George Edward Hunt DSO, DSC, RN

Born  4 Jul 1916
Died  16 Aug 2011(95)

Ranks

28 Feb 1938 S.Lt.
28 Nov 1939 Lt.
1 Nov 1944 A/Lt.Cdr.
1 Jun 1946 Lt.Cdr.
30 Jun 1948 Cdr.
31 Dec 1953 Capt.

Retired: 4 Feb 1963


Decorations

1 Jan 1941 Mentioned in Despatches (MID)
30 Jun 1942 DSC
8 Feb 1944 Bar to DSC
5 Sep 1944 DSO
5 Dec 1944 Bar to DSO

Warship Commands listed for George Edward Hunt, RN


ShipRankTypeFromTo
HMS H 33 (N 33)Lt.Submarine2 Aug 194214 Aug 1942
HMS H 50 (N 50)Lt.Submarine17 Aug 19429 Nov 1942
HMS Ultor (P 53)Lt.SubmarineLate 194225 Oct 1944
HMS Taku (N 38)Lt.Submarine28 Oct 1944Mar/Apr 45

Career information

Book published in 2011
In June 2011 the book Diving Stations: The Story of Captain George Hunt and the Ultor written by Peter Donan was published. More information on Diving Stations. Below is a photo from the publishing ceremony, Hunt at 93, is in the middle.




Commander Lachlan King RAN, Commanding Officer NHQSEQ., George Hunt, Don Currell President Submarine Association Queensland Inc,

Events related to this officer

Submarine HMS H 33 (N 33)


2 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. C.A. Pardoe, RNR) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 33 proceeded to Rothesay here Lt. Hunt took over command of HMS H 33 from Lt. Pardoe. (1)

3 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Ardrishaig where she participated in A/S exercises. (1)

4 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) shifted from Ardrishaig to Rothesay. (1)

5 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

7 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

9 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (1)

10 Aug 1942
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

11 Aug 1942
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

12 Aug 1942
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

13 Aug 1942
HMS H 33 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 33 proceeded to Rothesay. (1)


Submarine HMS H 50 (N 50)


3 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN), departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She was escorted by the tug Mammouth. (2)

4 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (2)

5 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)

6 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)

7 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Plymouth. (2)

8 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Plymouth where she participated in A/S exercises with aircraft. (2)

9 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (2)

14 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (2)

15 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises with aircraft off Plymouth. (2)

16 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Rothesay. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (2)

18 Sep 1942
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (2)

24 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

25 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 50 proceeded to Campbeltown. (2)

27 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

28 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

29 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

30 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

2 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

4 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

5 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

6 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

7 Oct 1942
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (3)

9 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Londonderry. (3)

12 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

14 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

15 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

16 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

17 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

20 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

21 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

22 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

23 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

24 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

28 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

29 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

30 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

31 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

1 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

2 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

5 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

6 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

7 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

9 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)


Submarine HMS Ultor (P 53)


29 Dec 1942
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 315 (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN). (5)

30 Dec 1942
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (6)

1 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in Loch Long. (7)

2 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in Inchmarnock Water. (7)

4 Jan 1943
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in Inchmarnock Water. (7)

5 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

7 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for torpedo discharge trials. (7)

8 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

9 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

10 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

11 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

12 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (7)

13 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted trials in Loch Long. (7)

17 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

18 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in Loch Goil. (7)

19 Jan 1943
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (7)

20 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

23 Jan 1943
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS P 225 (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) that was en-route to Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR). (7)

25 Jan 1943
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed Lerwick later the same day for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off And Fjord in Northern Norway.

For the daily positions of HMS P 53 see the map below.

(8)

10 Feb 1943
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. The patrol had been uneventful, only fishing vessels and an occasional aircraft were sighted. (8)

11 Feb 1943
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS P 216 (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN). They were escorted by HMS Pennyworth (T/Lt. R.A. Mason, RNVR). (9)

14 Feb 1943
HMS P 53 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (9)

7 Mar 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

While en-route (on the 15th) Ultor was ordered to intercept an expected German blockade runner due to arrive in France, making this her 2nd war patrol, but nothing was seen.

For the daily positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

23 Mar 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (8)

1 Apr 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Pentstemon (T/Lt. D.C. Williams, RNVR) and HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR). (10)

2 Apr 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (10)

3 Apr 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (10)

5 Apr 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

12 Apr 1943 (position 43.13, 6.52)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) fired three torpedoes against the French (German controlled) merchant Condé (7200 GRT, built 1915) and the German merchant Nicoline Maersk (4194 GRT, built 1925, former Danish) about 8 nautical miles east of Cap Camarat in position 43°13'N, 06°52'E. All torpedoes fired missed their targets.

(All times are zone -1)
2230 hours - Sighted three darkened vessels bearing 340°. Enemy course 020°. Altered course to attack.

2235 hours - The enemy altered course towards, new course was 060° putting Ultor in a more favourable position. The ships were now seen to be two merchant ships of about 3000 tons, escorted by one destroyer which was 'weaving' ahead.

2250 hours - Range was now about 5500 yards.

2255 hours - In position 43°13'N, 06°52'E fired four torpedoes at the overlapping merchant ships. Range was 5500 yards.

2301 hours - Three loud torpedo explosions were heard. It was thought one ship was sunk and one was damaged.

2314 hours - Dived in position 43°11'5"N, 06°52'E. (8)

14 Apr 1943 (position 43.32, 7.12)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the French Penerf (2151 GRT, built 1930) off Nizza, southern France in position 43°32'N, 07°12'E. Twenty-two were killed, fifteen survivors were picked up by a German S-boat.

(All times are zone -1)
0725 hours - Sighted a merchant ship well inshore. Enemy course was 225°. The ship had a black hull with large French flags painted on the side as well as her neme 'Penerf'. A flying boat was circling and escorting this ship.

0735 hours - Went deep and ran in for 2000 yards to intercept.

0743 hours - The merchant vessel had altered course towards, to 207°.

0751 hours - In position 43°32'N, 07°12'E fired four torpedoes from 3200 yards and altered course away to the southward and went deep.

0754 hours - Heard three torpedo explosions. HE of the merchant vessel ceased immediately. One torpedo was heard to be still running.

0806 hours - Returned to periscope depth. No sign of the merchant vessel. (8)

19 Apr 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)

26 Apr 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Malta.

For the daily positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

30 Apr 1943 (position 38.14, 10.51)
At 0320 hours HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) sighted an E-boat in 38°14’N, 10°51’E on a south-west course and dived immediately. The enemy dropped fifteen depth charges, three or four were quite close. In fact, two Italian E-boats were involved, these were MS 32 and MS 33 operating from Marsala. They reported attacking a submarine with twelve depth charges 20 miles north of Keith Reef. (8)

3 May 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)

4 May 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) was docked at Malta. (11)

10 May 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) was undocked. (11)

14 May 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the east coast of Sicily and the south coast of Calabria, Italy.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

23 May 1943 (position 37.12, 15.15)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) attacked an unidentified vessel anchored outside Augusta.

This was not the Stella Maris (198 GRT) as reported by some sources as this vessel sailed from Pantelleria for Trapani at 1330 hours on 23 May and disappeared without a trace. Italian sources have not confirmed this attack.

(All times are zone -2)
0821 hours - In position 37°12'N, 15°15'E fired a torpedo at a large trawler moored to a buoy near the harbour entrance to Augusta. Range was 1400 yards. After 58 seconds it hit the trawler right amidships. A huge explosion followed and the air was full of flying debris. The target was seen to sink in a very short time.
(8)

26 May 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

6 Jun 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Sicily.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

10 Jun 1943 (position 38.11, 14.51)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) attacked what is thought to be an auxiliary vessel with two torpedoes to the east of Cape Orlando, Sicily. No hits were obtained. This was the Italian naval tanker Bormida (670 GRT, built 1933) which reported missed by three (sic) torpedoes.

(All times are zone -2)
1200 hours - Sighted smoke bearing west from a vessel rounding Cape Orlando. Closed to attack.

1232 hours - In position 38°11'N, 14°51'E Fired two torpedoes at an auxiliary vessel of about 800 tons, range was 1000 yards. Both missed. The target must have sighted the tracks as she was heard to increase speed during the run of the torpedoes. She then altered course away to make towards the shore. (8)

13 Jun 1943
At 2113 hours, HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN), surfaced in position 38°36'N, 14°50'E and opened fire on a D/F station on the north-west corner of Salina Island. A total of 43 rounds were fired from a range of 2000 yards. Many hits were obtained. The action was completed at 2141 hours. Ultor then proceeded southwards. Italian sources reported about fifty rounds fired at an observation post which was hit. (8)

15 Jun 1943 (position 38.25, 15.47)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper No.92/Tullio (137 GRT) off Cape Vaticano in position 38°25'N, 15°47'E. The vessel was engaged with the minesweeper RD 42 in minesweeping between Scilla and Cape Vaticano. Three were killed and eleven survivors were picked up.

Later the same day she attacked two Italian destroyers/torpedo boats with three torpedoes. It was thought one of these was sunk but in fact no hits were obtained. In fact the Italian corvette Euterpe reported being missed missed by four (sic) torpedoes and attacked the submarine with five patterns totalling twenty-eight depth charges. Later she was joined in the A/S hunt by the corvette Gabbiano.

All times are zone -2)
1220 hours - Sighted smoke to the north.

1242 hours - Started attack on a vessel escorted by 'a destroyer' that was joined by another 'destroyer' at 1300 hours.

1340 hours - In position 38°25'N, 15°47'E fired three torpedoes from 1000 yards and 50 seconds later one torpedo hit abreast the bridge and the vessel sank immediately.

1347 hours - One of the escorts dropped a depth charge but it was not close.

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

1859 hours - Sighted a vessel thought to be a large submarine in company with a Climene-class torpedo boat. They were very difficult to see against the land. Ran in deep for long periods.

2000 hours - The vessel was now seen to be a Orsa-class torpedo boat with a Climene-class torpedo boat on his port quarter and to seaward. Started attack. Position was 38°31'N, 15°46'E.

2017 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 3700 yards. After 2min 25sec a torpedo was heard to hit giving a running range of 3550 yards.

2031 hours - Heard HE of a destroyer approaching. A pattern of 15 depth charges was dropped quite close. Only HE of one destroyer was heard and it was thought the target was sunk.

2245 hours - HE faded out and Asdic transmissions ceased. (8)

20 Jun 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

2 Jul 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of the Straits of Messina.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

8 Jul 1943 (position 38.18, 15.27)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Valfiorita (6200 GRT, built 1942) off Rasocomolo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°18'5"N, 15°24'E. Valfiorita was en-route from Messina to Palermo and was escorted by the Italian torpedo-boat Ardimentoso. Thirteen were killed [our thanks to Lorenzo Colombo who supplied this information] and the ship was taken in tow by a minesweeper but later sank. The number of survivors is debatable, Ardimentoso reported 128 survivors picked up while the Supermarina war diaries mention 115 survivors picked up while five or six reached the coast in a boat.

(All times are zone -2)
2229 hours - Sighted a large merchant ship escorted by a destroyer at a range of 8000 yards. Altered course to attack.

2244 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the 5000/6000 tons merchant vessel from 1600 yards. Three torpedoes are thought to have hit the target. Started to dive on firing the first torpedo.

2256 hours - The first depth charges were dropped. For over an hour more than 30 depth charges were dropped but none were close. (8)

10 Jul 1943
During 10 and 11 July 1943, HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN), sighted a total of three enemy submarines, thought to be one German (U-407) and two Italians (probably Velella and Flutto). As a full salvo of torpedoes had to be kept for cruisers and above they could not be attacked. (8)

20 Jul 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Bizerta. (8)

23 Jul 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Bizerta for Malta. She made the passage together with HMS Unruly (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) and ORP Sokol (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Koziolkowski, ORP). They were escorted by HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN) and HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR). (8)

24 Jul 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

24 Aug 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform two special operations. The first was operation 'Bottom' in which Chariot human torpedoes were to be launched to attack an Italian battleship inside Taranto harbour.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

26 Aug 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) received a signal postponing operation 'Bottom'. (8)

28 Aug 1943 (position 39.24, 17.09)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) sank the Italian torpedo boat Lince (670 tons) off Punta Alice, Italy in position 39°24'N, 17°09'E. Lince had been aground near Punta Alice since 4 August 1943.

In the evening she performed a special operation (operation CALF) in which a buoy was laid and two folbots with gear were attached to it. This with the object to deceive the enemy in that landing operations were to take place in this area.

(All times are zone -2)
0610 hours - Sighted a vessel aground about 500 yards to the west of Alice Point. Closed to investigate and saw that the vessel was a Partenope-class torpedo-boat. It's bow was well up the beach and the after part was afloat and in in deeper water.

0814 hours - Fired one torpedo from 900 yards, which hit the torpedo-boat under the mainmast. The whole after part of the torpedo-boat was seen to break off and sink. (8)

1 Sep 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

15 Sep 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north and east of Corsica, France.

She made the passage through the Tunisian War Channel together with HMS Unseen (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Uproar (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) and ORP Dzik (Lt.Cdr. B. Romanowski). They were escorted by HMS BYMS 2028 (Skr. J.R. Clark, RNR).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

24 Sep 1943 (position 42.45, 9.41)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) damaged the German (former French) tanker Champagne (9946 GRT, built 1938) escorted by the German motor minesweeper R 178 off Bastia, Corsica, France. The first attack (at 0349 hours) actually failed and was driven off by R 178 but she was hit twice in the second attack (at 1958 hours) and the damaged tanker was beached. She was torpedoed again on the 27th by HMS Uproar.

(All times are zone -2)
0340 hours - In very poor visibility obtained a radar contact, bearing 300°, range 3500 yards. A dark shape was sighted against the land. Turned towards to attack. The target was hard to identify. Enemy course appeared to be 210°.

0345 hours - Identified the target as a medium sized tanker, speed by Asdic 12 knots. Radar range was now 2000 yards.

0349 hours - Range now 1400 yards. Sighted an escort ahead of the tanker and shortly afterwards another one astern. Position was 42°31'N, 09°41'E. Fired the first torpedo and started to dive. The tanker and escort started to fire starshell and the tanker altered course away and the escorts toward. A second torpedo was fired but the other two torpedoes were not fired since the target now was altering course. While diving Ultor was hit by gunfire but fortunately it had caused only minor damage. No depth charges were dropped.

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

1945 hours - Sighted a 10000 tons tanker coming out of Bastia harbour. It was getting dark but the target was against the horizon and quite visible. The target was escorted by two corvettes and four E-boats. Started attack.

1958 hours - In position 42°45'N, 09°41'E fired four torpedoes from 1800 yards. Enemy course was 073°, speed 12 knots. Two torpedo hits were heard, 70 and 82 seconds after firing the first torpedo.

2003 hours - Depth charging started. Ultor was hunted for about two hours but only a total eight depth charges were dropped early in the hunt.

2215 hours - Surfaced and retired from the area. (8)

25 Sep 1943 (position 42.42, 9.27)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) attacked a Siebel Ferry and the beached tanker Champagne off the harbour of Bastia with a total of two torpedoes. This was probably either SF 109, SF 113 or SF 125 which are known to have been in the area at the time the ferry and Champagne were both missed.

In the evening Ultor was detected by an enemy corvette and depth charged. She sustained no damage.

(All times are zone -2)
0800 hours - Approached Bastia. Observed the tanker, attacked yesterday evening, to be beached about half a mile to the south of the harbour. Small boats were seen alongside, presumably unloading her deck cargo. Four E-boats were seen patrolling the area, two near the tanker and two off the harbour.

0930 hours - Sighted three Siebel Ferries to be laying stopped of the harbour entrance.

0945 hours - Two of the Siebel Ferries moved off to the north escorted by the two E-boats that had been patrolling of the harbour leaving a single Siebel Ferry behind for Ultor to attack.

0954 hours - In position 42°42'N, 09°28'E fired a torpedo at the Siebel Ferry and commenced swinging to port and fired a torpedo at the beached tanker. 66 Seconds after firing the first torpedo explosion was heard giving a range of 1500 yards to the Siebel Ferry. A second explosion was heard two minutes after firing.

1003 hours - A depth charge was dropped and E-boats were heard hunting for Ultor overhead.

1021 hours - Came to periscope depth. A collection of small boats were seen where the Siebel Ferry had been. The Siebel Ferry itself could not be seen and is considered sunk. The results of the attack on the tanker could not be observed. Proceeded to the north to clear the area.

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

1904 hours - When in position 43°01'N, 09°37'E, between Corsica and Capraia, in poor visibility, heard A/S transmissions and shortly afterwards sighted a medium tanker escorted by a corvette. Enemy course was 210°, range 6000 yards. Turned away and went to 60 feet (Ultor had fired all her torpedoes).

1923 hours - The corvette passed directly overhead. A few minutes later she roared overhead again.

1945 hours - Two depth charges were dropped but they were not very close. During the next ten minutes seven more depth charges were dropped, two of which were quite close. The corvette remained in the area until about 2030 hours.

2108 hours - Surfaced. (8)

29 Sep 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)

11 Oct 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

15 Oct 1943
Starting at 1302 hours, near Rapallo Bay, HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) observed in the distance two UJ-boats carrying an intense A/S search and drop a total of about thirty-five depth charges. These were UJ 2208 and UJ 2211 which had obtained a bogus contact. Ultor was not molested. (8)

19 Oct 1943 (position 44.14, 9.22)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Aversa (3723 GRT, built 1933, former French Kakoulima) off Rapallo, Italy. The vessel was on a trip from Civitavecchia to Genoa escorted by F 150, R 15 and R 212.

(All times are zone -1)
1113 hours - Started attack on a passenger ship of about 3500 tons. She was escorted by what is thought to be a corvette ahead and three smaller vessels. One of these, thought to be an E-boat, was stationed on the port beam of the target.

1142 hours - In position 44°14'N, 09°22'E fired four torpedoes from 2200 yards. Two torpedo explosions were heard 1m 55 sec and 2min 20sec after firing the first torpedo. The other two were heard to hit the shore after 3min 45 sec.

1157 hours - No HE was heard so came to periscope depth. The target was seen to sink. Two schooners and two E-boats were seen near the sinking ship.

1201 hours - The target finally sank. Withdrew to seaward. (8)

24 Oct 1943 (position 44.21, 8.58)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) attacked a German convoy to the south of Genoa, Italy. Four torpedoes were torpedoed but no hits were obtained.

The convoy attacked was made up of the water tanker Arpino (584 GRT, built 1935), merchant Glueckauf (1572 GRT, built 1943, former Italian Carbonello A.) and transport KT 2 (834 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by the German auxiliary patrol vessel SG 15 and the German motor minesweepers R 10, R 14, R 15. The German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2210 had left the convoy earlier for La Spezia.

(All times are zone -1)
0600 hours - Sighted smoke to the east.

0624 hours - Started an attack on a merchant vessel and a small tanker, escorted by a destroyer and two E-boats.

0726 hours - In position 44°21'N, 08°58'E fired four torpedoes at the merchant vessel of about 3000 tons. Enemy course was 290°, range was 2800 yards. No hits were obtained. A counter attack followed in which nine depth charges were dropped. Quite a few were close causing some minor damage. (8)

28 Oct 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)

3 Nov 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for passage to Malta. She made the passage in convoy KMS-30 together with HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR).

For the daily positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)

13 Nov 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (12)

24 Nov 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) was docked at Malta. The date she was undocked is currently unknown to us. (12)

7 Dec 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

Passage through the Tunisian War Channel she was made in convoy MKS 33 together with HMS Seraph (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, OBE, RN) and HMS Untiring (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

18 Dec 1943 (position 43.03, 5.48)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) claims the sinking of a barge near Cape Sicie, France.

[update July 2016, with thanks to Adrien Abraham (FR)]
The targets were in fact the German auxiliary minesweepers M 6024 and M 6030. They sighted two torpedo tracks at 1530.

(All times are zone -1)
1505 hours - Sighted a barge (of about 250 tons) to the north-west steering 120° towards Cape Sicie. The barge was about 1/4 mile off the shore. Started attack.

1528 hours - In position 43°03'3"N, 05°48'2"E fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. A torpedo was seen to hit the barge after 50 seconds. The target disintegrated. (8)

20 Dec 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena, Italy. (8)

31 Dec 1943
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

For the daily positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) was recalled from patrol and ordered to return to La Maddalena. (8)

8 Jan 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Naples. She was to participate (to act as beacon) in Operation 'Shingle' the landings at Anzio.

Although her log is lost, it appears that Ultor and Uproar sailed from Naples for exercises in the Salerno area on 17 January and proceeded to Capri afterwards.

20 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) sailed from Naples with Uproar to act as beacon for the Anzio landings.

23 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at Capri from her Anzio mission.

27 Jan 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Naples together with HMS Uproar (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS ML 560 (T/Lt. R. Edelsten-Pope, RANVR). They arrived at Capri at 0900 hours.

At 1700 hours HMS Ultor and HMS Uproar departed Capri for La Maddalena. They were escorted by HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR).

29 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) arrived at La Maddalena.

5 Feb 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) fires four torpedoes against the German auxiliary minelayer Niedersachsen (1794 GRT, bult 1934, former French Guyana) off St. Raphael, southern France. All torpedoes missed their target. Niedersachsen was en-route to Toulon from Genoa with cable laying vessel Giasone (600 tons, built 1941).

(All times are zone -1)
0255 hours - Asdics reported HE and transmissions to the eastward. Almost immediately a vessel could be seen steering south-west.

0305 hours - Dived to complete the attack as Ultor was silhouetted against the moon. Ran to the south at high submerged speed to intercept. The target was seen to be a medium size merchant vessel about 4000 tons. A destroyer was thought to be on the starboard bow and another escort on the port bow.

0324 hours - In position 43°16'5"N, 06°54'E fired four torpedoes at the merchant ship from 6000 yards.

0329 hours - A torpedo explosion was heard thought to be a hit but the result could not be seen. (8)

15 Feb 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) sank the German sailing vessel Paule (27 GRT, former French) with gunfire off Hyeres, southern France. Two survivors and two corpses were later recovered.

(All times are zone -1)
1315 hours - Whilst approaching Cape Roux, sighted a sailing vessel off the Agay Roads coast crawling westwards. Altered course towards St. Raphael to intercept.

1507 hours - Stand by gun action. The target was now quite close. She was seen to be a modern auxiliary sailing vessel of about 50 tons, very deeply laden and flying a large French ensign. She was now about 3.5 nautical miles south of St. Raphael.

1513 hours - Surfaced and opened fire from a range of about 1000 yards.

1516 hours - The target turned stern on and increased speed.

1519 hours - A direct hit was observed on the stern of the target which caused her to swing to port. At least twenty hits had by now been obtained, at least twelve of which had been on the hull.

1522 hours - An explosion occured on board of the target which soon afterwards started to sink. A total of fourty-three rounds had been fired.

1525 hours - Dived and set course towards Cape Roux. (8)

17 Feb 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (8)

1 Mar 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Untiring (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN) departed La Maddalena for Malta. They were escorted by HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR).

For the daily positions (taken from the log of HMS Untiring) during this passage see the map below.

(6)

3 Mar 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

7 Mar 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

11 Mar 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) closed the harbour of Patamo, Anti-Kithera, Greece to investigate. While doing so she was detected and attacked by enemy A/S vessels.

(All times are zone -1)
1100 hours - Closed Potamo bay (Anti-Kithera) to investigate. Two vessels were seen. It was hoped they would be caiques but due to the glare of the sun they could not be identified.

1200 hours - Off the entrance to the bay now. Asdic transmissions were heard to the southward. These were very loud and must originate from a vessel inside the bay.

1220 hours - Observed one vessel starting up it's engines, and coming towards at high speed. This was then seen to be an 'R-boat'. She was transmitting on Asdic and fired a light signal.

1221 hours - As Ultor could not turn to port as there was no room she was forced to cross across the bow of the enemy. Went deep and shut off for depth charge attack.

1223 hours - The first pattern of five depth charges was dropped, quite close and causing some minor damage.

1235 hours - A second Asdic fitted vessel was heard approaching from the bay. his ship then joined the hunt. Nine more depth charges were dropped but these caused no furher damage to Ultor.

1320 hours - Came to periscope depth. Noticed both vessels still hunting near the entrance to the bay.

1430 hours - To our relief, both vessels were seen to enter the bay. (8)

13 Mar 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a German F-lighter with two torpedoes near Monemvasia, Greece. No hits were obtained. A group of German landing barges reported being attacked. These were F 123, F 497 and SF 265 which had been in a firefight with partisans the day before.

After this attack Ultor attacked the wreck of a beached F-lighter. The wreck of Giovanni Boccacio (3141 GRT, built 1919) was actually hit.

(All times are zone -1)
1520 hours - Sighted what was thought to be an F-lighter escorted by an R-boat emerging from a rain squall to the south-west. Enemy course was 040°, range was 2000 yards.

1527 hours - Saw that both vessels were F-lighters.

1529 hours - In position 36°42'N, 23°05'E fired two torpedoes at the second F-lighter. Range was 800 yards. Both torpedoes missed and hit the beach beyond. Both F-lighters to avoiding action but then turned towards but they did not drop depth charges.

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

1610 hours - Sighted an F-lighter stationary of Port Paleo. Decided to attack.

1651 hours - In position 36.43'N, 23.02'E fired one torpedo from 850 yards. The torpedo was seen to hit the F-lighter which was blown in half. Ultor then retired to seaward. (8)

20 Mar 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

30 Mar 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

3 Apr 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) destroyed four sailing vessels at Port St.Nikolo (now Avlemonas), Kythira Island, Greece. These were:
KAL 16 / Agios Georgios,
SYR 699 / Agios Dimitrios,
PI 2176 / Agios Spiridon
and a fourth that was under construction.

(All times are zone -2)
0740 hours - Closed to within four cables of the entrance to Port St.Nikolo and observed the following. One 30 tons and two large 80 tons caiques at anchor inside the harbour and one 50 ton two masted caique out of the water to the left of the harbour. Several smaller vessels were also seen in the harbour.

0830 hours - Decided to attack the caiques with gunfire.

0943 hours - Surfaced in position 36°12'N, 23°04'E and opened fire at the two large 80 tons caiques that were inside the harbour. Range was 1500 yards. A total of 21 rounds were fired before both caiques were considered total losses. Fire was then shifted to the 30 tons caique which was sunk with 8 rounds.

Now fire was shifted to the 60 tons caique on the stocks and a further 15 rounds were fired into this caique from point blank range. At least 10 hits were observed. The stern was blown off and the hull itself holed in several places. A fire was started and when the supports were hit the hull rolled partially over.

1001 hours - Dived and proceeded to seaward. (8)

4 Apr 1944 (position 36.49, 23.17)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) had to break off a gun action off Port Paleo, Monemvasia, Greece when a shell is jammed in the gun. The vessel attacked was the German auxiliary ND-187 (Albatros).

Later on the same day Ultor sinks a caique with gunfire in the Aegean north-east of Monemvasia, Greece in position 36°49'N, 23°17'E.

(All times are zone -2)
0938 hours - Surfaced in position 36°43'N, 23°02'E and opened fire on a 60 tons caique off Port Paleo. Range was 1500 yards. After firing three rounds the fourth round jammed in the gun. On being extracted the shell was left in the barrel. By this time a gun (thought to be 3") had opened fire so the action had to be broken off.

0942 hours - Dived and proceeded to seaward. Then set course for Anti-Milos.

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

1655 hours - Sighted the masts and sails of a caique bearing 350°, altered course and increased speed to intercept. The targets course was 170°.

1730 hours - Estimated the caique to be at least 40 tons and making about 7 knots under sail and auxiliary engine. Went to 'stand by gun action'.

1757 hours - Surfaced for gun action in position 36°49'N, 23°17'E, on the targets port quarter at a range of 1700 yards. Managed to eject the offending shell of this moorings action and open fire within one minute.

1759 hours - After the first three rounds, one of which hit amidships, the crew abandoned ship. Closed to point blank range and put two rounds into the waterline, whereupon there was a huge explosion.

1803 hours - The target sank, leaving the sea littered with oil drums.

1804 hours - Observed the crew to climb into a dinghy which had floated off when the caique sank.

1806 hours - Dived and continued towards Anti-Milos. (8)

6 Apr 1944 (position 37.01, 23.09)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) sank the Greek caiques PI 1906 / Agios Dimitros and PI 1411 / Maria with gunfire off Kyparissi, Greece.

(All times are zone -2)
1230 hours - Sighted two caiques bearing south, coastcrawling northward.

1301 hours - Decided to investigate Port Kyparisi and then stay to the north of Monemvasia in order to intercept coastal traffic. Observed a 50 tons caique being loaded alongside the jetty. Also about 12 other caiques of varying sizes from 25 tons downwards were sighted.

1408 hours - Withdrew to investigate the two caiques sighted at 1230 hours. These did not appear to be more then 5 and 10 tons respectively so altered course towards Port Kyparisi with the intention to sink the 50 tons caique.

1510 hours - A 20 tons caique passed northwards up the coast running on its engine only.

1550 hours - 'Stand by gun action'.

1614 hours - Surfaced in position 36°58'N, 23°00'E and opened fire at a range of 1500 yards and closing on the 50 tons caique moored alongside the jetty. After 15 rounds and 8 hits the target caught fire and shortly afterwards the was a small explosion.

1620 hours - The target sank. Withdrew to seaward.

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

1805 hours - Sighted one caique bearing 127°, steering 350°. Increased speed to intercept and went to 'gun action stations'.

1821 hours - Sighted another caique following some distance astern, and a third to the south of him. Examined the first caique which was proceeding under power only at a good 7 knots. She was of about 40 tons and appears heavily laden. She was flying the Greek flag. She had a deck cargo of oil drums.

1842 hours - Surfaced in position 37°01'N, 23°09'5"E on the port quarter of the target and opened fire at a range of 1700 yards. A lot of shells got stuck in the gun barrel but a total of 10 rounds could be fired. After 4 rounds the crew abandoned ship. The ship then quickly burst into flames.

1854 hours - The target sank. Attention was now turned to the two remaining caiques. The next one we would sink and the last one was then allowed to pick up all survivors.

1900 hours - The last caique in line had however other plans and made off for the shore. The second caique, which was only about 25 tons was now allowed to pick up the survivors.

1904 hours - Dived and cleared the area at speed. (8)

7 Apr 1944 (position 36.41, 23.02)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Greek sailing vessel (in German service) MY 212 / Agios Dionyssios (200 GRT) off Monemvassia, Greece in position 36°40'75"N, 23°02'5"E. One sailor was killed and four wounded.

(All times are zone -2)
1034 hours - In position 36°40'75"N, 23°02'5"E fired a torpedo at a large caique with a clipper bow moored in Monemvasia Bay. 43 seconds after firing the torpedo was seen to hit the caique amidships and the vessel began to heel over, partially broken in half.

1036 hours - The target was seen to sink. Ultor then retired to seaward. (8)

12 Apr 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked at Malta. (13)

21 Apr 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) was undocked. (13)

27 Apr 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Malta. (13)

30 Apr 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for La Maddalena. She joined convoy GUS 38 for passage through the Sicilian War Channel.

For the daily positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

3 May 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at La Maddalena. A few hours before arriving a periscope was sighted. A signal was sent and an A/S hunt was started in that area. (8)

5 May 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

11 May 1944 (position 43.07, 6.29)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) claimed the sinking of a German KT ship (Kriegstransporter) off Cape Nègre, France. This was not confirmed by German records.

(All times are zone -2)
1355 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 283° thought to be a vessel coast crawling eastward. Could not see the vessel itself. Commenced running in towards the coast.

1408 hours - Started attack on vessel now in sight to the west of Cape Nègre. It looked to be an UJ boat but continued to run in until the enemy could be positively identified.

1420 hours - The enemy was now seen to be a KT ship (Kriegstransporter) with two R-boats as escort, both to seaward, one on the beam and on on the starboard bow.

1438 hours - In position 43°07'5"N, 06°29'25"E fired two torpedoes at the KT ship from 1000 yards. One hit the target amidships breaking its back.

1455 hours - Returned to periscope depth. One R-boat was seen stopped near the place of the attack with the other one patrolling to seaward of her. No sign of the target which must have sunk. Went deep again and retired to the east. (8)

15 May 1944 (position 43.09, 6.38)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked and damaged a French fishing vessel with gunfire off Cape Camarat, southern France. The vessel was beached to prevent her from sinking. This was confirmed by an observation post at Cape Camarat.

(All times are zone -2)
1618 hours - Whilst south of Cape Lardier sighted a vessel bearing 300°. Course of this vessel was 100°. Altered course and commenced attack.

1643 hours - Identified the vessel as a 80 ton motor coasting vessel. She was deeply laden and making a speed of about 8 knots. Ordered 'stand by gun action'.

1700 hours - Surfaced in position 43°09'5"N, 06°38'E and opened fire at a range of 1500 yards. A total of 19 rounds were fired for several hits. The vessel was beached in a damaged condition and the crew abandoned ship. By this time shore batteries had opened up fire and it did not take long for them to find the range.

1708 hours - Dived and continued to examine the damage to the target.

1720 hours - Retired to the southward at speed. (8)

17 May 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (8)

28 May 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

30 May 1944 (position 43.10, 6.41)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) fired four torpedoes at the German netlayer NT 38 four nautical miles of Cap Camarat in position 43°10'N, 06°41'E, southern France. One torpedo hit was obtained that sank two barges that were being towed. They were escorted by F 860 and F 814.

In a second attack she damaged the self-propelled river barge Vinotra III.

(All times are zone -2)
0535 hours - Sighted several vessels to the westward. These were soon identified as a convoy of eight craft consisting of: a 1000 tons armed salvage vessel towing a 400 tons lighter, three F-lighters and three R-boats.

0549 hours - Started attack.

0657 hours - In position 43°09'N, 06°41'E fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards at the armed salvage vessel - an F-lighter - the 400 tons lighter that formed a continuous target.

0658 hours - Heard a torpedo hit. The salvage vessel was seen to sink rapidly by the stern. Went deep to avoid being sighted by the escorts.

0706 hours - A pattern of five depth charges was dropped but they were not close.

0720 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The salvage vessel was not sighted and considered sunk. The three F-lighters were proceeding eastwards. Two of the R-boats were searching to the south-east. The other R-boat was seen patrolling near the large lighter that had been under tow and was now laying stopped.

0730 hours - Went deep to reload the torpedo tubes.

0800 hours - Commenced manoeuvring into position to attack the lighter.

0825 hours - The R-boat patrolling near the lighter was seen to go alongside.

0836 hours - In position 43°09'N, 06°39'E fired a torpedo from 800 yards at the lighter and the R-boat which was still alongside. 35 seconds after firing an enormous explosion shook Ultor considerably and the lighter was completely hidden in a mass of smoke and spray. Both vessels were considered sunk.

0847 hours - Withdrew to the southward. (8)

31 May 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) sank the German guard vessel FCi 01 (45 GRT) with gunfire off Cassis, southern France. The German guard vessel FCi 04 was damaged in this action. There were seven survivors including five wounded, three were missing.

(All times are zone -2)
2058 hours - Observed two vessels leaving Ciotat, course south-east. This were thought to be patrol craft.

2120 hours - Observed two seaplanes to the southward flying west-north-west up he coast.

2132 hours - Sighted two more vessels having apparently just left Cassis. course south-west. This were thought to be motor minesweepers of 150 tons. As they did not appear to be heavily armed decided to attack them with gunfire.

2145 hours - Went to 'stand by Gun Action' and manoeuvered to get into a favourable attack position.

2210 hours - In position 43.10'N, 05.31'E surfaced and opened fire from 1000 yards at the nearest vessel. This vessel wa raked with Vickers gunfire and as the third round was a direct hit on the bridge everything went with a swing. After several minutes it was observed that the second minesweeper was manoeuvering to clear the line of fire and come up ahead of the first, which was now stopped and burning furiously. Suddenly the second minesweeper opened fire with what appeared to be an Oerlikon and aim was shifted to deal with this fellow. The first round was a direct hit but this did not stop his gunfire. The shore batteries were now also going full blast.

2220 hours - Broke off the action. Increased to full speed and cleared the area on the surface to the southward.

2222 hours - The original target blew up and sank. (8)

2 Jun 1944 (position 42.35, 3.08)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) sank the German patrol vessel SG-11 (former French Alice Robert) (2588 GRT, built 1934) north of Port Vendres, southern France in position 42°35'N, 03°08'E. She had been in company of SF 21, of a crew of 202, ten were killed and seventeen were missing, 175 survivors were picked up by Fl. Boot 851.

(All times are zone -2)
0808 hours - Sighted a very large destroyer, similar to 'Le Terrible-class' leaving Port Vendres harbour some 3.5 nautical miles to the southward.

0810 hours - Started attack on this destroyer which was steering 005°.

0814 hours - The destroyer turned to port. It was then seen that another large vessel had just left the port. Shifted target.

0820 hours - The destroyer had now circled tern of the target and was out to seaward. Very good as Ultor was attacking from inshore.

0834 hours - In position 42°35'N, 03°08'E fired three torpedoes from 2000 yards. One hit was heard. Went deep on firing.

0845 hours - The destroyer was transmitting and approaching at speed.

0849 hours - Depth charging started. A total of 15 were dropped but none were very near.

0910 hours - Returned to periscope depth. There was no sign of the target. The destroyer was observed 3000/4000 yards astern.

0915 hours - Commenced withdrawing to seaward and set course to return to La Maddalena. (8)

5 Jun 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (8)

16 Jun 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

20 Jun 1944 (position 43.30, 7.02)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) (possibly) torpedoed and sank the German tug Cebre south of Cannes, southern France in position 43°30'N, 07°02'E. However, Lt. Hunt claimed to have sunk an F-lighter, not a tug.

(All times are zone -2)
0735 hours - Sighted one R-boat and one F-lighter approaching round the end of Isle St. Marguerite and steering to the southward.

0739 hours - Commenced attack.

0750 hours - In position 43°30'N, 07°02'E fired two torpedoes at the F-lighter from 1000 yards. One hit was observer (but two explosions were heard). The target was completely obscured by spray and debris.

0752 hours - Went deep to avoid attention by the escorting R-boat but no counter attack developed. (8)

27 Jun 1944 (position 43.38, 7.19)
While on patrol off Nizza, southern France HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Cap Blanc (aka Felix 1) (3316 GRT, former French, built 1932) at 0504 hours in position 43°38'N, 07°19'E and the German tanker Pallas (aka Tempo 3) (5259 GRT, former French, built 1925) at 0831 hours in position 43°38'N, 07°17'E. Cap Blanc had one killed and three missing but all the crew of Pallas were picked up.

Cap Blanc had been in convoy with cable laying vessel Giasone (600 tons, built 1941) and barge F 935. They were escorted by SG 16, SG 21, M 6020, M 6021 and M 6027.

Pallas had been in convoy with tug L'Obestine and barge F 935 (which had joined after Cap Blanc was sunk together with the escorts). They were now also escorted by SG 16, SG 21, M 6020, M 6021 and M 6027.

(All times are zone -2)
0415 hours - When about to dive for the day, A/S impulses were picked up bearing 260°, Lt. Hunt decided to stay up as long as possible in order to identify the vessel responsible for this. At 0421 hours there was still nothing in sight but Lt Hunt had to dive as the horizon behind Ultor began lightening up. Ultor dived in position 43°37'N, 07°20'E.

0426 hours - Sighted a dark shape through the periscope but it was far too dark to identify anything. Also at this time H.E. was picked up. At 0438 hours Lt. Hunt was able to identify several shapes and one larger vessel. Lt. Hunt closed to attack.

0455 hours - The vessels became clearer every minute. The convoy was seen to consist of a 3000 ton motor vessel with a corvette ahead, a destroyer on the starboard beam (Ultor's attacking side) and one destroyer on each quarter. At 0500 hours Ultor passed ahead and inside of the destroyer on the targets starboard beam.

0504 hours - Fired four torpedoes from a range of 1000 yards against the merchant in position 43°38'N, 07°19'E. Two torpedoes were heard to hit followed one minute later by a terrific explosion and continuous loud rumbling and breaking up noises. It leaves little doubt that the target was sinking.

0514 hours - The first pattern of depth charges was dropped by one of the escorts but it was not close. Over a period of over half an hour 10 more single depth charges were dropped. At 0610 hours, as Lt. Hunt got the impression he had drawn clear to the southward he came to periscope depth and saw that the four escorts were now joined by four 'R' boats. Ultor retreated to the south-west.

0655 hours - A large tanker was sighted to the south-west. A 'crash load' of Ultor's last two torpedoes was commenced. The masts and upper works of several other vessels also became visible. Ultor turned to the northward to intercept the tanker that was heading for Nice. This also provided time to reload the torpedo tubes.

The escort was seen to consist of a corvette, a destroyer, a large UJ boat and two 'R' boats. At 0745 hours it was noticed that the four escorts of the ship attacked and sunk before had joined the escort of this tanker. Also five aircraft were circling overhead.

0800 hours - Ultor began manoeuvring to get inside the screen to fire its last two torpedoes from close range.

0815 hours - Ultor slipped through the escort screen and it was noticed that the tanker of 7000 tons was under tow by two large tugs.

0831 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards against the tanker in position 43°38'N, 07°17'E. Both torpedoes were heard to hit as Ultor tried to slip away.

0839 hours - The first pattern of depth charges was dropped but these were not very close. During the next half hour 36 depth charges were dropped single and in patterns but it became clear that Ultor was drawing clear so at 0922 hours Lt. Hunt came to periscope depth. The target was seen laying stopped with her back broken. At 0930 hours the stern section of the target was seen to sink. The escorts were seen to have split up into groups and one group was spotted to be heading towards Ultor.

1000 hours - The remainder of the target sank. The escorts were still hunting and some were even to the seaward of Ultor.

Lt. Hunt went deep and headed for base. By 1030 hours a further 50 depth charges were dropped but none were very close.

1108 hours - The last depth charge was dropped and H.E. and A/S impulses began to draw astern.

1200 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The escorts were spotted hull down to the northward. (8)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (8)

18 Jul 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off southern France.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

(8)

21 Jul 1944 (position 43.09, 6.36)
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank a coaster south of Saint-Tropez, France. German records do not appear to confirm but one should note that they are incomplete.

(All times are zone -2)
2010 hours - Sighted a coaster escorted by a small Chasseur.

2015 hours - Started attack.

2047 hours - In position 43°09'N, 06°36'E fired two torpedoes at the coaster (500 tons) from 800 yards. One hit was obtained and the target was seen to sink stern first.

2050 hours - Went deep and shut off for depth charging but no counter attack developed. (8)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (8)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed La Maddalena for Algiers. Ultor is to proceed to the U.K. for a refit.

For the daily positions of HMS Ultor during the passage from La Maddalena to Blyth see the map below.

(14)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Algiers. (14)

11 Aug 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy GUS 48. (14)

13 Aug 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (14)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch. She made the passage in convoy MKS 58. (8)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (8)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS Mistral (Lt. J.H.M. Sowry, RNVR) until 2130/2 when HMS Hamlet (A/Skr.Lt. J.A. MacTean, RNR) took over the escort. (15)

4 Sep 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Blyth where she was to refit. (15)

10 Sep 1944
HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN) commenced refit at Blyth. (15)


Submarine HMS Taku (N 38)


1 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

2 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

3 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

9 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

10 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

23 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

24 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

28 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

29 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

30 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

5 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

6 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

7 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

18 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

21 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

22 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

28 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

Media links


Diving stations

Peter Dornan

Sources

  1. ADM 173/17228
  2. ADM 173/17276
  3. ADM 173/17277
  4. ADM 173/17278
  5. ADM 199/424
  6. ADM 199/2572
  7. ADM 173/17905
  8. ADM 199/1821
  9. ADM 173/18323
  10. ADM 173/18324
  11. ADM 173/18325
  12. ADM 173/18330
  13. ADM 173/19167
  14. ADM 173/19171
  15. ADM 173/19172
  16. ADM 173/18927
  17. ADM 173/18928

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


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