Allied Warships

HMS Spark (P 236)

Submarine of the S class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeSubmarine
ClassS 
PennantP 236 
ModThird Group 
Built byScotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. (Greenock, Scotland) 
Ordered12 Jul 1941 
Laid down10 Oct 1942 
Launched28 Dec 1943 
Commissioned28 Apr 1944 
End service 
History

Sold to broken up for scrap on 29 October 1949.
Scrapped at Faslane, Scotland.

 

Commands listed for HMS Spark (P 236)

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
1Lt. Derrick George Kent, RN28 Feb 19444 Nov 1945

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Notable events involving Spark include:


The history of HMS Spark as compiled on this page is extracted from the logbooks and patrol reports of this submarine.

This page was last updated in February 2020.

30 Apr 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

2 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

3 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

4 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

6 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar (Loch Long). (2)

7 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Arrochar. (2)

8 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Arrochar. (2)

10 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Arrochar. (2)

11 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Arrochar. On completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (2)

12 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted echo sounding and D/F trials in the Clyde area. (2)

13 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

14 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

17 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted RDF (radar) trials off Campbeltown. On completion of these trials she put into Campbeltown for evaluation. (2)

18 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these exercises she returned to Holy Loch. (2)

19 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (2)

20 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

21 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

24 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

25 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

26 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

27 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

28 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

31 May 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

1 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) proceeded to Campbeltown on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

2 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

3 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

4 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

7 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

9 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

11 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

12 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

13 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (3)

16 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (3)

17 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (3)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

21 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (3)

22 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (3)

26 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (3)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) proceeded to Larne on completion of last night's exercises. (3)

3 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (4)

4 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne. (4)

5 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (4)

8 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (4)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Larne with HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR). (4)

12 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (4)

13 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (4)

15 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the East of the Orkney and Shetland Islands.

She made the passage through the Minches together with HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (5)

28 Jul 1944

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

13 Aug 1944
At 1150 hours, HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made rendez-vous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). At 1845 hours they were joined by HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) that came from Scapa Flow. (5)

15 Aug 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (5)

24 Aug 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (6)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was undocked. (6)

28 Aug 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted D/G trials at Helensburgh. (6)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted trials in Loch Long. (7)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She made the passage through the Irish Sea together with HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) and HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) which were also to proceed to Gibraltar and eventually the Far East. The submarines were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR).

South of Ireland the submarines joined convoy OS 82 / KMS 62 for onward passage to Gibraltar. (7)

3 Sep 1944

For the daily positions of HMS Spark during the passage to the Far East see the map below.

12 Sep 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (7)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (7)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Malta. (7)

28 Sep 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (7)

2 Oct 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Port Said. (8)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) transited the Suez Canal and departed for Aden. (8)

8 Oct 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Aden. (8)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (8)

21 Oct 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Trincomalee to join the Eastern Fleet. (8)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (9)

9 Nov 1944
During 9 and 10 October 1944 HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (9)

12 Nov 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (9)

13 Nov 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was undocked. (9)

14 Nov 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Trincomalee for 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Burma. She was escorted out by HMS Lewes (T/Lt. M.H. Grylls, SANF(V)).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spark during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire of the West coast of Burma.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1100 hours - Sighted a 150 tons schooner bearing 080°. Went deep and closed at 5 knots.

1155 hours - Surfaced in position 14°03'N, 97°57'E and opened fire from 3500 yards.

1220 hours - The target was left sinking. Spark retired to the North. (5)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) performed air/sea rescue duties near position 14°00'N, 97°00'E. (5)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) sank a sailing vessel with demolotion charges just North of the Mergui Archipelago, Burma.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0945 hours - Sighted sails bearing 050°. Altered course to close.

1050 hours - Surfaced in position 12°46'N, 98°17'E, 50 yards abeam of a Mergui type sailing vessel of about 35 tons. Boarded. Took 5 prisoners and sank the vessel with demolition charges. The cargo consisted of tobacco. (5)

6 Dec 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMIS Pansy (A/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Main, RINR). (5)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia.

For the daily positions of HMS Spark during this passage see the map below.

(10)

25 Dec 1944
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Fremantle, Australia. (10)

2 Jan 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was docked at Fremantle. (11)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was undocked. (11)

12 Jan 1945
During 12 and 13 January 1945 HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (11)

16 Jan 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Fremantle for 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East, 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spark during this patrol see the map below.


View HMS Spark 3rd war patrol in a larger map (5)

20 Jan 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) makes a short stop at Exmouth Gulf to top off with fuel. She departed for her patrol area later the sameday. (5)

24 Jan 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made the passage through Lombok Strait Northbound. (5)

1 Feb 1945
While on patrol off the Northern coast of Java HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) sank a Japanese coaster and a barge that this coaster was towing. Also a tug was sunk. A large coaster was forced ashore on Panjang Island. Another coaster was finally destroyed on the beach and left as a total loss.

(All times are zone -8)
1415 hours - In position 06°41'S, 110°32'E sighted a coaster towing a lighter. The coaster had a Japanese flag painted on her side and was thought to be of about 700 tons.

1419 hours - Started attack.

1440 hours - Fired four torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Only one was seen to run and it was thought that three of the torpedoes hit the bottom and failed to run. There should have been 10 fathoms of water but Spark grounded shortly afterwards in only 37 feet of water so at ..........

1504 hours - Surfaced and opened fire. On surfacing a larger vessel of about 1100 tons was sighted about 5 nautical miles to the Northward. Lt. Kent decided to attack the coaster and the barge first and then go off in pursuit of the larger vessel.

1523 hours - The coaster and the barge sank so went in pursuit of the larger vessel that was making off at all speed towards Panjang Island.

1534 hours - A small craft of about 150 to 200 tons was seen heading straight for Spark. This was thought to be an escort of the larger vessel so at ........

1542 hours - Fire was opened on it. As the range was closed it was seen to be a tug laden with stores.

1552 hours - The tug turned over and sank in position 06°38'S, 110°34'E. Meanwhile the 1100 tons ship was beached off Panjang Island.

1601 hours - In position 06°37'S, 110°35'E Fired on torpedo at the beached ship. It missed and exploded on the beach 150 yards ahead of the ship. As destroying it by gunfire would take a lot of time and ammunition in the heavily patrolled waters it was decided to leave her as a mast was seen to be approaching from the Northward. This was soon seen to be from a 500 tons coaster. As Spark approached the coaster beached itself on Tanjong Piring.

1648 hours - In position 06°35'S, 110°34'E fire was opened on this coaster and after 58 rounds she was considered to be a total loss.

1658 hours - Spark now cleared the area and made for deeper water.

1706 hours - A twin engined bomber was seen coming in from behind the hills to the Eastward. Spark dived.

1707 hours - Two bombs were dropped close on the Port side when Spark passed 35 feet. No damage was caused. (5)

8 Feb 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) attacked but missed a Japanese Chidori-class torpedo boat with four torpedoes off the North coast of Java in position 06°18'S, 110°55'E. Spark was counter attacked 16 depth charges. Spark was not damaged. [The torpedo boat must have been either Kari or Kiji].

(All times are zone -8)
1030 hours - In position 06°18'S, 110°55'E sighted mast bearing 050°. She was soon identified as being from a small warship. Started attack.

1055 hours - Fired four torpedoes against a Chidori-class torpedo boat from 2200 yards. No hits. Went deep and altered to Starboard.

1059 hours - First pattern of six depth charges exploded 200 yards astern. The attack sontinued for a while in which the Japanese dropped 16 depth charges. No damage to Spark was caused however. The torpedo boat patrolled the area all day so Spark remained under water until 0055 hours/09.

(5)

11 Feb 1945
At 1316 hours (zone -8) HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was bombed by a Japanese aircraft near position 07°05'S, 116°44'E. No damage was caused but it upset Lt. Kent's plans to transit Lombok Strait this day. (5)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made the passage through Lombok Strait Southbound. (5)

20 Feb 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. Before entering harbour noise trials were carried out. (5)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (12)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was put back in the water. (12)

10 Mar 1945
During 10 and 11 March 1945 HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (12)

11 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was docked at Fremantle. After a few hours she was undocked again. (12)

13 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Fremantle for 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East, 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Flores Sea.

She had to return to Fremantle after a hours with mechanical problems.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spark during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

14 Mar 1945
After repairs HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Fremantle to resume her 4th war patrol. (5)

18 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) topped off with fuel at Onslow before proceeding to her patrol area. (5)

22 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made the passage through Lombok Strait Northbound. (5)

29 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Flores Sea in position 07°07'S, 120°09'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0600 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 315°.

0605 hours - Started attack on what was now seen to be a coaster of about 600 tons.

0635 hours - In position 07°07'S, 120°09'E fired 4 torpedoes set to 2 feet. No hits were obtained.

0638 hours - The target dropped one small depth charge, increased speed and opened fire at the discharge splash. At this moment the attack periscope got jammed in it's well. As Lt. Kent now knew the target was armed with a 20mm machine gun he decided to run accross the targets stern and surface on the targets Port quarter hoping that his armament would be trained to Starboard. Meanwhile repairs could be carried out to the periscope.

0708 hours - Surfaced and opened fire.

0737 hours - Considered that the target was sinking so ceased fire.

0745 hours - The target was seen to sink. (5)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Flores Sea in position 07°13'S, 119°31'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0210 hours - In position 07°13'S, 119°31'E sighted a ship bearing 230°. Estimeted course was 085°. It was soon seen to ba a coaster of about 600 tons. Started attack.

0321 hours - Fired four torpedoes set to 4 feet. No hits were obtained.

0329 hours - Opened fire with the deck gun.

0358 hours - The target caught fire.

0412 hours - After 12 more rounds the target sank. HMS Spark cleared the area. (5)

4 Apr 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) fired four torpedoes against the Japanese anti-aircraft cruiser Isuzu in the Flores Sea in position 07°24'S, 118°47'E. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
1600 hours - In position 07°24'S, 118°47'E sighted masts and smoke of cruiser and escorts bearing 290°. Range was 8 nautical miles. These ships were soon identified as a Natori-class cruiser with three escorts. [In fact it was the Japanese anti-aircraft cruiser Isuzu escorted by the torpedo boat Kari and minesweepers W 12 and W 15 (all offsite links).] Started attack.

1639 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the cruiser from 8000 yards.

1646 hours - Heard four explosions. The first one was thought to be a hit [this was not the case]. The results however not observed as Spark went deep upon firing. No counter attack however followed. (5)

7 Apr 1945
At 0820 hours (zone -8), while she was in position 07°29'S, 118°25'E, HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) sighted the Japanese cruiser Isuzu sink. (5)

8 Apr 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made the passage through Sape Strait Southbound. (5)

14 Apr 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. (5)

3 May 1945
During 3 and 4 May 1945 HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (13)

4 May 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was put on the slip at Fremantle.

5 May 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was put back in the water. (13)

7 May 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Fremantle for Subic Bay, Philippines.

For the daily positions of HMS Spark during this passage see the map below.

(13)

11 May 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (13)

15 May 1945
During the night of 15/16 May 1945 HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made the passage through Lombok Strait Northbound. (13)

25 May 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines. (13)

29 May 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol to the East of Singapore. This patrol included air/sea rescue duties.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) and USS Rolf (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Hubbell, USNR). (5)

29 May 1945

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

27 Jun 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (5)

15 Jul 1945
During 15 and 16 July 1945 HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) conducted exercises off Subic Bay. These included night exercises. (14)

20 Jul 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was docked at Subic Bay. (14)

21 Jul 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) was undocked.

Spark then proceeded to sea for exercises with midget submarine XE-1 that continued until next day. (14)

23 Jul 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Subic Bay for Brunei Bay.

For the daily positions of HMS Spark during this passage see the map below.

(14)

26 Jul 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Brunei Bay. There she takes midget submarine XE 1 in tow and departed for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 4th in the South-West Pacific area). She is to tow XE 1 to Singapore where the midget submarine was to attack the Japanese heavy cruiser Myoko (offsite link). This was part of 'Operation Struggle' (offsite link).

For the daily positions of HMS Spark during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

30 Jul 1945
At 2310 hours (zone -9) HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) released the tow of midget submarine XE 1 (T/Lt. J.E. Smart, MBE, RNVR) in position 020° - Horsburgh lighthouse - 3 nautical miles.

XE 1 failed to reach her target, the Japanese heavy cruiser Myoko (offsite link). She laid her explosive charges on the bottom near the Japanese heavy cruiser Takao (offsite link) instead (this was the target of XE 3). (5)

1 Aug 1945
At 2215 hours (zone -9) HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made rendez-vous with midget submarine XE 1 in position 01°24'N, 104°29'E. The operation crew is taken on board and the transit crew is placed on the midget submarine. Course is then set back to Brunei Bay with XE 1 in tow. (5)

5 Aug 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 4th in the South-West Pacific area) at Brunei Bay. (5)

16 Aug 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Brunei Bay for Subic Bay. She made the passage together with HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN).

For the daily positions of HMS Spark during this passage see the map below.

(15)

19 Aug 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Subic Bay. (15)

20 Aug 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Subic Bay for Trincomalee. She made the passage together with HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN). This was the first leg of the trip back to the U.K. (15)

8 Sep 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (16)

12 Sep 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Trincomalee for Suez. (16)

27 Sep 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Suez. (16)

28 Sep 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) transited the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (16)

29 Sep 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (16)

30 Sep 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (16)

9 Oct 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Alexandria for Gibraltar. (1)

16 Oct 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (1)

17 Oct 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (1)

21 Oct 1945
HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She was placed in reserve there on 4 November 1945. (1)

Sources

  1. ADM 199/2571
  2. ADM 173/18771
  3. ADM 173/18772
  4. ADM 173/18773
  5. ADM 199/1876
  6. ADM 173/18774
  7. ADM 173/18775
  8. ADM 173/18776
  9. ADM 173/18777
  10. ADM 173/18778
  11. ADM 173/19679
  12. ADM 173/19681
  13. ADM 173/19683
  14. ADM 173/19685
  15. ADM 173/19686
  16. ADM 173/19687

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


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