Allied Warships

HMS Rover (N 62)

Submarine of the R class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeSubmarine
ClassR 
PennantN 62 
Built byVickers Armstrong (Barrow-in-Furness, U.K.) 
Ordered28 Feb 1929 
Laid down24 Jul 1929 
Launched11 Jun 1930 
Commissioned29 Jan 1931 
End service 
History

Sold to be broken up for scrap on 30 July 1946. Scrapped at Durban, South Africa.

 

Commands listed for HMS Rover (N 62)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1Lt.Cdr. Hubert Anthony Lucius Marsham, RN19 Apr 193919 Mar 41
2Lt.Cdr. George Henry Greenway, RN19 Mar 413 Jul 1941
3Lt.Cdr. Richard Micaiah Towgood Peacock, RN3 Jul 1941Nov 41 ?
4Lt. Henry Carty Gowan, RNNov 41 ?13 Dec 1941
5Lt.Cdr. George Henry Reynolds, RN13 Dec 19418 Oct 1943
6Lt. Peter Minet Staveley, RN8 Oct 19436 Nov 1943
7Lt. Anthony Robert Profit, DSC, RN6 Nov 194327 Aug 1944
8Lt. Goodwin Felton Gower, RN27 Aug 19446 Sep 1944
9Lt. Frederick Melbourne Piggott, RNR6 Sep 1944Jan 1945
10Lt. Arthur George Chandler, RNRJan 19451 Feb 1945
11Lt.Cdr. Jack Gethin Hopkins, RN1 Feb 194515 Feb 1945
12Lt. Malcolm John Luxmoor Duff, DSC, RN15 Feb 19453 Aug 1945

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Notable events involving Rover include:


The history of HMS Rover as compiled on this page is extracted from the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine.
Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in August 2017.

31 Aug 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Singapore for a patrol in the Sunda Strait. When the war with Germany started this became her 1st war patrol.

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

(1)

19 Sep 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Singapore. (2)

26 Sep 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN). (2)

3 Oct 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (3)

10 Oct 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Singapore for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Lombok Strait.

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

(3)

24 Oct 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Singapore. (3)

27 Oct 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was docked at Singapore. (3)

2 Nov 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was undocked. (4)

7 Nov 1939
During 7 and 8 November 1939, the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Singapore. Also A/S exercises were carried out with the submarines HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN) and HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN).

On the 7th the destroyers also search for the crew of a crashed aircraft but none were found.

On completion of the exercises on the 8th, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Parthian returned to Singapore.

HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vendetta, HMAS Waterhen and HMS Rover remained out for exercises and only returned to Singapore on the 10th. (5)

14 Nov 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (4)

22 Nov 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore. (4)

23 Nov 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Singapore for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Sabang, Netherlands East Indies.

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

(4)

4 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Singapore. (6)

12 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (6)

13 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (6)

14 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN) and HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN). (6)

20 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN) and HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN). (6)

21 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN). (6)

22 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (6)

30 Dec 1939
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was docked at Singapore. (6)

20 Jan 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was undocked. (7)

24 Jan 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises in the Malacca Strait together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (7)

25 Jan 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises in the Malacca Strait together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (7)

26 Jan 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises in the Malacca Strait together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (7)

29 Jan 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises in the Malacca Strait together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (7)

1 Feb 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN). (8)

7 Feb 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Singapore for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies.

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

(8)

27 Feb 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Singapore. (8)

2 Mar 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Singapore for Hong Kong.

For the daily positions of HMS Rover during the passage from Singapore to Hong Kong see the map below.

(9)

7 Mar 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) arrived at Hong Kong. (9)

26 Mar 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong together with HMS Thracian (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) and HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN). (9)

27 Mar 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) and HMS Phoenix (Lt.Cdr. C.A. Rowe, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong together with HMS Thracian (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN). (9)

2 Apr 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Hong Kong for Singapore.

For the daily positions of HMS Rover during the passage from Hong Kong to Singapore see the map below.

(10)

6 Apr 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) arrived at Singapore. (10)

15 Apr 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) commenced refit at Singapore. (10)

23 Apr 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was docked at Singapore. (10)

6 Jul 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was undocked. (11)

22 Jul 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) completed her refit at Singapore. (11)

1 Aug 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted trials of Singapore. (12)

20 Aug 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted trials of Singapore. (12)

21 Aug 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (12)

22 Aug 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN).

Upon completion of these exercises Rover set course for Aden. Rover was to proceed to Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Fleet based there.

For the daily positions of HMS Rover during the passage from Singapore to Alexandria see the map below.

(12)

7 Sep 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) arrived at Aden. (13)

9 Sep 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Aden for Port Said.

Before proceeding a dummy attack was carried out on HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and an A/S exercise was carried out with HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN). (13)

13 Sep 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Port Sudan with HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN). (13)

16 Sep 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) passed the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said. (13)

17 Sep 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (13)

19 Sep 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (13)

30 Sep 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Alexandria for her 5th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol south of the Strait of Messina.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN).

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

(14)

10 Oct 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto. (14)

16 Oct 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was ordered to return to Alexandria. (14)

17 Oct 1940
At 1830 hours, about 20 miles west of Argostoli, HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) stopped the Vichy French merchant Cap Falcon (1727 GRT, built 1924) towing the pontoon Caxine. She had sailed from Piraeus for Marseille via Bizerta and was released upon examination.

22 Oct 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (14)

4 Nov 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Alexandria for her 6th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghazi, Libya.

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

(14)

12 Nov 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) developed an oil leak. Course was set towards Malta to effect repairs there. (14)

13 Nov 1940
On board HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) the crew was able to repair and stop the oil leak. Course was set to return to Benghazi. (14)

15 Nov 1940
Early in the morning HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) arrived back in her patrol area. (14)

17 Nov 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed her patrol area to return to Alexandria. (14)

22 Nov 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (14)

27 Nov 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was docked at Alexandria. (15)

2 Dec 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was undocked. (16)

5 Dec 1940

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

(16)

5 Dec 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Alexandria for her 7th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghazi, Libya.

Before proceeding on patrol attack and A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN). (14)

18 Dec 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed her patrol area to return to Alexandria. (14)

22 Dec 1940
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (14)

5 Jan 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Alexandria for her 8th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Tobruk and Benghazi.

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

(17)

7 Jan 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) attacks the Italian merchant Edda (6107 GRT, built 1924) with four torpedoes about 15 nautical miles west-north-west of Tobruk, Libya in position 32°13'N, 23°40'E. All torpedoes missed their target and Rover was depth charged by the escort of the convoy, the Italian torpedo boats Clio and Castore. The other ship in the convoy was Assiria (2705 GRT, built 1928). Shortly after firing the torpedoes a heavy explosion shook Rover and caused some damage to her. It looks like that one of the torpedoes prematured or hit the bottom. It was first thought that one of the enemy destroyers had fired a torpedo / torpedoes at Rover.

Following the depth charge attack on Rover, Supermarina attributed Clio the loss of the Free French submarine Narval. In fact, Narval was no where near Tobruk and had been mined off Tunisia.

(All times are zone -2)
2208 hours - Sighted two large ships on the port bow steering to the westward. Started a surface attack. Shortly afterwards two destroyers were seen to be escorting these ships.

2222 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes at the leading merchant vessel (of about 7000 tons), a full salvo of 6 was intended but shortly before firing the 5th torpedo Rover was heavily shaken by a torpedo explosion, see below.

Shortly before firing Rover was detected by the destroyers which both turned towards. 40 seconds after firing the first torpedo a heavy explosion was felt which shook Rover considerably causing damage to her battery. It was thought the closest enemy destroyer had fired torpedoes at Rover when she detected the submarine. Three smaller explosions were heard while Rover was diving, these are thought to be torpedo hits but as Rover was diving the result could not be observed. The destroyers then dropped 10 depth charges in the next half hour but these caused no further damage to Rover. The Asdic dome was however damaged when Rover hit the bottom at 2229 hours. (17)

9 Jan 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) attacked the Italian schooner Celestina (379 GRT, built 1922) with gunfire to the east-north-east of Tobruk, Libya. Three rounds were fired before another schooner followed by an E-boat was seen approaching. Lt.Cdr. Marsham suspected a trap and broke off the action.

Celestina had sailed at 1830/9 from Tobruk for Derna and then onwards to Benghazi. The E-boat sighted by Rover was most likely either MAS 544 or MAS 549 which sailed at about the same time from Tobruk and were also proceeding to Derna. Celestina resumed her passage and eventually reached Benghazi without further incident.

(All times are zone -2)
2215 hours - In position 32°19'N, 23°31'E sighted two ships to the eastward. Closed the second one and identified it as a large schooner of about 400 tons. She had three masts. Decided to attack it as it was almost certain that Rover would be ordered to Malta to effect repairs to her damaged battery.

Opened fire with the deck gun. Three rounds were fired. The first two passed through the rigging. The third round hit forward. Fire was then checked to give the schooners crew a chance to escape. A boat was indeed lowered with three Italians in it. It was now that HE was picked up to the north-east and a schooner was seen that was followed by an E-boat. Rover now dived and the attack was broken off. Looked like Rover had been lured into a trap. No depth charges were dropped however. (17)

10 Jan 1941
More cracked battery cells were discovered on board HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). It was decided to proceed to Malta for repairs. (17)

14 Jan 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

19 Jan 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) sustained slight damage to her bridge during an air attack on Malta. (18)

31 Jan 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was docked at Malta. (18)

2 Feb 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was undocked. (19)

4 Feb 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Calabrian coast.

Shortly after departure engine trouble was experienced. Rover returned to harbour for repairs. After a few hours of repairs she departed again early the next moring to resume her patrol.

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

(17)

8 Feb 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) attacked the Italian merchant vessel Marigola (5996 GRT, built 1906) with three torpedoes to the south-west of Cape Spartivento, Calabria, Italy. No hits were obtained. Marigola was en-route from Naples to Bari and then on to Trieste. The Italians reported having sighted four (!) torpedo tracks.

(All times are zone -2)
1120 hours - Sighted an eastbound merchant ship. Started attack. The target was later identified as of about 5000 tons.

1204 hours - In position 37°47'N, 15°56'E fired three torpedoes from 5000 yards. No hits were obtained, the torpedoes most likely passed ahead of the target. The target was seen to turn towards the land and to increase to full speed. (17)

10 Feb 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) attacked the Italian submarine Salpa to the east of Punta Stilo, Calabria, Italy with five torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Salpa was en-route from Messina to Taranto. Two torpedo tracks were observed by the Italians and Salpa took evasive action.

(All times are zone -2)
1752 hours - Sighted a surfaced submarine eastbound. Range was 8000 yards. Started attack.

1817 hours - In position 38°27'N, 16°42'E fired five torpedoes from 1500 yards. It was intended to fire a full salvo of six torpedoes but no.3 tube misfired both electrically and by hand. No hits were obtained. If no.3 tube had not misfired this torpedo most likely would have hit the target. (17)

11 Feb 1941
Just before 0730 hours, HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) heard a very sharp explosion and then observed a destroyer at 8,000 yards moving slowly. In fact, the explosion was most probably a 160-kg bomb dropped by a CANT seaplane of 142^Squadriglia (Sottotenente di Vascello Tenti). In fact, closing on the submarine was a German convoy: Arta, (2452 GRT, built 1922), Maritza (2910 GRT, built 1936) and Heraklea (1927 GRT, built 1922) escorted by the destroyer Baleno which had sailed from Taranto for Naples. Following the attack on the submarine Salpa, Supermarina had ordered the destroyers Alfredo Oriani and Giosuè Carducci to reinforce the escort and they had joined up after midnight. Oriani had taken over as escort leader and ordered Baleno to zigzag ahead and the latter was probably the destroyer observed by Rover. The submarine dived to 90 feet and heard two destroyers passing over her but was not molested. The convoy continued undisturbed and the destroyers observed nothing. The submarine chaser Albatros coming from Messina was guided to the scene by the seaplane but without success.

14 Feb 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian tanker Cesco (6161 GRT, built 1917) south-east of Capo Rizzuto in position 38°50'N, 17°09'E.

The tanker ran ashore, of her crew of twenty-five, one was missing and two were wounded. The tug Salvatore Primo (763 GRT, built 1903) was sent to her assistance and was later joined by the tug Titano (788 GRT, built 1913) and she was finally towed to Taranto on 17 February. In the meantime, the torpedo boat Pleiadi sailed to hunt the submarine but made no contact.

(All times are zone -2)
1252 hours - Sighted an eastbound tanker. Started attack.

1323 hours - in position 38°50'N, 17°09'E fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. One hit was obtained just before the funnel. When last seen the tanker was in a sinking condition with a heavy list and her stern awash. Rover then retired to seaward to evade the search of the area that would most likely now follow. (17)

19 Feb 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (17)

8 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (20)

9 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) arrived at Port Said. (20)

10 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was docked at Port Said. (20)

14 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was undocked. (20)

15 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) shifted from Port Said to Ismalia. (20)

18 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) departed Ismalia for Alexandria. (20)

19 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) arrived at Alexandria where Lt.Cdr. Greenway took over command from Lt.Cdr. Marsham. (20)

22 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (20)

25 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for her 10th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean).

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

(17)

27 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was ordered to patrol off Cape Drepano, Greece as the Battle of Matapan developed but did not observe any ship or aircraft. (17)

29 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was ordered to proceed to Suda Bay where the British heavy cruiser HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) was damaged by two Italian explosive motor boats on the 26th. Rover was to supply electrical power during the salvage operations. (17)

8 Apr 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out exercises inside Suda Bay. (17)

24 Apr 1941
While alongside HMS York, HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was heavily damaged by a near miss during a German dive bombing attack.

The battery of HMS Rover was completely smashed and she was unable to move under her own power. She was also leaking badly due to damage to the hull. Repairs were made to make her seaworthy enough to be towed away. (17)

29 Apr 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was towed out of Suda Bay by tug Protector. At sea HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) took over the tow. Course was then set towards Alexandria. Ultimate destination to undergo repairs was Port Said.

For the daily positions of HMS Rover during this passage to Port Said see the map below.

(17)

2 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (17)

6 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria in tow of tug Protector for Port Said. (17)

8 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) arrived at Port Said. (17)

14 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was docked at Port Said. (21)

15 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was undocked. (21)

21 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was docked at Port Said. (21)

26 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was undocked. (21)

13 Jun 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was docked at Port Said. (22)

2 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was undocked. (23)

7 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) shifted from Port Said to Suez. (23)

8 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Suez for Aden.

By now it had been decided to sent Rover to Singapore for full repairs and refit. She was able to make the passage under her own power.

For the daily positions of HMS Rover during this passage to Singapore see the map below.

(23)

13 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) arrived at Aden. (23)

14 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. (23)

22 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) arrived at Colombo. (23)

26 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Colombo for Singapore. (23)

1 Aug 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) arrived at Singapore. (24)

4 Aug 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) conducted diving trials off Singapore. (24)

14 Aug 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) was docked at Singapore and commenced her refit. (24)

25 Jan 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) was undocked.

Due to the strain on the dockyard, air raids, other priorities, delays in equipment that had to be shipped from the U.K. and the lack of skilled labour available little work had been done on Rover. It was Lt.Cdr. Reynolds estimate that it would take at least three more months before Rover's refit would be completed. Due to the Japanese advance plans were made to tow her away from Singapore as she was not able to proceed under her own power. (17)

29 Jan 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) left Singapore for Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies in tow of HMS Express (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Cartwright, RN).

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (17)

30 Jan 1942
The submarine came under attack by a Japanese aircraft in the Banka Straits. Two bombs were dropped and fell between HMS Express and HMS Rover.

31 Jan 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) arrived at Batavia (Tandjong Priok). (17)

12 Feb 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) departed Batavia (Tandjong Priok) for Trincomalee. She was being towed by the mechant vessel City of Pretoria.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (17)

21 Feb 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (17)

26 Feb 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay. She was still being towed by the mechant vessel City of Pretoria.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (17)

4 Mar 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) arrived at Bombay where her refit was to be continued by the Bombay Dockyard.

A lot of her equipment was lost at Singapore and had to be shipped from the U.K. It would therefore take considerable time before Rover would be completed. Her completion date was delayed a number of times due to other priorities and equipment that was being sent from the U.K. being lost. (17)

3 Apr 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) was docked in the Duncan Dry Dock at the Bombay Dockyard. (25)

15 Apr 1942
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) was undocked. (25)

25 Aug 1943
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Reynolds, RN) was docked at Bombay. (26)

11 Oct 1943
HMS Rover (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) was undocked. (27)

18 Oct 1943
HMS Rover (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) was docked at Bombay. (27)

12 Nov 1943
HMS Rover (Lt. A.R. Profit, RN) was undocked. (28)

7 Apr 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. A.R. Profit, RN) was docked at Bombay. (29)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. A.R. Profit, RN) was undocked. (29)

19 Apr 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. A.R. Profit, RN) was docked at Bombay. (29)

18 May 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. A.R. Profit, RN) was undocked. (30)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. A.R. Profit, RN) was docked at Bombay. (31)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. A.R. Profit, RN) was undocked. (32)

11 Sep 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) was docked at Bombay. (33)

21 Sep 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) was undocked. (33)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) was docked at Bombay. (33)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) was undocked. (33)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) conducted trials off Bombay. (34)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) conducted trials off Bombay. (34)

23 Nov 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) conducted full power trials off Bombay. (34)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) conducted trials off Bombay. (34)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) conducted diving trials off Bombay but she failed to submerge. (34)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) was docked at Bombay. (35)

10 Dec 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) was undocked. (35)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) succesfully conducted diving trials off Bombay. (35)

17 Dec 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) departed Bombay for Trincomalee.

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

(35)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Rover (Lt. F.M. Piggott, RNR) arrived at Trincomalee. As there is no log for January 1945 is available her exact exploits are not known to us at the moment but most likely she participated in (A/S) exercises. (35)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay.

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

(36)

8 Feb 1945
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Bombay where she was to aid in A/S training. (36)

4 Jun 1945
HMS Rover (Lt. M.J.L. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Bombay for Trincomalee.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (37)

10 Jun 1945
HMS Rover (Lt. M.J.L. Duff, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (37)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Rover (Lt. M.J.L. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for Kilindini where she was to be decommissioned.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (37)

31 Jul 1945
HMS Rover (Lt. M.J.L. Duff, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini. (37)

Sources

  1. ADM 173/16008
  2. ADM 173/16009
  3. ADM 173/16010
  4. ADM 173/16011
  5. ADM 173/15904 + ADM 173/16011 + Report of proceedings of the Australian Destroyer Flotilla
  6. ADM 173/16012
  7. ADM 173/16494
  8. ADM 173/16495
  9. ADM 173/16496
  10. ADM 173/16497
  11. ADM 173/16500
  12. ADM 173/16501
  13. ADM 173/16502
  14. ADM 199/283
  15. ADM 173/16504
  16. ADM 173/16505
  17. ADM 199/1833
  18. ADM 173/16944
  19. ADM 173/16945
  20. ADM 173/16946
  21. ADM 173/16948
  22. ADM 173/16949
  23. ADM 173/16950
  24. ADM 173/16951
  25. ADM 173/17552
  26. ADM 173/17982
  27. ADM 173/17984
  28. ADM 173/17985
  29. ADM 173/18609
  30. ADM 173/18610
  31. ADM 173/18611
  32. ADM 173/18612
  33. ADM 173/18614
  34. ADM 173/18616
  35. ADM 173/18617
  36. ADM 173/19524
  37. ADM 199/2568

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


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