Stephen Lynch Conway Maydon DSO, DSC, RN

Born  15 Dec 1913
Died  2 Mar 1971(57)


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Ranks

1 May 1931 Cadet.
1 Jan 1932 Mid.
1 Nov 1934 S.Lt.
1 Aug 1936 Lt.
1 Feb 1943 Lt.Cdr.

Retired: 1 Mar 1949


Decorations

22 Dec 1942 DSO
4 May 1943 Bar to DSO
27 Feb 1945 DSC

Warship Commands listed for Stephen Lynch Conway Maydon, RN


ShipRankTypeFromTo
HMS L 26 (N 26)Lt.Submarine21 Feb 194124 Apr 1941
HMS Umbra (P 35)Lt.Submarine7 Jul 19411 Aug 1942
HMS Umbra (P 35)Lt.Submarine13 Aug 194219 May 1943
HMS Tradewind (P 329)Lt.Cdr.Submarine19 May 19437 Jan 1945

Career information

Birth and Death details Stephen Lynch Conway Maydon DSO DSC Born 15 December 1913 Died March 2, 1971 (aged 57) Allegiance United Kingdom United Kingdom Service/branch Royal Navy Years of service 1931-1945? Rank Lieutenant-Commander Commands held HMS L26 HMS Umbra HMS Tradewind Battles/wars World War II Awards Distinguished Service Order and bar Distinguished Service Cross Other work Member of Parliament, Government minister

Events related to this officer

Submarine HMS L 26 (N 26)


17 Mar 1941
HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Dundee for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (1)

18 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (1)

20 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN). (1)

20 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN). (1)

22 Mar 1941
HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Rothesay for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN), HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. M.K. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, DSO, RN) and HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN). They were escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse.

[As there is no log available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions, no map can be displayed.] (2)

13 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Falmouth.

She proceeded to Plymouth later the same day for repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (3)


Submarine HMS Umbra (P 35)


1 Sep 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (4)

2 Sep 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (4)

24 Sep 1941
Upon completion of her work-up period, HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN), departed Holy Loch for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (4)

27 Sep 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Dundee to join the 9th Submarine Flotilla. (4)

30 Sep 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) that was to proceed to Malta. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

1 Oct 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S exercises. (4)

28 Oct 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS Leicester City (Lt. F.A. Everett, RNR). (4)

29 Oct 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Dundee. (4)

30 Oct 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Equerry (T/Lt. H.C. Hutchinson, RNVR). (4)

31 Oct 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (4)

2 Nov 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Scapa Flow for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Norwegian coast near Bergen.

For the daily positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

3 Nov 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) was ordered to patrol in position 59°18'N, 04°23'E following information that the pocket battleship Admiral Scheer and perhaps a raider from the Baltic may have sailed. (5)

19 Nov 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Dundee. The patrol had been hampered by heavy seas and nothing of interest was sighted. (5)

7 Dec 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Dundee for Gibraltar. She was escorted until Bishops Rock by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR).

As no log of HMS P 35 is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of the passage to Gibraltar. (5)

20 Dec 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (5)

27 Dec 1941
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this passage. (6)

5 Jan 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

11 Jan 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of Lampedusa. Later she was ordered to patrol off Kerkenah and even later she was ordered to proceed Northwards and patrol off Sousse.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(7)

17 Jan 1942 (position 35.59, 10.46)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian salvage vessel Rampino (301 GRT, built 1909) north-north-east of Sousse, Tunisia in position 35°59'N, 10°46'E.

Umbra picks up the Rampino's sole survivor.

(All times are zone -2)
0311 hours - A low dark shape was sighted ahead. It was thought to be a u-boat. Started attack.

0320 hours - In position 35°59'N, 10°46'E fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. Dived on firing. One hit was obtained.

0330 hours - Heard HE of a small patrol vessel stopping and starting. This soon turned away and retired bearing 080° and HE soon faded.

0636 hours - Surfaced near the position of the attack.

0800 hours - Sighted a raft with one survivor. Picked him up. Another raft was seen but it was empty.

0839 hours - Dived in position 35°59'N, 10°48'E.

According to the survivor Rampino had a crew of 15 on board and was en-route to Pantelleria. (7)

20 Jan 1942 (position 35.55, 11.02)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) attacked two merchant ships in a convoy about 5 nautical miles North of Kuriat with four torpedoes. No hits were obtained. [The targets have not yet been identified.]

(All times are zone -2)
2100 hours - Sighted many lights in the direction of Monastir. Closed.

2126 hours - The lights were seen to be ships.

2146 hours - Reduced to slow speed. Six ships fully illuminated were counted. Their course was 090°. It was estimated that this convoy must have been outside French territorial waters while crossing the Gulf of Monastir and would pass 2 to 3 miles North of Kuriat. They were proceeding to the Eastward and could only leave French territorial waters if they were not already outside them. If they were to turn to the South after rounding Kuriat they would cross latitude 35°46'N south of which they were open to attack irrespective of whether they were in French waters or not. It was therefore decided that if they were French they were proceeding or about to proceed illegitimately and that it was possible they were Italians masquerading as French. It was decided to attack.

2149 hours - In position 35°55'N, 11°02'E fired two torpedoes at the leading ship, the second largest. Range 4000 yards.

2150 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the second ship in line, the largest. Range 4000 yards.

2151 hours - Dived and altered course to Starboard. All torpedoes missed as the range was most likely underestimated. Set course to the North-East. (7)

22 Jan 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

1 Feb 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kuriat.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (7)

3 Feb 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Napoli (6142 GRT, built 1941) about 30 nautical miles east of Sousse, Tunisia. [Napoli had sailed from Tripoli for Italy but on 30 January had broken her propeller’s axle and had to drop anchor at Mahedia. Because of the heavy seas, attempts by her escort the torpedo-boat Orsa to tow her had come to nought. On 2 February, Orsa was relieved by the torpedo-boat Procione and the auxiliary Giasone.] The ship was beached and destroyed by aircraft on the 11th.

(All times are zone -2)
1526 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 6000 tons anchored in position 35.30'N, 11.06'E.

1533 hours - Sighted an Italian torpedo boat of the Spica-class patrolling close inshore. Started attack on the merchant vessel.

1637 hours - Fired one torpedo at the merchant vessel from 2600 yards. It missed.

1702 hours - Fired another torpedo at the merchant vessel from 2400 yards. It hit. The merchant vessel was seen to be down by the stern and listing to starboard afterwards.

1725 hours - The torpedo boat counter attacked. 8 Depth charges were dropped but these did no damage.

According to Italian sources the Napoli was anchored there because she had suffered engine failure while en-route from Tripoli to Trapani on 30 January. She had been towed to the position she was anchored in on the 31th. The ship was finally destroyed in an air attack on 11 February 1942.

[Napoli was hit astern and damaged, five were wounded by the explosion. Giasone took her in tow toward Sousse but after a few miles, she had to be beached the following day in 35°27'N, 11°03'E.] (7)

13 Feb 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

21 Feb 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the East of Tripoli, Libya to intercept an important enemy convoy.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (7)

23 Feb 1942
In the evening HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) is ordered to a new patrol position, South of the Strait of Messina. (7)

28 Feb 1942 (position 37.22, 15.16)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) attacked a medium seized merchant vessel with two torpedoes about 10 nautical miles South-East of Catania, Sicily in position 37°22'N, 15°16'E. No hits were obtained. [The target has not yet been identified.]

(All times are zone -2)
0917 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 190°. Set course to intercept.

1012 hours - In position 37°22'N, 15°16'E fired two torpedoes at a 2000 - 3000 tons merchant vessel. Range was 3800 yards. A loud explosion was heard and the torpedoes were not heard to run anymore. The target made a dense cloud of black funnel smoke and made for Catania at increased speed. (7)

5 Mar 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

8 Mar 1942
While dived during daylight at Malta with half the crew on board, HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) has her pressure hull pierced forward by accident. The tube space flooded. She tried to surface but failed to do so. She was then raised a few hours later and was docked for repairs.

27 Mar 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Kerkenah and Lampedusa.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (7)

30 Mar 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) investigated the wreck of Napoli she had torpedoed on 3 February. The vessel beached near Mahedia appeared abandoned and her guns removed and no further action seems necessary. (5)

4 Apr 1942 (position 35.37, 12.09)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with 1 torpedo about 10 nautical miles North-West of Lampione in position 35°37'N, 12°09'E. The torpedo missed. [This was most probably the Italian transport Una (1397 GRT, built 1904) escorted by the German minesweepers R 6, R 10, R 11 and R 12. They had sailed from Trapani bound for Tripoli but stopped on the way at Lampedusa about three hours after this attack.]

(All times are zone -1)
1138 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 299°. Altered course to intercept, went deep and closed at full speed.

1155 hours - The target appeared to be a 3500 tons merchant vessel with an escort and accompanying aircraft. Altered course to close more quickly.

1228 hours - The target was now seen to be painted black and white. She was escorted by 4 E or R boats and aircraft. Enemy course was estimated as 160°, speed 8,5 knots, range 7500 yards.

1238 hours - The target was seen to have altered course to 130°. P 35 was now almost right ahead of her at a range of 3500 yards. Maneuvered to obtain a favourable attack position.

1250 hours - It appeared P 35's periscope had been spotted so Lt. Maydon went to 180 feet and altered course. No counter attack followed however.

1317 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the target about 4500 yards away steering a course of 140°. The escorts were in station on each side of the target. P 35 was nearly right astern of the target, not a favourable attack position. Given the strong escort of the target it was decided to attack with 1 torpedo as it must have been a valuable ship and cargo for the enemy.

1319 hours - In position 35°37'N, 12°09'E fired no.1 torpedo tube. Range was 5000 yards. The torpedo missed. P 35 then retired from the area to the West. (7)

6 Apr 1942 (position 35.37, 12.12)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with two torpedoes about 20 nautical miles West-North-West of Lampedusa in position 35°37'N, 12°12'E. No hits were obtained. [This was most probably the German Atlas (2297 GRT, built 1927) escorted by the torpedo-boat Perseo and the German minesweepers R 9, R 12 and R 14 bound from Trapani to Tripoli. Two hours before the submarine had observed three E-boats moving to the northwest, these were R 9, R 12 and R 14 who had sailed from Lampedusa to reinforce Atlas her escort. Curiously enough Maydon did not mention the presence of the E-boats during the attack. Perhaps they were not seen due to their low silhouettes and the probability that the target was very briefly observed with the periscope because of the presence of aircraft.]

(All times either zone -1 or -2)
1340 hours - Heard HE bearing 250°. Went to periscope depth and sighted masts on that bearing. Altered course to 200° to intercept and closed at full speed.

1414 hours - The target was seen to be a merchant ship escorted by a Spica class torpedo boat which was ahead of her. Turned to a 120 degree track and closed at full speed.

1430 hours - In position 35°37'N, 12°12'E fired two torpedoes from 3200 yards. Both missed. Went deep as aircraft were sighted and retired to the West. (7)

9 Apr 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

14 Apr 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Kerkenah and Lampedusa.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (7)

18 Apr 1942 (position 35.05, 11.49)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) attacked the Italian merchant Nino Bixio (7137 GRT, built 1941) about 40 nautical miles south-west of Lampedusa in position 35°05'N, 11°49'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target. [She was on a trip from Tripoli to Naples escorted by the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta and Nicolo Zeno.]

(All times are zone -1 or -2)
0630 hours - Sighted a 6000 tons merchant vessel escorted by two destroyers. Started attack.

0655 hours - In position 35°05'N, 11°49'E fired 3 torpedoes from 5800 yards. It was thought one probable hit was obtained but this was not the case.

0704 hours - The first pattern of 4 depth charges was dropped. After this attack only 2 more depth charges were dropped. None caused any damage.

0734 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the target bearing 338°. (7)

19 Apr 1942 (position 34.55, 11.42)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Assunta De Gregori (4219 GRT, built 1914) about 20 nautical miles East-South-East of Mahdia, Tunisia in position 35°23'N, 11°23'E. [She was on passage from Sfax to Naples escorted by the torpedo-boat Castore (equipped with sonar).]

(All times are zone -1 or -2)
1550 hours - Sighted a merchant ship approaching from the Southward. Altered course to intercept.

1557 hours - Sighted a Spica class torpedo boat escorting the merchant vessel of about 4000 to 5000 tons. Also two aircraft were patrolling the area. Started attack.

1643 hours - In position 35°23'N, 11°23'E fired two torpedoes at the merchant vessel from 1100 yards. Both torpedoes hit the target. The torpedo boat dropped only 2 depth charges which caused no damage to P 35.

1730 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the torpedo boat laying stopped to pick up the survivors of the merchant ship.

[Despite being equipped with sonar, the torpedo boat Castore who was leading ahead heard nothing and did not observe any torpedo track. Only the sound of a double explosion followed by the sight of Assunta di Gregori broken in two with her stern sinking vertically, signalled the attack. The torpedo boat turned back to pick 35 survivors and dropped two depth charges for intimidation purposes.] (7)

25 Apr 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

3 May 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation on the NW coast of Sicily and if her object was not achieved to spend 24 hours on the Palermo-San Vito route to attack shipping. We do not know the exact details of her mission.

However the operation had to be abandoned as P 35 developed engine defects and had to turn back.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (5)

6 May 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

10 May 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for passage to Alexandria.

At 0417 hours, shortly after leaving harbour, five darkened vessels were observed and did not answer the challenge. P 35 opened fire with its Lewis gun. The Port Wireless Station ordered the submarine to cease firing. These were HMS Beryl, HMS Trusty Star and three others who were waiting for the arrival of HMS Welshman. P 35 had not been informed of their presence.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (8)

19 May 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (8)

6 Jun 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Alexandria for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to give cover during convoy operations to Malta and took position in a line with three other submarines in the Ionian Sea. (HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) and HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) (cover of Operation VIGOROUS)).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

15 Jun 1942 (position 36.00, 19.06)
At 0645 hours HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) fired torpedoes at the Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto. The torpedoes however missed their target. Position of the attack was 36°00'N, 19°06'E. [The squadron was led by the battleship Littorio with Vittorio Veneto next in line, they were in company with the heavy cruiser Gorizia, the light cruisers Giuseppe Garibaldi and Emanuele Filiberto Duca D’Aosta and three squadrons of destroyers. The heavy cruiser Trento had just been disabled by an aircraft torpedo and lagged behind with two destroyers.]

At 1151 hours HMS P 35 torpedoed and sank the Italian heavy cruiser Trento in position 35°55'N, 18°59'E. Trento was already damaged by a torpedo from a British Beaufort aircraft (217. Sqn. RAF based at Malta). [Trento was screened by the destroyers Saetta and Antonio Pigafetta.]

(All times are zone -3)
0540 hours - Heard HE bearing 320°.

0545 hours - Sighted two large vessels bearing 310°. Altered course to intercept and closed at full speed.

0555 hours - Started attack on two Littorio class battleships and two cruisers in line ahead. Enemy course was 175°, speed 26 knots.

0611 hours - Aircraft started a bombing attack. P 35 was about to fire torpedoes at a battleship. The Italians went all over the place and it was not possible to attack now.

0618 hours - The pandemonium had died down and two cruisers were seen approaching. Started attack on these.

0622 hours - The cruisers turned away.

0628 hours - The battleships were sighted again escorted by four destroyers.

0630 hours - It was thought that the cruisers were laying a smoke screen but it was now sighted that one of them was on fire. Started attack on the battleships.

0646 hours - In position 36°00'N, 19°06'E fired four torpedoes from 5000 - 6000 yards. After firing P 35 went deep. It was thought one hit was obtained but this was not the case.

0719 hours - Returned to periscope depth to find the battleships disappearing to the South in a haze of smoke. Sighted the burning cruiser bearing 263° with a destroyer on either side. Range was 5500 yards. The enemy was proceeding to the West at slow speed. Commenced reloading the torpedo tubes.

0816 hours - The destroyers came nearer forcing p 35 to go deep and to proceed to the North. This delayed reloading.

0915 hours - Returned to periscope depth to find the cruiser still on fire bearing 159°. The two destroyers were laying a smoke screen. The cruiser was a Trento class ship. Started attack.

1006 hours - In position 35°55'N, 18°59'E fired two torpedoes. Both hit. P 35 went deep. Seven depth charges were dropped close to P 35 but they caused no damage. The counter attack ended at 1040 hours. HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) was approaching from the South saw the cruiser break in two and sink in three minutes.

1058 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Only the two destroyers were in sight picking up the survivors. Range was 4 nautical miles. P 35 retired to the South.

[The destroyers Saetta and Antonio Pigafetta picked up the survivors and the hospital ships Aquileia and Città di Trapani were directed to the scene to help with the search. In all 602 survivors were picked up from a crew of 1152 but many were wounded and some died later.] (8)

27 Jun 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)

29 Jun 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (9)

30 Jun 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived at Port Said. (10)

5 Jul 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) is docked at Port Said. (10)

12 Jul 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) is undocked. (10)

14 Jul 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Port Said for Haifa. (10)

16 Jul 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed arrived at Haifa. (10)

20 Aug 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Greece.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

27 Aug 1942 (position 35.41, 23.01)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) was informed through ULTRA of an important convoy from Piraeus for Libya. She was ordered to the approaches of the Antikithera Channel and came under the operation control of the First Flotilla.

HMS P 35 torpedoed and heavily damaged the Italian transport ship Manfredo Campiero (5463 GRT, built 1925) west of the Antikithera Channel in position 35°41'N, 23°01'E. She was part of a convoy from Piraeus bound for Benghazi and included the Italian merchant Tergestea (5890 GRT, built 1926), escorted by the Italian destroyer Nicoloso da Recco and the Italian torpedo-boats Climene and Polluce. Manfredo Campiero was beyond salvage and was scuttled by the Italians.

Later the same day three torpedoes were fired against a large escorted merchant vessel near the same position. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -2)
0720 hours - Sighted two merchant ships escorted by a Navigatori class destroyer and a Spica class torpedo boat bearing 025°. Enemy course was 245°, speed 10 knots. Started attack.

0737 hours - Sighted two more destroyers / torpedo boats hull down to the North-East.

0742 hours - Sighted two aircraft over the convoy.

0748 hours - In position 35°39'N, 23°05'E fired four torpedoes at the nearer of the two merchant vessels. Range was 3000 yards. One, possibly two hit(s) was / were obtained. The second torpedo fired did not run.

0757 hours - Depth charging started.

0821 hours - The last depth charges were dropped. 29 In all were counted but no damage was done to P 35 which was at 180 feet.

0850 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted one of the Merchants down by the stern and burning fiercely. She was circled by a Spica class torpedo boat.

0900 hours - Commenced reloading. No.2 tube still contained its torpedo although it had been fired. No.2 tube was now out of action.

1235 hours - The merchant ship blew up and sank. The torpedo boat was seen to proceed to the North-East.

[Manfredo Campiero was hit by a torpedo aft and a second torpedo was observed missing her stern by about 10 metres. She began to burn furiously. The torpedo boat Polluce sent a boarding party of seven with fire extinguishers but she appeared beyond salvage. The torpedo boat finished her off by gunfire. Four had been killed or missing, 255 survivors were picked up including 37 wounded, one of them dying later. In the meantime Nicoloso da Recco and Climene hunted the submarine and dropped depth charges, the destroyer claiming a sinking.]

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

1410 hours - Sighted a large 10000 tons merchant vessel, with a single funnel and of modern design escorted by two destroyers / torpedo boats of the Navigatori / Partenope classes. Enemy course was 270°, speed 12 to 14 knots. Started attack.

1420 hours - The enemy altered course away.

1424 hours - Enemy course was now seen to be 225°.

1429 hours - In position 35°35'N, 23°03'E started firing a salvo of three torpedoes (Tube 2 was out of action). Just as the second torpedo was fired the target was seen to alter course. The third torpedo was fired regardless in the hope it was just a zig. It was not a zig and the target steadied on a course of 170°. No hits were obtained.

According to Italian sources this was Unione (6070 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the destroyers Folgore and Saetta. They had sailed from Piraeus for Benghazi. Two underwater explosions were felt (torpedoes exploding at the end of their run?) but no tracks were seen. (8)

1 Sep 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

11 Sep 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Greece.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

12 Sep 1942
Late in the evening developed a serious engine defect forcing her to abandon her patrol. Course was set to return to Malta. (5)

13 Sep 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived back at Malta. (5)

14 Sep 1942
After repairs HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta to resume her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). (5)

16 Sep 1942
Shortly after midnight HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) again developed engine problems. These could not be repaired on board and once again course was set to return to Malta. (5)

18 Sep 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) arrived back at Malta. (5)

23 Sep 1942
After repairs HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) again departed Malta to resume her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). (5)

27 Sep 1942 (position 37.04, 20.36)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Francesco Barbaro (6343 GRT, built 1940) about 35 nautical miles south of Cape Marathia, Zakynthos Island, Greece in position 37°04'N, 20°36'E. The enemy later sank some 50 nautical miles south-west of Cape Marathia, Zakynthos Island, Greece in position 37°15'N, 19°55'E after a second attack by HMS P 35. [Position as per Italian sources].

(All times are zone -2)
27 September 1942
1540 hours - Sighted aircraft circling bearing 280°, range about 8 nautical miles. Assumed this to be part of the escort of the expected convoy. Increased to full speed to get into that area.

1602 hours - Sighted 2 large merchant vessels escorted by 5 destroyers / torpedo boats and aircraft bearing 285°. Started attack.

1630 hours - The nearest merchant vessel was chosen as the target. She was 8000 to 10000 tons in size. Range was estimated as being 6000 yards. It was thought that six destroyers / torpedo boats were escorting this convoy. Enemy course was 150°, speed 14 knots.

1633 hours - In position 37°04'N, 20°36'E fired four torpedoes from 8000 - 9000 yards. One hit was obtained. After firing Umbra went deep, changed course to 300° and made a burst at full speed for 5 minutes.

1643 hours - A bomb exploded fairly close. Altered course to 270°. More aircraft bombs, about 10 in total, followed up to 1757 hours.

1706 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target was seen bearing 176°. She was making much black smoke and slightly down by the stern. She appeared to be stopped with a destroyer nearby. As aircraft were all around went to 50 feet and proceeded on course 200°.

1713 hours - Started reloading the torpedo tubes.

1733 hours - The target was no longer smoking. Altered course to 240°.

1734 hours - A serious counter attack was started by the enemy. P 35 went to 200 feet and took evasive action.

1752 hours - Target was now bearing 155°.

1757 hours - Three destroyers / torpedo boats were now within 4000 yards.

1825 hours - Returned to periscope depth. One destroyer / torpedo boat was 1500 yards astern and coming towards. Went to 200 feet again. 11 Depth charges were dropped quite close causing some minor damage.

1903 hours - Six depth charges were dropped very close.

1936 hours - Altered course to 250° to get to the Westward in order to have advantage of the rising moon. Completed the reload of two torpedo tubes.

2006 hours - Surfaced in position 37°06'N, 20°28'E. The target was still afloat laying stopped bearing 070°, range about 4 nautical miles. Three destroyers / torpedo boats were circling her about 2 miles off. P 35 kept within visual range to attack during the night if possible.

2225 hours - After having closed on the surface, dived to attack again.

2230 hours - In position 37°09'N, 20°27'E fired two torpedoes from 6000 to 8000 yards at the stationary target. Upon firing P 35 went to 120 feet and altered course hard to Starboard. One explosion was heard after almost 10 minutes giving a much greater range.

2252 hours - The three destroyers / torpedo boats were seen to the North-East about 5 miles away.

2310 hours - Ships were sighted bearing 079°, 073°, 067° and 061°. The last was the target. Reloaded the other two torpedo tubes.

28 September 1942
0034 hours - Altered course to 360° to get down moon again.

0045 hours - Sighted two destroyers / torpedo boats bearing 044° and 058°.

0050 hours - Surfaced in position 37°07'N, 20°21'E. The target was still afloat but was enveloped in a veil of smoke. The escorts were still circling her. P 35 remained in the area. Shortly before 0500 hours a ship was heard sinking. When P 35 returned to periscope depth shortly after 0600 hours nothing was in sight.

[The convoy attacked by P 35 was made up of the above mentioned Francesco Barbaro (coming from Brindisi) as well as the Italian merchant Unione (6070 GRT, built 1942) (coming from Taranto). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Giovanni da Verrazzano and Lampo as well as the Italian torpedo-boats Partenope, Clio, Lince and Aretusa. When Francesco Barbaro was torpedoed Unione made off escorted by Da Verrazzano, Lince and Aretusa. Lampo, Partenope and Clio remained with Barbaro.

Barbaro had been hit in the bow in the first attack, she was taken in tow but sank at dawn the following day. Of a complement of 278 (223 Italians and 55 Germans), 248 survivors were picked up (125 by Clio and 123 by Lampo), 30 were killed or missing.] (5)

1 Oct 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

7 Oct 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Southern Adriatic.

P 35 first patrolled in the Cape Dukato - Corfu area and only went North through the Otranto Straits on the 12th after HMS P 211 left the Adriatic.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

10 Oct 1942 (position 37.53, 18.54)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) attacked an Italian destroyer with three torpedoes in the Ionian Sea. No hits were obtained. This was most probably Nicolò Zeno who had sailed from Patras at 0010 hours on the 10th and arrived at Messina at 1930 hours the same day.

(All times are zone -1)
0739 hours - Sighted a vessel thought to be a cruiser bearing 085°, estimated enemy course was 285°. Asdic reported enemy revolutions as 170. Altered course to intercept and increased speed to 8 knots.

0748 hours - Enemy bearing 081°, range 7800 yards. Enemy course was now seen to be 260°. Altered course to port to attack from the enemy's starboard bow.

0755 hours - The enemy was identified as a Navigatori class destroyer still doing 170 revolutions. She was making no bow wave and speed was thought to be 12 knots.

0802 hours - The target appeared to be increasing speed as a bow wave was now sighted. In position 37°53'N, 18°54'E fired three torpedoes. All missed astern as it was later calculated that the destroyer was doing around 20 knots. The target was out of sight 25 minutes later. (5)

19 Oct 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

21 Oct 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to destroy a damaged and grounded enemy ship off Khoms, Libya.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

23 Oct 1942 (position 32.39, 14.18)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) torpedoed and destroys the grounded German supply ship Amsterdam (8673 GRT, built 1921) off Khoms, near Tripoli, Libya. She had been hit by an aerial torpedo on 15 October. She also sank the Italian tug Pronta (182 GRT, built 1913) that is trying to salvage the Amsterdam. The Amsterdam was grounded after being hit by a torpedo during an air attack.

(All times are zone -1)
0651 hours - Fixed our position as 32°44'N, 14°16'E. Closed Khoms roads.

0720 hours - Observed the situation in Khoms roads as follows. The 8500 tons merchant ships was seen anchored and aground in position 093°, Khoms Cemetery Lighthouse, 7.1 cables. A small tug was nearby. An armed trawler of about 500 tons was anchored about 4 cables to the Eastward. The merchant ships was unloading her cargo in lighters.

0832 hours - P 35 now retired to the North. It was intended to return just before dark to make a final reconnaissance. Then to withdraw on the surface to charge. Then to return after midnight making use of the 'sinking' moon.

1406 hours - As the weather was getting worse it was decided to close submerged and attack with torpedoes at once.

1433 hours - In position 32°39'5"N, 14°18'5"E fired no. 2 tube at a salvage tug at anchor. The torpedo had either missed or ran under.

1439 hours - Fired tubes 3 and 4 at the merchant ship. Both hit. The ship settled further but did not sink or catch fire. The small craft alongside were demolished.

1440 hours - Proceeded out of Khoms Bay at periscope depth. An aircraft then started machine gunning P 35 so went to 40 feet and changed course.

1505 hours - Some small bombs were dropped. Went to 80 feet and proceeded on course 360° at 5 knots.

[Italian sources confirmed that Amsterdam and Pronta as well as a lighter were sunk, in all 30 men were killed or missing.] (5)

25 Oct 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

2 Nov 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily to provide cover during the Allied landings in North Africa (Operation Torch). She departed Malta together with HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) and HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN). They were escorted out by HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

12 Nov 1942 (position 38.39, 15.44)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) attacked an Italian battleship of the Littorio class to the West of Cape Vaticano in position 38°39'5"N, 15°44'5"E with four torpedoes. No hits were obtained. [The squadron consisted of the battleships Littorio, Vittorio Veneto and Roma escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Corsaro, Legionario, Bombardiere, Mitragliere, Ascari, Velite and Corazziere. They were being transferred from Taranto to Naples.]

(All times are zone -1)
1556 hours - Sighted a vessel bearing 190°. Started attack.

1602 hours - Identified the enemy as two battleships of the Littorio class screened by at least 12 destroyers. Three aircraft were seen overhead. Enemy course was estimated as 335°.

1619 hours - In position 38°39'5"N, 15°44'5"E fired 4 torpedoes at the second battleship in the line from a range of 4000 yards. Went to 120 feet after firing. No hits were obtained and no counter attack followed.

1652 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (5)

15 Nov 1942
In the early hours of 15 November 1942 HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) landed a party of two (Corporal J. Booth of the Seaforth Highlanders and Marine R.R. Didcott both of SBS) in a folbot to destroy a railway to the North of Pizzo, Italy. They successfully landed but the presence of a sentry and extensive barbed wire prevented them from reaching the railway line and they abandoned the attempt. (5)

17 Nov 1942 (position 38.21, 15.28)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian troop transport Piemonte (15209 GRT, built 1918) 4 nautical miles bearing 310 of Capo Rasocolmo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°21'N, 15°28'E. [She was on passage from Palermo to Messina escorted by the torpedo boat Nicola Fabrizi escorted by a seaplane (Cant Z.501 no.1 of 189^Squadriglia).]

(All times are zone -1)
1207 hours - While in position 38°23'N, 15°28'E sighted a large column of black smoke bearing 250°. Closed to investigate.

1240 hours - The smoke was now seen to come from a two-funnelled passenger ship thought to be of 7000 tons. She was escorted by a Generale class torpedo boat and a flying boat. Enemy course was 078°. Started attack.

1316 hours - In position 38°21'N, 15°28'E fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. Went to 120 feet after firing. After 2 minutes and 35 seconds a torpedo explosion was heard and HE of the target ceased. A counter attack with 2 bombs and 20 depth charges followed. The bombs were rather close but caused no damage. The depth charges were further away.

1334 hours - Heard faint HE, possibly the target under way again.

1428 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the torpedo boat bearing 189° about 4 nautical miles off. Two aircraft were also patrolling the area. P 35 went deep again and cleared the area to the North. [Piemonte was hit aft and beached near Cape Rasocolmo. The crew took to three lifeboats, they had three wounded. The seaplane dropped two bombs on the submarine. Fabrizi after dropping intimidation depth charges (30kg), dropped the more potent 100kg depth charges set to a depth of 50-75 metres) then combed the area with a towing mine but result was uncertain.] (5)

21 Nov 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

30 Nov 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Tunisian coast between Hammamet and Kerkenah.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

2 Dec 1942 (position 35.27, 11.22)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) sank the Italian merchant Sacro Cuore (1097 GRT, built 1899) with gunfire about 15 nautical miles east of Mahdia, Tunisia in position 35°27'N, 11°22'E. [She was on passage from Tripoli to Trapani.]

(All times are zone -1)
1621 hours - Sighted funnel and masts with smoke bearing 250°. Increased speed to close.

1727 hours - Surfaced in position 35°23'N, 11°32'E to close the small merchant vessel. Enemy course was estimated as 330°, speed 7 knots.

1826 hours - Closed the enemy's starboard quarter and turned to a parallel course while overtaking. Position was now 35°27'N, 11°22'E.

1830 hours - Opened fire from 300 yards with the 12 pdr. gun. The target was soon stopped and on fire aft. When a boat was seen abandoning ship fire was checked. 11 Rounds had now been fired.

1838 hours - Started picking up survivors. They turned out to be Italians and German Luftwaffe men. The Luftwaffe men were retained on board as well as one other German. 10 Germans in all were taken prisoner.

1919 hours - Fired 10 rounds into the waterline of the ship to finish her off. She was left on fire and settling in the water.

1923 hours - Proceeded to get clear of the area. Set course to Malta to land the German survivors shortly afterwards.

Another 21 survivors reached Sousse in a lifeboat. (5)

4 Dec 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

5 Dec 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Tunisian coast.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

9 Dec 1942 (position 36.14, 10.32)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Süllberg (1663 GRT, built 1912) south of Hammamet, Tunisia in position 36°14'N, 10°32'E. [She was carrying 645 tons of ammunition, 62 tons of stores, 4 guns and 23 vehicles from Trapani to Sousse.]

(All times are zone -1)
0930 hours - Sighted a small merchant vessel, estimated to be 2000 to 3000 tons, bearing 342°. She was proceeding close inshore south of Hammamet. Estimated enemy course was 250°. Altered course and went to full submerged speed to intercept further South on the coast.

0945 hours - Enemy course was now seen to be 235°, speed was 9 knots. The target was keeping very close inshore. P 35 proceeded to the South-West at full speed.

1057 hours - Turned to a firing course.

1100 hours - In position 36°14'N, 10°32'E fired 3 torpedoes from 4500 yards. A very heavy explosion followed after about 4 minutes. Another very slight explosions followed about 15 seconds after the heavy explosion.

1109 hours - Returned to periscope depth. All that was left of the target was a magnificent column of orange and white smoke rising to about 1000 feet in the air.

[The tug Vega was sailed to her assistance but Süllberg had already sunk.] (5)

11 Dec 1942 (position 35.29, 12.03)
At 0835 hours (zone -1) HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) picked up two German airmen from a dinghy in position 35°29'N, 12°03'E. (5)

13 Dec 1942 (position 35.55, 10.38)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) attacked an old-fashioned merchant ship of 1500 tons but missed. This was the Italian Docilitas (1246 GRT, built 1900) who was on a trip from Trapani to Sousse.

Shortly afterwards P 35 torpedoed and damaged the German troop transport Macedonia (2875 GRT, built 1922) about 5 nautical miles north of Sousse, Tunisia in position 35°55'N, 10°38'E. The damaged German ship was beached and abandoned. She was on trip from Palermo to Sousse carrying 1000 tons of fuel for Panzers. She was in company with the German Jaedjoer (308 GRT, built 1937) who had joined from Trapani and they were escorted by the torpedo-boat Cigno. On the morning of the 13th, Jaedjoer had been lost of sight, Cigno had turned back and found her adrift as her engine had broken down. The torpedo-boat took her in tow and brought her to Ras Mahmur while Macedonia had continued independently. Cigno rejoined her only after she was hit by P 35.

(All times are zone -1)
1403 hours – Sighted masts and funnel of a small steamship, very close to shore bearing 285°, estimated course 160°.

1442 hours – In position 35°54'N, 10°39'E, fired two torpedoes aimed at the foremast and mainmast then altered course to starboard and dived to 45 feet increasing speed to clear the torpedo tracks.

1445 hours – Explosion (muffled) after 3m. 9s. Torpedoes missed probably due to an overestimation of speed. [Docilitas was missed and luckily for her, the appearance of another ship drew the attention away from her and she reached Sousse safely.]

1449 hours - Sighted a vessel bearing 327°. The enemy was seen to be a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons on a course of 152°. Started attack.

1522 hours - In position 35°55'N, 10°38'E fired one torpedo aimed at the funnel. 47 Seconds after firing the torpedo hit the target. The target was run aground to prevent her from sinking. She was down by the bow and listing to port. P 35 then withdrew to the Northward but remained in the area.

1615 hours - An Italian torpedo boar was sighted closing the target.

1651 hours - The torpedo boat went alongside the target as had been hoped. Unfortunately it was on the far side. It was decided to fire the last torpedo in the tubes at the merchant vessel hoping to finish this ship off and damaging the torpedo boat as well.

1653 hours - Fired on the torpedo at the merchant vessel from 4100 yards. Unfortunately it missed. Withdrew to reload a torpedo as fast as possible.

1746 hours - Completed the reload. Stalked the torpedo boat that was now stopped a little distance from the grounded merchant vessel.

1812 hours - When about to open fire on the torpedo boat it shifted position. As the torpedo boat shifted position several times it was not possible to attack.

1947 hours - By now the torpedo boat had obtained contact on P 35 which had gone to 90 feet. First 6 and then 3 depth charges were dropped in rapid succession. Minor damage was caused by these depth charges. No further depth charges were dropped.

[Macedonia had been hit and taken a list, the torpedo tracks had not been seen and it was believed that she had been mined. Cigno arrived on the scene to find her abandoned except for her captain and three crew members. The torpedo-boat took her in tow and asked Sousse for assistance. The tug Optimiste sailed but arrived too late, Macedonia had sunk in shallow waters (12 metres). At this time Supermarina informed Cigno that Macedonia had been the victim of a submarine and she was ordered to hunt it. It interesting to note that Naval Headquarters in Rome were more informed on the local situation than the participants themselves. They were often accused of interfering too much with operations but this time they were justified. At 1930 hours Cigno obtained an echo and at 1945 hours dropped a pattern of depth charges but then lost contact. It was assumed that it was a false echo and the chase abandoned.] (5)

15 Dec 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

27 Dec 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) departed Malta for patrol but she returned the following morning as one of the crew had become seriously ill. (11)

6 Jan 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of Naples but this was later changed to the East coast of Tunisia between Kerkenah and Hammamet.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

9 Jan 1943 (position 35.58, 11.20)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Emilio Morandi (1523 GRT, built 1904) about 35 nautical miles east-north-east of Sousse, Tunisia in position 35°58'N, 11°20'E. She was in company with the Italian motorized lighters MZ 727, 736, 744 and 755 on passage from Tripoli to Trapani.

(All times are zone -1)
1416 hours = Sighted a merchant ship bearing 190°. Enemy course was 345°. Altered course to intercept.

1440 hours - The target was a 2000 tons old-fashioned merchant vessel. She was Northbound and in ballast. She was escorted by 4 'F-boats' (Tank landing craft).

1514 hours - In position 35°37'N, 11°09'E fired a torpedo at the target from 1200 yards. Due to an error in drill the torpedo was fired to late resulting in a miss. Another torpedo was then fired but this one also missed.

1820 hours - Surfaced in position 35°49'N, 11°12'E and set off in pursuit.

2003 hours - In position 35°58'N, 11°20'E fired another torpedo from 600 yards. After 27 seconds it hit the target. P 35 dived after firing and retired from the area. No counter attack followed.

[Morandi sank in 12 minutes, the lighters were hampered by the bad weather but picked up 23 survivors and landed them at Pantelleria. The torpedo boat Partenope arrived on the scene of the sinking and searched for survivors but found none.] (5)

10 Jan 1943 (position 35.49, 11.06)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) attacked a small tanker with torpedo and gunfire off Kuriat. The tanker was able to escape into shallow water. This was most probably the water carrier Teodolinda (361 GRT, built 1925) in company with the tug R 97 / Genova (91 GRT, built 1918) escorted by the auxiliary schooner R 112 / Maria di Piedigrotta (62 GRT, built 1932). They were on passage from Tripoli to Trapani.

(All times are zone -1)
1300 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 207°. Altered course to close.

1343 hours - The smoke was seen to come from a small tanker of about 1000 tons. She was Northbound and close inshore. Altered course to intercept her in deeper water between Ras Dimas and Kuriat.

1440 hours - The tanker was seen to be escorted by a single masted auxiliary schooner armed with a small automatic gun forward and a small tug that was thought to be unarmed.

1502 hours - In position 35°41'N, 11°06'E fired one torpedo at the tanker. It missed.

1637 hours - Surfaced in position 35°49'N, 11°06'E and proceeded at full speed in pursuit of the target.

1641 hours - Opened fire with the gun from a range of 5000 to 6000 tons. The target fled into the Gulf of Monastir. P 35 was unable to follow in the shallow water. After about 20 minutes 43 rounds had been fired and at least one hit was obtained.

1710 hours - Dived and retired to seaward.

[The Italian vessels escaped damage.] (5)

11 Jan 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) attacked a 2000 tons merchant vessel with one torpedo off the Gulf of Hammamet in position 36°26'N, 11°01'E. The torpedo missed its target. This vessel has not yet been identified.

Later the same day she attacked the Italian sailing vessels Nuovo Domenico I (25 GRT, built 1938) and Concetta Falco (152 GRT, built 1920) with gunfire in the Gulf of Hammamet in position 36°24'N, 10°43'E. The Nuovo Domenico I is damaged during the attack. [Italian sources just indicate that Nuovo Domenico I beached herself 2 miles NE of Hammamet on 10 January and was declared a total loss on 14 January. Concetta Falco reached Bizerta and had to undergo repairs, in May 1943 she was scuttled there.]

(All times are zone -1)
0704 hours - Sighted an object bearing 305°, altered course and increased speed.

0712 hours - Identified the target as a 2000 tons merchant vessel in ballast escorted by 2 auxiliary schooners.

0738 hours - In position 36°26'N, 11°01'E fired 1 torpedo from 3800 yards. As the ship changed course and manned her gun the torpedo was most likely spotted and evaded. P 35 now withdrew to the South before closing the coast.

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

1617 hours - Sighted two sailing vessels leaving Hammamet Eastbound. Closed to intercept.

1702 hours - Surfaced in position 36°24'N, 10°43'E and opened fire on both sailing vessels with Lewis guns and one the larger one also with the 12pdr deck gun. Range was 2000 yards. Both sailing vessels turned to the North-West and ran for the shore. The smaller beached herself. The crew of the larger one attempted to board two small boats but as the ship was still under way both capsized and the crew was seen to swim to the shore.

1712 hours - Range to the larger sailing vessel was now 1000 yards. She was abandoned and drifting ashore. Ceased fire. 24 Rounds had been fired for 5 hits. The larger sailing vessel was also on fire. P 35 then retired to the South to make for deeper water before diving. (5)

12 Jan 1943 (position 35.26, 11.06)
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) attacked a large German landing craft with a torpedo off Mahdia, Tunisia. The torpedo ran under. This vessel has not been yet identified, the two small landing craft were probably F 211 and F 258 which operated in the area.

(All times are zone -1)
0943 hours - Surfaced in position 35°26'N, 11°07'E to engage, with gunfire, a vessel sighted earlier. Upon surfacing two small German landing craft were sighted as well as a another unidentified vessel with 'what looked like a u-boat conning tower'. It was decided to engage this vessel with a torpedo so dived again and closed.

0948 hours - Identified the target as a large 'Siebel ferry' (tank landing craft). Set the torpedo in No.4 tube to 4 feet. Continued to close to attack from close range.

1018 hours - In position 35°26'N, 11°06'E fired 1 torpedo from 500 yards. The torpedo ran under. All three landing craft went into Mahdia harbour. (5)

15 Jan 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) encountered an enemy merchant vessel off the Gulf of Hammamet. Both ships then opened fire on each other. As the Merchants vessels gunfire was rather accurate P 35 dived to avoid being hit. P 35 later surfaced and set off to chase the enemy but she was unable to obtain a favourable attack position so the chase had to be abandoned. This was the old Italian steamer Gimma (1542 GRT, 1897) on passage from Sousse to Palermo.

(All times are zone -1)
15 January 1943
2155 hours - In position 36°20'N, 10°59'E sighted a ship bearing 320°. Went to night action stations.

2203 hours - Identified the vessel as a northbound merchant vessel. Altered course to the North and went to full speed to intercept.

2208 hours - The targets course was seen to be 055°. The target was thought to be of 2000 tons with 2 masts and a thin tall funnel. Commenced chase on her starboard quarter.

2230 hours - As we were gaining very slowly and our position was unsuitable for a torpedo attack, manned the 12pdr gun and a Lewis gun. Altered course to close.

2233 hours - The target must have sighted P 35 as she opened fire on the submarine. P 35 now also opened fire. Range was about 3000 yards. The enemy's shooting was very accurate and the action was broken off and P 35 dived at 2236 hours.

2311 hours - Surfaced and commenced chase.

2325 hours - The target appeared to have turned and to come towards. Dived with the intention to attack with a torpedo.

2340 hours - Lost sight of the target through the periscope. Heard no HE.

2341 hours - Surfaced in position 36°23'N, 11°09'E and again set off in pursuit.

[Gimma was armed with a 76mm and opened accurate and after the 8th round fire the submarine was forced to submerge.]

16 January 1943
0040 hours - Unable to close the target which was making much smoke and obviously doing her best speed. Abandoned the chase and set course for Malta.
(5)

17 Jan 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

24 Jan 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) departed Malta for the U.K. where she was to refit. The first leg of the trip was to Algiers.

For the daily positions of HMS P 35 during this passage see the map below.

(5)

30 Jan 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers. (5)

31 Jan 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. (5)

4 Feb 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (5)

7 Feb 1943
HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K.

For the daily positions of HMS P 35 during this passage see the map below.

(5)

17 Feb 1943
HMS Umbra (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth. She started her refit there at the Devonport Dockyard on 24 February 1943. Refit was completed in late July 1943. (5)


Submarine HMS Tradewind (P 329)


26 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (12)

27 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (12)

28 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (12)

29 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (12)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Selkirk (T/Lt. R.C. Goff, RNR). (12)

1 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (13)

2 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (13)

3 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Dartmouth. She was escorted by the French submarine chaser Chasseur 12. (13)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Dartmouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the French submarine chaser Chasseur 12 until 1725/4 when HMS Conqueror (T/Lt. T.W. Craig, RNR) took over the escort. Also HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSC and Bar, RN) joined for the passage north. (13)

6 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (13)

8 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. This trial had to be abandoned after a little over two hours due to a piston seizure in the starboard engine. Tradewind then returned to Holy Loch for repairs. (13)

16 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

17 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

18 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (13)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for her torpedo discharge trials. (13)

24 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (13)

26 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (13)

29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (13)

30 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (13)

31 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Tradewind returned to Holy Loch. (13)

1 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (14)

2 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted log and mine detection trials in the Clyde area. (14)

3 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (14)

4 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (14)

6 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. These exercises included night exercises. (14)

7 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her exercises. (14)

18 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (14)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (14)

20 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. These exercises included night exercises. (14)

21 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her exercises. (14)

23 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Lamlash. (14)

24 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Lamlash to Larne. (14)

25 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Ettrick (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) and HMCS Galt (T/Lt. A.M. Kirkpatrick, RCNVR). (14)

26 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group C 1. (14)

27 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (14)

28 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Godetia (T/Lt. M.A.F. Larose, RNR). (14)

29 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. R.J. Jonckheere, RNR). (14)

30 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Havelock (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, DSC, RN and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN). (14)

1 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group B 5. (15)

4 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (15)

5 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (15)

7 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. (15)

10 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which the brand new merchant vessel Empire Maccoll (9133 GRT, built 1943) served as the target. (15)

11 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. (15)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft from HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN). Upon completion of these exercises HMS Tradewind proceeded to Rosneath for wiping. (15)

14 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) returned to Holy Loc after wiping at Rosneath. (15)

3 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (16)

4 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (16)

6 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where a new battery was to be fitted. (16)

24 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With a new battery fitted, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), returned to Holy Loch from Ardrossan. (16)

26 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

28 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (16)

31 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (16)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was to patrol off northern Norway.

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

(17)

19 Feb 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. She departed from for Holy Loch later this day.

Passage south was made together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN). They are escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (18)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (18)

1 Mar 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (19)

4 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (19)

12 Mar 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for the far east. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. While she is en-route she was ordered to make a short patrol off the Portuguese coast.

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

(19)

27 Mar 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (19)

6 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Malta. She joins convoy KMS 46 (20)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (20)

12 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (20)

16 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said. (20)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Aden. She transits the Suez Canal on this day. (20)

5 May 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Aden. (21)

7 May 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (21)

21 May 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (21)

30 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials and exercises off Trincomalee. (21)

3 Jun 1944
During 3/4 June 1944, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Trincomalee with the Indian sloop HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. F.F.W. Harvey, RIN) and the British frigates HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR), HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR) and HMS Nadder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Kitto, RNR). (22)

6 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (22)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the far east). She is to perform a special operation and to reconnoitre the West coast of Sumatra and the islands off it.

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

(17)

19 Jun 1944
While on patrol in the Sunda Strait HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) picks up one Chinese and two Javanese from a prau. They are taken on board to bring them with the submarine back to Trincomalee for interrogation (nu further details know at this moment). (17)

27 Jun 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) bombards oil storage tanks near Sibolga, Sumatra.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1415 hours - Surfaced for gun action in position 01°42.5'S, 98°45'E. 13 rounds were against the target before fire was opened from shore batteries forcing Trandewind to dive at 1421 hours. Several bursts were seen in the target area but no damage was seen.
(17)

3 Jul 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the far east) at Trincomalee. (17)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the far east). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

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

(17)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is depth charged by patrol vessels in the Malacca Straits in position 04°00'N, 100°25.5'E. No damage is done. (17)

16 Aug 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the far east) at Trincomalee. (17)

30 Aug 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 26. (23)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) left dock at Trincomalee. (24)

5 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials off Trincomalee. (24)

6 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 6/7 September 1944, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (24)

8 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the far east). She is to perform two special operations (no details know as of yet) and to patrol along the West and South coast of Sumatra.

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

(17)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) captures the crew of a sampan for interrogation purposes. It was also intended to capture the sampan to use it in a special operation.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1407 hours - Sighted a sampan to seaward, bearing 210°. Closed submerged to capture it.

Surfaced in position 01°18'S, 100°20'E and boarded the sampan, which had five natives and a monkey (trained to climb palm trees and gather coconuts) in it. All were made prisoners (the monkey rather unwillingly according to Tradewind's patrol report). The sampan was loaded with coconuts and coconut seedlings. Unfortunately it was too big to dismantle and take it below so it was rammed and sunk. (17)

16 Sep 1944 (position -2.20, 100.50)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) sank two small Japanese vessels South of Padang, Sumatra near position 02°20'S, 100°50.5'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1346 hours - Sighted a large sailing prau with two masts, altered course to close.

1403 hours - Surfaced and boarded this craft, which was the Bintang Pasisir (in English: Star of the shore) of 19.32 tons, registered at Mandiangin. She was at anchor with her sails set and appeared to be loaded with nutmegs and cinnamon bark. Her papers were taken, but, in view of the nature of her cargo, she was left unharmed.

1428 hours - Cast off from this craft and dived. Set course to 130° to close and investigate another similar vessel further down the coast.

1510 hours - Surfaced to board this other prau that was under sail on a Northerly course. She was the Sinar Boelan (in English: Shining Moon) of 23.9 tons, registered at Padang, loaded, among other general cargo, with 400 sacks of cement for the Japanese at Benkulen. Papers, rice and one prisoner, who was keen to come, were taken. The remaining seven were sent ashore in their canoe. Two demolition charges were placed and the submarine cast off.

1547 hours - The Sinar Boelan blew up and sank.

1552 hours - Dived. Examination of the papers of the Bintang Pasisir meanwhile showed that this vessel carried 300 sacks of cement, eight 'pieces of iron' and ten barrels of nails for the Japanese so course was altered to close her again.

1642 hours - Surfaced and closed on the surface.

1726 hours - Secured alongside the Bintang Pasisir, the crew of seven had already prepared to abandon ship and were sent ashore with their belongings. Sprinkled some of the cargo with shale oil and set it on fire with two recognition flares to add colour to the conflagration.

1743 hours - Cast off and riddled the hull with Oerlikon fire. Around half an hour later she sank. (17)

18 Sep 1944 (position -2.52, 101.12)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese army cargo ship Junyo Maru (5065 GRT, built 1913) about 18 nautical miles south of Mukomuko, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 02°52'S, 101°12'E. Unbeknown to the Commanding Officer of the submarine, the Japanese ship was carrying 4200 Javanese slave labourers and 2300 Allied prisoners from Batavia to Padang. 5620 lives were lost in the sinking.

If you want to know more about this sinking follow this offsite link: The sinking of the Junyo Maru

(All times are zone -6.5)
1516 hours - The Officer of the Watch sighted a small plume of smoke through the low power periscope (the high power periscope was defective). This smoke was sighted at a range of over 13500 yards. This was an excellent sighting. The smoke was first sighted baring 173°. Course was altered to attack.

The target was later seen to be an old fashioned merchant vessel, 4000 to 5000 tons, of the three island type, two masts, single tall thin funnel and counter-stern. She was about two-thirds loaded. She was escorted by two motor launches, one on her Starboard beam the other on her Port quarter.

1551 hours - In position 02°52'N, 101°12'E fired four torpedoes. The targets speed was estimated at 8 knots. Upon firing Tradewind went deep. 1min30sec and 1min45sec after firing explosions were heard. After these explosions the HE of the target ceased. Three depth charges were dropped by the escort but these did no damage.

1613 hours - Heard loud crackling noises, must have been the target breaking up. (17)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the far east) at Trincomalee. (17)

19 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 19/20 October 1944, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (25)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in the far east). She is to patrol in the Northern entrance of the Malacca Strait and in the Andaman Sea. She is also to lay a minefield.

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

(17)

30 Oct 1944 (position 12.14, 98.21)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) lays mines of the Mergui Archipelago, Burma.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0128 hours - Proceeding on both main engines to approach the selected position for mine laying.

0225 hours - Now proceeding on only the Starboard engine at 320 revs. Speed 7.2 knots. Closed up for mine laying stations, with 4" and Oerlikon guns manned.

0313 hours - Arrived in position 12°12'N, 98°17.5'E.

0315 hours - Commenced laying the first four mines in position 12°12.00'N, 98°21.13'E. Direction of the mines was 345°. Spacing 600 feet in 7 fathoms of water.

0318 hours - Completed laying first four mines. Reloaded.

0337 hours - Tubes reported ready.

0341 hours - Proceeded on Starboard engine, 320 revs.

0342 hours - In position 12°15.20'N, 98°20.30'E. Commenced laying second line of four mines. Direction 260°. Spacing 600 feet in 6 to 6.5 fathoms of water.

0345 hours - Completed laying second line. Stopped and reloaded.

0410 hours - Tubes re-loaded. Proceeded on Starboard engine, 320 revs.

0419 hours - Laid the third line in position 12°14.10'N., 98°20.10'E. Direction 120°. Spacing 600 feet in 6 to 6.5 fathoms of water.

0422 hours - Completed mine laying. Retired to the South-West. (17)

8 Nov 1944 (position 14.04, 98.00)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) sank four Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Burma near position 14°04'N, 98°00'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1648 hours - Sighted a junk close inshore off Pagoda Point and four more to the South. No aircraft had been seen since the forenoon. Closed submerged.

1658 hours - Surfaced in position 14°07.5'N, 97°59'E.

1711 hours - Fired warning shot, then opened fire on a 15 ton two-masted sailing junk.

1716 hours - The target sank. Set course to go after the other junks.

1749 hours - Engaged a 20 tons two-masted sailing junk. Left this one heavily damaged.

1755 hours - Altered course to 150° to close another junk. Fire was opened and she was hit once. It appeared she was grounded.

1803 hours - Altered course to 330°.

1808 hours - Engaged and sank a 25 tons junk.

1812 hours - Altered course to 280° and engaged the damaged junk (the one first engaged at 1749 hours). She was left in a sinking condition.

1816 hours - Ceased fire after expending a total of 61 rounds of 4".

1826 hours - Telemachus was now in position 14°00'N, 98°01.5'E. Withdrew to seaward. (17)

10 Nov 1944 (position 13.12, 98.18)
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) sank two Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Burma near position 13°12'N, 98°18'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0733 hours - In position 13°15.5'N, 98°18'E sighted two large schooner rigged vessels approaching from the South. Altered course to close.

0802 hours - Surfaced for gun action and closed two schooners off the Northern end of Tavoy Island. Both turned and tried to run for Port Owen.

0805 hours - Sank the first target of about 30 tons in position 13°13.5'N, 98°18'E after 8 rounds of 4". Closed the other target.

0828 hours - The second schooner of about 40 tons was sunk in position 13°11'N, 98°18.5'E after 10 rounds of 4". The survivors made off in their canoe. Tradewind now returned to the first schooner to pick up survivors as these had no canoe.

0834 hours - Returned to the site of the first schooner. The crew of four was in the eater clinging to wreckage, they were picked up. One was wounded in the shoulder by a large shell splinter. He was later successfully operated. (17)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the far east) at Trincomalee. (17)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 26. (26)

3 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (27)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol (5th in the far east). She is to perform a special operation (no details know as of yet) and to patrol off the West of Sumatra. Afterwards she is to proceed to Fremantle, Australia.

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

(17)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) performs a special mission (no details known yet). (17)

24 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the far east) at Fremantle, Australia. On this patrol very heavy weather was encountered. (17)

1 Jan 1945 (position 12.26, 98.39)
The Japanese merchant cargo vessel Kyokko Maru (593 GRT, built 1909) sank off the Mergui Archipelago, Burma in position 12°26'N, 98°39'E after hitting a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) on 30 October 1944.

Sources

  1. ADM 173/15799
  2. ADM 199/1830
  3. ADM 199/1830 + ADM 199/2560
  4. ADM 199/400
  5. ADM 199/1813
  6. ADM 199/2573
  7. ADM 199/1224
  8. ADM 199/1225
  9. ADM 173/17375
  10. ADM 173/17376
  11. ADM 173/17381
  12. ADM 173/18248
  13. ADM 173/18249
  14. ADM 173/18250
  15. ADM 173/18251
  16. ADM 173/19044
  17. ADM 199/1863
  18. ADM 173/19045
  19. ADM 173/19046
  20. ADM 173/19047
  21. ADM 173/19048
  22. ADM 173/19049
  23. ADM 173/19051
  24. ADM 173/19052
  25. ADM 173/19053
  26. ADM 173/19054
  27. ADM 173/19055

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


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