------------------
1350 hours - Sighted a motor caique hull down. Tried to close but could not gain enough to estimate size.
1513 hours - Surfaced and chased.
1525 hours - Fired a warning shot. Caique stopped.
1534 hours - Came alongside. The caique was small, size 6 tons, Embarked the crew and sank the caique with gunfire in position 36°26'N, 24°28'E.
1545 hours - Dived. (6)
21 Apr 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
5 May 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy MKS 48. Dolfijn was to proceed to the U.K. to refit. (6)
10 May 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (6)
20 May 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch. She made the passage in convoy MKS 49. (6)
3 Jun 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)
4 Jun 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (10)
7 Jun 1944
HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) arrived at Dundee where she was to refit. (10)
7 Jul 1944
During her refit at Dundee, HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), is docked in the Victoria Dock. (10)
Sources
- File 2.12.03.6392 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- File 2.12.03.6393 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- File 2.12.03.6394 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- ADM 199/2564
- ADM 199/424
- ADM 199/1855
- ADM 199/1919
- File 2.12.03.5650 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- File 2.12.03.5652 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- File 2.12.03.5654 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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