Allied Warships

HMS Upstart (P 65)

Submarine of the U class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeSubmarine
ClassU 
PennantP 65 
ModThird Group 
Built byVickers Armstrong (Barrow-in-Furness, U.K.) 
Ordered12 Jul 1941 
Laid down17 Mar 1942 
Launched24 Nov 1942 
Commissioned3 Apr 1943 
End service9 Aug 1945 
History

Loaned to the Royal Hellenic Navy as Xifias on 9 August 1945. Returned to the Royal Navy in 1952. Expended as Anti-Submarine target off the Isle of Wight on 29 July 1959.

 

Commands listed for HMS Upstart (P 65)

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. Paul Charles Chapman, DSC, RNJan 194329 Jan 1945
2T/Lt. Ian Robert Menzies, DSC, RNVR29 Jan 194521 Mar 1945
3Lt. Ronald Westlake, RNVR21 Mar 19459 Aug 1945

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Notable events involving Upstart include:


The history of HMS Upstart as compiled on this page is extracted the from 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 January 2019.

2 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HNoMS Ula (Lt. R.M. Sars). They were escorted by HMS Virginia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Dobson, RNR). (1)

3 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

4 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. Due to a defect to her steering gear she had to abandon these trials and return to Holy Loch. (1)

5 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

6 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

8 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

9 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

11 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for her torpedo discharge trials. (1)

12 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

13 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

14 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (1)

15 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (1)

17 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) is docked at Port Bannatyne. (1)

18 Apr 1943
HMS Unsparing (Lt. A.D. Piper, DSC and 2 bars, RD, RNR) and HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN), this last one after having undocked at Port Bannatyne, conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. Upon completion of these exercises both submarines conducted a trial run on the Arran measured mile.

During the night of 18/19 April 1943, HMS Unsparing and HMS Upstart both conducted attack exercises in the Clye area during which they made attacks on each other. (2)

19 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) served as the target. HMS Upstart proceeded to Campbeltown on completion. (1)

20 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted RD/F exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) and aircraft. These were followed by convoy attack exercises during the night of 20/21 April 1943. (1)

21 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Holy Loch. (1)

22 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (1)

23 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted log trials in the Clyde area. (1)

25 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as the target. (1)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was towed by HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (1)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Londonderry where she was to participate in A/S exercises. She made the passage together with HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN). They were was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (1)

30 Apr 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Londonderry.

En-route A/S exercises had been carried out with HMS Keppel (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and FFS Roselys had taken over escort of Upstart upon completion of these exercises. (1)

2 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RD, RNR) and HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. J.P. Kilbee, RNR). (3)

3 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMCS Wetaskiwin (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Kidston, RCNVR), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RD, RNR) and HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. J.P. Kilbee, RNR). (3)

4 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. J.P. Kilbee, RNR), ? (can't read the ships name in Upstart's log), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR) and HMS Balsam (Lt. J.E.L. Peters, RNVR). (3)

5 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR), HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, RNR), HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. H. Stevens, RNVR) and HMS Fort York (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, DSC and 2 Bars, RN). (3)

9 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) and HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR). (3)

10 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR), HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(retired) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Teviot (Cdr. T. Taylor, DSC, RN), HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) and HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR). (3)

11 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with USS Greene (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Lewis, USN), HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), USS Lea (Lt.Cdr. D.I. Thomas, USN) and USS Osmond Ingram (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Sampson, USN).

Upon completion of the exercises Upstart departed Lough Foyle for Holy Loch escorted by HMS Chanticleer. (3)

12 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to continue her work-up programme off the west coast of Scotland. (3)

16 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

17 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(retired) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (3)

18 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(retired) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (3)

19 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(retired) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (3)

20 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). Practice attacks were then made on the same ships. Upon completion of all these exercises HMS Upstart proceeded to Larne. (3)

21 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Larne. (3)

22 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Hollins, RN) and another vessel. These included night exercises. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Upstart set course for Campbeltown. (3)

23 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted convoy attack exercises off Campbeltown. These included night exercises. (3)

24 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) returned to Campbeltown on completion of last night's exercises.

She conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown later the same day with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (3)

25 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown later the same day with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)

27 May 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (3)

2 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked in No.2 dock at Govan. (4)

5 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) was undocked. She then returned to Holy Loch. (4)

6 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Rothesay. (4)

7 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) served as the target. (4)

8 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) served as the target. These were followed by gunnery exercises on a target that was towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). Upon completion of all these exercises HMS Upstart proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

12 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

14 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (4)

15 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Brecon (Lt.Cdr. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN) and HMS Viceroy (Lt. T.F. Hallifax, RN). (4)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Arrow (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Fitzroy, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Skye (T/Lt. W.G. Burt, RNR) and HMS Bootle (Lt. A. Ecclestone, RN). (4)

17 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Talybont (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) and HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN). (4)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), HMS Hayling. (T/Lt. G.B. Christie, RNR) and HMS Bootle (Lt. A. Ecclestone, RN). (4)

20 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Scapa Flow to Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Ripley (Lt. L.G. Toone, RN). (4)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. Due to problems with her generators it was decided she was not fit to go on patrol and that repairs were to be carried out first.

During the passage she was again escorted by HMS Ripley (Lt. L.G. Toone, RN). (4)

24 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (4)

30 Jun 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne. (4)

2 Jul 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (5)

3 Jul 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (5)

4 Jul 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS ML 234 (T/Lt. W.F.H. Mayo, RNVR). (5)

6 Jul 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Elderslie for repairs to her generators. (5)

26 Jul 1943
With her repairs completed HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Elderslie back to Holy Loch. (5)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (5)

1 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for torpedo discharge trials. Upon completion of these trials later the same day she returned to Holy Loch. (6)

3 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (6)

4 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of her night exercises. (6)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She makes the passage north through the Minches together with HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) that was to proceed to Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (6)

7 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (6)

8 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerick for her 1st war patrol. This was an anti-submarine patrol in the Norwegian Sea.

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

(7)

21 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (7)

23 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cotillion (T/Lt. S.G. Fowler, RNR). Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN). (6)

25 Aug 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay and to proceed to Gibraltar upon the completion of the patrol.

During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR).

[No complete map for this patrol can be displayed.] (7)

14 Sep 1943
In the afternoon, HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN), sank the French fishing vessels Grotte de Bethlehem (49 GRT) and Torpille (46 GRT) with gunfire in the Bay of Biscay in position 47°35'N, 05°42'W.

The crew of these vessels were taken off. (7)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (7)

12 Oct 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. (8)

15 Oct 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Algiers. (8)

28 Oct 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Algiers for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

[It is not possible to display a map of this war patrol.] (7)

2 Nov 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked the German merchant Medjerda (4578 GRT, built 1924, former French) near Toulon, France. All three torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -1)
0820 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel coming out of Toulon rounding Cape Sicie.

0826 hours - Started attack. The merchant vessel was thought to be of 2000-3000 tons.

0838 hours - In position 150°, Cape Sicie, 2,5 nautical miles fired three torpedoes from 2500 yards.

0842 hours - All three torpedoes exploded on the shore. It is thought they had missed astern. Just now one escort was sighted so it was decided not to surface for gun action. (7)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked the target vessel (former passenger/cargo ship) Belle Isle (9591 GRT, built 1918) in position 090°, Cape Cepet, 1,5 nautical miles. Three torpedoes were fired but all missed ahead and exploded on the beach. Belle Isle was escorted by the auiliary minesweepers M 6002 and M 6005.

(All times are zone -1) 0930 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 5000 tons, escorted by two or three small craft off Cape Cepet. Range was 5000 yards.

0934 hours - Started attack.

1022 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1700 yards.

1025 hours - Went deep when two of the escorts closed.

1026/1027 hours - The torpedoes exploded on hitting the beach. They are thought to have missed ahead.

A counter attack, in which 6 depth charges were dropped, followed. None were close though. Upstart retired to the southward.

1122 hours - All HE died away. Returned to periscope depth shortly afterwards to find nothing in sight. (7)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Bizerta. (7)

14 Nov 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Bizerta for Malta. She made the passage in convoy KMS 31. (7)

15 Nov 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

23 Nov 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked at Malta. She still suffered from problems with her generators. The date she was undocked is currently not known to us. (9)

11 Jan 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for passage to La Maddalena. She made part of the passage in convoy GUS 27.

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

(10)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at La Maddalena. (10)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

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

(7)

21 Jan 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked the German tanker Dauphiné (9716 GRT, built 1930, former French) off Cape Camarat, France. Four torpedoes were fired from long range but all missed. Dauphiné was en-route from Genoa to Marseilles and was escorted by the German patrol vessels UJ 2220, UJ 2221 and UJ 2229 (former SG 15).

(All times are zone -1)
1030 hours - Heard HE and Asdic transmissions bearing 360°. Went to periscope depth. While in position 168°, Cape Camarat, 6 nautical miles. Sighted a large camouflaged tanker. She was escorted by a destroyer, an UJ boat and a corvette. Enemy course was 245°. Speed 10 knots. Range was 12000 yards. Started attack.

1117 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 7000 to 8000 yards. All missed. Withdrew at periscope depth as the escorts were not near. A few depth charges were dropped but they were not at all close.

1126/1127 hours - Heard three torpedoes explode when they hit the shore. (7)

23 Jan 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) bombarded a large building, possibly a seaplane station to the west of Cannes, France.

(All times are zone -1)
1749 hours - Surfaced and engaged shore target from 2600 yards. Five rounds were fired at a large nissen hut to the east of the main target. Fire was then shifted to the main target and 25 rounds were fired of which 22 fell in the target area before the gun malfunctioned.

1756 hours - Withdrew from the area.

1800 hours - Shore batteries opened fire but the splashes did not come closed then 100 yards.

1820 hours - Shelling ceased. Continued to withdraw to seaward at high speed. (7)

27 Jan 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) again bombarded a building what was thought to be a seaplane station. This time in the Gulf of Frejus.

(All times are zone -1)
1805 hours - Surfaced and tried to open fire with the gun but it malfunctioned.

1808 hours - The gun was cleared and fire was opened on a target on the shore that is thought to be a seaplane station. 52 Rounds were fired until all 3" ammunition had been fired. Smoke was seen to rise from the target.

1816 hours - Retired to seaward on the surface.

29 Jan 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (7)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Toulon, southern France.

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

(7)

15 Feb 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the German auxiliary minelayer Niedersachsen (1794 GRT, built 1934, former French Guyane) off Toulon, southern France in position 43°03'N, 06°02'E. Niedersachsen was escorted by the German R-boats R 198 and R 212.

(All times are zone -1)
1700 hours - Sighted a modern 3000-3500 tons merchant vessel leaving Toulon. She was laden, wore German colours and was decorated with swastikas. Started attack.

1710 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1100 yards. One torpedo hit was obtained near the mainmast.

1712 hours - The target was observed with her poop awash and a 30 degree list to starboard. Went deep.

1728 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target had sunk. The survivors were seen crowding the decks of two R-boats which were standing by. (7)

18 Feb 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a German u-boat off Toulon with four torpedoes which all missed. This was possibly U-455.

(All times are zone -1)
1200 hours - In position 43°04'N, 06°00'E sighted a u-boat passing Cap Cepet at a range of 3500 yards. Started attack.

1203 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 3000 yards. All missed ahead.

1215 hours - Heard three depth charges exploding but these were not close.

1457 hours - Sighted the same u-boat returning round Cape Cepet. Fired our last torpedo from a range of 1200 yards. It is thought the torpedo missed astern.

Upstart was hunted for the whole afternoon but managed to evade the enemy A/S vessels. (7)

19 Feb 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (7)

4 Mar 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the coast of southern France between 06'E and 08'E.

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

(7)

16 Mar 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. No targets at all had been sighted. (7)

28 Mar 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

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

(7)

2 Apr 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a convoy of barges near Cape Ferrat. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -2)
0215 hours - In position 085°, Garoupe lighthouse, 4.5 nautical miles, sighted a convoy off Cap d'Antibes proceeding towards Cap Fettat.

0312 hours - Fired four torpedoes at a group of barges and escorts. No hits were obtained.

0318 hours - Dived in position 190°, Cap Ferrat, 4.5 nautical miles.

0345 hours - Three escorts carried out an ineffective hunt. They dropped 7 depth charges but these were not close.

The convoy attacked was made up of the barges Klamon, Adoma, Cober, Esperance, the landing barge F 423 and the auxiliary T 1. They were escorted by the auxiliary minesweepers M 6009, M 6021, M 6022, M 6023 and M 6027. (7)

7 Apr 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (7)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for Algiers.

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

(11)

13 Apr 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Algiers. (11)

20 Apr 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Algiers for La Maddalena.

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

(11)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at La Maddalena. (11)

25 Apr 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

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

(7)

1 May 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) bombarded what is thought to be an olive oil refinery off Oneglia, Italy.

(All times are zone -2)
2041 hours - Surfaced in position 130°, Oneglia lighthouse, 1 nautical mile.

2046 hours - Opened fire on what is thought to be an olive oil refinery. After 23 rounds the gun jammed and the action had to be broken off. 20 Rounds had landed in the target area. (7)

2 May 1944
At 1858 hours (zone -2) HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) fired two torpedoes at the German auxiliary patrol veseel FNi 07 that was moored alongside the breakwater in Nice Harbour. Both missed but one torpedo exploded inside the harbour. (7)

3 May 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked what is thought to be a German R-boat off Île Saint-Honorat, France. One torpedo was fired from close range but ran under. The attack appears to have been unobserved.

The target was the German auxiliary patrol vessel FCA 02. The attack was observed and the torpedo indeed ran underneath.

(All times are zone -2)
2015 hours - Sighted an R-boat and a Chasseur leaving Cannes.

2104 hours - Started attack on these ships.

2135 hours - Fired one torpedo at the R-boat from 400 yards. The torpedo ran under. (7)

4 May 1944
In the moring HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) bombarded a railway shed off Cannes.

In the evening Upstart bombarded a seaplane hangar at Saint-Raphaël, France.

(All times are zone -2)
0826 hours - Surfaced and bombarded a railway shed to the west of Cannes. Range was 2500 yards.

0631 hours - Dived after having fired 27 rounds for 20 hits. Enemy shore batteries had meanwhile also opened fire and were finding the range.

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

2039 hours - Surfaced and bombarded a seaplane hangar at Saint-Raphaël, France.

2045 hours - Dived after having fired 24 rounds for 23 hits. All ammunition had now beeen expended. Once again enemy shore batteries had opened fire. (7)

6 May 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (7)

18 May 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Lyons.

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

(7)

21 May 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Saumur (2955 GRT, built 1920, former French) half a mile east of Port Vendres, southern France.

[So far, January 2019, we have not been able to identify the identify the escorts.]

(All times are zone -2
1733 hours - Sighted a northbound merchant vessel off Cape Gros.

1800 hours - Four R-boats were seen sweeping between Cape Bearat and Port Vendres.

1813 hours - Started attack on German merchant Saumur which was proceeding towards Port Vendres.

1826 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards.

1827 hours - Observed two hits. HE of the target ceased immediately. Upstart went deep on firing. A short counter attack by the R-boats followed in which a few small depth charges were dropped quite close but these caused no damage.

1845 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The R-boats were seen hunting astern. The merchant vessel was not sighted and is thought to have sunk. (7)

28 May 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a German R-boat off Port Vendres with one torpedo. It missed.

[So far, January 2019, we have not been able to identify the identify this vessel.]

(All times are zone -2)
0700 hours - Sighted a large R-boat proceeding towards Port Vendres from the north. Started attack.

0745 hours - Fired one torpedo from 1500 yards. The torpedo circled to port and exploded 50 seconds later without doing any damage.

0832 hours - Shore batteries sighted the periscope and opened accurate and heavy fire. Went deep for 15 minutes.

1130 hours - Two R-boats passed overhead. One depth charge was dropped fairly close.

1300 hours - Set course to leave the area. (7)

31 May 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (7)

9 Jun 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the French coast between Cape Roux and Oneglia.

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

(7)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked two German R-boats with four torpedoes off Cape Camarat, France. All torpedoes missed.

(All times are zone -2)
1030 hours - Sighted two R-boats west bound from Cape Lardier.

1114 hours - Started attack on these R-boats, one in tow of the other.

1141 hours - In position 245 degrees, Cape Camarat, 12,5 nautical miles, fired four torpedoes. All missed.

1151 hours - The leading R-boat slipped tow and counter attacked with two depth charges. The first of these was very close and put a lot of lights out. Upstart retired towards Cape Lardier.

According to German sources these were the German auxiliary patrol vessels FNi 06 and FNi 11.

25 Jun 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (7)

26 Jun 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for Malta. She was escorted by HMS HDML 1162 (T/Lt. B.J. Green, RNZNVR).

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

(12)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (12)

1 Jul 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (13)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) was undocked. (13)

14 Jul 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for La Maddalena. Off Malta she joined convoy MKS 55 for passage throught the Sicilian Channel.

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

(13)

17 Jul 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at La Maddalena. (13)

19 Jul 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the coast of southern France, from Toulon to the westward.

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

(7)

26 Jul 1944
While trying to attack an enemy tanker near Cape Cepet, HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN), was detected and depth charged by it's escort. The attack had to be broken off.

The German transport Georgia (797 GRT, built 1920, former Italian) sailed from Toulon at 2000 hours on this day. It seems therefore very likely that this was the escorted ship seen by Upstart. So far, Janaury 2019, we have been unable to identify the escorts.

(All times are zone -2)
2005 hours - Sighted a 'Fantasque-class' destroyer.

2010 hours - Sighted a motor vessel of 2500 tons. She was heavily armed. he was soon seen to be an escort vessel.

2012 hours - Sighted a tanker with another escort vessel astern of her. They were following the destroyer and other escort vessel. Stsrted attack on the tanker. Range was now 6000 yards.

2016 hours - The destroyer was seen to come towards.

2019 hours - The destroyer was still coming towards. Went to 50 feet.

2022 hours - The destroyer passed close ahead. Another vessel was approaching from the starboard side.

2023 hours - Returned to periscope depth. One of the escort vessel was rapidly approaching. The tanker could at this moment no longer be attacked. Decided to attack this escort vessel.

2026 hours - About half a minute before firing she went hard to port and now came straight towards. Our periscope must have been sighted. Went deep. On reaching 65 feet the escort vessel went overhead and dropped a pattern of 14 depth charges close astern causing some minor damage. A short hunt followed by two escorts and later one escort.

2041 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The escort we wanted to attack was still searching astern but she soon made off to re-join the convoy. (7)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) fires four torpedoes against the Italian merchant (in German service) Pascoli (4139 GRT, built 1944) south-east of Cape Cepet, southern France. The torpedoes however miss their target.

[So far, January 2019, we have not been able to identify the identify the escorts.]

(All times are zone -2)
0300 hours - Sighted a destroyer against Île de Porquerolles.

0310 hours - Started attack on a 4000 tons merchant vessel that was escorted by this destroyer and two other escort vessels.

0316 hours - Fired four torpedoes. One hit was obtained 20 seconds after firing the last torpedo. The vessel vanished in a tremendous upheaval and is considered sunk. [In fact one or two torpedoes prematured and the target was not hit].

0318 hours - Dived and retired to seaward. A counter attack was started in which four patterns of depth charges were dropped but none were close. (7)

1 Aug 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (7)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for Marseilles, France. She made the passage together with the French submarine La Sultane (Lt. Javouhey). They were escorted by USS PC 546 (Lt.(jg) J. O'Shea, USNR) and USS PC 591 (Lt. J.L. Clark, USNR). (14)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Marseilles. (14)

10 Sep 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Marseilles for La Maddalena. She made the passage together with the French submarine La Sultane (Lt. Javouhey). They were escorted by a USS PC 1597 (Lt. R.P. Harris, USNR). (14)

11 Sep 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at La Maddalena. (14)

13 Sep 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for Malta. She was escorted by a HMS HDML 1308 (T/Lt. J.F. Ferrall, RNVR).

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

(14)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (14)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(7)

24 Sep 1944
At 2132 hours (zone -1) HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a 50 tons caique. Fire was opened on this caique at 2149 hours. Two rounds were fired before the caique gave the correct recognition signal. Fire was then checked as it was obviously one of our own. (7)

26 Sep 1944
In the moring HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) tried to attack an enemy UJ-boat in the Skiathos Channel. She was however detected and depth charged. A pattern of 7 depth charges was dropped close but caused no damage to Upstart. (7)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Chios, Greece. She was to land her entire torpedo stock there. (7)

6 Oct 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Chios for Malta. (7)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (15)

27 Oct 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. Off Malta she joined convoy GUS 56.

Upstart was to proceed to the U.K. to refit.

[No log is available for most of the days of the passage to the U.K., therefore no map can be displayed.] (15)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (8)

17 Nov 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmourth. She made the passage in convoy MKS 67. (8)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Falmouth. (8)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Falmouth for Portsmouth. She made the passage in convoy BEC 47. (8)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (8)

9 Jan 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Portsmouth for Blyth. (16)

11 Jan 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Blyth where she was to refit. (16)

15 Jan 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) is taken in hand for refit at Blyth. (16)

30 Apr 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) ended her refit at Blyth. A period of trials and exercises was then commenced. (17)

12 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) was docked in No.5 dock at Blyth to add some additional ballast to her keel. (18)

13 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) was undocked. (18)

15 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (18)

16 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (18)

17 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (18)

18 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (18)

22 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (18)

24 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (18)

25 May 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (18)

5 Jun 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) departed Blyth for Portsmouth. (19)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) arrived at Portsmouth. (19)

20 Jun 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. (19)

26 Jun 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) arrived at Gibraltar. (19)

3 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (20)

7 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) arrived at Malta. (20)

12 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Malta. (20)

14 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Malta. (20)

16 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Malta. (20)

18 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Malta. (20)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Malta. (20)

20 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) conducted exercises off Malta. (20)

28 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) departed Malta for Piraeus. (20)

30 Jul 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) arrived at Piraeus. (20)

9 Aug 1945
HMS Upstart (Lt. R. Westlake, RNVR) was decommissioned at Piraeus and commissioned in the Greek Navy as Amphitriti. (21)

Sources

  1. ADM 173/18372
  2. ADM 173/18420 + ADM 173/18372
  3. ADM 173/18373
  4. ADM 173/18374
  5. ADM 173/18375
  6. ADM 173/18376
  7. ADM 199/1814
  8. ADM 199/2545
  9. ADM 199/1917
  10. ADM 173/19303
  11. ADM 173/19306
  12. ADM 173/19308
  13. ADM 173/19309
  14. ADM 173/19310
  15. ADM 173/19311
  16. ADM 173/20199
  17. ADM 173/20202
  18. ADM 173/20203
  19. ADM 173/20204
  20. ADM 173/20205
  21. ADM 173/20206

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


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