George Henry Greenway, RN

Born  1 Nov 1909
Died  Oct 1941(31)HMS Tetrarch

Ranks

1 Jan 1930 A/S.Lt.
1 Jul 1930 S.Lt.
1 Aug 1931 Lt.
1 Aug 1939 Lt.Cdr.

Decorations

5 May 1942 Mentioned in Despatches (MID) (posthumous)

Warship Commands listed for George Henry Greenway, RN


ShipRankTypeFromTo
HMS Rover (N 62)Lt.Cdr.Submarine19 Mar 413 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (N 77)Lt.Cdr.Submarine3 Jul 1941< 2 Nov 41

Career information

His boat failed to reach Gibraltar on 2 Nov 1941.

According to a relative he was always referred to as 'Harry'.

Events related to this officer

Submarine HMS Rover (N 62)


22 Mar 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (1)

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.

(2)

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. (2)

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. (2)

8 Apr 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out exercises inside Suda Bay. (2)

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. (2)

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.

(2)

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

6 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria in tow of tug Protector for Port Said. (2)

8 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) arrived at Port Said. (2)

14 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was docked at Port Said. (3)

15 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was undocked. (3)

21 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was docked at Port Said. (3)

26 May 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was undocked. (3)

13 Jun 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was docked at Port Said. (4)

2 Jul 1941
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was undocked. (5)


Submarine HMS Tetrarch (N 77)


3 Jul 1941
Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN takes over command of HMS Tetrarch from Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN.

Lt.Cdr. Peacock was relieved because of his lack of initiative shown on previous patrols. (6)

10 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (6)

12 Jul 1941
Around 1030C/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for her 15th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with the Greek destroyer Spetsai. (7)

12 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.

16 Jul 1941 (position 37.25, 25.52)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is narrowly missed by a torpedo when in position 220°, Cape Pappas (Nikaria), 10 nautical miles.

HMS Tetrarch had been attacked by the Italian submarine Nereide who fired two torpedoes from 700 metres and claimed one hit. The Italians give 37°25'N, 25°52'E as the position of the attack.

0115B/16 - While in position 220°, Cape Pappas (Nikaria), 10 nautical miles (about 37°22'N, 25°54'E), Tetrarch was attacked by what were thought to be two Motor Torpedo Boats. The Officer of the Watch altered course towards the first one sighted and when Lt.Cdr. Greenway sighted the second one he altered course towards this one and dived. Just before diving a torpedo track was seen to pass close astern. Tetrarch was most likely saved by the quick reaction of the Officer of the Watch. No depth charges were dropped and when Tetrarch came to periscope depth at 0500 hours nothing was in sight. (7)

17 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out a special operation. [No further details currently available.] (7)

18 Jul 1941 (position 37.33, 24.26)
In approximate position 37°33'N, 24°26'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is depth charged by an enemy destroyer while trying to attack a convoy near Thermia, Greece. No damage to Tetrarch was done but the attack had to be broken off.

This was most probably the convoy made up of the transports Citta di Bastia (2499 GRT, built 1930), Città di Alessandria (2498 GRT, built 1930) and Santagata (4262 GRT, built 1905) en route from Rhodos to Piraeus via Samos. They were escorted by the destroyer Francesco Crispi, torpedo boat Libra and naval auxiliary Brioni. The convoy arrived at Piraeus at 1400B/18.

At 0815B/18, when in position 360° - Cape Kephalos - 5 nautical miles, sighted a convoy of three ships of about 5000 tons escorted by one armed merchant cruiser, two destroyers, one MAS boat, one A/S trawler and one aircraft. They appeared to be going down the Serpho Channel but they later changed course to go to the Thermia Channel.

This move caught HMS Tetrarch 4000 yards off track and just ahead of the starboard wing destroyer of the screen. To get into a favourable firing position this destroyer had to be ignored and speed was increased to full. Two minutes later a depth charge was dropped and further efforts to increase speed were followed by more depth charges. Tetrarch must have been detected and in view of the unfavourable attack position the attack was abandoned.

The destroyer dropped five depth charges in all and remained in the vicinity for a further forty minutes passing right overhead twice.

At 0950B/18, HMS Tetrarch returned to periscope depth to find the destroyer gone but an A/S trawler was only 600 yards away. HMS Tetrarch crept away slowly without being detected. (7)

20 Jul 1941 (position 37.31, 24.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) attacks an enemy convoy off Thermia. When about to open fire one of the escorts came straight towards Tetrarch. The initial attack failed but one torpedo was fired at the other ship of the convoy. This torpedo however missed the target.

This was Cuneo convoy which consisted of the transports Citta di Trapani (Italian, 2467 GRT, built 1929), Citta di Agrigento (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1930) escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Brioni (1987 GRT, built 1931), the torpedo boats Libra and Lince and the motor torpedo boats MAS 535 and MAS 539 on passage from Piraeus (they had sailed at 0500B/20) to Syra.

0928B/20 - While in position 360° - Cape Kephalos - 1.7 nautical miles (Approximately 37°31'N, 24°26'E), sighted a convoy coming North through the Thermia Channel. This convoy consisted of two 5000 tons vessels escorted by one armed merchant cruiser, two destroyers, three MAS-boats and two aircraft. Started attack on the port ship of the convoy.

When about to open fire the AMC was seen to come straight towards. She passed over Tetrarch's stern but did not drop depth charges. The attack on the port ship of the convoy however now had failed. Now one torpedo was fired at the starboard ship from 4000 yards but it missed it's target.

1015 to 1046B/20 - 16 Depth charges were dropped but none was close and no damage to Tetrarch was done. (7)

22 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) bombarded the harbour of Karlovassi, Samos, Greece.

According to Italian sources a few houses were damaged and an unnamed schooner was hit and her captain killed.

1411B/22 - Surfaced off Karlovassi and carried out a bombardment of the caiques that were in the harbour (about 7 or 8 large ones were seen). The shooting was not very good and the caiques were partially protected by the breakwater. 39 rounds were fired for only a few hits. After four minutes fire was returned from shore with machine guns. Just before the 39th round was fired the breach-worker of the gun crew was wounded in the head and knocked unconsious. The action was now broken off and Tetrarch dived. (7)

24 Jul 1941
At 0815B/24, while patrolling near Cape Colonna, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sighted several vessels leaving the Gulf of Athens at a range of 16000 yards proceeding on course 138° at 10 knots.

At 0830B/24, an attack was commenced on a convoy which was now seen to be made up of four transports escorted by an armed merchant cruiser four destroyers and two aircraft. HMS Tetrarch was at moment covering the approaches to the Thermia and Sappho Channels but thee convoy went up the Zea Channel instead and despite running in at speed HMS Tetrarch could not obtain a firing position.

This was most probably the 6th CUNEO Convoy made up of the transports Citta di Bastia (Italian, 2499 GRT, built 1930) and Città di Alessandria (Italian, 2498 GRT, built 1930) escorted by the Italian armed merchant cruiser Lero (Italian, 1980 GRT, built 1936), the Italian destroyer Francesco Crispi and the Italian torpedo boat Libra which had sailed from Piraeus for Syra at 0515B/24), as well as the transports Sabaudia (1703 GRT, built 1911) and Regina Maria (?) escorted by the minesweeper RD 7 had sailed half an hour before for the same destination. Both convoys must have joined after sailing. (7)

25 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) twice attacked the Greek transport (in German service) Olympos (852 GRT, built 1904) near Gaidaro Island, Greece. The vessel is not hit.

0600B/25 - Sighted a merchant ship (two masts, funnel aft, about 1000 tons) bearing 315°, range about 12000 yards. Started attack.

0645B/25 - Fired one torpedo from 400 yards. The torpedo failed to run straight so it missed astern. The torpedo was later heard to explode on the shore.

0901B/25 - Found the same ship as earlier anchored off Cape Colonna. Closed to 1800 yards and fired one torpedo. This torpedo slightly ran to port and just missed astern of the target. The torpedo exploded on the beach.

Olympos was escorted by the Italian minesweeper RD 9. One torpedo was later recovered by the German patrol vessel 12 V 10 and brought to Piraeus on 27 July. (7)

27 Jul 1941 (position 36.42, 25.15)
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. (7)

31 Jul 1941
Around 1100B/31, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (7)

11 Aug 1941
Around 1830B/11, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for her 16th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

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

(7)

16 Aug 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) attacks the Italian torpedo boat Perseo that is anchored inside Benghazi harbour. Two torpedoes were fired that both exploded on the boom.

After having patrolled the approaches to Benghasi all day, Lt.Cdr. Greenway decided to attack a torpedo boat that was anchored inside the harbour near the entrance. By firing on a course of 127° in the hope to find the gap in the boom so at .....

1828B/16 - Fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards. Both torpedoes exploded on the boom. The torpedo boat got underway and was out of the harbour in 10 minutes where she proceeded to drop 12 depth charges in over half an hour. The last three were rather close but this appeared to be just coincidence. (7)

18 Aug 1941
A 0421B/18, Capt. S Malta's signal, timed 0324B/18, was received by HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN). This signal stated that a small merchant vessel and a tanker were due to arrive at Benghazi from Tripoli.

Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN decided there was just enough time to examine the anchorage at El Brega and then proceed northwards again to intercept the reported convoy [See the event for 19 August 1941 for more information on this convoy.] (8)

19 Aug 1941 (position 32.04, 20.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) attacks an Italian convoy off Benghasi. The Italian merchant Cadamosto (1010 GRT, built 1905) was missed in this attack.

The convoy was made up of the above mentioned Cadamosto and Una (1397 BRT, built 1904). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Calliope which according to Italian sources turned in time to see a torpedo passing only three metres alongside. This convoy had departed Tripoli for Benghazi around 2020B/16.

0715B/19 - In approximate position 32°04'N, 20°00'E sighted a convoy of two merchant ships of about 4000 tons approaching Benghasi. A torpedo boat, a trawler and two aircraft were the escorts. Started attack.

As it appeared Tetrarch was spotted during the attack by the torpedo boat, Lt.Cdr. Greenway went deep and fired a three torpedoes at 0809B/19.

It appeared one of the torpedoes was a hit (this was not the case). Tetrarch hit bottom at 64 feet. During a counter attack lasting almost three-quarters of an hour 37 depth charges were dropped, but only 6 were close causing some minor damage. Tetrarch was able to creep away during these attacks. (7)

22 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2155C/21, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was made aware of a convoy proceeding towards Bizerta via the inshore route. HMS Tetrarch set course to intercept. [See the event for 23 August 1941 for more information on this convoy.] (8)

23 Aug 1941 (position 31.24, 16.33)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian schooner V 72/Fratelli Garre (413 GRT) in position 350° - Sirte Lighthouse - 12 nautical miles (approximately 31°24'N, 16°33'E).

According to Italian sources the other vessels in company were the above mentioned schooner were the schooners Francesco Garré and Alula, escorted by the auxiliary minesweeper Proteo. Fratelli Garré sank in three minutes. Of a crew of 15, there were six missing, three killed and four seriously wounded. The survivors were picked up by Proteo who reported being narrowly missed by gunfire.

1315B/22 - Sighted a convoy made up of a 1500 tons merchant vessel, 5 large schooners. They were escorted by one destroyer (or torpedo boat) and one large trawler. The convoy was close inshore, too close to attack in that shallow water. Followed the convoy to attack it the next day if the opportunity would arise.

2312B/22 - Overtook the convoy. Decided to attack it at dawn if possible.

0615B/23 - Sighted the convoy again but i now only consisted of three of the schooners and the trawler, there was no sign of the rest. Closed with the intention of attacking the trawler with gunfire from submerged. This was frustrated by the arrival of an air patrol.

0730B/23 - Fired one torpedo at the leading schooner and one at the second schooner. Range was 500 yards. Obtained a hit on the leading schooner. Went deep upon firing but no counter attack followed.

0750B/23 - One of the schooners had sunk, the other two and the trawler were steaming towards Sirte. Decided to proceed towards Benghasi as the convoy would now proceed close inshore in shallow water.

In the evening a signal was received from Capt. S 1 (timed 1155C/23) that made Lt.Cdr. Greenway decide not to proceed to Benghasi. He turned back towards Sirte in the hope the schooners had remained there. This was later seen to be the case but it was too late to attack by day. (7)

24 Aug 1941 (position 31.14, 16.36)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian schooner V 113/Francesco Garre (399 GRT) near Sirte in approximate position 31°14'N, 16°36'E. The other schooner Alula was missed. Francesco Garré had one killed and two wounded.

Tried to attack the two schooners but the were swung with their bows to seaward. Gave up the attack and decided to wait until daylight.

0600B/2 - The schooners were now swung more favourably. Decided to attack with torpedoes.

0702B/2 - Fired one torpedo at the larger of the two, range was 3500 yards. When that one hit fired another one at the second schooner but this one missed. An aircraft was now sighted so went deep and retired from the area. Approximate position was 31°14'N, 16°36'E.

HMS Tetrarch set course to return to Alexandria later the same day. (7)

28 Aug 1941 (position 32.03, 24.57)
At 1315B/28, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is attacked, in error, by a British Blenheim aircraft (203 Sq./P). Position was approximately 32°03'N, 24°57'E. The aircraft machine gunned Tetrarch and dropped four 250lbs. bombs that all failed to explode. (7)

30 Aug 1941
At 1100B/30, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (7)

2 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is docked at Alexandria in the Gabbari Dry Dock. (9)

6 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is undocked. (9)

14 Sep 1941
Around 0920B/14, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for her 17th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol in Aegean.

Before proceeding on patrol A/S and attack exercises were carried out with HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN). (10)

14 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during her 17th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) see the map below.

18 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out a special operation. From 2100B/18 to 2215B/18 two Army officers (Captains Mark Ogilvie-Grant and Alfred W. Lawrence of the Royal tank Regiment ) and one Greek agent (Nikolaos Hatzikambouris) were landed off Shkodra, Greece. They were to contact Greek SOE agent Prometheus II (Cdr. Koutsoyannopoulos of the RHN). (7)

20 Sep 1941
At 1025B/20, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sighed a transport approaching Suda Bay from the north-west and an attack was started. The ship turned out to be the Italian hospital ship Sicilia (9646 GRT, built 1924). A practice attack was made on her. The hospital ship remained stopped 7 nautical miles from the entrance to Suda Bay from 1400B/20 to 0800B/21 when she finally entered. (7)

22 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out a special operation. Attemps were made to contact the party landed on the 18th but no contact was made this day. (7)

23 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) continued to carry out the special operation started yesterday. Contact is established with the Captain Lawrence who was landed on the 18th. He informs Lt.Cdr. Greenway that no soldiers could be evacuated right now but that 40 could be evacuated on the 25th when HMS Osiris (Lt. R.S Brookes, DSC, RN) would take them off. Eventually they did not turn up. Both English agents were captured by the enemy. (7)

24 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0808B/24, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal, timed 0105B/24, ordering her to patrol in the vicinity of the Gulf of Athens. Course was set to comply. (7)

26 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While patrolling near Gaidaro Island, during the morning, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sighted several caiques thought to be auxiliary A/S and minesweeping vessels. (7)

27 Sep 1941 (position 36.21, 24.23)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway) attacked a convoy and torpedoed sank the transport Citta di Bastia (Italian, 2499 GRT, built 1930) in the Aegean Sea about 18 nautical miles south of Milos Island, Greece in position 36°21'N, 24°23'E.

The convoy was made up of the above mentioned Citta di Bastia and the Citta di Marsala (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1929). It was escorted by merchant cruiser Brioni (1987 GRT, built 1931) and the torpedo boat Libra. The remainder of the convoy was seen to be 5 miles astern and was seen to be made up of two transports, These were the Trapani (German, 1855 GRT, built 1926) and the Santagata (Italian, 4262 GRT, built 1905) escorted by the destroyer Quintino Sella.

Later on this day HMS Tetrarch also sank the Greek sailing vessel (in Italian service) CH 48 / Poseidon (74 GRT) with gunfire south-west of Milos Island, Greece in approximate position 36°30'N, 24°00'E.

2030B/26 - When in position, 233° - Gaidaro Island lighthouse - 5 nautical miles, sighed flashing to the northward. This was seen to be coming from two destroyers whose light grey hulls showed up against the land. Ten minutes later it was possible to make out some larger black shapes astern and it was assumed this was the convoy HMS Tetrarch had been warned about. HMS Tetrarch was right up moon so speed was increased to work across the front of the convoy to get into a better position to attack but by the time this was accomplished the moon had set.

It was then decided to attack at dawn the following morning. just beyond Milos.

0510B/27 - Dived in position 130° - Ananes lighthouse - 14 nautical miles.

0553B/27 - Sighted a convoy consisting of two 5000 tons merchant vessels. Started attack.

0620B/27 - Fired two torpedoes at the second ship from 1500 yards. Went deep upon firing and took avoiding action. 1 Minute and 10 seconds after firing the first torpedo a loud explosion was heard.

0630B/27 - The first depth charge exploded.

0642B/27 - The target was heard to break up and sink.

0714B/27 - The last depth charge, of 17, was heard to explode. None had been close.

0813B/27 - Returned to periscope depth. The armed merchant cruiser was seen near the position where the ship was hit. The Libra (the identification by Lt.Cdr. Greenway was correct) and the Sella were hunting 3000 yards astern. Also there were two seaplanes patrolling the area. Passing to the Northward were the two rear ships of the convoy, these were merchant vessels of 7000 and 4000 tons (Trapani and Sant’Agata). As they presented an unbroken line of target Lt.Cdr. Greenway put Tetrarch on a firing course and at .....

0826B/27 - Fired two torpedoes from 5000 yards. No hits were obtained.

0834B/27 - A depth charge was dropped. Four more were dropped over the next minutes but these were way off.

1230B/27 - The last escort now left the area.

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

1650B/27 - Sighted a caique steering 350° flying the Italian ensign. Decided to attack with gunfire.

1810B/27 - Surfaced in position 270° Ananes Lighthouse, 6 nautical miles (approximately 36°30'N, 24°00'E) and engaged the target with gunfire from 3000 yards. As the target was difficult to hit from that range, ceased fire after 10 rounds and closed to 500 yards. The target was now sunk. At least 20 Italian soldiers were seen to be on board. In all 42 rounds were used for about 9 hits. (7)

28 Sep 1941 (position 37.10, 24.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) torpedoed and damaged the transport Yalova (German, 3751 GRT, built 1920) in the Aegean Sea south of Agios Giorgios Island.

The above mentioned Yalova was in convoy with the transport Citta di Marsala (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1929). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Quintino Sella and the Italian torpedo boat Libra. Yalova had nine killed and had to be beached to prevent her from sinking.

2315B/28 - In position 170° St. Giorgio Island, 24 nautical miles (approximately 37°10'N, 24°00'E) the Officer of the Watch sighted some ships approaching and these were later identified as two large merchant ships (with possibly a third astern). There were two destroyers of torpedo boats present, one on each bow. Their course was 350°, speed 8 knots. Started attack.

2329B/28 - Dived for a submerged attack.

2337B/28 - Fired two torpedoes (the third misfired) at one of the merchant ships from 2500 yards. 1 Minute and 45 seconds after firing the first torpedo a loud explosion was heard.

2347B/28 - The first of ten depth charges was dropped. None were quite close except one but this was pure coincidence.

0045B/29 - The last depth charge was dropped.

0310B/29 - The last HE fainted out to the Northward.

0349B/29 - Surfaced to find nothing in sight. Set course to leave patrol and return to Alexandria. (7)

3 Oct 1941
A.M., HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (7)

17 Oct 1941
Around 1700B/17, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. On board were fuel, stores and personnel for Malta. (11)

24 Oct 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) arrived at Malta. (12)

26 Oct 1941
Around 1700A/26, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She was to proceed to the USA for refit, via Gibraltar and the UK. (12)

27 Oct 1941
At 1400B/27, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) communicated through SST with HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) in approximate position 37°28'N, 12°35E. She was not heard from afterwards.

The next day, at 1032B/28, Italian aircraft No.4 of 287^Squadriglia on an R.10 reconnaissance patrol, sighted an oil slick 500 meters long and believed it to be from a sunken ship or submarine in position 37°39'N, 11°00'E. This could well have been from Tetrarch as it was consistent with her route to patrol off Cavoli Island. However aircraft No.5 of 146^Squadriglia had already reported an oil slick on 25 October in 37°30'N, 10°50'E so if it was the same then it could not have been Tetrarch.

The mystery of her disappearance remains unsolved. Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, four officers and 54 ratings of her crew and another three officers who were passengers were lost.

Sources

  1. ADM 173/16946
  2. ADM 199/1833
  3. ADM 173/16948
  4. ADM 173/16949
  5. ADM 173/16950
  6. ADM 173/17022
  7. ADM 199/1152
  8. ADM 199/1152 + ADM 199/2230
  9. ADM 173/17024
  10. ADM 173/17024 + ADM 199/1152
  11. ADM 53/114653 + ADM 199/2572
  12. ADM 199/2572

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


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