Allied Warships

HNMS K XI (N 53)

Submarine of the K XI class

NavyThe Royal Dutch Navy
TypeSubmarine
ClassK XI 
PennantN 53 
Built byFeijenoord (Schiedam, Holland) 
Ordered3 Sep 1921 
Laid down9 Dec 1922 
Launched24 Apr 1924 
Commissioned24 Mar 1925 
End service10 Apr 1945 
History

Decommissioned on 10 April 1945 and later sold to be broken up for scrap. 

Commands listed for HNMS K XI (N 53)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1luitenant ter zee 2e klasse (Lt.) Henri Charles Besançon, RNN6 Mar 19399 Sep 1940

2luitenant ter zee 1e klasse (Lt.Cdr.) Adolf Hendrik Deketh, RNN29 Mar 19411 Oct 1943
3luitenant ter zee 1e klasse (Lt.Cdr.) Paulus Gijsbertus de Back, RNN1 Oct 194310 Apr 1945

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Notable events involving K XI include:


The history of HrMs K XI as compiled on this page is for the most part extracted from the patrol reports and seveal other files regarding the operations of this submarine found the Dutch archives at The Hague, Netherlands. Unfortunately no logbooks for this submarine are available.

This page was last updated in February 2019.

2 Dec 1941
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Surabaya together with HrMs K IX (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. H.C.J. Coumou, RNN(R)) and HrMs K XIII (Lt.Cdr. M.A.J. Derksema, RNN) (this is the 2nd Dutch submarine division) with the orders to patrol in Strait Karimata and Strait Gaspar.

7 Dec 1941
Before the war with Japan started the submarines of the 2nd submarine division, HrMs K IX (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) and HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. H.C.J. Coumou, RNN(R)) and HrMs K XIII (Lt.Cdr. M.A.J. Derksema, RNN) were ordered to proceed Northwards. K XI was ordered to patrol off the Natuna Islands. The other three submarines were ordered to patrol off the Badas Islands.

K IX however developed engine problems and was forced to return to Surabaya for repairs.

8 Dec 1941
When war with Japan was declared the 2nd submarine division (now comprising HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. H.C.J. Coumou, RNN(R)) and HrMs K XIII (Lt.Cdr. M.A.J. Derksema, RNN) was placed under British command. While waiting for further orders the commander of the 2nd submarine division (the CO of K XIII) ordered all boats to patrol near the Natuna islands.

This patrol then became HrMs K XI's 1st war patrol. (1)

9 Dec 1941
All five Dutch submarines that are now operating under British control (1st submarine division; HrMs O 16 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bussemaker, RNN) and HrMs K XVII (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Besançon, RNN) and the 2nd submarine division; HrMs K XIII (Lt.Cdr. M.A.J. Derksema, RNN), HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) and HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. H.C.J. Coumou, RNN(R)) are ordered to form a patrol line 180° from the South point of French Indo-China.

10 Dec 1941
While still en-route to their patrol area HrMs O 16 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bussemaker, RNN), HrMs K XVII (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Besançon, RNN), HrMs K XIII (Lt.Cdr. M.A.J. Derksema, RNN), HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) and HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. H.C.J. Coumou, RNN(R)) are ordered to proceed towards the East coast of Malaya after they had reached their patrol position.

K XI reached her patrol position in the early morning of 12 December and then proceeded towards the shore of Malaya. She arrived to the North of Kota Bharu at daybreak on 13 December. (1)

13 Dec 1941
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) spent the day to the North of Kota Bharu but sighted nothing. In the late afternoon course was set towards Singapore.

Later a signal was received ordering HrMs K XVII, HrMS K XIII, HrMs K XI and HrMs K XII to form a patrol line to the North-West of Mankai Island (Anambas Islands). K XI arrived in her new patrol position around 2130/14. (1)

15 Dec 1941
HrMs K XVII (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Besançon, RNN), HrMs K XIII (Lt.Cdr. M.A.J. Derksema, RNN), HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) and HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. H.C.J. Coumou, RNN(R)) are ordered to proceed towards the East coast of Malaya. (1)

16 Dec 1941
In the early morning hours HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived off the Malayan coast near Kuantang. Nothing was sighted but K XI was ordered to remain patrolling in that area. (1)

18 Dec 1941
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is ordered to patrol off the mouth of the Endau river. (1)

21 Dec 1941
In the early moring hours HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is ordered to return to Singapore where she arrived late in the afternoon thus ending her 1st war patrol. (1)

27 Dec 1941
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Singapore for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the East of the Natuna Islands. (1)

3 Jan 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Singapore. The patrol had been uneventful. (1)

10 Jan 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Singapore for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Southern end of the Malacca Strait near the Sembilan Islands. (1)

16 Jan 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is ordered to return to Singapore. (1)

17 Jan 1942
About four nautical miles north-west of the One-Fathom Bank, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), tried to sink a drifting barge with gunfire. Seven rounds were fired for three hits but then the gun malfunctioned and the action had to be broken off. (1)

18 Jan 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Singapore. (1)

23 Jan 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Singapore for Surabaya.

30 Jan 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived at Surabaya.

5 Feb 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Surabaya for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the North of Banka Strait.

10 Feb 1942
In the early morning hours HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived in her patrol area.

16 Feb 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed her patrol area for Surabaya. She was in need of repairs.

19 Feb 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) ended her 4th war patrol at Surabaya.

27 Feb 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is docked at Surabaya. (1)

28 Feb 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is undocked. (1)

1 Mar 1942
After repairs HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Surabaya. She was ordered to stay outside the harbour and to be ready to evacuate members of the naval staff and other officers to Colombo.

3 Mar 1942
Late in the evening HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Surabaya roads for Colombo. On board were 10 officers that were to be evacuated. Course was set towards Lombok Strait.

For the daily positions of HrMs K XI during this passage see the map below.

(2)

5 Mar 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) passed Lombok Strait Southbound. Course was then set towards Colombo. (2)

8 Mar 1942
Shortly after noon, in position 11°30'S, 108°54'E HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) picked up 18 survivors from the Australian sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Rankin, RAN), the British depot ship HMS Anking (Capt. J.P.L. Reid, RN) and the KPM steamer Parigi. The first two ships had been sunk on the 4th by Japanese warships. Parigi had been sunk on the 1st and 36 survivors had been picked up by HMAS Yarra on the 2nd. One of these was amongst the survivors picked up by HrMs K XI.

One of the survivors died in the early evening and was buried at sea. (2)

17 Mar 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived at Colombo, Celyon. (2)

31 Mar 1942
Due to expected Japanese air attacks on Colombo HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Colombo for the Gulf of Mannar to shelter there.

31 Mar 1942
Around 1030F/31, HrMs Colombia (Capt. J.L.K. Hoeke, RNN) departed Colombo for the Gulf of Mannar. She is to proceed there as it is expected the Japanese are going to attack Ceylon and to do not get caught in Colombo harbour during the expected air attacks. With her were also HrMs Willem van der Zaan (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Küller, RNN), HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), HrMs K XIV (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) and HrMs K XV (Lt.Cdr. Baron C.W.T. van Boetzelaer, RNN).

They remained there at anchor until shortly after midnight during the night of 6/7 April 1942 when they set course to return to Colombo where they arrived around mid-afternoon on 7 April 1942. (3)

7 Apr 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) returned to Colombo.

8 Apr 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Colombo for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the East of Ceylon to search for and attack Japanese warships.

For the daily positions of HrMs K XI during this patrol see the map below. No position is known for 11 April.

(1)

9 Apr 1942
At 0852 hours, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), while running on the surface, sighted an unknown aircraft. Three minutes later she submerged. The aircraft dropped one bomb about 800 meters astern of K XI. (1)

12 Apr 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) ended her 5th war patrol at Trincomalee. No Japanese warships had been sighted. (1)

13 Apr 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South-East corner of Ceylon.

For the daily positions of HrMs K XI during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

17 Apr 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) ended her 6th war patrol at Colombo. (1)

9 May 1942
During 9 to 14 May 1942 HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (1)

16 May 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is docked at Colombo. (1)

19 May 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is undocked. (1)

21 May 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Colombo for Bombay, India. She was escorted by the Australian minesweeper HMAS Bathurst (Lt.Cdr. A.V. Bunyan, RANR(S)). (1)

21 May 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived at Bombay. (1)

1 Jun 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Bombay for Karachi. (1)

4 Jun 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived at Karachi. Based at Karachi, where the sound school of the RIN was based, she was to participate in A/S exercises off that port and in the Gulf of Kutch. (1)

12 Jun 1942
From 12 to 16 June 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Karachi. (1)

22 Jun 1942
From 22 to 27 June 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises in the Gulf of Kutch. (1)

7 Jul 1942
From 7 to 24 July 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises in the Gulf of Kutch. (1)

27 Jul 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is docked at Karachi. (1)

1 Aug 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is undocked. (1)

17 Aug 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) conducted exercises off Karachi and then departed for the Gulf of Kutch to participate in A/S exercises there. On completion of the exercises in the Gulf of Kutch period K XI is to proceed to Bombay for maintenance. (1)

30 Aug 1942
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived at Bombay. (1)

8 Sep 1942
From 8 to 11 September 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

14 Sep 1942
From 14 to 18 September 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

21 Sep 1942
From 21 to 25 September 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

5 Oct 1942
From 5 to 9 October 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

12 Oct 1942
From 12 to 16 October 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

19 Oct 1942
From 19 to 23 October 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

2 Nov 1942
From 2 to 6 November 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

16 Nov 1942
From 16 to 20 November 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

23 Nov 1942
From 23 to 27 November 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

30 Nov 1942
From 30 to 4 December 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

14 Dec 1942
From 14 to 18 December 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

21 Dec 1942
From 21 to 25 December 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

28 Dec 1942
From 28 to 31 December 1942, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

11 Jan 1943
From 11 to 15 January 1943, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

18 Jan 1943
From 18 to 22 January 1943, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

25 Jan 1943
From 25 to 29 January 1943, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

1 Feb 1943
From 1 to 5 February 1943, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

15 Feb 1943
From 15 to 19 February 1943, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

22 Feb 1943
From 22 to 26 February 1943, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

1 Mar 1943
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

3 Mar 1943
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Bombay. (1)

4 Mar 1943
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) commenced a long uverdue refit at Bombay. K XI had last been refitted from August to December 1940. It is expected that the refit would be completed in July 1943. The refit lasted however until early February 1944 due to low priority and lack of skilled labour and supervision at the Bombay Royal Dockyard.

9 Mar 1943
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) was docked at Bombay. (1)

22 May 1943
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) was undocked. (1)

25 Aug 1943
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is docked at Bombay. (1)

12 Nov 1943
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) is undocked. (1)

7 Jan 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) is docked at Bombay. (1)

12 Jan 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) is undocked. (1)

10 Feb 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted trials of Bombay. (1)

28 Feb 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) completed her refit at Bombay. (1)

28 Feb 1944
From 28 February to 11 March 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay.

23 Mar 1944
From 23 March to 7 April 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay. (1)

17 Apr 1944
From 17 April to 5 May 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay. (1)

9 May 1944
From 9 May to 11 May 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), participated in A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay. (1)

22 May 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) is docked at Bombay. (1)

1 Jun 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) is undocked. (1)

8 Jun 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (1)

12 Jun 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Colombo. (1)

17 Jun 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo. (1)

19 Jun 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo. (1)

28 Jun 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Colombo for Madras. She was escorted by the Australian minesweeper HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt. R.H. Creasey, RANR(S)). (1)

2 Jul 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Madras. (1)

7 Jul 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Madras. (1)

9 Jul 1944
During 9 to 13 July 1944 HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Madras. (1)

15 Jul 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Madras for Visakhapatnam. She was escorted by the Indian minesweeping trawler HMIS Amritsar (T/Lt. W.R. Kelso, RINR). (1)

16 Jul 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Visakhapatnam. (1)

19 Jul 1944
During 19 to 22 July 1944 HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Visakhapatnam. (1)

24 Jul 1944
During 24 to 26 July 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), conducted A/S exercises off Visakhapatnam. (1)

3 Aug 1944
During 3 to 5 August 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), conducted A/S exercises off Visakhapatnam. (1)

7 Aug 1944
During 7 to 12 August 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), conducted A/S exercises off Visakhapatnam. (1)

14 Aug 1944
During 14 to 19 August 1944, HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN), conducted A/S exercises off Visakhapatnam. (1)

23 Aug 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Visakhapatnam. (1)

24 Aug 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Visakhapatnam for Madras. She was escorted by the Indian minesweeping trawler HMIS Amritsar (T/Lt. W.R. Kelso, RINR). (1)

26 Aug 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Madras. (1)

28 Aug 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Madras for Colombo. She was escorted by the Indian minesweeping trawler HMIS Amritsar (T/Lt. W.R. Kelso, RINR). (1)

1 Sep 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Colombo. (1)

4 Sep 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Colombo for Bombay. She is escorted by the Indian minesweeper HMIS Orissa (T/Lt. C.S. Ahmad, RINR). (1)

8 Sep 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Bombay for repairs to her battery compartment. (4)

16 Oct 1944
Repairs to the battery compartment have now been completed and HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Varsova today. (4)

18 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

19 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

20 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR) and HMAS Cairns (T/Lt. N.G. Weber, RANR(S)). (4)

24 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

25 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

26 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

27 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

30 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

31 Oct 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

1 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

2 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

3 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Baroda (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Ritchie, RINR). (4)

6 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

7 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

8 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

9 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

10 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

20 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

30 Nov 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) is docked at Bombay. (1)

1 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) is undocked. (1)

5 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

6 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

7 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

8 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

11 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

12 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

13 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

14 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

15 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

18 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

19 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

20 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

21 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

22 Dec 1944
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

2 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

3 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

4 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

5 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

8 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

9 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

10 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

11 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

12 Jan 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR). (4)

20 Feb 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Bombay for Colombo. K XI is to proceed to Australia to be decomissioned there. (4)

24 Feb 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Colombo. (4)

1 Mar 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (4)

3 Mar 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) arrived at Trincomalee. (4)

4 Mar 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) departed Trincomalee for her 7th and final war patrol. She was to patrol off the West coast of Sumatra and then to proceed to Fremantle, Australia to be decomissioned there.

It is remarkable that this old boat that was deemed unfit for offensive operations in 1942 and was now even deemed unfit for A/S exercises was allowed to make a short war patrol en-route to Fremantle.

For the daily positions of HrMs K XI during this patrol see the map below.

(4)

22 Mar 1945
HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) ended her 7th war patrol at Fremantle. Nothing of interest had been sighted during her short patrol off the West coast of Sumatra. (4)

Sources

  1. File 2.12.37.200 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  2. File 2.12.27.128 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  3. ADM 53/116181 + File 2.12.03.6053 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands) + File 2.12.03.7071 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  4. File 2.12.03.6050 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)

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


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