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Notable events involving Sea Scout include:

The Ships bell was given to the Scout Association and now is on the "bridge" of the Scout Boating Centre "Longridge" at Marlow Buckinghamshire (1)

The history of HMS Sea Scout as compiled on this page is extracted from the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine.

This page was last updated in November 2012.

17 Jun 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Liverpool for Holy Loch where she arrived later the same day for a period of trials and training. (2)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made attacks on each other. These included night attacks. (3)

14 Jul 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow where she is to participate in exercises.

She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (4)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (4)

30 Jul 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch.

She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (4)

1 Aug 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for another period of exercises. (5)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (6)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She makes the passage (until Scapa Flow) with HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR).

She was escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark. (7)

7 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Lerwick.

She departed for her 1st (work up) war partrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea to the East of the Orkney Islands.

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

View HMS Sea Scout 1st war patrol in a larger map (8)

19 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSO, DSC, RN).

They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR).

Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR). (7)

26 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (7)

11 Oct 1944

Convoy UGS 57.

The Hampton Roads section (57 ships) of the convoy departed Hampton Roads on 11 October 1944 and then proceeded to make rendezvous with the New York section (30 ships) of the convoy which departed there on 12 October.

The convoy (both sections) was made up of the following transports / tankers; A. Frank Lever (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Albert P. Ryder (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alexander S. Clay (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Alfred Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Augustine B. McManus (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Peixotto (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Bradford City (British, 7266 GRT, built 1943), British Restraint (British (tanker), 8448 GRT, built 1943), Charles F. Amidon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacBrayne (British, 4818 GRT, built 1916), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), David S. Terry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edgar E. Clark (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edwin Abbey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Industry (British (tanker), 8203 GRT, built 1943), Empire Malacca (British, 7071 GRT, built 1944), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ferdinand Gagnon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Panmure (British, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Frank C. Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Helen Hunt Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Ford Rhodes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), James W. Fannin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Johan Printz (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), John B. Lennon (American, 7198 GRT, 1943), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John McKinley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Gates (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Parker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lambrook (British, 7038 GRT, built 1942), Laura Keene (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Martin Johnson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Cleaveland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Pelgrim (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vista (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Philip H. Sheridan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Ralph Izard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Richard J. Cleveland (American, 7208 GRT, built 1944), Robert J. Collier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwharfe (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sebastian Vizciano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Shickshinny (American, 5103 GRT, built 1919), Simon Wellard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937), Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Thamesfield (British (tanker), 9801 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas J. Rusk (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Guardia (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Trevider (British, 7376 GRT, built 1944), Trevose (British, 7360 GRT, built 1944), Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943), Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William Matson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) and the naval cargo ship USS Aquila (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Rearden Jr., USNR) were also part of the convoy. They had been part of the Hampton Roads section.

The Hampton Roads section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer USS Balch (T/Cdr. H.N. Coffin, USN, with CTF 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Jenks (Lt.Cdr. M.F. Cocroft, USNR), USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Gavin, USN, USN) and USS Wiseman (Lt.Cdr. W.B. McClaran, Jr., USNR).

The New York section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer escorts USS Francis M. Robinson (Lt. P. Campbell, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 54, T/Cdr. M.E. Dennett, USN on board), USS Solar (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Hull, USNR), USS Fowler (Lt.Cdr. G.S.J. Forde, USNR) and USS Jaccard (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Hamilton, USNR).

The two sections made rendezvous in the afternoon of 12 October 1944 and by 1600Q/12 had formed up. About an hour later USS Jaccard parted company and set course for Norfolk, Virginia.

On the 16th all seven escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

At 0358P/18, USS Fowler and the merchant vessel Thomas J. Rusk, which was straggling behind the convoy, collided. Both sustained light damage and were able to continue.

Around 1115N/22, the Azores section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Charles F. Amidon, John Banvard, Richard J. Cleveland and USS Aquila. The first two ships proceeeded to Santa Maria escorted by HMS Paynter (T/Lt. T.B.S. Brown, RNVR) while the last two ships proceeded to Horta escorted by HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

Around 0745Z/28, the Casablanca section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Edgar E. Clark and Johan Printz. They were escorted to Casablanca by the patrol vessels L'Indiscret and HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR). These had escorted the tanker Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933) from Casablanca to the rendezvous position with the convoy.

During the 29th, the escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Around 2300Z/29, USS Francis M. Robinson was detached to pick up orders at Gibraltar and escort the merchant vessels Bradford City and John McKinley to that port. USS Francis M. Robinson later rejoined the convoy. Also joining were the merchant vessel Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940) and the submarines HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN). These ships had been escorted from Gibraltar to the rendezvous by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR).

Around 1750Z/29, part of Oran section was detached to proceed there ahead of the convoy. It was made up of merchant vessels They were escorted by USS Fowler which also was to proceed to Oran to effect repairs. Later, at 0745Z/30, 13 more merchant vessels were detached to Oran. The entire Oran section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexander S. Clay, Alfred Moore, Asa Gray, Cornelius Gilliam, David J. Brewer, Frank C. Emerson, Helen Hunt Jackson, James Sullivan, James W. Fannin, John Dickinson, John Howland, Jonathan Trumbull, Leland Stanford, Martin Johnson, Maya, Paine Wingate, Simon Willard, Thomas Pinckney, Timothy Dwight, Thomas Guardia, Viggo Hansteen and William Matson.

During daylight on 30 October all remaining escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Also on the 30th, three merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran, these were the following; Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944). Also two merchant vessels which had been detached to Oran rejoined the convoy after a short call there, these were the following; Leland Stanford and Paine Wingate.

Around 0500Z/31, the Samwharfe was detached to proceed ahead of the convoy to Algiers to pick up the British convoy commodore. She was escorted by USS Durik. They rejoined the convoy shortly after 1000Z/31.

Around 1010Z/31, two merchant vessels were detached to Algiers, these were the following; Ocean Pelgrim and Ocean Vista.

Around 0630Z/2, the American escort vessels were relieved off Bizerta by a British escort made up of the sloop HMS Stork (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Mansfield, RN) and corvette HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. C. Pawley, RNVR). The US escort then proceeded to Bizerta as did USS Cossatot and the merchant vessels Empire Industry, Geo W. McKnight and Pontfield.

[Further movements of the convoy will have to be investigated in file ADM 199/324 at the National Archives at Kew, London during a future research trip.]

15 Oct 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Gibraltar. They make the passage in convoy OS-92 / KMS-66.

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

View HMS Sea Scout passage Holy Loch - Trincomalee in a larger map (9)

15 Oct 1944

Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.

This combined convoy assembled in the North Channel on 15 October 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels thoough some of these only joined later during the passage through the Irish Sea; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Alder Park (Canadian, 7141 GRT, built 1944), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Elizabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Empire Camp (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Flag (British, 7024 GRT, built 1943), Empire Kangaroo (British, 6219 GRT, built 1919), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Ragnhild (Norwegian, 2833 GRT, built 1941), Robert Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939), Samfoyle (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919) and Umgeni (British, 8180 GRT, built 1942).

Also taking passage in the convoy were the submarines HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) as well as 9 LCT's which were towed by some of the merchant vessels; These 9 LCT's were the following; HM LCT 480 (T/S.Lt. G.R. Sample, RNVR) which was being towed by the City of Lyons, HM LCT 488 (T/S.Lt. A.P.P. Thomas, RNVR) and HM LCT 489 (?) which were being towed by the Samfoyle, HM LCT 491 (T/Lt. W.C. Gray, RNVR) and HM LCT 7015 (T/S.Lt. D.H. Condick, RNVR) which were being towed by the Fort Finlay, HM LCT 494 (T/Lt. J. DSC, Murts, RNVR) and HM LCT 7014 (T/A/S.Lt. J. Farrell, RNVR) which were being towed by the Nairnbank and the HM LCT 7022 (?) and HM LCT 7023 (?) which were being towed by the Ocean Vanity.

The convoy was escorted by and the sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Knaresborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Marchant, RNR).

The convoy encountered poor weather and by the 17th it had even worsened. Some of the landing craft were now suffering from the weather conditions. Due to the extreme weather conditions the convoy hove to A.M. on the 18th and additional escorts were requisted.

Late in the afternoon of the 18th, HM 480 had to be abandoned by her crew due to the damage she had sustained and water she had shipped from the weather, loose cargo and defective welds. The crew was picked up from Carley floats around 2200A/18 by HMS Allington Castle. She sank to the south of Ireland around 2330A/18 after having been scuttled with gunfire.

HM 488 had sustained damage during the night of the 17th/18th. Around 1000A/18, she slipped her tow and got underway under her own power to try to make for Milford Haven. More and more water entered the landing craft and when a pump failed it became apparent that she most likely would go down. HMS Knaresborough Castle then closed and it was attempted to abandon the landing craft. Some of the crew was taken off but ten men remained on board during the night of 18/19 and tried to keep the ship afloat. By 0415A/19 the ship had to be abandoned as it was about to sink. Red flares were fired and HMS Knaresborough Castle closed. While doing so the landing craft sank and only one of the ten men on board could be picked up. The other nine, including the landing craft's Commanding Officer drowned.

HM LCT 491 got into trouble during the early afternoon of the 18th and as a result she slipped her tow as did HM LCT 7015. By mid afternoon of the 18th she had shipped a very heavy sea which damaged the welding around the door in the bow. More big seas followed and the ship was shipping a lot of water. Around 0100A/19, HMS Allington Castle closed. Around 0330A/19, HM LCT 491 started to sink. HMS Allington Castle went alongside and managed to take off the entire crew.

HM LCT 494 parted her tow around 0845A/18. She was last seen during the afternoon of that day while under her own power. She must have sunk in the evening with the loss of the entire crew.

HM LCT 7014 also slipped her tow in the morning of the 18th and got underway under her own power. By noon power had been lost and she sank not long afterwards. Part of her crew were picked up by the rescue ship, from convoy ON 260, Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) but nine men, including the Commanding Officer lost their lives.

HM LCT 7015 also slipped her tow around 1500A/18. She was not seen afterwards and disappeared with her entire crew.

Meanwhile the frigates HMS Tobago (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.L. May, OBE, RNVR) and HMS Zanzibar (T/Lt. F.F. Parker, RNVR) were ordered to detach from convoy HX 312 and join convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.

Three more escorts were also ordered to join, these were the escort destroyer HMS Blankney (Lt. B.H. Brown, RN) corvettes HMCS Huntsville (T/Lt. C.B. Hermann, RCNVR) and HMS Kingcup (T/Lt. T. Cooper, DSC, RNR).

Also on the 19th the City of Lyons parted company with the convoy due to damage sustained. She arrived at Milford Haven the following day.

P.M. on the 19th, HMS Kingcup reported proceeding to Falmouth with HM LCT 7022 and HM LCT 7023. Later the two landing craft were abandoned. HMS Kingcup took on board their crews and proceeded at best possible speed to Falmouth to land an injured men. The frigate HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) was ordered to stand by the two landing craft. Later HMS Kingcup returned with their crews and the landing craft were reboarded.

A.M. on the 20th found the convoy badly scattered.

P.M. on the 20th the Lagarto reported being in distress with weather damage and also having lost a men overboard. HMS Knaresborough Castle was also not in contact with the convoy. A signal was sent to requist more additional escorts. HMS Drury was then ordered to relieve HMS Allington Castle. Lagarto put into Falmouth.

A.M. on the 21st HMS Trident reported that a wire had fouled one of her propellers. HMS Knaresborough Castle was able to rejoin the convoy.

By P.M. on the 22nd, all ships had rejoined the convoy except four.

A.M. on the 23rd a signal was received from FOCNA (Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic) that the Lisbon / Huelva section of the convoy was to part company on passing 39°N and proceed independently. They did so A.M. on the 24th.

A.M. on the 25th, the Empire Confidence and Nairnbank arrived independently at Gibraltar. P.M. on the 25th the Rodsley also arrived at Gibraltar.

On 25 October the convoy split into convoy OS 92 which continued on towards Freetown and KMS 66 which set course for the Mediterranean.

The three original escorts and the three submarines arrived at Gibraltar P.M. on the 26th.

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Convoy OS 92 was made up of the merchant vessels; Conakrian, Empire Camp, Empire Flag, Jonathan Holt and Tudor Star.

They were joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 24th; Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930) and Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the frigates HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RD, RNR) which now took over the escort of convoy OS 92.

Also joining at the rendezvous were the merchant vessels Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920) coming from Casablanca which they had left on the 24th together with thee merchant vessels Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Sarah Orne Jewitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) which joined convoy KMS 66. They were escorted by the French patrol vessels patrol vessels L'Effronté and Le Resolu. These two French patrol vessels returned to Casablanca on the 26th with the Ragnhild.

On 1 November 1944, the Charles Schiaffino and Chelma arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. With them was also the Empire Stour which had engine defects.

The convoy escorts and some of the merchant vessels arrived at Freetown on 4 November 1944. Some of the merchant vessels continued on independently to their destinations.

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Convoy KMS 66 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Adviser, Alder Park, Belgian Trader, Bosphorus, Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Elizabethville, Empire Confidence, Empire Kangaroo, Fernbank, Fort Finlay, Hardanger, Hermelin, King Stephen, Mantola, Miguel de Larrinaga, Nairnbank, Ocean Vanity, Ottinge, Robert Maersk, Rodsley, Samfoyle, Sarah Orne Jewitt, St. Rosario, Umgeni and Vancouver City.

The convoy passed Gibraltar on the 26th. On passing the Strait the following merchant vessels were detached; Miguel de Larrinaga, Ottinge and St. Rosario. These three merchant ships had all sustained weather damage and put into Gibraltar to effect repairs. Also the three submarines and three original escorts put into Gibraltar.

The convoy was joined by a new escort made up of the frigate HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) and Nada. Also the merchant vessel Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy.

On 27 October 1944, the merchant vessel Sarah Orne Jewitt was detached to Oran while the merchant vessel Jamaique (French, 10123 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

On 28 October 1944, the merchant vessel Rodsley was detached to Algiers while the merchant vessel Samaffric (British, 7210, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 29 October 1944, the merchant vessels Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pitt (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942) and Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 30 October 1944, the merchant vessel Belgian Trader was detached to Algiers while the tanker Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 31 October 1944, the tanker British Destiny (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. The corvette Nada parted company and proceeded to Malta.

On 31 October 1944, the merchant vessels / tankers Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samsperrin (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to join the convoy.

On 1 November 1944, the merchant vessels Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Empire Kangaroo, Fort Finlay, Fort Grahame, King Stephen, Lyminge, Ocean Vanity, Samaffric and Vancouver City arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 4 November 1944, the merchant vessels Fernbank, Hardanger, Nairnbank and Sambre arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 5 November 1944.

26 Oct 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (9)

28 Oct 1944
Around 1800A/28, HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. The next day they made rendezvous with convoy UGS 57. The three submarines were escorted to the rendezvous by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UGS 57 ' for 11 October 1944.] (9)

3 Nov 1944
Around 1200A/3, HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta after having parted company with convoy UGS 57. (10)

10 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed from Malta for Port Said. (11)

14 Nov 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Port Said from Malta. (11)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) transited the Suez Canal and departed for Aden. (11)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Aden. (11)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. (11)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Colombo. (12)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (12)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (12)

20 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (12)

21 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was undocked. (12)

22 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (12)

22 Dec 1944
HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) both conducted exercises off Trincomalee. A/S exercises and practice attacks were conducted with HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Barstow, RN). (13)

24 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Andaman Sea and off Northern Sumatra.

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

View HMS Sea Scout 2nd war patrol in a larger map (8)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) destroyed two coasters that were grounded and damaged at Malacca, Car Nicobar Island. A pier under construction was also damaged.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1530 hours - Sighted two coasters on the beach at Malacca. As Sea Scout came closer it was seen that a large number of men were working on the northern most coaster. The other one was seen to be well smashed. There was also a certain amount of activity around what looked to be a new pier.

1655 hours - Surfaced and commenced bombarding the coaster that was under repair from a range of 3000 yards. After he had been hit 9 times it became obvious that he was already gutted as he would not burn. Target was now shifted to the other coaster. After several hits it slipped into the sea to about the midship section. Target was then shifted to the pier and 5 hits were scored. Large bits of it were thrown into the air.

1703 hours - Cease fire.

1707 hours - Dived. When at 45 feet an explosion took place that was quite close. Three more explosions followed soon after. It appeared that Sea Scout was attacked by an aircraft. (8)

15 Jan 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (8)

1 Feb 1945
During 1 and 2 February 1945 HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (14)

8 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (14)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was undocked. (14)

14 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Northern part of the Malacca Strait.

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

View HMS Sea Scout 3rd war patrol in a larger map (8)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait. An other one was heavily damaged if not destroyed.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1455 hours - Sighted two junks approaching. they were on a Northerly course.

1545 hours - Surfaced in position 04°23'N, 100°24'E and closed the junks.

1603 hours - Opened fire.

1612 hours - Ceased fire. One 10 tons junk had her mast down and was listing heavily. Her crew got away in a small boat after the first round. The crew of the second junk, that was far larger (about 25 tons), had abandoned ship as soon as fire was opened on the other. This junk was seen to sink. The smaller one was considered to be a total loss.

1619 hours - Dived in position 04°24'N, 100°22'E. (8)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank two sailing vessels with demolition charges in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1645 hours - Sighted two sailing vessels to the South.

1735 hours - Surfaced in position 06°21'N, 99°34'E. Shortly afterwards boarded a 10 tons twakow. Took the crew of 4 on board and sank the Twakow with demolition charges. The second twakow suffered the same fate. The 8 crew of both twakows were put on the first sampan that Sea Scout came across. (8)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank two sailing vessels in the Malacca Strait. One with gunfire and the other one with demolition charges.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0730 hours - Sighted sail ahead. Closed and investigated a small Chinese junk. Her cargo was mainly soap. The crew were put into their sampan and the junk was sunk with gunfire in position 06°08'N, 99°25'E.

0948 hours - Sighted a sail bearing 115°.

1003 hours - Dived for aircraft.

1107 hours - Surfaced in position 06°01'N, 99°33'E. Closed and boarded a junk. Put the crew into their sampan and sank the junk with demolition charges. (8)

4 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank a sampan with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0140 hours - In position 05°25'N, 99°35'E sighted a sail bearing 315°. Altered course towards. Boarded a large sampan that was heavily laden with rice. Took the crew onboard and sank the sampan with gunfire. (8)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1200 hours - Sighted one junk and three sampans. Closed.

1305 hours - Surfaced 05°52'N, 100°11'E in position and boarded a 40 tons junk. She was heavily laden with rice. The crew of 8 were put into their sampan and the junk was demolished with gunfire. (8)

7 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank two coasters and demolishes a pier at Ulee Lhoe (Banda Aceh), Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0820 hours - In approximate position 05°38'N, 95°17'E got a good look at Ulee Lhoe through the periscope. One coaster of about 250-300 tons was anchored to the East of the pier. The pier itself was a hive of activity, two small coasters were alongside its outer end, and several small craft were on the western side.

0915 - 0918 hours - Fired a total of four torpedoes. The first two were aimed at the anchored coaster. The first hit just forward of the bridge. Shortly afterwards only the mast of this coaster was seen so she must have sunk.

Of the other two torpedoes none was seen to have hit the pier but non the less it was seen to be on fire and down partially demolished. Of the two small coasters one was seen to lay off. The other was not seen and presumed sunk or disintegrated.

0947 hours - Withdrew from the scene. (8)

11 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (8)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (15)

17 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Colombo. (15)

22 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was docked at Colombo. (15)

23 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was undocked. (15)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Colombo for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to proceed to Exmouth Gulf, Australia for fuel and fresh provisions before proceeding to her patrol area in the Bali and Flores Seas.

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

View HMS Sea Scout 4th war patrol in a larger map (8)

12 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf, Australia for fuel and fresh provisions. She departed for her patrol area after a few hours but while still in Exmouth Gulf she grounded on a shoal not marked on her chart. After a while she got off but returned to the oiler to have her bottom inspected by divers. (8)

13 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Exmouth Gulf for her patrol area after being inspected by divers. (8)

17 Apr 1945
In the early moring hours HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) passes Lombok Strait northbound. (8)

25 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire off Sumbawa Island, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -9)
1711 hours - Surfaced in position 08°24'S, 117°24'E. Opened fire on a coaster of about 300 tons that was anchored off the beach. Fired 49 rounds for 36 hits. The coaster caught fire and was seen to sink.

1728 hours - Dived and retired from the area. (8)

27 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) passes Lombok Strait southbound. She makes most of the passage submerged during daytime. (8)

4 May 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle, Australia. (8)

18 May 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was docked at Fremantle. (16)

20 May 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was undocked. (16)

24 May 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (16)

26 May 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Fremantle for Subic Bay, Philippines.

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

View HMS Sea Scout passage Fremantle - Subic Bay in a larger map (16)

29 May 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Onslow to top off with fuel. (16)

30 May 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Onslow to resume her passage to Subic Bay. (16)

2 Jun 1945
During the night of 2 / 3 June 1945 HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) passes Lombok Strait northbound. (17)

11 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Subic Bay. (17)

16 Jun 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Siam in a wolf-pack consisting of herself and her sister ships HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) and HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) as well as the U.S. submarines USS Charr (Cdr. F.D. Boyle, USN) and USS Lamprey (Lt.Cdr. L.B. McDonald, USN). The Commanding Officers of the USS Charr was the senior officer of the wolf-pack.

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

View HMS Sea Scout 5th war patrol in a larger map (8)

1 Jul 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank a Japanese tug, five barges and a coaster with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1755 hours - Asdic reported HE bearing 300°.

1832 hours - In position 10°54'N, 99°29'E sighted a ship bearing 285°. This was soon seen to be a tug towing five barges.

1837 hours - Surfaced and engaged the tug with gunfire from a range of 6000 yards while closing at full speed. The tug immediately slipped the tow and made off for the next small bay with a sandy bottom to beach herself. 49 Rounds were fired at her for at least 5 hits and she was soon on fire.

Attention was now shifted to the barges. 89 Rounds of 4" were fired at these as well as 6 pans of Oerlikon. It took some time but in the end all were sunk. The sea was now absolutely littered with 50 gallon oil drums. It was estimated that there were about 500 of them floating around.

1854 hours - The tug had meanwhile beached herself in position 10°52'N, 99°29'E. Fired 21 rounds at her and 18 of these hit the target area. She was left on the beach a complete wreck and burning well. The gun crew was just sent below when one of the lookouts reported a heavily camouflaged coaster of about 800 tons up against the cliffs about 2000 yards away. The gun crews were brought up and at ...

1925 hours - Opened fire on the coaster and 7 minutes later she was ablaze from stem to stern.

1933 hours - Ceased fire and retired from the scene.

1941 hours - Dived in position 10°52'N, 99°31'E. (8)

7 Jul 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank a motor lugger with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1715 hours - Sighted a medium seized motor lugger coast crawling Northwards.

1724 hours - Surfaced in position 10°55'N, 99°30'E. Opened fire with the 4" gun from 1900 yards. The third round hit and when 12 rounds were fired the lugger sank.

1730 hours - Dived. (8)

9 Jul 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1035 hours - Sighted a large junk of about 150 tons coast crawling Northwards.

1058 hours - Surfaced in position 10°50'N, 99°29'E and engaged the junk from 2500 yards. After having fired 13 rounds the junk sank.

1115 hours - Dived.

2026 hours - Sighted a large schooner of about 200/250 tons coming up the coast from the South.

2048 hours - Surfaced in position 10°39'N, 99°23'E. Engaged the target from 2700 yards. After 42 rounds were fired she sank at 2100 hours. (8)

17 Jul 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (8)

27 Jul 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was docked at Subic Bay.

30 Jul 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) was undocked.

4 Aug 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted exercises off Subic Bay.

5 Aug 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted exercises off Subic Bay. (18)

8 Aug 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Siam.

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

View HMS Sea Scout 6th war patrol in a larger map (8)

15 Aug 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) sank a small Japanese patrol vessel with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

Later (at 2350 hours) on this day Sea Scout was ordered to return to Subic Bay as Japan had surrendered.

(All times are zone -9)
1523 hours - Sighted a small vessel coast crawling South.

1535 hours - Surfaced and opened fire. The 3rd round stopped him but he soon got under way again trying the beach himself.

1548 hours - The vessel sank in position 10°50'N, 99°29'E. It was thought to be a small gunboat driven by a diesel engine with a small funnel aft.

1551 hours - Dived. (8)

20 Aug 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (8)

27 Aug 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Subic Bay for Hong Kong. (18)

30 Aug 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) arrived at Hong Kong.

11 Sep 1945
HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Hong Kong to return to the U.K.

Sea Scout arrived at Trincomalee on 24 September
She was docked there for repairs the same day being undocked on 27 September.
Sea Scout departed Trincomalee on 30 September for Aden where she arrived on 9 October.
Sea Scout departed Aden on 13 October for Port Said where she arrived on 19 October.
Sea Scout departed Port said on 31 October for Malta where she arrived on 29 October.
Sea Scout departed Port Said on 25 October for Malta where she arrived on 29 October.
Sea Scout departed Malta on 31 October for Gibraltar where she arrived on 4 November.
Sea Scout departed Gibraltar on 6 November for Portsmouth where she arrived on 10 November.

During her 18 months of commission HMS Sea Scout had completed 6 war patrols (7 if you count the passage Fremantle-Subic Bay as a war patrol). She had spent 332 days at sea and steamed over 54000 miles.

HMS Sea Scout was placed in reserve on 5 December 1945. (19)