Anthony Foster Collett DSC, RN
| Born | 4 Mar 1911 | Gloucester, England, U.K. | |
| Died | 11 Feb 1991 | (79) | Lydart, Wales, U.K. |
| Ranks
Retired: 29 Jan 1948 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Anthony Foster Collett, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS H 34 (N 34) | Lt. | Submarine | 26 Apr 1940 | 17 Sep 1940 |
| HMS Unique (N 95) | Lt. | Submarine | 19 Sep 1940 | 16 Aug 1941 |
| HMS Unique (N 95) | Lt. | Submarine | 24 Aug 1941 | 18 Jun 1942 |
| HMS Upright (N 89) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 1 Jul 1942 | 11 Dec 1942 |
| HMS Tactician (P 314) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 12 Dec 1942 | 1 Oct 1944 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS H 34 (N 34)
29 May 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Portland for her 4th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the English Channel.
[No log is available for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (1)
2 Jun 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Portsmouth. (1)
3 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN), HMS H 49 (Lt. M.A. Langley, RN) and HMS H 50 (Lt. A.R. Cheyne, RN) departed Portsmouth for Harwich. They were escorted by HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)
5 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Harwich. (2)
8 Jun 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Harwich for her 5th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS H 34 during this patrol see the map below.
(1)
15 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Harwich. (1)
23 Jun 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Harwich for her 6th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS H 34 during this patrol see the map below.
(1)
1 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Harwich. (1)
15 Jul 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Harwich for her 7th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS H 34 during this patrol see the map below.
(1)
23 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Lowestoft where she was immediately docked. (3)
31 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was undocked. (3)
1 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) shifted from Lowestoft to Harwich. She was escorted by HMS Ben Bhrackie (T/Skr. H.J. May, RNR). (4)
5 Aug 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Harwich for her 8th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS H 34 during this patrol see the map below.
(1)
11 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Harwich. (1)
17 Aug 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Harwich for her 9th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the North Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS H 34 during this patrol see the map below.
(1)
26 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Harwich. (1)
1 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Harwich for her 10th war patrol. This was an anti-invasion patrol off the East coast. H 34 was recalled later the same day. She then returned to Harwich. (5)
3 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Harwich for Rosyth. Passage was made in convoy FN 71. (5)
5 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (5)
6 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Rosyth for Rothesay. H 34 joined convoy OA 210 for the passage. (5)
9 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (5)
10 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). . Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 34 proceeded to Campbeltown. (5)
16 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Terje 1 (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR) and HMS Terje 2 (Ch.Skr. G.R. Gale, RNR). (5)
17 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Ford, RN) and HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. John J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN).
Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Napier took command of HMS H 34 vice Lt. Collett. (5)
Submarine HMS Unique (N 95)
27 Sep 1940
Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Troubadour (Cdr.(Retd.) D.H. Milward, DSO, RNR).
En-route, Unique carried out acceptance trials followign which she was formally taken over from the shipyard and placed in full commission at Holy Loch. (6)
28 Sep 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) commeced a period of trials and training. (7)
1 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted D/G tests at Holy Loch. (8)
2 Oct 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with an A/S yacht. (8)
4 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) condcuted D/G (degaussing) trials in Gare Loch. (8)
6 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (8)
7 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (8)
8 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (8)
9 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (8)
10 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Rothesay. (8)
11 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Govan. (8)
12 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at Govan to have her propeller changed. While she was in dock her bottom was also cleaned and painted. (8)
14 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is undocked at Govan. She then proceeded to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (8)
15 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (8)
16 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (8)
18 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Rothesay. (8)
19 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Jennie Deans (A/Cdr. L.C. Windsor, RN). These included night exercises during the night of 19/20 October 1940. (8)
20 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of the night exercises. (8)
23 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. En-route exercises were carried out. (8)
24 Oct 1940
With her trials and training completed, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN), departed Campbeltown around 1830A/24 for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Haarlem (T/Lt. L.B. Merrick, RNR) until 1508A/26 when they parted company near the Lizard.
Before departure HMS Unique had carried out A/S exercises with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN).
At Portsmouth HMS Unique was to be taken in hand to remedy the problems with the 'singing propellers' of the new U-class submarines. (8)
27 Oct 1940
Around 1545 HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Portsmouth (Haslar Creek, Fort Blockhouse / HMS Dolphin). She had been joined by a trawler (unidentified) wihch escorted her in around 1215A/27. (8)
28 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted noise trials off Portsmouth following which she is docked in the floating dock (AFD 2) at Haslar Creek (Fort Blockhouse / HMS Dolphin). (8)
30 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is undocked. She then conducted noise trials off Portsmouth. (8)
31 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is docked again in AFD 2 at Haslar Creek (Fort Blockhouse / HMS Dolphin. She was undocked after a few hours for main motor trails in Haslar Creek. Upon completion of these, apparently unsatisfactory, trials she was docked once more. (8)
2 Nov 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is undocked. After trials off Portsmouth she was docked once more in AFD 2. (9)
5 Nov 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is undocked following motor trials were carried out. (9)
6 Nov 1940
Around 1500A/6, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Portsmouth for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the English Channel.
She was escorted out until 1740A/6, by HMS Kingston Amber (Skr. J. Flett, RNR). (10)
6 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Unique during her 1st war patrol see the map below.
7 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed, 1354A/7, the Vice Admiral Submarines, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was informed that at 1210A/7, 3 enemy merchant vessels had been sighted 30 nautical miles to the south of the Needles.
The signal was received at 1608A/7, when HMS Unique was in position 50°05'N, 01°19'W. She was unable to act on this signal as it was too late to do so.
[We have been unable to identify these three enemy merchant vessels.] (10)
15 Nov 1940
At 0100A/15, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) left patrol to return to Portsmouth.
At 1245A/15, she ended her 1st war patrol at Portsmouth. On arrival D/G trials were carried out.
She was escorted in by HMS Kingston Ceylonite (Ch.Skr. J.S. Garnham, RNR) which had joined around 0745A/15. (11)
22 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (9)
26 Nov 1940
Around 1400A/26, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Portsmouth for Dartmouth.
Before departure exercises were carried out.
She was escorted out until 1640A/26, by HMS Kingston Ceylonite (Ch.Skr. J.S. Garnham, RNR). (9)
27 Nov 1940
Around 1020A/27, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Dartmouth to participate in A/S exercises.
She was escorted in by HMS St. Cathan (T/Lt. F. Twomey, RNR) which had joined around 0845A/27. (9)
28 Nov 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Dartmouth with HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN). (8)
29 Nov 1940
Around 1800A/29, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Dartmouth for Portsmouth. (9)
30 Nov 1940
Around 1310A/30, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She was escorted in by HMS Cape Palliser (T/Lt. D.C. Hayes, RNVR). (12)
11 Dec 1940
Around 1430A/11, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was to proceed towards Malta to join the Mediterranean Fleet.
HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN) was in company, as was also a trawler escort [so far unidentified] until around 1745A/11.
On her way she was ordered, together with HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN), HMS Usk and HMS Thunderbolt (Lt. C.B. Crouch, RN), to patrol off the Gironde estuary to intercept U-boats expected there on 14/15 December but nothing was sighted.
The passage to Gibraltar therefore became her 2nd war patrol.
For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(13)
28 Dec 1940
Around 1830A/28, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. Initially she was to cover the passage of the Excess convoy but it occurred after her passage.
For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this passage see the map below.
(13)
6 Jan 1941
Around 0800A/6, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar. (14)
8 Jan 1941
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is docked in No.4 graving dock at the Malta Dockyard. (14)
10 Jan 1941
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is undocked. (14)
16 Jan 1941
Around 1730A/16, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the approaches to Tripoli, Libya.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
21 Jan 1941
At 1340A/21, while close inshore to the west of Tripoli, in approximate position 32°51'N, 12°35'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted two westbound transports of approximately 2500 tons escorted by two auxiliary schooners bearing 035°. Enemy course was 290° at 12 knots. An attack was started but after an hour the attack was abandoned due to the long range and broad track angle (140°).
This must have been the transports Marocchino (Italian, 1524 GRT, built 1920) and Prospero (Italian, 971 GRT, built 1904) and the Italian auxiliary schooners V 87 / Aosta (562 GRT, built 1913) and V 39/Giovanna (158 GRT, built 1910) which had departed Tripoli for Trapani around 0945A/21. (10)
22 Jan 1941 (position 32.55, 13.00)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with one torpedo about 10 nautical miles west of Tripoli, Libya. The torpedo missed and the target fled back towards Tripoli.
According to Italian sources this was the transport Dielpi (Italian, 1520 GRT, built 1912) who was missed astern but she reported turning back to Tripoli because of the bad weather.
Before this attack an attack on a large transport had to be broken off.
1300A/22 - In position 32°55'N, 13°00'E sighted a large transport bearing 260°. Enemy course was 095° at a speed of 14 knots. Range was 13000 yards. A Cant Z501 flying boat was overhead. Started attack.
1342A/22 - The attack had to be broken off when the enemy changed course, a pity as the target appeared to be 7000 to 10000 tons in size. A second ship was now spotted and the attack was shifted to this vessel which was of about 2000 tons. enemy course was 250° at a speed of 9 knots.
1356A/22 - Fired one torpedo from 700 yards aimed just forward of the funnel. Upon firing Unique went to 75 feet. The torpedo was not heard to explode.
1417A/22 - Returned to periscope depth and saw the target returning towards Tripoli with signals flying. (10)
23 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1630A/23, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) received the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1213A/23 which ordered her to leave patrol P.M./25 and proceed through positions 33°05'N, 13°00'E and 35°31'N, 14°14'E to arrive off Marsamxett harbour at 0700A/27. She was also to make a short area report when considered safe to do so after crossing
Latitude 35°N. (15)
24 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0320A/24, while patrolling to the west of Tripoli, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted two destroyers in line ahead bearing 150° at a range of 2 miles. Enemy course was 080° at 10 knots. HMS Unique altered course away to avoid. (10)
25 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900A/25, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (10)
27 Jan 1941
Around 0700A/27, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta.
(10)
7 Feb 1941
Around 1745A/7, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol near the Kerkennah Bank, Tunisia.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
8 Feb 1941
At 2319A/8, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) received HMS Ursula's (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) signal timed 1940A/8 which gave the following;
Unsuccessfully attacked convoy 3 merchant
ships escorted by 2 torpedo boats in position 35°15'N, 11°30'E. Course 135° at 11 knots.
HMS Unique was not in a position to intercept the enemy. (16)
10 Feb 1941
At 0320A/10, east-north-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°54'N, 11°55'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted three large merchant vessels bearing 245° at 14000 yards. Enemy course was 350° at 14 knots. Due to the flat calm sea and bright moonlight it was declined to attack dived at 5.5 knots on course 300°.
At 0530A/10, the enemy appeared to alter course to 320° round No.4 Kerkennah Bank buoy. HMS Unique was still 6000 yards from the enemy on a very broad track and the attack was broken off. On surfacing at 0415A/10, seven ships had been visible. The additional four vessels are thought to have been escorts. At 0435A/10, an enemy report had been made.
This convoy was most likely the one made up of the (troop) transports Conte Rosso (Italian, 12567 GRT, built 1912), Esperia (Italian, 11398 GRT, built 1920), Marco Polo (Italian, 12567 GRT, built 1912) and the transport Calitea (Italian, 4013 GRT, built 1933). They had departed Tripoli around 1830B/9 for Naples. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Luca Tarigo, Lanzerotto Malocello, Freccia and Saetta. (10)
11 Feb 1941 (position 34.41, 11.50)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) attacked a large transport east of Kerkennah. This was the German Arcturus (2576 GRT, built 1937) in company with German transports Alicante (2140 GRT, built 1934) and Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937). The convoy was escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine and the Italian torpedo boat Orsa on their way to Tripoli from Naples which they had departed around 0930B/8. Arcturus reported three underwater explosions which were probably caused by torpedoes hitting the bottom.
0110A/11 - In position 34°41'N, 11°50'E sighted a large transport and a tanker apparently unescorted, bearing 010°. Enemy course was 160°. Started attack.
0211A/11 - Fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards at the transport. No hits were obtained as the speed was most likely higher then was estimated. After 14 minutes three torpedoes were heard exoloding on the bottom at theend of their run. The 4th torpedo had a gyro failure and was heard to pass over the after casing shortly after it was fired.
0330A/11 - Surfaced. Nothing in sight. (10)
12 Feb 1941 (position 34.50, 11.50)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) attacked a transport in a convoy east of Kerkennah with two torpedoes which both missed.
This convoy was probably the one made up of the Italian transports Florida II (3100 GRT, built 1905), Audace (1446 GRT, built 1892) and Pegli (1673 GRT, built 1910) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Calliope. Thus convoy had departed Palermo around 1000B/11. Initially the convoy had been escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Alcione until the vicinity of Trapani where Calliope took over.
2340A/11 – In position 34°43'N, 11°50'E sighted four vessels bearing 110 degrees in open formation.
2346A/11 - Dived and closed the enemy.
0021A/12 - Fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards. No hits were obtained although two hits were claimed.
0105A/12 - Surfaced, nothing in sight.
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1210A/12 - East-north-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°55'N, 11°50'E, two transports were sighted bearing 270°. Enemy course was 160°. Closed at full speed on a 115° track for 15 minutes. The track was then broadened to 130° and the chase was continued for a further 10 minutes but it was found impossible to close the range which was never less than 8000 yards. The targets finally altered course away apparently running into Sfax Bay. The ships were identified as a large tanker of about 6000 tons and a small tramp. They were not escorted and most probably Vichy-French.
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1950A/12 - In position 34°50'N, 11°49'E, two small vessels were seen bearing 210°, range 10000 yards. They were at first believed to be trawlers but they may have been small coasters. Unique altered course to 030 and ran away at 8 knots until the ships appeared to round Kerkennah Bank proceeding northwards. (10)
13 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0300A/13, east-north-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°49'N, 11°52'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a small merchant vessel bearing 290° bull down on course 220°. Decided that a chase was hopeless as HMS Unique was abaft the contacts beam.
At 0356A/13, three small ships were sighted bearing 150° thought to be probably destroyers. The came straight towards at high speed. HMS Unique dived and ran out to the north and east keeping HE end on and astern. Revs. of the enemy were 220 decreasing to 130. No A/S transmissions were heard.
At 0800A/13, in position 34°49'N, 11°50'E, sighted a 6000 tons merchant vessel in ballast bearing 290°. Range was 10000 yards. Course 200°. Closed to attack but the target was subsequently identified as a French 'San Antonio-class' vessel.
At 0830A/13, another merchant vessel was sighted bearing 230°, range 6000 yards. Course of the contact was 030° at 7 knots. The vessel was heavily laden and approximately 4500 tons. Closed to 1000 yards but just then the ship was identified as Vichy-French.
At 1740A/13, in position 34°51'N, 11°49'E, two merchant vessels were sighted. They were less then 2000 tons in size. Range was 14000 yards. Course of the vessels was 040°. They are believed to have been Vichy-French.
At 1908A/13, the Cdr. S'1's signal timed 1755A/13, was received which ordered HMS Unique to retire to the south-west as Swordfish aircraft were operating in her area. She was to remain west of 11°30'E. (10)
14 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0230A/14, when south-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°26'N, 11°31'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted four aircraft flares bearing 055°. HMS Unique set course to return to her patrol area.
At 0345A/14, in position 34°35'N, 11°37'E, a small merchant vessel was seen bearing 045° at a range of 14000 yards. Course of the vessel was 350°. A chase was hopeless. (10)
15 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) In an earlier signal, timed 1216A/15, the Cdr. S'1 had ordered HMS Unique to leave patrol so as to arrive off Marsamxett
at 0630A/18. She was to proceed through positions 34°30'N, 12°16'E and 35°32'N, 14°12'E. She was also informed that Mine(s) of unknown type had been laid by enemy aircraft off the harbour entrance. (10) 16 Feb 1941 At 0310A/16, in position 34°25'N, 11°32'E, a transport escorted by a destroyer was sighted bearing 060° at a range of 12000 yards. Enemy course was 180°. Closed on a 100° track and later a 140° track at full speed but the range could not be closed further than 6000 yards.
At 1400A/16, east of Kerkennah, in approximate position 34°38'N, 11°44'E, a merchant vessels was seen bearing 280° at a range of 12000 yards. HMS Unique altered course to close at full submerged speed but after 20 minutes the range had not decreased. A second merchant vessel was just visible hull down beyond the first. They appeared to be ships of approximately 6000 tons each and were probably Vichy-French.
At 1755A/16, east-north-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°50'N, 11°52'E, four vessels were seen bearing 295° at a range of 10000 yards. HMS Unique closed to investigate.
At 1812A/16, the targets were identified as three small minesweepers in quarter line on course 180° at 8 knots. HMS Unique altered course to 080° and kept stern on.
At 1850A/16, HE faded on bearing 220°. (10) 17 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 18 Feb 1941 27 Feb 1941 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(10) 1 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 Mar 1941 This signal must have referred to the convoy made up of the transports Adana (German, 4176 GRT, built 1922), Aegina (German, 2453 GRT, built 1922), Arta (German, 2452 GRT, built 1922) and Sabaudia (Italian, 1703 GRT, built 1911). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Luca Tarigo, Freccia and the Italian torpedo boat Castore. The convoy had departed Naples around 1800B/3 for Tripoli. (17) 5 Mar 1941 At 1330B/5, when in position 33°08'N, 12°02'E, they altered course to 350°. (10) 6 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) On closing it was seen that that there were eight in number. Five were thought to be minesweepers and three others were thought to be torpedo boats. They were steering 130°. Ten minutes later two destroyers were sighted bearing 170° at a range of 4 miles. Their approximate course was 280°. Very shortly afterwards they turned eastwards again to a course of about 100°. Asdic gave their revs as 230-240. As far as could be seen they were of the Folgore-class.
During this time four aircraft were flying over the area. At 1212B/6, two of the aircraft, seen to be Savioa's were seen coming straight towards and it was deemed wise to go deep.
From 1235B/6 to 1300B/6, several vessels doing 90 revs were heard to pass to the southward moving east. Others were presumably the sweepers still steering 130°.
At 1245B/6, HE of 140 revs was heard bearing 180° drawing west.
At 1315B/6, HE of 140 revs was heard bearing 180° drawing east.
By 1330B/6, all was quiet.
At 1415B/6, on coming to periscope depth the mast and funnel of a large merchant vessel was seen bearing 140°, astern of a cloud of smoke from presumably the minesweepers. Enemy course was approximately 090°. (10) 7 Mar 1941 7 Mar 1941 The target was soon identified as two torpedo boats of the Spica-class. They were in line ahead proceeding on course 170° at 24 knots (240 revs.). The second torpedo boat was belching forth thick black smoke. (10) 10 Mar 1941 (position 34.19, 12.40) Her escort, the armed merchant cruiser Attilio Deffenu (3510 GRT, built 1929), picked up 14 survivors and four corpses. The destroyer Baleno, escorting a nearby convoy, was detached to hunt the submarine and dropped ten depth charges in the area but without result.
0645B/10 - In position 34°25'N, 12°40'E heard HE bearing 360°. Came to periscope depth and sighted an armed merchant cruiser escorting a laden merchant vessel of about 3500 tons. Started attack.
0659B/10 - Fired three torpedoes at the merchant vessel from 2000 yards. 2 Minutes 15 seconds after firing the first torpedo an explosion was heard. HE ceased immediately. Unique meanwhile went to 150 feet. During the next hour 12 depth charges were dropped but these were not close. No more HE was heard after 0815 hours. (10) 11 Mar 1941 HMS Unique returned to Malta with a defective starboard main engine. This could not be repaired at sea and required a period of repairs at Malta. (10) 28 Mar 1941 For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(10) 31 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 0845B/31, in position 36°24'N, 10°57'E a merchant vessel was seen bearing 265° at a range of 7 miles. The vessel was northbound. HMS Unique closed at speed for three quarters of an hour. Vessel was a fully laden tramp of about 4000 tons showing no identification marks or flag. Course of the vessel was 020° at 7-8 knots. Two tubes were blown up, but at the last moment (0943B/31) it was decided not to fire as the vessel was inside French territorial waters. (10) 2 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 1910B/2, in position 36°36'N, 11°10'E, a small fishing vessel was sighted bearing 285° at a range of 8 miles. Course of the vessel was 020°. (10) 4 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 6 Apr 1941 The unknown vessel passed within 4 miles of HMS Unique steering along the coast northwards towards Kelibia at a speed of 7-8 knots. It was a merchant vessel of 5000-6000 tons, well lit, but carrying no visibile identification marks. As the vessel was within French territorial waters she was left unmolested.
At 2030B/6, HMS Unique surfaced. She left patrol at 2200B/6 as ordered in Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1216B/4. (10) 8 Apr 1941 9 Apr 1941 She had only been in harbour for a little over a day but was ordered to sea to intercept and attack an important enemy convoy.
The convoy in question would proceed from Naples to Tripoli and was made up of the transports Andrea Gritti (Italian, 6338 GRT, built 1939),
Barbarigo (Italian, 5293 GRT, built 1930),
Birmania (Italian, 5305 GRT, built 1930)
Rialto (Italian, 6099 GRT, built 1927) and
Sebastiano Venier (Italian, 6311 GRT, built 1940). It was escorted by the Italian destroyer Dardo and the Italian torpedo boats Clio, Enrico Cosenz and Generale Achille Papa.
For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(10) 10 Apr 1941 At 2009B/10, the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1540B/10, was received which stated that the convoy was in position 36°10'N, 11°58'E (south of Pantelleria) at 1540B/10 and that Swordfish torpedo aircraft would be operating against it after 2200B/10.
At 2200B/10, HMS Unique arrived in 'Area K' (between Latitudes 34°35'N and 35°25'N and Longitudes 11°00'E and 12°00'E). (18) 11 Apr 1941 2048B/11, Surfaced in position 34°58'N, 11°52'E and sighted three merchant ships and three destroyers bearing 260° at a range of 6 nautical miles. Two were fairly large transports and the other one was a tanker. All were fully laden. A destroyer was ahead of the convoy and two more were bringing up the rear. Enemy course was 160° at 9 knots. The moon was very bright and visibility excellent. HMS Unique closed at 10 knots for 15 minutes on a 110° track.
2110B/11, One of the destroyers was observed flashing a light towards the submarine and was thought to be challenging.
2111B/11- Dived. The range was then about 4 nautical miles and there was a good chance of getting in an attack on the surface.
Before diving (at 2103B/11) the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1930B/11 had been received stating that a convoy of four merchant vessels and four destroyers had been in positopn 35°26'N, 11.43'E proceeding on course 160° at 12 knots at 1700B/11. Swordfish and destroyers had left Malta to intercept this convoy south of the Kerkennah shallows.
The destroyers in question were HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN).
It was thought the convoy referred to was the same one sighted by HMS Unique and an amplifying report was coded up ready for transmission on surfacing.
2200B/11 - The convoy was now out of sight. It was last seen on bearing 160° steering a course of approximately 130°.
2222B/11 - Commenced attempting to pass the enemy report but it could not be cleared. [HMS Nubian had received it though.]
2345B/11 - In position 34°58'N, 11°48'E sighted a 3000 ton merchant ship in ballast and two small destroyers bearing 180° at a range of 6 nautical miles. Enemy course was 330° at 6-7 knots. HMS Unique closed on a 60° track at 6 knots for half an hour.
2315B/11 - Ceased transmitting. Dived to complete the attack submerged. The attack was progressing favourable, distance off track being 2500 yards on diving but at 2340B/11 the target made a drastic alteration away and the attack had to be broken off.
0010B/12 - The target altered back to course 330° but by this time it was too far away. One destroyer was observed to be lagging behind and at 0020B/12 altered course towards. HMS Unique dived to 50 feet and ran out to the eastward. (10) 12 Apr 1941 In a signal timed 1928B/12, the Cdr. S.1, ordered HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) to patrol in the south of her patrol area. A convoy of five escorted merchant ships had been in
position 36°32'N, 11°12'E proceeding on course 190° at a speed
of 13 knots at 1730B/12. Swordfish hope to attack
at 2200B/12 subsequently shadowing. Destroyers attacking near Kerkennah after midnight. The destroyers in question were HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN).
The convoy reported was made up of the German transports Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937), Marburg (7564 GRT, built 1928), Kybfels (7764 GRT, built 1937), Reichenfels (7744 GRT, built 1936) and the Italian transport Calitea (4013 GRT, 1933). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio da Noli and Lanzerotto Malocello.
By the time HMS Unique received the signal she was in the north-east corner of her patrol area, proceeding east. The move to the south would have meant a probable encounter with the own destroyer coming from Malta and it was decided to continue towards Lampedusa. This decision was reinforced by an enemy report received at 2217B/12 that the southbound convoy had turned to the north-east. (18) 13 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 1200B/13, course was altered to the westward to get on to the direct convoy route from the Pantelleria area to Tripoli. (10) 14 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 15 Apr 1941 18 Apr 1941 21 Apr 1941 2 May 1941 For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(10) 3 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 May 1941 The ship sighted was one of the cruisers of a cover force for a south and later a northbound convoy to and from Tripoli. This cover force was made up of the light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia, Emanuele Filiberto Duca d'Aosta and Muzio Attendolo. These were escorted by the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Nicolo Zeno, Nicoloso da Recco, Alvise da Mosto and Giovanni da Verrazzano. (10) 5 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 1655B/5, in position 37°52'N, 15°34'E, a fishing vessel was sighted bearing 250° at a range of 5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 050°. (10) 6 May 1941 0900B/6 - Land fixes were taken and it became evident that Unique was more than 25 nautical miles out of position to the south-east. Set course to return to the intended patrol position.
1226B/6 - In position 37°34'N, 15°27'E sighted a party of warships bearing 080°. (These were the Italian light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia, Emanuele Filiberto Duca d'Aosta, Muzio Attendolo. These were escorted by the Italian destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Nicolo Zeno, Nicoloso da Recco, Alvise da Mosto and Giovanni da Verrazzano ). They were proceeding at a speed of 18 knots. Distance was about 9 nautical miles so an attack was out of the question.
1325B/6 - In position 37°36'N, 15°28'E sighted five large merchant vessels bearing 070°. Distance was about 10 nautical miles. If Unique had been in her intended position shw could have attacked these two enemy forces.
(This convoy was made up of the German transports Marburg (7564 GRT, built 1928), Kybfels (7764 GRT, built 1937), Reichenfels (7744 GRT, built 1936)
and the Italian transports Marco Polo (12567 GRT, built 1912) and Rialto (6099 GRT, built 1927). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Fulmine, Euro and the Italian torpedo boats Procione, Orsa, Centauro, Cigno and Perseo.
2315B/6 - In position 37°50'N, 15°36'E sighted a small puff of smoke bearing 045° and a faint white light close to it. Course was altered towards to investigate.
2320B/6 - Cape dell'Armi light extinguished.
2330B/6 - HMS Unique was 6.5 miles from the land and as the moon was high and very light it was thought that a ship of any size would have been seen by this time but all that could be seen was an occasional faint white light bearing 055° and then a bright light which flashed twice right ahead. Lights were judged to be a party of fishing boats, or possibly motor torpedo boats.
2335B/6 - Dived to avoid detection. (10) 7 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 11 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 14 May 1941 25 May 1941 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(20) 26 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 27 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 1415B/27, the HE faded out on bearing 005°. (20) 30 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 1700B/30, course was altered to 070° to close to investigate.
At 1710B/30, on coming to periscope depth again to have another look nothing could be seen. (20) 2 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 0800B/2, the smoke resolved itself into four ships, two very small and two larger. They were in line ahead, in a very open formation. Range was closed to about 5 miles. The enemy's course was first assessed at 230°. Later, it however, it was apparent that all four ships were manoeuvring. They were considered to be minesweepers, two possibly Crotone-class (minelayers).
At 0850B/2, the ships were out of sight. They had last been seen on bearing 190° apparently in line abreast steering about 190°.
At 1545B/2, HMS Unique approached Lampedusa harbour on course 050° to investigate. Nothing could be seen in the harbour, except one trawler and one smaller vessel. HMS Unique subsequently proceeded southwards.
At 1635B/2, in position 35°27'N, 12°35'E, an unidentified minesweeper / minelayer, possibly a Crotone-class, was sighted bearing 280° at a range of 6-7 miles. Enemy course was 070°. The vessel was later seen to enter Lampedusa harbour.
At 1825B/2, in position 35°24'N, 12°36'E, two small laden merchant vessels and two trawlers were seen bearing 325°. Enemy course was 070° and these vessels also entered Lampedusa harbour, around 1915B/2. The smoke of two very much smaller vessels was sighted three or four miles astern of the first party, these also entered Lampedusa harbour.
The convoy seen at 1825B/2, was made up of the transports Arsia (Italian, 736 GRT, built 1900), Costanza (Italian, 548 GRT, built 1902) escorted by the auxiliary minesweeper (former tug) G.61/ Costante Neri (100 GRT, built 1914) and auxiliary gunboat (trawler) Graziali Lante (295 GRT, built 1912). The convoy was on passage from Tripoli to Trapani apparently with a stopover at Lampedusa. (20) 3 Jun 1941 Arsia was hit astern and cut in two with only the bow part protruding. The crew of eleven suffered no casualties but the nearby Egusa (275 GRT, built 1913) was damaged by the explosion and the motor fishing vessel Giuseppe Padre had two wounded from splinters.
0440B/3 - Dived and closed the harbour of Lampedusa submerged to investigate and found one of the ships in an exposed position, provided that the boom defences were not effective against torpedoes.
0753B/3 - A torpedo was fired that struck the shore just astern of the ship. Indeed the boom defences were not torpedo proof, so another torpedo was fired at 0822 hours. This was a hit amidships. A big column of water and debris was thrown in the air followed by white smoke.
0827B/3 - A shore battery commenced firing, apparently using HE which burst on the water. 30 rounds were counted. Before going deep to retire to the south-east at speed it was observed that the smoke over the harbour had cleared. Only a foot or two of the midships past of the target only, was visible. The next vessel in the trot appeared to be intact, but it is hoped that she was sufficiently close to be severely damaged by the torpedo explosion. The target had been a well laden, two-welled coaster of about 1000 tons, which had been seen to enter harbour the previous evening accompanied by a similar laden vessel and escorted by two trawlers.
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1650B/3 - In position 35°16.5'N, 12°38'E, HMS Unique sighted a cruiser squadron, most probably Duca Degli Abruzzi and Giuseppe Garibaldi escorted by the destroyers Granatiere,
Fuciliere, Bersagliere, Alpino, but they were too far off to be intercepted and attacked.
This force, escorted by a flying boat, passed within 6 miles and was out of sight at 1720B/3.
In the hope that the squadron would returned before the next day, it was decided to remain on their track all night, instead of leaving for Malta at midnight as had previously been the intention. (20) 4 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 Jun 1941 15 Jun 1941 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(21) 16 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 20 Jun 1941 (position 35.33, 12.21) This was probably the Caffaro convoy on passage from Tripoli to Naples.
This convoy was made up of the transports Caffaro (Italian, 6476 GRT, built 1924) with the damaged torpedo boat Polluce in tow, Nirvo (Italian, 5270 GRT, built 1919) and the tanker Poza Rica (Italian, 7799 GRT, built 1940). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Cigno, Calliope and Generale Achille Papa. This convoy had departed Tripoli around 0630B/19 and was bound for Naples.
1230B/20 - In position 35°33'N, 12°21'E sighted a northbound convoy of three merchant vessels in ballast. The convoy was escorted by three destroyers and three aircraft. The convoy was sighted bearing 125°, range 11000 yards, enemy course was 040°. The convoy soon altered oourse to 010°. The speed of the convoy was estimated at 6 to 7 knots. Closed at speed to attack.
1303B/20 - The convoy altered course to 055°. Two of the escorting destroyers came towards Unique. As the sea was flat calm it is thought that aircraft had spotted Unique while submerged at periscope depth. Between looks Unique went to 50 feet to speed up but non the less it appeared she was detected.
1317B/20 - The attack was broken off and Unique went deep. the convoy meanwhile had altered course to 340°.
1330B/20 - The first depth charge was dropped. 12 Were dropped during the next 20 minutes. One pattern of five was fairly close.
1400B/20 - HE faded out on bearing 320°. Unique meanwhile retired to the north-east at 90 feet.
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1650B/20 - In position 35°37'N, 12°29'E, two trawlers and a laden 1000 tons merchant vessel were seen bearing 215° at a range of 5 miles. Enemy course was 150° at 9 knots. These were followed by a laden 3000 tons merchant vessel on a course of about 170°. All ships passed between Lampione and Lampedusa islands.
1740B/20 - The smaller merchant vessel and the two trawlers were observed to alter course as if making for Lampedusa harbour. The second, larger, merchant vessel continued southwards on a course of 170°-180°. (21) 22 Jun 1941 This must have referred to the convoy made up the transports Amsterdam (German, 8673 GRT, built 1921), Col di Lana (Italian, 5891 GRT, built 1926), Ernesto (Italian,7399 GRT, built 1914), Giulia (Italian, 5921 GRT, built 1926), Tembien (Italian, 5584 GRT, built 1914) and Wachtfels (German, 8467 GRT, built 1928). They were en-route from Tripoli (departed around 1500B/21) to Naples and were escorted by the Italian destroyer Lanzerotto Malocello and the Italian torpedo boats Procione, Orsa and Pegaso. (22) 22 Jun 1941 The convoy attacked was made up of the Italian merchants Tembien (5584 GRT, built 1914), Col di Lana (5891 GRT, built 1926), Giulia (5921 GRT, built 1926), Ernesto (7399 GRT, built 1914), the German merchants Amsterdam (8673 GRT, built 1921) and Wachtfels (8467 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Lanzerotto Malocello and the Italian torpedo-boats Procione, Orsa and Pegaso. The convoy was on passage from Tripoli to Naples. The submarine was first located by
an aircraft and it was the torpedo-boat Pegaso which was detached to hunt the
submarine and carried out the depth-charge attack. She claimed the submarine at
least severely damaged but this was not the case.
(All times are zone -2)
1055 hours - While in position 35°41'N, 12°15'E heard distant depth charges being dropped to the Southward. Looks like the reported convoy was approaching.
1120 hours - Sighted smoke and one aircraft bearing 140°.
1125 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel of 6000 tons followed by others that could not yet be identified. Range was about 14000 yards. Three destroyers were seen to be escorting as well as two aircraft.
1203 hours - The convoy was seen to alter course from 320° to 265°. Destroyers were seen to be closing Unique.
1207 hours - An aircraft was seen at 1000 feet 3000 yards away. The attack was broken off and Unique went deep.
1210 hours - Five explosions were heard, most likely the aircraft had dropped bombs or depth charges.
1237 hours - The first of a group of single depth charges was dropped fairly close. The attack was intensified at 1250, 1255 and 1314 hours when up to 17 depth charges were dropped at a time.
1335 hours - The 52th depth charge was dropped, this was the last one that was fairly close.
1351 hours - The last depth charges were dropped. A total of about 80 had been dropped. (20) 24 Jun 1941 This must have referred to the convoy made up of the troop transports Esperia (Italian, 11398 GRT, built 1920), Marco Polo (Italian, 12567 GRT, built 1912), Oceania (Italian, 19507 GRT, built 1933) and Neptunia (Italian, 19475 GRT, built 1932) escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Geniere, Vincenzo Gioberti and Antonio da Noli which was on passage from Naples (sailed at 0400B/25) to Tripoli. The torpedo boat Calliope had joined from Messina to reinforce the escort. Due to the enemy air activity the convoy broke off their passage and diverted to Taranto. A distant cover force made up of the heavy cruisers Trieste, Gorizia and escorted by the destroyers Corazziere, Carabiniere and Ascari was also deployed.
At 2359B/24, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) received the Senior Officer Malta's signal timed 2150B/24, ordering her not to proceed to area 'Q' anymore. She was now to patrol near position 33°25'N, 14°02'E (north-east of Tripoli). Course was set accordingly. (20) 26 Jun 1941 At 1309B/26, she received the Senior Officer Submarines Malta's signal timed 1120B/26, ordering her to return to Malta proceeding through position 35°30'N, 14°14'E to arrive at Malta around 0630B/28.
At 2100B/26, HMS Unique left patrol to return to Malta. (23) 28 Jun 1941 As HMS Unique had still all her torpedoes on board she was sent out again at 2030B/28 to intercept Vichy-French reinforcements proceeding towards Syria. This was her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol near position 37°50'N, 16°02'E (south of Cape Spartivento, Calabria).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(20) 30 Jun 1941 At 1630B/30, in position 37°50'N, 15°59'E, smoke was sighted bearing 180°.
At 1650B/30, the smoke resolved into a 6000 tons merchant vessel (like a Cortelazzo-class) bearing 196° at a range of 7 miles. Enemy course was 305° at 12 knots. The enemy ship was not zig-zagging.
At 1915B/30, in position 37°50'N, 15°59'E, a Spica-class torpedo boat was seen bearing 090° at a range of 5 miles. Enemy course was 285° at 17 knots. This was most likely the Italian submarine chaser Albatros returning to Messina from escort duty with the transport Capo Orso (Italian, 3149 GRT, built 1916) which was on passage from Naples to Benghazi. (21) 1 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) The vessel sighted was most likely the
At 0600B/1, the upperworks of two merchant vessels were seen close inshore bearing 310°. They were following the vessel sighted half an hour earlier. Once again HMS Unique was already abaft their beam. These ships were difficult to pick out in the hazy light, and against the coast. But even if they had been sighted earlier an attack would not have been possible.
At 0639B/1, 0650B/1 and 0654B/1 explosions were heard to the west [this was HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacking].
At 1200B/1, in position 37°50'N, 16°00'E, a westbound destroyer was sighted bearing 085° at a range of 5000 yards. Enemy course was 275°.
At 1750B/1, in position 37°51'N, 16°01'E, a eastbound destroyer, thought to be Turbine-class, was sighted bearing 180° at a range of 3 miles. Enemy course was 060°, speed approximately 20 knots.
At 2100B/1, HMS Unique left patrol to return to Malta in accordance with the Senior Officer Submarines Malta's signal timed 1120B/1. (21) 3 Jul 1941 17 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Jul 1941 Also two practice attacks were carried out on HMS Encounter. (25) 20 Jul 1941 For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(20) 22 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 1810B/22, in position 37°54'N, 15°35'E faint HE of high speed screws was picked up bearing 060°. It was drawing slowly to the right. Nothing could be seen though. It may have been a motor torpedo boat proceeding close inshore. (20) 23 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 0935B/23, The enemy altered course to 340°.
0948B/23, The convoy was now bearing 078°. Range 5500 yards. Broke off the attack to commence attack on a large vessel seen bearing 016° at a range of 8000 yards. Enemy course was 185°. This vessel was escorted by a torpedo boat.
1000B/23- This new target was now bearing 034° at a range of 3 miles. Enemy course was now 160°. The target was identified as the hospital ship Tevere (Italian, 8448 GRT, built 1913) and the attack was broken off. (20) 24 Jul 1941 At 0323B/24, a ship was sighted bearing 095° at a range of about 9000 yards. The enemy was steering east.
At 0328B/24, the ship was lost from sight.
At 1129B/24, in position 37°56'N, 15°33'E, sighted what is thought to be a Brioni-class armed merchant cruiser bearing 100° at a range of 6 miles. Enemy course was 330° at 15 knots.
At 1246B/24, in position 37°54'N, 15°34'E, two distant explosions were heard. A large column of water was sighted bearing 090° at a range of about 7 miles. [This was HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN) making an attack in the billet to the east of HMS Unique.]
From 1248 to 1515B/24, distant depth charging was heard.
At 1455B/24, in position 37°56'N, 15°37'E, three destroyers were sighted bearing 130 at a range of 4 miles. Enemy course was 340° at 15 knots.
At 1510B/24, a Cant. Z.501 floatplane was seen accompanying the destroyers. HMS Unique went deep and ran out to the south-west. (20) 25 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 0710B/25, in position 37°58'N, 15°34'E, a destroyer was seen bearing 205° at a range of 5 miles. The enemy was steering 020° at high speed.
At 0750B/25, in position 37.59'N, 15.35'E, a two-masted fishing boat, flying a black ball, was seen bearing 060° at a range of 3 miles. Enemy course was 140°.
At 0840B/25, in position 37.57'N, 15°35'E, an armed motor yacht of about 100 tons was seen bearing 055° at a range of 3 miles. Enemy course was 340° at 12 knots.
At 0853B/25, a small armed yacht was seen bearing 070° at a range of 3 miles. Enemy course was 280°.
At 0935B/25, in position 37°55'N, 15.37'E, a three-masted schooner was seen bearing 090° at a range of 3 miles. Enemy course was 310°.
At 1410B/25, in position 37°58'N, 15°35'E, a small two-masted schooner was seen bearing 120° at a range of 5 miles. The enemy was laying stopped head to sea. This vessel was lost to sight at 1745B/25 and had disappeared when HMS Unique returned to the same position later in the evening. (20) 29 Jul 1941 According to Italian sources the locomotive and 13 wagons were derailed (some of them carrying German stores) and the engineer was wounded but the line was re-established at noon. (20) 30 Jul 1941 Italian sources have not reported any incident in this area.
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Later the same day Unique attacked an Italian auxiliary patrol vessel (schooner) with one torpedo in position 37°30'N, 15°35'E. The torpedo most likely ran under. With the surprise now gone it was decided not to attack with the gun.
(All times are zone -2)
1801 hours - Fired one torpedo (Mark II) at an armed 4-masted auxiliary patrol schooner in position 37°30'N, 15°35'E from 700 yards. The torpedo ran under. The target hoisted two flags, made a circle and then close Unique's firing position. Another schooner (2-masted) joined her and they appeared to be listening. Both departed the area to the South-West at 1850 hours. (20) 4 Aug 1941 8 Aug 1941 13 Aug 1941 16 Aug 1941 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(20) 25 Aug 1941 1 Sep 1941 5 Sep 1941 For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(20) 15 Sep 1941 (position 40.27, 14.18) HMS Unique was unable to gain an attacking position and was thwarted by the presence of the destroyer / torpedo-boat. (28) 19 Sep 1941 5 Oct 1941 7 Oct 1941 9 Oct 1941 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(20) 14 Oct 1941 (position 40.27, 14.21) According to Italian sources this was the armed merchant cruiser Adriatico escorting the water tanker Cassala (1771 GRT, built 1902) from Naples to Messina. All four torpedoes missed. One was avoided by Adriatico and two by Cassala. The torpedo boat Giuseppe Missori and the 3rd A/S Group were ordered to hunt the submarine but found nothing.
(All times are zone -1)
1210 hours - In position 40°27'N, 14°21'E sighted smoke bearing 350°.
1236 hours - Sighted two merchant vessels bearing 335°. Range was about 8 nautical miles. They were altering course to pass South through Bocca Piccolo. Unique altered course to attack. The leading ship was identified as a Citta di Genova-class or Birmania-class. The ship was painted white and was most likely an Armed Merchant Cruiser. The second ship was a 'funnel-aft' merchant vessel of about 5000 tons in ballast.
1314 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards.
1330 hours - Observed the AMC stopped with a black streak down her starboard side. It appears she was hit. The merchant vessel meanwhile had turned round and was making back to Naples. Unique went deep again and retired to the South-East. Lt. Collett was critisized by Capt. S.10 for this action as he should have reloaded one torpedo tube very quickly to finish off the damaged ship. (20) 21 Oct 1941 1 Nov 1941 For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(21) 17 Nov 1941 1 Dec 1941 For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(21) 14 Dec 1941 15 Dec 1941 21 Dec 1941 27 Dec 1941 29 Dec 1941 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(21) 5 Jan 1942 (position 40.07, 17.07) (All times are zone -1)
1453 hours - Faint HE was heard bearing 140° and 3 minutes later a warships mast was sighted bearing 130°.
1458 hours - In position 40°07'N, 17°'07'E a second look revealed more than one warship.
1500 hours - Unique was now right ahead of what appeared to be a large warship (battleship) escorted by one cruiser and five destroyers. Started attack.
1505 hours - When coming to periscope depth Unique lost trim before a look could be obtained.
1510 hours - HE from an escorting destroyer was heard all round forcing Unique to 50 feet until she had passed.
1524 hours - Returned to periscope depth to find that the battleship had changed course many minutes ago.
1530 hours - Despite not being in a very good attack position now Unique fired four torpedoes.
1540 hours - After approximately 9000 yards of running range a very heavy explosion occured. It was thought that one of the torpedoes had hit the target (but this was not the case). (21) 11 Jan 1942 15 Jan 1942 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(31) 21 Jan 1942 (position 36.55, 15.38) According to Italian sources this was Ciro Menotti (C.C. Ugo Gelli) returning to Augusta from a transport mission to Tripoli but the attack was unobserved.
(All times are zone -1)
0700 hours - While Unique was in position 36°55'N, 15°38'E HE was heard bearing 110° moving left. Unique was at 70 feet and immediately went to periscope depth but nothing could be seen. HE changed bearing rapidly and it was thought that a destroyer or torpedo boat was nearby. The HE faded out after a few minutes. Later it was thought this might have been a submarine.
0716 hours - HE was reported bearing 160° and it was moving slowly to the right.
0720 hours - A small dark object was seen on this bearing and all tubes were brought to the ready.
0724 hours - It was thought the contact was an enemy submarine. Started attack but a good set up could not be immediately obtained.
0730 hours - Now also the high power (attack) periscope malfunctioned. The low power periscope now had to be used.
0737 hours - Four torpedoes were now finally fired from 2000 yards. They all missed and the submarine was lost from view at 0748 hours. (31) 22 Jan 1942 2 Feb 1942 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unique during this patrol see the map below.
(31) 9 Feb 1942 13 Feb 1942 18 Feb 1942 While approaching Malta HMS Unique was grounded. She was refloated after a few hour. After entering harbour she was docked for inspection of the damage which was moderate. (31) 27 Feb 1942 28 Feb 1942 4 Mar 1942 For the daily positions of HMS Unique during this passage see the map below.
(33) 5 Mar 1942 14 Mar 1942 19 Mar 1942 29 Mar 1942 31 Mar 1942 1 Apr 1942 2 Apr 1942 27 Jul 1942 28 Jul 1942 1 Aug 1942 2 Aug 1942 3 Aug 1942 5 Aug 1942 6 Aug 1942 7 Aug 1942 8 Aug 1942 10 Aug 1942 11 Aug 1942 13 Aug 1942 14 Aug 1942 15 Aug 1942 17 Aug 1942 18 Aug 1942 19 Aug 1942 20 Aug 1942 22 Aug 1942 23 Aug 1942 24 Aug 1942 25 Aug 1942 26 Aug 1942 27 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 3 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 11 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 15 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 17 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 18 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 21 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 22 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 23 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 28 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 29 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 6 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 13 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 14 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 21 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 22 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 23 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 26 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 27 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 29 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 3 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 6 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 17 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 18 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 20 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 23 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 24 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 25 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 26 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 27 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 30 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 1 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 3 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 11 Jan 1943 Twenty minutes after departing P 314 returned to Lerwick with a major defect to the starboard main motor. (44) 18 Jan 1943 For the daily positions of HMS P 314 during this patrol see the map below.
(44) 26 Jan 1943 At 2359A/26, HMS P 314 left patrol to comply with the above orders. (44) 29 Jan 1943 Course was set to comply with these orders and HMS P 314 arrived in the ordered position at 0900A/30. (44) 31 Jan 1943 5 Feb 1943 6 Feb 1943 At 2027A/6, HMS P 314 received Capt. S 9's signal timed 1431A/6 recalling her from patrol. Course was then set to proceed to Lerwick. (44) 8 Feb 1943 11 Feb 1943 14 Feb 1943 19 Feb 1943 [The date she is undocked is currently not known to us as no logs are available for this period]. (46) 7 Mar 1943 She left Holy Loch in company with HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN). They were escorted until around 1630A/7 by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) when they all parted company off Round Island, Scilly Islands.
[As there is no log available of HMS Tactician for this period no map can be displayed.] (44) 18 Mar 1943 28 Mar 1943 For the daily positions of HMS Tactician during this patrol see the map below.
(44) 13 Apr 1943 The patrol had been uneventful, only during the period of 2 to 7 April, when near Cape Bear, an A/S trawler was constantly patrolling the area. (44) 23 Apr 1943 [As there is no log available for this period no map can be displayed.] (44) 27 Apr 1943 This was probably just a fishing vessel as there had only three auxiliary submarine chasers been operating off Bastia on that day;
Lido, between 0300 and 0845 hours.
Nuovo S. Rita between 0300 and 0915 hours.
Teti II between 0250 and 0930 hours.
Thus none of them were out at the time of this sighting.
Note: HMS Tactician arrived too late in the area as a convoy made up of the transports Ercole (Italian, 5027 GRT, built 1904), Dominante (Italian, 1100 GRT, built 1891), S. Chiara (Italian, 1199 GRT, built 1889), motor tanker Abruzzi (Italian, 680 GRT, built 1897) and schooner Florastella (Italian, 304 GRT, built 1915) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Giuseppe La Masa sailed from Bastia at 0535B/27 for Leghorn where they arrived at 1518B/27.
?
(44) 28 Apr 1943 [We have been unable to identify this vessel.] (44) 29 Apr 1943 At 1228A/29, a small ship of about 800 tons approaching Bastia but it was too far to the south to be attacked before it entered the harbour.
[We have been unable to identify these vessels.] (44) 30 Apr 1943 The Cap Corse was on a trip from Bastia to Nice escorted by an Italian seaplane of the 146^Squadriglia. She reported being missed by three torpedoes.
0615A/30 - While in position 067° - Cape Sagro - 3.5 nautical miles a French merchant vessel of approximately 2000 tons was sighted steering north at a speed of about 11 knots. Started attack.
0624A/30 - Fired three torpedoes. No hits were obtained.
0630A/30 - Withdrew to the south. (44) 4 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 0835A/4, a small steamer was seen leaving Port San Stefano (Monte Argentario) for Giglio. She passed quite close proceeding at 10 knots. She appeared to have a 3" gun mounted forward. She was seen to return around 1100A/4.
At 1220A/4, a merchant vessel of about 1500 tons leaving Port San Stefano to the northward. She was not escorted. HMS Tactician was too far to the south to be able to attack.
At 1700A/4, HMS Tactician surfaced and proceeded to the north of Giglio Island to charge. (44) 5 May 1943 (position 42.34, 10.45) 0747A/5, near Cape Argentario, a three-funnelled Italian torpedo boat, thought to be of the Abba-class passed northward. At the same time three southbound schooners were seen. They could not be attacked.
This was probably the torpedo boat Giuseppe La Masa who sailed at 2320B/4 from Olbia for Leghorn where she arrived at 1020B/5. At 0535B/5, she was off Monte Cristo.
1830A/5 - In position 42°34'N, 10°45'E sighted a large three-masted schooner. Decided to attack with the 4" gun.
1911A/5 - Surfaced at a range of 2500 yards and sank the schooner with gunfire. 29 Rounds were used.
1918A/5 - Submerged as the target was now well ablaze from end to end.
1955A/5 - The schooner was seen to sink. (44) 6 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 11 May 1943 22 May 1943 [As there is no log available for this period no map can be displayed.]
(48) 28 May 1943 3 Jun 1943 [As there is no log available for this period no map can be displayed.] (44) 8 Jun 1943 This must have been the Italian transport Mariannina (1317 GRT, built 1885) which sailed from Bari at 0900B/8, proceeding at 5.5 knots to Durazzo where she arrived at 0730B/9. (44) 9 Jun 1943 This was most likely the transport Toscana (Italian, 9442 GRT, built 1923) which sailed from Bari at 1100B/9 for Naples. Her speed was given as 8 knots. (44) 10 Jun 1943 At 1500A/10, a ship, thought to be a small tanker of about 900 tons, was seen leaving Bari Harbour. She approached very slowly at 6 knots steering a steady course until 1545A/10 when she altered course placing HMS Tactician about 4000 yards right ahead of the target. HMS Tactician ran out on a 90° track at full speed for 5 minutes to the southward and after a quick look through the periscope it was seen that HMS Tactician was still right ahead of the target so full speed was run for another 6 minutes.
At 1615A/10, it was seen that the target had altered 90° to starboard. So HMS Tactician also commenced to turn to starboard to get on track again. It was then seen that HMS Tactician was now right ahead of an escort vessel approaching from 120° and from two merchant ships from 060°. HMS Tactician had just time to go deep.
On returning to periscope depth it was seen that HMS Tactician was hopelessly out of place to attack and that two more escorts were present. The ship which had originally been sighted was now thought to be some sort of armed boarding vessel. She had awaited the convoy at the end of the swept channel. The convoy now entered Bari.
The tug Talamone sailed from Bari at 0910B/10, the schooner Ortensia sailed at 1235B/10 and the passenger ship Merano (Italian, 3705 GRT, built 1909) sailed from Bari at 1325B/10. None of these match the description given by Lt.Cdr. Collett.
(44) 11 Jun 1943 At 0810A/11, a heavily laden schooner was sighted. She passed only 100 yards off and entered Bari in company with the 'armed boarding vessel'. Lt.Cdr. Collett considered gun action but just managed to resist the temptation and wait for better targets to appear.
The hospital ship Aquileia (Italian, 9448 GRT, built 1914) arrived at Bari at 0835B/11 (the time is a bit different). She was bringing wounded from Meline (Yugoslavia).
Note: At 0445B/11, the tanker Cesco (Italian, 6161 GRT, built 1917) escorted by the torpedo boat Giuseppe Missori sailed from Bari for Valona. It is a bit strange that Tactician missed them, perhaps she must have been withdrawing from the coast to charge her batteries.
At 1425B/11, the minesweeper RD 22 arrived at Bari from Brindisi.
At 1430B/11, the fishing vessels Nettuno, Sacro Cuoro di Gesù, Salvatore and Avvenire arrived at Bari from Brindisi.
Nothing could be found on the identity of the schooner sighed by HMS Tactician at 0810A/11.
(44) 12 Jun 1943 According to Italian sources Bice was on a trip from Durazzo to Bari and was being led in by the auxiliary (former pilot vessel) F 122 / Letizia. The latter opened fire on the submarine with a small gun. Bice was only slightly damaged but the crew had abandoned ship and Letizia had a hit on the balustrade holding the compass causing only minor damage but several shells fell very close to her. By this time coastal batteries had opened fire on the submarine which submerged. Letizia followed up and dropped four depth-charges then the crew reboarded Bice and, towed by Letizia, she reached Bari at 1600 hours. Marina Bari had immediately ordered the torpedo-boat Giuseppe Missori, the auxiliary minesweeper B 296 / S.Nicola I (B.296) and the motorboat 23 to hunt the submarine.
0915B/12 - The usual 'armed boarding vessel' was seen to come to the end of the swept channel. Two hospital vessels in the harbour were seen to have steam so it was thought that they were about to leave robbing HMS Tactician from yet another attack possibility.
1220B/12 - Tactician surfaced and engaged a large schooner with gunfire from 2200 yards. The schooner was escorted by an armed vessel that was approximately 4500 yards away.
The first round was fired only 24 seconds after Tactician passed 10 feet. The fourth and fifth round were a hits on the schooners hull. The crew of the schooner abandoned ship.
About 5 minutes into the action the armed vessel opened fire on Tactician which now shifted target. Several hits were obtained on this vessel with one of the hits knocking out it's gun. The enemy vessel eventually fled towards Bari harbour.
Target was now shifted back to the schooner again that soon started to settle after several more hits.
1234B/12 - Tactician was taken under fire by shore batteries forcing Lt.Cdr. Collett to dive and break off the action.
1320B/12 - Twenty-three depth charges were dropped but these caused no damage. (44) 14 Jun 1943 (position 40.14, 19.28) Rosandra was on a trip from Prevesa to Valona escorted by the auxiliary Rovigno. She was hit by two torpedoes and taken in tow by the minesweeper Monfalcone but the ship sank the following day. Six were killed, Rovigno picked up 173 survivors.
0637B/14 - While in position 261° - Sazan Island lighthouse - 6 nautical miles sighted masts of a ship leaving Valona northbound. HMS Tactician was not in a position to attack.
0755B/14 - Sighted two minesweepers sweeping between Cape Linguetta and Sazan Island into Valona Bay.
1610B/14 - When in position 155° - Cape Linguetta - 15 nautical miles, a northbound merchant vessel of 7600 tons was sighted close inshore. An attack was started.
1641B/14 - Four torpedoes were fired when range was closed to 2200 yards. Although no escort was seen during the setup of the attack there was one that closed Tactician and forced her deep shortly after firing the torpedoes.
Before the last torpedo exploded a depth charge was dropped that was very close. Within 10 minutes 16 more depth charges were dropped with three of them even closer then the first one. No real damage was done and the escort lost contact soon after.
2215B/14 - Surfaced and set course to leave patrol. (44) 15 Jun 1943 At 2115B/15, the target could no longer be seen in the darkness so the attack was broken off and course was set to the southward. An enemy report was passed by W/T at 2220B/15.
As this sighting was on the edge of the operating area of HMS Unbroken (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN), Lt.Cdr. Collett did not attack immediately.
This was the Italian submarine Atropo returning to Taranto from a supply mission to Lampedusa. She arrived at Taranto around 0820B/16. (44) 18 Jun 1943 3 Jul 1943 [As there is no log available for this period no map can be displayed.] (44) 10 Jul 1943 11 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Jul 1943 At 1820B/12, two three-masted schooners were and two three-masted caiques were seen leaving Brindisi through the swept channel. They were escorted by an armed trawler.
This may have been schooners out of the following which had sailed from Brindisi at 1730B/12; Maria Giuseppina, Tacito and Vi Dirò.
At 1945B/12, the trawler was seen to return to the harbour. The sailing vessels were not attacked as it was not considered wise to compromise the patrol position so early after having arrived off Brindisi. [We have been unable to identify this trawler.] (44) 13 Jul 1943 According to Italian sources, no tanker or destroyer left Brindisi on this day. [Also it would be very foolish for the Italians to send a 6000-ton tanker unescorted southward with all the armada of operation Husky in place.] (44) 14 Jul 1943 The transports Pugliola (Italian, 2074 GRT, built 1917) and Costante (Italian, 869 GRT, built 1901) escorted by the Italian auxiliary Rovigno (451 GRT, built 1941) arrived at Brindisi at 1450B/14 and must have been the ships sighted. (44) 16 Jul 1943 Settembrini was on passage from Pola to Brindisi. The Italian submarine observed two torpedo tracks astern, one at about 200 meters and another just only 15 meters.
Later on this day she set course to return to the Gulf of Taranto as ordered by Captain S.10.
1300B/16 - Sighted a trawler leaving Brindisi and proceeding up to swept channel.
1350B/16 - The trawler was seen to proceed back towards Brindisi.
1356B/16 - It was now seen that a submarine was following the trawler up the swept channel. Started attack.
1403B/16 - Fired six torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Tactician now set course to retire from the Adriatic as had been ordered in Capt. S 10's signal timed 0630B/16. (44) 18 Jul 1943 22 Jul 1943 Later this day HMS Tactician left parol to proceed to patrol as ordered in Capt. S 10's signal timed 1310B/16 and Capt. S 1's signal timed 1609C/21. (44) 27 Jul 1943 8 Aug 1943 [As there is no log available for this period no map can be displayed.] (45) 10 Aug 1943 12 Aug 1943 17 Aug 1943 18 Aug 1943 21 Aug 1943 26 Aug 1943 28 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 2055C/28, HMS Tactician surfaced and immediately sighted a dark object a mile to the south so she dived again to avoid being sighted.
At 2140C/28, HMS Tactician surfaced again.
At 0030C/29, what is thought to be a patrol vessel was sighted close ahead. HMS Tactician dived but was probably sighted as the enemy circled round the submarine slowly while using Asdics. The enemy than passed almost directly overhead and HE could be heard all through the boat for about 10 minutes. HMS Tactician was kept down and most likely around this time the expected tanker Celeno passed through the area. (44) 29 Aug 1943 1 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 Sep 1943 19 Sep 1943 20 Sep 1943 21 Sep 1943 [As there is no log available for this period no map can be displayed.] (45) 26 Sep 1943 30 Sep 1943 For the daily positions of HMS Tactician during this passage see the map below.
(45) 12 Oct 1943 18 Oct 1943 For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tactician during this patrol see the map below.
(44) 26 Oct 1943 [So far no report of this special operation, which took place in the Pengang area, has been found, the first part of this operations appears to have been a reconnaissance of the NW coast of Pulo Langkawi, the second part may have been to make contact with a sampan but it is just a guess].
(44) 27 Oct 1943 At 1950FG/27, a vessel was seen to the north at a range of 6000 yards which showed a large bow wave. The night was too dark to see the silhouette of the contact and the Officer of the Watch dived at once as it was too late to make an attack. HE was picked up on the Asdic which gave a speed of 15 to 16 knots for the contact. It was thought it may have been an enemy submarine returning from patrol.
[No enemy submarine arrived at Penang from patrol on this day.] (52) 28 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) At 2100FG/28, HMS Tactician closed the coast to carry out the second part of special operation Missive I. This was completed at 2330FG/28. (44) 30 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 31 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Nov 1943 She was escorted in by a trawler [identity not known] which she had met around 1015FG/7.
(44) 13 Nov 1943 15 Nov 1943 27 Nov 1943 For the daily positions of HMS Tactician during this patrol see the map below.
(44) 4 Dec 1943 On 4 December Tactician carried out a preliminary reconnaissance of the area off Langkawi.
On 5 and 7 December Tactician waited for a junk with several secret agents to show up off Langkawi. The junk however did not show up at the rendezvous.
On 6 December, which was not a rendezvous day, a junk was boarded off Pulau Rebak. After taking off the papers the junk, which had a crew of four Chinese, and was carrying a cargo of rubber and tea from Lamut to Kantan, was released. The junk had called at Penang four days previously and an attempt was made to interrogate the crew but they spoke no Malay (there was a Malay speaking officer on board HMS Tactician for the special operations). (44) 9 Dec 1943 Attempted to make contact with agent Luang Pradit without success about 30 nautical miles north of Phuket, Siam (Operation ' Pritchard '. Nothing of the agent was however sighted. At 2200FG/12, a group of two (Captain Read and Lieutenant Whitelaw) were landed by Folbot to make a shore reconnaissance. They also sighted nothing and were back on board HMS Tactician after four hours. (44) 16 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 20 Dec 1943 She was escorted in by a trawler [identity not known] which she had met around 0730FG/20. (54) 5 Jan 1944 HMS Tactician was ordered to patrol off the north coast of Sumatra. She is also to carry out a special operation (Operation Versatile). (55) 5 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 Jan 1944 (position 6.21, 93.22) 0030FG/9 - In position 06°21'N, 93°22'E the Officer of the Watch dived for a submarine 3000 yards ahead. The submarine was easily picked up in the high power periscope. All bow tubes were brought to the ready. It was however not possible to positively identify the submarine as enemy. It appeared she had a large conning tower or tower and gun combined and a rising bow, just like the 'T-class'. The submarine was therefore not attacked.
No British submarine was expcted in this area at the given time but it was always possible that a submarine on patrol had sustained damage and was returning early unable to signal her intention to do so.
The Japanese submarine I-165 (offsite link) had departed Penang on 7 January 1944 for a patrol in the Indian Ocean and it is quite likely that she was the submarine Tactician encountered. (44) 12 Jan 1944 In the afternoon of the 12th a periscope reconaissance of the area was made.
At 2210FG/12, HMS Tactician landed three agents in two 'Recce' boats north-west of the Bedagei River (near position 03°36.4'N, 99°18.6'E). After the agents made a signal that they had landed safely at 0100FG/12, HMS Tactician withdrew to patrol off the north coast of Sumatra between Diamond Point and Sabang the following morning. (44) 14 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 17 Jan 1944 (position 5.29, 96.30) [It is possible that the Kiyokawa Maru (offsite link) may have been in this area.] (55) 22 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 26 Jan 1944 10 Feb 1944 On departure from harbour gunnery exercises were carried out on a target that was being towed by HMS Tewara (T/Lt. J.G.A. Curtis, RNVR). On completion of these exercises HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) joined at 0910FG/10 to escort the submarine out.
At 1145FG/10, HMAS Napier parted company to return to Trincomalee. (44) 10 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Feb 1944 17 Feb 1944 20 Feb 1944 21 Feb 1944 (position 5.53, 96.46) The Japanese submarine RO-111 (offsite link) returned to Penang from patrol in the Indian Ocean on 23 February 1944 but it is unlikely she was already so close to Penang on this day and also her maximum speed was less then the speed the target had. Possibly a boat based at Penang had been on exercises before departing on patrol.
[According to the patrol report this attack took place on 20 February 1944 but according to the submarines log it took place on 21 February 1944. We think the log is correct and this seems to be confirmed in the Admiralty war diary summaries (file ADM 199/2290).]
0725FG/21 - Sighed a submarine bearing 260° at a range of 4 nautical miles. The submarine was thought to be Japanese steering a course 125° towards Penang.
0729FG/21 - Five torpedoes were fired from 5000-6000 yards. All five torpedoes missed the target. It was intended to fire eight torpedoes but when the 5th torpedo was fired it was realised that the targets speed was underestimated. The enemy speed had been estimated as being 15 knots. (44) 23 Feb 1944 0330FG/23 - The 'Mullet' party left Tactician in two Folbots to land on Langkawi. They were equipped with stores for six days. As they landed they ran into a group of local fishermen. They endeavoured to return to Tactician but there was insufficient time before daylight so they landed after all. They hoisted a signal that they were returning after dusk so Tactician remained in the area.
Shortly after dark the party departed the beach for Tactician but in the dark they missed the submarine. Only after Tactician sounded her siren they realised they were to the seaward of the submarine. They finally returned at 2230FG/23. Tactician then set course to patrol to the west of the Aroa Islands.
Tactician was later ordered by signal (Capt. S 4's 1815Z/22) to abandon the operation. (58) 29 Feb 1944 (position 3.03, 100.18) 1315FG/28 - In position 02°49'N, 100°22'E sighted a small merchant vessel steaming north.
1430FG/28 - Tactician surfaced astern of the target and opened fire from 1200 yards. A gun on the stern of the enemy was immediately put out of action. A large number of men, thought to be passengers, were seen to jump overboard. Fire was checked to give them the chance to abandon ship but the enemy sent over a hail of machine gun fire so fire was reopened. The engines were put out of action and the enemy ship stopped. Tactician then altered course to get to the front of the enemy to hole her forward. This unfortunately opened up the arcs of the enemy's forward gun. A further 15 rounds were fired nearly all scoring hits. The enemy's fire was now becoming more accurate. Tactician now went under the enemy's stern again. After firing more rounds resulting in more hits the enemy still did not appear to be sinking so it was decided to dive to open the range and finish the ship off from out of range from her gun.
1502FG/28 - Sighted smoke approaching from the north-east, which soon proved to be a northbound tanker of about 800 tons. Course was immediately altered to intercept. Meanwhile the original target had settled aft, it's engine room was obviously completely flooded and it was hoped she would sink without further persuasion.
1800FG/28 - The tanker was now out of sight.
1830FG/28 - Surfaced to intercept. Proceeded northwards. The tanker was however not seen again. Proceeded back to the area of the original action.
Before dawn (on the 29th) the scene of the action was approached with caution. The target was seen to be still afloat and stopped.
0509FG/29 - Commenced a submerged approach. As the periscope was seen and being fired upon it was decided to attack with a torpedo.
0730FG/29 - Fired a torpedo from 700 yards but it ran under. A second torpedo was therefore fired that hit the target just forward of the bridge and the ship sank immediately in position 03°03'N, 100°18'E.
1830FG/29 - Left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (44) 7 Mar 1944 13 Mar 1944 15 Mar 1944 17 Mar 1944 25 Mar 1944 27 Mar 1944 29 Mar 1944 31 Mar 1944 HMS Tactician was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). They parted company around 2330FG/31.
(44) 31 Mar 1944 5 Apr 1944 At dawn Tactician arrived in the vicinity of Elphinstone Island. The north-west coast was then closed. Submerging to within 10 cables.
1000FG/5 - A yellow flag was observed near the end of the point to the southward of the bay on the west side of Elphinstone Island in position 12°19.2'N, 97°56.7'E.
1600FG/5 - The signal (yellow flag) was removed. Tactician remained in close proximity to the shore after dark.
0100FG/6 - The letter 'R' was flashed twice from the end of the point.
0120FG/6 - The whole 'Corton I' party (which had been landed on 5 February 1944 by HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell) arrived on board. Captain Green, the leader of the party seemed very fit but three of his men were sick, two of which had malaria. Captain Green gave a favourable report of his camp and there were no indications that it had been compromised. Four dinghies were therefore loaded with stores and sent ashore at 0230FG/6 as were four Folbots with the whole of the 'Corton II' party, Captains Green and Maitland and one other rating.
HMS Tactician spent 6 April 1944 submerged within 4 nautical miles from the landing place until ...
2200FG/6 - Closed the landing zone with all remaining stores on deck and all boats rigged and ready for launching.
On return, Captain Green reported that a large motor launch with 15 occupants had landed early in the afternoon on the north-west point of the land, which is part of Elphinstone Island and not a separate island as was shown on the chart. This was less then two nautical miles away and looked very suspicious. After debate it was decided that if it was an enemy patrol it was just a regular one and it could even have been locals. It was also decided to go ahead with landing stores although by now only one trip could be made before dawn.
During the 7th, Tactician again conducted a close submerged patrol but nothing was seen of the reported motor launch.
During the night of 7/8 April the remaining stores were landed. All stores were reported to be safely ashore.
At 0001FG/9, HMS Tactician left the area and set course for her patrol area near Phuket.
(56) 9 Apr 1944 (position 8.52, 98.08) 16 Apr 1944 While en-route HMS Tactician encountered HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) in position 06°37'N, 96°18'E.
HMS Tactician arrived in her assigned area at midnight during the night of 16/17 April 1944. (44) 19 Apr 1944 0530FG/19 - Tactician was in position 06°00'N, 95°10'E and remained, as ordered, patrolling on the surface.
0645FG/19 - Several formations of aircraft were seen approaching Sabang. The next 20 minutes all hell broke loose in Sabang. Large fires were seen.
0705FG/19 - An aircraft was seen to crash bearing 100 about 5 nautical miles away. Tactician immediately closed the position at full speed.
0725FG/19 - A Japanese Chidori-class torpedo boat was seen to leave Sabang harbour and proceed along the coast to the north-east for the next 20 minutes.
The torpedo boat steadily got closer until he was only 11000 yards away. It appeared that he was going to beat us in the race towards the crash position. Shortly afterwards the torpedo boat was attacked by Allied aircraft and changed course to the South-East.
0740FG/19 - Tactician arrived at the crash position to look for the pilot.
0822FG/19 - The pilot was spotted and picked up from the water. Meanwhile Tactician had been taken under fire by a shore battery. The shells landed very close and Tactician was hit by shrapnel.
0824FG/19 - Dived and proceeded to the north-west.
2359FG/19 - Left patrol in accordance with Capt S 4's signal timed 0413Z/19. (44) 23 Apr 1944 She had met her escort, the Italian sloop Eritrea around 0520FG/23.
(60) 10 May 1944 She was escorted out until 1445FG/10 by the Italian sloop Eritrea on which also two practice attacks were made. (61) 10 May 1944 13 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 May 1944 (position 6.29, 99.53) 0630FG/16 - Commenced run into Langkawi Sound to carry out the minelaying operation.
1341FG/16 - Commenced laying the first row of four mines. 1445FG/16 - Commenced laying the second row of four mines. 1540FG/16 - Commenced laying the third and last row of four mines. During the second reload smoke was sighted to the southward and at 1542FG/16 what was thought to be an armed tug which was escorting six junks. The junks were of about 20 tons and were flying the Japanese ensign. They were not attacked as not to disclose the presence of the submarine and the minefield. (44) 28 May 1944 (position 6.43, 99.29) 1815FG/28 - Surfaced and closed two junks sighted shortly before. Boarded both junks and took eight prisoners (Chinese). The junks were sunk with scuttling charges near position 06°43'N, 99°29'E.
2230FG/28 - Left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (44) 3 Jun 1944 She was escorted in by the Italian sloop Eritrea which had joined around 0245FG/3.
(44) 20 Jun 1944 2 Jul 1944 5 Jul 1944 10 Jul 1944 13 Jul 1944 17 Jul 1944 20 Jul 1944 This convoy departed Freetown on 20 July 1944.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929),
Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935),
Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933),
Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930),
Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928),
Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936),
David Livingstone (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930),
Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 194),
Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920),
Fort Sakisdac (British, 7160 GRT, built 1943),
Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931),
John Laurance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942)
Langleetarn (British, 4908 GRT, built 1929),
Nigerstroom (Dutch, 4639 GRT, built 1939),
Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918) and
Taranaki (British, 10534 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR).
Around 0700Z/23, in position 14°29'N, 18°05'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar;
Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933),
Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and
Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the motor launch HMML 244 which then returned to Dakar at 0745Z/23 taking the merchant vessels Biafra and John Laurance with her.
The merchant vessel Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919) was also to have joined with the Dakar section but she was delayed and joined later at sea, around 1600Z/23 in position 15°27'N, 18°00'W.
Around 0800Z/23, the Bathurst section of the convoy joined in position 14°36'N, 18°05'W. This was made up of the fleet tenders HM FT 1 and HM FT 10. HM FT 9 was also to have joined but she was unable to leave Bathust while HM FT 4 did leave but had to return with engine defects. HM FT 1 and HM FT 10 were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel HMS Kilchatten (T/Lt. D.M. Edwards, DSC, RNR) which did not join the convoy but set course to proceed to Freetown.
On the 25th, HM FT 10 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.
On the 28th, HM FT 1 straggled from the convoy and was unable to rejoin. She was ordered to proceed to Casablanca. She arrived at Casablanca on 1 August 1944.
At 1015Z/30, in position 31°41'N, 12°03'W, the Cap Cantin was detached to proceed unescorted to Casablanca due to a medical problem on board. She arrived at Casablanca the following day.
Around 0900Z/31, in position 34°24'N, 11°09'W, the Medie II was detached to Casablanca where she arrived on 1 August escorted by the the minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and the patrol vessel Le Ruse. These escorts had brought out the merchant vessel Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930) with them which joined the convoy at the same time the Medie II had been detached.
At 1401Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmartin was detached to Casablanca where they arrived on 1 August 1944.
At 1418Z/31, in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, HMS Kilmarnock parted company to proceed to Gibraltar taking the Brigthon with her. They arrived at Gibraltar on 1 August 1944.
Also around this time (1400Z/31), convoy MKS 56 joined in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W coming from the Mediterranean. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Algonquin Park (Canadian, 7130 GRT, 1942),
Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925),
Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927),
Empire Wycliff (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941),
Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924),
Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929),
Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916),
Samana (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Sambur (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).
The auxiliary minelayer HMS Teviotbank (Cdr.(Retd.) R.D. King-Harman, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), submarine HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN), escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) and rescue vessel Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) were also part of convoy MKS 56 and joined the convoy.
The escort of convoy MKS 56 was made up of the destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?) they all joined the now combined convoy SL 165 / MKS 56.
At 1420Z/31, after the convoys had merged HMS Leith parted company in approximate position 35°03'N, 11°02'W, to proceed to Gibraltar independently. She arrived at Gibraltar around 1630Z/1.
Around 1900Z/31, in position 35°13'N, 11°34'W, the escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. A.N.C. Bingley, OBE, RN) having detached earlier that day from the southbound combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) and HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR). On joining convoy SL 165 / MKS 56, HMS Biter then fuelled both frigates before they parted company to rejoin the combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58.
During 2/3 August 1944, all escorts except HMS Gardiner fuelled from the San Tirso.
Around 2130Z/5, in position 48°14'N, 18°32'W, the San Triso was detached to join the southbound combined convoy OS 85 / KMS 59. The frigate HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvette HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR) had come from that convoy to escort the oiler.
Around 0535Z/3, in position 39°50'N, 18°28'W, two merchant ships joined coming from the Azores, these were the;
Crane (British, 785 GRT, built 1937) and
Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR) which did not join the convoy but returned to the Azores.
Also on the 6th, HMS Gardiner was fuelled by HMS Biter.
Around 1700Z/6, a fast section was formed and parted company with the convoy in position 50°40'N, 17°40'W to proceed ahead of the main convoy to the U.K. The fast section was made up of six merchant vessels which were the following;
Amstelkerk,
David Livingstone,
Nigerstroom,
Stuyvesant,
Taranaki and
Troubadour. They were escorted by HMS Biter, HMS Cotton, HMS Flint Castle and HMS Rushen Castle.
The fast section of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8 August 1944.
The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 9 August 1944. (62) 24 Jul 1944 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKS 56 ' for 18 July 1944.] (45) 29 Jul 1944 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 165 ' for 20 July 1944.] (44) 9 Aug 1944 11 Aug 1944 13 Aug 1944 14 Aug 1944 15 Aug 1944 16 Aug 1944 25 Aug 1944 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
At 1905A/15, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) received the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1713A/15 ordering her to retire once more to the south-west as Swordfish aircraft were operating in her area. Once again
At 0012A/16, south-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°21'N, 11°28'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted three destroyers bearing 180° at a range of 10000 yards. They were proceeding northwards. HMS Unique altered course to 030°. HE was not heard until 0055A/16 when it was faint and muffled.
At 0001A/17, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (10)
Around 0630A/18, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)
Around 1745A/27, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the west of Tripoli, Libya. (Area 'Y', south of 34°00'N and west of 12°20'E.)
Around 1235A/1, south-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°21'N, 11°24'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a merchant vessel bearing 235°. Range was about 8 nautical miles. Enemy course was 060°. It was not possible to close to attack. (10)
In a signal timed 1845B/4, the Cdr. S.1, informed HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) and HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) that at 1530B/4 a convoy of 5 merchant ships escorted by two
destroyers sighted 20 miles north-east of
Marifctinio Island on course 260° at a speed 6 knots.
At 1247B/5, north-west of Zuara, Libya in position 33°04'N, 11°59'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted six small vessels bearing 096° at a range of 7 nautical miles. They were later identified as one trawler, four auxiliary schooners and a tug in line ahead. Their speed was 11 knots. When first observed they were steering 320°.
At 1140B/6, north of Zuara, Libya in position 33°04'N, 12°05'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a party of small vessels bearing 310°.
A signal was supposed to be sent by Malta on 5 March ordering HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) to leave patrol after dark on the 7th. Due to a mistake this signal was not sent and it was feared HMS Unique had been lost when she failed to arrive at Malta. When she sank an Italian ship on the 10th, this ship sent out an SOS message and it became clear HMS Unique was not lost but returning to Malta as originally ordered in her sailing orders. (10)
At 1655B/7, in position 33°20'N, 12°01'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN), sighted a large amount of smoke bearing 330°. Course was altered to close to investigate.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian passenger/cargo ship Fenicia (2584 GRT, built 1919) about 95 nautical miles north-west of Tripoli, Libya in position 34°19'N, 12°40'E.
Around 2000B/11, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta.
At 1845B/28, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in / off the Gulf of Hammamet, Tunisia.
At 0130B/31, in position 36°10'N, 10°57'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a steady light bearing 270° which, on drawing ahead and closer, was identified as a small steamship proceeding northwards along the coast. Although this vessel was two or three miles outside French territorial waters no attempt was made to close as HMS Unique was north of the 'sink without warning' area and the vessel was considered to be Vichy-French.
At 1520B/2, in position 36°39'N, 11°10'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a small schooner bearing 120° at a range of 6 nautical miles. Course of the vessel was 360°.
At 0020B/4, north of the Gulf of Hammamet, in position 36°33'N, 11°03'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a dark object bearing 226°. HMS Unique ran in until the range was around 6000 yards. The target appeared to be very small, possibly a destroyer or torpedo boat coming straight towards. No bow wave was seen. HMS Unique dived and altered course to southward. No HE was picked up at all and it is not known what HMS Unique now dived for. (10)
At 0330B/6, off the Gulf of Hammamet, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted the streaming light of a ship bearing 240°. It was growing brighter.
Around 0700B/8, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)
At 1300B/9, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kerkennah, Tunisia.
At 1358B/10, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) received the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1315B/10, which stated that at 1030B/10, a medium merchant ship passed Kelibia proceeding southwards.
While trying to attack an enemy convoy north-west of Kerkennah, in position 34°58'N, 11°52'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was spotted and challenged by one of the escorts. The attack had to be broken off and Unique dived.
In a signal timed 1110B/12 the Cdr. S.1, ordered HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) to patrol south of Lampedusa.
In the morning, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Lampedusa harbour. No target worth firing at was seen. A small steamer of about 1000 tons with a gun mounted on the forecastle left harbour at 0700B/13 and went round the eastern end of the island returning to harbour at 0830B/13.
On surfacing at 2020B/14, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) set course to return to Malta. (10)
Around 0700B/15, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is docked in No.1 graving dock at the Malta Dockyard. (19)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) is undocked. (19)
Around 1930B/2, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the east coast of Sicily south of the Straits of Messina. En-route to the patrol area she was to pass through position 35°51'N, 15°15'E.
At 2100B/3, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) entered 'Area M' (between Latitudes 36°40'N / 38°00'N and Longtidues 15°10'E and 16°13'E.) (10)
At 1655B/4, south of the toe of Italy, in position 37°35'N, 15°45'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted the upperworks of a warship bearing 295°. It was identified as a Duca d'Aosta or Montecuccoli-class light cruiser at a range of 12 nautical miles. Enemy course was 180°-200°. When sighted HMS Unique was already on the enemy's beam and no attempt was made to close. The only parts of the ship visible were half her funnels, the mainmast and the fore superstructure. As far as could be seen she had no surface escort.
At 0800B/5, south of Cape dell'Armi, in position 37°53'N, 15°40'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted two MAS (motor torpedo boats) bearing 080° at a range of 4 nautical miles. The were moving fast to the south-south-west.
While on patrol to the east of Sicily guarding the southern approach to the Straits of Messina, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was unable to attack an Italian cruiser force and a convoy due to the fact she was out of position due to a navigational error.
At 1030B/7, in position 37°54'N, 15°39'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) a small tug was seen bearing 325° at a range of 4 nautical miles. Enemy course was 150°. (10)
At 0708B/9, in position 37°33'N, 15°41'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a Soldati-class destroyer bearing 010° at a range of 6 miles. Enemy course was 280° at an estimated speed of 18 knots. The destroyer altered course to the northward around 0720B/9. (10)
At 1615B/11, in position 37°52'N, 15°38'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted smoke bearing 320° which resolved itself into a small coastal steamer which passed 6 miles off going up the straits. Approximate course of the enemy was 020°. (10)
At 2054B/12, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) received the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1141B/12 ordering her to return to Malta. Course was set accordingly shortly afterwards. (10)
At 0600B/14, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)
Around 2000B/25, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between the Kerkennah Bank and Lampedusa Island.
At 1400B/26, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) entered area 'N', a rectangle with it's south-west corner in position 34°40'N, 11°50'E and it's sides running 342° for 40 miles and 072° for 70 miles. (20)
At 1355B/27, in position 35°14'N, 11°58'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) picked up faint HE due north, bearing 000°. Nothing was in sight though despite the excellent visibility.
At 1657B/30, in position 35°18'N, 11°56'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a puff of smoke bearing 108°.
At 0730B/2, in position 35°29'N, 12°19'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted thick black smoke bearing 105°.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) torpedoed and damaged (later declared a total loss) the small Italian transport Arsia (736 GRT, built 1900) inside Lampedusa harbour.
Having seen no more of the enemy, at 0500B/4, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (20)
Around 0630B/5, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (20)
Around 1930B/15, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between the Kerkennah Bank and Lampedusa Island (Area 'X', a rectangle with it's south-west corner in position 35°18'N, 12°09'E and sides running 335° for 20 miles and 065° for 45 miles).
At 1700B/16, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) entered area 'X'. (21)
At 0840B/19, west-north-west of Lampedusa, in position 35°36'N, 12°20'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted two small vessels, one thought to have probably been an RD-class minesweeper, the other possibly a Gallipoli-type trawler) followed by a large fishing or auxiliary schooner bearing 060° at a range of 3.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 305° at 6 knots. (21)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) tries to attack an enemy convoy east of Lampion Island. She is detected by the escort and depth charged so the attack had to be broken off.
In a signal timed 0907B/22, the Senior Officer Submarines Malta informed HMS Union (Lt. R.M. Galloway, RN), HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) and HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN) that at 0805B/22, an enemy convoy of six transports and three destroyers had been sighted in position 000° - Lampedusa - 15 nautical miles. The convoy was proceeding on course 020° a at 7 knots.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) again tries to attack an enemy convoy east of Lampion Island. Yet again she is detected by the escort and depth charged so the attack had to be broken off.
At 1312B/24, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) received the Senior Officer Malta's signal timed 1055B/24, ordering her to proceed to area 'Q' to intercept an important Messina - Tripoli convoy. Course was set immediately to the south-eastward on decoding the signal.
At 0300B/26, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived in her patrol position 050° from position 33°25'N, 14°02'E.
Around 0630B/28, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.
At 0415B/30, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) dived in position 195° - 9 miles from the intended patrol position 37°51'N, 16°00'E.
At 0530B/1, in position 37°50'N, 15°59'E, on coming to periscope depth HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted a large passenger ship bearing 335° at a range of about 3 miles. The enemy was close inshore and HMS Unique was already abaft her beam. She was almost certainly the hospital ship Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1926) making along the coast at about 15 knots. She was zigzagging on course 90 degrees apart. The light conditions were not good enough to discern any markings except that the vessel appeared to be painted white.
Around 0700B/3, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (21)
At Malta, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted exercises embarking and disembarking a Folbot 'canoe'. (24)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Malta with HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN) and and HMS Beryl (Mid. H.W. du Boisson, RNR).
At 2100B/20, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the south of the Straits of Messina. En-route she was to proceed through position 35°51'N, 15°15'E. She is also to carry out special operations (train wrecking).
At 0435B/22, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) diced 10 miles south of the intended patrol position 37°35'N, 15°35'E.
At 0915B/23, in position 37°57'N, 15°34'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) sighted three ships bearing 096° at a range of 9000 yards. Enemy course was 310° at 6 knots. They had not been seen earlier due to the glare of the sun. Course was altered to attack. The convoy consisted of two merchant vessels of about 2000 tons in line ahead with another ship, believed to be an armed merchant cruiser of about 4000 tons. The AMC was inshore of the merchant vessels !
At 0320B/24, in position 37°56'N, 15°34'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) picked up HE bearing 080°.
At 0500B/25, in position 37°58'N, 15°31'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) picked up HE bearing 120° at 200 revs. HMS Unique was deep at that moment. The HE moved right and faded out on 030°. It is believed to have been a destroyer proceeding north along the Sicilian coast.
At 0100 hours HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) landed a Folbot-party near position 38°01'N, 15°27'E with the objective to place explosive charges on the train tracks. At 0138 hours the Folbot-party (Corporal R.H. Brown and Lance Corporal J.R.A. Ferguson) returned and Unique retired to seaward. At 0325 hours an explosion was seen on the land as a train must have hit the charges.
At 0003 hours (zone -2) HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) landed a Folbot-party near position 37°55'N, 15°54'E with the objective to place explosive charges on the train tracks. At 0123 hours the Folbot-party returned and Unique retired to seaward. No explosions were seen however before Unique cleared the area.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (20)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was docked at Malta. (26)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was undocked. (26)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Tripoli, Libya. Lt. Hezlet had taken over from Lt. Collett for this patrol in order to give Lt. Collett a rest.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was docked at Malta. (26)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was undocked. (27)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
At 1257 hours, while in position in position 40°27'N, 14°18'E, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) had just come to periscope depth, when an Italian submarine of the 'Adua'- class was sighted bearing 310°, steering 185°, apparently exercising with a 'Generale'-class destroyer / torpedo-boat. This was almost certainly the Italian submarine Corallo exercising at the time with the torpedo-boat Generale Antonio Cascino.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. It had been a most frustrating patrol with several sightings but no opportunities for attack. (20)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was docked at Malta. (29)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was undocked. (29)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to a position South-East of Cape Bon, Tunisia to intercept a Southbound convoy. As the convoy passed well to the East, Unique was ordered to her patrol area in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) made a torpedo attack on an Italian armed merchant cruiser South of Naples Bay. A torpedo hit is claimed as the ship appeared to be damaged.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (20)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghasi, Libya.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. During this patrol she suffered from engine defects and again there were several sightings but no attack could develop. (21)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the Southward of Messina.
At 0921 hours, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) was in position 37°45'N, 15°43'E when a battleship with a destroyer were sighted at a range of 7 miles, on course 127° at 19.5 knots. The submarine tried to close submerged at full speed but to no avail. This was the damaged Vittorio Veneto (torpedoed by HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO, RN)). (21)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (21)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) was docked at Malta. (30)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) was undocked. (30)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Taranto.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) attacked the Italian battleship Littorio with torpedoes in the Gulf of Taranto in position 40°07'N, 17°07'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target despite the claim for a hit. The Italian battlegroup (including the battleship Giulio Cesare and destroyers Carabiniere, Alpino, Antonio da Noli, Antonio Pigafetta, Ascari and Fuciliere) was returning to Taranto after covering the Monviso convoy.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (21)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of Messina.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) attacked an Italian submarine with four torpedoes about 25 nautical miles South-East of August, Sicily, Italy in position 36°55'N, 15°38'E. No hits were obtained.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (31)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 20th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of Messina.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto. (31)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) heard heavy depth charging between 0719 and 0956 hours. This was HMS Tempest (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) that was being hunted by the Italians. (31)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. This was another frustrating patrol patrol with several sightings but no attack carried out.
A court of inquiry was held at Malta to investigate the grounding of HMS Unique of 18 February.
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) was undocked. (32)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. Unique was to proceed to the U.K. to refit. On board was an Italian human torpedo that was to be brought to the U.K. for study.
At 0123 hours, just off Malta, HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) was machine-gunned by a German Junker 88 and forced to dive but she suffered no damage. (33)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (33)
HMS Unique (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (33)
HMS Unique (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (33)
HMS Unique (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. (33)
HMS Unique (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (34)
HMS Unique (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) shifted from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she was to refit. (34)Submarine HMS Upright (N 89)
16 Jul 1942
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her refit at Blyth. She was now assigned to training duties. (35)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Dundee. (35)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (35)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow together with HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S exercises. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out independent exercises at Scapa Flow. (37)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and her destroyer screen made up of the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) which were out exercising. The battleship and her destroyers remained out exercising during the night. (38)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and her destroyer screen which was made up of HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, DSC, RN), HMS Walpole (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) and HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN). This last destroyer had joined HMS Anson and the other three destroyers in the afternoon. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out exercises with HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN), HMS Worcester (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Juniper, RN), HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Ragan, USN) and HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out experimental A/S exercises. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Worcester (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Juniper, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S. Storheill), RHS Adrias, HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Harrier (Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, DSC, RN). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S. Storheill) and RHS Kanaris. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out independent exercises at Scapa Flow. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN) and RHS Kanaris. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with HMS Inglefield (Cdr. A.G. West, RN) and HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S. Storheill).
(36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN) and HMS Windor (Lt.Cdr. D.H.F. Hetherington, RN). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises with Motor Launches. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carried out independent exercises at Scapa Flow. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. She made the passage together with the Free French submarine FFS Rubis.
They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Blyth. At Blyth she was used for the training of new submarine crews. (36)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (39)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (40)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (41)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (42)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (42)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (42)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (42)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (42)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (42)
HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (42)Submarine HMS Tactician (P 314)
9 Jan 1943
Around 0730A/9, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Lerwick. She makes the passage with HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) and HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN). They are escorted by HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. F.S. Tolliday, RNR). (43)
Around 1000A/11, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed Lerwick around 2030A/11 for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off northern Norway to provide cover for convoy operations to and from northern Russia.
After repairs to her starboard main motor, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Lerwick around 1400A/18, to resume her 1st war patrol.
At 2020A/26, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 9's signal timed 1813A/26, ordering hr to leave patrol at midnight and return to Lerwick.
At 1209A/29, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 9's signal timed 1121A/29, which ordered her to patrol in a position to the north of Trondheim, Norway (64°35'N, 09°44'E).
At 2205A/31, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 9's signal timed 1958A/31, which ordered her to proceed to a patrol position to the south of Trondheim, Norway (63°14'N, 06°46'E). Course was set accordingly and HMS P 314 arrived in this new patrol position around noon the following day.
(44)
At 1000A/5, west of Kristiansund, Norway, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN), sighted smoke and the mast of a ship proceeding to the north-east at a fairly high speed close inshore. The target was way too far off to be attacked. (44)
At 1650A/6, when west of Kristiansund, Norway, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN), picked up very loud HE at 320 revs which passed directly overhead. HMS P 314 then went to periscope depth but nothing was sighted in the very bad weather / visibility. HE faded out soon afterwards.
Around 0950A/8, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (44)
Around 0730A/11, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 216 (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, RN). They were escorted by HMS Pennyworth (T/Lt. R.A. Mason, RNVR). (43)
Around 1830A/14, HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (45)
HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) is docked at Ardrossan.
Around 1900A/7, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She is to join the Mediterranean Fleet.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. (44)
Around 1600A/28, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.
Around 0720A/13, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers.
Around 1830A/23, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Algiers for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol east of Corsica.
At 1755A/27, when in position 078° - Cape Corse - 14 nautical miles, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted a trawler approaching Bastia on a course of 210° at 10 knots.
At 0630A/28, when in position 096° - Bastia Citadel - 7 nautical miles, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted a small patrol craft leaving Bastia at high speed. She stopped close astern presumably to listen with hydrophones so Lt.Cdr. Collett took HMS Tactician to 90 feet. No A/S transmissions were heard and also no more HE was heard. On return to periscope depth 20 minutes later all was clear.
At 0708A/29, when in position 072° - Bastia Citadel - 6 nautical miles, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) two small vessels were seen approaching from the southward about 4 nautical miles from the shore. Both had several guns mounted. Also on was heard transmitting on Asdics.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) fired three torpedoes against the French passenger/cargo vessel Cap Corse (2444 GRT, built 1929) north-east of Bastia, Corsica. No hits were obtained.
At 0630A/4, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) observed two enemy trawlers being present in Giglio Island harbour.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V17 / Pia (385 GRT) with gunfire about 10 nautical miles west of Grosseto, Italy in position 42°34'N, 10°45'E.
At 2030A/6, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) left patrol to return to Algiers as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1148A/2. (44)
Around 0930A/11, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (47)
Around 1830A/22, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Algiers for Malta.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (45)
Around 1700B/3, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic.
At 1530A/8, when in position 41°13'N, 17°46'E (085° - Bari Lighthouse - 42 nautical miles), HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted smoke, masts and a funnel of a merchant vessel bearing 340°. HMS Tactician increased to full submerged speed and endeavoured to close but unfortunately on hour later the attack had to be broken off as it was obvious the range could not be closed to more then 5 nautical miles. Enemy course was about 105° at about 9 knots and it is thought this ship was en-route from Bari to Durazzo.
At 1226A/9, (no position given in the patrol report, but must be reasonably close to Bari) HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighed another merchant vessel’s masts and funnel to the south. An attack was started but the ship soon disappeared from sight.
At 0910A/10, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted two auxiliary caique type minesweepers sweeping the channel to Bari from the harbour entrance to 060° - 4 nautical miles.
At 0510A/11, off Bari, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted a hospital ship passing at a range of about 2000 yards. She entered Bari at 0600A/11 having been met at the entrance to the swept channel by the 'armed boarding vessel' which had also been seen the day before.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) damaged the large Italian motor schooner Bice (1098 GRT, built 1902) with gunfire 5 nautical miles north-east of the Bari lighthouse.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) torpedoed and damaged the transport Rosandra (Italian, 8035 GRT, built 1921) off the coast of Albania in position 40°14'N, 19°28'E.
Around 2100B/15, in position 39°09'N, 18°15'E, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted a submarine 7 to 8 nautical miles away bearing 310° steering approximately northwards silhouetted against the sunset. Closed and brought all eight forward torpedo tubes to the ready. The target could not be identified definitely as it was rapidly getting darker.
Around 1130B/18, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (44)
Around 2200B/3, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Taranto as part of a patrol line of five submarines to provide cover during Operation Husky, the Allied landings on Sicily.
At 0600B/10, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) left the Gulf of Taranto as she was now ordered to patrol in the Adriatic south of a line 132° - Pelagosa Island and west of 18°53'E. (44)
At 2345B/11, when near Brindisi, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) had to dive as an unidentified patrol vessel was sighted bearing 315° at a range of 4 miles and closing. HMS Tactician surfaced an hour later to find nothing in sight. (44)
At 1325B/12, when patrolling off the Brindisi swept channel, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighed two minesweepers sweeping the swept channel out of Brindisi thereby giving away its exact location. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]
At 1230B/13, when patrolling off the Brindisi swept channel, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted a tanker of about 6000 tons leaving Brindisi. She was escorted by a destroyer and an aircraft. Instead of proceeding to the end of the swept channel they altered course to the southward when five miles from the shore. The destroyer turned back to Brindisi and the tanker proceeded unescorted. The range could not be closed to less then 12000 yards and it was possible to surface and give chase as the destroyer was still in sight and the aircraft was also still in the area.
At 1230B/14, when patrolling off the Brindisi swept channel, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted two small merchant vessels in ballast and an escorting destroyer entering the swept channel from the seaward. They passed at a range of 3000 yards but the attack was broken off when it was seen that the merchant vessels were only of about 1100 and 600 tons respectively. As they were in ballast and small it was considered that torpedoes would most likely run underneath them.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) fires six torpedoes against the Italian submarine Luigi Settembrini that was about to enter Brindisi harbour. No hits were obtained.
At 0001B/18, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) established patrol in the Gulf of Taranto. (44)
At 0010B/22, in the Gulf of Taranto, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) was forced to dive for an approaching motor torpedo boat which was seen approaching from the southward and had closed to 1000 yards.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (44)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said where she is to be docked.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said from Beirut. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) is docked at Port Said. (49)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) is undocked. (49)
Around 1800C/18, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean and to perform a special operation. (44)
At 1816C/21, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1531C/21 ordering her to proceed immediately to patrol in the Trikeri Channel and postpone her special operation. Course was set accordingly and patrol was established in the Trikeri Channel by 0230C/23. The transport Gerda Toft (German (former Danish), 1960 GRT, built 1930) was expected to proceed there from the Dardanelles. (50)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carries out special operation ' Bromfield '. Around 2330C/26, the submarine landed three Greek agents on the north side of Karalades Bay (Euboa). On completion of the special operation course was set to patrol off the Dardanelles as ordered in Capt. S 1's signal timed 2117C/25. (44)
At 1955C/28, near the entrance to the Dardanelles, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) was passed close ahead by two high speed craft proceeding northwards. It was too dark to identify them but the were transmitting on Asdics. It was thought it might be torpedo boat or E-boats probably proceeding northwards to pick up a ship coming from the Dardanelles. This may have been the Italian torpedo boats Solferino and Calatafimi proceeding to the Dardanelles to meet the tanker Celeno (Italian, 3741 GRT, built 1899) and then escort her to Piraeus.
At 2131C/29, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1058C/29 ordering her to patrol in the southern Aegean. Course was set to comply. (44)
At 2117C/1, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1104C/1 ordering her to leave patrol proceeding either via the north of Rhodes or through the Scarpanto Strait. Course was then set to proceed via the north of Rhodes. (44)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut.
(44)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said. Tactician is to proceed to Colombo to join the Eastern Fleet to fight against the Japanese. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) transited the Suez Canal southbound and then set course to proceed towards Aden.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo.
Around 1250EF/12, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo. On entering harbour she made a run over the D/G range. (51)
Around 2130FG/18, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for her 7th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off Penang, Malaya. She is also to carry out a special operation.
From 26 to 28 October 1943, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carries out special operation MISSIVE I.
At 1500FG/27, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted the masts and funnel of a small ship entering Penang by the south entrance.
At 0800FG/28, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted the masts and funnel of a small coaster leaving Penang to the eastward. She passed more then 6 nautical miles to the south of HMS Tactician so an attack was not possible.
At 0830FG/30, when on patrol off the northern entrance into Penang, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted what is thought to be a small Japanese submarine chaser entering Penang from the westward at 15 knots. (44)
At 2300FG/31, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) left patrol off Penang to return to Colombo. (44)
Around 1200FG/7, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo. On entering harbour she ran over the D/G range.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) is docked at Colombo. (53)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) left dock. (53)
Around 2000FG/27, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for her 8th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Siam. She is also to carry out two special operations (Missive II and Pritchard).
From 4 to 7 December, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) tries to carry out the first (Operation ' Missive II ') of the two special operations she was to carry out during this patrol. The special operation was not a success and had to be abandoned.
From 9 to 16 December, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) tries to carry out the second of the two special operatives she was to carry out during this patrol. Like the first special operation this one was also not a success and had to be abandoned late on 16 December.
At 2100FG/16, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) left patrol to proceed to Trincomalee. (44)
Around 1400FG/20, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee.
Around 0900FG/5, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 9th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was escorted out by the Italian sloop Eritrea on which she also made two practice attacks. They parted company around 1500FG/5.
For the daily positions of HMS Tactician during her 9th war patrol see the map below.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) encounters a submarine about 40 nautical miles south-east of Great Nicobar Island in position 06°21'N, 93°22'E. It was not possible to identify the submarine. As it might have been a British submarine returning to Trincomalee it was not attacked.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted special operation Versatile.
At 2240FG/14, to the west of Diamond Point, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted three small junks proceeding eastwards close inshore. They were not attacked. (55)
At 1445FG/16 [this time is according to the log, the patrol report gives the time as 1145FG/16 but this might be a typo as we believe the log to be the correct entry], off the north coast of Sumatra about midway between Sabang and Diamond Point, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted three small junks proceeding westwards close inshore. They were not attacked. (55)
At 0530FG/17, when in position 05°29'N, 96°30'E, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) first detected with her hydrophones and later sighted an unescorted merchant vessel bearing 040° which was thought to be a seaplane tender of the Kagu Maru-class to the but she passed out of range as HMS Tactician was patrolling on the inshore route. Enemy course was 295° at 16 knots.
Around 0230FG/22, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) left patrol to return to Trincomalee as ordered in Capt. S 4's signal timed 0855Z/19. (55)
Around 1300FG/26, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee.
(44)
Around 0720FG/10, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 10th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits. She is also to carry out a special operation (operation Mullet).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tactician during her 10th war patrol see the map below.
During the afternoon, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carries out periscope reconnaissance of the west and north coasts of Pulau Butang and Pulau Rawi. A suitable landing spot for the upcoming special operation 'Mullet' was sighted. (56)
During 17 and 18 February 1944, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) tried to intercept a suitable junk that could be used for special operation 'Mullet'. She however failed to intercept one. (44)
At 0130 hours HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) boards a junk near Langkawi. The junk however proved to be useless for the special operation. The crew was so frightened of the Japanese that they refused to co-operate with the British. The junk was released. The next day Tactician was ordered to patrol elsewhere. (57)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) attacks a Japanese submarine south of Langkawi in position 05°53'5N, 99°46'2E. Five torpedoes were fired but these missed.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) lands the 'Mullet' party as during the past days no suitable junk to put them on had been found. The party were sighted by local fishermen and decided to return to the submarine. As it was becoming light they had to wait till after dark before they could return.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sank a small merchant vessel with gunfire and a torpedo in the Malacca Straits in position 03°03'N, 100°18'E.
Around 1415FG/7, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.
(44)
Around 1815FG/13, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for Colombo. (59)
Around 0845FG/15, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo. (59)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) is docked in the outer graving dock at Colombo. (59)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) is undocked. (59)
Around 1815FG/27, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for Trincomalee. (59)
Around 1040FG/29, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (59)
Around 1915FG/31, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 11th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol near Phuket on the West coast of Siam. She is also to carry out a special operation (Operation Corton II).
For the daily positions of HMS Tactician during her 11th war patrol see the map below.
From 5 to 9 April 1944, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) carries out special operation Corton II.
At 2300B/13, in position 08°52'N, 98°08'E, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighed smoke and three small dark objects bearing 080° at a range of 7 nautical miles. HMS Tactician then closed at full speed and endeavoured to head off the ship before it reached the southern end of Salang Island. The ship was however too fast and could not be overtaken. No more than smoke and the ships funnel could be seen. (44)
At 0100FG/16, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) left the Phuket area to proceed towards the vicinity of Sabang for air/sea rescue duties as had been ordered in Capt. S 4's signal timed 1209Z/15.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) picked up an Allied fighter pilot that was shot down off Sabang. Tactician was providing air/sea rescue duties during 'Operation Cockpit'.
Around 0945FG/23, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.
Around 0845FG/10, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 12th war patrol (6th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the northern entrance to the Malacca Straits and to lay a minefield.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tactician during her 12th war patrol see the map below.
During the morning, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conduced a periscope reconnaissance of Car Nicobar Island but nothing of interest was sighted. (44)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) lays 12 mines to the North-East off Langkawi near position 06°29'N, 99°52'E.
Position of 1st mine:
06°29'08"N, 99°53'10"E.
Position of 4th mine:
06°28'50"N, 99°52'47"E.
Position of 1st mine:
06°29'55"N, 99°53'05"E.
Position of 4th mine:
06°30'16"N, 99°53'23"E.
Position of 1st mine:
06°29'52"N, 99°51'57"E.
Position of 4th mine:
06°29'32"N, 99°52'10"E.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam, to the North-West of Langkawi.
Around 0700FG/3, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (6th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. Before entering harbour noise trials were carried out.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for the U.K. where she is to refit. The first leg of the trip is to Aden. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Aden. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Aden for Port Said. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said for Malta. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (45)Convoy SL 165.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for Gibraltar. She makes the passage in convoy MKS 56.
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar for a short stop probably to fuel. She departed later the same day for passage to Holy Loch. She makes the passage in the same convoy she joined at Malta. (Convoy MKS 56 merged with convoy SL 165 west of Gibraltar).
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch escorted by HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?). (44)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) and HMS Trusty (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (63)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. She departed for Dundee later the same day together with HMS Tuna (Lt. L.F.L. Hill, RNR). They were escorted by HMS Graemsay (A/Skr.Lt. A.R. Lewis, RNR). (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Dundee. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Dundee for Sheerness. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Sheerness. She later proceeded to the Chatham Dockyard most likely on the 17th. (45)
HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC and Bar, RN) starts her refit at Chatham Dockyard. (45)
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