Laid down (51)

1917: Submarine O-2 (63)

1939: Destroyer Nizam (G 38) - Destroyer Norman (G 49) - Destroyer Nizam (G 38) - Destroyer Norman (G 49) - Escort destroyer Pytchley (L 92) - Escort destroyer Tynedale (L 96) - Escort destroyer Whaddon (L 45)

1940: Minesweeper Whyalla (J 153)

1942: Submarine chaser Jacuí (CS 57) - Boom defence vessel Barilla (Z 17) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-3 (LCI(L)-3) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-4 (LCI(L)-4) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-5 (LCI(L)-5) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-6 (LCI(L)-6) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 582 (LCT 582) - Tank landing ship LST 394 (LST 394) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1 (LCI(L)-1) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-2 (LCI(L)-2) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-3 (LCI(L)-3) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-327 (LCI(L)-327) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-328 (LCI(L)-328) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-329 (LCI(L)-329) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-330 (LCI(L)-330) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-331 (LCI(L)-331) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-332 (LCI(L)-332) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-333 (LCI(L)-333) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-334 (LCI(L)-334) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-335 (LCI(L)-335) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-336 (LCI(L)-336) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-4 (LCI(L)-4) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-5 (LCI(L)-5) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-6 (LCI(L)-6) - Tank landing ship LST 393 (LST 393) - Tank landing ship LST 394 (LST 394) - Motor torpedo boat PT 148 - Vehicle landing ship Saugus (LSV 4) - Submarine chaser SC-1288 (SC-1288)

1943: Frigate Dominica (K 507) - Landing craft tank LCT 575 (LCT 575) - Destroyer Escort Loeser (DE 680) - Light cruiser Providence (CL 82) - Motor torpedo boat PT 486 - Submarine Queenfish (393) - Submarine chaser SC-1512 (SC-1512)

1944: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-713 (LCI(L)-713) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-803 (LCI(L)-803) - Landing craft tank LCT 1259 (LCT 1259) - Medium landing ship LSM 228 (LSM 228) - Medium landing ship LSM 274 (LSM 274) - Motor torpedo boat PT 579

Launched (39)

1914: MS Trawler Darogah - MS Trawler Emilion (FY 853)

1918: Light cruiser Adelaide (D 47) - MS Trawler Eastcoates (FY 1771)

1919: Patrol craft PE-57 (PE-57)

1929: Destroyer Antelope (H 36)

1934: Light cruiser Perth (D 29)

1937: ASW Trawler Paynter (FY 242)

1938: Minesweeper Elan - Submarine Sculpin (191)

1940: Corvette Collingwood (K 180)

1942: Motor Launch ML 392 (ML 392) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 295 (MTB 295) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 297 (MTB 297) - MS Trawler Texada (T 283) - Destroyer Tyrian (R 67) - Submarine Dolfijn (P 47) - Submarine Chaser SC 1466 (SC 1466) - Submarine chaser SC-677 (SC-677)

1943: Destroyer Escort Fair (DE 35) - Tank landing ship LST 219 (LST 219) - Tank landing ship LST 38 (LST 38) - Motor torpedo boat PT 377 - Submarine chaser SC-1075 (SC-1075) - Frigate Van Buren (PF-42)

1944: Landing Craft Tank LCT 1149 (LCT 1149) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-784 (LCI(L)-784) - Landing craft support LCS(L)-5 (LCS(L)-5) - Landing craft tank LCT 1121 (LCT 1121) - Landing craft tank LCT 1199 (LCT 1199) - Landing craft tank LCT 1279 (LCT 1279) - Landing craft tank LCT 892 (LCT 892) - Submarine Lizardfish (373) - Medium landing ship LSM 321 (LSM 321) - Tank landing ship LST 633 (LST 633)

1945: Minesweeper Willow Lake (J 495) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 4001 (LCT 4001) - Tank landing ship LST 3521 (LST 3521) - Submarine Sentinel (P 256)

Commissioned (31)

1916: Battleship Lorraine

1918: Submarine O-9 (70) - Submarine R-15 (92) - Minesweeper Widgeon (ASR 1)

1920: Destroyer Wolverine (D 78)

1934: Submarine M-12

1939: Minesweeper Sphinx (J 69) - Submarine M-57

1940: Corvette Clematis (K 36) - Motor Launch ML 111 (ML 111)

1942: Landing Craft Tank LCT 357 (LCT 357) - Motor minesweeper MMS 179 (J 679) - Motor minesweeper MMS 65 (J 565) - Destroyer Murphy (DD 603) - Submarine chaser SC-676 (SC-676)

1943: Salvage vessel Extricate (ARS 16) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-435 (LCI(L)-435) - Tank landing ship LST 240 (LST 240) - Tank landing ship LST 265 (LST 265) - Motor torpedo boat PT 361 - Submarine Ray (271) - Destroyer Escort Tomich (DE 242)

1944: Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1119 (ML 1119) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 483 (MTB 483) - Motor minesweeper Orkla (FY 1085) - Submarine Blenny (324) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-709 (LCI(L)-709) - Tank landing ship LST 581 (LST 581) - Destroyer Escort Vammen (DE 644)

1945: Tank landing ship LST 3038 (LST 3038) - Submarine Talent (iii) (P 337)

1940: Destroyer Codrington (D 65) - Destroyer Wren (i) (D 88)

1941: Destroyer Smely

1942: Motor Gun Boat MGB 501 (MGB 501)

1943: Landing Craft Tank LCT 353 (LCT 353)

1944: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 412 (MTB 412) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 412 (MTB 412) - Submarine V-1

1945: Landing craft tank LCT 1050 (LCT 1050)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1940

Heavy cruiser HMS Sussex: The heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Sussex (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN) and HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. On completion of the exercises HMS Sussex set course for Greenock while the other two cruisers returned to Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMS Caradoc: HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.S. Bethell, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at / off Canada Bay, Newfoundland.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: The British transports Alipore (British, 5273 GRT, built 1920), Bangalore (British, 6067 GRT, built 1928) departed Penang for Bombay. They were to be escorted until Colombo by the light cruiser HMS Dauntless (Capt. G.D. Moore, RAN). HMS Dauntless escorted these ships until 2000 hours on 1 August.

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Capt. J.W. Farquhar, RN) departed Tortola, Virgin Islands to resume her patrol.

Light cruiser HMAS Perth: HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) arrived at Melbourne from Adelaide.

Submarine HNMS O 23: HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and her escort, the the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) arrive at Stornoway.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR) and HMS Fandango (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, RNR).

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) was undocked at Elderslie. She then returned to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Parthian: HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, RN) attacked a convoy of two merchant vessels near Syracuse, Sicily. Three torpedoes were fired at the leading merchant vessel but no hits were obtained. The target was the steamer Marte (5290 GRT, built 1917) followed by Dalmazia (3800 GRT) [it is not certain if this was the naval water tanker Dalmazia (3137 tons, built 1923) or the passenger cargo Dalmatia L. (3252 GRT, built 1903), our thanks to Francesco De Domenico and Tiberio ‘Sandokan’ from the Aidmen Association and Lorenzo Colombo for their suggestions] unescorted on passage from Tripoli to Catania. They had been briefly escorted out by the torpedo boat Centauro. (All times are zone -1) 0901 hours - In position 270°, Cape Murro di Porco, 6 nautical miles (approximately 36°59'N, 15°28'E), sighted two merchant vessels bearing 120°, range 7 nautical miles. Started attack. 0915 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the leading ship from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained.

Submarine HMS Sturgeon: HMS Sturgeon (Lt. G.D.A. Gregory, DSO, RN) departed Blyth for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Texel, The Netherlands. For the daily positions of HMS Sturgeon during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Swordfish: HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) departed Blyth for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the western entrance to the Skagerrak. (No log is available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions so no map can be displayed).

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off southern Norway. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sealion during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for her 14th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Lister, Norway. For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Tribune: Shortly after 2000A/27, HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South coast of Norway. An uneventful patrol. For the daily positions of HMS Tribune during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Trident: At 0457A/27, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) received the Vice-Admiral Submarines signal timed 0401A/27, ordering Trident to patrol even further north, off Fro-Havet.

Submarine HMS Taku: Around 2000A/27, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 5th war patrol. She is to patrol off Norway. For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Triad: At 2025A/27, HMS Triad (Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, DSO, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Norway, near Bergen. For the positions of HMS Triad during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Talisman: With her trials and training completed, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN), departed Rothesay around 1945A/27 for her 1st war patrol. During the passage south through the Irish Sea HMS Talisman was escorted by the ASW trawler HMS Lord Hailsham (Skr. F.J.J. Cannon, RNR). She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

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

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay.

Light cruiser HMS Galatea: Around 1130A/27, HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN), arrived at Immingham from Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMS Fiji: HMS Fiji (Capt. W.G. Benn, RN) is undocked from No.2 dock at Govan and then berthed alongside Rothesay Dock, Clydebank.

Battleship HMS Barham: HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow.

Battlecruiser HMS Repulse: In the early evening the battlecruisers HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), light cruisers HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) escorted by destroyers HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Achates (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. N.J.V. Thew, RN) and HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) sailed from Scapa Flow in response to reports that German battlecruiser Gneisenau was proceeding from Trondheim back to Germany but in fact this German battlecruiser was at that time already nearly back in Germany having left undetected earlier and the ships reported were in fact only merchant vessels. At 0400/28, the destroyers HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN) joined the Force. At 1800/28, HMS Devonshire was detached from the force to give cover to a convoy en-route from the Clyde to Iceland. The force returned to Scapa Flow around 0630/29.

Destroyer HMS Winchelsea: HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) picks up 48 survivors from the British merchant Sambre that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-34 south-south-west of Rockall in position 56°37'N, 17°53'W. HMS Winchelsea also picks up 36 survivors from the British merchant Thiara that was also torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-34 south-south-west of Rockall in position 56°37'N, 17°56'W.

Destroyer HMS Codrington: Sunk in secret losses due to marine hazards and during air-raids on harbours. Loss announced, in UK, 18 May 1945

Destroyer HMS Diana: HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) shifted from Sheerness to London where she is to refit at the R & H Green and Silley Weir Ltd. shipyard. [In early August 1940 it was decided to transfer HMS Diana to the Royal Canadian Navy as a replacement for HMCS Fraser.]

Destroyer HMS Javelin: HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) departed Immingham to reinforce patrol 'U'.

Destroyer HMS Jupiter: HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Immingham for patrol 'U'.

Destroyer HMS Kashmir: HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol.

Destroyer HMS Kelvin: HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol.

Destroyer HMS Walpole: HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) was damaged by bombs from German aircraft while escorting a convoy off Dover.

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS Cornwall: HMS Cornwall (Capt. P.C.W. Manwaring, RN) and the British transport Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937) arrived at Mombasa.

Heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire: Having completed her refit, HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN), departed Newcastle for Scapa Flow. En-route post-refit trials were carried out.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) is undocked. During the procedure she damaged her port screw when it contacted the pier. She was later docked again [See 30th, July].

Light cruiser HMS Danae: HMS Danae (A/Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) and the (troop) transport Erinpura (British, 5128 GRT, built 1911) arrived at Penang.

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: Around 0830PQ(+3.5)/27, HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) made rendezvous with HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) in approximate position 40°00'S, 53°00'W. Both ships then proceeded in company to Samborombón Bay, River Plate area.

Light cruiser HMS Manchester: HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN) is docked at Gibraltar. As there is no log available for HMS Manchester of the month of August 1941 the dates of her docking(s) are currently unknown to us. Anyway throughout August 1941 temporary repairs were made at Gibraltar and it was arranged that HMS Manchester would proceed to the Philadelphia Navy Yard in the U.S.A. for permanent repairs.

Destroyer HNMS Isaac Sweers: HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN), HMS Heythrop (Lt.Cdr R.S. Stafford, RN) and HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, RN) departed Scapa Flow at 0600 hours to make rendez-vous with the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. C. Coppinger, DSC, RN) which had been escorting convoy TC 12 on her way back to the UK after repairs in the USA. Rendez-vous was made with the battleship at 2000 hours and course was set for Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN).

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Otus: HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is ordered to proceed to position 34°25'N, 19°40'E to intercept a southbound Italian convoy (troop transports Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932), Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) and Marco Polo (12567 GRT, built 1912), escorted by the Italian destroyers Aviere, Geniere, Camicia Nera, Vincenzo Gioberti and Alfredo Oriani). The convoy was not sighted an late in the evening passage to Alexandria was resumed.

Submarine HMS Proteus: HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN) departed Portsmouth for Holy Loch. She was initially escorted by HMS Arctic Pioneer (Skr. G. Bryan, RNR) and HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr. W.M. Smith, RNR).

Submarine HMS Tetrarch: HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sank the Greek (in German service) sailing vessel Kal 123 / Nikitas (40 GRT) with gunfire half a mile south of the channel to Nio, Greece in approximate position 36°42'N, 25°15'E. 1000B/27 - While half a mile south of the entrance to Port Nio surfaced and attacked a caique with gunfire at a range of 500 yards. Five rounds were fired of which the last two were hits. The caique was now on fire. She was flying the Nazi flag and was full of soldiers of which only two were seen to escape in a small boat. According to Italian sources one was killed and two were wounded.

Submarine HMS Utmost: HMS Utmost (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, RN) landed a sabotage party in position 38°47'N, 16°06'E (near Pizzo, Calabria, Italy) (Lt. D.R. Schoffield, Royal Fusiliers, and Lance Corporal F.C. Morgan). (All times are zone -2) 27 July 1941 2330 hours - Landed the Folbot with a party of two which successfully laid explosives underneath a railway line. 28 July 1941 0100 hours - A large explosion was seen as a large southbound train passed over the spot where the charge had been placed. Shortly afterwards the Folbot party returned safely. According to Italian sources the rear of the train was derailed.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. B.G. Heslop, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN).

Submarine HMS H 34:

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN).

Light cruiser HMS Penelope: Penelope (Capt. A.D. Nicholl, RN) was towed from Newcastle to North Shields.

Light cruiser HMS Mauritius: Convoy WS 9AX. This convoy departed Bombay on 27 July 1941. It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938) and Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930). On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN). The convoy arrived at Colombo on 30 July 1941. On 1 August 1941, the Capetown Castle and Empress of Japan departed Colombo for Singapore. On departure from Colombo they were not escorted. Around 0730FG/2, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) joined as escort. She came from Trincomalee. Around 0715FG/4, in approximate position 06°40'N, 96°00'E, escort was turned over to HMS Durban (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN). The convoy arrived at Singapore on 5 August 1941.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria: Operation FB. ' Force A ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Seidisfjord, Iceland where they arrived on the 29th. They departed Seidisfjord later on the same day for Isfjord, Spitsbergen. They arrived at Spitsbergen on 31 July 1941 with HMS Nigeria and HMS Tartar entering Advent Fjord and HMS Aurora and HMS Punjabi proceeding up the Gronfjord. At Spitsbergen all ships fuelled on 1 August 1941 from the RFA tanker Oligarch (6894 GRT, built 1918) which had arrived there escorted by the destroyer ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and the A/S whalers HMS Sealyham (T/Lt. C.E. Jefferson, RNR) and HMS Wastwater (T/Lt. R. Edwards, RNVR). This fuelling group then departed for Seidisfjord taking the Norwegian merchant vessel Dagny I (1392 GRT, built 1916) with them. At Spitsbergen Lt. Tamber of the Norwegian Navy was landed to assume the role of Military Governor and to take over the W/T station. No enemy opposition was encountered. In the afternoon and early evening of 2 August 1941, ' Force A ' landed a party at Bear Island on 2 August to demolish the W/T station and embark four Norwegian operators. Around 1330B/3, 'Force A ' joined the ' Oligarch ' group. Around 1600B/3, the Dagny I parted company to proceed direct to the U.K. escorted by HMS Wastwater. During the night of 3/4 August , HMS Tartar and HMS Punjabi fuelled from the Oligarch. Around noon on the 4th HMS Aurora also fuelled from the Oligarch on completion of which the ' Oligarch ' group parted company to proceed to Seidisfjord. ' Force A ' then proceeded on an anti-shipping sweep of northern Norway but they were sighted by German aircraft around 1600B/5. With the element of surprise now gone the operation was abandoned and course was set to return to Scapa Flow where ' Force A ' arrived around 1645B/7.

Battleship HMS Nelson: On their return to harbour from operations, Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Renown (Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, RN) to HMS Nelson (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN).

Destroyer HMAS Stuart: On opening up the Port condenser on board HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), pieces of turbine blading were found. It was then decided to open up the port turbines for inspection and the result was that it was decided that HMAS Stuart was to return to Australia to refit as the port engine could not be repaired on station.

Heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire: Around 1030Z/27, HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMS Vanoc: HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, DSO, RN) picks up 6 survivors from the British merchant Hawkinge that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-203 about 800 nautical miles south-west of Fastnet in position 44°55'N, 17°44'W.

Corvette HMS Sunflower: HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) picks up 6 survivors from the British merchant Hawkinge that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-203 about 800 nautical miles south-west of Fastnet in position 44°55'N, 17°44'W.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. T.N. Catlow, RN) was undocked from the West Graving Dock at Dundee.

1942

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at and off Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMS Dragon: HMS Dragon (Capt. P.F. Glover, RN) departed Durban for Diego Suarez.

Heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher: Around 1125D/27, HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) arrived at Mauritius from convoy escort duty.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: Around 1835B/27, HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: For the daily positions of HrMs Tromp during the period of 27 July 1942 to 31 July 1942, see the map below.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: Convoy ZK 12. This convoy departed Fremantle on 27 July 1942. It was made up of the transport Duntroon (10346 GRT, built 1935) and the armed merchant cruisers HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. J.M. Armstrong, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (A/Capt.(Emgy.) H.V. Hudson, OBE, RAN). The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN). The convoy merged with convoy ' Schooner A ' at 1015H/28, in position 33°28'S, 113°48'E.

Submarine HNMS K XI: HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) is docked at Karachi.

Submarine HNMS O 21: HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed Holy Loch to conduct exercises in the Clyde area. She had to return shortly after departure due to a defect to the gyro compass.

Submarine HNMS O 23: HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) damaged the small Japanese merchant Shofuku Maru No.2 (729 GRT, built 1937) with gunfire about 10 nautical miles South-West of Penang, Malaya in position 05°07'N, 100°04'E. (All times are zone -6) 0641 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 190°, range 5 nautical miles. The ship was steering North. Started attack. When the ship came closer it was seen to be a small coastal vessel of about 800 to 1000 tons. 0725 hours - In position 05°07'N, 100°04'E fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. One of the torpedoes was sene to run on the surface several times and to run slightly to Starboard. Both torpedoes missed. 0731 hours - Surfaced behind the target to attack it with gunfire. 0732 hours - Fired the first shot from 800 yards. The target was not armed. 0739 hours - When the 10th round was being loaded in the gun it jammed and could not be freed so gunfire had to be discontinued. By now one hit on the ships stern had been obtained. 0741 hours - Opened fire with the Oerlikon. but this too jammed after 80 rounds. Several hits had been observed. The action had now to be broken off. Withdrew to seaward.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) conducted torpedo firing trials in Loch Long with 45 cm torpedoes from the USN.

Submarine USS Spearfish: USS Spearfish (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dempsey) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese submarine depot ship Rio de Janeiro Maru (9626 GRT, built 1930, offsite link) about 95 nautical miles east of Cam Ranh Bay, French Indochina in position 11°28'N, 110°52'E.

Submarine USS Sailfish: USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Voge, USN) passed through Lombok Strait, southwards, mostly submerged during daylight.

Submarine USS Swordfish: USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Burrows, USN) departed Fremantle for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea. For the daily and attack positions of USS Swordfish during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine USS Halibut: USS Halibut (Cdr. P.H. Ross) arrived at Pearl Harbor.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Furious: HMS Furious (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN) conducted flying exercises in the Clyde area.

Escort Carrier HMS Dasher: HMS Dasher (V.Adm.(Retd.) R.B. Davies, VC, CB, DSO, RN) retrurned to New York from Long Island Sound.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias: Around 1200Q/27, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and armed boarding vessel HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) arrived at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands from patrol.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Canton: Around 1600B/27, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Bleasdale (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, RN) arrived at Portland having been ordered to proceed there instead of proceeding directly to Southhampton / Portsmouth. HMS Bleasdale had joined around 1230B/27.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Otus: HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Haifa for her 3rd storage trip to Malta. Following this she was to proceed to the U.K. to refit. No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Proteus: HMS Proteus (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) departed Beirut for her 15th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. She was also to perform a special operation. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Proteus during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Rorqual: HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted by HMS Lord Stonehaven (Skr. A.F.S. Jenner, RNR) until 0015/28. For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Saracen: HMS P 247 (Lt. M.G.R. Lumby, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS P 51 (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack).

Submarine HMS Seraph: HMS P 219 (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, RN) is ordered to return to Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in the Walker & Sons dry dock at Colombo.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Dundee.

Submarine HMS Utmost: HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) carried out exercises off Gibraltar.

Submarine HMS Unseen: HMS P 51 (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS P 247 (Lt. M.G.R. Lumby, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack).

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. K.H. Joy, RNR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. D.E.O. Watson, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow.

Minelayer HMS Welshman: HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Milford Haven.

Light cruiser HMS Scylla: HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises in the Clyde area.

Battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth: HMS Queen Elizabeth (A/Capt. R. Gotto, DSO, RN), HMS Arrow (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMS Duncan (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. P. Bekenn, RN) arrived at Durban from Kilindini / Mombasa.

Battleship HMS Valiant: HMS Valiant (Capt. L.H. Ashmore, RN) conducted exercises off Simontown during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN) and HMS Express (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Cartwright, RN).

Battleship HMS King George V: HMS King George V (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet) conducted aircraft launching and recovering and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. Later underway refuelling exercises were carried out with HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN).

Destroyer HMAS Voyager: Around 1400H/26, HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the ' Schooner ' Convoy. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' 'Schooner' convoy ' for 13 July 1942.]

Destroyer HMAS Stuart: on this day both HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Moresby (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Brown, RANR(S)) arrived at Sydney after escort duty with convoy ZK 15.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt.Cdr. B.E. Lewellen, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. A.R. Gallaher, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Kehl, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Stevens, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USSR S-7: S-7 damaged the German merchant Ellen Larsen (1938 GRT) south of Venspils, Latvia. The German ship was missed by torpedoes but driven ashore after S-7 attacked with gunfire.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners.

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. C.A. Pardoe, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

1943

Heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire: HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. She then returned to Scapa Flow where she conducted bombardment exercises.

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Kilindini. She departed later the same day to make rendezvous with convoy CM 43. [See the event ' Convoy CM 43 ' for 26 July 1943 for more information on this convoy.]

Light cruiser HMS Capetown: HMS Capetown (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Bandar Abbas from Basra.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) arrived at Malta from the operations area off Sicily where she had provided AA cover off the invasion beaches near Gela.

Submarine HNMS O 21: In the period 27 July to 29 July HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is to make rendez-vouz off Pulau Sempoe (now Sumbermanjing) with a small sailing vessel carrying an agent. However no sailing vessel displaying the secret markings that were agreed shows up.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardishaig together with ML's. Upon completion of these exercises she returned to Campbeltown.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with ships and aircraft. These included night execises during the night of 27/28 July 1943.

Submarine USS Tambor: The Japanese merchant Teikin Maru (1972 GRT) is mined and sank off Hainan Island in position 19°57'N, 109°05'E the mine was laid by USS Tambor (Lt.Cdr. Stephen H. Ambruster) on 2 November 1942.

Submarine USS Swordfish: USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Parker, USN) completed her training period.

Submarine USS Seadragon: USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) claims to have damaged a grounded freighter at Wake Island. (All times are zone L, -11) 0910 hours - Sighted a ship with her bow on the beach east of the channel to the lagoon. 1110 hours - Decided to fire two torpedoes at this ship, an older (coal burner) transport of 5000 ton. 1136 hours - From position 19°20'N, 166°32'E fired two torpedoes from the bow tubes from 2200 yards. Two hits were obtained but the first torpedo was a dud. When the smoke had cleared the barge that was alongside the ship had disappeared and the ship itself was now down by the stern with water up to the after deckhouse. Two patrol boats and a trawler were now seen to come out of the lagoon to hunt the attacker. Went deep. 1156 hours - Three depth charges were dropped. 1220 hours - Two depth charges were dropped. 1231 hours - Two depth charges were dropped. 1335 hours - Went to periscope depth. Six aircraft were seen patrolling nearby. 1338 hours - Three bombs were dropped. Went deep again. Until 1626 hours Seadragon came to periscope depth seven times and each time she was greeted by a salvo of aircraft bombs. 1912 hours - Surfaced.

Submarine USS Permit: USS Permit (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Chapple) ended her 9th war patrol when she returned to Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Flying Fish: USS Flying Fish (Capt. F.T. Watkins) ended her 6th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She now had a major overhaul at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Wahoo: USS Wahoo (Cdr. D.W. Morton) arrived at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Sawfish: USS Sawfish (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Sands) torpedoed and sank the Japanese minelayer Hirashima (720 tons) off Kyusyu, Japan in position 32°32'N, 127°41'E.

Submarine USS Scamp: While patrolling off New Ireland USS Scamp (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Ebert) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese fleet oiler Kazahaya (18300 GRT) in position 02°38'S, 149°20'E and torpedoed and sank the Japanese submarine I-168 (1400 tons, offsite link) in position 02°50'S, 149°01'E.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. J.B.de B. Kershaw, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Proteus: HMS Proteus (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course).

Submarine HMS Stoic: HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Stubborn: Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course).

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Tribune: HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Colombo.

Submarine HMS Trooper: At 1805C/27, HMS Trooper (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1155B/27, ordering Trooper to patrol in an area with a radius of 7 miles from position 39°43'N, 18°01'E. Course was set accordingly. At 2210C/27, a signal from Capt. S.10 timed 1155B/27 was received which ordered HMS Trooper to leave patrol at 0600B/29.

Submarine HMS Tactician: HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut.

Submarine HMS Tantalus: HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Taranto. Later she was ordered to patrol off Brindisi. No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Unsparing: At 0110 hours (zone -2), in position 37°30'N, 13°12'E, HMS Unsparing (Lt. A.D. Piper, DSC and 2 bars, RNR) sighted an enemy convoy and started a surface attack. Shortly before being in position to fire a salvo of torpedoes at the main target, a tanker when at 0119 hours the escorting torpedo-boat challenged Unsparing and then turned on a search light. The attack therefore was broken off and Unsparing crash dived. The enemy torpedo-boat dropped a few depth charges but these caused no damage.

Submarine HMS Usurper: HMS Usurper (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the French Château Yqem (2536 GRT, built 1925) about 6 nautical miles south-west of Ajaccio, Corsica, France in position 41°50'N, 08°37'E. Château Yqem (in ballast) was in convoy with Cap Corse (2444 GRT, built 1929) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Orsa (escort leader) and the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2210. They were on passage from Ajaccio to Marseille. Château Yqem was hit astern by a torpedo and sank in five minutes. She had a crew of twenty-seven and two passengers and there were two victims (a crew member and a passenger). A second torpedo was observed to detonate on Sanguinari Island and Cap Corse (carrying 205 passengers) turned back to Ajaccio. UJ 2210 run up the torpedo tracks and dropped depth charges and believed the submarine was sunk. To make sure, the two escort vessels independently hunted the submarine throughout the night. At 1907 hours, Orsa got an echo but then lost it. At 1925 hours contact was regained and Orsa dropped twice four depth charges and this was followed by two more and observed air bubbles. It was thought that perhaps two submarines had been present and some oil was observed but HMS Usurper had escaped. The next morning, two escort vessels returned to Ajaccio. VAS 237, VAS 238, VAS 239 and VAS 240 were also sailed to hunt the submarine but without result. (All times are zone -2) 1645 hours - Sighted a convoy of two merchant vessels of 2500 tons escorted by a destroyer. Started attack. 1707 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the leading merchant vessel from 2400 yards. One hit was heard but could not be observed as Usurper had gone deep on firing. 1715 hours - Seven depth charges were dropped down the post side but they were not close and caused no damage to Usurper. 1735 hours - Three depth charges were dropped ahead. 1925 hours - The destroyer was in contact with ASDIC. 1927 hours - Six depth charges were dropped close but again they caused no damage. 1944 hours - Five depth charges were dropped. Usurper finally surfaced at 0028/28 and cleared the area at speed.

Submarine HMS Varangian: HMS Varangian (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). Upon completion of these exercies HMS Varangian proceeded to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Madison, USS Lansdale, HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMS Pennywort (Lt. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR) and HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. B. Charles, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Broome (Lt. C.S. Arthur, Jr., USN), HMS Duncan (Cdr. Sir P.W Gretton, DSO and Bar, DSC, OBE, RN) and HMS Sunflower (A/Lt.Cdr. J. Plomer, RCNVR).

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Assiniboine (Cdr. K.F. Adams, RCN), USS Madison (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Hager, USN) and USS Lansdale (Cdr. V. Havard, Jr., USN).

Minelayer HMS Abdiel: HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers from Malta (with a short stop at Bizerta).

Light cruiser HMS Charybdis: HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Gibraltar for escort duty with convoy KMS 21G. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 52 / KMS 21G ' for 19 July 1943.]

Light cruiser HMS Scylla: Around 2100B/27, 44°00'N, 18°30'W, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) parted company with convoy MKF 19. Around 0630B/28, she joined the combined convoy SL 133 / MKS 18. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 133 ' for 13 July 1943.]

Light cruiser HMS Ceylon: HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area.

Battleship HMS Duke of York: Around 1615B/7, the battleships HMS Duke of York (R.Adm. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), USS South Dakota (Capt. L.D. McCormick, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral O.M. Hustvedt, USN), aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN), HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC, RN), HMS Saumarez (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, DSO, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt. P. Bekenn, RN) departed Scapa Flow for operation Governor. [For more information see the event ' Operation Governor ' for 25 July 1943.]

Submarine USS S-38: USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Rhymes) ended her 9th war patrol at Esperitu Santo. She is now assigned to training duties.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt. G.F. Sharp, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-16: USS R-16 departed New London, Connecticut for Bermuda.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Shepard, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

1944

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: During 27/28 July 1944, HMS Dauntless (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, DSO, RN), conducted exercises off Methil. These included night exercises. On completion of the exercises she proceeded to Rosyth.

Light cruiser HMS Belfast: Around 1700A/27, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Tyne where she is to undergo a refit by the Middle Docks & Engineering Company Ltd. at South Shields.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN) returned to Trincomalee.

Submarine HNMS O 19: HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN) arrived at Colombo.

Submarine HNMS Zwaardvisch: HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Colombo bound for Trincomalee. For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily positions during this passage see the map below. HrMs Zwaardvisch passage Colombo - Trincomaleeclick here for bigger map

Submarine USS Thresher: USS Thresher (Lt.Cdr. D.C. MacMillan) ended her 13th war patrol at Midway.

Submarine USS Sailfish: At 1238I/27, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. R.E.M. Ward, USN), sighted a small sailing sampan southeast of Okinoerabujima, Satsunan Islands, Ryukyu Islands, in position 27°12'N, 128°31'E. She was not attacked.

Submarine USS Dace: USS Dace (Lt.Cdr. B.D. Claggett) torpedoed and sinks the Japanese fleet tanker Kyoei Maru No.2 (1192 GRT) about 90 nautical miles south of Zamboanga in position 05°25'N, 121°42'E.

Submarine USS Pompon: USS Pompon (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Gimber) sank a Japanese trawler with gunfire off the east coast of Honshu, Japan in position 37°18'N, 142°57'E.

Submarine USS Balao: In the afternoon, USS Balao (Cdr. M.R. de Arellano, USN), picked up two crashed US aviators off Palau.

Submarine USS Escolar: USS Escolar (T/Cdr. W.J. Millican, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS Caiman: USS Caiman (Cdr. J.B. Azer, USN) is put on the slipway at New London.

Submarine USS Hardhead: USS Hardhead (Cdr. F. McMaster) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Philippines.

Submarine USS Pilotfish: USS Pilotfish (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Close) departed from Majuro for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol of the Bonin Islands.

Escort Carrier HMS Khedive: HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted flying exercises off Malta.

Submarine HMS Porpoise: HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia where she was to join the 8th Submarine Flotilla. For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HMS Sceptre: HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN) arrived at Port HHZ.

Submarine HMS Sea Rover: HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Stratagem: HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Trident: With her refit completed, HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), shifted from Troon to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Tuna: HMS Tuna (A/Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) shifted from Leith to North Berwick.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked and then departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN). They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Truculent: HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, RN) left dock.

Submarine HMS Tiptoe: HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne.

Submarine HMS Trump: HMS Trump (Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials HMS Trump returned to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) fired four torpedoes against a group of small German vessels. The German landing barge F 811 was hit and sunk south of La Ciotat, France in position 43°03'N, 05°34'E. (All times are zone -1) 0050 hours - Obtained a radar echo bearing 045°, range 6000 yards. Altered course towards. 0100 hours - The bearing was steady, range decreasing, went to action stations. 0117 hours - Turbine HE was picked up bearing 050°. Made out dark shapes against the land. 0130 hours - The contact was seen to be one escort vessel and four 'F-boats' on an estimated course of 280°, speed 6 knots. 0148 hours - Fired three torpedoes at an almost continuous target of 2 'F-boats'. Radar gave a range of 1500 yards. 0150 hours - One of the 'F-boats' was seen to explode with a bright yellow flash and a column of sparks and smoke. It was thought one of the other torpedoes hit the other 'F-boat' but this was not the case. 0151 hours - The escort was seen to turn towards. 0154 hours - An aircraft was seen to fly down the torpedo tracks. Dived and continued withdrawal submerged. 0155 hours - Heard breaking up noises. 0247 hours - All quiet. Surfaced.

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil.

Submarine HMS Varangian: HMS Varangian (Lt. G.J. Glennie, RANVR) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Uther: HMS Uther (Lt. R.A.A.C. Ward, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Upshot: HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) is docked at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Varne: Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Venturer: HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Bangor to Larne.

Submarine HMS Vigorous: HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) heavily damaged the large Greek sailing vessel PI 07 / Doxa (504 GRT) with gunfire north of Suda Bay, Crete, Greece. The wreck of Doxa was later towed to Suda Bay where it arrived on August 4th. (All times are zone -2) 0058 hours - Radar reported a contact bearing 070°, range 4000 yards. 0104 hours - Sighted a vessel bearing 130°, range 2400 yards. It was at first thought to be an escort vessel but was soon seen to be a caique. Decided to sink her with gunfire. 0120 hours - Opened fire with starshell but it only burnt for 20 seconds. Intended to fire more starshell but the shells twice jammed and had to be rammed out. 0131 hours - Opened fire with H.E.D.A. shells from 2100 yards. The target was lost from sight after three rounds had been fired which had all missed. Closed the range aided by radar. Fired eleven more rounds for eight hits. The target stopped and the crew abandoned ship. The caique was large, about 120 tons. Boarding was not possible due to the swell. When close it was seen that the caique was armed and then at least ten men were still on board. Some were seen to be German. Retired up to windward and fired twenty-four rounds for fourteen hits. 0255 hours - By now the caique was abandoned, on fire and sinking in position 35°49'N, 24°15'E. Retired to the north-east.

Submarine HMS Viking: HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises off Dundee with HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN). These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Vox: HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Vulpine: HMS Vulpine (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (T/Lt. W.A. Shrimplin, RNVR) was undocked, decommissioned and handed over to the shipbreaker.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. R.L. Jay, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included a practice attack on HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN).

Submarine HMS P 512: HMS P 512 (Lt. J.A. Wingate, DSC, RN) proceeded to the Bermuda Dockyard to effect repairs to her defective forwards hydroplanes.

Light cruiser HMS Euryalus: HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellasis, RN) conducted D/G trials off Greenock.

Light cruiser HMS Mauritius: HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Portland.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Around 1700K/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Humboldt Bay for Madang where she arrived around 1435K/28. Shortly after departure, off Yako village, in position 02°38'S, 141°13'E, a barge and a small boat with two occupants were sighted. As Yako lay in enemy occupied territory fire was opened with the 4" guns from 5000 yards. The two occupants were seen to make for the shore and shortly afterwards their boat was hit and sank. The barge was then identified as a derelict and fire was ceased after 43 rounds of 4" had been fired.

Submarine USS R-1: USS R-1 (Lt. W.A. Schoenfeld, USN) conducted exercises off Bermuda.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt.Cdr. L.G. Bernard, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt. D.C. Peto, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt.Cdr. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Destroyer HMAS Norman: During 27/28 July 1944, the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. HMS Pathfinder returned to harbour during the night of 27/28 August. She rejoined the other two destroyers in the morning of the 28th. During the afternoon of the 28th, A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. J.N. Elliott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda with HMCS Thetford Mines (T/Lt. J.A.R. Allan, DSC, RCNVR), HMCS Cobourg (T/Lt. G.H. Johnson, RCNVR), HMCS Arrowhead (Skr.Lt. L.A. Hickey, RCNR) and HMCS Guelph (Lt. G.H. Hayes, DSC, RCN).

1945

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Diomede (Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Leith. On completion of the exercises they proceeded to Rosyth.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) conducted radar trials in Beaumaris Bay before she anchored off Llandudno for the night.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: Around 0700A/27, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Thurso Bay for Greenock where she arrived around 2245A/27.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: HMS Sheffield (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) underwent a tilt test in No.14 Dock at the Portsmouth Dockyard. It is currently not known to us when the dock had been flooded.

Destroyer Escort USS Corbesier: While off Okinawa USS Corbesier was attacked by a Japanese torpedo plane during on the night of 27 July 1945. The torpedo missed its target and the plane crashed on Okinawa.

Destroyer USS Lowry: USS Lowry arrived at San Pedro Bay, Philippines.

Submarine HNMS O 23: HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Malta.

Submarine HNMS Zwaardvisch: HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar.

Submarine HNMS Tijgerhaai: HrMs Tijgerhaai (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN) left dock.

Submarine HNMS Dolfijn: HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee.

Submarine USS Seadragon: USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Davis, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS Tarpon: With her refit comleted, USS Tarpon (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Richardson, USN), departed from the Philadelphia Navy Yard for New London, Connecticut.

Submarine USS Cod: USS Cod (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Westbrook, Jr.) sank 3 small Japanese vessels with gunfire in the South China Sea off the east coast of Malaya in position 05°18'N, 103°16'E, and one Japanese sampan in position 05°18'N, 103°39'E.

Submarine USS Pogy: USS Pogy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bowers) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Chikuzen Maru (2448 GRT) south-west of Kyogasaki about 90 nautical miles north of Tottori, Honshu, Japan in position 37°00'N, 134°02'E.

Submarine USS Devilfish: USS Devilfish (T/Lt.Cdr. S.S. Mann, Jr., USN) conducted attack exercises off Guam with USS Steele (Lt. Seymour, USNR) and USS Seid (Lt. A.F. Craft, USNR).

Submarine USS Sabalo: USS Sabalo (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Andrews, USN) was put on the slipway at New London, Connecticut.

Submarine USS Becuna: USS Becuna (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Bush, USN) ended her 5th war patrol at Subic Bay, Philippines.

Submarine USS Bergall: USS Bergall (Cdr. J.M. Hyde, USN) departed Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone for Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Submarine USS Caiman: During the night of 27/28 July 1945, USS Caiman (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN), made the northbound passage of Lombok Strait.

Submarine USS Blenny: USS Blenny (Cdr. W.H. Hazzard, USN) sank (at least) one sailing vessel and damaged several others with gunfire off the east coast of Malaya. (All times are zone I, -9) 0050 hours - Made rendezvous with USS Cod. Decided to go over the anchorage off Pulo Kapas Island together. 0430 hours - In position 05°13'N, 103°15'E. Battle stations gun action. Approached the anchorage from the south. Sighted about 20 schooners, junks and sampans at anchor close to the western shore of Pulo Kapas. 0458 hours - Fired warning burst of .50cal close to the junks. 0501 hours - Struck a submerged object on the port side. Masts with shrouds were seen to stick out of the water close to the port side. This must have been a sunken sampan. 0515 hours - The crews of the schooners, junks and sampans have had enough time now to leave their ships so opened fire together with USS Cod from an average range of 1200 yards. 0535 hour - Ceased firing, standing out to the north at four engine speed. We saw one large junk sink, two others sustained at least one 5" hit each and several others numerous 40mm hits. We had expended 54 rounds of 5", 120 rounds of 40mm and 75 rounds of .50cal.

Submarine USS Bugara: USS Bugara (Cdr. A.F. Schade, USN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam. (All times are zone I, -9) 1050 hours - In position 08°38'N, 100°32'E boarded a 20 tons schooner. Cargo was misselaneous gear from Singapore. Removed the crew and sank the schooner with gunfire. Ammunition used 4 rounds of 5" and 8 rounds of 40mm. 1445 hours - In position 09°11'N, 100°03'E and when 3000 yards from a schooner an aircraft that had been sighted earlier came over a nearby hill. Dived in 10 fathoms of water. 1505 hours - The aircraft (an Emily) was clear. Battle surfaced alongside the schooner. She was of 75 tons with a cargo of about 50 tons of sugar from Singapore. Sank the schooner with gunfire. Ammunition used 4 rounds of 5" and 26 rounds of 40mm. 2050 hours - In position 10°14'N, 99°43'E sighted a mast at a range of 24000 yards. It was geting dark fast with no moon. Closed at full speed. When the range was 8000 yards it looked like a schooner. Went to gun action stations. When the range was closed even further he looked bigger then first thought. Went alongside and boarded. It was a large, 200 tons, schooner loaded with at least 150 tons of rice bound for Singapore. Shoved off the crew and at ..... 2228 hours - Sank the schooner with gunfire. Ammunition used 8 rounds of 5".

Submarine USS Menhaden: USS Menhaden (Cdr. D.H. McClintock, USN) departed New Orleans, Louisiana for the Panama Canal Zone.

Submarine USS Sea Poacher: While on her 4th war patrol USS Sea Poacher (Lt.Cdr C.F. Leigh) sank a small Japanese vessel with gunfire off the Tsugaru Strait, Japan in position 42°14'N, 143°26'E.

Submarine USS Threadfin: USS Threadfin (Cdr. J.J. Foote) ended her 3rd war patrol at Guam.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Glory: HMS Glory (Capt. A.W. Buzzard, DSO, OBE, RN) and HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Hodgkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Seadog: While operating together HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) and HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) destroyed a Japanese tank landing ship off Cape Rachado near position 02°22N, 101°51'E. Later the same day HMS Seadog sank a small sailing vessel with demolition charges. (All times are zone -6.5) From the patrol report of Seadog 1407 hours - Sighted a tank landing ship or auxiliary transport. We have sighted this ship before off Nancowry. Seadog had then been unable to attack due to the escort that was present at that time. Now there was no escort so the old score could be settled. Called Shalimar on SST but received no reply. It was thought that she may be manoeuvring at high speed for a torpedo attack. As the range was increasing it was decided to surface and engage with the gun. 1434 hours - Surfaced and opened fire from 7000 yards. After about 20 minutes, the enemy, who had been taking no avoiding action other then increasing speed, turned 90 degrees to port. This was most likely to bring his forward gun into action, for so far there had been no return fire and the hits on the stern had most likely knocked out the machine guns on her stern. 1509 hours - Shalimar surfaced ahead. The enemy meanwhile had returned to her original course. When Shalimar suraced she again turned to port and went towards the beach. Both submarine were now attacking with their deck guns. 1516 hours - The enemy beached herself. A lot of hits had been obtained but there was yet little sign of mortal damage. 1545 hours - Ceased fire. The enemy was by now a flaming wreck. 1558 hours - Withdrew to seaward together with HMS Shalimar. ------------------------------------- 2207 hours - Boarded and sank a 20 tons junk. Cargo was 800 motor tyres and 500 pairs of rubber sandals.

Submarine HMS Stubborn: HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) sank a small sailing vessel with gunfire inside Saleh Bay. The cargo of another sailing vessel was thrown overboard. Later she lost one of her officers while investigating a junk. It is not known what happened to him. (All times are zone -9) 1333 hours - Sighted 2 sailing boats bearing 270°. Altered course to close. 1410 hours - In position 08°35'S, 117°48'E fired 2 rounds over the nearest vessel which was a cutter of about 12 tons named Kota Pi. The crew abandoned ship. 1525 hours - Picked up the crew of 6. The head man spoke a little English. He informed us that the cargo was rice and was destined for the Japanese garrison on Rakeit Island. They were ordered to jettison the cargo. In all 176 bags of rice were thrown overboard. The head man informed us that the other ship was also had rice on board for the same destination. As the other vessel was now in very shallow water we opened fire with the deck gun and destroyed the target with 4 direct hits. 1740 hours - Cleared Saleh Bay. ----------------------------------------- 1907 hours - Sighted a medium seized junk bearing 109°, range 8 to 9 nautical miles. Gave chase. 1950 hours - Secured the junk alongside in position 08°05'S, 118°03'E. 1955 hours - Lt. P.D.V. Jones, RN and Leading Seaman J. Kennedy boarded to investigate the cargo. 1958 hours - Whilst manouvering to obtain a position to get out as soon as possible if needed, the junk broke adrift. It was not possible to close it again in the shallow water. Leading Seaman Kennedy was able to swim to Stubborn but Lt. Jones was not able to do so as the distance became to great. We informed Lt. Joned by megaphone that we would wait for him to return. Stubborn searched during the night and the following day but Lt. Jones was never seen again. The wrecked hull of the junk was found the next day but there was no sign of Lt. Jones. He is listed as 'missing presumed killed'.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: While operating together HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, RN) destroyed a Japanese tank landing ship off Cape Rachado near position 02°22N, 101°51'E. (All times are zone -6.5) From the patrol report of Shalimar 1440 hours - Sighted a tank landing ship bearing 175°. Range was 3400 yards. Shortly afterwards the landing ship opened fire. This was thought to be directed against Shalimar's periscope. [It appeared the landing ship was not firing at the periscope but was being engaged and hit by HMS Seadog which was seen on the surface] 1505 hours - Surfaced and engaged the landing craft from 5000 yards. The landing craft made off for the beach. 1545 hours - The landing ship beached herself and both submarines closed to finish her off with gunfire and soon after the landing ship was well ablaze. Both submarines retired to seaward on the surface.

Submarine HMS Sea Scout: HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was docked at Subic Bay.

Submarine HMS Selene: HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to perform a special operation (Operation FOIL). She was ordered to tow midget submarine XE 5 to Hong Kong to find and cut the telephone cables between Hong Kong and Singapore. We have been unable to find a report of this mission so far so no further details can be given for the moment. The mission was a succes although this was not realised at that time. No logs are available for this period. Also the patrol report does not mention daily positions so no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Sleuth: During 27 and 28 July 1945 HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) and HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) both conducted exercises off Subic Bay. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Solent: During 27 and 28 July 1945 HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) both conducted exercises off Subic Bay. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Spearhead: HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR) departed Brunei Bay for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to tow midget submarine XE 4 to within 40 nautical miles from the Mekong Delta to find and cut two telephone cables (Operation Sabre). We have been unable to find a report of this mission so far so no further details can be given for the moment. The mission was a succes. For the daily positions of HMS Spearhead during this patrol see the map below. HMS Spearhead 2nd war patrol click here for bigger map

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted snort trials in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank four coasters and a sailing vessel with gunfire in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca. 0847FG/27 - While still operating in the Langkawi area sighted faint smoke to the North-West which proved later to come from a small wooden coaster of about 60 feet in length. 0925FG/27 - Surfaced and sank the vessel with gunfire. Range was 3500 yards. 35 rounds were used for 5 hits. The crew of this coaster gives valuable information on shipping movements. Lt.Cdr. Ainslie decides to patrol further inshore. 1030FG/27 - Surfaced to sink another coaster. This one looks like the first one but larger than the first one, 80 to 100 feet in length. A warning shot caused the crew to abandon ship. Fire was then continued from 3200 yards. 38 rounds were fired for 6 hits. 1225FG/27 - Yet another coaster came in sight. Soon afterwards followed by a second and later a third. All vessels looked like the second coaster sunk this day. All three vessels were proceeding as close inshore as possible at two mile intervals. It was decided to surface as the second one had passed. Then fired warning shots at the first and third coaster hoping that their crews would abandon them. In this way it was possible to deal with at least two of them and possibly all three. 1315FG/27 - Surfaced and fired the warning shots. The second and third ships stopped at once but the first one that was at extreme range unfortunately was able to escape. The second vessel was sunk when the crew was clear. Range 4400 yards, 21 rounds. The third coaster was sunk from 5300 yards with 28 rounds. Dived and retreated to deeper water but remained in the vicinity. 1605FG/27 - Sighted a vessel approaching from the North which was later found out to be a motor schooner. 1635FG/27 - Surfaced and closed this vessel which was in deep water. The crew of nine were taken on board. Their small boat was filled with unwanted prisoners whose interrogation was complete. The schooner was 60 feet in length, and was powered by a two cylinder engine. It was sunk with gunfire. HMS Thrasher left patrol that evening.

Submarine HMS Tireless: HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) serving as the target.

Submarine HMS Trespasser: HMS Trespasser (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, DSC, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth.

Submarine HMS Truncheon: HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) served as the target. Following these attack exercises, gunnery exercises were carried out.

Submarine HMS Talent (iii): HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted full speed trials on the measured mile.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Ultor: HMS Ultor (Lt. J.P. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Upshot: HMS Upshot (Lt. A.J. Boyall, RN) returned to Plymouth.

Submarine HMS Virulent: HMS Virulent (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Vox: HMS Vox (Lt. W.E.I. Littlejohn, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Auckland with HMNZS Sandra (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Dunnet, RNR), HMNZS Scarba (Lt. C.C. Stevens, RNZNVR), HMNZS Killegray (T/Lt. A.A. Bradshaw, RNZNVR) and HMNZS Muritai (T/Lt. W.D. Drake, RNZNR).

Submarine HMS Astute: HMS Astute (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at the torpedo firing range at Arrochar.

Minelayer HMS Manxman: HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) departed Fremantle for Geelong / Melbourne.

Light cruiser HMS Ceylon: Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) to HMS Ceylon (Capt. K.L. Harkness, DSC, RN) which then departed Bombay for Colombo. HMS Ceylon then departed Bombay for Colombo.

Battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth: HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. R.M. Ellis, DSO, RN) entered the Suez Canal and passed it partly until she anchored in Lake Timsah.

Battleship HMS Rodney: HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) and ORP Conrad (Capt. S.T. Dzienisiewicz) proceeded from Scapa Flow to Rosyth. En-route they were joined by the destroyers HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN) and HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN).

Battleship HMS Anson: During 27/28 July 1945, the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. J.S. Bethell, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: Around 0730K/27, HMS Arbiter (Capt. D.H. Everett, DSO, RN) and HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN) arrived at Manus.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. D.C. Bowman, USNR) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-18: USS R-18 conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt. R.G. Black, USNR) conducted exercises off Key West.