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Career information

William Hedley Kett celebrated his 100th birthday (28 July 2013) see more on the Royal navy site.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum (P 34)

18 Mar 1943
With her refit at the Devonport Dockyard completed HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted trials off Portsmouth. (1)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (1)

22 Mar 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (1)

28 Mar 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (1)

1 Apr 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was to rendez-vous with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) off the Scilly Islands for onward passage north through the Irish Sea.

3 Apr 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of training.

En-route from Plymouth she had suffered from engine defects.

30 Apr 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. Passage north through the Minches was made together with HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, RN), HNoMS Ula (Lt. R.M. Sars) and HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN). They were escorted by HMS Dornoch (Lt. H.E. Jackson, RN).

2 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S and attack exercises. (2)

3 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow. Practice attacks were made on HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) and HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) which were both also conducting exercises in company with each other. (2)

4 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)

5 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN). (2)

6 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)

8 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Brecon (Lt.Cdr. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN). (2)

12 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP), HMS Charlestown (Lt. W.F.B. Webb, DSC, RN) and HMS Chiddingfold (Lt. T.M. Dorrien-Smith, RN). (2)

13 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt. J.K. Hamilton, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN). (2)

15 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for Lerwick. At sea she joined HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) and escort HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR). (2)

16 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) arrived at Lerwick. (2)

18 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Lerwick with aircraft. (2)

21 May 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Lerwick for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Norwegian Sea for an anti-Uboat patrol. Nothing was seen.

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

(3)

3 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) ended her 15th war patrol at Lerwick. (3)

4 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

The next morning they were joined by HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN). (4)

6 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) arrived at Holy Loch. (4)

14 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN). They were escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (4)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) arrived at Scapa Flow. (4)

19 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for Blyth. At sea she joined HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) and her escort HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) that were en-route to Dundee. (4)

20 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) arrived at Blyth. (4)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) shifted from Blyth to Wallsend where she was to undergo repairs at the Swan Hunter shipyard. (4)

26 Jun 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) was docked at Wallsend. (4)

15 Jul 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (5)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) shifted from Wallsend to Blyth. (6)

6 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (6)

7 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (6)

9 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (6)

11 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR), HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) and HMS Uther (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) departed Blyth for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS ML 300 (T/Lt. F.C.R. Piesse, RNVR) until Dundee where HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort. (6)

14 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)

16 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kingfisher (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.H. Gandy, RN) serving as target. Also gunnery exercises were carried out. (6)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Scott (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Sharpey-Schafer, RN) serving as target. Also gunnery exercises were carried out. (6)

20 Aug 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Holy Loch for her 17th war patrol. She was to patrol in the Bay of Biscay (A/S patrol) and to proceed to Gibraltar upon completion of this patrol.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), 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).

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

(3)

9 Sep 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 16th war patrol at Gibraltar. The patrol had been uneventful. (3)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises with the harbour defences of Gibraltar. (7)

18 Sep 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Gibraltar for her 18th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Lions.

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

(3)

30 Sep 1943 (position 43.02, 5.44)
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) attacked a German convoy of self propelled barges. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

These were probably M 6041, M 6043, M 6044, M 6045, M 6046 and M 6047 escorting three lighters from Marseille to Toulon.

(All times are zone -1)
1224 hours - Sighted a vessel bearing 340°, close to the land. Altered course towards.

1230 hours - Next look revealed that target consisted of four large self propelled supply barges escorted by seven armed patrol vessels. Continued to close.

1247 hours - In position 43°02'N, 05°44'E started firing a salvo of four torpedoes from very close range. After two torpedoes had been fired a violent explosion shook Ultimatum. One of the torpedoes must have hit. Depth control was lost and Ultimatum started to descend. The remaining two torpedoes of the salvo were not fired.

1250 hours - Ultimatum came to rest on the bottom at 160 feet. Both motors were stopped, all machinery was stopped and the ship was shut off for depth charging. Many listening charges were dropped by the enemy for the next 7 hours but no depth charges were dropped during this period.

2000 hours - A depth charge was dropped but it was not very close.

2230 hours - Started blowing main ballast.

2245 hours - Ultimatum came of the bottom.

2300 hours - Obtained a good trim at 90 feet. Cleared the area not surfacing until 0120 hours the next day.

Actually no hit was obtained, possibly the torpedo prematured. (3)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 17th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (3)

12 Oct 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was docked at Algiers. (8)

15 Oct 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (8)

19 Oct 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Algiers for her 19th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

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

(3)

27 Oct 1943 (position 42.58, 5.56)
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) attacked a German convoy made up of the German merchant Nicoline Maersk (4194 GRT, built 1925), the German passenger ship Canosa (3823 GRT, built 1936, former French) and the German tanker Arpino (584 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the German patrol vessels SG 15, UJ 2210, UJ 2211 and the German motor minesweepers R 10, R 14, R 15. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
1110 hours - Heard A/S impulses ahead but sighted nothing.

1120 hours - Heard HE ahead. Several barrage balloons were sighted. Closed at speed.

1144 hours - Sighted a convoy of four or five ships. Range was about 8 nautical miles. They were making for Toulon.

1154 hours - Two merchant vessels escorted by two trawlers were seen to have left the convoy which was then entering Toulon Bay. The Merchants and trawlers proceeded to the westward, apparently towards Marseilles. Ran in to attack on of these two merchant ships.

1219 hours - In approximate position 42°58'N, 05°56'E fired four torpedoes at the second merchant ship from 7000 yards. Went deep on firing.

1225 hours - Heard a torpedo explosion.

1228 hours - Heard the other three torpedoes explode against the land.

1229 hours - Heard the A/S trawlers hunting.

1240 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted only the two trawlers and the first merchant vessel of the line. Assumed the other ship to have sunk. Retired to seaward to reload. (3)

30 Oct 1943 (position 43.04, 5.57)
On this day HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) attacked a German U-boat the Mediterranean southeast of Toulon, France, in position 43°04'N, 05°57'E. This attack was against U-73 but it inflicted no damage. HMS Ultimatum is often credited to have sunk U-431 in this attack. However U-431 was sunk with all hands on 21 October 1943 in the Mediterranean off Algiers in position 37°23'N, 00°35'E, by depth charges from a British Wellington aircraft (Sqdn. 179/Z). U-431's fate was revised in November 1987 by the Foreign Documents Section of the British Ministry of Defence.

(All times are zone -1)
0707 hours - Sighted a 500 tons U-boat bound for Toulon. Closed to attack.

0716 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 7000 yards. A fourth torpedo could not be fired as one of the torpedo tube was defective.

0721 hours - One torpedo explosion thought to be a hit on the target giving a range of 6600 yards. The U-boats HE ceased and could not be seen when the periscope was raised it is thought the submarine was sunk.

0723 hours - Retired from the scene at 80 feet. (3)

2 Nov 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (3)

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

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

(3)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Malta to join the 10th submarine flotilla. (3)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN). (9)

24 Nov 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was docked in No. 1 dock at Malta for repairs to her main motors. (9)

4 Dec 1943
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (9)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) completed repairs at Malta. (10)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Malta. (10)

8 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Malta for Beirut where she was to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla. The passage was uneventful.

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

(3)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Beirut. (3)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted noise trials of Beirut. (10)

23 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Beirut for Port Said where she was to be docked for a propeller change. (10)

24 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Port Said where she was immediately docked in the floating dock. (10)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. She then departed Port Said for her 20th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in south-east Aegean. Enemy vessels were sighted on the nights of 30/31 January and 1/2 February but could not be attacked.

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

(3)

6 Feb 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (3)

20 Feb 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Beirut for her 21th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. She was ordered to patrol in the northern Aegean.

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

(3)

3 Mar 1944
At 0100 hours, HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) stopped a small caique in position 39°34'N, 25°22'E but then released it after boarding. (3)

5 Mar 1944
At 0353 hours, HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) fired ten rounds in Kandeluisa harbour for target practise. (3)

10 Mar 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 20th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)

25 Mar 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Malta for her 22th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the South-West Aegean.

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

(3)

5 Apr 1944 (position 35.34, 24.20)
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) sank the Greek sailing vessel (in German service) Agios Georgios / PI 2659 with gunfire off Suda Bay, Crete, Greece. The German coastal guns of 10. Battr. M.A.A. 520 opened fire on the submarine which was hit by fragments on the casing.

(All times are zone -2)
0555 hours - Sighted the mast of a caique bearing 040°. Range was 7 nautical miles. Altered course to intercept.

0642 hours - Surfaced in position 35°34'N 24°20'E and opened fire with the 3" gun from 2000 yards. Fired 15 rounds for 10 hits. The target was seen to break up and catch fire aft. The crew of six abandoned ship and pulled away in a small boat.

0645 hours - Dived. (3)

6 Apr 1944 (position 35.53, 23.20)
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) sank the Greek sailing vessel (in German service) Agios Nikolaos / PI 2326 with gunfire off Anti-Kithera, Greece.

(All times are zone -1)
0630 hours - Sighted a caique bearing 290°. Range was 6 nautical miles. Closed for gun action.

0651 hours - Surfaced in position 35°53'N, 23°20'E and opened fire with the 3" gun from 1000 yards. Fired 11 rounds for 7 hits. the crew of 3 abandoned ship in their small boat. The caique soon sank.

0655 hours - Dived. (3)

12 Apr 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 21th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Malta. (11)

26 Apr 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Malta for her 23th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the South-West Aegean.

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

(3)

1 May 1944 (position 36.21, 22.35)
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) sank the small Greek sailing vessel MYT 687 / Elevtheria with gunfire off Cape Matapan, Greece.

(All times are zone -2)
2141 hours - Sighted a dark object. Closed.

2201 hours - In position 36°21'N, 22°35'E opened fire on a caique.

2223 hours - Took three survivors on board. The caique sank. Set course towards Levadia Point. (3)

2 May 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) shells the harbour of Koroni, Greece. Two sailing vessels were claimed sunk, five were claimed destroyed on the slips and one was claimed to be damaged. Three shells fell in the village, killing one Greek was killed and wounding two more.

(All times are zone -2)
1919 hours - Surfaced 1400 yards from the breakwater to bombard Koroni harbour where several caiques had been sighted as well as three shipyards that were building caiques.

1937 hours - Completed the bombardment. 62 Rounds had been fired. Dived and retired seawards.

The next morning the harbour was examined for the results of the bombardment. Two caiques were seen to have sunk, five were destroyed on the slipways and one was seen to be holed and damaged. (3)

10 May 1944
In the early morning hours HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was detected by two German A/S vessels near Suda Bay. She was depth charged by them sustaining some damage. After several hours she managed to escape.

(All times are zone -2)
0355 hours - Sighted two ships.

0402 hours - Dived to carry out an attack.

0408 hours - The two ships were seen to be UJ boats (auxiliary submarine chasers) zig zagging on a main course of 130 degrees. Approached at slow speed keeping end on. The vessels were sweeping on Asdics.

0418 hours - Both vessels altered towards and appeared to gain contact. Lights were seen flashing aft on both vessels. Went deep and shut off for depth charging.

0421 hours - A pattern of five depth charges was dropped close as Ultimatum reached 100 feet causing some damage. Went to 200 feet.

0512 hours - After successfully avoiding several attempted attacks a second pattern was dropped causing some more damage.

0530 hours - Several bursts of high speed became necessary to assist in depth keeping. Ultimatum was becoming heavy despite constant pumping. Despite large alterations of course both vessels remained in contact but they did not drop depth charges unless they were very certain of their attack.

0640 hours - A pattern of five depth charges fell close causing a fire in the motor room besides causing more damage. Increased speed and checked the descent at 400 feet. Returned to 270 feet and restored trim.

0720 hours - A pattern of four depth charges was dropped. Some minor electrical damage was sustained. Both vessels were now, for the first time on the port side and by constant altering of course kept them there.

0740 hours - The vessels appeared to have lost contact. A third vessel was now also heard transmitting on Asdics. They all failed to regain contact and Ultimatum withdrew to the north-east.

0840 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (3)

13 May 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 22th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)

19 May 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was docked at Malta in No.1 dock. (12)

29 May 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (12)

15 Jun 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Malta for Bone, Algeria.

No log of this period is available so her exact movements are uncertain. She sailed to join convoy M.K.S.52 on passage from Port Said to Gibraltar. She received orders to leave the convoy off Bone on the 16th and proceed to La Maddalena but it appears that she went to Bone instead, perhaps to remedy to some defects. (13)

16 Jun 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Bone. (13)

18 Jun 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Bone for La Maddalena where she was to join the 10th submarine flotilla. (13)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at La Maddalena. (13)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed La Maddalena for her 24th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

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

(3)

3 Jul 1944 (position 43.24, 6.57)
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) fired two torpedoes at the German auxiliary patrol vessel UJ 6073 / Nimeth Allah south of Cannes, southern France. The torpedoes however missed their target.

(All times are zone -1)
0059 hours - Sighted a white light flashing morse bearing 340°.

0104 hours - Two darkened ships were made out steaming on a course of 200° distance 2000 yards. As the vessels were at close range and were signalling, Lt. Kett thought he might be sighted. He turned his submarine stern on to watch events unfold.

0109 hours - The vessels were identified as a destroyer and a UJ boat, and as they showed no sign of taking action against Ultimatum Lt. Kett altered course to attack.

0114 hours - In position 43°24'N, 06°57'E fired four torpedoes. 40 seconds later one torpedo was seen to hit causing a column of water rise 50 feet into the air completely enveloping the target (this actually was not a hit, the torpedo exploded prematurely). Six seconds later a second torpedo was heard to explode but this was not observed as the submarine was now diving towards 150 feet. The target is thought to be destroyed.

UJ 6073 was on an A/S patrol together with UJ 6079. (3)

6 Jul 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 23th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (3)

17 Jul 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed La Maddalena for her 25th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Lions.

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

(3)

27 Jul 1944 (position 43.03, 5.34)
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) fired four torpedoes against a group of small German vessels. The German landing barge F 811 was hit and sunk south of La Ciotat, France in position 43°03'N, 05°34'E.

(All times are zone -1)
0050 hours - Obtained a radar echo bearing 045°, range 6000 yards. Altered course towards.

0100 hours - The bearing was steady, range decreasing, went to action stations.

0117 hours - Turbine HE was picked up bearing 050°. Made out dark shapes against the land.

0130 hours - The contact was seen to be one escort vessel and four 'F-boats' on an estimated course of 280°, speed 6 knots.

0148 hours - Fired three torpedoes at an almost continuous target of 2 'F-boats'. Radar gave a range of 1500 yards.

0150 hours - One of the 'F-boats' was seen to explode with a bright yellow flash and a column of sparks and smoke. It was thought one of the other torpedoes hit the other 'F-boat' but this was not the case.

0151 hours - The escort was seen to turn towards.

0154 hours - An aircraft was seen to fly down the torpedo tracks. Dived and continued withdrawal submerged.

0155 hours - Heard breaking up noises.

0247 hours - All quiet. Surfaced. (3)

30 Jul 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) ended her 24th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. (3)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed La Maddalena for Algiers. Ultimatum was to return to the U.K. to refit.

For the daily positions of HMS Ultimatum during the passage to the U.K. see the map below.

(14)

5 Aug 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Algiers. (14)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. At sea she joined convoy MKS 57. (14)

8 Aug 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Gibraltar. (14)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Gibraltar for the U.K. She made the passage in convoy MKS 58 together with HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC and Bar, RN). (3)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Rothesay.

It was not possible to take Ultimatum in hand for refit before the end of October. Later this was postponed until mid-December. (3)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Rothesay for Plymouth. She made the passage together with HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Unshaken (Lt. J.S. Pearce, RNR) (until Fishguard). They were escorted by HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN). (15)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Plymouth. (15)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) and HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Plymouth to Portland. They were escorted by HMS Cotillion (T/Lt. H.J. Howard, RNR). (15)

5 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) and HMS Tiptoe (Lt.Cdr. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Portland to Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Cotillion (T/Lt. H.J. Howard, RNR). (15)

11 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (15)

12 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (15)

17 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (15)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (15)

24 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (15)

26 Oct 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (15)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (16)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (16)

6 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted noise trials off Portsmouth. (16)

7 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (16)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was docked in the floating dock at Portsmouth. (16)

9 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (16)

10 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (16)

11 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted noise trials off Portsmouth. (16)

14 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (16)

17 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (16)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Portsmouth for Fishguard. She was escorted by HMS Darthema (T/Lt. C. Brunning, RNVR). (16)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Fishguard. (16)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fishguard. (16)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fishguard. (16)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fishguard. (16)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with HMS Fitzroy (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. McCullogh Miller, DSC, RNVR). (17)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with HMS Fitzroy (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. McCullogh Miller, DSC, RNVR). (17)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Fishguard for Portland. She was escorted by HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR). (17)

8 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Portland. (17)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) shifted from Portland to Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Brontes (Skr. A.E. Wood, RNR). (17)

15 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) participated in special trials off Portsmouth. (17)

21 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. (17)

22 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Sheerness. (17)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) shifted from Sheerness to Tilbury where she was to refit. (17)

Submarine HMS Otway (N 51)

1 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (18)

5 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Blyth for Leith. (19)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Leith for thermal detection trials. (19)

8 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted special trials off Leith. (18)

9 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted special trials off Leith. (18)

10 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Leith for Blyth. (19)

11 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Blyth. (19)

15 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (18)

18 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was docked at Blyth. (18)

25 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (18)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (18)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Leith for special trials. (19)

2 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted special trials off Leith. (20)

4 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted special trials off Leith. (20)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Leith for Blyth. (19)

6 Mar 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Blyth. (19)

8 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

9 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

13 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

14 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

17 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

26 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

27 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

28 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

30 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (20)

2 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

3 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

6 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

16 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

17 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

19 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

20 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

23 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

24 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

26 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

27 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (21)

30 Apr 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was docked at Blyth. (21)

11 May 1945
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (22)

17 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (23)

17 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (23)

18 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (22)

22 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners. (22)

Submarine HMS Taku (N 38)

5 Jun 1945
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (24)

6 Jun 1945
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (24)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (24)

8 Jun 1945
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (24)

13 Jun 1945
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (24)

14 Jun 1945
HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (24)

Submarine HMS Tactician (P 314)

18 Jun 1945
At Blyth the crew left HMS Tactician and the crew of HMS Taku then takes her over.

HMS Tactician is assigned to training duties while based at Blyth which commenced in the afternoon of this same day. (25)

Submarine HMS Taku (N 38)

18 Jun 1945
The crew of HMS Taku went over to HMS Tactician. Taku was now prepared to be reduced to reserve. (24)

Submarine HMS Tactician (P 314)

20 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (26)

21 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (27)

22 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (27)

22 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (27)

26 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (27)

27 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (27)

28 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (27)

29 Jun 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth.

[No log for July 1945 is available, therefore no details for this month can be provided other that HMS Tactician was stationed at Blyth for the entire month.] (27)

1 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (28)

2 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (28)

3 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (28)

7 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (28)

8 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (28)

14 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (28)

24 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) departed Blyth for Portsmouth. (28)

26 Aug 1945
HMS Tactician (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) arrived at Portsmouth. (29)

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