Robert Julian Clutterbuck DSO, RN

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Ranks

16 Sep 1936 S.Lt.
16 Feb 1938 Lt.
1 Nov 1944 A/Lt.Cdr.
16 Feb 1946 Lt.Cdr.

Retired: 22 Mar 1958


Decorations

25 Feb 1944 DSO

Warship Commands listed for Robert Julian Clutterbuck, RN


ShipRankTypeFromTo
HMS Otway (N 51)Lt.Submarine22 Feb 194122 Feb 1941
HMS L 23 (N 23)Lt.Submarine10 Jan 19425 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (N 92)Lt.Submarine26 Apr 1942Oct 1942 ?
HMS Torbay (N 79)Lt.Submarine28 Oct 19422 May 1944
HMS Truncheon (P 353)A/Lt.Cdr.Submarine15 Dec 1944mid 1946

Career information

We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.

Events related to this officer

Submarine HMS Otway (N 51)


22 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises Lt.Cdr. Harvey took over command from Lt. Clutterbuck. (1)


Submarine HMS L 23 (N 23)


15 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

21 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

22 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

23 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

27 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

28 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

30 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

4 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

5 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

16 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

19 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

20 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

24 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

25 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

26 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

27 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

3 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)


Submarine HMS Otus (N 92)


4 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN) and HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN). (5)

5 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN). (5)

7 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. J.A. Cornelius, RNR) and HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR). (5)

9 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN).

HMS Jackal returned to Alexandria at 1855 hours. She had already sailed for (these) exercises at 1900/8. (5)

21 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, DSO, RN) and HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN). (5)

22 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. J.A. Cornelius, RNR) and HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR). (5)

26 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR) and another vessel who's name is unreadable in the log of HMS Otus. (5)

27 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN).

No logs are available for HMS Otus from June 1942 to April 1943 so her exact movements (on a day to day basis) are currently unknown to us). (5)

30 Jun 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. The exact date she arrived at Alexandria is currently unknown to us. Her orders were to arrived at Haifa at 0530 on 5 July 1942.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

27 Jul 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Haifa for her 3rd storage trip to Malta. Following this she was to proceed to the U.K. to refit.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (6)

7 Aug 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

10 Aug 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (6)

20 Aug 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. Upon arriving at Gibraltar she hit the north mole damaging her stem. (6)

1 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (7)

10 Sep 1942
At 0530 hours, HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN), made rendez-vous with her escort, HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN), off Trevose Head. They then proceeded northwards through the Irish Sea. (7)

11 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (7)

13 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Holy Loch together with her escort, HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). They were to proceed northwards through the Minches. HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was also in company during the passage north as she was to proceed to Lerwick.

Escort was taken over at 0800/16 by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). During passage south along the Scottish east coast HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) was also in company. (7)

17 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Blyth. (7)

21 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) shifted from Blyth to Newcastle upon Tyne where she was to refit. (8)


Submarine HMS Torbay (N 79)


20 Nov 1942
With her refit completed HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from the Devonport Dockyard bound for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (9)

23 Nov 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (9)

24 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials she returned to Holy Loch. (9)

27 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

29 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Shortly before these trials HMS Torbay briefly grounded with her stern. (9)

30 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)

2 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (10)

4 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (10)

5 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (10)

8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted STU trials (mine detection) in the Clyde area. (10)

9 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (10)

10 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Kames Bay where she was docked in AFD 7. (10)

11 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked at Kames Bay. She then conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN). (10)

13 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 13th war patrol. This is the 1st war patrol of her 2nd commission after her refit. She is to patrol off the coast of North Norway during the passage of convoy JW 51A.

Passage north towards Lerwick was made together with HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) and ORP Sokol (Lt.Cdr. J. Koziolkowski). They were escorted by HMS Cape Palliser (Lt. B.T. Wortley, RNR).

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

(11)

1 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Lerwick. (11)

2 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch later the same day. She made the passage together with HMS P 223 (Lt. G.D.N. Milner, DSC, RN) and HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. R.W.H. Elsden, RNVR). (11)

4 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (11)

19 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made togerher with HMS P 312 (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) and HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

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

(12)

29 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (12)

31 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (13)

1 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (14)

2 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (14)

5 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol. This is the first Mediterranean patrol of her 2nd commission. She is to perform a work-up patrol off Valencia.

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

(11)

7 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fired two rounds at the Spanish submarine General Sanjuro, one hit the forward hydroplane causing slight damage, the two submarines later collided, Torbay getting a small dent.

All times are zone -1)
1345 hours - While dived sighted a 1500 ton Spanish ship at 2000 yards coming straight towards. Went to 80 feet until she passed Torbay.

1405 hours - Returned to periscope depth 38°18'N, 00°06'E. The ship was sighted to the South-West and on the same bearing a submarine was sighted steering 180° at 4000 yards. It was first thought that the submarine was escorted by the merchant vessel. Examination of Janes Fighting ships (1940 edition) showed no Spanish submarine resembling the one sighted, which could be seen to have two guns and large periscope standards and resemble the Italian Archimede class. There was no report of a Spanish submarine in this area just an intelligence report of the General Sanjuro that was on passage from Almeria to presumably Cartagena escorted by Torpedo Boat nr. 7. None of these conditions were fulfilled and when it was seen that the submarines course was diverting from the merchant vessel it was decided (at 1420 hours) to give chase on the surface.

1600 hours - Torbay now had the range closed to 6000 yards and it was intended to open fire as Lt. Clutterbuck was confident it was an Italian submarine unable to dive. This belief was strengthened by the fact she appeared to be listing to port and was down by the stern. This was afterwards found to be an optical delusion. It was a mystery why she had not opened fire with her after gun and this was thought to be because morale on the Italian submarine to be very low. Lt. Clutterbuck ordered to submarine to stop by Aldis lamp but this had no effect. At 1610 hours the submarine set course to 310° without decreasing speed. Lt. Clutterbuck took this as an effort to place her in the sun and bring both guns to bear. On Torbay the tubes were brought to the ready and at 1615 hours the order open fire was given. The first round fired hit her the hydroplanes but then the gun malfunctioned. The second round was not fired until one and a half minute later and went over. It was then seen that a large number of men were on the bridge of the submarine which enhanced Lt. Clutterbuck's belief that it was an Italian submarine about to surrender so fire was ceased. Torbay closed and prepared to board. It was then seen that Spanish colours were painted on the conning tower so the sub was asked (by Aldis lamp) for her name. No good form of communication could be established so Torbay continued to close end on. The submarines were now very close and the Spanish submarine now drifted towards Torbay hitting Torbay's bow with her after casing but no damage was done other than a small dent. The identity of the submarine was now established.

1615 hours - Torbay now proceeded to the eastward to clear the area. (11)

11 Feb 1943 (position 39.58, 0.11)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the Danish merchant (in German service) Grete (1563 GRT, built 1931) off Cape Oropesa, Spain.

All times are zone -1)
0815 hours - While on patrol near Cape Oropesa in position 39°58'N, 00°11'E sighted a very deep laden merchant ship bearing 270° steering 040°, range was 8000 yards. The vessel appeared to be the Danish Grete. National markings were seen on the bow and quarter but these did not appear to be Spanish. As her plotted course and position was outside territorial waters started an attack.

0850 hours - As the identity of the ship was by now established fired 2 torpedoes from 3000 yards. One torpedo hit the target that was seen to sink at 0920 hours. Torbay retired to the Southward. (11)

13 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Algiers. (11)

22 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for her 15th war patrol (this is the 2nd Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.

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

(11)

25 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) damaged the Italian auxiliary minesweeper Monte Argentario (80 GRT) with gunfire off Ajaccio, Corsica, France.

(All times are zone -1)
0900 hours - A wooden motor vessel, about 80 feet long, painted grey and flying the Italian colours came out of Ajaccio and headed seaward. She was towing a small target with red sails. The wooden motor vessel had a small gun forward. Decided to let the target go in the hope of a better target.

1000 hours - Nothing of interest was visible in Ajaccio harbour.

1150 hours - The vessel sighted earlier was seen returning and as there was nothing bigger in Ajaccio and Torbay would leave this area the next night Lt. Clutterbuck decided to attack it after all. Surfaced about 1500 yards away, fired 17 rounds for only two hits. The ship was driven ashore by it's crew. The action was broken off when Torbay was fired upon by a shore battery. (11)

26 Feb 1943 (position 43.27, 8.08)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the German merchant Mariaeck (1327 GRT, former French Oasis, built 1938) with gunfire about 30 nautical miles south of Cape Mele, Italy in position 43°27'N, 08°08'E.

Torbay also torpedoed and sank the Spanish merchant Juan de Astigarraga (3561 GRT, built 1929) in position 180° Cape Mele 1.5 nautical miles.

Both ships were under German control.

(all times are zone -1)
0250 hours - In position 43°27'N, 08°08'E sighted a darkened ship to the Eastward.

0300 hours - The ship was identified as the French Oasis.

0310 hours - 3 Torpedoes were fired from 1000 yards, all missed or ran under.

0314 hours - Engaged the target with the deck gun.

0320 hours - Fired a fourth torpedo which also missed. After firing 66 rounds the ship was left well ablaze.

.....

1410 hours - Sighted a deeply laden merchant ship 5000 yards to the westward staring 044°. Spanish markings could be seen on the bow. The vessel is estimated at around 4000 tons. Closed at speed.

1430 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 1600 yards resulting in two hits. Shortly after firing two explosions were heard nearby resulting in slight damage to Torbay. After coming to periscope depth it was seen that the ship was escorted by two aircraft. The bow of the target was just above the water, the rest was below the waves. Torbay retired to the seaward. (11)

27 Feb 1943 (position 43.37, 9.25)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 276 / Baicin (173 GRT) with demolition charges and Oerlikon fire about 35 nautical miles south-west of La Spezia, Italy in position 43°37'N, 09°25'E.

Off the entrance to Bastia harbour Torbay also attacked and missed the Italian transport Rossini (2424 GRT, built 1928) who was in convoy with the transport Francesco Crispi escorted by the auxiliary Filippo Grimani, the torpedo-boat Giuseppe La Masa and the Motor Torpedo Boat MAS 558

(All times are zone -1)
0130 hours - In position 47°37'N, 09°25'E sighted a darkened ship to the Eastward. The target was identified as an A/S schooner. The ship was stopped and no sails were set. Crept closer to 100 yards on the motors without stirring up any signs of life on board.

0150 hours - Opened fire with the Vickers gun and the 4" gun. the 4" gunfire was extremely inaccurate, 10 rounds being fired for only one hit. The crew of the schooner wasted no time in abandoning their ship. The schooner was boarded and a sack of books weighted and ready for dumping overboard was recovered. The vessel was inspected and was found to be a brigantine of about 80 tons had a new looking engine and a sound detector on the forecastle. The machine guns were not in their mountings. A demolition charge was set under the engine and fire was set in several places. Several rounds of Oerlikon fire were also fired in the schooner.

0240 hours - Torbay proceeded southward. The vessel was later soon to blow up.

.....

1155 hours - An aircraft flew over Bastia from coming from seaward. This was thought to be an escort of a convoy whose smoke could now be seen to the Eastward. The smoke was soon seen to come from a 200 ton coaster escorted by an ex-French sloop of the Elan class serving under Italian colours. Lt. Clutterbuck decided to let them pass hoping for bigger prey.

1400 hours - Manouvered in a position to take a look in Bastia harbour.

1519 hours - While examining the possibility of firing a torpedo into the harbour another convoy was seen approaching Bastia. This consisted of a two-funnelled ship and two merchant ships in ballast escorted by a torpedo boat and a MAS boat. Range was 15000 yards. An aircraft was seen overhead but this soon left.

1545 hours - The two-funnelled ship, that had been selected as the target, zigged at a range of 5000 yards putting Torbay right ahead. Torbay manoeuvred into an attack position. During the attack four torpedoes were fired (first one, then two and then one) all missed their target.

Torbay was depth charged after the attack but received no damage. 14 Depth charges in all were dropped. Torbay retired to the East. (11)

28 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Ischia (5101 GRT, built 1907) off Portofino, Italy.

(All times are zone -1)
1220 hours - Heard H.E. to the North and sighted a merchant vessel of about 5000 ton approach. The vessel was painted grey and had a gun on the poop. She was steering 290° to pass close to Portofino. Range was 16000 yards. An attack was started.

1255 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the ship (one other torpedo was fired in error) from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes hit the target that sunk. Torbay retired from the scene. (11)

1 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) bombards oil storage tanks at the Italian city of Imperia.

(All times are zone -1)
1815 hours - Surfaced to bombard oil storage tanks at the Italian city of Imperia. There were some problems with the deck gun and after firing only 5 rounds Torbay was taken under fire by shore batteries. Torbay submerged after only being on the surface of three minutes. The Italians reported damage to the city of Imperia as well as to the railway station but make no mention of oil storage tanks.
(11)

2 Mar 1943 (position 42.50, 9.37)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) attacked a convoy of Bastia, Corsica in position 42°50'N, 09°37'E. One torpedo is fired that missed it's target.

(All times are zone -1)
0845 hours - In position 42°50'N, 09°37'E sighted a convoy to the South-West. It had come out of Bastia and was steering 020°. Started an attack.

0930 hours - Fired the one remaining bow torpedo at the convoy but it did not found it's target. (11)

7 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Algiers. (11)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (15)

20 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhanian Sea to the North of Sicily.

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

(11)

28 Mar 1943 (position 39.05, 15.46)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the French merchant (in German control) Lillois (3680 GRT, built 1910) off Cape Scalea, Italy in position 39°48'N, 15°43'E (230° Cape Scalea 3 nautical miles).

(All times are zone -1)
0950 hours - Sighted a convoy of two 1500 - 2000 tons merchant ships. Distance was 9 nautical miles steering 140° towards Cape Scalea. The escort was a torpedo boat that was zig-zagging between 2000 and 4000 yards on the seaward beam of the merchant ships which were in line ahead one mile apart. They were coast crawling. Started an attack. (The other ship in this convoy was the French Nantaise (1798 GRT, built 1920), this ship was also in German control. The torpedo boat was the Italian Sirio)

1038 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 2600 yards against the rear merchant ship. Two hits were heard. The torpedo boat carried out an ineffective counter attack. 6 depth charges were dropped but these were not very close. (11)

1 Apr 1943 (position 40.15, 14.54)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) unsuccessfully attacked an unidentified merchant in position 160° Licosa Point 7 nautical miles.

Later this day Torbay sank the Italian fishing vessel Madonna di Porto Salvo (21 GRT) with gunfire 8 nautical miles bearing 170 of Punta Licosa, Italy in position 40°15'N, 14°54'E.

(All times are zone -1)
0616 hours - Heard H.E. to the South-East. Sighted a 1200 ton merchant vessel steering 310°, range 4000 yards, speed 7 knots. Torbay was perfectly placed for an attack. An escorting E-boat was on the targets seaward beam so caused no problem.

0636 hours - Fired three torpedoes. All torpedoes ran straight but none hit. The e-boat, and another one not previously sighted, counter-attacked. Nine depth charges were dropped but none of these was close.

0800 hours - Sighted three fishing boats.

1000 hours - Surfaced and sank a fishing boat with gunfire.

1020 hours - Set course to the South-West on the surface.

1040 hours - Dived for three approaching aircraft. (11)

8 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Algiers. (11)

18 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is damaged by an enemy air raid on Algiers harbour. A bomb landed 15 feet to the starboard side of the conning tower. Damage was severe; 148 battery cells were cracked, the starboard saddle tanks were bent and leaking, the gyro compass was broken, several electrical defects, several defects to the high pressure air system, defects to the telemotor system and several there were many smaller defects.

21 Apr 1943
After patching up the damage sustained in the air raid on the 18th HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for Gibraltar where she will be repaired. (16)

23 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Gibraltar for repairs. (16)

28 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at Gibraltar in no.2 dock. (16)

30 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked. (16)

17 May 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at Gibraltar, again in no.2 dock. (17)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked. (18)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted trials off Gibraltar. (18)

25 Jun 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (18)

26 Jun 1943
With repairs completed HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Algiers. (18)

1 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Algiers. (19)

9 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (19)

10 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (19)

11 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for her 17th war patrol (this is the 4th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Northern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea near Civitavecchia.

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

(11)

17 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel Pozzalo (127 GRT) bearing 250° Cape Linaro 9 nautical miles. (5 nautical miles bearing 270° from Torre Chiaruccia according to Italian sources)

(All times are zone -2)
1838 hours - Surfaced in position bearing 250° Cape Linaro 9 nautical miles and sank schooner with gunfire. 44 rounds were required. Torbay was fired upon by shore batteries so she dived. The schooner was seen to sink through the periscope.
(11)

18 Jul 1943 (position 41.34, 12.05)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 90/San Girolamo (109 GRT) with gunfire in position 41°34'N, 12°05'E.

(all times are zone -2)
2100 hours - Sighted a schooner to the southward.

2120 hours - Surfaced and set off in pursuit of the schooner that was no longer visible.

2230 hours - Found the schooner again and sank it with 28 rounds of the 4" gun and 2 pans of Oerlikon. (11)

19 Jul 1943
While on patrol near Civitavecchia HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires four torpedoes at the French merchant (in Axis service) San Pedro (5947 GRT, built 1931) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Pegaso and Nicola Fabrizi but all torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone -2)
0827 hours - Sighted a camouflaged 5000 ton merchant ship at 7000 yards steering 315° at 10 knots. The ship was in ballast. Two torpedo boats were escorting the merchant. Closed for attack.

0933 hours - In position 115° Giannutri Island lighthouse 9 nautical miles fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards. All torpedoes missed but one of the escorting torpedo boats came towards at high speed. No depth charges were dropped and no hunt materialised. (11)

23 Jul 1943 (position 42.04, 11.47)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian Aderno (2609 BRT, built 1912, former British Ardeola) off Civitavecchia, Italy in position 42°04'N, 11°47'E.

(All times are zone -2)
1820 hours - Sighted smoke and air escort to the South-East. This was soon identified as a convoy consisting of one passenger/cargo ship of about 8000 tons and one 2000 ton merchant ship. They were escorted by one A/S trawler and two torpedo boats. Two aircraft were seen overhead. The largest ship was selected as target and an attack was started.

1940 hours - In position 275° Linaro Point 2.2 nautical miles fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 1000 yards. Three hits were heard nearly a minute after firing. Torbay went to 250 feet and retired to the Southward.

The composition of this convoy was besides the above mentioned Aderno the German merchant Colleville (2012 GRT, built 1922, former French) escorted by the German torpedo boat TA-11, the German auxiliary A/S vessels UJ-2203 and UJ-2208 and Italian torpedo boat Aliseo (this was the escort leader). (11)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Algiers. (11)

13 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted trials off Algiers. (20)

15 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted trials off Algiers. (20)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (20)

21 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers bound for Malta. She makes the passage in convoy KMS-23. (11)

24 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Malta. (11)

25 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Malta for her for her 18th war patrol (this is the 5th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(11)

31 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel Columbo (15 GRT) with gunfire 15 nautical miles west of Kos, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
0600 hours - Dived 5 nautical miles South-West of Krikelo Point, Kos and steered Northward. A 40 ton schooner under Italian colours was soon sighted steering under sail and power towards Stampalia. Course was altered to intercept.

1200 hours - In position 290° Krikelo Point 15 nautical miles surfaced and sank it with 21 rounds of gunfire. (11)

2 Sep 1943 (position 37.11, 25.20)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the small Italian merchant Versilia (591 GRT, built 1880) off Patmos Island, Greece in position 240° Saraki Rock (Vrachonis?da Sar?ki, Lipso Channel) 2 nautical miles.

(All times are zone -3)
0440 hours - Radar detected an echo at 2500 yards in position 270° Cape Yenupa (Patmos) 6 nautical miles. Soon 4 small ships were seen. Stopped the engines and sniffed around a bit on the motors. They were at first thought to be E-boats as no HE could be heard and the bearings did not seem to change. After a time they were identified as 4 small steam ships steering 125° at 7 knots. Set a course as to be ahead of them at dawn.

0609 hours - It was getting rather light and the convoy could no longer be seen against Patmos when Torbay dived 3,5 nautical miles ahead of it for what was thought to be an e-boat but what later turned out to be a small sailing vessel.

0631 hours - The convoy came into sight again. The ships were at first thought to be too small to be torpedo targets and as the leader looked a torpedo boat it was feared that no attack would be possible. As it grew lighter however the ships turned out to be two 700 tons steamers and one of about 1000 tons. They were all laden. There was an escort ahead. Started an attack. (The convoy was made up besides the Versilia of the Silva (646 GRT, built 1889), the auxiliary Pola (451 GRT, built 1941), the escort was the German UJ 2110).

0656 hours - In position 240° Saraki Rock (Vrachonis?da Sar?ki, Lipso Channel) 2 nautical miles, fired four torpedoes at the 1000 ton ship. A fifth torpedo was fired at one of the other ships. The results were two hits on the 1000 ton ship. Torbay now went deep.

0720 hours - During the next 10 minutes 6 random depth charges were dropped but these were not close. Torbay retired from the area. (11)

7 Sep 1943
From 1825 to 1845 hours (zone -3) HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires 93 rounds at a bauxite loading station on Amorgos. (11)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Beirut.

In the early morning hours she finds and tries to sink a derelict dismasted schooner. This is most likely the wreck of this schooner attacked 4 days before by German U-boat U-596.

(All times are zone -3)
0845 hours - Found derelict dismasted schooner of the usual Egyptian type No. D.169, completely waterlogged and damaged by fire in position 34°05'N, 34°22'E. Considered it a danger to navigation so fired a 25lb demolition charge in the poop well. This seemed to do little damage beyond scattering debris although it reduced buoyancy aft considerably. The cargo of oil drums held her up.

1630 hours - Arrived at Beirut. (11)

21 Sep 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Port Said to dock. (21)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was immediately docked into the Suez Canal's Company floating dock. (21)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked. (22)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Beirut. (22)

6 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived back at Beirut. (22)

10 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 19th war patrol (this is the 6th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(11)

15 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Greek (German controlled) caique Poseidon / Pir 130 with gunfire east of Leros, Greece.

Following this sinking Torbay had an encounter with the German Q-ship GA 45. Torbay's periscope was sighted first by GA 45 which dropped 5 depth-charges very close. Later Torbay surfaced intending to dispose of GA 45 with her gun but the German vessel was very alert and opened an accurate fire as soon as the submarine surfaced and forced her to break off the action. She did not drop any further depth-charges which led Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck of Torbay to conclude that she was out of depth-charges. The submarine was not damaged during this encounter.

(All times are zone -3)
1345 hours - A caique, flying the Nazi flag, of about 50 tons appeared round Asipa Point from the Southward apparently bound for Palaio.

1400 hours - Surfaced and engaged the target at a range of 2500 yards. After 30 rounds she was on fire from fore to aft and aground. Torbay was now taken under fire so Lt. Clutterbuck dived and withdrew.

A short while later three landing craft were seen approaching from the direction of Kos. A schooner joined them from the South of Kalymnos. Torbay's periscope was sighted by a crewmember of the schooner which quickly turned towards. She dropped 5 depth charges that were very close. This force was later seen to return to Kos. Lt. Clutterbuck decided to engage the schooner with the deck gun but as soon as Torbay surfaced she was taken under a very accurate fire from the schooner by a concealed gun of about 12 pounder size. Now also a shore battery joined in so Torbay dived again and retired to the North-East. (11)

16 Oct 1943 (position 36.59, 26.10)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the German troopship Kari (1925 GRT, built 1920, former French Ste. Colette, former Norwegian Kari, offsite link) east of Naxos, Greece in position 36°59'N, 26°10'E.

(All times are zone -3)
1225 hours - Sighted a convoy consisting of two merchant ships of about 1000 tons each, half loaded and escorted by what looked like an Albatros class torpedo boat to starboard and an UJ type escort to port, Also two aircraft were seen overhead. The ships were in line abreast steering 105° for the Kinaros channel at 7 knots.

1258 hours - In position 36°59'N, 26°10'E fired four torpedoes from 1400 yards at one of the merchant ships. Torbay went deep as to dive under the convoy. Two hits were heard. One of the aircraft dropped a bomb at the firing position followed by 17 depth charges from the UJ-boat. The first few were fairly close but no damage was done.

This convoy was made up of the above mentioned Kari. The other merchant was the Trapani (1855 GRT, built 1926). The were escorted by UJ-2109, UJ-2110 and R-211. (11)

28 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 19th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

15 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 20th war patrol (this is the 7th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Once again she is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(11)

21 Nov 1943 (position 39.30, 24.10)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Greek caique Panagia / Chios 87 (29 GRT) with gunfire west of Psathoura Island, Greece in position 39°30'N, 24°10'E.

(All times are zone -3)
1015 hours - Surfaced and fired 14 round of 4" at a 50 ton auxiliary schooner rigged as a caique. The crew abandoned ship soon after. The caique was boarded in the hope to retrieve charts and other documents but the boarding party was just aboard when the vessel sank like a stone so they had to get back to Torbay in a hurry.
(11)

22 Nov 1943 (position 39.24, 23.24)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank a German floating dock north of Skiathos Island, Greece in position 39°24'N, 23°24'E.

(all times are zone -3)
1230 hours - Saw smoke in the Skiatos channel and turned towards.

Identified the target a 300-400 foot floating dock towed by three tugs (so far unidentified) with six escorts. (These were GA-74, MAL-12, R-139, GM-64, GM-65 and GM-69)

In position 004° Cape Sepia 9 nautical miles fired two torpedoes at the three tugs that formed a long continuous target and three torpedoes at the floating dock. This resulted in no hits. Most likely all torpedoes ran under as the range was only 1500 yards. The torpedoes had been set to 8 feet. The attack was not noticed by the enemy.

1633 hours - Fired another two torpedoes at the floating dock from 1000 yards . These torpedoes were set to 0 feet. This resulted in two hits. No counter attack followed. Most likely they thought the dock was mined. (11)

26 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German merchant Salomea (751 GRT, former Greek Evangelos Nomikos, built 1897) off Lemnos island, Greece. All three torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone -3)
0645 hours - Sighted a 1000 ton merchant ship to the South-West steering course 340°, distance 6 nautical miles. Started an attack.

0700 hours - Dived and continued to run in at high speed.

0825 hours - Fired the stern tube from 1100 yards. No hit.

0908 hours - In position 135° Cape Irene 6 nautical miles fired two bow torpedoes from 800 yards, one again no hits. The attack was now abandoned as the battery was now very low. (11)

27 Nov 1943 (position 37.47, 26.38)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the German troop transport Palma (2609 GRT, former Italian Polcevera, built 1920) off Karlovassi, Samos, Greece in position 37°47'N, 26°38'E. Palma had been escorted by the German UJ-2110 and R-210.

(All times are zone -3)
0700 hours - Saw an empty 1000 ton merchant ship anchored off the harbour and steered towards.

0717 hours - The ship was no under way so waited to see which way she would go. She turned on a course of 260 and later 240 and worked up to 8 knots. Ran in at speed on a course of 210°, later fining up to 195°. A small escort vessel, perhaps a corvette, transmitting on 15kcs, took station ahead. There was another diesel powered escort astern but this was never seen.

0800 hours - In position 270° Kalovasi 5 nautical miles fired two torpedoes set to two feet aimed at the two masts from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes were heard to hit after running for 50 seconds.

0805 to 0840 hours - Counter attacked by 4, 7 and 9 depth charges. The after periscope flooded and some leaks started. Torbay touched bottom at about 240 feet while making off.

1100 hours - The A/S craft seemed to have lost contact and on returning to periscope depth the 'corvette' was seen 5 nautical miles astern with three Arado seaplanes searching. Made off to the North-West and then to the West. (11)

3 Dec 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

17 Dec 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 21th war patrol (this is the 8th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Once again she is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(11)

25 Dec 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) damaged the Greek caique Ioannis Kutufaris / Samos 19 with gunfire off Cape Stavros, Crete, Greece. The caique was hit by two shells but they failed to explode.

(All times are zone -3)
1600 hours - Surfaced in position bearing 315° Candia Light 5 nautical miles and fired 19 rounds at an Eastbound schooner rigged caique. Torbay was taken under fire from about four guns from the shore. This fire was very accurate. The caique also fired with a machine gun. The action was broken off and Torbay dived.
(11)

5 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

20 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 22th war patrol (this is the 9th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Patrol area is once again the Aegean.

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

(11)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires 5 torpedoes against the German merchant Leda (4572 GRT, former Italian Leopardi, built 1943) south of Amorgos Island, Greece. All torpedoes fired missed their target. Leda was escorted at that time by the German destroyer TA-14, the German torpedo boats TA-16 and TA-17 and the German minesweeper R-195.

(All times are zone -3)
0220 hours - Heard A/S impulses to the North-West.

0230 hours - Heard HE on the same bearing. Radar soon picked up echoes at 10000 yards.

0240 hours - Sighted one ship and two destroyers ahead, course about 270°, to pass South of Cape Papas. The ship could be seen to be a medium seized motor vessel with the funnel amidships.

0252 hours - In position 215° Cape Papas 4,5 nautical miles, range 3500 yards fired 5 torpedoes. Dived. No hits. There was no counter attack. (11)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank a Greek sailing vessel with gunfire south of Lemnos Island, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
2100 hours - Saw two 18ft caiques in position 155° Cape Irene 9 nautical miles. One had an engine and was towing the other. The cargo consisted of empty drums and fuel cans. Put the crew in the motor less one and destroyed the other with the motor by fire. It was not considered worth it destroying the other one as the five Greeks would have to be taken aboard.
(11)

7 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Port Said. (23)

11 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Port Said. She is docked the next day. (23)

12 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at Port Said in the Suez Canal's Company floating dock. (23)

16 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) left dock. (23)

24 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Port Said for her 23th war patrol (this is the 10th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Patrol area is once again the Aegean.

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

(11)

3 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 23th war patrol, that was blank, at Malta. (11)

6 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. She is to return to the U.K. for a refit. She joined convoy MKS-42 for the passage to Gibraltar.

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

(11)

12 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (11)

15 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (24)

17 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (24)

20 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay and (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) departed Gibraltar for Plymouth. The submarines were escorted by the armed yacht HMS Evadne (T/Lt. H.N. Taylor, RNR) until 0200/24. (25)

30 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay and (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) arrived at Plymouth. They were escorted in by HMS Ambrose Pare (Ch.Skr. J.W. Morris, RNR). (25)

31 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Devonport (Plymouth) for Portsmouth where she arrived later this day. She was escorted by the French patrol vessel Chasseur 10. (11)

1 Apr 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Portsmouth bound for Sheerness. She made the passage in convoy CE 256. (11)

2 Apr 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (26)

3 Apr 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) shifted from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she is to refit. (26)


Submarine HMS Truncheon (P 353)


19 May 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch. (27)

21 May 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (27)

22 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (27)

24 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (27)

26 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (27)

27 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (27)

28 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (27)

30 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as the target. (27)

31 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (27)

2 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (28)

3 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (28)

4 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (28)

5 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (28)

6 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. (28)

9 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (28)

10 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (28)

11 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (28)

12 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (28)

13 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (28)

14 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials HMS Truncheon returned to Holy Loch. (28)

16 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for more torpedo discharge trials which were conducted in the afternoon. (28)

18 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (28)

19 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (28)

20 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (28)

20 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials in the Clyde area. (29)

21 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted night radar exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Truncheon returned to Holy Loch. (28)

22 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. (28)

23 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (28)

25 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted independent exercises at Scapa Flow. (28)

26 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN) and HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Hopper, DSC, RN). (28)

27 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Ontario (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) and HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN). (28)

29 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (28)

30 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (28)

3 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises at Scapa Flow with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN).

HrMs Van Galen also conducted gunnery exercises. (30)

4 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (29)

6 Jul 1945
In the morning, HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN).

In the afternoon HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) also joined the exercises.

The destroyers also conducted torpedo firing exercises.

In the evening HrMs Van Galen conducted speed trials on the measured mile. She then left Scapa Flow for exercises in the Pentland Firth and returned to Scapa Flow the following morning. (30)

8 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. (29)

9 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (29)

10 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) trials in Gare Loch with the surrendered German submarine U-1171 (Lt. W. St.G. Anderson, DSC and Bar, RNR). (29)

16 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (29)

18 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (29)

19 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) served as the targets. (29)

24 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (29)

27 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) served as the target. Following these attack exercises, gunnery exercises were carried out. (29)

28 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (29)

7 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. These were followed by night radar exercises with HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (31)

8 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (31)

3 Sep 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (32)

7 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for the Far East. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. (32)

12 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (32)

13 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. (32)

17 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (32)

22 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Malta for Port Said. (32)

27 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (32)

5 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) passes the Suez Canal and starts her trip to Aden. (33)

10 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden. (33)

13 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo. From Colombo she goes to Singapore. (33)

Sources

  1. ADM 173/16855
  2. ADM 173/17280
  3. ADM 173/17281
  4. ADM 173/17282
  5. ADM 173/17331
  6. ADM 199/1831
  7. ADM 199/1223
  8. ADM 199/2564
  9. ADM 173/17630
  10. ADM 173/17631
  11. ADM 199/1868
  12. ADM 199/1344
  13. ADM 173/18235
  14. ADM 173/18236
  15. ADM 173/18237
  16. ADM 173/18238
  17. ADM 173/18239
  18. ADM 173/18240
  19. ADM 173/18241
  20. ADM 173/18242
  21. ADM 173/18243
  22. ADM 173/18244
  23. ADM 173/19034
  24. ADM 173/19035
  25. ADM 199/1854 + ADM 199/1868
  26. ADM 173/19036
  27. ADM 173/20029
  28. ADM 173/20030
  29. ADM 173/20031
  30. ADM 173/20031 + File 2.12.03.1620 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
  31. ADM 173/20032
  32. ADM 173/20033
  33. ADM 199/2572

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


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