Jack Gethin Hopkins, RN
| Born | 8 Oct 1908 | ||
| Died | 20 Jun 1967 | (58) |
 | Ranks
Retired: 8 Oct 1953 Decorations |
Warship Commands listed for Jack Gethin Hopkins, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Porpoise (N 14) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 22 Aug 1940 | 26 Sep 1941 |
| HMS Taku (N 38) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 8 Dec 1941 | 11 Oct 1942 |
| HMS Truant (N 68) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 22 Mar 1943 | 25 Nov 1943 |
| HMS Thorough (P 324) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 25 Nov 1943 | 1 Feb 1945 |
| HMS Rover (N 62) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 1 Feb 1945 | 15 Feb 1945 |
| HMS Slinger (D 26) | A/Cdr. | Escort Carrier | 19 May 1945 | 27 Feb 1946 |
Career information
Jack Gethin Hopkins was born in Westbury On Trym, Bristol on 8 October 1908, son of Dr Francis and Marian Hopkins.
Jack joined the Royal Navy as a 17 year old Cadet in HMS Emperor of India on 15 January 1926. Over the ensuing four years his career advanced in various ships, shore establishments and training courses to Midshipman in 1926, Acting Sub Lt 1929 and Sub Lt 1930. During that year he undertook submarine training and joined HMS Regent when she was first commissioned and during his two years onboard received a watch keeper certificate and in 1932 was promoted to Lieutenant. Over the next seven pre-war years Jack’s service continued: in submarines interspaced with short term postings to General Service. After serving as 1st Lieutenant in four ships and submarines he successfully completed the Submarine Commanding Officer’s Qualifying Course (also known as ‘The Perisher’ due to its high rate of failure) following which he had his first command in submarine HMS L27.
On the outbreak of war Jack was in General Service onboard the battleship HMS Rodney, as a Divisional Officer & Officer of Quarters of a 16” Turret, and during this time he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. He left her in May 1940 for the Commanding Officer’s Refresher Course and from 22 August 1940 for a year he was in command of the mine laying submarine HMS Porpoise serving in the Atlantic and English Channel. At the end of 1941 Jack took command of HMS Taku following her refit at Chatham and took her into the Mediterranean where she carried out five war patrols from Gibraltar, Alexandria, Haifa and Port Said.
During 1943 he commanded HMS Truant in the UK and then HMS Thorough from October to February 1945 – taking her from launch to the Far East as part of the 4th Submarine Flotilla's where in and around the Straits of Malacca and Sumatra she was depth charged and sank eight Japanese vessels. He was latterly Commanding Officer of the 'Lend Lease' Aircraft Carrier HMS Slinger in the Pacific, and post war returned her to the United States Navy in February 1946.
Jack, retired in 1953 after 32 years service, had married Florence Edwards in 1943 and died of cancer on 20 June 1967 aged just 58.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Porpoise (N 14)
27 Aug 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Blyth to Rosyth. (1)
2 Sep 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Rothesay for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield near La Rochelle, France and to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(2)
13 Sep 1940 (position 46.25, -2.00)
Between 1140 and 1204 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) laid minefield FD 26 (48 mines) in the Bay of Biscay north-west of La Rochelle, France in position 46°25'N, 02°00'W.
Position of the first mine was 46°24'48"N, 01°59'45"W. Direction of the lay was 205°. The mines were spaced 150 feet apart. Apparently it yielded no result. (2)
16 Sep 1940 (position 47.28, 4.18)
At 0047 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) made a torpedo attack with six torpedoes on what was thought to be a surfaced U-boat south of the Penmarch peninsula in position 47°28'N, 04°18'W.
No German U-boats were in this area at this time, the target attacked was most likely a fishing vessel. (2)
20 Sep 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Falmouth. She departed later the same day for Holy Loch. Passage north through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN). (2)
22 Sep 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)
6 Oct 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. During her passage south through the Irish Sea Porpoise was escorted by HMS Jasper (T/Lt. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(2)
10 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was informed that a homeward U-boat was expected in Lorient the next day. The submarine cruised off this base but did not observe anything.
26 Oct 1940
At 0700 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), made rendez-vous with her escort HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.Stubbs, RN). They then proceeded north through the Irish Sea towards the Clyde. (2)
27 Oct 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Holy Loch. (2)
1 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was docked at Ardrossan. (3)
15 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was undocked. (3)
21 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (3)
30 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below. No positions are known for 3 to 6 December 1940.
(2)
30 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for Halifax, Canada. Porpoise was escorted until 1740/1 by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).
(2)
17 Dec 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Halifax. (2)
26 Dec 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 10th war patrol. She was to provide escort to convoy HX 99.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(4)
5 Jan 1941
At 1500 hours (zone +2) HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) left convoy HX 99 and set course to return to Halifax. (5)
13 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Halifax. (5)
24 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was docked at Halifax. (5)
25 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was undocked. (5)
26 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 11th war patrol. She was to provide escort to convoy HX 105.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(2)
28 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) failed to make rendez-vous with convoy HX 105. She set off to search for it but the convoy in fact was never sighted. (2)
9 Feb 1941
At 1615 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), made rendez-vous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (2)
10 Feb 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Holy Loch. (2)
3 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for Halifax, Canada. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) until 2050/4.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(2)
7 Mar 1941 (position 57.50, -19.50)
While en route to Halifax, Canada, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) makes a torpedo attack on ' what is identified as ' a submarine in the North Atlantic in position 57°50'N, 19°50'W. German U-boat U-A was operating in this area so the attack might have been against this submarine but she reported no attack.
(All times are GMT) 0250 hours - Sighted a U-boat in position 57°50'N, 19°50'W. Range 1 nautical mile. Enemy course 260°. Started attack. The U-boat later dived and Porpoise did the same.
0323 hours - Fired two torpedoes aimed by Asdic from a range of 3500 yards. No hits were obtained.
0410 hours - Surfaced. Proceeded. (2)
15 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Halifax. (2)
20 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to provide escort for convoy SC 26.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(2)
29 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) parted company with convoy SC 26 and set course to return to Halifax. (2)
3 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Halifax. (2)
11 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Halifax. (6)
19 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 13th war patrol. She was to escort convoy SC 29.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
29 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) parted company with convoy SC 29. (6)
8 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Holy Loch. (7)
10 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Greenock. (7)
19 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) returned to Holy Loch. (7)
20 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shited from Holy Loch to Troon where she commenced a refit. (7)
1 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her refit at Troon. She conducted trials near Troon during the afternoon. (8)
4 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Troon to Holy Loch.
9 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Troon. (8)
19 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Troon to Holy Loch. (8)
21 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sailed to carry out gunnery and torpedo exercises with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) in the Clyde area. During the firing of a six-torpedo salvo, two failed to leave the tubes and one had a hot run causing minor damage. (8)
22 Sep 1941
The exercises completed HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) returned to Holy Loch. (8)
24 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Govan where she was immediately docked in No.2 dock. (8)
Submarine HMS Taku (N 38)
19 Feb 1942
With her refit completed, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), proceeded from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (9)
21 Feb 1942
Around 1430A/21, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Sheerness for Holy Loch via the English Channel. (9)
23 Feb 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) made rendez-vous of Wolf Rock with HMS Petunia (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rayner, RD, RNR). They then proceeded north through the Irish Sea towards Holy Loch. (9)
25 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1230A/25, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Sheerness. (9)
27 Feb 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials at Holy Loch. (9)
2 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials at Holy Loch. (10)
3 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)
4 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo firing trials. (10)
7 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (10)
8 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (10)
9 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar on completion of which she proceeded to Holy Loch. (10)
11 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted independent exercises in Loch Long. (10)
12 Mar 1942
During 12 and 13 March 1942, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises.
On the 12th a practice attack was made on HMS Adamant (Capt. R.S. Warne, RN) which was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) (10)
14 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where she was immediately docked in the graving dock. (10)
17 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. She then proceeded from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (10)
18 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile in Loch Long. Also noise trials were carried out in Loch Goil. (10)
20 Mar 1942
After a short work-up and trial period in Scottish waters HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Holy Loch around 1015A/20 bound for Gibraltar.
She is escorted until 0155A/20, by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (10)
20 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during the passage from Holy Loch to Gibraltar see the map below.
27 Mar 1942
Around 1900A/27, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (10)
31 Mar 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar.
These included gunnery exercises, A/S exercises and a practice attack on HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN). (10)
1 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar.
Also a practice attack was made on HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, RN). (11)
2 Apr 1942
Around 1700A/2, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol. This is a work-up patrol to the East of Gibraltar.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
3 Apr 1942
At 0935A/3, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is recalled to Gibraltar as per VACNA's (Vice-Admiral Commanding North Atlantic Station) signal timed 0738A/3.
She arrived at Gibraltar around 0220A/4. (11)
5 Apr 1942
Around 1800A/5, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Gibraltar to resume her 14th war patrol. (11)
13 Apr 1942
Around 1030A/13, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 14th war patrol, which had been uneventful, at Gibraltar. (11)
15 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is docked at Gibraltar. (11)
16 Apr 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. (11)
18 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted D/G trials at Gibraltar. (11)
22 Apr 1942
Around 1700A/22, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Gibraltar for passage to Alexandria. (11)
8 May 1942
Around 0800C/8, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Alexandria. The passage from Gibraltar had been uneventful. (12)
22 May 1942
Around 1730C/22, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 15th war patrol. She is to patrol the approaches to Benghazi. Later she is used to give cover for operation Vigorous with several other submarines.
On departure special trials (Rooster) / exercises were carried out with HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and Wellington aircraft. (13)
22 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during her 15th war patrol see the map below.
25 May 1942
At 1425C/25, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 1205C/25, ordering her to try to intercept an enemy barque on passage to Derna. The enemy vessel of about 200 tons had been reported at 2141C/24, in position 33°20'N, 22°01'E proceeding on course 160° at 3 knots.
Around that time there was some schooner traffic between Navarino and Derna and given the position of the sighting this most likely was one of the vessels involved. [Unfortunately we don't have information on the ships involved.]
There was also the Italian schooner Annibale Bosco (227 GRT, built 1903) on passage from Benghazi to Derna. She had departed Benghazi at 1930B/24 and arrived at Derna at 0930B/26. It is unlikely that she was the vessel sighted though as she would still have been further to the west and most likely closer inshore.
Due to the bad weather conditions encountered on the 24th, HMS Taku is delayed and therefore unable to comply. (14)
27 May 1942
In a signal timed 2335C/27, Capt. S 1 informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) that a convoy made up of two transports and two destroyers had been sighted at 1901C/27 in position 38°46'N, 18°20'E proceeding on course 175° and 11 knots.
Later an amplifying report was sent in a signal timed 0241C/28 that at 0045C/28 the convoy had been in position 37°52'N, 18°40'E proceeding on course 160° at 12 knots. They were also informed that aircraft would attack the convoy during the night of 28/29 May.
This signal referred to the convoy made up of the transports Capo Arma (3172 GRT, built 1905) and Anna Maria Gualdi (3289 GRT, built 1908) escorted by the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta (S.O.) and Emanuelle Pessagno.
The Capo Arma escorted by Antonio Pigafetta sailed from Taranto at 0253B/27, Anna Maria Gualdi escorted by Emanuelle Pessagno sailed from Brindisi at 0435B/27. At 1045B/27, the two convoys merged south of Santa Maria di Leuca and proceeded at 10 knots. At 0100B/28, the convoy came under air attack without consequences. At 1612B/28, the convoy was sighted by enemy air reconnaissance and at 1730B/28, Supermarina ordered it to take a new course to avoid enemy air attacks. However, at 0330B/29, the convoy was attacked by a submarine (HMS Turbulent) and Pessagno and Capo Arma, sunk. Pigafetta proceeded to pick up survivors while Gualdi proceeded alone to Benghazi. In the meantime, Marina Benghazi had despatched the torpedo boat Perseo and two submarine chasers to assist them. The two submarine chasers located Gualdi and escorted her to Benghazi where they arrived at noon. Pigafetta arrived at Benghazi at 1330/29 and landed the survivors of the two ships (86 from Pessagno from a crew of 244, and all the crew of Capo Arma except three) while Perseo remained in the area to hunt the submarine. (15)
28 May 1942
In a signal timed 1911C/28, Capt. S 1 informed all submarines on patrol, which were HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN and most likely also HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN, which was on a storing trip from Alexandria to Malta) that at 1601C/28, three large merchant ships and four destroyers had been sighted in position 33°28'N, 20°00'E proceeding on course 330° and 13 knots.
This signal referred to the convoy made up of the transports / naval auxiliaries Città di Genova (5413 GRT, built 1930), Città di Napoli (5418 GRT, built 1929) and Città di Tunisi (5419 GRT, built 1929) escorted by the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi (S.O.), Lanzerotto Malocello, Antoniotto Usodimare and Turbine. This convoy which had arrived at Benhazi around 1045B/28 and after having unloaded quickly, departed Benghazi around 1700B/28 for Naples where it arrived around 1400B/30. (15)
30 May 1942
At 1730C/30, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1221C/30, which stated that an enemy convoy had been sighted at 1103C/30 in position 36°33'N, 18°24'E proceeding on course 200° at 15 knots. HMS Taku was in an excellent position to intercept this convoy.
The convoy in question was made up of the transports Rosolino Pilo (Italian, 8326 GRT, built 1942) and Gino Allegri (Italian, 6836 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the destroyers Nicoloso da Recco (S.O.) and Euro.
The Gino Allegri and Nicoloso da Recco had departed Brindisi around 1315B/29 while the other two ships had departed Taranto around 1600B/29.
At 2105B/29, in position 39°35'N, 19°04'E, Da Recco sighted a surfaced submarine at a distance of 6000 to 7000 metres, she ordered Allegri to turn 090° to starboard but despite repeated signals, the transport continued on her route. The submarine was observed to submerge, and the destroyer dropped five 30-kg depth charges set at a depth of 25 metres for intimidation. The destroyer was aware that the German submarine U-652 was transiting through this area and did not press an attack [this was indeed U-652 who sighted the two Italian ships at 2100B/29].
The two sections had joined around 0637B/30 about 100 nautical miles to the south-east of Punta Stilo.
The two sections split up at 2250B/30, with the Rosolino Pilo escorted by the Nicoloso da Recco proceeding to Tripoli where they arrived around 1245B/31. The torpedo boat Generale Carlo Montanari had reinforced the escort.
The Gino Allegri escorted by the Euro were to proceed to Benghazi but at 0542C/31 the Gino Allegri was torpedoed and sunk by HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN).
Following this first signal further amplifying reports were sent to the submarines on patrol. (16)
31 May 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked a convoy and claims to have hit a merchant ship with a torpedo. Italian sources however makes no mention of this.
It is not known for sure which ships were sighted and attacked by Taku but most likely it was the transport Rosolino Pilo (Italian, 8326 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the destroyer Nicoloso da Recco en route to Tripoli where they arrived around 1245B/31.
At 1600C/31, HMS Taku received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1221C/31, ordering her to patrol in position 35°01'N, 20°44'E by 2301C/31. These orders were later cancelled in Capt. S 1's signal timed 1148C/1 but this signal was missed by HMS Taku which therefore lost a day of effective patrol. On receipt of the signal at 2230C/1, she set course to return to the Benghazi area.
0425C/31 - In position 33°34'N, 18°30'E sighted one destroyer and one large merchant ship bearing 230°, distance 5 nautical miles. The destroyer was zig-zagging widely across the bow of the merchant ship about 1 to 2 nautical miles ahead. Closed at full speed to attack.
0440C/31 - Dived and proceeded at full speed.
0443C/31 - Fired three torpedoes (four was intended but there was a problem with the firing valve of Nr. 6 torpedo tube) from 6000 yards (Taku was unable to get closed due to the destroyer).
0451C/31 - One loud explosion was heard. Taku went deep as the destroyer had turned back. Upon coming to periscope depth sighted sparks and a small amount of flame bearing 130, the approximate bearing of the ship when the torpedoes were fired. Nothing further was seen through the periscope but very shortly after seeing these spars there was a terrific explosion that sounded very close. Though nothing had been seen of the destroyer it was felt that this might have been a depth charge. Taku went deep for 15 minutes.
0550C/31 - Came to periscope depth. There was nothing in sight. Kept diving patrol towards Benghazi. (13)
2 Jun 1942
At 1830C/2, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal, timed 1611C/2, ordering her to patrol in position 35°01'N, 20°44'E by 0001C/4.
This was to be in position to intercept a convoy made up the transport Reginaldo Giuliani (Italian, 6837 GRT, built 1942) and the destroyer Freccia and the torpedo boats Pegaso and Partenope which were to proceed from Taranto to Benghazi. The passage of the convoy was known due to ULTRA, the interception and description of enemy radio traffic. (17)
3 Jun 1942
At 0200C/3, in position 33°03'N, 19°46'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sighted a northbound Spica-class torpedo boat bearing 270°. Speed of the enemy was 22 knots. HMS Taku dived for 30 minutes. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]
At 2050C/3, in position 34°27'N, 20°05'E, a ship, hull down, was seen bearing 340° at a range of 14 nautical miles. At 2110C/3, the ship had been identified as a hospital ship on course 120°, speed 16 knots. HMS Taku dived at 2120C/3 for 25 minutes to avoid being sighted.
The hospital ship was most probably the Arno (Italian, 8024 GRT, built 1912) who sailed from Augusta at 2358B/2 and arrived at Derna at 0810B/4. (13)
4 Jun 1942
At 0110C/4, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived in the ordered patrol position.
At 0200C/4, operations in conjunction with aircraft started with the intention of homing the submarines onto the convoy.
At 0240C/4, a Wellington aircraft passed down the port side 600 yard away.
At 0245C/4, a flare was sighted bearing 090° but nothing was heard from the aircraft so altered course to 140° and increased to full speed.
At 0330C/4, a report from the aircraft was received (timed 0315C/4) that the convoy was well to the south and east.
At 0400C/4, Flares and AA fire was sighted bearing 110° to 115°.
At 0405C/4, a destroyer was seen bearing 110° at a range of 4 nautical miles. Enemy course was approximately 150°. This was probably one of the Giuliani escorts (see below), so either Freccia, Partenope or Pegaso.
At 0415C/4, the destroyer was seen to alter course towards HMS Taku and appeared to be closing fast. HMS Taku therefore dived for about 10 minutes as no HE could be picked up. The destroyer was just visible in the moon going away at high speed. HMS Taku therefore proceeded at full speed on course 140°.
At 0445C/4, nothing was in sight and in view of the coming daylight, insufficient speed and now being well out of our patrol area decided to abandon the chase. Course was altered to the westward while charging the battery.
At 0550C/4, HMS Taku dived.
At 1515C/4, Capt. S 1's signal timed 1253C/4 was received. This stated that a damaged ship was reported in position 34°10'N, 21°01'E.
At 1601C/4, Capt. S 1's signal timed 1425C/4 was received giving more info on the damaged ship.
At 1615C/4, HMS Taku surfaced and proceeded at 13 knots to the south-east.
At 1710C/4, HMS Thorn (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, DSO, RN) was sighted and spoke.
At 1725C/4, a Ghibli aircraft was sighted so dived and remained dived. proceeded on course 120°.
At 2030C/4, HMS Taku called HMS Thorn on SS/T as nothing had been seen and it was hoped that they may have sighted something of the enemy.
At 2115C/4, HMS Taku surfaced. Two destroyers were sighted bearing 220° at a range of 5 nautical miles. HMS Taku dived again. This were most likely the tug Max Behrendt escorted by the torpedo boat Partenope (see below).
At 2200C/4, HMS Taku surfaced but had to dive immediately as two destroyers were sighted only 300 yards on the port bow laying stopped. thy must have heard the submarine and a ineffectual depth charge attack then took place after which they made off. At 2210C/4 HE of the destroyers faded astern. HMS Taku surfaced again at 0045C/5 and retired to the west and then to the south but nothing was seen of the damaged ship.
Italian records show the following; The transport Reginaldo Giuliani (Italian, 6837 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the destroyer Freccia (escort leader) and the torpedo boats Partenope and Pegaso sailed from Taranto at 2215-2246B/2. The torpedo boats Climene and Pallade had sailed from Benghazi at 0558-0617B/3 to reinforce the Giuliani convoy. The destroyer Euro was to have sailed with them, but her departure was delayed, as due to the backwash, she broke from her moorings and collided with the auxiliary cruiser Ramb III causing some damage. She finally sailed at 2000B/4.
At 1247B/3, Climene reported two submarines in position 002° - Benghazi - 117-118 miles (approx. 34°04'N, 20°12'E).
At 0135B/4, an aircraft was first sighted by the convoy and, from then on, many flares were dropped. The first torpedo attack occurred at 0245B/4.
At 0453B/4, Giuliani was hit in the stern by a RAF torpedo bomber and immobilised in position 34°07'N, 20°53'E. Freccia attempted unsuccessfully to take her in tow while Partenope and Pegaso were ordered to patrol the area as a submarine attack was feared.
At 0705B/4, Pallade sighted a submarine in 020° - Benghazi – 80 miles (approximate position 33°23'N, 20°41'E).
At 0900B/4, the German tug Max Behrendt sailed from Benghazi to tow Giuliani.
At 1115B/4, Freccia detached Partenope to meet her (she met her at 1530B/4 in position 33°05'N, 20°58'E).
At 1141B/4, Climene and Pallade joined up with the convoy. They were ordered to patrol the area as two enemy submarines were known to be in the vicinity (actually three). At 1205B/4, Climene who had developed defects was detached to Benghazi where she arrived at 2118B/4.
At 2056B/4, the torpedo boat Partenope, escorting Max Behrendt at 10 knots, detected a submarine with her sonar and shortly after observed in poor visibility a submarine submerging at a distance of 600 metres [position 002° - Tolmeita – 74 miles or approximately 33°57'N, 21°00' E]. She dropped six depth charges of German manufacture set from 45 to 90 metres.
At 0105B/5, Max Behrendt and Partenope joined up with the Giuliani convoy. The towing proved to be very difficult, and Giuliani was ordered to be scuttled.
At 0500B/5, she blew up after being hit by gunfire from the torpedo boat Partenope who had picked up 173 crew members and passengers.
In the meantime, Max Behrendt escorted by Freccia, Euro (who had just joined at 0520B/5), Pallade and Pegaso were proceeding to Benghazi.
At 0705B/5, Partenope was ordered to proceed independently to Benghazi.
At 1115B/5, Freccia and Euro increased speed and left Max Behrendt and the two torpedo boats behind them. At 1345B/5, they joined up with Partenope and the trio arrived at Benghazi at 1509B/5. Max Behrendt, Pegaso and Pallade arrived at Benghazi at 1935B/5. (13)
5 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2200C/5, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) set course for the Benghazi area. (13)
6 Jun 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) patrolled to the south-west of Benghazi.
At 2130C/6, a signal was received from Capt. S 1, timed 1925C/6, that two ships were at anchor to the west of Sirte. HMS Taku then proceeded to the south-west to attempt to intercept them between Sirte and El-Aguela.
This signal referred to the transport Brook (German, 1225 GRT, built 1927) and the refrigeration ship Amba Aradam (Italian, 405 GRT, built 1936) escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cantore. They had sailed from Tripoli at 1445B/5, and they dropped anchor at Buerat El Hsun at 1250B/6. They raised anchor at 0250B/7 and arrived at Benghazi at 1238B/8 without incident except sighting some drifting mines. (13)
7 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) patrolled near position 31°05'N, 18°13'E but nothing was seen.
On surfacing in the evening course was set to retire to the north as ordered by Capt. S 1. (13)
9 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1415C/9, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 1 timed 1041C/9. The signal was corrupted and could not be deciphered.
At 2215C/9 a correct version of the above signal was received. It stated that an aircraft on passage had sighted a signalling light in position 34°52'N, 17°33'E. It was now too late to take action. (18)
10 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0030C/10, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1851C/9 ordering her to take up her position for the upcoming operation Vigorous.
She subsequently patrolled in position 35°48'N, 20°30'E. (13)
11 Jun 1942
At 0110C/11, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal, timed 2137C/10, ordering HMS Taku and HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN) to take up new positions to the southward.
Whilst decoding this signal an aircraft report of two cruisers and nine destroyers was received. They were to the westward and on an east-north-easterly course. Lt.Cdr. Hopkins considered that the signal of Capt. S 1 was a purely routine nature and not operational and so he decided that if no action had been taken by Capt. S 1 by 0215C/11, that he would alter course to try to intercept the enemy units. The aircraft report showed that the enemy unit was making for Navarin.
At 0215C/11, HMS Taku set course for position 36°12'N, 20°25'E with the intention to intercept the enemy around 0500C/11.
At 0445C/11,HMS Taku arrived in position 36°12'N, 20°25'E.
At 0530C/11, HMS Taku dived for a day of submerged patrol.
By 0940C/11, nothing had been sighted and no information from Capt. S 1 had been received. HMS Taku surfaced and proceeded to comply with Capt. S 1's signal from 2137C/10.
At 1530C/11, HMS Taku commenced a diving patrol in position 35°10'N, 20°16'E. She also patrolled in this position on the 12th. (13)
13 Jun 1942
At 0544C/13, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) dived for a submerged patrol in 'Position X' (35°54'N, 20°07'E) which was her ordered position to provide cover during this part of 'Operation Vigorous'. On the 14th she was still patrolling in this position. (13)
14 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2300C/14, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received Vice-Admiral Malta's signal that two enemy battleships and four destroyers had been sighted in position 39°50'N, 18°00'E and four cruiser and four destroyers had been sighted in position 39°36'N, 17°58'E. The enemy had been proceeding to the south-west at full speed at 1845C/14.
HMS Taku had however suffered an engine failure and both engines were out of action. The starboard engine was in action again soon after but she was unable to intercept the enemy due to insufficient speed. (13)
15 Jun 1942
At 0055C/15, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 2356C/14, ordering the submarines on the (V-Z) patrol line to postpone taking up their new positions on the (V-Z one) patrol line until the 16th. The submarines were ordered to return to their positions on the original (V-Z) patrol line. HMS Taku complied.
At 0100C/15, HMS Taku dived for an hour as ordered in an earlier signal from Capt. S 1. She surfaced at 0210C/15, with both engines back in operation.
At 0325C/15, HMS Taku received a signal from the Vice-Admiral Malta which reported that an aircraft that at 0200 hours had sighted an enemy battleship, two cruisers and two destroyers in position 37°30'N, 19°35'E. Enemy course was 190° at 20 knot. HMS Taku altered course to the west and went to full speed to try to intercept.
At 0625C/15, an aircraft report was received of the enemy unit changing course to 240°. Obtaining contact was considered unlikely so HMS Taku dived and patrolled to the south-east. Later it became evident from the actual movements of this enemy unit that had HMS Taku continued on she most likely would have made contact with the enemy around 0800C/15.
At 1155C/15, HMS Taku and the other four submarines on the V-Z patrol line were ordered (Capt. S's signal timed 0825C/15) to proceed to their positions as originally ordered in their patrol orders for Operation Vigorous with D 4 as the 15th but with the convoy delayed 6 hours. HMS Taku and set course at speed for the new position.
At 1300C/15, HMS Taku received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1138C/15 cancelling the above signal. HMS Taku dived and proceeded to take up her position in the V2 - Z2 line.
At 1715C/15, Capt. S 1's signal timed 1315C/15, was received which ordered a new patrol line to be formed. Course was altered to comply and went to full speed.
At 1825C/15, a signal was received from Capt. S 1' which stated that at 1515C/15, the enemy fleet was in position 34°30'N, 21°33'E and was proceeding on course 330° at speeds between 20 and 25 knots. Both enemy battleships were reported to be damaged. Three enemy cruisers were reported to be 25 nautical miles to the southward of the battleships proceeding on course 320°. HMS Taku set course to try to intercept.
At 1914C/15, HMS Taku sighted a submarine which turned out to be HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN).
At 2200C/15, HMS Taku arrived in her intended patrol position from which she commenced patrolling to the south-south-east. (19)
16 Jun 1942
In the early hours of the 16th aircraft reports indicated that the enemy were now well to the northward.
At 0400C/16, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received a signal from Capt. S.1 timed 2321C/16, which gave new patrol positions for all submarines on patrol. HMS Taku was ordered to patrol in position 35°24'N, 21°33'E by damn on the 16th. Course was set to comply at full speed with the intention to remain on the surface until the position was reached.
At 0815C/16, HMS Taku dived 7 nautical miles short of her patrol position. She then patrolled in a south-easterly direction.
At 1830C/16, HMS Taku received Capt S 1's signal timed 1336C/16, ordering her to leave patrol and return to Alexandria. (19)
20 Jun 1942
Around 0930C/20, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Alexandria.
(13)
30 Jun 1942
Around 1930C/30, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 16th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.
For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(13)
2 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2140C/2, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received a signal from the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria ordering her to patrol in the vicinity of position 33°30'N, 22°30'E remaining south of 34'N, until dawn on the 4th. (20)
3 Jul 1942
At 2210C/3, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal, timed 1753C/3, which reported that an aircraft had sighted three merchant vessels and eight destroyers at 1600C/3, in position 37°25'N, 20°50'E. Enemy course was then 140° and speed 13 knots. HMS Taku was not in a position to intercept.
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According to Italian sources the transports Nino Bixio (Italian, 7137 GRT, built 1941) and Monviso (Italian, 5322 GRT, built 1941) and Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937) escorted by the destroyers Euro (escort leader), Turbine and Giovanni Da Verazzano and the torpedo boats Antares and Polluce sailed from Taranto at 1215-1327B/2.
At 1859B/2, the torpedo boats Sagittario and San Martino sailed from Argostoli and joined the convoy at 0550B/3.
At 0432B/3, the torpedo boat Castore sailed from Navarino and joined the convoy at 1331B/3. [the convoy when sighted must have included the eight escorts above, Pegaso had not yet joined].
At 1840B/3, San Martino, short of fuel, was detached to Navarino where she arrived at 2034B/3
Pegaso sailed from Benghazi at 1915B/3 and reinforced the convoy at 0635B/4.
At 2012B/3, the convoy came under air attack from enemy torpedo bombers.
At 0530B/4, Sagittario and Polluce were detached. They arrived at Navarino at 1340-1400B/4.
At 0857B/4, the convoy came under attack from three RAF bombers.
At 1050B/4, Pegaso attacked a submarine contact with six depth charges in position 335 – Tolmeita – 46 miles or 33°30’ N, 20°35’ E and claimed it sunk (this was HMS Turbulent).
The convoy arrived at Benghazi at 1815-2000B/4.
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At 2215C/3, HMS Taku received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal, timed 1928C/3, which ordered her to patrol off Apollonia starting at dawn the following day. HMS Taku set course to comply but it would be impossible to arrive in the position ordered by dawn though. It was expected she could arrive there early in the afternoon of the 4th. (20)
4 Jul 1942
At 0440C/4, to the east-north-east of Derna, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sighted a fully illuminated hospital ship bearing 280° at a range of 10 nautical miles. It was proceeding on course 140°.
There were two hospital ships in the general area: Capri (Italian, 630 GRT, built 1930) sailed from Derna on 4 July (time unknown) and arrived at Ras Hilal at 1015B/4. Città di Trapani (Italian, 2467 GRT, built 1929) sailed from Derna at 2010B/3 and arrived at Tobruk at 0950B/4.
Nothing seems to quite match the position, course and time. It is possible that the Città di Trapani sailed for Italy and then while at sea was diverted to Tobruk.
The hospital ship Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1928) was in Derna at the time and sailed at 1900B/5 for Naples, arriving there at 0645B/8. She thus could not have been the hospital ship sighted. (13)
5 Jul 1942
At 0030C/5, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) altered course to patrol off Derna.
At 0112C/5, HMS Taku sighted a fully illuminated hospital ship to the south-east. She was steering to the north-west but later altered towards and anchored off Derna.
The hospital ship Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1928) was in Derna at the time and sailed at 1900B/5 for Naples, arriving there at 0645B/8. It is possible that she had sailed earlier for Italy and was then recalled back to Derna. (13)
6 Jul 1942
After having conducted a submerged patrol between Derna and Ras-el-Tin HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) surfaced at 2145C/6 and then set course to patrol her way back eastwards along the coast towards the direction of Alexandria. (13)
11 Jul 1942
Around 2100C/11, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Haifa. (13)
31 Jul 1942
Around 2000C/31, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Haifa for her 17th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(21)
3 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1201C/3, HMS Thorn (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, DSO, RN) and HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received orders from the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria.
HMS Thorn was to patrol on a line between positions 34°48'N, 22°04'E and 33°52'N, 21°52'E. She was to be in the former position at 1801C/4.
HMS Taku was to patrol on a line between positions 32°40'N, 23°15'E and 32°22'N, 23°36'E by dawn on the 5th.
An enemy convoy of large ships had been sighted off Otranto at 1035C/3 and these were probably bound for Benghazi and / or Tobruk.
(1) The transport Sestriere (Italian, 7992 GRT, built 1942) and Nino Bixio (Italian, 7137 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the Italian destroyers Legionario (S.O.), Corsaro, Grecale, Freccia, and the Italian torpedo boats Calliope and Partenope sailed from Brindisi between 0505-0600B/3 for Benghazi. (2) The transport Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937) equipped with METOX (installed at Taranto on 2 August) had sailed from Taranto at 0100B/3, escorted by the Italian destroyers Turbine and Folgore.
The two convoys merged between 0935-1015B/3. They split up at 1930B/3 and reunited again at 0700B/4. At 1842B/4, in position 34°31'N, 22°10'E, they came under air attack by about ten Liberators from a height of about 3-4000 metres without result.
Nino Bixio had engine defects, and the convoy reduced speed to 6 knots to allow her to keep station but at 2205B/4 Legionario ordered Freccia, Corsaro and Partenope to remain with Nino Bixio
Sestriere escorted by Legionario and Calliope then proceeded ahead at 12.5 knots.
The Nino Bixio section came again under air attack at 2325B/4 in position 33°39'N, 22°09'E.
At 2212B/4, Ankara, Turbine, Folgore and Grecale were detached to proceed for Tobruk where they arrived between 1200-1232B/5.
At 0655B/5, the torpedo boat Pegaso from Benghazi reached the Sestriere convoy to reinforce the escort and provide sonar protection. The convoy arrived at Benghazi between 1058-1218B/5.
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Later an amplifying report was sent (Capt. S 10's signal timed 1930B/3) giving the position of this convoy at 1400B/3 as 39°27'N, 19°42'E on course 140° at 11 knots. (22)
4 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1155C/4, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria cancelled his instructions for HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) given in his previous signal timed 1201C/3. HMS Taku was now ordered to patrol on a line between positions 32°25'N, 23°35'E and 32°14'N, 23°44'E by dawn on the 5th.
It also stated that aircraft would be attacking around 0200C/5 and would also drop flares.
This signal was also repeated to HMS Thorn (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, DSO, RN).
In a signal timed 2345C/4, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed both submarines that an enemy convoy of one transport and four destroyers had been reported at 2305C/4 in position 33°36'N, 22°32'E proceeding on course 143° at 12 knots. The submarines were also informed that they were to act independently after 0901C/5. The convoy mentioned in this signal must have been the transport Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937) and her escorting destroyers Turbine, Grecale and Folgore en route from Taranto to Tobruk [see also the event for 3 August 1942.] (22)
5 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal from the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, timed 1931C/5, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is instructed that in case the enemy A/S activity in her current area is too great that she may proceed to position 33°32'N, 21°44'E remaining south-west until 0001C/7 or to position 32°51'N, 20°20'E remaining until 0601C/7 (22)
6 Aug 1942
In a signal from the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, timed 0931C/6, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is instructed to postpone her move, as referred to in the signal timed 1931C/5, for 48 hours.
The signals timed 1931C/5 and 0931C/6 were later cancelled in a signal timed 0940C/8. (22)
7 Aug 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) intended to attack an eastbound schooner with gunfire of Ras-el-Tin. The attack is spoiled at the last possible moment by patrolling aircraft.
This schooner may have been the Pasquale Costa (Italian, 198 GRT, built 1910) who sailed from Benghazi at 1615B/4 and arrived at Tobruk at 1015B/8
Later, what is thought to be, an eastbound MA/SB was sighted.
The motorboat may have been the M/S 13, she sailed from Tobruk for patrol at 1900B/6 and returned at 1345B/7.
In a signal timed 0955C/7, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Proteus (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN), HMS Traveller (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN) and HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) that one merchant vessel and two destroyers had been sighted at 0835C/7 in position 33°52'N, 23°25'E proceeding on a course of 350° at 11 knots and that a merchant vessel and one destroyer had been sighted at 0901C/7 in position 33°38'N, 21°36'E proceeding on a course of 050° at 9 knots.
The first sighting referred to a convoy made up of the transport Apuania (Italian, 7948 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the destroyer Folgore and the torpedo boat Castore. They had departed Tobruk around 1911B/6 for Brindisi where they arrived around 1913B/8. The position given by the aircraft was quite off as the destroyer Folgore gave her position at 0850B/7 as 34°50'N, 23°08'E (unless the destroyer’s position was wrong! However, later in the evening Folgore did notice that her position from a fix was found to be 10 miles off her estimated one).
The second sighting was the transport Istria (Italian, 5441 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the torpedo boat Pegaso. They had departed Benghazi at 1645B/6. At 1255B/7, an escorting aircraft machine-gunned the sea about 5000 metres away and Pegaso rushed to the attack and claimed the submarine sunk in 34°25'N, 22°36'E (possibly HMS Thorn). The convoy reached Navarino at 1006B/8 and eventually reached Piraeus at 2220B/10.
0550C/7 - Dived for patrol of Ras-el-Tin.
0920C/7 - In position 32°21'N, 23°16'E sighted a two-masted schooner in ballast close inshore proceeding on course 270°. Decided to close and attack with the gun.
0945C/7 - When just about to surface in a favourable position, sighted two aircraft patrolling along the coast. Reluctantly abandoned the idea of sinking the schooner with gunfire.
1100C/7 - Sighted an MA/SB baring 140° at a range of 3 nautical miles on course 270°. (21)
8 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 1915C/8, Capt. S 1, ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) not to attack submarines unless identified as enemy, in an area enclosed by the north coast of Africa and latitude 35°00'N and longitude 19°00'E and 24°00'E.
Also HMS Taku was not to proceed within 20 miles of Ras el Tin from 0600C/10 until HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) had reported the completion of her minelaying mission. (22)
9 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1920C/9, the Senior Officer Submarines Malta, informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) that aircraft had reported, at 1705C/9, a merchant vessel escorted by a destroyer in position 32°33'N, 20°09'E on a course of 060° at 8 knots. HMS Taku was ordered to intercept, at her discretion in the vicinity of position 33°38'N, 21°58'E.
HMS Taku received this signal at 2220C/9.
This must have referred to the transport Tagliamento (Italian, 5448 GRT, built 1922) which had departed Benghazi around 1240B/9 for Piraeus where she arrived around 0320B/12. She was escorted by the torpedo boat Procione.
By 0800C/10, HMS Taku had seen nothing and course was set to return to the Benghazi area. (22)
10 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 1055C/10, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that at 1005C/10 an aircraft had sighted an enemy submarine in position 34°02'N, 23°04'E proceeding on course 160° at 10 knots.
This must have referred to the Italian submarine Marcantonio Bragadino which was on passage from Taranto (departed 1017B/7) to Tobruk (arrived 1025B/11). (22)
10 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1805C/10, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, ordered HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) to establish patrol in the following positions; HMS Turbulent in position 36°42'N, 21°26'E by dawn on the 13th. HMS Taku in position 34°40'N, 21°33'E by 1601C/13. HMS Porpoise, only if she had completed her minelaying mission, in position 34°56'N, 21°42'E by 1601C/13.
An important enemy convoy was expected to proceed from Italy to Benghazi.
This signal was repeated to the submarines concerned in the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria signal timed 1601C/11.
In a signal timed 1804C/12, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria cancelled the instuctions given in his signal from 1805C/10. The sailing of the enemy convoy was delayed. (22)
13 Aug 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked an enemy convoy. The attack fails as Taku is detected and bombed from the air and the torpedoes could be avoided.
The submarine was bombed by Italian seaplanes of 196^ Squadriglia.
This convoy was made up of the transports Sibilla (Italian, 1077 GRT, built 1900) and Albachiara (Italian,1245 GRT, built 1904). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Sagittario and submarine chaser Selve.
1230C/13 - In position 32°30'N, 20°08'E sighted what is thought to be a Crotone-class sloop escorting 2 medium seized motor vessels with three aircraft overhead. Started an attack.
1251C/13 - Fired three torpedoes at the rear ship. Sighted one of the aircraft coming straight toward. About 2 minutes after firing three bombs were dropped that were very close. All three navigation lights were broken. No hits were heard and it seems likely that the torpedoes could be avoided.
1320C/13 - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight. Resumed dived patrol to the westward. (21)
13 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 1145C/13, Capt. S 1 informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) to stay 5 nautical miles in all directions from position 32°42'N, 23°06'E due to British moored mines having been laid in that position by HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN).
HMS Taku was now allowed to enter this general area as the minelay by HMS Porpoise. [See also the signal timed 1915C/8.] (22)
13 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1240C/13, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, informed HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that one small transport (less than 2000 tons) had been sighted at 1208C/13 in position 32°52'N, (longitude indecipherable) proceeding on course 120° at 4 knots and also that at 0930C/13, two transports and two destroyers had been sighted in position 33°21'N, 21°12'E on course 045° at 8 knots.
[We have been unable to identify the ships reported.] (22)
14 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 1713C/14, Capt. S 1, ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) to leave patrol P.M./16 through positions 33°01'N, 24°21'E and then direct to Beirut. (22)
14 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1105C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that an enemy convoy made up of one transport and two destroyers had been sighted at 0810C/14 in position 34°20'N, 23°19'E on course 345° at 12 knots.
[We have been unable to identify the ships reported.]
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In a signal timed 1141C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria ordered these submarines to establish patrol in the following positions; HMS Turbulent in position 36°52'N, 21°27'E by 0001C/15. HMS Taku in position 33°23'N, 20°56'E by 01001C/15 and HMS Porpoise in position 34°39'N, 21°36'E by 0001C/15 as a large enemy convoy was expected to proceed from Italy to Benghazi.
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In a signal timed 1232C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed these submarines that an enemy convoy of two transports and four destroyers had been sighted at 1145C/14 in position 39°25'N, 18°30'E proceeding on course 120° at 15 knots. Also a convoy made up of one transport and two destroyers had been sighted at 1130C/14 in position 36°14'N, 23°36'E on course 200° at 15 knots.
The convoy reported at 1145C/14 was made up of the transport Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the Italian destroyer Nicoloso da Recco and the torpedo boat Polluce who had left Taranto at 0225-0355B/14 and the transport Lerici (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the torpedo boats Calliope and Castore who sailed from Brindisi at 0429B/14. Both convoys merged at 1010-1027B/14. They were bound for Benghazi.
At 1829B/15, Lerici was torpedoed by HMS Porpoise in position 34°50'N, 21°30'E or 34°44'N, 21°35'E (English vs Italian sources). Ravello escorted by Da Recco and Castore proceeded on and arrived at Benghazi at 0830-0940B/16. They left behind Calliope and Polluce to respectively pick up the survivors and hunt the submarine. Polluce dropped 38 depth charges in three runs and claimed the submarine sunk but HMS Porpoise had escaped. The destroyers Mitragliere and Bersagliere sailed from Navarino at 0110B/16 to help tow Lerici and joined at 0825B/16 but the transport was heavily on fire and this proved to be impossible. The derelict Lerici was finished off with 89 rounds of 120mm/50 from the destroyer Mitragliere at 1102B/16.
The convoy reported at 1130C/14 was made up of the transport Foscolo (Italian, 4538 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the Italian destroyer Saetta and the Italian torpedo boats Orione and Sirio. They had sailed from Piraeus at 0215-0300B/14 (except Saetta who joined from Suda (sailed at 0336B/14) at 0825B/14). Sirio was detached at 1500B/14 and reached Heraklion at 0430B/15. The convoy arrived at Benghazi at 1035B/15.
In an amplifying signal timed 1415C/14, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed these submarines that the destination of the first convoy was Benghazi. Aircraft would attack this convoy between 0200C/15 and 0400C/15 and would also drop flares. The destination of the second convoy most probably also Benghazi but it was also possible it's destination was Tobruk. Aircraft would search for and reports this convoy between 0100C/15 and 0300C/15 and would also drop flares.
In an amplifying signal timed 1910C/14, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Taku and HMS Porpoise that the second convoy [the one sighted at 1130C/14] was at 1630C/14 in position 35°14'N, 23°13'E proceeding on course 225° at 15 knots. (22)
15 Aug 1942 (position 33.16, 21.16)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked the transport Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926) with four torpedoes about 90 nautical miles north-east of Benghazi, Libya in position 33°16'N, 21°16'E. All torpedoes however missed their target.
Menes had departed Benghazi around 1830-1840B/14 (they had sailed earlier, at 0434-0534B/14 but had been recalled and returned to Benghazi at 1245B/14) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Pallade and Sagittario.
At 0710B/15, in position 33°29'N, 21°15'E according to Pallade [also given as 33°56'N, 21°36'E by Sagittario], Menes observed a torpedo track and avoided it by turning hard to starboard, and shortly after three more which missed on the port side. At 0731B/15, Sagittario dropped 28 depth charges. In position 34°40'N, 22°46'E, the convoy came under air attack by three groups of three Liberator bombers at 1830, 1844 and 1845 hours, all bombs missed. The convoy arrived at Suda Bay at 1117-1152B/16.
0729C/15 - Sighted one merchant vessel, about 5000 tons, escorted by two Spica-class torpedo boats (one ahead and one astern of the merchant) and one aircraft overhead bearing 185°, range 7 nautical miles. Went to 70 feet and closed at speed for 15 minutes.
0807C/15 - Fired the first torpedo of a salvo of four. Immediately after firing this first torpedo the target changed course. Hold fire.
0810C/15 - Fired three torpedoes. No hits. Taku went deep.
0833C/15 - Depth charging commenced in patterns of six. All were astern and not close.
0915C/15 - The last pattern of depth charges was dropped.
0930C/15 - No HE was heard, came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Resumed dived patrol eastwards. (21)
15 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1105C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that the convoy reported at 1145C/14 in his signal timed 1232C/14 was in position 36°22'N, 21°39'E at 0905C/15.
Later an amplifying signal was sent timed 1515C/15 which stated that the convoy at 1335C/15 had been in position 35°44'N, 22°14'E proceeding on course 210° at 13 knots. (22)
15 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 1951C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) that the were no aircraft available to cooperate with her the coming night. HMS Taku was allowed to proceed to position 32°47'N, 20°17'E at her own discretion.
Lt.Cdr. Hopkins decided to remain on patrol in the present area. (23)
16 Aug 1942
At 0215C/16, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) picked up HE bearing 090°. HMS Taku commenced to close at speed.
At 0223C/16, the HE was heard crossing across the bow.
At 0230C/16, a destroyer was seen bearing 120° at a range of approximately 3000 yards. HMS Taku altered course and increased to full speed for three minutes to evade this destroyer.
Subsequently HE of two destroyers was picked up and the Commanding Officer also sighted the second destroyer. No HE of a merchant vessel could be heard though.
HE continued to draw right at speed. Lt.Cdr. Hopkins decided not to attack the destroyers and contact was soon lost. HMS Taku then resumed patrol.
The destroyers were most likely the Nicoloso Da Recco and Castore escorting the transport Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941). It appears that HMS Taku did not see or hear the Ravello. Ravello and her escorts arrived at Benghazi at 0830-0940B/16.
At 2100C/16, HMS Taku left patrol to proceed to Beirut. (21)
21 Aug 1942
Shortly before arriving at Beirut, where she ended her 17th war patrol, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is depth charged in error by a British Wellington aircraft of 235 Wing. [The report appears to have mysteriously disappeared !.]
HMS Taku arrived at Beirut around 0800C/21.
0510C/21 - In position 33°59'N, 34°48'E sighted a Wellington aircraft. The light by then was good and the aircraft flew close on both sides until 0555C/21 when it approached from the starboard quarter and released two depth charges which dropped 15 feet and 20 yards on the port beam and bow respectively. The first narrowly missed the periscope standards. None the less Taku suffered no damage. (21)
2 Sep 1942
Around 1915C/2, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said. (24)
4 Sep 1942
Around 0740C/4, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Port Said from Beirut. (24)
5 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (24)
7 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. (24)
9 Sep 1942
Around 1900C/9, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Port Said for her 18th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.
(21)
14 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) tries to land a party of four by folbots off Tobruk for a beach reconnaissance for an upcoming operation [Operation Agreement]. The attempt is aborted due to the unfavourable weather conditions.
0520C/13 - Dived 15 nautical miles north of Tobruk and proceeded inshore to carry out a periscope reconnaissance of Mersa Mreira.
1400C/13 - Established the identity and location of the above inlet. The folbotists were all given the opportunity to view the inlet from the seaward.
1505C/13 - A burst of machine gun fire was seen along the port side from an unknown source. No aircraft was in sight at this time.
1930C/13 - A final fix was taken before HMS Taku ran out to seaward.
2300C/13 - Surfaced 10.5 nautical miles to the north of Tobruk.
0010C/14 - Commenced to run in towards the inlet.
0115C/14 to 0140C/14 - Although the weather conditions appeared favourable all attempts to launch the folbots and subsequently rubber boat were aborted by an occasional cross swell which swept the casing despite the submarine being at nearly full buoyancy. Nine men were swept into the sea including all the landing party. They were recovered in due course but slightly fatigued. The landing attempt had to be aborted.
0145C/14, HMS Taku withdrew to the northwest with despatch. A signal, timed 0134C/15 was sent that the landing had to be aborted. (21)
14 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1810C/14, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is informed by Capt. S 1, in his signal timed 1635C/14, that she now had freedom of action in the Tobruk general area. (21)
15 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) acted on an aircraft report that at 0035C/15 a large transport and five small craft had been sighted in position 33°40'N, 22°51'E on course 180° at a speed of 8 knots. Lt.Cdr. Hopkins hoped to intercept these ships around 0345C/15.
The ships sighted were part of a convoy made up of the tanker Alberto Fassio (Italian, 2289 GRT, built 1914) and the Italian motorized lighters MZ 721, MZ 729, MZ 730, MZ 763 and MZ 764 [source is the report of the Cassiopea.]. They were escorted by the German destroyer Hermes (former Greek Vasilefs Georgios) and the Italian torpedo boat Cassiopea. The convoy arrived at Tobruk around 1215B/15 except MZ 764 which had proceeded to Derna.
Flares were seen throughout most of the night but the convoy was never seen.
At 0721C/15, north-north-east of Derna, in position 32°51'N, 22°42'E, HMS Taku sighted a transport of about 1500 tons escorted by what is thought to be a Generali-class torpedo boat. Enemy was sighted bearing 090° at a range of about 5 nautical miles. HMS Taku started an attack but it had to be broken off at 0805C/15 as no favourable attack position could be obtained as the enemy was close inshore proceeding on a course of 255°. HMS Taku then resumed her patrol eastwards.
The ships sighted were most likely the small transport Ostia (German, 359 GRT, built 1905, former Spanish Nere-a-Metza) and her escort, the Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cascino.
At 0830C/15, in position 32°48'N, 22°43'E, a landing barge was seen escorted by a motor torpedo boat or motor minesweeper. They were close inshore bound for Derna. The landing barge was most likely the Italian MZ 764. [We have not been able to identify the escort.]
At 1030C/15, in position 32°50'N, 22°42'E HMS Taku sighted a large merchant vessel to the west of Derna. She was not escorted.HMS Taku commenced an attack. At 1110C/15, the ship was on a course to enter Derna and it was thought to be a hospital ship. She was seen to anchor in Derna roads at 1130C/15. HMS Taku closed to investigate and at 1145C/15 the ship was definitely identified as a hospital ship. The ships sighted was most likely the hospital ship Aquileia (Italian, 9322 GRT, built 1914). She had sailed from Naples at 1510B/12 and arrived at Derna at 1010B/15.
HMS Taku now resumed patrol.
At 1830C/15, HMS Taku received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1740C/15, which stated that one southbound transport escorted by two destroyers had been sighted and that flares would be dropped during the night.[No further details available, we have been unable to identify the convoy referred to.]
At 2115C/15, HMS Taku surfaced and set course to the north-west to make contact with the enemy convoy between 0300C/16 and 0400C/16. [We have been unable to identify this convoy.]
During the night HMS Taku sighted flares but no convoy was seen. (21)
16 Sep 1942
At 1515C/16, in position 32°23'N, 20°47'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sighted, what are thought to be an Confienza-class and an Orsa-class torpedo boat, bearing 290° at a range of 5 nautical miles. They were on course 145° obviously bound for Tobruk. Two aircraft were patrolling overhead. It was thought that the rear torpedo boat was towing a long low barge.
The ships sighted were the Italian torpedo boat Castelfidardo and the Italian destroyer Saetta which was towing the fuel barge (former submarine) Domenico Millelire. They had left Navarino at 0520B/15 and arrived at Tobruk at 1000B/17.
At 2200C/16, HMS Taku, which had surfaced at 2115C/16, had to dive for two destroyers proceeding to the north-west at high speed.
These were possibly the German destroyer Hermes and the Italian torpedo boat Cassiopea escorting the transport Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937) which had sailed from Tobruk at 1600B/16. The Italian torpedo boat Castelfidardo sailed at 1830B/16 and had caught up with them by 2100B/16 but it is probable that Taku sighted Hermes and Cassiopea as Hermes was leading ahead of the transport, Cassiopea was on the port flank and Castelfidardo on the starboard flank (thus farther north). They arrived at Piraeus at 0015-0120B/18. (21)
17 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 2116B/17, Capt. S 10, informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) that at 2143C/17, an aircraft had sighted a convoy made up of three transports and two destroyers in position 33°15'N, 23°39'E on course 170° at 6 knots.
[For the composition of this convoy see the event for 18 September 1942.] (25)
18 Sep 1942
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked an enemy convoy in position 32°29'N, 23°34'E. Four torpedoes were fired and a sinking is claimed but this was not the case.
The convoy attacked was made up of the transports Corso Fougier (Italian, 1359 GRT, built 1906), Nerucci (Italian, 1180 GRT, built 1892) and Dora (German, 795 GRT, built 1898). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Sirio and Lupo. They had sailed from Suda Bay around 1400-1430B/16 and arrived at Tobruk around 1035-1041B/18.
The convoy was reported to have been under air attack from RAF torpedo bombers from 2050B to 2350B/17 and 0230B- 0300B/18 (position given at 330° - Tobruk – 80 miles but probably extended to a position not far from the attack by HMS Taku. At 0220B/18, Sirio felt a loud explosion near her, followed by two minor ones astern the convoy. At the time, flares were observed 5 miles astern of the convoy and it appears that the explosions probably were Taku’s torpedoes at the end of their run, but the Italian destroyer did not mention a submarine and probably mistook them for aircraft bombs. At 0245B/18, an aircraft was seen approaching at low altitude making straight for Sirio, while taking avoiding action, Sirio temporarily lost contact with the convoy and rejoined only at 0445B/18. It is possible that she was the destroyer sighted at 0415C/18.
0303C/18 - Sighted a darkened ship bearing 036°, distance 3 nautical miles. Identified as a destroyer.
0308C/18 - Sighted two merchant ships bearing 030°, distance 3 nautical miles. Closed at speed to attack.
0320C/18 - In position 32°29'N, 23°34'E fired four torpedoes at the leading ship. Dived.
0327C/18 - Heard a loud explosion.
0336C/18 - Heard another loud and prolonged explosion.
0345C/18 - Periscope depth, nothing in sight.
0415C/18 - Surfaced. Sighted a dark object in the vicinity of the attacking position and closed on main motors. The object was identified as a destroyer that was thought to be picking up survivors. Thought one ship to be hit and sunk.
0430C/18 - Retired to the North. (21)
19 Sep 1942
In a signal timed 0858C/19, Capt. S 1 ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) to patrol off Benghazi. This signal was received at 1048C/19 and HMS Taku altered course to the north-west to comply. [No further details available on this signal]
In a signal timed 1101B/19, Capt. S 10 informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) that an enemy convoy of two transports and seven destroyers had been sighted in position 38°28'N, 20°15'E on course 175°, speed 10 to 12 knots. [For the composition of this convoy see the event for 20 September 1942.]
This signal referred to a convoy made up of (26)
19 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 0858C/19, Capt. S 1 ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) to patrol off Benghazi.This signal was received at 1048C/19 and HMS Taku altered course to the north-west to comply. [No further details available on this signal.]
In a signal timed 1101B/19, Capt. S 10 informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) that an enemy convoy of two transports and seven destroyers had been sighted in position 38°28'N, 20°15'E on course 175°, speed 10 to 12 knots. [For the composition of this convoy see the event for 20 September 1942.]
At 1705C/19, Capt. S 1, ordered HMS Taku to proceed to a new patrol position with all despatch. The distance she had to cover was 115 nautical miles but as many aircraft had been sighted throughout the day it was not considered wise to surface during daylight hours. At 1930C/19, HMS Taku surfaced and set course for the position ordered at 13.5 knots. [No further details available on this signal.]
At 2230C/19, HMS Taku received Capt. S 1's signal timed 2055C/19, giving more details of the expected southbound convoy and an interception position. [No further details available on this signal.] (26)
20 Sep 1942 (position 33.30, 21.10)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked an enemy convoy in position 33°30'N, 21°10'E. Three torpedoes were fired without result.
This convoy was made up of the transports Apuania (Italian, 7948 GRT, built 1942) and Monginevro (Italian, 5324 GRT, built 1940) escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia (S.O.), Antonio Da Noli, Nicolò Zeno and the torpedo boats Calliope, Ciclone, Centaure and Pallade. Apuania reported missed by one torpedo and Monginevro missed by two.
The Monginevro escorted by the Antonio Da Noli, Ciclone, Centaure and Pallade had departed Taranto around 1754-1848B/18. The Apuania escorted by the Freccia, Nicolò Zeno and Calliope had departed Brindinsi around 1910-2000B/18.
The two sections of the convoy merged at 0644B/19. The convoy arrived at Benghazi at 1600-1700B/20.
The convoy was sighted and came under air attack from enemy bombers between 2215B/19-0055B/20, 60 miles south of Cape Gallo (Morea) or from position 35°40'N, 21°50'E to 34°56'N, 21°30'E, with no result. At 0826B/20, Apuania reported being missed by a torpedo and Monginevro reported being missed by two torpedoes. At 0830B/20, the torpedo boat Pallade observed a torpedo wake and turned hard to starboard to avoid it. At the same time the torpedo boat Ciclone hunted the submarine.
0900C/20 - Sighted a convoy made up of two transports and two destroyers with a whole lot of aircraft overhead. It's likely there were more ships but the periscope could only be put up for very brief moments. Commenced attack.
0925C/20 - In position 33°30'N, 21°10'E fired three torpedoes at the port wing ship from 1500 yards. Went deep after firing as one of the destroyers was very close.
0930C/20 - Heard one explosion, most likely a depth charge.
0932C/20 - Heard two explosions, most likely depth charges.
1025C/20 - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight. (27)
21 Sep 1942
During the day, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted a submerged patrol near position 33°30'N, 21°30'E. She had been given freedom of action in her present patrol area in a signal from Capt. S 1 timed 0205C/21. (21)
22 Sep 1942
During the day, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted a submerged patrol to the north-west of Tolmeita, Libya near position 32°53'N, 20°43'E.
The Vice-Admiral Malta informed HMS Taku in a signal timed 1039B/22 that an enemy convoy made up of one transport and three destroyers had been sighted at 0845C/22 in position 39°44'N, 18°38'E, course 110° at a speed of 8 knots.
The convoy referred to was probably the tanker
Proserpina was subject of a sabotage attempt in June 1941 which caused the collapse of the Mounier network in Tunisia. See also the book Clandestine Operations from Malta and the French Resistance connection in Tunisia (offsite link). (21)
23 Sep 1942
During the day, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted a submerged patrol well to the north of Tolmeita, Libya near position 33°24'N, 20°50'E. (21)
24 Sep 1942
At 0030C/24, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) received an aircraft report of 1423C/23 of a slow southbound convoy. Altered course to intercept it. This reported stated that one transport and two destroyers in position 35°17'N, 23°23'E on course 180° at 5 knots.
This aircraft sighting must have referred to the tanker Rondine (6468 GRT, built 1924) escorted by the destroyer Hermes and the Italian torpedo boat Orsa. The convoy sailed from Piraeus at 0213B/21 at a speed of 14 knots (and for five hours increased at 18 knots) and arrived at Suda at 1354B/21. They tried to sail at 0445B/22 but had to turn back as Rondine had engine defects. They finally sailed from Suda at 0200B/23. At 0810B/23, Rondine signalled the breakdown of her port engine. They proceeded at 4-5 knots. At 1736B/23, the defect was repaired but at 2306B/23, there was another engine breakdown and Orsa closed to voice range and was informed that it could be repaired in an hour. At 2350B/23, the repairs were completed, and march resumed. At 0210B/24, a torpedo bomber (this was a Wellington of 221 Squadron) made an attack on Rondine but missed. At 1315-1335B/24, the convoy anchored in Tobruk.
At 0715C/24, HMS Taku dived in position 33°28'N, 22°37'E. Interception now seems unlikely. The weather, low cloud and sun prevented HMS Taku from running on the surface longer.
At 1005C/24, HMS Taku received Capt. S 1's signal timed 0818C/24, ordering a new patrol position for the 25th. [No further details available on this signal, the new position appeared to be to the north-north-east of her current patrol position.] (28)
25 Sep 1942
At 0030C/25, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) altered course to 345° to proceed toward the ordered patrol position.
At 0650C/25, HMS Taku dived in position 34°12'N, 22°40'E and continued to proceed to the north-west.
At 1710C/25, HMS Taku received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1443C/25, which gave the details of a southbound convoy and subsequent movements. [No further details available on this signal.]
The convoy referred to most probably was the one made up of the transports Anna Maria Gualdi (Italian, 3289 GRT, built 1908) and Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Nicoloso da Recco and the Italian torpedo boats Castore, Lupo and Sirio. This convoy had departed Piraeus around 2230B-2310B/24. At 1000-1030B/25, the German escorting aircraft bombed and machine-gunned a presumed submarined which proved to be a group of dolphins. At 1045B/25, Sirio had condenser trouble and Lupo was ordered to take her in tow. She finally managed to make 8 knots and Da Recco ordered her to proceeed to Suda Bay while Lupo reintegrated the formation. At 1907B/25, Sirio arrived at Suda. This convoy actually was to be joined around 1500B/25 by the tanker Proserpina (Italian, 4870 GRT, built 1926) and the torpedo boats Libra and Lira which had departed Suda Bay around 0830B/25. The convoy was then expected to arrive at Tobruk around 1600B/26 but in the end they arrived two hours early. The torpedo boat Sirio however had developed condenser (steam tube) trouble around 1045B/25 north-north-east of Anti-Kithera in position 36°08'N, 23°23'E and was detached to Suda Bay to effect repairs. She arrived at Suda Bay around 1900B/25. Meanwhile the Proserpina convoy sailed from Suda at 0828-0830B/25 and joined at 1430B/25, they had been sighted by an aircraft at 1415B/25 so an air attack was to be expected. Subsequently, Supermarina informed them that a radio intercept had revealed that fourteen enemy bombers were on their way to attack them. At midnight, Lira opened fire with her 100 mm guns on an aircraft which proved to be a German escorting aircraft, this caused the convoy to disperse, and they finally regrouped at 0050B/26. At 0119B/26, flares were dropped ahead and shortly after the convoy came under air attack until 0310B/26 from enemy bombers but escaped unscathed. They arrived at Tobruk at 1215-1510B/26.
At 1715C/25, in position 34°30'N, 22°47'E, HMS Taku sighted a periscope right astern. at 1640C/25, HE of a submarine had already been picked up. This was most likely HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) but she reported nothing around this time. (29)
26 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0222C/26, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sighted very distant flares bearing 137°. HMS Taku increased speed to 14 knots and altered course to 157°.
At 0230C/26, an aircraft report was received that at 0200C/26 the convoy had been 50 nautical miles to the south-east.
At 0900C/26, HMS Taku dived, having remained on the surface to close Tobruk until it was considered unsafe to remain on the surface any longer.
At 1345C/26, in position 33°01'N, 23°26'E a small dark object was seen bearing 250° which disappeared after a few minutes the bearing having altered 30 degrees in four minutes. This was thought to be HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) which may have surfaced briefly to take a sight.
At 2015C/26, HMS Taku surfaced and continued toward Tobruk while charging.
At 2210C/26, HMS Taku received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1709C/26 ordering her to leave patrol P.M. on the 27th. (28)
27 Sep 1942
At 0003C/27, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sighted flares, AA fire and a smoke screen bearing 215°. HMS Taku altered course toward to close.
At 0017C/27, two heavy explosions were heard ahead.
At 0027C/27, a destroyer was seen close ahead beam on and apparently stopped. Two minutes later the destroyer altered course towards so HMS Taku dived. It appeared this destroyer was making moke. It was thought that a convoy was proceeding northwards but nothing could be seen. It was thought that a ship may have been hit at 0017 by either aircraft or HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN). By 0042C/27, the destroyer had been lost from sight so HMS Taku surfaced.
The destroyer (torpedo boat) sighted at 0027C/27 was probably either Lupo, Castore or Libra. They were escorting the transport Corso Fougier (Italian, 1359 GRT, built 1906), Nerucci (Italian, 1180 GRT, built 1892) and Dora (German, 795 GRT, built 1898. They had sailed from Tobruk at 1722-1800B/26 (with the torpedo boat Lira who was recalled at 1858B/26) from Tobruk. At 2246B/26, an enemy aircraft dropped flares in position 32°29'N, 23°44'30"E (or 32°24'N, 23°41'E) and the convoy came under air attack 2300B/26 to 0110B/27, Libra was detached at 0015B/28 and arrived at Suda at 0439B/28. The convoy reached Piraeus at 1830-1834B/28.
At 0045C/27, a small vessel was sighted bearing 350°. HMS Taku immediately dived again as it was thought to be a motor torpedo boat [or motor minesweeper]. Avoiding action was taken and course was altered to the east-south-east. It looked like this vessel suspected the submarines presence as she remained near HMS Taku until 0250C/27.
At 0315C/27, HMS Taku surfaced and withdrew to the east-north-east.
At 0500C/27, HMS Taku altered course to 163° to close Tobruk.
At 0545C/27, in position 32°34'N, 23°30'E, a periscope was seen on the port beam. HMS Taku altered course to ram but nothing further was seen and no HE was picked up. If this was HMS Turbulent then she had ample opportunity to study Taku's silhouette. If it was an enemy submarine she had just missed a ' golden opportunity '. According to her patrol report [unfortunately no log is available] HMS Turbulent, which was in the area was surfaced at this time. [We can however not place any other submarine in the area at this place and time.]
At 0630C/27, HMS Taku dived and closed the coast.
At 1900C/27, HMS Taku was still about 10 nautical miles from the coast. Nothing further had been sighted all day. She now started to proceed to the north.
At 2015C/27, HMS Taku surfaced and continued to proceed to the north.
At 2100C/27, HMS Taku left patrol to proceed to Beirut as ordered in Capt. S 1's signal timed 1709C/26. [No further details available on this signal.] (30)
1 Oct 1942
Around 0630C/1, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Beirut. (21)
Submarine HMS Truant (N 68)
14 May 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded from Troon to Holy Loch where she underwent a submerged inclination experiment on completion of which she returned to Troon. During the passages from and back to Troon she was escorted by HMS Andre et Louise (T/Lt. T.H. Stewart, RNVR). (31)
17 May 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her refit at Troon. She proceeded to Holy Loch to start a period of trials and training. During the passage she was escorted by an auxiliary trawler. (31)
20 May 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (31)
21 May 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (31)
22 May 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (31)
23 May 1943
Around 0630B/23, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for Port HHX (Loch a' Choire) where she arrived around 2030B/23.
At Port HHX she was to participate in special trials. During her passage there she was escorted by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (31)
2 Jun 1943
Around 1600B/2, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Port HHX for Holy Loch where she arrived around 0850B/3. She was escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN). (32)
5 Jun 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. She returned to Holy Loch around 0100B/6. (32)
7 Jun 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) served as target. (32)
8 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to the Arrochar torpedo range in Loch Long where torpedo discharge trials were carried out on completion of which she returned to Holy Loch. (32)
10 Jun 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceedeed from Holy Loch to Arrochar (Loch Long). (32)
11 Jun 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (32)
12 Jun 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these HMS Truant proceeded to Holy Loch. (32)
14 Jun 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Scapa Flow where she is to participate in A/S exercises. She made the passage together with HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) which joined off Rothesay. They were escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (32)
16 Jun 1943
Around 1230B/16, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Holy Loch. (32)
17 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), carried out A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMIS Narbada (Lt.Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and HMS Newark (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN). (32)
18 Jun 1943
During the morning HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) carried out A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN) and HMCS Athabascan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN). (32)
19 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), carried out A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN). (32)
21 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), carried out A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN) and HMS Talybont (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN). (32)
22 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), carried out A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMIS Narbada (Lt.Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN). (32)
23 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), carried out A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMIS Narbada (Lt.Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN). (32)
24 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) carried out gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. She then returned to Scapa Flow and carried out A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN). (32)
25 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), carried out A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Grenville (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, RN) and HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN).
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with A/S vessels from the local defence. (32)
26 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) carried out A/S exercises with A/S vessels from the local defence.
During the afternoon A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN) and HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN). (32)
27 Jun 1943
Around 2200B/27, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN). (33)
29 Jun 1943
Around 1300B/29, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Scapa Flow. Shortly before arrival she ran over the D/G range at Helensburg. (32)
1 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Holy Loch for exercises in Bute Sound. She made several practice attacks on HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) during the day before returning to Holy Loch after also have carried out gunnery exercises. (34)
3 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS White Bear (Cdr. J.F. Drake, RNR) and aircraft. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Truant proceeded to Campbeltown. (34)
4 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR).
Upon completion of these exercises HMS Truant proceeded to Larne. (34)
5 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises with aircraft off Larne. (34)
8 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and an Escort Group. (34)
9 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (34)
12 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Mourne (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Holland, RD, RNR). (32)
13 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted convoy attack exercises off Larne. (34)
14 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Clematis (T/Lt. R.H. Farrands, DSC, RNR) and later with HMS Warwick (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Godetia (T/Lt. M.A.F. Larose, RNR). (34)
15 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and other A/S vessels. (34)
16 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded from Larne to Holy Loch. (34)
17 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 7) at Holy Loch. (34)
19 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. (34)
25 Jul 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (34)
28 Jul 1943
Around 1630B/28, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (34)
30 Jul 1943
Around 1000B/30, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Lerwick. After topping off with fuel she departed from on her 26th war patrol. This is a work-up patrol in the Norwegian Sea.
[No logbook is available for this period and the patrol report does not mentioned noon positions. Therefore no map can be displayed.] (35)
15 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2330B/15, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) left patrol to return to Lerwick. (35)
17 Aug 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 26th war patrol at Lerwick. (35)
18 Aug 1943
Around 2000A/18, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (33)
20 Aug 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. She departed again later this day for Portsmouth where she is to embark a new battery.
Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR), FFS Curie (Lt. P.M. Sonneville) and FFS Minerve (Lt. H.F.D. Simon-Dubuisson). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. Richard Adams, RNR). (33)
23 Aug 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and FFS Minerve (Lt. H.F.D. Simon-Dubuisson) arrived at Portland. (12)
24 Aug 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and FFS Minerve (Lt. H.F.D. Simon-Dubuisson) proceeded from Portland to Portsmouth. They were escorted by FFS Chasseur 41. (36)
14 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted a trial dive in The Solent. (37)
17 Oct 1943
Around 0630A/17, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Portsmouth for Plymouth where she arrived around 2000A/17. She was escorted by FFS Chasseur 41. (38)
18 Oct 1943
Around 1000A/18, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (38)
20 Oct 1943
Around 0600A/20, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Plymouth. (38)
24 Oct 1943
Around 1400A/24, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for Larne where she arrived around 2100A/24. Around 1845A/24, on leaving the Clyde she was joined by HMS RML 546 (T.S.Lt. K.R. Pawle, RNVR) which then escorted her to Larne. (38)
25 Oct 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) serving as target. This ship was escorted by the destroyers USS Davison (T/Cdr. J.D. Collett, USN, with COMDESRON 15, T/Capt. C.C. Hartman, USN on board), USS Mervine (T/Cdr. D.R. Frakes, USN), USS Boyle (T/Cdr. B.P. Field, Jr., USN), USS Champlin (T/Cdr. C.L. Melson, USN), USS Nields (T/Cdr. A.R. Heckey, USN), USS Ordronaux (T/Cdr. R. Brodie, Jr., USN), USS Beatty (T/Cdr. W. Outerson, USN) and USS Tillman (T/Cdr. C.S. Hutchings, USN). (39)
26 Oct 1943
Around 0630A/26, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Larne for Holy Loch where she arrived around 1515A/26. Before entering Holy Loch she first carried out D/G trials on the D/G range off Helensburg. (38)
28 Oct 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of the exercises. (38)
29 Oct 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted independent exercises in Loch Long. (38)
30 Oct 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (38)
31 Oct 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. She then returned to Holy Loch but with defects to her starboard main engine. (38)
11 Nov 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (40)
12 Nov 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft. (40)
13 Nov 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. These included gunnery exercises. (40)
14 Nov 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft from HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN). (40)
15 Nov 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft from HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN). (40)
18 Nov 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (40)
21 Nov 1943
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR). (40)
Submarine HMS Thorough (P 324)
28 Feb 1944
Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC. RN) both departed from their builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Quadrille (T/Lt. G.A. Peat, RNVR). (41)
29 Feb 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (41)
1 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (42)
4 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (42)
5 Mar 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (42)
6 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (42)
11 Mar 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sheffield (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (42)
12 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night exercises. (42)
13 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Loch Goil. (42)
14 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. HMS Thorough then proceeded to Holy Loch on completion. (42)
17 Mar 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) both conducted A/S and attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC and Bar, RN). These included night exercises. (42)
18 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night exercises. (42)
20 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (42)
21 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
22 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
23 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
24 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
25 Mar 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
26 Mar 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
27 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
28 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
29 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
30 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
31 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (42)
1 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her torpedo discharge trial programme, HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (43)
3 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (43)
4 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed the Clyde area for Larne. She was escorted by HMS ML 115 (T/Lt. O.B. Deiter, RNVR). (43)
6 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
7 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
8 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
9 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
10 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
11 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
14 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
15 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
16 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (43)
18 Apr 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS ML 225 (T/Lt. D. Kaye, RNVR). (43)
21 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) served as target. HMS Thorough proceeded to Campbeltown upon completion of these exercises. (43)
22 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) served as target. These included night exercises. (43)
23 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night exercises. (43)
26 Apr 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Ambuscade (Lt. H. Hutchinson, RN). (43)
27 Apr 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials off Fairlie.
[No logs are available for HMS Thorough for the months of May and June 1944, so no further details can be provided for these months other then the events curently listed.] (43)
16 May 1944
After a period of trials and training off the Scottish West coast, HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), departed from Holy Loch for the Far East. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) and HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).
No positions are noted in the ships logs so no map of this passage can be displayed. (12)
29 May 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (12)
11 Jun 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Malta. (12)
21 Jun 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Malta for Port Said. (12)
26 Jun 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Port Said. (12)
28 Jun 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Suez for Aden. (12)
3 Jul 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Aden. (44)
6 Jul 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (44)
16 Jul 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (44)
30 Jul 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 1st war patrol. She is to patrol in the Andaman Sea, first off the Mergui Archipelago (Forrest Passage) and later of Port Blair.
For the daily positions of HMS Thorough during this patrol see the map below.
(45)
23 Aug 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Trincomalee. (45)
7 Sep 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included an A/S exercise and practice attacks on HMS Cumberland (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN) which was also conducting AA gunnery exercises. (46)
9 Sep 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol. She is to carry out two special operations. She is also to patrol off the West coast of Siam and the Northern end of the Malacca Straits.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thorough during this patrol see the map below.
(45)
15 Sep 1944
During 15, 17 and 18 September HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) carries out Special operation Balmoral. In the end this special operation had to be abandoned, (details to follow). (45)
16 Sep 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) successfully carries out Special operation Barnowl, (details to follow). (45)
23 Sep 1944 (position 6.23, 99.19)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sights 'what is thought to be' a German U-boat North-West of Penang in position 06°23'N, 99°19'E. Thorough is not able to reach a favourable attack position due to the bad weather conditions.
(All times are zone -6.5)
1001 hours - HE was reported bearing 101°. Commenced retiring turn to starboard as nothing was visible through the periscope in heavy rain. Steadied on 90°.
1010 hours - Sighted large submarine (thought to be German) bearing 250°. Range was 4000 to 5000 yards. Visibility was still very bad due to the heavy rain.
1011 hours - A brief glimpse of the target gave and estimated course of 160°. After this nothing further could be seen. Firing on Asdic was also out of the question due to own propeller noises and the noise of heavy rain. The attack was abandoned soon after (45)
27 Sep 1944 (position 5.34, 95.16)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sank a coaster north of Sumatra near Kuta Raja (now called Banda Aceh).
(All times are zone -6.5)
1530 hours - Inspected the anchorage. Sighted a coaster and a barge to the eastward of Tuan Island. Several landing craft moored at the jetty together with two other small craft. A Motor Launch and a small drifter were anchored about 800 yards east of the jetty. A gun emplacement was also sighted on the shore.
1555 hours - Surfaced in position 05°34'N, 95°16'E for gun action against the coaster and barge. 17 Rounds were fired for at least 11 hits. Meanwhile the shore gun had opened fire and was rapidly finding the range. It was also seen that the ML was now underway. The action had to be broken off. The target meanwhile was listing heavily and on fire.
1558 hours - Dived to 80 feet.
1616 hours - One depth charge was dropped close. 4 Others followed. The third of these was very close. Thorough retired to seaward. (45)
3 Oct 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Trincomalee.
(45)
25 Oct 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is docked at Trincomalee. (47)
31 Oct 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. (47)
1 Nov 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included practice attack on HMS Newcastle (Capt. J.G. Roper, OBE, RN) and HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN). (48)
4 Nov 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol. She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits. Also she is to lay a minefield there.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thorough during this patrol see the map below.
(45)
11 Nov 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is grounded. She was unable to back off so had to surface to break free compromising her patrol position. As this was in the area where she is to lay mines Lt.Cdr. Hopkins decides to postpone her mine laying operation for a few days. (45)
13 Nov 1944 (position 4.07, 100.14)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca.
(All times are zone -6.5)
0400 hours - Sighted a dark object with lights. Worked round it to get to Westward and silhouette it against morning twilight.
0435 hours - Dived in position 04°07'N, 100°11'E and closed the vessel.
0530 hours - The vessel was identified as a Twakow. Surfaced in position 04°07'N, 100°14'E and after a burst with the Oerlikon the crew began to abandon ship. Sank the Twakow with 7 rounds of 4". Took the crew of 3 on board. The Twakow came from Penang and was carrying tobacco.
0555 hours - Dived in position 04°06'N, 100°15'E. (45)
14 Nov 1944 (position 3.54, 100.37)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sank two coasters and damaged another with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca.
(All times are zone -6.5)
1245 hours - Sighted masts and bridges of 3 coasters to the South.
1300 hours - Surfaced in position 03°54'N, 100°37'E and engaged the leading coaster with 4" gunfire. He was observed to be hit 5 or 6 times and it was thought he was beaching so shifted target to the 2nd coaster. The crew quickly abandoned ship while steering for the beach. This coaster eventually beached and rolled over to Starboard. Now the 3rd coaster was engaged. This one was soon on fire and down by the bow. Her crew beached her and abandoned ship. The 1st coaster meanwhile had fled the scene. It was decided to leave her and completed the destruction of the 2nd coaster, which by now had stopped burning. Another 10 rounds were fired at her rendering her a total loss.
1325 hours - Dived to 60 feet and retired from the scene. (45)
19 Nov 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) lays mines in the Strait of Malacca near position 03°20'N, 99°38'E.
(All times are zone -6.5)
1810 hours - Surfaced and proceeded towards the intended position for the minefield.
1825 hours - Laid the 1st string of 4 mines 600 feet apart on a course of 195° from position 03°20'2"N, 99°38'2"E.
1905 hours - Laid the 2nd string of 4 mines 500 feet apart on a course of 275° from position 03°19'8"N, 99°38'E.
2006 hours - Laid the 3rd and last string of 4 mines 600 feet apart on a course of 220°from position 03°20'N, 99°37'8"E.
2010 hours - Completed the mine lay and withdrew to seaward. (45)
22 Nov 1944 (position 3.21, 100.37)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca.
(All times are zone -6.5)
1145 hours - Sighted a sailing vessel bearing 075°, range 4 nautical miles. Also sighted a Japanese Jake aircraft bearing 060°, range about 5 nautical miles.
1345 hours - Surfaced in position 03°21'N, 100°37'E and sank the sailing vessel, a Twakow, with 7 rounds of 4". The crew of 5 had abandoned ship and were taken aboard. The Twakow came from Penang and was carrying tobacco.
Dived in position 03°22'N, 100°37'E and proceeded to the East. (45)
29 Nov 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Trincomalee. (45)
16 Dec 1944
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol. She is to patrol in off the West coast of Siam. Also she is to lay a minefield there.
At the ended of the patrol she proceed to the North-West coast of Sumatra for air-sea rescue duties.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Thorough during this patrol see the map below.
(45)
23 Dec 1944 (position 6.48, 99.39)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) lays mines in the Strait of Malacca near position 06°48'N, 99°39'E.
(All times are zone -6.5)
1835 hours - Surfaced in position 06°46'N, 99°39'E and made preparations for the mine lay.
1846 hours - Commenced laying the 1st row of mines, 600 feet apart, bearing 050°.
1910 hours - Commenced laying the 2nd row of mines, 600 feet apart, bearing 025°.
1935 hours - Commenced laying the 3rd and last row of mines, 600 feet apart, bearing 270°.
1940 hours - Completed mine laying. Proceeded to the South-West (45)
29 Dec 1944 (position 8.10, 98.14)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sank two sailing vessels of the west coast of Siam.
(All times are zone -6.5)
1600 hours - Sighted two Chinese trading junks to the South-South-West and altered course to close.
1750 hours - Surfaced in position 08°10'N, 98°14'E and closed the 1st junk.
1800 hours - Fired 12 rounds of 4" for 8 hits before the gun jammed with a projectile in the breech. Fired bursts of Oerlikon and Vickers which started a small fire. It was noticed she was holed forward and would certainly sink. Turned towards the other junk, its crew was already abandoning ship. Boarded her and placed a demolition charge, however the charge misfired. Boarded her again and replaced the demolition charge.
1945 hours - Both junks were seen to sink. Proceeded to the North-West to clear the area. (45)
1 Jan 1945 (position 8.12, 98.16)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.
(All times are zone -6.5)
1800 hours - Surfaced in position 08°12'N, 98°16'E and opened fire on a junk sighted earlier. 19 Rounds were fired for 7 hits resulting in a fire aboard the junk. Due to the fading light and shallow water the action was now broken off. It was considered most likely that this junk was destroyed and beyond salvage. Retired to the South-East. (45)
8 Jan 1945
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Trincomalee. (45)
24 Jan 1945
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is docked at Trincomalee. (49)
27 Jan 1945
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is undocked. (49)
30 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted noise trials and exercises off Trincomalee. (49)
Submarine HMS Rover (N 62)
2 Feb 1945
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay.
For the daily positions of HMS Rover during this passage see the map below.
(50)
8 Feb 1945
HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Bombay where she was to aid in A/S training. (50)
Sources
- ADM 199/373
- ADM 199/1877
- ADM 173/16440
- ADM 173/16441
- ADM 173/16901
- ADM 173/16904
- ADM 173/16905
- ADM 173/16909
- ADM 173/17584
- ADM 173/17585
- ADM 173/17586
- ADM 199/2572
- ADM 199/1218
- ADM 199/1218 + Official Italian naval history volume 7
- ADM 199/2241 + Official Italian naval history (USMM) volume 7
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2241 + Official Italian naval history (USMM) volume 7
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2242 + Official Italian naval history (USMM) volume 7
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2242
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2243
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2245
- ADM 199/1220
- ADM 199/2248
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2248
- ADM 173/17590
- ADM 199/2249
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2249 + Official Italian naval history (USMM) volume 7
- ADM 199/1220 + Official Italian naval history volume 7
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2249
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2249 + Official Italian naval history (USMM) volume 7At
- ADM 199/1220 + Official Italian naval history (USMM) volume 7
- ADM 173/18283
- ADM 173/18284
- ADM 199/627
- ADM 173/18285
- ADM 199/1861
- ADM 199/627 + ADM 199/2275
- ADM 173/18246
- ADM 173/18286
- ADM 173/18286 + ADM 173/18454
- ADM 173/18287
- ADM 173/19006
- ADM 173/19007
- ADM 173/19008
- ADM 173/19009
- ADM 199/1867
- ADM 53/119176 + ADM 173/19011
- ADM 173/19012
- ADM 173/19013
- ADM 173/19901
- ADM 173/19524
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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