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Submarine HMS H 50 (N 50)

21 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. R.B. Foster, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR).

After these exercises Lt. Clarabut took command of HMS H 50 from Lt. Foster. (1)

22 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (1)

25 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR). (1)

25 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR). (1)

26 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR). (1)

27 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (1)

28 Jan 1943
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (1)

29 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (1)

31 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (1)

1 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) conducted special (Hedgehog) trials off Campbeltown with HMS ML 472. (2)

2 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR).

During these exercises H 50 and L'Incomprise collided while H 50 was submerged. H 50 sustained serious damage to her bridge structure. (2)

3 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) proceeded from Campbeltown to Rothesay for repairs.

7 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) proceeded to Ardrossan for further repairs to her damaged bridge structure. (2)

9 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With repairs to her bridge structure completed, HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN), shifted from Ardrossan to Rothesay. (3)

9 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With repairs to her bridge structure completed, HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN), shifted from Ardrossan to Rothesay. (3)

11 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 50 proceeded to Campbeltown. (3)

12 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with (at least) HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR). (3)

14 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with (at least) HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR). (3)

15 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

16 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with (at least) HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (3)

18 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with (at least) HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (3)

19 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with (at least) HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (3)

21 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Folowing these exercises HMS H 50 conducted special trials with HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN). (3)

22 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with (at least) HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)

23 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with (at least) HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (3)

24 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with aircraft. (3)

25 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

26 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

27 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (3)

29 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) departed Rothesay for Londonderry. (3)

30 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) arrived at Londonderry. (3)

31 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Parrsboro (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Raven, DSC, RNVR). (3)

1 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR). (4)

2 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR) and HMS Starwort (Lt. A.H. Kent, RNR). (4)

3 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and Bar, RN), USS Upshur and another vessel. (4)

6 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Poppy (Lt. N.K. Boyd, RNR) and HMS Starwort (Lt. A.H. Kent, RNR). (4)

8 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Madison, USS Lansdale, USS Charles F. Hughes, USS Babbitt and USS Upshur. (4)

12 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Whitehall (Cdr. C.L.de H. Bell, RD, RNR), HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR). (4)

13 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Whitehall (Cdr. C.L.de H. Bell, RD, RNR), HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR), HMS Sweetbriar (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR) and HMS Sabre (Lt. R.L. Caple, DSC, RN). (4)

14 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Whimbrel (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR), HMS Jonquil (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR), HMCS Kenogami (T/Lt. J.L. Percy, RCNVR) and HMS Ilfracombe (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Clark, DSC, RN). (4)

15 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN) and HMS Coreopsis (T/Lt. B.C. Hamilton, RNR). (4)

20 Apr 1943
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Hollins, RN) and HMCS Kenogami (T/Lt. J.L. Percy, RCNVR). (4)

Submarine HMS Trooper (N 91)

23 Jun 1943
Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSO, DSC, RN leaves HMS Trooper sick. Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN temporary assumes command. (5)

26 Jun 1943
At 2015C/26, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Port Said where she is to be docked to repair the damage to her port propeller after the encounter with a large piece of wreckage on 12 June. (5)

28 Jun 1943
Around 0830C/28, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) arrived at Port Said and is immediately docked in the floating dock. (5)

6 Jul 1943
HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) is undocked. (6)

7 Jul 1943
Around 1930C/7, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) departed from Port Said for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic and off the West coast of Greece.

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

(7)

12 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0604C/12, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) sighted a small tranport of about 800 tons escorted by an Abba-class torpedo boat hugging the coast of Levkas Island. Their course was southward 190°. They could not be attacked due to the range. (7)

14 Jul 1943
HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) attacks the Italian merchant Cherso (1756 GRT, built 1912) with torpedoes and gunfire off Cape Rodoni near Durazzo, Albania. Cherso was unescorted and in ballast. She was proceeding to San Giovanni di Medua (Albania). Cherso replied with gunfire and escaped without damage. The Italian torpedo-boat Giuseppe Missori and aircraft from Aeroalbania were ordered to hunt the submarine but although sighted by Trooper, she managed to elude them.

0800C/14 - When in position 42°22'N, 18°17'E, sighted a 2000 tons transport proceeding north from Durazzo. Started attack.

0831C/14 - Fired three torpedoes from 3400 yards. All torpedoes missed.

0837C/14 - Surfaced for gun action, range 5400 yards. Fired 8 rounds for 1 hit that put the gun of the target out of action.

0839C/14 - Sighted an aircraft so broke off the action and dived. This was most unfortunate as a second transport had just been sighted to the northeast. This transport was southbound. (7)

15 Jul 1943
At 0820C/15, in approximate position 42°30'N, 18°17'E, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) sighted a small passenger vessel thought to be either the Yugoslavian Bakar (now in Italian service named Buccari, 334 GRT, built 1931) or Rab (now in Italian service named Arbe, 344 GRT, built 1931). The ship was northbound, 330° and was hugging the coast. She was not attacked. The ship sighted was probably the Dubrovnik (Italian (former Yugoslavian), 996 GRT, 1909) who sailed from Kotor at 0600B/15 and arrived at Gravosa at 0930B/15.

At 1230C/15, in approximate position 42°24'N, 18°17'E, a convoy off smaller vessels was sighted proceeding southwards. It was seen to be made up of a tug towing a floating crane. Escort was provided by what was thought to be the former Yuguslav minesweeper D 2 and two other small craft thought to be Italian RD-class minesweepers. Also an air escort was seen overhead. Their speed of advance was 4 knots. They were not attacked as nothing seemed to have sufficient draught to warrant a torpedo.

At 1610C/15, a small transport of about 400 tons was seen proceeding northwards. She was in ballast which made her too shallow draught to be attacked with a torpedo.

According to Italian sources seventeen Italian vessels took part in an operation (against partisans ?) from 10 to 20 July 1943 and the ships sighted in the afternoon perhaps belonged to them.

16 Jul 1943
At 1315C/16, in approximate position 42°27'N, 18°21'E, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) sighted a small 600 tons transport proceeding northwards. She was in ballast. She had an air escort overhead. She was not attacked.

At 1420C/16, a signal was received from Capt. S.10 (timed 0630B/16) ordering Trooper to leave her patrol area and to proceed to the Gulf of Taranto. Trooper immediately set course to clear the coast as she was to make a run of 230 miles in 30 hours. (7)

18 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0151C/18, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) received Capt. S.10's signal timed 2241B/17, ordering her to be in position 8 miles south of Cape Santa Maria di Leuca between 0200 and 1200B/20. (7)

20 Jul 1943
At 0312C/20, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) sighted a dark object astern on an approximate course of 320°. Range was about 4000 yards. It was at first thought this was a destroyer.

At 0315C/20, HMS Trooper dived. The dark object zigged to starboard and was then seen to be a large submarine. Two Italian submarines arrived at Taranto that morning, Onice coming from Leros and Pietro Micca returning from a short patrol. Given the position the enemy submarine was sighted it seems likely it was the Onice.

At 0336C/20, HMS Trooper surfaced to give chase but the target was out of sight and was not seen again.

At 0915C/20, HMS Trooper, now on submerged patrol, sighted a small A/S vessel patrolling off Cape Santa Maria di Leuca. Also an aircraft was seen to be patrolling the area. This was perhaps the tug Talamone who had sailed from Otranto for minesweeping duties at 0720B/20 and returned at 1145B/20 or the fishing vessel San Giuseppe who sailed from Otranto at 0600B/20 for Gallipoli.

At 1140C/20, in approximate position 39°42'N, 18°26'E, a vessel was seen coming towards at a range of 500 yards. An aircraft was seen to be patrolling overhead. HMS Trooper dived to 120 feet and turned stern on. She returned to periscope depth half an hour later to find nothing in sight. This was possibly the transport Citta di Alessandria (Italian, 2498 GRT, built 1930) who left Bari at 1900B/19 for Taranto at 7.5 knots and arrived at Taranto at 1930B/20.

At 2020C/20, in approximate position 39°38'N, 18°09'E, a transport escorted by an aircraft was sighted inshore to the northward. Most likely two escorts were also present. Range was about 12 nautical miles so an attack was out of the question. This was possibly the minelayer Barletta and auxiliary Morosini on passage from Corfu (sailed at 1107B/20) to Taranto (arrived at 0041B/2). (7)

22 Jul 1943
At 0257C/22, when in position 215° - Cape Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse - 30 nautical miles, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) sighted a dark object down moon. As periscope visibility was good she dived to attack. The object was subsequently identified as a submarine on course 210° and resembled a British T-class boat. The attack was then broken off as HMS Trooper was close to the area where HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) was to operate. It was later established that the submarine sighted was indeed HMS Tactician.

Earlier, at 0115C/22, Capt. S.10's signal timed 1512B/21, was received ordering HMS Trooper to patrol to an area with a radius of 10 miles from position 39°17'N, 17°22'E (south-east of Punta Alica) by 0800B/23. (7)

23 Jul 1943
At 0735C/23, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) sighted two schooners patrolling near Alice Point. These were most likely auxiliary A/S schooners. A/S schooner patrols would be seen near Alice Point also on the 24th and 25th.

At 1053C/23, a Spica-class torpedo boat was seen doing an A/S sweep. She approached from the north and was proceeding on a southerly course while using her Asdic. She appeared to be in contact briefly and then stopped for about 10 minutes before she restarted and made off on course 190°.

At 2245C/23, Capt. S.10's signal timed 0957B/23, which ordered Trooper to leave patrol PM on the 26th. (7)

26 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2206C/26, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) surfaced in position 110° - Cape Colonne - 10 nautical miles and then set course to leave patrol.

However at 2250C/26, a signal was received from Capt. S.10 timed 2116B/26, ordering Trooper to return to patrol as the two Italian battleships in Taranto may have left. (7)

27 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1805C/27, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1155B/27, ordering Trooper to patrol in an area with a radius of 7 miles from position 39°43'N, 18°01'E. Course was set accordingly.

At 2210C/27, a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1155B/27 was received which ordered HMS Trooper to leave patrol at 0600B/29. (7)

29 Jul 1943 (position 39.45, 18.17)
The Italian submarine Pietro Micca was torpedoed and sunk at the entrance to Adriatic, south of the Strait of Otranto in position 39°45'N, 18°17'E by the British submarine HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN). [The wreck of the submarine was found in 1995].

0638C/20 - Sighted two objects bearing 095°. Visibility was very poor.

0645C/20 - Identified the target as a large submarine of the Italian Marcello-class. Enemy's course was 300°, range 4800 yards. Commenced attack.

0649C/20 - The target altered course towards.

0654C/20 - Fired six torpedoes from 4600 yards. 3,5 Minutes after firing the first torpedo an explosion was heard but the result of the attack could not be observed as Trooper had gone deep as one of the torpedoes was a circle runner and kept the attacker down until the end of its run. Upon returning to periscope depth the submarine was no longer in sight. A small ship was sighted lowering a boat to pick up survivors. It is thought that the enemy submarine must have sunk. (7)

2 Aug 1943
At 0745C/2, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Beirut. (7)

Submarine HMS Rorqual (N 74)

2 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy GUS-23.

Spare commanding officer Lt. Clarabut had to take over command as Lt. Cdr. Napier was ill with jaundice, the latter travelled only as a passenger.

No log of HMS Rorqual for December 1943 is available so no map can be displayed. (8)

7 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (8)

11 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K. Shortly after departure she was recalled as a German U-boat was reported in the Straits of Gibraltar. She sailed shortly afterwards.

No U-boat was making the passage of the Straits of Gibraltar on this day.

No log of HMS Rorqual for December 1943 is available so no map can be displayed. (9)

19 Dec 1943
At 1030 hours, HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN), made rendez-vous off Bishops Rock with HMS Patti (T/A/Skr.Lt. J.R.C. Reader, RNR). They then proceeded in company to Falmouth where they arrived at 1915 hours. (9)

20 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Falmouth for Portland where she arrived later the same day. She was escorted by the Vichy French submarine chaser Chasseur 5. (9)

21 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Portland for Portsmouth where she arrived later the same day. Again she was escorted by the Vichy French submarine chaser Chasseur 5.

However at 1016 hours Chasseur 5 suddenly capsized. Rorqual managed to pick up three survivors. Chasseur 5 remained afloat upside down for over 2 hours before she finally sank. . In all six men survived, her commanding officer and twenty-two men went down with her.

Rorqual then set course for Portsmouth unescorted for a short period.

At 1250 hours she made rendez-vous with the Polish destroyer Blyskawica (Kmdr ppor. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP). They then proceeded in company to Portsmouth where they arrived late in the afternoon. (9)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) commenced refit at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (8)

Submarine HMS Stygian (P 249)

19 Jun 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (10)

1 Jul 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) both departed Holy Loch for Malta. They made the passege in convoy OS.82 / KMS.56. (11)

18 Jul 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (11)

25 Jul 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Aden. (11)

31 Jul 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) transits the Suez Canal. (11)

5 Aug 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden. (11)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (11)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (11)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Siam off the Mergui Archipaligo.

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

HMS Stygian 2nd war patrol click here for bigger map (10)

6 Sep 1944 (position 14.43, 97.44)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a sailing vessel with demolition charges of the west coast of Burma in position 14°43'N, 97°44'E.

(All times are zone 6.5)
1505 hours - Sighted a schooner type vessel, she looked a modern vessel. Two coloured men were sighted on board.

1555 hours - Surfaced and fired a warning round across the schooners bows. The sails were immediately lowered. A boarding party was put on board and these brought back two English speaking natives. The schooner was then destroyed with demolition charges. The crew had turned out to be not two but seven. Four were sent away in the schooners small boat, the other three remained on board Stygian. (10)

20 Sep 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

5 Oct 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee together with HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher DSC, RAN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN). (12)

7 Oct 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.

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

HMS Stygian 3rd war patrol click here for bigger map (10)

17 Oct 1944 (position 3.39, 100.46)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank three small vessels with gunfire near the mouth of the Bernam river.

(All times are zone -6.5
0600 hours - Surfaced in position 03°39'N, 100°46'E and boarded a junk. The junk was found to be under Japanese control. The cargo was oil drums amongst other general cargo. Sank the junk by a demolition charge.

0625 hours - Sighted a coaster bearing 010°, range 5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 130°, speed 8 knots. The target was about 130 feet long and of about 350 tons. Opened fire with the deck gun. It sank in position 03°45'N, 100°49'E after 37 rounds.

Then a large junk of about 100 tons was sighted close inshore. Closed and then opened fire. 20 Rounds were fired. By now the target was beached. The range was 4000 yards and could not be closed. to destroy this junk a lot of 3" ammo would be needed. Left the area for deeper water.

0718 hours - Sighted a small vessel with a very tall mast bearing 310°. When the range was about 5 nautical miles this ship was seen to be a small submarine chaser. Turned away to the Southward and increased to full speed.

0811 hours - The submarine chaser was lost astern. (10)

18 Oct 1944 (position 2.51, 100.19)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a small vessel with a demolition charge in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1110 hours - Surfaced in position 02°51'N, 100°19'E. Stopped, boarded and sank a Tongkang of 50 tons. The cargo was electrical equipment in crates. (10)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire near the mouth of the Perak river.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0756 hours - Sighted a small coaster. Enemy course 320°, speed 8 knots.

0805 hours - Surfaced for gun action and opened fire from 4200 yards.

0819 hours - The target sank in position 03°56'N, 100°40'E. 28 Rounds were expended. While withdrawing to deeper water a large three-masted junk was sighted. She was anchored and was engaged with the gun from 2800 yards. 20 Rounds were fired for about 10 hits. A fire was started but this was later observed to have died down. When last seen she was still floating and showing no signs of sinking.

0830 hours - Dived for an aircraft which remained in the area for some time.

0945 hours - Surfaced to board and destroy two junks. An aircraft forced Stygian to break off the action and dive. (10)

20 Oct 1944 (position 3.04, 99.56)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a large coaster and a small vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait. Several other vessels were damaged.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1339 hours - The Officer of the Watch reported an object moving up the coast. Closed at speed and made out a convoy of approximately a dozen small ships on a course of 320°, speed 8 knots. There were three small coasters of approximately 200 to 300 tons. These were followed by a large coaster or tanker of about 800 tons. They were surrounded by a collection of small craft. It was intended to torpedo the large coaster but when closing an Anti-torpedo boom was encountered preventing Stygian to close any further.

1409 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Before fire could be opened Stygian had to dive for an aircraft.

1424 hours - The aircraft disappeared over the land so surfaced again. Fire was now opened on the large coaster from 5000 yards but decreasing to 3500 yards at the end of the action.

1440 hours - After 81 rounds the ammuntion was expended. The coaster was ablaze from end to end. A motor boat or landing craft had disintegrated on being hit by a shell. Slight damage at least was suffered by most of the other vessels. Stygian now set course for deeper water.

1500 hours - The coaster was seen to sink in position 03°04'N, 99°56'E (10)

24 Oct 1944 (position 6.32, 96.42)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) attacked a Japanese submarine with two torpedoes North of Sumatra. No hits were obtained on the target which was either RO-113 or RO-115 (offsite links).

(All times are zone -6.5)
1353 hours - In position 06°32'N, 96°42'E sighted an object through the persicope bearing 090°.

1355 hours - The target drew slowly to the left, dived.

1414 hours - Sighted a submarine, later identified as Japanese Ro 100-class. She was zig-zagging on a main course of 285°, speed 11 knots.

1443 hours - The target detected the periscope when about to open fire. She altered course to Port.

1447 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1200 yards. These exploded shortly after firing and are thought to have prematured. The targets HE was however not picked up afterwards. (10)

29 Oct 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

13 Nov 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (13)

17 Nov 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was undocked. (13)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee together with HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN). (13)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.

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

HMS Stygian 4th war patrol click here for bigger map (10)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1409 hours - Sighted an object moving down the coast, 8 nauticsl miles South of the mouth of the Bernam River.

1430 hours - Surfaced and identified the target as a Southbound coaster of about 200 tons, speed 8 knots. Opened fire from 6000 yards.

1450 hours - Ceased fire after firing 104 rounds. The target was hit several times but showed astonishingly little sign of damage. Range oould not be cloased further then 3000 yards. The target was in shallow water. Then a fire caught the cargo, most likely oil so then stood off to reach deeper water as the fire now would do the job.

1505 hours - The target exploded and sank. (10)

7 Dec 1944 (position 2.00, 100.03)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a coaster and landing craft with gunfire in the Malacca Strait. Also two small gunboats were damaged in the same action.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0926 hours - Sighted an object moving down the coast. Closed. It was not possible to intercept this target before it reached shallow water while closing dived.

0955 hours - Surfaced. Now sighted that the target was a 300 tons coaster that was in a convoy with two landing craft and two small gunboats.

1001 hours - The gunboats had now closed to 4000 yards and opened fire with a 12pdr gun and machine guns.

1005 hours - In position 02°55'N, 100°03'E opened fire with the 3" gun at the coaster from 5000 yards.

1021 hours - The coaster was now well on fire so shifted target to the nearest landing craft.

1022 hours - Sank the landing craft. Now the 3" gun shifted target to the gunboats. During the entire action these had been taken under fire with the Oerlikon and Vickers guns. They eventually had closed to 2000 yards but when damaged by the machine gun fire they retired, range was now 7000 yards.

1025 hours - Ceased fire as it was not possible to close the targets any further in these shallow waters. Retired from the scene to make off for deeper water. (10)

10 Dec 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) attacked a convoy of coasters with six torpedoes off Ulee Lhoe, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies. The result of this attack in not clear as Stygian went deep upon firing.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0532 hours - Dived 4 nautical miles South of Pulau Weh. Set course to close Ulee Lhoe anchorage.

1040 hours - Sighted a submarine chaser coming from Ulee Lhoe.

1118 hours - The chaser stopped 1000 yards from HMS Stygian. Possibly she went out as a convoy might be sailing shortly. Went deep.

1138 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Found the chaser only 400 yards on the Port quarter. Went deep again.

1150 hours - Heard HE decreasing.

1220 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the chaser moving towards the shore where a convoy of five coasters was forming. The coasters were in two colums and were forming one line about 300 feet long.

1232 hours - Fired six torpedoes from 3700 to 4000 yards. Two torpedo explosions were heard but the result could not be observed as Stygian went deep after firing.

1245 hours - The first depth charge was dropped. No damage was done in this short and ineffective counter attack.

1318 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

(10)

14 Dec 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

2 Jan 1945
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Trincomalee together with HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN). (14)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.

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

HMS Stygian 5th war patrol click here for bigger map (10)

5 Jan 1945
At 0100 hours (zone -6.5) HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) encountered the badly damaged HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC, RN).

She gave assistance to her badly damaged sistership and sent a signal for help. At 1500 hours HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) arrived at the scene and one and a half hour later Stygian set course for her patrol area again. (10)

16 Jan 1945 (position 4.47, 100.21)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank three Japanese vessels in the Malacca Strait off the mouth of the Bernam river near position 03°40'N, 100°45'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1417 hours - Destroyed a tongkang (no. 2115) of 100 tons by a demolition charge. Cargo was 120 tons of salt, 2 tons of fire brick and 20 tons of coke.

1430 hours - Dived for an aircraft.

1507 hours - Surfaced and destroyed a 40 tons junk with gunfire.

1553 hours - Destroyed a 20 tons junk (named Kim Keng Lee) by a demolition charge. As the junks skiff could only carry three out of the crew of six the other three were taken on board. At 1624 hours these were transferred to a sampan. (10)

17 Jan 1945 (position 4.43, 100.28)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank the small Japanese tanker Nichinan Maru and later a sailing vessel in position 04°43'N, 100°28'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1555 hours - Sighted a mast bearing 320°, moving Southwards.

1616 hours - Surfaced for gun action. The target was seen to be a small tanker of about 500 tons.

1629 hours - Checked fire and withdrew to deeper water.

1644 hours - The target blew up with considerable force in position 04°43'N, 100°28'E.

1721 hours - Destroyed a 21 tons junk by a demolition charge. The three crew were taken on board and transferred to a sampan half an hour later. (10)

22 Jan 1945 (position 4.40, 100.20)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire in the Malacca Strait near position 04°40'N, 100°20'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1433 hours - Surfaced and sank a 30 tons junk by a demolition charge. She was bound from Penang to Port Dickson with a cargo of rice.

1545 hours - Destroyed a small 10 tons junk with a demolition charge. She was also bound for Port Dickson and her cargo was also rice.

1612 hours - Destroyed another 10 tons junk. The crews of the last two junks were then transferred to a sampan. (10)

25 Jan 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) fired two torpedoes at a coaster moored at a pier at Ulee Lhoe, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies. Both torpedoes missed due to malfunctions.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0540 hours - Dived and set course to investigate the Ulee Lhoe Anchorage.

0832 hours - Fired two torpedoes at a coaster (approx. 300 tons). The first torpedo ran 4 degrees to the right. The second torpedo commenced circling so went deep. Bottomed at 50 feet. Retired from the area shortly afterwards. (10)

29 Jan 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

4 Feb 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for passage to Fremantle, Australia where she was to join the 8th Submarine Flotilla.

No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed. (11)

22 Feb 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Fremantle, Australia. (11)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (15)

1 Mar 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was put back in the water. (15)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Fremantle for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

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

HMS Stygian 6th war patrol click here for bigger map (10)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) made a short stop at Exmouth Gulf for fuel and provisions, or they thought so. A signal had been sent to Stygian that she was to proceed to Onslow for fuel and provisions. However on board Stygian the signal was read as proceed 'on slow' for fuel and provisions.

Stygian departed Exmouth Gulf for Onslow shortly afterwards. (10)

20 Mar 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) takes on board fuel and provisions at Onslow and then proceeded for her patrol area. (10)

23 Mar 1945
During the evening HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (10)

24 Mar 1945 (position -7.28, 115.04)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a Japanese sea truck with gunfire North of Bali, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -8)
0535 hours - Sighted a small vessel silhouetted against the dawn, the target appeared to be stopped.

0544 hours - Dived and closed to investigate. Soon after the target was identified as a sea truck of 200 tons. One machine gun was visible on the bridge.

0806 hours - Surfaced up sun in position 07°28'S, 115°04'E and opened fire.

0808 hours - Checked fire as the crew were abandoning ship and putting up no fight. The target was already ablaze and settling.

0810 to 0845 hours - Picked up 10 of 11 survivors seen in the water. The 11th swam away twice and was not seen later.

0935 hours - One of the Javanese survivors had died and was buried at sea. He was the 2nd engineer of the sea truck. While in the water he had a large chunk of his side bitten out by a shark. The survivors / prisoners stated that there had been 22 men aboard the sea truck of which 4 were Japanese. They had broken down with engine trouble. The master, chief engineer, two Japanese and two Javanese had taken off in their boat to look for assistance and spare parts. Casualties were 2 Japanese and 4 Javanaese including the already mentioned 2nd engineer. As there was not enough room aboard the submarine and it was still quite early in the patrol all survivors were put on board fishing vessels that evening. (10)

27 Mar 1945 (position -7.09, 115.21)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese minelayer Wakataka (1608 tons, built 1941, offsite link). Her bow was blown off by the torpedo.

(All times are zone -8)
0542 hours - While in position 07°09'S, 115°21'E sighted an object bearing 076°. Dived and started an attack. The object was later identified as a large Japanese minelayer.

0610 hours - Fired the stern tube from 600 yards. Went deep on firing. Soon after the torpedo was heard to hit. HE and asdic transmissions ceased.

0625 hours - HE started up again and passed down the Port side dropping 5 depth charges. After a while HE faded out to the North-East when suddenly it stopped.

0715 hours - Returned to periscope depth to find the target bearing 060° at a range of 10000 yards. She was proceeding very slowly towards an anchorage. It was seen she was down by the bows. An enemy aircraft was seen patrolling overhead in due to the flat calm conditions had to go deep again to avoid detection from the air. (10)

29 Mar 1945
In the early morning hours HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) detected by a Japanese escort vessel (possibly fitted with radar) while trying to attack an enemy convoy on the surface. Stygian is shelled and forced to dive. She is then attacked with 14 depth charges but these did no damage. (10)

2 Apr 1945 (position -7.02, 115.32)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank a Japanese coaster with gunfire in the Java Sea south of Kangean Island in position 07°02'S, 115°32'E.

(All times are zone -9)
0602 hours - Resighted the coaster that was spotted yesterday. It was a steel coaster of about 300 tons flying the Japanese naval ensign.

0646 hours - Dived to close the target and wait for better light.

0814 hours - Surfaced in position 07°02'S, 115°32'E and opened fire from 1700 yards.

0826 hours - Ceased fire.

0832 hours - Coaster number 447 (or 744 ?) was seen to sink. 54 Rounds of 3" and 200 rounds of Oerlikon had been used. Left the area on the surface at 12 knots. (10)

7 Apr 1945 (position -7.18, 115.27)
At 1357 hours (zone -9) HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) an enemy aircraft was spotted 5000 yards off and coming towards. Stygian dived. When passing 60 feet at 1359 hours three bombs exploded. Position was 07°18'S, 115°27'E. (10)

8 Apr 1945 (position -6.31, 113.10)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) attacked two Japanese 'torpedo boats' about 25 nautical miles North of Madura Island, Netherlands East Indies. The ships attacked were most likely the Japanese torpedo boat Kari and Japanese minesweeper W-34. They were returning to Surabaya with the survivors from light cruiser Isuzu (all offsite links).

(All times are zone -9)
1053 hours - Dived for two aircraft that remained patrolling in the area. Decided to remain in the area and to wait and see what was the object of this unusual activity.

1329 hours - Called to the periscope by the Officer of the Watch. He had sighted what are thought to be two Japanese torpedo boats. The sighting was unfortunately rather late and Stygian was not in the best position to attack. Started an attack non the less.

1336 hours - In position 06°31'S, 113°10'E fired five torpedoes at the nearest target from 2000 yards. She was in line with the vessel that was further away. Stygian went deep upon firing. Four torpedo explosions were heard and there was hope for a double kill.

1341 hours - Five depth charges were dropped.

1356 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Unfortunately both targets were still in sight, one appeared to be undamaged the other was enveloped in thick black smoke. (10)

10 Apr 1945 (position -6.22, 110.48)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank two coasters with gunfire in the Java Sea.

(All times are zone -9)
1330 hours - Sighted smoke inshore bearing 195°. Closed submerged.

1540 hours - Identified the target as a small Westbound coaster. Closed further.

1624 hours - Surfaced in position 06°22'S, 110°48'E and continued closing. Opened fire when the range was 5000 yards on the nearest coaster (by now two coasters of about 200 tons were in sight). The first coaster soon sank. Fire was then shifted to the second coaster but although riddled with shells from 1800 yards she refused to go down. As Stygian was now in very shallow water on the surface for quite some time decided to make for deeper water.

(10)

12 Apr 1945 (position -8.05, 115.06)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank two coasters at Beuleleng, Bali, Netherlands East Indies.

In the same action Stygian also sank the Japanese auxiliary minesweeper Wa 104 (175 tons, former Dutch Djember) and destroyed the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 104.

(All times are zone -9)
1423 hours - Sighted a coaster of about 400 tons making for Beuleleng from the West. Closed submerged.

1528 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Sighted not one but three coasters (200, 300 and 400 tons), a small tug and an auxiliary submarine chaser of the pier. All were heavily camouflaged.

1528 hours - Opened fire on the submarine chaser.

1531 hours - The submarine chaser slipped and opened fire on Stygian.

1540 hours - The submarine chaser now was heavily damaged. She ceased fire and was on fire forward. She beached herself and apart from a few bursts of 20mm machine gun fire would take no further part in the battle.

Fire was now shifted to the coasters at a range of 2000 yards. As there would not be enough ammunition to sink all with gunfire two torpedoes were fired. The first torpedo was set to 4 feet failed to explode. The second torpedo was set to 2 feet and it hit the 200 tons coaster which disintergated and it also broke the back of the 300 tons coaster which sank about 8 feet on to the bottom.

Meanwhile the 400 tons coaster was sunk with the 3" gun. The submarine chaser seemed repairable so a third torpedo was fired at it which blew the stern off.

The 400 tons coaster who had sunk had her bridge and upper deck awash and also seemed repairable. A fourth torpedo was fired at it to destroy it but this torpedo had a gyro failure.

1604 hours - Stygian immediately crash dived to 80 feet to avoid being hit by her own torpedo.

1615 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw two escort vessel approaching from the East. Went deep again to avoid. Only two distant depth charges followed. (10)

13 Apr 1945
During the early moring hours HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) passed Lombok Strait Southbound. (10)

16 Apr 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) made a stop at Exmouth Gulf for fuel and provisions. At Exmouth Gulf she grounded but was refloated after three hours. She departed for Fremantle the same day. (10)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. (10)

7 May 1945
During 7 and 8 May 1945 HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (16)

11 May 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Fremantle for passage to Subic Bay, Philippines.

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

HMS Stygian passage Fremantle - Subic Bay click here for bigger map (16)

14 May 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) made a short call at Exmouth Gulf for fuel and provisions. She departed after a few hours to continue her passage to Subic Bay. (16)

17 May 1945
During the night of 17/18 May 1945 HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (16)

25 May 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines. (16)

29 May 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.

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

HMS Stygian 7th war patrol click here for bigger map (10)

31 May 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) and HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) together bombard Storm Island in the South China Sea. They also land a raiding party. The island was however found to be uninhabited. (10)

3 Jun 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was ordered to take up a patrol position of the Lingga Anchorage to give cover for the allied landings in Northern Borneo. (10)

5 Jun 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was ordered to patrol between the Northern end of Banka Strait and Lingga. (10)

6 Jun 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was ordered to patrol off the Northern entrance to Banka Strait to intercept a Japanese Ashigara-class heavy cruiser that was reported by US submarines. (10)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sighted HMS Trenchant (Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSO, DSC, RN). A conference was held and it was decided that Stygian would patrol to the North of Hendrik Klippen Shoal and Trenchant to the South of it. (10)

8 Jun 1945 (position -1.52, 104.58)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) attacked but missed the Japanese destroyer Kamikaze (offsite link) off the Northern entrance to Banka Strait. Stygian received some minor damage in the counter attack.

(All times are zone -9)
0439 hours - When in a position 10 nautical miles North of the entrance to Banka Strait sighted starshell to the Southward. Soon after received a signal from HMS Trenchant that she had been detected by a destroyer. Altered course to assist her. When Stygian could not hear depth charges or gunfire it was assumed that Trenchant was clear of the enemy and Stygian therefore remained North of Hendrik Klippen Shoal.

0536 hours - Heard faint HE.

0722 hours - Dived and remained North of Hendrik Klippen Shoal.

1015 hours - Sighted what was later identified as a destroyer of the Kamikaze-class. Also aircraft were seen patrolling the area. The destroyer passed close to the East of Stygian. A good look around showed no other target in the area so when the destroyer turned South it was decided to attack her.

1050 hours - In position 01°52'S, 104°58'E fired two torpedoes from 800 yards. Both torpedoes missed. The tracks were most likely seen as immediately after firing the second torpedo she was seen to be under full helm. The torpedoes are thought to have passed very close astern. A counter attack of 27 depth charges now followed. The first of these were close causing minor damage. She however never gained contact and the remainder of the depth charges became more and more distant.

1347 hours - Distant explosions were heard. These proved to be the work of Trenchant sinking the Japanese heavy cruiser. The destroyer by now was 4000 yards to the North-West and was now heading South. It appeared the Japanese thought that there was only one submarine and that if they could keep it down the cruiser could pass unmolested. (10)

14 Jun 1945 (position -0.58, 104.55)
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) damaged a 500 tons coaster off the Northern entrance to Banka Strait. As the range could not be closed due to shallow water and gunfire from shore batteries the action had to be broken off.

(All times are zone -9)
1140 hours - Sighted a 500 tons coaster. She was hugging the Sumatran coast and was Northbound. Range was 9000 yards. Closed the range submerged.

1214 hours - Surfaced in position 00°58'S, 104°55'E and opened fire. Stygian however grounded and the action had to be broken off as the range could not be closed to more than 8000 yards. Also shore batteries opened up fire on Stygian. One hit was obtained. (10)

27 Jun 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (10)

3 Jul 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was docked at Subic Bay. (17)

7 Jul 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was undocked. (17)

15 Jul 1945
During 15 and 16 July 1945, HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Subic Bay together with HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) and HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR). These included night exercises. (17)

23 Jul 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Subic Bay for Brunei Bay.

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

HMS Stygian passage Subic Bay - Brunei Bay click here for bigger map (17)

26 Jul 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Brunei Bay. There she takes midget submarine XE 1 in tow and departed for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area). She is to tow XE 3 to Singapore where the midget submarine was to attack the Japanese heavy cruiser Takao (offsite link). This was part of 'Operation Struggle' (offsite link).

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

HMS Stygian 8th war patrol click here for bigger map (10)

30 Jul 1945
At 2310 hours (zone -9) HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) released the tow of midget submarine XE 3 (Lt. I.A. Fraser, RNR) in position 036 - Horsburgh lighthouse - 5000 yards.

XE 3 succeded to lay her explosive charges on the bottom near the Japanese heavy cruiser Takao (offsite link) and managed to make their escape.

The crew of XE 3 were awarded the Victoria Cross for this mission. (10)

1 Aug 1945
At 0029 hours (zone -9) HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) made rendez-vous with midget submarine XE 3 in more or less the same position where she was released. At 0339 hours 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 3 in tow. (10)

4 Aug 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area) at Brunei Bay. (10)

16 Aug 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Brunei Bay for Subic Bay.

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

HMS Stygian passage Brunei Bay - Subic Bay click here for bigger map (18)

20 Aug 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Subic Bay. (18)

24 Aug 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Subic Bay for Trincomalee. This was the first leg of the passage back to the U.K. where she was to refit. (18)

6 Sep 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (19)

11 Sep 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Port Said. (19)

26 Sep 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (19)

3 Oct 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Port Said for Gibraltar. (11)

11 Oct 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (11)

12 Oct 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (11)

16 Oct 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (11)

13 Nov 1945
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was paid off to reserve at Portsmouth. (11)

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