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Allies in WWII

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Submarine HMS H 28 (N 28)

16 Jan 1942
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Rothesay for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) until Wolf Rock. (1)

20 Jan 1942
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) put into Plymouth with defects. (1)

22 Jan 1942
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Plymouth for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Arctic Explorer (T/Lt. F.L. Mackenzie, RNVR). (1)

23 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (1)

24 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. She made the passage in a convoy. (1)

25 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Sheerness where she was to refit. (1)

Submarine HMS H 44 (N 44)

13 Feb 1942
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Falmouth. (2)

16 Feb 1942
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (2)

20 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo (salvo) firing trials / exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

22 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (2)

23 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

24 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

25 Feb 1942
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

26 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

27 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

1 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

2 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

3 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

5 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

Submarine HMS H 33 (N 33)

18 Mar 1942
HMS H 33 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Langridge temporary took over command of HMS H 33 from Lt. Faber. (4)

19 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

20 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

22 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

24 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

25 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

26 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Faber took over command of HMS H 33 from Lt. Langridge which had been in command temporary. (4)

Submarine HMS Utmost (N 19)

23 Apr 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her refit at Blyth. (5)

30 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (5)

1 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (6)

3 May 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN). departed Blyth for passage to Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Thunderbolt (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Crouch, DSO and Bar, RN). They were escorted by HMS Scalby Wyke (Skr. C.A. Grimmer, RNR). Off Dundee they were joined by the Dutch submarine HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) that was on passage to Scapa Flow.

The next day HrMs O 14 and HMS Scalby Wyke proceeded to Scapa Flow while HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) took over the escort of HMS Utmost and HMS Thunderbolt. (6)

6 May 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (6)

11 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included a practice attack on HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (6)

13 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. These were followed by trials near Fairlie. (6)

14 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

15 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (6)

19 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

21 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (6)

22 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. These were followed by night exercises with special forces. (6)

23 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS La Flore. (6)

26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (7)

28 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (6)

29 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (6)

31 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (6)

1 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (8)

8 Jun 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar. She was to proceed to Malta to rejoin the 10th submarine flotilla. She was escorted to Bishops rock by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).

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

(9)

20 Jun 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (9)

26 Jun 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in No.3 dock at Gibraltar. (8)

28 Jun 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (8)

29 Jun 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) carried out exercises off Gibraltar. (8)

3 Jul 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). This was a work-up patrol in the Alboran Sea.

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

(9)

10 Jul 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. Before entering Gibraltar harbour she carried out A/S exercises with HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN). (9)

21 Jul 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) carried out exercises off Gibraltar. (10)

24 Jul 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) carried out exercises off Gibraltar. (10)

27 Jul 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) carried out exercises off Gibraltar. (10)

1 Aug 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 20th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). This was a passage from Gibraltar to Malta. She also had to take up a patrol position in the Sicilian narrows during 'Operation Pedestal'.

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

(9)

10 Aug 1942 (position 38.03, 11.59)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) fires three torpedoes against the Italian merchant Siculo (1480 GRT, built 1906) off Marettimo. All torpedoes missed their target despite the claim for one hit.

(All times are zone -2)
1830 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 6000 tons escorted by a CANT flying boat. Enemy course 250°, speed 14 knots. Started attack.

1921 hours - In position 38°03'N, 11°59'E fired three torpedoes from 4500 yards.

1925 hours - Heard a loud explosion from the direction of the target. HE also ceased.

1929 hours - Heard two more explosions thought to be torpedoes hitting Marettimo Island.

1935 hours - Heard HE again from the direction of the target but now only 70 revs instead of 160 revs.

1939 hours - Heard minor explosions from the direction of the target.

1946 hours - Heard two loud explosions.

1950 hours - No HE could be heard anymore.

2030 hours - Sighted the enemy ship steering 090° towards the South end of Marettimo Island.

According to Italian sources Siculo was on a trip from Naples to Tripoli escorted only by an aircraft which sighted the submarine and dropped a bomb. Siculo took avoiding action and sighted two torpedo tracks. (9)

15 Aug 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (9)

25 Aug 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Malta for her 21th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Greece.

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

(9)

2 Sep 1942 (position 38.36, 20.31)
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) attacked the Italian merchant Nerucci (1180 GRT, built 1892) with three torpedoes West of Levkas Island, Greece. No hits were obtained as the torpedoes were seen from the air and could be evaded.

(All times are zone -2)
1220 hours - When in position 38°36'N, 20°30'E sighted an aircraft circling over the tops of two masts bearing 015°. Range was about 7 nautical miles.

1230 hours - Identified the targets as a 3000 tons ship escorted by one small Armed Merchant Cruiser with an aircraft overhead. They were proceeding southwards along the coast of Levkas Island. Started attack.

1256 hours - In position 38°36'N, 20°31'E fired three torpedoes from 2000 yards. Went deep upon firing. No explosions followed this attack.

1304 to 1320 hours - 20 Depth charges were dropped. None were close.

1401 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

According to Italian sources Nerucci was on passage from Preveza to Patras and Tobruk. Initially, she had sailed in convoy with Monstella (5311 GRT, built 1918) and Costante C (869 GRT, built 1901). escorted by the auxiliary Brioni, however Monstella had been torpedoed by HMS Rorqual and the convoy was diverted to Preveza. However Nerucci ran aground near Mytikae and a tug was sent to free her and she reached Preveza during the night of 31 August/1 September. She sailed from Preveza on the morning of 2 September but her escort has not yet been identified (Brioni had returned to Brindisi and Costante C. had gone ahead to Patras). The escorting aircraft dropped two bombs but could no ascertain the result. (9)

7 Sep 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (9)

11 Sep 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (11)

14 Sep 1942
HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (11)

Submarine HMS Sturgeon (N 73)

20 Dec 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers. Upon departing A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN).

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

(12)

24 Dec 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Algiers. (12)

12 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Algiers for Mers el Kebir. She made the passage in a convoy of Tank Landing Ships.

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

(13)

14 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Mers el Kebir. (13)

16 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN). (13)

17 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Tartar (Cdr. St J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN). (13)

18 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN). (13)

19 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN). (13)

20 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMAS Quiberon (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN). (13)

23 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Tartar (Cdr. St J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN). (13)

24 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN). (13)

25 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN). (13)

26 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN). (13)

27 Jan 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN). (13)

1 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Westray (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Rhind, RNZNVR) and HMS Hunda (T/Lt. W.B. Brown, RNVR). (14)

2 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR) and HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR). (14)

3 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN). (14)

4 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN). (14)

5 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Venomous (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill-Crichton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN). (14)

14 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. Henry Kirkwood, DSC, RN). (14)

15 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Mers el Kebir with HMS Tartar (Cdr. St J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN). (14)

16 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Mers el Kebir for Algiers. She made the passage in convoy KMS 9.

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

(14)

18 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Algiers. (14)

21 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar.

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

(14)

25 Feb 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (14)

6 Mar 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (15)

10 Mar 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with three ML's. (15)

11 Mar 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN). (15)

3 Apr 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in No.3 dock at Gibraltar. (16)

6 Apr 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (16)

8 Apr 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (16)

12 Apr 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth.

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

(17)

23 Apr 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Portland. (17)

24 Apr 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Portland to Portsmouth. (17)

13 May 1943
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Plymouth where she was to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. Before the completion of her refit she was transferred on loan to the Royal Netherlands Navy. (18)

Submarine HMS Spirit (P 245)

23 Oct 1943
Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed her builders yard at Birkenhead for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (19)

24 Oct 1943
Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (19)

25 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (19)

28 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

30 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

31 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted echo sounding trials in Loch Long. (19)

2 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (20)

3 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

4 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

5 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

6 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

7 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

8 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. On completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (20)

9 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as target. (20)

10 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) and D/F trials off Fairlie. (20)

11 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. On completion of these exercises she entered Campbeltown for evaluation. (20)

12 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. McKinlay, RNR) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). On completion of these exercises HMS Spirit proceeded to Holy Loch. (20)

13 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. These were followed by attack exercises during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as target. (20)

14 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. These included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (21)

15 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (20)

17 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (20)

18 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (20)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (20)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (20)

22 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (20)

23 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (20)

25 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (20)

26 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (20)

27 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (20)

28 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (20)

29 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (20)

30 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (20)

1 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (21)

4 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as target. These were followed by gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (21)

5 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from the Clyde area to Larne. (21)

7 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and a dummy convoy. (21)

8 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (21)

10 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. These included night exercises. (21)

11 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. These included a practice attack on HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (21)

12 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Petunia (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR). (21)

13 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (21)

15 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and 2 Bars, RN). (21)

16 Dec 1943
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with USS Butler (T/Cdr. M.D. Matthews, USN), USS Doran (T/Cdr. N.E. Smith, USN) and USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN). (21)

18 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Domett (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Gordon, RNVR). (21)

20 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) and Pipinos (Lt.Cdr. Rallis) both shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (21)

22 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included a practice attack on HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) and gunnery exercises on a target that was towed by the same vessel. (21)

23 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) and HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (21)

24 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) served as target. (21)

26 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with aicraft from HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN). These also included night exercises. Also a practice attack was made on HMS Vindex. (21)

27 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) proceeded to Larne on completion of last night's exercises. (21)

29 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lanre with HNoMS Eglantine, HMS Vervain (T/Lt. R.A. Howell, RNVR), HMS Fame (Cdr. R.A. Currie, RN) and HMS Deveron (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR). (21)

30 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lanre with HMS Vanquisher (A/Lt.Cdr. F.M. Osborne, DSC, RANVR), HMS Vervain (T/Lt. R.A. Howell, RNVR), HMS Deveron (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) and HNoMS Eglantine. (21)

31 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. (21)

31 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. (21)

3 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. (22)

5 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ML's. (22)

6 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR). (22)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne DSC, RNVR). (22)

19 Jan 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 1st war patrol later the same day. This was a work up patrol in the Norwegian Sea.

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

(23)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Holy Loch later the same day. During the passage she was escorted by HMS Rhododendron (Lt. O.B. Medley, RNVR). (23)

4 Feb 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (24)

14 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (24)

20 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (24)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Ardrossan for a battery change. (24)

6 Mar 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (25)

24 Mar 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (25)

26 Mar 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (25)

27 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These were followed by a vacuum test and with night radar tracking exercises. (25)

28 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (25)

29 Mar 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (25)

30 Mar 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. She departed Holy Loch for passage to the Far East later the same day. The first leg of this trip was to Gibraltar.

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

(23)

3 Apr 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was ordered to take up a patrol position off Vigo, Spain. This made the passage to Gibraltar her 2nd war patrol. (23)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (23)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

She made the passage together with HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) and HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN). The submarines made the passage to Malta in convoy USG 38.

For the daily positions of HMS Spirit during the passage to the Far East see the map below.

(26)

23 Apr 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Malta. (26)

26 Apr 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (26)

1 May 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Port Said. (27)

6 May 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) transited the Suez Canal. (27)

7 May 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Suez for Aden. (27)

14 May 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Aden. (27)

16 May 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. (27)

25 May 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Colombo. (27)

28 May 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (27)

1 Jun 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (28)

4 Jun 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises with off Trinocomalee together with HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR). (28)

5 Jun 1944
During the night of 5 to 6 June 1944, HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included A/S exercises together with HMIS Godavari (A/Cdr. A.B. Goord, RIN) and night exercises. (28)

18 Jun 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (28)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (28)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol North of Sumatra. She was escorted out by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (23)

23 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spirit during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.

29 Jun 1944 (position 5.15, 96.32)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) engaged a group of Japanese landing craft with gunfire off the North Coast of Sumatra in position 05°15'N, 96°32'E. Due to accurate return fire the action had to be broken off.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1725 hours -In position 05°15'N, 96°32'E sighted two landing craft. Enemy course 090°, speed 6 knots.

1800 hours - Observed that both landing craft were towing one other landing craft each.

1823 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Engaged the nearest towing vessel from 3500 yards. After three rounds had been fired the enemy return fire came very near and the action had to be broken off.

1826 hours - Dived. Went deep and retired to the North. (23)

4 Jul 1944
While patrolling of Sabang, HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN), was detected. She was hunted by a submarine chaser and several aircraft. At 1833 hours (zone -6.5) the submarine chaser dropped two depth charges but these did no damage. (23)

9 Jul 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) damaged or sank a small Japanese tanker with gunfire off Ulee Lhoe, Northern Sumatra.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0905 hours - Sighted a small ship coming out of Ulee Lhoe anchorage and coming straight towards. Shortly afterwards it was seen to be a small tanker of about 400 tons. Enemy course was 050°, speed 8 knots.

0942 hours - Surfaced for gun action in position 05°38'N, 95°18'E. Range was 3000 yards. Soon the target was in flames from stem to stern.

0947 hours - Dived for an aircraft.

1044 hours - Sighted the target for the last time. She was still on fire and was listing to starboard. (23)

15 Jul 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by the Italian sloop Eritrea. On arriving in harbour noise trials were carried out. (23)

26 Jul 1944
While at Trincomalee HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) had a small fire in No.1 battery. (29)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. At Colombo repairs will be made to her damaged battery. She was escorted by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (29)

30 Jul 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Colombo. (29)

1 Aug 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in the inner dock at Colombo. (30)

10 Aug 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (30)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (30)

28 Aug 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (30)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. The included a practice attack on HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN). (30)

31 Aug 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee with HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR). (30)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Siam. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR). (23)

2 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spirit during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

14 Sep 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) sank three junks with gunfire off the west coast of Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1333 hours - Surfaced in position 06°47'N, 99°35'E for gun action. Sank the largest three junks, taking two prisoners.

0417 hours - Dived. (23)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted Air/Sea rescue duties during Allied air strikes on Sigli. They succesfully picked up an aircrew of three from a ditched Barracuda aircraft. (23)

19 Sep 1944 (position 7.02, 93.55)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) sank a junk with gunfire off Car Nicobar Island.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1205 hours - Sighted a large junk at anchor in a small bay just North of Campbell Bay (near position 07°02'N, 93°55'E). Closed to attack.

1250 hours - Surfaced and opened fire from 2000 yards.

1304 hours - The junk sank. Dived and proceeded Southwards. (23)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMIS Pansy (Lt. R.G. Main, RINR). (23)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (31)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (31)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.A. Catlow, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMIS Pansy (A/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Main, RINR). (23)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (32)

23 Nov 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was undocked. (32)

26 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily positions of HMS Spirit during the passage from Trincomalee to Fremantle see the map below.

26 Nov 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia. She was escorted out by HMIS Pansy (A/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Main, RINR). (32)

9 Dec 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Fremantle, Australia. (33)

17 Dec 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (33)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was put back in the water. (33)

27 Dec 1944
During 27 and 28 December 1944, HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle with HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. F.W. Roberts, RANR(S)). These included night exercises. (33)

31 Dec 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Fremantle for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

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

(23)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) topped off with fuel and provisions at Exmouth Gulf. She continued the passage to her patrol area later the same day. (23)

8 Jan 1945
During the evening HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (23)

22 Jan 1945 (position -6.20, 110.41)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) sank the Japanese Ryushin Maru with gunfire in the Java Sea in position 06°20'S, 110°41'E. She also sank another small Japanese vessel.

(All times are zone -8)
0855 hours - In position 06°22'S, 110°43'E sighted masts bearing 034°. Altered course and closed at speed. During the run in it was seen that the vessel was a small grey painted coaster with a suspicious white canvas screen aft. Enemy course was 270°, speed 8 knots.

0952 hours - Surfaced in position 06°20'S, 110°41'E and opened fire from 4000 yards. Hits were soon obtained. The enemy had opened fire with a machine gun but this stopped after the first hit. In 10 minutes the target was a shambles but refused to sink. Proceeded alongside and placed a demolition charge. It was now seen that the canvas screen concealed a Bofors gun. There was a machine gun on the forecastle, two depth charges aft and the ship was fitted with W/T. It appeared this vessel was a 'Q-ship'. The crew were Japanese and refused to be rescued.

1017 hours - Spirit was clear by now when the charge exploded and the vessel sank. A second target had now been sighted and Spirit proceeded towards this new target at full speed.

1039 hours - In position 06°21'S, 110°49'E opened fire from 4000 yards. A hit was obtained with the 3rd round. The target was soon on fire and sank at 1119 hours. (23)

27 Jan 1945
During the evening HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) passed Lombok Strait Southbound. (23)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) topped off with fuel and provisions. She departed later the same day to continue the passage to Fremantle. (23)

3 Feb 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. (23)

20 Feb 1945
During 20 and 21 February 1945, HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle with HMAS Kiama (T/Lt. S.J. Benson, RANR(S)). These included night exercises. (34)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

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

(23)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) topped off with fuel and provisions at Exmouth Gulf. She continued the passage to her patrol area later the same day. (23)

3 Mar 1945
During the afternoon HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (23)

14 Mar 1945 (position -5.35, 114.27)
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire off Massalambo Island in the Java Sea. Later she attacked a small merchant vessel and a sea truck with torpedoes but no torpedo hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
0702 hours - Sighted masts off the Eastern edge of Massalambo Island. Closed to investigate.

0725 hours - Dived in position 05°40'S, 114°22'E.

0736 hours - Surfaced under the cover of a rain squall to close.

0743 hours - Had to dive again. The masts were now identified as belonging to a number of schooners and one fairly large coaster. Closed the coaster which proved to be at anchor off the North-East point of the Island.

1049 hours - In position 05°35'S, 114°28'E fired one torpedo from 1500 yards. The torpedo was observed to run underneath the target. No explosion was heard.

1052 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Range was 1000 yards. The first hit was obtained by the 2nd round.

1104 hours - The target was now ablaze. About 40 Japanese were seen swimming in the water. Most declined to be rescued but 2 were taken on board.

1237 hours - Dived for an aircraft in position 05°36'S, 114°28'E. Maintained a diving patrol South of the Island.

1552 hours - In position 05°39'S, 114°24'E sighted a small merchant vessel of about 1200 tons bearing 235°, range 10000 yards. She was escorted by a 'Jake' aircraft. Started attack. As the attack developed it was found that the range could not be closed.

1625 hours - The target was seen to have stopped off the Eastern edge of the Island. Closed at speed.

1700 hours - The target was still in sight, apparently stopped. On bearing 235° a large sea truck escorted by a trawler hove into view coming straight towards.

1740 hours - The sea truck and escort stopped off the Island. The 1200 tons merchant vessel now had gone close inshore. Closed to attack. The sea truck shortly afterwards anchored close astern of the merchant vessel

1857 hours - From position 05°35'S, 114°27'E fired 5 torpedoes from 700 to 1800 yards at the merchant vessel and the sea truck. One torpedo ran to the right, one to the left, two ran under and one could not be observed.

1902 hours - Altered course to clear the land.

1915 hours - Surfaced in position 05°35'S, 114°29'E. Shortly afterwards Spirit was detected by the escort vessel and taken under fire.

1924 hours - Dived.

1926 hours - Two depth charges were dropped which were fairly close and caused minor damage. No further depth charges were dropped. The escort remained in the area for just over half an hour. (23)

27 Mar 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. (23)

3 Apr 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (35)

4 Apr 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) was put back in the water. (35)

15 Apr 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Fremantle for Trincomalee. This was the first leg of the trip back to the U.K. where she was to refit.

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

(35)

26 Apr 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (35)

29 Apr 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Trincomalee for Aden. (35)

8 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Aden. (36)

10 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Aden for Ismalia. (36)

15 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Ismalia. (36)

16 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) transited the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (36)

19 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Port Said for Malta. (36)

23 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Malta. (36)

24 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (36)

28 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (36)

30 May 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (36)

3 Jun 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (37)

4 Jul 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) departed Portsmouth for Blyth where she was to refit. (38)

6 Jul 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) arrived at Blyth. (38)

14 Jul 1945
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) started her refit at Blyth. (38)

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