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Submarine HMS H 43 (N 43)

21 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. I.L.M. McGeogh, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. After returning to Rothesay Lt. Norman took over command of HMS H 43 from Lt. McGeogh. (1)

22 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Rothesay for Methill. She took passage in convoy WN 89. (2)

26 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Methill. She departed later the same day for Sheerness taking passage in convoy FS 423. (2)

1 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Sheerness for refit. (2)

Submarine HMS H 34 (N 34)

8 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN), departed Sheerness for Methill. She made the passage in convoy FN 427. (2)

11 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Methill. (2)

14 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Methill for Tobermory. (2)

16 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Tobermory for A/S exercises. (2)

25 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Falmouth with a defect to a propeller shaft. (2)

26 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Falmouth for Plymouth. She was escorted by the Dutch auxiliary M/S trawler HrMs IJmuiden (Lt. H. Zwanenburg, RNN). (2)

27 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (2)

29 Mar 1941
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Plymouth for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

For the daily positions of HMS H 34 during this patrol see the map below. [No positions are known for 29 March to 31 March.]

(3)

18 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (4)

23 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Ardrishaig. (4)

24 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

25 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

26 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

27 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

28 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

29 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

30 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

1 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (5)

2 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (5)

3 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (5)

4 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) shifted from Ardrishaig to Campbeltown. (5)

5 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (5)

6 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown withHMS St. Modwen (Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Ford, RN) and HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR). (5)

7 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (5)

8 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (5)

9 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (5)

11 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN). (5)

12 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere. (5)

13 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN). (5)

14 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown withHMS St. Modwen (Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Ford, RN). (5)

15 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Carina (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolly, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere. (5)

16 May 1941
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown withHMS St. Modwen (Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Ford, RN) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 34 proceeded to Rothesay. (5)

21 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises (salvo firing) in the Clyde area. (5)

23 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

25 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Rothesay for Londonderry. (5)

26 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Londonderry. (5)

27 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR). (5)

29 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with aircraft. (5)

30 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Man o' War (T/Lt. W.W. Creber, RNR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull RD, RNR). (5)

31 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR). (5)

Submarine HMS Urge (N 17)

29 Jul 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

6 Aug 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (7)

7 Aug 1941
Around 2000B/7, HMS Urge (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Sicily to guard the Southern approaches to the Straits of Messina.

Spare Commanding Officer Lt. Norman had temporary taken command of HMS Urge as Lt. Tomkinson was sick in hospital.

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

(6)

11 Aug 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) is forced to abandon her patrol due to problems with one of the diesel engines.

Vichy vessels had been sighted but the submarine had orders not to molest them. (6)

15 Aug 1941
Around 0700B/15, HMS Urge (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

18 Aug 1941
Around 1515B/18, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Pantelleria to intercept an important enemy troop convoy.

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

(6)

Submarine HMS Osiris (N 67)

5 Sep 1941
HMS Osiris (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to make a short patrol off Ras el Hilal and Ras Aamer.

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

(8)

12 Sep 1941
HMS Osiris (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Alexandria. (8)

Submarine HMS Unbeaten (N 93)

23 Sep 1941
HMS Unbeaten (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the South coast of Calabria.

Lt. Norman had taken command of Unbeaten for this patrol in order to give Lt.Cdr. Woodward a rest.

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

(9)

4 Oct 1941
At 1032 hours (zone -1) HMS Unbeaten (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) surfaced to bombard a railway off Cape Bruzzano, Calabria, Italy.

At 1039 hours Unbeaten dived. 20 Rounds had been fired, also at a Home Guard hut near the railway. The results were unclear but later two trains were seen stopped outside the tunnel that had been bombarded.

Italian sources recorded 13 rounds dropped in the area but they caused no damage. (9)

6 Oct 1941
HMS Unbeaten (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (9)

Submarine HMS Upholder (N 99)

29 Dec 1941
HMS Upholder, with Lt. C.P. Norman, RN temporary in command (to give Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn a rest during her next patrol) and HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Malta with HMS Beryl.

When returning from the exercises around 1630B/29, they were attacked by German Me 109 fighter aircraft of 6 JG/53. HMS Urge dived in time but on HMS Upholder the crew on the bridge were reading a signal from a shore signal station and did not notice the approaching aircraft (the message was to warn Upholder about the approaching aircraft). Lt. Norman was hit by gunfire from one of the German fighters and was wounded. Despite his wounds he managed to shut the top hatch as Upholder crash dived. When Upholder arrived back at Malta he was taken to hospital and Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn assumed command again, his rest during Upholders next patrol being cancelled.

(10)

1 Feb 1942
Around 1910B/1, HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 25th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol North of Sicily.

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

(11)

4 Feb 1942 (position 38.10, 12.36)
HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) attacked a destroyer West of Cape San Vito, Sicily, Italy with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained and HMS Upholder was depth charged following the attack. The target was the Italian destroyer Premuda which had sailed from Palermo to join the escort of the German transport Trapani.

1357B/4 - In position 38°10'N, 12°36'E sighted a Navigatori-class destroyer proceeding Eastwards. Started attack.

1406B/4 - Fired three torpedoes at this destroyer from 2300 yards. All torpedoes missed.

1411B/4 to 1515B/4 - A counter attack followed. 10 Depth charges were dropped but no damage was sustained. (11)

5 Feb 1942 (position 38.17, 13.05)
At 0110B/5 a submarine was sighted and HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) closed to attack when Lt. Ruble, USN, who was an observer on board pointed out that it was a rock and the attack was aborted! (this was Medico Rock near Ustica).

Later the same day HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) tried to attack an enemy convoy off Castellammare Gulf but was detected by an escorting aircraft. One of the escorts turned back and dropped eight depth charges. No damage was done to HMS Upholder.

This convoy consisted of the tanker Rondine (6468 GRT, built 1924)and the steamers Mazara (984 GRT, built 1934) and Istria (5441 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the torpedo boats Aretusa and Polluce. It was Aretusa who drove off the submarine with a depth charge attack.

1227B/5 - Near position 38°17'N, 13°05'E sighted masts and funnels of several small vessels proceeding westwards close inshore. Started attack.

1250B/5 - The convoy appeared to be two small marchant vessels (one possibly a tanker), one destroyer ahead and one submarine astern. Decided to attack the submarine as the remainder were out of range and in a bad position.

1258B/5 - The submarine turned out to be an Orsa-class torpedo boat. Range was now 4000 yards.

1300B/5 - An aircraft passed very low and close. Broke off the attack and went deep.

1345B/5 - 1355B/5 - Eight depth charges by one of the escorts that had turned back, probably due to aircraft sighting report. Upholder withdrew to the Northward. (11)

8 Feb 1942 (position 38.18, 12.51)
While on patrol off Cape San Vito, Sicily, Italy (in approximate position 38°18'N, 12°51'E), HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) attacked but missed (despite the claim for a hit and sinking) the Italian transport Bosforo (3567 GRT, built 1929). The escorting torpedo boat Calliope dropped eight depth charges fairly close but HMS Upholder managed to escape without damage. [The claim that this attack sank the Italian transport Salpi is incorrect.]

1720B/8 - Sighted one Orsa-class torpedo boat and one small diesel merchant vessel (of about 2500 tons) in ballast proceeding East. Started attack.

1739B/8 - Fired three torpedoes at the merchant vessel from 1300 yards. One torpedo hit was claimed 57 seconds after firing and the HE of the target ceased. Upholder meanwhile retired to the West.

1752B/8 to 1757B/8 - Eight depth charges were dropped fairly close by the torpedo boat. Several more depth charges were dropped at intervals until 1830 hours when the torpedo boat retired to the East at high speed. (11)

13 Feb 1942
Around 0740B/13, HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) ended her 25th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

Submarine HMS Una (N 87)

16 Feb 1942
HMS Una (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

16 Feb 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) had barely been in harbour for a few hours when she sailed again from Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to form a patrol line with HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) and HMS P 39 (Lt. N. Marriott, DSC, RN) in the eastern approaches of Tripoli, to intercept an important convoy.

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

(11)

23 Feb 1942
While searching for a convoy, depth charges were dropped near HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) between 1000-1130 hours. In all about 70 were dropped with a range verying between 200 yards and 3 nautical miles. No damage was caused except for a few broken lights. (11)

25 Feb 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

5 Mar 1942
While at Malta HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) was straddled by two bombs. No damage was caused. (12)

7 Mar 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kerkenah, Tunisia.

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

(11)

10 Mar 1942
While attempting to attack an escorted merchant ship HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) is detected and depth charged by one of the escorts.

(All times are zone -2)
1140 hours - Near position 35°24'N, 11°39'E sighted a medium seized merchant vessel bearing 225°. Range was 5000 yards. Enemy course 005°. Started attack.

1145 hours - The target was seen to be escorted by two destroyers and two armed trawlers. Also 2 aircraft were overhead.

1152 hours - The target zigged towards placing Una in a very favourable attack position.

1154 hours - The target was seen to turn away and one of the trawlers was seen to hoist a red flag and turned towards.

1155 hours - The trawler was still aproaching and Lt. Norman was forced to break off the attack as Una had been detected. Una now went deep.

1159 hours - The counter attack started.

1233 hours - Between 1159 and 1233 hours 16 depth charges were dropped but none were close. Una meanwhile withdraw to the South. (11)

13 Mar 1942 (position 35.26, 11.11)
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) sank the Italian fishing vessel Maria Immacolata (248 GRT) with gunfire 7.8 nautical miles bearing 135° off Mahedia, Tunisia. A second schooner, Maria Camali, was in company at a distance but was not seen by the submarine.

(All times are zone -2)
1140 hours - Sighted a 3-masts schooner bearing 040°, range 6000 yards, enemy course 130°.

1145 hours - Gave chase to this schooner.

1218 hours - Surfaced in position 35°26'N, 11°11'E, 60° on the Port bow of the schooner at a range of 600 yards. Engaged with the gun but it misfired.

1222 hours - The schooner turned away towards the coast. Gave chase and engaged it with the Lewis gun.

1223 hours - The crew of the schooner abandoned ship after firing one round with a rifle. The defect on the 12pdr. gun was made good and fire was opened from 80 yards.

1243 hours - The schooner sank in position 135°, Mahedia Light, 7.8 nautical miles. Closed the survivors in their boat. They were not picked up and ordered to make for the coast 8 nautical miles away.

1255 hours - Dived and withdrew to the East. During the action 30 round were fired with the 12pdr. gun and 500 with the Lewis gun. (11)

14 Mar 1942 (position 35.29, 12.15)
At 1223 hours, in 35°29'N, 12°15'E (off Lampedusa), HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) fired three torpedoes from a distance 5-6000 yds at a merchant vessel of 4000 tons escorted by a destroyer. This was the German merchant Trapani (1855 GRT, built 1926) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cantore on passage from Tripoli to Trapani. The transport sighted four torpedo tracks (only three had been fired) and took evasive action while a Savoia 79 bomber dropped a green smoke float to mark the position of the submarine. Cantore rushed to the position and dropped ten depth, the first two set at 25 meters and the remainder at 50 meters charges (in Una only eight explosions were heard so probably two failed to explode). By precaution, Trapani was directed to Pantelleria before resuming her passage. (11)

21 Mar 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

31 Mar 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of the Strait of Messina.

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

(11)

5 Apr 1942 (position 37.45, 15.41)
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Ninetto G. (5355 GRT, built 1913) about 12 nautical miles south of Capo dell'Armi in position 37°45'N, 15°41'E.

(All imes are zone -1)
1140 hours - Sighed smoke bearing 040°.

1155 hours - Sighted two merchant ships in single line ahead. Started attack.

1210 hours- Sighted that the merchant vessels were escorted by two yachts.

1254 hours - In position 37°45'N, 15°41'E fired four torpedoes at the 2nd ship of the line from 3000 yards. This ship was thought o be a merchant ship of 7000-8000 tons. Two hits were obtained.

1304 hours - The ship was heard to sink.

1315 hours - The counter attack started. Una meanwhile withdrew to the Souh-East.

1318 hours - A depth charge exploded quite close causing some minor damage.

1330 hours - The counter attack ended. In all 14 depth charges were dropped.

According to Italian sources the above mentioned Ninetto G. was in convoy together with the Italian merchant Veloce (5437 GRT, built 1911). They were proceeding from Taranto to Messina escorted by auxiliary Morosini and the auxiliary submarine chaser Ciprus.

The torpedo boat Orsa equipped with S-Gerät (sonar) was ordered to the scene and hunted the submarine in the evening, dropping two pattern of nine depth charges, followed by two more. A large oil slick was observed and the submarine was believed destroyed. Orsa remained on the scene until the next afternoon when she dropped two more depth charges before leaving the scene on the morning of the 7th as she was relieved by the torpedo boat Circe. (11)

7 Apr 1942
At 1955 hours, HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) was off Cape Spartivento when a merchant ship escorted by a destroyer were sighted at a distance of 4-5 nautical miles. She could not close to less than 3 miles and had to abandon the attack. (11)

12 Apr 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

18 Apr 1942
While laying on he bottom of the harbour at Malta HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) is near missed by a bomb causing many minor defects, most could by repaired quickly. (13)

19 Apr 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Tunisia and west of Tripoli. The patrol was uneventful.

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

(11)

30 Apr 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

4 May 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.

Due to the heavy bombing of Malta the 10th Submarine Fotilla was evacuated from Malta to Alexandria. Una carried 14 passengers and stores.

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

13 May 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Alexandria.

It is likely that during May 1942 Una was docked but no log of this month is available so we can not be sure. (14)

6 Jun 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Alexandria for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to give cover during convoy operations to Malta and took position in 35°37'N, 18°44'E, the southernmost point of a patrol line (bearing 050° at 12 miles intervals) with HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) and HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) (cover of Operation VIGOROUS). The patrol was uneventful.

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

(14)

28 Jun 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (14)

29 Jun 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (15)

30 Jun 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Port Said. (15)

3 Jul 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) was docked at Port Said. (16)

5 Jul 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) was undocked. (16)

8 Jul 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Port Said for Haifa. (16)

10 Jul 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) arrived at Haifa. (16)

21 Jul 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) departed Haifa for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to proceed to Malta and to patrol North of Crete en-route.

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

(16)

2 Aug 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

9 Aug 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to carry out a special operation and to patrol East of Sicily.

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

(14)

11 Aug 1942
During the night of 11/12 August 1942 HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) carried out special operation 'Why Not'. A group of 6 men were landed near Catania, Sicily, Italy to attack the local airfield. It was intended to land 9 men but one of the Folbots used in the landing was damaged by the heavy swell and three men returned to Una.

Una waited for the landing party to return but they failed to show up. (14)

19 Aug 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

30 Aug 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol West of Crete.

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

(18)

10 Sep 1942 (position 35.12, 23.29)
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) fired torpedoes against the Italian armed merchant cruiser Brioni (1987 GRT, built 1931) about 10 nautical miles west of Paleochora, Crete, Greece in position 35°12'N, 23°29'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target despite the British claim to have sunk the vessel.

(All times are zone -2)
1055 hours - Sighed a 4000 tons motor vessel escorted by a destroyer and an aircraft. Enemy course was 340°, speed 8 knots, range approximately 3000 yards. The target was difficult to see due to the heavy sea and spray. Started attack.

1106 hours - In position 35°12'N, 23°29'E fired four torpedoes from 1600 yards.

1107 hours - Heard one explosion thought to be a hit on the target. HE of the target ceased. The destroyer was heard starting and stopping for the next 30 minutes but did not drop any depth charges.

1145 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

According to Italian sources the above mentioned Brioni was en route from Tobruk to Brindisi. She was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Calliope. Two torpedo tracks were observed by an escorting aircraft but Brioni and Calliope did not see anything and we must assume the torpedoes were quite wide of the mark. (18)

14 Sep 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (18)

25 Sep 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol East of Tunisia.

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

(18)

1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (19)

2 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (19)

3 Oct 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) fired two torpedoes against the small Italian merchant vessel Doris Ursino (890 GRT, built 1886) inside Lampedusa harbour. The torpedoes however hit the rocks.

(All times are zone -2)
1700 hours - Una was now four nautical miles South-West of Lampedusa harbour. Masts and funnels were sighted inside the harbour. Closed to investigate.

1720 hours - The harbour was seen to contain the following:
- 1 800 to 1000 tons motor vessel,
- 2 small tugs,
- 1 probable Motor torpedo boat,
- Several schooners.

1745 hours - Fired one torpedo at the merchant vessel from 2200 yards. No explosion followed. It appeared the torpedo had failed to run.

1749 hours - Fired another torpedo from 1800 yards. This torpedo was heard to run.

1750 hours - 500 yards to the right of the harbour entrance the torpedo hit the rocks. This torpedo had failed to run straight. Una now retired to the South-East.

1800 hours - Small calibre shells from shore batteries were heard to hit the water.

1820 hours - High speed HE was heard astern. Shut off for a depth charge attack.

1845 hours - One depth charge was heard to explode.

1910 hours - Two depth charges were heard to explode.

1940 hours - All HE faded.

According to Italian sources four Italian MAS boats came out to hunt the submarine (MAS 533, 557, 560 and 564). MAS 557 and 564 dropped 12 depth charges and claimed to have sunk the submarine (which was incorrect) seven miles south of Lampedusa. Note that a few Italian documents refer to MAS 537 instead of MAS 557 but they are in error. (18)

4 Oct 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (18)

12 Oct 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol East of Sicily / South of Calabria and to carry out a special operation.

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

(20)

14 Oct 1942
During the evening of 14 October 1942 HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) carried out special operation 'Wash Leather'. A party was landed near Stazzo, Sicily. (20)

18 Oct 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) while trying to attack the Italian tanker Panuco (7750 GRT, built 1941) off Cape Spartivento, Italy Una is detected and depth charged by the escort. The attack had to be abandoned. No damage was inflicted to Una by the depth charges.

(All times are zone -1)
1250 hours - Near position 38°26'N, 16°41'E sighted smoke bearing 220°. Started attack.

1330 hours - Identified the convoy as a tanker of 10000 tons escorted by three destroyers. Enemy course was 040°. Una was in an excellent position to attack.

1356 hours - About 5 minutes before firing Una was detected by the enemy and forced to go deep and break off the attack. She was hunted by the destroyers.

1433 hours - A destroyer astern was in contact and came in to attack.

1435 hours - The destroyer went overhead and dropped a pattern of three depth charges very close. No damage was caused.

1440 hours - All three destroyers were still hunting. Abandoned the attack and withdrew to the South-East.

1520 hours - By now the enemy had lost contact. Two of the destroyers left to rejoin the tanker. The thrid remained in the vicinity for another 45 minutes before making off to the East. (20)

23 Oct 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (20)

3 Nov 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of the Messina Strait.

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

(18)

10 Nov 1942 (position 37.11, 15.30)
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) fired four torpedoes at an enemy force of three light cruisers escorted by six destroyers. No hits were obtained.

Later the same day Una attacked but missed an Italian submarine with one torpedo.

(All times are zone -1)
0610 hours - In position 37°11'N, 15°30'E sighted the enemy cruiser force Una was informed about by signal. They were sighted at bearing 100° at a distance of 5 nautical miles. Enemy speed was very high, 25 knots. The cruiser force consisted of three light cruisers escorted by six destroyers, three one each wing. Started attack.

0618 hours - The rear ship of the line was now chosen as targe as Una had not been able to turn quickly enough to attack the two first cruisers.

0625 hours - Fired a salvo of four torpedoes at a range of 4000 yards.

0633 hours - Heard two torpedo explosions which might have been hits a 8000 to 10000 yards. Una meanwhile withdrew at 80 feet to the East-North-East.

The enemy force was made up of the light cruisers Giuseppe Garibaldi, Luigi di Savoia Duca Delgi Abruzzi and Duca d'Aosta. They were escorted by the destroyers Alpino, Bersagliere, Camicia Nera, Fuciliere, Granatiere and . This force was on the way from Navarino, Greece to Augusta, Sicily, Italy.

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

1202 hours - Heard HE bearing 110°.

1203 hours - Sighted the conning tower of a submarine. Torpedo reload had not been carried out so now one tube was reloaded in 7.5 minutes.

1221 hours - In position 37°25'N, 15°35'E fired one torpedo that at first ran straight for the enemy but then diverged slightly passing up her Starboard side. It appears the attack was not noticed by the enemy.

Accoding to Italian sources the submarine was the Italian Wolframio (T.V. Giovanni Manunta) who reported the torpedo missing her by 50 metres and fired three rounds in the direction of Una. (18)

13 Nov 1942
HMS Una (Lt. C.P Norman, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (18)

Submarine HMS Torbay (N 79)

15 Aug 1944
With her refit completed, HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) shifted from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (21)

16 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (21)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed Sheerness for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS Castlenau (Skr. W.K. Mickleburgh, RNR). (21)

19 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Blyth. (21)

21 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (21)

22 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (21)

24 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed Blyth for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (21)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Dundee. (21)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (21)

27 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (21)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (21)

30 Aug 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (21)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

6 Sep 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

7 Sep 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

14 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. She returned to Holy Loch on completion of these trials. (22)

16 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (22)

19 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (22)

19 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (22)

20 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted RD/F exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, DSC, RNR). (22)

21 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted RD/F exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (22)

23 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). These also included night exercises during the night of 23/24 September. (22)

25 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

26 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (22)

27 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (22)

28 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR). (22)

28 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR). (22)

29 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Sweetbriar (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Lewis, RNR) and HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR). (22)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) both conducted attack exercises off Campbeltown during which the attacked each other. (22)

1 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (23)

5 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. These were followed by night radar exercises during the night of 5/6 October 1944. (23)

7 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) both conducted night radar exercises in the Clyde area during the night of 7/8 October 1944 with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (23)

8 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted radar gunnery trials/exercises in the Clyde area. (23)

9 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (23)

10 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) shifted from the Clyde area to Larne where she conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 21st Escort Group. (23)

12 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 14th Escort Group. (23)

14 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (23)

15 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. W.A.M.J. Libert, RNR). Also practice attacks were made on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (23)

16 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (23)

17 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 26th Escort Group. (23)

20 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks off Larne on HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (23)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 31st Escort Group. Also night convoy attacks were carried out during the night of 22/23 October 1944. (23)

24 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (23)

26 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN). (23)

27 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (23)

28 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted convoy attack exercises off Larne. (23)

30 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (23)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

8 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (24)

16 Nov 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 24th war patrol (This is the 1st war patrol of her 3rd commission). She is to patrol in the Northern part of the North Sea.

Passage north through the Minches was made together with HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN).

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

(25)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) ended her 24th war patrol at Holy Loch. Passage south through the Minches had been made together with HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN). They had been escorted by HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR). (25)

2 Dec 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (26)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) is undocked. (26)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her passage to Ceylon. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. She makes the passage to Gibraltar with convoy OS 98 / KMS 72.

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

(26)

20 Dec 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (26)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Malta. (26)

30 Dec 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (26)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (27)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (27)

10 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) transits the Suez Canal. After passage course is set towards Aden. (27)

15 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden. (27)

19 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo. (27)

27 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo (27)

29 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Colombo bound for Trincomalee. (27)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (27)

2 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted engine and noise trials off Trincomalee. (28)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 25th war patrol (This is the 2nd war patrol of her 3rd commission and her 1st in Far Eastern waters). She is to perform a special mission in the Phuket area.

The special mission is called 'operation Baboon'. Three canoes with a total of 7 people (two canoes with two and one with three) were to be landed on the coast on March 8th from position 08°07'N, 98°14'E.

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

(25)

8 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) lands the agents as ordered for 'operation baboon'.

1930 hours - Torbay surfaced five nautical miles of the beach and after getting the canoes up on the casing ran in to the release position 2,5 nautical miles from the shore where the canoes were released. Canoe nr.3 with three people on board fell astern of the other two and was not seen again. Nothing further was heard of the people inside it (all three of them are listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website as being killed on 9 March 1945, no further details are known to us at this moment).

0230 hours - Both the other canoes returned to Torbay. (25)

9 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) returns to the drop off position of last night. Something must have gone wrong ashore as there was now a total black-out unlike the previous day. Also Asdic impulses were heard. As a result of this the landings for this night were aborted. (25)

10 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) returns to the drop off position of two nights before. No.1 and No.2 canoes were launched for a beach race. Nothing was seen of canoe No.3. It was found that enemy patrols were more frequent. For the next two nights Torbay returned to the R/V position but nothing was sighted. (25)

16 Mar 1945 (position 8.44, 98.15)
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) destroys a Japanese coaster with gunfire of the west coast of Siam. She also damaged a junk with gunfire.

(All times are zone -6,5) 1100 hours - In position 08°42'N, 98°10'E sighted smoke to the Northward and a junk to the Southward.

1145 hours - The smoke was identified as a small passenger steamer of 200 to 300 tons.

1200 hours - Surfaced and opened fire with the 4" deck gun. Range was 3500 yards.

1205 hours - The steamer turned towards the beach.

1215 hours - By now 50 rounds had been fired for 4 to 5 hits. The steamer was now aground and burning in position 08°44'N, 98°15'E.

1217 hours - Altered course to the Southward to engage the junk.

1220 hours - Fired a warning shot but no signs of surrender came from the junk.

1224 to 1230 hours - Fired 20 rounds at the junk from 3000 yards resulting in 4 hits.

1230 hours - Sighted a fighter bomber coming in for attack. Dived to 35 feet.

1241 hours - One distant bomb explosion.

1258 hours - One bomb explosion quite close. Lt.Cdr. Norman set course to seaward and decided to call it a day. (25)

18 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) returns to the drop off position of March 8th. No.1 and 2. canoes were launched to search for the missing party but nothing was sighted. (25)

23 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) ended her 25th war patrol at Trincomalee. (25)

28 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (28)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) is undocked. (28)

5 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (29)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 26th war patrol (This is the 3rd war patrol of her 3rd commission and her 2nd in Far Eastern waters). She is to perform two special missions (No details available as of yet).

(25)

21 Apr 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) ended her 26th war patrol at Trincomalee. (25)

8 May 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 27th war patrol (This is the 4th war patrol of her 3rd commission and her 3rd in Far Eastern waters). She is to perform a special operation (No details available as of yet).

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

(25)

11 May 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) suffers an serious engine failure. The patrol has to be abandoned and course is set to return to Trincomalee. (25)

16 May 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) ended her 27th war patrol at Trincomalee. (25)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 28th war patrol (This is the 5th war patrol of her 3rd commission and her 4th in Far Eastern waters). She is to patrol in the Straits of Malacca.

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

(25)

25 Jun 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) sank a tongkang by demolition charge in position 02°38'N, 100°28'E.

(All times are zone -7,5)
1450 hours - Surfaced in position 02°38'N, 100°28'E and sank a 17 ton tongkang by demolition charge. It was loaded with 17 tons of sulphur and 2 tons of tobacco and bound for Klang. The crew of 3 and 1 Chinese was embarked in the submarine.

Dived, Several tongkangs were seen during the afternoon but all in to shallow water to be closed. (25)

26 Jun 1945 (position 2.57, 100.04)
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) sank a Japanese coaster with gunfire off Sabang, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -7,5)
1100 hours - The mast and funnel of a coaster was sighted at 10000 yards. Torbay manoeuvred to get ahead of the target. At 1250 hours range was still 8000 to 9000 yards. At 1300 Torbay surfaced and gave chase on the surface. At 1306 hours the enemy turned towards the nearest shore zig-zagging wildly.

1314 hours - Torbay opened fire with the deck gun from 6000 yards. At 1329 hours fire was ceased as the target was now on fire from amidships to aft. In all 58 rounds were fired.

1335 hours - Torbay dived in position 02°57'N, 100°04'E. At 1350 hours the target was seen to blow up and sink. (25)

28 Jun 1945 (position 3.24, 99.42)
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) sank a Japanese sailing vessel with a demolition charge in the Strait of Malacca.

(All times are zone -7,5)
1915 hours - Torbay surfaced in position 03°24'N, 99°42'E. a 10 ton tongkang was boarded. The cargo was made up of solid rubber tyres. The tongkang was sunk by a demolition charge. (25)

11 Jul 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) ended her 28th war patrol at Trincomalee. (25)

7 Aug 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 29th war patrol (This is the 6th war patrol of her 3rd commission and her 5th in Far Eastern waters). She is to perform a special operation (No details available as of yet).

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

(25)

24 Aug 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) ended her 29th war patrol at Trincomalee. (25)

2 Sep 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) is docked at Trincomalee. (30)

6 Sep 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) is undocked. (30)

10 Sep 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for Port Said. She is to return to the U.K. (25)

25 Sep 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (25)

28 Sep 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (25)

2 Oct 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (25)

13 Oct 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. (25)

17 Oct 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (25)

18 Oct 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Portsmouth. (25)

22 Oct 1945
HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (25)

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